Semen quality among members of organic food associations in Zealand, Denmark.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Adult↗
Biomedical subjects
A Giwercman
Publications and source records attributed to A Giwercman.
Comparative analysis of cell surface antigens expressed by cell lines derived from human germ cell tumours.
The pattern of cell surface antigen expression of a set of cell lines derived from human germ cell tumours and corresponding to various cell phenotypes found within these tumours was studied using immunofluorescence. Twenty-two different antibodies were used. Many of these antibodies have been noted to recognise epitopes that are either preferentially expressed by embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells, or by more differentiated cell types. Using scatter plots and rank correlations, 6 groups of antibodies were distinguished with respect to their staining patterns on the cell lines tested. Several antibodies showed a specific staining pattern in relation to the differentiation state of the cells. Two groups of antibodies included those recognising high m.w. glycoproteins (antibodies TRA-1-60, TRA-1-81, GCTM2, 3-177, K4 and K21) and the ganglioseries glycolipid antigens SSEA-3 and -4 (antibodies MC631 and MC813-70). These antibodies mostly stained EC cells but not other cell types, confirming previously published data. However, one of these groups, comprising antibodies K4 and MC631, was more exclusively associated with the EC cell phenotype than was the other group. Antibodies recognising the liver isozyme of alkaline phosphatase (TRA-2-49 and TRA-2-54) also reacted strongly with most EC cell lines, although they reacted significantly with a number of other cell lines as well, whereas antibodies to the placental isozyme tended to react only weakly with EC cells. The antibodies recognising the ganglioseries glycolipids GD2 and GD3 (VIN2PB22 and VINIS56) preferentially stained cells with neuroectodermal characteristics. Other antibodies showed a heterogeneous staining pattern for the cell lines with different phenotypes. The data obtained from the cell lines were, in general, similar to data obtained from immunohistochemical studies on tissue sections of primary germ cell tumours of the adult testis, including carcinoma in situ.
Adult↗
Investigation of carcinoma in situ cells of testis by quantification of argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region associated proteins (AgNORs).
The silver staining which specifically stains argyrophilic proteins (AgNORs) in interphase nuclei was applied to paraffin sections of 24 testicular specimens with carcinoma in situ (CIS). AgNOR area per nucleus was quantified by a computerized image analyser. Significant quantitative differences were found between CIS, Sertoli cells, and spermatogonia (P = 0.0001), with median values of 10.3, 2.8, and 1.4 microns2 in the three cell types, respectively. A Sertoli cell index (SCI), defined as the ratio between AgNORs in CIS or spermatogonia and Sertoli cells, was shown to be significant in the differential diagnosis of CIS cells from spermatogonia when 1.0 was used as the cut-off value (CIS > 1; spermatogonia < 1). Furthermore, CIS associated with non-seminoma was found to have a significantly higher level of AgNORs than CIS associated with pure seminoma (P < 0.01), indicating that subclonal variation in transformation potential might be present within morphologically identical CIS of the testis. It remains to be seen whether quantification of AgNORs in isolated CIS could be used to predict transformation of CIS into seminoma or non-seminoma.
Carcinoma in Situ↗
Quality of semen obtained by penile vibratory stimulation in men with spinal cord injuries: observations and predictors.
OBJECTIVES: To study the semen quality and to examine prognostic factors that may affect semen quality in men with spinal cord injuries (SCI) who respond to penile vibratory stimulation (PVS). METHODS: Fifty-one PVS responders were prospectively examined. Penile vibratory stimulation was induced with optimized vibration parameters. Semen quality was characterized by semen analysis. The gel agglutination test for the presence of antisperm antibodies and serum hormone assays were performed. Characteristics of the spinal lesions, type of bladder management, and hormone assays were compared to semen quality and incidence of azoospermia or total lack of motility. RESULTS: The mean semen parameters were: volume-1.9 mL (range 0.2 to 7.0); total sperm-457 million (range 0 to 10,900); motility-12.6% (range 0% to 55%); total motile sperm-39.3 million (range 0 to 401); normal morphology-50.1% (range 0% to 90%). Better sperm motility was seen in men with cervical lesions versus those with thoracic lesions (16% versus 7%) and incomplete versus complete lesions (19% versus 10%). There was a higher incidence of azoospermic specimens in men with thoracic lesions versus cervical level (26% versus 3%) and a lower incidence of finding any motile sperm in the specimen (47% versus 81%). Men voiding without catheters had a lower incidence of azoospermia (3% versus 28%). Abnormalities of hormone and antibody tests were rare. CONCLUSIONS: Better sperm specimens from PVS of men with SCI may be expected from men with higher neurologic level, incomplete lesions, and those voiding without the use of a catheter. Hormonal abnormalities and immunologic causes do not explain the poor sperm quality seen in men with SCI.
Adult↗
Neuropeptide Y in the human prenatal and mature gonads.
In the present paper we have examined the distribution and identity of neuropeptide Y (NPY) immunoreactivity in the prenatal and mature human gonads. Tissue specimens were obtained from prenatal gonads (gestational age < 42 weeks) of induced abortions, premature birth and stillbirths. Specimens were also taken from infants who died aged less than 4 days. Tissue from mature gonads was obtained during surgery. The distribution and concentration in tissue extracts were determined by immunohistochemistry and radioimmunoassay. NPY-immunoreactivity (NPY-IR) was demonstrated in both the prenatal and mature human gonads. In the gonads from fetuses at 16-25 weeks the NPY-IR was scarce and could only be demonstrated by radioimmunoassay. In the female gonads from fetuses at 40 weeks of gestation, distinct nerve fibres were detected in relation to blood vessels and primordial follicles. In the prenatal male gonads at the same gestational length as well as in the mature testis, the NPY-IR nerves were detected in relation to blood vessels and seminiferous tubules. The gel filtration profile from the prenatal gonads and from the mature ovary revealed a single peak corresponding to the elution position of bioactive synthetic human NPY. The gel filtration profile from the mature testis demonstrated an additional peak at Kd of 0.17. The presence of NPY-IR in relation to the developing and mature gonads suggests that NPY participates in gonadal functions from an early point in life.
Chromatography, Gel↗
Detection and enrichment of carcinoma-in-situ cells in semen by an immunomagnetic method using monoclonal antibody M2A.
Carcinoma-in-situ (CIS) is a precursor of germ cell cancers in the testis. Early detection and treatment of CIS can prevent the development of invasive cancer. We have developed an immunomagnetic approach for enrichment of CIS cells from semen. Immunomagnetic beads were coated with monoclonal antibody (mAb) M2A, which is specific for seminoma and CIS. In preliminary mixing experiments, cultured human HEY cells, which express the M2A surface antigen, were added to semen samples and recovered selectively by incubation with M2A-coated immunomagnetic beads followed by magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS). Application of this procedure to ejaculates from five subjects with CIS and 22 control subjects with no evidence of testicular neoplasia resulted in the preferential recovery of a population of large round cells from a 0.5 ml semen sample obtained from CIS subjects (median 1 x 10(4), range 2 x 10(3) to 2 x 10(4)) relative to controls (median 2 x 10(2); range 0 to 10(3)), with no overlap between the two groups (p < 0.001). These results suggest that a subpopulation of large round cells recovered from the semen of CIS patients by incubation with M2A-coated immunomagnetic beads and MACS are CIS cells. Immunomagnetic enrichment of CIS cells in semen will facilitate the definitive identification of exfoliated CIS cells in ejaculates and could be an important first step in a non-invasive screening procedure for testicular CIS.
Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
Identifying environmental risk to male reproductive function by occupational sperm studies: logistics and design options.
Malfunction of the male reproductive system might be a sensitive marker of environmental hazards, the effects of which may extend beyond reproductive function. The testis is more vulnerable to heat and ionising radiation than any other organ of the body and several xenobiotics are known to disrupt spermatogenesis after low level exposure. Studies of environmental impact on human health are often most informative and accurate when carried out in the workplace where exposures can be high and easy to document. Semen analysis provides readily obtainable information on testicular function. The main advantages in comparison with functional measures such as fertility rates and time taken to conceive are the possibilities to examine men independently of marriage and pregnancy, to find changes of fecundity with different exposures within the same person and to detect adverse effects when no alteration of fertility is yet taking place. In the implementation of an occupational sperm study considerable attention must be paid to logistic issues. A mobile laboratory unit for initial semen preparation and processing may in some situations increase worker compliance and the quality of sperm cell motility. The cross sectional design which has been used in almost all male reproductive studies so far has several severe limitations including selection bias because of differential participation, difficulties in defining a suitable reference group, and lack of information about the time dimension of the cause-effect relation. The longitudinal design deals adequately with most of these constraints. Semen samples are collected before, during, and possibly after exposure to the risk factor of interest and causal inferences are based upon change of semen variables within a man over time rather than upon differences between men. The logistics of the longitudinal study may benefit from pre-employment health examinations to enrol newly hired workers and require fewer participants to obtain comparable statistical power. In conclusion, andrological methods and epidemiological designs are available for the implementation of valid studies concerned with environmental impact on human testicular function. Occupational sperm studies should probably not be the first choice when the objective is initial screening of environmental impact on fertility but should be implemented when their is a need to corroborate or refuse earlier evidence that specific exposures have impact on testicular function.
Biomarkers↗
Male reproductive health and environmental xenoestrogens.
Male reproductive health has deteriorated in many countries during the last few decades. In the 1990s, declining semen quality has been reported from Belgium, Denmark, France, and Great Britain. The incidence of testicular cancer has increased during the same time incidences of hypospadias and cryptorchidism also appear to be increasing. Similar reproductive problems occur in many wildlife species. There are marked geographic differences in the prevalence of male reproductive disorders. While the reasons for these differences are currently unknown, both clinical and laboratory research suggest that the adverse changes may be inter-related and have a common origin in fetal life or childhood. Exposure of the male fetus to supranormal levels of estrogens, such as diethlylstilbestrol, can result in the above-mentioned reproductive defects. The growing number of reports demonstrating that common environmental contaminants and natural factors possess estrogenic activity presents the working hypothesis that the adverse trends in male reproductive health may be, at least in part, associated with exposure to estrogenic or other hormonally active (e.g., antiandrogenic) environmental chemicals during fetal and childhood development. An extensive research program is needed to understand the extent of the problem, its underlying etiology, and the development of a strategy for prevention and intervention.
Animals↗
Should the other testis be biopsied?
Testicular tumors are bilateral in approximately 5% of the cases, although the incidence of bilaterality is affected by the treatment of the primary tumor. A biopsy of the contralateral testis of testicular tumor patients will show carcinoma in situ (CIS) in 5% to 6% of cases. Virtually all untreated cases of CIS will progress into invasive testicular germ cell tumors. In some countries, most testicular tumor patients have a contralateral biopsy at the time of the primary orchiectomy; but in many countries, urologists are not always aware of the advantages of simultaneous contralateral biopsy. The policy in the United States does not encourage surgeons to perform a contralateral biopsy at the initial orchidectomy or to offer a biopsy to patients after referral to a specialist center. The diagnosis of CIS is not of mere academic interest, but makes it possible to offer the patient optimal treatment.
Adult↗
DNA content and expression of tumour markers in germ cells adjacent to germ cell tumours in childhood: probably a different origin for infantile and adolescent germ cell tumours.
The origin of testicular germ cell tumours occurring during childhood is poorly understood. In adults, the classical seminomas and non-seminomas originate from carcinoma in situ of the testis, which can usually also be detected in seminiferous tubules adjacent to the tumours. In order to contribute with information regarding a possible association between carcinoma in situ and the childhood group of germ cell tumours, we investigated seminiferous tubules adjacent to 13 infantile yolk sac tumours, five infantile teratomas, and six adolescent germ cell tumours of various types, using morphological evaluation, immunohistochemical staining with markers for carcinoma in situ cells, and densitometric DNA measurement of the germ cells. We detected clear differences between the germ cell populations adjacent to adolescent and infantile germ cell tumours. The former were associated with both normal germ cells and carcinoma in situ cells, like germ cell tumours occurring in adult men. Although we were in doubt in two cases, the infantile cell germ cell tumours were in general not associated with carcinoma in situ cells. The aetiology of infantile yolk sac tumours and teratomas may therefore be fundamentally different from that of adolescent and adult germ cell tumours. The origin of yolk sac tumours and teratomas remains to be elucidated.
Adolescent↗
Declining semen quality and increasing incidence of abnormalities in male reproductive organs--fact or fiction?
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Animals↗
Incidence of testicular mononuclear cell infiltrates in normal human males and in patients with germ cell neoplasia.
The incidence of mononuclear cell (MNC) infiltrates was studied in the testes of the following: 45 patients with carcinoma in situ (CIS) as the only lesion in the testis, CIS accompanied by an early invasion of CIS or CIS accompanied by invasive germ cell tumour (GCT) of the testis; 100 men and 146 boys who had died suddenly and unexpectedly, and 100 infertility patients. The results suggest that (1) the incidence of MNC infiltration increases with increasing severity of testicular malignant changes, (2) increased MNC infiltration is also evident in the contralateral testis where no malignant cells can be observed, (3) the incidence of MNC infiltration in men who died suddenly is not different from that in men who have had their testes biopsied because of infertility, and (4) the incidence of MNC infiltration is high in testes of boys younger than 1 year of age.
Adolescent↗
Declining semen quality and increasing incidence of testicular cancer: is there a common cause?
Male reproduction has been given little attention in science and in medical practice. However, a recent metaanalysis on semen quality, which clearly pointed to a decrease over the past 50 years, has been repeatedly quoted. Three recent reports have found that semen quality has declined among candidate semen donors during the past 20 years. The evidence of decline in the quality of semen is not the only indicator that the human testis is at risk. During the past 50 years, cancer of the testis has also become more common. This is a disorder of young men, and it is associated with a high rate of other abnormalities of the testis including undescended testis and poor semen quality. Furthermore, the incidence of both hypospadias and undescended testis has been reported to be rising in the general population. We believe that the evidence of declining semen quality should be seen in the light of these trends in other reproductive disorders of men. However, the etiology is unknown. A recent hypothesis that links the trends in the health of the male reproductive system to xenoestrogens in the environment is discussed.
Adult↗
Expression of immunohistochemical markers for testicular carcinoma in situ by normal human fetal germ cells.
BACKGROUND: It has been hypothesized that carcinoma in situ of the testis (CIS), which is the precursor of invasive testicular germ cell tumours, may arise from fetal germ cells during fetal development rather than later in life. In order to corroborate this hypothesis, we undertook the present study. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Normal human germ cells from 10 first-trimester fetuses and 76 second- and third-trimester testes were investigated for the immunohistochemical expression of the markers of testicular carcinoma in situ. The panel of markers included in the study consisted of placental-like alkaline phosphatase, the protooncogene c-kit protein product, and the antigens for the monoclonal antibodies TRA-1-60 and M2A. The relative numbers of fetal germ cells that demonstrated positive reaction with the markers were calculated. RESULTS: The vast majority of the germ cells (75-100%) in the first-trimester gonads were positive for placental-like alkaline phosphatase, TRA-1-60, and M2A. The c-kit protein was detected in three out of the ten first-trimester gonads. The relative number of germ cells positive for all the markers studied declined rapidly during the first part of the second trimester, and the decrease continued with the fetal age. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of adult carcinoma in situ markers in normal fetal germ cells is consistent with the hypothesis that CIS cells may arise from fetal germ cells, although re-expression of the antigens in postnatally arising CIS cells could provide an alternative explanation. However, we speculate that a transformation of normal fetal germ cells into CIS cells may take place before the end of the 9th week of fetal development. Furthermore, the expression of c-kit in early human fetal germ cells indicates that the c-kit and its ligand play a role in the early human testicular development.
Alkaline Phosphatase↗
Pathogenesis and management of male infertility.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Humans↗
Current concepts of radiation treatment of carcinoma in situ of the testis.
During a recent international workshop on carcinoma in situ and cancer of the testis held in November 1992, there was consensus about the management of the contralateral testis in patients with unilateral testicular cancer [20]. Such men should be offered a biopsy of the contralateral testis. This consensus was based on (1) the high prevalence of carcinoma in situ (CIS) in the contralateral testis found not only in Danish men but also in studies from other countries and (2) the possibility of eradicating the CIS and thereby preventing the development of invasive cancer by means of localized irradiation with preservation of testosterone production in the testis. The aim of this paper is to outline the present status of the radiation treatment of CIS of the testis.
Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗
Dose-dependent impairment of testicular function in patients treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy for germ cell cancer.
BACKGROUND: The enormous differences in semen quality following cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy reported in previous studies may be caused by differences in the cisplatin dosages. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We examined thirty-three patients treated with conventional-dose PEB (cisplatin 20 mg/m2 x 5, q3w, etoposide 100 mg/m2 x 5 q3w and bleomycin 15 mg/m2 q1w) and 21 patients treated with high-dose PEB (cisplatin 40 mg/m2 x 5 q3w, etoposide 200 mg/m2 x 5 q3w and bleomycin 15 mg/m2 q1w). RESULTS: The sperm density was significantly higher (median 5.83 mill/ml) in the conventionally-treated group than in the group of high-dose-treated patients (median 0.005 mill/ml) (p = 0.008). Azoospermia was present in 19% of the conventionally- and in 47% of the high-dose-treated patients. All patients treated with a cumulative cisplatin dose above 600 mg/m2 had severe oligospermia or azoospermia. Serum values of basal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (median 27.2 iu/l vs. 15.2 iu/l) and stimulated FSH (median 57.7 iu/l vs. 28.4 iu/l) were significantly higher in the high-dose group than in the conventionally-treated group. No differences could be detected in basal or stimulated testosterone or in luteinizing hormone in serum. CONCLUSION: In patients treated with PEB for testicular cancer, we found strong evidence that the impairment of spermatogenesis is dose-dependent.
Adolescent↗