PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of using testicular biopsy histopathology as an indicator of the success of loupe-assisted subinguinal varicocelectomy in non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a 2-year period, a prospective study was carried at Minoufiya University Hospital on 20 NOA patients with clinical bilateral varicoceles. These patients underwent loupe-assisted subinguinal varicocelectomy with simultaneous testicular biopsy. All patients were evaluated by determining their hormonal profile and performing semen analyses and scrotal Doppler and transrectal ultrasonography. Two semen analyses showing azoospermia were performed before the surgery and two semen analyses were received at 3 and 6 months post-operatively for follow-up. RESULTS: The mean age was 29.9+/-6.7 years, and the mean follow-up duration was 17.3+/-8.3 months. We noted the restoration of spermatogenesis in six men (30% of all patients). Testicular biopsy results were as follows: hypospermatogenesis in 7 patients, maturation arrest in 3, and Sertoli cell-only syndrome in 10. The improvement in the sperm counts of these patients ranged from 3 million to 15 million/mL. Sperms were recovered in the hypospermatogenesis (6 patients, 85.5%) patients only, but other patients with testicular biopsy results of Sertoli cell-only or maturation arrest did not show any improvement in their semen parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Testicular biopsy results showed that hypospermatogenesis patients have a better chance of improvement in their semen analysis after varicocelectomy in contrast to NOA patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome or maturation arrest.
Azoospermia* ; Biopsy* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Oligospermia ; Prospective Studies ; Semen ; Semen Analysis ; Sertoli Cell-Only Syndrome ; Sperm Count ; Spermatogenesis* ; Spermatozoa ; Testis ; Ultrasonography ; Varicocele

BACKGROUND: Alkali-burned corneas can seldom heal properly to restore corneal transparency. Treatment of this severe disorder of the ocular surface remains a challenge. AIM OF THE WORK: was to investigate whether systemically transplanted bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) can promote corneal wound healing after alkali burn. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty five male New Zealand rabbits were used in this study. The animals were divided into three groups. Group I; the control group was sham operated. Group II; corneal alkali burn was created. Group III; underwent corneal alkali burn then treated with BM-MSCs. All corneas were collected after fourteen and twenty eight days. Evaluation using H&E, PAS & alkaline phosphatase reaction was carried out. Immune histo-chemical staining for CD44 and vimentin was performed as well. RESULTS: the corneal epithelium of (Group II) showed marked alterations. Vascularization, cellular infiltration and irregularity of the collagen fibers were also seen in the substantia propria. Increase in the thickness of the Descemet's membrane was noticed as well. On the other hand, at the time of 28 days, Group III rabbits showed best histological results with nearly healed corneas compared to other groups. Meanwhile, vimentin was more strongly expressed in Group III assessing the differentiating ability of BM-MSCs. CONCLUSION: BM-MSCs could effectively promote corneal alkali burn healing.
Alkalies* ; Alkaline Phosphatase ; Animals ; Bone Marrow* ; Burns* ; Collagen ; Cornea ; Descemet Membrane ; Epithelium, Corneal ; Hand ; Humans ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation* ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; Rabbits ; Vimentin ; Wound Healing