Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) remain limited in current clinical practice, urgently requiring new assistive technologies to advance diagnosis and treatment. As a crucial medium for intercellular communication, exosomes show broad potential in the treatment and diagnosis of NOA. This review summarizes research progress on exosomes from multiple sources. Firstly, mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (e.g., from bone marrow, urine, umbilical cord, adipose tissue) promote spermatogenesis recovery by enhancing spermatogenic cell proliferation, regulating relevant gene expression, supplying growth factors, and providing antioxidant stress protection. Secondly, cell-derived exosomes exert effects by modulating the spermatogonial stem cell microenvironment (e.g., upregulating GFRα1 expression) and directly communicating with germ cells. Thirdly, amniotic fluid-derived exosomes increase spermatogenic cell numbers and upregulate expression of spermatogenesis-related genes such as DAZL and VASA. Furthermore, molecules carried by exosomes—such as miRNAs (e.g., miR-31-5p, miR-26a-5p) and transfer RNA-derived fragments—hold potential diagnostic value in distinguishing non-obstructive from obstructive azoospermia and predicting micro-TESE success rates. This paper aims to provide theoretical basis and research directions for the clinical application of exosomes in NOA.

Objective:To investigate the association between SPAG17 gene variant and Familial severe asthenozoospermia, and to assess its impact on the outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Methods:Two siblings (Probands 1 and 2) with severe asthenozoospermia from a Chinese family who presented at the Reproductive Medicine Center Ⅱ of Gansu Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital (Gansu Provincial Central Hospital) in May 2023 were selected as study subjects. Clinical data were collected, and sperm morphology and ultrastructure (assessed by transmission electron microscopy) were analyzed. Pathogenic variants were screened using whole exome sequencing (WES) and verified by Sanger sequencing. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Gansu Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital (Ethics No.: 2023GSFYLS78).Results:Probands 1 and 2 had primary infertility for 10 and 3 years, respectively, and both exhibited normal semen concentration, but the percentage of progressive motile sperm (PR) was significantly lower than the normal reference value (>32.00%), measuring 2.33%±0.58% and 0.80%±0.45%, respectively. Additionally, the percentage of sperms with normal morphology was slightly below the reference range (>4.00%), with the values of 3.36%±0.35% and 2.93%±1.36%. Both probands were found to harbor homozygous c. 2188C>T (p.Q730*) nonsense variant of the SPAG17 gene (NM_206996.4), for which their mother was a heterozygous carrier (their father had already deceased). Both sibs underwent ICSI treatment using a long gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist protocol during the follicular phase combined with assisted oocyte activation (AOA). The wife of Proband 1 ultimately gave birth to a healthy girl, whilst the wife of Proband 2 delivered two healthy girls.Conclusion:The homozygous c. 2188C>T (p.Q730*) nonsense variant of the SPAG17 gene is closely related with the severe asthenozoospermia phenotype. Live births can be achieved through ICSI combined with AOA technology, though the overall utilizable embryo rate may be relatively low.

Objective To investigate the effect of miR-486-5P on ferroptosis in H9c2 cardiomyocytes after hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R),and to analyze its mechanism.Methods Using H9c2 cardiomyocytes as the research object,a H/R injury model was established using cobalt chloride(CoCl2)and fresh culture medium.The cells were divided into control group,H/R group,H/R+miR-486-5P mimic NC group,H/R+miR-486-5P mimic group,H/R+miR-486-5P inhibitor NC group and H/R+miR-486-5P inhibitor group.The relative expression level of miR-486-5P was detected by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR).The cell viability was detected by CCK-8 method.The activities or levels of lactate dehydrogen-ase(LDH),glutathione(GSH),Fe2+and malondialdehyde(MDA)were detected by colorimetric method.The levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS)and mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP)were detected by DCFH-DA fluorescent probe and JC-1 assay,respectively.Western blot was used to detect the levels of AkT/mTOR signaling pathway proteins and ferroptosis related protein solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11),glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)and acyl-coa synthetase long chain family member 4(ACSL4).Results Compared with the control group,the level of miR-486-5P and cell viability in the H/R group de-creased significantly(P＜0.05),while LDH activity,MDA,Fe2+level,ROS level and ACSL4 protein level in-creased significantly(P＜0.05).The GSH,MMP,SLC7A11 and GPX4 levels and p-Akt/Akt and p-mTOR/mTOR ratios were significantly decreased(P＜0.05).After H/R treatment,compared with the H/R+miR-486-5P mimic NC group,the cell viability of the H/R+miR-486-5P mimic group was significantly increased(P＜0.05).The LDH activity,MDA,Fe2+level,ROS level and ACSL4 protein level were significantly de-creased(P＜0.05),while GSH,MMP,SLC7A11 and GPX4 levels and p-Akt/Akt and p-mTOR/mTOR ratios were significantly increased(P＜0.05).Compared with the H/R+miR-486-5P inhibitor NC group,the trend of the above indicators in the H/R+miR-486-5P inhibitor group was opposite.Conclusion miR-486-5P allevi-ates hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced ferroptosis in H9c2 cells by regulating Akt/mTOR signaling pathway,and thus alleviates hypoxia/reoxygenation induced cardiomyocyte injury.

Acupuncture treatment of chronic pain combined with depression (CPDC) is the result of a multi-target, multi-pathway approach. Acupuncture can treat CPDC by inhibiting the activation of glial cells, regulating the release of inflammatory mediators, regulating the expressions of neurotransmitters, changing the plasticity of neural synapses, regulating related epigenetic effects, regulating the microbiota-brain-gut axis, inhibiting nerve cell apoptosis, and antagonizing oxidative stress. The mechanism of its effect mainly involves anti-inflammatory related signaling pathways, regulation of neural synapse-related signaling pathways, and exerts its therapeutic effect through hippocampus, cerebral cortex, and amygdala.

Objective To compare the success rate and stability of rat models of comorbid chronic pain and depression induced by different doses of complete Freund's adjuvant(CFA).Methods Sixty SD rats were divided randomly into a control group,low-dose CFA group(CFA-L),and high-dose CFA group(CFA-H)(n=20 rats per group).Rats in the CFA-L and CFA-H groups were injected with 50 and 100 μL CFA,respectively,and rats in the control group were injected with 0.9％sodium chloride solution.The general state,body weight,mechanical withdrawal threshold(MWT),and thermal withdrawal latency(TWL)were observed at 0,7,14,21,and 28 days after modeling.Depressive behavior was evaluated using the open field test(OFT),forced swim test(FST),and tail suspension test(TST).Glutamate(Glu)and γ-aminobutyric acid(GABA)levels in the anterior cingulate cortex were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)expression in the anterior cingulate cortex was detected by immunohistochemistry,and pathological changes in the anterior cingulate cortex were observed by HE staining.Results(1)Regarding the general condition of the rats,the left ankle joint and toes were obviously red and swollen in the CFA-L and CFA-H groups on the 7th day after modeling,and the swelling was more severe in the CFA-H group.The redness and swelling of the left hind foot and ankle joint and toes gradually recovered in the CFA-L group on days 14,21,and 28 after modeling,but were still obvious in the CFA-H group,and the water and food intake decreased.(2)The body mass was significantly lower in rats in the CFA-H group compared with those in the blank and CFA-L groups on days 14,21,and 28 after modeling(P＜0.05,P＜0.05).(3)Regarding pain-related behavior,the MWT and TWL were significantly decreased in the CFA-L and CFA-H groups on the 7th and 14th days after modeling,compared with the control group(P＜0.05,P＜0.05).On day 21 after modeling,MWT was significantly lower in the CFA-H group than in the blank and CFA-L groups(P＜0.05,P＜0.05),and TWL was significantly lower in the CFA-L and CFA-H groups than in the blank group(P＜0.05,P＜0.05).On day 28 after modeling,MWT and TWL were significantly lower in the CFA-H group than in the blank and CFA-L groups(P＜0.05,P＜0.05).(4)In terms of depression-related behaviors,the total OFT movement distance was significantly lower in the CFA-H group than in the blank and CFA-L groups on day 7 after modeling(P＜0.05,P＜0.05).The total OFT distance and central dwell time were significantly lower in the CFA-H group than in the blank and CFA-L groups on days 14,21,and 28 after modeling(P＜0.05,P＜0.05),and the result in the FST and TST were significantly higher than in the blank and CFA-L groups(P＜0.05,P＜0.05).(5)Glu,GABA,and BDNF expression levels were significantly higher in the CFA-H group than in the blank and CFA-L groups(P＜0.05,P＜0.05),while GABA,Glu/GABA,and BDNF levels were significantly lower in the CFA-H group than in the blank and CFA-L groups(P＜0.05,P＜0.05,P＜0.05).(6)The CFA-L group showed less damage in the anterior cingulate cortex,more pyramidal cells,more arranged cells,clear nucleoli,and a small number of cells with karyokynesis and deep staining.Compared with the CFA-L group,rats in the CFA-H group showed a disordered cell arrangement in the injured area of the anterior cingulate cortex,a large number of pyknotic and hyperchromatic neurons,significantly fewer or absent pyramidal cells,and vacuoles,red blood cells,and neurofibrillary tangles in the interstitial space.Conclusions Injection of CFA 100 μL can be used to establish a rat model of chronic inflammatory pain and depression,showing hyperalgesia,depression-like behavioral changes,changes in levels of Glu,GABA,and BDNF in the anterior cingulate cortex,and pathological changes in the anterior cingulate cortex,consistent with the pathophysiological characteristics of chronic pain and depression.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between SPAG17 gene variant and Familial severe asthenozoospermia, and to assess its impact on the outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). METHODS: Two siblings (Probands 1 and 2) with severe asthenozoospermia from a Chinese family who presented at the Reproductive Medicine Center II of Gansu Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital (Gansu Provincial Central Hospital) in May 2023 were selected as study subjects. Clinical data were collected, and sperm morphology and ultrastructure (assessed by transmission electron microscopy) were analyzed. Pathogenic variants were screened using whole exome sequencing (WES) and verified by Sanger sequencing. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Gansu Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital (Ethics No.: 2023GSFYLS78). RESULTS: Probands 1 and 2 had primary infertility for 10 and 3 years, respectively, and both exhibited normal semen concentration, but the percentage of progressive motile sperm (PR) was significantly lower than the normal reference value (> 32.00%), measuring 2.33% ± 0.58% and 0.80% ± 0.45%, respectively. Additionally, the percentage of sperms with normal morphology was slightly below the reference range (> 4.00%), with the values of 3.36% ± 0.35% and 2.93% ± 1.36%. Both probands were found to harbor homozygous c.2188C>T (p.Q730*) nonsense variant of the SPAG17 gene (NM_206996.4), for which their mother was a heterozygous carrier (their father had already deceased). Both sibs underwent ICSI treatment using a long gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist protocol during the follicular phase combined with assisted oocyte activation (AOA). The wife of Proband 1 ultimately gave birth to a healthy girl, whilst the wife of Proband 2 delivered two healthy girls. CONCLUSION The homozygous c.2188C>T (p.Q730*) nonsense variant of the SPAG17 gene is closely related with the severe asthenozoospermia phenotype. Live births can be achieved through ICSI combined with AOA technology, though the overall utilizable embryo rate may be relatively low.
Humans ; Male ; Asthenozoospermia/genetics* ; Adult ; Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic ; Pedigree ; Spermatozoa ; Female ; Exome Sequencing

Objective:To analyze the clinical features，diagnosis，treatment and prognosis of children with juvenile dermatomyositis(JDM) complicated with interstitial lung disease(ILD).Methods:The clinical manifestations，laboratory examination，treatment and prognosis of 7 children with JDM-ILD who were hospitalized in the Department of Nephrology and Immunology，Women and Children's Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University from December 2019 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:Among the 7 cases，4 were male and 3 were female.The age of onset was 1.8-10.0 years（mean age 5.6 years），the occurrence time of pulmonary involvement was 0.6-4.0 months（mean time 2.0 months），and the follow-up time was 1.8-4.0 years.All the 7 cases had typical rash and different degrees of myasthenia.Four cases were accompanied by skin mucosal ulceration and 4 cases had fever during the course of the disease.Of the 7 cases，2 were accompanied by macrophage activation syndrome，and 1 of them had nervous system involvement，including convulsion and coma.All the children had increased creatase of varying degrees，and only 1 case had increased creatine kinase.Five cases had positive anti- melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5（MDA5）antibody and 4 cases had positive anti- Ro-52 antibody.Interleukin-6 was increased in 5 cases，interferon-γ was increased in 3 cases，and tumor necrosis factor-α was increased in 2 cases.Electromyography showed myogenic injury，MRI showed different degrees of myositis.Chest high-resolution CT showed ground glass shadow，rope shadow，consolidation shadow，pleural thickening，mesh shadow，etc.Four cases had limited lung function or mixed ventilation function restriction.All 7 cases received methylprednisolone pulse treatment combined with immunosuppressant treatment，and 5 cases received immunoglobulin treatment.Pulmonary lesions improved in 5 cases and partially improved in 1 case.One case died due to macrophage activation and multiple organ failure.Conclusion:The respiratory symptoms of JDM-ILD are obscure，and the incidence of ILD is high in children with anti-MDA5 antibody positive.High-resolution CT contributes to early diagnosis.Reasonable early application of glucocorticoid and immunosuppressants could improve the survival rate and quality of life.

Objective To compare the success rate and stability of rat models of comorbid chronic pain and depression induced by different doses of complete Freund's adjuvant(CFA).Methods Sixty SD rats were divided randomly into a control group,low-dose CFA group(CFA-L),and high-dose CFA group(CFA-H)(n=20 rats per group).Rats in the CFA-L and CFA-H groups were injected with 50 and 100 μL CFA,respectively,and rats in the control group were injected with 0.9％sodium chloride solution.The general state,body weight,mechanical withdrawal threshold(MWT),and thermal withdrawal latency(TWL)were observed at 0,7,14,21,and 28 days after modeling.Depressive behavior was evaluated using the open field test(OFT),forced swim test(FST),and tail suspension test(TST).Glutamate(Glu)and γ-aminobutyric acid(GABA)levels in the anterior cingulate cortex were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)expression in the anterior cingulate cortex was detected by immunohistochemistry,and pathological changes in the anterior cingulate cortex were observed by HE staining.Results(1)Regarding the general condition of the rats,the left ankle joint and toes were obviously red and swollen in the CFA-L and CFA-H groups on the 7th day after modeling,and the swelling was more severe in the CFA-H group.The redness and swelling of the left hind foot and ankle joint and toes gradually recovered in the CFA-L group on days 14,21,and 28 after modeling,but were still obvious in the CFA-H group,and the water and food intake decreased.(2)The body mass was significantly lower in rats in the CFA-H group compared with those in the blank and CFA-L groups on days 14,21,and 28 after modeling(P＜0.05,P＜0.05).(3)Regarding pain-related behavior,the MWT and TWL were significantly decreased in the CFA-L and CFA-H groups on the 7th and 14th days after modeling,compared with the control group(P＜0.05,P＜0.05).On day 21 after modeling,MWT was significantly lower in the CFA-H group than in the blank and CFA-L groups(P＜0.05,P＜0.05),and TWL was significantly lower in the CFA-L and CFA-H groups than in the blank group(P＜0.05,P＜0.05).On day 28 after modeling,MWT and TWL were significantly lower in the CFA-H group than in the blank and CFA-L groups(P＜0.05,P＜0.05).(4)In terms of depression-related behaviors,the total OFT movement distance was significantly lower in the CFA-H group than in the blank and CFA-L groups on day 7 after modeling(P＜0.05,P＜0.05).The total OFT distance and central dwell time were significantly lower in the CFA-H group than in the blank and CFA-L groups on days 14,21,and 28 after modeling(P＜0.05,P＜0.05),and the result in the FST and TST were significantly higher than in the blank and CFA-L groups(P＜0.05,P＜0.05).(5)Glu,GABA,and BDNF expression levels were significantly higher in the CFA-H group than in the blank and CFA-L groups(P＜0.05,P＜0.05),while GABA,Glu/GABA,and BDNF levels were significantly lower in the CFA-H group than in the blank and CFA-L groups(P＜0.05,P＜0.05,P＜0.05).(6)The CFA-L group showed less damage in the anterior cingulate cortex,more pyramidal cells,more arranged cells,clear nucleoli,and a small number of cells with karyokynesis and deep staining.Compared with the CFA-L group,rats in the CFA-H group showed a disordered cell arrangement in the injured area of the anterior cingulate cortex,a large number of pyknotic and hyperchromatic neurons,significantly fewer or absent pyramidal cells,and vacuoles,red blood cells,and neurofibrillary tangles in the interstitial space.Conclusions Injection of CFA 100 μL can be used to establish a rat model of chronic inflammatory pain and depression,showing hyperalgesia,depression-like behavioral changes,changes in levels of Glu,GABA,and BDNF in the anterior cingulate cortex,and pathological changes in the anterior cingulate cortex,consistent with the pathophysiological characteristics of chronic pain and depression.

Objective:To analyze the clinical features，diagnosis，treatment and prognosis of children with juvenile dermatomyositis(JDM) complicated with interstitial lung disease(ILD).Methods:The clinical manifestations，laboratory examination，treatment and prognosis of 7 children with JDM-ILD who were hospitalized in the Department of Nephrology and Immunology，Women and Children's Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University from December 2019 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:Among the 7 cases，4 were male and 3 were female.The age of onset was 1.8-10.0 years（mean age 5.6 years），the occurrence time of pulmonary involvement was 0.6-4.0 months（mean time 2.0 months），and the follow-up time was 1.8-4.0 years.All the 7 cases had typical rash and different degrees of myasthenia.Four cases were accompanied by skin mucosal ulceration and 4 cases had fever during the course of the disease.Of the 7 cases，2 were accompanied by macrophage activation syndrome，and 1 of them had nervous system involvement，including convulsion and coma.All the children had increased creatase of varying degrees，and only 1 case had increased creatine kinase.Five cases had positive anti- melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5（MDA5）antibody and 4 cases had positive anti- Ro-52 antibody.Interleukin-6 was increased in 5 cases，interferon-γ was increased in 3 cases，and tumor necrosis factor-α was increased in 2 cases.Electromyography showed myogenic injury，MRI showed different degrees of myositis.Chest high-resolution CT showed ground glass shadow，rope shadow，consolidation shadow，pleural thickening，mesh shadow，etc.Four cases had limited lung function or mixed ventilation function restriction.All 7 cases received methylprednisolone pulse treatment combined with immunosuppressant treatment，and 5 cases received immunoglobulin treatment.Pulmonary lesions improved in 5 cases and partially improved in 1 case.One case died due to macrophage activation and multiple organ failure.Conclusion:The respiratory symptoms of JDM-ILD are obscure，and the incidence of ILD is high in children with anti-MDA5 antibody positive.High-resolution CT contributes to early diagnosis.Reasonable early application of glucocorticoid and immunosuppressants could improve the survival rate and quality of life.

Objective:To investigate the association between SPAG17 gene variant and Familial severe asthenozoospermia, and to assess its impact on the outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Methods:Two siblings (Probands 1 and 2) with severe asthenozoospermia from a Chinese family who presented at the Reproductive Medicine Center Ⅱ of Gansu Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital (Gansu Provincial Central Hospital) in May 2023 were selected as study subjects. Clinical data were collected, and sperm morphology and ultrastructure (assessed by transmission electron microscopy) were analyzed. Pathogenic variants were screened using whole exome sequencing (WES) and verified by Sanger sequencing. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Gansu Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital (Ethics No.: 2023GSFYLS78).Results:Probands 1 and 2 had primary infertility for 10 and 3 years, respectively, and both exhibited normal semen concentration, but the percentage of progressive motile sperm (PR) was significantly lower than the normal reference value (>32.00%), measuring 2.33%±0.58% and 0.80%±0.45%, respectively. Additionally, the percentage of sperms with normal morphology was slightly below the reference range (>4.00%), with the values of 3.36%±0.35% and 2.93%±1.36%. Both probands were found to harbor homozygous c. 2188C>T (p.Q730*) nonsense variant of the SPAG17 gene (NM_206996.4), for which their mother was a heterozygous carrier (their father had already deceased). Both sibs underwent ICSI treatment using a long gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist protocol during the follicular phase combined with assisted oocyte activation (AOA). The wife of Proband 1 ultimately gave birth to a healthy girl, whilst the wife of Proband 2 delivered two healthy girls.Conclusion:The homozygous c. 2188C>T (p.Q730*) nonsense variant of the SPAG17 gene is closely related with the severe asthenozoospermia phenotype. Live births can be achieved through ICSI combined with AOA technology, though the overall utilizable embryo rate may be relatively low.