1.The Role and Regulatory Mechanisms of FOXO1 in Hepatic Lipid Deposition
Meng JIA ; Fang-Hui LI ; Shi-Zhan YAN ; Ai-Ju LI ; Yi-Le WANG ; Pin-Shi NI ; Jia-Han HE ; Yin-Lu LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):905-919
Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is fundamentally driven by an imbalance in hepatic fatty-acid flux: the influx of fatty acids exceeds the liver’s capacity for disposal, resulting in excessive hepatic lipid accumulation, predominantly in the form of triglycerides (TGs). The occurrence and progression of MAFLD depend on disordered regulation across multiple metabolic steps, including fatty-acid uptake, de novo lipogenesis (DNL), fatty-acid oxidation (FAO), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) export. Forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) is a key transcriptional regulator within the hepatic network coordinating glucose and lipid metabolism. Under metabolic stress and insulin resistance (IR), FOXO1 expression is frequently increased, whereas its inhibitory phosphorylation is reduced. These changes enhance FOXO1 nuclear localization and transcriptional activity, thereby reprogramming the expression of genes related to metabolism in the liver. Because hepatic lipid deposition is the central pathological feature of MAFLD, the functional status of FOXO1 directly influences hepatic lipid homeostasis. Growing evidence suggests that FOXO1 can exert bidirectional, environment-dependent effects on hepatic lipid accumulation; however, the molecular basis for this functional switch remains incompletely understood. This review systematically summarizes the biological functions and regulatory mechanisms of FOXO1 and its roles in hepatic lipid metabolism, with a particular focus on its crosstalk with insulin signaling. FOXO1 expression is shaped by RNA modifications and epigenetic regulation mediated by non-coding RNAs. Its transcriptional output is precisely governed by post-translational modifications—such as phosphorylation and acetylation—as well as by coordinated nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. Notably, these regulatory patterns vary markedly across nutritional states, degrees of insulin resistance, and stages of disease. In the fed state, insulin/IGF-1 signaling activates the PI3K-AKT pathway, promoting the inhibitory phosphorylation of FOXO1 and facilitating additional modifications, including acetylation, methylation, and ubiquitination. Together, these events drive FOXO1 export from the nucleus and dampen its transcriptional activity, suppressing gluconeogenesis and constraining lipogenic programs. Conversely, during fasting or when insulin signaling is weakened, FOXO1 inhibition is relieved. FOXO1 accumulates in the nucleus, binds to DNA, and regulates the transcription of downstream target genes. Mechanistically, FOXO1 can aggravate hepatic lipid accumulation by activating genes involved in TG synthesis while repressing FAO-related pathways, thereby favoring storage over oxidation. However, under specific conditions, FOXO1 may also alleviate the hepatic lipid burden by promoting TG hydrolysis and enhancing VLDL secretion, thereby reducing the net hepatic lipid load. In addition, lipotoxic signals mediated by ceramides and diacylglycerols (Cer/DAG) activate atypical protein kinase C (aPKC), further exacerbating the disruption of the AKT-FOXO1 axis. This vicious cycle ultimately produces a metabolic paradox in which increased hepatic glucose output coexists with persistent, insulin-independent lipogenesis, accelerating MAFLD progression. Importantly, FOXO1 regulation is not uniform: during early metabolic overload, insulin-mediated suppression may remain effective, whereas in advanced insulin resistance, the loss of AKT control permits sustained FOXO1 activity. Such stage-dependent dynamics may help explain why FOXO1 can either promote steatosis or, in certain contexts, support programs that facilitate lipid turnover. Accordingly, interventions should be liver-specific and tuned to the disease stage, aiming to curb maladaptive FOXO1 signaling while preserving its capacity to promote triglyceride hydrolysis and VLDL secretion when advantageous. Overall, this review offers an important perspective on MAFLD pathogenesis, emphasizing FOXO1 as a potential therapeutic target and providing a theoretical basis for developing liver-specific, disease-course-dependent precision interventions.
2.Macrophage galactose-type lectin 1 limits mouse hematopoietic stem cell differentiation in context of inflammation by inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway
Manchun LI ; Qiang ZHAN ; Mi ZOU ; Ke BAI ; Weiwei YI ; Zhenyu JU ; Zhi-yang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(4):679-687
AIM:To investigate the effects of macrophage galactose-type lectin 1(Mgl1)gene deletion on he-matopoietic stem/progenitor cells(HSPCs)under steady-state conditions and inflammation.METHODS:Mice were di-vided into a control group(wild-type)and an experimental group(Mgl1 gene-deleted).Flow cytometry was used to ana-lyze the proportions of various hematopoietic cell lineages in the peripheral blood and bone marrow of both groups,assess-ing the impact of Mgl1 gene deletion on steady-state hematopoiesis(n=3~4).Transplantation and colony-forming assays were utilized to evaluate the effects of Mgl1 gene deletion onthe repopulation capacity and colony-forming ability of HSPCs(n=5).The LPS-induced inflammation model was employed to examine the effects of Mgl1 gene deletion on the inflamma-tory response of HSPCs both in vitro and in vivo(n=5~8).Western blot and RT-qPCR were conducted to analyze the alter-ations in signaling pathways regulated by Mgl1 in the inflammatory response of HSPCs(n=3).RESULTS:(1)Mgl1 gene deletion had no significant effecton steady-state hematopoiesis(P>0.05).(2)Mgl1 gene deletion promoted inflam-mation-induced cell differentiation of HSPCs(P<0.01).(3)Mgl1 gene deletion accelerated the exhaustion of HSPCs un-der prolonged inflammatory conditions(P<0.01).(4)Mgl1 was found to regulate the inflammatory response of HSPCs via the NF-κB signaling pathway.CONCLUSION:Mgl1 gene deletion enhances the inflammatory response of HSPCs via the NF-κB signaling pathway.
3.Linagliptin synergizes with cPLA2 inhibition to enhance temozolomide efficacy by interrupting DPP4-mediated EGFR stabilization in glioma.
Dongyuan SU ; Biao HONG ; Shixue YANG ; Jixing ZHAO ; Xiaoteng CUI ; Qi ZHAN ; Kaikai YI ; Yanping HUANG ; Jiasheng JU ; Eryan YANG ; Qixue WANG ; Junhu ZHOU ; Yunfei WANG ; Xing LIU ; Chunsheng KANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(7):3632-3645
The polymerase 1 and transcript release factor (PTRF)-cytoplasmic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) phospholipid remodeling pathway facilitates tumor proliferation in glioma. Nevertheless, blockade of this pathway leads to the excessive activation of oncogenic receptors on the plasma membrane and subsequent drug resistance. Here, CD26/dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) was identified through screening of CRISPR/Cas9 libraries. Suppressing PTRF-cPLA2 signaling resulted in the activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway through phosphatidylcholine and lysophosphatidylcholine remodeling, which ultimately increased DPP4 transcription. In turn, DPP4 interacted with EGFR and prevented its ubiquitination. Linagliptin, a DPP4 inhibitor, facilitated the degradation of EGFR by blocking its interaction with DPP4. When combined with the cPLA2 inhibitor AACOCF3, it exhibited synergistic effects and led to a decrease in energy metabolism in glioblastoma cells. Subsequent in vivo investigations provided further evidence of a synergistic impact of linagliptin by augmenting the sensitivity of AACOCF3 and strengthening the efficacy of temozolomide. DPP4 serves as a novel target and establishes a constructive feedback loop with EGFR. Linagliptin is a potent inhibitor that promotes EGFR degradation by blocking the DPP4-EGFR interaction. This study presents innovative approaches for treating glioma by combining linagliptin with AACOCF3 and temozolomide.
4.Macrophage galactose-type lectin 1 limits mouse hematopoietic stem cell differentiation in context of inflammation by inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway
Manchun LI ; Qiang ZHAN ; Mi ZOU ; Ke BAI ; Weiwei YI ; Zhenyu JU ; Zhi-yang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(4):679-687
AIM:To investigate the effects of macrophage galactose-type lectin 1(Mgl1)gene deletion on he-matopoietic stem/progenitor cells(HSPCs)under steady-state conditions and inflammation.METHODS:Mice were di-vided into a control group(wild-type)and an experimental group(Mgl1 gene-deleted).Flow cytometry was used to ana-lyze the proportions of various hematopoietic cell lineages in the peripheral blood and bone marrow of both groups,assess-ing the impact of Mgl1 gene deletion on steady-state hematopoiesis(n=3~4).Transplantation and colony-forming assays were utilized to evaluate the effects of Mgl1 gene deletion onthe repopulation capacity and colony-forming ability of HSPCs(n=5).The LPS-induced inflammation model was employed to examine the effects of Mgl1 gene deletion on the inflamma-tory response of HSPCs both in vitro and in vivo(n=5~8).Western blot and RT-qPCR were conducted to analyze the alter-ations in signaling pathways regulated by Mgl1 in the inflammatory response of HSPCs(n=3).RESULTS:(1)Mgl1 gene deletion had no significant effecton steady-state hematopoiesis(P>0.05).(2)Mgl1 gene deletion promoted inflam-mation-induced cell differentiation of HSPCs(P<0.01).(3)Mgl1 gene deletion accelerated the exhaustion of HSPCs un-der prolonged inflammatory conditions(P<0.01).(4)Mgl1 was found to regulate the inflammatory response of HSPCs via the NF-κB signaling pathway.CONCLUSION:Mgl1 gene deletion enhances the inflammatory response of HSPCs via the NF-κB signaling pathway.
5.Research advances in chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Dendrobium plants.
Ju-Run ZHAO ; Yi-Han WANG ; Yan JIN ; Chao JIANG ; Zhi-Lai ZHAN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2022;47(9):2358-2372
Dendrobii Caulis are commonly used tonic Chinese medicinal materials with a long history of application. As demonstrated by pharmacological results, the chemical constituents and the extracts of Dendrobii Caulis have anti-inflammatory, antibacte-rial, antioxidant, and anti-tumor effects, and can also regulate immunity, lower blood pressure, and regulate blood sugar. The active ingredients contained are widely concerned by scholars. This paper comprehensively summarized the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Dendrobium plants reported so far. The chemical constituents isolated from Dendrobium plants are mainly alkaloids, sesquiterpenoids, flavonoids, fluorenones, coumarins, bibenzyls, phenanthrenes, lignans, steroids, phenols, and polysaccharides. This paper is expected to provide a reference for further research, development, and utilization of Dendrobium plants.
Alkaloids
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Antioxidants/pharmacology*
;
Dendrobium
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Flavonoids
;
Polysaccharides/pharmacology*
6.Herbal Textual Research on Dendrobii Caulis in Famous Classical Formulas
Ju-run ZHAO ; Jia-chen ZHAO ; Yi-han WANG ; Yan JIN ; Wei ZHANG ; Hua-sheng PENG ; Qiu-jie CAI ; Bing LI ; Hong-jun YANG ; Hua-min ZHANG ; Zhi-lai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2022;28(10):215-228
Through consulting the ancient herbal and medical books, combined with the field investigation, the name, origin, collection and processing of Dendrobium medicinal materials were researched, which provided a basis for the development of famous classical formulas containing this kind of herbs. Due to the wide distribution of D. officinale, the Dendrobium species represented by D. officinale and D. huoshanense, which are short, fleshy and rich in mucus, should be the most mainstream of Dendrobium medicinal materials in previous dynasties. Compared with Shihu, Muhu with loose texture, long and hollow is born on trees. According to the characteristic description, it should be D. nobile, D. fimbriatum and so on, of which D. nobile was the mainstream. The Chinese meaning of Jinchai was confused in the past dynasties, so it was not suitable to be treated as a plant name. The production areas of Dendrobium medicinal materials in the past dynasties have changed with the discovery of varieties, artificial cultivation and other factors. Lu'an, Anhui province, was the earliest recorded in the Han and Wei dynasties. Since the Tang and Song dynasties, it had been extended to Guangdong and Guangxi, and it was considered that "Dendrobii Caulis in Guangnan was the best". In the Ming dynasty, Sichuan and Zhejiang products were highly praised, and in the Qing dynasty, Huoshan products were highly praised. Dendrobium medicinal materials had been used as medicine by stems in all dynasties. The medicinal materials were divided into fresh products and dry products. The fresh products can be used immediately after removing the sediment from the roots. The dry products need further processing, most of them used wine as auxiliary materials for steaming, simmer to paste or decoction into medicine. D. officinale and D. huoshanense have special processing specifications since the middle of Qing dynasty, that is, "Fengdou". According to the research results, in Ganluyin, the effect of Dendrobium medicinal materials is mainly heat clearing, and D. nobile with bitter taste can be selected. The main effect of Dendrobium medicinal materials in Dihuang Yinzi is tonic, D. officinale or D. huoshanense can be selected.
7.Relevant thoughts on development of traditional Chinese medicine industry in new era.
Ju HUANG ; Geng LI ; Xiao-Xiao ZHANG ; Yong MA ; Zhi-Lai ZHAN ; Wei-An YUAN ; Li-Ping QU ; Shi-Yao HUANG ; Bo LI ; Bo-Hua YAN ; Wen-Yuan LI ; Li LIU ; Zhi-Lei WANG ; Yi FENG ; Lei ZHANG ; Jian-Yuan TANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2022;47(17):4799-4813
Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China(CPC), the CPC and the government have highligh-ted the development of traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) and issued a series of policies, such as the Plan for Protection and Deve-lopment of Chinese Medicinal Materials(2015-2020) forwarded by the General Office of the State Council in 2015, the Plan for Healthy Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine(2015-2020) released by the General Office of the State Council in the same year, the Healthy China 2030 Plan published by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council in 2016, the Law of the People's Republic of China on Traditional Chinese Medicine which took effect on July 2017, On the Preservation and Innovative Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine promulgated by CPC Central Committee and the State Council in 2019, and Plan for the Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine during the 14th Five-Year Plan Period of China released by the General Office of the State Council in March 2022, to promote the development of the TCM industry, which have brought historical opportunities to the TCM industry. However, TCM industry faces various challenges in the development. In terms of drug development in TCM, the current studies mainly focused on the chemical research and technical requests, which neglected TCM characteristics and cased in conformity between new drug transformation of TCM and clinical practice. Therefore, a more considerable and profound authoritative guideline is needed, and innovative thought and research are necessary for academics and the industry. Through the investigation of the development TCM industry in recent years, this study summarized the policies on and trends of Chinese medicinal materials, new drug development in TCM, catalogue of national basic drugs, and national basic health insurance, and proposed suggestions for further development of TCM industry.
China
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal
;
Humans
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Industry
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional
;
Policy
8.Efficacy and Safety of Tofacitinib in Chinese Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Zhan-Guo LI ; Yi LIU ; Hu-Ji XU ; Zhi-Wei CHEN ; Chun-De BAO ; Jie-Ruo GU ; Dong-Bao ZHAO ; Yuan AN ; Lie-Ju HWANG ; Lisy WANG ; Joel KREMER ; Qi-Zhe WU
Chinese Medical Journal 2018;131(22):2683-2692
Background:
Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study assessed the efficacy and safety of tofacitinib in Chinese patients with RA enrolled in Phase 3 and long-term extension (LTE) studies.
Methods:
ORAL Sync was a 1-year, randomized, placebo-controlled, Phase 3 trial. Patients received tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg twice daily (BID) or placebo advanced to tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg BID at 3 or 6 months. All patients remained on ≥1 background conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug. ORAL Sequel is an open-label LTE study (data-cut: March 2015; data collection and analyses were ongoing, and study database was not locked at the time of analysis; study was closed in 2017). Efficacy outcomes: American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 20/50/70 response rates and Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-4 [ESR]). Patient- and physician-reported outcomes: Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI), Patient and Physician Global Assessment of Arthritis, and pain (visual analog scale). Safety was assessed throughout.
Results:
ORAL Sync included 218 patients; 192 were subsequently enrolled into ORAL Sequel. In ORAL Sync, more patients achieved ACR20 (tofacitinib 5 mg BID, 67.4%; 10 mg BID, 70.6%; placebo, 34.1%) and DAS28-4 (ESR) <2.6 (tofacitinib 5 mg BID, 7.1%; 10 mg BID, 13.1%; placebo, 2.3%) with tofacitinib versus placebo at Month 6. Mean changes from baseline in HAQ-DI were greater with tofacitinib versus placebo at Month 6. In ORAL Sequel, efficacy was consistent to Month 48. Incidence rates for adverse events of special interest in tofacitinib-treated patients were similar to the global population.
Conclusions:
Tofacitinib significantly reduced signs/symptoms and improved physical function and quality of life in Chinese patients with moderate-to-severely active RA up to Month 48. The safety profile was consistent with the global population.
Clinical Trial Identifier
NCT00856544 and NCT00413699.
Administration, Oral
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Adult
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Aged
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Arthritis, Rheumatoid
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drug therapy
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Asian Continental Ancestry Group
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Female
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Humans
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Male
;
Middle Aged
;
Piperidines
;
adverse effects
;
therapeutic use
;
Protein Kinase Inhibitors
;
adverse effects
;
therapeutic use
;
Pyrimidines
;
adverse effects
;
therapeutic use
;
Pyrroles
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adverse effects
;
therapeutic use
;
Surveys and Questionnaires
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Young Adult
9.Clinical characteristics of neovascular glaucoma secondary to central retinal vein occlusion and diabetic retinopathy
Guo-Jun, LIU ; Feng, PANG ; Min-hui, DU ; Zhan, YU ; Cheng-fang, LI ; Ju, LI ; Yi-jie, CHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Ophthalmology 2013;31(10):968-972
Background Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) is a serious ocular disease which may cause blindness.The primary pathogenesis of NVG is ischemic retinopathy derived by central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and diabetic retinopathy (DR).Clinical characteristics of NVG are variable based on the difference of primary diseases,such as CRVO and DR.However,there is a few studies regarding the diffcrcnces of NVG initiated by CRVO and DR.Objective This study was to compare the clinical characteristics in NVG patients secondary to CRVO and DR.Methods A series case observational study was carried out in Hiserve Hospital of Qingdao University from January 2009 to June 2012.Twenty-nine eyes of 27 patients with NVG caused by CRVO (10 eyes of 10 patients) and DR (19 eyes of 17 patients) were included.The history of underlying diseases,course of NVG,intraocular pressure(IOP),fundus findings and complications after treatment were analyzed and compared between the CRVO-derived NVG and DR-derived NVG.All patients underwent panretinal photocoagulation,improving microcirculation therapy,anti-glaucoma (drug or surgery) and causative disease treatment,and some of them received vitrectomy or/and cataract surgery.Two eyes from each group received intravitreal injection of ranibizumab.The follow-up time in both groups was (14.00±10.13) months and (17.89±12.52) months,respectively.Results The median time of underlying disease was 3.3 months (2 weeks to 6 months) in the CRVO patients and 11.1 months (4 to 36 mouths) in the DR patients,with a significant difference between them (Z =-2.40,P<0.05).CRVO-derived NVG progress was much faster than that of DR-derived NVG.The number of the eyes with visual acuity improvement after treatment was 2 in the CRVO-derived NVG and 15 in the DR-derived NVG;while the number of the eyes with unchanged or worse visual acuity was 8 and 4 in the CRVO-derived NVG eyes and the DR-derived NVG eyes (x2 =9.38,P<0.01).The difference of IOP in pre-and post-treatment was (37.00±9.91)mmHg in the CRVOderived NVG eyes and (8.92±12.05)mmHg in the DR-derived NVG eyes,showing a significant difference between them (t =6.30,P<0.01).In the CRVO-derived NVG eyes,optic disc edema,retinal hemorrhage,and vein dilatation were seen in 6 eyes,and mild optic disc edema and retinal hemorrhage were observed in 4 eyes.After treatment,fundus could not be seen in 4 eyes,in other 2 eyes optic disc and retinal laser spots were unclearly observed.In addition,pale optic disc and retinal vessel occlusion appeared in 2 eyes,and silver wire-like arteries exhibited in 2 eyes.In pre-treated DR-derived NVG eyes,fundus could not be seen in 8 eyes and Ⅲ-Ⅳv stages of DR findings appeared in 11 eyes.After treatment,retinopathy was stabilized in 16 eyes of 15 cases.Advanced retinopathy(V-Ⅵ stages of DR findings) was revealed in 3 eyes of 3 cases.The incidence of the complication after treatment was 100.0% in the CRVO-derived NVG eyes and 21.1% in the DR-derived NVG eyes (x2=5.18,P<0.05).Conclusions The clinical characteristics of NVG secondary to CRVO and DR are variable,an appropriate treatment option should be selected according to different features of NVG.
10.Testicular sperm cryopreservation for male fertility preservation.
Yan-Rong KUAI ; Zhan-Ju HE ; Xue-Yong CAI ; Sheng WAN ; Yi-Ming YUAN ; Jing PENG ; Lei ZHANG ; Qing XUE ; Jing SHANG ; Fei CHEN ; Hui-Yan JU ; Wen-Li ZUO ; Qin-Ping LIAO ; Yang XU
National Journal of Andrology 2012;18(3):231-234
OBJECTIVETo investigate the effectiveness of testicular sperm cryopreservation in male fertility preservation by evaluating the clinical outcome of ICSI cycles with frozen-thawed testicular sperm for azoospermia patients.
METHODSWe retrospectively analyzed 96 samples of cryopreserved testicular sperm obtained by testicular biopsy, vasovasostomy (V-V), vasoepididymostomy (V-E) , of which 55 were subjected to 60 ICSI cycles with frozen-thawed testicular sperm. We evaluated the rates of sperm recovery, fertilization, cleavage, transferable and good-quality embryos, clinical pregnancy, pregnancy outcome, and health of the newborns.
RESULTSAll the frozen testicular sperm samples were recovered successfully. The rates of fertilization, 2PN fertilization, cleavage, available embryos and good-quality embryos were 77.6, 69.4, 99.4, 84.5 and 40.8%, respectively. There were transferable embryos in all cycles. Fresh embryos were transferred in 52 of the 60 cycles, with the clinical pregnancy rate of 57.7% (30/52), including 19 singletons and 11 twins, and the rates of implantation and miscarriage were 38.7% (41/106) and 3.33% (1/30). Up to the present time, there have been 20 healthy newborns, including 12 boys and 8 girls, and another 13 ongoing pregnancies. No birth defects have been found so far.
CONCLUSIONDesirable clinical outcomes can be obtained from ICSI cycles with frozen-thawed testicular sperm, and testicular sperm cryopreservation is an effective method of fertility preservation for azoospermia males.
Adult ; Azoospermia ; therapy ; Cryopreservation ; Female ; Fertility Preservation ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Outcome ; Retrospective Studies ; Semen Preservation ; methods ; Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic ; methods

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