Background Infertility continues to be a highly prevalent condition. Although assisted reproduction technology has been significantly effective, it is relatively costly and may yield disappointing clinical outcomes. There is still an unexplained correlation between the substantial contribution of the testicular somatic cells such as the peritubular cells and interstitial immune cells such as mast cells. Aim The aim of this work was to study the histological, immunohistochemical, and morphometric profiles of peritubular cells and mast cells in azoospermic men that might be a clue for male infertility therapy. Patients and methods This study was carried out on 39 infertile azoospermic men attending the Andrology Outpatient Clinic in Assiut University Hospital. Patients were divided into two groups. Group I (GI), which included patients with obstructive azoospermia (n=9), and group II (GII), which included patients with nonobstructive azoospermia. GII was subdivided as follows: Subgroup A, which included patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome (n=9); subgroup B, which included patients with germ cell arrest (n=10); and subgroup C, which included patients with hypospermatogenesis (n=11). Testicular biopsies were obtained and processed for light, immunohistochemical, morphometric analysis, and electron microscopic examinations. Results The testicular interstitium of GI showed an apparently normal pattern of organization as regards cellular and fibrous components. GIIA showed the highest mast cell number, which established cytoplasmic projections toward peritubular cells. The mean count of tumor necrosis factor α-positive cells showed a significant increase in GIIA compared with GI. The mean area% of collagen fibers increased significantly in GIIA, GIIB, and GIIC compared with GI. In GIIB, bundles of microfibrils were most evident between the basement membrane and the first layer of peritubular cells. In GIIC, they appeared flattened with slender interlacing processes forming bridges. Mast cells bore long cytoplasmic projections, which extended toward the neighboring fibroblasts. Conclusion The present data signify complex cell interactions in cases of testicular dysfunction within the interstitial compartment.

Background Infertility continues to be a highly prevalent condition. Although assisted reproduction technology has been significantly effective, it is relatively costly and may yield disappointing clinical outcomes. There is still an unexplained correlation between the substantial contribution of the testicular somatic cells such as the peritubular cells and interstitial immune cells such as mast cells. Aim The aim of this work was to study the histological, immunohistochemical, and morphometric profiles of peritubular cells and mast cells in azoospermic men that might be a clue for male infertility therapy. Patients and methods This study was carried out on 39 infertile azoospermic men attending the Andrology Outpatient Clinic in Assiut University Hospital. Patients were divided into two groups. Group I (GI), which included patients with obstructive azoospermia (n=9), and group II (GII), which included patients with nonobstructive azoospermia. GII was subdivided as follows: Subgroup A, which included patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome (n=9); subgroup B, which included patients with germ cell arrest (n=10); and subgroup C, which included patients with hypospermatogenesis (n=11). Testicular biopsies were obtained and processed for light, immunohistochemical, morphometric analysis, and electron microscopic examinations. Results The testicular interstitium of GI showed an apparently normal pattern of organization as regards cellular and fibrous components. GIIA showed the highest mast cell number, which established cytoplasmic projections toward peritubular cells. The mean count of tumor necrosis factor α-positive cells showed a significant increase in GIIA compared with GI. The mean area% of collagen fibers increased significantly in GIIA, GIIB, and GIIC compared with GI. In GIIB, bundles of microfibrils were most evident between the basement membrane and the first layer of peritubular cells. In GIIC, they appeared flattened with slender interlacing processes forming bridges. Mast cells bore long cytoplasmic projections, which extended toward the neighboring fibroblasts. Conclusion The present data signify complex cell interactions in cases of testicular dysfunction within the interstitial compartment.

Background Infertility continues to be a highly prevalent condition. Although assisted reproduction technology has been significantly effective, it is relatively costly and may yield disappointing clinical outcomes. There is still an unexplained correlation between the substantial contribution of the testicular somatic cells such as the peritubular cells and interstitial immune cells such as mast cells. Aim The aim of this work was to study the histological, immunohistochemical, and morphometric profiles of peritubular cells and mast cells in azoospermic men that might be a clue for male infertility therapy. Patients and methods This study was carried out on 39 infertile azoospermic men attending the Andrology Outpatient Clinic in Assiut University Hospital. Patients were divided into two groups. Group I (GI), which included patients with obstructive azoospermia (n=9), and group II (GII), which included patients with nonobstructive azoospermia. GII was subdivided as follows: Subgroup A, which included patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome (n=9); subgroup B, which included patients with germ cell arrest (n=10); and subgroup C, which included patients with hypospermatogenesis (n=11). Testicular biopsies were obtained and processed for light, immunohistochemical, morphometric analysis, and electron microscopic examinations. Results The testicular interstitium of GI showed an apparently normal pattern of organization as regards cellular and fibrous components. GIIA showed the highest mast cell number, which established cytoplasmic projections toward peritubular cells. The mean count of tumor necrosis factor α-positive cells showed a significant increase in GIIA compared with GI. The mean area% of collagen fibers increased significantly in GIIA, GIIB, and GIIC compared with GI. In GIIB, bundles of microfibrils were most evident between the basement membrane and the first layer of peritubular cells. In GIIC, they appeared flattened with slender interlacing processes forming bridges. Mast cells bore long cytoplasmic projections, which extended toward the neighboring fibroblasts. Conclusion The present data signify complex cell interactions in cases of testicular dysfunction within the interstitial compartment.

Background Infertility continues to be a highly prevalent condition. Although assisted reproduction technology has been significantly effective, it is relatively costly and may yield disappointing clinical outcomes. There is still an unexplained correlation between the substantial contribution of the testicular somatic cells such as the peritubular cells and interstitial immune cells such as mast cells. Aim The aim of this work was to study the histological, immunohistochemical, and morphometric profiles of peritubular cells and mast cells in azoospermic men that might be a clue for male infertility therapy. Patients and methods This study was carried out on 39 infertile azoospermic men attending the Andrology Outpatient Clinic in Assiut University Hospital. Patients were divided into two groups. Group I (GI), which included patients with obstructive azoospermia (n=9), and group II (GII), which included patients with nonobstructive azoospermia. GII was subdivided as follows: Subgroup A, which included patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome (n=9); subgroup B, which included patients with germ cell arrest (n=10); and subgroup C, which included patients with hypospermatogenesis (n=11). Testicular biopsies were obtained and processed for light, immunohistochemical, morphometric analysis, and electron microscopic examinations. Results The testicular interstitium of GI showed an apparently normal pattern of organization as regards cellular and fibrous components. GIIA showed the highest mast cell number, which established cytoplasmic projections toward peritubular cells. The mean count of tumor necrosis factor α-positive cells showed a significant increase in GIIA compared with GI. The mean area% of collagen fibers increased significantly in GIIA, GIIB, and GIIC compared with GI. In GIIB, bundles of microfibrils were most evident between the basement membrane and the first layer of peritubular cells. In GIIC, they appeared flattened with slender interlacing processes forming bridges. Mast cells bore long cytoplasmic projections, which extended toward the neighboring fibroblasts. Conclusion The present data signify complex cell interactions in cases of testicular dysfunction within the interstitial compartment.

The study aimed to compare the histological features of Leydig cells and macrophages in the testicular interstitium of obstructive versus nonobstructive azoospermia. Thirty-nine azoospermic men undergoing testicular sperm extraction during intracytoplasmic sperm injection were allocated into obstructive azoospermia group (GI) and nonobstructive azoospermia group (GII) which was subdivided into Sertoli cell-only syndrome (GIIA), germ cell arrest (GIIB) and hypospermatogenesis (GIIC) subgroups. Serum LH, FSH and testosterone levels were measured. Ultrastructural changes and the mean number of CD68-positive cells were estimated in the different groups. In GIIA, Leydig cells' processes came in contact with macrophages and showed smooth endoplasmic reticulum dilatation. In GIIB, Leydig cells showed apoptotic changes. Macrophages were commonly encountered in their vicinity demonstrating large number of lysosomes. In GIIC, Leydig cells showed euchromatic nuclei. Macrophages showed expulsion of their lysosomal contents in the interstitium surrounded by apoptotic bodies. The mean count of total CD68-positive macrophages was higher in cases of obstructive azoospermia with nonsignificant differences compared to nonobstructive azoospermia groups. Significant increase in FSH level was detected in GIIA compared to GI. It is concluded that structural interactions might take place between Leydig cells and macrophages in the interstitial tissue of azoospermic men.

The study aimed to compare the histological features of Leydig cells and macrophages in the testicular interstitium of obstructive versus nonobstructive azoospermia. Thirty-nine azoospermic men undergoing testicular sperm extraction during intracytoplasmic sperm injection were allocated into obstructive azoospermia group (GI) and nonobstructive azoospermia group (GII) which was subdivided into Sertoli cell-only syndrome (GIIA), germ cell arrest (GIIB) and hypospermatogenesis (GIIC) subgroups. Serum LH, FSH and testosterone levels were measured. Ultrastructural changes and the mean number of CD68-positive cells were estimated in the different groups. In GIIA, Leydig cells' processes came in contact with macrophages and showed smooth endoplasmic reticulum dilatation. In GIIB, Leydig cells showed apoptotic changes. Macrophages were commonly encountered in their vicinity demonstrating large number of lysosomes. In GIIC, Leydig cells showed euchromatic nuclei. Macrophages showed expulsion of their lysosomal contents in the interstitium surrounded by apoptotic bodies. The mean count of total CD68-positive macrophages was higher in cases of obstructive azoospermia with nonsignificant differences compared to nonobstructive azoospermia groups. Significant increase in FSH level was detected in GIIA compared to GI. It is concluded that structural interactions might take place between Leydig cells and macrophages in the interstitial tissue of azoospermic men.

The study aimed to compare the histological features of Leydig cells and macrophages in the testicular interstitium of obstructive versus nonobstructive azoospermia. Thirty-nine azoospermic men undergoing testicular sperm extraction during intracytoplasmic sperm injection were allocated into obstructive azoospermia group (GI) and nonobstructive azoospermia group (GII) which was subdivided into Sertoli cell-only syndrome (GIIA), germ cell arrest (GIIB) and hypospermatogenesis (GIIC) subgroups. Serum LH, FSH and testosterone levels were measured. Ultrastructural changes and the mean number of CD68-positive cells were estimated in the different groups. In GIIA, Leydig cells' processes came in contact with macrophages and showed smooth endoplasmic reticulum dilatation. In GIIB, Leydig cells showed apoptotic changes. Macrophages were commonly encountered in their vicinity demonstrating large number of lysosomes. In GIIC, Leydig cells showed euchromatic nuclei. Macrophages showed expulsion of their lysosomal contents in the interstitium surrounded by apoptotic bodies. The mean count of total CD68-positive macrophages was higher in cases of obstructive azoospermia with nonsignificant differences compared to nonobstructive azoospermia groups. Significant increase in FSH level was detected in GIIA compared to GI. It is concluded that structural interactions might take place between Leydig cells and macrophages in the interstitial tissue of azoospermic men.

The study aimed to compare the histological features of Leydig cells and macrophages in the testicular interstitium of obstructive versus nonobstructive azoospermia. Thirty-nine azoospermic men undergoing testicular sperm extraction during intracytoplasmic sperm injection were allocated into obstructive azoospermia group (GI) and nonobstructive azoospermia group (GII) which was subdivided into Sertoli cell-only syndrome (GIIA), germ cell arrest (GIIB) and hypospermatogenesis (GIIC) subgroups. Serum LH, FSH and testosterone levels were measured. Ultrastructural changes and the mean number of CD68-positive cells were estimated in the different groups. In GIIA, Leydig cells' processes came in contact with macrophages and showed smooth endoplasmic reticulum dilatation. In GIIB, Leydig cells showed apoptotic changes. Macrophages were commonly encountered in their vicinity demonstrating large number of lysosomes. In GIIC, Leydig cells showed euchromatic nuclei. Macrophages showed expulsion of their lysosomal contents in the interstitium surrounded by apoptotic bodies. The mean count of total CD68-positive macrophages was higher in cases of obstructive azoospermia with nonsignificant differences compared to nonobstructive azoospermia groups. Significant increase in FSH level was detected in GIIA compared to GI. It is concluded that structural interactions might take place between Leydig cells and macrophages in the interstitial tissue of azoospermic men.

The study aimed to compare the histological features of Leydig cells and macrophages in the testicular interstitium of obstructive versus nonobstructive azoospermia. Thirty-nine azoospermic men undergoing testicular sperm extraction during intracytoplasmic sperm injection were allocated into obstructive azoospermia group (GI) and nonobstructive azoospermia group (GII) which was subdivided into Sertoli cell-only syndrome (GIIA), germ cell arrest (GIIB) and hypospermatogenesis (GIIC) subgroups. Serum LH, FSH and testosterone levels were measured. Ultrastructural changes and the mean number of CD68-positive cells were estimated in the different groups. In GIIA, Leydig cells' processes came in contact with macrophages and showed smooth endoplasmic reticulum dilatation. In GIIB, Leydig cells showed apoptotic changes. Macrophages were commonly encountered in their vicinity demonstrating large number of lysosomes. In GIIC, Leydig cells showed euchromatic nuclei. Macrophages showed expulsion of their lysosomal contents in the interstitium surrounded by apoptotic bodies. The mean count of total CD68-positive macrophages was higher in cases of obstructive azoospermia with nonsignificant differences compared to nonobstructive azoospermia groups. Significant increase in FSH level was detected in GIIA compared to GI. It is concluded that structural interactions might take place between Leydig cells and macrophages in the interstitial tissue of azoospermic men.

Background/Purpose: Early assessment of the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP) is a highly challenge for a physicians’ practice to improve the management and decrease the mortality. We aimed to determine early prognostic factors for AP related in-hospital mortality. Methods: Upon hospital admission, predictors of AP related in-hospital mortality were prospectively assessed using regression analysis over 129 consecutive AP patients. Predictive abilities of these prognostic factors were compared using the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results: AP related in-hospital mortality was 10.9%. Red cell distribution (RDW), serum creatinine, glucose and albumin were associated with AP mortality. RDW had the highest AUC followed by serum creatinine and albumin (AUC: 914, 95% CI: 0.797 - 0.975; 0.797, 95% CI: 0.695 - 0.878; 0.798, 95% CI: 0.677 - 0.865 respectively). The cut-off with the best ability to predict in-hospital mortality was 14.2 for RDW. By coupling RDW and serum creatinine, AUC was improved to 0.940, 95% CI: 0.839 - 0.986. Conclusion: RDW, serum creatinine, albumin, and glucose even with borderline level changes may predict AP related in-hospital mortality, where, RDW has the highest prognostic accuracy. Coupling RDW and serum creatinine model significantly improves their predictive accuracy that may aid in further improvement of the quality of care of AP patients.