Aim Clomiphene citrate (CC) and anastrozole (AZ) have been used off label to increase testosterone (T) in hypogonadal infertile men (HIM). Both medications have been shown to increase T with different effects on estradiol (E2) and T-to-E2 ratios. There are no reported randomized trials comparing CC and AZ to improve T levels in HIM. We aimed to establish equivalence of CC vs. AZ with respect to improvement in T levels in HIM. Methods We randomized 26 HIM (T less than 350 ng/dL and normal luteinizing hormone [LH]). Patients were randomized to CC (25 mg/day) or AZ (1 mg/day) for 12 weeks. Hormones assayed were total T, free T, E2, LH, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Patient-reported outcomes were the International Index of Erectile Function, Erection Hardness Scale, and the Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male questionnaires. Blood tests and questionnaires were recorded at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks. Semen analyses were performed at baseline and 12 weeks. Results T increased significantly from baseline in both groups at 6 and 12 weeks. There was a significantly larger increase in T and mean increase from baseline in CC vs. AZ (571 vs. 408 ng/dL, respectively). Whereas E-2 levels increased in the CC group, they decreased in the AZ group. Though both groups demonstrated an increase in T-to-E-2 ratio from baseline, statistic significance at 6 and 12 weeks was only achieved with AZ. Neither group demonstrated significant changes in seminal parameters or patient-reported outcomes. Conclusions We failed to demonstrate equivalence of CC vs. AZ. CC resulted in significantly higher T levels than AZ. AZ resulted in a significantly larger increase in T/E-2 ratio than CC. No significant differences between CC and AZ on seminal parameters or patient-reported outcomes were demonstrated.

Purpose To determine the effect of dietary fat and oxalate on fecal fat excretion and urine parameters in a rat model of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. Materials and Methods Diet-induced obese Sprague Dawley rats underwent sham (Control, n=16) or RYGB (n=19) surgery. Once recovered, animals were fed ad lib normal calcium, high fat (40%) diet with (Ox) or without (No Ox) 1.5% potassium oxalate for 5 weeks, then normal (10%) fat diet for 2 weeks. Stool and urine were collected after each period. Fecal fat was determined by gas chromatography and urine metabolites by assay spectrophotometry. Results Daily fecal fat excretion remained low in controls on either diet. RYGB animals, however, ingested similar food quantity as controls yet had 8-fold higher fecal fat excretion (p<0.001) and heavier stools (p=0.02). On high fat, RYGB Ox had 5-fold increase in urine oxalate excretion (p<0.001) while RYGB No Ox had 2-fold increase in urine calcium (p<0.01) versus controls. Lowering dietary fat in RYGB Ox animals led to a 50% decrease in oxalate excretion (p<0.01), a 30% reduction in urinary calcium, and an increase in urine pH by 0.3 units (p<0.001). Conclusions In this RYGB model, high fat feeding resulted in steatorrhea, hyperoxaluria, and low urine pH, partially reversible by lowering dietary fat and oxalate content. RYGB animals on normal fat and no oxalate diets excreted twice as much oxalate as age-matched, sham controls. Although RYGB-hyperoxaluria appears primarily gut and diet-mediated, secondary causes of oxalogenesis from liver or other mechanisms deserve further exploration.

We report the largest single-center experience with robotic-assisted microscopic varicocelectomy (RAMV) in male infertility. From August 2012 to February 2015, men with infertility of at least a year and varicoceles underwent RAMV by a single surgeon. Varicocele was diagnosed on physical examination and confirmed by ultrasound by a single ultrasonographer. Preoperative hormone panel, semen analyses, and testicular Doppler ultrasound were obtained from all men and repeated at 3 months. One hundred and forty consecutive men (258 varicocelectomies) were included. Mean age and duration of infertility was 36.4 and 2.8 years, respectively. Median total and free testosterone increased by 145 ng dl−1 and 4.3 pcg ml−1 (44.3%), respectively (P < 0.0001). Median sperm concentration increased by 37.3% (P < 0.03). Median sperm motility and morphology did not significantly change. Median left and right testicular volume increased by 22.3% (P < 0.0001) and 12.6% (P < 0.0006), respectively. Hydroceles occurred 0.8% of procedures. We had no testicular artery injuries. Persistence of varicocele by Doppler ultrasound was 9.6%. Only 37.3% of patients required pain medications postoperatively. We concluded that RAMV is a safe and effective alternative for varicocele repair with outcomes comparable to historical traditional microsurgical approach.

ObjectivesTo determine the relative concentrations of enclomiphene (ENC) and zuclomiphene (ZUC) isomers in men with hypogonadism on long-term clomiphene citrate (CC) therapy, and to determine whether patient age, body mass index (BMI) or duration of therapy were predictive of relative concentrations of ENC and ZUC. Patients and methodsMen already receiving CC 25 mg daily therapy for secondary hypogonadism for a minimum of 6 weeks were recruited to have their ENC and ZUC levels assessed. Total testosterone, free testosterone, oestradiol, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) before initiation of and while on CC therapy were recorded for all patients. Patient demographics including age, BMI and medical comorbidites were recorded. Serum samples were obtained at the time of enrolment to determine ENC and ZUC concentrations. ResultsA total of 15 men were enrolled in the period from June 2015 to August 2015. The median (range) patient age was 36 (22-70) years, BMI 32.0 (21.1-40.3) kg/m 2 and duration of treatment 25.9 (1.7-86.6) months. Baseline median total testosterone, oestradiol and LH levels were 205.0 ng/dL, 17.0 pg/mL and 4.0 mlU/mL, respectively. The post-treatment median total testosterone, oestradiol and LH level increased to 488.0 ng/dL, 34.0 pg/mL and 6.1 mIU/mL, respectively (all P<0.001). The median ENC and ZUC concentrations were 2.2 and 44.0 ng/mL, respectively. After at least 6 weeks of CC therapy, the median ZUC: ENC serum concentration ratio was 20:1. On linear regression analysis.patient age, BMI, duration of treatment and serum testosterone levels were not predictive of ENC or ZUC concentrations. ConclusionsLong-term CC therapy resulted in a significant alteration of ENC and ZUC concentrations, with ZUC as the predominant isomer. Given the vastly different biochemical and toxicological properties of ENC and ZUC, this study supports the need for the development of a pure selective oestrogen receptor antagonist for the treatment of men with hypogonadism.

HU values obtained to assess stone density vary depending on window, plane and region of interest technique. We recommend that clinicians select a single region of interest measurement technique and use it consistently to minimize interinstitutional variability.