The effect of gonadal and extragonadal malignant cancers on sperm quality

Abstract

Background Many studies have reported that testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) give rise to a decrease in sperm production and may further lead to infertility. However, little is known regarding sperm production in extragonadal germ cell tumours (EGCTs). We have studied the differences in the characteristics and sperm quality of patients with testicular cancer and patients with EGCTs. Methods We collected and analysed demographic factors, semen parameters, and the disposition of banked sperm. Results TGCTs accounted for the majority of malignant cancers compared with EGCTs (83.9% vs. 16.1%, respectively). There were no statistically significant differences in semen volume, pre-freeze concentration, pre-freeze motility, post-thaw concentration, post-thaw motility or recovery rate between patients with TGCTs and those with EGCTs. Both patients with TGCTs and EGCTs showed low pre-freeze and post-thaw sperm concentrations. Men with a seminoma had a higher median level of thaw-sperm motility in their ejaculate than men with non-seminomas. TGCT (67%) and EGCT (72%) patients chose to keep their specimens in storage. Conclusions Our study provides evidence that both patients with TGCTs and EGCTs have a high risk for impaired semen quality and gonadal dysfunction. This suggests that oncologists and patients should consider the effects of both TGCTs and EGCTs on fertility among males.

Peroxisome disruption alters lipid metabolism and potentiates antitumor response with MAPK-targeted therapy in melanoma

“…Melanoma cells with reduced peroxisomes are characterized by increased levels of HexCers ( Figure 2F and Supplemental Figure 3D ), which include glucosylceramides (GluCers) and galactosylceramides (GalCers) ( Supplemental Figure 3B ). Given that GluCers can be prosurvival in melanoma cells ( 35 ), we posited that melanoma cells with compromised peroxisomes rely on the UGCG-catalyzed ceramide-to-GluCer metabolism as a prosurvival mechanism. Dual blockade of PEX3 and UGCG would thus be anticipated to result in a greater clinical benefit.…”