Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 25, 2025

Implementing Patch Clamp and Live Fluorescence Microscopy to Monitor Functional Properties of Freshly Isolated PKD Epithelium
Published on: September 1, 2015
[Mechanisms of polycystic kidney diseases inducing male reproductive disorders]
Wei-Hui Shi1, Chen-Ming Xu1,2
1Department of Reproductive Genetics, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China.
Abstract:
Polycystic kidney diseases (PKD) are inherited monogenetic disorders characterized by multiple progressive renal cysts, which can be divided into two types- autosomal dominant PKD (ADPKD) and autosomal recessive PKD (ARPKD). Although most of the male patients with PKD have normal fertility, some are reportedly infertile. Recent studies show that the reproductive disorders in PKD males are associated with such pathological changes as seminal vesicle cysts, asthenozoospermia, necrozoospermia, flagella structural abnormalities, and end-stage renal disease. Based on the results of current studies, this review focuses on the pathogenesis of male infertility in PKD patients in terms of the reproductive system structure and related genes and proteins, aiming for a further understanding of PKD.
Related Concept Videos
Sex-linked Disorders
Infertility in Males
Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra....
Disorders of the Urinary System
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common urinary system disorders. They are caused by bacteria that enter the urethra and can spread to the bladder resulting in cystitis. Pyelonephritis is the result of a UTI that has ascended to the level of the...
Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus
Near the gonadal ridges, two duct systems are present: the mesonephric ducts (Wolffian ducts) and paramesonephric ducts (Müllerian ducts). These ducts form the basis for the...
The Y Chromosome Determines Maleness
Evolution
Around 300 million years ago, the two sex chromosomes diverged from two identical autosomal chromosomes. Over time, the Y chromosome has lost most of its genes, shrinking in size....

