Non-Invasive Biomarkers for Sperm Retrieval in Non-Obstructive Patients, volume II

Given the success of the first edition of Non-Invasive Biomarkers for Sperm Retrieval in Non-Obstructive Patients, we are pleased to announce the Volume II.

In the field of male infertility, azoospermia affects approximately 1% of men globally and presents significant challenges in reproductive medicine. Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), a severe form of male infertility, accounts for 60% of azoospermia. NOA is characterized by testicular failure rather than obstruction. Current sperm retrieval techniques, such as testicular sperm aspiration and microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE), have been developed to assist NOA patients in achieving biological parenthood. However, these methods yield successful sperm retrieval in only about 50% of cases, highlighting the need for improved predictive measures. Recent studies have explored the potential of serum hormone models, including FSH, LH, testosterone, and inhibin B, to predict the presence of testicular spermatozoa. Despite these efforts, the specificity and sensitivity of these models remain moderate. The invasive nature of testicular biopsies further complicates the assessment of seminiferous tubules, underscoring the necessity for non-invasive biomarkers and advanced imaging techniques to enhance prediction accuracy.

This Research Topic aims to identify precise and non-invasive biomarkers in blood and seminal fluid, as well as to develop imaging systems for predicting the presence of testicular spermatozoa in NOA patients. The objective is to distinguish between NOA patients with successful sperm retrieval (Sp+) and those with failed retrieval (Sp-), thereby improving the decision-making process before surgical intervention. Additionally, the research seeks to advance imaging technologies that can locate seminiferous tubules harboring occult sperm, offering a less invasive alternative to current methods.

To gather further insights in the realm of non-invasive biomarkers for sperm retrieval in NOA patients, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Seminal biomarkers for predicting TESE outcome
- Blood biomarkers for predicting TESE outcome
- Studies evaluating the potential of extracellular vesicles in seminal plasma
- Omics studies for discoveries of reliable non-invasive diagnosis
- Imaging technology to locate occult spermatozoa in NOA testes
- Using artificial intelligence technology for the prediction of sperm retrieval outcome

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Male infertility, Non-obstructive azoospermia, Sperm retrieval, Biomarker

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.