Clinical Research Directory

IntelliWell: An AI-Assisted Imaging Platform for Detection and Location of Ultra-Rare Testicular Sperm in Surgical Specimens

This study will help determine whether an AI-assisted microwell platform (IntelliWell) can identify rare sperm cells in testicular samples found to not have sperm by conventional analysis. Instead of discarding testicular tissue which was found to be non-sperm bearing by conventional analysis the testicular tissue will be processed using IntelliWell and, if sperm is found and verified by embryologists, it may be used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Identifying Genome Variants in Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (NOA) or Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)

Background: Infertility affects 1 in 6 people. Often, the causes of infertility are unknown. Treatments are successful in only about 50% of cases. Infertility caused by non obstructive azoospermia in males and primary ovarian insufficiency in females can have genetic causes. Researchers want to learn more about these genes. Objective: To identify genes that may cause infertility. Eligibility: Adult men and women with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) or primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) of unknown cause. Design: Participants will provide a saliva sample. A kit will be sent to their home. The kit will contain a collection tube and a cotton swab. They will swirl the swab inside their mouth and then seal it in the tube. They will mail the tube back to the researchers. Male participants who are having a procedure done to collect tissue from their testes may opt to have leftover tissue provided to study researchers. This tissue would otherwise have been discarded. No new procedures will be performed just for this study. Data may be collected from participants medical records.

Platelet Rich Plasma Testis Treatment for Infertile Men

Investigate the effect of intratesticular injection of autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) on sperm retrieval rates and IVF outcomes in infertile men who already underwent a negative sperm retrieval. Currently, there is no alternative treatment after failed TESE. Prior series suggest that intratesticular PRP injections may improve TESE outcomes. We hope to determine whether PRP is an effective treatment for this patient population.

Testicular Evaluation of Azoospermia Using Micro-Ultrasound

The investigation is a small feasibility study to determine whether there are imaging features related to the seminiferous tubules in the testes under microultrasound. The results from this study will provide guidance on the design and power analysis of future studies in this area.

Fertility Enhancement Through Regenerative Treatment in Ovaries and Testes

This study investigates the safety and efficacy of stem cell or stem cell-derived exosome therapy for gonadal failure, including testicular failure, hypogonadism, ovarian insufficiency, and premature ovarian failure (POF). Conducted at First IVF Clinic, Dubai, it will include 60 participants (30 males, 30 females) aged 20-50 years who have not responded to conventional treatments such as HRT, TRT, or ART. Participants will receive intra-gonadal (testicular or ovarian) injections of stem cells or exosomes, with follow-ups at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months to monitor hormonal changes, gonadal function, and potential adverse effects. The study aims to determine whether regenerative therapy can restore hormone production, enhance reproductive function, and regenerate gonadal tissue, providing a novel, culturally appropriate fertility treatment in the UAE, where donor sperm and eggs are not permitted. By bridging the gap between preclinical research and clinical application, this study could offer new hope to individuals with gonadal failure, advancing the field of regenerative reproductive medicine.

Testis Needle Aspiration of Sperm in Men With Azoospermia

Needle aspiration of the epididymis causes rupture and irreversible damage to the duct. Recurring punctures and needle aspirations of fluid and tissue during Testicular Fine Needle Aspiration (TEFNA) procedure cause irreparable injury and loss of part of the testis' tubules. The hypothesis of this research is that production of sperm from the testis will be improved due to ultrasonically guided Rete Testis needle aspiration. In cases of Obstructive Azoospermia, the Rete Testis is expected to contain a large number of sperm cells. In cases of Non-Obstructive Azoospermia, the investigators can expect to produce sperm cells from aspiration of the Rete Testis, which drains all of the testis' tubules. Furthermore, catheterization of the Rete Testis will allow for the drainage of all testes tubules and for the production of sperm cells created locally in some of the tubules or in parts of them. The potential advantage of needle aspiration from the Rete Testis is that the procedure will allow for the aspiration from all the testes tubules, as opposed to the standard method of sperm cells production from the testis which samples only some of the tubules. Therefore, it is expected that the procedure suggested in this research will be more efficient than the standard procedures currently in practice. An additional advantage to this procedure is that puncture and aspiration of the tubule network is not expected to block the drainage from the testis, as is the case in aspiration of the epididymis, and it is also not expected to damage the tubules, as is the case in TEFNA and in TESE.

The Association of Gut Microbiota and Spermatogenic Dysfunction

This is a multicenter, case-control study that aims to investigate the relationship between microbiota and sperm quality via stool, blood, and urine microbiome, metabolomics, and collected clinical metadata. The results of the spermatogenic dysfunction, including aspermia, oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, and teratozoospermia, will be compared to normal basic semen analysis utilizing the World Health Organization (WHO) semen analysis procedure 5th edition.