Cementing the relationship between conventional and advanced semen parameters

Bashir M Ayad,Ibukun P Oyeyipo,Gerhard Van Der Horst,Stefan S Du Plessis

doi:10.1186/s43043-021-00086-z

Abstract

BackgroundAffordable conventional semen analysis remains a fundamental procedure to be performed routinely during the diagnosis of male infertility. Advanced semen analyses provide valuable clinical insights in treatment-related decision-making, but these are highly expensive and lack universal standardization. This study aimed at determining the relationship between conventional semen parameters, measured with assistance of computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA), and a set of advanced semen tests. Basic semen analysis (n = 124) was performed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Sperm DNA fragmentation and intracellular superoxide (O2−•) levels were assessed by flow cytometry. Seminal plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity were measured by spectrophotometry. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used, with significance set at p < 0.05.ResultsSemen pH correlated negatively with TBARS (p < 0.01). The proportions of total and progressively motile as well as rapid spermatozoa correlated positively with CAT activity (p < 0.05). Sperm viability correlated negatively with both O2−• (p < 0.05) and DNA fragmentation (p = 0.01), while normal morphology correlated negatively with O2−• levels (p < 0.05) and positively with CAT activity (p < 0.05). Straight-line velocity (VCL) and average-path velocity (VAP) correlated negatively with both O2−• (p < 0.01) and TBARS (p < 0.01). Amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) correlated negatively with O2−• (p < 0.01) and DNA fragmentation (p < 0.01), while its correlation with SOD activity was positive (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe results obtained from this study support the validity of some CASA parameters as sensitive indicators of changes in sperm oxidative status and DNA integrity. Predicting advanced from conventional parameters through the building of linear regression models should be considered for future studies.

Highlights

Affordable conventional semen analysis remains a fundamental procedure to be performed routinely during the diagnosis of male infertility
In addition to a detailed medical history and a thorough physical examination, conventional semen analysis remains a fundamental procedure performed on routine basis during the diagnosis of male infertility [1]
40 samples were used for the analysis of superoxide (O2−), another 40 samples were used for the assessment of DNA fragmentation, while 44 samples were used for thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) analyses

Summary

Introduction

Affordable conventional semen analysis remains a fundamental procedure to be performed routinely during the diagnosis of male infertility. The recent substantial progress toward understanding the mechanisms regulating sperm function has driven the development of a variety of assays for proper evaluation of the functional quality of spermatozoa These assays provide valuable clinical insights into multiple aspects of sperm function, including DNA integrity as well as oxidative stress and membrane lipid peroxidation. In most cases, these assays are primarily used for research purposes and are not considered part of the routine assessment of male infertility This is mainly attributed to the complexity and lack of universal standardization in addition to the high costs of these assays, which adds a further financial burden to a couple undergoing fertility investigations [11]

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