Changes In Sperm Count Research Articles

MicroRNA and Gut Microbiota Alter Intergenerational Effects of Paternal Exposure to Polyethylene Nanoplastics.

Nanoplastics (NPs), as emerging contaminants, have been shown to cause testicular disorders in mammals. However, whether paternal inheritance effects on offspring health are involved in NP-induced reproductive toxicity remains unclear. In this study, we developed a mouse model where male mice were administered 200 nm polyethylene nanoparticles (PE-NPs) at a concentration of 2 mg/L through daily gavage for 35 days to evaluate the intergenerational effects of PE-NPs in an exclusive male-lineage transmission paradigm. We observed that paternal exposure to PE-NPs significantly affected growth phenotypes and sex hormone levels and induced histological damage in the testicular tissue of both F0 and F1 generations. In addition, consistent changes in sperm count, motility, abnormalities, and gene expression related to endoplasmic reticulum stress, sex hormone synthesis, and spermatogenesis were observed across paternal generations. The upregulation of microRNA (miR)-1983 and the downregulation of miR-122-5p, miR-5100, and miR-6240 were observed in both F0 and F1 mice, which may have been influenced by reproductive signaling pathways, as indicated by the RNA sequencing of testis tissues and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction findings. Furthermore, alterations in the gut microbiota and subsequent Spearman correlation analysis revealed that an increased abundance of Desulfovibrio (C21_c20) and Ruminococcus (gnavus) and a decreased abundance of Allobaculum were positively associated with spermatogenic dysfunction. These findings were validated in a fecal microbiota transplantation trial. Our results demonstrate that changes in miRNAs and the gut microbiota caused by paternal exposure to PE-NPs mediated intergenerational effects, providing deeper insights into mechanisms underlying the impact of paternal inheritance.

Thiopurines exert harmful effects on spermatogenesis in Nudt15R138C knock-in mice.

The association between thiopurine use and testicular reproductive functions remains unclear. In this study, we investigated whether thiopurines affect testicular functions based on the NUDT15 genotypes using Nudt15R138C knock-in mice. The male Nudt15R138C knock-in mice (9-12weeks) were treated with mercaptopurine (MP: 0.5mg/kg/day) for 4 or 12weeks. To examine reversibility, some mice were maintained for a further 12weeks under MP-free condition. After MP treatment for 4weeks, Nudt15R138C/R138C mice exhibited a significant reduction of testis weight compared to Nudt15+/+ mice and Nudt15+/R138C mice. The epithelial height and diameter of seminiferous tubules were significantly reduced in Nudt15R138C/R138C mice compared to Nudt15+/+ and Nudt15+/R138C mice. Apoptotic cells were significantly increased in Nudt15R138C/R138C mice, and most of apoptotic cells were spermatogonia. There were no significant changes in sperm counts and sperm morphology in MP-treated Nudt15R138C/R138C mice after 4-week MP treatment. On the other hand, after MP treatment for 12weeks, the Nudt15+/R138C mice, but not Nudt15+/+ mice, exhibited a significant reduction in the testis weight and atrophic changes of seminiferous tubules, but these changes disappeared after 12-week rearing under MP-free condition. Despite a significant increase in abnormal sperm rate, there were no changes in the ability to conceive. No differences in serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone or testosterone were observed between MP-treated Nudt15+/R138C and Nudt15+/+ mice after 12-week MP treatment. Thiopurines exert harmful effects on testicular reproductive function according to host NUDT15 genotypes.

#241 : Impact of Antioxidants in Improving Semen Parameters Like Count, Motility and DNA Fragmentation in Sub-Fertile Males: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial

Background and Aims: Male infertilities are solely responsible for 20-30% of infertility cases. Oxidative damage of sperm DNA is positively linked with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT), and male infertility. The antioxidants are being explored worldwide to combat OAT, sperm DNA fragmentation and reactive oxygen species. The objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of an antioxidant blend in improving sperm count, semen parameters and reducing DNA fragmentation index (DFI) in sub-fertile males. Method: A prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 300 sub-fertile males (25–45 years) from ten study sites in India. Subjects were randomized in either the antioxidant blend treatment group or placebo group. We assessed changes in sperm count, motility, normal morphology, semen volume, and percent DFI before and after treatment (90 days). To further stratify data on different criteria post hoc analysis was performed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 10.0 software. Results: There were improvements in sperm count, semen volume, sperm motility, and sperm normal morphology in the treatment group. There was improvement in sperm count in severe oligospermia subjects (sperm count < 5 million/mL, 5–10 million/mL, 10.1–15 million/mL), and high-extremely higher baseline DFI (20–30%, 31–40% and above 40%), as per post hoc analysis. There was no premature discontinuation and adverse events were reported during the study, indicating safety and well-tolerability of treatment. Conclusion: Study results confirmed the well-researched fact of antioxidants being effective to reduce oxidative stress and thus improve sperm DNA integrity and also improved semen parameters particularly in males aged 40 and above.

Semen proteomics reveals alterations in fertility-related proteins post-recovery from COVID-19.

Introduction: Changes to sperm quality and decline in reproductive function have been reported in COVID-19-recovered males. Further, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants has caused the resurgences of COVID-19 cases globally during the last 2years. These variants show increased infectivity and transmission along with immune escape mechanisms, which threaten the already burdened healthcare system. However, whether COVID-19 variants induce an effect on the male reproductive system even after recovery remains elusive. Methods: We used mass-spectrometry-based proteomics approaches to understand the post-COVID-19 effect on reproductive health in men using semen samples post-recovery from COVID-19. The samples were collected between late 2020 (1st wave, n = 20), and early-to-mid 2021 (2nd wave, n = 21); control samples were included (n = 10). During the 1st wave alpha variant was prevalent in India, whereas the delta variant dominated the second wave. Results: On comparing the COVID-19-recovered patients from the two waves with control samples, using one-way ANOVA, we identified 69 significantly dysregulated proteins among the three groups. Indeed, this was also reflected by the changes in sperm count, morphology, and motility of the COVID-19- recovered patients. In addition, the pathway enrichment analysis showed that the regulated exocytosis, neutrophil degranulation, antibacterial immune response, spermatogenesis, spermatid development, regulation of extracellular matrix organization, regulation of peptidase activity, and regulations of calcium ion transport were significantly dysregulated. These pathways directly or indirectly affect sperm parameters and function. Our study provides a comprehensive landscape of expression trends of semen proteins related to male fertility in men recovering from COVID-19. Discussion: Our study suggests that the effect of COVID-19 on the male reproductive system persists even after recovery from COVID-19. In addition, these post-COVID-19 complications persist irrespective of the prevalent variants or vaccination status.

Associations of semen quality with pyrethroids in semen and urine samples of men with oligozoospermia: A cross-sectional study in Samsun, Turkey.

Pyrethroids (PYRs) may act as endocrine disrupters and lead to infertility. The aim of the study was to analyze the levels of anti-androgenic PYRs (cypermethrin, deltamethrin, and permethrin) and 3-phenoxy benzoic acid (3-PBA), a general metabolite of PYRs, in both semen and urine samples of men with oligozoospermia. The PYRs and 3-PBA metabolite levels in the semen and urine samples of the men were analyzed through GC-MS. The results indicated that the levels of PYRs in the semen samples of the infertile group were significantly higher than those of the fertile group. It was determined that cypermethrin exposure was associated with changes in sperm count and total sperm motility, while permethrin, deltamethrin, and 3-PBA levels were associated with changes in sperm morphology. It was determined that there was a significant negative correlation between semen deltamethrin levels and sperm morphology and sperm count. In addition, exposure of these patients to deltamethrin (range; 1.53-8.02µg/l) and having farmer parents were determined to increase the risk of infertility. In conclusion, the findings of this study showed that exposure to environmental PYRs may adversely affect semen quality, especially in terms of sperm morphology, in men with oligozoospermia.

Impact of antioxidants in improving semen parameters like count, motility and DNA fragmentation in sub-fertile males: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Clinical Trials Registry-India Identifier: CTRI/2020/12/029590.

Changes in testicular arterial hemodynamic, gonadotropin levels, and semen parameters among varicocele patients randomized to varicocelectomy or observed in Tamale, Ghana.

A randomized trial to compared testicular blood flow parameters, gonadal hormones, and semen characteristics among three groups; surgery group (n = 127); observed group (n = 114); and healthy controls (n = 33). The blood flow parameter selected was resistive index (RI) measured using color Doppler ultrasonography. Serum total testosterone, FSH, LH were measured, and semen analysis performed at baseline and repeated 12 months of follow-up. The data was computed using GraphPad Prism (v8.0) at an alpha of 0.05. In the observed group, increased +0.0060 in the right (R_RI) and in the left (L_RI) +0.0026 capsular arteries from baseline measurement to 12 months follow-up. Surgery group, reduced -0.079 in the right (R_RI) and -0.0731 in the left (L_RI) capsular arteries (p < 0.0001). At 12 months, the changes for both left and right RIcap in the surgery group did not reach the values of the controls. In the surgery group, L_RIcap (r = -0.63; p < 0.0001) and R_RIcap (r = -0.49; p = 0.004) correlated with total testosterone, FSH (r = 0.57; p = 0.001 for left; r = 0.52; p = 0.002 for right), and LH (r = 0.61; p = 0.0002 for left; r = 0.41; p = 0.020 for right). Furthermore, L_RIcap correlated with changes in sperm count (r = -0.46; p = 0.008) and sperm concentration (r = -0.35; p = 0.011) in the surgery group. Microsurgical sub-inguinal varicocelectomy improves blood supply to the testicular tissues evidenced by reduced resistive index in the surgery group. Resistive index in the left capsular artery can be used to evaluate the success of surgery because it correlates with total testosterone, FSH, LH, and semen quality.

Parental High-Fat High-Sugar Diet Intake Programming Inflammatory and Oxidative Parameters of Reproductive Health in Male Offspring.

Parental nutrition can impact the health of future generations, programming the offspring for the development of diseases. The developing germ cells of the offspring could be damaged by the maternal or the paternal environment. The germ cells in development and their function could be affected by nutritional adversity and therefore, harm the health of subsequent generations. The paternal or maternal intake of high-fat diets has been shown to affect the reproductive health of male offspring, leading to imbalance in hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, testicular oxidative stress, low testosterone production, and changes in sperm count, viability, motility, and morphology. There is a need for studies that address the combined effects of diets with a high-fat and high-sugar (H) content by both progenitors on male reproduction. In this context, our study evaluated epigenetic parameters and the inflammatory response that could be associated to oxidative stress in testis and epididymis of adult offspring. 90 days-old male rats were divided according to the combination of the parental diet: CD (control paternal and maternal diet), HP (H paternal diet and control maternal diet), HM (H maternal diet and control paternal diet) and HPM (H paternal and maternal diet).We evaluated serum levels of testosterone and FSH; testicular gene expression of steroidogenic enzymes Star and Hsd17b3 and epigenetic markers Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, Dnmt3b, and Mecp2; testicular and epididymal levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-1β; testicular and epididymal activity of SOD, CAT, and GST; the oxidative markers MDA and CP; the daily sperm production, sperm transit time, and sperm morphology. Testicular epigenetic parameter, inflammatory response, oxidative balance, and daily sperm production of the offspring were affected by the maternal diet; paternal diet influenced serum testosterone levels, and lower daily sperm production was exacerbated by the interaction effect of both parental intake of high-fat high-sugar diet in the testis. There was isolated maternal and paternal effect in the antioxidant enzyme activity in the cauda epididymis, and an interaction effect of both parents in protein oxidative marker. Maternal effect could also be observed in cytokine production of cauda epididymis, and no morphological effects were observed in the sperm. The potential programming effects of isolated or combined intake of a high-fat high-sugar diet by the progenitors could be observed at a molecular level in the reproductive health of male offspring in early adulthood.

MАR-test and Spermiological Research Indices

Antisperm antibodies are detected in 3% to 25% of cases in men and women diagnosed with infertility. They can also be diagnosed in 1–10% of healthy fertile men. The presence of a high titer of AST is one of the factors of male infertility, which can be «hidden», i. e. not cause symptoms and deterioration of the overall spermogram. The objective: to analyze the results of sperm testing in men with antisperm antibodies, which were detected by MAR-test. Material and methods. A retrospective analysis of the examination results of 555 men was conducted on the basis of the Medical Center for Infertility Treatment in Chernivtsi. Spermograms were examined according to WHO recommendations in 2000, using an inverted microscope Olympus CKX41 in a Broker chamber. Determination of the percentage of sperm coated with antisperm antibodies was performed using the MAR-test (MAR-test, MAR-mixed antiglobulin reaction). Results. If we calculate the percentage of patients in whom we assume the connection between the presence of antisperm antibodies and undertaken surgery, genital infections and allergy history, we get only 48.3% of cases. It has been found that most changes in sperm counts correlate with the percentage of sperm that are coated with IgG. These data indicate that increased IgG levels play an important role in the development of pathospermia. A negative medium-strength correlation was found between the percentage of Category A sperm and the percentage of IgG-coated sperm. Persistence of IgG in semen is accompanied by a probable decrease in the morphological quality of sperm. Conclusion. In 52% of patients it was not possible to establish the etiological factor for the presence of Ig in the ejaculate. It has been found that most changes in sperm counts correlate with the percentage of sperm that are coated with IgG. It has been determined that an increase in the level of IgA and IgG leads to a probable increase in the percentage of pathological sperm forms and decrease in sperm motility. In the presence of 30% of sperm that are coated with IgG, with a probability of 95%, the ejaculate of patients will have 100% of pathologicoalr mf s of sperm.

EFFICACY OF CLOMIPHENE CITRATE IN SUBFERTILE MEN STRATIFIED BY PRE-TREATMENT SEX HORMONE LEVELS AND SPERM CONCENTRATION

Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) are known to improve sperm count. Men with low testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) are thought to benefit most from SERMs like clomiphene citrate (CC), though predictors of efficacy have not been robustly characterized. We sought to identify changes in sperm counts with CC, stratifying by pre-treatment sex hormones and semen parameters. With IRB approval, we retrospectively reviewed sex hormone levels and semen parameters in subfertile men before and after 3 months of CC use (25 mg qd or 50 mg qod) during 10/2015-6/2020. Men were stratified by initial hormone levels (T≥300 vs T<300, LH≥7 vs LH<7, FSH≥7 vs FSH<7) and separately by initial sperm concentration (azoospermia, oligozoospermia, and normospermia). Men who previously underwent hormone therapy, genital surgery, or had previously conceived were excluded. Men with or without varicoceles were included. Student t-test was conducted with alpha=0.05. Out of 137 patients, 34% improved, 13% worsened, and 53% had no change in sperm concentration with CC use. 77% of azoospermic men had no change in sperm concentration. Table 1 summarizes changes in T and sperm concentration stratified by initial parameters. No significant difference was found in magnitude of changes in semen parameters stratified by testosterone. Men with lower LH had greater improvements in total sperm count (TSC) and total motile sperm count. Men with lower FSH had greater improvements in T, sperm concentration, and TSC. Azoospermic men showed least improvement across all semen parameters. No significant differences in magnitude of improvement were observed between oligozoospermia sub-categorizations (mild, moderate, severe) and normospermia. Not all patients experience the same benefit from CC. Our data suggest that men with nonobstructive azoospermia do not significantly benefit from CC use. Degree of oligospermia did not affect magnitude of improvement. Men with lower gonadotropin levels may expect greater degree of improvement in both hormone and semen parameters.

MP31-17 PRE-TREATMENT SEX HORMONE LEVELS AND SPERM CONCENTRATION INFLUENCE MAGNITUDE OF RESPONSE TO CLOMIPHENE IN SUBFERTILE MEN

You have accessJournal of UrologyInfertility: Therapy (MP31)1 Sep 2021MP31-17 PRE-TREATMENT SEX HORMONE LEVELS AND SPERM CONCENTRATION INFLUENCE MAGNITUDE OF RESPONSE TO CLOMIPHENE IN SUBFERTILE MEN Tommy Jiang, Alvaro Santamaria, Neilufar Modiri, Michael Zheng, Vadim Osadchiy, John Sigalos, Jesse Mills, and Sriram Eleswarapu Tommy JiangTommy Jiang More articles by this author , Alvaro SantamariaAlvaro Santamaria More articles by this author , Neilufar ModiriNeilufar Modiri More articles by this author , Michael ZhengMichael Zheng More articles by this author , Vadim OsadchiyVadim Osadchiy More articles by this author , John SigalosJohn Sigalos More articles by this author , Jesse MillsJesse Mills More articles by this author , and Sriram EleswarapuSriram Eleswarapu More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002035.17AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) are known to improve sperm counts. Men with low testosterone and gonadotropins are thought to benefit most from SERMs like clomiphene, though predictors of efficacy have not been robustly characterized. We sought to identify changes in sperm counts with clomiphene, stratifying by pre-treatment sex hormones and sperm parameters. METHODS: With IRB approval, we retrospectively analyzed sex hormone levels and sperm parameters in subfertile men before and after 3 months of clomiphene (25 mg qd or 50 mg qod) during 10/2015-6/2020. Men were stratified by initial hormone levels (T≥300 vs T<300, LH≥7 vs LH<7, FSH≥7 vs FSH<7) and separately by initial sperm concentration (azoospermia, oligozoospermia, and normospermia). Men who previously underwent hormone therapy, genital surgery, or conceived a pregnancy were excluded. Student t-test was conducted with α=0.05. RESULTS: Out of 137 patients, 34% improved, 13% worsened, and 53% had no change in sperm concentration categorization (Fig. 1). 77% of azoospermic men had no change in sperm concentration. Table 1 summarizes changes in T and semen analyses stratified by initial parameters. No significant difference was found in magnitude of changes in semen parameters stratified by testosterone. Men with lower LH had greater improvements in total sperm count (TSC) and total motile sperm count (TMSC). Men with lower FSH had greater improvements in T, sperm concentration, and TSC. Azoospermic men showed least improvement across all semen parameters. No significant differences in magnitude of improvement were observed between oligozoospermia sub-categorizations (mild, moderate, severe) and normospermia. CONCLUSIONS: Not all patients experience the same benefit from clomiphene. Our data suggest that men with azoospermia do not significantly benefit. Degree of non-azoospermia did not affect magnitude of improvement. Men with lower gonadotropin levels may expect greater degree of improvement in both hormone and semen parameters. Source of Funding: N/A © 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 206Issue Supplement 3September 2021Page: e561-e562 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Tommy Jiang More articles by this author Alvaro Santamaria More articles by this author Neilufar Modiri More articles by this author Michael Zheng More articles by this author Vadim Osadchiy More articles by this author John Sigalos More articles by this author Jesse Mills More articles by this author Sriram Eleswarapu More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Loading ...

Mean Changes in Sperm Count in Adult Males after Varicocelectomy

Background: Varicocele, a bilateral vascular condition in which hypoxia can induce ischemic damage to both testes due to hydrostatic pressures in the venous drainage system, is a prominent cause of male infertility with a complex pathogenesis. varicocele make up 35% of primary infertility and 81% of secondary fertility. Methodology: A quasi-experimental study was conducted from January 2018 to September 2018 at urology department of Nawaz Sharif Kidney Hospital and Saidu Group of Teaching Hospitals, Swat. Sample size was 261. The study included all males between the ages of 20 and 60 who had clinically evident varicocele. Result: Results of our study P-value for pre-operative and post-operative sperm count was 0.00001 so statistically significant. According to the age distribution, 93 patients were in the age group 20-30 (35.63%), 70 patients in age group 31-40 years (27.01%), 60 patients aged 41-50 (22.98%), 38 patients aged 51 to 60 (14.26) %) are shown in Table 2. All cases had varicocele on the left side. Conclusion: After inguinal varicocelectomy, sperm count increases in adult patients with clinically palpable varicocele. Keywords: Adult male, Sperm count, Varicocele, Varicocelectomy.

Using Laser Acupuncture and Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) to Treat Male Infertility by Improving Semen Quality: Case Report

Infertility is worldwide a health and psychological burden for couples aiming at building up a family. Male and female are equally involved in reasons for infertility. In 50% percent of the cases, the issue is caused by the male. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of Laser acupuncture and Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) on the sperm quality of an infertile male with an idiopathic reason. A 32- year- old infertile male with low quality sperm was referred to the Sheykh Bahaee clinic after spermogram testing in a central pathobiology laboratory according to 2010 World Health Organization (WHO) standards. The following laser acupuncture treatment was conducted; points: LI4, Liv3, Sp6, Kid3, Kid6, Sp5, Ren3, St29, Du4, St36, Ub20, Ub23 and also auricular points: shenmen, prostate gland, interferon, kidney, liver, spleen, by laser pen with 810 n.m, 400 mw power, Nogier B frequency (584 Hz) and each area 1-6 joules, according to patient’s vascular autonomic signal (VAS), twice a week, in 15 sessions. Furthermore, super pulse laser with the following parameters setting was conducted: 5*60W = 300 W peak power, duration 200 ns, length wave of 904 n.m, Nogier B frequency, 10 joules according to patient’s VAS was applied on local areas: symphysis pubis, prostate gland, pelvic area twice a week in 15 sessions. Findings: After 15 sessions the spermogram test was done. The test showed that the sperm mobility, enhanced 23% and sperm morphology increased 25%. In addition, changes in sperm count and volume of sperm were seen. Results: The results showed LLLT and laser acupuncture were effective on the enhancement of sperm quality.

Declining Sperm Counts… or Rather Not? A Mini Review.

Temporal global trends of sperm quality remain a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to present a comprehensive review of studies reporting on sperm quality counts, summarize the main end points, and assess the main reasons for potential discrepancies. An evidence-based review of PubMed and Scopus databases was performed regarding studies reporting on modification of sperm quality counts, independently of study character, study language, or date. Since the meta-analysis of Carlsen et al in 1992 (Br Med J 1992;305:609-613) that suggested an annual decline in sperm count of 1%, several reports confirmed the decline in sperm quality, whereas others disproved them, suggesting a slight increase or absence of change in sperm count. Such controversies may be attributed to geographical and time-related variability in sperm values and also to several confounding factors that influence the semen parameters. Intrinsic weaknesses of the studies include heterogeneity of subjects recruited, lack of adjustment for confounding factors, and samples that do not always represent the general population. No consensus exists on whether sperm counts actually decrease because studies' results are often controversial or inconclusive with methodological deficiencies. More prospective, large-scale, population based studies are needed in order to provide sound evidence of possible global trends in sperm count.

Histological study on the effect of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells on the testis of chemically induced castration model by calcium chloride in adult albino rats

Background: Male infertility is considered a major cause of couple infertility as it represents 25-50% of infertility cases. In addition, non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) represents 10% of all infertile men. There is no definite curable treatment for such cases.Aim of the work: To evaluate the therapeutic role of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) in the treatment of CaCl2 castration model in adult male albino rats.Materials and Methods: Forty five adult male albino rats were divided into 4 groups. Group I (control group), Group II (CaCl2 group), Group III (stem cell treated group), Group IV (recovery group). Testes were dissected out and processed for light and electron microscopic examination. Sperm count and testosterone hormonal assay were done. Morphometric and statistical analysis were performed.Results: Histological examination of the testes of both groups II and IV revealed severe degeneration of seminiferous tubules with sloughing of spermatogenic cells. Inflammatory cells and multinucleated giant cells were obvious in group II while macrophages were detected more clearly in group IV. Collagen fibers deposition was detected in the interstitium and inside seminiferous tubules in group IV. Sperm count and serum testosterone levels were significantly decreased in both groups comparable with that of the control group. Intratesticular injection of ADMSCs in group III resulted in improvement of the histological architecture of testicular tissue which was documented by non significant changes in sperm count and serum testosterone when compared to that of the control group.Conclusions: Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) could be considered an effective treatment in NOA.

Clomiphene citrate in the management of oligoasthenospermia

Background: Although clomiphene citrate (clomid) is, anti-estrogen, typically used for women with fertility problems, there have been a variety studies as to the use of clomiphene citrate in treating male subfertility.Objective: To evaluate the role of clomid in treating male with oligoasthenospermia.Methods: A prospective clinical study of 40 men with preliminary diagnosis of oligoasthenospermia according to WHO protocols in Wassit Government Iraq from July 2007 through July 2008.Clomid 50 mg oral daily dose was given for 4 months. The changes in sperm counts, the percentage of active sperms, pregnancy rate and side effects were recorded and analyzed.Results: The mean sperm count before treatment was 11millions per ml, while the mean percentages of sperm motility were 15%. After treatment the mean sperm count increased to 35 millions per ml (3 times) and the mean percentage of motile sperm to 30 % (2 times).8 patients (20%) reported their wives became pregnant.4 patients (10%) failed to respond.&#x0D; Conclusions and recommendations: In patients with normogonadotrophic oligoasthenospermia, clomiphene citrate improves sperm counts and motility and probably increase pregnancy rate.This can possibly convert the choice of treatment from IVF/ICSI to less costly IUI.Also it may save some women from being treated for a problem of male infertility.However, controlled trails with larger number of patients are needed to confirm the findings of this study.

The impact of vitamin E supplementation on semen parameters and pregnancy rates after varicocelectomy: a randomised controlled study

In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of vitamin E supplementation on semen parameters and pregnancy after varicocelectomy. Forty-five infertile male patients who were diagnosed with varicocele and underwent subinguinal varicocelectomy were included in the study. After performing subinguinal varicocelectomy, the patients were randomised into two groups: 22 receiving vitamin E for 12months, and 23 as the control group without receiving any supplementation. The pre-operative parameters of semen analyses and pregnancy rates of both groups were compared with those of post-operative parameters. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of sperm count and motile sperm percentage, in pre-operative, post-operative 3rd month, post-operative 6th month and post-operative 12th month periods. Repeated-measures anova was performed, and sperm count, percentage of change in sperm count, motile sperm count and percentage of change in motile sperm count of the groups were compared. The administration of vitamin E increased all of these parameters; however, they were not found to be statistically significant. In conclusion, vitamin E supplementation might improve the sperm parameters after varicocelectomy; however, further studies including larger number of samples are needed to make a proper decision on vitamin E supplementation after varicocelectomy.

Time Course for Onset and Recovery from Effects of a Novel Male Reproductive Toxicant: Implications for Apical Preclinical Study Designs.

In the pharmaceutic ICH S5(R2) guidelines for reproductive toxicity testing, a premating dose duration of 14 days is considered sufficient for assessment of male fertility for compounds that are not testicular toxicants. A novel α7 subtype of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) agonist, originally intended for treatment of Alzheimer's disease, did not cause changes in sperm counts, motility, or testicular histopathology in rat toxicity studies of up to 6 months duration. However, profound decrements in male fertility (reduced pregnancy rates and litter sizes) occurred after 11 weeks of dosing in male rats. In two time-course investigations, dosed male rats were paired with undosed females after 5, 14, and 28 daily doses and again after 2 and 4 weeks off-dose. Effects on male fertility were undetectable after 5 days. After 14 days, there was no effect on pregnancy rate, but preimplantation losses were increased. Effects on both pregnancy rates and preimplantation losses were clearly detectable after 28 days, but were of lesser magnitude than after 11 weeks of dosing. Fertility recovered rapidly after dose cessation. These studies illustrate the sensitivity of a long premating dose period at revealing hazard and determining the magnitude of effect on male fertility for compounds that are intended for chronic administration and do not affect testicular histopathology.

Study on the effect of royal jelly on reproductive parameters in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Diabetes mellitus has a variety of structural and functional effects on the male reproductive system. Diabetes results in reduced sperm parameters and libido. The present study aims to investigate the effects of royal jelly (RJ) on reproductive parameters of testosterone and malondialdehyde (MDA) production in diabetic rats. This experimental study was conducted on adult male Wistar rats. The animals were divided into four groups (n=8 per group): control, RJ, diabetic and diabetic treated with RJ. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg body weight (BW) of streptozotocin (STZ). RJ, at a dose of 100 mg/kg BW was given by gavage. The duration of treatment was six weeks. After the treatment period the rats were sacrificed. The testes were weighed and changes in sperm count, motility, viability, deformity, DNA integrity and chromatin quality were analyzed. Serum testosterone and MDA concentrations of testicular tissue were determined. Data were analyzed by oneway ANOVA with p<0.05 as the significant level. STZ-induced diabetes decreased numerous reproductive parameters in rats. Testicular weight, sperm count, motility, viability and serum testosterone levels increased in the diabetic group treated with RJ. There was a significant decrease observed in sperm deformity, DNA integrity, chromatin quality, and tissue MDA levels in diabetic rats treated with RJ compared to the diabetic group (p<0.05). RJ improved reproductive parameters such as testicular weight, sperm count, viability, motility, deformity, DNA integrity, chromatin quality, serum testosterone and testicular tissue MDA levels in diabetic rats.

Time-dependent changes of sperm cells in human ejaculate samples added in various liquid media

IntroductionIt is known that sexual assault victim's contacting to water may decrease the detectability of sperm cells on the body of a victim. The features of water (i.e. chemical and biological) also have an importance in this respect. In this study, it is aimed at studying different kinds of water in terms of the detection of sperm cells in vitro. The difference of the study from other studies in the literature is the usage of different types of water and the search for detectability of sperm in these water samples regarding both time and dilution factor. Materials and methodsAfter sexual abstinence, 30 volunteer young adults’ ejaculate samples were taken with their informed consent. These samples were examined in liquid media in terms of change in time. Ejaculate samples which were standardized as to include 50 million sperms cells in each milliliter were diluted by 20% in 4 tubes including distilled water, tap water, sea water and river water. Sperm count in diluted samples was conducted daily. ResultsIt is determined that sperm cells can be detected after a longer time in tap and distilled water than in sea and fresh water. Sperm cells were detected up to 1128h in tap water, 888h in sea water, 1008h in distilled water and 792h in river water. Changes in sperm count in terms of dilution rate and liquid type were recorded. Discussion and conclusionIt is known that in vitro results are not the same as in vivo results. Time-dependent changes about detectability of sperm cells in different types of water are presented in tables and figures.