Collected Semen Samples Research Articles

Effect of Semen Sampling Frequency on Seminal Antiretroviral Drug Concentration

Study of male genital tract (MGT) pharmacology is relevant to the treatment of prostatitis, prostate cancer, infertility, and seminal human immunodeficiency virus transmission. However, the time course of drug concentrations in the MGT is largely unknown. To determine the feasibility of frequent semen sampling in assessing the pharmacokinetics of the MGT, we administered efavirenz, indinavir, and zidovudine to subjects to achieve steady-state levels and then collected semen samples at sequentially decreasing ejaculation intervals. The volume of seminal plasma decreased from 4.0 (1.2-5.1) ml (median with range) at 48 h after the baseline ejaculation to 0.72 (0.45-1.6) ml 1 h after a previous ejaculation, which was still adequate for drug concentration assessment. The seminal fructose concentration also decreased. However, the concentration of prostate-specific antigen and all three drugs did not decrease, even if the ejaculation intervals decreased to 1 h. Thus, semi-intensive semen sampling can be used to assess MGT pharmacokinetics.

Site of semen collection and its effect on semen analysis parameters

To determine whether the site of semen collection affects semen parameters by comparing semen samples collected at home with those collected in the office. Prospective cohort study. An academic research environment. Men collecting semen samples both at home and in the office, either for a workup for infertility or for use in intrauterine insemination. Semen analysis performed on all specimens, evaluating sperm count, sperm motility, total count, and total motile count. Semen analysis parameters. There was no statistically significant difference in sperm count, sperm motility, total count, or total motile count between those samples collected at home vs. those collected in the office in either group of patients. The site of semen collection, whether at home vs. in the office, does not have a clinically significant effect on semen analysis parameters.

Dynamic observation of polypide in semen and blood of rabbits infected with Toxoplasma tachyzoites

Toxoplasma gondii (T。gondii ) 是细胞内部的寄生于的原生动物之一并且可以在损害的胎儿或免疫引起严重医药复杂并发症个人。当时， T.gondii 在尖锐舞台期间作为 tachyzoite 存在作为 bradyzoite 在在人的房间的长期的阶段期间。改进疾病的预防，诊断，和治疗的理解，探索分发和变化和 T 的另外的生物特征是重要的。在主人的 gondii。trophozoite 在主人的口水，血或尿被发现了。一些研究在血或在尿建议了传播抗体和 toxoplasma 传播抗原(TCA ) 的动态变化。T。因为它仅仅是在尺寸的几测微计，因此，大多数研究被执行，在织物或血的 gondii 不能完全在显微镜下面被数由老鼠接种或免疫学方法的品质上。量的荧光灯的聚合酶链反应(QF-PCR ) 和它的申请在主人为 polypide 的动态观察提起了可能性。在这研究，血和精液从感染 toxoplasma tachyzoites 和 T 的雄的兔子模型被收集。gondii 被检测由 QF-PCRquantitatively。

Sequence quality is maintained after multiple displacement amplification of non‐invasively obtained macaque semen DNA

Whole genome amplification protocols are revolutionizing the fields of molecular and conservation biology as they open the possibility of obtaining a large number of copies of a complete genome from minute amounts of sample. Multiple displacement amplification (MDA) is a whole genome amplification technique based on the properties of the phi29 DNA polymerase, which leads to a uniform representation of the genome with very low error rates. In this study we performed MDA on 28 macaque DNA samples extracted from blood or non-invasively collected semen from which we obtained mitochondrial control region sequences both before and after MDA. The length of the readable sequences was longer for the original samples than for the MDA products, but the number of unresolved positions was comparable both before and after MDA. We conclude that the MDA technique is useful for increasing the amount of DNA for sequencing mitochondrial regions in the case of non-invasively collected semen samples.

The Relationship Between Human Semen Characteristics and Sperm Apoptosis: A Pilot Study

This work was undertaken to explore the association between human semen characteristics and apoptosis in ejaculated sperm. We collected semen samples from 23 consecutive male patients who presented to the Andrology Laboratory at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) for routine semen analysis. Sperm concentration and motility were measured using computer-assisted sperm analysis. Morphology was assessed using Tygerberg strict criteria. The DNA diffusion assay was used to assess the percentage of apoptosis in ejaculated sperm. In this assay, cells were mixed with agarose and placed into a microgel on a microscopic slide. The cells were stained with YOYO-1 dye, and apoptotic cells were viewed under a fluorescent microscope. Among 23 men, the mean (SD) sperm concentration, percent motility, percent progressive motility, and normal morphology were 125.5 (92.3) million/mL, 45.6% (22.2), 28.4% (15.2), and 8.0 (4.6), respectively. The mean (SD) percent of apoptosis in ejaculated sperm was 8.3% (6.2) with a range from 1.1% to 20.1%. There were inverse associations between percent apoptosis and sperm motility (P = .0025), progressive motility (P = .0051), and morphology with a normal or good pattern of fertilization by Kruger strict criteria (P = .0045), and a positive relationship between percent apoptosis and sperm tail defects (P = .0053). In ejaculated semen, the percent sperm apoptosis was associated with several measures of semen quality.

Semen Collection, Spermatozoa Cryopreservation, and Artificial Insemination in Nondomestic Birds

Semen collection and artificial insemination have made important contributions to the breeding of avian species in captivity. These techniques have been successfully used primarily in breeding programs of rare and endangered species and in the production of hybrid falcons for the sport of falconry. Semen samples are collected from nondomestic birds by using the cooperative, massage, and electroejaculation methods. After semen collection, insemination is done by the simple process of transferring semen samples directly into the oviduct of the hen. Freshly collected semen samples also can be diluted to obtain the desired spermatozoa concentration for multiple inseminations or for short-term and long-term storage. This paper reviews the different methods used for semen collection, techniques for semen dilution and preservation, and use of artificial insemination in nondomestic birds.

High frequency of (TG) mT n variant tracts in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene in men with high semen viscosity

To evaluate a possible correlation between abnormal semen consistency and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene mutations and variant tracts. Study of CFTR mutations and variant tracts in men with high semen viscosity as compared with normospermic men. University-based centers for andrology, clinical biochemistry, and cystic fibrosis. Forty-six male partners from infertile couples with sine causa high semen viscosity compared with 72 normospermic men. Semen sample collection. We obtained the (TG)mTn polymorphic tracts and a panel of 31 mutations of CFTR, semen viscosity, and semen variables. The frequencies of the (TG)12 and T5 variant alleles were statistically significantly higher in men with high semen viscosity (17.4% and 7.6%, respectively) than in the normospermic control group (6.9% and 1.4%, respectively). The frequency of the genotypes carrying (TG)12 or T5 was statistically significantly higher in men with high semen viscosity (39.1%) than in the normospermic control group (16.7%). Four men with high semen viscosity showed the variant (TG)12T5 haplotype; one of these men presented variant tracts on both alleles. None of the normospermic controls showed a (TG)12T5 haplotype. Semen hyperviscosity could be considered a "minimal clinical expression" of cystic fibrosis; CFTR gene sequence variations may constitute the genetic basis for this disease.

Job strain and male fertility.

Job strain, defined as high job demands and low job control, has not previously been explored as a possible determinant of male fertility. We collected prospective data on job strain among men, and describe the associations with semen quality and probability of conceiving a clinical pregnancy during a menstrual cycle. Danish couples (N = 399) who were trying to become pregnant for the first time were followed for up to 6 menstrual periods. All men collected semen samples, and a blood sample was drawn from both partners. Job demand and job control were measured by a self-administered questionnaire at entry, and in each cycle the participants recorded changes in job control or job demand during the previous 30 days. In adjusted analyses, no associations were found between any semen characteristic or sexual hormones and any job strain variable. The odds for pregnancy were not associated with job strain. Psychologic job strain encountered in normal jobs in Denmark does not seem to affect male reproductive function.

Semen sample collection in medium has no beneficial effect on fertilization and pregnancy rates

Objective: Early incubation of the ejaculate with medium have several theoretic advantages including a decrease in spermatozoa containing antisperm-antibodies, removal of bacteria and detritus, a protective effect against free oxygen radicals and sperm DNA protection. It has been postulated that early dilution of ejaculate may improve fertilization due to aforementioned beneficial effects. The aim of this study was to investigate if early incubation of semen samples into media enhances fertilization rates in unselected group of patients undergoing ICSI. Design: Prospective-randomized study. Materials and Methods: One hundred and nine patients who underwent ICSI were evaluated. There were no selection criteria regarding the indication for ICSI. All couples were randomly divided into two groups. In group I semen was collected into sterile dry pots and in group II semen was collected into 5 ml of bicarbonate buffered medium containing human serum albumin (IVF-100, Vitrolife), mixed gently and incubated for 15–20 minutes at 37 C. Subsequently in both groups semen samples were washed with Pure Sperm gradients of 90, 70 and 50 at 250–500 gr for 5 minutes. Afterward samples were washed for a second time with 10 ml of IVF-100 at 500–750 g for 10 minutes. All native semen samples were evaluated manually according to WHO criteria (WHO, 1992) and morphology by Kruger strict criteria’s. Also evaluation was performed as above after preparation. After incubation for 16–18 hours oocytes were checked for presence of two pronucleus. Results: Indications for ICSI were unexplained infertility and oligoasthenoteratospermia. As shown in table I, no difference was observed regarding age, sperm count, morphology and motility in native semen samples, number of retrieved oocytes, fertilization and number of embryos transferred between two groups. Also there was no difference in semen parameters after preparation. Clinical pregnancy rates were 42.3% and 54.4% in group I and II, respectively. The difference was insignificant. Tabled 1 Conclusion: Although there is a tendency to increase fertilization and pregnancy rates when semen sample is collected into medium, the difference was found to be insignificant. This may be due to small number of patients and larger studies are required to clarify the effect of early incubation of semen sample in medium on fertilization and pregnancy rates.

Y chromosome microdeletions in infertile men with cryptorchidism

Objective To determine whether cryptorchidism associated with azoospermia or oligozoospermia may be due to microdeletions of the Y chromosome. Design Controlled clinical study. Setting Division of Medical Genetics and the Andrology Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center, Ljubljana. Patient(s) Ninety men from infertile couples (36 azoospermics, 35 oligozoospermics, and 19 normozoospermics) with a medical history of cryptorchidism. Nineteen excryptorchid patients with cryptorchidism and Y chromosome microdeletions among 3099 patients from 14 publications. Intervention(s) Collection of semen and blood samples. Main outcome measure(s) Medical history, testicular volume, sperm characteristics, serum FSH levels, testicular histology, presence or absence of Y chromosome microdeletions, including all known Y chromosome genes/gene families in the azoospermia factor (AZF) region. Result(s) Deletions of the Y chromosome were found in 2 out of 71 cryptorchid patients with azoospermia or oligozoospermia (2.8%). The literature review showed that the incidence of microdeletions in infertile patients with cryptorchidism is lower in comparison with the general population of infertile men (4.9% vs. 8.1%), and that the frequency of cryptorchidism in patients with Y chromosome deletions (6 out of 103, 5.8%) is significantly lower in comparison to infertile patients without deletions (178 out of 1141, 15.6%). Conclusion(s) No causal relation exists between Y chromosome microdeletions and cryptorchidism.

Effect of leukocytospermia on sperm DNA integrity: a negative effect in abnormal semen samples.

Controversy exists over levels of DNA integrity in the sperm of fertile and infertile men. In addition, the effect of leukocytospermia on sperm DNA in these 2 groups is unclear. We decided to address these questions by collecting semen samples from men known or presumed to be fertile and men from infertile couples. Samples were analyzed and assessed for sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. Samples failing to meet World Health Organization (WHO) standards in one or more of these parameters were judged abnormal. Samples were then arbitrarily assigned normalized scores in each of the above parameters, and scores were summed to give a normalized value for overall sperm quality. DNA abnormality was determined by an in situ DNA denaturation test with acridine orange and expressed as a percentage of cells with abnormal DNA integrity (ADI). Assessment of 187 samples revealed a moderate inverse correlation between ADI and sperm quality (r =.58), although a large degree of ADI dispersion was observed in abnormal semen samples. The average ADI for normal and abnormal semen samples was 18% +/- 2.8% and 36% +/- 5.8%, respectively, with the threshold of 95% probability set at 30%. When sorted for leukocytospermia, the difference in ADI between normal and abnormal semen groups without leukocytospermia was much smaller (17% +/- 2.2% and 22% +/- 4.6%; P =.023). Leukocytospermia had no significant effect on ADI in the normal semen group (P = .46); however, ADI was more than double the ADI in the abnormal semen group (18% +/- 2.4% and 50% +/- 11%; P < .001). The results of our analysis show that at least 3 factors affect net DNA integrity in leukocytospermic samples that fail to meet WHO standards: 1) primary DNA damage, which is moderately inverse to sperm quality, in particular to sperm concentration; 2) effect of leukocytes increasing primary or provoking potential DNA damage in a cascade-like manner, particularly in sperm with poor morphology and motility; and 3) a decreasing proportion of cells with damaged DNA in semen with the worst quality.

Semen sample collection in medium and implantation rate following ICSI

Semen sample collection in medium and implantation rate following ICSI

Semen sample collection in medium enhances the implantation rate following ICSI in patients with severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia

Semen sample collection in medium enhances the implantation rate following ICSI in patients with severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia

Sexual dysfunction in men undergoing fertility evaluation.

Objective: Male factor infertility accounts for about 30-40% of all cases seeking fertility treatment. Identification and classification of male infertility still relies on the results of semen analysis obtained on at least two separate occasions. For many couples, infertility is as much an emotional and spiritual crisis as it is a physical challenge. There is evidence that psychological effects of infertility are similar to those of cancer and heart diseases. In this study we evaluated the psychosexual problems in men undergoing infertility evaluation. Design: The study was conducted at a diagnostic center for infertile men. Materials/Methods: Detailed medical and sexual history was obtained from men undergoing fertility evaluation in our center between 1997-2000. Semen samples were collected by masturbation in a private room after 2-3 days of sexual abstinence. Four hundred and twelve (412) men were found to have an abnormality in one or more of the classical semen parameters after their first semen analysis. These men were asked to return for a second analysis in 2 weeks. Men who failed to collect semen by masturbation at their second or subsequent appointments were aided by a vibrator. Seven of the 412 (7/412) men were excluded from the analysis because of remarkable history of medical illness or sexual dysfunction. Results: Forty-six of the remaining 405 (46/405, 11%) men failed to collect semen samples by masturbation even after repeated (3-5 times) attempts at 2-3 days intervals. All of the 46 men reported severe anxiety, erectile failure and anorgasmia during attempts to collect semen by masturbation and during sexual contact with their partners. Nine of these 46 (9/46, 20%) men were able to collect their semen with the aid of vibratory stimulation. Conclusions: Our results indicate that men undergoing fertility evaluation may suffer from psychological trauma that can affect their sexual performance. These patients should be investigated for other associated psychological problems, such as: clinical depression, social isolation, or reduced job performance. It is critical that infertility programs develop a multidisciplinary team approach including psychologists and psychiatrists specializing in the emotional effects of infertility to assist these patients to the fullest.

Investigation of usefulness of sperm analyses in dogs for male fertility study.

The usefulness of sperm analyses in dogs, including sperm motion analysis, was investigated. Sperm motion analysis was performed with the CellSoft-4000 computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system. First, we examined the conditions for preservation of optimal semen quality. We found that sperm retained more of their motility at 4 degrees C than at 37 degrees C. Secondly, we observed sperm motion, concentration and morphology in dog semen continuously for 11 weeks. We collected semen samples during the test period, and the samples retained sperm motion, concentration and morphology. Finally, we administrated alpha-chlorohydrin, which decreases rodent sperm motion, at a single oral dose of 100 mg/kg or 150 mg/kg to dogs. Sperm motion was inhibited immediately after alpha-chlorohydrin treatment, and recovered after 2 weeks. None of the experimental animals were sacrificed in the above-mentioned examinations. We thus confirmed that sperm analyses including motion analysis in dogs are useful in male fertility studies.

Evaluation of a container for collection and shipment of semen with potential uses in population-based, clinical, and occupational settings.

Large, population-based studies of semen quality are encumbered by the logistics and expense of obtaining semen samples from men who live in a variety of locations. A prototype semen collection and transportation kit, the TRANSEM100, can be distributed to study participants and then directly shipped to a central laboratory for analysis. This study was designed to evaluate the ability of male volunteers to correctly use the kit. Thirty volunteers aged 20 to 44 years with no history of diabetes, recent chemotherapy, fertility problems, or vasectomy were recruited through a newspaper advertisement, interviewed to obtain demographic information, and instructed on the use of the kit. Twenty-six of the initial subjects provided at least 1 semen specimen using the kit and returned the specimens by overnight delivery to the laboratory for analysis, 25 completed a follow-up interview on the use of the collection kit, and 20 submitted a second semen sample using the same method. The average volunteer was white, 27.8 years old, and held at least a college degree. Forty percent of the volunteers were married. In general, participants correctly followed the instructions for collecting, packaging, and shipping the semen samples. Volunteers were instructed to collect samples after at least 2, but no more than 7 days of abstinence. For the first and second samples submitted, participants collected semen samples after an average of 3.3 and 3.9 days of abstinence, respectively. Seventeen (65%) of the samples from the first sampling period and 16 (80%) of the samples from the second period were received in the laboratory the day after they had been collected. In summary, the TRANSEM100 may prove to be useful for collecting human semen in field studies. Further testing of this method is warranted to evaluate preservation of sample quality and use of the kit by men among diverse socioeconomic groups.

CHRONIC TREATMENT WITH FINASTERIDE DAILY DOES NOT AFFECT SPERMATOGENESIS OR SEMEN PRODUCTION IN YOUNG MEN

Finasteride, an oral type 2, 5alpha-reductase inhibitor, is used in 1 mg. daily doses for the treatment of male pattern hair loss. A dose of 5 mg. finasteride daily reduces ejaculate volume by approximately 25%, and reduces prostate volume by approximately 20% and serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) by approximately 50% in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. To our knowledge no data exist on the effect of 1 mg. finasteride daily on ejaculate volume or other semen parameters, or on the prostate in young men. Therefore, we studied the potential effect and reversibility of effect of 1 mg. finasteride daily on spermatogenesis, semen production, the prostate and serum PSA in young men. In this double-blind, placebo controlled multicenter study 181 men 19 to 41 years old were randomized to receive 1 mg. finasteride or placebo for 48 weeks followed by a 60-week off-drug period. Of the 181 men 79 were included in a subset for the collection and analysis of sequential semen samples. There were no significant effects of 1 mg. finasteride on sperm concentration, total sperm per ejaculate, sperm motility or morphology. Ejaculate volume in subjects on finasteride decreased 0.3 ml. (-11%) compared to a decrease of 0.2 ml. (-8%) for placebo, with a median between treatment group difference of -0.03 ml. (1%, 90% confidence interval -10.4 to 13.1, p = 0.915). There were significant but small decreases in prostate volume (-2.6%) and serum PSA (-0.2 ng./ml.) in the finasteride group, which reversed on discontinuation of the drug. Treatment with 1 mg. finasteride daily for 48 weeks did not affect spermatogenesis or semen production in young men. The effects of 1 mg. finasteride daily on prostate volume and serum PSA in young men without benign prostatic hyperplasia were small and reversible on discontinuation of the drug.

P-138. Semen sample collection in medium enhances significantly the pregnancy rate following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in patients with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia

P-138. Semen sample collection in medium enhances significantly the pregnancy rate following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in patients with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia

Prevalence of Y chromosome microdeletions in oligospermic and azoospermic candidates for intracytoplasmic sperm injection

Objective: To determine the prevalence and type of Y chromosome microdeletions in 136 consecutively seen intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) candidates and in 50 consecutively seen azoospermic men attending an infertility clinic. Design: Controlled clinical study. Setting: Genetics laboratory and infertility clinic at a University hospital. Patient(s): One hundred eighty-six men who were seen at an infertility clinic and who were referred to a genetics counseling service for genetic assessment before ICSI. Intervention(s): Collection of semen and blood samples. Main Outcome Measure(s): Semen analysis; serum FSH, LH, and T levels; karyotype analysis; and presence or absence of several single tagged site markers along the Y chromosome (sY274, sY238, sY276, sY84, sY102, sY143, sY153, sY254, sY269, sY202, sY158, sY160). Result(s): Yq chromosome microdeletions were detected in 10 (5.4%) of 186 consecutively seen ICSI candidates. The number of microdeletions was much higher in azoospermic patients (16%; 8 of 50) than in oligospermic patients (1.5%; 2 of 136). Two of the azoospermic patients with a Yq microdeletion also had sex chromosome aneuploidy mosaicism. No microdeletions were detected in 100 consecutively seen fathers who were included as controls. Conclusion(s): The prevalence of Yq microdeletions in the azoospermic group was much higher than in the oligospermic group and was consistent with the prevalence of Yq microdeletions detected in other series of azoospermic men in different geographic areas. All Yq microdeletions found in our patients belong to the AZFc region, indicating that microdeletions of the AZFa and AZFb regions are infrequent among oligospermic ICSI candidates or azoospermic males in our population.

Use of electroejaculation to collect semen samples from wild seals

Use of electroejaculation to collect semen samples from wild seals