Decreased Sperm Concentration Research Articles

A ripple effect? The impact of obesity on sperm quality and function.

Infertility affects approximately 15% of couples trying to conceive. Male-related causes account for roughly 50% of cases, with obesity emerging as a possible significant factor. Obesity, defined as a body mass index of 30.0 or higher, has become a widespread epidemic associated with numerous health issues, including a decrease of fertility. This review discusses the relationship between obesity and male infertility, particularly focusing on sperm quality and function. An overview of the literature suggests that obesity may influence the male reproductive system via disruptions in hormonal profiles, oxidative stress, and inflammation, leading to changes in sperm parameters. Several studies have discussed if obesity causes a decrease in sperm concentration, motility, and normal morphology, so far without a consensus being reached. However, available evidence suggests an impairment of sperm function in obese men, due to an increase in DNA damage and oxidative stress, impaired mitochondrial function and acrosome reaction in response to progesterone. Finally, the relationship between obesity and assisted reproductive technologies outcomes remains debatable, with conflicting evidence regarding the influence on fertilisation, pregnancy, and live birth rates. Therefore, the actual impact of obesity on human spermatozoa still needs to be clarified, due to the multiple factors potentially in play.

Effect of COVID-19 infection on Semen Parameters

Objective To investigate the possible effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection on semen parameters in recovering men. Patients and methods In this prospective study, we investigated the impact of COVID-19 infection on semen parameters in a cohort of 44 reproductive-aged men who had recently recovered from COVID-19. Two sperm samples were collected from these participants at 3 and 6 months after infection and were compared with the patients’ pre-COVID-19 semen parameters. Results The mean age of the participants was 35±5 years. The mean duration of fever was 3 days. Most of our studied patients 32 (73%) were not hospitalized, and none were admitted to an intensive care unit. Thirty-two cases (73%) had a normal baseline semen analysis. There was no statistically significant change in semen volume after 3 or 6 months or between 3 and 6 months. Meanwhile, the sperm concentration, total sperm count, progressive sperm motility, and normal morphology significantly declined after 3 and 6 months compared with baseline. These parameters partially recovered after 6 months, compared with 3 months. In contrast to patients with normal baseline semen analysis, patients with abnormal baseline semen analysis had a significant increase in semen volume, a decrease in sperm concentration, and progressive motility at 3 and 6 months. Patients who had high-grade fever had a statistically significant change in total count at 3 and 6 months and normal morphology at 3 months compared with patients with low-grade fever. Conclusion This study demonstrated that most semen parameters were negatively impacted after COVID-19 infection. The changes were partially reversible 6 months after the infection.

Multigenerational paternal obesity enhances the susceptibility to male subfertility in offspring via Wt1 N6-methyladenosine modification

There is strong evidence that obesity is a risk factor for poor semen quality. However, the effects of multigenerational paternal obesity on the susceptibility to cadmium (a reproductive toxicant)-induced spermatogenesis disorders in offspring remain unknown. Here, we show that, in mice, spermatogenesis and retinoic acid levels become progressively lower as the number of generations exposed to a high-fat diet increase. Furthermore, exposing several generations of mice to a high fat diet results in a decrease in the expression of Wt1, a transcription factor upstream of the enzymes that synthesize retinoic acid. These effects can be rescued by injecting adeno-associated virus 9-Wt1 into the mouse testes of the offspring. Additionally, multigenerational paternal high-fat diet progressively increases METTL3 and Wt1 N6-methyladenosine levels in the testes of offspring mice. Mechanistically, treating the fathers with STM2457, a METTL3 inhibitor, restores obesity-reduced sperm count, and decreases Wt1 N6-methyladenosine level in the mouse testes of the offspring. A case-controlled study shows that human donors who are overweight or obese exhibit elevated N6-methyladenosine levels in sperm and decreased sperm concentration. Collectively, these results indicate that multigenerational paternal obesity enhances the susceptibility of the offspring to spermatogenesis disorders by increasing METTL3-mediated Wt1 N6-methyladenosine modification.

(122) Preservation of Sexual Function: 12-month Outcomes from a Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham Controlled Study Evaluating the Optilume BPH System, a Novel Drug Coated Balloon

Abstract Introduction Many front-line treatments for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), such as medications and transurethral resection of the prostate, have well established negative effects on sexual function. New minimally invasive surgical therapy (MIST) for LUTS/BPH need to preserve sexual function to meet the needs of men. Data from the randomized controlled blinded study of the Optilume BPH System was analyzed to evaluate the sexual side effects of this novel treatment. Objective The PINNACLE study is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, sham controlled study evaluating the Optilume BPH System. Optilume BPH is a novel MIST that combines mechanical dilation with delivery of paclitaxel for treatment of LUTS/BPH. The mechanical dilation with Optilume BPH achieves an anterior commissurotomy, while delivery of paclitaxel is intended to maintain luminal patency during healing, while preserving sexual function. Methods 148 subjects with symptomatic LUTS/BPH and a prostate size between 20-80 grams were randomized in a 2:1 fashion (Optilume to Sham) at 18 centers in the US and Canada. Follow-up is complete through 12-months. To evaluate the effect of the treatment on sexual function, the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and Male Sexual Health Questionnaire to assess Ejaculatory Dysfunction (MSHQ-EjD) questionnaires were used. Questionnaires were administered at baseline and 3, 6, and 12-months post procedure, regardless of sexual activity at baseline. A sub-set of 15 non-randomized subjects treated with Optilume BPH underwent further testing for semen quality and measurement of the amount of paclitaxel found in semen post-treatment. Results The average IIEF-EF score at baseline was 15-16 for both arms, mild to moderate erectile dysfunction (Figure 1). Scores across all domains improved slightly from baseline through 12 months, indicating that treatment with the Optilume BPH device had no significant impact on perceived sexual function. This finding is consistent when looking at men who were sexually active at baseline (Figure 2). Ejaculatory function also showed slight improvement from baseline to 12 months in both the overall population and the subset of men who were sexually active at baseline (Figure 1, Figure 2). There is no appreciable change in ejaculation bother from baseline to 12-months in the overall population and the sexually active subset (Figure 1, Figure 2). Overall semen quality parameters did not change post-procedure (Table 1). A slight decrease in sperm concentration was noted post-treatment, although this decrease was not significant at the 3- and 6-month timepoints. Paclitaxel was detected in semen in the majority of subjects tested at 30 days and 3 months post-procedure. The paclitaxel concentration in semen steadily decreased over time, nearing the limit of quantitation of the method by 6 months post-procedure. Conclusions Treatment with Optilume BPH preserved erectile and ejaculatory function. IIEF and MSHQ-EjD scores were not different from control at any time point. New MISTs for LUTS/BPH need to preserve sexual function to meet the needs of men and Optilume appears to meet this objective. Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Urotronic. Clarification: Industry initiated, executed and funded study. Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Urotronic.

Association analysis between mixed exposure to phenols and semen quality

Phenols such as bisphenols, parabens, and triclosan are common environmental endocrine disruptors. Previous epidemiological studies have suggested that phenols may affect semen quality, but the results were inconsistent. In addition, most existing studies have been limited to the effects of a single chemical compound, ignoring the health effects of mixed exposure to multiple chemicals. Thus, we aimed to explore the associations between individual and mixed exposure to phenols and various semen quality parameters. In this study, a rapid and sensitive method was used to determine 18 phenolic compounds in urine samples of 799 volunteers who donated sperm samples to the Shanghai Human Sperm Bank. A spot urine sample was collected from each subject on the day of their clinic visit and stored at -20 ℃ until testing. Urine samples (200 μL) were extracted and added with 20 μL of an internal standard and 50 μL of β-glucuronidase solution. The mixtures were then incubated for 12 h at 37 ℃. After hydrolysis, the samples were extracted twice using ethyl acetate (500 μL). The concentrations of the 18 phenolic compounds were measured using high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Semen quality parameters were analyzed using a computer-aided semen analyzer. Multiple linear regressions were used to detect the associations between individual phenol exposure and semen quality parameters. In addition, weighted quantile sum (WQS) models were used to explore the associations between mixed-phenol exposure and semen quality parameters. After adjusting for potential covariates, the results of multiple linear regressions showed that exposure to ethyl paraben (EtP) was significantly negatively associated with sperm concentration and total sperm count (P<0.05). In addition, exposure to mixed phenols was significantly associated with decreased sperm concentration; methyl paraben (MeP) and EtP were identified as the main contributors to this decrease. Thus, phenol exposure may be associated with decreased semen quality in young males, particularly with respect to sperm concentration and total sperm count.

Cuproptosis mediates copper-induced testicular spermatogenic cell death.

Cuproptosis, a novel mechanism of programmed cell death, has not been fully explored in the context of spermatogenic cells. This study investigated the potential involvement of cuproptosis in spermatogenic cell death using a mouse model of copper overload. Sixty male Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were randomly divided into four groups that received daily oral gavage with sodium chloride (control) or copper sulfate (CuSO4) at 50 mg kg-1, 100 mg kg-1, or 200 mg kg-1, for 42 consecutive days. Mice subjected to copper overload exhibited a disruption in copper homeostasis. Additionally, significant upregulated expression of key cuproptosis factors was accompanied by a significant rise in the rates of testicular tissue cell apoptosis. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the presence of ferredoxin 1 (Fdx1) in Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and spermatogenic cells at various stages of testicular development, and the Fdx1-positive staining area was significantly increased in copper-overloaded mice. Mitochondrial dysfunction and decreased adenosine triphosphate levels were also observed, further implicating mitochondrial damage under cuproptosis. Further analyses revealed pathological lesions and blood-testis barrier destruction in the testicular tissue, accompanied by decreased sperm concentration and motility, in copper-overloaded mice. In summary, our results indicate that copper-overloaded mice exhibit copper homeostasis disorder in the testicular tissue and that cuproptosis participates in spermatogenic cell death. These findings provide novel insights into the pathogenic mechanisms underlying spermatogenic cell death and provide initial experimental evidence for the occurrence of cuproptosis in the testis.

Does COVID-19 affect sperm quality in males? the answer may be yes, but only temporarily

BackgroundThe Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has raised concerns regarding its potential impact on male reproductive health. However, the impact of COVID-19 on sperm quality remains uncertain. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the short-term and relatively long-term effects of COVID-19 infection on sperm quality.MethodsA total of 85 males with fertility requirements, who underwent semen evaluation at Guilin People’s Hospital between June 2022 and July 2023, were included in the study. Changes in semen parameters were analyzed across three specific timeframes: within 6 months before COVID-19 infection, within 3 months after COVID-19 infection, and 3–6 months after COVID-19 recovery.ResultsThe results revealed that the sperm concentration and total sperm number were significantly lower after infection compared to before, while in the recovery period, the sperm concentration, total sperm count, progressive motility, and normal morphology significantly increased. Comparing the three periods, the most significant difference was observed in sperm concentration, which exhibited a significant decrease after infection but returned to normal levels after recovery from COVID-19.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that COVID-19 may exert some impact on sperm quality, particularly evidenced by decreased sperm concentration post-infection. Fortunately, these effects on semen parameters appear to be temporary, with gradual restoration of semen parameters within 3–6 months after recovery. However, further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and long-term implications of these observed changes in semen parameters.

Temporal Trends in Semen Quality, Hormone Levels, and Substance Use Among Infertile Men in Pre- and Post-Cannabis Legalization Eras in Canada.

Background: The Cannabis Act (Bill C-45) was enacted in 2018, to legalize and regulate the use, production, and sale of nonmedical cannabis in Canada. While public health and safety implications of cannabis legalization have yet to be elucidated, the wide availability of cannabis necessitates health care providers to be knowledgeable about therapeutic potential and side effects of use. This study aimed to examine the temporal trends over two decades and the impact of the Cannabis Act in Canada, implemented in October 2018, on substance use, semen parameters, and testosterone levels of infertile men. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study from a prospectively maintained database of a single infertility clinic. Demographic, fertility, and substance use history were correlated with semen and hormone assessments. Temporal trends in cannabis use and semen quality between 2001 and 2021 were investigated and compared between pre-cannabis legalization eras (PRCL) and post-cannabis legalization eras (POCL). Results: Our cohort included 11,630 patients (9411 PRCL and 2230 POCL). Cannabis use increased by 8.4% per year (p<0.001), while alcohol and tobacco consumption declined (0.8% and 1.5% per year, p<0.05 and p=0.004, respectively). Similar trends were noticed in the POCL, with higher rates of cannabis use (22.4% vs. 12.9%, p<0.001) and decreased tobacco and alcohol intake (15.2% vs. 17.7%, p=0.005 and 50.5% vs. 55.2%, p<0.001, respectively) compared to the PRCL group. Semen concentration was lower in the POCL group (24.8±44.8 vs. 28.7±48.3 million/mL, p=0.03). Testosterone did not differ between the cohorts. Comparison between cannabis users (n=1715) and nonusers (n=9924) demonstrated a slight increase in sperm motility (25.9%±15.3% vs. 23.9%±15.0%, p=0.002) and decreased sperm concentration among users (27.6±53.5 vs. 23.9±15.0 million/mL, p=0.03). Conclusion: A nearly 10% rise in cannabis use in the POCL era was observed among men being investigated for infertility. Our data suggest cannabis use may be associated with an increase in testosterone, slightly improved sperm motility, and decreased sperm concentration.

Effect of Glass Wool and Sephadex Sperm Separation Techniques on Improving the Poor Quality Semen of Iraqi Buffalo Bulls

This study investigated the effect of glass wool and Sephadex separation techniques on improving the poor semen quality of buffalo bulls. Semen had divided into four groups. The first and second groups used good (G1, positive control) and poor-quality semen (G2, negative control). Glass wool (G3) and Sephadex (G4) techniques had used to separate the poor semen quality in the 3rd-4th groups, respectively. The sperm concentration and total abnormalities were lower in the G3 and G4 groups than in the G2 group. Motility increased in the G4 group compared to the G2 group. Live sperm, normal morphology, plasma membrane, and acrosome integrity were higher in groups G4 and G3 than in the G2 group. In conclusion, after separation, there was a decrease in sperm concentration compared to non-separation. This decrease had compensated by a proportionate increase in other semen characteristics, which may improve the conception rate via artificial insemination with filtered semen.

Toxic effects and potential mechanisms of zinc pyrithione (ZPT) exposure on sperm and testicular injury in zebrafish

Zinc pyrithione (ZPT) is widely recognized for its beneficial properties as an antifouling, antibacterial, and antifungal agent. Despite its positive industrial contributions, ZPT has been proven to exhibit toxicity towards various ecosystems, particularly affecting marine life. However, there is still a dearth of comprehensive research on ZPT toxicity and its toxicological mechanism in reproductive systems of aquatic organisms. In our study, we conducted a thorough analysis and unveiled a multitude of abnormalities in zebrafish sperm and testicular tissue caused by ZPT exposure, including a dose-dependent diminishing of testosterone levels, various sperm deformities, decreased sperm concentration and motility, and ROS-induced testicular tissue DNA damage. In addition, our study suggested that ZPT-induced testicular damage is associated with heightened oxidative stress, apoptosis, and possible hyperpolarization of the mitochondrial membrane. Through RNA-seq analysis, a total of 409 DEGs associated with ZPT-induced testicular injury were identified, and the hub gene was determined using a protein-protein interaction network (PPI). The genes and pathways uncovered in this study point to potential mechanisms of ZPT exposure on sperm and testicular injury in zebrafish.

Effects of exposure to PM2.5 during pregnancy on the multigenerational reproductive outcomes of male mouse offspring and the role of Sertoli cells.

There is a paucity of studies on the multigenerational reproductive toxicity of fine particle matter (PM2.5) exposure during pregnancy on male offspring and the underlying mechanisms. This study explored the effects of PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy on the spermatogenesis of three consecutive generations of male mouse offspring. We randomized pregnant C57BL/6 mice into the control group, the Quartz Fiber Membrane control group, and two experimental groups exposed to different concentrations of PM2.5 (4.8 and 43.2 mg/kg B.Wt.). Pregnant mice from experimental groups received intratracheal instillation of PM2.5 of different doses on a three-day basis until birth. F1 mature male offspring from PM2.5-exposed pregnant mice were mated with normal female C57BL/6 mice. Likewise, their F2 mature male followed the same to produce the F3 generation. The results showed that PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy led to decreased body and tail length, body weight, and survival rates, decreased sperm concentration and sperm motility, and increased sperm abnormality rates significantly in F1 male offspring. We barely observed significant impacts of PM2.5 on the birth number, survival rates, and index of testes in the F2 and F3 offspring. Further exploration showed that PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy caused the morphological abnormality of Sertoli cells, downregulated androgen receptor (AR) and connexin43, upregulated anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), cytokeratin-18 (CK-18), caspase-3, and cleaved caspase-3, decreased thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and testosterone (T), and increased triiodothyronine (T3) in F1 male mouse offspring. Overall, we hypothesize that PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy mainly negatively impacts spermatogenesis in the F1 offspring. The possible mechanism could be that PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy disrupts endocrine hormone release in the F1 generation, thereby influencing the maturation and proliferation of their Sertoli cells and hindering spermatogenesis. This study for the first time investigates the role of Sertoli cells in the reproductive toxicity of PM2.5 on offspring.

Sperm quality decline associated with gaseous pollutant exposure: Evidence from a large cohort multicenter study

BackgroundPoor sperm quality is a prevalent cause of male infertility, and the association between gaseous ambient air pollutants exposure and semen quality remains unclear. ObjectivesTo examine the relationship between gaseous air pollution exposure with semen quality in a large-scale and multi-center study. MethodsWe analyzed 78,952 samples corresponding to 33,234 study subjects from 2014 to 2020. The high-resolution grid pollution dataset was used to estimate personal exposures to CO, SO2, NO2 and O3 across entire stage of semen formation and three crucial stages. The linear mixed models were performed to evaluate the relationships. ResultsThe results showed that sperm count was inversely related to SO2 exposure (−0.0070, −0.0128 to −0.0011). Decreased sperm concentration was associated with SO2 (−0.0083, −0.0142 to −0.0024), NO2 (−0.0162, −0.0320 to −0.0005) and O3 (−0.0306, −0.0480 to −0.0133) during 0–90 lag days, respectively. Additionally, we observed significant decline of PR and total motility with SO2 exposure. Similar trends were observed for SO2 and CO exposure during 3 key periods. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that exposure to gaseous air pollutants may have negative impacts on sperm quality. These findings highlight the importance that critical periods of sperm development should be considered when implementing protective measures.

Genital stones: Radiological, histopathological, ultrastructural, and molecular analysis in rooster

Epididymal lithiasis, characterized by the formation of stones in the epididymis, has been associated with a decline in fertility in roosters. This study aimed to investigate the reproductive performance, ultrastructural characteristics, and expression of aromatase cytochrome P450 (CYP19) and aquaporin 9 (AQP9) in aged broiler breeder roosters affected by epididymal lithiasis. X-ray analysis confirmed the presence of genital stones in both the epididymis and testicular tissue regions. While there was a significant decrease in sperm concentration in the affected roosters compared to non-affected roosters, no significant differences were observed in total and progressive sperm motility between the two groups. Furthermore, the affected roosters exhibited significant abnormalities in semen parameters, except for sperm concentration and morphology. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed the depletion and deciliation of ciliated cells in the distal efferent ductules of the epididymis in affected roosters. Additionally, the expression of CYP19 and AQP9 was found to be increased in the epididymal region of affected roosters. Notably, we report the presence of testicular stones for the first time in this study, in addition to epididymal stones. Considering the male reproductive tract lesions observed, we propose the term “genital stones” to describe these conditions. Moreover, our findings suggest that the overexpression of AQP9, which is associated with a high copy number of the CYP19 gene in the epididymal region of affected aged roosters, may contribute to the formation of genital stones by promoting increased reabsorption of fluids in the epididymis. The condensation of epididymal duct contents and reduction in the population of ciliated cells further impairs semen movement and can lead to the blockage of extra-testicular ducts, resulting in the low fertility syndrome observed in aged roosters.

Protective Effect of Ellagic Acid on Epididymal Sperms Quality and DNA Deformity in Mature Rats Exposed to Cadmium Chloride

This study was designed to investigate the protective effect of Ellagic Acid on Epididymal Sperms Quality and DNA Deformity in mature rats exposed to Cadmium Chloride. The experiment includes a total number of Sixty (60) male Albino Wistar rats weighting (180-220 g) were used in this experiment. Their ages ranged between (10-14) weeks. Rats were divided into four equal groups which administrated orally and daily for six weeks as follows: 100mg EA Kg B.wt, 5mg /Kg B.wt Cd, 100mg EA + 5mg Cd Kg B.wt, and tap water for group 1 (T1), group 2 (T2), group 3 (T3) and control group (C) respectively. The experiment was lasted for 6th weeks. Semen samples were collected after 2, 4 and 6 weeks for estimation sperms parameters. The results revealed a significant decrease of Sperm concentration and Sperms Motility in T2 as compared with control increase significantly of Sperm concentration and Sperms Motility in T1 and the results showed a significant increase of Sperms Abnormalities and Sperms Immotility in T2 with a significant decrease of Sperms Abnormalities and Sperms Immotility in T1 as compared with control. Depending on the current results and discussion, Conclusions are: Ellagic acid is an effective antioxidant against the toxic effect of Cadmium chloride on testicular function and Sperm Parameters.

Research in Brief.

The Janus kinase 1 inhibitor filgotinib had no measurable effect on semen parameters or sex hormones in men in the phase 2, double-blind, randomised MANTA and MANTA-RAy studies. Walter Reinisch and colleagues randomly assigned 248 men aged 21–65 years with active inflammatory bowel disease or inflammatory rheumatic diseases to receive filgotinib 200 mg once daily or placebo for 13 weeks. Eight (6·7%) of 120 patients receiving filgotinib had a 50% or greater decrease in sperm concentration from baseline to week 13 (the primary outcome) compared with ten (8·3%) of 120 receiving placebo (difference −1·7%; 95% CI −9·3 to 5·8). No clinically relevant changes in semen parameters or sex hormones were seen between treatment groups. Adverse events were similar to those reported in other trials of filgotinib.

The Effect of Statins on Male Reproductive Parameters: A Mechanism Involving Dysregulation of Gonadal Hormone Receptors and TRPV1.

Statins have been shown to cause diverse male reproductive function impairment, and in some cases, orchialgia. Therefore, the current study investigated the possible mechanisms through which statins may alter male reproductive parameters. Thirty adult male Wistar rats (200-250 g) were divided into three groups. The animals were orally administered rosuvastatin (50 mg/kg), simvastatin (50 mg/kg), or 0.5% carboxy methyl cellulose (control), for a 30-day period. Spermatozoa were retrieved from the caudal epididymis for sperm analysis. The testis was used for all biochemical assays and immunofluorescent localization of biomarkers of interest. Rosuvastatin-treated animals presented with a significant decrease in sperm concentration when compared to both the control and simvastatin groups (p < 0.005). While no significant difference was observed between the simvastatin and the control group. The Sertoli cells, Leydig cells and whole testicular tissue homogenate expressed transcripts of solute carrier organic anion transporters (SLCO1B1 and SLCO1B3). There was a significant decrease in the testicular protein expression of the luteinizing hormone receptor, follicle stimulating hormone receptor, and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 in the rosuvastatin and simvastatin-treated animals compared to the control. The expression of SLCO1B1, SLCO1B2, and SLCO1B3 in the different spermatogenic cells portray that un-bio transformed statin can be transported into the testicular microenvironment, which can subsequently alter the regulation of the gonadal hormone receptors, dysregulate pain-inflammatory biomarkers, and consequently impair sperm concentration.

Evaluation of semen quality in young men in Republic of North Macedonia

Research data show that in the last 50 years (1938-1991) there has been a trend of decreasing sperm concentration in the male population in Europe by 2.3% and in the USA by 0.8%. The reasons for such negative trend are not known, but it is assumed that lifestyle and environmental factors have an influence on genetic factors. Aim of this study was to evaluate sperm quality in young, healthy men in our country, and to compare sperm quality in our population with others in the world. Material and methods: Ejaculates from 203 healthy male subjects, aged 18-32, were stored in a thermostat at 36⁰C and analyzed manually on a native slide and hematoxylin-eosin-stained slides, under a phase contrast microscope. Sperm motility was assessed at two-time intervals, group A, 60 minutes after ejaculation and group B, 120 minutes after ejaculation, while sperm concentration and sperm morphology were assessed at one time interval. Results: Semen analysis showed an average volume of ejaculate 3.45 ± 1.5 ml, sperm concentration in 1 milliliter62.4 ± 39.2 x10(6) /ml, while total sperm concentration was 211.2 ± 173.2 x10(6). In group A, values for progressive spermatozoa were 48.6 ± 18.1 x10(6) /ml and in group B, values for progressive spermatozoa were 47.9 ± 17.3 x10(6) /ml. There was no statistically significant difference between the two time intervals (group A and group B) when interpreting sperm motility, p&gt;0.005. Analysis of morphology of spermatozoa showed a mean value of 6.9% for morphologically normal spermatozoa. Conclusion: The quality of ejaculate in young men in North Macedonia is in the range of reference values according to WHO, and also our results are similar to those from Germany, Turkey, Bulgaria, Faroe Islands.

A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Effect of Obesity on Sperm Quality in Infertile Couples

Background: The obesity pandemic is emerging which is clearly because of changes in caloric habits and lifestyles of people worldwide. A number of serious medical problems are associated with obesity. One of them is infertility. Objective: The main purpose of this research was to evaluate the relationship of body mass index (BMI) with standard semen parameters by measuring hip circumference and waist circumference. Study design: A cross-sectional study Place and Duration: This study was conducted at Abassi Shaheed Hospital Karachi hospital from November 2021 to November 2022. Methodology: All infertile couple who visited gynaecology outpatient department for infertility treatment interviewed and after taking relevant history of both partners total of 180 men were enrolled in this research . By using the standard methods, the weight and height of the patients was measured. Moreover, their WC (waist circumference) and hip circumference were also measured. After two to five days of abstinence from coitus, the patients were advised to give the semen in laboratory for semen analysis. First, the liquefaction was done. Later, the Makler counting chamber was used to analyze the semen. A number of semen parameters were noted by using the Worth Health Organization criteria Results: Most of the individuals were from the age group of 31 to 40 years. Most of the men (n=144) were having primary infertility, representing 80% of the total sample size. The waist-hip ratio was seen in the majority of the men. There was a negative link seen between semen parameters and WHR. The majority of the men were having a body mass index of 23 to 27 kg/m2, representing 51.5% of the total sample size. A total of 27 males were having mildly decrease sperm concentration, representing 15% of the sample size. On the other hand, a total of 35 men with mildly decrease sperm counts, represented 19.4 percent of the sample size. Conclusion: There is a negative relationship between semen parameters (total sperm count, total motility, sperm concentration, and total progressive motility) and WHR. Keywords: Semen analysis, obesity, waist-hip ratio, infertility

Identification of a Methylation Pattern in the SNRPN Gene Promoter and its Association with Semen Abnormality Among Iraqi Males

Infertility considered as a multifactorial condition; the small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptide N (SNRPN) gene is an imprinted gene. However, abnormal imprinting of this gene due to the methylation may result in abnormal function or silencing of the gene. Main aim of this study is to investigate the methylation present at the promoter of (SNRPN) gene and its role as a risk factor for male infertility. Sixty- three infertile males with age mean (32.28 ± 6.88 years) and 13 fertile males as a control age mean (34.07 ± 6.52 years) were investigated. Whole genomic DNA was extracted, DNA integrity was checked using β-globin gene as an internal control. The targeted region was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. In addition, the SNRPN gene's promoter methylation was qualitatively detected using Real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) utilizing two sets of primers: methylated and un-methylated. Results reveled that all of the 63 infertile males were experiencing decrease in sperm concentration 9.42 ± 8.70 million/ml, reduced progressive motility 2.89 ± 5.45% as well as strange sperm morphology 27.06 ± 16.50%, while the values in the control group are normal. The results of the current investigation showed that the promoter of SNRPN was hypermethylated in some samples 22.7%, somewhat methylated in others 20.4%, and unmethylated in other samples 56.8% from infertile samples, while none of the 13 control samples had any methylation. These findings suggest that SNRPN gene may be associated with the negative changes in semen parameters, which could lead to male infertility.

Reproductive status of male rat offspring following exposure to methamphetamine during intrauterine life: An experimental study.

Methamphetamine abuse during pregnancy is associated with maternal and fetal adverse outcomes. Methamphetamine induces reproductive damage in adults; however, its effect has not been studied during pregnancy. To investigate the effects of methamphetamine exposure during pregnancy on the reproductive system. 15 pregnant Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups (n = 5/group), they received daily intraperitoneal injections of saline or methamphetamine (5, and 10 mg/kg) from day 10 until the end of pregnancy. One adult male offspring was selected from each dam. Subjects were euthanized, and their testis was removed. Sperm samples from cauda epididymis were analyzed for sperm concentration, morphology, and motility. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling assay was used to detect apoptotic cells. Levels of B-cell lymphoma 2 protein (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2 associated X-protein were measured using Western blot. Methamphetamine significantly decreased sperm concentration (5 mg vs. saline: p = 0.001, 10 mg vs. saline: p 0.001), normal sperm morphology (saline vs. 10 mg: p = 0.001), and motility (p: saline vs. 5 mg = 0.004, 5 mg vs. 10 mg = 0.011, saline vs. 10 mg 0.001) in a dose-dependent manner. There was a significantly higher number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling -positive cells and higher exposure. Moreover, Bcl-2 associated X-protein was increased, and Bcl-2 was decreased in these rats. The present study shows that chronic methamphetamine exposure during intrauterine period can induce apoptosis of seminiferous tubules and decrease sperm quality in adult rats. Moreover, we showed that the intrinsic apoptotic pathway is involved in this process. Further studies are required to identify the complete molecular pathway of these results.