Development Of Male Infertility Research Articles

Coenzyme Q 10 in Infertile Men with Idiopathic Asthenozoospermia: A Single Blind Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Trial

Background: Many studies have focused on male infertility. There is limited evidence about the influence of nutrition on quality of semen. Accumulating evidence suggests that oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of male infertility and recently antioxidants have been tried to treat men with idiopathic infertility. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of coenzyme Q-10 treatment in improving sperm motility in men with idiopathic asthenozoospermia. Methods: This randomized controlled study conducted in the Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, from January 2021 to December 2021. Total 74 diagnosed cases of idiopathic asthenozoospermia were selected for medication was included in this study. Eligible man who gave their informed consent was allocated into either Group A (Coenzyme Q-10) or Group B (Placebo) on the basis of computer generated table. Group A received coenzyme Q-10 100 mg two times daily and Group B received placebo for same doses for 12 weeks. Then pretreatment and post treatment semen parameters, including sperm concentration, total motility, progressive motility and morphology was assessed. Results: Post treatment motility (37.8±11.1 vs 26.3±8.8%), progressive motility (30.0±7.9 vs 22.4±7.7) and total motile sperm count (33.5±24.4 vs 21.4±14.3 million) were significantly higher in coenzyme Q-10 group than placebo group (p<0.05). In coenzyme Q-10 group, motility (37.8±11.1 vs 25.2±8.1%), progressive motility (30.0±7.9 vs 22.5±7.0) and total motile sperm count (33.5±24.4 vs 20.0±13.6 million) were significantly increased in post treatment than pretreatment patients (p<0.05), but not found in placebo group. Improvement of sperm motility was significantly higher in coenzyme Q-10 group than placebo group (60.0% vs 5.6%). Conclusion: In conclusion, coenzyme Q10 administration, total motility, progressive motility and total motile sperm count were .....

Protective effects of melatonin against oxidative stress induced by metabolic disorders in the male reproductive system: a systematic review and meta-analysis of rodent models.

Male infertility is a multifaceted issue that has gained scientific interest due to its increasing rate. Studies have demonstrated that oxidative stress is involved in male infertility development. Furthermore, metabolic disorders, including obesity, diabetes, hypo- and hyperthyroidism, are risk factors for male infertility, and oxidative stress is believed to contribute to this association. Melatonin, functioning as an oxidative scavenger, may represent a promising therapeutic approach for the prevention and treatment of metabolic disorder-associated male infertility. We systematically searched three online databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) for studies that evaluated the effects of melatonin therapy on metabolic disorders-induce infertility in male rodents. The favorable outcomes were histopathological parameters of testicular tissue, reproductive hormones, and markers of oxidative stress. Then, meta-analyses were done for each outcome. The results are reported as standardized mean difference (Cohen's d) and 95% confidence interval. 24 studies with 31 outcomes were included. Rats and mice were the subjects. Studies have employed obesity, diabetes, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hyperlipidemia, and food deprivation as metabolic disorders. To induce these disorders, a high-fat diet, high-fructose diet, leptin, streptozotocin, alloxan, carbimazole, and levothyroxine were used. The outcomes included histopathologic characteristics (abnormal sperm morphology, apoptotic cells, apoptotic index, Johnsen's testicular biopsy score, seminiferous epithelial height, tubular basement membrane thickness, tubular diameter, sperm count, and motility), weight-related measurements (absolute epididymis, testis, and body weight, body weight gain, epididymal adipose tissue weight, and relative testis to body weight), hormonal characteristics (androgen receptor expression, serum FSH, LH, and testosterone level), markers of oxidative stress (tissue and serum GPx and MDA activity, tissue CAT, GSH, and SOD activity), and exploratory outcomes (serum HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and blood glucose level). The overall pooled effect sizes were statistically significant for all histopathological characteristics and some markers of oxidative stress. Melatonin can reduce damage to male rodents' gonadal tissue and improve sperm count, motility, and morphology in metabolic diseases. Future clinical studies and randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of melatonin for male infertility in patients with metabolic diseases.

Hesperidin Mitigates Cyclophosphamide-Induced Testicular Dysfunction via Altering the Hypothalamic Pituitary Gonadal Axis and Testicular Steroidogenesis, Inflammation, and Apoptosis in Male Rats.

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a cytotoxic, cell cycle, non-specific, and antiproliferative drug. This study aimed to address the toxic effects of CP on male fertility and the possible ameliorative role of hesperidin (HSP). Thirty-two adult albino rats were randomly divided into four groups, namely, the negative control, HSP, CP-treated, and CP+HSP-treated groups. The CP-treated rats showed a significant reduction in the levels of serum LH, FSH, testosterone, prolactin, testicular glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) with an elevation in levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), and p53, and iNOS immune expression, compared to the control group. A significant downregulation in hypothalamic KISS-1, KISS-1r, and GnRH, hypophyseal GnRHr, and testicular mRNA expression of steroidogenesis enzymes, PGC-1α, PPAR-1, IL10, and GLP-1, as well as a significant upregulation in testicular mRNA of P53 and IL1β mRNA expression, were detected in the CP-treated group in comparison to that in the control group. The administration of HSP in CP-treated rats significantly improved the levels of serum LH, FSH, testosterone, prolactin, testicular GPx, and TAC, with a reduction in levels of MDA, and p53, and iNOS immune expression compared to the CP-treated group. A significant upregulation in hypophyseal GnRHr, and testicular mRNA expression of CYP19A1 enzymes, PPAR-1, IL10, and GLP-1, as well as a significant downregulation in testicular mRNA of P53 and IL1β mRNA expression, were detected in the CP+HSP-treated group in comparison to that in the CP-treated group. In conclusion, HSP could be a potential auxiliary agent for protection from the development of male infertility.

Common genetic variation in KATNAL1 non-coding regions is involved in the susceptibility to severe phenotypes of male infertility.

BackgroundPrevious studies in animal models evidenced that genetic mutations of KATNAL1, resulting in dysfunction of its encoded protein, lead to male infertility through disruption of microtubule remodelling and premature germ cell exfoliation. Subsequent studies in humans also suggested a possible role of KATNAL1 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in the development of male infertility as a consequence of severe spermatogenic failure.ObjectivesThe main objective of the present study is to evaluate the effect of the common genetic variation of KATNAL1 in a large and phenotypically well‐characterised cohort of infertile men because of severe spermatogenic failure.Materials and methodsA total of 715 infertile men because of severe spermatogenic failure, including 210 severe oligospermia and 505 non‐obstructive azoospermia patients, as well as 1058 unaffected controls were genotyped for three KATNAL1 single‐nucleotide polymorphism taggers (rs2077011, rs7338931 and rs2149971). Case–control association analyses by logistic regression assuming different models and in silico functional characterisation of risk variants were conducted.ResultsGenetic associations were observed between the three analysed taggers and different severe spermatogenic failure groups. However, in all cases, the haplotype model (rs2077011*C | rs7338931*T | rs2149971*A) better explained the observed associations than the three risk alleles independently. This haplotype was associated with non‐obstructive azoospermia (adjusted p = 4.96E‐02, odds ratio = 2.97), Sertoli‐cell only syndrome (adjusted p = 2.83E‐02, odds ratio = 5.16) and testicular sperm extraction unsuccessful outcomes (adjusted p = 8.99E‐04, odds ratio = 6.13). The in silico analyses indicated that the effect on severe spermatogenic failure predisposition could be because of an alteration of the KATNAL1 splicing pattern.ConclusionsSpecific allelic combinations of KATNAL1 genetic polymorphisms may confer a risk of developing severe male infertility phenotypes by favouring the overrepresentation of a short non‐functional transcript isoform in the testis.

The impact of bacterial prostatitis and IL-17 in male infertility

A case-control study aimed to assess the role of IL-17 serum level and bacterial prostatitis in development of male infertility. 120 patients from January to June 2021 included 60 prostatitis infertile patients, 30 prostatitis patients and 30 infertile patients as well as 30 healthy fertile male subjects. Blood and semen sample were collected from all subjects. 3 ml of venous blood was put in gel tube to separate serum estimate the IL-17 level by ELISA. A loop full of semen was taken to isolate bacterial causes and the remaining semen was analyzed to detect semen liquefaction, volume, appearance and basic sperm parameters (density, motility, viability and morphology). The results showed a significant increase (P<0.05) in serum concentration of IL-17 in prostatitis infertile patients than prostatitis compared to infertile patients. According to a grade of the infertile male, the concentration of IL-17 increased with severity of disease and this is considered as a biomarker for progression. The results revealed that E.coli followed by S.aureus is the most common bacterial cause of prostatitis infection. The current study concluded that the infection with prostatitis disease affects the body's immune response represented by increased level of IL- 17 and correlated with infertility.

Association between the single nucleotide variants of the mitochondrial cytochrome B gene (MT-CYB) and the male infertility

BackgroundIdiopathic male infertility can be attributed to genetic predispositions that affect sperm performance and function. Genetic alterations in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been linked to certain types of male infertility and abnormal sperm function. Mutations in the mitochondrial cytochrome B (MT-CYB) gene might lead to some deficiencies in mitochondrial function. Thus, in the current study, we aimed to investigate the effect of mutations in the MT-CYB gene on sperm motility and male infertility.Methods and resultsSemen specimens were collected from 111 men where 67 men were subfertile and 44 were fertile. QIAamp DNA Mini Kit and REPLI-g Mitochondrial DNA Kit from QIAGEN were used to isolate and amplify the mitochondrial DNA. Followed by PCR and Sanger sequencing for the target sequence in the MT-CYP gene. Sequencing of the MT-CYB gene revealed a total of thirteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Eight SNPs were non-synonymous variant (missense variant) including: rs2853508, rs28357685, rs41518645, rs2853507, rs28357376, rs35070048, rs2853506, and rs28660155. While five SNPs were Synonymous variant: rs527236194, rs28357373, rs28357369, rs41504845, and rs2854124. Among these SNPs, three variants showed a significant difference in the frequency of the genotypes between subfertile and fertile groups: rs527236194 (T15784C) (P = 0.0005), rs28357373 (T15629C) (P = 0.0439), and rs41504845 (C15833T) (P = 0.0038). Moreover, two SNPs showed a significant association between allelic frequencies of rs527236194 (T15784C) (P = 0.0014) and rs41504845 (C15833T) (P = 0.0147) and male subfertility.ConclusionThe current study showed a significant association between the MT-CYB gene polymorphisms and the development of male infertility. In particular, rs527236194, rs28357373 and rs41504845 variants were found to be the most related to the subfertility group. Further studies on larger and other populations are required to reveal the exact role of this gene in the development of male infertility. In addition, functional studies will be helpful to elucidate the molecular impact of the MT-CYP polymorphisms on mitochondrial function.

Age features of morphological changes of the hematotesticular barrier in experimental diabetes mellitus.

Background. Diabetes mellitus is an acute medical and social problem in all parts of the world due to the constant increase in the incidence of the disease, severe complications, disability and high mortality. Hyperglycemia leads to oxidative stress and increased processes of formation of active oxygen species, which in turn make a significant contribution to the development of male infertility. Objective. Therefore, the aim of our study was to establish morphological changes in the vessels of the hemomicrocirculatory flow and testicular sustentocytes of adult rats with experimental streptozotocin diabetes mellitus (SDM). Methods. The material for the study were the testicles of 20 sexually mature 6-month-old rats (weighing 150-180 g). SDM in animals of the experimental group was simulated by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (dissolved in 0.1 M citrate buffer solution with a pH of 4.5) at a dose of 6 mg per 100 g of mass. An equivalent dose of 0.1 M citrate buffer was injected intraperitoneally to animals of the control group. Histological, electron microscopic, biochemical, morphometric and statistical research methods were used. Results. It was found that in the early stages of SDM (28th day) on the background of hyperglycemia in the hemomicrocirculatory flow of the testes there is a spasm of the vessels of the afferent link, which is confirmed by a decrease in the lumen of arterioles and an increase in their Wagenworth index. On the 70th day of SDM on the background of elevated levels of glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin in the links of the hemomicrocirculatory flow of the testis there are signs of diabetic microangiopathy, manifested by: hemorheological disorders in micro-hemo-vessels, (erythrocyte sludge, adhesion of erythrocytes and platelets, microclasmatosis), decrease in the capacity of arterioles and capillaries (increase in the Wagenworth index, respectively by 1.8 and 1.9 times), microclasmatosis, thickening and proliferation of the basement membrane of capillaries. Against the background of diabetic microangiopathy, there is a decrease in the number of sustentocytes by 0.01 mm2 of testicular parenchyma by 1.8 times, compared with control indicators, the area of their profile increases by 2.2 times (in all cases p<0.05). The nucleolar areas probably do not change, which leads to an increase in the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio by 2.9 times (p<0.05). Such morphometric changes of sustentocytes are caused by development of vacuolar hydropic dystrophies in them, and an apoptosis that is confirmed by data of histo-ultrastructural studies. Changes in sustentocytes against the background of the development of diabetic microangiopathy lead to a violation of the hematotesticular barrier and to dystrophic changes in the spermatogenic epithelium of the testis. Conclusion. Thus, on the 70th day of SDM in the hemomicrocirculatory flow of the testis, the development of diabetic microangiopathy is observed, which leads to a violation of the hematotesticular barrier, and as a consequence, to a violation of spermatogenesis.

MALE INFERTILITY ASSOCIATED WITH OBESITY

Obesity should be considered as a separate risk factor that contributes to the development of male infertility. Aim. To assess obesity impact level on semen disturbances. Methods. The study included 130 males with fertility disorders, who, depending on the level of body mass index (BMI), were divided into two groups. The first group included 67 men with a BMI of 22,7±2,9 kg/m². The second group included 63 men with 38,6±4,3 kg/m² (p <0.05). Results. The significant tendency to decrease in the levels of LH, FSH, testosterone and an increase in the level of estradiol in men with an increase in BMI compared to men with normal weight was established (p<0.05). In addition, obese men sperm motility was 8.2% worse (p<0.05). Conclusion. In men with obesity and fertility disorders, the concentration and number of motile forms of spermatozoa are significantly lower compared to men with a normal body mass index.

РОЛЬ УРОГЕНИТАЛЬНЫХ ИНФЕКЦИЙ В ПАТОГЕНЕЗЕ РАЗВИТИЯ МУЖСКОГО БЕСПЛОДИЯ

Вопрос бесплодия на сегодняшний день остается актуальным как в Казахстане, так и во всем мире. На основании данных Всемирной Организации Здравоохранения, ежегодно число бесплодных пар составляет 4-5% от всеобщей популяции. Причин бесплодия - множество. Но одним из острых и первоочередных причин данной патологии является мужское бесплодие, частота возникновения которого составляет 48,8% от общего количества случаев. [1] По данным мировых исследований, в процентном соотношении причины мужского бесплодия составляют: бесплодие неясного генеза - 31,2%, варикоцеле - 14,7%, эндокринные нарушения - 8,45%, инфекции урогенитального тракта - 8,3%, иммунологические факторы - 4,8%, опухоли яичек - 1,17%. [2] The issue of infertility today remains relevant both in Kazakhstan and around the world. The World Health Organization accounts for 4-5% of the general population annually. There are many reasons for infertility. One of the acute and primary causes of this pathology is male infertility, the incidence of which is 48.8% of the total number of cases. According to world studies, the percentage of the causes of male infertility are: infertility of unknown origin - 31.2%, varicocele - 14.7%, endocrine disorders - 8.45%, infections of the urogenital tract - 8.3%, immunological factors - 4 , 8%, testicular tumors - 1.17%. Goal. Establishing the role of individual infections and their association of the urogenital tract in the development of male infertility. Materials and methods. The study was carried out on the basis of the GKP on the REM "City polyclinic No. 26" in Almaty. A retrospective analysis of individual cards of 538 men from 21 to 45 years old who consulted urologists with complaints of urination, pain and discomfort in the anogenital region and above the bosom from January to December 2020 was carried out. The patients were divided into two groups: the first group - 258 men suffering from infertility, and who have other causes of infertility, the second - 280 men with normal fertility. Diagnostic methods were selected: bacterial culture of urine and scraping from the urethra, PCR of urogenital infections. Result: The total dissemination of the urethra in patients of the first group is 3 times higher than in men of the second group. However, we were interested not only in the general dissemination and types of pathogens, as according to the literature [1,2] the most aggressive chlamydia trachomatis and ureoplasm. In our frequency of occurrence of chlamydial infection in both groups was 153 (59.3%) and 23 (8%); mycoplasma - 148 (57.3%) and 45 (16%); ureaplasma - 137 (53.1%) and 63 (22.5%); Candida - 98 (37.9%) and 35 (12.5%); Trichomonas - 87 (33.7%) and 48 (17.1%); gardnerella - 94 (36.4%) and 56 (20%) people, respectively. Conclusions. Urogenital tract infections are the main reason people see a doctor. Infections are one of the factors in the development of infertility in men. For infection of the urogenital tract, PCR is the most sensitive and accurate compared to urine culture and urethral scrapings. The total dissemination of urogenital infection in the group of men with infertility is 46.3%, in comparison with the group of men with a normal norm in whom the percentage of STIs is 16%, indicates a direct effect of urogenital infection on the development of the male population. Along with the revealed, as the main factor of influence of the reproductive system, chlamydia trachomatis 59.3%, mycoplasma 57.3%, ureoplasm 53.1%, which moved to the second and third place in the development of infertility in the studied men. This factor and methods of treatment will be studied in studies.

Pathophysiological and age-specific mechanisms of morpho-functional changes in spermatozoa in infertility

The aim of the review is to analyze the causes and pathophysiological mechanisms of sperm alteration accompanying the development of male infertility, the sequence of the development of their dysfunctions in individuals of different ages. Male infertility is a worldwide problem; up to 20% of married couples are childless. In the Russian Federation, the problem is even more acute, which complicates the unfavorable demographic situation. Based on the generalization of the results of various screening studies, from 30 to 50% of men in the Russian Federation have impaired fertility. The review examines the main classifications and pathophysiological mechanisms of the development of male infertility. An extended assessment of changes in the morphology and functional properties of spermatozoa, relevant for the practice of in vitro fertilization, was carried out. The mechanisms of damage to spermatozoa and the sequence of development of degenerative changes in the cell are considered in detail. The mechanisms of sperm dysfunction development in men of different ages are compared. The conclusion is made about the need for further studies of the molecular mechanisms of fertility, deciphering the entire set of interactions between molecules and cells involved in the implementation of the reproduction function.

Субклиническое варикоцеле: критерии постановки диагноза, роль в развитии мужского бесплодия, современный подход к лечению

Субклиническое варикоцеле: критерии постановки диагноза, роль в развитии мужского бесплодия, современный подход к лечению

Dynamics of the functional activity changes in rats testicles under conditions of dosage spermatic cord stenosis

Infertility in marriage is an important medical, biological, social and demographic problem. Inguinal hernioplasty is objectively considered as a factor of male infertility in 9.8% of cases. Under these pathological conditions, the structural elements of the spermatic cord are compressed those appears the circulatory disturbances in testicle. Disorders of reproductive function often occur precisely because of hemodynamic disorders, which are considered one of the leading pathogenetic factors in the development of male infertility. Purpose — to establish peculiarities of testicles vessels and tissues remodeling under dosed spermatic cord stenosis conditions and during the reperfusion period. The experiments have been carried out on 78 non-linear white male rats, weighting 180–200 grams which were fed due to a standard diet of vivarium. All the animals were divided into four groups: one control group and three experimental ones. The control group included six intact animals. All the other comprised the experimental group which was divided into three series six animals per each depending on the terms of observation. The animals with the model of dosed stenosis of funiculus comprised first experimental group; the animals with the model of dosed stenosis and one-moment decompression, starting from the third day of the experiment comprised the second group; to the third group we referred the animals with the model of dosed stenosis of the funiculus which have undergone decompression with the correction of reperfusion changes due to the method proposed by us, starting from the third day. During the experiment it was established that after one-time decompression of the spermatic cord that was under the experimental stenosis conditions, apereas destructive changes in testicles parenchyma and decreases the functional activity of the organ. Despite that the compression factor has been removed and the blood flow in arteries and veins has been fully restored, there was no improvement in the hemodynamics of the testicle. The use of the dosage decompression method of the spermatic cord helps to improve the hemodynamic conditions of the organ during the reperfusion period. In this case, the detected changes of the testicle’s parenchyma and its intra-organ vessels were less pronounced than during stenosis of the spermatic cord and its one-time decompression. The functional activity of the testicles with use of the reperfusion changes correction, was slightly violated, the spermatogenesis index has been increased and the mature forms of spermatozoa were present in the seminiferous tubules. Thus, the usage of the proposed method of the spermatic cord decompression allows us to obtain positive dynamics in testicles blood vessels remodeling in reperfusion period.

The c.-190 C>A transversion in promoter region of protamine 1 gene as a genetic risk factor in Egyptian men with idiopathic infertility.

Protamines are considered the most important structure in the sperm nucleus, and they are proteins with a significantly large amount of amino acids carrying a positive charge, which allows the formation of the tight package of the genomic DNA in the spermatozoa. Many authors studied the abnormalities in the protamine 1 (PRM1) and/or protamine 2 (PRM2) genes and reported their possible association with male infertility. The chromosome 16 (16p13.2) carries these genes containing multiple undiscovered single nucleotide polymorphisms. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of c.-190 C>A transversions that occur in PRM1 with idiopathic infertility in a sample of Egyptian men. It was a case-control study, and blood samples were collected from sixty male patients complaining of idiopathic infertility and forty healthy fertile males. The c.-190 C>A transversion in promotor region protamine 1 gene (rs2301365) was assessed by 5' nuclease assay, using Rotor-Gene Q real-time PCR system. The results of the present study revealed that CA and AA genotypes in PRM1 gene were associated significantly with low sperm concentration and decreased sperm motility (p=0.001). Cases carrying A allele had a 6.05-fold increased risk for idiopathic infertility than cases carrying the C allele (OR: 6.05, 95% CI: 2.038-17.98 p statistically significant ≤0.05). Analysis of the results revealed that the c.-190 C>A transversion may be involved in the development of male infertility.

The Link between Oxidative Stress and Cancer: Prevention through Yoga

Sperm DNA damage induced by oxidative stress may lead to accumulation of mutations in sperm genome due to the presence of mutagenic oxidative adducts in DNA. This may contribute to the development of male infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, congenital malformations, neurodevelopmental disorders, and childhood cancers. This article highlights the impact of lifestyle habits of father preconceptionally, its lifelong impact on offspring’s health and impact of yoga-based lifestyle intervention on sperm genome and epigenome. Sperm is transcriptionally and translationally inert with a very basic repair mechanism and is thus unable to repair DNA damage and this may persist postfertilization and lead to accumulation of damaged DNA in each cell of zygote. This DNA damage with high levels of mutagenic oxidative base adducts may lead to accumulation of mutations in both sperm DNA (germline) and zygote (somatic). Majority of mutations arise during cell replication and as sperm has a limited capacity for DNA damage detection and repair, it is highly susceptible to accumulation of mutations. Paternal unhealthy lifestyle habits like smoking, alcohol, or tobacco consumption are positively associated with the risk of childhood cancers like nonfamilial sporadic heritable retinoblastoma. Lifestyle interventions like yoga improve sperm DNA integrity by reducing levels of oxidative DNA damage, optimizing oxidative stress, and by increasing the expression of genes responsible for DNA repair, cell-cycle control, and anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, social habits affect sperm DNA health and as such, it is recommended that simple lifestyle modifications (diet rich in fruits and vegetables, yoga, meditation) improve DNA health and may thereby decrease the incidence of childhood morbidity and cancer. Hence, biological parenting commences well before birth and even prior to conception, which highlights the need for fathers to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Современный взгляд на патогенез варикоцеле и проблему развития его рецидивов

The clinical signs of varicocele typically emerge during the puberty. Varicocele is found in 15% of men in the general population and 25-35% and 50-80% of males presenting with primary and secondary infertility, respectively. Factors contributing to the development and recurrence of varicocele include the abnormalities of the testicular venous drainage and outflow (varicose veins are more common on the left than on the right), the anatomical features of the veins of the testicular and prostatic venous plexus, the patients constitution, predisposition to constipation or diarrhea, physical activity. At present, the genetic defects, including the undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia (UCTD) with hereditary insufficiency of venous valves and the weakness of the testicular vein walls, are thought to play a key role in the formation of a varicocele. Considering the importance of varicocele in the development of male infertility, the role of the UCTD in varicocele formation warrants a detailed investigation to provide an individual approach to patients and predict the disease recurrence.

The kinetic properties of arginase in sperm cells of inferile men

Nowadays the role of NO in the development of male infertility is actively studied. Arginase (EC 3.5.3.1) is a manganese metalloenzyme which converts L-arginine to L-ornithine and urea and reciprocally regulates NO production. Although arginase activity has usually been detected in the reproductive tract, including spermatozoa, no data relating to the kinetic properties of the enzyme in ejaculated spermatozoa has been reported. This study was designed to study the kinetic parameters of arginase of spermatozoa of infertile men. Spermatozoa arginase activity was measured by determining levels of urea production. Kinetic analysis of the enzyme reaction was performed in a standard incubation system with modified physical and chemical characteristics or the respective components (the substrate concentration, Mn2+ concentration, incubation time and protein content). Pathobiochemical and kinetic properties of sperm arginase obtained from human normozoo- and pathospermic samples were compared. The maximum rate of L-arginine hydrolysis (detrermined by L-arginine) for arginase of spermatozoa obtained from men with preserved fertility was 2.0, 1.8 and 1.9 times greater than this value for oligo-, astheno- and oligoasthenozoospermic samples respectively. However, affinity constants for L-arginine was not significantly different between fertile and infertile men. The maximum rate of L-arginine hydrolysis (deretmined by Mn2+) for arginase of spermatozoa obtained from men with preserved fertility was 1.6, 1.7 and 1.7 times greater than this value for oligo-, astheno- and oligoasthenozoospermic samples respectively. However, affinity constants for Mn2+ were not significantly different between fertile and infertile men. In the whole range of time, the urea production by arginase in sperm cells obtained from oligozoospermic samples is much lower compared to value in healthy donors. The results of kinetic analysis indicate that urea production by arginase is much more intense in the control group than in patients with various forms of pathospermia. The initial (instantaneous) reaction rate of arginase reaction was lower for oligozoospermic samples compared to normozoospermic samples. It has been found that inhibition of arginase activity in sperm cells of infertile men occurs by non-competitive type and was related to marked decrease in maximum reaction rate while affinity of arginase to L-arginine and Mn2+ was unaffected.

Potential roles of the poly(A)-binding proteins in translational regulation during spermatogenesis.

Spermatogenesis is briefly defined as the production of mature spermatozoa from spermatogonial stem cells at the end of a strictly regulated process. It is well known that, to a large extent, transcriptional activity ceases at mid-spermiogenesis. Several mRNAs transcribed during early stages of spermatogenesis are stored as ribonucleoproteins (RNPs). During the later stages, translational control of these mRNAs is mainly carried out in a time dependent-manner by poly(A)-binding proteins (PABPs) in cooperation with other RNA-binding proteins and translation-related factors. Conserved PABPs specifically bind to poly(A) tails at the 3′ ends of mRNAs to regulate their translational activity in spermatogenic cells. Studies in this field have revealed that PABPs, particularly poly(A)-binding protein cytoplasmic 1 (Pabpc1), Pabpc2, and the embryonic poly(A)-binding protein (Epab), play roles in the translational regulation of mRNAs required at later stages of spermatogenesis. In this review article, we evaluated the spatial and temporal expression patterns and potential functions of these PABPs in spermatogenic cells during spermatogenesis. The probable relationship between alterations in PABP expression and the development of male infertility is also reviewed.

ВЛИЯНИЕ АНТИОКСИДАНТОВ НА ПАРАМЕТРЫ СПЕРМОГРАММЫ У ИНФЕРТИЛЬНЫХ МУЖЧИН

Background. The development of methods for diagnosis and treatment of male infertility is a topical issue nowadays.The aim of the study was to determine the spermogram index, the antioxidant capacity of spermoplasm and the concentration of zinc in the sperm of healthy fertile and infertile males as well as to evaluate the effects of drugs with antioxidant activity on the parameters of the spermogram in infertile men.Material and methods. A total of 144 males of reproductive age participated in the study: 45 fertile and 99 infertile ones. Collection and analysis of the ejaculate was carried out in accordance with WHO criteria (2010).Results. There were statistically significant differences in the parameters of the spermogram between fertile and infertile men (p˂0.05). In 48.5% of infertile patients the antioxidant activity of the spermoplasm was normal, and in 51.5% of males it was below 1.6 mmol/L. The concentration of zinc in men with infertility averaged 1.62 [1.07, 2.0]mmol/L. The use of the complex of antioxidants composed of L-carnitine, pentoxifylline, zinc sulfate, vitamin E, folic acid for a period of 3 months improved the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the ejaculate in infertile men (p˂0.05), as well as the overall antioxidant activity of the spermoplasm (1.88 [1.69, 2.03] mmol/L) and the concentration of zinc in the sperm (2.08 [1.51, 2.58] mmol/L).Conclusions. Reduction of the total antioxidant activity is a factor in the development of male infertility. Prescription of the complex of antioxidants improves the qualitative and quantitative indices of the spermogram.

Effect of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, Selenium, and Coenzyme Q10 in Infertile Men with Idiopathic Oligoasthenozoospermia

ABSTRACTIntroductionAccumulating evidence suggests that oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of male infertility and recently antioxidants have been tried to treat men with idiopathic infertility.ObjectiveTo assess the effect of treatment with vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, and coenzyme Q10 on seminal fluid parameters in infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenozoospermia.Materials and methodsA prospective randomized trial was conducted on 32 infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenozoospmia who received a daily supplement of one caplet containing vitamin C (90 mg/day), vitamin E (15 mg/day), coenzyme Q10 (4 mg/day), selenium (30 µg/day), and zinc (5 mg/day) for 3 months. Semen analysis was performed at baseline and 3 months after treatment using World Health Organization (WHO) 2010 guidelines.ResultsSignificant improvement in sperm concentration was observed after combination therapy (9.13 ± 4.29vs11.3 ± 6.05 × 106/mL, p < 0.05). Sperm progressive motility (18.1 ± 8.68vs24.6 ± 10.2%, p < 0.01) and total motility (28.4 ± 8.71vs34.4 ± 11.7%, p < 0.01) also increased significantly following treatment. No change, however, was observed in semen volume or the proportion of sperms with normal morphology.ConclusionThe combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, and coenzyme Q10 can significantly improve sperm concentration and motility in infertile men with idiopathic oligo­asthenozoospermia, which could be attributed to their synergistic antioxidant action.How to cite this articleAlahmar AT. Effect of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, Selenium, and Coenzyme Q10 in Infertile Men with Idiopathic Oligoasthenozoospermia. Int J Infertil Fetal Med 2017;8(2):45-49.

Protective effect of resveratrol on spermatozoa function in male infertility induced by excess weight and obesity.

Male infertility is a complex, multifactorial and polygenic disease that contributes to ~50% cases of infertility. Previous studies have demonstrated that excess weight and obesity factors serve an important role in the development of male infertility. An increasing number of studies have reported that resveratrol may regulate the response of cells to specific stimuli that induce cell injury, as well as decrease germ cell apoptosis in mice or rats. In the present study, the semen quality and serum sex hormone levels were evaluated in 324 men, which included 73 underweight, 82 normal weight, 95 overweight and 74 obese men. All patients were referred to The Reproductive Medicine Center of Shanxi Women and Infants Hospital (Taiyuan, China) between January 2013 and January 2015. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of resveratrol treatment on the motility, plasma zinc concentration and acrosin activity of sperm from obese males. The sperm concentration, normal sperm morphology, semen volumes, DNA fragmentation rates and testosterone levels in men from the overweight and obese groups were markedly decreased when compared with men in the normal weight group. In addition, the progressive motility, seminal plasma zinc concentration and spermatozoa acrosin activity were notably decreased in the obese group compared with the normal weight group. However, estradiol levels were significantly increased in the overweight, obese and underweight groups compared with the normal weight group. Notably, semen samples from obese males with astenospermia treated with 0–100 µmol/l resveratrol for 30 min demonstrated varying degrees of improvement in sperm motility. When these semen samples were treated with 30 µmol/l resveratrol, sperm motility improved when compared to other doses of resveratrol. Therefore, 30 µmol/l resveratrol was selected for further experiments. Upon treatment of semen samples with resveratrol (30 µmol/l) for 30 min, the seminal plasma zinc concentration and spermatozoa acrosin activity increased significantly in the experimental group compared with the control group. These data suggest that male obesity negatively impacts on male reproductive potential, not only through altering hormone levels, but also by directly altering sperm function. In addition, resveratrol may have a therapeutic and protective effect against obesity-induced abnormalities in semen.