Idiopathic Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia Research Articles

Metabolomics analysis of seminal plasma in patients with idiopathic Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia using high-resolution NMR spectroscopy.

Male infertility is a global health issue caused by a combination of different factors. Specialists generally rely on semen analysis to diagnose male infertility. However, it is known that diagnostic semen analysis fails to identify about 50% of male infertility disorders. Recently, metabolomics has been proven to be a powerful technique for the diagnosis of different diseases. To determine whether metabolites could be used as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of male factor infertility through comparing seminal plasma samples from infertile men with oligoasthenoteratozospermia (OAT) and samples from normozoospermic controls. This study utilized high-resolution 1 H NMR spectroscopy to reveal whether the metabolomic changes of seminal plasma obtained from 31 patients with oligoasthenoteratozospermia (OAT) are different from the ones obtained from 28 normozoospermic controls. Multivariate statistical analysis of NMR data concluded that the metabolomic profile of samples from patients with OAT exhibits statistically significant differences when compared to the controls. The differences were based on the metabolites lactate, citrate, lysine, arginine, valine, glutamine, creatinine, α-ketoglutaric acid, spermine, putrescine, and tyrosine. Except the tyrosine, levels of the above metabolites were significantly decreased in patients with OAT compared to the controls. The levels of citrate, choline, spermine, putrescine, α-ketoglutaric acid, valine, and tyrosine were significantly different (p<5×10-4 ) between two groups. On the other hand, levels of lactate, creatinine, lysine, arginine, and glutamine were also statistically significant (0.001<p<0.05). However, considering the p-values, the physiological relevance of these metabolites may be lower when compared to the others. A PLS-DA model built on the NMR data achieved 89.29% sensitivity and 93.55% specificity results in a leave-one-out cross-validation process. 1 H NMR spectroscopy-based metabolomic analysis could be used as a diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of oligoasthenoteratozospermia.

Современный подход к диагностике и лечению идиопатической олигоастенотератозооспермии

Современный подход к диагностике и лечению идиопатической олигоастенотератозооспермии

The impact of two doses of coenzyme Q10 on semen parameters and antioxidant status in men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia.

ObjectiveOxidative stress contributes to male infertility, and antioxidants have been recommended for treating idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT). There is, however, a lack of agreement on the type, dosing, and use of individual antioxidants or combinations thereof. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of two doses of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on semen parameters and antioxidant status in men with idiopathic OAT.MethodsIn this prospective study, patients with idiopathic OAT received 200 mg/day (n = 35) or 400 mg/day (n = 30) of CoQ10 orally for 3 months. All patients underwent semen analysis according to the fifth editions of the World Health Organization criteria. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT) activity, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured both before and after treatment.ResultsTreatment with CoQ10 (200 mg/day or 400 mg/day) resulted in a significant increase in sperm concentration from baseline (8.22 ± 6.88 to 12.53 ± 8.11 million/mL, p= 0.019; 7.58 ± 5.41 to 12.33 ± 6.1 million/mL, p= 0.002, respectively), progressive motility (16.54% ±9.26% to 22.58% ±10.15%, p=0.011; 14.22% ±12.85% to 26.1% ±14.52%, p= 0.001, respectively), and total motility (25.68% ± 6.41% to 29.96% ± 8.09%, p= 0.016; 23.46% ± 12.59% to 34.82% ± 14.17%, p= 0.001, respectively). CoQ10 therapy also increased TAC (p= 0.009, p= 0.001, respectively), SOD activity (p= 0.004, p= 0.001, respectively), and CAT activity (p= 0.039, p= 0.024, respectively). Furthermore, antioxidant measures correlated significantly with seminal fluid parameters (r = 0.36–0.76).ConclusionCoQ10 supplementation improved semen parameters and antioxidant status in men with idiopathic OAT, with a greater improvement shown in men who took 400 mg/day than in those who took 200 mg/day.

Inhibition of cryoglobulin synthesis as a method of positive influence on spermogram indices (clinical observations)

Cold-shock precipitating proteins – cryoglobulins damage various vessels and, depending on localization of damages, may lead to function disorder of various organs and body systems. Evidently, cryoglobulinemia may have a negative influence on reproductive system’s condition, thus, this process requires detailed study. Clinical examples, indicating connection between cryoglobulinemia and spermatogenesis impairment are presented in the article. The proof is improvement of spermogram due to inhibition of cryoglobulin synthesis by the method of intradermal immunization with inactivated autoleukocytes. Leukocytes are isolated by precipitation of a patient’s heparinized peripheral venous blood in thermostat at 370С for 90–140 minutes. After precipitation, blood plasma is aspirated, leukocytes are precipitated by centrifugation. Autoleukocytes are injected in the dose 0.1 ml into 8–12 points of the skin in the back. Spermogram indices considerably improve due to inhibition of cryoglobulin synthesis in patients with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. However, we have determined that in men with other forms of infertility, including severe ones, presence of increased level of cryoglobulins significantly deteriorates prognosis considering successful correction of spermatogenesis impairment. Their elimination, in most cases, has a positive influence on spermatogenesis and makes additional conditions for efficacy improvement in treatment of infertility. Examination for cryoglobulinemia should be included to methodical recommendations/instructions for examination of patients with impaired fertility, since reduction of cryoglobulin level by means of intradermal immunization with inactivated autoleukocytes has a positive influence on spermogram indices.

The effects of oral antioxidants on the semen of men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia.

It has been estimated that approximately 15% of reproductive-age couples suffer from infertility. Male factors contribute to almost half of infertility cases, and in many patients the underlying cause of oligoasthenoteratozoospermia is unknown. Accumulating evidence suggests that oxidative stress plays a role as a contributing factor to male infertility, and reactive oxygen species have been shown to impair sperm function and motility and to damage sperm membrane and DNA. Therefore, this review explored the evidence provided by studies published from 2002 to 2017 on the impact of oral antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, L-carnitine, coenzyme Q10, zinc, selenium, and pentoxifylline) on seminal fluid parameters in men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. Most of the studies were randomized controlled studies that investigated the effect of single or combined antioxidants and reported improvements in at least one semen parameter. The most noteworthy effect that was found was that the use of multiple antioxidants increased sperm motility and concentration. Nonetheless, there is a lack of agreement on the dose, the duration of treatment, and whether individual or combined oral antioxidants should be used. Therefore, the current review provides evidence supporting the use of oral antioxidants in the treatment of infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia.

MP60-05 MELATONIN HORMONE LEVEL IN SERUM AND SEMINAL PLASMA OF PATIENTS WITH IDIOPATHIC OLIGOASTHENOTERATOZOOSPERMIA

You have accessJournal of UrologyInfertility: Basic Research & Pathophysiology1 Apr 2018MP60-05 MELATONIN HORMONE LEVEL IN SERUM AND SEMINAL PLASMA OF PATIENTS WITH IDIOPATHIC OLIGOASTHENOTERATOZOOSPERMIA Hassan Ibrahim, Moustafa El Taieb, Hanan Fayed, and Nahed Fares Hassan IbrahimHassan Ibrahim More articles by this author , Moustafa El TaiebMoustafa El Taieb More articles by this author , Hanan FayedHanan Fayed More articles by this author , and Nahed FaresNahed Fares More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2018.02.1897AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Melatonin is a sleep inducing hormone and a hormone of darkness, secreted by the pineal gland. It has a role in idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (iOAT) male infertility by its potent antioxidant effect. We aim to estimate seminal plasma and serum melatonin levels in iOAT patients compared with normal fertile male patients and the effect of exposure to light at night on their semen parameters. METHODS A clinical cross- sectional case control study, in which semen and serum samples were collected from 50 infertile men ( 34 men exposed to light at night an 16 men not exposed) and 50 fertile ones. WHO, 2010 semen analysis was done. Serum and seminal plasma were assessed for melatonin level using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS There was significant decrease in seminal plasma and serum melatonin levels in iOAT patients (P=0.0004,P=0.01) respectively in comparative to control group (Table a). Statistically significant decrease was found in the serum and seminal plasma levels of melatonin hormone in exposed cases to light at night (night shift work) than non-exposed cases (P< 0.0001), (P= 0.02) respectively (Table b). There was also a negative significant correlation between semen parameters of iOAT patients (concentration, motility and abnormal forms) and exposure to light at night (p<0.0001), (p=0.04) and (p=0.04) respectively. CONCLUSIONS Darkening and sleep at night may improve semen parameters in iOAT patients via the antioxidant activity of melatonin hormone in the serum and seminal plasma as demonstrated by the negative effect of exposure to light at night on serum and seminal plasma level of melatonin and consequently on the semen parameters. © 2018FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 199Issue 4SApril 2018Page: e791 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2018MetricsAuthor Information Hassan Ibrahim More articles by this author Moustafa El Taieb More articles by this author Hanan Fayed More articles by this author Nahed Fares More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Disruption of Ssp411 causes impaired sperm head formation and male sterility in mice

BackgroundWe previously cloned the Ssp411 gene. We found that the Ssp411 protein is predominantly expressed in elongated spermatids in the rat testis in a stage-dependent manner. Although our findings strongly suggested that Ssp411 might play an important role in mammalian spermatogenesis, this hypothesis has not been studied. MethodsWe first used real-time PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry to confirm that the expression pattern of Ssp411 in several murine tissues is similar to its expression pattern in corresponding rat tissues. To better understand the roles of Ssp411 in male reproduction in vivo, we identified and characterized an Ssp411 expression-disrupted murine strain (Ssp411PB/PB) that was generated by piggyBac (PB) transposon insertion. We studied Ssp411-interacting proteins using proteome microarray, co-IP and GST pull-down assay. ResultsBoth Ssp411 mRNA and protein were detected exclusively in spermatids after step 9 during spermiogenesis in testis. Phenotypic analysis suggested that only Ssp411PB/PB males are sterile. These males have smaller testes, reduced sperm counts, decreased sperm motility and deformed spermatozoa. Microscopy analysis indicated that the manchette, a structurally reshaped sperm head, is aberrant in Ssp411PB/PB spermatids. The results of proteome microarray analysis and GST pull-down assays suggested that Ssp411 participates the ubiquitin-proteasome system by interacting with PSMC3. This has been reported to be manchette-associated and important for the head shaping of spermatids. ConclusionsOur study suggested that Ssp411 is required for spermiogenesis. It seems to play a role in sperm head shaping. The lack of Ssp411 causes sperm deformation and results in male infertility. General significanceSsp411PB/PB mouse strain is an animal model of idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (iOAT), and the gene may represent a therapeutic target for iOAT patients.

Antioxidant therapy in idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia.

Introduction:Idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (iOAT) is commonly encountered during the evaluation of men with infertility. Antioxidants have been utilized empirically in the treatment of iOAT based on their ability to reverse oxidative stress (OS)-induced sperm dysfunction often encountered in this patient population.Methods:A literature search was performed using MEDLINE/PubMed, focusing on publications of antioxidant therapies for iOAT. The main objective of our review article was to report the rationale and available evidence supporting the use of antioxidants.Results:Antioxidants such as glutathione, vitamins E and C, carnitines, coenzyme-Q10, N-acetylcysteine, selenium, zinc, folic acid, and lycopene have been shown to reduce OS-induced sperm damage. While rigorous scientific evidence in the form of double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials is limited, recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses have reported a beneficial effect of antioxidants on semen parameters and live birth rates.Conclusion:Additional randomized controlled studies are required to confirm the efficacy and safety of antioxidant supplementation in the medical treatment of idiopathic male infertility as well as the dosage required to improve semen parameters, fertilization rates, and pregnancy outcomes in iOAT.

Inhibition of cryoglobulin synthesis as a method of positive influence on spermogram indices (clinical observations).

IntroductionCold-shock precipitating proteins – cryoglobulins damage various vessels and, depending on the localization of damages, may lead to functional disorders of various organs and body systems. Evidently, cryoglobulinemia may have a negative influence on the reproductive system’s condition, thus, this process requires detailed study.Material and methodsClinical examples, indicating connection between cryoglobulinemia and spermatogenesis impairment are presented in the article. The proof is improvement of spermogram due to inhibition of cryoglobulin synthesis by the method of intradermal immunization with native autoleukocytes. Leukocytes are isolated by precipitation of a patient’s heparinized peripheral venous blood in thermostat at 37°С for 90–140 minutes. After precipitation, blood plasma is aspirated, leukocytes are precipitated by centrifugation. Autoleukocytes are injected in the dose 0.1 ml into 8–12 points of the skin in the back.ResultsIn the spermogram indices considerably improved due to the inhibition of cryoglobulin synthesis in patients with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. However, we have determined that in men with other forms of infertility, including severe ones, presence of an increased level of cryoglobulins significantly deteriorates prognosis considering successful correction of spermatogenesis impairment. Their elimination, in most cases, has a positive influence on spermatogenesis and makes additional conditions for efficacy improvement in the treatment of infertility.ConclusionsExamination for cryoglobulinemia should be included to methodical recommendations/instructions for examination of patients with impaired fertility, since the reduction of cryoglobulin level by means of intradermal immunization with autoleukocytes has a positive influence on spermogram indices.

Effect of modifiable lifestyle factors and antioxidant treatment on semen parameters of men with severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia.

Severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) refers to impaired count, motility and abnormal sperm morphology of infertile men associated with high chromosomal abnormalities. The objective of the present study was to define a management protocol for severe OAT cases and discover new routes to improve their basic semen parameters. We have applied a therapeutic treatment protocol in a cohort of 210 infertile men diagnosed with extreme severe idiopathic OAT. This therapeutic treatment based on modifying the lifestyle factors combined with antioxidant treatment for 6months in severe OAT to study its effect on basic semen parameter. Basic semen parameters were assessed before and after applying the therapeutic treatment strategy. Sperm concentration, percentage of total motility and progressive motility were significantly increased after applying the therapeutic treatment (p=.006, p=.001 and p=.001 respectively). On the other hand, abnormal sperm morphology was significantly reduced after therapy (p<.01). In conclusion, the present results suggested that antioxidative supplement in combination with modifying the lifestyle factors in a cumulative treatment period significantly improves the basic semen parameters.

Seminal anti-Müllerian hormone levels during recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone treatment in men with idiopathic infertility undergoing assisted reproduction cycles.

A prospective study was designed to investigate the effects of recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (rhFSH) on seminal anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (iOAT), researching possible relationships between the seminal AMH behavior and the response to the treatment. Thirty-nine men who were candidates for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) because of iOAT were enrolled. Patients were treated on alternately days with 150IU of rhFSH for at least 3months before assisted reproduction cycles. Main outcome measures were seminal AMH concentrations before and after rhFSH therapy. After treatment, 16 subjects (responders) showed an improvement in their sperm count compared to baseline (7.6±2.9 vs. 19.3±7.7, p<0.01) whereas 23 men (non-responders) experienced no sperm modifications. Baseline seminal AMH concentrations were significantly higher in responders than in non-responders (53.0±30.6 vs. 34.6±18.5, p<0.025). Following therapy, a greater increase in AMH levels was observed in responders compared to non-responders (Δ=24.8±36.4 vs. Δ=6.4±11.2, p<0.028). Seminal AMH levels significantly and positively correlated with sperm count (after rhFSH treatment rho=0.647, p<0.001). Our study suggests that rhFSH improves sperm count in a quota of iOAT men, and the subjects who respond to the treatment have higher baseline seminal AMH concentrations than the patients who are not responsive. Seminal AMH could be helpful to select those infertile men who may benefit from rhFSH treatment.

Efficacy of tamoxifen andl-carnitine on sperm ultrastructure and seminal oxidative stress in patients with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia

Idiopathic oligoathenoteratozoospermia (iOAT) is a common finding in the evaluation of male infertility. Oxidative stress (OS) may underlie its pathology. Tamoxifen and l-carnitine are used to treat idiopathic male infertility. The aim of this work was to detect the efficacy of tamoxifen and l-carnitine on sperm parameters, sperm ultrastructure and seminal OS in iOAT patients. Sixty patients were recruited for this study and divided into three groups; the 1st was treated with tamoxifen, 2nd with l-carnitine and 3rd with both drugs. Semen analysis, malondialdehye (MDA) level and transmission electron microscopy were performed before and after three months treatment. The first group showed significant improvement in MDA levels, sperm concentration, sperm morphology, ultrastructural head, acrosomal and mitochondrial anomalies (P < 0.01). Other parameters were not significantly improved. In the 2nd group, significant improvements in MDA, sperm motility, sperm morphology, ultrastructural mitochondrial and tail anomalies were detected (P < 0.01). No significant improvement in the other parameters. Third group showed improvement in MDA, all semen parameters and all ultrastructural anomalies (P < 0.01). In conclusion, tamoxifen and l-carnitine are effective in improving seminal OS, semen parameters and sperm ultrastructure. Combination of both drugs is superior to monotherapy.

Reduced Seminal Concentration of CD45pos Cells after Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Treatment in Selected Patients with Idiopathic Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia.

The present study evaluated the conventional sperm parameters and the seminal concentration of CD45pos cells (pan-leukocyte marker) of infertile patients with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT). The patients were arbitrarily divided into three groups treated with recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone FSH: α (Group A = 20 patients), recombinant FSH-β (Group B = 20 patients), and highly purified human FSH (Group C = 14 patients). All treated groups achieved a similar improvement of the main sperm parameters (density, progressive motility, and morphology), but only the increase in the percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology was significant compared to the baseline in all three examined groups. Moreover, all groups had a significant reduction of the seminal concentration of CD45pos cells and of the percentage of immature germ cells. Before and after the treatment, the concentration of CD45pos cells showed a positive linear correlation with the percentage of immature germ cells and a negative correlation with the percentage of spermatozoa with regular morphology. These results demonstrate that treatment with FSH is effective in patients with idiopathic OAT and that there are no significant differences between the different preparations. The novelty of this study is in the significant reduction of the concentration of CD45pos cells observed after the treatment.

Review of Clinical Trials on Effects of Oral Antioxidants on Basic Semen and Other Parameters in Idiopathic Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia

Infertility affects 50 to 80 million people worldwide. Male factor is a cause of infertility in almost half of cases, mainly due to oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT). With common diagnostic methods no cause can be found in approximately 30% of cases of male infertility due to OAT and these are considered idiopathic. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in male infertility and are proved to be higher in infertile men; antioxidants could oppose their effect. The aim of this paper was to review the literature on clinical trials in the period from year 2000 to year 2013 studying the effects of various types of antioxidant supplements on basic and other sperm parameters and pregnancy rates in subfertile males with idiopathic OAT. The majority of studies were randomized and placebo controlled and confirmed beneficial effect of antioxidants on at least one of the semen parameters; the biggest effect was determined on sperm motility. In many of these trials combinations of more antioxidants were assessed. The optimal dosages of one or more antioxidants were not defined. We concluded that antioxidants play an important role in protecting semen from ROS and can improve basic sperm parameters in case of idiopathic OAT.

Proteomic analysis of seminal plasma from infertile patients with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia due to oxidative stress and comparison with fertile volunteers

To compare the expression protein profile of seminal plasma from infertile men with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) due to oxidative stress with that of healthy, fertile men to determine the proteins indicative of infertility. Experimental study. University hospital and research institute. Semen samples from 11 healthy, fertile (according to the 1999 World Health Organization criteria) male volunteers and 11 infertile idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (iOAT) patients. None. Proteomic analysis performed by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry on a hybrid linear trap quadrupole Orbitrap Velos mass spectrometer, carbonylation assay to determine degree of oxidative stress, semiquantitative proteomic analysis, gene ontology, and pathway analysis. A total of 2,489 proteins were identified from seminal plasma, which represents the highest number of unique proteins identified to date. Twenty-four proteins were determined as ≥ 1.5-fold up-regulated in the infertile iOAT males as compared with the fertile controls; and 27 proteins from iOAT patients only were identified as common across all analyses. Only five of the proteins were shared between these two groups. A panel of 46 proteins were identified in patients with iOAT that are potential candidates in understanding the etiology of OAT due to oxidative stress.

Lower sperm DNA fragmentation after r-FSH administration in functional hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

An observational clinical and molecular study was designed to evaluate the effects of the administration of recombinant human FSH on sperm DNA fragmentation in men with a non-classical form of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. In the study were included 53 men with a non-classical form of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. In all patients, sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) in situ DNA nick end-labelling (TUNEL) assay, was evaluated before starting the treatment with 150 IU of recombinant human FSH, given three times a week for at least 3 months. Patients' semen analysis and DNA fragmentation index were re-evaluated after the 3-month treatment period. After recombinant human FSH therapy, we did not find any differences in terms of sperm count, motility and morphology. The average DNA fragmentation index was significantly reduced (21.15 vs 15.2, p<0.05), but we found a significant reduction in patients with high basal DFI values (>15 %), while no significant variation occurred in the patients with DFI values ≤ 15 %. Recombinant human FSH administration improves sperm DNA integrity in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia men with DNA fragmentation index value >15 % .

Effect of Coenzyme Q10 supplementation on antioxidant enzymes activity and oxidative stress of seminal plasma: a double-blind randomised clinical trial

Low seminal plasma concentrations of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) have been correlated with impaired sperm parameters, but the exact mechanism remains of dominating interest. This randomised, placebo-controlled study examined the effect of CoQ10 on catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and F2 -isoprostanes in seminal plasma in infertile men and their relation with CoQ10 concentration. Sixty infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) were randomised to receive 200 mg d(-1) of CoQ10 or placebo for 3 months. 47 persons of them completed the study. Semen analysis, anthropometric measurements, diet and physical activity assessment were performed for subjects before and after treatment. Independent and paired t-test, chi-square test and ancova were compared outcomes of supplementation between two groups. CoQ10 levels increased from 44.74 ± 36.47 to 68.17 ± 42.41 ng ml(-1) following supplementation in CoQ10 (P < 0.001). CoQ10 group had higher catalase and SOD activity than the placebo group. There was a significant positive correlation between CoQ10 concentration and normal sperm morphology (P = 0.037), catalase (P = 0.041) and SOD (P < 0.001). Significant difference was shown between the mean of changes in seminal plasma 8-isoprostane in two groups (P = 0.003) after supplementation. Three-month supplementation with CoQ10 in OAT infertile men can attenuate oxidative stress in seminal plasma and improve semen parameters and antioxidant enzymes activity.

Recombinant Human FSH Reduces Sperm DNA Fragmentation in Men With Idiopathic Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia

A prospective randomized controlled study was designed to evaluate the effects of recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (rFSH) treatment on sperm DNA fragmentation in men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (iOAT). One hundred twenty-nine men with sperm count less than 10 × 10(6) spermatozoa/mL and forward motility <25% were included; normal serum levels of FSH, luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone, and no other causes of infertility were enrolled. The patients were randomized into 2 groups: 65 men were treated on alternate days for 90 days with injections of 150 IU rFSH, and 64 subjects received nonantioxidant vitamin supplements. Main outcome measures were serum levels of FSH, LH, testosterone, and inhibin B and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) at baseline and after 90 days. No significant differences were observed between the 2 groups with regard to sperm parameters and hormone values. The DFI was similar between the 2 groups at the time of the enrollment but reduced significantly (P < .05) after rFSH therapy in study group, whereas no significant variation occurred in the control group. In the subgroup of patients with high basal DFI values (>15%), rFSH treatment significantly increased DFI (P < .01), whereas no significant variation occurred after 90 days of vitamin supplements. We conclude that rFSH administration improves sperm DNA integrity in iOAT men with increased DFI values. The degree of sperm DFI might be useful to identify those iOAT patients in which rFSH treatment can be advantageous.

Effects of the Reduced Form of Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinol) on Semen Parameters in Men with Idiopathic Infertility: a Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled, Randomized Study

We investigated the effects of the administration of ubiquinol (a reduced form of coenzyme Q(10)) on semen parameters and seminal plasma antioxidant capacity in infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. A total of 228 men with unexplained infertility were randomly assigned 1:1 into 2 groups. Group 1 (114) received 200 mg ubiquinol daily by mouth for 26 weeks and group 2 (114) received a similar regimen of placebo. After completion of the 26-week treatment phase, all participants were followed for another 12-week off-drug period. Primary outcomes were improvement in sperm density, sperm motility and sperm strict morphology. At the end of the 26-week treatment period mean ± SD sperm density in the ubiquinol and placebo groups was 28.7 ± 4.6 × 10(6)/ml and 16.8 ± 4.4 × 10(6)/ml (p = 0.005), sperm motility was 35.8% ± 2.7% and 25.4% ± 2.1% (p = 0.008), and sperm strict morphology was 17.6% ± 4.4% and 14.8% ± 4.1% (p = 0.01) of normal sperm, respectively. During the treatment period serum follicle-stimulating hormone levels decreased significantly (p = 0.02) and serum inhibin B concentrations increased significantly (p = 0.01). During the off-drug period semen parameters gradually returned to baseline values but the differences were still significant for sperm density (p = 0.03) and sperm motility (p = 0.03). The correlation coefficients analysis revealed a positive association between the duration of treatment with ubiquinol and sperm density (r = 0.74, p = 0.017), sperm motility (r = 0.66, p = 0.024) and sperm morphology (r = 0.57, p = 0.027). Ubiquinol was significantly effective in men with unexplained oligoasthenoteratozoospermia for improving sperm density, sperm motility and sperm morphology.

The roles of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in idiopathic male infertility

The roles of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in idiopathic male infertility