Improve Semen Quality Research Articles

Kidney transplantation improve semen quality in patients with dialysis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Kidney transplantation has been considered as the most effective therapy for patients with end-stage renal disease. However, less attention was attached to infertility. The present meta-analysis was conducted to compare the semen quality between patients with dialysis and patients after kidney transplantation. An extensive search in MEDLINE, PubMed and Web of Science was conducted from inception to March 2021. The data extracted for meta-analysis included sample size and characteristics, main reported outcomes like semen quality and hormone levels. For the semen quality and hormone levels, the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidential interval (CI) were calculated to evaluate the effect size. Finally, 5 studies were included in meta-analysis. Kidney transplantation could improve the sperm density of patients undergoing dialysis (SMD 1.58 [0.02, 3.15]). Additionally, the sperm motility was also improved after the kidney transplantation (SMD 3.26 [0.73, 5.79]). The sperm density of kidney transplantation patients was lower than that in healthy subjects (SMD -0.75 [-1.42, -0.07]), same as the sperm motility (SMD -0.50 [-0.80, -0.20]). Our meta-analysis suggests kidney transplantation could improve semen quality of patients with ESRD, including sperm density and sperm motility. Of note, semen quality of renal transplantation recipient still is inferior to healthy subjects.

A systematic review on the effect of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) on improvement of biological and fertility indices of sperm in laboratory animals, poultry and humans.

There is an evidence that ginger enhance semen quality via improving different sperm parameters mainly count, viability, motility, morphology and DNA integrity. According to research results in various species, ginger seems to have strong antioxidant properties (due to the presence of active phenolic compounds) and androgenic activity. Ginger improves semen quality and increases fertility of sperm by disrupting the production of free radicals, dissolving oxidative chain reactions, reducing oxidative stress and altering the levels of gonadotropin hormones (LH, FSH) and sex hormones (such as testosterone). The antioxidant and androgenic properties of ginger give a sperm with normal morphological structure (head, middle and tail) and more integrated chromatin. The rate of DNA failure and damage to the mitochondrial genome in these cells is minimal and they have the most progressive motility, the highest viability and the best fertility. Therefore, the use of the ginger significantly improves the biological parameters of sperm (number, total motility, survival rate and normal morphology) and also increases all specialized fertility indicators of sperm. Tacking account of lacking literature and possibility of toxicity and adverse effect of ginger on vital organ, further clinical trial especially on evaluating the safety and clinical effect must be considered. Also, dose and duration of consumption by monitoring of health indicators and biochemical changes in all species such as human, animal and poultry must be applied.

Improvement in quality and storage ability of rabbit semen by using black or thyme seed as dietary supplementation.

The quality of incubated or chilled rabbit semen is quickly lowered with time due to high-rate production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Black seed (BS) and thyme (THY) are rich sources of natural antioxidants, which may be able to control ROS production and improve semen quality for use in artificial insemination. In this study, V-line rabbit bucks, seven months old, were fed diets supplemented with 50 or 100g of BS or THY for 60days. Semen was collected twice weekly. The quality of fresh sperm was measured, and diluted sperm was incubated for up to 12h. Chilled, diluted sperm, stored at 4℃ for up to 3days, was evaluated. The results indicated that BS and THY increased rabbit libido, decreased abnormal sperm and non-viable sperm percentages and significantly lowered total bacteria counts of diluted sperm. In conclusion, bucks fed a diet supplemented with BS or THY had enhanced semen quality and storage life, because of the antioxidant properties of BS and THY. The best incubation results were obtained with the THY100 treatment, whereas the best-chilled results were obtained with the BS100 group.

Molecular Identification and Antibacterial Activity Analysis of Blue Fox (Vulpes lagopus) β-Defensins 108 and 122.

Simple SummaryThe blue fox (Vulpes lagopus) is an important fur animal in China; its reproductive performance is directly related to the economic benefits of breeding. β-Defensins can protect the male reproductive system from bacterial invasion, maintain the stability of reproductive tract microenvironment and improve semen quality in mammals. Few studies have proposed to investigate the antibacterial effect of Vulpes lagopus beta-defensin (vBDs). In this study, we analyzed the antibacterial activity of recombinant vBD108 and vBD122 protein in vitro by an antibacterial activity analysis experiment. Our preliminary results demonstrate that the two vBDs have good antibacterial activity. The blue fox β-defensins may be used as an extender component of the semen diluent to protect semen from bacterial infection.The blue fox (Vulpes lagopus), a fur-bearing animal, is an important component of the breeding industry in China. Semen quality is a key factor for the reproductive process and the breeding effectiveness of the farmed blue fox. However, bacterial contamination in semen samples utilized in artificial fertilization is very common. The β-defensins, a class of important antimicrobial peptides in mammals, could protect the reproductive system of male animals from bacterial invasion, maintain the stability of the genital tract microenvironment and improve semen quality. In this study, molecular cloning and bioinformatics analysis were conducted to analyze the protein structure and function of blue fox β-defensin 108 (Vulpes lagopus beta-defensin 108, vBD108) and 122 (Vulpes lagopus beta-defensin 122, vBD122). To evaluate the bacteriostatic effect of recombinant vBDs (Vulpes lagopus beta-defensins) protein, varying concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100, 200 µg/mL) were taken to evaluate the effects on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus at different times (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 h). The results showed that vBD108 and vBD122 existed in different forms in protein structure and had antibacterial activity. Both proteins, at 50 µg/mL, had efficacious bacteriostatic activity. This study shows that recombinant vBD108 and vBD122 proteins have good antibacterial activity in vitro. This implies a potential role in improving semen quality and hygienic measures in the process of artificial insemination as an extender of semen dilution with antibacterial activity.

Effect of Using Biogen as a Feed Additive on Productive and Reproductive Performance of Rabbits

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of using biogen in V-line rabbit diets on its productive and reproductive performance. Twenty eight rabbits (16 does of 10 months' age averaged 3325 ± 122 g and 12 bucks of 11 months' age averaged 3440 ± 268 g live body weight were randomly assigned to four groups and fed ad libitum as follows: T1; Basal diet (Control), T2, T3 and T4: Basal diet plus 0.5, 0.75 and 1 g biogen/Kg diet, respectively. Results showed that doe's in T3 and T4 gave better results for number of services per conception, litter size at weaning, litter weight, bunny weight and daily gain at birth and weaning. Mortality rate generally decreased than the control (T1) and T2. Parturition interval non-significantly decreased, with the lowest period being recorded for T2. Total feed intake/parity showed significant (P<0.05) increase in biogen groups. Biogen in bucks' diets significantly (P<0.05) improved semen quality traits.Biogen significantly (P<0.05) increased hemoglobin, white blood cells, monocytes % and eosinophils % compared to the control. While red blood cells, hematocrit %, lymphocytes % and neutrophils were not significantly differed among groups. Biogen significantly (P<0.05) increased serum total protein, globulin and total cholesterol, whil significantly (P<0.05) reduced triglycerides, but non-significantly albumin and creatinine. Biogen (T3 and T4) improved the relative economic efficiency by 28.39 and 23.50%.In conclusion, 0.75 g biogen/Kg diet improved productive and reproductive performance of does and bucks and enhanced blood constituents as well as economic efficiency.

P0515 - SERPIN may have a potential as biomarker in reflecting the improvement of semen quality in infertile men who underwent varicocele repair

P0515 - SERPIN may have a potential as biomarker in reflecting the improvement of semen quality in infertile men who underwent varicocele repair

Vitamins as primary or adjunctive treatment in infertile men with varicocele: A systematic review

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the usage and the efficacy of vitamins as primary or adjuvant treatment in infertile men with varicocele. Methods A systematic search in PubMed, the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) and Cochrane Library with the terms (varicocele) AND (vitamins) was performed. We searched for studies: a) reporting the administration of vitamins (individually or as part of a complex) in men with varicocele and infertility, b) primarily or adjuvant to invasive treatment, and c) reporting the impact on semen parameters and/or pregnancy rates. Exclusion criteria were animal, adolescent and non-English studies, grey literature and trials reporting abstracts only. Results Seven studies were identified eligible for qualitative analysis. All studies were randomised except one (case series). Vitamins were administered dominantly as part of antioxidant complex and only two studies used vitamins (C and E, respectively) as sole agent. In two studies, vitamin monotherapy resulted in improvement in semen quality, but the effect on pregnancy rates is unknown. One study reported no efficacy of adjuvant multivitamin treatment after embolisation in terms of both semen quality and pregnancy rates. Finally, four studies reported a positive effect of vitamins on semen parameters after varicocelectomy, but the effect on pregnancy rates is conflicting; one study reported improved pregnancy rates with adjuvant treatment, two studies did not evaluate the pregnancy rates, and in one study the outcome was unclear due to missing data. Conclusions Vitamins have been used mostly as part of an antioxidant panel for the management of infertile men with varicocele. Most studies have found a positive impact on semen parameters in selected men with varicocele and infertility, as primary or adjuvant treatment. However, the clinical benefit of vitamins administration on pregnancy rate is under-evaluated and should be the target of future research.

Coenzyme Q10, oxidative stress markers, and sperm DNA damage in men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratospermia.

ObjectiveOxidative stress (OS) plays a key role in the etiology of unexplained male infertility. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a potent antioxidant that may improve semen quality and OS in infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratospermia (OAT), but the underlying mechanism is unknown. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of CoQ10 on OS markers and sperm DNA damage in infertile patients with idiopathic OAT.MethodsThis prospective controlled study included 50 patients with idiopathic OAT and 50 fertile men who served as controls. All patients underwent a comprehensive medical assessment. Patients and controls received 200 mg of oral CoQ10 once daily for 3 months. Semen and blood were collected and analyzed for sperm parameters, seminal CoQ10 levels, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, total antioxidant capacity, catalase, sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), and serum hormonal profile.ResultsThe administration of CoQ10 to patients with idiopathic OAT significantly improved sperm quality and seminal antioxidant status and significantly reduced total ROS and SDF levels compared to pretreatment values.ConclusionCoQ10, at a dose of 200 mg/day for 3 months, may be a potential therapy for infertile patients with idiopathic OAT, as it improved sperm parameters and reduced OS and SDF in these patients.

Eruca sativa seed extract modulates oxidative stress and apoptosis and up-regulates the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax genes in acrylamide-induced testicular dysfunction in rats.

Acrylamide (ACR) has been previously associated with male sexual dysfunction and infertility. Eruca sativa (L.) (arugula or rocket) have been widely used in traditional remedies in Mediterranean region and western Asia and was known for its strong aphrodisiac effect since Roman times. The current study was designed to investigate LC/MS analysis of total ethanol extract Eruca sativa (L.) and the efficiency and mechanism of action of Eruca sativa seed extract (ESS) in reducing hypogonadism induced by acrylamide in male rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups (n = 7): control group, Eruca sativa seed extract (ESS) at doses of 100 and 200 mg\kg, acrylamide (ACR), ACR + ESS 100 mg/kg, and ACR + ESS 200 mg/kg. The animals received ACR at a dose of 10 mg/kg b.wt for 60 days. Sperm indices, testicular oxidative stress, testosterone hormone, and testicular histopathology and immunohistochemistry of PCNA and caspase-3 were investigated. Moreover, the expression level of testicular B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) genes was evaluated. In respect to the LC/MS of total ethanol extract Eruca sativa (L.) seed revealed tentative identification of 39 compounds, which belongs to different classes as sulphur-containing compounds, flavonoids, phenolic acid, and fatty acids. Administration of ESS extract (100, 200 mg/kg) improved semen quality, diminished lipid peroxidation, enhanced testicular antioxidant enzyme, restored serum testosterone level, and reduced testicular degeneration and Leydig cell death in the rats intoxicated with ACR. However, the effects of ESS at the dose of 200 mg/kg were similar to that of control group. Furthermore, ESS treatment significantly induced anti-apoptotic effect indicated by elevation of both Bcl-2 and Bax expressions. Nutriceutics of ESS extract protects testis against ACR-induced testicular toxicity via normalizing testicular steroidogenesis, keeping Leydig cells, and improving oxidative stress status.

SERPIN A5 may have a potential as a biomarker in reflecting the improvement of semen quality in infertile men who underwent varicocele repair.

We aimed to identify proteins that were differentially regulated in spermatozoal samples collected from fertile healthy men (FHM) and infertile patients with varicocele (IFPV) before and after varicocelectomy. Seminal samples were collected from 20 IFPV before and after varicocelectomy and from 14 FHM as controls. Samples underwent seminal examination and proteomic analysis. Extracted spermatozoal proteins were analysed using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, and differentially regulated spermatozoal proteins (DRSPs) were identified. In particular, attention was placed on those DRSPs in which the concentration changed after varicocelectomy and corrected to approximate levels observed in FHM. Varicocelectomy significantly improved the sperm count and concentration in IFPV (p<0.05). Proteomic analysis showed that 11 DRSPs were identified when comparisons were made among the three groups. Among these 11 proteins, change in the SERPIN A5 concentrations was notable because it was 100-fold downregulated in pre-operative IFPV samples and nearly resembled to control concentrations following varicocelectomy. Western blot analysis using an anti-SERPIN antibody validated the changes observed in SERPIN A5 levels before and after varicocelectomy operation. Increase in SERPIN A5 after varicocelectomy may be due to improvement in semen quality, suggesting that SERPIN A5 is a potential seminal biomarker for assessment of semen quality in varicocele-related infertility.

Semen extenders: An evaluative overview of preservative mechanisms of semen and semen extenders.

Reproduction is fundamental for all living things as it ensures the continued existence of a species and an improved economy in animal husbandry. Reproduction has developed since history, and diverse processes, such as artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization, have been developed. Semen extenders were discovered and developed to protect sperm from harmful factors, such as freeze and osmotic shock, oxidative stress, and cell injury by ice crystals. Semen extenders preserve sperm by stabilizing its properties, including sperm morphology, motility, and viability and membrane, acrosomal, and DNA integrity. Therefore, semen extenders must provide a favorable pH, adenosine triphosphate, anti-cooling and anti-freeze shock, and antioxidant activity to improve semen quality for fertilization. Hence, this review provides precise data on different semen extenders, preservative mechanisms, and essential additives for semen extenders in different animals.

Zinc and Folate Supplement Improves Semen Quality: A Prospective Study in Subfertile Males

Zinc and Folate Supplement Improves Semen Quality: A Prospective Study in Subfertile Males

Portulaca oleracea seeds\u2019 extract alleviates acrylamide-induced testicular dysfunction by promoting oxidative status and steroidogenic pathway in rats

BackgroundAcrylamide (ACR) is a widespread industrial and food contaminant that garnered considerable attention for its carcinogenic, neurotoxic, and reproductive toxic effects. The antioxidant effects of Portulaca oleracea seeds extract (POS) and its fertility-enhancing effects were inspiring to evaluate the protective potential and pinpoint the mechanisms and molecular targets of the UPLC-MS fingerprinted POS extract on ACR-induced testicular toxicity in rats.MethodsMale Wistar rats were divided into 6 equal groups of negative control, ACR model (10 mg/kg b.wt.), POS at doses of (200 and 400 mg/kg b.wt.) and POS-treated ACR groups. All treatments were given by oral dosing every day for 60 days.ResultsAdministration of POS extract reversed the ACR-induced epididymides weight loss with improved semen quality and count, ameliorated the ACR-decreased testicular lesion scoring, testicular oxidative stress, testicular degeneration, Leydig cell apoptosis and the dysregulated PCNA and Caspase-3 expression in a dose-dependent manner. It upregulated the declined level of serum testosterone and the expression of steroidogenic genes such as CYP11A1 and 17β3-HSD with an obvious histologic improvement of the testes with re-establishment of the normal spermatogenic series, Sertoli and Leydig cells.ConclusionsThe supplementation with POS extract may provide a potential protective effect for ACR-induced testicular dysfunction which is mediated by its antioxidant, antiapoptotic and steroidogenic modulatory effects.

Use of nutraceuticals in the stallion: Effects on semen quality and preservation.

Nutritional supplements are widely used in the equine industry with the aim of improving horse health, sports or reproductive performances. Over the years, a number of studies have focused on investigating the effects of several dietary compounds on the quality and preservation of stallion semen. This paper reviews the literature available on the use of nutritional supplementation for the improvement of reproductive performance and semen quality in equine species, critically appraising the benefits and negative effects of several compounds found in complementary feeds such as PUFAs from different sources, vitamins and antioxidants, carnitine and botanical extracts. Different nutraceuticals have been highlighted to improve stallion fertility by providing optimal levels of antioxidants, with the most promising results obtained by the combination of PUFAs and antioxidants that resulted to be essential for the maintenance of normal reproductive functions and the reduction of cryodamage in cooled and frozen equine semen.

The International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories Presents Abstracts from Its 2021 Annual Meeting Connect and Collaborate through Biobanking: Powering Innovation and Discovery May 10–14, 2021

The International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories Presents Abstracts from Its 2021 Annual Meeting Connect and Collaborate through Biobanking: Powering Innovation and Discovery May 10–14, 2021

Effects of firefighting on semen parameters: an exploratory study.

Lay summaryFirefighters are occupationally exposed to heat intensities and chemical concentrations that may affect fertility. Twenty firefighters participated in an exploratory study assessing fertility of firefighters via an online survey and semen analysis. Data analysis included consideration of demographic characteristics, reproductive history and occupational exposures. Overall, firefighter semen parameters were below World Health Organisation reference values designating fertility in men. Firefighters younger than 45 years had a higher incidence of abnormal semen parameters (42%) than those aged 45 years or greater (9%). Increased rank and higher levels of occupational and/or personal hygiene were associated with improved semen quality. Increased frequency of fire exposure was associated with a reduction in normal forms, volume, sperm concentration and total sperm count. Sperm clumping was greater than 10% in 26% of samples, suggesting reduced semen quality. This exploratory study provides novel data that support the hypothesis of an association between semen quality and firefighter’s occupational exposure to toxic environments.

Single layer density centrifugation improved semen quality in a stallion with hydrocele

Hydrocele was diagnosed in a 21 year old stallion with a history of subfertility. Subjective progressive motilityand normal sperm from ejaculates (n = 12) were (mean ± SEM) 25 ± 11% and 24 ± 7%, respectively. From eachejaculate,1 sample was centrifuged through a silica colloid and refrigerated for 72 hours. An uncentrifuged sampleserved as control. Morphologically normal sperm was higher (p &lt; 0.05) in semen centrifuged through the silicacolloid. Sperm motility in cool-stored semen was higher (p &lt; 0.05) in silica colloid centrifuged semen compared tocontrol at 24, 48, and 72 hours postrefrigeration. Percent viable sperm and sperm with high mitochondria membranepotential were higher (p &lt; 0.05) at 24 hours of postrefrigeration for semen centrifuged through silica colloid. Threemares were inseminated at alternate estrus, either with semen centrifuged through the silica colloid or with control.Inseminations (n = 3) with uncentrifuged semen (≥ 500 x 106 motile sperm) did not result in pregnancy. However,inseminations with fresh semen (n = 2) or 24 hours chilled semen (n = 2) obtained after centrifugation with singlelayer colloid (≥ 170 x 106 motile sperm) resulted in pregnancies. We concluded that hydrocele had apparentlycontributed to decreased semen quality and fertility in this stallion, and centrifugation of the ejaculate through a silicacolloid improved semen quality.

Effects of moderate intensity endurance training and high-intensity interval training on the reproductive parameters of wistar rats overfed in infancy.

Studies indicate that rapid weight gain at critical development stages, such as the lactation period, is associated with the development of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes in the long term. In addition to metabolic changes during adulthood, overweight/obesity may influence reproductive function. Human and animal studies suggest that lifestyle changes through exercise and/or controlled diet result in improved semen quality in obese individuals. However, the relationship between exercise volume/intensity and reproductive capacity effects remains inconclusive. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of moderate intensity endurance training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on the reproductive parameters of lactating overfed male Wistar rats. Postnatal overfeeding was induced by applying the litter size reduction method. Forty males Wistar rats were used, divided into four groups: one with control litters (CLs) (10 animals/litter-sedentary) and three with small litters (SLs) (4 animals/litter), divided into sedentary, moderate endurance training, and HIIT. Morphologic, metabolic, and reproductive variables were analyzed. SL sedentary group showed increased body weight, adiposity, and decreased relative weight of the seminal vesicle, prostate, and epididymis as well as changes in the insulin tolerance and oral glucose tolerance tests glycemic tests compared to CL sedentary group. Endurance and HIIT protocols were efficient in improving the glycemic metabolism, central fat accumulation of trained groups and did not affect reproductive parameters. Endurance and HIIT protocols proved to be effective in reversing these metabolic changes without impairing the evaluated reproductive parameters.

Study on the Mechanism of Jiawei Shengjiang Powder in Improving Male Asthma-Induced Asthenospermia Based on Network Pharmacology and Bioinformatics.

BackgroundJiawei Shengjiang Powder (JWSJP) is a classical Chinese medicinal formula, which has been widely applied in the treatment of asthma and complications for many years due to its curative effect.AimTo verify the effect of JWSJP in improving abnormal sperm motility caused by asthma and to explore its potential mechanism.Materials and MethodsThe active compounds of JWSJP were obtained from high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology. The key active components and targets of JWSJP were predicted based on network pharmacological analysis and bioinformatics research. Rats were randomly divided into normal, model and treatment groups. The rat model of allergic asthma was induced by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin solution. The experiment judged improvement of semen quality by evaluating sperm motility, and detected the expression of related proteins in testicular tissue of Sprague-Dawley rats by RT-qPCR and Western blot methods. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the changes in testicular tissue structure in rats.ResultsThrough the analysis of network pharmacology and bioinformatics, it was found that beta-sitosterol, quercetin, gallic acid, pelargonidin and kaempferol were the key active components of Jiawei Shengjiang Powder. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and insulin (INS) genes are crucial targets of JWSJP in the treatment of spermatogenic dysfunction caused by acute asthma. After 8 weeks of intervention, compared with the model group, the treatment group had significantly improved sperm motility (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in TNF, IL6, and INS proteins in the treatment group, and the HE staining of testicular tissue structure in the treatment group was significantly improved.ConclusionJWSJP can improve the abnormal sperm motility induced by asthma, and its mechanism may be related to the expression of related proteins and mRNA of TNF, IL6, and INS.

Effects of a Lifestyle Change Intervention on Semen Quality in Healthy Young Men Living in Highly Polluted Areas in Italy: The FASt Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundHuman semen quality is affected by lifestyle and environmental factors. ObjectiveTo evaluate the short-term effects of a diet and physical activity intervention on semen quality of healthy young men living in highly polluted areas of Italy. Design, setting, and participantsA randomized controlled trial was conducted. Healthy young men were assigned to an intervention or a control group. InterventionA 4-mo Mediterranean diet and moderate physical activity program. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisThe primary outcomes were sperm concentration, motility and morphology, concentration of round cells, and semen total antioxidant capacity. Secondary outcomes were adherence to Mediterranean diet and physical activity. All outcomes were measured twice, at the enrollment (t0) and at the end of the intervention (t4). Results and limitationsA total of 263 individuals attended all visits, and underwent examinations and laboratory analyses: 137 in the intervention group and 126 in the control group. The adherence to Mediterranean diet and physical activity level increased more in the intervention group than in the control group from t0 to t4. Sperm concentration, total and progressive motility, and proportion of normal morphology cells increased in the intervention group but decreased in the control group, with statistically significant differences between the two groups at t4. The total antioxidant capacity increased in the intervention group but decreased in the control group, from t0 to t4. ConclusionsStudy results showed that an intervention based on Mediterranean diet and regular physical activity can determine an improvement of semen quality in healthy young men. Patient summaryOur study aimed to evaluate the effect of a lifestyle intervention on semen quality of healthy young men. We assigned the 263 enrolled individuals to an intervention or a control group. The intervention group followed a 4-mo Mediterranean diet and moderate physical activity program, at the end of which the participants showed an improvement of semen quality parameters.