Infertile Group Research Articles

A Nomogram for Predicting Infertility Risk in Patients With Varicocele Using Inflammatory Markers.

The purpose of this study was to develop a nomogram using hemogram inflammatory markers to predict the risk of infertility in patients with varicocele (VC). Patients with VC from March 2022 to June 2024 were retrospectively investigated. We divided the patients into two groups based on their fertility status. A total of 162 patients were enrolled: 81 in the infertile group and 81 in the fertile group. Statistical differences were observed between the two groups in lymphocyte, monocyte, erythrocyte, red cell distribution width (RDW), mean erythrocyte volume (MCV), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), MPV/platelet ratio (MPVPR), and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) (p < .05). The 162 patients were divided into a modeling cohort and a validation cohort in a 7:3 ratio. A predictive nomogram was constructed based on independent influencing factors identified through univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis were used to assess the model's performance. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that erythrocyte count, PDW, NLR, and SIRI were independent influencing factors. The area under the curve for the nomogram predicting the risk of infertility in patients with VC was 0.869 in the validation cohort. The nomogram demonstrated good predictive performance. In this study, we developed an effective predictive nomogram for assessing the risk of infertility in VC patients using inflammatory markers. However, further external validation is crucial.

Seminal Oxidative Stress and Sperm DNA Fragmentation in Men from Couples with Infertility or Unexplained Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

(1) Background: This case–control study examined whether men from couples with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) or infertility exhibited higher seminal oxidative stress (OS) and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) compared to fertile controls. (2) Methods: The study included 30 participants from each group: unexplained RPL, unexplained infertility, and proven fertility. Data were collected at Aalborg University Hospital tertiary RPL and fertility treatment clinics (Aalborg, Denmark), excluding couples with mixed conditions for homogeneity. Semen samples were analyzed using computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) for concentration, motility, and morphology. SDF was assessed via a CASA-based sperm chromatin dispersion test. OS was measured as static oxidation-reduction potential (sORP). (3) Results: The results showed no significant OS differences between groups. The RPL group had significantly lower SDF levels than the control group. A significant positive correlation between SDF and OS was observed in the infertility group. Overall, this study did not find significant differences in OS levels between men from couples with unexplained RPL or infertility and fertile controls, while SDF levels were lower in the RPL group compared to controls. (4) Conclusion: In conclusion, despite the existing literature suggesting that OS and SDF are negative prognostic factors, our findings suggest they may not be reliable diagnostic markers for RPL and infertility.

Effect of radiation on serum anti-Müllerian hormone during hysterosalpingography in female infertility

Research questionDoes radiation exposure during hysterosalpingography (HSG) negatively affect serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in infertile women? DesignProspective cohort study conducted at Songklanagarind Hospital, Thailand, between April 2021 and May 2023. Thirty-two infertile women and 34 control participants were enrolled. Serum AMH levels were assessed in the infertile group at baseline before the HSG procedure and at 1 and 3 months after the procedure. Control participants, who self-reported no medical conditions, underwent the same AMH level assessments. Changes in serum AMH levels were compared. ResultsInfertile women had a mean age of 32.4 ± 3.8 years, body mass index of 21.2 ± 2.0 kg/m2 and baseline mean AMH level of 3.66 ng/ml (95% CI 3.00 to 4.32), which did not significantly differ from the control group. One month after HSG, mean AMH level significantly declined (0.33 ng/ml, 95% CI –0.65 to –0.01; P = 0.045) in the infertile group. The change in serum AMH levels between baseline and 1 month was significantly different in the HSG group compared with controls (–0.33 ng/ml, 95% CI –0.65 to –0.01 versus 0.36 ng/ml, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.67; P = 0.002). Changes in serum AMH levels from baseline to 3 months did not differ between the two groups. ConclusionsOne month after the HSG, infertile women experienced a significant decrease in serum AMH levels compared with controls. The change in serum AMH levels between baseline and 3 months after HSG did not significantly differ from that of the control group.

Investigating the Relationship of Seminal Oxidative Damage with Smoking and Occupations in Normozoospermic Infertile Men

Objective: The study aimed to assess the level of seminal oxidative damage in normozoospermic infertile patients by evaluating 8-OHdG and also to analyze the relationship between oxidative damage in infertility and factors such as smoking, occupation and age. Material and Methods: Seminal plasma samples were obtained from raw semen samples from 13 normozoospermic infertile men among the patients who applied to Ondokuz Mayis University Urology Clinics for fertility evaluation and 10 normozoospermic proven fertile volunteers. Oxidative damage in seminal plasma was assessed by measuring the amount of 8-OHdG by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The data were also evaluated in terms of the smoking status and occupation stated by the patients and controls. Results: The fertile group had more seminal oxidative damage than the infertile group. (487.33±209.42 vs 283.12±102.73, P=0.013). Comparing the non-smoker men, the smoking group's total sperm count was decreased (84.94 ± 24.09 vs 115.80 ± 25.46, P=0.036). Age, semen characteristics, daily cigarette consumption, and partner age did not differ between the infertile and control groups. Additionally, no difference was found between the smoker and non-smoker groups, and also among the occupation groups in terms of oxidative damage (P&gt;0.05). No correlation was found between age, oxidative damage, smoking and semen parameters (P&gt;0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study could indicate that the level of seminal oxidative damage alone cannot be effective in infertile men. Also, as smoking or occupation, more factors should be considered for evaluating oxidative damage in infertile men.

The effect of serum estrogen level on male infertility &amp; semen parameters on Sudanese males attending Khartoum Dermatology Teaching Hospital

Background Infertility is defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. As estimated 10–15% of couples were considered infertile by W.H.O. One of the major causes of non-obstructive infertility is hormonal disturbance. Testosterone and Estrogen, traditionally, have been regarded as male and female sex hormones respectively. However, Estradiol, the predominant form of Estrogen, also plays a pivotal role in male sexual function. Estradiol in men is quintessential in many sexual physiological processes. Objectives To evaluate the effect of Estrogen levels on infertile men and their semen parameters Method In this prospective case-control hospital based study, a total number of 50 infertile men with primary and secondary infertility (case group) and 50 fertile men (control group) were included. The medical histories of all the participants were taken and physical examinations were conducted thoroughly. Serum Estradiol (E2) levels were measured for both infertile and fertile group. Seminal analysis was done for the infertile group. Serum E2 was measured by Radio-Immunosorbent Assay (RIA) using Estradiol kits for measurement. Standard semen analysis was done by computer-assisted seminal analysis (CASA) using the WHO manual 2010. The collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The results were obtained and presented in tables and diagrams. The significance of testing was assessed by Chi-Square T test with P value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results A significant correlation was observed between the fertility status and serum E2 levels. 18% (n=9) of the subfertile patients were found to have serum E2 levels more than 55 pg/ml. on the other hand, only 6% (n=3) of the fertile group (control group) were above 55 pg/ml (P value less than 0.05). Azoospermia was found to be the most semen parameter among patients with elevated serum E2 level (P value less than 0.05). It is also observed that 46% of the infertile patients were found to be overweight (BMI=25–29.9) &amp; they have significantly high serum E2 levels (P value less than 0.05). Conclusion High serum Estradiol levels were found significantly correlated with male infertility; Azoospermia was the most commonly observed abnormal semen parameter. Overweight patients have significantly elevated Serum E2 levels.

Factors associated with female infertility in Ukraine: results a multicenter study.

Aim: To determine the current prevalence of female infertility and characterize and identify risk factors associated with infertility in Ukraine. Materials and Methods: Multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted from January 2021 to December 2023 in twelve medical centers from nine regions of Ukraine. Definitions of infertility were adapted from the World Health Organization. According to the data collected from questionnaire, participants were divided into infertile and fertile groups and analyzed associated factors. Results: Among all the 7,618 participants in this study, the prevalence of female infertility was 24.3%. The prevalence of primary infertility was 5.9%, and the prevalence of secondary infertility was 18.4%. In logistic multivariate regression analyses, female infertility was associated with age of women (p<0.001), age of first sexual intercourse (p<0.001), history of gynecological surgery (p<0.001), marital status (p<0.001), age of marriage (p<0.001), decreased ovarian reserve (DOR) (p=0.006), family history of infertility (p<0.001), history of cervicitis (p=0.007), history of surgical abortion (p<0.001), history of endometritis (p=0.027), bacterial vaginosis (p=0.023), and aerobic vaginitis (< 0.001). Conclusions: Our data suggest a high prevalence of female infertility in Ukraine. The prevalence of secondary infertility was higher than primary infertility. Age of women, age of first sexual intercourse, history of gynecological surgery, marital status, age of marriage, DOR, family history of infertility, history of cervicitis, history of surgical abortion, history of endometritis, bacterial vaginosis, and aerobic vaginitis were associated with infertility.

Lipidomic Profile of Human Sperm Membrane Identifies a Clustering of Lipids Associated with Semen Quality and Function.

Reduced sperm motility and/or count are among the major causes of reduced fertility in men, and sperm membranes play an important role in the spermatogenesis and fertilization processes. However, the impact of sperm lipid composition on male fertility remains under-investigated. The aim of the present study was to perform a lipidomic analysis of human sperm membranes: we performed an untargeted analysis of membrane lipid composition in fertile (N = 33) and infertile subjects (N = 29). In parallel, we evaluated their serum lipid levels. Twenty-one lipids were identified by their mass/charge ratio and post-source decay spectra. Sulfogalactosylglycerolipid (SGG, seminolipid) was the most abundant lipid component in the membranes. In addition, we observed a significant proportion of PUFAs. Important differences have emerged between the fertile and infertile groups, leading to the identification of a lipid cluster that was associated with semen parameters. Among these, cholesterol sulfate, SGG, and PUFAs represented the most important predictors of semen quality. No association was found between the serum and sperm lipids. Dietary PUFAs and SGG have acknowledged antioxidant functions and could, therefore, represent sensitive markers of sperm quality and testicular function. Altogether, these results underline the important role of sperm membrane lipids, which act independently of serum lipids levels and may rather represent an independent marker of reproductive function.

Evaluation of ovarian reserve in unexplained ınfertile cases: a case-controlled study

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of current ovarian reserve tests in unexplained infertile cases.Material and methodsThis case–control study was conducted on 70 unexplained infertile women who were included in a tertiary university hospital. Both groups of basal FSH, estradiol, antimullerian hormone (AMH), inhibin B, ovarian volume, total antral follicle count (AFC), ovarian volume, and ovarian stromal blood flow (peak systolic velocity (PSV), S/D (systole and diastole ratio), resistance index (RI), and pulsatility index (PI)) values were compared.ResultsThe mean AMH, inhibin B, PSV, and stromal blood flow values of the control group patients were higher than those in the unexplained infertility group. However, the values of the means of RI and PI of the cases in the control group were lower than those in the infertility group. When PI’s value was ≥ 2.00, its sensitivity was 65.7%, and its specificity was 64.3%. In the case of the RI, its value was ≥ 0.745, its sensitivity was 65.7%, and its specificity was 62.9%. In order to show ovarian reserve in unexplained infertile cases, the sensitivity values can be sorted from high to low as follows: PI > RI > estradiol > FSH > ovarian volume > AFC > inhibin B > stromal blood flow > PSV > S/D.ConclusionIn the unexplained infertile patient group with normal ovarian reserve test results, basal estradiol, decreased PI, and RI values may be used as good ovarian reserve predictors.

The Role of Thyroid Hormones, Vitamins, and Microelements in Female Infertility.

It is well known that female infertility is multifactorial. Therefore, we aimed to compare the effects of thyroid dysfunction, vitamin deficiency, and microelement deficiency in fertile and infertile patients. Between May 1st, 2017, and April 1st, 2019, we conducted a retrospective case-control study with of 380 infertile and 346 pregnant patients (who normally fertile and able to conceive spontaneously). The fertile patients were selected among those who got pregnant spontaneously without treatment, had a term birth, and did not have systemic or obstetric diseases. The levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO), vitamin D, vitamin B12, folic acid, ferritin, and zinc of both groups were compared. There was no difference between patients in the infertile and pregnant groups in terms of low normal and high serum T3 and T4 levels (p = 0.938; p > 0.05) respectively, nor in terms of normal and high anti-TPO levels (p = 0.182; p > 0.05) respectively. There was no significant difference regarding patients with low, insufficient, and sufficient vitamin D levels in the infertile and pregnant groups (p = 0.160; p >0.05) respectively. The levels of folic acid, ferritin, and zinc of the infertile group were significantly lower than those of the pregnant group. The serum levels of folic acid, ferritin, and zinc in infertile patients presenting to our outpatient clinic were lower than those o the fertile patients.

Menstrual pattern and anthropometric characteristics of women with primary and secondary infertility in comparison with age-matched controls

BACKGROUND: The incidence of infertility has increased significantly due to lifestyle changes and the presence of diverse environmental stress. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) are two common anthropometric measures of obesity. Factors such as differences in race, sex, and age influence BMI, and recent studies have reported limitations in the use of BMI to determine obesity. Body fat distribution has a more valid criterion for determining obesity than BMI. Our aim was to compare the menstrual pattern and anthropometric parameters of women with primary and secondary infertility with those of age-matched controls and to assess the correlation between the anthropometric variables and fertility types. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in which the anthropometric measurements and menstrual history over the last 3 months of cases of primary and secondary infertility were compared with the age-matched control group. RESULTS: Women with primary and secondary infertility tend to be overweight or obese. The menstrual pattern of women with infertility was not statistically different as compared to the control groups. There were significant differences in weight, BMI, hip circumference, WC, and neck circumference (NC) of women with primary infertility with those of age-matched controls. A statistically significant difference was noted in NC between the primary and secondary infertility groups. CONCLUSION: The results obtained show that women with infertility tend to be overweight/obese. Due to the limited sample size, the relationship between menstrual pattern and anthropometric characteristics such as waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and frame size (FRS) and infertility could not be established.

Evaluation of Uterine Artery Origins on Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Images

Background/Aims: The origin of the uterine artery varies widely. The branching patterns of the internal iliac artery are also quite variable. Branching of the internal iliac artery in different ways is important in pelvic surgery. In our study, fertile and infertile groups were created, and the arteries that gave rise to the uterine artery were examined. Methods: A total of 152 uterine arteries (n = 152) were evaluated retrospectively on 3D contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance images. Based on the study of Gomez-Jorge, the types of origin of the uterine artery were obtained. With regards to the incidence of types, differences between the fertile and infertile groups were examined. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of the incidence of origin types (p = 0.214). Based on the study of Gomez-Jorge, five different types of origins were obtained. The most common was type I (the uterine artery being the first branch of the inferior gluteal artery) origination. Conclusions: There are studies investigating the origin of the uterine artery in literature. We believe that our findings will also contribute to the body of knowledge available.

Associations of semen quality with pyrethroids in semen and urine samples of men with oligozoospermia: A cross-sectional study in Samsun, Turkey.

Pyrethroids (PYRs) may act as endocrine disrupters and lead to infertility. The aim of the study was to analyze the levels of anti-androgenic PYRs (cypermethrin, deltamethrin, and permethrin) and 3-phenoxy benzoic acid (3-PBA), a general metabolite of PYRs, in both semen and urine samples of men with oligozoospermia. The PYRs and 3-PBA metabolite levels in the semen and urine samples of the men were analyzed through GC-MS. The results indicated that the levels of PYRs in the semen samples of the infertile group were significantly higher than those of the fertile group. It was determined that cypermethrin exposure was associated with changes in sperm count and total sperm motility, while permethrin, deltamethrin, and 3-PBA levels were associated with changes in sperm morphology. It was determined that there was a significant negative correlation between semen deltamethrin levels and sperm morphology and sperm count. In addition, exposure of these patients to deltamethrin (range; 1.53-8.02µg/l) and having farmer parents were determined to increase the risk of infertility. In conclusion, the findings of this study showed that exposure to environmental PYRs may adversely affect semen quality, especially in terms of sperm morphology, in men with oligozoospermia.

Implication of FSHB rs10835638 variant in endometriosis in Brazilian women.

The follicle-stimulating hormone subunit beta gene rs10835638 variant (c.-211G>T) may have detrimental effects on fertility and protective effects against endometriosis. A case-control analysis was performed, aiming to investigate the possible relationship between this variant and the development and/or progression of endometriosis. This study included 326 women with endometriosis and 482 controls without endometriosis, both confirmed by inspection of the pelvic cavity during surgery. Genotyping was performed using a TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. Genotype and allele frequencies and genetic models were compared between the groups. The genotype and allele frequencies of the rs10835638 variant did not differ between women with and those without endometriosis. Subdividing the endometriosis group into fertile and infertile groups did not result in a significant difference in these frequencies. However, the subgroup with minimal/mild endometriosis had a higher frequency of the GT genotype than the Control Group, regardless of fertility. The T allele was significantly more common in women with minimal/mild endometriosis than in the Control Group in the recessive model. The T allele is associated with the development of minimal/mild endometriosis in Brazilian women.

Evaluation of vitamin E levels, antioxidant enzymes and malondialdehyde in women with unexplained infertility

Unexplained infertility is a perplexing disorder. 30% of infertile couples are diagnosed with unexplained infertility with all standard fertility investigations normal. Oxidative stress has been shown to have a negative impact on reproductive function in women with endometriosis and (PCOS) polycystic ovarian syndrome. In another study antioxidant supplementation improved OS induced infertility. Many studies have demonstrated an increase in Malondialdehyde in serum of women with infertility and vitamin E as a protective antioxidant in the body with positive effect on the fertility. There is growing evidence linking OS and unexplained infertility.Based on this knowledge the specific group of unexplained infertile women were chosen to assess their levels of serum antioxidant enzymes, Vitamin E and lipid peroxidation marker. To compare the Levels of Malondialdehyde, Antioxidant enzymes and Vitamin E in the serum of women with unexplained infertility and control group.: Case control study.70 normal ovulatory women who conceived within 12 months of contraceptive free intercourse, and with no history of miscarriage were recruited in the control group. 70 women with unexplained infertility were recruited as study group. All participants included in the study were between 28 and 38 years of age. Serum levels of MDA, Antioxidant enzymes (GST, SOD, Catalase) and Vitamin E concentrations were compared between two groups. Vitamin E concentrations were determined by using High performance liquid chromatography. Antioxidant enzymes and MDA were measured by standard spectrophotometric assay.: Data was analysed using SPSS Software. Continuous parameters were analysed using Mann Whitney U test. There is a significant decrease in the vitamin E levels 3.80 ug/ml) in the unexplained infertile group as compared to controls 6.0 ug/ml). All women in the study group showed significantly (P&amp;#60;0.05) higher levels of MDA and lower levels of antioxidant enzymes such as GST, SOD and Catalase as compared to the fertile women. This decrease was found to be significant with p value of &amp;#60;0.05. The study group have a higher oxidative stress status and low level of antioxidants compared to control group. Serial measurement of oxidative stress biomarkers and their defense system may help to understand the aetiology of unexplained infertility and to enhance their chances of conception.

Long-term healthcare utilization and costs of babies born after assisted reproductive technologies (ART): a record linkage study with 10-years' follow-up in England.

Is the long-term health care utilization of children born after ARTmore costly to the healthcare system in England than children born to mothers with no fertility problems? Children born after ART had significantly more general practitioner (GP) consultations and higher primary care costs up to 10 years after birth, and significantly higher hospital admission costs in the first year after birth, compared to children born to mothers with no fertility problems. There is evidence that children born after ART are at an increased risk of adverse birth outcomes and a small increased risk of rare adverse outcomes in childhood. We conducted a longitudinal study of 368088 mother and baby pairs in England using a bespoke linked dataset. Singleton babies born 1997-2018, and their mothers, who were registered at GP practices in England contributing data to the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), were identified through the CPRD GOLD mother-baby dataset; this data was augmented with further linkage to the mothers' Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) Register data. Four groups of babies were identified through the mothers' records: a 'fertile' comparison group, an 'untreated sub-fertile' group, an 'ovulation induction' group, and an ART group. Babies were followed-up from birth to 28 February 2021, unless censored due to loss to follow-up (e.g. leaving GP practice, emigration) or death. The CPRD collects anonymized coded patient electronic health records from a network of GPs in the UK. We estimated primary care costs and hospital admission costs for babies in the four fertility groups using the CPRD GOLD data and the linked Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) Admitted Patient Care (APC) data. Linear regression was used to compare the care costs in the different groups. Inverse probability weights were generated and applied to adjust for potential bias caused by attrition due to loss to follow-up. Children born to mothers with no fertility problems had significantly fewer consultations and lower primary care costs compared to the other groups throughout the 10-years' follow up. Regarding hospital costs, children born after ART had significantly higher hospital admission costs in the first year after birth compared to those born to mothers with no fertility problems (difference = £307 (95% CI: 153, 477)). The same pattern was observed in children born after untreated subfertility and ovulation induction. HFEA linkage uses non-donor data cycles only, and the introduction of consent for data use reduced the availability of HFEA records after 2009. The fertility groups were derived by augmenting HFEA data with evidence from primary care records; however, there remains some potential misclassification of exposure groups. The cost of neonatal critical care is not captured in the HES APC data, which may cause underestimation of the cost differences between the comparison group and the infertility groups. The findings can help anticipate the financial impact on the healthcare system associated with subfertility and ART, particularly as the demand for these treatments grows. C.C. and this work were funded by a UK Medical Research Council Career Development Award [MR/L019671/1] and a UK MRC Transition Support Award [MR/W029286/1]. X.H. is an Australia National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Emerging Leadership Fellow [grant number 2009253]. The authors declare no competing interest. N/A.

Mean comparisons of trauma symptoms between a reproductive trauma sample and a normative sample: Toward a trauma-informed practice.

Traditionally, adverse reproductive experiences have been described as stressful events for the individuals who experience them. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that the term "stress" minimizes this experience, and adverse reproductive experiences should be reconceptualized as reproductive trauma. Currently, there are few ways that clinicians have agreed are valid pathways to measure trauma symptoms within this population. The purpose of this study was to examine comparisons between a sample of individuals who have experienced reproductive trauma to a normative sample utilizing the Posttraumatic Checklist for the DSM-V (PCL-V). This study utilized a descriptive observational design. Participants indicated what form of adverse reproductive events they had experienced (with options including infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, complicated pregnancy, and distress during delivery), and then completed the PCL-V regarding their experience with this event. These data were compared with a PCL-V normative sample using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) models. Significant mean differences between the reproductive trauma groups and the normative group were found for at least one subscale (intrusion, avoidance, arousal, or changes in mood and cognition) for the infertility group, multiple miscarriages, stillbirth, complicated pregnancy, premature birth, and distress during delivery. Premature birth, distress during pregnancy, and stillbirth groups also noted total trauma scores significantly higher than the normative group. Results validate the use of the term reproductive trauma, despite constraints presented by Criteria A of PTSD in the DSM-V. Results also present indications for clinical treatment and diagnosis for psychologists and health professionals working with this population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Seminal plasma untargeted metabolomic and lipidomic profiling for the identification of a novel panel of biomarkers and therapeutic targets related to male infertility.

Male infertility occurs approximately in about 50% of all infertility cases and represents a serious concern worldwide. Traditional semen analysis alone is insufficient to diagnose male infertility. Over the past two decades, advances in omics technologies have led to the widespread application of metabolomics profiling as a valuable diagnostic tool for various diseases and disorders. Seminal plasma represents a rich and easily accessible source of metabolites surrounding spermatozoa, a milieu that provides several indispensable nutrients to sustain sperm motility and fertilization. Changes of metabolic profiles in seminal plasma reflect male reproductive tract disorders. Here, we performed seminal plasma metabolomics and lipidomics profiling to identify a new pattern of biomarkers of male infertility. Seminal plasma samples from unfertile subjects (n = 31) and fertile controls (n = 19) were analyzed using an untargeted metabolomics/lipidomics integrated approach, based on Ultra-High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography-tandem Mass Spectrometry. Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis showed a distinct separation between healthy fertile men and infertile subjects. Among the 15 selected candidate biomarkers based on Variable Importance in Projection scores, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) (18:1; 18:1) resulted with the highest score. In total, 40 molecular species showed statistically significant variations between fertile and infertile men. Heat-map and volcano plot analysis indicated that acylcarnitines, phosphatidylserine (PS) (40:2) and lactate were decreased, while PE (18:1; 18:1), Phosphatidic acid (PA) (O-19:2; 18:1), Lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE) (O-16:1) and Phosphatidylcholine (PC) (O-16:2; 18:1)-CH3 were increased in the infertile group. The present study is the first one to analyze the metabolomics/lipidomics dysregulation in seminal plasma between fertile and infertile individuals regardless of sub-infertility condition. Association of several metabolites/lipids dysregulation with male infertility reinforced data of previous studies performed with different approaches. In particular, we confirmed significantly decreased levels of PS and carnitines in infertile patients as well as the positive correlation with sperm motility and morphology. If validated on a larger prospective cohort, the metabolite biomarkers of infertility in seminal plasma we identified in the present study might inform novel strategies for diagnosis and interventions to overcome male infertility.

Association of Extracelluar Matrix Protien 1 with Semen Parameters and Testosterone Concentration in Male Infertility

Background: Extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM1) is a glycoprotein that interacts with extracellular proteins into semen predominantly by epididymis, supports considering the role of the epididymis in sperm maturation. Testosterone is a steroid hormone from the androgen group is primarily secreted in the testes. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the concentration of ECM1 and serum by (ELISA) kit with semen parameters in fertile and infertile men in Najaf City, Iraq. Material and Methods: A total of 90 participants (45 infertile and 45 fertile men) were mean age (40.02) control fertility male, while the mean age as infertile (40.22) years included in the current study. The patients were sub-grouped into: 45 infertile with semen abnormal oligozoospermia, azoospermia, asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia patients, it used for measuring the concentration and parameters ECM1and serum testosterone by Elisa kit. Results: Statistical analysis showed highly significant differences between the two groups show (p &lt; 0.05). The level of ECM in the infertile group was lower in concentration than the control group with statistically significant differences (p &lt; 0.0001*). The difference between the totals was highly significant by a criterion (p &lt; 0.0001*) 45 in all group that studied a positive person correlation highly significant between serum testosterone (IU/mL) and seminal ECM1, (pg/mL) in all age groups of 45 male infertility at a (p &lt; 0.001*). Conclusion: The decrease in serum testosterone levels with the decrease in the level of seminal plasma ECM1 in infertile men provide evidence that levels can be used as reliable markers in the diagnostic criteria of male infertility. This study’s results suggest that concentration ECM1.

KAN GRUPLARI İNFERTİLİTEDE ETKİN Mİ? BİR TERSİYER MERKEZİN 8 YILLIK VERİLERİNİN DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ

Objective&#x0D; The aim is to compare blood groups between spontaneously&#x0D; pregnant fertile patients and infertile female&#x0D; patients undergoing treatment for infertility diagnosis&#x0D; is defined as the failure to achieve pregnancy despite&#x0D; regular unprotected sexual intercourse for one year&#x0D; during the reproductive period without using any contraceptive&#x0D; method.&#x0D; Material and Method&#x0D; Our study includes statistically evaluating the blood&#x0D; groups and demographic data of a total of 608 patients,&#x0D; including 304 fertile patients who presented for&#x0D; routine pregnancy follow-up at the Department of Obstetrics&#x0D; and Gynecology, Süleyman Demirel University,&#x0D; between January 2015 and January 2023, and 304&#x0D; infertile patients receiving treatment at the Süleyman&#x0D; Demirel University Assisted Reproductive Techniques&#x0D; (ART) Center.&#x0D; Results&#x0D; The mean age of the volunteers in the fertile group&#x0D; was calculated as 30.68±4.70, while the mean age of&#x0D; the volunteers in the infertile group was 32.50±5.35.&#x0D; Blood group A was found to be dominant in both the&#x0D; fertile and infertile groups, followed by blood groups&#x0D; O, B, and AB. When compared based on education,&#x0D; it was determined that the majority of patients in the&#x0D; infertile group had received undergraduate or postgraduate&#x0D; education. Income levels were categorized as&#x0D; low, medium, and high income based on occupational&#x0D; distributions in both groups, revealing that the majority&#x0D; of participants in both groups had a low-income level.&#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; Infertility is a multifactorial condition resulting from a&#x0D; combination of various factors such as genetics, environment,&#x0D; lifestyle, and health. The prevalence of infertility&#x0D; increases with age, and blood group distribution&#x0D; does not have a direct impact on infertility.

Correlation of Dietary Macro- and Micro-Mineral Intake with Seminal Plasma Quality/Quantity and Oxidant/Antioxidant Status in Infertile Compared to the Normal Men: a Case-Control Study.

Male infertility is a global public health issue, but studies on the correlation between the dietary components and sperm quality showed inconclusive results due to the heterogeneous population with different dietary habits and environmental stimuli. Herein, the correlation of dietary macro- and micro-mineral intake was evaluated with quality/quantity and oxidant/antioxidant status of seminal fluid in infertile compared to the healthy men. One hundred twenty men attending to the infertility clinic of Ayatollah Mousavi Hospital in Zanjan City were enrolled. Seminal fluid was extracted, and groups were categorized into the infertile (non-standard) and normal (standard) groups based on the WHO, 2020 criteria. Food frequency questionnaire was completed. Seminal malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured by ELISA kit based on the manufacture's instruction. An independent sample t-test was used to determine differences between the two groups, and linear regression model was used to determine the effect of each dietary macro/micro mineral intake on these parameters. Adjusting for all parameters, dietary selenium increased 3.7-folds the seminal TAC level (p=0.04) and decreased sperm with non-progressive motility by 2.4-folds (p=0.04). Higher manganese intake increased the sperm count by 7.8-folds (p=0.005). Dietary copper decreased sperm vitality and increased sperm with slow motility (OR= -1.7, 95% CI= -59.8, -9.9; p=0.007). Dietary zinc (OR=1.24, p=0.01) and iron (OR=1.5, p=0.02) showed a positive effect on sperm vitality. None of macro and micro minerals showed a significant effect on the seminal MDA level. Daily intake of adequate amounts of micro and macro minerals improves sperm quality and increases the antioxidant capacity of the seminal fluid; however, copper showed a negative correlation that must be evaluated in future studies.