Main Sperm Parameters Research Articles

Correlation of reproductive hormone levels and semen quality in diabetic patient

Because of the paucity of studies and inconsistencies regarding the impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) on semen quality, this disease is seldom looked for in infertile patients. This brief review shows the main sperm parameters in patients with DM and presents the mechanisms hypothesized to explain the changes observed in these patients. Various mechanisms may explain the sperm damage observed in patients with DM. The objective of this cross sectional study was to assess the effect of diabetes mellitus (DM) type2 on pituitary gland hormones (FSH and LH) men. This study comprised a total of (35) subjects out of which (25) were normal. Fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, LH, FSH, TT, E2 and prolactin were measured in blood samples. The results obtained indicated a significant reduction of serum LH, FSH and TT in men with DM comparison to non-diabetics, also there were significant increase in prolactin and E2 in diabetic patients comparison to non-diabetics. The results of semen analysis (PH, sperm count, sperm motility and sperm morphology) for study groups w significantly decreased in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic

The Effect of Interaction NGF/p75NTR in Sperm Cells: A Rabbit Model.

Background: Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) plays an important role in the reproductive system through its receptor’s interaction (p75NTR). This paper aims to analyze the impact of NGF p75NTR in epididymal and ejaculated rabbit semen during in vitro sperm storage. Methods: Semen samples from 10 adult rabbit bucks were collected four times (n = 40) and analyzed. NGF was quantified in seminal plasma, and the basal expression of p75NTR in sperm was established (time 0). Moreover, we evaluated p75NTR, the apoptotic rates, and the main sperm parameters, at times 2–4 and 6 h with or without the administration of exogenous NGF. Results: Based on the level of p75NTR, we defined the threshold value (25.6%), and sperm were divided into High (H) and Normal (N). During sperm storage, p75NTR of H samples significantly modulated some relevant sperm parameters. Specifically, comparing H samples with N ones, we observed a reduction in motility and non-capacitated cell number, together with an increased percentage of dead and apoptotic cells. Notably, the N group showed a reduction in dead and apoptotic cells after NGF treatment. Conversely, the NGF administration on H sperm did not change either the percentage of dead cells or the apoptotic rate. Conclusion: The concentration of p75NTR on ejaculated sperm modulates many semen outcomes (motility, apoptosis, viability) through NGF interaction affecting the senescence of sperm.

Regarding the efficacy of low-level laser therapy in infrared spectrum in male secretory infertility

The aim of study was to assess the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in infrared spectrum on the main sperm parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation, MAR-test in men with nonobstructive pathozoospermia.
 Patients and methods. The study included 50 men from 23 to 40 years old (average age 31.0 5.4), suffering from secretory infertility. Physical examination, semen analysis, MAR-test, sperm DNA fragmentation analysis, male hormone panel, assessment of prostate microbiocenosis, testes and prostate tumor markers, ultrasound examination with color flow mapping were performed. After the examination patients had a course of LLLT in infrared spectrum on a Rubin-C device. 10 laser therapy procedures were carried out every two days with active luminescence for 3 minutes of both testicles. Control examination was done immediately after the LLLT, within one and two months.
 Results. Increase in sperm concentration (by an average of 25%), active mobile sperm forms (by an average of 25%), morphologically normal sperm forms (by an average of 58%) was noticed after the LLLT. MAR-test decreased by an average of 69% after the therapy. From 10 patients with initially increased sperm DNA fragmentation level, in 9 patients its level became normal after the treatment. Increase in concentration of total and free testosterone in blood plasma was noticed within one month after the LLLT. As a result of the treatment pregnancies developed in 11 (22%) out of 50 couples.
 Conclusions. LLLT in infrared spectrum improves sperm quality in patients with secretory infertility, decreases MAR-test level, normalizes sperm DNA-fragmentation level, increases chances of pregnancy in reproductive cycle, which allows to recommend this method as preparation for assisted reproductive technologies.

Effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on semen quality.

To date, according to the Scopus database, the biological effects of ginger (binominal name: Zingiber officinale), or ginger extracts, and its derived compounds on semen quality and sperm parameters have been revealed in more than 35 original articles. Though, still, there are no collective systematic or narrative discussion and conclusion of this specific research streak. Here, we systematically review and summarise the current link between ginger and its bioactive compounds with semen quality. To achieve this, we searched the central databases (Scopus and PubMed) for original studies, published in English language from August 2004 through February 2019 using the keywords "ginger" versus "sperm" and "semen." In summary, there is solid evidence that ginger enhances semen quality and improves the main sperm parameters such as concentration, viability, motility and morphology. Such beneficial effects of ginger on semen quality are attributable, at least in part, to increased levels of gonadal hormones, in particular, testosterone and luteinising hormone, decreased oxidative damage to cells, increased production of nitric oxide, hypoglycaemic response of ginger and the presence of valued nutrients in ginger such as manganese. Still, the positive effects of ginger on semen quality require additional approval in men.

Variables affecting semen quality and its relation to fertility in the dog: A retrospective study

Although semen analysis is routinely used to evaluate the male reproductive potential in the canine species, only a few authors have attempted to relate semen characteristics to donor traits, such as age or weight, and fertility. This study evaluated the effects of dogs' age (young: 0–24 months, adult: 25–84 months, old: >84 months), size (small: <15 kg, medium: 16–40 kg, large: >40 kg) and reason for semen collection (evaluation, artificial insemination, cryopreservation or research purposes) on the seminal characteristics and related the main seminal characteristics with fresh AI results. Overall, 251 semen examinations were performed from 140 dogs presented between 2000 and 2015 at the University of Pisa Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Conventional semen parameters (semen volume, sperm concentration and total number, subjective motility and sperm morphology) were evaluated. Overall, 227 (90.4%) samples contained spermatozoa. Azoospermic samples resulted from complete (n = 13, 9 dogs), or incomplete ejaculations (n = 11, 8 dogs), based on seminal alkaline phosphatase concentration and/or ancillary examinations. Reason for semen collection had a significant effect on semen volume, sperm total number and sperm concentration. The proportion of normal spermatozoa was lower in dogs presented for semen evaluation (P < 0.05). Dog size affected ejaculate volume and total sperm number, which was lower in small dogs compared to medium (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively) and large-sized dogs (P < 0.01). Age had no influence on volume, sperm number or motility. The proportion of normal spermatozoa was higher in young animals than in old ones (P < 0.05). There was a significantly higher proportion of midpiece defects in old dogs compared to young ones (P < 0.01). Total sperm number, motility and proportion of morphologically normal spermatozoa in the semen used in AIs resulting in a pregnancy were 627.6 × 106, 83.9% and 64.9%, respectively, all significantly higher than in the unsuccessful AIs, where they were 389.4 × 106, 66.5% and 42% (P < 0.05). In conclusion, age, size and reason for semen collection may affect main sperm parameters and must be taken into consideration during the interpretation of a routine semen evaluation. In turn, altered semen parameters may affect fertility after artificial insemination.

Mitochondrial DNA sequencing and large-scale genotyping identifies MT-ND4 gene mutation m.11696G>A associated with idiopathic oligoasthenospermia.

Genetic variants of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were implicated to be associated with male infertility. Our previous whole mitochondrial genome sequencing and association study has identified two susceptibility mtDNA variants for oligoasthenospermia in Han Chinese men. In this study, we tested promising associations in an extended validation using 670 idiopathic oligoasthenospermia cases and 793 healthy controls to identify additional risk variants. We found that the genetic variant of m.11696G>A showed significantly higher frequency in the case group than that in the control group (odds ratio (OR) 2.21, 95% CI 1.21-4.04) (P=7.90×10−3). To elucidate the exact role of the genetic variants in spermatogenesis, two main sperm parameters (sperm count and motility) were taken into account. We found that m.11696G>A was associated with low sperm motility, with the OR of 2.38 (95 % CI 1.27-4.46) (P =5.22×10−3). These results advance our understanding of the genetic susceptibility to oligoasthenospermia and more functional studies are needed to provide insights into its pathogenic mechanism.

PROTAMINE1 and PROTAMINE2 genes expression in the sperms of oligoasthenospermic individuals and intrauterine insemination candidates couples: Is there any significant differences?

Background:Male infertility refers to a male's inability to cause pregnancy in a fertile female. It seems the large portion of this category of infertility, has roots in genetic factors. PROTAMINE family is one of the most important genes which are involved in male factor infertility. Hence, the aim of this study is to evaluate PROTAMINE1 and PROTAMINE2 (P1 and P2) genes expression in oligoasthenospermic individuals and intrauterine insemination (IUI) candidate couples’ sperms.Materials and Methods:Samples were gathered from the patients referred to the Isfahan Infertility Center of Shahid Beheshti, 80 semen samples were in IUI candidates groups and 16 semen samples were in oligoasthenospermia group was collected. The outcome of IUI procedure was followed up after 14 days. Through these samples, 16 couples achieved pregnancy (IUI+) and from the top of the list, 16 semen samples with negative β-HCG were obtained (IUI−). After RNA extraction from sperms, PROTAMINE genes family expression was evaluated in our three groups by real time-reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.Results:Our study revealed that P1 gene expression has no significant differences between IUI−, IUI+, and oligoasthenospermia groups, whereas P2 gene expression showed significant differences between oligoasthenospermia with two IUI groups. Main sperm parameters have no significant differences between IUI groups.Conclusion:This study reveals P1 and P2 genes expression value have no significant differences between IUI− and IUI+. On the other hand, P2 gene expression value has significant differences between oligoasthenospermia with two IUI groups.

A genome-wide association study of mitochondrial DNA in Chinese men identifies two risk single nucleotide substitutions for idiopathic oligoasthenospermia

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is believed to be both the source and target of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mtDNA genetic alterations have been reported to be associated with molecular defects in the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system. In order to investigate the potentially susceptible mtDNA genetic variants to oligoasthenospermia, we conducted a two-stage study in 921 idiopathic infertile men with oligoasthenospermia and 766 healthy controls using comprehensive molecular analysis. In the screen stage, we used next generation sequencing (NGS) in 233 cases and 233 controls to screen oligoasthenospermia susceptible mitochondrial genetic variants. In total, seven variants (C5601T, T12338C, A12361G, G13928C, A15235G, C16179T and G16291A) were screened to be potentially associated with idiopathic oligoasthenospermia. In the validation stage, we replicated these variants in 688 cases and 533 healthy controls using SNPscan. Our results demonstrated that the genetic alteration of C16179T was associated with idiopathic male infertility (odds ratio (OR) 3.10, 95% CI 1.41–6.79) (p=3.10×10−3). To elucidate the exact role of the genetic variants in spermatogenesis, two main sperm parameters (sperm count and motility) were taken into account. We found that C16179T was associated with both low sperm count and motility, with ORs of 4.18 (95% CI 1.86–9.40) (p=1.90×10−4) and 3.17 (95% CI 1.40–7.16) (p=3.50×10−3), respectively. Additionally, A12361G was found to be associated with low sperm count, with an OR of 3.30 (95% CI 1.36–8.04) (p=5.50×10−3). These results indicated that C16179T influenced both the process of spermatogenesis and sperm motility, while A12361G may just only participate in the process of spermatogenesis. Further investigation in larger populations and functional characterizations are needed to validate our findings.

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.

Diabetes Mellitus and Sperm Parameters

Because of the paucity of studies and inconsistencies regarding the impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) on semen quality, this disease is seldom looked for in the infertile patient. Recently, this view has been challenged by findings showing that DM induces subtle molecular changes that are important for sperm quality and function. This brief review shows the main sperm parameters in patients with DM and presents the mechanisms hypothesized to explain the changes observed in these patients. The data available suggest that DM alters conventional sperm parameters. In addition, DM causes histologic damage of the epididymis, with a negative impact on sperm transit. Various mechanisms may explain the sperm damage observed in patients with DM. These include endocrine disorders, neuropathy, and increased oxidative stress. Many authors suggest that DM decreases serum testosterone levels. This is associated with a steroidogenetic defect in Leydig cells. In addition, diabetic neuropathy seems to cause atonia of seminal vesicles, bladder, and urethra. Furthermore, DM is associated with an increased oxidative stress, which damages sperm nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. Finally, spermatogenesis derangement and germ cell apoptosis in type 1 DM may relate to a local autoimmune damage, whereas insulin resistance, obesity, and other related comorbidities may impair sperm parameters and decrease testosterone serum levels in patients with type 2 DM.

Influence of mGluR7 gene knockout and behavioral changes which its causes on male mice fertility

Background Metabotropic glutamate receptor 7 (mGluR7) belongs to third group of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlu) together with receptors mGlu4, 6 and 8. A recent study suggests that the glutamatergic system may be a relevant therapeutic target for such disorders like stress or depression. Various dates described that mGluR7 is expressed in brain and its function is implicated in emotional learning, working memory and behavioral connecting with fear. Aim Our studies are designed to see how mGluR7 gene knockout and behavioral changes which it causes affect fertility in male mice. Methods For this purpose, we focused on checking the six main sperm parameters: sperm count, motility, viability (eosin test), maturity, sperm head morphology and cytoplasmic membrane integrity of sperm tail. Analysis of these parameters was performed in two groups of male mice from a strain of C57BL: mGluR7 (+/+) and mGluR7 (−/−) and the parameters are tested at a standard assessment of human semen. Conclusions During breeding our mice with mGluR7 gene knockout, we found that these animals are more susceptible to stress, and their behavior manifests anhedonia. An important observation is that these animals have reduced fertility.

Functional testicular evaluation using PET/CT with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose

PET/CT using (18)F-FDG is a well-established diagnostic examination in oncology, cardiology and neurology. The clinical significance of nontumoral testicular uptake of FDG is unknown. Functional testicular imaging may have important clinical applications in the diagnosis and prognosis of male infertility. The aim of this study was to determine the andrological value of a FDG PET/CT in analysing testicular function, by correlating the PET/CT data with the sperm parameters. Retrospective analysis of FDG PET/CT in 20 consecutive cancer patients without testicular pathology in whom two semen samples had been obtained for analysis before any chemotherapy. FDG PET/CT parameters were the mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean), used for measuring the intensity of uptake, and the functional testicular volume (FV). For statistical analysis, a Spearman's rank correlation test and a Mann-Whitney test were used. Of 20 patients (mean age 22 years), 18 had provided two sperm samples for cryopreservation. Sperm concentration was above 20 × 10(6)/ml in 55% of the patients. The intensity of uptake and the FV were correlated with the total sperm count, the sperm concentration and motility (p < 0.05). The difference in SUVmean between the two testes showed an inverse correlation with sperm concentration (p = 0.036). Normospermic and oligospermic men had significant differences in: (1) mean SUVmean, (2) mean FV, and (3) the difference in intensity of uptake between the testes (p < 0.05). This is the first report on the andrological value of FDG PET/CT in analysing nontumoral testicular function. This pilot study showed a significant correlation between intensity of uptake of FDG and testicular FV with the main sperm parameters. PET/CT with FDG could become a useful new tool in assisted reproductive technologies and other andrological or urological applications.

The beneficial effects of toremifene administration on the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis and sperm parameters in men with idiopathic oligozoospermia

To evaluate whether toremifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), has a beneficiary effect on all three main sperm parameters. Prospective interventional clinical study. University hospital. One-hundred subfertile men with idiopathic oligozospermia. Toremifene (60 mg daily) was administered to all men for 3 months. At baseline and at the end of each month, serum concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, inhibin B, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were measured. At baseline and at the end, semen analysis was performed and sperm concentration, spermatozoal motility and normal sperm forms were determined. Gonadotropin, testosterone, inhibin-B levels, total sperm count, sperm morphology and motility. Toremifene administration resulted in a significant increase in FSH, testosterone, SHBG, and inhibin B levels, as well as in sperm concentration, percentage motility and normal sperm forms. Twenty-two men's partners achieved pregnancy within 2 months of the end of treatment. At the end of the third month, serum FSH levels were significantly higher in the men whose partners did not achieve pregnancy, and total sperm count and normal sperm forms were significantly lower compared with the group of men whose partners achieved pregnancy. Toremifene administration for a period of 3 months in men with idiopathic oligozoospermia is associated with significant improvements of sperm count, motility, and morphology, mediated by increased gonadotropin secretion and possibly a direct beneficial effect of toremifene on the testes. The above findings are also indicative of a better testicular exocrine (improved sperm parameters) response to treatment in men whose partners achieved pregnancy compared with those who did not. Further randomized, placebo-controlled trials should be conducted to determine whether this particular selective estrogen receptor modulator can be useful as an initial approach in men with oligozoospermia.

Effect of smoking on seminal plasma ascorbic acid in infertile and fertile males

This work aimed to assess the relationship of seminal ascorbic acid levels with smoking in infertile males. One hundred and seventy men were divided into four groups: nonobstructive azoospermia [NOA: smokers (n = 20), nonsmokers (n = 20)]; oligoasthenozoospermia [smokers (n = 30), nonsmokers (n = 20)]; asthenozoospermia [smokers (n = 20), nonsmokers (n = 20)] and normozoospermic fertile men [smokers (n = 20), nonsmokers (n = 20)]. The patients underwent medical history, clinical examination, conventional semen analysis and estimation of ascorbic acid in the seminal plasma calorimetrically. There was a significant decrease in the mean seminal plasma ascorbic acid levels in smokers versus nonsmokers in all groups (mean +/- SD; 6.03 +/- 2.18 versus 6.62 +/- 1.29, 7.81 +/- 1.98 versus 9.44 +/- 2.15, 8.09 +/- 1.98 versus 9.95 +/- 2.03, 11.32 +/- 2.15 versus 12.98 +/- 12.19 mg dl(-1) respectively). Fertile subjects, smokers or not, demonstrated significant higher seminal ascorbic acid levels than any infertile group. Seminal plasma ascorbic acid in smokers and nonsmokers was correlated significantly with sperm concentration (r = 0.59, 0.60, P < 0.001), sperm motility (r = 0.65, 0.55, P < 0.001) and negatively with sperm abnormal forms per cent (r = -0.53, -0.50, P < 0.001). Nonsignificant correlations were elicited with semen volume (r = 0.2, 0.09) or liquefaction time (r = 0.03, 0.06). It is concluded that seminal plasma ascorbic acid decreased significantly in smokers and infertile men versus nonsmokers and fertile men, and is significantly correlated with the main sperm parameters: count, motility and normal morphology. Also, cigarette smoking is associated with reduced semen main parameters that could worsen the male fertilizing potential, especially in borderline cases.

Assessment of Sertoli cell functional reserve and its relationship to sperm parameters.

Sertoli cell functional reserve was assessed in normozoospermic men and oligozoospermic patients and its prognostic potential was evaluated for patient selection and treatment. For the first objective, three groups of normo-follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)/normozoospermic fertile men (n:12), normo-FSH/oligozoospermic (n:21) and hyper-FSH/oligozoospermic subfertile men participated in the study whereas for the second objective 24 normo-FSH oligozoospermic patients volunteered for a pilot therapeutic trial. For the first part, high purity (hp) FSH (225 i.u., i.m.), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) (1500 i.u., i.m.) or their combination was given separately at weekly intervals, with samplings at 0, 3, 24 and 48 h. For the pilot trial, rec-FSH (150 i.u./48 h, i.m.) or placebo were prescribed for 6 months. The main outcome measures for the study were inhibin-B (inh-B), insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, testosterone and oestradiol concentrations and the main sperm parameters. Bolus administration of hp-FSH or hp-FSH/hCG combination in normozoospermic men resulted in a significant rise of inh-B in normozoospermic men (mean +/- SD, basal: 183.8+/-24.2 pg/mL in hp-FSH and 175.2+/-23.5 in hp-FSH/hCG treatment; 48 h: 256.1+/-34.2 and 246.3+/-19.0, respectively, p<0.001 for both). In oligozoospermic groups basal inh-B concentration was lower than in normozoospermic men (normo-FSH: 117.4+/-16.5, hyper-FSH: 81.2+/-19.8, p<0.001 for both) with a post-stimulation increase noted only in normo-FSH patients (hp-FSH 24-h: 132.8+/-19.7, p<0.01; hp-FSH/hCG 0 min: 105.7+/-20.1, 24-h: 119.5+/-20.6, p<0.05). Total sperm number and progressive motility showed significant improvements (p<0.05 for both) after 6 months of rec-FSH treatment in the group of patients with a satisfactory response to hp-FSH stimulation. In conclusion, the basal and reserve activity of Sertoli cells, as judged by inh-B secretion, was higher in normozoospermic than in dyspermic men, with a better therapeutic outcome noted in those patients with an adequate response to hp-FSH stimulation.

Sperm aneuploidy in infertile men

A recent line of research has shown that infertile male patients produce cytogenetically abnormal spermatozoa, despite a normal somatic karyotype, as a result of an altered intra-testicular environment that affects negatively the mechanisms controlling chromosome segregation during cell division. The rate of aneuploid spermatozoa production is significantly higher in patients with abnormal sperm parameters compared with those of normozoospermic subjects or infertile patients with normal sperm parameters. All chromosomes are subject to aneuploidy, although at a different rate; the heterochromosomes are more often altered than are the autosomes. A negative correlation has been reported to exist between aneuploidy and the main sperm parameters, suggesting that greater testicular damage is associated with a greater chance of chromosome malsegregation events. Abnormally-shaped spermatozoa are more likely to have chromosome abnormalities, particularly those with an enlarged head. More studies are necessary, however, to evaluate whether other types of sperm head abnormalities are also associated with an abnormal sperm chromosome complement. The possibility of retrieving testicular or epididymal spermatozoa in patients with azoospermia and using them in assisted reproduction techniques has prompted the evaluation of their chromosomal status. Studies have shown that testicular and epididymal spermatozoa have a greater rate of aneuploidy compared with that of ejaculated spermatozoa. Some authors have also shown that patients with non-obstructive azoospermia have a significantly higher sperm aneuploidy rate compared with that of patients with obstructive azoospermia. Sperm aneuploidy seems to have a negative impact on assisted reproduction technique outcome. Although it does not affect the fertilization rate, an elevated sperm aneuploidy rate is associated with a greater rate of pregnancy failure. Nevertheless, some patients with elevated sperm aneuploidy rate can still achieve a pregnancy, but with an increased risk of generating an aneuploid offspring. Thus, sperm aneuploidy evaluation is recommended in infertile patients with abnormal semen parameters, particularly if they undergo IVF programmes.

Lower sperm aneuploidy rate is associated with a higher pregnancy rate in unselected patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection

Objective: Infertile patients with oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia (OAT) and normal karyotype have a higher rate of sperm aneuploidy which is correlates with the severity of OAT. These patients frequently undergo intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to father a child, raising concerns about the possible increased risk of chromosomal aneuploidies for the concepti, since a natural selection does not occur with this technique. Accordingly, few reports have shown that a high proportion of patients undergoing ICSI program have an increased sperm aneuploidy rate. Another important issue, addressed in this study, is to evaluate the impact of the abnormal sperm chromosome asset on ICSI outcome.Design: Forty-eight consecutive and unselected male partners of couples undergoing ICSI had sperm aneuploidy rate evaluated in the same sperm preparation used for ICSI and obtained by swim-up. They were divided into two groups whether their sperm aneuploidy rate was below (group A) or above (group B) the upper range (1.55%) found in 14 healthy normozoospermic men (control group). Their main ICSI outcome measures were compared.Materials/Methods: Sperm chromosome analysis was conducted by fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH), using alpha-centromeric DNA probes for chromosomes 8, 18 (two-color) and 12, X and Y (three-color FISH).Results: Twelve out of 48 patients (25%) had a total sperm aneuploidy rate below the cut-off value of the control group (median: 1.25%; range: 0.85–1.52%), whereas the remaining 36 (75%) patients had an elevated sperm aneuploidy rate (median: 3.25%; range: 1.64–23.60%). Group A patients’ age (median: 33 years; range: 23–40) was similar to that of group B patients’ (median 35 years; range: 25–52). Fertilization (93% vs. 85%) and cleavage (100% vs. 98%) rates resulted similar in both groups of patients. Patients of group A had a significantly higher clinical pregnancy (75% vs. 34%) and implantation (34% vs. 13%) rates compared to the patients of group B. Thirty-two percent of implanted embryos miscarried (preclinical and clinical abortion) in group B compared to the 11% of group A, but the difference did not reach the statistical significance. Other factors which may account for this difference, such as the age of the female partner, theirs infertility factor and the main sperm parameters, resulted to be similar in both groups of patients.Conclusions: This study confirmed that an elevated proportion of patients undergoing ICSI have an increased sperm aneuploidy rate and that cytogenetically abnormal spermatozoa have a negative impact on ICSI outcome.Supported by: A grant from MURST, Rome, Italy, 1999. Objective: Infertile patients with oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia (OAT) and normal karyotype have a higher rate of sperm aneuploidy which is correlates with the severity of OAT. These patients frequently undergo intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to father a child, raising concerns about the possible increased risk of chromosomal aneuploidies for the concepti, since a natural selection does not occur with this technique. Accordingly, few reports have shown that a high proportion of patients undergoing ICSI program have an increased sperm aneuploidy rate. Another important issue, addressed in this study, is to evaluate the impact of the abnormal sperm chromosome asset on ICSI outcome. Design: Forty-eight consecutive and unselected male partners of couples undergoing ICSI had sperm aneuploidy rate evaluated in the same sperm preparation used for ICSI and obtained by swim-up. They were divided into two groups whether their sperm aneuploidy rate was below (group A) or above (group B) the upper range (1.55%) found in 14 healthy normozoospermic men (control group). Their main ICSI outcome measures were compared. Materials/Methods: Sperm chromosome analysis was conducted by fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH), using alpha-centromeric DNA probes for chromosomes 8, 18 (two-color) and 12, X and Y (three-color FISH). Results: Twelve out of 48 patients (25%) had a total sperm aneuploidy rate below the cut-off value of the control group (median: 1.25%; range: 0.85–1.52%), whereas the remaining 36 (75%) patients had an elevated sperm aneuploidy rate (median: 3.25%; range: 1.64–23.60%). Group A patients’ age (median: 33 years; range: 23–40) was similar to that of group B patients’ (median 35 years; range: 25–52). Fertilization (93% vs. 85%) and cleavage (100% vs. 98%) rates resulted similar in both groups of patients. Patients of group A had a significantly higher clinical pregnancy (75% vs. 34%) and implantation (34% vs. 13%) rates compared to the patients of group B. Thirty-two percent of implanted embryos miscarried (preclinical and clinical abortion) in group B compared to the 11% of group A, but the difference did not reach the statistical significance. Other factors which may account for this difference, such as the age of the female partner, theirs infertility factor and the main sperm parameters, resulted to be similar in both groups of patients. Conclusions: This study confirmed that an elevated proportion of patients undergoing ICSI have an increased sperm aneuploidy rate and that cytogenetically abnormal spermatozoa have a negative impact on ICSI outcome. Supported by: A grant from MURST, Rome, Italy, 1999.

Surgical treatment of varicocele in oligospermic patients: A re-evaluation

Left varicocele ligation was performed in 64 infertile men seen at our clinic during 1974–1978. High ligation of the left internal spermatic vein was done in all cases. The ages of patients were 23–46 yr. The criteria for operation were: palpatory findings of varicocele, primary or secondary infertility, and abnormal sperm analysis. Statistical analysis of the 3 main sperm parameters before and after surgery shows a significant increase in sperm count ( P < 0.005) and motility index ( P < 0.005), while the sperm morphology was not improved ( P = 0.2). The pregnancy rate was 43.8%.