Normal Sperm Concentration Research Articles

Semaglutide improved sperm morphology in obese men with type 2 diabetes mellitus and functional hypogonadism.

To compare the effects of semaglutide and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on semen quality and parameters of functional hypogonadism (FH) in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. We designed a randomised open-label trial in 25 men with type 2 diabetes (aged 50 [46-60] years, BMI 35.9 [32.8-38.7] kg/m2) and FH randomised to semaglutide (SEMA) 1 mg/week or intramuscular testosterone undecanoate (TRT) 1000 mg/10-12 weeks for 24 weeks. Semen analysis and parameters of FH were measured at baseline and after 24 weeks of treatment. Participants completed questionnaires of the International Index of Erectile Function-15 (IIEF-15) and the Aging Symptoms in Men (AMS). The quality of baseline sperm parameters of our study cohort was poor, below the 5th percentile of reference values. In the SEMA group, there was a significant increase in morphologically normal sperm from baseline to the end of the study (2% [2; 3.5] vs. 4% [2; 5.5]; p = 0.012), whereas sperm concentration and total number decreased significantly in the TRT group. Compared to TRT, the SEMA group had a significantly higher number of morphologically normal sperm, sperm concentration and total number. Both groups experienced an increase in total testosterone and improvement in the AMS score, whereas the IIEF-15 score significantly improved only in the TRT group. Semaglutide markedly improved sperm morphology, total testosterone levels and symptoms of hypogonadism. These findings highlight semaglutide's potential as a therapeutic approach for men with obesity-related FH who desire fertility. NCT06489457, www. gov.

Frequency and characteristics of Y chromosome microdeletions and karyotypic abnormalities among 4 278 infertile male patients from southwest China

To determine the frequency and characteristics of AZF microdeletions of Y chromosome and karyotypic abnormalities among infertile male patients from southwest China. 4 278 infertile male patients treated at West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University from September 2018 to July 2023 were selected as the study subjects. Results of Y chromosome microdeletion detection and G-banded karyotyping analysis were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical data of the patients were collected, which have included 2 048 patients with azoospermia, 1 536 patients with oligozoospermia, 310 patients with mild to moderate oligozoospermia, and 384 patients with infertility but normal sperm concentration. An abnormal karyotype was found in 213 (8.80%) of 2 421 patients who had undergone karyotyping analysis. The frequency of Y chromosome microdeletions was 9.86% (422/4 278), which had occurred in 10.4%, 13.28%, 0.97% and 0.52% of the cases with azoospermia, severe oligozoospermia, mild to moderate oligozoospermia, and infertility with normal sperm concentration, respectively. Y chromosome microdeletion detection and karyotyping analysis are crucial for assessing the cause of male infertility. Early diagnosis can facilitate the selection of reproductive methods.

285 Impact of feeding strategies on semen concentration, motility, and morphology of the mature AI boar

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to determine if varying feeding strategies of maintenance requirements of boars impacts semen concentration, motility, morphology, and cortisol of the working boar. This experiment was conducted at Purdue University over two 9-wk periods with 1-wk before each 9-wk period serving as baseline for analysis. Boars (n = 28; Acuity and Topig Norvsin) from two age groups (9 and 15 mo) and two genetics (maternal and terminal) were used. Boars were blocked by breed and age and randomly allocated to receive one of three feed intake levels of a corn-soybean meal-based diet formulated to meet NRC (2012) maintenance requirements: HIGH (150% maintenance, n = 9); MAIN (100% maintenance, n = 10); and LOW (80% maintenance, n = 9) during the first 9-wk period. During the second 9-wk period remaining HIGH and LOW boars were crossed-over to opposite treatments (HIGH-LOW, n = 9; LOW-HIGH, n = 7), and maintenance boars were unchanged (MAIN-MAIN, n = 8). Semen was collected once/wk using the gloved hand method and 3 mL of ejaculate was diluted in 27 mL of extender (Androhep Plus, Minitube). Semen concentration (Nucleocounter SP-100), motility (Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis, CASA, CEROS II), and sperm cell morphology (phase-contrast, bright-field microscopy) were analyzed. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS 9.4 with boar as experimental unit with main effects of feed intake and age with phase (3-wk period) as repeated measure. Significance was determined at P < 0.05 and a trend 0.05 < P ≤ 0.10. Three-way interactions for the first 9-wk period of feed intake*age*phase was observed for total sperm (P < 0.10) and total normal sperm (P < 0.05) with old boars fed HIGH treatment increasing sperm production, but old boars fed MAIN and LOW decreasing sperm production while young boars had minimal changes in sperm production regardless of feeding levels in the first 9-wk period. No other interactions or main effects were observed for the first period. During the second 9-wk period two-way interactions were observed for total sperm (FI*Age; P < 0.05) and total normal sperm (FI*Age; P < 0.01) with old LOW-HIGH boars having the highest total sperm and total normal sperm concentrations and young LOW-HIGH boars having the least total sperm and total normal sperm concentrations. HIGH-LOW fed boars had the greatest decrease in semen volume compared with the other treatments (FI*Phase; P < 0.01). Boars fed MAIN had minimal impacts on semen parameters compared with HIGH and LOW feed intake treatments. HIGH and LOW feed intake was observed to impact semen parameters in old boars faster than young boars with neither age being able to return to their baseline semen parameters observed at the start of the trial. Future research is needed with varying ages and feed intakes to better understand how nutritional strategies impact semen quantity and quality in the boar stud.

Single-cell transcriptomics identifies senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) features of testicular aging in human.

The male reproductive system experiences degradation with age, predominantly impacting the testes. Testicular aging can result in failure to produce physiological testosterone levels, normal sperm concentrations, or both. However, we cannot predict the onset of testicular aging in advance. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, we conducted cell-cell communication network of human testis between older and young group, indicating Leydig cells' potential role in spermatogenesis microenvironment of aging testis. And we depicted the senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP) features of aging testis by identifying differentially expressed senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP)-related genes between two group. Notably, IGFBP7 mainly expressed in Leydig cells of those differentially expressed SASP-related genes in aging testis. Furthermore, IGFBP7 protein located in the interstitial compartment of older mice confirmed by immunofluorescence and highly expressed in both human seminal plasma and mouse testis in the older group confirmed through Western blot. Together, our findings suggest that IGFBP7 may be a new biomarker of testicular aging.

Urine microbes and predictive metagenomic profiles associate with abnormalities in sperm parameters: implications for male subfertility

To explore the taxonomic and predicted functional relationship between the urine microbiome and alterations of semen analysis (SA) parameters. Cross-sectional study. Academic medical center. Men presenting for fertility evaluation or men presenting for vasectomy consultation with proven biological paternity were recruited and stratified on the basis of alterations, or lack thereof, in SA parameters. Changes in the functional and taxonomic urine microbiome profiles of participants with or without alterations in SA parameters. Seventy-three participants were included in our study. Men with abnormal sperm motility (N = 27) showed a nearly 50-fold higher abundance of Dialister micraerophilus compared with those with normal sperm motility (N = 46). This relationship persisted on canonical correlational analysis (r = 0.439). Men with abnormal sperm concentration (N = 20) showed a lower abundance of Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus, compared with those with normal sperm concentration (N = 53). The urine of participants with impaired sperm motility demonstrated dramatic differences in predictive functional profiles in pathways involved in oxidation-reduction balance and cell longevity. Our findings underscore differences in the urinary microbiome and abnormalities in semen parameters, especially sperm motility. By incorporating predictive functional profiling, we also highlight possible mechanisms that may drive the observed differences in sperm parameters.

(260) Functional and Taxonomic Urine Microbiome Differences in Men with Abnormal Semen Analysis Parameters

Abstract Introduction Male factors contribute to nearly half of all cases of infertility. Next-generation sequencing technologies have allowed for a more nuanced understanding of the widespread influence of the microbiome on health and human disease. Recent evidence has emerged revealing a potential role for the urinary microbiome in impacting male fertility and subfertility, though studies on this topic are sparse. Objective Here, we explore the complex relationship between the urine microbiome and alterations of SA parameters. Methods Men presenting for fertility evaluation or men presenting for vasectomy consultation with proven biological paternity were recruited. Clinical data and urine samples were collected from the patients and SA was performed. Patients were then stratified according to alterations in SA parameters. Urine samples underwent DNA extraction, PCR amplification and 16S rRNA sequencing. Taxonomic microbiome community profiling was performed. Predictive metagenomics was performed using Tax4Fun2 with reference to the KEGG database. Results N = 73 participants were included in the study and were stratified based on alterations, or lack thereof, in SA parameters. Men with abnormal sperm motility (N = 27) showed a higher abundance of urine Dialister micraerophilus (p = 0.0322) compared to those with normal sperm motility (N = 46). This relationship persisted on canonical correlational analysis (r = 0.439, p = 0.0114). Furthermore, when stratifying by sperm motility, nine differentially abundant pathways emerged from predictive metagenomic analysis including pathways critical for basic microbial cell functioning (intermediary metabolism pathways, FoxO signaling, longevity regulating pathways) in addition to pathways synthesizing and breaking down potentially bioactive metabolites (notably long- and short-chain fatty acid metabolism). Men with abnormal sperm concentration (N = 20) showed a lower abundance of urine Enterococcus faecalis (p = 0.0121) and urine Staphylococcus aureus (p = 0.0375), compared to those with normal sperm concentration (N = 53). These findings are outlined in the differential abundance box plots generated from the Analysis of composition of Microbiota with Bias Correction (ANCOM-BC) in Figure 1 and the differential abundance box plots from the predictive functional analysis in Figure 2. Conclusions Our exploratory analysis suggests a role for not just an altered microbial taxonomic profile but also an altered functional profile in men with abnormal SA parameters. These changes in SA parameters may come about through differences in urine microbial metabolite production including short-chain fatty acids or byproducts of intermediary metabolic processes such as those that may contribute to a pro-inflammatory microenvironment. These findings appear to be aligned with the very limited number of studies exploring similar lines of inquiry. These pathways and microbial communities may represent potential therapeutic targets. Further, more mechanistic, investigations are necessary. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: MicrogenDx, Metuchen Pharmaceuticals, Antares Pharma, Boston Scientific, and Endo Pharmaceuticals.

(076) Semen Microbiome Differences in Men with Abnormal Semen Analysis Parameters

Abstract Introduction Approximately 15% of couples struggle with infertility, of which half can be attributed to male factors. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing technologies have augmented our understanding of human health and disease by allowing for accurate and efficient characterization of the human microbiome. A small, albeit growing body of literature suggests a role for the semen microbiome in impacting male fertility and subfertility. Objective Here, we explore the complex relationship between the semen microbiome and alterations of SA parameters. Methods Men presenting for fertility evaluation or men presenting for vasectomy consultation with proven biological paternity were recruited. Clinical data and semen samples were collected from the patients and SA was performed. Patients were then stratified according to alterations in SA parameters. Semen samples underwent DNA extraction, PCR amplification and 16S rRNA sequencing. Taxonomic microbiome community profiling was performed. Results N = 73 participants were included in the study and were stratified based on alterations, or lack thereof, in SA parameters. Men with abnormal sperm motility (N = 27) showed a three-fold higher abundance of Lactobacillus iners (p = 0.0464) compared to those with normal sperm motility (N = 46). This relationship persisted on canonical correlational analysis (r = 0.392, p = 0.011). Men with abnormal sperm concentration (N = 20) showed a higher abundance of Paraburkholderia phenazinium (p = 0.0247), Pseudomonas fluorescens (p = 0.0101), and Pseudomonas stutzeri (p = 0.0241), but a lower abundance of Pseudomonas putida (p = 0.00478), compared to those with normal sperm concentration (N = 53). Participants with normal SA parameters (N = 40) showed a lower abundance of Peptoniphilus coxii (p = 0.0469) but a higher abundance of Staphylococcus hominis (p = 0.00335) compared to those with any abnormality in sperm concentration or motility (N = 33). These findings are outlined in the differential abundance box plots generated from the Analysis of composition of Microbiota with Bias Correction (ANCOM-BC) in Figure 1 and the canonical correlational analysis visualized in Figure 2. Conclusions Our results suggest that a small group of microorganisms may play a critical role in observed alterations of SA parameters. Some of these microbes, most notably Lactobacillus iners, have been described extensively within other, fertility-related, contexts, whereas for others, this is the first report where they have been implicated in fertility and subfertility. This is the largest study exploring the relationship between the semen microbiome and abnormalities in SA parameters; our findings provide critical insights that will be important in guiding future, mechanistic investigations. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: MicrogenDx, Metuchen Pharmaceuticals, Antares Pharma, Boston Scientific, and Endo Pharmaceuticals.

Semen microbiota are dramatically altered in men with abnormal sperm parameters

There has recently been an explosion of studies implicating the human microbiome in playing a critical role in many disease and wellness states. The etiology of abnormal semen analysis (SA) parameters is not identified in 30% of cases; investigations involving the semen microbiome may bridge this gap. Here, we explore the relationship between the semen microbiome and alterations of sperm parameters. We recruited men presenting for fertility evaluation or vasectomy consultation with proven biological paternity. SA and next generation sequencing was performed. Differential abundance testing using Analysis of composition of Microbiota with Bias Correction (ANCOM-BC) was performed along with canonical correlational analysis for microbial community profiling. Men with abnormal (N = 27) sperm motility showed a higher abundance of Lactobacillus iners compared to those with normal (N = 46) sperm motility (mean proportion 9.4% versus 2.6%, p = 0.046). This relationship persisted on canonical correlational analysis (r = 0.392, p = 0.011). Men with abnormal sperm concentration (N = 20) showed a higher abundance of Pseudomonas stutzeri (2.1% versus 1.0%, p = 0.024) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (0.9% versus 0.7%, p = 0.010), but a lower abundance of Pseudomonas putida (0.5% versus 0.8%, p = 0.020), compared to those with normal sperm concentration (N = 53). Major limitations are related to study design (cross-sectional, observational). Our results suggest that a small group of microorganisms may play a critical role in observed perturbations of SA parameters. Some of these microbes, most notably Lactobacillus iners, have been described extensively within other, fertility-related, contexts, whereas for others, this is the first report where they have potentially been implicated. Advances in our understanding of the semen microbiome may contribute to potentially new therapeutic avenues for correcting impairments in sperm parameters and improving male fertility.

Effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on semen parameters in sperm bank volunteers with normal sperm concentration.

In this study, we aimed to assess the effect of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on semen parameters. The study comprised 110 sperm volunteers who self-reported SARS-CoV-2 infection from the Human Sperm Bank of the Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University (Jinan, China). The volunteers had normal sperm concentration before infection. Each volunteer provided semen samples before and after infection. We selected 90 days after infection as the cutoff point. Semen parameters within 90 days after infection of 109 volunteers (group A) were compared with semen parameters before infection. Moreover, semen parameters on or after 90 days after infection of 36 volunteers (group B) were compared with semen parameters before infection. Furthermore, based on whether the volunteers had completed the three-dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccination booster, volunteers in group A and B were further divided into two subgroups separately. Semen parameters were compared before and after infection in each subgroup. Our results showed that in this cohort population, the semen quality in volunteers with normal sperm concentrations before infection decreased after SARS-CoV-2 infection within 90 days, while the semen quality returned to preinfection levels after 90 days. The completion of a three-dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccination booster may exert a protective effect on semen quality after infection.

Evening type negatively affects semen quality by deteriorating sperm morphology: Results from an infertility clinic

ObjectiveThe effect of sleep-related variables on the reproductive system has garnered attention in recent years. One of the mediators that reportedly plays an important role in the relationship between sleep disorders and the reproductive system is a disruption of the circadian rhythm. The aim of curent study is to investigate the effect of chronotype on morning semen quality. Study DesignThree-hundred and fourteen patients who applied to the infertility clinic were included in the study. The patients filled a socio-demographic data form. The “Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to evaluate the sleep quality while the chronotypes of the patients were evaluated with the “Morningness –Eveningness-Questionnaire (MEQ)”. Semen analyses and biochemical analysis for testosterone serum plasma level of all patients were performed. ResultsTwenty-one patients were assigned as evening, 187 patients were assigned as intermediate, and 106 were assigned as morning chronotype. No statistically significant difference was identified in the comparison of the mean MEQ scores between patients with low and normal sperm concentrations(p = 0.884). A correlation analysis indicated the presence of a significant positive correlation between normal morphology and MEQ scores (r = 0.13, p < 0.05) and a negative corelation between the hours spent in bed and sperm concentration (r = -0.13, p < 0.05). A general linear model created with independent variables suggested that the presence of varicocele and MEQ scores had a significant effect on normal morphology. ConclusionThe results of present study support that evening type could negatively affect sperm morphology; additionally, the time spent in bed also negatively affected sperm concentration.

Semen Pattern of Infertile-Male Partners Attending for Infertility Treatment, Sylhet, Bangladesh

Background: Infertility has major public health, economic, and psychosocial consequences, affecting approximately 15% - 20% of couples of reproductive ages. Male infertility can be caused by low sperm production, abnormal sperm function or blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm . Illness, injuries, chronic health problems, life style may contribute to male infertility.&#x0D; Objective: the aim of the study was to find the semen profile of infertile couples who attended the OPD of a tertiary hospital in Sylhet city.&#x0D; Methodology: This prospective longitudinal study was carried out in OPD of SOMCH, from June 2004 to December 2004. The study population was included with the criteria of the 100 male partners of the infertile couples who had tried for at least one year. The Exclusion criteria were men who had undergone a vasectomy.&#x0D; Each of the male partner of the infertile couples were provided-with detailed instructions regarding the method of collection of the semen. After three days of abstinence, the subjects were instructed to collect semen by masturbation in a clean, dry, wide-mouthed container provided by the laboratory. In most of the cases, semen was collected in the semen collection room within the premises of the laboratory, but those were unable to produce semen by masturbation were advised to bring the specimen to the laboratory as soon as possible after collection by coitusinteruptus. It was strictly suggested that the semen was to be brought within 2 hours at the test, sample which was brought after 2 hours was rejected. The sperm concentration was estimated by using the Makler counting chamber. Sperm morphology was assessed under light microscope by making a semen smear. The semen parameters were interpreted as normal or abnormal according to WHO (1999) semen analysis reference values. In patients with absence of sperm, semen analysis was repeated three times at four weeks interval before declaring azoospermia. Those patients with azoospermia and oligospermia also had a hormonal assay.&#x0D; Result: In this study, most (87%) of the semen specimens were between 2-3ml.In this study, 66% of the semen samples had a sperm count of more than 20 million/ml, 20% had 6-20 million/I, 5% had &lt; 5 million/nil &amp; 9 % had no sperm in their semen specimen (azoospermia). Out of 100 cases, 66% of semen specimens showed normal sperm concentration (&gt;20 million/ml) . 34% showed low or no sperm concentration. Statistically, the proportion is highly significant (P=&lt;0.001) In this study, the majority (74%) of male partners had pus cell in their semen specimen. In this study, most of the semen specimens (96%) liquefied within 30 minutes and 95% cases, pH of the semen specimen was between 7.2-7.4. In this study, out of 100 sample, sperm concentrations were found 0 in 9 samples (9%). Out of this 91 samples, 20.86% had 10-50% actively motile sperm, 2.18% had &lt;10% motile sperm in their semen specimen. Out of 91 samples 21(23.04%) showed low sperm motility. The proportion is highly significant (P=&lt;0.005). 2.18% semen specimen had &lt;10% normal sperm morphology. The distribution of male partners according to normal sperm morphology &amp; their sperm count is highly significant (P value&lt;0.001)&#x0D; Conclusion: In conclusion, azoospermia and asthenozoospermia and infection in semen are found to be important factors associated with male infertility in our country&#x0D; Mugda Med Coll J. 2023; 6(1): 16-19

Assessing the Prevalence of Low Testosterone and Elevated Follicle Stimulating Hormone Among Men Presenting for Fertility Evaluation Without Oligospermia

To compare the prevalence of abnormal hormone parameters among men with and without oligospermia to determine the value of universal hormonal screening during initial fertility evaluation. We retrospectively evaluated men who underwent semen analysis and hormonal evaluation (morning testosterone [T] and follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH]) between January 2002 and May 2021. Sperm concentration was dichotomized at 15 million/mL according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. We compared median and interquartile range (IQR) T and FSH levels according to sperm concentration using Kruskal-Wallis test. Differences in prevalence of low testosterone (<300ng/dL) and abnormal FSH (>7.6mIU/mL) were determined using chi-square test. 1164 men had a morning serum T. There was no difference in median T among men with normal vs abnormal sperm concentration (316ng/dL, IQR 250-399 vs 316ng/dL, IQR 253-419; P=.52). FSH was measured in 1261 men. Median FSH was higher among men with sperm concentration <15 million/mL (6.0IU/mL, IQR 3.9-10.7 vs 3.8IU/mL, IQR 2.7-5.7; P<.001). Among men with ≥15 million/mL concentration, 44.1% were found to have low T (P=.874) and 10.8% had an FSH ≥7.6 mIU/mL (P<.001). Among men with ≥15 million/mL sperm concentration who underwent both T and FSH evaluation, 43.6% had at least 1 hormonal abnormality. Almost half of men with normal sperm concentration had low T. As low T may have long-term implications for both fertility and overall health, providers should consider universal T screening in men presenting for fertility evaluation.

Influence of body mass index and waist-hip ratio on male semen parameters in infertile men in the real world: a retrospective study.

It is suggested that body mass index (BMI) can affect male semen quality; however, the results remain controversial. In addition, most studies have focused on the effect of obesity on semen quality. Evidence on the relationship of underweight or waist-hip ratio (WHR) with semen quality is rare. This study aimed to assess the association of BMI and WHR with semen quality. Data, including BMI and WHR, was collected from 715.00 men who underwent a fertility evaluation. BMI (kg/m2) was categorized as <18.50 (underweight), 18.50-24.90 (normal), 25.00-27.90 (overweight), and ≥28.00 (obese) kg/m2 for analysis. WHR was categorized as <0.81 (normal) and ≥0.81 (high). Semen volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility, and total motile sperm count were detected by experienced clinical technicians. Spearman's correlation showed that BMI was weakly associated with sperm progressive motility (r = 0.076, P < 0.05), while WHR showed no relationship with semen parameters. The azoospermia rate was significantly higher (33.33% vs. 2.10%, P < 0.001) and the sperm concentration was lower (P < 0.05) in the underweight group. The nonlinear correlation analysis showed that BMI was negatively associated with sperm concentration while BMI was more than 22.40 kg/m2 (P < 0.05), while WHR was negatively related to sperm progressive motility within 0.82 to 0.89 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the multivariate logistic analysis showed that follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) was an independent risk factor for normal sperm concentration (odds ratio [OR]: 0.791, P = 0.001) and morphology (OR: 0.821, P = 0.002), BMI was an independent risk factor for normal sperm progressive motility, and testosterone was an independent risk factor for sperm morphology (OR: 0.908, P = 0.023). BMI and WHR were significantly associated with semen parameters, while BMI was an independent risk factor for normal sperm progressive motility. Reproductive hormones, including FSH and testosterone, had a significant influence on sperm concentration and sperm morphology.

O-251 LIN28B gene expression is downregulated in spermatozoa of oligozoospermic men and associates with genetic variants previously linked to pubertal onset

Abstract Study question Is there an association between genetic polymorphisms in LIN28B with LIN28B expression and semen quality in spermatozoa from oligozoospermic men? Summary answer LIN28B is downregulated in spermatozoa of oligozoospermic men and explains 39% of sperm count variability. One SNP (rs314280) was associated with low LIN28B mRNA expression. What is known already Large-scale genomic studies have identified genetic variants in or near LIN28B to be robustly associated with pubertal traits such as age at menarche and age at voice break. The LIN28 family of genes are known to control cell division, growth and differentiation. The LIN28B orthologue is exclusively expressed at high levels in the testis and placenta; however, we have limited knowledge about the role of LIN28B in relationship to testicular function. Interestingly, other studies have showed that later onset of puberty is associated with poor semen quality, suggesting that pubertal development may influence adult testicular function. Study design, size, duration Twenty-nine oligozoospermic (cases) and fifty-four men with normal sperm concentration (controls) were recruited from patients seeking andrological work-up for male/couple infertility at a University Hospital. Subjects with abnormal karyotype, Yq-microdeletions, varicocele GIII-IV, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, seminal infection, diabetes, BMI&amp;gt;35, excessive consumption of alcohol/drugs, testicular cancer, chemotherapy/radiotherapy were excluded. Semen samples were obtained for analysis (WHO, 2010) and sperm isolation by density gradient (PureSperm40®). Peripheral blood samples were analysed for reproductive hormones and used for DNA extraction. Participants/materials, setting, methods LIN28B and GAPDH-S mRNA abundance were measured by qRT-PCR (2-ΔCT method) in RNA isolated from purified sperm using SYBR® MasterMix (Takyon). Five SNPs in linkage disequilibrium (rs7759938, rs395962, rs314268, rs314277 and rs314280) were genotyped (TaqMan™ SNP Genotyping Assay). Statistical differences between groups were assessed by Mann-Whitney test and genetic association was analysed using “SNPassoc” package in R. Values are showed as median, Q1-Q3. Main results and the role of chance Cases and controls had similar age and BMI but as expected sperm concentration, morphology and vitality were differed between groups (9.9, 4.9-13.1 vs 82.8, 46.0-146.5 mill/ml; 1, 1-2 vs 3, 1-4% normal forms and 83%, 76-89 vs 86%, 82-90, respectively) (p &amp;lt; 0.05). No differences were observed in progressive motility, semen volume and days of abstinence. FSH and LH serum levels were higher in cases compared with controls (4.6, 2.6-7.8 vs 3.2, 2.5-4 mIU/ml and 4.2, 2.9-5.2 vs 3.1, 2.1-4.2 mIU/ml, respectively; p = 0.019 and p = 0.017). Relative expression of LIN28B was significantly diminished in cases compared with controls (0.0034, 0.0015-0.0103 vs 0.0446, 0.0122-0.1026; p &amp;lt; 0.001), while expression of the internal housekeeping control GAPDH-S was similar between groups. Linear regression model showed significant association of sperm concentration and total sperm count with LIN28B relative expression adjusted by age, abstinence time, % progressive motility and % normal morphology (beta=0.408, R2=0.241, p &amp;lt; 0.001 and beta=0.461, R2=0.393, p &amp;lt; 0.001). LIN28B rs314280 was associated with mRNA expression in the dominant model (p = 0.025) and two other SNPs (rs7759938, rs314268) showed the same trend (p = 0.09). Men with at least one minor allele of these 3 SNPs had a lower LIN28B mRNA abundance (p = 0.006; p = 0.07; p = 0.055). Limitations, reasons for caution Genotype frequency comparisons between cases and control were not conducted because of the small sample size. A larger cohort will be studied to address this assumption and association of genotypes with parameters of semen quality. Wider implications of the findings To our knowledge this study represents the first report on LIN28B expression and human testicular function. The significant direct association of LIN28B mRNA expression with sperm concentration suggests that LIN28B may be involved in spermatogonial proliferation. Trial registration number not applicable

PD18-05 IDIOPATHIC SECONDARY AZOOSPERMIA OCCURRENCE IN INFERTILE MEN OVER TIME

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023PD18-05 IDIOPATHIC SECONDARY AZOOSPERMIA OCCURRENCE IN INFERTILE MEN OVER TIME Gilad Karavani, Kirk C. Lo, Ethan D. Grober, Mohamed S. Kattan, Susan Lau, and Keith Jarvi Gilad KaravaniGilad Karavani More articles by this author , Kirk C. LoKirk C. Lo More articles by this author , Ethan D. GroberEthan D. Grober More articles by this author , Mohamed S. KattanMohamed S. Kattan More articles by this author , Susan LauSusan Lau More articles by this author , and Keith JarviKeith Jarvi More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003273.05AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: While the occurrence of azoospermia in the male population and its risk factors are well studied, only scarce data exists on the unique group of patients without known risk factors for sperm quality deterioration who eventually develop idiopathic secondary azoospermia (ISA). Early identification of such cases will allow interventions to preserve fertility by sperm banking. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of ISA with time in men with initial oligospermia to identify those with higher risk of becoming azoospermic. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study from a single university-affiliated male infertility clinic. Patients that had at least two semen analyses (SA) 3 months or more apart between 2005 and 2021 were included. Patients with normal sperm concentration (above 15 million/ml), those with risk factors for deterioration in semen quality (chemo-radiotherapy exposure, Kleinfelter syndrome, etc.) and those with an initial semen analyses showing azoospermia, were excluded. Patients were allocated to three groups according to their initial sperm concentration – ≤1, 1-5 and 5-15 million/ml. Basic characteristics as well as the first and last SA and hormonal levels were compared between the groups. The primary outcome was the occurrence of ISA in each group with time. RESULTS: Overall, 1044 patients with two SA and no other known risk factors were included in the analysis. Thirty-one patients (3.0%) eventually became azoospermic with time. The ≤1 million/ml group (280 patients) had significantly higher rates of ISA in each time period compared to the 1-5 million/ml (312 patients) and 5-15 million/ml (452 patients) group (p<0.005 for all comparisons). CONCLUSIONS: The group of men with ≤1 million/mL have a dramatically increased chances of becoming azoospermic with time, reaching a peak of over 25% after 3 years. Therefore, sperm banking should be recommended, as early as possible, in case of extremely severe oligospermia. Men with sperm counts > 1million/mL could be counseled that their chances of ISA are low, even after 3 or more years. Source of Funding: None © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e504 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Gilad Karavani More articles by this author Kirk C. Lo More articles by this author Ethan D. Grober More articles by this author Mohamed S. Kattan More articles by this author Susan Lau More articles by this author Keith Jarvi More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Sperm concentrations do not correlate with semen parameters and hormone profiles in males recovered from COVID-19.

Although the negative impact on fertility of men recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been suggested, there is insufficient evidence, and the data are limited and contradictory. The present prospective study aimed to evaluate the sex-related hormones, semen parameters, erectile dysfunction (ED), and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in a cohort of men who recovered from COVID-19 and age-matched control men. Semen samples were collected from twenty-two men recovered from COVID-19 with a median time of 91.5 days and thirty-six control males. The semen parameters were evaluated according to the World Health Organization (WHO) laboratory manual to examine and process human semen. The blood samples were collected to assess the male hormone profile. ED and LUTS were evaluated with the International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF-5) and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), respectively. The follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (3.819±1.515 IU/L), luteinizing hormone (LH) (4.023±1.792 IU/L), prolactin (PRL) [12.60 (10.72-15.20) ng/mL], and testosterone (T) [4.345 (3.565-5.525) ng/mL] levels were at normal range in all males enrolled in the study. Levels of semen volume (control: 2.5 mL vs. COVID-19: 1.9 mL; P<0.05) and sperm concentration (control: 59×106/mL vs. COVID-19: 41.5×106/mL; P<0.005) were significantly lower in males recovered from COVID-19, but still technically well within normal regardless of WHO edition. All variables were examined through logistic regression analysis, demonstrating that only sperm concentration was an independent variable associated with men recovered from COVID-19 [odds ratio (OR) =1; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.999-1.098; P=0.016]. According to correlation analysis, there was no correlation between sperm concentration and other semen parameters and sex-related hormone profiles. Furthermore, an absence of ED and LUTS in men who recovered from COVID-19 was evidenced using the IIEF-5 and IPSS, respectively. Reproductive-age males recovered from COVID-19 have normal sperm concentration. Sperm concentration did not correlate with other semen parameters, sex-related hormones, IIEF-5, and IPSS. Further studies should be performed to evaluate whether the lower sperm concentration and semen volume that were still within the normal range are a transient or prolonged downregulation resulting from the COVID-19 attack.

Incidence and risk factors of hypogonadism in men with normal sperm concentration

Incidence and risk factors of hypogonadism in men with normal sperm concentration

Correlation study of male semen parameters and embryo aneuploidy in preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of abnormal semen parameters on embryo aneuploidy based on single nucleotide polymorphism microarray (SNP array). A total of 464 blastocysts from 103 PGT-A cycles were analyzed. The embryo quality and embryo aneuploidy rates were compared between different groups which divided by male semen parameters (sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and DFI) according the WHO criteria (2021). The total blastocysts chromosome aneuploidy rate was 42.3% (191/452). In the teratozoospermia group, the good-quality embryo and blastocyst formation rate were lower than the normal group(44.4% vs 60.7%, P <0.01; 33.3% vs 43.5%, P<0.05), The good-quality embryo rate in normal DFI group was significantly higher than high-DFI group (59.0% vs 48.4%, P < 0.05). The blastocyst aneuploidy rate in low sperm concentration group, and high DFI group was no differences between with that in normal sperm concentration and DFI group (47.7% vs 37.8% and 44.7% vs 37.8%, P>0.05). The aneuploid rate of blastocyst in teratozoospermic and asthenozoospermia group was significantly higher than that of normal morphology and motility group (50.0% vs 34.0% and 46.7% vs 33.7%, P<0.05). Our study revealed that sperm DFI were positively correlated with blastocyst aneuploidy rate, while sperm motility and sperm morphology rate were negatively correlated with blastocyst aneuploidy rate. Abnormal semen parameters may affect embryo quality and increase the aneuploidy rate of blastocyst chromosomes, suggesting that in clinical practice of assisted reproduction patients with abnormal semen parameters can be treated in advance to improve sperm quality, so as to reduce the impact on embryo quality and achieve a better pregnancy outcome.

INFLAMMASOME IS ASSOCIATED WITH IMPAIRED FERTILITY DUE TO SPINAL CORD INJURY

Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects around half a million new cases worldwide and 17,900 in the US every year (1,2). It occurs most often in young men at the peak of their reproductive health, resulting in severely impaired fertility. Most men with SCI have semen with normal sperm concentrations but have severely impaired sperm motility and viability.

Association of Anti-Mullerian Hormone with Some Physiological and immunological Parameters of Infertile Males.

The measurement of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), which is released in the serum and seminal fluid is a specific indicator of Sertoli cell function. This study aimed to evaluate AMH as a potential clinical indicator of infertility in maleswith normal and low sperm concentrations, as well as those with primary and secondary infertility. It was a retrospective analysis of 140 males chosen from sole infertility and IVF center in Erbil. without a known cause of infertility, 40 men with normal sperm counts, 100 men with primary, and 40 men with secondary infertility were assessed. An in-house ELISA was used to assess the serum AMH. Semen parameters, Semen and sera cytokines, and certain sex hormone mean levels were compared and correlated with AMH as the primary outcome measures. Seminal and serum AMH levels in infertile males were significantly lower. While an insignificant correlation was detected between AMH and LH, prolactin, or testosterone in azoospermic men, there was a significant adverse association between seminal AMH and FSH. A substantial positive association between seminal AMH and testosterone was found in oligospermia men, although no significant correlations were observed with FSH, LH, or prolactin. In conclusion, AMH in seminal plasma is a reliable marker of male infertility with a role in sperm production.