Oligoasthenozoospermic Patients Research Articles

The association of FSHR gene polymorphism (rs6166) with the risk of oligoasthenozoospermia incidence in Iraqi patients

Introduction and Aim: Male infertility is a complicated multifactorial pathological disease with widely disparate symptoms, ranging from the complete lack of spermatozoa to alterations in sperm quality. Genetic factors account for at least 15% of male infertility. An increasing number of gene polymorphisms have been proposed to alter the efficacy of spermatogenesis based on association studies. The goal of this study is to investigate whether the genotype of the FSHR gene associated SNP rs6166 is associated with Iraqi men's risk for oligoasthenozoospermia. Materials and Methods: SNP rs6166 was genotyped by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Results: In accordance with FSHR genes rs6166 G>A (Ser 680Asn) SNP, the frequency of homozygous AA in fertile men was significantly lower than in oligoasthenozoospermic patients. By contrast, there was a notable increase in the occurrence of homozygous GG genotype among fertile males when compared to those diagnosed with oligoasthenozoospermia. There were no statistically significant variations in the frequency percentage of heterozygous GA genotypes between the group of fertile male participants and the group of oligoasthenozoospermic patients. Conclusion: The results showed a significant decrease in testosterone concentration in oligoasthenozoospermic patients. The FSHR rs6166 polymorphism (AA) was found to contribute to individual susceptibility to oligoasthenozoospermia in a group of Iraqi patients.

PMON255 Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Seminal Plasma: Role of Free Light Chains of Immunoglobulins and Antioxidants as Biomarkers in Male Infertility

Abstract Oxidative and inflammatory damage are underlying mechanisms in various conditions related to male infertility, including varicocele. Free light chains of immunoglobulins (FLCs) are considered markers of low-grade inflammation in various conditions. Nowadays it is known that they may play enzymatic and proteolytic activities; they may activate complement cascade and mast cells, with crucial role in the development of contact sensibility; they may also inhibit the autonomous signaling ability of the B-cell receptor. Their detection in biological fluids may be useful as biomarker of inflammation or altered immune response. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a lipidic antioxidant and component of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, is involved in spermatozoa energy metabolism and motility. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate FLCs seminal levels in patients with varicocele in comparison to control subjects and to correlate them with CoQ10 and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) in human semen. A total of 65 patients were enrolled, aged 18-50 years. Semen analysis was performed; patients were divided into three groups: controls (CTRL), 12 normozoospermic patients aged 34 (33-41) years; varicocele (VAR), 29 patients aged 33 (26-37) years; idiopathic (IDIO), 24 oligo-, astheno- and oligoasthenozoospermic patients aged 37 (33.5-40.5) years. FLCs were assayed by turbidimetric method; CoQ10 by HPLC; TAC by spectrophotometric method. Λ FLCs showed a trend towards higher levels in VAR vs CTRL and IDIO. VAR showed a trend towards lower κ FLCs levels vs the other two groups. Comparing κ/λ ratio VAR showed significantly lower levels vs CTRL and IDIO (Mean±SEM 3.18±0.75; 8.28±1.71; 8.90±2.94, respectively; p<0.05). CoQ10 seminal levels showed higher levels in VAR and IDIO compared to CTRL (57.7±4.13; 65.50±6.95 and 38.30±3.35 mcg/ml, respectively; p<0.05) No different TAC values were found between groups. Our data confirm lower levels of κ/λ ratio in VAR as previously reported and suggest a possible application as clinical biomarkers for male infertility. Presentation: Monday, June 13, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

MAY GROWTH HORMONE HAVE A ROLE IN THE TREATMENT OF SEVERE OLIGOASTHENOZOOSPERMIA? A CONTROLLED TRIAL EVALUATING THE IGF-I SERUM LEVELS

It is established that Growth Hormone (GH) affects gonadal function at hypothalamic, pituitary and gonadal sites, and the effect of GH/IGF-I axis on spermatogenesis is well known. IGF-I is secreted by Sertoli Cells, secondary spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoa, and abnormal sperm parameters seem to correlate with lower serum IGF-I serum levels. Some authors reported a beneficial effect of GH treatment in infertile men, with the increase of spermatozoa number and motility in cases of oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. On the other hand, other authors did not confirm these findings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of GH treatment in normogonadotropic oligoasthenozoospermic patients no responsive to gonadotropins treatment in improving semen characteristics, evaluating the role of patients IGF-I serum levels

Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Seminal Plasma: Search for Biomarkers in Diagnostic Approach to Male Infertility.

Oxidative and inflammatory damage underlie several conditions related to male infertility, including varicocele. Free light chains of immunoglobulins (FLCs) are considered markers of low-grade inflammation in numerous diseases. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a lipidic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound, is involved in spermatozoa energy metabolism and motility. We aimed to evaluate FLCs’ seminal levels in patients with varicocele in comparison to control subjects and to correlate them with CoQ10 and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) in human semen. Sixty-five patients were enrolled. Semen analysis was performed; patients were divided into three groups: controls, 12 normozoospermic patients, aged 34 (33–41) years; varicocele (VAR), 29 patients, aged 33 (26–37) years; and idiopathic, 24 oligo-, astheno- and oligoasthenozoospermic patients aged 37 (33.5–40.5) years. FLCs (κ and λ) were assayed by turbidimetric method; CoQ10 by HPLC; TAC by spectrophotometric method. λ FLCs showed a trend toward higher levels in VAR vs. controls and the idiopathic group. VAR showed a trend toward lower κ FLCs levels vs. the other two groups. When comparing κ/λ ratio, VAR showed significantly lower levels vs. controls and idiopathic. Moreover, CoQ10 seminal levels showed higher levels in VAR and idiopathic compared to controls. Data reported here confirm lower levels of κ/λ ratio in VAR and suggest a possible application in personalized medicine as clinical biomarkers for male infertility.

Respiratory Mitochondrial Efficiency and DNA Oxidation in Human Sperm after In Vitro Myo-Inositol Treatment.

Semen samples are known to contain abnormal amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxygen free radicals; therefore, the identification of antioxidant molecules able to counteract the oxidative damage caused by ROS is foresight. Indeed, improving semen quality in terms of motility and reduction in DNA damage, can significantly improve the fertilization potential of sperm in vitro. To this regard, myo-inositol, based on its antioxidant properties, has been reported to be effective in improving sperm quality and motility in oligoasthenozoospermic patients undergoing assisted reproduction techniques when used as a dietary supplementation. Moreover, in vitro treatment demonstrated a direct relationship between myo-inositol, mitochondrial membrane potential and sperm motility. This experimental study aimed to evaluate the effects of myo-inositol (Andrositol-lab) in vitro treatment on sperm motility, capacitation, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and DNA damage. Our results demonstrate that myo-inositol induces a significant increase in sperm motility and in oxygen consumption, the main index of oxidative phosphorylation efficiency and ATP production, both in basal and in in vitro capacitated samples. Moreover, we provide evidence for a significant protective role of myo-inositol against oxidative damage to DNA, thus supporting the in vitro use of myo-inositol in assisted reproductive techniques. Even if further studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying the antioxidant properties of myo-inositol, the present findings significantly extend our knowledge on human male fertility and pave the way to the definition of evidence-based guidelines, aiming to improve the in vitro procedure currently used in ART laboratory for sperm selection.

Date Palm Pollen Grains as a Potential Manager for Male Sub-fertility: A Clinical Trial

Medicinal plants are identified and used throughout human history; it has a great economic value especially in drugs discovery. Date palm pollen (DPP) is used traditionally in Sudan for treating sub-fertile male patients. Male infertility is heterogeneous group of disorders, most of them are idiopathic. This study is aimed to investigate the role of pharmaceutical preparation of DPP in amelioration of male sub fertility with detection of any possible adverse effects on the major body system functions, through blood picture, liver enzymes and kidney function. This study is a single group pretest-posttest experimental prospective comparative self-control. Sub-fertile men with Idiopathic oligoasthenozoospermia or azoospermia were received 500 mg capsules of DPP twice daily for three months after conducting their safety profiles to detect any toxic effects on hematological, hepatological and nephrological functions, Blood samples were taken from the patients for serum level of FSH (for azoospermic patients), FSH and Testosterone (for oligoasthenozoospermic patients). Finally, Semen sample have been obtained for computerized assisted semen analysis (CASA) report I and II. DPP administration induced significant increase (p≤0.001) in testosterone level (in oligoasthenozoospermic patients) and FSH level (in azoospermic patients). DPP induced significant changes (p≤0.001) towards improvement in the total and progressive sperm motility percentages measured in oligoasthenozoospermic patients by CASA dynamic analysis report I and II. The toxicological studies for DPP approved their safety use in human.

Using Zinc in Management of Subfertile Male Patients: a Clinical Trial

Background: The use of minerals in treatment of different diseases is as old as man himself. zinc is the most famous trace mineral related to male sexual function. Oligoasthenozoospermic subfertile patients were treated with zinc sulphate for three months.
 Objectives: Aim of the research is to investigate the role of Zinc and if it affects the abnormalities of some semen parameters and to study the possible role of pharmaceutical preperations of zinc in amelioration of male subfertility as well as to assess the ability of Zinc to induce changes in the serum and semen zinc levels in addition to the levels of reproductive hormones (FSH and Testosterone).
 Type of the study: The study is a single group pretest-posttest experimental prospective comparative self-control; clinical trial research.
 Methods: The patients were tested before and after the treatment for semen analysis via Computerized Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA) dynamic analysis report I and II as well as for FSH and Testosterone hormonal levels, serum and semen zinc levels .
 Results: Zinc administration induced a significant increase(p≤0.001) in FSH, Testosterone, serum and semen zinc level as well as in the total and progressive sperm motility percentages .
 Conclusions: Zinc administration induced significant changes (p≤0.001) towards improvement in the total and progressive sperm motility percentages in oligoasthenozoospermic patients by CASA dynamic analysis report I and II.

Alteration of Cholesterol Sulfate/Seminolipid Ratio in Semen Lipid Profile of Men With Oligoasthenozoospermia.

The reduction of sperm motility and count, or oligoasthenozoospermia, is one of the major causes of reduced fertility or infertility in men. Lipid composition of spermatozoa is important in determining their functional characteristics, in particular on motility, acrosomal exocytosis or fusogenic properties of the sperm. Here we investigated the levels of semen lipids in 11 infertile patients with severe oligoasthenozoospermia and 9 normozoospermic subjects with normal motility values. Sperm polar and neutral lipids were analyzed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS). Semen of patients with oligoasthenozoospermia showed a reduction of the degree of fatty acid unsaturation in the phospholipids chains that might affect the membrane fluidity. Furthermore, a significant higher cholesterol sulfate/seminolipid ratio was found in semen of oligoasthenozoospermic patients than in subjects with normal motility values, suggesting a critical role of sulfolipids in semen quality. The results may facilitate the understanding of the role of lipids on male fertility and offer interesting perspectives to find innovative treatments for oligoasthenozoospermia.

Zinc supplementation in male infertility

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Inferile males have been shown to have lower levels of seminal plasma zinc which have been associated with reduced levels of zinc in their blood. Supplementation improve semen parameters by improving zinc level in blood. </p><p><strong>Objective:</strong> To fnd out whether zinc supplementation is effective in improving semen parameters in oligo­asthenozoospermic patients.</p><p><strong>Method:</strong> The study was carried out in the Infertility unit of the Dept of Obs & Gynae, BSMMU during the period of March 2011 to February 2012. Seventy five oligo-asthenozoospermic patients having no history of medical treatment were recruited for the study. The patients were divided into two groups by odd and even numbers. Odd numbers received tablet zinc 20 mg twice daily (Group A) and even numbers received placebo (Group B).Serum zinc level and seminal zinc level estimation were done by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectropho­tometry and semen analysis was done according to WHO guidelines (1999). Data analysis was done using software SPSS (version 16) by applying ANOVA (PostHock) and Paired Student's 't' test.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> Serum zinc level was low in oligo­zoospermic patients which showed significant improvement with zinc supplementation (A+ 197.83 mmol/1, P<0.01). Mean (±SD) seminal plasma zinc level showed significant improvement in group A following zinc supplementation (+942.39 mmol/L, P<0.001). The mean increase in sperm count, sperm motility, sperm rapid linear motility, sperm morphology in group A following zinc supplementation for 12 weeks was 14.83 million/ml (P<0.01), 16.30% (P<0.01), 11.96% (P<0.01), 4.26% (P<0.001) respectively, which was statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The study shows zinc deficiency affects sperm count, sperm motility, rapid linear motility and sperm morphology and with zinc supplementa­tion there can be significant improvement in semen parameters.</p>

PP-050 - The association between male age and fertilization/pregnancies rate in severely oligoasthenozoospermic patients

PP-050 - The association between male age and fertilization/pregnancies rate in severely oligoasthenozoospermic patients

Magnetic-activated cell sorting is useful for human spermatozoa selection with DNA integrity

Males with unexplained infertility are always associate with high proportion of DNA-damaged sperm, especially in those asthenozoospermic and oligoasthenozoospermic patients. Thus we investigated the efficiency and benefit of magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) for preparation of spermatozoa with DNA integrity in such patients.

Genetic variation in the Nrf2 promoter associates with defective spermatogenesis in humans

Defective spermatogenesis, which severely impairs male fertility, can be caused by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS). Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) regulates transcription of genes encoding enzymes important for protection against ROS. In human seminal plasma and spermatozoa, superoxide dismutase isoenzymes (SOD) and glutathione S-transferases (GST) are key antioxidant enzymes. We hypothesized that decreased function of the Nrf2-antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway might predispose individuals to male infertility. In this study, we identified three functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Nrf2 promoter regions of 196 idiopathic asthenozoospermic patients, 140 idiopathic oligoasthenozoospermic patients, and 295 controls. We found that two of the Nrf2 SNPs (-617 G > T and -653 T > C) were associated with oligoasthenozoospermia (p = 0.001) and individuals with 617 TT and 653 TT genotypes had higher risk of oligoasthenozoospermia (p = 0.006 and p = 0.002). Four haplotypes of Nrf2 promoters were identified, and two of them (GCC and TCT) had different frequencies in oligoasthenozoospermic patients than in controls (p = 0.019 and p = 0.011). In vitro reporter assay indicated that oligoasthenozoospermia associated genotypes of Nrf2 had significantly decreased transcriptional capabilities. The GCC and TCT haplotypes both showed lower Nrf2 mRNA expression in spermatozoa than GCT. TCT also showed decreased levels of antioxidant gene GSTM1 and SOD2 mRNA. Analysis of total seminal SOD activity elucidated that oligoasthenozoospermic patients had less SOD activity than controls. This study is the first to demonstrate a strong association between functional polymorphisms in Nrf2 promoters with defective spermatogenesis in humans.

Low NRF2 mRNA Expression in Spermatozoa from Men with Low Sperm Motility

Antioxidant genes and enzymes play important roles in human spermatogenesis. Although low levels of antioxidant enzyme expression are associated with poor sperm quality, it is not clear whether mRNA expression of antioxidant genes is lower in these men than in normozoospermic men. In this study, 55 asthenozoospermic and oligoasthenozoospermic patients and 65 controls were recruited. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR was performed and the abundance of mRNA of four antioxidant genes known to be important to spermatogenesis were evaluated. These genes were nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase Mu 1 (GSTM1), and superoxide dismutase isoenzyme 2 (SOD2). Results showed the level of NRF2 mRNA expression to be significantly lower in patients than in controls (P < 0.001), but no statistically significant difference in the level of SOD2, CAT, or GSTM1 gene expression was observed between the two groups. A significant correlation was observed between the level of NRF2 mRNA expression and specific sperm function parameters, including concentration, progressive motility, immotility, vitality, and morphology (all P < 0.01). NRF2 expression was also found to be associated with seminal SOD activity and mRNA levels of the CAT and SOD2 genes (all P < 0.05). Therefore, our data demonstrated that the level of NRF2 mRNA expression is significantly lower in human males with low sperm motility and correlated with specific sperm function parameters. This suggests that NRF2 is important to spermatogenesis and may serve as a useful biomarker in the prediction of male infertility.

ICSI outcome in severely oligoasthenozoospermic patients and its relationship to prewash progressive sperm motility*

To investigate the association between prewash progressive sperm motility and pregnancy rate in cases of severely oligoasthenozoospermic patients in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. Materials and methods: The study included 80 infertile couples who were treated by ICSI due to severe oligoasthenozoospermia (

Preserved testicular artery at varicocele repair

Whether or not varicocele causes infertility is a contentiously debated issue. This study aimed to compare semen parameters and pregnancy rate in infertile males who underwent varicocelectomy with preserved or accidentally ligated testicular artery. Ninety-five infertile oligoasthenozoospermic patients with left-sided varicocele were subjected to subinguinal varicocelectomy with trial of preserving testicular artery. According to absence or presence of testicular artery in the histological excised pedicle the cases were divided into two groups; group 1 (n = 60) with preserved testicular artery and group 2 (n = 35) where the artery was accidentally ligated being not defined or injured. Semen analysis was carried out after 4, 8 and 12 months and post-operative pregnancy rate was assessed after 1 year. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH) and total testosterone (T) were estimated pre- and post-operatively. Semen parameters (total sperm count, sperm concentration and sperm motility) showed significant increase post-operatively compared with pre-operative parameters but were comparable in both groups with no significant difference. Serum FSH, LH, T hormones and pregnancy rate (23.3% versus 22.9%) 1 year post-operatively showed no significant difference. It is concluded that accidental ligation of testicular artery has no deleterious effect on semen parameters during primary varicocele repair if the testicular arterial supply was not compromised.

Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) activity in normal and pathological human semen. Relationship with round cells of the ejaculate.

The aim of the present paper is deleted to determine ATP activity in the human seminal cells by bioluminescence and to investigate the relationship between these values and the number of round cells either peroxidase positive or peroxidase negative. We studied 244 untreated men, divided into six groups. Our mean value of ATP activity in normal semen was 20.02 +/- 0.65 n moles per 10(8) spermatozoa. In asthenozoospermic or oligoasthenozoospermic patients with less than 1,000,000 round cells per ml, the concentration of ATP was significantly lower than normal (P less than 0.001) or (P less than 0.05). Semen with normal characteristics or samples from asthenozoospermic or oligoasthenozoospermic patients but with more than 1,000,000 round cells, per ml and with predominance of peroxidase negative cells, had an ATP concentration higher than normal subjects (P less than 0.001). We believe that the knowledge of the quantity and quality of round cells of the ejaculate is important to interpret the seminal values of ATP.

The effect of zinc, arginine, fructose and seminal supernatant of normal semen on the triple adenosine triphosphatase activities of the spermatozoa from males with oligoasthenozoospermia.

When the spermatozoa of oligoasthenozoospermic patients were suspended with the supernatant of normal semen, an increase in triple ATPase enzyme activities besides enhancement of spermatozoa motilities were observed. This suggests that factor or factors present in the supernatant of normal semen that effects spermatozoa motility also have a positive effect on triple ATPase enzyme activities. In an attempt to produce such an effect, zinc, arginine and fructose were added to the incubation media where the spermatozoal ATPase enzyme activities were determined. Zinc increased Ca2+-Mg2+ ATPase enzyme activity without affecting Na+/K+-Mg2+ and Mg2+ ATPase activities. Triple ATPase enzyme activities remained unchanged after arginine and fructose additions. As a result zinc is thought to be one of the factors that affect spermatozoa motility in seminal plasma.

Correlation of sperm DNA damage with protamine deficiency in Iranian subfertile men

To compare the extent of sperm DNA damage with the degree of protamine deficiency in spermatozoa of normal and subfertile individuals, 30 semen samples from three groups of subfertile individuals (oligozoospermic, asthenozoospermic and oligoasthenozoospermic) and 14 samples from normal individuals were collected from men referred to the Fertility and Infertility Centre of Shariati Hospital, Tehran. DNA damage was measured using the alkaline Comet assay, and protamine deficiency was measured using chromomycin A3 (CMA3) staining. Results indicated a significant difference in the extent of DNA damage in spermatozoa of subfertile patients compared with normal patients (P < 0.01). Spermatozoa from oligoasthenozoospermic patients showed a higher level of DNA damage compared with the other two study groups of subfertile men. The percentage of CMA3-positive spermatozoa was also higher in subfertile individuals compared with normal patients (P < 0.01), with the highest level occurring in oligoasthenozoospermic patients. A direct correlation between protamine deficiency and sperm DNA damage was found for all subfertile patients studied.

Antibiotics and micronutritional blend to enhance fertility potential in men with abnormal semen quality

OBJECTIVE: Objective of this study was to explore the effect of empirical treatment by antibiotics and micro nutritional blends in infertile men having idiopathic oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia and oligoasthenozoospermia.DESIGN: Prospective cross sectional study.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective cross sectional study was undertaken at Infertility Care and Research Centre (ICRC) Dhaka, Bangladesh between September 2005 and December 2007. Two hundred and seven (n=207) oligo, astheno and oligoasthenozoospermic patients were the target population for this study. Thorough infertility evaluation was done to identify idiopathic oligo, astheno and oligoasthenozoospermia. Female partners were also evaluated to exclude bilateral tubal blockage, pelvic inflammatory diseases, endometriosis, uterine pathology and resistant PCOS. Male partners were divided into three groups (69 patients in each) for I) Antibiotics (Doxicycline 100mg bid for 1 month) and micronutrients, II) only micronutrients and III) no intervention as control. Micronutrients intake per day included Vit C-1 mg, Vit E- 800 IU, Vit B12-1000 mcg, Zinc-120 mg, Carnitine-2.64 mg. Treatment was continued for three months. Semen analysis was repeated at the end of two and three months. Main outcome measures were improvement of semen parameters and pregnancy rate.Table 1Outcome of treatmentGroupsNo of patients in each groupImprovement N (%)Pregnancy N (%)Group I6957 (61%)6 (8.70%)Group II6948 (69.55%)12 (17.39%)Group III696 (8.70%)0 (00%) Open table in a new tab CONCLUSIONS: Empirical use of antibiotics and micronutrients in idiopathic oligo, astheno and oligoasthenozoospemia can improve sperm quantity and quality and aid a couple in achieving pregnancies. OBJECTIVE: Objective of this study was to explore the effect of empirical treatment by antibiotics and micro nutritional blends in infertile men having idiopathic oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia and oligoasthenozoospermia. DESIGN: Prospective cross sectional study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective cross sectional study was undertaken at Infertility Care and Research Centre (ICRC) Dhaka, Bangladesh between September 2005 and December 2007. Two hundred and seven (n=207) oligo, astheno and oligoasthenozoospermic patients were the target population for this study. Thorough infertility evaluation was done to identify idiopathic oligo, astheno and oligoasthenozoospermia. Female partners were also evaluated to exclude bilateral tubal blockage, pelvic inflammatory diseases, endometriosis, uterine pathology and resistant PCOS. Male partners were divided into three groups (69 patients in each) for I) Antibiotics (Doxicycline 100mg bid for 1 month) and micronutrients, II) only micronutrients and III) no intervention as control. Micronutrients intake per day included Vit C-1 mg, Vit E- 800 IU, Vit B12-1000 mcg, Zinc-120 mg, Carnitine-2.64 mg. Treatment was continued for three months. Semen analysis was repeated at the end of two and three months. Main outcome measures were improvement of semen parameters and pregnancy rate. CONCLUSIONS: Empirical use of antibiotics and micronutrients in idiopathic oligo, astheno and oligoasthenozoospemia can improve sperm quantity and quality and aid a couple in achieving pregnancies.

The effects of age on the incidence of aneuploidy rates in spermatozoa of oligoasthenozoospermic patients and its relationship with ICSI outcome

The development of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for treatment of infertility as a result of severe male factor has improved the chances of achieving pregnancy in many infertile couples. However, concerns have been raised regarding the safety of this technique, because natural sperm selection is bypassed. In the present study, 25 oligoasthenozoospermic patients who were divided into two groups according to age: group A, 20-34 (n = 10) and group B, 35-50 (n = 15), were included. Pooling the data of the three semen parameters that were tested (volume, concentration and progressive motility) no statistically significant difference between the two age groups was found. A total of 50 883 decondensed spermatozoa was analysed using the dual and triple colour fluorescence in situ hybridization to estimate the rates of aneuploidy for chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X and Y in the two age groups. There was a significantly higher incidence of disomy for chromosome 21 compared to the other autosomes (chromosomes 13 and 18) in both age groups. The disomy rate of XY was significantly higher in the younger subject group (0.1%) compared to the older group (0.05%, p < 0.05). Statistically significant differences in the mean number of clinical pregnancies and abortions were not observed between the two age groups. The aneuploidy rates for all the analysed chromosomes did not differ significantly, both between and within the two age groups, and as a result there seems to be no effect of male age on chromosome numbers in the spermatozoa and on the ICSI outcome.