Prevalence Of Male Infertility Research Articles

The effects of photobiomodulation on the improvement of sperm parameters: A review study.

The prevalence of male infertility has become a significant clinical concern worldwide, with a noticeable upward trend in recent times. The rates of fertilization and subsequent development of embryos are dependent on many parameters associated with the quality and viability of sperm. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a promising approach with a great potential for translational applications in the treatment of spermatozoa exhibiting low quality and motility. In this study, a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature, specifically examining the mechanisms of action of PBM has been presented. Our objective was to enhance knowledge in the field of laser light therapy in order to promote the usage of irradiation in clinical settings in a more effective way. Within the realm of reproductive science, the utilization of PBM has been employed to enhance the metabolic processes, motility, and viability of spermatozoa. This is attributed to its advantageous effects on mitochondria, resulting in the activation of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and subsequent synthesis of ATP. This therapeutic approach can be highly advantageous in circumventing the reliance on chemical substances within the culture medium for spermatozoa while also facilitating the viability and motility of spermatozoa, particularly in circumstances involving thawing or samples with significant immotility.

STUDY ON DETERMINANTS OF SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME IN ICSI PREGNANCIES IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE

Objectives: A descriptive study was done at the government medical college in Thiruvananthapuram to find out the determinants of the successful outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) pregnancies. Methods: The study was done on 60 ART-conceived patients who underwent ICSI and became positive for pregnancy during 1 year. Their pregnancy was followed up, and data was collected in a structured proforma about determinants of successful outcomes. Results: Out of 60 in vitro fertilization (IVF)-conceived subjects (n=60), the maximum age group (40%) that underwent IVF treatment was between 31 and 35 years old, and they belonged to an upper-lower socio-economic status. 45% of patients had a normal body mass index, 46.7% were overweight, and 8.3% were obese. 73.3% were nulliparas.78.3% had primary infertility, and 21.1% had secondary infertility. The prevalence of male infertility was 6.7%, and female infertility was 81.7%. 81.1% had regular menstrual cycles. 8.3% of patients had medical disorders, and 48% of patients had previous surgeries like polypectomy, polycystic ovarian drilling, and laparoscopy for endometriosis. 71.7% were given the GnRH antagonist stimulation protocol for 8–12 days, and 11–15 eggs were obtained in 66.7% of the patients. 91.7% of frozen embryos were transferred. Conclusion: The success of an ICSI pregnancy is determined by the younger age of the female partner, female factor infertility, antagonist stimulation protocol, and the transfer of a frozen embryo.

Reproductive Outcomes for Children Born Following ICSI - Australia Data

Since its introduction for male factor infertility, the use of intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has increased. Given the strong genetic basis of male infertility, the risk of transmitting infertility to future generations is concerning. Furthermore, offspring health is affected by paternal health and sperm quality, irrespective of genetic causes of infertility. Concerns regarding the use of ICSI include the heritability of infertility, the effects of poor-quality spermatozoa on offspring health, and the potential for the technique itself to induce epigenetic changes with long-term health effects. Given the prevalence of male infertility and the widespread use of ICSI, understanding the possible adverse health effects is an important clinical and public health issue. Additionally, the mechanisms responsible for potential adverse health outcomes remain unclear and efforts to separate the effects of paternal infertility from treatment factors are necessary. This session will present current literature on the reproductive health of children conceived using ICSI with an emphasis on Australian data. The results of an Australian study evaluating the reproductive health of a cohort of young men conceived with ICSI will be presented. The findings of this study, the largest to date globally, contribute to a limited pool of knowledge on the reproductive function of men conceived with ICSI and the collective understanding of the overall health of adults conceived with ICSI.

Complex genetic and semen examination in patients with the disomy Y

Background. Among the syndromes with aneuploidy on the sex chromosomes (gonosomes), the Y chromosome dysomy presents the mildest phenotypic manifestation. Most 47,XYY patients are not developed reproductive system abnormalities. Some of them have spermatogenesis defects and in-/subfertility, but the prevalence of male infertility in patients with dysomy Y, is not known. The causes and factors of phenotypic variability, fertility disorders, the spermatogenesis and semen characteristics in patients with dysomy Y have not been sufficiently studied.Aim. A comprehensive genetic examination, assessment of the state of spermatogenesis and spermatological defects in patients with dysomy Y.Materials and methods. We examined 25 men with Y-chromosome dysomy. The age of the patients was 32 ± 10 (14–59) years. Chromosome analysis was performed on cultured peripheral blood lymphocytes using a standard cytogenetic method with GTG-staining. Fluorescent in situ hybridization was performed to analyze X and Y chromosomes, gonosomal mosaicism, as well as to evaluate sperm aneuploidy. The Y chromosome microdeletions were detected by multiplex polymerase chain reaction. A standard semen analysis was performed in accordance with the recommendations of the WHO Guidelines (2010). Quantitative karyological analysis of immature germ cells from the ejaculate sediment was performed according to our own previously developed method.Results. Non-mosaic dysomy Y was diagnosed in 22 patients, including 21 men with karyotype 47,XYY, and one patient with additional chromosomal anomality (Robertson translocation) – karyotype 46,XYY,der(13;14)(q10;q10). XYY/XY mosaicism was revealed in two patients, one has a complex Y chromosome mosaicism with a complete the AZFc (b2/b4) deletion. Pathogenic Y chromosome microdeletions were not found in other patients. In one man, the presence of dysomy Y was suspected according to the results of quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction, but according to the results of cytogenetic examination, the presence of an isodicentric chromosome Yq – karyotype 46,X,psu dic(Y)(p11.3) was detected. Using whole exome sequencing in one azoospermic patient, a heterozygous variant c.653G>A(p.Gly218Asp) was detected in the SYCP2 gene, which encodes one of the proteins of the synaptonemal complex.Azoospermia (n = 9, 45 %), oligoastenoteratozoospermia (n = 6, 39 %), asthenoteratozoospermia (n = 3, 17 %), and asthenozoospermia (n = 2, 11 %) were diagnosed among 20 semen analysed patients. The volume of ejaculate was 2.7 ± 1.7 (1.0–5.0) ml, the concentration and total number of spermatozoa was 14.9 ± 21.8 (0.0–66.25), 50.4 ± 77.7 (0.0–265.0) mil lions, respectively. Oligospermia was observed in 2 (10%) patients. The quantitative karyological analysis of immature germ cells allowed to detect cryptozoospermia in azoospermic patinents and defects of prophase I of meiosis.Fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis revealed increased sperm aneuploidy (gonosomal dysomy and nullisomy, dysomy 18 and 21).Conclusion. Most of infertile men with dysomy Y are non-mosaic, and characterized by defected spermatogenesis (non-obstructive azoospermia or oligozoospermia), due to meiotic arrest at prophase I. Pathogenic AZFc deletion was found in a patient with complex Y chromosome mosaicism. Additional genetic factors of male fertility and spermatogenesis defects were found in some patients, which may explain the phenotypic variability.

The lack of evidence behind over-the-counter antioxidant supplements for male fertility patients: a scoping review.

What is the evidence for over-the-counter antioxidant supplements for male infertility? Less than half of over-the-counter antioxidant supplements for male fertility patients have been tested in a clinical trial, and the available clinical trials are generally of poor quality. The prevalence of male infertility is rising and, with this, the market for supplements claiming to improve male fertility is expanding. Up to now, there is limited data on the evidence for these over-the-counter supplements. Amazon, Google Shopping and other relevant shopping websites were searched on 24 June 2022 with the following terms: 'supplements', 'antioxidants', 'vitamins', AND 'male fertility', 'male infertility', 'male subfertility', 'fertility men', 'fertility man'. All supplements with a description of ingredients in English, Dutch, French, Spanish, or German were included. Subsequently, Pubmed and Google Scholar were searched for studies that included the supplements. Inclusion criteria were supplements with antioxidant properties, of which the main purpose was to improve male fertility. Included supplements must be available without a doctor's prescription. Supplements containing plant extracts were excluded, as well as supplements of which the content or dosage was not clear. The ingredients, dosage, price and health claims of the supplements were recorded. We assessed whether substances in the supplements exceeded the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) or tolerable upper intake level (UL). All clinical trials and animal studies investigating included supplements were selected for this review. Clinical trials were assessed for risk of bias with a risk of bias tool appropriate for the study design. There were 34 eligible antioxidant supplements found, containing 48 different active substances. The average price per 30 days was 53.10 US dollars. Most of the supplements (27/34, 79%) contained substances in a dosage exceeding the recommended daily allowance (RDA). All manufacturers of the supplements made health claims related to the improvement of sperm quality or male fertility. For 13 of the 34 supplements (38%), published clinical trials were available, and for one supplement, only an animal study was found. The overall quality of the included studies was poor. Only two supplements were tested in a good quality clinical trial. As a consequence of searching shopping websites, a comprehensive search strategy could not be formulated. Most supplements were excluded because they contained plant extracts or because supplement information was not available (in an appropriate language). This is the first review that gives an insight into the market of male fertility supplements as available to infertility patients and other men seeking to improve their fertility. Earlier reviews have focused only on supplements with published clinical trials. However, we show that more than half of the supplements have not been tested in a clinical trial. To our knowledge, this review is the first to assess the dosage of supplements in relation to the RDA. In agreement with the literature, we found that the evidence on male fertility supplements is generally of poor quality. This review should urge pharmaceutical companies to evaluate their products in randomized controlled trials in order to provide people with substantiated information. The research position of W.R.d.L. is funded by an unrestricted grant from Goodlife Pharma. W.R.d.L., K.F., and J.P.d.B. are in the research team of a clinical trial on Impryl®, one of the supplements included in this review. N/A.

Prevalence of Male Infertility in Meghalaya, India. A Cross-Sectional Study

Infertility is a condition of the reproductive system that can affect either the male or the female and is characterized by a failure to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of consistent sexual interaction that is not protected. Within the scope of the present study, we aim to look into the prevalence of male infertility with an emphasis on Sperm DNA fragmentation over its importance in conjunction with a semen analysis. Our objective is to confirm the diagnosis of male infertility not be solely dependent on semen analysis alone; however, confirmatory diagnostic test such as Sperm DNA fragmentation needs to be incorporated into the routine investigation. This study marks the first documented report on male infertility in Meghalaya. Using the Makler counting chamber and Sperm 360 DNA Fragmentation, examination of the seminal fluid of two hundred and one males to look for signs of infertility. It was done by looking for aberrant sperm in the sample. During examinations of the two hundred and one patients for infertility, it was discovered that the rate of male infertility stands at 57.21%. The asthenozoospermic was 36.32%, oligozoospermic was 1.49%, and azoospermia was 8.96%. Oligosthenozoospermia was reported to have been 7.96% and polyzoospermia1.00%, respectively. DFI between fertile and infertile men was (11.02 vs. 37.88, p<0.001). Therefore, testing for sperm DNA fragmentation after semen analysis is an effective method for determining the cause of infertility. The prevalence rate of men with infertility was 57%, indicating that it was significantly higher than expected. As a result, appropriate treatment procedures must be carried out while managing male factor infertility.

Consequence of Ayurveda Remedies with Diet and Life Style in the Male Infertility: A Critical Review.

Background: Infertility is a major medico-social issue now a days. The absence of conception after a year of sexual activity without the use of contraception is known as infertility. Every sixth couple has infertility at some point in their relationship.80 million people worldwide experience pregnancy failure, according to reports from the World Health Organization. About After a year, 15% of couples are still unable to conceive. The prevalence of male infertility is 7%. Idiopathic male infertility occurs when aberrant semen parameters are found because of unknown causes. Oligozoospermia is a condition when a man's sperm count in his semen is below 15 million/ml. In classics, the situations described under Kheena Shukra -vitiation of Shukra Dhatu by Vata and Pitta Dosha. Aims: To review Ayurvedic aspect of Ksheena Shukra and male infertility with details management. Materials and methods: Relevant Ayurveda and modern literature available information on web sources searched to fulfill the Aim. Discussion: The majority of patients use assisted reproductive technologies or intrauterine insemination to become fertile. Unfortunately, success rates are minimal in situations where the sperm count is extremely low. It's time to investigate reproductive aids derived from herbal, herbo-mineral formulations with regard to healthy lifestyle and diet management. Conclusion: Current article reviles the details management and scope of Ayurveda in the field of andrology.

Androgen Receptor Gene CAG Repeat Length Varies and Affects Semen Quality in an Ethnic-Specific Fashion in Young Men from Russia.

Male infertility is a multi-factorial and multi-genetic disorder, and the prevalence of male infertility in the world is estimated at 5–35%. The search for the causes of male infertility allowed for identifying a number of genetic factors including a single X-linked gene of the androgen receptor (AR), and some of its alleles are assumed to negatively affect male fertility. Our aim was (1) to study the variability of the length of CAG repeats of the AR gene and possible associations in the AR CAG genetic variants with semen quality and reproductive hormone levels in a population-based cohort of men and (2) to estimate distributions of AR CAG repeat alleles and associations with semen parameters in different ethnic subgroups. The cohort of 1324 young male volunteers of different ethnicities (median age 23.0 years) was recruited from the general population of five cities of the Russian Federation, regardless of their fertility status. Semen quality (sperm concentration, motility and morphology), reproductive hormone levels (testosterone, estradiol, LH, FSH and inhibin B) and trinucleotide (CAG) n repeat polymorphism in exon 1 of the AR gene were evaluated. The semen samples were analyzed according to the WHO laboratory manual (WHO, 2010), serum hormones were measured by enzyme immunoassay, and the AR CAG repeat length was analyzed by direct sequencing of leukocyte DNA. The median AR CAG repeat length in men of our multi-ethnic population was 23 (range 6–39). In the entire study population, a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) was found in the frequency distribution and the mean values for the CAG repeat length between the groups with normal (23.2 ± 3.3) and impaired semen quality (23.9 ± 3.2). Additionally, we demonstrated that the total sperm count, sperm concentration, progressive motility and normal morphology were lower in the category of long CAG repeats (CAG ≥ 25) compared with those in the category of short CAG repeats (CAG ≤ 19); however, hormonal parameters did not differ between the long and short CAG categories, with the exception of estradiol. Significant differences were observed in the AR CAG repeat length between the most common ethnic cohorts of Slavs (Caucasians), Buryats (Asians), and Yakuts (Asians). The Buryats and Yakuts had a higher number of CAG repeats than the Slavs (medians: Slavs—23; Buryats—24; Yakuts—25). The range of alleles differed among ethnicities, with the Slavs having the largest range (7–36 repeats, 24 alleles total), the Yakuts having the smallest range (18–32 repeats, 14 alleles total) and the Buryats having the middle range (11–39 repeats, 20 alleles total). The longer CAG repeats were associated with an impaired semen quality within the Slavic (CAG ≥ 25) and Buryat (CAG ≥ 28) groups, but this effect was not found in Yakuts. Hormonal parameters did not differ between the three CAG repeat categories in men of all ethnic groups. This is the largest Russian study of the distribution of AR CAG repeats and the search for association between length of AR CAG repeat tract and impaired spermatogenesis in men from the general population. Our results confirmed the association of longer CAG repeats with a risk of impaired semen quality, but this association can be modified by ethnic origin. Identification of the number of AR CAG repeats can be an effective tool to assess the risk of male subfertility and the control of androgen hormone therapy of reproductive diseases.

A CRITICAL REVIEW OF COVID-19S IMPACT ON REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH IN MALES

China reported the WHO about the cases of pneumonia with an unknown cause in December 2019. The common symptoms that rocked the human tribe with their dangerous effects were dry cough, fever, diarrhea, myalgia, vomiting, and dyspnea.Many medical professionals and researchers gathered to learn more about the pathophysiology of this illness.Doctors have learned via a series of studies that COVID-19 also affects the male reproductive system.They identified ACE2 receptors as the most likely culprit for this.In Ayurveda, the clear description for COVID is not mentioned but Acharya has given a better concept for anonymousdisorders viz. decision of treatment of any anonymous disease should be taken on the basis of prakriti, adhishthan, samutthan. Ojokshaya, Rajyakshma, Sannipatajajwara, and Marak are the disorders probably correlated with COVID- 19.The prevalence of male infertility is getting increase day by day. Factors causing male infertility are stress, hormonal imbalance, STD,infection, etc. This article is in the series to evaluate any relation between COVID and male infertility.

Determination of atrazine and propazine metabolites deemed endocrine disruptors in human seminal plasma by LC\u2013ESI-MS/MS

BackgroundThe increasing prevalence of male infertility and the declining trend in sperm quality has been associated to compounds known as “endocrine-disruptors”. The proven endocrine-disrupting effects of atrazine and propazine herbicides led us to conduct long-term research based on highly accurate specific analytical methods with a view to confirming the suspected association. Among the proposed developments was a sensitive analytical method for the simultaneous determination of three metabolites of atrazine and propazine.ResultsIn this work, the method was for first time used for the chromatographic separation and determination of deethyl- and deisopropyl-atrazine (DEA and DIA, respectively) and propazine-2-hydroxy (PP-2OH) in human seminal plasma by LC–ESI-MS/MS using deuterated atrazine (d5-AT) as internal standard (IS). Chromatographic and mass spectrometric conditions such as the mobile phase composition and flow-rate, injected volume, dry gas source temperature and flow-rate, nebulizer pressure and capillary voltage were all carefully optimized. Analytes were identified and quantified by using the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode as applied to positive ions ([M + H]+). Transitions at three different m/z values for each analyte were selected from precursor ions, and the 212.1 → [128]+, 188.1 → [146]+ and 174.1 → [68.1]+ transitions for PP-2OH, DEA and DIA, respectively, were found to be quantitative. The proposed method was validated in terms of precision (repeatability and reproducibility), linear range (10–240 ng mL–1), limit of detection (150–210 pg mL–1), and quantification (500–700 pg mL–1), recovery, accuracy and matrix effects on extracts from variably treated seminal plasma samples. The overall analytical method was successfully applied to human seminal plasma samples from volunteers. PP-2OH was found at concentrations from 1.10 to 11.3 ng mL–1 in four of the six samples, and so was DIA at 9.60 ng mL–1 in one.ConclusionsThese results are suggestive of bioaccumulation of the target analytes in humans. Untargeted analytes including suspected parent molecules (atrazine and propazine) and other ions [viz., deethyldeisopropyl-atrazine (DD) and diamino-s-chlorotriazine (DACT)] were also detected under the working conditions used. These results may open up new prospects for as yet very incipient research into the bioaccumulation of endocrine disruptors in seminal plasma.Graphical

Prevalence of male infertility in Kirkuk city/Iraq

Prevalence of male infertility in Kirkuk city/Iraq

Influence of Lifestyle and Environmental Factors on Semen Quality in Ghanaian Men.

Introduction Male infertility is known to contribute about half of all infertility cases. In Ghana, the prevalence of male infertility is higher (15.8%) than in females (11.8%). Sperm quality is associated with the likelihood of pregnancy and known to be the cause of male fertility problems 90% of the time. Exposure to certain environmental factors reduces semen quality in men. The study examined the effects of environmental and lifestyle factors on semen quality in Ghanaian men. Materials and Methods This was a cross-sectional study involving 80 apparent healthy adult males in their reproductive age. Participants were males referred to the laboratory (Immunology Unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital) for semen analysis test and/or culture and sensitivity. Participants were made to fill out a questionnaire which entailed selected environmental factors (accidents or trauma, exposure to chemicals, radiation, and heat) and lifestyle habits (including alcohol consumption, smoking, and whether participants sat more or less than 4 hours per day). Semen samples were then collected by masturbation into sterile containers and analysed in accordance with WHO guidance for semen analysis within 60 minutes after ejaculation and collection. Results About 69% of participants had semen pH within the normal range compared to 15% whose pH were lower than 7.2. There was a significantly high number of immotile sperm cells (p value = 0.017) in participants who sat for more than 4 hours as compared to those that sat for less than 4 hours in a day. Active sperm motility and viability showed significant increase (p value = 0.002 and 0.009, respectively) in participants who kept their cell phones in their side pockets. Smoking produced a twofold decrease in sperm count as smokers had a significantly lower sperm count (12.28 ± 10.95 × 106/ml) compared to the smoke-free (23.85 ± 22.14 × 106/ml). For exposure to STDs, no significant differences were recorded among study groups concerning semen quality. Conclusion Sperm quality in Ghanaian men is associated with lifestyle habits. Smoking and sitting for long hours influenced sperm motility and count, respectively. Knowledge of the factors that influence sperm quality in this geographical region can contribute to informed decisions on effective management of infertility in Ghanaian men.

Epidemiological Profile of Male Infertility in Two Hospitals of Douala: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Sub-Saharan Africa Setting

<i>Background</i>: Male infertility is defined as a lack of pregnancy for a couple after 12 months of regular and normal sexual intercourse without contraception with the cause being clearly from the male origin. Contrary to popular belief, the prevalence of male infertility is similar to that of female infertility and sometimes even higher. However, data on the subject in Cameron are scarce and nonexistent in the city of Douala. This motivated the realization of this study in two centers in the city of Douala. The objective was to describe the epidemiological profile of male infertility. <i>Methods</i>: We conducted a cross-sectional study among patients who consulted for infertility in two hospital centers in Douala from January 2014 to October 2019. A consecutive sample of all eligible cases was considered for this study. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Inc, Chicago, Illinois, USA) V. 20.0 and EPI-INFO V. 3.5 software. Analyzed variables included sociodemographic data (age, marital status, educational level, profession, region, alcohol, smoking habit and mean infertility duration) and other causes of infertility (obesity, history of testes infection, STI, testes traumatism, varicocele or varicocele surgery, herniorrhaphy, genetic or malformative disease). <i>Results</i>: We included 137 patients' records. The frequency of male infertility for patients consulting in urology was 5.6%. Their average age was 35.4±7.4 years. The average number of sexual intercourses per week was 2.7±0.97. Those patients were mainly from an intellectual profession (40.2%), married (71.5%) with a higher education level (67.2%). Almost 60% of the studied population had alcohol consumption. Primary infertility accounted for 65.7% of the study population and the average duration of infertility was 5.9±5.3 years. The main factors for infertility were respectively history of sexually transmitted infections (STI) in 59 (43.1%) and childhood mumps in 42 (32.7%) cases. Furthermore, herniorrhaphy (16.1%) and varicocelectomy (10.9%) were the most representative surgical background. <i>Conclusion</i>: Male infertility is not uncommon in urological consultation with primary infertility been more frequent. Risk factors of infertility in our setting included a history of STI, mumps, and surgery.

Ameliorative Effects of Psidium Guajava Ethanolic Leaf Extract on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Reproductive Dysfunctions in Male Wistar Rats

Diabetes mellitus causes male infertility. Quercetin, an important food crop and medicinal plant is a potent antioxidant and main pharmaco-active component in Psiduim guajava (PG) that can increase sperm variables in male diabetics. High prevalence of male infertility in diabetic subjects is a general problem in humans, pets and livestock population with regards to reproduction. This made it a necessary to investigate and compare the possible reproductive effects accompanying the hypoglycaemic effects of glibenclamide and natural quercetin [present in PG leaf extract (PGLE)] on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male Wistar rats. Fresh leaves of PG were air dried, pulverised, macerated in ethanol, filtered and concentrated. Twenty five male rats (165-205 g) were divided into 5 groups (n = 5) and treated daily for 2 weeks thus: CTL (control), DNT (diabetic, 60 mg/kg STZ), DT100 & DT200 (test groups, 60 mg/kg STZ, 100 and 200 mg/kg PGLE respectively daily), DTG (glibenclamide, 60 mg/kg STZ, 5 mg/kg glibenclamide daily). Fasting blood glucose concentration was determined using a glucometer. The animals were sacrificed after 2 weeks, body, testicular and seminal vesicle weights were recorded. Sperm viability and morphology were assessed microscopically. Testes and seminal vesicles were histologically evaluated. Data were analysed using ANOVA at α0.05. Glucose concentration was lower in DT100, DT200 and DTG. Testes weights increased in DT100, DT200 and DTG. Sperm motility increased in DT100, DT200 and DTG. Sperm viability increased in DT100, DT200 and DTG. Sperm count increased in DT100, DT200 and DTG while abnormal sperm morphology decreased in DT100, DT200 and DTG, all compared to DNT. Testes showed degenerated cells in DNT, while there were no lesions in test groups. It could be concluded that PGELE has anti-hyperglycemic effect on STZ -induced diabetes mediated via its antioxidant potentials and also ameliorates consequent reproductive complications.

The effect of Chrysophyllum albidum fruit on testicular functions in rats.

The prevalence of male infertility is a well-known public health issue with majority of cases due to deficient sperm production of unknown origin. Studies have associated dietary habits with male factor infertility. Chrysophyllum albidum is a common plant that produces a popular fruit, widely consumed for its nutritional and medicinal values. This study investigates the effects of C.albidum fruit methanol extract on the reproductive functions of male Wistar rats. Ripe C.albidum fruit was extracted using methanol and subjected to phytochemical screening. Fifteen male Wistar rats (100-120g) divided into three (n=5) received distilled water (control), 1.0 and 6.4gkg-1 day-1 extract, respectively, for 28days via oral gavage. The sperm count, motility, percentage sperm aberration, histology of testes and epididymides were examined by microscopy. Serum levels of luteinising hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone were quantified using ELISA. Data were analysed using ANOVA at p<0.05 significance. Sperm count significantly increased in 6.4gkg-1 day-1 extract. Serum testosterone level decreased in 1.0 and 6.4gkg-1 day-1 extract. The architecture of sections of testes and epididymides showed anomalies. C.albidum fruit adversely altered reproductive functions of male Wistar rat.

A COMPARATIVE CLINICAL STUDY ON EFFICACY OF MASHAPARNI AND KAPIKACHU IN OLIGOSPERMIA

Introduction: Oligospermia is deficiency of sperm cells in semen. It is one of the main causes for male infertility. Prevalence of male infertility is around 7%. Recent studies showed that nearly 2-5% couple around world is suffering from the problems of inability to achieve conception. The normal process of spermatogenesis will be affected due to mechanical life, stress, strain and unhealthy food and various changes occur in the life style. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Mashaparni and Kapikachu in Oligospermia. Materials and Methods: Data was collected by randomized sampling through lottery method with a minimum of 30 subjects of Oligospermia with respect to age and sex, irrespective of caste, religion and socio economic status. These subjects were assigned into 2 groups A and B with 15 subjects in each group. Duration of the intervention was 3 months. Results: Results obtained were statistically insignificant between both the groups. Conclusion: On the basis of the result of this study it was concluded that, both prescribed drugs will increase sperm count significantly.

The diagnosis of male infertility: an analysis of the evidence to support the development of global WHO guidance-challenges and future research opportunities.

BACKGROUNDHerein, we describe the consensus guideline methodology, summarize the evidence-based recommendations we provided to the World Health Organization (WHO) for their consideration in the development of global guidance and present a narrative review of the diagnosis of male infertility as related to the eight prioritized (problem or population (P), intervention (I), comparison (C) and outcome(s) (O) (PICO)) questions. Additionally, we discuss the challenges and research gaps identified during the synthesis of this evidence.OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALEThe aim of this paper is to present an evidence-based approach for the diagnosis of male infertility as related to the eight prioritized PICO questions.SEARCH METHODSCollating the evidence to support providing recommendations involved a collaborative process as developed by WHO, namely: identification of priority questions and critical outcomes; retrieval of up-to-date evidence and existing guidelines; assessment and synthesis of the evidence; and the formulation of draft recommendations to be used for reaching consensus with a wide range of global stakeholders. For each draft recommendation the quality of the supporting evidence was then graded and assessed for consideration during a WHO consensus.OUTCOMESEvidence was synthesized and recommendations were drafted to address the diagnosis of male infertility specifically encompassing the following: What is the prevalence of male infertility and what proportion of infertility is attributable to the male? Is it necessary for all infertile men to undergo a thorough evaluation? What is the clinical (ART/non ART) value of traditional semen parameters? What key male lifestyle factors impact on fertility (focusing on obesity, heat and tobacco smoking)? Do supplementary oral antioxidants or herbal therapies significantly influence fertility outcomes for infertile men? What are the evidence-based criteria for genetic screening of infertile men? How does a history of neoplasia and related treatments in the male impact on (his and his partner's) reproductive health and fertility options? And lastly, what is the impact of varicocele on male fertility and does correction of varicocele improve semen parameters and/or fertility?WIDER IMPLICATIONSThis evidence synthesis analysis has been conducted in a manner to be considered for global applicability for the diagnosis of male infertility.

Reproductive hormonal profile patterns among male partners of infertile couples at the University of Ilorin teaching hospital

Background: Seminal fluid analysis (SFA) is the most important investigation of the infertile males but limited in revealing the etiologies of the various spermatozoa abnormalities observed on microscopy. Increasing prevalence of male infertility and the challenges of diagnosis require biochemical investigations such as reproductive hormonal profile. Aims: The aim of this study is to determine the reproductive hormonal profile patterns among infertile males in Ilorin. Settings and Design: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods: A total of 130 male partners of infertile couples served as subjects and 50 fertile males as controls. Serum reproductive hormonal assay was done using ELISA method. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was used. Normally distributed data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Results: The mean age of the subjects who were majorly civil servants was 38.6 ± 6.6 years. The prevalence of reproductive endocrinopathies in this study was 46.9%. Mean serum concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and prolactin were elevated in our subjects than control. Mean serum testosterone concentration was significantly lower in our infertile subjects. Patterns of hormonal profile abnormalities among our subjects were 2 (1.5%) with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, 15 (11.5%) with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, 23 (17.7%) with hypergonadotropic normogonadism, 21 (16.2%) with normogonadotropic hypogonadism, and 69 (53.1%) with normogonadotropic normogonadism. This showed 59 (45.4%) subjects with primary testicular failure/resistance and 2 (1.5%) with secondary testicular failure. Twenty (15.4%) of the subjects had hyperprolactinemia. Conclusions: Reproductive hormonal profiling of male partners of infertile couples is an important adjuvant to SFA, in diagnosis and monitoring responses to treatment.

Varicocele is associated with varicose veins: A population-based case-control study.

To analyze the association between patients with varicocele and varicose veins in Taiwan. Between 2001 and 2010, comprehensive data were analyzed on the characteristics of patients with varicocele and varicose veins in Taiwan through a retrospective, nationwide, population-based study. Data were obtained from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. A total of 2727 cases with varicose veins and 10908 randomly selected controls were included in this study. Conditional logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between varicose veins and varicocele. The prevalence of varicocele was 1.3% and 0.3% for cases (with varicose veins) and controls (without varicose vein), respectively (P<0.001). Conditional logistic regression analysis showed that the odds ratio of being previously diagnosed with varicose veins for cases was 4.71 (95% confidence interval 2.87-7.89) when compared with controls after adjusting for age, diabetes, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, liver and kidney disease, and edema. Furthermore, the odds ratio was 5.96 (95% confidence interval 2.90-12.24), 4.76 (95% confidence interval 1.68-13.48) and 1.69 (95% confidence interval 0.30-9.55) in patients aged <50years, 51-65years and >65years, respectively. In addition, the prevalence of male infertility was 15.1% for patients with varicocele and varicose veins, and 14.5% for patients with varicocele only, but no significant difference was observed. Our findings suggest an association between both varicocele and varicose veins. In addition, this association is higher in patients aged younger than 50years. Evaluation of male patients with varicose veins for varicocele should be recommended.

Prevalence of Male Factor Infertility in Last Ten Years at a Rural Tertiary Care Centre of Central India: A Retrospective Analysis

Background: Male infertility accounts for 40-50% of infertility, affects 7% of all men. It is commonly due to deficiencies in semen, and semen quality is used as measure of male fecundity. Objective: To retrospectively study profile of male factor infertility, especially abnormal semen parameters in rural area of Central India over a period of 10 years and to find out prevalence of various abnormalities of sperm and sperm counts and also to know yearly variation in prevalence of such abnormalities. Material and Methods: A Retrospective analysis of 10 years was carried out at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Biology Unit of Department of Physiology of a rural tertiary care centre of Central India from January 2005 to December 2014. The case records of total of 3084 male partners of infertile couples consulting the Gynecology Out Patient Department were collected from the Reproductive Biology Unit of Department of Physiology. On the basis of semen analysis report the cases were categorized into four groups; Normozoospermia, Oligozoospermia, Azoospermia and Asthenoteratozoospermia. The results were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Out of total 3084 semen analysis reports of infertile couples, Normozoospermia was observed in 1104 (35.80%), Oligozoospermia in 1053 (34.14%), Asthenoteratozoospermia in 597 (19.35%) and Azoospermia in 330 (10.70%). Conclusion: Semen analysis is cornerstone for evaluation of infertility in men. It gives an idea about abnormalities of sperm and sperm count. Present study revealed no significant rise in prevalence of male infertility over last 10 years in this region of India. Key words: Fertility; Infertility; Normozoospermia; Semen analysis, Sperm.