Semen Of Men Research Articles

PP6 - Assessment of changes in biochemical indices of free radical oxidation in the semen of men living in the Aral Sea region

Introduction: At present, the Aral Sea crisis is a global environmental problem, because negative trends in the state of the environment and changes in health outcomes have gained importance for Kazakhstan. In the Aral Sea region a lot of attention is paid to the effects on the body of heavy metals, pesticides, nitrates and other toxicants. The aim of our study was to evaluate changes in biochemical parameters free radical in the semen of men living in the Aral Sea region. Materials and methods: The study served as the sperm of men who live in areas of environmental disaster and environmental crisis, which were divided on three age groups: 1 group - 18 - 29 yrs, 2 group - 30 - 39 yrs, 3 group - 40 - 49 yrs. Determination of malondialdehyde (MDA) was performed by the modified method Korobeynikova Ye.N.(1989). Determination of average molecular method Kovalevskii A.N and Nifanteva O.E. (1990). Results: The study found that in men of all age groups living in the township Shieli zone of ecological crisis level of MDA - in semen decreased relative performance in men living in the city of Aral zone of ecological disaster. To identify toxicity cells was determined content of middle molecules, which are universal biochemical marker of endogenous intoxication in persons living in environmentally disadvantaged areas. Established a significant increase in the level of middle molecules in the semen of men living in the area of environmental crisis, as compared with the men living in the region of ecological disaster. Conclusion: In the zones of ecological crisis and ecological disaster in the men surveyed were found changes in the level of secondary metabolites of lipid peroxidation, malondialdehyde and medium-weight molecules. Spotted an accumulation of catabolites secondary lipid peroxidation MDA and middle molecules in the sperm that indicates a shift of lipid peroxidation and the development of endogenous intoxication in male germ cells, in men living of the Aral Sea region.

Semen parameters in polyzoospermic men

Polyzoospermia is extremely high (above 250 mln/ml) sperm concentration with normal volume of ejaculate. In the laboratory of genetic disorders of reproduction of Research Centre for Medical Genetics in 2007–2012 years we analyzed more than 14 000 semen samples from infertile men and men with reproductive disorders in order to study the distribution and characteristics of spermatogenesis in polyzoospermic men. Only polyzoospermic men semen analysis results were interpretered in present article. Polyzoospermia (sperm count over 250 mln/ml in volume over 1,5 ml) was detected in 191 semen samples (1.3 %). At the same time 15 % of the samples with polyzoospermia were normozoospermic. Among 85 % of the sperm pathology samples asthenozoospermia occured most frequently (77 %), astenoteratozoospermia was detected in 8 % of cases with polyzoospermia. The average proportion of vitality was 90.09 ± 10.02 %, normal morphology – 14.93 ± 8.51 %, and progressive motility – 17.72 ± 11.81 %. The average concentration of spermatozoa in the ejaculate in the examined samples was 313.29 ± 64.78 mln/ml. More than half of the tested samples with polyzoospermia had a concentration 250–300 mln/ml. Concentration of 450 mln/ml and more detected in 3 % of samples. The maximum total number of spermatozoa in the ejaculate in our study was more than 2 billion sperm cells and was observed in two polyzoospermic men. One of these patients had the maximum concentration (615 mln/ml) also. We found a high correlation (r = 0.89; p < 0.01) between the volume of ejaculate and the total number of spermatozoa. Immature germ cells from ejaculate were estimated in 7 patients. There was a partial spermatogenesis arrest at meiosis I prophase in 5 out 7 of the examined semen samples.

Expression profiles of NPHP1 in the germ cells in the semen of men with male factor infertility.

NPHP1, the gene that encodes the protein nephrocystin-1 has been identified to be mutated in Juvenile Nephronophthisis, an autosomal recessive cystic kidney disorder which is the most frequent genetic cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in children and young adults. Nphp1-targeted mutant mice studies have shown that it did not express renal manifestations of nephronophthisis; instead male mice were infertile with oligoteratozoospermia signifying the crucial role of Nphp1 in relation to murine spermatogenesis. Whether an aberrant expression of NPHP1 in testis might lead to spermatogenic defects in human and ultimately male factor infertility is a possibility that have not been investigated so far. In this regard, characterization of NPHP1 in spermatozoa from fertile and infertile males was carried out by employing RT-PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence analysis. In all the 23 normozoospermic samples we screened, NPHP1 was significantly expressed at the target message and protein level and also prominent localization pattern of NPHP1 was observed at the head, midpiece, and tail segments of spermatozoa. Conversely, in majority of the 103 infertile samples we screened, aberrant pattern of NPHP1 expression was detected at the transcript and protein level and abnormal localization pattern of expression was observed in spermatozoa. Anomalies detected in infertile cases when compared with the normozoospermic controls points to the indispensable role of NPHP1 in relation to spermatogenesis. Thus, besides the decisive association with juvenile nephronophthisis, our study provides the first direct evidence that NPHP1 is associated with male factor infertility and also could be a possible biomarker for the assessment of male fertility status. GENBANK NM_000272.3

Study the Relationship Between Obesity and Fertility in Diabetic Iraqi Men

The aim of the present study is to investigate the relationship between obesity and fertility in Iraqidiabetic men whose body mass index (BMI) more than 25Kg/m2, and compare the results with controlgroup corresponding age and BMI. Forty samples of men semen's were divided into two groups with andwithout diabetes and each group subdivided into two subgroups according to BMI. The parameters thatmeasured in this study are( glucose, insulin and lipid profile in fasting state) also (testosterone, prolactin,alkaline phosphatase) were measured for each of four subgroups [controls(I, II) and diabetes(III, IV)].Semen's analysis included (sperm concentration in ml, total count per ejaculate and viability). In diabeticsubgroup (III) the mean levels of fasting blood glucose, insulin, cholesterol and triglycerides weresignificantly elevated, while significantly decrease in testosterone, prolactin, high density lipoproteinscholesterol, alkaline phosphatase and total sperm count but there were no significant difference in totalcholesterol, the sperm concentration and viability as compared with control subgroup(I). In diabeticsubgroup (IV) the mean levels of fasting blood (glucose, insulin, cholesterol and triglycerides) weresignificantly elevated, while significantly decrease in (testosterone, prolactin, high density lipoproteinscholesterol, alkaline phosphatase, sperm concentration, viability and total sperm count) but there were nosignificant difference in fasting (insulin and high density lipoproteins- cholesterol) as compared withcontrol subgroup(II). In diabetic subgroup(III) the mean of BMI and the mean levels of fasting blood(glucose, total cholesterol and triglycerides) significantly elevated, while there were significantly decreasein(testosterone, alkaline phosphatase, sperm concentration, viability and total sperm count but there wereno significant difference in fasting (insulin, high density lipoproteins- cholesterol) and prolactin, ascompared with diabetic subgroup(IV). For all the above biochemical parameters investigated we canconclude that there is inverse- relationship between obesity and fertility which increase in the presence ofdiabetes.

Trace elements in seminal plasma of men from infertile couples.

IntroductionAn analysis of lead, zinc, cadmium and other trace elements in semen of men from infertile couples was performed to determine the association between abnormal semen parameters and enviromental or occupational exposure to some trace metals.Material and methodsPresence of manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, molybdenum, cadmium, tin and lead was measured in seminal plasma of 34 men from infertile couples using spectrometry with time-of-flight analysis. Correlations among sperm parameters and trace metals were determined using cluster analysis and Pearson's correlation coefficient.ResultsAbnormally high concentrations of lead, cadmium, zinc and cobalt were found in 23 seminal plasma of men from infertile couples. The most consistent evidence was determined for an association between high cadmium concentration in seminal plasma and sperm count, motility and morphology below reference limits (p < 0.01). A correlation of significantly increased tin level and reduced sperm count in semen of men with limited fertility potential was observed (p = 0.04).ConclusionsIn our study we observed a correlation of tin level with sperm count in semen of men with limited fertility potential.

Pharmacologicals and Phytochemicals Potential of Abutilon indicum: A Comprehensive Review

Abutilon indicum (Bengali name: Jhampi, Petari, Indian name: Atibala, family: Malvaceae) is extensively grown in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan. The pharmacologicals and biologicals properties and chemicals constituents from the plant A. indicum (L.) which is widely used in folk medicine. A. indicum (Malvaceae) is a hairy under-shrub with golden yellow flowers, found in hotter parts of India.This plant is often used as a medicinal plant and is considered invasive on certain tropical islands. In traditional medicine, A. indicum is used as a aphrodisiac, demulcent, diuretic, laxative, pulmonary and sedative (leaves). The bark is astringent and diuretic; laxative, expectorant and demulcent (seeds); laxative and tonic, anti-inflammatory and anthelmintic (plant); analgesic (fixed oil); diuretic and for leprosy (roots). The plant is very much used in Siddha medicines. In fact, the bark, root, leaves, flowers and seeds are all used for medicinal purposes by Tamils. The leaves are also used to treat for pile complaints. The flowers are traditionally used to increase semen in men. The phytochemical analysis showed the Presence of Alkaloid, Saponins, Amino acid, Flavonoids, Glycosides and steroids. This plant exhibits several potential pharmacological activities.

ESX1 mRNA expression in seminal fluid is an indicator of residual spermatogenesis in non-obstructive azoospermic men.

Is the presence of ESX1 mRNA in seminal fluid (SF) an indicator of residual spermatogenesis in men with non-obstructive azoospermic (NOA)? ESX1 mRNA in SF is a suitable molecular marker for predicting the presence of residual spermatogenesis in testis. ESX1 is an X-linked homeobox gene whose expression in testis is restricted to germ cells. We previously reported, in the testicular biopsies from azoospermic men, a positive correlation between the presence of ESX1 mRNA and residual spermatogenesis. We investigated ESX1 mRNA expression in 70 testicular fragments (TF) and 56 (SF) of 70 NOA men. As controls, we analyzed 8 TF from men with obstructive azoospermic (OA) and 9 SF from normozoospermic men. For all patients we considered the histological classification of testis biopsies and the recovery of spermatozoa by surgical procedures. Relative ESX1 mRNA expression was evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR using the ΔΔCt method. The results were compared with the recovery of spermatozoa at surgery. In TF from NOA patients we found that: (i) ESX1 mRNA level was significantly decreased as the severity of spermatogenic defects increased (P < 0.0001, one-way analysis of variance); (ii) the presence of ESX1 mRNA can predict the success of sperm retrieval (sensitivity: 80%). In SF from NOA patients we found that: (i) ESX1 mRNA was present in 78.5% of NOA men; (ii) the presence of ESX1 mRNA could predict the success of sperm retrieval (sensitivity: 84%). Spermatozoa were recovered at surgery in 5 out of 12 patients whose SF was negative for ESX1 mRNA expression. We think that discrepancies between molecular and clinical results could be reduced by analyzing more than one ejaculate from each man. The data confirm that the ESX1 transcript in the semen of men with NOA is a suitable molecular marker for predicting the presence of residual foci of spermatogenesis in the testis. The implication of these results is that some patients 'with azoospermia', although having a severe impairment of spermatogenesis, could still maintain residual foci of spermatogenesis in limited areas of the testes, not always recovered by surgery. This work was supported by the Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico: Ricerca Corrente [grant number RC2014/519-02] to M.M. and from ASM onlus 2010-2011 to M.M. The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Dioxins in the semen of men with infertility.

The purpose of the present study was to assess ejaculate contamination by polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans in male infertility. The database of 168 infertile and 49 fertile men was included in the study. Dioxin content was determined using gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry (GC/HRMS). In the ejaculate of infertile men, the content of dioxins and furans was 2.2-2.3 times higher than in fertile donors. The maximum level of the most toxic dioxin congener was detected in pathospermia. Contamination of semen of infertile men by polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans supports the hypothesis about the relationship between environmental factors and reproductive health.

Parental age at delivery and a man's semen quality

Is parental age at delivery associated with a man's semen quality? In this large register-based study both mother's and father's age are found to have minimal effects on semen quality in men. Both maternal and paternal age have been associated with a range of adverse health effects in the offspring. Given the varied health effects of parental age upon offspring, and the sensitivity of genital development to external factors, it is plausible that the age of a man's mother and father at conception may impact his reproductive health. To our knowledge this is the first examination of the effects of parental age on semen quality. A retrospective cohort study of 10 965 men with semen data and parental data. The study was based on Danish men referred to the Copenhagen Sperm Analysis Laboratory due to infertility in their partnership. Men born from 1960 and delivering a semen sample until year 2000 were included. The men were linked to the Danish Civil Registration System to obtain information on parent's age at delivery. Logistic regression analyses were used to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for impaired semen quality. Linear regression analyses were used to examine a relationship between semen parameters and paternal age. There were no convincing effect of either mother's or father's age on a man's semen quality. As no trends were noted, the few statistically significant results are likely attributable to chance. Information regarding individual subject characteristics which may impact sperm production (i.e. smoking, BMI) were not available. While our sample size was large, we cannot exclude the possibility that a trend may have been identified with a still larger sample. In addition, the Danish Civil Registration System is merely administrative and hence does not discriminate between biological and adopted children. However, the low rate of adoption (≈2%) suggests that misclassification would have a minimal impact. The men were all referred to the laboratory for infertility problems in their partnership and, therefore, do not represent the general population. We, however, compared semen quality among men within the cohort, and it is therefore less important whether they, in fact, represent the general population. The current study found no link between parental age and a son's semen quality, suggesting other factors may explain recent impairments in men's reproductive health. This work was supported by the Hans and Nora Buchard's Fund and the Kirsten and Freddy Johansen's Fund. No competing interests. Not relevant.

Study of gonadic growth factors: Seminal transforming growth factor-β1, epidermal growth factor and insulin-like growth factor-I and their relationship with male infertility

Background: The aim of this study was to establish normal reference values for several growth factors in semen and provide a basis for understanding their physiological significance in fertile and infertile subjects. Methods: 110 infertile men semen was evaluated according to WHO standards and by enzyme immunoassay (ELISA kit protocol) to determine the rate of growth factors (TGFβ1, IGFI, EGF). We have also listed neutrophils by staining with peroxidase to examine the association of inflammation with the levels of these factors. The determination of the epididymal (alpha-1,4-glucosidase) marker was directed according to the technical recommended by the WHO in 2010. Each patient received a hormonal balance including the determination of plasma FSH, LH and Testosterone. Results: Concentrations of TGFβ1 were significantly higher in (severe and extreme azoospermic, oligospermic) pathological groups compared to the control group (P 0.05) between control and pathological groups. The IGFI is partly testicular and/or epididymal as it is lowered in some patients with obstructive azoospermia. Positive correlations were observed between the seminal IGFI, mobility (r = 0.487) and sperm morphology (r = +0.187). Immunological sperm abnormalities and/or idiopathic do not alter the rate of EGF seminal. There is no significant correlation between seminal EGF or with sperm parameters or with plasma levels of FSH and LH. Conclusion: The growth factors are primarily peptides, handling and identification in a complex environment as the seminal plasma, but it requires a lot of precautions if we do not want to expose to the risk of bad farms/interpretations of data obtained.

THE DYNAMICS OF THE FUNCTIONAL STATE OF THE TESTES AND LIVER IN INFERTILE MENS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF L-ARGININE THERAPY

It was studied the parameters of spermogram levels of testosterone, estradiol, sex hormone bindingglobulin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferasre, total bilirubin in the blood and theconcentration of fructose in the semen of men with idiopathic infertility before and three monthslater L-arginine therapy. Found that the result of treatment is an increase in sperm concentration offructose in the ejaculate, free androgen index values and ratio of testosterone-estradiol.

Relationship between Testicular Volume and Conventional or Nonconventional Sperm Parameters.

Background. Reduced testicular volume (TV) (<12 cm3) is associated with lower testicular function. Several studies explored the conventional sperm parameters (concentration, motility, and morphology) and the endocrine function (gonadotropins and testosterone serum concentrations) in the patients with reduction of TV. No other parameters have been examined. Aim. This study aims at evaluating some biofunctional sperm parameters by flow cytometry in the semen of men with reduced TV compared with that of subjects with normal TV. Methods. 78 patients without primary scrotal disease were submitted to ultrasound evaluation of the testis. They were divided into two groups according to testicular volume: A Group, including 40 patients with normal testicular volume (TV > 15 cm3) and B Group, including 38 patients with reduced testicular volume (TV ≤ 12 cm3). All patients underwent serum hormone concentration, conventional and biofunctional (flow cytometry) sperm parameters evaluation. Results. With regard to biofunctional sperm parameters, all values (mitochondrial membrane potential, phosphatidylserine externalization, chromatin compactness, and DNA fragmentation) were strongly negatively correlated with testicular volume (P < 0.0001). Conclusions. This study for the first time in the literature states that the biofunctional sperm parameters worsen and with near linear correlation, with decreasing testicular volume.

Ketotifen, a mast cell blocker improves sperm motility in asthenospermic infertile men

AIM:This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ketotifen on sperm motility of asthenospermic infertile men.SETTING AND DESIGN:It is a prospective study designed in vivo.MATERIALS AND METHODS:In this interventional experimental study, a total of 40 infertile couples with asthenospermic infertility factor undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles were enrolled. The couples were randomly assigned to one of two groups at the starting of the cycle. In control group (n = 20), the men did not receive Ketotifen, while in experiment group (n = 20), the men received oraly ketotifen (1 mg Bid) for 2 months. Semen analysis, under optimal circumferences, was obtained prior to initiation of treatment. The second semen analysis was done 2-3 weeks after stopped ketotifen treatment and sperm motility was defined. Clinical pregnancy was identified as the presence of a fetal sac by vaginal ultrasound examination.STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED:All data are expressed as the mean ± standard error of mean (SEM). t test was used for comparing the data of the control and treated groups.RESULTS:The mean sperm motility increased significantly (from 16.7% to 21.4%) after ketotifen treatment (P < 0.001). This sperm motility improvement was more pronounced in the primary infertility cases (P < 0.003). The rate of pregnancy was 12.5% in infertile couples that their men receiving 1 mg/twice a day ketotifen. In 52% of infertile men's semen, the percentage of sperm motility was increased from 5% to 35% and this sperm motility improvement was also observed in 33% of necrospermia (0% motility) cases.CONCLUSION:These results suggest that ketotifen may represent as a novel therapeutic approach to improve sperm motility in the infertile men with cause of asthenospermia or necrospermia.

Involvement of the inflammasome in abnormal semen quality of men with spinal cord injury

To study the mechanism leading to elevated semen cytokines in men with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to understand if inflammasome pathways are involved in this process. To investigate inflammasome components and end-product cytokines in semen of SCI and control subjects. Prospective study. Major university medical center. Men with and without SCI (n = 28 per group). None. Seminal plasma concentrations of caspase-1, interleukin (IL) 1β, and IL-18 were quantified by ELISA. Caspase-1 in sperm fractions and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase activation and recruitment domain (ASC) in seminal plasma and sperm fractions were identified by Western blot. Localization of proteins in sperm was accomplished by immunocytochemistry. ASC, caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 concentrations were elevated in the seminal plasma of SCI subjects compared with control subjects. ASC and caspase-1 were elevated in sperm cells of SCI subjects. Immunocytochemistry revealed that ASC was located in the acrosome, equatorial segment, and midpiece, and caspase-1 in the midpiece. This study provides the first evidence of ASC in human semen and demonstrates the involvement of inflammasome proteins in semen of men with SCI. These findings suggest an immunologic basis for abnormal semen quality in men with SCI.

P60 Low sperm counts in asymptomatic and symptomatic non-specific urethritis and other sexual health clinic attendees

BackgroundLittle is known about semen parameters among men attending Sexual Health clinics. The significance of asymptomatic non-specific urethritis is controversial.Aims(1) To investigate whether there is a higher incidence of abnormalities...

The Biochemistry of Internal Alchemy: Decapitating the Red Dragon

141 The Biochemistry of Internal Alchemy Decapitating the Red Dragon YVES RÉQUÉNA The practice of internal alchemy proceeds in three main stages: refining core essence (jing 精) to vital energy (qi 氣), sublimating this to pure cos‑ mic spirit (shen 神), and uniting with Dao or emptiness. In women, the first stage begins with daily breast massages (moving the hands in vari‑ ous ways and directions), a change in diet to lighter foods, and a series of meditations in which the red menstrual blood is visualized rising up‑ ward and transforming into clear‑colored qi. After several months of practice menstruation will cease, an effect called “decapitating the red dragon” (duan chilong 斬赤龍). According to Daoist lore, this serves to stabilize the qi, which will then come to nurture the “pearl of dew.” The pearl is naturally present in women from birth, but if left untended it will dissipate with every menstrual cycle. The beginning of alchemical practice is, therefore, the reversal of this natural tendency and a key sign of initial attainment is the ceasing of menstruation. What, then, happens in modern, scientific, biomedical terms when the meditating woman decapitates the red dragon? Obviously she sus‑ pends menstruation, interrupts her cycle of ovulation, and encourages a state of voluntary amenorrhea (ceasing of menstruation). But how does this work? What is the brain and reproductive chemistry involved in this process? What are the non‑pathological circumstances leading to amenorrhea? What is the endocrinal process that might induce a stop in ovulation? 142 / Journal of Daoist Studies 5 (2012) The Chinese Perspective Both men and women begin their transformative journey using longevity techniques to make the body strong and stable, then engage in concen‑ tration to make the mind tranquil and stable. From here, they focus on essence, the rather gross and materially tangible form of qi that develops in the human body as it interacts with the world and appears most obvi‑ ously as sexual energy—semen in men and menstrual blood in women. Essence is not there at all times but is produced from internal qi. In its original form it resides in the Ocean of Qi (qihai 氣海) in the lower elixir field (dantian 丹田) in men, while in women it is found in the Cavern of Qi (qixue 氣穴) in the chest area. From here, if left to its natural devices, this qi transmutes into essence on a regular basis, in men when‑ ever sexual stimulation occurs, in women with the menstrual cycle—thus leading to a discharge of the valuable internal qi and to loss of vitality. The goal of the first stage of, then, is to restore essence back to its original form as qi and to prevent its future disintegration. To do this, one must avoid the downward movement and loss of essence, which in men is discharged during ejaculation. For men this means that they should get aroused almost to the point of ejaculation, then mentally concentrate on making the semen flow upward and along spine into the head. This is called “reverting the semen to nourish the brain.” Once a man has reached proficiency in the practice and will no longer ejaculate, texts say that he has “subdued the white tiger” (fu baihu 伏白虎). Men then proceed to circulate the reverted essence (parallel to the reverted cinnabar in alchemy) along the meridians that follow the spine and run along the front of the body, i.e., the Governing (dumai 督脈) and Conception Vessels (renmai 任脈), in a cycle known as the “small heavenly circle” (xiao zhoutian 小周天). Eventually the qi will form a di‑ vine “pearl of dew” in the lower elixir field. This is a first coagulation of stronger and purer qi that lays the foundation for the next level. Women, too, practice the small heavenly circle, (microcosmic orbit is a pure Mantak Chia style) but they begin by guiding qi up the front of the torso and down the back. Their main energy center being the Cavity of Qi in the chest, their essence is mainly lost with the blood of the men‑ ses as the ovum is removed, and only to a lesser degree during orgasm. While in both men and women, a strong and healthy genital physiology...

Low pitched voices are perceived as masculine and attractive but do they predict semen quality in men?

Women find masculinity in men's faces, bodies, and voices attractive, and women's preferences for men's masculine features are thought to be biological adaptations for finding a high quality mate. Fertility is an important aspect of mate quality. Here we test the phenotype-linked fertility hypothesis, which proposes that male secondary sexual characters are positively related to semen quality, allowing females to obtain direct benefits from mate choice. Specifically, we examined women's preferences for men's voice pitch, and its relationship with men's semen quality. Consistent with previous voice research, women judged lower pitched voices as more masculine and more attractive. However men with lower pitched voices did not have better semen quality. On the contrary, men whose voices were rated as more attractive tended to have lower concentrations of sperm in their ejaculate. These data are more consistent with a trade off between sperm production and male investment in competing for and attracting females, than with the phenotype-linked fertility hypothesis.

Predictors of Sperm Recovery and Azoospermia Relapse in Men With Nonobstructive Azoospermia After Varicocele Repair

In this study we determined the recoverability and sustainability of motile sperm in semen of men with nonobstructive azoospermia after varicocelectomy as related to different variables. Men with documented infertility for more than 1 year, with nonobstructive azoospermia and clinically palpable varicoceles were included in this prospective noncontrolled study. Participants underwent simultaneous subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy and testicular biopsies. Preoperative as well as initial and late followup semen analyses were performed. Outcomes of sperm recovery and relapse of azoospermia were correlated with the variables of patient age, infertility duration, varicocele grade, laterality, follicle-stimulating hormone, testicular volume and testicular histology. The study included 31 men with a mean ± SD age of 34.9 ± 8.7 years and mean followup of 19.3 ± 3.3 months. Hypospermatogenesis, late maturation arrest, early maturation arrest and Sertoli-cell-only were observed in 13, 6, 2 and 10 patients, respectively. Overall, sperm recovery was evident in 10 of 31 (32.3%) patients (persistent recovery 19.4%, intermittent recovery 6.5%, relapse 6.5%). Sperm were recovered in patients with hypospermatogenesis (7 of 13, 53.8%) and late maturation arrest (3 of 6, 50%). No sperm were recovered in those with early maturation arrest or Sertoli-cell-only. Among the variables only histological patterns demonstrated a significant correlation with recovery (rho = 0.504, p = 0.004). None of variables was significantly correlated with relapse. Bilateral varicocele repair demonstrated a strong yet nonsignificant negative correlation with relapse (rho = -0.612, p = 0.06). Varicocelectomy could recover motile sperm in men with nonobstructive azoospermia, palpable varicoceles and hypospermatogenesis or late maturation arrest. No sperm was recovered with early maturation arrest or Sertoli-cell-only. Recovery might be persistent or intermittent, or involve relapse of azoospermia. Testicular histology was the sole parameter significantly correlated with recovery and no predictors of relapse could be identified. This prognostic role of testicular biopsy is imperative in couple counseling.

Common bacterial isolates associated with semen of men attending the fertility clinic of the university of Benin teaching hospital (U.B.T.H), Benin City, Nigeria

Fifty seminal samples were studied to determine the microbial influence in male infertility as well as the qualitative and quantitative features of the semen. Among the three bacterial isolates obtained from the sample, Staphylococcus aureus 7(77.8%) was found to be the most predominant isolate, other isolates were Escherichia coli 1(11.1%) and Citrobacterspp. In relation to semen concentration S. aureus was observed to be most frequently distributed among the characterized semen. The recovery frequency of organisms associated with the semen types revealed that 2(40%) of organisms were recovered of azoospermia, 6(20.68%) oligozoospermia and 1(6.25%) normozoospermia. The motility of the semen was greatly influenced by the presence of the isolated bacterial. The motility of semen was recorded to be 20, 10 and 45% for S. aureus, E. coli and Citrobacter sp., respectively, as against the normal semen motility of 50% or more. The presence and profound influence of microorganisms in semen is evidence that microorganisms played significant role in male -infertility. Key words: Semen, bacterial isolates, men, infertility and Benin teaching hospital (UBTH), Benin City.

Comparison of IVF/ICSI outcomes in male factor infertility patients with and without spinal cord injuries

Semen of men with spinal cord injury (SCI) has normal sperm concentration but abnormally low sperm motility/viability - a profile uncommon in the general male factor population. This study determined if sperm from men with SCI yield similar outcomes after in vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) as sperm from other etiologies of male factor infertility. In the SCI group, the study further determined if IVF/ICSI outcomes differ when sperm are obtained by penile vibratory stimulation (PVS) versus (v.) electroejaculation (EEJ).