Seminal Oxidation-reduction Potential Research Articles

MP01-04 A NEW SEMEN CONTAINER DESIGNED TO MINIMIZE DAMAGE TO SPERM DURING TRANSPORTATION AT LOW TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP01-04 A NEW SEMEN CONTAINER DESIGNED TO MINIMIZE DAMAGE TO SPERM DURING TRANSPORTATION AT LOW TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS Hiroshi Okada, Toshiyuki Iwahata, Hiroshi Okada, Hiroshi Okada, Kazutaka Saito, and Kouhei Sugimoto Hiroshi OkadaHiroshi Okada More articles by this author , Toshiyuki IwahataToshiyuki Iwahata More articles by this author , Hiroshi OkadaHiroshi Okada More articles by this author , Hiroshi OkadaHiroshi Okada More articles by this author , Kazutaka SaitoKazutaka Saito More articles by this author , and Kouhei SugimotoKouhei Sugimoto More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003212.04AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Rapid cooling is believed to be harmful to mammalian spermatozoa. Thus, special care should be taken when transporting semen in low temperature conditions. A new semen container, TPS-2 was designed to protect sperm against damage caused by cold shock. We investigated the ability of TPS-2 to protect sperm from low temperature conditions, using sperm from both fertile and infertile men. METHODS: We measured the change in temperature of semen stored in TPS-2 at 10°C compared with Sperm Cup, a conventional semen collecting cup. We also investigated change in total sperm motility, sperm DNA fragmentation index, and seminal oxidation-reduction potential when stored in TPS-2 or Sperm Cup at 10°C. We used Sperm Cup and TPS-2 to transport 25 semen samples of infertile patients from home to the clinic below 10°C, and compared the difference of sperm motion parameters. RESULTS: After storage for 3 h, the temperature in TPS-2 and Sperm Cup was 20.1°C and 12.1°C, respectively (Figure 1). The temperature dropped more gradually in TPS-2 than in Sperm Cup. Semen from fertile volunteers stored in Sperm Cup showed significantly lower total sperm motility, whereas in TPS-2, total sperm motility was the same as at 25°C (Figure 2). Semen from infertile patients stored at 10°C showed significantly lower total sperm motility in Sperm Cup. In TPS-2, total sperm motility did not change after storage at 10°C for 3 h. TPS-2 could maintain sperm motility (p=0.000), percentage of rapid moving sperm (p=0.002) and total motile sperm count (p=0.014) during transportation in low temperature conditions (Figure 3). CONCLUSIONS: TPS-2 maintains the temperature of semen stored in it during exposure to low temperatures conditions, preventing sperm damage. TPS-2 is recommended for transportation of semen in cold conditions. Source of Funding: None © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e2 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Hiroshi Okada More articles by this author Toshiyuki Iwahata More articles by this author Hiroshi Okada More articles by this author Hiroshi Okada More articles by this author Kazutaka Saito More articles by this author Kouhei Sugimoto More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Association between Seminal Oxidation-Reduction Potential and Sperm DNA Fragmentation-A Meta-Analysis.

Seminal oxidative stress and sperm DNA damage are potential etiologies of male factor infertility. The present study aims to evaluate the relationship between oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), a measure of oxidative stress, and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of relevant clinical data. A literature search was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The COVIDENCE tool was used to screen and identify studies evaluating seminal ORP and SDF. Studies (n = 7) that measured seminal ORP and SDF of 3491 semen samples were included in the analysis. The fixed-effects model revealed a significant pooled correlation coefficient (r = 0.24; p < 0.001) between seminal ORP and SDF. Furthermore, subgroup analyses indicated that the pooled correlation coefficient between ORP and sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) assay was less than other SDF assays (0.23 vs. 0.29). There was a moderate level of heterogeneity (I2 = 42.27%) among the studies, indicating a lack of publication bias. This is the first meta-analysis to reveal a positive correlation between seminal ORP and SDF. Furthermore, this study indicates the role of oxidative stress in the development of sperm DNA damage and thus warrants prospectively exploring the clinical value of these sperm function tests.

O-134 Predictive value of seminal oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) analysis for reproductive outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles

Abstract Study question Do seminal oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) predict ICSI cycle outcomes? Summary answer Both SDF and seminal ORP have strong prognostic value in predicting good fertilization (≥80%), blastocyst development (≥60%), clinical pregnancy and live birth. What is known already Seminal oxidative stress (OS) has been found to play an important role in various aetiologies of male infertility and is induced by the imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants. OS is a major cause of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF). It is well established that high levels of seminal OS and SDF are negatively associated with ART outcomes. Previous studies have associated high levels of SDF with an increase risk of miscarriage and a decrease in live birth rate. Study design, size, duration This prospective study included 144 couples who had a fresh autologous ICSI cycle between June 2018 and December 2020. There was no restriction to patients with severe male factor infertility. All cryopreservation and third party assisted reproductive techniques were excluded. Participants/materials, setting, methods This multi-centre study was performed at three ART Clinics in Cape Town, South Africa. All couples included in the study had fresh autologous ICSI cycles with freshly ejaculated semen. Seminal ORP testing was performed using the MiOXSYS system and SDF by means of a fluorescence microscopic TUNEL assay on freshly ejaculated semen samples that were used for ICSI. The ART outcomes evaluated were fertilization rate, blastocyst development rate, clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate. Main results and the role of chance The study shows that seminal ORP significantly negatively correlates with fertilization rate (r=-0.267; P = 0.0012), blastocyst development rate (r=-0.389; P &amp;lt; 0.0001), pregnancy (r=-0.296; P = 0.0003) and live birth (r=-0.353; P &amp;lt; 0.0001). ROC curve analysis shows significant predictive power for ORP for fertilization (≥80%; AUC=0.652; P = 0.0012), blastocyst development rate (≥60%; AUC=0.762; P &amp;lt; 0.0001), pregnancy (AUC=0.677; P = 0.0002) and live birth (AUC=0.729; P &amp;lt; 0.0001). Comparable results were obtained for SDF. An average cut-off value for ORP of 0.55 mV/106 sperm/mL was calculated. The AUCs between the SDF and ORP results for all reproductive outcome parameters did not differ. For all reproductive outcome parameters, normal sperm morphology shows the lowest predictive power. ORP with male age as confounding factor had significant effects on odds ratios (OR) of fertilization (OR = 0.1446; CI: 0.048-0.430; P = 0.0001) and blastocyst development (OR = 0.2468; CI: 0.095-0.635; P = 0.0029), while it was not significant for pregnancy and life birth. Multivariate logistic regression with fertilization, blastocyst development, pregnancy and live birth as dependent parameters and high/low seminal ORP, primary and secondary infertility, unexplained infertility, polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, tubal factor myomectomy, ovarian insufficiency and advanced maternal age as independent variables showed overall model fits (P &amp;lt; 0.0002) with a significant (P &amp;lt; 0.0084) influence of ORP on all reproductive outcome parameters. Limitations, reasons for caution Since only ICSI patients were included in this study, this might have contributed to the fact the cut-off value of ORP is lower than the published cut-off. A further limitation is the use of a fluorescence microscopic TUNEL assay which drastically limited the number of sperm evaluated. Wider implications of the findings This is the first study showing predictive value of seminal ORP for reproductive outcome including pregnancy and live birth. The method is easy and much quicker than current methods for the determination of SDF. Hence, it can be used a point of care method. Trial registration number Not applicable

Predictive value of seminal oxidation-reduction potential analysis for reproductive outcomes of ICSI

Research questionIs seminal oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) clinically relevant to reproductive outcome? DesignProspective observational study including a total of 144 couples who had an intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle between June 2018 and December 2020. The study included patients undergoing fresh ICSI cycles with autologous gametes. Cycles that had day 3 embryo transfers and cryopreservation cycles were excluded. There was no restriction on patients with severe male infertility; couples with unexplained infertility and unexplained male infertility were included, those with azoospermia were excluded. Semen analysis, seminal ORP as determined by means of the MiOXSYS system, sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and reproductive outcomes (fertilization, blastocyst development, clinical pregnancy and live birth) were determined. ResultsSeminal ORP was significantly negatively correlated with fertilization rate (r = –0.267; P = 0.0012), blastocyst development rate (r = –0.432; P < 0.0001), implantation/clinical pregnancy (r = –0.305; P = 0.0003) and live birth (r = –0.366; P < 0.0001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed significant predictive power for ORP for fertilization (≥80%; area under the curve [AUC] 0.652; P = 0.0012), blastocyst development rate (≥60%; AUC 0.794; P < 0.0001), implantation/clinical pregnancy (AUC 0.680; P = 0.0002) and live birth (AUC 0.728; P < 0.0001). Comparable results were obtained for SDF (fertilization: AUC 0.678; blastocyst development: AUC 0.777; implantation/clinical pregnancy: AUC 0.665; live birth: AUC 0.723). Normal sperm morphology showed the lowest predictive power for all reproductive outcome parameters. With male age as confounding factor, ORP (cut-off value of 0.51 mV/106 sperm/ml) has significant (P < 0.04667) effects on odds ratios for all reproductive outcome parameters. Multivariate logistic regression to investigate potential seminal and female confounding factors revealed that seminal ORP significantly (P < 0.0039; P < 0.0130) affects reproductive outcome. ConclusionSeminal ORP is relevant for good fertilization, blastocyst development, implantation, clinical pregnancy and live birth.

The association of seminal oxidation reduction potential with sperm parameters in patients with unexplained and male factor ınfertility.

ABSTRACTPurpose:Understanding the effects of high oxidation reduction potential (ORP) levels on sperm parameters will help to identify patients with unexplained and male factor infertility who may have seminal oxidative stress and determine if ORP testing is needed. This study aimed to evaluate the association between seminal ORP and conventional sperm parameters.Materials and Methods:A total of 58 patients who provided a semen sample for simultaneous evaluation of sperm parameters and ORP between January and September 2019 were enrolled in this retrospective study. To identify normal and high ORP levels, a static ORP (sORP) cut-off value of 1.36mV/106sperm/mL was used. Sperm parameters were compared between infertile men with normal sORP (control group, n=23) and high sORP values (study group, n=35).Results:Men with sORP values >1.36mV/106sperm/mL had significantly lower total sperm count (TSC) (p <0.001), sperm concentration (p <0.001) and total motile sperm count (TMSC) (p <0.001). In addition, progressive motility (p=0.04) and fast forward progressive motility (p <0.001) were significantly lower in the study group. A negative correlation was found between sORP and TSC (r=-0.820, p <0.001), sperm concentration (r=-0.822, p <0.001), TMSC (r=-0.808, p <0.001) and progressive motility (r=-0.378, p=0.004). Non-progressive motility positively correlated with sORP (r=0.344, p=0.010).Conclusions:This study has shown that TSC, sperm concentration, progressive motility and TMSC are associated with seminal oxidative stress, indicated by a sORP cut-off of 1.36mV/106sperm/mL. Presence of oligozoospermia, reduced progressive motilty or low TMSC in sperm analysis should raise the suspicion of oxidative stress and warrants seminal ROS testing.

Seminal oxidation-reduction potential as a possible indicator of impaired sperm parameters in Turkish population.

Oxidative stress (OS) has been shown to have a key role in male infertility. Recently, a new measurement method has been developed to measure the overall oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) in a semen sample known as the MiOXSYS system. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation of sperm parameters with oxidative stress levels determined by ORP and to evaluate whether the current limit is able to distinguish abnormal sperm parameters from normal ones in Turkish population. Semen samples of 121 patients who applied for infertility investigation were divided into two groups as (OS +; n:39) and (OS -; n:82). Semen parameters were compared between groups. Sperm concentration, total motility and progressive motility were found to be significantly lower in OS (+) patients compared to those OS (-), while immotile sperm count was significantly higher in OS (+) patients. Oxidative stress determined by MiOXSYS system was found to be related to reduced sperm parameters in Turkish population, which may be used as an indicator of poor sperm parameters and a support to routine semen analysis. In addition, recommended reference value was found to be reliable in distinguishing normal from impaired semen parameters.

Seminal oxidation-reduction potential levels are not influenced by the presence of leucocytospermia.

Oxidative stress (OS) is characterised by an excessive amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which negatively affect sperm functions. In this study, the influence of leucocytes on seminal oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) was investigated in 1,068 men. Seminal leucocyte concentration did not correlate with SDF, unadjusted ORP, ORP normalised for sperm concentration(sORP), ORP normalised for total motile sperm concentration (motORP) or total motile sperm count (TMSC-ORP). Although receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analyses show that leucocytospermia does not predict high sORP values (>1.34mV/106 spermatozoa/ml), the motORP (AUC: 0.666) and TMSC-ORP (AUC: 0.683) predict the rate of leucocytospermia significantly (p=.0195 and p=.0085 respectively). Moreover, SDF can significantly predict leucocytospermia (AUC: 0.679; p=.011) and vice versa (AUC: 0.657, p=.0298). Our data confirm the association between OS and SDF. In conclusion, motORP and TMSC-ORP may be better predictive factors of leucocytospermia, probably because sperm motility, included in motORP and TMSC-ORP calculation, is the first seminal parameter to be affected by OS. Although all these parameters are indicative of OS, ORP values, SDF and leucocytospermia should be considered independently for the evaluation of redox seminal status, as they probe distinct seminal features.

Evaluation of seminal oxidation-reduction potential in male infertility.

The role of oxidative stress in male infertility has been broadly recognised, and the search for a new marker to determine the redox environment in semen has gained considerable interest. Oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) or redox potential, is a measure of the electron transfer from antioxidants to oxidants and provides information on the redox balance. In this review, the benefits of ORP as a new oxidative stress marker, the protocol for its evaluation and the importance of its measurement in the context of male infertility are discussed. In association with the standard semen analysis, seminal ORP has been analysed to evaluate semen quality and male fertility status. However, further studies are required to establish its use in assisted reproductive techniques (ART) practice.

High levels of oxidation-reduction potential in frozen-thawed human semen are significantly correlated with poor post-thaw sperm quality.

This study examined the relationship between oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) in frozen-thawed semen and the post-thaw sperm parameters. Levels of ORP were measured in 25 samples from men presenting for routine infertility work-up and were expressed as millivolt (mV)/106 sperm/ml. Frozen-thawed samples were examined for post-thaw total motility (TM%), progressive motility (PM%), total sperm count (TSC) and ORP. The cryo-survival rate (CSR) was calculated as post-thaw TM/pre-freeze TM×100. Data are provided as median and interquartile range (25th and 75th percentiles). The post-thaw TM% (10.0% [4.00%, 15.1%]), PM% (5.88% [2.97%, 9.33%]) and TSC (12.5 [10.0, 17.5]×106 sperm) were significantly lower than the pre-freeze TM% (45.9% [32.9%, 59.1%], PM% (31.5% [24.4%, 40.0%] and TSC (120 [90, 250] ×106 sperm) (p<.001). Post-thaw ORP (2.62 [2.52, 3.13]mV/106 sperm/ml) was significantly higher than pre-freeze ORP (0.73 [0.54, 1.21]mV/106 sperm/ml; p<.001). The CSR was 21.7% (11.3%, 31.9%). The post-thaw seminal ORP was negatively correlated with post-thaw TM% (r=-.5; p=.02), PM% (r=-.41; p=.03), TSC (r=-.60; p=.03) and CSR (r=-.52; p=.01). Increased levels of ORP are significantly correlated with poor post-thaw sperm quality and CSR.

Efficacy of Antioxidant Supplementation on Conventional and Advanced Sperm Function Tests in Patients with Idiopathic Male Infertility.

Antioxidants are used in the empirical treatment of infertile men. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of antioxidant therapy on conventional semen parameters and advanced sperm function tests in men seeking fertility treatment. A total of 148 infertile men of unknown etiology were divided into idiopathic (n = 119) and unexplained male infertility (UMI; n = 29). All participants were treated with the antioxidant supplement ‘FH PRO for Men’ for a period of three months. Compared with pretreatment results, there was a significant improvement in conventional semen parameters including sperm concentration, total and progressive motility and normal morphology, and seminal oxidation reduction potential (ORP), and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) in idiopathic infertile men. The changes were more prominent in idiopathic infertile men positive for ORP and SDF. UMI patients showed an improvement in progressive motility, ORP, and SDF after antioxidant treatment. Statistical analysis revealed that the efficacy of FH PRO for Men was significant in idiopathic male infertility compared with UMI. Treatment of idiopathic male infertility patients with the FH PRO for Men antioxidant regimen for three months resulted in a significant improvement in conventional semen parameters and sperm function. Therefore, FH PRO for Men offers promise for the medical treatment of idiopathic male infertility.

Seminal oxidation–reduction potential and sperm DNA fragmentation index increase among infertile men with varicocele

Varicocele is a common cause of male infertility. It is reported that low sperm concentration, motility and morphology are indicative of increased sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) in men with varicocele. Although research has been conducted into the relationship between varicocele and DFI, little is known about seminal oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) in varicocele patients. We assessed the relationship between varicocele with seminal ORP and sperm DFI in both fertile and infertile men. This prospective case–control study compared the findings from infertile men with varicocele to those of men with normal spermatogenesis without varicocele. Semen samples were collected and assessed using the WHO (2010) guidelines. ORP was measured (mV) and normalized to sperm concentration (mV/106 sperm/mL). DFI was measured using the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) method. For group comparisons, only samples with a concentration >1 × 106 sperm/mL were included. Infertile men with varicocele had significantly lower mean sperm concentration, motility and total sperm count. Conversely, infertile men with varicocele had a significantly higher mean serum FSH level, and higher ORP and DFI values than fertile controls. ORP was higher in patients with varicocele and positively correlated with DFI (p < 0.01). ORP and DFI showed significant negative correlations with semen parameters (sperm concentration, motility and total sperm count) in infertile men with a varicocele.

Predictive value of oxidative stress testing in semen for sperm DNA fragmentation assessed by sperm chromatin dispersion test.

Although standard semen analysis is a cornerstone of male infertility investiation, it has significant limitations. Seminal oxidative stress and DNA damage have shown potential to better predict male fertility potential and provide improved diagnostic and management strategies. The aim of this study was to investigate whether seminal oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), a new parameter to measure oxidative stress directly, can accurately predict the percentage of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and thereby serve as a surrogate marker in the evaluation of male infertility. ORP was evaluated in 3968 patients using the MiOXSYS system and SDF in 1147 patients using the Halosperm G2 test kit. Both parameters were analyzed in 1068 patients, along with seminal analysis, according to WHO guidelines 2010 (5th edition). SDF correlated positively with seminal ORP normalized for sperm concentration (n=1068; r=.218; P<.0001) as well as with ORP normalized for the motile sperm concentration (motORP; n=1068; r=.387; P<.0001). MotORP can significantly (P<.0001) better predict SDF than ORP normalized for the sperm concentration (area under the curve (AUC): 0.719 vs 0.623) (specificity: 71.5%; sensitivity: 61.9%; PPV: 47.1%; NPV: 82.1%). Moreover, motORP can significantly (P<.0001) better predict (AUC: 0.826 vs 0.771) normozoospermia with high sensitivity (82.75%) and specificity (68.5%). Unlike other oxidative stress (OS) markers, ORP provides a global vision of the redox balance in semen. Moreover, SDF can also be induced by mechanisms different from OS, which could explain why its predictive power was low. The higher predictive power of motORP reflects the impact of seminal ROS on motility rather than inherent DNA breaks present in immature and aborted apoptotic spermatozoa. The evaluation of motORP seems a more promising parameter than ORP normalized for sperm concentration for the prediction of SDF and normozoospermia. However, even if ORP and SDF are inter-related, they measure independent sperm functions and one test cannot replace the other in the evaluation of sperm function defects.

A Novel Approach to Improving the Reliability of Manual Semen Analysis: A Paradigm Shift in the Workup of Infertile Men.

Conventional semen analysis (SA) is an essential component of the male infertility workup, but requires laboratories to rigorously train and monitor technicians as well as regularly perform quality assurance assessments. Without such measures there is room for error and, consequently, unreliable results. Furthermore, clinicians often rely heavily on SA results when making diagnostic and treatment decisions, however conventional SA is only a surrogate marker of male fecundity and does not guarantee fertility. Considering these challenges, the last several decades have seen the development of many advances in SA methodology, including tests for sperm DNA fragmentation, acrosome reaction, and capacitation. While these new diagnostic tests have improved the scope of information available to clinicians, they are expensive, time-consuming, and require specialized training. The latest advance in laboratory diagnostics is the measurement of seminal oxidation-reduction potential (ORP). The measurement of ORP in an easy, reproducible manner using a new tool called the Male Infertility Oxidative Stress System (MiOXSYS) has demonstrated ORP's potential as a feasible adjunct test to conventional SA. Additionally, the measurement of ORP by this device has been shown to be predictive of both poor semen quality and male infertility. Assessing ORP is a novel approach to both validating manual SA results and identifying patients who may benefit from treatment of male oxidative stress infertility.

What is the best sperm source and method of sperm selection in cases with abnormal seminal oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) levels on the day of ICSI?

What is the best sperm source and method of sperm selection in cases with abnormal seminal oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) levels on the day of ICSI?

Proteomic Signatures of Sperm Mitochondria in Varicocele: Clinical Use as Biomarkers of Varicocele Associated Infertility

Varicocele may disrupt testicular microcirculation and induce hypoxia-ischemia related degenerative changes in testicular cells and spermatozoa. Superoxide production at low oxygen concentration exacerbates oxidative stress in men with varicocele. Therefore, the current study was designed to study the role of mitochondrial redox regulation and its possible involvement in sperm dysfunction in varicocele associated infertility. We identified differentially expressed mitochondrial proteins in 50 infertile men with varicocele and in 10 fertile controls by secondary liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy data driven in silico analysis. Identified proteins were validated by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Seminal oxidation-reduction potential was measured. We identified 22 differentially expressed proteins related to mitochondrial structure (LETM1, EFHC, MIC60, PGAM5, ISOC2 and import TOM22) and function (NDFSU1, UQCRC2 and COX5B, and the core enzymes of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism). Cluster analysis and 3-dimensional principal component analysis revealed a significant difference between the groups. All proteins studied were under expressed in infertile men with varicocele. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy data were corroborated by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Impaired mitochondrial function was associated with decreased expression of the proteins (ATPase1A4, HSPA2, SPA17 and APOA1) responsible for proper sperm function, concomitant with elevated seminal oxidation-reduction potential in the semen of infertile patients with varicocele. Impaired mitochondrial structure and function in varicocele may lead to oxidative stress, reduced ATP synthesis and sperm dysfunction. Mitochondrial differentially expressed proteins should be explored for the development of biomarkers as a predictor of infertility in patients with varicocele. Antioxidant therapy targeting sperm mitochondria may help improve the fertility status of these patients.

Oxidation–reduction potential and sperm DNA fragmentation, and their associations with sperm morphological anomalies amongst fertile and infertile men

ObjectiveTo assess seminal oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) in male infertility and their relationships with sperm morphology in fertile and infertile men. Patients and methodsProspective case-control study comparing the findings of infertile men (n = 1168) to those of men with confirmed fertility (n = 100) regarding demographics and semen characteristics (conventional and advanced semen tests). Spearman rank correlation assessed the correlation between ORP, SDF, and different morphological indices. Means of ORP and SDF were assessed in variable levels of normal sperm morphology amongst all participants. ResultsInfertile patients had a significantly lower mean sperm count (32.7 vs 58.7 × 106 sperm/mL), total motility (50.1% vs 60.4%), and normal morphology (5.7% vs 9.9%). Conversely, infertile patients had significantly higher mean head defects (54% vs 48%), and higher ORP and SDF values than fertile controls. ORP and SDF showed significant positive correlations and significant negative correlations with sperm head defects and normal morphology in infertile patients, respectively. ORP and SDF were significantly inversely associated with the level of normal sperm morphology. Using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, ORP and SDF threshold values of 1.73 mV/106 sperm/mL and 25.5%, respectively, were associated with 76% and 56% sensitivity and 72% and 72.2% specificity, respectively, in differentiating <4% from ≥4% normal morphology. ConclusionA direct inverse relationship exists between seminal ORP and SDF with various levels of normal sperm morphology. Using ORP and SDF measures in conjunction with standard semen morphology analysis could validate the result of the fertility status of patients.

Determination of seminal oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) as an easy and cost-effective clinical marker of male infertility.

Oxidative stress (OS) is an important contributing factor to male infertility. While previous methods to measure seminal OS are time-consuming and limited to the use of freshly produced semen, oxidation reduction potential (ORP) is easier and quicker to perform and can also be used in frozen semen. Therefore, this study evaluated the clinical utility of ORP as a potential marker of male infertility. ORP was measured in semen samples from 293 patients and 15 fertile controls and categorised according to WHO criteria as normozoospermic, oligozoospermic, asthenozoospermic, teratozoospermic and oligoasthenoteratozoospermic. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to differentiate these categories. Semen parameters were significantly different when subjects were grouped as control and patients or between the patient and normozoospermic group for concentration and morphology. ORP levels were significantly different between the control and normozoospermic group. When subjects were grouped based on concentration, motility, morphology or a combination of these, the area under the ROC curve, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and cut-off values were significantly different. These differences were significant when combined with ORP and grouped with any two sperm abnormalities. In conclusion, ORP is a quick, easy, cost-effective and reliable marker of semen quality as well as oxidative stress for use in a clinical setting.

Relationship between seminal oxidation reduction potential and sperm DNA fragmentation in infertile men

Relationship between seminal oxidation reduction potential and sperm DNA fragmentation in infertile men

High seminal oxidation reduction potential in cryopreserved semen from infertile men is a marker of poor post-thaw sperm quality

High seminal oxidation reduction potential in cryopreserved semen from infertile men is a marker of poor post-thaw sperm quality

Cumene hydroperoxide induced changes in oxidation-reduction potential in fresh and frozen seminal ejaculates.

Oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) is a newer integrated measure of the balance between total oxidants (reactive oxygen species-ROS) and reductants (antioxidants) that reflects oxidative stress in a biological system. This study measures ORP and evaluates the effect of exogenous induction of oxidative stress by cumene hydroperoxide (CH) on ORP in fresh and frozen semen using the MiOXSYS Analyzer. Semen samples from healthy donors (n=20) were collected and evaluated for sperm parameters. All samples were then flash-frozen at -80°C. Oxidative stress was induced by CH (5 and 50μmoles/ml). Static ORP (sORP-(mV/106 sperm/ml) and capacity ORP (cORP-μC/106 sperm/ml) were measured in all samples before and after freezing. All values are reported as mean±SEM. Both 5 and 50μmoles/ml of CH resulted in a significant decline in per cent motility compared to control in pre-freeze semen samples. The increase in both pre-freeze and post-thaw semen samples for sORP was higher in the controls than with 50μmoles/ml of CH. The change from pre-freeze to post-thaw cORP was comparable. The system is a simple, sensitive and portable tool to measure the seminal ORP and its dynamic impact on sperm parameters in both fresh and frozen semen specimens.