Sperm Count Research Articles

Influence of male body mass index on semen analysis parameters and in vitro fertilization outcomes.

Concurrent global increase of prevalence of obesity and male fertility implies link between overweight and obesity with male subfertility. This hypothesis is supported by numerous population-based epidemiological studies. Increase in body mass index (BMI) is associated with poor sperm quality in fertile, and more noticeable in infertile men. Nevertheless, some studies disprove damaging effect of BMI on semen quality. To examine the influence of men's BMI in infertile couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) on semen analysis parameters and IVF outcomes. Study encompassed all couples who underwent IVF at Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic Narodni Front in Belgrade during 2018 and 2019. Exclusion criteria were azoospermia, conditions and diseases that could affect the semen analysis parameters (diabetes, malignant diseases treated with radiation and/or chemotherapy, trauma or surgery of the genital organs, mumps or undescended testicles in childhood). Evaluated semen analysis parameters included semen ejaculate volume, sperm pH, sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology. IVF outcomes comprised total number of embryos, number and percentage of obtained good-quality embryos and clinical pregnancy rates. Based on BMI value, participants were divided into a group of underweight (Group 1), normally weight (Group 2), overweight (Group 3), and obese men (Group 4). After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 411 men (couples) were included in the analysis. The largest number of men were overweight, while the smallest belonged to the group of underweight participants. There are no significant differences in the semen analysis parameters between study groups. Correlation analysis shown weak and insignificant correlation between BMI and semen analysis parameters. The number and proportion of good quality embryos is significantly lower in overweight and obese study groups compared to normal weight and underweight groups (2.89, 2.91, 2.42, and 2.36, respectively, P = .041). The differences in other IVF outcomes: total number of embryos (3.61, 3.74, 3.21, and 3.37, respectively) and clinical pregnancy rates (41.26%, 43.09%, 42.78%, and 39.95%, respectively) between study groups were not significant (P > .05). BMI does not significantly affect semen analysis parameters, but a higher BMI is associated with a lower number and proportion of good quality embryos in IVF outcomes.

Effect of Eruca sativa on Spermatogenesis in Rats Exposed to Cigarette Smoke.

Smoking is among the significant adverse factors to reproductive health and accounts for damage to spermatogenesis and maturation of spermatozoa.The proposed research contributes to understanding the potential ofEruca sativa to prevent the cytotoxic effect of tobacco smoke on different aspects of male reproductive health, including sperm: sperm morphology, sperm count, testes' weight, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, and lipid profile in passive smokers.The experiment on howEruca sativa leaves affect sperm morphology and concentration is performed by grinding leaves to make the aqueous juice. The research participants were grouped into four groups: a control group,Eruca sativa-treated, cigarette-treated, and a group receiving bothEruca sativa and cigarette exposure. The rats were weighed and euthanized surgically, and the testes were harvested and weighed after four weeks of treatment. The sperm count was determined using epididymal sperm, and sperm morphology was determined using vas deferens sperm. The collected cardiac blood was used for lipid profile assessment and hormone-level determination.The findings of this study are significant. Tobacco exposure led to a notable increase in abnormal sperm and a decrease in sex hormone levels. In contrast, theEruca sativa group showed a highly significant difference in sperm morphology and counts comparedto the cigarette group, with a p< 0.001. Although there was a slight decrease in the lipid profile concentration, it was insignificant. Importantly, the co-administration ofEruca sativa and cigarette smoke resulted in a significant reduction in abnormal sperm count, increased sperm count, higher sex hormone concentration, and lipid profile.TheEruca sativa juice used in this study had a protective effect that could be used to reverse or prevent the effects mentioned above of passive smoking.

The relationship between semen quality in male infertility clinic patients and bisphenol A：A Chinese cross-sectional study

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a growing concern as an endocrine-disrupting chemical due to its adverse health effects. However, the association between BPA and sperm quality in adult human males remains unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the daily life exposure level of BPA and analyze its correlation with sperm quality in males. Patients who sought treatment in Chinese infertility clinics between May and October 2023 were selected as study subjects. We determined participants' serum BPA content using high-performance liquid chromatography. Sperm count and motility were assessed using a computer-aided sperm analysis system, while sperm morphology was analyzed using an improved Papanicolaou stain. A total of 405 participants, averaging 33.01 ± 5.44 years old, were included. We observed low semen quality among participants in infertility clinics. Principal component analysis was performed for each semen quality index, and three principal components reflecting sperm motility, count, and morphology were extracted. The participants' mean serum BPA level was 6.96 ng/mL. Negative correlations were observed between serum BPA content and total sperm count, sperm density, forward motility rate, and non-forward motility rate. A positive correlation was found between the non-motile sperm rate and the head deformity rate. Morphological abnormalities were the predominant adverse effects observed. Despite low daily life BPA exposure, long-term low-dose exposure in the general population may damage semen quality. This study provides a scientific basis for managing health risks associated with BPA exposure.

The effects of olibanum on male reproductive system damage in a lipopolysaccharide induced systemic inflammation model in rat

BackgroundLipopolysaccharide (LPS) as a particle of Gram-negative bacteria is a main contributer in the pathogenesis of the male reproductive system infectious. Male infertility due to LPS is reported to be related to overproduction reactive oxygen species. This study aimed to investigate the effects of olibanum on oxidative stress and apoptosis in testes and sperm dysfunction induced by LPS. MethodsThe male (n = 28) rats were allocated in four groups: control, LPS (1 mg/kg, i.p., 14 days), LPS + Olibanum 100 (100 mg/kg, i.p., 14 days), and LPS + Olibanum 200 (200 mg/kg, i.p., 14 days). Germ cell apoptosis was determined by TUNEL assays and computed using the stereological method. Additionally, semen samples of the animals were analyzed for sperm count and morphology. Oxidative stress indicators were also determined. ResultsThe count of TUNEL-positive germ cells in LPS-treated rats was more than that in the controls. Treatment of the animals with olibanum significantly attenuated the number of apoptotic cells compared to the LPS group. The sperm count and those with a normal morphology in LPS-treated rats was lower than that in the controls. Administration of olibanum significantly improved the sperms with normal morphology and sperm count. Olibanum treatment also improved superoxide dismutase, catalase, and total thiol in testicular tissue and decreased malondialdehyde. ConclusionAdministering both doses of olibanum in LPS-treated rats had potentially a therapeutic value in reducing germ cell apoptosis, as well as improving sperm parameters.

Associations of dietary inflammatory indices (DII and E-DII) with sperm parameters.

This study aimed to explore the ambiguous link between dietary inflammatory indices and sperm parameters. Specifically, it investigated the associations between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and the energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index (E-DII) with sperm motility, morphology, and count in men undergoing routine semen analysis. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 144 men enrolled, where semen samples were collected and evaluated according to the 2010 World Health Organization guidelines. Dietary data were gathered using a 147-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire developed by the researchers. Pearson correlation analysis was employed to assess the relationships of the DII and E-DII with sperm parameters. The mean DII and E-DII scores were 1.23±1.1 and 0.49±0.43, respectively. The mean values for sperm motility, morphology, and count were 43.08%±19.30%, 78.03%±26.99%, and 48.12±44.41 million, respectively. Both motility (r=-0.353) and count (r=-0.348) were found to be inversely and significantly correlated with DII. Similarly, Pearson correlation tests revealed strong and significant inverse correlations of motility (r=-0.389) and count (r=-0.372) with E-DII. The findings suggest that a diet with a higher anti-inflammatory potential may be associated with increased sperm count and motility, but not with changes in morphology. Further research is necessary to confirm these findings, elucidate the underlying mechanisms, and identify dietary modifications that could improve male fertility.

Effect of pH and neutrophil count on the motility and persistence of spermatozoa in the vagina of candidiasis rat models.

Sexual violence is a global issue affecting individuals regardless of their relationship to the perpetrator or the setting. Microscopic examination of spermatozoa from vaginal swabs is crucial in investigating cases of sexual intercourse to determine the time of the crime. Factors such as vaginal pH and neutrophil count influence the motility and persistence of spermatozoa in the vagina, particularly in conditions like candidiasis, highlighting the need for further research in this area. This study aimed to determine the effect of pH and neutrophil count on the motility and persistence of spermatozoa in the vagina with candidiasis. An experimental study was conducted using white rats (Rattus norvegicus) of the Wistar strain, with four male rats providing spermatozoa samples and 32 female rats receiving treatment. The female rats were divided into two groups: the normal group and the candidiasis model group. In both groups, the female rats were given vaginal insemination of spermatozoa. Variables measured included pH, neutrophil count, motility, and persistence of spermatozoa in the vagina. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test, followed by the Spearman correlation test. The findings revealed that spermatozoa motility lasted up to three minutes in normal rats, whereas in the candidiasis model, it was reduced to two minutes. Additionally, spermatozoa persistence in the vagina lasted up to six days in the normal group compared to up to three days in the candidiasis model. There were significant differences in pH, neutrophil count, motility, and persistence of spermatozoa in the vagina between the normal group and the candidiasis model (all had p<0.001). There was a correlation between pH and neutrophil count with the motility and persistence of spermatozoa in the rat's vagina (p<0.001). In conclusion, vaginal pH and neutrophil count influence the motility and persistence of spermatozoa in the vagina of candidiasis rat models.

Cadmium exposure and its association with oxidative stress, MT1A methylation, and idiopathic male infertility in Egypt: A case-control study

Idiopathic male infertility, a significant health concern, lacks a clear etiology. Cadmium (Cd), a widespread environmental pollutant known to impact male reproductive health negatively, can accumulate in mussels, a common food source in Egypt. This study investigated the link between ecological Cd exposure, oxidative stress, MT1A methylation, and idiopathic male infertility in two regions of Alexandria. Thirty-three infertile men and 33 fertile controls were included. Cd levels were measured in mussels from the study sites and in participants' blood and semen. Biomarkers reflecting Cd exposure and its effects were assessed. Mussel Cd levels exceeded regulatory limits. Infertile men revealed significantly higher blood and semen Cd levels, reduced semen quality, increased oxidative stress, and elevated MT1A methylation compared to controls. MT1A methylation was inversely correlated with sperm count and is the strongest predictor of idiopathic male infertility, demonstrating the lowest p-value and considerable effect size. This study suggests that environmental Cd exposure, potentially through mussel consumption, may contribute to idiopathic male infertility in Egypt by increasing oxidative stress, inducing epigenetic modifications, and impairing semen quality. These findings underscore the need for further research into the mechanisms underlying Cd-induced male infertility and the development of preventative strategies.

An essential role of the E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF126 in ensuring meiosis I completion during spermatogenesis

IntroductionHomologous recombination repair during meiosis is essential for the exchange of genetic information between sister chromosomes, underpinning spermatogenesis and, consequently, fertility. The disruption of this process can lead to infertility, highlighting the importance of identifying the molecular actors involved. ObjectivesThis study aims to elucidate the role of the E3 ubiquitin ligase Rnf126 in spermatogenesis and its impact on fertility, particularly through its involvement in meiotic homologous recombination repair. MethodsWe used heterozygous and homozygous Rnf126 deletion models in mouse testes to examine the consequences on testicular health, sperm count, and the process of spermatogenesis. Additionally, we explored the association between RNF126 gene missense variants and nonobstructive male infertility in patients, with a focus on their functional impact on the protein’s ubiquitin ligase activity. ResultsRnf126 deletion led to testicular atrophy, disrupted seminiferous tubule structure, reduced sperm count, and spermatogenesis arrest at meiotic prophase I. Furthermore, male mice exhibited impaired homologous recombination repair and increased apoptosis within the seminiferous tubules. We identified four missense variants of the RNF126 (V68M, R241H, E261A, D253N) associated with male infertility. Specifically, the E261A and D253N variants, located in the RING domain, directly compromised the E3 ubiquitin ligase activity of RNF126. ConclusionOur findings demonstrate the pivotal role of RNF126 in maintaining spermatogenesis and fertility, offering insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying male infertility. The identified RNF126 variants present novel targets for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in treating nonobstructive male infertility.

SUN5, a testis-specific nuclear membrane protein, participates in recruitment and export of nuclear mRNA in spermatogenesis.

SUN5, a testis-specific gene, is associated with acephalic spermatozoa syndrome (ASS). Here, we demonstrate that Sun5 is involved in mRNA export. In Sun5-knockout mice ( Sun5 -/-), poly(A) + RNA accumulates in the nuclei of germ cells, leading to reduced sperm counts, decreased sperm motility and disrupted sperm head-to-tail junctions. Additionally, in the GC-2 germ cell line with RNA interference of Sun5, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) and poly (A) + RNA (mainly mRNA) are retained in the nucleus. Further mechanistic studies reveal that Sun5 interacts with Nxf1 (nuclear RNA export factor 1) and nucleoporin 93 (Nup93). Interference with Nup93 inhibits mRNA export. Treatment with leptomycin B to block the CRM1 pathway indicates that Sun5 regulates mRNA export through an Nxf1-dependent pathway. In Sun5 -/- mice, the binding of Nxf1 and Nup93 decreases due to loss of Sun5 function, and the process of submitting Nxf1-binding mRNPs to Nup93 is inhibited, resulting in abnormal spermatogenesis. Together, these data may elucidate a novel pathway for mRNA export in male germ cells.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the placebo effect on both semen quality and male infertility.

Placebo influence on such objective indicators, as sperm quality and infertility, has not been studied previously, but some studies report that placebo may distort even objective outcomes. The aim of current study is to assess the placebo effect on fertility in patients suffering from sperm abnormalities and/or infertility. We conducted a search of two databases (Scopus and MEDLINE) and identified placebo-controlled clinical trials which focused on sperm abnormalities and/or male infertility treatment. Primary outcomes included changes in semen parameters (volume, total count, sperm concentration in semen, progressive motility, morphology (normal cells)). Secondary outcomes included DNA fragmentation and change in pregnancy rate. Seventy-seven articles published from 1983 to 2022 were included. Statistically significant changes were observed for the following values: total sperm count, mean change 0.16 (95% CI 0.05, 0.26); P=0.004, I2=75.1%; and progressive motility, mean change 0.13 (95% CI 0.02, 0.24); P=0.026, I2=84.9%. In contrast, placebo did not affect sperm concentration, sperm volume, sperm morphology or DNA fragmentation index. The publication bias for all the values measured with Egger's test and funnel plots was low. The current meta-analysis indicated a statistically significant increase of total sperm count and progressive motility in the placebo group. In contrast, placebo did not affect sperm concentration, sperm volume, sperm morphology and DNA fragmentation index. These findings should be considered while planning or analyzing placebo-controlled clinical trials.

Simplifying vasectomy reversal without compromising outcomes: a single-surgeon series.

In vasovasostomy (VV) surgery, the micro-surgical technique has consistently been shown to provide superior outcomes to both macroscopic and loupe-assisted techniques, with large studies showing overall patency rates of ~86% and pregnancy rates of ~52%. However, the question of whether a single- or double-layer anastomosis offers the best outcomes remains contentious, and despite the popularity of the two-layer technique, a meta-analysis suggests little difference in outcomes. This study records the outcomes of a single-surgeon series of a simplified single-layer technique, along with the comparative outcomes and predictive factors. A retrospective analysis of 237 consecutive patients undergoing microsurgical vasectomy reversal between 2010 and 2022 in a single institution was performed. A microsurgical, single-layer, six-point, 8-0 nylon anastomosis was performed with macroscopic intra-operative assessment of vasal fluid. An ipsilateral vasoepididymostomy (VE) was only performed in cases of complete absence of vasal fluid or the presence of toothpaste-like discharge (bilateral VE were excluded from this series). Semen analysis was performed 3 months postoperatively to assess for the presence of motile sperm. A total of 237 men underwent microsurgical vasectomy reversal over a 12-year period. The median age of men at vasectomy was 34 years. The median age at vasectomy reversal was 42 years. The median obstructive interval was 7.3 years. An overall patency rate of 85.8% was achieved (motile sperm present), with 53.8% having a sperm count greater than 15 million/mL on initial 3-month assessment. For obstructive intervals of <3, 3-8, 9-14, and ≥15 years, there were declining patency rates of 96.3%, 90.5%, 80.0%, and 74.1%, respectively (P=0.04). These are the equivalent outcomes to published high-volume two-layer studies. We found no difference between patency rates of VV performed on the straight vas vs. the convoluted vas, and no difference when only one side could be re-anastomosed (20 patients). Using a micro-surgical technique in high volume, similar outcomes can be achieved from a simplified single-layer VV technique with fewer sutures, as compared to the more complex two-layer techniques described. We postulate that this may be due to reduced ischaemia relating to fewer sutures and less tissue-handling. Given the associated time and cost savings, as well as the easier learning curve involved, we would advocate the use of this technique in routine VV practise.

FSH Therapy in Male Factor Infertility: Evidence and Factors Which Might Predict the Response.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) administration is applied in the management of subjects affected by hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Whilst this application is widely recognized and established alone or in combination with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a similar strategy is empirically advocated in idiopathic male factor infertility (MFI). In this setting, FSH therapy has been used to increase sperm quantity, quality, and pregnancy rate when FSH plasma concentrations are below 8 IU/L and when the seminal tract is not obstructed. In the literature, several studies suggested that giving FSH to patients with idiopathic MFI increases sperm count and motility, raising the overall pregnancy rate. However, this efficacy seems to be limited, and about 10-18 men should be treated to achieve one pregnancy. Thus, several papers suggest the need to move from a replacement approach to an overstimulating approach in the management of FSH therapy in idiopathic MFI. To this aim, it is imperative to determine some pharmacologic markers of FSH efficacy. Furthermore, it should be useful in clinical practice to distinguish, before starting the treatment, among patients who might respond or not to FSH treatment. Indeed, previous studies suggest that infertile men who have normal levels of gonadotropins in plasma might not respond to FSH treatment and about 50% of patients might be defined as "non-responders". For these reasons, identifying predictive markers of FSH action in spermatogenesis and clinical markers of response to FSH treatment is a fascinating area of study that might lead to new developments with the aim of achieving personalization of the treatment of male infertility. From this perspective, seminal parameters (i.e., spermatid count), testicular cytology, genetic assessment, and miRNA or protein markers in the future might be used to create a tailored FSH therapy plan. The personalization of FSH treatment is mandatory to minimize side effects, to avoid lost time with ineffective treatments, and to improve the efficacy, predicting the most efficient dose and the duration of the treatment. This narrative review's objective is to discuss the role of the different putative factors which have been proposed to predict the response to FSH treatment in idiopathic infertile men.

Exposure to ambient ozone and sperm quality among adult men in China

BackgroundLimited evidence exists regarding the association between ozone exposure and adverse sperm quality. We aimed to assess the association between ozone exposure and sperm quality, and identify susceptible exposure windows. MethodsWe recruited 32,541 men aged between 22 and 65 years old attending an infertility clinic in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China from 2014 to 2020. Ozone data were obtained from a satellite-based spatiotemporal model. Generalized linear models were used to estimate the association between ozone exposure and sperm quality parameters, including sperm concentration, sperm count, sperm total motility, and sperm progressive motility during the entire stage of sperm development (0–90 days before ejaculation) and three crucial stages (0–9 days, 10–14 days and 70–90 days before ejaculation). Stratified analyses were performed to evaluate whether associations varied by age, body mass index, and education levels. ResultsThe final analysis included 27,854 adult men. A 10 μg/m3 increase in ozone concentrations during the entire stage of sperm development was associated with a −4.17 % (95 % CI: −4.78 %, −3.57 %) decrease in sperm concentration, −6.54 % (95 % CI: −8.03 %, −5.60 %) decrease in sperm count, −0.50 % (95 % CI: −0.66 %, −0.34 %) decrease in sperm total motility, and −0.07 % (95 % CI: −0.22 %, 0.09 %) decrease in sperm progressive motility. The associations were stronger during 70–90 days before ejaculation and among men with middle school and lower education for sperm concentration. ConclusionsOzone exposure was associated with decreased sperm quality among Chinese adult men attending an infertility clinic. These results suggest that ozone may be a risk factor contributing to decreased sperm quality in Chinese men.

Physiology and fertility of two gull species in relation to plastic additives' exposure

Understanding the impact of plastic and its additives on wild species is crucial as their presence in the environment increases. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), once used as flame retardants, were restricted due to known toxic effects, but are still detected in the environment. Naturally occurring methoxylated PBDEs (MeO-BDEs) can result from PBDE transformation and may cause similar hazardous effects. Yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis, YLG) and Audouin's gulls (Ichthyaetus audouinii, AG) are highly susceptible to plastic additives, due to their distribution, trophic position, and behaviour. In this study, we assessed PBDEs and MeO-BDEs uptake in different tissues and their effects on physiological and reproductive parameters. Findings indicate that, apart from annual differences, adult AG accumulated more MeO-BDEs than YLG in a natural breeding habitat (Deserta), while the latter had lower PBDE levels than YLG breeding in the city of Porto. In relation to chicks, only YLG from Deserta showed higher PBDE concentrations than AG chicks. Individual analysis of each physiological parameter revealed impacts only for adult YLG from Deserta, with neurofunction and immune system inhibition at higher MeO-BDE concentrations. For chicks, AG showed impaired neurofunction, while YLG chicks from Porto exhibited potential genotoxicity effects triggered by higher MeO-BDE levels. Overall health analysis showed activation of antioxidant defences and compromised immune system in YLG adults from Porto due to high values of PBDEs, while chicks from Deserta exhibited inflammation and oxidative stress with high concentrations of MeO-BDEs in the same species. Fertility parameters showed significant differences for sperm counts though suggesting individuals may be able to compensate any exposure effects. This study confirms the widespread presence of plastic-associated compounds and their harmful effects on gulls, particularly on neurofunction, immune system, oxidative balance and fertility, especially due to the presence of MeO-BDEs.

Retinoic Acid Regulates Spermiogenesis Via Hoxb1 and Shh Signaling in Testicular Germ Cells.

Retinoic acid (RA) regulates all four major events in spermatogenesis; spermatogonial differentiation, meiotic entry, spermiogenesis, and spermiation. For the pre-meiotic phase, Sertoli cells are the source of RA and for the post-meiotic phase, pachytene spermatocytes are the source of RA. While the entire spermatogenic process is regulated by RA, how each of these phases is regulated by RA remains completely unknown. Homeobox B1 (Hoxb1) has two retinoic acid response elements (RARE) upstream and downstream of the gene. In this study, we investigated if RA facilitates spermatogenesis by its action on Hoxb1. The expressions of the Hoxb1 and Sonic hedgehog (Shh) genes were analyzed in the post-natal mouse testes and the testicular localizations of Hoxb1, Shh and Gli1 were analyzed by immunohistochemistry in the adult rat testis. To delineate the signaling mechanisms, Hoxb1 expression was altered in vitro and in vivo using retinoic acid and miR-361-3p. Finally, the levels of miR-361-3p and HOXB1 were analyzed in infertile human sperm samples. Hoxb1 and Shh gene expressions were found to be low in the testis of post-natal Swiss mice of 7, 14, 28, 35, and 60days, after which the expressions of both spiked. Immunohistochemistry in the adult mouse testis showed the expressions of Hoxb1, Shh, and Gli1 in the elongating spermatids. Exposure of GC2 cells to RA and in vivoIP RA injection upregulated Hoxb1 andShh signaling in the testiswith increased expressions of Shh, Gli1, and Hdac1. Retinoic acid administration in Swiss mice compromised sperm production and reduced epididymal sperm count. The analysis of infertile human semen samples revealed an increased level of HOXB1 and a decreased level of miR-361-3p as compared to fertile controls. We conclude that retinoic acid regulates late stage of spermatogenesis (spermiogenesis) by affecting Hoxb1 and Shh signaling.

Sperm Quality in 1252 Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs) Undergoing Fertility Preservation Due to Cancer or Nonmalignant Diseases.

Purpose: To investigate the quality of emergency-collected semen samples aimed at sperm cryopreservation provided by adolescents and young adults (AYAs) presenting with cancer or nonmalignant diseases. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study of postpubertal males referred for sperm cryopreservation who provided at least one semen sample for fertility preservation at the Reproductive Medicine Clinic of Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, between January 2009 and January 2020. Sperm quality was assessed by total sperm count, concentration, and motility. Sperm quality by disease groups was compared with the reference population data of fertile men defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). Results: Among the 1252 patients who provided samples for cryopreservation, 1063 had cancer and 189 had nonmalignant diseases. The most common malignant indications included testicular cancers (n = 501) and Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 102). Among those with nonmalignant disease, 35% (n = 66) had testicular disease. Sperm quality was significantly lower in all groups of patients with cancer compared with the reference population. In total, azoospermia was found in 8% of the patients with cancer, in 9% of those with nonmalignant testicular disease, and in 3% of the remaining men with nonmalignant disease. Conclusion: Sperm quality in adult patients with cancer was significantly impaired compared with the WHO reference population standards for fertile men. For adolescent patients, standard reference values are lacking. AYAs wishing to preserve fertility should receive individualized counseling regarding sperm quality at the time of cryopreservation, and in selected cases, banking of additional samples should be recommended depending on the sperm quality parameters.

Downward trend in male reproductive health and fertility in Eastern Iran.

This study aimed to assess the ten-year trend in semen quality among couples referred to the Infertility Center in Kerman between 2008 and 2017. The study included 2952 semen samples from men 18 to 60 years old referred to the infertility center as infertile couples living in Kerman province, Iran, whether they had normal or abnormal semen analysis. A total of 2952 sperm samples were included. Statistically significant changes were observed in semen parameters. Particularly, significant changes were observed for volume (-0.08 mL/year), sperm concentration (-2.34 (mio/mL)/year), total sperm count (-13.17 (mio/ejaculate)/year), progressive motility (-2.62%/year), non-progressive motility (-0.59%/year), immotile sperm (2.49%/year), and normal morphology (-0.134%/year). In bivariate analysis, the prevalence of oligozoospermia in this study showed a statistically significant association with age (OR = 1.019; 95% CI = 1.007-1.032; p = 0.003). Likewise, there was a statistically significant association with the year (OR = 1.087; 95% CI = 1.050-1.125; p = 0.000). Semen quality parameters showed a downtrend during the last 10 years in this study, emphasizing the importance of male reproductive health monitoring and warning public health coordinators to pay more attention to this important issue.

Pseudoephedrine for ejaculatory dysfunction after retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in testicular cancer.

To assess the impact of ejaculatory dysfunction (EjD; failure of emission or retrograde ejaculation) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) for testicular cancer and explore the efficacy of pseudoephedrine hydrochloride as treatment. In a single arm, phase II trial, patients at ≥6 months after RPLND were invited to complete patient-reported outcome measures (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer [EORTC] quality of life questionnaire [QLQ]-30-item core, EORTC QLQ-testicular cancer-26, and Brief Male Sexual Function Inventory) evaluating HRQoL and sexual function in follow-up (ACTRN12622000537752/12622000542796). If EjD was reported, post-ejaculatory urine ± semen analysis was undertaken. In eligible patients, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 60 mg was administered orally every 6 h for six doses. The primary endpoint was sperm count >39 million sperm/ejaculate (>5th centile) following treatment. The trial was powered to detect a clinically relevant 36% achieving sperm count of >39 million sperm/ejaculate. Secondary endpoints included semen volume >1.5 mL, total motile sperm count, safety, and HRQoL impacts. Of the 58 patients enrolled, the median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 35 (29-41) years, with a median (IQR) of 37 (18-60) months from RPLND. EjD was reported in 33 (57%), including 27/52 (52%) receiving follow-up at our centre. There were no differences in global HRQoL; however, role functioning (P = 0.045), sexual problems (P < 0.005), and sexual enjoyment (P = 0.005) was poorer if EjD was present. In all, 24/33 (73%) patients with EjD consented to pseudoephedrine treatment. Of 22 evaluable patients, four (18%) achieved a sperm count of >39 million/ejaculate (P = 0.20), and four (18%) had a semen volume of >1.5 mL (P = 0.20). There was a mean increase of 105 million sperm/ejaculate (P = 0.051) and 1.47 mL increase in semen volume (P = 0.01). No safety concerns arose. Ejaculatory dysfunction is common after RPLND but did not impact global HRQoL in our cohort. Pseudoephedrine improved EjD for some; however, its efficacy was lower than expected. Pseudoephedrine may be considered on an individualised basis.

Lactating exposure to microplastics at the dose of infants ingested during artificial feeding induced reproductive toxicity in female mice and their offspring

Microplastics (MPs) pollution poses a global environmental challenge with significant concerns regarding its potential impact on human health. Toxicological investigations have revealed multi-system impairments caused by MPs in various organisms. However, the specific reproductive hazards in human contexts remain elusive, and understanding the transgenerational reproductive toxicity of MPs remains limited. This study delves into the reproductive toxicity resulting from lactational exposure to polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) in female mice, extending the inquiry to assess the reproductive effects on their offspring bred by rigorous natural mating. The MPs dosage corresponds to the detected concentration in infant formula prepared using plastic bottles. By systematically evaluating the reproductive phenotypes of F0 female mice from birth to adulthood, we found that female mice exposed to PS-MPs exhibited delayed puberty, disturbed estrous cyclicity, diminished fertility, elevated testosterone, abnormal follicle development, disrupted ovarian steroidogenesis, and ovarian inflammation. Importantly, the observed inheritable reproductive toxicity manifested with gender specificity, showcasing more pronounced abnormalities in male offspring. Specifically, reproductive disorders did not manifest in female offspring; however, a significant decrease in sperm count and viability was observed in PS-MPs-exposed F1 males. Testicular transcriptomics analysis of F1 males significantly enriched pathways associated with reproductive system development and epigenetic modification, such as male germ cell proliferation, DNA methylation, and histone modification. In summary, real-life exposure to PS-MPs impaired the reproductive function of female mice and threateningly disrupted the spermatogenesis of their F1 male offspring, which raises serious concerns about inter- and trans-generational reproductive toxicities of MPs in mammals. These findings underscore the potential threats of MPs to human reproductive health, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and research in this critical area.

Protective Effects of Tigernut (Cyperus esculentus) on Bisphenol A- Induced Testicular Toxicity in Wistar Rats

Bisphenol A (BPA) have been reported to induced reprotoxicity in rats. This study was conducted to find out the ameliorative properties of aqueous extract of Cyperus esculentus (tigernut) on BPA induced testicular toxicity in Wistar rats. Methods: Twenty male rats were divided randomly into 4 groups (n=5): group A: (Control); group B: Bisphenol A (BPA) (25 mg/kg b.w/day); group C: tigernut (200 mg/kg b.w); group D: (25 mg/kg of BPA+ 200 mg/kg of tigernut extract. 25 mg/kg of BPA was dissolved in 0.2 ml of olive oil as vehicle and administration was given by oral gavage for 4 weeks. The body weights were measured. Blood were collected for the testosterone (T) and luteinizing hormone (LH) assays; the epididymis were processed for sperm count, sperm motility, sperm viability and sperm abnormality test; while the testes were harvested for histology. Results: There was a significantly (p &lt; 0.05) decreased in body weight; reduced (sperm count, motility, viability, serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone) in BPA compared with control group. These parameters however increased significantly (p &lt; 0.05) in tigernut (200mg) and BPA + tigernut (200mg) compared with BPA. Also, histological examination showed widened interstitial spaces, some distorted seminiferous tubules, degeneration of basement membrane, scanty Leydig cells, fewer spermatozoa and vacuolation While BPA + tigernut (group D); showed improved testicular architecture (preserved interstitial spaces and interstitial cells. restoration of the loss of the basement membrane and closely packed seminiferous tubules with well-arranged germinal epithelium. Supplementation with tigernuts following BPA administration produces a reversal of the deleterious effect of BPA on the testis.