Sperm Parameters In Infertile Men Research Articles

Comparison of SPAG11A gene expression in infertile men with grade 1 and 2 varicocele before and after treatment.

Sperm Associated Antigen 11A (SPAG11A) protein is a family of the epididymis-specific secretory proteins implicated in sperm maturation and function. Varicocele might cause pathophysiological difficulties in the testis and epididymis, with a harmful effect on the environment for spermatogenesis and sperm maturation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression level of the SPAG11A gene and sperm parameters in infertile men with grade 1 and 2 varicocele before and after treatment. Semen specimens were collected from 20 infertile men with varicocele pre-and post-treatment and 10 healthy volunteers. Semen analysis was conducted according to world health organization guidelines. Real time PCR (qRT-PCR) reaction was applied for determination of SPAG11A mRNA expression. The results showed that there was a significant difference between the concentration and normal morphology between pre- and post-treatment groups and the controls. There were significant differences between pre-treatment and control groups in terms of progressive and non-progressive mobility. SPAG11A mRNA levels were significantly lower in the pre-treatment group than in healthy control subjects (p=0.007). There was no statistically significant difference in the expression of SPAG11A as well as semen parameters in the post-treatment group compared to the pre-treatment group. SPAG11A gene expression and semen parameters may be affected by varicocele. Whether varicocele treatment is an effective approach to reduce the adverse effect of this disease on SPAG11A expression and semen parameters needs further investigation.

#120 : Effect of Aromatase Inhibitor, Letrozole on Semen Parameters in Eugonadotropic Hypoandrogenic Men with Oligozoospermia

Background and Aims: Some men with severely defective sperm production commonly have excess aromatase activity, reflected by low serum testosterone and relatively elevated estradiol level. Elevated levels of estrogen lead to feedback inhibition of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, and the end result is a decrease in LH necessary for the production of testosterone and FSH to optimize sperm production. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of aromatase inhibitor, letrozole on the semen parameters of infertile male having oligozoospermia, low serum testosterone level and testosterone to estradiol ratio < 10. Method: This prospective study was conducted in the Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from May 2019 to April 2020. The sample size was 30 sub fertile men with oligozoospermia (<-10 million/ml), low serum testosterone level (<300 ng/dl), and low testosterone to estradiol ratio (<10). All patients were treated with letrozole 2.5 mg daily for 4 months. At the end of the 4 months semen analysis was performed. Statistical analysis was carried out by using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25 for windows. Results: The sperm concentration, sperm motility and total motile sperm count significantly increased after letrozole treatment. The side effects were mild and well tolerated. Conclusion: This study suggests that some men with oligozoospermia low serum testosterone levels and normal gonadotropin concentration may have a treatable endocrinopathy. Letrozole may be used to improve sperm parameters in infertile men with low serum testosterone to estradiol ratio.

The relationship between the intake of dietary fatty acids and minerals with sperm parameters in infertile men

Infertility has been increasing among Iranian couples. Some epidemiological studies have reported a relationship between infertility and lifestyle patterns, including dietary habits. Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between sperm parameters and the intake of dietary fatty acids and minerals among Iranian infertile men. This cross-sectional was performed on 400 newly diagnosed infertile men at Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute from July to December 2019. Men whose infertility was confirmed by an andrologist based on the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria were selected. They delivered a semen sample and answered a 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. All data were analyzed using SPSS and STATA software. A p-value of less than 0.5 was considered significant. In the adjusted model, a significant negative association between sperm motility and the 3rd quartile (Q) of poly-unsaturated fatty acids compared to the 1st quartile) P=0.02). Also, in the adjusted model, total mobility was significantly increased in the second, third and last quartiles of omega-3 fatty acids compared to the first quartile (P<0.001, P=0.02, P<0.001, respectively). Furthermore, omega-6 fatty acid intake in the last quartile were positively associated with sperm motility (P=0.01). Moreover, there was a significant association between omega-3 fatty acid intake in the second, third, and last quartiles and sperm normal morphology (P=0.003, P=0.018, and P=0.005, respectively) compared with the first quartile. Further, we observed a significant association between omega-6 fatty acid intake and sperm normal morphology in the last quartile compared with the reference quartile (P=0.04). Also, the findings showed a significant negative association between the second quartile of sodium and calcium intake and sperm volume compared with the first quartile (P=0.04, for both) in the adjusted model. We concluded that dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid, sodium, and calcium intake are related to sperm morphology, volume, and total motility in Iranian infertile men. However, more research is needed to confirm these relationships and provide evidence to exert these findings into clinical practice.

POTENTIAL ROLE OF A BIOMARKER REPERTOIRE IN FORTIFYING THE MANAGEMENT OF MALE INFERTILITY

Infertility constitutes a global health dilemma, affecting approximately 10–15% of all couples. Although semen analysis constitutes the backbone of the diagnosis of male infertility, the contribution of a plethora of hormonal and nutritional factors cannot be ignored, particularly in the setting of normal semen analysis results. The current study sought to determine how serum levels of Testosterone, Estrogen, Prolactin, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), free Thyroxine (fT4), folate, and homocysteine differed between male infertility patients and age-matched controls, as well as their effect on sperm parameters in infertile men. Seventy diagnosed cases of male infertility and 70 age-matched controls were recruited after acquiring informed consent from each subject. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for the above hormones and nutritional parameters by using a chemiluminescence-based automated platform. Serum levels of prolactin (P &lt;0.0001), testosterone (P&lt;0.0001), Estrogen (P&lt;0.0001), TSH (P&lt;0.0001) and homocysteine (P&lt;0.0001) were signicantly higher, while serum levels of fT4 (P&lt;0.0001) and Folate (P = 0.0015) were signicantly lower in infertile males vis-a-vis age-matched controls. Moreover, a signicant positive correlation of serum Estrogen levels with sperm count (r = 0.3300; p = 0.01) and a signicant negative correlation of serum Prolactin with sperm motility (r = -0.5017; p&lt;0.0001) were observed in cases of male infertility. Besides routine semen analysis, various hormonal and nutritional factors can aid in cementing the diagnosis of male infertility. Summary: Ÿ Semen analysis constitutes the backbone of the diagnosis of male infertility. Ÿ However, the contribution of hormonal and nutritional factors cannot be ignored. Ÿ Blood samples were analyzed for hormones and nutritional parameters. Ÿ Various factors aid in cementing the diagnosis of infertility, besides routine semen analysis. Ÿ Correction of these factors may potentially help to improve fertility status in men. Ÿ Semen analysis constitutes the backbone of the diagnosis of male infertility. Ÿ However, the contribution of hormonal and nutritional factors cannot be ignored. Ÿ Blood samples were analyzed for hormones and nutritional parameters. Ÿ Various factors aid in cementing the diagnosis of infertility, besides routine semen analysis. Ÿ Correction of these factors may potentially help to improve fertility status in men.

Vitamin D supplementation for improving sperm parameters in infertile men: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

ABSTRACT Objective Vitamin D has been hypothesized to have a potential role in altering sperm motility and metabolism. However, experimental studies have demonstrated inconsistent results between vitamin D and sperm parameters. This study aims to investigate the role of vitamin D supplementation to improve sperm parameters in infertile men. Methods This is a systematic review and meta-analysis study. We comprehensively conducted a search on ClinicalTrials.gov, IRCT.ir, Europe PMC, and PubMed and collected published studies on vitamin D supplementation and sperm parameters for infertile men. The risk of bias was assessed by using Risk of Bias version 2 (RoB v2) and the statistical analysis was performed by using Review Manager 5.4 software. Results Five trials with a total of 648 infertile men were included. Our meta-analysis showed that supplementation with vitamin D may significantly improve total sperm motility [mean difference 4.96 (95% CI 0.38, 9.54), p = 0.03, I 2 = 69%], progressive sperm motility [mean difference 4.14 (95% CI 0.25, 8.02), p = 0.04, I 2 = 89%], and normal sperm morphology [mean difference 0.44 (95% CI 0.30, 0.57), p < 0.00001, I 2 = 0%] better than placebo in infertile men. However, total sperm count (p = 0.15), sperm concentration (p = 0.82), and semen volume (p = 0.83) did not differ significantly between two groups. Conclusions Vitamin D supplementation may improve sperm motility, progressive sperm motility, and morphology in infertile men. Vitamin D supplementation may be considered in managing male fertility issue.

Meta-analysis of the relevance between sperm parameters and serum vitamin D levels in infertile men

To systematically estimate the relevance between sperm parameters and serum vitamin D levels and the subsequent reproductive outcomes in men. PubMed, Web of Science and other databases were searched for studies that examined a possible correlation between serum vitamin D levels and sperm parameters and reproductive outcomes. The documents were screened according to the corresponding inclusion and exclusion criteria. Selection criteria included all published randomised and controlled trials and non-randomised studies that focus on vitamin D and the reproductive function of men The patients were classified into observation/intervention and control groups, the intervention group was given vitamin D supplementation and the control group was not. The meta-analysis was conducted using Stata 16.0 software. A meta-analysis of 11 clinical studies that enrolled a total of 1356 patients, revealed that the clinical pregnancy rate in the observation group was no statistically different in the control group. A meta-analysis of 8 studies demonstrated that there was no statistically difference in sperm concentration between the experimental group and the control group. A meta-analysis of 8 studies found that sperm progressive motility in the experimental group was greater than that in the control group by using a random-effects model. The mean concentration of vitamin D was significantly lower in the control group. Appropriate vitamin D supplement intervention in infertile men improves sperm progressive motility. Interpretation of these results should be done with caution due to the significant heterogeneity of the included studies. Furthermore, Well-conducted prospective cohort studies are needed to better explain the relationship between vitamin D and sperm parameters in infertile men.

Varicocelectomy's Impact on Semen Analysis in Infertile Patients

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of open subinguinal varicocelectomy on sperm parameters in infertile men. Results: The study included 70 patients with varicocele who underwent the surgery, and significant improvements were observed in semen parameters, including volume, concentration, count, motility, and morphology. Additionally, there was an increase in the likelihood of achieving pregnancy after surgery. Unilateral varicocelectomy had a greater impact on improving these parameters than bilateral varicocelectomy. Furthermore, undergoing the surgery at a younger age had a more significant impact. The mean age of patients was 27 years old, with all being married; unilateral varicocele was found in 71% of cases, while the remaining cases presented as bilateral; duration of infertility averaged around one year for all participants, with primary infertility accounting for most cases (87%). Varicocele grade II occurred among approximately one-third (34%) of participants, while grade III occurred among two-thirds (66%) of participants. No intra-operative complications were reported during or after surgeries that involved routine preoperative investigations such as physical examination and color Doppler ultrasound, along with hormonal profile analysis, before scheduling open subinguinal conventional varicocelectomies. In conclusion, this prospective descriptive study showed that subinguinal varicocelectomy improves patients' semen quality by increasing volume, concentration, count, motility, and morphology. All differences mean an increase in all parameters (volume = 0.7 ml, count = 13 million/mL, motility = 12%, and achievement of pregnancy (no = 16, 22.9%), leading to higher chances of achieving pregnancy. This effect is greater when performed unilaterally (n = 45,64.3%) than bilaterally (n = 18,25.7%), especially if done at younger ages, but further studies are needed to confirm these findings using larger sample sizes.

PD20-04 DOES AIR POLLUTION IMPACT ON SEMEN PARAMETERS: FINDINGS FROM A REAL-LIFE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN WHITE-EUROPEAN INFERTILE MEN

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 May 2022PD20-04 DOES AIR POLLUTION IMPACT ON SEMEN PARAMETERS: FINDINGS FROM A REAL-LIFE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN WHITE-EUROPEAN INFERTILE MEN Federico Belladelli, Giuseppe Fallara, Edoardo Pozzi, Massimiliano Raffo, Christian Corsini, Luigi Candela, Antonio Costa, Daniele Cignoli, Nicolò Schifano, Alessia d'Arma, Paolo Capogrosso, Luca Boeri, Eugenio Ventimiglia, Rayan Matloob, Luca Pagliardini, Enrico Papaleo, Vincenzo Mirone, Francesco Montorsi, and Andrea Salonia Federico BelladelliFederico Belladelli More articles by this author , Giuseppe FallaraGiuseppe Fallara More articles by this author , Edoardo PozziEdoardo Pozzi More articles by this author , Massimiliano RaffoMassimiliano Raffo More articles by this author , Christian CorsiniChristian Corsini More articles by this author , Luigi CandelaLuigi Candela More articles by this author , Antonio CostaAntonio Costa More articles by this author , Daniele CignoliDaniele Cignoli More articles by this author , Nicolò SchifanoNicolò Schifano More articles by this author , Alessia d'ArmaAlessia d'Arma More articles by this author , Paolo CapogrossoPaolo Capogrosso More articles by this author , Luca BoeriLuca Boeri More articles by this author , Eugenio VentimigliaEugenio Ventimiglia More articles by this author , Rayan MatloobRayan Matloob More articles by this author , Luca PagliardiniLuca Pagliardini More articles by this author , Enrico PapaleoEnrico Papaleo More articles by this author , Vincenzo MironeVincenzo Mirone More articles by this author , Francesco MontorsiFrancesco Montorsi More articles by this author , and Andrea SaloniaAndrea Salonia More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002558.04AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Air pollutants levels have been monitored closely for environmental and research issues in industrialized countries. We aimed to investigate the association between air pollutants levels and semen parameters in a cohort of white-European men seeking medical attention for primary couple’s infertility in Italy. METHODS: Complete demographic and laboratory data from 1152 infertile men consecutively assessed between 01/2015 and 12/2019 were analysed. Semen analyses were based on the 2010 WHO reference criteria. Health-significant comorbidities were scored with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). We analyzed the annual average level of the three main markers of air pollution (Pm10, Pm2.5, and NO2) between 2014-2018 (Legambiente, 2020, Annual dossier series on air quality in Italy, referring the European Environmental Agency) relative to patients’ addresses over the last 5 years. Descriptive statistics and linear regression analyses were used to test the association between air pollutants levels and semen parameters. RESULTS: Overall, median (IQR) age and BMI were 37 (33-41) years and 24.3 (22.7-26.5) kg/m2, respectively. A CCI score ≥1 was found in 98 (8.5%) men, and 318 (27.6%) participants were active smokers. Of 1152 men, 87 (7.6%) had normal sperm parameters. Of 1065 patients with abnormal semen analyses, 237 (22.3%), 324 (30.4%), and 287 (27.0%) patients presented 1, 2 or 3 abnormalities, respectively; 217 (20.38%) patients were azoospermic. At linear regression analysis, Pm10, Pm2.5, and NO2 were negatively associated with sperm morphology (Pm10: ß: -0.5288 µg/m3, p=0.001; Pm2.5: ß: -0.5240 µg/m3, p=0.019; NO2: ß: -0.4396 µg/m3, p <0.0001). Furthermore, the adjusted odds of sperm normal morphology <4% were 1.06 (95% CI 1.03-1.09; p=0.007) for Pm10, 1.07 (95% CI 1.03-1.11; p=0.007) for Pm 2.5, and 1.03 (95% CI 1.02-1.05; p=0.001) for NO2, respectively (Figure 1). CONCLUSIONS: Findings of this cross-sectional study showed that Pm10, Pm 2.5, and NO2 levels were negatively associated with sperm morphology; conversely, they were not consistently associated with an increased risk of other abnormal sperm parameters in infertile men. Further studies are needed to better characterize air pollution effects on sperm parameters. Source of Funding: None © 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 207Issue Supplement 5May 2022Page: e356 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Federico Belladelli More articles by this author Giuseppe Fallara More articles by this author Edoardo Pozzi More articles by this author Massimiliano Raffo More articles by this author Christian Corsini More articles by this author Luigi Candela More articles by this author Antonio Costa More articles by this author Daniele Cignoli More articles by this author Nicolò Schifano More articles by this author Alessia d'Arma More articles by this author Paolo Capogrosso More articles by this author Luca Boeri More articles by this author Eugenio Ventimiglia More articles by this author Rayan Matloob More articles by this author Luca Pagliardini More articles by this author Enrico Papaleo More articles by this author Vincenzo Mirone More articles by this author Francesco Montorsi More articles by this author Andrea Salonia More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...

P–027 Does air pollution impact on semen parameters? Findings from a real-life cross-sectional study in white-European infertile men

Abstract Study question We aimed to investigate the association between air pollutants levels and semen parameters in a cohort of white-European men seeking medical attention for couple’s infertility. Summary answer We found that Pm10, Pm 2.5, and NO2 levels were negatively associated with sperm morphology. What is known already Air pollutants levels have been monitored closely for environmental and research issues in industrialized countries. Study design, size, duration Data from 156 infertile men consecutively assessed between 01/2019 and 12/2020 were analysed. Participants/materials, setting, methods Semen analyses were based on 2010 WHO reference criteria. We analysed the annual average level of the main markers of air pollution (Pm10, Pm2.5, and NO2) between 2014–2018 (Legambiente, 2020, Annual dossier series on air quality in Italy) relative to patients’ addresses of the last 5 years. Health-significant comorbidities were scored with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Descriptive statistics and linear regression analyses were used to test the association between air pollutants and semen parameters. Main results and the role of chance Overall, median (IQR) age and BMI were 37 (33–41) years and 25.1 (23.4–27.3) kg/m2, respectively. A CCI≥1 was found in 12 (7.7%) men, and 47 (30.1%) participants were smokers. As for sperm parameters, semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm progressive motility and normal sperm morphology were 3 (2–4) ml, 18 (5–45.5) x106/ml, 32 (22–45)% and 2 (1–3)%, respectively. Pm10 was negatively associated with sperm morphology (ß: –0.580, p = 0.001). Furthermore, Pm10 was found to be an independent predictor for sperm morphology worsening (ß: –0.729, p = 0.006) (Fig.1A), after adjusting for age, BMI, CCI and smoking status. Similarly, Pm2.5 levels were negatively associated with sperm morphology (ß: –0.595, p = 0.009) (Fig.1B). After adjusting for the same variables, the association between Pm2 and sperm morphology remained significant (ß: –0.724, p = 0.015) (Fig.1C). NO2 levels were found to be associated with sperm morphology worsening after adjusting for age, BMI, CCI, and smoking status (ß: –0.471, p = 0.006). Limitations, reasons for caution It is a retrospective analysis at a single, tertiary-referral academic centre, thus raising the possibility of selection biases. Moreover, markers of air pollutions divided by residence may not completely evaluated the single patient exposure. Wider implications of the findings: In this cross-sectional study we found that Pm10, Pm 2.5, and NO2 levels were negatively associated with sperm morphology, while they were not consistently associated with an increased risk of other abnormal sperm parameters in infertile men. Further studies are needed to characterize air pollution effects on sperm parameters. Trial registration number Not applicable

VARICOCELE INDUCE OXIDATIVE STRESS AND SPERM DNA DAMAGES IN INFERTILES PATIENTS

Varicocele is one of the most common andrological pathologies in the general population and particularly common in infertile men. The pathogenesis of varicocele related infertility is not completely defined to explain the correlation of varicocele and infertility. Imbalance between excessive reactive oxygen species production and antioxidant protection causes sperm DNA injuries, thus rendering the spermatozoa less fertile in a subset of varicocele patients.Therefore we studied the relationship between OS levels, DNA integrity and sperm parameters in infertile men with or without varicocele.

Correlation between Dietary Antioxidant Intake and Sperm Parameters in Infertile Men with Oligozoospermia

Correlation between Dietary Antioxidant Intake and Sperm Parameters in Infertile Men with Oligozoospermia

Testicular MTHFR deficiency may explain sperm DNA hypomethylation associated with high dose folic acid supplementation.

Supplementation with high doses of folic acid, an important mediator of one-carbon transfers for DNA methylation, is used clinically to improve sperm parameters in infertile men. We recently detected an unexpected loss of DNA methylation in the sperm of idiopathic infertile men after 6 months of daily supplementation with 5 mg folic acid (>10× the daily recommended intake-DRI), exacerbated in men homozygous for a common variant in the gene encoding an important enzyme in folate metabolism, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR 677C>T). To investigate the epigenomic impact and mechanism underlying effects of folic acid on male germ cells, wild-type and heterozygote mice for a targeted inactivation of the Mthfr gene were fed high-dose folic acid (10× the DRI) or control diets (CDs) for 6 months. No changes were detected in general health, sperm counts or methylation of imprinted genes. Reduced representation bisulfite sequencing revealed sperm DNA hypomethylation in Mthfr+/- mice on the 10× diets. Wild-type mice demonstrated sperm hypomethylation only with a very high dose (20×) of folic acid for 12 months. Testicular MTHFR protein levels decreased significantly in wild-type mice on the 20× diet but not in those on the 10× diet, suggesting a possible role for MTHFR deficiency in sperm DNA hypomethylation. In-depth analysis of the folic acid-exposed sperm DNA methylome suggested mouse/human susceptibility of sequences with potential importance to germ cell and embryo development. Our data provide evidence for a similar cross-species response to high dose folic acid supplementation, of sperm DNA hypomethylation, and implicate MTHFR downregulation as a possible mechanism.

Comparison of the Effects of Varicocelectomy and Oral L-carnitine on Sperm Parameters in Infertile Men with Varicocele.

Varicocele is defined as dilated and twisted veins of the pampiniform plexus in the spermatic cord. It is the most common cause of male infertility. There are various medical and surgical procedures for the treatment of this disease. This study was aimed to compare the effects of oral administration of L-Carnitine and varicocelectomy on spermogram parameters. This study was conducted as a double blind clinical trial without randomization. Inclusion criteria were, all married infertile men with varicocele. Patients chose their treatment personally and spermogram was carried out for all patients before and after the third and sixth months of treatment. Then, the sperm parameters of the two groups were compared using repeated measures ANOVA. In our study, trend of sperm count in the surgery group changed from 22 to 28.61 million (vs 34.6 to 45.37 in L-Carnitine group), motility changed from 21.74 to 35.38 percent (vs 33.9 to 47.48 in L-Carnitine group), normal sperm morphology changed from 46.25 to 60 percent (vs 56.61 to 69.7 in L-Carnitine group) and volume of semen changed from 3.5 to 4.17 cc (vs 2.95 to 4.33 in L-Carnitine group). These values were not statistically different between the two groups. Based on the results of this study, we can say that medicinal treatment by administration of oral L-Carnitine is as effective as varicocelectomy in improving semen parameters and can be used as an alternative to surgery for varicocele grade II.

Comparison of the Effects of Varicocelectomy and Oral L-carnitine on Sperm Parameters in Infertile Men with Varicocele

Comparison of the Effects of Varicocelectomy and Oral L-carnitine on Sperm Parameters in Infertile Men with Varicocele

High-dose folic acid supplementation alters the human sperm methylome and is influenced by the MTHFR C677T polymorphism.

Dietary folate is a major source of methyl groups required for DNA methylation, an epigenetic modification that is actively maintained and remodeled during spermatogenesis. While high-dose folic acid supplementation (up to 10 times the daily recommended dose) has been shown to improve sperm parameters in infertile men, the effects of supplementation on the sperm epigenome are unknown. To assess the impact of 6 months of high-dose folic acid supplementation on the sperm epigenome, we studied 30 men with idiopathic infertility. Blood folate concentrations increased significantly after supplementation with no significant improvements in sperm parameters. Methylation levels of the differentially methylated regions of several imprinted loci (H19, DLK1/GTL2, MEST, SNRPN, PLAGL1, KCNQ1OT1) were normal both before and after supplementation. Reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) revealed a significant global loss of methylation across different regions of the sperm genome. The most marked loss of DNA methylation was found in sperm from patients homozygous for the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism, a common polymorphism in a key enzyme required for folate metabolism. RRBS analysis also showed that most of the differentially methylated tiles were located in DNA repeats, low CpG-density and intergenic regions. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis revealed that methylation of promoter regions was altered in several genes involved in cancer and neurobehavioral disorders including CBFA2T3, PTPN6, COL18A1, ALDH2, UBE4B, ERBB2, GABRB3, CNTNAP4 and NIPA1. Our data reveal alterations of the human sperm epigenome associated with high-dose folic acid supplementation, effects that were exacerbated by a common polymorphism in MTHFR.

The influence of cigarette smoking on a population of infertile men and women

This study aimed at investigating the effect of cigarette smoking on semen parameters in infertile men and on antral follicle count (AFC) and reproductive hormone levels in infertile women. In 648 men (200 smokers and 448 non-smokers) sperm concentration, motility and morphology were compared according to smoking status. In the female population, AFC and basal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol were measured in 296 women (102 smokers and 194 non-smokers). Statistical analysis of data was performed using t test, χ²-test and Spearman's correlation. Among the male population, smokers had significantly lower sperm concentration and motility than non-smokers. Sperm normal morphology was reduced in smokers, although this difference did not reach statistical significance. No significant correlation was found between sperm parameters and the intensity of smoking. In the female population, AFC was reduced in smokers compared with non-smokers. Women who smoked had significantly higher FSH levels. No significant difference was found in LH and estradiol levels according to smoking status. The number of pack-years was negatively correlated to AFC and positively correlated to FSH levels. Cigarette smoking is associated with damaging effects on sperm parameters in infertile men and with ovarian reserve alteration in infertile women, as reflected by reduced AFC and increased FSH levels. Every smoker should be encouraged to stop smoking to prevent the damage of the toxins contained in cigarette smoking and preserve their own reproductive potential.

The effect of aromatase inhibitor letrozole on body mass index, serum hormones, and sperm parameters in infertile men

We investigated the effect of letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, on body mass index, serum hormones, and sperm parameters in infertile men with decreased T:E(2) ratios. All sperm parameters increased after letrozole treatment. Letrozole may be effectively used to improve sperm parameters in infertile men with a low serum T:E(2) ratio.

Relation of Serum and Semen Malondialdehyde and Total Anti-Oxidants with Sperm Parameters in Infertile Men

Problem statement: Oxidative Stress (OS) has been recognized as one of the most important cause of male infertility. We studied the relation of serum and Semen Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) with sperm parameters in infertile men with sperm count within the normal range. Approach: The prospective case- control study performed on infertile men presenting to the infertility clinics of Mirzakochak khan hospital, Tehran university of Medical Sciences from June 2007 to June 2009. The samples were collected consecutively and the total of 40 infertile men was enrolled in the study. Also, 40 healthy men were matched as control group. MDA and TAC in serum and seminal plasma were measured and relation between them and semen analysis parameters were evaluated. The MDA was measured as nmol mL−1 and the TAC was expressed as g dL−1. Results: Analysis showed that the amount of semen MDA was statistically different in infertile and healthy control groups. We did not find any significant relation between smoking and sperm parameters in infertile men. The relation between semen MDA and abnormal sperm abnormal morphology (p = 0.003, r = -0.468) and semen TAC and weak sperm motility (p = 0.037, r = -0.359) was significant. Conclusion: Immediate attention should be directed at simplifying and validating the evaluation of reactive oxygen species and OS status so that it can be performed routinely.

İnfertil Erkeklerde Eotaksin ve İnterlökin-4 Düzeyleri ve Sperm Parametreleri ile İlişkisi

İnfertil Erkeklerde Eotaksin ve İnterlökin-4 Düzeyleri ve Sperm Parametreleri ile İlişkisi

The Efficacy of Recombinant Human Follicle‐Stimulating Hormone in the Treatment of Various Types of Male‐Factor Infertility at a Single University Hospital

The aim of the study was to prospectively investigate the efficacy of recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (rhFSH) in the treatment of various types of male-factor infertility at a single university hospital. The study included 61 infertile men receiving rhFSH because of various type of male infertility. Treatment included 100-150 IU of rhFSH 2-3 times/wk. All men were divided into 4 groups: hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (n = 21), isolated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) deficiency (n = 13), idiopathic oligoasthenospermia (n = 16) and maturation arrest on testicular biopsy (n = 11). Total motile sperm count (TMSC), serum FSH level, and testicular volume were compared before and after treatment in all groups. In the hypogonadotropic hypogonadism group, spermatozoa appeared in the ejaculate, with a mean TMSC of 6.67 +/- 1.57 million, in 15 of 21 patients (71.4%) who were totally azoospermic before the treatment. In the isolated FSH deficiency group, TMSC significantly increased from 6.64 +/- 3.27 to 32.4 +/- 9.09 million after the treatment (P = .003). TMSC did not significantly increase in the idiopathic oligoasthenospermia group. Two of the men with maturation arrest (18.1%) had spermatozoa in the ejaculate after the treatment. rhFSH therapy may be effectively used to improve sperm parameters in infertile men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and isolated FSH deficiency. In addition, rhFSH may effect some improvement by either providing sperm in ejaculate or increasing intracytoplasmic sperm injection success in infertile men with maturation arrest.