Terms Of Semen Quality Research Articles

The environmental and occupational influence of pesticides on male fertility: A systematic review of human studies.

BackgroundThe environment plays a key role in male infertility, changing the incidence in various populations, and pesticides are one of the most studied hazards. The use of the latter has never decreased, jeopardizing the safety of workers and the general population.ObjectiveOur purpose was to summarize the results of studies discussing the association between pesticides and male fertility.MethodsA comprehensive literature search was performed through MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Only human studies were considered. Semen parameters and DNA integrity were considered to evaluate the effect of pesticides on men.ResultsA total of 64 studies that investigated their impact in terms of semen parameters (51 studies) and chromatin and DNA integrity (25 studies) were included. The most frequently affected parameters were total sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology, although a reduction in ejaculate volume and concentration occur in several cases. A tangible worsening of semen quality was associated with organochlorines and organophosphates. Furthermore, pesticide exposure, especially pyrethroids, was related to a higher DNA fragmentation index and chromosome aneuploidy in most articles.ConclusionThe epidemiological evidence supports the association between pesticides and male fertility for workers and the exposed population in terms of semen quality, DNA fragmentation, and chromosome aneuploidy.

Cannabis and Male Reproduction

unknown as a part of various religious as well as social practices. Cannabis which is a special type of Marijuana can provide temporary relief from analgesia, body pain and in some other clinical conditions. But, impacts of Cannabis on reproductive health of males and females are multi-faceted and differentially fatal. In males, Cannabis can cause changes in testicular morphology, sperm parameters (in terms of semen quality, sperm morphology, sperm mortality and sperm motility), male reproductive hormones and finally causing reduced libido. In females, Cannabis can reduce female fertility by disrupting hypothalamic release of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), leading to reduced estrogen and progesterone production and an ovulatory menstrual cycles. Current research suggests that cannabis may negatively impact on male and female fertility conditions. However, male sterility considering the Cannabis impact is totally lacking in human as well as in sub-human primates. However, very limited studies are available on Cannabis effect on primate female reproduction considering Rhesus monkeys. Hence, further studies are needed to validate that robust findings in animal models will carry over into human experience.

Obesity, endocrine disruption and male infertility

Obesity has become a global pandemic since the last few decades with prevalence in more than one-third of the population in the United States. Another concurrent global health concern is the declining trend in male fecundity in terms of semen quality. Male infertility etiology is multifactorial with obesity serving as one of the major causatives. An array of research is directed in unveiling the potential mechanism underlying the obesity-induced male subfertility or infertility. Obesity may alter the hormonal milieu of the hypothalamic- pituitary-gonadal axis, its crosstalks with other metabolic hormones, upregulates secretion of adipose tissue-derived hormones and other factors, thus influencing the endocrine regulation of male reproduction. Obesity may also directly impair testicular functions by inducing genetic and epigenetic alterations in spermatozoa, disrupting sperm morphology and functions. Given the complexity of the condition of obesity and the multivariate etiopathology of male subfertility/ infertility, this review is aimed to provide an updated concept on how obesity mediated hormonal modulation may affect male fertility parameters.

Super-Ovulated Chinese Sika Deer (Cervus Nippon) and Assessment of Embryo Transfer at Developmental Stages

The Embryo transfer has been commercially recognized reproductive technique in the world. The study was conducted at a Jiutai local breeding deer farm in China. The breeding protocol was developed for embryo transfer in sika deer to be implemented at farm levels and under wild conditions. Success rates of the technique was measured through indicators like number of follicles developed as a result of a specific treatment protocol, super ovulation rates, and quality of embryos. The male sika deer (Cervus Nippon) were then selected in terms of semen quality, libido, and sperm productivity. Embryo recovery was performed by surgical technique, of which the percentage of the embryo developmental stages was measured, in terms of Blastocyst, Morula, Non-Fertilized. The Hinds (sample size=12) were synchronically induced by inserting a controlled internal drug release (CIDR)devices, injected with Follicle stimulating Hormone (FSH) i.m for 2-4days .The fertilization for hinds was achieved by natural mating after 4days after CIDR devices withdrawal .Embryo recovery was performed on Day 12(n=6) and Day13(n=6)of the breeding season. The major objective of this research was to evaluate the super- stimulation protocols and determine the frequency of recovered transferable embryo in sika deer. Nevertheless, there were no significant differences P<0.05 between the numbers of corpus luteum, Follicles, Blastocysts and Morula from both uterine horns. The embryo recovery showed positive outcomes of blastocyst, morula for sustainable genetic banking of pure sika deer.

Study on Suitable Semen Additives Incorporation into the Extender Stored at Refrigerated Temperature

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of Butylated Hydroxy Toluene (BHT), Pentoxifylline (PTX) and -tocopherol (Vit E) on semen quality parameters of Karan Fries bulls. The fortification of extender by various semen additives improves motility as well as fertility of spermatozoa. Split samples of 24 ejaculates of four Karan Fries bulls were extended in extender with or without various additives such as BHT, PTX and Vit E, and performance was evaluated at an interval of 0, 24, 48 and 72 h at refrigerated temperature (4-). Results of the present study revealed that addition of BHT, PTX and Vit E in extender improved sperm cell function, such as motility, viability, HOST, and acrosome integrity, as compared to the control during liquid storage up to 48 h of preservation at refrigerated temperature. There was no significant (p); however, the head and mid-piece abnormalities were almost unaffected. Tail and total abnormality were least in extender fortified with BHT, PTX and Vit E at different hours of incubation as compared to the control. The addition of 1.5 mM BHT, 3.6 mM PTX and 1 mg/ml Vit E in the semen extender has more beneficial effect in terms of semen quality and preservability of spermatozoa.

Longitudinal Study of Semen Quality in Adolescents with Varicocele: To Treat or Not?

To assess the role of varicocelectomy in pediatric patients through a careful semen analysis. A total of 214 patients with grade 2 and 3 left idiopathic varicocele were enrolled. Of these 214 patients, 106 (group 1) were treated surgically for testicular hypotrophy, 54 (group 2) were treated surgically with a normal testis, and 54 with a normal testis (group 3) were observed with follow-up visits every 6 months. The spermiogram results for each group were divided into two subgroups: normal, if they met the evaluation criteria and abnormal in the remaining cases. The spermiogram analysis for groups 1 and 2 showed no statistically significant difference in terms of normal and abnormal spermiogram findings (P >0.01). Even though the patients included in group 3 had reported no testicular hypotrophy or pain, the qualitative semen analysis showed the same trend observed in patients affected by varicocele, but the difference was not statistically significant in the variables considered for the other groups (P >0.01). Preservation of the testicular artery in patients with hypotrophy was associated with better results in terms of semen quality. Testicular hypotrophy remains the most objective indication for surgical treatment of varicocele, and preservation of the testicular artery gives better results in terms of semen quality only in patients affected by testicular hypotrophy.

Varicocele and Adolescents: Semen Quality After 2 Different Laparoscopic Procedures

The aim of this prospective study was to assess long-term functional results (spermiograms) in subjects who underwent laparoscopic varicocelectomy via either of 2 procedures (ligation or preservation of testicular artery). A total of 122 patients underwent laparoscopic varicocelectomy performed via either of the 2 different procedures: complete ligation of the spermatic vessels or preservation of the spermatic artery. After surgery when patients achieved 18 years, they were asked to undergo semen analysis. Spermiogram results were divided into 2 subgroups: "normal" and "abnormal." We analyzed volume, sperm count per mL, percentage of motile spermatozoa, percentage of normal spermatozoa, and percentage of vitality for each group. Both groups showed the same results in terms of "normal" and "abnormal" spermiograms (World Health Organization criteria), but analysis showed higher sperm concentration per mL, sperm motility, volume, vitality, and rate of morphologically normal sperm for the group with arteries preserved and "normal" spermiograms (P < .01). Analysis of data from the spermiograms showed that preservation of the testicular artery was the best possible option in terms of semen quality. Therefore, we believe that surgical treatment of varicocele should be carried out using procedures involving artery preservation.

Semen quality in workers producing reinforced plastic

A comparison of semen parameters from 25 workers at a reinforced plastic production plant and from 46 age-matched male fertility patients was carried out. For a period of more than three months before the semen analyses, the 25 workers had been exposed to styrene and acetone in concentrations exceeding the Danish threshold limit values. Serum concentrations of follicle stimulating and luteinizing hormones, semen sample volume, and concentration of sperm showed no differences between the two groups. Significant differences between the two groups were found in the percentage of live sperm, immotile sperm, and normal sperm. The reinforced plastic plant workers showed, in terms of semen quality, better values in the percentages of live sperm and immotile sperm, whereas they had a reduced percentage of normally shaped sperm. It was found that the reinforced-plastic workers had increased percentages of the amorphous and the pyriform sperm head shapes as compared to the fertility clientele. In sperm midpiece and sperm tail defects, the two groups showed similar values. From the data it could be concluded that work with production of reinforced plastic might result in an increase in the number of abnormal sperm heads.

Microsurgical Reversal of Vasectomy

Summary Vasectomy reversal has become a simple, routine operative procedure. The results in terms of semen quality and procreation are far below normal. Vasectomy to control fertility is frequently an irreversible procedure since most patients have poor semen quality and reduced fertility after vasovasostomy.

Male Fertility Potential in Terms of Semen Quality: A Review of the Past a Study of the Present

Comparison of data from 1951 and from 1966-77 indicates that there has been no substantial change in the numerical aspect of semen quality over this period. Other researchers have suggested that a depression of spermatogenesis has occurred in US males. The 1951 baseline data are taken from MacLeod and Gold's study of 1000 "infertile marriage" patients. Modern trends are extrapolated from the authors' survey of the ejaculate volume and sperm counts in 14,476 men evaluated in 1966-77 because of infertile marriages. 9000 of these men were receiving their 1st semen examination, whereas 5476 had been examined elsewhere prior to referral. Semen specimens were obtained by masturbation after 3 days of continence in both studies. Over time, no consistent trend in sperm count was detected. The median count among the 1000 men examined in 1951 was 74 million/ml, whereas the median among the 9000 men examined sequentially in 1966-77 was 76.5 million/ml. In terms of the overall count frequency distribution, 16% of those in the 1951 study fell in the or= 20 million/ml class compared with 15.1% of those in the 1966-77 study group. The proportions of those in the 100 million/ml group were 38% and 36.5%, respectively. None of these differences are significant. The average ejaculate volume of the 14,476 recent patients remained stable at 3.2 ml throughout the study period. Most notable was the orderly nature of the sperm count frequency distributions around the medians over the 1966-77 decade. Critical analysis of other studies from the 1951-77 period points to the need for clear definition of the types of populations studied since population nuances can produce some divergent results. For example, subjects from infertile marriages appearing for their 1st semen examination have the best semen qualtiy of any infertility population. Although no change was noted in semen quality standards, the authors concur with earlier suggestions that the minimal standards recommended by the American Fertility Society be modified. It is particularly urged that the present minimum sperm count of 40 million/ml be reduced and accompanied by a rider that any count level is meaningless unless the sperm motility parameter is included. Future articles will focus on changes in the qualitative aspects of ejaculate, sperm motility, and sperm morphology. The authors expect to demonstrate that significant changes have occurred in these parameters since 1951.

Recovery of Male Fertility after Sterilization by Nuclear Radiation

This study was planned to investigate the potential fertility in terms of semen quality of eight men 3 1/2 years after they had been exposed accidentally to ionizing radiation of nuclear origin. It had been established that at least five of these individuals received sufficient total-body radiation (236 to 365 rads) to produce symptoms of acute radiation syndrome and that at least five had been found to be virtually sterile within four months after the accident. As determined at intervals by semen quality, a virtually sterile state was maintained for at least 21 months. Disturbances in morphology of the few spermatozoa present in the ejaculate were observed during this time. A reasonable to good level of potential fertility was attained at 41 months after exposure.