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PubMedDate not supplied

Sperm velocity and morphology, female characteristics, and the hypo-osmotic swelling test as predictors of fertilization potential: experience from the IVF model.

OBJECTIVE: To determine, among the following variables, the predictors of sperm fertilization potential of a given semen sample: sperm count, eight sperm velocity characteristics determined by computer-assisted semen analysis, the sperm morphology score determined by strict criteria, and the hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) test, using the IVF model. DESIGN: Data from 58 couples attending the assisted conception unit for conventional IVF treatment were analyzed retrospectively by simple linear regression and multiple stepwise regression analysis, taking the fertilization rate as the dependent factor. RESULTS: The mean sperm velocity and the strict sperm morphology assessment were the only parameters showing significant correlation with the fertilization rate. A minimum sperm velocity of 13 microm/s and a minimum strict sperm morphology of 2% were necessary to achieve fertilization in 50% of the oocytes. The results of the HOS test did not correlate with the fertilization rate. An equation was devised to calculate the expected fertilization rate based on the mean sperm velocity and the strict morphology score, and can be used to counsel patients prior to assisted conception. CONCLUSIONS: The mean sperm velocity and strict sperm morphology evaluation are good predictors of fertilization potential, but the HOS test is not.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

[Reproductive toxicity of formaldehyde to adult male rats and the functional mechanism concerned].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the reproductive toxicity exerted by formaldehyde to adult male rats and the functional mechanism therein in volved. METHODS: Forty adult male rats were randomLy divided into 4 groups. One group served as control. The other 3 groups as exposure groups were intraperitoneally injected with formaldehyde at the dose of 0.10 mg/kg x d, 1.00 mg/kg x d, 10 mg/kg x d respectively and continuously for 14 days. The weight and morphology of testis, the quality and amount of sperm, and the serum hormone were examined. In addition, the apoptosis rate of testis tissue was examined by TUNEL and the expression of Fas gene in testis tissue by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Compared with control, the weight of testis in the high-dose formaldehyde exposure group significantly decreased (P < 0.05); the convoluted tubules became atrophied, the layers of seminiferous epithelium decreased, the arrangement of seminiferous epithelium was in disorder in the medium- and high-dose formaldehyde exposure groups; the sperm count and sperm motility significantly decreased (P < 0.05), the percent of abnormal sperm significantly increased (P < 0.05)in the medium- and high-dose formaldehyde exposure groups; the serum testosterone content mildly decreased and the serum FSH and LH content mildly increased in the formaldehyde exposure groups, but no statistically significant difference was observed. Moreover, in comparison with control, the apoptosis rate and the expression of Fas gene increased in the testicular tissue of rats in the medium- and high-dose formaldehyde exposure groups (P < 0.05). The apoptosis rate was significantly correlated with the expression of Fas gene (r = 0.8832, P < 0. 05). CONCLUSION: Formaldehyde exerts reproductive toxicity to adult male rats, and Fas-mediated apoptosis may be one of the functional mechanisms involved in the reproductive toxicity of formaldehyde.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

[Evaluation of circulating antisperm antibodies and seminal immunosuppressive material in repeatedly aborting couples].

Circulating antisperm antibodies (ASA) and immunosuppressive material in seminal plasma (SPIM) were determined by solid-phase enzyme staining method and anticomplement test respectively in 686 patients with abortion, including 285 couples. 241 fertile couples served as control. It revealed that the positive rate of ASA in repeatedly aborting patients was significantly higher than that in fertile controls (P less than 0.001). ASA was also more frequently detected in repeatedly aborting patients than in those having 1-2 abortion. Male partners whose wives aborted 2-6 times had significantly less SPIM than the controls with sperm count and sperm motility also markedly decreased. Meanwhile, the incidence of pyosemia was remarkably higher than that in the controls. It is suggested that ASA and SPIM play an important role in the development of recurrent abortions.

Abortion, Habitual↗
PubMed1989

Effects of methylmercury on mouse epididymis and spermatozoa.

Intramuscular administration of methylmercury (MeHg) into mice at doses of 10 and 20 micrograms per day and animal for 30 days exerts toxic effects on the epididymal histoarchitecture, sperm motility, sperm count and sperm energy metabolism. Scanning electron microscopic study showed changes in the cauda epididymal sperm morphology. All these factors contributed finally to a failure of the fertility in MeHg treated mice as evidenced by a significant reduction in the average number of implantation sites or their absence in females cohabited with treated males. The decline in the serum testosterone levels by high dose indicates a decreased testicular androgen synthesis.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Dibromochloropropane (DBCP) effects on the reproductive function of the adult male rat.

In order to evaluate the effect of dipromochloropropane (DBCP) on reproductive function, groups of male adult Wistar rats were injected subcutaneously with different doses of DBCP. A strictly dose-dependent effect resulting in histological alteration principally toward the seminiferous tubules was observed. Sperm count and sperm motility showed azoospermia or oligoasthenospermia with a significative recovery in the lower dose of DBCP treated rats. Among the enzymatic activities evaluated as biochemical markers of testicular function: LDH was not appreciably affected by the DBCP treatment while GGT and NADPH-cyt P450-reductase significantly enhanced suggesting an induction of the detoxification processes.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

[Long-term therapy of oligozoospermia with the aromatase inhibitor testolactone].

In a pilot study, 13 subfertile men with idiopathic normogonadotropic oligozoospermia were treated by the aromatase inhibitor testolactone for a period of 6 months. During the administration of 1 g testolactone daily, a significant increase in the sperm count, total sperm output and the absolute number of motile and progressively motile spermatozoa was observed 3 and 6 months after the initiation of therapy, but there were no significant changes in the percentage of motile and progressively motile spermatozoa, sperm morphology or ejaculate volume. The serum hormone levels of testosterone, LH, FSH and oestradiol were assessed before and during testolactone administration; there was a significant increase of testosterone and FSH after 1 and 3 months of treatment, but LH levels increased only during the 1st month of therapy. The oestradiol level showed a significant decrease, while the increase in testosterone/oestradiol ratio was more than twice as expected. The pregnancy rate was 17%. No severe side-effects were reported during testolactone therapy. The results of the study support the hypothesis that oestrogens are involved in the regulation of human spermatogenesis.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Correlation between semen adenosine triphosphate and sperm fertilizing capacity.

The concentration of ATP was determined in a large number of semen samples from fertile men and infertility clinic patients. Results were correlated with routine semen characteristics, in vitro sperm fertilizing capacity, and functional integrity of the sperm membrane. The results confirm the findings of Comhaire et al. and Irvine and Aitken that there are positive correlations between semen ATP concentration and sperm count and sperm motility. In routine laboratory examination of semen specimen, the results agree with those of Irvine and Aitken that semen ATP determination does not appear to be useful as a biochemical marker for sperm fertilizing capacity, as assessed by the in vitro zona-free HEPA.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1998

[Male infertility--diagnosis and treatment].

Infertility is often due to subfertility in both partners. Investigations of the male partner includes history taking, physical examination (possibly supplemented with ultrasonography), and semen analysis. In addition to the sperm count, and sperm morphology and motility, numerous other seminal parameters are of interest. In particular, the acrosome reaction test and testing for seminal round cell subpopulations are now widely used. In the event of anomalies, causal treatment is preferable to symptomatic therapy. Significant future progress in the management of male infertility is predicated upon an improved understanding of the mechanisms involved in testicular differentiation and spermatogenesis.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Stability of basic semen measures and abnormal morphology within individuals.

Semen from 15 healthy volunteers was assessed for basic semen measures every 2 weeks over a 6-month period to determine the relative stability of these factors. The parameters were: sperm count, semen volume, sperm motility, and normal morphology, along with the type of abnormal morphologic forms. Basic semen measures were generally more stable than the morphologic forms. Using three samples, seven semen factors (sperm count, normal morphology, semen volume, sperm motility, microcephaly, tapering and round tail) were found to be stable and contributed to the identification of the fifteen individuals with a classification accuracy of 75.0%. While individuals do have characteristic patterns of spermatogenesis, the biologic basis for these findings is as yet undetermined.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Lack of effect of a single i.v. dose of oxytocin on sperm output in severely oligozoospermic men.

BACKGROUND: ICSI into the oocyte is the only treatment currently available for most male patients with severe oligozoospermia who wish to father children. In order to perform ICSI, motile sperm need to be recovered from the ejaculate and, if no sperm or not enough motile sperm are recovered on the day of ICSI, testicular sperm extraction (TESE) must be performed. Oxytocin stimulates epididymal contractility and may be important for the release of stored sperm. The aim of this randomized single-blind cross-over study was to establish the effects of oxytocin on sperm output in severely oligozoospermic men. METHODS: Forty-nine infertile men with sperm concentrations <0.2 x 10(6)/ml were studied on two occasions after 3-4 days of sexual abstinence. They received an i.v. injection of saline or oxytocin 0.75 IU in random order, and commenced masturbation within 5 min. Ejaculate analysis was performed according to the WHO 1999 guidelines. RESULTS: A single i.v. dose of oxytocin resulted in no change in ejaculate volume (P = 0.4), total sperm count (P = 0.14) or sperm motility (P = 0.9). There was no significant correlation between the change in total sperm count and FSH levels (r = -0.32, P = 0.2), or the change in total sperm count and estradiol levels (r = -0.02, P = 0.9). Similar results were found in a subgroup of men with total sperm counts of <100. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that a single-dose of i.v. oxytocin has no detectable effect on seminal parameters in men with severe oligozoospermia.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Testicular spermatid and epididymal sperm head counts as an indicator for reproductive toxicity in rats.

The testes of rats were exposed to a single soft x-ray irradiation at levels of 10, 25 and 63 Gy. Testicular and cauda epididymal weights and their sperm counts were decreased at 7 weeks after the irradiation. Histologically, there was an evidence of interrupted spermatogenesis dose-dependently. Animal mating trails, in which irradiated males were mated with untreated females revealed a slight increase in early stage of postimplantation loss at as low as 10 Gy. There were increases in preimplantation and early stage of postimplantation losses in the group of irradiated at 25 Gy. Infertility occurred in irradiated males at 63 Gy. The effects of irradiation were more severe on the sperm count parameters than on reproductive organ weights, histological examination and reproductive status. The testicular spermatid and epididymal sperm head counts are considered to be useful indicators to detect quantitatively the adverse effects on spermatogenesis.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Testicular toxicity effects of magnetic field exposure and prophylactic role of coenzyme Q10 and L-carnitine in mice.

The protective effect of L-carnitine or coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) against high magnetic field (20 mT) induced testicular toxicity in mice were evaluated. Animals were injected with L-carnitine (200 mg kg(-1), i.p.) or CoQ10 (200 mg kg(-1), p.o.) 1h before exposure to fractionated doses (30 min per day, three times per week for 2 weeks) or acute dose (3h) of magnetic field. Total sperm count, motility, daily sperm production, and testicular LDH-X activity as well as histopathological examination were investigated. Exposure of mice to fractionated doses of magnetic field caused a significant decrease in sperm count, motility, daily sperm production, and LDH-X activity, which was more pronounced than that of acute dose. Moreover, a marked testicular histopathological changes were observed after exposure to fractionated doses of magnetic field. Pretreatment of mice with L-carnitine or CoQ10 1h before exposure to magnetic field caused a significant recovery of mice testes damage induced by high magnetic field (20 mT).

Algorithms↗
PubMed2000

The rationale for requesting a second consecutive sperm ejaculate for assisted reproductive technology.

We assessed the value of requesting a second semen sample provided within 1 hour of the first in cases of unacceptable ejaculate quality (compared to previous occasions) or very poor semen characteristics. The study population consisted of 109 males with severe oligo-terato-astenospermic (OTA) syndrome in an assisted reproduction program. Semen volume, sperm count and sperm motility were recorded in the first and second samples with a Makler Counting Chamber before sperm processing, and total motile sperm in the ejaculate was calculated. Differences in sperm parameters between the consecutive samples were determined by paired-sample t test. In 36 cases (33%) the second sample was found to be superior in quality to the first and was therefore used for the fertilization process. Of the 12/109 cases in which the first ejaculate demonstrated no motile sperm, five (41%) had detectable motile sperm in the second (total 0.1 x 10(6), 0.2 x 10(6), 0.3 x 10(6), 8.4 x 10(6) and 20.8 x 10(6)). We conclude that a request for second ejaculate immediately after the first in males with poor semen quality or no detectable motile sperm can yield a better sample in a significant percentage of cases. Using this method, clinicians can avoid the utilization of elaborate sperm processing techniques and the need for unnecessary micromanipulative fertilization.

Ejaculation↗
PubMed1985

Long-term infertility and dominant lethal mutations in male mice treated with adriamycin.

Sperm production and fertility were studied in male mice treated with adriamycin (ADR) at 6 or 8 mg/kg. Testicular sperm production and epididymal sperm counts were markedly reduced after ADR treatment. Gradual recovery of counts occurred, but sperm counts had not reached control levels even more than 1 year after treatment. Epididymal sperm showed treatment-induced morphological abnormalities throughout the experiment; the frequencies of sperm with detached tails and the frequencies of sperm with morphologically abnormal heads remained elevated about 2-3-fold above control. According to the frequency of vaginal plugs, treated male mice mated at control rates with untreated females during the post-treatment sterile period. However, after some fertility was regained the fertilization rate (calculated as the fraction of eggs, flushed from the oviduct 2 days after mating, that had been fertilized and had cleaved) was markedly reduced and remained depressed for the remainder of the experiment. The fertilization rate reached only 0.29 at 23-32 weeks after 8 mg/kg ADR and 0.76 at 16-23 weeks after 6 mg/kg ADR; both values were significantly below the control value of 0.94. Dominant lethal mutations in the zygotes flushed from the oviduct were measured in culture by the loss of the zygote's ability to develop to a stage characterized by trophectoderm outgrowths and formation of an inner cell mass. The frequencies of dominant lethal mutations detected in vitro were 1.7 or 7.4% after 6 mg/kg, and 32 or 40% after 8 mg/kg ADR; each value was calculated in two different ways, with 3 of these 4 values significantly different from zero. We conclude that even after mice regain fertility following ADR exposure, the level of fertility remains permanently subnormal as evidenced by a lack of fertilization of eggs that is probably due to the decreased quantity and quality of spermatozoa produced. Furthermore, ADR can induce genetic damage in stem spermatogonia, which can be transmitted through fertile spermatozoa. Thus, there may be a genetic risk to the offspring of cancer patients treated with ADR chemotherapy, but at present we are unable to quantitate that risk.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Semen retrieval in men with spinal cord injury is improved by interrupting current delivery during electroejaculation.

PURPOSE: Based on the findings of a previous study of pressure differentials in the external and internal urinary sphincters during electroejaculation we determined whether semen retrieval in men with spinal cord injury would be improved by interrupting current delivery during electroejaculation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We tested continuous versus interrupted current delivery in the same group of 12 men with spinal cord injury. Patients underwent a mean of 4 randomly assigned continuous or interrupted trials 4 to 8 weeks apart. Antegrade and retrograde semen parameters were analyzed per trial. Multiple trials of each method per patient were averaged and semen parameters by the continuous and interrupted methods were compared. RESULTS: Interrupted delivery resulted in significantly greater mean antegrade volume versus continuous delivery (2 versus 0.9 cc). In this antegrade fraction mean total sperm count and mean total motile sperm was higher for interrupted (130 million and 35 million) versus continuous (79 million and 26 million, respectively) delivery. The mean retrograde total sperm count was 4-fold higher for continuous (120 million) versus interrupted (29 million) delivery. In the total ejaculate of the combined antegrade and retrograde fractions the mean total sperm count and mean total motile sperm were not significantly different for the 2 methods. CONCLUSIONS: Each method resulted in a similar mean total sperm count and total motile sperm in the total ejaculate but a higher proportion of sperm was found in the antegrade fraction using the interrupted method. We recommend interrupted current delivery as the technique of choice when electroejaculation is performed to obtain sperm for fertilization.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Risk factors for multiple gestation in women undergoing intrauterine insemination with ovarian stimulation.

OBJECTIVE: To identify whether sperm characteristics after washing and/or ovulation induction cycle characteristics can predict the occurrence of multiple conception in patients undergoing ovarian stimulation and IUI. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: A gynecology clinic and an andrology laboratory at a tertiary care facility. PATIENT(S): One hundred patients with single pregnancies and 22 patients with multiple pregnancies. INTERVENTION(S): Patients underwent ovarian stimulation and IUI with their partner's sperm. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Relation of patient characteristics, ovarian stimulation, and sperm characteristics after washing to the occurrence of multiple pregnancy. RESULT(S): The mean serum E2 level on the day of hCG injection was significantly higher in the multiple conception group, but the number of follicles was not. The total sperm count, total motile sperm count, and sperm motility after washing did not differ between the groups. However, couples with multiple pregnancies had sperm with a significantly higher amplitude of lateral head movement than couples with single pregnancies. A peak E2 level of >583 pg/mL on the day of hCG injection and sperm with an ALH of >4 microm after washing predicted the occurrence of multiple pregnancy. CONCLUSION(S): Sperm with an amplitude of lateral head movement of >4 microm and a peak E2 level of >583 pg/mL are significant risk factors for multiple pregnancy in patients undergoing IUI.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Secular and seasonal changes in semen quality among young Danish men: a statistical analysis of semen samples from 1927 donor candidates during 1977-1995.

The objective of this study was to investigate whether semen quality has changed during the years 1977-1995 in a group of unselected semen donor candidates, and to determine whether semen quality is subject to seasonal variation, by analysis of time- and season-related changes in semen quality using multiple regression and ANOVA. The study was based on analysis of the first semen sample delivered by 1927 semen donor candidates in Copenhagen during the period 1977-1995, with determination of semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, percentage motile spermatozoa, and a semiquantitative sperm motility score. Multiple linear regression analysis with year, sexual abstinence and season as covariates showed a significant increase in mean sperm concentration from 53.0 x 10(6)/mL in 1977 to 72.7 x 10(6)/mL in 1995 (p < 0.0001) and in mean total sperm count from 166.0 x 10(6) to 227.6 x 10(6) (p < 0.0001). Mean semen volume and percentage motile spermatozoa did not change. Sperm motility deteriorated, as the spermatozoa in 74.2% of the samples were of excellent motility in 1977-1980 compared to only 41.9% in 1993-1995 (chi 2 = 130.0, p < 0.0001). Analysis of variance showed significant variation between seasons regarding sperm concentration (p < 0.0001) and total sperm count (p < 0.0001). Highest sperm counts were found in spring, with a mean concentration (95% C.I.) of 77.6 x 10(6)/mL (71.9-83.7), and lowest in summer, with a mean of 57.5 x 10(6)/mL (50.1-65.4). No other semen parameter varied with season. It is concluded that sperm counts increased, whereas sperm motility decreased, in a group of Danish semen donor candidates, from 1977 to 1995. Due to the retrospective design and the anonymity of the donors, we were unable to control for variation in donor age, and we cannot exclude the possibility that some donor candidates were selected by being accepted as donors by other semen donor services in Copenhagen. With these limitations in mind, we suggest our results should be interpreted cautiously and regarded as a contribution to the ongoing dispute on whether or not there is a continuous decrease in sperm quality. The seasonal variations found in sperm concentration and total sperm count were pronounced and were not attributable to seasonal differences in the length of sexual abstinence. Additionally, the same seasonal pattern was observed in five successive year-intervals. These findings strongly indicate that human testicular function is influenced by season, a phenomenon well known in many lower mammals.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Dynamics of estradiol and testosterone and seminal fluid indexes in smokers and nonsmokers.

The serum levels of estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T), the metabolic clearance rates of estradiol (MCRE2) and testosterone (MCRT), and the production rates of estradiol and testosterone (PRE2) and (PRT) were examined in 22 male smokers and 21 male nonsmokers. Seminal fluid indexes (sperm count, % motility, grade of motility, and % of sperm with abnormal morphology) were also assessed. The mean E2 level and the mean PRE2 were significantly greater in smokers than in nonsmokers (P less than 0.001 and P less than 0.01, respectively); however, the means of MCRE2, MCRT, PRT, and T did not differ significantly in smokers compared to nonsmokers. No significant product-moment correlations were found between the various hormonal measures and the seminal fluid indexes in the overall sample. However, the smokers with sperm counts below the median sperm count of the sample had significantly higher mean levels of E2 and PRE2 than did the smokers with sperm counts above that median. Mechanisms that might mediate the greater PRE2 of smokers and a negative relationship between estradiol and sperm count are discussed.

Adult↗