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PubMed1990

Linear and non-linear relationships between the 'swelling test' and conventional semen variables in men suspected of primary infertility.

The relationship and degree of association between the percentage of sperm swelling (HOS-test) and conventional semen variables was investigated in 263 consecutive ejaculates. The semen samples were exclusively obtained from men suspected of primary infertility. It was found that the correlation coefficients (Spearman's rho) followed the order: percentage of progressive motility at 3 h greater than count/ml greater than percentage of total motility at 3 h greater than percentage of normal spermatozoa. Of the three morphology sub-classes considered (sperm head, mid-piece and tail abnormalities), only mid-piece abnormalities correlated with the outcome of the HOS-test (rho = -0.409). Linear relationships between HOS-test results and sperm motility and morphology, but not sperm count, were indicated by LOWESS-smoothing. However, a linear relationship between the HOS-test, sperm count and a 'functional index' combining the conventional semen variables could be demonstrated after normalization of the data. Our findings suggest that the HOS-test may be of value in assessing the functional integrity and viability of spermatozoa; however, its prognostic power for fertility is probably not different from that of conventional semen variables.

Fertilization↗
PubMed1997

Relationships among frozen-thawed sperm characteristics assessed via the routine semen analysis, sperm functional tests and fertility of bulls in an artificial insemination program.

Frozen semen specimens from 22 Holstein bulls representing a wide range of field fertility levels or nonreturn rates (NRR) were used in this study. Semen specimens were thawed at 37 degrees C for a minimum of 30 sec, followed by assessment via a routine semen analysis (RSA) and other sperm functional tests. The RSA was performed by assessing sperm count, motility and morphological characteristics. Other sperm functional tests were performed by assessing the acrosomal membrane integrity, sperm penetration into the cervical mucus and the sperm membrane functional integrity. Following assessment of sperm characteristics, the fertility data of the various bulls were compared to the RSA and the functional tests results. Bulls of high and low fertility were similar in terms of sperm count and progressive motility (P > 0.05). Other characteristics measured by the RSA and functional tests were significantly higher in high fertility bulls (P < 0.05). Correlation coefficients among the various sperm characteristics and fertility of bulls were highly significant (P < 0.01). The highest correlation coefficients between sperm characteristics and fertility were obtained for motility (r = 0.53; P < 0.01), normal morphology (r = 0.59; P < 0.01) and swollen spermatozoa (r = 0.57; P < 0.01). Analysis of specific sperm swelling patterns showed that those patterns considered to reflect maximal sperm swelling were indicative of high fertility.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1984

The diagnostic value of sperm in post-ejaculatory urine.

Post-ejaculatory urine samples ( PEUS ) were obtained from patients undergoing semen analysis. The samples were examined for the presence, number and morphology of sperm. Spermatozoa were found in PEUS of 84.8% of 171 patients whose semen contained sperm. The presence of sperm after, but not before, ejaculation and their concentration in the first part of the void indicated the spermaturia to be the result of urethral washing after ejaculation. The number of sperm in PEUS was a small and variable fraction of the ejaculated sperm. A significant positive correlation was found between the PEUS and the semen sperm count, but there was a considerable overlap of PEUS counts between oligospermic and normospermic individuals. The percentage of sperm with normal morphology in PEUS reflected that in semen. It is concluded that although PEUS reflects some of the semen characteristics, a single PEUS cannot serve as a precise substitute for a direct semen analysis in the individual patient. It can, however, be used for establishing whether populations exposed to dangerous ecological conditions or to drugs which are known to adversely affect spermatogenesis, have reduced sperm count by comparison to appropriate control groups.

Ejaculation↗
PubMed1990

[A hormone assay as a therapeutic choice in male sterility].

In order to study the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis in men referring for severe oligospermia, the hormonal pattern of 57 oligospermic men was compared to those of 19 healthy volunteers. Fourteen patients had plasma gonadotrophin levels in the normal range contrasting with low plasma testosterone (T) levels. An hyperprolactinemia was found in 2 of these men who were treated with bromocriptine. A dramatic increase in sperm count was obtained on month 9 to 12 of the therapy and 5 pregnancies were obtained. Two men with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism and azoospermia were treated with gonadotrophins. Such a treatment induced a desquamation of immature germinal cells in the sperm on month 6 and the maturation et spermatozoa on month 18. By contrast to the latter patients, 8 men had a decrease in plasma T levels without clinical signs of hypoandrogenism. The spermocytogram showed numerous immature germinal cells. On month 7 of a treatment using gonadotrophins, the sperm count rose and 4 pregnancies were obtained after 3 to 12 months of therapy. In 2 patients an isolated FSH deficiency was suspected on the basis of undetectable FSH levels unresponsive to the infusion of GnRH. These patients were treated with hMG. This treatment induced a sharp increase in sperm count on month 6. Forty-three patients had an increase in either LH and/or FSH: 24 men had plasma testosterone and LH levels in the normal ranges, contrasting with an increase in plasma FSH level. In such men, the mean of testosterone level was significantly (p less than 0.001) lower than in controls.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Sperm abnormalities in retinitis pigmentosa.

PURPOSE: To determine the fatty acid composition of erythrocytes and sperm, along with the functional characteristics of sperm, in patients with retinitis pigmentosa. Sperm and retinal cells share important homologies. Both are rich in the highly polyunsaturated fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6[n-3]), and both contain a structural component called the axoneme. Low concentrations of DHA in the retina of monkeys are known to cause visual impairment. Because blood levels of DHA in retinitis pigmentosa patients are less than normal, reduced DHA in the retina might contribute to the visual impairment characteristic of this disease. This study was conducted on the hypothesis that the sperm of retinitis pigmentosa patients might be abnormal and that these abnormalities might infer similar lipid and structural abnormalities of the retina. METHODS: The lipid composition of erythrocytes and sperm (fatty acids and sterols) and sperm function were analyzed in 26 patients with retinitis pigmentosa and in 8 healthy men. RESULTS: The sperm of patients with retinitis pigmentosa had a much lower DHA concentration, a lower desmosterol-to-cholesterol ratio, reduced motility, abnormal structure, and lower sperm counts compared with that in normal subjects. Usher's II patients exhibited the most pronounced reductions of DHA in sperm. Sperm DHA concentration was positively correlated to sperm motility, to sperm count, and to the desmosterol-to-cholesterol ratio. Lower erythrocyte DHA was also observed in retinitis pigmentosa patients. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the sperm of patients with retinitis pigmentosa, particularly those with Usher's II, have an abnormal lipid composition that is associated with reduced motility. The possibility exists that these patients might have similar abnormalities in the DHA biochemistry of the retina. Sperm biochemistry and function may be a marker for this disease. A clinical trial of DHA in retinitis pigmentosa is suggested for future study.

Biomarkers↗
PubMed1994

Dihydrotestosterone regulation of semen in male pseudohermaphrodites with 5 alpha-reductase-2 deficiency.

Semen analyses were performed in nine male pseudohermaphrodites with inherited 5 alpha-reductase-2 deficiency and decreased dihydrotestosterone (DHT) production. The semen samples were characterized by extremely low volume (range, < 0.05 to 1.0 mL), increased viscosity, and poor liquefaction. Surgical correction of pseudovaginal perineoscrotal hypospadias in four subjects did not result in an increase in semen volume or a change in viscosity. Inexplicably, semen liquefaction reverted to normal. Affected males have rudimentary prostates and small seminal vesicles. Six subjects had bilaterally descended testes, one subject had bilaterally retractile testes, and two subjects had unilaterally undescended testes. Semen from one subject with bilaterally descended testes had a normal sperm concentration, normal total sperm count, and normal motility and morphology. Semen from another subject who was oligospermic at baseline demonstrated a normal sperm concentration after hypospadias repair, with a low total sperm count. The other subjects studied were oligospermic or azospermic. In summary, DHt appears to regulate semen volume and viscosity through its action on the development and function of the prostate and seminal vesicles. The finding of normal sperm concentrations in two subjects with 5 alpha-reductase-2 deficiency suggests that DHT does not play a major role in spermatogenesis. However, the possibility that low levels of DHT might be sufficient for normal spermatogenesis must also be considered.

3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase↗
PubMed1985

Photoperiodic control of meiosis in the male Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus).

Male Syrian hamsters exposed to short photoperiods of 6 h light/day (6L:18D) show regression of the testes within 12 weeks. Chromosome preparations of the meiotic stages (pachytene, metaphase I (MI) and metaphase II (MII)), testicular weights relative to body weights, sperm counts, seminiferous tubule diameter and histological appearance were examined at intervals during regression and subsequent recovery in a long photoperiod (14L:10D). The fall of testicular weight was associated with the decrease in tubule diameter. Spermatogenesis and sperm count were reduced rapidly and finally ceased after 10 weeks in short days. The numbers of MI and MII cells relative to 100 pachytene cells progressively decreased during the short-day treatment, although the ratio of MI:MII stayed constant whenever there was meiotic activity (except in the first week of the recovery phase). This suggests that an increasing proportion of pachytene cells did not progress to MI with increased time in short days, but cells which did reach MI progressed to MII in the same proportions as in the control testes. Meiosis ceased after 10 weeks in short days. Recovery in the long days was marked by a peak in the number of MI and MII cells/100 pachytene cells soon after the return to long days. This preceded the return (to control values) of the sperm count by 10 weeks. Initial recovery in the first 3 weeks was very rapid in all the determined values.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

[The use of computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) in the andrological laboratory].

Computer-assisted systems for automated semen analysis have been developed to simplify the analysis of spermiograms and to eliminate the subjective influences of the investigator. Such systems are suitable for routine laboratory use only if their results correlate with the results of the conventional spermiogram evaluated by microscopy. We compared the sperm count and motility of 250 patients following analysis with the computer and the microscope. The values for sperm count and total motility evaluated by the computer and the microscope show close correlations, while those for linear and local motility are less closely correlated. The differences can be explained by methodological variations. In general, automated semen analysis appears to be a suitable alternative to the conventional method, even at this early stage of development.

Humans↗
PubMed1985

Reproductive toxicity of 2,4-toluenediamine in the rat. 2. Spermatogenic and hormonal effects.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the endocrinologic and spermatogenic effects of 2,4-toluenediamine (TDA) in the rat. Adult male rats were fed 0,0.01, and 0.03% TDA ad libitum for 10 wk. At the end of wk 10 and at 11 wk post TDA treatment, the animals were killed, and cauda epididymal sperm counts and reproductive organ weights were determined. Blood samples were obtained for analyses of testosterone and gonadotropins. Treatment with 0.03% TDA for 10 wk reduced the weight of the seminal vesicles and epididymides and reduced serum testosterone levels. Cauda epididymal sperm counts were decreased in animals treated with 0.03% TDA for 10 wk and in TDA-treated animals placed on normal diet for 11 wk. Serum luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations were increased and weights of epididymides and testes were reduced in 0.03%-TDA-treated animals placed on normal diet for 11 wk. The results indicate that TDA exerts a toxic effect on spermatogenesis and appears to affect androgen action and production in the male rat. Since the males exhibited reduced cauda epididymal sperm counts 11 wk after 0.03% TDA treatment, it appears that TDA induced damage to the germinal components of the testes.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Why does vasectomy reversal fail?

The scrotum was explored in 32 patients who had vasectomy reversal which failed to restore their fertility. Twenty-three patients were azoospermic and nine had severe or persistent oligozoospermia. Amongst the 23 azoospermic cases, the vasa were found to be blocked in 12; following repeat vaso-vasostomy, normal sperm counts were produced in 10 patients; 8 of these patients followed up for 6 months or more successfully impregnated their wives. In four cases there was a secondary epididymal block: following epididymo-vasostomy, three of four patients obtained normal sperm counts and two wives became pregnant. In seven patients there was a very high antisperm antibody titre (greater than 1024 by tray agglutination test) and despite reparative surgery and prednisolone therapy, no pregnancies were obtained. The overall pregnancy rate for this group was 7 of 19 (37%). Amongst nine oligozoospermic cases, unilateral obstruction was found in eight. The block was found in the vas in five and in the epididymis in two, and in two there were very high antisperm antibody titres. After reconstructive surgery, four patients had normal sperm counts and one pregnancy has been obtained.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Fertility of spinal cord injured males: effect of genitourinary infection and bladder management on results of electroejaculation.

Thirty-eight men undergoing electroejaculation (EEJ) procedures for anejaculatory infertility were examined for the presence or absence of infection in urine and semen. In 29 spinal cord injury patients, a high incidence of infected urine and infected semen (41% and 56%, respectively) was seen, in contrast to patients with normal bladder function (0% and 11%). Urinary infection was associated with slightly lower sperm quality and lower pregnancy rates (10% vs 30% in the presence of sterile urine). Semen infection had no effect on sperm counts or pregnancy rates. If intermittent self-catheterization (ISC) was used to empty the neurogenic bladder, slightly better sperm quality was seen, the total failure rate was less, and much better pregnancy rates (44%) resulted than for patients using an alternative bladder management (7%). Antibiotics did not reduce the incidence of urine or semen infection, but did improve sperm counts slightly. Continuous prophylaxis was associated with bacterial resistance to many oral antibiotics and had no advantage over a short course of antibiotics prior to the procedure. Despite the above associations, the sperm quality in our patient population was never normal compared with that of men who ejaculate normally. We conclude that the low sperm quality seen in electroejaculation specimens from spinal cord injured males is not due entirely to infection or to the type of bladder management. Short courses of antibiotics, instead of continuous antibiotic prophylaxis, may be beneficial. Intermittent catheterization is superior to other methods of neurogenic bladder management in maintaining the fertility of spinal cord injured men.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Determination of the rate of true fertility in duck breeds by the combination of two in vitro methods.

Embryonic mortality is a significant problem plaguing the hatching success. Its early forms are especially hardly distinguishable from true infertility. Propidium iodide (PI) staining of the germinal disc combined with outer perivitelline layer (OPVL) sperm counting was used for the determination of 'true' fertility of duck eggs in two different experiments: fertility investigation on fresh, unincubated eggs of Hungarian ducks and on incubated eggs of a crossbred, selected as 'infertile' at the 7th day of incubation. Examination of the relationship between OPVL sperm count and fertility seems to be an adequate tool for checking the effectiveness of insemination programmes and the fertilising capacity of poultry spermatozoa. The proportion of fertile eggs was around 50% when the number of OPVL sperm was between 0.1 and 0.2 spermatozoa/mm2. Ninety-nine percent of the eggs containing > 0.3 OPVL sperm/mm2 were fertile and all of the eggs containing < 0.05 sperm/mm2 were infertile. To assure the accuracy of fertility prediction by OPVL sperm counting, PI staining of the germinal disc was used to determine fertility in uncertain cases. Identification of very early embryonic mortality, i.e. that occurring before oviposition, is very difficult. The use of a dissecting microscope for the assessment of real fertility is suitable in most of the cases, while PI staining of the germinal discs proved to be more reliable for detecting very early embryonic death. The combination of the two methods proved to be a useful tool for detecting the 'true' fertility of duck eggs of different breeds.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Protective effect of lipoic acid on adriamycin-induced testicular toxicity.

BACKGROUND: Adriamycin (ADR), an anthracycline antibiotic, which is widely used as an antineoplastic drug in the treatment of various solid tumors, has been shown to induce reproductive abnormalities in males. In the present study, the effect of lipoic acid (LA), a universal antioxidant, was investigated on ADR-induced testicular toxicity in rats. METHODS: Adult male albino rats of Wistar strain were administered ADR (1 mg/kg body weight, i.v.), once a week for 10 weeks. Semen quality was evaluated in terms of sperm count, percentage motility and abnormality. The testicular damage was also assessed by the measurement of marker enzymes activities and histology. RESULTS: ADR treated rats showed a significant decrease in sperm count and motility while an increase in dead and abnormal sperms. The activities of testicular marker enzymes such as gamma-glutamyl transferase, beta-glucuronidase, acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase were increased whereas the activity of lactate dehydrogenase-X was decreased significantly in the animals treated with ADR. ADR treated rats also showed abnormal histologic findings. Treatment with lipoic acid (35 mg/kg body weight, i.p.) 1 day prior to ADR administration, improved the semen quality and maintained near normal activities of the enzymes. CONCLUSION: By the reversal of biochemical and morphological changes towards normalcy, the cytoprotective role of LA is illuminated in ADR-induced testicular toxicity.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

High risk of infertility and long term gonadal damage in males treated with high dose cyclophosphamide for sarcoma during childhood.

BACKGROUND: Therapy with alkylating agents, such as cyclophosphamide, can be associated with irreversible gonadal toxicity in male survivors of adult cancer. To the authors's knowledge the effect of high dose therapy with cyclophosphamide during childhood on adult testicular reproductive and endocrine function has not been established. METHODS: Gonadal function was studied in 17 adult male survivors of childhood sarcomas treated with high dose pulse cyclophosphamide therapy as part of a VAC (vincristine, actinomycin, and cyclophosphamide) or Adria-VAC (doxorubicin, vincristine, actinomycin, and cyclophosphamide) chemotherapy regimen. Patients answered a questionnaire concerning sexual functioning and underwent a comprehensive physical examination, semen analysis, and hormonal evaluation. RESULTS: Of the 17 males who underwent semen analysis, 10 (58.8%) had azoospermia, 5 (29.4%) had oligospermia, and only 2 (11.8%) were found to have a normal sperm count. All patients treated prior to the onset of puberty had an abnormal semen analysis. The 2 patients with normal sperm counts received the lowest doses of cyclophosphamide (< 7.5 g/m(2)). The baseline follicle-stimulating hormone level was elevated in only 10 of 14 patients with abnormal sperm counts (71.4%). Testosterone levels were normal in 15 of 16 patients (93.8%); however, the baseline luteinizing hormone (LH) level was elevated in 6 of 15 patients with normal testosterone levels (40%). Gonadotropin-releasing hormone-stimulated LH levels were > 3 times that of baseline in 13 of /14 patients (92.9%), suggesting some degree of Leydig cell insufficiency. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study show a high risk of gonadal dysfunction in men exposed to cyclophosphamide during childhood as part of a VAC/Adria-VAC chemotherapy regimen. Exposure prior to puberty was not found to be protective, and the risk of infertility appeared to increase with higher doses of therapy. To the authors' knowledge the clinical significance of impaired Leydig cell function beginning at a young age is unknown and merits further study.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Differential susceptibility of immature rat testes to doxorubicin at critical stages of maturation. Biochemical and functional assessment.

The toxic effects of doxorubicin on the reproductive system of the male rat were studied at different susceptible stages of postnatal development. A multidisciplinary approach including the assessment of histopathological, functional and biochemical parameters was chosen. Groups of male rats were treated once with the compound (3 mg/kg) on postnatal day 6, 16, 24 or 45. Both the onset of reproductive capacity and fertility were determined by serially mating ten animals per group for 12 weeks beginning at the age of 45 days. Reproductive organ weights, sperm counts and epididymal androgen binding protein (ABP) were measured at intermediate (80-day-old rats) or terminal sacrifice (129-day-old rats). Age dependent differential doxorubicin toxicity was evident. Treatment of 6-day-old animals with doxorubicin severely impaired development of reproductive functions. Treatment of 16-day-old animals reduced fertility throughout the mating study, as well as body and reproductive organ weights and sperm counts. Initial toxicity was observed in the group treated at 24 days of age; particularly, low reproductive organ weights and low sperm counts were found. These findings proved reversible towards the end of the study. Neither biochemical nor functional impairment of the reproductive system could be observed in the group treated at 45 days of age.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Cycloheximide prevents production of arresting, a fraction of 30-50 kDa obtained from seminiferous tubule conditioned medium.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of a protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide on arresting activity in spermatogenesis and sperm count in male rats. METHODS: The study used seminiferous tubule (ST) segments from adult rats cultured in vitro with or without cycloheximide to condition culture media, which have been concentrated, size fractioned (30-50 kDa) and administered 7 days to adult rats by intraperitoneal injections. The effects on testicular and epididymal weights, spermatogenesis and epididymal sperm count were determined. RESULTS: The fraction (30-50 kDa), named arresting, obtained from the culture without cycloheximide decreased testicular and epididymal weights (P<0.01) and reduced the epididymal sperm count significantly. Study of the spermatogenic cycle by transillumination showed spermatogenic arrest at stage VII in rats treated with arresting compared to that observed in controls. The length of stage VII in the group receiving the seminiferous tubules culture media with cycloheximide (30-50 KDa CHX-STCM fraction) was similar to control. CONCLUSION: The difference in the effect may be the result of the presence or absence of arresting, a protein secreted by the tubules.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Paternity and hormone levels after unilateral cryptorchidism: association with pretreatment testicular location.

PURPOSE: We determined differences in paternity and levels of the hormones inhibin B, follicle- stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone and free testosterone based on the preoperative location of the undescended testis in men with previous unilateral cryptorchidism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Testicular location was determined by a review of the medical records and paternity or attempted paternity using a detailed questionnaire administered to 320 men with previous unilateral cryptorchidism. In 103 cases we performed semen analysis and measured the levels of the hormones inhibin B, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone and free testosterone. Paternity, sperm count and hormonal parameters were compared with cryptorchid testicular location using analysis of variance and chi-square analysis. Logistic regression was done to analyze pretreatment testicular location as a risk factor for infertility. RESULTS: Paternity, duration of attempted conception in men who achieved paternity, sperm count and hormone levels did not differ based on pretreatment abdominal, internal ring, inguinal canal, external ring, upper scrotum or ectopic testicular location. The overall paternity rate was 90% with the lowest rate of 83.3% in the abdominal group. More than 12 months were required to achieve conception in 28.9% of the study group overall and in 39.4% of the abdominal group. Varicocele and a partner with fertility problems were risk factors for infertility, while abdominal testicular location caused borderline significant risk. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative testicular location in men with previous unilateral cryptorchidism is not a major determinant of fertility according to paternity, sperm count or hormone levels.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Semen parameters before and after transurethral surgery for ejaculatory duct obstruction.

PURPOSE: We examined how transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts, performed for infertility, affects semen quality in patients with azoospermia and oligo-asthenospermia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was done of 46 cases of transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts for ejaculatory duct obstruction, confirmed by transrectal ultrasound. Clinical course and semen quality were assessed by semen parameter indications. RESULTS: In 65% of the patients transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts improved semen quality (greater than a 50% increase in total motile sperm count) and 20% initiated a pregnancy an average of 6.1 months postoperatively. Statistically significant increases in total motile sperm count were achieved in men with azoospermia and those treated for oligo-asthenospermic indications; the improvement also was shown to be sustainable. Complications occurred in 20% of the men. CONCLUSIONS: Significant and durable semen quality improvement can be achieved after transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts for all surgical indications. In most unsuccessful cases the reason for failure is unclear.

Ejaculatory Ducts↗