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[Tobacco: a potential inductor of lipid peroxidation of the human spermatozoon membrane?].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the membrane lipid peroxidation of human spermatozoon in a cohort of smokers in comparison of never-smokers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Malondialdehyde (MDA), a stable product of the membrane lipid peroxidation, was assessed in 25 smokers and in 17 never-smokers. In parallel, an evaluation of sperm characteristics was realized for all the studied patients. RESULTS: For the first time, between smokers and never-smokers, a significative increase of MDA concentrations was found by the U-Mann and Whitney test (0.118 +/- 0.176 vs 0.0392 +/- 0.0117 nmol/10(6) spermatozoa), a decrease of the forward motility (grade A), (18 +/- 8 vs 25 +/- 8%) and total sperm count (265.56 +/- 186.96 x 10(6) vs 399.30 +/- 322.23 x10(6)), and also an increase of tapering heads (6 +/- 4 vs 2 +/- 2%) or morphological stress pattern cells (39 +/- 6 vs 24 +/- 5%). In the smokers group, negative significative correlations were found by the non-parametric Spearman test between the MDA concentrations and the sperm count per mL (r=-0.767, p<0.001), the total sperm count (r=-0.656, p<0.001) and the percentage of normal morphology (r=-0.644, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Given of deleterious effects of tobacco in a large panel of human cells and specially on the male gametes, the increase of spermatozoon membrane MDA concentrations and the sperm abnormalities found in the group of smokers may be linked to cigarette smoking.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

A time-course study of chronic paternal cyclophosphamide treatment in rats: effects on pregnancy outcome and the male reproductive and hematologic systems.

We have found previously that daily treatment of male rats for 11 wk with low doses of the anticancer drug cyclophosphamide had no apparent effect on male reproductive organ weights, epididymal sperm counts, or serum hormones at the end of the treatment period; yet, upon breeding to untreated females, these males produced a high rate of post-implantation loss and fetal anomalies. The present study was designed to investigate the time course and dose response of the effects of chronic cyclophosphamide treatment on the male reproductive and hematologic systems. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were gavage-fed for 1, 3, 6 and 9 wk with saline (control), or 5.1 (low dose) or 6.8 (high dose) mg/kg/day of cyclophosphamide. After each of the treatment periods, males were mated to determine the effect on pregnancy outcome, then killed, and the effects on the male reproductive and hematologic systems were assessed. After 6 wk of treatment, a sharp increase in mortality was found between the 5.1 and 6.8 mg/kg/day doses of cyclophosphamide. The high dose of cyclophosphamide induced higher levels of pre- and post-implantation loss but fewer fetal anomalies than did the low dose. The low dose of cyclophosphamide did not affect reproductive organ weights; in contrast, the high dose caused decreases in epididymal, ventral prostate, and seminal vesicle weights after 3, 6, and 9 wk. Testicular and epididymal sperm counts were decreased in a dose-dependent manner after 3 wk; in addition, the high dose led to a decrease in epididymal sperm counts after 6 wk of treatment. Another rapidly proliferative tissue, the bone marrow, was dramatically affected by both doses of cyclophosphamide at all time points, with leukocyte counts decreasing to 40% of control by 1 wk. After 9 wk of treatment, effects on the male reproductive system were less marked, compared to earlier time points, whereas those on the hematologic system and pregnancy outcome persisted. Thus chronic low-dose treatment of male rats with cyclophosphamide not only had early and striking effects on the bone marrow and the pregnancy outcome but also affected the male reproductive system in a clear time- and dose-dependent manner.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗
PubMed1989

Semen quality in workers exposed to 2-ethoxyethanol.

To evaluate whether long term exposure to 2-ethoxyethanol (2EE) may affect semen quality, a cross sectional study was conducted among men exposed to 2EE used as a binder slurry in a metal castings process. Full shift breathing zone exposures to 2EE ranged from non-detectable to 24 ppm (geometric mean 6.6 ppm). Because of the potential for substantial absorption of 2EE through skin exposure, urine measurements of the metabolite of 2EE, 2-ethoxyacetic acid (2EAA) were conducted, showing levels of 2EAA ranging from non-detectable to 163 mg 2EAA/g creatinine. Only 37 exposed men (50% participation) and 39 non-exposed comparison (26% participation) from elsewhere in the plant provided a sperm sample. A questionnaire to determine personal habits, and medical and work histories, and a physical examination of the urogenital tract were also administered. The average sperm count per ejaculate among the workers exposed to 2EE was significantly lower than that of the unexposed group (113 v 154 million sperm per ejaculate respectively; p = 0.05) after consideration of abstinence, sample age, subjects' age, tobacco, alcohol and caffeine use, urogenital disorders, fever, and other illnesses. The mean sperm concentrations of the exposed and unexposed groups did not significantly differ from each other (44 and 53 million/ml respectively). No effect of exposure to 2EE on semen volume, sperm viability, motility, velocity, and normal morphology or testicular volume was detected, although some differences in the proportion of abnormal sperm shapes were observed. These data suggest that there may be an effect of 2EE on sperm count among these workers, although the possibility that other factors may be affecting the semen quality in both exposed and unexposed men in this population or that the results reflect bias introduced by the low participation rates cannot be excluded.

Acetates↗
PubMed1990

Pooled sequential ejaculates: a way to increase the total number of motile sperm from oligozoospermic men.

We investigated the yield of total number of motile spermatozoa from oligozoospermic men by pooling two closely spaced sequential ejaculates. Semen characteristics were compared between sequential ejaculates (within a period of 1 to 4 hours) of 18 oligozoospermic males (sperm concentration less than 20 X 10(6)/mL and total sperm count less than 40 X 10(6) in the ejaculate) and a control group of 16 normozoospermic men. Whereas the median total number of motile sperm of normozoospermic males significantly decreased from 70 X 10(6) in the first ejaculate to 23 X 10(6) in the second sequential ejaculate, such a decrease was not detected in oligozoospermic males, 3.6 X 10(6) and 3.1 X 10(6), respectively. The percent of normozoospermic and oligozoospermic men who demonstrated a decreased (less than 50%), a comparable (50% to 150%), or an increased (greater than 150%) total motile sperm count in the second ejaculate in comparison with the first ejaculate were 69%, 31%, and 0 versus 39%, 28%, and 33%, respectively. Consequently, pooling of two sequential ejaculates significantly increased the median total number of motile sperm from normozoospermic males by 144% and from oligozoospermic males by 329%, (to 10.2 X 10(6]. We suggest that pooling of two sequential ejaculates from oligozoospermic males is a simple and cost effective method to increase significantly the total number of motile sperm for intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization, gamete intrafallopian transfer, or semen cryopreservation.

Body Fluids↗
PubMed2002

Predictors of outcome of long-term GnRH therapy in men with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

GnRH treatment is successful in inducing virilization and spermatogenesis in men with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH). However, a small subset of IHH men, poorly characterized to date, fail to reach a normal testicular volume (TV) and produce sperm on this therapy. To determine predictors of outcome in terms of TV and sperm count, we studied 76 IHH men (38% with anosmia) undergoing GnRH therapy for 12-24 months. The population was stratified according to the baseline degree of prior pubertal development: absent (group 1, n = 52), partial (group 2, n = 18), or complete (adult onset HH; group 3, n = 6). Cryptorchidism was recorded in 40% of group 1, 5% of group 2, and none in group 3. Pulsatile GnRH therapy was initiated at 5-25 ng/kg per pulse sc and titrated to attain normal adult male testosterone (T) levels. LH, FSH, T, and inhibin B (I(B)) levels were measured serially, and maximum sperm count was recorded. A longitudinal mixed effects model was used to determine predictors of final TV. LH (97%) and T (93%) levels were normalized in the majority of IHH men. Groups 2 and 3 achieved a normal adult testicular size (92%), FSH (96%), I(B) levels (93%), and sperm in their ejaculate (100%). However, given their prior complete puberty and thus primed gonadotropes and testes, group 3 responded faster, normalizing androgen production by 2 months and completing spermatogenesis by 6 months. In contrast, group 1 failed to normalize TV (11 +/- 0.4 ml) and I(B) levels (92 +/- 6 pg/ml) by 24 months, despite normalization of their FSH levels (11 +/- 2 IU/liter). Similarly, sperm counts of group 1 plateaued well below the normal range (median of 3 x 10(6)/ml) with 18% remaining azoospermic. The independent predictors of outcome of long-term GnRH therapy were: 1) the presence of some prior pubertal development (positive predictor; group effect (beta) = 4.3; P = 0.003); 2) a baseline I(B) less than 60 pg/ml (negative predictor; beta = -3.7; P = 0.009); and 3) prior cryptorchidism (negative predictor; beta = -1.8; P = 0.05). Notably, anosmia was not an independent predictor of outcome when adjusted for other baseline variables. Our conclusions are: 1) pulsatile GnRH therapy in IHH men is very successful in inducing androgen production and spermatogenesis; 2) normalization of the LH-Leydig cell-T axis is achieved more uniformly than the FSH-Sertoli cell-I(B) axis during GnRH therapy; and 3) favorable predictors for achieving an adult testicular size and consequently optimizing spermatogenesis are prior history of sexual maturation, a baseline I(B) greater than 60 pg/ml, and absence of cryptorchidism.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

[Adverse effects of nonylphenol on the reproductive development of F1 male SD rats in sexual maturation period].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the adverse effects of perinatal exposure to nonylphenol (NP) on the reproductive development of F1 male SD rats in sexual maturation period. METHODS: The pregnant rats were randomly divided into control, 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg NP groups respectively. NP was administered to dams by gavage from gestation day 7 to weaning period. Rat pups were sacrificed at postnatal day 55. The concentration of serum testosterone was measured by radioimmunoassay. The epididymis was subjected to the determination of sperm count and motility while the testis was submitted to histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses. RESULTS: Compared with control, the concentration of serum testosterone, sperm count and motility in the 200 mg/kg NP dose groups significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and the histopathological examination revealed that NP-treated groups had higher rates of maldeveloped siminiferous tubules, smaller amount of Sertoli cells and weaker spermatogenesis. The expression of proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) significantly decreased in the 200 mg/kg NP dose groups (P < 0.05). The expression of Arom in 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg NP dose groups was lower than that in control. There was no significant difference in ER expression between the control and NP-treated groups. CONCLUSION: These findings indicated that 200 mg/kg Nonylphenol apparently damaged the reproductive development of F1 male SD rats in the sexual maturation period.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Testicular toxicity of gallium arsenide, indium arsenide, and arsenic oxide in rats by repetitive intratracheal instillation.

The testicular toxicities of two compound semiconductor materials, gallium arsenide (GaAs) and indium arsenide (InAs), and arsenic oxide (As2O3) were examined in rats by repetitive intratracheal instillation of these substances in suspension twice a week, a total of 16 times. A single instillation dose was 7.7 mg/kg in the GaAs and the InAs groups and 1.3 mg/kg in the As2O3 group. A significant decrease in sperm count and significant increase in the proportion of morphologically abnormal sperm were found in the epididymis in the GaAs group. Especially, abnormal sperm with a straight head increased markedly in this group. In the GaAs-treated rats, there was 40-fold increase in the degenerating late elongated spermatids at the postspermiation stages, stages IX, XI, and XI. From these results, it is indicated that GaAs disturbed the spermatid head transformation at the late spermiogenic phases and caused spermiation failure. InAs caused a sperm count decrease in the epididymis, though its testicular toxicity was relatively weak compared with that of GaAs. As2O3, a probable dissolution arsenic product of GaAs and InAs in vivo, did not show any testicular toxicities in this study. It seems likely that, along with arsenics, gallium and indium play a role in the testicular toxicities of GaAs and InAs.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Serum inhibin B as a marker of spermatogenesis.

Inhibin B is produced by Sertoli cells, provides negative feedback on FSH secretion, and may prove to be an important marker for the functioning of seminiferous tubules. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between the spermatogenic function of the testis of subfertile men and the plasma concentrations of inhibin B and FSH. These parameters were estimated in a group of 218 subfertile men. Serum inhibin B levels were closely correlated with the serum FSH levels (r = -0.78, P < 0.001), confirming the role of inhibin B as feedback signal for FSH production. The spermatogenic function of the testis was evaluated by determining testicular volume and total sperm count. Inhibin B levels were significantly correlated with the total sperm count and testicular volume (r = 0.54 and r = 0.63, respectively; P < 0.001). Testicular biopsies were obtained in 22 of these men. Inhibin B was significantly correlated with the biopsy score (r = 0.76, P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed a diagnostic accuracy of 95% for differentiating competent from impaired spermatogenesis for inhibin B, whereas for FSH, a value of 80% was found. We conclude that inhibin B is the best available endocrine marker of spermatogenesis in subfertile men.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Value of clinical diagnosis in predicting the quality of cryopreserved sperm from cancer patients.

PURPOSE: Cryopreservation of semen from patients with malignant diseases (primarily testicular cancer, Hodgkin's disease and lymphoma) before specific chemotherapy, radiation or surgical therapy has become a realistic option to preserve fertility. Nevertheless, the post-thaw sperm quality in these patients is poor. Whether the clinical diagnosis of malignancy affects the cryopreservation of human sperm is unknown. Such an association could allow post-thaw sperm quality to be predicted. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared the effect of cryopreservation on sperm motility, velocity, linearity, amplitude of lateral head movement, motility index and motile sperm count in specimens from 30 normal men, 34 with testicular cancer, 39 with Hodgkin's disease, and 19 with leukemia and lymphoma who were referred for sperm banking during a 5-year period. RESULTS: The pre-freeze and post-thaw motility, motility index and motile sperm count were significantly lower in patients than in normal men (p < 0.01). No significant differences were noted among the patient groups. Similarly, no significant differences were noted after cryopreservation. Our results indicate that the poor pre-freeze sperm quality in some patients with malignancies explains the poor post-thaw results. However, the deterioration in sperm function after cryopreservation of semen among patients with different malignancies and normal donors appears to be similar. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical diagnosis of malignancy is not an adequate predictor of the effect of cryopreservation on human semen.

Cryopreservation↗
PubMed2000

Unilateral intrauterine horn insemination of fresh semen in cats.

The sperm count required were investigated to obtain a conception rate of 80% by unilateral intrauterine insemination (UIUI) of fresh semen in cats. The conception rates obtained by insemination before and after ovulation were also examined. Thirty-six female cats aged 1-7 years were used in the experiments, and the number of experimental cases was 44. Seven male cats aged 2-12 years from which semen could be collected by the artificial vagina method were used. In artificial insemination, 100 iu x 2 or 250 iu of hCG was administered on days 2-4 of estrus, and sperm were introduced into the uterine horn with a greater number of ovulations (or mature follicles) 15, 20 and 30 hr after hCG administration by laparotomy. The inseminated sperm counts were 2 x 10(6) (Exp. 1). 4 x 10(6) (Exp. 2), and 8 x 10(6) (Exp. 3). As a result, ovulation was induced in 42 of 44 cases (induction rate: 95.5%) regardless of the dosage of hCG. Conception was obtained by UIUI in two of 16 animals (conception rate: 12.5%) in the Exp. 1, five of 16 animals (31.3%) in Exp. 2, and eight of 10 animals (80.0%) in Exp. 3. Regarding the relationship between the ovulation state at insemination and conception, the conception rate obtained by insemination before ovulation was clearly higher than that obtained by insemination after ovulation (p<0.05). Regarding the number of kits compared to the number of ovulations on the inseminated side, the percentages of cases in which the number of kits exceeded the number of ovulations on the inseminated side were similar in all groups inseminated with a different number of sperm. It is therefore necessary to investigate conception rates obtained by bilateral insemination to increase the fertility rate. Based on the above findings, it was shown that the sperm count required for fertilization by UIUI is 8 x 10(6).

Animals↗
PubMed1982

An examination of blood steroid and gonadotropin concentrations in relation to fertility status and testicular function in men.

Plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin (PRL), testosterone (T), and 17 beta-estradiol (E2) have been measured in men complaining of infertility in comparison with men of proven fertility. Subgrouping of patients was achieved on the basis of the presence or absence of sperm in the ejaculate and further by the concentration of sperm or by testicular score. The levels of plasma LH, FSH, PRL, and T were found to be significantly different in the fertile men, compared with both infertile men with sperm in their ejaculates and azoospermic men. There were no significant differences between the groups for E2. There appeared to be an inverse relationship between LH concentrations and sperm count in both fertile and infertile men. FSH levels did not vary significantly in the fertile men in relation to sperm count grouping but were significantly less than those found for the infertile men with sperm. Azoospermic patients with high testicular scores had FSH levels indistinguishable from those of the fertile men. The results are discussed in terms of testicular abnormalities and on the interrelationship between the hormones examined.

Estradiol↗
PubMed1999

Why do we determine alpha-glucosidase activity in human semen during infertility work-up?

alpha-Glucosidase is a normal constituent of human semen, produced mainly in the epididymis. It is significantly correlated to sperm count. Its activity is low in cases of epididymal obstruction. We evaluated alpha-glucosidase activity in 653 semen samples of patients, who attended our department for marital infertility, with respect to associations to clinical and other seminal parameters. The normal range (mean +/- 2 SD) in samples with normal parameter values was 7.2-46.4 mU ml-1. The determination in patients with azoospermia revealed mean values of 7.7 +/- 9.5 mU ml-1 in obstructive azoospermia, and 15.8 +/- 11.5 mU ml-1 in nonobstructive azoospermia. The difference was not statistically significant in that the sensitivity of determination with respect to the presence of obstruction was only 0.66, and the specificity 0.83. A significant correlation (r = 0.34) of alpha-glucosidase activity with log sperm count was observed. The mean alpha-glucosidase activity was not significantly different in groups formed according to sperm motility, according to leucocyte count or according to semen volume. A difference between smokers and nonsmokers with comparable sperm count, as reported in the literature, did not occur. We conclude from our results that the determination of alpha-glucosidase activity does not give additional information of the fertility status exceeding that of other clinical investigations or parameters of semen analysis.

Humans↗
PubMed1987

Semen analyses in Hansen's disease.

Disturbances in semen quality can be induced by exogenous factors including trivial illnesses like throat infection and viral infection with fever. Hansen's disease presents with problems such as long term dependence on drugs, hyperthermia, haemolysis and anxiety due to social stigma. In the present study the semen quality of patients with tuberculoid-type leprosy was studied during and after withdrawal of therapy. Patients generally had low sperm counts and spermatozoal motility was low with a greater number of abnormal forms compared with control subjects. Patients did not show a circannual variation in their sperm count as was observed in controls. The patients were oligozoospermic during their first year of medication, showing improvement in subsequent years.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Effects of chronic exposure to sodium arsenite on hypothalamo-pituitary-testicular activities in adult rats: possible an estrogenic mode of action.

BACKGROUND: Inorganic arsenic is a major water pollutant and a known human carcinogen that has a suppressive influence on spermatogenesis and androgenesis in male reproductive system. However, the actual molecular events resulting in male reproductive dysfunctions from exposure to arsenic remain unclear. In this context, we evaluated the mode of action of chronic oral exposure of sodium arsenite on hypothalamo-pituitary- testicular activities in mature male albino rats. METHODS: The effect of chronic oral exposure to sodium arsenite (5 mg/kg body weight/day) via drinking water without or with hCG (5 I.U./kg body weight/day) and oestradiol (25 micrograms oestradiol 3-benzoate suspended in 0.25 ml olive oil/rat/day) co-treatments for 6 days a week for 4 weeks (about the duration of two spermatogenic cycle) was evaluated in adult male rats. Changes in paired testicular weights, quantitative study of different varieties of germ cells at stage VII of spermatogenic cycle, epididymal sperm count, circulatory concentrations of hormones (LH, FSH, testosterone and corticosterone), testicular activities of delta 5, 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (delta 5, 3beta-HSD), 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17 beta-HSD), sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), as well as the levels of biogenic amines (dopamine, noradrenaline and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)) in the hypothalamus and pituitary were monitored in this study. Hormones were assayed by radioimmuno- assay or enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay and the enzymes were estimated after spectrophotometry as well as the biogenic amines by HPLC electrochemistry. RESULTS: Sodium arsenite treatment resulted in: decreased paired testicular weights; epididymal sperm count; plasma LH, FSH, testosterone and testicular testosterone concentrations; and increased plasma concentration of corticosterone. Testicular enzymes such as delta 5, 3 beta-HSD, 17 beta-HSD, and sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) were significantly decreased, but those of acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly increased. A decrease in dopamine or an increase in noradrenaline and 5-HT in hypothalamus and pituitary were also noted after arsenic exposure. Histological evaluation revealed extensive degeneration of different varieties of germ cells at stage VII of spermatogenic cycle in arsenic exposed rats. Administration of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) along with sodium arsenite partially prevented the degeneration of germ cells and enhanced paired testicular weights, epididymal sperm count, plasma and intratesticular testosterone concentrations, activities of delta 5, 3beta-HSD, 17 beta-HSD and sorbitol dehydrogenase along with diminution in the activities of ACP, ALP and LDH. Since many of the observed arsenic effects could be enhanced by oestradiol, it is suggested that arsenic might somehow acts through an estrogenic mode of action. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that arsenic causes testicular toxicity by germ cell degeneration and inhibits androgen production in adult male rats probably by affecting pituitary gonadotrophins. Estradiol treatment has been associated with similar effects on pituitary testicular axis supporting the hypothesis that arsenite might somehow act through an estrogenic mode of action.

17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗
PubMed1983

An evaluation of human sperm as indicators of chemically induced alterations of spermatogenic function. A report of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Gene-Tox Program.

To evaluate the utility of sperm tests as indicators of chemical effects on human spermatogenesis, the literature on 4 sperm tests used to assess chemically induced testicular dysfunction was reviewed. The tests surveyed included sperm count, motility, morphology (seminal cytology), and double Y-body (a fluorescence-based test thought to detect Y-chromosomal nondisjunction). There were 132 papers that provided sufficient data for evaluation. These reports encompassed 89 different chemical exposures: 53 were to single agents; 14 to complex mixtures; and 22 to combinations of 2 or more identified agents. Approximately 85% of the exposures were to experimental or therapeutic drugs, 10% were to occupational or environmental agents, and 5% were to drugs for personal use. The most common sperm parameter studied was sperm count (for 87 of the 89 exposures reviewed). Sperm motility was evaluated for 59 exposures, morphology for 44, and double Y-bodies for only 4. The 89 exposures reviewed were grouped into 4 classes: those which adversely effected spermatogenesis, as measured by one or more of the sperm tests (52); those suggestive of improving semen quality (11); those showing inconclusive evidence of adverse effects from exposure (14); and those showing no significant changes (12). Since the reviewed reports had a large variety of study designs, and since every attempt was made to include all reports with interpretable data, these classifications were based on reviewing committee decisions rather than on uniform statistical criteria. This review gives strong evidence that human sperm tests can be used to identify chemicals that affect sperm production, but because of our limited understanding of underlying mechanisms, the extent to which they can detect mutagens, carcinogens or agents that affect fertility remains uncertain. For the very few agents studied with both human and mouse sperm tests, similar test-responses were seen; thus sperm tests in mice and other laboratory mammals may have a potential role in hazard identification. An overall comparison of the 4 human sperm tests suggests that no one test is biologically more responsive than another; all of them may thus be needed when testing for chemically induced changes from agents of unknown activity. This review also gives evidence that sperm tests can be used to assess the extent and the potential reversibility of induced spermatogenic damage. The reviewing committee recommends further studies to determine (a) the dose-response characteristics of the human sperm tests, (b) details of the reversibility of induced changes with time after exposure, (c) the relative responses in the 4 sperm tests in exposed individuals, (d) the mechanism of action, (e) the biological and genetic implications of chemically induced effects, and (f) the comparison of responses among different species for risk assessment. The reviewing committee outlines specific considerations for planning new sperm studies on chemically exposed men.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

Male factors in infertility--a preliminary report.

Findings in 325 consecutive primary seminal analysis done at the Infertility Treatment Centre of IPGMR, are discussed. The clinical profile of the infertile couples was recorded. Semen was examined for quantity, sperm density, motility and morphology. An attempt was also made to correlate past illnesses with the quality of semen. 65 patients (20%) showed azoospermia, while 29 (8.9%) showed sperm count of less than 10 million/ml. History of past illnesses which contribute to azoospermia/oligospermia was obtained in 46% of azoospermia cases compared to only 10% in subjects showing sperm count of over 10 million/ml. Commonest association between azoospermia and past illness was found in the case of small-pox, where out of 31 subjects with past history of small-pox, 15 showed complete azoospermia, one showed sperm density of less then 10 million/ml.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Multivariate discriminant analysis of the relationship between the hypo-osmotic swelling test and the in-vitro fertilizing capacity of human sperm.

Multivariate discriminant analysis was used to evaluate the usefulness of routine semen parameters and the hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) as predictors of the in-vitro fertilizing capacity of human sperm as assessed by the zona-free hamster egg penetration assay (HEPA). Eighty-eight semen samples from untreated patients attending an infertility clinic were analysed. Semen samples were classified into the following three groups before statistical analysis: group 1--positive sperm penetration (greater than or equal to 10%, n = 39); group 2--borderline penetration rates for HEPA (greater than 0% but less than 10%, n = 39) and group 3--negative sperm penetration (0%, n = 10). The percentage of sperm with normal morphology and sperm count were found to be significant in discriminating between semen samples exhibiting different in-vitro fertilizing capacity. These two discriminating variables in combination gave an overall correct classification rate of 45.5%. The multivariate discriminant analysis was also performed after excluding the data of group 2 semen samples (n = 39), which exhibited borderline sperm penetration rates. As a result, three discriminating variables including semen volume, sperm count and the percentage of sperm with normal morphology were selected. These three variables in combination could accurately predict whether a semen sample would exhibit positive sperm penetration (group 1) or negative sperm penetration (group 3) with an overall accuracy of 75.5%. The percentage of swollen sperm after hypo-osmotic treatment was not related to the HEPA result, as determined by linear correlation and multiple regression analyses, and did not give additional information about the in-vitro fertilizing capacity of sperm as evaluated by multivariate discriminant analysis.

Female↗
PubMed2005

Levels of plasma ACTH in men from infertile couples.

INTRODUCTION: Emotional stress connected with work or, for example, depressive reaction to infertility, is one of frequent causes of decreased quality of semen. An objective examination of this factor is difficult because stress depends also on patient's emotionality. One of the ways to study this problem is evaluating the relation between ACTH level and selected semen parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was based on results of the examination of 83 men from couples treated for infertility in the Gynecology and Infertility Clinic of the Jagiellonian University in Krakow. Determination of ACTH, FSH, LH, cortisol, testosterone and androstendion was performed using ELISA. RESULTS: Lower average values of semen volume, sperm cells concentration and A sperm cell mobility and higher value of D sperm cells mobility were identified in the group of men from couples treated for infertility with ACTH level >30 pg/ml in comparison to the WHO standards and the control group with ACTH <30 pg/ml. Higher ACTH and cortisol levels were detected in the group of men with the sperm count <10 mln/mL in comparison to the control group with the sperm count >20 mln/mL. Low and statistically insignificant correlation was observed between androstendion and testosterone levels, what might suggest the reduction of testosterone synthesis in this group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results might indicate that the rise of ACTH and cortisol inhibit the conversion of adrostendion into testosterone in Leydig-cells resulting in the rise of androstendion, drop of testosterone production and lower average values of semen volume, sperm cells concentration and A sperm cell mobility and higher value of D sperm cells mobility.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗