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PubMed1996

[Evaluation of methods of sperm preparation for human in vitro fertilization].

OBJECTIVES: Compare results of sperm prepared with centrifiguation-migration, percoll discontinuous gradient (50, 70, 90%) and migration-sedimentation. METHODS: An aliquot of sperm collected from 125 men referred for infertility was prepared according to the three methods. The spermogram after preparation and extration rates were compared using the Student's t test for paired variables and for three subpopulations identified by increasing spermatozoid concentrations. RESULTS: Sperm count were significantly higher after percoll. Mobility and morphology were improved after centrifugation-migration excepting for the samples with the lowest counts. The extration rate was better after percoll and rose for the low-count samples. CONCLUSION: Percoll gradient is the most effective method, particularly for altered sperm. The number of mobile and normal forms can be improved with the centrifugation-migration technique.

Centrifugation↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Bis(4,7-dimethyl and 5-dinitro-1,10-phenanthroline) sulfato-oxovanadium(IV)-mediated in vivo male germ cell apoptosis.

Oxovanadium(IV) [VO] complexes of 1,10-phenanthroline are a new class of potent apoptosis-inducing cytotoxic agents against human testicular cancer cells in vitro. The present study investigated the in vivo ability of four(bis)-chelated 1,10-phenanthroline [phen] complexes of sulfato-oxovanadium(IV)-VO(phen)(2), VO(Cl-phen)(2), VO(Me(2)-phen)(2) and VO(NO(2)-phen)(2)-with and without substitutions, to induce testicular germ cell apoptosis. Male germ cell loss in mice was measured by determining the epididymal sperm count, testicular weight and histological evaluation of the testes. Repetitive intratesticular injection (7.5 mg kg(-1) testis(-1)) of bis-chelated 1,10-phenanthroline complexes of oxovanadium(IV) with 4,7-dimethyl [VO(Me(2)-phen)(2)] and 5-dinitro [VO(NO(2)-phen)(2)] substitution led to decreased sperm counts and reduced testicular weights. Histopathological examination of testicular sections from VO(Me(2)-phen)(2)- and VO(NO(2)-phen)(2)-treated mice revealed a marked inhibition of spermatogenesis and preferential loss of maturing, as well as elongated spermatids. In situ evaluation of seminiferous tubule cross-sections by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated FITC-deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling (TUNEL) and laser scanning confocal microscopy showed characteristic apoptotic germ cells delineating the periphery of the seminiferous tubules. The ability of bis-chelated 4,7-dimethyl- and 5-dinitro-substituted 1,10-phenanthroline complexes of oxovanadium(IV) to induce germ cell apoptosis in vivo may have potential utility in the treatment of human testicular germ cell tumors.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

[Hormonal disruptors and farm animals].

A number of man made environmental contaminants displays a weak hormonal, usually oestrogenic, activity. Currently such contaminants are termed hormone disruptors, a terminology that also includes natural compounds with hormonal activity, such as phyto and fungal oestrogens. Fertility and morphological defects in wildlife are related to high exposure to man made hormone disruptors. The potential threat of such exposure for human reproductive health is widely discussed. A possible decline in sperm counts in men is one of the subjects related to such environmental factors. There are no firm indications for this threat. Additional research is needed, however, for a more complete assessment. Farm animals so far played a minor role in the discussion. Therefore, in a study published elsewhere, long term trends in sperm counts of Dutch Dairy Bulls have been evaluated (27). No decline was found in 75,238 ejaculates collected between 1977 and 1996 from 2,314 bulls of the centre for artificial insemination (AI) NOORDWEST. Results of this study, published elsewhere, formed the reason to broader go into the relation between hormone disruptors and farm animals, observed effects of phyto-oestrogens in such animal and the role these animals could play in further research.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Effects of megadoses of pyridoxine on spermatogenesis and male reproductive organs in rats.

Although it has been indicated that many neurotoxicants also cause reproductive toxicity, the reproductive toxicity of megadoses of pyridoxine, which is a neurotoxicant, has not been studied. In this paper, we studied the effects of megadoses of pyridoxine on male reproductive organs. Pyridoxine hydrochloride, 125 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg or 1000 mg/kg, daily, was intraperitoneally injected into Wistar male rats 5 days a week for 2 or 6 weeks, and its effects on the male reproductive organs were investigated. After 2 weeks of administration, absolute weights of the testis in the 500 and 1000 mg/kg epididymis in all the exposed groups and prostate gland in the 1000 mg/kg group decreased, and mature spermatid counts in the testis decreased in the 1000 mg/kg group. After 6 weeks administration, the absolute and relative weights of the testis, epididymis, prostate gland and seminal vesicle decreased in the 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg groups, and mature spermatid counts in the testis and sperm counts in the epididymis decreased in these groups. Among the marker enzymes of the testicular cells, LDH-X activity decreased, and beta-glucuronidase activity, cytochrome P-450 content and cytochrome b5 content increased in the 1000 mg/kg group. Plasma testosterone concentration did not significantly alter in all the exposed groups. From these results, it was concluded that megadoses of pyridoxine affected the spermatogenesis and decreased reproductive organ weights in the rat.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

The effects of vinclozolin, an anti-androgenic fungicide, on male guppy secondary sex characters and reproductive success.

Despite the enormous volume of research concerning the various effects of chemicals with endocrine-disrupting properties in fish, there is still very little evidence that endocrine disruption can adversely affect individual fertility and, hence, pose problems for the population. In the present study, guppies (Poecilia reticulata) were fed with the anti-androgenic fungicide vinclozolin at concentrations ranging from 1.8 to 180 mg/kg from 8-14 wk of age. Male sperm count and the intensity of his sexual display behavior were significantly reduced in treatment groups, which was in line with the results of previous studies. Here, we show further that these impairments translate into reduced fertility, measured as the size of the female's first clutch. Also, this reduced fertility was correlated to the male sperm count, but not to the intensity of the male sexual display. Finally, by crossing exposed with unexposed animals, we show that the adverse effect of vinclozolin on reproduction is mediated through the male alone.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Mumps epididymo-orchitis with prolonged detection of virus in semen and the development of anti-sperm antibodies.

Epididymo-orchitis is the most common complication of mumps in post-pubertal men. A case of MMR vaccine failure, in whom mumps and mumps-associated unilateral epididymo-orchitis developed, is presented in this article. Mumps virus was isolated from the semen 14 days after onset and mumps RNA was detected in semen for up to 40 days using RT-PCR. Epididymo-orchitis was associated with transient but significant reduction in sperm count and severe abnormalities in sperm morphology. It also led to the appearance of anti-sperm antibodies, which may have potential long-term adverse effects on the patient's fertility. Sequencing of the SH gene of the virus showed this to be a new mumps genotype distinct from the virus circulating currently in the UK.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Evaluation of the toxic potentials of cypermethrin pesticide on some reproductive and fertility parameters in the male rats.

Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to tap water containing 0, 8,571, 17,143, or 34,286 ppm cypermethrin for 12 weeks. Based on water consumption per animal per day the rats received 13.15, 18.93, and 39.66 mg cypermethrin, respectively. Fertility was significantly reduced in male rats ingesting cypermethrin at a concentration of 13.15 and 18.93 mg in that the number of females impregnated by them was significantly reduced. The number of implantation sites was significantly reduced in females mated with males that had ingested cypermethrin at a concentration of 39.66 mg. A significant reduction in the number of viable fetuses was observed in females impregnated by the exposed males at all three doses of cypermethrin. The body weight gain was significantly lower in the treated males. Ingestion of cypermethrin at a concentration of 18.93 or 39.66 mg per day resulted in a significant increase in the weights of testes and seminal vesicles. Preputial gland weights were increased at all three concentrations of cypermethrin. Epididymal and testicular sperm counts as well as daily sperm production were significantly decreased in exposed males. The serum levels of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone were significantly reduced in males exposed to 39.66 mg per day. Ingestion of cypermethrin at 18.93 and 39.66 mg/animal/day also resulted in a significant decrease in the perimeter and number of cell layers of the seminiferous tubules. The testes of treated animals were infiltrated with congested blood vessels with marked hemorrhage and a significant accumulation of connective tissue surrounding the seminiferous tubules, which contained a large number of immature spermatids. These results clearly demonstrate the adverse effects of cypermethrin pesticide on fertility and reproduction in male rats.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

Reproductive functions in young fathers and grandfathers.

Testicular functions were investigated in 23 grandfathers [60--88 yr old; 67 +/- 7.8 (mean +/- SD)], i.e. men with fertility proven earlier in life. They were recruited from a nonpatient population and led an active life, most of them with a permanent partner. The grandfathers were compared with a group of 20 unrelated healthy fathers, 24--37 years old (29.2 +/- 3.2). Whereas sperm density was higher in the older group, there were no significant differences in ejaculate volume and sperm morphology between the younger and older men. Sperm motility and seminal fructose, however, decreased with age. The fertilizing capacity of sperm as assessed in the heterologous ovum penetration test using zona pellucida-free hamster eggs did not decrease significantly with age. Whereas the basal serum testosterone and estradiol levels were not different between the younger and older men, the response to 2 days of hCG stimulation decreased significantly with age. This decrease was observed in older men whether they had frequent or infrequent sexual activity. Basal serum LH and FSH levels were elevated in the older men. The LH response to GnRH stimulation relative to basal; values was significantly reduce, while FSH responses did not change with age. We conclude that sperm counts and fertilizing capacity of sperm are not negatively influenced by old age, at least not in men with sustained sexual activity. However, the pituitary as well as the testis show signs of decreased endocrine reserve capacity in old age.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Endocrine profile and semen characteristics in men with bilharzial hepatic fibrosis.

Twelve men suffering from bilharzial hepatic fibrosis were evaluated with regard to their semen analyses and serum levels of FSH, LH, PRL, in addition to plasma testosterone (T) and estradiol E2. Semen analysis in the patient group showed a significant decrease in sperm counts compared with normal controls. Sperm motility and percentage of abnormal forms were not much affected. A significant increase of sera FSH and LH was found in hepatic patients together with a lowered T level. PRL and E2 levels were not significantly affected in the patient group compared with controls. The elevated serum FSH and LH together with the lowered level serum T would suggest a primary testicular dysfunction in cases of bilharzial hepatic fibrosis.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Poor semen quality may contribute to recent decline in fertility rates.

During past decades, we have witnessed a remarkable decline in fertility rates (number of births per 1000 women of reproductive age) in the industrialized world. It seems beyond doubt that the enormous social changes of our societies play the major role in this decline, but can it be attributed to changing social structures alone or is a reduced fecundity in the population also a factor? To address this we have focused on trends in teenage pregnancies (which to a large extent are unplanned). During the period in question fertility rates among 15-19 year old Danish women have been falling and the decline in fertility rate is not counterbalanced by an increase in the rate of induced abortion. When seen together with recent results from Denmark, which have shown that more than 30% of 19 year old men from the general population now have sperm counts in the subfertile range, we argue that this fall may not be attributable to social factors, changes in conception practices or diminished sexual activity alone. It seems reasonable also to consider widespread poor semen quality among men as a potential contributing factor to low fertility rates among teenagers. Due to the concern caused by the low sperm count among younger Danish men, the Danish Ministries of Health and Environment have launched a surveillance programme which includes an annual examination of the semen quality in 600 young Danes from the general population. We propose that researchers in other countries with low and falling fertility rates among young women should consider the possibility that semen quality of their younger male cohorts may also have deteriorated.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Gonadal hormones and gonadal function in type 2 diabetes model OLETF (Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima Fatty) rats.

Gonadal functions, with special reference to blood levels of sex-related markers such as 17beta-estradiol (E2), free testosterone (free Te) and lutenizing hormone (LH), were examined in male OLETF (Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima Fatty) diabetic rats, a model of human type 2 diabetes mellitus. Male rats of the OLETF strain and male rats of the LETO strain, which act as a control of OLETF, both supplied by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Tokushima, Japan), were periodically examined for blood levels of E2, free Te and LH at the age of 4, 5, 32, 40 and 64 weeks. The weight of the testis, the number of sperm contained within and histological findings of the testis were comparatively studied in both strains. Glucose and insulin (IRI) at fasting were examined to evaluate the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index. In order to investigate any sex hormone imbalance, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) was measured by a dextran- charcoal assay. All of the OLETF rats became diabetic at the age of 32 weeks. There were no significant differences between OLETF and LETO rats regarding free Te, E2, LH or SHBG during the observation period from 4 to 64 weeks. Testis weight was significantly decreased in OLETF rats at 32 and 64 weeks and sperm counts at 64 weeks of age were also significantly decreased. Histologically, there was seminiferous tubule atrophy in the OLETF rats at 64 weeks of age. A significant negative correlation between testis weight and fasting blood glucose, as well as HOMA index, was observed in OLETF rats. In male diabetic OLETF rats, with a variety of hypogonadisms such as atrophy of the testis and low sperm count, the serum levels of E2, free Te, LH and SHBG were normally preserved.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

[Modification of the quality indicators of the ejaculate of beagle dogs due to frequent collections over time].

Ejaculates from five adult beagle dogs were investigated for changes of spermatologic parameters. Semen was collected daily during 12 weeks. The parameters volume, sperm count, and transmigration rate (TMR) increased during the first three to five weeks and decreased in the middle of the experiment. The percentage of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa just exceeded 20% from the fifth to the seventh week and in the tenth week, respectively. Either the results remained on a low level (volume), or they returned to normal from the tenth week on (morphology, TMR, sperm count). Semen quality diminished after five weeks. It is concluded, that daily semen collections during more than five weeks can cause decreased libido, aspermia, and impairment of the conception rates.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Intermittent azoospermia associated with epididymal sarcoidosis.

OBJECTIVE: To report an unusual case of intermittent azoospermia associated with epididymal sarcoidosis. DESIGN: Retrospective case analysis. SETTING: Wilford Hall Medical Center. PATIENT(S): A 36-year-old male with secondary infertility and epididymal sarcoidosis. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES(S): An analysis of sperm count in relation to steroid courses. RESULTS(S): Epididymalgia, and to a lesser extent, sperm counts were noted to fluctuate temporally around steroid courses given for pulmonary flares of sarcoidosis. Epididymal sarcoidosis can be associated with intermittent azoospermia. Presumably, epididymal granulomas undergo exacerbations and remissions and cause intermittent ductal obstruction. CONCLUSIONS(S): Because of the unpredictable effect of sarcoidosis on the male genital tract, all patients interested in paternity should obtain a semen analysis at the time of disease diagnosis. If oligospermia is noted or if there is clinical evidence of epididymal involvement, the patient should be offered sperm banking for possible future assisted reproductive techniques.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A four-year reassessment of workers with dibromochloropropane-induced testicular dysfunction.

The present study summarizes a four-year follow-up of 20 production workers with D.B.C.P.-induced testicular dysfunction. In 4 of the 13 initially azoospermic men, sperm density increased to 1.5 to 48.0 millions/ml. Five of the seven initially oligozoospermic workers showed a marked increase in sperm count. In all the men with improved spermatogenesis, plasma levels of FSH, LH and testosterone were within the normal range when first evaluated. Nine spontaneous pregnancies occurred in the spouses of seven of the recovered workers. All the pregnancies went to term and culminated in the spontaneous of normal healthy infants. There was not improvement in the sperm counts of all azoospermic and oligozoospermic men with prolonged exposure to the chemical. It is suggested that the gonadotoxic effect of D.B.C.P. in human males is reversible, this reversibility being inversely related to previous exposure time and being most likely to occur in the presence of normal FSH values. The further increase in plasma FSH and LH and the moderate decrease in the mean testosterone level in the non-recovered workers is of prime importance. It may suggest a delayed toxic effect of D.B.C.P. on Sertoli and Leydig cell function during the four-year follow-up period, explaining lack of spermatogenic recovery over a prolonged period of time.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Low dose of cyproterone acetate and testosterone enanthate for contraception in men.

After a control phase, 10 normal men received cyproterone acetate (CPA) at a dose of 25 mg/day (CPA-25; n=5) or 12.5 mg/day (CPA-12.5; n=5) plus testosterone enanthate (TE) 100 mg/week, for 16 weeks. Throughout the study sperm counts were performed every 2 weeks, and luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, biochemical and haematological tests were performed every 4 weeks. All five men in group CPA-25 and three men in group CPA-12.5 achieved azoospermia. One man in group CPA-25 was azoospermic by week 12 of hormone administration, but had a sperm count of 0.1 x 10(6)/ml at week 16. Time to azoospermia was 9.0+/-1.3 and 8.7+/-0.7 weeks in groups CPA-25 and CPA-12.5 respectively. Gonadotrophins were decreased by week 4 of hormone administration, remained around the minimum detectability of the assay for the duration of hormone administration and returned to baseline after stopping hormone administration. Testosterone values did not change. No change in any biochemical parameters was found. Haematological parameters were decreased at week 16 of hormone administration and returned to baseline after stopping hormone administration. In conclusion, these results suggest that an hormonal regimen consisting of testosterone plus a progestin with anti-androgenic properties holds promise as an effective, safe and reversible male contraceptive.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Testicular biopsy in infertility.

Eighty-eight infertile couples attended the infertility clinic. Semen analysis was abnormal in 64 cases. The cases were divided into 3 groups according to sperm count:Group I (count zero), group II (count < 20 million/ml) and group III (20-50 million/ml). The morphology of testicular biopsy categorised into 5 groups were normal--10(15.63%), hypospermatogenesis--42(65.63%), the Sertoli cell only syndrome--2(3.13%), maturation arrest--2(3.13%) and tubular hyalinization--8(12.50%). Quantitative analysis of biopsies was done using mean Johnson score(MJS) and Silber score(SS). The morphology in any single section was not uniform but of mixed type. Normal spermatogenesis in azoospermics indicated bilateral ductal obstruction. As compared to MJS, SS showed a more direct correlation between number of mature spermatids per tubular cross section and sperm count in unobstructed cases.

Biopsy↗
PubMed1991

[Therapeutic efficacy of testolactone (aromatase inhibitor) to oligozoospermia with high estradiol/testosterone ratio].

To our knowledge, the action of estradiol which is produced from testosterone by aromatase on human spermatogenesis has not been fully clarified. In oligozoospermia, with high values of E2/T ratio, it is considered that the role of estradiol is suppressive to spermatogenesis. In this study, alteration of spermatogenesis was evaluated when serum estradiol levels were decreased by suppression of aromatase activity. Nine male infertile patients were treated with testolactone (Teslac: 1.0 g/day, for 3 months), one of the aromatase inhibitors. Four of them had an increase in sperm count (more than 10 x 10(6)/ml relative to base line). In endocrinological findings, serum estradiol levels and E2/free T ratio were significantly decreased after treatment. Serum free testosterone levels were significantly increased in all cases, presumably from decreased sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels. These findings suggested the effectiveness of the administrated aromatase inhibitor. In particular four patients whose sperm counts were improved after testolactone treatment had high values of basal serum estradiol levels and E2/free T ratio before treatment, and these values were normalized after treatment. In conclusion we suggest that an aromatase inhibitor may be effective to male infertile patients with high serum estradiol levels.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Restoration of chronic-Delta 9-THC-induced decline in sexuality in male rats by a novel benzoflavone moiety from Passiflora incarnata Linn.

1 The present study comprised treatment of healthy male rats with Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, 10 mg kg(-1), p.o.), and combinations of THC with benzoflavone moiety (BZF, 10 and 20 mg kg(-1), p.o.) isolated from Passiflora incarnata Linneaus, over a period of 30 days. 2 Upon 30-days chronic administrations, the THC-treated male rats had a significant loss of libido (mounting behaviour with non-oestrous female rats), decrease in sperm count, and number of impregnated pro-estrous female rats. 3 Co-administration of BZF (10 and 20 mg kg(-1) p.o.) afforded significant protection against the chronic-THC-induced decrease in libido, mating performance and fertility during 30-day experimental regimen. The 20 mg kg(-1) dose of BZF exhibited better results. 4 Upon discontinuation of THC, treatment with BZF (10 and 20 mg kg(-1) p.o.) also facilitated the early restoration chronic-THC-induced decline in libido, sperm count and sexual fertility within 7 days.

Animals↗