scholarly journals The relationship between diet, energy balance and fertility in men

2020 ◽  
Vol 90 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 514-526 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edyta Suliga ◽  
Stanisław Głuszek

Abstract. Research conducted in recent years provides more and more evidence that diet can have a significant impact on male fertility. The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between diet, energy balance and fertility in men. A comprehensive literature search of published studies in various languages, was carried out in electronic databases. The direct analysis included 96 works published between 2008 and 2018, including 12 randomized controlled trials and 23 systematic reviews and meta-analyses. A strong adherence to a healthy dietary pattern is positively correlated with total sperm count, progressive motility and total motile sperm count (all p < 0.05). However, attention is drawn to the fact that foods that are considered “healthy” can sometimes contain a significant amount of pollution, which negatively affect the semen parameters. An adequate intake of antioxidants or their supplementation have been quite effective in the prevention and treatment of male infertility. The improvement of pregnancy rate after antioxidant therapy ranged in various studies from 11% to 41%. An important problem, however, may be choosing the right dose of the supplement or finding an appropriate combination of antioxidants that may be more effective than any single antioxidant. The normalization of men’s body weight is beneficial for the quality of sperm and the concentration of male reproductive hormones. Further, long-term studies require the assessment of the impact of drastic weight loss after bariatric surgery on male fertility.

Toxins ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 158
Author(s):  
Colin Eady

For 30 years, forage ryegrass breeding has known that the germplasm may contain a maternally inherited symbiotic Epichloë endophyte. These endophytes produce a suite of secondary alkaloid compounds, dependent upon strain. Many produce ergot and other alkaloids, which are associated with both insect deterrence and livestock health issues. The levels of alkaloids and other endophyte characteristics are influenced by strain, host germplasm, and environmental conditions. Some strains in the right host germplasm can confer an advantage over biotic and abiotic stressors, thus acting as a maternally inherited desirable ‘trait’. Through seed production, these mutualistic endophytes do not transmit into 100% of the crop seed and are less vigorous than the grass seed itself. This causes stability and longevity issues for seed production and storage should the ‘trait’ be desired in the germplasm. This makes understanding the precise nature of the relationship vitally important to the plant breeder. These Epichloë endophytes cannot be ‘bred’ in the conventional sense, as they are asexual. Instead, the breeder may modulate endophyte characteristics through selection of host germplasm, a sort of breeding by proxy. This article explores, from a forage seed company perspective, the issues that endophyte characteristics and breeding them by proxy have on ryegrass breeding, and outlines the methods used to assess the ‘trait’, and the application of these through the breeding, production, and deployment processes. Finally, this article investigates opportunities for enhancing the utilisation of alkaloid-producing endophytes within pastures, with a focus on balancing alkaloid levels to further enhance pest deterrence and improving livestock outcomes.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ning Wang ◽  
Fang Lv ◽  
Ge Yu ◽  
Cuige Shi ◽  
Shangming Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Iodine is an essential element for hormones synthesized by the human thyroid gland. Thyroid hormone deficiency affects all body tissues, including multiple endocrine changes that alter growth hormones, corticotrophin, glucocorticoids, and gonadal function. In many countries, subfertility is an important problem affecting about 10–15% of all couples trying to conceive. Male subfertile factors have accounted for 25–30% of all cases in their studies. The aim of this study was to study the correlation between urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and semen quality of fertile male in China.Methods: semen and urine samples were collected from males who attended a survey for the reproductive physiological constants of male and female in China. All participants were fertile and they should be free from diseases of male reproductive system and thyroid related diseases. We studied the correlation between UIC and semen quality parameters in fertile males and the effect of iodine concentration on male reproduction. Participants were divided into six groups based on UIC. We measured semen parameters and UIC. Semen parameters or time-to-pregnancy (TTP) were analyzed by Spearman correlation, linear regression and multivariable logistic regression. Results: 1089 men were recruited in the study. The mean and median age of participants were 27.46±0.12 and 27±3.88 years, respectively. UIC of 274 (25.16%) men was lower than the UIC of WHO recommended. UIC of 405 men located in the region of WHO recommended. 62.35% of them were not located in the optimal region. Semen concentration and total sperm count were found to decrease when UIC increases when the UIC≥100 ug/L. Conclusions: A male with deficient UIC or excessive UIC has more risk of lower semen quality such as sperm concentration and total sperm count. In addition, if a male with deficient UIC or excessive UIC, his wife has longer TTP than the males who had normal UIC. Deficient UIC associated with lower semen quality and TTP than excessive UIC.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 73-85
Author(s):  
Yohanes Firmansyah ◽  
Imam Haryanto

The Covid-19 case has had a huge influence on all aspects of human life, starting from health, economy, sosial, law, and many more. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused various frictions between various interests, one of which is a clash between individual interests and community interests. One of the obvious things about this problem is regarding the impact of COVID-19 in the field of sociology, especially the relationship between individuals, especially the issue of community stigmatization regarding infectious diseases, the dilemma between the privacy rights of the identity of COVID-19 patients and the disclosure of publik data on COVID-19 patients with various risks will injure and cause multiple material and immaterial losses. On the other hand, Covid-19 also raises various sosial-psychological problems and legal problems that still do not regulate all aspects of human life. This paper describes the sociological elements of COVID-19, the right to privacy, publik information disclosure, and the sosial-psychological impact of COVID-19, along with a juridical review of the right to privacy and publik disclosure of information regarding the transparency of COVID-19.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 138
Author(s):  
Fakhrurrazi M.Yunus ◽  
Zahratul Aini

Abstrak: Dalam Undang-Undang Nomor 23 Tahun 2006 tentang Administrasi Kependudukan adanya Pasal yang mengatur tentang perkawinan beda agama, dalam Pasal 35 huruf (a) yang menyatakan bahwa perkawinan yang ditetapkan oleh pengadilan. Namun dalam Undang-Undang tersebut tidak diatur secara jelas, sehingga memberi peluang timbulnya dampak negatif. Namun yang diakui di Indonesia jika pasangan suami istri yang berbeda agama harus memeluk agama yang sama di salah satu pasangan dengan maksud mereka harus pindah agama baik memeluk agama istri maupun suami. Dengan adanya berbagai kemudharatan yang timbul, maka hal itu tidak sesuai dengan hukum Islam. Oleh karena itu, penulis ingin mengetahui dampak perkawinan beda agama yang diatur dalam Undang-Undang Nomor 23 Tahun 2006 tentang administrasi  kependudukan dan tinjuan hukum Islam terhadap perkawinan beda agama dalam Undang-Undang Nomor 23 tahun 2006. Dalam penelitian ini, metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah Kualitatif. Berdasarkan dari hasil penelitian, dampak dari perkawinan beda agama yaitu dampak terhadap rumah tangga yang tidak harmonis menimbulkan kegelisahan, dan sulitnya berkomunikasi. Dampak terhadap anak yang membuat hubungan antara keluarga yaitu anak dan orang tua menjadi kacau dan tidak utuh karena mengetahui kedua orang tuanya berbeda keyakinan. Dampak terhadap harta warisan yang mengakibatkan anak yang lahir dari perkawinan beda agama tidak mempunyai hak untuk mendapatkan harta warisan apabila tidak seagama dengan pewaris yang dalam hal ini pewaris beragama Islam. Adapun tinjauan hukum Islam menyatakan bahwa perkawinan beda agama itu tidak sah, karena menurut fatwa MUI Nomor:4/MUNASVII/MUI/8/2005 menetapkan bahwa nikah beda agama hukumnya haram yang diperkuat dengan firmannya dalam surat al-mumtahanah ayat 10 dan al-baqarah ayat 221.Abstract: in Law No. 23 of 2006 on the administration of the population of the article governing the marriage of different religions, in article 35 letter (a) stating that the marriage is established by the court. But the law is not regulated, so it allows causing negative impacts. But it is recognized in Indonesia if different couples of religion must embrace the same religion in one partner with the intention they have to move religion both embrace the religion of the wife and husband. With the various blessings that arise, it is not under Islamic law. Therefore, the author wants to know the impact of the marriage of different religions organized in law Number 23 the year 2006 about the administration of population and the Islamic law to the marriage of different religions in the law Number 23 the year 2006. In this study, the research method used was qualitative. Based on the results of the study, the impact of the marriage of different religions is the impact on the unharmonious households raises anxiety, and difficulty communicating. The impact on the child who makes the relationship between the family is the child and the parent becomes chaotic and not intact because knowing both parents are different beliefs. The impact on the inheritance that resulted in children born from the marriage of different religions does not have the right to obtain inheritance if not as religious as the heir, in this case, Muslim heirs. The review of Islamic law states that the marriage of different religions is not valid, because according to fatwa MUI number: 4/MUNASVII/MUI/8/2005 stipulates that the marriage of different religious religion is haram strengthened by his word in Sura al-Mumtahanah verse 10 and al-Baqarah verses 221.


2020 ◽  
Vol 92 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmoud Benatta ◽  
Redha Kettache ◽  
Noor Buchholz ◽  
Alberto Trinchieri

Background and aims: Male unexplained infertility has long been suspected to result from environmental, lifestyle and nutritional factors. However, the literature on the subject is still scarce, and clinical studies providing robust evidence are even scarcer. In addition, some similar studies come to different conclusions. Dietary pattern can influence spermatogenesis by its content of fatty acids and antioxidants. Yet, in an age of industrialized mass food production, human bodies become more exposed to the ingestion of xenobiotics, as well as chemicals used for production, preservation, transportation and taste enhancement of foods. We attempted in this paper to collect the available evidence to date on the effect of nutritional components on male fertility. Material and methods: A systematic search of the relevant literature published in PubMed, ScienceDirect and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials Database was conducted. Literature was evaluated according to the Newcastle-Ottawa- Scale. Results: Epidemiological observations are concordant in demonstrating an association of low-quality sperm parameters with higher intake of red meat, processed and organ meat and fullfat dairy. On the contrary, better semen parameters were observed in subjects consuming a healthy diet, rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains and fish. Evidences of the negative impact on male fertility of by-products of water disinfection, accumulation in food chain of persistent organochlorine pollutants, pesticides, phthalates from food and water containers and hormones used in breeding cattle have been reported. Clinical trials of the effects of micronutrients on semen parameters and outcomes of assisted fertilization are encouraging, although optimal modality of treatment should be established. Conclusions: Although quality of evidence should be ameliorated, it emerges that environmental factors can influence male fertility. Some nutrients may enhance fertility whereas others will worsen it. With diagnostic analysis on a molecular or even sub-molecular level, new interactions with micronutrients or molecular components of our daily ingested foods and leisure drugs may lead to a better understanding of so far suspected but as yet unexplained effects on male spermatogenesis and fertility.


Author(s):  
Michael Brown ◽  
Edward McCann ◽  
Maria Truesdale ◽  
Mark Linden ◽  
Lynne Marsh

There is growing empirical evidence regarding the relationship and sexuality experiences and needs of children, young people and adults with intellectual disabilities. A total of twelve papers met the inclusion criteria regarding relationship and sexuality education (RSE) programmes specific to the needs of this population. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed and quality appraisal undertaken. The four themes identified were principles informing RSE programme development, design and content of RSE programmes, delivery of RSE programmes and evaluation of RSE programmes. The discussion presents areas that need to be addressed to ensure that people with intellectual disabilities, their families, carers and professionals are fully involved in the design and delivery of RSE programmes. Further research is required to identify the impact of the programmes and the sustained outcomes achieved. Recommendations are made regarding the activities required to enable the development of evidence-based and person-centred approaches to relationship and sexuality programmes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Pacey

Abstract text Since the very early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, concern has been raised about the possibility of damage to the male reproductive system in those men who are infected with SARS-CoV-2. This was first raised by the early observation (January 2020) that the route of infection was via the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptor present on host cells. ACE-2 was first described in the year 2000 and subsequently shown in 2004 to be selectively expressed in the Leydig cells of the adult testis. This opens up the possibility that although COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory infection, it may also infect the male reproductive system. The authors of several review articles have proposed that male fertility may be theoretically impacted by SARS-CoV-2 in a number of ways. This includes alteration of: (i) testicular architecture; (ii) reproductive hormone profiles (LH/FSH); (iii) spermatogenesis as evidenced by changes to ejaculate quality; (iv) sperm function (e.g., DNA damage); (v) sexual/erectile function; or a combination of all five. Clearly each of these individually may impact on the chance of pregnancy or live birth either in natural or medically assisted reproduction. There is also the possibility that SARS-CoV-2 may be transmitted sexually if sufficient numbers of SARS-CoV-2 are found in semen. Reassuringly, of 14 studies published to date, there is little evidence to suggest that SARS-CoV-2 is present in semen and so the possibility of sexual transmission in patient or donor samples can probably be discounted. However, there is currently an incomplete picture of whether semen quality is affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection as studies are often limited by the fact that no pre-infection control samples are available for direct comparison or they are too short to identify any long-term effects. Nevertheless, the few case-controlled studies published which compare semen quality infected with non-infected (control) individuals suggest that there may be a statistically significant alteration in sperm concentration and motility, although it is not clear whether this is linked to infection by the SARS-CoV-2 virus or simply a consequence of febrile illness and fever (or medication given to combat the infection). There is currently a lack of long-term data on any impact of COVID-19 on male reproductive hormones (although much speculation about the role that testosterone might play in the severity of disease). There are also emerging reports of increased risk of erectile dysfunction in men following SARS-CoV-2. In terms of birth rates, it is simply too early to tell whether these have been affected by the pandemic, given the possibility of lockdown affecting sexual behaviour in fertile couples and IVF clinic closures in infertile couples. In conclusion, although the COVID-19 pandemic has infected over 130 million people worldwide we still know too little about the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the male reproductive system. Given the incidence of long-COVID, and the asymptomatic nature of the infection for some, it is important to commission and conduct long-term studies which can monitor the reproductive outcomes of young men who have survived a SARS-CoV-2 infection.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 85-89
Author(s):  
Panayiotis Michael Zavos

Male infertility is linked to some viral infections including human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes simplex viruses (HSV) and human immunodeficiency viruses (HIVs). As for acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), its effects on worldwide declines in sperm count and fertility have not been researched thoroughly. With the recent increase of viral infections due to the pandemic, the potential negative impacts that SARS-CoV-2 will have on male reproductive organs and male fertility have raised countless concerns. This review article aims to discuss the possible effects that the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic will have on an already declining male reproductive success while integrating the results of recent studies focusing on similar topics. Furthermore, this article will also mention the future implications that come with a more infertile population. Within the articles studied, it has become apparent that the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has and will only decrease men’s sperm quality further. These findings became apparent through the study of oxidative stress established through the sperm’s production of reactive oxygen species1 and the COVID-19 virus’ ability to attack human spermatozoa produced in the testes due the expression of the ACE2 gene.2 As for the decline in male fertility prior to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, there are many factors to be discussed, some of which include: tobacco consumption, alcoholism, diet, electronics, and higher rates of testicular cancer.3


2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 225-238
Author(s):  
Roohi Mumtaz ◽  
Syed Shabib ul Hasan ◽  
Afsheen Nizam ◽  
Saima Akhter

As the globalization is bringing change in the business scenarios, there is a need to bring change in the mindset, beliefs, attitude and performance to bring change in the lives of the people. By definition globalization is the multifaceted financial, supporting, civilizing and the geographical development through which the flow of money, companies, innovative approach, talks and the employees have taken a transitional change. Women in third world economies are generally confined under social, cultural, religious and economic boundaries where they are not be allowed to utilize their true potentials and prosper. Under such suppression, businesses mostly prefer female labour, as they remain cheaper and obedient. The paper focuses on the relationship between globalization and the women work force issues in Pakistan. The study also highlights the impact of discriminatory acts like gender discrimination, gender employment segregation and financial biasness in Pakistani society. The findings reveal that discrimination and double standards in the society for women is very common and prevail, more obviously in Pakistan. There is a need to eliminate all the discriminatory elements from the mindset by taking visionary steps in the right direction.


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