Does sperm morphology affect the outcome of intrauterine insemination in patients with normal sperm concentration and motility?

We analysed sodium (Na), copper (Cu) and selenium (Se) levels in human semen and glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx) in seminal plasma and examined their relationships with sperm quality. Semen samples were obtained from men (n = 168) undergoing routine infertility evaluation. The study design included two groups based on standard ejaculate parameters: Group I (n = 39) with normal ejaculates (normozoospermia) and Group II (n = 129) with a pathological spermiogram. Se concentration (but not Na or Cu) and GPx activity were significantly higher in normozoospermic males than in those with a pathological spermiogram and also in males with correct sperm motility and normal sperm morphology than in asthenozoospermic and teratozoospermic males. There were significant correlations between sperm motility, Se and GPx, between rapid progressive motility and Cu, between sperm motility and Na, between normal sperm morphology and Se and Cu and between sperm concentration and Cu and GPx. Significant correlations were found between Na and Cu, between Na and Se and between Cu and Se in human semen in relation to alcohol consumption and tobacco use. Na, Cu, Se and GPx are related to sperm characteristics and male fertility and their survey could improve male infertility diagnosis.

Download Full-text

P–011 Automated sperm morphology assessment using artificial intelligence technology

Human Reproduction ◽

10.1093/humrep/deab130.010 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

A Agarwal ◽

M K Panne. Selvam

Keyword(s):

Artificial Intelligence ◽

Predictive Value ◽

Sperm Morphology ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Semen Analysis ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Ease Of Use ◽

Computer Assisted ◽

Diagnostic Use ◽

Normal Sperm

Abstract Study question Can LensHooke X1 PRO semen analyzer be used to evaluate sperm morphology in men with infertility? Summary answer Morphology results generated by X1 PRO are highly reliable when normal sperm forms are ≥4% and therefore they can be reported in such cases . What is known already Most laboratories rely on manual evaluation of sperm morphology smears, which is a time-consuming procedure and its results are subjected to a relatively high variability. However, in recent years the computer-assisted semen analyzers are being increasingly used to evaluate sperm morphology. The X1 PRO semen quality analyzer was designed for in vitro diagnostic use to analyze sperm concentration, total, progressive and non-progressive motility as well as sperm morphology based on WHO 5th edition criteria. Evaluation of sperm morphology using X1 PRO based on AIOM (Artificial Intelligence Optical Microscopic)-based technology requires no fixation steps or staining unlike the manual method. Study design, size, duration This cross-sectional study used 31 semen samples from 8 normozoospermic healthy volunteers and 5 infertile men with a minimum abstinence period between 2 - 3 days. While the 8 healthy semen donors produced a total of 26 ejaculates, which were split into 88 aliquots, the 5 infertile patients produced 5 ejaculates that were split into 13 aliquots. Participants/materials, setting, methods A total of 101 aliquots were prepared from the native semen samples either by dilution or concentration using seminal plasma of the respective donors. Automated semen analysis was performed by the X1 PRO semen analyzer and the results of sperm morphology were compared with manual morphology results using Diff-Quik staining. Statistical analysis was carried out to calculate the positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of X1 PRO semen analyzer. Main results and the role of chance The X1 PRO sperm morphology results show a weak non-significant (P = 0.2441) correlation (r = 0.119) with the manual results. However, X1 PRO demonstrated a high PPV (97.7%) and a low NPV (9.1%) for correct assessment of sperm morphology (≥4%) when compared to manual results. Due to its high PPV, laboratories can report the morphology results generated by X1 PRO in all such cases when normal sperm forms are ≥4%. However, a manual evaluation is necessary in patients with abnormal morphology (<4%). Limitations, reasons for caution One of the limitation of this study is that X1 PRO morphology values did not correlate with manual results. The low NPV seen in our study is due to the inclusion of very few samples with abnormal sperm forms (<4%) in the analysis. Wider implications of the findings: The X1 PRO’s combination of speed, ease of use, accuracy and portability makes it a good choice of device for small medical offices to large IVF centers. High PPV of X1 PRO allows it to correctly identify normal sperm forms for diagnostic use. Trial registration number 18–771

Download Full-text

Establishment of semen collection technique using electroejaculator and semen cryopreservation of Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas Cuvier, 1809)

Veterinary World ◽

10.14202/vetworld.2021.3156-3163 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 3156-3163

Author(s):

Bongot Huaso Mulia ◽

Ardyta Widianti ◽

Jansen Manansang ◽

Dedi Rahmat Setiadi ◽

Vincentia Trisna Yoelinda ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sperm Motility ◽

Sperm Morphology ◽

Total Concentration ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Panthera Pardus ◽

Semen Collection ◽

Normal Sperm ◽

Frozen Semen ◽

Semen Volume ◽

Microscopic Evaluation

Background and Aim: The Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas Cuvier, 1809) is a subspecies of Panthera pardus spp., spread across the African and Asian regions. Information on reproductive aspects is crucial for wild animals, including the Javan leopard. In this study, we aimed to develop electroejaculator (EE) techniques and evaluate cryopreservation success in Javan leopard semen. Materials and Methods: The semen of four adult Javan leopards was collected once a week using EE. Placement of the EE probe in the rectum was performed after ultrasound imaging (ultrasonography) to determine the prostate body location. The semen obtained was then evaluated macroscopically and microscopically. Three Javan leopards were used for cryopreservation. The ejaculate was divided into two parts [i.e., one part diluted with AndroMed® (Minitüb, Tiefenbach, Germany) and the other part with Steridyl® (Minitüb, Tiefenbach, Germany)] at a 1:1 ratio immediately after collection and evaluation. The semen was then packed in a 0.25 mL MiniStraw® (Minitüb, Tiefenbach, Germany) then equilibrated at 4°C for 2 h. After equilibration, the straw was then frozen in liquid nitrogen vapor. Frozen semen was then stored in containers until further evaluation. Results: The results showed that ejaculation response occurred at all levels of stimulation, while erections did not always occur. The fastest ejaculation and erection occurred at the fourth voltage. The macroscopic evaluation showed that the semen volume was 0.80±0.26 mL, cloudy white, pH 7.44±0.14, and with watery semen consistency. The microscopic evaluation showed that the sperm motility was 66.98±0.39%, with sperm viability of 75.6±1.79%. Sperm concentration was 62.17±46.95×106 mL–1 with a total concentration of 42.14±23.51×106 cells. Normal sperm morphology is only 40.72±6.26%. Conclusion: This study concluded that the development of a semen collection technique using an EE preceded by imaging of the EE probe location using ultrasound was effective for the ejaculation of Javan leopards. The characteristics of the semen of the Javan leopard showed moderate semen volume, sperm motility, and viability. Javan leopard showed low sperm concentration and normal sperm morphology.

Download Full-text

Clinical significance of sperm morphology in male infertility treatment

Experimental and Сlinical Urology ◽

10.29188/2222-8543-2021-14-3-127-132 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (3) ◽

pp. 127-132

Author(s):

Yu.V. Olefir ◽

◽

D.M. Monakov ◽

◽

Keyword(s):

Male Infertility ◽

Clinical Significance ◽

Sperm Morphology ◽

Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽

Intrauterine Insemination ◽

Reproductive Technologies ◽

Vitro Fertilization ◽

Normal Sperm ◽

Starting Point

Introduction. Sperm morphology is one of the most common tests in fertility practice. The interlaboratory variability is the main drawback of the method. The clinical significance of sperm morphology in assisted reproductive technologies is controversial. The aim of the review is to address this question. Materials and methods. The search of relevant publications was carried out in PubMed and e-Library databases using the keywords «male infertility», «sperm morphology», «teratozoospermia», «IUI», «IVF», «ICSI». Conference abstracts and dissertations were excluded from analysis and 56 publications were included in this literature review. Results. The small numbers of studies were evaluated to the effect of teratozoospermia on the likelihood of natural pregnancy. The pregnancy rate was higher in the group of couples with normozoospermia. In the couples with severe teratozoospermia pregnancies rate was also detected. The most studies did not reveal a statistically significant effect of tertozoospermia on the frequency of pregnancy during intrauterine insemination. The data about the influence of sperm morphology on in vitro fertilization are contradictory. Early studies showed a positive correlation between normal sperm morphology and frequency of conception, but these results were not confirmed in further studies. The most studies have not been revealed the correlation between normal sperm morphology male fertility status, clinical and live birth rate. Discussion. To date the spermatozoa mofophology studying remains the «starting point» ofa man's examination for infertility. However, the data available do not confirm its role in choosing the method ofassisted reproductive technologies or predicting their results. Conclusions. To date the role of sperm morphology on conceive and pregnancy frequencies in ART use is controversal. The data available does not confirm the value of this test as a proxy of higher pregnancy and birth of healthy child probability. The further studies are required to address this question.

Download Full-text

Sperm concentration and normal sperm morphology decrease and follicle-stimulating hormone level increases with age

BJU International ◽

10.1111/j.1464-410x.2005.05806.x ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 96 (7) ◽

pp. 1087-1091 ◽

Cited By ~ 37

Author(s):

Fabio F. Pasqualotto ◽

Bernardo P. Sobreiro ◽

Jorge Hallak ◽

Eleonora B. Pasqualotto ◽

Antonio M. Lucon

Keyword(s):

Sperm Morphology ◽

Hormone Level ◽

Follicle Stimulating Hormone ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Normal Sperm ◽

Stimulating Hormone

Download Full-text

Comparison between different dilution rates on canine semen freezing using Tris-buffer with the addition of egg-yolk and glycerol

Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia ◽

10.1590/s0102-09352005000600010 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 57 (6) ◽

pp. 764-771

Author(s):

A.R. Silva ◽

R.C.S. Cardoso ◽

L.D.M. Silva

Keyword(s):

Liquid Nitrogen ◽

Sperm Motility ◽

Sperm Morphology ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Egg Yolk ◽

Tris Buffer ◽

Normal Sperm ◽

Manual Stimulation

Standardized sperm concentration and volume:volume extension were compared as dilution rates for canine semen freezing. Six proven stud dogs were submitted to two seminal collections by manual stimulation. Semen was evaluated and extended in tris plus egg-yolk and glycerol according to two different dilution rates. The first one was based on a standardized sperm concentration of 200x10(6) spermatozoa/ml and the second was a volume:volume extension at a proportion of one part semen to one part extender. Semen was frozen, stored in liquid nitrogen and thawed after one week. Sperm motility and vigor were appraised after each stage of the process and at 15 and 30min post-thawing. Sperm morphology was analyzed after collection and thawing. No differences were observed between treatments after thawing regarding sperm motility and vigor, normal sperm morphology rate or longevity. Both dilution rates can be efficiently used for canine semen freezing.

Download Full-text

The impact of obesity on seminal fluid in patients with male infertility

International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences ◽

10.26452/ijrps.v9ispl1.1333 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 9 (SPL1) ◽

Author(s):

Ahmed T Alahmar ◽

Zahraa Ali ◽

Zahraa Muhsin ◽

Hadeel Qasim

Keyword(s):

Sperm Morphology ◽

Seminal Fluid ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Progressive Motility ◽

Infertile Men ◽

Normal Sperm ◽

The Impact

Data on the effect of obesity on seminal fluid and men fertility are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of body mass index (BMI) on semen characteristics in infertile men.A cross-sectional study was conducted on seventy-four infertile men who met inclusion criteria.Semen sample were collected and sperm concentration,progressive motility,total motility and normal sperm morphology were assessed in accordance with WHO 2010 criteria. For each patient weight and height were measure and patients were divided by BMI into normal weight (BMI: 18.5–24.9 kg/m2,n=30),overweight (BMI: 25–29.9 kg/m2,n=30) and obese (BMI:≥30 kg/m2, n=14). Seminal fluid parameters were compared among the three groups.Sperm concentration was lower in obese men but it did not differ significantly from those of normal weight and overweight infertile men (25.71±22.16,34.33±31.11,36.07±31.24 and million/ml respectively,P>0.05). Sperm progressive motility,total motility and normal sperm morphology also were not significantly different among normal weight,overweight and obese infertile men.Our findings suggest that BMI may have no influence on sperm concentration,motility and normal morphology in infertile men.

Download Full-text

Ejaculatory abstinence in semen analysis: does it make any sense?

Therapeutic Advances in Reproductive Health ◽

10.1177/2633494120906882 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 14 ◽

pp. 263349412090688 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Shah Dupesh ◽

Natarajan Pandiyan ◽

Radha Pandiyan ◽

Jeeva Kartheeswaran ◽

Bhaskar Prakash

Keyword(s):

Retrospective Analysis ◽

Sperm Morphology ◽

Semen Analysis ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

World Health ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Motile Sperm ◽

Normal Sperm ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Ejaculatory Abstinence

Background: The precise effect of ejaculatory abstinence on semen parameters is highly debatable, especially among subfertile men. Previous studies on effect of abstinence time on different semen parameters have reported controversial results. The aim of this study was to retrospectively assess the variance of semen parameters with different periods of ejaculatory abstinence among both a population of normozoospermic ( n = 1621) and oligozoospermic ( n = 416) Tamil men, presenting to a fertility clinic for an infertility evaluation ( N = 2037). Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 2037 semen analysis reports involved grouping patients based on their ejaculatory abstinence, that is, <24 h, 1 to 2 days, 3 to 7 days, 8 to 15 days, 16 to 30 days, and >30 days. All semen parameters were assessed as per the World Health Organization (WHO, 2010) recommended guidelines. The unpaired two-tailed t-test and Welch’s analysis of variance (ANOVA) combined with Games–Howell post hoc test were used for statistical analysis. A p value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Result: A retrospective analysis of data ( N = 2037) identified no statistically significant differences in semen parameters of sperm concentration, percentage of progressively motile sperm, and normal sperm morphology in both normozoospermic and oligozoospermic individuals across different groups of abstinence. Semen volume was the only parameter that showed a statistically significant difference in both groups ( p < 0.0001). In both normozoospermic and oligozoospermic men, the group with <24 h abstinence had the highest mean percentage of progressively motile sperm and normal sperm morphology. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that ejaculatory abstinence may be highly arbitrary, and the recommendation of a strict 2- to 7-day abstinence per the WHO may be liberalized. In both normozoospermic and oligozoospermic men, semen parameters associated with an abstinence of <24 h were found to be noninferior as compared to longer ejaculatory abstinence intervals. These findings support in eliminating conservative recommendations as far as abstinence is concerned and suggest that patients may be asked to collect a semen sample on the day they present for an infertility evaluation, regardless of abstinence.

Download Full-text

Sheng Jing Decoction Can Promote Spermatogenesis and Increase Sperm Motility of the Oligozoospermia Mouse Model

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2021/3686494 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Guang Yan ◽

Fang Tian ◽

Peng Liu ◽

Jianming Sun ◽

Jianmin Mao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Plasma Membrane ◽

Sperm Motility ◽

Sperm Morphology ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Membrane Integrity ◽

Testicular Tissue ◽

Whole Body ◽

Plasma Membrane Integrity ◽

Normal Sperm ◽

Sperm Plasma Membrane

Sheng Jing Decoction (SJD), as a traditional Chinese medicine prescription, is mainly be used to treat male infertility. However, the pharmacological functions and molecular mechanisms of SJD are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the functions of SJD on spermatogenesis and sperm motility and explored the potential mechanisms involved. Here, we demonstrated that high, medium, and low doses of SJD are effective in restoring the impairments of the whole body and testicular tissue by cyclophosphamide inducing and to rescue the damage of testicular tissue cells including Sertoli cells and germ cells. SJD can partly restore the decrease in sperm concentration, sperm vitality, sperm motility, and normal sperm morphology rate in oligozoospermic mouse models. Ki67 staining analyses confirm SJD can promote testicular tissue cell proliferation. Real-time RT-PCR analyses also reveal that SJD can upregulate the expression of proliferation-associated gene Lin28a and differentiation-associated genes Kit, Sohlh2, and Stra8. SJD can also reduce the impairment of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and sperm plasma membrane integrity by cyclophosphamide inducing. Our results reveal that SJD is effective in improving both sperm quantity and quality by increasing the sperm concentration, sperm vitality, sperm motility, and normal sperm morphology rate. SJD can promote spermatogenesis by upregulating the expression of the proliferation-associated gene Lin28a and the differentiation-associated genes (Kit, Sohlh2, and Stra8). SJD can sustain MMP and sperm plasma membrane integrity to increase sperm motility.

Download Full-text

The Association between Ambient Temperature and Sperm Quality in Wuhan, China

10.21203/rs.2.24030/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Xiaochen Wang ◽

Xiaojia Tian ◽

Bo Ye ◽

Yi Zhang ◽

Xiaotong Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ambient Temperature ◽

Sperm Morphology ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Interactive Effect ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Human Sperm ◽

Effect Of Temperature ◽

Pm 2.5 ◽

Normal Sperm ◽

Exposure Windows

Abstract Background Few epidemiological investigations have focused on the influence of environmental temperature on human sperm quality. Here, we evaluated the potential association between ambient temperature and human sperm quality in Wuhan, China, and examined the interactive effect of particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) and temperature. Methods 1780 males who had been living in Wuhan for no less than three months and received semen analysis at the Department of Reproductive Medicine in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University between April 8, 2013 and June 30, 2015 were recruited. Daily mean meteorological data and air pollution data (PM 2.5 , O 3 and NO 2 ) in Wuhan between 2013 and 2015 were collected. A generalized linear model was used to explore the associations between ambient temperature and sperm quality (including sperm concentration, percentage of normal sperm morphology, and progressive motility) at 0–9, 10–14, 15–69, 70–90, and 0–90 days before semen examination, and the interaction between temperature and PM 2.5 . Results The associations between ambient temperature and sperm quality were an inverted U-shape at five exposure windows, except for a lag of 0–9 days for sperm concentration. A 1 °C increase in ambient temperature above the thresholds was associated with a 2.038 (1.292~2.783), 1.814 (1.217~2.411), 1.458 (1.138~1.777), 0.934(0.617~1.251) and 1.604 (1.258~1.951) decrease in the percentage of normal sperm morphology at lag 0–9, lag 10–14, lag 15–69, lag 70–90, and lag 0–90 days, respectively. The interaction p- values of PM 2.5 and temperature were mostly less than 0.05 at five exposure windows. When ambient temperature exposure levels were above the thresholds, a 0.979 (0.659-1.299) and 3.559 (0.251~6.867) decrease in percentage of normal sperm morphology per 1 °C increase in temperature at lag 0-90 days was observed in the PM 2.5 ≤ P 50 group and PM 2.5 > P 50 group, respectively. Conclusions Our results indicate that exposure to ambient temperature has a threshold effect on sperm quality, and PM 2.5 enhances the effect of temperature on sperm quality when temperatures are above the threshold.

Download Full-text