scholarly journals Comparison of 3- and 6-Month Outcomes of Combined Oral L-Carnitine Fumarate and Acetyl-L-Carnitine Therapy, Included in an Antioxidant Formulation, in Patients with Idiopathic Infertility

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 155798832110367
Author(s):  
Marek Szymański ◽  
Tomasz Wandtke ◽  
Karolina Wasilow ◽  
Marek Andryszczyk ◽  
Radosław Janicki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Count ◽  
Coenzyme Q ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
Human Reproduction ◽  
World Health ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Male Factor ◽  
Idiopathic Infertility ◽  
Male Gametes

The male factor is responsible for infertility in about 35–40% of all cases. Idiopathic oligo- and/or astheno- and/or therato-zoospermia is one of the most common male fertility disorders and remains a significant therapeutic challenge. The primary cause of idiopathic male infertility remains unknown but seems to be associated with oxidative stress. Objective: The use of antioxidative formulation to improve qualitative and quantitative deficiencies in the male gametes. In total, 78 subjects were treated with a combination of 1,725 mg L-carnitine fumarate, 500 mg acetyl-L-carnitine, 90 mg vitamin C, 20 mg coenzyme Q10, 10 mg zinc, 200 µg folic acid, 50 µg selenium, and 1.5 µg vitamin B12 (Proxeed® Plus, Sigma-Tau, Italy) for 6 months; the preparation was taken twice daily from the time idiopathic infertility was diagnosed. Basic seminal parameters were evaluated by a European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) -certified embryologist following the fifth edition of the World Health Organisation (2010) guidelines at three time points: at baseline and 3 and 6 months of treatment. Improvements in semen parameters (differing in terms of dynamics) were evident at 3 months and gradually improved over the 6 months of treatment. Each parameter: sperm concentration, total sperm count, sperm total and progressive motility improved significantly after treatment except for the percentage of sperm of abnormal morphology and ejaculate volume. Proxeed Plus was effective for patients with idiopathic infertility; however, a long treatment period is needed to achieve optimal results.

scholarly journals Effects of firefighting on semen parameters: an exploratory study

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. L13-L15
Author(s):  
Michelle Engelsman ◽  
Leisa-Maree L Toms ◽  
Xianyu Wang ◽  
Andrew P W Banks ◽  
Debbie Blake
Keyword(s):  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Occupational Exposures ◽  
World Health ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Personal Hygiene

Lay summary Firefighters are occupationally exposed to heat intensities and chemical concentrations that may affect fertility. Twenty firefighters participated in an exploratory study assessing fertility of firefighters via an online survey and semen analysis. Data analysis included consideration of demographic characteristics, reproductive history and occupational exposures. Overall, firefighter semen parameters were below World Health Organisation reference values designating fertility in men. Firefighters younger than 45 years had a higher incidence of abnormal semen parameters (42%) than those aged 45 years or greater (9%). Increased rank and higher levels of occupational and/or personal hygiene were associated with improved semen quality. Increased frequency of fire exposure was associated with a reduction in normal forms, volume, sperm concentration and total sperm count. Sperm clumping was greater than 10% in 26% of samples, suggesting reduced semen quality. This exploratory study provides novel data that support the hypothesis of an association between semen quality and firefighter’s occupational exposure to toxic environments.

scholarly journals Resveratrol-Based Multivitamin Supplement Increases Sperm Concentration and Motility in Idiopathic Male Infertility: A Pilot Clinical Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 4017
Author(s):  
Ester Illiano ◽  
Francesco Trama ◽  
Alessandro Zucchi ◽  
Rossana Giulietta Iannitti ◽  
Bernard Fioretti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Study ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Mitochondrial Activity ◽  
Male Factor ◽  
Oral Tablet ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Idiopathic Infertility ◽  
Multivitamin Supplement

Background. It is known that a multitude of factors may lead to male factor infertility, but still, in the majority of cases, the cause remains largely idiopathic, reflecting poor understanding of the basic process of spermatogenesis and the mechanisms involved. Resveratrol is a polyphenol compound that displays several cellular aspects mainly associated with SIRT1-pathway activation and promotion of mitochondrial enhancer activities. In several animal models, resveratrol has shown positive effects on mitochondria and membrane potential. This could explain effects on sperm concentration and motility. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects on the semen parameters of GENANTE®, a multivitamin supplement containing 150 mg of resveratrol/day, in patients with idiopathic infertility. Methods. This was a prospective single center clinical study. Twenty patients took a multivitamin supplement based on 150 mg of resveratrol (GENANTE®), in the form of an oral tablet every 12 h, and were followed up at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. Pre- and post-treatment evaluation included history, clinical examination, semen analysis, hormonal determinations, and scrotal and prostatic ultrasound. Results. Our preliminary pilot study demonstrated that the multivitamin supplement based on resveratrol improves sperm motility (48.3% ± 13.8 vs. 59.0% ± 12.8, p = 0.0001) and concentration (22.6 × 106/mL ± 9.5 vs. 25.7 × 106/mL ± 8.1, p = 0.0001) after 3 and 6 months of treatment in men with idiopathic infertility. Conclusion. Our data suggest that targeting the metabolic and energetic pathways involved in spermatogenesis and mitochondrial activity could lead to potential effects and counteract subfertility/infertility in men through a mitochondria dynamics mechanism. Trial registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov registration identifier: NCT03864198, registered on 1 January 2019.

scholarly journals Impact of human papillomavirus infection on semen parameters and reproductive outcomes

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hana Jaworek ◽  
Vladimira Koudelakova ◽  
Ivana Oborna ◽  
Blazena Zborilova ◽  
Jana Brezinova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Papillomavirus ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Hpv Infection ◽  
Human Reproduction ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Reproductive Outcomes ◽  
Sperm Donors ◽  
Infertile Couples ◽  
Penile Swabs

Abstract Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been shown to adversely affect human reproduction. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in men and its correlation with semen parameters and reproductive outcomes. Methods Semen samples and penile swabs were collected from potential sperm donors (SD, n = 97) and male partners of infertile couples (IM, n = 328). The presence of HPV DNA in semen samples and penile swabs was analyzed. Associations between hrHPV positive status and fertility outcomes as well as socio-behavioral and health characteristics were evaluated using the R software package. Results High-risk HPV (hrHPV) genotypes were detected in 28.9% of SD and 35.1% of IM (P = 0.312). Penile swabs were more frequently positive for hrHPV genotypes than semen samples in both IM (32.3% vs. 11.9%, P < 0.001) and SD (26.8% vs. 6.2%, P = 0.006). Men with hrHPV positive semen samples had lower semen volume (median volume 2.5 ml vs. 3 ml, P = 0.009), sperm concentration (median concentration 16 × 106/ml vs. 31 × 106/ml, P = 0.009) and total sperm count (median count 46 × 106 vs. 82 × 106, P = 0.009) than men with hrHPV negative samples. No association was identified between penile hrHPV status and semen parameters. Conclusions Our findings indicate that penile HPV infection is common in both potential sperm donors and men from infertile couples. Although HPV positivity is higher in penile swabs, only HPV infection in semen samples affects sperm parameters. However, there was no association between hrHPV positivity in semen and fertility outcomes including abortion rate.

scholarly journals Impact of percutaneous embolization versus subinguinal microsurgical ligation on semen parameters in primary varicocele patients: comparative study

2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Haytham M. Nasser ◽  
Ahmed Hussein ◽  
Gad M. Behairy ◽  
Mostafa Abdo
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Count ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Male Factor ◽  
Percutaneous Embolization ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Abstract Background Varicocele is an abnormally dilated pampiniform plexus of the veins within the spermatic cord and is considered the most common correctable cause of male factor infertility. Many approaches are described for treatment either surgical (tradition inguinal, subinguinal, and laparoscopic) or non-surgical percutaneous embolization. During the period from August 2017 to December 2018, we prospectively analyzed the preoperative and post-operative alteration of semen parameters (at 3 and 9 months) of the data collected from 63 patients with clinically evident varicocele referred to our tertiary hospital. Patients were divided into two groups: group 1, thirty-three patients who underwent subinguinal microsurgical ligation, and group 2, thirty patients who underwent percutaneous embolization. Results Sixty-three patients enrolled in this study were divided in two groups: group 1, patients who underwent surgery, and group 2, patients who underwent embolization; the mean age is 24.6 ± 1.27 years in group 1 and 23.7 ± 2 years in group 2; there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups as regards BMI, diabetes, hypertension, and smoking. Bilaterality was present in 15.2% of group 1 patients and 10% in group 2 patients (P value 0.06). Most of the patients were classified as grades 2 and 3 with no statistical significance regarding severity of the disease. Preoperative semen parameters for patients including sperm count, motility, and abnormal forms showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Post-intervention semen analysis was done twice during follow-up after 3 months and 9 months from the date of intervention. After 3 months, the semen parameters were improved in both groups in spite of the higher sperm count in group 2 but with no statistical significance. After 9 months follow-up, semen analysis showed persistent increase in sperm mobility in group 1 patients in comparison to group 2 patients. Both groups had better improvement in count of normal form with no statistical significant change. Conclusion Improvement of semen parameters while treating primary varicocele by either subinguinal microsurgery approach or percutaneous embolization shows equivalent outcomes.

scholarly journals Is there a place for nutritional supplements in the treatment of idiopathic male infertility?

2014 ◽  
Vol 86 (3) ◽  
pp. 164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Davide Arcaniolo ◽  
Vincenzo Favilla ◽  
Daniele Tiscione ◽  
Francesca Pisano ◽  
Giorgio Bozzini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Male Infertility ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Nutritional Supplements ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Male Factor ◽  
Treatment Regimens ◽  
Idiopathic Male Infertility ◽  
Infertile Men ◽  
Wide Variability

Objective: Infertility affects 15% of couples in fertile age. Male factor is a cause of infertility in almost half of cases, mainly due to oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT). The purpose of this study is to review the effects of nutritional supplements as medical treatment for idiopathic male infertility. Material and methods: A Pub Med and Medline review of the published studies utilizing nutritional supplements for the treatment of male infertility has been performed. Results: Clinical trials on Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Vitamin C. Arginine, Carnitine, N-Acetyl-Carnitine, Glutathione, Coenzyme Q10, Selenium and Zinc were reviewed. Although there is a wide variability in selected population, dose regimen and final outcomes, nutritional supplements both alone and in combination seems to be able to improve semen parameters (sperm count, sperm motility and morphology) and pregnancy rate in infertile men. Conclusions: There are rising evidences from published randomized trials and systematic review suggesting that nutritional supplementation may improve semen parameters and the likelihood of pregnancy in men affected by OAT. This improvement, however, is not consistent and there is a wide variation in the treatment regimens used. Well designed and adequately powered RCTs are needed to better clarify the role of nutritional supplements as treatment for male infertility.

scholarly journals What Is the Impact of Excessive Iodine and Semen Quality in Fertile Men of China: An Association Study 

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ning Wang ◽  
Fang Lv ◽  
Ge Yu ◽  
Cuige Shi ◽  
Shangming Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Urinary Iodine ◽  
Iodine Concentration ◽  
Male Reproduction ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Human Thyroid ◽  
Urinary Iodine Concentration ◽  
The Impact

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.

Investigation of malondialdehyde and some elements in young infertile males

2021 ◽  
pp. 5418-5422
Author(s):  
Khlowd Mohammed Jasem ◽  
Taha H. Alnasrawi ◽  
Haneen Haleem Shiblawi ◽  
Hameedah Hadi Abdul Wahid ◽  
Narjis Hadi Al-Saadi
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
Toxic Chemicals ◽  
World Health ◽  
Psychosocial Effects ◽  
Radioactive Materials ◽  
The People ◽  
Zinc Levels

Infertility is an important medical issue that has serious medical and psychosocial effects on affected individuals. In 2003, the Iraqi community suffered from profanation acts because of conflicts in the country. Toxic chemicals and radioactive materials caused numerous injuries and deaths. The people who survived these horrific events eventually suffered either from cancer or infertility. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and some trace elements in the seminal plasma of infertile males and determine their effects on sperm parameters. This study included 41 infertile males 18-40 years old. Levels of MDA, zinc, copper and magnesium were measured in their semen via spectrophotometry. According to the classification of the World Health Organisation, the patients were classified into three groups: normospermia, oligospermia and asthenspermia. Results showed significant differences in MDA and zinc levels among the three groups (p < 0.001). Moreover, results showed a mildly positive correlation between MDA levels and sperm count (r = 0.57). This study established that levels of MDA and some trace elements contribute to male infertility.

scholarly journals Semen Parameters of Fertile Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus) Collected by Transrectal Electroejaculation

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 767
Author(s):  
Fernando Benavides ◽  
Peter Sutovsky ◽  
Verónica López ◽  
Chelsey Kennedy ◽  
Luisa Echevarría
Keyword(s):  
Guinea Pig ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Live Births ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Livestock Species ◽  
Semen Collection ◽  
Seminal Parameter ◽  
Selection Of

The guinea pig, as a livestock species, is still developing and growing throughout Peru and neighboring countries, as reflected by its increasing export since 2000. However, the selection of proven fertile males is tedious due to the absence of seminal parameter standards and the lack of safe semen collection techniques. Thus, pregnancy detection or live births are required for males’ selection. The purpose of this study was to describe the qualitative and quantitative semen parameters of fertile guinea pig males, to set reference values, and to validate a novel electroejaculation technique for the species. Semen was collected at weekly intervals from sixteen fertile males. Four transrectal electroejaculations were performed per male with 95% successful collections, yielding 39 viable semen samples. Seminal characteristics were as follows: pH 7.0 ± 0.13; ejaculate volume 0.67 ± 0.55 mL; sperm motility 90.81 ± 6.64%; sperm concentration 36.7 ± 28.41 × 106 sperm/mL; sperm count 20.09 ± 17.56 × 106 sperm/ejaculate; percentage of abnormal morphology 18.26 ± 8.52%; and percentage ubiquitinated spermatozoa 5.57 ± 6.28%. These values will serve as a reference to detect best breeding and infertile males rapidly. The described techniques are reproducible by commercial producers.

scholarly journals The Association Between Race, Obesity, and Sperm Quality Among Men Attending a University Physician Practice in Washington, DC

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 155798832092598
Author(s):  
Nathan L. McCray ◽  
Heather A. Young ◽  
Michael S. Irwig ◽  
David Frankfurter ◽  
Arnold M. Schwartz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
World Health ◽  
Washington Dc ◽  
Physician Practice ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Men Of Color ◽  
Hispanic Men

A decades-long decline in sperm counts in Western countries has coincided with an increase in obesity rates, prompting study into their association. Few of these studies have incorporated men of color, the sperm health of whom is relatively unknown. The present exploratory study evaluated the association between body mass index (BMI), race, ethnicity, and sperm parameters among a diverse sample of U.S. men attending a Washington, DC physician practice. Semen samples were collected and processed at a single laboratory and sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and count were evaluated according to World Health Organization (WHO) 5th edition criteria. Multivariate models accounted for covariates related to sperm health. The study population ( n = 128) was largely obese (45.3%) or overweight (34.4%), and 36.0% were black or Hispanic. Black men had lower adjusted sperm concentration compared to white men (75.0 million/mL to 107.4 million/mL, p = .01) and were more likely to have oligozoospermia ( p = .01), asthenozoospermia ( p = .004), and low sperm count ( p < .0001). Hispanic men had higher adjusted sperm concentration compared to non-Hispanic men (124.5 million/mL to 62.1 million/mL, p = .007) and were less likely to have teratozoospermia ( p = .001). Obesity and BMI were associated with lower sperm motility and count in crude models only. Given the study’s sample size its findings should be interpreted with caution but align with the limited epidemiological literature to date that has evaluated racial and ethnic differences in semen quality. Heightened clinical research attention is needed to ensure men of color are included in representative numbers in studies of urologic and andrologic health.

scholarly journals Semen quality pattern and age threshold: a retrospective cross-sectional study of 71,623 infertile men in China, between 2011 and 2017

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
W. N. Li ◽  
M. M. Jia ◽  
Y. Q. Peng ◽  
R. Ding ◽  
L. Q. Fan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Joinpoint Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Progressive Motility ◽  
Infertile Men

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to provide information on the semen quality pattern of infertile men and age thresholds for semen parameters in China. Methods This was a retrospective cross-sectional study investigating 71,623 infertile men from the Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC Xiangya in Hunan, China, from 2011 to 2017. The Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Kendall test, linear regression model and joinpoint regression were used. Results Although erratic changes were observed in the median semen parameters (sperm concentration 40.1–52.1 × 106/ml, total sperm count 117.8–153.1 × 106, sperm progressive motility 33.4–38.1%) during the 7 years of observation, no significant decrease in semen quality was found, and 47.88% of infertile men showed normal semen parameters according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. According to the joinpoint regression analysis, sperm progressive motility appeared to decrease earlier than the sperm concentration and total sperm count (at 28, 58, and 42 years of age, respectively). Conclusions There is no evidence of a deterioration in semen quality among infertile men in Hunan, China. Semen parameters decreased with increasing age, with turning points noted at different ages. Semen parameters are not absolute evidence for the assessment of male fertility potential. Therefore, we believe that, among semen parameters, the sperm concentration is the best predictor of fertility for ART, followed by motility. Decreased sperm motility may affect natural pregnancy, but it is not necessary for successful IVF.

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