scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 and the reproductive system: known and the unknown..!!

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Indu Sharma ◽  
Priti Kumari ◽  
Anuradha Sharma ◽  
Subhas Chandra Saha
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Vertical Transmission ◽  
Reproductive System ◽  
Ovarian Function ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Reproductive Potential ◽  
Oocyte Quality ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Close Monitoring

Abstract Background COVID-19 is the most recent zoonotic outbreak of coronaviruses. Mostly, it invades the cells of the respiratory system by binding to the receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) which is also present in other organs like the kidney, testis, ovaries, breast, heart, and intestine, rendering them prone to be infected. The reproductive potential is a must for the sustenance of any species and it is our prime duty to safeguard the reproductive system of the present generation from such a deadly virus. The previously reported coronaviruses like severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) had a detrimental impact on reproductive organs. There is a dearth of sufficient research to provide substantial evidence for the harmful effects of this novel virus on the reproductive system. Hence, our review compiles the knowledge available until now to boost research in this regard and to take the necessary steps in time. Main body of abstract Here we tried to compile all the data available on the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the reproductive system as well as vertical transmission of the virus. All related articles published from February to August 2020 were reviewed and thoroughly analyzed. SARS-CoV-2 has been found to affect the sperm concentration and motility, thus degrading the fertility of males. In females, it is suspected that this virus affects the oocyte quality and ovarian function, resulting in infertility or miscarriage. Traces of SARS-CoV-2 virus have also been found in the breast milk of the infected mothers and the semen of infected males. Vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has also been reported in some cases. Conclusion Based on the literature review, SARS-CoV-2 seems to have the potential of affecting both male and female reproductive tracts. This review brings together the findings and observations made in the area of reproductive health during the current pandemic. The reproductive system of the young population is preordained for subsequent disorders, infertility, reduced sperm count, and motility. Therefore, the research and medical practices should focus on possible vulnerability being posed by SARS-CoV-2 to the gametes and future generations. We, hereby, recommend close monitoring of young and pregnant COVID-19 patients concerning reproductive health with utmost priority.

scholarly journals Reproductive system status and the algorithm to solve fertility issues in men with cystic fibrosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-37
Author(s):  
S. A. Repina ◽  
S. A. Krasovskiy ◽  
G. V. Shmarina ◽  
M. I. Shtaut ◽  
E. K. Zhekayte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cystic Fibrosis ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Reproductive System ◽  
Vas Deferens ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Cftr Gene ◽  
Delayed Puberty ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Male Patients

Rationale: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a common hereditary disease related to the CFTR gene mutations and characterized by progression and multiple system involvement (primarily of the digestive tract and / or pulmonary system). Most men with CF are infertile. Due to new therapeutic options, the life expectancy of CF patients has increased, with reproductive issues becoming relevant.Aim: A multifaceted assessment of the reproductive system status and fertility in male patients with CF and improvement of the strategies to resolve their reproduction issues.Materials and methods: This cohort prospective study was performed 2006 to 2018 and included 81 unrelated Russian male patients with confirmed CF, aged from 15 to 69 years (mean age 25.6 ± 7.9 years). Forty two (42) patients had pancreatic sufficient and 39 pancreatic insufficient CF. The patients underwent clinical, andrological, laboratory and instrumental examination (scrotal ultrasonography, standard and biochemical semen examination and hormone levels).Results: Reproductive disorders and semen abnormalities found in CF patients varied from preserved fertility to infertility. The following andrological abnormalities were found: delayed puberty (48%), urological disorders (26%), uni- or bilateral testicular hypoplasia (42%), diffuse lesions and cysts of the epididymis (70%), diffuse lesions /calcifications of the prostate (50%), and decreased testosterone levels (24.2%). Azoospermia was diagnosed in 87.5% of the patients, “moderate” or “mild” pathozoospermia (oligo-/astheno-/teratozoospermia) in 11.1%, and normozoospermia in 1.4% of the patients. There were significant differences between the patients with pancreatic sufficient and pancreatic insufficient CF in the ejaculate volume (1.4 ± 1.5 ml vs. 0.6 ± 0.5 ml; р = 0.006), ejaculate pH (6.7 ± 0.7 vs. 6.1 ± 0.4; р < 0.0001), and sperm concentration (19.6 ± 56.0 Mio/mL vs. 0.001 ± 0.008 Mio/ mL; p = 0.011). Normal ejaculate volume was more frequent (21.1% vs 14.7%; p > 0.05) in patients under the age of 25. No bilateral obstruction of vas deferens was found in 71.4% patients with 3849+10kbC>T mutation. There was a significant difference (p < 0.00001) in the frequency of 3849+10kbC>T mutation between the patients with vas deferens obstruction (9.5%) and without it (93.8%). We developed an algorithm to resolve infertility issues (including assisted reproductive technologies) in male CF patients depending on their fertility / presence and type of pathozoospermia and some other factors that may influence the conception and CF risk in the offspring. We also suggested practical recommendations for the andrological assessment, maintenance of reproductive health, and planning of childbirth in these patients.Conclusion: Male CF patients require a multifaceted assessment of their reproductive system. The prognosis of their reproductive functions, the strategy to maintain their reproductive health and making a decision on childbirth depends on the CF type, the CFTR genotype, the results of semen analysis, and the patient’s age. Pancreatic sufficient CF type, 3849+10kbС>T mutation of the CFTR gene and younger age are favorable factors for potential maintenance of vas deferens patency and male fertility in CF patients.

Effect of a phytoestrogen food supplement on reproductive health in normal males

2001 ◽  
Vol 100 (6) ◽  
pp. 613-618 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie H. MITCHELL ◽  
Elizabeth CAWOOD ◽  
David KINNIBURGH ◽  
Anne PROVAN ◽  
Andrew R. COLLINS ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Human Sperm ◽  
Food Supplement ◽  
Testicular Volume ◽  
Semen Parameters

Animal studies and human intervention trials have demonstrated the cancer chemopreventive properties of plant phytoestrogens, and phytoestrogen supplements are now widely available ‘over-the-counter’. However, consumption of phytoestrogen-rich diets can cause impaired fertility and reproductive tract disorders in some animals and the apparent decline in human sperm quality over recent decades may be related to increased exposure to environmental endocrine disruptors. The present study determines the effects of a short-term phytoestrogen supplement on semen quality and serum sex steroid and gonadotrophin levels in human males. Healthy volunteers took a supplement containing 40 mg of isoflavones daily for 2 months and donated blood and semen samples monthly for 2 months before and 4 months after supplementation. Semen samples were analysed for ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, motility and morphology. Blood samples were analysed for sex hormone and gonadotrophin levels and phytoestrogen concentrations, and testicular volume was measured using an orchidometer. The phytoestrogen supplement increased plasma genistein and daidzein concentrations to approx. 1 µM and 0.5 µM respectively; yet, there was no observable effect on endocrine measurements, testicular volume or semen parameters over the study period. This is the first study to examine the effects of a phytoestrogen supplement on reproductive health in males. We conclude that the phytoestrogen dose consumed had no effect on semen quality.

Decline in sperm count in European men during the past 50 years

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 247-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Sengupta ◽  
E Borges ◽  
S Dutta ◽  
E Krajewska-Kulak
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
English Language ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Scientific Research ◽  
Time Dependent ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
The Past ◽  
Male Reproductive Health

Purpose: To investigate whether the sperm concentration of European men is deteriorating over the past 50 years of time. Materials and Methods: We analysed the data published in English language articles in the past 50 years in altering sperm concentration in European men. Results: A time-dependent decline of sperm concentration ( r = −0.307, p = 0.02) in the last 50 years and an overall 32.5% decrease in mean sperm concentration was noted. Conclusion: This comprehensive, evidence-based meta-analysis concisely presents the evidence of decreased sperm concentration in European male over the past 50 years to serve the scientific research zone related to male reproductive health.

scholarly journals Effect of an Aqueous Extract of Alchornea Cordifolia (Euphorbiacea) Leaves on Sperm Parameters and Reproductive Function of Male Wistar Rats

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (17) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kone Allassane ◽  
Gnahoue Goueh ◽  
Diabate Daouda ◽  
Kouakou Koffi
Keyword(s):  
Traditional Medicine ◽  
Reproductive System ◽  
Wistar Rats ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Male Wistar Rats ◽  
Reproductive Male

Alchornea cordifolia (euphorbiaceae) is a tree whose leaves are used in traditional medicine to cure several health problems. Little information, however, exist on the effects of this herb on the male reproductive system. In order to assess the effect of Alchornea cordifolia on reproductive male parameters and testosterone production, twenty-four male wistar rats divided into four groups of six rats were used. The aqualus extract of Alchornea cordifolia was administered at a dose of 100 mg/kg of bw, 200 mg/kg of bw, and 400 mg/kg of bw per day, orally for 60 days. A significant increase in androgen-dependent organs, testosterone quantity, mobility, and sperm concentration was observed at doses of 200 mg/kg of bw and 400 mg/kg of bw. Only the unwinger sperm count significantly increased at the 100 mg/kg of bw dose. These results revealed that the aqualius extract of the leaves of Alchornea cordifolia has the potential to improve sperm quality and have positive effects on the reproductive system.

scholarly journals Characteristic of spermogram parameters in men with reproductive pathology in age-related aspect

2022 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 715-725
Author(s):  
S. V. Pichugova ◽  
V. A. Chereshnev ◽  
Ya. B. Beikin
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Reproductive Potential ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
Aged Patients ◽  
Adult Men ◽  
Infertile Men ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Reproductive Pathology

Introduction. The prevalence of andrological diseases among adolescents and young adults resulting in lowered reproductive potential has been noted to progressively increase. At the same time, the number of couples starting to manage reproductive issues after 35–40 years of age highlighting the onset of male androgen deficiency continues to rise. Therefore, the analysis of spermogram as the key element in assessing male reproductive potential is better to conduct at different age periods of man's life.Aim: to compare spermogram parameters in different age groups of patients with reproductive pathology.Materials and Мethods. The analysis of spermograms in adolescents with left-sided grade II–III varicocele aged 17 years and in infertile males aged 22–48 years was performed. Semen analysis was conducted in accordance with the standards of the 5 th edition of the World Health Organization and included the following parameters: semen volume (ml), sperm concentration (million/ml), total sperm count (million), acidity, viscosity, progressive motility, total motility, viability, morphology, detected mucus, leukocytes, amyloid bodies, lecithin grains as well as sperm aggregation and agglutination. The stained preparations were used to assess the morphology of spermatozoa and spermatogenesis cells. According to the spermogram data obtained, the following conclusions were drawn: normozoospermia, oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, teratozoospermia. Statistical analysis was performed by using Statistica 10.0 software (StatSoft Inc., USA). The normality distribution was assessed using the χ2 test. Quantitative parameters were presented as arithmetic means and standard deviations (M ± SD). Assessing significance of differences was performed by using the Student's t-test, whereas inter-parameter correlation relations were analyzed by using the linear Pearson's correlation coefficient. A significance level between inter-group parameters was set at p < 0.05.Results. It was found that adolescents with varicocele vs. adult men had significantly decreased ejaculate volume. In particular, the average ejaculate volume in adolescents and adult men was 2.32 ± 1.22 ml and 3.50 ± 1.44 ml, respectively, so that the larger number of young patients were noted to have ejaculate volume below 1.5 ml. Compared to young subjects, aged patients had decreased sperm concentration (35.88 ± 25.74 versus 72.20 ± 49.32 million/ml) and total sperm count (120.58 ± 91.72 versus 173.07 ± 163.92 million). Young patients were found to have significantly superior data in all categories of sperm motility, whereas infertile men were diagnosed with impaired sperm motility. In particular, adolescents were featured with the average number of spermatozoa displaying fast and slow translational movement comprising 17.12 ± 11.04 % and 29.30 ± 12.29 %, respectively, the proportion of progressive motility spermatozoa was 46.20 ± 19.82 %. In contrast, similar parameters in adult men were 5.10 ± 6.36 %, 19.80 ± 9.61 %, and 24.95 ± 11.23 %, respectively. In infertile men prevalence of lacked spermatozoa with rapid forward movement was 46 (46.0 %), in adolescents – 8 (8.6%), whereas rate of immotile spermatozoa in infertile men, on average, accounted for 53.10 ± 14.56 %, in adolescents – 34.40 ± 21.83 %. In addition, adolescents with varicocele had significantly fewer spermatozoa with normal morphology – 14.14 ± 8.06 % (in adult men – 30.08 ± 17.94 %), there were more abundant defects in the sperm head – 58.01 ± 12.43 % (in men – 48.83 ± 18.95 %) and flagella – 17.24 ± 6.31 % (in men – 10.29 ± 6.21 %). The data obtained showed that adolescents were more often diagnosed with normozoospermia – in 49 (52.7 %) cases, in infertile men – in 12 (12.0 %) cases, whereas in aged men asthenozoospermia was detected in 82 (82.0 %) cases, in adolescents – 5 (5.4 %) cases.Conclusion. The abnormalities in the spermogram revealed in adolescents may be associated with unestablished spermatogenesis. Normozoospermia more common in adolescents with varicocele may evidence about preserved reproductive potential. Impaired sperm motility in aged patients seems to be related to the formation of oxidative stress and damage to spermatozoa by reactive oxygen species due to combined age-related changes, cumulation of the negative effects of environmental and lifestyle factors, as well as comorbidities.

scholarly journals Lack of effect of short-term DHEA supplementation on the perimenopausal ovary†

2020 ◽  
Vol 103 (6) ◽  
pp. 1209-1216
Author(s):  
Selva L Luna ◽  
Donald I Brown ◽  
Steven G Kohama ◽  
Henryk F Urbanski
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Function ◽  
Rhesus Macaques ◽  
Reproductive Potential ◽  
Oocyte Quality ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Primordial Follicles ◽  
Start Date ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) hormonal supplementation can improve oocyte quality in women with diminished ovarian function. However, it is unclear whether DHEA supplementation can also enhance ovarian function during the perimenopause (i.e., when the number of follicles in the ovary has undergone a marked reduction). To address this question, we examined the impact of 2.5-months of daily 5-mg oral DHEA supplementation on the number of ovarian follicles and the concentration of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in perimenopausal rhesus macaques. Like women, these long-lived nonhuman primates have ~ 28-day menstrual cycles and eventually undergo menopause. They also show similar age-related neuroendocrine changes, including a marked decrease in circulating concentrations of DHEA and DHEA sulfate (DHEAS). Our experimental design involved the following three groups of animals (N = 6 per group): Young adult (mean age = 11.6 years), Old control (mean age = 23.1 years), and Old DHEA-treated (mean age = 23.5 years). Histological examination of the ovaries revealed a significant age-related decrease in the mean number of primordial follicles despite DHEA supplementation. Moreover, AMH concentrations within the ovaries and circulation, assessed by Western analysis and ELISA, respectively, showed significant age-related decreases that were not attenuated by DHEA supplementation. Taken together, these results fail to show a clear effect of short-term physiological DHEA supplementation on the perimenopausal ovary. However, they do not exclude the possibility that alternative DHEA supplementation paradigms (e.g., involving an earlier start date, longer duration and using pharmacological doses) may extend reproductive potential during aging.

Development of innovative hygienic technologies for preservation of the workers’ reproductive health

2020 ◽  
pp. 792-792
Author(s):  
M. A. Fesenko ◽  
G. V. Golovaneva ◽  
A. V. Miskevich
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Machine Learning ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Reproductive System ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Learning Algorithms ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Machine Learning Algorithms ◽  
New Model

The new model «Prognosis of men’ reproductive function disorders» was developed. The machine learning algorithms (artificial intelligence) was used for this purpose, the model has high prognosis accuracy. The aim of the model applying is prioritize diagnostic and preventive measures to minimize reproductive system diseases complications and preserve workers’ health and efficiency.

scholarly journals Urinary Bisphenol A, F and S Levels and Semen Quality in Young Adult Danish Men

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1742
Author(s):  
Thea Emily Benson ◽  
Anne Gaml-Sørensen ◽  
Andreas Ernst ◽  
Nis Brix ◽  
Karin Sørig Hougaard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bisphenol A ◽  
Male Fertility ◽  
Parental Education ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Negative Binomial Regression Model

Bisphenol A (BPA) is considered an endocrine disruptor and has been associated with deleterious effects on spermatogenesis and male fertility. Bisphenol F (BPF) and S (BPS) are structurally similar to BPA, but knowledge of their effects on male fertility remains limited. In this cross–sectional study, we investigated the associations between exposure to BPA, BPF, and BPS and semen quality in 556 men 18–20 years of age from the Fetal Programming of Semen Quality (FEPOS) cohort. A urine sample was collected from each participant for determination of BPA, BPF, and BPS concentrations while a semen sample was collected to determine ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology. Associations between urinary bisphenol levels (continuous and quartile–divided) and semen characteristics were estimated using a negative binomial regression model adjusting for urine creatinine concentration, alcohol intake, smoking status, body mass index (BMI), fever, sexual abstinence time, maternal pre–pregnancy BMI, and first trimester smoking, and highest parental education during first trimester. We found no associations between urinary bisphenol of semen quality in a sample of young men from the general Danish population.

scholarly journals Ovarian tissue freezing and activation after thawing: an update

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Li-fan Peng
Keyword(s):  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Ovarian Function ◽  
Ovarian Tissue ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
The Body ◽  
Endocrine Function ◽  
Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Tissue Cryopreservation

Abstract Background With the growth of women’s age, ovarian failure can be caused by various factors. For the women who need chemotherapy because of cancer factors, the preservation of fertility is more urgent. The treatment of cancer is also a process in which all tissues and organs of the body are severely damaged, especially in the reproductive system. Main body As a new fertility preservation technology, autologous ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation is developing rapidly and showing great potentiality in preserving ovarian endocrine function of young cervical cancer patients. Vitrification and slow freezing are two common techniques applied for ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Thus, cryopreserved/thawed ovarian tissue and transplantation act as an important method to preserve ovarian function during radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and ovarian cryopreservation by vitrification is a very effective and extensively used method to cryopreserve ovaries. The morphology of oocytes and granulosa cells and the structure of organelles were observed under the microscope of histology; the hormone content in the stratified culture medium of granulosa cells with the diameter of follicle was used to evaluate the development potential of ovarian tissue, and finally the ovarian tissue stimulation was determined by the technique of ovarian tissue transplantation. Conclusions Although there are some limitations, the team members still carry out this review to provide some references and suggestions for clinical decision-making and further clinical research.

DNA fragmentation and morphometric studies in sperm of stallions supplemented with maca (Lepidium meyenii)

Zygote ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Emanuele D’Anza ◽  
Sara Albarella ◽  
Giacomo Galdiero ◽  
Simona Tafuri ◽  
Chiara Del Prete ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Food Supplementation ◽  
Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Economic Management ◽  
Lepidium Meyenii ◽  
The Andes ◽  
Length Width

Summary The reproductive performances of livestock play an essential role in the economic management of the farm. The improvement of semen quantity and quality through the use of food supplements that lack substances which are forbidden in animal feeding, or that may have detrimental effects, is an important goal. Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a plant that has been used for centuries in the Andes for nutrition and fertility enhancement in humans and animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of food supplementation of stallions with maca during the breeding season on spermatozoa parameters such as DNA fragmentation and shape, which are two predictive indexes of spermatozoa functionality. For this purpose, ejaculate volume, semen gel-free volume, sperm concentration and motility, total sperm count, sperm DNA fragmentation and sperm head parameters (length, width, perimeter, area, shape factor, roughness) were measured in four stallions. Maca food supplementation in stallions during breeding reduced the percentage of spermatozoa with fragmented DNA, increased significantly sperm concentration and exerted an elongation of the spermatozoa head, a condition that is believed to improve spermatozoa functionality, suggesting that food supplementation of maca could be useful in horse breeding during the breeding season.

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