scholarly journals Assessment of Sperm Quality - A Light Microscope Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (19) ◽  
pp. 1417-1421
Author(s):  
Jyothi A. Raj ◽  
Heera Sankar ◽  
Sagarika Mahapatra ◽  
Ashima Binny

BACKGROUND Semen analysis is an integral part of work up for infertility in men, with sperm morphology being an important qualitative parameter. Qualitative defects can affect any part of the sperm and are classified as defects in the head, middle piece, and tail, based on morphology. The focus of the study was to assess qualitative defects in sperms by light microscopy, in semen with normal sperm counts. METHODS This study is hospital based, descriptive, retrospective study. Of the semen samples received in the clinical laboratory, fifty with normal sperm counts were included in the study and processed according to standard protocol. For evaluation of qualitative defects by sperm morphology, smears were fixed in ethanol, stained with Papanicolaou stain [PAP], and assessed under light microscope. RESULTS The 50 semen samples included in the study had sperm counts ranging from 15 to 80 million / ml. Thirty samples had less than 10 % abnormal forms, fourteen samples had 11 - 20 % abnormal forms, five samples had 21 - 30 % abnormal forms and one sample had 40 % abnormal sperms. Qualitative defects were classified as morphological abnormalities in head, neck, and tail. Of the fifty cases, most defects were found in the head, followed by those in the neck and tail. Common defects noted were double head (44 %), abnormal sized heads, and bent neck (48 %). Coiling was a common defect noted in the tail (10 %). Most sperms showed a combination of defects. CONCLUSIONS Qualitative defects in sperm morphology are often seen in samples with normal sperm counts. Assessment of microscopic characteristics of human spermatozoa is as important as count and motility in the complete evaluation and work-up of semen samples in cases of infertility. KEY WORDS Semen, Sperm, Quality, Microscopy, Morphology

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (10) ◽  
pp. 1518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Urszula Marzec-Wróblewska ◽  
Piotr Kamiński ◽  
Paweł Łakota ◽  
Marek Szymański ◽  
Karolina Wasilow ◽  
...  

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.


2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Delano Pelealu ◽  
Lydia Tendean ◽  
Benny Wantouw

Abstract: It is known that Tribulus terrestris can improve sperm quality. One of the Indonesian traditional medicine, jamu, contains this Tribulus terrestris. This study aimed to investigate the effect of jamu containing Tribulus terrestris on sperm quality which consisted of concentration, motility, and morphology of spermatozoa of male wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus). This was an experimental study. Nine male wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups of 3 rats each: Group P0 (control), group P1 (given 5 mg of Tribulus terrestris), and group P2 (given 10 mg of Tribulus terrestris). This study was conducted for 52 days. The results showed that the spermatozoa concentration of P1 was 49x106 sperm/ml suspension and of P2 53x106 sperm/ml suspension; both were lower than of P0 (59x106 sperm/ml suspension). The sperm motility category (A+B) of P1 was 33% and of P2 (37%); both were lower than of P0 (45%). The motility category A was not found in P1 and P2. The percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology of P1 was 45% and the abnormal ones was 55%, meanwhile in P2 there was 49% of normal sperm morphology and 51% of abnormal morphology. Conclusion: Jamu containing Tribulus terrestris had no effect in improvement of the sperm quality.Keywords: jamu, Tribulus terrestris, sperm qualityAbstrak: Tribulus terrestris dikenal sebagai bahan yang dapat memperbaiki kualitas sperma. Salah satu jenis jamu yang diproduksi di Indonesia mengandung Tribulus terrestris Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh jamu dengan Tribulus terrestris terhadap konsentrasi, motilitas, dan morfologi spermatozoa tikus wistar jantan (Rattus norvegicus). Penelitian ini menggunakan metode eksperimental. Sampel 9 ekor tikus wistar jantan (Rattus norvegicus) dibagi menjadi 3 kelompok yakni, kelompok P0 (kontrol); kelompok P1 (pemberian Tribulus terrestris 5 mg); dan kelompok P2 (pemberian Tribulus terrestris 10 mg). Penelitian dilakukan selama 52 hari. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa konsentrasi spermatozoa P1 49x106 sperma/ml suspensi dan P2 53x106 sperma/ml suspensi lebih rendah dibandingkan P0 59x106 sperma/ml suspensi. Motilitas spermatozoa kategori A+B pada P1 (33%) dan P2 (37%) lebih rendah dibandingkan pada P0 (45%). Tidak ditemukan motilitas kategori A pada P1 dan P2. Morfologi spermatozoa normal pada P1 sebesar 45% dan abnormal 55%. P2 memiliki morfologi spermatozoa normal sebesar 49% dan abnormal 51%. Simpulan: Pemberian jamu dengan Tribulus terrestris tidak meningkatkan kualitas sperma yang mencakup konsentrasi, motilitas, dan morfologi spermatozoa.Kata kunci: jamu, Tribulus terrestris, kualitas sperma


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Agarwal ◽  
M K Panne. Selvam

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


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Ganeva ◽  
D Parvanov ◽  
M Handzhiyska ◽  
G Stamenov

Abstract Study question To evaluate the effect of swim-up on the percentage of certain morphological defects in the semen population Summary answer Swim-up preparation led to significantly lower percentage of spermatozoa with cytoplasmic droplets, thick neck and also multiple defects. What is known already Swim-up is routinely used sperm preparation technique in ART practice. It is widely known that swim-up enhances sperm quality in terms of motility and sperm morphology. However, the effect of swim-up on the frequency of occurrence of the specific sperm morphological abnormalities is still missing. Study design, size, duration This observational study involved 30 teratozoospermic patients of Nadezhda Women’s Health hospital between December 2020 and January 2021. Sperm morphology was evaluated before and after swim-up preparation. Participants/materials, setting, methods Native semen was liquefied and was subjected to swim up. Semen analysis performed according to WHO 2010. Native semen and swim up samples from the same men were subjected to Kruger strict morphological evaluation. The analyzed sperm morphological defects included: head defects (large, small, tapered, pyriform, round, amorphous and double heads); midpiece defects (bent, asymmetrical, thin, thick, presence of cytoplasmic droplet); tail defects (short, hairpin, bent, coiled tail and terminal droplet) and multiple defects. Main results and the role of chance Wilcoxon paired test showed that the percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa was significantly higher in the swim-up samples in comparison to the native semen (8.5±4.2% vs 4.9±3.2%, p < 0.05). In addition, the percentage of spermatozoa bearing multiple defects was found to be significantly lower in the swim-up samples than in the native semen (25.8±11.6% vs 37.0±15.0%, p < 0.05). Two specific sperm morphological defects were found to be significantly lower after swim-up preparation: the presence of cytoplasmic droplets (6.0±1.0% vs 8.6±1.5%, p < 0.05) and the thick neck (9.7±5.5% vs 12.8±5.8%, p < 0.05). No significant different were observed in the other morphological defects between swim up samples and native semen (p > 0.05). Limitations, reasons for caution Results obtained from this study need to be confirmed by larger group of samples. Wider implications of the findings: Our study showed a significant reduction of certain midpiece defects after swim-up. The observed selection of spermatozoa without thick necks and cytoplasmic droplets explains the effectiveness of swim-up on ART. In addition, the obtained results can serve as a guide for future validation of new sperm preparation techniques. Trial registration number Not applicable


2002 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroaki Shibahara ◽  
Tatsuya Suzuki ◽  
Hiromi Obara ◽  
Yuki Hirano ◽  
Tamaho Onagawa ◽  
...  

1983 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 179-183 ◽  
Author(s):  
R E Drasga ◽  
L H Einhorn ◽  
S D Williams ◽  
D N Patel ◽  
E E Stevens

Sixty-nine patients with disseminated testicular cancer and no prior retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy treated with cisplatin, vinblastine, and bleomycin with or without doxorubicin were evaluated for semen analysis, serum gonadotropins, and testosterone. Since 1979, 41 men have been prospectively studied. Before treatment 77% were oligospermic, 17% were azoospermic, and only 6.6% could meet requirements for sperm banking. After 2 mo of therapy, 96% were azoospermic. A group of 28 patients treated between 1975 and 1979 were retrospectively evaluated. Normal sperm counts were found in 46% of those studied. Only 17% were azoospermic. Thirty-two percent have impregnated their wives, resulting in 5 healthy babies, 1 spontaneous abortion, and 3 ongoing pregnancies. These results show that (1) significant impairment of spermatogenesis exists before therapy, precluding the possibility of sperm banking in most patients, (2) combination chemotherapy in testicular cancer has substantial effects on gonadal function, rendering almost all patients azoospermic, and (3) a high degree of recovery of spermatogenesis occurs sometime after 2-3 yr from the initiation of treatment.


2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 850 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathew J. Tomlinson ◽  
Asad Naeem

CASA has been used in reproductive medicine and pathology laboratories for over 25 years, yet the ‘fertility industry’ generally remains sceptical and has avoided automation, despite clear weaknesses in manual semen analysis. Early implementers had difficulty in validating CASA-Mot instruments against recommended manual methods (haemocytometer) due to the interference of seminal debris and non-sperm cells, which also affects the accuracy of grading motility. Both the inability to provide accurate sperm counts and a lack of consensus as to the value of sperm kinematic parameters appear to have continued to have a negative effect on CASA-Mot’s reputation. One positive interpretation from earlier work is that at least one or more measures of sperm velocity adds clinical value to the semen analysis, and these are clearly more objective than any manual motility analysis. Moreover, recent CASA-Mot systems offer simple solutions to earlier problems in eliminating artefacts and have been successfully validated for sperm concentration; as a result, they should be viewed with more confidence in relation to motility grading. Sperm morphology and DNA testing both require an evidence-based consensus and a well-validated (reliable, reproducible) assay to be developed before automation of either can be of real clinical benefit.


2006 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 393-401
Author(s):  
P. Přinosilová ◽  
A. Vinkler ◽  
V. Věžník

Thirty fresh ejaculates from 15 dogs were cryopreserved in Tris-fructose-citric acid-egg-yolk extender with a glycerol content of 6%. Semen samples were examined by the methods of routine sperm analysis and by the SQA IIc device. The routine semen examination focused on the evaluation of parameters determining the quality of sperm membranes. The significance of monitoring semen quality in the course of the short-term survival test for predicting dog semen quality after thawing was assessed. Relevance of the assessment of sperm morphology, and above all the percentage of sperm with membrane changes in the acrosomal region was documented. The fact that the SQA device analyses semen quality by evaluating the mass of moving cells was confirmed. The results provided by the SQA IIc device appear insufficient for the needs of deeper dog semen analysis, especially morphology assessment.


Andrologia ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 159-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Coetzee ◽  
N. Bermes ◽  
W. Krause ◽  
R. Menkveld

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 263349412090688 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shah Dupesh ◽  
Natarajan Pandiyan ◽  
Radha Pandiyan ◽  
Jeeva Kartheeswaran ◽  
Bhaskar Prakash

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.


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