The effects of Pb on sperm parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation of men investigated for infertility

Author(s):  
G.U.S. Wijesekara ◽  
D.M.S. Fernando ◽  
S. Wijeratne

AbstractBackgroundLead (Pb) is one of the metals most prevalent in the environment and is known to cause infertility and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation. This study aimed to determine the association between seminal plasma Pb and sperm DNA fragmentation in men investigated for infertility.MethodsMale partners (n = 300) of couples investigated for infertility were recruited after informed consent was obtained. Sperm parameters were assessed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Seminal plasma Pb was estimated by atomic absorption spectrophotometry after digestion with nitric acid.ResultsIn Pb-positive and -negative groups the sperm parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation were compared using independent sample t-test and the Mann-Whitney U-test, respectively. The mean [standard deviation (SD)] age and duration of infertility were 34.8 (5.34) years and 45.7 (35.09) months, respectively, and the mean Pb concentration was 15.7 μg/dL. In Pb positives compared to Pb negatives the means (SD) of sperm count, progressive motility viability and normal morphology were lower (p > 0.05) but the DNA fragmentation was significantly higher 39.80% (25.08) than Pb negatives 22.65% (11.30). Seminal plasma Pb concentration and sperm DNA fragmentation had a positive correlation (r = 0.38, p = 0.03). A negative correlation was observed between sperm DNA fragmentation and sperm concentration, progressive motility, total motility and viability. When the DNA fragmentation was ≥30% sperm concentration and viability decreased (p < 0.05).ConclusionsPb in seminal plasma had a significant effect on sperm DNA fragmentation but not with other sperm parameters.

2021 ◽  
Vol In Press (In Press) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamid Piroozmanesh ◽  
Ebrahim Cheraghi ◽  
Leila Naserpoor ◽  
Masoumeh Aghashahi ◽  
Rahil Jannatifar

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may lead to the infertility of men. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 infection on sperm parameters and reproductive hormones in fertile men. Methods: A total of 100 males were selected and divided into two groups: (1) patients in convalescence (patients suffering from COVID-19 infection in pharyngeal swab in accordance with reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR] or antibodies); (2) negative control group (without antibodies). Semen and blood samples were gathered from all subjects. In the native semen, immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG antibodies in the blood were confirmed, and COVID-19 was detected via RT-PCR. To this end, based on the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, semen analysis, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and sperm DNA integrity were assessed. Results: Results demonstrated that sperm concentration, motility, sperm viability, and TAC significantly reduced in fertile males with virus infection. In comparison with the control group, sperm DNA integrity was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Data indicated that the semen volume was not significantly correlated with COVID-19, and there was a significantly negative correlation between sperm concentration, sperm total motility, sperm vitality, sperm normal forms, and TAC with COVID-19. Sperm DNA fragmentation index had a significant and positive correlation with COVID-19 (P < 0.05). In addition, reproductive hormones significantly reduced in fertile males with COVID-19 infection (P < 0.05). Conclusions: COVID-19 infection has a negative influence on sperm parameters and reproductive hormones in fertile males.


Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 2302
Author(s):  
Kelsey R. Pool ◽  
Jessica P. Rickard ◽  
Simon P. de Graaf

This study assessed whether the seasonal effects of melatonin that upregulate ram reproductive function alter sperm global methylation or protamine deficiency and whether these parameters corresponded to ram endocrinology, semen production and quality. Ejaculates were assessed from rams that received melatonin implants (n = 9) or no implants (n = 9) during the non-breeding season. Ejaculates (n = 2/ram/week) were collected prior to implantation (week 0), 1, 6 and 12 weeks post implantation and during the following breeding season (week 30). Flow cytometry was used to assess the sperm global methylation and protamine deficiency in each ejaculate, which had known values for sperm concentration, motility, morphology, DNA fragmentation, seminal plasma levels of melatonin, anti-Mullerian hormone and inhibin A. Serum levels of testosterone and melatonin were also evaluated. Though there was no effect of melatonin or season, sperm protamine deficiency was negatively correlated with sperm production and seminal plasma levels of anti-Mullerian hormone and positively correlated with sperm DNA fragmentation and morphology. Global methylation of spermatozoa was positively correlated with sperm DNA fragmentation, morphology and serum testosterone and negatively correlated with sperm motility. These moderate associations with sperm production and quality suggest that sperm protamine deficiency and global methylation are indicative of ram testicular function.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 451-460
Author(s):  
Houda Amor ◽  
Shelko Nyaz ◽  
Mohamad Eid Hammadeh

Objectives: The present study focused on tobacco smoke and its effect on semen parameters, sperm DNA quality (compaction and fragmentation) and clinical outcomes after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) therapy Materials and Methods: The semen samples were divided according to smoking status into the following 2 groups, 98 heavy-smokers (G1) and 43 non-smokers (G2). Semen was prepared and purified using the PureSperm gradients according to the WHO guidelines 2010. Protamine deficiency (CMA3 positivity) was assessed by chromomycin CMA3 staining and sperm DNA fragmentation (sDF) by TUNEL assay. Results: The mean concentration and the total motility were significantly higher in G2 in comparison to G1 (P=0.014, and P=0.026 respectively) and the results were similar for the mean percent of the progressive motility and normal morphology (P=0.0001). CMA3+ and sDF in G2 were significantly lower in comparison to G1 (20.35 ± 13.34% vs. 33.30 ± 22.33%, P=0.001; 14.23 ± 13.07% vs. 26.68 ± 19.77%, P=0.0001). Meanwhile, there were no significant differences in the ICSI outcomes, except for the pregnancy rate, which was significantly higher in G2 than in G1 (0.60 ± 0.49% vs. 0.38 ± 0.48%; P=0.013). In G1, CMA3+ correlated negatively with sperm concentration (r=-0.233, P=0.021) but positively with sDF (r=0.484, P=0.0001). In G2, sDF correlated negatively with progressive motility and morphologically normal spermatozoa (r=-0.304, p=0.047; r=-0.361, P=0.017 respectively). Conclusions: The findings of this study revealed that tobacco smoking altered sperm parameters and later affected the pregnancy results in ICSI therapy. CMA3 and TUNEL tests are therefore useful as a supplementary test before any ART treatment to ensure a good prognosis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (B) ◽  
pp. 626-630
Author(s):  
Binarwan Halim ◽  
Jesselyn Angellee ◽  
Hilma Putri Lubis ◽  
Bob Bachsinar

AIM: This study aimed to assess the difference in sperm concentration, total motility, progressive motility, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation index (DFI) before and after processing with 5 and 10 min swim-up (SU). METHODS: Fifty patients who met the study inclusion criteria from June 2020 to October 2020 were subjected to routine semen and sperm DNA fragmentation analysis. Each of the samples was then divided into three tubes, one as control and the others were processed using the SU method with 5 and 10 min centrifugation time, respectively. After being processed, the samples were subjected again to routine semen and sperm DNA fragmentation analysis. The results were being compared among three groups. RESULTS: The sperm concentration after 5 and 10 min SU (27.78–39.79 and 35.36–51.09, respectively; p < 0.05) was significantly higher compared to fresh semen (24.85–32.33). The total motility before and after 5 and 10 min SU were 43.78–51.08, 97.66–98.20, and 97.86–98.20, respectively. The progressive motility after 5 and 10 min SU (0–41 and 0–54, respectively) was significantly higher than fresh semen (0–24; p < 0.05). The DFI was significantly better after 5 min SU (3.82–6.98) compared to fresh semen and after 10 min SU (13.48–19.04 and 1–25, respectively; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Prolonged centrifugation time may yield a higher number of sperm concentration and motility, but it may also lead to a higher DFI. Hence, a shorter centrifugation time should be used for a better semen quality intended for assisted reproductive technologies.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-79
Author(s):  
M. N. Korshunov ◽  
E. S. Korshunova ◽  
Yu. V. Kastrikin ◽  
S. P. Darenkov

Introduction. According to the WHO data, depression is a common disease among women and men of reproductive age. One line of the correction of depressive disorders is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The ingestions have shown that using SSRIs harms sperm quality. The literature date of evaluation of male fertility after discontinuation of antidepressants is quite limited.Purpose of the study. To evaluate the influence of Fluoxetine intake on semen parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation and hormonal status.Materials and methods. Twenty-five men (mean age - 35.2 ± 4.5 yo) with depression were included in the study. Fluoxetine (20 mg per day) was prescribed to all the patients for 12 wk. Semen parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation, sex hormones levels were measured before-after treatment and 3 mo behind discontinuation.Results. After 12 weeks of the treatment the mean semen volume decreased from 3.1 ± 0.7 to 2.9 ± 0.7 ml (p = 0.638), sperm concentration - from 39.4 ± 18.5 to 34.3 ± 16.8 mln/ml (p = 0.384), sperm motility decreased from 41.7 ± 7.6 to 35.5 ± 7.8% (p < 0.05), the mean percent of normal morphology form - from с 12.7 ± 2.8 to 10.7 ± 2.2% (p < 0.001). Sperm DNA fragmentation increased 16.2 ± 4.9 to 22.2 ± 4.3% (p < 0.001). The mean semen volume, sperm concentration, motility, percentage of normal morphology increased and reverted to the normal levels after 3 mounts of drug discontinuation. Sperm DNA fragmentation index decreased, and it had the values less than before the treatment that positively correlated with the reduction of depression's symptoms. It was not significant dynamics in hormonal parameters before and after the therapy.Conclusion. Using fluoxetine has a reversible negative effect on male fertility. It is important to inform the patients about the temporary side effects of SSRIs in fatherhood planning cases.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Pozzi ◽  
L Boeri ◽  
L Candela ◽  
D Cignoli ◽  
G Colandrea ◽  
...  

Abstract Study question Current scientific guidelines do not clearly suggest which patients would benefit the most from a sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) test. Summary answer We aimed to investigate potential predictive factors for altered SDF in a homogenous cohort of white-European men presenting for primary couple’s infertility. What is known already High SDF has been associated with reduced fertilization rates, reduced chances of natural conception and an increased risk of early pregnancy loss. Study design, size, duration Data from 478 consecutive men with normal or altered SDF were analysed. Infertility was defined according to the WHO criteria. Semen analysis, SDF (according to SCSA) and serum hormones were measured in every patient. Health significant comorbidities were scored with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Altered SDF was considered with a threshold of &gt; 30%. Participants/materials, setting, methods Descriptive statistics compared the overall characteristics of patients with normal SDF and altered SDF. Logistic regression analysis tested potential predictors of altered SDF. ROC curve was used to test the accuracy of the model in predicting SDF alteration Main results and the role of chance Of 478 patients, 253 (57.7%) had altered SDF. Median (IQR) age and BMI of the whole cohort were 38 (35-42) years and 25.1 (23.3-27.1) kg/m2 respectively. Patients with altered SDF were older (median (IQR) age: 39 (36-43) vs. 37 (34-38) years, p &lt; 0.0001), had lower sperm concentration (5 (1.1–18) vs. 17 x106/mL (6–38.8), p &lt; 0.0001), testicular volume (15.1 (12 –20) vs. 16.8 (12 – 25) Prader, p = 0.0005), and total motile sperm count (TMSC) (1.8 (0.21–10.71) vs. 11.8x106 (2–37.26), p &lt; 0.0001). Conversely, men with altered SDF had higher FSH (6.1 (3.85–9.7) vs. 4.8 (3.85 – 7.9) mIU/mL, p &lt; 0.0001) and prolactin levels (9.8 (7.43–14.04) vs. 8.3 (6.6–11.3) pg/mL, p = 0.0004) than those with normal SDF. At multivariable logistic regression analysis, patients’ age &gt;35 years (OR: 2.45, p = 0.0009), FSH &gt; 8.0 mIU/mL (OR: 2.23, p &lt; 0.0001) and lower TMSC (OR: 2.04, p = 0.002) were identified as indipendent predictors of altered SDF, after adjusting for testicular volume and CCI≥1. ROC curve (Figure 1) revealed that the model has a good predictive ability to identify patients with SDF alteration (AUC: 0.72, 95%CI: 0.67 - 0.77). Limitations, reasons for caution It is a retrospective analysis at a single, tertiary-referral academic centre, thus raising the possibility of selection biases. In spite of this, all patients have been consistently analysed over time with a rigorous follow-up, thus limiting potential heterogeneity in terms of data reporting Wider implications of the findings Primary infertile men older than 35 years, with high serum FSH and low TMSC at baseline are the ones who mostly deserve a SDF test over their diagnostic work-up and that would potentially benefit the most of certain treatments to improve SDF value, thus increasing chances of conceiving. Trial registration number Not applicable


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ponco Birowo ◽  
J. Rahendra Wijaya ◽  
Widi Atmoko ◽  
Nur Rasyid

Abstract Background Varicocele is one of the most common causes of reversible male infertility, and 15% of the varicocele patients with normal semen analysis are diagnosed as infertile. According to the current guidelines, varicocelectomy is indicated based on abnormal sperm parameters and not abnormal DNA fragmentation index (DFI) values. Thus, in this study, we performed a meta-analysis of the effects of varicocelectomy on the DFI and other conventional sperm parameters, and determined whether DFI could be used to indicate varicocelectomy for varicocele patients. Results Through an electronic search of the PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, and Cochrane databases, we included 7 prospective studies including a total of 289 patients in this meta-analysis. The results showed that varicocelectomy significantly reduced DNA fragmentation (mean difference: − 6.86; 95% confidence interval [CI]: − 10.04, − 3.69; p < 0.00001) and improved sperm concentration (mean difference: 9.59; 95% CI: 7.80, 11.38; p < 0.00001), progressive motility (mean difference: 8.66; 95% CI: 6.96, 10.36; p < 0.00001), and morphology (mean difference: 2.73; 95% CI: 0,65, 4.80; p = 0.01). Conclusion Varicocelectomy reduced DNA fragmentation and improved sperm concentration, progressive motility, and morphology. Additionally, the analysis showed that an abnormal DFI measurement should be considered as an indication for varicocelectomy.


2012 ◽  
Vol 98 (3) ◽  
pp. S245
Author(s):  
P. Intasqui ◽  
C.B. de Lima ◽  
M. Camargo ◽  
E.J. Pilau ◽  
E.G. Lo Turco ◽  
...  

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 312 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Hidalgo ◽  
M. R. Murabito ◽  
M. J. Gálvez ◽  
S. Demyda ◽  
L. J. De Luca ◽  
...  

Recently, a new procedure for the analysis of sperm DNA fragmentation has been developed for humans and different mammalian species, using a commercial kit based on the sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test; however, a descriptive study in canine semen has not been performed. The aim of this work was to assess the sperm DNA fragmentation in canine ejaculates using the SCD test and 2 different staining techniques. For this purpose, ejaculates were collectedby digital manipulation from4 healthy dogs of different breeds (1 German Pointer, 2 Spanish Greyhounds, and 1 Crossbreed). After collection, the sperm-rich fraction of the ejaculates from 3 dogs were pooled each time (n = 4) and then extended in Dulbecco’s phosphate buffered saline. All the pooled semen samples presented physiological values concerning routine semen parameters (motility, morphology, and sperm concentration). The sperm DNA fragmentation was assessed using the Sperm-Halomax® commercial kit specifically developed for canine semen (Halotech DNA SL, Madrid, Spain). Two semen aliquots of the diluted pooled semen samples were processed on each pre-treated slide provided in the kit following the manufacturer’s instructions. The last step was the staining technique. We stained each slide with 2 different staining procedures. The first half of the slide was stained with propidium iodide (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA) mixed in a proportion 1 : 1 with an antifading solution. The second half of the slide was stained for 15 min in Wright solution (1.01383.0500, Merck, Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA) 1 :1 in Phosphate Buffer pH 6.88 (1.07294.1000, Merck). The stained slides were observed using fluorescence and light microscopy, respectively. Five hundred sperm per slide were counted. Spermatozoa with fragmented DNA showed a large and spotty halo of chromatin dispersion. Unfragmented sperm only showed a small and compact halo. Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Science version 12.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). The sperm DNA fragmentation index was compared between Wright and fluorescence staining methods by ANOVA. Results were expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean. The first report of the sperm DNA fragmentation index in canine ejaculates was 2.26 ± 0.53% for Wright staining and 1.99 ± 0.10% for fluorescence technique. No differences were found between staining procedures. In conclusion, it was possible to assess the sperm DNA fragmentation of canine ejaculates using 2 different staining procedures, expecting that continuous research could be useful in defining the role of DNA fragmentation SCD test in canine semen evaluation and cryopreservation.


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