Role of Glutathione in Male Infertility

Infertility is a worldwide problem and in almost 50% of cases infertility results from abnormality of the male partners. Apart from endocrine disorders, definitive cause and mechanism of male infertility is not clear in many cases. Recent evidence indicates that imbalance between pro-oxidant stress and antioxidant defense plays an important role in the pathogenesis of male infertility. Among the endogenous antioxidant systems, reduced glutathione (GSH) plays a significant role in the antioxidant defense of the spermatogenic epithelium, the epididymis and perhaps in the ejaculated spermatozoa. The current study was therefore designed to evaluate any association that may exist between GSH levels and male infertility. Infertile male patients (having female partners with normal fertility parameters; n=31) and age- matched healthy male fertile control subjects (n=30) were included in this study. In addition to medical history, semen analyses including semen volume, sperm count, motility and morphology were done for each subject. As a measure of antioxidant capacity erythrocyte and seminal plasma GSH concentrations were measured by Ellman's method in fertile and infertile male subjects. The infertile subjects were similar to fertile subjects in terms of age. However, semen volume and sperm count was found significantly lower (p<0.001) in infertile males compared with healthy fertile male subjects. Percentage of subjects with abnormal sperm morphology and motility were found higher in infertile group compared with fertile group. The median (range) erythrocyte GSH level did not differ between the two groups (12.62 (0.67-29.82) versus 13.93 (2.10-21.08) mg/gm Hb). However, the seminal plasma GSH level was found markedly suppressed in infertile group (1.64 (0.23-7.50)) compared with fertile group (4.26 (2.32-7.50)) mg/dl (p<0.001). In the present study seminal plasma GSH level was found markedly suppressed along with abnormal values for semen volume, sperm concentration and sperm morphology and motility in infertile subjects compared with fertile subjects. This finding indicates that low level of seminal plasma GSH level may be associated with male infertility. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmb.v4i2.13772 Bangladesh J Med Biochem 2011; 4(2): 20-25

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Study of Seminal MDA Level as a Oxidative Stress Marker in Infertile Male

Journal of Science Foundation ◽

10.3329/jsf.v9i1-2.14651 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 9 (1-2) ◽

pp. 85-93 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Zeba Un-Nahar ◽

M Ali ◽

SK Biswas ◽

N Kamrun ◽

T Bashar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Lipid Peroxidation ◽

Male Infertility ◽

Seminal Fluid ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Thiobarbituric Acid ◽

Underlying Mechanism ◽

Oxidative Stress Marker ◽

Infertile Male ◽

Infertile Group

Male infertility is an important medical and psychosocial problem worldwide. However, the underlying mechanism is far from clear in many cases of male infertility. Apart from known factors, it is therefore very important to identify new and non-conventional factors that may play significant role in male infertility. Oxidative stress has recently been identified as an underlying mechanism of numerous chronic diseases. Some studies have already claimed a relationship between oxidative stress and male infertility. The aim of the present study was therefore to evaluate whether there is an association between oxidative stress and male infertility in Bangladeshi subjects. MDA, the marker of lipid peroxidation was measured in the seminal fluid of fertile and age-matched otherwise healthy infertile male subjects. The sperm count, sperm morphology and motility, as well as semen volume were all found significantly lower in infertile subjects compared with fertile subjects. Interestingly, lipid peroxidation was found elevated seminal fluid of infertile subjects. The MDA was measured by thiobarbituric acid method. In seminal plasma, the median (range) MDA level was found significantly higher in infertile group (3.17 (1.20-6.21) versus 1.88 (0.50-5.37) nmol/ml, p<0.001). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v9i1-2.14651 J. Sci. Foundation, 9(1&2): 85-93, June-December 2011

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A Prospective Controlled Study of the Impact of Hyperthyroidism on Reproductive Function in Males

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism ◽

10.1210/jcem.87.8.8714 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 87 (8) ◽

pp. 3667-3671 ◽

Cited By ~ 31

Author(s):

G. E. Krassas ◽

N. Pontikides ◽

V. Deligianni ◽

K. Miras

Keyword(s):

Seminal Plasma ◽

Sperm Morphology ◽

Sperm Parameters ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Sperm Density ◽

Semen Volume ◽

Male Patients ◽

The Impact ◽

Prospective Controlled Study

The aim of this prospective controlled study was to ascertain the effect of hyperthyroidism on sperm quality and composition. We studied 23 thyrotoxic male patients, aged 43.8 ± 2.4 yr (mean ± sem), and 15 healthy male controls of approximately the same age (42.2 ± 2.2 yr). Two semen analyses at intervals of 2–3 wk were obtained before and about 5 months after euthyroidism was achieved either by methimazole alone (14 patients) or 131I plus methimazole (9 patients). Total fructose, zinc (Zn), and magnesium (Mg) were also measured in seminal plasma in 16 patients, because 7 had semen volume less than 2 ml. In the control group semen analysis was performed only once. Mean (±sem) semen volume was within normal range both in patients (3.3 ± 0.2 ml) and controls (3.5 ± 0.4 ml; P = NS). Mean sperm density was lower in patients, although the difference compared with controls did not reach statistical significance (35.7 ± 5.3 vs. 51.5 ± 6.1 × 106/ml; P = 0.062). The same was found with sperm morphology (68 ± 7% vs. 78 ± 8%; P = NS). Finally, mean motility was lower in thyrotoxic males than in controls (28 ± 8% vs. 57 ± 7%; P < 0.01). After treatment, sperm density and motility improved [35.7 ± 5.3 vs. 43.3 ± 6.5 × 106/ml (P = NS) and 28 ± 8% vs. 45 ± 7% (P < 0.05), respectively], but sperm morphology did not change (68 ± 7% vs. 70 ± 6%; P = NS). Mean values for fructose, Zn, and Mg did not differ between controls and patients either before or after achievement of euthyroidism [9.2 ± 0.7, 3.0 ± 0.5, and 4.2 ± 0.7 nmol/liter vs. 8.6 ± 0.9, 3.0 ± 0.5, and 4.7 ± 0.8 nmol/liter (patients before) and 9.1 ± 0.7, 3.1 ± 0.6, and 4.5 ± 0.9 nmol/liter (patients after treatment) for fructose, Zn, and Mg, respectively]. Moreover, according to the treatment given, no statistically significant differences were found before or after treatment. Finally, seminal plasma fructose, Zn, and Mg levels did not correlate with sperm parameters or with pretreatment thyroid hormone levels. In conclusion, the results of our study indicate that male patients with hyperthyroidism have abnormalities in seminal parameters, mainly sperm motility. These abnormalities improve or normalize when the patients become euthyroid. Restoration of sperm parameters was independent of the treatment provided for the hyperthyroid syndrome. Moreover, seminal plasma elements, such as fructose, Zn, and Mg, did not correlate with sperm density, motility, or morphology.

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Relationship between semen quality and seminal plasma cholesterol, triacylglycerols and proteins in the domestic cat

Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery ◽

10.1177/1098612x19889072 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 22 (10) ◽

pp. 882-889 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

María F García ◽

Romina Nuñez Favre ◽

María C Stornelli ◽

Ramiro Rearte ◽

María C García Mitacek ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Seminal Plasma ◽

Sperm Morphology ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Sodium Dodecyl ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Membrane Integrity ◽

Domestic Cat ◽

Sds Page ◽

The Relationship

Objectives The current study aimed to evaluate the relationship between specific seminal plasma components – cholesterol (CHOL), triacylglycerols (TAG) and total protein (PROT) concentrations – and semen quality in cats. A further aim was to determine the relationship between specific seminal protein bands and semen quality. Methods Thirteen toms, 2–5 years of age, were included. Semen collection was performed by electroejaculation every 4 weeks. Fifty-eight ejaculates were assessed for motility, velocity, volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, viability, acrosome integrity, plasma membrane integrity and sperm morphology. Samples were divided into two groups: good semen quality (GSQ) and poor semen quality (PSQ). After evaluation, seminal plasma was separated from the sperm by centrifugation and stored at −20°C. CHOL, TAG and PROT concentrations were then assessed and seminal plasma protein profile was determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Results Seminal plasma CHOL and TAG concentrations, motility, velocity, sperm concentration, total sperm count and sperm morphology were significantly higher in GSQ cats compared with PSQ cats ( P <0.01). Moreover, seminal plasma SDS-PAGE analysis showed an identifiable extra band exclusively in the GSQ group. Conclusions and relevance Data obtained in this study showed that seminal plasma CHOL and TAG concentrations and specific protein bands could be used to improve semen evaluation in toms. In this sense, the 14 kDa protein band could be a valuable marker for semen quality in the cat and should be further investigated. However, more studies are necessary to determine its relationship with fertility.

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Prevalence and Patterns of Male Infertility Based on Semen Analysis in Patients Visiting Massawa Hospital; Eritrea: Cross-Sectional Study; 2020

10.21203/rs.3.rs-401307/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Berhe Tesfai ◽

Fitsum Kibreab ◽

Hailemichael Gebremariam ◽

Liwam Abraham

Keyword(s):

Male Infertility ◽

Sperm Motility ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Semen Analysis ◽

Male Factor Infertility ◽

Male Factor ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Semen Volume ◽

Primary Type ◽

Study Participants

Abstract Background Semen analysis is the first step to identify male factor infertility. World Health Organization estimates that male factor accounts for 50% of couple sub-fertility. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and patterns of male factor infertility based on semen analysis in patients visiting Massawa Hospital with infertility complaints. Methods It was a retrospective, descriptive cross sectional hospital based type of study with a census sampling method. Patient’s medical records and hospital laboratory register were used to retrieve semen analysis results of patients from June 2018 to June 2020. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ministry of Health Research and Ethical Review Committee. Confidentiality of patients records kept was secured and consent was obtained from study participants to use their data. Results were presented in frequency, tables and p value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results A total of 112 patients data was analyzed in the study with 49.1% were aged between 20 to 30 years. The prevalence of male factor infertility in these patients was found to be 42% and 79.5% of them had primary type of infertility. Of the study participants; 63 (56.3%), 72 (64.3%) and 70 (62.5%) had sperm count < 15 million sperms/ml, sperm motility < 40 % and morphology of < 60% respectively. One tenth, 15 (13.4%) of the patients had a semen volume of < 1.5ml/ejaculate, out of which 13(86.7%) had primary type of infertility. Moreover; 72 (64.3%) patients had total sperm count/ejaculate of < 39 million and 59 (82%) of these had primary type of infertility. In addition; 50.8% and 50% of patients aged 20 to 30 years had a sperm count < 15 million/ml and sperm motility of < 40% respectively. Conclusion The prevalence of male factor infertility was slightly higher and was dominated with primary infertility. Most patients had lower sperm count, sperm motility but higher semen volume, and majority of the patients with abnormal sperm results were aged between 20 to 30 years. Further prospective researches to determine the risk factors for male infertility and introducing assisted type of fertility in Eritrea are highly recommended.

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The possible association of clusterin fucosylation changes with male fertility disorders

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-95288-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ewa Janiszewska ◽

Izabela Kokot ◽

Iwona Gilowska ◽

Ricardo Faundez ◽

Ewa Maria Kratz

Keyword(s):

Male Infertility ◽

Blood Serum ◽

Seminal Plasma ◽

Male Fertility ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Semen Analysis ◽

Infertile Men ◽

Abnormal Sperm ◽

Fertility Disorders ◽

Oligosaccharide Structures

AbstractIn the seminal plasma (n = 118) and serum (n = 90) clusterin (CLU) the fucosylation and the expression of selected fucosyltransferases (FUTs) were analyzed. Samples from infertile men were divided into groups based on the results of the standard semen analysis: normozoospermic (N), teratozoospermic (T), asthenoteratozoospermic (AT) and oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (OAT). The CLU fucosylation was analyzed using lectin-ELISAs with biotinylated lectins specific to α1,3-, α1,2-linked antennary fucose, and α1,6-linked core fucose (LTA, UEA, and LCA, respectively). The concentrations of FUT3 and FUT4, reflecting the expression of Le oligosaccharide structures, were measured using ELISA tests. The differences in serum CLU and FUT4 concentrations, and in the expression of core fucose and antennary fucose α1,2-linked in CLU glycans between the N group and other groups examined suggest that the disturbances in sperm count, motility, and morphology are not the only cause of male infertility. Lack of similarities between levels of examined parameters in blood serum and seminal plasma may suggest the differences in mechanisms leading to glycoproteins glycosylation. It confirmed the observed differences in concentrations of seminal plasma CLU, FUT3, and FUT4 between the OAT group and N, T, AT groups, indicating that decreased sperm count may be related to these parameters expression. The serum CLU concentrations and expression of core fucose and fucose α1,2-linked in CLU, seem to be good markers differentiating normozoospermic men from those with abnormal sperm parameters, which was not observed for seminal plasma.

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Hypertension and reproductive dysfunction: a possible role of inflammation and inflammation-associated lymphangiogenesis in gonads

Clinical Science ◽

10.1042/cs20201023 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 134 (24) ◽

pp. 3237-3257

Author(s):

Shobana Navaneethabalakrishnan ◽

Bethany L. Goodlett ◽

Alexandra H. Lopez ◽

Joseph M. Rutkowski ◽

Brett M. Mitchell

Keyword(s):

Sperm Morphology ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Organ Damage ◽

Current Review ◽

Hormonal Imbalance ◽

Semen Volume ◽

Maternal Morbidity And Mortality ◽

Vaginal Lubrication ◽

The Impact

Abstract Hypertension is one of the most prevalent diseases that leads to end organ damage especially affecting the heart, kidney, brain, and eyes. Numerous studies have evaluated the association between hypertension and impaired sexual health, in both men and women. The detrimental effects of hypertension in men includes erectile dysfunction, decrease in semen volume, sperm count and motility, and abnormal sperm morphology. Similarly, hypertensive females exhibit decreased vaginal lubrication, reduced orgasm, and several complications in pregnancy leading to fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality. The adverse effect of hypertension on male and female fertility is attributed to hormonal imbalance and changes in the gonadal vasculature. However, mechanistic studies investigating the impact of hypertension on gonads in more detail on a molecular basis remain scarce. Hence, the aim of the current review is to address and summarize the effects of hypertension on reproductive health, and highlight the importance of research on the effects of hypertension on gonadal inflammation and lymphatics.

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Zinc supplementation in male infertility

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Journal ◽

10.3329/bsmmuj.v8i1.28913 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 9

Author(s):

Parveen Fatima ◽

Nurjahan Begum ◽

Shakeela Lshrat ◽

Jesmin Banu ◽

Shaheen Ara Anwary ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Seminal Plasma ◽

Sperm Morphology ◽

Zinc Supplementation ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Serum Zinc ◽

Zinc Level ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Plasma Zinc ◽

Serum Zinc Level ◽

Group A

Background: Inferile males have been shown to have lower levels of seminal plasma zinc which have been associated with reduced levels of zinc in their blood. Supplementation improve semen parameters by improving zinc level in blood. Objective: To fnd out whether zinc supplementation is effective in improving semen parameters in oligoasthenozoospermic patients.Method: The study was carried out in the Infertility unit of the Dept of Obs & Gynae, BSMMU during the period of March 2011 to February 2012. Seventy five oligo-asthenozoospermic patients having no history of medical treatment were recruited for the study. The patients were divided into two groups by odd and even numbers. Odd numbers received tablet zinc 20 mg twice daily (Group A) and even numbers received placebo (Group B).Serum zinc level and seminal zinc level estimation were done by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry and semen analysis was done according to WHO guidelines (1999). Data analysis was done using software SPSS (version 16) by applying ANOVA (PostHock) and Paired Student's 't' test.Results: Serum zinc level was low in oligozoospermic patients which showed significant improvement with zinc supplementation (A+ 197.83 mmol/1, P<0.01). Mean (±SD) seminal plasma zinc level showed significant improvement in group A following zinc supplementation (+942.39 mmol/L, P<0.001). The mean increase in sperm count, sperm motility, sperm rapid linear motility, sperm morphology in group A following zinc supplementation for 12 weeks was 14.83 million/ml (P<0.01), 16.30% (P<0.01), 11.96% (P<0.01), 4.26% (P<0.001) respectively, which was statistically significant.Conclusion: The study shows zinc deficiency affects sperm count, sperm motility, rapid linear motility and sperm morphology and with zinc supplementation there can be significant improvement in semen parameters.

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Role of Male Partners in 100 Infertile Couples

Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh ◽

10.3329/jafmc.v11i1.30670 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 50-53

Author(s):

Mah Jabeen Ara ◽

Sk Md Bahar Hussain ◽

Mamun Ur Rashid

Keyword(s):

Male Infertility ◽

Sperm Motility ◽

Sperm Morphology ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Semen Analysis ◽

Armed Forces ◽

Medical College ◽

Sperm Abnormality ◽

A Prospective Study

Introduction: Approximately 15% of couples are infertile. Male infertility plays an important role in about half of these couples. This study has been done to determine whether sperm morphology and motility do really affect sperm count or spermatogenesis and at the same time causes a problem with fertility.Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate a males inability to cause pregnancy in a fertile female.Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study of 100 diagnosed infertile and subfertile couples in the age group of 23-58 yrs old male. They were selected from 01 March 2013 to 28 Feb 2014 undergoing treatment for infertility in Dhaka CMH. On the basis of sperm count the cases were grouped as follows: Normozoospermia, oligozoospermia & Azoospermia. Semen analysis was done in all the cases and the results were described with arithmetic mean and standard deviation.Results: Normozoospermia: Mean and SD of sperm count, sperm abnormality, sperm motility are 65.98± 5.05, 24.44±1.57 and 45.5±2.94 respectively; Oligozoospermia: Mean and SD of sperm count, sperm abnormality, sperm motility are 7.74±1.23, 41.1±3.78, 14.54±2.77 respectively; Azoospermia: Mean and SD of sperm count, sperm abnormality, sperm motility are absent.Conclusion: Here data statistically showed person with normozoospermia having good sperm morphology and motility than oligozoospermia and azoospermic subjects thereby causing male infertility which is responsible for hindrance in achieving pregnancy clinically.Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.11(1) 2015: 50-53

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Nitric oxide, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, and total antioxidant capacity in human seminal plasma of infertile men and their relationship with sperm parameters

Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine ◽

10.5653/cerm.2020.00423 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 47 (1) ◽

pp. 54-60

Author(s):

Maryam Gholinezhad ◽

Azadeh Aliarab ◽

Ghasem Abbaszadeh-Goudarzi ◽

Yousefreza Yousefnia-Pasha ◽

Niusha Samadaian ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nitric Oxide ◽

Male Infertility ◽

Seminal Plasma ◽

Total Antioxidant Capacity ◽

Infertile Men ◽

Sperm Counts ◽

Semen Volume ◽

Total Antioxidant ◽

The Mean ◽

Oxidative Biomarkers

Objective: Oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathogenesis of male infertility. But, the adverse effects of oxidative biomarkers on sperm quality remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the levels of nitric oxide (NO), 8-hydroxydesoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) oxidative biomarkers in seminal plasma and their relationship with sperm parameters.Methods: A total of 77 volunteers participated in the study, including fertile (n=40) and infertile men (n=37). NO, 8-OHdG, and TAC levels were measured using the ferric reducing ability of plasma, Griess reagent method and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit, respectively.Results: The mean values of sperm parameters in the infertile group were significantly lower than those in the fertile group (p<0.001). The mean 8-OHdG in the seminal plasma of infertile men was significantly higher (p=0.013) than those of controls, while the mean TAC was significantly lower (p=0.046). There was no significant difference in NO level between the two groups. The elevated seminal 8-OHdG levels were negatively correlated with semen volume, total sperm counts and morphology (p<0.001, p=0.001 and p=0.052, respectively). NO levels were negatively correlated with semen volume, total sperm counts and morphology (p=0.014, p=0.020 and p=0.060, respectively). Positive correlations between TAC and both sperm count and morphology (p=0.043 and p=0.025, respectively) were also found.Conclusion: These results suggested that increased levels of NO and 8-OHdG in seminal plasma could have a negative effect on sperm function by inducing damage to the sperm DNA hence their fertility potentials. Therefore, these biomarkers can be useful in the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.

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A Comprehensive Understanding of Shukrala Karma in Male Infertility

AYUSHDHARA ◽

10.47070/ayushdhara.v8i5.817 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 3566-3573

Author(s):

Nagendra Chary.M ◽

Lalitha B.R ◽

T.Anil Kumar

Keyword(s):

Male Infertility ◽

Sperm Morphology ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Sexual Dysfunctions ◽

Oxygen Species ◽

Comprehensive Understanding ◽

Pharmacological Activities ◽

Abnormal Sperm ◽

Causative Factors ◽

Male Reproductive Health

Male reproductive health depends upon the normal structures and functions of Shukrava srotas. Shukra is composed of both sperm and semen and considered one of the important factors for fertilization. It is stated as Phalavat shukra. Preceptors of Ayurveda have described eight types of Shukra dosha and their treatments. Low sperm count, decrease sperm motility, abnormal sperm morphology, ejaculatory problems, sexual dysfunctions, environmental exposures (radiation, pollution, and stress etc), lifestyle habits (smoking, alcohol, recreational drugs etc), varicocele, hormonal imbalances, DNA damage, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) etc are causative factors for Male infertility. Thousands of years back, ancient system of medicine has mentioned the word Purusha vandya (male infertility) and different pharmacological activities, medicinal formulas, therapies to treat sperm disorders, semen impairments, and sexual dysfunctions. Vajeekarana is one of the special branches of Astanga Ayurveda which maintains the fertility and management of male infertility. Shukrala, Shukra janana, Shukra shodhana, Shukra rechaka, Shukra pravataka and Shukra sthambhaka etc., are the pharmacological activities mentioned to treat Shukradoshas. Shukrala karma mainly composed of Shukra vrudhikara and Shukra srutikara means which enhances the Shukra (semen and sperm) quantitatively and qualitatively and facilitates its ejaculation. Therefore, an attempt has been made to establish the concept of Shukrala karma and its therapeutic applicability in the management of male infertility.

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