Antioxidant Vitamins and Carotenoids Intake and the Association With Poor Semen Quality: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Men Referring to an Italian Fertility Clinic

Several studies suggested that male's diet affects fertility. This cross-sectional analysis from a prospective cohort study aims to explore the relation between antioxidants intake and sperm parameters in sub-fertile couples referring to a Fertility center. Socio-demographic characteristics, health history, lifestyle habits, and diet information were obtained. A semen sample was analyzed to proceed with assisted reproduction. Three hundred and twenty-three men were enrolled: 19.1% had semen volume (SV) < 1.5 mL, 31.4% sperm concentration (SC) < 15.0 mil/mL, 26.8% sperm motility < 32%, and 33.0% had total sperm count (TSC) < 39.0 mil. Higher levels of α-carotene were associated to lower risk of low SC [4th vs. 1st quartile, adjusted OR (aOR) 0.43, 95% CI 0.20–0.91) and low TSC (aOR 0.46, 95% CI 0.22–0.95). Higher intake of β-carotene was inversely associated with risk of low TSC. Lycopene intake was associated with higher risk for these conditions (aOR 2.46, 95%CI 1.01–5.98, SC), and (aOR 3.11, 95%CI 1.29–7.50, TSC). Risk of low semen volume was lower in men with higher level of vitamin D intake (aOR 0.25, 95%CI 0.09–0.66)]. Further research, especially, well-designed randomized clinical trials (RCT), is needed to understand how diet modifications may have a role in modulating male fertility and fecundability.

Download Full-text

Failure of Cardiovascular Phase 3 Randomized Clinical Trials to Report Pre-trial and Post-trial Parameters: a Cross-sectional Analysis of ClinicalTrials.gov

Journal of General Internal Medicine ◽

10.1007/s11606-020-05995-9 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Alexander R. Zheutlin ◽

Joshua D. Niforatos ◽

Eric Stulberg ◽

Jeremy B Sussman

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Phase 3 ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Cross Sectional Analysis ◽

Post Trial ◽

Sectional Analysis

Download Full-text

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

Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology ◽

10.1186/s12958-019-0551-2 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 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.

Download Full-text

Nonpublication Rates and Characteristics of Registered Randomized Clinical Trials in Digital Health: Cross-Sectional Analysis

Journal of Medical Internet Research ◽

10.2196/11924 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 20 (12) ◽

pp. e11924 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Mustafa Al-Durra ◽

Robert P Nolan ◽

Emily Seto ◽

Joseph A Cafazzo ◽

Gunther Eysenbach

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Digital Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Cross Sectional Analysis ◽

Sectional Analysis

Download Full-text

Role of Dietary Antioxidants and Vitamins Intake in Semen Quality Parameters: A Cross-sectional Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-42856/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Reza Ghiasvand ◽

Laleh Dehghan Marvast ◽

Mehran Nouri ◽

Aida Jahanbakhsh ◽

farahnaz haeri

Keyword(s):

Dietary Intake ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Quality Parameters ◽

Dietary Antioxidants ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Infertile Men ◽

Semen Volume

Abstract Objective Infertility had an increasing trend between couples in Iran. Several factors such as lifestyle, physical activity, unhealthy dietary habits and stress are associated with production of ROS in seminal fluid. The aim of this study was to identify the role of dietary antioxidants and vitamins intake on semen quality parameters, among Iranian infertile men. Methods This cross-sectional study was performed on 400 newly diagnosed infertile men in Yazd Reproductive sciences Institute from July 2019 to December 2019. The presence of infertility was confirmed by an expert andrologist, based on WHO criteria. Dietary antioxidants and vitamins intake were assessed using a 168 items semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Results We found an association between semen volume and Alpha Carotene dietary intake, total motility and Beta Cryptoxanthin dietary intake, and sperm count with riboflavin intake (P = 0.03). Conclusions We concluded that dietary intake of Alpha Carotene, Beta Cryptoxanthin, and Riboflavin are related to sperm count, semen volume and total motility in Iranian infertile men, respectively. Our data suggest that that adhering to a diet that is rich in sources of antioxidant and vitamin can have a positive effect on men’s sexual health. However, more research is needed to confirm these relations and provide the evidence needed to exert these findings into clinical practice.

Download Full-text

Association of Depression with Sperm Quality: a Multicentre Cross-Sectional Study in China During the COVID-19 Pandemic

10.21203/rs.3.rs-653536/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Yongfeng Wang ◽

Yuan Zhang ◽

Yunyi Yang ◽

Lihui Tu ◽

Jigao Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Linear Regression ◽

Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Count ◽

World Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Progressive Motility ◽

Semen Volume

Abstract Background: Depression is a potential factor affecting semen quality. However, the relationship between depression and semen quality remains to be fully elucidated. We investigated the association between depression and semen quality in men during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: Cross‐sectional, participants completed a questionnaire assessing lifestyle factors the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to evaluate the psychological depression status of subjects. Semen quality assessment implements the requirements of the fifth edition of the World Health Organization (WHO )manual ,multivariable logistic regression analysis and linear regression analysis were conducted to assess the associations between depression and semen quality.Results: Of the 896 participants, 173 were depressed (19.30%). A Linear regression model was fitted to assess the strength and significant level of the association between depressive symptoms and semen quality. After adjusting for potential confounders, depression was significantly associated with 9.27 (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.39, 15.15), 0.57(95% CI 0.27, 0.87), 62.20 (95% CI 32.93, 91.48), and 12.96 (95% CI 10.55, 15.37) reduction in sperm concentration, sperm volume, total sperm count, and progressive motility, respectively. Which are consistent with the logistic regression analysis results. The semen concentration and total sperm count were linearly correlated with depression scores, whereas the semen volume and progressive motility of sperm were nonlinearly correlated with depression scores.Conclusions: Depression were associated with lower levels of semen concentration, semen volume, total sperm count, and progressive motility, which could affect male reproductive health.

Download Full-text

Processed meat intake in relation to semen quality indicators among men attending a fertility clinic

Proceedings of The Nutrition Society ◽

10.1017/s0029665120005996 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽

Author(s):

Anna Danielewicz ◽

Katarzyna Przybyłowicz ◽

Jakub Morze

Keyword(s):

Quality Indicators ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Semen Analysis ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

World Health ◽

Processed Meat ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Meat Intake

AbstractIt is estimated that in Central and Eastern Europe 8–12% of men are infertile, and in the case of 20% of infertile couples in the region, indicates a 56% part of the malefactor in the occurrence of infertility. Numerous studies have shown that a healthy diet with a high intake of fish and seafood, poultry, vegetables, fruits, legumes, through the high content of antioxidants are associated with better parameters of semen quality and reduced risk of asthenozoospermia. Men's diets may affect spermatogenesis as reflected in semen quality indicators, but the literature on the relation between meat intake and semen quality is limited. Our objective was to prospectively examine the relation between meats including red, poultry, proceesed and fish and indicators of semen quality. Men in subfertile couples presenting for evaluation at the Olsztyn Hospital Fertility Center were invited to participate in an ongoing study of environmental factors and fertility. This cross-sectional study was carried out in 208 men aged 18–55 years from Northern-Eastern Poland. Semen samples were collected at the clinic and analyses were performed by an experienced technician. Semen microscopic measurements were determined with the use of computer-aided semen analysis (CASA) and evaluated according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. A total of men completed a validated food-frequency questionnaire and subsequently provided semen samples. We used linear mixed regression models to examine the relation between meat intake and semen quality indicators (total sperm count, sperm concentration, progressive motility, morphology, and semen volume) while adjusting for potential confounders. After adjustment for age, BMI, physical activity, residence place and education, one serving increase in intake of processed meat was associated with a 56% higher risk of abnormal progressive sperm motility (OR = 1.56 95%CI:1.09–2.21). Consuming processed meat may have a negative impact on sperm counts and morphology. Potentially, these products may be a significant source of saturated and trans fatty acids, xenobiotics, mainly xenoestrogen, and steroids. Is need to clarify the potential effect of meat products, especially processed meat, on male reproductive potential in RCTs or longitudinal studies. Future findings may be useful to establish a more precise recommendation connected with red and processed meat intake in the context of reproductive health.

Download Full-text

ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN PITUITARY-GONADAL AXIS PARAMETERS AND SEMEN QUALITY IN YOUNG, HEALTHY MEN (AndroLS)

Journal of Men s Health ◽

10.22374/jomh.v15i3.143 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 15 (3) ◽

pp. e11-e24

Author(s):

Józków Paweł ◽

Medras Marek ◽

Szmigiero Leszek ◽

Słowinska-Lisowska Małgorzata ◽

Lwow Felicja

Keyword(s):

Sperm Morphology ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Free Testosterone ◽

Quality Parameters ◽

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin ◽

Total Testosterone ◽

Semen Volume ◽

The Impact

Background and ObjectiveHormonal measurements play an important role in the evaluation of male fertility potential. In men without hypogonadism, the impact of androgen status on semen is rarely analyzed.Material and MethodsWe evaluated associations between parameters of the pituitary-gonadal axis: luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), total testosterone (T), free testosterone (FT), calculated testosterone (TC), bioavailable testosterone (TB), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), free androgen index, and semen quality parameters in healthy young men.ResultsIn our study group, sperm concentration and sperm count were associated with FSH and FT. The percentage of immotile sperm was associated with LH and T. The percentage of vital sperm was negatively related to LH. We identified negative, independent associations between T and semen volume (p<0.026) and TC and semen volume (p<0.025). We observed negative, independent association between FSH, FT, and total sperm count (both P<0.002) and between FT and the percentage of normal forms (P<0.012). There were positive associations between LH and T and the percentage of immotile sperm (P<0.007 and P<0.034, respectively). There were no relationships between sperm morphology parameters and the parameters of the pituitary-gonadal axis.ConclusionIn healthy eugonadal men, variations in FSH, LH, T, and FT (within normal limits) are reflected in semen characteristics but not in sperm morphology features.

Download Full-text

Is smoking a risk factor for decreased semen quality? A cross-sectional analysis

Human Reproduction ◽

10.1093/humrep/del364 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

pp. 188-196 ◽

Cited By ~ 152

Author(s):

C.H. Ramlau-Hansen ◽

A.M. Thulstrup ◽

A.S. Aggerholm ◽

M.S. Jensen ◽

G. Toft ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factor ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Cross Sectional Analysis ◽

Sectional Analysis

Download Full-text

Cross-Sectional Analysis of University Students’ Health Using a Digitised Health Survey

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17093009 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (9) ◽

pp. 3009

Author(s):

Pier A. Spinazze ◽

Marise J. Kasteleyn ◽

Jiska J. Aardoom ◽

Josip Car ◽

Niels H. Chavannes

Keyword(s):

Health Survey ◽

Health Screening ◽

University Student ◽

Student Health ◽

Health Campaigns ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Drinking Habits ◽

Cross Sectional Analysis ◽

Health History ◽

Sectional Analysis

University student years are a particularly influential period, during which time students may adopt negative behaviours that set the precedent for health outcomes in later years. This study utilised a newly digitised health survey implemented during health screening at a university in Singapore to capture student health data. The aim of this study was to analyze the health status of this Asian university student population. A total of 535 students were included in the cohort, and a cross-sectional analysis of student health was completed. Areas of concern were highlighted in student’s body weight, visual acuity, and binge drinking. A large proportion of students were underweight (body mass index (BMI) < 18.5)—18.9% of females and 10.6% of males—and 7% of males were obese (BMI > 30). Although the overall prevalence of alcohol use was low in this study population, 9% of females and 8% of males who consumed alcohol had hazardous drinking habits. Around 16% of these students (male and female combined) typically drank 3–4 alcoholic drinks each occasion. The prevalence of mental health conditions reported was very low (<1%). This study evaluated the results from a digitised health survey implemented into student health screening to capture a comprehensive health history. The results reveal potential student health concerns and offer the opportunity to provide more targeted student health campaigns to address these.

Download Full-text