The Therapeutic Effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Poor Semen Quality in Infertile Males

Oligoasthenozoospermia is a crucial factor in male infertility. Wuzi Yanzong (WZYZ) pill is a popular traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula which has been used for male infertility treatment for years. However, its effects on semen quality remain controversial. We conducted a preregistered meta-analysis to assess the effect of WZYZ pill for the therapeutic effects on oligoasthenozoospermia. Five randomized controlled trials including 960 participants were selected from databases of domains in North-East Asian regions, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. WZYZ pill group yielded a greater mean increment on sperm concentration (5 trials: MD 5.99, 95% CI 2.12–9.85, P=0.002), sperm motility (5 trials: MD 4.57, 95% CI 0.47–8.68, P=0.03), sperm morphology (2 trials: MD −1.93, 95% CI −4.87–1.01, P=0.20), activity of acrosomal enzyme (2 trials: MD 28.27, 95% CI 12.41–44.14, P<0.01), volume of semen (2 trials: MD 0.56, 95% CI 0.21–0.91, P=0.002), and a decrement of sperm DNA fragmentation index (2 trials: MD −3.82, 95% CI −6.45–−1.19, P=0.004). However, qualities of selected studies were generally unsatisfactory, and there was inherent heterogeneity among some of the outcomes. Despite these limitations, the WZYZ pill improved sperm quality by improving several semen parameters and decreasing DNA damage in oligoasthenozoospermia patients.

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A double-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled trial on the effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine formula Wuzi Yanzong Pill on improving semen qualities in men with sub-optimal parameters

10.21203/rs.2.500/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Mingpeng Zhao ◽

Carol Pui Shan Chan ◽

Cosy Wing Ching Cheung ◽

Odai Alqawasmeh ◽

Ronald Chi Chiu Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hong Kong ◽

Chinese Medicine ◽

Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽

Male Infertility ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Optimal Parameters ◽

Chinese Medicine Formula ◽

Double Blinded ◽

Wuzi Yanzong Pill

Abstract Background In Hong Kong, one of six couples is affected by subfertility problems. Male infertility contributes to half of the infertility cases. In male infertility, there is no effective treatment on patients with idiopathic infertility/poor semen parameters. Recent meta-analysis suggests that a traditional Chinese medicine formula — Wuzi Yanzong Pill showed the curative effect on male fertility. However, the heterogeneity of the studies could not draw a definitive conclusion on the therapeutic effect of this formula. The aim of this study is to conduct a well-designed randomized controlled trial to investigate the effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine formula Wuzi Yanzong Pill on improving semen qualities in men with sub-optimal parameters. Methods This study is a double-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled trial conducted in a public hospital in Hong Kong. Participants will be randomized 1:1 ration either the Wuziyanzong Pill formula group or the placebo group using the computer-generated random number. Both groups will administrate the drugs for 12 weeks. Participants will have total four visits for their semen and blood assessments for a six-month period and we will follow up for another six months to record their conception outcome. The primary outcome is to compare the total motile sperm count, natural conception rate and pregnancy outcome to that under placebo treatment. Secondary objects are sperm functions and assisted reproductive technology outcome. Discussion To date, there are none of the studies using the disclosed Wuzi Yanzong formula nor double-blinded, randomized trials. The Wuzi Yanzong TCM formula may provide a good clinical solution for subfertile males that contemporary western medicine has no cure. Therefore, a well-designed randomized trial for evaluating the effect of Wuzi Yanzong TCM formula is urgently needed. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR), ChiCTR-INR-17010790 Registered on 27/02/2017. http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=18356 Centre for Clinical Research and Biostatistics, Clinical Trials Registry, CUHK_CCRB00548. Registered on 27/02/2017. https://www2.ccrb.cuhk.edu.hk/registry/public/437

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Influence of Lifestyle and Environmental Factors on Semen Quality in Ghanaian Men

International Journal of Reproductive Medicine ◽

10.1155/2020/6908458 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Richard Michael Blay ◽

Abigail Duah Pinamang ◽

Augustine E. Sagoe ◽

Ewurama Dedea Ampadu Owusu ◽

Nii Koney-Kwaku Koney ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Environmental Factors ◽

Male Infertility ◽

Sperm Motility ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Semen Analysis ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Adult Males ◽

Lifestyle Habits

Introduction. Male infertility is known to contribute about half of all infertility cases. In Ghana, the prevalence of male infertility is higher (15.8%) than in females (11.8%). Sperm quality is associated with the likelihood of pregnancy and known to be the cause of male fertility problems 90% of the time. Exposure to certain environmental factors reduces semen quality in men. The study examined the effects of environmental and lifestyle factors on semen quality in Ghanaian men. Materials and Methods. This was a cross-sectional study involving 80 apparent healthy adult males in their reproductive age. Participants were males referred to the laboratory (Immunology Unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital) for semen analysis test and/or culture and sensitivity. Participants were made to fill out a questionnaire which entailed selected environmental factors (accidents or trauma, exposure to chemicals, radiation, and heat) and lifestyle habits (including alcohol consumption, smoking, and whether participants sat more or less than 4 hours per day). Semen samples were then collected by masturbation into sterile containers and analysed in accordance with WHO guidance for semen analysis within 60 minutes after ejaculation and collection. Results. About 69% of participants had semen pH within the normal range compared to 15% whose pH were lower than 7.2. There was a significantly high number of immotile sperm cells ( p value = 0.017) in participants who sat for more than 4 hours as compared to those that sat for less than 4 hours in a day. Active sperm motility and viability showed significant increase ( p value = 0.002 and 0.009, respectively) in participants who kept their cell phones in their side pockets. Smoking produced a twofold decrease in sperm count as smokers had a significantly lower sperm count ( 12.28 ± 10.95 × 10 6 /ml) compared to the smoke-free ( 23.85 ± 22.14 × 10 6 /ml). For exposure to STDs, no significant differences were recorded among study groups concerning semen quality. Conclusion. Sperm quality in Ghanaian men is associated with lifestyle habits. Smoking and sitting for long hours influenced sperm motility and count, respectively. Knowledge of the factors that influence sperm quality in this geographical region can contribute to informed decisions on effective management of infertility in Ghanaian men.

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A double-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled trial on the effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine formula Wuzi Yanzong Pill on improving semen qualities in men with sub-optimal parameters

10.21203/rs.2.500/v2 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Mingpeng Zhao ◽

Carol Pui Shan Chan ◽

Cosy Wing Ching Cheung ◽

Odai Alqawasmeh ◽

Ronald Chi Chiu Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hong Kong ◽

Chinese Medicine ◽

Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽

Male Infertility ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Optimal Parameters ◽

Chinese Medicine Formula ◽

Double Blinded ◽

Wuzi Yanzong Pill

Abstract Background In Hong Kong, one of six couples is affected by subfertility problems. Male infertility contributes to half of the infertility cases. In male infertility, there is no effective treatment on patients with idiopathic infertility/poor semen parameters. Recent meta-analysis suggests that a traditional Chinese medicine formula — Wuzi Yanzong Pill showed the curative effect on male fertility. However, the heterogeneity of the studies could not draw a definitive conclusion on the therapeutic effect of this formula. The aim of this study is to conduct a well-designed randomized controlled trial to investigate the effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine formula Wuzi Yanzong Pill on improving semen qualities in men with sub-optimal parameters. Methods This study is a double-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled trial conducted in a public hospital in Hong Kong. Participants will be randomized 1:1 ration either the Wuziyanzong Pill formula group or the placebo group using the computer-generated random number. Both groups will administrate the drugs for 12 weeks. Participants will have total four visits for their semen and blood assessments for a six-month period and we will follow up for another six months to record their conception outcome. The primary outcome is to compare the total motile sperm count, natural conception rate and pregnancy outcome to that under placebo treatment. Secondary objects are sperm functions and assisted reproductive technology outcome. Discussion To date, there are none of the studies using the disclosed Wuzi Yanzong formula nor double-blinded, randomized trials. The Wuzi Yanzong TCM formula may provide a good clinical solution for subfertile males that contemporary western medicine has no cure. Therefore, a well-designed randomized trial for evaluating the effect of Wuzi Yanzong TCM formula is urgently needed. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR), ChiCTR-INR-17010790 Registered on 27/02/2017. http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=18356 Centre for Clinical Research and Biostatistics, Clinical Trials Registry, CUHK_CCRB00548. Registered on 27/02/2017. https://www2.ccrb.cuhk.edu.hk/registry/public/437

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Semen Parameters Are Seriously Affected in Acephalic Spermatozoa Syndrome

10.21203/rs.3.rs-993682/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Li-juan Ying ◽

Qing-ting Liu ◽

Lin Yu ◽

Tingting Yang ◽

Ying-bi Wu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Case Control Study ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Semen Analysis ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Control Group ◽

Semen Volume ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Control Study

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the effect of acephalic spermatozoa syndrome on sperm quality in semen with different proportions of headless sperm.Design: Case control study.Setting: Andrology Laboratory.Patient(s): A total of 391 patients with headless sperm and 400 prenatal examination patients with no headless sperm who underwent semen analysis at the andrology laboratory.Intervention(s): None.Main Outcome Measure(s): The correlation of the proportion of headless sperm in semen with semen parameters.Result(s): All semen parameters except the semen volume were negatively (P<0.05) correlated with the proportion of headless sperm in the semen. The semen samples were divided into three groups based on the proportion of headless sperm (PHS) as follows: 0<PHS≤10% (n=249, group A), 10<PHS≤20% (n=71, group B) and PHS>20% (n=71, group C). Nearly all semen parameters were significantly lower in group B and group C than in the control group (P<0.05). However, in group A, only the vitality and motility parameters were lower than those of the control group.Conclusion(s): Semen samples containing headless sperm tend to have lower semen parameters than samples without headless sperm. Increases in the proportion of headless sperm in semen samples are associated with decreases in semen quality.

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P–063 The influence of lifestyle factors on sperm quality by motile sperm organelle morphology examination (MSOME)

Human Reproduction ◽

10.1093/humrep/deab130.062 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

A Sebastianelli ◽

F Battaglia ◽

L Caponecchia ◽

C Fiori ◽

I Marcucci ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Semen Quality ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Semen Analysis ◽

Lifestyle Factors ◽

World Health ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Base System ◽

Motile Sperm ◽

Organelle Morphology

Abstract Study question This study aimed to investigate the influence of lifestyle factors on sperm quality according to Motile Sperm Organelle Morphology Examination (MSOME) criteria. Summary answer The introduction of MSOME permits the examination of subcellular defect like nuclear vacuoles at hight magnification (6000x) in real time on vital sperm. What is known already It is increased accepted that lifestyle factors have an impact on sperm quality. Recent evidence shows that the selection of spermatozoa based on the analysis of morphology under high magnification may have a positive impact on embryo development in cases with severe male factor infertility and/or previous implantation failures. Therefore, MSOME has been considered as representing an improvement in the evaluation of semen quality. Although numerous studies have shown the influences of nutrition, lifestyle, age on semen quality, only very few study, have considered the influence of these factors on the vacuolization rate in semen analysis (MSOME criteria) Study design, size, duration The objective of this prospective study was to compare the semen parameters of 87 male patients undergoing evaluation or treatment of infertility at Unit of Pathophysiology of Reproduction ad PMA-Santa Maria Goretti Hospital -Latina according to MSOME and WHO (World Health Organization) criteria between January and September 2019.Written informed consent was obtained from all partecipant of this study. Participants/materials, setting, methods The subjects were divided into three groups according to age: Group 1 ≤ 35 yearş group II ,36–40 years; and Group III ≥ to 41 years .All patients filled a questionnaire answering questions regarding age, BMI, caffeine and alcohol consumptions, smoking and nutrition behavior. Were excluded from the study patients with chromosomal alteration. For multifactorial lifestyle influence patients were evaluated with a point base system with a cut-off >2 and cut off<3 for unhealthy style. Main results and the role of chance There was no difference between the groups with regard all semen parameters such as volume, concentration, number of leukocytes, morphology and vitality (%).The percentage of spermatozoa with LNV (Large Nuclear vacuoles) was significantly higher in the older group than in the younger (I and II) (39,14±13,74 vs 31,8±12 and 31,7 ±13,4 rispectively (p < 0,05)which does not correspond to a worsening of semen morphology. Regression analysis demonstrated a correlation between the percentage of spermatozoa with LNV and male age (r = –0,1) (p < 0,001). There was no correlation between lifestyle parameters ad enviroments factors . Comparing the semen parameters of healthy and unhealthy population we found no difference except a significantly higher number of spermatozoa with vacuoles in the unhealthy population (p < 0.001) Limitations, reasons for caution Although the sample examined in this study is limited in size and other studies are needed to confirm this evidence, the data available to us support the routine use of MSOME for ICSI and as a criterion for semen analysis with potential clinical repercussions. Wider implications of the findings: To date, there are few works in the literature that analyze the relationship between the morphology assessed with the MSOME and the age of the patients and the results are conflicting. To our knowledge many works agree with our results. Trial registration number Not applicable

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IVF and male infertility

Reproductive Medicine Review ◽

10.1017/s0962279900000508 ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 1 (2) ◽

pp. 151-164 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Susan M Avery

Keyword(s):

Male Infertility ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Semen Analysis ◽

World Health ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Infertile Men ◽

Health Organization ◽

Sperm Dysfunction

Male infertility, while having a variety of causes, is generally discussed in terms of semen parameters. While the World Health Organization (WHO) have been able io set limits for semen parameters below which a male can be considered subfertile (20 million/ml; >50% motility; >50% morphologically normal forms), it is well documented thatin vivoconceptions have been achieved where semen quality falls well outside these limits, and that infertile men may have normal semen parameters. Macleod and Gold in comparing 1000 fertile men and 1000 infertile men, found that significantly more infertile men had sperm densities below 20 million/ml, but also that 60% of infertile men had sperm densities of 60 million or more. Jouannet and Feneaux have shown that the conception ratein vivoonly apparently falls significantly at sperm concentrations of less than five million/ml. Although the cause of subnormal semen analysis is unknown in the majority of cases, there is no reason to suppose that abnormal semen parameters on their own are the cause of infertility. Rather the problem may be caused by failure of sufficient numbers of sperm traversing the female tract and reaching the oocyte. Unfortunately, lack of defined diagnoses lead to a lack of direct treatment for subnormal semen parameters. The development ofin vitrofertilization (IVF) resulted in a method that could be used to circumvent the problem since it requires relatively low numbers of sperm and these are placed in the immediate vicinity of the oocyte. It should also be pointed out that normal semen parameters do not imply fertility, since these parameters cannot directly identify dysfunction. IVF offers the advantage that sperm-oocyte interractions can be observed, and in cases of fertilization failure, the point at which sperm dysfunction manifests itself may potentially be identified – if not the nature of the dysfunction. Techniques have now been developed that may overcome certain types of dysfunction, using both biochemical and mechanical means.

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Impact of Leucocytospermia on Semen Parameters among Sudanese Sub-Fertile Men Port Sudan -2019

10.47363/jdmrs/2021(2)125 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-5

Author(s):

Dalal Salih Abdel-aziz ◽

◽

Mohammed Ahmed Ibrahim Ahmed ◽

Esam Eldin Osman Elghazali ◽

Areeg Salih Abdel Aziz Ahmed ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Male Infertility ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Semen Analysis ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Normal Morphology ◽

Long Time ◽

Microbial Etiology ◽

Infertility Patients ◽

The Impact

Background: For a long time, bacterial infection of the male genital tract was thought to be one of the leading causes of male infertility. Various clinical studies have identified Leucocytospermia as a proxy marker for these infections, although other causes of inflammation may also play a role. Objective: The study was conducted at the Dermatology Teaching Hospital in Port Sudan with the aim of determining the impact of leucocytospermia on semen parameters and defining the microbial etiology among infertile males. Methods: Between September 2019 and February 2020, a descriptive, cross-sectional, hospital-based investigation was applied. After meeting the study requirements, 140 patients were randomly selected; patient information was collected via a closed-ended questionnaire after patients provided their authorization. Results: A total of 140 male infertility patients were evaluated. The mean age of respondents was 43.5 + 2.6 years old, 61.4% of the patients had infertility for 1-5 years, 55.7% of the patients had secondary infertility, 32.1% of the patients demonstrated leucocytospermia on their semen analysis. Semen analysis results showed that 37.8 of the leucospermic patients’ sperm count was <15 X 106. In 73.3% of the patients, the motile sperms were < 40%, and normal morphology was less than 4% in 46.7% of the patients. The analysis showed mixed infection by both gram positive and negative bacteria are common (42.2%). Conclusion: According to the findings, there is an association between leucocytospermia and male infertility.

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Therapeutic Effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Spinal Cord Injury: A Promising Supplementary Treatment in Future

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2016/8958721 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-18 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Qian Zhang ◽

Hao Yang ◽

Jing An ◽

Rui Zhang ◽

Bo Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Spinal Cord ◽

Spinal Cord Injury ◽

Chinese Medicine ◽

Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽

Epigallocatechin Gallate ◽

Therapeutic Effects ◽

Cord Injury ◽

Supplementary Treatment ◽

Natural Drugs ◽

Doctoral Dissertations

Objective. Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating neurological disorder caused by trauma. Pathophysiological events occurring after SCI include acute, subacute, and chronic phases, while complex mechanisms are comprised. As an abundant source of natural drugs, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) attracts much attention in SCI treatment recently. Hence, this review provides an overview of pathophysiology of SCI and TCM application in its therapy.Methods. Information was collected from articles published in peer-reviewed journals via electronic search (PubMed, SciFinder, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and CNKI), as well as from master’s dissertations, doctoral dissertations, and Chinese Pharmacopoeia.Results. Both active ingredients and herbs could exert prevention and treatment against SCI, which is linked to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, or antiapoptosis effects. The detailed information of six active natural ingredients (i.e., curcumin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, ligustrazine, quercitrin, and puerarin) and five commonly used herbs (i.e., Danshen, Ginkgo, Ginseng, Notoginseng, and Astragali Radix) was elucidated and summarized.Conclusions. As an important supplementary treatment, TCM may provide benefits in repair of injured spinal cord. With a general consensus that future clinical approaches will be diversified and a combination of multiple strategies, TCM is likely to attract greater attention in SCI treatment.

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Clinical Therapeutic Effects of Aspirin in Combination with Fufang Danshen Diwan, a Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula, on Coronary Heart Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry ◽

10.1159/000447892 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 39 (5) ◽

pp. 1955-1963 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Jianchun Huang ◽

Xiaojun Tang ◽

Fangxing Ye ◽

Junhui He ◽

Xiaolong Kong

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Coronary Heart Disease ◽

Heart Disease ◽

Chinese Medicine ◽

Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Aspirin Therapy ◽

Therapeutic Effects ◽

Chinese Medicine Formula

Background/Aims: Coronary heart disease is characterized by vascular stenosis or occlusion resulting in myocardial ischemia, hypoxia and necrosis. In China, the combination of aspirin and Fufang Danshen Diwan (FDD), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, has been suggested in the treatment of coronary heart disease. There have been several studies comparing the effectiveness of aspirin alone and in combination with FDD to treat coronary artery disease; however, it remains unclear whether combined aspirin therapy is superior. This study was thus designed to clarify this issue through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: Databases including PubMed, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database, Wanfang Data and VIP Information were searched. Papers were reviewed systematically by two researchers and analyzed using Cochrane software Revman 5.1. Results: Fourteen randomized controlled trials enrolling 1367 subjects were included. Meta-analyses revealed that aspirin in combination with FDD was significantly more effective at alleviating angina pectoris and improving electrocardiogram (ECG) results relative to aspirin therapy alone, reflected by the summary effects for the clinical markedly effective (OR = 2.45; 95% CI 1.95-3.08) and the total effective (OR = 3.92; 95% CI 2.87-5.36) rates. In addition, combined aspirin and FDD was significantly more efficacious than aspirin monotherapy at improving blood lipid levels, as indicated by the following outcomes: 1) reduction of TC level (SMD −1.12; 95% CI −1.49 to −0.76); 2) reduction of TG level (SMD −0.94; 95% CI −1.15 to -0.74); 3) reduction of LDL level (SMD -0.68; 95% CI -0.88 to -0.48); and 4) improvement of HDL level (SMD 0.52; 95% CI 0.04 to 0.99 ). No serious adverse events were reported in any of the included trials. Conclusion: The present meta-analysis demonstrated that aspirin in combination with FDD was more effective than aspirin alone for treating coronary heart disease. More full-scale randomized clinical trials with reliable designs are recommended to further evaluate the clinical benefits and long-term effectiveness of FDD for the treatment of coronary heart disease.

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