scholarly journals The Sixth Edition of the WHO Manual for Human Semen Analysis: A Critical Review and SWOT Analysis

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 1368
Author(s):  
Florence Boitrelle ◽  
Rupin Shah ◽  
Ramadan Saleh ◽  
Ralf Henkel ◽  
Hussein Kandil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Critical Review ◽  
Swot Analysis ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Human Semen ◽  
Laboratory Manual ◽  
Sixth Edition ◽  
Sperm Dna ◽  
Depth Analysis

Semen analysis is the cornerstone of male fertility evaluation with WHO guidelines providing the basis for procedural standardization and reference values worldwide. The first WHO manual was published in 1980, and five editions have been subsequently released over the last four decades. The 6th Edition was published in July 2021. In this review, we identify the key changes of this 6th Edition. Additionally, we evaluate the utility of this 6th Edition in clinical practice using SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis. This new Edition has made the analysis of basic semen parameters more robust, taking into account the criticisms and grey areas of the previous editions. The tests assessing sperm DNA fragmentation and seminal oxidative stress are well-described. The main novelty is that this latest edition abandons the notion of reference thresholds, suggesting instead to replace them with “decision limits”. While this seems attractive, no decision limits are proposed for either basic semen parameters, or for extended or advanced parameters. This critical review of the 6th Edition of the WHO laboratory manual combined with a SWOT analysis summarizes the changes and novelties present in this new Edition and provides an in-depth analysis that could help its global use in the coming years.

scholarly journals Relationships between sperm DNA integrity and bulk semen parameters in Bulgarian patients with varicocele

2019 ◽  
Vol 91 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Viktor Alargkof ◽  
Larissa Kersten ◽  
Romil Stanislavov ◽  
Zdravko Kamenov ◽  
Panagiotis Nikolinakos
Keyword(s):  
Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Human Reproduction ◽  
Sperm Parameters ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Dna Integrity ◽  
Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Abnormal Sperm ◽  
Sperm Dna

Objective: This exploratory retrospective study aimed to compare the level of Sperm DNA Fragmentation (SDF) and investigate its association with bulk semen parameters, for the first time in Bulgarian patients with varicocele, using a distinct methodology. Material and methods: Standard semen analysis was performed according to the 2010 criteria of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology - Nordic Association for Andrology (ESHRE-NAFA-2010) and DNA fragmentation was assessed using the Halosperm® kit. The total sample included 28 males: the control group consisted of men with normal genital examination and unknown fertility (n = 10), group one consisted of men with varicocele, normozoospermia and DNA fragmentation > 15% (n = 9) and group two consisted of men with varicocele, abnormal sperm parameters and DNA fragmentation > 15% (n = 9). Results: DNA fragmentation was found to be higher in patients with abnormal sperm parameters (43.78 ± 30.78) compared to the normozoospermic group (21.22 ± 3.93) (p = 0.008). In normozoospermic patients, no statistically significant correlations were observed between SDF and bulk semen parameters. In patients with abnormal sperm parameters, DNA fragmentation exhibited significant very strong negative association with motility (a+b), vitality and typical morphology (p < 0.001). Conclusions: DNA integrity assays could be used for a better evaluation and management of male infertility, particularly in normozoospermic varicocele patients.

scholarly journals Sperm Global DNA Methylation (SGDM) in Semen of Healthy Dogs

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 50
Author(s):  
Giacomo Galdiero ◽  
Emanuele D’Anza ◽  
Cristina de Angelis ◽  
Sara Albarella ◽  
Vincenzo Peretti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Global Dna Methylation ◽  
Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Seminal Parameters ◽  
Sperm Dna ◽  
Healthy Dogs

Male infertility is an emerging problem in both humans and animals, and the knowledge of its causes is the first step to identifying new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. In humans, alteration of sperm DNA methylation have been related to poor quality semen, impaired seminal parameters, azoospermia and reduced fertility. Although semen analysis is routinely used to evaluate the male reproductive potential in the canine species, no authors have attempted to relate semen characteristics to the sperm global DNA methylation (SGDM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the SGDM level in healthy dogs and to correlate it with semen parameters that are currently used in dog semen analyses. Conventional and unconventional (sperm DNA fragmentation and SGDM) seminal parameters of thirty dogs from different breeds were evaluated. A positive correlation was found between SGDM and sperm concentration (r = 0.41; p < 0.05), and total sperm count (r = 0.61; p < 0.001); SGDM was significantly lower in oligozoospermic vs non-oligozoospermic dogs (4.3% vs. 8.7%; p < 0.005). Our findings suggest that SGDM levels are related to conventional seminal parameters, and could be used as a marker of testis function and spermatogenesis in dogs.

scholarly journals Correlation among isolated teratozoospermia, sperm DNA fragmentation and markers of systemic inflammation in primary infertile men

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. e0251608
Author(s):  
Luigi Candela ◽  
Luca Boeri ◽  
Paolo Capogrosso ◽  
Walter Cazzaniga ◽  
Edoardo Pozzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Linear Regression ◽  
Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Inflammatory Parameters ◽  
Infertile Men ◽  
Sperm Dna

Aim To assess the prevalence of isolated teratozoospermia (iTZS) in a cohort of infertile and fertile men; explore the relationship between iTZS, inflammatory parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation index (SDF) in the same cohort. Materials and methods 1824 infertile men and 103 fertile controls. Semen analysis, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and serum hormones were investigated. DFI was tested in infertile men only. According to 2010 WHO semen analysis, patients were categorized in 3 sub-groups of isolated sperm defects: isolated oligozoospermia (iOZS), isolated asthenozoospermia (iAZS) and iTZS. Descriptive statistics and linear regression models tested the association between clinical variables and inflammatory markers. Results Among infertile men, iAZS, iTZS, and iOZS were found in 13.9%, 11.9% and 4.1% participants, respectively. iTZS was found in 37 (35.9%) fertile men. Infertile men with iTZS had higher NLR values than those with iOZS, iAZS and men with normal semen parameters (all p<0.001). FSH and LH were higher and inhibin B lower in iOZS infertile men compared to all other groups (p≤0.001). Hormonal characteristics were similar between iTZS infertile and fertile men. Similarly, iTZS infertile men had higher SDF than all other groups (all p<0.001). Infertile men with iTZS had higher NLR values than fertile men with iTZS (p<0.01). Linear regression analysis showed that, in infertile men, iTZS was associated with SDF and NLR (all p≤0.01). Conclusions iTZS was found in 11.9% of infertile men but it was even more prevalent in fertile controls. Infertile men with iTZS had higher NLR than fertile controls and increased SDF values than infertile participant with iAZS, iOZS, or normal semen parameters. No differences in hormonal characteristics were found between infertile and fertile men with iTZS.

scholarly journals Evaluating the effect of BESTFertil antioxidant complex on semen parameters and severity of asthenic syndrome in men with a recent history of novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19)

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 68-76
Author(s):  
T. V. Shatylko ◽  
S. I. Gamidov ◽  
A. Yu. Popova
Keyword(s):  
Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Sperm Dna ◽  
History Of ◽  
Coronavirus Infection ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Group 1

Introduction. Direct influence of novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) on male fertility is still unproven. However, through prolonged fever, hypoxia, systemic inflammation and other yet incompletely described factors this disease may apparently cause not only “long COVID” syndrome, but also transitory non-specific impairment of spermatogenesis. The study objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of administration of Russian complex with unique composition BESTFertil in case of decreased fertility and asthenic syndrome in males after new coronavirus infection.Materials and methods. We performed a non-blinded randomized prospective controlled trial which included 60 male patients with a history of COVID-19 not earlier than 6 months prior to enrollment from couples planning to have children. Patients were included if they had pre-disease semen analysis results available. They were divided into two equal groups. Group 1 (main group) received BESTFertil complex for 12 weeks, while Group 2 (comparison group) received no additional treatment. At baseline and 12-week follow-up all patients underwent semen analysis, MAR test, sperm DNA fragmentation test, serum sex hormone profiling and completed the “Asthenic condition scale” questionnaire. Student's t-test, Wilcoxon test, Mann-Whitney U-test and McNemar test were used for statistical analysis.Results. When comparing retrospective and baseline values we found no critical influence of COVID-19 on semen parameters, though a moderate decrease of percentage of sperm with progressive motility could be observed (40.5 % vs 30 %, p = 0.008). Group 1 had a stronger tendency toward recovery of semen parameters. Patients receiving BESTFertil had median total motile sperm count increased from 48.5 million to 76.8 million (p = 0.032), while in comparison group it increased from 39.8 million to 49.2 million (p = 0.317). BESTFertil antioxidant complex had no negative influence on endocrine profile. Moreover, there was a statistically significant decrease of sperm DNA fragmentation index from 21.2 to 13.9 % (p = 0.007) in Group 1. Lower rate of asthenic symptoms was observed in Group 1 which received BESTFertil.Conclusion. Men with a recent history of COVID-19 had a moderate decrease of surrogate fertility markers, most probably due to non-specific mechanisms. Patients receiving BESTFertil had a more pronounced recovery of semen parameters and improvement in post-COVID asthenic syndrome.

scholarly journals The Negative Impact of Varicocele on Basic Semen Parameters, Sperm Nuclear DNA Dispersion and Oxidation-Reduction Potential in Semen

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 5977
Author(s):  
Kamil Gill ◽  
Michal Kups ◽  
Patryk Harasny ◽  
Tomasz Machalowski ◽  
Marta Grabowska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reduction Potential ◽  
Nuclear Dna ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Infertile Men ◽  
Oxidation Reduction ◽  
Oxidation Reduction Potential ◽  
Sperm Dna

Since varicocele is so common in infertile men, this study intends to analyse the relationships between varicocele and conventional semen characteristics, sperm nuclear DNA dispersion and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) in semen. Varicocele-positive and varicocele-negative infertile men (study groups) showed significantly lower standard sperm parameters and higher sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and ORP in semen than healthy volunteers and subjects with proven fertility (control groups). A lower proportion of low SDF levels (0–15% SDF) and higher incidence of high SDF levels (>30% SDF), as well as a higher prevalence of high ORP values (>1.37 mV/106 sperm/mL), were found in the study groups vs. the control groups. Moreover, infertile men had significantly lower odds ratios (ORs) for low SDF levels and significantly higher ORs for high SDF levels and high ORP. SDF and ORP were negatively correlated with sperm number, morphology, motility and vitality. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was found between SDF and ORP. The obtained results suggest that disorders of spermatogenesis may occur in varicocele-related infertility. These abnormalities are manifested not only by reduced standard semen parameters but also by decreased sperm DNA integrity and simultaneously increased oxidative stress in semen.

Do serum vitamin D levels correlate with semen analysis parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation?

2012 ◽  
Vol 98 (3) ◽  
pp. S47-S48
Author(s):  
L. Rubal ◽  
A.M. Hernandez ◽  
S. Ingles ◽  
M. Scrooc ◽  
K. Bendikson
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Serum Vitamin D ◽  
Sperm Dna ◽  
Vitamin D Levels

scholarly journals P–070 Evaluation of SARS-CoV–2 in human semen and effect on total sperm number: A prospective observational study

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Best ◽  
M Kuchakulla ◽  
K Khodamoradi ◽  
T Lima ◽  
F Frech ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Human Semen ◽  
Sperm Number ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Sperm Analysis ◽  
Reproductive Techniques ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Study question Is the SARS-CoV–2 virus present in human semen and what is the impact on semen parameters following an infection? Summary answer SARS-CoV–2 infection, though not detected in semen of recovered men, can affect TSN in ejaculate in the acute setting. What is known already Early epidemiological data has suggested that the primary mode of transmission is through respiratory droplets, but the presence of SARS-CoV–2 has been identified in other bodily fluids such as feces, urine, and semen. Study design, size, duration We prospectively recruited thirty men diagnosed with acute SARS-CoV–2 infection using real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of pharyngeal swab specimens. Thirty semen samples from recovered men were obtained 11–64 days after testing positive for SAR-CoV–2 infection. The median duration between positive SAR-CoV–2 test and semen collection was 37 days (IQR=23). Participants/materials, setting, methods Semen samples were collected from each individual using mailed kits. Follow-up semen samples were done with mailed kits or in-person in office setting. Semen analysis and PCR was performed after samples were received. Main results and the role of chance The median total sperm number (TSN) in ejaculate was 12.5 million (IQR=53.1). When compared with age-matched SARS-CoV–2(-) men, TSN was lower among SARS-CoV–2(+) men (p = 0.0024). Five men completed a follow-up sperm analysis (median 3 months) and had a median TSN of 18 million (IQR=21.6). No RNA was detected by means of RT-PCR in the semen in 16 samples tested. Limitations, reasons for caution First, most of the semen samples came from non-severe men of whom were in the recovery stage and lacked symptoms. Additionally, our sample size was relatively small and overnight mail-in semen analysis kits were used during the acute phase of infection to minimize contact with positive subjects. Wider implications of the findings: Our findings suggest extremely low risk of viral transmission during sexual contact and assisted reproductive techniques, although further data need to be obtained. The impact on TSC in recovered men from SARS-CoV–2 infection is concerning, nevertheless long-term follow-up of these men is critical to determine the nadir of TSC. Trial registration number 20200401

P–068 CatSper4 cation channel expression is low in male infertility and is affected by cryopreservation

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
N Kilic ◽  
T İrez ◽  
N Dayiolu
Keyword(s):  
Male Infertility ◽  
Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Middle Part ◽  
Cation Channel ◽  
The Other ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Sperm Dna

Abstract Study question Is CatSper4 expression in sperm related to functional parameters and does cryopreservation affect CatSper4 expression? Summary answer In this study, it was aimed to investigate whether CatSper4 has a relationship with sperm parameters and is CatSper 4 affected by cryopreservation. What is known already CatSper membrane channels, known as cation channels, are thought to play an important role in the insufficiency of sperm physiology, acrosome reaction, and chemotaxis movement. There is no study on cation channel distribution in an infertile male patient. In addition, studies conducted in recent years have shown that cryopreservation techniques have negative effects on sperm DNA, but there is no analysis in the literature regarding the effects of cryopreservation on CatSper4 ion channel proteins. Study design, size, duration Samples of the patients who applied to the Andrology laboratory in the Medical Park Hospital IVF unit between March 1 and June 1 in 2020 were included in the study. Also, patients with no family history of no genetic anomalies , no varicocele and azoospermia were included.The study were divided into 4 groups in accordance with the male infertility guideline of the European Association of Urology as normozoospermic (control group), the asthenoteratozoospermia, teratozoospermia, and oligoastenotheratozoospermia. Participants/materials, setting, methods In this prospective study, semen analysis, DNA fragmentation, and CatSper 4 by IHC of control group patients with normospermia (n = 40) and oligospermia(n = 50), asthenospermia(n = 40), and teratozoospermia(n = 38) patients were compared and differences resulting from cryopreservation were evaluated by Wilcoxon signed Ranks Test. Main results and the role of chance It was observed that CatSper4 protein positivity was localized in the middle part of the sperm and it was statistically higher in the normozoospermic patient group compared to the other groups (p = 0,01). When the positivity values of CatSper4 protein before and after freezing were compared in the groups, it was seen that the values decreased (p = 0,001,p=0,01). Sperm DNA fragmentation was found to be lowest in normospermia and statistically significantly higher in other groups. Cryopreservation application increased DNA fragmentation in all groups (p &lt; 0,001 , p &lt; 0,01). Limitations, reasons for caution Unfortunately, embryo screening in patients with low CatSper4 expression is not available in the present study. Soon we plan to screen a broader clinical pregnancy series and present the IVF results associated with CatSper4. Wider implications of the findings: Our study indicated that, CatSper4 expression is quite high in normospermia when compared with the other groups, particularly oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and asthenoteratozoospermia. There are almost no studies on this subject in the literature, and we think that it should be studied in larger patient groups and in unexplained infertile cases. Trial registration number Not applicable

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