Relationship between asthenozoospermia and selected macroscopic, microscopic and biochemical semen parameters

Asthenozoospermia is a sperm motility disorder in which <32% of spermatozoa show progressive motility, according to the World Health Organization definition (WHO, 2010). Among causes of male infertility asthenozoospermia accounts for nearly 19%. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between asthenozoospermia and selected macroscopic, microscopic and biochemical parameters of semen. The semen of 112 males from infertile couples was studied. Basic sperm analysis was performed by manual method according to the WHO 2010 guidelines. Macroscopic parameters (volume, pH) and microscopic (total sperm number and concentration, percentage of vital spermatozoa and with normal morphology) were evaluated. Biochemical parameters (neutral α-glucosidase activity – epididymis activity marker, fructose concentration – seminal vesicles activity marker, and citric acid – prostatic activity marker) were evaluated by spectrophotometric method. Patients with asthenozoospermia had a statistically significant decrease in the ejaculate volume, lower total sperm number and lower percentage of vital sperms, as well as lower fructose and citric acid concentrations in comparison to those without asthenozoospermia. There were statistically significant positive correlations between the percentage of spermatozoa showing progressive movement and the ejaculate volume, total number and concentration of spermatozoa, percentage of with normal vitality and morphology, as well as total fructose concentration in the ejaculate. Conclusions: Asthenozoospermia may be associated with abnormal macroscopic and microscopic semen parameters such as reduced ejaculate volume, reduced sperm count, reduced spermatozoa and normal morphology, and reduced biochemical parameters. Co-occurrence of abnormal macroscopic, microscopic and biochemical parameters of semen may indicate a common etiological factor for these disorders.

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

Human Reproduction ◽

10.1093/humrep/deab130.069 ◽

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

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Women’s age and total motile normal morphology sperm count predict fecundability: a prospective cohort study

BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health ◽

10.1136/bmjsrh-2020-200639 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. bmjsrh-2020-200639

Author(s):

Mei Ting Lam ◽

Hang Wun Raymond Li ◽

Ching Yin Grace Wong ◽

William Shu Biu Yeung ◽

Pak Chung Ho ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Cohort Study ◽

Prospective Cohort Study ◽

Prospective Cohort ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Time To Pregnancy ◽

Normal Morphology ◽

Younger Age

ObjectiveThis study investigated the role of women’s age, serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level and semen parameters in predicting fecundability.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study on couples attending for preconceptional health check. Occurrence of conception at 1 year after ceasing contraception and time to pregnancy were noted by telephone follow-up. The women’s age, serum AMH level and total motile normal morphology sperm count (TMNC) were compared between those who conceived and those who did not after 1 year; their independent predictive value on conception at 1 year was analysed by logistic regression. Among those conceiving within 1 year, Spearman’s correlations between time to pregnancy and the clinical parameters were studied.ResultsOf the 100 couples analysed, we found younger age of the women (p=0.008), higher serum AMH level (p=0.038) and higher TMNC (p=0.015) in those that conceived within 1 year. Multivariate logistic regression found that women’s age (OR 0.867, 95% CI 0.761 to 0.988, p=0.032) and TMNC (OR 1.089, 95% 1.001–1.185, p=0.047), but not serum AMH level, significantly predicted conception within 1 year. Among those that conceived within 1 year, none of the parameters analysed were correlated with time to pregnancy within 1 year.ConclusionsWomen’s age and TNMC are significant independent predictors of conception within 1 year. No parameter was shown to predict the time to pregnancy within 1 year. This finding can aid preconceptional counselling of couples who are planning for pregnancy.

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The Association Between Abstinence Period and Semen Parameters: Results in Normal Samples and Different Sperm Pathology

10.21203/rs.3.rs-576492/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Min Xie ◽

Silvan Hämmerli ◽

Kerstin Blickenstorfer ◽

Brigitte Leeners

Keyword(s):

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Sexual Abstinence ◽

Normal Morphology ◽

Few Data ◽

Total Motile Sperm Count ◽

Abstinence Period

Abstract Purpose: The length of sexual abstinence seems to influence sperm quality. However, few data on the relevance of abstinence time in pathological sperm samples are available. With our study, we look for associations of abstinence length and semen quality. Methods: We studied semen samples from 4423 men undergoing fertility evaluation. Sperm concentration, percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa, total motile sperm count, percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology, were compared after each day and 0-2, 3-7 and >7 days of abstinence. Results: We found that a longer abstinence time was related to higher sperm concentration in normal semen samples (P<0.001) and in semen samples with any sperm pathology (P<0.001, P=0.004) with the exception of oligozoospermia (P=0.125). Longer abstinence time was also associated with significantly reduced progressive motility in normal samples (P<0.001) and in cases of teratozoospermia (P<0.001). In normal samples a higher percentage of sperm were morphologically normal after a shorter abstinence period (P=0.03); in oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) samples, this was the case after a longer abstinence period (P=0.013). Conclusion: A longer abstinence time is associated with higher sperm concentration, whereas sperm motility is optimal after shorter abstinence times; results on morphology are controversial. The recommendation on abstinence time needs to be adjusted in relation to the parameter that needs to be improved.

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SEMEN ANALYSIS; CORNER STONE IN EVALUATING INFERTILITY

Pakistan Armed Forces Medical Journal ◽

10.51253/pafmj.v71i6.6150 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 71 (6) ◽

pp. 2224-27

Author(s):

Aysha Khan ◽

Zunera Shahbaz ◽

Shagufta Yousaf ◽

Abeera Ahmed ◽

Fatima Sana ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sperm Count ◽

Semen Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

World Health ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Military Hospital ◽

Normal Male ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Normal Sperm ◽

Health Organization

Objective: To study the patterns and distribution of various abnormal semen parameters in infertile males. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pathology, Combined Military Hospital, Karachi, from Nov 2019 to Oct 2020. Methodology: The study included 364 patients who presented with primary and secondary infertility. Consecutive convenient sampling was done. Semen analysis was performed using World Health Organization latest guidelines. Samples were categorized as normospermia, azoospermia, oligospermia, asthenozoospermia and necrospermia. Results: The study comprised of 364 samples of infertile males. Normal sperm count was observed in 317 (87%) males, azoospermia in 28 (7.6%) and oligospermia in 19 (5.2%) males. Low ejaculated volume and higher non-motile sperms were noted in oligospermia samples in comparison with normospermia samples. Asthenozoospermia was observed in 102 (28%) and oligoasthenospermia was noted in 15 (4.1%) samples. Conclusion: Good quality semen analysis is a corner stone to diagnose the cause of male infertility.Sperm concentration and motility are the important markers of normal male reproductive system and are related to each other.

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Comparison of mice’ sperm parameters exposed to some hazardous physical agents

Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology ◽

10.5620/eaht.2021013 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 36 (3) ◽

pp. e2021013

Author(s):

Mohammad-Bagher Abdollahi ◽

Somayeh Farhang Dehghan ◽

Faezeh Abasi Balochkhaneh ◽

Manouchehr Ahmadi Moghadam ◽

Hamzeh Mohammadi

Keyword(s):

Sperm Count ◽

Semen Analysis ◽

Field Studies ◽

Sperm Parameters ◽

World Health ◽

Control Group ◽

Normal Morphology ◽

Progressive Motility ◽

Noise Vibration ◽

Health Organization

The present study was aimed to compare the effects of exposure to noise, vibration, lighting, and microwave on male mice’ sperm parameters. The mice were randomly assigned to five groups of eight, which comprised of the unexposed group and exposure groups including the lighting (1000 lux), noise (100 dB(A)), vibration (acceleration of 1.2 m/s2) and microwave (power density of 5 watts). The exposure groups were subjected to the four agents for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week during a 2-week period. Semen analysis were done according to World Health Organization guidelines. The highest significant mean difference in sperm count (-1.35×106/mL) had being observed between the microwave group and the control one (P=0.001). The highest difference in immotile percent (25.88 %) had being observed between the noise group and the control one (P=0.001). The highest difference in normal morphology (-27.06 %) observed between the lighting exposure group and the control group (P=0.001). The four agents can cause changes in different sperm parameters, however for definite conclusion; more laboratory and field studies are required. In total, exposure to microwave has had the greatest effect on sperm count and exposure to light has had the greatest effect on normal morphology and non-progressive motility. Moreover, exposure to noise has had the greatest effect on progressive motility and immotile percent, respectively.

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Effect of Bioxcell® and Triladyl® Extenders and Removal of Seminal Plasma on Equilibrated and Cryopreserved Semen from South African Unimproved Indigenous Bucks

Journal of Bacteriology and Mycology ◽

10.26420/jbacteriolmycol.2021.1164 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Nethenzheni LP ◽

◽

Mphaphathi ML ◽

Madzhie LR ◽

Negota NC ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Seminal Plasma ◽

Membrane Integrity ◽

The Other ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Lower Percentage ◽

Mean Values ◽

Sperm Analysis ◽

Progressive Motility ◽

Frozen Semen ◽

Motility Rate

The objectives of the study were to evaluate the effect of two extenders (Triladyl® and Bioxcell®) and the removal of seminal plasma on indigenous buck’s semen. Semen was collected from six indigenous bucks using an electro-ejaculator. Raw semen was pooled and randomly allocated into six groups as follows: (i) Raw non-washed, (ii) Raw washed, (iii) Triladyl®-washed, (iv) Triladyl®-non-washed, (v) Bioxcell®-washed and (vi) Bioxcell®-non-washed. Both the Triladyl® and Bioxcell® washed semen samples groups were diluted (1:4 v/v) with Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) then centrifuged at 1500x g for ten min and seminal plasma was removed. The groups were analysed for spermatozoa motility rates using Computer-Aided Sperm Analysis (CASA). The spermatozoa viability was assessed using Eosin-Nigrosin, acrosome integrity using Spermac, chromatin structure using Acridine Orange, and mitochondria using JC-1 staining solutions. Semen samples were diluted (1:4 v/v) as follows: Triladyl® (washed and non-washed) or Bioxcell® (washed and non-washed) and then equilibrated at 5°C for 2 hours. Equilibrated semen samples in 0.25 mL French straws were placed 5 cm above a Liquid Nitrogen (LN2) vapour for 10 min, and stored for one month. Frozen semen straws per treatment group were thawed at 37°C for 30 seconds. Significant differences among the mean values of semen parameters were determined by Tukey’s test using ANOVA, GLM procedure of SAS version 12.1 of 2010. The spermatozoa progressive motility rate in non-washed semen extended with Bioxcell® was significantly higher (89.6±7.5a) compared with that of non-washed Triladyl®, washed Bioxcell® and Triladyl® (P<0.05). Live spermatozoa percentage in washed semen extended with Triladyl® extender was reduced (27.7±17.1) significantly compared with the other groups (P<0.05). There was a lower percentage of spermatozoa with high mitochondrial membrane potential in non-washed and washed semen extended with Bioxcell® (39.5±23.2 and 37.9±28.6, respectively) compared with that of non-washed and washed semen extended with Triladyl® (P>0.05). The spermatozoa progressive motility rate in non-washed semen extended with Bioxcell® (58.5±10.0) extender was significantly higher compared with that of the other groups (P<0.05). There was a higher live and normal spermatozoa percentage in non-washed semen extended with Bioxcell® (45.7±21.2) compared with that of the other groups (P<0.05). In conclusion, Washing of seminal plasma in semen extended with Triladyl® was not essential, as it lowered viability, progressive motility and chromatin membrane integrity prior and post-cryopreservation. However, Bioxcell® extender was found to be more suitable for preserving spermatozoa during equilibration and freezing/thawing process of non-washed and washed buck semen.

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Identification and Structure Prediction of Human Septin-4 as a Biomarker for Diagnosis of Asthenozoospermic Infertile Patients—Critical Finding Toward Personalized Medicine

Frontiers in Medicine ◽

10.3389/fmed.2021.723019 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

A. S. Vickram ◽

K. Anbarasu ◽

Palanivelu Jeyanthi ◽

G. Gulothungan ◽

R. Nanmaran ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Structure Prediction ◽

Biochemical Parameters ◽

Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis ◽

Sodium Dodecyl ◽

Md Simulations ◽

Molecular Techniques ◽

Semen Sample ◽

World Health ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Plasma Protein Concentration

Semen parameters are been found as a key factor to evaluate the count and morphology in the given semen sample. The deep knowledge of male infertility will unravel with semen parameters correlated with molecular and biochemical parameters. The current research study is to identify the motility associated protein and its structure through the in-silico approach. Semen samples were collected and initial analysis including semen parameters was analyzed by using the World Health Organization protocol. Semen biochemical parameters, namely, seminal plasma protein concentration, fructose content, and glucosidase content were calculated and evaluated for correlation. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) were carried out for identification of Septin-4 presence in the semen sample. Mascot search was done for protein conformation and in-silico characterization of Septin-4 by structural modeling in Iterative Threading Assembly Refinement (I-TASSER). Twenty-five nanoseconds molecular dynamics (MD) simulations results showed the stable nature of Septin-4 in the dynamic system. Overall, our results showed the presence of motility-associated protein in normospermia and control samples and not in the case of asthenospermia and oligoasthenospermia. Molecular techniques characterized the presence of Septin-4 and as a novel biomarker for infertility diagnosis.

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Effects of firefighting on semen parameters: an exploratory study

Reproduction and Fertility ◽

10.1530/raf-20-0070 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. L13-L15

Author(s):

Michelle Engelsman ◽

Leisa-Maree L Toms ◽

Xianyu Wang ◽

Andrew P W Banks ◽

Debbie Blake

Keyword(s):

Exploratory Study ◽

Online Survey ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Semen Analysis ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Occupational Exposures ◽

World Health ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Personal Hygiene

Lay summary Firefighters are occupationally exposed to heat intensities and chemical concentrations that may affect fertility. Twenty firefighters participated in an exploratory study assessing fertility of firefighters via an online survey and semen analysis. Data analysis included consideration of demographic characteristics, reproductive history and occupational exposures. Overall, firefighter semen parameters were below World Health Organisation reference values designating fertility in men. Firefighters younger than 45 years had a higher incidence of abnormal semen parameters (42%) than those aged 45 years or greater (9%). Increased rank and higher levels of occupational and/or personal hygiene were associated with improved semen quality. Increased frequency of fire exposure was associated with a reduction in normal forms, volume, sperm concentration and total sperm count. Sperm clumping was greater than 10% in 26% of samples, suggesting reduced semen quality. This exploratory study provides novel data that support the hypothesis of an association between semen quality and firefighter’s occupational exposure to toxic environments.

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Improved sperm motility after 4 h of ejaculatory abstinence: role of accessory sex gland secretions

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rd18135 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 31 (5) ◽

pp. 1009

Author(s):

Dale Goss ◽

Bashir Ayad ◽

Gerhard van der Horst ◽

Bongekile Skosana ◽

Stefan S. du Plessis

Keyword(s):

Citric Acid ◽

Sperm Motility ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Semen Analysis ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Sperm Analysis ◽

Semen Volume ◽

Alternative Sources ◽

Abstinence Period ◽

Ejaculatory Abstinence

Various studies have sought to determine the typical v. optimal abstinence period after which semen samples should be collected, with many contradictory results reported. Several factors influence the semen microenvironment, and thus sperm parameters. In this study we focused on the secretions of the prostate, seminal vesicles and the epididymis. Semen samples were obtained from healthy normozoospermic males (n=16) after 4-day and 4-h periods of ejaculatory abstinence, and standard semen analysis was performed using computer-aided sperm analysis, whereas seminal plasma citric acid, neutral α-glucosidase and fructose concentrations were measured using assay kits. There were significant decreases in total sperm count (P<0.001), sperm concentration (P<0.05) and semen volume (P<0.05) after 4h compared with 4 days ejaculatory abstinence. Furthermore, increases were observed in total sperm motility (P<0.05) and sperm progressive motility (P<0.01) after a 4-h abstinence period, accompanied by significant reductions in citric acid (P<0.05), α-glucosidase (P<0.01) and fructose (P<0.01) concentrations. In addition, due to the decreased number of spermatozoa, these concentrations translated to a significant decrease in fructose (P<0.05) per spermatozoon, indicating an intrinsic mechanism capitalising on alternative sources of energy for increased metabolic function and subsequent sperm motility.

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Is there a relationship between serum vitamin D and semen parameters? A cross-sectional sample of the Iranian infertile men

Basic and Clinical Andrology ◽

10.1186/s12610-021-00147-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 31 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Hossein Hajianfar ◽

Elham Karimi ◽

Negar Mollaghasemi ◽

Sheyda Rezaei ◽

Arman Arab

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Serum Vitamin ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Normal Morphology ◽

Serum Vitamin D ◽

Vitamin D Levels ◽

Semen Volume

Abstract Background Recent studies suggest that serum vitamin D may be associated with semen parameters. In the present cross-sectional study, we attempted to investigate the association between serum vitamin D levels and semen parameters among Iranian sub-fertile men. Results A total of 350 infertile men recruited for this cross-sectional study using a simple random sampling method with a mean age of 34.77 years old, body mass index of 26.67 kg/m2, serum vitamin D of 20.17 ng/ml, semen volume of 3.82 mL, sperm count of 44.48 (106/mL), sperm total motility of 38.10 %, and morphologically normal sperm of 7.0 %. After controlling for potential confounders, serum vitamin D was positively associated with semen volume (β = 0.63, 95 % CI: 0.06, 1.20), sperm count (β = 14.40, 95 % CI: 4.56, 24.25), sperm total motility (β = 18.12, 95 % CI: 12.37, 23.86), and sperm normal morphology (β = 1.95, 95 % CI: 1.07, 2.83). Conclusions The present findings suggest that higher serum vitamin D levels are positively associated with higher semen volume, sperm count, sperm total motility, and normal morphology rate. These findings, however, do not specify a cause-and-effect relationship, and there is a need for further research in this area to understand whether vitamin D supplementation can improve semen parameters.

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