The Open Reproductive Science Journal 

About: The Open Reproductive Science Journal is an academic journal. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Male infertility & Infertility. It has an ISSN identifier of 1874-2556. It is also open access. Over the lifetime, 40 publications have been published receiving 522 citations.

Cell Phones and their Impact on Male Fertility: Fact or Fiction

Abstract: Today, cell phone technology is an integral part of everyday life and its use is not only restricted to voice conversations but also conveying news, high resolution pictures and internet. However, these advances in technology are accompanied by progressive boost in the intensity and frequency of the emitted electromagnetic waves without consideration of their health consequences. Our bodies act as parasitic antennas that receive these waves and convert them into electric and magnetic fields. While thermal effects at the present level of cell phone radiation are negligible, most of the biological interactions are attributed to non-thermal effects. Male reproductive system is highly compartmentalized and sensitive biological system that requires the integration of intrinsic and extrinsic factors to properly function. The generated electrical currents may alter the hormonal milieu and testicular microenvironment, necessary for sperm production. Additionally, sperm are electrically active cells and their exposure to cell phone electromagnetic waves and currents may affect their motility, morphology and even their count. Leaky plasma membranes, calcium depletion and oxidative stress are the postulated cellular mechanisms mediating the harmful effects of cell phones radiation on sperm and male fertility potentials. Evidences for such impacts come from designed animal and in vitro studies which may be different from in vivo human exposure. Nevertheless, the important advice is to apply strict regulations on further increase in the power density of the emitted cell phone radiation and to conduct in vivo human research to study its negative effects on fertility.

Oxidants and Antioxidants in the Pathogenesis of HIV/AIDS

Abstract: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has predominantly been considered the main cause in the progression of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, many researchers believe that there are co-factors involved along the way that may play a critical role in its development. Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been established to be present at the onset of infection. Additionally, the delayed response by the immune system upon infection may be due to an initial depletion of antioxidants, which play a critical role in scavenging excess ROS to maintain normal physiological conditions. This pro-oxidant/antioxidant imbalance results in a condition known as oxidative stress (OS). OS has been reported to be an integral element in the progression of many diseases, including AIDS. Therefore, it is presumed that antioxidant treatment may provide a promising and cost-effective therapeutic approach in treating HIV-infected individuals on a global scale. Although HIV infection presents one of the most arduous complications to humans worldwide, awareness of its origin, adverse effects, and potential treatment remain confined to a limited population. The aim of this article is to inform the reader of how AIDS developed into a global epidemic so rapidly, while emphasizing the relationship between oxidants and antioxidants in the pathogenesis of HIV/AIDS. A basic review of reduction/oxidation (redox) reactions is provided to understand how such simple introductory concepts can have such profound effects on the body. This serves as an essential building block to the topics that follow: ROS, antioxidants, and OS in HIV disease. Moreover, it allows for us to better define and elucidate OS as an often-overlooked link between HIV-infection and the progression of AIDS, as well as potential antioxidant treatment.

Thyroid Hormones in Male Reproduction and Fertility

Abstract: Thyroid hormones, previously thought not to affect spermatogenesis and male fertility, are now being recognized as having important role in spermatogenesis. The identification of thyroid hormone receptors on Sertoli cells, the nurturing cells for sperm in the testis, has embarked further research to investigate the role of thyroid hormones in male reproduction. Since spermatogenesis occurs in close contact with the Sertoli cells, the thyroid hormones must exert significant regulatory role in sperm production. Therefore, disturbances in the thyroid function could affect spermatogenesis and male fertility. Studies on human subjects and animals models are now revealing further insights into the effect of thyroid hormones on male fertility and infertility. The present review provides an update on the role of thyroid hormones in spermatogenesis and male fertility.

A Review of Advances in Artificial Insemination (AI) and Embryo Transfer (ET) in Sheep, with the Special Reference to Hormonal Induction of Cervical Dilation and its Implications for Controlled Animal Reproduction and Surgical Techniques

Abstract: Artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer (ET) play an important role in the genetic improvement of sheep herds. This review primarily describes the methods that have recently been researched and/or adapted to circumvent the problematic anatomy of the ovine cervix, which prevents the widespread application of transcervical AI and ET in this species. A mechanism of cervical ripening at parturition and the endocrine influences on cervical tone are described as a backdrop to understanding the action of various pharmacological agents used to induce cervical dilation. Although several catheters have been designed to penetrate the ovine cervix, and a specific protocol has been developed for TCAI in sheep (Guelph Method), penetration rates and resulting pregnancy/lambing rates are still inconsistent and unpredictable. Hormonal dilation of the cervix may significantly improve the ease with which the ovine cervix can be traversed. Treatment with Cervidil ® , a dinoprostone-containing vaginal insert with a slow release mechanism, currently used to induce labor in women, could significantly improve cervical penetration in ewes without adverse effects on uterine contractility. This mode of drug delivery holds promise to result in the development of a safe method to induce cervical dilation for a broad range of transcervical reproductive manipulations in mammalian species including, but not limited to, AI, ET, embryo and oocyte recovery, treatment of ringwomb and transcervical surgical procedures. However, more studies are needed to evaluate the effects of hormonal methods on cervical morphology/pathomorphology, sperm/embryo transport and viability, and fertility in both cyclic and seasonally anovular ewes.

Is There a Link between Exercise and Male Factor Infertility

Abstract: The beneficial effects of physical exercise on general health are well known; however, as exercise imposes great physical stress that challenges homeostasis, it can be detrimental to certain organs/systems of the body when it is exhaustively performed. Decreased seminal parameters and sex hormone levels have been reported in male athletes and, therefore, a possible impairment of male fertility has been linked to exercise in a volume, intensity, and modality dependent-manner. Also, inherent characteristics of sportsmen (e.g. training level, adaptive capacity) may modify the response. This article aims to review the relevant literature regarding exercise and male factor infertility, while at the same time explores the possible underlying mechanisms that might be involved in this observable fact.