Showing papers on "Semen analysis published in 1987"

Phthalate esters and semen quality parameters.

Abstract: Analysis of reports in the world's literature suggests that average sperm densities for groups of unselected males were relatively constant at about 108 million cells per ml prior to 1950. Subsequent to that time mean sperm densities appear to have declined. Regression analysis indicates the existence of significant negative correlations between mean sperm densities and production of synthetic organic chemicals among other parameters. Phthalate esters are one class of large volume organic chemicals that are known to disturb testicular function in laboratory animals. These compounds are also the most abundant man-made chemicals in the environment. Plots of the concentration of dibutylphthalate in the cellular fraction of ejaculates against either the sperm density or the total number of sperm for the same ejaculates gave two clusters of points. These clusters suggest the existence of two or more populations vis a vis phthalate metabolism; both of which show a negative correlation between phthalate concentration and sperm production.

Semen cryopreservation and artificial insemination for Hodgkin's disease.

Abstract: Seventy-nine men with Hodgkin's disease were treated with chemotherapy protocols at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and had pretreatment semen analysis performed at the area semen bank. The patients were evaluated to determine: the quality of pretreatment semen, the effect of treatment on spermatogenesis, and the success rate of artificial insemination after semen cryopreservation. Pretreatment sperm concentration, fresh motility, fresh progression, postthaw motility and postthaw progression were all significantly decreased in men with Hodgkin's disease compared with normal controls. Posttreatment semen analysis in 44 men showed azoospermia in 80%, sperm concentration, less than or equal to 10 X 10(6)/mL in 11%, and sperm concentration greater than 10 X 10(6)/mL in 9%. Eleven couples attempted artificial insemination using cryopreserved semen, thus far resulting in three pregnancies. Semen cryopreservation and artificial insemination offer a partial solution to posttreatment azoospermia in this pop...

Effect of liquid storage and cryopreservation of boar spermatozoa on acrosomal integrity and the penetration of zona-free hamster ova in vitro.

Abstract: The effect of liquid storage and cryopreservation of boar spermatozoa on sperm motility, acrosomal integrity, and the penetration of zona-free hamster (ZFH) ova was examined. The sperm penetration assay (SPA) provides valuable information on specific events of fertilization and is a potentially useful indicator of sperm fertility. Ejaculated semen from 4 boars was subjected to 3 treatments: fresh (FRE, no storage), liquid-stored (LIS, stored at 18 degrees C for 3 days), and frozen (FRO, frozen by pellet method and stored at -196 degrees C for 3 days). A highly motile sperm population was isolated by the swim-up procedure (1 hr). FRE and LIS were incubated an additional 3 hr at 39 degrees C in a Tris-buffered medium to elicit capacitation and the acrosome reaction. Sperm motility and acrosomal integrity were assessed before and after incubation. For the SPA, sperm and eggs were incubated at 39 degrees C for 3 hr in Hams F-10 medium. Each egg was assessed for sperm penetration, sperm binding, and stage of development. Percentages of sperm motility and sperm with a normal apical ridge (NAR) prior to incubation were 78 and 78 (FRE), 75 and 69 (LIS), and 28 and 50 (FRO). After incubation, percentages of motility, NAR, and acrosome-reacted sperm were 34, 10, and 73 (FRE); 43, 24, and 51 (LIS); and 18, 13, and 59 (FRO). A somewhat higher (P less than .05) percentage of ZFH ova was penetrated by FRE (45.8) than by LIS (42.0). Penetration of ZFH ova by FRO was markedly (P less than .05) reduced (30.2). Sperm penetration was not significantly correlated with motility or acrosomal integrity before or after incubation, regardless of treatment. These data suggest that the SPA can be used in conjunction with conventional measures of semen analysis in assessing the potential fertilizing capacity of boar sperm and that liquid storage is superior to frozen storage with respect to preserving sperm fertility.

Concentration of prostaglandins in seminal fluid of fertile men.

Abstract: Semen samples from 31 men, all of whom had fathered a child within the preceding year, were analysed for sperm characteristics and for the content of prostaglandins (PGs) Mean concentrations (mg/l) for the four main groups of PGs were 671 for PGE, 32 for PGF, 2457 for 19-hydroxy-PGE and 133 for 19-hydroxy-PGF The individual values were distributed over a relatively wide range but the extremely wide ranges reported by previous authors were not confirmed Information is also presented concerning the relative proportions of the four isomers of PGF, as well as those of 19-hydroxy-PGF Only sperm density was related to PG concentration in fertile men Polyzoospermia was associated with a low PGE concentration

Semen Analysis. A Practical Guide.

Abstract: significant changes in any of the patients studied; the ratio in percentages of OKT4:OKT8 in the original study of this group was 37:22 and on this occasion it was 33:19. The number of patients attending for follow up was small, but some conclusions could be drawn from the study with validity. The apparent rise in numbers of sexual contacts compared with those reported in the previous study was contradicted by the fact that no patient admitted on direct questioning to having increased his number of partners, and 11 had substantially decreased the number. It is obvious retrospectively that the number of sexual contacts quoted in our original study was an underestimate, and this must be a hazard of many similar studies. The incidence of new STDs, as shown in tables 1 and 2, indicates a continued low prevalence of STD in this group of patients. The HIV serological results are particularly encouraging if they reflect a similar picture in the homosexual community in Northern Ireland. RD Maw* J Connollyt S Johnston* J McKirgan$ J McNeillJ J Russellt Departments of *Genitourinary Medicine, tVirology, and tImmunology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast BT12 6BA, Northern Ireland

Seasonal variations in semen quality of bulls: correlations with environmental temperature.

Abstract: Seventeen bulls were used for a 12-month survey of semen quality and for the estimation of plasma progesterone and testosterone and semen testosterone concentrations. Sperm output showed two minima, in mid-winter and late summer, and the percentage of abnormal sperm was highest and their ability to survive freezing was lowest at the summer minimum. Plasma progesterone concentration was negatively correlated with the total ejaculate content of testosterone, and positively with the local average maximum daily temperature. Temperature showed a quadratic relationship with the percentage of abnormal sperm ejaculated one month later, with the minimum percentage occurring at 14.5 degrees C. Temperature also showed a quadratic relationship with the numbers of sperm in semen ejaculated two months later, with the maximum number occurring at 17 degrees C. These relationships may reflect the impaired or enhanced survival of the temperature sensitive meiotic prophase and alterations in the output of testosterone and progesterone by the testis.

Continuous-step density gradient centrifugation for the selective concentration of progressively motile sperm for insemination with husband's semen.

Abstract: To increase the fertilizability of sperm for use in artificial insemination with husband's semen, it is effective to concentrate progressively motile sperm from whole ejaculated semen. The simple procedure, a continuous-step density gradient technique, was developed to selectively concentrate progressively motile sperm. The ejaculated semen was placed on 6.0 ml of 80% Percoll solution, and the density gradient was formed by mixing the semen and Percoll with an L-shaped rod for two or three strokes. After centrifugation at 400 x g for 30 min, progressively motile sperm were concentrated in the sediment, whereas the immotile sperm and other types of cells remained in the upper part of the density gradient. In most specimens sperm motility was improved by more than 80% regardless of the original motility. Thus, the fertility index (sperm concentration/ml x percentage of motility x 10(-8)). was increased to 7.7 +/- 3.7 times (n = 15).

Interpretation of semen analysis among infertile couples.

Abstract: Among the male partners of 1074 infertile couples the mean results of semen analysis were sperm count 78 X 10(6)/ml, seminal volume 4.0 ml, proportion of progressively motile sperm 54%, proportion of sperm with normal morphologic features 81.4% and total motile sperm count 152.3 X 10(6) per ejaculate. After excluding 65 couples who chose donor insemination and 300 with known female causes of infertility, the cumulative pregnancy rates in the remaining 709 couples were higher with increasing sperm density and motility and seminal volume, but the higher rates were significant only when these variables were combined into total motile sperm count per ejaculate. The cumulative pregnancy rates were 20% with a total motile sperm count of 9 X 10(6) or less, 37% with a count of 10 to 19 X 10(6) and 52% with a count of 20 X 10(6) or more (p = 0.001). Counts higher than 20 X 10(6) were not associated with a further improvement in pregnancy rates, but variability in the results was high, which suggests that the test should be repeated as necessary to determine the true range. Although standards for these and other seminal variables are ill defined, the total motile sperm count incorporates the most useful prognostic information from semen analysis, and the associated pregnancy rates can help guide clinical decisions.

A protein family immunorelated to a sperm-binding protein and its regulation in human semen.

Abstract: In human seminal plasma a family of proteins that is immunologically related to the RSV-IV protein secreted under androgen control from the epithelium of the rat seminal vesicles was detected by a radioimmunoassay. Evidence for the origin of these antigens from human seminal vesicle is presented. Quantitative measurements of this family of proteins were performed in men with low levels of serum testosterone (idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism) and in individuals having serum testosterone in the normal range of values but carrying sex chromosome aberrations (Klinefelter's syndrome). In the first case we have found a marked decrease in the total amount of the RSV-IV-related proteins. An increase of about 40% in the total amount of these antigens was obtained in these subjects by gonadotropin treatment. A decreased amount of these proteins was also detected in the subjects affected by Klinefelter's syndrome. The possibility that some factor(s) under genetic control is involved, in addition to testosterone, in the regulation of this family of proteins is discussed.

The use of new field methods of semen analysis in the study of occupational hazards to reproduction: the example of ethylene dibromide.

Abstract: Increasing attention has been paid to the use of semen analysis as an indicator of exposure to potential mutagenic and reproductive hazards. In the infertility clinic setting, semen evaluations include the measurement of sperm concentration, volume, pH, motility, velocity and morphology, the analysis of seminal plasma to evaluate accessory sex gland function and, in some cases, the in vitro evaluation of fertilization capacity and sperm-cervical mucus interaction (Ann Intern Med 1985;103:906-919). To date, however, the study of semen characteristics of occupationally exposed populations has been confined principally to the measurement of sperm concentration and sperm morphology. This has been largely due to the unavailability of portable equipment suitable for the measurement of other semen characteristics and the difficulty of obtaining fresh semen samples in the field setting. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health researchers have developed mobile laboratory facilities which enable us to evaluate fresh samples, in the field, for semen characteristics in addition to concentration and morphology. This paper describes the application of these methods using the example of our recent cross-sectional study of workers occupationally exposed to ethylene dibromide in the papaya fumigation industry. We discuss our findings in the context of the usefulness of semen analysis as an indicator of occupational hazards to male reproduction.

Effect of peritoneal washings from women with endometriosis on sperm velocity.

Abstract: In a prospective study the author measured the "before" and "after" effects of in vitro washing and capacitation on sperm characteristics in 25 normospermic men using a microcomputerized system for semen analysis. Each fresh semen sample was divided into aliquots and assigned to one of four groups: group I--untreated sperm; group II--sperm capacitated with Ham's F-10 medium enriched with 20% decomplemented human serum (HHS); group III--sperm capacitated with HHS to which had been added 10% peritoneal washings in 5% dextrose and lactated Ringer's injection obtained from women of proven fertility at the time of laparoscopic tubal ligation; and group IV--sperm capacitated with HHS to which had been added 10% peritoneal washings in D5RL obtained from women with endometriosis (American Fertility Society stages I and II) diagnosed at the time of diagnostic laparoscopy. Semen characteristics, including sperm velocity, percent motility and motility index, in group II were all significantly improved over those in group I. The addition of peritoneal washings to the capacitation medium (group III) did not further improve the indices except for percent motility, which was significantly increased over that in group II (P less than .01). The addition of peritoneal washings from women with proven endometriosis to the capacitation medium, however, had a marked and statistically significant (P less than .0001) detrimental effect. These results suggest that the adverse effect of endometriosis on fertility may be biochemically mediated.

Relationship of human sperm acrosin and proacrosin to semen parameters. II. Correlations.

Abstract: Previous results, simultaneously confirmed by others, suggest that a relationship exists between sperm acrosin levels and fertility in man. The assessment of sperm acrosin may therefore be a useful addition to the semen analysis, but only if the more standard semen parameter measurements cannot predict acrosin levels. Ejaculates from 102 men were analyzed and the relationship of the sperm acrosin system (acrosin, proacrosin, and acrosin inhibitor) to other seminal characteristics was determined. Very little correlation was observed between enzymatic and nonenzymatic parameters. Only five non-enzymatic parameters, all of which were morphologic, showed correlation coefficients of greater than or equal to 0.35 with acrosin and proacrosin, but none had an r-value above 0.48. The total acrosin and proacrosin levels were highly correlated to each other (r = 0.93). It is concluded that sperm acrosin/proacrosin levels cannot be predicted by other seminal parameters; thus, measurement of sperm acrosin/proacrosin may be clinically useful as a diagnostic parameters.

Prognostic parameters in predicting pregnancy: A twenty-year follow-up study comprising semen analysis in 765 men of infertile couples evaluated by the Cox regression model

Abstract: The Cox proportional hazard regression model was employed on 765 infertile men whose semen had been analysed in 1950 and 1951 and who replied to a questionnaire 20 years later. Of nine clinical and laboratory variables evaluated, four possessed significant and independent prognostic information about the time required to conceive, when covariation between the variables was considered. They were: age of the man at semen analysis, percentage normal spermatozoa, percentage mobile spermatozoa, and the degree of motility. The four variables were combined to form a prognostic index, which permits prediction of individual pregnancy probability. The five variables which possessed no significant prognostic information were time from ejaculation to semen analysis, period of abstinence, existence of previous pregnancy, volume and sperm count. There was a satisfactory agreement between predicted and observed pregnancies in the present series. Thus, the index may prove clinically useful. However, its value must be established in other independent series.

Spermatozoal nuclear chromatin decondensation in vitro: a test for sperm immaturity. Comparison with results of human in vitro fertilisation.

Abstract: Human sperm immaturity was tested by nuclear chromatin decondensation (NCD) in 1% sodium dodecylsulphate (SDS) of spermatozoa used in 74 consecutive IVF treatments NCD was significantly higher in the presence of 2 mmol/l dithiothreitol (DTT) and after washing sperm from semen with 6 mmol/l ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) NCD was significantly less in insemination suspensions prepared by the swim-up technique than in the original semen NCD with DTT was inversely correlated with sperm motility and motility index but there were no significant relationships between NCD and other semen analysis variables There was no significant correlation between any NCD test and the proportion of oocytes fertilised in vitro The only factors being significantly correlated with the fertilisation rate were proportion of sperm with normal morphology (Kendall correlation, tau = 036, P less than 0001) and sperm concentration (tau = 014, P less than 005) Logistic regression analysis of fertilisation rates showed that only percentage normal sperm morphology was significant It is concluded that NCD does not provide additional useful clinical information about sperm fertilising ability in vitro

Application of a bovine cervical mucus penetration test

Abstract: One hundred seventy-eight ejaculates obtained from infertility patients were evaluated by routine semen analysis and by a bovine cervical mucus penetration test (BCMPT). A significant correlation (p 20 × 106/ml). Of these patients, 68% had good (>30 mm), 26% had questional (21–30 mm), and 7% had abnormal ( 40%). Of these patients, 71% had good, 25% had questionable, and 4% had abnormal penetration values. Conversly, 46% and 18% of patients with abnormal sperm count and motility, respectively, had normal penetration values (>30 mm). A significant relationship (p < 0.05) was observed between the BCMPT and pregnancy problems not apparent by semen analysis data, and may prove to be a useful adjunct to the use of routine semen analy...

Decreased semen quality in a male infected with malaria

Abstract: A 33-year-old male of proven fertility suffered six attacks of malaria while resident in an African country. For this he received anti-malarial drugs. Semen analysis performed after the fourth attack, and repeated during the following 2 years after his return to Israel, revealed severe oligozoospermia, necrozoospermia and occasionally even azoospermia. Immunological examination of the patient revealed an inverse ratio of T-cell subsets and mast cell degranulation in response to palludrin. Twenty-five months after the last attack of malaria a significant improvement was found in semen quality and there was an increase in the ratio of T-helper to T-suppressor cytotoxic cells. These observations indicate that although malaria and its treatment may affect spermatogenesis, recovery may be expected eventually.

Funnel procedure to separate human sperm with good motility.

Abstract: Penetration of human sperm into a underlaying Percoll layer is very effective in isolating forward motile sperm. A plastic funnel, the bottom of which having been plugged with a 1.0-ml disposable syringe, was used as a separation vessel. Ejaculated semen (2.0 ml) was loaded on 2.0 ml of 80% Percoll; after allowing to stand 60 min, forward motile sperm penetrating into the lower part of Percoll layer (1.0 ml) were collected into the syringe. Sperm motility was enhanced to 91.5% +/- 3.3% regardless of the original motility (48.4% +/- 14.6%) with a mean recovery of 34.1% +/- 6.8% (n = 22). Measurement of residual lactate dehydrogenase activity suggested that seminal plasma was excluded almost completely from the purified sperm fraction.

Receiver-operating characteristics curves for semen analysis variables: methods for evaluating diagnostic tests of male gamete function

Abstract: This study draws on decision analysis to estimate the utility of seminal variables in predicting pregnancy. The infertile couples selected (n = 709) excluded those who had donor insemination or known female factors (history of pelvic infection, ovulatory disorders, endometriosis, and tubal disease). Diagnostic test properties were calculated with respect to pregnancy for two variables derived from the semen analysis report: sperm density, and the total number of motile sperm in the ejaculate (TMS). Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves based on sensitivity and specificity revealed that none of the proposed thresholds for sperm density or TMS is clearly a best choice. The highest positive predictive values for sperm density (75%) and TMS (75%) were associated with cutoff points at five million sperm per milliliter and five million motile sperm per ejaculate, respectively. The false positive rates when these cutoff points were used were 4.3% (sperm density) and 5.6% (TMS). ROC analysis provides visual and numeric evidence of the quality of a diagnostic test and constitutes a set of procedures for incorporating information from new tests of male gamete function into the diagnostic assessment of infertility.

Thymosin alpha 1 levels in human seminal plasma and follicular fluid: implication in germ cell function.

Abstract: High levels of thymosin alpha 1 (T alpha 1) were detected in human seminal plasma and follicular fluid. In the seminal plasma of 19 males studies, T alpha 1 levels varied from 614 to 2,604 pg/mL (mean +/- SD, 1,682.4 +/- 453.9 pg/mL). There was a correlation between the T alpha 1 levels and the total number of sperm in the ejaculate (r = .18) and seminal volume (r = .26). The infertile males, who had low levels of T alpha 1 also demonstrated fewer sperm, reduced motility, and lower semen volume. In follicular fluid collected from 24 follicles of 10 infertile females, T alpha 1 levels varied from 1,019 to 6,384 pg/mL (mean +/- SD, 3,572.8 +/- 1,599.7 pg/mL), which were higher when compared with the corresponding serum levels (mean +/- SD, 1,666.9 +/- 1,378.9 pg/mL). T alpha 1 levels present in follicular fluids which had "immature" oocytes were lower when compared with follicular fluids which had "intermediate" or "mature" oocytes. The immunoreactive T alpha 1 present in seminal plasma of males and in the follicular fluids of females may be involved in some aspect of germ cell maturation and function. The measurement of T alpha 1 levels may be useful in the diagnosis and treatment of male and female infertility, and also as a novel marker for the assessment of maturity of oocytes required for in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer.