Showing papers on "Semen analysis published in 1994"

Improved diagnosis of male fertility potential via a combination of quantitative ultramorphology and routine semen analyses.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to develop a new male fertility diagnostic profile based on quantitative ultramorphology parameters and to determine the contribution of this profile to the enhancement of the routine semen analysis index reported previously. Semen samples from 208 males of known fertility and suspected infertility were evaluated for the ultrafine structure of the following sperm cell organelles: acrosome, post-acrosomal lamina, nucleus, neck, axonema, mitochondrial and fibrous sheaths. For each of these organelles, four pathological states (agenesis, incomplete genesis, malformation and degradation) and an intact state were defined. A quantitative ultramorphology index based on the incidence of intact nucleus, acrosome and fibrous sheath malformations enabled high accuracy in the classification (97% sensitivity and 90% specificity) of 74% of the cases. A combined semen quality index based on a proportional combination of the semen analysis and quantitative ultramorphology indices was found to increase the percentage of cases classified correctly to 80%. It was proposed that semen specimens of males whose fertility status cannot be predicted clearly using routine semen analysis should be fixed and sent for quantitative ultramorphology analysis to specialized laboratories so that their fertility potential can be determined more accurately using the semen quality index.

Effect of long abstinence periods on human sperm quality.

Abstract: Objective To evaluate the effects of long abstinence periods on semen characteristics. Design Semen analysis was performed on six men after various sexual abstinence periods (from 2 to 18 days). The variations in semen parameters were analyzed statistically as a function of the duration of abstinence. Setting The Reproductive Biology Laboratory at the University of Montpellier Medical School. Results Lengthy sexual abstinence was found to affect all semen characteristics. Semen volume and concentration and total sperm count showed significant increases, whereas motility and normal morphology decreased significantly with duration of abstinence. Significant changes in the percentage of normal sperm forms were observed after more than seven days' abstinence. Conclusion The study indicates that the influence of long sexual abstinence on semen quality varies with the variable considered. With regard to fertility, a long abstinence period might induce senescence of spermatozoa.

Andrology: A prospective clinical study of the relationship between the computer-assisted assessment of human semen quality and the achievement of pregnancy in vivo

Abstract: The objective of this study was to examine the clinical predictive value for the achievement of pregnancy in vivo of the assessment of human semen quality by computer-assisted semen analysis using the Hamilton-Thorn Motility Analyser (HTM-S), alongside classic World Health Organization (WHO) techniques. A prospective follow-up study of 303 couples attending a regional infertility clinic providing tertiary level services to the population of a single geographical region was undertaken. Couples attending the infertility clinic, in whom the female partner was normal on conventional investigations (history, examination, evidence of ovulation, laparoscopy), were studied. After initial assessment, couples were followed for a median of 15 months and treatment-independent pregnancies observed and related to the results of semen assessment. During the period of follow-up, the treatment-independent pregnancy rate was 52%. Several measures of semen quality, determined both manually and by the HTM-S, were found to be predictive of the achievement of pregnancy and were related to the time taken to conceive. Couples who conceived had higher sperm concentrations and motilities, determined both manually and by the HTM-S, as well as differences in sperm head morphometry and sperm velocity determined by the HTM-S. Using multiple logistic regression, the prognostic accuracy of the HTM-S alone was similar to manual techniques, although data from the computer assisted sperm analysis system were preferred. Using proportional hazards regression, several variables were related to the achievement of pregnancy, particularly morphometry and motility. It was concluded that a strong case can be made for the introduction of automated assessment of human semen in routine service andrology laboratories.

Effect of phenytoin on semen.

Abstract: Male patients receiving antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have often complained of hyposexuality. Few studies have been done on semen analysis, which is relevant for assessment of potential and possible reproductive outcome in such cases. We evaluated the effect of epilepsy itself and/or phenytoin (PHT) on the male reproductive system. Fifty-five patients with epilepsy (42 with PHT and 13 untreated) and 28 healthy normal controls were studied by semen analysis. Serum samples from 21 of the 55 patients were also analyzed for testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone. Results showed lower volume of seminal fluid, spermatozoa concentration, and total sperm count in untreated and PHT-treated patients as compared with controls, although no difference was evident between the patient groups. Morphologically abnormal sperm were more increased in untreated patients than in PHT treated and control subjects. Hormonal analysis showed lower levels of testosterone in 9 patients. LH levels were increased in one third of the patients. Our results suggests an effect of seizures on the male reproductive system, and PHT may have a slight additive (if any) influence.

Coenzyme Q10 concentrations in normal and pathological human seminal fluid.

Abstract: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) levels were assayed in total seminal fluid or both in seminal fluid and seminal plasma in 77 subjects with normal or pathological findings at standard semen analysis CoQ10 levels showed a significant correlation with sperm count and with sperm motility An interesting exception was constituted by patients with varicocele, in whom the correlation with sperm concentration was preserved, whereas the correlation with sperm motility was lacking Moreover, they showed an increased ratio of plasma CoQ to total seminal CoQ10 in comparison with the other subjects These data suggest a pathophysiological meaning of CoQ10 in human seminal fluid and a possible molecular defect in varicocele patients CoQ10 measurement could represent an important examination in infertile patients; moreover, from these results a rationale might arise for a possible treatment with exogenous CoQ10 in dyspermic patients

Effect of Follicular or Oviductal Fluids on Movement Characteristics of Bovine Sperm during Capacitation In Vitro

Abstract: Mammalian sperm exhibit characteristic motility changes associated with capacitation. Movement characteristics of bovine sperm incubated in noncapacitating (control, medium alone), capacitating (oviduct fluid, nonluteal, and luteal), or capacitating, acrosome reaction inducing (follicular fluid) conditions were investigated using a computer-assisted automated semen analysis system. Sperm were incubated up to 4 hours in a modified Tyrode's medium (control), 20 and 60% nonluteal (NL) or luteal (L) oviduct fluid (ODF), or 20 and 60% follicular fluid (FF). Relative to sperm incubated in control medium, motility of sperm treated with ODF or FF had increased linearity and vigorous motility. Sperm incubated in 60% ODF or FF showed a small decrease in mean trajectory/path straightness and velocity over time compared to 20% fluid treatments and control. Frequency distribution graphs were symmetric for 20% NL- and L-ODF treated sperm. However, 20% FF and 60% ODF and FF treatments had distributions skewed to the left, indicating smaller values for lateral head displacement (ALH) and curvilinear velocity (VOL). Me dian values for ALH and VCL were determined for control-treated sperm, and subtracted from individual sperm values for all treatments to estimate deviation from control, designated ALHc and VCLc. Three-dimensional plots of ALHc, VCLc and corresponding frequency indicated shifts in peak patterns for fluid-treated sperm compared to control sperm. Incubation in 20% ODF and FF resulted in peak shift for ALH and VCL values; yet, little change in peak position was observed in sperm incubated in 60% ODF and FF. Although mean values decreased for ALH and VCL during the 4-hour incubation, three-dimensional plots suggested an increase in the frequency of individual sperm with these parameters. This study provides additional information on bovine sperm motion during in vitro capacitation and indicates that the presence of ODF and FF influences sperm motion characteristics.

Stimulation of cryopreserved epididymal spermatozoa of the domestic cat using the motility stimulants caffeine, pentoxifylline, and 2'-deoxyadenosine.

Abstract: We have investigated the effects of caffeine, pentoxifylline, and 2'-deoxyadenosine on the motion characteristics and longevity of domestic cat spermatozoa. Freshly collected or cryopreserved domestic cat epididymal sperm were incubated with 0.01-20 mM caffeine, pentoxifylline, or 2'-deoxyadenosine for 15 minutes at 23 degrees C. The percent motility (MOT), curvilinear velocity (VCL), linearity (LIN), straight line velocity (VSL), and amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) were determined for each group using computer-assisted semen analysis. Freshly collected domestic cat sperm exhibited a strong forward progressive movement, and treatment with caffeine, pentoxifylline, or 2'-deoxyadenosine did not consistently alter sperm motion. Following cryopreservation, spermatozoa exhibited decreased (P < 0.05) MOT, VCL, VSL, and ALH. Caffeine and pentoxifylline increased (P < 0.05) the MOT, VSL, VCL, and ALH of cryopreserved sperm at 0.01-20 mM, in a dose-dependent manner. 2'-Deoxyadenosine also increased (P < 0.05) both VSL and VCL at 1.0 mM, and MOT, VSL, VCL, and ALH at 10 mM. All treatments shifted the percentage of nonhyperactive sperm to either a transitional or hyperactivated state. The motility indices of cryopreserved samples were examined during a 6-hour incubation to assess the effects of caffeine, pentoxifylline, and 2'-deoxyadenosine on sperm longevity. Compared to untreated control samples, the longevity of stimulated cryopreserved sperm was not reduced. These results indicate that motility stimulants may prove useful for enhancing the fertility of cryopreserved cat sperm by increasing their motility and producing hyperactivated motion.

Ineffectiveness of kallikrein in treatment of idiopathic male infertility: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Abstract: In order to clarify the potential of kallikrein for treatment of idiopathic male infertility, a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was performed. A total of 44 patients were treated with 600 IU/day kallikrein and 47 patients with placebo for 12 weeks. Following two basal investigations, control examinations were performed at 6 and 12 weeks and included conventional and computer-aided semen analysis, hormone measurements and evaluation of drug safety. No significant changes in sperm concentration, normal sperm morphology and sperm motility evaluated by conventional analysis were detected. Computer-aided semen analysis revealed a significant increase in average path velocity and lateral head displacement of spermatozoa only in the placebo group. Within the observation period of 6 months four pregnancies occurred in each group. In conclusion, kallikrein treatment at a dose of 600 IU/day leads neither to an improvement of semen variables nor does it increase the pregnancy rate of the female partners, and is therefore not suited for therapy of idiopathic male infertility.

Male fertility after VAPEC-B chemotherapy for Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Abstract: Semen analysis was performed in 14 men a median of 13.5 months after completion of VAPEC-B chemotherapy for Hodgkin's disease or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Semen from 12 patients contained motile spermatozoa, and in nine cases the count was > 20 million ml-1. One patient was azoospermic (VAPEC-B followed by pelvic radiotherapy) and another had a count of 21 million ml-1 but sperm were non-motile. These findings suggest that, in the majority of cases, VAPEC-B chemotherapy does not cause permanent damage to the male germinal epithelium. A more detailed study of gonadal function in males and females before and after treatment with VAPEC-B for Hodgkin's disease is currently in progress.

Peroxidase-positive round cells and microorganisms in human semen together with antibiotic treatment adversely influence the outcome of in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer

Abstract: Human semen contains not only spermatozoa but also other cells routinely differentiated as being peroxidase-positive (e.g. leucocytes) and peroxidase-negative (e.g. immature germ cells and lymphocytes) cells. Considerable uncertainty exists about their role in male fertility. To assess the clinical value of both parameters, and of microorganisms in semen, 391 treatments with in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer were analysed retrospectively, and the concentrations of both peroxidase-positive and -negative cells, together with the presence of microorganisms in semen, were compared with both the fertilization and pregnancy rates. The data indicate that the results of treatment were affected only by excessively elevated concentrations of peroxidase-positive cells (> 6 x 10(6)/ml) and only marginally by the presence of microorganisms in the semen. The pregnancy rate after in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer was not improved by antibiotic treatments preceding gamete recovery by several weeks. The increased presence of peroxidase-negative cells (e.g. germ cells) in semen was not associated with a significant change in the pregnancy rate. However, the concentration of peroxidase-negative cells in semen correlated significantly with sperm numbers (p < 0.01), sperm concentration (p < 0.01), and normal morphology rates (p < 0.01). It is concluded that short-term antibiotic treatment of asymptomatic patients before assisted reproduction should be handled with caution. The widespread view that peroxidase-negative cells in semen are harmful is rejected.

Persistent effects of pentoxifylline on human sperm motility, after drug removal, in normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic individuals.

Abstract: The aim of the study was to compare the in vitro effect of pentoxifylline on human sperm motility when added prior to sperm selection and the persistence of the response after drug removal in normo- and asthenozoospermic individuals. The sperm samples were obtained from 22 men who were repeatedly asthenozoospermic or normozoospermic. Sperm movement was measured using computer-assisted semen analysis over 180 min. Percentage motility and progressive motility were increased in both normo- and asthenozoospermic samples (P < 0.05). Curvilinear velocity, amplitude of lateral head displacement and beat-cross frequency were increased in both groups (P < 0.05). Straight-line velocity was increased significantly in the normozoospermic group only. In both normo- and asthenozoospermic individuals pentoxifylline appeared to enhance sperm motility for at least 180 min after drug removal. This should prevent any potentially toxic effects of the drug on oocytes if it is used to enhance sperm motility during in vitro fertilization.

Influence of pentoxifylline on human sperm motility in asthenozoospermic individuals using computer-assisted analysis.

Abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate the in vitro effects of pentoxifylline on sperm motility from asthenozoospermic men The sperm were prepared by a swim-up technique from the unprocessed semen After centrifugation, sperm were resuspended in the presence or absence (controls) of 36 mM pentoxifylline in Earle's solution for up to 180 min Sperm motility was measured using computer-assisted (Hamilton-Thorn Research) semen analysis Pentoxifylline significantly increased the numbers of motile (+28-80%) and progressively motile (+54-117%) sperm over the 180 min studied These changes were accompanied by increases in the progressive velocity (VSL, +11-44%) and curvilinear velocity (VCL, +12-22%) up to 120 min after exposure to the drug Concomitant changes were observed in the amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH, +5-17%) up to 60 min and the beat cross frequency (+16-34%) between 60 and 180 min The results suggest that pentoxifylline consistently enhances both the numbers of motile and progressively motile sperm and the quality of their movement

Histopathology of Human Testicular and Epididymal Tissue

Abstract: Male fertility can usually be assessed by careful examination of testicular size and consistency, evaluation of semen analysis and hormone levels, especially follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Further information may be obtained by detailed light and transmission electron microscopical examination of spermatozoa but this is not always feasible and is impossible in men with azoospermia. In such circumstances, only a testicular biopsy can give an accurate assessment of spermatogenic activity and this remains the standard investigation against which all indirect methods must be compared.

Usefulness of examining gonadotropin hormones and testosterone in men with abnormal semen

Abstract: The aim of the study was to estimate the usefulness of some hormonal investigations in cases of males with abnormalities in semen analysis in the diagnosis of the male factor in the infertile couple. 107 males with the abnormalities in spermiogram underwent the analysis of the blood serum hormonal levels. Estimated was the level of FSH, LH, prolactin and testosterone. The control group consisted of 31 males with normospermia. The study group was divided according to terminology. In all four groups of infertility the mean values of FSH were significantly higher than in control group. There was no significant differences in LH levels between the groups. The mean values of prolactin level were not significantly higher in the cases of hypospermia than in normospermia group, but significantly higher in the other groups of infertility. The mean level of testosterone was significantly lower in all four groups of infertility in comparison with it's mean level in normospermia group. It was found that the FSH is the most discriminatory hormone in respect of infertility classification and therefore it's diagnostic value is the highest among the four hormones investigated.

Effect of seminal plasma on motion characteristics of epididymal and ejaculated stallion spermatozoa during storage at 5 degrees C.

Abstract: The objective of this experiment was to examine the effect of seminal plasma on motion characteristics of epididymal and ejaculated equine spermatozoa during storage at 5 degrees C. Epididymal spermatozoa were flushed with either seminal plasma or a skim milk-glucose extender. Ejaculated spermatozoa were collected with extender added 10 minutes after semen collection and addition of extender during ejaculation by placing 50 ml extender in the collection bottle. Semen samples were centrifuged and resuspended with a skim milk-glucose extender containing seminal plasma (0, 5 and 25%; v/v), prepared from pooled ejaculates from the semen donors. The percentage of motile spermatozoa and the average path velocity were evaluated by computerized semen analysis before and after centrifugation as well as after 24 and 48 h of cooled storage (5 degrees C). In epididymal samples flushed with seminal plasma versus extender, percentage of motile spermatozoa and spermatozoal velocity ws significantly higher before and after centrifugation but not at 24 and 48 h of cooled storage. Method of semen collection did not influence motility of ejaculated spermatozoa before centrifugation. Adding seminal extender during ejaculation had a significant beneficial effect at 0 and 48 h on the percentage of motile spermatozoa but not average path velocity (25% seminal plasma). There were significant differences between stallions but the stallion/ejaculate-treatment interaction was not significant at 0, 24 and 48 h. Spermatozoal motility during cooled storage of epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa was significantly better maintained in samples containing 25% versus 0% seminal plasma. Spermatozoal motility during cooled storage was affected after spermatozoa had been exposed to seminal plasma for only 10 min after ejaculation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)