Showing papers on "Semen analysis published in 2000"
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TL;DR: It is concluded that a significant proportion of infertile men have elevated levels of DNA damage in their ejaculated spermatozoa.
Abstract: The literature contains conflicting evidence regarding the existence of DNA damage in spermatozoa from infertile male patients. To examine this phenomenon, we have studied ejaculated spermatozoa from normozoospermic semen donors and from a group of the unselected male partners of couples attending an infertility clinic for initial investigation. Classical semen analysis according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines was undertaken with computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). Spermatozoa were prepared by sequential washing and centrifugation and were analyzed for DNA fragmentation using three assays: 1) a single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay, 2) in situ nick translation with prior chemical decondensation (ISNT-decondensed), and 3) in situ nick translation without prior chemical decondensation (ISNT-condensed). In addition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by spermatozoa was measured, and seminal plasma was analyzed for its total reactive antioxidant potential (TRAP). When the donor and patient groups were compared, the latter had lower levels of semen quality and higher levels of DNA damage, which was particularly apparent using the comet assay. Highly significant negative correlations were observed between DNA fragmentation, detected by all three assays, and semen quality, particularly sperm concentration. In addition, multiple regression analysis indicated that other attributes of semen quality, such as sperm movement and ROS generation, were also related to DNA damage. We conclude that a significant proportion of infertile men have elevated levels of DNA damage in their ejaculated spermatozoa.
697 citations
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TL;DR: The results point towards the existence of common aetiological factors for low semen quality and testicular cancer, which may also be associated with increased incidence of extragonadal germ cell tumours.
Abstract: Objective: To explore the associations between semen characteristics and subsequent risk of testicular cancer. Design: Cohort study. Participants: 32 442 men who had a semen analysis done at the Sperm Analysis Laboratory in Copenhagen during 1963-95. Main outcome measure: Standardised incidence ratios of testicular cancer compared with total population of Danish men. Results: Men in couples with fertility problems were more likely to develop testicular cancer than other men (89 cases, standardised incidence ratio 1.6; 95% confidence interval 1.3 to 1.9). The risk was relatively constant with increasing time between semen analysis and cancer diagnosis. Analysis according to specific semen characteristics showed that low semen concentration (standardised incidence ratio 2.3), poor motility of the spermatozoa (2.5), and high proportion of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa (3.0) were all associated with an increased risk of testicular cancer. The only other cancer group that showed increased incidence was “peritoneum and other digestive organs” (six cases; 3.7, 1.3 to 8.0). Of these, two cases were probably and two cases were possibly extragonadal germ cell tumours. Conclusions: The results point towards the existence of common aetiological factors for low semen quality and testicular cancer. Low semen quality may also be associated with increased incidence of extragonadal germ cell tumours.
334 citations
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TL;DR: There is insufficient scientific evidence for recommending routinely surgical treatment in subfertile and/or oligozoospermic men with a varicocele, and although the largest body of evidence available suggests that IVF success declines in repeated ART cycles, an accurate estimate of the true success rate in the 'nth' cycle of IVF treatment is not possible.
Abstract: The general definition of infertility is a lesser capacity to conceive than the mean capacity of the general population and infertile couples can be characterized in two groups: those unable to conceive without therapy and those who are hypofertile, but conceive without therapy. The initial diagnostic tests for infertility should include a midluteal phase progesterone assay, a semen analysis and a test for tubal patency such as a hysterosalpingogram. Measuring progesterone is the best test for confirming ovulation. To predict ovulation, evaluating the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge is the best single assay while measurement of LH plus preovulatory oestrogen is the best prediction. Today primary investigation of the morphology of the uterus and tubes should be by hysterosalpingography. However, ultrasound, particularly with simple contrast media, is likely to gain in importance. Laparoscopy should be reserved as a further diagnostic procedure or in combination with endoscopic surgery. There are situations in which semen analysis is of utmost importance and of absolute predictive value, namely, in cases of azoospermia. In general semen analysis remains a substantial part of the fertility workup, but any consideration of its predictive value has to be cautious. Performing genetic tests before, during and after assisted reproductive techniques (ART) is an intrinsic part of good clinical practice. These tests allow one to reach a correct diagnosis, to give adequate genetic counselling to the couple and their families in cases such as (i) women with Turner syndrome; (ii) men with 47, XXY; (iii) men or women with structural chromosomal aberration; (iv) men with Yq11 deletion or (v) men with congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens. Patients should, of course, be made aware of the occurrence of de-novo mutations taking place in the testis and in the embryo. Treatment of some causes of infertility are of proven value. For example induction of ovulation. Others are more controversial. Among the many empirical treatments suggested for the treatment of the various form of subfertility, surgical treatment of varicocele in the male, treatment of pelvic endometriosis in the female and the efficacy of the ART strategies offered to the subfertile couple are considered. Many varicocele studies are of poor quality. A few are good, but small in size. They do not show an improvement in pregnancy rates. Therefore, at the moment, there is insufficient scientific evidence for recommending routinely surgical treatment in subfertile and/or oligozoospermic men with a varicocele. Randomized, double-blind controlled trials demonstrated the modest efficacy of endometriosis ablation in increasing the pregnancy rate in infertile women while drugs suppressing ovulation are of no benefit to infertile women with endometriosis. Although the largest body of evidence available suggests that IVF success declines in repeated ART cycles, an accurate estimate of the true success rate in the 'nth' cycle of IVF treatment is not possible. Similarly little is still known of the reasons for the overall low continuation rates with IVF treatment.
261 citations
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TL;DR: The predictive value of sperm motility parameters obtained by computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) was evaluated for the fertility of men from general population in a prospective study with couples stopping use of contraception to try to conceive.
Abstract: The predictive value of sperm motility parameters obtained by computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) was evaluated for the fertility of men from general population. In a prospective study with couples stopping use of contraception in order to try to conceive, CASA was performed on semen samples from 358 men. A recently developed CASA system, Copenhagen Rigshospitalet Image house sperm Motility Analysis System (CRISMAS) was used for assessment of motility parameters. This system has an editing function which allows correction of tracks made by the computer. Probably due to this function, the concentration assessment made by CRISMAS was very close to that made by the technician (median difference <5%) in all concentration ranges. Correlation between CASA parameters and fertility of normal couples (measured as probability of achieving pregnancy) was examined by the Cox regression model. In univariate models ln(sperm concentration) [beta = 0.331, risk ratio (RR) = 1.392, P = 0.0001], ln(total sperm count) (beta = 0.252, RR = 1.286, P = 0.0007) and percentage motile spermatozoa (beta = 0.014, RR = 1.014, P = 0.0004) were most significant predictors for fertility. In a multivariate analysis ln(sperm concentration) (beta = 0.268, RR = 1.307, P = 0.0016) and percentage motile spermatozoa (beta = 0.010, RR = 1.010, P = 0.011) but even more significantly the combined parameter, ln(concentration of motile spermatozoa) (beta = 0.329, RR = 1.389, P = 0.0001), were the only parameters of predictive value for fertility of men in the general population. In conclusion, these parameters obtained by CASA measurements can be used for prediction of fertility potential in normal men. This appears to be the first study showing the value of CASA in prediction of fertility in the general male population.
261 citations
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TL;DR: It is suggested that young men may experience alterations in sperm quality after exposure to periods of elevated air pollution, without changes in sperm numbers.
Abstract: This study of male reproductive health in the Czech Republic resulted from community concern about potential adverse effects of air pollution. We compared young men (18 years of age) living in Teplice, a highly industrialized district with seasonally elevated levels of air pollution, to those from Prachatice, a rural district with relatively clean air. Surveys were scheduled for either late winter, after the season of higher air pollution, or at the end of summer, when pollution was low. Participation included a physical examination, donation of a semen sample, and completion of a questionnaire on health, personal habits, and exposure to solvents and metals through work or hobby. Analysis of data from 408 volunteers showed that the men from Teplice and Prachatice were similar in physical characteristics, personal habits, and work- or hobby-related exposures. Sixty-six percent (272) of these men donated a single semen sample for routine semen analysis, computer-aided sperm motion analysis, and sperm chromatin structure assay. The mean (median) sperm concentration and sperm count were 61. 2 (44.0) million/mL semen and 113.3 (81.5) million, respectively, and were not associated with district of residence or period of elevated air pollution. However, periods of elevated air pollution in Teplice were significantly associated with decrements in other semen measures including proportionately fewer motile sperm, proportionately fewer sperm with normal morphology or normal head shape, and proportionately more sperm with abnormal chromatin. These results suggest that young men may experience alterations in sperm quality after exposure to periods of elevated air pollution, without changes in sperm numbers.
243 citations
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TL;DR: The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of spermatozoa with DNA strand breaks in four clinically different groups of infertile couples, and to correlate DNA damage with other semen analysis parameters, as well as fertilization rates and IVF outcome.
Abstract: Background. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of spermatozoa with DNA strand breaks in four clinically different groups of infertile couples, and to correlate DNA damage with other semen analysis parameters, as well as fertilization rates and IVF outcome. Methods. One group consisted of 75 men where the female partners had a tubal obstruction, Group A . Fifty sperm samples were collected from men in unexplained infertile couples, Group B . Fifty men with oligozoospermia and IVF made up Group C . Finally, 61 men with oligozoospermia and where ICSI was performed made up Group D . Sperm samples were assessed according to the WHO manual and for the presence of DNA strand breaks in spermatozoa. The study was blinded for the technician involved in the assessment of DNA strand breaks. IVF was carried out according to a long down regulation protocol using GnRH, FSH and hCG. Embryos were transferred on day 2 after fertilization with a maximum of three embryos. Results. This study demonstra...
193 citations
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TL;DR: Suggestions are made that future studies should include evaluations of the long-term effectiveness of vasectomy, evaluating criteria for postvasectomy discontinuation of alternative contraception for use in settings where semen analysis is not practical, and characterizing complications including chronic epididymal pain syndrome.
191 citations
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TL;DR: Results of this study indicate that centrifugation and partial removal of seminal plasma is beneficial for stallions whose ejaculates have poor tolerance to cooling and storage with routine semen dilution and packaging techniques, especially if the semen is stored for > 24 h.
146 citations
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TL;DR: Addition of glutathione and hypotaurine, either singly or in combination, to sperm preparation medium had no significant effect on sperm progressive motility or baseline DNA integrity, and sperm were still afforded significant protection against H(2)O(2)-induced damage and ROS generation.
Abstract: Sperm DNA integrity is of paramount importance for the accurate conveyance of genetic material. DNA damage may be a major contributory factor in male infertility as DNA from sperm of infertile men has been found to be more susceptible to induced DNA damage in vitro than DNA from fertile men. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a significant source of DNA damage and human sperm are extremely sensitive to ROS attack due to their high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids and lack of capacity for DNA repair. Seminal plasma, which contains a wealth of antioxidants, provides sperm with crucial protection against oxidative insult. However, during preparation for use in assisted conception techniques, sperm are separated from seminal plasma and deprived of that essential protection. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of supplementation with glutathione and hypotaurine during sperm preparation on subsequent sperm motility, DNA integrity, induced DNA damage and ROS generation. Semen samples (n = 45) were divided into aliquots and prepared by Percoll density centrifugation (95.0-47.5%) using medium which had been supplemented with these antioxidants to a number of different concentrations all within physiological levels. Control aliquots were included which had no glutathione or hypotaurine added. Sperm motility was determined using computer-assisted semen analysis. DNA damage was induced using H(2)O(2) and DNA integrity was determined using a modified alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis (Comet) assay, while ROS generation was measured using chemiluminescence. Addition of glutathione and hypotaurine, either singly or in combination, to sperm preparation medium had no significant effect on sperm progressive motility or baseline DNA integrity. Despite this, sperm were still afforded significant protection against H(2)O(2)-induced damage and ROS generation.
144 citations
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TL;DR: FSH and inhibin B levels correlated with sperm counts but not to the extent that they could reliably predict counts in individual patients, have implications for fertility counselling and hormone replacement therapy both pre- and post BMT.
Abstract: There are few published data on the recovery of fertility after 'little' Bu-Cy (busulfan 16 mg/kg, cyclophosphamide 120 mg/kg) conditioning for BMT. To address this, we identified 19 females aged less than 40 years at transplant and 47 males from a single centre who were alive a minimum of 2 years after BMT with little Bu-Cy as conditioning and who were evaluable for testing. FSH, LH, testosterone and inhibin B levels were measured in males. Twenty-six also had semen analysis, a median of 5 years post transplant; 21 had detectable sperm, with 11 having counts >20 x 10(6)/ml. There was an association between prolonged chronic graft-versus-host disease and low sperm counts. FSH and inhibin B levels correlated with sperm counts but not to the extent that they could reliably predict counts in individual patients. An additional six of seven males attempting to father children did so, a median of 3.2 years post transplant. Low testosterone levels were noted in 12% of males, most of whom had symptoms consistent with androgen deficiency. FSH, LH and oestradiol levels in the absence of hormone replacement therapy were measured in females; all remained amenorrheic with endocrine evidence of ovarian failure. These results have implications for fertility counselling and hormone replacement therapy both pre- and post BMT.
122 citations
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TL;DR: Results indicate that in normal subjects acute sildenafil treatment does not modify semen characteristics and has a positive influence over the resumption of erections following ejaculation in the presence of a continuous erotic stimulus.
Abstract: Sildenafil is a specific inhibitor of phosphodiesterase (PDE) type 5 and represents a powerful therapy for male erectile dysfunction (ED) of different aetiology. Recently, sildenafil has been shown to restore erections in temporary ED related to the need of semen collection for assisted reproductive techniques. In this study, we investigated whether sildenafil administration modifies seminal parameters and/or erectile function in normal healthy volunteers. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over two period investigation we enrolled 20 healthy male volunteers (mean +/- SE age 32 +/- 0.5 years). Subjects were not using any medication for the 3 month period prior to the study and were engaged in a stable relationship with proven fertility. The effects of sildenafil (100 mg) on seminal parameters and erectile function after audiovisual sexual stimulation were evaluated by semen analysis and by colour-Duplex ultrasound (the Resistive Index) respectively. In all subjects, sildenafil caused no changes in seminal and erection parameters when compared to placebo. Interestingly, sildenafil administration led to a marked reduction of the post-ejaculatory refractory time (10.8 +/- 0.9 min versus 2.6 +/- 0.7 min for placebo and sildenafil respectively; P < 0.0001). These results indicate that in normal subjects acute sildenafil treatment does not modify semen characteristics and has a positive influence over the resumption of erections following ejaculation in the presence of a continuous erotic stimulus.
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TL;DR: Selecting a highly motile sperm population before freezing enhances overall post-thaw spermatozoa quality and reduces the deleterious effects of cryopreservation.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine if selecting a sperm population with improved motion characteristics before freezing reduces the deleterious effects of cryopreservation. Semen specimens from 15 normal donors were divided into two equal aliquots. The first aliquot received no treatment (control), and the second was processed by swim-up from a washed sperm preparation to select a sperm population with better motility and motion characteristics (swim-up). Both aliquots were cryopreserved by the liquid nitrogen vapour method. Percentage motility and motion characteristics were evaluated by computer-assisted semen analysis. Acrosome integrity as well as spontaneous and calcium ionophore-induced acrosome reactions before freezing and after thawing were assessed by fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugated peanut agglutinin combined with a supra vital dye (Hoechst-33258). Swim-up processing enabled selection of a sperm population with better motion characteristics, percentage motility and viability before freezing (P < 0.001), but with no difference in percentage of acrosome-intact spermatozoa (P = 0.63). After thawing, the swim-up specimens exhibited faster velocity and progression than untreated specimens (P < 0.001). They also had higher percentages of spermatozoa with intact acrosomes and spermatozoa able to undergo acrosome reaction in response to calcium ionophore (P < 0.05). Selecting a highly motile sperm population before freezing enhances overall post-thaw spermatozoa quality.
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TL;DR: Results indicate that preserved sperm activity post U. urealyticum infection resulted in damage to paternal DNA, although a high fertilization rate was maintained, and embryonic development may, therefore, be impaired.
Abstract: The incidence of Ureaplasma urealyticum infection in the semen of infertile men is variable (7%–42%). Evidence has accumulated through routine semen analysis to suggest that this infection can cause embryo loss without necessarily affecting sperm quality. The aim of this study was to specifically investigate the effects of U. urealyticum infection on sperm chromatin stability and DNA integrity, which are known to be correlated to pregnancy outcome. Sperm cells isolated from human semen infected in vivo with U. urealyticum exhibited a low percentage of stable chromatin as determined by nuclear chromatin decondensation assay (42% ± 4.8%, n = 8) and a high percent of denatured DNA as determined by sperm chromatin structure assay (60.9% ± 9.1%, n = 7). After doxycyclin treatment, a significant improvement in both parameters was observed (73.7% ± 3.6%, P < 0.001 and 30.1% ± 3.5%, P < 0.008, respectively). Sperm cells infected in vitro exhibited higher rates of viability and motility than uninfected ce...
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TL;DR: It is found that testicular damage occurred within a month, as indicated by reduced testicular volume, oligozoospermia, elevated FSH and LH, and lower testosterone concentrations, and DNA damage in the spermatozoa was marked by 7 months of FLU treatment.
Abstract: This study investigated whether chemotherapy using fludarabine (FLU) caused testicular damage and if cytotoxicity could be detected as sperm DNA damage in the single cell Comet assay. A patient with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia requesting preservation of fertility was treated with seven monthly cycles of fludarabine (45.8 mg total dose per cycle). Testicular assessments, serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone measurements, semen analysis and sperm Comet assays were carried out at presentation (pre-FLU therapy), after 1 and 7 months of FLU treatment, and finally at 11 months after completion of chemotherapy. We found that testicular damage occurred within a month, as indicated by reduced testicular volume, oligozoospermia, elevated FSH and LH, and lower testosterone concentrations. Spermatozoa with a large range of DNA damage were detected in the samples from both the control and treated men. DNA damage in the spermatozoa was marked by 7 months of FLU treatment. The high levels of sperm DNA damage seen during and possibly persisting after treatment suggests that caution should be exercised if the ejaculates from these men are used for in-vitro fertility treatment. Further experiments are needed to assess the biological significance of these DNA changes; it may, however, be prudent at present to be cautious when counselling these patients.
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TL;DR: Evaluating the relationship between normal morphology as well as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) rates, with chromatin staining among fertile and subfertile men found chromatin packaging assessment is a valuable addition to the sequential diagnostic programme in an assisted reproductive arena.
Abstract: The development of a sequential diagnostic schedule for patients consulting for infertility disturbances would be an ideal method of approach for clinicians in the absence of an aetiological or pathophysiological diagnosis. Since sperm morphology recorded by strict criteria has often been correlated with fertilization failure, the present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between normal morphology as well as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) rates, with chromatin staining among fertile and subfertile men. Two semen smears were prepared from each specimen obtained from 72 men to record normal morphology and chromatin packaging as recorded by chromomycin A(3) (CMA(3)) staining. Following the semen analyses, the 72 men were divided into the two morphological groups, namely 4% normal forms. Significantly different percentages of CMA(3) staining (mean +/- SE) were recorded between the two morphological groups, namely 65.9% +/- 3.5 and 44.5% +/- 1.7 (P +/- 0.001). A highly negative significant correlation existed between percentage of normal morphology as recorded by strict criteria and CMA(3) staining. A highly significant and positive correlation was recorded for normal morphology and IVF rates (r +/- 0.45, P +/- 0.0001). A significant negative correlation (r +/- -0.51, P +/- 0.0001) existed between CMA(3) values and IVF rates. The discriminating power of nuclear maturity, as recorded by CMA(3) staining, to identify abnormal morphology values and poor IVF rates was calculated with receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analyses. The areas under the ROC curves were 0.86 for sperm morphology and 0. 74 for IVF rates. The calculated threshold values for CMA(3) staining to distinguish between morphology groups were 48 and 50% for IVF. Chromatin packaging assessment is a valuable addition to the sequential diagnostic programme in an assisted reproductive arena.
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TL;DR: No predictive tools for post-treatment fertility were found and, therefore, every patient with a lymphoma should have his semen cryopreserved at diagnosis, and the post- treatment sperm outcome was better in patients treated with local irradiation than in those who did not undergo irradiation.
Abstract: distinct, the former being the most common type of lymphoma during the reproductive period of life, with a peak incidence patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or with Hodgkin's may be irreversible, but even if reversed, repair may take as disease during the years 1987-1997 who were referred for long as 20 years (Marmor and Duyck, 1995). New treatment semen cryopreservation. Pretreatment semen analysis, and regimens have increased patient survival substantially, so that hormonal profile were recorded at diagnosis and at least more patients at the reproductive age are living and are 1 year after completion of the treatment, and compared. confronted with infertility. Medical records for disease type, disease stage and treat- Semen cryopreservation is an element of management of ment protocols were related to long-term sperm outcome. lymphoma patients. This is due to the growing awareness of Hormonal concentrations were not predictive of post- physicians and patients themselves regarding the potentially treatment sperm concentration. In patients with localized devastating effect of the disease and its treatment on spermato- disease, initial sperm concentration and motility tended to genesis and future fertility. Patients who had a lymphoma were be preserved, compared with patients with widespread referred to our institute for semen cryopreservation before disease (P 0.016). In Hodgkin's disease patients, treat- commencing treatment. Previously, we studied the effect of ment with the adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine and lymphomas on spermatogenesis and assessed pretreatment dacarbazine (ABVD) protocol was superior to the mechlor- sperm quality (Botchan et al., 1997). The present study etamine, vincristine, procarbazine and prednisone with was conducted to determine the factors, either the disease ABV protocol regarding germinal toxicity (P 0.0008). characteristics themselves, or different treatment protocols, The post-treatment sperm outcome was better in patients directly related to semen concentration and motility deteriora- treated with local irradiation than in those who did not tion. In this study we assessed pre- and post-treatment sperm undergo irradiation (P 0.0027). No predictive tools for quality, reflected by sperm motility and concentration. Patients post-treatment fertility were found and, therefore, every were categorized by their disease (HD or NHL), disease stage patient with a lymphoma should have his semen cryopre- and treatment. Staging included distinction between patients served at diagnosis. with and without systemic symptoms: fever, weight loss and
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TL;DR: It could be concluded that the neutrophil polymorphonuclear leukocytes were the only 'round cells' showing a positive reaction in the semen samples, and the potential influence of inflammatory cells in the sperm samples on infertility/subfertility is discussed.
Abstract: The aims of this review are to evaluate the morphological differences between 'round cells' of spermatogenic and non-spermatogenic origin in semen. The latter group includes inflammatory cells like neutrophils, lymphocytes, and macrophages, and epithelial cells. A comparison was made between non-spermatogenic cells in semen samples and inflammatory cells in blood smears, using various staining procedures commonly used in routine andrology laboratories. The result presented in this review confirmed previously published data. In blood smears as well as in semen samples, only neutrophil leukocytes (both eosinophilic and basophilic) showed a positive reaction when exposed to the peroxidase stain. Lymphocytes, macrophages and other 'round cells' such as epithelial cells and spermatogenesis cells remained negative. It could be concluded that the neutrophil polymorphonuclear leukocytes were the only 'round cells' showing a positive reaction in the semen samples. The presence of specifically stained neutrophils in semen was considered to be compatible with an infection and/or a subsequent inflammatory reaction in the male genital tract. The potential influence of inflammatory cells in the sperm samples on infertility/subfertility is discussed. However, the question of determining if morphologically abnormal, degenerated spermatids are still capable of fertilizing an oocyte in vitro is not addressed in this review.
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TL;DR: Semen samples from proven-fertile men and from men whose partners presented with early pregnancy loss were analyzed, and the loss of chromatin integrity was pointed to as a possible contributing factor from males to earlyregnancy loss.
Abstract: A study was carried out to determine whether males contribute to repeated early pregnancy loss. Semen samples were analyzed from proven-fertile men (n = 51 group I) and from men whose partners presented with early pregnancy loss (>3 first trimester abortions, n = 32 group II). Routine analysis, sperm function tests, and ultrastructural studies of sperms were carried out. Female factor could be identified in 25 (78%) couples, and in 7 (22%) no cause either male or female could be identified and the semen analysis was normal. Percent morphologically normal did not differ significantly between the groups, but increased sperm head abnormalities were seen. The functional tests were all normal except for a significant decrease in the capacity of nuclear chromatin to decondense in vitro. The ultrastructural studies showed defects of chromatin condensation and irregular nuclei with vacuoles. This study points to the loss of chromatin integrity as a possible contributing factor from males to early pregnancy loss.
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TL;DR: The hypo‐osmotic test provided a simple evaluation of membrane function and the results obtained show stallions with low swelling scores (<40%) to be of doubtful fertility, therefore it could be an additional method for evaluating stallion fertility.
Abstract: The hypo-osmotic test has been used successfully on equine semen and was considered to be a simple and accessible method which could be a useful addition to routine equine semen analysis. It was therefore of interest to determine whether the hypo-osmotic test is significantly correlated to proposed criteria of fertility. The stallions were divided into two groups on the basis of threshold levels of fertility. A significant difference (P<0.05) was found between the two groups for the following parameters: progressive motility, morphologically normal spermatozoa, percentage of swelling with the hypo-osmotic test, percentage of pregnant mares and number of services per pregnancy. The hypo-osmotic test provided a simple evaluation of membrane function and the results obtained show stallions with low swelling scores (<40%) to be of doubtful fertility. The hypo-osmotic test was not correlated with percentage of pregnant mares but showed a tendency to correlate with the number of services per pregnancy, therefore it could be an additional method for evaluating stallion fertility. Further studies are needed to confirm this observation.
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TL;DR: Almost all studied parameters were significantly different for predicting penetration process attained or failed, but most of them were correlated together, emphasize the complexity of sperm functions and the difficulty of assessing the fertilizing ability.
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TL;DR: It is suggested that leukocytospermia may have a favorable effect on some sperm functions at seminal leukocyte concentrations between 1 and 3x10(6)/ml.
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TL;DR: Comparison of semen quality between similar populations from Denmark and Finland found that median sperm concentration, total sperm count and the percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa were significantly higher among the Finnish men without proven fertility than among Danish men.
Abstract: Objective To assess differences in semen quality between similar populations from Denmark and Finland. Design Comparison of semen quality between 221 Finnish men (of whom 115 had no proven fertility) and 411 Danish men with no proven fertility in two follow-up studies among normal couples trying to conceive. Methods In Finland male partners of couples without experienced infertility attempting to conceive were recruited through advertisements in local newspapers from 1984 to 1986. From 1992 to 1995 Danish men who lived with a partner and who had not attempted to achieve a pregnancy previously were recruited through their union when they discontinued birth control. All semen analyses were performed in accordance with the World Health Organization guidelines. Results Median sperm concentration, total sperm count and the percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa were significantly higher among the Finnish men without proven fertility (104.0 million/ml, 304.0 million and 58% respectively) compared with the Danish men (53.0 million/ml, 140.8 million, and 41% respectively). Sperm concentration was 105.7% (95% confidence interval (CI) 58.1%-167.6%) and total sperm count was 127.4% (95% CI 71.4%-201.6%) higher among Finnish men without proven fertility than among Danish men after control for confounders. Conclusions Some, but hardly all, of the observed difference in semen quality may be explained by differences in recruitment procedures, selection of the men and by methodological differences in semen analysis between the two countries. Also a birth cohort effect may explain some of the differences between countries as the Finnish men were recruited 11 years before the Danish men. Therefore, follow-up studies with identical recruitment and selection of men from the two countries are needed.
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TL;DR: To assess patient compliance for semen analysis after vasectomy, and to determine the timing and number of semen analyses required to confirm sterility, is assessed.
Abstract: Objective To assess patient compliance for semen analysis after vasectomy, and to determine the timing and number of semen analyses required to confirm sterility.
Patients and methods The study included 1321 men who underwent vasectomy between October 1995 and June 1998. They were followed up in two groups; in group 1 (one-test method) 961 consecutive patients were asked to provide a semen sample for analysis 4 months after vasectomy. Sterility was defined as the absence of sperm in one sample. If sperm were present in the sample, the test was repeated at monthly intervals until there were no sperm. In group 2 (two-test method) 360 consecutive patients were advised to provide semen samples 3 and 4 months after vasectomy. The absence of sperm in two consecutive samples was defined as the criterion to declare the man azoospermic. The presence of sperm in one sample required further samples every month until two consecutive azoospermic samples were produced.
Results In group 1, 810 patients provided semen samples, of which 783 (97%) had no sperm and the men were thus declared azoospermic. The remaining 27 (3%) samples contained sperm; six men withdrew from follow-up at various times but 21 patients produced a negative sample at some time within 7 months and were declared azoospermic. At the end of the follow-up, 804 (84%) patients had been declared azoospermic. In group 2, 294 (82%) patients provided a semen sample after 3 months but only 259 (72%) did so after 4 months. Of the patients providing the first sample, 287 (98%) were azoospermic, and after the second 252 (97%) were azoospermic. At the end of the follow-up 255 (71%) patients were declared azoospermic. There was no reported paternity in any of the men.
Conclusion These results suggest that compliance was better in group 1; when the patients in group 2 were asked to provide a second sample the compliance decreased significantly. The percentage of patients producing an azoospermic sample was similar for semen provided after 3 and 4 months. Thus, provided that the patient is adequately warned about the risk of failure of the vasectomy at any time during his life, a single semen analysis after 3 months is sufficient grounds for discontinuing other contraceptive precautions.
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TL;DR: No decline in sperm density was revealed in semen collected by men presenting for an initial screening semen analysis, and the hypothesis that sperm concentration is declining was supported.
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TL;DR: The low rate of success with cryopreserved semen in these cases suggests the need for a more careful design of non-toxic chemotherapy regimens in combined modality treatment.
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TL;DR: Seminal plasma markers provide an effective, noninvasive method to predict CFTR mutations in men with obstructive azoospermia.
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TL;DR: The asthenospermia of chronic SCI is similar to epididymal necrospermia and can be improved by consecutive-day electroejaculation, and the severity of the degenerative changes and the numbers of spermatozoa affected on day 1 became less marked by day 4.
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TL;DR: The findings confirm the high incidence of chromosomal anomalies among infertile males, highlight the relevance in male infertility of quantitative/positional modifications of the constitutive heterochromatin, and underline the relevance of cooperation between andrologists and cytogenetists prior to every kind of assisted reproduction.
Abstract: Reduced male fertility can be caused by genetic factors affecting gamete formation or function; in particular, chromosome abnormalities are a possible cause of male subfertility as shown by their higher frequency in infertile men than in the general male population. Meiotic studies in a number of these males have shown spermatogenesis breakdown, often related to alterations in the process of chromosome synapsis. Indeed, any condition that can interfere with X-Y bivalent formation and X-chromosome inactivation is critical to the meiotic process; furthermore, asynapsed regions may themselves represent a signal for the meiotic checkpoint that eliminates spermatocytes with synaptic errors. We performed cytogenetic, hormonal and seminal studies in 333 infertile patients selected because azoospermic, severely oligozoospermic or normozoospermic with failure to fertilize the partner's oocytes in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) program. Our findings: 1) confirm the high incidence of chromosomal anomalies among infertile males; 2) highlight the relevance in male infertility of quantitative/positional modifications of the constitutive heterochromatin; and 3) underline the relevance of cooperation between andrologists and cytogenetists prior to every kind of assisted reproduction, above all prior to intracytoplasmic sperm injection, in which selective hurdles eliminating abnormal germ cells are bypassed.
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TL;DR: The characteristics of semen as determined by conventional semen analysis or CASA bore no correlation with total seminal Zn amount or Zn concentrations in the ejaculates, and routine determination of the Zn concentration in seminal plasma offers no advantages in infertility work-ups.
Abstract: Background Zinc (Zn) in seminal plasma stabilizes the cell membrane and nuclear chromatin of spermatozoa It may also have an antibacterial function However, extremely high concentrations of Zn (10 to 100 x the normal range) may inhibit sperm motility and the function of the mannose receptor on the sperm head In this study, we analyzed the correlation between Zn levels in seminal plasma and the characteristics of semen as measured by conventional and computer aided sperm analysis (CASA) Methods One hundred fifteen infertile couples were recruited for conventional semen analysis and CASA from December 1995 through January 1996, and Zn levels in semen samples were determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) Results A good correlation in a positive direction (r = 073, p = 00001) was noted between the total amount of Zn per ejaculate and the Zn concentration The Zn concentration in seminal plasma was negatively correlated with the seminal pH (r = -035, p = 00081) There was no significant correlation between the total amount of Zn per ejaculate and sperm characteristics, including sperm count, motility (% sperm count), progressive motility (% motility), rapid motility (% motility), average path velocity (VAP, microns/s), straight-line velocity (VSL, microns/s), curvilinear velocity (VCL, microns/s), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH, microns), beat/cross frequency (BCF, beats/s), straightness (STR), and linearity (LIN) There was also no significant correlation between the Zn concentration in seminal plasma and the above sperm characteristics Conclusion The characteristics of semen as determined by conventional semen analysis or CASA bore no correlation with total seminal Zn amount or Zn concentrations in the ejaculates Routine determination of the Zn concentration in seminal plasma offers no advantages in infertility work-ups
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TL;DR: This study of the reproduction of men who had a semen analysis at the Sperm Analysis Laboratory in Copenhagen in the period 1963-1993 showed that the subfertile men had an offspring sex ratio as expected, and within the cohort, the offspring sex ratios had no material association with particular semen characteristics.
Abstract: Previous work has suggested an association between male subfertility and a female-biased offspring sex ratio. This study of the reproduction of men who had a semen analysis at the Sperm Analysis Laboratory in Copenhagen in the period 1963-1993 showed that the subfertile men had an offspring sex ratio as expected (51.0% boys versus 51.3%, P: = 0.56), and within the cohort, the offspring sex ratio had no material association with particular semen characteristics. Our results thus suggest that no important association exists between general male subfertility and a female-biased offspring sex ratio.