Showing papers on "Semen analysis published in 2011"

Does weight loss improve semen quality and reproductive hormones? results from a cohort of severely obese men

Abstract: A high body mass index (BMI) has been associated with reduced semen quality and male subfecundity, but no studies following obese men losing weight have yet been published. We examined semen quality and reproductive hormones among morbidly obese men and studied if weight loss improved the reproductive indicators. In this pilot cohort study, 43 men with BMI > 33 kg/m2 were followed through a 14 week residential weight loss program. The participants provided semen samples and had blood samples drawn, filled in questionnaires, and had clinical examinations before and after the intervention. Conventional semen characteristics as well as sperm DNA integrity, analysed by the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) were obtained. Serum levels of testosterone, estradiol, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and inhibin B (Inh-B) were measured. Participants were from 20 to 59 years of age (median = 32) with BMI ranging from 33 to 61 kg/m2. At baseline, after adjustment for potential confounders, BMI was inversely associated with sperm concentration (p = 0.02), total sperm count (p = 0.02), sperm morphology (p = 0.04), and motile sperm (p = 0.005) as well as testosterone (p = 0.04) and Inh-B (p = 0.04) and positively associated to estradiol (p < 0.005). The median (range) percentage weight loss after the intervention was 15% (3.5 - 25.4). Weight loss was associated with an increase in total sperm count (p = 0.02), semen volume (p = 0.04), testosterone (p = 0.02), SHBG (p = 0.03) and AMH (p = 0.02). The group with the largest weight loss had a statistically significant increase in total sperm count [193 millions (95% CI: 45; 341)] and normal sperm morphology [4% (95% CI: 1; 7)]. This study found obesity to be associated with poor semen quality and altered reproductive hormonal profile. Weight loss may potentially lead to improvement in semen quality. Whether the improvement is a result of the reduction in body weight per se or improved lifestyles remains unknown.

Vitamin D is positively associated with sperm motility and increases intracellular calcium in human spermatozoa

Abstract: background: The vitamin D receptor (VDR) is expressed in human spermatozoa, and VDR-knockout mice and vitamin D (VD) deficiency in rodents results in impaired fertility, low sperm counts and a low number of motile spermatozoa. We investigated the role of activated VD (1,25(OH)2D3) in human spermatozoa and whether VD serum levels are associated with semen quality. methods: Cross-sectional association study of semen quality and VD serum level in 300 men from the general population, and in vitro studies on spermatozoa from 40 men to investigate the effects of VD on intracellular calcium, sperm motility and acrosome reaction. All men delivered samples for routine semen analysis and blood for measurements of follicle stimulating hormone, Inhibin B, 25-hydroxy-VD, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH). results: In the association study, 44% were VD insufficient (,50 nM), and VD was inversely correlated with PTH (P , 0.0005). VD serum levels correlated positively with sperm motility and progressive motility (P , 0.05), and men with VD deficiency (,25 nM) had a lower proportion of motile (P ¼ 0.027), progressive motile (P ¼ 0.035) and morphologically normal spermatozoa (P ¼ 0.044) compared with men with high VD levels (.75 nM). 1,25(OH)2D3 increased intracellular calcium concentration in human spermatozoa through VDR-mediated calcium release from an intracellular calcium storage, increased sperm motility and induced the acrosome reaction in vitro. conclusions: 1,25(OH)2D3 increased intracellular calcium concentration, sperm motility and induced the acrosome reaction in mature spermatozoa, and VD serum levels were positively associated with sperm motility, suggesting a role for VD in human sperm function.

Relationships between human sperm protamines, DNA damage and assisted reproduction outcomes

Abstract: The exchange of histones with protamines in sperm DNA results in sperm chromatin compaction and protection. Variations in sperm protamine expression are associated with male infertility. The aim of this study was to investigate relationships between DNA fragmentation, sperm protamines and assisted reproduction treatment. Semen and spermatozoa prepared by density-gradient centrifugation (DGC) from 73 men undergoing IVF and 24 men undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were included in the study. Nuclear DNA fragmentation was assessed using the alkaline Comet assay and protamines were separated by acid-urea polyacrylamide gels. Sperm DNA fragmentation and protamine content (P1-DNA, P2-DNA, P1 + P2-DNA) decreased in spermatozoa after DGC. Abnormally high and low P1/P2 ratios were associated with increased sperm DNA fragmentation. Couples with idiopathic infertility had abnormally high P1/P2 ratios. Fertilization rates and embryo quality decreased as sperm DNA fragmentation or pro- tamines increased. Sperm DNA fragmentation was lower in couples achieving pregnancies after IVF, but not after ICSI. There was no correlation between protamine content (P1-DNA, P2-DNA, P1 + P2-DNA) or P1/P2 ratios and IVF or ICSI pregnancies. Increased sperm DNA fragmentation was associated with abnormal protamination and resulted in lower fertilization rates, poorer embryo qual- ity and reduced pregnancy rates. RBMOnline

The relationship between anogenital distance, fatherhood, and fertility in adult men.

Abstract: Background: Anogenital distance (AGD), a sexually dimorphic measure of genital development, is a marker for endocrine disruption in animal studies and may be shorter in infant males with genital anomalies. Given the correlation between anogenital distance and genital development, we sought to determine if anogenital distance varied in fertile compared to infertile adult men. Methods: A cross sectional study of consecutive men being evaluated for infertility and men with proven fertility was recruited from an andrology clinic. Anogenital distance (the distance from the posterior aspect of the scrotum to the anal verge) and penile length (PL) were measured using digital calipers. ANOVA and linear regression were used to determine correlations between AGD, fatherhood status, and semen analysis parameters (sperm density, motility, and total motile sperm count). Findings: A total of 117 infertile men (mean age: 35.3 17.4) and 56 fertile men (mean age: 44.8 9.7) were recruited. The infertile men possessed significantly shorter mean AGD and PL compared to the fertile controls (AGD: 31.8 vs 44.6 mm, PL: 107.1 vs 119.5 mm, p0.01). The difference in AGD persisted even after accounting for ethnic and anthropomorphic differences. In addition to fatherhood, on both unadjusted and adjusted linear regression, AGD was significantly correlated with sperm density and total motile sperm count. After adjusting for demographic and reproductive variables, for each 1 cm increase in a man’s AGD, the sperm density increases by 4.3 million sperm per mL (95% CI 0.53, 8.09, p 0.03) and the total motile sperm count increases by 6.0 million sperm (95% CI 1.34, 10.58, p 0.01). On adjusted analyses, no correlation was seen between penile length and semen parameters. Conclusion: A longer anogenital distance is associated with fatherhood and may predict normal male reproductive potential. Thus, AGD may provide a novel metric to assess reproductive potential in men. Editorial Comment: This is a clever idea. You can often determine the gender of an animal by AGD, so might this metric be a marker of endocrine or reproductive function? These investigators observed that fertile men have longer AGDs than infertile ones, and provide evidence that AGD is correlated to sperm count. An interesting question is whether AGD combined with semen parameters in a mathematical model could more accurately diagnose male reproductive potential, since bulk semen analysis has proved to be a relatively poor assessor of fertility.

Sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA): a tool in diagnosis and treatment of infertility

Abstract: Diagnosis of male infertility has mainly been based on the World Health Organization (WHO) manual-based semen parameter's concentration, motility and morphology. It has, however, become apparent that none of these parameters are reliable markers for evaluation of the fertility potential of a couple. A search for better markers has led to an increased focus on sperm chromatin integrity testing in fertility work-up and assisted reproductive techniques. During the last couple of decades, numerous sperm DNA integrity tests have been developed. These are claimed to be characterized by a lower intraindividual variation, less intralaboratory and interlaboratory variation and thus less subjective than the conventional sperm analysis. However, not all the sperm chromatin integrity tests have yet been shown to be of clinical value. So far, the test that has been found to have the most stable clinical threshold values in relation to fertility is the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA), a flow cytometric test that measures the susceptibility of sperm DNA to acid-induced DNA denaturation in situ. Sperm DNA fragmentation as measured by SCSA has shown to be an independent predictor of successful pregnancy in first pregnancy planners as well as in couples undergoing intrauterine insemination, and can be used as a tool in investigation, counseling and treatment of involuntary childlessness. More conflicting data exist regarding the role of sperm DNA fragmentation in relation to fertilization, pre-embryo development and pregnancy outcome in in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Measurement and significance of sperm morphology

Abstract: The measurement or evaluation and clinical significance of human sperm morphology has always been and still is a controversial aspect of the semen analysis for the determination of a male's fertility potential. In this review the background of the development of the evaluation criteria for sperm morphology will be discussed. Aspects of criticism on the strict criteria definition and use of the criteria for sperm morphology evaluation will be discussed as well as possible reasons for the decline in normal sperm morphology values and how we can compromise for this phenomenon resulting in the very low normal reference value as published in the 2010 WHO manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen. One of the possible solutions may be to give more attention to a limited number of abnormal sperm morphology categories and the inclusion of sperm morphology patterns. It is concluded in this review that if done correctly and with care and with strict application of existing guidelines as outlined in the 2010 WHO manual, sperm morphology measurement still has a very important role to play in the clinical evaluation of male fertility potential.

Sperm DNA integrity assays: diagnostic and prognostic challenges and implications in management of infertility

Abstract: Sperm is not a simple carrier of paternal genetic information but its role extends clearly beyond fertilization. Integrity of sperm genome is an essential pre-requisite for birth of healthy offspring and evaluation of sperm should entail DNA integrity analysis. DNA integrity analysis is a better diagnostic and prognostic marker of sperm reproductive potential. Conventional semen analysis emphasizes on sperm concentration, viability, motility and morphology and has been proven to be a poor indicator of reproductive potential and pregnancy outcome. To overcome the drawbacks associated with conventional semen analysis more useful fertility tests and molecular biomarkers have been explored. Among the different tests which have evolved for assessing the sperm reproductive potential, tests for sperm DNA quality are most promising. Sperm DNA damage has been closely associated with numerous indicators of reproductive health including fertilization, embryo quality, implantation, spontaneous abortion, congenital malformations and childhood diseases. It therefore has great potential as a prognostic test for both in vitro and in vivo conception. This review presents an updated account of tests that have better diagnostic and prognostic implications in the evaluation of sperm DNA damage. The basic principles, outline of methodology, advantage, disadvantage, clinical significance of each technique and implications of these tests have been discussed. The logistics of each test with respect to available resources and equipment in an andrology laboratory, the feasibility of performing these tests in routine diagnostic workup of infertile men and the opportunities and challenges provided by DNA testing in male fertility determination are also presented.

Semen analysis and sperm function tests: How much to test?

Abstract: Semen analysis as an integral part of infertility investigations is taken as a surrogate measure for male fecundity in clinical andrology, male fertility, and pregnancy risk assessments. Clearly, laboratory seminology is still very much in its infancy. In as much as the creation of a conventional semen profile will always represent the foundations of male fertility evaluation, the 5th edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) manual is a definitive statement on how such assessments should be carried out and how the quality should be controlled. A major advance in this new edition of the WHO manual, resolving the most salient critique of previous editions, is the development of the first well-defined reference ranges for semen analysis based on the analysis of over 1900 recent fathers. The methodology used in the assessment of the usual variables in semen analysis is described, as are many of the less common, but very valuable, sperm function tests. Sperm function testing is used to determine if the sperm have the biologic capacity to perform the tasks necessary to reach and fertilize ova and ultimately result in live births. A variety of tests are available to evaluate different aspects of these functions. To accurately use these functional assays, the clinician must understand what the tests measure, what the indications are for the assays, and how to interpret the results to direct further testing or patient management.

Sperm DNA damage or progressive motility: which one is the better predictor of fertilization in vitro?

Abstract: Sperm progressive motility has been reported to be one of the key factors influencing in vitro fertilization rates. However, recent studies have shown that sperm DNA fragmentation is a more robust predictor of assisted reproductive outcomes including reduced fertilization rates, embryo quality, and pregnancy rates. This study aimed to compare the usefulness of sperm progressive motility and DNA damage as predictive tools of in vitro fertilization rates. Here, 136 couples provided 1,767 eggs with an overall fertilization rate of 64.2%. The fertilization rate in vitro correlated with both sperm progressive motility (r 2 = 0.236; P= 0.002) and DNA fragmentation (r 2 = �0.318; P 40%) compared with 2.6 times in sperm with poor motility ( 70%) was 4.81 (1.89–12.65) using progressive motility compared with 24.18 (5.21–154.51) using DNA fragmentation. This study shows that fertilization rates are directly dependent upon both sperm progressive motility and DNA fragmentation, but sperm DNA fragmentation is a much stronger test.

The effects of male aging on semen quality, sperm DNA fragmentation and chromosomal abnormalities in an infertile population

Abstract: To investigate the effects of male aging on semen quality, DNA fragmentation and chromosomal abnormalities in the spermatozoa of infertile patients and fertile men. Semen samples of 140 infertile patients (24–76 years) and 50 men with proven fertility (25–65 years) were analyzed according to WHO guidelines. DNA fragmentation was detected by TUNEL assay, while aneuploidy was assessed by FISH. In the patient group, semen volume and vitality of spermatozoa decreased significantly with age, while sperm concentration showed a statistically significant increase with age. DNA fragmentation as well as disomy of sex chromosomes and disomy 8 did not show a statistically significant change with age. However, the diploidy rate was significantly increased with patient’s age. In the control group, conventional semen parameters as well as DNA fragmentation and chromosomal abnormalities did not show a statistically significant with age. Increased age in infertile men is associated with an increase in sperm concentration and diploidy, as well as a decline in semen volume and sperm vitality. However motility, morphology and DNA fragmentation are not affected by male age.

Prenatal and adult exposures to smoking are associated with adverse effects on reproductive hormones, semen quality, final height and body mass index

Abstract: Background Exposure to tobacco smoking prenatally is a risk factor for reduced semen quality, but whether the exposure has adverse effects on reproductive hormones, pubertal development or adult BMI remain largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between these factors while controlling for the effects of current smoking in young adulthood. Methods This cross-sectional study (1996-2006) included 3486 Danish men (median age: 19 years), participating in a semen-quality study. Data were obtained from questionnaires, physical examinations, semen analyses and assessments of reproductive hormones. The main outcome measures were markers of pubertal onset, BMI, reproductive hormones and semen variables. Results Maternal smoking during pregnancy was associated with earlier onset of puberty (e.g. early pubic hair development in 25.2 versus 18.9% of unexposed subjects), lower final adult height (median: 1.80 versus 1.82 cm), higher BMI (22.9 versus 22.4), smaller testicles (14.0 versus 14.5 ml), lower total sperm counts (119 versus 150 million), reduced spermatogenesis-related hormones (e.g. inhibin-B/FSH 66 versus 73 pg/mU) and higher calculated free testosterone (free-T, 2.38 versus 2.33 nmol/l). If not exposed prenatally, men's own smoking was associated with increased total testosterone but unchanged free-T. For smokers who had been exposed prenatally, total testosterone was increased but free-T was reduced (2.30 versus 2.38 nmol/l, P = 0.003) due to higher levels of sex hormone-binding globulin. Conclusions Prenatal exposure to tobacco may lead to faster pubertal development possibly caused by a higher free-T, and to higher adult BMI and impairment of testicular function. The findings may not be clinical relevant for the individual but are of public health importance, and add to the knowledge of effects of tobacco smoking.

No secular trend over the last decade in sperm counts among Swedish men from the general population

Abstract: INTRODUCTION Based on historical data, a decline in sperm counts during the years 1940-1990 has been suggested and aetiologically linked to a concomitant increase in the incidence of testicular cancer. This study, focusing on possible changes in sperm parameters among young Swedish men, during the past 10 years, was specifically designed in order to answer the question of whether there is a continuing decline in sperm counts. METHODS During the period 2008-2010, 295 young (17-20 years; median 18) men born and raised in Sweden were recruited at the age they were supposed to undergo medical examination prior to military service. The participants filled in questionnaires, underwent andrological examination and delivered an ejaculate. Their semen parameters were compared with those of a similar cohort of men (n = 216) recruited in the year 2000-2001. RESULTS No significant changes (means; 2000-2001 versus 2008-2010) in sperm concentration (78 × 10(6)/ml versus 82 × 10(6)/ml; P = 0.54), semen volume (3.1 ml versus 3.0 ml; P = 0.26) or total sperm counts (220 × 10(6) versus 250 × 10(6); P = 0.18) were found. The proportion of progressively motile spermatozoa also remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS Between the years 2000 and 2010 we found no evidence of time-related deterioration of semen parameters among young Swedish men from the general population. This finding does not exclude that such a decrease may have taken place before year 2000. If the risk of testicular cancer is linked to the sperm counts, the increase in incidence of this malignancy should be levelling off in southern Sweden in the next 10-15 years. (Less)

Sperm DNA fragmentation and oxidation are independent of malondialdheyde

Abstract: Background There is clinical evidence to show that sperm DNA damage could be a marker of sperm quality and extensive data exist on the relationship between DNA damage and male fertility status. Detecting such damage in sperm could provide new elements besides semen parameters in diagnosing male infertility. We aimed to assess sperm DNA fragmentation and oxidation and to study the association between these two markers, routine semen parameters and malondialdehyde formation.

Correlation between male age, WHO sperm parameters, DNA fragmentation, chromatin packaging and outcome in assisted reproduction technology

Abstract: In the human, male ageing results in reproductive hormonal and cellular changes that can influence semen quality (volume, motility, concentration and morphology) and ultimately result in a reduced fertilising capacity and a longer 'time to pregnancy' for ageing men as well as an increased risk for miscarriage. This prospective cohort study of 278 patients undergoing a first in vitro fertilisation or intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment was undertaken to examine whether patient's age was reflected in sperm motility, concentration, morphology as well as in DNA fragmentation (DFI) and immature chromatin (unprocessed nuclear proteins and/or poorly condensed chromatin) as measured by the sperm chromatin structure assay. This study also investigated the possible influence of male age (after correcting for female age) on their fertilising capacity, on obtaining a pregnancy and a healthy baby at home. Logistic regression analysis did not reveal any male age-related influences on sperm parameters like concentration, motility or morphology. No significant male age-related increase in DFI or immature chromatin was demonstrable for these patients. Elevated male age, after correcting for female age, was not related to lower fertilisation rates or significant decreases in the chance for a healthy baby at home.

Impact of cell phone use on men's semen parameters.

Abstract: Summary The objective of the present retrospective study was to report our experience concerning the effects of cell phone usage on semen parameters. We examined 2110 men attending our infertility clinic from 1993 to October 2007. Semen analysis was performed in all patients. Serum free testosterone (T), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH) and prolactin (PRL) were collected from all patients. The information on cell phone use of the patients was recorded and the subjects were divided into two groups according to their cell phone use: group A: cell phone use (n = 991); group B: no use (n = 1119). Significant difference was observed in sperm morphology between the two groups. In the patients of group A, 68.0% of the spermatozoa featured a pathological morphology compared to only 58.1% in the subjects of group B. Patients with cell phone usage showed significantly higher T and lower LH levels than those who did not use cell phone. No significant difference between the two groups was observed regarding FSH and PRL values. Our results showed that cell phone use negatively affects sperm quality in men. Further studies with a careful design are needed to determine the effect of cell phone use on male fertility.

Differential transcriptomic profile in spermatozoa achieving pregnancy or not via ICSI.

Abstract: Basic sperm analysis is limited as a method of estimating pregnancy. This study’s objective was use of microarray technology to differentiate the gene expressions of spermatozoa that achieved pregnancy in an intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)cycle in an oocyte donation programme with those that did not achieve pregnancy. A study of nested cases and controls was designed to evaluate fresh and frozen spermatozoa from infertile males undergoing ICSI with donor oocytes. The global genome expression of pooled samples from each group (achieving pregnancy versus those that didn’t, from fresh or frozen spermatozoa)was compared using microarray analysis. The level of expression of some of the transcripts from fresh spermatozoa was shown to differ for those that achieved pregnancy versus those that didn’t. Additionally, exclusively expressed transcripts were identified for both outcome groups. Analysis of frozen spermatozoa didn’t reveal differential expression, but exclusively expressed transcripts were detected. Lists of the transcripts were systematically analysed using different databases in order to provide information about them and their relationship with male fertility. The results revealed profound differences between the expression profiles of spermatozoa that resulted in pregnancy versus those that didn’t. These differences may explain ICSI failure associated with male factor infertility.