Semen analysis

About: Semen analysis is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 4909 publications have been published within this topic receiving 143225 citations.

Predictive value of normal sperm morphology in intrauterine insemination (IUI): a structured literature review

Abstract: The aim of the study was to conduct a structured review of the literature published on the use of normal sperm morphology, as an indicator of male fertility potential in intrauterine insemination (IUI) programmes. Published literature in which normal sperm morphology was used to predict pregnancy outcome in IUI during the period 1984-1998 was reviewed. In total, 421 articles were identified via Medline searches. Eighteen provided data that could be tabulated and analysed. Eight of the analysed studies provided sufficient data for statistical analysis, six studies used the Tygerberg 'strict' criteria, and two the WHO guidelines (1987, 1992). A meta-analysis of the six studies in the strict morphology group yielded a risk difference (RD) between the pregnancy rates achieved in the patients below and above the 4% strict criteria threshold of -0.07 (95% CI: -0.11 to 4.03; P<0.001). The WHO criteria group (1987, 1992) had insufficient data to be analysed. Meta-analysis showed a significant improvement in pregnancy rate above 4% threshold for strict criteria. Accurate evaluation of normal sperm morphology results should be an integral part of evaluating the male factor.

Identification and evaluation of a novel sperm protamine abnormality in a population of infertile males

Abstract: BACKGROUND: A significant relationship exists between an abnormally high sperm protamine-1 (P1)/protamine-2 (P2) ratio and male infertility. In this study we investigate whether a decreased P1/P2 ratio is also linked to male infertility and we attempt to describe, at the protein expression level, the underlying cause of sperm P1/P2 deregulation. METHODS: P1 and P2 protein concentrations were quantified in sperm from 272 infertility patients and 87 fertile donors. P1/P2 ratios and protamine quantity were correlated with fertility status using semen analysis, sperm penetration capacity, and IVF data. RESULTS: We identified four distinct groups in the study: normal P1/P2 fertile donors, normal P1/P2 patients, low P1/P2 patients, and high P1/P2 patients. P1 and P2 were both under-expressed in patients with a normal P1/P2 ratio, but not in fertile donors. In patients with a low P1/P2 ratio, P1 was under-expressed while P2 was over-expressed; in patients with a high P1/P2 ratio, P1 was normally expressed and P2 was under-expressed. Patients with abnormal P1/P2 ratios displayed significantly reduced semen quality and sperm penetration ability. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified a novel population of infertile males with a reduced P1/P2 ratio. Aberrant P1/P2 ratios arise from an abnormal concentration of P1 and/or P2, either of which is associated with male infertility.

The impact of cigarette smoking on human semen parameters and hormones

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In this prospective study, semen parameters and hormone concentrations of infertile smokers were compared with infertile non- and ex-smokers. We also determined how many men with idiopathic infertility would stop smoking in an attempt to improve their fertility. METHODS: 1104 men (517 non-smokers, 109 ex-smokers and 478 smokers) with infertility for at least 1 year were evaluated. Evaluation included medical history, physical examination, hormone analysis and two semen analyses. Prior to the second semen analysis, smokers were urged to quit smoking. RESULTS: Smokers were significantly younger (P 1 × 10 6 /ml leukocytes was higher in smokers (P < 0.001). Increased free and total serum testosterone (P < 0.001) and decreased prolactin levels (P < 0.001) were found in smokers. No differences were found between non-smokers and ex-smokers. Only 23.1% of the smokers versus 46% non-smokers (P < 0.001) returned for a second semen analysis, 14 of whom reduced and 15 of whom quit smoking completely. Testosterone levels were significantly lower in those who were able to stop or reduce smoking (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Smoking does not affect conventional semen parameters, but significantly increases round cells and leukocytes. Only a few idiopathic infertile smokers were able to quit smoking.

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.