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Sperm Count (sperm + count)
Kinds of Sperm Count Selected AbstractsDietary exposure to low doses of bisphenol A: Effects on reproduction and development in two generations of C57BL/6J miceCONGENITAL ANOMALIES, Issue 3 2010Kenichi Kobayashi Abstract The present study was conducted to examine the effects of low-dose exposure to bisphenol A on reproduction and development in two generations of mice. Pregnant female C57BL/6J mice (F0) were fed a diet containing low doses of bisphenol A (0, 0.33, 3.3, or 33 ppm) from gestational day 6 through postnatal day 22, and the weanlings (F1 and F2) from each F0 and F1 dam group, respectively, were also fed these same concentrations of bisphenol A ad libitum until sacrifice. There were no treatment-related changes in body weight, body weight gain, food consumption, gestation length, or the number of live births on postnatal day 1 in F0 dams between the control group and bisphenol A groups. Sex ratio and viability were similar in all F1 pups. No treatment-related changes were observed in body weight, food consumption, developmental parameters, anogenital distance, or weight of any of the organs (liver, kidney, heart, spleen, thymus, testis, ovary, or uterus) in F1 and F2 adults in either sex. The epididymis weight was slightly higher with 0.33 and 3.3 ppm in F1 males, but this slight increase was neither dose dependent nor seen across generations. There were no treatment-related effects of bisphenol A on cauda epididymal sperm count or sperm motility in F1 or F2 males. These findings indicate that dietary exposure to bisphenol A between 0.33 and 33 ppm does not adversely affect reproduction or development as assessed in two generations of mice. [source] Effects of oyster extract on the reproductive function of zinc-deficient mice: Bioavailability of zinc contained in oyster extractCONGENITAL ANOMALIES, Issue 4 2003Yoshikazu Matsuda ABSTRACT Zinc is a vital nutrient in the normal reproductive function and embryonic development of mammals, and it is well known that oyster extract contains significant amounts of zinc. The effects of oyster extract on reproductive function, such as embryonic development, serum levels of zinc and sperm maturation were examined in zinc-deficient mice. Zinc deficiency in dams during pregnancy induced a decrease in the successful pregnancy rate, maternal weight gain, the number of live fetuses and fetal body weight. Zinc deficiency for 12 weeks in male mice induced a decrease in body weight, testis weight and sperm count in the epididymis. However, reproductive failure, embryonic defects and decreased sperm motility in zinc-deficient mice were improved by supplementation with oyster extract. Some nutrients contained in oyster extract, such as taurine and glycogen, may be related to the recovery of reproductive function. There were significantly lower serum concentrations of zinc in dams fed a zinc-deficient diet However, the serum zinc concentration was normal in the oyster extract-supplemented group. No difference in the concentration of serum zinc was observed between the oyster extract- and zinc carbonate-supplemented groups. From these findings, it is suggested that oyster extract is a useful supplement that can prevent reproductive defects from zinc deficiency, and the bioavailability of zinc may be identical to zinc carbonate. [source] Toxicity of oral exposure to 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene in the western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis),ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 5 2008Craig A. McFarland Abstract Contamination of the soil with the explosive 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) has been found at military sites, many of which are habitats used by reptiles. To provide data useful in assessing ecological risk for reptilian species, acute, subacute, and subchronic oral toxicity studies were conducted with the western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis). Oral median lethal dose (LD50) values for TNT in corn oil were 1,038 and 1,579 mg/kg of body weight for male and female lizards, respectively. Overt signs of toxicity included chromaturia, abdominal enlargement, and tremors. A 14-d subacute study followed in which male lizards were orally dosed with TNT (corn oil) at 0, 33, 66, 132, 263, 525, and 1,050 mg/kg of body weight each day. Clinical signs of toxicity, while similar to the LD50 study, were more subtle and noted in lizards receiving TNT amounts of at least 66 mg/kg/d. Chromaturia was an early consistent sign, often preceding the onset of adverse effects. Male lizards in the 60-d subchronic study were dosed at 0, 3, 15, 25, 35, and 45 mg/kg/d with nearly complete survival (>90%) for lizards in all treatments. Changes in food consumption and body weight were observed at 35 and 45 mg/kg/d. Alterations in hematological end points; blood chemistries (albumin, total protein, alkaline phosphatase, calcium); kidney, spleen, and liver weights; and adverse histopathology were observed in lizards exposed at 25 to 45 mg/kg/d. Testosterone concentration, sperm count, and motility were variable between treatments. Although not significant, incidences of hypospermia and testicular atrophy were observed in some individuals. Together, these data suggest a lowest-observed-adverse effect level of 25 mg/kg/d and a no-observed-adverse effect level of 15 mg/kg/d in S. occidentalis. [source] Varicocelectomy: semen parameters and protamine deficiencyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 2 2009M. H. Nasr-Esfahani Summary Different methods have been used to evaluate the beneficial effect of varicocelectomy; these include semen parameters and pregnancy rate. Because of high biological variability of semen parameters, sperm functional tests have been considered as an efficient end point in assessment of fertility. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of varicocelectomy on semen parameters and sperm protamine deficiency in 192 patients. The results of the present study show that all the three semen parameters and percentage of sperms with normal protamine content have improved post-surgery. The cumulative pregnancy rate was 34.6%. Comparing the results of the semen parameters and protamine content between patients whose partner became pregnant to those who did not benefit from varicocelectomy before and 6 months after surgery, show that patients may benefit from varicocelectomy that had higher initial semen density and better sperm morphology prior to surgery. Detailed analyses of sperm morphology, along with aforementioned results reveal that the factors which account for pregnancy difference are: (i) improvement in early events of spermatogenesis, possibly during spermatocytogensis and reduction division; and (ii) late spermiogenesis events. Thus, it can be suggested that patients with low initial sperm count may benefit more from assisted reproductive techniques or varicocelectomy followed by assisted reproduction. [source] Epigenetic regulation and downstream targets of the Rhox5 homeobox geneINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 5 2008S. Shanker Summary The discovery of the Rhox homeobox gene cluster on the X chromosome opens up new vistas in the regulation of reproductive processes in mammals. In mice, this cluster comprises more than 30 genes that are selectively expressed in reproductive tissues. A subset of Rhox genes are androgen and AR regulated in postnatal and adult Sertoli cells, making them candidates to mediate androgen-dependent steps during spermatogenesis. The best characterized of these androgen/AR-regulated genes is Rhox5 (Pem), the founding member of the Rhox gene cluster. Targeted deletion of Rhox5 in mice causes male subfertility marked by increased germ-cell apoptosis and decreased sperm count and motility. Microarray analyses identified a wide variety of genes regulated by Rhox5 in Sertoli cells. One of them is the tumour suppressor UNC5C, a pro-apoptotic molecule previously only known to be involved in brain development. Targeted deletion of Unc5c causes decreased germ-cell apoptosis in postnatal and adult testes, indicating that it also has a role in spermatogenesis and supporting a model in which Rhox5 promotes germ-cell survival by downregulating Unc5c. Rhox5 has two independently regulated promoters that have distinct expression patterns. The unique tissue-specific and developmentally regulated transcription pattern of these two promoters appear to be controlled by DNA methylation. Both promoters are methylated in tissues in which they are not expressed, suggesting that DNA methylation serves to repress Rhox5 expression in inappropriate cell types and tissues. In summary, the Rhox gene cluster is an epigenetically regulated set of genes encoding a large number of transcription factors that are strong candidates to regulate gametogenesis and other aspects of reproduction. [source] Adverse trends in male reproductive health: we may have reached a crucial ,tipping point'INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 2 2008A.-M. Andersson Summary Healthy men produce an enormous number of sperms, far more than necessary for conception. However, several studies suggest that semen samples where the concentration of sperms is below 40 mill/mL may be associated with longer time to pregnancy or even subfertility, and specimens where the concentration of sperms is below 15 mill/mL may carry a high risk of infertility. Historic data from the 1940s show that the bulk of young men at that time had sperm counts far above 40 mill/mL with averages higher than 100 mill/mL. However, recent surveillance studies of young men from the general populations of young men in Northern Europe show that semen quality is much poorer. In Denmark approximately 40 percent of the men have now sperm counts below 40 mill/mL. A simulation assuming that average sperm count had declined from 100 mill/mL in ,old times' to a current level close to 40 mill/mL indicated that the first decline in average sperm number of 20,40 mill/mL might not have had much effect on pregnancy rates, as the majority of men would still have had counts far above the threshold value. However, due to the assumed decline in semen quality, the sperm counts of the majority of 20 year old European men are now so low that we may be close to the crucial tipping point of 40 mill/mL spermatozoa. Consequently, we must face the possibility of more infertile couples and lower fertility rates in the future. [source] Relationship between seminal ascorbic acid and sperm DNA integrity in infertile menINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 6 2006Gyun Jee Song Summary Ascorbic acid has recently been reported to protect sperm DNA from the damage induced by exogenous oxidative stress in vitro. But, there is no report on seminal ascorbic acid and sperm DNA fragmentation in infertile men. In this study, we asked whether sperm DNA damage correlates with seminal ascorbic acid levels. Sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was analysed in 75 men by flow cytometry after acridine orange staining. We also measured the levels of seminal plasma ascorbic acid and total antioxidant capacity. Abnormal sperm DNA integrity (DFI , 30%) was observed in 12% of the patients with normal semen parameters and in 52% of the patients with abnormal semen parameters. There were significant correlations between the level of DFI and conventional semen parameters including sperm count, motility and morphology (r = ,0.29, ,0.55 and ,0.53 respectively; p < 0.05). Seminal ascorbic acid level was significantly lower in the patients with leucospermia than the patient with normal semen parameters. Interestingly, a significantly greater percentage of men with abnormal DFI were observed in the patients with low levels of seminal ascorbic acid compared with those with normal or high levels of ascorbic acid (59% vs. 33%, p < 0.05). Men with insufficient seminal ascorbic acid frequently have sperm DNA damage. [source] Semen quality and sedentary work positionINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 1 2004Julie Støy Summary Increased scrotal temperature can, in experimental settings, markedly disturb the production of semen. Sedentary work position may increase the temperature of the scrotum, but previous studies have failed to determine whether changes in scrotal temperature caused by sedentary work actually do affect semen quality. This study was carried out to elucidate the possible harmful effects of sedentary work on sperm count and other semen characteristics. In 1981,1983 a semen sample was obtained from 3119 men who attended an infertility workup in one of four Danish fertility centres. A total of 2517 men returned a postal questionnaire with information on life style, leisure time activities, occupational history and job duties. Information on job specific work position was obtained from The Danish Work Environment Cohort study 1990 (DWECS). In this analysis DWECS data for a total of 1747 men was included from men aged 18,39 years with >30 h of work per week. For all job titles represented in the DWECS, the mean proportion of sedentary work was estimated. The sperm cell concentration was 30.6 million/mL among men in the quintile with lowest job specific sedentary work compared with 40.5 million/mL in the highest quintile. The difference was, however, not statistically significant. Stratification on infertility period, educational level of the man, fertility centre, and fertility-related disease of the spouse did not influence the results. The analyses do not suggest that sedentary work is a risk factor for abnormal semen characteristics. [source] How work-place conditions, environmental toxicants and lifestyle affect male reproductive function,INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 5 2002Jens Peter Bonde Summary Major temporal and geographical shifts in male reproductive function is presently an issue worldwide. The hormonal disruption hypothesis has achieved considerable attention but epidemiological evidence in support of the theory is lacking. Several occupational hazards to male reproductive function are known but exposure prevalences are hardly sufficient to play a role for reduced sperm count in the general male population. Sedentary work may be an exception. Perhaps prolonged time in the sedentary position exhausts the testicular heat regulation. But so far studies addressing implications of the heat hypothesis in the general population are few. Neither change of sexual behaviour nor reduced period of sexual continence seems to be a likely explanation. Tobacco smoking and consumption of caffeine and alcoholic beverages in adulthood have a rather marginal impact on spermatogenesis and can hardly explain major shifts or regional differences in male reproductive health. However, prenatal effects following smoking during pregnancy might play a role because we have witnessed a smoking epidemic among fertile women in some countries during the second half of the twentieth century. Moreover, if genetic factors play more than a marginal role for testicular function and sperm count, pregnancy planning resulting in reduced family size during the past 100 years could possibly explain a decline in semen quality because the most fertile part of the population reproduce less while the subfertile probably continue to get a limited number of children. [source] A review of the potential impact of dietary endocrine disrupters on the consumerINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 5 2002Ian Shaw Endocrine disrupters, in particular xenoestrogens, have been implicated in a broad array of environmental effects. Their presence in food, either as natural components (e.g. phytoestrogens) or chemical contaminants (e.g. xenoestrogenic pesticides) have been implicated in a number of human effects (e.g. declining sperm count). We present calculations which ranks the importance of the different classes of dietary endocrine disrupters, and show that only phytoestrogens are likely to have a health impact. [source] Asthenozoospermia: Possible association with long-term exposure to an anti-epileptic drug of carbamazepineINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 1 2005TETSUO HAYASHI Abstract Little attention has been paid to infertility in men with epilepsy and little information exists about the mechanisms by which anti-epileptic drugs affect spermatogenesis or sperm function. We report a case of a male infertility patient with asthenozoospermia during long-term treatment with anti-epileptic drugs. A 29-year-old man had continued treatment with anti-epileptic drugs under the diagnosis of epilepsy for 13 years. He and his wife had been examined and treated as an infertile couple for 3 years. The patient was found to have no motile sperm with a normal sperm count, while taking a dose of 400 mg/day of carbamazepine. On suspicion of an adverse effect of carbamazepine, he was switched to phenytoin monotherapy. One month after that, sperm motility was vastly improved (65%) and they conceived a child 5 months after that. One must be cautious in extrapolating from a case report, but these findings strongly suggest a direct effect of carbamazepine on spermatic function. [source] Effect of textile waste water on the spermatogenesis of male albino ratsJOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY, Issue 3 2003R. S. Gupta Abstract Textile waste water released from dyeing and printing industries situated in Sanganer, Jaipur (India), brought about inhibition of spermatogenesis in male rats. Water analysis showed the presence of heavy metals at more than permissible limits. Oral administration of waste water to the rats at the dose level of 26.6 ml kg,1 body wt. significantly reduced the weights of testes, epididymides and seminal vesicle. Treated animals showed a notable depression of various stages of spermatogenesis. The production of spermatids was inhibited by 70.8% in waste-water-treated rats. The populations of spermatogonia, preleptotene spermatocytes and secondary spermatocytes were decreased by 67.2, 71.1 and 73.2%, respectively. The total number of Sertoli cells was affected after waste water treatment. Reduced sperm count and motility resulted in treated groups. A significant fall in the content of various biochemical parameters of reproductive tissues was observed after water treatment. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Bis(4,7-dimethyl and 5-dinitro-1,10-phenanthroline) sulfato-oxovanadium(IV)-mediated in vivo male germ cell apoptosisJOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY, Issue 4 2001Osmond J. D'Cruz Abstract Oxovanadium(IV) [VO] complexes of 1,10-phenanthroline are a new class of potent apoptosis-inducing cytotoxic agents against human testicular cancer cells in vitro. The present study investigated the in vivo ability of four(bis)-chelated 1,10-phenanthroline [phen] complexes of sulfato-oxovanadium(IV),VO(phen)2, VO(Cl,phen)2, VO(Me2,phen)2 and VO(NO2,phen)2,with and without substitutions, to induce testicular germ cell apoptosis. Male germ cell loss in mice was measured by determining the epididymal sperm count, testicular weight and histological evaluation of the testes. Repetitive intratesticular injection (7.5 mg kg,1 testis,1) of bis-chelated 1,10-phenanthroline complexes of oxovanadium(IV) with 4,7-dimethyl [VO(Me2,phen)2] and 5-dinitro [VO(NO2,phen)2] substitution led to decreased sperm counts and reduced testicular weights. Histopathological examination of testicular sections from VO(Me2,phen)2 - and VO(NO2,phen)2 -treated mice revealed a marked inhibition of spermatogenesis and preferential loss of maturing, as well as elongated spermatids. In situ evaluation of seminiferous tubule cross-sections by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated FITC-deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling (TUNEL) and laser scanning confocal microscopy showed characteristic apoptotic germ cells delineating the periphery of the seminiferous tubules. The ability of bis-chelated 4,7-dimethyl- and 5-dinitro-substituted 1,10-phenanthroline complexes of oxovanadium(IV) to induce germ cell apoptosis in vivo may have potential utility in the treatment of human testicular germ cell tumors. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Long-term effect of varicocele repair on intratesticular arterial resistance indexJOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND, Issue 3 2008Ali Balci MD Abstract Purpose To investigate the long-term effect of varicocele repair on ipsilateral intratesticular arterial resistance index (RI) using color Doppler sonography (CDS). Methods A total of 26 infertile patients with left varicocele who underwent a testicular artery and lymphatic-sparing subinguinal varicocelectomy were examined with CDS for intratesticular flow parameters before and at least 6 months after surgery. We also evaluated preoperative and postoperative semen parameters. Results The mean values of RI, end-diastolic velocity and pulsatility index decreased significantly after surgery, whereas no significant change was observed in peak systolic velocity. Repair of the varicocele resulted in a statistically significant increase in the total sperm count, motility, morphology, and total motile sperm count. However, no significant correlation was found between sperm parameters and RI values (p > 0.05). Conclusions Our data show that a significant improvement occurs in testicular blood supply and sperm parameters after surgical varicocele repair, without significant correlation between these 2 changes. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008 [source] Sonographic spectrum of scrotal abnormalities in infertile menJOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND, Issue 8 2007Hussein S. Qublan Abstract Purpose. To use sonography to detect scrotal abnormalities in infertile men. Material and Methods. Two hundred thirty-four infertile men, including 176 oligospermic (sperm count < 10 × 106/ml), 58 azoospermic, and 150 normospermic men (control group) were evaluated prospectively for the presence of intra- and extratesticular abnormalities using high-frequency transducers and color Doppler imaging. Medical and surgical history, testicular volume, semen parameters, and hormonal levels were recorded. Results. A statistically significant increase in the prevalence of abnormal scrotal findings detected with sonography was observed in the study group compared with controls. These included variocele in 35.5% versus 16% (p < 0.01), hydrocele in 16.7% versus 8.7% (p < 0.05), testicular microlithiasis in 9.8% versus 2% (p < 0.01), epididymal enlargement in 9% versus 2.6% (p < 0.05), and epididymal cyst in 7.7% versus 2% (p < 0.05). Testicular tumor was not seen in either group. A statistically significant decrease in testicular volume, sperm concentration, normal morphology, and forward motility of the sperm was noted in the study group compared with controls (p < 0.01). Conclusion. The various intra- and extratesticular abnormalities were demonstrated in infertile men. Sonography should be used routinely in the work-up of male infertility. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2007 [source] Assessing in vivo Fertilizing Capacity of Liquid-Preserved Boar Semen According to the ,Hanover Gilt Model'REPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 2 2003F Ardón Contents The goal of this study was to determine the ability of the Hanover gilt model to assess in vivo fertilizing capacity of preserved sperm and to consider whether any modifications to this model were needed. This model evaluates the fertilizing capacity of semen based on the fertilization rate, the rate of normal embryos and the accessory sperm count of 3,5-day embryos. Its distinguishing characteristics are the use of one-time insemination of sperm in reduced numbers, of spontaneously ovulating gilts and of ovulation detection through ultrasound examination of ovaries. Reduced sperm numbers allow for an accurate evaluation of the fertilizing potential of different semen treatments, thereby avoiding the compensatory effect of doses calibrated to maximize fertility. The model's usefulness was assessed in a trial run designed to compare the fertilizing capacity of liquid boar semen diluted into two different extenders. The diluent, the boar and the backflow, had no significant effect on any of the parameters studied. Gilts inseminated less than 24 h before ovulation had a significantly higher (p < 0.01) fertilization rate and accessory sperm cell count (p < 0.05) than those inseminated more than 24 h before ovulation. Very good/good embryos from homogeneous litters (only very good/good embryos were present) had a significantly higher (p < 0.01) accessory sperm count than those from heterogeneous litters (at least one embryo was of a different quality and/or oocytes were present). Both very good/good and degenerated/retarded embryos from heterogeneous litters had low accessory sperm numbers. This suggests that accessory sperm count is significantly related to the quality of the litter, but not to the quality of the embryo within gilts. It can be concluded that the Hanover gilt model is sensitive enough to show fertility differences (in this study, those associated with in vivo ageing of semen), while using relatively few gilts and little time. [source] Seasonality of LH, testosterone and sperm parameters in spider monkey males (Ateles geoffroyi)AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2009Ana Lilia Cerda-Molina Abstract There are no reported data on hormonal fluctuations in black-handed spider monkey males. On previous research about the reproductive physiology of this monkey we have found that during the dry season females show ovulatory estrogen peaks and males present the best quality semen. As part of an ongoing research, in this study we assessed seasonal variations in the concentration of serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone (T) in three adult spider monkey males to corroborate the seasonal reproductive synchrony. At the same time sperm count and motility were evaluated to search for any correlation between those sperm parameters and hormonal concentrations. We took blood and semen samples (by electroejaculation) of anesthetized males throughout the rainy (June,September) and dry (October,May) months. Our results revealed that T and LH were higher throughout the dry season and there was a significant correlation between T concentration and sperm count. Although higher during the dry season, sperm motility tended to correlate with testosterone and LH levels. These results demonstrated that black-handed spider monkeys have a tendency to show a seasonal pattern of reproduction being the dry season the most likely time to achieve fertilization. Am. J. Primatol. 71:427,431, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Heme oxygenase enzyme activity in seminal plasma of oligoasthenoteratozoospermic males with varicoceleANDROLOGIA, Issue 4 2010M. T. Abdel Aziz Summary This work aimed to assess seminal plasma heme oxygenase (HO) enzyme activity in oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) males with varicocele. Ninety-three men were divided according to their sperm count and clinical examination into: healthy fertile controls (n = 34), OAT without varicocele (n = 37) and OAT associated with varicocele (n = 22). They were subjected to semen analysis and estimation of seminal plasma HO enzyme activity in the form of bilirubin concentration. Seminal plasma HO enzyme activity decreased significantly in OAT cases compared with controls. Seminal plasma HO in OAT cases associated with varicocele decreased significantly compared with OAT cases without varicocele and healthy controls (mean ± SD; 109.2 ± 29.5, 283.6 ± 88.4, 669.5 ± 236.1 nMol bilirubin/mg ptn/min, P < 0.001). There was positive correlation between seminal plasma HO enzyme activity and sperm concentration, per cent of motile spermatozoa, number of motile spermatozoas ml,1 and significant negative correlation with sperm abnormal forms per cent. It is concluded that varicocele has a negative impact on seminal HO enzyme activity. Therefore, improved seminal picture after correcting varicocele repair might be related, in part, to improved HO action(s). [source] Antibiotic susceptibility of urogenital microbial profile of infertile men in South-eastern NigeriaANDROLOGIA, Issue 4 2010C. J. Uneke Summary Male factors are known to contribute significantly to the infertility problem. The urogenital bacteria profile and semen quality were investigated among 160 men attending infertility clinics in South-eastern Nigeria. Both semen and urine samples were obtained from each subject and analysed according to standard techniques. A total of 16 (10%) had bacterial infection in their semen samples and individuals of older age groups were significantly affected (,2 = 23.18, P < 0.05). Urinary tract infection (UTI) was observed in 30.6% of subjects, with the highest rate occurring among men aged 36,40 years, but the difference was not significant (,2 = 7.62, P > 0.05). A total of 33.8% of the men had semen volume less than 2 ml per ejaculate, 33.8% also recorded total sperm count of <40 × 106 ml,1, while 36.3% recorded sperm motility <50%. Fifty-three individuals (33.1%) had suboptimal sperm morphology (<60%), with the men aged 46,50 years old significantly affected (,2 = 13.03, P < 0.05). All the individuals with bacterial infection in semen also had UTI and suboptimal semen parameters. The commonest bacterial isolates were Proteus species, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, which were resistant to most of the antibiotics assessed. [source] Comparative effects of dimethoate and deltamethrin on reproductive system in male miceANDROLOGIA, Issue 3 2010F. Ben Abdallah Summary The effects of dimethoate (5, 15 and 28 mg kg,1 day,1), deltamethrin (5 mg kg,1 day,1) and their mixture (5 mg kg,1 day,1) on male reproduction in mice were studied. The insecticides were given orally by gavage to male mice for 21 days. At the end of the treatment period, body, testes and epididymides weights and sperm parameters were determined. Alone mixture treatment has significantly decreased body weights. Dimethoate at 28 mg kg,1 day,1, deltamethrin at 5 mg kg,1 day,1 and their mixture at 5 mg kg,1 day,1 were associated with a significantly decreased sperm count, motility and viability and significantly increased percent morphologically abnormal spermatozoa compared with the controls. This study demonstrated the adverse effects of dimethoate at high dose, deltamethrin and their combining at 5 mg kg,1 day,1 on reproductive system and sperm parameters in male mice. [source] Long-term ofloxacin testicular toxicity: an experimental studyANDROLOGIA, Issue 2 2010M. A. EL-Harouny Summary The aim of this study was to assess the long-term toxic effect of ofloxacin on the testes and epididymides of 72 adult male albino rats. The rats were divided into group A and group B. Group A, which received ofloxacin for 14 days, was subdivided into two subgroups; LD-14 received low dose 72 mg KBW,1 daily and HD-14 received high dose 216 mg KBW,1 daily. Group B, which received ofloxacin for 28 days, was subdivided into two subgroups; LD-28 received 72 mg KBW,1 and HD-28 received 216 mg KBW,1 daily. Two matched control groups were followed up for 14 and 28 days respectively. The animals were evaluated for body weight, testicular weight, relative testicular weight, serum testosterone (T), epididymal sperm analysis (sperm count, motility, morphology, curvilinear velocity, linear velocity and linearity index) and testicular histopathology. The adverse effects of ofloxacin were correlated with increased treatment duration and/or dose. It is concluded that long-term ofloxacin has a direct detrimental effect on the testicles of albino rats at the studied doses and durations. [source] Clinical evaluation of spermatogenic activity of processed Shilajit in oligospermiaANDROLOGIA, Issue 1 2010T. K. Biswas Summary The safety and spermatogenic activity of processed Shilajit (PS) were evaluated in oligospermic patients. Initially, 60 infertile male patients were assessed and those having total sperm counts below 20 million ml,1 semen were considered oligospermic and enrolled in the study (n = 35). PS capsule (100 mg) was administered twice daily after major meals for 90 days. Total semenogram and serum testosterone, luteinising hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone were estimated before and at the end of the treatment. Malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker for oxidative stress, content of semen and biochemical parameters for safety were also evaluated. Twenty-eight patients who completed the treatment showed significant (P < 0.001) improvement in spermia (+37.6%), total sperm count (+61.4%), motility (12.4,17.4% after different time intervals), normal sperm count (+18.9%) with concomitant decrease in pus and epithelial cell count compared with baseline value. Significant decrease of semen MDA content (,18.7%) was observed. Moreover, serum testosterone (+23.5%; P < 0.001) and FSH (+9.4%; P < 0.05) levels significantly increased. HPLC chromatogram revealed inclusion of PS constituents in semen. Unaltered hepatic and renal profiles of patients indicated that PS was safe at the given dose. The present findings provide further evidence of the spermatogenic nature of Shilajit, as attributed in Ayurvedic medicine, particularly when administered as PS. [source] Effect of Cd transferred via food product on spermatogenesis in the ratANDROLOGIA, Issue 1 2010L. Hachfi Summary The aim of this work was to assess the effect of organic Cd on the pituitary-testicular axis in rats given diet containing Cd incorporated in radish bulb. A control group was assigned a diet containing ordinary radish for 12 week and second received for the same period a diet containing Cd-contaminated radish at the rate of 20 + 2 ,g g,1 of dry weight. At the end of treatments, the rats were anaesthetized, blood samples were collected and epididymides were removed for establishing sperm count. Circulating FSH, LH and testosterone levels were determined by electrochemiluminescence using automate (Elecsys 2110; Rochediagnostics). A decrease in FSH levels was observed in Cd-exposed animals. This seems to be at the origin of the large drop in the number of spermatozoa. Concerning the plasma testosterone levels we observed a significant increase in contaminated animals. Surprisingly, LH does not exhibit any variation, leading to the conclusion that the feedback control between testosterone and LH was disrupted by the use of Cd. In conclusion, our data indicate that the hypothalamic-pituitary axis is the principal target of Cd toxicity. [source] Predictors of improved seminal parameters and fertility after varicocele repair in young adultsANDROLOGIA, Issue 5 2009M. Rodriguez Peña Summary The aim of our study was to determine hormonal or biochemical markers in patients with clinically palpable left varicocele but without a history of infertility, with especial emphasis on nitric oxide, related with improved seminal parameters after varicocelectomy. Semen samples were obtained from 202 patients with left varicocele grade II or III. Nitric oxide levels in seminal plasma were determined by the Griess technique. Testicular volume was determined ultrasonographically in both testes and hormonal profile was measured. The post-operative sperm concentration increased significantly in patients with normal sperm count or moderate oligozoospermia, but we did not find an increment in sperm count in patients with mild and severe oligozoospermia after surgery. The mean percentage of normal motility significantly increased after surgery, but we did not observe a significant increment in morphologically normal sperm count and testicular volume after varicocele repair. Moreover, we did not find any correlation between nitric oxide concentrations and severity of oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia or abnormal sperm morphology in this population. It is concluded that in the general male population, varicocele repair is not associated with an improved semen profile in all cases. We did not observe a significant correlation between nitric oxide concentrations and semen profile. [source] Human sperm DNA integrity in normal and abnormal semen samples and its correlation with sperm characteristicsANDROLOGIA, Issue 4 2009A. C. Varghese Summary Reports indicate an increase in the incidence of DNA fragmentation in male factor infertility and its role in the outcome of assisted reproductive techniques (ART). However, reports are conflicting between the relationships of sperm DNA integrity with conventional semen parameters. We examined the relationship between conventional sperm parameters and DNA integrity using acridine orange (AO) test. The study included 373 patients and 28 fertile volunteers. DNA normality was compared with semen parameters between the patient and donor populations. Significant correlations were noted between DNA normality and sperm concentration (r = 0.18, P = 0.000), motility (r = 0.21, P = 0.0001), rapid motility (0.19, P = 0.000), normal morphology by World Health Organization (r = 0.15, P = 0.019) and head defects (r = ,0.15, P = 0.023). A significant difference was noted in AO levels between donors and patients with asthenozoospermia (P = 0.002) and oligoasthenozoospermia (P = 0.001). A significant difference in DNA integrity was noted in samples having <30% and >30% normal morphology. A wide range of % DNA normality was observed in the patient group. Sperm assessment for DNA status using AO is reliable and shows good correlation with sperm count, motility and morphology. Assessment of sperm DNA status with AO staining may be helpful prior to ART. [source] Relationship between semen quality and seminal plasma components: alpha-glucosidase, fructose and citrate in infertile men compared with a normospermic population of Tunisian menANDROLOGIA, Issue 3 2009L. Said Summary The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the secretory function of the male accessory glands and sperm parameters in normospermic controls and infertile patients. One hundred and fifty-nine men were investigated: they were composed of two groups: normospermic (n = 37) and infertile (n = 122) men with altered sperm characteristics. These infertile men were divided into the following groups: asthenozoospermia (n = 38), teratozoospermia (n = 40) and asthenoteratozoospermia (n = 44). The patients underwent semen analysis and measurements of fructose, neutral alpha-glucosidase and citric acid. The level of fructose was significantly decreased in asthenozoospermic and increased in asthenoteratozoospermic men. It was significantly correlated with semen volume, sperm count, motility and morphology. The seminal alpha-glucosidase levels were significantly correlated with semen volume and pH and citric acid was significantly correlated with pH. Thus, alpha-glucosidase and citric acid levels were associated with semen pH. The significant correlation between semen parameters, accessory glands and epididymal functions highlights the relationship between semen and normal genital tract function. [source] Mast cells in the seminal plasma of infertile men as detected by flow cytometryANDROLOGIA, Issue 1 2009J.-P. Allam Summary Increased numbers of mast cells (MCs) in the testis have been associated with testicular dysfunction, where accumulation of MCs occurs. Furthermore, it has been reported that MCs might affect sperm function as it has been demonstrated that MC-derived tryptase in the seminal fluid might reduce sperm motility. Although MCs have been detected in rat epididymis, only little is known about the presence of MCs in human seminal plasma. Thus, we analysed MC numbers in the ejaculate of men during routine semen analysis of male patients suspected for infertility (n = 100). MCs were detected by c-kit (CD117) expression using flow cytometry. Thereby, we detected significant numbers of MCs in the ejaculate of most patients (559 ± 525 MCs ml,1, mean ± SD). However, we could neither detect a correlation with respect to MCs and sperm count, motility or morphology nor to the seminal inflammatory markers like polymorphonuclear elastase. Nevertheless, a significant correlation of MCs to spermatozoa-bound IgA (r = 0.5; P = 0.03; n = 21) was observed. It is concluded that significant numbers of MCs can be detected in the human ejaculate without necessarily influencing sperm function. A potential role of MCs in seminal plasma as well as the association between MCs and IgA on spermatozoa remains to be elucidated. [source] Integrity of mitochondrial membrane potential reflects human sperm qualityANDROLOGIA, Issue 1 2009J. A. Espinoza Summary The aim of this work was to evaluate intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, phosphatidylserine (PS) externalisation and mitochondrial membrane potential integrity in the spermatozoa of healthy donors and outpatients who consulted for infertility and to correlate the results with the classic sperm parameters. For the evaluation of intracellular ROS levels, PS externalisation and mitochondrial membrane potential integrity, the fluorescent compounds dihydroethidium, annexin V-FITC and JC-1, respectively, were used and analysed by using flow cytometry. Conventional seminal analysis, including motility, viability, morphology, sperm count and volume, was performed according to the WHO criteria. The mitochondrial membrane potential and ROS results showed significant differences between the spermatozoa of individuals with a normal semen analysis and those of the group presenting abnormality in at least one of the sperm parameters. Mitochondrial membrane potential showed a significant and direct correlation with all the sperm parameters analysed. ROS were inversely correlated with motility, viability and morphology. PS externalisation, however, did not show any differences between the two groups, nor was it correlated with the sperm parameters examined. The evaluation of mitochondrial membrane potential integrity is a test that reflects sperm quality, which makes it highly recommendable to be applied as a complement to routine sperm analyses. [source] Tropaeolum tuberosum (Mashua) reduces testicular function: effect of different treatment timesANDROLOGIA, Issue 6 2008I. Cárdenas-Valencia Summary Tropaeolum tuberosum Ruiz & Pavon, along with other several species, is an edible-tuber crop that grows in the Andean region. Folk medicine describes the use of mashua to reduce reproductive function in men. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of mashua (1 g kg,1) on sperm production in rats during 7, 12, 21 and 42 days of treatment. The following parameters were assessed: reproductive organ weights, spermatid count and daily sperm production (DSP), sperm count in epididymis and sperm transit and serum testosterone levels. Freeze-dried extract of mashua had 3.7 g 100 g,1 of benzyl glucosinolate. Mashua-treated rats showed a reduction in testicular spermatid number and DSP from day 12 to day 42; meanwhile, the effect of mashua was noted in epididymal sperm count after 12 and 42 days of treatment. In addition, epididymal sperm transit time was delayed at day 7 and it was accelerated on days 12 and 21 of treatment. No differences in serum testosterone levels were found between rats treated with vehicle and mashua after 42 days of treatment. Finally, mashua reduces testicular function after one spermatogenic cycle by reducing spermatid and sperm number, DSP and epididymal sperm transit time. [source] Simultaneous exposure to low concentrations of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, deltamethrin, nonylphenol and phytoestrogens has negative effects on the reproductive parameters in male Spraque-Dawley ratsANDROLOGIA, Issue 4 2007E. Kilian Summary Many reports suggest that male reproductive health has deteriorated over the last decades, possibly due to environmental contaminants that act as endocrine disruptors. This hypothesis was tested in Sprague-Dawley rats using a modified Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development 415 one-generation test. Group A received cottonseed oil as control, and Groups B, C and D received deltamethrin (DM); DM and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT); and DM, DDT, phytoestrogens and p -nonylphenol, respectively. Rats were exposed in utero and then received the substances for 10 weeks. The seminal vesicle mass (Group B; P = 0.046) and sperm count [Groups C (P = 0.013) and D (P = 0.003)] were lower and the anogenital distance [Group B (P = 0.047) C (P = 0.045) and D (P = 0.002)] shorter compared with the control group. The seminiferous tubule diameter [Groups B (P = <0.001), C (P = <0.001) and D (P = <0.001)] and epithelium thickness [Groups B (P = 0.030), C (P = <0.001) and D (P = <0.001)] were smaller compared with the control. The histology of the testes showed signs of apical sloughing and vacuolisation. Liver weights [Groups C (P = 0.013) and D (P = 0.005)] and liver enzymes [Group D (P = 0.013)] were also affected. These findings may indicate that simultaneous exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds contributes to the deterioration observed in male reproductive health. [source] | ||||||||||||||||