Relationship of seminal biochemical parameters and serum reproductive hormones with sperm function tests in asthenospermic patients

The aim of this study is to determine the correlation between levels of certain seminal biochemical parameters and serum reproductive hormones, on the one hand, and sperm function tests, on the other hand, in asthenospermic patients. Sixty asthenospermic patients and twenty fertile men as a control group were included in this study. Semen samples were collected to perform seminal fluid analysis. Total protein, cholesterol, calcium, creatine kinase, and fructose were measured in the seminal plasma. Blood samples were collected for hormonal assay of serum reproductive hormones: testosterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone. The results revealed a significant positive correlation between the seminal cholesterol level and sperm concentration. A similar correlation was observed between the seminal calcium level and motility characteristics [the percentage of sperm motility and sperm grade activity]. A significant negative correlation was found between the seminal fructose level and sperm concentration; in addition, a negative correlation was found between the fructose level and sperm motility characteristics. A significant negative correlation was found between the level of serum prolactin and sperm concentration. Also, a similar negative correlation was found between the level of serum follicle-stimulating hormone and sperm concentration. The evaluation of seminal biochemical parameters and serum reproductive hormones provide useful information for clinical studies in the status of male infertility, especially when these parameters are correlated with sperm function tests

Effect of anabolic-androgenic steroids on semen parameters and serum hormonal levels in Iraqi male bodybuilders

This research aims at studying the influence of administration of anabolic androgenic steroids on the male reproductive health. Twenty four male bodybuilders were included in the study. The history of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids administration [AAS group] was recorded for 16 subjects [age =211.6 +/- years], while 8 subjects exercised only without AAS use [age =21.20.8 +/- years] and served as control group. All subjects of AAS group were asked to cease using AAS before being enrolled in the study. A sheet containing a detailed questionnaire was completed for each subject. Subjects of both groups were asked to visit the clinic [subsequent visits] for clinical evaluation of their health together with semen analysis. Blood was collected to determine serum hormonal changes. Semen analysis results indicated that, the use of AAS resulted in the impairment of spermatogenesis. Thus, sperm concentration and total sperm count increased significantly [P <0.05] within both AAS and control groups during the period of cessation, however, these parameters remained significantly low [P<0.05] in AAS group in comparison with the control group. Sperm agglutination increased significantly within AAS group [P<0.05]. Both sperm agglutination and round cells increased significantly [P<0.05] in AAS group as compared with the control group. Likewise gonadotropins: Follicle-Stimulating Hormone [FSH] and Luteinizing Hormone [LH] increased significantly [P<0.05] in AAS group, 12 weeks after the cessation of AAS as compared to baseline. Although prolactin level was within the normal range in AAS group, it was significantly low [P<0.05] in AAS group as compared to the control. These findings collectively indicated that, the use of AAS drugs have an ill effect on the general health of the users in addition to a profound effect on the reproductive functions. This study has also opened the road for further studies in Iraq concerned with the abuse of anabolic steroids which may constitute on the long run a major source of health and social problems

Testicular and certain hormonal changes associated with oxytocin administration to rats

Oxytocin [500 mu] was injected daily to 48 adult male rats for three periods [4,8, and 12 weeks, respectively]. Results revealed significant decrease in both testicular and epididymal weights, and in semeniferous tubular diameter in most treated animals. Hormonal changes in the first period included significant increase in LH and FSH levels in the treated rats, followed by a decrease in their levels in subsequent periods. Sperm count of epididymal head showed a similar picture. These results indicate that chronic administration of oxytocin may have a detrimental effect on testosterone. secretion through down regulation