Relationship between semen parameters, serum InhB, and INSL-3 levels, and the degree of varicocele

Abstract Background Varicocele is an abnormal expansion of the pampininias venous plexus in the scrotum, resulting in impaired sperm production and reduced sperm quality. The exact pathophysiological mechanism leading to varicocele-related infertility has not been fully elucidated. Although treatable, varicocele may lead to male infertility. Objective To investigate the relationship between semen parameters, serum InhB and INSL-3 levels, and the degree of varicocele in male patients. Methods Serum InhB and INSL-3 were detected. To evaluate the relationship between semen parameters and serum InhB and INSL-3 levels. To evaluate the value of semen parameters and serum InhB and INSL-3 levels in distinguishing disease severity in patients with varicocele. Results Serum INSL-3 in patients with varicocele decreased with the severity of the disease. Serum INSL-3 was positively correlated with total sperm count and frequency of normal sperm morphology. There was a weak correlation between serum InhB and semen volume, concentration, and total sperm. Patients with different disease severity were similar within the groups, with partial overlap or similarity between varicocele Grade I and Grade II, and significant differences between Grade III and Grade I and II. Semen volume, concentration, total sperm, normal sperm morphology, and serum InhB and INSL-3 levels could distinguish the degree of varicocele. Conclusion Semen parameters and the combination of serum InhB and INSL-3 levels in patients with varicocele are closely related to the severity of the disease. Serum INSL-3 is expected to be a potential biomarker for early clinical intervention.

TO STUDY THE IMPACT OF SMOKING ON MALE FERTILITY OF BHAGALPUR DISTRICT OF BIHAR

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of tobacco use on male fertility in the Bhagalpur district of Bihar. A total of 20 men from infertile couples were enrolled in this cross-sectional study, and their sperm samples were collected along with their general information. General characteristics such as sperm concentration, count, motility, and morphology were observed. The sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) assay was used to calculate the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI). A DFI 30% threshold was used to classify groups as normal (DFI< 30%) or abnormal (DFI > 30%). The smoking habit was found to be significantly related to sperm motility, morphology, and DFI. However, there was no correlation with sperm count. In this study, 5 out of 20 sperm samples had abnormal motility (< 32% progressive motility) and 9 out of 20 had abnormal sperm morphology (Teratozoospermia). Our findings revealed no link between DFI and motility or morphology. The sperm DNA fragmentation index did not have a strong correlation with other sperm parameters. As a result, as an additional step in determining sperm fertility, a sperm DNA fragmentation assay should be performed.

Association of sexually transmitted infection with semen quality in men from couples with primary and secondary infertility / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

This study aims to compare the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with semen quality in men from couples with primary and secondary infertility. Semen samples were collected from 133 men who requested fertility evaluation. Seminal tract infection with Ureaplasma spp. (UU), Mycoplasma hominis (MH), Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), and herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) was assessed by PCR-based diagnostic assays. Among all patients, the prevalence of STIs was higher in men from couples with primary infertility than that in men from couples with secondary infertility (39.7% vs 21.7%, P = 0.03). The prevalence of UU was 28.8% and 13.3% in men from couples with primary and secondary infertility, respectively. Men from couples with primary infertility were more likely to be positive for UU than men from couples with secondary infertility (P = 0.04). Regarding the UU subtype, the prevalence of Ureaplasma urealyticum (Uuu) and Ureaplasma parvum (Uup; including Uup1, Uup3, Uup6, and Uup14) did not differ between the two groups. No associations between the prevalence rates of MH, MG, and CT were found in men from either infertility group. A lower sperm concentration was associated with STI pathogen positivity in men with primary infertility according to the crude model (P = 0.04). The crude and adjusted models showed that semen volume (both P = 0.03) and semen leukocyte count (both P = 0.02) were independently associated with secondary infertility. These findings suggest the importance of classifying the type of infertility during routine diagnosis of seminal tract infections.

Chlamydia trachomatis infection in the genital tract is associated with inflammation and hypospermia in the infertile male of China / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection is the most prevalent sexually transmitted bacterial disease worldwide. However, unlike that in female infertility, the role of CT infection in male infertility remains controversial. The objective of this retrospective study was to explore the impacts of CT infection in the genital tract on sperm quality, sperm acrosin activity, antisperm antibody levels, and inflammation in a large cohort of infertile males in China. A total of 7154 semen samples were collected from infertile male subjects, 416 of whom were CT positive (CT+ group) and 6738 of whom were CT negative (CT- group), in our hospital between January 2016 and December 2018. Routine semen parameters (semen volume, pH, sperm concentration, viability, motility, morphology, etc.), granulocyte elastase levels, antisperm antibody levels, and sperm acrosin activity were compared between the CT+ and CT- groups. Our results showed that CT infection was significantly correlated with an abnormally low semen volume, as well as an increased white blood cell count and granulocyte elastase level (all P < 0.05) in the semen of infertile males; other routine semen parameters were not negatively impacted. The antisperm antibody level and sperm acrosin activity were not affected by CT infection. These findings suggested that CT infection might contribute to inflammation and hypospermia but does not impair sperm viability, motility morphology, and acrosin activity or generate antisperm antibodies in the infertile males of China.

Random sperm DNA fragmentation index is not associated with clinical outcomes in day-3 frozen embryo transfer / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Damage to sperm DNA was proposed to play an important role in embryonic development. Previous studies focused on outcomes after fresh embryo transfer, whereas this study investigated the influence of sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) on laboratory and clinical outcomes after frozen embryo transfer (FET). This retrospective study examined 381 couples using cleavage-stage FET. Sperm used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) underwent density gradient centrifugation and swim up processing. Sperm DFI had a negative correlation with sperm motility (r = -0.640, P < 0.01), sperm concentration (r = -0.289, P < 0.01), and fertilization rate of IVF cycles (r = -0.247, P < 0.01). Sperm DFI examined before and after density gradient centrifugation/swim up processing was markedly decreased after processing (17.1% vs 2.4%, P < 0.01; 65 randomly picked couples). Sperm progressive motility was significantly reduced in high DFI group compared with low DFI group for both IVF and ICSI (IVF: 46.9% ± 12.4% vs 38.5% ± 12.6%, respectively; ICSI: 37.6% ± 14.1% vs 22.3% ± 17.8%, respectively; both P < 0.01). The fertilization rate was significantly lower in high ( ≥25%) DFI group compared with low (<25%) DFI group using IVF (73.3% ± 23.9% vs 53.2% ± 33.6%, respectively; P < 0.01) but was equivalent in high and low DFI groups using ICSI. Embryonic development and clinical outcomes after FET were equivalent for low and high DFI groups using ICSI or IVF. In this study, sperm DFI did not provide sufficient information regarding embryo development or clinical outcomes for infertile couples using FET.

Improvement of semen parameters after coil embolization of varicoceles: a systematic review / Melhora dos parâmetros seminais após embolização com molas de varicocele: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the 2009 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, including clinical studies in which one of the outcomes was semen parameter improvement after varicocele embolization using coils only. The objective of the review was to assess the evidence on the role of embolization using coils alone for semen parameter improvement in men with varicocele, since embolization using coils is the most cost-effective method of varicocele repair. Study quality was assessed using the methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS). Out of six retrospective and two prospective observational or comparative clinical studies involving 701 patients, semen concentration improved significantly in all five studies that assessed this parameter. Mean semen motility improved significantly in seven studies. The impact of embolization on semen density could not be analyzed.

Resumo Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática conduzida de acordo com o PRISMA 2009 (Principais Itens para Relatar Revisões Sistemáticas e Metanálises) que incluiu estudos em que a melhora dos parâmetros seminais tenha sido um dos desfechos. Esta revisão foi realizada com o objetivo de avaliar as evidências sobre o papel da embolização com uso apenas de molas na melhora de parâmetros seminais em homens com varicocele, uma vez que a embolização apenas com molas é o método com melhor custo-benefício para o reparo de varicoceles. A qualidade dos estudos foi analisada com o índice MINORS. Em seis estudos clínicos retrospectivos e em outros dois prospectivos observacionais ou comparativos, a concentração seminal melhorou significativamente em todos os cinco estudos que avaliaram esse parâmetro. A motilidade seminal melhorou significativamente em sete estudos. Não foi possível analisar o impacto da embolização com molas na densidade seminal.

Effects of sperm DNA fragmentation index on semen parameters and pregnancy outcomes in intrauterine insemination / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To analyze the correlation of the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) level with semen parameters and pregnancy outcomes of artificial insemination of the husband (AIH) in the cycle of intrauterine insemination (IUI).@*METHODS@#We collected the clinical data on 777 cases of IUI, including female clinical indicators, male semen parameters, sperm DFI and pregnancy outcomes. According to the DFI level, we divided the patients into three groups: DFI < 15%, 15% ≤ DFI < 30% and DFI ≥ 30%.@*RESULTS@#The sperm DFI level was significantly elevated with the increased age of the males (P = 0.002) and closely related to the total number of motile sperm (P = 0.002) and total sperm motility (P = 0.000) before treatment, as well as to sperm concentration (P = 0.000), total sperm motility (P = 0.001) and total number of progressively motile sperm (P = 0.000) after density gradient centrifugation. The rate of clinical pregnancy was decreased in the DFI ≥ 30% group. There were no statistically significant differences between sperm DFI and the rates of clinical pregnancy and abortion.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Male age significantly affects the sperm DFI level. Sperm DFI is closely related to sperm motility and total number of progressively motile sperm, but not to the rates of clinical pregnancy and abortion in patients undergoing IUI. IUI can be used as an effective method of assisted reproduction for male infertility./.

Improvement in semen parameters after varicocoelectomy

Background: Varicoceles are associated with abnormal sperm parameters. The difference is more marked in cases with infertility and higher grades of varicocele. Following ligation of varicocele, there is a significant improvement in the sperm counts.Methods: The study was conducted in the department of general surgery at Maulana Azad Medical College and associated Lok Nayak Hospital from September 2012 to April 2014. The study was conducted on 40 numbers of patients. These were divided into 2 groups, group 1 (n=20) constituted of patients with varicocele who are symptomatic. Group 2 (n=20) constituted of patients with varicocele who are asymptomatic (infertile). All patients were evaluated by clinical examination and Doppler to grade the varicocele. All patients underwent detailed semen analysis. Patients of both the groups underwent FNAC of bilateral testes. The patients with clinical or Doppler detectable varicocele were taken up for low ligation of varicocele. Patients were followed up and all above parameters were repeated about 3 months after surgery.Results: The sperm morphology, counts and motility increase significantly in group 2 patients and sperm counts and morphology increased significantly in group 1 while motility not increased significantly.Conclusions: Most of the patients who presented to us were in the age group of 25-35 years. Longer duration of disease in patient with infertility is also suggestive of the fact that varicocele is a progressive disease and leads to testicular dysfunction over time leading to infertility. Most of the varicoceles were either left sided or bilateral

Effects of tobacco chewing habits on male infertility

Background: It is the fact that, India consists of world’s largest tobacco chewer population, more prevalent in low income group. The effects of tobacco chewing on semen parameters have been widely studied. The study aim is to analyze the semen analysis parameters (oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, teratozoospermia, oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia -OATS and azoospermia) of tobacco chewer and non chewer infertile patients.Methods: A retrospective analysis of 639 patients was done out of which 150 were non-chewers and 489 were tobacco chewers. The percentage of population with particular semen abnormalities were compared between the two groups. The same comparison was performed between tobacco chewing primary infertility and secondary infertility patients in order to specifically assess the effect of tobacco chewing in sub-fertile patients.Results: OATS and azoospermia cases were significantly higher in the tobacco chewing infertile patients as compared to oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia cases. In case of sub-fertile patients also, the percentage of OATS and azoospermia were significantly higher.Conclusions: This finding suggest that tobacco chewing greatly affects every parameter of sperm i.e. concentration, motility and morphology collectively. Moreover, tobacco chewing may be less affecting the male fertility initially but prolonged exposures affects detrimentally resulting in serious semen parameter abnormalities such as OATS and even azoospermia. And such cases are difficult to treat even with higher and advanced infertility treatment options like ICSI, microfludics, etc. This reduces the chances of IVF success as well as increases the financial burden on the patients undergoing infertility treatment. Thus, infertility clinics must employ awareness programs for such patients to explain them the effects of tobacco chewing habit and reducing it can definitely enhance the treatment outcomes.

The study of thyroid stimulating hormone effect in sperm quality / Шинэ санаа Шинэ нээлт

Background@#Thyroid hormone disorders have an adverse effect on human spermatogenesis. Thyroid function has regulated by hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis and thyroid stimulation hormone is a critical measurement of thyroid disorders. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between thyroid stimulating hormone and sperm parameters.@*Methods@#This study has conducted 99 man who have visited RMC and Ojinmed IVF centers. Serum level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) was measured by automated immunoassay analyzer (TOSOH AIA-360, Japan). Semen analysis was done in all the participants and evaluated by World Health Organization’s guidelines(2010). Results were calculated by SPSS 26 program. @*Results@#The average age was 35.2±5.76. The mean serum TSH level was 1.37±0.57 and 1.85±1.16 normal subjects and spermatogenesis dysfunction group, respectively. Furthermore, serum TSH level and sperm parameters were significantly different between two groups (p<0.05). Logistical regression analysis showed that increased TSH level negatively affected the motility (r=-0.28; p<0.05) and progressive motility (r=-0.34;p<0.05) of sperm more than other parameters (r=-0.34; p=0.035). There was no correlation between serum TSH and other sperm parameters. We analyzed binary logistic regression for TSH with spermatogenesis dysfunction in case control groups. According to the analysis, elevation of serum TSH level increases the risk of spermatogenesis dysfunction by 5.0 times (OR=5.06, p<0.05).@*Conclusions@#Subclinical hypothyroidism adversely affect some sperm parameters, including motility and progressive motility. Subclinical hypothyroidism increases the risk of spermatogenesis dysfunction.

Distribution of TCM syndrome types and their correlation semen parameters in infertility patients with varicocele / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To explore the distribution of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome types and their relationship with semen parameters in infertility male patients with varicocele (VC).@*METHODS@#Using Questionnaire on Clinical Symptoms of Varicocele-Caused Male Infertility, we made an investigation among 147 infertility male patients with VC, determined the types of their TCM syndromes, obtained their semen parameters, and analyzed the distribution of the TCM syndrome types and their correlation with semen parameters.@*RESULTS@#Of the TCM syndrome types identified, kidney deficiency and stagnated heat constituted the largest proportion (34.7%), and the mixed type accounted for a significantly higher percentage than the simple type (P < 0.05). The patients with kidney deficiency and stagnated heat, compared with those with other syndrome types, had a dramatically lower sperm concentration (［21.62 ± 9.25］ vs ［28.88 ± 12.92］ ×10⁶/ml, P < 0.01), but a higher percentage of morphologically abnormal sperm (［98.33 ± 0.15］% vs ［96.27 ± 0.18］%, P < 0.05) and DNA fragmentation index (［19.72 ± 3.17］% vs ［10.96 ± 3.82］%, P < 0.01). No statistically significant differences were observed in the percentage of progressively motile sperm among different TCM syndrome types.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Kidney deficiency and stagnated heat is a main TCM syndrome type in infertility male patients with varicocele and correlated with sperm concentration, the percentage of morphologically abnormal sperm and DNA fragmentation index.

Association of occupational exposure on semen density in male industrial workers undergoing infertility treatment at tertiary care hospital

Background: Working with particular substances or under certain working situations may cause some workers to experience abnormalities in their sexual or reproductive health. Occupational exposures can lead to infertility, but the workers may not be aware of such problems. The purpose of the study was to determine the association between male infertility and occupation of industrial workers in organized sector.Methods: Prospective case-controlled study that included 136 industrial workers working in organized sector and attending infertility clinic for treatment. This study included male partners aged between 21-46 years with primary or secondary infertility and undertaking same occupation for at least last three months. Complete infertility workup of all male partners attending infertility clinic was done that included detailed history and information related to occupation. Routine semen parameters were evaluated according to the 2010 World Health Organization (WHO) criteria.Results: In the present study, significant semen abnormalities were observed in male partners with age more than 31 years and undertaking arduous jobs for more than 5 years (p <0.05) in study group (n=136) as compared to control group (n=62). The abnormal semen count were observed in 114 (83.2%) workers in the study group that included 43 (31.6%) with total sperm concentration (TSC) less than 10 million/ml and azoospermia in 44 (32.3%). Reduced motility (asthenozoo-spermia) was observed in majority 125 (91.9%) of male partners. The findings were significant (p <0.05) as compared to control group.Conclusions: Preventive measures in the workplace need to be established to reduce the effect of occupational hazards and its influence in the semen parameters ultimately leading to infertility.

A study of abnormal semen parameters in infertile couples in Assam, India

Background: The importance of male factor contribution to infertility is well recognised. Semen analysis is an indispensable diagnostic tool in the evaluation of the male partners of infertile couples.  Aim and objective of the study was conducted to determine the abnormalities in semen among male partners in infertile couples.Methods: Detailed history, examination and semen analysis was done. Semen samples were analysed for volume, viscosity, sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, according to WHO guidelines.Results: This study, done at a tertiary care center in north eastern India has demonstrated that abnormal semen quality is a major factor contributing to infertility in couples. Total number of participants were 94. Most of the male partners i.e. 65.96%, who came for infertility evaluation were between 30-39 years of age with 56.38% participants having abnormal semen parameters. The most common abnormality found was asthenozoospermia seen in 35.11% of cases followed by oligozoospermia seen in 25.53% of cases. Teratozoospermia and azoospermia were seen in 7.45% and 4.26% of cases respectively.Conclusions: Males contribute towards infertility in couples significantly. Abnormal semen pattern is a common cause. More research is needed to render more valuable and significant results regarding male infertility.

Increased expression of PELP1 in human sperm is correlated with decreased semen quality / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Proline-, glutamic acid-, and leucine-rich protein 1 (PELP1) is a scaffolding protein involved in both genomic and nongenomic estrogen signal transduction pathways. To date, the role of PELP1 protein has yet to be characterized in human sperm and has not been associated with sperm parameters. To confirm the presence of PELP1 in human sperm, fresh semen samples were obtained from 178 donors. The study was designed to establish both mRNA and protein presence, and protein cellular localization. Additionally, the number of PELP1-positive spermatozoa was analyzed in men with normal and abnormal semen parameters. Sperm parameters were assessed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2010 standards. The presence of PELP1 in spermatozoa was investigated using four precise, independent techniques. The qualitative presence of transcripts and protein was assessed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot protocols, respectively. The cellular localization of PELP1 was investigated by immunocytochemistry. Quantitative analysis of PELP1-positive cells was done by flow cytometry. PELP1 mRNA and protein was confirmed in spermatozoa. Immunocytochemical analysis identified the presence of PELP1 in the midpieces of human sperm irrespective of sperm parameters. Becton Dickinson fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACSCalibur™) analysis revealed a significantly lower number of PELP1-positive cells in males with normal semen parameters versus abnormal samples (42.78% ± 11.77% vs 61.05% ± 21.70%, respectively; P = 0.014). The assessment of PELP1 may be a time-saving method used to obtain information about sperm quality. The results of our study suggest that PEPL1 may be utilized as an indicator of sperm quality; thereby, PELP1 may be an additional biomarker useful in the evaluation of male infertility.

Increased expression of PELP1 in human sperm is correlated with decreased semen quality / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Proline-, glutamic acid-, and leucine-rich protein 1 (PELP1) is a scaffolding protein involved in both genomic and nongenomic estrogen signal transduction pathways. To date, the role of PELP1 protein has yet to be characterized in human sperm and has not been associated with sperm parameters. To confirm the presence of PELP1 in human sperm, fresh semen samples were obtained from 178 donors. The study was designed to establish both mRNA and protein presence, and protein cellular localization. Additionally, the number of PELP1-positive spermatozoa was analyzed in men with normal and abnormal semen parameters. Sperm parameters were assessed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2010 standards. The presence of PELP1 in spermatozoa was investigated using four precise, independent techniques. The qualitative presence of transcripts and protein was assessed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot protocols, respectively. The cellular localization of PELP1 was investigated by immunocytochemistry. Quantitative analysis of PELP1-positive cells was done by flow cytometry. PELP1 mRNA and protein was confirmed in spermatozoa. Immunocytochemical analysis identified the presence of PELP1 in the midpieces of human sperm irrespective of sperm parameters. Becton Dickinson fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACSCalibur™) analysis revealed a significantly lower number of PELP1-positive cells in males with normal semen parameters versus abnormal samples (42.78% ± 11.77% vs 61.05% ± 21.70%, respectively; P = 0.014). The assessment of PELP1 may be a time-saving method used to obtain information about sperm quality. The results of our study suggest that PEPL1 may be utilized as an indicator of sperm quality; thereby, PELP1 may be an additional biomarker useful in the evaluation of male infertility.

Analysis on other sperm parameters of sperm with different sperm acrosomal arginine enzyme activity / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To evaluate the value of sperm acrosomal arginine enzyme activity in the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility by studying its relationship with sperm motility and morphology.Methods The sperm acrosomal arginine enzyme activity was detected by chemical colorimetric method,and the routine parameters of sperm and sperm morphology were detected by computer-aided analysis.Results There were significant differences on sperm concentration,motility and progressive motility between normal sperm acroso-mal arginine enzyme activity group and abnormal sperm acrosomal arginine enzyme activity group(P<0.05). The percentage of deformities in head,neck and middle segment were significant different between normal sperm acrosomal arginine enzyme activity group and abnormal sperm acrosomal arginine enzyme activity group (P<0.05).Conclusion T he activity of sperm acrosin is a very efficient marker in sperm quality,and an effec-tive indicator of the evaluation of sperm fertilization potential and the diagnosis of male infertility.

Analysis on correlation between semen parameters with spontaneous abortion in early pregnancy after in vitro fertilization assisted pregnancy operation / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To investigate the correlation between semen parameters with spontaneous abortion in early pregnancy after in vitro fertilization (IVF) assisted pregnancy operation .Methods 220 patients with successful pregnancy after IVF assisted pregnancy operation in the reproductive center of this hospital were selected as the research subjects .Among them ,40 cases of early spontaneous abortion served as the observa-tion group and 180 cases without early spontaneous abortion occurrence as the control group .The related pa-rameters of sperm hyaluronic acid unbinding rate ,sperm nucleoprotein immaturity rate and sperm morphology normal rate were measured and analyzed by adopting the computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA) .Results The sperm hyaluronic acid unbinding rate and sperm nucleoprotein immaturity rate in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group ,the difference was statistically significant ( P<0 .05);the sperm morphology normal rate in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group ,the difference was statistically significant (P<0 .05);the other semen parameters had no statis-tical differences between the two groups (P>0 .05) .The statistical analysis result showed that the sperm hy-aluronic acid unbinding rate ,sperm DNA fragmentation rate and sperm nucleoprotein immaturity had the posi-tive correlation between each other ,which had the negative correlation with the other indicators .After the stepwise analysis by the binary Logistic regression model ,the results showed that the high risk factors affect-ing spontaneous abortion in early pregnancy after IVF included sperm nucleoprotein immaturity rate and sperm hyaluronic acid unbinding rate .Conclusion The sperm nucleoprotein immaturity rate and sperm hyalu-ronic acid unbinding rate are two high-risk factors inducing early spontaneous abortion after IVF .

Correlation of insulin resistance with male reproductive hormone levels and semen parameters / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>Objective</b>To investigate the influence of insulin resistance on male reproductive hormones and semen quality.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Using the electrochemiluminescence method, we measured the levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) in the serum of 83 infertile males. We detected the levels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and fasting insulin (FINS) and calculated the insulin resistance index presented as homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Based on HOMA-IR, we divided the patients into three tertile groups, T1 (HOMA-IR 0.36－0.55, n = 27), T2 (HOMA-IR 0.56－0.80, n = 28) and T3 (HOMA-IR 0.81－1.97, n = 28), obtained their semen parameters by computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) and analyzed the correlation of HOMA-IR with male reproductive hormone levels and semen parameters.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>With the elevation of HOMA-IR, the patients of the T1, T2 and T3 groups showed significant decreases in the serum T level (［14,26 ± 4.27］ vs ［14.75 ± 5.00］ vs ［11.62 ± 3.68］ nmol/L, P <0.05) and the percentage of progressively motile sperm (PMS) (［51.04 ± 15.10］% vs ［48.04 ± 16.24］% vs ［37.84 ± 18.23］%, P <0.05). HOMA-IR was correlated negatively with the serum T level (r = －0.333, P = 0.002), semen volume (r = －0.23, P = 0.029) and PMS (r = －0.27, P = 0.015), and so was FINS with the serum T level (r = －0.327, P = 0.003) and PMS (r = －0.315, P = 0.004), while the semen volume was correlated positively with the levels of serum T (r = 0.221, P = 0.048) and FSH (r = 0.222, P = 0.047). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that HOMA-IR was an independent influencing factor for PMS and the body mass index (BMI) was that for the semen volume and total sperm count.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Insulin resistance may reduce semen quality by changing the levels of male reproductive hormones.</p>

Assessment of Semen Quality among Workers Exposed to Heat Stress: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Steel Industry

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to investigate the heat stress and semen quality among male workers in a steel industry in Iran and investigate the relationship between heat stress indices and semen parameters. METHODS: The study was conducted on workers exposed (n = 30) and unexposed (n = 14) to heat in a steel industry. After obtaining a brief biography of the selected employees, scrotal temperature, oral temperature, and environmental parameters were measured, and their semen samples were analyzed according to the procedure recommended by the World Health Organization. The heat stress indices, including wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and predicted heat strain (PHS), in their workplace were calculated according to environmental parameters (ISO 7243:1989 and 7933:2004, respectively). RESULTS: Time-weighted averages of WBGT and PHS (35.76°C and 491.56 w/m2 w m 2 , respectively) for the exposed group were higher than threshold limit values. The mean difference of environmental, physiological, and semen parameters (exception: pH of semen), and also WBGT and PHS indices were statistically significant (p < 0.05) between the two groups. Mean semen parameters were in the normozoospermic range. WBGT and PHS indices showed significantly “negative” correlation with physiological parameters (scrotal and oral temperature) and most semen parameters (semen volume, sperm morphology, sperm motility, sperm count; p < 0.05); moreover, the correlation of WBGT with these parameters was stronger than PHS. CONCLUSION: Semen parameters of the studied workers exposed to heat were in the borderline level of normozoospermic range, and their semen parameters were significantly lower than controls. For better assessment of occupational environment concerning physiological and semen parameters in steel industries, WBGT can be a more useful index.

Association of abnormal length of Y chromosome with semen quality and outcome of assisted reproductive technology in humans / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To investigate the association of the abnormal length of human Y chromosome with semen quality and the outcome of assisted reproductive technology (ART).@*METHODS@#Based on the karyotype, we assigned the patients undergoing ART to a normal control, a long Y chromosome (Y>18), and a short Y chromosome group (Y18 group showed a significantly lower incidence rate of asthenozoospermia (31.03% vs 8.33%, P 18 and Y0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Short Y chromosome may affect spermatogenesis, but the length of Y chromosome does not negatively influence the outcome of ART.