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.

Research progress on effects of metallic elements on male semen quality / 环境与职业医学

In recent years, the quality of male sperm has shown a downward trend year by year. The male infertility rate in China continues to increase. It has been found that the impacts of environmental factors on male semen quality are mainly negative. Inorganic metallic elements as environmental contaminants have become a class of chemicals that cannot be ignored, and their health impacts on human reproductive systems have been received widespread attention and research. They certainly play a significant role in impairing male reproductive ability and are relative to the lower and lower semen quality. This review focused on the relationship between exposure to environmental metallic elements and semen quality of humans and animals, as well as summarized specific results from epidemiological studies, animal trials, or molecular experiments to provide a theoretical basis for protecting male reproductive capacity.

Relationship between sperm quality and male reproductive hormones among male partners with fertility complications: attending CHUB

Background Infertility remains a highly prevalent global condition in the second decade of the new millennium. Reproductive hormones determine sperm quality as they initiate and maintain spermatogenesis. Hormonal imbalance can cause abnormal sperm quality that can be treated by hormonal replacement therapy. Objective To assess the relationship between sperm quality and male reproductive hormones among male partners with fertility complications attending CHUB. Methods The study was a descriptive cross-sectional, and a convenient sampling strategy was used to recruit subjects at CHUB. Sixty-two male subjects with fertility complications provided both semen and blood sample to analyze sperm quality and reproductive hormones. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. Results Both FSH and LH showed a strong negative correlation with sperm count which is more profound with FSH (r= -0.722) than LH (r= -0.545). Testosterone showed a strong positive correlation with sperm count (r= 0.712). FSH and LH showed a negative correlation with sperm motility which is more profound in FSH (r= - 0.312) than LH (r= -0.302). Testosterone also showed a positive correlation with sperm motility (r= 0.360). Conclusion Our study found a correlation between sperm quality and male reproductive hormones. We further suggest other studies to investigate predictive power of male reproductive hormones.

New Insights on the Mechanisms Affecting Fertility in Men with Non-Seminoma Testicular Cancer before Cancer Therapy

PURPOSE: Patients with non-seminoma testicular cancer (NSTC) cancer can be subfertile or infertile, and present reduced sperm quality, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. The aim of this study was to compare the sperm proteome of patients with NSTC, who cryopreserved their sperm before starting cancer treatment, with that from healthy fertile men.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Semen volume, sperm motility and sperm concentration were evaluated before the cryopreservation of samples from patients with NSTC (n=15) and the control group (n=15). Sperm proteomic analysis was performed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between the two groups were identified using bioinformatic tools.RESULTS: A total of 189 DEPs was identified in the dataset, from which five DEPs related to sperm function and fertilization were selected for validation by Western blot. We were able to validate the underexpression of the mitochondrial complex subunits NADH:Ubiquinone Oxidoreductase Core Subunit S1 (NDUFS1) and ubiquinol-cytochrome C reductase core protein 2 (UQCRC2), as well as the underexpression of the testis-specific sodium/potassium-transporting ATPase subunit alpha-4 (ATP1A4) in the NSTC group.CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that sperm mitochondrial dysfunction may explain the observed decrease in sperm concentration, total sperm count and total motile count in NSTC patients. The identified DEPs may serve as potential biomarkers for the pathophysiology of subfertility/infertility in patients with NSTC. Our study also associates the reduced fertilizing ability of NSTC patients with the dysregulation of important sperm molecular mechanisms.

Reduced semen quality in patients with testicular cancer seminoma is associated with alterations in the expression of sperm proteins / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Testicular cancer seminoma is one of the most common types of cancer among men of reproductive age. Patients with this condition usually present reduced semen quality, even before initiating cancer therapy. However, the underlying mechanisms by which testicular cancer seminoma affects male fertility are largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate alterations in the sperm proteome of men with seminoma undergoing sperm banking before starting cancer therapy, in comparison to healthy proven fertile men (control group). A routine semen analysis was conducted before cryopreservation of the samples (n = 15 per group). Men with seminoma showed a decrease in sperm motility (P = 0.019), total motile count (P = 0.001), concentration (P = 0.003), and total sperm count (P = 0.001). Quantitative proteomic analysis identified 393 differentially expressed proteins between the study groups. Ten proteins involved in spermatogenesis, sperm function, binding of sperm to the oocyte, and fertilization were selected for validation by western blot. We confirmed the underexpression of heat shock-related 70 kDa protein 2 (P = 0.041), ubiquinol-cytochrome C reductase core protein 2 (P = 0.026), and testis-specific sodium/potassium-transporting ATPase subunit alpha-4 (P = 0.016), as well as the overexpression of angiotensin I converting enzyme (P = 0.005) in the seminoma group. The altered expression levels of these proteins are associated with spermatogenesis dysfunction, reduced sperm kinematics and motility, failure in capacitation and fertilization. The findings of this study may explain the decrease in the fertilizing ability of men with seminoma before starting cancer therapy.

Mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase (Mtor) is required for spermatogonial proliferation and differentiation in mice / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Spermatogonial development is a vital prerequisite for spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, the exact mechanisms underlying the behavior of spermatogonia, including spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) self-renewal and spermatogonial proliferation and differentiation, are not fully understood. Recent studies demonstrated that the mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in spermatogonial development, but whether MTOR itself was also involved in any specific process of spermatogonial development remained undetermined. In this study, we specifically deleted Mtor in male germ cells of mice using Stra8-Cre and assessed its effect on the function of spermatogonia. The Mtor knockout (KO) mice exhibited an age-dependent perturbation of testicular development and progressively lost germ cells and fertility with age. These age-related phenotypes were likely caused by a delayed initiation of Mtor deletion driven by Stra8-Cre. Further examination revealed a reduction of differentiating spermatogonia in Mtor KO mice, suggesting that spermatogonial differentiation was inhibited. Spermatogonial proliferation was also impaired in Mtor KO mice, leading to a diminished spermatogonial pool and total germ cell population. Our results show that MTOR plays a pivotal role in male fertility and is required for spermatogonial proliferation and differentiation.

Postnatal germ cell development in cryptorchid boys / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Cryptorchidism is associated with infertility in adulthood. Early orchiopexy is suggested to reduce the risk. Information is lacking on the potential link between infant germ cell maturation and the risk of future infertility. The objective of the study was to evaluate age-related germ cell development in cryptorchidism. Immunostaining for markers of germ cell development (octamer-binding transcription factor 3/4 [OCT3/4], placental alkaline phosphatase [PLAP], KIT proto-oncogene [C-KIT], podoplanin [D2-40], Lin-28 homolog A [LIN28], and G antigen 7 [GAGE-7]) was performed in testicular biopsies from 40 cryptorchid boys aged 4-35 months. Germ cell numbers and distributions were evaluated in cross sections of seminiferous tubules, with and without immunostaining. OCT3/4, D2-40, and LIN28 were generally expressed in the early stages of germ cell development, as shown by positive expression in germ cells in the central region of seminiferous tubules. In contrast, PLAP and GAGE-7 were expressed in both central and peripheral parts of the tubules in the early stages of development and expressed mainly in a peripheral position with advancing age. Germ cell maturation was delayed in this study population as compared with that observed in our previous study on germ cell markers in a healthy population. The number of GAGE-7-positive germ cells per tubular cross section obtained by immunostaining was significantly higher than that obtained by standard hematoxylin and eosin staining. Double immunostaining revealed heterogeneity in germ cell development in cryptorchid testes. These results shed light on the pathophysiology of germ cell development in boys with cryptorchidism.

Rol de la osteocalcina más allá del hueso / Role of osteocalcin beyond bone

Los hallazgos osteológicos se intensi!caron en los últimos años. Se demostró que el esqueleto se comporta, además de sus funciones clásicas, como un órgano de secreción endocrina que sintetiza al menos dos hormonas: el factor de crecimiento de !broblastos 23 (FGF-23) y la osteocalcina (Ocn). La Ocn es un péptido pequeño que contiene 3 residuos de ácido glutámico. Estos residuos se carboxilan postraduccionalmente, quedando retenida en la matriz ósea. La forma decarboxilada en el primer residuo de ácido glutámico (GluOcn) fue reportada por poseer efectos biológicos; la resorción ósea es el mecanismo clave para su bioactivación. La presente revisión se centra en los conocimientos actuales sobre la función hormonal de la Ocn. A la fecha se reporta que la Ocn regularía el metabolismo energético aumentando la proliferación de células ` pancreáticas, y la secreción de insulina y de adiponectina. Sobre el músculo esquelético actuaría favoreciendo la absorción y el catabolismo de nutrientes. La función reproductiva masculina estaría regulada mediante el estímulo a las células de Leydig para sintetizar testosterona; en el desarrollo cerebral y la cognición, la Ocn aumentaría la síntesis de neurotransmisores monoaminados y disminuiría el neurotransmisor inhibidor GABA. Si bien son indispensables mayores evidencias para dilucidar los mecanismos reguladores por medio de los cuales actuaría la Ocn, los resultados enumerados en los distintos estudios experimentales establecen la importancia de este novedoso integrante molecular. Dilucidar su rol dentro de estos procesos interrelacionados en seres humanos abriría la posibilidad de utilizar a la Ocn en el tratamiento de enfermedades endocrino-metabólicas. (AU)

Osteological !ndings have intensi!ed in recent years. The skeleton behaves as an endocrine secretion organ that synthesizes at least two hormones: osteocalcin (Ocn) and !broblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23). Ocn is a small peptide that contains 3 glutamic acid residues. After translation, these residues are carboxylated to make possible its retention into the bone matrix. Decarboxylation on the !rst glutamic acid residue (GluOcn) has been reported to have biological effects. Bone resorption is the key mechanism for its bioactivation. This review focuses on current knowledge on Ocn hormonal function. It has been reported that Ocn regulates energy metabolism by increasing the proliferation of pancreatic ` cells, and the secretion of insulin and adiponectin. On the skeletal muscle, it may act by favoring the absorption and catabolism of nutrients. Male reproductive function might be regulated by stimulating Leydig cells to synthesize testosterone. Regarding brain development and cognition, Ocn would increase monoamine neurotransmitters synthesis and decrease inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. Although more evidence is needed to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of Ocn, different experimental studies establish the importance of this novel molecular mediator. Clarifying its role within interrelated processes in humans, might open the possibility of using Ocn in different treatments of endocrine-metabolic diseases. (AU)

Relación entre los antioxidantes y la calidad seminal / Relationship between antioxidants and semen quality

Los suplementos dietarios tales como vitaminas, minerales y antioxidantes mejoran la ingesta de nutrientes. Recientemente se ha descrito que, especialmente aquellos que contienen altas propiedades antioxidantes también mejoran la capacidad fértil. Se presenta el caso de un voluntario de 37 años con posible infertilidad masculina y se desea determinar el efecto del consumo de antioxidantes sobre la calidad seminal. Se realizó evaluación de los parámetros seminales convencionales y funcionales antes y después del uso del suplemento dietario Male Fertility. Se observó que el uso del suplemento dietario incrementó la concentración espermática, el potencial de membrana mitocondrial alto y la capacidad antioxidante del semen; además disminuyó la producción de 1as reactivas de oxígeno, la lipoperoxidación y la fragmentación de la cromática espermática. El suplemento dietario Male Fertility contiene altas concentraciones de vitamina A, C, E, B2, B3, B12, folato, zinc, selenio, acetil L-carnitina, coenzima Q10, L-metionina y licopeno. Se ha descrito que la ingesta de cada uno de estos compuestos tiene efectos positivos sobre la calidad seminal. El reporte de este caso permitió observar que el uso de suplementos dietarios ricos en vitaminas y antioxidantes puede mejorar la calidad seminal a través de la disminución del efecto adverso de las especies reactivas del oxígeno y por el incremento de las moléculas antioxidantes en el plasma seminal(AU)

Dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants improve nutrient intake. Recently it has been described that, especially those containing high antioxidant properties also improve fertility. We report here the case of a 37-year-old volunteer with possible male infertility and we want to determine the effect of antioxidant consumption on semen quality. Evaluation of the conventional and functional seminal parameters was performed before and after the use of the Male Fertility dietary supplement. The use of this supplement was observed to increased the sperm concentration, the mitochondrial membrane potential and the antioxidant capacity of the semen. In addition, the production of oxygen reactants, lipoperoxidation and fragmentation of the spermatic chromatin decreased. The dietary supplement Male Fertility contains high concentrations of vitamin A, C, E, B2, B3, B12, folate, zinc, selenium, acetyl L-carnitine, coenzyme Q10, L-methionine and lycopene. The ingestion of each of these compounds has been described to have positive effects on seminal quality. The report of this case allowed to observe that the use of dietary supplements rich in vitamins and antioxidants can improve the seminal quality through the decrease of the adverse effect of the reactive oxygen species and by the increase of the antioxidant molecules in the seminal plasma(AU)

Identification and expression profiling of MSY genes of yak for bull fertility

Yak (Bos grunniens) is a unique bovine species and considered as lifeline of highlanders. The male subfertility in yak is a matter of concern that causes huge economic loses. The spermatogenesis and male reproduction machinery are critically governed by Y-linked genes which tend to acquire necessary information in the course of evolution. The Y-linked fertility genes are present in multiple copies with testis-limited expression. To understand this novel complexity, 12 male-specific region of Y chromosome (MSY) genes have been studied in the yak. Targeted genes are amplified in male and female genomic DNA and confirmed the male derived specificity. Moreover, testis and sperm-specific expressions of MSY genes are distinct among different tissues. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction results validate the expression pattern of these genes in various tissues with predominant expression intestis and sperm. The sequencing of resultant yak MSY genes gives significant result and shows similarity with cattle (Bos indicus), but few nucleotide mismatches define the proposition of infertile male in the F1 hybrid of cattle and yak. The identified MSY genes can be used to establish male-specific characteristics and to differentiate male and female yak genotypically. Further, these genes may act as valuable resources to understand the capacity of spermatogenesis, embryogenesis, cellular growth, azoospermia and malesubfertility in the yak.

Male fertility preservation in oncology: patients' profile and clinical guidance importance / Preservação de fertilidade masculina em oncologia: perfil dos pacientes e importância da orientação clínica

AIMS: To evaluate the profile of men with cancer who performed semen cryopreservation prior/during treatment and address the importance of this method for reproductive health. METHODS: This was a transversal and retrospective study which used a database from a Reproductive Medicine Center located in Brazil. A total of 150 male patients who performed semen cryopreservation due to cancer diagnosis, from January 2014 to December 2017, were included. RESULTS: The profile of men seeking fertility preservation prior/during treatment for cancer was young adults, single, childless, with higher education. Oncologists were the ones who reported more patients for semen cryopreservation followed by urologists and hematologists. With regards to tumor diagnosis frequency, testicular was the most diagnosed, followed by Hodgkin's/non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, leukemia, prostate and rectal tumor, along with retroperitoneal tumor. CONCLUSION: Data brought the reflection on the cultural and financial barriers involved for the accomplishment of cryopreservation. Health professionals attending cancer patients should consider the importance of educational and incentive activities to prevent male fertility. Future research on the subject should carried out.

OBJETIVO: Conhecer o perfil dos homens portadores de neoplasias malignas que preservaram sua fertilidade através da técnica de criopreservação de sêmen. METODOLOGIA: A amostra foi composta por 150 pessoas do sexo masculino que realizaram a criopreservação de sêmen no período de janeiro de 2014 a dezembro de 2017. Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, descritivo, transversal onde foram utilizados dados secundários de um banco de dados de um Centro de Medicina Reprodutiva situado em Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. RESULTADOS: Os resultados demostraram que o perfil dos homens com câncer que realizaram a criopreservação de sêmen é, em sua maioria, de jovens adultos, solteiros, sem filhos, que estão preocupados em manter sua capacidade reprodutiva após a terapêutica oncológica. CONCLUSÃO: O conhecimento do perfil de pacientes que buscam a preservação dos gametas em casos de doenças oncológicas pode contribuir para o entendimento e possível sugestão de indicação pelos profissionais envolvidos neste tipo de abordagem.

Regulation of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in males and the associations of serum AMH with the disorders of male fertility / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a functional marker of fetal Sertoli cells. The germ cell number in adults depends on the number of Sertoli cells produced during perinatal development. Recently, AMH has received increasing attention in research of disorders related to male fertility. This paper reviews and summarizes the articles on the regulation of AMH in males and the serum levels of AMH in male fertility-related disorders. We have determined that follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) promotes AMH transcription in the absence of androgen signaling. Testosterone inhibits the transcriptional activation of AMH. The undetectable levels of serum AMH and testosterone levels indicate a lack of functional testicular tissue, for example, that in patients with anorchia or severe Klinefelter syndrome suffering from impaired spermatogenesis. The normal serum testosterone level and undetectable AMH are highly suggestive of persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS), combined with clinical manifestations. The levels of both AMH and testosterone are always subnormal in patients with mixed disorders of sex development (DSD). Mixed DSD is an early-onset complete type of disorder with fetal hypogonadism resulting from the dysfunction of both Leydig and Sertoli cells. Serum AMH levels are varying in patients with male fertility-related disorders, including pubertal delay, severe congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, nonobstructive azoospermia, Klinefelter syndrome, varicocele, McCune-Albright syndrome, and male senescence.

Intraflagellar transport is essential for spermiogenesis / 中华男科学杂志

Intra flagellar transport (IFT) is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism thought to be essential for the assembly and maintenance of most eukaryotic cilia and flagella. Development of the sperm tail axoneme resembles the cilia formation, which is organized by intraflagellar transport (IFT). Of all mammalian cells, sperm have the longest motile cilia, but few studies are reported on the role of IFT in the formation of sperm flagella and the mechanisms of IFT in spermiogenesis. This article focuses on the role of IFT in spermatogenesis and the importance of IFT in male fertility.

Diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in males / 中华男科学杂志

Idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) is often caused by hyposecretion of gonadotropin and consequently affects male fertility. The patient with IHH has a smaller penis and testes with spermatogenic dysfunction. At present, IHH is treated mainly with hCG, hMG, GnRH, and their different combinations. However, due to the lack of large-sample evidence, it is not yet clear which therapy is the best option. This article presents an overview of our experience in the treatment of IHH in the last decade and a review of relevant literature, aiming at a deeper insight into this male disease.

Human sperm testicular angiotensin-converting enzyme helps determine human embryo quality / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Angiotensin-converting enzyme functions in the male reproductive system, but the extent of its function in reproduction is not fully understood. The primary objective of this work was to investigate the relationship between the testicular isoform of angiotensin-converting enzyme present in human spermatozoa and semen parameters, human embryo quality, and assisted reproduction success. A total of 81 semen samples and 635 embryos from couples undergoing oocyte donation cycles at the IVI Bilbao Clinic were analyzed. Semen parameters, embryos quality, and blastocyst development were examined according to the World Health Organization standards and the Spanish Association of Reproduction Biology Studies criteria. The percentage of testicular angiotensin-converting enzyme-positive spermatozoa and the number of molecules per spermatozoon were analyzed by flow cytometry. Both parameters were inversely correlated with human sperm motility. Higher percentages of testicular angiotensin-converting enzyme-positive spermatozoa together with fewer enzyme molecules per spermatozoon were positively correlated with better embryo quality and development. Our results suggest that embryos with a higher implantation potential come from semen samples with higher percentages of testicular angiotensin-converting enzyme-positive cells and fewer enzyme molecules per spermatozoon. Based on these findings, we propose that testicular angiotensin-converting enzyme could be used to aid embryologists in selecting better semen samples for obtaining high-quality blastocysts during in vitro fertilization procedures.

Impact of zearalenone on male fertility: An update / 中华男科学杂志

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a nonsteroidal estrogen-like mycotoxin widely distributed in maize, wheat, rice and other cereals with its derivants. It also presents in meat or dairy products or even in the aquatic ecosystem via rain, and thus can affect human health. ZEA affects the body function in various ways. On the one hand, it can disturb the synthesis of estrogen and its combination with the receptor, influence the reproductive ability via the estrogen signaling pathway, and cause the dysfunction of the reproductive systems. On the other hand, it can disturb the synthesis of DNA and proteins and result in lipid peroxidation and cytotoxicity by inducing the apoptosis of germ cells. It is known that exposure to different doses of ZEA can affect the female reproductive system by increasing the apoptosis of germ cells and inducing germ cell prematurity, sexual precocity, endocrine disorder, reproductive cycle disorder, and so on. But studies of its influence on the male reproductive system are relatively rare, especially about its unique male-related action mechanisms. This review presents an overview of the studies on the mechanisms of ZEA affecting male fertility and the phenotype changes in the male reproductive system after exposure to ZEA, hoping to provide some new ideas for the protection of human fertility.

Varicocele management in the era of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Varicocele is the most common surgically treatable cause of male infertility, and often results in alterations in semen parameters, sperm DNA damage, and changes to the seminal milieu. Varicocele repair can result in improvement in these parameters in the majority of men with clinical varicocele; data supporting repair in men with subclinical varicocele are less definitive. In couples seeking fertility using assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), varicocele repair may offer improvement in semen parameters and sperm health that can increase the likelihood of successful fertilization using techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), or may decrease the level of ART needed to achieve successful pregnancy. Male infertility is an indicator of general male health, and evaluation of the infertile male with an eye toward future health can facilitate optimal screening and treatment of these men. Furthermore, varicocele may represent a progressive lesion, offering an argument for its repair, although this is currently unclear.

Evaluación y estandarización de la calidad del espermiograma: nuevos límites inferiores de referencia / Evaluation and standardization of the quality of semen: new lower reference limit

El análisis seminal o espermiograma es uno de los parámetros más usados en la evaluación de la fertilidad masculina. La OMS (WHO, 2010), presentó el 5 Manual para el examen y procesamiento del semen humano, documento que fue analizado durante el primer taller de estandarización del análisis seminal (PLEAS), realizado en Santiago de Chile, mayo del 2010. Posteriormente se aplicaron los nuevos valores indicados como "límite de referencia inferior" (LIR), en el estudio del análisis seminal realizados por varios autores (2003 al 2010). Los resultados obtenidos indican que el 81 por ciento de los investigadores latino americanos creen que el nuevo manual estandariza mejor la concentración espermática, un 96 por ciento está de acuerdo con la nueva subclasificación en la motilidad espermática en progresiva (A), no progresiva (B) e inmóviles (C). El 68 por ciento estima que el mejor instrumental de recuento es la cámara de Neubauer. Respecto a los controles de calidad solo el 18 por ciento realiza controles de calidad externa. El 100 por ciento de los investigadores estima conveniente realizar continuos talleres de estandarización. Respecto a la aplicación de los LIR en las poblaciones en estudio, todos ellos cumplirían con los estándares actuales para ser considerada una población con capacidad de fertilidad. Sin embargo varios autores opinan que una nueva versión del manual OMS, debe realizarse urgentemente para estandarizar mejor la concentración espermática (15 millones por mL) y la morfología según criterios estrictos (4 por ciento), valores de referencia que consideran muy bajos.

Spermogram or semen analysis is one of the most used parameters in the evaluation of male fertility. WHO (2010) presented the 5th Manual for review and processing of human semen, a document that was discussed during the first workshop of standardization of semen analysis (PLEAS), held in Santiago de Chile, May 2010. Subsequently applied the new values expressed in "lower referencelimit" (LRL) for semen in several analysis studies conducted by various authors (2003 to 2010). The results indicate that 81 percent of Latin American researchers believe the new manual standardizes best sperm concentration, 96 percent agree with the new subclassification in progressive sperm motility (A), non-progressive (B) and immobile (C). 68 percent determined that the best instruments for the sperm countis the Neubauer haemocytometerchamber. Regarding quality control only 18 percent performed external quality control. 100 percent of researchers believe it is appropriate to conducton going standardization workshops. Regarding the application of LRL in the study populations (2003-2010), 100 percent comply with the standards to be considered a population with fertility capacity. However, several authors argue that a new version of the WHO manual, must be re-done urgently to better standardize sperm concentration (15 million/mL) and morphology according to strict criteria (4 percent), reference values considered very low.

Estructura testicular y calidad seminal en ratones seleccionados por peso / Testicular structure and semen quality in mice lines selected for weight

La capacidad reproductiva femenina se modificó como consecuencia de la selección de peso realizada en un par de líneas de selección divergente durante 50 generaciones (s: bajo peso; s': alto peso), originadas a partir de una población testigo (t) de ratones CF1 y criadas en la Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias (UNR). Se probó la existencia de diferencias reproductivas atribuibles al genotipo paterno observadas en el tamaño de camada al nacimiento y en los días transcurridos desde el ingreso a servicio hasta la parición. Con el propósito de explicar las diferencias se comparó la estructura testicular - peso testicular (PTEST), diámetro del túbulo seminífero (DTS), altura de su epitelio (AES) - y la calidad seminal - número de espermatozoides (NE), porcentaje de células anormales (AN), motilidad y desplazamiento de las células espermáticas (Parámetros CASA) -, en machos adultos de 10 a 14 semanas de edad. Se estimó el promedio del DTS y AES en 100 túbulos seminíferos por individuo. El semen se obtuvo de la porción caudal de los epidídimos y de los conductos deferentes. El recuento de espermatozoides se realizó en cámara de Neubauer hemocitométrica y el porcentaje de células anormales se calculó sobre 100 espermatozoides por extendido. Los parámetros de motilidad se determinaron con analizador computarizado de semen Ceros 12.1. La selección por peso diferenció significativamente a las líneas en el mismo sentido de la selección practicada para PTEST, AES y NE. Los machos de la línea más pesada (s') presentaron PTEST y AES mayores y tuvieron un mayor número de espermatozoides al compararlos con los de las líneas s y t (p<0,05). La calidad del semen, bajo las condiciones del setup utilizado, fue similar para los machos de las tres líneas. Por lo tanto, la calidad del semen no aportó a la explicación de las diferencias de fertilidad masculina entre las líneas.

Reproductive female capacity was affected by the genetic selection performed in a pair of lines of two-way selection of body weight for 50 generations (s: downward selection; s': upward selection). These lines were originated from a control CF1 mice population (t) at the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences (UNR). The existence of reproductive differences attributed to the male genotype in the litter size and in the interval from the service beginning to first parturition was proven. With the aim of explaining them, the testicular structure - testicular weight (PTEST), vas deferens diameter (DTS), epithelium height (AES) - and the semen quality - spermatozoa number (NE), abnormal cell percentage (AN), motility and movement of spermatic cells (CASA parameters) were compared, in adult males between 10 and 14 weeks of age. The means of the DTS and AES were estimated for 100 seminiferous tubules per individual. Semen was obtained from the caudal portion of the epididymides and vasa deferentia. Sperm count was performed in Neubauer hemocytometer and abnormal cell percentage was estimated over 100 spermatozoa per sample. Motility parameters were determined with a Ceros 12.1 semen computerized analyzer. Body weight selection occasioned significant differences between lines in the same way of the selection performed for PTEST, AES and NE. Males of the heaviest line (s') show heavier testicles, higher seminiferous epithelium and, consequently, a higher number of spermatozoa when compared with s and t males (p<0,05). Semen quality under the employed setup conditions was similar for males of the three lines. Therefore, semen quality does not contribute to the explanation of the fertility differences between lines.

Evaluación de la calidad del espermatozoide humano: comparación entre la integridad del ADN espermático y variables del semen / Evaluation of the quality of the human spermatozoon: comparison between spermatic DNA integrity and semen variables

El análisis del semen no tiene valor predictivo absoluto de fertilidad, pero informa sobre el potencial de fertilidad del varón, el cual está relacionado con la calidad de sus espermatozoides y de otras variables del semen. Se ha comprobado que los valores del semen pueden mostrar gran variabilidad en un mismo individuo. Esto explica por que un hombre cuyas variables no son absolutamente normales, puede lograr un embarazo en su pareja. Dentro de los parámetros tradicionalmente utilizados en la evaluación clínica de la fertilidad masculina se encuentran: la concentración, la movilidad y la morfología espermática; además de medir estas variables, nuevos procedimientos han sido incorporados para evaluar la capacidad funcional de los espermatozoides, uno de los que ha alcanzado particular importancia en la última década es la medida de la integridad del ADN nuclear. La fragmentación del ADN consiste en interrupciones en las cadenas simples o dobles del ADN que ocurre frecuentemente en la muestra de pacientes no fértiles. Se ha llevado a cabo un estudio clínico, en muestras de semen provenientes de pacientes que acudieron al laboratorio de Andrología de la Universidad de los Andes, colectadas entre marzo del 2007 y marzo del 2009, a fin de establecer comparaciones entre los parámetros convencionales y la medición de la integridad de la cromatina espermática, mediante citometría de flujo. Los resultados obtenidos mostraron correlaciones evidentes entre los parámetros convencionales y la integridad del ADN espermático y aportan datos de gran utilidad en el estudio clínico integral de la infertilidad masculina.

Semen analysis does not have an absolute predictive value on fertility, however it is a reflection of male fertility potential, which is related to its spermatozoa quality and other semen variables. Great variability in human semen parameters has been demonstrated within a single individual, an observation that could explain why a male with low semen quality can successfully fertilize an egg. Although conventional semen analysis, such as sperm concentration, motility and morphology, provide important information about the clinical status of male fertility, new procedures to predict the sperm functional capability have been developed in the last decade, such as analysis of nuclear DNA integrity, which have improved considerably the clinical diagnosis of male infertility, and increased the knowledge about spermatozoa function. DNA fragmentation consist in interruptions, both in single and double DNA strains, that frequently occur in sperm samples from infertile patients. We have conducted a clinical study in semen samples from patients who have attended the Andrology laboratory of the University of Los Andes, between March 2007 and March 2009. The aim of this study was to compare sperm DNA integrity, analyzed by flow cytometry, with traditional semen parameters. Our results show remarkable correlations between conventional human semen variables and sperm chromatin integrity, contributing to asses an integral evaluation of sperm quality allowing the analysis of its fertilizing potential in clinical studies.