The impact of nutrition and lifestyle on male fertility.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Male unexplained infertility has long been suspected to result from environmental, lifestyle and nutritional factors. However, the literature on the subject is still scarce, and clinical studies providing robust evidence are even scarcer. In addition, some similar studies come to different conclusions. Dietary pattern can influence spermatogenesis by its content of fatty acids and antioxidants. Yet, in an age of industrialized mass food production, human bodies become more exposed to the ingestion of xenobiotics, as well as chemicals used for production, preservation, transportation and taste enhancement of foods. We attempted in this paper to collect the available evidence to date on the effect of nutritional components on male fertility. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic search of the relevant literature published in PubMed, ScienceDirect and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials Database was conducted. Literature was evaluated according to the Newcastle-Ottawa- Scale. RESULTS: Epidemiological observations are concordant in demonstrating an association of low-quality sperm parameters with higher intake of red meat, processed and organ meat and fullfat dairy. On the contrary, better semen parameters were observed in subjects consuming a healthy diet, rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains and fish. Evidences of the negative impact on male fertility of by-products of water disinfection, accumulation in food chain of persistent organochlorine pollutants, pesticides, phthalates from food and water containers and hormones used in breeding cattle have been reported. Clinical trials of the effects of micronutrients on semen parameters and outcomes of assisted fertilization are encouraging, although optimal modality of treatment should be established. CONCLUSIONS: Although quality of evidence should be ameliorated, it emerges that environmental factors can influence male fertility. Some nutrients may enhance fertility whereas others will worsen it. With diagnostic analysis on a molecular or even sub-molecular level, new interactions with micronutrients or molecular components of our daily ingested foods and leisure drugs may lead to a better understanding of so far suspected but as yet unexplained effects on male spermatogenesis and fertility.

Prevalence of erectile dysfunction in patients consulting urological clinics: multi-centric survey in the algerian west.

AIM: to make an inventory of the prevalence, the severity, the reasons for the patient's consultation and the therapeutic measures indicated by urologists for erectile dysfunction (ED) in the west of Algeria. METHODS: This survey was conducted among 4 urologists. All male patients, aged over 18 years, presenting to clinics during the study period of 2 months were included. Data collection was based on a self-administered questionnaire on socio-demographic data, comorbidities especially urological and sexual health history. The evaluation of ED was achieved by the single question of John B. McKinlay. One more question was asked to evaluate trouble reported by the patient's partner. RESULTS: This survey included 185 patients. It showed a high prevalence of ED (59.5%), correlated with age. The mean age was 61 ± 13 years. Thirty four percent of patients had severe ED. The reason for consultation was dominated by prostatic diseases (70%), the ED accounted for only 9% of the reasons for consultation. Only 26% of patients reported having talked previously to a doctor about their ED. These disturbances were "unacceptable" for 25% of patients and "moderately acceptable" for 30%. A minority of patients (16%) was treated medically for their ED (half of them received PDE5 inhibitors alone or in combination). CONCLUSION: This first survey in the urological Algerian community emphasizes the importance of sexual dysfunction in patients consulting in urology. Although the prevalence of ED is important, few patients consult specifically for this reason. As a result, treatment is limited. Better physician awareness of the problem of ED is recommended.

Pre-existing renal lesions revealed after renal trauma, Difficulties in diagnosis and accountability: About 14 cases.

OBJECTIVE: Pre-existing renal lesions (PERL) may interfere with the patho-physiology of trauma, alter the radiographic imaging and influence the therapeutic approach. The aims of this study were to record the PERL found incidentally during blunt renal trauma, to specify the place for effective conservative management and to determin the estimated partial permanent disability (PPD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The medical records of 14 patients with PERL and blunt renal trauma were reviewed. In each patient, pre-existing renal abnormalities, clinical symptoms, CT scan study findings, associated injuries, therapeutic approach, the accountability criteria and the estimated PPD were recorded. RESULTS: There were 11 men and 3 women with a mean age of 35,6 years (range 19-66 years). Renal trauma was due to a traffic accident in 8 patients. Renal damage appeared to be disproportionate to the severity of the trauma (minor trauma). They had a lower rate of associated trauma to other abdominal organs (four patients only). Urinary stones were present in 5 patients, pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction in 3, horseshoe kidny in 3, ectopic kidney in 2 and upper urinary tract carcinoma in one case. Early nephrectomy was required in three cases for hemodynamic instability. Ureteral stenting was indicated in 3 cases. Six patients were operated later because of their underlying renal pathology. A conservative treatment was possible only in 7 of cases. The PPD related to renal trauma varide from 0 to 13% in all cases. CONCLUSION: PERL may complicate a negligible renal trauma while in some cases they may be of vital importance for the patient's final outcome. The imaging findings are crucial but may be confusing. The therapeutic approach is, to a large extent, dependent on the type of PERL and the severity of damage, and is often conservative in the hemo-dynamically stable patient. Accountability link may be difficult to establish and the PPD depends on the PERL and the renal injuries severity. FUNDING: We have no involvement with funding in this case. Ethical approval: Not required Conflicts of interest: None.