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1.
Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) ; 14: 1230621, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37529594

ABSTRACT

Background: The National Health and Family Planning Commission of China (NHFPCC) issued the "Measures for the Management of Human Sperm Banks," which was revised in 2003 and is still in effect today. One of the standard guidelines is that potential donors undergo laboratory testing to exclude infectious and genetic diseases and karyotype analysis. However, patient demands for donor genetic testing have also increased, and only karyotype analysis to exclude genetic diseases is not sufficient to meet these demands. Objective: To examine donor genetic screening practices at sperm banks in China and to evaluate the qualifications and skills of genetic counselors at the banks. Materials and methods: An electronic survey was distributed to twenty-seven sperm banks to examine donor genetic screening practices at sperm banks in China and to evaluate the qualifications and skills of genetic counselors at the banks. Twenty-six human sperm banks responded to a 32-question survey about their current practices related to genetic testing of sperm donors. Results: The 26 sperm banks reported that all qualified sperm donors undergo karyotype analysis; 22 banks (84.6%) collected three generations of family history from each qualified sperm donor; 10 (38.5%) reported that they attempted to accommodate special requests from donor semen recipients for particular genetic tests. Only 2 of the 26 (7.7%) sperm banks reported that they performed whole-exome sequencing. At all the sperm banks, consent for genetic testing was obtained as part of the overall contract for sperm donors. Nineteen (73.1%) sperm banks had genetic counselors on their staff, while six (23.1%) had no genetic counselors on their staff but had access to genetic counselors at the hospital. Only one (3.8%) sperm bank had no genetic counselors on their staff or at the hospital. Conclusions: The need for larger scale genetic testing of donors and recipients and an extensive panel of genetic tests specific to the Chinese population. Additionally, professionally trained geneticists must be employed as genetic counsellors so that the results of genetic tests and their implications can be explained to donors.


Subject(s)
Semen , Sperm Banks , Humans , Male , Sperm Banks/methods , Spermatozoa , Genetic Testing/methods , China
2.
Support Care Cancer ; 28(8): 3915-3919, 2020 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31858247

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: In developing countries, a higher percentage of patients develop cancer at a younger age. Cancer survival rates have significantly improved, highlighting the importance of survivorship programs that address late complications related to cancer itself or its treatment. The purpose of this study is to estimate the prevalence of fertility counseling and sperm banking and related factors among at-risk males newly diagnosed with cancer and planning to receive a potentially curative anticancer therapy. METHODS: Medical records and hospital database of young male patients with newly diagnosed cancers and planned to start chemotherapy were reviewed for fertility counseling and sperm cryopreservation. Additionally, a self-administered questionnaire was utilized. RESULTS: A total of 186 patients, mean age 32.9 (range: 18-53) years, were included. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma 59 (31.7%), leukemia 48 (25.8%), and Hodgkin's lymphoma 26 (14.0%) were the most common tumors encountered. A total of 129 (75.0%) respondents received fertility counseling prior to their treatment, and this rate was higher among patients with early-stage disease (82.4% vs. 58.1%, p = 0.038). However, sperm banking was performed by 33.1% of the whole study group but was significantly higher among single patients (53.4% vs. 17.7%, p < 0.001), those who had no children (51.8% vs. 14.3%, p < 0.001), and among highly educated patients (47.6% vs. 17.1%, p = 0.001). Patients failed to do sperm banking because they were not informed about the risk of infertility (26.2%) or service availability (25.4%). Fear of treatment delay was a reason in 20.0%. CONCLUSIONS: Fertility counseling and sperm banking among cancer patients are not optimal. Many patients failed to do sperm banking because of avoidable reasons. Better communication and patients' education will probably improve the utilization of this vital service.


Subject(s)
Counseling/methods , Fertility Preservation/statistics & numerical data , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Sperm Banks/statistics & numerical data , Adolescent , Adult , Communication , Cryopreservation/methods , Cryopreservation/statistics & numerical data , Developing Countries , Fertility Preservation/methods , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasms/psychology , Semen Preservation/methods , Semen Preservation/statistics & numerical data , Sperm Banks/methods , Surveys and Questionnaires , Young Adult
3.
Poult Sci ; 98(1): 447-455, 2019 Jan 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30165680

ABSTRACT

For the past 50 yr, practices for ex situ preservation of endangered breeds have been extended. Semen and primordial germ cells, gonadic tissues have been frozen to create genetic stocks of chicken genetic diversity in cryobanks. Semen cryopreservation stays the preferred method since it is not invasive. Many protocols have been developed to cryopreserve chicken semen, but they give highly variable success rate. The aim of the present study was to standardize and prove the effectiveness of semen long-term storage for the restitution of lost families. We showed that semen straws stored for 18 yr in liquid nitrogen did not lose their fertilizing ability. We demonstrated the usefulness of cryopreserved semen stored in the French National Cryobank for the recovery of families of a subfertile experimental chicken line. In order to highlight the standardization of the cryopreserved method, different cryoprotectant protocols were also tested on a rare breed, freezing/thawing and insemination conditions were controlled. The best results were obtained using glycerol protocol, a sperm dilution of 1:4 (semen:extender). The insemination dose of 200 million sperm/female was as efficient as 400 million of sperm. Altogether, these results demonstrated the effectiveness of chicken semen long-term storage for the restoration of lost genetic resources and highlighted the importance of standardized chicken semen cryopreservation using procedures combining biophysical (cryoprotectants, freezing/thawing conditions) and zootechnical (artificial insemination) features.


Subject(s)
Chickens/physiology , Cryopreservation/veterinary , Semen Preservation/veterinary , Spermatozoa/physiology , Animals , Chickens/genetics , Cryopreservation/methods , Cryoprotective Agents/pharmacology , Female , Fertility/physiology , Freezing , Genetic Variation , Insemination, Artificial/methods , Insemination, Artificial/veterinary , Male , Semen Preservation/methods , Sperm Banks/methods
4.
J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol ; 8(1): 54-60, 2019 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30256151

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cancer survivor rates have increased over the past few decades leading to a growing interest in research related to quality of life (QoL). We attempted to explore the unique barriers that might prevent adult male cancer patients from accessing sperm cryopreservation in Pakistan. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews of male cancer patients aged 18-45 years were audio-recorded in Urdu and translated to English and were transcribed ad verbatim. The topics included information regarding risk of infertility following chemotherapy, future reproductive choices, and barriers to sperm cryopreservation. Questionnaire to physicians containing four content domains of knowledge, attitude, practice, and barriers to sperm banking was also delivered. Data were entered and analyzed on SPSS. RESULTS: Of the 25 patients interviewed, there were 10 cases of leukemia, 3 cases of lymphoma, 2 cases each of colorectal carcinoma and multiple myeloma, 1 case each of neuroblastoma and osteosarcoma, and solitary cases involving the lung, breast, thymus, brain, jaw, and testis. Four patients knew about the risk of infertility. All patients were aware of the option of sperm cryopreservation. Two patients had their sperm preserved before the initiation of chemotherapy. Perceived treatment-related expenses appeared to be the major barrier to sperm cryopreservation in nine patients. This was followed by lack of information, which was cited by eight patients, and religious reasons (n = 2 patients). Other barriers were female gender of the doctor and patient's preferences. Four patients stated no barriers. Nine physicians responded to the questionnaire. Seventy-eight percent of physicians agreed that cancer treatment increases the risk of infertility. 33.3% strongly agreed and 55.6% agreed that infertility can have an adverse impact on QoL. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant lack of awareness among male cancer patients regarding infertility following cancer treatment. It is imperative that physicians inform them of this and discuss treatment options, along with addressing potential barriers.


Subject(s)
Infertility/therapy , Neoplasms/complications , Quality of Life/psychology , Sperm Banks/methods , Adolescent , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pakistan , Physicians , Young Adult
5.
Anim Reprod Sci ; 198: 184-192, 2018 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30301620

ABSTRACT

Genome Resource Banks are keystones in the ex-situ conservation of wild species. Post-mortem (PM) collection of epididymal spermatozoa is an opportunistic and valuable source of germplasm, the time from the death of the animal limits its use. Seeking to improve germplasm preservation strategies for the chamois (Rupicapra sp.), the effect of PM time on epididymal sperm quality and freezability was studied using the Cantabrian chamois. Samples were classified according to PM collection time, up to 216 h (refrigerated), and cryopreserved (Tris-citric acid-fructose, 430 mOsm/kg, 15% egg yolk, 8% glycerol; freezing at -20 °C/min). Sperm quality was assessed after recovery and post-thawing (motility by CASA, HOS test, abnormal forms, cytoplasmic droplets, and viability and acrosomal damage by flow cytometry). The sperm mass pH and osmolality showed a positive correlation with time. Total sperm motility dropped after 2 days PM, with progressivity and sperm velocities remained similar up to 3 days PM. Sperm freezability was acceptable, with the post-thawing HOST, motility, progressivity, VAP, VCL, VSL and BCF negatively correlating with PM time. Overall, chamois epidydimal samples were not adequate for preservation after 6 days PM. Freezability capacity could make these spermatozoa suitable for specific ART even if kept refrigerated for several days PM.


Subject(s)
Freezing , Posthumous Conception , Rupicapra , Semen Analysis , Semen Preservation , Spermatozoa/pathology , Animals , Autopsy/veterinary , Conservation of Natural Resources/methods , Cryopreservation , Male , Posthumous Conception/veterinary , Semen Analysis/methods , Semen Analysis/veterinary , Semen Preservation/methods , Semen Preservation/veterinary , Sperm Banks/methods , Sperm Retrieval/veterinary , Time Factors
6.
Zygote ; 25(5): 592-600, 2017 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28835294

ABSTRACT

In this study, fresh and frozen-thawed semen of Nitra and Zobor rabbit breeds were evaluated for potential inter-breed or inter-male differences in sperm quality traits. Individual male semen from four rabbits of each breed were diluted (v:v; 1:1) in a freezing medium composed of a commercial diluent, 16% of dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), 4% of Ficoll 70 and 2% of sucrose and frozen in liquid nitrogen vapours before being plunged into liquid nitrogen. Different motility traits, viability and plasma membrane integrity of fresh and frozen-thawed semen were evaluated in vitro using computer-assisted sperm analysis and flow cytometry. To evaluate the sperm fertilization ability, artificial insemination of fresh and frozen-thawed sperm was performed. Our results showed the effect of breed (P ≤ 0.05) on frozen-thawed sperm viability and plasma membrane integrity. Moreover, individual variability in semen quality among the rabbits was revealed (0.31 to 0.71 among quality traits). Our results thereby confirmed that the cryopreservation procedure could not ensure comparable sperm post-thaw survival for different breeds or males. Nevertheless, correlations between numbers of fresh total motile and progressively moving sperm and several quality parameters measured post thawing were revealed. Therefore, we suggest that the objective assessment of fresh rabbit sperm motility may be an effective indicator of frozen-thawed semen quality. Consequently, regular semen assessment is required in order to preserve good-quality insemination doses from native breeds.


Subject(s)
Cryopreservation/methods , Semen Analysis/methods , Semen Preservation/methods , Sperm Banks/methods , Animals , Cryoprotective Agents/pharmacology , Female , Fertilization , Insemination, Artificial , Male , Pregnancy , Rabbits , Slovakia , Sperm Motility/drug effects , Spermatozoa/drug effects , Spermatozoa/physiology
7.
Asian J Androl ; 19(4): 404-408, 2017.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27080478

ABSTRACT

Semen cryopreservation is widely used in assisted reproductive technologies, but it reduces sperm quality dramatically. The aim of this study was to develop a model using basal semen quality to predict the outcome of postthaw semen parameters and improve the efficiency of cryopreservation in a human sperm bank. Basal semen parameters of 180 samples were evaluated in the first stage, and a multiple logistic regression analysis involving a backward elimination selection procedure was applied to select independent predictors. After a comprehensive analysis of all results, we developed a new model to assess the freezability of sperm. Progressive motility (PR), straight-line velocity (VSL) and average path velocity (VAP) were included in our model. A greater area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was obtained in our model when compared with other indicators. In the second stage of our study, samples that satisfied the new model were selected to undergo freeze-thawing. Compared with the first stage, the rate of good freezability was increased significantly (94% vs 67%, P = 0.003). By determining basal semen quality, we have developed a new model to improve the efficiency of cryopreservation in a human sperm bank.


Subject(s)
Cryopreservation/methods , Semen Preservation/methods , Sperm Banks/methods , Adult , Freezing , Humans , Male , Models, Statistical , Multivariate Analysis , Prognosis , ROC Curve , Semen Analysis , Spermatozoa , Young Adult
8.
Reprod Domest Anim ; 52 Suppl 2: 255-260, 2017 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27807883

ABSTRACT

Semen banking of domestic cats and wild felids represents a vital resource for their long-term conservation, but current methods require access to advanced training and specialized equipment. A newer method of semen collection, urethral catheterization of medetomidine-treated cats, allows recovery of high sperm numbers, but it is unclear if this approach permits maximal sperm recovery or is feasible using less expensive alpha-2 agonists. Similarly, a newer sperm preservation approach, vitrification, offers advantages of simplicity and minimal equipment needs, but its efficacy in combination with urethral catheterization has not been investigated. Our specific objectives were to (i) evaluate sequential semen recovery with urethral catheterization and electroejaculation in domestic cats, (ii) assess the effectiveness of a weak (xylazine) versus strong (dexmedetomidine) alpha-2 agonist for inducing sperm release, and (iii) compare post-thaw sperm motility, acrosome status and fertilizing capacity of catheter-recovered samples after vitrification or straw freezing. Results indicated that electroejaculation following repeated catheterization allowed recovery of additional spermatozoa (range, 11-32 × 106  sperm/male) and that xylazine was ineffective for inducing meaningful sperm release (range, 0-0.4 × 106 sperm/male). Post-thaw motility and acrosome status of vitrified catheter samples did not differ (p > .05) from that of straw frozen samples. Preliminary results indicated that in vitro fertilization success (9/30, 30%) of vitrified catheter sperm did not differ (p > .05) from that observed with straw frozen samples (17/30, 57%). In conclusion, urethral catheterization of dexmedetomidine-treated cats allows recovery of substantial sperm numbers but electroejaculation still may be warranted for maximal sperm recovery. Xylazine is not suitable as an inexpensive alternative to dexmedetomidine for catheterization. Vitrification of catheter samples results in comparable post-thaw parameters to straw freezing and may be adequate for use with oviductal insemination procedures.


Subject(s)
Cats , Cryopreservation/veterinary , Felidae , Semen Preservation/veterinary , Sperm Banks/methods , Urinary Catheterization/veterinary , Acrosome , Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists , Animals , Dexmedetomidine/administration & dosage , Ejaculation , Electric Stimulation , Fertilization in Vitro/veterinary , Hot Temperature , Male , Semen Preservation/methods , Specimen Handling/methods , Specimen Handling/veterinary , Sperm Count/veterinary
9.
Genet Test Mol Biomarkers ; 20(6): 276-84, 2016 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27104957

ABSTRACT

AIMS: DNA-based carrier screening is a standard component of donor eligibility protocols practiced by U.S. sperm banks. Applicants who test positive for carrying a recessive disease mutation are typically disqualified. The aim of our study was to examine the utility of a range of screening panels adopted by the industry and the effectiveness of the screening paradigm in reducing a future child's risk of inheriting disease. METHODS: A cohort of 27 donor applicants, who tested negative on an initial cystic fibrosis carrier test, was further screened with three expanded commercial carrier testing panels. These results were then compared to a systematic analysis of the applicants' DNA using next-generation sequencing (NGS) data. RESULTS: The carrier panels detected serious pediatric disease mutations in one, four, or six donor applicants. Because each panel screens distinct regions of the genome, no single donor was uniformly identified as carrier positive by all three panels. In contrast, systematic NGS analysis identified all donors as carriers of one or more mutations associated with severe monogenic pediatric disease. These included 30 variants classified as "pathogenic" based on clinical observation and 66 with a high likelihood of causing gene dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Despite tremendous advances in variant identification, understanding, and analysis, the vast majority of disease-causing mutation combinations remain undetected by commercial carrier screening panels, which cover a narrow, and often distinct, subset of genes and mutations. The biological reality is that all donors and recipients carry serious recessive disease mutations. This challenges the utility of any screening protocol that anchors donor eligibility to carrier status. A more effective approach to reducing recessive disease risk would consider joint comprehensive analysis of both donor and recipient disease mutations. This type of high-resolution recessive disease risk analysis is now available and affordable, but industry practice must be modified to incorporate its use.


Subject(s)
Genetic Carrier Screening/methods , Sperm Banks/methods , Spermatozoa/physiology , Cohort Studies , Cystic Fibrosis/genetics , Cystic Fibrosis/prevention & control , Heterozygote , High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/methods , Humans , Male , Mutation , Sperm Banks/standards
10.
Arq. bras. med. vet. zootec ; 68(2): 327-335, mar.-abr. 2016. tab
Article in English | LILACS | ID: lil-779771

ABSTRACT

Semen from the first 15mL of the ejaculate (P1) obtained from two boars (30mL) was diluted in glycine-egg yolk extender, cooled at 5°C in a special container and rediluted in standard doses of 3x109 mobile spermatozoa after 12h of storage. Semen was also stored up to 24h after redilution. The physical characteristics of the semen were evaluated at different storage periods (fresh, 0h, 12h, rediluted, 24h, and 36h). The reproductive performance of the boars and their fertility regarding the insemination of primiparous sows were also determined. Two treatments were used: T1-15B sows inseminated with semen originated from hyperconcentrated heterospermic doses (15x109 mobile spermatozoa per dose), rediluted after 12h of storage at 5°C for standard doses of 3x109 mobile spermatozoa per dose and stored at 5°C up to 24h after redilution (n=10); T2-3B sows inseminated with standard heterospermic doses (3x109 mobile spermatozoa per dose), stored at 5°C up to 36h after semen collection (n=10). There was no effect (P>0.05) of treatments on the spermatic motility, even though a pronounced decrease (P>0.05) of their values at 12h of storage was recorded. However, they remained higher than 70% until 36h. There was effect of treatments on spermatic vigour at 0h (P<0.05), when T1-15B vigour was higher. There was also effect of the storage period for both treatments with a progressive decrease throughout 36h of storage, although the differences were not always significant. Pregnancy rates (90%) and the number of total farrowed piglets (15, 11-T1-15B; 13, 44- T2-3B) did not differ (P>0.05) between the treatments. It was concluded that the semen hyperconcentration of 15 billion of mobile spermatozoa per dose, stored at 5°C for 12h, did not result in drawbacks considering the physical characteristics of the semen, maintaining the pregnancy rates and prolificacy of the inseminated sows.


Os primeiros 15mL do ejaculado (P1) de dois varrões foram coletados (30mL) e diluídos em diluidor glicina-gema de ovo, resfriados a 5°C em contêiner especial e rediluídos para doses padrão de 3x109 espermatozoides (sptz) móveis, após 12 horas de armazenamento. Além disso, foram armazenados por até 24 horas após a rediluição, sendo as características físicas avaliadas em diferentes períodos de estocagem (fresco, zero hora, 12h, Red12h, 24h e 36h) e a fertilidade avaliada por meio de fêmeas primíparas inseminadas. Foram realizados dois tratamentos: T1-15B: porcas inseminadas com sêmen de doses heterospérmicas hiperconcentradas (15x109 sptz móveis/dose), rediluídas após 12 horas de armazenamento a 5°C para doses padrão de 3x109 sptz móveis/dose, e armazenadas a 5°C por até 24 horas após a rediluição (n=10); T2-3B: porcas inseminadas com doses heterospérmicas padrão (3x109 sptz móveis/dose), armazenadas a 5°C por até 36 horas após coleta. Não houve efeito (P>0.05) dos tratamentos sobre a motilidade espermática e, embora tenha ocorrido queda (P<0.05) às 12 horas, a motilidade foi superior a 70% durante as 36 horas de armazenamento. Houve efeito (P<0.05) dos tratamentos no tempo zero hora quanto ao vigor espermático, sendo E1T1-15B superior. Além disso, houve efeito do período de estocagem para os dois tratamentos, com queda progressiva do vigor ao longo das 36 horas, embora nem sempre as diferenças tenham sido significativas. As taxas de gestação (90%) e o número total de leitões nascidos (15, 11 - T1-15B; 13, 44 - T2-3B) não diferiram (P>0.05) entre os tratamentos. Concluiu-se que a hiperconcentração do sêmen para 15x109 sptz móveis/dose, armazenado a 5°C por 12 horas não resultou em prejuízos quanto à manutenção das características físicas do sêmen e ao desempenho reprodutivo dos varrões, sendo capaz de manter a taxa de gestação e a prolificidade das fêmeas inseminadas.


Subject(s)
Animals , Semen Analysis/veterinary , Sperm Banks/methods , Semen Preservation/methods , Semen Preservation/veterinary , Swine , Reproduction , Sperm Capacitation , Sperm Transport
11.
Fertil Steril ; 103(2): 478-86.e1, 2015 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25527232

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility of fertility preservation in adolescent males with cancer. DESIGN: Large multicenter retrospective study of male patients ≤20 years from 23 centers of a national network of sperm banks over a 34-year period. SETTING: Sperm banks. PATIENT(S): A total of 4,345 boys and young men aged 11 to 20 years. INTERVENTION(S): Age, cancer diagnosis, feasibility of sperm banking, and sperm parameters. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Description of patients, and success of their fertility preservation. RESULT(S): We observed a mean yearly increase in referred patients of 9.5% (95% confidence interval, 9.1%-9.8%) between 1973 and 2007. Over the study period, the percentage of younger cancer patients who banked their sperm increased, especially in the 11-14 year age group, rising from 1% in 1986 to 9% in 2006. We found that 4,314 patients attempted to produce a semen sample, 4,004 succeeded, and sperm was banked for 3,616. The mean total sperm count was 61.75 × 10(6) for the 11-14 year age group, and 138.81 × 10(6) for the 18-20 year age group. It was noteworthy that intercenter variations in practices involving young patients seeking to preserve their fertility before cancer therapy were observed within this national network. CONCLUSION(S): Our results emphasize the need for decisive changes in public health policy to facilitate the access to reproductive health-care for young cancer patients.


Subject(s)
Community Networks , Cryopreservation/methods , Neoplasms/epidemiology , Semen Preservation/methods , Sperm Banks/methods , Adolescent , Child , Community Networks/trends , Cryopreservation/trends , France/epidemiology , Humans , Male , Neoplasms/diagnosis , Retrospective Studies , Semen Preservation/trends , Sperm Banks/trends , Young Adult
12.
Hum Fertil (Camb) ; 17(4): 285-8, 2014 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25204582

ABSTRACT

Current policy in the UK recommends that men bank sperm prior to cancer treatment, but very few return to use it for reproductive purposes or agree to elective disposal even when their fertility recovers and their families are complete. We assessed the demographic, medical and psychological variables that influence the decision to dispose by contacting men (n = 499) who banked sperm more than five years previously, and asked them to complete questionnaires about their views on sperm banking, fertility and disposal. From 193 responses (38.7% response rate), 19 men (9.8%) requested disposal within four months of completing the questionnaire. Compared with men who wanted their sperm to remain in storage, they were significantly more confident that their fertility had recovered (OR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.05-3.03, p = 0.034), saw fertility monitoring (semen analysis) as less important (OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.39-0.94, p = 0.026), held more positive attitudes to disposal (OR = 5.71, 95% CI = 2.89-11.27, p < 0.001), were more likely to have experienced adverse treatment side-effects (OR = 4.37, CI = 1.61-11.85, p = 0.004) and had less desire for children in the future (OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.26-0.64, p < 0.001). Information about men's reasons to dispose of banked sperm may be helpful in devising new strategies to encourage men to engage with sperm banking clinics and make timely decisions about the fate of their samples.


Subject(s)
Cryopreservation/methods , Fertility Preservation/psychology , Semen Preservation/psychology , Adolescent , Adult , Chi-Square Distribution , Cohort Studies , Decision Making , Fertility Preservation/methods , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Sperm Banks/methods , Surveys and Questionnaires , United Kingdom , Young Adult
13.
Hum Fertil (Camb) ; 17(4): 289-96, 2014 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25180447

ABSTRACT

Sperm cryopreservation is the only method currently available that offers men with cancer insurance against sterilising iatrogenic treatments. We carried out two cohort and cross-sectional audits to identify trends with sperm cryopreservation referral rates and sample usage rates for men diagnosed with cancer and who banked sperm at The Andrology Laboratory, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College NHS Trust. These retrospective audits revealed that a total of 4362 men with cancer successfully banked sperm between 1976 and 2013. Truncating the dataset to 2009 to allow for lag times between storage and use, the overall sample usage rate for cancer patients was 6.0% with 75 live births. Increased median age at referral influences the cancer profile of men seen at the bank, which is highlighted by a disproportionate rise in the number of men with prostate cancer. Among men who use banked sperm, a large rise in the use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection has occurred over time. The number of patients requiring the service is sharply increasing year on year as are the number of patients who go on to use their sample in assisted conception. The historical use rates of frozen sperm are likely to be significant underestimations of future use.


Subject(s)
Cryopreservation/trends , Fertility Preservation/trends , Prostatic Neoplasms/therapy , Semen Preservation/trends , Sperm Banks/trends , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Cohort Studies , Cross-Sectional Studies , Cryopreservation/methods , Cryopreservation/statistics & numerical data , Fertility Preservation/methods , Fertility Preservation/statistics & numerical data , Humans , London , Male , Middle Aged , National Health Programs , Reproductive Techniques, Assisted , Retrospective Studies , Semen Preservation/methods , Semen Preservation/statistics & numerical data , Sperm Banks/methods , Sperm Banks/statistics & numerical data , Statistics, Nonparametric , Young Adult
14.
Hum Fertil (Camb) ; 17(4): 278-84, 2014 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24946139

ABSTRACT

Abstract Long-term storage of banked sperm, especially when it is not needed, for reproductive purposes, is costly and poses practical problems for sperm banks. For sperm banks to function efficiently, men must understand the implications of unnecessary storage, and make timely decisions about disposal of their own samples. Men who bank sperm prior to cancer treatment are routinely offered follow-up consultations to test their fertility, update consent and, where necessary, expedite referral for Assisted Conception. Yet sperm banks report that men do not respond to letters, suggesting samples are stored needlessly. We conducted semi-structured interviews with six men with a history of not responding to letters, to document reasons for non-response. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Men's reasons for not responding are a complex interplay between past, present and future perspectives. In terms of their past, information is important on diagnosis, because men must understand that fertility can change after treatment. Present and future concerns focus on fears of being told fertility has not recovered and being pressured to dispose of banked sperm. The challenge is to devise invitation letters that address men's concerns while offering them tangible benefits and peace of mind.


Subject(s)
Fertility Preservation/psychology , Semen Preservation/psychology , Sperm Banks/methods , Adult , Fertility Preservation/methods , Humans , Interview, Psychological , Male , United Kingdom
15.
Fertil Steril ; 100(3): 839-43, 2013 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23773314

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To identify and analyze existing posthumous sperm procurement (PSP) protocols in order to outline central themes for institutions to consider when developing future policies. DESIGN: Qualitative content analysis. SETTING: Large academic institutions across the United States. PATIENT(S) N/A INTERVENTION(S): We performed a literature search and contacted 40 institutions to obtain nine full PSP protocols. We then performed a content analysis on these policies to identify major themes and factors to consider when developing a PSP protocol. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Presence of a PSP policy. RESULT(S): We identified six components of a thorough PSP protocol: Standard of Evidence, Terms of Eligibility, Sperm Designee, Restrictions on Use in Reproduction, Logistics, and Contraindications. We also identified two different approaches to policy structure. In the Limited Role approach, institutions have stricter consent requirements and limit their involvement to the time of procurement. In the Family-Centered approach, substituted judgment is permitted but a mandatory wait period is enforced before sperm use in reproduction. CONCLUSION(S): Institutions seeking to implement a PSP protocol will benefit from considering the six major building blocks of a thorough protocol and where they would like to fall on the spectrum from a Limited Role to a Family-Centered approach.


Subject(s)
Clinical Protocols , Organizational Policy , Posthumous Conception , Reproductive Medicine/legislation & jurisprudence , Sperm Retrieval , Clinical Protocols/standards , Evidence-Based Practice/legislation & jurisprudence , Evidence-Based Practice/methods , Female , Humans , Male , Posthumous Conception/legislation & jurisprudence , Posthumous Conception/statistics & numerical data , Pregnancy , Reference Standards , Reproductive Medicine/methods , Reproductive Medicine/organization & administration , Sperm Banks/legislation & jurisprudence , Sperm Banks/methods , Sperm Banks/organization & administration , Sperm Retrieval/legislation & jurisprudence , Sperm Retrieval/standards , Sperm Retrieval/statistics & numerical data , Universities/legislation & jurisprudence , Universities/organization & administration , Universities/standards
16.
Fertil Steril ; 99(6): 1587-91, 2013 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23394780

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess how genetic evaluations of sperm donor applicants are performed in the United States. DESIGN: A questionnaire was designed to assess: 1) the professionals involved in the family history evaluation and genetic screening; 2) the genetic testing, counseling, and informed consent processes; and 3) how the results of genetic evaluations and new risk information is communicated to donors. SETTING: Semen donor facilities. PARTICIPANT(S): Representatives of semen donor facilities. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Descriptive data. RESULT(S): Thirteen responses were received. All of the facilities assessed donors' family histories; eight of the facilities (62%) routinely informed donors about the results of these evaluations. At the majority of facilities (10/13), informed consent for genetic testing is obtained as part of the overall contract to be a sperm donor. Genetic counselors are employed full-time at two facilities and part-time at five others. CONCLUSION(S): There is variability in the education and informed consent processes for semen donor applicants, including variable communication about the limitations of genetic tests and the potential implications for the donors' own children. Further research into the best practices for education and consent for sperm donor applicants may be beneficial to ensure the well-being of the donors and their future offspring.


Subject(s)
Genetic Counseling/standards , Genetic Testing/standards , Sperm Banks/standards , Spermatozoa/physiology , Tissue Donors , Follow-Up Studies , Genetic Counseling/methods , Genetic Testing/methods , Humans , Male , Practice Guidelines as Topic/standards , Sperm Banks/methods , Surveys and Questionnaires , United States
17.
Cryobiology ; 65(3): 196-201, 2012 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22750203

ABSTRACT

The cryobanking of semen is recognized as an emerging tool for the conservation of fish biodiversity. Microsatellite analysis of the DNA of cryopreserved sperm would facilitate the assessment of genetic variability of cryobanked semen specimens. The aim of this study was to compare microsatellite profiles of DNA extracted from adipose fins and cryopreserved semen collected from eleven male whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus L.). The following microsatellite loci were employed: Cocl-Lav-8, Cocl-Lav-18, Cocl-Lav-28, Cocl-Lav-80, Str-73 and Sfo-292. The chelex 100 method was used for the successful isolation of DNA from somatic tissue, and the DNeasy method with additional modifications was used for the successful isolation of DNA from sperm. Genotyping was possible with the use of a very low number of spermatozoa (5 × 106 which is less than 0.1% of spermatozoa in standard 250 µL straw). The results of the DNA analysis from both the adipose tissue and spermatozoa were identical. Therefore, microsatellite analysis of cryopreserved spermatozoa can be recommended for future whitefish sperm banking.


Subject(s)
Cryopreservation/veterinary , DNA/analysis , Microsatellite Repeats , Salmonidae/genetics , Semen Preservation/veterinary , Spermatozoa/metabolism , Adipose Tissue/metabolism , Animals , Cryopreservation/methods , Genotype , Male , Semen Preservation/methods , Sperm Banks/methods
18.
Fertil Steril ; 98(2): 284-9, 2012 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22608314

ABSTRACT

Although early development of testis appears normal in boys with Klinefelter syndrome (KS), spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) depletion occurs in midpuberty, leading to infertility. Therefore, freezing of semen samples or testicular tissue sampling could be offered to boys with KS at onset of puberty. However, only in about half of patients with KS, adult or prepubertal, spermatozoa or SSCs can be observed, and to date, no clinical parameters are available to detect patients who might benefit from these techniques. Furthermore, strategies for the further use of the cryopreserved material are still under investigation. Retrieval of spermatogonial cells in prepubertal boys with KS should therefore still be viewed as experimental and patients and their parents must be counseled accordingly.


Subject(s)
Infertility, Male/therapy , Klinefelter Syndrome/therapy , Semen Preservation/methods , Sperm Banks/methods , Spermatogonia/physiology , Stem Cells/physiology , Adolescent , Animals , Child , Humans , Infertility, Male/epidemiology , Infertility, Male/pathology , Klinefelter Syndrome/epidemiology , Klinefelter Syndrome/pathology , Male , Spermatozoa/physiology
19.
Hum Fertil (Camb) ; 14(4): 208-17, 2011 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22088127

ABSTRACT

Sperm banking is recommended for all males prior to cancer treatment where there are risks of infertility. Subsequent decisions about monitoring fertility, use of banked sperm or disposal are less well understood, with adverse consequences for men and cost implications. We review the literature around key decision points: Diagnosis of cancer, monitoring fertility, use of banked sperm and sperm disposal. The results suggest that decisions about banking are compromised by concerns to initiate treatment quickly; subsequent decisions about monitoring fertility, use of banked sperm or disposal are coloured by the views of family members, men's failure to understand the longer-term implications and their reluctance to avail themselves of health care generally. Methodological limitations of current research include low response rates, increased focus on germ cell cancers and a lack of research outside North America. There is evidence that men and oncologists could use sperm banks more "wisely". Lack of longitudinal work means it is not possible to determine the long-term consequences of banking for men's general health and well-being, or identify barriers to fertility monitoring or disposal. We argue that sperm banking should be considered as a series of decisions, all involving implications for fertility, contraception and social and psychological adjustment to cancer.


Subject(s)
Neoplasms/therapy , Semen Preservation/methods , Sperm Banks/methods , Adult , Decision Making , Humans , Male , Semen Preservation/psychology , Semen Preservation/standards
20.
Sanid. mil ; 67(3): 284-290, jul.-sept. 2011. tab
Article in Spanish | IBECS | ID: ibc-92087

ABSTRACT

Antecedentes y objetivos: E l semen criopreservado ofrece beneficios adicionales no presentes en el semen refrigerado. S in embargo, varios factores afectan al éxito en la inseminación artificial con semen congelado de caballos. E l objetivo del trabajo es evaluar si la adición de plasma seminal a diferentes concentraciones, sobre espermatozoides equinos descongelados, afecta a la motilidad espermática, viabilidad y a nivel de membrana. Material y métodos: S e utilizaron diferentes razas, cuatro sementales de silla, y dos sementales de tiro. E n un primer experimento el semen descongelado se centrifugó, mientras en el segundo no se centrifugó. A continuación, se adicionó el plasma seminal al 10, 20, 30% suspendido en solución tampón fosfato y plasma seminal puro (100%). Resultados: En los caballos de silla el plasma seminal no afectó a los parámetros estudiados (p>0,05), pero se apreció un posible efecto tóxico del plasma seminal puro sobre las características espermáticas. E n las muestras con plasma seminal de los caballos de tiro, se observaron unos índices mejores en espermatozoides vivos con acrosoma intacto que en las muestras control. A simismo se obtuvo un porcentaje menor en espermatozoides reaccionados que en las muestras control, encontrando en esta categoría una diferencia significativa (p<0,05). Conclusiones: La incubación de los espermatozoides descongelados con plasma seminal puede frenar la reacción acrosómica, reflejado este hecho, en los bajos porcentajes de espermatozoides que han sufrido la verdadera reacción acrosómica (AU)


Background and objectives: S tallion sperm cryopreservation offers benefits not available in cooled semen. However various factors affect the success of artificial insemination with frozen-thawed equine semen. T his study aims to evaluate if adding different concentrations of seminal plasma on frozen-thawed equine spermatozoa affects sperm motility, viability and membrane status. Material and Methods: D ifferent breeds were used; four saddle stallions and two draft stallions. I n the first experiment thawed semen was centrifuged and in the second one it was not. Subsequent to that, the spermatozoa resuspended with 10, 20, 30% seminal plasma in phosphate buffered saline and pure seminal plasma (100%). Results: semen parameters of saddle stallions were not affected (p>0,05), but a possible toxic effect of pure seminal plasma was observed on sperm characteristics. S eminal plasma samples in draft breed got better rates in viable sperm with intact acrosome. A lower percentage was also found on spermatozoa with acrosome reaction than in control samples. T his category showed signif icant differences (p<0,05). Conclusions: Post-thawing spermatozoa incubation with seminal plasma can stop acrosome reaction, due to the low percentage of spermatozoa suffering true acrosome reaction (AU)


Subject(s)
Animals , Reproductive Techniques/veterinary , Semen Preservation/methods , Insemination, Artificial/veterinary , Horses , Sperm Banks/methods , Acrosome Reaction , Sperm Motility
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