The Correlation of Paternal Age on Semen Parameters in Assisted Reproduction: A Retrospective Study in Qassim, Saudi Arabia.

INTRODUCTION: In the past, fertility concerns have predominantly revolved around the effect of a woman's age on the quality of her eggs and the success of her pregnancy. While men generally retain their ability to father children throughout their lives, there is evidence suggesting a decline in natural conception rates as paternal age increases. A growing body of research indicates a potential link between advanced paternal age (APA) and various adverse outcomes, including changes in sperm genetics, reduced conception rates, higher rates of miscarriage, lower live birth rates, and even long-term health consequences in offspring. However, it remains unclear whether there is an association between APA and the effectiveness of assisted reproductive technology (ART). This study aims to shed light on the relationship between APA and semen parameters. METHODOLOGY: This is a retrospective, descriptive study analyzing data from electronic medical records of men undergoing ART at a fertility clinic in Saudia Arabia (2017-2022). Men aged 21-60 with at least one semen analysis and no missing data/hormonal treatment were included. Data on age and semen parameters (count, motility, and morphology) were extracted and analyzed using Jeffreys's Amazing Statistics Program (JASP; University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands) (descriptive statistics, Spearman's rank correlation). RESULTS: Analysis of 1506 men undergoing ART revealed a mean age of 37 years (SD=6.94) and a mean sperm count of 55.0 million/mL (SD=46.05). The correlation between age and sperm count indicates a minimal association (r=0.075, p<0.01); moderate positive correlations were observed between sperm count and motility (r=0.406); count and morphology (r=0.543); and motility and morphology (r=0.458). CONCLUSION: Age may not be a major factor in overall sperm parameters for this population, but a strong positive correlation was observed between sperm count, motility, and normal morphology. These findings suggest that these semen parameters are interconnected, with higher sperm counts potentially indicating better overall sperm quality.

Association between spectrum of mycotoxins and semen quality: A cross-sectional study in Beijing, China.

Exposure to mycotoxins is unavoidable in daily life through ingestion, dermal, and inhalation routes. Toxicological studies found that exposure to mycotoxins might affect male reproductive function. However, there is still a lack of population evidence. We aimed to assess the association of individual and joint exposure to spectrum of mycotoxins with semen quality. The present study included 192 participants in Beijing, China. We measured conventional semen parameters and assessed semen quality. Sixty-seven traditional or emerging mycotoxins were determined to describe the spectrum of mycotoxins. The participants were widely exposed to multiple mycotoxins, and nearly half were simultaneously exposed to more than six mycotoxins. After adjusting potential confounders, logistic regression indicated that the number and concentration of plasma mycotoxin were correlated to the risk of low semen quality. Plasma beauvericin and citrinin concentrations were associated with lower semen quality. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression showed similar results to logistic regression. Quantile-based g-computation and Bayesian kernel machine regression models found that the mixture of mycotoxins was harmful to semen quality, especially in sperm motility. In conclusion, both individual and mixture of mycotoxin exposure were correlated with lower semen quality. More regulations and measures should be taken to reduce mycotoxin contamination.

Cr (VI)-induced ribosomal DNA copy number variation is associated with semen quality impairment: Evidence from human to animal study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the possible role of rDNA copy number variation in the association between hexavalent chromium [Cr (VI)] exposure and semen quality in semen donors and further confirm this association in mice. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, whole blood and semen samples were collected from 155 semen donors in the Zhejiang Human Sperm Bank from January 1st to April 31st, 2021. Adult C57BL/6 J male mice were treated with different doses of Cr (VI) (0, 10, or 15 mg/kg b.w./day). Semen quality, including semen volume, total spermatozoa count, sperm concentration, progressive motility, and total motility, were analyzed according to the WHO laboratory manual. Cr concentration was detected using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The rDNA copy number was measured using qPCR. RESULTS: In semen donors, whole blood Cr concentration was negatively associated with semen concentration and total sperm counts. Semen 5 S and 45 S rDNA copy numbers were negatively associated with whole blood Cr concentration and whole blood 5.8 S rDNA copy number was negatively associated with semen Cr concentration. In mice, Cr (VI) damaged testicular tissue, decreased semen quality, and caused rDNA copy number variation. Semen quality was related to the rDNA copy number in whole blood, testicular tissue, and semen samples in mice. CONCLUSION: Cr (VI) was associated with decreased semen quality in semen donors and mice. Our findings suggest an in-depth analysis of the role of the rDNA copy number variation in the Cr (VI)-induced impairment of semen quality.

Source and level of dietary iron influence semen quality by affecting inflammation, oxidative stress and iron utilization levels in boars.

BACKGROUND: Boars fed a mixed form of inorganic and organic iron in excess of the NRC recommended levels still develop anemia, which suggested that the current level and form of iron supplementation in boar diets may be inappropriate. Therefore, 56 healthy Topeka E line boars aged 15-21 months were randomly divided into 5 groups: basal diet supplemented with 96 mg/kg ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) and 54 mg/kg glycine chelated iron (Gly-Fe, control); 80 mg/kg or 115 mg/kg Gly-Fe; 80 mg/kg or 115 mg/kg methionine hydroxyl analogue chelated iron (MHA-Fe, from Calimet-Fe) for 16 weeks. The effects of dietary iron supplementation with different sources and levels on semen quality in boars were investigated. RESULTS: 1) Serum Fe and hemoglobin concentrations were not affected by reduced dietary iron levels in the 80 mg/kg or 115 mg/kg Gly-Fe and MHA-Fe groups compared with the control group (P > 0.05). 2) Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and sperm malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the 80 mg/kg or 115 mg/kg MHA-Fe groups were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05), and higher serum superoxide dismutase levels and lower MDA levels in the 115 mg/kg MHA-Fe group (P < 0.05). 3) Boars in the 80 mg/kg or 115 mg/kg Gly-Fe and MHA-Fe groups had lower serum hepcidin (P < 0.01), ferritin (P < 0.05), and transferrin receptor (P < 0.01) concentrations, and boars in the 115 mg/kg MHA-Fe group had higher seminal plasma Fe concentrations compared with the control group. 4) Boars in the 80 mg/kg and 115 mg/kg MHA-Fe groups had lower abnormal sperm rate and in situ oscillating sperm ratio compared to the control group at weeks 12 and/or 16 of the trial. However, the effect of Gly-Fe on improving semen quality in boars was not evident. 5) Serum IL-6 level was positively correlated with hepcidin concentration (P < 0.05), which in turn was significantly positively correlated with abnormal sperm rate (P < 0.05). Furthermore, significant correlations were also found between indicators of iron status and oxidative stress and semen quality parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary supplementation with 80 mg/kg or 115 mg/kg MHA-Fe did not induce iron deficiency, but rather reduced serum inflammatory levels and hepcidin concentration, alleviated oxidative stress, increased body iron utilization, and improved semen quality in adult boars.

Selection based on the Breeding Soundness Evaluation is associated with the improvement of the reproductive quality of young Nellore bulls.

Breeding soundness evaluation (BSE) is the best methodology to estimate the fertility potential of future bulls and performing indirect selection for their fertility. However, the outcome of the BSE is influenced by several factors, including genetics, environment, and BSE guidelines. Herein, in this retrospective study, our first aim was to characterize the reasons for failure in 46,566 BSE from 2-year-old beef Bos indicus bulls (Nellore) born from 1997 to 2018. Our second aim was to determine whether or not BSE was associated with reproductive potential improvement of the bulls over the years. Due to changes in the BSE criteria, we used the same dataset, but only bulls born from 2002 to 2018 were included resulting in 35,856 BSE. For the second aim, the effect of the year and farm were included in the model of the multivariate logistic regression. We also determined if the main reasons for BSE failure decreased over time. Bulls were classified as approved (satisfactory potential breeders and qualified for natural breeding service) and not approved (deferred and unsatisfactory potential breeders). The reasons for BSE failure in Nellore bulls were poor semen quality (53.1 %) and physical defects (46.9 %), with the main physical defect being testis abnormalities (19.7 %). The overall percentage of bulls approved each year was 87.1 %, with no improvement over the years of study. However, the percentage of approved bulls at the first BSE increased over the years (P < 0.05). This increase was evident by a reduction in the difference between the overall percentage of the bulls approved vs the percentage of bulls approved at the first BSE. Furthermore, there was an increase in the percentage of bulls classified as satisfactory potential breeders in the BSE and an evident decrease in the percentage of bulls qualified only for natural breeding service (P < 0.05). In addition, an increase of the scrotal circumference (SC) of the herd was found (P < 0.05). These results indicate the overall quality of the bulls improved over the years. To associate and identify the main sperm abnormalities, 3461 not approved bulls were clustered. The most frequent defects were strongly coiled tail spermatozoa, proximal droplets, and acrosomal defects. Overall, there was no change in the frequency of bulls not approved by the sperm morphology nor the frequency of the main sperm abnormalities over the years. Nevertheless, the frequency of the defects remained very low, implying they were controlled. Additionally, abnormalities in the testis decreased over the years and was associated with the increase in the SC of the herd and a decrease of culled bulls due to low SC. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that there is an association between implementation and use of BSE with improvements in the reproductive quality of future generation bulls.

Identification of potential candidate miRNAs related to semen quality in seminal plasma extracellular vesicles and sperms of male duck (Anas Platyrhynchos).

Semen quality is an important indicator that can directly affect fertility. In mammals, miRNAs in seminal plasma extracellular vesicles (SPEVs) and sperms can regulate semen quality. However, relevant regulatory mechanism in duck sperms remains largely unclear. In this study, duck SPEVs were isolated and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), western blot (WB), and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). To identify the important molecules affecting semen quality, we analysed the miRNA expression in sperms and SPEVs of male ducks in high semen quality group ((DHS, DHSE) and low semen quality group (DLS, DLSE). We identified 94 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs in the comparison of DHS vs. DLS, and 21 DE miRNAs in DHSE vs. DLSE. Target genes of SPEVs DE miRNAs were enriched in ErbB signaling pathway, glycometabolism, and ECM-receptor interaction pathways (P < 0.05), while the target genes of sperm DE miRNAs were enriched in ribosome (P < 0.05). The miRNA-target-pathway interaction network analyses indicated that 5 DE miRNAs (miR-34c-5p, miR-34b-3p, miR-449a, miR-31-5p, and miR-128-1-5p) targeted the largest number of target genes enriched in MAPK, Wnt and calcium signaling pathways, of which FZD9 and ANAPC11 were involved in multiple biological processes related to sperm functions, indicating their regulatory effects on sperm quality. The comparison of DE miRNAs of SPEVs and sperms found that mir-31-5p and novel-273 could potentially serve as biomarkers for semen quality detection. Our findings enhance the insight into the crucial role of SPEV and sperm miRNAs in regulating semen quality and provide a new perspective for subsequent studies.

Improving semen quality of rams fed with ration containing protected maggot oil.

The study aimed to to evaluate the effect of feeding protected maggot oil at different levels on the ram sperm quality. The study used 15 local rams with an age of approximately 10-12 months and an initial weight of 19.99 ± 3.97 kg. The feeding rate was 4% of body weight per day. Feed was given 3 times a day, specifically in the morning (08.00 WIB), afternoon (12.00 WIB) and evening (16.00 WIB). Water was provided ad libitum. This study used 3 treatments and 5 groups as replicates. The treatments used concentrates with different levels of protected maggot oil: P0(0% protected maggot oil (control)), P1(4% protected maggot oil), and P2(8% protected maggot oil). The variables measured were nutrient consumption, blood cholesterol levels, scrotal circumference, and sperm quality. Blood cholesterol and scrotal circumference measured at the end of the experimental diet. Semen samples were collected and analysed before and at the end of the experimental diet. The data obtained were analysed using ANOVA, with further testing using Duncan's test for significant differences. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the consumption of dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, scrotal circumference, volume, colour, pH of semen, sperm concentration, live percentage, abnormal percentage, plasma membrane, and acrosome integrity of spermatozoa. There were significantly (p < 0.05) produced higher consumption of oleic and palmitic acids in 8% protected maggot oil compared to 4% treatments, the treatments containing 4% and 8% protected maggot oil produced significantly (p < 0.05) higher consumption of lauric and myristic acids, blood cholesterol levels, and sperm motility than the control. The result indicates that protected maggot oil up to 8% in the ram diet have positive effect on improving the microscopic quality of ram sperm, i.e. increased sperm motility.

Association of urinary metal element with semen quality: a cross-sectional study from Eastern China.

The effect of metallic elements on semen quality remains controversial, with limited evidence on the effects of metal mixtures. We conducted a study involving 338 participants from multiple centers in Eastern China, measuring 17 urinary metals and semen quality parameters. Our analysis used various statistical models, including multivariate logistic and linear regression, Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression, and weighted quantile sum models, to examine the associations between metal levels and semen quality. Logistic regression showed that higher urinary lead was associated with increased risk of abnormal sperm concentration (OR = 1.86, p = 0.021), arsenic to higher abnormal progressive motility risk (OR = 1.49, p = 0.027), and antimony to greater abnormal total motility risk (OR = 1.37, p = 0.018). Conversely, tin was negatively correlated with the risk of abnormal progressive motility (OR = 0.76, p = 0.012) and total motility (OR = 0.74, p = 0.003), respectively. Moreover, the linear models showed an inverse association between barium and sperm count, even after adjusting for other metals (ß = - 0.32, p < 0.001). Additionally, the WQS models showed that the metal mixture may increase the risk of abnormal total motility (ßWQS = 0.55, p = 0.046). In conclusion, semen quality may be adversely affected by exposure to metals such as arsenic, barium, lead, and antimony. The combined effect of the metal mixture appears to be particularly impaired total motility.

The Effects of Different Antimicrobial Peptides (A-11 and AP19) on Isolated Bacteria from Fresh Boar Semen and Semen Quality during Storage at 18 °C.

Antibiotic resistance (AMR) is a major public health concern. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) could be an alternative to conventional antibiotics. The purpose of this research was to investigate the antimicrobial ability of the synthetic AMPs (i.e., A-11 and AP19) on the most frequently isolated bacteria in boar semen and their effect on extended boar semen quality during storage. We tested the antimicrobial effect of A-11 and AP19 at different concentrations and compared them with gentamicin for inhibiting the growth of E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis that were isolated from fresh boar semen. In order to evaluate the effect of AMP on semen qualities on days 0, 1, 3, and 5 after storage at 18 °C, seven fresh boar semen samples were collected, diluted with semen extender with antibiotic (i.e., gentamicin at 200 µg/mL, positive control) or without (negative control), and semen extender contained only A-11 or AP19 at different concentrations (i.e., 62.50, 31.25, and 15.625 µg/mL). The total bacterial count was also measured at 0, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h after storage. Comparable to gentamicin, both A-11 and AP19 inhibited the growth of E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Proteus mirabilis at 62.50, 31.25, and 15.625 µg/mL, respectively. Comparing the total bacterial count at 0, 24, 36, 48 and 72 h after storage, the lowest total bacterial concentration was found in the positive control group (p < 0.05), and an inferior total bacterial concentration was found in the treatment groups than in the negative control. On day 1, there is a lower percentage of all sperm parameters in the AP19 group at a concentration of 62.50 µg/mL compared with the other groups. On day 3, the highest percentage of all sperm parameters was found in the positive control and A-11 at a concentration of 31.25 µg/mL compared with the other groups. The AP19 group at 62.5 µg/mL constantly yielded inferior sperm parameters. On day 5, only A-11 at a concentration of 15.625 µg/mL showed a total motility higher than 70%, which is comparable to the positive control. A-11 and AP19 showed antimicrobial activity against E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis isolated from boar semen. Considering their effect on semen quality during storage, these antimicrobial peptides are an alternative to conventional antibiotics used in boar semen extenders. Nevertheless, the utilization of these particular antimicrobial peptides relied on the concentration and duration of storage.

A pharmacovigilance study of drug-reduced male semen quality based on the Food and Drug Administration adverse event reporting system database.

BACKGROUND: Real-world big data studies on drug-reduced male semen quality are few and far between, with most studies based on animal trials, small scale retrospective studies, or a limited number of pre-market clinical trials. METHODS: This study aimed to identify culprit drugs that reduced male semen quality based on the United States Food and Drug Administration adverse event reporting system. The Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities preferred terms and standardized Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities queries were used to define reduced male semen quality. Adverse events related to drug-reduced male semen quality were then analyzed by disproportionality analysis using the United States Food and Drug Administration adverse event reporting system data between 2004 and 2023. RESULTS: At the preferred term level, 59 drugs with risk signals were detected to be associated with drug-reduced male semen quality, with the three most frequently reported second-level Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical groups being antineoplastic agents (n = 16, 27.12%), psychoanaleptics (n = 9, 15.25%), and psycholeptics (n = 6, 10.17%). At the standardized Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities queries level, the five drugs with the greatest number of cases were finasteride (845 cases, IC025 = 7.72), dutasteride (163 cases, IC025 = 7.22), tamsulosin (148 cases, IC025 = 5.99), testosterone (101 cases, IC025 = 4.08), and valproic acid (54 cases, IC025 = 2.44). Additionally, clinical information about drug-reduced male semen quality is absent from the Summary of Product Characteristics of 41 drugs in our study. CONCLUSIONS: Using the United States Food and Drug Administration adverse event reporting system database, we offer a list of drugs with risk signals for reducing male semen quality. In the future, there is still a need for more studies on drugs whose effects on male semen quality are not fully understood.

Recent decline in sperm motility among donor candidates at a sperm bank in Denmark.

STUDY QUESTION: Has there been variation in semen quality among men applying to be sperm donors (i.e. donor candidates) in Denmark in recent years (2017-2022)? SUMMARY ANSWER: The motile sperm concentration and total motile sperm count (TMSC) in ejaculates-both measures of sperm quality-declined by as much as 22% from 2019 to 2022. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Questions remain about whether human semen quality has declined in recent years. Whilst some studies provide evidence for a decline in human semen quality, these findings have been disputed owing to potential biases in the populations studied or in the methods used to measure semen quality. Resolution of this issue has important implications for human fertility, as well as for those involved in the recruitment of sperm donors for use in medically assisted reproduction. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: We obtained data on the semen quality of ejaculates previously collected from 2017 to 2022 at sperm bank locations in four cities in Denmark: Aarhus, Aalborg, Copenhagen, and Odense. Our study focuses on the single semen samples provided by 6758 donor candidates aged between 18 and 45 years old to determine whether their sperm quality met a minimum criterion for them to be accepted as sperm donors. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: All ejaculates were analyzed within 1 hour of production. Semen volume (ml) was estimated by weight and both the concentration (106/ml) of sperm as well as the concentration of motile sperm (World Health Organization grades a and b) were measured using the same protocols and computer-assisted semen analysis system across all years at each site. Statistical analyses of the semen variables were controlled for age and donation site, as well as the average monthly high temperature when the ejaculate was produced. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: From 2017 to 2019, semen volume, sperm concentration, and total sperm count in the ejaculates of donor candidates increased by 2-12%. Then, from 2019 to 2022, sperm concentration and total sperm count changed by 0.1-5% from year to year, but none of those changes were statistically significant. In contrast, both motile sperm concentration and TMSC declined significantly, by 16% and 22%, respectively, between 2019 and 2022. Thus, the concentration of motile sperm in donor candidates declined from 18.4 [95% CL: 17.0, 20.0] million/ml in 2019 to 15.5 [14.4, 16.7] million/ml in 2022, and TMSC declined from 61.4 [55.8, 67.5] million per ejaculate in 2019 to 48.1 [44.1, 52.4] million in 2022. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: We cannot determine from the available data the causes of the decline in semen quality of donor candidates from 2019 to 2022. However, as this period coincides with lockdowns and changes in work patterns during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, it is possible that changes in motile sperm concentration and TMSC were the result of changes in the lifestyles of the men whose semen was analyzed. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Men providing initial semen samples at sperm banks, when applying to be sperm donors, are a useful population in which to monitor changes in human semen quality over time. Our results have implications for human fertility and the recruitment of sperm donors for medically assisted reproduction, where motile sperm concentration is an essential selection criterion because it influences fertility. We suggest that gathering health and lifestyle data on donor candidates at sperm banks might help to identify causal factors for the decline of sperm quality that could be addressed and intervention, if desired, could be personalized for each accepted donor. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): No external funding was obtained for this study. E.L. and A.-B.S. are employees of Cryos International. AP reports paid consultancy for Cryos International, Cytoswim Ltd, Exceed Health, and Merck Serono in the last 2 years of this study, but all monies were paid to the University of Sheffield (former employer). AP is also an unpaid trustee of the Progress Educational Trust (Charity Number 1139856). RM declares support from Cryos International to present results of this research at ESHRE 2023. None of the authors were directly involved in the collection or physical analysis of semen samples. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

COVID-19 and male fertility: short- and long-term impacts of asymptomatic vs. symptomatic infection on male reproductive potential.

Background: Studies exploring the effect of COVID-19 on male reproductive system suggest a detrimental association, however with conflicting results. The aim of this study was to assess the association between COVID-19 infection and male reproductive potential including hormone profiles and semen parameters. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 48 patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection. Patients were subdivided into an asymptomatic group (n = 30) and a group with COVID-19 symptoms (n = 18). Serum hormone levels including testosterone, LH, FSH and estradiol were collected during active infection (baseline, time 0), and at 3 and 6 months following COVID-19 infection. Semen samples (basic semen analysis and oxidation reduction potential) were examined at 3 and 6 months following infection. Student and paired-t tests were used to compare continuous variables between the study groups and across the studied time intervals, respectively. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed to explore predictors for COVID-19 symptoms during active infection. Results: Patients with COVID-19 symptoms were significantly older (p = 0.02) and had significantly lower serum testosterone levels (p = 0.01) and significantly higher LH: testosterone ratio (p = 0.01) than asymptomatic patients. Multivariate analysis revealed older age (OR = 1.18, p = 0.03) and lower serum testosterone level (OR = 0.8, p = 0.03) as independent predictors of symptomatic COVID-19 infection. Significant increase in testosterone (p < 0.001 for both) and decrease in LH (p = 0.02, p = 0.007) and LH: testosterone (p = 0.02, p = 0.005) levels were observed at 3 and 6 months in patients with COVID-19 symptoms. Asymptomatic patients demonstrated significant increase in testosterone (p = 0.02) and decrease in LH: testosterone (p = 0.04) levels only at 3 months following COVID-19 infection. No significant differences were observed between the two study groups with regards to the semen analysis results obtained at 3 or 6 months following COVID-19 infection. Conclusion: Significantly lower testosterone values are associated with worse disease severity among men with COVID-19 infection. This association appears to be temporary as a significant increase in testosterone levels are witnessed as early as 3 months following recovery. No significant detrimental effect for COVID-19 infection on testicular sperm production is found in this patient population.

Integrative Assessment of Seminal Plasma Biomarkers: A Narrative Review Bridging the Gap between Infertility Research and Clinical Practice.

Infertility represents a significant global health challenge impacting millions of couples worldwide. Approximately half of all infertile couples exhibit compromised semen quality, indicative of diminished male fertility. While the diagnosis of male infertility traditionally relies on semen analysis, its limitations in providing a comprehensive assessment of male reproductive health have spurred efforts to identify novel biomarkers. Seminal plasma, a complex fluid containing proteins, lipids, and metabolites, has emerged as a rich source of such indicators. Reproduction depends heavily on seminal plasma, the primary transporter of chemicals from male reproductive glands. It provides a non-invasive sample for urogenital diagnostics and has demonstrated potential in the identification of biomarkers linked to illnesses of the male reproductive system. The abundance of seminal proteins has enabled a deeper understanding of their biological functions, origins, and differential expression in various conditions associated with male infertility, including azoospermia, asthenozoospermia, oligozoospermia, teratozoospermia, among others. The true prevalence of male infertility is understated due to the limitations of the current diagnostic techniques. This review critically evaluates the current landscape of seminal plasma biomarkers and their utility in assessing male infertility. Βy bridging the gap between research and clinical practice, the integrative assessment of seminal plasma biomarkers offers a multimodal approach to comprehensively evaluate male infertility.

The effects of radiofrequency exposure on male fertility: A systematic review of human observational studies with dose-response meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) is bringing together evidence on radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure in relation to health outcomes, previously identified as priorities for research and evaluation by experts in the field, to inform exposure guidelines. A suite of systematic reviews have been undertaken by a network of topic experts and methodologists to collect, assess and synthesise data relevant to these guidelines. Following the WHO handbook for guideline development and the COSTER conduct guidelines, we systematically reviewed the evidence on the potential effects of RF-EMF exposure on male fertility in human observational studies. METHODS: We conducted a broad and sensitive search for potentially relevant records within the following bibliographic databases: MEDLINE; Embase; Web of Science and EMF Portal. We also conducted searches of grey literature through relevant databases including OpenGrey, and organisational websites and consulted RF-EMF experts. We hand searched reference lists of included study records and for citations of these studies. We included quantitative human observational studies on the effect of RF-EMF exposure in adult male participants on infertility: sperm concentration; sperm morphology; sperm total motility; sperm progressive motility; total sperm count; and time to pregnancy. Titles and abstracts followed by full texts were screened in blinded duplicate against pre-set eligibility criteria with consensus input from a third reviewer as required. Data extraction from included studies was completed by two reviewers, as was risk of bias assessment using the Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) tool. We conducted a dose-response meta-analysis as possible and appropriate. Certainty of the evidence was assessed by two reviewers using the OHAT GRADE tool with input from a third reviewer as required. RESULTS: We identified nine studies in this review; seven were general public studies (with the general public as the population of interest) and two were occupational studies (with specific workers/workforces as the population of interest). General public studies. Duration of phone use: The evidence is very uncertain surrounding the effects of RF-EMF on sperm concentration (10/6 mL) (MD (mean difference) per hour of daily phone use 1.6 106/mL, 95 % CI -1.7 to 4.9; 3 studies), sperm morphology (MD 0.15 percentage points of deviation of normal forms per hour, 95 % CI -0.21 to 0.51; 3 studies), sperm progressive motility (MD -0.46 percentage points per hour, 95 % CI -1.04 to 0.13; 2 studies) and total sperm count (MD per hour -0.44 106/ejaculate, 95 % CI -2.59 to 1.7; 2 studies) due to very low-certainty evidence. Four additional studies reported on the effect of mobile phone use on sperm motility but were unsuitable for pooling; only one of these studies identified a statistically significant effect. All four studies were at risk of exposure characterisation and selection bias; two of confounding, selective reporting and attrition bias; three of outcome assessment bias and one used an inappropriate statistical method. Position of phone: There may be no or little effect of carrying a mobile phone in the front pocket on sperm concentration, total count, morphology, progressive motility or on time to pregnancy. Of three studies reporting on the effect of mobile phone location on sperm total motility and, or, total motile count, one showed a statistically significant effect. All three studies were at risk of exposure characterisation and selection bias; two of confounding, selective reporting and attrition bias; three of outcome assessment bias and one used inappropriate statistical method. RF-EMF Source: One study indicates there may be little or no effect of computer or other electric device use on sperm concentration, total motility or total count. This study is at probably high risk of exposure characterisation bias and outcome assessment bias. Occupational studies. With only two studies of occupational exposure to RF-EMF and heterogeneity in the population and exposure source (technicians exposed to microwaves or seamen exposed to radar equipment), it was not plausible to statistically pool findings. One study was at probably or definitely high risk of bias across all domains, the other across domains for exposure characterisation bias, outcome assessment bias and confounding. DISCUSSION: The majority of evidence identified was assessing localised RF-EMF exposure from mobile phone use on male fertility with few studies assessing the impact of phone position. Overall, the evidence identified is very uncertain about the effect of RF-EMF exposure from mobile phones on sperm outcomes. One study assessed the impact of other RF-EMF sources on male fertility amongst the general public and two studies assessed the impact of RF-EMF exposure in occupational cohorts from different sources (radar or microwave) on male fertility. Further prospective studies conducted with greater rigour (in particular, improved accuracy of exposure measurement and appropriate statistical method use) would build the existing evidence base and are required to have greater certainty in any potential effects of RF-EMF on male reproductive outcomes. Prospero Registration: CRD42021265401 (SR3A).

Fertility preservation in male adolescents with cancer (2011-2020): A retrospective study in China.

BACKGROUND: According to the studies, more than 80% of pediatric patients with cancer can achieve a survival rate greater than 5 years; however, long-term chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy may seriously affect their reproductive ability. Fertility preservation in adolescents with cancer in China was initiated late, and related research is lacking. Analyze data to understand the current situation and implement measures to improve current practices. METHODS: From 2011 to 2020, data on 275 male adolescents with cancer whose age ranged from 0 to 19 years old were collected from 16 human sperm banks for this retrospective study. Methods include comparing the basic situation of male adolescents with cancer, the distribution of cancer types, and semen quality to analyze the status of fertility preservation. RESULTS: The mean age was 17.39 ± 1.46 years, with 13 cases (4.7%) aged 13-14 years and 262 cases (95.3%) aged 15-19 years. Basic diagnoses included leukemia (55 patients), lymphomas (76), germ cell and gonadal tumors (65), epithelial tumors (37), soft tissue sarcomas (14), osteosarcoma (7), brain tumors (5), and other cancers (16). There are differences in tumor types in different age stages and regions. The tumor type often affects semen quality, while age affects semen volume. Significant differences were found in sperm concentration and progressive motility before and after treatment (p < 0.001). Moreover, 90.5% of patients had sperm in their semen and sperm were frozen successfully in 244 patients (88.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The aim of this study is to raise awareness of fertility preservation in male adolescents with cancer, to advocate for fertility preservation prior to gonadotoxic therapy or other procedures that may impair future fertility, and to improve the fertility status of future patients.

Impact of heat waves on semen quality: A retrospective study in Argentina between 2005 and 2023.

Heat waves, defined as periods with daily temperatures surpassing the historical average for a specific region, have become more frequent worldwide in recent years. Previous studies have reported a negative association between temperature and semen quality, but the focus has mainly been on Asian and European populations. The study included 54,926 men (18-60 years) undergoing routine semen analysis between 2005 and 2023 at CEUSA-LAEH andrology unit, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Hourly temperature readings were provided by the Servicio Meteorológico Nacional. R programming (R Studio v2022.07.2) was used to define heat waves, calculate key characteristics, visualize results, and perform statistical tests at the IBYME laboratory. During the period studied, a total of 124 days had heat waves (defined after at least 3 consecutive days with 32.3 °C and 22 °C). Men exposed to heat waves during spermatogenesis exhibited lower sperm number (concentration and count; P < 0.0001) and decreased normal morphology (percentage of normal sperm and normal motile count; P < 0.05) compared to those not exposed. These differences were most pronounced between semen samples from years with several heat waves (2013, 2023) and none (2005, 2007, 2016), displaying 4-5 times higher fold changes (P < 0.05). Further analysis employing multiple regression revealed a significantly negative association between semen quality and heat wave length, suggesting that a prolonged exposure may be more detrimental than an acute exposure. Subsequent analysis focusing on prolonged exposure (≥6-days heat wave) during spermatogenesis revealed a negative (P < 0.05) association between early exposure (spermatocytogenesis: 64-90 days prior semen collection) and semen quality. This study underscores the negative association between early exposure to heat waves during sperm development and semen quality, raising concerns about its possible association with the worldwide declining male fertility. A comprehensive collaborative approach is crucial, involving global governmental policies, sustainable practices, and coordinated efforts across scientific, healthcare, and policy domains.

The Effect of Endurance Exercise on Semen Quality in Male Athletes: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Endurance exercise has the potential to affect reproductive function, with amenorrhea in female athletes. However, most studies focus on women. Evidence on the association between endurance exercise and male fertility is limited. OBJECTIVE: To synthesise existing literature on exercise-induced alterations in semen parameters and to assess the clinical impact on male fertility. METHODS: Studies reporting on the association between semen parameters and endurance exercise in healthy men were eligible. Men attending fertility clinics were excluded. We searched MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), ClinicalTrials.gov and International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) from their inception to May 28th 2022. JBI Critical Appraisal Tool was used to assess the potential risk of bias. RESULTS: Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria, reporting on 280 subjects. Eight articles reported on endurance runners, three on cyclists and four on triathletes. Four studies did not find any statistically significant sperm alterations. Five reported significant changes in semen parameters, but these were not clinically relevant, as semen parameters remained well above World Health Organisation (WHO) thresholds. Four articles reported a decrease in semen quality with potential clinical consequences as they found a reduced number of sperm cells exhibiting normal morphology in cyclists and triathletes and a greater amount of DNA fragmentation in triathletes. CONCLUSION: Endurance exercise can have a negative effect on semen quality, although rarely with a clinically relevant impact on male fertility. Evidence is however limited, with poor quality of the included studies. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO International prospective register of systematic reviews (CRD42022336753).

Association between post-COVID-19 conditions and male semen quality in Japan: A descriptive investigation.

Some reports suggest that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may affect male reproductive function. There is also concern in Japan that COVID-19 may contribute to the pre-existing decline in male fertility; however, no studies have investigated the effects of COVID-19 on male reproductive function. In this study, we aimed to analyze the semen quality of men who had recovered from COVID-19. Male patients who had recovered from COVID-19 between February 2020 and September 2021 were recruited for this study. Participants were sent a semen collection kit; they were asked to collect semen at home and deliver it to a laboratory at Osaka University. We used these samples to analyze sperm concentration, total sperm count, and semen volume. In total, 125 participants were included in this study. The median age of all patients was 46 years (interquartile range (IQR): 38-52 years). The severity of COVID-19 was mild in 80 patients; 19 were moderate I, 22 were moderate II, and four were severe. The median semen volume was 2.5 mL (IQR: 1.8-3.1), the median sperm concentration was 98.9 million/mL (IQR: 43.8-162.2), and the median total sperm count was 212.1 million (IQR: 89.7-368.2). In a previous study in Japan, the median sperm count in adult men was reported to be 201 million. Participants in our study did not have lower sperm counts than this, despite their older age. Our results suggest that the long-term effects of COVID-19 on spermatogenesis are minimal.

Toxic impacts of arsenic bioaccumulation on urinary arsenic metabolites and semen quality: A systematic and meta-analysis.

This study aims to investigate the effect of arsenic exposure on urinary levels of arsenic metabolites, semen parameters, and testosterone concentrations. A systematic comprehensive literature search was conducted up till 31st January 2024 using Embase, MEDLINE/Pubmed, and Scopus. This study adopted the Population Exposure Comparator Outcome and Study Design (PECOS) framework. Four studies with a total of 380 control subjects and 347 exposed men were included. Arsenic exposure significantly increased urinary levels of total arsenic (Mean Difference (MD) - 53.35 [95 % Confidence Interval (CI): - 100.14, - 6.55] P= 0.03), and reduced primary arsenic methylation index (PMI) (MD 0.22 [95 % CI: 0.14, 0.31] P< 0.00001), semen volume (MD 0.30 [95 % CI: 0.05, 0.54] P= 0.02) and total testosterone (MD 0.48 [95 % CI: 0.23, 0.73] P= 0.0002). In addition, arsenic exposure marginally reduced sperm concentration (MD 25.04 [95 % CI: - 45.42, 95.50] P= 0.49) and total sperm motility (MD 22.89 [95 % CI: - 14.15, 59.94] P= 0.23). The present meta-analysis demonstrates that arsenic exposure lowers semen quality and testosterone levels. Since the general human population is exposed to arsenic occupationally or domestically, adequate strategic measures should be put in place to limit arsenic exposure in an attempt to preserve semen quality. In addition, studies investigating interventions that may inhibit the bioaccumulation of arsenic in men who are exposed are recommended.