Serum oestradiol levels in male partners of infertile couples

A prospective clinical study was performed in the reproduction centre of Ichikawa General Hospital (Chiba, Japan) to investigate the relationship between sperm quality and serum oestradiol (E2) level in male partners of infertile couples. The semen parameters and blood samples were assessed in relation to several variables, including body mass index (BMI) and serum oestradiol (E2) levels. Four hundred and nine male partners of infertile couples aged 22–55 years (mean: 36.5 years) were referred to the reproduction centre. In total, 143 patients (35.0%) were included in the low E2 level group (18 pg ml^?1 ≥ E2). Serum E2 levels were slightly correlated with testosterone levels, BMI and serum FSH levels. Total motile sperm count and morphology were decreased in low E2 level group. In multivariate analysis, serum testosterone, E2 levels, existence of varicocele and age were risk factors for decreased semen quality. Serum E2 might be associated with BMI, serum testosterone level and spermatogenesis.     

The effects of 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) on general toxicity and gonadotoxicity in rats

This study was set to determine if there is a correlation between the general toxic effect and the gonadotoxic effect of DBCP on male rats. Groups of male rats were injected with a single dose of DBCP (50 mg kg-1) dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). Twenty four hours, one and four weeks post injection animals were sacrificed. Blood was collected for enzymes' and hormones' assays. Organs were weighed and testes were taken for histological examination and sperm counts. The results showed that DBCP at a dose of 50 mg kg-1 had a general toxic effect expressed by reduction in body and liver weights and reduced activities of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT). These changes show a tendency to revert to normal values with time. On the other hand, gonadotoxic effects increase in severity with time. The weight of testes and epididymides were reduced, sperm counts decreased and histological damage advanced, and FSH and LH blood levels increased 4 weeks post injection. It seems that in rats the gonadotoxic effect of DBCP is dissociated from the general toxic effects.     

Anogenital distance and reproductive parameters in young men

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between anogenital distance (AGD) measures and semen quality and serum reproductive hormone levels in Caucasian young men from southern Spain. Two variants of AGD [from the anus to the posterior base of the scrotum (AGD_AS) and to the cephalad insertion of the penis (AGD_AP)] were assessed in 215 university students. Semen parameters (semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm counts, motility and morphology) and serum reproductive hormones (follicle stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, inhibin B, testosterone, calculated free testosterone, oestradiol and sex hormone‐binding globulin) were also determined. Associations between AGD measures and the semen quality and reproductive hormone levels were tested using multiple regression analyses. Overall, median sperm concentration was 44.0 × 10⁶ ml^?1 (5th–95th percentiles: 8.9–129 × 10⁶ ml^?1), median total sperm count was 121 × 10⁶ (18.0–400 × 10⁶), and mean (SD) testosterone level was 21.7 nmol/l (6.9). Mean (SD) AGD_AS and AGD_AP measures were 48.3 mm (11.6) and 128 mm (12.0) respectively. In the multivariable analysis, AGD measures were not associated with any semen parameters or any of the reproductive hormone levels, which is in contrast to results of studies of US young men or infertile men. Further research is warranted to confirm these findings.     

Semen quality and reproductive endocrinal function related to blood lead levels in infertile painters

Lead causes male reproductive impairment among painters, but information is still limited. Therefore, the effect of lead on semen quality and reproductive endocrinal function in those patients was investigated. A case series of 27 infertile painters were subjected to semen analysis, measuring of blood lead level (PbB) and serum levels of endocrinal parameters including follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), testosterone (T) and prolactin (PRL). Significantly lower sperm count and motility were found in those with duration of exposure (≥15 years), but no significant difference was found for PbB and serum levels of FSH, LH, PRL and T. A significant negative correlation between PbB and spermatic count and motility was observed, while there was no significant correlation between PbB and all endocrinal parameters. Patients with PbB ≥ 20 μg dl^?1 showed a significant decrease in sperm motility and increase in testosterone alone among all measured hormones. But the observed decrease in sperm count did not reach a significant level. It is concluded that infertile painters are at risk of lead‐related influence on semen quality, especially sperm motility and increased testosterone level without significant affection of other reproductive endocrinal parameters.     

Relationship between semen quality and seminal plasma components: alpha-glucosidase, fructose and citrate in infertile men compared with a normospermic population of Tunisian men

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the secretory function of the male accessory glands and sperm parameters in normospermic controls and infertile patients. One hundred and fifty-nine men were investigated: they were composed of two groups: normospermic ( n  = 37) and infertile ( n  = 122) men with altered sperm characteristics. These infertile men were divided into the following groups: asthenozoospermia ( n  = 38), teratozoospermia ( n  = 40) and asthenoteratozoospermia ( n  = 44). The patients underwent semen analysis and measurements of fructose, neutral alpha-glucosidase and citric acid. The level of fructose was significantly decreased in asthenozoospermic and increased in asthenoteratozoospermic men. It was significantly correlated with semen volume, sperm count, motility and morphology. The seminal alpha-glucosidase levels were significantly correlated with semen volume and pH and citric acid was significantly correlated with pH. Thus, alpha-glucosidase and citric acid levels were associated with semen pH. The significant correlation between semen parameters, accessory glands and epididymal functions highlights the relationship between semen and normal genital tract function.     

Relationship between some reproductive parameters and biochemical properties of blood serum in rams

The objective of the present study was to describe the relationship between some reproductive parameters, hormonal levels, and some biochemical properties of blood serum in rams under the Afyon province conditions. The total protein and globulin were positively (P < 0.01) correlated with sperm motility and sperm concentration in all of rams. Total lipid was negatively (P < 0.05) correlated with sperm motility and concentration in Daglic, and it was positively (P < 0.01) correlated with percentage of abnormal spermatozoa in Chios rams. Total lipid and cholesterol was positively (P < 0.01) correlated with triiodothyronine in all of rams and was negatively (P < 0.05) correlated with testosterone in Daglic rams. Percentage of abnormal spermatozoa were negatively (P < 0.01) correlated with alanine amino transaminase (ALT) level, but were positively (P < 0.01) associated with aspartate amino transaminase (AST) level and AST/ALT ratio in all of rams.     

Combined effects of chronic hyperglycaemia and oral aluminium intoxication on testicular tissue and some male reproductive parameters in Wistar rats

Exposure to either environmental toxicants or chronic hyperglycaemia could impair male reproductive function. However, the extent to which exposure to such toxicants, in the presence of pre‐existing metabolic dysfunction, could affect male reproduction is unclear. Streptozotocin‐induced diabetic Wistar rats (12 weeks old) were exposed to oral aluminium chloride at 250 ppm for 30 days; followed by evaluation of caudal epididymal sperm count and motility, assay for serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (T) and oestradiol; and assessment of testicular histology. Moreover, blood glucose was evaluated by the glucose oxidase method. In rats treated with streptozotocin (STZ) or aluminium (Al) alone, erosion of testicular parenchyma and stroma was observed. This effect was most severe in diabetic rats simultaneously exposed to Al; coupled with reduced caudal epididymal sperm count that was least in this (STZ+Al) group (18.75 × 10⁶ ml^?1) compared with controls (61.25 × 10⁶ ml^?1; P < 0.05), STZ group or Al group. Moreover, these reproductive perturbations (in the STZ+Al group) were associated with reduced sperm motility and significantly reduced serum FSH (P < 0.05); but elevated serum T and oestradiol (P < 0.05), compared with control. These suggest that diabetes‐induced testicular lesion is exacerbated by simultaneous oral Al toxicity in Wistar rats.     

Prognostic value of male diagnostic profiles in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

Possible correlations between male hormone and semen parameters with pregnancy and oocyte fertilization rates following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were investigated. The study is based on 290 couples who underwent ICSI therapy for the first time. The parameters evaluated were male age, serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone, sperm concentration, sperm motility, normal sperm morphology, index of teratozoospermia (TZI) and sperm vitality. A marginal, barely significant association was found between the fertilization rate and serum FSH levels in the male partner ( p =  0.046). There was no relevant association between male parameters and pregnancy rates. The study confirms that male hormonal and semen parameters are of low prognostic value for the outcome of ICSI.     

Semen quality in adult male survivors 5 years after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake

The influence of the Wenchuan earthquake on semen quality of adult male survivors is unclear. We investigated the semen quality included 673 male survivors from the worse‐affected counties in the earthquake between Aug 2008 and July 2013. Semen parameters including pH, volume, concentration, motility and morphology were measured according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Kruskal–Wallis analysis of variance was used to examine the statistical differences between years, and a logistic regression was used to analyse the impacts caused by earthquake on the changes of semen quality. We found the medians (5th and 95th) were 2.5 ml (0.6–5.5) for semen volume, 59.0 × 10⁶ ml^?1 [(13.0–133.0)] × 10⁶ ml^?1 for semen concentration, 46% (13–64%) for sperm progressive motility and 3.0% (0–17.5%) for normal morphology for adult male survivors. Semen concentration, the percentage of sperm progressive motility, total motility and sperm normal morphology were all decreased in the first 3 years, and the differences among years 1, 2 and 3 were significant except the percentage of sperm progressive motility (P < 0.05). The casualties and heavy housing damage caused by earthquake had a negative effect on semen quality. The main findings will provide further diagnosis and therapy basis of male fertility by data, for affected populations in the earthquake.     

Effect of rutin on diabetic‐induced erectile dysfunction: Possible involvement of testicular biomarkers in male rats

The present study aimed to investigate effects of rutin on diabetic‐induced impairments of sexual behaviour, spermatogenesis and oxidative testicular damage. Diabetes was induced by a single injection of STZ (65 mg/kg) in male adult Wistar rats. Two weeks later, rutin (50 and 100 mg kg^?1 day^?1) was treated to normal and diabetic rats for 5 weeks. Sexual behaviour of the animals was observed by taking stimulus females. At the end of the study, sperm count, motility and viability were recorded. Serum levels of glucose, inflammatory markers and testosterone were also estimated. In penile tissue, cGMP levels were measured, while lipid peroxidation and antioxidant molecules and enzyme activities were determined. Finally, histopathological changes were evaluated in a cross‐section of testis. Diabetic‐induced alterations in male sexual behaviour and sperm count, motility and viability were markedly corrected following 5 weeks of rutin treatment to the diabetic animals. Rutin also attenuated the inhibited serum testosterone and penile cGMP content, while improved diabetic‐associated inflammation and testicular lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. Histopathological evaluation revealed damaged testicular tissues in diabetic rats, which was protected following rutin treatment. In conclusion, treatment with rutin improved sexual functionality and also protects against diabetic‐induced testicular damage.     

3,3 diindolylmethane leads to apoptosis,decreases sperm quality,affects blood estradiol 17 β and testosterone,oestrogen (α and β) and androgen receptor levels in the reproductive system in male rats

3,3 Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a major digestive product of indole‐3 carbinol, obtained from Brassica family vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and Brussels sprouts. This study aimed to investigate the effects of DIM on sperm parameters, histological structures of testicular tissues, blood testosterone (T) and estradiol 17‐β (E2) in male rats. Thirty‐eight male Sprague Dawley rats were used. Rats were divided into four groups: Group I: referred as Control group, received corn oil only; Group II: as DIM‐10, rats received 10 mg kg^?1 DIM; Group III: as DIM‐50, rats received 50 mg kg^?1 DIM; Group IV: as DIM‐100, received 100 mg kg^?1 DIM during 53 days. Spermatological parameters, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of testes and serum T and E2 levels were assayed. Histopathological examinations of tests were done. DIM caused an increase in MDA levels. It decreased motility and live sperm rates and increased degeneration of testicular tissues. While DIM‐10 did not affect abnormal sperm rate, higher concentrations increased the abnormalities. Sperm density was higher in DIM‐10 groups when compared to both other groups. Only DIM‐50 had an anti‐androgenic effect among all groups. Only, DIM‐10 showed anti‐estrogenic activity as compared to higher DIM groups. In conclusion, DIM (i) had side effect on some sperm characteristics, (ii) increased the MDA levels and (iii) led to histological degeneration of testicular tissues and apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner.     

Human sperm DNA integrity in normal and abnormal semen samples and its correlation with sperm characteristics

Reports indicate an increase in the incidence of DNA fragmentation in male factor infertility and its role in the outcome of assisted reproductive techniques (ART). However, reports are conflicting between the relationships of sperm DNA integrity with conventional semen parameters. We examined the relationship between conventional sperm parameters and DNA integrity using acridine orange (AO) test. The study included 373 patients and 28 fertile volunteers. DNA normality was compared with semen parameters between the patient and donor populations. Significant correlations were noted between DNA normality and sperm concentration ( r  = 0.18, P  = 0.000), motility ( r =  0.21, P  = 0.0001), rapid motility (0.19, P  = 0.000), normal morphology by World Health Organization ( r =  0.15, P  = 0.019) and head defects ( r =  −0.15, P  = 0.023). A significant difference was noted in AO levels between donors and patients with asthenozoospermia ( P  = 0.002) and oligoasthenozoospermia ( P  = 0.001). A significant difference in DNA integrity was noted in samples having <30% and >30% normal morphology. A wide range of % DNA normality was observed in the patient group. Sperm assessment for DNA status using AO is reliable and shows good correlation with sperm count, motility and morphology. Assessment of sperm DNA status with AO staining may be helpful prior to ART.     

Protective role of Diospyros lotus on cisplatin‐induced changes in sperm characteristics,testicular damage and oxidative stress in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of Diospyros lotus (DL) on cisplatin (CP)‐induced testicular damage in male rats. Twenty‐eight male rats were randomly divided into four groups: group 1 – control, given isotonic saline solution; group 2 – CP 7 mg kg⁻¹ given intraperitoneally as single dose; group 3 – DL 1000 mg kg⁻¹ per day given orally for 10 days; group 4 – CP and DL given together at the same doses. CP caused a significant increase in thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) level and a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) levels in rats testis tissues compared to the control group. CP caused a significant increase in lipid peroxidation in testis tissues compared to the control group, whereas DL led to a significant increase in SOD and GSH levels. However, there were no statistically significant changes in GPx and CAT levels. In addition, serum testosterone levels, sperm concentration and sperm motility were significantly decreased, but abnormal sperm rate and histological changes were increased with CP. However, these effects of CP on sperm parameters, histological changes and the tissue weights were eliminated by DL treatment. In conclusion, our study showed that the reproductive toxicity caused by CP may be prevented by DL treatment.     

Evaluation of the protective effect of quercetin against cisplatin‐induced renal and testis tissue damage and sperm parameters in rats

The protective effect of quercetin on cisplatin‐induced renal and testicular tissue damage was investigated using biochemical, histopathological and histological approaches. A total of 40 male rats were divided into 5 groups as follows: control; cisplatin alone; quercetin alone; cisplatin + quercetin; and quercetin + cisplatin. Cisplatin was administered to rats at a single dose of 7 mg kg^?1 intraperitoneal. Quercetin was administered by gavage daily for 10 days at dosage 50 mg kg^?1. At the end of the study serum, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels and total oxidant status (TOS) were determined. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and xanthine oxidase (XO) were studied separately in serum, renal tissue and testicular tissue. Renal and testicular morphological alterations were assessed, histopathologically. Epididymal sperm concentration, motility and morphology were investigated. Testicular and renal TAC and TOS values did not alter significantly. Renal CAT levels were increased by cisplatin and cisplatin plus quercetin groups that is reversed by administration of quercetin before cisplatin. MDA, CAT, SOD ve XO levels of testicular tissue did not differ significantly. Cisplatin and cisplatin plus quercetin groups had decreased sperm motility ratio and increased abnormal spermatozoa. Quercetin partially reverses some of the cisplatin‐related pathological effects on kidney and testis.     

Dose‐ and time‐dependent effects of Garcinia kola seed extract on sexual behaviour and reproductive parameters in male Wistar rats

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a crude extract of Garcinia kola on male sexual function after subchronic and chronic treatment periods at different sublethal doses. Adult male Wistar rats were treated orally with 100, 200 and 400 mg kg^?1 of a 70% ethanolic extract of G. kola daily for 56 days. Sexual behaviour studies were performed on days 28 and 50. At termination on day 56, organ weights, sperm count, reproductive hormone levels and testicular histology were assessed. Subchronic and chronic treatment of normal male rats with G. kola extract resulted in overall increase in components of libido, erection and ejaculation in treated rats – with lower doses being more efficient than the higher dose. There was a slight reduction in some components of sexual behaviour with prolonged time of treatment. G. kola treatment at all doses resulted in increased testicular weights, increased sperm count with no change in motility and increased serum testosterone levels with no change in gonadotropin levels. Gross testicular histology was not affected by treatment. We conclude that G. kola seed extract possesses potent aphrodisiac activity in male albino rats with resultant increase in sperm count and testosterone levels.     

A study on the association between serum amyloid A and sperm concentration

Our aim was to compare peripheral blood and seminal fluid serum amyloid A (SAA) protein levels in men classified on the basis of sperm concentration and investigate whether SAA protein is an important marker of male infertility. A total of 74 first‐attempt IVF male partners of infertile couples classified as azoospermic (n = 25), oligozoospermic (n = 25) and normozoospermic group (n = 24) were recruited for this cross‐sectional study. There was no difference with respect to age, BMI, infertility period and smoking ratio. No difference in haematologic parameters including white blood cell count, neutrophil ratio, lymphocyte ratio, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and blood SAA level was found between the groups. Seminal fluid SAA level was 17.85 ± 2.21 ng ml^?1 in azoospermics, 16.13 ± 3.58 ng ml^?1 in oligozoospermics and 15.67 ± 4.77 ng ml^?1 in normozoospermics, showing no significant difference. Seminal SAA level was found to be not correlated with blood SAA levels. Therefore, we could not find any associations between these parameters at all. However, further studies with more participants are needed to address the exact action of SAA on spermatogenesis.     

The efficacy,bioavailability and safety of a novel hydroalcoholic testosterone gel 2% in hypogonadal men: results from phase II open‐label studies

Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and safety of a novel hydroalcoholic testosterone gel 2% (TG) were evaluated in phase II sequential dose escalation studies using 3 application sites (thigh, abdomen and shoulder/upper arm) and 2 application methods. Hypogonadal men (n = 40), 18–75 years, with serum testosterone <300 ng dl^?1 were included in both studies. Study 1 evaluated hand‐applied multiple doses of TG 1.25, 2.50 and 3.75 ml (23, 46 and 70 mg of testosterone, respectively), once daily for 10 days to shoulder/upper arm. Study 2 evaluated applicator‐applied (TG 1.25, 2.50 and 3.75 ml) versus hand‐applied (TG 2.5 ml) doses, once daily for 7 days to shoulder/upper arm. Primary endpoint for both studies was responder rate (C_ave testosterone levels between 298 and 1050 ng dl^?1). In Study 1 following multiple applications, >70% participants in each group were responders. Dose‐dependent increase was observed in PK values for total testosterone, free testosterone and DHT. In Study 2, responder rate was dose proportional: 16.7%, 50.0% and 77.8% responders in TG 1.25, 2.50 and 3.75 ml groups respectively. The bioavailability was highest for the shoulder application. There was a significant improvement in almost all the domains of sexual functioning. Applicator‐application was preferred over hand‐application by majority of the participants. TG was found to be safe and well tolerated in hypogonadal men.     

Relationship of inhibin serum level to bioactive and immunoreactive FSH in oligospermic and azoospermic patients

Summary. The purpose of the study described here was to evaluate the relationship between inhibin (INH) and bioactive FSH (B-FSH) or immunoreactive FSH (I-FSH) in oligoazoospermic patients. To accomplish this, the authors measured serum levels of INH, I-FSH, B-FSH, LH and testosterone (T) in 98 male patients attending the Andrology Centre at Malphighi Hospital (Bologna) for infertility workup. On the basis of the mean sperm concentration, patients with sperm output ≥4 × 10⁷ ml^?1 (n = 30) formed the control group (group A), whereas oligozoospermic patients were divided arbitrarily into three groups. Sperm concentrations for these groups ranged as follows: B, 2–4×10⁷ml^?1 (n = 14); C, 5× 10⁶-2× 10⁷ml^?1 (n = 18); D, < 5 × 10⁶ ml^?1 (n = 17). In addition, the authors studied a group of patients with possible nonobstructive azoospermia (n = 19, group E), confirmed in 16 of them through testicular biopsy. There were no significant differences in serum levels of LH and T among groups. However, azoospermic patients had a significant reduction of the T/LH ratio. Similarly, B-FSH and B/I-FSH ratios were significantly elevated only in group E. INH serum levels did not show any appreciable changes among groups and in azoospermic patients INH correlated significantly and in a positive manner with I-FSH serum levels and negatively with B/I-FSH and T/LH ratios. Within the azoospermic patient group no consistent relationship was evident between INH serum concentration and various degrees of spermatogenetic arrest. Indeed, patients having the same qualitative tubular damage, presented low, normal or high INH levels in serum. The failure of serum INH to correlate with the degree of tubular damage may be due either to the fact that the damage to Sertoli cells in azoospermia is not severe enough to decrease cell function, or to the lack of a specific assay for measuring INH.     

Isoflavones and their effects on the onset of puberty in male Wistar rats

This study was performed to determine how two of the most important isoflavones, genistein and daidzein, affect the gonadal axis in male prepuberal rats. One hundred and seventy‐five prepuberal male Wistar rats were allocated into seven groups: one control group and six experimental groups that were orally administered a high or low dose of genistein, daidzein or a mixture of both. Testosterone determination was assayed by EIA. The testes and body weights were measured, and the histology of the epididymis with the sperm content and epididymal sperm count were evaluated. In the control group, we observed an increase in the serum testosterone levels (>2.5 ng ml^?1) at the third week (52 days), which corresponded to the onset of puberty in these rats. The same increase in serum testosterone levels was observed at the fourth week in rats that received low doses of isoflavones; therefore, we concluded that the onset of puberty was delayed. At high doses, there was no significant increase in testosterone levels, which could be related to the fact that these male rats did not reach puberty. These findings were supported by the results obtained from the analysis of the epididymal content as well as the testes/body weight ratio.     

Cryoprotective effect of l‐carnitine on motility,vitality and DNA oxidation of human spermatozoa

Successful cryopreservation for human spermatozoa markedly influences the reproductive outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies. But in spite of its usefulness, cryopreservation significantly decreases sperm quality. l ‐carnitine has been found to improve the quality of spermatozoa in selected cases with male infertility. Here, we examined the efficacy of l ‐carnitine in improving sperm motility and vitality and reducing sperm DNA oxidation during cryopreservation. Semen samples from infertile patients (n = 22) were collected and analysed. Cryopreservation medium supplemented with l ‐carnitine was mixed with the semen at a ratio of 1 : 1 (v/v). The final l ‐carnitine concentration in each cryovial was 0.5 mg ml^?1 per 5 × 10⁶ cell ml^?1. Controls were cryopreserved without addition of l ‐carnitine. After 24 h of cryopreservation, thawed sperm samples were analysed for motility, vitality and DNA oxidation. Sperm vitality was assessed by the eosin–nigrosin test, while sperm DNA oxidation was measured by flow cytometry. Addition of l ‐carnitine significantly improved sperm motility and vitality (P < 0.05) compared with the control. The flow cytometry experiment showed no statistical difference (P > 0.05) in the levels of DNA oxidation between samples and controls. In conclusion, l ‐carnitine improves human sperm motility and vitality, but has no effect on sperm DNA oxidation after cryopreservation.