Aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera reduced intracellular ROS production,DNA fragmentation and acrosome reaction in Human spermatozoa in vitro

The effects of aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera (MO) on human sperm functions and integrity was studied in vitro. Semen was obtained by masturbation after 3–5 days' abstinence from 34 healthy donors in Western Cape, South Africa. Liquefied semen was washed in human tubular fluid supplemented with 1% bovine serum albumin (HTF-BSA;1:5) with 10 min centrifugation at 300 g. Sperm suspensions were subsequently incubated with MO extract (0.625, 6.25, 62.5 and 625 µg/ml) for 1 hr, where HTF-BSA served as control. Sperm motility, vitality, DNA fragmentation, reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial membrane potential, capacitation and acrosome reaction were assessed. Sperm motility, vitality, mitochondrial membrane potential and capacitation remained unchanged (p > .05). A dose-dependent decrease in sperm reactive oxygen species production (p < .0001), DNA fragmentation (p < .0001) and acrosome reaction (p < .001) was observed. An increase in the percentage of non-capacitated sperm (p < .01) was noted at 625 µg/ml. The antioxidant properties of MO actively maintained basic sperm functions, inhibited excess sperm free superoxide production and preserved acrosome reaction and DNA integrity. Further studies are needed to confirm the effect of aqueous MO leaf extract on fertility potential.     

In vivo effects of Aspalathus linearis (rooibos) on male rat reproductive functions

Aspalathus linearis (rooibos tea) may improve sperm function owing to its antioxidant properties. To test this hypothesis, male rats were given 2% or 5% rooibos tea for 52 days. No significant alterations were observed in body and reproductive organs weight, serum antioxidant capacity and testosterone level. Seminiferous tubules displayed complete spermatogenesis. However, a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in tubule diameter and germinal epithelial height was observed. Epithelial height of caput epididymides showed a significant increase. Unfermented rooibos significantly enhanced sperm concentration, viability and motility. Fermented rooibos also significantly improved sperm vitality (P < 0.01), but caused a significant increase in spontaneous acrosome reaction (P < 0.05), whereas unfermented did not. Creatinine was significantly enhanced in all treated rats, consistent with significant higher kidney weights. Rooibos significantly reduced alanine transaminase level, while 2% fermented rooibos significantly decreased aspartate transaminase level (P < 0.01). In conclusion, treatment with rooibos improved sperm concentration, viability and motility, which might be attributed to its high level of antioxidants. However, prolonged exposure of rooibos might result in subtle structural changes in the male reproductive system and may induce acrosome reaction, which can impair fertility. Intake of large amounts of rooibos may also harm liver and kidney function.     

Selection of normal spermatozoa with a vacuole‐free head (x6300) improves selection of spermatozoa with intact DNA in patients with high sperm DNA fragmentation rates

Intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI, 6300× magnification with Nomarski contrast) of a normal spermatozoon with a vacuole‐free head could improve the embryo's ability to grow to the blastocyst stage and then implant. However, the most relevant indications for IMSI remain to be determined. To evaluate the potential value of IMSI for patients with a high degree of sperm DNA fragmentation (n = 8), different types of spermatozoa were analysed in terms of DNA fragmentation. Motile normal spermatozoa with a vacuole‐free head selected at 6300× magnification had a significantly lower mean DNA fragmentation rate (4.1 ± 1.1%, n = 191) than all other types of spermatozoa: non‐selected spermatozoa (n = 8000; 26.1 ± 1.5% versus 4.1 ± 1.1%; P < 0.005), motile spermatozoa (n = 444; 20.8 ± 2.7% versus 4.1 ± 1.1%; P < 0.001) and motile, normal spermatozoa selected at 200× magnification (n = 370; 18.7 ± 2.7% versus 4.1 ± 1.1%; P < 0.001) and then motile, morphometrically normal spermatozoa with anterior vacuoles (n = 368; 15.9 ± 2.9% versus 4.1 ± 1.1%; P < 0.05) or posterior vacuoles (n = 402; 22.5 ± 3.6% versus 4.1 ± 1.1%; P < 0.001) selected at 6300× magnification. For patients with high sperm DNA fragmentation rates, selection of normal spermatozoa with a vacuole‐free head (6300×) yields the greatest likelihood of obtaining spermatozoa with non‐fragmented DNA.     

Effect of Alpinia officinarum Hance rhizome extract on spermatogram factors in men with idiopathic infertility: A prospective double‐blinded randomised clinical trial

Despite scientific advances, many of the treatments in male infertility remained indeterminate. In recent years, the attention to herbal remedies as an effective treatment for male infertility is considerable. We designed this study to determine the effects of Alpinia officinarum on the results of semen analysis in men with idiopathic infertility. In this clinical trial, seventy‐six participants with idiopathic infertility were included in the intervention (plant treatment: n = 31; placebo: n = 29). Participants were randomised to take capsules containing dried extract of A. officinarum rhizome or placebo on a daily (total daily dosage of 300 mg) basis for 3 months. After 12 weeks of intervention, the sperm count and total number of spermatozoa with normal morphology were increased in participants treated with A. officinarum extract compared with the placebo group. The mean sperm count was initially 52 × 10⁶ ± 24 × 10⁶/ml which changed to 71 × 10⁶ ± 23 × 10⁶/ml, after intervention (p = 0.043). Also, the mean percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology was 14.34% ± 9.16% before the treatment which significantly increased to 19% ± 14.89% (p < 0.001). Alpinia officinarum, a traditional medicine remedy, can be effective in the improvement of sperm morphology and sperm count in idiopathic infertility without causing adverse effects.     

Effects of valganciclovir on spermatogenesis in renal transplant patients – results of a multicenter prospective nonrandomized study

Ganciclovir (GCV) inhibits spermatogenesis in preclinical studies but long-term effects on fertility in renal transplant patients are unknown. In a prospective, multicenter, open-label, nonrandomized study, male patients were assigned to Cohort A [valganciclovir (VGCV), a prodrug of GCV] (n = 38) or B (no VGCV) (n = 21) by cytomegalovirus prophylaxis requirement. Changes in semen parameters and DNA fragmentation were assessed via a mixed-effects linear regression model accounting for baseline differences. Sperm concentration increased post-transplant, but between baseline and treatment end (mean 164 days Cohort A, 211 days Cohort B), the model-based change was lower in Cohort A (difference: 43.82 × 10⁶/ml; P = 0.0038). Post-treatment, sperm concentration increased in Cohort A so that by end of follow-up (6 months post-treatment) changes were comparable between cohorts (difference: 2.09 × 10⁶/ml; P = 0.92). Most patients’ sperm concentration improved by end of follow-up; none with normal baseline concentrations (≥20 × 10⁶/ml) were abnormal at end of follow-up. Changes in seminal volume, sperm motility/morphology, DNA fragmentation, and hormone levels were comparable between cohorts at end of follow-up. Improvement in semen parameters after renal transplant was delayed in men receiving VCGV, but 6 months post-treatment parameters were comparable between cohorts.     

Evaluation of sperm DNA fragmentation and chromatin structure in infertile men with immotile short-tail sperm defect

Teratozoospermia is characterised by the presence of spermatozoa with abnormal morphology. One of the morphological disorders that lead to male infertility is immotile short-tail sperm (ISTS) defect. In this study, we evaluated the levels of chromatin packing and DNA fragmentation in patients with immotile short-tail sperm defect. Semen samples were obtained from 31 infertile men with ISTS as case group and 31 normozoospermic men as a control group. Protamine status was evaluated using chromomycin A3 (CMA3) staining and sperm DNA fragmentation assessed by sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate biotin nick-end labelling (TUNEL). The percentage of positive CMA3 spermatozoa was significantly higher in patients’ samples (22.6 ± 6.9) compared with controls (16.3 ± 4.2) (p < .05) and also mean (±SD) of sperm DNA fragmentation was significantly higher in patients compared with controls, as measured by TUNEL assay (10.45 ± 4.60 vs. 7.03 ± 2.86, p < .05) and SCSA (24.80 ± 13.1 vs. 15.2 ± 7.2, p < .05). According to our study, sperm DNA fragmentation and chromatin packing abnormality are significantly higher in the ISTS samples compared with normal samples. A possible explanation for this relationship is that sperm chromatin condensation and sperm flagellum formation occur during the same phase of spermatogenesis.     

Novel additive for sperm cryopreservation media: Holotheria parva coelomic cavity extract protects human spermatozoa against oxidative stress—A pilot study

Cryopreservation is the most effective method for preserving semen for a long period of time. However, during the freeze–thaw process, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leads to a steep reduction in sperm fertility indices. In this study, we tested the effects of the extract of the coelomic cavity of five Holotheria parva, a marine organism rich in antioxidants, for its ROS-scavenging activity and cryoprotective effects on oxidative stress. Using a total of 50 semen samples, our results demonstrated that doses of 250 and 500 µg/ml of H. parva coelomic cavity extract significantly increased sperm vitality as compared to the control (p < .05). The addition of 250 µg/ml of the extract exerted a significant positive effect on sperm motility. Moreover, sperm DNA damage and ROS production were significantly reduced at extract concentrations of 250 and 500 µg/ml (p < .05). To the best of our knowledge, the results of this study represent the first demonstration of the possibility of improving sperm parameters and reducing ROS production and DNA damage by supplementing sperm freezing media with H. parva coelomic extract. Our results suggested that H. parva coelomic extract could be useful for improving the fertilising ability of frozen-thawed human semen.     

A biochemical and histological approach to study antifertility effects of methanol leaf extract of Asplenium dalhousiae Hook. in adult male rats

The study was designed to investigate the antifertility properties of methanol leaf extract of Asplenium dalhousiae in adult male rats. Forty adult male Sprague Dawley rats (150 ± 10 g) divided into four groups (n = 10 animals/group) were administered with different doses (0, 50, 100, 150 mg/kg) of plant extract for 28 days. On day 29th, rats were decapitated, trunk blood and reproductive tissues were collected, and blood plasma was separated and stored until use for measuring reproductive hormones, while epididymis and testis were used for assessment of sperm parameters, oxidative stress status and morphometric analysis. Sperm motility, viability and sperm production rates were lowered in high dose treatment groups. Levels of catalase (CAT), sodium dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) decreased while stress biomarkers including reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were increased among all treatment groups. Concentrations of plasma testosterone and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were decreased while levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) increased in high extract treated groups. Histological examination of testis showed disorganisation of seminiferous tubule and reduced spermatocytes number. The findings of current study revealed that methanol leaf extract of A. dalhousiae might induce antifertility effects via oxidative stress and interfering with testicular architecture leading to spermatogenic arrest.     

Can leukocytospermia predict prostate cancer via its effects on mitochondrial DNA?

Leukocytospermia was previously reported to affect sperm quality by the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to oxidative stress (OS). In turn, OS decreases sperm functional integrity, increases sperm DNA damage and ultimately alters fertility status. To elucidate the impact of leukocytospermia on sperm nuclear DNA integrity and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) structure, we conducted a study including 67 samples from infertile patients with low level of leucocytes (Group 1: n = 20) and with leukocytospermia (Group 2: n = 47). In addition to standard sperm parameters’ assessment, we measured the levels of inflammation biomarkers [interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8)] and evaluated the oxidative status [malondialdehyde (MDA) and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants]. In addition, we evaluated the level of sperm nuclear DNA fragmentation and analysed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of sperm cells by sequencing of 5 genes [cytochrome oxidase I (COXI), cytochrome oxidase II (COXII), cytochrome oxidase III (COXIII), adenosine triphosphate synthase 6 (ATPase 6) and adenosine triphosphate synthase 8 (ATPase 8)]. As expected, patients with leukocytospermia had significantly higher MDA levels (32.56 ± 24.30 nmole/ml) than patients without leukocytospermia (17.59 ± 9.60 nmole/ml) (p < .018). Also, sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was significantly higher in Group 2 (33.05 ± 18.14%) as compared to Group 1 (14.19 ± 9.50%) (p < .001). The sequencing of mtDNA revealed a high number of substitutions in Group 2 (n = 102) compared to Group 1 (n = 5). These substitutions were observed mainly in COXI. Among COXI substitutions found in Group 2, twelve changes were previously described in patients with prostate cancer and six of them were shown associated with this pathology. These findings suggest that leukocytospermia may predispose to the manifestation of prostate cancer through modification of mitochondrial DNA and this may be promoted by OS.     

Red pine (Pinus brutia Ten) bark tree extract preserves sperm quality by reducing oxidative stress and preventing chromatin damage

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of using red pine bark tree extract (P; Pinus brutia Ten) as a TRIS extender in an attempt to prevent oxidative stress in bull spermatozoa after freezing. Semen specimens were obtained from Simmental bulls via an artificial vagina and pooled. They were separated into five specimens and diluted with Tris extender consisting of P (200, 100, 50 and 25 µg/ml) and P free (control; C) up to a final concentration of 16 × 10⁶ per straw. All specimens were equilibrated for a period of 4 hr at a temperature of 4°C, following which they were filled in 0.25-ml French straws and frozen. Addition of P resulted in favourable tail length in comparison with C (p < .05). The lowest malondialdehyde levels and the highest glutathione levels were detected in all P groups (p < .05). Supplementation with P did not show advanced results in terms of total, progressive sperm motility and total abnormality in comparison with C (p > .05). In conclusion, it has been shown that although P added to a Tris extender does not have a positive effect on sperm motility, it prevents chromatin damage by reducing oxidative stress, in addition to reducing head abnormalities when used at the amount of 50 μg/ml.     

A randomised trial comparing conventional semen parameters,sperm DNA fragmentation levels and satisfaction levels between semen collection at home and at the clinic

The aim of the randomised trial was to compare conventional semen parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation levels and satisfaction levels between semen samples collected at home and at the clinic. We recruited 110 men with a history of infertility for at least 1 year from the outpatient andrology clinic. Each man collected two semen samples, one at home and one at the clinic. Men were randomly assigned into the home first (n = 55) or clinic first (n = 55) groups. The primary outcome was sperm concentration. There was no significant difference in sperm concentration, sperm DNA fragmentation levels or other conventional semen parameters between home first and clinic first samples (p > .05), while satisfaction levels were significantly higher for home first samples (p < .01). Consistent results were obtained when comparing home-collected and clinic-collected samples within individuals. Men can be offered the option to collect semen samples at home for examination or assisted reproduction without compromising semen quality, especially for those with difficulty in producing semen samples at the clinic.     

The presence of seminal plasma,especially derived from stallion semen,helps preserve chilled Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) sperm motility

The effects of seminal plasma (SP), derived from autologous, homologous and heterologous species (stallion, boar and dog) on chilled Asian elephant sperm quality, were determined. Semen was collected from eight males and samples with ≥30% motile spermatozoa were used in the study. Semen was diluted with Tris–glucose–egg yolk extender, supplemented with different SP types and preserved at 4°C for 48 hr. Experiment 1 (n = 31), showed that the presence of SP (autologous) helped to preserve sperm quality in terms of sperm motility and acrosome integrity (p < .05). Homologous SP did not result in better sperm quality than autologous SP. Heterologous SP from stallion provided higher sperm motility and velocities compared to autologous SP (p < .05). Experiment 2 (n = 14) determined the effect of different SP from four stallions. All stallion SP gave higher (p < .05) results for motile spermatozoa and sperm velocities than autologous SP. In conclusion, the presence of SP helps preserve Asian elephant sperm quality and stallion SP supports the motility of Asian elephant spermatozoa during cold storage.     

Effect of Rourea coccinea on ethanol-induced male infertility in Wistar albino rats

Ethanol consumption is a risk factor of male infertility. The use of medicinal plants offers an alternative for the treatment of male infertility in developing countries. This study aimed to evaluate the Rourea coccinea effect on ethanol-induced male infertility in Wistar rats. Twenty-five (25) male Wistar rats were randomised into five groups of five rats and treated by oesophageal gavage over a 28-day period. Group 1 (negative control) received distilled water; Group 2 (positive control) received 30% ethanol at 7 mg/kg body weight; Group 3 (reference control) received 30% ethanol co-treated with the reference drug, clomiphene citrate; Groups 4 and 5 (test groups) received 30% ethanol co-treated with Rourea coccinea hydro-ethanolic extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively. Testosterone hormone, sperm parameters and testicular histopathology were evaluated. Ethanol treatment induced a significant reduction (p < .05) in sperm count, motility, viability and a significant increase in sperm abnormalities because of the significant decrease (p < .05) in testosterone levels. These data correlate with the alterations observed in the seminiferous tubule on histopathological examination of the testes. However, co-treatment of ethanol with Rourea coccinea extract or the reference drug restored the ethanol-induced toxic effects on the reproductive organs, sperm profile and testosterone level.     

Comparison of sperm morphology and nuclear sperm quality in SPATA16‐ and DPY19L2‐mutated globozoospermic patients

The aim of this study was to compare the sperm morphology and nuclear sperm quality (sperm aneuploidy and DNA fragmentation) in two groups of globozoospermic patients: DPY19L2‐mutated patients (n = 6) and SPATA16‐mutated patients (n = 2). Results for these two groups were also compared to a group of fertile men (n = 25). Fluorescence in situ hybridisation was performed for chromosomes X, Y and 18. Sperm DNA fragmentation was evaluated by TUNEL assay. Sanger sequencing was performed for mutations screening of DPY19L2 and SPATA16 genes. Sperm analysis revealed a classic phenotype of total globozoospermia in DPY19L2‐mutated group and a particular phenotype characterised by a predominance of double/multiple round‐headed (39.00 ± 4.2%) and multi‐tailed spermatozoa (26.00 ± 16.97%) in SPATA16‐mutated group. FISH analysis showed a significantly higher aneuploidy rate in globozoospermic patients compared to controls (p < 0.05), and a higher rate was observed in SPATA16‐mutated group compared to DPY19L2‐mutated group (p < 0.05). DNA fragmentation index was significantly higher in globozoospermic men compared to controls (p < 0.001), and there is no statistically significant difference between the two globozoospermic groups. We showed that SPATA16 defects could be associated with an abnormal meiosis leading to a particular morphological sperm defect of double/multiple round‐headed and multi‐flagella and a higher sperm aneuploidy rate than in case of DPY19L2‐defects in classic globozoospermia.     

Co-administration of Salvia miltiorrhiza and verapamil inhibits detrimental effects of torsion/detorsion on testicular tissue in rats

Testicular torsion/detorsion is one of the important emergencies that requires fast surgical intervention. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza hydroalcoholic extract combined with verapamil on testicular ischaemia/reperfusion damage in Wistar albino rats. All animals were distributed in 3 groups (n = 8), including the sham-operated group, torsion/detorsion (TD) group and torsion/detorsion + pretreatment with 200 mg/kg Salvia miltiorrhiza extract combined with 0.3 mg/kg verapamil (SMV) group. Oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, GPx, CAT and TAC) both in plasma and testicular tissue, sperm parameters (motility, vitality, concentration and morphology) and histopathological parameters (MSTD, GECT, Johnson's score, Cosentino's score and testicular cell thickness) were assessed in all groups. Ischaemia/reperfusion significantly increased MDA and decreased GPx, CAT and TAC levels (p < .05). Pretreatment with SMV significantly increased GPx, CAT and TAC levels (p < .05). SMV group increased progressive sperm motility and vitality and reduced non-progressive motility of spermatozoon (p < .05). Testicular torsion significantly decreased all histopathological parameters compared to the sham group (p < .05). SMV pretreatment remarkably increased MSTD, GECT and Cosentino's score in comparison with the TD group (p < .05). A combination of Salvia miltiorrhiza with verapamil could reduce damages triggered by testicular torsion detorsion and improve sperm functionality parameters and oxidative stress defence systems.     

Effects of treatment with Hypoxis hemerocallidea extract on sexual behaviour and reproductive parameters in male rats

Hypoxis hemerocallidea is used in traditional medicine in South Africa, for the treatment of male reproductive ailments and various chronic illnesses. Despite chronic use, its effects on male reproductive system are unknown. Male Wistar rats were treated orally daily for 28 (n = 18) and 56 days (n = 18). Treatment groups (n = 6/group) per treatment period were as follows: untreated control, 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg 70% ethanolic extract of H. hemerocallidea. Sexual behaviour observations were performed on days 17 and 42 of the study. Sperm, biochemical and testicular histopathological studies were carried out. Arousal and libido and serum testosterone increased after 56 days of treatment. There was an increase in epididymal sperm count at both treatment doses, with the 300 mg/kg dose showing a higher sperm count (p < .05) compared to the 150 mg/kg treatment group. The higher 300 mg/kg dose also showed an increase (p < .05) in sperm motility after 56 days of treatment. Histology showed an increase in germinal layer thickness, consistent with the observed increase in sperm count. Testicular oxidative status improved after 56 days of treatment. Results suggest that chronic treatment with H. hemerocallidea may improve male sexual function and fertility parameters and may protect testes from oxidative damage.     

Prolonged incubation of processed human spermatozoa will increase DNA fragmentation

One of the causes of failure in ART is sperm DNA fragmentation which may be associated with long period of spermatozoa incubation at 37 °C. The objective was to evaluate the rate of sperm DNA fragmentation using the sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test after swim‐up at different time intervals prior to use. In this prospective study, 21 normozoospermic specimens were analysed. The samples were incubated at 37 °C after preparation by direct swim‐up. DNA fragmentation was assessed at different time intervals (0, 1, 2 and 3 h) using SCD test. Spermatozoa with no DNA fragmentation showed large‐ or medium‐sized halos, and sperm cells with DNA fragmentation showed either a small halo or no halo . The rates of normal morphology and progressive motility after sperm processing were 72.33 ± 2.53% and 90 ± 1.02%, respectively. The rate of sperm DNA fragmentation was significantly higher after 2 h (8.81 ± 0.93%, P = 0.004) and 3 h (10.76 ± 0.89%, P < 0.0001) of incubation compared to 0 h (4.38 ± 0.8%). A positive correlation was found between the incubation time and sperm DNA damage (P < 0.0001). Prolonged incubation of prepared normozoospermic samples at 37 °C is associated with higher rates of sperm DNA fragmentation. Therefore, sperm samples intended for ART procedures should be used within 2 h of incubation at 37 °C.     

The effect of cysteine and glutamine on human sperm functional parameters during vitrification

Assuming the adverse effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on sperm function, this study was conducted to assess the effects of cysteine and glutamine as effective antioxidants on human sperm parameters under vitrification. Twenty normozoospermic samples were used. The samples were subjected to a vitrification process and cysteine (5 and 10 mM) and glutamine (10 and 15 mM). The sperm motility parameters, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), plasma membrane integrity (PMI), DNA damage and intracellular ROS damage were assessed for each sample. Statistical analyses showed that motility, mitochondrial membrane potential and DNA damage decreased in the vitrified groups with cysteine 5, 10 mM and glutamine 10, 15 mM separately. Also intracellular ROS increased significantly compared to the fresh group (p < .05). No significant differences were observed for PMI compared with the fresh group (p > .05). Supplementation of cysteine and glutamine in both concentrations separately decreased intracellular ROS and DNA damage of spermatozoa with significant increase in PMI, MMP and progressive motility compared to vitrified control group (p < .05). The results showed no significant effect of a specific concentration in cysteine and glutamine on sperm parameters compared to other concentrations. Both amino acids have the potential to improve the harmful effects of freezing on sperm parameters.     

The effect of sperm DNA fragmentation on intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcome

Our study objective was to assess the effect of various sperm DNA fragmentation levels on clinical intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcome. This retrospective study included 392 patients who underwent ICSI and performed sperm DNA fragmentation testing before the procedure. Based on sperm DNA fragmentation cut-off values, the patients were differentiated into 3 groups as <20%, 20%–30% and >30%. According to the female status, patients were differentiated into favourable group (n = 259) with female age <35 years and anti-Mullerian hormone level ≥7.1 pmol/L; and unfavourable group (n = 133) with female age ≥35 years and anti-Mullerian hormone level ≤7.1 pmol/L. The patient's medical records were reviewed, and patient's demographic, laboratory data including semen analysis, sperm DNA fragmentation determined by means of sperm chromatin dispersion, hormonal profile and data regarding intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycle were collected. This cohort reported that the clinical reproductive outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection showed no statistical significance with increase sperm DNA fragmentation levels. In sperm DNA fragmentation above 30%, favourable females had significantly higher clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate than unfavourable females, while fertilisation rate and miscarriage rate showed no significance between the subgroups. High sperm DNA fragmentation is linked to poor semen parameters.     

High levels of oxidation–reduction potential in frozen-thawed human semen are significantly correlated with poor post-thaw sperm quality

This study examined the relationship between oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) in frozen-thawed semen and the post-thaw sperm parameters. Levels of ORP were measured in 25 samples from men presenting for routine infertility work-up and were expressed as millivolt (mV)/10⁶ sperm/ml. Frozen-thawed samples were examined for post-thaw total motility (TM%), progressive motility (PM%), total sperm count (TSC) and ORP. The cryo-survival rate (CSR) was calculated as post-thaw TM/pre-freeze TM × 100. Data are provided as median and interquartile range (25th and 75th percentiles). The post-thaw TM% (10.0% [4.00%, 15.1%]), PM% (5.88% [2.97%, 9.33%]) and TSC (12.5 [10.0, 17.5] × 10⁶ sperm) were significantly lower than the pre-freeze TM% (45.9% [32.9%, 59.1%], PM% (31.5% [24.4%, 40.0%] and TSC (120 [90, 250] ×10⁶ sperm) (p < .001). Post-thaw ORP (2.62 [2.52, 3.13] mV/10⁶ sperm/ml) was significantly higher than pre-freeze ORP (0.73 [0.54, 1.21] mV/10⁶ sperm/ml; p < .001). The CSR was 21.7% (11.3%, 31.9%). The post-thaw seminal ORP was negatively correlated with post-thaw TM% (r = −.5; p = .02), PM% (r = −.41; p = .03), TSC (r = −.60; p = .03) and CSR (r = −.52; p = .01). Increased levels of ORP are significantly correlated with poor post-thaw sperm quality and CSR.