Seminal plasma lead, cadmium and zinc in relation to tobacco consumption

The total quantity of zinc in the ejaculates of smokers was sipficantly lower than in non-smokers. This was not related to a significant increase in the quantities of seminal cadmium or lead, or to a decrease in sperm quality in the smoking group. It appears that tobacco consumption may have to exceed 20 cigarettedday before a noticeable increase in seminal cadmium can be recorded. It is suggested that this reduction in zinc secretion may jeopardize the content of chromatin zinc, and thereby the stability of the sperm chromatin. This may then contribute to reproductive failure or have consequences for fetal development.     

Selenium, rubidium and zinc in human semen and semen fractions

The levels of selenium, rubidium and zinc were determined in samples of semen, seminal plasma and spermatozoa from men with suspected infertility, together with several parameters of semen quality. The proportion of whole semen selenium present in sperm increased with increasing sperm count from 0 to 40%. For rubidium 98 +/- 4% and for zinc 95 +/- 8% of the total amount in semen was contained in seminal plasma. In seminal plasma a positive correlation was found between the levels of zinc and selenium, and between the levels of zinc and rubidium, indicating that, like zinc, selenium and rubidium in seminal plasma also derive mainly from the prostate gland. Semen quality parameters, such as sperm motility, vitality, speed and morphology, were not correlated with the contents of the three elements in either whole semen or seminal plasma. As the seminal content of selenium is dependent on the proportion of prostatic secretion in seminal plasma and on the sperm count, and both factors can vary considerably, the selenium level of whole semen does not appear to be a suitable parameter for investigation of the relationship between selenium and semen quality. Provisional measurements suggest lower sperm selenium levels at abnormally low or high sperm counts.     

Sperm chromatin stability and zinc binding properties in semen from men in barren unions

Sperm chromatin stability and zinc binding properties were studied in semen samples from 115 men living in barren unions. Of these men, 26% had a high proportion of swelling sperm, i.e. less than 80% sperm with stable chromatin after exposure to the detergent sodium dodecyl sulphate. From 2-67% of seminal zinc was bound to high molecular weight ligands of vesicular origin (HMW). This shows that, among infertile men, liquefied seminal plasma has huge variations in zinc chelating properties. The relationship between prostatic palpatory status, the proportion of abnormal sperm, the percentage zinc bound to HMW (HMW-Zn), the time between ejaculation and analysis and chromatin stability were studied. Samples with low chromatin stability were found more frequently in men with low HMW-Zn levels in semen. The proportion of stable sperm decreased in samples with prolonged exposure to seminal plasma. Neither the proportion of stable sperm heads nor the percentage zinc bound to HMW could be used to predict the future chances of the infertile men fathering children when studied 15-180 min after ejaculation. To differentiate between initial zinc-dependent stability and superstability developed in seminal plasma, other more sensitive methods must be developed.     

Changes of selenium,copper, and zinc content in hair and serum of patients with idiopathic scoliosis

Our work aimed at extending the search for abnormalities of trace elements in patients with idiopathic scoliosis to the content of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and selenium (Se) in these subject's hair and serum. A total of 59 patients (54 girls and 4 boys) with idiopathic scoliosis, aged 13 on the average (range, 10–18 years), were examined. The degree of spine curvature deformity ranged between 12° and 82°. The hair of scoliotic patients under examination showed significantly increased content of zinc 263 ± 108 µg/g (p < 0.01) and copper 46.2 ± 37.1 µg/g (p < 0.01), and decreased content of selenium 0.194 ± 0.114 µg/g (p < 0.01) in comparison with the control group. In scoliotic patients, the Cu/Zn ratio in hair (0.186 ± 0.139) did not differ significantly from the values found in the probands of the control group (0.115 ± 0.09). The Cu/Se ratio in this group of patients (254.9 ± 215.9) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) due to a higher Cu value and a lower Se value in comparison with the controls (47.9 ± 23.7). In comparison with controls, the serum selenium concentration in the group of scoliotic patients was significantly decreased p < 0.05 (0.74 ± 0.13 µmol/L and 0.98 ± 0.12 µmol/L). Various changes in the content of trace elements in biological samples taken from patients with idiopathic scoliosis are not accidental. What might bring about a shift in our knowledge is speciation of various forms of trace elements in the organism in relation to idiopathic scoliosis. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:1279–1282, 2008     

Chlorinated pesticides and heavy metals in human semen

The concentration of chlorinated pesticides and heavy metals (lead and cadmium) was measured using gas liquid chromatography and the graphite tube atomizer of atomic absorption spectrophotometer, respectively, in semen samples collected from men in the normal human population. Significant concentrations of lead and cadmium were detected. Significant amounts of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and its isomers alpha, beta, gamma and delta, the dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (DDT) metabolite 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis (p chlorophenyl ethane) (pp'-DDE) and low values of 1,1,2-dichloro-2, 2-bis(p chlorophenyl ethane) (pp'-DDD) aldrin or endosulfan were detected. The presence of these xenobiotics in human semen might be related to the extensive use of pesticides, emission of exhaust from motor vehicles, consumption of tobacco and industrial operations.     

非职业接触人群中不育夫妇卵泡液及精液中4种重金属元素的含量测定

目的:探讨非职业接触人群中不育夫妇卵泡液和精液中4种重金属:铅、镉、锌和锰的含量。方法:女性行IVF-ET操作,常规取卵后收集卵泡液,丈夫手淫法留取精液,用火焰原子吸收法测定卵泡液及精液中的锌含量,用石墨炉原子吸收法测定铅、镉和锰含量。结果:铅、镉、锌和锰的测定均值在卵泡液中分别是(151.06±421.03)μg/L、(2.02±2.79)μg/L、(0.54±0.55)mg/L和(28.54±50.90)μg/L,在精液中分别是(250.23±600.88)μg/L、(7.42±15.84)μg/L、(189.11±283.08)mg/L和(82.15±202.65)μg/L;检出率在卵泡液中分别为43.8%(21/48)、22.9%(11/48)、75.0%(36/48)和50.0%(24/48),在精液中分别为70.2%(33/47)、31.9%(15/47)、100.0%(47/47)和46.8%(22/47)。结论:精液中4种重金属元素含量均高于卵泡液,检出率除锰以外,也均以精液为高。     

精索静脉曲张不育与微量元素锌和镉关系的研究

本研究应用原子吸收光谱法 (AAS)测定 18例精索静脉曲张 (VC)不育患者和 14例正常生育的斜疝和或鞘膜积液患者外周静脉血、精索静脉血、精浆中的锌 (Zn)和镉 (Cd)的含量。结果表明 :精索静脉曲张不育患者精静脉血和精浆中Cd含量较对照组明显增高 (P <0 .0 1)、而精浆中的Zn含量较对照组明显减低 (P <0 .0 1)。此外 ,其精索静脉血和精浆中Cd/Zn比值与对照组也有显著性差异 (P <0 .0 1)。提示Cd的增高可能是导致精索静脉曲张不育的原因之一     

少精子症患者精液沉淀物乳酸脱氢酶同工酶凝胶电泳分析

本文运用乳酸脱氢酶同工酶聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳分析法，分析比较了少精子症、弱精子症、精液正常者的精液沉淀物乳酸脱氢酶同工酶百分比活性。结果显示：少精子症患者的ＬＤＨ－Ｃ４同工酶百分比活性４６％显著低于精液正常者的７１％（Ｐ＜０．０１）及弱精子症患者的６７％（Ｐ＜０．０１）；相对的，少精子症的ＬＤＨ５同工酶百分比活性１６％显著高于精液正常者的４．８％（Ｐ＜０．０１）和弱精子症的６．３％（Ｐ＜０．０１）。本文认为少精子症者精液沉淀物ＬＤＨＣ４活性降低与其精液中的各类细胞诸如未成熟的精子细胞、白细胞及一些微生物的相对增加有关     

Comparison between cell motion analyser, autosperm, and conventional semen analysis

Summary. With the aim of explaining some of the controversy on the value of computer-assisted methods of semen analysis, a study was conducted comparing the fully automated cell motion analyzer (CMA), the semi-computerized autosperm system (AS) and the conventional manual method. The CMA equipment gave higher values for sperm concentration than the mean of the three methods. Sperm concentration estimated with the conventional method was below the average of the three methods. The conventional method overestimated sperm motility, which was underestimated by CMA.
The correlation between sperm velocity characteristics estimated by CMA and AS was significant, but only 18% of variability of one method could be explained by variability of the other. The reasons for the discrepancy between velocity measurements in the two methods are discussed in relation to possible shortcomings in sperm paths smoothing using the CMA method and the effect of technician training in the AS method.
The AS method was found to provide more reproducible results which correlated better with those of the manual method as recommended by the World Health Organization.     

Etiology of severe asthenozoospermia and fertility prognosis. A screening of 5216 semen analyses

A review of n = 5216 semen analyses performed in our two Clinics from January 1986 to December 1989 allowed to identify n = 35 patients whose sperm had constantly very low motility (less than 5% progressive motile gametes in three subsequent analyses; necrozoospermia cases were excluded from this study). This apparently rare but severe anomaly was found to be associated not only with ultrastructural anomalies (n = 18), but also with positive seminal bacteriology (n = 8) or the presence of antisperm antibodies (n = 2). In eight cases the cause(s) for this constant asthenozoospermia remained obscure. The fertility potential of the men affected was followed-up and is discussed in relation to their anamnesis, physical exam and seminal characteristics.     

Angiotensin-converting enzyme and other peptidolytic enzymes in human semen and relations to its spermatologic parameters

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and other enzymes of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) occur in human semen in high activities. In contrast to bull ejaculates, not all zinc-dependent metallopeptidases are found to be in close correlation to the microscopically determined semen parameters; such a relationship was established only partly for the ACE. On the other hand, the RAS-dependent spermatozoa-bound enzymes, inclusive ACE, uniformly show negative correlations to the spermatologic parameters of human semen. These results, for the first time, point to different functions of the sperm-cell-bound (testicular) and of the seminal plasma (pulmonary) ACE activities.     

中国年轻男性精液质量与吸烟、饮酒等行为因素的关系

目的　探索影响年轻男性精液质量的行为因素。　方法　 1998年 12月至 1999年 12月 ,抽取 7省市的妇幼保健院婚检的正常男性志愿者 5 6 2例 (年龄 2 2～ 30岁 ) ,进行问卷调查、外生殖器检查和精液质量分析。　结果　Logistic多因素分析表明 ,吸烟使精液量和总精子数量显著减少 ;饮酒仅使得精液量有所升高 ;未提示饮茶对精液质量有影响 ;喝咖啡可能降低精子的前向运动。　结论　吸烟及喝咖啡等行为因素对男性的精液质量可能有不良影响 ,饮酒和喝茶似乎对精液质量无不良影响。吸烟是导致精子数量指标降低的重要因素     

Chemiluminescence in semen of infertile men

Summary. Luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (CL) can be used to determine the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by cells. Enhanced formation of ROS in human semen was reported to be of pathological significance for a disturbed sperm function. To investigate incidence of elevated CL-signals in semen samples and their correlation to conventional semen parameters, CL-signals in the semen of both 49 consecutive infertile men and 20 controls were measured. Semen was analysed according to WHO-criteria including bovine mucus-penetration- and water-test. A CL-signal of 1.5 × 10⁵ counts min⁻¹/2 × 10⁶ spermatozoa was considered to be the upper normal limit. The CL in infertile men's semen was elevated with statistically significant differences in oligozoospermia patients/controls ( P < 0.0001) and normozoo-spermia patients/controls ( P < 0.05). In the group with elevated CL-signals, a higher percentage of spermatozoa with a pathologic morphology was detected ( P = 0.05). In the groups with pathologic results of eosin- and water-tests, the CL-counts were elevated ( P < 0.006; P < 0.03). The spermatozoa motility in the group with elevated CL-counts was significantly reduced after 4 h ( P < 0.05). The CL-signals correlated inversely with the results of the bovine mucus-penetration-test ( r = -0.67, P < 0.0001). In conclusion, semen samples of 28% of our patients showed elevated CL-signals; these were associated with pathological results of membrane integrity-tests. The negative correlation of CL with the results of Penetrak®-test reflects its importance to depict the functional capacity of spermatozoa.     

Evaluation of the hypo-osmotic swelling test in relation with advanced methods of semen analysis

The hypo-osmotic swelling test was claimed to assess an independent functional characteristic of human spermatozoa bearing relevance to their fertilizing capacity. To test this claim, we have studied the relationship between the result of the hypo-osmotic swelling test with that of conventional semen analysis and sperm motility patterns, the semen content of adenosine triphosphate, the staining pattern to acidified aniline blue, and the zona-free hamster oocyte test. The result of the HOS test is significantly correlated with all sperm characteristics except for the aniline blue stainability and the hamster oocyte test. The capacity of spermatozoa to react in a hypo-osmotic environment expresses the same functional information as the viability test using eosine staining. It is concluded that the hypo-osmotic swelling test does not add relevant information to that obtained by routine sperm analysis with regards to the fertilizing potential of semen.     

精浆弹性硬蛋白酶与精子 DNA 完整性及精液参数的影响分析

目的：探讨男性不育患者精浆弹性硬蛋白酶水平与精子 DNA完整性及精液质量之间的关系。方法选择148例男性不育患者根据精浆弹性硬蛋白酶的检测结果将所有患者分为 A、B、C3组。 A组为精浆弹性硬蛋白酶含量＜290 ng／mL;B组为精浆弹性硬蛋白酶含量290～1000 ng／mL;C 组为精浆弹性硬蛋白酶含量＞1000ng／mL。用酶联免疫吸附试验（ ELISA）检测精浆中弹性硬蛋白酶,精子 DNA完整性检测用精子染色质扩散法（ SCD）,精液参数用计算机辅助精子分析系统检测。结果 A组与 C 组相比精子存活率与前向运动精子百分率（PR）均升高、精子DNA碎片指数（DFI）明显降低,差异均具有统计学意义（ P＜0．05）。 B组的上述指标与A组相比,差异均无统计学意义（ P ＞0．05）。结论精浆弹性硬蛋白酶与精子DNA完整性及精液质量密切相关,生殖道感染是影响男性精液质量的一个重要原因。     

Histochemical demonstration of zinc ions in ejaculated human semen

A revised in-vitro technique for autometallographic demonstration of chelatable zinc in the human ejaculate is presented, and the localization of the loosely bound pool of zinc ions is described in semen smears and at the ultrastructural level. In semen smears, black autometallographic (AMG) grains indicated the presence of zinc ions dispersed between the spermatozoa. These AMG grains have the same size as grains associated with the sperm tail and may have the same origin. EM analysis of AMG-developed smears fixed in osmium suggested that the detected zinc ions might be related to huge protein molecules present in semen and adhering to the surface of the spermatozoa.
Spermatozoa in AMG-stained smears exhibited zinc ions in the midpiece and head, and also joined to the membrane of the tail. Washed spermatozoa exhibited zinc ions only within the midpiece. Ultrastructurally, they were found located in the helecine mitochondria. A few grains were found in the acrosome of the washed spermatozoa. Treatment with the chelating agent DEDTC resulted in complete bleaching of the zinc staining. These findings and the fact that calcium EDTA acid blocks the plasma and surface staining, but not the acrosomal and mitochondrial staining, suggest that chelatable zinc ions exist in two separate pools in human semen.     

The effect of presence of facultative bacteria species on semen and sperm quality of men seeking fertility care

IntroductionInfections of male urogenital tracts may contribute to male infertility. However, the effects of bacterial presence on sperm quality and fertility are controversial.ObjectivesWe investigated the occurrence of non-specific bacteria and quality/quantity of semen of infertile and fertile control groups in Nigeria.Subjects and methodsWe investigated 162 infertile and 54 fertile men. Spermiogram, culture, bacterial isolation and characterization were conducted.ResultsWe report 114/162(70.4%) occurrence of bacteria species, 49.4% of such were Gram positive and 21% Gram negative: Staphylococcus aureus (29.6%) and Escherichia coli (10.5%) had the highest occurrence for each group respectively. On semen quality/quantity, we report 14.2% azoospermia, 52.5% oligozoospermia and 33.3% of normozoospermia. The mean sperm concentrations were 10 × 7/ml and 41 × 10 6/ml for oligo and normozoospermia respectively. Majority (52%) of azoospermic group had no bacterial growth. S. aureus was the most implicated among the bacterial positive group. Within the ologozoospermic category, 28% had no bacterial growth, 28% had S. aureus and 11.8% E. coli. The normozoospermic patients had 18.5% no bacteria contamination, 33.3% had S. aureus, 13% had E. coli. From the analysis, the normozoospermic group with bacterial contamination had lower sperm concentrations compared with those without contamination. It was apparent that factors other than bacterial contamination may contribute more to oligozoospermia (compare: “no bacteria” group mean sperm concentration 8.97 × 106/ml, Gram positive bacteria contaminated group 17.74 × 106/ml and Gram negative bacteria contaminated group 13.66 × 106/ml). The mean progressive motility ratios were lower (15.6 [a]% + 18.3 [b]%) = 33.9%) against WHO standard (a + b = >50%) and control RPM (a) = 55.3%. Generally, the semen quality (vol., rapid progressive motility, sperm concentration and immotility) were significantly lower than the fertile group, P = 0.0005, <0.0001, <0001 and 0.0335, respectively.ConclusionsAlthough bacterial presence in semen reduced mean sperm concentration and viability, thereby contributed to oligozoospermia and by extension the chances of siring a child, however, factors other than bacterial presence may contribute more. Improved interpretative approaches of semen analyses are highlighted.     

Effect of in vitro selenium supplementation on sperm quality in asthenoteratozoospermic men

Sperm DNA damage, excessive oxidative stress and decrease in motility ?may lead to low fertilisation or poor? assisted reproductive techniques outcomes in asthenoteratozoospermic ?men. Selenium was considered as essential element for male reproductive functions. Selenium has important role in enzymatic process for elimination of excessive reactive oxygen species and helps to maintain membrane integrity. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of selenium supplementation on sperm quality, DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial membrane potential and membrane lipid peroxidation during sperm sampling in vitro at different times. In this experimental study, semen samples were collected from 50 asthenoteratozoospermic men. Samples were divided into two groups as control group and test group (incubated with 2 μg/ml selenium at 37°C for 2, 4 and 6 hr). Motility and viability were assessed based on WHO 2010 criteria. Mitochondrial membrane potential, sperm DNA fragmentation and malondialdehyde levels were evaluated in each group. Results revealed that motility, viability and mitochondrial membrane potential were significantly higher in the test group (p < .05). Also malondialdehyde levels were significantly lower in the test group (p < .03). DNA fragmentation significantly decreased in the test group after 6 hr of incubation (p < .02). In conclusion, in vitro selenium supplementation may protect spermatozoa from maltreatment effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during sperm sampling via keeping enzymatic and antioxidant process in optimum condition.     

The enzymatic degradation of bradykinin in semen of various species

Summary. The degradation of bradykinin in semen and on washed sperm cells of various species (human, pig, cattle, sheep) is mainly controlled by two peptidases, the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE/kininase II; E.C. 3.4.15.1) and neutral metalloendopeptidase (NEP; E.C. 3.4.24.11). In addition, minor activities of kininase I (carboxypeptidase N/CPN; E.C. 3.4.17.3) were measured exclusively in human samples. Samples of the investigated species varied considerably in their ratios of the activities of bradykinin degrading peptidases. This should be considered in any approach aimed at maintaining the promoting effect of bradykinin on sperm motility by use of enzyme inhibitors.