Seminal characteristics and sexual behavior in men of different age groups： is there an aging effect？

Aim： To assess the seminal characteristics as well as the sexual behavior of men of various age groups to establish the presence of an aging effect on those characteristics. Methods： Semen samples were collected from men （n = 792） undergoing in vitro fertilization or intrauterine insemination in cases of female factor infertility only. Samples were collected using a seminal collection device at intercourse and evaluated manually according to World Health Organization （WHO） standards. Men were divided into four groups according to their ages： （i） 20-30, （ii） 31-40, （iii） 41-50 and （iv） 51-60 years, and their seminal characteristics and responses to a sexual behavior questionnaire were compared. Results： The data showed statistically significant differences in the seminal characteristics tested, most notably in the sperm concentration, motility, grade of motility, hypo-osmotic swelling and normal sperm morphology. Furthermore, the decline in normal sperm morphology with age was more pronounced when using strict criteria rather than WHO standards. There were also differences in total sperm count, total motile sperm and total functional sperm fraction （assessed by both WHO and strict criteria）. Significant differences were also observed in the sexual behavior patterns in older men in terms of the number of years they have been trying to conceive, sexual frequency and sexual satisfaction. Conclusion： The data clearly illustrate an aging effect on semen characteristics and sexual behavior in men as they age. It is suggested that the aging effect be taken into consideration when proposing normal standard values for semen characteristics in routine semen analysis as outlined by WHO standards.     

Evaluation of effects of 1,3-dinitrobenzene on sperm motility of hamster using computer assisted semen analysis （CASA）

Aim: To evaluate the effects of 1,3-dinitrobenznene (mDNB) on sperm motility of hamster and to correlate the resuits with the fertility. Methods: Adult male hamsters were gavaged with one of the 3 dose regimes of mDNB (1.5 mg daily for 4 weeks, 1.5 mg one day a week for 4 weeks and 1.0 mg 3 days a week for 4 weeks). Computer assisted semen analysis (CASA) was used to analyse the sperm motility parameters, curvilinear velocity (VCL) and straight line velocity (VSL) of sperm in distal corpus epididymides and distal cauda epididymides. In vitro fertilisation was carried out only for l. 5 mg mDNB daily group to determine the sperm fertilising capacity. Results: There was a significant reduction in sperm velocity parameters at weeks 3 and 4 after treatment, which was correlated with a decline in sperm fertility. Conclusion: Sperm velocity parameters may be used to determine the effect of a toxic insult on the sperm function.     

Hormonal contraception in Chinese men：variations in suppression of spermatogenesis with injectable testosterone undecanoate and levonorgestrel implants

Aim: To explore the causes of the difference in spermatogenic suppression between responders and non-responders in Chinese men treated with levonorgestrel (LNG) implants plus testosterone undecanoate (TU) injectable. Methods: The 16 Chinese volunteers treated were divided into two groups in regard to the sperm count during the treatment period, 7 men in the responder group (Group R), including 6 azoospermia and one severe oligozoospermia, and the remaining 9 in the non-responder group (Group N), including 4 oligozoospermia and 5 with sperm counts greater than 20×106/mL. The differences in serum profiles of FSH, LH, T, LNG and T/LH ratio were compared between the two groups and the correlation between the seminal fluid parameters and serum reproductive hormones was analyzed. Results: The serum FSH level was lower in Group R than that in Group N (P<0.05), while the serum LH and LNG levels were higher in Group R than those in Group N (P<0.05). The sperm density (P<0.01, r=0.235), motility (P<0.01, r=0.326)     

Clinical outcomes of microdissection testicular sperm extraction-intracytoplasmic sperm injection with fresh or cryopreserved sperm in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia

We performed this study to evaluate the clinical outcomes of microdissection testicular sperm extraction-intracytoplasmic sperm injection(micro-TESE-ICSI)treatment that used fresh or cryopreserved sperm in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia(NOA).A total of 338 NOA patients with 344 consecutive cycles received treatment in the reproductive medicine center of Peking University Third Hospital in Beijing,China,from January 2014 to December 2017.Fresh oocytes and fresh sperm were used in 222 patients with 234 cycles(Group A).Fresh oocytes and cryopreserved sperm were used in 116 patients with 110 cycles(Group B).We compared patient characteristics,embryonic development,and pregnancy outcomes between Groups A and B.There was no statistical difference in the patient characteristics,and no differences were observed with fertilization or quality embryo rates between Groups A and B.The rates of clinical pregnancy and live birth were both higher for Group A than those for Group B(both P<0.05).In conclusion,fresh testicular sperm appears to produce better ICSI outcomes than cryopreserved testicular sperm in patients with NOA.     

Studies on protamine mRNA in epididymal sperm of adenine-induced infertile rats

Objective: To investigate the protamine and protamine mRNA in the epididymal sperm of normal and infertile rats. Methods: Rats were made infertile by adenine treatment. The total nuclear basic protein (TNBP) of epididymal sperm was extracted and analyzed by gel electrophoresis. The total RNA was isolated and the relative amount of protamne mRNA was determined by means of RT-PCR techniques. Results: The content of protamine in the epididymal sperm was much less in the infertile than that in the normal rats. The same results were obtained with protamine mRNA analysis. Conclusion: The relative amount of protamine mRNA in the sperm could reflect the content of sperm protamine. The results may provide a new approach toward the genetic diagnosis for male infertility.     

Evaluation of trend in semen analysis for 11 years in subjects attending a fertility clinic in India

Aim: The data on semen analysis of subjects attending the Fertility Clinic at NIHFW (National Institute of Health and Family Welfare) Munirka, New Delhi for the last 11 years were analyzed to verify the claims and speculations on declining sperm counts in men. Methods: Approximately 10 % of the records every year starting from 1990 to 2000 (numbering 1176 in total) were randomly selected for analysis. Subjects with azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia were excluded from analysis. Results: The average age of the men attending the infertility clinic was 31.2 years. The average semen volume and sperm count were found to be (2.6 ±0.1) mL and (60.6 ± 0.9) × 106/mL, respectively. No significant decline in sperm counts was observed in any year during the entire study period. Only 1.8 % of the total number of sperm counts in the random sampling were less then 20 × 106/mL. On the basis of WHO criteria on motility, the total percentage of non-progressive and non-motile sperm in the ejaculate was higher (63 %)     

FSH dosage effect on conventional sperm parameters:a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies

Follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)represents a therapeutic option in normogonadotropic patients with idiopathic oligozoospermia.The aim of this review was to evaluate the possible dose-and drug-dependent efficacy of FSH treatment on conventional sperm parameters.We performed a comprehensive systematic review via a meta-analysis of all available randomized controlled trials,in which FSH administration was compared with placebo or no treatment when administered to normogonadotropic patients with idiopathic oligozoospermia.Of the 971 articles that were retrieved,5 were fin ally included,in eluding a total of 372 patie nts and 294 controls.Overall,FSH treatment was effective in ameliorating the sperm concentration,total count,progressive motility,but not normal forms.On the basis of the weekly dosage,the studies were classified into those using low(175-262.5 IU per week),intermediate(350-525 IU per week),and high(700-1050 IU per week)doses.At low doses,FSH improved only sperm motility.At intermediate doses,FSH ameliorated sperm concentration and morphology.Total sperm count and progressive motility showed a trend toward the increase.At high doses,FSH increased sperm concentration,total sperm count,and progressive motility.Sperm morphology showed a trend toward the increase.Finally,both highly purified FSH(hpFSH)and recombinant human FSH(rhFSH)improved sperm concentration,total sperm count,progressive motility,but not morphology.No different efficacy was observed between these two preparations.This meta-analysis provides evidence in favor of high FSH doses.The FSH efficacy was not related to the preparation type(recombinant vs highly purified).Further studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of Iong-standing treatment regimes.     

Effect of methoxychlor on antioxidant system of goat epididymal sperm in vitro

Aim: To evaluate the effect of methoxychlor on the antioxidant system of goat epididymal sperm. Methods: Epididymis of adult goat was obtained from local slaughter houses and sperm were collected by chopping the epididymis in modified Ringer‘s phosphate solution (RPS). After several washings, the sperm samples were dispersed in RPS and incubated with methoxychlor (1μmol/L, 10 μmol/L and 100 μmol/L) and methoxychlor vitamin C (100 μmol/L each) for 3 h at 32℃. After incubation, the sperm motility and viability were assessed. An aliquot of sperm sample was homogenized, centrifuged and used for the assay of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and lipid peroxidation. Results: In methoxychlor-mcubated sperm and in sperm co-incubated with methoxychlor and vitamin C, the sperm motility and viability showed no significant changes as compared to the corresponding controls. In methoxychlor-incubated sperm the activity of superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase were decreased while lipid peroxidation was increased in a dose-dependent manner. Co-incubation of sperm with methoxychlor and vitamin C showed no changes in the activity of superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase and in the level of lipid peroxidation. Conclusion: Methoxychlor induced oxidative stress in epididymal sperm of goats by decreasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes. Co-incubation of sperm with methoxychlor and vitamin C, a natural antioxidant, reversed the effect of methoxychlor.     

Effect of lead chloride on spermatogenesis and sperm parameters in mice

Aim: To evaluate the effect of acute lead chloride exposure on testis and sperm parameters in mice.Methods: PbC12, 74 mg/kg, was daily administered to sexually mature male mice for 3 days and the effects on the testicular histology and ultrastructure as well as the motility and density of spermatozoa in cauda epididymis were observed. An additional group of mice were treated for 1-3 days and were allowed to recover for 32 days to determine the reversibility of lead-induced changes. Results: The testicular weight, seminiferous tubular diameter and sperm counts were significantly decreased following 3 days of PbCl2 treatment, but were unaffected by shorterterm exposures. The changes caused by lead are mostly reversible. Conclusion: Acute lead chloride exposure injures the fertility parameters of male mice and the effects are partially reversible. (Asian JAndrol 2004 Sep; 6: 237-241)     

Chlamydia trachomatis and sperm lipid peroxidation in infertile men

Aim: To relate the presence of anti-Chlamydial trachomatis IgA in semen with sperm lipid membrane peroxidation and changes in seminal parameters. Methods: Semen samples of the male partners of 52 couples assessed for undiagnosed infertility were examined for the presence of IgA antibody against C. trachomatis. The level of sperm membrane lipid peroxidation was estimated by determining the malondialdehyde (MDA) formation. Results: Sperm membrane of infertile males with positive IgA antibodies against C. trachomatis showed a higher level of lipid peroxidation than that of infertile males with negative IgA antibody (P<0.05). There was a positive correlation (P< 0.01) between the level of C. trachomatis antibody and the magnitude of sperm membrane lipid peroxidation. All the other tested semen parameters were found to be similar in the two groups. Conclusion: The activation of immune system by C. trachomatis may promote lipid peroxidation of the sperm membrane. This could be the way by which C. trachomatis a     

吸烟对男性精液质量的影响及相关性研究

目的 :探讨吸烟对男性精液质量的影响及相关性。　方法 :30 1例不育男性 (110例非吸烟者和 191例吸烟者 ) ,对照组为 6 1例已生育 1个或 1个以上子女的健康男性 (无吸烟史 )。根据吸烟量和烟龄分为不同吸烟量组和不同烟龄组。检测了精液各参数 (精液量、精液pH、精子计数、精子存活率及前向运动级别等 )和精浆Zn、Cu、超氧化物歧化酶 (SOD)含量。　结果 :中、大量或长时间吸烟组精液量 ,精子计数 ,精子存活率及前向运动级别 ,精浆Zn、Cu和SOD含量较非吸烟组显著降低 ,精液pH显著升高 (P均 <0 .0 1)。精子计数 ,精子存活率及前向运动级别 ,精浆Zn、Cu、SOD含量与吸烟量和烟龄之间呈高度负相关 (P <0 .0 1)。　结论 :吸烟对精液各参数的影响存在着量 效和时 效关系 ,中、大量吸烟或烟龄长者可能对男性生育有不良影响     

Diurnal scrotal skin temperature and semen quality. The Danish First Pregnancy Planner Study Team

It is well established that heat is associated with reduced sperm production, but the role of physiological variation in temperature has never been scrutinized in humans. We studied diurnal scrotal temperature and markers of male fertility in a population of couples planning their first pregnancy. Sixty men from a cohort of couples who were planning their first pregnancy were included and scrotal skin temperature was monitored during 3 days using a portable data recorder. Working hours and working postures were recorded daily in a questionnaire. Each man provided a fresh semen sample and the couples were followed for six menstrual cycles or until a clinical pregnancy was recognized. The median value of scrotal skin temperature was 33.3 degrees C in the daytime and 34.8 degrees C at night. In periods of sedentary work, the median temperature was on average 0.7 degrees C higher (SE=0.2 degrees C). In addition, scrotal temperature was higher in the daytime, in summer, and in leisure time compared with working hours. Median sperm concentration among men with more than 75% of their daytime readings above 35 degrees C was 33.4 x 10(6)/mL, compared with 91.8 x 10(6)/mL for men with less than half of their readings above 35 degrees C (difference 58.4; 95% CI: 25.9-77.8 x 10(6)/mL). It is concluded that a sedentary position is a significant source of increased scrotal skin temperature, and even moderate and physiological elevation in scrotal skin temperature is associated with a substantially reduced sperm concentration. Sedentary work should be considered as an important potential confounder for reduced sperm count in epidemiological research.     

Relationship between sperm quality and chromatin condensation measured by sperm DNA fluorescence using flow cytometry

DNA flow cytometry of sperm from 100 randomly chosen men undergoing fertility investigation revealed a general association between reduced sperm quality, as judged by conventional parameters, and the appearance of sperm with lower degrees of chromatin condensation in the ejaculate as measured by DNA fluorescence intensity. Chromatin hypocondensation, as measured by increased fluorescence, was manifested to different degrees in different samples. In many cases of more extreme sperm pathology, such as oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT), the whole population of spermatozoa appeared to be affected. Significant numbers of hypercondensed spermatozoa were present in both normozoospermic men and men with different degrees of disturbance in sperm quality. All of the different parameters of sperm quality could be correlated significantly with certain of the flow parameters, although not one in particular could be used to predict deviations from the normal flow profile. In several asthenoteratozoospermic men and a small proportion of men with OAT, the DNA profiles were normal, implying that in these cases the disturbance may not be so fundamental. The presence of leucocytes in the ejaculate was associated with a general increase in the preponderance of hypocondensed subpopulations of spermatozoa in men with OAT as well as in normozoospermic subjects, emphasizing the effect of inflammatory conditions in the reproductive tract on sperm quality.     

Cigarette smoking is related to a decrease in semen volume in a population of fertile men

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the semen quality and hormonal levels in fertile men according to their level of cigarette smoking. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We evaluated 889 fertile men who came for a vasectomy for sterilization purposes. The men included 522 non-smokers, 143 mild smokers (<10 cigarettes/day), 154 moderate smokers (11-20/day), and 70 heavy smokers (>20/day). We evaluated sperm concentration, motility, motion variables and hormonal levels in these men. RESULTS: There were no significant differences among the groups in sperm concentration or motility, or in levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, or serum total testosterone. Also, sperm motion characteristics did not differ across the groups. Semen volume was the only semen variable which tended to decrease according to the number of cigarettes smoked. CONCLUSIONS: Cigarette smoking had no apparent effect on sperm concentration, motility or reproductive hormonal levels, but tended to reduce semen volume.     

Cigarette Smoking and Semen Quality in Men of Reproductive Age

The effect of cigarette smoking on conventional semen parameters was studied in voluntary men of reproductive age (n = 190). Special attention was focused on sperm motility and its quantitative and qualitative change in vitro during the observation period. The sperm output war normal in both smokers (n = 54) and non-smokers (n = 110), but semen volume was smaller (p less than 0.03) in heavy smokers (greater than 16 cigarettes/day) than non-smokers. In sperm morphology there was no difference between study groups. The only clear difference between men with different smoking habits was in the percentual change in the sperm motility during 24 hours. At the time of first examination, the sperm motility was better (p less than 0.02) in heavy smokers than those who smoked less than 16 cigarettes per day and the motility decreased more rapidly (p less than 0.007) in heavy smokers than non-smokers. The objectively measured initial mean velocities of the whole sperm population and of the progressive spermatozoa were slightly higher in subgroup of smokers than in non-smokers. The rapid decrease in the survival spermatozoa in smokers may be uneconomical and harmful in respect of fertility.     

The impact of age on fertility rate in patients who underwent microsurgical varicocelectomy

Impacts of a subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy on the sperm parameters and fertility rates were investigated in three different ages according to their age at the time of the varicocelectomy: Group 1 was ≤20 years old, Group 2 was 21–30 years old, and Group 3 was ≥31 years old. The patients were also classified both preoperatively and post‐operatively according to the total motile sperm count (TMSC) into the following categories: invitro fertilisation, intrauterine insemination and naturally fertile. The proportion of patients who upgraded to a higher TMSC category level was calculated, and natural fertility rates were recorded. The mean infertility duration was statistically longer in Group 3, compared to Group 1 and 2. The mean TMSCs and normal sperm morphology rates increased in all groups. The mean post‐operative natural fertility rates were similar. The highest rate of TMSC upgrade was observed in Grade 3 varicocele patients under 20 years of age, compared to other grades of varicocele in patients older than 20 years. A microsurgical subinguinal varicocele repair, which is an effective treatment modality reduces the need for any type of ART, has an important impact on the TMSC increase in patients, particularly in the younger population.     

Sperm DNA damage in men from infertile couples

Aim： To investigate the prevalence of high levels of sperm DNA damage among men from infertile couples with both normal and abnormal standard semen parameters. Methods： A total of 350 men from infertile couples were assessed. Standard semen analysis and sperm chromatin structure assay （SCSA） were carried out. Results： Ninety-seven men （28% of the whole study group） had a DNA fragmentation index （DFI） 〉 20%, and 43 men （12%） had a DFI 〉 30%. In the group of men with abnormal semen parameters （n = 224）, 35% had a DFI 〉 20%, and 16% had a DFI 〉 30%, whereas these numbers were 15% and 5%, respectively, in the group of men with normal semen parameters （n = 126）. Men with low sperm motility and abnormal morphology had significantly higher odds ratios （ORs） for having a DFI 〉 20% （4.0 for motility and 1.9 for morphology） and DFI 〉 30% （6.2 for motility and 2.8 for morphology） compared with men with normal sperm motility and morphology. Conclusion： In almost one-third of unselected men from infertile couples, the DFI exceeded the level of 20% above which, according to previous studies, the in vivo fertility is reduced. A significant proportion of men with otherwise normal semen parameters also had high sperm DNA damage levels. Thus, the SCSA test could add to explaining causes of infertility in cases where semen analysis has not shown any deviation from the norm. We also recommend running the SCSA test to choose the appropriate assisted reproductive technique （ART）.     

白念珠菌体外感染对人精子运动和超微结构的影响

目的: 体外研究白念珠菌(Ca)对人精子的运动功能有无直接影响并观察精子超微结构变化,对其影响机制作初步探讨。　方法: 将从念珠菌性阴道炎患者的分泌物中分离纯化的Ca制成活菌悬液,对 10例健康青年男性手淫获得并经上游优化处理的精子进行体外感染。按细菌与精子比例不同分成A组 ( 1∶1 )、B组 ( 1∶10 )、C组(1∶100)、D组(1∶1 000)、E组(1∶10 000)、F组(空白对照)分别孵育,于 0、1、2、4h取样,计算机辅助精子分析系统(CASA)检测人精子运动参数(前向性运动百分率、直线速度、曲线速度、平均路径速度、头部侧摆幅度 )、精子存活率、精子形态及凝集情况。透射电镜观察孵育 4h后的各组精子的超微结构变化。　结果: Ca与精子体外孵育后,前向运动百分率所受影响最大,且与菌体密度及时间密切相关;其他参数与对照组相比也相继出现显著性差异。观察到精子黏附于菌体和凝集现象。精子超微结构产生变化:精子核空泡增多,顶体破裂,质膜破损,线粒体排列紊乱。　结论: Ca体外可显著降低精子存活率和抑制精子运动功能,其机制可能与Ca对人精子的黏附作用和超微结构的损伤有关。     

Relationship between sperm mitochondrial membrane potential,sperm motility,and fertility potential

AIM:To analyze the relationship between sperm mitochondrial membrane potential and sperm motility parameters by means of a computer-assisted sperm analyzer (CASA) and in-vitro fertilization rate(%FR). METHODS: Semen samples were obtained from 26 men undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Informed consent was obtained from all men prior to the study. Samples were prepared using wash and swim-up method in HEPES-HTF medium. The sperm motility (%MOT), progressive motility (%PMOT), average path velocity (VAP) microm/s), straight line velocity (VSL) (micro m/s), curvilinear velocity (VCL) (microm/s) and %hyperactivated sperm (%HA), and the %FR were assessed. The samples were incubated in the presence of 2.0 mciromol/L of 5,5',6,6'-tetra-chloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethylbenzimidazolyl-carbocyanine iodide (JC-1) for 30 min at 37 degrees C in air and washed in PBS before flow cytometry (FACSCalibur: Becton Dickinson) analysis. The mitochondrial probe JC-1 was used to identify the mitochondrial membrane potential. The sperm was divided into three populations according to the fluorescence pattern as follows: the high mitochondrial membrane potential group (n=8), the moderate group (n=5), and the low group (n=13). Statistical analysis was performed using unpaired t-test. RESULTS:Significant differences were found between the high and the low groups in %MOT (91.1+/-8.5 vs 63.0+/-32.7, mean+/-SD), VAP (73.0+/-14.2 vs 52.1+/-12.5), VCL (127.0+/-28.1 vs 87.0+/-22.6), %HA (27.3+/-23.6 vs 7.2+/-9.0) and %FR [73.2 (48/56) vs 59.0 (69/117)]. No significant differences were found in other CASA parameters. CONCLUSION: When the sperm mitochondrial membrane potential increases, sperm motility parameters and fertility potential will also increase. The JC-1 dye method is useful to predict sperm fertility potential.     

Effects of a micronutrient supplementation combined with a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor on sperm quantitative and qualitative parameters,percentage of mature spermatozoa and sperm capacity to undergo hyperactivation: A randomised controlled trial

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a micronutrient supplementation (MS) combined with avanafil on sperm function. Oligoasthenospermic men (n = 217) were treated daily for 90 days with either an MS (45 men, Group A), l ‐carnitine (44 men, Group B), MS plus avanafil (43 men, Group C) or avanafil (43 men, Group D); another group of 42 men with oligoasthenospermia (Group E) received no treatment. Sperm parameters were evaluated before and after the end of treatment in each Group A, B, C and D respectively. The same sperm parameters were measured in each participant of Group E before and at the 90‐day experimental period. Within Groups A, C or D, the total percentage of motile spermatozoa, the hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST) result and the percentage of hyperactivated spermatozoa after incubation under conditions known to induce sperm capacitation were significantly greater after MS or MS plus avanafil treatment, or avanafil treatment than before the respective treatment. We suggest that MS or MS plus avanafil combined administration or avanafil alone improves sperm membrane permeability with an overall result improvement in sperm motility, outcome of HOST and increase in the percentage of hyperactivated spermatozoa.