INTERLEUKIN-6 (IL-6) IN SEMINAL PLASMA OF INFERTILE MEN,AND LIPID PEROXIDATION OF THEIR SPERM

Concentrations of tumor necrosis factor- &#102 (TNF- &#102 ) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in seminal fluid, as well as levels of sperm lipid membrane peroxidation, were investigated in fertile and infertile men. Semen samples, obtained by masturbation from 37 infertile and 14 fertile men, were examined for the presence of TNF- &#102 and IL-6. The level of lipid peroxidation of the sperm membrane was measured by determining malondialdehyde (MDA) formation. The correlation between the IL-6 and the TNF- &#102 concentrations in seminal plasma with the levels of lipid peroxidation of the sperm membranes was statistically evaluated. The IL-6 concentration in seminal plasma of infertile men was significantly higher than that of fertile men ( p <. 05). Similarly, the level of membrane lipid peroxidation was higher for the semen of infertile men than that of fertile men ( p <. 001). A significant positive correlation was found between IL-6 levels in seminal plasma and membrane sperm lipid peroxidation ( p <. 002), but not between this parameter and TNF- &#102 levels in seminal plasma. These findings suggest a possible association between IL-6 seminal plasma levels and lipid peroxidation of sperm membrane. Stimulation of reactive species production by human sperm and leucocytes, induced by the high levels of IL-6, could explain these results.     

ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF SEMINAL PLASMA IN FERTILE AND INFERTILE MEN

This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the total antioxidant capacity among fertile and infertile men. Thirty infertile patients and 20 fertility-proven healthy donors with normal sperm analysis were included in the study. Total antioxidant capacity, zinc and fructose levels of seminal plasma, and various sperm parameters were compared among fertile controls and idiopathic infertility patients prospectively. The mean antioxidant capacity of fertile controls (2.02 &#45 0.16 mmol/L) was significantly higher than that of the infertile patients group (1.78 &#45 0.23 mmol/L) ( p <.01). Furthermore, asthenozoospermic and asthenoteratozoospermic groups had significantly lower mean antioxidant values (1.73 &#45 0.11 and 1.64 &#45 0.13, respectively) when compared to fertile control group ( p <.01). The mean fructose level was significantly lower in the fertile control group and mean zinc level was significantly lower in the entire infertile group. On the other hand, antioxidant capacity is positively correlated to sperm motility ( p =.001). Decreased antioxidant capacity was associated with impaired sperm function as a result of either increased ROS production or insufficient antioxidant capacity.     

精索静脉曲张不育患者精索静脉血精浆中锌和镉的测定及意义

用原子吸收光谱法 ( AAS)测定 1 8例精索静脉曲张 ( VC)不育患者和 1 4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 Zn和 Cd的含量。结果表明 :精索静脉曲张不育患者精索静脉血和精浆中 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 ,其精索静脉血和精桨中 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。     

EFFECT OF SEMINAL PLASMA CALCITONIN LEVELS ON SPERM MOTILITY

This study investigated the effect of the seminal and blood plasma calcitonin levels on the sperm motility in idiopathic infertile patients. The number of sperm cells and their motility were evaluated in the spermiograms of 52 idiopathic infertile patients. The levels of seminal plasma calcitonin were studied with double antibody technique using a DPC kit. Fifty-two patients were divided into 2 groups according to the motility rates of sperm and 20 healthy volunteers were assigned to a control group. The difference between the groups was evaluated by using Kruskall-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests, and the correlation of seminal and blood calcitonin levels with sperm motility were determined. The difference in motility rates between the 3 groups was statistically significant ( p =. 000, p <. 05). Blood plasma calcitonin levels were in normal ranges in all cases and no significant difference was found among the 3 groups ( &#104 2 = 2.7219, p =. 2589, p >. 05). While sperm motility was correlated with seminal calcitonin levels ( r =. 8581), blood calcitonin levels did not show a correlation with sperm motility rate ( r = -.0265). Moreover, there was no correlation between seminal and blood plasma levels of calcitonin ( r = -.0010). Motility rates decreased in the patients with low seminal calcitonin levels and seminal calcitonin levels had a significant effect on sperm motility.     

SOLUBLE FAS AND INTERLEUKIN-6 AND INTERLEUKIN-8 LEVELS IN SEMINAL PLASMA OF INFERTILE MEN

The seminal plasma levels of soluble Fas (sFas) and interleukins IL-6 and IL-8 were measured and their relationship with semen qualities was examined. The seminal plasma sFas level in fertile males was significantly higher than that in the infertile group. On the other hand, seminal plasma level of IL-6 was significantly lower in fertile males than in the infertile group. In the infertile group, patients with oligozoospermia had a lower seminal plasma sFas and a higher IL-6 level than those with normal sperm concentration. There was an inverse correlation between IL-6 and sperm concentration in infertile patients. Seminal plasma IL-8 was not correlated with sperm parameters. It would appear that certain kinds of cytokine in the seminal plasma might play an important role in improving semen quality.     

Trace elements and sperm parameters in semen of male partners of infertile couples

OBJECTIVE: The relationships between element concentrations and sperm parameters in semen samples were investigated. METHODS: Semen samples (n = 113) were donated voluntarily by male partners of infertile couples. The concentrations of fourteen elements (Na, K, P, Ca, Zn, Mg, Fe, Cu, Se, Mn, Sn, Co, Ni, and Cd) in semen were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry, fluorometry, or colorimetry. Element concentrations in seminal plasma and in sperm were also measured. RESULTS: Element concentrations in semen were in the order Na > P, K > Ca > Zn > Mg > > Fe> Cu, Se > Mn > Sn, Ni, Co, Cd. When the samples were divided into two groups in terms of sperm concentration and number, the Se concentration in semen with normal parameter values (sperm concentration > or = 20 x 10(6) and sperm number > or = 40 x 10(6)), 99.4 +/- 37.4 ng/ml, was higher than that in semen with abnormal parameter values (sperm concentration < or = 20 x 10(6) and/or sperm number < or = 40 x 10(6)), 72.1 +/- 33.9 ng/ml (p < 0.001). A clearer positive correlation between the Se concentration and the sperm concentration was observed in the sperm portion (r = 0.853, p < 0.001) than in semen (r = 0.512, p < 0.001) and seminal plasma (r = 0.292, p = 0.003). Statistically significant correlations were also observed between the concentration of Se, P, Zn, Cu, Fe, or Mn in semen, the sperm portion or seminal plasma and the sperm concentration, semen volume or abnormal morphology, although correlation coefficients were small. CONCLUSION: Among biologically essential elements in semen of infertile males, Se was a good indicator of sperm concentration; however, other trace elements did not indicate clear relationships between their concentrations and sperm parameters.     

Diet and nutrients are contributing factors that influence blood cadmium levels

Studies suggested the intake of Cd from diet can be approximately equivalent to that from smoking. Moreover, a mutual metabolic influence between Cd and nutrients has been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between blood cadmium concentration (BCdC) and food consumption, nutrients intake (Ca, Fe, Zn, vitamin C, and vitamin D), tobacco smoking, and some other variables (age, body mass index, and residence) in 243 adults living in the Italian island of Sardinia (Sassari Province). Specifically, we hypothesized that offal consumption contributes to Cd intakes and blood levels. The BCdC was quantified by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, and information on personal data was collected through questionnaires. Smoke significantly contributed to the BCdC (P < .001). Nonsmoker subjects who eat offal showed significantly higher BCdC (P = .04). Moreover, slightly higher BCdCs were also observed in nonsmoker subjects who eat rice, fish, and bread. The BCdC positively correlated with age of subjects (r = 0.144; P = .025) and offal daily intake in nonsmokers (r = 0.393; P < .001). The intake of Ca was negatively correlated (r = −0.281; P = .001) with the BCdC in females. The multiple linear regression analysis showed smoking > consumption of offal > body mass index ≈ age as the most important risk factors for the BCdC in the selected population.     

ANALYSIS OF LIPID PEROXIDATIVE LEVELS IN SEMINAL PLASMA OF INFERTILE MEN BY HIGH-PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY

For the purpose to evaluate the significance of lipid peroxidative products on male infertility, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), which is one of the final products of lipid peroxidation in seminal plasma, were determined. Ninety-three male infertile patients were divided into obstructive azoospermic group (12 cases), non-obstructive azoospermic group (15 cases), oligozoospermic group (21 cases), asthenozoospermic group (19 cases), oligoasthenozoospermic group (16 cases) and oligoasthenoteratozoospermic group (10 cases). Eighteen fertile males were included in the control group. MDA concentrations of seminal plasma in the fertile and infertile men were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results showed that the concentration of MDA in seminal plasma differed significantly between the control group and all the infertile groups (P?<?0.01) except the obstructive azoospermic group, between the oligoasthenozoospermic group and the oligozoospermic and asthenozoospermic groups (P?<?0.01), and between the oligoasthenoteratozoospermic group and the oligozoospermic and asthenozoospermic groups (P?<?0.01). MDA concentration of seminal plasma in the oligoasthenoteratozoospermic group differed significantly from that in the oligoasthenozoospermic group (P?<?0.05). The results suggested that detection of MDA concentrations in seminal plasma by HPLC has an indicative value on the diagnosis of male infertility induced by overproduction of reactive oxygen species in male reproductive system.     

吸烟对精液质量和月经功能的影响

目的 探讨吸烟对精液质量和月经功能的影响. 方法 选择597例男性不育患者精液标本,其中395例为吸烟者,202例为非吸烟者,观察比较2组精液标本的各项参数;女性不生育患者304例,主动吸烟者5例,被动吸烟者198例,不吸烟者101例,分析其月经功能. 结果 吸烟者和非吸烟者相比,精子的正常形态数、精子的密度和精子的活力降低,2组之间差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).女性被动吸烟与女性痛经有显著正相关(P<0.05),女性被动吸烟对月经周期和经期有一定得影响,但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05). 结论 吸烟行为可能与精子的质量下降有关.女性被动吸烟对月经功能造成一定的危害,应引起有关方面的足够重视.     

Association of CAT–262C/T with the concentration of catalase in seminal plasma and the risk for male infertility in Algeria

Catalase (CAT) plays a central role in the protection of different cell types against the deleterious effects of hydrogen peroxide. In human, CAT is implicated in many physiological and pathological conditions including idiopathic male infertility. In this study we examined the association between CAT levels in seminal plasma with different sperm parameters and with CAT–262 C/T polymorphism and their risk for idiopathic male infertility in Algeria. Semen and blood samples were obtained from 111 infertile males and 104 fertile controls from the region of Eastern Algeria following informed consent. Standard semen parameters, DNA integrity, and CAT concentration in seminal plasma were evaluated. CAT-262C/T genotypes were screened using allele specific PCR. Seminal CAT activity was significantly different (p<0.0001) between infertile males and controls, it was also markedly decreased in oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia (p<0.0001), azoospermia (p<0.0001), and normozoospermia (p=0.045) subgroups compared to controls. Positive correlations between CAT activity and semen parameters (volume, motility, concentration, and morphology) were detected, but not with sperm DNA integrity. There was no direct association between CAT-262C/T polymorphism and general male infertility. However, the results presented in this study showed that CAT activity is remarkably associated with the CAT-262T allele (p=0.001) and the different CAT-262C/T genotypes. This study highlighted the major differences in the seminal plasma CAT content between infertile and fertile males and the differences of CAT concentration between different CAT-262C/T genotypes carriers.     

吸烟、精浆锌与男性不育患者精子形态的关系

目的:探讨吸烟、精浆锌与不育男性患者精子形态的关系。方法:对115例男性不育患者的吸烟情况进行问卷调查,采用精子形态检测系统下人工修正方法分析共精子形态,以分光光度比色法测定精浆锌含量。结果:不育男性吸烟组精浆锌水平显著低于不吸烟组(P<0.05),且吸烟程度与精浆锌水平呈显著负相关性(r=-0.273,P<0.05);吸烟组正常形态精子百分率显著低于不吸烟组(P<0.05);吸烟精浆锌异常组正常形态精子百分率显著低于吸烟精浆锌正常组(P<0.05),且显著低于不吸烟精浆锌正常和异常组(P<0.01);不吸烟精浆锌异常组正常形态精子百分率与精浆锌正常组差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:吸烟能使精浆锌水平降低;吸烟对精子形态的影响可能通过降低精浆锌含量,增加氧化应激,使正常形态精子百分率下降。     

The Expression of Mannose-Ligand Receptor is Correlated with Sperm Morphology

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the association between the expression of sperm mannose-ligand receptors and sperm morphology. Sperm samples were obtained from 45 men, 30 fertile sperm donors and 15 infertile men. Sperm concentration, motility and morphology were evaluated and then incubated with control medium (Ham's F-10 + 1% HSA) for 4 h. Expression of mannose-ligand receptors was evaluated by mannosylated-BSA-FITC (subdivided into 3 patterns: I, for uncapacitated sperm; II, for capacitated; and III, for acrosome-reacted sperm). The mean ( &#45 SE) frequencies of sperm cells of the total sperm population that expressed patterns I, II, and III were 88 &#45 2.1%, 7 &#45 1.6%, and 5 &#45 0.8%, respectively, for fertile men, and 90 &#45 2.1%, 7 &#45 1.3%, and 3 &#45 0.5%, respectively, for infertile men. The rate of pattern III expression of mannose-ligand receptors was significantly higher in the fertile group compared to the infertile patients ( p <. 01). A poor but significant correlation was observed between the rate of pattern III and the percentage of normal-forms sperm cell in the ejaculate ( r =. 35, p =. 018). Fertile sperm samples express more advanced patterns of mannose-ligand receptors compared to infertile men. This phenomenon is related to the morphology of human sperm cell in the ejaculate more than to any other basic sperm characteristics.     

生育和不育男性精液维生素B_(12)、叶酸、活性氧和精子质量的比较

为了探讨精液维生素 B1 2 (VB1 2 )、叶酸和活性氧 (ROS)对精子质量和生殖功能的影响。收集成年男性不育者 44名 (不育组 )和经证实配偶已怀孕的健康成年男性 176名 (生育组 )的精液 ,根据 WHO推荐方法检测精子质量指标 ,并测定精液 VB1 2 、叶酸和 ROS水平。结果显示二组 VB1 2 和叶酸没有显著性差异 (P>0 .0 5 ) ,不育组 ROS和形态异常精子都显著高于生育组 (P<0 .0 1) ,ROS与精子形态异常呈正相关 (P<0 .0 1) ,VB1 2 和叶酸与 ROS均呈负相关 (P<0 .0 1)。结论认为精液 ROS升高 ,可能促使精子形态异常 ,从而影响男性生殖功能。     

少、弱精子症患者精浆、精子和血清中锌及性激素水平的相关分析

目的:检测弱精子症和少弱精子症患者精浆、精子、血清中锌含量和血清性激素水平,分析锌含量和血清性激素水平的变化与精子密度和精子运动能力的关系。方法:随机筛选190例弱精子症患者,85例少弱精子症患者以及32例精液质量正常的已生育男性作为研究对象,利用原子吸收光谱法检测其精浆、精子和血清锌含量,放射免疫分析法检测血清生殖激素(FSH、LH、T),并进行统计学分析。结果:3组间精浆锌和血清锌含量没有显著差异(P>0.05);少弱精子症患者精子锌含量显著高于弱精子症患者和正常生育男性(P<0.01);弱精子症患者T含量显著低于正常生育组而LH含量显著高于正常生育组(P<0.05);少弱精子症患者T含量显著低于正常生育组而FSH含量显著高于正常生育组(P<0.05),并且其LH含量与正常生育组间具有统计学意义(P<0.01);弱精子症、少弱精子症患者精浆锌与血清T之间无明显的相关性(P>0.05)。结论:少弱精子症患者过高的精子锌含量可能与精子运动能力下降和精子膜功能障碍相关。但其具体机制还有待进一步研究。血清生殖激素(FSH、LH、T)的测定对于弱精子症、少弱精子症病因的诊断和治疗具有一定的临床意义。     

男性不育患者精浆锌含量与精液主要参数相关性研究

目的:探讨不育男性精浆的锌含量与精液质量的关系。方法:回顾性分析2011年8月～2012年1月在广西壮族自治区妇幼保健院生殖中心就诊的343例男性不育患者的相关资料,依据精浆锌含量分为正常A组(n=274例)和异常B组(n=69例),比较两组间精液参数的差异;同时根据精液黏稠度分为黏稠C组(n=54例)与非黏稠D组(n=289例),比较两组间精浆锌含量及其他精液参数的差异。结果:A组与B组患者年龄比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。A组的精液量、每次射精精子总数、前向运动精子总数显著高于B组,而黏稠精液的比例明显低于B组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。其他精液各指标比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);C组与D组精液圆细胞浓度、精液量、精子浓度、精子总数比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);D组的前向运动精子百分率、前向运动精子总数、活动率、精浆锌明显高于C组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。精浆锌含量与精液量、每次射精精子总数、前向运动精子总数显著正相关,与其他参数无显著相关性。结论:精浆锌含量直接影响精液量、精子总数、前向运动精子总数和精液黏稠度,精浆锌含量是男性生殖力的重要评估指标。     

吸烟对精子DNA完整性、精子参数的影响

目的:探讨吸烟对精子DNA完整性、精子参数的影响。方法:调查191例男性不育患者的吸烟情况,采用吖啶橙荧光染色后检测精子DNA完整性,计算机自动分析精子密度与活力,精子形态检测系统下人工修正方法进行精子形态分析。结果:吸烟组精子活力显著低于不吸烟组(P<0.05),精子密度和形态低于不吸烟组,但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。吸烟组精子DNA完整率异常例数显著高于不吸烟组(χ2=5.393,P<0.05),精子DNA完整率异常组精子密度显著低于精子DNA完整率正常组(P<0.05),精子DNA完整率异常组的精子活力、形态与正常组相比差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:吸烟影响精子DNA完整率;精子DNA完整率异常与精子参数异常相关;吸烟可能通过影响精子DNA完整性影响精子参数。     

抗精子抗体与不孕症关系的研究

对２２１对不孕夫妇及１００对孕早期夫妇进行抗精子抗体（ＡｓＡｂ）及解脲支原体（ＵＵ）检测，探讨精浆、宫颈粘液及血清中抗精子抗体和解脲支原体感染对不孕症的作用。结果：不孕男性精浆ＡｓＡｂ阳性率为９．０５％，生育组为２．００％（Ｐ＜０．０５）；不孕女性宫颈粘液ＡｓＡｂ阳性率为１３．５８％，生育组为５．００％（Ｐ＜０．０５）。不孕组男女生殖道ＵＵ阳性率明显高于生育组，差异显著（Ｐ＜０．０５）。精浆ＡｓＡｂ阳性不孕病人１３．４３％存在ＵＵ感染（Ｐ＜０．０５），宫颈粘液ＡｓＡｂ阳性不孕女性病人１８．４４％存在ＵＵ感染（Ｐ＜０．０１）。本文表明：生殖道ＡｓＡｂ的产生与ＵＵ感染有关，两者是引起不孕的原因。     

不育男性的精子DNA完整性与活性氧及尿酸的关系

目的:探讨男性不育患者的精子DNA完整性、精浆过氧化氢与尿酸(UA)含量之间的关系。方法:依据世界卫生组织诊断标准,选择不育者45例,生育者30例,进行常规精液分析;过氧化氢含量测定用比色法;尿酸含量测定采用尿酸酶-过氧化物酶偶联法;将精子标记相应的荧光染料,用流式细胞仪检测精子的染色质状态。结果:生育组精子活率、密度、UA浓度明显高于不育组(P<0.01)。精子畸形率、过氧化氢浓度、DNA碎片率明显低于不育组(P<0.01)。DNA碎片率与过氧化氢浓度(r=0.285,P<0.05)、精子畸形率(r=0.371,P<0.01)呈正相关,与精子活率呈负相关(r=-0.349,P<0.01);过氧化氢浓度与尿酸浓度呈负相关(r=-0.271,P<0.05)。结论:过氧化物含量过高会破坏精子核内DNA的完整性,使精子畸形率升高、活率下降而导致男性不育。     

Relationship of seminal plasma antioxidants and serum male hormones with sperm chromatin status in male factor infertility

We explored the relationship between sperm chromatin integrity, hormone levels, seminal plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and routine sperm parameters in men with male factor (MF, n?=?81) and non-male factor (NMF, n?=?52) infertility. Semen and blood were collected and examined from men undergoing evaluation for infertility in the Avicenna Infertility Clinic. We have examined each patient for serum hormones (LH, FSH, E2, DHEA), sperm chromatin damage, level of protamination and seminal plasma TAC. Levels of FSH, LH, sperm chromatin damage, and abnormal protamination were significantly higher in MF vs. NMF groups (p?<?0.001). Sperm chromatin damage was correlated with percentage of CMA₃- positive sperm (r?=?0.64, p?<?0.001) and with sperm concentration (r?=??0.36, p?<?0.001), motility (r?=??0.21, p?<?0.05), and morphologically normal spermatozoa (r?=??0.29, p?<?0.001). Linear regression showed sperm chromatin damage was related to percentage of CMA₃- positive sperm (p?<?0.001) in ungrouped patients. It was related to both percentage of CMA₃- positive sperm and serum DHEA in the MF group (p?<?0.001 and p?<?0.05, respectively). Sperm chromatin maturity assessed by CMA₃ test was inversely related to sperm chromatin damage assessed by the toludine blue assay. Male factor infertility associated with sperm chromatin damage may be related to sperm protamination and to serum DHEA.     

Effects of Cryopreservation on Sperm DNA Integrity in Normospermic and Four Categories of Infertile Males

This study examined the effects of cryopreservation on DNA integrity of spermatozoa from 34 fertile subjects and 166 infertile subjects comprised of 80 teratospermic, 32 normospermic, 30 astheno-teratospermic, and 24 oligo-astheno-teratospermic individuals. Semen samples were prepared by swim-up and the Percoll density gradient centrifugation method (Pdgc) prior to freezing in liquid nitrogen. Neat and prepared samples were supplemented with cryoprotectant (SpermFreez) in cryoampoules and were frozen using the static phase vapor cooling procedure. Sperm DNA integrity of all thawed samples was determined using the alkaline comet assay. It was noticed that the sperm DNA integrity of frozen samples of fertile subjects was considerably higher than that of infertile subjects with greater catch-up integrity similar to the fresh samples. Freezing caused less chromatin damage to sperm of Pdgc samples from both fertile and infertile subjects as was compared to the neat and swim-up samples. It is concluded that the increase in comet frequency of frozen-thawed samples from infertile subjects was more prominent (8.25–22.78%; P<0.01) than in the fresh samples. Frozen-thawed samples from Ts (Teratospermic individuals) and ATs (Astheno-teratozoosspermic) showed higher level of OTM (Olive tail moment) indicating a higher level of chromatin fragmentation than fertile, Ns (Normospermics), and OATs (Oligo-astheno-teratozoospermics).