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8-羟基脱氧鸟苷水平的检测分析

目的:检测人血清及精浆中8-羟基脱氧鸟苷(8-OHdG)水平,探讨男性精索静脉曲张(VC)患者体内氧化损伤情况。方法:对41例VC不育患者、33例正常生育者进行精液分析,用8-OHdG酶联免疫试剂盒检测两组对象血清及精浆中8-OHdG水平,采用Wilcoxon两样本比较法对数据进行统计分析。结果:正常生育组的精子浓度、前向活动率、存活率均高于VC不育组(P<0.05),血清8-OHdG水平(中位数34.83ng/ml)低于VC组(中位数76.87ng/ml,P<0.05),精浆8-OHdG水平(中位数18.51ng/ml)低于VC组(中位数22.19ng/ml,P<0.05)。血清中8-OHdG水平高于精浆(P<0.05)。血清8-OHdG水平与精子存活率、前向活动率呈负相关(γ=-0.293,P<0.05;γ=-0.243,P<0.05);精浆8-OHdG水平与精子存活率、前向活动率呈负相关(γ=-0.327,P<0.05;γ=-0.275,P<0.05);血清及精浆中8-OHdG水平与精子浓度、正常形态率不相关。结论:VC患者血清和精浆中8-OHdG水平高于正常生育组,表明VC患者可能存在DNA氧化损伤,导致精子活力下降。     

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.     

PHOSPHOLIPID COMPOSITION OF HUMAN SPERM AND SEMINAL PLASMA IN RELATION TO SPERM FERTILITY

The phospholipid and fatty acid composition of sperm was studied in 8 healthy and 16 infertile men. Infertile men randomly formed from the patients with normal semen parameters according to WHO criterion. Therefore, all semen parameters of infertile patients were similar to the same characteristics of the semen of healthy men, except the abnormal forms. The amount of abnormal forms in infertile men was significantly higher than in healthy men. Sperm from infertile men show a drastic loss of phosphatidyl ethanolamine. At the same time, the significant increase of phosphatidyl serine in the sperm and seminal plasma of sterile patients was found. Lysophosphatidyl serine in the sperm of the infertile men was detected. Fatty acid composition of the semen of infertile men was altered. The levels of stearic and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (eicosopentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids) was dramatically lowered, but the values of some n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (linolenic and docosatetraenoic) acids increased. There was significant positive correlation between docosahexaenoic acid and sperm motility (r =. 82, p &lt;. 001) and negative correlation between linolenic acid and spermatozoa motility (r=-0.58, p&lt;.05). Infertility of men with normal semen quality can originate from the disorder of sperm lipid metabolism. The drastic loss of phosphatidyl ethanolamine and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids with simultaneous enhancement of phosphatidyl serine and some n - 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in sperm could be an important cause of male infertility.     

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。     

Zinc levels in seminal plasma are associated with sperm quality in fertile and infertile men

Zinc has antioxidative properties and plays an important role in scavenging reactive oxygen species. We hypothesized that in the absence of Zn, the possibility of increased oxidative damage exists that would contribute to poor sperm quality. Therefore, measurement of seminal Zn in the seminal plasma of males with a history of subfertility or idiopathic infertility is necessary and can be helpful in fertility assessment. The primary objective of the present study was to assess the relationship between Zn levels in seminal plasma with sperm quality in fertile and infertile men. Semen samples were provided by fertile (smoker [n = 17], nonsmoker [n = 19]) and infertile men (smoker [n = 15], nonsmoker [n = 21]). After semen analysis, concentrations of Zn, Mg, Ca, Na, and K in the seminal plasma of all groups were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Element concentrations in seminal plasma of all groups were in the order Na > K > Ca > Zn > Mg. Fertile subjects, smoker or not, demonstrated significantly higher seminal Zn levels than any infertile group (P < .001). A trend was observed for a lower Zn levels in seminal plasma of smokers compared with nonsmokers. Seminal Zn in fertile and infertile (smokers or nonsmokers) males correlated significantly with sperm count (P < .01) and normal morphology of sperm (P < .001). There was a significantly positive correlation between seminal Zn with Ca (P < .01) and K (P < .01) levels in all specimens. In conclusion, poor Zn nutrition may be an important risk factor for low quality of sperm and idiopathic male infertility.     

精浆一氧化氮与精液主要参数之间关系探讨

目的:探讨精浆一氧化氮与精液主要参数之间关系。方法:应用精子质量自动分析系统(CASA)检测精液主要参数,采用分光光度比色法检测精浆一氧化氮含量。结果:精浆一氧化氮含量与精液白细胞浓度呈低度正相关关系(r=0·294,P≤0·05),与精液量呈低度负相关关系(r=-0·33,P≤0·05);与a,b级精子百分率、精子密度、形态正常精子百分率均无显著相关性(P>0·05);精液参数正常组与异常组精浆一氧化氮含量比较差异无显著性(P>0·05);精液白细胞浓度、a,b级精子百分率、精液量、精子密度、形态正常精子百分率正常组与其对应的异常组比较,精浆NO含量差异亦均无显著性(P>0·05)。结论:精浆一氧化氮与精液主要参数无明显密切关系。     

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。     

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?相似文献   

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.     

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.     

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.     

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。     

Relationship Between Hypoosmotic Swelling Test,Semen Analysis,and Zona-Free Hamster Ovum Test

The hypoosmotic swelling test is a simple test for measuring the functional competence of the human sperm membrane. Fifty-four patients with idiopathic infertility were assessed by hypoosmotic swelling test and the results were compared with those of routine semen analysis and zona-free hamster ovum human sperm penetration test (ZSPT). Semen samples with abnormal semen parameters had lower percentage of swollen sperm in comparison with those with normal semen parameters. A positive correlation was observed between sperm concentration and sperm swelling (r -. 50, p <. 05). A strong positive correlation was observed between the percentage of sperm motility and the percentage of swollen sperm (r - 0.60, p <. 01), and between motile sperm concentration and sperm swelling (r -. 62, p <. 01). On the other hand, sperm swelling correlated only weakly with the percentage of sperm penetration. The results indicate that the hypoosmotic swelling test appears to evaluate different functional qualities of sperm than ZSPT.     

THE EFFECT OF CHYMOTRYPSIN ON THE DETERMINATION OF TOTAL ALPHA-GLUCOSIDASE ACTIVITY IN SEMINAL PLASMA AND THE CORRELATION BETWEEN ALPHA-GLUCOSIDASE LEVEL AND SEMEN PARAMETERS

To evaluate the effect of chymotrypsin on the examination of alpha-glucosidase activity in seminal plasma, thirty-nine samples of fresh liquefied semen with or without chymotrypsin and forty-eight samples of fresh un-liquefied semen with chymotrypsin were determined for the total alpha-glucosidase activity in seminal plasma. The total alpha-glucosidase level of each sample was assayed by the method of glucose oxidase. The correlations between alpha-glucosidase level and semen parameters, including semen volume, pH, sperm concentration, grade a and b motility and total motility, were analyzed with SPSS 11.0 software. The results showed that chymotrypsin had no effect on seminal alpha-glucosidase activity determination. Chymotrypsin could improve the liquefaction for un-liquefied semen, and there was no significant difference of alpha-glucosidase activity between liquefied and un-liquefied semen samples. There were significantly positive correlations between seminal alpha-glucosidase activity (U/ml) and sperm concentration (r = 0.338, p = 0.015) and between total alpha-glucosidase activity (U/ejaculate) and semen volume (r = 0.677, p = 0.000). However, there was no significant correlation between alpha-glucosidase level (U/ml) and semen volume, pH, sperm motility or grade a and b motility (r = ?0.234 ～ 0.077, p = 0.099 ～ 0.993). The data indicated that chymotrypsin could be added into the un-liquefied semen samples for alpha-glucosidase activity determination, and there were different correlations between seminal alpha-glucosidase level and various semen parameters.     

精液中硒含量与精子质量和精子DNA 氧化损伤的关系

目的　探讨血清和精液中硒浓度与精子质量和精子DNA氧化损伤的关系。方法　用原子吸收光谱检测血清和精液中硒浓度 ,按WHO规范方法检测精液量、精子数、每次射出精子总数、活力和活动精子百分率及精子畸形率 ,用高压液相色谱 光电检测系统和高压液相色谱 紫外线检测器同时检测人精子DNA 8 羟基脱氧核糖鸟苷 (8 OHdG)和脱氧核糖鸟苷 (dG)水平。结果　已孕组精液硒平均浓度 (0 74μmol/L)明显高于不孕组 (0 5 6 μmol/L) ,而两组间血清硒平均浓度差异无显著性。已孕组精液量、精子数和每次射出精子总数的平均值 (3 91ml、46 4× 10 9/L和 16 8 0× 10 6)明显高于不孕组 (2 79ml、36 5× 10 9/L和 10 2 0× 10 6) ,两组间精子活力、活动精子百分率和精子畸形率的平均值差异无显著性。精液硒浓度与精子数、每次射出精子总数、精子活力、活动精子百分率之间呈明显的正相关 ,而血清硒浓度与精子质量均无明显相关关系。精子DNA 8 OHdG水平与精液硒浓度呈明显负相关 ,而与血清硒浓度无明显相关关系。结论　精液硒浓度与人类精子质量和精子DNA 8 OHdG有关 ,血清硒浓度不影响精子质量和精子DNA氧化损伤程度     

生育和不育男性精液维生素B12、叶酸、活性氧和精子质量的比较

为了探讨精液维生素B     

精浆IL-1β、IL-8、TNF-α含量测定对男性不育症患者的诊断价值

目的：观察男性不育症患者精浆中白细胞介素-1β（IL-1β）、白细胞介素-8（IL-8）、肿瘤坏死因子α（TNF-α）含量与精子部分功能指标关系。方法：应用放射免疫分析技术对118例男性不育症和22例正常生育者精浆中IL-1β、IL-8、TNF-α含量进行检测并分析。根据精子密度将不育症患者分为A组（精子密度≥20×10^6/ml）、B组（精子密度〈20×10^6/ml）和C组（无精子症者）3组;根据精子活力、活率将A组分别分为精子活力正常组和不良组,精子活率正常组和下降组;根据精液中白细胞（WBC）数量将不育症患者分为WBC精液组和非WBC精液组。结果：不育症组精浆IL-1β、IL-8、TNF-α含量显著高于生育组（P〈0.05或P〈0.01）;不育症组精浆中IL-1β含量在精子活力正常与不良、WBC精液组与非WBC精液组之间存在统计学差异（P〈0.05）;IL-8含量在精子活率正常与减少、WBC精液组与非WBC精液组之间有统计学差异（P〈0.05或P〈0.01）;TNF-α含量在不育症组精子活力、活率正常与不良之间均有统计学差异（P〈0.05）。结论：精浆中IL-1β、IL-8、TNF-α含量与男性生殖密切相关,其含量变化可反映生殖系统局部的免疫状态和感染情况,并影响精子的运动功能,含量测定可为不育症诊治提供参考。     

ASSESSMENT OF HUMAN SPERM MORPHOLOGY BY STRICT CRITERIA: COMPARISON OF WET PREPARATION VERSUS STAINED WITH THE MODIFIED DIFF-QUIK METHOD

Routine semen examination remains an important tool for the diagnosis and treatment in human subfertility. Of all semen parameters, sperm morphology seems to be one of the most powerful indicators of a man's fertilizing potential in vitro and in vivo. Lack of standardization of sperm morphology assessments remains the main reason for the usefulness of this parameter. The aim of this study was to analyze the agreement between the wet-stained preparations versus those stained with modified Diff-Quik for sperm morphology. A total of 100 unselected semen samples from infertile couples were analyzed. Sperm morphology was evaluated with unstained specimens and following modified Diff-Quik staining according to the strict (Kruger classification) criteria by two different examiners (intralaboratory blind assessment). Mean percentages of morphologically normal spermatozoa were identical on wet and stained preparation slides (4.79 vs. 4.61, p >.05). Wide divergence of results was found with respect to the percentage of sperm with head and midpiece defects with the two different preparations ( p >.001). The percentage of sperm tail defects was similar in both methods ( p >.05). Simple linear regression analysis between the two methods revealed very good correlation for the morphologically normal spermatozoa ( r =. 83), but poor correlation for the sperm head, midpiece, and tail defects ( r =. 25,. 25, and. 28, respectively). Wet preparation is suitable only for the morphologically normal spermatozoa, but to determine the percentage of the defective spermatozoa, staining the smear is recommended.     

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.