Improvement in human semen quality after oral supplementation of vitamin C

This study was carried out to monitor the effect of oral supplementation of vitamin C on various semen parameters in oligospermic, infertile, otherwise healthy individuals. Various semen parameters, including sperm motility, sperm count, and sperm morphology, were studied before and after the vitamin C treatment. A total of 13 infertile patients were included. Their ages ranged between 25 and 35 years. They had no genital infection or varicocele. Physical examination and other routine laboratory investigations were normal. General semen analysis revealed oligozoospermia (mean sperm count was 14.3 +/- 7.38 x 10(6) sperms/mL, mean sperm with normal morphology was 43 +/- 7.87%, and mean sperm motility was 31.2 +/- 9.61%). Testicular biopsy was not done. These patients received in an open trial of 1,000 mg of vitamin C twice daily for a maximum of 2 months. Results showed that the mean sperm count was increased to 32.8 +/- 10.3 x 10(6) sperms/mL (P < .001) after 2 months of vitamin C intake. The mean sperm motility was increased significantly to 60.1 +/- 8.47% (P < .001), and mean sperms with normal morphology increased significantly to 66.7 +/- 4.77% (P < .001). This study showed that vitamin C supplementation in infertile men might improve sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology and might have a place as an additional supplement to improve the semen quality towards conception.     

Ejaculate traits in the Namibian cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus): influence of age, season and captivity

The objective was to examine the influence of animal age, season and captivity status on seminal quality in wild-born cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) in Namibia, Africa. Animals were divided into three age categories: juvenile (14-24 months; n = 16 males, 23 ejaculates); adult (25-120 months; n = 76 males, 172 ejaculates); and aged (>120 months; n = 5 males, 5 ejaculates). Seasons were categorised into hot-wet (January-April), cold-dry (May-August) and hot-dry (September-December). A comparison between freshly wild-caught (n = 29 males, 41 ejaculates) and captive-held cheetahs (n = 68 males, 159 ejaculates) was also conducted. Raw ejaculates contained 69.0 +/- 1.1% motile spermatozoa (mean +/- s.e.m.) with 73.6 +/- 1.5% of these cells containing an intact acrosome. Overall, 18.4 +/- 0.9% of spermatozoa were morphologically normal, with midpiece anomalies being the most prevalent (approximately 39%) defect. Juvenile cheetahs produced ejaculates with poorer sperm motility, forward progressive status, lower seminal volume and fewer total motile spermatozoa than adult and aged animals. Spermatogenesis continued unabated throughout the year and was minimally influenced by season. Proportions of sperm malformations were also not affected by season. Ejaculates from captive cheetahs had increased volume and intact acrosomes, but lower sperm density than wild-caught counterparts. In summary, Namibian cheetahs produce an extraordinarily high proportion of pleiomorphic spermatozoa regardless of age, season or living (captive versus free-ranging) status. Young males less than 2 years of age produce poorer ejaculate quality than adult and aged males. Because (1) all study animals were wild born and (2) there was little difference between freshly caught males and those maintained in captivity for protracted periods, our results affirm that teratospermia in the cheetah is mostly genetically derived. It also appears that an ex situ environment for the Namibian cheetah can ensure sperm quality comparable with that for free-living males.     

Assessment of basic seminal characteristics, sperm cryopreservation and heterologous in vitro fertilisation in the fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus)

Conservation of the fishing cat, a threatened south-east Asian felid, could benefit from effective ex situ genetic management and breeding programmes, including the use of assisted reproduction. The aims of the present study were to: (1) characterise basal seminal traits of fishing cats in Thailand zoos; and (2) investigate the effect of cryopreservation on sperm motility, acrosomal integrity and in vitro function. Seminal traits were evaluated in electroejaculates collected from eight males. Spermatozoa were diluted in n-tris(hydroxymethyl)-methyl-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid Tris (TEST)-yolk buffer (TYB) without glycerol, then diluted further with TYB with glycerol (4% final concentration) at either 25 degrees C or after slow cooling to 5 degrees C and frozen in straws over liquid nitrogen vapour. After thawing, sperm function was assessed by insemination of viable domestic cat oocytes. Fishing cat ejaculates averaged (+/- s.e.m.) 43.6 +/- 14.2 x 10(6) motile spermatozoa with 33.5 +/- 6.8% normal sperm morphology. Semen processing had a negligible effect (P > 0.05) on sperm motility and acrosomal integrity, but values were reduced (P < 0.05) after thawing. All thawed samples fertilised domestic cat oocytes, with 62.1% (36/58) of mature oocytes cleaving. Glycerol addition at 5 degrees C resulted in higher (P < 0.05) post-thaw motility and intact acrosomes than glycerol addition at 25 degrees C. In conclusion, good-quality ejaculates can be obtained from Thai fishing cats and their spermatozoa exhibit adequate function after cryopreservation for in vitro fertilisation procedures.     

CORRELATION OF THE BOVINE CERVICAL MUCUS PENETRATION TEST WITH HUMAN SPERM CHARACTERISTICS IN 1406 EJACULATES

The bovine cervical mucus penetration test (BCMPT) was performed to determine its usefulness in screening the ability of sperm to successfully penetrate mucus in vitro. Ejaculates were obtained by masturbation from patients attending an infertility clinic. Routine semen analysis was performed using a microcomputerized multiple-exposure photography system. The BCMPT was performed. Overall, the average penetration of the mucus was 38+/-0.46 mm. Of the 1406 ejaculates analyzed, 244 (17%) displayed a negative result (0-20 mm), 291 (21%) a questionable result (21-30 mm), and 871 (62%) a positive result (&gt;30 mm). A highly significant (p&lt;.001) correlation between mucus penetration distance and sperm MD (r=0.541), MI (r=0.484), count (r=0.475), motility (r=0.448), velocity (r=0.400) and morphology (r=0.369) was observed. Overall, the finding of an abnormal semen parameter resulted in a 34+/-5% accurate prediction of a negative or questionable BCMPT (&lt;30 mm), while a normal semen parameter resulted in a 90+/-4% accurate prediction of a positive BCMPT (&gt;30 mm). Sperm MD showed the strongest positive predictive value (98%), while morphology showed the greatest negative predictive value (50%). Of the 1406 samples, 25+/-2% of the samples with normal semen parameters displayed a negative BCMPT. Conversely, 6+/-2% of samples with abnormal parameters showed a positive BCMPT. The BCMPT successfully identifies a significant subpopulation of patients as having an inadequate penetration of mucus with otherwise normal semen characteristics.     

A short-term evaluation of semen and accessory sex gland function in phase III trial subjects receiving intravasal contraceptive RISUG

Following the intravasal injection of a new male contraceptive RISUG (reversible inhibition of sperm under guidance) in volunteers, routine semen analysis, semen biochemistry and germ cell morphology were evaluated in comparison with the corresponding preinjection samples for a maximum period of 6 months. Sperm counts in all 25 subjects before injection varied from 45 to 120 x 10(6)/ml. Out of 25 subjects, 6 became azoospermic after 1 month, 15 after 2 months, 3 after 3 months and 1 after 4 months of contraceptive injection. The mean volume of the ejaculates was found to be less as compared to preinjection samples. Occasional sperm or sperm heads and immature germ cells were identified in only a few postinjected subjects. However, no pregnancy was reported in these subjects during the study period. Abnormal morphology found in most of the sperm, but not in the accompanying immature germ cells, may be due to a charge-related effect on the former but not on the latter cells. Neutral alpha-glucosidase, the biochemical marker for epididymis, was estimated to be significantly lower in the seminal plasma of all the postinjected subjects. On the other hand, acid phosphatase activity and fructose levels in the seminal plasma were found to be in the normal range. Based on the above findings, it is concluded that at least for the present study period, RISUG, a new male contraceptive, is effective as a partially occluding agent in the vas deferens.     

The Relevance of Neutral α-Glucosidase Activity in Andrology

To assess the usefulness of routine determination of neutral α-glucosidase (NAG) in andrology, 216 ejaculates were analyzed for NAG activity and semen quality. A correlation between NAG activity and semen volume and sperm concentration was determined; however, no correlation was observed between NAG activity and sperm motility or sperm morphology. The number of azoospermic ejaculates that had NAG activity below acceptable levels was significantly higher than the number of non-azoospermic ejaculates with similarly low NAG levels. Routine determination of NAG activity is not practical; however, when an epididymal pathology leading to a physiological or anatomical functional alteration is suspected, the determination of NAG activity is a valuable tool in the diagnosis, and would also aid in the prognosis.     

Semen characteristics and sperm morphology in the Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus nimr) and how these vary with age and season

The Arabian leopard is a critically endangered species. Since there are only an estimated 200 animals remaining in the wild, careful management of the captive population is necessary to minimise inbreeding. The objective of this study was to characterise sperm morphology and ejaculate quality in captive males. Semen was collected by electroejaculation from 8 adult captive male leopards (aged 2-16 years) during the summer and winter months, and semen parameters, including sperm morphology, were assessed. Two-year-old leopards showed lower total sperm counts per ejaculate than older animals and these counts declined at > 8 years. Ejaculates collected during the hot summer showed significantly lower sperm concentrations, total sperm counts, sperm motility and viability and percentage of spermatozoa showing normal morphology than ejaculates collected in the cooler winter. The results showed that the male leopard attains sexual maturity between 2 and 3 years of age and exhibits good semen quality until 8 years. Collection of semen for artificial breeding or banking would best be carried out in the cooler winter months.     

输精管吻合术后精液参数恢复的研究

为探讨输精管吻合术后精液参数恢复情况,我们对46例接受输精管吻合术者进行术后18个月追踪分析,共检查精液85份。结果提示:输精管吻合术后18个月内,精液中射出的精子总数和精子密度(几何均值)减少;正常形态学的精子减少;精子膜完整性的百分率减少;活动良好的精子减少(a级)和活动不良的精子(c级)增高,这6个异常参数在吻合术后18个月时间内较为恒定。精子总活动率和精子低渗膨胀试验有良好的正相关关系,这两个参数在吻合12个月后有逐步恢复至正常水平的趋势。     

The long-term effects of DDT exposure on semen, fertility, and sexual function of malaria vector-control workers in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Hormonally active chemicals in the environment such as DDT have been associated with declining male reproductive health, especially semen quality. A cross-sectional study of 60 workers was performed near the Malaria Control Center (MCC) in Tzaneen, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Tests included a questionnaire (sexual function, fertility, and job history), a physical examination of the reproductive system, and semen analysis (produced via coitus interruptus or masturbation). Sperm count, density, and motility using the World Health Organization criteria and morphology using the strict Tygerberg criteria were determined. Serum o'p' and p'p' isomers of DDE, DDT, and DDD were measured. Forty-eight (81.0%) participants produced a semen sample, while all completed the questionnaires and physical examination. The mean sperm count was 93.8+/-130.3 million, and sperm density was 74.6+/-85.1 million/mL. The mean normal morphology score was 2.5+/-1.8% of subjects. Eighty-four percent of morphology scores were below either the WHO or the Tygerberg criteria, with the highest individual score being 6%. Self-perceived current problems with sexual function ranged between 10% and 20%. The most prevalent genital abnormality was abnormal testis disposition at 71%. There were few significant associations between DDT exposure measures (measured as years worked at MCC and serum DDT) and reproductive outcomes. p'p'-DDT was negatively associated with semen count (beta=-3.7+/-1.7; P=0.04; R2=0.05 adjusted for age, abstinence, physical abnormality, and fever in last 2 months). While the semen quality in the study was less than normal, no strong evidence for a DDT effect was found.     

Characterization of viability,mitochondrial activity,acrosomal integrity and capacitation status in boar sperm during in vitro storage at different ambient temperatures

Extended storage of unfrozen boar semen becomes an alternative because the use of frozen-thawed boar sperm results in low fertility. Sperm viability, mitochondrial activity, capacitation and acrosome integrity of freshly ejaculated boar semen stored in vitro for up to 48 h at 4 degrees C, 15 degrees C, 20 degrees C and 39 degrees C was characterized during the study. The viability of boar sperm was assessed by both Hoechst 33258 and SYBR-14/PI staining. Mitochondrial function was assessed by JC-1 staining. Capacitation status was determined by chlortetracycline (CTC)/Hoechst 33258 staining. The acrosome integrity was analysed with Coomassie blue staining. These data were derived from three ejaculates each from three crossbred boars. The viabilities assessed with SYBR-14/PI, Hoechst 33258 and JC-1 staining correlated highly (r > 0.980). In freshly ejaculated boar semen, 96 +/- 1% of the sperm did not take up the Hoechst 33258, whereas 95 +/- 2% were stained by SYBR-14 and 96 +/- 2% of the sperm had mitochondria exhibiting positive JC-1 staining. Staining with CTC/Hoechst 33258 suggested that a high percentage of sperm became capacitated after 24 h storage at 15 degrees C and 20 degrees C. There were 62 +/- 2% (15 degrees C) and 89 +/- 2% (20 degrees C) capacitated sperm by 48 h. Moreover, most of the capacitated sperm were acrosome intact. These results suggest that SYBR-14/PI, Hoechst 33258 or JC-1 staining can be used to effectively evaluate the quality of boar sperm during in vitro storage.     

Changes in the Quality of Rabbit Semen in 14 Consecutive Ejaculates Obtained Every 15 Minutes

Modifications of semen quality related to ejaculation frequency is one of the most important and neglected factors from the standpoint of artificial insemination or sperm competition. New Zealand white rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ) offer an advantageous experimental model because they have characteristic sexual behavior, they present rapid ejaculation after a single intromission, they have a very short interval between successive ejaculations, and semen can be easily collected. The authors studied the modifications on sperm quality (semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility) produced by 14 consecutive ejaculations recovered every 15 min using stimulus females and an artificial vagina. Bucks were exposed every 15 min to a sexually receptive female. After each ejaculation the female was removed and reintroduced 15 min later. Sperm concentration showed a clear biphasic conduct. The amount of spermatozoa per milliliter decreased rapidly until ejaculate number 6, showed a highly significant increase in ejaculates 7-9, and decreased to nil in the last 2 ejaculates. Total number of ejaculated spermatozoa was 557 &#50 10 6, 76% of which were recovered from the first 4 ejaculates. Ejaculate volume also showed a biphasic conduct. In the first ejaculates the volume decreased linearly until ejaculate number 6, showed a significant increase in ejaculates 7-10, and then decreased. The total semen volume recovered during the experiment was 2.44mL, 40% of which (0.98mL) was recovered from the first 2 ejaculates. Individual motility in the first 6 ejaculates was preferentially progressive (60% of the sperms) and turned to random or in situ from the seventh ejaculate up. The proportion of spermatozoa with cytoplasmic droplets increased from ejaculates 6 and 7 up. The results seem to reflect an acceleration of semen transport through the epididymis when the demands for spermatozoa increase.     

High Resolution Light Microscopic Evaluation of Boar Semen Quality Sperm Cytoplasmic Droplet Retention in Relationship with Boar Fertility Parameters

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between fertility and quantitative measures of boar semen quality, including various patterns of sperm cytoplasmic droplet (CD) retention, as determined by high power differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy. A total of 116 ejaculates were collected from a nucleus herd of 18 Large White boars over an eight month period. Semen quality parameters were analyzed for each ejaculate by calculating the percentage of normal spermatozoa, spermatozoa possessing a CD in the proximal, distal, or distal midpiece reflex position, total spermatozoa with an attached cytoplasmic droplet, spermatozoa with non-CD related aberrations and total spermatozoa with abnormalities. Of the 116 ejaculates received, 71 ejaculates from 13 boars had corresponding fertility data from single-sire inseminations of multiparous sows. The fertility data included farrowing rate (FR) and total number born (TNB). The monthly FR encompassed one month before and one month after the date of semen collection. Detection of differences for fertility and semen quality parameters was performed by separating the boars into either an above-average or below-average group based on the mean FR (74.01 ± 1.43%) or TNB (12.34 ± 0.17) for the study. For FR, the boars in the below-average group had a significantly lower percentage of normal spermatozoa and significantly higher percentage of spermatozoa possessing distal CDs, total attached CDs and total abnormalities compared to the boars in the above-average group. Conversely, for TNB there were no significant differences between the above- and below-average groups for the semen quality parameters. These data suggest that the attached CD may negatively affect FR, but not TNB. The detection of relationships between the boar fertility parameters and the retention of the sperm CD after ejaculation, document the advantage of high power DIC microscopy in conventional semen evaluation.     

Weight variation in a cohort of women using copper IUD for contraception

The objective of this study was to assess weight changes over time in reproductive-age women using nonhormonal contraception [copper intrauterine device (IUD) users]. Baseline variables recorded included age, parity, decade when the IUD was inserted and the presence of hypertension. A total of 1697 IUD users were followed for 7 years of use. The mean age (+/- SD) of the women at the beginning of follow-up was 27.6 +/- 5.8 years and the mean height (+/- SD) was 150 +/- 10 cm. The mean weight (+/- SD) at the time of IUD insertion was 58.5 +/- 0.30 kg. After 5 and 7 years of follow-up, the mean weight (+/- SD) was 61.2 +/- 0.33 kg and 62.4 +/- 0.51 kg, respectively. At insertion, the body mass index mean (+/- SD) was 24.5 +/- 0.12 and after 3 years it was 25 +/- 0.14, remaining above 25 up to the 7th year of observation. During the 7 years of follow-up, older women gained more weight than younger women. Parity, decade of IUD insertion and hypertension were not noted to be significant determinants of weight variation. In conclusion, this cohort of lower and middle class Brazilian copper IUD users tended to gain weight during their reproductive life, independent of other factors. These observations may improve counseling of women regarding the prevention of age-related obesity.     

Hypovitaminosis D is common in both veiled and nonveiled Bangladeshi women

The present cross-sectional study was designed to evaluate the vitamin D status in three groups of women in Bangladesh by using serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (S-25-OHD), alkaline phosphatase (S-ALP), calcium (S-Ca) and phosphate (S-P). Sampling was undertaken at three locations in the city of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Representative subjects of three groups of women aged 18-60 years were studied. Study subjects included nonveiled young women = group A (N = 36, mean+/- SD age 22.3 +/- 1.9 years), veiled women =group B (N = 30, mean+/- SD age 47.7+/- 9.4 years) and nonveiled diabetic women = group C (N = 55, mean +/- SD age 50.2 +/- 5.9 years). The mean value of S-25-OHD was not significantly different in the groups. The distribution of S-25-OHD concentration in all groups was shifted overall toward the lower limit of the normal range. Vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-OHD level <25 nmol/l) was detected in 39% of young women (university students), 30% in veiled women and 38% in diabetic women, respectively. Vitamin D insufficiency defined as serum 25-OHD concentration <40 nmol/l was detected in 78% of group A, 83% in group B and 76% in group C, respectively. As indicated, prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency was a bit higher in group B compared with the other groups studied although it was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). In the present study, there were several independent predictors of serum 25-OHD, i.e. both increasing parity (r = 0.286; P < 0.005) and increasing time spent outdoors (r = 0.515; P < 0.001) were associated with significant increase in serum 25-OHD. A strongly significant inverse correlation between serum ALP and 25-OHD (r = -0.303;P<0.001) was observed. The results showed that women in Bangladesh, regardless of different age-groups, lifestyle and clothing, were at risk of developing hypovitaminosis D.The results emphasize the appropriate health message for vitamin D needs in Bangladeshi women, since vitamin D insufficiency significantly affects bone integrity.     

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.     

Patterns of food use and nutrient intake of obese and non-obese Hualapai Indian women of Arizona

To document patterns of food use and nutrient intake associated with obesity in Native American women, a sample of 14 obese and 14 non-obese free-living Hualapai Indian women living in northwest Arizona was studied. Patterns of food use were determined through long-term observation, dietary histories, and 24-hour dietary recalls. Dietary intake was determined through 24-hour dietary recalls over 7 consecutive days. Patterns of food acquisition, selection, and preparation were similar for obese and non-obese Hualapai women. The diets of both groups were dominated by nonalcoholic beverages, potatoes, beans, white wheat flour, and canned goods. Wild and locally cultivated foods were not eaten on a regular basis. The diets of both the obese and non-obese women were high in energy (pooled mean +/- standard deviation [SD] = 2,602 +/- 766 kcal/day) and carbohydrates (pooled mean +/- SD = 333.4 +/- 95.6 gm/day), moderate in protein (pooled mean +/- SD = 77.8 +/- 20.9 gm/day) and fat (pooled mean +/- SD = 101.1 +/- 25.4 gm/day), and low in crude fiber (pooled mean +/- SD = 4.7 +/- 2.0 gm/day). The study indicates that significantly (p less than .001) higher energy intakes of the obese women can be attributed to their greater consumption of nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages.     

男性不育患者精液分析和精子形态学分析

目的：回顾性分析助孕门诊男性不育患者精液分析与精子形态学检测，为防止临床对女方过度治疗提供依据。方法：选择2007年10月1日～2008年2月29日在本院助孕门诊就诊的不孕夫妇，男方至少行精液分析2次，在第一次精液分析即进行精子形态学分析。精液分析采用清华同方精液分析系统，精子形态学分析采用改良巴氏法染色，应用Microsoft Excel进行分析。结果：进行精液分析共1206人次，进行精子形态学分析共517人次。精子密度0-180^★10^9／L，平均55．3±32．2^★10^9／L，75．1％的病例精液密度为20-100^★10^9／L，仅13．3％为少精症，无精症占1．5％；a级精子为14．0％±9．9％，b级精子为10．6％±7．8％，a级＋b级〉50％者仅占0．6％，超过半数的为30％-50％（51．1％），精子形态学分析，仅有20．5％病例是正常的（〉14％）。结论：除无精症显然与不育相关外，精液密度可能不是评估男性不育的一个很好的指标，精子活动力低下或精子畸形率过高更能预示不孕因素，精液分析和精子形态学分析可以作为助孕门诊男性不育的首要筛查手段，防止对女方的过度治疗。     

The usefulness of Real Time Morphology software in semen assessment of teratozoospermic boars

The aim of the present study was to compare two different techniques of sperm cell morphology evaluation in teratozoospermic boars: computer assisted semen morphology analysis and conventional assessment of stained semen smears. The semen samples were collected manually from 30 boars with reduced semen quality. In all samples the percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa was below 70%. Computer assisted semen morphology assessment was performed using the Real Time Morphology (RTM) software (IVOS ver. 12.2, Hamilton Thorne Bioscience). The assessment was made by phase contrast optics, with the magnification of 20 x 3.8 and without staining. Conventional morphology assessment was performed by bright field microscopy with 1,000 x magnification after staining with Giemsa. At least 200 spermatozoa were evaluated per slide in both methods. The Bland-Altman plot indicated a general agreement between both methods of sperm morphology evaluation. The plots revealed the widest limits of agreement (mean?±?1.96 SD) for the percentage of midpiece anomalies (from ?16 to 13.2), and the narrowest for the percentage of looped tail (from ?1.49 to 1.09). The Bland Altman plot indicates general agreement between RTM and Giemsa staining in the percentage of major and minor defects. However, it was not possible to evaluate acrosomes using RTM. Otherwise, RTM proved to be a valuable tool in sperm morphology assessment, with accuracy equal to typical conventional methods.     

Variation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 levels in human plasma obtained from 758 Japanese healthy subjects

Plasma levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OH-D3) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 (25-OH-D2) in 758 Japanese healthy subjects (most of them adults) were determined by a high-performance liquid chromatographic method previously reported (6) and the following results were obtained: The mean and standard deviation (M +/- SD) of the assayed values of 25-OH-D (sum of 25-OH-D3 and 25-OH-D2) was 23.8 +/- 10.1 ng/ml. 25-OH-D3 was detected in all the samples and the M +/- SD was 23.0 +/- 10.1 ng/ml. The plasma levels clearly showed the seasonal variation that the levels in summer were significantly higher than those in winter. Moreover, the plasma levels were significantly correlated with the amounts of UV light in solar radiation. These results strongly suggested that 25-OH-D3 in plasma mainly originated from endogenous vitamin D3 formed by photo-conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol in skin. 25-OH-D2 was detected only in 18.3% of the plasma samples and the M +/- SD in the detected samples was 4.4 +/- 2.9 ng/ml which was much lower than those of 25-OH-D3. The results suggested that few healthy Japanese are taking daily exogenous vitamin D2 from multivitamin preparations or others. The M +/- SD values of 25-OH-D3 plasma levels in men and women were 26.2 +/- 10.4 and 19.3 +/- 8.0 ng/ml, respectively. The formers were significantly higher than the latters. The results were thought to be due to the reason that men might be outdoors for longer periods than women. When age variation of plasma 25-OH-D3 levels was examined, the levels in the twenties were significantly lower than the other generations. This was confirmed to be due to the low values observed in the female twenties group, but the detailed reason is unclear at the present time. When 4 healthy volunteers were orally administered 400 I.U./day of vitamin D2 every day for 8 weeks, maximum levels (average: 11.5 ng/ml) were observed at the 8 weeks and the levels gradually decreased after stopping the administration. The results suggested that the half life of 25-OH-D2 in plasma might be 4-5 weeks.     

不育男性精子形态学分析7230例

目的分析不育男性精子形态,探讨精子形态质量与不育的关系。方法按照世界卫生组织(World Health Organization,WHO)精子改良巴氏染色法,对门诊7 230例不育男性开展精子形态学分析,计算不育男性正常形态精子百分率,了解精子畸形情况。结果 7 230例不育男性中,正常形态精子百分率≥4%者5 278例(73.00%);正常形态精子百分率<4%者1 952例(27.00%),其中精子畸形以头部畸形为主的有1 332例(68.24%)。结论精子形态学分析有助于指导助孕方案的确定,应重视开展精子形态学检查。