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Aging Jan 2024Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) decreases male fertility, seriously affecting the production of offspring. This study clarified the preventive impact of different...
Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) decreases male fertility, seriously affecting the production of offspring. This study clarified the preventive impact of different moxibustion frequencies on OAT and selected the optimal frequency to elucidate the underlying mechanism. An OAT rat model was constructed by gavage of tripterygium glycosides (TGS) suspension. Daily moxibustion (DM) or alternate-day moxibustion (ADM) was administered on the day of TGS suspension administration. Finally, we selected DM for further study based on sperm quality and DNA fragmentation index, testicular and epididymal morphology, and reproductive hormone level results. Subsequently, the oxidative stress (OS) status was evaluated by observing the OS indices levels; malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) in testicular tissue using colorimetry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Furthermore, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and nuclear factor erythropoietin-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) were evaluated using Western blotting. Immunohistochemistry was employed to locate and assess the expression of HO-1 and Nrf2 protein, while quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was utilized to detect their mRNA expression. MDA and 8-OHdG levels decreased following DM treatment, while T-SOD and T-AOC increased, suggesting that DM may prevent TGS-induced OAT in rats by decreasing OS in the testis. Furthermore, protein and mRNA expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in the testis were elevated, indicating that DM may reduce OS by activating the signaling pathway of Nrf2/HO-1. Therefore, DM could prevent OAT in rats via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, thereby presenting a promising therapeutic approach against OAT.
Topics: Rats; Male; Animals; Humans; Heme Oxygenase-1; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Tripterygium; Oligospermia; Glycosides; Moxibustion; Asthenozoospermia; Infertility, Male; Seeds; Oxidative Stress; Antioxidants; Signal Transduction; Superoxide Dismutase; RNA, Messenger
PubMed: 38277193
DOI: 10.18632/aging.205475 -
Urology Journal Jun 2024This review presents a clinical approach to genetic issues in male infertility. Unlike other related reviews that discuss different types of genetic diseases (such as... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
This review presents a clinical approach to genetic issues in male infertility. Unlike other related reviews that discuss different types of genetic diseases (such as Klinefelter and Down syndrome), this review focuses on the clinical features that result from these genetic problems (such as azoospermia and oligospermia).
METHODS
A narrative review of the clinical literature in PubMed was conducted using keywords related to male infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, recurrent in vitro fertilization failure, and genetics. The search included articles with English reviews published online after 2020. Headlines were defined based on the available literature, and after a critical review of each manuscript, clinical facts were classified under the corresponding headlines, and a primary draft was written.
RESULTS
29 relevant articles were selected from the search. According to the literature, there are clinical genetic approaches for azoospermia, severe oligospermia, severe teratospermia, severe asthenospermia, recurrent miscarriage, and recurrent in vitro fertilization failure.
CONCLUSION
Although many mutations that can affect male fertility and spermogram have been identified, only a few have clinical predictive value.
Topics: Humans; Male; Abortion, Habitual; Infertility, Male; Female; Fertilization in Vitro; Pregnancy; Genetic Testing; Azoospermia; Oligospermia; Treatment Failure
PubMed: 38264866
DOI: 10.22037/uj.v20i.8044 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jan 2024Infertility affects millions of couples worldwide and has a profound impact not only on their families, but also on communities. Telomere attrition has been associated...
Infertility affects millions of couples worldwide and has a profound impact not only on their families, but also on communities. Telomere attrition has been associated with infertility, DNA damage and fragmentation. Oxidative stress has been shown to affect sperm DNA integrity and telomere length. Sirtuins such as SIRT1 and SIRT3 are involved in aging and oxidative stress response. The aim of the present study is to determine the role of SIRT1 and SIRT3 in regulating oxidative stress, telomere shortening, and their association with oligospermia. Therefore, we assessed the protein levels of SIRT1 and SIRT3, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase activity (CAT) in the seminal plasma of 272 patients with oligospermia and 251 fertile men. We also measured sperm telomere length (STL) and leukocyte telomere length (LTL) using a standard real-time quantitative PCR assay. Sperm chromatin and protamine deficiency were also measured as per standard methods. Our results for oligospermic patients demonstrate significant reductions in semen parameters, shorter STL and LTL, lower levels of SOD, TAC, CAT, SIRT1 and SIRT3 levels, and also significant protamine deficiency and higher levels of MDA and DNA fragmentation. We conclude that a shorter TL in sperms and leukocytes is associated with increased oxidative stress that also accounts for high levels of DNA fragmentation in sperms. Our results support the hypothesis that various sperm parameters in the state of oligospermia are associated with or caused by reduced levels of SIRT1 and SIRT3 proteins.
Topics: Humans; Male; Semen; Oligospermia; Antioxidants; Sirtuin 3; Sirtuin 1; Spermatozoa; Protamines; Superoxide Dismutase
PubMed: 38255792
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020718 -
Archives of Razi Institute Aug 2023Open testicular biopsy histology and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) are the most popular tests used to diagnose male infertility. This study aimed to assess the...
A Comparative Investigation Applying Testicular Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology and Open Testicular Biopsy Histology for the Diagnosis of Azoospermia and Severe Oligospermia.
Open testicular biopsy histology and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) are the most popular tests used to diagnose male infertility. This study aimed to assess the cytological characteristics of 186 infertile males aged 24-63 with testicular FNAC. Furthermore, the existing relationship between males with severe oligospermia (sperm count: 5 million/ml) and azoospermia was investigated via both cytological and histological diagnosis methods. With a 1.5-inch and 25-gauge needle, the testis was aspirated from three locations (the upper, middle, and lower poles). Papanicolaou stain or Giemsa stain was used to make smears on albumenized slides, which were then dried in the air and stained. A biopsy of the testicles was performed there, preserved in Bouins solution, processed as usual, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin stain. According to our findings, 66.7% of patients had secondary maturation arrest, whereas 18.3% and 15.1% of them had hypospermatogenesis and Sertoli cell only (SCO). Results of the comparison showed that both procedures were very similar. According to biopsy histological examinations, only 3 (1.6%) of the 28 normal FNAC instances had hypospermatogenesis with lymphocyte infiltration. The majority of SCO patients were over 50 years old. These findings revealed that FNAC is more effective than testicular histology for the assessment of male infertility.
Topics: Male; Humans; Middle Aged; Testis; Biopsy, Fine-Needle; Oligospermia; Azoospermia; Semen; Infertility, Male
PubMed: 38226384
DOI: 10.32592/ARI.2023.78.4.1343 -
Investigative and Clinical Urology Jan 2024Infertility affects 10% to 15% of couples, and male factor accounts for 50% of the cases. The relevant male genetic factors, which account for at least 15% of male...
PURPOSE
Infertility affects 10% to 15% of couples, and male factor accounts for 50% of the cases. The relevant male genetic factors, which account for at least 15% of male infertility, include Y-chromosome microdeletions. We investigated clinical data and patterns of Y-chromosome microdeletions in Korean infertile men.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 919 infertile men whose sperm concentration was ≤5 million/mL in two consecutive analyses were investigated for Y-chromosome microdeletion. Among them, 130 infertile men (14.1%) demonstrated Y-chromosome microdeletions. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed.
RESULTS
In 130 men with Y-chromosome microdeletions, 90 (69.2%) had azoospermia and 40 (30.8%) had severe oligozoospermia. The most frequent microdeletions were in the azoospermia factor (AZF) c region (77/130, 59.2%), followed by the AZFb+c (30/130, 23.1%), AZFa (8/130, 6.2%), AZFb (7/130, 5.4%), AZFa+b+c (7/130, 5.4%), and AZFa+c (1/130, 0.7%) regions. In men with oligozoospermia, 37 (92.5%) had AZFc microdeletion. Chromosomal abnormalities were detected in 30 patients (23.1%). Higher follicle-stimulating hormone level (23.2±13.5 IU/L vs. 15.1±9.0 IU/L, p<0.001), higher luteinizing hormone level (9.7±4.6 IU/L vs. 6.0±2.2 IU/L, p<0.001), and lower testis volume (10.6±4.8 mL vs. 13.3±3.8 mL, p<0.001) were observed in azoospermia patients compared to severe oligozoospermia patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Y-chromosome microdeletion is a common genetic cause of male infertility. Therefore, Y-chromosome microdeletion test is recommended for the accurate diagnosis of men with azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia. Appropriate genetic counseling is mandatory before the use of assisted reproduction technique in men with Y-chromosome microdeletion.
Topics: Male; Humans; Azoospermia; Oligospermia; Retrospective Studies; Semen; Infertility, Male; Republic of Korea
PubMed: 38197754
DOI: 10.4111/icu.20230141 -
Archivio Italiano Di Urologia,... Nov 2023We aimed to assess seminal calbindin 2 (CALB 2) expression in men with different semen parameters as well as its correlation with reproductive hormones in azoospermic...
OBJECTIVES
We aimed to assess seminal calbindin 2 (CALB 2) expression in men with different semen parameters as well as its correlation with reproductive hormones in azoospermic patients and different semen parameters in oligoasthenoteratozoospermic patients. CALB 2 is also known as calretinin and 29 kDa calbindin.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This prospective study was performed on 96 cases from the andrology outpatient clinic divided into 3 groups as follows: group 1 including 32 non obstructive azoospermic (NOA) patients, group 2 including 32 patients with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT), and Group 3 including normozoospermic individuals as controls. Semen analysis and estimation of seminal CALB 2 concentrations by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique were performed for all participants. Reproductive hormones were measured in nonobstructive NOA patients.
RESULTS
The mean seminal CALB 2 level was higher in OAT patients compared to NOA patients and controls (7.8 ± 1.30 ng/ml, 7.3 ± 0.80 and 7.4 ± 1.0, respectively). Furthermore, the study had shown strong positive correlations between CALB 2 and sperm normal forms in controls and OAT patients. In contrast, there was no significant correlation between seminal CALB 2 and any of the reproductive hormones measured in NOA patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Seminal CALB 2 may play a role in increasing the abnormal forms in OAT patients.
Topics: Humans; Male; Azoospermia; Oligospermia; Calbindin 2; Asthenozoospermia; Prospective Studies; Infertility, Male; Semen; Hormones
PubMed: 38193226
DOI: 10.4081/aiua.2023.11906 -
European Review For Medical and... Dec 2023Infertility impacts a substantial number of couples worldwide, and about 50% of cases are linked to male factors. The analysis of seminal fluid composition can improve...
OBJECTIVE
Infertility impacts a substantial number of couples worldwide, and about 50% of cases are linked to male factors. The analysis of seminal fluid composition can improve diagnostic accuracy and offer deeper insights into the pathophysiology of male factor infertility. This study seeks to identify novel markers for diagnosing and treating male infertility by comparing organic acid profiles in the seminal fluid of individuals with normospermia, oligospermia, and azoospermia.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Semen samples were collected from men with normospermia, oligospermia, and azoospermia. The organic acid profile in the seminal fluid was analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS). Data analysis was performed using SPSS and MetaboAnalyst.
RESULTS
The study revealed significant differences in metabolite levels among normospermic, oligospermic, and azoospermic individuals. In groups with oligospermia, there were significant decreases in the levels of 2-OH-Isovaleric Acid, 3-Methyl-2-Oxovaleric Acid, Ethyl-Malonic Acid, Citric Acid, Oxoproline, Malic Acid, N-Acetyl-Aspartic Acid, Suberic Acid, Glutaconic Acid, and Succinic Acid. Similarly, individuals with azoospermia exhibited a notable reduction in the levels of Citric Acid, Malic Acid, and Suberic Acid. Furthermore, according to the Variable Importance in the Projection (VIP) score analysis, Ethyl-Malonic Acid, Glycolic Acid, and 3-Methyl-2-Oxovaleric Acid were identified as crucial factors for diagnosis and potential treatment strategies.
CONCLUSIONS
The data obtained from the study highlights the significant potential of metabolites in assessing infertility and gaining a more in-depth understanding of the underlying pathological mechanisms.
Topics: Humans; Male; Oligospermia; Azoospermia; Semen; Infertility, Male; Citric Acid
PubMed: 38164856
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202312_34791 -
The World Journal of Men's Health Jul 2024Augmented adiposity may negatively impact sexual sphere through its metabolic effects and its detrimental impact on reproductive hormones. Moreover, a dysregulated...
PURPOSE
Augmented adiposity may negatively impact sexual sphere through its metabolic effects and its detrimental impact on reproductive hormones. Moreover, a dysregulated metabolic pathway may promote apoptosis among spermatogenic cells. Based on these premises, a relation between weights loss and ameliorate semen parameters seems beneficial. To investigate if physical activity may affect semen parameters and fertility rate, a systematic literature search on major dataset has been performed.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The search terms included: "Assisted reproduction therapies," "fertility," "semen parameters," "sperm parameters," and "physical activity." This analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines and it was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023384471). A total of 47 studies have been identified; 1 reference has been eliminated after duplication check. After preliminary screening 32 papers have been excluded. Considering the exclusion criteria, 15 full-text articles were evaluated for eligibility. After a full-text review, six studies published during a span of eight years (2014-2022) have been included in the meta-analysis. Semen parameters, pregnancy and birth rates were investigated. The revised Cochrane risk of bias tool (Rob2) has been used to check the risk of bias.
RESULTS
The number of patients enrolled in studies ranges from 17 to 521; in the end, a total of 1,637 patients have been enrolled in the study. Fertility parameters investigated were semen quality parameters and pregnancy rates and live births. A statistically significant relationship between physical exercise and sperm concentration (p=0.02), total sperm motility (p<0.01), total sperm count (p<0.01), normal morphology (p<0.01) has been established. Moreover, the study registered a statistically significant association within physical activity and total pregnancy rate (p<0.01) and live birth rate (p<0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
We demonstrated that physical activity is significantly associated with amelioration of semen parameters and may be crucial in improving or even reverting male infertility.
PubMed: 38164031
DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.230106 -
The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine Dec 2023: The aim of this study was to investigate whether chia () seeds, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamins with antioxidant properties, can...
Protective Effects of Chia Seeds and Omega-3 Fatty Acid against Cyclophosphamide-Induced Oligospermia in Male Wistar Rats: Potential Risks of Adverse Drug Interaction with Chia Seeds.
: The aim of this study was to investigate whether chia () seeds, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamins with antioxidant properties, can mitigate the negative effects on male reproductive function caused by cyclophosphamide, a frequently used chemotherapeutic agent. : Male wistar rats are divided into seven groups (n=6). All groups except the normal control (NC) received cyclophosphamide (30mg/kg, i.p.) for the first 5 days. The standard group received clomiphene citrate (0.25 mg/kg, p.o.). Treatment groups T1%, T5%, T10%, and ω-3 received 1%, 5%, and 10% chia seeds in the diet, and 880 mg/kg omega-3 fatty acid (p.o) respectively for 15 days. The effect on the reproductive system was evaluated by analysis of epididymal sperm characteristics, biochemical parameters, and serum testosterone level. : Clomiphene citrate improved oligospermia via hormone mediated effect. Chia seeds and omega-3 fatty acid treatment also showed improvement in reproductive parameters including oxidative stress and histological features of the testes. Omega-3 fatty acid treatment was more effective for the prevention of cyclophosphamide toxicity on testes as compared to chia seeds. Nasal bleeding was noted in several animals subjected to chia seed treatment. This occurrence might be attributed to chia seeds' impact on coagulation and/or platelet function, potentially heightened due to chemotherapy associated bone marrow suppression. : In our study, chia seeds as well as omega-3 fatty acid treatment were found to be protective against cyclophosphamide-induced reproductive toxicity in rats. However, the adverse effect of hemorrhage associated with drug interaction of chia seeds with cytotoxic chemotherapeutic drugs needs careful attention and further investigation.
Topics: Humans; Male; Rats; Animals; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Rats, Wistar; Salvia; Oligospermia; Seeds; Cyclophosphamide; Drug Interactions; Clomiphene
PubMed: 38161578
DOI: 10.59249/PAEJ4854 -
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology... Dec 2023The incidence of Y chromosome microdeletions varies among men with infertility across regions and ethnicities worldwide. However, comprehensive epidemiological studies...
BACKGROUND
The incidence of Y chromosome microdeletions varies among men with infertility across regions and ethnicities worldwide. However, comprehensive epidemiological studies on Y chromosome microdeletions in Chinese men with infertility are lacking. We aimed to investigate Y chromosome microdeletions prevalence among Chinese men with infertility and its correlation with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes.
METHODS
This single-center retrospective study included 4,714 men with infertility who were evaluated at the Reproductive Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between May 2017 and January 2021. Semen analysis and Y-chromosome microdeletion via multiplex polymerase chain reaction were conducted on the men. The study compared outcomes of 36 ICSI cycles from couples with male azoospermia factor (AZF)cd deletions with those of a control group, which included 72 ICSI cycles from couples without male Y chromosome microdeletions, during the same period. Both groups underwent ICSI treatment using ejaculated sperm.
RESULTS
Among 4,714 Chinese men with infertility, 3.31% had Y chromosome microdeletions. The combined deletion of sY254 and sY255 in the AZFc region and sY152 in the AZFd region was the prevalent pattern of Y chromosome microdeletion, with 3.05% detection rate. The detection rates of AZF deletions in patients with normal total sperm count, mild oligozoospermia, severe oligozoospermia, cryptozoospermia, and azoospermia were 0.17%, 1.13%, 5.53%, 71.43%, and 7.54%, respectively. Compared with the control group, the AZFcd deletion group exhibited no significant difference in the laboratory results or pregnancy outcomes of ICSI cycles using ejaculated sperm.
CONCLUSIONS
This is the largest epidemiological study on Y chromosome microdeletions in Chinese men with infertility. The study results underline the necessity for detecting Y chromosome microdeletion in men with infertility and severe sperm count abnormalities, especially those with cryptozoospermia. The combined deletion of sY254 and sY255 in the AZFc region and sY152 in the AZFd region was the most prevalent Y chromosome microdeletion pattern. Among patients with AZFcd deletion and ejaculated sperm, ICSI treatment can result in pregnancy outcomes, similar to those without AZFcd deletion.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Male; Oligospermia; Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic; Azoospermia; Retrospective Studies; East Asian People; Prevalence; Semen; Infertility, Male; Chromosomes, Human, Y; Pregnancy Outcome; Phenotype
PubMed: 38053137
DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01168-5