infertility

study of the effect of acupuncture in infertile patients with severe oligoasthenozoospermia

Spence — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:17:07 -0600

In this first prospective, randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled study, 28 infertile patients with severe oligoasthenozoospermia received acupuncture according to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and 29 infertile patients received placebo acupuncture. A significantly higher percentage of motile sperm (World Health Organization categories A–C), but no effect on sperm concentration, was found after acupuncture compared with placebo acupuncture. (Fertil Steril 2009;92:1340–3. 2009 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)

A substance isolated from Cornus officinalis enhances the motility of human sperm

Spence — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:29:12 -0600

The effects of a Chinese herb, Cornus officinalis (shan zhu yu), on the motility of human sperm was studied. An aqueous extract was prepared from the dried fruits of the herb and used in this study. The crude extract at a final concentration of 0.5 microgram/microliter in phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.4) increased sperm motility from 25.8 +/- 7.7% to 42.8 +/- 10.3% (i.e. 68% increase, n = 7), as determined by the computer-aided-sperm-analysis (CASA) method. The crude extract was fractionated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) into four fractions: C1, C2, C3 and C4. Their effects on sperm motility were further studied by CASA. Only the C4 fraction showed substantial stimulatory effects on sperm motility. At a concentration of 5 ng/microliter, C4 increased the sperm motility from 15.7 +/- 3.8% to 34.5 +/- 6.4% (i.e. 120% increase, n = 6) by CASA and from 14.9 +/- 4.3 to 28.5 +/- 8.1 (i.e. 91% increase, n = 8) by transmembrane migration ratio (TMMR) method. This result suggests that C4 is the active component in Cornus officinalis that enhances sperm motility.

Jeng H; Wu CM; Su SJ; Chang WC Department of Anatomy, Taipei Medical College, Taiwan.

Am J Chin Med 1997;25(3-4):301-6 (ISSN: 0192-415X)

Chinese herb helps protect against sperm damage from heat

Spence — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 19:32:49 -0600

Conclusion: Lycium barbarum polysaccharides: Protective effects against heat-induced damage of rat testes and H2O2-induced DNA damage in mouse testicular cells and beneficial effect on sexual behavior and reproductive function of hemicastrated rats.

Lycium barbarum, a famous Chinese medicinal herb, has a long history of use as a traditional remedy for male infertility. Polysaccharides are the most important functional constituent in L. barbarum fruits. We systematically investigated the effect of L. barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) on rat testis damage induced by a physical factor (43 degrees C heat exposure), on DNA damage of mouse testicular cells induced by a chemical factor (H2O2), and on sexual behavior and reproductive function of hemicastrated male rats. The results showed that LBP provided a protective effect against the testicular tissue damage induced by heat exposure. When compared with negative control, a suitable concentration of LBP significantly increased testis and epididymis weights, improved superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and raised sexual hormone levels in the damaged rat testes. LBP had a dose-dependent protective effect against DNA oxidative damage of mouse testicular cells induced by H2O2. LBP improved the copulatory performance and reproductive function of hemicastrated male rats, such as shortened penis erection latency and mount latency, regulated secretion of sexual hormones and increased hormone levels, raised accessory sexual organ weights, and improved sperm quantity and quality. The present findings support the folk reputation of L. barbarum fruits as an aphrodisiac and fertility-facilitating agent, and provide scientific evidence for a basis for the extensive use of L. barbarum fruits as a traditional remedy for male infertility in China.

Luo Q, Li Z, Huang X, Yan J, Zhang S, Cai YZ. College of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China.

Life Sci. 2006 Jul 10;79(7):613-21. Epub 2006 Mar 6.

Coenzyme Q10 treatment in infertile men with low motility

Spence — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 21:50:15 -0600

Conclusion:

The exogenous administration of coenzyme Q10 is effective in improving sperm motility in patients affected by idiopathic asthenozoospermia. Fertility & Sterility, Volume 91, Issue 5, Pages 1785-1792 (May 2009)

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of coenzyme Q10 treatment in improving semen quality in men with idiopathic (unexplained) infertility.

Patients

Sixty infertile patients (27–39 years of age) with poor concentration, motility, and morphology.

Intervention

Patients underwent double-blind therapy with coenzyme Q10, 200 mg/day, or placebo; the study design was 1 month of run-in, 6 months of therapy or placebo, and 3 months of follow-up.

Result

Coenzyme Q10 and ubiquinol increased significantly in both seminal plasma and sperm cells after treatment, as well as spermatozoa motility. A weak linear dependence among the relative variations, baseline and after treatment, of seminal plasma or intracellular coenzyme Q10 and ubiquinol levels and kinetic parameters was found in the treated group. Patients with a lower baseline value of motility and levels of coenzyme Q10 had a statistically significant higher probability to be responders to the treatment.

Conclusion:

The exogenous administration of coenzyme Q10 is effective in improving sperm motility in patients affected by idiopathic asthenozoospermia.

Fertility & Sterility, Volume 91, Issue 5, Pages 1785-1792 (May 2009)

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Study: food intake & it's relationship with semen quality

Spence — Wed, 20 May 2009 07:46:22 -0600

In Fertility & Sterility, March 2009, a study was published that concluded, "frequent intake of foods like milk may negatively affect semen quality in humans, whereas fruits or vegetables may IMPROVE semen quality".

Jaime Mendiola, PHD, Alberta M. Torres-Cantero DPH, Jose Moreno-Grau PHD, Jorge Ten PHD, Mauela Roca MD, Stella Moreno-Grau PHD, Ragael Bernabeu MD.

Men with better semen quality showed significantly more intake of foods such as shellfish, raw and cooked veggies, tomatoes, lettuce, and fruits.

The men with poor semen parameters showed more intake of dairy, meat products (processed), and potatoes, and a lesser intake of lettuce, tomatoes, & fruits.

Results also showed that the poor semen samples had direct relation to the intake & pressence of products that may contain xenoestrogens or certain sex steroids (mostlyl in processed meats and dairy), which are directly related to the decline in semen quality. These compounds are mostly found in saturated fats.

Therefore: void processed meats and dairy, eat more fruits and veggies! Organic being of great importance.

The higher the antioxidants consumed in the diet, the better the sperm numbers, INCLUDING morphology!

Conclusions: eat more veggies and fruits = better sperm.

Preseed is the ONLY Sperm Fertility & Embryo Friendly Lubricant

Spence — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:28:23 -0600

Last week at the American Society of Andrology Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, a new study reported that in vitro fertilization and embryo development in an animal model, were decreased following exposure of sperm to most lubricants specifically developed for trying to conceive couples. These studies found that only the FDA cleared (“approved”) formula used in Pre~Seed® did not interfere with fertilization or development of cattle embryos over a week of culture. Specifically, Dr. Ray Wright of Washington State University - a previous human Embryologist, incubated bull sperm with 10% concentrations of four different lubricants marketed to not harm sperm or interfere with fertility. These lubricants included: Preseed Lubricant, PRE Conceive plus™; ConceiveEase™; and the Australian product FertilityCare™.

Following a 30 minute incubation of sperm and lubricants, sperm were placed with cow eggs and fertilization rates observed in the laboratory. Embryos were then allowed to develop for 7 days. This experimental design is valuable because sperm can have damage from exposure to lubricants that does not kill them, but will impact their ability to fertilize an egg and the ability of the resulting embryo to develop normally over time.

In this study, sperm exposed to other “fertility” lubricants resulted in embryos that developed at a significantly lower rate than did embryos exposed to no lubricant or Pre~Seed. In fact, the rate of normal embryo production was reduced by 17% or more following sperm exposure to the other products.

Although this study did not evaluate directly what happens for a couple using the fertility lubricants during intercourse, it does underscore the importance of thorough testing of sperm function before a lubricant can claim it “does not harm sperm”. Pre~Seed® have been extensively tested, which you can learn more about by going to the Science section of http://www.preseed.com . The tests and clinical studies we perform on Pre~Seed® have been reviewed by the FDA. The results of this testing have allowed us to receive the FIRST and currently ONLY clearance for lubricants to be used during fertility interventions and as safe to use when trying to conceive.

You may click here http://preseed.com/TheScience/ASA2009PosterBovineIVF.pdf to review the presented study. I hope that you will forward this exciting new report to your trying to conceive community!

Acupuncture Helps Lower Scrotum Temperature, Increase Sperm Count

Spence — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:02:34 -0600

Conclusion: men that manifest higher scrotal temperatures due to genital tract inflammation or poor lifestyle habits can benefit from the scrotal temperature lowering effects of acupuncture.

Poor spermatogenesis in patients with inflammation of the genital tract is associated with scrotal hyperthermia. These patients can benefit from acupuncture treatment. We conducted a study to verify whether the influence of acupuncture treatment on sperm output in patients with low sperm density is associated with a decrease in scrotal temperature. The experimental group included 39 men who were referred for acupuncture owing to low sperm output. The control group, which comprised 18 normal fertile men, was used to define a threshold (30.5 degrees C) above which scrotal skin temperature was considered to be high. Accordingly, 34 of the 39 participants in the experimental group initially had high scrotal skin temperature; the other five had normal values. Scrotal skin temperature and sperm concentration were measured before and after acupuncture treatment. The five patients with initially normal scrotal temperatures were not affected by the acupuncture treatment. Following treatment, 17 of the 34 patients with hyperthermia, all of whom had genital tract inflammation, had normal scrotal skin temperature; in 15 of these 17 patients, sperm count was increased. In the remaining 17 men with scrotal hyperthermia, neither scrotal skin temperature nor sperm concentration was affected by the treatment. About 90% of the latter patients suffered from high gonadotropins or mixed etiological factors. Low sperm count in patients with inflammation of the genital tract seems to be associated with scrotal hyperthermia, and, consequently, acupuncture treatment is recommended for these men.Asian Journal of Andrology (2009) 11: 200-208. doi: 10.1038/aja.2008.4; published online 5 January 2009.

Asian J Androl. 2009 Mar;11(2):200-8. Epub 2009 Jan 5. Siterman S, Eltes F, Schechter L, Maimon Y, Lederman H, Bartoov B.[1] 1Maccabi Fund Complementary Medicine, Kaufman Street, Tel Aviv 68012, Israel [2] 2Refuot-Integrative Medical Centre, Ramat Aviv Gimel, Tel Aviv 69123, Israel.

Nutrition affects sertoli cell production, the cells in the testis that produce sperm

Spence — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:37:01 -0600

Conclusion: foetal to pubertal subnutrition is accompanied by changes in testicular structure and lower Sertoli cell numbers in adult life, strongly suggesting lower daily sperm production.

Contents To test whether undernutrition during foetal to pre-pubertal life would have long lasting effects on testicular histology in adult male offspring, eleven adult Sprague-Dawley pregnant rats were divided into two groups: Control group, n = 4, fed ad libitum, during gestation and lactation (until 25 day post-partum). Underfed group pregnant females (n = 7) were kept in cages where only dams had access to food (standard rat chow, 33.5% of ad libitum intake of Control group pregnant dams). After parturition, litters were adjusted to either 14 (Underfed group) or eight (Control group) pups. Mothers were weighed weekly. At 25 day of age pups were weaned, housed at four animals per cage, fed ad libitum and weighed weekly until euthanized at 100 day of age. Testes were processed for standard histology and morphometrical evaluation. At weaning, mother weight was lower in Underfedthan in Control group (mean +/- SD): 214.1 +/- 26.2 g vs 361.9 +/- 33.1 g. Body weight at 100 days of age (254 +/- 26.9 g vs 342.4 +/- 10.2 g, p </= 0.001), testicular weight (1.29 +/- 0.16 g vs 1.45 +/- 0.13 g, p = 0.03), number of Sertoli cells per seminiferous tubule cross section (18.2 +/- 1.2 vs 20.2 +/- 1.3, p </= 0.01) and per testis (30.5 +/- 4.2x10(6) vs 36.0 +/- 5.4x10(6)) were lower (p < 0.05) in Underfed than in Control group. This is the first report stating that foetal to pubertal subnutrition is accompanied by changes in testicular structure and lower Sertoli cell numbers in adult life, strongly suggesting lower daily sperm production.

Reprod Domest Anim. 2009 Feb 25., P, Núñez M, Pombo C, Bielli A. Department of Morphology and Development, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay.

Clinical observation on electroacupuncture and Chinese drug for treatment of oligospermia and asthenospermia

Spence — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 12:16:12 -0700

CONCLUSION: Both electroacupuncture and Chinese drug Wuzi Yanzong Pill can improve the semen quality, increase the pregnancy rate in the patient of male interfile with oligospermia and asthenospermia, and the effect of the combined treatment of acupuncture and Chinese drug is the best.

OBJECTIVE: To compare therapeutic effects of acupuncture and Chinese drug on oligospermia and asthenospermia in the male infertility. METHODS: Two hundred and thirty-one cases were divided into 3 groups. The electroacupuncture group (n = 71) were treated with acupuncture at Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), Zhongji (CV 3), etc., the Chinese drug group (n = 82) with oral administration of Chinese drug Wuzi Yanzong Pill and the acupuncture plus medication group (n = 78) with both electroacupuncture and oral administration of the Chinese drug. Changes of semen routine examination and the acrosome enzyme activity were observed before and after treatment in the 3 groups. RESULTS: The effective rate was 67.6% in the electroacupuncture group, 68.3% in the Chinese drug group and 84.6% in the acupuncture plus medication group, the acupuncture plus medication group being significantly better than both the electroacupuncture and the Chinese drug group (P < 0.05); after treatment, the semen density, vitality and the acrosome enzyme activity were increased in the 3 groups, with more obvious increase in the acupuncture plus medication group. CONCLUSION: Both electroacupuncture and Chinese drug Wuzi Yanzong Pill can improve the semen quality, increase the pregnancy rate in the patient of male interfile with oligospermia and asthenospermia, and the effect of the combined treatment of acupuncture and Chinese drug is the best.

Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2008 Nov;28(11):805-7, Wang ZQ, Huang YQ, Liang B.
Human Sperm Bank, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China. nnwzq@163.com

Improvement of sperm production in subfertile boars by Cordyceps militaris supplement.

rosesiemens — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:00:00 -0700

Conclusion: supplementation with Cordyceps mycelium improves sperm quality and quantity in subfertile boars and may partly support the role of Cordyceps in sexual enhancement.

Cordyceps species have been traditionally used for the enhancement of sexual function, however, there is few direct evidence to prove this. We investigated the spermatogenic effect of Cordyceps militaris (CM) by supplementation with CM mycelium to subfertile boars. Seventeen Duroc and 12 Landrace boars (29 to 40 months old) were selected to feed with regular diet (control groups, n = 8 and 6, respectively) or diet supplemented with CM mycelium (treatment groups, n = 9 and 6, respectively) for 2 months. Semen was collected once a week. The quality of fertile sperm (normally greater than 62% of motility and 70% of normal morphology) and the quantity (semen volume, and total sperm number) were compared in these boars. The result showed that sperm production was enhanced significantly at the end of first month (p < 0.05), peaked at the second month (p < 0.01) of supplementation with CM and was maintained for 2 weeks after stopping the treatment (p < 0.01). Plasma cordycepin concentration was detected in boars supplemented with CM but not in the controls. More importantly, the percentages of motile sperm cells and sperm morphology were also improved significantly in most of treated boars during the second month of supplementation (p < 0.01) and 2 weeks after the treatment (p < 0.05) as compared to their initial values. These results indicate that supplementation with CM mycelium improves sperm quality and quantity in subfertile boars and may partly support the role of Cordyceps in sexual enhancement.

Effect of Cordyceps militaris supplementation on sperm production, sperm motility and hormones

rosesiemens — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 09:35:20 -0700

Conclusion: Cordyceps, a Chinese herbal medicine, improves sperm quality and quantity in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats.

Cordyceps species have been traditionally used as for the enhancement of sexual function, but its direct evidence is lacking. We investigated the spermatogenic effect of Cordyceps militaris (CM) as supplementation with CM mycelium to 7-week-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Ninety rats (30 for each group) were selected to regular diet or diet supplemented with CM mycelium (1% and 5%) for 6 weeks. Epididymal sperm were collected from 6 animals per group at each interval of observation. They were allowed to recover for one week. The quality and quantity of sperm were compared in these rats. The CM supplementation resulted in an increase of serum cordycepin concentration (n = 6, each group) that correlated with treatment time and the cordycepin level was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in 5% group as compared to 1% group at the 5th and 6th week. Epididymal sperm count was enhanced significantly from the control, at the 5th week and peaked at the 6th week in both groups supplemented with CM (each time point, n = 6; p < 0.05) and maintained for 2 weeks after stopping the treatment. Increased serum testosterone and estradiol-17 (E2) concentrations were found in rats with the CM supplementation (p < 0.05), but not other hormones such as follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) or prolactin. Importantly, percentages of motile sperm cells were also enhanced significantly (p < 0.05) paralleled the serum testosterone pattern from the supplement groups as compared to the control group. Taken together, these results indicate that supplementation with CM improves sperm quality and quantity in rats.

Semen analysis and seminal plasma biochemistry in two brothers with familial reciprocal translocation 46,XY,t(8;9)(p10;p10) tran

admin — Wed, 21 May 2008 00:45:02 -0600

Mazzilli F, Gelli GF, Rossi T, Carcangiu A, Dondero F.
Department of Medical Pathophysiology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Italy. Panminerva Med. 1999 Sep;41(3):265-8.

Here we report familial balanced translocation (46,XY,t(8;9)(p10;p10) inherited by two brothers from the father. The first subject, 33 years old, was examined after 3 years of childless marriage. Semen analysis showed severe oligozoospermia, hypomotility and teratozoospermia. His brother, 29 years old, volunteered to join this study. He had not yet tried to start a family. Semen analysis showed dyspermia, but the condition was much less serious than his brother's. In both subjects, the secretory function of the epididymis and the genital tract accessory glands did not seem to be affected by this particular translocation.
This case report highlights the importance of cytogenetic analysis in dealing with infertile patients suffering from severe dyspermia apparently sine causa. This is particularly the case when certain Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) programs are recommended, where natural selection of the sperm no longer takes place (e.g. ICSI). The possible risk of an increase in fetal chromosomal abnormalities would suggest genetic counselling in all such situations.

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Semen analysis in subfertile balanced-translocation carriers

admin — Wed, 21 May 2008 00:43:54 -0600

Marmor D, Taillemite JL, Van den Akker J, Portnoi MF, le Porrier N, Joye N, Delafontaine D, Roux C.
Fertil Steril. 1980 Nov;34(5):496-502.

The spermograms of 19 subfertile translocation carriers were analyzed. Most of these men had moderate oligo-/astheno-/teratospermia. The results were widely spread, and some reached normal values, suggesting that autosomal rearrangement of the karyotype does not lead to severe oligospermia or azoospermia as do sex chromosome aberrations. No statistically significant differences in sperm count, motility, or morphology were found when semen analysis results of subfertile balanced-translocation carriers were compared with those of subfertile men with normal karyotypes.
Since semen analysis alone is insufficient to allow prediction of an autosomal rearrangement of the karyotype, chromosome analysis should become a part of the routine investigation of subfertile men. The association between translocation heterozygosity and reduced fertility in men cannot be easily explained. The possible reasons underlying impaired spermatogenesis in some translocation carriers are discussed in relation to meiotic findings in animals.

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Semen analysis in subfertile balanced-translocation carriers

admin — Wed, 21 May 2008 00:43:14 -0600

Marmor D, Taillemite JL, Van den Akker J, Portnoi MF, le Porrier N, Joye N, Delafontaine D, Roux C.
Fertil Steril. 1980 Nov;34(5):496-502.

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Does human sperm nuclear DNA integrity affect embryo quality?

admin — Wed, 21 May 2008 00:42:04 -0600

Acharyya S, Kanjilal S, Bhattacharyya AK.

Department of Biochemistry, University of Calcutta, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700 019, India.

Abnormalities in the male genome are a clear potential reason for post fertilization failure. Male infertility may arise due to high levels of loosely packaged chromatin and damaged DNA. The achievement of a correct chromatin packaging level is essential for successful fertilization. The chromatin contained in the nuclei of mammalian spermatozoa is an extremely compact and stable structure. The reports on mammalian spermatozoa indicate that available volume is insufficient to contain sperm chromatin packed in nucleosome like structure and thus is organized in a special way. Different unique properties of sperm DNA like high degree of inertness and stability, absence of transcription, replacement of somatic histone by protamine etc have made the study of sperm chromatin more interesting. Increased levels of sperm nuclear DNA damage exist in infertile men with abnormal sperm parameters (i.e. concentration, motility and morphology), and various assay techniques have been developed to evaluate sperm chromatin maturity/DNA integrity. These assays are based on the facts that defects in chromatin structure have been shown to lead to increased DNA instability and sensitivity to denaturing stress. DNA integrity in the sperm is essential for the accurate and successful transmission of genetic information. Importance of sperm DNA has also become more obvious in the context of assisted reproductive techniques. While recent advances in assisted reproductive technologies have made possible and practical for many infertile men to become father, the risk of transmission of genetic mutation to the offspring, however, still remains. Further research is necessary to devise techniques for identification and selection of sperm with undamaged DNA for ICSI or to remove sperm with damaged DNA from the semen sample to improve the pregnancy outcome in ICSI.

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The spermiological limits to ART

admin — Wed, 21 May 2008 00:41:12 -0600

Barriere P.

Medecine et Biologie de la Reproduction, CHU de Nantes, France.

Spermatic limitations impairing IVF results exist. Globozoospermia is a severe form of teratozoospermia characterized by round-headed sperm with an absence of acrosome. This morphologic abnormality should decrease fertilization failure. Sperm DNA fragmentation is known to compromise male fertility. Furthermore previous findings have suggested the implication of oxidative stress in the aetiology of this pathological condition. Other studies have indicated that abnormally low parameters of sperm DNA integrity and sperm membrane integrity correlate to reduced fertility due in part to implantation disorders. Sperm DNA damage should be efficiently treated with oral antioxidants. Moreover, testicular sperm for use in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) should be injected without delay.

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Sperm function tests and fertility.

admin — Wed, 21 May 2008 00:39:43 -0600

Aitken RJ.

ARC Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Development, Discipline of Biological Sciences, and Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.

Traditionally, the diagnosis of male infertility has depended upon a descriptive evaluation of human semen with emphasis on the number of spermatozoa that are present in the ejaculate, their motility and their morphology. The fundamental tenet underlying this approach is that male fertility can be defined by reference to a threshold concentration of motile, morphologically normal spermatozoa that must be exceeded in order to achieve conception. Many independent studies have demonstrated that this fundamental concept is flawed and, in reality, it is not so much the absolute number of spermatozoa that determines fertility, but their functional competence. In the light of this conclusion, a range of in vitro tests have been developed to monitor various aspects of sperm function including their potential for movement, cervical mucus penetration, capacitation, zona recognition, the acrosome reaction and sperm-oocyte fusion. Such functional assays have been found to predict the fertilizing capacity of human spermatozoa in vitro and in vivo with some accuracy. Recent developments in this field include the introduction of tests to assess the degree to which human spermatozoa have suffered oxidative stress as well as the integrity of their nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. Such assessments not only yield information on the fertilizing capacity of human spermatozoa but also their ability to support normal embryonic development.

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Mechanisms of male infertility: role of antioxidants

admin — Wed, 21 May 2008 00:38:33 -0600

Sheweita SA, Tilmisany AM, Al-Sawaf H.

Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, PO Box 30001, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia. sheweita@hotmail.com

Defective sperm function is the most common cause of infertility, and until recently, was difficult to evaluate and treat. Mammalian spermatozoa membranes are rich in poly unsaturated fatty acids and are sensitive to oxygen induced damage mediated by lipid peroxidation. Hence, free radicals and reactive oxygen species [ROS] are associated with oxidative stress and are likely to play a number of significant and diverse roles in reproduction. The excessive generation of reactive oxygen species by abnormal spermatozoa and by contaminating leukocytes [leukocytospermia] has been identified as one of the few defined etiologies for male infertility. Moreover, environmental factors, such as pesticides, exogenous estrogens, and heavy metals may negatively impact spermatogenesis since male sperm counts were declined. In addition, aging is also likely to further induce oxidative stress. Limited endogenous mechanisms exist to reverse these damages. In a normal situation, the seminal plasma contains antioxidant mechanisms which are likely to quench these ROS and protect against any likely damage to spermatozoa. However, during genitourinary infection/inflammation these antioxidant mechanisms may downplay and create a situation called oxidative stress. Assessment of such oxidative stress status [OSS] may help in the medical treatment of male infertility by suitable antioxidants. The cellular damage in the semen is a result of an improper balance between ROS generation and scavenging activities. Therefore, numerous antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione, and coenzyme Q10, have proven beneficial effects in treating male infertility.
A multi-faceted therapeutic approach to improve male fertility involves identifying harmful environmental and occupational risk factors, while correcting underlying nutritional imbalances to encourage optimal sperm production and function.

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Semen quality in fertile US men in relation to geographical area and pesticide exposure

admin — Wed, 21 May 2008 00:37:16 -0600

Swan SH.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.

Summary We conducted the first US study to compare semen quality among study centres using standardized methods and strict quality control. We present data on semen quality in partners of 493 pregnant women recruited through prenatal clinics in four US cities during 1999-2001. Sperm concentration, semen volume and motility were determined at the centres and morphology was assessed at a central laboratory. While between-centre differences in sperm morphology and sample volume were small, sperm concentration and motility were significantly reduced in Columbia, MO (MO) relative to men in New York, NY, Minneapolis, MN and Los Angeles, CA; total number of motile sperm was 113 x 10(6) in MO and 162, 201 and 196 x 10(6) in CA, MN and NY respectively. Differences among centres remained significant in multivariate models that controlled for abstinence time, semen analysis time, age, race, smoking, history of sexually transmitted disease and recent fever (all p-values less than 0.01). We hypothesized that poorer sperm concentration and motility in MO men relative to other centres might be related to agricultural pesticides that are commonly used in the mid-west. We investigated this hypothesis by conducting a nested case-control study within the MO cohort. We selected 25 men in this cohort for whom all semen parameters (concentration, % normal morphology and % motile) were low as cases and an equal number of men for whom all semen parameters were within normal limits as controls. We measured metabolites of eight non-persistent, current-use pesticides in urine samples the men had provided at the time of semen collection. Pesticide metabolite levels were elevated in cases compared with controls for the herbicides alachlor and atrazine, and for the insecticide diazinon (2-isopropoxy-4-methyl-pyrimidinol) (p-values for Wilcoxon rank test = 0.0007, 0.012, and 0.0004 for alachlor, atrazine and diazinon respectively). Men with higher levels of alachlor or diazinon were significantly more likely to be cases than men with low levels [odds ratios (OR) = 30.0, 16.7 for alachlor and diazinon respectively], as were men with atrazine over the limit of detection (OR = 11.3). These associations between current-use pesticides and reduced semen quality suggest that agricultural chemicals may have contributed to the reduced semen quality seen in fertile men from mid-Missouri.

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Is there a relationship between cell phone use and semen quality?

admin — Wed, 21 May 2008 00:35:54 -0600

Fejes I, Zavaczki Z, Szollosi J, Koloszar S, Daru J, Kovacs L, Pal A.

Andrology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Szeged, Hungry. fejesimi@yahoo.com

This study was conducted to determine a possible relationship between regular cell phone use and different human semen attributes. The history-taking of men in our university clinic was supplemented with questions concerning cell phone use habits, including possession, daily standby position and daily transmission times. Semen analyses were performed by conventional methods. Statistics were calculated with SPSS statistical software. A total of 371 were included in the study. The duration of possession and the daily transmission time correlated negatively with the proportion of rapid progressive motile sperm (r = -0.12 and r = -0.19, respectively), and positively with the proportion of slow progressive motile sperm (r = 0.12 and r = 0.28, respectively). The low and high transmitter groups also differed in the proportion of rapid progressive motile sperm (48.7% vs. 40.6%).
The prolonged use of cell phones may have negative effects on the sperm motility characteristics.

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Effects of acupuncture and moxa treatment in patients with semen abnormalities.

admin — Wed, 21 May 2008 00:34:34 -0600

Gurfinkel E, Cedenho AP, Yamamura Y, Srougi M.

Human Reproduction Division, Discipline of Urology, Sao Paulo Federal University, Paulista School of Medicine, Sao Paulo, Brazil. egurfa@uol.com.br

AIM: To evaluate the effect of Chinese Traditional Medicine, acupuncture and moxa treatment, on the semen quality in patients with semen abnormalities. METHODS: In a prospective, controlled and blind study, nineteen patients, aged 24 years approximately 42 years and married for 3 years approximately 11 years without children with semen abnormalities in concentration, morphology and/or progressive motility without apparent cause, were randomized into two groups and submitted to acupuncture and moxa treatment at the therapeutic (Study Group) and the indifferent points (Control Group), respectively, for 10 weeks. Semen analyses were performed before and after the treatment course. RESULTS: The patients of the Study Group presented a significant increase in the percentage of normal-form sperm compared to the Control Group (calculated U=16.0, critical U=17.0). CONCLUSION: The Chinese Traditional Medicine acupuncture and moxa techniques significantly increase the percentage of normal-form sperm in infertile patients with oligoastenoteratozoospermia without apparent cause.

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Influence of acupuncture on idiopathic male infertility in assisted reproductive technology.

admin — Wed, 21 May 2008 00:26:47 -0600

Zhang M, Huang G, Lu F, Paulus WE, Sterzik K.

Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030.

The clinical effects of acupuncture on idiopathic male infertility in sperm parameter and on therapeutic results in assisted reproductive technology were investigated. 22 patients failed in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with idiopathic male infertility were treated with acupuncture twice weekly for 8 weeks, followed by ICSI treatment again. The sperm concentration, motility, morphology, fertilization rates and embryo quality were observed. Quick sperm motility after acupuncture (18.3% +/- 9.6%) was significantly improved as compared with that before treatment (11.0% +/- 7.5%, P < 0.01). The normal sperm ratio was increased after acupuncture (21.1% +/- 10.4% vs 16.2% +/- 8.2%, P < 0.05). The fertilization rates after acupuncture (66.2%) were obviously higher than that before treatment (40.2%, P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in sperm concentration and general sperm motility between before and after acupuncture. The embryo quality after acupuncture was improved, but the difference between them was not significant (P > 0.05). Acupuncture can improve sperm quality and fertilization rates in assisted reproductive technology.

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Quantitative evaluation of spermatozoa ultrastructure after acupuncture treatment for idiopathic male infertility.

admin — Wed, 21 May 2008 00:25:18 -0600

Pei J, Strehler E, Noss U, Abt M, Piomboni P, Baccetti B, Sterzik K.

Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China. jianpei99@yahoo.com

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ultramorphologic sperm features of idiopathic infertile men after acupuncture therapy.
DESIGN: Prospective controlled study.

SETTING: Christian-Lauritzen-Institut, Ulm, IVF center Munich, Germany, and Department of General Biology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
PATIENT(S): Forty men with idiopathic oligospermia, asthenospermia, or teratozoospermia.
INTERVENTION(S): Twenty eight of the patients received acupuncture twice a week over a period of 5 weeks. The samples from the treatment group were randomized with semen samples from the 12 men in the untreated control group.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Quantitative analysis by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to evaluate the samples, using the mathematical formula based on submicroscopic characteristics.
RESULT(S): Statistical evaluation of the TEM data showed a statistically significant increase after acupuncture in the percentage and number of sperm without ultrastructural defects in the total ejaculates. A statistically significant improvement was detected in acrosome position and shape, nuclear shape, axonemal pattern and shape, and accessory fibers of sperm organelles. However, specific sperm pathologies in the form of apoptosis, immaturity, and necrosis showed no statistically significant changes between the control and treatment groups before and after treatment.
CONCLUSION(S): The treatment of idiopathic male infertility could benefit from employing acupuncture. A general improvement of sperm quality, specifically in the ultrastructural integrity of spermatozoa, was seen after acupuncture, although we did not identify specific sperm pathologies that could be particularly sensitive to this therapy.

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Decline in Semen Quality among Fertile Men in Paris during the Past 20 Years

admin — Wed, 21 May 2008 00:23:29 -0600

Jacques Auger, M.D., Ph.D., Jean Marie Kunstmann, M.D., Fran�oise Czyglik, M.D., and Pierre Jouannet, M.D.

Background Several studies have suggested a population-wide decline in the quality of semen over the past 50 years, but clear evidence of decreasing semen quality in recent decades is lacking.

Methods From 1973 through 1992 we measured the volume of seminal fluid, the sperm concentration, and the percentages of motile and morphologically normal spermatozoa in 1351 healthy fertile men. The data on the semen samples were collected at one sperm bank in Paris. The data in each calendar year were analyzed as a function of the year of donation, the age of each patient, the year of birth, and the duration of sexual abstinence before semen collection.

Results There was no change in semen volume during the study period. The mean concentration of sperm decreased by 2.1 percent per year, from 89 x106 per milliliter in 1973 to 60x106 per milliliter in 1992 (P less than 0.001). During the same period the percentages of motile and normal spermatozoa decreased by 0.6 percent and 0.5 percent per year, respectively (both P<0.001). After adjustment in multiple regression analyses for age and the duration of sexual abstinence, each successive calendar year of birth accounted for 2.6 percent of the yearly decline in the sperm concentration and for 0.3 percent and 0.7 percent, respectively, of the yearly declines in the percentages of motile and normal spermatozoa (all P<0.001).

Conclusions During the past 20 years, there has been a decline in the concentration and motility of sperm and in the percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa in fertile men that is independent of the age of the men.

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Evidence for decreasing quality of semen during past 50 years

admin — Wed, 21 May 2008 00:21:33 -0600

Carlsen E, Giwercman A, Keiding N, Skakkebaek NE.

University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen.

OBJECTIVE--To investigate whether semen quality has changed during the past 50 years.

DESIGN--Review of publications on semen quality in men without a history of infertility selected by means of Cumulated Index Medicus and Current List (1930-1965) and MEDLINE Silver Platter database (1966-August 1991).

SUBJECTS--14,947 men included in a total of 61 papers published between 1938 and 1991.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Mean sperm density and mean seminal volume.

RESULTS--Linear regression of data weighted by number of men in each study showed a significant decrease in mean sperm count from 113 x 10(6)/ml in 1940 to 66 x 10(6)/ml in 1990 (p less than 0.0001) and in seminal volume from 3.40 ml to 2.75 ml (p = 0.027), indicating an even more pronounced decrease in sperm production than expressed by the decline in sperm density.

CONCLUSIONS--There has been a genuine decline in semen quality over the past 50 years. As male fertility is to some extent correlated with sperm count the results may reflect an overall reduction in male fertility. The biological significance of these changes is emphasised by a concomitant increase in the incidence of genitourinary abnormalities such as testicular cancer and possibly also cryptorchidism and hypospadias, suggesting a growing impact of factors with serious effects on male gonadal function.

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Decline in semen quality from 1930 to 1991

admin — Wed, 21 May 2008 00:19:57 -0600

Carlsen E, Giwercman AJ, Keiding N, Skakkebaek NE.

Rigshospitalet, afdeling for vaekst og reproduktion GR 5064, Kobenhavn.

It has been suspected for years that semen quality has declined. However, the issue is still controversial since previous studies were criticized for methodological errors. We therefore attempted to systematically review the complete international literature on semen quality since 1930 with rigorous selection criteria and statistical analysis. Based on a literature search using Cumulated Index Medicus and Current List (1930-1965) and MEDLINE Silver Platter database (1966-august 1991), we identified 61 papers concerning sperm density in a total of 14,957 males without a history of infertility. A significant decline in mean sperm density from 113 x 10(6)/ml in 1940 to 66 x 10(6)/ml in 1990 (p < 0.0001) and in mean seminal volume from 3.40 ml to 2.75 ml (p = 0.027) was noted. The incidence of testis cancer and possibly also that of cryptorchidism and hypospadias has increased during the same relatively short time period. Such a remarkable deterioration in male genitourinary function is more likely to be due to environmental rather than genetic factors.

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Miscarriages Linked to Defective Sperm and Lower Sperm Counts

admin — Wed, 21 May 2008 00:17:52 -0600

Pregnancies ending in miscarriage were found to have fathers whose sperm showed increased numbers of defective sperm as well as lower sperm counts. This was the conclusion in a 1962 research project conducted by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Sabbatsberg Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden. Semen specimens were gathered from 201 men whose wives had experienced miscarriages in the second to third month of pregnancy or spontaneous abortions in the fourth to fifth month of pregnancy. Over half the research families had experienced two or more miscarriages. For comparison, sperm samples were taken from a control group of 116 husbands who had visited the hospital but whose wives had produced living normal children within two years. To insure similar parameters among participants, sperm samples were acquired by masturbation after an abstinence period of five days. Results of the two groups showed that sperm counts for the miscarriage/spontaneous abortion group was 110.2 million per cubic centimeter, while the sperm counts for the fathers of successful pregnancies was 138.7 million per cubic centimeter. The investigators classified this as "highly significant statistically." Of even more concern, it was found through microscopic examination of sperm samples that approximately 48% of the sperm were "abnormal" in the unsuccessful pregnancies while only 4% of the sperm were "abnormal" in the men who produced normal children.

4% Abnormal
Sperm
in

"Normal"
Pregnancies

48% Abnormal
Sperm

in

Miscarriages

Pregnancies ending in miscarriage are being found to be
fathered by men with higher numbers of abnormal sperm
(i.e. misshapen sperm heads, double tails, etc.). Abnormal
sperm are also being found to occur more often in males
exposed to chemicals during the two month sperm
development period before conception.

In summary, the researchers stated;

"In the group of abortions (unsuccessful pregnancies) there was a highly significant increase in the percentage of abnormal spermatozoa as well as a highly significant decrease in the absolute number of normal spermatozoa. The conclusion is reached that defective semen may be an important factor in the etiology of abortions."

Drs. Mirjam Furuhjelm, Birgit Jonson, and C. Lagergren

Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sabbatsberg Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden

International Journal of Fertility

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Environmental toxicants cause sperm DNA fragmentation as detected by the Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA((R))).

admin — Wed, 21 May 2008 00:12:45 -0600

Evenson DP, Wixon R.

HCLD, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA; SCSA Diagnostics, 807 32nd Avenue, Brookings, SD 57007, USA.

Studies over the past two decades have clearly shown that reproductive toxicants cause sperm DNA fragmentation. This DNA fragmentation can usually be detected prior to observing alterations of metaphase chromosomes in embryos. Thus, Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA)-detected DNA damage is viewed as the molecular precursor to later gross chromosome damage observed under the light microscope. SCSA measurements of animal or human sperm consist of first obtaining a fresh or flash frozen neat semen sample in LN2 or dry ice. Samples are then sent to a SCSA diagnostic laboratory where the samples are thawed, diluted to approximately 1-2 x 106 sperm/ml, treated for 30 s with a pH 1.2 detergent buffer and then stained with acridine orange (AO). The low pH partially denatures DNA at the sites of DNA strand breaks and the AO-ssDNA fluoresces red while the AO-dsDNA fluoresces green. Flow cytometry measurements of 5000 sperm/sample provide statistically robust data on the ratio of red to green sperm, the extent of the DNA fragmentation and the standard deviations of measures. Numerous experiments on rodents treated with reproductive toxicants clearly showed that SCSA measures are highly dose responsive and have a very low CV. Different agents that act on germ cells at various stages of development usually showed sperm DNA fragmentation when that germ cell fraction arrived in the epididymis or ejaculate. Some of these treated samples were capable of successful in vitro fertilization but with frequent embryo failure. A 2-year longitudinal study of men living a valley town with a reported abnormal level of infertility and spontaneous miscarriages and also a seasonal atmospheric smog pollution, showed, for the first time, that SCSA measurements of human sperm DNA fragmentation were detectable and correlated with dosage of air pollution while the classical semen measures were not correlated. Also, young men spraying pesticides without protective gear are at an increased risk for elevated sperm DNA fragmentation. Extensive DN
A fragmentation probably cannot be repaired by the egg and the spontaneous abortion rate is approximately 2x higher if a man has more than 30% of sperm showing DNA fragmentation. DNA fragmentation is an excellent marker for exposure to potential reproductive toxicants and a diagnostic/prognostic tool for potential male infertility.

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Environmental toxicants cause sperm DNA fragmentation

admin — Wed, 21 May 2008 00:11:35 -0600

Effect of acupuncture on sperm parameters of males suffering from subfertility related to low sperm quality.

Siterman S, Eltes F, Wolfson V, Zabludovsky N, Bartoov B.

Institute of Chinese Medicine, Tel Aviv, Israel.

The aim of this prospective controlled study was to assess the effect of acupuncture on the sperm quality of males suffering from subfertility related to sperm impairment. Semen samples of 16 acupuncture-treated subfertile patients were analyzed before and 1 month after treatment (twice a week for 5 weeks). In parallel, semen samples of 16 control untreated subfertile males were examined. Two specimens were taken from the control group at an interval of 2-8 months. The expanded semen analysis included routine and ultramorphological observations. The fertility index increased significantly (p less than or = .05) following improvement in total functional sperm fraction, percentage of viability, total motile spermatozoa per ejaculate, and integrity of the axonema (p < or = .05), which occurred upon treatment. The intactness of axonema and sperm motility were highly correlated (corr. = .50, p < or = .05). Thus, patients exhibiting a low fertility potential due to reduced sperm activity may benefit from acupuncture treatment.

Raised cortisol predicts spontaneous abortion

admin — Wed, 21 May 2008 00:08:39 -0600

Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 2006; Early online publication

Prospectively assessing the link between cortisol levels in early pregnancy and subsequent miscarriage.

High urinary levels of the stress hormone cortisol are a marker for early pregnancy loss, US researchers have found.

Maternal stress is commonly cited as a risk factor for spontaneous abortion but there is little physiological evidence for this association. Furthermore, most studies have focused on "clinical" pregnancy, despite most miscarriages occurring within 3 weeks of conception.

In the present study, Pablo Nepomnaschy and co-workers examined the association between miscarriage and maternal urinary cortisol levels in the first 3 weeks after conception.

Of 22 observed pregnancies, nine were carried to term and 13 were lost. The risk of spontaneous abortion was significantly linked to cortisol levels, Nepomnaschy et al report.

Pregnancies exposed to increased cortisol, where the 3-week cortisol level was higher than the woman's overall cortisol baseline level, were 2.7 times more likely to be lost than those exposed to normal cortisol levels.

"Whereas 90 percent of the increased cortisol pregnancies resulted in spontaneous abortion, only 33 percent of the normal cortisol pregnancies were lost," the authors reveal.

They conclude that pregnancy "may be particularly sensitive to maternal stress during the placentation period" and call for further studies to replicate their results and explore the physiological pathways that might mediate the association.

Posted: 21 February 2006

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D.E.E.P. - natural reactions every man has

admin — Thu, 08 May 2008 15:25:18 -0600

Male Infertility Has D.E.E.P. Implications…

When a man receives a diagnosis that his sperm is not able to get his wife pregnant, a state similar to shock may ensue. This seems to manifest as a type of post traumatic stress disorder [*this effects the Kidneys, and stagnates the free flow of Liver Qi]. The man may then go through some, or all of the following 'D.E.E.P.' mental, emotional, and physical stages;

Denial: 'not me!', numbness, depression [*this exacerbates the stagnation of Qi].
Emotional: 'why me?' anger, hypersensitive, over-reactive, sad, withdrawal, poor mental function, *humiliation, shame, isolation, 'is anyone else going through this?' [*the Liver and Heart share this load].
Ego: central to being a man is the role of keeping the special woman in their life happy and protected. Being the 'provider' is also fundamental. Some men feel so inadequate with their inability to provide a child that some may even push for divorce.
Physical: damaged pride & shame are a breeding ground for sexual dysfunction, along with a wide array of physiological signs and symptoms (from insomnia to poor digestion, headaches to back pain).

It should also be noted that when a couple decides to go through A.R.T. (artificial reproductive techniques) many invasive procedures and medications are administered to the woman. This can affect the 'protector' aspect of a man, breeding fear for her health, and guilt towards being powerless to keep his wife out of harms way.

Chinese medicine and acupuncture, diet and lifestyle changes, proper supplementation, Qigong, education, and proper counsel to regarding the D.E.E.P. implications of male infertility, will restore confidence, and produce profound effects that show not only on a semen analysis, but also in the everyday wellness of the man and his relationship with his wife.

Spence Pentland

[*] denotes Traditional Chinese Medicine theory

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