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Objective: To determine the effect of sperm morphology from the specific sample used for intrauterine insemination (IUI) on clinical pregnancy rates (CPR). Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Academic fertility clinic. Patient(s): Couples undergoing IUI July 2016–January 2017. Intervention(s): Morphology slides were prepared from the semen sample produced for IUI. Main Outcome Measure(s): CPR was measured by detection of cardiac activity. Multiple logistic regression modeling was performed to determine the association of sperm morphology with CPR, controlling for age, antimüllerian hormone level, and post-wash total motile sperm count. Result(s): Semen analyses, including Kruger strict criteria for morphology from the actual sample inseminated, were reviewed for 155 couples, comprising 234 total treatment cycles. The percent normal morphology significantly differed between the preliminary semen analysis and the IUI sample (−2.0% +3.7% (95% CI −2.55, −1.53). Of the total 234 treatment cycles, 8.6% resulted in clinical pregnancy. When categorized by strict morphology >4%, 4%

Indium, a Group IIIA element of the periodic chart and a rare earth metal characterized by high plasticity, corrosion resistance, and a low melting point, is widely used in the electronics industry where released streams can contaminate the environment. Consequently, indium can reach humans mainly by natural ways, which could result in a health hazard. Although reproductive toxicities have been surveyed in some studies in animal models, the infertility effects of sperm function induced by indium compounds have not been greatly investigated. We designed a study to investigate the toxicities of subacute exposure to indium compounds on male sperm function and the process of spermatogenesis in a rodent model. Fourteen Sprague-Dawley rats on postnatal Day (PND) 84 were randomly divided into exposure and control groups, and weekly received intraperitoneal injections of indium chloride (1.5 mg/kg body weight) and normal saline, respectively, for 8 weeks. Cauda epididymal sperm count, motility, morphology, chromatin DNA integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and testis DNA content were investigated. The indium chloride exposed group showed significant toxicity to sperm function, as well as an increased percentage of sperm morphological abnormality and chromatin DNA damage. Furthermore, positive correlations between abnormal sperm morphology, chromatin DNA damage, and superoxide anion generation were also noted. The results of this study demonstrated the toxic effect of subacute low dose indium exposure during sexual maturation on sperm function, resulting in sperm chromatin DNA damage through an increase in sperm ROS generation in a rodent model.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the role of cholinergic toxicity in the male reproductive system and describes both its direct and indirect effects. Data accumulated over many decades allude to the important role of cholinergic molecules as regulators of different aspects of male fertility. A cross-section of the whole testis would provide cross-sections of tubules at all stages of the spematogenic cycle, containing cells at all stages of spermatogenesis. These highly precise changes in cellular association in the seminiferous tubule provide a remarkable display of spatio-temporal organization. Numerous anti-AChE pesticides have been tested for their reproductive toxicity, especially in countries where exposure to such pesticides is widespread. One of the outcomes of the physiological stress response is suppression of the energy-consuming reproductive activity. Systemic stressors have been shown to interfere with normal progression of sperm differentiation. Heat stress reduces sperm production and sperm motility and increases abnormal sperm morphology. Cis-platinum is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, employed in the treatment of many cancer types including testicular and ovarian cancer. cis-Platinum induces apoptosis and necrosis by causing DNA damage. AChE can modulate the cytotoxicity of cis-platinum by affecting complex molecular pathways. The factors that dysregulate cholinergic proteins may have potentially complex detrimental consequences to male fertility. Such factors could be environmental, cholinergic toxins, therapeutic (e.g., chemotherapeutic drugs) or even originate from brain-to-body communication such as the physiological stress response.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the reproductive and developmental toxicity of several commonly used solvents that are easily volatilized so that inhalation is a primary route of exposure. In both sexes, infertility can occur as a result of toxic exposures. With regard to developmental toxicity, there is an increased risk of small-for-gestational-age live born babies has been observed in women exposed to CCl4 during their second or third trimester of pregnancy. PCE has been associated with increased risks of spontaneous abortions, time to pregnancy and decrease in fertility in women who were directly employed or whose spouses were working in the dry-cleaning industry. Men working in these facilities have shown abnormal sperm morphology and other reproductive dysfunctions. Occupational exposure studies have examined the reproductive and developmental toxicity of styrene; these studies did not find statistically significant alterations in the occurrence of stillbirths, infant deaths, malformations or birth weight. Toluene has been associated with spontaneous abortions in women with no developmental effects observed. The most common reproductive symptoms of benzene exposure in women include menstrual disorders and in men, a decrease in sperm count, motility and concentration as well as decreased semen volume. No well-conducted reproductive and developmental toxicity studies exist to evaluate human health risk of acute or chronic exposure to kerosene and jet fuels. Developmental outcomes of formaldehyde include fetal loss, structural alterations, growth retardation, and delays in functional development. Formaldehyde has been associated with spontaneous abortions and increased time to pregnancy in occupationally exposed women.