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PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the effects of ejaculatory abstinence on sperm parameters.MethodsThis analysis was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023472124). We performed a search on PubMed using the following text terms: ((“sperm parameters” OR “sperm analysis” [Mesh]) AND (“sperm DNA fragmentation” OR “DNA fragmentation” [Mesh]) AND (“sexual abstinence” [Mesh] OR “abstinence”)) and an advanced search in Scopus using the terms (“sperm parameters” OR “sperm parameters” OR “DNA fragmentation”) AND (“abstinence”). The sperm parameters that were investigated were sperm volume, total sperm motility, progressive sperm motility, sperm concentration, sperm morphology, and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF). A two-day cut-off as a “short” or “long” abstinence period has been defined.ResultsThirteen studies published between 2013 and 2022 were included in this meta-analysis. A total of 2,315 patients, ranging from 6 to 836 from each cohort, were enrolled in the study. We showed that longer abstinence time was associated with greater sperm concentration (mean difference [MD]: 8.19; p

Objective: This study aims to investigate the current evidence regarding the impact of oral antioxidant supplementation on semen parameters of infertile men. Materials and Methods: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, and Cochrane electronic databases, adhering to modified Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The focus was on studies exploring the effects of antioxidant therapy on infertile men, with an examination of antioxidants in terms of types, doses, rationale for use, and their impact on semen parameters measures. Results: A total of 18 studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. Out of these, 14 studies reported a significantly positive influence of antioxidant therapy on basic semen parameters and advanced sperm function. These comprised 11 randomized clinical trials and 7 prospective studies. Commonly utilized antioxidants included Vitamin E, Vitamin C, carnitines, co-enzyme Q10, N-acetyl cysteine, zinc, selenium, folic acid, and lycopene. Conclusions: Overall, antioxidants generally demonstrate a favorable effect on semen parameters of infertile men. However, further research is necessary to pinpoint the optimal antioxidant regimen that can be applied safely and effectively in clinical practice.

Background: Bisphenol A (BPA) is known as an endocrine disruptor that has harmful effects on general health. It iscommonly used in various industrial products. In this study we tried to evaluate the amount of BPA in urine samplesof the men referred to an infertility center.Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study population consisted of male partners of infertile couples, who werereferred to infertility clinic in Mazandaran, a northern state of Iran. Questionnaires included demographic characteristics,medical history, lifestyle factors, physical examinations. A semen sample and a spot urine sample were taken from eachparticipant. In the initial study group of 240 men, 3 groups were excluded, and 122 men remained for the analysis. Highperformanceliquid chromatography (HPLC) was applied to measure the amount of BPA in the urine samples.Results: BPA was not detected in about half of the samples (53.3%). Multiple linear regression analysis showed thatno significant relationship existed between the urine concentrations of BPA, semen parameters and male reproductivehormones. However, in a comparison with semen parameters in people with detectable urine BPA versus nondetectableones, an inverse association was noticed with sperm concentration. In other parameters, differences were notsignificant. Smoking had no effects on sperm parameters, but body mass index (BMI) ≥25 reduced the percentage ofnormal sperm parameters.Conclusion: In most participants, urinary BPA was not detected. Probably in this study low environmental exposure toBPA is the cause of lower urine BPA concentrations compared to other industrially developed countries. Therefore, nooverall relationship was observed between BPA level and male infertility.

BackgroundEfficacy of clomiphene citrate (CC) in the treatment of male subfertility remains unclear, with inconsistent results in the literature and limited guidance from professional organizations. We sought to stratify the response to clomiphene in men based on their initial gonadotropins and semen parameters.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of 234 patients from an academic center who took CC for subfertility. Patients with pre-treatment and 3 months follow-up total testosterone (TT) and semen analyses were included. Patients with previous hormone therapy, genitourinary surgery, prior success in conceiving pregnancy, or only one semen analysis were excluded. Primary outcomes were magnitudes of improvement in TT and semen parameters at 3 months. Student's t-test (alpha =0.05) was used for univariate analyses; multivariable linear regression was used for multivariate analysis.ResultsOne hundred and thirty-seven patients met inclusion criteria. Thirty-four percent of patients experienced improvement in sperm concentration after 3 months of CC treatment, 13% decreased, and 53% showed no change. Using a pre-treatment TT cutoff of 300 ng/dL and gonadotropin thresholds of 7 miU/mL, initial TT did not affect magnitude of improvement in semen parameters, while lower initial gonadotropins showed statistical improvement across all outcomes. Multivariate analysis showed pre-treatment follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) was inversely correlated with improvement in TT [odds ratio (OR): 2.64e-05, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.32e-09 to 5.28e-01, P=0.04] and sperm concentration (OR: 0.22, 95% CI: 5.70e-02 to 8.48e-01, P=0.03). We also provide initial gonadotropin cutoffs that suggest statistical benefit from CC use.ConclusionsMen with lower gonadotropin levels may expect greater degree of improvement in both hormone and semen parameters with use of CC. Men with azoospermia do not benefit based on semen analyses alone. Degree of non-azoospermia does not affect magnitude of improvement. CC had decreasing efficacy at higher initial gonadotropin levels. These data may provide guidance in stratifying and counseling men for CC treatment.

To systematically estimate the relevance between sperm parameters and serum vitamin D levels and the subsequent reproductive outcomes in men. PubMed, Web of Science and other databases were searched for studies that examined a possible correlation between serum vitamin D levels and sperm parameters and reproductive outcomes. The documents were screened according to the corresponding inclusion and exclusion criteria. Selection criteria included all published randomised and controlled trials and non-randomised studies that focus on vitamin D and the reproductive function of men The patients were classified into observation/intervention and control groups, the intervention group was given vitamin D supplementation and the control group was not. The meta-analysis was conducted using Stata 16.0 software. A meta-analysis of 11 clinical studies that enrolled a total of 1356 patients, revealed that the clinical pregnancy rate in the observation group was no statistically different in the control group. A meta-analysis of 8 studies demonstrated that there was no statistically difference in sperm concentration between the experimental group and the control group. A meta-analysis of 8 studies found that sperm progressive motility in the experimental group was greater than that in the control group by using a random-effects model. The mean concentration of vitamin D was significantly lower in the control group. Appropriate vitamin D supplement intervention in infertile men improves sperm progressive motility. Interpretation of these results should be done with caution due to the significant heterogeneity of the included studies. Furthermore, Well-conducted prospective cohort studies are needed to better explain the relationship between vitamin D and sperm parameters in infertile men.

Donor sperm treatment is advised to be performed with frozen-thawed donor semen. A disadvantage of frozen-thawed semen is lower pregnancy rates compared to inseminations with fresh semen. Semen parameters affect ongoing pregnancy rates in intracervical inseminations with frozen-thawed donor semen. In an attempt to translate this into clinical relevance, cohort studies have tried to find cut-off values for semen parameters after thawing for intracervical insemination, but these studies assessed only one semen parameter per study, thereby overlooking the intricate interplay between all semen parameters. We performed a retrospective cohort study and tried to calculate thresholds for all semen parameters that lead to the best possible ongoing pregnancy rates in intracervical insemination with frozen-thawed donor semen. Between April 1999 and December 2015, data from 1,186 women who underwent 7,103 cycles of intracervical insemination with donor semen from 129 sperm donors were available for analysis. Our results showed that total motility and total motile count (TMC) after thawing were associated with ongoing pregnancy rate. The best possible ongoing pregnancy chances after intracervical insemination were obtained at a total motility of ≥20% and a total motile count (TMC) of ≥8 × 106 after thawing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seasonal variations in semen parameters play a critical role in the reproductive efficiency and fertility of domestic animals. Factors such as temperature, photoperiod, and humidity directly impact sperm concentration, viability, motility, morphology, seminal plasma composition, and other semen parameters. Understanding these seasonal variations in semen parameters is crucial for optimising reproductive management practices in domestic animal populations. This comprehensive review provides valuable insights for improving breeding programs, artificial insemination techniques, and overall reproductive management in domestic animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of paternal obesity and metabolic disease on semen quality and fertility outcomes is not fully appreciated. With increasing obesity rates, researchers have studied the intricate relationship between paternal body mass index, metabolic health, and male fertility. This systematic review identified 112 articles in the MEDLINE database between 2013 and 2023 that investigated the effects of body mass index, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, exercise, weight loss medication, or bariatric surgery on semen parameters, sperm quality, or fertility outcomes. This review suggests that obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome have a negative impact on various parameters of male fertility, from semen quality to sperm deoxyribonucleic acid integrity. There is also mounting evidence that male obesity is correlated negatively with live births via both natural conception and assisted reproductive technologies. Lifestyle interventions, such as physical exercise, generally appear to improve male fertility markers; however, the type and intensity of exercise may play a crucial role. Pharmacologic treatments for weight loss, such as metformin and glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists, present a more complex picture, with studies suggesting both beneficial and detrimental effects on male reproductive health. Similarly, surgical interventions, such as gastric bypass surgery, show promise in improving hormonal imbalances but have mixed effects on semen parameters. Future research is needed to clarify these associations and inform clinical guidelines. In the interim, health practitioners should incorporate these insights into clinical practices, encouraging proactive lifestyle changes and providing targeted treatments to improve male reproductive health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin A has multiple functions in the human body, being involved in growth, epithelial differentiation, vision, immune function and reproduction. While normal spermatogenesis is influenced by several factors, it requires vitamin A. Systemic isotretinoin is a vitamin A derivative that is used in the treatment of many dermatological diseases, especially acne vulgaris (AV). There is limited research on the changes in semen parameters after systemic isotretinoin therapy in humans. Our study investigates the presence of varicoceles in patients undergoing systemic isotretinoin therapy for AV and examines whether there were any changes in the semen parameters before and after treatment. Included in the study were 46 men patients who were scheduled for systemic isotretinoin therapy for AV. Before treatment, the patients underwent a physical examination and ultrasonography for varicoceles assessment. The patients underwent spermiogram before treatment and after 6 months of treatment. The spermiogram assessments included semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, progressive motility, viability and sperm morphology. After treatment, there was an increase in semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, progressive motility and vitality from the pre-treatment values, but a deterioration in the sperm morphology (p <.05). Comparing patients with and without varicoceles revealed more changes in semen parameters after treatment in those with varicoceles. There was a statistically significant difference in sperm concentration (p <.001). Systemic isotretinoin therapy negatively affects sperm morphology, but has positive effect on other semen parameters, and these changes in semen parameters occur more frequently in patients with varicoceles. Acne vulgaris is a very common disease and systemic isotretinoin is used as the most effective agent in its treatment. Systemic isotretinoin positively affects semen parameters except sperm morphology. Changes in semen parameters are more common in patients with varicocele. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this case–control study is to investigate possible associations between GSTM1 polymorphism and redox potential with sperm parameters. Methods: The study group consisted of sperm samples from 51 infertile men according to the WHO guidelines. The control group included 39 samples from men with normal seminal parameters. DNA was extracted and genotyped for the detection of the GSTM1 polymorphism. An evaluation of the static redox potential (sORP) using the MiOXSYSTM system was conducted. Results: The frequency of the GSTM1-null genotype was higher in infertile male individuals (60.78%) than in the controls (41.03%) and was associated with a 2.228-fold increased risk for male infertility. Fertile controls carrying the GSTM1-null genotype presented a lower percentage of typical sperm morphology and lower slow progressive motility. An excess of redox potential was observed in infertile males compared to fertile ones. In the control group higher sORP values had a positive correlation with immotility percentage and a negative correlation regarding total motility. In the study group sORP values had a negative correlation with total count, concentration, and slow progressive motility. Conclusions: The present study highlights that GSTM1 polymorphism and redox potential affect both fertile and in fertile males. Moreover, redox potential levels could be used as an additional indicator along with the routine semen analysis for a comprehensive screening between infertile and fertile men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY QUESTION What are the effects of male anxiety and depression on IVF outcomes? SUMMARY ANSWER Men with anxiety had lower final total motile sperm counts (fTMSC) during IVF compared to men without anxiety; however, there were no differences in live birth rates (LBRs). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Studies have shown that male anxiety causes low sperm motility, worse sperm morphology, and increased DNA fragmentation, which are known to be influential factors on fertilization rates and embryo quality during IVF. However, data are lacking on whether there is a direct association between male anxiety and/or depression and IVF outcomes. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a survey-based, retrospective cohort study completed at a single, large hospital-affiliated fertility center with 222 respondents who underwent IVF with or without ICSI. The study was conducted between 6 September 2018 and 27 December 2022. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Male partners of couples who underwent IVF or IVF/ICSI completed a Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire. They were separated into two groups for both anxiety (HADS-A ≥ 8 or HADS-A < 8) and depression (HADS-D ≥ 8 or HADS-D < 8). Men with an elevated HADS-A or HADS-D score ≥8 were considered to have anxiety or depression, respectively. The primary outcome was LBR. Secondary outcomes included semen parameters at the time of IVF, cycle outcomes, pregnancy outcomes, and prevalence of erectile dysfunction and low libido. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE There were a total of 222 respondents, of whom 22.5% had a HADS-A ≥ 8 and 6.5% had a HADS-D ≥ 8. The average age of respondents was 37.38 ± 4.90 years old. Antidepressant use was higher in the respondents with a HADS-A or HADS-D ≥ 8 (P  < 0.05). Smoking use was similar between groups for both HADS-A and HADS-D (P  > 0.05). When adjusted for male BMI, antidepressant use and smoking, men with a HADS-A or HADS-D ≥ 8 had similar rates of erectile dysfunction (adjusted relative risk (aRR) = 1.12 (95% CI 0.60, 2.06)) and low libido (aRR = 1.70 (95% CI 0.91, 3.15)) compared to those with a HADS-A or HADS-D ≤ 8. Men with a HADS-A ≥ 8 were more likely to have a lower fTMSC on the day of oocyte retrieval (11.8 ≥ 8 vs 20.1 < 8, adjusted ß = −0.66 (95% CI −1.22, −0.10)). However, the LBR per embryo transfer (ET) was similar between the HADS-A groups (43.2% ≥8 vs 45.1% <8, adjusted relative risk = 0.90 (95% CI 0.65, 1.06)). Although depression was uncommon in the entire cohort, the HADS-D groups were clinically similar for fTMSC (18.7 ≥ 8 vs 16.0 < 8) and LBR per ET (46.7% ≥8 vs 45.4% <8). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Limitations of our study are the survey-based design, the lack of sperm morphology assessment at the time of IVF, our inability to fully assess the HADS-D ≥ 8 cohort due to the small sample size and the large Caucasian demographic. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Couples undergoing IVF have an increased likelihood of suffering from anxiety and/or depression. There is currently a debate on whether or not men should be treated with antidepressants while attempting to conceive due to potential detrimental effects on sperm quality. Our study shows that, regardless of antidepressant use, couples with men who did or did not report anxiety and/or depression have similar LBRs when undergoing IVF. Therefore, it is important to assess both partners for mental health and to not withhold treatment due to a concern about a potential impact of antidepressants or anxiety/depression on sperm quality. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) There was no funding to report for this study. Z.W. is a contributing author for UptoDate. S.S.S. is on the advisory board for Ferring Pharmaceuticals. E.G. was a medical consultant for Hall-Matson Esq, Teladoc, and CRICO and is a contributing author for UptoDate. The remaining authors have nothing to report. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Obesity is a significant risk factor for hypogonadism and infertility that is further associated with reduced semen quality. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of clomiphene citrate (CC), prescribed for treating infertility, on serum testosterone and semen parameters, particularly in oligospermic obese hypogonadal men. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of data related to men (n = 53) who underwent CC treatment for infertility and hypogonadism (testosterone < 300 ng/dL) was performed. Patients with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and sperm concentration ≤ 15 × 106/mL were included for analysis. Results: The overall results showed that, in oligospermic obese men (n = 31), treatment with CC significantly improved baseline sperm concentration (4.5 ± 6.8 × 106/mL vs. 11.4 ± 15.5 × 106/mL, p < 0.05) and motility (31.5% ± 21.5% vs. 42.6% ± 14.7%, p < 0.05). Furthermore, subsequent examination of oligospermic hypogonadal obese men treated with CC (n = 13) revealed substantial improvements in baseline serum testosterone levels (193.8 ± 59.3 ng/dL vs. 332.7 ± 114.8 ng/dL, p < 0.05) along with an increase in sperm concentration, total motility, and normal morphology. Conclusions: The results of this retrospective study suggest that CC treatment not only improves chances of fertility outcomes by substantially improving semen parameters but also increases total serum testosterone levels in oligospermic obese men without any supplemental and expensive testosterone replacement therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trend to delay parenthood is increasing, impacting fertility and reproductive outcomes. Advanced paternal age (APA), defined as men's age above 40 years at conception, has been linked with testicular impairment, abnormal semen parameters, and poor reproductive and birth outcomes. Recently, the significance of sperm microRNA for fertilization and embryonic development has emerged. This work aimed to investigate the effects of men's age on semen parameters and sperm microRNA profiles. The ejaculates of 333 Portuguese men were collected between 2018 and 2022, analyzed according to WHO guidelines, and a density gradient sperm selection was performed. For microRNA expression analysis, 16 normozoospermic human sperm samples were selected and divided into four age groups: ≤30, 31–35, 36–40, and >40 years. microRNA target genes were retrieved from the miRDB and TargetScan databases and Gene Ontology analysis was performed using the DAVID tool. No significant correlation was found between male age and conventional semen parameters, except for volume. Fifteen differentially expressed microRNAs (DEMs) between groups were identified. Enrichment analysis suggested the involvement of DEMs in the sperm of men with advanced age in critical biological processes like embryonic development, morphogenesis, and male gonad development. Targets of DEMs were involved in signaling pathways previously associated with the ageing process, including cellular senescence, autophagy, insulin, and mTOR pathways. These results suggest that although conventional semen parameters were not affected by men's age, alterations in microRNA regulation may occur and be responsible for poor fertility and reproductive outcomes associated with APA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bisphenol A (BPA) is known as an endocrine disruptor that has harmful effects on general health. It is commonly used in various industrial products. In this study we tried to evaluate the amount of BPA in urine samples of the men referred to an infertility center. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study population consisted of male partners of infertile couples, who were referred to infertility clinic in Mazandaran, a northern state of Iran. Questionnaires included demographic characteristics, medical history, lifestyle factors, physical examinations. A semen sample and a spot urine sample were taken from each participant. In the initial study group of 240 men, 3 groups were excluded, and 122 men remained for the analysis. Highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was applied to measure the amount of BPA in the urine samples. Results: BPA was not detected in about half of the samples (53.3%). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that no significant relationship existed between the urine concentrations of BPA, semen parameters and male reproductive hormones. However, in a comparison with semen parameters in people with detectable urine BPA versus nondetectable ones, an inverse association was noticed with sperm concentration. In other parameters, differences were not significant. Smoking had no effects on sperm parameters, but body mass index (BMI) ≥25 reduced the percentage of normal sperm parameters. Conclusion: In most participants, urinary BPA was not detected. Probably in this study low environmental exposure to BPA is the cause of lower urine BPA concentrations compared to other industrially developed countries. Therefore, no overall relationship was observed between BPA level and male infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is ongoing research to find an optimum modality to predict male fertility potential. Aims: To compare the semen parameters, sperm DNA damage and seminal metal levels of Zinc, Lead and Aluminium among the male partners of couples with unexplained infertility and men with proven fertility. Settings and Design: Prospective case-control study at a tertiary level teaching hospital. Materials and Methods: One hundred male partners of couples with unexplained subfertility and 50 men with proven fertility were included in the study. Male partners of unexplained infertility couples and fertile men were compared for their semen parameters, sperm DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) and seminal metal levels in semen. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square test, Student's t-test, sensitivity and specificity analysis, binomial logistic regression analysis. Results: Fertile men had statistically significantly higher mean progressive sperm motility than male partners of unexplained infertility (53.12 ± 9.89% vs. 44.81 ± 19.47%, P = 0.005). Semen volume and sperm concentration were comparable among the cases and control population. The mean sperm DFI was significantly lower among fertile men (10.83 ± 6.28 vs. 21.38 ± 10.28, P < 0.0001). Plotting the receiver-operating characteristic curve the threshold for discrimination was calculated to be 18% DFI. The sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy were 43%, 84% and 56.67%, respectively when the DFI cut-off was set at 18%. Zinc concentration in the semen had a strong positive correlation (Point Biserial correlation coefficient = 0.831) with fertility, whereas lead and aluminium had a moderate negative correlation. Conclusion: Conventional semen analysis had limited differentiating ability for unexplained infertility. The sperm DFI may be employed for explanatory purposes among couples with unexplained subfertility. A lower discriminatory threshold of DFI (18%) has better overall accuracy as opposed to a 30% cutpoint for unexplained subfertility. Among metals, Zinc was strongly correlated with fertility status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify differentially expressed LncRNAs in testis tissue of male rats induced by high-fat diet and their changes after zinc supplementation, by constructing a high-fat feeding rat model, and then supplemented with zinc, and observed the expression of LncRNA in three groups of normal, high-fat fed, and zinc-intervened rats. Experimental studies show that the semen parameters of male rats with high-fat diet were decreased but recovered after zinc supplementation, and the related LncRNA also changed. Zinc may improve the high-fat diet-induced reduction of semen parameters by changing the expression of related LncRNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antioxidant therapy should be reserved for infertile patients who actually exhibit signs of oxidative stress (OS). Nevertheless, there is no consensus regarding the measure of the primary endpoint and the assay that should be used. The formation of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), an early marker of sperm DNA oxidation (SDO), was analyzed using flow cytometry, in men at a University hospital setup for infertility treatment. Similar to conventional semen parameters, 8-OHdG assay was validated on fresh semen samples to reduce the variability of results. SDO was associated with semen volume, sperm concentration, leucocytes and round cells, but not with age, body mass index, sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) or OS. Whether the semen samples were normal or subnormal according to the WHO criteria, the expression of 8-OHdG was not different. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis could discriminate two independent populations. Both SDF and SDO were independently expressed. A high SDF did not reveal a high SDO and vice versa. The thresholds for SDO have been established, but vary with the techniques used. The methodology for SDO needs to be further validated and optimized on a larger clinically defined patient population before the outcome measure is fit to monitor antioxidant therapy in male infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Chilena de Urologia is the property of Sociedad Chilena de Urologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Background The effect of bariatric surgery on impaired semen parameters, hormonal profile and sexual function remains controversial to some extent. The context and purpose of the study To look at the long-term effects of sleeve gastrectomy on hormonal profiles, sperm parameters, and sexual function in infertile men with severe obesity. This prospective study included fifty-four obese patients with primary or secondary infertility who were scheduled for sleeve gastrectomy between February 2018 and March 2021. All participants were given a sperm analysis and a serum hormone profile before, 12, and 18 months after surgery. We used the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire to assess sexual function. Results There was a significant correlation between weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy and improvement in lipid profile (p

Objective To analyze the effect of subchronic exposure of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) on reproductive function in adult male mice, and to explore the preliminary molecular mechanism of its impact on testosterone synthesis. Methods Sixty 8-week-old C57BL/6 male mice were fully randomly divided into control group (deionized water) and PS-NPs low (10 mg/kg, 10 PS) and high exposure group (40 mg/kg, 40 PS), with 20 mice in each group. The mice were treated once per day for 60 d by gavage. The weights and organ coefficient of the testes, epididymis, brain, liver, spleen, lung and kidney of each group of mice were weighed and calculated at 24 h after the last exposure. HE staining was used to analyze the histopathological differences of testicular tissue, and transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructural changes of testicular cells. The computer assisted sperm assay system was used to analyze semen parameters, the contents of serum testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the expression levels of key genes for T synthesis, which had been screened by transcriptome sequencing, were determined in testicular tissues by real-time PCR. Results Compared with the control group, the weight of the epididymis in the 40 PS group was increased significantly (P < 0.05), the testicular organ coefficients of mice in the 10 PS group and the epididymis organs coefficients of mice in the 40 PS group were increased obviously (P < 0.05), and the weight and organ coefficients of the liver and spleen of the mice in the 10 PS and 40 PS groups were decreased remarkably (P < 0.05). The pathological results showed that compared with the testis of the control group, the lumen of the semininogenic tubule in the 10 PS and 40 PS groups were enlarged, the semimatogenic cells were loose, and the vacuoleization was increased. Transmission electron microscopy displayed that mitochondrial swelling and endoplasmic reticulum expansion were observed in the cytoplasm of Leydig cells in 10 PS and 40 PS groups. The sperm motility of mice in the 10 PS group was decreased significantly compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The serum T level of mice in the 10 PS and 40 PS groups was decreased, with that of the 40 PS group more significant (P < 0.05). The serum LH and FSH levels of mice in the 10 PS and 40 PS groups were increased notably. Compared with the control group, the mRNA levels of CYP11A1 in the testes of mice were significantly down-regulated in both 10 PS and 40 PS groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion PS-NPs can cause damage to the testes pathologically and functionally in mice, and may reduce T synthesis by inducing structural abnormalities of Leydig cells and down-regulating CYP11A1 expression.

AbstractPurpose Vitamin A has multiple functions in the human body, being involved in growth, epithelial differentiation, vision, immune function and reproduction. While normal spermatogenesis is influenced by several factors, it requires vitamin A. Systemic isotretinoin is a vitamin A derivative that is used in the treatment of many dermatological diseases, especially acne vulgaris (AV). There is limited research on the changes in semen parameters after systemic isotretinoin therapy in humans. Our study investigates the presence of varicoceles in patients undergoing systemic isotretinoin therapy for AV and examines whether there were any changes in the semen parameters before and after treatment.Methods Included in the study were 46 men patients who were scheduled for systemic isotretinoin therapy for AV. Before treatment, the patients underwent a physical examination and ultrasonography for varicoceles assessment. The patients underwent spermiogram before treatment and after 6 months of treatment. The spermiogram assessments included semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, progressive motility, viability and sperm morphology.Results After treatment, there was an increase in semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, progressive motility and vitality from the pre-treatment values, but a deterioration in the sperm morphology (p

Copyright of Kocatepe Veterinary Journal / Kocatepe Veteriner Dergisi is the property of Afyon Kocatepe University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Clinical and histopathological evidence suggest that the male reproductive system may be negatively impacted in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID‐19). The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) on semen parameters by comparing semen analyses before and after COVID‐19 diagnosis in the same patient. We retrospectively analyzed 342 semen analyses by reviewing medical records. The study included two groups of patients: (i) those who underwent two consecutive semen analyses within 6 months, one before (n = 114) and one after (n = 114) COVID‐19 diagnosis, and (ii) a control group (n = 114) that was age‐matched and did not receive a diagnosis of COVID‐19. The study results indicated a significant decrease in semen volume, total sperm count per ejaculate, progressive motile sperm count, total motile sperm count, and normal sperm morphology after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in comparison to their respective values before the infection. Subgroup analyses showed that the duration of COVID‐19 diagnosis (short‐term vs. long‐term) did not impact the changes in semen parameters. However, fever during the COVID‐19 process had a negative effect on semen parameters, particularly sperm concentration, unlike in patients without fever. In conclusion, our findings suggest that SARS‐CoV‐2 infection is associated with a decline in semen quality, which may potentially impact male fertility. Furthermore, it's important to note that the negative effects on semen parameters may persist in the long‐term. Our results also indicate that fever during active infection could be a significant risk factor that negatively affects spermatogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is suggested that body mass index (BMI) can affect male semen quality; however, the results remain controversial. In addition, most studies have focused on the effect of obesity on semen quality. Evidence on the relationship of underweight or waist-hip ratio (WHR) with semen quality is rare. This study aimed to assess the association of BMI and WHR with semen quality. Methods: Data, including BMI and WHR, was collected from 715.00 men who underwent a fertility evaluation. BMI (kg/m2 )wascategorizedas<18.50 (underweight), 18.50--24.90 (normal), 25.00--27.90 (overweight), and ≥28.00 (obese) kg/m2 for analysis. WHR was categorized as <0.81 (normal) and ≥0.81 (high). Semen volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility, and total motile sperm count were detected by experienced clinical technicians. Results: Spearman's correlation showed that BMI was weakly associated with spermprogressivemotility (r = 0.076, P < 0.05),whileWHR showed no relationship with semen parameters. The azoospermia rate was significantly higher (33.33% vs. 2.10%, P < 0.001) and the sperm concentration was lower (P < 0.05) in the underweight group. The nonlinear correlation analysis showed that BMI was negatively associated with sperm concentration while BMI was more than 22.40 kg/m2 (P < 0.05), while WHR was negatively related to sperm progressive motility within 0.82 to 0.89 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the multivariate logistic analysis showed that follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) was an independent risk factor for normal sperm concentration (odds ratio [OR]: 0.791, P =0.001)and morphology (OR: 0.821, P = 0.002), BMI was an independent risk factor for normal sperm progressive motility, and testosterone was an independent risk factor for sperm morphology (OR: 0.908, P =0.023). Conclusion: BMI and WHR were significantly associated with semen parameters, while BMI was an independent risk factor for normal sperm progressive motility. Reproductive hormones, including FSH and testosterone, had a significant influence on sperm concentration and sperm morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Varicocele is the most common correctable cause of male infertility that always has been a debatable subject as regards how it affects fertility and the best way to treat it. Proper assessment of the disease bilaterality is crucial not to miss one side and not to jeopardize treatment outcome. This study aimed to objectively assess varicocele bilaterality in infertile men aiming to improve treatment outcome in this cohort of patients. Methods: This prospective study was conducted between January 2019 and January 2022 including infertile males with varicoceles. Assessment of missed concomitant contralateral varicocele done pre-operatively by Color Doppler Ultrasound and intraoperatively by intraoperative Doppler device and measurement of maximal vein diameter of contralateral side. Results: A total of 329 cases completed the study. A hundred cases (30.4%) were initially referred as unilateral varicoceles and 229 (69.6%) as bilateral varicoceles. After reassessment of the study population, bilaterality of varicocele was found to be as high as 98.5% (324/329). Repeat CDUS strongly correlated with the intraoperative measured varicocele diameter (r = 0.9, p < 0.001). Moreover, sperm parameters showed significant improvement 3 and 6 months post varicocelectomy. Normal pregnancy after 1 year of surgery occurred in 118 cases (35.9%). Conclusions: Varicocele bilaterality in infertile men is underreported. Thorough assessment by expert radiologists and andrologists is of paramount importance not to miss significant pathology or hazard treatment outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought challenges to different medical fields, especially reproductive health. To date, most studies on the effects of COVID-19 on male reproduction have some limitations. In addition, there is little research on the mechanisms underlying by which severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection affects semen quality. Here, we revealed the possible impact of COVID-19 on sperm parameters and the potential mechanisms. At present, it is still controversial whether COVID-19-induced fever adversely affects sperm parameters. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 can induce up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine, which leads to the destruction of blood-testis barrier and impairment of spermatogenesis. Moreover, severe viral infection of the respiratory system could induce systemic oxidative stress. Sperm are highly vulnerable to it due to their limited levels of antioxidant defense, unsophisticated DNA damage detection and repair mechanisms. Our review prompt medical staff and patients to consciously check the reproductive function of COVID-19 male patients. Moreover, opening our prospective beyond the direct infection could be the key to better understand the COVID-19 short and long-term effects and provide a new idea for future treatment of patients with reproductive function injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is a member of apolipoprotein (apo) family and plays critical role in lipid metabolism. In this study, the relationship between abnormal lipid metabolism caused by ApoE-deficient and male reproduction was investigated. The effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy on 7-month-old ApoE-knockout male mice was assessed subsequently. Mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: control group (WT), ApoE (− / −) group (AP-CON), and ApoE (− / −) plus HBO group (AP-HBO), which received HBO treatment. We found that ApoE knockout caused a decrease in male reproductive capacity due to the reduced total sperm motility, progressive motility (PR), and lower blastocyst formation rate. HBO treatment could accelerate serum lipoprotein metabolism including LDL, T-CHO, and TG and semen quality. As a result, fertilization and blastocyst formation of AP-HBO group were higher than that of AP-CON, proving positive therapeutic effect. Mechanism exploration found that HBO treatment ameliorated the testicular microenvironment by attenuating inflammatory factor production and oxidative stress, eventually improved the sperm motility. Collectively, our study provided more evidences of HBO treatment for improving the semen quality of patients with abnormal lipid metabolism caused by ApoE-deficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Varicocele, the dilation of the pampiniform plexus of the spermatic cord. It is discovered incidentally in most patients. Symptoms vary, but its impact is especially experienced in the field of fertility and reflected in semen parameters. Varicocelectomy is a surgical approach to correct the varicocele, however, reports are conflicting regarding its success. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of varicocelectomy on semen parameters and conception rates in patients who underwent surgery and its association with comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included the complete medical records of 86 patients. Data collection form included the patient’s age, body mass index (BMI), chronic diseases, smoking, surgical history, medication usage, and the reason for performing surgery. Presurgical and postsurgical semen parameters were evaluated 3 months before surgery and an average of 6 months postoperatively. Data were analyzed with SPSS, Chi-square test, and independent and paired t-test. Results: No significant difference was found between primary and secondary infertility regarding semen analysis, postoperative semen analysis indicated an improvement in semen motility at 180 min with no effect on other parameters. Using spontaneous intercourse or in vitro fertilization (IVF) after varicocelectomy was significantly associated with increasing conception rates irrespective of the type of infertility. Diabetes, hypertension, BMI, and smoking did not appear to affect semen parameters. Conclusion: Patients who underwent varicocelectomy had improved sperm motility at 180 min and subsequently had a higher chance of successful conception either through spontaneous intercourse or IVF. Further studies are needed to understand the relationship between conception and sperm motility. Semen parameters were not affected if the patient had comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension. Furthermore, smoking and BMI did not appear to affect the conception rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Varicocele, the dilation of the pampiniform plexus of the spermatic cord. It is discovered incidentally in most patients. Symptoms vary, but its impact is especially experienced in the field of fertility and reflected in semen parameters. Varicocelectomy is a surgical approach to correct the varicocele, however, reports are conflicting regarding its success. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of varicocelectomy on semen parameters and conception rates in patients who underwent surgery and its association with comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included the complete medical records of 86 patients. Data collection form included the patient's age, body mass index (BMI), chronic diseases, smoking, surgical history, medication usage, and the reason for performing surgery. Presurgical and postsurgical semen parameters were evaluated 3 months before surgery and an average of 6 months postoperatively. Data were analyzed with SPSS, Chi-square test, and independent and paired t-test. Results: No significant difference was found between primary and secondary infertility regarding semen analysis, postoperative semen analysis indicated an improvement in semen motility at 180 min with no effect on other parameters. Using spontaneous intercourse or in vitro fertilization (IVF) after varicocelectomy was significantly associated with increasing conception rates irrespective of the type of infertility. Diabetes, hypertension, BMI, and smoking did not appear to affect semen parameters. Conclusion: Patients who underwent varicocelectomy had improved sperm motility at 180 min and subsequently had a higher chance of successful conception either through spontaneous intercourse or IVF. Further studies are needed to understand the relationship between conception and sperm motility. Semen parameters were not affected if the patient had comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension. Furthermore, smoking and BMI did not appear to affect the conception rate.

Purpose: Seminal oxidative stress (OS) is a recognized factor potentially associated with male infertility, but the efficacy of antioxidant (AOX) therapy is controversial and there is no consensus on its utility. Primary outcomes of this study were to investigate the effect of AOX on spontaneous clinical pregnancy, live birth and miscarriage rates in male infertile patients. Secondary outcomes were conventional semen parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and seminal OS. Materials and Methods: Literature search was performed using Scopus, PubMed, Ovid, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included and the meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Results: We assessed for eligibility 1,307 abstracts, and 45 RCTs were finally included, for a total of 4,332 infertile patients. We found a significantly higher pregnancy rate in patients treated with AOX compared to placebo-treated or untreated controls, without significant inter-study heterogeneity. No effects on live-birth or miscarriage rates were observed in four studies. A significantly higher sperm concentration, sperm progressive motility, sperm total motility, and normal sperm morphology was found in patients compared to controls. We found no effect on SDF in analysis of three eligible studies. Seminal levels of total antioxidant capacity were significantly higher, while seminal malondialdehyde acid was significantly lower in patients than controls. These results did not change after exclusion of studies performed following varicocele repair. Conclusions: The present analysis upgrades the level of evidence favoring a recommendation for using AOX in male infertility to improve the spontaneous pregnancy rate and the conventional sperm parameters. The failure to demonstrate an increase in live-birth rate, despite an increase in pregnancy rates, is due to the very few RCTs specifically assessing the impact of AOX on live-birth rate. Therefore, further RCTs assessing the impact of AOX on live-birth rate and miscarriage rate, and SDF will be helpful.

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This study aimed to detect the impact of bacteriospermia on semen parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation. This prospective case–control study was conducted over a period of 9 months. Samples were collected from andrology outpatient clinic attendants of Cairo University Hospitals. We enrolled 68 semen samples divided into two groups: a study group (34 semen samples with bacteriospermia) and a control group (34 semen samples without bacteriospermia). The characteristics of the semen, including morphology, motility, count, liquefaction, viscosity, pH, volume, and appearance, were evaluated according to the standard protocols. Patients with and without bacteriospermia had a comparable liquefaction time (p =.343), semen appearance and color (p = 1.00), semen pH (p = 1.00), velocity (p =.163), and total sperm count (p =.451). Patients with bacteriospermia were associated with lower progressive motility (p =.001), nonprogressive motility (p =.032), total motility (p =.001), and normal forms (p =.001). The prevalence of abnormal semen analysis was 64.71% in the study group compared with 35.29% in the control group. Staphylococcus aureus (67.6%) and Escherichia coli (14.7%) were the most commonly detected organisms. Samples from which Methicilin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was isolated showed significant abnormalities in both progressive motility and normal morphology of sperm. Bacteriospermia has deteriorative effects on sperm quality parameters, such as semen volume, sperm motility, and sperm normal morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY QUESTION Are occupational factors associated with markers of testicular function among men attending a fertility center? SUMMARY ANSWER Men working non-daytime/rotating shifts and those with physically demanding jobs have higher sperm concentration and total sperm count as well as higher estradiol and total testosterone concentrations. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Semen quality has declined during recent decades and has been negatively correlated with higher risks of common chronic diseases and mortality, highlighting its public health importance beyond fertility and reproduction. While most of the previous epidemiology literature on male fertility has focused on environmental exposures, dietary factors, and other related variables, little attention has been paid to occupational factors. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This observational study included 377 men who were male partners in couples seeking infertility treatment at a fertility center, who enrolled in the Environment and Reproductive Health (EARTH) study between 2005 and 2019. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Self-reported information on lifting/moving heavy objects, typical shift, and physical level of exertion at work was collected from a take-home questionnaire. Semen samples were analyzed following World Health Organization guidelines. Enzyme immunoassays were used to assess reproductive hormone concentrations. Linear regression models were used to evaluate the association between occupational factors and measures of testicular function, while adjusting for covariates such as age, BMI, education, race, smoking, and abstinence time, and accounting for multiple semen samples (mean = 2, min–max = 1–9) in analyses for semen parameters. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Men had a median (interquartile range) age of 36 (33, 39) years and were predominantly Caucasian (87%). Of the men who completed the survey, 12% reported often lifting or moving heavy objects at work, 6% reported heavy physical exertion at work, and 9% reported evening or rotating shifts. Men who reported often lifting or moving heavy objects at work had 46% higher sperm concentrations (P  = 0.01) and 44% higher total counts (P  = 0.01) compared with men who reported never lifting or moving heavy objects at work. Similar results were found for men working in rotating shifts compared to those in day shifts, as well as for men involved in heavy levels of physical exertion compared to those with light levels at work. We also found that men involved in heavy/moderate levels of physical exertion at work had higher circulating testosterone concentrations compared to those with lighter exertion (adjusted means of 515 and 427 ng/dl, respectively, P  = 0.08), and men who often moved/lifted heavy objects at work had higher estradiol concentrations, compared to those who never did (adjusted means of 36.8 and 27.1 pg/ml, respectively, P  = 0.07). Men working evening/rotating shifts had 24% higher testosterone (P  = 0.04) and 45% higher estradiol concentrations (P  = 0.01), compared to men working day shifts. No associations were observed for ejaculated volume, total motility, morphologically normal sperm, or serum FSH and LH concentrations. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Due to our study design which recruited men from couples seeking fertility treatment, it may not be possible to generalize our findings to men from the general population. Also, as is the case of all studies based on self-reported questionnaires, measurement error and misclassification of the exposure are potential concerns. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Physically demanding jobs and rotating or evening shift occupations may be associated with higher testicular function in men measured as higher sperm concentrations and counts as well as higher serum testosterone and estradiol levels. Confirmation of these findings in other non-fertility clinic study populations is warranted. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) NIH grants R01ES022955, R01ES009718, R01ES033651, and R01ES000002 from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and Legacy, Inc. R.A.G. works part time for Legacy, Inc. which provided funds to perform this analysis. There are no other conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Varicocele is the most common correctable cause of male infertility that always has been a debatable subject as regards how it affects fertility and the best way to treat it. Proper assessment of the disease bilaterality is crucial not to miss one side and not to jeopardize treatment outcome. This study aimed to objectively assess varicocele bilaterality in infertile men aiming to improve treatment outcome in this cohort of patients. Methods: This prospective study was conducted between January 2019 and January 2022 including infertile males with varicoceles. Assessment of missed concomitant contralateral varicocele done pre-operatively by Color Doppler Ultrasound and intraoperatively by intraoperative Doppler device and measurement of maximal vein diameter of contralateral side. Results: A total of 329 cases completed the study. A hundred cases (30.4%) were initially referred as unilateral varicoceles and 229 (69.6%) as bilateral varicoceles. After reassessment of the study population, bilaterality of varicocele was found to be as high as 98.5% (324/329). Repeat CDUS strongly correlated with the intraoperative measured varicocele diameter (r = 0.9, p < 0.001). Moreover, sperm parameters showed significant improvement 3 and 6 months post varicocelectomy. Normal pregnancy after 1 year of surgery occurred in 118 cases (35.9%). Conclusions: Varicocele bilaterality in infertile men is underreported. Thorough assessment by expert radiologists and andrologists is of paramount importance not to miss significant pathology or hazard treatment outcome.

Some studies have suggested that perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) exposure may be associated with semen quality in the general population, but with inconsistent results. To identify a more precise relationship between them, a meta-analysis was performed. We searched Embase, the PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Ovid databases, and Web of Science databases (before March 2022) for appropriate studies on the correlations of PFAS exposure with semen parameters. We extracted β value and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to conduct meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses was performed by sample size, geographic location, and sample type. A total of seven articles involving 2190 participants were included in this study. The concentrations of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) (β value = − 1.38; 95% CI: − 2.44, − 0.32) and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) (β value = − 1.31, 95% CI: − 2.35, − 0.26) were negatively associated with sperm progressive motility. Subgroup analysis revealed that PFNA exposure was related to sperm morphology in studies with the sample size exceeding 200 people (β value = − 0.14; 95% CI: − 0.26, − 0.01). Our study supports that exposure to some PFASs (e.g., PFNA, PFOA) may be associated with semen quality, such as lower sperm progressive motility. Therefore, it is of great significance for the prevention of male infertility by control the use of PFASs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The COVID-19 has spread rapidly around the world. Apart from primarily targeting the lungs and causing acute respiratory distress syndrome with severe respiratory symptoms and high risk of death, the disease can also cause damage to other organs such as the heart, kidney, and testis. Studies have shown that men are more likely to get infected by the disease than women and the death rate due to the disease is found to be higher in men. We aimed to show the effects of COVID-19 on sperm parameters. Materials and Methods: In the study, semen analyzes of COVID-19 patients and healthy control groups were compared according to the presence or absence of PCRconfirmed SARS-CoV-2 positivity in hospital records. Patients with COVID-19 (+) were the patients who had mild disease. A total of 510 participants, 53 COVID-19 patients and 457 healthy control groups. After positivity confirmation of recovered COVID-19 patients using PCR, semen analysis was performed after an average of 157 (24-355) days. Also, in order to evaluate the short-term and long-term effects of the disease, patients were grouped as those with less than 90 days and more than 90 days after receiving the positive PCR result. Results: While the mean progressive motility of sperm was 41.45±(19.21) in the recovered COVID-19 patients, it was 38.35±(21.74) in the control group. The mean total motility was 55.74±(19.34) in recovered COVID-19 patients, where as it was 51.84±(22.45) in control group. The percentage of normal sperm morphology was 11.45±(5.97) in recovered COVID-19 patients, however it was 11.19±(8.08) in control group. The sperm concentration was found to be 68.60±(56.22) x 106/ml in recovered COVID-19 patients, but it was 74.10±(61.72) x 106/ml in control group. Finally, the mean sperm immobility was 44.26 ±(19.34) in recovered COVID-19 group, however it was 48.16±(22.45) in control group. Conclusion: In the study, when the semen analysis results of patients who recovered after COVID-19 and healthy control groups were compared in terms of semen parameters according to the recovery time period, no statistically significant difference was found. More studies are needed to fully understand the effects of COVID-19 on the reproductive system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Male factors are suspected in around half cases of infertility, of which up to 40% are diagnosed as idiopathic. In the context of a continuously increased resort to ART and increased decline of semen parameters, it is of greatest interest to evaluate an additional potential biomarker of sperm quality. According to PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review of the literature selected studies evaluating telomere length in sperm and/or in leukocytes as a potential male fertility biomarker. Twenty-two publications (3168 participants) were included in this review of experimental evidence. For each study, authors determined if there was a correlation between telomere length and semen parameters or fertility outcomes. Of the 13 studies concerning sperm telomere length (STL) and semen parameters, ten found an association between short STL and altered parameters. Concerning the impact of STL on ART results, the data are conflicting. However, eight of the 13 included studies about fertility found significantly longer sperm telomeres in fertile men than in infertile men. In leukocytes, the seven studies reported conflicting findings. Shorter sperm telomeres appear to be associated with altered semen parameters or male infertility. Telomere length may be considered as a new molecular marker of spermatogenesis and sperm quality, and thus is related to male fertility potential. However, additional studies are needed to define the place of the STL in the assessment of individual fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semen parameters are unable to inform on the function or fertilizing capacity of the male gamete. Standardized methods are provided by the WHO but, the lower reference limits have reduced sensitivity to predict chances of conception. Subfertile men may be falsely classified as "normal" and a male factor contributing to genome instability may be overlooked. Semen parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), sperm chromatin maturity and stability, and sperm aneuploidy were assessed in fertile (F), subfertile normozoospermic (SN) and subfertile non-normozoospermic males (SN-N). Standardized assays employing flow cytometry were used to detect genome instability. Sperm DNA fragmentation did not differ significantly whether the semen samples were from a fertile (F), subfertile normozoospermic (SN) or subfertile non-normozoospermic male (SN-N). Chromatin decondensation was significantly reduced and hyperstability significantly increased in the SN group as compared to the F group. The frequency of diploidy was significantly different in the three study groups with significance between F and SN and between F and SN-N groups. Subfertile men with normal semen parameters are often excluded from extensive genetic testing. Genome instability might be an independent attribute of semen quality detecting problems not seen with semen analysis alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the COVID-19 era, semen collection at infertility centers might increase the risk of spreading SARS-CoV-2. Seminal fluid collection at home is an alternative method for preventing this spread. However, there is no conclusion about the effect of home vs clinic semen collection on semen parameters and assisted reproductive technology outcomes. This systematic review and metaanalysis aimed to assess the effect of semen collection location on semen parameters and fertility outcomes. A literature search was conducted using the major electronic databases including MEDLINE via Ovid, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL, OpenGrey, and CENTRAL from their inception to September 2021. ClinicalTrials.gov was searched to identify the ongoing registered clinical trials. We included all human randomized controlled trials and observational studies that investigated the effect of at-home semen collection vs in-clinic semen collection on semen parameters and fertility outcomes. We pooled the mean difference and risk ratio using Review Manager software version 5.4.1 (The Cochrane Collaboration, 2022). The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations approach was applied to assess the quality of evidence. Seven studies (3018 semen samples) were included. Overall, at-home semen collection results made little to no difference in semen volume (mean difference, 0.37; 95% confidence interval, −0.10 to 0.85; low-quality evidence), sperm count (mean difference, −6.02; 95% confidence interval, −27.26 to 15.22; very low-quality evidence), and sperm motility (mean difference, 0.76; 95% confidence interval, −4.39 to 5.92; very low-quality evidence) compared with in-clinic semen collection. There was no difference in fertilization rate (risk ratio, 1.00; 95% confidence interval, 0.97–1.03; very low-quality evidence) and pregnancy rate in in vitro fertilization (risk ratio, 1.04; 95% confidence interval, 0.86–1.25; very low-quality evidence). At-home semen collection had no adverse effects on semen parameters or fertility outcomes compared with in-clinic collection. However, higher-quality evidence is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of abnormal semen parameters on embryo aneuploidy based on single nucleotide polymorphism microarray (SNP array). Methods: A total of 464 blastocysts from 103 PGT-A cycles were analyzed. The embryo quality and embryo aneuploidy rates were compared between different groups which divided by male semen parameters (sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and DFI) according the WHO criteria (2021). Results: The total blastocysts chromosome aneuploidy rate was 42.3% (191/452). In the teratozoospermia group, the good-quality embryo and blastocyst formation rate were lower than the normal group(44.4% vs 60.7%, P <0.01; 33.3% vs 43.5%, P <0.05), The good-quality embryo rate in normal DFI group was significantly higher than high-DFI group (59.0% vs 48.4%, P < 0.05). The blastocyst aneuploidy rate in low sperm concentration group, and high DFI group was no differences between with that in normal sperm concentration and DFI group (47.7% vs 37.8% and 44.7% vs 37.8%, P>0.05). The aneuploid rate of blastocyst in teratozoospermic and asthenozoospermia group was significantly higher than that of normal morphology and motility group (50.0% vs 34.0% and 46.7% vs 33.7%, P<0.05). Conclusion: Our study revealed that sperm DFI were positively correlated with blastocyst aneuploidy rate, while sperm motility and sperm morphology rate were negatively correlated with blastocyst aneuploidy rate. Abnormal semen parameters may affect embryo quality and increase the aneuploidy rate of blastocyst chromosomes, suggesting that in clinical practice of assisted reproduction patients with abnormal semen parameters can be treated in advance to improve sperm quality, so as to reduce the impact on embryo quality and achieve a better pregnancy outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A decrease in semen quality is an increasingly widespread pathological condition worldwide. Jobs and lifestyles have changed a lot with the advancement of technology in the last few decades, and a new series of risk factors for male infertility have spread. Objective: This review aims to summarize the current literature on this relationship, evaluating alterations in semen parameters and hormonal profile. Methods: A deep research was performed through MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science on articles regarding the relationship between physical agents and male fertility over the last twenty years. Some physical agents already associated with male infertility, such as heat and radiation, while emerging ones, such as physical exertion, psychological stress and sedentary activities, were newly considered. Results: Most studies described sperm quality after exposure. Overall sperm impairment was shown after radiation and alteration of specific parameters, such as sperm concentration, were observed after psychological stress and sedentary work. In addition, an association was also reported between physical exertion and hormonal profile, especially pituitary hormones and testosterone. Conclusions: Although the associations between physical agents and male infertility are suggestive, the level of evidence of the studies is not adequate to define their influence, except for physical exertion. Therefore, new prospective studies are necessary for the validation of the correlation and the possible safeguarding of the exposed working classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The negative effects of varicocele and smoking on infertility are known. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of smoking on the healing process after varicocelectomy. 378 male patients who have undergone varicocelectomy operation were included in the study. Patients were divided into three groups as non-smokers, patients, who smoke less than 10 cigarettes per day, and patients who smoke 10 or more cigarettes per day. Semen analysis of the patients before varicocelectomy operation and three months after varicocelectomy operation were evaluated and semen volume, sperm concentration and sperm motility were evaluated according to WHO (World Health Organizations) guidelines. Patient age changed between 16 and 52 and the mean age was 27.20±6.74.When cigarette usage was evaluated, it was determined that 52.82% of patients (n=220) were non-smokers, 13.8% of patients (n=52) smoke less than 10 cigarettes per day and 28.0% of patients (n=106) smoke 10 or more cigarettes per day. Improvement in sperm concentration and motility rates after varicocelectomy was determined to be lower in 10 or more cigarette smoking group compared to other groups. It is shown that cigarettes play a negative role in recovery process after varicocelectomy operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex condition with multiple metabolic risk factors. Its effect on male reproductive abilities and semen quality is not well studied. Objectives: o determine the prevalence of MetS among male partners of infertile couples attending the infertility clinic at Universitas Academic Hospital, Bloemfontein, Free State, November 2019--October 2020. Methods: This was a prospective, cross-sectional study. Data collection tools comprised a close-ended structured questionnaire and a clinical observation checklist. Blood samples were tested for random glucose, glycated haemoglobin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), hormones, and semen parameters. Participants were grouped according to the diagnosis (MetS group and control group). Results: Of the 53 participants, 39.5% were between 35-39 years, 75.5% Black African and 71.7% married. According to the defi nition, 13 (24.5%) participants had MetS of whom most had hypertension, were obese/ overweight with a high waist circumference (WC), high triglycerides and low HDL-C. Most participants had normal hormone levels and semen volume. Both groups had acceptable percentages of normal sperm morphology and motility. The variation of semen parameters was not statistically signifi cant. Comparing the confounders and MetS components, statistically signifi cant variation (p < 0.05) was found for hypertension, body mass index (BMI), WC, HDL-C and triglycerides between the groups. According to the distribution of confounders, MetS components and semen parameters, variations in testosterone, blood pressure, BMI, WC, triglycerides, and sperm volume between the groups were signifi cant. Signifi cant associations between confounders and semen parameters included chemicals/toxins/radiation vs total motility and vitality, smoking vs pH, and co-morbidities vs vitality. Conclusion: This research identifi ed existing knowledge gaps and can help guide policies in the future by assessing the need of the implementation of education programmes in parallel with HPV vaccination programmes in order to decrease cervical cancer morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Seminal oxidative stress (OS) is a recognized factor potentially associated with male infertility, but the efficacy of antioxidant (AOX) therapy is controversial and there is no consensus on its utility. Primary outcomes of this study were to investigate the effect of AOX on spontaneous clinical pregnancy, live birth and miscarriage rates in male infertile patients. Secondary outcomes were conventional semen parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and seminal OS. Materials and Methods: Literature search was performed using Scopus, PubMed, Ovid, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included and the meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Results: We assessed for eligibility 1,307 abstracts, and 45 RCTs were finally included, for a total of 4,332 infertile patients. We found a significantly higher pregnancy rate in patients treated with AOX compared to placebo-treated or untreated controls, without significant inter-study heterogeneity. No effects on live-birth or miscarriage rates were observed in four studies. A significantly higher sperm concentration, sperm progressive motility, sperm total motility, and normal sperm morphology was found in patients compared to controls. We found no effect on SDF in analysis of three eligible studies. Seminal levels of total antioxidant capacity were significantly higher, while seminal malondialdehyde acid was significantly lower in patients than controls. These results did not change after exclusion of studies performed following varicocele repair. Conclusions: The present analysis upgrades the level of evidence favoring a recommendation for using AOX in male infertility to improve the spontaneous pregnancy rate and the conventional sperm parameters. The failure to demonstrate an increase in live-birth rate, despite an increase in pregnancy rates, is due to the very few RCTs specifically assessing the impact of AOX on live-birth rate. Therefore, further RCTs assessing the impact of AOX on live-birth rate and miscarriage rate, and SDF will be helpful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to find out whether the seminal testosterone and/or estradiol levels could serve as prognostic criteria for normal spermatogenesis and whether they are able to characterize the sperm pathology. The study involved healthy young male volunteers (n=269); serum and seminal steroid hormones were measured; the sperm concentration, mobility, and morphology were evaluated. The results indicate that the seminal testosterone concentration is lower (p<0.05) and the seminal estradiol is higher than the corresponding parameters in the serum (p<0.05). The seminal testosterone and estradiol concentrations negatively correlated with the sperm concentration, and the seminal estradiol concentration was higher in pathozoospermic than in normospermic men (p<0.05). It is assumed that the seminal estradiol level can be an indicator of sperm quality and serve as a biological predictor of normal spermatogenesis; in addition, this parameter can be used for diagnostic purposes in patients with impaired spermatogenesis induced by excess of estrogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have shown that there may be a deterioration in sperm parameters in patients who had recovered from COVID-19 disease. We aimed to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 disease and semen parameters in idiopathic male infertility patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was conducted among male patients who applied with infertility between June 2021 and February 2022 following the approval of the Ethics Committee. Idiopathic infertility patients who could give semen analysis were included in the study. Detailed medical history of all patients was obtained. The presence of detectable causes of infertility was defined as exclusion criteria. The patients who had COVID-19 disease history (Reverse Transcriptase-PCR or Computed Tomography findings) in the last year were divided into two groups COVID-19 (+) and COVID-19 (-). The semen samples obtained from patients after a 3 day sexual abstinence in accordance with the WHO 2021 criteria were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 42 male idiopathic infertility patients who met the criteria were included in the study. It was analyzed that both groups were similar in terms of sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, and habits (p>0.05). It was determined that 40.4% (n=17) had COVID-19 disease. The mean duration time after COVID-19 was 9.6 (4-17) months. Mean sperm concentration was found to be statistically significantly lower than the COVID-19 (-) group (41.59±17.4 vs. 58.8±21.9; p=0.021). Semen volume (3.05±0.7 vs. 3.32±0.6 mL; p>0.05), progressive sperm motility (34.05±20.96 vs. 43.00±16.94; p=0.12) and normal sperm morphology (3.47±1.42 vs. 3.08±1.41; p=0.41) were similar in both groups. The mean sperm concentration of the patients who recovered in the last 6 months (25.37±9.07 vs. 56.03±29.67 million/ml; p=0.013) compared to patients with >6 months after recovery (n=9) was found to be significantly lower. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 disease can cause a significant decrease in sperm concentration in idiopathic infertility patients, especially in the first 6 months, and the rates of oligospermia and asthenospermia are higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infertility is the inability of couples to achieve pregnancy after one year of regular unprotected coitus. Infertility is the problem of 15% of young couples in different countries and male factor infertility accounts for 50% of cases. Melatonin or 5-methoxy-N-acetyltryptamine was discovered by Aaron Lerner in 1958 while studying bovine pineal glands. Significant advancements have been made in the research on melatonin, which has revealed its vital roles in regulating sleep-wake cycle rhythms, decelerating the aging process, and functioning as an antioxidant or anti-inflammatory agent. Additionally, melatonin, a critical component in reproductive functions, can eliminate free radicals such as (ROS). Objective: The present study aims to evaluate the impact of Melatonin on male infertility. Materials and methods: Serum melatonin was measured by using the Elabscience ELISA kit. A case-control study included the fertile group as the control (n=40) and the infertile group (n=50). All the subjects were included in this study between October 2022 and June 2023. The diagnosis of the participants was executed by a medical senior based on clinical characteristics, the history of patients, and biochemical tests. Age, family history, and BMI were measured. Blood samples were provided by each participant for the biochemical estimation of serum melatonin, FSH, LH, and testosterone. While semen samples were collected from each participant for the seminal fluid analysis. Results: The results of this study showed a decrease in the level of melatonin in infertile men as compared with fertile men. Moreover, there was no significant correlation between melatonin and FSH, LH, testosterone, and some semen parameters. Conclusions: The study indicated that decreased melatonin levels can be associated with male infertility, but it did not indicate a direct relationship between melatonin and hormone levels or specific semen parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]