Ameliorative effect of Punica granatum on sperm parameters in rats exposed to mobile radioelectromagnetic radiation

Objective:To study the effect of mobile emitted radio frequency electromagnetic radiation(RF-EMR)on sperm parameters(sperm count,viability,motility,progressivity,and morphology)and ameliorative effect of pomegranate juice in rats.Methods:Thirty male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups(n=6 in each group).GroupⅠwas neither exposed to RF-EMR nor given pomegranate juice,groupⅡ,ⅢandⅣwere exposed to mobile emitted RF-EMR for 60 min/day for 90 days.After 90-day exposure to RF-EMR,groupⅢwas supplemented with pomegranate juice for 90 days(1 mL/day)and groupⅣwas allowed to recover for 90 days without supplementation of pomegranate juice.GroupⅤwas supplemented with pomegranate juice for 90 days without exposure to RF-EMR.At the end of intervention,epididymal sperm parameters(sperm count,viability,motility,progressivity,and morphology)were measured.Results:The microscopic examination of sperm parameters such as sperm count,sperm viability,sperm motility,progressivity were significantly decreased in groupⅡ(the mobile RF-EMR group)compared to groupⅠ(the control group)(P<0.05).In addition,sperm morphology was also significantly altered(abnormal)in groupⅡcompared to groupⅠ(P<0.05).However,the sperm parameters including sperm morphology were significantly altered in groupⅢ(mobile RF-EMR+pomegranate juice)compared to groupⅡ(P<0.05).The sperm parameters including sperm morphology were not significantly altered in groupⅣ(the mobile RF-EMR recovery group)compared to groupⅡ(P>0.05).The sperm parameters were non-significantly increased in group V(the pomegranate juice group)compared to groupⅠ(P>0.05).Conclusions:Mobile RF-EMR exposure reduces the sperm parameters,which,however,can be reversed by treatment with pomegranate juice,indicating that pomegranate juice can be used as a nutritional supplement to improve sperm quality.

Analysis of the Epididymal Sperm Parameters in Fertile Men

The left and right epididymial.fouids from 73 normal.fertile men were respectively collected by cannulating foe vas deferens dtring the operation of vaseclomy.The parameters of epididymal spermatozoa were analysed.The results indicated that the sperm motility(%),normal sperm morphology,(%),sperm viability(%) and hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST)(%) wers within the normal range as compared with those in the ejaculated spermatozoa. However, the sperm concenlration in epididymis (6220.6± 5300.8 million per ml) was higher than that in semen.It is fo interesl foal the sperm concentration in the right epididymis was significantly than that in the left.It was also demonstrated that the percentage of abnormal Kremer's lest in the left epididymal spermatozoa was significantly higher than that in the right.The above phenomenon was discussed.There was no anti-sperm antibody on foe surface of spermatozoa from epididymis as determined by the sperm cervical mucus contact test(SCMC)and Immunobead test (IBT).These data will be usefull for foe research fo male reproductive physiology,male contraceptive and vasectomy.

The effect of COVID-19 vaccines on sperm parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Published data were gathered for a meta-analysis to determine the difference in sperm parameters before and after administration of different types of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)vaccines,because the reproductive toxicity of COVID-19 vaccines has not yet been evaluated in clinical trials and COVID-19 has been associated with decreases in sperm quality.The preferred procedures for systematic reviews and meta-analyses were followed in the conduct and reporting of this study.The average sperm parameters of all sperm donors’multiple sperm donations were compared before and after receiving various COVID-19 vaccinations.Semen volume,total sperm motility,total sperm count,morphological change,and sperm concentration were the primary outcome measures.We compiled and analyzed the results of six studies on total sperm motility,six studies on semen volume,six studies on sperm concentration,two studies on morphological change,and two studies on total sperm count.Parameter comparisons with patients who had and had not been vaccinated were only reported in one of the included studies.When different types of COVID-19 vaccine injections were compared,no discernible differences in parameters were observed.According to the available data,the parameters of semen are unaffected by inactivated or messenger RNA(mRNA)COVID-19 vaccinations.To support these findings,additional prospectively designed research is required.

Resolution of sperm quality impairment following SARS-CoV-2 infection:A prospective study

Objective:To investigate the length of time required to resolve COVID-19 effects on semen quality and DNA integrity.Methods:A prospective cohort study was conducted among 42 men who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and underwent semen analysis at baseline and four months’post-recovery.Semen samples were collected and evaluated for macroscopic and microscopic parameters,sperm chromatin maturation,and DNA fragmentation.Results:The mean age of participants was 37(±7)years,and 14%had normozoospermia at baseline.After a four-month recovery from COVID-19,48%of patients had normozoospermia.Sperm count,motility,and morphology increased significantly,while sperm DNA fragmentation and sperm chromatin maturation decreased significantly post-recovery from COVID-19.Conclusions:Sperm parameters improve after a four-month recovery from COVID-19.The findings indicate significant improvements in sperm count,motility,morphology,DNA fragmentation,and chromatin maturation after a four-month recovery period.

Effect of transient scrotal hyperthermia on sperm parameters, seminal plasma biochemical markers, and oxidative stress in men

In this experimental prospective study, we aimed to analyze the effect of transient scrotal hyperthermia on the male reproductive organs, from the perspective of sperm parameters, semen plasma biochemical markers, and oxidative stress, to evaluate whether different frequencies of heat exposure cause different degrees of damage to spermatogenesis. Two groups of volunteers （10 per group） received testicular warming in a 43~C water bath 10 times, for 30 min each time： group 1：10 consecutive days; group 2： once every 3 days. Sperm parameters, epididymis and accessory sex gland function, semen plasma oxidative stress and serum sex hormones were tested before treatment and in the 16-week recovery period after treatment. At last, we found an obvious reversible decrease in sperm concentration （P = 0.005 for Group 1 and P = 0.008 for Group 2 when the minimums were compared with baseline levels, the same below）, motility （P= 0.009 and 0.021, respectively）, the hypoosmotic swelling test score （P-- 0.007 and 0.008, respectively）, total acrosin activity （P = 0.018 and 0.009, respectively）, and an increase in the seminal plasma malondialdehyde concentration （P = 0.005 and 0.017, respectively）. The decrease of sperm concentration was greater for Group 2 than for Group 1 （P = 0.031）. We concluded that transient scrotal hyperthermia seriously, but reversibly, negatively affected the spermatogenesis, oxidative stress may be involved in this process. In addition, intermittent heat exposure more seriously suppresses the spermatogenesis compared to consecutive heat exposure. This may be indicative for clinical infertility etiology analysis and the design of contraceptive methods based on heat stress.

Optimal analysis conditions for sperm motility parameters with a CASA system in a passerine bird, Passer montanus

Background:Sperm motility parameters,which can be measured objectively and repeatedly by a computer-assisted sperm analysis(CASA)system,are important indicators of sperm quality.However,the sperm motility parameters assessed by a CASA system can be affected by various factors,including instrument components and settings,sperm preparation or analysis procedures.To date,no standardized protocol is available that would permit to assess sperm kinetic characteristics in passerine birds and this lack precludes any comparison of sperm swimming ability and sperm quality across species.Methods:In this study,we chose the Tree Sparrow(Passer montanus)as the object to evaluate sperm motility parameters,including sperm motility,sperm velocity and sperm movement trajectory,at different analysis time,temperatures and pH using the WLJY-9000 CASA system.Results:Sperm motility parameters remained statistically unchanged at 1‒9 min.Progressive motility was similar at 38℃ and 40℃,but a greater percentage of slow progressive sperm was detected at 38℃ compared to 40℃ and 42℃.Additionally,progressive motility was lower and immotility was higher at 42℃than 38℃and/or 40℃(close to the body temperature of the Tree Sparrow).The percentages of rapid progressive sperm,progressive sperm and immotile sperm were statistically similar at pH 7.0,7.5 and 8.0 with the exception of lower percentage of progressive sperm at pH 7.0 compared to pH 7.5.In addition,slower sperm velocity and worse sperm movement trajectory were found at pH 6.0 and 9.0 than those at pH 8.0,7.5 or 7.0.Conclusions:Our study indicates that the ideal conditions for sperm motility parameters assessment in Tree Sparrow are obtained between 1 and 9 min after dilution,an environment at body temperature(40℃)and a pH around 7.5-8.0.The results of this study provide a reference for the evaluation of sperm characteristics and sperm quality using a CASA system in passerine birds.

Effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on semen parameters in sperm bank volunteers with normal sperm concentration

In this study,we aimed to assess the effect of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection on semenparameters.The study comprised 110 sperm volunteers who self-reported SARS-CoV-2 infection from the Human Sperm Bank ofthe Center for Reproductive Medicine,Shandong University(Jinan,China).The volunteers had normal sperm concentration beforeinfection.Each volunteer provided semen samples before and after infection.We selected 90 days after infection as the cutoff point.Semen parameters within 90 days after infection of 109 volunteers(group A)were compared with semen parameters before infection.Moreover,semen parameters on or after 90 days after infection of 36 volunteers(group B)were compared with semen parameters beforeinfection.Furthermore,based on whether the volunteers had completed the three-dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccination booster,volunteersin group A and B were further divided into two subgroups separately.Semen parameters were compared before and after infection ineach subgroup.Our results showed that in this cohort population,the semen quality in volunteers with normal sperm concentrationsbefore infection decreased after SARS-CoV-2 infection within 90 days,while the semen quality returned to preinfection levels after 90days.The completion of a three-dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccination booster may exert a protective effect on semen quality after infection.

Transrectal ultrasonography in infertile patients with persistently elevated bacteriospermia

Aim： To identify and define prostate and seminal vesicle abnormalities in patients with chronic male accessory gland infection （MAGI） who failed to respond to antibacterial treatment. Methods： We selected 67 consecutive patients with MAGI and persistently elevated bacteriospermia （≥ 10^6 colony forming units [CFU]/mL） after three antibiotic courses. Fourteen infertile patients with initial chronic microbial （≥ 10^6 CFU/mL） MAGI who responded to antibacterial treatment （〈 10^3 CFU/mL） served as a control group. All patients and controls underwent transrectal ultrasonography （TRUS） scans and semen analysis. Patients with low seminal plasma volume （〈 1.5 mL） underwent both preejaculatory and post-ejaculatory TRUS examination. Results： TRUS revealed multiple abnormalities indicative of： （i） bilaterally extended prostato-vesiculitis （group A： 52 cases, 77.6%） （nine of these patients also had micro-emphysematous prostate abscess）; and （ii） prostato-vesiculitis with unilateral or bilateral sub-obstruction of the ejaculatory ducts （group B： 15 cases, 22.4%）. Mean sperm concentration, total sperm number, ejaculate volume and pH value were significantly higher in group A than in group B. In addition, sperm forward motility and the percentage of normal forms were significantly worse than in controls, whereas leukocyte concentration was significantly higher in group A. Group B patients had all sperm parameters, but their pH values, significantly different from those of controls. Conclusion： Although antibiotic therapy is considered suitable when microbial MAGI is suspected, it is impossible to account for a poor response to antibiotics merely on the basis of conventional criteria （clinical history, physical and ejaculate signs）. Thus, TRUS may be helpful in the follow-up of these patients.

The methanolic extract ofGuibourtia tessmannii(Caesalpiniaceae)improves sexual parameters in high fat diet-induced obese sexually sluggish rats

Objective:To evaluate the effects of the methanolic extract ofGuibourtia tessmannii (G. tesmannii) on sperm parameters, lipid profile and testosterone level in obese rats.Methods: A total of 193 male Wistar rats were fed either with palm oil diet (n=185) or standard diet (n=8) for 16 wk. At the end of this feeding period, 90 obese rats were selected and randomly divided into 18 groups of five rats each and treated with distilled water (10 mL/kg), vitamin E (75 mg/kg), clomiphene citrate (2 mg/kg) or methanolic extract ofG. tessmannii (55, 110 or 220 mg/kg) for 7, 21 or 56 d. At the end of each treatment period, sperm parameters, lipid profile and testosterone level were evaluated. Data were analyzed using ANOVA for repeated measures followed by post-hoc Tukey HSD (P<0.05) for multiple comparisons.Results: Feeding of rats for 16 wk with palm oil diet significantly damaged sperm parameters. The methanolic extract ofG. tesmannii improved sperm viability, motility and normality after 21 or 56 d of treatment. The sperm normality increased significantly in rats treated with the methanolic extract ofG. tesmannii for 7 (110 mg/kg,P<0.01) and 56 d (110 and 220 mg/kg,P<0.05) compared to control group. Triglycerids, total cholesterol, low and very low density lipoproteins cholesterol levels were lower in rats treated with the plant extract for 56 d.G. tesmannii also significantly increased the high density lipoprotein cholesterol and testosterone levels in the plasma after 56 d of treatment.Conclusions: The methanolic extract ofG. tesmannii can improve sperm parameters, lipid profile and testosterone level in obese rats. These findings may justify the folkloric use ofG. tesmannii as a reproductive performance enhancer.

Effects of Medicines and Supplements on Spontaneous Pregnancy and Semen Parameters in Male Infertility:A Systematic Review Update and Network Meta-Analysis

In this study,we used a network meta-analysis(NMA)to compare the effectiveness of medicines and supplements for idiopathic male infertility and to identify the best treatment.Medline,Excerpta Medica Database(EMBASE),Ovid,and China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),were searched for the period from January 1990 to June 2021 using the keywords"male infertility,""medical therapy,""supplement/nutrient therapy,"and related terms.Randomized controlled trials(RCTs)investigating medicines(mainly follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),androgen,and clomiphene/tamoxifen)or supplements(mainly zinc,selenium,vitamin C or E,carnitine,coenzyme Q10(CoQ10),or combined treatment)for idiopathic infertile men were selected for meta-analysis.Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis(PRISMA)was used for data extraction,and a risk-of-bias tool and grades of recommendation,assessment,development,and evaluation(GRADE)system adapted to the NMA were employed to assess the quality of the evidence.The primary outcomes were live birth and spontaneous pregnancy rate(SPR).The secondary outcomes were sperm parameters(including concentration,progressive motility,and morphology)and side effects.In total,65 RCTs involving 7541 men with sperm abnormalities but normal hormone levels were included.A total of 36 studies reported SPR but only three reported live birth rates.The quality of the included studies was found to be moderate to high.Compared with a placebo or being untreated,carnitine plus vitamins significantly improved SPR(relative risk(RR)=3.7,95%confidence interval(95%CI),1.6-8.5);fatty acids significantly increased sperm concentrations(mean difference(MD)=12.5×10^(6)mL-1,95%CI,3.1×10^(6)-22.0×10^(6));and selective estrogen receptor modulator(SERM)plus CoQ10 significantly improved sperm progressive motility(MD=11.0%,95%CI,0.1%-21.9%)and normal sperm morphology(MD=11.0%,95%CI,4.6%-17.4%).The most optimal intervention was carnitine plus vitamins and fatty acids for SPR and sperm concentrations,respectively,even after excluding trials at a high risk of bias.Compared with a placebo or being untreated,FSH(RR=4.9,95%CI,1.1-21.3)significantly increased SPR,whereas SERM plus kallikrein increased sperm concentration(MD=16.5×10^(6)mL^(-1),95%CI,1.6×10^(6)-31.4×10^(6)),and SERM plus CoQ10 significantly improved sperm progressive motility(MD=11.3%,95%CI,7.3%-15.4%)and normal morphology(MD=11.2%,95%CI,5.4%-16.9%)in men with oligoasthenozoospermia(OA).In terms of side effects,fatty acids and pentoxifylline were associated with foul breath and/or a bad taste(RR=8.1,95%CI,1.0-63.5)and vomiting(RR=8.0,95%CI,1.0-63.0),respectively.In conclusion,the optimal treatment for male infertility for live birth is still unknown.Carnitine plus vitamins and FSH are likely to be better than other therapies in achieving successful spontaneous pregnancy in couples overall and in cou ples with men with OA,respectively.The efficacy of other treatments on pregnancy outcomes warrants further verification.

Addition of peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6) to IVF fertilization medium maintains motility and longevity of human spermatozoa

This study aims to investigate the protective effects of peroxiredoxin 6 on the total motility and progressive motility of human spermatozoa.Semen samples with normal parameters were collected from 23 males and supplemented with different concentrations of peroxiredoxin 6.All the semen samples were measured according to the WHO 5th manual,and the motile spermatozoa were extracted using IVF fertilization medium supplemented with different peroxiredoxin 6 concentrations.Total motility and progressive motility were observed at different time-points of culture at room temperature.After peroxiredoxin 6 supplementation,all groups had a significant increase in total motility and progressive motility compared to the control group.The difference in total motility and progressive motility between the 0 and 10−7 mM groups was observed at 24 and 48 h of culture at room temperature.At 24 h,the total motility increased by 30%in the control group(16.03±11.91 vs.11.51±7.84),and progressive motility increased by 21%(10.53±9.4 vs.8.31±6.04).A similar trend was observed in the 48 h group.In addition,we also found that peroxiredoxin 6 had a well protective effect on sperm kinetic parameters at 10−7 mM.The findings of this study suggest that peroxiredoxin 6 can enhance sperm total motility and progressive motility in IVF fertilization medium.Peroxiredoxin 6 may have potential benefits for sperm preparation in assisted reproductive technology.

Oral supplementation of selenium improves post-thaw sperm quality in Saanen bucks

Objective:To determine the effect of oral selenium supplementation and semen collection methods on various post thaw semen quality parameters in Saanen bucks.Methods:Sixteen healthy bucks were divided into two equal groups(n=8 each).The treatment group received selenium at 10-day intervals for three months.Sperm kinematic parameters,morphological parameters,mitochondrial membrane potential,plasma membrane functionality,and sperm DNA integrity were evaluated weekly pre and post-cryopreservation.Results:The mean percentages of the morphological abnormalities were significantly lower in the selenium-supplemented samples when semen was collected by using artificial vagina method(P<0.05).Proximal droplet defects were significantly lower in the selenium supplementation group when semen was collected by electro-ejaculation(P<0.05).Post-thaw sperm parameters such as total motility and progressive motility were significantly higher when semen was obtained by artificial vagina in the selenium-supplemented bucks compared to the electro-ejaculation and the control groups(P<0.05).The sperm kinematic parameters such as curvilinear velocity,average path velocity,and amplitude of lateral head displacement were significantly higher when semen was collected by artificial vagina in the selenium-treated bucks(P<0.05).The percentages of sperm with intact and functional plasma membrane and functional mitochondria were significantly higher in the selenium-supplemented samples collected with artificial vagina compared to the electro-ejaculation method and the control groups(P<0.05).In vitro fertilizing potential was significantly higher in the selenium-supplemented samples collected with artificial vagina compared to the electro-ejaculation method and the control groups,respectively(P<0.05).Conclusions:Oral supplementation of selenium and artificial vagina semen collection improve post thaw sperm quality parameters of Saanen buck.

Pumpkin seed ethanolic extract protects against escitalopram-induced reproductive toxicity in male mice

Objective:To investigate the protective role of pumpkin seed ethanolic extract against escitalopram-induced reproductive toxicity in male mice.Methods:Swiss albino male mice were randomly divided into five groups with six mice in each group.Group Ⅰreceived normal water orally,Group Ⅱ,Ⅲ,Ⅳand Ⅴreceived escitalopram oxalate(10 mg/kg),pumpkin seed extract(300 mg/kg)plus escitalopram oxalate(10 mg/kg),escitalopram oxalate(20 mg/kg),and pumpkin seed extract(300 mg/kg)plus escitalopram oxalate(20 mg/kg),respectively.All test doses were continuously administered orally once daily per animal body weight for 30 days and 60 days.Body weight and sexual organ weight were evaluated on day 31 and 61.Effects of pumpkin seed extract on sperm parameters,biochemical parameters and histology of testis were also investigated.Results:Escitalopram 10 or 20 mg/kg caused reproductive toxicity in male mice after 30 and 60 days of treatment.However,simultaneous administration of escitalopram oxalate(10 or 20 mg/kg)with pumpkin seed extract(300 mg/kg)attenuated escitalopram-induced testicular toxicity.Significant increase in the body weight and relative organ weight was observed.Sperm count,sperm motility and viability significantly increased(P<0.05).The histopathological alterations caused by escitalopram was also ameliorated.Conclusions:Ethanolic extract of pumpkin seeds(300 mg/kg body weight)protects again reproductive toxicity induced by escitalopram.Therefore,dietary intake of pumpkin seed extract might be useful for male patients who expose to antidepressant drug due to depression.

Inflammatory bowel disease(ulcerative colitis type)severity shows inverse correlation with semen parameters and testosterone levels

Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)have been reported to be at an increased risk of infertility and sexual dysfunction.Although the relationship between them remains unclear,IBD severity is suspected to affect hormone levels and fertility.To analyze the impact of IBD severity on semen parameters and sex hormone levels in ulcerative colitis-type IBD(UC-IBD),we conducted a cross-sectional study involving 120 patients with UC-IBD in Adam Malik General Hospital,Medan,Indonesia.The patients were classified into three groups based on the Mayo score for Uc,followed by a comparison of various semen and hormone parameters among these groups.In addition to the cross-sectional analysis,a simple correlation test was conducted irrespective of the patient grouping.Sperm concentration,motility,and morphology were found to decline significantly with an increase in IBD severity.Without classifying patients with IBD into subgroups,the Mayo score showed negative correlations with sperm concentration(r=-0.375,P<0.0001),rapid progressive motility(r=-0.660,P<0.0001),free testosterone(r=-0.732,P<0.0001),and total testosterone(r=-0.721,P<0.0001),and positivecorrelations with immotile sperm(r=0.660,P<0.0001),abnormal morphology(r=0.657,P<0.0001),and sex hormone-binding globulin(SHBG;r=0.278,P=0.002).Sperm concentration,motility,and morphology declined significantly with the severity of IBD.This study suggests a significant negative impact of IBD severityonsemenqualityand sexhormones.

Exploring the impact of pericentric inversion of chromosome 9 on fertility in sperm donors

Pericentric inversion of chromosome 9(inv[9])is a common chromosomal structural variant,but its impact on clinical outcomesremains debated.The screening criteria of sperm banks are rarely mentioned to individuals with inv(9).In this study,we evaluatedthe fertility of sperm donors with inv(9)who met eligibility criteria for sperm banks(inv[9]-eligible donors).From March 2004 toMay 2022,chromosomal analysis of 16124 sperm donors at CITIC-Xiangya Human Sperm Bank in Hunan Province(Changsha,China)found that 251(1.6%)had chromosome variations,with inv(9)being the most prevalent at 1.1%.All 169 inv(9)-eligibledonors were contacted to collect fertility outcome data,along with 206 eligible donors without inv(9)as controls.In addition,semen samples from inv(9)-eligible donors and eligible donors underwent assessments of sperm fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH),mitochondrial membrane potential,DNA fragmentation index,acrosome integrity,reactive oxygen species(ROS),andsperm morphology.Results showed that inv(9)did not significantly increase reproductive risks overall.Despite detecting ROSlevel differences,the clinical impact may be insignificant.This study provides new data on the inv(9)population that can serveas a valuable reference for decision-making by sperm banks as well as for genetic counseling and clinical guidance for individualscarrying inv(9)variant.

Lycopene and male infertility

Excessive amounts of reactive oxygen species （ROS） cause a state of oxidative stress, which result in sperm membrane lipid peroxidation, DNA damage and apoptosis, leading to decreased sperm viability and motility. Elevated levels of ROS are a major cause of idiopathic male factor infertility, which is an increasingly common problem today. Lycopene, the most potent singlet oxygen quencher of all carotenoids, is a possible treatment option for male infertility because of its antioxidant properties. By reacting with and neutralizing free radicals, lycopene could reduce the incidence of oxidative stress and thus, lessen the damage that would otherwise be inflicted on spermatozoa. It is postulated that lycopene may have other beneficial effects via nonoxidative mechanisms in the testis, such as gap junction communication, modulation of gene expression, regulation of the cell cycle and immunoenhancement. Various lycopene supplementation studies conducted on both humans and animals have shown promising results in alleviating male infertility--lipid peroxidation and DNA damage were decreased, while sperm count and viability, and general immunity were increased. Improvement of these parameters indicates a reduction in oxidative stress, and thus the spermatozoa is less vulnerable to oxidative damage, which increases the chances of a normal sperm fertilizing the egg. Human trials have reported improvement in sperm parameters and pregnancy rates with supplementation of 4-8 mg of lycopene daily for 3-12 months. However, further detailed and extensive research is still required to determine the dosage and the usefulness of lycopene as a treatment for male infertility.

Does alcohol have any effect on male reproductive Function？ A review of literature

Although alcohol is widely used, its impact on the male reproductive function is still controversial. Over the years, many studies have investigated the effects of alcohol consumption on sperm parameters and male infertility. This article reviews the main preclinical and clinical evidences. Studies conducted on the experimental animal have shown that a diet enriched with ethanol causes sperm parameter abnormalities, a number of alterations involving the reproductive tract inhibition, and reduced mouse oocyte in vitro fertilization rate. These effects were partly reversible upon discontinuation of alcohol consumption. Most of the studies evaluating the effects of alcohol in men have shown a negative impact on the sperm parameters. This has been reported to be associated with hypotestosteronemia and low-normal or elevated gonadotropin levels suggesting a combined central and testicular detrimental effect of alcohol. Nevertheless, alcohol consumption does not seem to have much effect on fertility either in in vitro fertilization programs or population-based studies. Finally, the genetic background and other concomitant, alcohol consumption-related conditions influence the degree of the testicular damage. In conclusion, alcohol consumption is associated with a deterioration of sperm parameters which may be partially reversible upon alcohol consumption discontinuation.

Different sperm sources and parameters can influence intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes before embryo implantation

To evaluate the effects of sperm with different parameters and sources on the outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), 1972 ICSI cycles were analyzed retrospectively. Groups 1 to 5 were composed of cycles using ejaculated sperm and were grouped according to sperm quantity, quality, and morphology into normal (288 cycles), or mild (329 cycles), moderate (522 cycles), severe (332 cycles), and extremely severe (171 cycles) oligozoospermia and/or asthenozoospermia and/or teratozoospermia (OAT) groups. Group 6 was composed of 250 cycles using testicular or epididymal sperm, and Group 7 consisted of 80 cycles using frozen-thawed sperm. We found that fertilization rates were gradually reduced from Groups 1 to 6, and reached statistical difference in Groups 5 and 6 (P<0.05). The high-quality embryo rate was higher in Group 1 than in Groups 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 (P<0.05). No statistical differences were observed in the rates of embryo cleavage, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, live-birth, premature birth, low birth weight, weeks of premature birth, average birth weight, or sex ratio for all seven groups (P>0.05). A total of nine cases of malformation were observed, with a malformation rate of 1.25% (9/719). In conclusion, different sperm sources and parameters can affect ICSI outcomes before embryo implantation. A full assessment of offspring mal-formation will require further study using a larger sample size.

Decline of semen quality among 10 932 males consulting for couple infertility over a 20-year period in Marseille, France

Semen from 10 932 male partners of infertile couples was analysed and sperm parameter trends were evaluated at the Reproduction Biology Laboratory of the University Hospital of Marseille （France） between 1988 and 2007. After 3-6 days of abstinence, semen samples were collected. Measurements of seminal fluid volume, pH, sperm concentration, total sperm count, motility and detailed morphology of spermatozoa were performed. Sperm parameters were analysed on the entire population and in men with normal total numeration （ 〉~ 40 million per ejaculate）. The whole population demonstrated declining trends in sperm concentration （1.5% per year）, total sperm count （1.6% per year）, total motility （0.4% per year）, rapid motility （5.5% per year） and normal morphology （2.2% per year）. In the group of selected samples with total normal sperm count, the same trends of sperm quality deterioration with time were observed. Our results clearly indicate that the auality of semen decreased in this population over the study period.

Therapeutic levels of short-term tramadol administration negatively affect testis function in rats

Objective:To investigate the effects of 30-day treatment with therapeutic dose equivalent levels of tramadol on serum testosterone level,sperm parameters,and testicular histology in rats.Methods:Thirty-five Wistar rats were equally divided into seven groups.Group 1(the control group)received distilled water(0.5 mL)daily for 30 days.Groups 2-4 were gavaged with therapeutic dose equivalent levels of tramadol(1.25,2.50 and 5.00 mg/kg/day body weight,respectively)in two equal divided doses for 30 consecutive days,and sacrificed on day 31.Groups 5-7 received similar tramadol treatments as above but they were allowed for another 30 days to recover after receiving the last dose and sacrificed on day 61 for reversibility study.Serum testosterone level and epididymal sperm were analyzed,and histopathological examination of the testis was carried out.Results:Tramadol treatment significantly decreased serum testosterone levels compared with the control group.Furthermore,tramadol treatment inhibited sperm motility and significantly and dose-dependently decreased sperm count and viability compared with the control group.In addition,tramadol significantly increased morphological abnormalities in sperm(P<0.05).The above effects of tramadol were reduced in the reversible groups.Testis histopathological examination revealed disintegrated cell architecture,eroded and atrophied seminiferous tubules,and a marked decrease in the number of spermatogenic cells in the tramadol treated groups.The histopathological changes were restored in the reversible groups,but improvement was not complete in the 5.00 mg/kg tramadol treated reversible group.Conclusions:Long term treatment with tramadol at clinical dose levels may adversely affect testosterone level,sperm parameters,and testicular histology,but they are reversible at lower doses.