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Lassen E, Pacey A, Skytte AB, Montgomerie R. Recent decline in sperm motility among donor candidates at a sperm bank in Denmark. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:1618-1627. [PMID: 38834185 PMCID: PMC11291611 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Has there been variation in semen quality among men applying to be sperm donors (i.e. donor candidates) in Denmark in recent years (2017-2022)? SUMMARY ANSWER The motile sperm concentration and total motile sperm count (TMSC) in ejaculates-both measures of sperm quality-declined by as much as 22% from 2019 to 2022. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Questions remain about whether human semen quality has declined in recent years. Whilst some studies provide evidence for a decline in human semen quality, these findings have been disputed owing to potential biases in the populations studied or in the methods used to measure semen quality. Resolution of this issue has important implications for human fertility, as well as for those involved in the recruitment of sperm donors for use in medically assisted reproduction. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We obtained data on the semen quality of ejaculates previously collected from 2017 to 2022 at sperm bank locations in four cities in Denmark: Aarhus, Aalborg, Copenhagen, and Odense. Our study focuses on the single semen samples provided by 6758 donor candidates aged between 18 and 45 years old to determine whether their sperm quality met a minimum criterion for them to be accepted as sperm donors. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS All ejaculates were analyzed within 1 hour of production. Semen volume (ml) was estimated by weight and both the concentration (106/ml) of sperm as well as the concentration of motile sperm (World Health Organization grades a and b) were measured using the same protocols and computer-assisted semen analysis system across all years at each site. Statistical analyses of the semen variables were controlled for age and donation site, as well as the average monthly high temperature when the ejaculate was produced. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE From 2017 to 2019, semen volume, sperm concentration, and total sperm count in the ejaculates of donor candidates increased by 2-12%. Then, from 2019 to 2022, sperm concentration and total sperm count changed by 0.1-5% from year to year, but none of those changes were statistically significant. In contrast, both motile sperm concentration and TMSC declined significantly, by 16% and 22%, respectively, between 2019 and 2022. Thus, the concentration of motile sperm in donor candidates declined from 18.4 [95% CL: 17.0, 20.0] million/ml in 2019 to 15.5 [14.4, 16.7] million/ml in 2022, and TMSC declined from 61.4 [55.8, 67.5] million per ejaculate in 2019 to 48.1 [44.1, 52.4] million in 2022. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION We cannot determine from the available data the causes of the decline in semen quality of donor candidates from 2019 to 2022. However, as this period coincides with lockdowns and changes in work patterns during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, it is possible that changes in motile sperm concentration and TMSC were the result of changes in the lifestyles of the men whose semen was analyzed. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Men providing initial semen samples at sperm banks, when applying to be sperm donors, are a useful population in which to monitor changes in human semen quality over time. Our results have implications for human fertility and the recruitment of sperm donors for medically assisted reproduction, where motile sperm concentration is an essential selection criterion because it influences fertility. We suggest that gathering health and lifestyle data on donor candidates at sperm banks might help to identify causal factors for the decline of sperm quality that could be addressed and intervention, if desired, could be personalized for each accepted donor. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) No external funding was obtained for this study. E.L. and A.-B.S. are employees of Cryos International. AP reports paid consultancy for Cryos International, Cytoswim Ltd, Exceed Health, and Merck Serono in the last 2 years of this study, but all monies were paid to the University of Sheffield (former employer). AP is also an unpaid trustee of the Progress Educational Trust (Charity Number 1139856). RM declares support from Cryos International to present results of this research at ESHRE 2023. None of the authors were directly involved in the collection or physical analysis of semen samples. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Lassen
- Cryos International Sperm and Egg Bank, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Allan Pacey
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Core Technology Facility, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Kaltsas A, Zachariou A, Markou E, Dimitriadis F, Sofikitis N, Pournaras S. Microbial Dysbiosis and Male Infertility: Understanding the Impact and Exploring Therapeutic Interventions. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1491. [PMID: 37888102 PMCID: PMC10608462 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13101491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The human microbiota in the genital tract is pivotal for maintaining fertility, but its disruption can lead to male infertility. This study examines the relationship between microbial dysbiosis and male infertility, underscoring the promise of precision medicine in this field. Through a comprehensive review, this research indicates microbial signatures associated with male infertility, such as altered bacterial diversity, the dominance of pathogenic species, and imbalances in the genital microbiome. Key mechanisms linking microbial dysbiosis to infertility include inflammation, oxidative stress, and sperm structural deterioration. Emerging strategies like targeted antimicrobial therapies, probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation have shown potential in adjusting the genital microbiota to enhance male fertility. Notably, the application of precision medicine, which customizes treatments based on individual microbial profiles and specific causes of infertility, emerges as a promising approach to enhance treatment outcomes. Ultimately, microbial dysbiosis is intricately linked to male infertility, and embracing personalized treatment strategies rooted in precision medicine principles could be the way forward in addressing infertility associated with microbial factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aris Kaltsas
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.K.); (A.Z.); (N.S.)
| | - Athanasios Zachariou
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.K.); (A.Z.); (N.S.)
| | - Eleftheria Markou
- Department of Microbiology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Fotios Dimitriadis
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Nikolaos Sofikitis
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.K.); (A.Z.); (N.S.)
| | - Spyridon Pournaras
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Attikon General University Hospital of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece
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Brix N, Gaml-Sørensen A, Ernst A, Arendt LH, Lunddorf LLH, Toft G, Tøttenborg SS, Hærvig KK, Høyer BB, Hougaard KS, Bonde JPE, Ramlau-Hansen CH. Timing of puberty in relation to semen characteristics, testicular volume, and reproductive hormones: a cohort study. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:823-833. [PMID: 37257718 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.05.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether the timing of puberty is associated with semen characteristics, testicular volume, and reproductive hormone levels. DESIGN Cohort study. SETTING Not applicable. PATIENTS The Danish National Birth Cohort and its subcohort, the Fetal Programming of Semen Quality cohort of 1,058 young men. INTERVENTION(S) Self-reported information on the timing (younger, same age, older than peers) of the pubertal markers: voice break (primary exposure), pubic hair growth, regular shaving, and axillary hair growth. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES(S) We estimated the relative differences with 95% confidence intervals for semen characteristics (semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, sperm motility, percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa), testicular volume, and reproductive hormones (follicle stimulating hormone [FSH], luteinizing hormone, sex hormone-binding globulin [SHBG], testosterone, estradiol, and free androgen index [FAI]) obtained at a median age of 19.2 years according to timing of pubertal development. RESULT(S) Compared with men reporting voice break "same age as peers," men reporting voice break "older than peers" tended to have lower total sperm count (-12% [-25%, 4%]) and lower percent morphologically normal spermatozoa (-10% [-20%, 2%]), whereas men reporting voice break "younger than peers" tended to have a lower proportion of nonprogressive and immotile spermatozoa (-6% [-13%, 1%]) and larger testicular volume (7% [1%, 13%]). The pattern was less consistent for the other pubertal markers. For reproductive hormones, voice break "older than peers" tended to have higher FSH levels (24% [-1%, 55%]), higher SHBG levels (7% [0, 15%]), lower estradiol levels (-14% [-23%, -5%]), and lower FAI (-8% [-14%, -1%]), whereas voice break "younger than peers" tended to have higher luteinizing hormone levels (4% [-2%, 11%]), higher testosterone levels (5% [0%, 11%]), higher estradiol levels (17% [6%, 29%]), and higher FAI (4% [-2%, 11%]). When the categorical pubertal markers were analyzed as a linear term to assess dose dependence, older age at pubertal development was associated with higher FSH levels, higher SHBG levels, lower testosterone levels, lower estradiol levels, and lower FAI for most pubertal markers. CONCLUSION(S) These results lend weak support to the hypothesis that older age at pubertal development is associated with markers of reduced male fecundity, especially reproductive hormone levels, although associations with semen characteristics and testicular volume were statistically insignificant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nis Brix
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Anne Gaml-Sørensen
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Andreas Ernst
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Urology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Linn Håkonsen Arendt
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Gunnar Toft
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Sandra S Tøttenborg
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katia Keglberg Hærvig
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Birgit Bjerre Høyer
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Open Patient data Explorative Network, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Karin S Hougaard
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens Peter E Bonde
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Joseph MD, Hatch EE, Koenig MR, Eisenberg ML, Wang TR, Sommer GJ, Stuver SO, Rothman KJ, Wise LA. A North American study of anthropometric factors and semen quality. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:586-596. [PMID: 37164117 PMCID: PMC10524695 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.04.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between anthropometric measures and semen parameters. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS Male participants aged ≥21 years. We analyzed data from 659 males (1185 samples) participating in a semen testing substudy of the Pregnancy Online Study (PRESTO), a North American preconception cohort study. After enrollment, we invited males aged ≥21 years to perform at-home semen testing using the Trak system. EXPOSURE(S) Participants reported selected anthropometric variables (current weight, height, waist circumference, and weight at age 17 years) and covariate data via an online baseline questionnaire. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) We used generalized estimating equations models to estimate the percent difference in mean log-transformed semen parameter values and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between selected anthropometric variables and semen volume (mL), sperm concentration (million/mL), and total sperm count (million), adjusting for sociodemographics, lifestyle factors, and medical history. We also evaluated World Health Organization-defined thresholds for low semen quality. RESULT(S) Percentage differences in mean log-transformed semen volume, sperm concentration, and total sperm count (95% CI) comparing current body mass index ≥35 vs. <25 kg/m2 were -6.3 (-15.8, 4.3), -6.4 (-24.6, 16.2), and -12.2 (-31.1, 11.8), respectively. Percentage differences (95% CIs) comparing waist circumferences of ≥42 vs. <31 inches were -4.2 (-15.0, 8.0), -6.4 (-27.6, 21.0), and -10.4 (-31.9, 17.9) for semen volume, sperm concentration, and total sperm count, respectively. Greater adult weight gain since age 17 years was associated with reduced semen volume (≥25 vs. <5 kg; percent difference, -9.7; 95% CI, -18.4, 0.1), but not sperm concentration or total sperm count. The highest categories of each anthropometric variable generally were associated with World Health Organization-defined low total sperm count (≤39 million). CONCLUSION(S) Selected anthropometric factors were associated modestly with poorer semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlon D Joseph
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth E Hatch
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Martha R Koenig
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michael L Eisenberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Department of Urology, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Tanran R Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Sherri O Stuver
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kenneth J Rothman
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.
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Langergaard MJ, Ernst A, Brix N, Gaml-Sørensen A, Tøttenborg SS, Bonde JPE, Toft G, Hougaard KS, Ramlau-Hansen CH. Maternal age at menarche and reproductive health in young adult men: a cohort study. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:125-138. [PMID: 36303450 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is maternal age at menarche associated with reproductive health in sons measured by semen quality, testes volume and reproductive hormone levels? SUMMARY ANSWER Later maternal age at menarche was associated with impaired semen characteristics, lower testes volume and altered levels of reproductive hormones, while earlier maternal age at menarche was not strongly associated with reproductive outcomes in sons. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Both earlier and later maternal age at menarche may be associated with altered male reproductive health outcomes. This is the first study to investigate the potential association between maternal age at menarche and semen quality, testes volume and reproductive hormone levels in sons. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION In this population-based cohort study, we used data from the Fetal Programming of Semen Quality Cohort nested within the Danish National Birth Cohort. In total, 5697 sons born in 1998-2000 were invited to participate in the cohort in 2017-2019. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS In total, 1043 (18% of the invited) young men with information on maternal age at menarche provided a semen and blood sample, measured their testes volume, and filled in a questionnaire on health behavior and pubertal development. Maternal age at menarche was reported by the mothers during pregnancy and examined categorically (as earlier, at the same time or later than their peers), continuously and modeled as splines. We estimated relative percentage differences in the reproductive outcomes using negative binomial regression models. Further, we did a mediation analysis to investigate the potential mediating role of timing of the sons' pubertal development. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Sons whose mothers had age at menarche later than peers had 15% lower (95% CI: -27%; 0%) sperm concentration, 14% lower (95% CI: -28%; 1%) total sperm count, 7% higher (95% CI: 0%; 14%) proportion of nonprogressive or immotile spermatozoa, 6% lower (95% CI: -11%; 0%) testes volume, 6% lower (95% CI: -12%; 1%) luteinizing hormone, 6% lower (95% CI: -12%; 1%) sex hormone-binding globulin and 5% lower (95% CI: -9%; 0%) testosterone levels compared with sons whose mothers had age at menarche at the same time as peers. Our study did not suggest that earlier maternal age at menarche was strongly associated with semen quality, testes volume or reproductive hormones in sons. However, the spline analyses indicated a potential inverted U-shaped association for sperm concentration and testes volume, and levels of sex hormone-binding globulin and testosterone. We found no strong evidence of mediation by timing of the sons' own pubertal development. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION There was a rather low participation rate in the Fetal Programming of Semen Quality Cohort and we tried to counter it by applying selection weights. Maternal age at menarche was recalled during pregnancy, which may introduce misclassification, most likely nondifferential. Inaccuracy of the sons' recalled pubertal development years after the event may result in underestimation of the possible mediating role of pubertal timing. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings may represent a degree of shared heritability of reproductive health or be a result of an underlying epigenetic profile or unknown shared environmental, cultural or dietary exposure, causing both altered age at menarche and impaired reproductive health outcomes in sons. However, the exact mechanism for the investigated association remains unknown. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This article is part of the ReproUnion collaborative study, cofinanced by the European Union, Intereg V ÖKS (20200407). The FEPOS project was further funded by the Lundbeck Foundation (R170-2014-855), the Capital Region of Denmark, Medical doctor Sofus Carl Emil Friis and spouse Olga Doris Friis's Grant, Axel Muusfeldt's Foundation (2016-491), A.P. Møller Foundation (16-37), the Health Foundation and Dagmar Marshall's Fond. Additionally, this study received funding from Aarhus University. There are no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andreas Ernst
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Urology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Nis Brix
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Anne Gaml-Sørensen
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Sandra S Tøttenborg
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen NV, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Jens Peter E Bonde
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen NV, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Gunnar Toft
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Karin S Hougaard
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen K, Denmark
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen East, Denmark
| | - Cecilia H Ramlau-Hansen
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
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Auger J, Eustache F, Chevrier C, Jégou B. Spatiotemporal trends in human semen quality. Nat Rev Urol 2022; 19:597-626. [PMID: 35978007 PMCID: PMC9383660 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-022-00626-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Over the past four decades, studies of various designs have reported spatial and temporal trends in human semen quality. Several standardized-methodology studies in homogeneous populations that compare specific cities within a country or a continent provide clear evidence of geographical differences in sperm production, even over short distances within the same country. Human sperm production is widely believed to be declining over time, but evidence from the scientific literature is less clear. Studies based on repeated cross-sectional data from a single centre have shown mixed results. Among the numerous retrospective studies conducted in a single centre, only some included homogeneous groups of men and appropriate methods, and most of them suggest a temporal decrease in human sperm production in the geographical areas considered. Conclusions reporting temporal trends in sperm production that came from existing retrospective multicentre studies based on individual semen data and those using means, medians or estimates of sperm production are questionable, owing to intrinsic limitations in the studies performed. Regardless of study design, studies on the percentage of motile or morphologically normal spermatozoa are still limited by the inherent variability in assessment. Overall, available data do not enable us to conclude that human semen quality is deteriorating worldwide or in the Western world, but that a trend is observed in some specific areas. To understand these trends and contrasts in sperm and semen quality, prospective studies should be encouraged and combined with assessment of the male exposome. Several studies over the past few decades have suggested that sperm quality varies by geographical region and might be subject to a temporal decline worldwide. However, the data supporting these conclusions have come from studies of various methodologies and heterogeneous populations, making them unreliable. In this in-depth Review, Chevrier and colleagues discuss the data surrounding discussion of spatiotemporal trends in semen parameters and consider how these trends and the factors promoting them interact. The vast literature on human semen quality trends is extremely heterogeneous in terms of the populations studied and study designs, and so these studies have been unable to draw firm conclusions. Understanding the data around spatiotemporal semen trends requires a focus on the methodological choices and application of criteria to filter findings from the studies with optimal design. Numerous appropriately designed studies suggest unambiguous geographical contrasts in human sperm production; however, evidence of a decline in sperm production is reliable only in specific populations and cities in which studies with a complete set of quality criteria have been conducted. By contrast, suggestions of a worldwide drop in human semen quality on the basis of retrospective multicentre studies cannot be substantiated, owing to intrinsic limitations in the studies performed. Many and varied factors of variation, in particular the diverse modalities of assessment, do not enable us to conclude that clear temporal trends of sperm motility and normal morphology are present. Progress in our understanding of the highlighted trends and their causal factors requires prospective studies that minimize all known biases combined with the assessment of men’s exposome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Auger
- INSERM U1016-Equipe "Génomique, Epigénétique et Physiologie de la Reproduction", Institut Cochin, Université Paris Descartes-Paris, Paris, France
| | - Florence Eustache
- INSERM U1016-Equipe "Génomique, Epigénétique et Physiologie de la Reproduction", Institut Cochin, Université Paris Descartes-Paris, Paris, France.,CECOS, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Seine-Saint-Denis, Hôpital Jean Verdier and Service de Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Nord Val de Seine, Hôpital Bichat, Paris, France
| | - Cécile Chevrier
- Université Rennes, INSERM, EHESP, IRSET-UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France.
| | - Bernard Jégou
- Université Rennes, INSERM, EHESP, IRSET-UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
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Tvrdá E, Ďuračka M, Benko F, Lukáč N. Bacteriospermia - A formidable player in male subfertility. Open Life Sci 2022; 17:1001-1029. [PMID: 36060647 PMCID: PMC9386612 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial colonization of male reproductive tissues, cells, and fluids, and the subsequent impact of bacteria on the sperm architecture, activity, and fertilizing potential, has recently gained increased attention from the medical and scientific community. Current evidence strongly emphasizes the fact that the presence of bacteria in semen may have dire consequences on the resulting male fertility. Nevertheless, the molecular basis underlying bacteriospermia-associated suboptimal semen quality is sophisticated, multifactorial, and still needs further understanding. Bacterial adhesion and subsequent sperm agglutination and immobilization represent the most direct pathway of sperm-bacterial interactions. Furthermore, the release of bacterial toxins and leukocytic infiltration, associated with a massive outburst of reactive oxygen species, have been repeatedly associated with sperm dysfunction in bacteria-infested semen. This review serves as a summary of the present knowledge on bacteriospermia-associated male subfertility. Furthermore, we strived to outline the currently available methods for assessing bacterial profiles in semen and to outline the most promising strategies for the prevention and/or management of bacteriospermia in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Tvrdá
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Applied Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, Nitra-Chrenová, 949 76, Slovakia
| | - Michal Ďuračka
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Applied Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, Nitra-Chrenová, 949 76, Slovakia
| | - Filip Benko
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Applied Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, Nitra-Chrenová, 949 76, Slovakia
| | - Norbert Lukáč
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Applied Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, Nitra-Chrenová, 949 76, Slovakia
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Matorras R, Navarro A, Ramos D, Malaina I, Irazusta J, Vendrell A, Fernandez A, Ferrando M, Quintana F. Physical activity and sperm quality: influence in sperm donors. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:83. [PMID: 35610619 PMCID: PMC9128101 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-00946-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To ascertain whether physical activity (PA) is associated with better sperm quality in sperm donors. METHODS A prospective case-control study was designed in an IVF center setting. A total of 207 sperm donation candidates from a relatively small geographical area were included in the study with no intervention. Donor candidates were subjected to conventional sperm analysis according to WHO criteria. Moreover, they answered a standardized questionnaire regarding their last week PA (IPAQ), with PA expressed in metabolic equivalents (METs)-min/week. Donors were classified into 4 groups: low, moderate, high and very high PA. Specific sports were included in the questionnaire. Semen samples from 43 accepted donors were used in artificial insemination by donor (AID) and IVF. The fertilization rates (FR) and pregnancy rates (PR) were studied. RESULTS Semen volume, sperm concentration, progressive spermatozoa, non-progressive spermatozoa, total motile progressive spermatozoa and sperm morphology were similar in the four PA groups. No correlation between various semen parameters studied and METs was found. Running or cycling > 1 h/week did not influence sperm parameters. The AID PR was similar in the different PA groups. However, in IVF the mean donor FR was significantly higher in the high PA group and in the very high PA group. CONCLUSIONS No detrimental effect was associated with PA, or even very high PA, regarding conventional sperm parameters. Moreover, a better FR was associated with high and very high PA in IVF cycles, which merits more studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Matorras
- IVIRMA BILBAO, Lejona, Spain
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Department of Medical-Surgical Specialties, Cruces University Hospital, Basque Country University, Baracaldo, Spain
- Biocruces Health Research Institute, Baracaldo, Spain
| | | | | | - Iker Malaina
- Department of Mathematics, Basque Country University, Lejona, Spain
| | - Jon Irazusta
- Department of Physiology, Basque Country University, Lejona, Spain
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Amir H, Perl L, Barda S, Lantsberg D, Becker AS, Israeli G, Azem F, Oren A. Adolescent Transgender Females Present Impaired Semen Quality That Is Suitable for Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Even Before Initiating Gender-Affirming Hormone Treatment. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:260-269. [PMID: 33788173 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00561-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to determine the semen quality and cryopreservation outcomes among adolescent transgender females at the time of fertility preservation (FP) before initiating gender-affirming hormone (GAH) treatment. This retrospective cohort study included 26 adolescent transgender females who underwent FP in our Fertility Institute between 06/2013 and 10/2020. Pre-freezing semen parameters were compared to WHO 2010 reference values. Post-thaw semen parameters were used to determine the adequate assisted reproductive technology (ART). A multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to assess the impact of medical and lifestyle factors on semen quality. The mean age at which adolescent transgender females underwent FP was 16.2 ± 1.38 years. The median values of all semen parameters in our study group were significantly lower compared to the WHO data, including volume (1.46 mL vs 3.2 mL, respectively, P = 0.001 ), sperm concentration (28 × 106/mL vs 64 × 106/mL, P < 0.001), total sperm number (28.2 × 106 vs 196 × 106, P < 0.001), total motility (51.6% vs 62%, P < 0.001), and normal morphology (2% vs 14%, P < 0.001). The frequency of semen abnormalities was teratozoospermia 72%, hypospermia 52%, oligozoospermia 28%, and azoospermia 4%. The median post-thaw total motile count was 0.17 × 106/vial, and the quality was adequate only for ICSI in 87.7% of the thawed semen samples. No correlation was found between selected medical and lifestyle factors and poor semen parameters. Semen quality is strongly reduced among adolescent transgender females before hormone therapy and their stored sperm samples are suitable for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) rather than conventional IVF/intrauterine insemination (IUI).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadar Amir
- Racine IVF Unit, Fertility Institute, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizmann Street, 6423906, Tel Aviv, Israel. .,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Liat Perl
- Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes Unit, Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shimi Barda
- Racine IVF Unit, Fertility Institute, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizmann Street, 6423906, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Daniel Lantsberg
- Racine IVF Unit, Fertility Institute, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizmann Street, 6423906, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Anat Segev Becker
- Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes Unit, Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Galit Israeli
- Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes Unit, Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Foad Azem
- Racine IVF Unit, Fertility Institute, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizmann Street, 6423906, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Asaf Oren
- Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes Unit, Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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10
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Cutillas-Tolín A, Adoamnei E, Navarrete-Muñoz EM, Vioque J, Moñino-García M, Jørgensen N, Chavarro JE, Mendiola J, Torres-Cantero AM. Adherence to diet quality indices in relation to semen quality and reproductive hormones in young men. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:1866-1875. [PMID: 31560742 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is adherence to an a priori defined diet quality indices [Alternate Healthy Index 2010 (AHEI-2010), relative Mediterranean diet score (rMED) or dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH)] associated with semen quality and reproductive hormone levels in young men? SUMMARY ANSWER Greater adherence to the DASH diet is related to higher sperm counts. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Studies assessing the relationship between dietary intake and male reproductive function have mainly been focused on specific nutrients, food groups or data-driven dietary patterns, but the evidence on a priori defined dietary indices is still scarce. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Cross-sectional study of 209 male university students recruited from October 2010 to November 2011 in Murcia Region (Southern Spain). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Healthy young men aged 18-23 years were included in this study. Diet was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire and three a priori-defined dietary indices (AHEI-2010, rMED and DASH) were calculated. Linear regression was used to analyze the relation between the three dietary indices and semen quality parameters and reproductive hormone levels accounting for potential confounders and covariates. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We found statistically significant positive associations between the DASH index and sperm concentration (P, trend = 0.04), total sperm count (P, trend = 0.04) and total motile sperm count (P, trend = 0.02). No associations were observed for other semen parameters or male reproductive hormones. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Even though we adjusted for several known and suspected confounders we cannot exclude the possibility of residual or unmeasured confounding or chance findings. Subjects were blinded to the study outcomes thus reducing the potential influence on their report of diet. Our sample size may be too small to rule out associations with other semen parameters or reproductive hormones. Causal inference is limited, as usual with all observational studies. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The results suggest that greater adherence to the DASH may help improve sperm counts. This study was carried out on young men from the general population. However, results may differ among other populations (e.g. infertile men). Therefore, further research is needed to confirm these findings and extend these results to other populations. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by Fundación Séneca, grants No 08808/PI/08 and No 19443/PI/14; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (AES), grants No PI10/00985 and No PI13/01237; and grant P30DK046200 from the National Institutes of Health. Authors have no competing interests to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cutillas-Tolín
- Division of Preventive Medici ne and Public Health, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Murcia School of Medicine, Murcia, Spain
- Health Research Methodology Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Evdochia Adoamnei
- Division of Preventive Medici ne and Public Health, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Murcia School of Medicine, Murcia, Spain
- Health Research Methodology Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Eva M Navarrete-Muñoz
- Nutritional Epidemiology Unit, University Miguel Hernández, San Juan de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL - FISABIO Foundation), Alicante, Spain
| | - Jesús Vioque
- Nutritional Epidemiology Unit, University Miguel Hernández, San Juan de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL - FISABIO Foundation), Alicante, Spain
| | - Miriam Moñino-García
- Division of Preventive Medici ne and Public Health, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Murcia School of Medicine, Murcia, Spain
- Health Research Methodology Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jorge E Chavarro
- Department of Nutrition and Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jaime Mendiola
- Division of Preventive Medici ne and Public Health, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Murcia School of Medicine, Murcia, Spain
- Health Research Methodology Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto M Torres-Cantero
- Division of Preventive Medici ne and Public Health, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Murcia School of Medicine, Murcia, Spain
- Health Research Methodology Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine, "Virgen de la Arrixaca" University Clinical Hospital, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
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11
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Salmon-Divon M, Shrem G, Balayla J, Nehushtan T, Volodarsky-Perel A, Steiner N, Son WY, Dahan MH. An age-based sperm nomogram: the McGill reference guide. Hum Reprod 2020; 35:2213-2225. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION
How does age affect various semen parameters?
SUMMARY ANSWER
For most semen parameters, the nomogram of the entire population was biphasic, peaking around the fourth decade of life.
WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
In clinical practice, semen quality is examined by using the WHO 2010 reference limits but these limits do not account for male age. A percentile-based, large-scale nomogram describing how different semen parameters change throughout reproductive life has been lacking.
STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
A retrospective study was conducted with 12 188 sperm samples, obtained from individuals who attended the McGill University Health Centre reproductive clinic between 2009 and 2018.
PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
One sample from each individual who attended the clinic during the study period was analysed by using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). The analysed parameters were human-verified and included sperm concentration, motility, progressive motility, total count, morphology and semen volume. Based on this analysis, the entire dataset (n = 12 188) was further divided into two groups of samples: samples that surpassed the WHO 2010 lower reference limits (‘above reference limits’ group, ARL; n = 6305), and samples that did not (‘below reference limit’ group, BRL; n = 5883). Regression quantiles were fitted as a function of age to generate age-dependent nomograms, and these quantiles were divided into 5th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 95th percentiles.
MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
In the entire dataset, age had a significant influence (P < 0.001) on all parameters (except morphology) which demonstrated a biphasic trend peaking in the fourth decade of life. In the ARL group, age had a significant influence (P < 0.01) on all semen parameters except sperm concentration and morphology. However, unlike in the entire dataset, only semen volume demonstrated a biphasic trend in the ARL group (peaking in the fourth decade of life), whereas other parameters either remained unchanged (concentration and morphology) or consistently declined with age (sperm motility, progressive motility and total sperm count). Percentile-based nomograms were generated for individuals between the ages of 20 and 60 years in the entire dataset and in the ARL group.
LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
First, the semen samples were obtained from individuals who were referred to a fertility clinic, such that the entire dataset does not necessarily represent the general population. Second, the cross-sectional sampling design increases variance, and the nomograms are less accurate in the 5th and 95th percentiles and at the extremes of the age distributions. Third, the observed age-dependent changes in semen parameters do not necessarily indicate changes in fertility, as not all factors that affect male fertility were analysed. Fourth, some of our semen analyses employed CASA, which can have variability issues. Finally, our models did not incorporate possible secular trends.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
We provide the first nomogram that correlates age with semen quality parameters in different population percentiles, thus complementing the current reference limits set by the WHO in 2010. Most examined semen parameters in our study changed non-linearly with age; therefore, age should be regularly employed as a factor in the clinical analysis of semen samples.
STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
The authors have not received any funding to support this study. There are no conflicts of interest to declare.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mali Salmon-Divon
- Department of Molecular Biology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
- Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Guy Shrem
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- MUHC Reproductive Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jacques Balayla
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Tamar Nehushtan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Alexander Volodarsky-Perel
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- MUHC Reproductive Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Naama Steiner
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- MUHC Reproductive Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Weon-Young Son
- MUHC Reproductive Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Michael H Dahan
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- MUHC Reproductive Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
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12
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Li WN, Jia MM, Peng YQ, Ding R, Fan LQ, Liu G. Semen quality pattern and age threshold: a retrospective cross-sectional study of 71,623 infertile men in China, between 2011 and 2017. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2019; 17:107. [PMID: 31815629 PMCID: PMC6902580 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-019-0551-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to provide information on the semen quality pattern of infertile men and age thresholds for semen parameters in China. METHODS This was a retrospective cross-sectional study investigating 71,623 infertile men from the Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC Xiangya in Hunan, China, from 2011 to 2017. The Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Kendall test, linear regression model and joinpoint regression were used. RESULTS Although erratic changes were observed in the median semen parameters (sperm concentration 40.1-52.1 × 106/ml, total sperm count 117.8-153.1 × 106, sperm progressive motility 33.4-38.1%) during the 7 years of observation, no significant decrease in semen quality was found, and 47.88% of infertile men showed normal semen parameters according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. According to the joinpoint regression analysis, sperm progressive motility appeared to decrease earlier than the sperm concentration and total sperm count (at 28, 58, and 42 years of age, respectively). CONCLUSIONS There is no evidence of a deterioration in semen quality among infertile men in Hunan, China. Semen parameters decreased with increasing age, with turning points noted at different ages. Semen parameters are not absolute evidence for the assessment of male fertility potential. Therefore, we believe that, among semen parameters, the sperm concentration is the best predictor of fertility for ART, followed by motility. Decreased sperm motility may affect natural pregnancy, but it is not necessary for successful IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- W N Li
- The Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Luyun Road 8, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Xiangya Road 84, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - M M Jia
- Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Houzaimen Street, Xincheng District, Xi'an, 710000, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Y Q Peng
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Xiangya Road 84, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - R Ding
- The Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Luyun Road 8, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - L Q Fan
- The Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Luyun Road 8, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Xiangya Road 84, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - G Liu
- The Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Luyun Road 8, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
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13
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Ognjenovic M, Ambrosini GL, Malacova E, Doherty DA, Oddy WH, Handelsman DJ, McLachlan R, Dickinson J, Hart RJ. Associations between major dietary patterns and testicular function in a population-based cohort of young men: results from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study. Andrology 2019; 7:273-280. [PMID: 30854803 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Controversial speculation suggestions that dietary intake may affect semen quality and testicular function, however, there are limited comprehensive studies observing dietary patterns. OBJECTIVE To study associations between major dietary patterns and markers of testicular function in adulthood. MATERIAL AND METHODS Observational cross-sectional study of two hundred and ninety men with an average age of 20 years, from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study. Usual dietary intake assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire at 20 years of age. Two dietary patterns previously identified using exploratory factor analysis ("Healthy" or "Western") and participants received z-scores for each dietary pattern. Primary endpoints were testicular volume, total sperm per ejaculate, morning serum testosterone concentration. Secondary endpoints were semen sample parameters, inhibin B and sex steroids (DHT: 3α-diol, 3β-diol; LH; FSH; DHEA; estradiol; estrone). RESULT(S) Participants were on average 20.0 ± 0.4 years old, had a median of 2 days sexual abstinence and a body mass index of 24.1 ± 3.9 kg/m2 , 13% were smokers, 52% were 'moderate' alcohol drinkers, 23% frequently used recreational drugs and 68% reported 'high' physical activity levels. Sperm concentration and DHT 3α-diol were negatively associated with a greater z-score for the "Western" dietary pattern (p = 0.007 and; p = 0.044, respectively), and serum estradiol concentration was positively associated with a "Western" dietary pattern (p = 0.007) after adjustment for BMI, varicocele, cryptorchidism and sexual abstinence. DISCUSSION Despite associations between greater intake of the "Western" dietary pattern and a decreased male reproductive health markers, our lack of consistent associations of either a "Healthy" or a "Western" dietary pattern, limit clinical or biological significance in isolation. CONCLUSIONS A potential negative association of a "Western" dietary pattern with male reproductive health was detected and should be studied further in population-based studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ognjenovic
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - G L Ambrosini
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - E Malacova
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - D A Doherty
- Women and Infants Research Foundation, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia.,Division of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - W H Oddy
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, The University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - D J Handelsman
- ANZAC Research Institute, Concord Hospital, University of Sydney, Concord, NSW, Australia
| | - R McLachlan
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - J Dickinson
- Division of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - R J Hart
- Division of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Fertility Specialists of Western Australia, Bethesda Hospital, Claremont, WA, Australia
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14
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Abstract
Importance Temporal global trends of sperm quality remain a matter of debate. Objective The aim of this study was to present a comprehensive review of studies reporting on sperm quality counts, summarize the main end points, and assess the main reasons for potential discrepancies. Evidence Acquisition An evidence-based review of PubMed and Scopus databases was performed regarding studies reporting on modification of sperm quality counts, independently of study character, study language, or date. Results Since the meta-analysis of Carlsen et al in 1992 (Br Med J 1992;305:609-613) that suggested an annual decline in sperm count of 1%, several reports confirmed the decline in sperm quality, whereas others disproved them, suggesting a slight increase or absence of change in sperm count. Such controversies may be attributed to geographical and time-related variability in sperm values and also to several confounding factors that influence the semen parameters. Intrinsic weaknesses of the studies include heterogeneity of subjects recruited, lack of adjustment for confounding factors, and samples that do not always represent the general population. Conclusions No consensus exists on whether sperm counts actually decrease because studies' results are often controversial or inconclusive with methodological deficiencies. More prospective, large-scale, population based studies are needed in order to provide sound evidence of possible global trends in sperm count.
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15
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Blomberg Jensen M, Lawaetz JG, Petersen JH, Juul A, Jørgensen N. Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Semen Quality, Reproductive Hormones, and Live Birth Rate: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2018; 103:870-881. [PMID: 29126319 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2017-01656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Results of animal models and cross-sectional cohort studies have suggested a beneficial role for vitamin D in male reproduction. OBJECTIVE Determine the effect of vitamin D and calcium supplementation on semen quality in infertile men with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D (25OHD) levels ≤50 nmol/L. DESIGN A single-center, triple-blinded, randomized clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS A total of 1427 infertile men were screened to include 330; 1002 men did not meet inclusion criteria and 95 did not wish to participate. INTERVENTION The active group received cholecalciferol 300,000 IU initially, then 1400 IU cholecalciferol and 500 mg of calcium daily for 150 days; the other group received placebo. RESULTS Serum concentrations of 25OHD and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 were significantly higher in men in the treatment group compared with the placebo group. Vitamin D supplementation was not associated with changes in semen parameters, although spontaneous pregnancies tended to be higher in couples in which the man was in the treatment group [7.3% vs 2.4%, Δ5.0% (-0.6%; 10.5%)]. Vitamin D treatment in a subgroup of oligozoospermic men increased the chance for a live birth compared with placebo [35.6% vs 18.3%, Δ17.3% (1.6%; 32.9%)]. Moreover, serum inhibin B levels were higher in men deficient in vitamin D who were randomly assigned to receive high-dose vitamin D [193 pg/mL vs 143 pg/mL, Δ49 pg/mL (8; 91 pg/mL)]; however, the increase in sperm concentration was not significantly higher than in the placebo group (P = 0.07). CONCLUSION High-dose vitamin D supplementation did not improve semen quality in vitamin D-insufficient infertile men. The positive impact of vitamin D supplementation on live birth rate and serum inhibin B in oligozoospermic and vitamin D-deficient men may be of clinical importance and warrant verification by others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Blomberg Jensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Division of Bone and Mineral Research, Harvard School of Dental Medicine/Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jacob Gerner Lawaetz
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Holm Petersen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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16
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Lauridsen LLB, Arendt LH, Støvring H, Olsen J, Ramlau-Hansen CH. Is age at puberty associated with semen quality and reproductive hormones in young adult life? Asian J Androl 2017; 19:625-632. [PMID: 27834317 PMCID: PMC5676420 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.190328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The evidence is scarce on the association between age at puberty and semen quality. A cohort of 320 Danish men aged 18-21 years enrolled in the "Healthy Habits for Two" birth cohort provided self-reported data on pubertal indicators and delivered semen and blood samples. The results indicated an association between older age at pubertal development and lower semen quality and altered reproductive hormones concentrations as measured in young adult life. Men who had their first nocturnal emission, start of pubic hair growth and first voice break episode when older than 15 years had 37.0%, 45.0% and 32.7% lower sperm concentration; 37.8%, 44.2% and 29.1% lower total sperm count; 7.4%, 13.4% and 15.3% lower testosterone concentration; and 21.3%, 1.5% and 3.7% lower inhibin B concentration, respectively, compared with the men who were younger than 13 years at their first pubertal indicators. Only few of the results were statistically significant, but similar tendencies were seen in several of the reproductive parameters suggesting an association between the timing of pubertal development and reproductive health later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea LB Lauridsen
- Department of Public Health, Section for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Linn H Arendt
- Department of Public Health, Section for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Henrik Støvring
- Department of Public Health, Section for Biostatistics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Jørn Olsen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Cecilia H Ramlau-Hansen
- Department of Public Health, Section for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
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17
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Sengupta P, Borges E, Dutta S, Krajewska-Kulak E. Decline in sperm count in European men during the past 50 years. Hum Exp Toxicol 2017; 37:247-255. [DOI: 10.1177/0960327117703690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: To investigate whether the sperm concentration of European men is deteriorating over the past 50 years of time. Materials and Methods: We analysed the data published in English language articles in the past 50 years in altering sperm concentration in European men. Results: A time-dependent decline of sperm concentration ( r = −0.307, p = 0.02) in the last 50 years and an overall 32.5% decrease in mean sperm concentration was noted. Conclusion: This comprehensive, evidence-based meta-analysis concisely presents the evidence of decreased sperm concentration in European male over the past 50 years to serve the scientific research zone related to male reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Sengupta
- Physiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Lincoln University College, Malaysia
- Integrated Medical Care, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - E Borges
- Fertility Medical Group, Avenida Brigadeiro Luiz Antônio, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - S Dutta
- Faculty of Science, Lincoln University College, Malaysia
| | - E Krajewska-Kulak
- Integrated Medical Care, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
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Stevenson EL, McEleny KR. Male subfertility as a chronic illness: the role of adaptive challenges. HUM FERTIL 2017; 20:148-154. [PMID: 28330414 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2017.1303198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Male factor infertility (MFI) is extremely common, often with several associated chronic health conditions. Because a man's fertility assessment may be their first contact with health services, the health care team has a responsibility to act as male health advocates to ensure comprehensive care. The diagnosis of subfertility allows a broader view of these men as patients with a chronic illness who have complex health needs. Because of the associated complexity of care following evaluation, there needs to be new approach in how men affected by MFI should be managed long term. In this commentary, we propose that the Adaptive Leadership Framework model for Chronic Illness is a suitable vehicle to use for management of the MFI patient's journey towards optimized health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor L Stevenson
- a Division of Health for Women, Children and Families , Duke University School of Nursing , Durham , NC , USA
| | - Kevin R McEleny
- b Newcastle Fertility Centre , The Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust , Newcastle , UK
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Jensen TK, Finne KF, Skakkebæk NE, Andersson AM, Olesen IA, Joensen UN, Bang AK, Nordkap L, Priskorn L, Krause M, Jørgensen N, Juul A. Self-reported onset of puberty and subsequent semen quality and reproductive hormones in healthy young men. Hum Reprod 2016; 31:1886-94. [PMID: 27270973 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is there an association between pubertal onset and subsequent reproductive health in young men? SUMMARY ANSWER Self-reported later onset of puberty was associated with reduced semen quality and altered serum levels of reproductive hormones among 1068 healthy, young Danish men. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The long-term effects of variations in the onset of male puberty on subsequent reproduction remain largely unstudied. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION In a cross-sectional study, young healthy Danish men were approached when they attended a compulsory medical examination to determine their fitness for military service from 2008 to 2012. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS A total of 1068 healthy, young Danish men (mean age 19 years) participated. They were asked to assess whether onset of penile and testicular growth, development of pubic hair and voice break occurred earlier, at the same time as or later than their peers. Their semen quality (semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count and percentages of motile and morphologically normal spermatozoa) and serum concentrations of sex hormones (LH, FSH, total testosterone, SHBG, inhibin B) and testicular size were determined. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The response rate was 29%. Of the 1068 men who then participated, 652 answered the questions about penile growth and pubic hair development and were therefore included in the analysis. Self-reported later onset of puberty was associated with a 25% reduction in sperm concentration (95% CI -41%; -4%), a 40% reduction in total sperm count (-55%; -21%), a 1.6% age point reduction in morphological normal spermatozoa (-2.9; -0.3) and a 1.6 ml reduction in testicular size (-2.4 and -0.8 ml), after adjustment for confounders. Self-reported later onset of puberty was also associated with a 9% (3%; 15%) reduction in free testosterone and a 16% (2%; 31%) increase in FSH, after adjustment for confounders. LIMITATIONS, REASON FOR CAUTION Our study was cross-sectional and reverse causality cannot be ruled out. In addition, we cannot rule out the possibility that the men with late puberty onset had not yet fully matured although most were in Tanner stage 5. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Approximately 15% of young Danish men have self-reported later onset of puberty than their peers. We found poorer testicular function in young men with a history of later pubertal development, suggesting that timing of pubertal onset may be a fundamental marker of male reproductive health. However, we cannot exclude the possibility that these men had not fully matured at the time of examination and therefore their semen quality may yet improve, which makes follow-up important. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work was supported by the Danish Council for Strategic Research, Program Commission on Health, Food and Welfare (project number 2101-08-0058), Rigshospitalet (grants 961506336 and R42-A1326), European Union, DEER (grant agreement no 212844), the Danish Ministry of Health and the Danish Environmental Protection Agency and Kirsten and Freddy Johansens Foundation (grant 95-103-72087). There are no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Kold Jensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Katrine Folmann Finne
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels E Skakkebæk
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna-Maria Andersson
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Inge Ahlmann Olesen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ulla Nordström Joensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Kirstine Bang
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Loa Nordkap
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lærke Priskorn
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marianna Krause
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Chen XM, Chen SM, Yue HX, Lin L, Wu YB, Liu B, Jiang M, Ma YX. Semen quality in adult male survivors 5 years after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. Andrologia 2016; 48:1274-1280. [PMID: 27135420 DOI: 10.1111/and.12573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The influence of the Wenchuan earthquake on semen quality of adult male survivors is unclear. We investigated the semen quality included 673 male survivors from the worse-affected counties in the earthquake between Aug 2008 and July 2013. Semen parameters including pH, volume, concentration, motility and morphology were measured according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance was used to examine the statistical differences between years, and a logistic regression was used to analyse the impacts caused by earthquake on the changes of semen quality. We found the medians (5th and 95th) were 2.5 ml (0.6-5.5) for semen volume, 59.0 × 106 ml-1 [(13.0-133.0)] × 106 ml-1 for semen concentration, 46% (13-64%) for sperm progressive motility and 3.0% (0-17.5%) for normal morphology for adult male survivors. Semen concentration, the percentage of sperm progressive motility, total motility and sperm normal morphology were all decreased in the first 3 years, and the differences among years 1, 2 and 3 were significant except the percentage of sperm progressive motility (P < 0.05). The casualties and heavy housing damage caused by earthquake had a negative effect on semen quality. The main findings will provide further diagnosis and therapy basis of male fertility by data, for affected populations in the earthquake.
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Affiliation(s)
- X M Chen
- Department of medical Genetics, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Hospital for Women and Children, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - S M Chen
- Department of medical Genetics, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - H X Yue
- Human sperm bank, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - L Lin
- Human sperm bank, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Y B Wu
- Human sperm bank, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - B Liu
- Human sperm bank, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - M Jiang
- Human sperm bank, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Y X Ma
- Department of medical Genetics, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Chiu YH, Gaskins AJ, Williams PL, Mendiola J, Jørgensen N, Levine H, Hauser R, Swan SH, Chavarro JE. Intake of Fruits and Vegetables with Low-to-Moderate Pesticide Residues Is Positively Associated with Semen-Quality Parameters among Young Healthy Men. J Nutr 2016; 146:1084-92. [PMID: 27075904 PMCID: PMC4841922 DOI: 10.3945/jn.115.226563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous studies have shown that occupational or environmental pesticide exposure can affect male fertility. There is less evidence, however, regarding any potentially adverse effects of pesticide residues in foods on markers of male fertility potential. OBJECTIVES We examined the relations between fruit and vegetable intake, considering pesticide residue status, and semen quality and serum concentrations of reproductive hormones in healthy young men. METHODS The Rochester Young Men's Study is a cross-sectional study that recruited men aged 18-22 y (n = 189) in Rochester, New York. Participants completed a questionnaire, provided a semen sample, had a blood sample drawn, and underwent a physical examination at enrollment. Semen samples were analyzed for total sperm count, sperm concentration, morphology, motility, ejaculate volume, total motile count, and total normal count. Dietary intake during the previous year was assessed by a validated food-frequency questionnaire. Fruit and vegetables were categorized as having high [Pesticide Residue Burden Score (PRBS) ≥4] or low-to-moderate (PRBS <4) pesticide residues on the basis of data from the USDA Pesticide Data Program. Linear regression models were used to analyze the associations of fruit and vegetable intake with semen variables and reproductive hormones while adjusting for potential confounding factors. RESULTS The total intake of fruit and vegetables was unrelated to semen quality. However, the intake of fruit and vegetables with low-to-moderate pesticide residues was associated with a higher total sperm count and sperm concentration, whereas the intake of fruit and vegetables with high pesticide residues was unrelated to semen quality. On average, men in the highest quartile of low-to-moderate-pesticide fruit and vegetable intake (≥2.8 servings/d) had a 169% (95% CI: 45%, 400%) higher total sperm count and a 173% (95% CI: 57%, 375%) higher sperm concentration than did men in the lowest quartile (<1.1 servings/d; P-trend = 0.003 and 0.0005, respectively). The intake of fruit and vegetables, regardless of pesticide-residue status, was not associated with reproductive hormone concentrations. CONCLUSIONS The consumption of fruit and vegetables with low-to-moderate pesticide residues was positively related to sperm counts in young men unselected by fertility status. This suggests that pesticide residues may modify the beneficial effects of fruit and vegetable intake on semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jaime Mendiola
- Division of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Murcia School of Medicine, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hagai Levine
- Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Hebrew University-Hadassah and the Hebrew University Center of Excellence in Agriculture and Environmental Health, Jerusalem, Israel;,Department of Preventive Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY; and
| | - Russ Hauser
- Epidemiology,,Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Shanna H Swan
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY; and
| | - Jorge E Chavarro
- Departments of Nutrition, Epidemiology, Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Sengupta P, Dutta S, Krajewska-Kulak E. The Disappearing Sperms: Analysis of Reports Published Between 1980 and 2015. Am J Mens Health 2016; 11:1279-1304. [PMID: 27099345 DOI: 10.1177/1557988316643383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Reports regarding the changes in sperm concentration in different counties of the world are inconsistent. Furthermore, the reports that sprung up from specific epidemiological and experimental examinations did not include data of prior studies or geographical variations. The current study, following a previous report of massive fall in semen volume over the past 33 years, attempts to delineate the trend of altering sperm concentrations and factors responsible for this by reviewing article published from 1980 to July 2015 with geographic differences. The current study identified an overall 57% diminution in mean sperm concentration over the past 35 years ( r = -.313, p = .0002), which, when analyzed for each geographical region, identified a significant decline in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. An increasing trend of sperm concentration was identified only in Australia. The association of male age with such a trend ( R2 = .979) is reported. The authors also correlated male fertility with sperm concentration. Thus, this comprehensive, evidence-based literature review aims to concisely and systematically present the available data on sperm concentration from 1980 to 2015, as well as to statistically analyze the same and correlate male health with the declining pattern of sperm count in a single scientific review to serve the scientific research zone related to reproductive health. It points to the threat of male infertility in times ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sulagna Dutta
- 2 Ex-guest Teacher, Serampore College, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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Compensated reduction in Leydig cell function is associated with lower semen quality variables: a study of 8182 European young men. Hum Reprod 2016; 31:947-57. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
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Perheentupa A, Sadov S, Rönkä R, Virtanen HE, Rodprasert W, Vierula M, Jørgensen N, Skakkebæk NE, Toppari J. Semen quality improves marginally during young adulthood: a longitudinal follow-up study. Hum Reprod 2016; 31:502-10. [PMID: 26740579 PMCID: PMC4755441 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does semen quality improve during early adulthood? SUMMARY ANSWER Semen variables change little during the third decade of life, however some improvement in sperm morphology and motility may occur. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY A suspicion of deteriorating semen quality has been raised in several studies. The longitudinal development of semen quality in early adulthood is insufficiently understood. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A longitudinal follow-up of two cohorts of volunteer young adult Finnish men representing the general population was carried out. Cohorts A (discovery cohort, born 1979–1981, n = 336) and B (validation cohort, born 1983, n = 197) were followed up from the age of 19 years onward for 10 years. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Inclusion criteria included that both the men and their mothers were born in Finland. Semen analysis was performed in cohorts A and B at 2–4 year intervals over a period of 10 years. Semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, motility, total motile count and morphology were the variables assessed in the analysis. A physical examination was carried out at each visit to detect any significant andrological abnormalities. The overall participation rate was 13.4%. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE During the follow-up, the percentage of sperm with normal morphology and the percentage of motile sperm increased significantly both in the discovery (A) (P < 0.001 at 19 versus 29 years for both) and validation (B) (P < 0.001 and P = 0.03 at 19 versus 29 years, respectively) cohort. Sperm concentration and total sperm count showed a significant increase with age only in cohort B (P = 0.03 at 21 versus 29 years, P = 0.009 at 19 versus 29 years, respectively). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION A limited number of men participated both in the first round and in the final fourth round (cohort A, n = 111 and cohort B, n = 90 men) and in all four rounds (cohort A, n = 61 and cohort B, n = 52). WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Almost full spermatogenic capacity is reached by the age of 19 years. However, the improvement in sperm motility and morphology during early adulthood may slightly improve male fecundity. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by the European Commission (QLK4-CT-1999-01422, QLK4-CT-2001-00269, QLK4-2002-0063, FP7/2008-2012: DEER 212844), The Danish Medical Research Council (9700833, 9700909), Danish Agency for Science (Technology and Innovation 09-067180), the Svend Andersen's Foundation, Velux Foundation, and Novo Nordisk Foundation, the Turku University Hospital, Sigrid Jusélius Foundation and the Academy of Finland. There are no conflicts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antti Perheentupa
- Department of Physiology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Sergey Sadov
- Department of Physiology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Riitta Rönkä
- Department of Physiology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | | | | | - Matti Vierula
- Department of Physiology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels E Skakkebæk
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Department of Physiology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland Department of Paediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
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Tang YG, Tang LX, Wang QL, Song G, Jiang YJ, Deng SM, Jiang F, Qin WB. The reference values for semen parameters of 1213 fertile men in Guangdong Province in China. Asian J Androl 2015; 17:298-303. [PMID: 25432502 PMCID: PMC4650483 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.143251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Semen samples were collected from 1213 fertile men whose partners had a time-to-pregnancy (TTP) ≤12 months in Guangdong Province in Southern China, and semen parameters including semen volume, sperm concentration, total counts, motility, and morphology were evaluated according to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2010 guideline. All semen parameters analyzed were normal in ~62.2% of the total samples, whereas ~37.8% showed at least one of the semen parameters below normal threshold values. The fifth centiles (with 95% confidence intervals) were 1.3 (1.2–1.5) ml for semen volume, 20 × 106 (18×106–20×106) ml−1 for sperm concentration, 40 × 106 (38×106–44×106) per ejaculate for total sperm counts, 48% (47%–53%) for vitality, 39% (36%–43%) for total motility, 25% (23%–27%) for sperm progressive motility, 5.0% (4%–5%) for normal morphology. The pH values ranged from 7.2 to 8.0 with the mean ± standard deviation at 7.32 ± 0.17. No effects of age and body mass index were found on semen parameters. Occupation, smoking and alcohol abuse, varicocele appeared to decrease semen quality. Sperm concentration, but not sperm morphology, is positively correlated with TTP, whereas vitality is negatively correlated with TTP. Our study provides the latest reference values for the semen parameters of Chinese fertile men in Guangdong Province, which are close to those described in the new WHO guidelines (5th Edition).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Ge Tang
- Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive and Genetics, National Health and Family Planning Commission; Department of Male Reproduction, Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong; Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guanzghou 510600, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Wei-Bing Qin
- Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive and Genetics, National Health and Family Planning Commission; Department of Male Reproduction, Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong; Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guanzghou 510600, China
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Cutillas-Tolín A, Mínguez-Alarcón L, Mendiola J, López-Espín JJ, Jørgensen N, Navarrete-Muñoz EM, Torres-Cantero AM, Chavarro JE. Mediterranean and western dietary patterns are related to markers of testicular function among healthy men. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:2945-55. [PMID: 26409012 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are there any associations of dietary patterns with semen quality, reproductive hormone levels, and testicular volume, as markers of testicular function? SUMMARY ANSWER These results suggest that traditional Mediterranean diets may have a positive impact on male reproductive potential. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The Mediterranean diet has been related to lower risk of multiple chronic diseases, but its effects on reproduction potential are unclear. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Cross-sectional sample of 215 male university students recruited from October 2010 to November 2011 in Murcia Region (Spain). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Two hundred and nine healthy men aged 18-23 years were finally included in this analysis. Diet was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire, and dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis. Linear regression was used to analyze the relation between diet patterns with semen quality parameters, reproductive hormone levels and testicular volume adjusting for potential confounders. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We identified two dietary patterns: a Mediterranean (characterized by high intakes of vegetables, fruits and seafood) and a Western pattern (characterized by high intakes of processed meats, French fries and snacks). The Mediterranean pattern was positively associated with total sperm count (P, trend = 0.04). The Western pattern was positively related to the percentage of morphologically normal sperm (P, trend = 0.008). We found an inverse association between adherence to the Western pattern and sperm concentration among overweight or obese men (P, trend = 0.04). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION As with all cross-sectional studies, causal inference is limited. However, participants were blinded to the study outcomes thus reducing the potential influenced their report of diet. Although we adjusted for a large number of known and suspected confounders, we cannot exclude the possibility of residual confounding or chance findings. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study was carried out on healthy and young men, so it is difficult to predict whether and how the observed differences in semen quality translate into reproductive success for men in couples trying to conceive. These results suggest that traditional Mediterranean diets may have a positive impact on male reproductive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Cutillas-Tolín
- Department of Health and Social Sciences, Division of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Murcia School of Medicine, Espinardo Campus, Vía perimetral s/n, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia 30100, Spain
| | - L Mínguez-Alarcón
- Department of Health and Social Sciences, Division of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Murcia School of Medicine, Espinardo Campus, Vía perimetral s/n, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia 30100, Spain
| | - J Mendiola
- Department of Health and Social Sciences, Division of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Murcia School of Medicine, Espinardo Campus, Vía perimetral s/n, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia 30100, Spain
| | - J J López-Espín
- Center of Operations Research, Miguel Hernandez University, Elche Campus, Elche 03202, Spain
| | - N Jørgensen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen DK-20100, Denmark
| | - E M Navarrete-Muñoz
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid 28029, Spain Department of Public Health, Miguel Hernández University, San Joan d'Alacant, Alicante 03550, Spain
| | - A M Torres-Cantero
- Department of Health and Social Sciences, Division of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Murcia School of Medicine, Espinardo Campus, Vía perimetral s/n, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia 30100, Spain Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain Department of Preventive Medicine, Reina Sofía University Hospital, Murcia 30003, Spain
| | - J E Chavarro
- Department of Nutrition and Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and alteration in semen quality and reproductive hormones. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2015; 27:1069-73. [PMID: 26062079 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000000408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the world. Some reports have shown that NAFLD may cause multisystem damage, but its influence on male reproductive function has rarely been studied. AIM To evaluate the influence of NAFLD on sperm quality and reproductive hormones in Chinese men. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 102 NAFLD men and 94 healthy men without fatty liver (control) were enrolled in this study. All participants underwent a physical examination, and were subjected to lifestyle questionnaires and abdominal ultrasound examination. The semen quality (volume, concentration, motility, and morphology) and serum hormonal levels (testosterone, estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, inhibin B, sex hormone-binding globulin, and luteinizing hormone) were examined and compared between the two groups. RESULTS The levels of serum testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin were significantly lower in the NAFLD patients compared with the control group. Sperm concentration (P=0.04), sperm count (P=0.01), and total motility (P=0.03) in the NAFLD patients were significantly decreased compared with the control group. However, no significant differences were observed in semen volume and morphology. Multivariate analysis showed that sperm concentration, sperm count, and motility were significantly associated with NAFLD and abstinence (P<0.05 or P<0.001). CONCLUSION These results suggest that NAFLD could significantly affect sperm quality and reproductive hormones.
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Kamieniczna M, Fraczek M, Malcher A, Rozwadowska N, Czernikiewicz A, Jedrzejczak P, Semczuk M, Kurpisz M. Semen Quality, Hormonal Levels, and Androgen Receptor Gene Polymorphisms in a Population of Young Male Volunteers from Two Different Regions of Poland. Med Sci Monit 2015; 21:2494-504. [PMID: 26299772 PMCID: PMC4552290 DOI: 10.12659/msm.893628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The population of healthy Polish men has not been frequently and systematically investigated for fertility status. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of semen in a randomly recruited population of young males. The most important task was to find a relationship between semen parameters, sex hormones, and AR gene polymorphism. MATERIAL AND METHODS Semen and blood samples from young men from the Poznan (n=113) and Lublin regions (n=89) were collected for semen analysis, assessment of hormonal concentrations, and calculation of the CAG and GGN repeats of the AR gene. RESULTS Statistical comparisons of the hormones and circulating proteins and the seminological parameters revealed significant differences between the regional groups of males studied. Among the correlations found, we emphasize the positive relationship between inhibin B levels and both the number of spermatozoa per ml (R=0.37; p=0.0001) and the total sperm concentration (R=0.40; p=0.00003). Positive correlations between IGF1 and sperm morphology was also found (R=0.40; p=0.000004). The mean number of CAG repeats in our tested groups was 21.93±2.79, in a range from 16 to 31. The mean number of GGN repeats was 23.2±1.66 and ranged from 16 to 29. Numerous significant correlations were found between CAG or GGN repeats and blood hormones or circulating proteins and semen parameters; however, Spearman's rank correlations revealed rather weak coefficients. CONCLUSIONS This report attempted to determine the quality of semen samples and sex hormones in a population of Polish young men. The results were found to be similar to data obtained in Scandinavia. The calculated means and range of CAG or GGN repeats of the AR gene in Polish males were similar to West European epidemiological data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzena Kamieniczna
- Department of Reproductive Biology and Stem Cells, Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Monika Fraczek
- Department of Reproductive Biology and Stem Cells, Institute of Human Genetics Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Malcher
- Department of Reproductive Biology and Stem Cells, Institute of Human Genetics Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Natalia Rozwadowska
- Department of Reproductive Biology and Stem Cells, Institute of Human Genetics Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Anna Czernikiewicz
- Department of Reproductive Biology and Stem Cells, Institute of Human Genetics Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Piotr Jedrzejczak
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecological Oncology, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Marian Semczuk
- Department of Obstetrics and Pathology of Pregnancy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Maciej Kurpisz
- Department of Reproductive Biology and Stem Cells, Institute of Human Genetics Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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Yang H, Chen Q, Zhou N, Sun L, Bao H, Tan L, Chen H, Zhang G, Ling X, Huang L, Li L, Ma M, Yang H, Wang X, Zou P, Peng K, Liu K, Liu T, Cui Z, Liu J, Ao L, Zhou Z, Cao J. Lifestyles Associated With Human Semen Quality: Results From MARHCS Cohort Study in Chongqing, China. Medicine (Baltimore) 2015; 94:e1166. [PMID: 26181561 PMCID: PMC4617091 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000001166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Decline of semen quality in past decades is suggested to be potentially associated with environmental and sociopsychobehavioral factors, but data from population-based cohort studies is limited. The male reproductive health in Chongqing College students (MARHCS) study was established in June 2013 as a perspective cohort study that recruited voluntary male healthy college students from 3 universities in Chongqing. The primary objectives of the MARHCS study are to investigate the associations of male reproductive health in young adults with sociopsychobehavioral factors, as well as changes of environmental exposure due to the relocation from rural campus (in University Town) to metro-campus (in central downtown). A 93-item questionnaire was used to collect sociopsychobehavioral information in manner of interviewer-interviewing, and blood, urine and semen samples were collected at the same time. The study was initiated with 796 healthy young men screened from 872 participants, with a median age of 20. About 81.8% of this population met the WHO 2010 criteria on semen quality given to the 6 routine parameters. Decreases of 12.7%, 19.8%, and 17.0%, and decreases of 7.7%, 17.6%, and 14.7% in total sperm count and sperm concentration, respectively, were found to be associated with the tertiles of accumulated smoking amount. Fried food consumption (1-2 times/wk or ≥3 times/wk vs nonconsumers) was found to be associated with decreased total sperm count (10.2% or 24.5%) and sperm concentration (13.7% or 17.2%), respectively. Coffee consumption was found to be associated with increased progressive and nonprogressive motility of 8.9% or 15.4% for subjects consuming 1-2 cups/wk or ≥3 cups/wk of coffee, respectively. Cola consumption appeared an association with decreased semen volume at 4.1% or 12.5% for 1-2 bottles/wk or ≥3 bottles/wk. A cohort to investigate the effects of environmental/sociopsychobehavioral factors act on semen quality was successfully set up. We found smoking, coffee/cola/fried foods consumption to be significantly associated with semen quality from the baseline investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Yang
- From the Institute of Toxicology (HuanY, QC, NZ, LS, LT, HC, GZ, LH, XW, PZ, KP, KL, TL, ZC, JL, LA, JC), College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University; The Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health of National Health and Family Planning Commission (Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute) (HB, LL, MM, HaoY); and Department of Environmental Hygiene (ZZ), College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
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Borges E, Setti AS, Braga DPDAF, Figueira RDCS, Iaconelli A. Decline in semen quality among infertile men in Brazil during the past 10 years. Int Braz J Urol 2015; 41:757-63. [PMID: 26401870 PMCID: PMC4757006 DOI: 10.1590/s1677-5538.ibju.2014.0186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate whether the semen quality of men undergoing conventional semen analysis is deteriorating over time. MATERIALS AND METHODS We analyzed and compared the sperm count, motility and morphology of 2300 semen samples provided by males undergoing conventional seminal analysis, from years 2000 to 2002 and 2010 to 2012. The incidences of severe oligozoospermia and azoospermia over time were also compared. RESULTS A total of 764 sperm samples were analyzed in 2000-2002 and 1536 in 2010-2012. Over time, the mean sperm concentration/ml decreased significantly from 61.7 million in 2000-2002 to 26.7 million in 2010-2012 (R2 = 11.4%, p < 0.001), the total sperm concentration decreased significantly from 183.0 million to 82.8 million (R2 = 11.3%, p < 0.001), and the percentage of normal forms decreased significantly from 4.6% to 2.7% (R2 = 9.8%, p < 0.001). The incidence of severe oligozoospermia significantly increased from 15.7% to 30.3% (OR: 1.09, p < 0.001) and the incidence of azoospermia increased from 4.9% to 8.5% (OR: 1.06, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated a significant time-related decline in semen quality of infertile patients. This finding might have implications on fertility and emphasizes the need for further studies addressing subject's life-style in order to find and reduce the causative agents. Future prospective and multicenter studies including representative samples of the general population are needed to confirm whether semen quality is really declining.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edson Borges
- Fertility, Centro de Fertilização Assistida, São Paulo, Brasil
- Instituto Sapientiae, Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Humana Assistida, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Amanda Souza Setti
- Fertility, Centro de Fertilização Assistida, São Paulo, Brasil
- Instituto Sapientiae, Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Humana Assistida, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Daniela Paes de Almeida Ferreira Braga
- Fertility, Centro de Fertilização Assistida, São Paulo, Brasil
- Instituto Sapientiae, Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Humana Assistida, São Paulo, Brasil
| | | | - Assumpto Iaconelli
- Fertility, Centro de Fertilização Assistida, São Paulo, Brasil
- Instituto Sapientiae, Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Humana Assistida, São Paulo, Brasil
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Semen Quality Assessment in Fertile Men in Madrid During the Last 3 Decades. Urology 2015; 85:1333-8. [PMID: 25872697 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2015.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Revised: 01/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate semen quality of men with proven fertility in Spain over the last 3 decades. METHODS We conduct a retrospective analysis of ejaculate samples of 992 men between 1985 and 2009. All patients had proven fertility as demonstrated by fathering at least 2 children and a semen analysis performed before they underwent vasectomy. A standardized procedure was used for the semen analysis. Semen volume, total sperm count, sperm concentration, motility, and percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa were assessed. Mean values were calculated by examining microscopic fields of 100 spermatozoa. RESULTS Statistically significant differences were found in all semen parameters analyzed. For the periods 1985-1990, 1990-2000, and 2000-2009, the mean (standard deviation [SD]) sperm concentration was 27.7 (22.97), 20.73 (14.79), and 20.18 (20.79) × 10(6) (P <.0001). The mean (SD) progressive motility for each period was 53.19 (20.35), 47.22 (15.84), and 40.57 (15.15; P <.0001). The mean (SD) normal-shaped spermatozoa for each period was 67.69 (10.24), 58.87 (14.67), and 51.02 (15.76; P <.0001). Multivariate analysis using a logistic regression model showed that age had no significant effect in the variation of semen parameters at the cut-points analyzed, except for normal forms at percentile 25 (P = .001). Multivariate analysis revealed a trend for decline of semen in sperm concentration, progressive and nonprogressive motility, and the percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa (P = .001-.002). CONCLUSION Over the last 3 decades, a decline in semen quality was found in all the parameters analyzed in Spanish men with proven fertility.
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Abstract
Infertility among couples is a sensitive issue in Ghana; females are mostly blamed. Most male infertility cases are generally due to low sperm counts (oligozoospermia), poor sperm quality - characterised by poor sperm motility (asthenozoospermia) - or a combination of both (oligoasthenozoospermia). This is a retrospective study from January 1995 to December 2005 which determined the level and type of male infertility in and around the city of Tema. Seminal fluid analysis reports of male clients who visited the Adom Medical Laboratory in Tema were extracted from laboratory data and analysed. Our study involved 2795 males in the age range of 24-36 years. In 1995, 75% of the total samples analysed had sperm concentrations ranging from 21 to 350 million sperms/ml and showed a decreasing trend to 41% in 2005. Samples with sperm concentrations below 20 million sperms/ml in 1995 increased from 20.5% to 57.6% in 2005; those with active motility > 45% decreased from 27 (30.7%) in 1995 to zero (0%) in 2005, whilst samples with > 50% non-motile sperms increased from 47 (53.4%) in 1995 to 449 (87.7%) in 2005. Male infertility in the samples analysed was due to a combination of oligozoospermia and asthenozoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Martin-Odoom
- a Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences , School of Biomedical & Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana , Accra , Ghana
| | - C A Brown
- a Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences , School of Biomedical & Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana , Accra , Ghana
| | - D N Adjei
- a Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences , School of Biomedical & Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana , Accra , Ghana
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Johnson SL, Dunleavy J, Gemmell NJ, Nakagawa S. Consistent age-dependent declines in human semen quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ageing Res Rev 2015; 19:22-33. [PMID: 25462195 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2014.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 214] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Revised: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Reduced fertility typically occurs among women in their late 30s, but increasing evidence indicates that advanced paternal age is associated with changes in reproduction as well. Numerous studies have investigated age-based declines in semen traits, but the impact of paternal age on semen parameter values remains inconclusive. Using data from 90 studies (93,839 subjects), we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify the effect of male age on seven ejaculate traits (semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, morphology, total motility, progressive motility and DNA fragmentation). Age-associated declines in semen volume, percentage motility, progressive motility, normal morphology and unfragmented cells were statistically significant and results generally seemed to be robust against confounding factors. Unexpectedly, sperm concentration did not decline with increasing male age, even though we found that sperm concentration declined over time. Our findings indicate that male age needs more recognition as a potential contributor to the negative pregnancy outcomes and reduced offspring health associated with delayed first reproduction. We suggest that greater focus on collection of DNA fragmentation and progressive motility in a clinical setting may lead to better patient outcomes during fertility treatments of aging couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheri L Johnson
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; Allan Wilson Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand.
| | - Jessica Dunleavy
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Neil J Gemmell
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; Allan Wilson Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; Gravida: National Centre for Growth and Development, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Shinichi Nakagawa
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; Gravida: National Centre for Growth and Development, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
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Abstract
Fertility is a couple concept that has been measured since the beginning of demography, and male fecundity (his biological capacity to reproduce) is a component of the fertility rate. Unfortunately, we have no way of measuring the male component directly, although several indirect markers can be used. Population registers can be used to monitor the proportion of childless couples, couples who receive donor semen, trends in dizygotic twinning, and infertility diagnoses. Studies using time-to-pregnancy (TTP) may identify couple subfecundity, and TTP data will correlate with sperm quality and quantity as well as sexual activity and a number of other conditions. Having exposure data available for couples with a fecund female partner would make TTP studies of interest in identifying exposures that may affect male fecundity. Biological indicators such as sperm quality and quantity isolate the male component of fertility, and semen data therefore remain an important source of information for research. Unfortunately, often over half of those invited to provide a sperm sample will refuse, and the study is then subject to a selection that may introduce bias. Because the most important time windows for exposures that impair semen production could be early fetal life, puberty, and the time of ejaculation; longitudinal data over decades of time are required. The ongoing monitoring of semen quality and quantity should continue, and surveys monitoring fertility and waiting TTP should also be designed.
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Mínguez-Alarcón L, Chavarro JE, Mendiola J, Gaskins AJ, Torres-Cantero AM. Physical activity is not related to semen quality in young healthy men. Fertil Steril 2014; 102:1103-9. [PMID: 25064411 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Revised: 06/15/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the relationship of physical activity with semen quality among healthy young men from Spain. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING University and college campuses of Murcia Region, Spain. PATIENT(S) Healthy young men with untested fertility (n = 215). INTERVENTION(S) A physical examination, blood and semen samples, and completion of a questionnaire. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Semen quality parameters. RESULT(S) Physical activity was not related to semen quality parameters. The adjusted percentage differences (95% confidence interval) in semen parameters comparing men in the top quartile of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (≥9.5 h/wk) with men in the bottom quartile (≤3 h/wk) were 4.3% (-30.2%, 38.9%) for total sperm count, 7.2% (-30.6%, 45.1%) for sperm concentration, -2.42% (-6.53%, 1.69%) for sperm motility, and 12.6% (-12.0%, 37.2%) for sperm morphology. CONCLUSION(S) In contrast to previous research among athletes, these data suggest that physical activity is not deleterious to testicular function, as captured by semen quality parameters in this population of healthy young men in Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón
- Division of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Department of Health and Social Sciences, University of Murcia School of Medicine, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Jorge E Chavarro
- Departments of Nutrition and Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jaime Mendiola
- Division of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Department of Health and Social Sciences, University of Murcia School of Medicine, Murcia, Spain
| | - Audrey J Gaskins
- Departments of Nutrition and Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alberto M Torres-Cantero
- Division of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Department of Health and Social Sciences, University of Murcia School of Medicine, Murcia, Spain; Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum," University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain; Department of Preventive Medicine, Reína Sofía University Hospital, Murcia, Spain
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Chiu YH, Afeiche MC, Gaskins AJ, Williams PL, Mendiola J, Jørgensen N, Swan SH, Chavarro JE. Sugar-sweetened beverage intake in relation to semen quality and reproductive hormone levels in young men. Hum Reprod 2014; 29:1575-84. [PMID: 24812311 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deu102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) associated with semen quality? SUMMARY ANSWER Higher consumption of SSB was associated with lower sperm motility among healthy, young men. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The existing literature on the potential role of SSBs on male reproductive function is scarce and primarily focused on the relation between caffeinated beverages and semen quality. However, a rodent model suggests that SSBs may hamper male fertility. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The Rochester Young Men's Study; a cross-sectional study of 189 healthy young men carried out at the University of Rochester during 2009-2010. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Men aged 18-22 years provided semen and blood samples, underwent a physical examination and completed a previously validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Linear regression was used to analyze the association of SSBs with sperm parameters and reproductive hormone levels while adjusting for potential confounders. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE SSB intake was inversely related to progressive sperm motility. Men in the highest quartile of SSB intake (≥1.3 serving/day) had 9.8 (95% CI: 1.9,17.8) percentage units lower progressive sperm motility than men in the lowest quartile of intake (<0.2 serving/day) (P, trend = 0.03). This association was stronger among lean men (P, trend = 0.005) but absent among overweight or obese men (P, trend = 0.98). SSB intake was unrelated to other semen quality parameters or reproductive hormones levels. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION As in all cross-sectional studies, causal inference is limited. An additional problem is that only single semen sample was obtained from each subject. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS To our knowledge, this is the first report on the relation between SSB intake and low semen quality beyond the contribution of caffeinated beverages. While our findings are in agreement with recent experimental data in rodents, more studies are required to draw conclusions on the relation of SSB with semen quality or male infertility. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Supported by the European Union Seventh Framework Program (Environment), 'Developmental Effects of Environment on Reproductive Health' (DEER) grant 212844. Grant P30 DK046200 and Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award T32 DK007703-16 and T32HD060454 from the National Institutes of Health. None of the authors has any conflicts of interest to declare.
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Shedding light on the controversy surrounding the temporal decline in human sperm counts: a systematic review. ScientificWorldJournal 2014; 2014:365691. [PMID: 24672311 PMCID: PMC3929517 DOI: 10.1155/2014/365691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2013] [Accepted: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We systematically examined the evidence of declining sperm counts and the hypothesis that an increased exposure to environmental pollutants is responsible for such decline. Search engines, including PUBMED, MEDLINE, EMBASE, BIOSIS, and Cochrane library, were used to identify epidemiologic studies published from 1985 to 2013. We concluded that there is no enough evidence to confirm a worldwide decline in sperm counts. Also, there seems to be no scientific truth of a causative role for endocrine disruptors in the temporal decline of sperm production. Such assumptions are based on few meta-analyses and retrospective studies, while other well-conducted researches could not confirm these findings. We acknowledge that difficult-to-control confounding factors in the highly variable nature of semen, selection criteria, and comparability of populations from different time periods in secular-trend studies, the quality of laboratory methods for counting sperm, and apparently geographic variations in semen quality are the main issues that complicate the interpretation of the available evidence. Owing to the importance of this subject and the uncertainties still prevailing, there is a need not only for continuing monitoring of semen quality, reproductive hormones, and xenobiotics, but also for a better definition of fecundity.
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Chavarro JE, Mínguez-Alarcón L, Mendiola J, Cutillas-Tolín A, López-Espín JJ, Torres-Cantero AM. Trans fatty acid intake is inversely related to total sperm count in young healthy men. Hum Reprod 2014; 29:429-40. [PMID: 24419496 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/det464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is intake of fatty acids related to semen quality among young men? SUMMARY ANSWER The intake of trans fatty acids is inversely related to total sperm count in healthy young men. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Spain has seen an increase in the proportion of calories consumed as fat over the same period that a downward trend in semen quality has been observed. In addition, rodent models suggest that trans fat intake may severely affect testicular function. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Cross-sectional study of 209 men recruited between October 2010 and November 2011. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A group of 209 healthy young university students 18-23 years of age provided a semen sample and completed a previously validated food frequency questionnaire. The association between intake of fatty acids with semen quality parameters (sperm concentration, motility, morphology and total count) was assessed using multivariate linear regression. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF THE CHANCE Trans fatty acid intake was inversely related to total sperm count after adjusting for potential confounders (P, trend = 0.03). The multivariate adjusted mean (95% confidence interval) total sperm count in increasing quartiles of trans fat intake was 144 (110-190), 113 (87-148), 100 (18-130) and 89 (69-117). There also was an inverse association between cholesterol intake and ejaculate volume (P, trend = 0.04). No other statistically significant relations were observed. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The cross-sectional design of the study limits causal inference, we cannot exclude the possibility of unmeasured confounding and there was insufficient statistical power to identify modest associations. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The results of this study, together with previous experimental work in rodents and biomarker studies among infertility patients, suggest that intake of trans fatty acids may be related to lower semen quality. Although the data provide further evidence that diet is a modifiable factor that could impact male fertility, it is not known whether the observed differences in sperm count translate into differences in fertility. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by The Seneca Foundation, Regional Agency of Science and Technology, grant no 00694/PI/04, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (FIS), grant no PI10/00985, and grant P30 DK46200 from the National Institutes of Health. The authors have no competing interests to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge E Chavarro
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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40
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Abstract
This article summarizes the current office-based evaluation of male infertility and offers speculation, based on current research, on the future evolution of this encounter. A comprehensive history, physical examination, and semen analysis remain paramount to directing the evaluation; however, new advances continue to refine diagnostic and treatment algorithms. Interpretation of the routine semen analysis as well as adjunctive assessments, including reactive oxygen species, DNA fragmentation, and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) are discussed. The analysis of genetic and endocrine abnormalities is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan P Smith
- Department of Urology, University of Virginia, PO Box 800422, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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Jiang M, Chen X, Yue H, Xu W, Lin L, Wu Y, Liu B. Semen quality evaluation in a cohort of 28213 adult males from Sichuan area of south-west China. Andrologia 2013; 46:842-7. [PMID: 24079334 DOI: 10.1111/and.12168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M. Jiang
- Human sperm bank; West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University; Chengdu Sichuan China
| | - X. Chen
- Department of Medical Genetics; West China Hospital of Sichuan University; Chengdu Sichuan China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine; Sichuan Provincial Hospital for Women and Children; Chengdu Sichuan China
| | - H. Yue
- Human sperm bank; West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University; Chengdu Sichuan China
| | - W. Xu
- Sichuan University - The Chinese University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine; Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education; West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University; Chengdu Sichuan China
| | - L. Lin
- Human sperm bank; West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University; Chengdu Sichuan China
| | - Y. Wu
- Human sperm bank; West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University; Chengdu Sichuan China
| | - B. Liu
- Human sperm bank; West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University; Chengdu Sichuan China
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Halling J, Petersen MS, Jørgensen N, Jensen TK, Grandjean P, Weihe P. Semen quality and reproductive hormones in Faroese men: a cross-sectional population-based study of 481 men. BMJ Open 2013; 3:bmjopen-2012-001946. [PMID: 23457323 PMCID: PMC3612804 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2012-001946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine semen quality and reproductive hormone levels in young Faroese men. DESIGN Descriptive cross-sectional study of Faroese men compared with Danish men. SETTING Faroese one-centre study. PARTICIPANTS 481 men born from 1981 to 1987 and investigated from 2007 to 2010. OUTCOME MEASURES Sperm concentration, semen volume, total sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology and reproductive hormone levels. RESULTS Sperm concentrations for the Faroese men were lower than for the Danish men (crude median 40 vs 48 mill/ml, p<0.0005). Semen volume was higher, and thus the total sperm counts did not differ (159 vs 151 mill, p=0.2). Motility and morphology did not differ between the Faroese and Danes. The inhibin B/follicle-stimulating hormone ratios for the Faroese men were lower than for the Danes (64 vs 76, p=0.001). Similarly, lower total testosterone/luteinising hormone (LH) ratio (4.6 vs 6.0, p<0.0005) and lower calculated free-testosterone/LH ratio (94 vs 134, p<0.0005) were detected for the Faroese men. CONCLUSIONS Semen quality among the Faroese men is at the same low level as reported for Danish men, and the reproductive hormone levels furthermore indicated a lower Leydig cell capacity for testosterone production. The influence of environmental exposure and genetic factors on semen quality has to be studied further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jónrit Halling
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, The Faroese Hospital System, Torshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Maria Skaalum Petersen
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, The Faroese Hospital System, Torshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tina Kold Jensen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Institute of Public Health, Odense, Denmark
| | - Philippe Grandjean
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Institute of Public Health, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Pál Weihe
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, The Faroese Hospital System, Torshavn, Faroe Islands
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Pastuszak AW, Lamb DJ. Counting your sperm before they fertilize: are sperm counts really declining? Asian J Androl 2013; 15:179-83. [PMID: 23334199 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2012.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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Minguez-Alarcon L, Mendiola J, Lopez-Espin JJ, Sarabia-Cos L, Vivero-Salmeron G, Vioque J, Navarrete-Munoz EM, Torres-Cantero AM. Dietary intake of antioxidant nutrients is associated with semen quality in young university students. Hum Reprod 2012; 27:2807-14. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/des247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Attaman JA, Toth TL, Furtado J, Campos H, Hauser R, Chavarro JE. Dietary fat and semen quality among men attending a fertility clinic. Hum Reprod 2012; 27:1466-74. [PMID: 22416013 PMCID: PMC3329193 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/des065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2011] [Revised: 12/07/2011] [Accepted: 12/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to examine the relation between dietary fats and semen quality parameters. METHODS Data from 99 men with complete dietary and semen quality data were analyzed. Fatty acid levels in sperm and seminal plasma were measured using gas chromatography in a subgroup of men (n = 23). Linear regression was used to determine associations while adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS Men were primarily Caucasian (89%) with a mean (SD) age of 36.4 (5.3) years; 71% were overweight or obese; and 67% were never smokers. Higher total fat intake was negatively related to total sperm count and concentration. Men in the highest third of total fat intake had 43% (95% confidence interval (CI): 62-14%) lower total sperm count and 38% (95% CI: 58-10%) lower sperm concentration than men in the lowest third (P(trend) = 0.01). This association was driven by intake of saturated fats. Levels of saturated fatty acids in sperm were also negatively related to sperm concentration (r= -0.53), but saturated fat intake was unrelated to sperm levels (r = 0.09). Higher intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fats was related to a more favorable sperm morphology. Men in the highest third of omega-3 fatty acids had 1.9% (0.4-3.5%) higher normal morphology than men in the lowest third (P(trend) = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS In this preliminary cross-sectional study, high intake of saturated fats was negatively related to sperm concentration whereas higher intake of omega-3 fats was positively related to sperm morphology. Further, studies with larger samples are now required to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill A Attaman
- Vincent Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Jørgensen N, Joensen UN, Jensen TK, Jensen MB, Almstrup K, Olesen IA, Juul A, Andersson AM, Carlsen E, Petersen JH, Toppari J, Skakkebæk NE. Human semen quality in the new millennium: a prospective cross-sectional population-based study of 4867 men. BMJ Open 2012; 2:bmjopen-2012-000990. [PMID: 22761286 PMCID: PMC3391374 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2012-000990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Considerable interest and controversy over a possible decline in semen quality during the 20th century raised concern that semen quality could have reached a critically low level where it might affect human reproduction. The authors therefore initiated a study to assess reproductive health in men from the general population and to monitor changes in semen quality over time. DESIGN Cross-sectional study of men from the general Danish population. Inclusion criteria were place of residence in the Copenhagen area, and both the man and his mother being born and raised in Denmark. Men with severe or chronic diseases were not included. SETTING Danish one-centre study. PARTICIPANTS 4867 men, median age 19 years, included from 1996 to 2010. OUTCOME MEASURES Semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, sperm motility and sperm morphology. RESULTS Only 23% of participants had optimal sperm concentration and sperm morphology. Comparing with historic data of men attending a Copenhagen infertility clinic in the 1940s and men who recently became fathers, these two groups had significantly better semen quality than our study group from the general population. Over the 15 years, median sperm concentration increased from 43 to 48 million/ml (p=0.02) and total sperm count from 132 to 151 million (p=0.001). The median percentage of motile spermatozoa and abnormal spermatozoa were 68% and 93%, and did not change during the study period. CONCLUSIONS This large prospective study of semen quality among young men of the general population showed an increasing trend in sperm concentration and total sperm count. However, only one in four men had optimal semen quality. In addition, one in four will most likely face a prolonged waiting time to pregnancy if they in the future want to father a child and another 15% are at risk of the need of fertility treatment. Thus, reduced semen quality seems so frequent that it may impair the fertility rates and further increase the demand for assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Jørgensen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ulla Nordström Joensen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tina Kold Jensen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin Blomberg Jensen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Almstrup
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Inge Ahlmann Olesen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Juul
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna-Maria Andersson
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elisabeth Carlsen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- The Fertility Clinic Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Holm Petersen
- Institute of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Department of Physiology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Niels E Skakkebæk
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Inhibitors of testosterone biosynthetic and metabolic activation enzymes. Molecules 2011; 16:9983-10001. [PMID: 22138857 PMCID: PMC6264586 DOI: 10.3390/molecules16129983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2011] [Revised: 11/21/2011] [Accepted: 11/21/2011] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The Leydig cells of the testis have the capacity to biosynthesize testosterone from cholesterol. Testosterone and its metabolically activated product dihydrotestosterone are critical for the development of male reproductive system and spermatogenesis. At least four steroidogenic enzymes are involved in testosterone biosynthesis: Cholesterol side chain cleavage enzyme (CYP11A1) for the conversion of cholesterol into pregnenolone within the mitochondria, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD3B), for the conversion of pregnenolone into progesterone, 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (CYP17A1) for the conversion of progesterone into androstenedione and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD17B3) for the formation of testosterone from androstenedione. Testosterone is also metabolically activated into more potent androgen dihydrotestosterone by two isoforms 5α-reductase 1 (SRD5A1) and 2 (SRD5A2) in Leydig cells and peripheral tissues. Many endocrine disruptors act as antiandrogens via directly inhibiting one or more enzymes for testosterone biosynthesis and metabolic activation. These chemicals include industrial materials (perfluoroalkyl compounds, phthalates, bisphenol A and benzophenone) and pesticides/biocides (methoxychlor, organotins, 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane and prochloraz) and plant constituents (genistein and gossypol). This paper reviews these endocrine disruptors targeting steroidogenic enzymes.
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Semen quality analysis of military personnel from six geographical areas of the People’s Republic of China. Fertil Steril 2011; 95:2018-23, 2023.e1-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.02.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2010] [Revised: 02/16/2011] [Accepted: 02/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Fernandez MF, Duran I, Olea N, Avivar C, Vierula M, Toppari J, Skakkebaek NE, Jørgensen N. Semen quality and reproductive hormone levels in men from Southern Spain. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 35:1-10. [PMID: 21332503 PMCID: PMC3380555 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2010.01131.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In North European countries, a significant difference in semen quality among young men has been shown. Men from the western countries, Denmark, Germany and Norway, have lower semen quality than men from the eastern countries Finland, Estonia and Lithuania. Similarly, men in the western countries have a higher risk of testicular cancer. According to the testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS) concept that suggests a link between risk of impaired semen quality and increased risk of testicular cancer, Spanish men would be expected to have a semen quality at a normal level because of their very low testis cancer risk. We therefore investigated 273 men from the Almeria region in the Southern Spain to test this hypothesis. The men delivered semen samples, underwent physical examinations, had a blood sample drawn and provided information on lifestyle and reproductive health parameters. The investigations took place from November 2001 to December 2002. Adjusting for effects of confounders, the median sperm concentration and total sperm count were 62 (95% confidence interval 47-82) million/mL and 206 (153-278) million, respectively. The median numbers of motile and morphologically normal spermatozoa assessed according to strict criteria were 59% (57-62%) and 9.4% (8.6-10.0%), respectively. The median total testosterone and calculated free androgen index were 28 nm (26-30) and 95 (88-103), respectively. Assuming that the investigated men, to a large extent, are representative of the population of young men the Southern Spain, the results show that these have normal semen quality and reproductive hormone levels as expected in a population with a low incidence of testicular cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Fernandez
- Laboratory of Medical Investigations, San Cecilio University Hospital, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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Ravnborg TL, Jensen TK, Andersson AM, Toppari J, Skakkebaek NE, Jorgensen N. Prenatal and adult exposures to smoking are associated with adverse effects on reproductive hormones, semen quality, final height and body mass index. Hum Reprod 2011; 26:1000-11. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/der011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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