Apoptotic markers in semen of infertile men: association with cigarette smoking

The effects of tobacco and cannabis use on semen and endocrine parameters in infertile males

Substances such as tobacco and cannabis can negatively modulate seminal parameters and sex hormones and lead to fertility problems in males. The present study aimed to determine the effect of cigarettes, dipping tobacco, and cannabis on semen parameters and sex hormones in infertile males. A total of 160 infertile healthy participants (cigarette smokers n = 40, dipping tobacco users n = 40, cannabis users n = 40 and infertile controls n = 40) were included in the study. Fasting blood samples were collected from all the participants using the aseptic technique, and semen samples were collected by masturbation following sexual abstinence of 2-7 days. The levels of serum testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were determined using ELISA. The serum level of FSH was significantly higher in cannabis users relative to the control group (p = 0.043). A mild non-significant decrease in sperm count, serum LH and testosterone levels were observed in all drug users compared to controls. In conclusion, chronic use of tobacco and cannabis mildly modulates semen and hormonal parameters in infertile males.

Controversy and Consensus on Indications for Sperm DNA Fragmentation Testing in Male Infertility: A Global Survey, Current Guidelines, and Expert Recommendations

PURPOSE

Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) testing was recently added to the sixth edition of the World Health Organization laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen. Many conditions and risk factors have been associated with elevated SDF; therefore, it is important to identify the population of infertile men who might benefit from this test. The purpose of this study was to investigate global practices related to indications for SDF testing, compare the relevant professional society guideline recommendations, and provide expert recommendations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinicians managing male infertility were invited to take part in a global online survey on SDF clinical practices. This was conducted following the CHERRIES checklist criteria. The responses were compared to professional society guideline recommendations related to SDF and the appropriate available evidence. Expert recommendations on indications for SDF testing were then formulated, and the Delphi method was used to reach consensus.

RESULTS

The survey was completed by 436 experts from 55 countries. Almost 75% of respondents test for SDF in all or some men with unexplained or idiopathic infertility, 39% order it routinely in the work-up of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), and 62.2% investigate SDF in smokers. While 47% of reproductive urologists test SDF to support the decision for varicocele repair surgery when conventional semen parameters are normal, significantly fewer general urologists (23%; p=0.008) do the same. Nearly 70% would assess SDF before assisted reproductive technologies (ART), either always or for certain conditions. Recurrent ART failure is a common indication for SDF testing. Very few society recommendations were found regarding SDF testing.

CONCLUSIONS

This article presents the largest global survey on the indications for SDF testing in infertile men, and demonstrates diverse practices. Furthermore, it highlights the paucity of professional society guideline recommendations. Expert recommendations are proposed to help guide clinicians.

Sperm quality metrics were improved by a biomimetic microfluidic selection platform compared to swim-up methods

Sperm selection is an essential component of all assisted reproductive treatments (ARTs) and is by far the most neglected step in the ART workflow in regard to technological innovation. Conventional sperm selection methodologies typically produce a higher total number of sperm with variable motilities, morphologies, and levels of DNA integrity. Gold-standard techniques, including density gradient centrifugation (DGC) and swim-up (SU), have been shown to induce DNA fragmentation through introducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) during centrifugation. Here, we demonstrate a 3D printed, biologically inspired microfluidic sperm selection device (MSSP) that utilizes multiple methods to simulate a sperms journey toward selection. Sperm are first selected based on their motility and boundary-following behavior and then on their expression of apoptotic markers, yielding over 68% more motile sperm than that of previously reported methods with a lower incidence of DNA fragmentation and apoptosis. Sperm from the MSSP also demonstrated higher motile sperm recovery after cryopreservation than that of SU or neat semen. Experiments were conducted side-by-side against conventional SU methods using human semen (n = 33) and showed over an 85% improvement in DNA integrity with an average 90% reduction in sperm apoptosis. These results that the platform is easy-to-use for sperm selection and mimics the biological function of the female reproductive tract during conception.

Smoking and Its Consequences on Male and Female Reproductive Health

Smoking contributes to the death of around one in 10 adults worldwide. Specifically, cigarettes are known to contain around 4000 toxins and chemicals that are hazardous in nature. The negative effects of smoking on human health and interest in smoking-related diseases have a long history. Among these concerns are the harmful effects of smoking on reproductive health. Thirteen percent of female infertility is due to smoking. Female smoking can lead to gamete mutagenesis, early loss of reproductive function, and thus advance the time to menopause. It has been also associated with ectopic pregnancy and spontaneous abortion. Even when it comes to assisted reproductive technologies cycles, smokers require more cycles, almost double the number of cycles needed to conceive as non-smokers. Male smoking is shown to be correlated with poorer semen parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation. Not only active smokers but also passive smokers, when excessively exposed to smoking, can have reproductive problems comparable to those seen in smokers. In this book chapter, we will approach the effect of tobacco, especially tobacco smoking, on male and female reproductive health. This aims to take a preventive approach to infertility by discouraging smoking and helping to eliminate exposure to tobacco smoke in both women and men.

Ginseng alleviates folliculogenesis disorders via induction of cell proliferation and downregulation of apoptotic markers in nicotine-treated mice

Background

Ginseng is a powerful phytoestrogen with high antioxidant properties.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Panax Ginseng (PG) on folliculogenesis, proliferation, and apoptosis in the ovary impaired by nicotine.

Methods

Forty adult mice were divided into five groups. Control, sham, and nicotine groups, and co-treated groups of nicotine and ginseng in doses of 0.5 and 1 g/kg. Folliculogenesis was assessed via histopathology and serum evaluation of estradiol, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) by ELISA. Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities both in homogenate tissue and serum were assayed by colorimetric analysis. Apoptotic markers of cytochrome c (Cyt c), Bax, and Bcl-2 were evaluated by RT-PCR. Proliferative index was studied by the Ki-67 immunostaining procedure.

Results

In comparison to the control or sham groups, nicotine significantly reduced the levels of FSH, LH, and estradiol hormones. An insignificant reduction was observed in the progesterone hormone. Nicotine reduced all healthy follicle numbers, except primordial (P = 0.001). Malondialdehyde (MDA) was increased in tissue and serum in the nicotine group (P = 0.01). Serum catalase (CAT) and enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) both were reduced in tissue and the serum, in the nicotine group. Nicotine induced a reduction in the proliferative indexes of granulosa and theca cells in pre-antral and antral follicles (P = 0.001). However, its effect on the proliferative index of stroma cells was not significant. Apoptotic markers were elevated in the nicotine group (P = 0.001). Co-treatment with ginseng elevated all sex hormones, increased healthy follicles, and reduced tissue or serum lipid peroxidation, compared with the nicotine group (p < 0.05). Co-Treatment with ginseng also reduced the expression of apoptotic markers and increased the proliferative indexes in granulosa and theca cells in pre-antral and antral follicles and also in stroma cells, in comparison to the nicotine group (P = 0.001). All above-mentioned alterations following treatment with ginseng were remarkable, especially in the dose of 1 g/kg.

Conclusion

This study showed ginseng protects folliculogenesis via alteration of hypothalamic- pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis, induction of proliferation in ovarian somatic cells, reduction of lipid peroxidation, and downregulation of apoptotic markers in the mouse ovary, treated with nicotine.

Influence of Risk Factors for Male Infertility on Sperm Protein Composition

Male infertility is a common health problem that can be influenced by a host of lifestyle risk factors such as environment, nutrition, smoking, stress, and endocrine disruptors. These effects have been largely demonstrated on sperm parameters (e.g., motility, numeration, vitality, DNA integrity). In addition, several studies showed the deregulation of sperm proteins in relation to some of these factors. This review inventories the literature related to the identification of sperm proteins showing abundance variations in response to the four risk factors for male infertility that are the most investigated in this context: obesity, diabetes, tobacco smoking, and exposure to bisphenol-A (BPA). First, we provide an overview of the techniques used to identify deregulated proteins. Then, we summarise the main results obtained in the different studies and provide a compiled list of deregulated proteins in relation to each risk factor. Gene ontology analysis of these deregulated proteins shows that oxidative stress and immune and inflammatory responses are common mechanisms involved in sperm alterations encountered in relation to the risk factors.

Tobacco smoking and its impact on the expression level of sperm nuclear protein genes: H2BFWT, TNP1, TNP2, PRM1 and PRM2

The aim of this current study was to investigate the influence of tobacco smoke on sperm quality determined by standard parameters, on sperm DNA maturity tested by chromomycin A3 (CMA3) staining, on sperm DNA fragmentation tested by TUNEL assay and on the transcript level of sperm nuclear proteins H2BFWT, PRM1, PRM2, TNP1 and TNP2 genes quantified by RT-PCR. One hundred forty-one (141) sperm samples (43 nonsmokers (G.1) and 98 heavy smokers (G.2)) of couples undergoing ICSI were enrolled in this study. In G2, a significant decrease in standard semen parameters in comparison with nonsmokers was shown (p < .01). In contrast, protamine deficiency (CMA3 positivity) and sperm DNA fragmentation (sDF) were significantly higher in G2 than in G1 (p < .01). Furthermore, the studied genes were differentially expressed (p < .01), down-regulated in the spermatozoa of G.2 compared to that of G.1 (fold change <0.5) and were significantly correlated between each other (p < .01). Moreover, in comparison with G1, the protamine mRNA ratio in G2 was significantly higher (p < .01). It can therefore be concluded that smoking alters mRNA expression levels of H2BFWT, TNP1, TNP2, PRM1 and PRM2 genes and the protamine mRNA ratio and consequently alters normal sperm function.

Infertility and associated factors in three hospitals in Douala, Cameroon: a cross-sectional study

AIM

We determined the prevalence and factors associated with couple infertility in three hospitals in Douala, Cameroon.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study from December 18th 2015 to March 18th 2016 in three public hospitals in Douala. Three hundred and sixty participants were studied prospectively for associated factors using a multivariate logistic regression model and 4732 files were studied retrospectively for the prevalence of infertility. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The prevalence of couple infertility was 19.2%. In logistic models, the factors which independently increased the risk of couple infertility were a history of reproductive tract infection/STI, a history of uterine fibroids, a history of dysmenorrhea and abortion for the females while for males it was a history of mumps, erectile dysfunction and exposure to chemicals/toxic substances/pesticides.

CONCLUSION

One in every five couples in this study was infertile. Several factors affect the risks associated with couple infertility. The identification of these factors could help detect subgroups of couples at high risk of infertility. Reproductive health education, screening programmes for STI's that may lead to infertility should be offered to couples.

Impact of silymarin on cadmium-induced apoptosis in human spermatozoa

Oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in spermatozoa may lead to male infertility. Environmental pollutants and heavy metals such as cadmium cause harmful effects on the reproductive system and sperm parameters through the induction of oxidative stress. Silymarin, as a potent antioxidant, is able to inhibit oxidative stress. This study was performed to investigate the protective effects of silymarin on cadmium-induced toxicity in human spermatozoa. Sperm samples were divided into the following five groups: (a) spermatozoa at 0 min, (b) spermatozoa in the control group, (c) spermatozoa treated with cadmium chloride (20 μM), (d) spermatozoa treated with silymarin (2 μM)+ cadmium chloride (20 μM) and (e) spermatozoa treated with silymarin (2 μM). Sperm parameters related to apoptosis, such as DNA fragmentation, nucleus diameter, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and expression of caspase-3, were evaluated in all groups. After 180 min, spermatozoa treated with cadmium chloride showed a significant decrease in nucleus diameter and MMP but a significant increase in DNA fragmentation; however, caspase-3 expression remained unchanged. At this time point, silymarin in the silymarin + cadmium chloride group could significantly reverse the adverse effects of cadmium chloride on these parameters.Silymarn could partly compensate for the caspase-independent apoptosis in the spermatozoa. Therefore, oxidative stress could be a consequence for cadmium toxicity.

Deterioration of semen quality and sperm-DNA integrity as influenced by cigarette smoking in fertile and infertile human male smokers-A prospective study

In modernized lifestyle smoking is one of the trendy, psychological, and socioeconomic scenarios of young adolescents mainly in the age of the reproductive stage. Based on a number of cigarettes smoked, age, and duration of the smoke, the study aims to search for the profound effects of smoking and its impact on semen parameters, sperm-DNA integrity, and fragmentation of sperm DNA with cotinine and apoptotic caspase-3 marker in the seminal plasma of fertile and infertile smokers. To determine oxidative damage by 8-hydroxy deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) from isolated sperm DNA (steps: reactive oxygen species washing by nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT), sperm lysis, salt digestion, ethanol washing, and finally with high-performance liquid chromatography analysis). Level of DNA fragmentation (percentage) in native and intact DNA, the activity of caspase-3 in infertile smokers will be compared with the control group of nonsmokers. Also, the sperm viability was visualized by eosin-nigrosin and aniline blue staining. Cotinine is one of the best markers of smoking. The cotinine level (2224.24 ± 1.19 *** ng/mL), when abundant it negative correlates with morphology and rapid motility in infertile smokers than nonsmokers. Gel preprogram measured the sperm integrity and was found to be less in smokers than nonsmokers. The spermatic oxidative marker 8-OHdG was high and gave an R ² value of 0.9104 with morphology and 0.9007 for rapid motility of infertile sperm, respectively. Infertile smoking subjects (<10 cigarettes/day) had significant changes increase in sperm fragmentation, caspase-3, and cotinine while negative impact with motility, morphology, and pH of semen compared with fertile, infertile nonsmoking subjects.

Human sperm DNA damage inhibition and antioxidant activity of T. arjuna bark: an in vitro study

Complimentary or natural antioxidant type of alternative medicine is developed worldwide to treat male infertility. The aim of this study is to the extraction of T. arjuna bark and activity against human sperm DNA damage in asthenoteratospermic smoker's subjects-an in vitro study. All preliminary and antioxidant assays (DPPH, H₂O₂, and total antioxidant, reducing power activity) were done. T. arjuna bark metal analysis was done with AAS. On the other hand, patients were asked to fill a direct questionnaire about smoking history; 25 infertile smokers were identified as asthenoteratospermic; 34 fertile non-smokers (control) were assessed for semen parameters by CASA, seminal plasma Zinc analysis by AAS, DNA fragmentation by colorimetric method and semen genomic DNA damage inhibition by modified non-enzymatic salting out extraction method. Most of the antioxidants are highly present in the aqueous extract; meanwhile, the major content in this extract is zinc 16 µg/g (Ca = 0.5 µg/g; Se = 2.2 µg/g and Mg = 1.6 µg/g) along with FT-IR peaks which also confirmed the metal presence. The semen parameters in smokers that were noticed are low sperm count and morphological changes. Meanwhile, in the seminal plasma of smokers, zinc and DNA fragmentation results were positively correlated with sperm morphology (p < 0.001). Repaired DNA bands were noticed in the in vitro study of aqueous T. arjuna bark, in smokers' semen. T. arjuna bark will act as cryo protector as well as great zinc supplementary to maintain sperm motility and morphology in smokers.

From sperm to offspring: Assessing the heritable genetic consequences of paternal smoking and potential public health impacts

Individuals who smoke generally do so with the knowledge of potential consequences to their own health. What is rarely considered are the effects of smoking on their future children. The objective of this work was to review the scientific literature on the effects of paternal smoking on sperm and assess the consequences to offspring. A literature search identified over 200 studies with relevant data in humans and animal models. The available data were reviewed to assess the weight of evidence that tobacco smoke is a human germ cell mutagen and estimate effect sizes. These results were used to model the potential increase in genetic disease burden in offspring caused by paternal smoking, with specific focus on aneuploid syndromes and intellectual disability, and the socioeconomic impacts of such an effect. The review revealed strong evidence that tobacco smoking is associated with impaired male fertility, and increases in DNA damage, aneuploidies, and mutations in sperm. Studies support that these effects are heritable and adversely impact the offspring. Our model estimates that, with even a modest 25% increase in sperm mutation frequency caused by smoke-exposure, for each generation across the global population there will be millions of smoking-induced de novo mutations transmitted from fathers to offspring. Furthermore, paternal smoking is estimated to contribute to 1.3 million extra cases of aneuploid pregnancies per generation. Thus, the available evidence makes a compelling case that tobacco smoke is a human germ cell mutagen with serious public health and socio-economic implications. Increased public education should be encouraged to promote abstinence from smoking, well in advance of reproduction, to minimize the transmission of harmful mutations to the next-generation.

Nicotine Effects and Receptor Expression on Human Spermatozoa: Possible Neuroendocrine Mechanism

The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the mechanism by which nicotine (NIC) alters spermatozoa and to evaluate the expression of nicotinic receptors (nAChR) subunits in human spermatozoa. We analyzed 30 healthy normozoospermic men. Spermatozoa were incubated with NIC 100 ng/ml and the nAChR antagonist, hexamethonium (HEX) (0, 100, 1,000, 10,000 ng/ml) for 3 and 24 h. The following sperm parameters evaluated: (a) progressive motility; (b) mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP); (c) chromatin compactness; (d) externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS); (e) late apoptosis; (f) viability; (g) DNA fragmentation; (h) degree of lipid peroxidation (LP) by flow cytometry; (i) nAChR subunits expression by quantitative Real Time PCR and (j) protein expression evaluation by Western blot analysis. HEX fully antagonized the effects of NIC both after 3 and 24 h of incubation with significant improvement (p < 0.05) of sperm progressive motility, MMP, abnormal chromatin compactness, PS externalization, late apoptosis and DNA fragmentation, already at the concentration of HEX 100 ng/ml. The degree of LP increased after incubation with NIC in raw semen but this effect was fully antagonized (p < 0.05) by HEX after 3 and 24 h of incubation. Finally, 8 nAChR subunits mRNA (α1, α3, α4, α6, α7, β2, β4, and δ) were found expressed in all samples examined, but only α7 subunit is translated, making an homomer receptor, in non-smokers subjects. The effects of NIC on sperm function are mediated by interaction with a specific nicotinic receptor. The presence of nAChR subunits suggests the presence of a neuroendocrine mechanism on human spermatozoa.

Novel insights into the role of cell-free seminal mRNAs on semen quality and cryotolerance of spermatozoa in bulls (Bos taurus)

The aim of the present study was to ascertain the effectiveness of seminal plasma mRNAs as markers to assess the reproductive performance of bulls. Semen samples (33 ejaculates) from 11 bulls were evaluated for sperm kinematic and functional parameters. Total RNA was isolated from cell-free seminal (cfs) using TRIzol LS reagent and the concentration of cfs-RNA was 24.4 ± 2.3 µg mL−1 seminal plasma. The cfs-RNA was fragmented to a size of 25–500 bp. Of the cfs-mRNAs screened using real time PCR, expression of protamine 1 (PRM1) was positively (P < 0.05) associated with the mitochondrial membrane potential of raw semen, whereas expression of Fas Ligand (FASLG) was negatively (P < 0.05) associated with sperm velocity, membrane integrity and chromatin distribution in post-thaw semen samples. The percentage of Type A spermatozoa (amplitude of lateral movement of head >2.5 μm and straightness >85%) in raw semen was positively (P < 0.05) associated with bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), ubiquitin conjugating enzyme E2D3 (UBE2D3), tumour-associated necrotic factor-associated death domain (TRADD) and caspase-3 (CASP3) expression. Nerve growth factor (NGF) expression was positively (P < 0.05) associated with the maintenance of post-thaw functional membrane integrity in spermatozoa and could be used to assess the cryotolerance of bull semen. In conclusion, the expression of cfs mRNAs can be used to assess the reproductive performance of males and to predict the sensitivity of spermatozoa to cryoinjury.

Evaluation of the relation between preapoptotic sperm rate in ejaculate and intrauterine insemination success rate in patients with unexplained infertility

The parameters measured in the standard semen analysis may be insufficient for exact differentiation between fertile and infertile men. Therefore, we assume that the high rate of apoptotic sperm in ejaculate may play a role on the aetiology of unexplained infertility. Couples with unexplained infertility treated by ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination were consecutively enrolled (n = 94). To determine the proapoptotic sperm rate, the ejaculate from patients was stained with annexin V. Thirteen of the 94 couples (13.8%) conceived after intrauterine insemination. The annexin V-positive sperm rate was found to be 20.0% in the whole group. In women failing to conceive, the annexin V-positive sperm rate was 20.8% compared to 15.7% in patients who achieved pregnancy. Although there is a trend towards higher preapoptotic sperm rate in couples failing to get pregnant with insemination, the difference did not reach statistical significance.

Seminal plasma HSPA2 mRNA content is associated with semen quality

PURPOSE

Cell-free mRNAs (cfmRNAs) were quantitatively measured in human seminal plasma and its relationship with semen quality was investigated.

METHODS

Herein, a prospectively, controlled investigation was performed to study seminal plasma HSPA2 and uPA cfmRNA alterations between 21 asthenozoospermic patients and 16 normozoospermic individuals. Standard semen analysis was performed and seminal plasma cfmRNAs content was measured by real-time quantitative PCR. In addition, the regression analysis between seminal plasma cfmRNAs expression and semen parameters was performed.

RESULTS

Seminal plasma HSPA2, but not uPA cfmRNA indicated significant difference between normozoospermia and asthenozoospermia men (P = 0.02444 and 0.07811, respectively). Negative correlation between HSPA2 cfmRNA and sperm motility (R (2) = 0.213, P = 0.004) as well as sperm concentration (R (2) = 0.133, P = 0.026) were revealed. However, no correlation was found between seminal plasma uPA cfmRNA content and semen parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that seminal plasma HSPA2 cfmRNA is different between asthenozoospermic and normozoospermic individuals and it might be an indicator for semen quality.

Cigarette Smoking and Semen Quality: A New Meta-analysis Examining the Effect of the 2010 World Health Organization Laboratory Methods for the Examination of Human Semen

OBJECTIVE

Approximately 37% of men of reproductive age smoke cigarettes, with Europe having the highest tobacco use among all the World Health Organization (WHO) regions. Toxins from tobacco smoking can potentially affect sperm development and function, with a negative effect on semen parameters. Given the high prevalence of smoking and recent changes in the WHO laboratory methods for the examination of human semen, the role of this exposure in face of new WHO methods needs to be clarified.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We conducted a systematic review, followed by a meta-analysis, to determine whether cigarette smoking affects human semen parameters. PubMed, Saint Joseph's University Discover, and Google Scholar were used to identify relevant studies published after release of the latest WHO methods for laboratory evaluation of human semen. Participants were from fertility/urologic clinics and andrology laboratories. The outcome measures were semen volume, sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, the parameters usually used in clinical settings to assess fertility.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Twenty studies with 5865 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Exposure to cigarette smoking was associated with reduced sperm count (mean difference [MD]: -9.72×10⁶/ml; 95% confidence interval [CI], -13.32 to -6.12), motility (MD: -3.48%; 95% CI, -5.53 to -1.44), and morphology (MD: -1.37%; 95% CI, -2.63 to -0.11). Subgroup analyses indicated that effect size was higher in infertile men than in the general population and in moderate/heavy smokers than in mild smokers. The overall effect size on semen volume, sperm count, and motility remained similar when 2010 and earlier WHO manuals were used for semen analysis but was lower with regard to sperm morphology.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that cigarette smoking has an overall negative effect on semen parameters. The latest WHO laboratory methods for the examination of human semen had a minimal impact on the magnitude of effect size, thus confirming the observed negative effect of smoking on conventional semen parameters.

PATIENT SUMMARY

A new systematic review and meta-analysis comprising 5865 men shows that cigarette smoking is associated with reduced sperm count and motility. Deterioration of semen quality is more pronounced in moderate and heavy smokers.

Prevalence and factors associated with smoking among tobacco growers in southern Brazil

OBJECTIVE

identify the prevalence and factors associated with smoking in tobacco growers.

METHOD

descriptive, cross-sectional research. Data collection occurred in 2012 through household survey and interviews, including application of a structured instrument and scale Fargeström.

RESULTS

there were 100 growers included, average age of 46,9 ± 10,8 years; 90(90%) married; 72(72%) white, average family composition 3,7±1,1 people; median number of children 3(1-3), and the average study time 6±2,5. The prevalence of smoking among tobacco growers was 17%, which had less education (p=0.010) and fewer people in the household (p=0.049).

CONCLUSION

the prevalence of smoking among tobacco growers was higher than the national average, but the nicotine dependence was low, which can facilitate the smoking cessation process. Highlights the need to implement a program to control smoking among tobacco growers.

Prevalence of Varicocele among Primary and Secondary Infertile Men: Association with Occupation, Smoking and Drinking Alcohol

Background:

Existing data suggests that varicocele plays a central role in progressive infertility.

Aims:

This study was designed to assess the occupational and lifestyle factors of development of varicocele among male infertile, for a better prevention and management of the varicocele.

Materials and Methods:

All males with infertility, who presented at Fatemezahra Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center between April 2010 and February 2011, were examined. Their occupations, smoking, and drinking alcohol, presence or absence of varicocele were evaluated. The lifestyle factors associated with varicocele were analyzed.

Results:

The data of 816 men, aged 21-71 years, were included in the study. Two hundred and sixty-one men (32%) with varicocele and 555 (68%) without varicocele were found. Percentage of varicocele was significantly higher in smokers compared with non-smokers (P = 0.035). The adjusted OR for varicocele in smokerswas significantly higher than that in non-smoker (OR = 2.420; 95% CI = 1.04, 5.61). No significant differences were seen between varicocele and occupation or alcohol drinking for the prevalence of varicocele.

Conclusions:

The findings of the present study indicated that a high frequency of varicocele was indentified among male infertile. Therefore, it is necessary for those male cigarette-smokers to evaluate their possibilities of infertility and varicocele.

Cryopreservation increases DNA fragmentation in spermatozoa of smokers

Smoking causes subfertility due to deterioration of spermatozoa including decreased concentration and abnormal morphology. Although evidence on the deleterious effects of smoking on spermatozoa parameters is well known, its interference with cryopreservation is not clear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of cryopreservation on sperm parameters and DNA fragmentation in non-smokers and smokers. Semen samples were obtained from 40 normospermic male volunteers of whom 20 were non-smokers and 20 smokers. Samples were analyzed in terms of motility, concentration, morphology, and DNA fragmentation before freezing and 1 and 3 months after freezing and thawing. Ultrastructural alterations were investigated by transmission electron microscopy. Sperm morphology seemed to be more affected after cryopreservation in samples obtained from smokers. Ultrastructural examination showed alterations in the integrity of the membranes and increased subacrosomal swelling. Before freezing, the increase in DNA fragmentation rate in smokers was not statistically significant compared to that of non-smokers. However, after thawing, the DNA fragmentation rates were significantly high in both non-smokers and smokers compared to their respective rates before freezing. The extent of the increase in DNA fragmentation rate was significantly higher in smokers after thawing compared to that of non-smokers. In conclusion, cryopreservation causes alterations in membrane integrity and increases DNA fragmentation, thus triggering relatively negative effects on the sperm samples of smokers compared to that of non-smokers.

The Effects of Smoking and Alcohol Intake on Sperm Quality: Light and Transmission Electron Microscopy Findings

Objective:

To evaluate the effects of alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking on sperm quality using transmission electron microscopy and light microscopy.

Methods:

Semen samples were collected from 62 healthy men. The subjects were classified according to alcohol consumption and smoking status. Semen analysis was performed according to World Health Organization criteria. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine sperm ultrastructure.

Results:

Heavy smoking (> 20 cigarettes/day) was associated with a decreased sperm count. Moderate/high alcohol consumption (≥15.4 g/day) was associated with an increase in morphologically abnormal sperm. Transmission electron microscopy revealed no effect of smoking on sperm ultrastructure. Alcohol consumption resulted in significant increases in morphologically abnormal nuclei and plasma membranes.

Conclusions:

Heavy smoking was associated with decreased sperm counts and alcohol consumption was associated with increased numbers of morphologically abnormal sperm.