Hypo-osmotic swelling test: analysis of prevasectomy ejaculates

The Disappearing Sperms: Analysis of Reports Published Between 1980 and 2015

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.

Review on the screening of semen by hypo-osmotic swelling test

The hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) is widely used as a valuable test for determining sperm quality by evaluating the membrane integrity of spermatozoa of various domestic animals including cattle, horses and swine. The HOST has also been used as an indicator of the fertilising capacity of spermatozoa. This test is based on the swelling ability when functional spermatozoa submitted to hypo-osmotic solutions. This test is commonly used as an important parameter for the evaluation of semen due to its strong correlation with semen evaluation parameters. The objective of this review was to analyse its significance in semen evaluation, swelling of spermatozoa under various osmolarities and variations in swelling percentage under different seasons.

Determination of laboratory specific percent normal sperm morphology value based on prevasectomy ("fertile") ejaculates

Semen assessments were performed on ejaculates from 25 men with proven fertility requesting vasectomy. Multiple cytological slides were made simultaneously from each ejaculate and analyzed by a single technician. The morphology data obtained were analyzed for repeatability. The mean +/- SD for normal sperm morphology was 30.6+/-7.3, and the within-subject repeatability was < or =1 SD of the mean for 17 of 25 ejaculates. Technician and laboratory specific criteria for the percent normal sperm morphology component of a semen analysis report (that are clinically meaningful) can be developed using the approach described herein.

Hypoosmotic swelling test for quality control of sperm prepared for assisted reproduction

This study evaluates the clinical usefulness of one additional parameter for assessment of human sperm cell function in vitro--the hypoosmotic swelling test. The hypoosmotic swelling test evaluated the functional integrity of the sperm plasma membrane. The investigation included a comparison of the hypoosmotic swelling test in samples containing motile and immotile spermatozoa and their correlation with the intrauterine insemination outcome. Motile spermatozoa expressed better membrane characteristics, without any importance of the hypoosmotic conditions. Positive correlation exists between HOS results and the outcome of IUI. This test can be a useful addition to the standard battery of semen analyzing tests.

The hypoosmotic swelling test: an update

The hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) test is a relatively new assay used to evaluate the functional integrity of the sperm's plasma membrane. In fact, more studies have been published on the applicability of the HOS test than any other new sperm indicator. The assay is based on the fact that fluid transport occurs across an intact cell membrane under hypoosmotic conditions until equilibrium is reached. Due to the influx of fluid, the cell will expand and bulge, especially in the tail, and this change can be readily observed with a phase contrast microscope. Earlier studies have yielded some confusion regarding the interpretation of the data. This review is an attempt to clarify and update the usefulness of the HOS test as a tool to evaluate the sperm function.

Hypo-osmotic sperm swelling test does not assess fertilizing capacity of human spermatozoa

The hypo-osmotic sperm swelling (HOSS) test was performed on semen samples of five normospermic men from couples with prolonged infertility. Previously, the men had negative results of the zona-free hamster oocyte (ZFHO) test on two different ejaculates and the wives subsequently had become pregnant by donor insemination. A high swelling percentage (at least 60%) was found in all five men. It would appear that the HOSS test does not assess fertilizing capacity.