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Tanaka T, Kojo K, Nagumo Y, Ikeda A, Shimizu T, Fujimoto S, Kakinuma T, Uchida M, Kimura T, Kandori S, Negoro H, Nishiyama H. A new clustering model based on the seminal plasma/serum ratios of multiple trace element concentrations in male patients with subfertility. Reprod Med Biol 2024; 23:e12584. [PMID: 38807752 PMCID: PMC11131575 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate whether seminal plasma (SP)/serum ratios of multiple trace elements (TEs) can classify patients with male subfertility. Methods SP/serum ratios of 20 TEs (lithium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, cobalt, copper, zinc, arsenic, selenium, rubidium, strontium, molybdenum, cesium, barium, and thallium) were calculated for healthy volunteers (n = 4) and those consulting for male subfertility (n = 245). Volunteer semen samples were collected by split ejaculation into early and subsequent fractions, and SP/serum ratio data were compared between fractions. The patients' SP/serum ratio data were used in an unsupervised clustering analysis and qualitatively compared with the data from the fractions of ejaculation from the volunteers. Semen quality parameters and pregnancy outcomes were compared between patient clusters. Results The early fraction of volunteers was characterized by lower phosphorus and arsenic and 18 other higher TEs than the subsequent fraction. Cluster analysis classified patients into four distinct clusters, one sharing characteristics with the early fraction and another with the subsequent fraction. One cluster with the early fraction characteristics had significantly lower semen volume and higher pregnancy rates from spontaneous pregnancies or intrauterine insemination. Conclusions Classification of patients based on SP/serum ratios of multiple TEs represents the dominance of fractions of ejaculation samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takazo Tanaka
- Department of Urology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of TsukubaTsukubaIbarakiJapan
| | - Kosuke Kojo
- Department of Urology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of TsukubaTsukubaIbarakiJapan
- Center for Human ReproductionInternational University of Health and Welfare HospitalNasushiobaraTochigiJapan
| | - Yoshiyuki Nagumo
- Department of Urology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of TsukubaTsukubaIbarakiJapan
| | - Atsushi Ikeda
- Department of Urology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of TsukubaTsukubaIbarakiJapan
| | - Takuya Shimizu
- Health Care Analysis CenterRenatech Co., Ltd.IseharaKanagawaJapan
| | | | - Toshiyuki Kakinuma
- Center for Human ReproductionInternational University of Health and Welfare HospitalNasushiobaraTochigiJapan
| | - Masahiro Uchida
- Department of UrologyTsukuba Gakuen HospitalTsukubaIbarakiJapan
| | - Tomokazu Kimura
- Department of Urology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of TsukubaTsukubaIbarakiJapan
| | - Shuya Kandori
- Department of Urology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of TsukubaTsukubaIbarakiJapan
| | - Hiromitsu Negoro
- Department of Urology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of TsukubaTsukubaIbarakiJapan
| | - Hiroyuki Nishiyama
- Department of Urology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of TsukubaTsukubaIbarakiJapan
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Liu H, Luo Z, Chen J, Zheng H, Zeng Q. Treatment progress of cryptozoospermia with Western Medicine and traditional Chinese medicine: A literature review. Health Sci Rep 2022; 6:e1019. [PMID: 36582629 PMCID: PMC9793827 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Cryptozoospermia is an extreme oligozoospermia with an unsatisfactory treatment effect, with an incidence rate of approximately 8.73% in male infertility, whose effective solution has become the call of the times. Western Medicine has achieved certain effects through drugs, surgery, and assisted reproductive therapy, but this is still not ideal. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has made many achievements in other disciplines; however, there is still a lack of evidence-based medical evidence to improve sperm production. Methods The relevant literatures from the China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI) and PubMed in the past 10 years were collected in this article, of which the mechanisms, advantages, or current controversies of various treatment methods of Western Medicine and TCM were analyzed, to find new treatment methods and research directions. Results With the development of modern science and technology, medical treatments for cryptozoospermia have become increasingly abundant; however, there is still no universally recognized unified and effective guiding plan. Although TCM has not been fully verified by evidence-based medicine, most TCM combined with Western Medicine can achieve unexpected results. Conclusion The combination of TCM and Western Medicine may become a bane for cryptozoospermia and bring good news to infertile men worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huang Liu
- The First School of Clinical MedicineNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingChina,NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Andrology, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital)Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong ProvinceGuangzhouChina
| | - Zefang Luo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Andrology, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital)Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong ProvinceGuangzhouChina
| | - Jinghua Chen
- Reproductive Medical Centre of Sun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Houbin Zheng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Andrology, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital)Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong ProvinceGuangzhouChina
| | - Qingqi Zeng
- The First School of Clinical MedicineNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingChina,Department of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineJiangsu Health Vocational CollegeNanjingChina
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3
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De Leo V, Tosti C, Morgante G, Ponchia R, Luddi A, Governini L, Piomboni P. Positive Effect of a New Combination of Antioxidants and Natural Hormone Stimulants for the Treatment of Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11071991. [PMID: 35407599 PMCID: PMC8999819 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11071991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) accounts for about 90% of male infertility; in many cases this disorder may be associated with oxidative stress, a condition that decreases the success of fertilization. Therefore, the empirical treatment of male infertility is often based on the use of antioxidants. The aim of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of three months’ administration of a new nutraceutical preparation on hormone profile, sperm parameters and fertilization capability in men undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). A total of 36 OAT patients were daily treated for 3 months with a dose of a formulation containing: Inositol, L-Carnitine, Vitamins C, D, E, Coenzyme Q10 and Selenium. Selected parameters were analysed before (T0) and after (T1) treatment, and IVF outcomes were evaluated. We observed an improvement of sperm concentration, motility, morphology and vitality; blood level of testosterone also showed an increase. A significant increase of fertilization rate was detected in 14 couples, whose male partner were treated with the nutraceutical preparation. The present results indicate that a formulation containing antioxidant and energy supply substances was effective in the treatment of sperm alterations and led to significant recovery of fertilizing capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo De Leo
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (V.D.L.); (G.M.); (R.P.); (P.P.)
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Siena University Hospital, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Claudia Tosti
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Siena University Hospital, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Morgante
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (V.D.L.); (G.M.); (R.P.); (P.P.)
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Siena University Hospital, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Rosetta Ponchia
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (V.D.L.); (G.M.); (R.P.); (P.P.)
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Siena University Hospital, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Alice Luddi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (V.D.L.); (G.M.); (R.P.); (P.P.)
- Correspondence: (A.L.); (L.G.); Tel.: +39-0577-233521 (A.L.); +39-0577-586810 (L.G.)
| | - Laura Governini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (V.D.L.); (G.M.); (R.P.); (P.P.)
- Correspondence: (A.L.); (L.G.); Tel.: +39-0577-233521 (A.L.); +39-0577-586810 (L.G.)
| | - Paola Piomboni
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (V.D.L.); (G.M.); (R.P.); (P.P.)
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Siena University Hospital, 53100 Siena, Italy;
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Fraczek M, Lewandowska A, Budzinska M, Kamieniczna M, Wojnar L, Gill K, Piasecka M, Kups M, Havrylyuk A, Chopyak V, Nakonechnyy J, Nakonechnyy A, Kurpisz M. The Role of Seminal Oxidative Stress Scavenging System in the Pathogenesis of Sperm DNA Damage in Men Exposed and Not Exposed to Genital Heat Stress. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052713. [PMID: 35270405 PMCID: PMC8910598 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Responding to the need for the verification of some experimental animal studies showing the involvement of oxidative stress in germ cell damage in the heat-induced testis, we investigated the possibility of a direct relationship between seminal oxidative stress markers (total antioxidant capacity, catalase activity, superoxide dismutase activity, and malondialdehyde concentration) and ejaculated sperm chromatin/DNA integrity (DNA fragmentation and chromatin condensation abnormalities) in distinct groups of men exposed and not exposed to prolonged scrotal hyperthermia. A statistical increase in the proportion of sperm with DNA fragmentation was observed in all the studied subgroups compared to the fertile men. In turn, the groups subjected to heat stress as professional drivers or infertile men with varicocele presented greater disturbances in the oxidative stress scavenging system than men not exposed to genital heat stress. Based on the comparative analysis of the studied parameters, we can conclude that alterations in the seminal oxidative stress scavenging system are directly engaged in the pathogenesis of ejaculated sperm DNA damage regardless of the intensity of the impact of thermal insult. To the best of our knowledge, this study, for the first time, revealed the co-existence of oxidative stress and sperm DNA damage in the semen of professional drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Fraczek
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 60-479 Poznan, Poland; (A.L.); (M.B.); (M.K.)
- Correspondence: (M.F.); (M.K.)
| | - Angelika Lewandowska
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 60-479 Poznan, Poland; (A.L.); (M.B.); (M.K.)
| | - Marta Budzinska
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 60-479 Poznan, Poland; (A.L.); (M.B.); (M.K.)
| | - Marzena Kamieniczna
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 60-479 Poznan, Poland; (A.L.); (M.B.); (M.K.)
| | - Lukasz Wojnar
- Clinic of Urology and Oncological Urology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-285 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Kamil Gill
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland; (K.G.); (M.P.)
| | - Malgorzata Piasecka
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland; (K.G.); (M.P.)
| | - Michal Kups
- Department and Clinic Urology and Oncological Urology, Regional Specialist Hospital in Szczecin, 71-455 Szczecin, Poland;
- The Fertility Partnership Vitrolive in Szczecin, 70-483 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Anna Havrylyuk
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Danylo Halytskyy Lviv National Medical University, 79008 Lviv, Ukraine; (A.H.); (V.C.)
| | - Valentina Chopyak
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Danylo Halytskyy Lviv National Medical University, 79008 Lviv, Ukraine; (A.H.); (V.C.)
| | - Jozef Nakonechnyy
- Department of Urology, Danylo Halytskyy Lviv National Medical University, 79010 Lviv, Ukraine;
| | - Andrij Nakonechnyy
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Danylo Halytskyy Lviv National Medical University, 79059 Lviv, Ukraine;
| | - Maciej Kurpisz
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 60-479 Poznan, Poland; (A.L.); (M.B.); (M.K.)
- Correspondence: (M.F.); (M.K.)
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5
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Yamasaki K, Uchida M, Watanabe N, Ihana T, Ishiguro Y, Kuroda S, Takeshima T, Yumura Y, Mieno M, Yoshida K, Iwamoto T, Nishiyama H. Effects of antioxidant co-supplementation therapy on spermatogenesis dysfunction in relation to the basal oxidation-reduction potential levels in spermatozoa: A pilot study. Reprod Med Biol 2022; 21:e12450. [PMID: 35386378 PMCID: PMC8967282 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12450] [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: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose In this pilot study, the authors compared the effects of antioxidant co-supplementation therapy and methylcobalamin therapy in patients with impaired semen quality. Methods Eighty-four subjects who visited male infertility clinics and showed abnormal semen test results were randomly subjected to one of the two therapies: antioxidant co-supplementation therapy with vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, and flaxseed oil or methylcobalamin therapy. The oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels were used as indicators of oxidative stress levels in semen. Semen analysis was also performed. Results The authors obtained results from 67 patients who had completed 3 months of treatment. Neither antioxidant co-supplementation therapy nor methylcobalamin therapy changed the semen parameters significantly (except for the sperm concentration, which was increased by the latter therapy). When the pre-treatment ORP value in semen was higher than the cutoff value, both therapies significantly increased the sperm concentration. The 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine level did not yield any meaningful predictive value with regard to increased sperm concentrations. Conclusions Both antioxidant co-supplementation therapy and methylcobalamin therapy increased the sperm concentration in patients with impaired semen quality when the basal ORP levels in their semen were elevated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumitsu Yamasaki
- Department of Urology Tsukuba Gakuen Hospital Tsukuba Japan
- Male Infertility Center for Human Reproduction Sanno Hospital Minato-ku Japan
| | | | - Noriko Watanabe
- Oak Clinic Ginza Chuo-ku Japan
- Center for Human Reproduction and Gynecologic Endoscopy Sanno Hospital Minato-ku Japan
| | - Tatsuji Ihana
- Center for Human Reproduction and Gynecologic Endoscopy Sanno Hospital Minato-ku Japan
| | - Yukari Ishiguro
- Department of Urology, Reproduction Center Yokohama City University Medical Center Yokohama Japan
| | - Shinnosuke Kuroda
- Department of Urology, Reproduction Center Yokohama City University Medical Center Yokohama Japan
| | - Teppei Takeshima
- Department of Urology, Reproduction Center Yokohama City University Medical Center Yokohama Japan
| | - Yasushi Yumura
- Department of Urology, Reproduction Center Yokohama City University Medical Center Yokohama Japan
| | - Makiko Mieno
- Department of Medical Informatics Center for Information Jichi Medical University Shimotsuke Japan
| | - Kaoru Yoshida
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering Toin University of Yokohama Yokohama Japan
| | - Teruaki Iwamoto
- Male Infertility Center for Human Reproduction Sanno Hospital Minato-ku Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nishiyama
- Department of Urology Faculty of Medicine University of Tsukuba Tsukuba Japan
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Symeonidis EN, Evgeni E, Palapelas V, Koumasi D, Pyrgidis N, Sokolakis I, Hatzichristodoulou G, Tsiampali C, Mykoniatis I, Zachariou A, Sofikitis N, Kaltsas A, Dimitriadis F. Redox Balance in Male Infertility: Excellence through Moderation-"Μέτρον ἄριστον". Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10101534. [PMID: 34679669 PMCID: PMC8533291 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10101534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Male infertility, a relatively common and multifactorial medical condition, affects approximately 15% of couples globally. Based on WHO estimates, a staggering 190 million people struggle with this health condition, and male factor is the sole or contributing factor in roughly 20–50% of these cases. Nowadays, urologists are confronted with a wide spectrum of conditions ranging from the typical infertile male to more complex cases of either unexplained or idiopathic male infertility, requiring a specific patient-tailored diagnostic approach and management. Strikingly enough, no identifiable cause in routine workup can be found in 30% to 50% of infertile males. The medical term male oxidative stress infertility (MOSI) was recently coined to describe infertile men with abnormal sperm parameters and oxidative stress (OS), including those previously classified as having idiopathic infertility. OS is a critical component of male infertility, entailing an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants. ROS abundance has been implicated in sperm abnormalities, while the exact impact on fertilization and pregnancy has long been a subject of considerable debate. In an attempt to counteract the deleterious effects of OS, urologists resorted to antioxidant supplementation. Mounting evidence indicates that indiscriminate consumption of antioxidants has led in some cases to sperm cell damage through a reductive-stress-induced state. The “antioxidant paradox”, one of the biggest andrological challenges, remains a lurking danger that needs to be carefully avoided and thoroughly investigated. For that reason, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) emerged as a viable ancillary tool to basic semen analysis, measuring the overall balance between oxidants and antioxidants (reductants). A novel biomarker, the Male infertility Oxidative System (MiOXSYS®), is a paradigm shift towards that goal, offering a quantification of OS via a quick, reliable, and reproducible measurement of the ORP. Moderation or “Μέτρον” according to the ancient Greeks is the key to successfully safeguarding redox balance, with MiOXSYS® earnestly claiming its position as a guarantor of homeostasis in the intracellular redox milieu. In the present paper, we aim to offer a narrative summary of evidence relevant to redox regulation in male reproduction, analyze the impact of OS and reductive stress on sperm function, and shed light on the “antioxidant paradox” phenomenon. Finally, we examine the most up-to-date scientific literature regarding ORP and its measurement by the recently developed MiOXSYS® assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos N. Symeonidis
- Department of Urology, “G. Gennimatas” General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54635 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.N.S.); (I.M.)
| | - Evangelini Evgeni
- Cryogonia Cryopreservation Bank, 11526 Athens, Greece; (E.E.); (D.K.)
| | - Vasileios Palapelas
- 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hippokration General Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Dimitra Koumasi
- Cryogonia Cryopreservation Bank, 11526 Athens, Greece; (E.E.); (D.K.)
| | - Nikolaos Pyrgidis
- Department of Urology, ‘Martha-Maria’ Hospital Nuremberg, 90491 Nuremberg, Germany; (N.P.); (I.S.); (G.H.)
| | - Ioannis Sokolakis
- Department of Urology, ‘Martha-Maria’ Hospital Nuremberg, 90491 Nuremberg, Germany; (N.P.); (I.S.); (G.H.)
| | | | | | - Ioannis Mykoniatis
- Department of Urology, “G. Gennimatas” General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54635 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.N.S.); (I.M.)
| | - Athanasios Zachariou
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Ioannina University, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (A.Z.); (N.S.); (A.K.)
| | - Nikolaos Sofikitis
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Ioannina University, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (A.Z.); (N.S.); (A.K.)
| | - Ares Kaltsas
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Ioannina University, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (A.Z.); (N.S.); (A.K.)
| | - Fotios Dimitriadis
- Department of Urology, “G. Gennimatas” General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54635 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.N.S.); (I.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-23-1041-1121
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Oral Antioxidant Treatment of Men Significantly Improves the Reproductive Outcome of IVF Cycles. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10153254. [PMID: 34362038 PMCID: PMC8347466 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10153254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Some 30% to 80% of male sub-fertility may be associated with oxidative stress that damages spermatozoa and can decrease success of in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques. This multicenter, longitudinal, prospective study aimed to investigate whether oral antioxidant supplementation improved the reproductive competence of men who had had low fertilization rates in their previous intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles without azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia or any identifiable andrological disease. Seventy-seven men from couples who had an ICSI attempt with unexplained <60% fertilization rate took an antioxidant mix of myo-inositol, alpha-lipoic acid, folic acid, coenzyme Q10, zinc, selenium, and vitamins B2, B6, and B12. Semen parameters were analyzed before (T0) and after 90 days (T90) of treatment, and outcomes of the paired T0 and T90 cycles were compared. After the treatment there was an increase in sperm concentration (p = 0.027), total motile sperm count (p = 0.003), progressive motility (p < 0.0001), and a decreasing trend of DNA-fragmented spermatozoa. Embryological outcomes (fertilization, embryo quality, blastocyst development) were significantly higher in T90 than T0 cycles. No T0 cycle resulted in an evolutive pregnancy. Conversely, in T90 cycles 29 singleton clinical pregnancies were obtained. No negative neonatal outcomes were recorded in newborns after antioxidant treatment. Diet supplementation of men who have had low fertilization rates in their previous ICSI cycles with a combination of myo-inositol, alpha-lipoic acid, folic acid, coenzyme Q10, zinc, selenium, betaine, and vitamins may improve semen reproductive potential and ICSI clinical outcome.
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8
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Oral Antioxidant Treatment of Men Significantly Improves the Reproductive Outcome of IVF Cycles. J Clin Med 2021. [PMID: 34362038 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10153254)] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Some 30% to 80% of male sub-fertility may be associated with oxidative stress that damages spermatozoa and can decrease success of in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques. This multicenter, longitudinal, prospective study aimed to investigate whether oral antioxidant supplementation improved the reproductive competence of men who had had low fertilization rates in their previous intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles without azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia or any identifiable andrological disease. Seventy-seven men from couples who had an ICSI attempt with unexplained <60% fertilization rate took an antioxidant mix of myo-inositol, alpha-lipoic acid, folic acid, coenzyme Q10, zinc, selenium, and vitamins B2, B6, and B12. Semen parameters were analyzed before (T0) and after 90 days (T90) of treatment, and outcomes of the paired T0 and T90 cycles were compared. After the treatment there was an increase in sperm concentration (p = 0.027), total motile sperm count (p = 0.003), progressive motility (p < 0.0001), and a decreasing trend of DNA-fragmented spermatozoa. Embryological outcomes (fertilization, embryo quality, blastocyst development) were significantly higher in T90 than T0 cycles. No T0 cycle resulted in an evolutive pregnancy. Conversely, in T90 cycles 29 singleton clinical pregnancies were obtained. No negative neonatal outcomes were recorded in newborns after antioxidant treatment. Diet supplementation of men who have had low fertilization rates in their previous ICSI cycles with a combination of myo-inositol, alpha-lipoic acid, folic acid, coenzyme Q10, zinc, selenium, betaine, and vitamins may improve semen reproductive potential and ICSI clinical outcome.
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9
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Role of Antioxidants in Cooled Liquid Storage of Mammal Spermatozoa. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10071096. [PMID: 34356329 PMCID: PMC8301105 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10071096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cooled preservation of semen is usually associated with artificial insemination and genetic improvement programs in livestock species. Several studies have reported an increase in reactive oxidative species and a decrease in antioxidant substances and sperm quality parameters during long-term semen storage at refrigerated temperatures. The supplementation of antioxidants in extenders before refrigeration could reduce this detrimental effect. Various antioxidants have been tested, both enzymatic, such as superoxide dismutase and catalase, and non-enzymatic, such as reduced glutathione, vitamins E and C and melatonin. However, the problem of oxidative stress in semen storage has not been fully resolved. The effects of antioxidants for semen-cooled storage have not been reviewed in depth. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to review the efficiency of the supplementation of antioxidants in the extender during cooled storage of semen in livestock species.
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10
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The Effect of Antioxidant Supplementation on Operated or Non-Operated Varicocele-Associated Infertility: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10071067. [PMID: 34356300 PMCID: PMC8301171 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10071067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In patients with varicocele-associated infertility, the effect of antioxidant supplementation on fertility is unknown. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore their role in patients with operated or non-operated varicocele. We searched major databases and sources of grey literature until May 2021 (PROSPERO: CRD42021248195). We included 14 studies (980 individuals) in the systematic review. Of the 14 studies, 2 explored the effect of antioxidant supplementation in patients with non-operated varicocele, 1 compared antioxidants versus surgical repair of varicocele, while 11 explored antioxidants after surgical repair of varicocele and were also included in the meta-analysis. Regarding pregnancy rates, no significant differences were demonstrated after treatment with antioxidants versus no treatment at three (OR: 2.28, 95% CI: 0.7-7.48) and six months (OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 0.62-5.72). Accordingly, contradictory findings were reported in sperm concentration, morphology, and motility, as well as DNA fragmentation. Our findings indicate that antioxidant supplementation does not improve pregnancy rates and semen parameters in patients with varicocele-associated infertility, in the absence of previous screening for oxidative stress. Based on the previous notion, most included studies also raised methodological concerns. Therefore, definitive conclusions about the efficacy of antioxidant supplementation in this setting cannot be drawn and further research on the field is mandatory.
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Oxidative Stress Reduction by Midazolam Premedication during Oocyte Retrieval Procedure: Pilot Study. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10040855. [PMID: 33669707 PMCID: PMC7922791 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10040855] [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: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility is one of the major medical problems nowadays. Couples who opt for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) face a great deal of stress which certainly affects the outcome of the procedure. Therefore, we aimed to reduce the stress during the oocyte retrieval procedure by applying midazolam. Total oxidant (TOC) and antioxidant (TAC) capacities of serum, as well as glutathione (GSH) content and catalase activity, were measured in both control and midazolam groups. Follicular fluid was also tested for oxidant capacity and IL1β. Results implied that the midazolam group increased TAC at the end of the procedure. At the same time, the control group decreased GSH at the beginning of the procedure, and both groups decreased catalase activity at the end of the procedure. The results imply that stress during the procedure affects oxidative and antioxidative parameters of the patients, but did not affect the frequency of the pregnancy at the end of this pilot study. Yet, the results imply that oxidative and antioxidative mechanisms during IVF should be investigated in detail as they could affect the outcome of IVF.
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