Showing 83 results for Male Infertility
Ashok Agarwal, Sushil Anandh Prabakaran,
Volume 3, Issue 1 (7-2005)
Abstract
Infertility is one of the most stressful conditions amongst married couples. Male factor infertility is implicated in almost half of these cases. Recent advances in the field of reproductive medicine have focused the attention of many researchers to consider reactive oxygen species (ROS) as one of the mediators of infertility causing sperm dysfunction. Although, ROS is involved in many physiological functions of human spermatozoa, their excess production results in oxidative stress. Mitochondria and sperm plasma membranes are the two locations of ROS production that involves complex enzyme systems such as creatine kinase and diaphorase. ROS causes damage to the spermatozoa DNA, resulting in increased apoptosis of these cells. The production of ROS is greatly enhanced under the influence of various environmental and life style factors such as pollution and smoking. An effective scavenging system is essential to counteract the effects of ROS. Various endogenous antioxidants belonging to both enzymatic and non-enzymatic groups can remove the excess ROS and prevent oxidative stress. Since, ROS is essential for the normal sperm physiology, rationale use of antioxidants is advocated.
Mir Davood Omrani, Agneta Nordenskhold,
Volume 3, Issue 1 (7-2005)
Abstract
Background: For screening sequence variations in genes, rapid turnover time is of fundamental importance. While, many of the current methods are unfortunately time consuming and technically difficult to implement. Denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) method had been shown to be a high-throughput, time saving, and economical tool for mutation screening. Objective: In the present study DHPLC method was used to explore the potential association between estrogen receptor ? gene (ESR2) variants and male infertility. Materials and Methods: DNA from 96 men with infertility and 96 normal male as control were screened for mutation in the nine exons of the ESR2 gene, using WAVE� DHPLC device equipped with a DNA separation column and automated sequence analysis on the ABI Prism 310. Results: DHPLC evaluation of ESR2 gene in 96 infertile patients, revealed one heterozygous sequence variation (IVS 8�4G>A) near the 5� splicing region of intron 8 in 5 patients. No variation was identified in control population. Conclusion: Mutation detection by DHPLC, as it is presented in this context, is a high-throughput, quick, and economical tool for mutation screening. The gene alterations in ESR2 gene that we�ve found might increase susceptibility to infertility; but without cDNA screening, the consequences of these genetic alterations cannot be predicted
Mohammad Reza Moein, Vali Ollah Dehghani, Nasim Tabibnejad, Serajadin Vahidi,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (7-2007)
Abstract
Background: Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are a group of free radicals that in excessive amounts have negative influence on sperm quality and function.
Objective: We compared ROS levels in seminal plasma of infertile men with this level in healthy donors. We also determined the ROS level in semen of infertile men according to the etiology of infertility, and also the effect of smoking on its level.
Materials and Methods: In total, 63 infertile patients and 63 healthy donors as control were selected. Complete physical examination, semen analysis, scrotal sonography and hormone assay were done for all patients. Azoospermic patients were excluded from the study. ROS level in semen was measured by chemiluminescence assay in both groups. Patients also were divided in two groups according to the etiology of infertility.
Results: The mean age of normal subjects and infertile men were 30.78±3.73 years and 31.43±6.60 years respectively. The mean ROS level in normal men was 180.05 RLU (Relative light unit), while this was 1852.04 RLU in infertile patients, which is significantly higher in case group (p=0.000). Fifty patients had varicocele and in 13 patients no specific etiology was found. The mean ROS level in varicocele patients was 2215.42 RLU and in unknown group was 454.44 RLU (p=0.048).
Conclusion: Our study showed that the level of ROS in seminal fluid of infertile men is significantly higher than fertile donors and also in infertile patients with varicocele it is higher than patients with unknown cause.
Nasrin Sheikh, Iraj Amiri, Marzieh Farimani, Rezvan Najafi, Jafar Hadeie,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (7-2008)
Abstract
Background: It is established that sperm DNA integrity is essential in fertilization and normal embryo and fetal development. Routine semen analysis gives an approximate evaluation of the functional competence of spermatozoa, but does not always reflect the quality of sperm DNA. Therefore, the evaluation of sperm DNA integrity, in addition to routine sperm parameters, could add further information on the quality of spermatozoa and reproductive potential of males.
Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the levels of sperm DNA damage in fertile and infertile males and its correlation with semen parameters.
Materials and Methods: Semen samples were collected from 45 infertile men selected from couples attending the infertility clinic with a history of infertility of ≥1 years and 75 healthy volunteers of proven fertility (initiated a successful pregnancy) served as the control group. After routine sperm analysis, DNA damage was determined using single cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay method.
Results: The mean of DNA damage (comet value) in the sperms of infertile males was significantly higher than that of fertile males (12.9±7.59 vs. 48.77±24.42, p<0.001). A significant negative correlation was observed between DNA damage and sperm motility in fertile group (p<0.02, R=-0.263). In infertile males, significant negative correlations were observed between DNA damage with sperm motility (p<0.002, R=-0.45) and morphology (p<0.03, R=-0.317). There was no significant correlation between sperm concentration and sperm DNA damage in both groups.
Conclusion: These results indicate that sperm DNA damages in infertile males is significantly higher than fertile males and sperms with abnormal morphology and low levels of motility has more abnormal DNA damages than motile and normal sperms.
Mohammad Reza Moein, Mehrdad Soleimani, Nasim Tabibnejad,
Volume 6, Issue 3 (7-2008)
Abstract
Background: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a group of free radicals that in excessive amounts have negative influence on sperm quality and function.
Objective: To study the effect of varicocele and its severity on the level of ROS in infertile men with clinical varicocele.
Materials and Methods: In this controlled prospective study, 42 men with clinically diagnosed left varicocele and 30 fertile men were studied. Patients were asked about history of urogenital infection, using any antioxidant medication and smoking. Grade of varicocele was determined by physical examination. Levels of ROS in seminal plasma were measured in each group by a chemiluminiscence assay. The sperm parameters were also determined and compared in different groups.
Results: The ROS levels were significantly higher in patients with varicocele than normal men (mean: 1575.42 RLU (Radio Luminescence Unit) vs. 53.79 RLU, p=0.005). In total 20 patients had grade I, 20 patients grade II and 2 patients had grade III varicocele. The mean ROS levels were 669.12 RLU, 2406.87 RLU and 2324 RLU in patients with grade I, II and III varicocele respectively (p=0.144). In case group, 15 patients were smoker and 27 were non-smokers. The mean ROS levels in patients with the history of smoking was 1367.71 RLU while in non-smokers it was 897.672 RLU (p=0.729). Conclusion: Our study showed that increased levels of ROS production in the seminal fluid can be an important factor in the etiology of male infertility in patients with varicocele, and this effect is more prominent with higher grade of varicocele.
Mona Zvâncă, Radu Vlădăreanu, Asim Kurjak, Awatif Juma Al Bahar,
Volume 6, Issue 4 (7-2008)
Abstract
Background: With the technical development, ultrasound tends to overpass its limits and to become the main investigation tool even for situations when it was traditionally considered second best. It is more convenient both for patient and doctor, less expensive and has real diagnostic value.
Objective: The present paper, and its graphic back-up, are intended as a visual testimony of the fact that the newer three dimensional (3D) ultrasound technique is much more than a simple generator of nice, commercial, images. Moreover, its use may be extended from obstetrics to gynecological pathology, especially in cases related to infertility.
Materials and Methods: We performed a review of the main local infertility causes and their perception by the 3D ultrasound, as compared to the conventional methods. General literature citations were completed with personal cases and images. In our research, we used a Kretz Voluson Expert 730 ultrasound machine with a full logistic equipment. Our database was completed over a period of 18 months and included various pathology, such as uterine anomalies, fibroids, polyps, ovarian cysts and many others.
Results: Three dimensional ultrasound represents the best tool in evaluating the uterine cavity, the endometrium, assessing its volume and vascularity pattern. It also offers a very good image of the uterine structure, the adnexal morphology and their relationship. It performs a thorough pelvic assessment by a single examination. Moreover, it may realize a histerosalpingography, which is as efficient as the radiological method, but easier and with fewer side effects.
Conclusion: Even though it is technically more difficult and time consuming, a good practice and high quality ultrasound equipment offer a series of benefits over any other kind of investigation.
Mohammad Ali Khalili, Najmeh Zare-Zadeh, Hamideh Hashemi,
Volume 7, Issue 3 (7-2009)
Abstract
Background: One of the main laboratory tests for evaluation of infertility is semen analysis (SA). However additional tests may be suggested for further diagnosis of male fertility potentials. The seminal fluid contains sperms non-sperm cells and various types of lipids and glucose.
Objective: The objective of this cross-sectional study was to correlate the sperm parameters with concentrations of cholesterol triglyceride LDL and HDL in serum samples of infertile men with abnormal SA.
Materials and Methods: A total of 120 infertile men (aged 23-49 years) with abnormal SA were enrolled for this cross-sectional study. Sperm concentration and motility was evaluated using Makler chamber. While normal morphology was done after Geimsa staining. Following 12 h of fasting the blood samples were obtained for evaluation of cholesterol triglyceride LDL and HDL levels. The lipid profiles were compared with the rates of normal and abnormal sperm parameters. Chi-square and fisher exact tests were used for data evaluation.
Results: 75.5% and 98% of the subjects with normal levels of triglyceride had abnormal sperm morphology and progressive motility respectively. Also abnormal levels of triglyceride and cholesterol were related with abnormal sperm morphology and motility. The levels of LDL and HDL were normal in 80% and 89.3% of the cases respectively. The majority of the patients with normal LDL had abnormal sperm parameters.
Conclusion: The results showed that the concentrations of serum lipids were not generally related with the quality of semen parameters. Further studies on the role of lipid profiles of infertile men with sperm fertilizing potentials are necessary.
Shahdokht Motazedian, Bahareh Hamedi, Jaleh Zolghadri, Khatereh Mojtahedi, Nasrin Asadi,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (7-2010)
Abstract
Background: Although intrauterine insemination (IUI) is one of the most common methods which is used for male factor and unexplained infertility the relative influence of various semen parameters on the likelihood of a successful outcome is controversial. Several semen parameters have been evaluated as predictors of a successful outcome with intrauterine insemination.
Objective: To evaluate the effects of sperm morphology on the success rate of IUI.
Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study of 200 couples who underwent IUI cycles of ovarian stimulation in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. The patients were chosen in 2 groups group A: 100 patients with ≤20% normal sperm morphology and group B: 100 patients with >20% normal sperm morphology (unexplained infertility). The other semen parameters were normal in both groups.
Results: Total clinical pregnancies were 10.5% (pregnancy rate / cycle). There was not any difference between two groups in rate of pregnancy and also pregnancy outcome.
Conclusion: Intrauterine insemination used for treating male factor infertility has not shown excessive advantage when normal sperm morphology in semen analysis is more than 20% in comparison with ≤ 20%.
Seema Bibi, Mohammad Ali Pir, Roshan Ara Qazi, Misbah Bibi Qureshi,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (7-2010)
Abstract
Background: Hyperhomocysteinemia (hhcy) has been considered as a risk factor for several obstetrical complications such as early pregnancy loss pre-eclampsia and IUGR. Recently its association with infertility has been underscored in IVF failures; however limited information is available about the relationship of hhcy and subfertility.
Objective: To find out the association between unexplained subfertility and hhcy in Pakistani women.
Materials and methods: This observational study was conducted in Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad from 1st April 2008 to 31st March 2009. Study group consisted of all those women who were subfertile for more then one year have body mass index less than 25 regular menstrual cycle normal pelvic examination findings and no past history of pelvic inflammatory disease. Exclusion criteria was male factor subfertility endocrine and ovulatory dysfunction and tubal blockage. Evaluation was done by semen analysis pelvic ultrasound scan hystero-salpingography and hormonal assays. Fasting serum levels of homocysteine were determined using a fluorescence polarization immunoassay.
Results: In total 61 subjects were enrolled in the study including 49 subfertile women and 12 healthy women. Among subfertile women 39 (80%) were suffering from primary subfertility while 10 (20%) were complaining of secondary subfertility. Majority of the subjects were young house wives and residents of Hyderabad city. Mean serum fasting homocysteine levels were significantly higher in women suffering from unexplained subfertility as compared to controls (12.8+5.1 versus 9.7+1.7 p-value= 0.04).
Conclusion: Hyperhomocysteinemia was observed in women suffering from unexplained subfertility. However large scale clinical studies are required to confirm the association.
Maryam Eidi, Akram Eidi, Omid Pouyan, Pouneh Shahmohammadi, Reza Fazaeli, Massih Bahar,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (7-2010)
Abstract
Background: The trace element copper has been identified as a highly toxic element for sperm. It is known to affect sperm motility in humans and experimental implantation of copper in the epididymis vas deferens and scrotum of mammals has been demonstrated to affect fertility detrimentally. Objective: Sperm concentration motility vitality and morphology are parameters used to evaluate potential male fertility. Since copper is believed to be important for spermatogenesis; we conducted a study to investigate the correlation between seminal plasma copper concentration and human semen parameters in 232 males.
Materials and Methods: We selected 232 subfertile or infertile men who referred to Omid Fertility Clinic randomly. Samples were categorized into normospermic (n=32) oligozospermic (n=73) asthenozospermic (n=111) and azospermic (n=16) groups according to their spermiogrames. Total seminal plasma copper concentration was determined by furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer.
Results: The results showed that seminal plasma copper concentrations in oligozospermic asthenozospermic and azospermic groups are significantly higher than normozospermic group (p<0.01). Also, negative correlations were found between seminal plasma copper concentration and sperm count (p<0.05), sperm motility (p<0.01), sperm vitality (p<0.01), normal morphology (p<0.01) and pH (p<0.01) in all groups.
Conclusion: It was suggested that excess copper in seminal plasma was detrimental for male reproductive capacity by reducing sperm count, motility, vitality and morphology.
Seyed Gholam Ali Jorsaraei, Hiroaki Shibahara, Ayustawati , Yuki Hirano, Tatsuya Suzuki, Eisa Tahmasbpour Marzony , Mahtab Zainalzadeh, Mitsuaki Suzuki,
Volume 8, Issue 3 (7-2010)
Abstract
Background: Leptin is a polypeptide hormone secreted by white adipose tissue in proportion to body energy. Although the participation of leptin in female reproduction is well established any role in male reproductive function is at best tenuous.
Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the leptin concentration in human seminal plasma and then the relationships between seminal leptin and semen parameters were evaluated.
Materials and Methods: Semen samples were provided from 71 men; normozoospermic (n=22) asthenozoospermic (n=31) and oligoasthenozoospermic (n=18) referring to Jichi Medical University Hospital for in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) treatment. After liquefaction all sperm specimens were evaluated for sperm parameters and motility characteristics by computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) system. After semen analysis concentrations of leptin in seminal plasma of all groups were measured by ELISA.
Results: The mean concentrations of leptin in seminal plasma of normozoospermic asthenozoospermic and oligoasthenozoospermic men were 0.75+/-0.09 ng/ml 0.8+/-0.14 ng/ml and 0.8+/-0.15 ng/ml respectively. A trend was observed for a lower leptin concentration in seminal plasma of normozoospermic men compared with asthenozoospermic and oligoasthenozoospermic men. There was a significant negative correlation between seminal plasma leptin concentration with sperm motility (p<0.05) and Curvilinear Velocity of the sperm kinetic parameter (p<0.01).
Conclusion: It was demonstrated that there was a significant correlation between seminal leptin with the sperm motility.
Elham Siasi, Ahmad Aleyasin, Javad Mowla, Hamid Sahebkashaf,
Volume 10, Issue 4 (8-2012)
Abstract
Background: Histones are replaced by protamines to condensate and package DNA into the sperm head during mammalian spermatogenesis. Protamine genes defects have been reported to cause sperm DNA damage and male infertility.
Objective: In this study relationship among some protamines genes family SNPs include PRM1 (C321A), PRM2 (C248T) and TNP2 (T1019C), (G1272C), (G del in 1036 and 1046 bp) were studied in 96 idiopathic infertile men with azoospermia or oligospermia and 100 normal control men.
Materials and Methods: Analysis of SNPs was performed using restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), single strand conformational polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and PCR sequencing.
Results: No polymorphisms were found for tested SNPs except for PRM1 (C321A) and TNP2 (G1272C) in which frequency of altered AA and GG genotypes were slightly higher in infertile case group. Statistical analysis showed no significant association related to PRM1 (C321A) p=0.805 and TNP2 (G1272C) loci p=0.654.
Conclusion: These results are consistent with previous studies and indicating that all tested SNPs was not associated with oligospermia and azospermia and idiopatic male infertility in Iranian population.
Mohammad Ali Amirzargar, Mahnaz Yavangi, Abbass Basiri, Sayyed Mahdi Hosseini Moghaddam, Hooshang Babbolhavaeji, Nasibeh Amirzargar, Hossein Amirzargar, Leila Moadabshoar,
Volume 10, Issue 5 (10-2012)
Abstract
Background: The most frequent physical finding in infertile men is varicocele, in which one of the mechanisms that can affect seminal parameters is oxidative stress.
Objective: Our study aimed, for the first time, to compare the efficacy of recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (rhFSH), human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) on sperm parameters and fertility after varicocelectomy.
Materials and Methods: 113 infertile men with varicocele were divided into four groups. Group A received HCG 5000 IU weekly, group B received HMG 75 IU three times a week, group C received rhFSH 75 IU three times a week and group D received no medical treatment after varicocelectomy.
Results: After three months, in group A sperm morphology improved (p=0.007), causing a 32% pregnancy rate. In group B, sperm motility (p=0.023) and morphology (p=0.014) improved, causing a 57% pregnancy rate. In group C, all of the investigated semen parameters increased (p<0.05), causing a 62.5% pregnancy rate. Only rhFSH improved sperm concentrations to >20×106 mL (p=0.027). In group D, sperm morphology increased (p=0.038), but other parameters remained unchanged and no pregnancies occurred.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that drugs can reduce induction time for spermatogenesis and fertility in comparison with varicocelectomy alone. For these purposes, rhFSH is more effective than other drugs.
Fatemeh Nejatbakhsh, Esmaeil Nazem, Ashrafeddin Goushegir, Mohammad Mahdi Isfahani, Alireza Nikbakht Nasrabadi, Marzieh Baygom Siahpoosh,
Volume 10, Issue 6 (4-2012)
Abstract
Background: Male infertility accounts for 30-50% of all infertilities among couples. Iranian traditional medicine (ITM) stressed the importance of nutrition in the prevention and treatment of male infertility. Many Iranian traditional physicians have described the traits of specific foods for prevention and treatment of male infertility.
Objective: To explore the principles and roles of foods recommended by ITM scientists in prevention and treatment of male infertility as well as enlisting all the recommended foods for treating this problem addressed through the ITM original resources written between 815 and 1901.
Materials and Methods: In this review study specific data related to the subject among all referral ITM texts was extracted firstly, and then the collected data were analyzed using inductive content analysis.
Results: The analysis of data revealed that foods that enhance sexual performance must have 3 properties; they should be warm in nature, very nutritious, and flatulent. Foods that are warm in nature and nutritious affect the quality and quantity of semen. A food having the third trait of being flatulent is required to complete sexual performance by creating an erection. Foods with only one of these traits must be consumed with another food that has the other trait. This study also provided a list of foods that can enhance the quality and increase the quantity of semen.
Conclusion: Foods that can enhance sexual performance and the quality and quantity of semen can be recommended to male patients who suffer from infertility in medical centers.
Hossein Pashaiefar, Mohammad Hasan Sheikhha, Seyyed Mehdi Kalantar, Tahereh Jahaninejad, Mohammad Ali Zaimy, Nasrin Ghasemi,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (4-2013)
Abstract
Background: Meiotic genes are very important candidates for genes contributing to female and male infertility. Mammalian MutL homologues have dual roles in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) after replication errors and meiotic reciprocal recombination. The MutL homologs, MLH1 and MLH3 , are crucial for meiotic reciprocal recombination and human fertility. In this study the functional polymorphisms of MLH3 C2531T was investigated in Iranian women with unexplained infertility.
Objective: Investigating the association between a common SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) C2531T in the MLH3 gene and female infertility.
Materials and Methods: In total, 105 women with unexplained infertility as case group and 100 women with at least one child and no history of infertility or abortion as controls were recruited for this association study. The MLH3 C2531T polymorphism was tested by tetra-amplification refractory mutation system-PCR (4P-ARMS-PCR) method.
Results: The MLH3 2531C and T alleles frequencies were 43.33% and 56.67% among infertile patients, and 61.5% and 38.5% among normal controls, respectively. In the patient and control subjects the CC (Pro 844 Pro) genotype frequency of MLH3 C2531T was 4.76% and 25%, the CT (Pro 844 Leu) genotype was 77.15% and 73%, and the TT (Leu 844 Leu) genotype was 19% and 2%, respectively (p=0.0001).
Conclusion: The presence of the polymorphic allele T leads to an increased risk of 2.09 times (OR=2.09, 95% CI=1.38-3.16; p=0.0001) for developing infertility in relation to the control group. Therefore, our data suggest that the MLH3 C2531T polymorphism can be associated with the risk of unexplained infertility in Iranian women.
Ramaswamy Suganthi, Vv Vijesh, Sanjay Jayachandran, Jahangir Ali Fathima Benazir,
Volume 11, Issue 3 (5-2013)
Abstract
Background: Y chromosomal microdeletion is an important genetic disorder, which may arise due to intrachromosomal recombination between homologous sequences in the male specific region of the human Y chromosome. It is frequently associated with the quantitative reduction of sperm. The screening for Y chromosomal microdeletions has a great clinical value.
Objective: To develop a sequence tagged site (STS) based multiplex PCR protocol, which could be specific for the rapid detection of AZF deletions and thereby estimating the frequency of AZF sub deletions in infertile South Indian men.
Materials and Methods: In the current study, PCR based Y chromosomal microdeletion screening analysis was performed in 75 men including 30 non-obstructive azoospermic men, 20 severe oligozoospermic, and 25 normozoospermic fertile men (controls) using 15 known STS primer pairs mapped within the AZF locus. Deletion frequency was estimated after successful PCR amplification.
Results: We designed and optimized a STS based multiplex PCR protocol, which could be helpful for the clinicians to detect the Y chromosomal deletions rapidly and specifically. In our study, we estimated an overall deletion frequency of 36%. Among these 12 (40%) were azoospermic and 6 (30%) were oligozoospermic. No microdeletions were observed in normozoospermic fertile men.
Conclusion: Our Study emphasizes the fact that Y chromosomal microdeletion screening tests are unavoidable in the workup of idiopathic male infertility. Mandatory screening for Y deletions should be done in all azoospermic and severe oligozoospermic patients before undergoing assisted reproductive technology.
Mohammad Hasan Sheikhha, Mohammad Ali Zaimy, Saeede Soleimanian, Seyed Mehdi Kalantar, Azam Rasti, Maryam Golzade, Hamid Hoseini Fahraji,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (6-2013)
Abstract
Background: It has been hypothesized that Y-q microdeletion can account for significant proportion of infertility in men. There are three nonoverlapping regions referred to as the "azoozpermia factors" AZFa, AZFb, and AZFc from proximal to distal part of Y-q. These have been defined as spermatogenesis loci, this region deletions have been shown to be involved in male azoospermic or severe oligoozospermic infertility.
Objective: Evaluation the rate of Y-chromosome microdeletions in infertile men.
Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 25 azoospermic infertile men candidate for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were selected as case group. For control group, 25 normoozoospemric men were selected. All cases and controls had normal 46XY karyotype. DNA extraction and molecular analysis were done on blood samples. Multiplex-PCR method was done to identify the presence of microdeletion in AZFa, AZFb or AZFc loci. Eight STS primers that include two controls were selected to determine Y-chromosome microdeletions.
Results: 20% (5/25) of all patients have at least one microdeletion in more than one region of AZF loci. Totally 17 microdeletions was observed, one case had deletions in three AZF regions, and 4 cases had deletions in two AZF regions. The rate of deletions was 42% (7/17) for AZFc, 35% (6/17) for AZFa and 23% (4/17) for AZFb.
Conclusion: The molecular DNA analysis could help us to know the real cause of infertility and can give good information for good decision for example in men whit microdeletions who want to undertake ICSI procedure the deletions will be passed to their son.
Mohammad Ali Zaimy, Seyyed Mehdi Kalantar, Mohammad Hasan Sheikhha, Tahere Jahaninejad, Hossein Pashaiefar, Jalal Ghasemzadeh, Mahnaz Zahraei,
Volume 11, Issue 6 (9-2013)
Abstract
Background: About 15% of couples have infertility problems which 40% of them are related to the male factors. Genetic factors are candidate for about 10% of male infertility conditions. Among these, AZFa, AZFb, AZFc and AZFd regions on the Yq are considered most important for spermatogenesis. Microdeletions of these regions are thought to be involved in some cases of azoospermic or oligospermic infertile men.
Objective: We studied the prevalence of AZF microdeletions among Iranian infertile men with non-obstructive azoospermia and oligospermia.
Materials and Methods: A total of 50 Iranian azoospermic and oligospermic infertile men were selected for case group and 50 men with normal spermogram as control group. The molecular study of Y chromosome microdeletions was done by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (M-PCR) method by using of 13 sequence tagged site (STS) markers from AZF region.
Results: Four (8%) patients showed Y chromosome microdeletions among case group, deletion in AZFc region was the most frequent (80%) followed by AZFb (20%), in AZFa and AZFd region we did not detect any deletions. No deletion was detected in control group; the ratio of Y chromosome microdeletion in azoospermic men was higher than this ratio in oligospermic men [19% (3/16) among azoospermic men and 3% (1/34) among oligospermics]. Serum FSH level in men with microdeletions was higher than this level in men with no deletions (p=0.034).
Conclusion: Because of relatively high prevalence of microdeletions on the long arm of Y chromosome among Iranian azoospermic and oligospermic patients, screening of this microdeletion may be advised to infertile men particularly azoospermic and oligospermic men before using assisted reproductive treatments.
Zhi Hong Zhang, Hai Bo Zhu, Lei Lei Li, Yang Yu, Hong Guo Zhang, Rui Zhi Liu,
Volume 11, Issue 7 (10-2013)
Abstract
Background: Previous researches about the effect of smoking on semen quality are contradictory, and the mechanism behind the harmful effect of smoking on semen quality still remains unclear until today.
Objective: The objectives of this study are evaluation of the relationship between smoking and fertility, investigation of the effects of cigarette smoking on sperm parameters and detection of presence of leukocytes within the semen of idiopathic infertile men from Northeastern China.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of 1512 infertile patients who visited affiliated hospitals of Jilin University from 2007-2010 were enrolled in this study. Patients were assigned into one non-smoking and one smoking group which was divided into mild, moderate and heavy subgroups. Sperm parameters (including leukocytes) and sperm morphology analysis were performed using standard techniques.
Results: Compared with non-smokers, smokers had a significant decrease in semen volumes (p=0.006), rapid progressive motility (p=0.002) and sperm viability (p=0.019); moreover, smokers had a significant increase in the levels of immotile sperms (p=0.005) and semen leukocytes (p=0.002); pH and sperm concentration were not statistically significant (p=0.789 and p=0.297 respectively). Sperm motion parameters were all lower in the smokers except for beat-cross frequency (Hz) (BCF). Further, the percentage of normal morphology sperm was decreased significantly in smokers (p=0.003), the sperm morphology was worse with increasing degree of smoking.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that smoking leads to a significant decline in semen quality and higher levels of leukocytes, thus smoking may affects the fertilization efficiency.
Rubina Tabassum Siddiqui, Nosheen Mujtaba, Mamoona Naz,
Volume 11, Issue 8 (11-2013)
Abstract
Background: Microdeletions of the azoospermia factor locus of the long arm of Y chromosome are an etiological factor of severe oligozoospermia or azoospermia.
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Y-chromosome microdeletions in AZF region and their role in infertility in Pakistani population.
Materials and Methods: The type of deletions in AZF locus were detected in infertile men (n=113) and the association of Y chromosome microdeletions with male infertility was assessed by including men (50) with normal karyotype and having children. Y chromosome microdeletions were detected by multiplex PCR using 10 sequence tagged sites namely sY81, sY130, sY141, sY142, sY155, sY157, sY160, sY182, sY231, and sY202 that covered all three regions of AZF.
Results: Individuals with severe oligozoospermia showed 2.86% deletion frequency in AZFc region as compared to azoospermic males (5.5%).
Conclusion: The results of our study showed that deletions in Y chromosome are not playing major part in male infertility. Moreover, multiplex-PCR strategy might preferably be employed for the detection of Y chromosome microdeletions allied to male infertility.
