Seminal soluble fas relationship with oxidative stress in infertile men with varicocele

Research advances in inflammation and oxidative stress in varicocele-induced male infertility: a narrative review

ABSTRACT

Varicocele, the most common and treatable cause of male infertility, significantly impacts fertility. The pathophysiological mechanisms of varicocele have not been fully understood yet. Recent studies have focused on the pathophysiology of varicocele-induced infertility, highlighting inflammation and oxidative stress as key contributing factors. We reviewed recent research on the roles of inflammation and oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of varicocele and found that they negatively impact semen parameters, spermatogenesis, and testicular and epididymal function. In addition, this article summarizes the related factors of inflammation and oxidative stress caused by varicocele. Finally, a brief consideration on the treatments to address inflammation and oxidative stress is proposed. This review may provide treatment options and targets for varicocele-induced infertility. However, the relationship between inflammation and oxidative stress in varicocele still needs further study.

A systematic review on the effectiveness of herbal interventions for the treatment of male infertility

Background: Male infertility is an emerging health issue in the world today. Surgical interventions for the treatment of male infertility are available but are quite expensive. Herbal interventions pose a popular alternative for the treatment of infertility. However, much has to be learned regarding their safety and efficacy. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of herbal interventions in male infertility and also assess the possibility of these interventions as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the future. Method: From inception until 16 December 2021, all articles emphasizing the efficacy of herbal interventions in the treatment of male infertility are included in this review. Seven databases are searched. The literature obtained is screened and extracted. Semen parameters, hormonal concentration, and conception are the outcomes of interest. Results: A total of 19 articles were included in this review. Herbal interventions might improve semen parameters in males with infertility. Among all the interventions, Hochu-ekki-to and W. somnifera have shown the most promising results and should be studied further in a larger sample size. Conclusion: This systematic review has demonstrated the efficacy of herbal interventions, especially Hochu-ekki-to and W. somnifera, in treating male infertility.

Varicocele associated male infertility: cellular and molecular perspectives of pathophysiology

BACKGROUND

Varicocele is a common risk factor associated with reduced male fertility potential. The current understanding of varicocele pathophysiology does not completely explain the clinical manifestation of infertility. The present treatment options such as antioxidant supplementation and varicocelectomy only helps ∼35% of men to achieve spontaneous pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to summarize the available knowledge on cellular and molecular alterations implicated to varicocele associated male infertility and also highlights the new knowledge generated by 'Omics' technologies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane and Google Scholar databases are searched using different combinations of keywords (varicocele, infertile/fertile men with varicocele, cellular changes, molecular mechanisms, proteome, epigenome, transcriptome and metabolome). A total of 229 relevant human and animal studies published till 2021 were included in this review.

RESULTS

Current understanding advocates oxidative stress (OS) as a major contributory factor to the varicocele associated male infertility. Excessive OS causes alteration in testicular microenvironment and sperm DNA fragmentation which further contributes to infertility. Molecular and omics studies have identified several promising biomarkers such as AAMP, SPINT1, MKI67 (genetic markers), sperm quality and function related protein markers, global sperm DNA methylation level (epigenetic marker), Hspa2, Protamine, Gadd7, Dynlt1 and Beclin1 (mRNA markers), PRDX2, HSPA, APOA2, YKL40 (seminal protein markers), total choline and PHGDH (metabolic markers).

DISCUSSION

Mature spermatozoa harbours a plethora of molecular information in form of proteome, epigenome and transcriptome; which could provide very important clues regarding pathophysiology of varicocele associated infertility. Recent molecular and omics studies in infertile men with varicocele have identified several promising biomarkers. Upon further validation with larger and well-defined studies, some of these biomarkers could aid in varicocele management.

CONCLUSION

The present evidences suggest inclusion of OS and sperm DNA fragmentation tests could be useful to the diagnostic workup for men with varicocele. Furthermore, including precise molecular markers may assist in diagnostics and prognostics of varicocele associated male infertility. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Expression of proapoptotic receptors Fas/Fas-L on sperm cells and levels of their soluble forms in seminal fluid from patients with varicocele

Varicocele is a condition in which the pampiniform venous plexus in the scrotum dilates abnormally during puberty, affecting testicular growth and semen parameters, and is thought to be a major cause of male infertility. The findings of researches on the presence of the Fas system in sperm are controversial. As the main triggers of apoptosis in the semen of patients with varicocele, in this study, we examined the expression of Fas/Fas-L on sperm cells and also the levels of their soluble forms in seminal plasma. Semen samples were taken from 45 patients with varicocele (study group) and 45 healthy subjects without varicocele (control group) after 3-5 days of ejaculatory abstinence. Flow cytometry was used to examine the expression of Fas and Fas ligand (Fas-L) on Sperm cells. Furthermore, soluble Fas (sFas) and soluble Fas-Ligand (sFas-L) levels in the seminal fluid were determined using an ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). The presence of Fas and Fas-L proteins on the sperm ejaculation surface was not found in the patients with varicocele or the control groups. However, in the case group (3.32 ± 0.31 ng/mL), sFas seminal concentrations were slightly lower than in the control group (5.50 ± 0.36 ng/mL) (p < 0.001). In varicocele patients, there was a strong negative association between seminal sFas and sperm motility. Apoptosis effects through this system on key sperm parameters were not found based on our findings. In varicocele, a reduction in sperm count and motility does not seem to be due to Fas-related mechanisms, but rather to other mechanisms.

Assessment of seminal calcium and magnesium levels in infertile men with varicocele before and after varicocelectomy

BACKGROUND

Trace elements perform a vital role in all stages of human physiology, as well as reproduction.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess seminal calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) in infertile men associated with varicocele (Vx).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Overall, 50 men were divided into two groups: fertile men (n = 20) and infertile men who were scheduled for Vx surgical repair (n = 30). Exclusion criteria were as follows: azoospermia, smoking, leukocytospermia, and consumption of Ca and/or Mg supplements. All cases were subjected to history taking and clinical examination. Semen analysis and assessment of seminal Ca and Mg by the colorimetric method were carried out for all cases at the base point and 3 months postvaricocelectomy.

RESULTS

Generally, the mean seminal Ca and Mg levels demonstrated significant decreases in infertile men with Vx compared with the healthy fertile men linked to higher Vx grade as well as Vx bilaterality. These seminal decreases demonstrated significant increases after Vx surgical repair. Collectively, seminal Ca and Mg levels showed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.665, p= 0.001). Besides, seminal Ca, Mg levels, and Ca/Mg ratio showed significant positive correlation with sperm concentration (r = 0.479, p = 0.001; r = 0.541, p = 0.001; r = 0.282, p = 0.001, respectively), sperm motility percentage (r = 0.493, p = 0.001; r = 0.477, p = 0.001; r = 0.353, P = 0.001, respectively), and sperm normal forms percentage (r = 0.578, p = 0.001; r = 0.520, p = 0.001; r = 0.430, p = 0.001, respectively).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Seminal Ca and Mg levels and Ca/Mg ratio are significantly decreased in infertile men associated with Vx compared with fertile men with significant increases after varicocelectomy.

Chronic scrotal hyperthermia induces azoospermia and severe damage to testicular tissue in mice

Scrotal hyperthermia leads to altered spermatogenesis due to heat-related oxidative stress. One of the main causes of infertility in men is oxidative stress, which refers to an imbalance in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of chronic scrotal hyperthermia on testicular tissue structure, sperm parameters, and oxidative stress in adult mice. Thirty adult NMRI male mice were divided into three groups: Control (n = 10), Sham (n = 10), and Hyperthermia (n = 10). At the end of the study animals were sacrificed for evaluations of biochemical, cellular and histological analysis. The Hyperthermia group revealed a significant reduction in sperm count and weight of testis when compared to the control and sham groups. Also, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity, ROS, ATP production, glutathione disulfide (GSH), tiols metabolism and stereological parameters in the hyperthermia group showed a significant reduction compared to the control and sham groups. Our results also revealed that scrotal hyperthermia significantly increases ROS production, mitochondrial membrane permeability (MMP), malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and apoptotic cells in testicular tissue in the hyperthermia groups in comparison with the control and sham groups. Overall, our result indicated that chronic scrotal hyperthermia causes complete spermatogenic arrest, probably mainly throughout the induction of oxidative stress.

Antioxidant-Based Therapies in Male Infertility: Do We Have Sufficient Evidence Supporting Their Effectiveness?

Under physiological conditions, reactive oxygen species (ROS) play pivotal roles in various processes of human spermatozoa. Indeed, semen requires the intervention of ROS to accomplish different stages of its maturation. However, ROS overproduction is a well-documented phenomenon occurring in the semen of infertile males, potentially causing permanent oxidative damages to a vast number of biological molecules (proteins, nucleic acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids of biological membrane lipids), negatively affecting the functionality and vitality of spermatozoa. ROS overproduction may concomitantly occur to the excess generation of reactive nitrogen species (RNS), leading to oxidative/nitrosative stress and frequently encountered in various human pathologies. Under different conditions of male infertility, very frequently accompanied by morpho-functional anomalies in the sperm analysis, several studies have provided evidence for clear biochemical signs of damages to biomolecules caused by oxidative/nitrosative stress. In the last decades, various studies aimed to verify whether antioxidant-based therapies may be beneficial to treat male infertility have been carried out. This review analyzed the results of the studies published during the last ten years on the administration of low-molecular-weight antioxidants to treat male infertility in order to establish whether there is a sufficient number of data to justify antioxidant administration to infertile males. An analysis of the literature showed that only 30 clinical studies tested the effects of the administration of low-molecular-weight antioxidants (administered as a single antioxidant or as a combination of different antioxidants with the addition of vitamins and/or micronutrients) to infertile males. Of these studies, only 33.3% included pregnancy and/or live birth rates as an outcome measure to determine the effects of the therapy. Of these studies, only 4 were case–control studies, and only 2 of them found improvement of the pregnancy rate in the group of antioxidant-treated patients. Additionally, of the 30 studies considered in this review, only 43.3% were case–control studies, 66.7% enrolled a number of patients higher than 40, and 40% carried out the administration of a single antioxidant. Therefore, it appears that further studies are needed to clearly define the usefulness of antioxidant-based therapies to treat male infertility.

Increased Sperm DNA Fragmentation in Infertile Men with Varicocele: Relationship with Apoptosis, Seminal Oxidative Stress, and Spermatic Parameters

This study intends to determine the extent of nuclear sperm injury in patients with varicocele and to investigate its relationship with apoptosis and oxidative stress (OS). Ejaculated sperm samples from 51 patients diagnosed with varicocele and 29 fertile men were examined. According to the guidelines, the patient's sperm samples were classified into varicocele with normal semen parameters (n = 11) and varicocele with abnormal semen parameters (n = 40). Sperm DNA fragmentation was assessed using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. The proportion of both viable and dead spermatozoa with externalized phosphatidylserine (PS) was detected by the bivariate annexin V/6-CFDA staining method. Seminal malondialdehyde (MDA) amounts and antioxidant enzymes activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured spectrophotometrically. Sperm DNA fragmentation, viable spermatozoa with externalized PS, and MDA levels were significantly higher in studied subgroups of patients with varicocele, either with normal or with abnormal semen parameters than controls. The seminal antioxidant enzymes activities were significantly reduced in both subgroups of patients with varicocele compared to the controls. The percentage of spermatozoa with fragmented DNA was positively correlated to the MDA level as well as the proportion of viable spermatozoa with externalized PS. However, the decreased seminal antioxidant status was negatively correlated with the increased proportion of sperm DNA fragmentation and apoptotic spermatozoa. Impaired seminal antioxidant profile and increased seminal level of lipid peroxidation may be involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms of cell death-mediated DNA breaks in patients with varicocele.

Testosterone amplifies HSP70-2a, HSP90 and PCNA expression in experimental varicocele condition: Implication for DNA fragmentation

The DNA fragmentation and failure in post-meiotic maturation of the spermatozoa because of testosterone withdrawal can affect the fertilization potential in varicocele (VCL) patients. To find out the exact mechanism of VCL-induced failure in histone-protamine replacement process and DNA fragmentation, the correlations between the levels of expression of HSP70-2a, HSP90, PCNA, TP1/2 and PCNA genes and the patterns of DNA methylation were investigated before and after testosterone administration in rats. In total, 40 mature male Wistar rats (10 in each group) were assigned between control (with no intervention), control-sham (undergone a simple laparotomy), VCL-induced (VCL-sole), and testosterone-treated VCL-induced (VCLT) groups. The HSP70-2a, HSP90, PCNA, TP1, and TP2 genes expressions and the patterns of global DNA methylation were determined in all groups. A statistically significant (p < 0.05) reduction were found in the HSP70-2a, HSP90, PCNA, TP1 and TP2 genes expressions in VCL-sole group. In VCLT group, testosterone was shown to significantly (p < 0.05) up-regulate the HSP70-2a, HSP90, PCNA, and TP2expression levels, but TP1 expression has not been changed. Furthermore, the VCLT group exhibited higher DNA methylation rates compared to VCL-sole animals. In conclusion, testosterone, by up-regulating the HSP70-2a and HSP90 expressions and maintaining the pre-existing HSP70-2a and HSP90 proteins levels, may be the reason for the significant increment in TP2 expression during post-meiotic stage and can boost the global methylation rates of DNA via up-regulating the PCNA expression, suggesting that administration of testosterone can mitigate the VCL-impaired histone-protamine replacement and DNA methylation rates and protect the cellular DNA content from VCL-induced oxidative stress.

Pathophysiology and treatment options of varicocele: An overview

Varicocele is the most common correctable cause for male infertility, but not all men with varicocele are affected equally by this condition. The pathophysiology of varicocele-induced fertility remains ill-defined. While evidence suggests that oxidative stress remains a central factor, other mechanisms likely include scrotal hyperthermia, reflux of metabolites, hypoxia and cadmium accumulation. Microsurgical varicocelectomy remains the gold standard treatment option for infertile men with a clinically palpable varicocele and abnormal semen parameters. Newer evidence suggests a potential role for antioxidant supplementation and a meaningful role of varicocelectomy for patients destined for ART to improve pregnancy outcomes.

Association between seminal granulysin and malondialdehyde in infertile men with varicocele and the potential effect of varicocelectomy

This study assessed the seminal plasma granulysin and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in patients suffering from varicocele-associated infertility prior to and after varicocelectomy. This study was conducted on 34 infertile men with varicocele (group A) and same patients after varicocelectomy (group B) and 32 fertile normozoospermic males (group C). A detailed history taking, clinical examination, scrotal doppler ultrasound for varicocele diagnosis and grading, semen analysis and estimation of seminal granulysin and MDA before and after varicocelectomy were done to all participants. The mean (SD) granulysin and MDA levels in patients with varicocele were higher than in controls with highly significant differences. Post-operatively, there was a significant reduction in mean (SD) granulysin and in MDA level. Basal seminal granulysin positively correlated with basal seminal MDA, abnormal forms and negatively correlated with basal sperm count, concentration, and progressive motility. The receiver operating characteristic curve of seminal granulysin and MDA levels were conducted for discrimination between infertility cases with varicocele and control groups. Excellent AUCs were found for both markers (AUC = 0.971, 0.991 respectively). We concluded that high levels of granulysin and MDA in the semen of infertile males with varicocele negatively impact their spermatogenesis. Varicocelectomy leads to the improvement of semen parameters and significantly decreases seminal plasma granulysin and MDA levels. Hence, seminal granulysin and MDA could be used as a prognostic test in infertile patients with varicocele.

Seminal SIRT1-oxidative stress relationship in infertile oligoasthenoteratozoospermic men with varicocele after its surgical repair

This work assessed seminal SIRT1-oxidative stress (OS) relationship in infertile oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (OAT) men after varicocele repair. Overall, thirty OAT men with varicocele were investigated. Inclusion criteria were infertile males (males who were unable to initiate a pregnancy within 1 year of regular unprotected intercourse), confirmed OAT and normal female factor. These cases were subjected to history taking, clinical checkup and semen analysis. In their semen, seminal SIRT1, malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels were assessed. These men were subjected to varicocele surgical repair and were followed up for 3 months. Post-operatively, the mean seminal SIRT1, GPx levels showed significant increases and the mean MDA level showed significant decrease compared to the pre-operative levels linked to improved sperm parameters. The mean seminal SIRT1, GPx, MDA levels showed more significant improvement in grade III varicocele cases compared to grade II cases after surgical repair. Seminal SIRT1 levels showed significant positive correlations with sperm concentration, sperm motility, sperm normal morphology, seminal GPx levels and a significant negative correlation with seminal MDA levels. It could be concluded that seminal SIRT1 is significantly decreased in infertile OAT men with varicocele after its surgical repair linked to improved sperm parameters as well as seminal OS.

GYY4137 a H2S donor, attenuates ipsilateral epididymis injury in experimentally varicocele-induced rats via activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway

OBJECTIVES

The current study was aimed to investigate the effect of morpholin-4-ium 4 methoxyphenyl (morpholino) phosphinodithioate (GYY4137) on ipsilateral epididymis injury in a rat model of experimental varicocele (VC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty Wistar rats were randomly assigned to sham, sham plus GYY4137, VC and VC plus GYY4137 groups. Sperm quality parameters, including sperm count, motility and viability were evaluated after 4 weeks. Histological changes were measured by hematoxylin and eosin staining between the groups. The oxidative stress levels were estimated by determining epididymal superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA). The apoptosis status and the expression of phosphatidylinositol 3'-OH kinase (PI3K)/Akt were analyzed by immunohistochemical analysis, western blot and RT-qPCR.

RESULTS

VC resulted in the decrease of sperm parameters, significant histological damage and higher levels of oxidative stress and apoptosis. Compared to the VC group, GYY4137 markedly ameliorated these observed changes. In addition, treatment with GYY4137 obviously reduced the levels of caspase-3 and Bax and increased the levels of the phosphorylation of PI3K p85 and Akt.

CONCLUSION

Our data demonstrated that GYY4137 may alleviate the sperm damage and epididymis injury in experimentally VC-induced rats by activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Protective effect of MOTILIPERM in varicocele-induced oxidative injury in rat testis by activating phosphorylated inositol requiring kinase 1α (p-IRE1α) and phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK) pathways

CONTEXT

MOTILIPERM was prepared as a mixture of extracts of three medicinal herbs [roots of Morinda officinalis How (Rubiaceae), outer scales of Allium cepa L. (Liliaceae) and seeds of Cuscuta chinensis Lamark (Convolvulaceae)].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-based endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in a rat model of varicocele and the therapeutic efficacy of MOTILIPERM in this model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty male rats were divided into five experimental groups: a normal control group (CTR + vehicle), a control group administered MOTILIPERM 200 mg/kg (CTR + M 200), a varicocele-induced control group (VC + vehicle) and two varicocele-induced groups administered MOTILIPERM 100 (VC + M 100) or 200 (VC + M 200) mg/kg for 4 weeks. Testis weights were recorded and serums were assayed for hormone concentrations. Tissues were subjected to semen analysis, histopathology, analyses of ER response protein expression levels and oxidative stress were assessed by measuring ROS, reactive nitrogen species (RNS), malondialdehyde (MDA) level and ratios of total glutathione (GSH)/oxidized GSH (GSSG).

RESULTS

MOTILIPERM treatment of varicocele-induced groups significantly increased left testis weight, testosterone level, sperm motility, count and spermatogenic cell density. ER-response protein expression levels were dose-dependently decreased in VC + M 200 group compared with VC + vehicle group. MOTILIPERM treatment also decreased MDA and ROS/RNS level but increased GSH/GSSG ratio.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that ROS-related ER stress may play a major role in varicocele-induced infertility and MOTILIPERM, a novel compound targeting ROS-based ER stress, may be therapeutically useful in treatment of varicocele, or as a supplement for the treatment of infertility.

Pectinase-treated Panax ginseng protects heat stress-induced testicular damage in rats

Testicular hyperthermia is well studied to cause impaired spermatogenesis. In the present study, the protective effect of enzymatically modified (pectinase-treated) Panax ginseng (GINST) against intermittent sub-chronic heat stress-induced testicular damage in rats was investigated. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: normal control (NC), heat-stressed control (HC), heat-stressed plus GINST-100 mg/kg/day (HG100) and heat-stressed plus GINST-200 mg/kg/day (HG200) treatment groups. GINST (100 and 200 mg/kg/day) was mixed separately with a regular pellet diet and was administered orally for 8 weeks starting from 1 week before heat exposure. Parameters such as organ weight, blood chemistry, sperm kinetic values, expression of antioxidant enzymes, spermatogenesis molecules and sex hormone receptors levels were measured. Data revealed that kidney and epididymis weight were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased with heat stress and recovered by GINST treatment. Further, the altered levels of blood chemistry panels and sperm kinetic values in heat stress-induced rats were attenuated when GINST was administered (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the expression levels of antioxidant-related enzymes (GSTM5 and GPX4), spermatogenesis-related proteins (CREB1 and INHA) and sex hormone receptors (androgen receptor, luteinizing hormone receptor and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor) were reduced by heat stress; however, GINST treatment effectively ameliorated these changes. In conclusion, GINST was effective in reducing heat-induced damage in various male fertility factors in vivo and has considerable potential to be developed as a useful supplement in improving male fertility.

Seminal SIRT1 expression in infertile oligoasthenoteratozoospermic men with varicocoele

In a case-controlled study, we assessed the expressed seminal NAD-dependent protein deacetylase (SIRT1) expression in infertile oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (OAT) men associated with varicocoele. Our study involved 81 men, recruited from the University hospitals, after ethical approval and informed consent. They were allocated into fertile normozoospermic men (n = 23), infertile OAT men without varicocoele (n = 23) and infertile OAT men with varicocoele (n = 35). Inclusion criteria consisted of confirmation of abnormal semen parameters and normal female partners whereas exclusion criteria were leukocytospermia, tobacco smoking, hormonal therapy, immunological disorders, dyslipidemia, hypogonadism, cardiovascular disorders, morbid obesity, and hepatic or renal failures. All participants had an interview to assess clinical history, clinical examination, semen analysis, and estimation of seminal SIRT1 expression. Seminal SIRT1 expression was significantly lower in infertile OAT men than fertile men. Among infertile OAT men, seminal SIRT1 expression was significantly lower in those with varicocoele than in those without. Additionally, seminal SIRT1 expression was significantly lower in varicocoele grade III cases compared with other grades. Seminal SIRT1 expression was positively correlated with sperm concentration (r = 0.327, p = 0.001), total sperm motility (r = 0.532, p = 0.001), and sperm normal forms (r = 0.469, p = 0.001). Our results suggest that seminal SIRT1 expression has a role of male infertility being significantly decreased in infertile OAT men in general and in infertile OAT men associated with varicocoele in particular.

Effect of varicocelectomy and/or mast cells stabilizer on sperm DNA fragmentation in infertile patients with varicocele

This study aimed to assess the effect of varicocelectomy and/or mast cells (MCs) stabilizer on sperm DNA fragmentation in infertile men with varicocele (Vx). Overall, 120 infertile patients were randomized to three equal treatment arms; patients that underwent varicocelectomy, patients on 1 mg ketotifen twice daily for three months, and patients that underwent varicocelectomy followed with 1 mg ketotifen twice daily for three months. These patients were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, semen analysis, and estimation of sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI). After 3 months, all investigated groups showed significant improvement regarding the mean total sperm count, sperm concentration, total sperm motility, and sperm normal forms percentage compared with the pre-treatment data. As well, the mean sperm DFI was significantly improved compared with the pre-treatment data; in men that underwent varicocelectomy (34.6% vs. 28.3%), in men on MC stabilizer only (33.4% vs. 27.8%), and in men that underwent varicocelectomy followed by MC stabilizer (34.3% vs. 25.1%). Sperm DFI improvement percentages showed the highest improvement in men that underwent varicocelectomy followed with MC stabilizer compared with the other two groups (26.8% vs. 18.2%, 16.8%). Sperm DFI improvement percentages showed significant increases in the infertile patients with Vx grade III compared to Vx grade II in all investigated groups. It is concluded that in infertile men associated with Vx and high sperm DFI, surgical repair followed with MCs stabilizer significantly improve sperm DFI compared with either surgical repair or MCs stabilizer alone.

Protective effect of Propolfenol® on induced oxidative stress in human spermatozoa

The propolis extract was shown to possess the capacity to protect sperm membrane from the deleterious action of oxidative attack. Oxidative stress can induce propagation of a lipid peroxidation (LPO) chain reaction because spermatozoa contain high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids. This study aimed at evaluating in vitro the possible toxicity and/or the antioxidant properties of Propolfenol^® in ejaculated human spermatozoa. A colorimetric assay determined the total flavonoid content by spectrophotometry and a high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection analysis the quantity of galangin, pinocembrin and caffeic acid phenylethilic ester (CAPE). Sperm parameters such as motility, vitality and DNA integrity were assessed utilising optical microscopy. The antioxidant properties Propolfenol^® against LPO induced by tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide were evaluated using the C11-BODIPY581/591 probe. Chemical analysis of Propolfenol^® revealed low quantities of galangin, pinocembrin and CAPE; cyclic voltammetry experiments showed that Propolfenol^® may exert an antioxidant activity. A protective action of Propolfenol^® (20 and 100 μg/ml) on induced LPO in human spermatozoa was detected. Propolfenol^® may be proposed as the supplement in media for sperm preparation techniques or cryopreservation to counteract the increased presence of reactive oxygen species generated by these methods.

Assessment of seminal mast cells in infertile men with varicocele after surgical repair

This study aimed to assess seminal mast cells in infertile men associated with varicocele (Vx) pre- and post-surgical repair. Forty-five infertile men associated with Vx were subjected to history taking and clinical examination. In addition, semen parameters and seminal mast cells stained with 1% toluidine blue were estimated pre-varicocelectomy and three months post-varicocelectomy. Vx surgical repair revealed a significant improvement in the mean sperm concentration, progressive sperm motility, total sperm motility and sperm abnormal morphology and a significant decrement in seminal mast cells (mean ± SD, 3.56 ± 2.23 cells per high-power field (HPF) vs. 2.22 ± 1.06 cells per HPF, p = .01). The pre-operative mean mast cell count demonstrated significant increases in cases with Vx grade III compared with other Vx grades and in cases with bilateral Vx compared with unilateral Vx cases. Seminal mast cells demonstrated a significant correlation with sperm concentration, progressive sperm motility and total sperm motility and a nonsignificant correlation with age and sperm abnormal morphology. It is concluded that seminal mast cells decrease significantly in infertile men with Vx after surgical repair showing a significant negative correlation with sperm concentration, progressive sperm motility and total sperm motility.

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) rs2066853 gene polymorphism association with infertile oligoasthenoteratozoospermic men and seminal oxidative stress

This study aimed to assess the association between aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) rs2066853 gene polymorphism with infertile oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (OAT) men and seminal oxidative stress (OS). A total of 170 Egyptian men were allocated according to their semen analysis into fertile normozoospermic controls (n = 50) and infertile OAT men (n = 120). They were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, semen analysis, estimation of seminal glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA). AhR rs2066853 gene polymorphism was identified in the blood by PCR-RFLP. Comparing infertile OAT men with fertile controls, AhR rs2066853 genotypes showed decreased prevalence for wild homozygous genotype GG (35.8 vs 56%) and for heterozygous genotype GA (17.5 vs 30%) and an increased prevalence for homozygous genotype AA (46.7 vs 14%). Distribution of alleles of AhR rs2066853 among OAT men compared with fertile men showed decreased prevalence of G allele (44.6 vs 71%) and an increased prevalence of A allele (55.4 vs 29%). Seminal MDA demonstrated significant increase whereas seminal GPx demonstrated significant decrease in cases with AA and GA/AA genotypes compared to cases with GG genotype. It is concluded that there is a significant association between AhR rs2066853 genotype polymorphism with decreased sperm parameters as well as increased seminal oxidative stress in infertile OAT men.

Seminal miRNA Relationship with Apoptotic Markers and Oxidative Stress in Infertile Men with Varicocele

Aim. This study aimed to assess seminal miRNA relationship with seminal apoptotic markers and oxidative stress (OS) in infertile men associated with varicocele (Vx). Methods. In all, 220 subjects were divided into the following groups: fertile normozoospermic men, fertile normozoospermic men with Vx, infertile oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (OAT) men without Vx, and infertile OAT men with Vx. They were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, and semen analysis. In their semen, the following were estimated: miRNA-122, miRNA-181a, and miRNA-34c5 using quantitative real-time PCR, apoptotic markers (BAX, BCL2) protein expression, and OS markers [malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)]. Results. The mean levels of seminal miRNA-122, miRNA-181a, and miRNA-34c5 were significantly reduced in infertile OAT men with Vx compared with other groups coupled with Vx grade and Vx bilaterality. Seminal miRNA-122, miRNA-181a, and miRNA-34c5 were positively correlated with sperm concentration, total sperm motility, sperm normal morphology, seminal GPx, and seminal BCL2 and negatively correlated with seminal MDA and seminal BAX. Conclusions. Seminal miRNA-122, miRNA-181a, and miRNA-34c5 are decreased in infertile OAT men with Vx associated with increased Vx grade and Vx bilaterality. In addition, they are positively correlated with sperm parameters and negatively correlated with OS, apoptotic markers.

Effect of varicocele on semen characteristics according to the new 2010 World Health Organization criteria: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This study investigated the effects of varicocele on semen parameters in infertile men based on the new 2010 World Health Organization laboratory manual for the examination of human semen. Semen analysis results (volume, sperm count, motility, and morphology) were the primary outcomes. An electronic search to collect the data was conducted using the Medline/PubMed, SJU discover, and Google Scholar databases. We searched articles published from 2010 to August 2015, i.e., after the publication of the 2010 WHO manual. We included only those studies that reported the actual semen parameters of adult infertile men diagnosed with clinical varicocele and contained a control group of either fertile men or normozoospermic men who were not diagnosed with varicocele. Ten studies were included in the meta-analysis, involving 1232 men. Varicocele was associated with reduced sperm count (mean difference: −44.48 × 10⁶ ml⁻¹; 95% CI: −61.45, −27.51 × 10⁶ ml⁻¹; P < 0.001), motility (mean difference: −26.67%; 95% CI: −34.27, −19.08; P < 0.001), and morphology (mean difference: −19.68%; 95% CI: −29.28, −10.07; P < 0.001) but not semen volume (mean difference: −0.23 ml; 95% CI: −0.64, 0.17). Subgroup analyses indicated that the magnitude of effect was influenced by control subtype but not WHO laboratory manual edition used for semen assessment. We conclude that varicocele is a significant risk factor that negatively affects semen quality, but the observed pooled effect size on semen parameters does not seem to be affected by the WHO laboratory manual edition. Given most of the studies published after 2010 still utilized the 1999 manual for semen analysis, further research is required to fully understand the clinical implication of the 2010 WHO laboratory manual on the association between varicocele and semen parameters.

Seminal Corynebacterium strains in infertile men with and without leucocytospermia

This study aimed to identify seminal Corynebacterium strains in infertile men with and without leucocytospermia. Semen samples from 60 infertile men were allocated into two equal groups: semen samples with leucocytospermia and semen samples without leucocytospermia. Semen culture for Corynebacterium species was carried out on Columbia agar medium confirmed by Gram-stained film and biochemical tests followed by analytical profile index biotyping and antibiotic susceptibility. Bacterial isolates were detected in 20/60 semen cultures (33.3%) as Corynebacteria, Staphylococci, Alpha haemolytic streptococci and E. coli. In all, 12/60 (20%) had Corynebacterium positive semen culture, whereas C. seminal was the major isolated species followed by C. amycolatum, C. jekium and C. urealyticum. There was nonsignificant difference between patients with/without Corynebacterium positive culture regarding sperm concentration and normal sperm morphology; however, in positive cultures sperm motility was significantly lower compared with negative cultures. Antimicrobial sensitivity among Corynebacteria strains was highest for vancomycin, rifampicin then imipenem, ampicillin + sulbactam, ciprofloxacin. It is concluded that positive semen cultures for different Corynebacteria species were demonstrated in infertile men, whereas Corynebacterium seminale was the most common isolated species. Vancomycin, rifampicin then imipenem and ampicillin + sulbactam are recommended as sensitive antibiotics.

Seminal cyclooxygenase relationship with oxidative stress in infertile oligoasthenoteratozoospermic men with varicocele

This study aimed to assess the relation of seminal cyclooxygenase COX-1, COX-2 with oxidative stress in infertile oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (OAT) men with varicocele (Vx). In all, 128 men were allocated into fertile men, fertile men with Vx, infertile OAT men without Vx and infertile OAT men with Vx. They were subjected to history taking, clinical examination and semen analysis. Also, seminal COX-1, COX-2, malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were estimated. Mean levels of seminal COX-1, COX-2 were over-expressed, the mean level of seminal MDA was significantly increased, and the mean level of seminal GPx was significantly decreased in infertile OAT men with Vx compared with other groups. Seminal COX-1 and COX-2 were over-expressed in cases with Vx grade III compared with Vx grades I, II cases and in cases with bilateral Vx compared with unilateral Vx. There was significant negative correlation between seminal COX-1 and COX-2 with sperm concentration, sperm motility, sperm normal morphology, seminal GPx and significant positive correlation with seminal MDA. It is concluded that seminal COX-1 and COX-2 are over-expressed in infertile OAT men with Vx compared with fertile men with/without and infertile OAT men without Vx being associated with oxidative stress, Vx grade and Vx laterality.

TNF-α -308 polymorphisms and male infertility risk: A meta-analysis and systematic review

This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies discussing TNF-α -308 polymorphism and male infertility. This study was conformed to Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed, Embase and Scopus databases were searched to identify relevant studies by two independent reviewers. Hazard ratios were pooled using fixed-effect or random-effects models when appropriate. Q-test was performed to evaluate study heterogeneity and publication bias appraised using funnel plots. The search yielded five studies (three of Caucasians ethnicity and 2 of Asian ethnicity) comprising 2939 men (2262 infertile men and 677 fertile controls). Most of the studied cases were carried out on TNF-α promoter region at positions -308 G/A (four studies) where -308 C/T was dealt with in one study. Overall, significant associations between TNF-α -308 gene polymorphisms and idiopathic male infertility risk were observed (fixed effect: OR = 0.472, 95% CI: 0.378-0.589; P = 0.001; random effect: OR = 0.407, 95% CI: 0.211-0.785; P = 0.007) with robust findings according to sensitivity analyses. Funnel plot inspections did not give evidences of publication bias. A stratified analysis performed for ethnic groups revealed significant association in both Caucasian and Asian populations. It is concluded that there are evidences of associations between TNF-α -308 gene polymorphisms and male infertility risk.

Effect of transient scrotal hyperthermia on sperm parameters, seminal plasma biochemical markers, and oxidative stress in men

In this experimental prospective study, we aimed to analyze the effect of transient scrotal hyperthermia on the male reproductive organs, from the perspective of sperm parameters, semen plasma biochemical markers, and oxidative stress, to evaluate whether different frequencies of heat exposure cause different degrees of damage to spermatogenesis. Two groups of volunteers (10 per group) received testicular warming in a 43°C water bath 10 times, for 30 min each time: group 1: 10 consecutive days; group 2: once every 3 days. Sperm parameters, epididymis and accessory sex gland function, semen plasma oxidative stress and serum sex hormones were tested before treatment and in the 16-week recovery period after treatment. At last, we found an obvious reversible decrease in sperm concentration (P = 0.005 for Group 1 and P= 0.008 for Group 2 when the minimums were compared with baseline levels, the same below), motility (P = 0.009 and 0.021, respectively), the hypoosmotic swelling test score (P = 0.007 and 0.008, respectively), total acrosin activity (P = 0.018 and 0.009, respectively), and an increase in the seminal plasma malondialdehyde concentration (P = 0.005 and 0.017, respectively). The decrease of sperm concentration was greater for Group 2 than for Group 1 (P = 0.031). We concluded that transient scrotal hyperthermia seriously, but reversibly, negatively affected the spermatogenesis, oxidative stress may be involved in this process. In addition, intermittent heat exposure more seriously suppresses the spermatogenesis compared to consecutive heat exposure. This may be indicative for clinical infertility etiology analysis and the design of contraceptive methods based on heat stress.

Cytochrome P450-2D6*4 polymorphism seminal relationship in infertile men

This study aimed to assess cytochrome (CY) P450-2D6*4 polymorphism relationship with semen variables in infertile men. In all, 308 men were included; fertile normozoospermia (N) (n = 77), asthenozoospermia (A) (n = 70), asthenoteratozoospermia (AT) (n = 75) and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) (n = 86). They were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, semen analysis, sperm acrosin activity, seminal malondialdehyde (MDA) and CYP450-2D6*4 genotyping. CYP450-2D6*4 wild-type allele was represented in 76.5% of N, 70% of A, 66.7% of AT and 57.7% of OAT men where homozygous gene mutation was present in 5.9% of N, 20% of A, 26.6% of AT and 26.9% of OAT men, respectively. Sperm acrosin activity, sperm concentration, sperm motility, linear sperm velocity and sperm normal forms were significantly higher, and seminal MDA level was significantly lower in men with CYP450-2D6*4 wild-type allele compared with men with homozygous mutation. It is concluded that CYP450-2D6*4 wild-type allele has higher frequency where homozygous-type allele has lower frequency in N men compared with A, AT and OAT men. Sperm acrosin activity index, sperm concentration, sperm motility, linear sperm velocity and sperm normal forms were significantly higher, and seminal MDA level was significantly lower in men with CYP450-2D6*4 wild-type allele compared with men with homozygous mutation.

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphism relationship with semen parameters and oxidative stress in infertile oligoasthenoteratozoospermic men

OBJECTIVE

To assess endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene polymorphism relationship with semen parameters and oxidative stress in infertile oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (OAT) men.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three hundred subjects were divided into healthy fertile men (n = 80) and infertile OAT men (n = 220). They were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, and semen analysis in addition to malondialdehyde and glutathione peroxidase estimation in seminal plasma. Polymorphisms of eNOS G894T and T786C genotypes in peripheral blood were identified by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.

RESULTS

Comparing infertile OAT men with fertile controls, eNOS genotype G894T demonstrated prevalence of 36.8% vs 50% for wild type (GG), 35.0% vs 47.5% for heterozygous type (GT), and 28.2% vs 2.5% for mutant homozygous type (TT). Compared with GG homozygotes, carriers with A allele exhibited >1.716-fold increased risk of OAT occurrence. Comparing infertile OAT men with fertile controls, eNOS genotype T786C demonstrated prevalence of 37.3% vs 51.3% for wild type (TT), 32.7% vs 45% for heterozygous type (TC), and 30% vs 3.7% for mutant type (CC) with significant differences. Compared with TT homozygotes, carriers with C allele exhibited >1.769-fold increased risk of OAT occurrence. G894T and T786C genotypes demonstrated significant negative correlation with sperm count, total sperm motility, sperm normal forms, and seminal glutathione peroxidase, and significant positive correlation with seminal malondialdehyde. G894T genotype demonstrated significant positive correlation with T786C genotype.

CONCLUSION

There is a significant relationship between eNOS genotypes T786C, G894T polymorphisms with decreased sperm parameters and increased seminal oxidative stress.

Ropporin gene expression in infertile asthenozoospermic men with varicocele before and after repair

OBJECTIVE

To assess Ropporin gene expression in the sperm of infertile asthenozoospermic men with varicocele (Vx) before and after repair.

METHODS

This study included 24 infertile asthenozoospermic men with Vx. They were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, scrotal color Doppler, and semen analysis with sperm separation. Three months after varicocelectomy, they were subjected to postoperative color Doppler, semen analysis, and sperm semiquantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction assay for Ropporin gene expression levels.

RESULTS

Ropporin gene expression is significantly associated with different types of sperm motility, except for nonprogressive sperm motility. There was significant Ropporin gene overexpression postvaricocelectomy that was correlated with improved sperm count, sperm motility, and abnormal sperm morphology with decreased veins diameters.

CONCLUSION

Ropporin gene expression is related to the sperm motility. Its abnormal expression in the sperm of asthenozoospermic men with Vx is associated with impaired sperm motility that is improved after varicocelectomy.

Seminal plasma oxytocin and oxidative stress levels in infertile men with varicocele

This study aimed to assess seminal plasma oxytocin (OT) and oxidative stress (OS) levels in infertile men with varicocele (Vx). A total of 131 men were divided into fertile men (n = 20), fertile men with Vx (n = 17), infertile men without Vx (n = 40) and infertile men with Vx (n = 54). OT, malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were estimated in seminal plasma. Mean levels of seminal OT, MDA were significantly decreased, and the mean level of GPx was significantly increased in fertile men with/without Vx compared with infertile men with/without Vx. Mean levels of OT, MDA were increased, and mean level of GPx was significantly decreased in Vx grade III cases compared with Vx grades I, II cases and in bilateral Vx cases compared with unilateral Vx. There was significant negative correlation between seminal OT with sperm count, sperm motility, seminal GPx and significant positive correlation with sperm abnormal forms, seminal MDA. It is concluded that seminal OT is significantly decreased in fertile men with/without Vx compared with infertile men with/without Vx. Seminal OT demonstrated significant negative correlation with sperm count, sperm motility, seminal GPx and significant positive correlation with sperm abnormal forms, seminal MDA. Seminal OT is associated with Vx grade and its bilaterality.

Seminal Helicobacter pylori treatment improves sperm motility in infertile asthenozoospermic men

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of treatment of seminal Helicobacter pylori in infertile asthenozoospermic men.

METHODS

In all, 223 infertile asthenozoospermic men were consecutively selected. They were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, semen analysis, and estimation of H pylori IgA antibodies in their seminal fluid. Infertile men with high seminal H pylori IgA were subjected to triple drug treatment, omeprazole, 20 mg; tinidazole, 500 mg; and clarithromycin, 250 mg twice a day for 2 weeks. Semen analysis as well as H pylori IgA antibodies was estimated after 3 months.

RESULTS

In all, 22 of 223 men (9.87%) demonstrated H pylori IgA antibodies in their seminal plasma. After treatment, mean seminal H pylori IgA levels demonstrated significant decrease (1.55 ± 0.4 vs 0.52 ± 0.26; 95% confidence interval, 0.83-1.21; P = .001) concomitant with improved progressive as well as nonprogressive sperm motility. H pylori IgA antibodies demonstrated significant negative correlation with progressive sperm motility, nonprogressive sperm motility, normal sperm morphology, and significant positive correlation with immotile sperm motility.

CONCLUSION

H pylori treatment significantly improves sperm motility in infertile asthenozoospermic men with elevated seminal H pylori IgA.

Antioxidative protective effect of icariin on the FeSO4/H 2O 2-damaged human sperm based on confocal raman micro-spectroscopy

Oxidative stress is implicated in male infertility and significantly higher reactive oxygen species are detected in 25% of infertile males. Although different agents of various alternative medicines, including traditional Chinese medicine, have been tried with varying success, evidence remains limited on whether and how much herbs or supplements might help increase the anti-oxidant ability of the sperm. This study examined the anti-oxidative effects of icariin, a flavonoid isolated from Herba Epimedii, on the human sperm. We prepared the FeSO4/H2O2-damaged human sperms, which were co-cultured with icariin in vitro, and then observed the changes of the sperm by employing Raman micro-spectroscopy. The results showed that Raman mapping with a 514 nm excitation laser allowed clear differentiation of the nucleus, neck, and, in particular, the mitochondria-rich middle piece of a human sperm cell. The effect of icariin on different organelles of the sperm was quantified by localized spectral Raman signatures obtained within milli-seconds, and icariin could keep the "Raman fingerprint" of the human sperm the same as the control groups, suggesting that icariin could protect the human sperm from being damaged by FeSO4/H2O2. Icariin may serve as a tonifying and replenishing agent of herbal origin for enhancing reproductive functions.

Exogenous melatonin supplementation prevents oxidative stress-evoked DNA damage in human spermatozoa

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are essential for sperm physiological functions such as capacitation, hyperactivation, and acrosome reaction, on the one hand, and for stimulating the apoptotic processes involved in the regulation of spermatogenesis, on the other hand. However, the imbalance between production and removal of ROS leads to oxidative stress, which is referred to as one of the main factors involved in male infertility. The pineal hormone melatonin, given its low toxicity and well-known antioxidant capacity, could be an excellent candidate to improve sperm quality. For this reason, the objective of the present work was to analyze whether long-term supplementation with melatonin to infertile men affects human sperm quality and the quality of the embryos retrieved from their couples. Our findings showed that the daily supplementation of 6 mg melatonin, as early as after 45 days of treatment, produced an increase in melatonin endogenous levels, indirectly measured as urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6-s), an enhancement of both urinary and seminal total antioxidant capacity, and a consequent reduction in oxidative damage caused in sperm DNA. Moreover, couples whose men were given melatonin showed a statistically significant increase in the percentage of grade A (embryo with blastomeres of equal size; no cytoplasmic fragmentation), B (embryo with blastomeres of equal size; minor cytoplasmic fragmentation), and C (embryo with blastomeres of distinctly unequal size; significant cytoplasmic fragmentation) embryos at the expense of grade D (embryo with blastomeres of equal or unequal size; severe or complete fragmentation.) embryos which were clearly reduced. In summary, melatonin supplementation improves human sperm quality, which is essential to achieve successful natural and/or assisted reproduction outcome.

Seminal BAX and BCL2 gene and protein expressions in infertile men with varicocele

OBJECTIVE

To assess seminal BAX and BCL2 gene and protein expressions in infertile men with varicocele (Vx).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 111 men were investigated and divided into the following groups: healthy fertile men (n = 20), fertile men with Vx (n = 16), infertile oligoasthenoteratozoospermic men without Vx (n = 29), and infertile oligoasthenoteratozoospermic men with Vx (n = 46). They were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, and semen analysis. In their seminal plasma, BAX and BCL2 gene and protein expressions were estimated.

RESULTS

The mean level of seminal BAX gene and protein was significantly decreased, and the mean level of seminal BCL2 gene and protein was significantly increased in fertile men compared with fertile men with Vx and in infertile men without Vx compared with infertile men with Vx. The mean level of seminal BAX gene and protein were significantly increased in men associated with bilateral Vx compared with men associated with unilateral Vx and in cases with Vx grade III compared with Vx grade I and II cases. Seminal BAX demonstrated significant negative correlation with sperm concentration, sperm motility, and sperm normal forms. Seminal BCL2 demonstrated significant positive correlation with sperm concentration, sperm motility, and sperm normal forms and significant negative correlation with seminal BAX.

CONCLUSION

Seminal BAX is significantly increased and seminal BCL2 is significantly decreased in men associated with Vx. Seminal BAX is significantly increased in men associated with bilateral Vx compared with unilateral Vx and in cases with Vx grade III compared with Vx grade I and II cases. Seminal BAX demonstrates significant negative correlation with sperm concentration, sperm motility, and sperm normal forms, whereas seminal BCL2 demonstrates significant reverse positive correlations.

Confocal mirco-Raman spectroscopic analysis of the antioxidant protection mechanism of the oligosaccharides extracted from Morinda officinalis on human sperm DNA

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVENCE

Male infertility is a stressful and frustrating problem for the society, but a number of male infertility treatments are available as traditional Chinese medicine strategies which have been tried with variable success, while evidence is still limited on whether-or how much-herbs or supplements might help increase fertility, so the aim of this study was to investigate if the oligosaccharides extracted from Morinda officialis, a Chinese herb, is the active constituents to the fertility.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, we prepared the H2O2-demaged human sperm, cocultured with the oligosaccharides in vitro, then observed the changes of the DNA using confocal micro-Raman spectroscopy, and comparative analysis the differences of the spectra of different treated groups.

RESULTS

The results showed that the oligosaccharides extracted from Morinda officialis can keep the "Raman fingerprints" of the human sperm DNA almost the same as those of the control groups, but very different from the H2O2-induced groups, especially the intensity of bands at 787, 993, 1094, 1254, 1340, 1376, 1421, 1443, 1487, 1577 and 1662cm(-1) which could be as potential targets for the drugs finding, and further principal component analysis was successfully used to classify the Raman spectra of normal control and model groups.

CONCLUSION

This results suggested that the oligosaccharides can protect the DNA of human sperm from being damaged by H2O2, and which was one of the active constituents of Morinda officialis on treating infertility. It was also demonstrated that Morinda officialis as a tonifying and replenishing natural herb medicine can be used to enhance reproductive functions, and the Raman spectroscopy could be an applicable technology for screening active components in vitro from herbs.