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Shahmirzadi AS, Shafi H, Shirafkan H, Memariani Z, Gorji N, Moeini R. Effect of Medicago sativa seed powder (Plus vitamin E vs. vitamin E alone) on semen analysis in men with idiopathic infertility: A double blind randomized clinical trial. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 322:117606. [PMID: 38103848 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Different parts of the alfalfa plant (Medicago sativa L.), especially its seeds, have been introduced as a semen quality enhancer in the folk medicine of different regions of Iran as well as in the traditional Persian medicine (PM) books. The seeds of this plant are also used in many combined medicines to treat male infertility in PM. AIM OF THE STUDY This study was designed to investigate the effect of M. sativa seed powder plus vitamin E vs. vitamin E alone on semen analysis of men with idiopathic infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this randomized clinical trial, 60 participants were randomly divided into two groups and then received M. sativa seed powder (6 g daily) or placebo for three months, as add-on to vitamin E (100 U). Results of semen analysis (sperm total count, motility, and morphology as well as semen volume) of these two groups and their changes were compared before and after treatment as the primary outcome. The number of pregnancies after one month and probable side effects were also assessed. RESULTS After 12 weeks, sperm total count changed from 36.2 ± 21.8 × 106/ml to 48.5 ± 19.1 × 106/ml in M. sativa and from 39.5 ± 23.5 × 106/ml to 41.2 ± 20.9 × 106/ml in placebo, percentage of normal morphology changed from 1.8 ± 0.8% to 2.6 ± 1.2 % in M. sativa and from 2.0 ± 0.9% to 2.6 ± 1.2% in placebo and percentage of motile sperm changed from 36.5 ± 11.8 % to 39.7 ± 12.0% in M. sativa and from 39.3 ± 10.1 % to 38.1 ± 12.1% in placebo. The improvements in M. sativa group are significantly better than placebo group (P = 0.00, 0.01 and 0.04, respectively). However, semen volume decreased in both groups, but its changes were not significant. The number of pregnancies was four in the intervention and zero in placebo group. One case with abdominal bloating and one with respiratory allergy withdrew from the intervention group. No other adverse effect was reported. CONCLUSIONS In this study, significant improvement was detected in sperm parameters (except semen volume) of men with idiopathic infertility in M. sativa plus vitamin E group in compare to vitamin E alone after 12 weeks. These findings suggest that the M. sativa, as a complementary therapy, may have a beneficial effect on semen quality. More clinical trials with larger sample size are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hamid Shafi
- Fatemeh Zahra Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | | | - Zahra Memariani
- Traditional Medicine and History of Medical Sciences Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Narjes Gorji
- Traditional Medicine and History of Medical Sciences Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Reihaneh Moeini
- Traditional Medicine and History of Medical Sciences Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
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Takeshima T, Mihara T, Tomita M, Kuroda S, Yumura Y, Ueno H, Yamamoto M, Murase M. Add-on effects of oral tocopherol supplementation to surgical varicocelectomy on the outcome of assisted reproductive technology: a single-center pilot study report. Front Reprod Health 2024; 5:1325566. [PMID: 38318605 PMCID: PMC10839009 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1325566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Varicocelectomy is well known to improve the pregnancy outcome of patients with clinical varicoceles in assisted reproductive technologies as well as spontaneous conception. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the additional effects of oral antioxidant therapy after varicocelectomy on the pregnancy outcome in the assisted reproductive technology setting. Methods This study was a retrospective cohort study. The subjects were couples among whom the male partner had undergone varicocelectomy and was scheduled for subsequent assisted reproductive technology. Pregnancy outcomes were followed retrospectively in 62 couples with male partners who received tocopherol (antioxidant group) and 37 couples who did not (control group). The tocopherol and control groups were assigned dependent on the decision of the physician in charge and the patient's request. The clinical pregnancy rates per couple and embryo transfer, time to pregnancy, and the number of cycles during transfer to pregnancy were evaluated. Results No significant differences were observed in the pregnancy rate per couple (antioxidant group 70.9% vs. control group 64.9%, P = 0.55) and per embryo transfer (50.4% vs. 39.6%, P = 0.22). Regarding the time to event analyzed by adjusted restricted mean survival time, the mean time to pregnancy was significantly shorter in the antioxidant (tocopherol) group (14.2 vs. 17.4 months, P = 0.025). No significant difference was observed in the embryo transfer cycle to pregnancy (mean embryo transfer cycles: 2.6 vs. 3.0, P = 0.238). Conclusions Additional oral tocopherol nicotinate as antioxidant therapy after varicocelectomy was shown to shorten the time to pregnancy. It is recommended that add-on effects be tested in more well-designed randomized controlled trials to examine whether it improves assisted reproductive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teppei Takeshima
- Department of Health Data Science, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Data Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
- Department of Urology, Reproduction Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Takahiro Mihara
- Department of Health Data Science, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Data Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Makoto Tomita
- Department of Health Data Science, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Data Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shinnosuke Kuroda
- Department of Urology, Reproduction Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
- Department of Urology, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Yasushi Yumura
- Department of Urology, Reproduction Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hiroe Ueno
- Department of Gynecology, Reproduction Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Mizuki Yamamoto
- Department of Gynecology, Reproduction Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Mariko Murase
- Department of Gynecology, Reproduction Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
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Cannarella R, Shah R, Hamoda TAAAM, Boitrelle F, Saleh R, Gul M, Rambhatla A, Kavoussi P, Toprak T, Harraz AM, Ko E, Çeker G, Durairajanayagam D, Alkahidi N, Kuroda S, Crafa A, Henkel R, Salvio G, Hazir B, Darbandi M, Bendayan M, Darbandi S, Falcone M, Garrido N, Kosgi R, Sawaid Kaiyal R, Karna K, Phuoc NHV, Birowo P, Colpi GM, de la Rosette J, Pinggera GM, Nguyen Q, Zini A, Zohdy W, Singh R, Saini P, Glina S, Lin H, Mostafa T, Rojas-Cruz C, Arafa M, Calogero AE, Dimitriadis F, Kothari P, Karthikeyan VS, Okada K, Chiba K, Kadıoglu A, Altay B, Turunc T, Zilaitiene B, Gokalp F, Adamyan A, Katz D, Chung E, Mierzwa TC, Zylbersztejn DS, Paul GM, Sofikitis N, Sokolakis I, Malhotra V, Brodjonegoro SR, Adriansjah R, Tsujimura A, Amano T, Balercia G, Ziouziou I, Deswanto IA, Martinez M, Park HJ, Bakırcıoglu ME, Ceyhan E, Aydos K, Ramsay J, Minhas S, Al Hashimi M, Ghayda RA, Tadros N, Sindhwani P, Ho CC, Rachman RI, Rodriguez Pena M, Motawi A, Ponnusamy AK, Dipankar S, Amir A, Binsaleh S, Serefoglu EC, Banthia R, Khalafalla K, Basukarno A, Bac NH, Singla K, Ambar RF, Makarounis K, Priyadarshi S, Duarsa GWK, Atmoko W, Jindal S, Arianto E, Akhavizadegan H, El Bardisi H, Shoshany O, Busetto GM, Moussa M, Jamali M, Al-Marhoon MS, Ruzaev M, Farsi HMA, Mutambirwa S, Lee DS, Kulaksiz D, Cheng YS, Bouzouita A, Sarikaya S, Kandil H, Tsampoukas G, Farkouh A, Bowa K, Savira M, Mogharabian N, Le TV, Harjanggi M, Anh DT, Long TQT, Soebadi MA, Hakim L, Tanic M, Ari UC, Parikh FR, Calik G, KV V, Dorji G, Rezano A, Rajmil O, Tien DMB, Yuan Y, Lizarraga-Salas JF, Eze B, Ngoo KS, Lee J, Arslan U, Agarwal A. Does Varicocele Repair Improve Conventional Semen Parameters? A Meta-Analytic Study of Before-After Data. World J Mens Health 2024; 42:92-132. [PMID: 37382284 PMCID: PMC10782123 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.230034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this meta-analysis is to study the impact of varicocele repair in the largest cohort of infertile males with clinical varicocele by including all available studies, with no language restrictions, comparing intra-person conventional semen parameters before and after the repair of varicoceles. MATERIALS AND METHODS The meta-analysis was performed according to PRISMA-P and MOOSE guidelines. A systematic search was performed in Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases. Eligible studies were selected according to the PICOS model (Population: infertile male patients with clinical varicocele; Intervention: varicocele repair; Comparison: intra-person before-after varicocele repair; Outcome: conventional semen parameters; Study type: randomized controlled trials [RCTs], observational and case-control studies). RESULTS Out of 1,632 screened abstracts, 351 articles (23 RCTs, 292 observational, and 36 case-control studies) were included in the quantitative analysis. The before-and-after analysis showed significant improvements in all semen parameters after varicocele repair (except sperm vitality); semen volume: standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.203, 95% CI: 0.129-0.278; p<0.001; I²=83.62%, Egger's p=0.3329; sperm concentration: SMD 1.590, 95% CI: 1.474-1.706; p<0.001; I²=97.86%, Egger's p<0.0001; total sperm count: SMD 1.824, 95% CI: 1.526-2.121; p<0.001; I²=97.88%, Egger's p=0.0063; total motile sperm count: SMD 1.643, 95% CI: 1.318-1.968; p<0.001; I²=98.65%, Egger's p=0.0003; progressive sperm motility: SMD 1.845, 95% CI: 1.537%-2.153%; p<0.001; I²=98.97%, Egger's p<0.0001; total sperm motility: SMD 1.613, 95% CI 1.467%-1.759%; p<0.001; l2=97.98%, Egger's p<0.001; sperm morphology: SMD 1.066, 95% CI 0.992%-1.211%; p<0.001; I²=97.87%, Egger's p=0.1864. CONCLUSIONS The current meta-analysis is the largest to date using paired analysis on varicocele patients. In the current meta-analysis, almost all conventional semen parameters improved significantly following varicocele repair in infertile patients with clinical varicocele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Rupin Shah
- Department of Urology, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Taha Abo-Almagd Abdel-Meguid Hamoda
- Department of Urology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Florence Boitrelle
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Fertility Preservation, Andrology, CECOS, Poissy Hospital, Poissy, France
- Department of Biology, Reproduction, Epigenetics, Environment and Development, Paris Saclay University, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Ramadan Saleh
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Murat Gul
- Department of Urology, Selcuk University School of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | - Amarnath Rambhatla
- Department of Urology, Henry Ford Health System, Vattikuti Urology Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Parviz Kavoussi
- Department of Reproductive Urology, Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Tuncay Toprak
- Department of Urology, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ahmed M. Harraz
- Urology and Nephrology Center, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
- Department of Surgery, Urology Unit, Farwaniya Hospital, Farwaniya, Kuwait
- Department of Urology, Sabah Al Ahmad Urology Center, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Edmund Ko
- Department of Urology, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Gökhan Çeker
- Department of Urology, Başakşehir Cam and Sakura City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Damayanthi Durairajanayagam
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Noora Alkahidi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Trinity Health/Mercy Health, Muskegon, MI, USA
| | - Shinnosuke Kuroda
- Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Reproduction Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Andrea Crafa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Ralf Henkel
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Gianmaria Salvio
- Department of Endocrinology, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Berk Hazir
- Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Research Centre, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Mahsa Darbandi
- Fetal Health Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
- Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marion Bendayan
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Fertility Preservation, Andrology, CECOS, Poissy Hospital, Poissy, France
- Department of Biology, Reproduction, Epigenetics, Environment and Development, Paris Saclay University, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Sara Darbandi
- Fetal Health Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
- Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marco Falcone
- Department of Urology, Molinette Hospital, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Nicolas Garrido
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Raghavender Kosgi
- Department of Urology, Andrology and Renal Transplant, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Raneen Sawaid Kaiyal
- Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Keshab Karna
- Department of Molecular Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Nguyen Ho Vinh Phuoc
- Department of Andrology, Binh Dan Hospital, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Ponco Birowo
- Department of Urology, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Giovanni M. Colpi
- Andrology and IVF Center, Next Fertility Procrea, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Jean de la Rosette
- Department of Urology, Istanbul Medipol Mega University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Quang Nguyen
- Center for Andrology and Sexual Medicine, Viet Duc University Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Department of Urology, Andrology and Sexual Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Armand Zini
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Wael Zohdy
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rajender Singh
- Central Drug Research Institute, Male Reproductive Health Research Laboratory, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Pallavi Saini
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Sidney Glina
- Division of Urology, Centro Universitario FMABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Haocheng Lin
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Taymour Mostafa
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Cesar Rojas-Cruz
- Department of Urology, University Hospital of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Mohamed Arafa
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Aldo E. Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Fotios Dimitriadis
- Department of Urology, Aristotle University School of Medicine, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Priyank Kothari
- Department of Urology, Topiwala National Medical College, B.Y.L Nair Ch Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | | | - Keisuke Okada
- Department of Urology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Koji Chiba
- Department of Urology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Ates Kadıoglu
- Department of Urology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Baris Altay
- Department of Urology, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - Birute Zilaitiene
- Institute of Endocrinology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania, Turkey
| | - Fatih Gokalp
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Antakya, Hatay, Turkey
| | - Aram Adamyan
- Department of Urology, Astghik Medical Center, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Darren Katz
- Men’s Health Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Western Precinct, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Urology, Western Health, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eric Chung
- Department of Urology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | | | - Gustavo Marquesine Paul
- Department of Clinical Surgery, Health Sciences Sector of the Federal University of Parana (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Nikolaos Sofikitis
- Department of Urology, Ioannina University School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ioannis Sokolakis
- 2nd Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Sakti Ronggowardhana Brodjonegoro
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Prof. Dr. Sardjito Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ricky Adriansjah
- Department of Urology, Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Medical Faculty of Padjadjaran University, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Akira Tsujimura
- Department of Urology, Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Toshiyasu Amano
- Department of Urology, Nagano Red Cross Hospital, Nagano, Japan
| | - Giancarlo Balercia
- Department of Endocrinology, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Imad Ziouziou
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
| | | | - Marlon Martinez
- Section of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Hyun Jun Park
- Department of Urology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
- Medical Research Institute of Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | | | - Erman Ceyhan
- Department of Urology, Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kaan Aydos
- Department of Urology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Jonathan Ramsay
- Department of Andrology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial, London, UK
| | - Suks Minhas
- Department of Urology, Imperial Healthcare NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK
| | - Manaf Al Hashimi
- Department of Urology, Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Clinical Urology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Ramy Abou Ghayda
- Institute of Urology, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Nicholas Tadros
- Division of Urology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - Puneet Sindhwani
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Christopher C.K. Ho
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Taylor’s University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Rinaldo Indra Rachman
- Department of Urology, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Marcelo Rodriguez Pena
- Instituto de Ginecología y Fertilidad (IFER) y Universidad Barcelo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ahmad Motawi
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Satish Dipankar
- Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Mangalagiri, Mangalagiri, India
| | - Azwar Amir
- Department of Urology, Dr Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Saleh Binsaleh
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ege Can Serefoglu
- Department of Urology, Biruni University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ravi Banthia
- Department of Urology, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kareim Khalafalla
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Urology Department, University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Urology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ari Basukarno
- Department of Urology, Dr. Dradjat Hospital, Serang, Indonesia
| | - Nguyen Hoai Bac
- Department of Andrology and Sexual Medicine, Hanoi Medical University’s Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Rafael F. Ambar
- Division of Urology, Centro Universitario FMABC, Santo André, Brazil
- Andrology Department at Ideia Fertil Institute, Santo Andre, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Shivam Priyadarshi
- Department of Urology, Sawai Man Singh Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Gede Wirya Kusuma Duarsa
- Department of Urology, Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G Ngoerah General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana, Bali, Indonesia
| | - Widi Atmoko
- Department of Urology, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Sunil Jindal
- Department of Andrology & Reproductive Medicine, Jindal Hospital & Fertility Center, Meerut, India
| | - Eko Arianto
- Department of Urology, Prof R.D. Kandou Hospital, Manado, Indonesia
| | | | - Haitham El Bardisi
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ohad Shoshany
- Department of Urology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Gian Maria Busetto
- Department of Urology and Renal Transplantation, Univeristy of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Mohamad Moussa
- Department of Urology, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mounir Jamali
- Department of Urology, Military Teaching Hospital, Rabat, Morocco
| | | | | | - Hasan M. A. Farsi
- Department of Urology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shingai Mutambirwa
- Department of Urology, Dr. George Mukhari Academic Hospital, Sefako Makgatho Health Science University, Medunsa, Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa
| | - Dong Sup Lee
- Department of Urology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Deniz Kulaksiz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences, Kanuni Training and Research Hospital, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Yu-Sheng Cheng
- Department of Urology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | | | - Selcuk Sarikaya
- Department of Urology, Gulhane Research and Training Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | | | | | - Kasonde Bowa
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Lusaka, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Missy Savira
- Department of Urology, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Nasser Mogharabian
- Sexual Health and Fertility Research Center, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Tan V. Le
- Department of Andrology, Binh Dan Hospital, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | | | - Dang Tuan Anh
- Tam Anh IVF Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Tran Quang Tien Long
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hanoi Obstetric and Gynecology Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Mohammad Ayodhia Soebadi
- Department of Urology, Soetomo Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Lukman Hakim
- Department of Urology, Universitas Airlangga Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Marko Tanic
- Department of Urology, General Hospital, Cuprija, Serbia
| | - Umut Cagin Ari
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafkas University, Kars, Turkey
| | - Firuza R. Parikh
- FertilTree-Jaslok International Fertility Centre, Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Gokhan Calik
- Department of Urology, Istanbul Medipol Mega University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Vinod KV
- Cure & SK Hospital, Trivandrum, India
| | - Gyem Dorji
- Department of Anatomy, Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Andri Rezano
- Andrology Study Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Osvaldo Rajmil
- Department of Andrology, Fundacio Puigvert, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dung Mai Ba Tien
- Department of Andrology, Binh Dan Hospital, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Yiming Yuan
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Balantine Eze
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Kay Seong Ngoo
- Urology Unit, Department of Surgery, Hospital Angkatan Tentera Tuanku Mizan, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Joe Lee
- Department of Urology, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Umut Arslan
- Department of Urology, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Lusaka, Lusaka, Zambia
- Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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4
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Alhamam A, Garabed LR, Julian S, Flannigan R. The association of medications and supplements with human male reproductive health: a systematic review. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:1112-1137. [PMID: 37898470 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Some medications used to treat comorbidities and conditions in reproductive-aged individuals could have a negative impact on fertility. This may occur through hormonal disruption, toxicity to germ cells and spermatozoa, functional impact on the sperm, teratogenicity potential, or ejaculatory abnormalities. Having knowledge of these potential interactions between medications and reproductive potential is important for clinicians to be aware of and guide the patient, along with their treating clinicians, to reproductively favorable alternatives when available. This review aims to summarize the state of the literature regarding medication interactions with human male reproduction using the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System of medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Alhamam
- Department of Urologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Urology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Laurianne Rita Garabed
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sania Julian
- Department of Urologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ryan Flannigan
- Department of Urologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York.
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5
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Kaltsas A. Oxidative Stress and Male Infertility: The Protective Role of Antioxidants. Medicina (Kaunas) 2023; 59:1769. [PMID: 37893487 PMCID: PMC10608597 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59101769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a significant factor in male infertility, compromising sperm function and overall reproductive health. As male infertility garners increasing attention, effective therapeutic interventions become paramount. This review investigates the therapeutic role of antioxidants in addressing male infertility. A detailed examination was conducted on antioxidants such as vitamin C, E, B12, D, coenzyme Q10, zinc, folic acid, selenium, l-carnitine, l-arginine, inositols, and alpha-lipoic acid. This analysis examines the methodologies, outcomes, and constraints of current clinical studies. Antioxidants show notable potential in counteracting the negative effects of oxidative stress on sperm. Based on the evidence, these antioxidants, individually or synergistically, can enhance sperm health and reproductive outcomes. However, certain limitations in the studies call for careful interpretation. Antioxidants are integral in tackling male infertility attributed to oxidative stress. The current findings underscore their therapeutic value, yet there's a pressing need for deeper, comprehensive research. Future studies should focus on refining dosage guidelines, identifying potential side effects, and discerning the most efficacious antioxidant combinations for male infertility solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aris Kaltsas
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
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6
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Han B, Guo J, Zhou B, Li C, Qiao T, Hua L, Jiang Y, Mai Z, Yu S, Tian Y, Zhang X, Lu D, Wang B, Sun Z, Li L. Chestnut polysaccharide rescues the damaged spermatogenesis process of asthenozoospermia-model mice by upregulating the level of palmitic acid. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1222635. [PMID: 37484950 PMCID: PMC10356583 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1222635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In recent years, the quality of male semen has been decreasing, and the number of male infertilities caused by asthenozoospermia is increasing year by year, and the diagnosis and treatment of patients with asthenozoospermia are gradually receiving the attention of the whole society. Due to the unknown etiology and complex pathogenesis, there is no specific treatment for asthenozoospermia. Our previous study found that the administration of chestnut polysaccharide could alter the intestinal microbiota and thus improve the testicular microenvironment, and rescue the impaired spermatogenesis process by enhancing the expression of reproduction-related genes, but its exact metabolome-related repairment mechanism of chestnut polysaccharide is still unclear. Methods and results In this study, we studied the blood metabolomic changes of busulfan-induced asthenozoospermia-model mice before and after oral administration of chestnut polysaccharide with the help of metabolome, and screened two key differential metabolites (hydrogen carbonate and palmitic acid) from the set of metabolomic changes; we then analyzed the correlation between several metabolites and between different metabolites and intestinal flora by correlation analysis, and found that palmitic acid in the blood serum of mice after oral administration of chestnut polysaccharide had different degrees of correlation with various metabolites, and palmitic acid level had a significant positive correlation with the abundance of Verrucomicrobia; finally, we verified the role of palmitic acid in rescuing the damaged spermatogenesis process by using asthenozoospermia-model mice, and screened the key target gene for palmitic acid to play the rescuing effect by integrating the analysis of multiple databases. Discussion In conclusion, this study found that chestnut polysaccharide rescued the damaged spermatogenesis in asthenozoospermia-model mice by upregulating palmitic acid level, which will provide theoretical basis and technical support for the use of chestnut polysaccharide in the treatment of asthenozoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoquan Han
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jiachen Guo
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Bo Zhou
- Department of Urology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chunxiao Li
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Tian Qiao
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lei Hua
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yinuo Jiang
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zihang Mai
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shuai Yu
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yu Tian
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Dongliang Lu
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhongyi Sun
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lan Li
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
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7
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Arjmand K, Daneshi E, Pourmasumi S, Fathi F, Nasseri S, Sabeti P. Evaluation of the Effect of Vitamin E on Reproductive Parameters in Morphine-Treated Male Mice. Addict Health 2023; 15:177-184. [PMID: 38026720 PMCID: PMC10658105 DOI: 10.34172/ahj.2023.1415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Morphine is a narcotic pain reliever that is prescribed to reduce postoperative pain and can produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, it can have negative effects on spermatogenesis and male fertility. Vitamin E is an effective antioxidant which plays an important role in membrane lipid peroxidation due to increased ROS. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of vitamin E and morphine on sperm parameters, level of malondialdehyde (MDA), and diameter of seminiferous tubules in morphine-treated mice. Methods In this experimental study, 80 mice were divided into ten groups (n=8) including control, normal saline, vehicle, morphine, various doses of vitamin E (100, 200, 300 mg/kg), and morphine plus vitamin E (100, 200, 300 mg/kg) groups. The groups were followed up for 30 consecutive days. Sperm parameters, testis weight, the diameter of seminiferous tubules, and the level of MDA were analyzed and compared. Findings Data analysis showed seminal parameters decreased significantly (excluding sperm count) and there was an increase in the level of MDA in morphine-treated mice compared with the normal saline group (P<0.05). Administration of E100 to morphinetreated mice did not show a significant difference in the evaluated parameters compared with the morphine group. However, E200 and E300 significantly reduced MDA and improved sperm parameters (P≤0.05). Conclusion The results showed co-administration of vitamin E in high doses (200 & 300) could prevent the deleterious effects of morphine on some reproductive parameters and decrease the level of MDA in morphine-treated mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katayoon Arjmand
- Masters student, Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Erfan Daneshi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Soheila Pourmasumi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
- Clinical Research Development Unit, Ali-Ibn Abi-Talib Hospital, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Fardin Fathi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Sherko Nasseri
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Parvin Sabeti
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
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8
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Agarwal A, Cannarella R, Saleh R, Harraz AM, Kandil H, Salvio G, Boitrelle F, Kuroda S, Farkouh A, Rambhatla A, Zini A, Colpi G, Gül M, Kavoussi P, Hamoda TAAAM, Ko E, Calik G, Toprak T, Pinggera GM, Park HJ, Ghayda RA, Minhas S, Busetto GM, Bakırcıoğlu ME, Kadioglu A, Chung E, Russo GI, Calogero AE, Ambar RF, Jayasena CN, Shah R. Impact of Antioxidant Therapy on Natural Pregnancy Outcomes and Semen Parameters in Infertile Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. World J Mens Health 2023; 41:14-48. [PMID: 36102104 PMCID: PMC9826914 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.220067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Seminal oxidative stress (OS) is a recognized factor potentially associated with male infertility, but the efficacy of antioxidant (AOX) therapy is controversial and there is no consensus on its utility. Primary outcomes of this study were to investigate the effect of AOX on spontaneous clinical pregnancy, live birth and miscarriage rates in male infertile patients. Secondary outcomes were conventional semen parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and seminal OS. MATERIALS AND METHODS Literature search was performed using Scopus, PubMed, Ovid, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included and the meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS We assessed for eligibility 1,307 abstracts, and 45 RCTs were finally included, for a total of 4,332 infertile patients. We found a significantly higher pregnancy rate in patients treated with AOX compared to placebo-treated or untreated controls, without significant inter-study heterogeneity. No effects on live-birth or miscarriage rates were observed in four studies. A significantly higher sperm concentration, sperm progressive motility, sperm total motility, and normal sperm morphology was found in patients compared to controls. We found no effect on SDF in analysis of three eligible studies. Seminal levels of total antioxidant capacity were significantly higher, while seminal malondialdehyde acid was significantly lower in patients than controls. These results did not change after exclusion of studies performed following varicocele repair. CONCLUSIONS The present analysis upgrades the level of evidence favoring a recommendation for using AOX in male infertility to improve the spontaneous pregnancy rate and the conventional sperm parameters. The failure to demonstrate an increase in live-birth rate, despite an increase in pregnancy rates, is due to the very few RCTs specifically assessing the impact of AOX on live-birth rate. Therefore, further RCTs assessing the impact of AOX on live-birth rate and miscarriage rate, and SDF will be helpful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
| | - Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ramadan Saleh
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt.,Ajyal IVF Center, Ajyal Hospital, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M. Harraz
- Department of Urology, Mansoura University Urology and Nephrology Center, Mansoura, Egypt.,Department of Surgery, Urology Unit, Farwaniya Hospital, Farwaniya, Kuwait.,Department of Urology, Sabah Al Ahmad Urology Center, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | | | - Gianmaria Salvio
- Department of Endocrinology, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Florence Boitrelle
- Reproductive Biology, Fertility Preservation, Andrology, CECOS, Poissy Hospital, Poissy, France.,Department of Biology, Reproduction, Epigenetics, Environment and Development, Pari. Saclay University, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Shinnosuke Kuroda
- Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ala’a Farkouh
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
| | - Amarnath Rambhatla
- Department of Urology, Vattikuti Urology Institute, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Armand Zini
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Murat Gül
- Department of Urology, Selcuk University School of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | - Parviz Kavoussi
- Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Taha Abo-Almagd Abdel-Meguid Hamoda
- Department of Urology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Edmund Ko
- Department of Urology, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Gokhan Calik
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tuncay Toprak
- Department of Urology, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Hyun Jun Park
- Department of Urology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea.,Medical Research Institute of Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Ramy Abou Ghayda
- Urology Institute, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Suks Minhas
- Division of Surgery, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Gian Maria Busetto
- Department of Urology and Organ Transplantation, University of Foggia, Ospedali Riuniti of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | | | - Ates Kadioglu
- Section of Andrology, Department of Urology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Eric Chung
- Department of Urology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Aldo E. Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rafael F. Ambar
- Department of Urology, Centro Universitario em Saude do ABC, Santo André, Brazil.,Andrology Group at Ideia Fertil Institute of Human Reproduction, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Channa N. Jayasena
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Andrology, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Andrology, Hammersmith & St. Mary’s Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Rupin Shah
- Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
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9
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Zhang QF, Wang S, Zhang H, Liu QL, Wei Y, Deng W, Wang C, Yang B. Effects of alpha-lipoic acid on sperm quality in patients with varicocele-related male infertility: study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial. Trials 2022; 23:1002. [PMID: 36510262 PMCID: PMC9746131 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06951-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Varicocele is a high incidence and is considered to be the most common and correctable cause of male infertility. Oxidative stress (OS) plays a central role in the pathogenesis of varicocele-related male infertility. In addition to varicocelectomy, antioxidant supplementation seems to be an effective scheme for the treatment of varicocele-related male infertility, but it is still controversial. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation on sperm quality in patients with varicocele-related male infertility. METHODS In this randomized controlled clinical trial, we will randomize 80 patients with varicocele-related male infertility from Guilin People's Hospital. The non-surgical observation group (n = 20) will receive ALA, the non-surgical control group (n = 20) will receive vitamin E, the surgical observation group (n = 20) will receive ALA after the operation, and the surgical control group (n = 20) will receive vitamin E after the operation. The course of treatment will be 3 months. The results will compare the changes in semen parameters, sex hormones, testicular volume, sperm DNA fragment index (DFI), seminal plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) between the groups at baseline and after 3 months of antioxidant supplementation. DISCUSSION Whether it is necessary to use antioxidants in varicocele-related male infertility, how potent antioxidants should be used, postoperative application or non-surgical independent application still needs to be explored. This study attempts to compare the effects of two antioxidants (ALA and vitamin E) on sperm quality in patients with varicocele-related male infertility (surgical or non-surgical) and attempted to answer the above questions. TRIAL REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) ChiCTR2100054958. Registered on 29 December 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Feng Zhang
- Department of Andrology, Guilin People’s Hospital, Guilin, 541002 China
| | - Sheng Wang
- Department of Urology, Guilin People’s Hospital, Guilin, 541002 China
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of Urology, Guilin People’s Hospital, Guilin, 541002 China
| | - Qi-Li Liu
- grid.443385.d0000 0004 1798 9548Department of Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541002 China
| | - Yu Wei
- Department of Urology, Guilin People’s Hospital, Guilin, 541002 China
| | - Wei Deng
- Department of Urology, Guilin People’s Hospital, Guilin, 541002 China
| | - Chuang Wang
- Department of Urology, Guilin People’s Hospital, Guilin, 541002 China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Urology, Guilin People’s Hospital, Guilin, 541002 China
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10
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Omolaoye TS, El Shahawy O, Skosana BT, Boillat T, Loney T, du Plessis SS. The mutagenic effect of tobacco smoke on male fertility. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2022; 29:62055-62066. [PMID: 34536221 PMCID: PMC9464177 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16331-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite the association between tobacco use and the harmful effects on general health as well as male fertility parameters, smoking remains globally prevalent. The main content of tobacco smoke is nicotine and its metabolite cotinine. These compounds can pass the blood-testis barrier, which subsequently causes harm of diverse degree to the germ cells. Although controversial, smoking has been shown to cause not only a decrease in sperm motility, sperm concentration, and an increase in abnormal sperm morphology, but also genetic and epigenetic aberrations in spermatozoa. Both animal and human studies have highlighted the occurrence of sperm DNA-strand breaks (fragmentation), genome instability, genetic mutations, and the presence of aneuploids in the germline of animals and men exposed to tobacco smoke. The question to be asked at this point is, if smoking has the potential to cause all these genetic aberrations, what is the extent of damage? Hence, this review aimed to provide evidence that smoking has a mutagenic effect on sperm and how this subsequently affects male fertility. Additionally, the role of tobacco smoke as an aneugen will be explored. We furthermore aim to incorporate the epidemiological aspects of the aforementioned and provide a holistic approach to the topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Temidayo S Omolaoye
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Omar El Shahawy
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Bongekile T Skosana
- Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Thomas Boillat
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tom Loney
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Stefan S du Plessis
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
- Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa.
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11
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Zhou X, Shi H, Zhu S, Wang H, Sun S. Effects of vitamin E and vitamin C on male infertility: a meta-analysis. Int Urol Nephrol 2022; 54:1793-1805. [DOI: 10.1007/s11255-022-03237-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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12
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Pascoal GDFL, Geraldi MV, Maróstica MR, Ong TP. Effect of Paternal Diet on Spermatogenesis and Offspring Health: Focus on Epigenetics and Interventions with Food Bioactive Compounds. Nutrients 2022; 14:2150. [PMID: 35631291 PMCID: PMC9143121 DOI: 10.3390/nu14102150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a growing public health problem. Consumption of antioxidant bioactive food compounds (BFCs) that include micronutrients and non-nutrients has been highlighted as a potential strategy to protect against oxidative and inflammatory damage in the male reproductive system induced by obesity, alcohol, and toxicants and, thus, improve spermatogenesis and the fertility parameters. Paternal consumption of such dietary compounds could not only benefit the fathers but their offspring as well. Studies in the new field of paternal origins of health and disease show that paternal malnutrition can alter sperm epigenome, and this can alter fetal development and program an increased risk of metabolic diseases and breast cancer in adulthood. BFCs, such as ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, polyunsaturated fatty acids, trace elements, carnitines, N-acetylcysteine, and coenzyme Q10, have been shown to improve male gametogenesis, modulate epigenetics of germ cells, and the epigenetic signature of the offspring, restoring offspring metabolic health induced by stressors during early life. This indicates that, from a father’s perspective, preconception is a valuable window of opportunity to start potential nutritional interventions with these BFCs to maximize sperm epigenetic integrity and promote adequate fetal growth and development, thus preventing chronic disease in adulthood.
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13
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Poli G, Fabi C, Sugoni C, Bellet MM, Costantini C, Luca G, Brancorsini S. The Role of NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation and Oxidative Stress in Varicocele-Mediated Male Hypofertility. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5233. [PMID: 35563625 PMCID: PMC9102453 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Varicocele (VC) is the most common abnormality identified in men evaluated for hypofertility. Increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduced antioxidants concentrations are key contributors in varicocele-mediated hypofertility. Moreover, inflammation and alterations in testicular immunity negatively impact male fertility. In particular, NLRP3 inflammasome activation was hypothesized to lead to seminal inflammation, in which the levels of specific cytokines, such as IL-1β and IL-18, are overexpressed. In this review, we described the role played by oxidative stress (OS), inflammation, and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in VC disease. The consequences of ROS overproduction in testis, including inflammation, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, chromatin damage, and sperm DNA fragmentation, leading to abnormal testicular function and failed spermatogenesis, were highlighted. Finally, we described some therapeutic antioxidant strategies, with recognized beneficial effects in counteracting OS and inflammation in testes, as possible therapeutic drugs against varicocele-mediated hypofertility.
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14
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The inability to have children affects 10% to 15% of couples worldwide. A male factor is estimated to account for up to half of the infertility cases with between 25% to 87% of male subfertility considered to be due to the effect of oxidative stress. Oral supplementation with antioxidants is thought to improve sperm quality by reducing oxidative damage. Antioxidants are widely available and inexpensive when compared to other fertility treatments, however most antioxidants are uncontrolled by regulation and the evidence for their effectiveness is uncertain. We compared the benefits and risks of different antioxidants used for male subfertility. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of supplementary oral antioxidants in subfertile men. SEARCH METHODS The Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility (CGF) Group trials register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, AMED, and two trial registers were searched on 15 February 2021, together with reference checking and contact with experts in the field to identify additional trials. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared any type, dose or combination of oral antioxidant supplement with placebo, no treatment, or treatment with another antioxidant, among subfertile men of a couple attending a reproductive clinic. We excluded studies comparing antioxidants with fertility drugs alone and studies that included men with idiopathic infertility and normal semen parameters or fertile men attending a fertility clinic because of female partner infertility. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures recommended by Cochrane. The primary review outcome was live birth. Clinical pregnancy, adverse events and sperm parameters were secondary outcomes. MAIN RESULTS We included 90 studies with a total population of 10,303 subfertile men, aged between 18 and 65 years, part of a couple who had been referred to a fertility clinic and some of whom were undergoing medically assisted reproduction (MAR). Investigators compared and combined 20 different oral antioxidants. The evidence was of 'low' to 'very low' certainty: the main limitation was that out of the 67 included studies in the meta-analysis only 20 studies reported clinical pregnancy, and of those 12 reported on live birth. The evidence is current up to February 2021. Live birth: antioxidants may lead to increased live birth rates (odds ratio (OR) 1.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07 to 1.91, P = 0.02, 12 RCTs, 1283 men, I2 = 44%, very low-certainty evidence). Results in the studies contributing to the analysis of live birth rate suggest that if the baseline chance of live birth following placebo or no treatment is assumed to be 16%, the chance following the use of antioxidants is estimated to be between 17% and 27%. However, this result was based on only 246 live births from 1283 couples in 12 small or medium-sized studies. When studies at high risk of bias were removed from the analysis, there was no evidence of increased live birth (Peto OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.75, 827 men, 8 RCTs, P = 0.27, I2 = 32%). Clinical pregnancy rate: antioxidants may lead to increased clinical pregnancy rates (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.45 to 2.47, P < 0.00001, 20 RCTs, 1706 men, I2 = 3%, low-certainty evidence) compared with placebo or no treatment. This suggests that, in the studies contributing to the analysis of clinical pregnancy, if the baseline chance of clinical pregnancy following placebo or no treatment is assumed to be 15%, the chance following the use of antioxidants is estimated to be between 20% and 30%. This result was based on 327 clinical pregnancies from 1706 couples in 20 small studies. Adverse events Miscarriage: only six studies reported on this outcome and the event rate was very low. No evidence of a difference in miscarriage rate was found between the antioxidant and placebo or no treatment group (OR 1.46, 95% CI 0.75 to 2.83, P = 0.27, 6 RCTs, 664 men, I2 = 35%, very low-certainty evidence). The findings suggest that in a population of subfertile couples, with male factor infertility, with an expected miscarriage rate of 5%, the risk of miscarriage following the use of an antioxidant would be between 4% and 13%. Gastrointestinal: antioxidants may lead to an increase in mild gastrointestinal discomfort when compared with placebo or no treatment (OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.46 to 4.99, P = 0.002, 16 RCTs, 1355 men, I2 = 40%, low-certainty evidence). This suggests that if the chance of gastrointestinal discomfort following placebo or no treatment is assumed to be 2%, the chance following the use of antioxidants is estimated to be between 2% and 7%. However, this result was based on a low event rate of 46 out of 1355 men in 16 small or medium-sized studies, and the certainty of the evidence was rated low and heterogeneity was high. We were unable to draw conclusions from the antioxidant versus antioxidant comparison as insufficient studies compared the same interventions. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS In this review, there is very low-certainty evidence from 12 small or medium-sized randomised controlled trials suggesting that antioxidant supplementation in subfertile males may improve live birth rates for couples attending fertility clinics. Low-certainty evidence suggests that clinical pregnancy rates may increase. There is no evidence of increased risk of miscarriage, however antioxidants may give more mild gastrointestinal discomfort, based on very low-certainty evidence. Subfertile couples should be advised that overall, the current evidence is inconclusive based on serious risk of bias due to poor reporting of methods of randomisation, failure to report on the clinical outcomes live birth rate and clinical pregnancy, often unclear or even high attrition, and also imprecision due to often low event rates and small overall sample sizes. Further large well-designed randomised placebo-controlled trials studying infertile men and reporting on pregnancy and live births are still required to clarify the exact role of antioxidants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiep de Ligny
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Roos M Smits
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | | | - Vanessa Jordan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kathrin Fleischer
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Jan Peter de Bruin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands
| | - Marian G Showell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Helmi ZR, Hameed BH. CYP24A1 Gene Expression in Spermatozoa of Human and Other Oxidation Level Controlling Enzymes as Biomarkers of Infertility. J Obstet Gynaecol India 2022; 72:290-294. [PMID: 35928074 PMCID: PMC9343504 DOI: 10.1007/s13224-021-01608-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Physiologically, the spermatozoa are exposed to reactive oxygen species (ROS), and those ROS can strongly affect sperm's function through sperm capacitation. However, producing a high level of ROS reduces the sperm anti-oxidation system that may cause infertility, especially in cases with normal sperm count. Purpose To investigate the expression of the CYP24A1 gene in human spermatozoa and other oxidation-related biomarkers, including vitamin E, ROS, and catalase as added tools to predict male infertility. Method The study included 50 infertile men and 50 young volunteers from the general Iraqi population. Blood samples were drawn from all included men, and semen samples were collected by masturbation. All the samples of semen were investigated for CYP24A1 expression, and routine semen analysis was performed. In addition, the serum was separated and used to assess other biochemical parameters, namely catalase, reactive oxygen species, and vitamin E, which were measured by ELISA. Results Serum ROS levels were higher in patients than control groups, while the serum catalase and vitamin E levels were significantly lower in patients than controls. CYP24A1 gene expression is significantly higher in infertile men with sperm count higher than 70 million and reaches twofold times the control. Conclusion CYP24A1 gene expression is significantly higher in infertile men and can be used as a marker of infertility, especially in infertile males with normal sperm count. At the same time, the serum catalase and vitamin E levels were significantly lower, which can be added as tools to predict male infertility..
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Solorzano Vazquez JF, Maldonado Rosas I, Villar Muñoz LG, Leyva Macias LB, Ramirez Dominguez LB, Kesari KK, Marsal Martinez EE, Bonifacio Leon E, Roychoudhury S. Oxidative Stress-Induced Male Infertility: Role of Antioxidants in Cellular Defense Mechanisms. Adv Exp Med Biol 2022; 1391:275-309. [PMID: 36472828 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-12966-7_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Male infertility is linked to several environmental and mutagenic factors. Most of these factors, i.e., lifestyle, radiations, and chemical contaminations, work on the fundamental principles of physics, chemistry, and biology. Principally, it may induce oxidative stress (OS) and produce free radicals within the cells. The negative effect of OS may enhance the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in male reproductive organs and impair basic functions in a couple's fertility. Evidence suggests that infertile men have significantly increased ROS levels and a reduced antioxidant capacity compared with fertile men. Although, basic spermatic function and fertilizing capacity depend on a delicate balance between physiological activity of ROS and antioxidants to protect from cellular oxidative injury in sperm, that is essential to achieve pregnancy. The ideal oxidation-reduction (REDOX) equilibrium requires a maintenance of a range of ROS concentrations and modulation of antioxidants. For this reason, the chapter focuses on the effects of ROS in sperm functions and the current concepts regarding the benefits of medical management in men with diminished fertility and amelioration of the effect to improve sperm function. Also, this evidence-based study suggests an increasing rate of infertility that poses a global challenge for human health, urging the need of health care professionals to offer a correct diagnosis, comprehension of the process, and an individualized management of the patients.
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Finelli R, Leisegang K, Kandil H, Agarwal A. Oxidative Stress: A Comprehensive Review of Biochemical, Molecular, and Genetic Aspects in the Pathogenesis and Management of Varicocele. World J Mens Health 2021; 40:87-103. [PMID: 34666421 PMCID: PMC8761243 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.210153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a condition due to an imbalance between the concentrations of oxidants and antioxidants, and it is a well-recognized contributor in several male infertility conditions. Varicocele, a common vascular condition, may cause male infertility due to hyperthermia, hypoxia and/or exposure to toxic adrenal and renal metabolites. In this review, the mechanisms by which oxidative stress can affect cellular integrity and functions are described, along with molecular markers of cellular oxidative damage, and the most commonly performed techniques for their detection in seminal fluid. Moreover, we focus on the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of varicocele based on recently published evidence from omics based studies, such as proteomics and genomics. Finally, we discuss strategies for the management of oxidative stress and the clinical guidelines for testing oxidative stress-related sperm DNA fragmentation in this group of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Finelli
- Department of Urology, American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Kristian Leisegang
- School of Natural Medicine, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Hussein Kandil
- Fakih IVF Fertility Center, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- Department of Urology, American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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18
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Pyrgidis N, Sokolakis I, Palapelas V, Tishukov M, Mykoniatis I, Symeonidis EN, Zachariou A, Kaltsas A, Sofikitis N, Hatzichristodoulou G, Tsiampali C, Dimitriadis F. The Effect of Antioxidant Supplementation on Operated or Non-Operated Varicocele-Associated Infertility: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:1067. [PMID: 34356300 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10071067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In patients with varicocele-associated infertility, the effect of antioxidant supplementation on fertility is unknown. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore their role in patients with operated or non-operated varicocele. We searched major databases and sources of grey literature until May 2021 (PROSPERO: CRD42021248195). We included 14 studies (980 individuals) in the systematic review. Of the 14 studies, 2 explored the effect of antioxidant supplementation in patients with non-operated varicocele, 1 compared antioxidants versus surgical repair of varicocele, while 11 explored antioxidants after surgical repair of varicocele and were also included in the meta-analysis. Regarding pregnancy rates, no significant differences were demonstrated after treatment with antioxidants versus no treatment at three (OR: 2.28, 95% CI: 0.7-7.48) and six months (OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 0.62-5.72). Accordingly, contradictory findings were reported in sperm concentration, morphology, and motility, as well as DNA fragmentation. Our findings indicate that antioxidant supplementation does not improve pregnancy rates and semen parameters in patients with varicocele-associated infertility, in the absence of previous screening for oxidative stress. Based on the previous notion, most included studies also raised methodological concerns. Therefore, definitive conclusions about the efficacy of antioxidant supplementation in this setting cannot be drawn and further research on the field is mandatory.
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19
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Tsampoukas G, Gkeka K, Dellis A, Brown D, Katsouri A, Alneshawy A, Moussa M, Papatsoris A, Buchholz N. Vitamins as primary or adjunctive treatment in infertile men with varicocele: A systematic review. Arab J Urol 2021; 19:264-273. [PMID: 34552778 PMCID: PMC8451598 DOI: 10.1080/2090598x.2021.1932124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the usage and the efficacy of vitamins as primary or adjuvant treatment in infertile men with varicocele. METHODS A systematic search in PubMed, the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) and Cochrane Library with the terms (varicocele) AND (vitamins) was performed. We searched for studies: a) reporting the administration of vitamins (individually or as part of a complex) in men with varicocele and infertility, b) primarily or adjuvant to invasive treatment, and c) reporting the impact on semen parameters and/or pregnancy rates. Exclusion criteria were animal, adolescent and non-English studies, grey literature and trials reporting abstracts only. RESULTS Seven studies were identified eligible for qualitative analysis. All studies were randomised except one (case series). Vitamins were administered dominantly as part of antioxidant complex and only two studies used vitamins (C and E, respectively) as sole agent. In two studies, vitamin monotherapy resulted in improvement in semen quality, but the effect on pregnancy rates is unknown. One study reported no efficacy of adjuvant multivitamin treatment after embolisation in terms of both semen quality and pregnancy rates. Finally, four studies reported a positive effect of vitamins on semen parameters after varicocelectomy, but the effect on pregnancy rates is conflicting; one study reported improved pregnancy rates with adjuvant treatment, two studies did not evaluate the pregnancy rates, and in one study the outcome was unclear due to missing data. CONCLUSIONS Vitamins have been used mostly as part of an antioxidant panel for the management of infertile men with varicocele. Most studies have found a positive impact on semen parameters in selected men with varicocele and infertility, as primary or adjuvant treatment. However, the clinical benefit of vitamins administration on pregnancy rate is under-evaluated and should be the target of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Tsampoukas
- U-merge Ltd. (Urology for Emerging Countries), London, UK
- Department of Urology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, UK
| | - Kristiana Gkeka
- Department of Urology, General Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Athanasios Dellis
- U-merge Ltd. (Urology for Emerging Countries), London, UK
- Department of Urology, Aretaieion Academic Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Dominic Brown
- Department of Urology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, UK
| | | | - Ahmed Alneshawy
- U-merge Ltd. (Urology for Emerging Countries), London, UK
- Department of Urology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, UK
| | - Mohamad Moussa
- Al Zahraa Hospital, University Medical Center, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Athanasios Papatsoris
- U-merge Ltd. (Urology for Emerging Countries), London, UK
- Second Department of Urology, University Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Noor Buchholz
- U-merge Ltd. (Urology for Emerging Countries), London, UK
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20
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Amorini AM, Listorti I, Bilotta G, Pallisco R, Saab MW, Mangione R, Manca B, Lazzarino G, Tavazzi B, Lazzarino G, Bilotta P. Antioxidant-Based Therapies in Male Infertility: Do We Have Sufficient Evidence Supporting Their Effectiveness? Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:220. [PMID: 33540782 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10020220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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21
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Arab D, Doustmohammadi H, Ardestani Zadeh A. Dietary supplements in the management of varicocele-induced infertility: A review of potential mechanisms. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13879. [PMID: 33108825 DOI: 10.1111/and.13879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Varicocele is a main cause of lower production of spermatozoon and infertility with multiple pathophysiological mechanisms. In the past decades, the use of dietary supplements has significantly increased due to both the modern lifestyle and the food shortages of the industrialised countries. The purpose of this review paper is to collect scientific evidences from basic and clinical studies which support the use of dietary supplements to define the clinical framework for patients with varicocele. In the present review, we used keywords such as dietary supplements, varicocele, male infertility, oxidative stress, DNA fragmentation, sperm parameters to find the proper articles. The standard search biomedical engines were used for seeking the papers. The use of dietary supplements such as minerals, vitamins and antioxidants has an essential role in the prevention and treatment of varicocele by increasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes (e.g. peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase) and decreasing the levels of inflammatory markers (e.g. tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 and interleukin-1) in testis. According to the results, the dietary supplements may alleviate the spermatogenesis in varicocele patients through different mechanisms such as suppression of stress oxidative and inflammation in testicular tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davood Arab
- Clinical Research Development Center, Kowsar Hospital, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.,Department of Surgery, Kowsar Hospital, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Hoda Doustmohammadi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Arash Ardestani Zadeh
- Clinical Research Development Center, Kowsar Hospital, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.,Department of Surgery, Kowsar Hospital, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
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22
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Zhang Q, Fan L, Li F, Sun Z, Zhang C, Chen R. Yishentongluo decoction in treatment of idiopathic asthenozoospermia infertility: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e22662. [PMID: 33120757 PMCID: PMC7581134 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000022662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The reproductive dilemma faced by men has always been the focus of the whole society. Idiopathic asthenozoospermia (AZS), as one of the common causes of male infertility, lack of specific treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine has shown potential benefits in the management of male infertility. Yishentongluo decoction (YSTL) is a representative Chinese herbal formula; however, there is still no rigorous clinical trial supporting its application. Therefore, we designed a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of YSTL for patients with idiopathic AZS and explain the possible action mechanisms of YSTL in improving sperm motility. METHODS In this randomized controlled study, a total of 160 eligible patients will be assigned to YSTL group or the Levocarnitine oral solution group in a 1:1 ratio. The treatment period will be 12 weeks and the follow-up period will last 4 weeks. The primary outcome will be the the progressive (motility), sperm rate (%). Secondary outcomes will include the progressive (motility) + non-progressive (motility) sperm rate(%), total effective sperm count, inner mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in spermatozoa, and spouse pregnancy rate (%). Safety outcomes will cover electrocardiogram , blood tests (including blood routine test, hepatic function, and renal function), urine routine test, and stool routine test. The semen parameters, sperm MMP test, and all the safety outcomes will be performed at the baseline, 4th, 8th and 12th week. The pregnancy outcome will be evaluated at 4 weeks after treatment. DISCUSSION This study will provide initial evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of YSTL in the treatment of idiopathic AZS with kidney deficiency and blood stasis pattern. In addition, potential mechanisms of YSTL in improving sperm motility will be explored based on sperm MMP test. TRIAL REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trials Register identifier, ChiCTR2000033290, registered on 26 May 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- College of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, NO.37 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu 610075, Sichuan Province, P.R. China; Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, NO.39 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu 610075, Sichuan Province
| | - Lipeng Fan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, NO.6 Dong-feng Road
| | - Fangyuan Li
- College of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, NO.37 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu 610075, Sichuan Province, P.R. China; Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, NO.39 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu 610075, Sichuan Province
| | - Zixue Sun
- Second Clinical Medical School, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, NO.156 Jin-shui-dong Road
| | - Chenming Zhang
- Second Clinical Medical School, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, NO.156 Jin-shui-dong Road
| | - Rubing Chen
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, NO.19 Ren-min Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, P.R. China
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Steiner AZ, Hansen KR, Barnhart KT, Cedars MI, Legro RS, Diamond MP, Krawetz SA, Usadi R, Baker VL, Coward RM, Huang H, Wild R, Masson P, Smith JF, Santoro N, Eisenberg E, Zhang H; Reproductive Medicine Network. The effect of antioxidants on male factor infertility: the Males, Antioxidants, and Infertility (MOXI) randomized clinical trial. Fertil Steril 2020; 113:552-560.e3. [PMID: 32111479 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether antioxidants improve male fertility, as measured by semen parameters and DNA fragmentation at 3 months and pregnancy resulting in live birth after up to 6 months of treatment, among couples with male factor infertility. DESIGN Multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with an internal pilot study. SETTING Nine fertility centers in the United States from December 2015 to December 2018. PATIENT(S) Men (N = 174) with sperm concentration ≤15 million/mL, motility ≤40%, normal morphology ≤4%, or DNA fragmentation >25%, and female partners who were ovulatory, ≤40 years old, and had documented tubal patency. INTERVENTION(S) Males randomly assigned to receive an antioxidant formulation (n = 85) containing 500 mg of vitamin C, 400 mg of vitamin E, 0.20 mg of selenium, 1,000 mg of l-carnitine, 20 mg of zinc, 1,000 μg of folic acid, 10 mg of lycopene daily, or placebo (n = 86). Treatment lasted for a minimum of 3 months and maximum of 6 months, and couples attempted to conceive naturally during the first 3 months and with clomiphene citrate with intrauterine insemination of the female partner in months 4 through 6. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Primary outcome was live birth; secondary outcomes included pregnancy within 6 months of treatment. For the internal pilot, the primary outcomes were semen parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation index after 3 months of treatment. RESULT(S) In the Males, Antioxidants, and Infertility (MOXI) study, after 3 months of treatment, the change in sperm concentration differed between the antioxidant group (median -4.0 [interquartile range-12.0, 5.7] million/mL) and placebo group (+2.4 [-9.0, 15.5] million/mL). However, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups for changes in sperm morphology, motility, or DNA fragmentation. Among the 66 oligospermic men at randomization, sperm concentration did not differ at 3 months between the antioxidant and control groups: 8.5 (4.8, 15.0) million/mL versus 15.0 (6.0, 24.0) million/mL. Of the 75 asthenospermic men, motility did not differ at 3 months: 34% ± 16.3% versus 36.4% ± 15.8%. Among the 44 men with high DNA fragmentation, DNA fragmentation did not differ at 3 months: 29.5% (21.6%, 36.5%) versus 28.0% (20.6%, 36.4%). In the entire cohort, cumulative live birth did not differ at 6 months between the antioxidant and placebo groups: 15% versus 24%. CONCLUSION(S) Antioxidants do not improve semen parameters or DNA integrity among men with male factor infertility. Although limited by sample size, this study suggests that antioxidant treatment of the male partner does not improve in vivo pregnancy or live-birth rates. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02421887.
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Gok B, Gok G, Koc E, Hamidi N, Alijla A, Asil E, Gok A, Kamaci D, Neselioglu S, Ener K. The change in Thiol-Disulphide Homeostasis levels as an oxidative stress marker after varicocelectomy: Is there a relationship with sperm parameters? Andrologia 2020; 52:e13515. [PMID: 31957921 DOI: 10.1111/and.13515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most important causes of varicocele-related infertility is oxidative stress (OS). One of the markers considered as an indicator of OS is thiol-disulphide homeostasis (TDH). Based on the hypothesis that OS should decrease after varicocelectomy in the light of this information, in our current study, we investigated the relationship between TDH levels and sperm parameters. The data of 56 infertile varicocele men were prospectively analysed. The post-operative total and native thiol levels were significantly higher than those pre-operative total and native thiol levels (477.7 & 436.7 nmol/L, 417.6 & 372.1 nmol/L). Positive correlation was found between total thiol change and change in semen volume (ρ: .277, p: .039), ratio of spermatozoa with normal morphology (ρ: .342, p: .01), progressive (ρ: .334, p: .012) and nonprogressive motility (ρ: .385, p: .003). Positive correlation was also found between native thiol change and semen volume (ρ: .349, p: .008), ratio of spermatozoa with normal morphology (ρ: .362, p: .006), progressive (ρ: .297, p: .026) and nonprogressive motility (ρ: .368, p: .005). Change in the level of TDH was found as positively correlated with progressive and nonprogressive motility change. According to these results, OS decreases with varicocelectomy in infertile patients and TDH can be used as a useful method for measuring OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahri Gok
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine affiliated with of Ankara City Hospital, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gamze Gok
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine affiliated with of Ankara City Hospital, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Erdem Koc
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine affiliated with of Ankara City Hospital, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nurullah Hamidi
- Department of Urology, Ankara Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Oncology Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Amjad Alijla
- Department of Urology, Ankara Medisun Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Erem Asil
- Department of Urology, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Alper Gok
- Department of Urology, Ankara Diskapi Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Davut Kamaci
- Department of Urology, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Salim Neselioglu
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine affiliated with of Ankara City Hospital, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kemal Ener
- Department of Urology, İstanbul Umraniye Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
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Wang J, Wang T, Ding W, Wu J, Wu G, Wang Y, Zhou Z, Xu L, Cui Y. Efficacy of antioxidant therapy on sperm quality measurements after varicocelectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Andrologia 2019; 51:e13396. [PMID: 31423629 DOI: 10.1111/and.13396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antioxidants were proved to be efficient to improve the quality of spermatozoa after varicocelectomy. We carried out a systematic review and performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of antioxidant therapy in sperm parameters' quality after varicocelectomy during 3 or 6 months' treatment cycle. During research, randomised controlled trials were searched by MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and necessary parameters were compared between two groups after varicocelectomy. Finally, six studies including 576 patients were included in our meta-analysis. As for sperm parameters, significant improvements of sperm concentration (p < .0001), sperm motility (p = .03), progressive sperm motility (p < .00001) and sperm morphology (p < .00001) were existed in antioxidant group 3 months after varicocelectomy. With regard to the 6 months' outcomes, sperm parameters were improved as well except sperm motility (p = .72) and progressive sperm motility (p = .57). Referring to pregnancy rate, no significant difference was existed between two groups (p = .36), and the FSH level of antioxidant group was lower than placebo group 3 or 6 months after varicocelectomy (3 months, p = .02; 6 months, p = .03). In conclusion, compared with the placebo, the antioxidant therapy after varicocelectomy can improve the quality of sperm parameters and construct a favourable living condition for spermatozoa by reducing FSH level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jipeng Wang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Tianqi Wang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Weifang Ding
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Jitao Wu
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Gang Wu
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Yongqiang Wang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Zhongbao Zhou
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Ling Xu
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Yuanshan Cui
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China.,Department of Urology, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Martin-Hidalgo D, Bragado MJ, Batista AR, Oliveira PF, Alves MG. Antioxidants and Male Fertility: from Molecular Studies to Clinical Evidence. Antioxidants (Basel) 2019; 8:antiox8040089. [PMID: 30959797 PMCID: PMC6523199 DOI: 10.3390/antiox8040089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa are physiologically exposed to reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a pivotal role on several sperm functions through activation of different intracellular mechanisms involved in physiological functions such as sperm capacitation associated-events. However, ROS overproduction depletes sperm antioxidant system, which leads to a condition of oxidative stress (OS). Subfertile and infertile men are known to present higher amount of ROS in the reproductive tract which causes sperm DNA damage and results in lower fertility and pregnancy rates. Thus, there is a growing number of couples seeking fertility treatment and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) due to OS-related problems in the male partner. Interestingly, although ART can be successfully used, it is also related with an increase in ROS production. This has led to a debate if antioxidants should be proposed as part of a fertility treatment in an attempt to decrease non-physiological elevated levels of ROS. However, the rationale behind oral antioxidants intake and positive effects on male reproduction outcome is only supported by few studies. In addition, it is unclear whether negative effects may arise from oral antioxidants intake. Although there are some contrasting reports, oral consumption of compounds with antioxidant activity appears to improve sperm parameters, such as motility and concentration, and decrease DNA damage, but there is not sufficient evidence that fertility rates and live birth really improve after antioxidants intake. Moreover, it depends on the type of antioxidants, treatment duration, and even the diagnostics of the man’s fertility, among other factors. Literature also suggests that the main advantage of antioxidant therapy is to extend sperm preservation to be used during ART. Herein, we discuss ROS production and its relevance in male fertility and antioxidant therapy with focus on molecular mechanisms and clinical evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Martin-Hidalgo
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Institute of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Livestock (INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, 10004 Cáceres, Spain.
| | - Maria Julia Bragado
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Institute of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Livestock (INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, 10004 Cáceres, Spain.
| | | | - Pedro F Oliveira
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Marco G Alves
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Institute of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Livestock (INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, 10004 Cáceres, Spain.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The inability to have children affects 10% to 15% of couples worldwide. A male factor is estimated to account for up to half of the infertility cases with between 25% to 87% of male subfertility considered to be due to the effect of oxidative stress. Oral supplementation with antioxidants is thought to improve sperm quality by reducing oxidative damage. Antioxidants are widely available and inexpensive when compared to other fertility treatments, however most antioxidants are uncontrolled by regulation and the evidence for their effectiveness is uncertain. We compared the benefits and risks of different antioxidants used for male subfertility. This review did not examine the use of antioxidants in normospermic men. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of supplementary oral antioxidants in subfertile men. SEARCH METHODS The Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility (CGF) Group trials register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and two trials registers were searched on 1 February 2018, together with reference checking and contact with study authors and experts in the field to identify additional trials. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared any type, dose or combination of oral antioxidant supplement with placebo, no treatment or treatment with another antioxidant, among subfertile men of a couple attending a reproductive clinic. We excluded studies comparing antioxidants with fertility drugs alone and studies that included fertile men attending a fertility clinic because of female partner infertility. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures recommended by Cochrane. The primary review outcome was live birth. Clinical pregnancy, adverse events and sperm parameters were secondary outcomes. MAIN RESULTS We included 61 studies with a total population of 6264 subfertile men, aged between 18 and 65 years, part of a couple who had been referred to a fertility clinic and some of whom were undergoing assisted reproductive techniques (ART). Investigators compared and combined 18 different oral antioxidants. The evidence was of 'low' to 'very low' quality: the main limitation was that out of the 44 included studies in the meta-analysis only 12 studies reported on live birth or clinical pregnancy. The evidence is current up to February 2018.Live birth: antioxidants may lead to increased live birth rates (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.67, P = 0.005, 7 RCTs, 750 men, I2 = 40%, low-quality evidence). Results suggest that if in the studies contributing to the analysis of live birth rate, the baseline chance of live birth following placebo or no treatment is assumed to be 12%, the chance following the use of antioxidants is estimated to be between 14% and 26%. However, this result was based on only 124 live births from 750 couples in seven relatively small studies. When studies at high risk of bias were removed from the analysis, there was no evidence of increased live birth (Peto OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.89 to 2.16; participants = 540 men, 5 RCTs, P = 0.15, I2 = 0%).Clinical pregnancy rate: antioxidants may lead to increased clinical pregnancy rates (OR 2.97, 95% CI 1.91 to 4.63, P < 0.0001, 11 RCTs, 786 men, I2 = 0%, low-quality evidence) compared to placebo or no treatment. This suggests that if in the studies contributing to the analysis of clinical pregnancy, the baseline chance of clinical pregnancy following placebo or no treatment is assumed to be 7%, the chance following the use of antioxidants is estimated to be between 12% and 26%. This result was based on 105 clinical pregnancies from 786 couples in 11 small studies.Adverse eventsMiscarriage: only three studies reported on this outcome and the event rate was very low. There was no difference in miscarriage rate between the antioxidant and placebo or no treatment group (OR 1.74, 95% CI 0.40 to 7.60, P = 0.46, 3 RCTs, 247 men, I2 = 0%, very low-quality evidence). The findings suggest that in a population of subfertile men with an expected miscarriage rate of 2%, the chance following the use of an antioxidant would result in the risk of a miscarriage between 1% and 13%.Gastrointestinal: antioxidants may lead to an increase in mild gastrointestinal upsets when compared to placebo or no treatment (OR 2.51, 95% CI 1.25 to 5.03, P = 0.010, 11 RCTs, 948 men, I2 = 50%, very low-quality evidence). This suggests that if the chance of gastrointestinal upsets following placebo or no treatment is assumed to be 2%, the chance following the use of antioxidants is estimated to be between 2% and 9%. However, this result was based on a low event rate of 35 out of 948 men in 10 small or medium-sized studies, and the quality of the evidence was rated very low and was high in heterogeneity.We were unable to draw any conclusions from the antioxidant versus antioxidant comparison as insufficient studies compared the same interventions. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS In this review, there is low-quality evidence from seven small randomised controlled trials suggesting that antioxidant supplementation in subfertile males may improve live birth rates for couples attending fertility clinics. Low-quality evidence suggests that clinical pregnancy rates may also increase. Overall, there is no evidence of increased risk of miscarriage, however antioxidants may give more mild gastrointestinal upsets but the evidence is of very low quality. Subfertilte couples should be advised that overall, the current evidence is inconclusive based on serious risk of bias due to poor reporting of methods of randomisation, failure to report on the clinical outcomes live birth rate and clinical pregnancy, often unclear or even high attrition, and also imprecision due to often low event rates and small overall sample sizes. Further large well-designed randomised placebo-controlled trials reporting on pregnancy and live births are still required to clarify the exact role of antioxidants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roos M Smits
- Radboud University Medical CenterDepartment of Gynaecology and ObstetricsNijmegenNetherlands
| | | | - Anusch Yazdani
- Queensland Fertility Group Research Foundation55 Little Edward St, Level 2 Boundary CourtSpring HillBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia4000
| | - Marcin T Stankiewicz
- Ashford Specialist Centre Suite 2257‐59 Anzac Highway AshfordAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Vanessa Jordan
- University of AucklandDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyPrivate Bag 92019AucklandNew Zealand1003
| | - Marian G Showell
- University of AucklandDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyPrivate Bag 92019AucklandNew Zealand1003
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Chen YW, Niu YH, Wang DQ, Li H, Pokhrel G, Xu H, Wang T, Wang SG, Liu JH. Effect of adjuvant drug therapy after varicocelectomy on fertility outcome in males with varicocele-associated infertility: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Andrologia 2018; 50:e13070. [PMID: 29993131 DOI: 10.1111/and.13070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Varicocele is one of the common correctable causes of male infertility. Recent studies have demonstrated varicocelectomy in males with abnormal semen parameters was associated with better fertility outcome, but the effect of adjuvant drug therapy after varicocelectomy on fertility outcome in patients with varicocele-associated infertility remains undefined. Hence, the present meta-analysis was performed to assess the efficacy of adjuvant drug therapy after varicocelectomy. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (No. CRD42018093749). Ten randomised controlled trails containing 533 patients with adjuvant drug therapy after varicocelectomy and 368 patients with no medical treatment after varicocelectomy were included. Our analysis revealed that the improvement in pregnancy rate after adjuvant drug therapy was insignificant. (OR = 1.70, 95%CI = 0.99-2.91), but resulted in significant improvements in sperm concentration (MD = 13.71, 95%CI = 5.80-21.63) and motility (MD = 4.77, 95%CI = 3.98-5.56) at 3 months, sperm DNA integrity (SMD = 3.13, 95%CI = 1.50-4.75) and serum FSH level (MD = -1.02, 95%CI = -1.79 to -0.24). Therefore, compared to no medical treatment, the adjuvant drug therapy, especially the use of antioxidants seems to be associated with better fertility outcome. However, more evidences with high-quality studies are necessary to conform its benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin-Wei Chen
- Department of Urology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yong-Hua Niu
- Department of Urology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Dao-Qi Wang
- Department of Urology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Urology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Gaurab Pokhrel
- Department of Urology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Department of Urology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Urology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shao-Gang Wang
- Department of Urology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ji-Hong Liu
- Department of Urology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Yaghoubi A, Shahedi A, Akbari H, Nematollahi-Mahani SN. Do Insulin Replacement and Omega3 Protect the Male Reproductive Function of the Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice? J Nutr Metab 2017; 2017:6102985. [PMID: 28770110 DOI: 10.1155/2017/6102985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM), the most common metabolic disease, might affect different organs such as male reproductive system. Experiments have shown that n-3 fatty acids could improve male reproductive function. Present study was performed to examine the effects of omega3 on sperms and testicular parameters in diabetic mice. Adult NMRI male mice were randomly divided into intact and diabetic groups (n = 8). Streptozotocin-induced diabetic animals were divided into 4 groups of diabetic-saline (Dia-Sa), diabetic-insulin (Dia-Ins), diabetic-omega3 (Dia-omg3), and diabetic-insulin-omega3 (Dia-Ins-omg3). Following confirmation of diabetes, different treatments including 3 U/100 g insulin subcutaneously and 400 mg/kg omega3 orally were administered, where applicable according to the treatment groups. Thirty-five days later, the sperm number, motility, progression, and normal morphology were determined. Also, testes diameters and structure including germinal epithelium thickness, seminiferous tubule diameters, Leydig cell number, and testosterone level were assessed. Sperm number, viability, fast motility, testes volume, and serum testosterone level decreased insignificantly in the Dia-Sa group compared with the intact animals. Neither insulin replacement nor omega3 administration could significantly improve the outcome. We might conclude that short periods of diabetes could not significantly affect the male reproductive function. In addition, insulin replacement and/or omega-3 supplementation does not have any profound effects on male reproductive system.
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