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Barratt CLR, Wang C, Baldi E, Toskin I, Kiarie J, Lamb DJ. What advances may the future bring to the diagnosis, treatment, and care of male sexual and reproductive health? Fertil Steril 2022; 117:258-267. [PMID: 35125173 PMCID: PMC8877074 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Over the past 40 years, since the publication of the original WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen, the laboratory methods used to evaluate semen markedly changed and benefited from improved precision and accuracy, as well as the development of new tests and improved, standardized methodologies. Herein, we present the impact of the changes put forth in the sixth edition together with our views of evolving technologies that may change the methods used for the routine semen analysis, up-and-coming areas for the development of new procedures, and diagnostic approaches that will help to extend the often-descriptive interpretations of several commonly performed semen tests that promise to provide etiologies for the abnormal semen parameters observed. As we look toward the publication of the seventh edition of the manual in approximately 10 years, we describe potential advances that could markedly impact the field of andrology in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher L R Barratt
- Division of Systems Medicine, University of Dundee Medical School, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, Scotland.
| | - Christina Wang
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
| | - Elisabetta Baldi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Igor Toskin
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - James Kiarie
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Dolores J Lamb
- The James Buchanan Brady Foundation Department of Urology, Center for Reproductive Genomics and Englander Institute for Personalized Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
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Castellini C, Muselli M, Parisi A, Totaro M, Tienforti D, Cordeschi G, Giorgio Baroni M, Maccarrone M, Necozione S, Francavilla S, Barbonetti A. Association between urinary bisphenol A concentrations and semen quality: a meta-analytic study. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 197:114896. [PMID: 34968490 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114896] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Although preclinical research has revealed disrupting effects on male reproductive functions of bisphenol A (BPA), as yet clinical studies have led to inconsistent results. The present meta‑analysis aims to establish the existence and the extent of the association between BPA exposure and semen quality. A thorough search of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases was carried out. Only studies reporting data from multivariable linear regression analyses (β-coefficients with 95% CI), assessing the association between urinary levels of BPA and standard semen parameters were included. Nine studies provided information about an overall sample of 2,399 men. Only the negative association between urinary BPA levels and sperm motility reached statistical significance (pooled β-coefficient = -0.82; 95% CI: -1.51 to -0.12, p = 0.02; Pfor heterogeneity = 0.1, I2 = 42.9%). Yet, such a significance was lost after data adjustment for publication bias, as well as at the sensitivity analysis, when each of the two studies that contributed most to the overall estimate was excluded. In conclusion, the overall estimates of data produced by clinical studies point to a clinically negligible, if any, association between urinary BPA concentrations and semen quality. Further studies in workers at high risk of occupational exposure are warranted to corroborate the herein revealed weak correlation with a worse sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Castellini
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Mario Muselli
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Antonio Parisi
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Maria Totaro
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Daniele Tienforti
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Giuliana Cordeschi
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Marco Giorgio Baroni
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy; Neuroendocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, IS, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy; European Center for Brain Research/Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, 00164 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Necozione
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Sandro Francavilla
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Arcangelo Barbonetti
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
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Nies M, Arts EGJM, van Velsen EFS, Burgerhof JGM, Muller Kobold AC, Corssmit EPM, Netea-Maier RT, Peeters RP, van der Horst-Schrivers ANA, Cantineau AEP, Links TP. Long-term male fertility after treatment with radioactive iodine for differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Eur J Endocrinol 2021; 185:775-782. [PMID: 34582359 DOI: 10.1530/eje-21-0315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Whilst radioactive iodine (RAI) is often administered in the treatment for differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), long-term data on male fertility after RAI are scarce. OBJECTIVE To evaluate long-term male fertility after RAI for DTC, and to compare semen quality before and after RAI. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS Multicenter study including males with DTC ≥2 years after their final RAI treatment with a cumulative activity of ≥3.7 GBq. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Semen analysis, hormonal evaluation, and a fertility-focused questionnaire. Cut-off scores for 'low semen quality' were based on reference values of the general population as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). RESULTS Fifty-one participants had a median age of 40.5 (interquartile range (IQR): 34.0-49.6) years upon evaluation and a median follow-up of 5.8 (IQR: 3.0-9.5) years after their last RAI administration. The median cumulative administered activity of RAI was 7.4 (range: 3.7-23.3) GBq. The proportion of males with a low semen volume, concentration, progressive motility, or total motile sperm count did not differ from the 10th percentile cut-off of a general population (P = 0.500, P = 0.131, P = 0.094, and P = 0.500, respectively). Cryopreserved semen was used by 1 participant of the 20 who had preserved semen. CONCLUSIONS Participants had a normal long-term semen quality. The proportion of participants with low semen quality parameters scoring below the 10th percentile did not differ from the general population. Cryopreservation of semen of males with DTC is not crucial for conceiving a child after RAI administration but may be considered in individual cases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eus G J M Arts
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Evert F S van Velsen
- Department of Internal Medicine and Erasmus MC Academic Center for Thyroid Disease, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Johannes G M Burgerhof
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Anneke C Muller Kobold
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Eleonora P M Corssmit
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Romana T Netea-Maier
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Robin P Peeters
- Department of Internal Medicine and Erasmus MC Academic Center for Thyroid Disease, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anouk N A van der Horst-Schrivers
- Department of Endocrinology, Internal Medicine
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Astrid E P Cantineau
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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Ishizuka B, Furuya M, Kimura M, Kamioka E, Kawamura K. Live Birth Rate in Patients With Premature Ovarian Insufficiency During Long-Term Follow-Up Under Hormone Replacement With or Without Ovarian Stimulation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:795724. [PMID: 34975766 PMCID: PMC8719621 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.795724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We analyzed data from 466 patients with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) who wished to have a biological child and were followed up while undergoing hormone replacement (HR) therapy with or without ovarian stimulation (OS) between April 2014 and December 2020. OS was conducted in 6891 cycles in 429 patients (Group OS), whereas only HR (Group HR) was conducted in 1117 cycles in 37 patients. The follicle growth rate was 48.3% (207/429) per patient in Group OS and 5.4% (2/37) in Group HR (p<0.01). There were 51 live births (LBs) in 50 patients during follow-up. In Group OS, the LB rate was 5.8% (47/807) in cycles where in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer were attempted (Group IVF), and 1.3% (3/236) in cycles where intrauterine insemination/timed intercourse was attempted (p<0.01). No pregnancies occurred in Group HR. Among the patients in Group IVF, the LB rate was significantly higher in patients aged <35 years at the initiation of follow-up than in patients who started at later ages (p<0.01). Among the cases who achieved an LB, 39 were patients with idiopathic POI (Group IVF-1, n=297) and seven were patients who had undergone surgical treatment for benign ovarian tumors (Group IVF-2, n=50); however, no LBs occurred in patients who had undergone treatment for malignancy (n=17), and only one in patients with chromosomal abnormalities (n=22). The LB rate per case in the patients in Group IVF-1 and those aged <35 years at the start of follow-up (Group IVF-1-a) was 24.1% (26/108), which was higher than those of the other age groups. The LB rate per case in the patients in Group IVF-1-a with <4 years of amenorrhea was 37.3% (19/51), and that in the patients in Group IVF-2 with <4 years of amenorrhea was 21.2% (7/33). These results suggest that infertility treatment is possible in some patients with POI, especially those that can be classified in Group IVF-1-a and Group IVF-2 with <4 years of amenorrhea. Therefore, OS combined with HR therapy should be considered for such patients before attempts at oocyte donation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bunpei Ishizuka
- Rose Ladies Clinic, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
- *Correspondence: Bunpei Ishizuka,
| | | | | | | | - Kazuhiro Kawamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Advanced Reproductive Medicine Research Center, International University of Health and Welfare School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
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Corona G, Baldi E, Isidori AM, Paoli D, Pallotti F, De Santis L, Francavilla F, La Vignera S, Selice R, Caponecchia L, Pivonello R, Ferlin A, Foresta C, Jannini EA, Lenzi A, Maggi M, Lombardo F. SARS-CoV-2 infection, male fertility and sperm cryopreservation: a position statement of the Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS) (Società Italiana di Andrologia e Medicina della Sessualità). J Endocrinol Invest 2020; 43:1153-1157. [PMID: 32462316 PMCID: PMC7252417 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-020-01290-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The recent pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) due to coronavirus (CoV) 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has raised several concerns in reproductive medicine. The aim of this review is to summarize available evidence providing an official position statement of the Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS) METHODS: A comprehensive Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase, Medline and Cochrane library search was performed. Due to the limited evidence and the lack of studies, it was not possible to formulate recommendations according to the Oxford 2011 Levels of Evidence criteria. RESULTS Several molecular characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 can justify the presence of virus within the testis and possible alterations of spermatogenesis and endocrine function. Orchitis has been reported as a possible complication of SARS-CoV infection, but similar findings have not been reported for SARS-CoV-2. Alternatively, the orchitis could be the result of a vasculitis as COVID-19 has been associated with abnormalities in coagulation and the segmental vascularization of the testis could account for an orchitis-like syndrome. Finally, available data do not support the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in plasma seminal fluid of infected subjects. CONCLUSION Data derived from other SARS-CoV infections suggest that in patients recovered from COVID-19, especially for those in reproductive age, andrological consultation and evaluation of gonadal function including semen analysis should be suggested. Studies in larger cohorts of currently infected subjects are warranted to confirm (or exclude) the presence of risks for male gametes that are destined either for cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen or for assisted reproduction techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Corona
- Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Largo Nigrisoli 2, 40133 Bologna, Italy
| | - E. Baldi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - A. M. Isidori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, ʺSapienzaʺ University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - D. Paoli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, ʺSapienzaʺ University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - F. Pallotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, ʺSapienzaʺ University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - L. De Santis
- IVF Unit, Gynaecological-Obstetric Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy
| | - F. Francavilla
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Life and Environment Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - S. La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - R. Selice
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - L. Caponecchia
- Andrology and Pathophysiology of Reproduction Unit, Santa Maria Goretti Hospital, Latina, Italy
| | - R. Pivonello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Unità di Andrologia e Medicina della Riproduzione e della Sessualità Maschile e Femminile (FERTISEXCARES), Università Federico II di Napoli; Staff of Unesco Chair for Health Education and Sustainable Development, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - A. Ferlin
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - C. Foresta
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - E. A. Jannini
- Chair of Endocrinology and Medical Sexology (ENDOSEX), Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | - A. Lenzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, ʺSapienzaʺ University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - M. Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences ``Mario Serio’’, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - F. Lombardo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, ʺSapienzaʺ University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Li K, Rodriguez D, Gabrielsen JS, Centola GM, Tanrikut C. Sperm cryopreservation of transgender individuals: trends and findings in the past decade. Andrology 2018; 6:860-864. [PMID: 30094956 PMCID: PMC6301129 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Awareness and acceptance of transgenderism have increased in the last two decades. There is limited literature regarding the incidence and semen characteristics of transwomen banking spermatozoa. We sought to assess the incidence of sperm cryopreservation of transgender individuals compared with the cisgender population in the last 10 years. Semen parameters were also compared between the two groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of sperm cryopreservation performed at a single center from 2006 through 2016. Using available data on indications for banking and prior hormonal therapy status, we isolated healthy transgender and cisgender cohorts for semen parameter comparison. Linear regression was used to compare the incidence trends. Semen parameters were compared using the generalized estimating equations method. The rates of semen parameter abnormality of each group were compared using chi-square test. Semen parameter abnormalities were defined using WHO 2010 reference values. RESULTS We analyzed 194 transgender samples and 2327 cisgender samples for a total of 84 unique transgender sperm bankers and 1398 unique cisgender sperm bankers. The number of transgender sperm bankers increased relative to cisgender sperm bankers from 2006 to 2016. Following exclusion of cisgender sperm bankers with health issues that might impact semen quality and transgender sperm bankers with known prior hormonal therapy, we compared the semen parameters of 141 healthy cisgender sperm bankers and 78 healthy transgender sperm bankers. The transgender sperm bankers demonstrated lower sperm concentration, total motile sperm count, and post-thaw sperm parameters. The transgender sperm bankers also demonstrated a higher incidence of oligozoospermia. CONCLUSIONS This is the largest report to date on the incidence of transgender sperm cryopreservation and comparison of semen characteristics with cisgender sperm bankers. The data reveal an increased incidence of transgender sperm banking as well as poorer semen parameters of transgender individuals compared with cisgender controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Li
- Department of Urology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St., Boston MA 02114
| | - Dayron Rodriguez
- Department of Urology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St., Boston MA 02114
| | - J. Scott Gabrielsen
- Department of Urology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St., Boston MA 02114
| | | | - Cigdem Tanrikut
- Department of Urology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St., Boston MA 02114
- New England Cryogenic Center, 188 Needham St., Newton, MA 02464
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McDowell S, Murray A. Does it really matter if sperm counts are decreasing? N Z Med J 2015; 128:17-19. [PMID: 26645750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Simon McDowell
- Senior Lecturer, Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Wellington School of Medicine Fertility Specialist, Fertility Associates, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Andrew Murray
- Senior Lecturer, Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Wellington School of Medicine Medical Director, Fertility Associates, Wellington, New Zealand.
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Birdsall MA, Peek J, Valiapan S. Sperm quality in New Zealand: Is the downward trend continuing? N Z Med J 2015; 128:50-56. [PMID: 26645755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
AIM To investigate whether the decline in sperm concentration in New Zealand sperm donors observed from 1987 to 2007 continued in the period 2008-2014. METHOD A retrospective study from 2008 to 2014. The first semen sample of 285 men presenting as sperm donors in Auckland and Wellington was analysed for sperm concentration, seminal fluid volume and the percentage of motile sperm. These results were compared to results from 1987 to 2007 from the same clinics. RESULTS The decline in semen volume and sperm concentration observed between 1987 and 2007 did not continue in 2008-2014. Sperm concentration decreased from 1987 until some time between 1997 and 2001, and has remained stable at an average of 62x106/ml between 2001 and 2014. Sperm motility declined significantly (8%) in the period 2008-2014, but there was no significant change over the total period studied, between 1987 and 2014. CONCLUSION After a decline between 1987 and sometime during 1997-2001, the sperm concentration in men presenting as donors remained unchanged between 2002 and 2014, suggesting semen quality has not changed in New Zealand men over the last decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary A Birdsall
- Fertility Associates, Ascot Central, 7 Ellerslie Racecourse Drive, Remuera, Auckland 1051, New Zealand.
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Albertini DF. Next gen ARTs: what lies ahead? J Assist Reprod Genet 2013; 31:1-2. [PMID: 24337889 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-013-0153-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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Abstract
Quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) are fundamental aspects of any laboratory measurement. However, in comparison with other medical disciplines, the need for QA and QC in laboratory andrology has been recognized only recently. Furthermore, there is evidence that the effort required to undertake QA and QC has not been wholly welcomed by some clinicians. Nevertheless, accrediting bodies and regulatory authorities increasingly require evidence that laboratories have effective QA and QC measures in place because both are central to the quality management processes. Following the publication of the 5th edition of the World Health Organization Laboratory Manual, existing QA and QC systems will need to be updated to take into account some of the methodological changes recommended by the manual. Three of these are discussed in this commentary; they relate to: (i) the move to infer semen volume from its weight; (ii) the re-classification of sperm motility grades from four to three; and (iii) the publication of a lower reference limit for morphology of 4% (with a corresponding 95% confidence interval of 3%-4%). The importance of QA and QC in all laboratory tests, including up and coming new tests to assess sperm DNA integrity, is discussed. The need for adequate initial training and continuing professional development programmes to support laboratory scientists performing andrology is also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J. Handelsman
- Reproductive Endocrinology & Andrology, ANZAC Research Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | - Trevor G. Cooper
- Andrology Laboratory, Institute of Reproductive Medicine of the University, Munster, Germany
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Flowers WL. Selection for boar fertility and semen quality--the way ahead. Soc Reprod Fertil Suppl 2009; 66:67-78. [PMID: 19848267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Critical needs for the swine industry in terms of boar fertility evaluations are validation of semen quality estimates with in vivo reproductive data; estimation of the relative fertility of boars; and elimination of sub-fertile ejaculates. Single sire matings are the best way to validate semen quality estimates with reproductive performance. Sampling about 20% of the population provides an accurate estimation of the variability among boars and should be sufficient for this purpose. In vitro tests that measure univariate characteristics of ejaculates including motility and morphology appear to be just as accurate as those that measure multivariate traits such as in vitro fertilization in terms of predicting boar fertility. Reasons for this observation may be related to how properties of sperm cells are influenced by the sow reproductive tract. Several seminal plasma proteins show strong correlations with boar fertility and hold potential for being developed into tests that can rank the relative fertility of boars. Almost 90% of the variation in boar fertility was explained when the proportion of motile and acrosome-reacted spermatozoa was combined with relative amounts of 28 kDa, pl 6.0 and 55 kDa, pl 4.5 seminal plasma proteins. Consequently, combining different complementary tests improves estimations of boar fertility. Motility estimates routinely performed in most A.I. centres are a reasonable technique for identification and elimination of sub-fertile ejaculates. However, the accuracy with which they currently are conducted within the swine industry needs improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- W L Flowers
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7621, USA.
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