Improving human sperm motility via red and near-infrared laser irradiation: in-vitro study.

Improved sperm motility is necessary for successful sperm passage through the female genital system, efficacious fertilization, and a greater probability of pregnancy. By stimulating the mitochondrial respiratory chain, low-level laser photobiomodulation has been shown to increase sperm motility and velocity. The respiratory chain in mitochondria is the primary site of action for cytochrome c oxidase because it can absorb light in the visible and infrared ranges. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of red laser 650 nm, near infrared laser (NIR) 980 nm, and combination of both on human spermatozoa motility and DNA integrity at different doses. An in-vitro controlled trial was performed in Al Zahraa university hospital laboratory using thirty fresh human semen specimens. Samples were exposed to red laser 650 nm, near infrared laser (NIR) 980 nm, and combination of both for various irradiation times. Sperm motility for the test and control aliquots was assessed as recommended in the manual of WHO-2021. Sperm chromatin integrity was evaluated using the Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay. Results revealed almost 70%, 80% and 100% increase in the total motility after 3 min of the 650-nm, 980-nm and the combined laser irradiation, respectively. Additionally, the Sperm Chromatin Dispersion assay was carried out on sperm heads utilizing human sperm DNA fragmentation, demonstrating that none of the three laser types had any discernible effects.

Correlations between serum testosterone and irisin levels in a sample of Egyptian men with metabolic syndrome; (case-control study).

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) in men is a common problem. Several studies highlight that testosterone deficiency is associated with metabolic disorders that may be explained by "myokines". Irisin is an adipo-myokine that has beneficial metabolic effects. AIM: To evaluate serum testosterone in a sample of Egyptian men with MetS diagnosed by NCEP ATP III, and correlate it with serum irisin level. METHODS: A total of 90 men (60 with MetS and 30 healthy age-matched controls) participated in the study. Testosterone level is estimated by an automated system, Irisin level was measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Circulating irisin was positively correlated with serum testosterone and was significantly lower in patients with MetS. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the effect of serum testosterone on irisin formation from skeletal muscle. Recommendations; treatments of MetS may include testosterone supplementation. Further studies are needed to elucidate this association.