The Relationship between the Amount of Saturated Fat Intake and Semen Quality in Men.

INTRODUCTION: Infertility in men is one of the current problems of human society. Some studies suggest that the metabolic status of a man, including cholesterol intake, closely correlates with sperm function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between saturated fat intake and semen quality among men referring to the Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on all men who referred to the Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center. The study population consisted of 120 men selected through simple random sampling. The data collection tool consisted of a two-part questionnaire including a demographic and anthropometric characteristics form and the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). The FFQ consists of 168 items that assess food and nutrient intake for 3 months. The reliability and validity of the instruments were confirmed in previous studies. Semen analysis was performed using computer-aided semen analysis (CASA) method. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression test were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Results showed that the chances of having semen volume of higher than 1.5 ml (normal volume) increased by 27.5% for every 1 g increase in total fat (CI: 1.11-1.46) (P = 0.001) and reduced 38% for every 1 g increase in saturated fat (CI: 0.42-0.90, P = 0.010). No association was found between semen quality and intake of dietary fats. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings of this study and the prevalence of infertility in recent decades, changes in diet and saturated fatty acids intake may improve semen quality.

Comparing the Effects of Hydroxyethyl Starch and Albumin in Cirrhotic Patients with Tense Ascites; a Randomized Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Large-volume paracentesis is one of the usual treatments for cirrhotic patients with tense ascites, which may cause different complications including decreased cardiac preload, suppressed renin angiotensin system, inactivation of sympathetic nervous system, electrolyte imbalances, etc. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of administrating hydroxyethyl starch (HES) and albumin in cirrhotic patients with tense ascites in order to reduce the paracentesis complications. METHODS: In the present randomized clinical trial, 108 cirrhotic patients with tense ascites were enrolled. The patients were randomly divided into 3 groups. In group A, albumin 20% with 5 g/L dose of paracentesis fluid, in group B, HES 6% dissolved in saline were administered, and in group C, a combination of albumin 20% and HES 6% with half the dosage administrated to two other groups were prescribed. Then biochemical panel, and liver function tests and renal and electrolyte complications were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The results obtained after intervention did not show significant differences between the groups regarding weight (p=0.102), heart rate and platelet count (both p=0.094), hematocrit (p=0.09), creatinine (p=0.421), serum sodium (p=0.743) and potassium (p=0.147), total bilirubin (p=0.375) and urine volume (p=0.421). Additionally, we concluded that mean arterial pressure of patients who had received albumin was higher than the other 2 groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study showed the similar effects of HES and albumin in cirrhotic patients with tense ascites undergoing large-volume paracentesis.