Embryo development is impaired by sperm mitochondrial-derived ROS

Background Basal energetic metabolism in sperm, particularly oxidative phosphorylation, is known to condition not only their oocyte fertilising ability, but also the subsequent embryo development. While the molecular pathways underlying these events still need to be elucidated, reactive oxygen species (ROS) could have a relevant role. We, therefore, aimed to describe the mechanisms through which mitochondrial activity can influence the first stages of embryo development. Results We first show that embryo development is tightly influenced by both intracellular ROS and mitochondrial activity. In addition, we depict that the inhibition of mitochondrial activity dramatically decreases intracellular ROS levels. Finally, we also demonstrate that the inhibition of mitochondrial respiration positively influences sperm DNA integrity, most likely because of the depletion of intracellular ROS formation. Conclusion Collectively, the data presented in this work reveals that impairment of early embryo development may result from the accumulation of sperm DNA damage caused by mitochondrial-derived ROS.

Postnatal Exposure to Exogenous progesterone Exacerbates the Prenatally-Induced Abnormal Sperms Production and Function in Rats / La exposición Posnatal a la Progesterona Exógena Exacerba la Producción y Función Anormales de Espermatozoides Inducidas Prenatalmente en Ratas

SUMMARY: This study aimed at clarifying the impact of long-term prenatal and postnatal exposure to exogenous progesterone on sperm production and function, relative sex organs weights, and the levels of the relevant hormones in rats. Sixty male Wistar rats were included and classified into three groups (n=20 in each). A test I group had mature rats born to dams treated with progesterone prenatally. A test II group included rats exposed to progesterone during prenatal as well as postnatal periods, and a control group had rats treated with a placebo (olive oil). The test groups revealed a significant reduction in sperm count, motility, and viability with higher abnormal forms than the control group (P< 0.05). Similarly, the test groups revealed significantly lower serum testosterone and higher FSH and LH levels (P< 0.001). Interestingly, the test II group showed pronounced sperm abnormalities, an alarming decrease in sperm viability and motility, and a significant accretion in the relative testicular weight compared to the test I group (p <0.001). Long-term (prenatal and early postnatal) treatment with synthetic progesterone hurts sperm quantity and quality, adversely affecting future male fertility.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo aclarar el impacto de la exposición prenatal y posnatal a largo plazo a la progesterona exógena en la producción y función de los espermatozoides, el peso relativo de los órganos sexuales y los niveles de las hormonas relevantes en ratas. Sesenta ratas macho Wistar fueron incluidas y clasificadas en tres grupos (n=20 en cada uno). Un grupo de prueba I tenía ratas maduras nacidas de madres tratadas con progesterona prenatalmente. Un grupo de prueba II incluyó ratas expuestas a progesterona durante los períodos prenatal y posnatal, y un grupo de control tenía ratas tratadas con un placebo (aceite de oliva). Los grupos de prueba revelaron una reducción significativa en el recuento, la motilidad y la viabilidad de los espermatozoides con formas anormales más altas que el grupo de control (P < 0,05). De manera similar, los grupos de prueba revelaron niveles significativamente más bajos de testosterona sérica y niveles más altos de FSH y LH (P < 0.001). Curiosamente, el grupo de prueba II mostró anormalidades espermáticas pronunciadas, una disminución alarmante en la viabilidad y motilidad de los espermatozoides y una acumulación significativa en el peso testicular relativo en comparación con el grupo de prueba I (p <0.001). El tratamiento a largo plazo (prenatal y posnatal temprano) con progesterona sintética daña la cantidad y la calidad del esperma, lo que afecta negativamente la futura fertilidad masculina.

Integridad Del ADN Espermático Y La Toxicidad Reproductiva Del Nitrato De Plomo En Ratones Machos Adultos

Introducción: La toxicidad del plomo se ha relacionado a diferentes patologías en humanos y varias evidencias sugieren una fuerte relación con el daño observado sobre la función reproductiva en humanos y roedores. Método: Se proporcionó a ratones una dosis única de nitrato de plomo (NP) (50mg/kg/pc), los cuales fueron eutanizados siete días postinyección con el objetivo de evaluar los espermatozoides que han salido de los túbulos seminíferos y están en tránsito por el epidídimo; además, se evaluó la fragmentación del ADN espermático mediante el ensayo tunel. Resultados: La disminución del peso corporal en ratones, tratados con NP (p 0,05); de igual manera, los valores fisiológicos como conteo y movilidad espermática no disminuyeron con el tratamiento (p > 0.05). El tránsito y maduración de los espermatozoides en el epidídimo no sería afectado por el NP, y al no observar aumento en la fragmentación del ADN espermático en el grupo tratado (p > 0,05), la protaminación espermática estaría cumpliendo su rol protector sobre el material genético murino, por lo que no hubo daños genotóxicos por el NP. Conclusión: La administración intraperitoneal de 50mg/kg/pc de NP, por siete días, no causa toxicidad sistémica ni efecto en la espermatogénesis en ratón.

Introduction: Lead toxicity has been linked to different diseases in humans and several evidences suggest a strong relationship with the observed damage on reproductive function in humans and rodents. Methods: Mice were given a single dose of lead nitrate (NP) (50mg/kg/bw), which were euthanized seven days post-injection with the aim of evaluating sperm to come out from the seminiferous tubules and are in transit through the epididymis. Also, the Tunel test was done to evaluate the sperm DNA fragmentation. Results: The decrease in body weight in mice treated with ln (p 0.05), in the same way physiological values such as sperm concentration and motility didn´t decrease with the treatment (p > 0.05). Transit and sperm maturation in the epididymis would not be affected by the ln, and because we did not observe increased sperm DNA fragmentation in the treated group (p > 0.05), sperm protamination would be fulfilling its protective role on murine genetic material avoiding genotoxic damage by ln. Conclusion: The intraperitoneal administration of 50mg/kg/pc of ln for seven days does not cause systemic toxicity or effect on spermatogenesis in mice.

Comparative evaluation of metformin & sitaformin in classic PCOS patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection: A randomized controlled pilot study

Background & objectives: Studies have shown that insulin resistance and hyperinsulinaemia play a major role in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Therefore, the use of insulin sensitizing drugs in the treatment of PCOS has attracted the attention of medicine and researchers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sitaformin (sitagliptin/metformin) and metformin on the quality of oocyte and embryo in classic PCOS patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Methods: Sixty patients of PCOS (25-35 yr) were randomly allocated into three groups (n=20, each group): a metformin-treated group (administered metformin 500 mg twice daily), a sitaformin-treated group (administered sitaformin 50/500 mg twice daily) and a placebo group. Participants in all the groups received the drug two months prior to the start of the ovulation cycle and treatment continued until the day of the oocyte aspiration. Results: Serum insulin and total testosterone levels decreaseed significantly after treatment in both the treatment groups as compared to the placebo (P<0.05). A significant decrease in the number of immature oocytes [MI + germinal vesicle (GV) stage] was observed in metformin and sitaformin groups as compared to the placebo. In addition, sitaformin group when compared to the metformin group showed a significant decrease in the number of immature oocytes (P<0.05). The number of mature and normal MII oocytes increased significantly in both the treatment groups compared to the placebo group (P<0.05). The number of mature and normal oocytes increased in sitaformin group in comparison to the metformin group, but the difference was not significant. There was a significant increase in the number of grade I embryos, fertilization and cleavage rates in the sitaformin group compared to the other groups (P<0.05). Interpretation & conclusions: This is the first study to compare the impact of sitaformin with metformin on oocyte and embryo quality in women with PCOS undergoing a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist cycle. In conclusion, sitaformin can be more effective in decreasing immature oocytes and increasing the quality of embryos than the use of metformin.

Antifertility activity of Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz:In vitro and in vivo study on human sperm and male wistar rats

Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz, commonly called as Broken bones tree or Indian trumpet flower, belonging to Fam. Bignoniaceae, is traditionally used as a contraceptive by ethnic people of Tripura, North-East India. Here, we investigated the scientific basis for use of O. indicum as male antifertility agent by folklore healers. In vitro spermicidal activity of aqueous (AEOI) and methanolic (MEOI) extracts of O. indicum stem bark were studied on human sperm. The in vivo activity was experimented on male albino rats. The treated animals were allowed to mate and the pups delivered by female rat partners were counted. Phytochemical estimation of test samples was done using HPLC. The AEOI and MEOI treatments significantly decreased human sperm motility and viability. Test extracts have increased the hypo-osmotic swelling of sperm. Both the extracts were significantly declined the weight of reproductive organ. The MEOI treated rats have shown significant decrease in sperm motility and sperm counts. AEOI and MEOI treatment significantly reduced level of testosterone, but sharply raised dihydrotestosterone and prostaglandin in rats. Results testified the traditional claim for use of O. indicum as a male contraceptive agent, where MEOI have shown reversible action on male reproductive system leading to contraception without harming the libido.

Cambios morfofuncionales de los espermatozoides y factores de riesgo asociados a la infertilidad masculina

Introducción: En la actualidad muchos estudios han mostrado un declinar en la calidad del semen humano y un riesgo incrementado de subfertilidad masculina. Objetivo: Evaluar el grado de asociación de los cambios morfofuncionales de los espermatozoides con los factores de riesgo en la infertilidad masculina. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal a los 123 pacientes con alteraciones en el espermograma que acudieron al Centro Territorial de Atención a la Pareja Infértil de la provincia Holguín en el año 2021 que cumplían con los criterios de inclusión y exclusión establecidos. La información fue obtenida a partir de la revisión de las historias clínicas y la realización de un cuestionario. Se utilizó la prueba de correlación de Spearman para identificar la relación entre las variables estudiadas a un nivel de significancia (=0,05. Resultados: La teratozoospermia fue el cambio morfofuncional que predominó con 69 casos (56,09 %), al ser más frecuente en el grupo de edad de 30 a 39 años (22, 76 %), la exposición a temperaturas elevadas con 19,51 % y el varicocele con un 43,9 %. En la correlación de las variables estudiadas mostró una mayor asociación la malnutrición por exceso y la teratozoospermia en 44 pacientes. Conclusiones: La evaluación de los cambios morfofuncionales de los espermatozoides permitió́ conocer un predominio de los relacionados a la morfología. Factores de riesgo como la edad mayor de 30 años, la malnutrición por exceso, la exposición a altas temperaturas y el varicocele se asocian a la infertilidad masculina.

Introduction: As of the present moment many studies have evidenced a decline in the quality of the human semen and an incremented risk masculine sub-fertility. Objective: To evaluate the association's grade of the morphologic and functional changes of the spermatozoa with the risk factors in the masculine infertility. Methods: A descriptive transverse study was carried out in the 123 patients with alterations in the spermogram attended in the Territorial Center of Attention to the Infertile Couple in Holguín in the year 2021, and that fulfilled the established criteria of inclusion and exclusion. The information was gotten from the revision of the case histories and the realization of a questionnaire. Spearman's correlation to identify the relation between the studied variables was used. Results: The teratozoospermia was the morphofunctional change that predominated with 69 cases (56.09 %), being more frequent in the age bracket of 30 to 39 years (22 for a 76 %), the exposition to temperatures raised with 19.51 % and the varicocele with a 43.9 %. The malnutrition for excess and teratozoospermic in 44 patients evidenced a bigger association in the correlation of the studied variables. Conclusions: The evaluation of the changes allowed morphologic and functional of spermatozoa knowing a predominance of the related to the morphology. Risk factors like an age older than 30 years, the malnutrition for excess, the exposition to loud temperatures and the varicocele correlate to the masculine infertility.

Morphological identification of Skrjabinisakis Mozgovoi, 1951 (Nematoda: Anisakidae) in Kogia sima (Cetacea: Kogiidae) from Brazilian waters / Identificação morfológica de Skrjabinisakis Mozgovoi, 1951 (Nematoda: Anisakidae) em Kogia sima (Cetacea: Kogiidae) em águas brasileiras

Abstract New morphological, morphometric and scanning electron microscopy data of a nematode of the family Anisakidae, recovered from a specimen of Kogia sima, a cetacean that died off the northern coast of Brazil, are presented in this paper. Morphological features such as the violin-shaped ventricle and short and equal spicules, as well as the distribution of post-cloacal papillae and specificity for the definitive host (Kogiidae cetaceans) demonstrate similarity to Skrjabinisakis paggiae. This research records Kogia sima and S. paggiae on the estuarine coast of Pará, northern Brazil.

Resumo São apresentados, neste trabalho, novos dados morfológicos, morfométricos e de microscopia eletrônica de varredura de um nematoide da família Anisakidae, recuperado de Kogia sima, um cetáceo que veio a óbito na costa norte do Brasil. Características morfológicas, como o ventrículo em forma de violino, espículos curtos e iguais, além da distribuição de papilas pós-cloacais e especificidade pelo hospedeiro definitivo (cetáceos Kogiidae) demonstram similaridade a Skrjabinisakis paggiae. Esta pesquisa registra Kogia sima e S. paggiae na costa estuarina paraense, norte do Brasil.

Clinical and laboratory differences between chromosomal and undefined causes of non-obstructive azoospermia: A retrospective study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Knowledge of clinical and laboratory differences between chromosomal and undefined causes aids etiological research on non-obstructive azoospermia. OBJECTIVE: Compare clinical and laboratory differences between men with non-obstructive azoospermia due to chromosomal anomalies versus undefined causes DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional retrospective study conducted at a public university hospital in Campinas (Brazil) METHODS: All men aged 20-40 years with non-obstructive azoospermia were included in the analysis. RESULTS: The 107 cases included 14 with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) (13%), 1 with mosaic KS, 4 with sex development disorders (2 testicular XX, 1 NR5A1 gene mutation, and 1 mild androgen insensitivity syndrome) (4%), 9 with other non-obstructive azoospermia etiologies (8%), and 79 with undefined causes. The 22 chromosomal anomaly cases (14 KS, 1 mosaic KS, 2 testicular XX, 4 sex chromosome anomalies, and 1 autosomal anomaly) were compared with the 79 undefined cause cases. The KS group had lower average testicular volume, shorter penile length, and lower total testosterone levels but greater height, arm span, serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, and gynecomastia frequency (absent in the undefined group and affecting more than half of the KS group). Patients with testicular XX DSD had LH, FSH, and penile length data intermediate between the KS and undefined cause groups, testicular volume similar to the KS group, and other data similar to the undefined group. CONCLUSION: Clinical and laboratory data differentiate men with non-obstructive azoospermia and chromosomal anomalies, particularly KS and testicular XX, from those with undefined causes or other chromosomal anomalies.

Therapeutic potential of rutin in male infertility: A mini review / 中西医结合学报

Male infertility has become a problem worldwide, and recent research has emphasized the development of more effective therapy options. Among natural compounds, rutin has been widely studied for its potential to treat dysfunction related to male infertility, including a reduction in sperm quality, spermatogenesis disruption and structural disruption in the testis. A thorough review of scientific literature published in several databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus, was used to synthesize the present state of research on the role of rutin in male reproductive health. Rutin has been shown to possess antiapoptotic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, among others, which are crucial in the management of male infertility. Numerous investigations have shown that rutin protects against male infertility and have explored the underlying mechanisms involved. The present review, therefore, assesses the therapeutic mechanisms involved in male infertility treatment using rutin. Rutin was able to mitigate the induced oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, and related physiological processes that can cause testicular dysfunction. Please cite this article as: Rotimi DE, Elebiyo TC, Ojo OA. Therapeutic potential of rutin in male infertility: A mini review. J Integr Med. 2023; 21(2): 130-135.

Dimethyl acetamide and dimethyl sulfoxide associated at glucose and egg yolk for cryopreservation of Pseudoplatystoma corruscans semen

This study aimed to develop a protocol for the cryopreservation of Pseudoplatystoma corruscans semen. For this, mature males were hormonally induced with a single dose of carp pituitary extract (5 mg/kg body weight). Semen was collected and evaluated. Two cryoprotectants were tested to compose the diluents: dimethyl acetamide (DMA) and dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO), in two concentrations (8% and 10%), + 5.0% glucose + 10% egg yolk. The semen was diluted in a 1: 4 ratio (semen: extender), packed in 0.5 mL straws and frozen in a dry shipper container in liquid nitrogen vapors. After thawing, sperm kinetics, sperm morphology and DNA integrity of cryopreserved sperm were evaluated. Pseudoplatystoma corruscans males produced semen with sperm motility > 80%. After thawing, all treatments provided semen with total sperm motility > 40%, with no significant difference (P < 0.05) between them, as well as between the other sperm kinetic parameters evaluated. The treatments with DMA provided a smaller fragmentation of the DNA of the gametes. Sperm malformations were identified in both fresh and cryopreserved semen, with a slight increase in these malformations being identified in sperm from thawed P. corruscans semen samples.(AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver um protocolo para a criopreservação do sêmen de Pseudoplatystoma corruscans. Para tal, machos maduros foram induzidos hormonalmente com uma dose única de extrato de hipófise de carpa (5 mg/kg de peso vivo). O sêmen foi coletado e avaliado. Sendo testados para compor os diluentes, dois crioprotetores: dimetil acetamida (DMA) e dimetil sulfóxido (Me2SO), em duas concentrações (8% e 10%), + 5,0% glicose + 10% gema de ovo. O sêmen foi diluído na proporção 1: 4 (sêmen: extensor), embalado em palhetas de 0,5 mL e congelado em container dryshipper em vapores de nitrogênio líquido. Após o descongelamento, foram avaliados os aspectos cinéticos espermáticos, a morfologia espermática e a integridade do DNA dos espermatozoides criopreservados. Os machos de P. corruscans produziram sêmen com motilidade espermática > 80%. Todos os tratamentos proporcionaram após o descongelamento sêmen com motilidade espermática total > 40%, sem diferença significativa (P < 0,05) entre eles, como também entre os demais parâmetros cinéticos espermáticos avaliados. Os tratamentos com DMA proporcionaram uma menor fragmentação do DNA dos gametas. Malformações espermáticas foram identificadas, tanto no sêmen fresco, como no criopreservado, sendo identificado um aumento discreto dessas malformações nos espermatozoides das amostras de sêmen descongeladas de P. corruscans.(AU)

Cisplatin-induced azoospermia and testicular damage ameliorated by adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells

BACKGROUND: The testes are highly susceptible to the adverse effects of chemotherapy and radiation at all stages of life. Exposure to these threats mainly occurs during cancer treatment and as an occupational hazard in radiation centers. The present study investigated the regenerative ability of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) against the adverse effects of cisplatin on the structure and function of the testes. METHODS: New Zealand white rabbits (N = 15) were divided into three groups of five: a negative control group (no treatment), a cisplatin group (single dose of cisplatin into each testis followed three days later by a PBS injection), and a cisplatin + ADMSCs group (cisplatin injection followed three days later by an ADMSC injection). On day 45 post-treatment, serum testosterone levels were evaluated, and the testes and epididymis were collected for histology, oxidative stress examination, and epididymal sperm analysis. RESULTS: Cisplatin caused damage to the testicular tissue and decreased serum testosterone levels, epididymal sperm counts, and oxidants. An antioxidant imbalance was detected due to increasing malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in testicular tissue. The ADMSC-treated group displayed a moderate epididymal sperm count, adequate antioxidant protection, suitable hormone levels, and enhanced testicular tissue morphology. CONCLUSIONS: ADMSCs treatment repaired damaged testicular tissue, enhanced biochemical parameters, and modified pathological changes caused by cisplatin.

Correlation of serum vitamin D with semen parameters and sex hormone levels in men / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To explore the correlation between serum vitamin D level and male semen parameters and serum sex hormones. 【Methods】 A total of 56 men who received assisted reproductive treatment in our hospital during Oct.2020 and Oct.2021 were included in the infertility group, and 56 male patients with previous reproductive histories who were treated due to other diseases during the same period were enrolled as the control group. The sperm motility and concentration were assessed using a computer assisted semen analysis system (CASA). The normal sperm morphology rate was evaluated with sperm morphological staining. Sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was detected with chromatin diffusion method to evaluate sperm chromatin integrity. Serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (T) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] were detected with ELISA. The correlation between serum 25(OH)D level and semen parameters and sex hormones was analyzed. 【Results】 Serum 25(OH)D level was significantly higher in the control group than in the infertile group (P=0.002). It was positively correlated with semen parameters, including sperm motility (r=0.483, P<0.001), sperm count (r=0.216, P=0.019), and testosterone level (r=0.210, P=0.025). There was no significant correlation between serum 25(OH)D concentration and sperm morphology, LH and FSH levels. 【Conclusion】 Serum 25(OH)D is significantly correlated with and affects total sperm count, sperm motilityand serum testosterone, thus playing a role in male reproduction. The specific mechanism needs further study.

Research progress on the relationship between gut microbiota and male infertility / 现代泌尿外科杂志

With the decline in male fertility in recent years, infertility has become an urgent global problem to be solved. Existing evidence shows that gut microbiota has an important impact on male reproductive health, and gut microbiota disorder can affect spermatogenesis by inducing inflammation, metabolic disorder and endocrine disruption. This paper systematically reviews the relevant research progress in this field, focusing on the impact of gut microbiota disorder on male reproductive ability from the aspects of gut microbiota and spermatogenesis, gut microbiota and sex hormone metabolism, effects of fecal microbiota transplantation and dietary regulation on male reproductive function, and discusses the future research directions of gut micro-biota and male infertility.

Research progress on the genetic etiology and treatment of nonobstructive azoospermia / 现代泌尿外科杂志

Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a disease with complex etiology, genetic heterogeneity and phenotypic heterogeneity caused by multiple factors, including chromosome abnormalities, Y chromosome microdeletions, gene mutations and epigenetic modifications. At present, there is no unified and effective treatment strategy to restore spermatogenesis. The current treatment options include preoperative hormone optimization therapy, changing the testicular spermatogenesis microenvironment, and stem cell therapy. This article reviews the existing genetic etiology of NOA and related treatment methods, in order to provide reference for the clinical treatment.

Sperm retrieval rate of microdissection testicular sperm extraction in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia based on different causes / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the sperm retrieval rate (SRR) of microdissection testicular sperm extraction (M-TESE) in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) caused by different causes. 【Methods】 A retrospective analysis was performed on 225 NOA patients during Jan.2020 and Dec.2022. The relation between SRR and patients’ age,body mass index (BMI),testicular volume,endocrine hormones and different etiological classifications were analyzed. 【Results】 According to whether sperm was obtained by surgery,the patients were divided into two groups,including 107 cases in the sperm group and 118 cases in the non-sperm group. There were no significant differences in patients’ age,testicular volume and levels of endocrine hormones between the two groups (P>0.05). According to the different causes,NOA patients with mumps history,cryptorchidism history,AZFc deletion or Klinefelter syndrome (KS) had higher SRR,while idiopathic NOA patients had the lowest SRR (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 M-TESE is an effective treatment of NOA. There is no correlation between SRR and patients’ age,MBI,testicular volume and levels of endocrine hormones. NOA caused by different etiological classifications may have different SRR.

Relationship between serum reproductive hormones and sperm parameters and surgical outcomes in Micro-TESE / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the relationship between serum reproductive hormones and sperm parameters and outcomes of micro-testicular sperm extraction (Micro-TESE). 【Methods】 Clinical data of 1 091 patients treated in our hospital during Jan. and Dec.2021 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the sperm concentration,the patients were divided into non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) group (group A,n=418),normal sperm concentration group (group B,n=615),mild to moderate oligospermia group (group C,n=18),severe oligospermia group (group D,n=18),and obstructive azoospermia group (group E,n=22). In group A,244 cases treated with Micro-TESE were grouped into the sperm-acquired group (Micro-TESE positive group,n=82) and non-sperm-acquired group (Micro-TESE negative group,n=162),and according to the pathological types of testicular tissue,the patients were divided into normal testicular tissue with hypospermatogenesis group (HYPO group,n=129),maturation arrest group (MA group,n=10),and support-only cell syndrome group (SCO group,n=122). Differences in semen parameters and reproductive hormone levels were compared,and relationship between reproductive hormones and sperm parameters and Micro-TESE outcomes was determined with Pearson correlation analysis. 【Results】 In the sperm concentration subgroup,the testicular volume of group A was lower than that of group B and group E (P<0.05); the levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in group A were the highest (P<0.05),but the level of testosterone (T) was the lowest (P<0.05); the levels of anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) and serum inhibin B (INHB) in group A were lower than those in group B and group E (P<0.05),the normal sperm morphology rate in group B was higher than that in group A and group E (P<0.05); the percentage of forward moving sperm in group B was the highest (P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis revealed that sperm concentration,normal sperm morphology rate,and percentage of forward moving sperm were negatively correlated with age,FSH,LH (P<0.05),and positively correlated with testicular volume,T,AMH,and INHB (P<0.05). NOA patients were grouped according to testicular histology and pathology. The INHB in the SCO group was the smallest of the three groups (P<0.05); the FSH and LH levels in the SCO group were higher than those in the MA group (P<0.05),while the 17β-estradiol (E2) levels in the HYPO group were higher than those in the SCO group (P<0.05). NOA patients were grouped according to the results of Micro-TESE surgical treatment. There was a statistically significant difference in AMH and INHB levels between the Micro-TESE positive and negative groups (P<0.05). The binary logistic regression analysis of factors affecting the Micro-TESE outcomes of NOA patients showed AMH was negatively correlated with the Micro-TESE outcome (OR=0.904,95%CI:0.91-1.08,P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 Age,FSH,LH,AMH,and INHB are correlated with sperm concentration,normal sperm morphology rate,and percentage of forward moving sperm. The INHB level was the lowest in the SCO group. The results of Micro-TESE in patients with NOA can be predicted by serum AMH level.

Effect of Insemination Methods on Pregnancy Outcomes of Day 6 Blastocyst Transfer in Frozen Cycles / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo compare the effects of two different insemination methods， conventional in vitro fertilization （IVF） and intracytoplasmic sperm injection （ICSI）， on pregnancy outcomes in patients with frozen-thawed D6（day 6） blastocyst transfer. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of patients with thawed D6 blastocyst transfer between January 2018 and April 2020 at the Fertility Center of the Third Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University， divided into conventional IVF group （446 cycles ） and ICSI fertilization group （200 cycles） according to the fertilization method. Patients were divided into those with a history of D5（day 5） blastocyst transfer and those without. The patients’ general characteristics， blastocyst quality， and pregnancy outcomes of the two groups were compared. ResultsBMI， years of infertility， and basal FSH were not statistically significant in the IVF and ICSI groups （P > 0.05）. Regardless of the history of D5 transfer， patients in the ICSI group were younger than those in the IVF group （P < 0.001）， the proportion of primary infertility was significantly higher in the ICSI group （P < 0.001）， and the number of oocytes obtained and the number of normally fertilized oocytes in the ICSI group were higher than those in the conventional IVF fertilization group （P < 0.001）. The proportion of stage V and Ⅵ blastocysts was significantly higher in the conventional IVF group than in the ICSI group （21.6 % vs. 3.14 %， P < 0.001）. High-quality blastocysts with an ICM score of A were significantly higher in the ICSI group than in the IVF group （23.8 % vs. 14.3 %， P = 0.01）. The HCG-positive and clinical pregnancy rates were significantly higher in the ICSI group than in the IVF group （65.5 % vs. 48.4 %， P < 0.001； 56 % vs. 41.3 %， P = 0.001）， and embryo implantation and live birth rates were also higher in the ICSI group than in the conventional IVF group （43.8 % vs. 30.9 %， P < 0.001； 43.0 % vs. 31.8 %， P = 0.006）. After correcting for age and number of oocytes obtained between the two groups， the clinical pregnancy rate was still significantly higher in the ICSI group than in the conventional IVF group （OR： 1.590， 95 % CI： 1.030， 2.455， P = 0.036）. Infant birth weight was lower in the ICSI group than in the IVF group （P = 0.016）， and the differences in preterm birth rate， sex ratio， and mode of delivery were not statistically significant between the two groups. ConclusionsClinical pregnancy and live birth rates after thawing and transfer of D6 blastocysts fertilized by ICSI are higher than those of D6 blastocysts fertilized by conventional IVF， which may be related to the different factors contributing to the slow development of blastocysts in patients who received different fertilization methods. The relatively good pregnancy outcome after the transfer of thawed D6 blastocysts fertilized by ICSI may compensate to some extent for the difference in pregnancy outcome due to the relatively slow blastocyst development and a relatively higher proportion of D6 blastocysts after ICSI fertilization in male infertility patients.

Research progress in prevention and treatment of repeated implantation failure by TCM compounds based on "Yu Pei Qi Sun" theory / 国际中医中药杂志

Women undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) may experience repeated implantation failure (RIF). Under the guidance of "Yu Pei Qi Sun" theory, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) compounds can improve the quality of sperm and eggs of both husband and wife by anti-oxidative stress, improving mitochondrial function and reducing excessive apoptosis before IVF-ET to obtain high-quality embryos; TCM compounds can also promote angiogenesis, anti-oxidative stress, regulation of estrogen and progesterone receptor content, regulate immunity to improve female endometrial receptivity to facilitate embryo implantation; it can also invigorate the spleen and kidney after transplantation and caring for the fetus to help implantation, as well as alleviate the anxiety of patients during transplantation.

Comparison of the Effects of Single Sperm Cryopreservation and Conventional Cryopreservation on Embryo Culture and Pregnancy in Patients Undergoing Micro-TESE / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo compare the effects of single sperm cryopreservation and conventional cryopreservation on embryo culture and pregnancy in patients undergoing microdissection testicular sperm extraction （micro-TESE）. MethodsA retrospective analysis was done on the patients who underwent micro-TESE at the Reproductive Medicine Center in the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University between January 2018 and December 2021. The single sperm cryopreservation group included 39 patients undergoing single sperm cryopreservation and 307 MII oocytes. The conventional cryopreservation group included 39 patients undergoing conventional cryopreservation and 410 MII oocytes. Propensity score matching （PSM） was performed to balance the selection bias. The fertility rate， embryo culture and pregnancy of these two groups were compared. ResultsThere was no statistical difference in age， body mass index （BMI）， years of infertility， basal FSH， basal LH， basal E2， AMH， AFC， number of oocytes retrieved and number of transferred embryos between the two groups （P>0.05）. No significant difference was found in fertilization rate （65.8% vs. 60.49%）， available embryo rate （67.82% vs. 58.87%） and high-quality embryo rate （70.80% vs. 75.34%）. The single sperm cryopreservation group had significantly lower clinical pregnancy rate than conventional cryopreservation group （45.45% vs. 70.0%， P=0.049）. ConclusionIf the patients undergoing micro-TESE have very few sperms， single sperm cryopreservation could be an effective choice to increase the utilization of each sperm and ensure the subsequent sperm retrieval after thawing， but the clinical pregnancy rate is decreased. Due to the limited number of cases， we need a large additional number of cases to observe and analyze.

Effect of advanced paternal age on reproductive outcomes in IVF cycles of non-male-factor infertility: a retrospective cohort study / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Advanced paternal age has been overlooked, and its effect on fertility remains controversial. Previous studies have focused mainly on intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles in men with oligozoospermia. However, few studies have reported on men with semen parameters within reference ranges. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective cohort study analyzing the reproductive outcomes of couples with non-male-factor infertility undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. In total, 381 cycles included were subgrouped according to paternal age (<35-year-old, 35-39-year-old, or ≥40-year-old), and maternal age was limited to under 35 years. Data on embryo quality and clinical outcomes were analyzed. The results showed that fertilization and high-quality embryo rates were not significantly different (all P > 0.05). The pregnancy rate was not significantly different in the 35-39-year-old group (42.0%; P > 0.05), but was significantly lower in the ≥40-year-old group (26.1%; P < 0.05) than that in the <35-year-old group (40.3%). Similarly, the implantation rate significantly decreased in the ≥40-year-old group (18.8%) compared with that in the <35-year-old group (31.1%) and 35-39-year-old group (30.0%) (both P < 0.05). The live birth rate (30.6%, 21.7%, and 19.6%) was not significantly different across the paternal age subgroups (<35-year-old, 35-39-year-old, and ≥40-year-old, respectively; all P > 0.05), but showed a declining trend. The miscarriage rate significantly increased in the 35-39-year-old group (44.8%) compared with that in the <35-year-old group (21.0%; P < 0.05). No abnormality in newborn birth weight was found. The results indicated that paternal age over 40 years is a key risk factor that influences the assisted reproductive technology success rate even with good semen parameters, although it has no impact on embryo development.