Er-Xian decoction exhibits protective activity in a rat model of asthenospermia through a mechanism associated with DJ-1 protein upregulation.

Asthenozoospermia (AZS) remains a significant clinical problem of male factor infertility. Er-Xian decoction (EXD) is a traditional Chinese medicine with potent antioxidant activity to treat AZS. To investigate the protective effects of EXD on sperm motility and deglycase (DJ)-1 expression in AZS model rats. Sixty mature male Sprague-Dawley rats (200 - 250 g) were randomized into five equally sized groups, including ornidazole (ORN)-induced AZS model group, or L-carnitine (0.1 g/kg) treated group or EXD group (7.5, 15, or 30 g crude drug/kg). Oxidative stress was assessed by measuring superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). DJ-1 expression in testis and epididymis tissue was measured via qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to gauge morphological changes of testis and epididymis. Sperm motility was significantly reduced the AZS model group, while increased in the low-, intermediate-, and high-dose EXD treatment groups by 45.51%, 49.43%, and 58.31%, respectively (P < 0.001), which with a similar increase of 57.21% being observed in the L-carnitine treatment group. Relative to the control group, oxidative stress indices were significantly altered in AZS model rats, which exhibited significant reductions in SOD and GSH-Px levels and significantly increased MDA levels (49.44 ± 1.38 U/ml, 14.02 ± 0.70 U/ml, and 26.37 ± 1.03 nmol/ml, respectively). After EXD treatment, oxidative stress indexes were significantly improved relative to those in these model rats, with high-dose EXD yielding more significant improvements in these oxidative stress indices relative to L-carnitine treatment. While AZS model rats exhibited morphological abnormalities, tissue disorder, and reduced cell counts in the testis and epididymis, these were reversed by EXD treatment in a dose-dependent manner. EXD treatment was also associated with a significant increase in DJ-1 protein expression in testis and epididymis tissue samples relative to the levels observed in AZS model rats. EXD is firstly reported could significantly improve sperm motility in AZS rats and is more effective at higher dosage, even better than L-carnitine. The protective effect of EXD on sperm motility is based on the DJ-1 expression.

Effects and mechanism of action of transcutaneous electrical acupuncture point stimulation in patients with abnormal semen parameters.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupuncture point stimulation (TEAS) on sperm parameters and the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS: A total of 121 patients diagnosed with oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia or oligoasthenozoospermia were randomised into four groups (three treatment groups, one control): the TEAS groups were treated with 2 Hz (n=31), 100 Hz (n=31), or mock stimulation (n=29) at acupuncture points BL23, ST36, CV1 and CV4 for 2 months. The control group (n=30) was provided with lifestyle advice only. RESULTS: The changes in total sperm count and motility in the 2 Hz TEAS group were significantly greater than those in the mock group and the control group. The change in neutral α-glucosidase (NAG) and zinc levels in the 2 Hz group were significantly greater than those in the mock group and control group, and the changes in fructose levels of the 2 Hz group were significantly greater than those in the control group. Significant increases in calcium and integrin-binding protein 1 (CIB1) and reduction of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 b (CDK1) were also found after 2 Hz TEAS treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings suggest that 2 Hz TEAS can improve sperm count and motility in patients with abnormal semen parameters, and is associated with increases in seminal plasma zinc, NAG and fructose. The upregulation of CIB1 and downregulation of CDK1 by TEAS may be associated with its positive effects on sperm motility and count. TRIAL REGISTRATION: http://www.chictr.org ; registration no. ChiCTR-TRC-11001775.

Effect of in vitro selenium supplementation on sperm quality in asthenoteratozoospermic men.

Sperm DNA damage, excessive oxidative stress and decrease in motility may lead to low fertilisation or poor assisted reproductive techniques outcomes in asthenoteratozoospermic men. Selenium was considered as essential element for male reproductive functions. Selenium has important role in enzymatic process for elimination of excessive reactive oxygen species and helps to maintain membrane integrity. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of selenium supplementation on sperm quality, DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial membrane potential and membrane lipid peroxidation during sperm sampling in vitro at different times. In this experimental study, semen samples were collected from 50 asthenoteratozoospermic men. Samples were divided into two groups as control group and test group (incubated with 2 µg/ml selenium at 37°C for 2, 4 and 6 hr). Motility and viability were assessed based on WHO 2010 criteria. Mitochondrial membrane potential, sperm DNA fragmentation and malondialdehyde levels were evaluated in each group. Results revealed that motility, viability and mitochondrial membrane potential were significantly higher in the test group (p < .05). Also malondialdehyde levels were significantly lower in the test group (p < .03). DNA fragmentation significantly decreased in the test group after 6 hr of incubation (p < .02). In conclusion, in vitro selenium supplementation may protect spermatozoa from maltreatment effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during sperm sampling via keeping enzymatic and antioxidant process in optimum condition.

[Experimental Study for the Treatment of Asthenozoospermia by Electroacupuncture in Rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of different electroacupuncture (EA) parameters for the treatment of asthenozoospermia in rats. METHODS: One hundred and five male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 2 Hz-EA treatment daily in 3 d group (n=9), sham-EA group (n=10), model group (n=10); 2 Hz-EA treatment every other day in 5 d group, sham-EA group, model group (8 rats in each group); 2 Hz-EA treatment every other day in 9 d group, sham-EA group, model group (10 rats in each group); 100 Hz-EA treatment every other day in 9 d group (n=7), sham-EA group (n=8), model group (n=7). Asthenozoospermia model was established by intragastric administration of ornidazole (ORN,400 mg·kg-1·d-1) once daily till the end of treatment. EA treatments (2 Hz or 100 Hz) were applied to "Shenshu" (BL 23,bilateral), "Zusanli" (ST 36, bilateral) for 30 min, intensity of 1-2-3 mA (increasing 1 mA per 10 min), once a day or once every other day for 3 times or 5 times. Sham-EA groups were treated with similar procedure except that the output leads of the stimulator were disconnected. The sperm density, viability, motility, the number of grade A sperm, and grade A+B sperm were examined by computer-assisted sperm analysis. RESULTS: (1) 2 Hz-EA treatment daily in 3 d:compared with the model group and the sham-EA group, 2 Hz-EA treatment once daily had no significant effect on all of the sperm motility indexes in the asthenozoospermic rats (P>0.05). (2) 2 Hz-EA treatment every other day in 5 d:compared with the model group, EA treatment could increase the sperm motility (P<0.05), the number of grade A sperm (P<0.05), and the number of grade A+B sperm (P<0.05) in the asthenozoospermic rats. However, compared with the sham-EA group, EA treatment could only improve the number of grade A+B sperm (P<0.05). (3) 2 Hz-EA treatment every other day in 9 d:compared with both the model group and the sham-EA group, EA treatment could markedly improve the sperm viability (P<0.001), the sperm motility (P<0.001), the number of grade A sperm (P<0.001), and the number of grade A+B sperm (P<0.001) in the asthenozoospermic rats. (4) 100 Hz-EA treatment every other day in 9 days:compared with both the model group and the sham-EA group, all of the sperm indexes in the asthenozoospermic rats including the sperm viability (P<0.001 vs. the model group, P<0.05 vs. the sham-EA group), the sperm motility (P<0.001 vs. the model group, P<0.01 vs. the sham-EA group), the number of grade A sperm (P<0.01) and the number of grade A+B sperm (P<0.01) also could be improved after EA treatment. Unexpectedly,none of the EA treatment had significant influence on the sperm density in the asthenozoospermic rats. CONCLUSIONS: Both 2 Hz-EA and 100 Hz-EA treatment once every other day for 5 times in 9 d had a therapeutic effect on asthenozoospermia by improving the sperm viability and the sperm motility in the rats.

EFFECT OF YISHENJIANPI RECIPE ON SEMEN QUALITY AND SPERM MITOCHONDRIA IN MICE WITH OLIGOASTHENOZOOSPERMIA INDUCED BY TRIPTERYGIUM GLYCOSIDES.

BACKGROUND: Kidney tonifying - spleen strengthening method being one of the modalities for treatment of astheno-oligozoospermia is currently commonly used in the clinical setting. To investigate the mechanism of YiShenJianPi (YSJP) Recipe, used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to benefit "the kidney" and strengthen "the spleen". MATERIALS AND METHODS: Oligoasthenozoospermia, male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into normal control, disease model, positive control, low-dosage and high-dosage groups. Oligoasthenozoospermia was induced by tripterygium glucosides intragastric administration before treatment started. Through using computer-aided sperm analysis to test the changes in sperm quality, utilizing flow cytometry to test the percentage of sperm with normal mitochondrial transmembrane potential (JC-1 + %), utilizing X-ray microscopy to observe epididymal sperm ultra-microstructure placing special emphasis and photographing the differences in mitochondria of the flagellum region. RESULTS: Compared with DM, sperm quality of the treated mice was significantly better (P<0.05, respectively). Compared with PC, the LD group had significantly better quality sperms, while the parameters in the HD group were numerically better. Compared with NC, all other groups had significantly lower percentage of sperms with normal mitochondrial membrane potential. In PC, LD and HD groups, the percentage of sperms with normal mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly higher than that of D. The 9+9+2 mitochondrial sheath structure was complete in NC but damaged in DM. In the treatment groups, this structure was fairly clear. CONCLUSION: YSJP improved semen quality with oligoasthenozoospermia by improving sperm mitochondrial membrane potential and restoring sperm mitochondrial ultrastructure.

Protective effects of l-carnitine on astheno- and normozoospermic human semen samples during cryopreservation.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of l-carnitine (LC), as an antioxidant, in preventing spermatozoa damage during the freezing-thawing process in both astheno- and normozoospermic human semen samples. Seventy semen samples (37 asthenozoospermic and 33 normozoospermic) were involved in this study. Cryopreservation medium supplemented with 1.0 g/l LC was mixed with semen at a ratio of 1:1 (v/v). Controls were cryopreserved with freezing medium only. Assessment of motility, viability (VIA), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) were performed on aliquots of fresh semen, frozen-thawed control and frozen-thawed LC treated samples. Supplementation of the cryopreservation medium with LC induced a significant improvement in post-thaw sperm parameters in both the asthenozoospermic and normozoospermic semen samples, compared with those of the control, regarding sperm fast forward motility, forward motility, total motility and VIA. LC showed better protective effects towards asthenozoospermia for DFI (F = 115.85, P < 0.01) and VIA (F = 67.14, P < 0.01) than did normozoospermic semen samples. We conclude that supplementation with LC prior to the cryopreservation process reduced spermatozoa cryodamage in both asthenozoospermic and normozoospermic semen samples. LC had better protective effects for asthenozoospermic human semen samples. Future research should focus on the molecular mechanism for and the different protective effects of LC between asthenozoospermic and normozoospermic semen samples during cryopreservation.

Effect of 830-nm diode laser irradiation on human sperm motility.

Sperm motility is known as an effective parameter in male fertility, and it depends on energy consumption. Low-level laser irradiation could increase energy supply to the cell by producing adenosine triphosphate. The purpose of this study is to evaluate how the low-level laser irradiation affects the human sperm motility. Fresh human semen specimens of asthenospermic patients were divided into four equal portions and irradiated by 830-nm GaAlAs laser irradiation with varying doses as: 0 (control), 4, 6 and 10 J/cm(2). At the times of 0, 30, 45 and 60 min following irradiation, sperm motilities are assessed by means of computer-aided sperm analysis in all samples. Two additional tests [HOS and sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) tests] were also performed on the control and high irradiated groups as well. Sperm motility of the control groups significantly decreased after 30, 45 and 60 min of irradiation, while those of irradiated groups remained constant or slightly increased by passing of time. Significant increases have been observed in doses of 4 and 6 J/cm(2) at the times of 60 and 45 min, respectively. SCD test also revealed a non-significant difference. Our results showed that irradiating human sperms with low-level 830-nm diode laser can improve their progressive motility depending on both laser density and post-exposure time.

The micronutrient supplements, zinc sulphate and folic acid, did not ameliorate sperm functional parameters in oligoasthenoteratozoospermic men.

We investigated the effects of folic acid and zinc sulphate supplementation on the improvement of sperm function in subfertile oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (OAT) men. Eighty-three OAT men participated in a 16-week intervention randomised, double-blind clinical trial with daily treatment of folic acid (5 mg day(-1) ) and zinc sulphate (220 mg day(-1) ), or placebo. Before and after treatment, semen and blood samples were obtained for determining sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, sperm viability, sperm mitochondrial function, sperm chromatin status using toluidine blue, aniline blue, acridine orange and chromomycin A3 staining; and semen and blood folate, zinc, B12 , total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations. Sperm concentration (×10(6)  ml(-1) ) increased in subfertile men receiving the combined treatment of folic acid and zinc sulphate and also in the group receiving only folic acid treatment; however, it was not statistically significant (P = 0.056 and P = 0.05, respectively). Sperm chromatin integrity (%) increased significantly in subfertile men receiving only zinc sulphate treatment (P = 0.048). However, this improvement in sperm quality was not significant after adjusting placebo effect. This study showed that zinc sulphate and folic acid supplementation did not ameliorate sperm quality in infertile men with severely compromised sperm parameters, OAT. Male infertility is a multifactorial disorder, and also nutritional factors play an important role in results of administration of supplementation on sperm parameters. However, these results should be confirmed by multiple studies in larger populations of OAT men.

[Wuzi yanzong pills increases sperm mitochondrial membrane potential and protects its ultrastructure in oligo-asthenozoospermia model rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of Wuzi Yanzong Pills (WYP) on sperm mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and its ultrastructure in oligo-asthenozoospermia model rats. METHODS: Oligo-asthenozoospermia models were made in 50 male rats weighing 200 - 220 g by intragastric administration of Tripterygium Glucosides at 30 mg per kg per d for 8 weeks, and then equally allocated to a model control, a Huangjing Zanyu Capsule (HZC) control, a low-dose WYP, a medium-dose WYP, and a high-dose WYP group. Another 10 age-matched normal male rats were included as normal controls. The rats in the model and normal control groups were given intragastrically distilled water at 10 ml/kg, those in the HZC group administered HZC at 3.01 g/kg, and those in the low-, medium- and high-dose WYP groups medicated with WYP at 2.30, 4.60 and 9.20 g/kg, respectively, once daily for 30 days. At 30 minutes after the last administration, we detected the sperm MMP by JC-1 fluorescent staining and flow cytometry, and examined the sperm ultrastructure under the JEM-1230 transmission electron microscope. RESULTS: JC-1 + % and its fluorescence intensity were (33.77 +/- 6.19)% and 1 468 +/- 496 in the model control, (56.34 +/- 10.35)% and 3 277 +/- 895 in the HZC control, (40.80 +/- 10.40)% and 2 016 +/- 767 in the low-dose WYP, (59.40 +/- 6.51)% and 3 897 +/- 643 in the medium-dose WYP, and (60.71 +/- 7.81)% and 3 371 +/- 647 in the high-dose WYP group, significantly reduced in comparison with (70.80 +/- 4.92)% and 4 360 +/- 945 in the normal control group (P < 0.05), but remarkably higher in the medium- and high-dose WYP groups than in the model controls (P < 0. 05). After modeling, the sperm membrane was loose and degenerated, the mitochondria swelling, variously sized and with incomplete membrane, and the axonemal structure unclear or ruptured. After 30 days of WYP administration, compared with the model control group, the rats exhibited integrated sperm membrane and mitochondrial membrane, reduced mitochondrial swelling and basically normal axonemal and microtubular structures. CONCLUSION: Tripterygium Glucosides could decrease the sperm mitochondrial membrane potential and damage the mitochondrial structure, while WYP could significantly increase the sperm mitochondrial membrane potential and reduce the sperm mitochondrial structure damage. The protection of the integrity of sperm mitochondrial structure and function is one of the mechanisms of WYP acting on oligo-asthenozoospermia.

[Effects of yijing recipe on sperm apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential in patients with idiopathic oligoathenoteratospermia].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Yijing Recipe on sperm apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in patients with idiopathic oligoathenoteratospermia. METHODS: Using the self-control method, we examined sperm apoptosis and MMP in 30 patients with oligoathenoteratospermia before and after treated with Yijing Recipe. RESULTS: The rates of early sperm apoptosis (AV +/PI -) and MMP loss were significantly reduced after treatment as compared with pre-medication ([2.86 +/- 1.47]% vs [4.26 +/- 2.79]% and [21.77 +/- 13.46]% vs [41.73 +/- 20.30]%, P<0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed in the sperm death rate (PI+) before and after treatment ([34.10 +/- 16.26]% vs [30.21 +/- 13.50]%, P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Yijing Recipe can reduce early sperm apoptosis and improve MMP, which may be one of the mechanisms underlying its efficacy on oligoathenoteratospermia.

[Shengjing prescription improves semen parameters of oligoasthenozoospermia patients: efficacy and mechanism].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy of Shengjing prescription for oligoasthenozoospermia and its action mechanism. METHODS: We equally assigned 120 patients with oligoasthenozoospermia to receive Shengjing prescription (treatment group) and vitamin E (control group), respectively, for 12 weeks. Before and after the treatment, were obtained sperm concentration, sperm motility, the percentage of morphologically normal sperm, the levels of serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (T) and luteinizing hormone (LH), sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), the percentage of hypotonic swelling sperm, and the levels of seminal plasma elastase, x-glucosidase, fructose, zinc and acrosin. RESULTS: Compared with vitamin E, Shengling prescription significantly improved sperm concentration, motility and morphology (P < 0.01), decreased the serum FSH level, elevated the serum T level (P <0. 01) , reduced DFI and seminal plasma elastase, and increased the percentage of hypotonic swelling sperm as well as the levels of seminal plasma cx-glucosidase, fructose, zinc and acrosin. CONCLUSION: Shengjing prescription improves semen parameters of patients with oligoasthenozoospermia at multiple levels and through multiple channels.

Coenzyme Q10 improves seminal oxidative defense but does not affect on semen parameters in idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia: a randomized double-blind, placebo controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Several lines of evidence show the implication of oxidative stress in the etiology of male infertility. Recently, the role of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in the prevention and treatment of disease has been intensively probed. However, definitive efficacy studies in oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) have not been completed yet. AIM: To evaluate the effect of CoQ10 supplementation on semen parameters in idiopathic OAT (iOAT). MATERIAL/SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial was carried out. A total of 47 infertile men with iOAT were randomly assigned to receive 200 mg CoQ10 daily or placebo during a 12- week period. Semen parameters were determined using microscopic evaluation according to World Health Organization guidelines. Lipid peroxidation was assessed by measuring the concentration of plasma malondialdehyde. We evaluated the total antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma. To compare variables between and within the 2 groups we used independent t-test and Paired t-test. RESULTS: The trial showed non-significant changes in semen parameters of CoQ10 group. However, concentrations of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances were significantly (p<0.05) reduced in serum of treated groups compared with the control. Furthermore, total antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma significantly increased in the CoQ10 group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results provide further evidence suggesting that CoQ10 supplementation is associated with alleviating oxidative stress, although it does not show any significant effects on sperm concentration, motility and morphology. It may be suggested that CoQ10 could be taken as an adjunct therapy in cases of OAT. Further studies are needed to draw a final conclusion.

[Clinical efficacy of combined L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine on idiopathic asthenospermia].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of combined L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine on idiopathic asthenospermia. METHODS: Thirty patients with idiopathic asthenospermia were treated by combined L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine for 3 months after failure to respond to the integrated therapy of Chinese and Western medicine. Semen samples were obtained, analyzed and graded according to the WHO laboratory manual before and after the treatment. Twenty-five of the patients completed the whole study. RESULTS: Combined L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine statistically improved the sperm vitality (24.89 +/- 12.28)%, grade a + b sperm motility (16.04 +/- 8.33)% and the total sperm count per ejaculate (76.79 +/- 43.14) x 10(6), with a significant difference from pre-treatment (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Combined L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine has a supplementary effect in the treatment of idiopathic asthenospermia and improves the semen quality of the patient.

Link between low-dose environmentally relevant cadmium exposures and asthenozoospermia in a rat model.

OBJECTIVE: To define the mechanism(s) underlying an association between asthenozoospermia and elevated blood, seminal plasma, and testicular cadmium levels in infertile human males using a rat model of environmentally relevant cadmium exposures. SETTING: University medical center andrology research laboratory. ANIMAL(S): Male Wistar rats (n = 60), documented to be sensitive to the testicular effects of cadmium. INTERVENTION(S): Rats were given ad libitum access to water supplemented with 14% sucrose and 0 mg/L, 5 mg/L, 50 mg/L, or 100 mg/L cadmium for 1, 4, or 8 weeks beginning at puberty. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Testicular cadmium levels were determined by atomic absorption, cauda epididymal sperm motility by visual inspection, and testicular gene expression by DNA microarray hybridization. RESULT(S): Chronic, low-dose cadmium exposures produced a time- and dose-dependent reduction in sperm motility. Transcription of genes regulated by calcium and expression of L-type voltage-dependent calcium channel mRNA splicing variants were altered by cadmium exposure. Expression of calcium binding proteins involved in modulation of sperm motility was unaffected. CONCLUSION(S): A causal relationship between elevated testicular cadmium and asthenozoospermia was identified. Aberrrant sperm motility was correlated with altered expression of L-type voltage-dependent calcium channel isoforms found on the sperm tail, which regulate calcium and cadmium influx.

Indications of the mechanisms involved in improved sperm parameters by zinc therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine possible indications of the mechanisms involved in improved sperm parameters by zinc therapy in asthenozoospermic men. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty-five men with asthenozoospermia (>or=40% immotile sperm) were randomized into four therapy groups: zinc only: n = 11; zinc + vitamin E: n = 12 and zinc + vitamins E + C: n = 14 for 3 months, and non-therapy control group: n = 8. Semen analysis was done according to WHO guidelines. Malone dialdehyde, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase were determined in the semen and serum. Antisperm antibodies IgG, IgM and IgA were evaluated by immunobeads. Sperm chromatin integrity was determined by acid denaturation by acridine orange and sperm apoptosis by light and electron microscopy. The effect of zinc on in vitro induced sperm oxidative stress by NADH was evaluated. RESULTS: Asthenozoospermia was significantly associated with oxidative stress with higher seminal malone dialdehyde (8.8 vs. 1.8 mmol/l, p < 0.001) and TNF-alpha (60 vs. 12 pg/l, p < 0.001), and low total antioxidant capacity (1.8 vs. 8.4, p < 0.01), SOD (0.8 vs. 3.1, p < 0.01) and glutathione peroxidase (1.6 vs. 4.2, p < 0.05), compared to normozoospermia. Zinc therapy alone, in combination with vitamin E or with vitamin E + C were associated with comparably improved sperm parameters with less oxidative stress, sperm apoptosis and sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI). On the whole, there was no difference in the outcome measures between zinc only and zinc with vitamin E and combination of vitamins E + C. In the in vitro experiment zinc supplementation resulted in significantly lower DFI (14-29%, p < 0.05) compared to zinc deficiency. CONCLUSION: Zinc therapy reduces asthenozoospermia through several mechanisms such as prevention of oxidative stress, apoptosis and sperm DNA fragmentation.

Prostatic massage: a simple method of semen retrieval in men with spinal cord injury.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of prostatic massage (PM) as a method for obtaining semen in men with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to evaluate the semen parameters in the semen samples obtained by this method. Sixty-nine patients with SCI underwent PM as a trial for semen retrieval. History taking, examination and hormonal assay analysis (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin and testosterone) were performed in all patients. Patients were grouped as follows: group 'A' where sperm could be successfully retrieved by PM and group 'B' where no sperm could be retrieved. PM resulted in the production of prostatic secretion in 51 patients (73.9%) and no secretion was obtained in 18 patients. Spermatozoa were successfully retrieved in only 22 patients (31.9%). The semen analysis of the sperm-positive samples showed asthenoteratozoospermia with decreased vitality and increased number of leucocytes. Semen collection by PM was significantly higher in patients with an SCI level above T10. PM is a safe and simple outpatient clinic procedure that can be easily used to retrieve semen in men with SCI.

[Extract of acanthopanacis senticosus improves sperm motility of asthenospermia patients in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of different concentrations of the extract of acanthopanacis senticosus on human sperm motility in vitro and to investigate its possible mechanism. METHODS: By computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system, we observed the effect of different concentrations of the extract of acanthopanacis senticosus on human sperm motility in vitro. The sperm obtained by masturbation and prepared by swim-up technique from 35 men with asthenospermia was incubated in different concentrations of the extract of acanthopanacis senticosus, and all the specimens were measured at 30, 60, 120 and 180 min respectively. RESULTS: Different concentrations of the extract of acanthopanacis senticosus obviously improved the sperm motility of asthenospermia patients. The extract at the concentrations of 5 and 10 g/L increased the rate of motility (MOT), the percentage of progressive mobile sperm, the curvilinear velocity (VCL), the straight line velocity (VSL) and the average path velocity (VAP). Compared with the control group, the difference was significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The extract of acanthopanacis senticosus can improve the sperm motility of asthenospermia patients in vitro and its optimal concentration is 10 g/L. The study may provide a new drug therapy for asthenospermia.