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1.
Clin Ter ; 171(6): e523-e527, 2020.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33151251

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate: 1) the prevalence of male infertility due to ejaculatory dysfunction (premature ejaculation-PE, intravaginal ejaculatory dysfunction-IVEjD, anejaculation-AE, and retrograde ejaculation-RE); and 2) the hormonal profile and semen characteristics of such subjects. METHODS: N.3280 subjects who were referred to our andrology unit for infertility were studied. Exclusion criteria: the presence of known causes of male infertility and erectile dysfunction. In all subjects were performed: medical history and andrological physical examination; hormonal profile; semen analysis or centrifugation/resuspension of post-orgasmic urine; IIEF-5 questionnaire for the diagnosis of ED; PEDT questionnaire for the diagnosis of EP. RESULTS: the prevalence of ejaculatory dysfunctions in infertile males was 1.8% (59/3280). The causes were: a) absence of ejaculation in 37/3280 subjects (1.1%); among them, 23/3280 (0.7%) subjects showed a condition of RE and 14/3280 (0.4%) of AE; b) PE in 16/3280 subjects (0.5%); and c) IVEjD in 6/3280 subjects (0.2%). Hormonal values and seminal parameters (when semen analysis was possible) were within the normal ranges in all the cases. In subjects with RE, sperm recovery was possible in 69.9% (16/23) subjects after centrifugation and resuspension of post-orgasmic urine. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of male infertility due to ejaculatory dysfunctions is overall just under 2%. The main cause is retrograde ejaculation; psychogenic origins could also have an important role. It is important to identify the cause of ejaculatory dysfunction in order to decide upon correct management (PE treatment, centrifugation and resuspension of post-orgasmic urine, penile vibratory stimulation, and psychological counselling).


Asunto(s)
Disfunción Eréctil/epidemiología , Infertilidad Masculina/etiología , Disfunciones Sexuales Psicológicas , Adolescente , Adulto , Eyaculación/fisiología , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Prevalencia , Estudios Retrospectivos , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Enfermedades Urológicas/epidemiología , Adulto Joven
2.
Epidemiol Infect ; 147: e80, 2019 01.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30869017

RESUMEN

In 2017, Italy experienced a large measles epidemic with 5408 cases and four deaths. As Subnational Reference Laboratory of the Measles and Rubella surveillance NETwork (MoRoNET), the EpiSoMI (Epidemiology and Molecular Surveillance of Infections) Laboratory (University of Milan) set up rapid and active surveillance for the complete characterisation of the Measles virus (Mv) responsible for the large measles outbreak in Milan and surrounding areas (Lombardy, Northern Italy). The aims of this study were to describe the genetic profile of circulating viruses and to track the pathway of measles transmission. Molecular analysis was performed by sequencing the highly variable 450 nucleotides region of the N gene (N-450) of Mv genome. Two-hundred and ninety-nine strains of Mv were analysed. The phylogenetic analysis showed five different variants, two not previously described in the studied area, belonging to D8 and B3 genotypes. Three events of continuous transmission of autochthonous variants (D8-Osaka, D8-London and B3-Milan variants) and two events of continuous transmission of imported variants (B3-Dublin and D8-Hulu Langat) tracked five different transmission pathways. These pathways outlined two epidemic peaks: the first in April and the second in July 2017. The correlation between Mv variant and the epidemiological data may enable us to identify the sources of virus importation and recognise long-lasting virus transmission pathways.


Asunto(s)
Epidemias , Genotipo , Virus del Sarampión/genética , Sarampión/epidemiología , Humanos , Italia/epidemiología , Sarampión/virología , Virus del Sarampión/clasificación , Filogenia
3.
Clin Ter ; 166(5): e317-20, 2015.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26550816

RESUMEN

AIMS: A) to evaluate the prevalence of patients affected by Diabetes Mellitus (DM) in a population of men with Erectile Dysfunction (ED); B) to define the epidemiological, biochemical and therapeutic aspects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: N.934 subjects referred at our Andrology Unit for ED were studied. The diagnosis of ED was evaluated using the IIEF-5 questionnaire (Total score ≤21). RESULTS: The prevalence of subjects affected by DM in a population of men with ED was 19.5% (182/934). The age ranges were: ≥55 years (108/182; 59.3%); ≥40<55 years (70/182; 38.5%); <40 years (4/182; 2.2%). HbA1c mean value was 7.9% ± 0.8%. No significant differences were found in DM onset timing or in anti-diabetic treatment. In n.125/182 cases (68.7%) the ED onset followed the diagnosis of DM; in n.34/182 cases (18.7%) it appeared at the same time; and in n.23/182 cases (12.6%) appeared before DM diagnosis. ED TREATMENT: in n.18/182 subjects (9.9%) there was a concomitant hypotestosteronemia; these patients were treated only with testosterone replacement; this treatment was efficacious (IIEF-5 total score ≥22) in 8/18 subjects (44.4%). In n.146/182 subjects (80.2%) a treatment with PDE5-i was given. Of these 146 subjects, the therapy was given "on demand" to 108 subjects (efficacy in 50.9%; 55/108) and "once a day" to the remaining 38 subjects (efficacy 63.1%, 24/38) (p=0.428, n.s.). N.15/182 subjects (8.2%) were treated with intracavernous injections of Alprostadil (efficacy in 8/15, 53.3%). In n.3/182 subjects (1.6%) a penile prosthesis was implanted. CONCLUSIONS: DM is one of the most frequent organic causes of ED; there were many strategies to treat this symptom without interfering with the antidiabetic treatment. Finally, ED can be predictive of DM.


Asunto(s)
Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiología , Disfunción Eréctil/epidemiología , Adulto , Anciano , Disfunción Eréctil/sangre , Disfunción Eréctil/tratamiento farmacológico , Terapia de Reemplazo de Hormonas , Humanos , Italia/epidemiología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Prevalencia , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Testosterona/sangre , Testosterona/deficiencia , Testosterona/uso terapéutico
4.
J Endocrinol Invest ; 34(4): 307-11, 2011 Apr.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21297382

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Acupuncture has been used as treatment for infertility for hundreds of years, and recently it has been studied in male and female infertility and in assisted reproductive technologies, although its role in reproductive medicine is still debated. AIM: To review studies on acupuncture in reproductive medicine, in experimental and clinical settings. METHODS: Papers were retrieved on PubMed and Google Scholar and were included in the review if at least the abstract was in English. RESULTS: There is evidence of benefit mainly when acupuncture is performed on the day of embryo transfer (ET) in the live birth rate. Benefit is also evident when acupuncture is performed for female infertility due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). There is some evidence of sperm quality improvement when acupuncture is performed on males affected by idiopathic infertility. Experimental studies suggest that acupuncture effects are mediated by changes in activity of the autonomic nervous system and stimulation of neuropeptides/neurotransmitters which may be involved in the pathogenesis of infertility. CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture seems to have beneficial effects on live birth rate when performed on the day of ET, and to be useful also in PCOS as well as in male idiopathic infertility, with very low incidence of side effects. However, further studies are necessary to confirm the clinical results and to expand our knowledge of the mechanisms involved.


Asunto(s)
Terapia por Acupuntura/estadística & datos numéricos , Infertilidad/terapia , Medicina Reproductiva/métodos , Bases de Datos Factuales , Humanos , Sistema Nervioso , Técnicas Reproductivas Asistidas
5.
J Endocrinol Invest ; 33(2): 74-6, 2010 Feb.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20348835

RESUMEN

AIM: The aim was to study: a) the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in male partners of subfertile couples; b) the possible correlation between sexual dysfunction and seminal profile. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Male partners (no.=171) of subfertile couples were studied, aged between 25 and 40 yr, attending the Andrology Unit of Sant'Andrea Hospital. All the subjects responded to a modified International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire, made up of 5 questions: 2 regarding erectile function, 1 concerning orgasmic function, 1 question on sexual desire, and 1 on satisfaction with intercourse. The questionnaire investigated both spontaneous sex for pleasure and sex intended to lead to pregnancy. The subjects underwent standard semen analysis, according to World Health Organization guidelines. RESULTS: The data showed a disorder in sexual intercourse for reproductive purposes in 37 subjects (23.7%). Of these, only 14 (8.9%) also had problems with sex for pleasure. On the other hand, there was no significant variation in the prevalence of sexual dysfunction related to seminal profile. CONCLUSIONS: A diagnosis of subfertility represents a stressful situation which can reduce the pleasure of sex, especially in intercourse intended for reproductive purposes; this disorder in sexual activity does not seem to be directly correlated with awareness of the severity of the semen alterations.


Asunto(s)
Infertilidad Masculina/diagnóstico , Infertilidad Masculina/psicología , Adulto , Humanos , Libido , Masculino , Orgasmo , Erección Peniana , Satisfacción Personal , Reproducción , Conducta Sexual , Disfunciones Sexuales Fisiológicas/diagnóstico , Disfunciones Sexuales Fisiológicas/epidemiología , Disfunciones Sexuales Psicológicas/diagnóstico , Disfunciones Sexuales Psicológicas/epidemiología , Recuento de Espermatozoides , Motilidad Espermática , Espermatozoides/anomalías , Encuestas y Cuestionarios
6.
Minerva Urol Nefrol ; 59(4): 413-6, 2007 Dec.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17947958

RESUMEN

AIM: An attempt was made to improve the standardization of sperm morphology assessment. METHODS: A software for computerized automatic/semiautomatic sperm morphology assessment was developed and a comparative study between this computerized system and the subjective micrometric method was carried out. RESULTS: The software has shown to be very reliable and reproducible. The subjective micrometric method significantly underestimated the percentage of atypical forms compared with the objective method. CONCLUSION: Until the development of new fully-automatic techniques, this system is certainly an effective first step in the objective, reproducible standardization of sperm morphology assessment.


Asunto(s)
Programas Informáticos , Espermatozoides , Estudios de Factibilidad , Humanos , Procesamiento de Imagen Asistido por Computador/métodos , Infertilidad Masculina/diagnóstico , Masculino , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Sensibilidad y Especificidad , Recuento de Espermatozoides , Cabeza del Espermatozoide , Motilidad Espermática
7.
Minerva Urol Nefrol ; 59(2): 131-5, 2007 Jun.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17571048

RESUMEN

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in a population of male partners of infertile couples, to evaluate their seminal and biochemical parameters and to plan therapeutic strategies to achieve pregnancy. METHODS: Standard semen analysis was carried out in 510 male partners of infertile couples, aged 25 to 51 years. RESULTS: The prevalence of DM in the subjects studied was 1.18%, 4 cases with non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and 2 cases with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Three subjects with NIDDM and 1 with IDDM had normal ejaculation. Semen analysis of these subjects showed qualitative alteration; the most important effects concerned the kinetic properties, especially progressive motility. Sperm morphology was also significantly compromised. On the other hand, sperm concentration did not show significant alterations. The therapeutic iter in these subjects is similar to that for other dyspermic male partners of infertile couples. The 2 remaining subjects (one with NIDDM and one with IDDM) had retrograde ejaculation (sperm recovery from post-orgasmic urine) and were included in intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization programs. In addition, in the subjects with DM, the biochemical seminal profile showed significantly higher levels of fructose compared with the nondiabetic subjects. CONCLUSION: DM has a negative impact both in terms of sperm quality and of the ejaculation mechanism. The low prevalence of DM among this study population of 510 male partners of infertile couples is due to the low prevalence of DM in this age range.


Asunto(s)
Complicaciones de la Diabetes/diagnóstico , Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiología , Infertilidad/etiología , Semen , Motilidad Espermática , Adulto , Complicaciones de la Diabetes/epidemiología , Diabetes Mellitus/diagnóstico , Eyaculación , Femenino , Humanos , Infertilidad/diagnóstico , Infertilidad/epidemiología , Infertilidad Masculina/etiología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Prevalencia , Ciudad de Roma/epidemiología , Semen/química , Semen/citología , Recuento de Espermatozoides
8.
Minerva Urol Nefrol ; 58(2): 201-5, 2006 Jun.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16767074

RESUMEN

AIM: An attempt was made to improve the standardization of sperm motility assessment. METHODS: A computerized system based on image superimposition producing final image with a motion effect was employed. Numerical definition of straight-line velocity (VSL), curvilinear velocity (VCL) and linearity (LIN) related to these motility classes were made, at different frame/rates (20 frames/s, 30 frames/s and 60 frames/s). RESULTS: At least 4 motility class categories were found to be necessary (instead of 3, WHO) for a valid assessment. According to the cut-offs suggested by the ROC curves, motility classes were defined as follows: Class 1 (straight progressive motility): VSL = or > 23 microm/s; LIN = or > 0.58 at 20 frames/s; LIN = or > 0.50 at 30 frames/s; LIN = or > 0.44 at 60 frames/s. Class 2 (straight slow motility): VSL > 10 microm/s and < 23 microm/s; LIN = or > 0.58 at 20 frames/s; LIN = or > 0.51 at 30 frames/s; LIN = or > 0.43 at 60 frames/s. Class 3 (progressive non straight motility): VSL > 10 microm/s; LIN < 0.58 at 20 frames/s; LIN < 0.51 at 30 frames/s; LIN<0.43 at 60 frames/s. Class 4 (non progressive motility): VSL <10 microm/s. A frame rate of 20 frames/s was found to be sufficient to distinguish sperm motility classes in standard semen analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The numerical definition of sperm motility classes may contribute towards standardization in the objective evaluation of sperm kinematics.


Asunto(s)
Programas Informáticos , Motilidad Espermática , Técnicas Citológicas/métodos , Técnicas Citológicas/normas , Humanos , Masculino
9.
Cell Tissue Bank ; 7(2): 75-9, 2006.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16732409

RESUMEN

The authors describe the clinical application of semen cryostorage, survival of micro-organism during cryostorage procedures and the risk of cross-contamination.


Asunto(s)
Infecciones Bacterianas/microbiología , Criopreservación , Preservación de Semen/métodos , Semen/microbiología , Espermatozoides/fisiología , Infecciones Bacterianas/fisiopatología , Humanos , Masculino , Bancos de Esperma , Donantes de Tejidos
10.
Biotechniques ; 32(3): 540-2, 544-7, 2002 Mar.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11911657

RESUMEN

The lengths of the dinucleotide (TG)m and mononucleotide Tn repeats, both located at the intron 8/exon 9 splice acceptor site of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene whose mutations cause cysticfibrosis (CF), have been shown to influence the skipping of exon 9 in CFTR mRNA. This exon 9-skipped mRNA encodes a nonfunctional protein and is associated with various clinical manifestations in CF As a result of growing interest in these repeats, several assessment methods have been developed, most of which are, however, cumbersome, multi-step, and time consuming. Here, we describe a rapid methodfor the simultaneous assessment of the lengths of both (TG)m and Tn repeats, based on a nonradioactive cycle sequencing procedure that can be performed even without DNA extraction. This method determines the lengths of the (TG)m and Tn tracts of both alleles, which in our samples ranged from TG8 to TG12 in the presence of T5, T7, and T9 alleles, and also fully assesses the aplotypes. In addition, the repeats in the majority of these samples can be assessed by single-strand sequencing, with no need to sequence the other strand, thereby saving a considerable amount of time and effort.


Asunto(s)
Regulador de Conductancia de Transmembrana de Fibrosis Quística/genética , Repeticiones de Dinucleótido/genética , Análisis de Secuencia de ADN/métodos , Alelos , ADN de Cadena Simple/genética , Genotipo , Humanos , Sensibilidad y Especificidad
11.
Int J Androl ; 24(4): 189-96, 2001 Aug.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11454070

RESUMEN

The aims of the present study were, first to develop a new method for evaluating sperm hyperactivation (HA) based on sperm head axis angle deviation, and second to apply this method in scoring selected sperm populations during capacitation. This was made possible by improving our original superimposed image analysis system (SIAS). The new option on the system enables us to determine the real angular deviation of the entire head in successive superimposed frames. The entire procedure for each spermatozoon requires 10-20 sec, according to the frame/rate utilized. A clear cut-off between the values of hyperactivated, transitional and non-hyperactivated spermatozoa was found at 11 and 21 frames/sec. However, at 6 frames/sec, a partial overlap between the three classes was found. We defined sperm activity as follows. At 11 frames/sec, hyperactivated: angle sum > or = 405 degrees; transitional: 200 degrees < or = angle sum < 405 degrees. At 21 frames/sec, hyperactivated: angle sum > or = 760 degrees; transitional: 350 degrees < or = angle sum < 760 degrees. The results, in agreement with previous research, show the peaks of activity at 3 h, dropping to a minimum at 6 h. This phenomenon was significantly more evident in fertile compared with subfertile semen samples.


Asunto(s)
Cabeza del Espermatozoide/fisiología , Espermatozoides/fisiología , Humanos , Masculino , Motilidad Espermática
12.
Cell Tissue Bank ; 2(1): 9-13, 2001.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-15256925

RESUMEN

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of ROS scavenger supplementation in human semen samples undergoing cryopreservation procedures.After screening out andrological pathologies, we selected 25 male partners of infertile couples with the following semen profile: volume >/= 2.0 ml, normal viscosity, sperm count >/=20 x 10(6)/ml, straight progressive motility (classes 1 and 2) >/= 40% (Mazzilli, Rossi, Delfino and Nofroni (1999) Andrologia 31: 187-194), atypical forms

13.
Panminerva Med ; 42(1): 27-31, 2000 Mar.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11019601

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Recent artificial reproductive technologies (ART) have enabled even azoospermic subjects to take part in "in vitro fertilization" programs. The aim of the present study was: a) to evaluate the incidence of azoospermic male partners of infertile couples; b) to determine whether biochemical evaluation of such azoospermic males can help to discriminate between obstructive and secretory azoospermia. METHODS: Semen samples (n. 28,339; period 1990-1997) were analyzed according to WHO guidelines. In addition, in 108 azoospermic subjects, fructose, citric acid and L-carnitine (taken respectively as markers of seminal vesicle, prostate and epididymal function) were assayed using a new, faster technique, the differential pH method. RESULTS: The incidence of azoospermic semen samples was 4.76%. The biochemical analyses were indicative diagnostically, especially with regard to obstructive azoospermia. However, in secretory azoospermia, biochemical analysis of seminal plasma did not offer particularly helpful indications, except in cases of hypogonadism. CONCLUSIONS: Azoospermia accounts for a relatively high number of cases and justifies detailed attention to the diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Biochemical analysis of the seminal markers is a valid support for differential diagnosis between secretory obstructive azoospermia. It can therefore help in the correct recruitment of such patients for ART programs.


Asunto(s)
Oligospermia/diagnóstico , Oligospermia/epidemiología , Semen/química , Bioquímica/métodos , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Humanos , Concentración de Iones de Hidrógeno , Incidencia , Italia , Masculino , Oligospermia/clasificación
14.
Hum Reprod ; 15(1): 131-4, 2000 Jan.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10611201

RESUMEN

Sildenafil is a specific inhibitor of phosphodiesterase (PDE) type 5 and represents a powerful therapy for male erectile dysfunction (ED) of different aetiology. Recently, sildenafil has been shown to restore erections in temporary ED related to the need of semen collection for assisted reproductive techniques. In this study, we investigated whether sildenafil administration modifies seminal parameters and/or erectile function in normal healthy volunteers. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over two period investigation we enrolled 20 healthy male volunteers (mean +/- SE age 32 +/- 0.5 years). Subjects were not using any medication for the 3 month period prior to the study and were engaged in a stable relationship with proven fertility. The effects of sildenafil (100 mg) on seminal parameters and erectile function after audiovisual sexual stimulation were evaluated by semen analysis and by colour-Duplex ultrasound (the Resistive Index) respectively. In all subjects, sildenafil caused no changes in seminal and erection parameters when compared to placebo. Interestingly, sildenafil administration led to a marked reduction of the post-ejaculatory refractory time (10.8 +/- 0.9 min versus 2.6 +/- 0.7 min for placebo and sildenafil respectively; P < 0.0001). These results indicate that in normal subjects acute sildenafil treatment does not modify semen characteristics and has a positive influence over the resumption of erections following ejaculation in the presence of a continuous erotic stimulus.


Asunto(s)
Eyaculación/efectos de los fármacos , Inhibidores de Fosfodiesterasa/farmacología , Piperazinas/farmacología , Semen/efectos de los fármacos , 3',5'-GMP Cíclico Fosfodiesterasas/antagonistas & inhibidores , Estudios Cruzados , Método Doble Ciego , Humanos , Masculino , Erección Peniana/efectos de los fármacos , Placebos , Estudios Prospectivos , Purinas , Citrato de Sildenafil , Recuento de Espermatozoides , Motilidad Espermática , Espermatozoides/anomalías , Sulfonas , Factores de Tiempo
15.
Panminerva Med ; 41(3): 265-8, 1999 Sep.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10568128

RESUMEN

Here we report familial balanced translocation (46,XY,t(8;9)(p10;p10) inherited by two brothers from the father. The first subject, 33 years old, was examined after 3 years of childless marriage. Semen analysis showed severe oligozoospermia, hypomotility and teratozoospermia. His brother, 29 years old, volunteered to join this study. He had not yet tried to start a family. Semen analysis showed dyspermia, but the condition was much less serious than his brother's. In both subjects, the secretory function of the epididymis and the genital tract accessory glands did not seem to be affected by this particular translocation. This case report highlights the importance of cytogenetic analysis in dealing with infertile patients suffering from severe dyspermia apparently sine causa. This is particularly the case when certain Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) programs are recommended, where natural selection of the sperm no longer takes place (e.g. ICSI). The possible risk of an increase in fetal chromosomal abnormalities would suggest genetic counselling in all such situations.


Asunto(s)
Disgenesia Gonadal 46 XY/genética , Semen/química , Semen/citología , Translocación Genética/genética , Adulto , Padre , Humanos , Cariotipificación , Masculino
16.
Andrologia ; 31(4): 187-94, 1999 Jul.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10470407

RESUMEN

Dedicated software for semiautomatic objective motility assessment, based on image superimposition (SIAS), was upgraded in order to allow automatic reading of sperm tracks whilst keeping the advantages of visual check instead of the digital images of classic computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) systems. The new system is very fast and accurate and allows an excellent reading of sperm motility in standard semen analysis. Moreover, using this system, an attempt was made to define numerically straight-line velocity (VSL), curvilinear velocity (VCL) and linearity (LIN) in each WHO sperm motility class. At 21 frames sec-1, ROC curves analysis determined the following: Class 1 (typical of WHO grade 'a'): VSL > or = 23 microns sec-1 and LIN > or = 0.58; class 2 (typical of WHO grade 'b'): VSL > 10 and < 23 microns sec-1 and LIN > or = 0.58; class 3: VSL > 10 microns sec-1 and LIN < 0.58 (this additional class was added to differentiate nonstraight progressive motility from classes 1 and 2); class 4 (typical of WHO grade 'c'): VSL < or = 10 microns sec-1. The numerical definition of sperm motility classes may contribute towards standardization in the objective evaluation of sperm kinematics.


Asunto(s)
Motilidad Espermática , Humanos , Procesamiento de Imagen Asistido por Computador , Técnicas In Vitro , Masculino , Microscopía por Video , Curva ROC , Semen/citología , Programas Informáticos
17.
Minerva Ginecol ; 51(4): 129-34, 1999 Apr.
Artículo en Italiano | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10379149

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The aim of this work was to evaluate the intrasperm carnitine (L-C) content related to sperm motility survival in bovine cervical mucus and in culture medium (Tyrode solution). METHODS: The following subjects were selected: 15 fertile normospermic subjects (according to WHO guidelines) and 31 male partners of infertile couples (semen profile: volume > 2.0 ml; concentration > 20 x 10(6)/ml, progressive motility > or = 25% (WHO categories "a" and "b") after fluidification, abnormal forms < 70%; round cells < 1.0 x 10(6)/ml). After standard semen analysis, the samples were subdivided into three aliquots in order to carry out: a) intrasperm L-C (free, total and acetylated) assay; b) sperm motility survival in bovine cervical mucus; c) sperm motility survival in culture medium. RESULTS: A strict correlation was found between L-C (total and acetylated) content and motility survival in cervical mucus. This is probably due to the fact that in cervical mucus lipids are an important energy source for sperm and to metabolize these lipids intrasperm L-C is essential. Therefore, L-C content can be considered as an indicator of sperm motility life-span in cervical mucus. A significant correlation, even if reduced compared with cervical mucus, was also observed between L-C (total and acetylated) content and sperm motility survival in the biological medium. This probably is because the L-C system modulates the reserves of free CoA, essential to the tricarboxylic acid cycle function. CONCLUSIONS: The intrasperm L-C deficit could be due to; a) alterations in the L-C uptake mechanisms in the epididimys due to inflammatory processes; b) lack of testosterone (L-C uptake is androgen-dependent). Therefore, the therapeutic implication of this finding is that where hypomotility is due to intrasperm L-C deficit, exogenous L-C administration or improvement of L-C epididymal testosterone-dependent uptake could promote the acquisition of sperm motility.


Asunto(s)
Carnitina/análisis , Infertilidad Masculina/diagnóstico , Semen/química , Motilidad Espermática , Espermatozoides/química , Animales , Bovinos , Moco del Cuello Uterino , Medios de Cultivo , Femenino , Humanos , Técnicas In Vitro , Infertilidad Masculina/fisiopatología , Masculino
18.
Clin Biochem ; 30(2): 143-8, 1997 Mar.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9127696

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: To apply the differential pH method to the biochemical evaluation of seminal plasma. DESIGN AND METHODS: Fructose, citric acid and free L-carnitine concentration in human seminal plasma were measured by the differential pH method. These are routinely taken as markers of seminal vesicle, prostate and epididymal function, respectively. The pH differential method was then compared with standard spectrophotometry. RESULTS: The linearity, recovery and imprecision calculation for each assay were found to be reliable and the method correlated well with the reference spectrophotometric technique. In addition, the pH differential method showed certain advantages compared to spectrophotometry: a) speed of procedure (40 to 120 sec/assay); b) ability to measure the analytes even in small volumes of seminal plasma (10 microL to 50 microL) without deproteinization or dilution, thus eliminating manual operations. CONCLUSIONS: The differential pH method is an innovative approach to the biochemical assessment of seminal plasma.


Asunto(s)
Semen/química , Carnitina/análisis , Ácido Cítrico/análisis , Fructosa/análisis , Humanos , Concentración de Iones de Hidrógeno , Masculino , Espectrofotometría/métodos
19.
Arch Ital Urol Androl ; 69(1): 55-9, 1997 Feb.
Artículo en Italiano | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9181907

RESUMEN

Semen parameters and biochemical seminal markers in a 46,XX male subject were evaluated; Southern blot analysis with Y-DNA probes showed the absence of the SRY (Sex-determining Region of Y). The semen analysis, carried out three times, showed azoospermia, reduced volume (< 0.5 ml) and reduced pH value. Assays of the biochemical markers of the genital tract gave a profile very similar to that seen in cases of blockage of the ejaculatory ducts. This is probably due to inadequate differentiation of the genital tract adnexal glands leading to aplasia of the seminal vesicles. As a consequence, the ejaculate is formed of prostatic fluid only. The authors would underline the difficulties of counselling these subjects. This is particularly difficult where, as in this case, the genetic diagnosis is carried out in adulthood. In addition to the psychological stress of confirmed sterility, the patient must inevitably undergo the trauma of questioning his sexual identity.


Asunto(s)
Semen , Cromosoma X , Adulto , Genotipo , Humanos , Cariotipificación , Masculino , Fenotipo , Semen/metabolismo , Síndrome
20.
Hum Reprod ; 11(4): 765-8, 1996 Apr.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-8671325

RESUMEN

The main purpose of this research was (i) to perform a comparative study of sperm parameters in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositive and high risk subjects in order to identify any possible alterations in the semen which specifically result from HIV infection and (ii) to study the p24 antigen as an early diagnostic marker of infection in high risk subjects. HIV seropositive subjects showed no significant variations regarding sperm densities, motility and viscosity compared to high risk subjects and controls. On the other hand, these HIV seropositive subjects showed (a) a significantly higher percentage of cytoplasmic droplet forms and immature germ cells, perhaps caused by an early failure of epididymal function and/or by a condition of stress affecting spermatogenesis after HIV infection and (b) a significantly higher level of spermiophage cells, suggesting that HIV activates mechanisms that increase spermiophagy. In addition, HIV seropositive men showed a significant positive correlation between blood CD4+ and sperm motility as well as a significant inverse correlation between CD4+ and sperm abnormalities. This is perhaps due to a decrease in testosteronaemia leading to defective epididymal sperm maturation. To date, p24 has not been found in the serum or seminal plasma of high risk subjects. The longitudinal study in progress should provide further information on this point.


Asunto(s)
Proteína p24 del Núcleo del VIH/análisis , Infecciones por VIH/patología , Seropositividad para VIH/patología , Espermatozoides/patología , Adulto , Antígenos CD4/sangre , Infecciones por VIH/sangre , Infecciones por VIH/inmunología , Seropositividad para VIH/sangre , Seropositividad para VIH/inmunología , Humanos , Masculino , Recuento de Espermatozoides , Motilidad Espermática
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