Are oxidative stress markers associated with unexplained male infertility?

Male infertility can be responsible for up to 20% of the cases attending fertility consultation facilities; nonetheless, the underlying molecular mechanisms that could explain it are still elusive. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate conventional and functional parameters of semen samples from patients who presented with male infertility of unknown origin. Conventional semen parameters and functional parameters (i.e. intracellular reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial membrane potential, sperm chromatin structure assay, sperm membrane lipid peroxidation and antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma) were evaluated on semen samples from 54 healthy donors, 23 patients with idiopathic infertility and 34 fertile controls. No significant differences were observed in the conventional seminal parameters between the fertile and infertile men. However, increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and DNA fragmentation were observed in the infertile patients compared to the fertile group. Alterations in intracellular ROS production and DNA fragmentation could be associated with male idiopathic infertility. These parameters could eventually distinguish both groups more accurately than the conventional parameters. Our current results are encouraging, and the efficacy of these parameters in the clinical settings needs to be further assessed to establish their predictive potential as a marker of unexplained male infertility.

Evaluación de los parámetros funcionales espermáticos en individuos infértiles normozooespérmicos / Evaluation of Sperm Functional Parameters in Normozoospermic Infertile Individuals

Objetivo: El presente estudio piloto evaluó la integridad de la cromatina, los niveles de especies reactivas del oxígeno (ROS), el potencial de membrana mitocondrial (PMM), el daño en el ADN y la lipoperoxidación de la membrana espermática en muestras de hombres clasificados como infértiles de causa desconocida. Método: Entre febrero de 2010 y julio de 2011 se evaluaron los parámetros seminales y pruebas funcionales en 10 individuos con fertilidad probada, 10 donantes pertenecientes a la población general y 8 con infertilidad idiopática. Adicional al espermiograma convencional se realizaron los siguientes análisis seminales no convencionales: evaluación de ROS, PMM, ensayo de la cromatina espermática (SCSA) por citometría de flujo, evaluación de la lipoperoxidación de la membrana espermática por espectrofotometría y el ensayo cometa mediante electroforesis alcalina. Resultados: Se observó un aumento significativo (p<0,05) en la producción de ROS y en la fragmentación o daño del ADN espermático en la población de hombres infértiles. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p>0,05) en los análisis de integridad de membranas espermáticas entre los grupos. Adicionalmente, se observaron correlaciones significativas (p<0,05) entre SCSA y el ensayo cometa (r=0,86) y la producción de ROS intracelular (r=−0,588). Conclusión: Los espermatozoides de los individuos diagnosticados con infertilidad idiopática mostraron altos niveles de ROS intracelular y un aumento en los niveles de fragmentación del ADN espermático. Estos resultados sugieren que estos parámetros se encuentran relacionados con la infertilidad de origen desconocido, y por tanto tienen potencial importancia clínica como una posible herramienta diagnóstica y pronóstica en la evaluación de la infertilidad idiopática masculina (AU)

Objective: This study evaluated the integrity of the chromatin structure, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), DNA damage and lipid peroxidation of semen samples from infertile men classified as unexplained infertility. Methods: Between February 2010 and July 2011 semen parameters and functional tests were evaluated in 10 subjects with proven fertility, 10 that belong to general population and 8 with idiopathic infertility. In addition to the conventional semen analysis, the following unconventional seminal analysis were conducted: evaluation of ROS, MMP, sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) by flow cytometry, assessment of sperm membrane lipid peroxidation by spectrophotometry, and alkaline comet assay by electrophoresis. Results: We observed a significant increase (P<0.05) in the production of ROS and the fragmentation or sperm DNA damage in the population of infertile men. There were no statistically significant differences (P>0.05) in the analysis of sperm membrane integrity between the groups. Moreover, we observed significant correlations (P<0.05) between SCSA and comet assay (r=0.86) and the production of intracellular ROS (r=-0.588). Conclusion: The sperm from individuals with idiopathic infertility showed high levels of intracellular ROS and increased levels of DNA fragmentation in the sperm. These results suggest that these two parameters are related to unexplained infertility and therefore have clinical importance as a possible diagnostic and prognostic tool in the evaluation of idiopathic male infertility (AU)

[Evaluation of sperm functional parameters in normozoospermic infertile individuals]. / Evaluación de los parámetros funcionales espermáticos en individuos infértiles normozooespérmicos.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the integrity of the chromatin structure, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), DNA damage and lipid peroxidation of semen samples from infertile men classified as unexplained infertility. METHODS: Between February 2010 and July 2011 semen parameters and functional tests were evaluated in 10 subjects with proven fertility, 10 that belong to general population and 8 with idiopathic infertility. In addition to the conventional semen analysis, the following unconventional seminal analysis were conducted: evaluation of ROS, MMP, sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) by flow cytometry, assessment of sperm membrane lipid peroxidation by spectrophotometry, and alkaline comet assay by electrophoresis. RESULTS: We observed a significant increase (P<.05) in the production of ROS and the fragmentation or sperm DNA damage in the population of infertile men. There were no statistically significant differences (P>.05) in the analysis of sperm membrane integrity between the groups. Moreover, we observed significant correlations (P<.05) between SCSA and comet assay (r=0.86) and the production of intracellular ROS (r=-0.588). CONCLUSION: The sperm from individuals with idiopathic infertility showed high levels of intracellular ROS and increased levels of DNA fragmentation in the sperm. These results suggest that these two parameters are related to unexplained infertility and therefore have clinical importance as a possible diagnostic and prognostic tool in the evaluation of idiopathic male infertility.

Aspirin triggered-lipoxin A4 reduces the adhesion of human polymorphonuclear neutrophils to endothelial cells initiated by preeclamptic plasma.

INTRODUCTION: Preeclampsia is a disorder of pregnancy, characterized by hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation. Here, we evaluated the role of aspirin triggered-lipoxin A(4) (ATL, 15-epi-LXA(4)) on the modulation of the adhesion of human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) to endothelial cells initiated by preeclamptic plasma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Plasma from preeclamptic, normotensive pregnant, and non-pregnant women were analyzed for factors involved in regulating angiogenesis, inflammation and lipid peroxidation. Plasma from preeclamptic women was added to human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and the adhesion of PMN (incubated with or without ATL) to cells was evaluated. RESULTS: Preeclampsia was associated with some augmented anti-angiogenic, oxidative and pro-inflammatory markers, as well as increasing human PMN-endothelial cell adhesion. This cell adhesion was reduced when human PMN were incubated with ATL prior to addition to endothelial monolayers. DISCUSSIONS AND CONCLUSIONS: Our results are the starting point for further research on the efficacy and rational use of aspirin in preeclampsia.

Reducción neumática de invaginación intestinal en niños: experiencia clínica y técnica / Intussusception pneumatic reduction in children: clinical and technical experience

Objetivo: Evaluar la facilidad y efectividad de la reducción neumática de la invaginación intestinal en niños. Materiales y métodos: El grupo de estudio estuvo conformado por 14 niños y 6 niñas, entre un mes y tres años de edad, a quienes se les realizaron 21 reducciones neumáticas desde enero de 2006 a abril de 2009. La invaginación intestinal fue diagnosticada en todos los pacientes por los criterios ecográficos conocidos y a todos se les realizó la reducción bajo control fluoroscópico. Se mantuvo una presión de 120 mm Hg durante 30 segundos con guía fluoroscópica. Resultados: El índice de éxito fue del 95% (20 reducciones de 21), sin recurrencia inmediata. En un paciente no se logró la reducción por encontrársele un divertículo de Meckel, que requirió cirugía. No se presentaron perforaciones intestinales y un paciente tuvo una invaginación recurrente tardía. Conclusión: La reducción neumática de la invaginación intestinal es un método seguro y muy efectivo, con una alta tasa de éxito.

Objective: To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of pneumatic reduction as a non surgical treatment of intussusception in children. Materials and Methods: We studied retrospectively 20 consecutive patients (aged 1 month to 3 years; 14 boys, 6 girls) who underwent pneumatic reduction of intussusception from January 2006 to April 2009. Previous abdominal sonography was performedand confirmed the diagnosis of intussusception in all of them. All patients underwent pneumaticreduction under fluoroscopic guidance using the standard technique. Results: The overall success rate of pneumatic reduction in intussusception was of 95% (20 of 21 reductions), with no cases of immediate recurrence. In a patient who had a Meckel’s diverticulum, the intussusception could not be reduced. There were no cases of intestinal perforation or other complications and recurrence of intussusception occurred only in one patient. Conclusion: Pneumatic reduction is a safe, feasible and highly effective method for treatment of intussusception in children.

Enteroclisis por tomografía computarizada en niños: experiencia inicial, técnica y utilidad / Computed tomography enteroclysis in children: initial experience, technical and profit

Objetivo: Evaluar la técnica de enteroclisis por tomografía computarizada (ETC ) y revisar sus indicaciones y hallazgos en niños. Materiales y métodos: Revisión retrospectiva de todas las ETC realizadas por los autores en pacientes menores de 18 años de edad entre enero de 2005 y marzo de 2009. Además, se relacionan los resultados con otros métodos de imagen, cirugía o patología. Resultados: Se revisaron 30 ETC (edad media 14,6 años, rango 8-18 años). Las indicaciones más comunes fueron: enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (55%), dolor abdominal (25%), posquirúrgico (7%), hemorragia digestiva (5%), síndrome de Peutz-Jeghers (4%) y emésis (4%). No hubo complicaciones. El 10% de los estudios fue normal. El hallazgo más común fue enfermedad de Crohn (37%) y obstrucción parcial del intestino delgado (26%). Conclusión: La ETC es fácil y certera en la pesquisa de la patología de intestino delgado en niños. Esta técnica es de gran utilidad en pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn con afectación del intestino delgado.

Objective: To evaluate CT enteroclysis technique (CT E) and to review their indications and findings in children. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all CT enteroclysis studies in younger than 18 years performed between January 2005 and March 2009. We correlated the results with other abdominal imaging studies and surgical and pathological findings. Results: Thereview revealed 30 CTE studies performed (mean age 14.6 years, range 8–18 years). CTE study wasperformed most commonly for evaluation of suspicious intestinal inflammatory disease (55%), abdominal pain (25%), post-operative (7%) digestive hemorrhage (5%) Peutz Jeghers syndrome (4%) and vomiting (4%). No complications of CTE were reported. The findings were normal in 10% of the CT E studies. The most common small bowel diagnoses were Crohn’s disease (37%) andpartial small bowel obstruction (26%). Conclusion: CTE is safe, feasible, and accurate in depicting small-bowel pathology in children. This technique can be particularly useful in children with Crohn’s disease involving the small bowel.

Experiencia de 6 años en la evaluación de las cardiopatías congénitas con resonancia magnética / Evaluation of congenital heart disease using magnetic resonance imaging: a 6 year experience

Introducción: La Resonancia Magnética (RM) es de gran ayuda como método complementario en la evaluación de las cardiopatías congénitas debido a que provee información anatómica y funcional. Objetivo: Describir la utilidad, indicaciones y hallazgos más comunes en la evaluación de las cardiopatías congénitas por RM Método: Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de las RM cardíacas efectuadas entre el año 2002 hasta el 2008 en el Hospital Clínico de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Se incluyó la totalidad de los pacientes en edad pediátrica y aquellos adultos en los cuales la indicación del examen fue por cardiopatía congénita, tanto para evaluación preoperatoria como para control postquirúrgico. Se realizó estudio anatómico, funcional y se utilizó contraste paramagnético intravenoso en los casos necesarios. Resultados: Se realizaron 180 estudios. La indicación más frecuente fue la evaluación postoperatoria de la tetralogía de Fallot, seguida por drenaje venoso pulmonar anómalo, miocardiopatía no compactada y coartación de Aorta, entre otros. Conclusiones: La RM cardíaca es de gran utilidad en la evaluación de las cardiopatías congénitas, ya que demuestra detalles anatómicos con excelente resolución de contraste y provee además información funcional y de dinámicas de flujo.

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is helpful in the evaluation of congenital heart diseases because it provides anatomical and functional information. Aim: To describe the utility, indications and more commons findings in the evaluation of the congenital heart diseases using MRI.Method: A retrospective analysis of the cardiac MRI studies in patients with congenital heart diseases between 2002and 2008 was completed. Children and adults were included. Preoperative evaluation and or post surgical findingswere analyzed. Anatomical and functional studies were made and intravenous paramagnetic contrast agents were used in the selected cases.Results: 180 MRI studies were analyzed. The most frequent indication was corrected Fallot's Tetralogy followed by anomalous pulmonary venous connection, left ventricular non compaction and coarctation of the aorta. Flow dynamics studies were successfully performed in several cases. Conclusion: Cardiac MRI demonstrates anatomical details with excellent contrast resolution and allows functionaland flow dynamics studies.

Frequency and factors associated with recurrences of ocular toxoplasmosis in a referral centre in Colombia.

AIM: To determine the frequency and clinically related factors for recurrences in toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis in Colombian patients. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis based on clinical charts of patients examined during the period of September 2005 to July 2008 at the University medical centre in Quindio (Colombia). Patients with retinochoroidal lesions consistent with Toxoplasma infection were included. Comparisons were made with an index of recurrences adjusted for months of follow-up or of the available data of periods with and without recurrences RESULTS: The clinical charts of 56 patients were analysed. In total, 25 patients (44%) were seen during an active episode, and 31 patients during inactive periods. There were 25 patients (44%) without episodes of recurrence. The total number of recurrences was 80 episodes. The mean number of recurrences was of two recurrences each 11 years. Adjusted recurrences index indicated that the most important factors associated with recurrence were previous therapy with steroids without antibiotics and previous subconjunctival injection of steroids. CONCLUSIONS: The use of systemic steroids without antibiotics and subconjunctival injection of steroids were identified as the main factors related to recurrence in this group of patients.

Ventrículo izquierdo no compactado: fisiopatología y hallazgos por resonancia magnética / Left Ventricle noncompaction: physiopathology and findings by magnetic resonance

El ventrículo izquierdo no compactado (VINC), también llamado miocardiopatía no compactada, se ha clasificado recientemente como una miocardiopatía primaria con origen genético. Se caracteriza por el aumento de la trabeculación de la superficie endocárdica del ventrículo izquierdo y por recesos intertrabeculares profundos. El VINC probablemente se debe a una detención en el proceso normal de compactación del miocardio en etapa fetal. Puede presentarse aislado o asociarse con cardiopatías congénitas o trastornos neuromusculares. El VINC puede encontrarse tanto en pacientes asintomáticos como sintomáticos con insuficiencia cardiaca severa, embolismo sistémico, arritmias y muerte súbita. La confirmación del diagnóstico se ha trasladado de la autopsia a los métodos no invasivos: la ecocardiografía, y más recientemente la resonancia magnética.

Compromiso testicular en púrpura de Schõnlein Henoch, utilidad de la ecotomografía doppler / Testicular involvement in Henoch-Schõnlein purpura: the useful of doppler sonography

El púrpura de Schõnlein Henoch (PSH) es la vasculitis más frecuente de la infancia; afecta principalmente la piel, articulaciones y sistema gastrointestinal. El compromiso de los testículos se observa en el 15 por ciento de los pacientes, pero es raro como forma de presentación (1-2 por ciento). El presente caso clínico describe un niño de 4 años de edad sin antecedentes mórbidos que consultó por dolor, eritema, aumento de volumen testicular derecho y púrpura palpable de extremidades inferiores, cuya ecografía testicular mostró testículos normales con flujo Doppler normal y aumento de grosor de escroto y cordón espermático ipsi lateral. Exámenes de laboratorio fueron normales. Se diagnosticó PSH con compromiso testicular y se trató exitosamente con corticoides orales por una semana. Es importante considerar esta patología como diagnóstico diferencial de testículo agudo, para evitar la exploración quirúrgica innecesaria. Las características ecográficas permiten confirmar la sospecha diagnóstica.

Henoch Schõnlein purpura is the most common vasculitis presenting in the childhood, with frequent skin, articular and gastrointestinal compromise. Testicular pain is rare as an onset symptom (1-2 percent), but 15 percent of the cases develop it during the illness course. This case report describes a previously healthy 4 year old boy, who was admitted in theemergency department with a painful, erythematous right scrotal swelling, associated with palpable purpura on both inferior extremities. Testicular Color Doppler US imagingout ruled testicular alterations, but the ipsilateral scrotum and spermatic cord were enlarged. Blood was drawn for serologic and hematologic testing with normal results. Shõnlein Henoch purpura with testicular involvement was diagnosed and successfully treated with oral corticosteroids for one week. It is important to consider Schõnlein Henoch purpura among the differential diagnosis of acute testicle in order to avoid unnecessary surgical exploration. Testicular Doppler Ultrasound imaging is recommended to confirm the diagnosis.

[Comparing the sperm concentration determined by the Makler and the Neubauer chambers]. / Comparación de la concentración espermática usando la cámara de Makler y la cámara de Neubauer.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to determine the concordance between the counts obtained with the Makler and the Neubauer chambers in ejaculates from fertile men. DESIGN: Cross sectional study in Reproduction Group, University of Antioquia, Medellin-Colombia. METHODS: 112 ejaculates from fertile men were analyzed in the present study. Sperm count was determined using both chambers, the comparisons between chambers were determined using a Bland-Altman plot. RESULTS: The means values for sperm count were 107.8 and 106.2 x 10(6) sperm/mL using the Makler and the Neubauer chamber, respectively, and there was concordance between both methods. CONCLUSION: Our results show that the determination of sperm concentration with the Makler chamber is as accurate as with the Neubauer chamber and that either chamber can be used in routine semen analyses.

[Relationship between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphism and homocysteine levels in women with recurrent pregnancy loss: a nutrigenetic perspective]. / Relación entre los polimorfismos de la metilen-tetrahidrofolato-reductasa y los niveles de homocisteína en mujeres con pérdida gestacional recurrente: perspectiva desde la nutrigenética.

The objective of this study was to evaluate if there is any difference in the proportion of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphisms and the homocysteine levels in a group of women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and a control group. Ninety-three patients with diagnosis of three or more gestational losses and 206 healthy women with two or more children, were included. After acceptance of informed consent, samples of peripheral blood were taken to determine the genetic polymorphisms of MTHFR C677T and the plasmatic levels of homocysteine. The carriers of the homozygous mutation TT of MTHFR 677T polymorphism were 12.9% (12 of 93) in the group of patients and 14.6% (30 of 206) in the control group; 46.2% (43 of 93) and 40% (83 of 206) in the group of patients and controls respectively, were heterozygous CT for MTHFR gene. The levels of homocysteine were 7.2 micromol/ml in the group of patients and 7.7 mmol/l in controls. There was no relationship between MTHFR gene polymorphisms and the increase of homocysteine levels, nor of these one with RPL. From the nutrigenetics perspective we suggest that studies related to MTHFR polymorphisms and the risk of disease include the levels of folate and B6 and B12 vitamins participating in the tetrahydrofolate cycle for trying to establish a direct relation among the genotype, the level of metabolite and the clinical manifestations. In this regard, we recommend the administration of folic acid in women in search of pregnancy due to the high frequency of heterozygous and homozygous for MTHFR C677T mutation in our population.

Relación entre los polimorfismos de la metilen-tetrahidrofolato-reductasa y los niveles de homocisteína en mujeres con pérdida gestacional recurrente: perspectiva desde la nutrigenética / Relationship between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphism and homocysteine levels in women with recurrent pregnancy loss: a nutrigenetic perspective

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar si existe diferencia en la proporción de los polimorfismos de la metilen tetrahidrofolato reductasa (MTHFR) C677T y en los niveles de homocisteína, entre una población de mujeres con pérdida gestacional recurrente y un grupo control. Se incluyeron 93 pacientes con diagnóstico de tres o más pérdidas gestacionales y 206 mujeres sanas con dos o más hijos. Previa aceptación del consentimiento informado, a cada mujer se le tomó una muestra de sangre periférica tanto para la genotipificación de los polimorfismos de la MTHFR como para la medición de homocisteína en plasma. Las portadoras de la condición homocigota TT para el polimorfismo de la MTHFR 677T fueron 12,9% (12/93) en el grupo de pacientes y 14,6% (30/206) en el grupo control; un 46,2% (43/93) y 40% (83/206) en el grupo de pacientes y de controles respectivamente, fueron heterocigotos CT para el gen de la MTHFR. Los niveles promedio de homocisteína fueron 7,2 μmol/ml para las pacientes y 7,7 μmol/ml para los controles. No se encontró relación entre los polimorfismos del gen de la MTHFR y el aumento en los niveles de homocisteína, ni de éstos con la PGR. Desde la perspectiva de la nutrigenética, sugerimos que para estudiar la relación entre los polimorfismos de la MTHFR con determinada enfermedad, se tengan en cuenta los niveles de folatos, vitaminas B6 y B12 que intervienen en el ciclo de los tetrahidrofolatos con el fin de intentar establecer una relación más directa entre el genotipo, el nivel del metabolito y las manifestaciones clínicas. En este mismo sentido recomendamos el consumo de ácido fólico en las mujeres que estén buscando embarazo dado la alta frecuencia de heterocigotos y homocigotos para la mutación C677T de la MTHFR en nuestra población (AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate if there is any difference in the proportion of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphisms and the homocysteine levels in a group of women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and a control group. Ninety-three patients with diagnosis of three or more gestational losses and 206 healthy women with two or more children, were included. After acceptance of informed consent, samples of peripheral blood were taken to determine the genetic polymorphisms of MTHFR C677T and the plasmatic levels of homocysteine. The carriers of the homozygous mutation TT of MTHFR 677T polymorphism were 12.9% (12 of 93) in the group of patients and 14.6% (30 of 206) in the control group; 46.2% (43 of 93) and 40% (83 of 206) in the group of patients and controls respectively, were heterozygous CT for MTHFR gene. The levels of homocysteine were 7.2 μmol/ml in the group of patients and 7.7 mmol/l in controls. There was no relationship between MTHFR gene polymorphisms and the increase of homocysteine levels, nor of these one with RPL. From the nutrigenetics perspective we suggest that studies related to MTHFR polymorphisms and the risk of disease include the levels of folate and B6 and B12 vitamins participating in the tetrahydrofolate cycle for trying to establish a direct relation among the genotype, the level of metabolite and the clinical manifestations. In this regard, we recommend the administration of folic acid in women in search of pregnancy due to the high frequency of heterozygous and homozygous for MTHFR C677T mutation in our population (AU)

Comparación de la concentración espermática usando la cámara de Makler y la cámara de Neubauer / Comparing the sperm concentration determined by the makler and the Neubauer chambers

Objetivo: Determinar la concordancia entre el conteo de espermatozoides obtenido usando cámara de Makler y de Neubauer, en eyaculados de individuos fértiles. Diseño: Estudio prospectivo realizado en el Grupo Reproducción de la Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín-Colombia. Métodos: 112 eyaculados provenientes de individuos fértiles fueron analizados en el presente estudio. El recuento espermático se realizó en la cámara de Makler y en la cámara de Neubauer; la comparación entre ellas se determinó con la prueba Bland-Altman plot. Resultados: El promedio de las concentraciones fue 107,8 y 106,2 x 106 espermatozoides/mL usando la cámara de Makler y de Neubauer, respectivamente. Se encontró concordancia entre ambos métodos. Conclusion: Nuestros resultados muestran que la determinación de la concentración espermática mediante la cámara de Makler es tan exacta como la realizada con la cámara de Neubauear y que ambas pueden ser usadas en el análisis rutinario de semen (AU)

Objective: The aim of this work was to determine the concordance between the counts obtained with the Makler and the Neubauer chambers in ejaculates from fertile men. Design: Cross sectional study in Reproduction Group, University of Antioquia, Medellín-Colombia. Methods: 112 ejaculates from fertile men were analyzed in the present study. Sperm count was determined using both chambers, the comparisons between chambers were determined using a Bland-Altman plot. Results: The means values for sperm count were 107.8 and 106.2 x 106 sperm/mL using the Makler and the Neubauer chamber, respectively, and there was concordance between both methods. Conclusion: Our results show that the determination of sperm concentration with the Makler chamber is as accurate as with the Neubauer chamber and that either chamber can be used in routine semen analyses (AU)