Semen quality and aging: analysis of 9.168 samples in Cordoba. Argentina.

OBJECTIVES: Concomitantly with the actual trend towards later fathering, more detailed studies are necessary to establish the relationship between male age and seminal features. The objective of the present paper was to evaluate the relationship of men age with semen quality and with the seminal levels of epididymal and accessory gland markers. METHODS: The study was conducted as a retrospective study of 9168 cases obtained from the Andrology and Reproduction Laboratory in Cordoba, Argentina for 10 years (1995-2004) (men ages 20 to 77). An important number of factors such as abstinence time, toxic habits, work conditions and drugs consumption has been statistically considered. The parameters measured were: seminal volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, sperm motility, morphology and viability. Seminal levels of alpha-glucosidase, fructose and citric acid were also evaluated. RESULTS: We detected a significant decrease in seminal volume, sperm count, motility, viability and normal morphology, and a reduction in alpha-glucosidase and fructose levels in relation to age. CONCLUSIONS: Since semen quality is a tool for fertility prognosis estimation, the weight of evidence indicates that men may become progressively less fertile as they get older. Couples who decide to delay childbearing should be warned about this matter.

Envejecimiento y calidad seminal: un análisis en 9.168 casos en Córdoba. Argentina / Semen quality and aging: a 9.168 sample study in Cordoba. Argentina

OBJETIVO: En coincidencia con la actual tendencia hacia la paternidad tardía, son necesarios más estudios para establecer la relación entre la edad del varón y las características seminales.El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar la relación de la edad con la calidad espermática y con los niveles seminales de marcadores funcionales del epidídimo y de glándulas anexas.MÉTODOS: este estudio retrospectivo fue realizado sobre 9168 casos obtenidos de hombres miembros de parejas con problemas de fertilidad que se presentaron en el Laboratorio de Andrología y Reproducción, en Córdoba, Argentina durante 10 años (1995-2004) (en pacientes entre 20 y 77 años). Se controló estadísticamente un importante número de posibles factores de confusión tales como tiempo de abstinencia sexual, hábitos tóxicos, condiciones laborales y consumo de medicamentos. Los parámetros evaluados fueron: volumen seminal, concentración espermática, número total de espermatozoides, motilidad, morfología y vitalidad espermática. Se cuantificaron además las concentraciones seminales de alfa-glucosidasa, fructosa y ácido cítrico.RESULTADOS: en el presente estudio detectamos un descenso significativo en el volumen seminal, el recuento espermático, la motilidad, la vitalidad y el porcentaje de espermatozoides morfológicamente normales, así como una reducción en los niveles de alfa-glucosidasa y fructosa seminales en relación con la edad.CONCLUSIONES: dado que la calidad seminal constituye un factor de pronóstico para la fertilidad masculina, las evidencias indican que los hombres podrían disminuir su fertilidad a medida que envejecen. Aquellas parejas que decidan postergar su paternidad deben ser advertidas acerca de este hecho(AU)

OBJECTIVES: Concomitantly with the actual trend towards later fathering, more detailed studies are necessary to establish the relationship between male age and seminal features.The objective of the present paper was to evaluate the relationship of men age with semen quality and with the seminal levels of epididymal and accessory gland markers.METHODS: The study was conducted as a retrospective study of 9168 cases obtained from the Andrology and Reproduction Laboratory in Cordoba, Argentina for 10 years (1995-2004) (men ages 20 to 77). An important number of factors such as abstinence time, toxic habits, work conditions and drugs consumption has been statistically considered. The parameters measured were: seminal volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, sperm motility, morphology and viability. Seminal levels of alpha-glucosidase, fructose and citric acid were also evaluated.RESULTS: We detected a significant decrease in seminal volume, sperm count, motility, viability and normal morphology, and a reduction in alpha-glucosidase and fructose levels in relation to age.CONCLUSIONS: Since semen quality is a tool for fertility prognosis estimation, the weight of evidence indicates that men may become progressively less fertile as they get older. Couples who decide to delay childbearing should be warned about this matter(AU)

[Young football players aerobic perfomance in sub-maximum exercise with exhaustion at a moderate altitude without acclimation: experience in El Condor]. / Desempeño aeróbico de futbolistas jóvenes en ejercicio sub-máximo con agotamiento a moderada altitud sin aclimatación: experiencia en el Cóndor.

ANTECEDENTS: With the same intensity of sub-maximum effort, the concentration of serum (LS) or muscular lactate is higher in Hypoxia conditions, or exercise at an altitude without acclimation, in relation with normoxia or at sea level (MSL). The highest level of lactate after fatigue or in a test of strict anaerobic condition, would not be modified when altitude changes without previous acclimation. OBJECTIVE: To abtain local data about the magnitude of the affect in SL of a effective altitude at 1,700 meters without acclimation, as a parameter of aerobic performance of young soccer players of our environment who live and train at sea level. VOLUNTEERS AND METHODS: Self-controlled experimental test with a number of 10 volunteers (16 - 18 years-old), soccer players of lower leagues from an important local sport club. Two tests in a cycle ergometer of a graded physical effort until fatigue, the first one in the Center of High Performance at MSL (474 meters) and the second one in the town El Condor (EC; 2.220 meters), province of Cordoba. Exercise Protocol: warm-up 2', 30 Km/h with 50W; 3consecutive steps of 3' + 50W each one; final phase 30 Km/h of 200W until fatigue and/or symptoms or maximum time of 15'. SL and HR measurement: basal; the last 30" of every step and in fatigue. SL determination with Accusport. Two-tailed paired test. RESULTS: 1 volunteer dropped out befote completion in EC (n=9). Mean basal SL 2.1 mmol/L at MSL and EC (p=0.897). Mean difference (MD) EC vs. MSL +/- Standard error of 0.5 +/- 0.2 (p=0.033), 0.9 +/- 0.3 (p=0.008) and 0.6 +/- 0.3 mmol/L (p=0.103) in steps 1, 2, 3 respectively of sub-maximum effort. In fatigue (the highest level), Mean SL and Confidence Interval (CI) 95% of 7.6 (6.5-8.8) and 9.5 (7.8-11.2) mmol/L at MSL and EC respectively (p=0.030). Heart Rhythm (HR) without changes in EC in relation to MSL. 66% with a greater Borg scale and 33% of dizziness at EC. CONCLUSION: At an effective altitude at 1,700 meters without acclimation we can verify a lower aerobic performance with a subjective perception of a greater effort intensity, and neurological symptoms of hypoxia can be objectified in one-thirds of the cases.

Desempeño aeróbico de futbolistas jóvenes en ejercicio sub-máximo con agotamiento a moderada altitud sin aclimatación: experiencia en el Cóndor / Young football players aerobic perfomance in sub-maximum exercise with exhaustion at a moderate altitude without acclimation: experience in El Condor

A igual intensidad de esfuerzo sub-máximo, la concentración de lactato sérico (LS) y muscular es mayor en condición de hipoxia o ejercicio en altitud sin aclimatación, respecto normoxia o nivel del mar. El pico de lactato tras la fatiga, o en prueba de codición anaeróbica estricta, no se modificaría con un cambio de altitud sin aclimatación previa. Objetivo: Obtener datos locales acerca de al magnitud del efecto de una altitud efectiva de 1.700 mts. sin aclimatación sobre LS, como parámetro de desempeño aeróbico, de futbolistas jóvenes de nuestro medio que viven y entrenan a nivel del mar (NM). Voluntarios y métodos: Ensayo experimental auto-controlado con 10 voluntarios (16-18 años), futbolistas de ligas menores de un destacado club local. Dos pruebas en cicloergómetro de esfuerzo físico progresivo hasta fatiga, la primera en el Centro de Alto Rendimiento (CAR) a NM (474 mts) y la segunda en villa El Cóndor (EC; 2220mts), província de Córdoba. Protocolo de ejercicio: calentamiento 2', 30Km/hora con 50W; 3 escalones sucesivos de 3'+50W cada uno; fase final 30Km/hora de 200W hasta fatiga y/o síntomas o tiempo máximo de 15'. Mediciones LS y FC: basal, 30'' finales de cada escalón y a fatiga. Determinación LS con ACCusport®. Test de Student para datos apareados a dos colas. Resultados: 1 voluntario no cumplimentó la prueba EC(n=9). Promedio LS basal 2,1 mmol/L en NM y EC(p=0,897), diferencia media EC vs. NM más o menos error estándar de 0,5 más o menos (p=0,033), 0,9 más o menos 0,3(p=0,008) y 0,6 más o menos 0,3mmol/L(p=0,103) en escalón 1, 2 y 3 respectivamente de esfuerzo sub-máximo. En fatiga (pico), LS medio e IC95% de 7,6 (6,5-8,8) y 9,5 (7,8-11,2) mmol/L en NM y EC respectivamente (p=0.030). FC sin cambios en EC respecto a NM. 66% con mayor escala de Borg y 33% de mareos en EC. Conclusión: A una latitud efectiva de 1700mts, sin aclimatación, se verificó un menor desempeño aeróbico junto a la percepción subjetiva de mayor intensidad del esfuerzo, pudiendo...

With the same intensity of sub-maximum effort, the concentration of serum (LS) or muscular lactate is higher in Hypoxia conditions, or exercise at an altitude without acclimation, in relation with normoxia or at sea level (MSL). The highest level of lactate after fatigue or in a test of strict anaerobic condition, would not be modified when altitude changes without previous acclimation. OBJECTIVE: To abtain local data about the magnitude of the affect in SL of a effective altitude at 1,700 meters without acclimation, as a parameter of aerobic performance of young soccer players of our environment who live and train at sea level. VOLUNTEERS AND METHODS: Self-controlled experimental test with a number of 10 volunteers (16 - 18 years-old), soccer players of lower leagues from an important local sport club. Two tests in a cycle ergometer of a graded physical effort until fatigue, the first one in the Center of High Performance at MSL (474 meters) and the second one in the town El Condor (EC; 2.220 meters), province of Cordoba. Exercise Protocol: warm-up 2', 30 Km/h with 50W; 3consecutive steps of 3' + 50W each one; final phase 30 Km/h of 200W until fatigue and/or symptoms or maximum time of 15'. SL and HR measurement: basal; the last 30" of every step and in fatigue. SL determination with Accusport. Two-tailed paired test. RESULTS: 1 volunteer dropped out befote completion in EC (n=9). Mean basal SL 2.1 mmol/L at MSL and EC (p=0.897). Mean difference (MD) EC vs. MSL +/- Standard error of 0.5 +/- 0.2 (p=0.033), 0.9 +/- 0.3 (p=0.008) and 0.6 +/- 0.3 mmol/L (p=0.103) in steps 1, 2, 3 respectively of sub-maximum effort. In fatigue (the highest level), Mean SL and Confidence Interval (CI) 95% of 7.6 (6.5-8.8) and 9.5 (7.8-11.2) mmol/L at MSL and EC respectively (p=0.030). Heart Rhythm (HR) without changes in EC in relation to MSL. 66% with a greater Borg scale and 33% of dizziness at EC. CONCLUSION: At an effective altitude at 1,700 meters without...

Effects of alcohol and cigarette consumption on human seminal quality.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of alcohol or cigarette consumption on seminal parameters in a large population of men attending an andrology laboratory. DESIGN: Analysis of ten years of data (1990-1999). SETTING: Andrology and Reproduction Laboratory (Córdoba, Argentina). PATIENT(S): Patients (3,976) were grouped according to nonsmokers; <==20 cigarettes/day; >20 cigarettes/day; nonalcohol consumers; <==500 mL of wine ( approximately 52 g of ethanol) or equivalent/day; and >500 mL of wine or equivalent/day. Patients who drank alcohol and smoked were also considered. INTERVENTION(S): A questionnaire was voluntarily filled out by patients. It provided data on drug consumption and genitourinary diseases. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Seminal volume, sperm concentration, motility, viability, and morphology. RESULTS: No statistical differences in seminal parameters were found between the degrees of alcohol or tobacco consumption; so, independently of the degree of consumption patients were considered as smokers or alcohol consumers. CONCLUSION(S): Alcohol or cigarette consumption did not alter the seminal parameters. Nevertheless, when the patients with these two habits were compared to those without these habits, a significant reduction in seminal volume, sperm concentration, percentage of motile spermatozoa, and a significant increase of the nonmotile viable gametes were detected. The synergic or additive effect of these two toxic habits is discussed.

[Body training and insulin resistance in two rural communities of Cordoba - Argentina]. / Actividad fisica e insulinorresistencia en dos comunidades rurales de Cordoba - Argentina.

UNLABELLED: From the AF, the smaller risk is controversial. The influence of the general and environmental components on IR is not know in a satisfactory way. OBJECTIVES: The influence of AF on the prevail IR in two rural communities of Córdoba with different fenotipical configuration and IR risk. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Transverse study (survey, clinical and biochemical checkup) over 1143 people of Oncativo community (ON) and Dean Funes (DF), inclusion: n = 673 (30-60 years old) Normal ECG, no diabetics. Sorts AF according to the spend of calories (Kcal/sem): a) sedentary (< 500), b) low (5001-1000), c) regular (1001-2500), and d) High (> 2500). IR is HOMA > 2.5; where [HOMA = (Glucemia * Insulina)/ 4.5]. RESULTS: AF: 31.4% sedentary, 20.2% low, 26.3% regular and 22.1% high. 16.5% IR in ON opposite 34.8% en DF (P < 0.001), IR in ON 8.2% with AF high opposite 18.8% the rest (P = 0.032), 36.8% and 34.2% like in DF (P = 0.67). With the adjusted results for age and community it was found less IMC (P = 0.002) and waist circumference (P = 0.042) than the most category of AF. The blood pressure had not a meaningful change, lipid profile or HOMA depending of AF. CONCLUSION: if a benefit of AF over IR exists, it will be conditioned for genetics and environmental primaries determiners.

Actividad fisica e insulinorresistencia en dos comunidades rurales de Cordoba - Argentina. / [Body training and insulin resistance in two rural communities of Cordoba - Argentina]

From the AF, the smaller risk is controversial. The influence of the general and environmental components on IR is not know in a satisfactory way. OBJECTIVES: The influence of AF on the prevail IR in two rural communities of Córdoba with different fenotipical configuration and IR risk. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Transverse study (survey, clinical and biochemical checkup) over 1143 people of Oncativo community (ON) and Dean Funes (DF), inclusion: n = 673 (30-60 years old) Normal ECG, no diabetics. Sorts AF according to the spend of calories (Kcal/sem): a) sedentary (< 500), b) low (5001-1000), c) regular (1001-2500), and d) High (> 2500). IR is HOMA > 2.5; where [HOMA = (Glucemia * Insulina)/ 4.5]. RESULTS: AF: 31.4

sedentary, 20.2

low, 26.3

regular and 22.1

high. 16.5

IR in ON opposite 34.8

en DF (P < 0.001), IR in ON 8.2

with AF high opposite 18.8

the rest (P = 0.032), 36.8

and 34.2

like in DF (P = 0.67). With the adjusted results for age and community it was found less IMC (P = 0.002) and waist circumference (P = 0.042) than the most category of AF. The blood pressure had not a meaningful change, lipid profile or HOMA depending of AF. CONCLUSION: if a benefit of AF over IR exists, it will be conditioned for genetics and environmental primaries determiners.

Estudio de frecuencia e incidencia del embarazo ectópico en hospitales públicos de la ciudad de Córdoba entre 1981 y 1990 / Frequency and incidence study in public hospitals of Córdoba city between 1981 and 1990

Reportamos el número y el comportamiento de la frecuencia e incidencia del Embarazo Ectópico (EE) en Hospitales de atención pública de la Ciudad de Córdoba. Argentina, para el período 1981-90. Se registraron 356 de EE que, analizados, mostraron una mayor frecuencia del mismo en edades mayores que las normales para el embarazo ortotópico; incremento de la incidencia con el aumento de la edad de la gestante, duplicándose en las mayores de 30 años respecto de las menores; por último no hubo variación significativa en la incidencia de esta patología en los 10 años que abarcó el estudio, excepto un incremento poco significativo de la misma en el grupo de gestantes entre los 35 y 39 años. En comparación con estudios realizados por otros autores en otras regiones del mundo, los resultados coinciden cuando expresan que la incidencia aumenta con la edad de la gestante, mientras que no lo hacen con el incremento de la incidencia experimentado en dichas regiones en los últimos tiempos

Estudio de frecuencia e incidencia del embarazo ectópico en hospitales públicos de la ciudad de Córdoba entre 1981 y 1990 / Frequency and incidence study in public hospitals of Córdoba city between 1981 and 1990

Reportamos el número y el comportamiento de la frecuencia e incidencia del Embarazo Ectópico (EE) en Hospitales de atención pública de la Ciudad de Córdoba. Argentina, para el período 1981-90. Se registraron 356 de EE que, analizados, mostraron una mayor frecuencia del mismo en edades mayores que las normales para el embarazo ortotópico; incremento de la incidencia con el aumento de la edad de la gestante, duplicándose en las mayores de 30 años respecto de las menores; por último no hubo variación significativa en la incidencia de esta patología en los 10 años que abarcó el estudio, excepto un incremento poco significativo de la misma en el grupo de gestantes entre los 35 y 39 años. En comparación con estudios realizados por otros autores en otras regiones del mundo, los resultados coinciden cuando expresan que la incidencia aumenta con la edad de la gestante, mientras que no lo hacen con el incremento de la incidencia experimentado en dichas regiones en los últimos tiempos (AU)