• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.49 no.1
• /
• pp.57-61
• /
• 2022

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate whether human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) therapy is beneficial for improving semen parameters and clinical hypogonadism symptoms in hypogonadic oligozoospermic or severe oligozoospermic men with low or borderline testosterone levels. Methods: A weekly dose of 250 ㎍ (equivalent to approximately 6,500 IU) of hCG was administered subcutaneously for 3-6 months to 56 hypogonadic oligozoospermic or severe oligozoospermic men. Semen, biochemical, and genetic analyses were performed before the start of treatment followed by analyzing semen parameters every 3 months after the start of therapy. We grouped participants into responders and non-responders depending on positive changes in semen parameters. Results: Out of 56 men, 47 (83.93%) responded, while 9 (16.07%) did not. Upon statistical analysis, it was found that age did not affect the overall outcomes (p=0.292); however, men with higher body mass index (BMI; 28.09±3.48 kg/m²) showed better outcomes than those with low BMI (25.33±3.06 kg/m²) (p=0.042). The duration of therapy (in months) was higher in non-responders than in responders (p=0.020). We found significant improvements in sperm concentration (p=0.006) and count (p=0.005) after 3 months of therapy. Sperm motility and progressive motility were also found to be higher in responders, but did not show statistically significant changes. Conclusion: We conclude that hCG therapy can be beneficial in men with hypogonadic oligozoospermia or severe oligozoospermia.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.46 no.4
• /
• pp.173-177
• /
• 2019

Objective: We investigated the clinical characteristics of men with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)-induced hypogonadism and its effect on assisted reproductive technology (ART) in infertile couples. Methods: This study examined the records of 20 consecutive male patients diagnosed with azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia (< 5 × 10⁶/mL) who visited a single infertility center from January 2008 to July 2018. All patients were treated at a primary clinic for erectile dysfunction or androgen deficiency symptoms combined with low serum testosterone. All men received a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor and TRT with testosterone undecanoate (Nebido^®) or testosterone enanthate (Jenasteron^®). Patients older than 50 years or with a chronic medical disease such as diabetes were excluded. Results: The mean age of patients was 37 years and the mean duration of infertility was 16.3 ± 11.6 months. At the initial presentation, eight patients had azoospermia, nine had cryptozoospermia, and three had severe oligozoospermia. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone levels were below 1.0 mIU/mL in most patients. Three ongoing ART programs with female factor infertility were cancelled due to male spermatogenic dysfunction; two of these men had normal semen parameters in the previous cycle. After withholding TRT, serum hormone levels and sperm concentrations returned to normal range after a median duration of 8 months. Conclusion: TRT with high-dose testosterone can cause spermatogenic dysfunction due to suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, with adverse effects on infertility treatment programs. TRT is therefore contraindicated for infertile couples attempting to conceive, and the patient's desire for fertility must be considered before initiation of TRT in a hypogonadal man.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.29 no.4
• /
• pp.303-310
• /
• 2002

Objective s: To estimate the frequency of Y chromosome microdeletions in the Korean population of infertile men and to evaluate the relationship between microdeletion on the Y chromosome and clinical phenotypes of infertile men with idiopathic azoospermia and oligozoospermia. Materials and Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples collected from 330 infertile men attending the Infertility Clinic at Samsung Cheil Hospital, Korea. Six sequence tagged sites (STSs) spanning the azoospermia factor (AZF) regions of the Y chromosome were amplified by polymerase chain reactions (PCRs). Results: Microdeletions on Y chromosome were detected in 35 (10.6%) of the 330 infertile men. Most of the microdeletions (91.4%) involved AZFb or AZFc. The high incidence of microdeletions were found in AZFc region (57.1%), but the low in AZFa (8.6%) and AZFb (5.7%). Larger microdeletions involving two or three AZF regions were detected in 28.6% of cases. All patients (6 patients) with deletion of AZFa region showed no germ cell phenotypes, Sertoli cell only syndrome or Leydig cell hyperplasia in histopathologic examinations. Conclusion: Microdeletions on the Y chromosome, especially, at AZFc/DAZ regions may be the major cause of azoospermia and severe oligozoospermia. We suggest that idiopathic infertile men have genetic counselling and microdeletion analysis on the Y chromosome before IVF-ET and ART program.

• Toxicological Research
• /
• v.14 no.2
• /
• pp.193-203
• /
• 1998

The toxicity of DA-125. a new anthracycline anticancer agent, on the male reproductive system was studied in Sprague-Dawley rats. Forty male rats were rando$m\ell$y assigned to Jour groups with ten rats in each group and given single intraveneous doses of DA-125 at dose levels of 0. 12.5. 25. and 50 mg/kg body weight. On day 56 after treatment the animals were allowed to mate. and their male reproductive Junctions and organs were examined in detail. Copulated females were sacrificed on day 20 of gestation for examination of embryo-fetal development. One out of ten rats in the 50 mg/kg group died on day 12 after treatment. Clinical signs such as emaciation. sedation, anorexia. swelling. dark material around eye. alopecia. and diarrhea were observed in the 25 and/or 50 mg/kg groups. Reduction in the body weight gain. decrease in the absolute weights of testes. epididymis and seminal vesicles. and/or decrease in the number of testicular sperm heads were also found. Although histopathological changes such as atrophy of seminiferous tubules. loss or decrease of spermatogenic cells. exfoliation of spermatogenic cells. vacuolization of Sertoli cells. decrease of sperm. and/or increase of necrotic spermatogenic cells in epididymal ducts were observed. no adverse effects on the motility and morphology of epididymal sperm. copulation index. fertility index. and embryo-fetal development were detected in the 25 and 50 mg/kg groups. There were no evidences of male reproductive toxicity in the 12.5 mg/kg group. These results show that single intravenouse doses of DA-125 produce significant dose-related testicular atrophy. histopathological changes. and oligozoospermia in rats and $LD_{10}$ for DA-125 appears to be 50 mg/kg body weight.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
• /
• v.16 no.11
• /
• pp.767-775
• /
• 2016

Mumps is an acute viral disease that affects the entire body, including inflammation of the salivary glands. Mumps is accompanied by unilateral or bilateral parotid gland swelling and pain. Mumps virus is spread to others by air, saliva, direct contact, and urine, and occurs in high-density population places such as schools, army, etc. Bilateral testicular involvement is seen in 10-60% of cases. If mumps orchitis affect post-pubertal men, approximately 50% of the infected people are said to experience severe testicular atrophy within 1-2 months as a complication. Mumps orchitis can alter the count, morphology, and motility of sperm and result in oligozoospermia and infertility caused by a rare azoospermia. When suspected of mumps orchitis, active initial symptomatic treatment can prevent infertility due to azoospermia in future adults. A case of mumps orchitis report two cases with references to the ultrasonnography and semen.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.37 no.1
• /
• pp.83-88
• /
• 2010

Objective: Globozoospermia is observed in <0.1% of male infertile patients. The aim of this study is to report the successful clinical outcome in man with globozoospermia. Design: A case report. Method: A 36-year-old man and 32-year-old partner visited our fertility center with 6 years infertility duration. The semen analysis revealed globozoospermia combined with oligozoospermia which was stained with Diff-Quick method. ICSI (Intracytoplasmic sperm injection) was performed on 12 matured oocytes. Result: 5 injected oocytes were fertilized normally. 5 embryos were transferred on day 3 after oocyte retrieval. The patient became pregnant and delivered a healthy boy at 39 weeks of gestation. Conclusion: In case of globozoospermia, it has a low fertilization rate even though ICSI method is used. The favorable technique is still needed to increase the fertilization rate.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.21 no.3
• /
• pp.247-252
• /
• 1994

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI) was known as effective method in treatments of couples who unable to be helped by conventional in vitro fertilization. In 78 treatment cycles of 78 infertile couples using ICSI performed at our infertility clinic between May and August 1994 were analyzed. These patients were classified two groups, andrological factor(AF) and non-andrological factor(non-AF) group. The AF group, which had abnormal sperm physiology, included oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, oligoasthenoteratozoospermia(OATS) and microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration(MESA) patients. The non-AF group, which had abnormal oocyte physiology, included abnormal zona pellucida, poor quality of oocyte and immune factor infertile patients. A single spermatozoon was injected into the ooplasm of 776 metaphase II oocytes. The fertilization rate was 44.6%(346/776) and 319 embryos were transferred. After 73 embryo transfers(93.6% of treatment cycles) 23 pregnancies were estabilshed, i. e. pregnancy rate of 29.4% per started cycle and 31.5% per embryo transfer. Fertilization rate of AF and non-AF group was 46.2% and 35.8%, pregnancy rate was 34.5%(20/58) and 20.0%(3/15), respectively. In order to increase the pregnancy rate, assisted hatching(AHA) has done after lCSl in 47 treatment cycles. Pregnancy rate of ICSI with AHA and without AHA group was 34. 0% (16/47) and 26.9%(7/26), respectively. ICSI was more effective in andrological factor infertility and the pregnancy rate was increased by ICSI with AHA procedure.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.48 no.4
• /
• pp.244-253
• /
• 2022

Background: The indiscriminate use of pesticides in Nigeria may have harmful effects on reproductive health of farmers. Objectives: This study assessed the awareness of reproductive health, serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, estradiol, progesterone and sperm characteristics of male farmers occupationally exposed to pesticides. Methods: Eighty four male farmers were recruited for the study. Structured questionnaire was used to obtain the socio-demographic data. Blood and semen samples were collected from the subjects in the morning for hormonal assays and semen analysis using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method and SQAV sperm quality analyzer. Data were analyzed using chi square, Student's-t-test, and Regression analysis. Results: Serum FSH (p<0.01), LH (p<0.005) and Estradiol (p<0.001) were significantly higher while prolactin (p<0.02) and testosterone (p<0.001) were significantly lower among pesticides exposed farmers than nonexposed subjects. Some 34/84 (40.5%) of the pesticides exposed farmers had serum testosterone levels below the lower limit of the reference range. Those with low testosterone levels (p<0.001), also had FSH (p<0.05), LH (p<0.001) and Estradiol (p<0.002) significantly lower than those with normal testosterone levels. The sperm count among pesticides exposed farmers; total motility and percentage morphology were significantly lower than non-pesticides exposed subjects. Some 14/84 (16.7%) of the pesticides exposed farmers had sperm count below 15 million/mL (oligozoospermia). More than 70% of the farmers were not aware of the reproductive health risks associated with pesticides and only 23.8% of the farmers were using protective devices. Conclusions: Deliberate efforts to improve awareness, knowledge, personal hygiene, and interventions necessary to lessen both pesticides exposure and health risks by adopting safe practices are suggested.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.50 no.4
• /
• pp.253-261
• /
• 2023

Objective: Azoospermia (the total absence of sperm in the ejaculate) affects approximately 10% of infertile males. Despite diagnostic advances, azoospermia remains the most challenging issue associated with infertility treatment. Our study evaluated transition nuclear protein 2 (TNP2) and synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SYCP3) polymorphisms, azoospermia factor a (AZFa) microdeletion, and gene expression levels in 100 patients with azoospermia. Methods: We investigated a TNP2 single-nucleotide polymorphism through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis using a particular endonuclease. An allele-specific PCR assay for SYCP3 was performed utilizing two forward primers and a common reverse primer in two PCR reactions. Based on the European Academy of Andrology guidelines, AZFa microdeletions were evaluated by multiplex PCR. TNP2, SYCP3, and the AZFa region main gene (DEAD-box helicase 3 and Y-linked [DDX3Y]) expression levels were assessed via quantitative PCR, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the diagnostic capability of these genes. Results: The TNP2 genotyping and allelic frequency in infertile males did not differ significantly from fertile volunteers. In participants with azoospermia, the allelic frequency of the SYCP3 mutant allele (C allele) was significantly altered. Deletion of sY84 and sY86 was discovered in patients with azoospermia and oligozoospermia. Moreover, SYCP3 and DDX3Y showed decreased expression levels in the azoospermia group, and they exhibited potential as biomarkers for diagnosing azoospermia (area under the curve, 0.722 and 0.720, respectively). Conclusion: These results suggest that reduced SYCP3 and DDX3Y mRNA expression profiles in testicular tissue are associated with a higher likelihood of retrieving spermatozoa in individuals with azoospermia. The homozygous genotype TT of the SYCP3 polymorphism was significantly associated with azoospermia.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
• /
• v.15 no.4
• /
• pp.123-130
• /
• 2000

2-Bromopropane, important industrial chemical, specially in electronic industry at Yangsan in Korea has been reported to cause amenorrhea for female and azoospermia, oligozoospermia or reduced sperm motility for male. 2-BP was investigated through 21 days of repeated dose in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The dose levels per body weight were 0 (control), 250,500 and 1,000 mg/kg. 2-BP dissolved in vehicle olive oil was injected into the intraperitoneum 6 times per week for 3 weeks, but 1,000 mg/kg dose group was 2 weeks because of serious illness. Male rats showed significant decreases in body weight and right and left testis showed typical weight losses depending on the 2-BP. The number of white blood cell and red blood cell , percentage of monocytes, and hemoglobin decreased significantly in high dose (P< 0.05). Red cell volume distribution width increased significantly in the high dose (P< 0.05). Histopathological findings of testes showed a decrease of spermatogenic cells, exfoliation of spermatid and spermatocyte, vacuolization of Sertoli cells and hyperplasia of Leydig cells. Protein band density between 113,000 dalton ($\beta$-galactosidase) and 53,900 dalton (ovalbumin) has decreased in 250 mg/kg dose group, but it has gradually increased to the higher density in 1,000 mg/kg dose group than in control group.