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PubMed2004

Effects of paternal cigarette smoking on testicular function, sperm fertilizing capacity, embryonic development, and blastocyst capacity for implantation in rats.

We evaluated the effects of paternal smoking on testicular function, sperm fertilizing capacity, embryonic development, and blastocyst capacity for implantation. Rats of group A were exposed to cigarette smoke for 10 weeks. Rats of group B were exposed to the smoke of incense sticks for 10 weeks. Rats of group C served as a control group. Rats of group D were exposed to cigarette smoke for 7 weeks only. Experimental period was 10 weeks in all groups. At the end of the experimental period serum testosterone responses to human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation, androgen-binding protein activity in testicular cytosols, epididymal sperm motility, and oocyte fertilization rate, oocyte cleavage rate, and blastocyst development rate after in vitro fertilization (IVF) trials were significantly smaller in group A compared with groups B and C. In contrast, fertilization rate, cleavage rate, and blastocyst development rate after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedures were not significantly different among groups A, B, C, and D. Both after IVF trials and ICSI techniques, the proportion of the alive offspring to the number of transferred oocytes was significantly smaller in group A than in groups B and C. Cigarette smoke-exposure results in a secretory deficiency of Leydig and Sertoli cells leading to an impaired epididymal sperm maturation process and diminished capacity of spermatozoa to penetrate oocytes. In addition paternal cigarette smoke exposure affects the embryonic ability for implantation.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Relationship between human sperm lipid peroxidation, comprehensive quality parameters and IVF outcome.

The membranes of human spermatozoa contain an extremely high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids and are therefore susceptible to lipid peroxidation damage. The aim of this study was to retrospectively determine the association between the lipid peroxidation levels of washed spermatozoa, as indicated by thiobarbituric-acid-reactive substance concentration, and: (a) semen quality evaluated by basic routine, biochemical, cytological and quantitative ultramorphological analyses; (b) IVF fertilization rate. Semen samples from 45 male partners of couples who had been referred for IVF treatment due to a female infertility factor were evaluated for quality as well as for thiobarbituric-acid-reactive substance concentrations. The latter were found to have a negative correlation with total sperm count, semen volume, zinc/fructose ratio, and the integrity of sperm acrosome and axonema. It was suggested that lipid peroxidation has a deleterious effect on the ultramorphological status of the sperm cells and, thereby, on the male fertilization potential. The content of the seminal fluid, about 30% of which is produced by the prostate, may protect spermatozoa from this destructive process. A negative correlation was also found between thiobarbituric-acid-reactive substance concentrations and IVF fertilization rate. When the patients were subdivided into fertilizing (fertilization rate > 0%) and nonfertilizing (fertilization rate = 0%) subgroups (n = 33 and n = 12, respectively), the former exhibited significantly lower thiobarbituric-acid-reactive substance concentrations than the latter. A new IVF fertilization index based on the lipid peroxidation level was established. This index had a predictive power of 93% (94% sensitivity and 92% specificity). The clinical value of this index should be further verified.

Female↗

PubMed1994

High continuing pregnancy rates after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer using medium supplemented with a plasma protein fraction containing alpha- and beta-globulins.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate both the laboratory and clinical outcomes after IVF-ET using culture media supplemented with a plasma protein fraction (PPF, Plasmatein; Alpha Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA) containing albumin and significant amounts of alpha- and beta-globulins. DESIGN: One-year clinical trial of a PPF with high globulin content as a medium supplement during IVF, embryo growth, and ET. SETTING: Fertility Center of San Antonio, a private, office-based center for assisted reproduction. PATIENTS: Ninety-eight couples, with women ranging in age from 26 to 46 years, undergoing 103 ovum retrievals for IVF-ET as treatment for infertility because of tubal factor, endometriosis, anovulation, uterine or cervical factor, male factor, and unexplained causes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Fertilization rate, zygote cleavage rate, clinical pregnancy rate (PR), continuing PRs, and implantation rates. RESULTS: Supplementation with PPF in insemination, growth and transfer medium resulted in a clinical PR of 41.5% per transfer with continuing PRs of 35.2% per retrieval, 37.2% per patient, and 38.7% per transfer. CONCLUSIONS: A PPF containing significant amounts of alpha- and beta-globulins can serve as an effective protein supplement to IVF medium, with outcomes manifested as high continuing PRs. These data indicate a potential role for glycoprotein components of serum in supporting healthy embryo growth in vitro, although the mechanism may relate more to the general physicochemical properties of this fraction than to the actions of a specific component.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Comparison between the hypoosmotic swelling test and morphology evaluation using strict criteria in predicting in vitro fertilization (IVF).

BACKGROUND: The role of male factor with respect to sperm morphology, progressive motility, and density is studied under in vitro conditions. METHODS: The semen samples of 67 males participating in an in vitro fertilization program were evaluated by the conventional WHO criteria of spermatogram, by morphology evaluation using strict criteria (MEUSC), and by the hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST). All sperm tests were performed in the original semen sample as delivered on the day of IVF, before further sperm treatment. The correlations between these parameters and the fertilization outcome were evaluated and their predictive values were calculated. RESULTS: When the patients were divided into two groups, namely, fertile (fertilization rate per oocyte greater than 0%) and infertile (fertilization rate per oocyte = 0%), only mean sperm density and morphology were significantly different between the groups (P less than 0.05). The correlation with fertilization rate in vitro was in favor of MEUSC. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that the HOST is inferior to MEUSC and conventional WHO sperm analysis in predicting fertilization in vitro.

Cell Membrane↗

PubMed2004

An effective method for improving the fertility of glycerol-exposed poultry semen.

Semen cryopreservation is necessary for banking germplasm from critical poultry stocks. To date, glycerol is the most effective cryoprotectant for poultry sperm; however, the contraceptive effects of glycerol require a significant reduction of the cryoprotectant from thawed semen before artificial insemination (AI). The effectiveness of glycerol reduction by dialysis, Percoll density gradient centrifugation, or washing through 12% (wt/vol) Accudenz was evaluated by fertility trials with highly inbred chicken research lines and commercial turkey lines. Semen was extended 1:1 and then diluted with glycerolized extender to yield a final 11% (vol/vol) glycerol concentration. Glycerolized rooster semen was aliquoted for control, Accudenz centrifugation, and dialysis treatments. A total of 90 pure line and 85 F1 hybrid chicken hens were each inseminated with 100 x 10(6) sperm at 7-d intervals for 4 to 6 wk. All eggs from the glycerolized control semen treatments were infertile, and fertility rates from dialyzed semen decreased steadily from 26.4 to 0% within the first 4 wk for the pure lines. In contrast, fertility rates for Accudenz-processed semen increased from 17.9 to 37.17% during the first 4 wk. Similar fertility rates occurred with the F1 hybrid cross lines. For turkey fertility trials, the dialysis treatment was not used; glycerolized turkey semen was processed by Accudenz or Percoll centrifugation to reduce glycerol. A total of 36 hens were inseminated with 150 x 10(6) sperm at 7-d intervals for 6 wk. Similar to the chicken trials, fertility rates of Accudenz-processed semen steadily increased to 49.4% by the sixth week of insemination. The average fertility of Percoll-processed semen was only 19.1%. These data demonstrate that Accudenz centrifugation is an acceptable glycerol reduction method for nonfrozen poultry semen.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Enhancing in vitro fertilization of mouse oocytes by partial zona pellucida digestion.

This work was undertaken in order to evaluate the effect of partial zona digestion on fertilization in vitro of mouse oocytes and assess zona surface changes induced by the procedure. Three hundred forty-six oocytes allocated for treatment were exposed to Ham's F-10 medium supplemented with 0.5% Pronase for either 3 min (188 oocytes) or 5 min (158 oocytes); 324 oocytes served as controls. Oocyte losses incurred as a result of the procedure were small (15 oocytes; 4.3%). Control and Pronase-treated oocytes were each divided into four subgroups and inseminated with 5 x 10(5), 5 x 10(4), 5 x 10(3), or 5 x 10(2) sperm cells/ml. Fertilization was assessed 8 hr following insemination by the appearance of two pronuclei and development to the two- to four-cell stage the following day. The morphology of the zona pellucida following Pronase treatment was assessed by phase-contrast and scanning electron (SEM) microscopies performed immediately after treatment. Fertilization rate of control oocytes was 80% at a sperm concentration of 500,000/ml and gradually declined to approximately 30% at 500 cells/ml. In contrast, treated oocytes inseminated with 500 sperm cells/ml demonstrated a normal rate of fertilization. At this low sperm concentration the longer Pronase treatment was significantly (P less than 0.05) more efficient in enhancing fertilization (69 and 88% for 3 and 5 min of Pronase treatment, respectively). Polyspermic fertilization was not observed in any of the subgroups. Phase-contrast microscopic examination of oocytes at the time of Pronase treatment showed an initial swelling of the zona pellucida for 30-60 sec with a time-dependent increase in its transparency.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

The association between HIV and fertility in a cohort study in rural Tanzania.

Recent studies in sub-Saharan Africa have shown that fertility is reduced among HIV-infected women compared with uninfected women. The size and pattern of this fertility reduction has important implications for antenatal clinic-based surveillance of the epidemic and also for estimates and projections of the demographic impact of the epidemic. This paper examines the association between HIV and fertility in Kisesa, a rural area in Tanzania, where HIV prevalence among adults is about 6% and gradually increasing. The analysis is based on data obtained through a demographic surveillance system in Kisesa during 1994-98 and two large sero-surveys of all residents in 1994-95 and 1996-97. The HIV-associated fertility reduction among women was investigated by estimating fertility rates by HIV status and prevalence rates by fertility status. A substantial reduction (29%) was observed in fertility among HIV-infected women compared with HIV-uninfected women. The fertility reduction was most pronounced during the terminal stages of infection, but no clear association with duration of infection was observed. Use of modern contraception was higher among HIV-infected women. However, both among contracepting and non-contracepting women, a substantial reduction in fertility was seen among HIV-infected women.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Relative contributions of the male and the female to sexual behavior and reproductive success in the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica).

Two contrasting investigative techniques provided evidence consistent with the interpretation that female quail (Coturnix japonica) regulate male copulatory behavior by the duration of their immobility and through this behavioral mechanism they also control the rate of fertilization of their eggs. In Experiment 1, copulation tests with males and females from different genetic lines showed that the type of female that participated in a copulatory test significantly influenced the latency of the male's grab, mount, and cloacal contact responses and also determined the efficiency of the male's copulatory behavior. These measures of male performance were correlated with female immobility in Experiment 2, which used a more homogeneous population of quail. Furthermore, 2 of these measures (copulatory efficiency and the latency to make cloacal contact) were correlated with fertilization rate.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Male age is not an independent factor to affect the outcome of assisted reproductive techniques.

Controversy exists whether advanced male age is associated with poor sperm quality and subsequent failure in the assisted reproductive techniques (ART). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of male age on sperm quality and the outcome of ART as well as the association of male age with other relevant factors, particularly with the female age. A retrospective study was performed in order to evaluate the effect of male age on the sperm parameters in 880 routine seminal analyses. Additionally, sperm parameters were also compared among different age groups in 919 cases with male factor infertility who had been included in an ART programme. The laboratory and clinical results of ART (fertilization rate, number and quality of embryos transferred, as well as pregnancy rates) were compared according to different age groups. The results were also evaluated by one-way correlation and also step-wise logistic regression analysis to identify the interactions and correlations between different parameters. There were no statistically significant differences between male age groups in terms of sperm concentration, motility and morphology either in routine seminal analyses or in ART groups. In the ART group, a statistically significant linear correlation was present between male and female ages. Male age was increasing in parallel to female age. Female age was also correlated significantly with ART results. In one-way correlation analysis, male age was found to be correlated with the pregnancy rate, but not with fertilization rate and the quality of the transferred embryos. However, regression analysis revealed that correlation between male age and pregnancy results was simply dependent on the effect of the female age. Seminal parameters did not reveal a significant change with the increasing male age. The effect of male age on ART results in cases with male factor infertility is not a direct effect but a reflection of the negative impact of the parallel increase in the female age.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Associative nitrogen fixation, C4 photosynthesis, and the evolution of spittlebugs (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) as major pests of neotropical sugarcane and forage grasses.

Neotropical grass-feeding spittlebugs of several genera are important pests of pasture grasses from the southeastern USA to northern Argentina, and of sugarcane from southern Mexico to southern Brazil, causing estimated reductions of up to 70% in yield and estimated monetary losses of 840-2100 million US dollars annually. With few exceptions, the species badly damaged by these spittlebugs are introduced C4 grasses that exhibit associative nitrogen fixation. This study synthesizes evidence that the pest status of many tropical and subtropical grass-feeding spittlebugs is linked to associative N-fixation in their C4 hosts. Recognition that associative N-fixation is a major factor in spittlebug host preferences should deepen understanding of spittlebug agricultural ecology and facilitate efforts to combat spittlebug pests. In particular, spittlebugs should be susceptible to manipulation of xylem transport solutes. However, reduction of nitrate fertilizer rates, increase in ammonium fertilizer rates, or enhancement of associative N-fixation as a consequence of genetic engineering could make hosts more susceptible to spittlebug attack. Because of their predilection for C4 grasses, spittlebugs present a clear counterexample to the hypothesis that herbivores prefer C3 plants to C4 plants. Finally, it appears that declines in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels during recent geological history promoted the proliferation of C4 grasses. This, compounded by human agricultural activities, has driven an ecological and evolutionary radiation of grass-feeding spittlebugs that presents continuing opportunities for the evolution of spittlebug pests.

Animals↗

PubMed1983

Techniques and success of embryo transfers in Angora goats.

Thirty-five mixed-age Angora does were subjected to superovulation and oestrous synchronization and of the 34 which were subsequently entire mated, 33 were subjected to surgical egg recovery approximately five days after oestrus. These 33 donors averaged 8.8 ovulations and 2.5 large (>5 mm) follicles. All corpora lutea in six donors were undergoing premature regression. The average donor egg recovery rate, egg fertilization rate and percent of eggs transferable was 82,87 and 81%, respectively, giving 6.8 eggs, 6.0 embryos and 5.5 transferable embryos per donor. Egg recovery was reduced dramatically when premature regressing corpora lutea were present. Recipient feral does were synchronized and 183 embryos transferred surgically to 133 recipients. Eighty-eight (66%) of the recipients kidded producing 118 kids (64% embryo survival). The 35 potential donors produced 36 kids from their natural mating which occurred shortly after surgery. Thus the donors produced a total of 154 kids from embryo transfer and natural mating, an average of 4.4 kids/doe/breeding season. This rate of reproduction is four to five times faster than normal and confirms that the technique achieves its objective of rapidly increasing the number of offspring from selected animals.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1998

Does ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome affect the quality of oocytes?

Two wives of a Muslim with severe male factor infertility had simultaneous intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatments. One wife developed ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), and 19 of 27 oocytes retrieved were subjected to ICSI but only one fertilized; the other wife had a normal response to ovarian stimulation, normal fertilization following ICSI, successful treatment and has recently delivered a live-born infant. The wife who suffered from OHSS has since had another ICSI cycle with a normal response to ovarian stimulation, a normal fertilization rate but no pregnancy. The only variable that determined the different rate of fertilization in the simultaneous ICSI cycles appears to be oocyte quality. While the results of frozen embryo replacement cycles following the decision to freeze all embryos following OHSS is generally satisfactory, it is important to counsel couples about the possible detrimental effects of OHSS on oocyte quality.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Differences in fertility patterns between urban and rural women in Washington State, 1983-1984 to 1993-1994.

We use data on Washington State abortions and births for 1983-1984 and 1993-1994 to analyze trends for urban and rural women, using the demographic measures total abortion and total fertility rates. These express pacing of childbearing in a single number which is simple to calculate and interpret, and is age-standardized. We find significant urban-rural differences. Total abortion rates decline and total fertility rates increase in both areas. However, the relative magnitudes of pacing decreases in abortions for rural women and increases in births for urban women are striking. The demographic measures are useful interpretive tools, and can be applied to a broad range of questions.

Abortion, Induced↗

PubMed1999

Naturally-occurring antisperm antibodies in men: interference with fertility and implications for treatment.

Naturally-occurring antisperm antibodies in men are a relative cause of infertility, being the fertility impairment related with the degree of sperm autoimmunization. The impairment of sperm penetration through the cervical mucus represents the best established mechanism of the antibody interference with fertility. Another mechanism may involve complement-mediated sperm injury and opsonizing effect through the female genital tract. Finally, sperm-bound antibodies can interfere with sperm functions involved in the fertilization process, mainly in the sperm-zona pellucida interaction. While some mechanisms of the antibody-interference with fertility depend only on the degree of sperm autoimmunization (e.g., inhibition of cervical mucus penetration), other mechanisms (e.g., interference with gametes interaction) could or could not occur depending on the relevance in the fertilization process of the specific antigen(s) recognized by antisperm antibodies, which are policlonal in nature. Intrauterine insemination is an effective treatment when sperm autoimmunization is low or moderate, mainly if combined with corticosteroid treatment and superovulated cycles. On the contrary, its effectiveness in cases of high degree of sperm autoimmunization is controversial. The resort to "high tech" procedures is mandatory when other less invasive approaches have failed or they may also be chosen as a first-choice method in cases of high degree of sperm autoimmunization. Since in most reports the fertilization rate with in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) was significantly lower in the presence of sperm-bound antibodies than in the case of other indications, the likelihood of fertilization is higher with intracytoplasmatic sperm injection (ICSI), where the reported fertilization rates are similar to those in other indications, or even higher.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

PubMed2001

Births: preliminary data for 2000.

OBJECTIVES: This report presents preliminary data for 2000 on births in the United States. U.S. data on births are shown by age, race, and Hispanic origin of mother. Data on marital status, prenatal care, cesarean delivery, and low birthweight are also presented. METHODS: Data in this report are based on more than 96 percent of births for 2000. The records are weighted to independent control counts of births received in State vital statistics offices in 2000. Comparisons are made with 1999 final data. RESULTS: The number of births rose 3 percent between 1999 and 2000. The crude birth rate increased to 14.8 per 1,000 population in 2000, 2 percent higher than the 1999 rate. The fertility rate rose 3 percent to 67.6 per 1,000 women aged 15-44 years between 1999 and 2000. The birth rate for teenagers, which has been falling since 1991, declined 2 percent in 2000 to 48.7 births per 1,000 females aged 15-19 years, another historic low. The rate for teenagers 15-17 years fell 4 percent, and the rate for 18-19 year olds was down 1 percent. Since 1991, rates have fallen 29 percent for teenagers 15-17 years and 16 percent for teenagers 18-19 years. Birth rates for all of the older age groups increased for 1999-2000: 1 percent among women aged 20-24 years, 3 percent for women aged 25-29 years, and 5 percent for women in their thirties. Rates for women aged 40-54 years were also up for 2000. The birth rate for unmarried women increased 2 percent to 45.2 births per 1,000 unmarried women aged 15-44 years in 2000, but was still lower than the peak reached in 1994. The number of births to unmarried women was up 3 percent, the highest number ever reported in the United States. However, the number of births to unmarried teenagers declined. The proportion of women who began prenatal care in the first trimester of pregnancy (83.2 percent) did not improve for 2000, nor did the rate of low birthweight (7.6 percent). The total cesarean rate rose for the fourth consecutive year to 22.9 percent, the result of both a rise in the rate of primary cesarean deliveries and a decline in the rate of vaginal births after previous cesarean delivery.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Population aging. Current issues].

The aging process of the population, obviously in developed countries, involves many socio-economic and political changes. This demographic trend is due to the decreasing of birth rate and fertility rate on one hand, and, on the other hand, to the decrease of crude mortality and infant mortality rate. These mean that the rising proportion of the old people is greater cause of concern, because most of these people require considerable support, frequently in institutions, and often at public expense. Taking demographic data and trends as the starting point, the society has to focus on social protection and health policies in order to improve the quality of life for the elderly.

Aging↗

PubMed1986

An antisperm monoclonal antibody inhibits sperm fusion with zona-free hamster eggs but not homologous eggs.

The zona-free hamster egg penetration assay (HEPA) was evaluated as a test for identifying fertilization-blocking antibodies. A monoclonal antibody, AH-20, that binds to the surface of guinea pig sperm was used to test antibody inhibition of sperm-egg fusion. AH-20 strongly inhibited guinea pig sperm fusion with zona-free hamster eggs but had no effect on guinea pig sperm fusion with zona-free guinea pig eggs. No inhibition by AH-20 was found in the homologous fusion assay over a wide range of sperm concentration, fertilization rate, and fertilization index. The results suggest that although guinea pig sperm can fuse with both hamster and guinea pig eggs, some aspect of the fusion mechanism is different in the two cases. The findings also indicate that HEPA, which is frequently used to assess the fertility potential of human sperm, can identify as blockers of sperm-egg fusion antibodies that have no effect on homologous sperm-egg fusion.

Acrosome↗

PubMed2005

IVF within microfluidic channels requires lower total numbers and lower concentrations of sperm.

BACKGROUND: Microfluidic technology has been utilized in numerous biological applications specifically for miniaturization and simplification of laboratory techniques. We sought to apply microfluidic technology to murine IVF. METHODS: Microfluidic devices measuring 500 microm wide, 180 microm deep, and 2.25 cm in length were designed and fabricated using poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). Controls were standard centre-well culture dishes with 500 microl of media, half of which also contained PDMS as a material control. Denuded mouse oocytes were placed into microchannels or centre-well dish controls in groups of 10, then co-incubated overnight with epididymal mouse sperm at various concentrations. Fertilization was assessed and Fisher's exact test was used for statistical analysis (P < 0.05 significant). RESULTS: Fertilization rates between the two control groups (42%, no PDMS; 41%, with PDMS; not significant) were similar. Fertilization rates for denuded oocytes at standard mouse insemination sperm concentration (1 degrees 10(6) sperm/ml) was poorer in microchannels (12%) than controls (43%; P < 0.001). As insemination concentrations decreased, fertilization rates improved in microchannels with a plateau between 8 degrees 10(4) and 2 degrees 10(4) sperm/ml (4000-1000 total sperm). At these concentrations, combined fertilization rate for denuded oocytes was significantly higher in microchannels than centre-well dishes (27 versus 10%, respectively; P < 0.001), and was not significantly different from corresponding controls with a sperm concentration of 1 degrees 10(6) (37%; P = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: Murine IVF can be conducted successfully within microfluidic channels. Lower total numbers and concentrations of sperm are required. Microfluidic devices may ultimately be useful in clinical IVF.

Animals↗