Background: Immunological infertility is expected to be the reason of infer-tility in 9-36% of the concerned twosomes. The major cause of immunological infertility is the creation of anti-sperm antibodies (ASA), which influence the capability of insemination of spermatozoa. It has been detected that anti-sperm antibodies (ASA) are present either systemically in blood or locally in seminal plasma of approximately 10% of infertile male patients. Immunity to sperm can cause infertility; humoral antibodies directed against sperm did not necessarily impair fertility unless the circulating antibodies are also present within the re-productive tract and on the living sperm surface. Hormonal imbalance and sperm autoimmunity have been considered as two systems that play in near association and affect each other. Testosterone is the Steroid hormone necessary for the de-velopment and maintenance of secondary sexual characteristics as well as initi-ation and maintenance of Spermatogenesis .It was known that males with abnor-mal seminal fluids have lower concentrations of the testosterone hormone. Objectives: To study the serum & seminal plasma antisperm antibodies levels in relevance to levels of testosterone in serum and seminal plasma accordingly to sperm function parameters in different groups of infertile patients. Subjects,Materials and Methods: Blood and semen samples were collected from (80) subjects (60) infertile patients (20Asthenozoospermic, 20 Oligozoospermic,20Azoospermic) and 20 Normozoospermic subjects .The anti-sperm antibody and testosterone levels were measured by using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Results: The Antisperm antibodies were positive in serum of normozoospermic, asthenozo-ospermic, oligozoospermic and azoospermic men respectively are about 10%, 5%, 20%,5% and in the total group was 10% positive. The ASA in seminal plasma of normozoospermic men, asthenozoospermic men, oligozoospermic men and azoospermic men respectively are 0%, 0%, 5%, 5% and in the total groups 2.5%.These findings lead to no possibility to make clear correlations with the studied hormones. There was significant increase (P<0.05) in the levels of testosterone in serum and seminal plasma in comparison between normozoospermic and infertile men subgroups. There was significant decrease (P<0.05) in the levels of pro-gesterone in serum and seminal plasma in comparison between normozoospermic men and infertile men subgroups, the highest levels were observed in asthenozoospermic subgroup. The study showed that 10 patients (12.5%) out of 80 patients showed a positive ASA positive in serum or seminal plasma of all groups. The result was considered positive if the value was ≥60 RU / ml .On these basis and regarding that screening criteria the positive ASA group showed the association with the low levels of testosterone in both types of the samples(serum and seminal plasma), these results was exhibited a high significant difference when compared with negative ASA group. Conclusion: Determination of the relevance of the levels of testosterone and anti-sperm anti-bodies in the serum and seminal plasma, which in turn is important to determine the type of infertility especially the immunological type.
Background: The Fibroblast associated (Fas) system in the testes has been identified as a key regulator of apoptosis, a process that greatly influences the germ cell population of the testes. Objective: This study measures the level of soluble Fas Ligand (sFasL) in the semen of oligozoospermic men evaluating the association between seminal plasma sFasL and spermatogenesis. Methods: A total 58 oligozoospermic men and 29 normal volunteers were included in this study. semen was evaluated according to World Health Organization 2010 standard parameters. sFasL was measured using ELISA enzyme immunoassay for quantitative determination of sFasL. Results: s FasL level was found significantly higher (P< 0.01) in seminal plasma of oligozoospermic men, with weak correlation of the level of this marker with the degree of severity of oligozoospermia. Conclusions: The apoptotic marker, sFasL is a novel marker found in the seminal plasma of oligozoospermic men. It's level is higher in cases of oligozoospermia regardless of its severity.
Phosphatidylserine (PS), exposed on viable sperm, is required for fertilization as it is recognized by specific receptors located on the microvilli of the oocyte to promote sperm: egg fusion. The heads of viable and motile sperm exhibit PS. With (PS) exposure progressively increasing during sperm transit through the epididymis. PS asymmetry on the leaflets of plasma membrane is arranged in a complex way, via multiple proteins functioning in opposite directions; further, PS is also essential for many intracellular trafficking events. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phosphatidylserine PS level in seminal plasma of infertile men before and after activation using Direct Swim Up (DSU) and Indirect Swim Up (IDSU) activation method and make a comparison between them. Forty infertile men were included in this study during their attendance to the infertility clinic at High Institute for Infertility Diagnosis and Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Al-Nahrain University. Normozoospermic or mild asthenozoospermic semen samples were used to choose the cases, according to WHO manual standards (1999 -2010). The collected semen samples obtained were divided into three parts: The first part prepared was as an in vitro sperm characterization before activation while the second and third parts were after activation using direct and indirect swim up techniques respectively. The level of seminal plasma phosphatidylserine was increased after the activation techniques from the baseline level before activation. Comparison of Seminal plasma phosphatidylserine levels between direct and indirect sperm activation technique were significantly higher in direct swim up activation technique than indirect one. Phosphatidylserine (PS) in semen plasma of infertile men was significantly increased after activation using Direct Swim Up DSU preparation method.
Background: Human growth hormone (HGH) is undisputedly a potent hormone with a wide variety of biological effects. The anabolic actions of human growth hormone have made it attractive as a potential agent for catabolic problems in a wide range of clinical conditions. Objectives: In the present study, we investigated the possible relationship between levels of HGH in serum (S. HGH) and seminal plasma (Sp. HGH) and semen parameters in normozoospermic (NZS) men and infertile patients. Materials and Methods: In total, 66 infertile patients with azoospermia (AZS; no. 52), asthenozoospermia (AsZS; no. 6) and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OATZS; no. 8), and normozoospermic men (NZS; no. 12) were included in this study. From each subject, semen and blood samples were taken to assess seminal plasma and sperm parameters and levels of S. HGH and Sp. HGH; respectively. Results: The highest S. HGH was evaluated in AZS patients when compared to NZS and other infertile groups. Significant elevation (P<0.05) in the level of S. HGH was assessed for AZS patients as compared to NZS men. In contrast, the level of Sp. HGH in NZS men was significantly elevated (P<0.05) when compared to AZS patients only. Positive and significant correlations were noticed between levels of Sp. HGH and semen liquefaction time in NZS, AZS and OATZS groups. In NZS men, positive and significant correlation were observed between Sp. HGH and semen volume and negative and significant correlations were detected between Sp. HGH and percentages of sperm motility, progressive motility, immobility and agglutination. Conclusion: Our study represents the first study in Iraq showing that the level of HGH in serum and seminal plasma affect male fertility and sperm parameters in normozoospermic males and infertile patients. Further biochemical and molecular studies are recommended to investigate the mode of action of HGH and its receptors in relation to fertility.
Human peptidoglycan recognition protein-1 (PGLYRP‐1) protein molecule activation in the semen of infertile patients has been suggested to induce a negative impact on seminal fluid analysis. This study aimed to evaluate Human Peptidoglycan Recognition Protein 1 for indication of bad seminal fluid analysis parameters. One hundred seventy-six infertile patients were included in this study. Seminal fluid analysis and Endtz test were done; Human Peptidoglycan Recognition Protein 1 in seminal plasma using enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay technology PGLYRP‐1 is evident in seminal plasma of infertile men and statistically different according to the type of infertility. The concentration of PGLYRP-1 in the semen is directly proportional to the presence of leukocytes (Endtz test), which is reflected negatively on the quality of the semen. To the best of our knowledge, this study has not been done in Iraq or elsewhere. The presence of PGLYRP-1 protein in the semen may be evidence of leukocytospermia that may be related to bad quality for semen across infertile men with higher sensitivity than the Endtz test.
Background : inflammasome protein govern the inflammatory process. The ele vation of NLRP3 inflammasome might be related to bad seminal fluid analysis results. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate seminal plasma NLRP3 protein and its relation with seminal fluid analysis parameters before and after in vitro sperm activation. Patients and Methods: a total of 50 infertile patients were collected form higher institute of infertility diagnosis and assisted reproductive technique, there se men samples were processed for seminal fluid analysis before and after in vitro sperm activation. NLRP3 inflammasome protein were measured in seminal plas ma. Results: the mean level of NLRP3 protein was 5.12 ng/ml. the higher level of NLRP3 protein (4.5ng/ml) associated with lower sperm concentration, grade A, B, C and higher level of grade D motility. However, 50% of those patients have an improvement in their seminal fluid analysis after in vitro sperm activation. Conclusion: Elevation of NLRP3 protein in seminal plasma may be associated with the increased leukocytospermia, bad sperm quality and unresponsiveness to in vitro sperm activation among infertile male.
Background: Infertility is a common social and health problem. Male factor is a major cause in 30% of infertile couples. Smoking is common at reproductive age and its effect on fertilitiy is still in controversy. Studying its effect on fertility helps in the management of infertility. Objectives: To assess the effect of smoking on serum sex steroidal hormones as well as on seminal plasma (SP) IL-2, IL-6 and conventional semen parameters in infertile men and their correlations between each other. Methods: Seventy male partners of infertile couples (30 smokers and 40 non-smokers) were involved in this study. The man was considered smoker if he had history of smoking of more than 10 cigarettes per day for at least one year. Semen analysis was done according to world health organization (WHO) 2010. Specific kits were used for measurement of serum testosterone, serum estradiol II, SP IL-2, and SP IL-6. Results: The median of SP IL-2 was significantly (p<0.05) higher in smokers than in non-smokers group and positively correlated with SP IL-6 in them. In addition, IL-2 was negatively correlated with semen volume, sperm motility and morphology, while IL-6 was negatively correlated only with sperm motility. However, there was no significant difference of serum sex hormones level or on semen parameters between smokers and non-smokers. Conclusion: Cigarette smoking affect cytokine levels in the seminal plasma but has no effect on serum sex hormones level or semen parameters.
Background: Semen quality is a measure of the ability of semen to accomplish fertilization. Semen quality involves both sperm quantity and quality. The general population is exposed to metals at low concentrations either voluntarily through supplementation or involuntarily through intake of contaminated food and water or contact with contaminated soil, dust, or air. Some metals, such as lead (Pb), are nonessential xenobiotics that can be measured in most of the general population. Objectives: Our goal in this study is to assess relationships between exposure to lead at environmental levels and human semen-quality parameters. Materials and Methods: The study populations consist of 81 infertile male of general population who are occupationally unexposed to lead and another 26 healthy fertile male as control group. Blood lead and seminal plasma lead measurements performed by the electrothermal-atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) method. Macroscopic and microscopic examination of semen performed according to WHO recommendations. Seminal plasma separated from the spermatozoa by centrifugation and stored at -20°C until required for analyses. Results: This study showed significant increase in seminal plasma lead mean value in moderate and severe oligozoospermic infertile males than in fertile male controls( p<0.05). The result also showed no statistically significant difference in blood lead concentration among the infertile group compared to fertile controls. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that even moderate exposure to Pb at environmental level (blood Pb < 400 µg/L) can significantly reduce reproductive capacity in men.
Background: Seminal fructose is derived from the seminal vesicle and is therefore a suitable marker for its function. Fructose is the energy source for sperm and may have an importance in pathological conditions of semen, e.g. in asthenozoospermia. Objective: To find out if there is a correlation between seminal plasma fructose level and sperm concentration and motility in infertile Iraqi men. In addition, the study assessed the reliability of using seminal fructose concentration as indicator of seminal vesicles function. Patients and Methods: Forty six infertile men, free from infectious disease or endocrine disorders, were selected for the study. Control group, selected from couples with proven male fertility, were 10 fertile men. Semen samples, collected from theses fertile and infertile men, were analyzed for general seminal fluid examination and fructose concentration determination. Results: Seminal fructose has been noticed to have significant negative correlations with sperm count, with percentage of motile sperm and with absolute number of motile sperms. These negative correlations may be due to increased rate of fructolysis with higher sperm count and motility or due to an endocrine cause related to relatively high FSH in infertile men. To use seminal plasma fructose as a marker for seminal vesicles function, a correction for the opposing factors that affect fructose level such as sperm count and motility is carried out. Corrected seminal fructose is positively correlated with the total number of motile sperm. Furthermore, a positive correlation between true corrected fructose and the percentage as well as the total number of motile sperm has been found. Conclusion: Seminal fructose level has an inverse correlation with sperm count and percentage and number of motile sperm in the study group. Seminal fructose is a good marker of seminal vesicle function after using the correction formulae.
The research objective was to evaluate the blood vitamin B12 levels in females before and after two months of vitamin B12 supplementation. Additionally, the study intended to investigate the effects of this supplementation on antral follicle count (AFC), the number of dominant follicles (DF), the outcome of intrauterine insemination (IUI), and the effect of the outcome by age, and BMI, cause of infertility and types of infertility . A randomized controlled trial was undertaken, including 100 couples that have provided comprehensive data. Segregated into two equivalent groups based on their vitamin B12 intake. Groups A and B, group. Group A comprises 50 pairs of individuals using B12 supplements for eight weeks, and Group B contains no additional elements. Collect blood and seminal plasma samples from all couples to assess their vitamin B12 levels. The two groups underwent ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination (IUI) concurrently with the medical evaluation. Group A started after two months of supplement, but Group B began immediately. Vitamin B12 increases female blood levels, antral follicle count, and dominant follicles (DF). The pregnancy rate has little effect. The antral follicle count and numbers of dominant follicles did not differ between pregnant and non-pregnant women after vitamin B12 supplementation.
Background: Obesity has been defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health while the Body mass index (BMI) is a simple index of the weight-to-height ratio that is commonly used in classifying overweight and obesity in adult populations. Many semen parameters alteration can be ascribed to obesity like decreased sperm concentration, abnormal morphology, compromised chromatin integrity and abnormal motility. Many evidences showed an adverse effect of excess body fat on spermatogenesis. Methods: A total sample size composed of (70)infertile men were grouped into three groups according to published BMI ranges as follows: normal weight, overweight and obese.A single semen sample was collected for each infertile men.Heightin (m) and weight in (kg) were recorded on day of semen collection.BMI was calculated as BMI= Kg\m2. Sperm parameters evaluated according to World Health Organization guidelines.Quantitation of the IL-6 in seminal plasma were accomplished using commercially available ELISA kit. Results: In the current study, a positive correlation was found between body mass index and IL-6, on the contrary, a significant negative correlation was found among IL-6 level and progressive sperm motility and sperm concentration as well. Conclusion: There is an increase of IL-6 from the adipose tissue with increasing BMI. The IL-6 cause reduction of the sperm motility by increasing the level of ROS. The obesity reduces the spermatogenesis by androgenic deficiency results in low sperm concentration and motilitywhich it may be the main reason of their infertility.
The objective of the research was to investigate the potential correlation between serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and sperm parameters such as sperm concentration, sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology. A hundred male patients voluntarily participated in the study at a private andrology clinic in Al Najaf Al Ashraf City, Iraq, between October 2023 and November 2023. The patients were divided into four groups: 26 patients with oligozoospermia, 21 patients with asthenozoospermia, 28 patients with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT), and those with normozoospermia. Semen quality was evaluated by conducting a semen analysis according to the 2021 World Health Organization guidelines. The ELISA method was employed to measure the levels of AMH in serum samples. Biotechnology Instrument, USA, manufactured the ELIZA components that were used. The average age of the participants was 30.85 ± 0.70 years, BMI was 27.60 ± 0.58 kg/m2, and serum AMH was 2.08 ± 0.11 ng/ml. We did not find any negative or positive correlation between AMH levels in the blood with sperm concentration, sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology in all study groups. The results of this study showed that serum AMH is an unreliable marker for predicting spermatogenic abnormalities.
Background: The immune infertility caused by anti-sperm antibodies (ASAs) represented about 1020%- of infertility among the couples, the ASAs interfere with sperm parameters such as the sperm motility and sperm ability to penetrate cervical mucus, sperm-oocyte binding, and fertilization and embryo developments. Objectives: The present study designed to assess semen analysis, presence of ASAs and DNA fragmentation index as well as correlation within these parameters in normzoospermic Iraqi subjects Patients, Materials and Methods: A total number of Iraqi subjects (116) with range of age (2051-) years and their mean duration of infertility (4.70 ± 2.77). Seminal fluid for Macroscopic and Microscopic assessments done according to WHO 2010 criteria. The mixed agglutination reaction (MAR) test used to assess theirASAs in semen (direct method), seminal plasma and serum (indirect method); for the both IgG and IgA classes of antibodies and their distribution among different parts of spermatozoa as percentage. Results: The mean of IgG using direct method was (23.881.75±) and for indirect detection method the mean was (27.412.41±) with no significant difference (P<0.05) between the two methods. While the direct method for IgA detection mean (14.46 ±1.76) and the mean for indirect method of detection (6.860.39±) and there was significant difference (P>0.05) between the two methods. In addition to that, the distribution of IgG and IgA detected by direct method on sperm parts showed no significance difference except for the sperm tail; while the indirect method for IgA and IgG showed significant difference in distribution on sperm mid-piece. Conclusion: The correlation among sperm parameters and Immunoglobulin using direct and indirect methods showing variations in significance also in the correlation between the direct and indirect methods according to distributions on sperm surface
The purpose of the study was to determine if age and body mass index in infertile men were associated with stress levels as determined by salivary stress biomarkers (cortisol and alpha-amylase). A cross-sectional study comprising 100 males with an infertility challenge was divided into 25 normozoospermia, 26 oligozoospermia, 21 asthenozoospermia, and 28 oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. Salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase were examined using the ELISA technique . The average age of the patient was 30.85±7.03, and their average BMI was 27.604±5. 7894. The infertile duration mean was 4.7896±3. 85932. The average amylase content in the saliva was 127.3721±40.0952, while the average cortisol content was 72.67±49.09. There are no discernible variations between the comparison mean of BMI and the duration of infertility. In the current investigation, there was no discernible relationship between SAA and age, BMI, or the length of infertility. Saliva cortisol and BMI in the oligoasthenoteratozoospermia group showed a substantial negative correlation (r = 0.483 & p = 0.009), although no significant link was seen with age, BMI, or length of infertility in the other study groups. There was no significant positive or negative correlation found between SAA level and the age and BMI of the four study groups, whereas salivary cortisol showed a substantial negative correlation with BMI in OAT and a non-significant correlation with age.
Background: Over 70 million couples suffer from infertility worldwide and the majority of those couples can be found in developing countries. Aims of study: This study aims to determine if there is any significant difference in levels of inhibin B and gonadal hormones in fertile and infertile men. Subjects, Materials & Methods: Clinical and hormonal characteristics related to male infertility factor of the infertile patients(n=75)and representative proven fathers as a control(normozoospermic ones)(n=25)were studied. All males attending infertility clinic at Baquba General Hospital, Diyala in Iraq. The study included the measurement of gonadal hormones levels by using (ELISA)method and it was also used in analyzing the inhibin B hormone. The VIDAS instruments were used for enzyme immunoassay measurements Luteininzing Hormone(LH),Testosterone(T) ;and Follicle Stimulating Hormone(FSH). The samples were analyzed and classified according to WHO criteria. Results: The results of this study showed that inhibin B hormone and other gonadal hormones in control (representative proven fathers-normozoospermic ones)as inhibin B (240.2±17.4)Pg/ml, LH (1.639±0.103)mIU/ml, Testosterone (0.6253±0.035)ng/ml and FSH (0.469±0.0103)mIU/ml. In asthenozoospermic ones as an example of infertile patients the results showed that inhibin B (76.9±8.99)Pg/ml, LH(1.4311±0.033)mIU/ml, T (0.5483±0.030)ng/ml and FSH (0.495±0.0124)mIU/ml. Except the inhibin B comparisons all of other non significant evaluated parameters & correlations within this study could be ascribed to the role of cascaded role of inhibin B with the gonadal hormones in spermatogenesis. Conclusions: It concluded from this study that decreased levels of inhibin B, LH,Testosterone, but increased levels of FSH hormones were shown in asthenozoospermia group as an example of infertile patients,and increased levels of inhibin B,LH and Testosterone but decreased levels of FSH were shown in normozoospermia as control.
The structural elements like the “blood-testis barrier” (BTB) and systemic and local tolerance mechanisms help to maintain testicular homeostasis, which shields germ cells and mature sperms from immune attack. Any damage to this barrier could result in an immune attack and may lead to infertility. This study aims to look at the correlation between male infertility and immunological factors (IL-17, IL-25, and anti-sperm antibody). During the months of October 2021 and July 2022, a total of 144 samples were taken from patients who sought to have infertility tested. The subjects' semen specimens were taken in order to perform the ELISA tests for IL-17, IL-25, and ASA. The levels of ASA, IL-17, and IL-25 differed significantly (P≤ 0.05) across study groups, according to the results of immunological parameters. The results of the correlation analysis revealed a strong positive association between IL-17 and IL-25, but not between those two interleukins and ASA. Although there was theoretically a positive link in this study, it was very weak and not significant. The findings suggest that IL-17, IL-25, and ASA influence seminal fluid parameters, which in turn affect male fertility.
Background: Sperm cells are well equipped with a powerful defense system of antioxidants, but an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the available antioxidant-defenses result in oxidative stress. Therefore, antioxidants are supplemented extracellularly under in vitro conditions. Antioxidants are the main defense factors against oxidative stress induced by free radicals. Vitamin E is believed to be the primary component of the antioxidant system of the spermatozoa and is one of the major membrane protectants against ROS and lipid peroxidation (LPO) attack. It appears to be the first line of defense against the peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) contained in the cellular and sub-cellular membrane phospholipids because of its lipid solubility. Objective: The aim of the current study to evaluate effects of supplementing semen extender with vitamin E, at various concentrations (2, 6 and 12 IU/ml) on sperm motility, survival and morphology on the releases of free radicals and antioxidant enzymes within semen. Patients ,Materials and Methods: Twenty two patients were involved in the present study semen samples were obtained, and sperm count was assessed. The antioxidant (vitamin E) was formulated to be tested at three different levels as follow; 2, 6 and 12 IU/ml; Therefore, control and 3 antioxidant-containing extenders were prepared for semen dilution. The sample was divided into 4 aliquots. One volume of semen was added to 5 equal volumes of the designed extender. Extended semen samples (37˚C) were gradually cooled to 4˚C in the refrigerator and stored for 48 hours. A semen sample was taken out after 48h of storage, then warmed to 37˚C and checked for progressive motility, viability and abnormality. Sperm viability was assessed by Eosin Y. (0.5%)—Nigrosin (0.1%) staining mixture. A total of 200 sperm were assessed under oil immersion with a high-resolution (X100) objective. Sperm morphology was assessed by Hematoxylin-Eosin satin, at least 200 sperm were scored on randomly chosen field, under oil immersion with a high-resolution (X100) objective. Results: The highest post-thaw motility and sperm survival (44% and 51.7%) 48 h after storage at 4˚C (Table 1) were attained (P < 0.01) in the basal diluents containing 6 IU vitamin E. Likewise, the correspondent percentages of live spermatozoa were 59%. Contrariwise, percentage of sperm abnormalities for the previous treatment was 25% significantly (P < 0.05) decrease compares with basal diluents containing 2, 12 IU vitamin E. The lowest (P ≥ 0.05) survival (23.5%, Table 1) was found in the basal diluents containing 12 IU vitamin. Beyond 6 IU vitamin E, there appears to exert adverse effects on sperm viability and survival. Conclusions: For the best protection against the increased free radicals production during chilling-preservation of human semen, extenders must contain 6 IU vitamin E per ml. The intensive production of free radicals in seminal plasma was counteracted by the inclusion of vitamin E at the above mentioned concentrations.
Background: Semen preparation techniques were developed to separate motile sperm that are morphologically normal from seminal plasma to optimize successful assisted reproductive technology cycles which seem to be the most effective options in cases of a male factor infertility. Objective: The objective of the present study was to compare between outcomes of two sperm preparation techniques for asthenozoospermic patients includes:1-Centrifugation swim up technique.2-Glass wool filtration technique. Subjects, Materials and Methods: Fifty three infertile males were participated in this study during their attendance to the Infertility Clinic at High Institute for Infertility Diagnosis and Assisted Reproductive Technologies; Al-Nahrain University. Semen samples were collected and SFA was done according to WHO (2010 and 1999). Each semen sample was divided into two aliquots. The first one prepared using centrifugation swim up technique, while the other one prepared using glass wool filtration technique then sperm parameters were assessed for both techniques and the results were statistically analyzed. Results: After in vitro sperm activation using both techniques, there was significant reduction (P<0.05) in the sperm concentration, significant improvement (P<0.05) in the percentages of sperm motility and morphologically normal sperm when compared to pre-activation. Present study appeared that the glass wool filtration technique resulted in significantly (P<0.05) better results for sperm concentration and total number of progressive motile sperm than the swim-up technique. The present study proved that there was significant (P<0.05) improvement in sperm parameters (increment for sperm motility (%), progressive sperm motility (%), total number of progressive motile sperm and normal sperm morphology (%), while reduction for round cell count and sperm agglutination percent) for all cases using glass wool filtration techniques. In contrast, there was failure of sperm activation for 10 cases using centrifugation swim up technique. Conclusions: From results of the present study, the sperm parameters outcomes using glass wool filtration technique was superior to the outcomes of centrifugation swim up technique when prepare semen of asthenozoospermic patients.
One-half of the genome is delivered by the sperm, and a healthy sperm is needed for fertilization, fetal development, and child wellbeing. Abnormal sperm DNA can impact any of these processes. The measurement of sperm DNA fragmentation has been added to some medical andrology laboratories as a crucial addition to the standard analysis of the semen. Sperm DNA fragmentation has also been linked to male infertility including idiopathic male infertility. Some degree of controlled DNA nicking is essential for adequate DNA compaction, but excessive sperm DNA fragmentation is usually associated with reduced male fertility potential, reduced fertilization, poor embryo quality, recurrent pregnancy loss and poor assisted reproductive techniques outcomes. Semen samples from 50 infertile males (as 19 asthenozoospermia, 7 oligozoospermia, 13 normospermia and 11 combined defects) were analyzed for sperm DNA fragmentation. This study followed the World Health Organization 2010 guidelines to assess the sperm parameters. Sample were collected by masturbation and put in a 37 °C incubator to be liquefied, then they were placed in a centrifuge (3000 rpm for 10 min) to extract the pellet, which was used for assessment of DFI% by anillin blue staining. Negative significant correlation (p = 0.023) between morphologically normal sperms and DFI % was found in normozoospermia group. The objective of this study is to examine the correlation of DFI among different seminal fluid categories (normozoospermia, oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia and, combined).