• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.42 no.4
• /
• pp.136-142
• /
• 2015

Objective: Smoking has been reported to harm nearly every organ of the body, but conflicting results have been reported regarding the effects of smoking on assisted conception. In this prospective cohort study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of positive urinary cotinine tests in infertile couples and whether cotinine positivity was associated with infertility treatment outcomes. Methods: A qualitative urinary cotinine test was administered to 127 couples who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF, n=92) or intrauterine insemination (IUI, n=35). Results: The overall prevalence of positive urinary cotinine test was 43.3% (55/127) in the male partners and 10.2% (13/127) in the female partners with similar prevalence rates in both genders in the IUI and IVF groups. Semen characteristics, serum markers of ovarian reserve, and number of retrieved oocytes were comparable among cotinine-positive and cotinine-negative men or women (with the exception of sperm count, which was higher among cotinine-positive men). The results of urinary cotinine tests in infertile couples were not associated with IVF and IUI outcomes. Conclusion: The presence of cotinine in the system, as indicated by a positive urinary cotinine test, was not associated with poorer outcomes of infertility treatment.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
• /
• v.29 no.4
• /
• pp.257-274
• /
• 2013

Ecological and ethnomedicinal survey of plants was conducted in one hundred and twenty homesteads in Mbala, Amuda, Umuaku, and Nneato communities of Nneochi Local Governement Area, Abia State-Nigeria. A total of ninety-one medicinal plant species belonging to seventy-eight genera and forty-eight families, used in the treatment of malaria, yellow fever, fibroid, hepatitis, convulsion, hypertension, diabetes, insomnia, ulcer, rashes, low sperm count, snake bite, among others, were documented. Plant remedies were prepared mostly as infusions or decoctions from different plant parts with mainly water, and palm wine/gin sometimes. The highest number of medicinal plant species (73) was recorded in Mbala, followed by Amuda (71), Umuaku (68) and Nneato (61). Medicinal plant species diversity was highest in Amuda (Simpson 1-D=0.9621;H=3.663), followed by Umuaku (Simpson 1-D=0.9481; H=3.471), Mbala (Simpson 1-D=0.9345; H=3.341), and Nneato (Simpson 1-D=0.9307; H=3.277), respectively. Similarity in medicinal plant species was highest between Umuaku and Nneato (76.71%), followed by Amuda and Umuaku (75.95%), Mbala and Amuda (71.43%), while Mbala and Nneato had the lowest similarity (59.52%). The results of the study showed that traditional medicine is pivotal in the treatment of ailments in the study area, and that the indigenous people of Nneochi have recognized the need to conserve medicinal plants of importance ex situ within homesteads due to threats from unsustainable exploitation and deforestation.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.30 no.3
• /
• pp.55-61
• /
• 2015

Objectives : This study aimed to investigate the effects of Shingi-whan(SG) on the male reproductive and sexual function, so we measured the spermatogenesis and the testicular toxicity in mice and the vasorelaxation in isolated rabbit corpus cavernosum smooth muscle. Methods : To evaluate effect on the spermatogenesis in mice, we prepared two groups, control group and SG group that was orally administered SG(1,000mg/kg) for 20 days, and compared. To analyze testicular toxicity in mice, we also prepared two groups, doxo group that was injected with doxorubicin (3mg/kg) on three times and doxo + SG group that was injected with doxorubicin and SG for 20 days, and compared. To investigate sexual function of SG in mice, we prepared three groups, normal group and aging elicited group consisting of 18-month-old mice, SG treated aging group that was orally administered SG for 60 days, and compared using histochemical staining on mice corpus cavernous tissues. In order to define the relaxation effects of SG, rabbit corpus cavernous tissues were prepared in $2{\times}2{\times}6mm$ sized strip. Then the dose-dependent relaxation responses of SG at 0.01-3.0 mg/ml in contracted strips induced by phenylephrine were measured. Results : The sperm density in dutus epididymis and the diameter of seminiferous tubules of SG group was significantly increased when compared to control group. The testicular weight and the diameter and height of epithelial layer of seminiferous tubules of doxo + SG group was significantly increased when compared to doxo group. The cavernous strips were significantly relaxed by SG extract In SG treated aging group, ratio of smooth muscles to collagen fibers and red blood cell count in venous sinus was increased as compared to aging elicited group. Conclusions : Our findings have shown that SG extract have effect on spermatogenesis and mitigating effect on doxo-induced testicular toxicity. Further, it also have the vasorelaxant effect on rabbit corpus cavernosum.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.3 no.2
• /
• pp.35-42
• /
• 1976

The human semen ejaculated in a form of liquid state, coagulates immediately after ejaculation, and then liquefies again. However, the mechanisms of neither coagulation and liquefaction of semen have not been explained clearly so far, and very limited numbers of report are available, although the spermatology and andrology made rapid progress. This clinical study has been undertaken to investigate the liquefaction phenomena and practicability of the results might be applied to fertility and infertility problems. As a preliminary study, in this report the liquefaction time of various semen groups is measured and analysed. The following results are obtained: 1. An average liquefaction time of semen of a total of 60 subjects: 25 minutes. 2. An average liquefaction time of semen according to sperm count: 1) Normospermia group (20 cases): 34 minutes. 2) Oligospermia group (20 cases): 21 minutes. 3) Azoospermia group (20 cases): 20 minutes. 3. An average liquefaction time of semen according to abstinence period: 1) Less than 3 days group (30 cases): 22 minutes. 2) More then 5 days group (30 cases): 28 minutes. In conclusion: 1. The liquefaction time of semen of the normospermia group is longer than oligospermia group or azoosermia group. 2. The liquefaction time of semen may not be greatly influenced by the various factors such as abstinence period, semen volume, semen pH, age of the subjects and so on. 3. In routine semen analyses, it is recommended to begin the analysis at least 25 minutes after the ejaculation. 4. Further studies are required in conjunction with practical application of liquefaction mechanism in infertility and fertility control.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.31 no.3
• /
• pp.177-182
• /
• 2004

Purpose: To determine the efficacy of $Carnitil^{(R)}$ (acetylcarnitine, Hanmi, Korea) therapy in idiopathic oligoasthenospermic men. Materials and Methods: Forty-four subfertile men with abnormal semen parameters were treated between March, 2003 and March, 2004 with 3 g of $Carnitil^{(R)}$ daily for 3 months. Changes in semen parameters were evaluated 3 months after this therapy. Results: The mean age was 34.2 years and the mean follow-up duration was 3.7 months. In asthenospemic patients (n=28), semen analysis before and after $Carnitil^{(R)}$ treatment showed an increase in volume ($2.64{\pm}1.65\;ml$ vs. $3.10{\pm}1.60\;ml$), motility ($35.1{\pm}17.7%$ vs. $45.9{\pm}20.4%$) and viability ($51.4{\pm}20.3%$ vs. $59.3{\pm}13.6%$) respectively. In oligoasthenospermic patients (n=16), semen analysis before and after $Carnitil^{(R)}$ treatment showed an increase in sperm count ($10.7{\pm}54.4\;million/ml$ vs. $38.4{\pm}32.5\;million/ml$) respectively. Conclusions: These results suggested that in idiopathic oligoasthenospermic men the empirical medical therapy with acetylcarnitine may be considered as primary treatment.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.48 no.3
• /
• pp.221-228
• /
• 2021

Objective: This study investigated the effect of crocin in methylglyoxal (MGO)-induced diabetic male mice. Methods: Seventy 1-month-old male NMRI mice weighing 20-25 g were divided into seven groups (n=10): sham, MGO (600 mg/kg/day), MGO+crocin (15, 30, and 60 mg/kg/day), MGO+metformin (150 mg/kg/day), and crocin (60 mg/kg/day). MGO was administered orally for 30 days. Starting on day 14, after confirming hyperglycemia, metformin and crocin were administered orally. On day 31, plasma and tissue samples were prepared for experimental assessments. Results: Blood glucose and insulin levels in the MGO group were higher than those in the sham group (p<0.001), and decreased in response to metformin (p<0.001) and crocin treatment (not at all doses). Testis width and volume decreased in the MGO mice and improved in the crocin-treated mice (p<0.05), but not in the metformin group. Superoxide dismutase levels decreased in diabetic mice (p<0.05) and malondialdehyde levels increased (p<0.001). Crocin and metformin improved malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase. Testosterone (p<0.001) and sperm count (p<0.05) decreased in the diabetic mice, and treatment with metformin and crocin recovered these variables. Luteinizing hormone levels increased in diabetic mice (p<0.001) and crocin treatment (but not metformin) attenuated this increase. Seminiferous diameter and height decreased in the diabetic mice and increased in the treatment groups. Vacuoles and ruptures were seen in diabetic testicular tissue, and crocin improved testicular morphology (p<0.01). Conclusion: MGO increased oxidative stress, reduced sex hormones, and induced histological problems in male reproductive organs. Crocin and metformin improved the reproductive damage caused by MGO-induced diabetes.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.24 no.2
• /
• pp.93-98
• /
• 2009

Objectives : Previously we reported that the roots of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (Araliaceae) increased sperm count and motility. also induced spermatogenesis via cAMP-responsive element modulator(CREM) activation in rat testes. In this study, for the first step of spermatogenesis in germ cell lines, the antioxidant activity of Panax ginseng were examined in mouse GC-1 spermatogonia cells. Methods : The extract was studied on diphenyl-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, GC-1 cell viability by a modified MIT assay. H202-induced cytotoxicity by MIT assay and lipid peroxidation by malondialdehyde (MDA) formation. respectively. Results: The results showed that the extract scavenged DPPH radical with the IC50 being 0.631 mg/mi. The extract at concentrations of 5, and 10, 50, 100, 250 ${\mu}$g/mi increased GC-1 cell viability significantly(p < 0.05, and p < O.O1). Hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity (73.8%, p < O.O1) was blocked by the extract at concentrations of 50, and 100, 250, 500 ${\mu}$g/ml significantly (p < 0.05, and p < O.O1). The extract at concentrations of 10. and 50 ${\mu}$g/ml decreased the MDA formation on hydrogen peroxide-induced lipid peroxidation. Conclusions : In conclusion, the extract of Panax ginseng has potent antioxidant activity and increases the survival rate of GC-1 spg cells against $H_20_2$-induced cytotoxicity.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.8 no.2
• /
• pp.45-55
• /
• 1981

Clomiphene citrate. antiestrogen, was given to 39 infertile males whose spermatogenesis were disturbed and the efficacy of the drug was evaluated at the Department of Urology in 1980. (Table 1). Patients were divided into 3 clinical observation groups such as group I composed of 19 cases of idiopathic azoospermia, group II consisted of 15 cases of oligospermia following the vasovasostomy, and group III comprised 5 cases of testicular azoospermia. (Table 2). Clinical characteristics of these patients were as follows: Age of the patients ranged from 26 to 43 years old with mean of 34, and that of their wives ranged from 24 to 41 years old with mean of 31. Duration of marital life ranged from 1 to 21 years with mean of 5 years. Sizes of testis ranged from 6 to 25 ml with mean of 16 ml. Coital frequency ranged from 0.5 to 6 per week with mean of 2.4 per week. Levels of plasma FSH ranged from 3.15 to 23.06 lU/1 with mean of 8.15 lU/1, those of LH ranged from 2.98 to 19.89 lU/1 with mean of 8.18 lU/1 and those of testosterone ranged from 3.09 to 9.97 ng/ml with mean of 6.48 ng/ml. (Table 3). Clomiphene citrate was given in dosage of 50 mg per day (in d.) orally to 31 patients for 3 to 9 months and in dosage of 100 mg per day (b.i.d.) orally to 8 patients for 3 to 9 months. (Table 8). Semen samples were analysed monthly on each patient by routine analysis techniques. For the assessment of the efficacy of Clomiphene citrate on faulty spermatogenesis following empirical criteria were used: For semen quality: Improvement (I) represents that semen parameter increased more than 25% from basal level after the treatment, Unchange (U) expresses that semen parameter increased less than 25% of basal level or not changed after the treatment and Deterioration (D) means that semen parameter decreased from basal level after the treatment. For fertility unit (total counts ${\times}$ motility ${\times}$ morphology ${\div}10^6$): Improvement (I) represents that fertility unit increased more than 10 units after the treatment, Unchange (U) expresses that fertility unit increased less than 10 units or not changed after the treatment, and Deterioration (D) means that fertility unit decreased after the treatment. (Table 4). Results obtained from the Clomiphene therapy were as follows: Changes of spermiograme before and after the Oomiphene therapy shown in the Table 5. Sperm counts increased from 23 to 31 ${\times}10^6$/ml in group I, from 17 to 29 ${\times}10^6$/ml in group II. Other parameters of spermiogramme were not changed significantly after the treatment. Fertility units increased from 14 to 18 units after the treatment in group I, and from 16 to 18 units after the treatment in group II. Effectiveness of Clomiphene citrate on spermatogenesis was summarised in the Tables 6 and 7. After the treatment, sperm count increased in 11 patients, motility increased in 6 patients, morphology increased in 4 patients and fertility units increased in 9 patients. No sperm could be produced by Clomiphene citrate in group III of testicular azoospermia. Dosage of 50 mg of Clomiphene citrate per day for 3 to 6 months was proved to be the most effective in the present series. (Table 8). Pregnancy occurred in 2 patients after the treatment. No particular side effects were noted by the treatment. Pharmacologic compounds used for male infertility were shown in the Table 9. Reported results of Clomiphene citrate were shown in the Table 10.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.35 no.4
• /
• pp.303-308
• /
• 2008

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of preoperative semen parameters on both seminal improvement and pregnancy rates following varicocelectomy. Methods: This survey was done in 278 patients who underwent microsurgical inguinal varicocelectomy from January 2001 until October 2006. By the total motile sperm counts (TMSC) before operation, the patients were stratified into three groups. Group A (mild oligoasthenospermia) was defined as above 20 million, group B (moderate oligoasthenospermia) was defined as between 5 and 20 million, and group C (severe oligoasthenospermia) was defined as below 5 million. Improvement rates of TMSC and pregnancy rates following varicocelectomy of each groups were compared. Results: The average TMSC of all the patients was 25.75 million before operation and after operation, it was 80.24 million, showing an average increase of 54.49 million (211.6%). To take a look at mean absolute increase (mean relative increase proportion), group A showed 67.90 million (131.2%), group B 62.20 million (482.5%) and group C 26.33 million (1841.2%). The patients with varicocele whose semen parameter is in bad condition show relatively a low mean absolute increase but high mean relative increase proportion. There was no significant difference in natural pregnancy rate among each groups (p=0.119, p=0.059). Conclusions: Even in the varicocele patient whose semen parameter was in bad condition before surgical operation. varicocelectomy could be chosen as the first treatment to male infertility.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
• /
• v.5 no.1
• /
• pp.36-42
• /
• 1981

This experiment was carried out to determine the optimum interval between inseminations in artifical insemination of hens. Two hundred and forty hens of Hisex commercial stock at 25 weeks of age and 20 cocks of the Rhode Island Red at 40 weeks of age were used for the experiment, and a total of 6,784 eggs were obtained. The intervals between inseminations compared in this study were: 3 days (T1), 5 days (T2), and 7 days(T3). Mixed raw semen was inseminated and the semen does was 0.03ml per insemination per hen. The inseminations were conducted at 15:00 at each time. The total number of insemination performed was 9 for the T1, 6 for the T2 and 5 for the T3, and eggs were collected over a period of 31 days, 32 days and 35 dyas, respectively. The average egg production of the hens during the experiment was 85.9% and the average temperature during the experiment was around 30$^{\circ}C$. The average sperm count was 3.69 billion per ml. The results obtained in this experiment can be summarized as follows: The fertility over the entire experimental period bythe treatment was 91.7% for the T1, 84.4% for the T2, and 75.2% for the T3. The difference between T1 and T3 in fertility was significant at 5% level. The average fertility on the second, third and fourth day after the insemination in the T2 and T3 was maintained at a relatively high level, but it tended to decline rapidly from the fifth day after the insemination. The average fertility for one week after the last insemination was 88.8% for the T1, 88.8% for the T2 and 78.6% for the T3, and none of the differences among the treatments were statistically significant. On the basis of the results from this study, it is recommended to adjust the insemination intervals within the range from the 3 to 5 days in order to maintain a highest level of fertility in the hens at an early stage of egg production as in the case of the hens used in this experiment. An insemination interval of 3 days is recommended, especially at an initial stage of insemination. For the hens with a low fertility, shortening, of the insemination interval to 3 or 2 days is desirable.