View clinical trials related to Oligospermia.
Filter by:The proposed study is designed to test the following hypotheses: 1. Mouse autosomal or X-linked genes which are exclusively expressed in mouse spermatogonia are also spermatogonia-specific in human. 2. Severe spermatogenic defect, especially hypospermatogenesis or SCOS, is caused by an intrinsic defect in germ line stem cell or speramtogenia. 3. Spermatogonia-specific genes are caudate genes for human spermatogenic defect, especially for hypospermatogenesis or SCOS. 4. For a significant fraction of cases with severe spermatogenic defect, the sterile genes are transmitted via multifactorial inheritance mode. 5. For some cases with severe spermatogenic defect, mutations of spermatogonia- specific genes may be transmitted in the X-linked recessive, autosomal recessive, or autosomal dominant mode.
The phospholipids of mammalian spermatozoa possess a distinctive fatty acid composition with high proportion of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. The lipid composition is a major determinant of the membrane flexibility and sperm motility required for proper fertilization. It also influences the sperm plasma membrane's fluidity, chilling sensitivity and thermotropic lipid phase transition (LPT) and these parameters determine our ability to cryopreserve these cells. Our hypotheses is that by providing dietary supplementation of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids an improvement of sperm parameters (number, motility, viability) can be achieved. We also expect alteration spermatozoal plasma membrane fatty acid composition, making it more chilling resistant. Experimental methodology: 1) Characterize fatty acid composition of the spermatozoa of normal and abnormal spermatozoa by gas chromatography. 2) Characterize sperm plasma membrane LPT by FTIR spectrometer. 3) Run a randomized double-blind, placebo controlled, crossed-over dietary fatty acid supplementation pilot trial in human sub-fertile patients. Large scale trial will follow, if justified. In both trials sperm characterization of each participant will be conducted before, during and following the trial. Subfertile males will benefit greatly if their sperm parameters can be improved and cryopreserved while ensuring enhanced post-thawing survival. We believe that changing the fatty acid composition of sperm plasma membrane by simple dietary means will open the way to improve the fertility of those that needs it the most.
Obesity is associated with an increase in blood levels of estrogen. Estrogen or "female hormone" is believed to have a negative effect on sperm production. Aromatase inhibitors such as anastrozole work to decrease the production of estrogen and increase testosterone in the body. By decreasing the level of estrogen, sperm production should improve. In this study, the investigators will try to determine the benefit of anastrozole in obese men with low sperm counts. Patients participating in this study will be randomly assigned (by chance) to treatment in one of two study arms: Group A: Anastrozole 1mg per day for 4 months and Group B: Placebo for 4 months. Neither patients nor doctors will know in which treatment group they are. Screening assessments will take place prior to the start of treatment. During this time, demographic data and medical history will be reviewed and recorded. Also, testicular exam, sperm count and laboratory blood analysis will be performed. Over the course of study, semen and blood analysis including hormonal profile (testosterone, estrogen, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone) will be recollected. At the conclusion of the trial, the investigators expect the group that received anastrozole to have an improved sperm count, increased testosterone and decreased estrogen levels.
Varicose veins in the scrotum (varicocele) are responsible for >20% of male infertility in the US. Varicocele are associated with decreased sperm number and markedly reduced sperm fertilizing ability. Surgical repair or removal of varicocele restores fertility in only 1/3 of cases. The goal of this study is to identify markers that predict the outcome of variocele correction. This would offer considerable health cost savings. Based on preliminary findings, we will obtain testis biopsies and semen specimens from infertile men with varicocele and prospectively examining the levels of cadmium, a toxic metal, and expression of genes required for normal sperm function. The semen and biopsies will be obtained during clinically dictated procedures. Cadmium and gene expression will be compared with response to varicocele repair (i.e., increased sperm production; pregnancy).