Many studies have reported that the contents of cigarette smoke negatively affect sperm parameter... more Many studies have reported that the contents of cigarette smoke negatively affect sperm parameters, seminal plasma, and various other fertility factors. Nevertheless, the actual effect of smoking on male fertility is not clear. The effect of smoking on semen parameters is based on the well-established biological finding that smoking increases the presence of reactive oxygen species, thereby resulting in oxidative stress (OS). OS has devastating effects on sperm parameters, such as viability and morphology, and impairs sperm function, hence reducing male fertility. However, not all studies have come to the same conclusions. This review sheds light upon the arguable association between smoking and male fertility and also assesses the impact of non-smoking routes of tobacco consumption on male infertility. It also highlights the evidence that links smoking with male infertility, including newly emerging genetic and epigenetic data, and discusses the clinical implications thereof.
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, 2015
Marijuana has the highest consumption rate among all of the illicit drugs used in the USA, and it... more Marijuana has the highest consumption rate among all of the illicit drugs used in the USA, and its popularity as both a recreational and medicinal drug is increasing especially among men of reproductive age. Male factor infertility is on the increase, and the exposure to the cannabinoid compounds released by marijuana could be a contributing cause. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is deeply involved in the complex regulation of male reproduction through the endogenous release of endocannabinoids and binding to cannabinoid receptors. Disturbing the delicate balance of the ECS due to marijuana use can negatively impact reproductive potential. Various in vivo and in vitro studies have reported on the empirical role that marijuana plays in disrupting the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis, spermatogenesis, and sperm function such as motility, capacitation, and the acrosome reaction. In this review, we highlight the latest evidence regarding the effect of marijuana use on male fertility and also provide a detailed insight into the ECS and its significance in the male reproductive system.
Cryoprotectant-free vitrification versus conventional cryopreservation: a comparison of freezing ... more Cryoprotectant-free vitrification versus conventional cryopreservation: a comparison of freezing methods on post-thaw sperm quality M. Slabbert1, SS. du Plessis2 & C. Huyser1 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Pretoria, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa; 2Division of Medical Physiology, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa Study question: Can cryoprotectant-free vitrification be used as an alternative method to cryopreserve purified spermatozoa from assisted reproductive technologies? Summary answer: Conventional cryopreservation and cryoprotectant-free vitrification had equivalent outcomes with respect to sperm motility. The latter method yielded superior results in terms of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ) and DNA fragmentation post- thawing. What is known already: Vitrification allows for the rapid cooling of tissues and cells without ice crystal formation. The birth of a healthy offspring was reported after using spermato...
Many studies have reported that the contents of cigarette smoke negatively affect sperm parameter... more Many studies have reported that the contents of cigarette smoke negatively affect sperm parameters, seminal plasma, and various other fertility factors. Nevertheless, the actual effect of smoking on male fertility is not clear. The effect of smoking on semen parameters is based on the well-established biological finding that smoking increases the presence of reactive oxygen species, thereby resulting in oxidative stress (OS). OS has devastating effects on sperm parameters, such as viability and morphology, and impairs sperm function, hence reducing male fertility. However, not all studies have come to the same conclusions. This review sheds light upon the arguable association between smoking and male fertility and also assesses the impact of non-smoking routes of tobacco consumption on male infertility. It also highlights the evidence that links smoking with male infertility, including newly emerging genetic and epigenetic data, and discusses the clinical implications thereof.
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, 2015
Marijuana has the highest consumption rate among all of the illicit drugs used in the USA, and it... more Marijuana has the highest consumption rate among all of the illicit drugs used in the USA, and its popularity as both a recreational and medicinal drug is increasing especially among men of reproductive age. Male factor infertility is on the increase, and the exposure to the cannabinoid compounds released by marijuana could be a contributing cause. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is deeply involved in the complex regulation of male reproduction through the endogenous release of endocannabinoids and binding to cannabinoid receptors. Disturbing the delicate balance of the ECS due to marijuana use can negatively impact reproductive potential. Various in vivo and in vitro studies have reported on the empirical role that marijuana plays in disrupting the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis, spermatogenesis, and sperm function such as motility, capacitation, and the acrosome reaction. In this review, we highlight the latest evidence regarding the effect of marijuana use on male fertility and also provide a detailed insight into the ECS and its significance in the male reproductive system.
Cryoprotectant-free vitrification versus conventional cryopreservation: a comparison of freezing ... more Cryoprotectant-free vitrification versus conventional cryopreservation: a comparison of freezing methods on post-thaw sperm quality M. Slabbert1, SS. du Plessis2 & C. Huyser1 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Pretoria, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa; 2Division of Medical Physiology, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa Study question: Can cryoprotectant-free vitrification be used as an alternative method to cryopreserve purified spermatozoa from assisted reproductive technologies? Summary answer: Conventional cryopreservation and cryoprotectant-free vitrification had equivalent outcomes with respect to sperm motility. The latter method yielded superior results in terms of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ) and DNA fragmentation post- thawing. What is known already: Vitrification allows for the rapid cooling of tissues and cells without ice crystal formation. The birth of a healthy offspring was reported after using spermato...
Uploads