Male factor subfertility: Possible causes and the impact of nutritional factors

Fertility and Sterility

Volumn 73, Issue 3, 2000, Pages 435-442

  Wong, Wai Yee ^a   Thomas, Chris M G ^a   Merkus, Johannus M W M ^a   Zielhuis, Gerhard A ^a   Steegers Theunissen, Régine P M ^a  

^a RADBOUD UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER   (Netherlands)

Author keywords

Etiology; Folate; Male subfertility; Nutrition; Review; Semen parameters; Zinc

Indexed keywords

FOLIC ACID; ZINC;

ARTICLE; CORRELATION FUNCTION; DIET SUPPLEMENTATION; HUMAN; MALE; MALE INFERTILITY; NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCY; NUTRITIONAL STATUS; PATHOGENESIS; PRIORITY JOURNAL; SEMEN ANALYSIS; SPERMATOGENESIS; SUBFERTILITY;

EID: 0342546042     PISSN: 00150282     EISSN: None     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.1016/S0015-0282(99)00551-8     Document Type: Review

References (100)

1. Carlsen E., Giwercman A., Keiding N., Skakkebaek N.E. Evidence for decreasing quality of semen during the past 50 years. BMJ. 305:1992;609-613.
2. Auger J., Kunstmann J.M., Czyglik F., Jouannet P. Decline in semen quality among fertile men in Paris during the past 20 years. N Engl J Med. 332:1995;281-285.
3. Irvine S., Cawood E., Richardson D., MacDonald E., Aitken J. Evidence of deteriorating semen quality in the United Kingdom birth cohort study in 577 men in Scotland over 11 years . BMJ. 312:1996;467-471.
4. Wallace E.E. Unexplained infertility. Zacur H.A. Reproductive medicine and surgery. 1995;459-467 Mosby Yearbook, Baltimore.
5. Martin M.C. Infertility. Pernoll M.L. Current obstetric and gynecologic diagnosis and treatment. Reproductive endocrinology and infertility. 7th ed. 1991;1025-1036 Appleton & Lange, Norwalk (CT).
6. Joffe M. Decreased fertility in Britain compared with Finland. Lancet. 347:1996;1519-1522.
7. Bostofte E., Serup J., Rebbe H. Relation between sperm count and semen volume, and pregnancies obtained during a twenty-year follow-up period. Int J Androl. 5:1982;267-275.
8. van Dop P.A. WHO guidelines for the interpretation of common semen parameters. Ombelet W., Bosmans E., Vandeput H., Vereecken A., Renier M., Hoomans E. Modern ART in the 2000s andrology in the nineties . 1998;37-43 Parthenon Publishing Group, New York.
9. Toward more objectivity in diagnosis and management of male infertility. Int J Androl. 1987;1-53.
10. Laboratory manual for the examination of human semen and semen-cervical mucus interaction. 3rd ed. 1993;43-44 Cambridge University Press, New York.
11. Bostofte E., Serup J., Rebbe H. Relation between morphologically abnormal spermatozoa and pregnancies obtained during a twenty-year follow-up period. Int J Androl. 5:1982;379-386.
12. Kruger T.F., Menkveld R., Stander F.S., Lombard C.J., Van der Merwe J.P., van Zyl J.A., et al. Sperm morphologic features as a prognostic factor in in vitro fertilization. Fertil Steril. 46:1986;1118-1123.
13. Enginsu M.E., Dumoulin J.C., Pieters M.H., Bras M., Evers J.L., Geraedts J.P. Evaluation of human sperm morphology using strict criteria after Diff-Quik staining correlation of morphology with fertilization in vitro . Hum Reprod. 6:1991;854-858.
14. Ombelet W., Fourie F.L., Vandeput H., Bosmans E., Cox A., Janssen M., et al. Teratozoospermia and in-vitro fertilization a randomized prospective study . Hum Reprod. 9:1994;1479-1484.
15. Menkveld R., Kruger T.F. Advantages of strict (Tygerberg) criteria for evaluation of sperm morphology. Int J Androl. 18:(Suppl 2):1995;36-42.
16. Kruger T.F., Acosta A.A., Simmons K.F., Swanson R.J., Matta J.F., Oehninger S. Predictive value of abnormal sperm morphology in in vitro fertilization. Fertil Steril. 49:1988;112-117.
17. Ombelet W., Menkveld R., Kruger T.F., Steeno O. Sperm morphology assessment historical review in relation to fertility . Hum Reprod Update. 1:1995;543-557.
18. Ombelet W., Bosmans E., Janssen M., Cox A., Vlasselaer J., Gyselaers W., et al. Semen parameters in a fertile versus subfertile population a need for change in the interpretation of semen testing . Hum Reprod. 12:1997;987-993.
19. Bujan L., Mansat A., Pontonnier F., Mieusset R. Time series analysis of sperm concentration in fertile men in Toulouse, France between 1977 and 1992. BMJ. 312:1996;471-472.
20. Younglai E.V., Collins J.A., Foster W.G. Canadian semen quality an analysis of sperm density among eleven academic fertility centers . Fertil Steril. 70:1998;76-80.
21. Giwercman A., Carlsen E., Keiding N., Skakkebaek N.E. Evidence for increasing incidence of abnormalities of the human testis a review . Environ Health Perspect. 101:(Suppl 2):1993;65-71.
22. de Kretser D.M. Male infertility. Lancet. 349:1997;787-790.
23. Griffin J.E., Wilson J.D. Disorders of the testes and the male reproductive tract. Wilson J.D., Foster D.W., Kronenberg H.M., Larsen P.R. Williams textbook of endocrinology. 9th ed. 1998;849-850 WB Saunders, Philadelphia.
24. Chandley A.C. The chromosomal basis of human infertility. Br Med Bull. 35:1979;181-186.
25. Tuerlings J.H.A.M., de France H.F., Hamers A., Hordijk R., van Hemel J.O., Hansson K., et al. Chromosome studies in 1792 males prior to intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection the Dutch experience . Eur J Hum Genet. 6:1998;194-200.
26. Swerdloff R.S., Overstreet J.W., Sokol R.Z., Rajfer J. UCLA conference infertility in the male . Ann Intern Med. 103:1985;906-919.
27. Mieusset R., Bujan L., Massat G., Mansat A., Pontonnier F. Clinical and biological characteristics of infertile men with a history of cryptorchidism. Hum Reprod. 10:1995;613-619.
28. Cortes D. Cryptorchidism - aspects of pathogenesis, histology and treatment. Scand J Urol Nephrol Suppl. 196:1998;1-54.
29. Sharpe R.M., Skakkebaek N.E. Are oestrogens involved in falling sperm counts and disorders of the male reproductive tract? Lancet. 341:1993;1392-1395.
30. Petersen P.M., Skakkebaek N.E., Vistisen K., Rorth M., Giwercman A. Semen quality and reproductive hormones before orchidectomy in men with testicular cancer. J Clin Oncol. 17:1999;941-947.
31. The influence of varicocele on parameters of fertility in a large group of men presenting to infertility clinics. Fertil Steril. 57:1992;1289-1293.
32. Verstoppen G.R., Steeno O.P. Varicocele and the pathogenesis of the associated subfertility a review of the various theories. II. Results of surgery . Andrologia. 9:1977;293-305.
33. Nieschlag E., Hertle L., Fischedick A., Abshagen K., Behre H.M. Update on treatment of varicocele counselling as effective as occlusion of the vena spermatica . Hum Reprod. 13:1998;2147-2150.
34. Okuyama A., Nakamura M., Namiki M., Takeyama M., Utsunomiya M., Fujioka H., et al. Surgical repair of varicocele at puberty preventive treatment for fertility improvement . J Urol. 139:1988;562-564.
35. Laven J.S., Haans L.C., Mali W.P., te Velde E.R., Wensing C.J., Eimers J.M. Effects of varicocele treatment in adolescents a randomised study . Fertil Steril. 58:1992;756-762.
36. Purvis K., Christiansen E. Infection in the male reproductive tract impact, diagnosis and treatment in relation to male infertility . Int J Androl. 16:1993;1-13.
37. Comhaire F., Verschraegen G., Vermeulen L. Diagnosis of accessory gland infection and its possible role in male infertility. Int J Androl. 3:1980;32-45.
38. Gregoriou O., Vitoratos N., Papadias C., Gregoriou G., Zourlas P.A. The role of chlamydial serology in fertile and subfertile men. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 30:1989;53-58.
39. Megory E., Zuckerman H., Shoham Z., Lunenfeld B. Infections and male fertility. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 42:1987;283-290.
40. Krieger J.N. Epididymitis, orchitis, and related conditions. Sex Transm Dis. 11:1984;173-181.
41. Brandtzaeg P., Christensen E., Muller F., Purvis K. Humeral immune response patterns of human mucosae including the reproductive tracts. Proceedings of a WHO symposium Local immunity in reproductive tract tissue . 1992;26-30 WHO, New Delhi, India.
42. Custo G.M., Lauro V., Saitto C., Frongillo R.F. Chlamydial infection and male infertility an epidemiological study . Arch Androl. 23:1989;243-248.
43. Nagy B., Corradi G., Vajda Z., Gimes R., Csomor S. The occurrence of Chlamydia trachomatis in the semen of men participating in an IVF programme. Hum Reprod. 4:1989;54-56.
44. Rowland G.F., Forsey T., Moss T.R., Steptoe P.C., Hewitt J., Darougar S. Failure of in vitro fertilization and embryo replacement following infection with Chlamydia trachomatis. J In Vitro Fert Embryo Transf. 2:1985;151-155.
45. Ness R.B., Markovic N., Carlson C.L., Coughlin M.T. Do men become infertile after having sexually transmitted urethritis? An epidemiologic examination. Fertil Steril. 68:1997;205-213.
46. Mazumdar S., Levine A.S. Antisperm antibodies etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment . Fertil Steril. 70:1998;799-810.
47. Pattinson H.A., Mortimer D. Prevalence of sperm surface antibodies in the male partners of infertile couples as determined by immunobead screening. Fertil Steril. 48:1987;466-469.
48. Korenman S.G. Sexual function and dysfunction. Wilson J.D., Foster D.W., Kronenberg H.M., Larsen P.R. Williams textbook of endocrinology. 9th ed. 1998;927-938 WB Saunders, Philadelphia.
49. Wein A.J., Van Arsdalen K.N. Drug-induced male sexual dysfunction. Urol Clin North Am. 15:1988;23-31.
50. Fahrner E.M. Sexual dysfunction in male alcohol addicts prevalence and treatment . Arch Sex Behav. 16:1987;247-257.
51. Juenemann K.P., Lue T.F., Luo J.A., Benowitz N.L., Abozeid M., Tanagho E.A. The effect of cigarette smoking on penile erection. J Urol. 138:1987;438-441.
52. Hershlag A., Schiff S.F., DeCherney A.H. Retrograde ejaculation. Hum Reprod. 6:1991;255-258.
53. Junqueira L.C., Carneiro J., Kello R.O. Basic histology. 6th ed. 1989;Appleton & Lange, Norwalk.
54. Vermeulen A., Kaufman J.M. Ageing of the hypothalamo-pituitary-testicular axis in men. Horm Res. 43:1995;25-28.
55. Vine M.F., Tse C.K., Hu P., Truong K.Y. Cigarette smoking and semen quality. Fertil Steril. 65:1996;835-842.
56. Pacifici R., Altieri I., Gandini L., Lenzi A., Pichini S., Rosa M., et al. Nicotine, cotinine, and trans-3-hydroxycotinine levels in seminal plasma of smokers effects on sperm parameters . Ther Drug Monit. 15:1993;358-363.
57. Kucheria K., Saxena R., Mohan D. Semen analysis in alcohol dependence syndrome. Andrologia. 17:1985;558-563.
58. McGrady A.V. Effects of psychological stress on male reproduction a review . Arch Androl. 13:1984;1-7.
59. Thonneau P., Bujan L., Multigner L., Mieusset R. Occupational heat exposure and male fertility a review . Hum Reprod. 13:1998;2122-2125.
60. Tas S., Lauwerys R., Lison D. Occupational hazards for the male reproductive system. Crit Rev Toxicol. 26:1996;261-307.
61. Saxena D.K., Murthy R.C., Singh C., Chandra S.V. Zinc protects testicular injury induced by concurrent exposure to cadmium and lead in rats. Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol. 64:1989;317-329.
62. Saygi S., Deniz G., Kutsal O., Vural N. Chronic effects of cadmium on kidney, liver, testis, and fertility of male rats. Biol Trace Elem Res. 31:1991;209-214.
63. Hsu P.C., Liu M.Y., Hsu C.C., Chen L.Y., Leon Guo Y. Lead exposure causes generation of reactive oxygen species and functional impairment in rat sperm. Toxicology. 122:1997;133-143.
64. Steegers-Theunissen R.P.M. Maternal nutrition and obstetric outcome. Baillieres Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 9:1995;431-443.
65. van Pelt A.M., de Rooij D.G. Retinoic acid is able to reinitiate spermatogenesis in vitamin A-deficient rats and high replicate doses support the full development of spermatogenic cells. Endocrinology. 128:1991;697-704.
66. Kodentsova V.M., Vrzesinskaya O.A., Spirichev V.B. Male fertility a possible role of vitamins . Ukr Biokhim Zh. 66:1994;17-22.
67. Vezina D., Mauffette F., Roberts K.D., Bleau G. Selenium-vitamin E supplementation in infertile men. Effects on semen parameters and micronutrient levels and distribution. Biol Trace Elem Res. 53:1996;65-83.
68. Scott R., MacPherson A., Yates R.W., Hussain B., Dixon J. The effect of oral selenium supplementation on human sperm motility. Br J Urol. 82:1998;76-80.
69. Ciereszko A., Dabrowski K. Sperm quality and ascorbic acid concentration in rainbow trout semen are affected by dietary vitamin C an across-season study . Biol Reprod. 52:1995;982-988.
70. Kwiecinski G.G., Petrie G.I., DeLuca H.F. Vitamin D is necessary for reproductive functions of the male rat. J Nutr. 119:1989;741-744.
71. Favier A.E. The role of zinc in reproduction. Hormonal mechanisms. Biol Trace Elem Res. 32:1992;363-382.
72. Prasad A.S. Zinc an overview . Nutrition. 11:1995;93-99.
73. Mann T. The biochemistry of semen and of the male reproductive tract. 1964;Methuen & Co. Ltd, London.
74. Kruczynski D., Passia D., Haider S.G., Glassmeyer M. Zinc transport through residual bodies in the rat testis; a histochemical study. Andrologia. 17:1985;98-103.
75. Eliasson R., Johnsen O., Lindholmer C. Effect of zinc on human sperm respiration. Life Sci. 10:1971;1317-1320.
76. Huacuja L., Sosa A., Delgado N.M., Rosado A. A kinetic study of the participation of zinc in human spermatozoa metabolism. Life Sci. 13:1973;1383-1394.
77. Kvist U. Sperm nuclear chromatin decondensation ability. An in vitro study on ejaculated human spermatozoa. Acta Physiol Scand Suppl. 486:1980;1-24.
78. Steven F.S., Griffin M.M., Chantler E.N. Inhibition of human and bovine sperm acrosin by divalent metal ions. Possible role of zinc as a regulator of acrosin activity. Int J Androl. 5:1982;401-412.
79. Sandstead H.H., Prasad A.S., Schulert A.R., Farid Z., Miale A. Jr, Bassilly S., et al. Human zinc deficiency, endocrine manifestations and response to treatment. Am J Clin Nutr. 20:1967;422-442.
80. Kvist U., Kjellberg S., Bjorndahl L., Soufir J.C., Arver S. Seminal fluid from men with agenesis of the Wolffian ducts zinc-binding properties and effects on sperm chromatin stability . Int J Androl. 13:1990;245-252.
81. Prasad A.S. Discovery of human zinc deficiency and studies in an experimental human model. Am J Clin Nutr. 53:1991;403-412.
82. Hunt C.D., Johnson P.E., Herbel J., Mullen L.K. Effects of dietary zinc depletion on seminal volume and zinc loss, serum testosterone concentrations, and sperm morphology in young men. Am J Clin Nutr. 56:1992;148-157.
83. Abbasi A.A., Prasad A.S., Rabbani P., DuMouchelle E. Experimental zinc deficiency in man. Effect on testicular function. J Lab Clin Med. 96:1980;544-550.
84. Netter A., Hartoma R., Nahoul K. Effect of zinc administration on plasma testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and sperm count. Arch Androl. 7:1981;69-73.
85. Prasad A.S., Cossack Z.T. Zinc supplementation and growth in sickle cell disease. Ann Intern Med. 100:1984;367-371.
86. Saaranen M., Suistomaa U., Kantola M., Saarikoski S., Vanha Perttula T. Lead, magnesium, selenium and zinc in human seminal fluid comparison with semen parameters and fertility . Hum Reprod. 2:1987;475-479.
87. Stankovic H., Mikac-Devic D. Zinc and copper in human semen. Clin Chim Acta. 70:1976;123-126.
88. Danscher G., Hammen R., Fjerdingstad E., Rebbe H. Zinc content of human ejaculate and the motility of sperm cells. Int J Androl. 1:1978;576-581.
89. Carpino A., Siciliano L., Petrone M.F., De Stefano C., Aquila S., Ando S. Low seminal zinc bound to high molecular weight proteins in asthenozoospermic patients evidence of increased sperm zinc content in oligoasthenozoospermic patients . Hum Reprod. 13:1998;111-114.
90. Hartoma T.R., Nahoul K., Netter A. Zinc, plasma androgens and male sterility (letter). Lancet. 2:1977;1125-1126.
91. Kynaston H.G., Lewis Jones D.I., Lynch R.V., Desmond A.D. Changes in seminal quality following oral zinc therapy. Andrologia. 20:1988;21-22.
92. Tikkiwal M., Ajmera R.L., Mathur N.K. Effect of zinc administration on seminal zinc and fertility of oligospermic males. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 31:1987;30-34.
93. Prevention of neural tube defects results of the Medical Research Council Vitamin Study . Lancet. 338:1991;131-137.
94. Czeizel A.E., Dudas I. Prevention of the first occurrence of neural-tube defects by periconceptional vitamin supplementation. N Engl J Med. 327:1992;1832-1835.
95. Landau B., Singer R., Klein T., Segenreich E. Folic acid levels in blood and seminal plasma of normo- and oligospermic patients prior to and following folic acid treatment. Experientia. 34:1978;1301-1302.
96. Ghishan F.K., Said H.M., Wilson P.C., Murrell J.E., Greene H.L. Intestinal transport of zinc and folic acid a mutual inhibitory effect . Am J Clin Nutr. 43:1986;258-262.
97. Quinn P.B., Cremin F.M., O'Sullivan V.R., Hewedi F.M., Bond R.J. The influence of dietary folate supplementation on the incidence of teratogenesis in zinc-deficient rats. Br J Nutr. 64:1990;233-243.
98. Favier M., Faure P., Roussel A.M., Coudray C., Blache D., Favier A. Zinc deficiency and dietary folate metabolism in pregnant rats. J Trace Elem Electrolytes Health Dis. 7:1993;19-24.
99. Tamura T., Kaiser L.L., Watson J.E., Halsted C.H., Hurley L.S., Stokstad E.L. Increased methionine synthetase activity in zinc-deficient rat liver. Arch Biochem Biophys. 256:1987;311-316.
100. Skakkebaek N.E., Giwercman A., de Kretser D. Pathogenesis and management of male infertility. Lancet. 343:1994;1473-1479.