Related Experiment Videos
Novel associations between specific sperm morphological defects and leukocytospermia
Nabil Aziz1, Ashok Agarwal, Iwan Lewis-Jones
1Reproduction Medicine Unit, Liverpool Women's Hospital, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
Fertility and Sterility
|September 18, 2004
Summary
Elevated white blood cell counts in semen (leukocytospermia) are linked to poorer sperm quality, including tail defects and acrosomal damage. This finding suggests leukocytospermia compromises sperm structural integrity in infertile men.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Andrology
- Semen Analysis
Background:
- Leukocytes in semen, termed leukocytospermia, can impact male fertility.
- Sperm morphology is a key indicator of male reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between seminal leukocyte concentration and sperm morphology.
- To evaluate the relationship between leukocytospermia and sperm deformity index (SDI) in infertile men.
Main Methods:
- Prospective clinical study involving 56 infertile men and 13 healthy fertile donors.
- Standard semen analysis including seminal leukocyte concentration.
- Assessment of sperm morphology and SDI using Tygerberg's strict criteria.
Main Results:
- Leukocyte concentration negatively correlated with sperm having damaged acrosomes, cytoplasmic droplets, and tail defects.
- Higher leukocytic concentration was associated with increased SDI scores and reduced normal/borderline sperm morphology.
- Sperm motility was significantly reduced with increasing leukocytic concentration, but sperm concentration was unaffected.
Conclusions:
- This study demonstrates a significant positive correlation between leukocytospermia and sperm tail defects, acrosomal damage, and high SDI.
- Leukocytospermia is associated with compromised sperm structural integrity.
- Findings highlight the detrimental effect of elevated seminal leukocytes on sperm morphology and function.