CAUSES OF MALE INFERTILITY: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11603/24116-4944.2019.2.10819Keywords:
ejaculate, environmental factors, genetic factors, lifestyleAbstract
The aim of the study – is to consider the main causes of deterioration in the quality of men's ejaculate, namely: negative environmental impact, lifestyle and genetic factors.
Materials and Methods. The study used bibliosemantic and analytical methods.
Results and Discussion. In the course of the study, 63 sources of contemporary domestic and foreign literature were analyzed for the reasons of the deterioration of ejaculate quality in men.
Conclusions. Analysis of the literature has revealed a deterioration in the qualitative and quantitative indices of ejaculate men in recent years: a decrease in the concentration and total number of sperm, a decrease in the proportion of motile and morphologically normal sperm. The main causes of these changes are genetic factors; the impact of negative environmental factors (chemical and radioactive contamination, electromagnetic radiation); lifestyle (bad habits, malnutrition, professional activity).
References
Ugwuja, E., Ugwu, N.C., & Ejikeme, B.N. (2008). Prevalence of low sperm count and abnormal semen parameters in male partners of women consulting at infertility clinic in Abakaliki, Nigeria. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 12 (1), 67-73. Retrieved from: https://www.ajrh.info/index.php/ajrh/issue/view/AJRH%202008%201
Schmidt, L., Minister, K., & Helm, P. (1995). Infertility and the seeking of infertility treatment in a representative population. British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 102, 978-984. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.1995.tb10905.x
Larsen, U. (2000). Primary and secondary infertility in sub-Saharan Africa. International Journal of Epidemiology, 29 (2), 285-291. doi: 10.1093/ije/29.2.285. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/ije/29.2.285
Agarwal, A., Mulgund, A., Hamada, A., & Chyatte, M. R. (2015). A unique view on male infertility around the globe. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 13, 37. doi: 10.1186/s12958-015-0032-1. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12958-015-0032-1
Iatskiv, O., & Tarnovska, А. (2012). Prychyny i formy cholovichoho nepliddia ta metody diahnostyky eiakuliatu yak osnovnoho pokaznyka cholovichoho zdorovia [Causes and forms of male infertility and methods of diagnosis ejaculate, as the main indicator of male health]. Visnyk Lvivskoho universytetu. Seriia biolohichna – Visnyk of the Lviv University. Series Biology, 60, 4-20.
Ikechebelu, J.I., Adinma, J.I., Orie, E.F., & Ikegwuonu, S.O. (2003). High prevalence of male infertility in South-eastern Nigeria. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 23 (6), 657-659. doi:10.1080/01443610310001604457. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01443610310001604475
WHO. (1999). Laboratory manual for the examination of human semen and sperm-cervical mucus interaction (4th edn). Geneva: World Health Organization, Switzerland.
Tang, Q., Wu, W., Zhang, J., Fan, R., & Liu, M. (2018). Environmental Factors and Male Infertility. R. Meccariello eds. Spermatozoa. Facts and Perspectives, 159-171. doi:10.5772/intechopen.71553. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.71553
Carlsen, E., Giwercman, A., Keiding, N., & Skakkebaek, N. E. (1992). Evidence for decreasing quality of semen during past 50 years. British Medical Journal, 305, 609-613. Retrieved from: https://www.bmj.com/content/bmj/305/6854/609.full.pdf. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.305.6854.609
Waeleghem, K.V., Clercq, N.D., Vermeulen, L., Schoonjans, F., & Comhair, F. (1996). Deterioration of sperm quality in young healthy Belgian men. Human Reproduction, 11 (2), 325-329. doi:10.1093/HUMREP/11.2.325. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/HUMREP/11.2.325
Auger, J., Kunstmann, J.M., Czyglik, F., & Jouannet, P. (1995). Decline in semen quality among fertile men in Paris during the past 20 years. The New England Journal of Medicine, 332, 281-282. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM199502023320501
Benvold, E., Gottlieb, C., Bygdeman, M., & Eneroth, P. (1991). Depressed semen quality in Swedish men from barren couples: a study over three decades. Archives of Andrology, 26, 189-194. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3109/01485019108987642
Geoffroy-Siraudin, C., Loundou, A.D., Romain, F., Achard, V., Courbière, B., Perrard, M.H., …, & Guichaoua, M. (2012). Decline of semen quality among 10 932 males consulting for couple infertility over a 20-year period in Marseille, France. Asian Journal of Andrology, 14, 584-590. Retrieved from: http://www.asiaandro.com/artsmore.asp?id=116. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/aja.2011.173
Hurzhenko, Yu.M., & Kutsenko, A.O. (2016). Osoblyvosti porushen spermatohenezu cholovikiv iz bezpliddiam zalezhno vid zastosovanykh metodyk dopomizhnykh reproduktyvnykh tekhnolohii [Features of disorders of spermatogenesis of men with infertility, depending on the applied methods of assisted reproductive technologies]. Simeina medytsyna – Family Medicine, 5 (67), 132-137. Retrieved from: http://nbuv.gov.ua/UJRN/simmed_2016_5_29 [in Ukrainian].
Bayasgalan, G., Naranbat, D., & Radnaabazar, J. (2004). Male infertility: Risk factors in Mongolian men. Asian Journal of Andrology, 6, 305-311.
Agbaje, I.M., Rogers, D.A., McVicar, C.M., McClure, N., Atkinson, A.B., Mallidis, C., & Lewis, S.E.M. (2007). Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus: Implications for male reproductive function. Human Reproduction, 22 (7), 1871-1877. doi:10.1093/humrep/dem077. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dem077
Dong, Y., Du, R.C., Jiang, Y.T., Wu, J., Li, L.L., & Liu, R.Z. (2012). Impact of chromosomal translocations on male infertility, semen quality, testicular volume and reproductive hormone levels. The Journal of chromosomal International Medical Research, 40, 2274-2283. doi: 10.1177/030006051204000625. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/030006051204000625
Van Assche, E., Bonduelle, M., & Tournaye, H. (1996). Cytogenetics of infertile men. Human Reproduction, 11 (4), 1-26. doi: 10.1093/humrep/11.suppl_4.1. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/11.suppl_4.1
Choi, B.H., Kim, U.H., Lee, K.S, & Ko, C.W. (2013). Various endocrine disorders in children with t (13 14) (q10 q10) Robertsonian translocation. Annals of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism, 18 (3), 111-115. DOI: https://doi.org/10.6065/apem.2013.18.3.111
Sharma, A. (2014). Impact of age, verified occupation and lifestyle on semen parameters of infertile males in Jaipur: A preliminary study. International Journal of Health and Allied Sciences, 3 (4), 278-283. doi: 10.4103/2278-344X.143075. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/2278-344X.143075
Said, T.M., Paasch, U., Glander, H., & Agarwal, A. (2004). Role of caspases in male infertility. Human Reproduction Update, 10 (1), 39-51. doi: 10.1093/humupd/dmh003. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmh003
Singh, V., & Pakhiddey, R. (2015). Current scenario on genetic basis of infertility – A review. Acta Medica International, 2, 149-154. doi:10.5530/ami.2015.4.7. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5530/ami.2015.4.7
Sharma, A. (2017). Male Infertility; Evidences, Risk Factors, Causes, Diagnosis and Management in Human. Annals of Clinical and Laboratory Research, 5 (3:188), 1-10. doi: 10.21767/2386-5180.1000188. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21767/2386-5180.1000188
Sikka, S.C., & Wang, R. (2008). Endocrine disruptors and estrogenic effects on male reproductive axis. Asian Journal of Andrology, 10 (1), 134-145. doi: 10.1111/j.1745-7262.2008.00370.x. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-7262.2008.00370.x
Mattison, D.R. (1983). The mechanisms of action of reproductive toxins. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 4 (1-2), 65-79. doi: 10.1002/ajim.1983.4.1-2.65. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.1983.4.1-2.65
Brouwer, A., Longnecker, M.P., Birnbaum, L.S., Cogliano, J., Kostyniak, Р., Moore, J., …, & Winneke, G. (1999). Characterization of potential endocrine-related health effects at low dose levels of exposure to PCBs. Environmental Health Perspectives, 107 (4), 639-649. doi: 10.1289/ehp.99107s4639. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.99107s4639
Queiroz, E.K., & Waissmann, W. (2006). Occupational exposure and effects on the male reproductive system. Cadernos de Saúde Pública, 22 (3), 485-493. Retrieved from: http://www.scielo.br/pdf/csp/v22n3/03.pdf. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/S0102-311X2006000300003
Komarowska, M.D., Hermanowicz, А., Czyzewska, U., Milewski, R., Matuszczak, E., Miltyk, W., & Debek, W. (2015). Serum Bisphenol a level in boys with cryptorchidism: A step to male infertility? International Journal of Endocrinology, 2015, 973154. doi: 10.1155/2015/973154. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/973154
Bonde, J.P., Flachs, E.M., Rimborg, S., Glazer C.H., Giwercman, A., Ramlau-Hansen, C.H., & Bräuner, E.V. (2016). The epidemiologic evidence linking prenatal and postnatal exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals with male reproductive disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Human Reproduction Update, 23 (1), 104-125. doi: 10.1093/humupd/dmw036. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmw036
Sifakis, S., Androutsopoulos, V.P., Tsatsakis, A.M., & Spandidos, D.A. (2017). Human exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals: Effects on the male and female reproductive systems. Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, 51, 56-70. doi: 10.1016/j.etap.2017.02.024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.etap.2017.02.024
Fenichel, P., Chevalier, N., Brucker-Davis, F., & Bisphenol, A. (2013). An endocrine and metabolic disruptor. Annales d'endocrinologie, 74 (3), 211-220. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/annales-dendocrinologie/vol/74/issue/3. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ando.2013.04.002
Oliva, A., Spira, A., & Multigner, L. (2001). Contribution of environmental factors to the risk of male infertility. Human Reproduction, 16, (8), 1768-1776. doi:10.1093/humrep/16.8.1768. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/16.8.1768
Park, S. (2016) Genetic factors and environmental factors affecting male infertility. International Research Journal of Advanced Engineering and Science, 1 (3), 115-118. Retrieved from: https://www.irjaes.com/pdf/IRJAES-V1N3Y16/IRJAES-V1N3P118Y16.pdf.
Thonneau, P., Abell, A., Larsen, S. B., Bonde, J. P., Joffe, M., Clavert, A., …, & Danscher, G. (1999). Effects of pesticide exposure on time to pregnancy results of a multicenter study in France and Denmark. American Journal of Epidemiology, 150 (2), 157-163. doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a009975. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a009975
Tielemans, E., Van Kooij, R., Te Velde, E. R., Burdorf, A., & Heederik, D. (1999). Pesticide exposure and decreased fertilization rates in vitro. Lancet, 354 (9177), 484-485. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(99)00599-1. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(99)00599-1
Hjollund, N.H., Bonde, J.P., Jensen, T.K., Henriksen T.B., Andersson, A-M., Kolstad, H.A, …, & Olsen, J. (2000). Male-mediated spontaneous abortion among spouses of stainless steel welders. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, 26, 187-192. Retrieved from: https://www.sjweh.fi/show_issue.php?issue_id=50. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.530
Fatima, P., Debnath, B.C., Hossain, M.M., Rahman, D., Banu, J., Begum, S., & Rahman, M. (2010). Relationship of blood and semen lead level with semen parameter. Mymensingh Medical Journal, 19 (3), 405-414. Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/45272194_Relationship_of_blood_and_semen_lead_level_with_semen_parameter. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3329/jcmcta.v19i2.3862
Telisman, S., Cvitković, P., Jurasović, J., Pizent, A., Gavella, M., & Rocić, B. (2000). Semen quality and reproductive endocrine function in relation to biomarkers of lead, cadmium, zinc, and copper in men. Environmental Health Perspectives, 108 (1), 45-53. doi: 10.1289/ehp.0010845. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.0010845
Choy, C.M.Y., Lam, C.W.K., & Cheung, L.T.F. (2002). Infertility, blood mercury concentrations and dietary seafood consumption: a case-control study. An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 109, 1121-1125. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1470-0328(02)02984-1
Akinloye, O., Arowojolu, A.O., Shittu, O.B., & Anetor, J.I. (2006). Cadmium toxicity: A possible cause of male infertility in Nigeria. Reproductive Biology, 6, 17-30. Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/230824698_Cadmium_toxicity_a_possible_cause_of_male_infertility.
Kumar, D., Salian, S.R., Kalthur, G., Uppangala, S., Kumari, S., Challapalli, S., …, & Kumar, S.A. (2013). Semen abnormalities, sperm DNA damage and global hypermethylation in health workers occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation. PLoS One, 8 (7), e69927. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0069927. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0069927
Zhou, D.D., Hao, J.L., Guo, K.M., Lu, C.W., & Liu, X.D. (2016). Sperm quality and DNA damage in men from Jilin Province, China, who are occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation. Genetics and Molecular Research, 15 (1), 1-7. doi: 10.4238/gmr.15018078. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4238/gmr.15018078
Bartoov, B., Zabludovsky, N., Eltes, F., Smirnov, V.V., Grischenko, V. I., & Fischbein, A. (1997). Semen quality of workers exposed to Ionizing radiation in decontamination work after the chernobyl nuclear reactor accident. International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, 3 (3), 204-209. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1179/oeh.1997.3.3.198
Fischbein, A., Zabludovsky, N., Eltes, F., Grischenko, V., & Bartoov, B. (1997). Ultramorphological sperm characteristics in the risk assessment of health effects after radiation exposure among salvage workers in chernobyl // Environmental Health Perspectives, 105 (6), 1445-1449. doi: 10.2307/3433648. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.97105s61445
Latini, G., Dipaola, L., Mantovani, A., & Picano, E. (2012). Reproductive effects of low-to-moderate medical radiation exposure. Current Medicinal Chemistry, 19 (36), 6171-6177. doi:10.2174/0929867311209066171. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2174/0929867311209066171
Kesari, K.K., Agarwal, A., & Henkel, R. (2018). Radiations and male fertility. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 16 (1), 118. doi:10.1186/s12958-018-0431-1. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12958-018-0431-1
Desai, N., Sharma, R., Makker, K., Sabanegh, E., & Agarwal, A. (2009). Physiologic and pathologic levels of reactive oxygen species in neat semen of infertile men. Fertility and Sterility, 92, 1626-1631. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.08.109. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.08.109
Agarwal, A., Deepinder, F., Sharma, R. K., Ranga, G., & Li, J. (2008). Effect of cell phone usage on semen analysis in men attending infertility clinic: an observational study. Fertility and Sterility, 89, 124-128. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.01.166. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.01.166
Ramlau-Hansen, C.H., Thulstrup, A.M., Aggerholm, A.S., Jensen, M.S., Toft, G., & Bonde J.P. (2007). Is smoking a risk factor for decreased semen quality? A crosssectional analysis. Human Reprodaction, 22 (1), 188-196. doi: 10.1093/humrep/del364. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/del364
Jarow, J.P. (2003). Semen quality of male smokers and nonsmokers in infertile couples. The Journal of Urology, 170 (2 Pt 1), 675-676. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/00005392-200308000-00091
Zhang, Z.H., Zhu, H.B., Li, L.L., Yu, Y., Zhang H.G., & Liu, R.Z. (2013). Decline of semen quality and increase of leukocytes with cigarette smoking in infertile men. Iranian Journal of Reproductive Medicine, 11 (7), 589-596. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3941345.
Ames, B.N., Motchnik, P.A., Fraga, C.G., Shigenaga, M.K., & Hagen T.M. (1994). Antioxidant prevention of birth defects and cancer. Male-mediated developmental toxicology. A.F. Olshan, D.R. Mattison eds. pp. 243-259. NY.: Plenum Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-1877-8_21
Ji, B.T., Shu, X.O., Zheng, W., Ying, D.-M., Linet, M.S., Wacholder, S., …, & Jin, F. (1997). Paternal cigarette smoking and the risk of childhood cancer among offspring of nonsmoking mothers. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 89 (3), 238-243. doi: 10.1093/jnci/89.3.238. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/89.3.238
von Kanel, R., Meister, R.E., Stutz, M., Kummer, P., Arpagaus, A., Huber, S., …, & Wirtz, P.H. (2014). Effects of dark chocolate consumption on the prothrombotic response to acute psychosocial stress in healthy men. Thrombosis and Haemostasis, 112 (6), 1151-1158. doi: 10.1160/TH14-05-0450. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1160/th14-05-0450
Vignera, S.L., Condorelli, R.A., Balercia, G., Vicari, E., & Calogero, A.E. (2013). Does alcohol have any effect on male reproductive function? A review of literature. Asian Journal of Andrology, 15 (2), 221-225. doi: 10.1038/aja.2012.118. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/aja.2012.118
Forrester, M.B., & Merz, R.D. (2007). Risk of selected birth defects with prenatal illicit drug use, Hawaii, 1986-2002. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A, 70 (1), 7-18. doi: 10.1080/15287390600748799. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15287390600748799
Wilson, P.D., Loffredo, C.A., Correa-Villasenor, A., & Ferencz, C. (1998). Attributable fraction for cardiac malformation. American Journal of Epidemiology, 148 (5), 414-423. doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a009666. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a009666
Eskenazi, B., Kidd, S.A., Marks, A.R., Sloter, E., Block, G., & Wyrobek, A.J. (2005). Antioxidant intake is associated with semen quality in healthy men. Human Reproduction, 20 (4), 1006-1012. doi: 10.1093/humrep/deh725. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deh725
Jensen, T.K., Heitmann, B.L., Blomberg J.M., Halldorsson, T.I., Andersson, A.M., Skakkebæk, N.E., & Jørgensen, N. (2013). High dietary intake of saturated fat is associated with reduced semen quality among 701 young Danish men from the general population. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 97 (2), 411-418. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.112.042432. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.112.042432
Attaman, J.A., Toth, T.L., Furtado, J., Campos, H., Hauser, R., & Chavarro, J.E. (2012). Dietary fat and semen quality among men attending a fertility clinic. Human Reproduction, 27 (5), 1466-1474. doi.org/10.1093/humrep/des065. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/des065
Rato, L., Alves, M.G., Dias, T.R., Lopes, G., Cavaco, J.E., Socorro, S., & Oliveira, P.F. (2013). High-energy diets may induce a pre-diabetic state altering testicular glycolytic metabolic profile and male reproductive parameters. Andrology, 1 (3), 495-504. doi: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2013.00071.x. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2047-2927.2013.00071.x
Rato, L., Alves, M.G., Cavaco, J.E., & Oliveira, P.F. (2014). High-energy diets: A threat for male fertility? Obesity Reviews, 15 (12), 996-1007. doi: 10.1111/obr.12226. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.12226
Pizzi, W.J., Barnhart, J.E., & Unnerstall, J.R. (1979). Reproductive dysfunction in male rats following neonatal administration of monosodium L- glutamate. Neurobehav.Toxicol, 1 (1), 1-4.
Tas, S., Lauwerys, R., & Lison, D. (1996). Occupational hazards for the male reproductive system. Critical Reviews in Toxicology, 26 (3), 261-307. doi: 10.3109/10408449609012525. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3109/10408449609012525
Hruska, K.S., Furth, P.A., Seifer, D.B., Sharara, F.I., & Flaws, J.A. (2000). Environmental factors in infertility. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, 43 (4), 821-829. doi:10.1097/00003081-200012000-00014. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/00003081-200012000-00014
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Authors who publish in this journal agree to the following terms:
1. The authors reserve the right to authorship of the work and pass the journal right of first publication of this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License, which allows others to freely distribute the work published with reference to the authors of the original work and the first publication of this magazine.
2. Authors are entitled to enter into a separate agreement on additional non-exclusive distribution of work in the form in which it was published in the magazine (eg work place in the electronic repository institution or publish monographs in part), provided that the reference to the first publication of this magazine.
3. Policy magazine allows and encourages authors placement on the Internet (eg, in storage facilities or on personal websites) manuscript of how to submit the manuscript to the editor and during his editorial processing, since it contributes to productive scientific discussion and positive impact on the efficiency and dynamics of citing published work (see. The Effect of Open Access).
