Jakość nasienia u młodych, zdrowych mężczyzn, mieszkańców Dolnego Śląska (AndroLS)

Introduction: Contrary to other parts of the continent, little information is available regarding semen quality among subjects from central and eastern Europe. Material and methods: We evaluated semen profiles among a sample of men from an industrialised region of Poland. We directly invited 5000 healthy inhabitants of the region (aged 18–35 years; with unchecked fecundity) to participate in the study. Among the 500 who were eligible and willing to participate, we acquired detailed information and semen and blood samples from 177 subjects. Results: Semen volume, sperm concentration, and total sperm count were, respectively, (mean ± SD): 3.1 ± 1.5 ml, 60 ± 44 x 106/ml and 170 ± 137 x 106/ml. Percentage of normal forms was 14.7 ± 6.5%. Conclusions: Due to the relatively low sperm motility (mean ± SD: 54 ± 16%) and vitality (mean ± SD: 60 ± 15%) values, these variables require special attention during routine evaluations. The WHO 2010 criteria for these two parameters were met in only 60% and 66% of the samples, respectively. Further studies on men with different educational levels, social environments, or living conditions are needed to confirm our results.  Wstęp: Odmiennie niż w przypadku innych części kontynentu dysponujemy niewielką ilością informacji dotyczących jakości nasienia w populacjach centralnej i wschodniej Europy. Materiał i metody: W badaniu ocenialiśmy próbki nasienia młodych, zdrowych mężczyzn. Zaproszenia skierowaliśmy do 5000 miesz­kańców uprzemysłowionego regionu Polski w wieku 18–35 lat, o nieznanym stanie płodności. Spośród 500 mężczyzn, którzy wstępnie zgodzili się na udział w badaniu i spełniali kryteria włączenia, pełne informacje (próbki nasienia i krwi) uzyskaliśmy w 177 przypadkach. Wyniki: Objętość nasienia, koncentracja plemników i liczba plemników u badanych mężczyzn wynosiły odpowiednio (średnia ± od­chylenie standardowe): 3.1 ± 1.5 ml, 60 ± 44 x 106/ml i 170 ± 137 x 106/ml. Odsetek form o prawidłowej budowie wynosił 14.7 ± 6.5%. Wnioski: Ze względu na relatywnie małą ruchliwość (średnia ± odchylenie standardowe: 54 ± 16%) i żywotność plemników (średnia ± odchylenie standardowe: 60 ± 15%) wydaje się, że cechy te wymagają szczególnej uwagi podczas rutynowej diagnostyki. Kryteria normy wg WHO (2010 r.) w zakresie dwóch wspomnianych wyżej parametrów spełniało w naszym badaniu odpowiednio tylko 60% i 66% próbek. Uzyskane wyniki wymagają potwierdzenia u mężczyzn o różnym: stopniu wykształcenia, uwarunkowaniach socjalnych i miejscu zamieszkania.  

Anthropometric profile and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels in elite soccer players

The objective of the study was to investigate serum vitamin D concentration in a sample of elite soccer players and to analyse the relationship between body composition and anthropometric variables and 25(OH)D3 status. Research data was collected by measuring 29 Polish Football Premier League players, native to Poland. Anthropometric and biochemical data were collected in December. Mean body height is similar to that of world elite soccer players. Trunk, lower, and upper extremity girths measured indicate a well-developed musculature. Body composition analysis identified a mean fat percentage of 18±3.0%. A high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was observed in the sample. Mean serum 25(OH)D3 concentration for the group was 18.3±4.4ng/mL. Significant positive correlations between 25(OH)D3 and anthropometric variables characterising body musculature and skeletal size may show the indirect impact of vitamin D on the development and function of these respective systems.Keywords: Soccer players; Anthropometry; Body composition; Vitamin

25(Oh)D Levels and Skinfolds Thickness in Athletes

Purpose. The aim of our study was to assess the relationship between 25(OH)D levels and skinfold thickness in Poland’s premier league (Ekstraklasa) football players. Methods. We enrolled 43 Poland’s premier league football players. The mean age was 22.7 ± 5.3 years. Serum levels of 25(OH)D were measured by electrochemiluminescence (ECLIA) using the Elecsys system (Roche, Switzerland). Skinfold measurements were taken with a Harpenden-type skinfold calliper body fat tester, characterised by a constant pressure of 10 g/mm2. Results. Our study showed decreased serum 25(OH)D levels in 74.4% of the professional football players. We did show a statistically significant negative correlation between the 25(OH)D levels and the biceps skinfold thickness (r = −0.33), iliac crest skinfold thickness (r = −0.43), the sum of all the studied parameters (r = −0.5) and percentage of body fat (r = −0.49). Conclusions. Our results suggest that athletes with higher content of the adipose tissue may be at a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency, and that 25(OH)D levels need to be monitored in professional athletes, particularly during the winter season

How Do Male Football Players Meet Dietary Recommendations? A Systematic Literature Review

The aim of this review was to determine whether male football players meet dietary recommendations according to a UEFA expert group statement and to identify priority areas for dietetic intervention, including training periodization and field position. A database search of PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO and Scopus was performed. To be included within the final review, articles were required to provide a dietary intake assessment of professional and semi-professional football players. A total of 17 studies met the full eligibility criteria. Several studies showed insufficient energy and carbohydrate intake compared to the recommendations. A majority of athletes consume adequate protein and fat intakes compared to the recommendations. In addition, several studies showed the insufficient intake of vitamins and minerals. This systematic review showed that football players do not meet the nutritional recommendations according to the UEFA expert group statement. Future research should be focused on how to apply nutritional recommendations specific for athletes in accordance with training periodization and positions on the field

Diet and Semen Quality in Healthy Males from the Population of the Lower Silesia Region in Poland (The AndroLS Study)

Background Numerous studies have shown the associations between different dietary patterns and semen quality in a male population. There is no evidence on the relationship between dietary intake and markers of male fertility potential. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between dietary nutrients intake and semen quality parameters among healthy men from Lower Silesia (a region of Poland). Methods We enrolled 177 healthy young men aged 18-35 years from a genetically homogenous population of Lower Silesia (a region of Poland). Those who responded to the invitations were asked to complete the questionnaires covering: medical history and nutritional habits (last 5-day recall diary). The semen samples were analysed with use of the Sperm Class Analyser. Results We did show a statistically significant positive correlation between the intake of saturated, monounsaturated fatty acids and immotility. The results also demostared a statistically significant positive correlation between energy derived from fat and immotility and rapid (a) and slow (b) progressive motility. We did show a statistically negative correlation between the energy value of the diet and sperm concentration, energy derived from the consumption of carbohydrates and semen volume, consistency and the energy derived from the consumption of fat and sperm consistency and immotility. Conclusion Based on our studies we concluded that further research is needed to confirm these findings and extend these results to other populations

Dipeptide Extract Modulates the Oxi-Antioxidant Response to Intense Physical Exercise

Exposure to intense physical exercise increases reactive oxygen and nitrogen species production. The process can be modulated by dipeptide bioavailability with antioxidant scavenger properties. The effects of dipeptide intake in combination with physical exercise on the oxi-antioxidant response were examined in a randomized and placebo-controlled trial. Blood samples were collected from 20 males aged 21.2 ± 1.8 years before and after 14-day intake of chicken breast extract (4 g/day), which is a good source of bioactive dipeptides. A significant increase in the NO/H2O2 ratio was observed in the 1st and 30th minute after intense incremental exercise in dipeptides compared to the placebo group. Total antioxidant and thiol redox status were significantly higher in the dipeptide group both before and after exercise; η2 ≥ 0.64 showed a large effect of dipeptides on antioxidant and glutathione status. The level of 8-isoprostanes, markers of oxidative damage, did not change under the influence of dipeptides. By contrast, reduced C-reactive protein levels were found during the post-exercise period in the dipeptide group, which indicates the anti-inflammatory properties of dipeptides. High pre-exercise dipeptide intake enhances antioxidant status and thus reduces the oxi-inflammatory response to intense exercise. Therefore, the application of dipeptides seems to have favourable potential for modulating oxidative stress and inflammation in physically active individuals following a strenuous exercise schedule

Vitamin D and Semen Quality in Urban, Young, Healthy Men (AndroLS)

Background and Objective: Our aim was to evaluate whether the blood concentration of 25(OH)D3 is associated with semen quality and sperm morphology parameters in young men. Material and methods: Healthy, urban volunteers aged 20-35 were recruited from universities, clubs and societies in the macroregion of Lower Silesia (Poland). We evaluated medical history, lifestyle factors and environmental threats, collected semen samples, and evaluated vitamin D levels. We acquired data for 177 subjects. Results: The mean concentration of 25(OH)D3was 13.7 ± 8.9 ng/ml. Only a minority of the included subjects (18%) had a serum 25(OH)D3 concentration above the lower limit (20 ng/ml). In total, 39% had severe vitamin D deficiency (<10 ng/ml). None of the studied semen parameters was correlated with the serum concentration of 25(OH)D3; we also found no correlations after adjusting for alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, carrying a mobile phone in pant pockets, body mass index, caffeine consumption and physical activity. Conclusion: Our data indicate that the serum concentration of 25(OH)D3 was not correlated with semen quality in a healthy, young urban population with prevalent vitamin D insufficiency