Fertility and Occupational hazards: Review of the Literature

Workplace exposures and hazards have detrimental effects on many organ systems in the body including the reproductive system. The evidence of the reproductive effects of occupational hazards is obtainedthrough a synthesis of the available literature. These effects vary and overlap due to the multiple nature of exposures in the workplace. Hazardous agents include pesticides, solvents and heavy metals. Thereproductive effects include reduced fecundity, abnormal sperm quality, increased risk of low birth weight, miscarriages and permanent sterility. These problems are not readily identified as having occupational causes in developing countries such as Nigeria where infertility has a high family and social consequence. Epidemiological studies in Nigeria are needed to evaluate the reproductive effects of workplace exposures. Protective measures such as proper house keeping, education and the use ofpersonal protectives at the workplace are advocated (Afr J Reprod Health 2009; 13[1]:159-165)

Stereological Evidences of Epithelial Hypoplasia of Seminiferous Tubules Induced By Mesterolone in Adult Sprague-Dawley Rats

BACKGROUND: Anabolic-androgenic steroid compounds are one of the most widely abused drugs by athletes and muscle builders with the goal of improving performance/ability, appearance, or muscle mass. In addition, these steroids are widely used in the treatment of male infertility and subfertility. However, increasing concern has been shown that these compounds may not only offer unappreciable benefits to infertile and subfertile males, but might have deleterious effects on both human and animal physiology and sperm quality. There is a dearth of knowledge on the structural and quantitative changes of the testis secondary to this group of compounds. Objective: The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of mesterolone (proviron), an anabolic-androgenic steroid, on some of the histomorphometric and stereological parameters of the seminiferous tubules in Sprague-Dawley rat. Materials and Methods: Two groups of 10 adult male rats were used. The treated group was given 0.06 mg/kg body weight/day of mesterolone by gavage for six weeks while the control group received equal volume of 0.9% normal saline per day. Five μm of uniformly random serial sections of the processed testicular tissues were analyzed using un-biased stereological and histomorphometric studies. Results: The results showed that the percentage mean volume density of both the tubular lumen and epithelial height increased by 35% (p< 0.05) and decreased by 50% (

Weight reduction with improvement of serum lipid profile and ratios of Sesamum radiatum leaves diet in a non-obese Sprague Dawley rats

Development of novel natural dietary adjunct/agent with significant therapeutic effects on metabolic disease conditions such as obesity and heart disease raises concern in recent times. We studiedchronic toxicity of the combined active ingredients present in the sesame leaves and their interaction on the fasting serum lipid profiles with their ratios in thirty adult male non-obese Sprague Dawley (SD)rats. Such that, both treated groups received 14.0 and 28.0 mg/kg body weight doses of aqueous leaves extract of Sesamum radiatum respectively on a daily basis via gastric gavage, while, the controlreceived equal volume of normal saline daily for six weeks. Significant (P < 0.05) weight loss observed in the treated groups was associated with significant (P < 0.05) reductions in both serum cholesteroland triglycerides (TG). The effect on the serum lipoprotein cholesterol components and ratios were significant in a dose related manner, such that increase in HDL accompanied a corresponding decreasein both LDL and LDL/HDL ratio. In addition, to increased in TG/HDL ratio. However, no significant differences in the relative reduction level of VLDL and triglycerides in the treated groups were found compared to control. Thus, LDL/HDL ratio is significantly a better indicator than the TG/HDL ratio in assessing the impact of sesame treatment with evidence of weight loss and hypolipidaemia especially in hypertensive heart diseases

Synergistic Antimicrobial Activities Of Phytoestrogens In Crude Extracts Of Two Sesame Species Against Some Common Pathogenic Microorganisms

Intensive studies on extracts and biologically active compounds isolated from medicinal plants have doubled in the last decade worldwide. However, as a result of paucity of knowledge and folkloric claim on the effectiveness of sesame leaves in infectious disease treatments, we aimed to determine the synergistic antimicrobial activity of essential oils and lignans present in the crude leaves extracts of Sesame radiatum and Sesame indicum. Ethanolic, methanolic and aqueous extracts of both leaves were studied for their in-vitro synergistic antimicrobial activity against both Gram positive and Gram negative micro-organisms, and Yeast using Agar diffusion method. The GC-MS phytochemical screening of methanolic extract showed that the major compounds in essential oils are of carboxylic acids and phenolic groups especially, the most potent antioxidants known to man like sesamol, sesamolin and sesamin among others. Methanolic and ethanolic extracts have broad spectrum antimicrobial effect against all the tested pathogenic micro-organisms except Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus respectively, while the aqueous extract exhibited inhibitory activity on Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Candida albicans. The result confirmed the folkloric claims of the antimicrobial effectiveness of locally consumed sesame leaves extracts especially against bacterial and common skin infection in many areas of Nigeria . Keywords: Pathogenic micro-organisms, Gram-positive, Gram-negative,Yeast, Anti-microbial, Sesame leaves, GC-MS, MICAfrican Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine Vol. 4 (4) 2007: pp. 427-43

Trends in semen parameters of infertile men in South Africa and Nigeria

There are conflicting reports on trends of semen parameters from different parts of the globe. However, in recent times there is dearth of information on the trend in Sub-Saharan countries. Therefore, in this study we aimed at determining the trends in semen parameters in Nigeria and South Africa between 2010 and 2019. A retrospective study of semen analyses of 17,292 men attending fertility hospitals in Nigeria and South Africa in 2010, 2015 and 2019. Patients who had undergone vasectomy and those who had a pH less than 5 or greater than 10 were excluded from this study. The following variables were assessed: ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility, total progressively motile sperm count (TPMSC), total sperm count, and normal sperm morphology. Between 2010 and 2019, significant trends of decreasing values were observed in normal sperm morphology (− 50%), and the ejaculatory volume (− 7.4%), indicating a progressive deterioration of the values in both countries. In Nigeria, there were significant decreases in progressive motility (− 87%), TPMSC (− 78%), and sperm morphology (− 55%) between 2010 and 2019 (P < 0.001). Spearman`s rank correlation revealed significant negative associations between age and morphology (ρ =  − 0.24, P < 0.001), progressive motility (ρ =  − 0.31. P < 0.001), and TPMSC (ρ =  − 0.32, P < 0.001). Patients in South Africa were younger than those from Nigeria, with also a significantly higher sperm morphology, sperm concentration, progressive motility, total sperm count and TPMSC. Our findings provide a quantitative evidence of an alarming decreasing trend in semen parameters in Nigeria and South Africa from 2010 to 2019. It also proves that astheno- and teratozoospermia are the leading causes of male infertility in these regions. In addition to this, it also shows empirically that semen parameters decrease with advancement in age. These findings are the first report of temporal trends in semen parameters in Sub-Saharan countries, necessitating a thorough investigation on the underlying factors promoting this worrisome decline

Effects of Short and Medium Term use of Artesunate on Fertility in Male Rats

The effects of artesunate on major sperm parameters and testicular history in wistar rats were examined. Sixteen sexually mature wistar rats weighing 150-180gm were divided into 4 groups and administered 2mg/kg or 1mg/kg of the drug for period ranging 2-8weeks. Control animals were administered water only. All animals were allowed food and water ad-libitum. At the end of these periods, the animals were euthanized and their cauda epididymes, testes, prostrate and seminal vesicles were neatly removed from them. Major sperm parameters were obtained from the epididymal sperm and the testis prepared and examined histologically. Results showed normal to raise sperm parameters in both groups treated for 2 weeks. Sperm density in millions/gm of testes in groups 2 and 3 which received different doses of the drug for 2 weeks was 62.0+10.2 and 65.6+13.8 respectively compared to 52.1+11.0 in control rats. However after 4 weeks on the drug all major parameters were significantly depressed. Sperm density was 20.3+1.5 and abnormal sperm rate 71.7% compared to 52.1+11.0 and 26.7+2.3% in control animals respectively. This study suggests that under certain conditions, artesunate will suppress spermatogenesis. Until exhaustive studies of the drug\'s effects on fertility are accomplished, it must be used with appropriate caution in young people. Keywords: Artesunate, spermatogenesis, sperm parameters. Nigerian Journal of Health and Biomedical Sciences Vol. 7 (2) 2008: pp. 18-2

Multiple gestations/pregnancies from IVF process in a fertility center in Nigeria, 2009–2011: Implementing policy towards fewer (double and single) embryo transfer

Background: Infertility is a major problem in Nigeria, which has caused many couples to be burdened with physical, psychological and social issues. IVF (In-vitro fertilization) has played a major role in reducing the burden among infertile couples. However, despite the role of IVF in solving infertility in Nigeria, it is important to address the issue of rising rates of multiple births from IVF. Also to create a balance between the number of embryo transferred and easing the burden couples face from infertility.Objective: To determine the trend/rate in multiple gestations from IVF, identify possible factors responsible and proffer ways to reduce multiple gestation rates.Methods: We did a case series review from 2009-2011 of IVF cycles performed at a private clinic with an academic setting in Nigeria. Our primary outcome of interest was multiple gestations/pregnancies. All patients identified with outcome of interest, were included in the study sample. We reviewed the IVF process of each patient using medical records from pre-evaluation to clinical pregnancy confirmed by ultrasound. We reported the multiple gestation trend/rate.Results: 25 women with the mean age of 39.9 +/- 7.3 years had multiple pregnancies from 2009 to 2011. Of the 25 women, 24% of the pregnancies, occurred in 2009, 40% occurred in 2010 and 36% in 2011. In 2009, 83% of the pregnancies were twin gestations and 17% triplets. In 2010, 40% were twin gestations, while triplet, quadruplet and quintuplet gestations were 20% each. In 2011, 66% were twin gestations and 34% quadruplet gestation. The factors we identified that could have lead to an increase in multiple gestations from 2009-2010 included improvement in pre-evaluation work up, stimulation protocol, efficacy of the IVF lab and mean of 5 embryos transferred. In 2011, embryo transferred was reduced to 3-4. From 2009 to 2011, mean number of embryos transferred was 4.2 (95% CI: 3.87- 4.47).Conclusion: Multiple gestations and associated risk from IVF in Nigeria can be reduced by reduction in number of embryos transferred and possibly by improvement in practice process. As the IVF process becomes more efficacious, fertility centres in Nigeria will not need to transfer up to 4 embryos in order to have a positive pregnancy; and as a result they can move towards two to single embryo transfer.Key words: IVF, multiple gestations, embryo transfer, eSE