Green tea (Camellia sinensis) aqueous extract improved human spermatozoa functions in vitro

Background: Idiopathic causes of infertility is associated with oxidative stress. Antioxidants are known to scavenge the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Green tea (Camellia sinensis) contains polyphenols that enhance its antioxidant potential. Aim: This study focused on the impact of aqueous green tea extract on normozoospermic human spermatozoa. Setting: Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape (UWC), South Africa. Methods: Semen samples obtained using masturbation method following three to five days of sexual abstinence from consenting men (n = 59) at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) were liquefied and analysed. Normozoospermic samples were selected according to the World Health Organization (WHO) 5th guideline. Thereafter, semen samples (7.5 × 106 /mL) were washed in human tubular fluid (HTF; 10 min at 300 ×g) and exposed to aqueous extracts of green tea (0 μg/mL, 0.4 μg/mL, 4 μg/mL, 40 μg/mL, 405 μg/mL) for 1 h with various sperm parameters analyzed. Human tubular fluid supplemented with bovine serum albumin (HTF-BSA; 10%) served as control. Results: Sperm motility, reactive oxygen species production, across some reaction and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation decreased significantly, particularly at the highest concentration (405 μg/mL; p < 0.001). A substantial increase in the percentage of viable spermatozoa and those with intact mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were observed (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Aqueous extract of green tea prolonged sperm viability and MMP while reducing sperm intracellular ROS production, capacitation and across some reaction and DNA fragmentation, and may be attributed to its antioxidant potential. However, a high concentration of the extract appears to be detrimental to the functioning of human spermatozoa

In vitro effects of aqueous extract of unfermented rooibos on human spermatozoa

The inability to conceive is a baleful experience for thousands of couples worldwide. Among different well-known reproductive techniques, medicinal plants have been utilized to treat male infertility. Medicinal plants, provide a therapeutic alternative, which is available and affordable for infertile couples. We investigated the direct effect of unfermented rooibos aqueous extract on human spermatozoa. Semen samples (n = 50) collected from donors and patients consulting for fertility were reassigned as normal (n = 22) and abnormal (n = 28) samples based on the outcome of the baseline semen analysis, using the World Health Organization (WHO) cut off value. Semen samples were allowed to liquefy and subsequently washed with human tubular fluid in bovine serum albumin medium. The samples were then treated with aqueous extracts of unfermented rooibos (0, 0.15, 1.5, 15, 150 μg/ml) at 37°C for 1 h and assessed thereafter. Sperm motility, vitality, DNA fragmentation, intracellular reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial membrane potential in both groups remained unchanged (p > 0.05). However, aqueous extract of unfermented rooibos (only at 1.5 μg/ml) significantly increased capacitation and acrosome reaction in the abnormal sample group (p > 0.05). Unfermented rooibos aqueous extract had no deleterious impact on human spermatozoa's function and might be attributed to its antioxidant properties

Role of oxidative stress in male infertility

Infertility affects millions of couples worldwide. Oxidative stress (OS) causes peroxidation of lipids and damage to spermatozoa, thus, reducing the quality of seminal parameters. In addition, the differences in the levels of antioxidants and reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by intrinsic and extrinsic variables linked to lifestyle, diet, genetics, and OS also contribute to male infertility. High levels of ROS result in sperm damage of sperm parameters due to lipid peroxidation and oxidation of proteins. Other significant causes of ROS include changes in sex hormone levels, sperm DNA damage, including mutations, and immature spermatozoa. Treating the root causes of OS, by changing one’s lifestyle, as well as antioxidant therapy, may be helpful strategies to fight OS-related infertility. However, the determination of male infertility induced by OS is currently a challenge in the field of reproductive health research. This review intends to describe the role of oxidative stress on male infertility and the current understanding of its management

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

Lifestyle: Substance Use—Nicotine, Alcohol and Drugs

Use of substances including alcohol, tobacco and drugs is common in people of reproductive age, can lead to dependence and is a major global health concern. Despite targeted public health policies and campaigns, population surveys (National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIH) 2020; European Drug Report 2019) continue to highlight widespread use of substances, often in combination, which have substantial negative implications for health in general and the potential to harm future generations (Stephenson et al. 2018). Healthcare professionals need to be aware of the complex psychological, physiological and social factors that may be linked to substance use and be prepared to offer counselling and referral for specialist services. Pregnancy, however, can be a ‘window of opportunity’ and a motivating factor for women and their partners to change their behaviour and minimise risk with help to quit or cut down on substance use (Solomon and Quinn 2004). Preconception care offers the opportunity to further reduce risk by helping to modify consumption prior to pregnancy