We hypothesize that one possible mechanism may involve the free radical formation. Therefore, measuring free radical generation will be correlated to the diversity of seminal microbiota and related with semen-parameters defined by the WHO guidelines…
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Sexual function and fertility disorders
Synonym
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
The main study parameters will be free radical concentration in seminal plasma
and at sperm cells correlated with microbiota in semen plasma and related to
standard semen-parameters, malondialdehyde (MDA) en free thiols in bloof serum
lifestyle factors and food intake.
Secondary outcome
na.
Background summary
To date, 15% of couples experience issues with fertility and in 40-50% of the
cases this is due to fertility issues in men. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and
especially free radicals (the most reactive ones) play a key role in
fertilisation and sperm maturation. They are also believed to be a major
contributor to infertility. The free radical theory of infertility states that
damage by free radicals is a main cause of infertility in males. Despite their
physiological and pathophysiological relevance, they are not used as diagnostic
biomarkers in daily practice or as target for therapeutics. Currently, it is
unknown where and when the free radicals are generated exactly due to a lack of
proper detection techniques. Therefore, a new technique will be utilized called
diamond magnetometry which allows nanoscale magnetic resonance measurements
(Mamin 2013). This quantum sensing technique is uniquely sensitive and allows
real-time single cell measurements with sub-cellular resolution. Unlike most
other techniques this method is specific for free radicals. Furthermore, it is
not known which factors influence the free radical generation e.g. lifestyle
and food intake, and whether this radical generation in semen plasma is a
reflection of systemic radical levels.
Recently, it has been shown that human semen may host a specific microbiota
although the origin of semen microbiota is unknown. The reason to focus on
microbiota is that they have been suggested to play a role in the context of
reproduction [Baud 2019, Hou 2013, Weng 2014]. While several studies have been
carried out focusing on the female reproductive system, less is known about
male microbiota and its influence on fertility (Tomaiuolo 2020).
Although a direct link between fertility and microbiota remains to be
established, alterations of the diversity of a seminal microbiota have been
associated with an altered morphology and motility of sperm cells (Baud et al.
2019). The molecular processes through which bacteria would be able to alter
semen quality are unknown.
Study objective
We hypothesize that one possible mechanism may involve the free radical
formation. Therefore, measuring free radical generation will be correlated to
the diversity of seminal microbiota and related with semen-parameters defined
by the WHO guidelines, lifestyle factors and food intake.
Study design
Exploratory cross-sectional pilot study.
Study burden and risks
There will be no direct benefit for the participating males, other than the
perspective of the feeling to contribute to extending the knowledge on male
infertility. Semen collection is part of standard care. No extra semen samples
will be collected for this study. After informed consent, a food frequency
questionnaire (FFQ) will be forwarded electronically and a single blood sample
will be withdrawn on the day of semen collection, preventing an extra visit to
the hospital. 20 participants will be asked to take a swab of the skin of the
glans penis serving as a control for the commensal flora.
*
hanzeplein 1
Groningen 9713RB
NL
hanzeplein 1
Groningen 9713RB
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
In order to be eligible to participate in this study, a subject must meet all
of the following criteria:
• Males of couples visiting the CRM at the UMCG between 18-55 years old.
• Planned semen-analysis as standard care.
Exclusion criteria
* Males who receive(d) chemo- and/or radiotherapy, use(d) testosterone
suppletion and/or anabolic steroids
* Males who are azoospermic
* Males who have an abnormal SA due to genetic causes.
* Semen analysis with round cells >2x106 /ml (as marker for infection)
* Males who currently use antibiotics
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL78280.042.21 |