Effects of folic acid and zinc sulfate on male factor subfertility: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Wong, Wai Yee; Merkus, Hans M.W.M.; Thomas, Chris M.G.; Menkveld, Roelof; Zielhuis, Gerhard A.; Steegers‐Theunissen, R.P.M.

doi:10.1016/s0015-0282(01)03229-0

Cited by 348 publications

(305 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…However the results of antioxidant therapy alone or in combination are controversial. For example, some studies have shown that vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, folic acid, and selenium alone or in combination could improve sperm parameters, especially sperm motility and sperm DNA integrity (36)(37)(38)(39). In contrast, several reports refute the effects of these antioxidants on sperm parameters (40,41).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Correlation of Seminal Plasma Total Antioxidant Capacity and Malondialdehyde Levels With Sperm Parameters in Men With Idiopathic Infertility

Fazeli¹,

Salimi²

2016

Avicenna J Med Biochem

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Background: Oxidative stress is the result of an imbalance between the production and scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Recently, oxidative stress has been introduced as a major cause of male infertility. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine the correlation between total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) as markers of oxidative stress in relation to idiopathic male infertility and sperm parameters. Patients and Methods: This case control study was conducted using 35 men with idiopathic infertility and 34 men with proven fertility. Seminal plasma TAC and MDA were measured by ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) reaction methods, respectively. Results: Seminal TAC levels were significantly lower and seminal MDA levels were significantly higher in men with idiopathic infertility than in fertile men (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.004, respectively). A positive correlation was shown between sperm motility, sperm morphology, and TAC levels in men with idiopathic infertility (P = 0.002 and P = 0.002, respectively). In addition, there was a correlation between sperm motility and TAC levels in fertile men (P = 0.005). There was no correlation between sperm count and TAC levels in either men with idiopathic infertility or in fertile men. Negative correlations were observed between MDA levels and sperm motility, morphology, and sperm count only in men with idiopathic infertility (P = 0.003, P = 0.001, and P = 0.006, respectively). Conclusions: Our results show that oxidative stress could play an important role in male infertility as well as in sperm motility and sperm morphology.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Correlation of Seminal Plasma Total Antioxidant Capacity and Malondialdehyde Levels With Sperm Parameters in Men With Idiopathic Infertility

Fazeli¹,

Salimi²

2016

Avicenna J Med Biochem

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“…Wong et al 70 found that in vivo administration of folic acid, either alone or in combination with zinc sulphate (5 and 66 mg day 21 respectively), led to improved sperm concentration and count in their previously discussed controlled trial. However, the results were significant only for the 103 infertile men recruited for the study, whereas the 107 fertile men included did not undergo any improvement in sperm parameters.…”

Section: Other Compoundsmentioning

confidence: 96%

“…69 The second study, published 10 years later, used a combination of drugs and is discussed above. 45 Wong et al 70 observed an increased sperm count and improved semen concentration in a controlled trial with 103 infertile and 107 fertile men who had taken 5 mg folic acid and 66 mg ZnSO 4 per day for 6 months, either alone or in combination; however, it should be noted that the fertile men did not achieve significant improvements in any of the parameters, most notably concentration.…”

Section: Zincmentioning

confidence: 98%

The role of antioxidant therapy in the treatment of male infertility: an overview

Lombardo¹,

Sansone²,

Romanelli³

et al. 2011

Asian J Androl

100

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In recent years, many studies have focused on the effect of oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants on the male eproductive system. Under physiological conditions, sperm produces small amounts of ROS, which are needed for fertilisation, acrosome reaction and capacitation. However, if an increased production of ROS is not associated with a similar increase in scavenging systems, peroxidative damage of the sperm plasma membrane and loss of DNA integrity typically occur, which leads to cell death and reduced fertility. Furthermore, since there is no linear correlation between sperm quality and pregnancy rates, an improvement in semen parameters should not be the sole outcome considered in studies of antioxidant therapies. A definitive conclusion regarding the benefit of these therapies is difficult to obtain, as most of the previous studies lacked control groups, considered different antioxidants in different combinations and doses, or did not evaluate pregnancy rates in previously infertile couples. Even if beneficial effects were reported in a few cases of male infertility, more multicentre, double-blind studies performed with the same criteria are necessary for an increased understanding of the effects of various antioxidants on fertility.

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“…Varicocelectomy, in the other hand, may decrease seminal oxidative stress, increase seminal concentrations of antioxidants and also improve sperm quality [39]. In recent years, interest has increased regarding the role of antioxidants and B-vitamins as modulators of fertility [40][41][42][43]. The antioxidants a-tocopherol (Vitamin E), ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and the retinoids (Vitamin A) are potent scavengers of ROS.…”

Section: What Is New In Treament Antioxidant Therapymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Many studies have investigated the role of these and other vitamins and antioxidants in improving sperm parameters. Wong et al (2002) demonstrated, in a randomized and placebo-controlled trial, that a 6-month administration of folic acid (5mg) and zinc phosphate (66mg) increased sperm counts in subfertile men [40]. Boxmeer et al (2009) reported for the first time that low folate concentrations in the seminal plasma are associated with higher susceptibility of sperm DNA damage [41].…”

Section: What Is New In Treament Antioxidant Therapymentioning

confidence: 99%

What is New in the Clinical Assessment and Treatment of the Infertile Male

Esteves¹

2011

TORSJ

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Male infertility is a fast-evolving area. Recently published evidence has challenged several established concepts and added to the knowledge in the field. Traditionally, the clinical assessment of the subfertile male includes a history and physical examination, hormonal evaluation and semen analyses. Regarding the latter, the World Health Organization has established new reference values that in general include lower limits than those of previous editions. Specialized sperm function assays, such as sperm DNA integrity and measurements of oxidative stress, are now clinically available and may be integrated to the conventional semen analysis to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of a man's fertility status. Also, molecular biology genetic testing involving the Y-chromosome can correctly identify oligozoospermic and azoospermic men misdiagnosed as having idiopathic infertility and be of prognostic value for sperm retrieval in non-obstructive azoospermia. In the field of treatment, emerging evidence suggests that antioxidant therapy along with life-style modifications improve the male reproductive health. Microsurgery has increased the success rates for both varicocele treatment and sperm retrieval for assisted conception. Microsurgical treatment of clinical varicoceles may optimize reproductive outcome of couples undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection or microsurgical testicular sperm extraction. Men with non-obstructive azoospermia, elevated follicle-stimulating hormone levels and small testes may no longer be considered sterile. Modern retrieval techniques are used to collect testicular sperm that can be used to produce a healthy biological offspring via assisted conception. This article reviews what is new in the clinical assessment and treatment of the infertile male, including the implications of this increased knowledge in the management of the infertile couple and assisted reproduction technology outcomes.

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Effects of folic acid and zinc sulfate on male factor subfertility: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Cited by 348 publications

References 23 publications

Correlation of Seminal Plasma Total Antioxidant Capacity and Malondialdehyde Levels With Sperm Parameters in Men With Idiopathic Infertility

Correlation of Seminal Plasma Total Antioxidant Capacity and Malondialdehyde Levels With Sperm Parameters in Men With Idiopathic Infertility

The role of antioxidant therapy in the treatment of male infertility: an overview

What is New in the Clinical Assessment and Treatment of the Infertile Male

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