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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics

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01-04-2013 | Gonadal Physiology and Disease

Effects of supplement therapy on sperm parameters, protamine content and acrosomal integrity of varicocelectomized subjects

Authors: Gholamabbas Azizollahi, Saeid Azizollahi, Homayoon Babaei, Mohammadali Kianinejad, Mohammad Reza Baneshi, Seyed Noureddin Nematollahi-mahani

Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics | Issue 4/2013

Abstract

Purpose

Surgical repair of varicocele has long been a procedure to correct spermatogenesis. However, the outcome has been reported to be inadequate. We combined varicocelectomy with supplement therapy to evaluate the concurrent effect of these procedures.

Methods

A prospective randomized controlled study was undertaken to investigate the effects of zinc sulfate, folic acid and zinc sulfate/folic acid on sperm quality, protamine content and acrosomal integrity following surgical repair of varicocele. Male subjects with palpable varicocele were included in the study and randomized into four groups. Subjects received Zinc sulfate, Follic acid, Zinc sulfate/Follic acid or placebo for 6 months. A semen sample was obtained before surgery and 3 and 6 months after surgical repair. Semen samples were evaluated for sperm parameters as well as chromatin content and acrosomal integrity.

Results

Most of the evaluated parameters showed a mild improvement after varicocelectomy in the placebo group. Interestingly, co-administration of Zinc sulfate and folic acid improved most factors significantly. Folic acid administration but not zinc sulfate could increase sperm number. Hence, Zinc sulfate was better than folic acid when change in morphology was assessed, and none of them was significantly effective in sperm motility. In Zinc sulfate and Follic acid groups, protamine content and halo formation rate significantly improved.

Conclusions

We may conclude that co-administration of zinc and folic acid significantly improved sperm parameters and increased varicocelectomy outcomes. So, medical treatment with compatible drugs after surgery might be advantageous for obtaining acceptable results.

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Title: Effects of supplement therapy on sperm parameters, protamine content and acrosomal integrity of varicocelectomized subjects
Authors: Gholamabbas Azizollahi
Saeid Azizollahi
Homayoon Babaei
Mohammadali Kianinejad
Mohammad Reza Baneshi
Seyed Noureddin Nematollahi-mahani
Publication date: 01-04-2013
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics / Issue 4/2013
Print ISSN: 1058-0468
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7330
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-013-9961-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Effects of supplement therapy on sperm parameters, protamine content and acrosomal integrity of varicocelectomized subjects

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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