The Sperm: Parameters and Evaluation

Abstract

Sperm abnormalities are a major factor of human infertility. Since 1987, there are several references in different editions of World Health Organization (WHO) manual defining optimal sperm parameters. Over the years, many reproductive specialists have been constantly debating, suggesting and remodeling the frame values in those guidelines. Semen parameters have a leading role both in natural conception and assisted reproduction technologies (ART) outcomes. Deviations expressed in lower sperm count, impaired motility, abnormal morphology, and high percentage of sperm DNA fragmentation are linked to reduced chances to achieve pregnancy. In cases with low sperm count, severe oligoasthenozoospermia (OA) or azoospermia, karyotyping or evaluation with sperm aneuploidy test (SAT) could be an option and genetic counseling will be necessary if there is an obvious deviation or aberration (e.g., translocation, aneuploidy, etc.). Taking care of lifestyle factors as body mass index (BMI), diets, alcohol intake, smoking, using some additional nutrition and vitamin supplements might affect sperm parameters and contribute to the chances of a couple to conceive.

1. Introduction

The link between semen quality and fertility has been studied in humans since 1930 [1]. Semen analysis, as a standard laboratory test, gives basic information on spermatogenesis, secretory activity of the gonads and patency of the male genital tract [2]. The results obtained during the semen sample analysis could point out absence of spermatozoa, severe or mild deviation in sperm parameters or normal values for semen volume, sperm count and concentration, motility and morphology of the spermatozoa. Over the years many reproductive specialists have been constantly debating, suggesting and remodeling the frame values of the semen in reference to male fertility. Since 1987, there are several updates in different editions of World Health Organization (WHO) manuals defining the optimal sperm parameters with reference to pregnancy outcomes. The last (fifth) edition of the manual, published in 2010, defines serious decrease in cutoff values for sperm parameters related to chances of achieving pregnancy and thus its significance was widely discussed [3, 4]. One of the strong limitations of semen analysis and the defined fertility potential references in the last WHO edition is the lack of correlation with the female age, as only 30% of infertility in couples is due to male factors alone [5, 6]. The sixth edition of WHO is in discussion as some of the directions of changes would be: semen analysis references including the Asian population for reference establishment; additional separate chapters for sperm morphology and computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA); importance of microbiological assessment. Some of the inapplicable tests at the modern andrology lab tests, e.g., postcoital test, capillary tube, Hamster test, counting in glass chambers will be excluded from the manual. New techniques such as sperm DNA fragmentation tests, aneuploidy screening, acrosome reaction assay, motile sperm organelle morphology examination (MSOME), Calcium ionophore activation, Catsper channels activity examination, influence of epigenetics and miRNA will be described [7].

2. Semen sample parameters

Semen sample parameters could be influenced by various factors such as sexual abstinence periods [8, 9], gonadal activity [10], abnormal hormonal levels [11], testicle size [12], body mass index (BMI) [13, 14, 15], urogenital infections and antibiotics or anabolic substances intake [16, 17, 18], individual diet regiment [19, 20, 21], working environment and lifestyle [22, 23, 24]. Sperm parameters have a leading role both in natural conception and assisted reproduction technologies (ART) outcomes. In order to establish male fertility potential, at least two to three sperm samples in a 3-month period should be analyzed [25]. Attention to intraindividual variability in parameters has to be considered. Reports in various studies show fluctuation in sperm volume and count, concentration, motility and morphology in one individual [26, 27, 28, 29]. There are limitations to semen analysis depending on the patient specificity and the use of good laboratory practice protocols. Only this analysis by itself has a contradictory clinical value and might not be a stand-alone predictor for male fertility [30, 31]. In conditions such as azoospermia, globozoospermia or necrozoospermia, exceptions are made and male infertility could be stated [32].

When there are no sperm cells detected through microscope observations (azoospermia), the condition needs further investigation. Performing at least two separate semen analysis is needed. Centrifugation of the whole ejaculated volume is necessary in order to detect specific conditions [33]. When several or sporadic sperm cells are routed out in the sediment of the centrifuged sample the definition would be cryptozoospermia [34].

2.1 Azoospermia

Approximately 10–15% of all infertile men are diagnosed with azoospermia. When according to laboratory test a patient is diagnosed with azoospermia, further hormonal and genetic tests along with andrology, urology, genetic consultation and ultrasound scan are needed [35].

Obstructive azoospermia (OA): could be due to obstruction in the epididymis, vas deferens or the ejaculatory duct [36]; it could also be the consequence of infections, inflammation, scrotal trauma, rare genetic conditions (cystic fibrosis), vasectomy or injury of vas deferens or previous surgery [37]. Depending on the specific case, microsurgery is an option for restoring the passage of the sperm cells. Different techniques for sperm retrieval: percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA), microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA), testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) or testicular sperm extraction (TESE) could be applied in order to obtain reproductive cells for further use in in vitro fertilization (IVF) or ICSI treatment [38].

Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA): could be the consequence of hormonal imbalance [39, 40], Y-chromosome deletion or altered karyotype [41, 42], long period of toxins exposure [43], chemotherapy or radiation treatment [44], certain medications intake or varicocele [45]. Resurrecting the spermatogenesis process could be achieved depending on the factors inducing azoospermia. Another option is performing TESE and ICSI procedure when sperm cells are retrieved after the extraction. In order to suggest and apply the proper treatment for the patient with NOA, adequate genetic consulting and testing should be present [46, 47].

Oligozoospermia: the condition is characterized by reduced sperm density as sperm concentration below the fifth centile in fertile men was recently reduced from 20 to 15 million/ml [48]. In 75% of the cases with oligozoospermia the cause of infertility is considered idiopathic [49]. In men with severe oligozoospermia, concentration of less than 5 × 10⁶ sperm/ml, possibility of residual spermatogenic function decline has been reported [50]. Fertility preservation via sperm freezing is an option. Another, yet controversial, issue reflecting in low sperm count is obesity. WHO consultation in 1997 [51] recognized obesity as a global epidemic affecting society in the developed countries [52, 53]. Studies point out correlation of obesity and overweight to increased risk of azoospermia and oligozoospermia [54] and adherence to healthy and diverse diet could improve male fertility [55].

2.2 Sperm morphology

Sperm cell morphology is strongly correlated to male reproduction. Abnormalities might affect sperm motility, sperm fertilize ability and conception. Some conditions such as globozoospermia or stunted tail sperm defects could lead to inability to father biological children as a consequence of natural conception [56, 57, 58].

Recently, the intact human flagellum has been studied using cryo-electron microscopy and tomography [59]. A novel structure—tail axoneme intra-lumenal spiral (TAILS)—was reviled and described [60]. This new discovery suggests the need of further exploration and observation of sperm structures—not only in order to connect them to sperm function but also to clarify their significance. As previous studies reported, abnormal tail structure is correlated to sperm motility disorders, as nonspecific flagellar anomalies (NSFAs) are found to be the most frequent flagellar pathology in severe asthenozoospermia, and thus reduces the chance for natural conception [61]. According to the new data revealing TAILS, the explanation to some cases considered as unexplained infertility might be reviled.

Link between sperm morphology and numerical or structural chromosome abnormalities are suggested and investigated [62, 63, 64]. In fertile men, who have different translocations the frequencies of sperm chromosomal abnormalities were high (33–92%) in comparison to those with normal karyotype [65].

Post-radiotherapy treatments also show in altered number of structural and numerical chromosome aneuploidies (from 6 to 67% respectively [65]. Studies on infertile men with teratozoospermia (<14% normal forms), globozoospermia and macrocephalic, multinucleated or multiflagellate spermatozoa show an increased incidence of sperm aneuploidy up to 50% [65, 66]. Sperm with normal chromosome constitutions can be exhibited in men with normal or abnormal sperm parameters [67, 68].

2.3 Sperm sample evaluation and references

Investigating male fertility potential initially is based on routine semen analysis. Establishment of certain values for semen in order to predict chances of conception generates the need of references for male fertility. Requirement for semen analysis and semen parameters have been set as recommended in successive editions of WHO in 1980, 1987, 1992, 1999 and 2010 [1]. The following table [69] represents changes for cut off values for semen parameters according consecutive WHO manuals:

Sperm sample evaluation in a modern andrology lab might be measured by the means of CASA. The use of computer aid does not exclude additional evaluation by the human eye [70, 71]. For sperm morphology evaluation, WHO [72] recommends criteria by strict morphology [73].

3. DNA fragmentation

Recently, DNA fragmentation tests have been widely incorporated in laboratory practice. DNA integrity and sperm hereditary information are essential to the offspring as male gametes has major contribution to the fertilization processes, embryo quality and embryo development even in early gestational stages [74, 75, 76]. Sperm contains almost 3000 different kinds of mRNA coded for proteins that are active in the early embryo development period. There are also some others still unknown and with no equivalent in the oocyte [77, 78].

3.1 Morphology evaluation and sperm selection in real time

Since the introduction of ICSI as routine procedure, the significance of standard semen analysis was neglected, as sperm concentration and motility have no longer such importance, since a single sperm cell has to be injected. When standard ICSI procedure under a Hoffman modulation contrast microscope, or Nomarski optics at magnification ×400 is performed visualization and assessment of sperm head (size and shape) mid-piece and tail are possible, but detailed ultrastructural morphology examination is limited [79, 80]. When conventional ICSI is performed, it would be difficult to evaluate and select morphologically normal sperm based on its detailed structural portrait: vacuolization, membrane invaginations, mid-piece thickness or deformity, etc. It is controversial whether high vacuolization in the sperm head is associated with higher DNA fragmentation and aneuploidy rate [81, 82] that may have adverse effect on embryo quality and postimplantation development and higher frequency of pregnancy loss at early gestational stages. Still, for some couples detailed sperm examination prior ICSI is preferable [83, 84].

Intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI) is the cornerstone to sperm morphology evaluation. Based on the examination of motile sperm organelle morphology (MSOME) IMSI is the only real-time, unstained method used for selection of motile and morphologically normal spermatozoa for intracytoplasmic injection. IMSI was first introduced by Baratoov et al. [85]. MSOME selection is made under inverted light emitting microscope with Differential interference contrast or Nomarski differential interference contrast optics and digital camera at high magnification ranging from ×6600 to ×13,000. Using MSOME criteria, the motile sperm fraction and each cell malformation is evaluated according to the morphological status of six organelles comprising the acrosome, post-acrosomal lamina, neck, mitochondria, tail and nucleus. Only 33% of spermatozoa from the examined samples appeared morphologically normal according to these criteria [86].

Defects defined for each area are:

acrosomal area—lack, partial or vesiculated;

post-acrosomal lamina—lack or vesiculated;

neck—abaxial, cytoplasmic droplet.

mitochondria—lack, partial, disorganization;

tail—lack, coiled, broken, multi, short;

nucleus—small or large oval, narrow, wide or short, regional disorder, vacuoles occupying more than 4% of the nuclear area [87, 88]. However, evaluation of motile spermatozoa might differently be determined by various scientists [89].

What seems to be the most important in the observation of motile spermatozoa under high magnification in real time is evaluating the presence of vacuoles in the head of the sperm cell—number, size and location. The precise origin of the vacuoles is still unknown, but different hypothesis suggest they derived from early stages of spermatogenesis during sperm maturation and their number increase on account of vacuole area [90]. Other studies suggest that vacuoles formation in spermatozoa starts in incubation and capacitation period after ejaculation [91]. Nevertheless, high vacuolization or the presence of large vacuoles in the sperm head might be associated with increased DNA fragmentation rates and increased level of chromatin immaturity and could influence fertilization and pregnancy rates [92, 93, 94].

Sperm morphology evaluation could be based on the Cassuto and Barak Score as a precise rate system for sperm selection [94]. For the establishment of the score six parameters of the spermatozoon were taken into account: head, acrosome, vacuole, basis, insertion, and cytoplasmic droplet (“HAVBIC”). Head, vacuole, and basis were considered as major criteria for abnormalities, and acrosome, insertion, and cytoplasmic droplet are minor criteria for sperm evaluation. The following equation was developed:

$$\text{Score of spermatozoa}=\left(2\times \text{Head}\right)+\left(3\times \text{Vacuole}\right)+\left(1\times \text{Base}\right)$$ E1

Based on the formula, sperm cells score could vary between 0 and up to 6, and in relation to the quality three groups were differentiated:

Class 1—High-quality spermatozoa (score 4–6);

Class 2—Medium-quality spermatozoa (score 1–3); and

Class 3—Low-quality spermatozoa (score 0) [81].

Since its introduction and based on the first articles demonstrating increase in the pregnancy rates using IMSI compared to ICSI [85, 87] the method became widely incorporated in laboratory practice despite it is a time-consuming technique.

Evaluation of motile spermatozoa under high magnification is suitable for patients with high levels of DNA fragmentation sperm aneuploidy, severe oligo- or oligoasthenozoospermia and/or teratozoospermia, recurrent implantation failures or history of repeated early miscarriages, advanced female age and advanced male age [80]. Subsequent studies provided further analysis and information for the importance of the new method evaluating sperm morphology for obtaining better results in patients with male factor infertility.

There are still controversial study conclusions for the impact of IMSI procedure on in vitro cycle outcomes. However, what seems to benefit its practice is the better understanding of sperm morphology and function [95].

3.2 Genetics and sperm count

Y-chromosome deletion is associated with azoospermia, oligozoospermia (low sperm count) or abnormal sperm morphology and motility [96, 97]. When AZFa and AZFb deletions are detected, testicular sperm retrieval would be ineffective [98], but it is successful option for most males with AZFc deletions [99, 100, 101]. There is a case [102] reporting natural conception and Y-microdeletion passing. When diagnosed, and considering that Y chromosome infertility is inherited in a Y-linked manner, the patients should discuss and consult the specific genetic condition with genetics specialists as this could lead to infertility in the next generations [103].

Another gene that could be investigated in order to obtain the option for TESE is the Testis expressed gene 11 (TEX 11). Studies show that TEX11 (X-linked meiosis-specific gene) is mutated in azoospermic men [104]. Sperm retrieval is not applicable for those patients [105, 106].

Congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens (CBAVD) and the lack of sperm cells in the ejaculate are superable using microsurgical TESE or PESA followed by ICSI [107]. As CBAVD has been associated with mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene [108, 109] investigating the condition and genetic testing and consultation prior the procedures should be provided as there is a risk for the couple to have a child with cystic fibrosis [110].

In conclusion, genetic counseling as well as prenatal genetic diagnosis (PGD) or preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) should be offered as part of the fertility treatment [111, 112].

4. Cross points between cancer treatment and male fertility

Cancer healing by chemo- or radiation- therapy may disturb hormone production, ejaculation and spermatogenesis for long period of time or even permanently. These aggressive treatments could lead also to higher DNA sperm fragmentation [113, 114]. For cancer patients with assigned therapy, freezing one or several semen samples prior the start of any medicaments and manipulations (including operation, X-ray for additional diagnostics) is an option for further fertility preservation. Although cryopreservation of sperm does not guarantee preserving fertility or achieving pregnancy, it is substantial to consult and encourage the patient/couple to do it. Still, in patients with terminal loss of spermatogenesis due to cancer treatment, frozen samples are the only chance of hope to father a biological child. When a female partner is involved, counseling should consider the fact that female age is a leading factor in conception and postponing the ART or natural conception, could seriously decrease the chances of having a baby [115, 116, 117, 118, 119].

4.1 Using donor sperm in ART

Despite the advances of modern science and reproductive medicine, for some men, the only chance to father a child is through donated sperm [120]. In cases when after thorough examination male sterility was diagnosed [121]; severe hereditary conditions are established, or a couple with male factor infertility had numerous in vitro cycles [122] with no positive results, using donated sperm is an option. Employing donor spermatozoa in the fertility treatment could influence the couple’s psychological state, the relationship between the partners and their relatives [123, 124]. In order to perceive infertility and take informed choice for further fertility treatment psychological support could be of help [125].

5. Reactive oxygen species (ROS)

Superoxide anion (O²⁻), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), hypochlorite (OHCl), and hydroxyl radical (OH) are highly reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their production occurs during normal metabolism of the cell. In semen ROS are produced mostly by the leukocytes and immature spermatozoa and are related to acrosome reaction, capacitation, mitochondrial stability, and fusion with oocyte. Imbalance between the formation of ROS and the inability of the antioxidants to neutralize the excessive production of ROS is defined as oxidative stress (OS). As seminal plasma contains antioxidants and has natural antioxidant capacity, it sustains the free radicals balance in the sperm; overproduction of ROS and OS results in lipid peroxidation, protein changes, DNA damage and sperm death, and this may affect male fertility [126, 127].

High concentrations of ROS as potential cause of male infertility have been studied since 1943 [128]. Potential internal yield of excess ROS could be consequence to damaged or abnormal spermatozoa, varicocele, cryptorchism, testicular torsion, infection, inflammation and aging. Some external factors such as exposure to toxins (toluene, methoxyethanol, sulfur dioxide), metals (cadmium) chemotherapy and ionizing radiation (cancer treatment) may also influence ROS levels and form OS.

Studies demonstrate association between elevated ROS levels and abnormal sperm concentration, motility, morphology, higher DNA damage and apoptosis. Comparison between infertile men and donors showed that excess ROS values had a sensitivity of 68.8% and specificity of 93.8% in correlation with poor semen parameters and could result in infertility [129, 130].

It is important to understand the physiological role of ROS as they are relevant to sperm capacitation, hyperactivation and sperm-egg fusion formation. ROS are involved in intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) increase followed by protein Kinase A activation and elevation of tyrosine phosphorylation. These changes lead to sperm capacitation and hyperactivation, sperm membrane becomes unstable and initiates acrosome reaction (releasing enzymes contained in the acrosome—nonzymogen acrosin, proacrosin, inhibitor-bound acrosin, hyaluronidase, acid phosphatase, beta-glucuronidase, beta-glucosidase, beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase, beta-galactosidase and beta-N-acetylgalactosaminidase) which allows the binding of sperm cell to oocytes zona pellucida (ZP) [131].

Imbalanced ROS levels could compromise semen quality and functions and keeping them in normal concentration is considered essential to fertility. Oxidative stress and nutritional status are of importance to every person as antioxidant deficiency and malnutrition may alter the health in general. ROS are also related to various respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative, digestive disorders and even cancer. The clinical importance of OS in relation to fertility is thoroughly studied. The clinical awareness of nutritional balance in disease occurrence, progression and outcome is still limited, but the need of balanced diet nutrients and antioxidants is urged and necessary [132, 133].

6. Processing sperm samples in vitro

The ability of a men to become biological father is not only a consequence of normal sperm count but is also linked to the normal function of the male reproductive tract and sperm activity. Failure in sperm production or low sperm count and motility, poor morphology, disturbance in sperm movement and progressive passage through the cervical mucus, uterus, ampulla of the oviducts, capacitation and acrosome reaction, binding zona peluccida, etc. can result in male infertility.

To overcome male infertility in ART different protocols for sperm processing have been developed. There are still many debates on the exact influence of specific techniques used for sperm processing and their benefit to achieve pregnancy. Selecting a proper technique must be strongly individual according the couple’s infertility history and ART treatment plan along with semen quality. Isolating an optimal fraction (higher count with progressive movement, morphologically normal rates) of spermatozoa gives the opportunity for selection and usage of the spermatozoa with a better fertilizability and higher chances to contribute for a viable fetus, for intrauterine insemination (IUI), IVF or ICSI.

Two of the most explored methods for sperm processing in ART—density gradient centrifugation (DGS) and swim-up (SU)—are investigated in details. Compared to fresh sample, the processed one has lower DNA fragmentation rates [134, 135] and lower concentration of ROS regardless which method was used [136, 137].

As there are studies exploring telomere length in reproductive cells (oocytes and spermatozoa) and their connection to infertility, shorter telomeres in spermatozoa might be assumed as a factor causing idiopathic infertility [138]. Truncated telomeres and altered DNA integrity in sperm could negatively influence fertilization, pronuclei formation, embryo morphology and quality and thus could compromise blastocyst formation and implantation. Spermatozoa obtained by either DGC or SU have longer telomeres compared sperm cells in the raw semen [139].

Some substances such as pentoxifylline (methylxanthine derivate primarily used in intermittent claudication and other vascular disorders treatment) might enhance the motility and quantity of motile sperm after processing. By using pentoxifylline primarily on samples with poor quality increased sperm viability in infertile men with oligoasthenozoospermia, was observed. Samples obtained by PESA or TESE could also be improved by implementing this xanthine derivative in cultural media and thus improve sperm motility [140].

Sperm preparation methods along with technical advantages of MSOME allow the selection of sperm cells, with best predictive values, for ART treatments. There are some limitations related to each method used and that is now an open field to research and establish new noninvasive protocols for sperm selection in the routine practice.

7. Conclusion

Spermatogenesis is a complexed process of division and formation of male reproductive cells. It is highly sensitive to various internal (hormonal regulation, transmitters, growth factors) and external (nutritive substances, therapeutics, drugs, hormones and their metabolites, different toxic substances or X-radiation, increased temperature) factors [141]. Given that the time frame for formation of every new generation of spermatozoa takes approximately 3 months, it should be considered that unfavorable effects purge would be the consequence to time consuming treatment or lifestyle changes.

Modern day society—environment, lifestyle and diet are suspected to be harmful to different processes in the organism such as spermatogenesis and could negatively affect the quality and quantity of life through human lifespan including the ability to reproduce. Considering that sex formation takes place during early fetal development attention to mother’s nocuous habits, lifestyle, and environmental specifics should be advert. Events during pregnancy could also influence male fertility later in life [142]. In some specific cases, when there was a long exposure to high dosage of toxins, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, spermatogenesis regeneration would most probably take years or may never be restored. Healthy life style along with regular medical check and tests could indicate on time and even prevent urological or fertility problems.

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank their IVF unit colleagues at Ob/Gyn Hospital “Dr. Shterev” for most helpful discussions while summarizing this chapter.

Conflict of interest

The authors report no financial or commercial conflicts of interest.

Appendix: this appendix presents the definitions of terms/notations used through the report

АМА

advanced maternal age

ART

assisted reproduction technology

BMI

body mass index

CASA

computer assisted sperm analysis

cAMP

cyclic adenosine monophosphate

CBAVD

congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens

CFTR

cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene

DGC

density gradient centrifugation

ICSI

intracytoplasmic sperm injection

IMSI

intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection

IUI

intrauterine insemination

IVF

in vitro fertilization

MESA

microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration

MSOME

motile sperm organelle morphology examination

NOA

nonobstructive oligoasthenozoospermia

OA

oligoasthenozoospermia

OS

oxidative stress

PESA

percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration

PGD

preimplantation genetic diagnosis

PGS

preimplantation genetic screening extraction

ROS

reactive oxygen species

SAT

sperm aneuploidy test

SU

swim up

TAILS

tail axoneme intra-lumenal spital

TESE

testicular sperm

TEX 11

testis expressed gene

WHO

World Health Organization

ZP

zona pellucida

H₂O₂

hydrogen peroxide

O²⁻

superoxide anion

OHCl

hypochlorite

OH

hydroxyl radical