Oxisperm

halotech®

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Advanced analysis of the male factor

During normal metabolism, the cells of the human body produce  some molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS) with a high  oxidizing capacity. ROS are involved in the regulation of important  physiological functions such as the control of infections. In human  reproduction, a certain ROS level is necessary for sperm  capacitation, hyperactivation, acrosomal reaction or  sperm-oocyte fusion that are key processes for reproductive  success. For this reason, the human body produces antioxidant  compounds in order to control ROS levels. Under normal  conditions, the production of ROS and its neutralization by natural  antioxidants is a well-balanced process.

1. WHAT IS OXIDATIVE STRESS?

Oxidative stress refers to the imbalance due to excess ROS or  oxidants over the capability of the cell or media to mount an  effective antioxidant response. When antioxidant defences are  unable to neutralize an excessive generation of ROS, a misbalance  against the pro-oxidant environment of the media occurs. Within  this scenario, pro-oxidant environment can induce damage at cell  components such as lipids, proteins and DNA.

2. DOES PRO-OXIDANT CAPACITY AFFECT MALE FERTILITY?

Yes, causes of male infertility include anatomical abnormalities,  hormonal imbalances, and genetic factors. However, in about 50%  of cases, it is not possible to diagnose the source of infertility  (idiopathic infertility). Currently, it is known that one of the main  causes of idiopathic male infertility is linked to the misbalance of  pro-oxidant capacity.

3. WHY DOES PRO-OXIDANT CAPACITY AFFECT MALE FERTILITY?

ROS oxidizes the lipids of the sperm membrane which makes it  become more rigid decreasing sperm cells motility. Furthermore,  and more importantly, ROS produce breaks in sperm DNA and  high levels of DNA damage are associated with decreased oocyte  fecundation, embryo quality and pregnancy rate.

4. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO MEASURE PRO-OXIDANT CAPACITY LEVELS IN SEMEN?

Misbalance of pro-oxidant capacity is the main but not the only  cause of idiopathic male infertility. Determining the levels of ROs  activity in semen helps in the diagnosis of the cause of infertility. In  addition, in those cases in which administration of anti-oxidant  supplements has been prescribed, it may help to know the  effectiveness of this treatment.

5. CAN PRO-OXIDANT CAPACITY BE MEASURED IN A CONVENTIONAL SEMINOGRAM?

No, the conventional seminogram gives information on the  concentration, morphology and motility of sperm, but not on other  important parameters such as levels of misbalance of the  pro-oxidant capacity or damage in sperm DNA.

6. IS THERE ANY WAY TO DETERMINE PRO-OXIDANT CAPACITY LEVELS?

Yes. oxiSperm II is a simple, fast and accurate colorimetric methodology to test for differences in the pro-oxidant capacity in  fresh semen samples.

7. ARE THE RESULTS OF PRO-OXIDANT ASSESSMENT AT THE EJACULATE CONSISTENT ACROSS A MAN’S LIFE?

No, since the level of pro-oxidant activity depends on factors such  as diet, lifestyle, infections or medications, among others.

8. WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE LIKE?

The patient just has to follow the instructions of his medical  professional. They will need a semen sample, which will be  processed by the laboratory personnel, following a  pre-established laboratory protocol.

9. IN WHAT CASES IS THE PRO-OXIDANT CAPACITY TEST INDICATED?

Many professionals use information from halotech solutions at the  start of treatment, supplementing conventional semen analysis. oxiSperm II is especially recommended for:

• Couples with a history of miscarriages.
• Couples with unexplained infertility for more than 6 months
• Men older than 40
• Men under treatment with prescription medications
• Men exposed to toxic agents and exposure to radiation
• Men who have had urogenital infections
• Men with unhealthy lifestyle habits: those who smoke, are sedentary, have an unbalanced diet or are obese.
• Poor quality of the embryo during second cycles of egg donation
• Male factor of unknown cause

halotech DNA

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(+34) 91 279 69 50 · info@halotechdna.com