The following is a summary of “Effectiveness of recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone treatment in patients with oligo-asthenospermia at different levels of DNA fragmentation index: A phase II clinical trial,” published in the October 2024 issue of Urology by Soltani et al.
Researchers conducted a retrospective study to evaluate spermogram changes after follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) therapy in infertile males with oligo-asthenospermia and different DNA fragmentation index (DFI) levels.
They enrolled infertile men with oligo-asthenospermia, no urogenital disease, and medically fertile partners over 1 year. Semen parameters, FSH, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone levels were assessed. Sperm DFI was determined using a Sperm DNA Fragmentation Assay Kit at baseline. Participants were grouped by DFI: <15% (group 1), 15%-30% (group 2), and >30% (group 3). All received subcutaneous recombinant FSH (150 mg every other day) for 6 months. Sperm specimens were tested after 6 months.
The results showed that 60 males with an average age of 28.4 years were enrolled. Group 3 exhibited a significant increase in sperm concentration (P = 0.001) and motility (P < 0.05) after FSH treatment. Groups 1 and 2 showed increased sperm concentration and motility, though not significantly. FSH levels increased significantly in all groups while luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels did not significantly change in any group.
Investigators concluded that FSH treatment improved sperm parameters in men with oligo-asthenospermia, especially those with DFI >30%. DFI predicted response to FSH therapy.
Source: journals.lww.com/cur/fulltext/9900/effectiveness_of_recombinant_follicle_stimulating.174.aspx
