Open AccessEvidence that chronic hypoxia causes reversible impairment on male fertility
Author(s) -
Verratti Vittore,
Berardinelli Francesco,
Di Giulio Camillo,
Bosco Gerardo,
Cacchio Marisa,
Pellicciotta Mario,
Nicolai Michele,
Martinotti Stefano,
Tenaglia Raffaele
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
asian journal of andrology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.701
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1745-7262
pISSN - 1008-682X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1745-7262.2008.00346.x
Subject(s) - sperm , hypoxia (environmental) , effects of high altitude on humans , spermatogenesis , hypobaric chamber , medicine , sperm motility , motility , physiology , fertility , biology , andrology , zoology , oxygen , population , chemistry , anatomy , genetics , environmental health , organic chemistry
Aim: To evaluate the effect of chronic hypoxia on human spermatogenic parameters and their recovery time. Methods: Seminological parameters of six male healthy mountain trekkers were evaluated in normoxia at sea level. After 26 days exposure to altitude (ranging from 2 000 m to 5 600 m, Karakorum Expedition) the same parameters were again evaluated after returning to sea level. These parameters were once again evaluated after 1 month and then again after 6 months. Results: Sperm count was found to be lower immediately after returning to sea level ( P = 0.0004) and again after a month ( P = 0.0008). Normal levels were reached after 6 months. Spermatic motility (%) shows no reduction immediately after returning to sea level ( P = 0.0583), whereas after 1 month this reduction was significant ( P = 0.0066). After 6 months there was a recovery to pre‐hypoxic exposure values. Abnormal or immature spermatozoa (%) increased immediately after returning to sea level ( P = 0.0067) and then again after 1 month ( P = 0.0004). After 6 months there was a complete recovery to initial values. The total number of motile sperm in the ejaculate was found to be lower immediately after returning to sea level ( P = 0.0024) and then again after 1 month ( P = 0.0021). After 6 months there was a recovery to pre‐hypoxic exposure values. Conclusion: Chronic hypoxia induces a state of oligospermia and the normalization of such seminological parameters at the restoration of previous normoxic conditions after 6 months indicate the influence of oxygen supply in physiological mechanisms of spermatogenesis and male fertility.