It is well-documented that male overweight and obesity causes endocrine disorders that might diminish the male reproductive capacity; however, reports have been conflicting regarding the influence of male body mass index (BMI) on semen quality and the outcome of assisted reproductive technology (ART). regarding fertilization rate, number of good quality embryos (GQE), implantation and pregnancy outcome was not influenced by the increasing male BMI. fertilization (IVF) cycles, 126 intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles and 86 split cycles (50%IVF/50%ICSI). Maternal height and weight were measured by trained staff. For each individual, the BMI was calculated as kg m?2. Male patients were initially grouped according to BMI as follows: underweight < buy 121014-53-7 20 kg m?2, normal weight 20C24.9 kg m?2, overweight 25C29.9 kg m?2 and obese > 30 kg m?2. These BMI categories were used in previous studies with similar aims as the present study.12,23 When analyzing data regarding pregnancy and delivery, the underweight (<20 kg m?2) group was omitted, due to its small sample size (= 11). Using the World Health Organization class I, II and III on the obese buy 121014-53-7 group, the 74 males were distributed as follows: class I: 64, class II: 6 and class III: 4. Due to the limited number of patients in groups II and III, all statistical analysis on the obese male patients were made on the total obese group (= 74). Data in this study was collected as part of a larger study designed to investigate the predictive role of sperm DNA buy 121014-53-7 fragmentation in assisted reproduction. In order to minimize a potential influence of woman infertility problems, ladies with BMI > 30 kg m?2 and follicle stimulating hormone >10 IU were excluded. In order to obtain sufficient numbers of sperm for SCSA analysis, only men possessing a sperm concentration of at least one million per ml in neat semen were included in the study. All female partners were self-reported nonsmokers. Male smoking practices are given in Table 1. Table 1 Demographic data relating to male BMI, total study population Prior to the ART treatment all male participants were asked to total a questionnaire to statement the space of sexual abstinence prior to providing the semen sample. Moreover, info on medical and reproductive history and life-style factors, including alcohol usage and smoking status was recorded. The primary study within the part of sperm DNA fragmentation for the outcome of ART was authorized by the Ethics Committee of Viborg Region (No. VN2002/25). An Institutional Review Table approval was not required for the present study due to its retrospective nature and the fact that the study data completely excluded the recognition of subjects. All individuals experienced given written authorization at the time of treatment for the future use of their medical data. ART methods In IUI-patients, all hormone activation and insemination methods were performed as previously explained.28 In IVF/ICSI individuals hormonal treatment, ovum pick up, gamete handling and culture and embryo transfer (ET) were performed as previously explained.28,29 A maximum of two embryos were transferred on day 2 or 3 3 following ovum pick up. Conventional semen analysis Semen was collected onsite by masturbation in sterile containers on the day of ovum pick up or IUI. A period of 3C5 days of sexual abstinence prior to the sample collection was recommended. Semen analysis was performed within 1 h after ejaculation. Mouse Monoclonal to Cytokeratin 18 One hundred microliters of the raw semen sample was frozen.