background: sperm vitrification is a technique of ice and cryoprotectant free cryopreservation by direct plunging of sperm suspension into liquid nitrogen (ln2). the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of cryoprotectant free-vitrification on human sperm fine structure by msome technology and the fertility potential by zona binding assay (zba). methods: 20 normo-ejaculates were pr...

Background: Adipokins are cytokines predominantely or exclusively expressed by adipose tissue that circulate and affect target tissues. Four known adipokines, adiponectin, visfatin/PBEF, omentin and vaspin, all increase tissue sensitivity to insulin, and are thus described as ’beneficial’. In this review such biological actions and potential roles of the adipokines leptin, adiponectin and resis...

background: the trace element copper has been identified as a highly toxic element for sperm. it is known to affect sperm motility in humans and experimental implantation of copper in the epididymis vas deferens and scrotum of mammals has been demonstrated to affect fertility detrimentally. objective: sperm concentration motility vitality and morphology are parameters used to evaluate potential...

At present there are various strategies to protect fertility potential against the possibly harmful effects of cancer therapy. Options range from newly emerging pharmacological treatments (e.g. ovarian suppression, apoptotic inhibitors) to cryopreservation techniques (e.g. embryo, oocyte, ovarian tissue). Surgical interventions for cancer treatment may directly or indirectly harm future fertili...

The potential effect on fertility for patients undergoing cancer treatments is an important issue. The aim of this study was to assess awareness of fertility preservation strategies among cancer specialists involved in the management of young women with malignancy. A 10 question survey was sent to 94 cancer specialists in Ireland, comprising 28 medical oncologists, 32 haematologists and 34 brea...