Male Factor Infertility
Male Factor Infertility
Male Factor Infertility can result from abnormalities in sperm
production including low sperm count, low motility, poor
morphology, anti-sperm antibodies, and hyper-coagulation /
viscosity of the seminal fluid. Chinese medicine has been very
effective at helping to resolve all of these male issues.
Many studies have been done in China and in the U.S. that show
Chinese Medicine and acupuncture improve the sperm count,
morphology, motility and help the anti-sperm antibodies too. See
the Medical Research for male Factor infertility.
Chinese medicine treatments include acupuncture, herbs,
anti-oxidants and acupressure, which improve the male’s
reproductive capacity.
Male Factor Infertility Articles
General Articles
Male Factor Infertility
In the United States, it is estimated that approximately 15% of
the population falls into the category of being unable to
conceive. In 40% of these cases, sperm abnormalities are either
a factor or the factor...
Medical Research Articles
Study: Acupuncture May Improve Fertility in Men
In many cultures, women are unfairly blamed for the inability of
a sexually active couple to conceive. In reality, men suffer
from infertility issues just as frequently as women. According
to statistics from the National Infertility Association (an
organization also known as RESOLVE),
Acupuncture May
Improve Sperm Quality
Acupuncture may help some men overcome infertility problems by
improving the quality of their sperm, according to a new
study...
Effect of acupuncture on sperm parameters of males suffering
from subfertility related to low sperm quality.
The aim of this prospective controlled study was to assess the
effect of acupuncture on the sperm quality of males suffering
from subfertility related to sperm impairment. Semen samples of
16 acupuncture-treated subfertile patients were analyzed before
and 1 month after treatment (twice a...
Effects of guizhi-fuling-wan on male infertility with
varicocele.
Thirty-seven infertile patients with varicocele were treated
with Guizhi-Fuling-Wan (7.5 g/day) for at least 3 months. Before
and after the administration, semen qualities such as sperm
concentration and motility were examined, and the varicocele was
graded. A varicocele disappearance rate of...
Eighty-seven cases of male infertility treated by bushen
shengjing pill in clinical observation and evaluation on its
curative effect
Eighty-seven cases of male infertility with semen abnormality
were treated and observed by Bushen Shengjing Pill, its curative
effect was evaluated with quantitative assessment and analytical
comparison comprehensive scoring of semen routine analysis.
These patients were treated for one...
An experimental study on inhibitory effect of Chinese medicine
tai-bao on antisperm antibody
OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether Chinese medicine Tai-bao could
inhibit antisperm antibody in experimental mice. METHODS: The
experimental immunoinfertility mice were due to antisperm
antibody induced by injection of human sperm membrane antigens.
Male Factor Infertility
Randine Lewis, Ph.D., Lic.Ac.
In the United States, it is estimated that approximately 15% of
the population falls into the category of being unable to
conceive. In 40% of these cases, sperm abnormalities are either
a factor or the factor.
Male factor infertility is assessed based upon the following
values:
deficient sperm count (less than 10 million per millileter;
volume should be 1 - 5 mL of ejaculate)
insufficient sperm motility (over 60% should be motile and
demonstrate purposeful forward movement), and/or
poor sperm morphology (more than 50-60% abnormal in form)
Infertility is defined as the inability to fertilize the ovum;
whereas sterility is defined as the lack of sperm production.
The average ejaculate sample contains almost 200 million sperm.
Amazingly enough, only a few dozen sperm actually reach the egg
for a chance at penetration. This makes for some pretty ominous
statistics for sperm overall. It is for this reason that sperm
numbers must be so high, just to have a modicum of hope of
reaching the vicinity of the egg traveling down the fallopian
tube. If both partners have fertility issues, it seems truly a
miracle that conception ever even takes place. Luckily, there
are methods to improve sperm count, motility, and morphology.
Etiology
Male fertility depends upon adequate production of spermatozoa
by the testes, unobstructed transit of sperm through the seminal
tract, and satisfactory delivery to the ovum. Deficient sperm
production may be affected by factors such as radiation and
other environmental toxins, undescended testis, varicocele,
traumatic induced or infectious testicular atrophy, drug
effects, prolonged fever, and endocrine disorders that affect
the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Antisperm antibodies
may be a factor in certain couples, and may be produced by
either partner. If a man produces antibodies to his own sperm,
the antibodies will typically attack the sperm's tail. If the
woman produces sperm antibodies, they will often attack the head
of the sperm.
Congenital anomalies may obstruct the seminal tract, as well as
certain surgical procedures. Low sperm counts can be aggravated,
if not caused, by factors such as tight fitting underwear which
raises the scrotal temperature, environmental toxins, urogenital
infections, poor diet and prescription drugs (anti-hypertensives
and anti-inflammatories can drastically reduce sperm count).
Even anti-histamines negatively affect sperm count, by
diminishing the seminal fluid, which contains high levels of
anti-oxidants within it. Stress, lack of sleep, and overuse of
alcohol, nicotine and marijuana decrease sperm production as
well.
When the cause of the abnormality is known, often its
identification and elimination can cure the problem. In other
cases, deeper analysis is necessary.
Diagnosis
Significant medical history would include a history of childhood
cryptorchidism (failure of the testes to descend), mumps, or
history of sexual problems. Physical manifestations may include
structural abnormalities, particularly the presence of a
varicocele (scrotal swelling). The size and shape of the
testicles should be within the normal range. General evaluation
of secondary sex characteristics may provide clues to an
underlying endocrine disorder. Hypothyroidism, hypopituitarism,
other functional adrenal disorders, and hypogonadism are certain
endocrine disorders which may possibly play a role in sperm
abnormalities.
Male sterility is easier to diagnose with western methods than
female infertility, but harder to treat. The only potential
remedy is surgery. Yet many men with sperm problems are treated
effectively with nutritional suplementation and herbs. If the
physical examination reveals no abnormality and the man is not
impotent (able to engage in intercourse, can become erect, and
can ejaculate), the next diagnostic step consists of obtaining a
sperm specimen and examining the ejaculate histologically for
numbers, motility, and morphology (correct shape). A minimum of
2 to 3 specimens should be analyzed before determining ejaculate
adequacy, as sperm values can fluctuate from one sample to the
next.
Grossly the semen should look slightly viscous and opaque, and
the volume should be between 1 and 5 mL.
Sperm density should be (optimally) over 20 million/mL. The
results of semen analyses are recorded into the following
categories:
adequate
aspermia - absence of ejaculate (surgical sequelae or neurogenic
dysfunction)
azoospermia - absence of sperm in the semen (from testicular
disorders)
oligospermia - lowered sperm density
diminished motility and impaired sperm forward progression
abnormal sperm morphology
antisperm antibodies.
An Overview of Sperm Production
Sperm production begins during puberty in response to the same
hormones (LH and FSH) as in the female. But the LH signals cells
within the leydig cells of the testes to produce testosterone,
and FSH signals sertoli cells to produce sperm. Estrogen is also
important in sperm formation, but too much dietary synthetic
sources of estrogen can be harmful.
The seminal vesicles secrete substances which nourish the sperm,
including fructose (which feeds the sperm), fibrinogen (which
holds or coagulates the fluid together) and prostaglandins
(which help the sperm penetrate the cervix). The prostate adds
an alkaline fluid to the ejaculate. It is extremely important to
keep the sperm in a more alkaline environment because the
vaginal pH is relatively acidic. Seminal fluid in normal,
fertile men contains antioxidant factors. In many subfertile men
the seminal fluid may not contain the protective elements, or
the circulating free radicals may be so abundant that the
seminal fluid is not capable of scavenging the damaged reactive
oxygen species. Therefore, men with suboptimum sperm counts
should include dietary sources of antioxidants.
The plasma membrane of human sperm contains high levels of
polyunsaturated fatty acids, making them extremely susceptible
to peroxidative changes. Free radical damage leads to functional
impairment in the sperm, lowering motility and morphology.
Most vaginal lubricants are hostile to sperm. The only vaginal
lubricants which have been found to support sperm longevity are
egg whites (yes, really) and canola oil.
Treatment
Avoid excess environmental toxins including synthetic estrogens.
Beef and dairy cattle are often fed bovine growth hormone to
enhance growth and milk production. Most meat, dairy products,
and even poultry and eggs contain substantial quantities of
synthetic estrogens. Some reports have shown the presence of
synthetic estrogen in sources of drinking water as well.
Therefore, purified drinking water is suggested.
Pesticides and other chemicals which may impair spermatogenesis
are found in non-organically grown produce. It is therefore best
to consume organic fruits and vegetables.
Keep scrotal temperatures between 94 and 96 degrees Farenheit.
Men with slight varicoceles are encouraged to use cool packs
daily on the testicles.
Avoid saturated fats, hydrogenated oils, coconut, palm and
especially cottonseed oil (contains gossypol which inhibits
sperm formation).
Include polyunsaturated oils and essential fatty acids.
Natural Supplements
Soy products contain isoflavones or phytoestrogens which occupy
estrogen receptor sites at the exclusion of circulating
synthetic estrogens, and have a very weak estrogenic (which
physiologically translates to anti-estrogenic) effect. Soy,
other legumes, nuts and seeds also contain phytosterols which
promote testosterone production.
Oxidative damage is present in almost half of the diagnosed
cases of oligospermia. To prevent further free radical damage to
developing sperm, it is recommended that the following
nutritional supplementation be included:
Vitamin C - 2,000 mg/day (in divided doses)
Vitamin E - 800 IU/day
Beta-carotene - 100,000 IU/day
Selenium
Other nutritional supplements which are critical to sperm
production include:
Zinc - 60 mg/day (necessary for sperm production and
testosterone metabolism)
Vitamin B12 - 1000 ug/day (involved in the replication of cells)
L-Arginine - 4 g/day (an amino acid involved in cellular
replication)
L-Carnitine - 600 mg. three times per day (found in very high
levels in sperm, this amino acid transports fatty acids into the
mitochondria and assists sperm motility)
Because of sperm's susceptibility to oxidative damage it is
recommended to include free-radical scavengers like oligomeric
proanthocyanidins. One of the most potent bioactive antioxidant
sources comes from the extracts of pine bark extract, red wine
extract, grape seed extract, and bilberry extract. Oligomeric
proanthocyanidins may be purchased through health and
nutritional sources.
TCM Diagnosis
From a Chinese perspective, the main causes of male infertility
fall under two broad categories: one is a deficiency of the
Kidneys (usually kidney Yang; sometimes kidney yin); the other
is damp-heat in the pelvic organs. [Kidney deficiency may also
affect the liver and spleen and lead to stasis of qi and blood.]
The presence of a varicocele translates to blood stasis in our
Chinese medical diagnosis. The swollen veins obstruct transit;
it is therefore necessary to invigorate and move the blood so
the sperm can develop normally.
Chinese Medical Treatment
Ginseng (Chinese, Korean, or Siberian), which supplements the
source qi, promotes testicular growth, testosterone levels and
sperm formation.
Cornus Officinalis Fructus, used to stabilize the kidney
essence, and tonify the liver and kidneys, has been found to
improve sperm motility.
Kidney yang tonics like Eucommia, Epimedii, Radix Morindae
Officinalis and Cornu Cervi Parvum are used in the appropriate
presentation of impotence, fatigue, low back pain, urinary
frequency and spermatorrhea.
Sperm antibodies are addressed according to pattern
discrimination, for both males and females, and treated
accordingly.
Most men with diagnosed varicocele that I treat respond to
improvement with the formula Cinnamon and Poria decoction or Gui
Zhi Fu Ling Wan, which consists of Ramulus Cinnamomi Cassiae,
Sclerotium Poriae Cocos, Radis Paeoniae, Cortex Moutan Radicis,
and Semen Persicae. This formula, which is traditionally used
for gynecologic disorders of blood stasis in the uterus, has
proven very promising in treating morphologic sperm
abnormalities resulting from varicocele. The formula invigorates
the blood, inhibiting the pooling mechanism which causes the
poor sperm quality. A study from the American Journal of Chinese
Medicine, 24, 1996, on The Effects of Guizhi-fuling-wan on male
infertility with varicocele was conducted by Ishikawa, Ohashi,
Hayakawa, Kaneko & Hata at the Department of Urology, Ichikawa
General Hospital in Japan. The abstract reported that 37
infertile patients with varicocele were treated with Gui Zhi Fu
Ling Way, (7.5 g/day) for three months. Semen qualities such as
sperm concentration and motility were graded. A varicocele
disappearance rate of 80% was obtained with 40 out of 50
varicoceles, and sperm count and motility improvements were
found in 71.4% and 62.1% of patients, respectively.
Journal of Chinese Medicine, Number 54, May 1997, entitled Xu
Runsan's Experience in Treating Sperm Abnormality, stated the
main causes of sperm abnormality are deficiency of the kidney
yang or kidney yin, or deficiency of the kidneys which affects
the liver and spleen and leads to stasis of qi and blood or
downward flow of damp-heat.
Differentiation and treatment was made as follows:
1) Deficiency of kidney yang
aversion to cold
low back pain
coldness in the scrotum
deep and thready pulse
thin and white tongue coating
You Gui Wan
Shu Di Huang, Shan Yao, Shan Zhu Yu, Tu Si Zi, Gou Qi Zi, Lu
Jiao Jiao, Du Zhong, Dang Gui, Rou Gui, Fu Zi
for patients with aspermia remove Du Zhong, Rou Gui and Fu Zi
and add Chuan Xiong and Hong Shen
for patients with absence of sperm liquefaction add Bei Xie
for patients with dead sperm add Xu Duan
Giovanni Maciocia's Obstetrics & Gynecology in Chinese Medicine
suggests treating kidney yang deficiency with the prescription:
Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan, Five Seeds Developing the Ancestors Pill:
Lycium, Cuscutta, Schissandra, Semen Plantaganis, and Fructus
Rubrus.
2) Deficiency of kidney yin
emaciation
irritability
weak, frail pulse
red tongue body
Zuo Gui Wan variation
Shu Di Huang, Shan Yao, Shan Zhu Yu, Tu Si Zi, Gou Qi Zi, Gui
Jiao, Lu Jiao Jiao, Niu Xi
for patients with aspermia add Dang Gui, Chuan Xiong, Nu Zhen Zi,
and Han Lian Cao
for patients with absence of sperm liquefaction add Dan Shen,
Bei Xie, and Huang Bai
Stimulate acupuncture points
Sp 6 Three yin meeting
Ren 4
K3
K7
A study conducted by the College of Acupuncture & Moxabustion at
the Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, China, reported 35
cases of dysspermia infertility were treated only with low
frequency electroacupuncture on Sp6, Ren 12 and Ren 4 along with
moxibustion (heating the acupoints). The results of the study
showed improvement in lumbosacral aching, frequent urination,
emission and prospermia; activity and quantity of sperm, semen
quality and spermatogenic environment (semen quantity increased
obviously after treatmetn with significant decreasae of mucosity
and liquefaction time) improved. Sex hormones were normalized as
follows:
33.5% improvement in FSH
35.3% in LH
57.1% in estrogen
65.1% in testosterone
Study:
Acupuncture May Improve Fertility in Men
In many cultures, women are unfairly blamed for the inability of
a sexually active couple to conceive. In reality, men suffer
from infertility issues just as frequently as women. According
to statistics from the National Infertility Association (an
organization also known as RESOLVE), between 35 percent and 40
percent of infertility problems among couples are actually
caused by male conditions. Several factors may be responsible
for male infertility, including low sperm count, abnormal sperm
shape and size, and reduced motility. Lifestyle, genetics, and
physiological changes can also raise or lower male fertility
levels, and can significantly affect a man's ability to produce
offspring.
Previous research has shown that acupuncture can improve
fertility levels in women. Fewer studies on male infertility
have been conducted, although evidence suggests that acupuncture
can have an effect on sperm production and quality, without
causing any changes in behavior or sexual desire.
A recent trial published in Fertility and Sterility has shown
just how effective acupuncture can be in the treatment of this
condition, leading to significant increases in the number of
normal sperm and equally significant reductions in structural
defects.
In the study, 28 men who were diagnosed with idiopathic
infertility received acupuncture twice a week over a period of 5
weeks. The following acupuncture points were used as main
points: Guan yuan (Ren 4), shen shu (UB 23, bilateral), ci liao
(UB 32, bilateral), tai cong (Liv 3, bilateral), and tai xi (KI
3, bilateral). Secondary points included zhu san li (ST 36,
bilateral), xue hai (SP 10, bilateral), san yin jiao (SP 6,
bilateral), gui lai (ST 29, bilateral), and bai hui (Du 20).
Needles were inserted to a depth of between 15 and 25
millimeters, depending on the region of the body being treated.
Needles were manipulated for 10 minutes to achieve de qi, then
left in place for another 25 minutes before being removed.
Semen samples were collected from each of the men after a 3-day
period of sexual abstinence. Two samples were collected from
each patient: one obtained the day before treatment began, the
other after the last acupuncture treatment. Samples from the
treatment group were then randomized with semen samples from 12
untreated control patients and analyzed.
Compared to the control group, motility levels increased
significantly in semen samples in the men receiving acupuncture.
While median motility levels increased from 32% to 37% in the
control group, they increased from 44.5% to 50% in the
acupuncture group.
The number and percentage of healthy sperm also increased
dramatically in the acupuncture patients. At baseline, only
0.06% the sperm among men in the acupuncture group was
considered "healthy," while the median number of healthy sperm
calculated in ejaculate was 0.04 x 10 6 (40,000). After 10
sessions of treatments, the median percentage of healthy sperm
had increased more than four-fold, to 0.26%, while the median
number of healthy sperm per sample had reached 0.2 x 10 6
(200,000).
In addition, significant changes in sperm structure and quality
were seen in the samples from the acupuncture group. Before
treatment, only 22.5% of the sperm samples in the acupuncture
patients contained normal-shaped acrosomes, a cap-like structure
that develops over the anterior portion of a sperm cell's
nucleus. After treatment, the median percentage of normal
acrosome shapes showed a "statistically significant improvement"
to 38.5%.
Similarly, the percentage of sperm with a normal axoneme pattern
increased significantly among men receiving acupuncture. (The
axoneme is a microscopic structure that contains a series of
tubules arranged in a distinct pattern, and is believed to aid
in sperm motility.) Prior to the start of the study, the correct
axoneme pattern was present in 52% of sperm in the control
group, but only 46.1% in the acupuncture group. After 5 weeks of
therapy, the median percentage increased to 52.2% in acupuncture
patients, but actually decreased to 38.2% in the control group.
While acupuncture appeared able to improve the overall quality
and structural integrity of sperm, it was ineffective against
some common sperm pathologies. Apoptosis levels (programmed cell
death) in sperm samples were reduced slightly, but not to a
statistically significant degree. Median percentages of necrosis
(unprogrammed cell death) and sperm immaturity also decreased
slightly in the acupuncture group, but not to a level considered
statistically significant.
The authors concluded that despite the inability of acupuncture
to significantly reduce some sperm abnormalities, the treatment
could be used to improve overall sperm quality, leading to the
possibility of increased fertility.
"In conjunction with ART or even for reaching natural fertility
potential, acupuncture treatment is a simple, noninvasive method
that can improve sperm quality," the authors concluded. "Further
research is needed to demonstrate what stages and times in
spermatogenesis are affected by acupuncture, and how acupuncture
causes the physiologic changes in spermatogenesis."
References
Hopps CV, Goldstein M. Male infertility: the basics.
Available online at:
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/71/81282.htm.
Levine D. Boxers or briefs: myths and facts about men's
infertility.
Available online at:
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/11/1687_50040.htm.
Pei J, Strehler E, Noss U, et al. Quantitative evaluation of
spermatozoa ultrastructure after acupuncture treatment for
idiopathic male infertility. Fertility and Sterility July 2005;
84(1):141-7.
Acupuncture May Improve Sperm Quality
Study Shows Alternative Treatment May Help Male Infertility
Problems
By
Jennifer Warner
WebMD Medical News
Reviewed By
Brunilda Nazario, MD
on Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Aug. 3, 2005 -- Acupuncture may help some men overcome
infertility problems by improving the quality of their sperm,
according to a new study.
Researchers found five weeks of acupuncture treatment reduced
the number of structural abnormalities in sperm and increased
the overall number of normal sperm in a group of men with
infertility problems.
They say the results suggest that acupuncture may complement
traditional infertility treatments and help men reach their full
reproductive potential.
Acupuncture May Ease Male Infertility
An estimated 10% of men are infertile, and the male partner is a
factor in up to 50% of infertile couples, write the researchers.
In many cases, the cause of male infertility is unknown.
Previous studies of acupuncture and male infertility have
suggested that acupuncture can improve sperm production and
motility (a measure of sperm movement).
In this study, researchers looked at the effects of acupuncture
on the structural health of sperm in men with infertility of
unknown cause. The findings appear in the July issue of
Fertility and Sterility.
Twenty-eight infertile men received acupuncture treatments twice
a week for five weeks, and 12 received no treatment and served
as a comparison group.
Researchers analyzed sperm samples at the beginning and end of
the study and found significant improvements in sperm quality in
the acupuncture group compared with the other group.
Acupuncture treatment was associated with fewer structural
defects in the sperm and an increase in the number of normal
sperm in ejaculate.
But other sperm abnormalities, such as immature sperm or sperm
death, were unaffected by acupuncture.
The researchers write that acupuncture treatment is a simple,
noninvasive method that can improve sperm quality.
SOURCE: Pei, J. Fertility and Sterility, July 2005; vol 84: pp
141-147.
Effect of acupuncture on sperm parameters of males suffering
from subfertility related to low sperm quality.
Siterman S; Eltes F; Wolfson V; Zabludovsky N; Bartoov B
Institute of Chinese Medicine, Tel Aviv, Israel.
The aim of this prospective controlled study was to assess the
effect of acupuncture on the sperm quality of males suffering
from subfertility related to sperm impairment. Semen samples of
16 acupuncture-treated subfertile patients were analyzed before
and 1 month after treatment (twice a week for 5 weeks). In
parallel, semen samples of 16 control untreated subfertile males
were examined. Two specimens were taken from the control group
at an interval of 2-8 months. The expanded semen analysis
included routine and ultramorphological observations. The
fertility
index increased significantly (p < or = .05) following
improvement in total functional sperm fraction, percentage of
viability, total motile spermatozoa per ejaculate, and integrity
of the axonema (p < or = .05), which occurred upon treatment.
The intactness of axonema and sperm motility were highly
correlated (corr. = .50, p < or = .05). Thus, patients
exhibiting a low fertility potential due to reduced sperm
activity may benefit from acupuncture treatment.
Effects of guizhi-fuling-wan on male infertility with varicocele.
Ishikawa H; Ohashi M; Hayakawa K; Kaneko S; Hata M
Department of Urology, Ichikawa General Hospital, Tokyo Dental
College, Chiba, Japan.
Thirty-seven infertile patients with varicocele were treated
with Guizhi-Fuling-Wan (7.5 g/day) for at least 3 months. Before
and after the administration, semen qualities such as sperm
concentration and motility were examined, and the varicocele was
graded. A varicocele disappearance rate of 80% was obtained with
40 out of 50 varicocele, and improvement of sperm concentration
and motility were found in 71.4% and 62.1% of patients,
respectively. From these results, Guizhi-Fuling-Wan is
considered to be effective for circulation disorders in
varicocele as well as semen quality
Eighty-seven cases of male infertility treated by bushen
shengjing pill in clinical observation and evaluation on its
curative effect
Yue GP; Chen Q; Dai N
Institute of Acupuncture and Meridians, Anhui College of TCM,
Hefei.
Eighty-seven cases of male infertility with semen abnormality
were treated and observed by Bushen Shengjing Pill, its curative
effect was evaluated with quantitative assessment and analytical
comparison comprehensive scoring of semen routine analysis.
These patients were treated for one of three courses of
treatment, the semen quality was enhanced obviously, the
comprehensive semen routine analysis score was enhanced
significantly (P < 0.001) as compared with that before
treatment, the spouse pregnant rate was 56.32% (49/87), and
total effective rate was 95.40%
(83/87).
The result showed that this prescription had bidirectional
regulatory function in folliclestimulating hormone, luteotropic
hormone, testosterone, corticosterone, and could make the
enhanced or reduced hormone level to normal value.
An experimental study on inhibitory effect of Chinese medicine
tai-bao on antisperm antibody
Lai AN; Song JF; Liu XJ
Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of TCM, Beijing.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether Chinese medicine Tai-bao could
inhibit antisperm antibody in experimental mice. METHODS: The
experimental immunoinfertility mice were due to antisperm
antibody induced by injection of human sperm membrane antigens.
The experimental immuno-infertile mice used in the present study
were divided into four groups including Tai-bao high dose group
(46.8 g.kg-1.d-1), Tai-bao low dose group (31.2 g.kg-1.d-1),
prednisone group and normal
saline group. The enzyme linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) and
microcytotoxic assay were used for detection of antisperm
antibody. The change of levels of antisperm antibody before and
after treatment, pregnant rate, and the number of implantation
were investigated in tested mice. RESULTS: The pregnant rates in
normal saline group, prednisone group, Tai-bao high dose group
and low dose were 38.89%, 47.06%, 70.00% and 75.00%
respectively. The rate of pregnancy in Tai-bao low dose group
was significantly higher as compared with normal saline group (P
< 0.05). The rate of implantation in Tai-bao low dose group was
significantly higher than that in prednisone group (P < 0.05).
The results of detection of cytotoxic antibody to sperm showed
that cytotoxic percentages in Tai-bao high dose group (63.0 +/-
10.3%) and prednisone group (56.3 +/- 13.7%) were significantly
lower (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01) than that in normal saline group
(72.84 +/- 5.05%). CONCLUSION: Chinese medicine Tai-bao
possesses regulatory effect on reproductive immune function,
inhibitory effect on antisperm cytotoxic antibody, and promoting
effect on pregnancy.