98 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions
The purpose of this study is to obtain anonymous video clips of male semen at high magnification, to manually select out of the video spermatozoon images, and to manually classify their morphology by qualified embryologists based on the WHO Manual criteria in order to train the BAIBYS™ Fertility System. The study will enroll males attending the clinic who may elect to contribute their unused excess sample materials from semen analysis or IVF/ICSI (Intracytoplasmic sperm injection) which is a technique used during in vitro fertilization (IVF).
This study is designed to assess the effects of a therapeutic dose of arbaclofen extended release (ER) tablets compared with placebo on human sperm concentration, motility, and morphology in male subjects with multiple sclerosis (MS).
The objective of the study is to evaluate the agreement in measurement of sperm concentration in human semen between lay users with TRAK and a recognized reference method. The study will also include the measurement of matched samples by TRAK when tested by healthcare professionals trained in use of the TRAK device.
PURPOSE: Primary objective: To assess the feasibility and outcomes of male fertility preservation by sperm freezing prior to starting treatment requiring alkylating agents and/or total body irradiation. Secondary objective: To assess pre- and post-treatment sperm production and hormonal status by measurement of serum anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), inhibin-B, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, and androstendione.
The investigators are testing the hypothesis that two ounces of whole-shelled walnuts/day added to the diet of men seeking care for infertility will beneficially affect sperm parameters and fertility. The investigators will compare the walnut intervention to the commonly suggested recommendation of adding an OTC multivitamin supplement to the diet.
While narcotic medication are commonly used for pain control near the time of surgery, there are significant side effects including constipation, nausea, risk of overdose leading to decreased breathing, and risk of addiction to narcotics. Our goal is to explore alternatives to narcotics for perioperative pain for patients undergoing sperm retrieval surgery. We have designed a prospective randomized clinical trial to evaluate how effective the anti-inflammatory medicine celecoxib(Celebrex©) is for pain control near the time of surgery. Celecoxib is known as a COX-2 inhibitor, a drug that belongs to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) class. It is used to reduce swelling and to treat pain. Patients will be divided into two groups: the first group receives a celecoxib pill and the second group receives a sugar pill(placebo). Patients and doctors will be unaware of exactly which pills are given. The patient will complete questionnaires for pain level. By comparing the pain levels we can better understand whether celecoxib (Celebrex©) significantly decreases perioperative pain.
Objectives: Male factor infertility is poorly understood and our ability to evaluate the male contribution to a couple's infertility is very limited. The overarching goal of this project is to understand at the molecular level what functional activities in human sperm are required for successful fertilization leading to full term development. These findings will allow us to develop new methods to determine the impact of environmental exposures on sperm quality and male fertility. A sperm protein known as phospholipase C zeta (PLC zeta) initiates embryo development at fertilization. The primary objective of this study is to test the hypothesis that human PLC zeta activity correlates directly with the proportion of fertilized eggs that undergo early cleavage during an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. Secondary objectives for the study are to generate preliminary data regarding the variability in sperm PLC zeta activity within and between individuals and to determine if there are clinical or laboratory correlates for sperm PLC zeta activity. Study population: The study population will consist of 178 infertile couples undergoing IVF procedures at Duke Fertility Center (DFC) from which we will obtain 154 evaluable couples for the study. Overall Design: An observational cohort study design will be used to assess the association of PLC zeta activity in the residual sperm from the sample used for an IVF cycle with the proportion of eggs per couple that undergo early cleavage during the same cycle. Infertile couples enrolling in an IVF treatment cycle at DFC will be approached for inclusion in the study. Consent will be obtained from both male and female partners, and historical medical information and information about their IVF cycle will be collected by chart review. Blood for isolation of serum and DNA will be collected only from the male partner for evaluation of hormone levels and genetic analyses related to infertility. On the day of the egg retrieval, residual sperm not needed for clinical purposes will be transported via courier to NIEHS. Sperm PLC zeta activity will be measured in the investigator's laboratory using an experimental bioassay. Sperm PLC zeta protein will be analyzed at the University of Massachusetts. Outcome Parameters: The primary outcome will be the proportion of embryos that undergo early cleavage. Secondary outcomes will include proportion of eggs fertilized, embryo development parameters, and p...
The purpose of this study is to determine if using microdots of hyaluronan (PICSI) to select sperm for ICSI will result in increased pregnancies especially with men that have a low hyaluronan binding score (HBA).
This study looks at an investigational automated, artificial intelligence (AI)-based sperm selection technology called the BAIBYS™ System. We want to see how it compares to current methods in terms of efficiency and effectiveness in producing high-quality Embryos, which can lead to successful pregnancies and healthy babies. Infertility impacts about 15% of couples globally, with male issues contributing to around 50% of these cases. You will be undergoing a treatment called Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) as part of your planned treatment program. In this procedure, embryologists inject selected sperm into an egg, based on its movement, observed under a low-magnification microscope. However, this method does not fully detect defects in sperm shape that may indicate sperm quality. Recent studies show that using high magnification for sperm selection is important for successful fertilization, higher embryo quality, lower birth defect rates, and higher birth rates of healthy babies. Selecting sperm manually under a microscope at high magnification takes a lot of time and depends on the skill of embryologists, which can lead to differences in judgment. Because of this, there is an interest in using AI to make sperm selection more accurate, consistent, and faster. The BAIBYS™ System uses advanced AI technology to automatically choose sperm based on their movement, size, and shape. These features help to determine the sperm's potential to be normal and produce a good embryo. The system also organizes the selected sperm into separate areas from which the embryologist will pick the sperm for injection into the egg. This investigational device could become a valuable tool in reproductive technology. Clinical research is crucial to confirm these ideas and show their long-term effects on fertility treatments. In this study, half of the oocytes retrieved during your IVF cycle will be injected with sperm selected from your partner's (or known donor's) semen by using the BAIBYS™ System, while the other half will be fertilized by sperm chosen according to the standard procedure at this institution. In any case, the embryologist will confirm that the sperm selected by the device are viable and acceptable. After fertilization, the best embryo, no matter which study group, will be selected for transfer to the uterus for pregnancy, and the rest of the good embryos will be frozen based on the institution's best standard clinical guidelines.
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if the LensHooke CA0 device lowers DNA fragmentation in sperm samples compared to a gradient/swim-up technique. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does the LensHooke® CA0 device reduce DNA fragmentation compared to the gradient/swim-up technique? 2. Does the LensHooke® CA0 device improve concentration, motility, and morphology compared to the gradient/swim-up technique? 3. Is sibling embryo fertilization and development the same? 4. Are pregnancy rates different between the 2 groups? 1 semen sample will be split between the 2 treatment techniques. Half of the partner's egg cohort will be injected via intra-cytoplasmic sperm using sperm processed by one technique and the other half of the cohort will be injected by the sperm processed by the other technique. Both methods will look at DNA fragmentation, concentration, motility, and morphology of the sperm. Both methods will be compared in the resulting embryos looking at fertilization, embryo development and pregnancy rates.
Purpose: This clinical trial aims to explore the potential for human sperm production in vitro by sustaining a laboratory-cultured adult testicular environment. It also seeks to identify genetic factors contributing to human sterility and failed spermatogenesis. The study's primary objectives include: 1. Identifying genomic markers associated with sterility and failed spermatogenesis. 2. Developing an ex vivo (outside the body) testis "organ-on-a-chip" ("iTestis") to support stem cell cultivation. 3. Determining whether human spermatogenesis can be re-created in vitro using stem cells nurtured in the iTestis model. Study Description: Researchers will analyze the genomic profiles of fertile and sterile male participants to map genetic abnormalities associated with sterility. Using testicular and skin tissue samples from participants, spermatogonial stem cells and pluripotent stem cells will be isolated and utilized to construct the ex vivo iTestis. This system will integrate genomic insights and prior research to foster human spermatogenesis outside the body. Participant Involvement: Participants will provide the following samples: * Blood sample for serum analysis. * A skin tissue biopsy. * Testicular tissue, obtained through fine needle aspiration (FNA) or testicular sperm extraction (TESE), as part of a routine procedure. All procedures will be conducted by the principal investigator and qualified research staff, ensuring participant safety and adherence to ethical guidelines.
SprmPik AI Assisted Sperm Selection Study SiD, an assistant for sperm selection during intracytoplasmic sperm injection in medically assisted reproduction: effect on fertilization, blastocyst formation, early pregnancy loss, and consistent practice. A prospective pilot study.
The goal of the study is to validate the ability of the Epigenetic Sperm Quality Test (SpermQT) to assess a man's sperm quality and corresponding success of infertility treatments.
Male factor infertility is a leading cause of primary and secondary infertility. Poor sperm quality is defined as having an abnormal semen analysis. There are now options to assess sperm quality with at-home sperm analysis kits, including an FDA approved Yo Sperm kit (https://yospermtest.com/) which analyzes the motile sperm concentration \[concentration (millions / ml) x motility (Percentage motile)\] and sperm quality (YO Score) which compares your results to laboratory standards and to other men who have fathered children. The effects of supplements (vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants) on improving sperm quality are still debated. Taking additional supplements to improve sperm quality represent a modifiable risk-factor that would be an easy intervention for patients struggling with male factor infertility. The life cycle of sperm production is estimated at 3 months, so any intervention would require a 3 month course to see its full effect. The investigators hypothesize that a 90 day course of the "Power Prenatal for Sperm", a male fertility supplement by Bird\&Be (https://birdandbe.com/the-power-prenatal-for-sperm) will improve sperm quality (YO Score) after taking the supplements.
This study aims to assess the clinical significance of the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with zona-pellucida (ZP) bound sperm compared to ICSI with embryologist selected sperm for patients undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment of their infertility.
This is a randomized controlled trial comparing density gradient centrifugation and microfluidic sperm sorting in patients undergoing intrauterine insemination to evaluate cumulative pregnancy outcomes.
The purpose of this research study is to evaluate Overture's automated Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSIA) System. ICSIA is an investigational medical device that automates injection of sperm into eggs. This study will evaluate survival and fertilization rates of oocytes handled via ICSIA and compare to survival and fertilization rates of oocytes which are manually injected with sperm.
This study aims to demonstrate a reliable method of selecting gender specific sperm. X-bearing spermatozoa and Y-bearing spermatozoa will be identified from the density gradient layers. The selected gender specimen will then be utilized for assisted reproductive fertilization- in vitro fertilization or intrauterine insemination which are routine standard of care procedures.
Spermidine is naturally present in cells, organs, circulating cardiovascular system, and as part of our normal dietary intake. Studies suggest Spermidine is involved in antioxidation, autophagy, apoptosis, and immune regulation. Spermidine is typically present in foods of plant origin, such as natto, beans, fruits, vegetables, cheese, potatoes, bread, and cereals. Adequate spermidine dietary intake is important, given evidence of declining spermidine levels with age in humans and other species, and the evidence for positive effects of spermidine supplementation on age related biology. To date, human research studies utilised extracts containing low levels of spermidine (\< 10%) and multiple other constituents, but this study will use pure spermidine to explore relevant mechanisms of action, biological effects, and identify potential biomarkers of positive biological effects.
Five healthy participants with normal sperm counts and motility will ingest increasing doses of celastrol over a period of several days. After each dose ingestion the participants will provide an ejaculate the next day for sperm analysis. The objective is to see if increasing ingestion levels of celastrol will affect the sperm counts and motility of the participants.
Research to develop a new, natural-derived formulation that eliminates inflammatory tissue and regenerates new tissue of the lobules, epithelium of the tubules, and connective tissue surrounding the seminiferous tubules in the testes. It restores Leydig cells and Sertoli cells' function (because the inflamed testicles were unable to perform spermatogenesis).
This is a prospective, non-blinded study of hypogonadal men with a history of testosterone therapy who became azoospermic or severely oligospermic and wish to avoid symptoms of hypogonadism during their recovery of spermatogenesis in an effort to establish paternity. The study will determine if Natesto can alleviate hypogonadal symptoms while preserving the recovery of spermatogenesis
The primary objective of this study is to evaluate whether the percentage of good quality embryo formation following Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is improved with the use of ZyMot method of microfluidic sperm separation compared to density gradient.
Spermatogonial stem cell transplantation through ultrasound guided rete testis injection and testicular tissue grafting will be performed for participants who have frozen testicular tissue prior to gonadotoxic therapy. The purpose of this study is to test the safety and feasibility of these transplant technologies and restore fertility for these participants.
The purpose of this research study is to evaluate if special types of cells called round spermatids can be gathered from men with non-obstructive azoospermia and used (in absence of elongated spermatids and spermatozoa) to reliably and effectively create pregnancy with a procedure called Round Spermatid Injection (ROSI). This process is similar to In Vitro Fertilization, or 'IVF'. In addition, this study wants to test the safety of ROSI and see what effects (good and bad) it has on embryo created from this method.
This is a rigorous, controlled clinical trial designed to show that diet, exercise training, and their combination in overweight, inactive men will alter epigenetic programming to create a "healthy" sperm epigenome. Our central hypotheses are: i) overweight and inactive lifestyle results in epimutations in the sperm epigenome relative to the normal epigenetic programming in lean and active men and ii) diet and exercise modulation leads to reversal of these epimutations resulting in both a healthier "phenotype" and "epigenotype" which may persist after stopping the interventions. The study is divided into three parts: 1. We will recruit 20 healthy, active men and 20 obese and inactive Hispanic men between 18 and 40 years to determine the differences in sperm epigenome (DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs) in a cross-sectional study in obese inactive vs. healthy active Hispanic men. Only Hispanic men will be studied because of the high prevalence of obesity and inactivity in Hispanic younger men and to reduce the genetic variability influencing the epigenome. 2. 80 obese and inactive men will be randomized to 4 groups of 20 men: 1) No intervention (control); 2) Low fat, low caloric diet; 3) Supervised, periodized endurance and resistance training without modification of diet; and 4) Both exercise and diet modification to characterize the plasticity of the sperm epigenome in response to 12-week diet and/or exercise training interventions in obese and inactive Hispanic men. Sperm epimutations will be compared before and after intervention within each group and between groups. 3. The sperm epigenome studies in 80 men randomized to no intervention or diet and/or exercise training will be repeated at 12 and 36 weeks after cessation of interventions to Identify the persistent effects of diet and exercise training on the sperm epigenome after stopping the interventions.
Multi-centered, randomized controlled study, evaluating the safety and efficacy of the Ohana IVF Sperm Preparation Kit vs. a standard IVF sperm preparation kit.
To evaluate embryology outcomes after application of a technique known as round spermatid injection (ROSI) into donor oocytes in a high-volume clinical infertility practice.
This study is designed to evaluate whether epigenetic markers in overweight men with type 1 diabetes (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D) can be improved with a 3 month lifestyle intervention or program focused in glycemic intervention.
The purpose of this study will be to investigate if there is a correlation between Vitamin D levels and Sperm DNA Fragmentation. This is a prospective, cohort study. In this study male participants presenting with their partners because of inability to conceive will be recruited for this study. Participants will have a blood sample drawn which will be tested for Vitamin D level. The investigators will then compare sperm DNA fragmentation between normal Vitamin D levels, Vitamin D insufficiency, and Vitamin D deficiency. All infertile males who present to the investigators' infertility clinic have a Semen analysis and Sperm chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA). The research part of the study will be to obtain the Vitamin D level.