| Summary: | Scientific evidence shows that the administration of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to infertile patients with normal serum FSH concentrations improves sperm parameters in oligozoospermic men. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of highly purified urofollitropin (hpFSH) on conventional and bio-functional sperm parameters and on oxidative stress indices in patients with idiopathic infertility. We also evaluated the response to hpFSH on these parameters in relationship to <i>FSHR</i> c. 2039 A/G and <i>FSHR</i> c. -29 G/A genotypes. A prospective longitudinal study was conducted on 42 patients with idiopathic male infertility, 23 of whom underwent to <i>FSHR</i> c. 2039 A/G and <i>FSHR</i> c. -29 G/A genotyping. Each patient was asked to collect two semen samples before and after administration of 150 IU hpFSH three times a week for 16 weeks. Patients were divided into responders or non-responders based on whether their total sperm count had at least doubled or was less than double at the end of treatment, respectively. Responders showed a significantly higher semen volume, sperm concentration, spermatids, and leukocytes. Non-responders had a significant decrease of the percentage of spermatozoa in early apoptosis after hpFSH administration. Oxidative stress indexes did not differ significantly after FSH administration in both groups. Conventional and bio-functional sperm parameters did not differ in patients with <i>FSHR</i> c. 2039 GG and AA genotypes, and <i>FSHR</i> c. -29 GG genotype both before and after FSH administration. The <i>FSHR</i> c. 2039 and <i>FSHR</i> -29 G/A genotypes and allelic distribution did not differ between responders and non-responders. FSH showed to be capable of ameliorating sperm parameters in about half patients treated, therefore it may be helpful in patients with idiopathic infertility.
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