The Effect of Low Electrical Current on Testicular Spermatocyte Count
NCT ID: NCT02617173
Last Updated: 2015-11-30
Study Results
The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.
Basic Information
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UNKNOWN
NA
10 participants
INTERVENTIONAL
2015-11-30
2017-01-31
Brief Summary
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Azoospermia affects 1% of the male population and 20% of male infertility situations. Over 50% of azoospermic cases are due to testicular failure, including absence or failed production as well as low production and maturation arrest during the process of spermatogenesis. ICSI allows successful fertilization even with immature sperm obtained directly from testicular tissue. This is done through TESA (Testicular sperm aspiration) or TESE (Testicular sperm extraction). In cases of TESE small strips of testicular tissue are extracted with the intention of finding few viable sperm cells to be used for IVF or ICSI. Men with non-obstructive azoospermia have 0 to 3 mature spermatids per seminiferous tubule in contrast to 17-35 mature spermatids in men with normal spermatogenesis. TESE success rates are approximately 50% but differ according to etiology. Unfortunately, there is no method of pointing out where sperm may be found. TESE is accompanied with pain, tissue loss, reduced success in future TESE due to tissue scaring and testosterone deficiency.
The complex process of spermatogenesis includes maturation of young spermatids into spermatozoas, a process which takes approximately 74 days. During spermatogenesis, spermatogonial stem cells are transformed into spermatids and released from the seminiferous tubule epithelium into its lumen. Non-motile spermatozoa are transported through the seminifreous tubules to the epididymis by testicular fluid secreted from the Sertoli cells with the aid of peristaltic contraction. During transport through the epididymis, sperm cells develop the ability to progress forward, undergo capacitation and attach and penetrate the egg.
The electric charge of the spermatic cell has been termed zeta potential (electrokinetic potential) and is defined as the electric potential in the slip plane between the sperm membrane and its surroundings. Mature sperm possess an electric charge of -16 to -20 mV.
In the animal study conducted, positive electrical current with a low amplitude bellow sensation level was situated around the scrotum of four normospermic and one oligospermic male pigs. At the end of the research the concentration of spermatocytes in the epididymis obtained in surgery was found to be 200 to 1600 percent above the baseline.
Our intention is to evaluate if positive electrical current with a low amplitude bellow sensation level situated on the scrotum will increase the concentration of spermatocytes in the ejaculate.
If our hypothesis is confirmed this may become a method for treating male infertility. The period of improvement is still unclear.
Detailed Description
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Conditions
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Study Design
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NA
SINGLE_GROUP
TREATMENT
NONE
Study Groups
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Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
Low current electrical stimulator
Micro 400 Matrix Therapy Products
Positive electrical current with a low amplitude bellow sensation level situated on the scrotum.
Interventions
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Micro 400 Matrix Therapy Products
Positive electrical current with a low amplitude bellow sensation level situated on the scrotum.
Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria
* Men with pathological sperm tests indices as defined by the WHO.
Exclusion Criteria
21 Years
45 Years
MALE
No
Sponsors
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Sheba Medical Center
OTHER_GOV
Responsible Party
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Principal Investigators
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Gil Raviv, Prof
Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR
Urology Department, Sheba Medical Center
Locations
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Male Fertility Clinic, Sheba Medical Center
Ramat Gan, , Israel
Countries
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Central Contacts
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Facility Contacts
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Gil Raviv, Prof
Role: primary
References
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Ishijima SA, Okuno M, Mohri H. Zeta potential of human X- and Y-bearing sperm. Int J Androl. 1991 Oct;14(5):340-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.1991.tb01102.x.
Chan PJ, Jacobson JD, Corselli JU, Patton WC. A simple zeta method for sperm selection based on membrane charge. Fertil Steril. 2006 Feb;85(2):481-6. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.07.1302.
Other Identifiers
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SHEBA-15-2514-GR-CTIL
Identifier Type: -
Identifier Source: org_study_id