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Latest Research on Male Infertility

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Reproductive Medicine & Andrology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 June 2026 | Viewed by 5834

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Urology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
Interests: reproductive medicine; sperm and seminal plamsa proteomics; applied bioinformatics; telomere signaling pathway; seminal exosome dysfunction; COVID and male reproduction; andrology; sperm DNA damage; seminal oxidative stress; testicular cancer; varicocele
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Male factor issues are responsible for 50% of a couple’s infertility. Male infertility is emerging as an important cause of infertility worldwide, and recent research has improved our understanding of the sperm’s contribution to fertilization and embryo development. New insights into sperm function and fertilization have been uncovered, emphasizing the need for breakthroughs to assist sperm during successful fertilization. This involves understanding the sperm’s ability to navigate the female reproductive tract and overcome biological barriers​. Continued research in these areas promises to improve diagnostic and treatment options for affected individuals. This Special Issue on “Latest Research on Male Infertility” will feature the articles related to male reproductive research advancements, with insights identified at the molecular level. For this Special Issue, we invite you and your colleagues to submit an original research article or comprehensive review article related to this field.

Dr. Manesh Kumar Panner Selvam
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • testis
  • sperm
  • seminal plasma
  • spermatogenesis
  • fertilization
  • omics
  • proteomics
  • oxidative stress
  • sperm DNA fragmentation
  • varicocele
  • male infertility
  • testicular cancer
  • infertility management
  • ART

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 1186 KB  
Article
Proteomic Profiles of Seminal Plasma in Individuals with Secondary Infertility: Insights into the Involvement of Oxidative Stress
by Raneen Sawaid Kaiyal, Sromona D. Mukherjee, Manesh Kumar Panner Selvam, Aaron W. Miller, Sarah C. Vij and Scott D. Lundy
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(3), 1173; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15031173 - 2 Feb 2026
Viewed by 529
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Male infertility, including primary and secondary infertility, is significantly influenced by oxidative stress, which disrupts sperm function and fertility. Seminal plasma, a protein-rich fluid essential for sperm protection and function, represents a valuable source for identifying biomarkers through proteomic analysis. While [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Male infertility, including primary and secondary infertility, is significantly influenced by oxidative stress, which disrupts sperm function and fertility. Seminal plasma, a protein-rich fluid essential for sperm protection and function, represents a valuable source for identifying biomarkers through proteomic analysis. While previous studies have explored seminal plasma proteins in fertility, the specific proteomic changes associated with oxidative stress in secondary infertility remain unclear. This study aimed to characterize these alterations by analyzing seminal plasma from three groups: men with secondary infertility, fertile donors with high oxidative stress, and fertile donors without oxidative stress. Methods: Pooled semen samples from each group underwent quantitative proteomics analysis using advanced mass spectrometry, with subsequent bioinformatic analysis using tools like DAVID, STRING, and IPA for identifying differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Results: Quantitative proteomic analysis identified 377 DEPs in secondary infertility and 523 DEPs in fertile donors with high oxidative stress compared to controls. Bioinformatic analysis revealed seven shared pathways, including acute-phase response signaling, organismal injury, cellular movement, cell-to-cell signaling, free radical scavenging, immune cell trafficking, and Hematological system development. Notably, C3 and SERPINA3 exhibited significant alterations, along with proteins involved in sperm motility, capacitation, and fertilization, suggesting their potential roles in impaired fertility. Conclusions: These findings underscore the link between oxidative stress and secondary infertility and highlight specific seminal plasma proteins as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for diagnosing and treating male infertility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Research on Male Infertility)
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13 pages, 253 KB  
Article
Sperm DNA Fragmentation in Normozoospermic Men Is Associated with Blastocyst Formation and Quality in Conventional In Vitro Fertilization
by Yusaku Mori, Linji Chen, Shogo Nishii, Miwa Sakamoto, Makoto Ohara, Akihiko Sekizawa and Sho-Ichi Yamagishi
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(24), 8892; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14248892 - 16 Dec 2025
Viewed by 1059
Abstract
Background: Assisted reproductive therapy (ART) has been utilized as an effective therapeutic strategy for addressing infertility worldwide, and one of the key determinants of ART success is the acquisition of high-quality embryos through in vitro fertilization (IVF). We investigated which male factors [...] Read more.
Background: Assisted reproductive therapy (ART) has been utilized as an effective therapeutic strategy for addressing infertility worldwide, and one of the key determinants of ART success is the acquisition of high-quality embryos through in vitro fertilization (IVF). We investigated which male factors were associated with embryo formation and quality in conventional IVF (cIVF). Methods: This study was an exploratory subanalysis of a trial conducted to examine the associations of clinical and lifestyle factors with sperm abnormalities in 41 men from infertile couples without identifiable male factors. From the original cohort, 21 men whose partners underwent cIVF were included for blastocyte outcome assessment. Semen samples were evaluated for standard sperm parameters and DNA fragmentation index (DFI). Blood biochemical parameters and lifestyle habits were also evaluated. Blastocysts were assessed 5 days after cIVF, and implantation success was determined 10 days after embryo transfer. Results: All participants showed normozoospermia, with mild sperm DFI in 76%. Blastocysts were formed in 32% of the oocytes following cIVF, with good blastocyst development and quality observed in 71% and 39%, respectively. The implantation success and live birth rates after embryo transfer were 53% and 43%, respectively. Regression analysis identified sperm DFI as the only variable inversely associated with all blastocyst outcomes. In contrast, no parameters were associated with implantation success or live birth rates. Conclusions: The present subanalysis suggests the hypothesis that sperm DNA fragmentation may be negatively associated with high-quality embryo formation in cIVF, even among normozoospermic men with non-severe levels of sperm DFI. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Research on Male Infertility)

Review

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21 pages, 560 KB  
Review
Male Infertility: A Comprehensive Review of Urological Causes and Contemporary Management
by Biagio Barone, Ugo Amicuzi, Simone Tammaro, Michelangelo Olivetta, Marco Stizzo, Michele Musone, Luigi Napolitano, Luigi De Luca, Pasquale Reccia, Federico Capone, Arturo Lecce, Giovanni Pagano, Silvestro Imperatore, Stefano Chianese, Salvatore Papi, Giampiero Della Rosa, Fabrizio Dinacci, Mariano Coppola, Antonio Madonna, Marco Grillo, Dante Di Domenico, Francesco Del Giudice, Vincenzo Francesco Caputo, Dario Del Biondo, Roberto Falabella and Felice Crocettoadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(1), 397; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15010397 - 5 Jan 2026
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3368
Abstract
Male infertility is a prevalent global health issue, with urological disorders representing some of the most common and correctable causes. Key conditions such as varicocele, obstructive azoospermia, erectile dysfunction and Peyronie’s disease impair fertility through distinct pathophysiological mechanisms, including disrupted spermatogenesis, reproductive tract [...] Read more.
Male infertility is a prevalent global health issue, with urological disorders representing some of the most common and correctable causes. Key conditions such as varicocele, obstructive azoospermia, erectile dysfunction and Peyronie’s disease impair fertility through distinct pathophysiological mechanisms, including disrupted spermatogenesis, reproductive tract obstruction and failed sperm delivery. The effective management of these conditions hinges on a systematic diagnostic evaluation, which integrates clinical history, physical examination, semen analysis and specialized imaging. Modern management follows a logical progression, beginning with foundational lifestyle modifications, advancing to targeted medical or surgical interventions, and culminating, when necessary, in assisted reproductive technologies. Treatment strategies are therefore highly targeted, ranging from medical management and surgical correction—such as varicocelectomy or microsurgical reconstruction—to sperm retrieval techniques. Furthermore, evidence-based lifestyle modifications and a multidisciplinary clinical approach are fundamental to optimizing reproductive outcomes for affected couples. A comprehensive understanding of these urological etiologies is therefore essential for guiding appropriate intervention and improving the prospects of achieving pregnancy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Research on Male Infertility)
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