Abstract:
The goal of this study is to determine the effect of heat on sperm and
male reproductive hormones among Sudanese labourers who work in hot
working conditions. Since the scrotal temperature is maintained 2 – 3 degree
lower than the body temperature, this is an important prerequisite for optimal
spermatogenesis. Thus the effect of higher temperatures need to be evaluated.
Some Sudanese labourers work in a very hot environment like Bakers,
boilers,mail- houses,pans- flour, evaporator section and turbines section in
sugar factories together with workers of Khartoum foundry center. These
labourers were exposed to high occupational heat, with temperatures
flocculating between
( 50 – 52 ) degree .
216 subjects with high testiculo –epididymal temperature varying from (38.9 –
41) degree for a duration of ( 1-24) years, and ages varying from ( 18 – 54 )
years, were enrolled in this study as a test group.
102 subjects participated as a control group who work at the same places but
not exposed to high environment temperature, with normal testiculo- edidiymal
temperature, their ages varying from (18–52) years.
History and examination of both groups was conducted to exclude the diseases
of significance.
Semen specimens and blood samples for hormones (FSH, LH, Testosterone
and Prolaction) were taken from both groups of volunteers. The semen samples
were analyzed by Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis ( CASA) method.
Fertility hormones were analyzed by RIA, method. The results were analyzed
statistically using (SPSS) program .
The sperms (count, motility and morphology) were assessed in both groups.
The sperm density, motility and morphology were significantly affected in the
test group P.value (000).
In the test group it was found that the longer the duration of exposure the
more significance is the decline in all sperm parameters, and those who were
exposed for more than 10 years may developed azoospermia.
20 volunteers were found to have primary infertility and 8 to have secondary
infertility.
FSH significantly increased in the azoospermic and oligospermic groups ,
while the other hormones , LH , Testosterone and Prolactin , remained within
the normal range levels.
High testicular temperature impaired spermatogenesis leading to
oligozoospermia , asthenozoospermia , teratzoospermia and azoospermia.
There for the long term effect of hyperthermia adversely affect the sperm
quantity and quality.
Long term testicular hyperthermia may lead to primary and secondary
infertility.
The fasting baseline of FSH levels is negatively proportional with the sperm
density.
