Margot Flint

Stellenbosch University, Medical Physiology, Graduate Student

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Doctoral graduate - Medical Physiology
Address: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

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Stefan Du Plessis

Amalia Carpino

University of Calabria

Ghent University

Hindustan University

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Papers by Margot Flint

Relationship between male genital tract infections and semen viscosity

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Male Accessory Sex Glands

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Leukocytospermia and oxidative stress

by Margot Flint and Stefan Du Plessis

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Revisiting the assessment of semen viscosity and its relationship to leucocytospermia

With infertility challenges posing an obstacle to many couples, the extension of variables to ass... more With infertility challenges posing an obstacle to many couples, the extension of variables to assess male fertility is an important line of research. At the Reproductive Biology Unit where the study was undertaken, a considerable proportion of male patient's seeking fertility assessment presented with hyperviscous semen samples and elevated concentrations of leucocytes. Despite viscosity being included as part of a routine spermiogram, it raises a considerable amount of concern as it is assessed semiquantitatively. The study was undertaken to evaluate the quantification of semen viscosity in centipoise (cP) and to investigate whether a correlation exists between hyperviscosity and leucocytospermia. A total of 200 semen samples were assessed from a sample cohort of two population groups: 162 male patients undergoing fertility assessment and 38 volunteer donors. Semen viscosity was determined by measuring the filling time of a capillary-loaded Leja chamber and quantifying the viscosity in cP. Leucocytes were identified histochemically with a leucocyte peroxidase test. The viscosity when quantified in cP was significantly higher in the peroxidase positive sample group (9.01 AE 0.49 vs. 7.39 AE 0.23 cP; P < 0.005). The introduction of a more accurate method of quantifying viscosity may possibly help to identify, diagnose and treat patients suffering from leucocytospermia to ultimately enhance their fertility potential.

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Trichomonas vaginalis in Sub-Saharan Africa: occurrence and diagnostic approaches for the male partner

The article aims to focus on trichomoniasis as to highlight the prevalence of this sexually trans... more The article aims to focus on trichomoniasis as to highlight the prevalence of this sexually transmitted infection (STI) within Sub-Saharan Africa, and to introduce an alternative means of diagnosing the infection. Globally, trichomoniasis is the STI with the highest burden in resource limited countries such as those in Sub-Saharan Africa; however, it is also the most common curable condition. With challenges faced particularly in the context of South Africa's public health sector, the implementation of affordable and rapid point-of-care diagnostic tests could allow for a more effective strategy in recognising asymptomatic STI's, where laboratory infrastructure is lacking.

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Obesity: modern man's fertility nemesis

Asian Journal of Andrology, 2010

The obesity pandemic has grown to concerning proportions in recent years, not only in the Western... more The obesity pandemic has grown to concerning proportions in recent years, not only in the Western World, but in developing countries as well. The corresponding decrease in male fertility and fecundity may be explained in parallel to obesity, and obesity should be considered as an etiology of male fertility. Studies show that obesity contributes to infertility by reducing semen quality, changing sperm proteomes, contributing to erectile dysfunction, and inducing other physical problems related to obesity. Mechanisms for explaining the effect of obesity on male infertility include abnormal reproductive hormone levels, an increased release of adipose-derived hormones and adipokines associated with obesity, and other physical problems including sleep apnea and increased scrotal temperatures. Recently, genetic factors and markers for an obesity-related infertility have been discovered and may explain the difference between fertile obese and infertile obese men. Treatments are available for not only infertility related to obesity, but also as a treatment for the other comorbidities arising from obesity. Natural weight loss, as well as bariatric surgery are options for obese patients and have shown promising results in restoring fertility and normal hormonal profi les. Therapeutic interventions including aromatase inhibitors, exogenous testosterone replacement therapy and maintenance and regulation of adipose-derived hormones, particularly leptin, may also be able to restore fertility in obese males. Because of the relative unawareness and lack of research in this area, controlled studies should be undertaken and more focus should be given to obesity as an etiolgy of male infertility.

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Relationship between male genital tract infections and semen viscosity

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Male Accessory Sex Glands

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Leukocytospermia and oxidative stress

by Margot Flint and Stefan Du Plessis

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