NCT00479960

Brief Summary

The phospholipids of mammalian spermatozoa possess a distinctive fatty acid composition with high proportion of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. The lipid composition is a major determinant of the membrane flexibility and sperm motility required for proper fertilization. It also influences the sperm plasma membrane's fluidity, chilling sensitivity and thermotropic lipid phase transition (LPT) and these parameters determine our ability to cryopreserve these cells. Our hypotheses is that by providing dietary supplementation of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids an improvement of sperm parameters (number, motility, viability) can be achieved. We also expect alteration spermatozoal plasma membrane fatty acid composition, making it more chilling resistant. Experimental methodology: 1) Characterize fatty acid composition of the spermatozoa of normal and abnormal spermatozoa by gas chromatography. 2) Characterize sperm plasma membrane LPT by FTIR spectrometer. 3) Run a randomized double-blind, placebo controlled, crossed-over dietary fatty acid supplementation pilot trial in human sub-fertile patients. Large scale trial will follow, if justified. In both trials sperm characterization of each participant will be conducted before, during and following the trial. Subfertile males will benefit greatly if their sperm parameters can be improved and cryopreserved while ensuring enhanced post-thawing survival. We believe that changing the fatty acid composition of sperm plasma membrane by simple dietary means will open the way to improve the fertility of those that needs it the most.

Trial Health

43
At Risk

Trial Health Score

Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach

Trial has exceeded expected completion date
Enrollment
20

participants targeted

Target at P25-P50 for early_phase_1

Timeline
Completed

Started Jun 2007

Geographic Reach
1 country

1 active site

Status
unknown

Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.

Trial Relationships

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Study Timeline

Key milestones and dates

First Submitted

Initial submission to the registry

May 28, 2007

Completed
2 days until next milestone

First Posted

Study publicly available on registry

May 30, 2007

Completed
2 days until next milestone

Study Start

First participant enrolled

June 1, 2007

Completed
Same day until next milestone

Study Completion

Last participant's last visit for all outcomes

June 1, 2007

Completed
Last Updated

May 30, 2007

Status Verified

November 1, 2006

First QC Date

May 28, 2007

Last Update Submit

May 29, 2007

Conditions

Keywords

AsthenozoospermiaAzoospermiaOligospermiaOmega-3Fatty Acids

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

  • sperm count

    10 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (1)

  • sperm Lipid phase transition determination

    10 weeks

Interventions

Eligibility Criteria

Sexmale
Healthy VolunteersYes
Age GroupsChild (0-17), Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

  • Patients with asthenozoospermia (low progressive motility), teratozoopermia (abnormal morphology) and/or oligozoospermia (low sperm count)

Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.

Sponsors & Collaborators

Study Sites (1)

Shaare Zedek Medical Center

Jerusalem, Israel

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

OligospermiaAsthenozoospermiaAzoospermia

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Infertility, MaleGenital Diseases, MaleGenital DiseasesUrogenital DiseasesInfertilityMale Urogenital Diseases

Study Officials

  • Ariel Revel, MD

    Hadassah university hospital

    PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Abraham Benchetrit, MD

CONTACT

Ariel Revel, MD

CONTACT

Study Design

Study Type
interventional
Phase
early phase 1
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
DOUBLE
Purpose
TREATMENT
Intervention Model
CROSSOVER
Sponsor Type
OTHER

Study Record Dates

First Submitted

May 28, 2007

First Posted

May 30, 2007

Study Start

June 1, 2007

Study Completion

June 1, 2007

Last Updated

May 30, 2007

Record last verified: 2006-11

Locations