Folinic acid in the treatment of human male infertility

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the clinical and histologic effects of folinic acid in the treatment of round cell idiopathic syndrome.

Design: Sixty-five males of infertile couples have been treated with folinic acid alone (15 mg one time per day) for a 3-month period. Various sperm parameters (spermatozoa number and motility, round cell number) have been evaluated before and after the therapy. Moreover, to investigate the histologic patterns of the testis induced by the administration of folinic acid, an experimental animal model has been designed on rats previously treated with chemotherapy drugs.

Results: All the investigated human seminal parameters presented significant variations after the treatment. An improvement in spermatozoa number and motility and a decrease in round cell number have constantly been noticed; the significance of the changes was particularly impressive in those men whose partners became pregnant later on. A consistent improvement in the histologic structure of the rat tubular epithelium was also detected.

Conclusion: Folinic acid appears to be a valuable approach for the treatment of round cell idiopathic syndrome.