What is this study trying to find out about male infertility?

This study explores how levels of a sperm protein called phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) relate to semen quality and fertility treatment success. Researchers want to understand if abnormalities in PLCζ contribute to male infertility and affect outcomes like pregnancy and live birth. The study is sponsored by Fakih IVF Fertility Center.

Who may be eligible for this male infertility clinical trial?

Men who are partners in couples seeking IVF treatment, have a semen sample with at least 1 million sperm per milliliter, and have experienced infertility for one year or more may be eligible. The study includes only male participants with female partners younger than 39 years. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this male infertility clinical trial?

Study-related care, including all necessary procedures and tests, is provided at no cost. However, personal expenses for travel or other costs may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered.

Actively Recruiting

MALE

ID07684339

Study of Phospholipase C Zeta Levels and Their Relationship to Semen Quality in Men Undergoing IVF Treatment

Led by Fakih IVF Fertility Center · Updated on 2026-07-06

200

Participants Needed

Research Sites

4 weeks

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

This research investigates the link between phospholipase C zeta PLC levels in sperm and semen quality in men undergoing IVF treatment. Male infertility is a leading cause of infertility worldwide, with genetic factors playing a significant role. The study focuses on how abnormalities in PLC, a sperm-specific protein that triggers calcium oscillations crucial for egg activation and embryo development, relate to male subfertility and fertility treatment outcomes. Participants in this observational study are male partners of couples seeking IVF treatment who have experienced infertility for at least one year. Semen samples are collected and analyzed for PLC levels and standard semen parameters. The study does not involve interventions but follows routine clinical fertility treatment protocols, including embryo culture and genetic testing when applicable. Excess sperm leftover after clinical procedures is used for research analysis. Participants will be monitored from enrollment through treatment outcomes, including biochemical and clinical pregnancy results, and live birth or miscarriage when applicable. Researchers will measure PLC levels at sperm submission and correlate these with semen quality and fertility treatment success. The study aims to improve understanding of male fertility factors and potential diagnostic or therapeutic applications of PLC. Participation duration aligns with the IVF treatment and pregnancy outcome timelines.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Assessing the Correlation Between Phospholipase C Zeta Measurements and Semen Parameters

Who Can Participate

MALE

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Male partners of couples seeking IVF or ICSI treatment or routine semen analysis
Semen sample with a total sperm count of at least 1 million sperm per milliliter
Availability of leftover sperm after clinical treatment procedures
Couples experiencing infertility for at least one year and undergoing fertility treatment
Undergoing standard clinical fertility treatment protocols including embryo culture and genetic testing when applicable
Sufficient ovarian reserve or meeting clinic criteria for fertility treatment

You will not qualify if you...

Known genetic disorders affecting fertility
History of vasectomy or other irreversible sterilization procedures
Current use of medications that affect sperm parameters such as exogenous androgens or chemotherapy
Recent chemotherapy or radiation therapy
Female partner older than 38 years
Known chromosomal abnormalities or genetic disorders affecting egg quality or embryo development
Severe uterine or pelvic pathology including significant uterine anomalies or advanced endometriosis
Documented ovarian failure or extremely diminished ovarian reserve based on AMH levels or antral follicle count
Use of medications or treatments that could significantly alter egg quality or embryo development outside standard ART protocols

Your Study Journey

Screening

Duration - 2 to 4 weeks

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.

1 visit (in-person or remote)

Observation During IVF Treatment

Duration - From enrollment until completion of IVF treatment cycle

Participants provide semen samples during routine IVF or ICSI treatment. Excess sperm from clinical procedures is collected for analysis of PLC zeta levels and semen quality. Treatment follows standard clinical protocols including embryo culture and genetic testing when applicable.

Visits as per routine IVF treatment schedule

Outcome Monitoring

Duration - Up to delivery or miscarriage outcome

Researchers track biochemical and clinical pregnancy results, as well as live birth or miscarriage outcomes. These data help understand the relationship between PLC zeta levels, semen parameters, and fertility success.

Follow-up visits or communication as per clinical routine