[Level of DNA fragmentation in human sperm cells in varicocele and prostatitis]

Varicocele and prostatitis are the most common andrological diseases, which may be accompanied by a decrease in the production of sperm cells, the deterioration of their quality and increased risk of infertility. This work was aimed to the evaluation of sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and main indices of sperm fertility (concentration, motility and morphology), and the relationship between these parameters in the men of active reproductive age suffering from prostatitis or varicocele. Assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation was performed by SCSA (sperm chromatin structure assay) using flow cytometry; sperm parameters were evaluated according to WHO recommendations. It was shown that men with prostatitis (n = 9) and varicocele (n = 22) had significantly higher DFI compared with men in the control group (n = 22). Negative influence of these diseases on the concentration and the percentage of motile sperm cells in the ejaculate was revealed. These data suggest that the deterioration in the quality of semen in varicocele and prostatitis may be caused not only by pathospermia, but also, at least partially, by violation of the integrity of the sperm DNA. Evaluation of sperm DNA fragmentation can be recommended for use in laboratory diagnostics for prediction of fertility in infertile men.

[Social domination and reproductive success in male laboratory mice (Mus musculus)]

The goal of the present study was to evaluate effect of social status and genotype on success of reproduction of male laboratory mice with use of ethological model of social hierarchy of "minimal socium". The model represents the paired maintenance of two male mice of different genotype (PT and CBA/Lac). The mice lived for 30 days in one experimental cage males, two females of the DD/He strain were supplemented. Regardless of genotype, the dominants became fathers more often than the subordinants and got more progeny. It was established that in subordinates there did not occur the complete suppression of fertility. This is suggested to allow them to realize the genetical contribution to the next generation and to remain in the gene pool of population.

[Testicular testosterone production in male mice of inbred strains PT and CBA/Lac after a long-term period of stable social hierarchy]

Social dominance can alter testicular testosterone production, although there is pronounced variability in the relationship between social status and pattern of the testosterone response. The study designed to investigate how a long-term period of stable social hierarchy effects on testicular testosterone production in male mice of inbred strains PT and CBA/Lac. Paired males of different genotypes were housed together for 32 days beginning 38 day of age. Dyadic interactions of males generated dominance-subordination relationships during the first day after a social group has been produced and the social rank of each opponent was assessed by asymmetry in agonistic behaviour. Serum level of testosterone and its testicular content were evaluated in male mice of both inbred strains at 70 day of age after pair housing. Control animals were age- and genotype-matched single males that were housed in conventional cages. After a long-term period of pair housing, the serum testosterone level and its testicular content in males of both PT and CBA/Lac strains were not significantly different from the control. There were no significant differences in androgenic parameters between social ranks in male mice of both strains. The results indicate that in laboratory mice the pattern of testicular testosterone response to social hierarchy determined by a social situation, for example, a stability of social interactions, when the importance of aggressive competition for rank is minimal.

Changes in hormonal and metabolic status in men of an ethnic group Komi with overweight and obesity

The aim of this study was to compare hormonal, anthropometric and metabolic parameters in men of the komi ethnic group with (n=23, BMI ≥25 kg/м2) or without (n=39, 18.4≤BMI 25 kg/м2) obesity. Totally 62 males living in Komi Republic were included in the study. It has been established that obesity was accompanied by an increase in serum concentrations of cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol in comparison with control group indicating metabolic disturbance. The data shows the significant effect of BMI on testosterone and FSH serum concentration, but not on LH, estradiol, thyrotrophic hormone, thyroxin and triiodthyronin levels. Overweight and obese men had lower circulating testosterone and higher FSH level in comparison with the controls. The reproductive hormone changes in overweight and obese men can result in deleterious effects on sexual functions including erectile dysfunction, reduced libido and alteration in spermatogenesis

[Parental care and testosterone in males of the bank vole (Myodes glareolus): sensitization and androgenic stimulation of parental behavior]

The relationship between parental responsiveness of bank vole males and their body weight, testes mass, and plasma and gonadal testosterone levels were examined. Two groups of voles were studied: Group I consisted of 14 breeding pairs where females gave birth to young within a month after formation of pairs, and Group II represented 13 pairs without offspring and signs of pregnancy in females. Males in Group I, unlike those in Group II, had contact with pups before the tests on parental responsiveness. In Group I, males were found to have larger testes and to exhibit a higher level of care-giving activity (pup retrieval) as compared to males in Group II. Both the plasma and gonadal testosterone levels in males exhibiting pup retrieval were revealed to be significantly higher than those for males exhibiting infanticide. Thus, promiscuity, competition for receptive females, and a higher level of testosterone secretion, which are characteristic of bank vole males during the breeding season, are not out of the realm of possibility of the males that care for young. Our findings suggest that factors promoting parental responsiveness in bank vole males are sensitization due to contact with pups and an increase in testosterone secretion. Obviously, there is a need to reexamine the role that testosterone plays in regulating rodent parental behavior.

[Growth and development peculiarities of testicles in inbred mice lines PT and CBA/Lac]

The goal of this study is to perform a comparative genetic investigation of testicle development during the postpubescence period (from days 70 to 90 of life) in the inbred mice lines PT and CBA/Lac. Interlinear differences in the body and testicular weight, serum testosterone concentration, number of epididymal spermatozoa, area of testicular epithelium, semeniferous tubule lumen, and insulae of Leydig cells were analyzed. It was found that the morphological and histomorphometric parameters of testicles in males from the PT line compared to the males of the CBA/Lac line did not reach a definitive stage with the end of the postpubescence period and kept on developing until day 90 of life. Therefore, genetic differences remain in the postpubertal testicular development of laboratory mice.

[Phenotypic variation of spermatogenesis and a search for associations with genetic polymorphism in 13 inbred mouse strains]

Adult mice of the BALB/cLac, PT, CBA/Lac, DD/He, A/He, SWR, NZB, GR, DBA/2J, CC57Br, C57 B1/6J, A/Sn, and YT inbred strains were tested for the count, motility, and morphology of sperms from the caudal region of the epididymis. The protein-coding regions of the cytochrome P450 aromatase (CYP19a1), estrogen receptor 2 (ESR2), steroidogenic factor 1 (Nr5a1), and sex-determining (Sry) gene were sequenced. A substantial genetic heterogeneity for the genes was observed, as well as a phenotypic variation in spermatogenetic parameters, but the variation was rather discordant. The specifics of the interstrain variation in spermatogenetic parameters indicated that a physiological compensatory mechanism increases certain spermatogenetic parameters when other ones are low to maintain male fertility at a level sufficient for successful reproduction. For instance, a high sperm production compensated for a low sperm motility in DD/He males. In the issue of the protein-coding regions sequencing of the analyzed genes, 16 various mutations were observed. The decreases in proportion of motile sperms and in their velocity were attributed to mutations (I63T and W133L) of the Sry gene in the DD/He strain.

Modification of the testicular function in laboratory male mice during social interactions: effect of female presence

The count of spermatozoa in both caudal epididymides, percentage of abnormal spermatozoon heads and of mobile spermatozoa, body weight, weights of the testes and caudal epididymides were evaluated in adult inbred males (PT and CBA/Lac) kept with females for 5 days. Male mice of the same genotypes and age separated from females served as controls. In males kept with females, the weights of the testes increased in PT male mice, the percentage of rapidly mobile spermatozoa increased in CBA/Lac mice, and body weights decreased in males of both genotypes. The morphometric and spermatogenic parameters in laboratory mice were modulated by the presence of a female, but the effect was determined by the male genotype.

[A role of long-term social interactions in the control of spermatogenesis in male mice of inbred strains PT and CBA/Lac]

Social hierarchy in the animal community is a structure of behavior relations when members of a social group vary in their ability to acquire resources in the presence of others. The aim of our study was to investigate social dominance effects on development of the reproduction function in male mice. Sperm quality, relative testis and epididymis weights were evaluated in male mice of PT and CBA/Lac inbred strains at 70 day of age after pairing throughout the 32 day period. The effect of social dominance on sperm quality was observed only in males of the CBA/Lac strain. The dominant males had higher sperm count than subordinates or control. The result revealed also higher percent of abnormal sperm among dominant or subordinate males compared with control. It was suggested that the effects of social competition on spermatogenesis depend on a genotype and social status.

[Regional peculiarities in semen quality and serum hormonal concentrations of citizens from Eastern Siberia]

The objective of the present study was to evaluate sperm quality and reproductive hormonal level in an unselected population of men who were permanent residents of the Yakutsk city and compare the semen and hormonal parameters with the World Health Organization (WHO, 2001) recommended normal values and the results from other countries. A total of 145 men (mean age 24,1 years) agreed to be included in the study. All the volunteers completed a questionnaire, received a general and reproductive health examination by an andrologist, gave semen and blood samples. We found that the means were 34,69 - 106 spermatozoa/mL for sperm concentration and 39,6% for total motile spermatozoa. Among all volunteers studied 4,3% had azoospermia, 27,0% reported oligozoospermia, 68,1% - asthenozoospermia. There are no differences between Yakut and Slavs in anthropometric, hormonal or sperm measures, but height and ejaculate volume were higher in Slavs than Yakut men. The data obtained indicated high frequency of suboptimal quality of sperm in males of both nations from this Siberian region in comparison with other Russian regions or European countries.

[The age-related aspects of changes in hormones' level in hypophysis-thyroid and hypophysis-gonads systems in residents of Arkhangelsk]

The male permanent residents of Arkhangelsk were examined during the period of daylight hours minimal duration for the purpose to determine the age-related changes in hormones' level. In the age group of 36-45 years the level recession of progesterone, cortisol and testosterone free fractions against the background of broadening towards higher standard limit of fluctuations of steroid-binding beta-globulin level was demonstrated. In the age group of 46-60 years the rise of cortisol level and tendency to level recession of free thyroxin under thyrotrophic hormone level increase was registered. The hypophysial regulation consisted in lutropin and prolactin level lowering at the age of 36-45 years and in rise of thyrotrophic hormone level at the age of 46-60 years.

Genetic variability of spermatozoon production and morphology in laboratory mice

Strain-specific differences in the production of spermatozoa and incidence of atypical spermatogenesis were studied in males of 7 inbred strains: BALB/cLac, PT, CBA/Lac, DD, A/He, C57Bl/6J, and YT. The results attest to significant genetic variability of the counts of epididymal spermatozoa (differing by more than 1.5-2 times) and incidence of abnormal spermatozoon heads (differing by more than 4 times). However, the strain-specific variability of both signs was not coordinated. The selected set of inbred mouse strains can become a prospective genetic model for studies of physiological and hereditary nature of spermatogenesis variability.

[Phenogenetic analysis of testicular responsiveness to chorionic gonadotropin in inbred mouse strains]

Genetic differences in the testicular hormonal responsiveness to in vivo administration of chorionic gonadotropin (CG) between adult male mice of eight inbred strains (A/Sn, CBA/Lac, CC57Br, C57Bl/6J, DBA/2J, GR, PT, and YT) were determined. In addition, the genetic variation of the body and testis weights was estimated as related to the responsiveness to stimulation of steroidogenesis with CG. Adult males were subcutaneously injected with 10 IU of CG or physiological saline 120 min before decapitation. It was found that the baseline testosterone level in the blood serum and its content in the testes only slightly varied in males of the strains studied. Administration of CG increased these parameters by a factor of 3-45, depending on the strain. The results of the study indicate genetic differences in the testicular reactivity to CG. In addition, it has been found that the response to administration of CG, as compared to the baseline levels, provides the most reliable information on the genetic characteristics of the hormonal potential of the testes. The given set of inbred mouse strains may be a promising genetic model for studying the physiological and hereditary variations of testicular steroidogenesis.

Hormonal reaction of the testes to chorionic gonadotropin in CBA/Lac and PT mice: effects of the dose and time after treatment

Testosterone concentrations in the blood of CBA/Lac and PT mice and its content in the testes under normal conditions and during stimulation with chorionic gonadotropin were measured by enzyme immunoassay. Genetic differences in reactivity of the testes to chorionic gonadotropin were revealed: PT mice were characterized by more pronounced hormonal reaction compared to CBA/Lac mice. An optimal dose of chorionic gonadotropin (10 U) and time interval (120 min) for evaluation of potentialities of testicular hormonal function were determined.

[Interstrain differences in testicular responses to hCG: effects of a female exposition]

It is known that among many animal species, including laboratory mice, a short-time exposition to a female causes activation of the pituitary-testicular axis in males, which then rapidly decreases. Effects of a prolonged female exposition on the testicular testosterone output in response to hCG injections were investigated in adult males of two inbred mice strains CBA/Lac and PT. The males of both genotypes kept with females for 5 days were injected subcutaneously with 10 IU of hCG 120 minutes before decapitation. Males of the same genotype and similar age keeping alone were served as control. The serum testosterone concentration and its testicular content were measured with immune-enzyme assay. It has been shown that the hCG increased the testosterone concentration and its testicular content in control males of both strains, but the testosterone output was expressed more significantly in PT males in comparison with CBA/Lac. The prolonged exposition of a female itself did not influence the testosterone output in males of both strains. However, it increased significantly the testicular response to hCG in PT strain. The data obtained suggest that a long-term exposition of a female could reinforce the testicular reactivity to hCG in genotype-dependent manner.

[Genotype-related changes in the reproductive function under social hierarchy in laboratory male mice]

The study was designed to investigate genetic differences in reproductive consequences of social hierarchy using inbred mice strains BALB/cLac, PT and CBA/Lac. Two adult males of different genotypes were housed together for 5 days. Hierarchical status of both partners was determined by asymmetry in agonistic behavior. The number of epididymal sperm and a proportion of abnormal sperm, weights of reproductive organs, serum concentration and testicular content of testosterone, and the testosterone response to introduction of a receptive female were determined. The testosterone measures were significantly decreased in the PT strain, the epididymal sperm number was significantly decreased in the BALB/cLac strain and a proportion of abnormal sperm heads was significantly increase in the CBA/Lac (in both dominants and subordinates) as compared to control mice. The testicular testosterone response to a receptive female and precopulatory behavior was unchanged in dominants and suppressed in subordinates of the BALB/cLac strain. The results indicate that in laboratory mice the pattern of reproductive response to social hierarchy is determined by genetic background.

[Interlinear differences in generative function formation in pubescence of male mice]

The formation of generative function in pubescence is studied in males of three inbred mice lines BALB/cLac, CBA/Lac, and PT. From days 35 through 60 of life every 5 days the amount of sperm cells and the quantity of abnormal heads of spermatozoa in males are calculated in both epididymises and the morphometry of the testicles, epididymises, and seminal vesicles is carried out. Interlinear deviations in the pubertal dynamics of the parameters of spermatogenesis and the morphometric indexes are determined, indicating a weak spermatogenesis process in males of CBA/Lac in comparison with males from the other lines. Males from the line CBA/Lac are characterized by a low amount ofepididymal spermatozoa combined with low frequency of abnormal spermatozoon heads; these traits can be considered as a compensatory process that increases fertility, By the end of the period, i.e., on days 55-60 of life, the males of all three inbred mice lines have not reached the definitive level in the number ofepididymal spermatozoa; the weight of the testicles, epididymise, and seminal vesicles; and body weight. Thus, in laboratory mice, the beginning of reproductive activity is not connected with these reproductive indexes reaching the definitive level. The results of the study show that in adult mature males of laboratory mice the interlinear deviations in generative function emerge in the pubertal period and persist thereafter.

[Testicular function in mice of inbred strains BALB/cLac, PT, and CBA/Lac]

The main features of male fertility: sperm production and abnormalities, testosterone serum concentration and its testicular content after hCG injections, weights of the testes and cauda epididymes, were studied in adult males of three inbred mice strains BALB/cLac, PT, and CBA/Lac. The CBA/Lac males were characterized by lower value of the epididymal sperm number, as well as lower weights of reproductive organs in comparison with males of other inbred strains. The lower number of sperm is accompanied in the CBA/Lac males with lower proportion of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa as compared to other strains that could compensate its decreased count and improve fertility. The baseline testosterone concentration and its testicular content did not differ among the three strains but the testosterone response to injection of 10 IU of hCG was weaker in the CBA/Lac males than in the others. The results indicate significant interstrain differences in testicular traits implicated in male fertility which may be correlated and compensate to each other.

[Interstrain differences in social and time patterns of agonistic behavior in male laboratory mice]

The aim of present study was to reveal the genetic effects on social dominance and patterns of agonistic behaviors in social partners. The study was carried out in adult male mice of three inbred strains BALB/cLac, CBA/Lac and PT using an ethological model of social hierarchy, which is characterised by the minimal size and genetic heterogeneity (two males of different genotypes). We used a neutral territory as the experimental territorial condition for the establishment of social hierarchy. Rank asymmetry in aggressive and defensive behaviors was quickly formed during the first day after the production of the social. Significant interstrain differences in time patterns ofagonistic behavior in dominants and subordinates as well as in the level of social dominance determined as a proportion of dominant animals in the strain were observed. In was shown that, in laboratory mice, the genotype could markedly influence social dominance and the patterns of agonistic behavior in social partners.