The hypo-osmotic swelling test for evaluation of sperm membrane integrity

Effect of Postbiotics Derived from Lactobacillus rhamnosus PB01 (DSM 14870) on Sperm Quality: A Prospective In Vitro Study

Vaginally administered postbiotics derived from Lactobacillus were recently demonstrated to be effective in alleviating bacterial vaginosis and increasing pregnancy rates. However, their potential effect on sperm quality has not been well investigated. This controlled in vitro study aimed to assess the dose- and time-dependent effects of postbiotics derived from Lactobacillus rhamnosus PB01 (DSM 14870) on sperm quality parameters. The experiment was conducted in vitro to eliminate potential confounding factors from the female reproductive tract and vaginal microbiota. Sperm samples from 18 healthy donors were subjected to analysis using Computer-Aided Sperm Analysis (CASA) in various concentrations of postbiotics and control mediums at baseline, 60 min, and 90 min of incubation. Results indicated that lower postbiotic concentration (PB5) did not adversely affect sperm motility, kinematic parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation, and normal morphology at any time. However, concentrations exceeding 15% demonstrated a reduction in progressively motile sperm and a negative correlation with non-progressively motile sperm at all time points. These findings underscore the importance of balancing postbiotic dosage to preserve sperm motility while realizing the postbiotics' vaginal health benefits. Further research is warranted to understand the underlying mechanisms and refine practical applications in reproductive health.

Clinical Utility of Sperm Function Tests in Predicting Male Fertility: A Systematic Review

Routine semen analysis provides considerable information regarding sperm parameters; however, it is not solely adequate to predict male fertility potential. In the past two decades, several advance sperm function tests have been developed. The present systematic review intends to assess the clinical utility of available advance sperm function tests in predicting the male fertility potential. A systematic literature search was conducted as per PRISMA guidelines using PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library. Different keywords either singly or in combination were used to retrieve the relevant articles related to sperm function tests, male fertility, and pregnancy outcomes. A total of 5169 articles were obtained, out of which 110 meeting the selection criteria were included in this review. The majorly investigated sperm function tests are hypo-osmotic swelling test, acrosome reaction test, sperm capacitation test, hemizona binding assay, sperm DNA fragmentation test, seminal reactive oxygen species test, mitochondrial dysfunction tests, antisperm antibody test, nuclear chromatin de-condensation (NCD) test, etc. The different advance sperm function tests analyse different aspects of sperm function. Hence, any one test may not be helpful to appropriately predict the male fertility potential. Currently, the unavailability of high-quality clinical data, robust thresholds, complex protocols, high cost, etc., are the limiting factors and prohibiting current sperm function tests to reach the clinics. Further multi-centric research efforts are required to fulfil the existing lacunas and pave the way for these tests to be introduced into the clinics.

The association of resveratrol and AFPI did not enhance the cryoresistance of ram sperm

Cryoprotectants are required to reduce damage caused to the cells due to low temperatures during the cryopreservation. Antifreeze proteins (AFP) have a well-known role in cell membrane protection, while resveratrol is a potent antioxidant. This study assessed the effect of the association of resveratrol concentrations and AFP I in a ram semen extender. Pooled semen of four rams was allocated into six treatments in a factorial arrangement: (CONT, only the semen extender); only AFP I (ANT: 0.1 µg/mL of AFP I), only resveratrol, one treatment with two levels (10 µM/mL or 50 µM/mL of resveratrol); and two treatments with the interactions, with one AFP I and one of the two levels of resveratrol (0.1 µg/mL of AFP I with 10 µM/mL resveratrol; 0.1 µg/mL of AFP I with 50 µM/mL resveratrol). No interaction between factors was observed on sperm kinetics, plasma membrane integrity, hypo-osmotic test, and mitochondrial activity parameters. There was a high probability (P = 0.06) of reducing sperm cells with functional membrane percentage in the hypo-osmotic test and increasing the percentage of sperm with high mitochondrial activity (P = 0.07) was observed in AFP presence. An interaction of AFP and resveratrol was observed in non-capacitated sperm (P = 0.009), acrosomal reaction (P = 0.034), and sperm binding (P = 0.04). In conclusion, the association of resveratrol and AFP did not improve the quality of frozen-thawed semen and even promoted deleterious effects compared to their single addition in the semen extender. The supplementation of 50 µM/mL of resveratrol improved the outcomes of frozen-thawed ram sperm, being a potential cryoprotectant.

Effect of Psidium guajava Juice on The Seminiferous Tubules Diameter and Epithelium Thickness in Rattus norvegicus Exposed by Lead Acetate

Lead is one of humans and animals' most common and hazardous heavy metals. This study aimed to investigate the effect of white guava (Psidium guajava) fruit juice on the seminiferous tubule diameter and epithelium thickness in rats (Rattus norvegicus) exposed to lead acetate. The research design was a completely randomized design (CRD). A total of 25 male rats with an average weight of 200 grams were used for the study, divided into 5 treatment groups, each consisting of 5 rats. The treatments were as follows: the control group (C) was given distilled water orally; the T0 group was induced with lead acetate (50 mg/Kg BW) orally; the T1, T2, T3 groups were induced with lead acetate (50 mg/Kg BW) and then given 25%, 50%, and 100% concentration of white guava fruit juice, respectively. All the treatments were conducted for 14 days. The histopathology slides of the testis were made with HE staining, and the seminiferous tubule diameter and epithelium thickness were measured. The data were analyzed using One Way ANOVA and Duncan test (p<0.05). The results showed that the control group (C) which was given distilled water only had a seminiferous tubule diameter and epithelium thickness of 336.24±23.32 µm and 66.46±4.39 µm, respectively. The T0 group which was induced with lead acetate only showed a reduction in the diameter and epithelium thickness of seminiferous tubules (243.38±49.35 µm and 44.08±14.45 µm). The members of the T1, T2 and T3 groups showed positive effects on the diameter (323.49±22.82 µm; 314.41±13.04 µm; 325.04±16.88 µm, respectively) and epithelium thickness (56.36±3.36 µm; 60.50±3.81 µm; 66.744±9.50 µm, respectively). There was no significant difference reported between each group. The administration of guava juice to rats induced with lead acetate can positively affect the diameter and epithelium thickness of seminiferous tubules.

Germinated Wheat as a Potential Natural Source of Antioxidants to Improve Sperm Quality: A Canary Trial

The present study was carried out to determine the effects of germinated wheat on some spermatological parameters (motility, abnormal spermatozoa, hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST), and viability) in male Gloster canaries. For this purpose, the canaries were divided into two groups, each consisting of six canaries, one control (C), and the other experimental group (GW). Group C was fed commercial canary feed. The GW group was fed germinated wheat (germinated for 5 days) and commercial canary feed. The canaries were kept individually in four-storey cages (60 cm × 50 cm × 40 cm). In this study, which lasted 2 months, feed/water was provided ad libitum and lighting was applied daily for 16 h (turned on at 05:30 and turned off at 21:30). At the end of the experiment, the sperm samples obtained from the canaries were examined in terms of the aforementioned parameters. The effects of germination time × concentration, germination time, and solvent rate on DPPH radical scavenging activity and phenolic compounds in germinated wheat were significant (p < 0.001). The highest DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl) radical scavenging activity (86.06%) and phenolic content (316.25 mg GAE/g) in germinated wheats were obtained on the fifth day (90% solvent rate) of germination. It was determined that germinated wheat did not significantly affect abnormal sperm and HOST values (p > 0.05). However, it significantly affected the motility and viable sperm rates (p < 0.05). As a result, it is thought that germinated wheat can be used as a natural antioxidant source to increase motility and vitality in canary sperm.

Reproductive seasonality of hair rams under tropical conditions: an alternative for non-seasonal lamb production?

Reproductive seasonality limits the periods of breeding on the year and, therefore, productive output. However, some breeds appear as probably non-seasonal. The aim of the study was to characterize the seasonal pattern of Santa Inês rams, including an ultrasound characterization of the reproductive tract, testosterone concentrations, and semen characteristics. Fifteen Santa Inês rams remained in a grazing system with concentrate supplementation, and measurements of the reproductive tract and ultrasound evaluation (biometrics and pixel intensity) of the testicles and accessory sex glands were monthly recorded. Computerized seminal evaluations were also performed monthly, and serum testosterone concentration was measured every 15 days. Body weight and condition remained stable throughout the year. In general, reproductive traits varied along the year and reached maximum values during autumn and minimum in spring. Despite that, as fresh semen remained with enough quality to breed all along the year, seasonality does not appear as a limiting factor to breed along the year. Therefore, Santa Inês rams can be used for all-year-round breeding or for crossbreeding when rams from other breeds decrease their fertilizing ability.

The Potential of Theophylline and Pentoxifylline in Sperm Optimization and Its Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Outcomes

Sperm motility is an essential selection criteria by embryologists at the time of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). One method of testing sperm viability is to induce sperm motility by increasing cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels by treating a semen sample with phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDEIs), such as theophylline and pentoxifylline. It explores the implications of PDEI in medical care, reflecting on its effects in clinical settings and recognizing potential topics for future exploration. This analysis revealed that by incorporating stimulants that activate movements, the time it took to single out sperms was markedly reduced, and consequently, the sperms were safeguarded from a prolonged period of oxidative stress. Furthermore, theophylline was found to advance sperm motility, consequently resulting in several initially immobile spermatozoa displaying rapid progressive motility. Higher fertilization rate, cleavage rate, good quality embryos (grade I), and higher biochemical and clinical pregnancy rates were found with artificial sperm activation (ASA) using pentoxifylline and theophylline. This review emphasizes the need for more research to evaluate the drug's long-term safety and investigate the effects of theophylline and pentoxifylline on postfertilization parameters, such as embryo development, implantation, and pregnancy outcomes. These areas of investigation are important for understanding the complete impact of these agents and to ensure their safe and effective implementation in clinical practice.

Dose-Dependent Protective Effect of Hygrophila auriculata Seeds on Cyproterone Acetate-Induced Testicular Dysfunction

Infertility affects 15% of global population. This study was designed to search out the most effective dose of chloroform fraction of hydro-ethanolic extract of Hygrophila auriculata seed to ameliorate cyproterone acetate (CPA)-treated male subfertility. The rats were made subfertile by CPA at the dose of 2.5 mg/100gm body weight for 45 days. The male subfertility represented by low sperm concentration, less motile, less viable, and less hypo osmotic tail swelled spermatozoa in CPA-treated group. Serum LH, FSH, and testosterone levels were significantly decreased in CPA-treated group in respect to control. Androgenic key enzyme Δ5,3β-HSD, 17β-HSD activities and gene expression pattern were also decreased significantly in respect to control. These antispermatogenic and antiandrogenic activities of CPA were significantly recovered after the treatment of Hygrophila auriculata at the dose of 2.5 mg, 5mg, and 10 mg/100gm body weight. CPA also generate oxidative free radical that indicated by altered catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase activities and protein expression pattern along with conjugated diene and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels in testis. Expression pattern of Bax and Bcl2 genes were deviated from control after CPA treatment. Significant diminution of body weight, organo-somatic indices, and SGOT, SGPT activities were observed in CPA-treated group. All these biomarkers significantly recovered towards control after the treatment of Hygrophila auriculata at different doses. More significant recovery was observed in 5 mg and 10 mg of chloroform fraction-treated group and 5 mg dose, i.e., the minimum therapeutic dose to recover the CPA-induced subfertility.

Lysophosphatidic Acid Signalling Regulates Human Sperm Viability via the Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase/AKT Pathway

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) signalling is essential for maintaining germ cell viability during mouse spermatogenesis; however, its role in human spermatozoa is unknown. We previously demonstrated that peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6) calcium-independent phospholipase A2 (iPLA2) releases lysophospholipids such as LPA or arachidonic acid (AA) and that inhibiting PRDX6 iPLA2 activity impairs sperm cell viability. The exogenous addition of LPA bypassed the inhibition of PRDX6 iPLA2 activity and maintained the active phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway. Here, we aimed to study PI3K/AKT pathway regulation via LPA signalling and protein kinases in maintaining sperm viability. The localization of LPARs in human spermatozoa was determined using immunocytochemistry, and P-PI3K and P-AKT substrate phosphorylations via immunoblotting. Sperm viability was determined using the hypo-osmotic swelling test. LPAR1, 3, 5 and 6 were located on the sperm plasma membrane. The inhibition of LPAR1-3 with Ki16425 promoted the impairment of sperm viability and decreased the phosphorylation of PI3K AKT substrates. Inhibitors of PKC, receptor-type PTK and PLC impaired sperm viability and the PI3K/AKT pathway. Adding 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-snglycerol (OAG), a cell-permeable analog of diacylglycerol (DAG), prevented the loss of sperm viability and maintained the phosphorylation of PI3K. In conclusion, human sperm viability is supported by LPAR signalling and regulated by PLC, PKC and RT-PTK by maintaining phosphorylation levels of PI3K and AKT substrates.

Changes of the Protein CoAlation Pattern in Response to Oxidative Stress and Capacitation in Human Spermatozoa

The spermatozoa have limited antioxidant defences, a high polyunsaturated fatty acids content and the impossibility of synthesizing proteins, thus being susceptible to oxidative stress. High levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) harm human spermatozoa, promoting oxidative damage to sperm lipids, proteins and DNA, leading to infertility. Coenzyme A (CoA) is a key metabolic integrator in all living cells. Recently, CoA was shown to function as a major cellular antioxidant mediated by a covalent modification of surface-exposed cysteines by CoA (protein CoAlation) under oxidative or metabolic stresses. Here, the profile of protein CoAlation was examined in sperm capacitation and in human spermatozoa treated with different oxidizing agents (hydrogen peroxide, (H2O2), diamide and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP). Sperm viability and motility were also investigated. We found that H2O2 and diamide produced the highest levels of protein CoAlation and the greatest reduction of sperm motility without impairing viability. Protein CoAlation levels are regulated by 2-Cys peroxiredoxins (PRDXs). Capacitated spermatozoa showed lower levels of protein CoAlation than non-capacitation cells. This study is the first to demonstrate that PRDXs regulate protein CoAlation, which is part of the antioxidant response of human spermatozoa and participates in the redox regulation associated with sperm capacitation.

17α-estradiol does not adversely affect sperm parameters or fertility in male mice: implications for reproduction-longevity trade-offs

17α-estradiol (17α-E2) is referred to as a nonfeminizing estrogen that was recently found to extend healthspan and lifespan in male, but not female, mice. Despite an abundance of data indicating that 17α-E2 attenuates several hallmarks of aging in male rodents, very little is known with regard to its effects on feminization and fertility. In these studies, we evaluated the effects of 17α-E2 on several markers of male reproductive health in two independent cohorts of mice. In alignment with our previous reports, chronic 17α-E2 treatment prevented gains in body mass, but did not adversely affect testes mass or seminiferous tubule morphology. We subsequently determined that chronic 17α-E2 treatment also did not alter plasma 17β-estradiol or estrone concentrations, while mildly increasing plasma testosterone levels. We also determined that chronic 17α-E2 treatment did not alter plasma follicle-stimulating hormone or luteinizing hormone concentrations, which suggests 17α-E2 treatment does not alter gonadotropin-releasing hormone neuronal function. Sperm quantity, morphology, membrane integrity, and various motility measures were also unaffected by chronic 17α-E2 treatment in our studies. Lastly, two different approaches were used to evaluate male fertility in these studies. We found that chronic 17α-E2 treatment did not diminish the ability of male mice to impregnate female mice, or to generate successfully implanted embryos in the uterus. We conclude that chronic treatment with 17α-E2 at the dose most commonly employed in aging research does not adversely affect reproductive fitness in male mice, which suggests 17α-E2 does not extend lifespan or curtail disease parameters through tradeoff effects with reproduction.

Canine Semen Evaluation and Processing

Advances in canine semen evaluation have progressed over time in fits and spurts, interspersed with long periods of relative inactivity. Despite exciting advances in the semen analysis, clinical canine theriogenology has been in a period of relative inactivity for a number of decades since initial advances in canine semen freezing in the mid 20th century. This review describes ways that the clinical practice of canine semen evaluation should improve, given the state of current knowledge.

Dasatinib and quercetin increase testosterone and sperm concentration in mice

Cellular senescence is a defense mechanism to arrest proliferation of damaged cells. The number of senescent cells increases with age in different tissues and contributes to the development of age-related diseases. Old mice treated with senolytics drugs, dasatinib and quercetin (D+Q), have reduced senescent cells burden. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of D+Q on testicular function and fertility of male mice. Mice (n = 9/group) received D (5 mg kg-1) and Q (50 mg kg-1) via gavage every moth for three consecutive days from 3 to 8 months of age. At 8 months mice were breed with young non-treated females and euthanized. The treatment of male mice with D+Q increased serum testosterone levels and sperm concentration and decreased abnormal sperm morphology. Sperm motility, seminiferous tubule morphometry, testicular gene expression and fertility were not affected by treatment. There was no effect of D+Q treatment in β-galactosidase activity and in lipofuscin staining in testes. D+Q treatment also did not affect body mass gain and testes mass. In conclusion, D+Q treatment increased serum testosterone levels and sperm concentration and decreased abnormal sperm morphology, however did not affect fertility. Further studies with older mice and different senolytics are necessary to elucidate the effects in the decline of sperm output (quality and quantity) associated with aging.

Effect of the addition of antifreeze protein type I on the quality of post-thawed domestic cat epididymal sperm

Cryopreservation of domestic cat semen is mainly performed as a model for the establishment of endangered wild feline protocols. The supplementation of antifreeze protein type I (AFP I) to cryopreservation medium has shown improvement in frozen-thawed sperm quality in other species, but its effect on cat semen has not yet been tested. This study aimed to assess the addition of AFP I to cryopreservation medium in domestic cats. Sperm was obtained from the cauda epididymis of orchiectomized cats; sperm was then pooled in Tris buffer and allocated into three treatments, according to AFP I final concentration: 0 (control), 0.1, and 0.5 µg/ml. Nine replicates were cryopreserved in a two-step protocol and subsequently thawed at 37°C for 30 s. There was no difference (P > 0.05) among the control, 0.1 and 0.5 µg/ml groups for parameters such as motility, vitality, functional membrane integrity, mature chromatin, normal morphology, and sperm binding to egg perivitelline membrane. In the 0.5 μg/ml group only, percentages of live sperm with intact acrosome and of sperm with most inactive mitochondria (DAB III) showed a significant reduction, along with a tendency (P = 0.053) to an increase in the percentage of sperm with most active mitochondria (DAB II). In conclusion, the supplementation of 0.1 and 0.5 µg/ml of AFP I did not promote consistent beneficial effects on the overall sperm cryotolerance in domestic cats.

Glycine Improved Cryopreserved Spermatozoa Quality in Achai Bull

Achai is a small size cattle breed, resilient to harsh and cold environment. Cryopreservation of Achai bull semen may help to improve its genetics and preserve the germplasm. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) affects the structural and functional integrity of the spermatozoa. During freezing and thawing processes, the ROS make changes in the spermatozoa quality parameters and reduce total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) of semen that is considered as marker of oxidative stress. This study was designed to determine the effect of glycine along with vitamin E on post-thawed spermatozoa quality and total antioxidant capacity in Achai cattle. The semen collection was done twice a week from four mature fertile Achai cattle bulls (n = 4). The glycine was utilized as 0 mM, 5 mM, 10 mM, 15 mM, and 20 mM along with vitamin E @ 2.3 mM added constantly in each concentration. The control group contained all extenders except glycine. The results revealed that post-thawed spermatozoa motility was found significantly higher (P < 0.05) at 10 mM as compared to 5 mM, 15 mM, and 20 mM. Compared with control group, glycine concentration at 10 mM and other concentrations increased progressive and fast motility (%), curvilinear, straight line, and average path velocity (μm/s). Moreover, beat cross frequency (Hz) was higher (P < 0.05), and post-thaw viability (%), plasma membrane integrity, and mitochondrial membrane potential were significantly higher (P < 0.05) at 10 mM of glycine concentration in comparison to control and other glycine concentrations. Besides, acrosome integrity (%) and DNA integrity (%) as well as post-thawed T-AOC were also significantly higher (P < 0.05) at 10 mM of glycine concentration as compared to other glycine concentrations and control group. It is concluded that 10 mM of glycine along with vitamin E @ 2.3 mM improved cryopreserved semen quality of Achai bull.

Effect of Myo-inositol on sperm quality and biochemical factors in cryopreserved semen of patients with Asthenospermia

In this study, the influence of myoinositol (MYO) as an antioxidant on the inhibition of the negative impacts of cryopreservation on sperm quality in men with Asthenospermia was investigated. In this prospective study, each semen sample from 25 cases was separated into three groups: Fresh, Control (with freezing medium), Myoinositol (2 mg/ml). According to the World Health Organization criteria (WHO) (2010), total motility, progressive sperm motility, viability, normal morphology, and DNA integrity were assessed. In addition, the hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) test and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were used. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant enzyme activity were determined by the ELISA method. In contrast to the fresh samples, lipid peroxidation, DNA integrity damage, DNA fragmentation, HOST, and MMP had significant enhancement in the control samples. Sperm quality was significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Mean percentage viability, normal morphology, total motility, progressive motility, and DNA integrity were significantly enhanced in the MYO group in comparison to the control group (p < 0.05). The MDA and TAC levels and DNA damage in the MYO group were significantly lower compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The findings confirm that sperm quality in patients with Asthenospermia is improved by the administration of 2 mg/ml of myoinositol together with the freezing medium after sperm cryopreservation.

Comparative analysis unveils the cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity on the testes of Pardosa pseudoannulata

Cadmium (Cd) pollution is one of the most serious heavy metal pollutions in the world, which has been demonstrated to cause different toxicities to living organisms. Cd has been widely suggested to cause reproductive toxicity to vertebrates, yet its reproductive toxicity to invertebrates is not comprehensive. In this study, the wolf spider Pardosa pseudoannulata was used as a bioindicator to evaluate the male reproductive toxicity of invertebrates under Cd stress. Cd stress had no effect on the color, size and length of testis. However, Cd significantly increased the contents of catalase, glutathione peroxidase and malondialdehyde, the antioxidants in the testis of P. pseudoannulata. Then we analyzed the transcriptome of testis exposed to Cd, and identified a total of 4739 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) compared to control, with 2368 up-regulated and 2371 down-regulated. The enrichment analysis showed that Cd stress could affect spermatogenesis, sperm motility, post-embryonic development, oxidative phosphorylation and metabolism and synthesis of male reproductive components. At the same time, the protein-protein interaction network was constructed with the generated DEGs. Combined with the enrichment analysis of key modules, it revealed that Cd stress could further affect the metabolic process in testis. In general, the analysis of testicular damage and transcriptome under Cd stress can provide a novel insight into the reproductive toxicity of Cd on rice filed arthropods and offer a reference for the protection of rice filed spiders under Cd pollution.

PUFA-rich phospholipid classes and subclasses of ram spermatozoa are unevenly affected by cryopreservation with a soybean lecithin-based extender

Cryopreservation is known to affect spermatozoa structure and function. Ram sperm are among the most highly sensitive mammalian gametes to freezing, due to their lipid composition, which limit their efficiency in artificial insemination programs. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cryopreservation with a chemically defined soybean lecithin-based extender on ram spermatozoa functionality on the one hand, and quantifiable changes in lipid and fatty acid profile on the other. Freeze-thawing decreased sperm quality, as indicated by post-thaw parameters related to membrane integrity, mitochondrial viability and sperm motility. The most relevant lipid change after cryopreservation was a remarkable loss of all glycerophospholipids containing 22:6n-3. Species of sphingomyelin with very long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLC-PUFA), that are exclusively located in the sperm head, where responsible of its reduction after cryostorage. Freezing caused a reduction in mitochondrial function, which was confirmed by significantly decreased of mitochondrial membrane potential and by the generation of 4-HNE. Mitochondria damage was accompanied by a loss in cardiolipin with 18:2n-6 and phosphatidylethanolamine with 20:4n-6, two well-known lipids that are critical components for mitochondrial membrane functionality. Loss of sterols after cryopreservation occurred along with a decrease in the order of sperm membrane lipids. Our research provides new insights on deleterious effects of cryopreservation on PUFA-rich phospholipids of ram sperm and highlight their importance as biomarkers of ultrastructural, biochemical and functional damage that ram spermatozoa undergo after freezing-thawing.

Novelties in Ovine Assisted Reproductive Technologies – A Review

Artificial insemination (AI) as a part of assisted reproductive technologies represents the oldest and most widespread method used to accelerate genetic progress in all domestic animals. After its first implementation in ovine reproduction and almost 80 years afterward, AI is continuously used for improving the genetic merit, utilizing either fresh or short-time chilled semen. Nevertheless, regardless of the semen used for insemination, the conception rate (CR) is still lower in comparison to natural service. At least two factors are commonly thought to limit the success of the AI and reduce the CR: (1) failure of placing the semen directly into the uterus due to the specific anatomic structure of the ewe’s cervix; (2) lower viability of ram spermatozoa during cryopreservation (<30% progressively motile spermatozoa after thawing). This review elaborates on recent studies that aimed to achieve acceptable CR through the implementation of cervical or intrauterine insemination: deep intracervical, intrauterine trans-cervical, and intracornual. Several hormonal treatments (oxytocin, estrogen, or prostaglandin) were evaluated on inducing cervical dilation that facilitates insemination. A comprehensive analysis was given to the effects of several antioxidants (GSSG, GSH, and cysteine) supplemented in ram semen-freezing media. Sex-sorted ram semen fertility rate results were presented from our studies.

Administration of olaquindox impairs spermatogenesis and sperm quality by increasing oxidative stress and early apoptosis in mice

Olaquindox (OLA), a potent antibacterial agent, has been widely used as a feed additive and growth promoter in animal husbandry. Our previous study has shown that OLA administration in female mice could markedly cause sub-fertility. Here we established the model in male mice to investigate the toxic effects of OLA on mammalian spermatozoa quality and fetal development. After continuous 45 days of OLA gavage, the dosage of 60 mg/kg/day (high dose) significantly affected body weight, organ weights and coefficients, and the morphology of the testis seminiferous tubule in male mice. Dosage of 60 mg/kg/day also reduced sperm count, motility, and viability. OLA at both low-dose (5 mg/kg/day) and high-dose induced peroxidation, early apoptosis, and abnormal mitochondrial membrane potential in sperm. Significantly, high-dose OLA impaired in vitro fertilized embryo development, indicated by the decreased percentages of 2-cell and blastocyst formation. Surprisingly, the natural fertility of males was unaffected after OLA gavage, which was indicated by the comparable litter size after mating. However, paternal gavage of OLA significantly decreased the survival rate of the offspring from the age of 4 weeks. In sum, our study showed that OLA gavage in male mice damages sperm quality and offspring survival, illustrating the use of OLA as a feed additive should be strictly restricted.

Protective Effects of Trehalose and Pentoxifylline on Goat Sperm Exposed to Chilling-Freezing Process

Freezing of sperm is known as an important part of assisted reproduction. However, many studies have illustrated that cryopreservation negatively affects the quality and fertility rate of sperm. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of trehalose and pentoxifylline (PTX) in diluents on cooled and frozen-thawed Markhoz goat sperm. Preassessed samples were pooled and diluted with a basic diluent using trehalose and PTX. The cooled sperm showed significant improvement. The motion characteristics of cryopreserved sperm were evaluated based on computer-assisted system analysis. In this study, we investigated the viability, membrane integrity, malondialdehyde concentration, total abnormality, acrosome integrity, and seminal hyaluronidase enzyme. Also, the hypo-osmotic swelling test, mitochondrial activity, apoptotic features, caspase activity, chromatin dispersion test, active mitochondria, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity were assessed as complementary parameters. The data illustrate that the total motility, progressive motility, average path velocity (VAP), straight-line velocity (VSL), curvilinear velocity (VCL), and the ratio of sperm chromatin dispersion, viable sperm were improved significantly (p < 0.05) using 3 mM PTX alone or 3 mM PTX plus 50 mM trehalose, while other characteristics indicate significant enhancement by 3 and 6 mM PTX and 50 and 70 mM trehalose alone or in combination, except amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), beat/cross frequency (BCF), and intracellular ROS-(O^-), which demonstrate no significant difference among treatments. In conclusion, this study indicates that addition of 3 and 6 mM PTX alone or with 50 and 70 mM trehalose seems to reduce the damage caused by cooling and cryopreservation processes.

Effects of progesterone nanoparticles on the sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction in asthenozoospermia men

Low motility is one of the causes of male infertility. In this study, the effects of progesterone solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) on sperm capacitation, acrosome reaction, oxidative stress and expression of SPACA1 and MAPK way genes were investigated. Progesterone SLNs were synthesized using the solvent emulsification evaporation method. Twenty asthenozoospermia samples were selected, and sperm and acrosome membrane integrity, acrosome reaction, sperm motility, viability, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidative status tests and PKA, PTK, P38MAPK and SPACA1 gene expressions were assessed. The synthesized nanoparticles were prepared with the size (187.6 nm), PDI (0.184), EE (85.82%), LP (3.43%) and ZP (-23.5mV). Progesterone SLNs increased sperm and acrosome membrane integrity and TAC (p < .05). Also, the expression of P38MAPK, PKA, PTK, and SPACA1 genes in this group showed a significant increase (p < .001). Progesterone SLNs increased acrosome reaction, sperm capacitation and TAC. Also, it increased the expression of PTK PKA, SPACA1 and P38MAPK genes.

Protective Effect of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles on Human Sperm Function During Cryopreservation

The generation of reactive oxygen species during cryopreservation of human sperm has negative effects on the consistency of the thawed sperm. The antioxidant properties of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂NPs) may be useful for reducing cryodamage in thawed sperm. This research was conducted to determine the effects of CeO₂NPs on the quality and function of human sperm after thawing. Samples of semen obtained from 20 normozoospermic individuals were allocated to the following four groups: fresh, frozen control (sperm not treated with CeO₂NPs), and those exposed to 0.1 μg/mL CeO₂NPs (CeO₂-0.1), 1 μg/mL CeO₂NPs (CeO₂-1), and 5 μg/mL CeO₂NPs (CeO₂-5). Sperm parameters of motility, viability, membrane integrity, DNA fragmentation, protamination, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, mitochondria membrane potential, and morphology were evaluated after the freezing-thawing process. The results showed that 0.1 μg/mL CeO₂NPs significantly (p < 0.05) improved the following human sperm parameters after thawing: progressive (44.6% ± 1.14% vs. 36.2% ± 1.24%) and total motility (60.9% ± 2.5% vs. 51.3% ± 2.5%), viability (67.9% ± 1.5% vs. 58.1% ± 1.5%), membrane functionality (66.1% ± 1.85% vs. 55.4% ± 1.85%), DNA integrity (30.8% vs. 24.04%), and protamination (69.85% ± 2.09% vs. 57.2% ± 2.09%) compared with the frozen control group. We observed the lowest MDA levels in the CeO₂-0.1 (3.06 ± 0.25 nmol/mL), CeO₂-1 (3.1 ± 0.25 nmol/mL), and CeO₂-5 (3.08 ± 0.25 nmol/mL) groups compared with the frozen control group (3.72 ± 0.25). Different concentrations of CeO₂NPs did not significantly change sperm normal morphology and mitochondria activity (p < 0.05).

The effect of Quercetin on the quality of sperm parameters in frozen-thawed semen of patients with Asthenospermia

The study has aimed to investigate the effect of Quercetin, as a potent antioxidant, on preventing the negative effects of freezing process on sperm quality of patients with Asthenospermia. Semen sample from 25 patients was randomly divided into three groups; fresh, control and Quercetin (50 μM). Seven days after freezing, samples were thawed at ambient temperature. Total motility, progressive sperm motility, normal morphology, viability and DNA integrity were evaluated according to WHO criteria, Papanicolaou, eosin- nigrosine and acridine orange staining respectively. In addition, the health of sperm membrane and mitochondrial membrane potential was assessed by HOS test and rhodamine staining. MDA and antioxidant enzyme activity were also evaluated using ELISA method. In contrast to the fresh group, the mean level of MDA and DNA damage had significant increase in the control group and decreased significantly sperm quality (p ≤ 0.001). The mean percentage of total motility and progressive motility, normal morphology, viability and antioxidant enzyme activity had significant increase in the Quercetin group than the control group. In the Quercetin group, the MDA level and DNA damage also had significant reduction in comparison with the control group (p ≤ 0.001). Therefore, the Quercetin supplementation improves the quality of cryopreserved human semen.

Toxicity assessment of chronic exposure to common insecticides and bee medications on colony development and drones sperm parameters

The effect of agrochemicals and beekeeping treatments on drones have not been widely investigated compared to workers or queens. In the present study, we investigated the chronic exposure of chemicals set (deltamethrin, acetamiprid, oxalic acid, fumagillin, and amitraz) on some sperm parameters and on the histomorphology of seminal vesicles. We also assessed the colony development and nosema load before and after the exposure. Thirty native Apis mellifera anatolica honeybee colonies with sister queens equalized with brood and total frame of bees were used for this experiment. Five colonies were used for each group. Deltamethrin, acetamiprid and fumagillin were given as oral chronic exposure at final concentrations of 25.10^-6 mg L^-1, 0.01 m L^-1 and 50 mg L^-1 respectively in syrup solution (50/50). Colonies were exposed to oxalic acid by spraying 5 mL per frame space of 3% (w/v) of oxalic acid dihydrate. Finally, the amitraz was applied based on the manufacturer's instructions. The concentrations chosen represented the field-realistic concentrations and those used by beekeepers in the region. Results showed that deltamethrin reduced brood production. In the same group, we found a high increase in nosema load. All treatments decreased sperm count except for fumagillin but this compound increased sperm mortality and increased the percentage of sperm with defected acrosome integrity. The amitraz exhibited a high sperm mortality and high percentage of sperm with defected membrane integrity function. The sperm parameters such as the count, the motility, the acrosome integrity, the membrane function of sperm, and the histomorphology of seminal vesicles of drones exposed to oxalic acid were the most affected. Bee medications commonly used such as oxalic acid and fumagillin should be more investigated and should be considered by beekeepers and particularly queen breeders.

Hydrogen Peroxide Has Adverse Effects on Human Sperm Quality Parameters, Induces Apoptosis, and Reduces Survival

Background

One of the causes of male fertility disorders is the exposure of oxidative stress on the human sperm. Understanding the mechanism of disturbance is important to develop a better treatment for infertile or subfertile patients.

Aims

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) on human sperm quality parameters and cell survival.

Settings and Design

This study used an experimental design.

Materials and Methods

Sperm cells from 15 donors were washed in a Percoll gradient and dissolved in Biggers, Whitter, and Whittingham medium. Cells were incubated with H₂O₂ at various concentrations from 0 to 250 μM for 2 h. Sperm viability was examined by eosin assay, sperm kinetic by computer-assisted sperm analyzer, sperm penetration by cervical mucus penetration assay, and membrane integrity by hypo-osmotic swelling test. Sperm capacitation, apoptosis, and cell survival were analyzed using western immunoblotting.

Statistical Analysis Used

One-way ANOVA on SPSS 21 combined with post hoc LSD test was used to analyze differences among the groups. A P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Sperm viability and kinetic were significantly reduced at H₂O₂ concentrations of 200 and 250 μM. H₂O₂ reduced sperm capability to penetrate cervical mucus and also damage cell membrane integrity at all concentrations used. H₂O₂ significantly inhibited sperm capacitation, indicated by reduced total tyrosine phosphorylation. H₂O₂ exposure stimulated activation of caspase 3 and significantly reduced phosphorylated AKT at all concentrations used.

Conclusions

H₂O₂ comprehensively inhibits sperm qualities related to the capacity to fertilize oocyte, stimulates caspase activity, and inhibits cell survival.

Detailed cell-level analysis of sperm nuclear quality among the different hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) classes

PURPOSE

We studied the quality differences between the different hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) classes, as measured by criteria of DNA fragmentation, DNA decondensation, and nuclear architecture. The aim was to find particular HOST classes associated with good-quality metrics, which may be potentially used in ICSI (intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection).

METHODS

Ten patients from the Department of Reproductive Medicine at Tenon Hospital (Paris, France) were included. Their semen samples were collected and divided into two fractions: one was incubated in a hypo-osmotic solution as per HOST protocol and sorted by sperm morphology, and a second was incubated without undergoing the HOST protocol to serve as an unsorted baseline. Three parameters were assessed: DNA fragmentation (TUNEL assay), DNA decondensation (chromomycin A3 assay), and nuclear architecture (FISH, with telomeric and whole chromosome painting probes). The different HOST classes were evaluated for these three parameters, and statistical analysis was performed for each class versus the unsorted non-HOST-treated sperm. Results with p<0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

For each of the parameters evaluated, we found significant differences between HOST-selected spermatozoa and non-selected spermatozoa. Overall, spermatozoa of HOST classes B and B+ exhibited the highest quality based on four metrics (low DNA fragmentation, low DNA decondensation, short inter-telomeric distance, and small chromosome 1 territory area), while spermatozoa of HOST classes A and G exhibited the poorest quality by these metrics.

CONCLUSION

In addition to their pathophysiological interest, our results open possibilities of sperm selection prior to ICSI, which may allow for optimization of reproductive outcomes in heretofore unstudied patient populations.

The Antibacterial and Antioxidant Roles of Buckwheat Honey (BH) in Liquid Preservation of Boar Semen

In the present study, we hypothesized that buckwheat honey (BH) should be regarded as a potential alternative to antibacterial and antioxidant agent in liquid storage of boar semen. To this end, boar semen was firstly studied for in vitro dose tolerability to BH by measuring sperm progressive motility. The optimum progressive motility of boar spermatozoa was observed in extender with 0.5% and 0.6% BH addition. Afterward, sperm quality parameters, bacterial profile and composition, total antioxidant (T-AOC), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of control, BH supplementation, antibiotics supplementation, and incorporated supplementation were compared during liquid storage period, to further investigate antibacterial and antioxidant properties of BH. The results showed that BH supplementation significantly improved sperm motility, acrosome integrity, plasma membrane integrity, inhibited opportunistic bacterial growth, and altered microbial compositions at the end of preservation. Additionally, T-AOC, SOD, and CAT levels were significantly higher in the BH supplementation group than those in the control and antibiotic supplementation group, whereas MDA level exhibited opposite change pattern. Importantly, BH addition to the extender was able to exert a synergistic effect in combination of antibiotic use. Our findings suggested that the appropriate concentrations (0.5% and 0.6%) of BH were added to the extender could act antibacterial and antioxidant roles in liquid preservation of boar semen.

Addition of antifreeze protein type I or III to extenders for ram sperm cryopreservation

Antifreeze proteins (AFP) play an important role in cellular survival at sub-zero temperatures. This study assessed the effect of AFP type I or III in semen extender (TRIS-egg yolk) for ram sperm cryopreservation. Pooled semen of four rams were allocated into five treatments: Control (CONT, without AFP); AFP Type I [0.1 (AFPI-0.1) or 0.5 (AFPI-0.5) μg/mL]; or III [0.1 (AFPIII-0.1) or 0.5 (AFPIII-0.5) μg/mL], and then frozen in six replicates. Treatments affected kinetic parameters, plasma membrane integrity and morphology (P < 0.05). The AFPIII-0.1 presented lesser total motility. Linearity was greater in AFPI-0.1, AFPI-0.5 and AFPIII-0.5 and straightness was greater in all AFP-supplemented extenders. Plasma membrane integrity was greater in AFPI-0.1 and AFPI-0.5. All AFP groups had greater percentage of normal sperm than CONT. No differences (P > 0.05) were observed in hypoosmotic test, sperm acrosome status, mitochondrial activity, chromatin condensation, perivitelline membrane binding rate and lipoperoxidation. In conclusion, the use of AFP, predominantly type I, may increase sperm cell protection during cryopreservation, with no adverse effect on potential fertilization capacity or increase in reactive oxygen species, being a potential cryoprotectant to ram sperm.

Thoughts on the popularity of ICSI

Purpose

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is the most widely utilized assisted reproductive technique (ART) worldwide. In this feature, we review the early assisted fertilization attempts that eventually led to the development of ICSI, and discuss its current utilization in cases of male and non-male factor infertility.

Methods

We researched the literature related to the development, indications, and current use of ICSI, such as sperm structural abnormalities, male genetic indications, surgically retrieved sperm, high sperm chromatin fragmentation, oocyte dysmorphism, and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). We also describe the potential future applications of ICSI.

Results

This review summarizes the early micromanipulation techniques that led to the inception of ICSI. We also explore its current indications, including non-male factor infertility, where its use is more controversial. Finally, we consider the benefits of future advancements in reproductive biology that may incorporate ICSI, such as in vitro spermatogenesis, neogametogenesis, and heritable genome editing.

Conclusion

The versatility, consistency, and reliability of ICSI have made it the most prevalently utilized ART procedure worldwide.

α-lipoic acid protects testis and epididymis against linuron-induced oxidative toxicity in adult rats

Linuron is well known for its antiandrogenic property. However, the effects of linuron on testicular and epididymal pro- and antioxidant status are not well defined. On the other hand, α-lipoic acid is well known as universal antioxidant. Therefore, the purpose of this study was twofold: firstly to investigate whether linuron exposure alters antioxidant status in the testis and epididymis of rats and if so, whether the supplementation of α-lipoic acid mitigates linuron-induced oxidative toxicity in rats. To address this question, α-lipoic acid at a dose of 70 mg/Kg body weight (three times a week) was administered to linuron exposed rats (10 or 50 mg/Kg body weight, every alternate day over a period of 60 days), and the selected reproductive endpoints were analyzed after 60 days. Respective controls were maintained in parallel. Linuron at selected doses reduced testicular daily sperm count, and epididymal sperm count, sperm motility, sperm viability, and number of tail coiled sperm, reduced activity levels of 3β- and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases, decreased expression levels of StAR mRNA, inhibition of testosterone levels, and elevated levels of testicular cholesterol in rats over controls. Linuron intoxication deteriorated the structural integrity of testis and epididymis associated with reduced the reproductive performance over controls. Conversely, α-lipoic acid supplementation enhanced sperm quality and improved the testosterone synthesis pathway in linuron exposed rats over its respective control. Administration of α-lipoic acid restored inhibition of testicular and epididymal enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidise) and non-enzymatic (glutathione content), increased lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl content produced by linuron in rats. α-lipoic acid supplementation inhibited the expression levels of testicular caspase-3 mRNA levels and also its activity in linuron treated rats. To summate, α-lipoic acid-induced protection of reproductive health in linuron treated rats could be attributed to its antioxidant, and steroidogenic properties.

NADPH oxidase 5 activation; a novel approach to human sperm cryoinjury

Sperm cryopreservation leads to various structural and functional damages, some of which induce by oxidative stress. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) generates by mitochondria and membrane NADPH oxidases (NOXs). Among the NOXs, only NOX5 has been identified in the cell membrane of human sperm. This study was designed to clarify the possible role of NOX5 on sperm cryoinjury. Forty human semen samples were washed and randomly divided into fresh and cryopreserved groups. Each group was divided into 4 subgroups containing Ham's F10 (control), 0.1% DMSO (vehicle), 100 nM of PMA (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate) and 1 µM of DPI (diphenyleneiodonium), as NOX5 activator and inhibitor. The samples of cryopreserved groups were preserved in liquid nitrogen for 1 month. The sperm kinematics, membrane integrity, ROS production, apoptosis rate, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), intracellular ATP and calcium concentration [Ca²⁺]_i were evaluated. The percent of sperm with intact membrane and motile sperm reduced significantly after thawing (p ≤ 0.01). The ROS production (p ≤ 0.01) and the apoptotic rate increased, MMP dissipated, and the percentage of live cells with high [Ca²⁺]_i decreased significantly in the cryopreserved control group relative to the fresh control group. DPI, in contrast to PMA, improved sperm progressive motility (p ≤ 0.01), membrane integrity in fresh and cryopreserved groups and reduced the ROS amount in cryopreserved group (p ≤ 0.01). Apoptotic rate, [Ca²⁺]_i, ATP, and MMP did not change with DPI and PMA in cryopreserved groups. We conclude that NOX5 activity in fresh sperm is low, and it increases during cryopreservation. NOX5 inhibition improves the cryopreserved sperm quality.

Cholesterol and desmosterol incorporation into ram sperm membrane before cryopreservation: Effects on membrane biophysical properties and sperm quality

Ram sperm are particularly sensitive to freeze-thawing mainly due to their lipid composition, limiting their use in artificial insemination programs. We evaluated the extent of cholesterol and desmosterol incorporation into ram sperm through incubation with increasing concentrations of methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD)-sterol complexes, and its effect on membrane biophysical properties, membrane lateral organization and cryopreservation outcome. Sterols were effectively incorporated into the sperm membrane at 10 and 25 mM MβCD-sterols, similarly increasing membrane lipid order at physiological temperature and during temperature decrease. Differential ordering effect of sterols in ternary-mixture model membranes revealed a reduced tendency of desmosterol of segregating into ordered domains. Live cell imaging of fluorescent cholesterol showed sterol incorporation and evidenced the presence of sperm sub-populations compatible with different sterol contents and a high concentration of sterol rich-ordered domains mainly at the acrosome plasma membrane. Lateral organization of the plasma membrane, assessed by identification of GM1-related rafts, was preserved after sterol incorporation except when high levels of sterols (25 mM MβCD-desmosterol) were incorporated. Ram sperm incubation with 10 mM MβCD-sterols prior to cryopreservation in a cholesterol-free extender improved sperm quality parameters after cooling and freezing. While treatment with 10 mM MβCD-cholesterol increased sperm motility, membrane integrity and tolerance to osmotic stress after thawing, incorporation of desmosterol increased the ability of ram sperm to overcome osmotic stress. Our research provides evidence on the effective incorporation and biophysical behavior of cholesterol and desmosterol in ram sperm membranes and on their consequences in improving functional parameters of sperm after temperature decrease and freezing.

Effect of green tea extract in extender of Simmental bull semen on pregnancy rate of recipients

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to ascertain the effects of adding green tea extract (GTE) to skim milk-egg yolk (SM-EY) extender on both the quality of post-thawed bull semen and the pregnancy rates of the recipient cows.

METHODS

Twelve ejaculates from four Simmental bulls, aged 3 to 5 years and weighing 900 to 950 kg, were diluted SM-EY extender, added with 0, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.15 mg GTE/100 mL extender and then frozen. After four weeks storage in liquid nitrogen, the sperm were thawed and evaluated for viability, motility, intact plasma membrane (IPM), and DNA fragmentation. Meanwhile, the estrus cycles of 48 recipient cows were synchronized by intramuscular administration of a single injection of 5 mg prostaglandin F2α. Estrus cows were divided into four equal groups and inseminated artificially 18 to 20 h after the onset of estrus by using semen from each extender group. Pregnancy was diagnosed by measuring serum progesterone levels at 21 days, followed by transrectal palpation 90 days after insemination.

RESULTS

The findings revealed that adding 0.1 mg of GTE/100 mL extender produced the highest percentages of sperm viability (70.67%±1.75%), motility (69.17%±1.47%), and IPM (69.23%±1.21%) and the lowest percentage of DNA fragmentation (3.00%±0.50%). The pregnancy diagnosis revealed that all cows (36/36) inseminated using frozen semen in GTE addition extender were pregnant (pregnancy rate 100%), whereas the pregnancy rate of the control group was 83.33% (10/12).

CONCLUSION

It may be concluded that 0.1 mg GTE/100 mL extender yields the best quality of spermatozoa and that all variants doses of GTE in extender produce a higher pregnancy rate among recipient cows.

Addition of L-arginine in skim milk extender maintains goat spermatozoa quality in chilled temperature for five days

Aim:

The purpose of this study was to determine the benefits of L-arginine addition in skim milk extender to maintain the quality of goat spermatozoa in chilled storage.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 18 ejaculates from three healthy goats with weight and age of 45 kg and 4-5 years, respectively, were divided into three groups. The control group contained goat semen diluted in a skim milk extender without L-arginine; Treatment I and Treatment II contained goat semen diluted in a skim milk extender with added L-arginine 4 and 6 mM, respectively. These three groups were chilled at 5°C and evaluated daily for 5 days. Observed variables were viability, motility, intact plasma membrane (IPM), malondialdehyde (MDA) level, necrosis, and apoptosis of spermatozoa.

Results:

The addition of L-arginine 4 mM was the best treatment in maintaining viability, motility, and IPM and a decreased MDA level, percentage of necrosis, and apoptosis of goat spermatozoa. An ejaculate in this extender can be divided into 37 doses for intracervical insemination in <1 ml volume with 125 million motile spermatozoa.

Conclusion:

Goat semen retained its quality when kept for 5 days in chilled storage by adding L-arginine in skim milk extender.

Effects of synthetic (JWH-018) cannabinoids treatment on spermatogenesis and sperm function

JWH-018 is a synthetic cannabinoid which has been increasingly used by adolescents and adults, and is known to cause severe multi-organ failure. However, little is known about the complications and toxicological effects of JWH-018 on reproduction system. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of JWH-018 on testis and spermatogenesis. Thirty CD-1 male rats were distributed into six groups, control group (C1 and C2), ethanol group (E1 and E2), and JWH-018 group (JWH1 and JWH2), which were administered 0.9% NaCl, %100 ethanol, and JWH-018 (0.3 mg/kg) respectively for 9 d. We euthanized C1, E1, and JWH1 group mice at day 2 and C2, E2, and JWH2 group mice at 45 d after the last injection to evaluate the acute testis damage and potential recovery of spermatogenesis. The histopathology of seminiferous epithelium was evaluated and organ weight, sperm concentration and motility, membrane integrity, and serum testosterone levels were statistically analyzed. In JWH1, seminiferous tubule degeneration, partial germ cell depletion disorganized seminiferous epitheliums were seen. We also observed significantly decreased sperm concentration, sperm motility, intact membrane, and testosterone levels in JWH1 group compared to other groups. Forty-five days after the JWH-018 treatment, sperm concentration, motility, and testosterone level were increased, suggesting that testis and spermatogenesis can recover. We concluded that the use of JWH-018 may adversely affect male reproductive potential and testis histopathology.

Effect of resveratrol supplementation to Triladyl® on the quality of ram chilled semen

The present investigation aimed to estimate the in vitro effects of resveratrol (RES) on the quality of chilled ram semen. Resveratrol was added to Triladyl® in three different concentration as 0 (control), 200 or 400 μM. Semen was collected from three Najdi rams, pooled and extended with one of three previous extenders for a final concentration of 600×106 sperm/ml. Then, the diluted semen was cooled gradually, and stored at 4°C. The total motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity and acrosome integrity were assessed at 0, 24, 72 and 120 h of storage. The thermal incubation test was evaluated at day 7. The survival time, total motility and the progressive motility were registered at day 15 of storage. After 4 h of incubation, the percentage of live sperm was significantly lower in the control group than in other groups. Results of survival time, total motility and progressive motility at day 15 of liquid storage were significantly higher in RES groups than that of the control. Based on the results of incubation resistance, survival time, total and progressive motility, it could be concluded that adding 200 and 400 μM of RES to Triladyl extender can improve the quality of ram semen during chilled storage at 4°C.

A promotive effect for halofuginone on membrane repair and synaptotagmin-7 levels in muscle cells of dysferlin-null mice

In the absence of dysferlin, skeletal muscle cells fail to reseal properly after injury, resulting in slow progress of the dysferlinopathy muscular dystrophy (MD). Halofuginone, a leading agent in preventing fibrosis in MDs, was tested for its effects on membrane resealing post-injury. A hypo-osmotic shock assay on myotubes derived from wild-type (Wt) and dysferlin-null (dysf-/-) mice revealed that pre-treatment with halofuginone reduces the percentage of membrane-ruptured myotubes only in dysf-/- myotubes. In laser-induced injury of isolated myofibers, halofuginone decreased the amount of FM1-43 at the injury site of dysf-/- myofibers while having no effect on Wt myofibers. These results implicate halofuginone in ameliorating muscle-cell membrane integrity in dysf-/- mice. Halofuginone increased lysosome scattering across the cytosol of dysf-/- primary myoblasts, in a protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and phosphoinositide 3 kinase/Akt-dependent manner, in agreement with an elevation in lysosomal exocytotic activity in these cells. A spatial- and age-dependent synaptotagmin-7 (Syt-7) expression pattern was shown in dysf-/- versus Wt mice, suggesting that these pattern alterations are related to the disease progress and that sytnaptotagmin-7 may be compensating for the lack of dysferlin at least with regard to membrane resealing post-injury. While halofuginone did not affect patch-repair-complex key proteins, it further enhanced Syt-7 levels and its spread across the cytosol in dysf-/- myofibers and muscle tissue, and increased its co-localization with lysosomes. Together, the data imply a novel role for halofuginone in membrane-resealing events with Syt-7 possibly taking part in these events.

Low-mobility sperm phenotype in the domestic turkey: Impact on sperm morphometry and early embryonic death

The sperm mobility assay measures the ability of sperm to swim through a dense layer of Accudenz^® , and the sperm mobility phenotype has been shown to predict fertility and other sperm performance traits in roosters and turkeys. In this study, we examined turkey sperm morphometry and rates of early embryonic death associated with high- and low-mobility semen. We also assessed whether the hypo-osmotic stress test, which evaluates the structural integrity of the sperm plasma membrane, may be used as a faster and simpler assay for sperm mobility and viability. We confirmed previous work that found that high-mobility sperm are faster and swim more linearly than low-mobility sperm, and that mobility traits were repeatable within males. In contrast to previous studies, we did not find higher rates of fertility, but low-mobility sperm was associated with higher rates of early embryonic death, though this trend was not significant. High-mobility sperm had longer sperm heads, explained by longer nuclei, despite shorter acrosomes. Although these sperm were faster, midpiece length and flagellum length did not differ between high- and low-mobility sperm. Finally, mobility was not found to be associated with sperm performance in the hypo-osmotic stress test.

The Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Vitamin E, Selenium, Zinc, Folic Acid, and N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Sperm Motility and Membrane Properties in Dogs

Sub-fertility represents a common challenge in canine reproduction. Different protocols, supplementing daily given quantities of micronutrients, were investigated to improve poor sperm concentration and/or function, which represent breeding major constraining factors in the canine species. Little information is available for dogs concerning the effect of a daily supplementation with a complex of vitamin E, zinc, selenium, folic acid, and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on semen quality. Thus, the present study investigated this effect on semen motility and sperm membrane properties. Serial semen analyses from fourteen healthy normospermic dogs, fed with the same commercial diet, were performed on Days 0 (T0), 30 (T30), 60 (T60), and 90 (T90). Seven dogs were randomly included in the treatment (T) group, receiving a supplementation of vitamin E, zinc, selenium, folic acid, n-3 PUFA; and seven other subjects composed the control (C) group. Total Sperm Count (TSC), Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA) indexes, mortality, and functional membrane integrity were assessed. The ANOVA compared results between groups and sampling times (p < 0.05). From T60, the supplementation significantly improved TSC, progressive motility, functional membrane integrity, and decreased mortality. Present results lead us to consider ameliorative effects of a two-month healthy diet supplementation on canine spermatozoa. The positive effects of the described balanced integration of micronutrients on sperm motility and prevention of oxidative stress should be considered, especially when decreased seminal parameters may result from inadequate intake, reduced absorption, increased losses or demand, or to attenuate the impact of age.

Comparative evaluation of half-maximum inhibitory concentration and cytotoxicity of silver nanoparticles and multiwalled carbon nanotubes using buffalo bull spermatozoa as a cell model

There is a dearth of information regarding the safety of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with respect to their impact on human/animal health and the environment. This study aimed to determine the half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) of Ag NPs and MWCNTs by employing different doses and time interval combinations in buffalo bull spermatozoa. Semen samples containing 100 million spermatozoa each were incubated with 1, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 µg/mL of Ag NPs and MWCNTs at 37°C for 30, 60 and 120 min. Sperm viability was monitored by the MTT assay and eosin–nigrosin staining followed by estimation of IC50 values using correlation–regression analysis. Spermatozoa treated with IC50 doses of Ag NPs and MWCNTs were also assessed for different sperm functionality parameters including oxidative stress and membrane integrity. These parameters were observed to be significantly affected in treated spermatozoa compared with the controls. We concluded that both nanomaterials showed cytotoxicity, mediated principally via oxidative stress. This work has provided valuable toxicological information that will serve as a benchmark for future studies aimed at safe use of nanomaterials.

Effect of season and age on Indian red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus murghi) semen characteristics: A 4-year retrospective study

The reproductive potential of the adult males is expected to vary with age/season and largely differ not only in closely related avian species but even in subspecies, breeds and/or strains of the same species. Thus, it is pre-requisite to have knowledge of seminal parameters to achieve maximum production potential of at-risk species for ex situ in vitro conservation programs. A 4-year study was designed to evaluate the effect of age and season (spring, summer, autumn and winter) on semen characteristics of Indian red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus murghi) in a retrospective manner. Semen ejaculates (n = 1148) were regularly collected from eight adult cocks 6 to 54 months of age. Quantitative and qualitative semen parameters viz; volume (μL), concentration (1 × 10⁹ mL^-1), total sperm number per ejaculate (1 × 10⁹ mL^-1), motility (%), viability (%), plasma membrane integrity (%), acrosome integrity (%) and semen quality factor were recorded. A chronological increasing trend with age of most sperm quantitative and qualitative traits (semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm number per ejaculate, plasma membrane integrity, viability, acrosomal integrity and semen quality factor) was observed. The highest values were observed at four years of age (P < 0.05) with the exception of sperm motility that was not affected by the age. Spring was the best season for sperm parameters viz; volume, motility, plasma membrane integrity, viability and acrosomal integrity (P < 0.05), however a remarkable sperm production was noticed all over the year. It is concluded that Indian red jungle fowl exhibits an evolution of sperm production that greatly differs in many points from other fowl sub-species. It is suggested that semen ejaculates of highest quality achieved for semen banking at the age of four year in the spring season.

Mitigation of sperm tail abnormalities using demembranation approach in the clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa)

Clouded leopards (Neofelis nebulosa) produced high proportion of abnormal spermatozoa (mainly tail defects) that can limit sperm movement and conception. The study aimed to better identify the origin of those defects using a demembranation approach. Ejaculates (1-2 ejaculations/male; n = 9) were allocated to simple washing (control; resulting in 11.7% ± 1.9% coiled tails) and processed through colloid centrifugation to reduce the number of sperm with tail defects (treatment, resulting in 5.9% ± 0.9% coiled tails). Aliquots of semen were incubated in hypo-osmotic solution (HOS, 60 mOsm fructose solution) containing 5 mM dithiothreitol (DTT) (a reducing agent) to prevent oxidation of sperm membrane. Thereafter, 20% Triton X-100 (TX) (a detergent) was added to the HOS/DTT-treated samples. After HOS/DTT incubation, the control samples and sperm-selected samples presented 73.4% ± 3.1% and 73.9% ± 2.5% swollen sperm (bent and coiled) indicating membrane intact, respectively. Most of the coiled tail in the raw ejaculates could not be opened by TX indicating that the cause of coiled sperm tails may be from testicular origin. The proportion of sperm with tightly coiled tail tended to be lower in the sperm-selected group than control group (18.8% ± 3.8% and 26.5% ± 3.4%; p = .1), whereas the sperm opened up by TX tended to be higher in the sperm-selected group (53.6% ± 10.4% and 21.1% ± 7.9%; p = .06). The results indicated TX was able to uncoil half of the tightly coiled sperm in the semen undergone preparation. In conclusion, the coiled sperm in the clouded leopard semen were likely not a defect of sperm volume regulation during post-ejaculate (osmotic swelling) but pre-ejaculate origin. Semen preparation demonstrated its ability to lessen the primary sperm defects and selected spermatozoa that were prone to be mitigated after demembranation.

Semen quality of 4480 young cancer and systemic disease patients: baseline data and clinical considerations

Background

Except for testicular cancer and Hodgkin’s disease, baseline data on semen quality in case of cancers as well as systemic pathologies of the young adult are scarce or based on low sample size.

Methods

Semen quality in patients having testicular cancer (TGCT, n = 2315), Hodgkin’s disease (HD, n = 1175), non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL, n = 439), leukemia (L, n = 360), sarcoma (S, n = 208), brain tumour (BT, n = 40), Behcet’s disease (Behcet’s, n = 68) or multiple sclerosis (MS, n = 73) was studied and compared to that of 1448 fertile men candidates for sperm donation (CSD) and 208 partners of pregnant women (PPW). All samples were studied following the same methodology in a single laboratory. Post freezing and thawing semen characteristics were also studied.

Results

The percentage of normozoospermic men was only 37 % for L patients and lower than 60 % for TGCT, NHL, S and BT. The level of sperm production was differently decreased according to pathologies, the median total sperm count in TC and L patients being four times lower (p < 0.01 when compared to CSD and PPW). The lowest percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa was found for L and BT patients (both, p < 0.01 compared to CSD and PPW). The percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa was also reduced in cancer patients, especially in BT patients. Progressive motility after thawing in patients was about half that observed among candidates for sperm donation. In almost half of the semen of patients with testicular cancer or leukemia, the total number of motile spermatozoa per straw was less than 0.5 × 10⁶ compared to 4.3 × 10⁶ in CSD.

Conclusions

The present data confirm on large series the deleterious impact of various cancers of the young adult on semen quality, establishing thus baseline data for future studies. Owing to the post-thaw quality of the frozen straws, future fertility projects for the majority of the patients studied (in case there is no post-treatment recovery of spermatogenesis) should necessitate an ICSI to provide the best chance of paternity whatever the fertility check-up in the female partner.