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Viñolas-Vergés E, Ribas-Maynou J, Barranco I, Peres Rubio C, Bonet S, Roca J, Yeste M. Chromatin condensation but not DNA integrity of pig sperm is greater in the sperm-rich fraction. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2023; 14:139. [PMID: 37926841 PMCID: PMC10626759 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-023-00938-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protamination and condensation of sperm chromatin as well as DNA integrity play an essential role during fertilization and embryo development. In some mammals, like pigs, ejaculates are emitted in three separate fractions: pre-sperm, sperm-rich (SRF) and post sperm-rich (PSRF). These fractions are known to vary in volume, sperm concentration and quality, as well as in the origin and composition of seminal plasma (SP), with differences being also observed within the SRF one. Yet, whether disparities in the DNA integrity and chromatin condensation and protamination of their sperm exist has not been interrogated. RESULTS This study determined chromatin protamination (Chromomycin A3 test, CMA3), condensation (Dibromobimane test, DBB), and DNA integrity (Comet assay) in the pig sperm contained in the first 10 mL of the SRF (SRF-P1), the remaining portion of the sperm-rich fraction (SRF-P2), and the post sperm-rich fraction (PSRF). While chromatin protamination was found to be similar between the different ejaculate fractions (P > 0.05), chromatin condensation was seen to be greater in SRF-P1 and SRF-P2 than in the PSRF (P = 0.018 and P = 0.004, respectively). Regarding DNA integrity, no differences between fractions were observed (P > 0.05). As the SRF-P1 has the highest sperm concentration and ejaculate fractions are known to differ in antioxidant composition, the oxidative stress index (OSi) in SP, calculated as total oxidant activity divided by total antioxidant capacity, was tested and confirmed to be higher in the SRF-P1 than in SRF-P2 and PSRF (0.42 ± 0.06 vs. 0.23 ± 0.09 and 0.08 ± 0.00, respectively; P < 0.01); this index, in addition, was observed to be correlated to the sperm concentration of each fraction (Rs = 0.973; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION While sperm DNA integrity was not found to differ between ejaculate fractions, SRF-P1 and SRF-P2 were observed to exhibit greater chromatin condensation than the PSRF. This could be related to the OSi of each fraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estel Viñolas-Vergés
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.
| | - Isabel Barranco
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Camila Peres Rubio
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), S08010, Barcelona, Spain
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Heterogeneous Immunolocalisation of Zinc Transporters ZIP6, ZIP10 and ZIP14 in Human Normo- and Asthenozoospermic Spermatozoa. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:3444-3454. [PMID: 36005133 PMCID: PMC9406340 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44080237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc (in the form of Zn2+) is necessary for male fertility. Both Zn2+ quantity and its localisation have been detected in seminal plasma and ejaculated spermatozoa, suggesting its active uptake via zinc import transporters (ZIPs). Immunofluorescence was used to characterise the expression and localisation of three distinct types of ZIP transporters in ejaculated spermatozoa of normo- and asthenozoospermic sperm samples. ZIP6, ZIP10 and ZIP14 showed heterogeneous sperm cell expression and different compartmental distribution. In both types of sperm samples, ZIP6 and ZIP14 were predominantly localised in the sperm head, while ZIP10 was found along the sperm tail. Compartmental localisation of ZIPs in asthenozoospermia was not changed. However, regarding sub-compartmental localisation in sperm head regions, for ZIP6 asthenozoospermia only decreased its acorn/crescent-like pattern. In contrast, ZIP14 immunostaining was altered in favour of crescent-like, as opposed to acorn-like and acorn/crescent-like patterns. The specific ZIPs localisation may reflect their different roles in sperm cell integrity and motility and may change over time. This is the first report of their specific compartmental and sub-compartmental localisation in ejaculated human sperm cells. Further research will lead to a greater understanding of the roles of ZIPs in sperm cell biology, which could positively influence procedures for human infertility therapy.
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Gajski G, Ravlić S, Godschalk R, Collins A, Dusinska M, Brunborg G. Application of the comet assay for the evaluation of DNA damage in mature sperm. MUTATION RESEARCH. REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2021; 788:108398. [PMID: 34893163 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2021.108398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
DNA integrity is considered an important parameter of semen quality and is of significant value as a predictor of male fertility. Currently, there are several methods that can assess sperm DNA integrity. One such assay is the comet assay, or single-cell gel electrophoresis, which is a simple, sensitive, reliable, quick and low-cost technique that is used for measuring DNA strand breaks and repair at the level of individual cells. Although the comet assay is usually performed with somatic cells from different organs, the assay has the ability to detect genotoxicity in germ cells at different stages of spermatogenesis. Since the ability of sperm to remove DNA damage differs between the stages, interpretation of the results is dependent on the cells used. In this paper we give an overview on the use and applications of the comet assay on mature sperm and its ability to detect sperm DNA damage in both animals and humans. Overall, it can be concluded that the presence in sperm of significantly damaged DNA, assessed by the comet assay, is related to male infertility and seems to reduce live births. Although there is some evidence that sperm DNA damage also has a long-term impact on offspring's health, this aspect of DNA damage in sperm is understudied and deserves further attention. In summary, the comet assay can be applied as a useful tool to study effects of genotoxic exposures on sperm DNA integrity in animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Gajski
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Mutagenesis Unit, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Sanda Ravlić
- University of Zagreb, Centre for Research and Knowledge Transfer in Biotechnology, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Roger Godschalk
- Maastricht University, School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Andrew Collins
- University of Oslo, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Nutrition, Oslo, Norway
| | - Maria Dusinska
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU), Department of Environmental Chemistry, Health Effects Laboratory, Kjeller, Norway
| | - Gunnar Brunborg
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), Section of Molecular Toxicology, Department of Environmental Health, Oslo, Norway
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Lopes F, Pinto-Pinho P, Gaivão I, Martins-Bessa A, Gomes Z, Moutinho O, Oliveira MM, Peixoto F, Pinto-Leite R. Sperm DNA damage and seminal antioxidant activity in subfertile men. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14027. [PMID: 33686676 DOI: 10.1111/and.14027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Supraphysiological ROS levels can lead to apoptosis, lipid peroxidation, and DNA and protein damage. This pilot study aimed to investigate the sperm oxidative damage in subfertile men, to describe the relationship between the antioxidant system and ROS. Sixty-four semen samples were categorised according to the evaluated routine parameters (WHO, WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen, 2010). Results were cross-referenced with the DNA damage [Comet (n = 53) and TUNEL (n = 49) assays], antioxidant enzyme activity [SOD (n = 51), CAT (n = 48) and GST (n = 48)], and content of total thiols (n = 36), lipid hydroperoxides (n = 35) and MDA (n = 31). Compared to pathospermic samples, normozoospermic presented 40%-45% fewer spermatozoa with fragmented DNA, 19% fewer hydroperoxides, and slightly higher total thiols and MDA levels. Asthenozoospermic/asthenoteratozoospermic samples had the lowest GST activity. SOD and CAT showed a similar trend. Our results evidenced significant positive correlations between DNA damage and immotile spermatozoa; SOD and CAT, GST and total thiols; CAT and GST; total thiols and sperm concentration; and MDA levels and head/midpiece abnormalities and hydroperoxides. This work contributes to the existing body of knowledge by showing that the oxidative status correlates with the classic sperm analysis parameters. Oxidative stress and DNA damage evaluation might be a valuable diagnostic and prognostic tool in cases of idiopathic male subfertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Lopes
- School of Health and Care Professions, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Patrícia Pinto-Pinho
- Genetics/Andrology Laboratory, Centro Hospitalar de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, E.P.E, Vila Real, Portugal.,CITAB, Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal.,Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal.,Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine - iBiMED, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Isabel Gaivão
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal.,CECAV, Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana Martins-Bessa
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal.,CECAV, Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Zélia Gomes
- Obstetrics Service, Centro Hospitalar de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, E.P.E, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Osvaldo Moutinho
- Obstetrics Service, Centro Hospitalar de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, E.P.E, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Maria Manuel Oliveira
- CQVR, Centro de Química de Vila Real, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Francisco Peixoto
- CQVR, Centro de Química de Vila Real, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Rosário Pinto-Leite
- Genetics/Andrology Laboratory, Centro Hospitalar de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, E.P.E, Vila Real, Portugal
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Karimi Zarchi M, Maleki B, Dehghani Ashkezari M, Motamed Zadeh L, Agha-Rahimi A. The Effects of In Vitro Incubation of Asthenoteratozoospermic Semen after Density Gradient Centrifugation at Room Temperature and 37° C on Sperm Parameters, Chromatin Quality and DNA Fragmentation in a Short Time Period. J Reprod Infertil 2020; 21:275-282. [PMID: 33209744 PMCID: PMC7648867 DOI: 10.18502/jri.v21i4.4332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Sperm quality is an important factor in assisted reproductive technology (ART) that affects the success rate of infertile couples treatment. In vitro incubation of sperm can influence its parameters and DNA integrity. The present study focused on the effect of different incubation temperatures sperm parameters on asthenoteratozoospermia semen prepared with density gradient centrifugation at different times. Methods: Twenty-seven samples were collected and prepared. Then, the suspension was divided into two parts. One part was incubated at room temperature (RT), and another was incubated at 37°C. Immediately and after 2 hr (2H) and 4 hr (4H), spermatozoa were evaluated regarding motility, viability, morphology, sperm protamine deficiency, chromatin and DNA fragmentation. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-test and repeated measures. The p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Our results showed that following 2 and 4 hr of incubation at RT, sperm progressive motility and viability decreased significantly. Sperm DNA fragmentation increased significantly following 2 and 4 hr of incubation at RT and 37°C. The Trend analysis confirmed that there were no significant differences between sperm parameters and DNA fragmentation after different times at RT and 37°C. Conclusion: Incubation of sperm at RT in comparison to 37°C didn’t preserve sperm parameters and DNA efficiently. Therefore, IVF, ICSI and IUI procedure should be performed in the soonest possible time after sperm preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motahareh Karimi Zarchi
- Department of Biology, Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Ashkezar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yazd, Iran
| | - Behnam Maleki
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mahmood Dehghani Ashkezari
- Department of Biology, Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Ashkezar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yazd, Iran
| | - Leila Motamed Zadeh
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Azam Agha-Rahimi
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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de la Torre J, Sánchez-Martín P, Gosálvez J, Crespo F. Equivalent seminal characteristics in human and stallion at first and second ejaculated fractions. Andrologia 2016; 49. [PMID: 27660115 DOI: 10.1111/and.12708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm quality was assessed in normozoospermic human (n = 10) and Spanish breed stallion (n = 10) after sperm fractionation during ejaculation. The first ejaculated fraction was separated from the second. A third sample was reconstituted using equivalent proportion of both fractions (RAW). Fraction 1, Fraction 2 and RAW semen were incubated for 30 min at 37°C to homogenise the impact of iatrogenic damage between both species. Sperm concentration, motility and sperm DNA damage were assessed in each fraction and RAW semen. The results showed two important facts: (i) spermatozoa confined at Fraction 1 exhibit superior parameters than those included at Fraction 2 in both species, and (ii) there is a certain level of concordance between species in the proportion of benefit observed when Fraction 1 is compared to RAW semen. Altogether, these results call into question whether the standard practice of whole ejaculate collection can be considered the best strategy when using male gametes for artificial insemination. In fact, the reconstituted RAW semen exhibits poorer semen characteristics than those found in Fraction 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- J de la Torre
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - J Gosálvez
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - F Crespo
- Departamento de Reproducción, Centro Militar de Cría Caballar (FESCCR, Ministerio de Defensa), Ávila, Spain
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Hebles M, Dorado M, Gallardo M, González-Martínez M, Sánchez-Martín P. Seminal quality in the first fraction of ejaculate. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2014; 61:113-6. [PMID: 25547665 DOI: 10.3109/19396368.2014.999390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Semen samples from 40 patients were collected in consecutive fractions. The variability in semen quality of each fraction was then determined. The first ejaculated fraction (FEF) primarily contained prostatic secretions, while the second ejaculate fraction (SEF) held the majority of the spermatozoa suspended in the secretions from the seminal vesicle. Differences in sperm quality were observed when the FEF was compared to the SEF and the total ejaculate fraction (TEF). These included the seminal parameters (volume, sperm concentration, motility) and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF). When compared to TEF and SEF, the FEF presented a lower volume, higher sperm concentration, higher motility rates, and lower SDF. The data suggest that the first fraction renders an improved subpopulation of spermatozoa, with lower SDF. Spermatozoa from this fraction and hence their use for ART may have a positive effect on fertilization and embryo development.
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Mortimer D, Barratt CLR, Björndahl L, de Jager C, Jequier AM, Muller CH. What should it take to describe a substance or product as 'sperm-safe'. Hum Reprod Update 2013; 19 Suppl 1:i1-45. [PMID: 23552271 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmt008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male reproductive potential continues to be adversely affected by many environmental, industrial and pharmaceutical toxins. Pre-emptive testing for reproductive toxicological (side-)effects remains limited, or even non-existent. Many products that come into direct contact with spermatozoa lack adequate testing for the absence of adverse effects, and numerous products that are intended for exposure to spermatozoa have only a general assumption of safety based on the absence of evidence of actual harm. Such assumptions can have unfortunate adverse impacts on at-risk individuals (e.g. couples who are trying to conceive), illustrating a clear need for appropriate up-front testing to establish actual 'sperm safety'. METHODS After compiling a list of general areas within the review's scope, relevant literature and other information was obtained from the authors' personal professional libraries and archives, and supplemented as necessary using PubMed and Google searches. Review by co-authors identified and eliminated errors of omission or bias. RESULTS This review provides an overview of the broad range of substances, materials and products that can affect male fertility, especially through sperm fertilizing ability, along with a discussion of practical methods and bioassays for their evaluation. It is concluded that products can only be claimed to be 'sperm-safe' after performing objective, properly designed experimental studies; extrapolation from supposed predicate products or other assumptions cannot be trusted. CONCLUSIONS We call for adopting the precautionary principle, especially when exposure to a product might affect not only a couple's fertility potential but also the health of resulting offspring and perhaps future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Mortimer
- Oozoa Biomedical Inc., Caulfeild Village, West Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Delbes G, Herrero MB, Troeung ET, Chan PTK. The use of complimentary assays to evaluate the enrichment of human sperm quality in asthenoteratozoospermic and teratozoospermic samples processed with Annexin-V magnetic activated cell sorting. Andrology 2013; 1:698-706. [PMID: 23843365 DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2013.00106.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Revised: 05/21/2013] [Accepted: 05/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Sperm chromatin integrity may affect the outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Developing a clinically reliable strategy to enrich sperm samples with high chromatin quality spermatozoa prior to sperm banking or use in ART would thus be advantageous. The objectives of this study were to: (i) assess the sperm chromatin quality in men with different categories of semen parameters; and (ii) evaluate the extents of Annexin-V magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) technology coupled with differential density gradient centrifugation (DGC) in improving sperm chromatin quality. Three categories of men from couples attending a university-based fertility clinic were recruited based on their semen parameters: normozoospermic (n = 13), asthenoteratozoospermic (n = 17) and teratozoospermic (n = 12). For each patient, spermatozoa in semen samples were processed first by DGC to enrich the motility and further by MACS to remove spermatozoa showing apoptotic features. The yield and enrichment of sperm quality was evaluated at each step with conventional semen parameters in conjunction with a combination of five complementary assays, to assess sperm maturity, chromatin structure, compaction and DNA integrity (Hyaluronic Binding Assay, SCSA, chromomycine A3 staining and TUNEL and COMET assays). Our results demonstrated that, compared with normozoospermic samples, raw asthenoteratozoospermic and teratozoospermic samples had a higher proportion of spermatozoa containing DNA breaks, but only asthenoteratozoospermic exhibited altered chromatin structure and decreased binding to hyaluronic acid. Interestingly, the DGC appeared to select for more mature spermatozoa with high DNA compaction. More importantly, in all categories of semen samples, Annexin-V MACS allows enrichment of spermatozoa with good chromatin quality as measured by the TUNEL and SCSA. Because effective treatment modalities to improve sperm DNA damage are limited, our results suggest a potential clinical value of MACS as a mean to enhance sperm quality that may improve assisted reproductive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Delbes
- The Urology Research Department, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Valsa J, Skandhan KP, Khan PS, Sumangala B, Gondalia M. Split ejaculation study: semen parameters and calcium and magnesium in seminal plasma. Cent European J Urol 2012; 65:216-8. [PMID: 24578965 PMCID: PMC3921810 DOI: 10.5173/ceju.2012.04.art7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2012] [Revised: 05/27/2012] [Accepted: 07/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Male infertility is on the rise. Artificial insemination is an option in many cases like oligozoospermia or oligoasthenozoospermia. Homologous insemination is helpful for some couples in whom sperm count is low. This study was aimed to understand the most suitable portion of split ejaculate for insemination and also the level of calcium and magnesium in each split. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total number of 31 normal and clinically healthy adults participated in this study. They were instructed to maintain abstinence for 2-5 days prior to sample collection in three splits. Each split was evaluated as if it were a whole sample, following WHO criteria. Seminal plasma was separated. Calcium and magnesium levels were measured in seminal plasma and spermatozoa of each split. RESULTS The split ejaculate study revealed that the first portion contained a higher number of spermatozoa with better motility than the 2nd and 3rd splits. Similarly, the level of calcium and magnesium in seminal plasma and spermatozoa was greater in the first split, followed by 2(nd) and 3(rd) splits. CONCLUSION The presented split ejaculate study has shown the first ejaculate as superior in quality in terms of total sperm count and percentage of active motility. The first split of ejaculation is recommended for homologous artificial insemination in case of oligozoospermia and oligoasthenozoospermia. This study has also shown that a major portion of two important elements, calcium and magnesium, is contributed by the prostate gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Valsa
- Department of Physiology, Government Medical College, Surat, India
| | | | - Pulikkal Sahab Khan
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Sir Syed Institute for Technical Studies Taliparamba, Kannur, India
| | - Balakrishnan Sumangala
- Department of Pathology, Sree Narayama Institute of Medical Science Chalakka, Ernakulam, India
| | - Meenaxi Gondalia
- Department of Physiology, Government Medical College, Surat, India
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Current World Literature. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2012; 24:194-9. [DOI: 10.1097/gco.0b013e328353d51d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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