Evaluation of sperm membrane functionality during epididymal transit in red-rumped agouti (Dasyprocta leporina)

We studied the sperm membrane functionality through the epididymal transit by comparing different hypoosmotic solutions and verifying possible associations among osmotic response and functional parameters of sperm in red-rumped agouti (Dasyprocta leporina). For this purpose, epidydimal sperm from six sexually mature male agoutis were collected via flotation. Then, analyses of sperm parameters and hypoosmotic swelling test using different hypoosmotic solutions (0 mOsm/l, 50 mOsm/l, and 200 mOsm/l) in different regions of the epididymis (caput, corpus, and cauda) were performed. There was an increase (P < 0.05) in the values for sperm concentration, total number of sperm recovered, total and progressive motility, average path velocity, straightline velocity, curvilinear velocity, rapid and medium subpopulations following the caput-corpus-cauda direction. Regardless the hypoosmotic solution, agouti sperm membrane presented similar functional integrity in all the epididymal regions. Moreover, the highest (P < 0.05) osmotic responses were reached at the use of 50 mOsm/l solution in comparison to 0 mOsm/l and 200 mOsm/l for all the regions. Significant correlations among osmotic response and some sperm kinetic parameters were especially observed in epidydimal caput, while no correlations were found in the region of the cauda. In summary, red-rumped agouti sperm present similar membrane functionality during epidydimal transit, but there are evident correlations among such functionality and sperm kinetic parameters, especially at the caput region. Moreover, we indicate the use of a 50 mOsm/l hypoosmotic solution for the analysis of this parameter through the hypoosmotic swelling test.

The hypo-osmotic swelling test: Is it a sperm vitality or a viability assay?

The first two editions of the World Health Organization laboratory manual described the determination of live spermatozoa by a dye exclusion method as a sperm "viability" test, whereas subsequent editions classified it as a "vitality" test, without providing an explanation for the reclassification. Additionally, the hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) test, which assesses the functional integrity of the human sperm membrane, was placed in the same category as the dye exclusion test. Although the two terms might seem synonymous, the term "vitality" merely means "alive," whereas "viability" assesses qualities or physiological functions of a living entity. After comparing the morphological, physiological, and clinical findings obtained from dye exclusion testing vs. the HOS test, we conclude that the HOS test should be classified as a viability test, not merely as a vitality test.

In vivo fertilizing ability of stallion spermatozoa processed by single layer centrifugation with Androcoll-E™

A colloid with a species specific silane-coated, silica-based formulation, optimized for stallion (Androcoll-E™), enables a better sub-population of spermatozoa to be selected from stallion ejaculates. However, such a practice has not been critically evaluated in stallions with fertility problems. In this study we evaluate whether single-layer centrifugation (SLC) through Androcoll-E™ could be used to enhance fertility rates in a subfertile stallion. Ejaculates were obtained from two different stallions, one Lusitano (fertile) and one Sorraia (subfertile), with distinct sperm characteristics and fertility. Motility, morphology, plasma membrane structural (eosin-nigrosin) and functional integrity (HOS test), mitochondrial functionality (Δψm; JC-1) and longevity (motility after 72 h cooling) after centrifugation in Androcoll-E™, as well as pregnancy rates obtained after artificial insemination (AI), with and without (control group) SLC-treated sperm were assessed. The effect of SLC on sperm characteristics, and fertility results were evaluated by ANOVA and Fisher procedures, respectively. Our results showed that SLC-selected sperm did not differ from the raw semen in terms of viability, morphology, response to hypo-osmotic conditions (HOS test) and mitochondrial membrane potential (↑ΔΨmit; JC-1). Sperm motility in cooled samples was not improved by SLC treatment. Our data show that SLC through Androcoll-E™ has no effect on pregnancy rates in the stallions used in this trial.

A case of primary ciliary dyskinesia treated with ICSI using testicular spermatozoa: case report and a review of the literature

Purpose

To investigate whether or not intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using spermatozoa extracted from testis (TESE-ICSI) is a more effective treatment than ICSI with ejaculated spermatozoa (EJ-ICSI) for primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD).

Methods

We reported a case of PCD in which we performed TESE-ICSI after repeated failure of EJ-ICSI. Together with data from previous case reports, we compared the fertilization rate and pregnancy outcome of TESE-ICSI and EJ-ICSI.

Results

In our case, TESE-ICSI improved the morphology of spermatozoa and fertilization rate. However, the outcome was only a biochemical pregnancy. According to the analysis combined with previous reports, there was no difference in the fertilization rate and pregnancy outcome parameters between TESE-ICSI and EJ-ICSI.

Conclusions

TESE-ICSI for PCD may improve the fertilization rate compared to EJ-ICSI. However, it does not necessarily improve the pregnancy outcome for a patient with primary ciliary dyskinesia.

Smoking influence on sperm vitality, DNA fragmentation, reactive oxygen species and zinc in oligoasthenoteratozoospermic men with varicocele

This study aimed to assess the influence of smoking duration and intensity on sperm vitality, sperm DNA fragmentation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and zinc (Zn) levels in oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (OAT) men with varicocele (Vx). A total of 246 men were investigated who were divided into OAT nonsmokers, OAT smokers, OAT nonsmokers and OAT smokers with Vx. They were subjected to history taking, clinical examination and semen analysis. In their semen, sperm hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) test, sperm DNA fragmentation test, seminal ROS and seminal Zn were assessed. The results demonstrated significantly decreased HOS test, seminal Zn level and significantly increased sperm DNA fragmentation, seminal ROS levels in OAT smokers with Vx more than OAT smokers compared with OAT nonsmokers. Smoking intensity, smoking duration and Vx grade demonstrated significant negative correlations with sperm motility, HOS test percentage and significant positive correlations with sperm DNA fragmentation, seminal ROS level. It is concluded that smoking has a negative impact on sperm progressive motility, HOS test, seminal Zn and positive impact on sperm DNA fragmentation, semen ROS level that are exaggerated if Vx is associated being correlated with smoking intensity, smoking duration and Vx grade.

Semen quality and reproductive hormones among welders -A preliminary study

OBJECTIVES

Welders are exposed to intense heat, toxic metals and their oxides and toxic gases during welding, and some of these substances reported to have adverse effects on reproductive organs. Thus, the present study was planned to investigate the sperm quality as well as reproductive hormones among welders exposed to a complex mixture of pollutants.

METHODS

Seventeen welders aged 43.8±12.0 (mean±SD) years with welding exposure of 1 to 10 years or more participated in this study. They were performing are and gas welding in a workshop. Blood (5-6 ml) and semen samples by masturbation were collected from them. Serum was separated and analyzed for reproductive hormones by RIA techniques. Semen was processed for microscopic examination.

RESULTS

The results of this study indicated that sperm concentration was in the normal range (≥20 million/ml) in all seventeen welders, however, motility, morphology as well as Hypo Osmotic Swelling test (HOS) demonstrated impairment in few welders, indicating deterioration in sperm quality compared to the reported normal reference value. Compared with the normal value of hormones provided in diagnostic kits brochure, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), leutinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone levels were in the normal range, except in two subjects who showed higher FSH and LH levels and one who showed a lower value of testosterone.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that welding might have had some adverse effects on sperm motility, morphology and physiologic function even though sperm concentration was in the normal range. Hormonal changes did not show any definite pattern, indicating a need for further study.