Search

Heat stress (HS) is the most substantial environmental issue in rabbit health status impairment, which can lower productivity. Maca is a common medicinal plant with important biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fatigue, and neuroprotective effects. The present research explored the alleged protective role of Maca extract in alleviating the adverse impact of HS on rabbits. Growing V-line 6-week-old buck rabbits (N = 48) were orally administered Maca extract at levels of 0 (MAC0), 200 (MAC2), 400 (MAC4), or 600 (MAC6) mg/head twice per week. Compared to the control groups, rabbits provided Maca had better growth performance, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Liver and tests weights were significantly higher (p 0.05) in Maca treated groups compared to the control. hemoglobin, white blood cell, red blood corpuscles, platelet count, hematocrit, and lymphocytes were significantly increased in the MAC4 group compared with the control group. MAC4 treatment significantly reduced aspartate aminotransferase and malondialdehyde levels compared with other groups. Moreover, the concentrations of total bilirubin, creatinine, glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were lower (p 0.05) in the MAC4 group than in the controls. Oral administration of Maca improved cortisol and testosterone values, total antioxidant capacity, and superoxide dismutase. The MAC4 group exhibited significant improvement (p 0.05) in sperm motility, survival, membrane functionality, concentration, and libido, with a significant decrease in abnormal sperm compared with the control group. Also, aforementioned group showed sperm cells with a normal structure and intact plasma membranes, acrosomes, and well-organised axonemal components. Histopathological screening of liver sections showed moderate to severe degenerative and necrotic changes in rabbits exposed to HS, which were alleviated with Maca oral administration. In conclusion, oral administration of Maca extract at 400 or 600 mg/head-weekly enhanced growth performance, hemato-biochemical attributes, antioxidant status, and semen quality in rabbits during the hot season.

The environment plays a key role in male infertility, changing the incidence in various populations, and pesticides are one of the most studied hazards. The use of the latter has never decreased, jeopardizing the safety of workers and the general population.Our purpose was to summarize the results of studies discussing the association between pesticides and male fertility.A comprehensive literature search was performed through MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Only human studies were considered. Semen parameters and DNA integrity were considered to evaluate the effect of pesticides on men.A total of 64 studies that investigated their impact in terms of semen parameters (51 studies) and chromatin and DNA integrity (25 studies) were included. The most frequently affected parameters were total sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology, although a reduction in ejaculate volume and concentration occur in several cases. A tangible worsening of semen quality was associated with organochlorines and organophosphates. Furthermore, pesticide exposure, especially pyrethroids, was related to a higher DNA fragmentation index and chromosome aneuploidy in most articles.The epidemiological evidence supports the association between pesticides and male fertility for workers and the exposed population in terms of semen quality, DNA fragmentation, and chromosome aneuploidy.

Semen analysis (SA) plays a key role in guiding treatments of male reproductive diseases and infertility due to male factors; however, it remains challenging to conduct an accurate SA due to lack of standardization, highly subjective assessments, and problems with automated procedures. Therefore, quality assurance (QA) and teaching courses are essential for making the laboratory results more consistent.The external quality assurance (EQA) scheme was organized by national human sperm bank technology training bases in Guangdong province in China between 2009 and 2020. Until 2020, 124 laboratories from China participated in the EQA program. The EQA scheme per year has been organized involving two semen aliquots for sperm concentration, two video recordings for motility, and two smears for sperm morphology. All samples used in the EQA scheme were obtained from different healthy donors or patients.We estimated that the median coefficient of variation (CV) of sperm concentration, ignoring the method used, was 26.6%. Using a 100 µm deep counting chamber led to a decreasing CV of 13.6%. For sperm motility, the median CV of nonprogressive motility was high (50.8%), but the CV of progressive motility (13.2%), immotile sperm (14.3%), and total motility (11.8%) were acceptable. The morphology assessment revealed large variability (44.4%) irrespective of the classification criteria.The reduction of interlaboratory variability is still a challenge during SA in China. Therefore, it is critical to increase awareness of joining EQA schemes and establish standardized training centers to follow WHO-recommended procedures toward Chinese standards.

Smoke-free tobacco via moist oral snuff (snus) is used daily in more than 20% of Swedish men. Negative effects of cigarette smoking on sperm parameters are well documented, unlike for snuff, despite relevance also for other smoke-free nicotine products.We wanted to investigate whether reproductive parameters differed between users and non-users of snuff, and whether the amount of snuff and nicotine exposure mattered.Men (n = 613) from the general population, recruited 2000-2010, were physically examined, answered questions on smoking and snuff use, and delivered urine, blood and semen samples. Sperm concentration, total sperm count, semen volume, percent morphologically normal and progressively motile sperm, and DNA fragmentation index (by the Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay) and reproductive hormones were analysed. Nicotine exposure was measured through urinary levels of cotinine. We used general linear models, with adjustments including cigarette smoking, and for semen parameters also abstinence time.After adjustments, total sperm count was 24% lower (P = 0.03) and testosterone 14% higher (P0.001) in 109 users of snuff than in non-users, whereas cotinine was positively associated with testosterone and oestradiol (P0.001). Numbers of boxes of snuff used per week were associated with testosterone and FSH (P0.001).Applied to the general population, the consumption of smoke-free tobacco by the use of snuff was associated with a lower sperm count and a higher testosterone, for which the extent seemed to play a role.Independent of smoking, consumption of snuff was associated with lower total sperm count and different hormone levels. Applying these results to a reported association between sperm count and the chance of pregnancy, men who used snuff would have about a 10% lower chance of fathering a child.

The creation of genetic reserves of domesticated animal species and breeds almost become a necessity in the recent years, but there is a question what is the value of semen of males kept ex situ in vivo as gene conservation flocks. Presented studies assessed the response to semen collection by dorso-abdominal massage and the quantitative and qualitative semen characteristics of six goose breeds (Pomorska, Garbonosa, Kuban, Landes, Roman and Slovakia) covered by the genetic resources' protection programme. Fourteen semen collection attempts were performed per male. In each breed there were ganders with low and high sensitivity to massage. The most positive reactions were stated in Pomorska ganders (67.9%) and the least in Kuban breed (52.60%). Individual male evaluation showed that only in three breeds (Pomorska, Garbonosa and Kuban) there were individuals showing 100% susceptibility to semen collection, in some breeds only one to four positive reactions (ending with ejaculation) were noted. Results obtained indicated breed and male effect on analysed semen traits, with the exception of sperm motility. The highest number of live normal sperm (44.2% on average), sperm concentration (530 × 10

Detailed and direct analysis of semen, including sperm morphology, enables a diagnosis of male fertility. This study aimed to describe an economical and verified protocol for canine spermiograms and compare the effectiveness of Sperm Stain

Sperm DNA injury is one of the common causes of male infertility. Folic acid deficiency would increase the methylation level of the important genes, including those involved in DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair pathway. In the early stages, we analysed the correlation between seminal plasma folic acid concentration and semen parameters in 157 infertility patients and 91 sperm donor volunteers, and found that there was a significant negative correlation between seminal folic acid concentration and sperm DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI; r = -0.495, p 0.01). Then through reduced representation bisulphite sequencing, global DNA methylation of sperm of patients in the low folic acid group and the high folic acid group was analysed, it was found that the methylation level in Rad54 promoter region increased in the folic acid deficiency group compared with the normal folic acid group. Meanwhile, the results of animal model and spermatocyte line (GC-2) also found that folic acid deficiency can increase the methylation level in Rad54 promoter region, increased sperm DFI in mice, increased the expression of γ-H2AX, that is, DNA injury marker protein, and increased sensitivity of GC-2 to external damage and stimulation. The study indicates that the expression of Rad54 is downregulated by folic acid deficiency via DNA methylation. This may be one of the mechanisms of sperm DNA damage caused by folate deficiency.

BackgroundParacetamol (acetaminophen) is a frequently used nonprescription analgesic with suggested endocrine-disrupting properties. Epidemiological evidence on the effect of paracetamol on male fecundity is sparse.ObjectivesTo investigate if the use of paracetamol as an oral nonprescription mild analgesic was associated with semen quality in young men.Materials and methodsThis cross-sectional study was based on data from the Fetal Programming of Semen Quality (FEPOS; 2017–2019) cohort of 1058 young men (18–21 years) included in the Danish National Birth Cohort. Participants completed a comprehensive online questionnaire on health behavior including analgesic use and provided a semen sample. Negative binomial regression models were used to estimate the percentage differences (adjusted mean ratios [aMR]) in semen quality characteristics according to paracetamol use (no; yes) and frequency of use (almost never; ResultsIn total, 28% of the 913 participants with available data reported the use of paracetamol within the last 6 months. We found a slightly higher total sperm count (aMR 1.13 95% CI [0.99–1.30]) in users compared to nonusers but other semen characteristics were unaffected. The frequency of use was suggestive of lower total sperm count and morphologically normal sperm cells primarily among users ≥1/week, however, CIs were wide.DiscussionWe were unable to account for the underlying reason for paracetamol use, which may induce confounding by indication. Exposure misclassification due to recall is likely but probably nondifferential due to the participants’ young age and unawareness of semen quality. Due to the rapid plasma half-life of paracetamol and few frequent users, it was not possible to conclude on potential high-dose effects.ConclusionOur findings do not suggest any strong detrimental effect of paracetamol use on semen quality within this sample of young Danish men. However, the effects of high dose and frequent use cannot be excluded.

The effect of stress on male fertility is a widespread public health issue, but less is known about the related signaling pathway. To investigate this, we established a hypercortisolism mouse model by supplementing the drinking water with corticosterone for four weeks. In the hypercortisolism mice, the serum corticosterone was much higher than in the control, and serum testosterone was significantly decreased. Moreover, corticosterone treatment induced decrease of sperm counts and increase of teratozoospermia. Increased numbers of multinucleated giant cells and apoptotic germ cells as well as downregulated meiotic markers suggested that corticosterone induced impaired spermatogenesis. Further, upregulation of macrophage-specific marker antigen F4/80 as well as inflammation-related genes suggested that corticosterone induced inflammation in the testis. Lactate content was found to be decreased in the testis and Sertoli cells after corticosterone treatment, and lactate metabolism-related genes were downregulated. In vitro phagocytosis assays showed that the phagocytic activity in corticosterone-treated Sertoli cells was downregulated and accompanied by decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, while pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase-4 inhibitor supplementation restored this process. Taken together, our results demonstrated that dysfunctional phagocytosis capacity and lactate metabolism in Sertoli cells participates in corticosterone-induced impairment of spermatogenesis.

Background: Sexual abstinence is considered one of the several factors that influence sperm quality. Recent studies show that a shortening of the abstinence period could be beneficial mostly in oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (OAT) patients. Objective: Retrospective study to verify the efficacy of a second semen sample after a short abstinence to treat severe OAT infertile patients. Materials and methods: 127 couples treated between May 2014 and May 2018 were divided into two groups. Study Group 1 (75 cycles): severe OAT characteristics: count

In cattle production systems, an intense selection pressure for production traits has resulted in the decline of fertility traits. To optimize an efficient reproduction system, the inclusion of both male and female fertility traits in the selection process is very much essential. RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) was developed as a molecular biology tool and has been extensively used, to study intra- and interspecific genetic diversity. The present study was undertaken to utilize RAPD primers to investigate the association between DNA markers and semen quality traits viz. Sperm concentration, total sperm count ejaculate and initial sperm motility and thereby to identify good/poor semen producers. DNA isolated from the blood samples of healthy bulls was subjected to RAPD-PCR. The multiple regression analysis followed by independent t test was carried out to identify suitable markers. Based on the results, only 12 bands were identified as marker suitable for any of the quality trait. This includes, OPA2 ~ 760, OPA2 ~ 700, OPA6 ~ 1,200, OPA9 ~ 400, OPA9 ~ 380, OPA12 ~ 970, OPA14 ~ 715, OPA14 ~ 605, OPA16 ~ 485, OPA17 ~ 860 and OPA18 ~ 480. Multiple regression analysis selected, OPA2 ~ 760 and OPA2 ~ 1,750 for sperm concentration and OPA2 ~ 760, OPA2 ~ 700, OPA9 ~ 620, OPA4 ~ 670 and OPA18 ~ 1,015 for total sperm count/ejaculate. But the t test revealed a significant association between OPA2 ~ 760 and total sperm count. Further, discriminant function analysis also identified this marker in the first step itself. The results of the present study can be exploited as a low-cost alternative strategy for identification of good /poor semen producers in crossbred bulls at an early age.

The purpose of this study was to analyse the effects of season, age, gonad and accessory sex glands on semen characteristics of jackass and to construct multivariate regression models to predict semen quality. In autumn, spring and summer, semen characteristics of 30 sexually mature donkeys (1,014 ejaculations) were analysed to investigate the effect of seasons on semen quality, and gonad and accessory sex gland parameters of 12 jackasses were measured immediately after ejaculation by ultrasonography to investigate the effect of seasons on reproductive organ size. Semen (598 ejaculates), gonad and accessory sex gland parameters of 40 jackasses aged between 3 and 7 years were analysed in autumn to investigate the effects of age and reproductive organ size on semen quality and to construct multivariate models. To verify the accuracy of the models, semen (476 ejaculates), gonad and accessory sex gland parameters of 20 jackasses were measured from March to June. Results revealed that semen, gonad and accessory sex gland parameters were not affected by season and age. Progressive motility (PM) was positively correlated with long axis of the spermatic cord (LASC) and negatively correlated with percentages of sperm abnormality (PSA). Total sperm count (TSC) was positively correlated with testis circumferences (TC) and cross-sectional area of cauda epididymis (CSACE). TC, CSACE, LASC and PSA were included into multivariate models to predict PM, TSC and functional sperm count (FSC) in 20 jackasses (PM = 72.332 + 0.428 LASC - 0.441 PSA; TSC = -169.929 + 8.728 TC + 0.253 CSACE; FSC = -206.645 + 8.788 TC + 0.258 CSACE). The predicted and observed values corresponded well. In conclusion, the tested models can be used for predicting semen quality of donkey.

Although incorporating proteases into sperm medium is considered the most effective procedure to eliminate camel semen viscosity, it drastically affects viability, morpho-functional properties and, hence, fertilization potential of spermatozoa. The present work aimed at evaluating adequacy of employing magnetic nanoparticles-based sperm purification technique for eluting impaired and apoptotic camel spermatozoa from cryopreserved semen doses following protease-based semen liquefaction. Thirty cryopreserved semen doses (50 x 106 sperm/straw) representing the following liquefaction treatments: control (untreated), 0.1 mg/ml papain or 5 U/ml bromelain were used (n = 10 straws per treatment). Immediately after thawing (38°C for 40 s), sperm concentration of each straw within treatment was readjusted to 15 x 106 sperm/mL by dilution in PBS (37°C). Sperm physical and cytological properties were then assessed (non-purified semen). Thereafter, each specimen was subjected to lectin-functionalized DNA-defrag magnetic nanoparticles sperm purification, and the same sperm traits were re-evaluated after undergoing purification (purified semen). Sperm DNA fragmentation level within each group, prior to and after magnetic nano-purification, was also determined by fluorescent imaging. The results showed a dramatic improvement (p < .05) in post-thaw motility (%), viability (%), normal sperm (%), intact acrosome (%) and HOST-reacted (%) spermatozoa in protease-liquefied semen following sperm magnetic nano-purification. Additionally, the highest (p < .05) DNA fragmentation level was recorded in all cryopreserved semen groups prior to purification, whereas the lowest (p < .05) was observed in the protease-treated specimens after magnetic nano-purification. These results indicate that protease-based semen liquefaction prior to cryopreservation in conjunction with magnetic nano-purification post-thawing holds potential for reducing the proportion of damaged and dead spermatozoa, hence improving camel sperm fertilization competence.

Males of Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) are mainly used for mule duck production via artificial insemination of females originated from wild mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos); therefore, the quantity and quality of drake semen play a crucial role. The assessment results of male reaction to sexual stimulation by dummy female and basic semen characteristic (ejaculate volume, sperm concentration and morphology) of 12 individually kept Muscovy drakes carried out during the entire reproductive season are described. The male and period of the reproductive season effect on scored semen traits are documented. In total, 792 individual semen collections and evaluations were performed. The average of positive reaction in the entire reproductive season varied from 90.6% in December and April to 50.0% in July, while for individual males, it varied between 97.1% and 29.0%. Throughout the season, the ejaculate volumes ranged from 0.05 to 2.45 ml, sperm concentration from 0.15 × 109 ml-1 to 4.44 × 109 ml-1 , total number of live spermatozoa from 68.0% to 100% and live normal (properly formed, with any deformations) from 51.0% to 99.0%. Our study indicates the necessity of male breeders pre-selection before the onset of the reproductive season, and the need to leave an appropriate number of males to ensure adequate amount of semen for female insemination, especially when using Muscovy drakes (Cairina moschata) for interspecies crossing with Anas platyrhynchos ducks.

Bísaro pig (BP), like many other local breeds reared in extensive non-industrial systems, faces many constraints to comply with the EU welfare regulation, particularly regarding the restrictions to surgical castration. In order to adapt an immunocastration protocol to overtake this issue, a puberty timeline is needed. Using gonadal morphometry data from 91 young male BP, this study intended to characterize testicular development, describing the prominent cell types and structures, to ultimately assess the age at puberty in male BP through a mixed prediction model. As expected, the relations between several macro and microscopic parameters and their relation with age were as described within the literature. Post-pubertal animals have larger and heavier gonads, lower Sertoli cell density/tubule, higher Leydig cell density and larger seminiferous tubules. Meiosis was firstly seen in 44-day-old animals, elongated spermatids in 70-day-old animals. Complete spermatogenesis was firstly identified in a 90-day-old animal. Spermatozoa were present in the epididymis of 23 animals, aged from 70 to 240 days old, and in the vas deferens of 14 animals (105 to 240 days old). The prediction model inferred that male Bísaro pigs reach puberty between 14 and 17 weeks (3 and 4 months old) and become sexually capable from 15 to 19 weeks (3.5 and 4.4 months old). These parameters confirm the sexual precocity of this breed.

The study was designed to decipher the inter-relationship between peripheral hormones (kisspeptin and testosterone), sexual behaviour and seminal variables of Murrah buffalo bulls (n = 134). In this study, we recorded that 13%, 37%, 40%, 6% and 4% Murrah buffalo bulls had reaction time of30, 31-60, 61-180, 181-300 and300 s, respectively. Further, it was observed that 4%, 85% and 10% buffalo bulls were sexually aggressive, active and dull, respectively, during semen collection. The courtship behaviour was not found to be desirable for the bulls used for the semen collection. Mean of ejaculate volume, sperm concentration and mass motility (0-5 scale) were 3.57 ml, 977.11 million/ml, 2.7, respectively. Correlation studies revealed that the reaction time was positively correlated with courtship behaviour and body weight, and negatively correlated with sexual aggressiveness and sperm concentration. Serum kisspeptin in buffalo bulls, measured for the first time, was found to 3.8 ± 0.7 ng/ml. Serum kisspeptin and testosterone level are negatively correlated to each other and kisspeptin level influenced the sexual behaviour (reaction time, sexual aggressiveness and penile erection) of study bulls. Serum kisspeptin was higher in the buffalo bulls with higher sperm concentration indicating its role in spermatogenesis. In conclusion, for the first time basic information related to sexual behaviour of Murrah buffalo bulls in large population along with its inter-relationship with peripheral hormones (kisspeptin and testosterone) has been documented.

INTRODUCTION Vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency is highly prevalent in China, but its effect on sperm quality and outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in men from infertile couples is not clear. This study aimed to explore the association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels and semen parameters, as well as ART outcomes for men from infertile couples. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study recruited 1308 men from infertile couples who attended the Reproductive Medicine Center of Peking University Third Hospital for first time from February to August 2019 (NCT03804294). Reproductive hormones levels, semen parameters, and clinical outcomes of ART were compared between vitamin D-deficient group (serum 25OHD ≤ 10 ng/mL), insufficient group (serum 25OHD 10-20 ng/mL), and sufficient group (serum 25OHD ≥ 20 ng/mL). RESULTS We found 27.7% of participants were vitamin D sufficient, suggesting high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency in China. Reproductive hormone levels were similar between the three groups. The total number of morphologically normal spermatozoa was significantly different between the three groups in all participants, impaired semen quality subgroup, and normozoospermia subgroup (P

Hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) controls the activity of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and plays a key role in the reproductive performance of animals. In this study, five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), namely g.991T > C, g.1041T > C g.3424T > C, g.3462C > A and g.3463Inde A, were detected in the GnRH gene of 162 water buffaloes by Sanger sequencing. Each SNP was associated with more than two sperm quality traits of ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, post-thaw sperm motility and sperm abnormality. g.3424T > C and g.3462C > A were related to these four traits and had a remarkable effect on ejaculate volume. The three other SNPs were related to sperm concentration, post-thaw sperm motility and sperm abnormality. Moreover, six haplotypes (H1: TCCAI, H2: CTTC-, H3: TCCCI, H4: CTTA-, H5: CCTA- and H6: CTCC-) composed of five SNPs comprising seven different combined genotypes were generated by linkage disequilibrium analysis. Statistics followed by one-way ANOVA indicated that water buffaloes with the haplotype combination H1H1 had the highest genotypic frequency, and those with the H4H4 haplotype combination had the highest ejaculate volume. The sperm concentration of those with haplotype combination H1H5 was higher than that of the other genotypes. In summary, our study showed a remarkable association between the SNPs of GnRH and sperm quality traits of Chinese water buffalo.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of kisspeptin-10 (Kp10) injection on semen characteristics, testosterone (T) production and sperm rheotaxis using microfluidic devices in immature ram. Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) with controlled flow velocity was used to explore the kinetic parameters of sperm and positive rheotaxis (PR %). PR % was defined as the number of PR sperms over the number of motile sperms. Healthy Ossimi rams were randomly divided into two groups; a saline-treated control group and Kp10-treated one (5 µg/kg body weight). Treatments were given by intramuscular injection once a week for 1 month. After 1 month, the semen was collected and evaluated weekly for 6 weeks, while the blood samples were collected every 2 weeks for the next 8 weeks. Semen properties were significantly affected by Kp10 injection (p < .01). The Kp10 increased the volume, sperm concentration and percentages of live sperm compared with those of control. Additionally, sperm trajectories and rheotaxis get improved by the injection of Kp10 with time. Furthermore, kisspeptin improved the secretion of testosterone levels throughout the period of study. In conclusion, injections of the Kp10 had a positive impact on semen characteristics as well as improved sperm rheotaxis of Ossimi rams in subtropics.

application/pdf, Here we used random regression animal models (RRAMs) to investigate genetic change over age in the semen volume (VOL) and sperm concentration (CON) of Holstein bulls. We used 35,294 collection records from 1284 Holstein bulls and their 4166 pedigree records. The models included year and month of collection, collection place, collection method, and number of collections attempted for each day and month of age (second-order regressions) as fixed effects; technician as a random effect; and additive genetic and permanent environment as random regressions (first-order regressions). We examined two RRAMs with homogeneous and heterogeneous residual variances (RRAM1 and RRAM2, respectively). By using RRAM1, heritability for VOL and CON increased from 0.08 to 0.61 and 0.18 to 0.57, respectively, between 10 and 126 months of age. By using RRAM2, heritability for VOL increased from 0.11 to 0.28 between 10 and 24 months of age for young bulls and increased from 0.08 to 0.48 between 25 and 126 months of age for mature bulls; heritability for CON ranged from 0.18 to 0.19 for young bulls and increased from 0.10 to 0.48 for mature bulls. Posterior genetic correlations between young ages and older ages were strongly positive for VOLs but weak for CONs. © 2022 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

BACKGROUND: Semen quality assessment in population-based epidemiologic studies presents logistical and financial challenges due to reliance on centralised laboratory semen analysis. The Trak Male Fertility Testing System is an FDA-cleared and validated at-home test for sperm concentration and semen volume, with a research use only sperm motility test. Here we evaluate the Trak System’s overall utility among men participating in Pregnancy Study Online (PRESTO), a web-based study of North American couples planning pregnancy. METHODS: US male participants aged ≥21 years with ≤6 months of pregnancy attempt time at study enrolment were invited to participate in the semen testing substudy after completing their baseline questionnaire. Consenting participants received a Trak Engine (battery-powered centrifuge) and two test kits. Participants shared their test results via smartphone images uploaded to online questionnaires. Data were then linked with covariate data from the baseline questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the 688 men invited to participate, 373 (54%) provided consent and 271 (73%) completed at least one semen test result. The distributions of semen volume, sperm concentration, motile sperm concentration, total sperm count, and total motile sperm count were similar to 2010 World Health Organization (WHO) semen parameter data of men in the general population. The overall usability score for the Trak System was 1.4 on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = Very Easy, 5 = Difficult), and 92% of participants believed they performed the test correctly and received an accurate result. Lastly, men with higher motile sperm count were more likely to report feeling “at ease” or “excited” following testing, while men with low motile sperm count were more likely to report feeling “concerned” or “frustrated.” Overall, 91% of men reported they would like to test again. CONCLUSIONS: The Trak System provides a simple and potentially cost-effective means of measuring important semen parameters and may be useful in population-based epidemiologic fertility studies.

Background In this study, we investigated the clinical value of serum Inhibin B alone or in combination with other hormone indicators in subfertile men. Methods This is a multicenter study involving 324 men from different cities in China. Testicular volume, routine semen analysis, serum Inhibin B, anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, estradiol, and prolactin were measured. Testicular tissue samples were also analyzed in 78 of 129 patients with azoospermia to distinguish impaired spermatogenesis from obstructive azoospermia. Results The concentration of Inhibin B, FSH, and AMH is related to spermatogenesis. For men with impaired spermatogenesis, including mild‐to‐moderate oligozoospermia (IMO) and severe oligozoospermia (ISO), serum levels of Inhibin B and FSH are highly correlated with sperm counting. However, in patients with idiopathic moderate oligozoospermia or severe oligozoospermia, there was no significant correlation between Inhibin B (or FSH) and sperm concentration. The upper cutoff value of Inhibin B to diagnose ISO is 58.25 pg/ml with a predictive accuracy of 80.65%. To distinguish between nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) and obstructive azoospermia (OA), the area under the curve (AUC) for AMH + Inhibin B + FSH is very similar to Inhibin B (0.943 vs. 0.941). The cutoff level of Inhibin B to diagnose nonobstructive azoospermia is 45.9 pg/ml with a positive and negative prediction accuracy of 97.70% and 85.71%, respectively. Conclusion In summary, Inhibin B is a promising biomarker alone or in combination with other hormone indicators for the diagnosis of testicular spermatogenesis status, helping clinical doctors to distinguish NOA from OA.

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, 22:5), have versatile physiologic functions. Studies have suggested that DHA and DPA are beneficial for maintaining sperm quality. However, their mechanisms of action are still unclear because of the poor understanding of DHA/DPA metabolism in the testis. DHA and DPA are mainly stored as LCPUFA-containing phospholipids and support normal spermatogenesis. Long-chain acyl-conenzyme A (CoA) synthetase (ACSL) 6 is an enzyme that preferentially converts LCPUFA into LCPUFA-CoA. Here, we report that ACSL6 knockout (KO) mice display severe male infertility due to attenuated sperm numbers and function. ACSL6 is highly expressed in differentiating spermatids, and ACSL6 KO mice have reduced LCPUFA-containing phospholipids in their spermatids. Delayed sperm release and apoptosis of differentiated spermatids were observed in these mice. The results of this study indicate that ACSL6 contributes to the local accumulation of DHA- and DPA-containing phospholipids in spermatids to support normal spermatogenesis.-Shishikura, K., Kuroha, S., Matsueda, S., Iseki, H., Matsui, T., Inoue, A., Arita, M. Acyl-CoA synthetase 6 regulates long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid composition of membrane phospholipids in spermatids and supports normal spermatogenic processes in mice.

The aim of this study was to compare measurement of spermatozoal membrane status using computer-assisted spermatozoal quantification (CASQ) and eosin-nigrosin (EN) staining with manual counting after CFDA/PI staining. Analysis was performed on both fresh and thawed cryopreserved canine semen. Membrane-disrupted spermatozoa (MDS) were counted using CASQ (n = 311) in an untreated sample and a completely membrane-disrupted sample, and the percentage of membrane-intact spermatozoa (MIS) calculated: (Total count - Untreated sample count) ÷ Total count × 100. Spermatozoa were stained with a one-step EN stain (n = 501), and then, at least 100 spermatozoa were manually examined under ×1,000 magnification and classified as MDS (stained with eosin) or MIS (non-stained). Spermatozoa from the same samples were also stained with CFDA/PI, and then, at least 200 spermatozoa were manually examined under ×1,000 magnification and classified as MIS (completely stained by CFDA) or MDS. The percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa (PMS) was determined by both computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) and subjective methodologies, and the data were subsequently analysed to measure the agreement between the CASQ and EN methods with the CFDA/PI technique using Bland-Altman methodology. Pearson's correlation was measured between the MIS and PMS percentage samples and correlation coefficients compared. The mean MIS percentage was lower for CASQ and higher for EN than in CFDA/PI for all comparisons. The agreement of MIS percentage between CASQ and CFDA/PI was -20.2% to 32.0%, and between EN and CFDA/PI was -32.9% to 14.9%. In all methods, the MIS and PMS percentages were correlated (p < .001). Measurement of CFDA/PI appeared to be the most reliable and accurate method of determining MIS percentage in dogs. Further investigation is required to determine whether the CASQ technique can be improved. Eosin-nigrosin staining also appeared to be unreliable at MIS

G kinase-anchoring protein 1 (GKAP1) is a G kinase-associated protein that is conserved in many eutherians and is mainly expressed in the testis, especially in spermatocytes and round spermatids. The function of GKAP1 in the testis is largely unknown. Here, we revealed that deletion of GKAP1 led to an increase in sperm production with swollen epididymis, and germ cell apoptosis was found to decrease in GKAP1 knock-out mice. Further investigations showed that a deficiency of GKAP1 could partly change the cellular location of cGK-Iα and increase the amount of active cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) in the nucleus. Therefore, the expression of a particular inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) was upregulated because of the activation of CREB, and this increase in IAPs was associated with a decrease in the level of activated caspase-3. These results suggest that a deficiency of GKAP1 in mouse testis could increase sperm production through a reduction of the spontaneous apoptosis of germ cells in the testis, possibly because of a change in the activity of the cGK-Iα pathway.

Background Many therapies to treat cancer are gonadotoxic and can lead to infertility. New strategies to diminish the side effects and protective plans during and after chemotherapy are needed. Therefore, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) as a novel solution were investigated against doxorubicin (Dox)-induced toxicity in rat testes. Methods Forty male albino prepubertal rats were divided into four groups, 10 rats per each group. The first was injected intraperitoneally with saline as control. The second group was injected intravenously with a single dose of BM-MSCs (2 × 106 cells). The third was injected intraperitoneally with a single dose of Dox (5 mg/kg b.wt). The fourth was injected with both Dox and BM-MSCs as previously mentioned. Rats were cohabited each separately with an untreated adult female after 8 weeks of treatment to examine Dox effects on male's fertility. Results BM-MSCs counteract the deleterious effects of Dox on body, testicular weight as well as sperm quality by increasing sperm concentration and reducing the rate of abnormal sperm. BM-MSCs reduced significantly the testicular oxidative stress by reducing the elevated level of malondialdehyde and increasing the antioxidant capacity. Histologically, the testicular atrophy, severe damage of spermatogenesis and the significant reduction of the diameter and germinative cell layer thickness of the seminiferous tubules caused by Dox were significantly recovered after administration of the BM-MSCs. Conclusion BM-MSCs have a significant role in restoring the structural efficiency of male reproductive system in rats after Dox treatment.

This study aims to describe seminal plasma characteristics, detect changes during and between two consecutive spawning seasons (SS), and compare plasma features between two important South American fish species. Prochilodus lineatus and Brycon orbignyanus sperm was collected over two (SS1; SS2). Each season was divided into first and second sampling periods (P1; P2). Thus, the four experimental periods were referred to as SS1P1, SS1P2, SS2P1, and SS2P2. Seminal plasma was analyzed for osmolality, pH, and Na+ , K+ , and Ca2+ concentration. Additionally, sperm concentration, motility rate, and velocities (curvilinear = VCL; straight line = VSL) were determined and correlated with plasma features. In P. lineatus, plasma osmolality was lower in SS1P2, pH was higher in SS2P2, Na+ was higher and K+ and Ca2+ were lower in SS2P1 compared with other experimental periods. Positive correlations were observed between motility and plasma osmolality, motility and Na+ , and VCL and Na+ . In B. orbignyanus, plasma osmolality was higher in SS2P1 and SS2P2 and K+ concentration was higher in SS1P1 compared with other experimental periods; no correlation was observed. Seminal plasma parameters change during SS; therefore, the composition of a sperm extender and artificial fertilization methods should be adapted to maximize fertilization rates.

BACKGROUND: Novel male-based contraceptives are needed to broaden family planning choices. A progestin, Nestorone® (Nes) gel, plus a testosterone (T) gel suppresses sperm concentrations to levels associated with effective contraception in normal men. However, administration of two gels on different parts of the body daily is impractical. OBJECTIVE: Compare the effectiveness of daily application of a single, combined 8.3 mg Nes-62.5 mg T gel (Nes-T) vs. 62.7 mg T gel to suppress serum FSH and LH concentrations to ≤ 1.0 IU/L (a threshold associated with suppression of sperm concentrations to ≤ 1 million and effective contraception) and to compare the pharmacokinetics of serum Nes and T concentrations between the gel groups. DESIGN: We conducted a 28-day, double-blind, controlled trial of 44 healthy men randomized to daily Nes-T or T gel with measurement of hormones at baseline, treatment and recovery and during 24-hour pharmacokinetic studies on days 1 and 28 of treatment. RESULTS: Of the subjects who met pre-defined inclusion criteria, 84% of the Nes-T group suppressed serum gonadotropin concentrations to ≤ 1.0 IU/L at days 21–28 vs. 16.7% in the T group (p < .001). On day 1, Nes concentrations rose significantly above baseline by two hours and continued to rise up to 24 hours after Nes-T gel application. Nes concentrations were not detectable in the T group. Serum total T concentrations rose and were significantly higher in the T gel group compared to the Nes-T group at 24 hours on day 1 and days 11, 14, and 21 (p < 0.01). There were no serious adverse events in either group. About 80% of the subjects reported satisfaction with both gels. CONCLUSION: Daily Nes-T gel effectively and safely suppresses serum gonadotropins and is acceptable to most men. It should be studied further in efficacy trials of hormonal male contraception.

The economic profitability of a boar station largely depends on semen quantity and quality traits. However, genetic analysis of semen traits has not yet been done in the boar population in China. In this study, we aimed to estimate genetic parameters for semen traits and the influence of seasons on these traits by using data of Duroc, Landrace and Yorkshire boars in South China. The following four semen traits were analysed: semen volume (ml; VOL), sperm concentration (106 /ml; DEN), sperm motility (MOT) and percentage of abnormal sperm (ABN). Genetic parameters and season effects were estimated simultaneously for each breed by using a multiple-trait (4 × 4) repeatability animal model. The four traits had a moderate heritability with average estimates of 0.23, 0.28, 0.26 and 0.17 across the three breeds, respectively. The estimates of genetic correlations among four traits differed in the three breeds. In particular, in Yorkshire, the four traits were nearly genetically independent. The season of collecting semen had a significant impact on these four semen traits except ABN in Duroc (Bonferroni adjusted p < 0.05/6). The moderate heritabilities indicate the possibility of effective selection of boars for semen traits. Different genetic correlations for the three breeds suggest that the selection strategy for the four traits should be investigated separately for each breed. Some necessary actions should be taken to reduce the influence of seasons on semen traits.

Post-copulatory sexual selection is thought to be responsible for much of the extraordinary diversity in sperm morphology across metazoans. However, the extent to which post-copulatory selection targets sperm morphology versus sperm production is generally unknown. To address this issue, we simultaneously characterized the evolution of sperm morphology (length of the sperm head, midpiece and flagellum) and testis size (a proxy for sperm production) across 26 species of Anolis lizards, a group in which sperm competition is likely. We found that the length of the sperm midpiece has evolved 2-3 times faster than that of the sperm head or flagellum, suggesting that midpiece size may be the most important aspect of sperm morphology with respect to post-copulatory sexual selection. However, testis size has evolved faster than any aspect of sperm morphology or body size, supporting the hypothesis that post-copulatory sexual selection acts more strongly upon sperm production than upon sperm morphology. Likewise, evolutionary increases in testis size, which typically indicate increased sperm competition, are not associated with predictable changes in sperm morphology, suggesting that any effects of post-copulatory selection on sperm morphology are either weak or variable in direction across anoles. Collectively, our results suggest that sperm production is the primary target of post-copulatory sexual selection in this lineage.

Oligoasthenozoospermia is a major cause of male infertility; however, its etiology and pathogenesis are unclear and may be associated with specific gene abnormalities. This study focused on Tppp2 (tubulin polymerization promoting protein family member 2), whose encoded protein localizes in elongating spermatids at stages IV‐VIII of the seminiferous epithelial cycle in testis and in mature sperm in the epididymis. In human and mouse sperm, in vitro inhibition of TPPP2 caused significantly decreased motility and ATP content. Studies on Tppp2 knockout (KO) mice demonstrated that deletion of TPPP2 resulted in male subfertility with a significantly decreased sperm count and motility. In Tppp2 −/− mice, increased irregular mitochondria lacking lamellar cristae, abnormal expression of electron transfer chain molecules, lower ATP levels, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and increased apoptotic index were observed in sperm, which could be the potential causes for its oligoasthenozoospermia phenotype. Moreover, we identified a potential TPPP2‐interactive protein, eEf1b (eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 beta), which plays an important role in protein translation extension. Thus, TPPP2 is probably a potential pathogenic factor in oligoasthenozoospermia. Deficiency of TPPP2 might affect the translation of specific proteins, altering the structure and function of sperm mitochondria, and resulting in decreased sperm count, motility and fertility.

Oxidative stress (OS) has been shown to have a key role in male infertility. Recently, a new measurement method has been developed to measure the overall oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) in a semen sample known as the MiOXSYS system. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation of sperm parameters with oxidative stress levels determined by ORP and to evaluate whether the current limit is able to distinguish abnormal sperm parameters from normal ones in Turkish population. Semen samples of 121 patients who applied for infertility investigation were divided into two groups as (OS +; n:39) and (OS -; n:82). Semen parameters were compared between groups. Sperm concentration, total motility and progressive motility were found to be significantly lower in OS (+) patients compared to those OS (-), while immotile sperm count was significantly higher in OS (+) patients. Oxidative stress determined by MiOXSYS system was found to be related to reduced sperm parameters in Turkish population, which may be used as an indicator of poor sperm parameters and a support to routine semen analysis. In addition, recommended reference value was found to be reliable in distinguishing normal from impaired semen parameters.

Background The existing classifications of varicocoeles have poor predictive value regarding the effects of surgery on sperm count. Objective To develop a new grading system for varicocoeles, useful as an indication for surgery. Materials and methods This is a three-center prospective study which examined 173 men having clinically detectable left varicocoeles and oligo ± astheno ± terato-spermia. The patients underwent medical history collection, objective examination, duplex Doppler ultrasound scrotal examination, hormonal profiles, two semen analyses before surgery, and two semen analyses after surgery. Sperm concentration, motility, and morphology (standard semen parameters) were evaluated 6 months after surgery in function of the following preoperative variables: patient age, follicle-stimulating hormone, clinical grade of varicocoele, right and left testicular volume, extension of venous reflux, and semen parameters. The venous reflux was graded in two centers using duplex Doppler ultrasound: reflux visible only with Valsalva and continuous reflux. Spearman's rank semiquantitative analysis was used. All patients had their varicocoeles corrected according to the Colpi technique. Results The variables capable of determining an improvement in semen parameters after varicocoele correction were in order of decreasing importance: venous reflux extent assessed by scrotal duplex Doppler ultrasound examination, varicocoele clinical grade, basal semen parameters, and follicle-stimulating hormone. Male age did not influence postoperative semen quality. Only patients with continuous reflux had their standard semen parameters improved after surgery. Discussion Venous reflux extent is the most critical variable capable of predicting semen improvement after varicocoelectomy. Conclusions A correct duplex Doppler assessment of venous reflux is mandatory for predicting postoperative improvement of the sperm count.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is closely associated with male infertility and sexual dysfunction. Recent data indicate that the proinsulin C-peptide (CP) exerts important physiological effects and shows the characteristics of an endogenous peptide hormone. So, this study was done to investigate the effect of C-peptide with or without insulin treatment on testicular function and architecture in diabetic rats. Rats were divided into the following groups: control, diabetic, and diabetic groups treated with either CP alone or combined with insulin. Tested parameters included, estimation of serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, and glucose levels, testicular samples for histopathology and estimation of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and B-cell leukemia/lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) levels as well as sperm count and motility. Results showed that DM caused a severe alteration in hormonal profile and reduced sperm parameters along with increased MDA and decrease in both TAC and BCL-2 levels. CP alone or with insulin treatment efficiently reversed all the negative effects of DM on rat testes, with maximum improvement in the combined regimen. Proposed mechanisms may involve its hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic properties. Thus, CP could substitute for or better combined with insulin to prevent or retard diabetic-induced testicular dysfunction.

This study was designed to evaluate protective effect of Saussurea lappa root aqueous extract against Ethephon (2-chloroethylphosphonic acid)-induced reproductive toxicity in rats. Control group received distilled water. Second group was given S. lappa extract at a dose 50 mg/kg bw. Third group was given Ethephon at a dose 200 mg/kg bw. Fourth, fifth, and sixth groups were given S. lappa extract before, with or after Ethephon administration, respectively. Ethephon intoxication significantly decreased serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and prolactin. Also, it significantly decreased sperms count, vitality, morphology index, total motility, progressive motility, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen protein expressions in spermatogonia. However, it significantly increased sperms abnormalities, testicular tissue and DNA damages, P53 protein expressions, noprogressive motility, and immotile sperms. In contrast, S. lappa extract ameliorated these alterations. These results indicated that S. lappa had potential preventive and curative effects against Ethephon-induced reproductive toxicity in rats.

To describe the prevalence of Y-chromosome microdeletions in a multi-ethnic urban population in London, UK. To also determine predictive factors and a clinical threshold for genetic testing in men with Y chromosome microdeletions.A retrospective cohort study of 1473 men that were referred to a tertiary Andrology centre with male factor infertility between July 2004 and December 2016. All had a genetic evaluation, hormonal profile and 2 abnormal semen analyses. Those with abnormal examination findings also had targeted imaging performed.The prevalence of microdeletions was 4% (n = 58) in this study. These microdeletions were partitioned into the following regions: Azoospermia factors (AZF); AZFc (75%), AZFb+c (13.8%), AZFb (6.9%), AZFa (1.7%), and partial AZFa (1.7%). A high follicle-stimulating hormone level (P0.001) and a low sperm concentration (P0.05) were both found to be significant predictors for the identification of a microdeletion. Testosterone level, luteinising hormone level and testicular volume did not predict the presence of a microdeletion. None of the men with an AZF microdeletion had a sperm concentration of0.5 million/mL. Lowering the sperm concentration threshold to this level retained the high sensitivity (100%) and increased the specificity (31%). This would produce significant cost savings when compared to the European Academy of Andrology/European Molecular Genetics Quality Network and European Association of Urology guidelines. The surgical sperm retrieval (SSR) rate after microdissection testicular sperm extraction was 33.2% in men with AZFc microdeletion.The prevalence of Y-chromosome microdeletions in infertile men appears to vary between populations and countries. A low sperm concentration was a predictive factor (P0.05) for identifying microdeletions in infertile males. A threshold for genetic testing of 0.5 million/mL would increase the specificity and lower the relative cost without adversely affecting the sensitivity. The rate of SSR was lower than that previously described in the literature.

Due to the physiological cost of sperm production, males are expected to be prudent in their expenditure and adjust their investment according to current social conditions. Strategic adjustments in sperm expenditure during development can be made via changes in testes size, sperm production rates or testes tissue composition. Here, using house mice, we test the hypothesis that elevated sperm production is driven by a plastic response in the spatial organization of the testes. We reared males under different social conditions (competitive vs. noncompetitive) and quantified sperm number and the proportion of sperm-producing tissue within the testes. Further, because sperm quality is a critical determinant of competitive fertilization success, we used computer-assisted sperm analysis to quantify six sperm motility traits. Our investigation revealed that males reared in an environment with a perceived risk of reproductive competition produced more sperm in the absence of changes in testes morphology. We discuss this result in relation to fixed and flexible phenotypically plastic responses to future competitive conditions, and conclude that adaptive adjustments in sperm number in response to the social environment are likely attributable to variation in sperm production rate. Further, we found no difference in in vitro sperm motility parameters among males from the different social environment regimes. Overall, this investigation improves our understanding of the mechanisms of male plastic responses to reproductive competition experienced during sexual development.

OBJECTIVES Awareness and acceptance of transgenderism have increased in the last two decades. There is limited literature regarding the incidence and semen characteristics of transwomen banking spermatozoa. We sought to assess the incidence of sperm cryopreservation of transgender individuals compared with the cisgender population in the last 10 years. Semen parameters were also compared between the two groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of sperm cryopreservation performed at a single center from 2006 through 2016. Using available data on indications for banking and prior hormonal therapy status, we isolated healthy transgender and cisgender cohorts for semen parameter comparison. Linear regression was used to compare the incidence trends. Semen parameters were compared using the generalized estimating equations method. The rates of semen parameter abnormality of each group were compared using chi-square test. Semen parameter abnormalities were defined using WHO 2010 reference values. RESULTS We analyzed 194 transgender samples and 2327 cisgender samples for a total of 84 unique transgender sperm bankers and 1398 unique cisgender sperm bankers. The number of transgender sperm bankers increased relative to cisgender sperm bankers from 2006 to 2016. Following exclusion of cisgender sperm bankers with health issues that might impact semen quality and transgender sperm bankers with known prior hormonal therapy, we compared the semen parameters of 141 healthy cisgender sperm bankers and 78 healthy transgender sperm bankers. The transgender sperm bankers demonstrated lower sperm concentration, total motile sperm count, and post-thaw sperm parameters. The transgender sperm bankers also demonstrated a higher incidence of oligozoospermia. CONCLUSIONS This is the largest report to date on the incidence of transgender sperm cryopreservation and comparison of semen characteristics with cisgender sperm bankers. The data reveal an increased incidence of transgender sperm banking as well as poorer semen parameters of transgender individuals compared with cisgender controls.

Background Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (Li-ESWT) has been introduced as a treatment for penile diseases. Its impact on testicular function during treatment remains unknown. Objectives To clarify whether Li-ESWT impairs testicular function during the treatment of penile diseases by investigating the impact of Li-ESWT on testosterone synthesis and spermatogenesis in adult rats. Materials and methods Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were equally divided into the following three groups: control group, 1.6 BAR group, and 3.2 BAR group. Rats in the experimental groups were treated with Li-ESWT at different energy levels (300 shocks at 1.6 BAR or 3.2 BAR, 2 Hz frequency) three times a week for 3 weeks. The control group did not receive any treatment during the same period of time. One day after the last shock wave treatment, serum and testicular tissue testosterone concentrations were measured, and sperm quality was assayed. Histologic examination of the testes and quantitative real-time PCR were performed. Results Testosterone levels in both the serum and testicular tissue did not change after Li-ESWT exposure. The expression levels of steroidogenic enzymes (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD)) were not impacted by Li-ESWT. The 3.2 BAR group showed a significantly lower sperm count and lower expression of synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SYCP3) in testicular tissue than the control group. No significant differences in sperm quality or SYCP3 expression were observed between the control group and the 1.6 BAR group. Conclusion Li-ESWT exposure at 3.2 BAR inhibited spermatogenesis and decreased sperm quality, which indicated that male patients with a desire to preserve fertility should undergo low-energy Li-ESWT or other treatment modalities.

The increase of obesity, bad eating habits and the lack of physical exercises are highly related to dyslipidemias. Rosuvastatin is a lipid-lowering drug and has been indicated to prevent cardiovascular diseases and to treat dyslipidemias due to its higher efficiency to reduce serum cholesterol concentrations. This study aimed to evaluate the reproductive adverse effects on sexual maturity due to rosuvastatin exposure in juvenile male rats during prepuberty. Three groups were randomly formed with newly weaned rats: control, whose rats received saline solution 0.9% and rosuvastatin at doses of 3 or 10 mg kg-1 day-1 , administered orally by gavage, from postnatal day 21 until preputial separation (average of 45 days for controls and 49 days for statin-treated animals), indicative of puberty onset. Male rats were maintained until sexual maturity and were killed on postnatal day 110. In the rosuvastatin-treated groups, the results showed diminished follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and testosterone concentrations, increased estradiol and prolactin concentrations, histopathologic alterations on testis and epididymis and decreased sperm quality. Moreover, statin-exposed groups showed decreased expression of androgen receptor on testis and epididymis and lower expression of aquaporin-9 on epididymal epithelium. In conclusion, administration of rosuvastatin to prepubertal male rats provoked long-term hormonal deregulation and impaired reproduction at adulthood.

This study sought to identify sources of the reduced fertility of men with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Significant reductions in semen volume, sperm concentration, and total sperm count were observed in diabetic individuals, while transmission electron microscopy revealed that the structure of mitochondria in the tail of sperm from diabetic patients was damaged. Proteins potentially associated with these sperm defects were identified using proteomics. Isobaric tagging for relative and absolute quantitation labeling and high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry allowed us to identify 357 proteins significantly differentially expressed in diabetic versus control semen (>1.2 or

Corynebacterium glucuronolyticum (C. glucuronolyticum) is a rare isolate that is only recently being acknowledged as a potential urogenital pathogen. The bibliographical references on this bacterial species are scarce, and its influence on all semen parameters was hitherto unknown - therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate its effects on a range of sperm quality parameters. A prospective approach to compare semen parameters before and after treatment was used in this study. C. glucuronolyticum in semen specimens was identified using analytical profile index biotyping system (API Coryne) and additionally confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass-spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), with the determination of antimicrobial susceptibility by Kirby-Bauer method. Semen analysis was performed according to the criteria from the World Health Organization (with the use of Tygerberg method of sperm morphology categorization). Very strict inclusion criteria for participants also included detailed medical history and urological evaluation. From a total of 2169 screened semen specimens, the inclusion rate for participants with C. glucuronolyticum that satisfied all the criteria was 1.01%. Antibiogram-guided treatment of the infection with ensuing microbiological clearance has shown that the resolution of the infection correlates with statistically significant improvement in the vitality of spermatozoa, but also with a lower number of neck and mid-piece defects. Parameters such as sperm count, motility and normal morphology were not affected. In addition, susceptibility testing revealed a trend towards ciprofloxacin resistance, which is something that should be considered when selecting an optimal treatment approach. Albeit it is rarely encountered as a monoisolate in significant quantities, C. glucuronolyticum may negatively influence certain sperm parameters; therefore, it has to be taken into account in the microbiological analysis of urogenital samples.

This study aimed to assess the effect of varicocelectomy and/or mast cells (MCs) stabilizer on sperm DNA fragmentation in infertile men with varicocele (Vx). Overall, 120 infertile patients were randomized to three equal treatment arms; patients that underwent varicocelectomy, patients on 1 mg ketotifen twice daily for three months, and patients that underwent varicocelectomy followed with 1 mg ketotifen twice daily for three months. These patients were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, semen analysis, and estimation of sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI). After 3 months, all investigated groups showed significant improvement regarding the mean total sperm count, sperm concentration, total sperm motility, and sperm normal forms percentage compared with the pre-treatment data. As well, the mean sperm DFI was significantly improved compared with the pre-treatment data; in men that underwent varicocelectomy (34.6% vs. 28.3%), in men on MC stabilizer only (33.4% vs. 27.8%), and in men that underwent varicocelectomy followed by MC stabilizer (34.3% vs. 25.1%). Sperm DFI improvement percentages showed the highest improvement in men that underwent varicocelectomy followed with MC stabilizer compared with the other two groups (26.8% vs. 18.2%, 16.8%). Sperm DFI improvement percentages showed significant increases in the infertile patients with Vx grade III compared to Vx grade II in all investigated groups. It is concluded that in infertile men associated with Vx and high sperm DFI, surgical repair followed with MCs stabilizer significantly improve sperm DFI compared with either surgical repair or MCs stabilizer alone.

At least 50% of infertile couple's problems are related to male factor infertility. This Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial conducted in Urology unit of Infertility Clinic on 60 infertile men. Patients were randomly assigned to one of intervention and placebo (n = 30) groups. Finally, 28 subjects in each group completed the study. Participants in the intervention group took daily 80 mg curcumin nanomicelle and those in the placebo group took daily placebo for 10 weeks. Semen analysis, anthropometric, physical activity assessments, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, inflammatory factors, and reproductive hormones were measured at the baseline and at the end of the study. At the end of study, statistically significant differences were seen in the total sperm count, sperm concentration, and motility in the intervention group to the control group. In treatment group, the total sperm count, sperm concentration, and motility levels were also statistically increased at the end of study compared to the baseline values. Curcumin nanomicelle supplementation also resulted in a statistically significant improvement in plasma levels of total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, C-reactive protein, and tumor necrosis factor a in comparison to the placebo. Medical therapy of asthenoteratospermia with curcumin nanomicelle supplement could improve quality of semen parameters. However, further investigation is suggested in this regard.

A number of studies have examined the association between dietary patterns and semen quality, but the findings have been inconclusive. Herein, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies to assess the association between dietary patterns and semen quality. PubMed, Cochrane library, Science direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ISI web of science databases were searched up to August 2016 for observational studies assessing the association between common dietary patterns and sperm quality markers. Data were pooled by the generic inverse variance method with random effects and expressed as mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed (Cochrane Q-statistic) and quantified (I2 -statistic). The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale assessed study quality. Six eligible studies, involving 8207 participants, were included in our systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled mean difference of sperm concentration for the healthy dietary pattern versus unhealthy dietary pattern intake was mean difference: 0.66; 95% CI, 0.305-1.016; p