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• MHC class II and CD86 on uterine DCs in allogeneic pregnancy were decreased. • Uterine DCs in allogeneic pregnancy induced paternal antigen-specific Tregs. • Seminal fluid priming is important for the induction of tolerogenic DC. Tolerogenic dendritic cells (tDCs) play a central role in the development of paternal antigen-specific regulatory T cells (Tregs) during pregnancy. We examined whether uterine CD11c+ antigen presenting cells (APC) induced paternal antigen-specific tolerance in allogeneic pregnant mice. Female BALB/c mice were mated with male DBA/2 mice, and their surface markers of APCs were studied using flow cytometry. After allogeneic mating, the uterine APCs exhibited significantly decreased expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II on day 3.5 post-coitus (pc) and day 5.5 pc. To analyze how seminal fluid affects surface markers of APCs, female BALB/c mice were mated with male mice that had undergone seminal vesicle excision (SVX). No reductions of MHC class II expression on APCs were seen in these mice. To analyze APC functions, a mixed lymphoid reaction (MLR) assay to paternal splenocytes was performed. Uterine APCs from allogeneic pregnant mice significantly suppressed the MLR reaction, but APCs from SVX mated mice did not suppress the MLR reaction Uterine APCs induced paternal antigen (Mls1a)-specific Treg development in vitro , but not in mice that mated with allogeneic SVX mice. These findings suggest that seminal fluid priming expands the paternal antigen-specific Treg population by inducing APCs development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 27 amino acids determined by an UPLC-MS/MS method within 3 min were developed. • 27 amino acids levels in seminal plasma of male infertility patients were analyzed. • Glutamic acid, tyrosine, aspartic acid, proline and tryptophan related to each other. • Amino acids had diagnostic value for asthenospermia and oligospermia patients. • Amino acids (AAs) are abundant in seminal fluid and play an important role in the reproduction process. However, the functional significance of AAs in seminal is not clear. This study was designed to profile the AAs in seminal fluid of asthenozoospermia (AS) and oligospermia (OL) patients and evaluate its potential diagnostic value. To determine the true function of AAs in seminal fluid, an ultra high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was developed and validated. The seminal fluid samples collected from 76 AS patients, 58 OL patients, and 76 healthy subjects were determined by UPLC-MS/MS and analyzed by fisher discriminant and receiver operating characteristic (ROC). The results showed that, the AAs levels were dramatically decreased in AS and OL patients compared with healthy subjects. What's more there were significant variation in the AAs profile of AS and OL patients. Specifically, some polar AAs decreased, while nonpolar AAs increased in OL patients. Based on the level of AAs, 93.4 % of original and 90.9 % of cross-validated grouped cases were correctly classified between AS patients, OL patients, and healthy subjects. The further ROC analysis shows that glutamic acid, tyrosine, aspartic acid, proline, and tryptophan have the diagnostic value (P < 0.01) in the three groups. Moreover, aspartic acid and glutamic acid exhibit a high correlation (Correlation Coefficient >0.9) in AS, OL, and healthy subjects. In conclusion, there are significant variation in AAs profile in seminal plasma of AS and OL patients with high accuracy in fisher classification. The associations between the levels of AAs in seminal fluid of AS, OL, and healthy subjects may have clinical applications in providing valuable diagnostic indicator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report in this manuscript what is known about the protein makeup of a selection of biological fluids in the domestic dog. The samples we review – amniotic and allantoic fluid, seminal fluid, saliva, bile, synovial fluid, tears – are still very poorly characterized in this species. For some of them we can present results from our own, mainly unpublished experiments. The dog is one of the most widespread companion animals, and also of medical relevance as model species for some human diseases. Still, investigation of body fluids other than serum and urine is not so commonly undertaken, although – like in humans - also these sample types may have potential for diagnostic purposes. We compile published data about proteomes of fetal fluids, seminal plasma, saliva, bile, synovial fluid and tears, enriched by some yet unpublished data of our own (proteins of amniotic and allantoic fluid, tears). Closing gaps in our knowledge on dog proteins will further our understanding of (patho)physiological processes. Unlabelled Image • Despite their veterinary relevance, data on dog fluids are still much too scattered. • We review here data on biological fluids other than serum, urine and CSF. • We present original data on proteins of amniotic and allantoic fluid and tears. • Other specimens we survey are seminal and synovial fluid, saliva and bile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) are uniquely positioned to mediate post-mating sexual selection and sexual conflict [ 1–3 ]. This role may be especially important in simultaneous hermaphrodites, in which individuals will often agree to receive sperm in order to be able to donate it, shifting the arena of sexual selection to post-mating reproductive interactions [ 4–7 ]. Nevertheless, as in separate-sexed organisms, identifying individual SFPs responsible for specific post-mating effects is difficult, owing to the complexity, rapid evolution, and functional redundancy of seminal fluid [ 8–11 ]. Here, we sought to identify SFPs that influence one striking post-mating behavior of the simultaneously hermaphroditic flatworm Macrostomum lignano , the so-called "suck behavior," in which worms respond to ejaculate receipt by placing their pharynx over their female genital opening and seemingly attempt to remove sperm and/or other ejaculate components [ 12–14 ]. We hypothesized that sucking is counter to the sperm donor's interests, potentially selecting for SFPs that reduce the suck propensity of mating partners. We tested this using a combination of quantitative genetics and RNA interference (RNAi) knockdown. As predicted, we found negative genetic correlations between the expression levels of six (out of 58) seminal fluid transcripts and partner suck propensity. RNAi knockdown confirmed that two of these transcripts, designated suckless-1 and suckless-2 , indeed caused mating partners to suck less often. We suggest that these proteins are male counter-adaptations to recipient suck behavior, which itself is likely a female counter-adaptation in the ongoing evolutionary conflict to (re)gain control over ejaculate fate after mating in this hermaphroditic organism. • Suckless-1 and suckless-2 are putative seminal fluid transcripts • Their expression is negatively genetically correlated with partner suck propensity • Knockdown of either transcript increases the likelihood of sucking after mating • They may therefore mediate sexual conflict over ejaculate fate Patlar et al. identify two proteins in the seminal fluid of the flatworm Macrostomum lignano that manipulate the subsequent behavior of mating partners, making it less likely they perform the so-called "suck" behavior that likely influences ejaculate retention after mating. This suggests these proteins mediate sexual conflict over ejaculate fate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A workflow for the relative quantification of 41 steroids in seminal fluid was developed. • The steroids' identification was achieved by using a post-targeted approach. • The steroid profile in seminal fluid was evaluated in seven healthy subjects. Steroids are essential hormones that play a crucial role in homeostasis of many biological processes including sexual development, spermatogenesis, sperm physiology and fertility. Although steroids have been largely studied in many biological matrices (such as urine and plasma), there is very limited information of the steroid content and their study as potential indicators of the quality of the seminal fluid. In this study, a LC-HRMS (liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry) strategy has been developed in order to obtain the extended steroid profile of human seminal fluid. A comparison between supported liquid extraction (SLE) and solid liquid extraction (SPE) was carried out and the chosen SPE method was further optimized to evidence the largest possible number of compounds. Steroids were automatically annotated by using DynaStI, a publicly available retention time prediction tool developed in our lab, to match the experimental data (i.e. accurate mass and t R). Altogether, these resources allowed us to develop a post-targeted approach able to consistently detect 41 steroids in seminal fluid (with half of them being androgens). Such steroid pattern was found to be stable across different extraction times and injection days. In addition to accurate mass and retention time, the identity of 70% of the steroids contained in such steroid profile was confirmed by comparing their fragmentation patterns in real samples to those of pure commercial standards. Finally, the workflow was applied to compare and distinguish the steroid profile in seminal fluid from healthy volunteers (n = 7, with one of them being a vasectomized subject). In all, the developed steroidomics strategy allows to reliably monitor an extended panel of 41 steroids in human seminal fluid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents case studies on seminal fluid as a missed allergen in vulvar allergic contact dermatitis. Difficulty of diagnosing aetiologic vulvitis; Medical history taking concerning the periodicity of inflammation; Consideration of semen allergy in postcoital vulvar dermatitis.

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: ObjectiveTo determine the origin of large plaque-like cellular and acellular masses of debris found in the semen of a patient with otherwise normal semen quality and secondary infertility.: DesignA prospective case study.: SettingAcademic andrology laboratory.: Patient(s)Secondary infertility patient presenting for routine semen evaluation.: Intervention(s)Following diagnosis of a seminal infection, the patient was treated with an antibiotic.: Main outcome measure(s)Semen quality parameters, semen culture, and electron microscopy identification of cytolysosomal spermophagy.: Result(s)Semen culture identified a rare infection with Ralstonia picketti and electron microscopy showed massive neutrophil and cytolysosomal spermophagy. Both were eliminated after antibiotic therapy.: Conclusion(s)This case study documents a rare infection of the reproductive tract with Ralstonia picketti. Analysis of large seminal masses determined their origin to be primarily from acellular cytolysosomes. The presence of such masses in semen should be further evaluated, including semen culture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Current scientific evidence reveals the importance of the human microbiome in health and disease. The presence of microbiota within the male and female reproductive tract has been well-documented and present theories imply that a possible disruption of their concentrations may have adverse effects on reproductive health and reproductive outcomes. Altered endometrial and vaginal microbiome could potential affect the reproductive outcome in infertile couples undergoing assisted reproductive techniques. Analysis of seminal fluids could also facilitate a prompt and appropriate approach in cases of abnormal male reproductive microflora. Essential knowledge on this subject could provide fertility experts better understanding with regards to unexplained fertility, increasing the success rates of ARTs. In this review, we summarise the current knowledge on the microbiota of the male and female reproductive tract and its impact on the success rates of ARTs in infertile couples., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest All authors declare no conflict of interest. All authors declare no conflict of interest, no funding of any kind and equal contribution for this project, (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted cell-derived membrane structures present in all organisms across animal, bacterial, and plant phyla. These vesicles play important roles in cell-cell communication in many processes integral to health and disease. Recent studies demonstrate that EVs and their cargo have influential and conserved roles in male reproduction. While EVs have been isolated from virtually all specialized tissues comprising the male reproductive tract, they are best characterized in the epididymis (epididymosomes) and seminal fluid (seminal fluid extracellular vesicles or prostasomes). Broadly speaking, EVs promote reproductive success through supporting sperm development and function, as well as influencing the physiology of female reproductive tract cells after mating. In this review, we present current knowledge on the composition and function of male reproductive tract EV populations in both normal physiology and pathology, and argue that their functions identify them as critical regulators of fertility and fecundity., (© 2020 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Knowing the mode of transmission of a disease can affect its control and prevention. Here, we identify 5 protozoan parasites with demonstrated presence in seminal fluid, only 1 of which has been identified as a sexually transmitted disease among humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual interactions negatively impact health and longevity in many species across the animal kingdom. C. elegans has been established as a good model to study how mating and intense sexual interactions influence longevity of the individuals. In this chapter, we review the most recent discoveries in this field. We first describe the phenotypes caused by intense mating, including shrinking, fat loss, and glycogen loss. We then describe three major mechanisms underlying mating-induced killing: germline activation, seminal fluid transfer, and male pheromone-mediated toxicity. Next, we summarize the current knowledge of genetic pathways involved in regulating mating-induced death, including DAF-9/DAF-12 steroid signaling, Insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS), and TOR signaling. Finally, we discuss the possible fitness benefits of mating-induced death. Throughout this review, we compare and contrast mating-induced death between the sexes and among different species in an effort to discuss this phenomenon and underlying mechanisms from the evolutionary perspective. Further investigation using mated C. elegans will improve our understanding of sexual antagonism, as well as the coordination between reproduction and somatic longevity in response to various external signals. Due to the evolutionary conservation in many aspects of mating-induced death, what we learn from a short-lived mated worm could provide new strategies to improve our own fitness and longevity., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Great concerns have been raised on SARS-CoV-2 impact on men's andrological well-being, and one of the critically unanswered questions is whether it is present or not in the seminal fluid of infected subjects. The expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in the testis and in the male genital tract allows speculations about a possible testicular involvement during the infection, possibly mediated by local and/or systemic inflammation that might allow a high viral load to overcome the hemato-testicular barrier. To date, few investigations have been carried out to ascertain the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the seminal fluid with contrasting results. Furthermore, the cumulative number of subjects is far too low to answer the question unambiguously. Therefore, great caution is still needed when evaluating this data; otherwise, we risk unleashing unmotivated concerns in the scientific world with troublesome consequences in reproductive medicine., (© 2020 American Society of Andrology and European Academy of Andrology.)

Multiple paternity is ubiquitous within the polyphyletic group called 'reptiles', especially within the lizards and snakes. Therefore, the probability of sperm competition occurring, and being intense, is high. Squamates exhibit a diversity of tactics to ensure fertilization success in the face of sperm competition. The duration of female sperm storage, which can be many months and even years in some species, remains an enigma. Here, we emphasize some mechanisms that might affect patterns of paternity, the source and function of ejaculates and features of the female reproductive tract that may aid in long-term sperm storage. In doing so, we present a new analysis of the relationship between sperm size, the strength of sperm competition and the duration of female sperm storage. Lizards and snakes are a diverse group that has provided many excellent models for the study of an array of life-history strategies. However, when it comes to postcopulatory sexual selection, there is much left to discover. This article is part of the theme issue 'Fifty years of sperm competition'.

Sperm production and allocation strategies have been a central concern of sperm competition research for the past 50 years. But during the 'sexual cascade' there may be strong selection for alternative routes to maximizing male fitness. Especially with the evolution of internal fertilization, a common and by now well-studied example is the accessory ejaculate investment represented by seminal fluid, the complex mixture of proteins, peptides and other components transferred to females together with sperm. How seminal fluid investment should covary with sperm investment probably depends on the mechanism of seminal fluid action. If seminal fluid components boost male paternity success by directly enhancing sperm function or use, we might often expect a positive correlation between the two forms of male investment, whereas trade-offs seem more likely if seminal fluid acts independently of sperm. This is largely borne out by a broad taxonomic survey to establish the prevailing patterns of seminal fluid production and allocation during animal evolution, in light of which I discuss the gaps that remain in our understanding of this key ejaculate component and its relationship to sperm investment, before outlining promising approaches for examining seminal fluid-mediated sperm competitiveness in the post-genomic era. This article is part of the theme issue 'Fifty years of sperm competition'.

Sperm competition theory predicts that males should tailor ejaculates according to their social status. Here, we test this in a model vertebrate, the house mouse ( Mus musculus domesticus ), combining experimental data with a quantitative proteomics analysis of seminal fluid composition. Our analyses reveal that both sperm production and the composition of proteins found in seminal vesicle secretions differ according to social status. Dominant males invested more in ejaculate production overall. Their epididymides contained more sperm than those of subordinate or control males, despite similar testes size between the groups. Dominant males also had larger seminal vesicle glands than subordinate or control males, despite similar body size. However, the seminal vesicle secretions of subordinate males had a significantly higher protein concentration than those of dominant males. Moreover, detailed proteomic analysis revealed subtle but consistent differences in the composition of secreted seminal vesicle proteins according to social status, involving multiple proteins of potential functional significance in sperm competition. These findings have significant implications for understanding the dynamics and outcome of sperm competition, and highlight the importance of social status as a factor influencing both sperm and seminal fluid investment strategies. This article is part of the theme issue 'Fifty years of sperm competition'.

Hookah (water pipe) smoking, an old method of tobacco smoking, is regaining widespread popularity all over the world. Although the research in this field is still deficient, it has been proven for its harmful effect on human's health by increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, infection and lung, oral and bladder cancer (Al-Numair et al., J Food Agric Environ, 5: 17, 2007; Bou Fakhreddine et al., Respir Med, 108: 1241-1253, 2014; Chaouachi, J Negat Results Biomed, 5: 17, 2006). However, no research was found to address its effect on human fertility or reproductive outcome. In this cross-sectional study, we aim to explore the effect of smoking hookah on human semen parameters among men attending In Vitro Fertilization LABs for seminal fluid analysis testing. 104 patients aged between 25 and 45, who are noncigarette smokers and have no chronic medical illness, were enrolled in the study: 50 hookah nonsmokers and 54 hookah smokers. Their semen parameters were compared. Semen volume, normal morphology and progressive motility were slightly lower in the hookah smoker (3.21 ml; 10.2%; 29.56%) versus (3.45 ml; 11.5%; 33.20%), respectively, in nonhookah smokers; however, the difference was not statistically significant. The effect of hookah smoking on semen observed in our study was not statistically significant. Further studies are needed to explore more and confirm any unfavourable effect., (© 2020 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.)

Ageing and sexual selection are intimately linked. There is by now compelling evidence from studies performed across diverse organisms that males allocating resources to mating competition incur substantial physiological costs, ultimately increasing ageing. However, although insightful, we argue here that to date these studies cover only part of the relationship linking sexual selection and ageing. Crucially, allocation to traits important in post-copulatory sexual selection, that is sperm competition, has been largely ignored. As we demonstrate, such allocation could potentially explain much diversity in male and female ageing patterns observed both within and among species. We first review how allocation to sperm competition traits such as sperm and seminal fluid production depends on the quality of resources available to males and can be associated with a wide range of deleterious effects affecting both somatic tissues and the germline, and thus modulate ageing in both survival and reproductive terms. We further hypothesise that common biological features such as plasticity, prudent sperm allocation and seasonality of ejaculate traits might have evolved as counter-adaptations to limit the ageing costs of sperm competition. Finally, we discuss the implications of these emerging ageing costs of sperm competition for current research on the evolutionary ecology of ageing., (© 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)