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Objectives: Infertility is one of the major concerns for male patients following spinal cord injury (SCI). Although the severity of the injury has a large impact on extent of infertility, the effect of exact injury extent (with specific affected spinal tracts) on fertility is not studied yet., Materials and Methods: In the present study, sperm parameters, locomotion scores, and hormonal changes were evaluated following dorsal one third SCI (1/3 SCI), dorsal two third SCI (2/3 SCI), and complete spinal cord transection (TX) at T8 spinal level in male rats., Results: Sperm count decreased significantly following 1/3 SCI and Tx compered to normal (control and sham). In addition, sperm count decreased significantly in Tx compared to 1/3 SCI and 2/3 SCI. Concerning sperm motility, although, percentage of motile sperms decreased significantly in Tx group in comparison to all other groups, the percentage of rapid progressive motile sperms (RPM) decreased significantly in all SCI groups compared to normal. Meanwhile, locomotion score (BBB-score) showed a significant progressive decrease following SCI compared to normal or within SCI groups. However, there was no significant changes in the serum hormonal and seminal fructose concentrations following SCI compared to normal., Conclusions: These results show that understanding the extent of SCI, the affected spinal tracts, and the resultant locomotion deficits may help to predict the deficits in sperm parameters and hence fertility potentials.

The latest vaccination campaign has actualized the potential impact of antigenic stimuli on reproductive functions. To address this, we mimicked vaccination's effects by administering keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) to CD1 male mice and used their sperm for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Two-cell embryos after IVF with spermatozoa from control (C) or KLH-treated (Im) male mice were transferred to surrogate mothers mated with vasectomized control (C) or KLH-treated (Im) male mice, resulting in four experimental groups: C–C, Im–C, C–Im, and Im–Im. The pre-implantation losses were significantly lower in the Im–C group than in the C–Im group. At the same time, the resorption rates reduced markedly in the C–Im compared to the Im–C group. Embryo and placenta weights were significantly higher in the Im–Im group. Although the GM-CSF levels were lower in the amniotic fluid of the gestating surrogate mothers in the Im–Im group, they were strongly correlated with embryo mass. The number–size trade-off was only significant in the Im–Im group. This suggests a positive, cooperative effect of spermatozoa and seminal fluid from immune-primed males on embryo growth and the optimal distribution of surrogate mother maternal resources despite the negative impact of males' antigenic challenge on the IVF success rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence collected from biological fluids obtained from a crime scene is essentially important in forensic cases. A potential profile can be generated from these obtained samples and this can help in identifying the victims and/or suspects of sexual assault. The water environments selected for this study are all related to the potential crime scenes from which there is a possibility of finding a dead body or clothing of a sexual assault victim. Tap water, River water, Swimming pool water, and Canal water were selected. Fabric types selected were khaddar, linen, silk, polyester, and chiffon. Detection of seminal stains was carried out by three methods; Alternate Light Source (ALS), Acid phosphatase (AP) testing, and Kernechtrot-Picro-indigo-carmine (KPIC) testing. These tests were performed for each fabric type in each water environment after regular intervals, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 4 days, 7 days, and 14 days. This study aimed to compare the ability of five types of fabrics to retain seminal material after immersion in four different types of water environments. Fluorescence was only detected in tap water-soaked silk fabric after 14 days of immersion. Seminal fluid was detected in khaddar, chiffon, silk, and polyester in samples immersed for 14 days in tap water. Spermatozoa were retained by khaddar and silk immersed in tap water, Polyester fabric in tap and river water, Chiffon in only river water and Linen in swimming pool water when immersed for 14 days. However, fluorescence, seminal fluid or spermatozoa were not detected in linen fabric regardless of all the afore mentioned variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parameters of LPO reflecting primary and end stages of oxidation and total antioxidant activity were evaluated in the seminal fluid of young fertile men living in Novosibirsk. By the results of andrological examination and spermogram analysis, various reproductive disorders and abnormal spermogram (pathospermia) were found in 48 patients. Shifts towards activation of prooxidant processes in LPO-antioxidant defense metabolic system were observed in men with reproductive disorders and pathospermia. The results of individual estimation of coefficient of oxidative stress, an integral parameter reflecting the balance in the LPO-antioxidant defense system, attest to the development of oxidative stress in men with reproductive disorders and pathospermia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The classical view of "pheromone"-an air-borne chemical signal-is challenged by the camelids in which ovulation is triggered by ß-nerve growth factor carried in seminal plasma, effectively extending the pheromone concept to a new medium. We propose further extension of "pheromone" to include a separate class of seminal fluid molecules that acts on the female reproductive tract to enhance the prospect of pregnancy. These molecules include transforming growth factor-ß, 19-OH prostaglandins, various ligands of Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4), and cyclic ADP ribose hydrolase (CD38). They modulate the immune response to "foreign" male-derived histocompatibility antigens on both sperm and the conceptus, determine pre-implantation embryo development, and then promote implantation by increasing uterine receptivity to the embryo. The relative abundance of these immunological molecules in seminal plasma determines the strength and quality of the immune tolerance that is generated in the female. This phenomenon has profound implications in reproductive biology because it provides a pathway, independent of the fertilizing sperm, by which paternal factors can influence the likelihood of reproductive success, as well as the phenotype and health status of offspring. Moreover, the female actively participates in this exchange-information in seminal fluid is subject to "cryptic female choice," a process by which females interrogate the reproductive fitness of prospective mates and invest reproductive resources accordingly. These processes participate in driving the evolution of male accessory glands, ensuring optimal female reproductive investment and maximal progeny fitness. An expanded pheromone concept will avoid a constraint in our understanding of mammalian reproductive biology., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Robertson and Martin.)

Emerging viral infections continuously pose a threat to human wellbeing. Several RNA viruses have managed to establish access to the male reproductive tract and persist in human semen. The sexual transmission of the virus is of critical public concern. The epidemiological inferences are essential to understand its complexity, particularly the probability of viral transmission from asymptomatic patients or those in the incubation period or from the patient who was previously infected and now fully recovered. From the clinical perspective, negative impacts in the male reproductive tract associated with RNA virus infection have been described, including orchitis, epididymitis, impaired spermatogenesis, and a decrease in sperm quality, which can affect male fertility at different time intervals. The disruption of anatomical barriers due to inflammatory responses might enable the viral invasion into the testis, and the immune privilege status of testes might facilitate a sustained persistence of the virus in the semen. In this review, the current knowledge about other RNA viruses that affect male reproductive health provides the framework to discuss the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The molecular mechanisms, sexual transmission, and viral impacts for mumps, HIV, Zika, and Ebola viruses are explored. We discuss the currently available information on the impact of SARS-CoV-2 and its sequelae in the male reproductive tract, particularly regarding presence in semen, its impact on sexual organs, and sperm quality. To date, no sexual transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has been reported, whereas the identification of viral particles in semen remains conflicting. In the purview of the earlier conducted analyses, it is essential to investigate further the long-term health impacts of SARS-CoV-2 on the male reproductive tract., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing or conflict of interests to disclose. The funding bodies are public institutions and had no role in study design, conduct, or interpretation of results and its disposition., (Copyright © 2021 Zafar, Yu and Li.)

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infection worldwide, with the highest prevalence in sexually active young women. Since most chlamydial infections are asymptomatic, facilitating the transmission of the pathogen in the population, regular screening is recommended for at-risk sexually active individuals. Hence, a sensitive, specific, inexpensive diagnostic test that can be executed efficiently and quickly to yield results would be helpful. In this study, we evaluated the performance (sensitivity and specificity) of the Chlamydia Rapid Test Device, an inexpensive rapid test based on immunochromatographic analysis. We then compared these results to those obtained using real-time PCR, the gold standard for C. trachomatis testing. Seminal fluid and urine specimens of male subjects were tested. The rapid test was applied to 220 seminal fluid samples, showing a sensitivity of 0%. On the other hand, used in 114 urine specimens, the rapid test showed 37.5% and 100% sensitivity and specificity, respectively. Hence, the Chlamydia Rapid Test Device was shown to be insufficiently sensitive to be recommended as a screening test and diagnostic method for the detection of C. trachomatis in symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects. Finally, the present investigation showed an infection prevalence of 5% calculated using seminal fluid, with a mean age of 28 years., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2016 - 2021 InfezMed.)

Simple Summary: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most prevalent neoplasia among men worldwide but is commonly "mimicked" by benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Their discrimination by the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is often uncertain, resulting in lengthy diagnostic protocols and recurrent tissue biopsies. The development of more appropriate biomarkers, possibly present in liquid biopsy, would significantly improve PCa and BPH patient management. To address this challenge, in this study miR-375-3p, miR-182-5p, miR-21-5p, and miR-148a-3p were analyzed by ddPCR in blood plasma and seminal plasma of patients with PCa and BPH prior to tissue biopsy. Among other findings, miR-182-5p and miR-375-3p were found to have statistically significantly higher expression in PCa patients compared to BPH in blood, with a combined specificity of 90.2% to predict positive or negative biopsy results. The data presented emphasize the great potential of miRNAs as liquid biopsy biomarkers for PCa. Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed neoplasm among men. Since it often resembles benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), biomarkers with a higher differential value than PSA are required. Epigenetic biomarkers in liquid biopsies, especially miRNA, could address this challenge. The absolute expression of miR-375-3p, miR-182-5p, miR-21-5p, and miR-148a-3p were quantified in blood plasma and seminal plasma of 65 PCa and 58 BPH patients by digital droplet PCR. The sensitivity and specificity of these microRNAs were determined using ROC curve analysis. The higher expression of miR-182-5p and miR-375-3p in the blood plasma of PCa patients was statistically significant as compared to BPH (p = 0.0363 and 0.0226, respectively). Their combination achieved a specificity of 90.2% for predicting positive or negative biopsy results, while PSA cut-off of 4 µg/L performed with only 1.7% specificity. In seminal plasma, miR-375-3p, miR-182-5p, and miR-21-5p showed a statistically significantly higher expression in PCa patients with PSA >10 µg/L compared to ones with PSA ≤10 µg/L. MiR-182-5p and miR-375-3p in blood plasma show higher performance than PSA in discriminating PCa from BPH. Seminal plasma requires further investigation as it represents an obvious source for PCa biomarker identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seminal plasma (SP), the non-cellular component of semen, is a heterogeneous composite fluid built by secretions of the testis, the epididymis and the accessory sexual glands. Its composition, despite species-specific anatomical peculiarities, consistently contains inorganic ions, specific hormones, proteins and peptides, including cytokines and enzymes, cholesterol, DNA and RNA—the latter often protected within epididymis- or prostate-derived extracellular vesicles. It is beyond question that the SP participates in diverse aspects of sperm function pre-fertilization events. The SP also interacts with the various compartments of the tubular genital tract, triggering changes in gene function that prepares for an eventual successful pregnancy; thus, it ultimately modulates fertility. Despite these concepts, it is imperative to remember that SP-free spermatozoa (epididymal or washed ejaculated) are still fertile, so this review shall focus on the differences between the in vivo roles of the SP following semen deposition in the female and those regarding additions of SP on spermatozoa handled for artificial reproduction, including cryopreservation, from artificial insemination to in vitro fertilization. This review attempts, including our own results on model animal species, to critically summarize the current knowledge of the reproductive roles played by SP components, particularly in our own species, which is increasingly affected by infertility. The ultimate goal is to reconcile the delicate balance between the SP molecular concentration and their concerted effects after temporal exposure in vivo. We aim to appraise the functions of the SP components, their relevance as diagnostic biomarkers and their value as eventual additives to refine reproductive strategies, including biotechnologies, in livestock models and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Sperm maturation (acquisition of the potential for motility and fertilization by morphologically developed spermatozoa) in sturgeons is atypical of ray-finned fishes: it occurs outside the testes during the transit of testicular spermatozoa through the kidneys into the Wolffian ducts. We recently developed a method in which testicular spermatozoa of sterlet Acipenser ruthenus are matured in vitro when incubated in seminal fluid derived from Wolffian duct sperm. In this study, we explored whether in vitro maturation of testicular spermatozoa depends on the environmental temperature and/or hormonal stimulation of spermiation. We studied spermatozoa motility parameters after in vitro maturation of testicular sperm, concentrations of sex steroid hormones and testis morphology in sterlet males at different stages of male preparation for spawning with and without hormonal induction of spermiation. The obtained data suggest that the ability of testicular spermatozoa to be matured was not related to the environmental temperature, while hormonal stimulation was an absolute requirement for optimal in vitro maturation. The use of in vitro matured testicular spermatozoa might have considerable potential in aquaculture or conservation programs, which can be realized in cases of accidental death of valuable broodstock or failure to obtain Wolffian duct sperm of high quality. Sturgeon sperm maturation occurs outside the testes during the transit of testicular spermatozoa (TS) through the kidneys and the Wolffian ducts. A method of in vitro TS maturation in sterlet Acipenser ruthenus was used to investigate the effects of temperature and hormonal stimulation of spermiation on the ability of TS to complete this process. Spermatozoa motility parameters after in vitro maturation of testicular sperm, concentrations of sex steroid hormones and testis morphology were studied in three groups of sterlet: (1) after overwintering in ponds (OW), (2) adapted to spawning temperature (ST), and (3) adapted to spawning temperature with hormonal induction of spermiation (ST-HI). Blood plasma concentrations of testosterone, 11-ketotestosterone and 17,20β-dihydroxy-pregnenolone increased significantly after hormonal induction of spermiation (group ST-HI). In all groups, TS were not motile. After in vitro sperm maturation, motility was up to 60% only in group ST-HI. The data suggest that the ability of TS to be matured in vitro was not related to the environmental temperature, while hormonal stimulation of spermiation during the spawning season was an absolute requirement for optimal in vitro maturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mytilus mussels are characterized by annually repeated reproduction which is associated with subsequent growth, morphogenesis, breakdown and redevelopment of the gonad and reproductive tract into mantle mesenchyme. We present a description of the expression of the male-associated polypeptide (MAP; see Mikhailov et al. 1995) in different compartments of the male reproductive system as well as in mantle gonad-supporting tissue. MAP is expressed in both gonad and mantle structures in dynamic patterns that show a substantial overlap in terms of dependence on the stage of gonad development/involution. In general, the total MAP concentration directly correlates with the volume of gonad tubule/duct structures but inversely correlates with mantle connective tissue cell fraction. A maximum of MAP expression is reached in the fully ripe male gonad. MAP is localized around gonad tubules/ducts, in the gonoduct epithelium, membranes of follicle-like structures as well as in the extracellular fiber-like structures of the mantle. However, we also demonstrate unique sites of MAP accumulation in the lumen of gonad follicle-like tubules and in ductal fluid. The latter is characterized by a very high MAP concentration. MAP is also detected in sperm-containing cell suspension obtained by gonad biopsy which we interpret as a result of the adsorption of MAP on mature spermatozoa. The results obtained should be taken into consideration in the interpretation of possible MAP functions since they seem to point to MAP as a major component of ductal (seminal) fluid of the male reproductive tract. It is likely that MAP is able to complement the processes of sperm terminal differentiation and maturation. In addition, we demonstrate that the male-predominant character of MAP expression is restricted by gonad-containing tissues (i.e., mantle and visceral mass) only, although the polypeptide is also detected in other somatic organs in both males and females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability of seminal fluid (SF) lo induce suppressor cell activity from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMN) was examined. PBMN were incubated with SK for 48 h, washed to remove SF components, treated with mitomycin C (mit C) and co-cultured with Raji cells, a lymphoblastoid cell line, Raji cell proliferation was inhibited by SF-treated PBMN proportionally to SF concentration, SF (50-200 μg), mit C-treated Raji cells or mit C-treated PBMN pre-incubated with phytohaemagglutinin were without effect on Raji cell growth. Suppressor T lymphocytes generated by incubation of PBMN with concanavalin A inhibited Raji cells to the same extent as did SF-treated PBMN, All activity was lost following heating at 56°C for 30 min; freezing and thawing reduced the ability of SF to induce suppression by 50%. Dialysis of SF or treatment with antibody to prostaglandin E2 led to a 50% reduction in suppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seminal vesicles synthesize in an androgen-dependent manner a neutral protein of 13.5 kDa molecular weight that makes up about 40% of their secretion ('major protein'). An antiserum against this protein raised in rabbits was used to localize the antigen within the seminal vesicles. In addition to intraluminal secretion of the seminal vesicles and the ampulla of the vas deferens, ejaculated and ampullary spermatozoa revealed an intense immunoreaction, which was restricted to the neck region of the sperm head and the middle piece, while the principal piece of the tail as well as the sperm head were devoid of immunoreactive material. Comparison of spermatozoa taken from the tail of the epididymis with ampullary spermatozoa showed that about 90% of the latter, but only 10-20% of the former presented this distributional pattern of immunoreactive sites. Epididymal epithelium as well as calf seminal vesicle epithelium showed no immunoreactivity with major protein antiserum. Using a pre-embedding staining technique with gold-labeled primary or secondary antibodies, respectively, no immunostaining could be achieved at the ultrastructural level. Incubation experiments of epididymal spermatozoa in EGTA-containing solutions in the absence of calcium resulted in a gradual labilization and eventual loss of the plasma membrane of the sperm middle piece. After removal of (at least part of) the plasma membrane, bound major protein could be visualized immunohistochemically close to the mitochondria of the middle piece using a gold-labeled primary or secondary antibody. The acceptor site for major protein therefore seems to reside inside the plasma membrane of the sperm middle piece. Incubation of epididymal spermatozoa in phospholipase-containing solutions removed the acceptor site from the spermatozoa. Separation by polyacrylamide treatment of proteins from epididymal sperm cells extracted by sodium hydroxide or phospholipase treatment, subsequently transblotted on nitrocellulose sheets and directly labeled with gold-tagged major protein, demonstrated a protein duplet with a molecular weight of 65 and 67 kDa, respectively, which appears to represent the specific binder of major protein underneath the sperm surface. Binding of major protein to this ∼66 kDa acceptor site is regarded as a physiological event that may be related to the onset of hyperactivated sperm motility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the basis of a) kinetic data obtained with a synthetic substrate and two peptide inhibitors and b) immunological cross-reactivity, it is shown that the aspartic proteinase of human seminal fluid is a gastricsin. The source of the precursor (progastricsin) in the male genital tract is identified to be the prostate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with prostatistis have been found to have decreased prostatic fluid zinc (PF Zn). It is unclear whether changes of prostatitis are due to an inherent lack of Zn in some patients or whether the changes, including reduced PF Zn, are due to the infectious process itself. Six nonhuman primates were infected with 1×10 E. coli JR340, a clinical isolate known to cause prostatitis in the monkey. After infection, seminal fluid for culture and zinc assay was obtained by electroejaculation. Zinc was measured by colorimetric analysis. Blood counts, quantitative renal scans and urine cultures were also monitored. The animals were followed for 4 weeks and then sacrificed. The histopathology showed resolving prostatitis and fibrosis. Zinc levels dropped with acute infection, and variably recovered as the infection cleared. Controls showed slight variability with respect to PF Zn. It appears that PF Zn decreases as a result of the infectious process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The measurement of biochemical markers in human seminal plasma is important in the evaluation of male infertility. We recommend the measurement of one representative substance for each organ involved in seminal fluid production as a routine diagnostic tool: The initial fructose level for seminal vesicular function, citrate or acid phosphatase for the prostate gland and free carnitine as an index of epididymal function. A biochemical analysis of seminal fluid enables us to detect disturbances of the male adnexal organs and may lead to more exact therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of the administration of ACTH 1-17 on the sexual behavior has been studied in a group of male patients affected by psychogenic impotence, i.e. without any detectable organic reason for such disturbance. The administration of the drug led to a notable increase in the sexual performance of the patients. By the way, all the hormonal parameters taken into account (gonadotropins, sexual steroids, adrenal steroids, etc.), were not affected by the treatment. The AA, conclude therefore that the beneficial effect of the ACTH 1-17 on the sexual behavior was due to a direct action on the CNS and was not hormone-mediated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Expression of Dkk-3, a secreted putative tumor suppressor, is altered in age-related proliferative disorders of the human prostate. We now investigated the suitability of Dkk-3 as a diagnostic biomarker for prostate cancer (PCa) in seminal plasma (SP). Methods SP samples were obtained from 81 patients prior to TRUS-guided prostate biopsies on the basis of elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA; > 4 ng/mL) levels and/or abnormal digital rectal examination. A sensitive indirect immunoenzymometric assay for Dkk-3 was developed and characterized in detail. SP Dkk-3 and PSA levels were determined and normalized to total SP protein. The diagnostic accuracies of single markers including serum PSA and multivariate models to discriminate patients with positive (N = 40) and negative (N = 41) biopsy findings were investigated. Results Biopsy-confirmed PCa showed significantly higher SP Dkk-3 levels (100.9 ± 12.3 vs. 69.2 ± 9.4 fmol/mg; p = 0.026). Diagnostic accuracy (AUC) of SP Dkk-3 levels (0.633) was enhanced in multivariate models by including serum PSA (model A; AUC 0.658) or both, serum and SP PSA levels (model B; AUC 0.710). In a subpopulation with clinical follow-up > 3 years post-biopsy to ensure veracity of negative biopsy status (positive biopsy N = 21; negative biopsy N = 25) AUCs for SP Dkk-3, model A and B increased to 0.667, 0.724 and 0.777, respectively. Conclusions In multivariate models to detect PCa, inclusion of SP Dkk-3 levels, which were significantly elevated in biopsy-confirmed PCa patients, improved the diagnostic performance compared with serum PSA only.

Abstract Background Seminal fluid plays an important role in successful fertilization, but knowledge of the full suite of proteins transferred from males to females during copulation is incomplete. The list of ejaculated proteins remains particularly scant in one of the best-studied mammalian systems, the house mouse (Mus domesticus), where artificial ejaculation techniques have proven inadequate. Here we investigate an alternative method for identifying ejaculated proteins, by isotopically labeling females with 15N and then mating them to unlabeled, vasectomized males. Proteins were then isolated from mated females and identified using mass spectrometry. In addition to gaining insights into possible functions and fates of ejaculated proteins, our study serves as proof of concept that isotopic labeling is a powerful means to study reproductive proteins. Results We identified 69 male-derived proteins from the female reproductive tract following copulation. More than a third of all spectra detected mapped to just seven genes known to be structurally important in the formation of the copulatory plug, a hard coagulum that forms shortly after mating. Seminal fluid is significantly enriched for proteins that function in protection from oxidative stress and endopeptidase inhibition. Females, on the other hand, produce endopeptidases in response to mating. The 69 ejaculated proteins evolve significantly more rapidly than other proteins that we previously identified directly from dissection of the male reproductive tract. Conclusion Our study attempts to comprehensively identify the proteins transferred from males to females during mating, expanding the application of isotopic labeling to mammalian reproductive genomics. This technique opens the way to the targeted monitoring of the fate of ejaculated proteins as they incubate in the female reproductive tract.

The article comments on a study which described the seminal pharmacokinetics of maraviroc when combined with lopinavir/ritonavir. It cites one factor contributing to HIV-1 compartmentalization. Topics covered include methods used in the study, inclusion criteria for study participants and common treatment used in the majority of stable HIV-infected patients namely dual therapy and monotherapy.

Background Recent outbreaks of Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) reinforce the desperate need to establish definitively the comparative safety and efficacy of different medical countermeasures (MCM). Methods Through a multipartner governance framework under WHO coordination, the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale and NIAID collaborated with clinical partners (the MOH, ALIMA, MSF) to launch a randomized controlled trial in 2018 in the North Kivu/Ituri provinces of DRC. PCR+ participants receiving enhanced supportive care are being randomized 1:1:1:1 to receive either ZMapp™ (control arm), remdesivir, mAb114, or REG-EB3 according to standard treatment regimens. Stratification is by site, country, and baseline nucleoprotein (NP) PCR cycle threshold (CT) ≤ 22 or > 22. The primary objective is a comparison of 28-day mortality relative to the control arm. The planned accrual is for 125 patients per arm. Secondary objectives include an evaluation of the comparative safety and tolerability of the 4 investigational MCMs, relative changes in viral load over time, comparisons of treatment efficacy according to baseline risk categories, 58-day mortality, RNA clearance from semen, and an assessment of the validity of drug-class comparisons, including efficacy. The study is monitored by an independent data and safety monitoring committee (DSMB). Results Enrollment commenced in the Ebola Treatment Unit in Beni in November, 2018, with sites in Butembo and Katwa added in early 2019. Time from study concept initiation to study start was only 3.5 months. Ongoing hurdles encountered to date include maintenance of cold chain requirements for the MCMs and marked volatility in the security situation surrounding sites affecting staff and patient safety. Despite these challenges, data quality and completed follow-up have been remarkably high and by mid-April, 2019, accrual to date (see table) had already surpassed the predefined threshold triggering an interim DSMB review. Conclusion Scientifically rigorous and ethically sound clinical research can take place during disease outbreaks even within a conflict zone. Results about the relative efficacy of the evaluated investigational MCMs are pending the completion of the trial. Disclosures All Authors: No reported Disclosures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study done to assess the of androgen changes following varicocelectomy. Study was done in alnuaman teaching hospital Baghdad, from July 2018 to January 2019, varicocelectomy was done via subinguinal approach on 48 patient undergo infertility, 39 of them have normal count of sperm but decrease in activity, 8 patients have decrease in count and activity, only one patient had oligospermia, all of patients was done pre- and postvaricocelectomy after 3 months. By using t-test compare the results between the two groups show significant changes, regarding p value < 0.05 significant. The significant change in androgen level post varicocelectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insect seminal fluid, the non-sperm component of the ejaculate, comprises a variegated set of molecules, including, but not limited to, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, salts, hormones, nucleic acids, and vitamins. The identity and functional role of seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) have been widely investigated, in multiple species. However, most of the other small molecules in insect ejaculates remain uncharacterized. Metabolomics is currently adopted to deepen our understanding of complex biological processes and in the last 15years has been applied to answer different physiological questions. Technological advances in high-throughput methods for metabolite identification such as mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) are now coupled to an expanded bioinformatics toolbox for large-scale data analysis. These improvements allow for the processing of smaller-sized samples and for the identification of hundreds to thousands of metabolites, not only in Drosophila melanogaster but also in disease vectors, animal, and agricultural pests. In this review, we provide an overview of the studies that adopted metabolomics-based approaches in insects, with a particular focus on the reproductive tract (RT) of both sexes and the ejaculate. Progress in the field of metabolomics will contribute not only to achieve a deeper understanding of the composition of insect ejaculates and how they are affected by endogenous and exogenous factors, but also to provide increasingly powerful tools to decipher the identity and molecular interactions between males and females during and after mating., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Scolari, Khamis and Pérez-Staples.)

Paternal experiences and exposures before conception can influence fetal development and offspring phenotype. The composition of seminal plasma contributes to paternal programming effects through modulating the female reproductive tract immune response after mating. To investigate whether paternal obesity affects seminal plasma immune-regulatory activity, C57Bl/6 male mice were fed an obesogenic high-fat diet (HFD) or control diet (CD) for 14 weeks. Although HFD consumption caused only minor changes to parameters of sperm quality, the volume of seminal vesicle fluid secretions was increased by 65%, and the concentrations and total content of immune-regulatory TGF-β isoforms were decreased by 75% to 80% and 43% to 55%, respectively. Mating with BALB/c females revealed differences in the strength and properties of the postmating immune response elicited. Transcriptional analysis showed >300 inflammatory genes were similarly regulated in the uterine endometrium by mating independently of paternal diet, and 13 were dysregulated by HFD-fed compared with CD-fed males. Seminal vesicle fluid factors reduced in HFD-fed males, including TGF-β1, IL-10, and TNF, were among the predicted upstream regulators of differentially regulated genes. Additionally, the T-cell response induced by mating with CD-fed males was blunted after mating with HFD-fed males, with 27% fewer CD4+ T cells, 26% fewer FOXP3+CD4+ regulatory T cells (Treg) cells, and 19% fewer CTLA4+ Treg cells, particularly within the NRP1+ thymic Treg cell population. These findings demonstrate that an obesogenic HFD alters the composition of seminal vesicle fluid and impairs seminal plasma capacity to elicit a favorable pro-tolerogenic immune response in females at conception., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Endocrine Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: Bacterial infections are usually suspected in infertile couples seeking IVF with no clear understanding of the microbial compositions present in the seminal fluids and vaginal niche of the patients. We used next-generation sequencing technology to correlate microbiota compositions with IVF clinical outcomes., Methods: Thirty-six couples were recruited to provide seminal fluids and vaginal swabs. Bacterial DNA was extracted, and V4 region of the 16S rRNA was amplified and sequenced in a pair-end configuration on the Illumina MiSeq platform rendering 2 × 150 bp sequences. Microbial taxonomy to species level was generated using the Greengenes database. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) was used to identify biologically and statistically significant differences in relative abundance., Results: Seminal fluid microbiota compositions had lower bacterial concentrations compared with the vagina, but species diversity was significantly higher in seminal fluid samples. Azoospermic subjects had more relative abundance of Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma. In Normospermic semen, Lactobacillus (43.86%) was the most abundant, followed by Gardnerella (25.45%), while the corresponding vaginal samples, Lactobacillus (61.74%) was the most abundant, followed by Prevotella (6.07%) and Gardnerella (5.86%)., Conclusions: Semen samples with positive IVF were significantly colonized by Lactobacillus jensenii ( P =0.002), Faecalibacterium ( P =0.042) and significantly less colonized by Proteobacteria , Prevotella , Bacteroides , and lower Firmicutes / Bacteroidetes ratio compared with semen samples with negative IVF. Vaginal samples with positive IVF clinical outcome were significantly colonized by Lactobacillus gasseri , less colonized by Bacteroides and Lactobacillus iners. This study has opened a window of possibility for Lactobacillus replenishments in men and women before IVF treatment., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Okwelogu, Ikechebelu, Agbakoba and Anukam.)

In many species, males can rapidly adjust their ejaculate performance in response to changing levels of sperm competition, an ability that is probably mediated by seminal fluid adaptive plasticity. In the black goby, Gobius niger , territorial males attach viscous ejaculate trails to the nest roof, from which sperm are slowly released into the water during the long-lasting spawning events. Sneaker males release their sperm in the vicinity of the nest, and territorial males try to keep them at a distance by patrolling their territory. We show here that territorial males' ejaculate trails released a higher proportion of their sperm in the presence of a single sneaker, but this proportion decreased when there were three sneakers, an effect that is most likely mediated by a change in the seminal fluid composition. Field observations showed that when multiple sneaking attempts occurred, territorial males spent more time outside the nest, suggesting that ejaculation rate and territory defence are traded-off. Altogether, these results suggest that the adjustment of sperm release from the ejaculate may be strategic, guaranteeing a more continuous concentration of the territorial male's sperm in the nest, although at a lower level, when he is engaged in prolonged territory defence outside the nest.

Background: Viral detection in seminal fluid indicates their potential for both sexual transmission and impairment of reproductive health. Review of the mechanistic entry, sexual transmission and viral impacts for patients during major recent viral outbreaks of Zika virus (ZIKV), Ebola virus (EBOV), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-coronavirus (CoV), and SARS-coronavirus 2 (CoV-2) (the virus which causes COVID-19) provides a framework to discuss this potential., Aim: Comparative analysis of prior viral presence on seminal fluid against current (preliminary) findings for SARS-CoV-2 to predict biological implications of the novel coronavirus upon current sexual transmissibility, viral presence, and reproductive health., Methodology and Findings: Literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. ZIKV and EBOV were found to be present in semen and to be sexually transmitted, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to update their guidelines on prevention of the two viruses to include refraining from sexual contact. There are conflicting studies regarding the presence of SARS-CoV in male reproductive tissue, but it has been linked to testicular atrophy and orchitis. To date, two studies have detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA in semen, while seven studies have reported no positive detection., Conclusions: Though unlikely in the majority of cases, SARS-CoV-2 can potentially be present in seminal fluid, although there are no reports of sexual transmission to date. Prior epidemics raise significant concerns regarding the long-term reproductive health capacity for patients who are affected by entry of Sars-CoV-2 into the reproductive tract, therefore more study is needed to clarify the impacts to reproductive health.

Sex allocation research has primarily focused on offspring sex-ratio adjustment by mothers. Yet, fathers also benefit from producing more of the sex with greater fitness returns. Here, we review the state-of-the art in the study of male-driven sex allocation and, counter to the current paradigm, we propose that males can adaptively influence offspring sex ratio through a wide variety of mechanisms. This includes differential production and motility of X- versus Y-bearing sperms in mammals, variation in seminal fluid composition in haplo-diploid invertebrates, and epigenetic mechanisms in some fish and lizards exhibiting environmental sex determination. Conflicts of interest between mothers and fathers over offspring sex ratios can emerge, although many more studies are needed in this area. While many studies of sex allocation have focused on adaptive explanations with little attention to mechanisms, and vice versa, the integration of these two topics is essential for understanding male-driven sex allocation., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Serological screening of sexual assault evidence has traditionally focused on enzyme activity and immunochromatographic assays that provide only a presumptive indication of seminal fluid and have limited sensitivity relative to DNA testing. Seminal fluid detection based on protein mass spectrometry represents a "Next Gen" serological technology that overcomes the specificity and sensitivity limitations of traditional serological screening but requires time-consuming sample preparation protocols. This paper describes a novel "peptidomics" approach to seminal fluid detection that eliminates the need for lengthy trypsin digestion. This streamlines sample preparation to a one-step process followed by high-resolution mass spectrometry to identify naturally occurring seminal fluid peptides and low-molecular weight proteins. Multiple protein biomarkers of seminal fluid were consistently and confidently identified based on the multiplexed detection of numerous endogenous peptides. These included Semenogelin I and II (90% and 86% sequence coverage, respectively); Prostate Specific Antigen/p30 (29% sequence coverage); and Prostatic Acid Phosphatase (24% sequence coverage). The performance of this streamlined peptidomics approach to seminal fluid identification in a forensic context was also assessed using simulated casework samples of the type typically collected as part of a sexual assault examination (e.g., oral and vaginal swabs stained with semen). The resulting data demonstrate that sub-microliter quantities of seminal fluid on cotton swabs can be recovered and reliably detected. This supports the forensic applicability of a peptidomic assay for seminal fluid identification with same-day sample preparation and analysis. Future development and streamlined multiplex peptidomic assays for additional biological stains can easily be envisaged., (© 2020 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.)

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