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Background Objectives Materials and methods Results Discussion Conclusion Within‐subject variability of semen parameters and molecular components of ejaculates in young men remains poorly understood.To investigate intraindividual variability (IIV) of semen parameters and molecular markers in repeated ejaculates from young men.Semen parameters were assessed in samples collected 6–8 days apart from 164 18–19‐year old participants of the Russian Children's Study, a prospective cohort. Subsets of paired samples were used for label‐free quantitation and targeted mass‐spectrometry of proteins in seminal plasma (SP) and seminal extracellular vesicles (EVs), and for small non‐coding RNA (sncRNA) profiling in EVs and spermatozoa using RNA‐seq. The mean difference between two ejaculates, within‐subject variation, intraclass correlation, and concordance correlation were used to assess IIV for all parameters. Low variability with high reproducibility and high reliability was considered if CVw < 15% and ICC > 0.90, respectively.Analytical variability was low for all investigated parameters in technical replicates. IIV was assessed for basic semen parameters and proteins in SPs and EVs: 319 and 777 proteins, respectively, using untargeted analysis; 9 and 10 proteins using targeted quantification. We also described the IIV for sncRNA, including microRNA, piwi‐interacting RNA, tRNA, and tRNA‐derived small RNA (tsRNA) in EVs (409 sncRNA and 78 tsRNA) and in spermatozoa (265 sncRNA and 15 tsRNA). We identified 22 and 27 non‐overlapping proteins in SP and EVs, respectively, and 46 and 9 sncRNA, including 5 and 0 tsRNA in seminal EVs and spermatozoa, respectively, with low variability. The fatty acid synthase (FAS) had the lowest IIV in both media in targeted protein quantification.We identified a number of proteins and sncRNA with low variability among 111 proteins, 176 sncRNA, and 12 tsRNA which were previously suggested as biomarkers of male fertility and reproductive outcomes: lactotransferrin, cysteine‐rich secretory protein 3, alpha‐1‐antichymotrypsin, epididymal sperm‐binding protein 1, glutathione S‐transferase Mu 3, alpha‐1‐acid glycoprotein 2, serum amyloid P‐component, aminopeptidase N, neprilysin, FAS, and miR‐10b‐3p, miR‐122‐5p, miR‐205‐5p, miR‐222‐3p, miR‐34c‐5p, miR‐509‐3‐5p, miR‐888‐5p, miR‐892a, miR‐363‐3p, miR‐941, miR‐146a‐5p, miR‐744‐5p.These molecules have low IIV and may be promising candidate biomarkers of male fertility and reproductive health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of the Selva Andina Animal Science is the property of Fundacion Selva Andina Research Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Recently, hepatitis E virus (HEV, Paslahepevirus balayani) particles were detected for the first time in the ejaculate of two chronically infected patients. Since then, we have been able to detect HEV in ejaculate in five further patients, and thus in a total of seven out of nine (78%) chronically infected men (age 36–67 years, median 56 years). In five patients, the HEV RNA concentration was more than 100‐fold higher compared to the serum, while in two patients, the viral load was more than 10‐fold lower. However, it has remained unclear whether viral particles shed in the ejaculate were infectious, as a previous cell culture model had failed to demonstrate the infectivity. In the current study, we employed an optimized HEV cell culture system based on overconfluent PLC/PRF/5 cells to investigate the infectivity of HEV particles from ejaculate and other body fluids. With this approach, we were able to show for the first time that HEV particles in the ejaculate from several patients were infectious. HEV replicated to high viral loads of 1e9 HEV RNA copies per ml. This indicates that HEV‐positive ejaculate could bear a risk of infection for sexual partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most widespread parasites in the human population globally. Several modes of its transmission have been proposed: some are well-researched and confirmed, others remain unconfirmed. One unconfirmed hypothesis pertains to potential transmission of Toxoplasma gondii via oral sex (fellatio) in humans. A recent study found tissue cysts in the semen of men with latent toxoplasmosis. Therefore, we aimed to test the hypothesis of Toxoplasma gondii transmission through oral sex experimentally. Methods: Eighty-two laboratory mice were orally administered semen samples from 41 men with latent toxoplasmosis. These semen samples were examined for the presence of Toxoplasma gondii DNA using PCR. Results: We detected Toxoplasma gondii DNA in three of the 41 semen samples from men with latent toxoplasmosis. Oral administration of semen samples to laboratory mice did not result in parasite transmission. Conclusion: We have not demonstrated the transmission of Toxoplasma to mice by oral exposure to semen from infected men. While this does not conclusively rule out the possibility of such transmission in humans, the results suggest that, if it does occur, this mode of transmission is likely infrequent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The quality of canine sperm can be influenced by many factors, such as breed, body weight, age, ejaculatory frequency, nutrition, and environment. In the UK, it is common practice for standard Bull Terriers (SBT) and miniature Bull Terriers (MBT) to require male donors during a short breeding period. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of semen collection frequency on ejaculate volume and nine sperm parameters in SBT and MBT males, considering age and body condition score (BCS). Materials and Methods: Ejaculates from six adult SBTs and four MBTs were collected 5 times at two consecutive intervals (Time Series [TS]1, 24 h vs. TS2, 48 h), 1 week apart. Ejaculate volume, concentration, total output, viability (live sperm), subjective total motility, vigor, and total morphological defects, including head, midpiece, and tail defects of sperm, were evaluated. A multivariable mixed linear model for repeated measures was used to analyze the effects of semen collection frequency, age, breed, and BCS on ejaculate volume and sperm parameters. Results: Semen collection frequency, age, and, to a lesser extent, breed, and BCS significantly affected sperm parameters. Semen collection frequency affected all sperm parameters (p < 0.05) but not ejaculate volume (p > 0.05). Total sperm output, sperm vigor, total motility, and tail defects decreased (p < 0.05) at the end of TS1. However, sperm parameters remained relatively constant (p > 0.05) in TS2 between semen collection sessions. Overall, poorer sperm parameters were observed in older dogs (aged 5-8 years) than in younger dogs (aged 4 years). MBT produced less (p < 0.001) ejaculate volume (3.2 ± 0.2 mL vs. 4.3 ± 0.2 mL: Least Squares Mean ± Standard Error of Mean), lower total sperm output (221.8 ± 19.2 x 106 vs. 348.6 ± 19.2 x 106) and lower total morphological defects (25.0 ± 1.1% vs. 31.3 ± 0.9%), and a higher percentage of live sperm (77.0 ± 1.4% vs. 71.7 ± 1.1%) than SBT. In addition, a BCS of 4 positively influenced (p < 0.05) viability, vigor, and total sperm motility. Conclusion: Despite differences in age, breed, and BCS, better sperm parameter values were observed in all semen collection sessions. However, intensive semen collection (TS1) appears to be less effective in maintaining good sperm quality. For breeding or artificial insemination purposes, a 48-h interval between collection sessions is recommended for both breeds. The results of this study could be used to further optimize assisted reproductive technologies in both breeds.

The cost of reproduction is well studied in females but only recently have the costs of mating been investigated in males. Research suggests that males allocate resources between subsequent mating events, resulting in differential success across mating bouts. Selection should favor allocation strategies that match the likelihood of successive matings. The complexity of the system, however, suggests that one fixed strategy is unlikely to be universally favored and thus I predict that genetic variation for different allocation strategies will be segregating in natural populations. To test this, I measured several components of reproductive performance in eight inbred genotypes of Drosophila melanogaster across three sequential mating events. As predicted, there was genetic variation for how previous experience affected a male's reproductive performance for both the proportion of matings that produced offspring and the proportion of offspring sired (P1). Some genotypes had the highest success in their first matings and declined in successive matings while other genotypes did best in later matings. Mating experience had consistent effects across genotypes on fertility and induced refractoriness to remating. On average, virgin matings produced the highest fertility and third matings most effectively induced refractoriness. Genotype also had a significant effect on fertility. These results have important implications for understanding how selection may be acting on males when there is variation in the likelihood of multiple mating events and could affect the evolution of male allocation strategies in the face of perceived competitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The quality of canine sperm can be influenced by many factors, such as breed, body weight, age, ejaculatory frequency, nutrition, and environment. In the UK, it is common practice for standard Bull Terriers (SBT) and miniature Bull Terriers (MBT) to require male donors during a short breeding period. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of semen collection frequency on ejaculate volume and nine sperm parameters in SBT and MBT males, considering age and body condition score (BCS). Materials and Methods: Ejaculates from six adult SBTs and four MBTs were collected 5 times at two consecutive intervals (Time Series [TS]1, 24 h vs. TS2, 48 h), 1 week apart. Ejaculate volume, concentration, total output, viability (live sperm), subjective total motility, vigor, and total morphological defects, including head, midpiece, and tail defects of sperm, were evaluated. A multivariable mixed linear model for repeated measures was used to analyze the effects of semen collection frequency, age, breed, and BCS on ejaculate volume and sperm parameters. Results: Semen collection frequency, age, and, to a lesser extent, breed, and BCS significantly affected sperm parameters. Semen collection frequency affected all sperm parameters (p < 0.05) but not ejaculate volume (p > 0.05). Total sperm output, sperm vigor, total motility, and tail defects decreased (p < 0.05) at the end of TS1. However, sperm parameters remained relatively constant (p > 0.05) in TS2 between semen collection sessions. Overall, poorer sperm parameters were observed in older dogs (aged 5--8 years) than in younger dogs (aged 4 years). MBT produced less (p < 0.001) ejaculate volume (3.2 ± 0.2 mL vs. 4.3 ± 0.2 mL: Least Squares Mean ± Standard Error of Mean), lower total sperm output (221.8 ± 19.2 106 vs. 348.6 ± 19.2 106) and lower total morphological defects (25.0 ± 1.1% vs. 31.3 ± 0.9%), and a higher percentage of live sperm (77.0 ± 1.4% vs. 71.7 ± 1.1%) than SBT. In addition, a BCS of 4 positively influenced (p < 0.05) viability, vigor, and total sperm motility. Conclusion: Despite differences in age, breed, and BCS, better sperm parameter values were observed in all semen collection sessions. However, intensive semen collection (TS1) appears to be less effective in maintaining good sperm quality. For breeding or artificial insemination purposes, a 48-h interval between collection sessions is recommended for both breeds. The results of this study could be used to further optimize assisted reproductive technologies in both breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Porcine seminal plasma (SP) is endowed with a heterogeneous population of extracellular vesicles (sEVs). This study evaluated the immunophenotypic profile by high-sensitivity flow cytometry of eight sEV subpopulations isolated according to their size (small [S-sEVs] and large [L-sEVs]) from four different SP sources, namely three ejaculate fractions (the first 10 mL of the sperm rich fraction [SRF-P1], the remaining SRF [SRF-P2], and the post-SRF [PSRF]) and entire ejaculate (EE). Methods Seminal EVs were isolated using a size exclusion chromatography-based protocol from six SP pools (five ejaculates/pool) of each SP source and characterized using complementary approaches including total protein (BCA™assay), particle size distribution (dynamic light scattering), morphology (transmission electron microscopy), and purity (albumin by Western blot). Expression of CD9, CD63, CD81, CD44 and HSP90β was analyzed in all sEV subpopulations by high-sensitivity flow cytometry according to MIFlowCyt-EV guidelines, including an accurate calibration, controls, and discrimination by CFSE-labelling. Results Each sEV subpopulation exhibited a specific immunophenotypic profile. The percentage of sEVs positive for CD9, CD63, CD81 and HSP90β differed between S- and L-sEVs (P

Recently discovered microcolonial forms of Mycoplasma hominis (M. hominis) and their impact on human spermatogenesis are studied. The spermatozoa of 125 fertile men (sperm donors; from Reprobank [Reproductive Tissue Bank, Moscow, Russia]) and of 93 patients with fertility problems (from the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Research Centre for Medical Genetics [RCMG]”, Moscow, Russia) were used. Classical colonies of M. hominis and microcolonies were detected by molecular biological methods, culture of bacteria, and transmission electron microscopy. The unique structure of microcolonial cells, in which the cytoplasmic cylinder is surrounded by concentric electron-dense and electron-light layers with a periodicity of 12–14 nm, and the ability of microcolonial cells to attach to spermatozoa are shown. In patients with lower sperm quality, microcolonies of M. hominis were detected 2.5 times more frequently than classical colonies. The detection of microcolonies in the ejaculate and the frequent isolation of microcolonies from sperm samples of patients with fertility problems suggest that microcolonial cells may be one cause of infertility.

Introduction. Recent research have suggested a link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and declining male fertility.Objective. To study the pathomorphological changes in ejaculate of patients with human papillomavirus-associated infertility using electron microscopyMaterials & methods. We analysed the results of transmission electron microscopy of ejaculate samples from 51 patients aged 22 to 40 years (mean age 32.3 ± 6.4) diagnosed with infertility and abnormal seminal parameters combined with HPV but without other risk factors. Results. Asthenozoospermia (35.3%) and asthenoteratozoospermia (31.4%) were more frequently detected among the various variants of abnormal semen parameters, while the proportion of oligoasthenoteratazoospermia and oligoasthenozoospermia was 19.6% and 13.7%, respectively. In all patients, PCR in the ejaculate revealed different HPV types; 17 (85.0%) of the 20 identified viruses belonged to high-risk HPV. HPV types 18 (33.3%), 16 (31.3%) 31 (27.4%) and 33 (21.5%) were predominant. Electron microscopy revealed HPV adherence on sperm with localisation on the acrosome (76.4%) and in the sperm plasma (52.9%) in 80.3% of cases.Conclusions. Electron microscopy of the ejaculate of HPV-associated infertile patients revealed virus capsids were detected both on the sperm and in the sperm plasma. In addition, various sperm pathology was detected in 100% of cases, which was characterised by dysfunction of the acrosome, axoneme and nucleus. Among the acrosome pathologies, the most frequently observed were impaired integrity of the postacrosomal plate and enlargement of the subacrosomal space.

Background: Porcine seminal plasma (SP) is endowed with a heterogeneous population of extracellular vesicles (sEVs). This study evaluated the immunophenotypic profile by high-sensitivity flow cytometry of eight sEV subpopulations isolated according to their size (small [S-sEVs] and large [L-sEVs]) from four different SP sources, namely three ejaculate fractions (the first 10 mL of the sperm rich fraction [SRF-P1], the remaining SRF [SRF-P2], and the post-SRF [PSRF]) and entire ejaculate (EE). Methods: Seminal EVs were isolated using a size exclusion chromatography-based protocol from six SP pools (five ejaculates/pool) of each SP source and characterized using complementary approaches including total protein (BCA™assay), particle size distribution (dynamic light scattering), morphology (transmission electron microscopy), and purity (albumin by Western blot). Expression of CD9, CD63, CD81, CD44 and HSP90β was analyzed in all sEV subpopulations by high-sensitivity flow cytometry according to MIFlowCyt-EV guidelines, including an accurate calibration, controls, and discrimination by CFSE-labelling. Results: Each sEV subpopulation exhibited a specific immunophenotypic profile. The percentage of sEVs positive for CD9, CD63, CD81 and HSP90β differed between S- and L-sEVs (P < 0.0001). Specifically, the percentage of sEVs positive for CD9 and CD63 was higher and that for CD81 was lower in S- than L-sEVs in the four SP sources. However, the percentage of HSP90β-positive sEVs was lower in S-sEVs than L-sEVs in the SRF-P1 and EE samples. The percentage of sEVs positive for CD9, CD63, and CD44 also differed among the four SP sources (P < 0.0001), being highest in PSRF samples. Notably, virtually all sEV subpopulations expressed CD44 (range: 88.04–98.50%). Conclusions: This study demonstrated the utility of high-sensitivity flow cytometry for sEV immunophenotyping, allowing the identification of distinct sEV subpopulations that may have different cellular origin, cargo, functions, and target cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sperm traits are important in determining fertilisation success and are metabolically expensive to produce. There is little known about how energy acquisition and allocation affect sperm traits in avian taxa. This study assesses the impact of experimentally manipulated diet on long‐tailed finch sperm by comparing the length of sperm components (head, midpiece, flagellum and total sperm) between the treatment groups (homogenous diet and diverse diet) and across time points (before and after the experiment). Diet homogeneity was manipulated as this may impact diet quality in a species that is usually fed a diversity of seed species to thrive in captivity. Our results showed no impact of diet on the length of different sperm components. These results contrast with findings of a similar recent study of the zebra finch which found a significant level of diet‐affected plasticity in midpiece length. For both diet treatment groups in this study there was a slight but significant increase in head, flagellum and total sperm length over the treatment period. Despite this, all sperm components were highly repeatable, consistent with the finding from observational studies in passerine birds. The efficacy of our dietary manipulation was confirmed by a significant reduction in the saturation of bill colour in the long‐tailed finches as a result of the homogenous diet, and a difference in body mass across the treatment groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problems with the male reproductive system are of both medical and social significance. As a rule, spermatozoa and seminal plasma proteomes are investigated separately to assess sperm quality. The current study aimed to compare ejaculate proteomes with spermatozoa and seminal plasma protein profiles regarding the identification of proteins related to fertility scores. A total of 1779, 715, and 2163 proteins were identified in the ejaculate, seminal plasma, and spermatozoa, respectively. Among these datasets, 472 proteins were shared. GO enrichment analysis of the common proteins enabled us to distinguish biological processes such as single fertilization (GO:0007338), spermatid development (GO:0007286), and cell motility (GO:0048870). Among the abundant terms for GO cellular components, zona pellucida receptor complex, sperm fibrous sheath, and outer dense fiber were revealed. Overall, we identified 139 testis-specific proteins. For these proteins, PPI networks that are common in ejaculate, spermatozoa, and seminal plasma were related to the following GO biological processes: cilium movement (GO:0003341), microtubule-based movement (GO:0007018), and sperm motility (GO:0097722). For ejaculate and spermatozoa, they shared 15 common testis-specific proteins with spermatogenesis (GO:0007283) and male gamete generation (GO:0048232). Therefore, we speculated that ejaculate-based proteomics could yield new insights into the peculiar reproductive physiology and spermatozoa function of men and potentially serve as an explanation for male infertility screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently discovered microcolonial forms of Mycoplasma hominis (M. hominis) and their impact on human spermatogenesis are studied. The spermatozoa of 125 fertile men (sperm donors; from Reprobank [Reproductive Tissue Bank, Moscow, Russia]) and of 93 patients with fertility problems (from the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Research Centre for Medical Genetics [RCMG]”, Moscow, Russia) were used. Classical colonies of M. hominis and microcolonies were detected by molecular biological methods, culture of bacteria, and transmission electron microscopy. The unique structure of microcolonial cells, in which the cytoplasmic cylinder is surrounded by concentric electron-dense and electron-light layers with a periodicity of 12–14 nm, and the ability of microcolonial cells to attach to spermatozoa are shown. In patients with lower sperm quality, microcolonies of M. hominis were detected 2.5 times more frequently than classical colonies. The detection of microcolonies in the ejaculate and the frequent isolation of microcolonies from sperm samples of patients with fertility problems suggest that microcolonial cells may be one cause of infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Veterinary Review / Veterinarski Pregled is the property of University of Novia Sad, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Veterinary Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) opens the gate for many cases of male factor infertility to be the biological fathers of their sibling since 1992. Most of cases were non-obstructive azoospermia and different levels of oligoastheno-teratozoospermia. Nowadays many cases of reduced semen parameter or female factor infertility are treated by IVF-ICSI Cycle for better pregnancy rate, biochemical and clinical, and live birth rate. Aim of the study: The study aims to compare biochemical, clinical pregnancy rate and outcome of pregnancies in the group with ejaculated sperm with normal or suboptimal semen parameter and group with non-obstructive azoospermia in whom sperm retrieved by TESE, using ICSI. Method: A retrospective cohort study was conducted between January, 2016 and February, 2023 in the fertility center of Al-Sader Medical City, a total of 372 couple, 90 of the males gave semen sample by masturbation and 282 of the males were non-obstructive azoospermia and their sperms were retrieved by TESE; all are treated by ICSI, all of their female partner were under age of 37 year, the maternal medical condition and obstetric history were not included in this study. Simple random sampling was depended, SPSS version 26 was used to perform the statistical analysis processes. Results: There was a highly significant difference in pregnancy rate by β.HCG between ejaculate group (43.3 %) and azoospermia (26.6 %) with p. value =0.003. A significant difference in clinical pregnancy rate by ultrasound between the ejaculate group (31.1%) and azoospermia (20.9%) with p. value =0.047. There was no statistically significant difference in live birth rate between ejaculate group as (24.4 %) and azoospermia as (17.4 %) with p.value=0.137. Conclusion: Freshly ejaculated sperm with normal or suboptimal semen parameter gave a better biochemical and clinical pregnancy rate than obtained from NOA by TESE, while live birth rate was not largely different in both groups [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Seasonal changes, especially temperature and photoperiod, are well-known determining factors of swine reproductive capacity, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effect of age and seasonal variations on boar seminal plasma steroids (dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA], cortisol [CORT], and testosterone [TEST]) over 1 year. Materials and Methods: Four commercial hybrid adult boars (Large White × Duroc), aged between 12 and 44 months, were repeatedly evaluated at the Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences of the University of Bologna. Daily temperature and light hours relating to the collection date were considered for each observation within the four astronomical seasons: Winter, spring, summer, and autumn. Hormones were quantified using radioimmunoassay. The association between seasonal factors and hormone concentrations was evaluated using linear regression models. Univariate models were estimated for each hormone to assess the influence of the independent variables; two multivariate models were assessed to evaluate the effect of temperature and daylight hours, including boar and season factors. Results: Age significantly affected all analyzed hormones (CORT p < 0.0001; DHEA p < 0.0001; and TEST p < 0.0001). The highest average levels were found for each hormone during summertime, suggesting a positive correlation between steroid concentrations with temperature and light hours. Conclusion: The results of this study support the hypothesis that the increase in external temperature and light hours is somehow associated with higher levels of steroid concentrations in the seminal plasma of in-housed boars. These findings may help further investigate seasonal fluctuations in reproductive outcomes, which are well-known for porcine species.

Abstract Background As of today, the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on male fertility remains unclear. Studies published so far have partly contradictory results, likely due to very small sample sizes and heterogeneous populations. To gain a deeper understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on male fertility, we performed a prospective case–control study, in which we examined the ejaculate of 37 subjects, including 25 subjects in the acute phase of mild COVID-19 and 12 subjects who did not suffer from COVID-19. Determination of semen parameters, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) qPCR, and infectivity analysis were performed in the acute phase of the disease and in series. Results Semen parameter values did not differ significantly between subjects with mild COVID-19 and the control group. The serial examination of semen parameters revealed no significant changes between 4, 18, and 82 days after the onset of symptoms. SARS-CoV-2 RNA or infectious particles could not be detected in any ejaculate. Conclusion Mild COVID-19 seems to have no detrimental effect on semen parameter values.

Sperm traits are important in determining fertilisation success and are metabolically expensive to produce. There is little known about how energy acquisition and allocation affect sperm traits in avian taxa. This study assesses the impact of experimentally manipulated diet on long‐tailed finch sperm by comparing the length of sperm components (head, midpiece, flagellum and total sperm) between the treatment groups (homogenous diet and diverse diet) and across time points (before and after the experiment). Diet homogeneity was manipulated as this may impact diet quality in a species that is usually fed a diversity of seed species to thrive in captivity. Our results showed no impact of diet on the length of different sperm components. These results contrast with findings of a similar recent study of the zebra finch which found a significant level of diet‐affected plasticity in midpiece length. For both diet treatment groups in this study there was a slight but significant increase in head, flagellum and total sperm length over the treatment period. Despite this, all sperm components were highly repeatable, consistent with the finding from observational studies in passerine birds. The efficacy of our dietary manipulation was confirmed by a significant reduction in the saturation of bill colour in the long‐tailed finches as a result of the homogenous diet, and a difference in body mass across the treatment groups.

The reproductive biology of the black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), was investigated in males and females with a focus on how sperm is handled by males before – and by females after – copulation. As this insect has great economic importance for protein production from agri‐food wastes, its reproduction needs to be precisely known. A detailed description of male and female reproductive organs was made, and sperm were counted in male and female storage organs. Measures of testis and sperm counts were performed in males of various ages and their dynamics was compared to the ovaries of females. Both male and female tracts were long, and consisted of various successive parts. In males, testes fill the vas deferens with mature sperm, that are tangled as 'windrows', and sperm pass successively through a 'studded pipe' and three phallic 'wands' before being transferred to females. In virgin males, mean (± SEM) sperm number increased from approximately 9700 (± 1400, n = 5) to 39600 (± 3470, n = 13) in 20 days, and testes gradually decreased in size, indicating continuous spermatogenesis. Sperm cells are long, more than 3 mm. During copulation, sperm are deposited by phallic 'wands' at the base of each spermatheca in a smooth tube followed by a 'fishnet canal' at the top of which they accumulate before complete storage. They then pass through a ringed canal, an elbow, and a rigid rod strewn with glands, before reaching the spermathecal reservoir. Females store approximately 680 spermatozoa after one mating in each spermathecal reservoir. Such complex sperm storage organs of females may indicate strong female post‐mating selection, and reflect competition for long and numerous sperm in this species, in which female multiple matings are suspected. Besides its economical interest, BSF is an appealing model for further investigations on sexual selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Seasonal changes, especially temperature and photoperiod, are well-known determining factors of swine reproductive capacity, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effect of age and seasonal variations on boar seminal plasma steroids (dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA], cortisol [CORT], and testosterone [TEST]) over 1 year. Materials and Methods: Four commercial hybrid adult boars (Large White × Duroc), aged between 12 and 44 months, were repeatedly evaluated at the Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences of the University of Bologna. Daily temperature and light hours relating to the collection date were considered for each observation within the four astronomical seasons: Winter, spring, summer, and autumn. Hormones were quantified using radioimmunoassay. The association between seasonal factors and hormone concentrations was evaluated using linear regression models. Univariate models were estimated for each hormone to assess the influence of the independent variables; two multivariate models were assessed to evaluate the effect of temperature and daylight hours, including boar and season factors. Results: Age significantly affected all analyzed hormones (CORT p < 0.0001; DHEA p < 0.0001; and TEST p < 0.0001). The highest average levels were found for each hormone during summertime, suggesting a positive correlation between steroid concentrations with temperature and light hours. Conclusion: The results of this study support the hypothesis that the increase in external temperature and light hours is somehow associated with higher levels of steroid concentrations in the seminal plasma of in-housed boars. These findings may help further investigate seasonal fluctuations in reproductive outcomes, which are well-known for porcine species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Varicocele is a vascular disease characterized by abnormal tortuosity and dilation of the veins in pampiniform plexus that drains the testis. Due to difficult outflow of blood via the altered veins, the intratesticular blood flow becomes impaired, leading to pathological changes in the testicular tissue caused by hyperthermia, ischemia, hypoxia and development of inflammatory reaction. Seminal plasma contains numerous proteins, molecules, a wide range of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors. Their properties and levels largely determine the stages of post-testicular maturation of spermatozoa. At the same time, cytokines are an integral part of the inflammatory effect and are synthesized by various immunocompetent cells present in the male reproductive tract. Increased cytokine levels in ejaculate may act as a marker of local inflammatory process, being a significant factor of male infertility. The purpose of our study was to assess cytokine profile of ejaculate in adolescents with varicocele.The level of cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNFα, IL-4, IL-10, VEGF was determined in ejaculate of adolescents aged 17 years. The main group consisted of 100 adolescents with II-III degree varicocele; the comparison group included 30 adolescents without varicocele.Adolescents with varicocele have statistically higher levels of all studied pro-inflammatory cytokines, except of IL-8 and IL-10, which may suggest presence of a local inflammatory process. We did not find significant differences in the levels of cytokines between groups with grade II and III varicocele. However, the levels of pro-inflammatory IL-1β, IL-6 cytokines in ejaculate proved to be increased in the patients with grade III varicocele. When comparing the results between both groups, depending on the period after varicocelectomy and in the comparison group, statistically higher levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα were detected in patients with more recent surgical correction and IL-10 levels in both subgroups with varicocele. This finding, given the progressive course of this disease, may be considered an unfavorable factor, since the pro-inflammatory status of testicular tissue returned, at later terms after surgery.In adolescentswith varicocele, increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokineswere revealed in the ejaculate. There were no statistically significant differences in the level of cytokines in ejaculate of the patients with II and III degrees of varicocele. At the longer postsurgical period, an increased level of pro-inflammatory cytokines was revealed in the ejaculate samples.

Background: Zinc is essential for the normal functioning of the male reproductive system. The data on the diagnostic value of the zinc level in the human spermoplasm and its relationship with the main parameters of the sperm fertility are contradictory. Aim: study of the correlations between the zinc level in the spermoplasm and the spermogram characteristics. Methods: The sperm of men of the reproductive age (n=486, average age 33.073.03 years) was studied. In addition to the standard spermogram, MAR tests (IgA, IgG and IgM) were performed in the sperm samples, the degree of fragmentation of the sperm DNA, the sperm interaction with hyaluronic acid, the acrosine activity, and the neutral alpha-glucosidase activity were assessed, the citric acid, fructose and glycodelin levels were determined, and the level of reactive oxygen species was studied. The zinc level determination in the spermoplasm was carried out by a standard spectrophotometric method with 5-Br-PAPS chromogen. The Pearson's formula was used for the correlation analysis. The study was conducted from 2018 to May 2022, once. Results: A significant negative correlation of the zinc level in the spermoplasm with the age of men was revealed (r=-0.16; p 0.001). The level of zinc in the spermoplasm weakly negatively correlated with the dilution time and with the viscosity of the sperm. The positive correlation was found with the number of spermatozoa (r=0.13; p 0.01) and their mobility (r=0.38; p 0.00001). The level of zinc in the spermoplasm negatively correlated with the degree of the sperm DNA fragmentation and with the amount of reactive oxygen species, and positively correlated with the results of the test for binding to hyaluronic acid. Conclusions: The level of zinc in the spermoplasm significantly correlates with a number of physiological and biochemical characteristics of the sperm. The data obtained allow us to recommend determination of the zinc level in the sperm plasma to not only assess the functional activity of the prostate gland, but also to diagnose the fertility of the ejaculate, as well as to optimize the therapy with zinc-containing drugs and improve the control over the effectiveness of the treatment.

Libido and sperm quality output relationship is already not clear in farm animals. The present study compared reaction time (RT) as a libido indicator and the pre‐freeze and post‐thaw sperm quality of AI bulls. Before the collection of ejaculates (n = 53, from 22 AI bulls [4.2 ± 1 years of age]), RTs were collected using a chronometer as the interval between the bull's arrival at the semen collection area and his first false mount (FM) on another male. The ejaculates were examined for their volume, concentration and motility. Subsequently, all aliquots were diluted with a commercial semen extender and equilibrated for 3 h before freezing. Frozen semen samples were thawed and examined for sperm kinematics using CASA, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity of sperm (PMAI) by flow cytometry. Additionally, the temperature humidity index (THI) values were assessed during the study. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyse the data. The results indicated that THI had a significant effect on libido (p <.001). However, libido had no effect on either pre‐ or post‐thaw sperm quality parameters except for the velocity of the average pathway (VAP) (p <.05). Therefore, relying solely on RT –libido‐ as an indicator of bull sperm quality at AI stations may not be reliable, as it is a complex behavioural assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Aim. To perform comparative analysis of sperm characteristics and DNA fragmentation in men vaccinated with GamCOVID-Vac (Sputnik V) and unvaccinated men.Materials and methods. Characteristics ofsemen analysis and DNA fragmentation index in ejaculate samples of 122 men, 28 of whom were vaccinated with Gam-COVID-Vac (Sputnik V), were analyzed. Study participants did not have history of coronavirus infection COVID-19. Vaccinated patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (n = 10) included patients for whom the time between full vaccination (2 doses of the vaccine) and ejaculate sampling was shorter than 75 days; and the group 2 (n = 18) included patients for whom the time between vaccination and ejaculate sampling was longer than 75 days. Unvaccinated men comprised the control group (group 3, n = 94). Standard semen analysis was performed in accordance with the accepted laboratory guidelines of the World Health Organization (2010). DNA fragmentation was evaluated using fluorescent labelling of single- and double-strand DNA breaks (TUNEL).Results. Totalsperm countin the group 1 was 265 ± 75 million, in the group 2 – 355 ± 67 million, in the group 3 – 304 ± 26 million. Progressive motile (PR)sperm in the group 1was 18.5 ± 1.9 %, in the group 2 – 23.2 ± 3.0 %, in the group 3 – 18.2 ± 1.1 %. Normal sperm morphology in the group 1 was 4.0 ± 0.5 %, in the group 2 – 5.8 ± 0.9 %, in the group 3 – 4.1 ± 0.3 %. The best ejaculate quality was observed in patients of the group 2, however, no statistically significant differences in semen analysis characteristics between the groups were found. Percentage of sperm with fragmented DNA (DNA fragmentation index, DFI) in the group 1 varied between 4.6 and 31.4 %, in the group 2 between 0.8 and 36.5 %, in the group 3 (control) between 1.3 and 39.8 %. Mean number of germ cells with DNA breaksin the group 1 (12.5 ± 2.4 %) was higher than in the group 2 (10.9 ± 2.0 %) and control group (10.5 ± 0.7 %), but with no statistical significance. Percentage of patients with DNA fragmentation index above the reference value (≤15 %) in the groups 1, 2 and 3 was 20, 22 and 18 % respectively. In 3 of 6 patients with increased DFI in the groups 1 and 2, this value was above the reference level even before vaccination.Conclusion. No significant effect of vaccination with Sputnik V on sperm DNA fragmentation level in men was observed.

Russian and foreign epidemiological data suggest that males may have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality associated with COVID‑19. It is known that due to the high expression of ACE2 in spermatogonia, Leydig and Sertoli cells, the testicle, as an organ producing male germ cells, is a potential target for the COVID‑19 virus, which directly affects the reproductive health of men. To date, several factors of the influence of the SARS-CoV‑2 virus on the male reproductive system are known. To begin with, when infected, the virus has a direct damaging effect on the testicle itself with the provocation of orchitis. In addition to the previous statement, high body temperature during inflammation contributes to an increase in testicular temperature, which can lead to a deterioration in the quality of sperm. Furthermore, a pronounced inflammatory reaction promotes the circulation of a large number of cytokines and damage to the hemato-testicular barrier. Also, the increased activity of immunocytes leads to an imbalance of the antioxidant system of men, an increase in the level of reactive oxygen species and the formation of oxidative stress. In a Nutshell, Leydig cell dystrophy provokes the development of secondary hypogonadism. Thus, COVID‑19, like a “multifaceted Janus”, has a polysymptomatic manifestation, but at the same time has a multifactorial effect on the reproductive function of a man. All these factors of the impact of the SARS-CoV‑2 virus on the testicle must be considered when rehabilitating the patient. It should be kept in mind that the deterioration of sperm quality is observed both during the acute period of coronavirus infection and during recovery period. Therefore, laboratory evaluation of the ejaculate in dynamics and its correction is necessary for males, especially those who plan to realize their reproductive potential.Conclusion. COVID‑19 generally has a negative impact on spermatogenesis and male fertility. To date, the timing and degree of restoration of a man’s reproductive function after a coronavirus infection remains completely unknown. Therefore, both in the early and late rehabilitation period, men of reproductive age need the supervision of an andrologist.

During the selection of parents of future bulls of meat breeds, the problem of improving the main signs of meat productivity is a priority. Search for techniques that would additionally influence the effectiveness of using future bulls using conventional breeding methods determines the relevance of this study. The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of the selection of parent pairs based on antigens of the B blood group system on the results of lifelong use of bulls of Ukrainian beef cattle, created by the method of the complex reproductive crossing of four different breeds. The study was conducted by comparing the performance of bulls assigned to different groups by the antigenic similarity index (ras) of their parents. By ras value over 0.150 formed a group of progenies from a homogeneous selection of parents (n=5). In the group from a heterogeneous selection of parents (n=5), the indicator ras less than 0.150. The libido of bulls was tested in the arena by the time of manifestation of sexual reflexes when receiving sperm on an artificial vagina. Within the groups, the age of bulls at the time of first sperm collection, life and productive use, the number of ejaculates received and culled, and the quality and fertilising ability of sperm were determined. It was identified that in bulls obtained from the homogeneous selection of parents by ras compared to peers from heterogeneous mating, there is a tendency to increase the age of initiation of sperm collection by 33.9%. They also have a longer productive use expectancy by 6.3% and a longer life expectancy by 21.5%. Bulls obtained from heterogeneous selection during use have more leads to the scarecrow by 13.6% and predominate in the number of ejaculates obtained. The percentage of ejaculate culled is twice as high. Bulls from homogeneous selection have a higher (by 15.3 points) share of active manifestation of sexual reflexes, a larger volume of ejaculate, better indicators of sperm motility and concentration, fewer culled ejaculates, and a higher fertilisation capacity of sperm by 18.2 points. The results obtained should be used in the selection of bulls for potential mothers of valuable bulls of the Ukrainian beef breed and in other livestock populations created by the method of complex reproductive crossing

Aim. To compare sperm parameters and the DNA fragmentation in patients after the COVID-19 infection and in men without a history of infection.Materials and methods. Sperm parameters and DNA fragmentation index were evaluated in 172 patients examined in 2020–2022. Based on the data on COVID-19 infection in the anamnesis, the patient’s cohort was divided into three groups: group 1 (n = 16) and group 2 (n = 65) – patients who had an infectious disease less than 75 days and more than 75 days before the delivery of the ejaculate, respectively, and group 3 (control, n = 91) – men have no coronavirus infection. A standard semen examination was performed according by the WHO guidelines (2010) recommendation. Sperm DNA fragmentation was evaluated by fluorescent labeling of single- and double-strand DNA breaks (TUNEL method).Results. The percentage of spermatozoa with fragmented DNA in group 1 varies from 2 to 48 %, in group 2 – from 0.9 to 39 %, in group 3 (control group) – from 1.3 to 52.9 %. The average number of gametes with DNA breaks in group 1 (11.7 ± 3.3 %) is greater than in group 2 (10.6 ± 0.8 %) and in group 3 (10.7 ± 0.8%), but without a statistically significant differences. The proportions of patients whose DNA fragmentation index exceeds the reference value (≤15 %) in groups 1, 2 and 3 are 18.8; 13.8 and 18.7 %, respectively. The count of progressively motile (PR) and morphologically normal spermatozoa in group 2 is statistically significantly greater than in group 3 (22.5 ± 1.6 % vs 18.0 ± 1.2 % and 5.52 ± 0.47 % vs 4.03 ± 0.31 %, respectively).Conclusion. The content of sperm with fragmented DNA is higher in men examined less than 75 days after COVID-19 disease, than in patients, examined more than 75 days after COVID-19 and in men who have no history of this infection. In group 1 an increased DNA fragmentation index was noted mainly in patients who had suffered from the disease in a moderate form.

Problems with the male reproductive system are of both medical and social significance. As a rule, spermatozoa and seminal plasma proteomes are investigated separately to assess sperm quality. The current study aimed to compare ejaculate proteomes with spermatozoa and seminal plasma protein profiles regarding the identification of proteins related to fertility scores. A total of 1779, 715, and 2163 proteins were identified in the ejaculate, seminal plasma, and spermatozoa, respectively. Among these datasets, 472 proteins were shared. GO enrichment analysis of the common proteins enabled us to distinguish biological processes such as single fertilization (GO:0007338), spermatid development (GO:0007286), and cell motility (GO:0048870). Among the abundant terms for GO cellular components, zona pellucida receptor complex, sperm fibrous sheath, and outer dense fiber were revealed. Overall, we identified 139 testis-specific proteins. For these proteins, PPI networks that are common in ejaculate, spermatozoa, and seminal plasma were related to the following GO biological processes: cilium movement (GO:0003341), microtubule-based movement (GO:0007018), and sperm motility (GO:0097722). For ejaculate and spermatozoa, they shared 15 common testis-specific proteins with spermatogenesis (GO:0007283) and male gamete generation (GO:0048232). Therefore, we speculated that ejaculate-based proteomics could yield new insights into the peculiar reproductive physiology and spermatozoa function of men and potentially serve as an explanation for male infertility screening.

The proportion of men with impaired sperm fertility is increasing every year, which is one of the factors in the decline in fertility and is becoming both a medical and social problem. Modern diagnostic methods make it possible to recognize many factors of male infertility: genetic, endocrine, infectious, extra-genital, etc. However, despite all modern biomedical advances, 1/3 of patients remain with an unrecognized cause (idiopathic) of male infertility. At the same time, we must not forget that most patients from this category do not want to resort to assisted reproductive technologies to realize paternity, and they strive to achieve pregnancy in a natural way. Therefore, the search for the causes of male infertility remains an urgent issue in modern urology field. This article reviews the literature on the role of mast cells in the formation of fibrosis in tissues, including the testis. Mast cells affect the proliferation, functioning and phenotype of fibroblasts put under hypoxic conditions. Fibroblast activation enhances collagen fibrillogenesis. Studies by Russian and foreign scientists have shown that with sperm pathology, the number of mast cells in the connective tissue of the testicle increases sharply. Against the background of an increase in the number of mast cells in the interstitium of the testis, fibrosis of the wall of the convoluted seminiferous tubules increases. Moreover, in severe spermatogenesis disorders (Sertoli cell-only syndrome, Germ cell aplasia), mast cells were found both in the peritubular space and in the lumen of the convoluted seminiferous tubules. Most infertile men have significant amounts of significant amounts of mast cells in their ejaculate. There are sporadic data on the negative correlation between the presence of mast cells in seminal plasma and the concentration and motility of spermatozoa. Conclusion. The negative effect of mast cells on spermatogenesis remains unknown to the end. Mast cells have a high ability to migrate to connective tissue, which levels increase during inflammation, and the production of many mediators, proteases and histamine, cytokines, which can be both a trigger in the formation of sperm pathology and the cause of the formation of fibrosis in the testicle.

Introduction. The number of immature germ cells (IGCs) in ejaculate and the ratio of these cells at different stages of their differentiation can reflect meiotic progression and the state of spermatogenesis. Quantitative karyological analysis of immature germ cells from the ejaculate (QKA IGCs) makes it possible to distinguish and analyze all the stages of cell differentiation during spermatogenesis.Purpose. To analyze the spermatogenesis in men with impaired fertility and possible correlation between semen analysis and QKA IGCs parameters. Materials and methods. We analyzed 52 semen samples with normal sperm concentration, normal ejaculate volume and pH. Sperm examination according to WHO criteria and QKA IGCs from the ejaculate were performed (patent of L.F. Kurilo No. 2328736, 2007). According to the number of leukocytes, we divided two groups: a group with normal concentration of leukocytes in the ejaculate (group 1, n = 34) and a group with leukospermia (group 2, n = 18).Results. Increased IGCs index was found in 56 % of the samples in group 1 and 61 % of the samples in group 2. A positive statistically significant correlation was found between the number of spermatocytes I and sperm concentration (group 1), as well as the number of spermatocytes I and morphologically normal spermatozoa (group 2). The average number of non-divided spermatids in group 2 was statistically higher than in group 1. A negative statistically significant correlation was found between the number of non-divided spermatids and the number of morphologically normal spermatozoa, as well as the concentration of germ cells (group 2). Increased IGCs index was found in both pathozoospermia and normozoospermia.Conclusions. The QKA IGCs is an independent method for spermatogenesis evaluation and can be recommended as part of the protocol for examining men with reproductive disorders along with standard semen analysis.

Despite decades of research and handling of semen for use in artificial insemination (AI) and other assisted reproductive technologies, 5–10% of selected boar sires are still considered sub-fertile, escaping current assessment methods for sperm quality and resilience to preservation. As end-product, the ejaculate (emitted spermatozoa sequentially exposed to the composite seminal plasma, the SP) ought to define the homeostasis of the testes, the epididymis, and the accessory sexual glands. Yet, linking findings in the ejaculate to sperm production biology and fertility is suboptimal. The present essay critically reviews how the ejaculate of a fertile boar can help us to diagnose both reproductive health and resilience to semen handling, focusing on methods -available and under development- to identify suitable biomarkers for cryotolerance and fertility. Bulk SP, semen proteins and microRNAs (miRNAs) have, albeit linked to sperm function and fertility after AI, failed to enhance reproductive outcomes at commercial level, perhaps for just being components of a complex functional pathway. Hence, focus is now on the interaction sperm-SP, comparing in vivo with ex vivo , and regarding nano-sized lipid bilayer seminal extracellular vesicles (sEVs) as priority. sEVs transport fragile molecules (lipids, proteins, nucleic acids) which, shielded from degradation, mediate cell-to-cell communication with spermatozoa and the female internal genital tract. Such interaction modulates essential reproductive processes, from sperm homeostasis to immunological female tolerance. sEVs can be harvested, characterized, stored, and manipulated, e.g. can be used for andrological diagnosis, selection of breeders, and alternatively be used as additives to improve cryosurvival and fertility. • Physiology of sperm production and maturation is reflected in the ejaculate. • Current andrological analyses are dramatically evolving via omics. • Sperm DNA methylation and miRNAs and SP-proteome are linked to fertility. • Seminal extracellular vesicles emerge as biomarkers/additives in sperm freezing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: New coronavirus infection (Covid-19) in patients with diabetes type 2 mellitus (DM) often has severe clinical course and manifestation. This comorbidity is a reasonable indication for vaccination. Male patients are often concerned about the vaccination impact on their fertility, so the current research of this issue seems to be essential and relevant.Aims: To evaluate the quality of ejaculate in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients, vaccinated by GamCovidVac (Sputnik V).Materials and Methods: The pilot observational prospective study included 30 males with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The study continued from February 2021 till June 2021. The research design involved medical history analysis, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) tests, total testosterone level in blood measurement, semen analysis (sperm count test). Group comparison was performed by Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test. The differences were considered statistically significant at p

BackgroundTsetse flies (Diptera, Glossinidae) display unique reproductive biology traits. Females reproduce through adenotrophic viviparity, nourishing the growing larva into their modified uterus until parturition. Males transfer their sperm and seminal fluid, produced by both testes and male accessory glands, in a spermatophore capsule transiently formed within the female reproductive tract upon mating. Both sexes are obligate blood feeders and have evolved tight relationships with endosymbionts, already shown to provide essential nutrients lacking in their diet. However, the partnership between tsetse and its symbionts has so far been investigated, at the molecular, genomic and metabolomics level, only in females, whereas the roles of microbiota in male reproduction are still unexplored.ResultsHere we begin unravelling the impact of microbiota on Glossina m. morsitans (G. morsitans) male reproductive biology by generating transcriptomes from the reproductive tissues of males deprived of their endosymbionts (aposymbiotic) via maternal antibiotic treatment and dietary supplementation. We then compared the transcriptional profiles of genes expressed in the male reproductive tract of normal and these aposymbiotic flies. We showed that microbiota removal impacts several male reproductive genes by depressing the activity of genes in the male accessory glands (MAGs), including sequences encoding seminal fluid proteins, and increasing expression of genes in the testes. In the MAGs, in particular, the expression of genes related to mating, immunity and seminal fluid components' synthesis is reduced. In the testes, the absence of symbionts activates genes involved in the metabolic apparatus at the basis of male reproduction, including sperm production, motility and function.ConclusionsOur findings mirrored the complementary roles male accessory glands and testes play in supporting male reproduction and open new avenues for disentangling the interplay between male insects and endosymbionts. From an applied perspective, unravelling the metabolic and functional relationships between tsetse symbionts and male reproductive physiology will provide fundamental information useful to understanding the biology underlying improved male reproductive success in tsetse. This information is of particular importance in the context of tsetse population control via Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) and its impact on trypanosomiasis transmission.

In several butterflies, the posterior end of the hindwings resembles a butterfly head when the butterfly is perched with its wings closed. There is evidence that this "false head" (FH) deflects predator attacks towards non-vital parts of the body. If the FH protects from visually oriented predators, its condition in an individual butterfly could provide information about its quality to prospective mates. We tested two hypotheses based on this idea by comparing the probability of mating, duration of copulation and size of the ejaculate received by females of Callophrys xami (Lycaenidae) with an intact FH and those with an ablated FH in a paired experiment. The absence of a FH had no effect on the probability of mating, but females with an ablated FH copulated for longer and received larger ejaculates, which supports the hypothesis that males prefer females with damaged FHs because this reveals the female's ability to deflect attacks. Male or female (or both) cryptic choice could also account for our results, but more studies are needed to test this.

During the selection of parents of future bulls of meat breeds, the problem of improving the main signs of meat productivity is a priority. Search for techniques that would additionally influence the effectiveness of using future bulls using conventional breeding methods determines the relevance of this study. The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of the selection of parent pairs based on antigens of the B blood group system on the results of lifelong use of bulls of Ukrainian beef cattle, created by the method of the complex reproductive crossing of four different breeds. The study was conducted by comparing the performance of bulls assigned to different groups by the antigenic similarity index (ras) of their parents. By ras value over 0.150 formed a group of progenies from a homogeneous selection of parents (n=5). In the group from a heterogeneous selection of parents (n=5), the indicator ras less than 0.150. The libido of bulls was tested in the arena by the time of manifestation of sexual reflexes when receiving sperm on an artificial vagina. Within the groups, the age of bulls at the time of first sperm collection, life and productive use, the number of ejaculates received and culled, and the quality and fertilising ability of sperm were determined. It was identified that in bulls obtained from the homogeneous selection of parents by ras compared to peers from heterogeneous mating, there is a tendency to increase the age of initiation of sperm collection by 33.9%. They also have a longer productive use expectancy by 6.3% and a longer life expectancy by 21.5%. Bulls obtained from heterogeneous selection during use have more leads to the scarecrow by 13.6% and predominate in the number of ejaculates obtained. The percentage of ejaculate culled is twice as high. Bulls from homogeneous selection have a higher (by 15.3 points) share of active manifestation of sexual reflexes, a larger volume of ejaculate, better indicators of sperm motility and concentration, fewer culled ejaculates, and a higher fertilisation capacity of sperm by 18.2 points. The results obtained should be used in the selection of bulls for potential mothers of valuable bulls of the Ukrainian beef breed and in other livestock populations created by the method of complex reproductive crossing [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semen analysis and physical examination are performed while first evaluation for patients with male infertility. Alcohol, smoking and dietary habits can affect the semen parameters. This study aimed to evaluate whether semen parameters are changed with sexual arousal. After excluding, 100 patients with ages of 18–45 were included to the study. All semen analysis were performed with three days of sexual abstinence. An identified 20 min video link was determined to the patients and while the sexual abstinence were told to watch this video once a day; after 3 days abstinence semen analysis was examined again. In the detailed examination normal spermatozoa ratio (Tygerberg strict criteria), spermatozoa concentration, semen volume, total motility and progressive motility ratios were noted. When the two semen analysis from the same patient are compared, it was observed that all parameters did not change except semen volume and total motile sperm count (p < 0.001). In conclusion, to understand the effect of sexual arousal during the sexual abstinence, we need studies with high patient number and longer follow‐up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights the results of the reproductive capacity of different breeds of boar sires in the farms of eastern, southern, and central regions of Ukraine in dynamics over three years are given. It represented the influence of the year's season on sperm quality by estimating the ejaculate volume, concentration, and motility of sperm of boars-sires of the different breeds and their hybrids. Data were also calculated on the culling of ejaculates of boar sires of various breeds for the years 2019–2021 in the dynamics. In a comparative aspect, the indicators were analyzed by the following genotypes: Large White, Ukrainian Meat, Landrace, Duroc, Yorkshire, and synthetic line Makster. The reproductive capacity of boars was within the limits of the indicators for the elite and first classes. However, specific differences were observed between boars of different breeds, which were constant and took place during the three studied years. The difference in the concentration of sperm in the ejaculates of the Ukrainian Meat breed gradually decreased starting from 2019 and was the smallest in 2021. The highest ejaculate volume was found in boars of the Ukrainian meat breed (310.9 ± 113.2 cm³ ), and the sperm concentration was the highest in boar sires of the Large White breed (215.7 ± 83.5 million/cm³ ). On the other side, hybrids of the Large White breed had low indicators compared to other groups of animals (Large White × Yorkshire – 184.2 ± 68.5 million/cm³, Large White × Makster – 189.0 ± 59.7 million/cm³ ). Sperm motility did not undergo significant breed differences: the average annual indicator of motility was 7.6 ± 0.09 points, and it was the highest in the winter period (8.6 ± 0.11 points), however, for the established variances; the dilution was used 1.65–3.58 times and a high percentage of unusable sperm (15.4–29.4 % of the total amount) was established in a large number of samples. According to the results of the annual analysis of the sperm production of boars, a high degree of culling of ejaculates was established for various reasons (high level of sperm agglutination (52.3–74.0 %), low concentration of germ cells (14.5–29.8 %), presence of foreign impurities (5,8–12.4 %). The highest percentage of culling was in summer (20.3 %). Thus, the obtained results showed the breed and seasonal characteristics of the reproductive capacity of breeding boars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Considering the influence of visceral obesity on male infertility, the investigation of ejaculate quality indicators under obesity treatment is relevant.Objective: Evaluation of ejaculate quality indicators by obesity treatment with liraglutide in andrologically healthy men with infertility and post-pubertal visceral obesity.Methods: Infertile men with post-pubertal alimentary visceral obesity were included in a pilot observational prospective study. All patients were given recommendations for body weight loss (hypocaloric diet, daily aerobic physical activity) as well as an average daily dose of liraglutide 2.4 [2.4; 3.0] mg. Evaluation of waist circumference, antioxidant activity of ejaculate, spermogram was carried out initially and after 6 months. The differences were considered statistically significant at p

Abstract Background Identification of relevant in vivo biomarkers for fertility remains a challenge for the livestock industry. Concentrations of the small peptide hormone oxytocin (OXT), involved in male reproductive function and present in the seminal plasma (SP) of several species could be a robust one. This study characterized concentrations of SP-OXT in ejaculates from boars used in artificial insemination (AI) programs aiming to evaluate its relationship with sperm quality variables and in vivo fertility of their liquid-stored AI-semen. Seminal OXT concentrations (ng/mL) were measured in 169 ejaculates from 61 boars of the Duroc, Pietrain, Landrace and Large White breeds using a direct competitive immunoassay test based on AlphaLISA® technology. Ejaculate (ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count) and sperm parameters (motility, viability, intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species, plasma membrane fluidity) were assessed at 0 h and 72 h in AI-semen samples stored at 17 °C. In vivo fertility included only 18 Large White and Landrace boars whose AI-semen was used to inseminated > 100 sows and evaluated both farrowing rate and litter size of 3,167 sows. Results The results showed that SP-OXT differed between boars and between ejaculates within boar (P

We studied the content of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in 69 paired samples of blood serum and seminal plasma from men with azoospermia (n=11) and oligoastenozoospermia (n=10) and from men with fertile ejaculate (n=48). NSE concentration was determined by ELISA (Vector-Best kit). The median concentration and the interquartile range of the NSE content in seminal plasma were 65.7 (47.9; 83.4) ng/ml and 24.33 times (р<0.000001) exceeded those for blood serum 2.7 (1.45; 4.0) ng/ml. There were no differences in the content of NSE between the groups for both seminal plasma and blood serum. The content of NSE in seminal plasma did not correlate with the content of NSE in blood serum, and also did not depend on the content of spermatozoa. A weak negative correlation (r=-0.341; p=0.0057) was found between the age of the examinees and the level of NSE in seminal plasma, but not in blood serum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The determination of the concentration of procalcitonin (PCT) in blood serum and other biological fluids is used for the diagnosis and monitoring of the course of sepsis and the syndrome of a systemic inflammatory reaction. This review summarizes the data on the diagnostic value of the definition of procalcitonin in the practice of urologists and andrologists. The content of procalcitonin in such biological fluids as urine, seminal plasma is almost 10 times higher than the level of this protein in blood serum: this phenomenon is manifested in physiological conditions and in pathological processes. The relationship of clinical and laboratory indicators of inflammation with the severity of urosepsis was analyzed. Elevated serum procalcitonin levels are considered as a predictor of septic shock in patients with urolithiasis, and determine the management tactics of patients with urinary tract obstruction. The marker function of this protein was studied in inflammation in the renal parenchyma, in malignant neoplasms of the kidneys, bladder, ureter, prostate and testis; in the diagnosis of testicular torsion and orchiepididymitis. The article describes the regular changes in the level of urinary procalcitonin depending on the severity of vesicoureteral reflux, the severity of the manifestations of the inflammatory reaction. There were significant differences in the concentration of procalcitonin in seminal plasma between the groups of men with reduced and normal ejaculate fertility.

The ability of three milk-based extenders to preserve the motility and viability of cooled shipped semen produced by stallions after a long sexual rest was evaluated. In total, 21 ejaculates from 11 stallions were collected after 5–6 months of sexual inactivity and diluted with Kenney, INRA 96, and EquiPlus. Seven parameters were evaluated – spermatozoa viability (VIT, %), total motility (MOT, %), progressive motility (PMOT, %), number of progressive spermatozoa per ml (prog M/ml, million/ml), average path velocity (VAP, μm/s), curvilinear velocity (VCL, μm/s) and straight-line velocity of spermatozoa (VSP, μm/s). These parameters were determined by CASA 2 hours after semen processing and then in 24, 48 and 72-hour intervals of storage at 5 °C. The effect of storage time was highly significant (P

The objective of this study was to establish a selection process for high quality sperm in bovine semen using sperm separation by magnetic activation (MACS). For this, semen from 21 Nellore bulls was collected using an artificial vagina. To guarantee the presence of pathologies in the ejaculate, animals previously declassified in four consecutive spermiogram were used. Semen was analyzed in five statuses: (1) fresh semen (fresh); (2) density gradient centrifugation (DGC), percoll column; (3) non-apoptotic fraction after separation by MACS (MAC); (4) apoptotic fraction from the separation (MACPOOR); and (5) MAC followed by DGC (MACDGC). Using a computerized analysis system (CASA), motility was measured. The sperm morphology was evaluated by phase contrast, and the supravital test was completed with eosin/nigrosin staining. For DGC, 20 × 106 cells were used in a gradient of 90% and 45% percoll. MACS used 10 × 106 cells with 20 μL of nanoparticles attached to annexin V, and filtered through the MiniMACS magnetic separation column. Membrane integrity was assessed with SYBR-14/IP and mitochondrial potential with JC-1 by flow cytometry. Processing sperm by MACDGC, was more effective in obtaining samples with high quality sperm, verified by the total of abnormalities in the samples: 35.04 ± 2.29%, 21.50 ± 1.47%, 17.30 ± 1.10%, 30.68 ± 1.94% and 10.50 ± 1.46%, respectively for fresh, DGC, MAC, MACPOOR, and MACDGC. The subpopulation of non-apoptotic sperm had a high number of live cells (82.65%), membrane integrity (56.60%) and mitochondrial potential (83.98%) (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that this nanotechnological method, that uses nanoparticles, is efficient in the production of high-quality semen samples for assisted reproduction procedures in cattle.