Abnormal Sperm Research Articles

Health risk assessment of toxic metals and DNA damage in somatic and germ cells by soil and groundwater of a major cement factory in Nigeria.

The waste generated from cement manufacturing is an important source of heavy metal contamination of groundwater and soil. This study investigated the concentration of toxic metals in the soil of a major cement factory and nearby groundwater. Ecological and carcinogenic risks of the metals were calculated. Potential reproductive toxicity and genotoxic effects of the samples were assessed in sex and somatic cells of male mice using sperm abnormalities and bone marrow micronucleus (MN) assays, respectively. Also, the serum ALP, ALT, AST, Total Testosterone (TT), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH); and liver SOD and CAT activities were measured in the treated mice. Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, Mn, Cd, and Pb levels in the soil and groundwater exceeded the allowable maximum standard. Ingestion and dermal contact were the most probable routes of human exposure with children having about three times higher probability of exposure to the metals than the adults. Ni, Pb, and Cr presented carcinogenic risks in children and adults. In the MN result, nuclear abnormalities in the studied mice especially micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes increased significantly (p < 0.05). Compared to the negative control, the ratio of PCE/NCE showed the cytotoxicity of the two samples. Data further showed a significant increase in the serum ALP, AST, and ALT while the liver CAT and SOD activities concomitantly decreased in the exposed mice. Sperm morphology result showed that the samples contained constituents capable of inducing reproductive toxicity in exposed organisms, with alterations to the concentrations of TT, LH, and FSH. Toxic metal constituents of the samples were believed to induce these reported reproductive toxicity and genotoxic effect. These results showed the environmental pollution caused by cement factory and the potential effects the pollutants might have on exposed eukaryotic organisms.

Sperm Cryopreservation in Canaries to Protect Endangered Songbird Species: Comparison of Different Cryoprotectants.

Sperm cryopreservation is a rather complex process that needs to be adapted to wild and domestic bird species to ensure adequate efficiency. This study aimed to determine the usability of different cryoprotectants in the cryopreservation of Gloster canary sperm. For this purpose, sperm samples were collected from 12 2-year-old male Gloster canaries three times a week using cloacal massage for 4 weeks. After individual evaluation, sperm samples from the canaries were combined. Mixed sperm were divided into two groups in the study. Overall, 8% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and ethylene glycol (EG) were used as cryoprotectants. Sperm samples were drawn into straws after adding Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) extender with high glucose ratio and two different cryoprotectants in a 1:1 ratio and frozen to -80°C with liquid nitrogen vapour and then stored in liquid nitrogen at -196°C. Frozen-thawed semen samples were evaluated regarding motility, vitality, plasma membrane integrity (hypoosmotic swelling test [HOST]), density and abnormal spermatozoa rate. The highest motility value after freezing and thawing was determined in the EG group with 31.667%±4.773%. In addition, vitality, plasma membrane integrity and normal sperm morphology were statistically significantly higher in the EG-frozen group, whereas head and tail abnormality was low (p<0.05). This study determined that a DMEM extender containing 8% EG was more advantageous than a DMEM containing DMSO regarding spermatological parameters and could be used for long-term storage of canary sperm.

Protamine 2 deficiency results in Septin 12 abnormalities

There is a well-established link between abnormal sperm chromatin states and poor motility, however, how these two processes are interdependent is unknown. Here, we identified a possible mechanistic insight by showing that Protamine 2, a nuclear DNA packaging protein in sperm, directly interacts with cytoskeletal protein Septin 12, which is associated with sperm motility. Septin 12 has several isoforms, and we show, that in the Prm2−/− sperm, the short one (Mw 36 kDa) is mis-localized, while two long isoforms (Mw 40 and 41 kDa) are unexpectedly lost in Prm2−/− sperm chromatin-bound protein fractions. Septin 12 co-immunoprecipitated with Protamine 2 in the testicular cell lysate of WT mice and with Lamin B1/2/3 in co-transfected HEK cells despite we did not observe changes in Lamin B2/B3 proteins or SUN4 expression in Prm2−/− testes. Furthermore, the Prm2−/− sperm have on average a smaller sperm nucleus and aberrant acrosome biogenesis. In humans, patients with low sperm motility (asthenozoospermia) have imbalanced histone–protamine 1/2 ratio, modified levels of cytoskeletal proteins and we detected retained Septin 12 isoforms (Mw 40 and 41 kDa) in the sperm membrane, chromatin-bound and tubulin/mitochondria protein fractions. In conclusion, our findings present potential interaction between Septin 12 and Protamine 2 or Lamin B2/3 and describe a new connection between their expression and localization, contributing likely to low sperm motility and morphological abnormalities.

Evaluation of the use of L-carnosine in short-term storage of ram semen with spermatological and flow-cytometric analyzes

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of adding different doses of L-carnosine to semen in vitro on the short-term storage of semen. Semen taken from 6 Akkaraman rams was used in the research. Semen taken from each animal was pooled. It was diluted with tris+egg yolk extender containing L-carnosine at different doses (1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 mM) and stored at +4°C for 96 hours. It was determined that 1, 5, 10, 20 mM L-carnosine doses increased total, progressive and rapid motility, kinematic parameters VCL, VSL, VAP values and high mitochondrial membrane potential level during short-term storage. It was also determined that these doses protected membrane integrity, reduced the rate of abnormal spermatozoon, acrosomal damage and low mitochondrial membrane potential level. It was determined that a dose of 200 mM L-carnosine had a toxic effect and negatively affected the parameters. As a result, when ram semen is desired to be stored for a short time (for 96 hours), it may be recommended to add 1, 5, 10 and 20 mM L-carnosine amino acid to the semen extenders in order to preserve spermatological parameters.

Healthy and unhealthy dietary patterns and sperm quality from the Led-Fertyl study.

Dietary patterns may affect sperm quality, but the scientific evidence is limited. To evaluate the association between adherence to different a-priori dietary patterns and sperm quality parameters in healthy reproductive-age men. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from 200 young men enrolled in the Led-Fertyl study. Tertiles of six a-priori dietary patterns were estimated: four healthy dietary patterns [Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS), Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), Healthful Plant-Based Diet Index (hPDI) and EAT-Lancet Score], and two unhealthy dietary patterns [Western Diet and Unhealthful Plant-Based Diet Index (uPDI)]. Sperm quality parameters (count, concentration, vitality, total and progressive motility, and normal morphology) were considered the main outcomes. Compared with the lowest tertile, participants in the highest MEDAS tertile had higher total sperm count (β=3.2;95%CI: 1.0, 5.5) and concentration (β=1.8;95%CI: 0.6, 3.0), and total (β=8.2;95%CI: 1.3, 15.1) and progressive motility (β=7.1;95%CI: 0.2, 14.0). Similarly, participants in the highest hPDI tertile had higher total sperm count (β=3.4;95%CI: 1.4, 5.5) and concentration (β=1.2;95%CI: 0.0, 2.3) compared with those in the lowest tertile. When these dietary patterns were modelled as continuous variables (for each 1-point increment in the specific score), an inverse association was found between the uPDI and Western and total sperm count [(β=-2.7;95%CI: -4.8, -0.7) and (β=-3.8;95%CI: -5.8, -1.7), respectively] and sperm concentration [(β=-1.2;95%CI: -2.4, -0.1) and (β=-1.7;95%CI: -2.8, -0.5), respectively]. Compared with participants in the lowest tertile, those in the highest uPDI tertile presented higher odds of abnormal sperm concentration (OR: 4.6;95%CI: 1.0, 19.9) and one or more seminogram abnormalities (OR: 2.3;95%CI: 1.1, 5.0). Our findings suggest that higher adherence to healthy dietary patterns (Mediterranean and healthful plant-based diet) was positively associated with better sperm quality parameters, in contrast, greater adherence to unhealthy dietary patterns was inversely associated.

Tle6 deficiency in male mice led to abnormal sperm morphology and reduced sperm motility

Tle6 deficiency in male mice led to abnormal sperm morphology and reduced sperm motility

PFAS Exposure is Associated with a Lower Spermatic Quality in an Arctic Seabird.

Several studies have reported an increasing occurrence of poly- and perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) in Arctic wildlife tissues, raising concerns due to their resistance to degradation. While some research has explored PFAS's physiological effects on birds, their impact on reproductive functions, particularly sperm quality, remains underexplored. This study aims to assess (1) potential association between PFAS concentrations in blood and sperm quality in black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla), focusing on the percentage of abnormal spermatozoa, sperm velocity, percentage of sperm motility, and morphology; and (2) examine the association of plasma levels of testosterone, corticosterone, and luteinizing hormone with both PFAS concentrations and sperm quality parameters to assess possible endocrine disrupting pathways. Our findings reveal a positive correlation between the concentration of longer-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCA; C11-C14) in blood and the percentage of abnormal sperm in kittiwakes. Additionally, we observed that two other PFAS (i.e., PFOSlin and PFNA), distinct from those associated with sperm abnormalities, were positively correlated with the stress hormone corticosterone. These findings emphasize the potentially harmful substance-specific effects of long-chain PFCAs on seabirds and the need for further research into the impact of pollutants on sperm quality as a potential additional detrimental effect on birds.

Benchmarks defining high-quality sperm in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus).

Common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) are increasingly recognized as valuable nonhuman primates (NHPs) for biomedical research due to their small size and short reproductive cycle and lifespan relative to other NHP species. Maximizing the utility of captive research marmosets, including genetically manipulated animals, will require the use of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) including manipulation, storage, and sharing of marmoset sperm. Here, we identify characteristics of high-quality semen samples and validate a simple method for selecting high-quality sperm. Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) was used to evaluate sperm quality in semen samples collected from 44 marmosets and assessed the use of the swim-up method for the selection of high-quality sperm was also tested in half the samples as a potential means to optimize in vitro fertilization or intrauterine insemination. For each reference parameter, samples at or below the 5th percentile were categorized as abnormal sperm, while those above the 5th percentile were considered to be normal. Among normal samples, those at or above the 50th percentile were categorized as high-quality. High-quality semen samples exhibited the following characteristics: semen volume ≥ 30µL; sperm count ≥ 107/ejaculate; total motility ≥ 35%; and normal morphology ≥ 5%. Sperm isolated by swim-up exhibited superior sperm progressive motility (19.7%±4.5vs. 5.6%±2.1; P=0.01) and normal morphology (13.1±1.59vs. 7.65±1.1; P<0.001) compared with unselected sperm. This study defines robust, statistically supported reference values for evaluating marmoset semen samples to assist with the identification of optimal sperm donors and the selection of high-quality sperm samples for assisted reproduction. Ultimately, these reference values combined with a validated selection method will contribute to consistent standards for the international sharing of genetically diverse and/or gene-edited marmoset sperm for research and reproduction.

Silk fibroin microneedles loaded with epigallocatechin gallate mitigate atrazine-induced testicular toxicity

Atrazine (ATZ), a commonly used herbicide, disrupts male endocrine systems, impacting reproductive health. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) possesses potent antioxidant properties and shows promise in alleviating testicular dysfunction induced by endocrine disruptors. However, its clinical utility is hindered by poor physicochemical stability and low oral bioavailability. Herein, we first developed a silk fibroin microneedles (MNs) patch loaded with EGCG, enabling EGCG to directly target the testes through transdermal administration. Our findings revealed that EGCG-loaded silk fibroin microneedles (EGCG-SF-MNs) exhibited excellent biocompatibility with no observed cytotoxicity in vitro or in vivo. In vitro assays revealed that EGCG-SF-MN patches significantly reduced ATZ-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress in GC-1 spg cells by modulating the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and ROS levels. In vivo studies in rats further confirmed the therapeutic potential of these patches, as they reversed ATZ-induced testicular dysfunction, sperm abnormalities, and blood-testis barrier disruption. Proteomics analysis highlighted the beneficial effects of EGCG-SF-MN patches on restoring protein expression altered by ATZ, particularly in necroptosis and lysosome pathways. Collectively, the development of EGCG-SF-MNs demonstrates enhanced therapeutic and targeted delivery efficacy for potential clinical applications in treating male reproductive disorders induced by environmental endocrine disruptor ATZ.

Dietary supplementation with rosemary essential oil improves genital characteristics, semen parameters and testosterone concentration in Barki rams

BackgroundMale reproductive performance is an essential part of sheep production; therefore, the use of natural antioxidants to improve sperm quality and maintain reproductive performance in males is very important. Hence, oral administration of rosemary essential oil (REO) was investigated to improve the fertility rate, including the ultrasonographic testes, epididymal tail and genital glands, as well as semen parameters and testosterone concentration. Sixty animals were splitted into two groups, each with 30 rams; the rosemary group (C + REO) received 2 mg/kg/bw and the control group (C-REO). Ultrasound images and blood samples were collected at 15, 30 and 45 days of the REO treatment.ResultsThe testis and epididymal tail ultrasonographic assessments demonstrated a significant enhancement in the C + REO group compared to the C-REO group. However, the rams in the C + REO group showed significant improvements in the pampini-form plexus, seminal vesicle, Cowper's and prostate genital glands compared to the C-REO group. The data showed that the sperm cell concentration (× 109/ml) and individual motility (%) were significantly improved in the C + REO group. Furthermore, ejaculate volume (ml) in the C + REO group was significantly higher than that in the C-REO group. While the animals treated with REO did not improve live spermatozoa (%), it reduced the abnormalities of spermatozoa (%) compared to the C-REO group. Also, the C + REO group significantly increased the testosterone concentration more than the C-REO group.ConclusionIt can be concluded that supplementation with 2 mg/kg/bw REO improves genital characteristics, semen parameters and testosterone concentration in Barki rams.

Effect of dietary supplementation of vitamin E on semen quality in White Pekin drakes

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of vitamin E on semen quality in White Pekin ducks. The drakes were randomly assigned to three experimental groups at 20 weeks of age based on the treatments followed, as T1 (Basal diet), T2 (Basal diet + 100 mg vitamin E/kg diet), and T3 (Basal diet + 200 mg vitamin E/ kg diet). Semen was collected once in four days and was subjected to various microscopic and macroscopic parameters. There was no significant difference in semen volume and appearance score among the experimental treatments. The pH of semen was found slightly alkaline in all three treatments. Most samples were white in colour and were medium thick or thick in consistency.The major contaminants observed were faeces and uric acid crystals. Significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher progressive motility per cent and motility score was observed in T3 compared to control group and the values of T2 were comparable. There was no significant difference in concentration, viability and sperm abnormality among the three treatments.The sperm HOS response per cent was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in T3 and T2 compared to control group. Dietary addition of vitamin E enhanced the semen quality by eliminating the free radicals Keywords: Semen, ducks, Vitamin E

DNA fragmentation of sperm and microdeletions in the long arm of the Y chromosome in male infertility patients from private fertilization units of Barquisiemto, Lara State

Abstract Introduction/Objective Figures for infertility area increasing worldwide, with a large share of causes related to the male gender. The objective of this study is to relate the frequency of abnormal sperm DNA fragmentation and the frecuency of microdeletions in the long arm of Y chromosome (Yq) in patients with male infertility from private fertilitation units of Barquisimeto, Lara, during the 2010-2012 period. Methods/Case Report We analyzed 38 samples of semen from infertile male patients to measure DNA fragmentation index (FI) by TUNEL technique, and 36 semen samples from patients with male infertility to measure FI employing SCD method. To dertermine the frecuency of Yq microdeletions by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), samples of peripheral blood from 33 patients with male infertility were evaluated. Among the 38 patients in whom the FI was measured by TUNEL technique, eight(8) of them were also tested for detection of Yq microdeletions, and one (1) of these patients performed SCD test for medical reasons. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) The frecuency of abnormal fragmentation index of sperm DNA, determined by the TUNEL technique in patients with male infertility was 47.37%. The frecuency of abnormal fragmentation index of sperm DNA determoined by SCD method in infertile male patients was 22.22%. And the frecuency of microdeletions of the long arm of the Y chromosome in patients with male infertility was 9.09%. All microdeletions were found at DAZSY208 in AZFc region and in one case there was also detected a microdeletion at DAZSY255. Conclusion It was also showed that, sperm DNA fragmentation is not depending on the existence of Yq microdeletions.

Safety assessment of three common food additives: the reproductive, oxidative and enzymatic perspective

This investigation was designed to evaluate the reproductive toxicity induced by potassium bromate (at doses of 50, 40, 30, 20, and 10 mg/kg), sodium benzoate (at doses of 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 mg/kg), and caramel IV (at a dose of 200 mg/kg for 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 weeks) in male albino mice through the assessments of sperm abnormality and sperm count. The concentrations of the three additives tested were chosen purposefully based on the acceptable daily intake of each of the additives by standard organizations. The level of Total Testosterone (TT), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), as well as the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), were also measured. The results obtained showed that all three tested food additives led to a statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase in abnormal sperm cells among exposed mice. The sperm abnormalities observed include folded sperm, amorphous heads, distal droplets, absent hooks, improper tail attachments, and looped tails. Furthermore, it was observed that only mice exposed to potassium bromate and caramel exhibited a statistically significant decrease in mean sperm count. Alterations in the levels and activities of TT, ALT, FSH, AST, LH, and ALP were also observed to be concentration-dependent in the exposed mice. The findings suggest that the reproductive toxicity and changes in enzyme activities in the treated mice are dependent on the concentration of potassium bromate and sodium benzoate, as well as the duration of exposure to caramel IV. These indicate that high consumption of foods or beverages containing potassium bromate, sodium benzoate, and caramel IV colourant may induce reproductive abnormalities in the consumers.

Effect of a single dose of letrozole on ejaculation time, semen quality, and testicular hemodynamics in goat bucks subjected to heat stress.

Letrozole (LTZ) is an aromatase inhibitor that limits estrogen (E2) production and increases testosterone (T) levels. This research aimed to examine the impact of a single dose of LTZ on testicular hemodynamics, ejaculation time, and semen quality in goats under heat stress (HS). Therefore, Doppler examination and semen evaluation were performed on twelve mature bucks for two weeks (W-1, W-2) as pre-heat stress control during winter. Then during summer HS bucks were subjected to Doppler examination, semen evaluation, and hormonal analysis (T, E2, and LH) at 0h. Afterward, bucks were assigned into two groups and subcutaneously injected with physiological saline (n = 6; CON) or LTZ (0.25mg/kg BW; n = 6; LTZ). Both groups were subjected to Doppler scanning and hormonal analysis at 2, 4, 24, 48, 72, 96,144, and 168h. Semen evaluation was performed at 48 and 168h. The LTZ group showed increasing (P < 0.05) in semen volume, sperm motility, and viability and decreasing (P < 0.05) in ejaculation time and sperm abnormalities compared to CON group at 48h. Additionally, T concentrations increased (P < 0.01) at 2, 24, and 48h, E2 decreased (P < 0.01) from 2 to 48h, and LH raised (P < 0.01) at 2 and 72h in LTZ group compared to CON one. Doppler indices reduced (P < 0.05) at 96h in LTZ group. semen pH and scrotal circumference were not affected by LTZ. In conclusion, LTZ administration shortened ejaculation time and enhanced semen quality in bucks during HS.

Effects of Obesity in Male Fertility in Khartoum State

Obesity is a severe medical condition causing health issues and reducing life expectancy, affecting 400 million adults and 1.6 million overweight individuals, is a severe medical condition affecting fertility, with extreme obesity causing fertility issues. This study aimed to investigate the effect of obesity on male fertility in Khartoum state; it is a cross-sectional facility-based study studying All males of Infertile couples who come to the infertility clinic. The study discussed patient demographics, past medical and surgical history, and self-reported male sexual dysfunction in addition to the factors that affect male infertility, Body Mass Index (BMI), and spermatic parameters (motility, morphology, concentration) by seminal analysis. The statistical package SPSS 23.0 was used for analysis. The study revealed that 40 men (20.5) were of age &lt;30 years old, 57 men (29.9%) of age 30 – 40 years old, and 98 men (50.3%) were of age &gt;40 years old. “One hundred five men (53.8%) were from North Sudan”, “58 men (29.7%) were from Eastern Sudan,30 men (15.35%) were from Western Sudan overweight, and 2 men (1.15%) were from Southern Sedan, 56 men (28.7%) have BMI &lt;25,81(41.5%) had BMI 25 -30 and 58(29.8%) have BMI of &gt;30, 110 men (56.4%) have normal sperm counts and 85 (43.6) have abnormal sperm counts, 105 men (53.8%) have normal sperm morphology”. In contrast, 90 (46.2) have abnormal morphology. Eighty-eight men (45.1%) have progressive motility, while 107 men (54.9%) have impaired motility. Fifty-six men (28.8%) of participants have erectile dysfunction, while 139 (71.2%) have not. It concluded that increasing the age of the male partner increases the risk of infertility, and ethnicity has an unclear effect on infertility and still needs further studies to prove it. Obesity rates are increasing among men in Khartoum, impacting seminal parameters like motility and erectile dysfunction, as highlighted in a study.

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Affects Sperm Quality and Epididymis Function in Sedentary and Exercised Wistar Rats.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Besides the effects on the lungs and heart, PAH can affect other organs, including the liver, kidneys, brain, glands, and testis. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of PAH and physical resistance training (RT), a complementary treatment for hypertension, on epididymis morphology and function and sperm parameters. Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups (n = 8/ group): sedentary control, sedentary PAH, RT control, and RT + PAH. PAH was induced using monocrotaline injections on Day 1 and 7 of the experiment. Sixteen rats from RT groups underwent RT training for 30days, while rats from sedentary groups did not exercise. The epididymis was processed and analyzed using microscopic, biochemical, and functional approaches. Sperm were harvested from the cauda epididymis and evaluated for morphology and motility. Our results showed that PAH compromised the epididymis antioxidant defense system and reduced NO levels, leading to an imbalance in the organ's mineral content. These alterations affected the epididymis morphology and reduced the sperm transit time in the proximal epididymis, resulting in an increase in abnormal sperm morphology in the cauda region. Unfortunately, RT was not a good therapy against the PAH effect on the epididymis. PAH negatively affected epididymis functions with consequences to male gametes. Dysfunctions in the post-testicular environment may lead to male infertility due to the disturbance of spermatozoa fecundity.

Pumpkin seed oil lessens the colchicine-induced altered sex male hormone balance, testicular oxidative status, sperm abnormalities, and collagen deposition in male rats via Caspase3/Desmin/PCNA modulation

This study examined the efficiency of pumpkin seed oil (PSO) to rescue the colchicine (CHC)-induced adverse impacts on sperm characteristics, male sex hormones, testicular architecture, oxidative status, DNA content, collagen deposition, and immune expression of desmin and PCNA. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four experimental groups (n = 10 each): control (distilled water), CHC (0.6 mg/kg b.wt), PSO (4 mL/kg b.wt), and CHC + PSO. After 60 days of dosing, CHC significantly reduced sperm motility (19%), sperm concentration (38%), estradiol (52%), testosterone (37%), luteinizing hormone (54%), and follicle-stimulating hormone (29%) compared to the control. Yet, the testicular tissues of CHC-administered rats exhibited elevated abnormal sperms (156%), malondialdehyde (354%), lactate dehydrogenase (73%), Caspase-3 (66%), and 8-hydroxyguanosine (65%) but lower reduced glutathione (74%), catalase (73%), and superoxide dismutase (78%) compared to the control group. Moreover, CHC induced testicular degeneration, distorted seminiferous tubules, apoptotic cells, exfoliated spermatogenic cells, reduced DNA content, decreased PCNA and desmin immune-expression, and increased collagen deposition. PSO effectively reversed the CHC-induced alterations in sperm quality and testicular function and architecture, likely through its antioxidant, antifibrotic, anti-apoptotic, and DNA-protective properties. These results suggest that PSO may be a beneficial intervention for long-term CHC users and may protect against CHC-induced male reproductive toxicity.

Study the Different Antioxidants Effects on Serum Quality in Dogs

Dogs frequently have subfertility linked to poor semen quality (high percentage of morphologically defective spermatozoa, low rate of gradual mobility and total number of sperm .To examine the anti-oxidative effect of various concentratuons of NAC on cryopreservation in dogs sperm.The animals are divided into three groups: C0, C1 and C2. C0 receives the 0mM NAC, C1 receives 0.35mM and C2 receives 0.85mM. The physical characteristics studied of the spêrm include ejaculated volume, semen color, motility of sperms, percentage of dead sperms and abnormal sperms. After physical evaluation, the samples are diluted with Tri’s diluter. The tris diluter is egg-yolk glycerol. The samples are then cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen (-196 C) from October to December. A total of 50 samples are calculated and prepared for freezing in the following way:The motility of sperm is high for 0.35mM dose of NAC, and not very different in the control group and 0.85mM NAC group. The motility is significantly different for 0.35NAC as compared to the other two groups. The p-value (&lt; 0.05) shows the significant difference between the motility of 0.35 NAC and other groups. The sperm viability is highest in the 0.35mM NAC group (30.34). The viability of sperm is highest at 0.85mM. The membrane integrity is highest in 0.35mM NAC, while lowest in the control group( p&lt;0.05).In conclusion, dogs sperm cells can be shielded from oxidative stress by using moderate dosages of NAC supplied in Tris extender without negatively affecting dog semen's ability to freeze.

Fish Health Altered by Contaminants and Low Water Temperatures Compounded by Prolonged Regional Drought in the Lower Colorado River Basin, USA.

The goal of this study was to assess health of male Common Carp (carp, Cyprinus carpio) at four sites with a wide range in environmental organic contaminant (EOC) concentrations and water temperatures in Lake Mead National Recreation Area NV/AZ, US, and the potential influence of regional drought. Histological and reproductive biomarkers were measured in 17-30 carp at four sites and 130 EOCs in water per site were analyzed using passive samplers in 2010. Wide ranges among sites were noted in total EOC concentrations (>10Xs) and water temperature/degree days (10Xs). In 2007/08, total polychlorinated biphenyls (tPCBs) in fish whole bodies from Willow Beach (WB) in the free-flowing Colorado River below Hoover Dam were clearly higher than at the other sites. This was most likely due to longer exposures in colder water (12-14 °C) and fish there having the longest lifespan (up to 54 years) for carp reported in the Colorado River Basin. Calculated estrogenicity in water exceeded long-term, environmentally safe criteria of 0.1-0.4 ng/L by one to three orders of magnitude at all sites except the reference site. Low ecological screening values for four contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) in water were exceeded for one CEC in the reference site, two in WB and Las Vegas Bay and three in the most contaminated site LVW. Fish health biomarkers in WB carp had 25% lower liver glycogen, 10Xs higher testicular pigmented cell aggregates and higher sperm abnormalities than the reference site. Sperm from LVW fish also had significantly higher fragmentation of DNA, lower motility and testis had lower percent of spermatozoa, all of which can impair reproduction. Projections from a 3D water quality model performed for WB showed that EOC concentrations due to prolonged regional drought and reduced water levels could increase as high as 135%. Water temperatures by late 21st century are predicted to rise between 0.7 and 2.1 °C that could increase eutrophication, algal blooms, spread disease and decrease dissolved oxygen over 5%.

Understanding the impact of valproate on male fertility: insights from preclinical and clinical meta-analysis

BackgroundValproic acid (VPA) is a widely used antiepileptic drug (AED) often prescribed as a first-line treatment for many idiopathic and symptomatic generalized epilepsies. Several studies have highlighted the side effects of VPA on male fertility and reproductive factors in males, although the specific underlying etiology of these abnormalities is not clear. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the preclinical and clinical evidence concerning the impact of VPA on male fertility and reproductive factors.MethodsThe scientific literature was reviewed for eligibility using PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO, encompassing preclinical and clinical studies. Factors related to male fertility and reproduction, such as differences in sperm count, sperm motility, and the percentage of abnormal sperm, were compared between the experimental groups treated with VPA (in both preclinical and clinical) and the control groups using the Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Additionally, differences in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were explicitly assessed in clinical studies.ResultsMale fertility data were extracted from 7 preclinical studies (112 animals) and 5 clinical studies (274 male individuals). The results of animal studies found that the sperm count (SMD = -2.28, 95% CI: -3.39 to -1.18, P = 0.335) and sperm motility (SMD = -2.32, 95% CI: -3.34 to -1.30, P = 0.368) were decreased in the treated groups compared to the control groups. The percentage of abnormal sperm (SMD = 3.27, 95% CI: 1.98 to 4.56, P = 0.019) was significantly increased, while a non-significant reduction was revealed in the weight of the testis (SMD = -2.73, 95% CI: -4.23 to -1.23, P = 0.673) in treated groups. The outcomes of clinical studies indicated a non-significant decrease in sperm count (SMD = -0.78, 95% CI: -1.58 to 0.03, P = 0.286) among patients with epilepsy treated with VPA compared to control subjects. However, a significant reduction in sperm motility (SMD = -1.62, 95% CI: -2.81 to -0.43, P = 0.033 was observed. The percentage of abnormal sperm showed a non-significant increase (SMD = 0.93, 95% CI: -0.97 to 2.84, P = 0.616) after being treated with VPA. Furthermore, there was a non-significant reduction in the levels of FSH (SMD = -1.32, 95% CI: -2.93 to 0.29, P = 0.198) and LH (SMD = -0.96, 95% CI: -1.95 to 0.04, P = 0.211) observed in clinical participants.ConclusionThis meta-analysis of both preclinical and clinical studies revealed that VPA causes a significant reduction in male fertility and reproductive factors among male patients with epilepsy. Clinical neurologists should be more cautious when prescribing VPA, especially to young male adult patients with epilepsy.