Affect Semen Quality Research Articles

Association between mental health and male fertility: depression, rather than anxiety, is linked to decreased semen quality.

Infertility is increasingly recognized as a global health issue affecting couples of reproductive age, with male factors contributing to approximately 50% of infertility cases. However, the association between depression and anxiety-two of the most prevalent mental health conditions-and impaired male fertility remains a subject of ongoing debate. In this cross-sectional study, male participants seeking fertility counseling at an IVF clinic were recruited. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), respectively. Generalized linear regression models (GLMs) were employed to investigate the relationships between mental health status and semen parameters. Status of depression was negatively associated with semen quality parameters, whereas no statistically significant association was recognized between anxiety and semen quality except that sperm concentration was decreased by 25.60 (95% CI, 1.226 to 49.965, P=0.040) ×106/ml in moderate to severe anxiety group referring to normal group. Furthermore, when stratified by sleep duration, moderate to severe depression group showed a great decrease in progressive motility (PR), total motility, concentration and total sperm count (TSC) as referred to normal group in participants with sleep duration less than 7 hours. The present study revealed that depression rather than anxiety was a negative factor that affected semen quality, especially in individuals with shorter sleep duration.

Antioxidant Capacity of Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) Essential Oil and Its Effect on In Vivo Fertility of Rams Subjected to Testicle Heat Stress.

The detrimental effects of hyperthermia on the testes and the protective effect of thyme essential oil against testicular damage induced by this stress in rams were studied. Twenty-four rams of the Barbarine breed with an average weight of 62.5 ± 0.3 kg and an average age of 24 ± 0.6 months. The experiment consisted of inducing localized heat stress on the first group of rams by applying heat bags to both testicles of six rams (G s). The second group underwent the same heat stress on the testes but received orally 100 µL/day/animal of thyme essential oil (G s-he). A positive control did not undergo stress but received thyme essential oil (G he) with the same doses as the (G s-he) group, and the negative control did not undergo either stress or receive the essential oil of thyme (G c). One hundred twenty-eight adult ewes of the same breed divided into four groups of 32 ewes were used to study the effect of different treatments on the in vivo ram's fertility. Ewes are synchronized and we have applied natural mating with oestrus control, the reproduction balance sheet is calculated after lambing. The results showed that tests of heat stress (HS) negatively affect semen quality but did not cause infertility. However, neither tests for heat stress nor treatment with thyme EO significantly affected the haematological profile. The study of the effect of heat stress on the testes on fertility in vivo showed a drop in the number of females who were fertilized at the first oestrus and consequently a drop in fertility. However, the rams that suffered the same stress but were treated with EO thymus recorded an improvement in these parameters.

Prehypertension in male affects both semen quality and pregnancy outcomes in their first single blastocyst frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles

To investigate whether prehypertension (pre-HTN) in male affects semen quality and assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. Retrospective cohort study. University-affiliated reproductive medicine center. Clinical data were collected from 1,043 couples undergoing their first single blastocyst frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles. According to the blood pressure (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) in male, including systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), the subjects were divided into the control group (90 ≤ SBP < 120 mm Hg and 60 ≤ DBP < 80 mm Hg, n = 611) and the pre-HTN group (120 ≤ SBP < 140 mm Hg and/or 80 ≤ DBP < 90 mm Hg, n = 432). The association between pre-HTN and semen quality, and ART outcomes was then evaluated. Primary outcome: live birth rate. semen quality, laboratory embryo outcomes, clinical pregnancy rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, and other pregnancy outcomes. Compared with the control group, the pre-HTN group showed lower total sperm motility, total sperm count, sperm progressive motility, progressive sperm count , and higher prevalence of oligozoospermia (17.6% vs. 13.1%), and asthenozoospermia (37.7% vs. 19.8%). Meanwhile, compared with the control group, the pre-HTN group had a lower clinical pregnancy rate (42.8% vs. 57.6%) and a lower live birth rate (32.9% vs. 47.3%). There were no differences in the remaining parameters of semen quality, laboratory embryo outcomes (except for the proportion of intracytoplasmic sperm injection), and pregnancy outcomes between the two groups. Additionally, regression analysis showed that pre-HTN in male was an independent risk factor for clinical pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio, 0.57; 95% confidence interval, 0.44-0.74) and live birth (adjusted odds ratio, 0.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.44-0.75). Prehypertension in male not only results in lower semen quality, but also has negative consequences on the success of ART. It is an independent risk factor for clinical pregnancy and live birth in the first single blastocyst frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles.

Seroprevalence and molecular detection of cytomegalovirus and some viral STDs and their infection risk factors in male subjects in Onitsha, South-East, Nigeria

Viral infections including latent viruses have been known to affect semen quality of men negatively thereby affecting reproductive potentials. A cross-sectional study was done to assess the prevalence of CMV antigen/ antibody (IgG and IgM), HBV, HCV, HIV, confirm CMV molecularly and determine their risk factors for infection. Blood and semen samples were collected from 96 apparently healthy men aged between 24 – 65years in Onitsha, South-East, Nigeria. Ethical approval and informed consents were obtained. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and standard WHO tool for STDs. Method: HBV and HCV antibodies were screened immunochromatographically; HIV tested by parallel method, confirmed using Western-blot; CMV IgG and IgM were screened using ELISA, confirmed molecularly with quantitative PCR. Data was assessed using SPSS version 23 set at 0.05 at 95% confidence interval. Result: This revealed that CMV IgG had the highest prevalence of 68(70.8%) (p=0.04), HIV had 2(2.1%) (p=0.904) and HCV had 1(1.0%) (p=0.167). None of the subjects tested positive to CMV IgM and HBV. One out of 17 samples tested positive for CMV qPCR 1(5.9%). HIV was significantly associated with multiple partners (p=0.002) and unprotected anal sex (p=0.019). Conclusion: Early screening and treatment should be done for a more quality health and reproductive life.

Exploring the relationship between Hashimoto's thyroiditis and male fertility: A meta-analytic and meta-regression perspective on hormonal and seminal factors

Objective: To explore the relationship between Hashimoto's autoimmune hypothyroidism (HT) and male fertility, focusing on hormonal and seminal factors. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane, and Google Scholar, covering studies published from January 2000 to March 2024. Studies investigating the impact of HT on semen quality parameters and reproductive hormones were included. Pooled effect estimates were calculated using standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: A total of 8 studies with 8965 participants were included. HT significantly affected semen quality and reproductive hormone levels. Specifically, there was a notable decrease in progressive morphology (SMD= -0.78; 95% CI: -1.40 to -0.17; P=0.01) and sperm motility (SMD= -1.151; 95% CI: -1.876 to -0.425; P=0.002). In addition, there were no significant changes in reproductive hormones, although there were elevated levels of luteinizing hormone (SMD=0.437; 95% CI: 0.000 to 0.874; P=0.050) and follicle-stimulating hormone (SMD=0.293; 95% CI: -0.171 to 0.758; P=0.216), with a slight impact on testosterone levels (SMD= -1.143; 95% CI: -2.487 to 0.200; P=0.095). Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis provides robust evidence of the detrimental effects of HT on semen quality and reproductive hormones, underscoring the necessity for thorough evaluation and management of thyroid function in male infertility assessments.

P-068 Fertility education improves knowledge and semen quality: an open-label randomized controlled trial on 382 healthy Japanese men

Abstract Study question Does fertility education improve semen quality in healthy men? Summary answer Healthy men who received online video-based education had significantly improved fertility knowledge and semen quality. What is known already Modifiable lifestyle and environmental factors can affect semen quality, but men generally have limited knowledge about fertility and are not aware of the impact of these factors on their reproductive health. Prior research indicates that fertility education increases fertility awareness, but whether this effect extends to modifications in lifestyle and thus to semen quality remains unexplored. Study design, size, duration Participants (N = 382) were randomised into two groups. The intervention group (IG) watched a five-minute online video series about healthy lifestyles and fertility risks (e.g., sedentary time, smoking, high temperature) every four months, a total of three times. At the same time points, the control group (CG) received a general health web article. Assessments of fertility knowledge, health behaviour, and semen quality were assessed before the intervention (T1) and one year later (T2) for both groups. Participants/materials, setting, methods Participants were male employees recruited during annual health check-ups at six workplaces in Japan. Those aged 20-39 years who planned to have children in the future participated. The primary short-term outcome was semen quality, measured by sperm concentration, sperm count, sperm motility, and DNA fragmentation index (DFI). Secondary outcomes were Cardiff Fertility Knowledge Scale (CFKS) scores and health behaviours (e.g., reduced sedentary time). All analyses were conducted on an intention-to-treat basis. Main results and the role of chance Of the 382 participants, 208 (55%) completed the T2 survey: 53% (99/188) in the IG and 56% (109/193) in the CG. T1 characteristics, fertility knowledge, health behaviours, and semen quality were well balanced between groups. Generalised estimating equation models showed a significant gain in fertility knowledge from T1 to T2 in both groups: +13.2 points on CFKS (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.7 to 16.7) in the IG and +4.7 (1.3 to 8.1) in the CG, with a significant interaction between group and time (P&amp;lt;0.001). Total motile sperm count showed a significant interaction between group and time (P=0.046), with a significant improvement over time in the IG (+58.1 [15.2 to 101.1] million/ejaculate) but no change in the CG (-2.6 [-43.8 to 38.6]). DFI showed a marginally significant interaction (P=0.064) and an improvement over time in the IG (-0.72 [-1.54 to 0.10]) compared with the CG (+0.35 [-0.43 to 1.13]). The other semen indicators and health behaviours showed a favourable trend in the IG, but the interactions between group and time did not reach statistical significance. Limitations, reasons for caution Difficulties in recruiting participants and high attrition led to a small sample size, which may limit the statistical power to detect a significant link between knowledge gain and improved sperm quality via altered health behaviours. Volunteer bias towards men more interested in fertility may limit the generalisability of the findings. Wider implications of the findings Low-cost short video interventions could improve semen quality at the population level. As a future direction, the preventive effects of fertility education on infertility and the causal pathway should be explored in larger studies. Trial registration number UMIN000045389

P-041 Impact of cigarette smoking on level of sperm reactive oxygen species in normozoospermic men

Abstract Study question Does cigarette smoking influence the levels of sperm reactive oxygen species (ROS) in men with normal semen routine parameters? Summary answer Cigarettes impact the sperm ROS of normozoospermic smokers, whose sperm ROS level is elevated when they smoke equal to or more than 10 cigarettes daily. What is known already Increasing evidence indicates that oxidative stress (OS) plays an independent role in the etiology of male infertility, with 30% to 80% of infertile men having elevated ROS levels in semen. Cigarette smoking leads to an imbalance between ROS and antioxidants in the semen of smokers, which may negatively affect semen quality and male fertility. However, few studies concern whether cigarette smoking would influence the sperm ROS levels in normozoospermic men. Study design, size, duration Data of semen analysis from January 2021 to December 2023 were involved. Men with normal semen routine parameters, including sperm concentration, total sperm number, sperm progressive motility, total motility and normal forms of sperm morphology, were included in the study. Sperm ROS levels of normozoospermic men were retrospectively analyzed. Men with varicocele and leucocytospermia were excluded. Participants/materials, setting, methods Sperm count and motility were analyzed by the computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system, while sperm morphology was examined after the Diff-Quik rapid staining procedure. Sperm ROS was measured by flow cytometry using the probe DCFH-DA. Sperm ROS levels of smokers and non-smokers were compared by the Mann-Whitney U test. The Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for the comparison of sperm ROS levels among the control group and smoking subgroups. Main results and the role of chance A total of 2946 subjects were involved in the present study. The included subjects were divided into smokers (n = 730) and non-smokers (n = 2216) according to the clinical records. And the included smokers were subsequently divided into three subgroups according to the daily cigarettes taken, which were group A (1∼9 cigarettes/day, n = 184), group B (1∼19 cigarettes/day, n = 315), and group C (&amp;gt;20 cigarettes/day, n = 231). No statistically significant differences in age or BMI were found between smokers and non-smokers with normozoospermia. The sperm ROS level of the smoker was higher than that of the non-smoker [14.53% (14.84%) vs. 13.07% (12.09%), p = 0.001]. Compared to the control group (non-smoker), the sperm ROS levels of group B [13.07% (12.09%) vs. 15.44% (14.28%), p = 0.002] and group C [13.07% (12.09%) vs. 14.80% (14.31%)., p = 0.042] were significantly elevated. ROS levels in the control group and group A were comparable [13.07% (12.09%) vs. 13.46% (15.74%)., p = 0.391]. Limitations, reasons for caution It is a single-center study and the above results were from a retrospective analysis. Wider implications of the findings The above results indicate that cigarette smoking, although it would not deteriorate semen routine parameters, may increase the ROS level in sperm. Elevated ROS in sperm may lead to an imbalance of redox in sperm, which may contribute to male infertility. Trial registration number not applicable

Effect of Antimicrobial Peptide BiF2_5K7K on Contaminated Bacteria Isolated from Boar Semen and Semen Qualities during Preservation and Subsequent Fertility Test on Pig Farm.

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of an antimicrobial peptide, BiF2_5K7K, on semen quality and bacterial contamination in boar semen doses used for artificial insemination. A key factor affecting semen quality and farm production is bacterial contamination in semen doses. Using antibiotics in a semen extender seems to be the best solution for minimizing bacterial growth during semen preservation. However, concern regarding antibiotic-resistant microorganisms has grown globally. As a result, antimicrobial peptides have emerged as interesting alternative antimicrobial agents to replace the current antibiotics used in semen extenders. BiF2_5K7K is an antimicrobial peptide that can inhibit Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria isolated from boar semen and sow vaginal discharge. In this study, ten fresh boar semen samples were collected and diluted with one of two types of semen extender: with (positive control) or without (negative control) an antibiotic (i.e., gentamicin). The semen extender without an antibiotic contained antimicrobial peptide BiF2_5K7K at different concentrations (15.625, 31.25, 62.5, and 125 µg/mL). The samples were stored at 18 °C until use. Semen quality parameters were assessed on days 0, 1, 3, and 5, and the total bacterial count was also evaluated at 0, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h after storage. A fertility test on a pig farm was also performed via sow insemination with a commercial extender plus BiF2_5K7K at a concentration of 31.25 µg/mL. No significant difference was found in terms of semen quality on days 0 or 1. On days 3 and 5, the total motility, progressive motility, and viability remained normal in the 15.625 and 31.25 µg/mL groups. However, the sperm parameters decreased starting on day 3 for the 125 µg/mL group and on day 5 for the 62.5 µg/mL group. For total bacterial count at 0, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h, the lowest bacterial count was found in the positive control group, and the highest bacterial count was found in the negative control group compared with the other groups. Comparing antimicrobial peptide groups from 0 to 48 h, the lowest bacterial count was found in the 125 µg/mL group, and the highest bacterial count was found in the 15.625 µg/mL group. For the fertility test, artificial insemination was conducted by using a commercial extender plus BiF2_5K7K at a concentration of 31.25 µg/mL. The results showed a superior pregnancy rate, farrowing rate, and total number of piglets born compared with artificial insemination conducted using a commercial extender plus antibiotic. In conclusion, BiF2_5K7K can inhibit bacterial growth in extended boar semen for 24 h, and thereafter, the bacterial count slightly increases. However, the increase in the number of bacterial counts from days 0 to 3 had no negative effect on sperm quality in the positive control, 15.625, or 31.25 µg/mL groups. This indicates that BiF2_5K7K might be an antimicrobial peptide candidate with potential for use as an alternative antimicrobial agent to replace the conventional antibiotic used in boar semen extenders.

Identification of potential candidate miRNAs related to semen quality in seminal plasma extracellular vesicles and sperms of male duck (Anas Platyrhynchos)

Semen quality is an important indicator that can directly affect fertility. In mammals, miRNAs in seminal plasma extracellular vesicles (SPEVs) and sperms can regulate semen quality. However, relevant regulatory mechanism in duck sperms remains largely unclear. In this study, duck SPEVs were isolated and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), western blot (WB), and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). To identify the important molecules affecting semen quality, we analysed the miRNA expression in sperms and SPEVs of male ducks in high semen quality group ((DHS, DHSE) and low semen quality group (DLS, DLSE). We identified 94 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs in the comparison of DHS vs. DLS, and 21 DE miRNAs in DHSE vs. DLSE. Target genes of SPEVs DE miRNAs were enriched in ErbB signaling pathway, glycometabolism, and ECM-receptor interaction pathways (P < 0.05), while the target genes of sperm DE miRNAs were enriched in ribosome (P < 0.05). The miRNA-target-pathway interaction network analyses indicated that 5 DE miRNAs (miR-34c-5p, miR-34b-3p, miR-449a, miR-31-5p, and miR-128-1-5p) targeted the largest number of target genes enriched in MAPK, Wnt and calcium signaling pathways, of which FZD9 and ANAPC11 were involved in multiple biological processes related to sperm functions, indicating their regulatory effects on sperm quality. The comparison of DE miRNAs of SPEVs and sperms found that mir-31-5p and novel-273 could potentially serve as biomarkers for semen quality detection. Our findings enhance the insight into the crucial role of SPEV and sperm miRNAs in regulating semen quality and provide a new perspective for subsequent studies.

Fertility preservation in male adolescents with cancer (2011-2020): A retrospective study in China.

According to the studies, more than 80% of pediatric patients with cancer can achieve a survival rate greater than 5 years; however, long-term chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy may seriously affect their reproductive ability. Fertility preservation in adolescents with cancer in China was initiated late, and related research is lacking. Analyze data to understand the current situation and implement measures to improve current practices. From 2011 to 2020, data on 275 male adolescents with cancer whose age ranged from 0 to 19 years old were collected from 16 human sperm banks for this retrospective study. Methods include comparing the basic situation of male adolescents with cancer, the distribution of cancer types, and semen quality to analyze the status of fertility preservation. The mean age was 17.39 ± 1.46 years, with 13 cases (4.7%) aged 13-14 years and 262 cases (95.3%) aged 15-19 years. Basic diagnoses included leukemia (55 patients), lymphomas (76), germ cell and gonadal tumors (65), epithelial tumors (37), soft tissue sarcomas (14), osteosarcoma (7), brain tumors (5), and other cancers (16). There are differences in tumor types in different age stages and regions. The tumor type often affects semen quality, while age affects semen volume. Significant differences were found in sperm concentration and progressive motility before and after treatment (p < 0.001). Moreover, 90.5% of patients had sperm in their semen and sperm were frozen successfully in 244 patients (88.7%). The aim of this study is to raise awareness of fertility preservation in male adolescents with cancer, to advocate for fertility preservation prior to gonadotoxic therapy or other procedures that may impair future fertility, and to improve the fertility status of future patients.

Comparative Effects of Ripe and Unripe Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) on Spermatozoa and Gonadosomatic Index in Matured Male Wistar Rats

To ascertain the comparative effects of ripe and unripe Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) on spermatozoa and gonadosomatic index evaluation in matured male Wistar rats; exploring the idea that both ripe and unripe Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) might or might not positively affect semen quality, crucial for male fertility. Twenty-eight (28) sexually mature male Wister rats, aged 9–10 weeks and weighing between 211.50g and 217.00g, were divided equally into seven groups (1 to 7); with Group 1 serving as the control and Groups 2 to 7 receiving 25%, 50%, and 75% concentrations of ripe lime juice (RLJ) and unripe lime juice (ULJ) respectively. The findings indicated that ULJ had a higher concentration (0.1mg/ml) compared to ripe lime RLJ at 0.08mg/ml, although both had approximately the same LD50 value of 1581.138mg/kg. RLJ, at different concentrations, adversely impacted the reproductive performance of rats, leading to decreased progressive motility, livability, sperm count, testicular size, and sexual drive. However, ULJ did not exhibit these effects. A 75% concentration of RLJ showed anti-prostatic activity, causing a reduction in prostate size, which was more pronounced than that of the same ULJ concentration. Importantly, both RLJ and ULJ did not have a significant impact on the sizes of the liver, spleen, heart, kidneys, and lungs, with these visceral organs maintaining normal sizes comparable to the control group (statistically, p&gt;0.05).The findings suggest that RLJ or ULJ consumption, particularly at the highest concentration, may lead to alterations in reproductive performance, hence such consumption should be discouraged.

Chronic exposure to tire rubber-derived contaminant 6PPD-quinone impairs sperm quality and induces the damage of reproductive capacity in male mice

It has been reported that N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine-quinone (6PPD-Q), a derivative of the tire antioxidant, N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD), exhibits acute toxicity towards organisms. However, the possible reproductive toxicity of 6PPD-Q in mammals has rarely been reported. In this study, the effects of 6PPD-Q on the reproductive toxicity of C57Bl/6 male mice were assessed after exposure to 6PPD-Q for 40 days at 4 mg/kg body weight (bw). Exposure to 6PPD-Q not only led to a decrease in testosterone levels but also adversely affected semen quality and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes, thereby indicating impaired male fertility resulting from 6PPD-Q exposure. Additionally, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed that 6PPD-Q elicited differential expression of genes and metabolites primarily enriched in spermatogenesis, apoptosis, arginine biosynthesis, and sphingolipid metabolism in the testes of mice. In conclusion, our study reveals the toxicity of 6PPD-Q on the reproductive capacity concerning baseline endocrine disorders, sperm quality, germ cell apoptosis, and the sphingolipid signaling pathway in mice. These findings contribute to an enhanced understanding of the health hazards posed by 6PPD-Q to mammals, thereby facilitating the development of more robust safety regulations governing the utilization and disposal of rubber products.

Genome sequencing of drake semen micobiome with correlation with their compositions, sources and potential mechanisms affecting semen quality

Artificial insemination (AI) technology has greatly promoted the development of the chicken industry. Recently, AI technology has also begun to be used in the duck industry, but there are some problems. Numerous researchers have shown that microbes colonizing in semen can degrade semen quality, and AI can increase the harmful microbial load in hen's reproductive tract. Different from the degraded external genitalia of roosters, drakes have well-developed external genitalia, which may cause drake semen to be more susceptible to microbial contamination. However, information on the compositions, sources, and effects of semen microbes on semen quality remains unknown in drakes. In the current study, high-throughput sequencing technology was used to detect microbial communities in drake semen, environmental swabs, cloacal swabs, and the spermaduct after quantifying the semen quality of drakes to investigate the effects of microbes in the environment, cloaca, and spermaduct on semen microbiota and the relationships between semen microbes and semen quality. Taxonomic analysis showed that the microbes in the semen, environment, cloaca, and spermaduct samples were all classified into 4 phyla and 25 genera. Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were the dominant phyla. Phyllobacterium only existed in the environment, while Marinococcus did not exist in the cloaca. Of the 24 genera present in semen: Brachybacterium, Brochothrix, Chryseobacterium, Kocuria, Marinococcus, Micrococcus, Rothia, Salinicoccus, and Staphylococcus originated from the environment; Achromobacter, Aerococcus, Corynebacterium, Desemzia, Enterococcus, Jeotgalicoccus, Pseudomonas, Psychrobacter, and Turicibacter originated from the cloaca; and Agrobacterium, Carnobacterium, Chelativorans, Devosia, Halomonas, and Oceanicaulis originated from the spermaduct. In addition, K-means clustering analysis showed that semen samples could be divided into 2 clusters based on microbial compositions, and compared with cluster 1, the counts of Chelativorans (P < 0.05), Devosia (P < 0.01), Halomonas (P < 0.05), and Oceanicaulis (P < 0.05) were higher in cluster 2, while the sperm viability (P < 0.05), total sperm number (P < 0.01), and semen quality factor (SQF) (P < 0.01) were lower in cluster 2. Furthermore, functional prediction analysis of microbes showed that the activities of starch and sucrose metabolism, phosphotransferase system, ABC transporters, microbial metabolism in diverse environments, and quorum sensing pathways between cluster 1 and cluster 2 were significantly different (P < 0.05). Overall, environmental/cloacal microbes resulted in semen contamination, and microbes from the Chelativorans, Devosia, Halomonas, and Oceanicaulis genera may have negative effects on semen quality in drakes by affecting the activities of starch and sucrose metabolism, phosphotransferase system, ABC transporters, and quorum sensing pathways that are associated with carbohydrate metabolism. These data will provide a basis for developing strategies to prevent microbial contamination of drake semen.

Association analysis between mixed exposure to phenols and semen quality

Phenols such as bisphenols, parabens, and triclosan are common environmental endocrine disruptors. Previous epidemiological studies have suggested that phenols may affect semen quality, but the results were inconsistent. In addition, most existing studies have been limited to the effects of a single chemical compound, ignoring the health effects of mixed exposure to multiple chemicals. Thus, we aimed to explore the associations between individual and mixed exposure to phenols and various semen quality parameters. In this study, a rapid and sensitive method was used to determine 18 phenolic compounds in urine samples of 799 volunteers who donated sperm samples to the Shanghai Human Sperm Bank. A spot urine sample was collected from each subject on the day of their clinic visit and stored at -20 ℃ until testing. Urine samples (200 μL) were extracted and added with 20 μL of an internal standard and 50 μL of β-glucuronidase solution. The mixtures were then incubated for 12 h at 37 ℃. After hydrolysis, the samples were extracted twice using ethyl acetate (500 μL). The concentrations of the 18 phenolic compounds were measured using high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Semen quality parameters were analyzed using a computer-aided semen analyzer. Multiple linear regressions were used to detect the associations between individual phenol exposure and semen quality parameters. In addition, weighted quantile sum (WQS) models were used to explore the associations between mixed-phenol exposure and semen quality parameters. After adjusting for potential covariates, the results of multiple linear regressions showed that exposure to ethyl paraben (EtP) was significantly negatively associated with sperm concentration and total sperm count (P<0.05). In addition, exposure to mixed phenols was significantly associated with decreased sperm concentration; methyl paraben (MeP) and EtP were identified as the main contributors to this decrease. Thus, phenol exposure may be associated with decreased semen quality in young males, particularly with respect to sperm concentration and total sperm count.

Semen cryopreservation for an oncological reason: a retrospective study

Research questionHow do cancer type and treatment affect semen quality before and after treatment, and what effect does it have in their clinical management of infertility? Also, what is the rate of patients using cryopreserved semen samples after treatment? DesignPatients who cryopreserved spermatozoa for oncological reasons between 2000 and 2022 in IVI clinics in Spain were retrospectively reviewed. Semen parameters were analysed before and after treatment, and utilization and destruction rates were calculated. Total motile sperm count (TMSC) was used for assisted reproductive technology (ART) counselling. ResultsA total of 724 patients cryopreserved their semen during the study period. The semen parameters of the cancer patients' semen before and after treatment were heterogeneous, with significant differences between cancer type and semen parameters. The utilization rate was relatively low (0.4%), whereas the destruction rate was 23.1%. ConclusionCancer and antineoplastic treatment affect everyone differently. Therefore, sperm cryopreservation should be offered to all patients before starting treatment to ensure their reproductive future. Furthermore, in addition to considering the semen parameters defined by the World Health Organization, it is important to use TMSC in the diagnosis of men to choose appropriate ART according to type of cancer.

Time-reversibility of SARS-CoV-2 infection on basic semen parameters

SARS-CoV-2 infection may affect semen quality. However, there is limited evidence on whether this effect is reversible. Retrospective analysis was done on the same male patient’s semen quality prior to SARS-CoV-2 infection, less than 74 days following recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection, and more than 74 days following recovery in order to confirm. Consequently, the sperm concentration (44.10 (28.00, 75.20) vs. 66.00 (47.05, 135.30) × 106/mL, p &lt; 0.001), sperm motility ((43.22 ± 21.34)% vs. (51.65 ± 15.41)%, p = 0.0105), percentage of progressively motile sperm (PR) ((39.76 ± 20.58)% vs. (46.88 ± 15.26)%, p = 0.0243) and percentage of normal morphological sperm ((2.70± 1.82)% vs. (3.58 ± 2.00)%, p = 0.0299) of 45 male patients 30 to 71 days after recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection were significantly lower than those before SARS-CoV-2 infection, while there was no significant difference in semen volume (3.20 (2.10, 4.65) mL vs. 3.20 (2.45, 4.55) mL, p = 0.4819) between them. The sperm concentration, motility and PR of 8 patients 77 to 125 days after recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection (68.75 (31.50, 114.1) × 106/mL, (44.23 ± 25.73)% and (39.76 ± 25.23)%) were higher than those 30 to 71 days after recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection (20.05 (13.58, 30.10) × 106/mL, (30.11 ± 22.05)% and (26.56 ± 21.55)%), and there were no significant differences from those before SARS-CoV-2 infection (50.05 (41.03, 90.35) × 106/mL, p = 0.8438; (50.24 ± 13.62)%, p = 0.5126; and (45.76 ± 12.97)%, p = 0.5251). In conclusion, SARS-CoV-2 infection may affect one spermatogenesis cycle of a male patient for about 74 days, and the patient may return to the normal state in the next spermatogenesis cycle.

#58 : Relationship Between E-Cigarettes (Vaping) Habits and Semen Parameters Among Patient Attending Sabahcare Fertility Centre

Background and Aims: Exposure to nicotine is known to reduce sperm count and motility as well as increasing abnormal parameters. This study aimed to determine the differences of Seminal Fluid Analysis (SFA) between e-cigarettes users (vaping) and non-vaping patients attending SabahCare Fertility Centre. This study is still on-going, more samples are to be expected before the 12[Formula: see text] Congress of ASPIRE Method: Data is collected by handing out questionnaire to male patient doing SFA in the centre. Samples are examined according to WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen, sixth edition (WHO, 2021) criteria. Sperm parameters we applied are normozoospermia, oligozoospermia (sperm concentration &lt;14 × 106/ml), azoospermia (no spermatozoa in the ejaculate), asthenozoospermia (sperm motility and/or progressive motility are below the reference value). Chi-Square test analysis will be performed to determine the significance level of the results. Results: Currently, a total of 38 sample sizes are collected. 60.5% are in the normal SFA quality and 39.5% are in the abnormal SFA quality. Conclusion: Sample collection to determine if using e-cigarettes (vaping) affects semen quality among SabahCare Fertility Centre are still ongoing.

Deteriorating Semen Quality: The Role of the Environment.

Since the end of the last century, several reports have suggested that semen quality is declining, especially in Western countries. Furthermore, cross-sectional studies using similar protocols have suggested regional differences in semen quality of young and fertile men. Reasons for these regional differences and local adverse trends in semen quality are unknown, but environmental factors are suspected to have a role. Besides adulthood environmental exposures, those occurring during testicular development may also affect semen quality. Longitudinal follow-up studies and mixture risk analyses are needed to study the effect of fetal, childhood, and adult life environment on semen quality.

Exposure to particulate matter may affect semen quality via trace metals: Evidence from a retrospective cohort study on fertile males

Particulate matter (PM) exposure may be associated with male semen quality. Besides, PM exposure induces up and down levels of trace metals in tissues or organs. The levels of trace metals in semen are critical for adverse male semen quality. This study aims to evaluate the concentrations of seminal-level trace metals in fertile men and assess its associations with PM exposure and to explore the mediation role of trace metals in seminal plasma plays in the relationship between PM exposure and semen quality. Total 1225 fertile men who participated in a cohort study from 2014 to 2016 were finally recruited. Multivariate linear regression was applied to explore associations between each two of PM exposure, trace metals and semen parameters. 1-year PM2.5 and PM10 exposure levels were positively associated with arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), lanthanum (La), praseodymium (Pr), neodymium (Nd) but negatively associated with vanadium (V), magnesium (Mg), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba) in semen. It was also found that most of the elements were associated with total sperm number, followed by sperm concentration. Redundancy analysis (RDA) also determined several strong positive correlations or negative correlations between 1-year PM exposure and trace metals. Mediation analysis found that trace metals had a potentially compensatory or synergetic indirect effect on the total effect of the association between 1-year PM exposure and semen quality. The retrospective cohort study provides long-term PM exposure that may cause abnormal semen quality by affecting seminal plasma element levels.

Evening type negatively affects semen quality by deteriorating sperm morphology: Results from an infertility clinic

ObjectiveThe effect of sleep-related variables on the reproductive system has garnered attention in recent years. One of the mediators that reportedly plays an important role in the relationship between sleep disorders and the reproductive system is a disruption of the circadian rhythm. The aim of curent study is to investigate the effect of chronotype on morning semen quality. Study DesignThree-hundred and fourteen patients who applied to the infertility clinic were included in the study. The patients filled a socio-demographic data form. The “Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to evaluate the sleep quality while the chronotypes of the patients were evaluated with the “Morningness –Eveningness-Questionnaire (MEQ)”. Semen analyses and biochemical analysis for testosterone serum plasma level of all patients were performed. ResultsTwenty-one patients were assigned as evening, 187 patients were assigned as intermediate, and 106 were assigned as morning chronotype. No statistically significant difference was identified in the comparison of the mean MEQ scores between patients with low and normal sperm concentrations(p = 0.884). A correlation analysis indicated the presence of a significant positive correlation between normal morphology and MEQ scores (r = 0.13, p < 0.05) and a negative corelation between the hours spent in bed and sperm concentration (r = -0.13, p < 0.05). A general linear model created with independent variables suggested that the presence of varicocele and MEQ scores had a significant effect on normal morphology. ConclusionThe results of present study support that evening type could negatively affect sperm morphology; additionally, the time spent in bed also negatively affected sperm concentration.