Changes In Semen Quality Research Articles

Morphofunctional efficacy of Phyllanthus amarus alkaloid extract on semen quality, hormonal profile and gonadal histomorphometric status in Plasmodium berghei-induced mice

The mainstay for malaria treatment is drug, but currently, the treatment is failing and making malaria infection worrisome. The alkaloid extract of the plant Phyllanthus amarus has been demonstrated to possess antimalarial activity. This present study evaluated the changes in semen quality, hormone profile and gonadal histomorphometric features in Berghei-induced mice treated with alkaloid extract of Phyllanthus amarus. Thirty-six BALB/c mice were divided into six groups (n=6 per group). The first two groups were positive (not infected, not treated) and negative (infected, but not treated) control mice, while the remaining groups (Groups 3–6) were the experimental mice infected with Plasmodium berghei (NK 65) malaria parasite and respectively treated with standard drug Lonart® DS (20 mg/kg) with 75 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg and 225 mg/kg of the Phyllanthus amarus alkaloid extract (PAAE) for 4 days. Then, 10 days later, the animals were euthanized and blood samples were collected for biochemical investigation. Testes tissues were harvested for histological assessment and semen samples were collected for analysis using standard procedures and documented methods. Data from our study revealed that Plasmodium berghei malaria-induced infection significantly (p<0.05) increased testicular hormones of testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels were significantly (p<0.05) reduced, semen quality were compromised and the microstructural architecture of the testes were distorted. However, treatments with the graded doses of PAAE protected the gonads, improved semen quality and restored the hormone levels in a dose-dependent manner and in pattern that compared favourably with the mice treated with standard drug of Lonart® DS. Alkaloids of Phyllanthus amarus are promising as antimalarial agent. Therefore, the active antimalarial alkaloid compounds of Phyllanthus amarus should be identified for further study.

Sperm quality and sexual function after the first COVID-19 infection during the omicron surge: an observational study in southwest China.

As the Omicron variant became the dominant coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) strain and the threat to human health decreased, the impact of COVID-19 on male reproductive health and semen quality may have changed. In this prospective observational study, we aimed to investigate the changes in semen quality and sexual function before and after the Omicron variant infection by self-controlled study and to explore the influence of Omicron variant infection on male reproductive health. We recruited 373 participants who provided semen samples before their first COVID-19 infection. During the subsequent follow-up, only 154 participants provided the second semen samples, 11 of whom were not infected with COVID-19. Sperm quality was assessed approximately 45 and 90 days after COVID-19, as well as before infection. Semen parameters, including total sperm count, total forward sperm, progressive motility, and sperm concentration, significantly declined 45 days after COVID-19 infection. At 90 days after infection, the total sperm count, total forward sperm, and sperm concentration gradually increased to pre-infection levels. Participants who experienced fever showed worse semen quality in terms of total forward sperm, sperm concentration, and sperm progressive rate. However, this phenomenon was not observed in the other group infected with COVID-19 without fever or not infected. In addition, 49 (34.3%) of 143 persons confirmed that the COVID-19 infection resulted in changes in sexual function, with an increase in premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT) scores. The results of our self-controlled study indicate that COVID-19 is associated with impaired semen quality early after disease onset. After 1-2 spermatogenesis cycles, the semen quality gradually recovers from the infection. These findings are beneficial for better understanding the COVID-19-associated sequelae, which are fundamental for semen collection during assisted reproduction.

Effect of physical activity on seminal quality – a short comentary

A number of studies that analyze the effect of physical activity on male reproductive health had been published over the last years. Findings indicate that significant changes in semen quality can occur due to the practice of physical activity, which can alter its quality according to the type of physical activity, intensity and duration. Intense physical activity may cause strong hormonal changes and impair seminal quality. On the other hand, moderate physical activity appears to have a neutral or beneficial effect on semen quality. In addition, the effect of physical activity on semen quality may differ depending on the type of physical activity. This short commentary deals with the effect of physical activity on seminal quality, addressing the main issues of this hot topic.

Male obesity: Associated effects on fertility and the outcomes of offspring.

Obesity rates are increasing globally, making it imperative to comprehend the effects of parental obesity on human reproduction. This review aims to highlight the impact of male obesity on reproductive and offspring outcomes. Male obesity has been shown to affect fertility through various mechanisms, including changes in semen quality, difficulty with natural conception, and worsened assisted reproductive technology outcomes. The evidence regarding the impact of male obesity on success of sperm retrieval is conflicting, but all aforementioned adverse effects may be modifiable with weight loss. Moreover, paternal obesity may influence atypical offspring outcomes, such as placental abnormalities and disruptions in fetal development, which may be moderated by epigenetic pathways. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex relationships and underlying mechanisms involved. Gaining more insight into the impact of male obesity on fertility and offspring outcomes can aid in the development of targeted interventions to improve family planning and the health of future generations.

Exposure to PM2.5, seminal plasma metabolome, and semen quality among Chinese adult men: Association and potential mediation analyses

Exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been linked to a decline in semen quality, but the underlying mechanisms for this association remain unclear. We aimed to examine whether specific metabolites act as mediators in the association between PM2.5 exposure and changes in semen quality. We conducted untargeted metabolomics analysis using LC-MS/MS platforms to identified seminal plasma metabolites associated with various semen quality parameters among 200 Chinese adult men. Additionally, we performed mediation analyses to examine the effects of the seminal plasma metabolites on the association between PM2.5 exposure and semen quality. We identified 140 differential metabolites between the normal and abnormal semen groups, involving two metabolic pathways: Alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, and Aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis. We additionally identified 7 specific seminal plasma metabolites that were associated with discrepant metabolic networks related to semen quality. The mediation analysis revealed that D-Aspartate might play a mediating role in the adverse effects of ambient PM2.5 exposure on both total and progressive motility during spermatogenesis period (70–90 days before ejaculation), with a proportion of mediation up to 16% and 17%, respectively. Exposure to PM2.5 was associated with alterations in D-Aspartate levels, which might partially mediate the association between PM2.5 and reduced sperm motility.

Scrotal insulation impairs spermatogenesis but not Sertoli cell endocrine function

Testicular thermal insult is detrimental to spermatogenesis and a common cause of testicular degeneration. Changes in semen quality after scrotal insulation are well understood but its effects on Sertoli cell function is still not fully characterized. Isoform-specific assays have provided opportunities for analysis of inhibin-A and B. Recent studies in stallions have shown inhibin-B decreases after treatment with a GnRH receptor antagonist but returns with spermatogenesis after treatment stops, suggesting it may be a useful biomarker for testicular damage and recovery (Ball.et.al. Theriogenology; 2019; 213:108-115). The hypothesis of the present study was that serum inhibin-B correlates positively with sperm parameters after scrotal insulation decreasing as sperm motility and production decline. Stallions were assigned to a untreated control (n=4) and treated group (n=5) that was submitted to scrotal insulation for 1 hour in the morning and 1 hour in the afternoon, for two consecutive days, using a thermal blanket surrounding the scrotum. The intratesticular temperature was measured immediately after the blanket was removed and increased ∼10°C during the insulation period. Semen was collected twice weekly, but semen and serum samples were evaluated weekly for 98 days after treatment. Testicular response was assessed by determination of the concentrations of testosterone and estrone sulphate (interstitial compartment) and inhibin-B (tubular compartment), respectively. Spermkinetics were analyzed by CASA (IVOS Version 12 Hamilton Thorne Research, MA, USA), sperm concentration by Neubauer hemocytometer (Optik Labor®, Lancing, England), serum concentrations of inhibin- B and estrone sulfate were determined by ELISA and testosterone by RIA. Data were analyzed by ANOVA for repeated measures. Sperm motility and total sperm number decreased from day 4 to 67 (P<0.05) and sperm abnormalities increased from day 17 and did not recover until the end of our evaluation (day 98). Testosterone concentrations declined acutely. A significantly reduction in circulating testosterone concentrations occurred at 4, 9 and 37 days after onset of scrotal insulation, which is probably the result of Leydig cell impairment. However, no changes in inhibin-B or estrone sulfate were seen in response to treatment (n.s.). In summary, thermal insult appears to affect germ cells, and Leydig cell but not Sertoli cell function and, consequently, does not disturb inhibin-B synthesis. It has to be concluded that inhibin-B is no reliable biomarker for testicular damage and recovery from thermal insults. Acknowledgements: Authors are grateful to São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP, grant #2019/01119-8 and #2022/03405-0), the John P. Hughes Endowment and the Clinical Endocrinology Laboratory, University of California-Davis.

Influence of climate on semen quality: A retrospective study.

World over studies are being done by different group of workers to understand the time of deliveries conducted. Surprisingly majority of deliveries were following a pattern, seasonally. Today in this busy world, couples choose comparatively a free time for delivery and preparation for conception is done accordingly. Apart from these, it is clearly shown majority of deliveries are conducted during a particular season. We hypothesised that the change in semen quality during different seasons is responsible for this phenomenon. Present study conducted on semen quality included 12,408 semen samples collected from different laboratories of Bangalore city during 8 years (2000-2007) period of time and were analysed season wise. Results showed sperm concentration was significantly lower in monsoon than in winter season. Humidity and pressure influenced sperm count. Forward moving sperms were influenced by temperature and pressure. The study concludes the change in birth rates seen during different season in a year is due to the quality of semen responsible for conception.

Semen quality changes during infection and recovery phases of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in reproductive-aged patients: a prospective case series

BackgroundDespite the documented effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on spermatogenesis, the reversibility of these effects is uncertain. We aimed to assess the changes of sperm quality between the infection and recovery phases of COVID-19 in reproductive-aged men. The semen quality of men with mild-to-moderated COVID-19 (defined by the degrees of symptoms and chest involvement on computed tomography) was studied during October, 2020–May, 2021 at our hospital. Two semen samples were analyzed at timings estimated to represent spermatogenic cycles during the infection and recovery phases of COVID-19.ResultsA total of 100 patients were included with mean ± SD (range) age of 24.6 ± 3.3 (21–35) years. During infection, 33% of patients had abnormal semen quality. However, a significant reduction was found in this abnormality from 33 to 11% (P < 0.001) after recovery from infection. In a comparison of the two semen analyses, there were significant improvements in the mean values of sperm progressive motility (P =0.043) and normal morphology (P < 0.001). However, the mean sperm concentration showed a statistically insignificant increase (P = 0.844).ConclusionsIn reproductive-aged patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19, the effects on seminal quality were recoverable, represented by significant improvements in the means of progressive sperm motility and normal morphology between the infection and recovery phases of COVID-19.Trial registrationClinicalTrials, NCT04595240.

A new perspective on semen quality of aged male: The characteristics of metabolomics and proteomics.

Semen quality is negatively correlated with male age and is mainly quantified by a routine semen analysis, which is descriptive and inconclusive. Sperm proteins or semen metabolites are used as the intermediate or end-products, reflecting changes in semen quality, and hold much promise as a new biomarker to predict fertility in advanced-aged males. In this study, we sought to assess whether the semen metabolome and proteome of aged males can affect semen quality and serve as biomarkers for predicting semen quality. We retrospectively analyzed 12825 males that underwent semen routine analysis to understand the age-dependent changes in sperm quality. To identify the difference between aged and young adults, metabolomics (n=60) analyses of semen and proteomics (n=12) analyses of sperm were conducted. Finally, integrated machine learning of metabolomics was conducted to screen biomarkers to identify aging semen. We discovered that male age was positively correlated with sperm concentration as well as DNA fragmentation index(DFI), and negatively with progressive motile sperm count, total sperm count, sperm volume and progressive sperm motility. The differential metabolites were significantly enriched in various metabolic pathways, and four of these differential metabolites (Pipamperone, 2,2-Bis(hydroxymethyl)-2,2',2''-nitrilotriethanol, Arg-Pro and Triethyl phosphate) were utilized to establish a biomarker panel to identify aging semen. Proteomic analysis showed that differential proteins were significantly enriched in protein digestion and absorption and some energy-related pathways. An integrated analysis of the metabolome and proteome identified differential energy metabolism and oxidative stress-related proteins, which could explain the decreased motility and the increased DFI of aging sperm. We provide compelling evidence that the changes in semen metabolome and sperm proteome are related to the decline of semen quality in aged males. Moreover, a biomarker panel based on four metabolites was established to identify aging semen.

Melatonin alleviates heat stress-induced testicular damage in dairy goats by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Current measures mainly focus on how melatonin reduces physiological heat stress in animals, but its effects on reproductive damage to male dairy goats have been neglected. This study aimed to determine the protective effect of melatonin on male reproduction during heat stress in dairy goats and to further explore its mechanisms. A natural heat stress model of Saanen dairy goats was used to assess testicular tissue damage 7 days after heat stress and to examine semen quality changes during a spermatogenic cycle. RNA-seq, Western blot, RT–qPCR, and immunofluorescence staining were used to explore the mechanism by which melatonin protects against heat stress-induced reproductive damage and to validate the results. The data suggested that melatonin significantly alleviated the heat stress-induced decrease in sperm quality, protected varicose tubule structure, reduced the levels of heat shock proteins and apoptotic proteins and protected the spermatocytes and round spermatozoa, which are mainly affected by heat stress. RNA-seq results suggest that melatonin inhibits the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, reduces the level of p-AKT, and promotes elevated BCL-2. In addition, melatonin treatment could upregulate the gene expression of MT2 which was downregulated by heat stress and improve the change in extracellular matrix components and restore serum testosterone levels. Our results suggest that melatonin can protect against testicular and spermatogenic cell damage and improve semen quality in male dairy goats under heat stress. This study provides an important reference for subsequent studies on the molecular mechanisms of melatonin in protecting male reproductive processes under heat stress and using exogenous melatonin to prevent heat stress.

Comparison of Semen Quality Before and After Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Among Men in China

This cohort study examines changes in semen quality—including semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, and total and progressive sperm motility—before and after inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccination among men in China.

Evaluation of intratesticular chlorhexidine gluconate for chemical contraception in dogs

Objective: To investigate the contraceptive effect of intratesticular injection of chlorhexidine gluconate in dogs and compare it with that of zinc gluconate neutralized with arginine. Methods: Twenty-four sexually mature male mongrel dogs were randomly divided by replicate into four groups (n=6 per group). Group I received intra-testicular injection of 2 mL zinc gluconate (10 mg/mL) neutralized with arginine. Group II received intratesticular injection of 2 mL chlorhexidine gluconate (5% w/v). Group III received intratesticular injection of 2 mL chlorhexidine gluconate (4% w/v). Group IV did not receive any treatment and served as the control group. Testicular morphometry was conducted on day 0, 7, 15 and 30 after treatment. Semen was collected and evaluated on day 0 and 30. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: There was no difference in the mean values of various parameters between dogs treated with zinc gluconate and those treated with chlorhexidine gluconate at any of the time points. In dogs treated with zinc gluconate or chlorhexidine gluconate, there was a significant increase in the testicular morphometric parameters on day 7 followed by a significant reduction thereafter (day 15 and 30). In contrast, there was no change in any of the parameters in the control untreated dogs during the course of the study. Compared to the pre-treatment values, the mean scrotal circumference and the mean paired testicular volume and testicular weight on day 30 were significantly lower in the treated dogs. Semen samples collected on day 30 from treated dogs were found to be azoospermic, whereas no change in semen quality was observed in the control untreated dogs. Conclusions: Intratesticular injection of chlorhexidine gluconate (5% w/v and 4% w/v) is equally as effective as zinc gluconate neutralized with arginine for chemical contraception in dogs.

Exploring the causes of semen quality changes post-bariatric surgery: a focus on endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Rapid weight loss promoted by bariatric surgery (BS) can release accumulated lipophilic endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), making these chemicals systemically available. Men typically have a higher EDC body burden and lose more weight post-BS than women, which may put male BS patients at high risk for testicular toxicity. In this review, we analyze the impacts of BS on semen parameters with a particular focus on the potential effects of EDCs. After BS, serum EDC concentrations progressively increase; and there is evidence that semen parameters deteriorate after BS. Although elevated serum EDC concentrations are associated with inferior sperm parameters, links between semen parameters and EDCs post-BS have not been studied. Understanding these potential associations requires adequately powered studies, particularly within prospective longitudinal cohorts with long-term follow-up for sperm parameters, nutritional status, sex-hormones levels and serum EDC concentrations. Studying BS patients prospectively provides the important opportunity to evaluate dose-response effects of EDC serum concentrations on sperm quality and function. Research is also needed to identify critical chemical exposure periods post-BS to inform reproductive decisions, including consideration of sperm preservation before surgery.

Initial Characterization of Male Southern Stingray (Hypanus americanus) Reproductive Parameters and Preliminary Investigation of Sperm Cryopreservation.

Simple SummaryUnderstanding the reproductive biology of a species is critical for the development of biobanks and assisted reproductive techniques to aid in the genetic management of isolated populations. Male southern stingray (Hypanus americanus) reproductive examinations were opportunistically conducted in March and June. Semen and plasma were collected to characterize ejaculate parameters and to investigate the effect of plasma total testosterone on semen quality. Semen was used for preliminary sperm cryopreservation studies. Changes in semen quality were observed with changes in plasma testosterone concentrations and body conditions. Southern stingray spermatozoa were highly sensitive to cooling rates with slower rates, producing a higher post-thaw survival.This study investigated the reproductive biology and sperm cryopreservation of ex situ southern stingrays (Hypanus americanus) by semen collection and characterization and the development and validation of an enzyme-linked immunoassay for plasma total testosterone. Semen was collected in March and June using a manual massage technique, and the ejaculates were assessed for volume, pH, osmolarity, motility, status (0–5 scale: 0 = no forward progression, 5 = rapid linear progression) and total sperm count. Semen was extended in Hank’s elasmobranch ringer solution containing 10% DMSO, 10% glycerol or 5% glycerol with 5% N-methylformamide and cryopreserved using a conventional freezing method (~−50 °C/min) or a modified slow freezing method (~−3 °C/min). Body condition was scored from 1–5 and was noted to be low in March (1.93 ± 0.07) due to feeding practices and increased by June (2.93 ± 0.05) after dietary corrections were made. A concomitant increase (p < 0.05) in plasma total testosterone concentration and sperm motility was noted between March (8.0 ± 7.2 ng/mL, 5.71 ± 2.77%) and June (97.3 ± 11.3 ng/mL, 51.4 ± 14.3%). Samples cryopreserved using a modified slow freeze method (~−3 °C/min) had higher post-thaw motility and plasma membrane integrity than conventionally cryopreserved samples. Data indicate that southern stingray sperm morphometrics adheres to those of other elasmobranch species and that a slow cooling rate may be an avenue of research to improve southern stingray sperm survival during cryopreservation.

Changes in serum testosterone and anti-Müllerian hormone concentration in bulls undergoing scrotal insulation

While changes in semen quality after heat stress are well characterized in the bull, changes in endocrine function have not been critically evaluated. It was hypothesized here that scrotal insulation results in alterations in Sertoli cell and Leydig cell function, as measured by changes in serum testosterone and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentration. Scrotal insulation bags were placed in 10 bulls for 8 d. Blood was collected on days -22 and -2, and weekly from days 5 to 96 (day 0 = first day of scrotal insulation) for measurement of serum concentration of AMH and testosterone using ELISA. The concentration of AMH decreased on day 5, followed by an increase on day 54 (P = 0.014). When AMH concentration was normalized to pre-insulation values, the percent increase in serum concentration of AMH was significant between days 26 and 54, with another peak at 75 d (P = 0.031). The serum concentration of testosterone (P = 0.0001) and the percentage of change in testosterone concentration (P < 0.0001) increased on day 5, followed by a decrease from days 33 to 96. Scrotal insulation was associated with Sertoli and Leydig cell dysfunction, as measured by serum testosterone and AMH concentration. The persistently low concentration of testosterone at the end of the study suggests a long term effect of scrotal insulation on Leydig cell function.

Beyond the mean: Quantile regression to differentiate the distributional effects of ambient PM2.5 constituents on sperm quality among men

Ambient PM2.5 (particulate matter ≤ 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter) constituents have been related to mean changes in semen quality, but focusing on the mean response may not well capture distributional and heterogeneous effects of PM2.5 constituents on semen quality. In this study, 2314 semen samples of 622 men between Jan 1, 2019 and Dec 31, 2019 from Guangdong Human Sperm Bank were subjected to semen quality analysis. Daily average concentrations of PM2.5 constituents including 4 water-soluble ions and 15 metals/metalloid were measured for 7 days per month at 3 fixed atmospheric pollutant monitoring stations. We used quantile regression for longitudinal data to examine whether the associations between PM2.5 constituents and quality indicators of semen varied across quantiles of outcome distribution. Heterogeneous associations were found between PM2.5 constituents and sperm quality across different quantiles. An interquartile range (14.0 μg/m3) increase in PM2.5 mass was negatively associated with lower tails of sperm concentration and upper tails of sperm count distribution. PM2.5 vanadium exposure was significantly related to the 90th percentile of sperm count distribution, but not to the lower quantiles. In addition, those subjects with relatively high sperm motility were more susceptible to sulfate, chromium, and manganese constituents in PM2.5. Our results indicate that PM2.5 and certain constituents were associated with sperm quality, especially sperm motility, and the associations are more pronounced in men with relatively high or low sperm motility.

Effect of Ginger Extract on Semen Parameters and Sperm DNA Fragmentation during the Liquid Storage at 4°C in Native Roosters (Research Note)

The goal of the current study was to determine the effect of ginger extract on some quality parameters of rooster spermatozoa during liquid storage. A total of 10 healthy adult native roosters were selected and sampled twice a week for three weeks. Treatment groups were made up of basal extender supplemented with various concentrations of ginger extract including 0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 μg/mL. Sperm plasma membrane integrity, viability, and motility were assessed at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours after semen collection. However, the sperm DNA fragmentation test was determined only after 48 hours of storage. The sperm membrane integrity was high at 24 (81.66%) and 48 (58.66%) hours in control and 60 µg/mL of ginger extract, respectively. The highest sperm viability (70.50%) and motility (76.50%) were obtained in 20 μg/mL ginger extract at 48h. The lowest sperm DNA fragmentation (32%) was observed in the 20 μg/mL of ginger extract. According to the results, the ginger extract showed a protective effect against time-associated harmful changes in semen quality of roosters during liquid storage.

Evaluation of sex hormone profile and semen parameters in acromegalic male patients.

To investigate the changes in semen quality and bioavailable testosterone concentrations in acromegalic male patients according to their disease activity and compare them with patients with non-functional pituitary adenoma (NFA) and healthy controls (HC). Twenty-four acromegalic patients with active disease, 22 acromegalic patients in remission, 10 HCs, and 10 patients with NFA were included. Total and calculated bioavailable testosterone concentrations were lower in patients with pituitary disease. Patients with acromegaly had more severely impaired total testosterone levels and semen parameters in comparison to HCs and patients with NFA. The degree of impairment was more prominent in acromegalic patients with active disease than acromegalic patients in remission. Acromegalic patients in remission had residual impairments in both semen quality and testosterone concentrations. Patients with NFA had the lowest concentrations of calculated bioavailable testosterone, followed by acromegalic patients with active disease and acromegalic patients in remission. Increasing growth hormone (GH) levels were found to be associated with both more severely impaired semen quality and androgen concentrations. Growth hormone hypersecretion can disturb reproductive biology and thereof semen quality. The reduction in semen quality and androgen levels may not fully recover upon disease control. Clinicians should be aware of the increased risk of impaired semen parameters and reduced total/bioavailable levels in acromegalic patients, especially in the setting of active disease.

Expression of Apoptosis-Related Genes in Cat Testicular Tissue in Relation to Sperm Morphology and Seasonality-A Preliminary Study.

Simple SummaryProgrammed cell death (apoptosis) is a crucial process in spermatogenesis, responsible for the elimination of abnormal sperm cells and for the reduction of testicular volume outside the breeding season. Poor sperm morphology (teratozoospermia) and lower semen quality out of season are commonly observed in domestic cats, but the exact reasons and mechanisms are not known. The aim of this study was to use gene expression analysis to identify which apoptotic processes and pathways are expressed in the phenomenon of teratozoospermia and seasonality in the domestic cat. The results showed a higher expression of two antiapoptotic genes and one proapoptotic gene during the non-reproductive season, with no differences noted between normozoospermic and teratozoospermic cats. We hypothesize that during the non-breeding season there is a potential detrimental factor which activates a cascade of caspases, against which germ cells mount a defense by producing anti-apoptotic proteins. Further identification of this factor may help in the amelioration of semen quality of cats and improve feline breeding.Apoptosis is a crucial process in spermatogenesis, responsible for the elimination of abnormal sperm cells and testicular regression out of breeding season. The aim of this study was to assess if the expression of apoptosis-related genes in testicular tissue of domestic cats differed: (1) between normozoospermic and teratozoospermic donors, and (2) between reproductive and non-reproductive season. The expression of genes: BCL2L1, BCL2, BAX, BAD, FAS, FASLG, and caspases (CASP3, CASP8, CASP9, and CASP10) was analyzed by qRT-PCR in testicular tissue samples. During non-reproductive season significantly higher expression of two anti-apoptotic genes (BCL2L1 and BCL2) was observed. Additionally, there was a significant higher expression of CASP10 in teratozoospermic cats during non-reproductive than during reproductive season. No differences were noted between normozoospermic and teratozoospermic groups. Upregulation of some genes during the non-reproductive season indicates engagement of apoptotic mechanisms in the seasonal changes of semen quality in cats, however further studies on protein levels and analysis of changes on distinct testicular germinal layers are required. At the same time, teratozoospermia in the general population of cats seems to be not connected with dysregulation of apoptosis in the testes.

Iranian temporal changes in semen quality during the past 22 years: A report from an infertility center.

Background Despite numerous reports about temporal changes in semen quality from all over the world, the debates continue. The latest systemic review has shown an overtime decrease in semen quality worldwide.Objective To assess the temporal changes in the semen quality among Iranian population referred to an infertility center.Materials and Methods In this retrospective cross-sectional study, semen parameters including concentration, motility, and morphology were compared between Iranian men reffered to Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd between 1990 to 1992 (group 1, n = 707) and 2010 to 2012 (group 2, n = 1108). Demographic characteristics and semen analysis were collected from the records. The effect of age on semen parameters was also investigated.ResultsDespite the increase in sperm concentration l in group 2, sperm with normal morphology decreased significantly (p 0.001). Grade-A motility decreased (p 0.001), grade B motility increased (p 0.001), and grade C and D motile sperm remained constant (p = 0.303 and p = 0.315, respectively). Also, no significant correlation between the age and semen parameters were observed.ConclusionThis study showed inconsistent temporal changes in the participant semen quality. Significant temporal decline were obtained between various semen parameters, sperm morphology and grade A motility. These results should be further evaluated by larger studies in the future.