Concentrations In Seminal Fluid Research Articles

Blepharis persica increases testosterone biosynthesis by modulating StAR and 3β-HSD expression in rat testicular tissues

Objective: To evaluate the effect of methanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction of methanol extract prepared from the seeds of Blepharis (B.) persica on testosterone biosynthesis and also to elucidate the underlying mechanism. Methods: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into eight groups (n=6 per group). Group I received 0.3% w/w gum acacia suspension p.o. and served as the normal control group. Group II was administered testosterone propionate in arachis oil i.m. as the positive control group. Group III to V received B. persica methanolic extract p.o. at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight. Group VI to VIII received B. persica ethyl acetate fraction p.o. at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight. The testis was used for biochemical estimation and histological studies. The effects of methanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction of B. persica on testicular testosterone, mRNA expression corresponding to steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) along with 3β-HSD enzyme assay were evaluated in testicular tissues and sperm concentration. Ethyl acetate fraction of B. persica was subjected to column chromatography. In-vitro studies were performed using TM3 cell line at three dose levels (50, 100, 200 μg/mL), each for methanolic extract, ethyl acetate fraction and 2-benzoxazolinone for evaluation of their comparative effect on testosterone production. Results: Ethyl acetate fraction and methanolic extract of B. persica could elevate the testicular testosterone content compared to the normal control group. The treatment with methanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction of B. persica increased the expression of mRNA corresponding to StAR by 6.7 fold and 10.6 fold, respectively, whereas the mRNA expression of 3β-HSD increased by 5.7 fold and 7.3 fold, respectively. Moreover, fraction and extract treatment exhibited increased 3β-HSD activity in the testicular tissues and were found to elevate sperm concentration in seminal fluid. The spermatogenic potential was further ensured by histological observations. 2-benzoxazolinone was isolated from ethyl acetate fraction and identified using spectral studies. It showed the ability to increase the testosterone content in the TM3 Leydig cells. Conclusions: Methanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction of B. persica are able to increase the testicular testosterone in rats by elevating mRNA expression of StAR and 3β-HSD in testicular tissues, leading to increase the sperm concentration.

RANKL regulates male reproductive function

Infertile men have few treatment options. Here, we demonstrate that the transmembrane receptor activator of NF-kB ligand (RANKL) signaling system is active in mouse and human testis. RANKL is highly expressed in Sertoli cells and signals through RANK, expressed in most germ cells, whereas the RANKL-inhibitor osteoprotegerin (OPG) is expressed in germ and peritubular cells. OPG treatment increases wild-type mouse sperm counts, and mice with global or Sertoli-specific genetic suppression of Rankl have increased male fertility and sperm counts. Moreover, RANKL levels in seminal fluid are high and distinguishes normal from infertile men with higher specificity than total sperm count. In infertile men, one dose of Denosumab decreases RANKL seminal fluid concentration and increases serum Inhibin-B and anti-Müllerian-hormone levels, but semen quality only in a subgroup. This translational study suggests that RANKL is a regulator of male reproductive function, however, predictive biomarkers for treatment-outcome requires further investigation in placebo-controlled studies.

Glutathione peroxidase 3 (extracellular isoform) levels and functional polymorphisms in fertile and infertile men

BackgroundOxidative stress has an undeniable role in the impairment of sperm function and idiopathic male infertility. On the other hand, the local antioxidant system particularly glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPX3) as an extracellular enzyme protects male fertility from oxidative damages. Therefore, in the current study, we evaluated the association between two functional polymorphisms of the GPX3 gene with its levels in seminal fluid and subsequently with the risk of male infertility.ResultWe recruited 100 fertile and 100 infertile men for the study. Our results showed that the concentration of GPX3 was higher in the fertile group than infertile patients (p= <0.01), and there were positive correlations between GPX3 concentration in seminal fluid with sperm motility and morphology. The frequency of rs8177404 and rs3828599 genotypes and alleles was significantly different between the groups and we found that having the rs8177404 polymorphism (TC and CC genotypes) could increase the risk of idiopathic infertility more than 2-fold. On the other hand, the GG genotype (rs3828599) showed a protective effect against infertility. Our results demonstrated that men carrying CC genotype of rs8177404 polymorphism had significantly lower progressively motile sperm and higher immotile sperm compared with subjects carrying TT and TC genotypes. In the rs3828599 polymorphism, the GG carriers had significantly higher progressively motile and lower immotile sperm than AA carriers. Furthermore, men with genotypes of CC (rs8177404) and GG (rs3828599) had significantly lower and higher levels of GPX3 in the seminal fluid, respectively.ConclusionIn conclusion, our results showed associations between sperm parameters with GPX3 levels and the gene polymorphisms. It seems rs8177404 and rs3828599 polymorphisms can affect GPX3 levels in seminal fluid and subsequently sperm parameters.

Anandamide Level in Men with Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia

Background: Male infertility is a relatively common medical condition. Male partners are found to be solely responsible for 20–30% of infertility cases. Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) is the most common laboratory finding in infertile men. Endocannabinoids are endogenously produced substances, that primarily act at cannabinoid receptors (CBRs), thus reproducing some of the biological actions of the natural cannabis sativa components (the “cannabinoids”). The endocannabinoid system is involved in several physiological processes, including fertility and body weight control. Objective: The aim of this study was to detect the level of anandamide (AEA) in patients with OAT and its relation to BMI. Patients and methods: This study was a case control study. It was hold between June 2018 to April 2019 in the Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology Department at Aswan University Hospital. The study included 20 patients with OAT and 9 as controls. Semen analysis using CASA was done. AEA level in seminal plasma was measured using ELISA kits. BMI was calculated. Results: AEA level in seminal plasma significantly decreased in men with ligoasthenoterat- ozoospermia than control (P < 0.009). AEA concentration on seminal fluid was significantly increased with an increase in BMI (P= 0.023). On the other hand, a significant negative relationship was present between BMI and semen volume (P= 0.03). Conclusion: AEA concentration in seminal plasma was significantly decreased in patients with OAT. AEA concentration in seminal fluid was significantly increased with an increase in BMI. On the other hand, a significant negative relationship was present between BMI and semen volume.

Semen endocannabinoids are correlated to sperm quality in a cohort of 200 young Swiss men.

A role for endocannabinoids in the male and female reproductive systems has been highlighted during the recent decades. Some of these compounds bind the cannabinoid CB1 receptor, which is abundantly expressed in the central nervous system but also present in the reproductive system, while others act as 'entourage compounds' modulators. The present study aimed at evaluating the relationship between sperm quality and endocannabinoid profiles in a cohort of 200 young Swiss men and whether the presence of specific xenobiotics could influence these profiles. Semen analysis was performed according to WHO guidelines. Endocannabinoid profiles in blood and semen, as well as bisphenol A and S in urine, were determined by LC-MSMS methods. The presence of selected drugs was tested in urine by immunological screening, and urinary tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) metabolites were quantified by GC-MS. Anandamide concentrations in seminal fluid and oleoylethanolamide (OEA) concentrations in blood serum appeared inversely correlated with sperm motility, while semen palmytoylethanolamide (PEA) was positively linked to sperm concentration. Moreover, OEA and PEA in seminal fluid were associated with better sperm morphology. Interestingly, the concentrations of the same endocannabinoids measured in both blood and semen were not correlated, and the presence of THC metabolites in some individuals was linked to lower concentrations of endocannabinoids. In the context of the general decline of the sperm count observed within the male population, endocannabinoids in semen constitute a class of promising biochemical markers that open new perspectives as a complement for the usual evaluation of semen quality or for the toxicological screening of individuals' exposure to putative endocrine disruptors.

Риск патозооспермии у мужчин при совместном воздействии эндокринных дизрапторов

84 samples of sperm were studied in men with normo-and patozoospermia. In seminal fluid, the concentrations of bisphenol A, triclosan and 4-nonylphenol were simultaneously determined by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The spermiological study was carried out according to the WHO recommendations (2010) taking into account the assessment of the number of spermatozoa, their motility and morphology, as well as sperm damage. The results were subjected to statistical processing using the Mann-Whitney U-test and the multiple logistic regression method. Results were considered statistically significant at p<0.05. Bisphenol A was found in 100% of the ejaculate samples with a median concentration of 0.150 ng/ml. Triclosan and 4-nonylphenol were detected in 84.3% and 98.1% of ejaculate samples with a median concentration of 0.11 ng/ml. and 0.16 ng/ml, respectively. The comparison groups were statistically significantly distinguished by the concentrations of bisphenol A and triclosan (p<0.001; p=0.018), respectively, as well as the DNA index of spermatozoa fragmentation (p=0.002). Bisphenol A, by increasing the concentration in seminal fluid by 0,1 ng/ml, increased the chance of developing pathosospermia by 24.9 times. The effect of triclosan and 4-nonylphenol on pathosospermia was not statistically significant. In a multiple logistic regression equation describing the joint effect of EDs on patozoospermia, as well as the ratio of the chances of its occurrence with a change in the concentration of one of the endocrine disruptors per unit while fixing the other variables, the coefficients of triclosan and 4-nonylphenol on the patozoospermia were also not statistically significant. In addition, the confidence interval for the odds ratio included one. The development of pathozoospermia is primarily associated with the effect of bisphenolA in seminal fluid in men. It should be assumed that there is no synergistic effect of endocrine disruptors on patozoospermia.

IMPORTANCE OF ZINC CONCENTRATION IN SEMINAL FLUID OF MEN DIAGNOSED WITH INFERTILITY.

SUMMARYThe prevalence and importance of male infertility make it a serious worldwide medical and social problem. The aim of this study was to determine if there were any significant differences in zinc concentrations in seminal fluid in men diagnosed with infertility compared to control group, and if there were, to determine how it affected the number and percentage of sperm cells with normal motility and morphology. A case-control study was conducted in the Osijek-Baranja County from January 2014 to June of 2015. The study included 276 subjects referred to biochemistry laboratory of the Osijek University Hospital Centre, 100 (36.2%) of them with low sperm count confirmed by spermiogram after 3 months. Semen samples were processed according to the World Health Organization criteria, and zinc concentrations were determined using spectrophotometry and direct colorimetry without deproteinization on a chemistry analyzer (Olympus AU 680, Beckman Coulter, Tokyo, Japan). Study results showed the men with low sperm count to be significantly older (Mann Whitney U test: p=0.013) and to have lower zinc levels (χ2-test: p<0.001). Further analysis included 100 (36.2%) patients with low sperm count. In the group of infertile men, those with low sperm count had higher zinc levels compared to men with azoospermia (Mann Whitney U test: p=0.036), suggesting a connection between lower zinc level in seminal fluid and male fertility. Zinc as a biological marker and an antioxidant affects sperm count, motility and morphology. Zinc supplemental therapy could improve seminal parameters in patients diagnosed with low sperm count. Dietary habits of the subjects differ regionally, and future research could make a solid foundation for complementary approach to treatment of male infertility.

EFFECT OF TRICLOSAN ON TESTEICULAR FUNCTIONS: AN EXPERIMENTAL AND AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDIES

The aim was to study associations between triclosan concentration in seminal fluid or testicular tissue and germinal and endocrine functions of the testes in men. Methods. Atogether, 53 samples of seminal fluid in men with normospermia and pathozoospermia were studied. Concentration of triclosan was determined in the seminal fluid by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Spermological assessment was conducted according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization (2010) with an assessment of the sperm DNA Fragmentation Index. In addition, the concentration of total plasma testosterone was estimated. The experimental part of the work was performed on white mature CD Wistar male rats (n = 20). For two months, the rats in the experimental group received 200 mg/kg of triclosan (Sigma-Aldrich, USA) daily with food. Functional and morphometric techniques were used to evaluate the generative and endocrine function of the testes. The concentration of triclosan in the testes was measured by the GC-MS method. Results. In 84.9 % of ejaculate samples, triclosan was found with a median concentration of 0.13 (0.05-0.22) ng/ml. Men with normospermia and pathozoospermia had statistically significantly differentd concentrations of triclosan in seminal fluid (p = 0.045) and sperm DNA Fragmentation Index (p = 0.004). In the experimental part of the study, rats receiving triclosan had significantly lower testicular mass (p = 0.001), smaller diameter of convoluted seminiferous tubule and lower thickness of seminiferous epithelium (p

The risk of sperm demage in men with the combined effect of endocrine disruptors

Background: The most frequent ultrastructural change in sperm cells is nuclear DNA fragmentation. Many authors believe that DNA damage to sperm cells can serve as a diagnostic marker of a negative paternal effect in the pre-implantation period of human development. A number of studies have shown a direct correlation between the high percentage of sperm DNA damage and the frequency of spontaneous abortions. On the other hand, it is known that the damaging effect of endocrine disruptors, for example, triclosan and bisphenol A, is based on their ability to induce oxidative stress, which is considered as one of the factors in cell DNA damage.&#x0D; Aims: to assess the risk of sperm DNA fragmentation in men with the combined effect of bisphenol A, triclosan and 4-nonylphenol in seminal fluid.&#x0D; Materials and methods: 84 samples of seminal fluid of men with normo-and patozoospermia were studied. The concentration of bisphenol A, triclosan and 4-nonylphenol in gas was determined by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The comparison groups were divided according to the degree of DNA fragmentation of spermatozoa into two groups: the 1st group of patients with DNA fragmentation of spermatozoa 15% (n=18) and the 2nd group 15% (n=29). The spermiological study was carried out according to the WHO recommendations (2010) taking into account the assessment of the number of spermatozoa, their motility and morphology, as well as the degree of fragmentation of the sperm DNA.&#x0D; Results: Bisphenol A was found in 100% of the ejaculate samples with a median concentration of 0.150 ng/ml. Triclosan and 4-nonylphenol were detected in 84.3 and 98.1% of ejaculate samples with a median concentration of 0.11 and 0.16 ng/ml respectively. Comparison groups were statistically significantly distinguished by the concentration of bisphenol A and triclosan p=0.014; p0.001 respectively. Triclosan with an increase in concentration in seminal fluid by 0.1 ng/ml increased the chance of development of the degree of DNA fragmentation 15% by 2.9 times. The odds ratio of bisphenol A and 4-nonylphenol to DNA damage was not statistically significant. The prognostic model of the joint effect of endocrine disruptors on DNA damage, constructed using multiple logistic regression analysis, was also found to be statistically significant only with respect to the effect of triclosan.&#x0D; Conclusions: The risk of damage to sperm DNA in men is primarily associated with the effect of triclosan in seminal fluid. At the same time, it is necessary to assume the absence of a synergistic effect of bisphenol A, triclosan and 4-nonylphenol on the DNA damage of spermatozoa in men.

Examination of the Accuracy of the Quantitative In-House Kit for Determining Zinc Concentration in Seminal Fluid

Zinc in seminal fluid originates primarily from the prostate gland. It is pivotal for male sexual function because it affects the quantity, quality and mobility of sperm. Materials and methods: The semen samples were obtained from 300 male partners of infertile couples who attended the Department of Biomedicine and Genetics at the Hanoi Medical University between the ages of 18 and 50 years; they were then analysed for routine seminal parameters. They were collected and analysed according to WHO 2010 guidelines. Seminal fluid was centrifuged at 1500 rpm for 10 minutes, and floating fluid collected for zinc quantification using spectroscopy with 5-Br-PAPS was used as a color indicator. In a pH 8.6-buffer solution, in a buffered media, zinc reacts with specific complexing 5-Br-PAPS form a stable color compound. The optical density is directly proportional to the concentration of zinc in the semen. The results yielded a linear regression model of y=0.0666x+1.2026 with a correlation coefficient of r=0.9956. The calibration function was y=0.9977x with R2=0.9995. The repeatability was SD=0.004, and the coefficient of variation was CV%=0.27% &lt;5%. In terms of intermediate precision, the standard deviation was (SD)=0.01, and the coefficient of variation was CV%=0.64% &lt;5%. Trueness was tex=2.076 &lt;tt =2.262. Specificity and sensitively were 100% at 64x dilution. Specificity and sensitivity were 100% and 99.05% respectively. A significant correlation was discovered between the two methods, with r=0.975 and p&lt;0.001; the average difference between the two methods was 0.0002. Conclusion: Successfully completed the kit for determining zinc concentration in semen by the colorimetric method.

Examination of the accuracy of the quantitative in-house kit for determining zinc concentration in seminal fluid

Zinc in seminal fluidoriginates primarily from the prostate gland. It is pivotal for male sexual function because it affects the quantity, quality and mobility of sperm.Materials and methods: the semen samples were obtained from 300 male partners of infertile couples who attended the Department of Biomedicine and Genetics at the Hanoi Medical University between the ages of 18 and 50 years; they were then analysed for routine seminal parameters. They were collected and analysed according to WHO 2010 guidelines. Seminal fluid was centrifuged at 1,500 rpm for 10 minutes, and floating fluid collected for zinc quantification usingspectroscopy with 5-Br-PAPS was used as a color indicator. In a pH 8.6-buffer solution, in a buffered media, zinc reacts with specific complexing 5-Br-PAPS form a stable color compound. The optical density is directly proportional to the concentration of zinc in the semen. The results yielded a linear regression model of y = 0.0666x + 1.2026 with a correlation coefficient of r=0.9956. The calibration function was y = 0.9977x with R2=0.9995. The repeatability was SD=0.004, and the coefficient of variation was CV%=0.27%&lt;5%. In terms of intermediate precision, the standard deviation was (SD)=0.01, and the coefficient of variation was CV%=0.64%&lt;5%. Trueness was tex=2.076 &lt; tt=2.262. Specificity and sensitively were 100% at 64x dilution. Specificity and sensitivity were 100% and 99.05% respectively. A significant correlation was discovered between the two methods, with r=0.975 and p&lt;0.001; the average difference between the two methods was 0.0002. Conclusion: successfully completed the kit for determining zinc concentration in semen by the colorimetric method.

Complete the Manufacturing Procedure of Kit for Determination of Fructose Concentration in Seminal Fluid for Diagnosis Male Infertility

Complete the Manufacturing Procedure of Kit for Determination of Fructose Concentration in Seminal Fluid for Diagnosis Male Infertility

O21: Relationship between Prostaglandins and Interleukins concentrations in seminal fluid and fertilization rate

American Journal of Reproductive ImmunologyVolume 80, Issue S1 p. 56-56 ABSTRACTS O21: Relationship between Prostaglandins and Interleukins concentrations in seminal fluid and fertilization rate First published: 26 June 2018 https://doi.org/10.1111/aji.20_12983Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume80, IssueS1Special Issue: American-Sino Joint Meeting of Reproductive Immunology (ASRI-CSI 2018), June 28-1 July, 2018 Shanghai, ChinaJune 2018Pages 56-56 RelatedInformation

Antiretroviral Therapy and Alcohol Interactions: X-raying Testicular and Seminal Parameters Under the HAART Era.

The prevalence of alcohol use among HIV-infected patients undergoing antiretroviral (ARV) treatments has raised several concerns related to key therapeutic indices. These include drug interactions, compliance, efficacy and toxicity with the possibility of accelerated disease progression. Interaction of ARVs with alcohol can result in therapeutic failures or place patients at significant risk for toxicities. Research findings in this particular area are, however, limited and sometimes conflicting. This review focuses on alcohol and ARV interactions affecting testicular and spermatogenic indices. Antiretroviral drugs are known to negatively impact testicular functions via altered mitochondrial DNA and oxidative stress mechanisms. Interaction with alcohol can significantly affect seminal fluid concentration of ARVs. Habitual consumption of alcohol causes testicular hypofunction with potential for lowered fertility. Concomitant use of ARVs appears to act synergistically to exacerbate this toxicity. Alcohol also induces cytochrome P450 (CYPs) microsomal enzymes, which in turn affect ARVs metabolized by these enzymes. In the presence of ARVs with strong inhibitory activity, increased bioavailability with toxicities predominates. In addition, alcohol and ARVs have pronounced effects on membrane-associated drug transporters. Alcohol alters the properties of the lipid bilayer by changing membrane permeability and protein distribution. Since drug transporters critical to pharmacokinetics are integral membrane proteins, alcohol tends to diminish the activity of both the efflux and influx transporters. While excessive alcohol precipitates accelerated hypogonadism, future research needs to be directed to quantifying these effectsof alcohol and ARVs in human testicular tissue.

The intracellular concentration of homocysteine and related thiols is negatively correlated to sperm quality after highly effective method of sperm lysis.

The aims of this study were to determine concentrations of total homocysteine, cysteine, cysteinylglycine and glutathione in spermatozoa, seminal fluid and blood plasma and to analyse their relationships with sperm parameters. For this reason, a new highly effective method of spermatozoa lysis was developed, using methanol, freezing and subsequent thawing in ultrasonic bath. An HPLC-FD assay was conducted on thiols concentrations in lysed spermatozoa, seminal fluid and blood plasma. Concentrations of thiols in spermatozoa were significantly lower in men with normozoospermia than in samples with pathological semen parameters. Statistical analysis found significant correlations between thiol concentrations in spermatozoa and semen parameters, while the same analysis with thiol concentrations in seminal fluid was substantially less powerful. Only cysteinylglycine concentrations in seminal fluid significantly correlated with pathological semen parameters. No significant differences or correlations were found with blood plasma concentrations.

Human Papilloma Virus Infection in Patients with Male Accessory Gland Infection: Usefulness of the Ultrasound Evaluation.

This study evaluated the ultrasound (US) features of 20 patients with MAGI and concomitant papilloma virus (HPV) infection compared to 20 patients with microbial (presence of Chlamydia trachomatis alone) MAGI and 20 patients with amicrobial (inflammatory) MAGI. Patients with HPV infection showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher total prostate, seminal vesicles, and epididymal US signs (18.0 ± 2.0) compared to the other 2 groups (12.0 ± 4.0 versus 10.0 ± 3.0, resp.). In addition, patients with MAGI and HPV had a higher prevalence of complicated forms of MAGI [prostatovesiculitis (PV) and prostate-vesiculo-epididymitis (PVE)] and a higher frequency of the fibrosclerotic variant compared to the other groups (70.0 ± 10.0% versus 48.0 ± 5.0% versus 15.0 ± 10.0%). Moreover, HPV infected patients had a higher number of US criteria suggestive for MAGI in the periurethral region of the prostate compared to the other groups. In particular, the patients showed a higher ratio between periurethral and lobar US criteria distribution (5.0 versus 0.5). Finally, the seminal fluid concentration of CD45pos leukocytes (2.0 ± 0.2 versus 1.3 ± 0.3 versus 1.0 ± 0.3 mil/mL) was significantly higher and sperm progressive motility was significantly lower in these patients compared to other groups.

The antioxidant system of sterlet seminal fluid in testes and Wolffian ducts

Oxidative stress is a possible source of spermatozoa function deterioration. Seminal fluid (SF) protects spermatozoa against reactive oxygen species (ROS) attack during development in testes and transit through the reproductive tract. Spermatozoa curvilinear velocity and percent of motile cells as well as changes in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) content, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activity, and uric acid concentration in SF were evaluated in sterlet sperm collected from testes 24 h after hormone induction of spermiation and from Wolffian ducts at 12, 24, 36, and 60 h after hormone injection (HI). While testicular spermatozoa motility was not initiated in activating medium, Wolffian duct sperm showed low motility at 12 h, significant increase at 24 and 36 h, and decrease at 60 h. Testicular SF was characterized by the highest level of TBARS and activity of studied enzymes compared with SF from Wolffian duct sperm at 24 h post-HI. In fluid from Wolffian duct sperm, a significant increase in TBARS content was shown at 36-60 h post-HI. In contrast to testicular SF, in SF from Wolffian duct sperm, this increase was not counterbalanced by changes in the studied variables of antioxidant system. This may be the source of the observed decrease in spermatozoa motility parameters 60 h post-HI. The results may confirm a dual role of ROS in fish sperm physiology. The data with respect to decrease in sturgeon spermatozoa motility parameters at 60 h post-HI should be taken into account in artificial sturgeon propagation.

Dolutegravir Pharmacokinetics in the Genital Tract and Colorectum of HIV-Negative Men After Single and Multiple Dosing

To describe first-dose and steady state pharmacokinetics (PKs) of dolutegravir (DTG) in blood plasma (BP), seminal fluid (SF), colorectal tissue (RT), and rectal mucosal fluid (RF) of healthy HIV-negative men. A phase 1, open-label, PK study that enrolled 12 healthy men taking 50 mg DTG daily for 8 days. Eleven paired BP samples and 3 SF and RF samples were collected over 24 hours after first (PK1) and multiple (PK2) dosing. RT biopsies were collected at 1 of 6 time points at PK1 and PK2 to generate composite PK profiles. DTG concentrations were analyzed by validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Noncompartmental PK analysis was conducted with Phoenix WinNonlin v6.3, and Spearman rank correlations were determined using SAS v9.3. BP area under the concentration-time curves (AUCs) were similar to previous reports, and concentrations at 24 hours (C24 h) were 6- to 34-fold greater than the protein-adjusted concentration required for 90% viral inhibition (PA-IC90) of 64 ng/mL. SF exposures were <7% of BP and below the PA-IC90. RT exposures were 17% of BP and ∼2-fold greater than the PA-IC90. RF AUCs were ∼2%-5% of RT and did not correlate with RT (rho = 0.43, P = 0.17). Accumulation of DTG with multiple dosing was observed in BP, SF, and RT. DTG BP PKs were consistent with previously published values. SF concentrations were <7% BP, with SF C24 h below the PA-IC90. However, SF protein binding was not measured. Although the AUC of DTG in RT was <20% BP, RT C24 h remained ∼2-fold higher than the PA-IC90. RF was not a strong surrogate for RT concentrations.

Importance of the assessment of coenzyme Q10, alpha-tocopherol and oxidative stress for the diagnosis and therapy of infertility in men

Male infertility is one of the most stressful factors of couples, being present in about 40% cases. It is usually caused by a low number of sperm (oligozoospermia) or poor sperm motility (asthenozoospermia). The sperm motility is used as an indicator of semen quality and male infertility. To the impairment of male reproduction health can contribute genetic, nutritional and environmental factors, smoking and drugs. It is well documented that excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production decreases sperm motility, impairs sperm function, damages the morphology of spermatozoa (1, 2). To the decreased sperm motility contribute also disturbances of sperm mitochondrial function and energy production, low levels of coenzyme Q10 and carnitine, as well as sperm mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) defects. The origin of sperm dysfunction, however, is not well understood. Oxidative stress has been established as a major factor in the pathogenesis of male infertility. Low level of coenzyme Q10 contributes to the decreased sperm motility, which plays a vital role in sperm mitochondrial energy production and neutralization of reactive oxygen species (ROS).The aim of the present study was to find out, if an assessment of coenzyme Q10-TOTAL (CoQ10-TOTAL), α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol and oxidative stress could contribute to the diagnosis of infertility in men. Two groups of infertile men, according to sperm motility (a+b and b+c) were included in the study. CoQ10-TOTAL, α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol in plasma and seminal fluid, and parameter of oxidative stress (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances - TBARS) in plasma were determined. Higher sperm density and decreased sperm pathology were found in group a+b vs b+c (class a and b - fast and weak forward motility, class c - nonprogressive motility). Concentrations of CoQ10-TOTAL and α-tocopherol were significantly increased in seminal fluid of groups a+b vs b+c, opposite results were estimated in plasma. Concentrations of γ-tocopherol in plasma and seminal fluid of both groups were similar. Plasmatic TBARS concentrations were increased in both groups of infertile men. We suppose that incorporation of oxidative stress assessment, CoQ10-TOTAL and α-tocopherol concentrations in seminal fluid and plasma into routine andrology can play an important role for the diagnosis and targeted therapy of male infertility (Tab. 1, Ref. 16).

Sex steroids in the seminal fluid and milt quality indices in the endangered Caspian brown trout, Salmo trutta caspius

In this study, the relationships between the seminal fluid sex steroids sperm quality parameters (i.e. sperm motility and sperm production were investigated in the endangered Caspian brown trout. According to results, the variation of sex steroid concentrations was comparatively high. The seminal fluid levels of 17α-Hydroxyprogesterone (OHP) had positive correlation with percentage and duration of sperm motility. Similar correlation was found between the seminal fluid concentration of testosterone (T) and estradiol-17β (E2) with sperm concentration. As well as, there was no significant correlation between progesterone (P) with sperm quality indices. The significant correlation of some steroids i.e. OHP, T and E2 and sperm quality parameters of Caspian brown trout confirms the key role of these steroids in acquisition of the potential of motility during final stage of the maturation.