Sperm Concentration Research Articles

Elucidating the Effects of Formalin as Food Preservative on Hematological Profile and Fertility of Swiss Albino Mice

In Bangladesh, the use of formalin as a food preservative has recently expanded significantly. With this backdrop, the study was attempted to discover changes in the fertility, gross structure, and histoarchitecture of the male reproductive system and hematology in Swiss albino mice as a result of formalin use. Up until experimental week 24, four groups of four mice each were given normal drinking water mixed with formalin at doses of 1%, 5%, 10%, and 20%, respectively, orally. A control group of mice (n=4) were given normal drinking water only. After 24 weeks of treatment, the testicular weight, sperm concentration, morphology, gonadosomatic index (GSI), and hematological profile were evaluated. Testicular histological changes were also evaluated. Formalin-treated mice had significantly lower testes weight, GSI, and sperm count (P<0.05) than the control group. In formalin-treated mice, hematocrit value (HCT) and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration were dramatically reduced; percentage of morphologically healthy epididymal sperm also reduced significantly. In the formalin-treated animals, histopathology indicated degenerative alterations in seminiferous tubules, a lower number of spermatogenic cells, the buildup of spermatozoa with exudates in the tubular lumen, and the displacement of the seminiferous tubule from the basement membrane. According to the findings, formalin has a negative impact on hematological profile and reproductive health of male mice. J. of Sci. and Tech. Res. 6(1): 73-81, 2024

Assessing the outcomes of subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy: pulling technique compared to the conventional method.

The positive effect of varicocelectomy on sperm parameters (sperm morphology, concentration, motility) and fertility and pregnancy rates has been proven. Although various techniques have been defined for varicocele treatment, varicocelectomy with the pulling technique was first defined in 2017. The aim of this retrospective study is to compare the effectiveness and reliability of subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy with the "pulling" technique and conventional subinguinal varicocelectomy. A total of841 patients who underwent subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy using the "pulling" or conventional technique between January 2015 and January 2024 were examined retrospectively. Patients with missing and/or inaccessible data, who were using empirical treatments, were excluded from the study. Demographic data, laboratory and imaging results, and peroperative and postoperative 3rd and 6th month semen analysis results of the remaining 231 patients were evaluated. The mean age of 231 patients who underwent varicocelectomy was 31.1 ± 5.5years. 202 of the patients (87.4%) were primary infertile. Conventional technique was applied to 124 (53.7%) of the 231 patients, while pulling technique was applied to 107 (46.3%) patients. No significant difference was found between the demographic and clinical data of the patients. The median number of ligated pampiniform plexus veins in the patient group who underwent pulling technique was statistically significantly less than that in the patient group that underwent the conventional method (4 vs 5, p = 0.03). In all patients who underwent varicocelectomy, semen volume, spermatozoa concentration, and progressive motile spermatozoa proportion increased significantly in the postoperative period (p = 0.002, p = 0.006, p = 0.001, respectively). No significant change was found in the proportion of spermatozoa with normal morphology (p = 0.617). The changes in semen analysis data from the preoperative period to the third and sixth postoperative months after varicocelectomy with conventional and pulling techniques were compared. No significant difference was found between the two techniques. Subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy with the "pulling" technique may be a safe and effective treatment option with fewer vein ligations compared to the standard surgical method.

Falling Sperm Counts in the Past 40 Years among Western Men: A Review Article

Background: Recently so many studies have documented a concerning decline in semen quality among men in Western countries over the past few decades. This decline, characterized by reduced sperm concentration, motility and morphology, has been linked to a range of potential factors. Lifestyle changes, such as increased obesity rates, sedentary lifestyle and exposure to environmental pollutants are believed to contribute significantly. Additionally, factors such as poor diet, high levels of stress and exposure to endocrine disrupting chemical may also play a role. This deterioration in semen quality raises a concern about male infertility. The purpose of this review is to address the main disorders of semen quality, its aetiologies and steps which are essential to overcome the issues. Further research is crucial to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and to develop strategies to mitigate the impact of low quality semen on the reproductive health. J Com Med Col Teachers Asso July 2024; 28(2): 96-99

Non-invasive semen collection from rattlesnakes (Crotalus durissus terrififus)

The main threats to the extinction of snakes are the loss and degradation of their natural habitat, mainly due to deforestation, urban expansion and fires. One of the ways of preserving snakes can be through the collection, analysis and cryopreservation of semen, and for collection, several techniques have been described, from compression and abdominal massage for ejaculation to the use of 1% lidocaine anesthetic solution for relaxation and direct access to the genital papilla. Therefore, the objective of the work was to revive the technique used in 1980, which consisted of abdominal massage and semen collection with the aid of a syringe. For the study, 5 snakes of the species Crotallus durissus terrificus (rattlesnake) were used, from APASS, in the city of Assis, state of São Paulo. The results obtained were an average seminal volume of 300 uL, with sperm motility of 68%, progressive motility: 3, sperm pathologies: 1, sperm concentration: 1.4 x 109 sptz/mL. Therefore, it is concluded that the non-invasive harvesting method using abdominal massage is still effective.

The sitting men: A systematic review of spare and working time exposure to sedentariness in relation to semen parameters.

Over the past few decades, several studies have found that semen quality parameters have steadily declined over time. Many hypotheses have been made to explain this finding, among which a sedentary lifestyle has been investigated. To synthesize the current evidence, we performed a systematic review of published papers reporting on the relationship between sedentary habits and semen parameters. Embase and PubMed were systematically searched for papers published in English up to May 2023. We included all full-text observational papers that reported the relationship between sedentariness and semen parameters. Article selection adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Sixteen observational studies were ultimately included, six in healthy men and ten in men from Fertility Clinics. They encompassed a total of 13,509 men, with 9877 being healthy men and 3632 presenting at Fertility Clinics for initial assessment. In terms of semen volume, no association emerged in the six studies involving healthy men: however, results in men referring to fertility clinics mainly showed no association, with one indicating a decline and one higher volume. Twelve studies did not report differences in sperm concentration, while one study in men from Fertility Clinics and two in healthy men observed a decline in this parameter with increasing time spent on TV watching or sedentary posture in spare time. Total sperm count was found to be similar across groups of inactivity, except for one study that showed a significant decrease when men from Fertility Clinics spent more time watching TV. No significant differences were reported in sperm motility across all studies, with only one study, among those addressing sperm morphology, indicating a lower percentage of normal forms in men watching TV more than 3h per day. Finally, three studies conducted in men referring to Fertility Clinics analyzed the sperm DNA fragmentation index. Two of these studies found a higher DNA fragmentation index in men spending more time per day in a sitting posture. This review suggests a weak association between time spent sitting during spare time and sperm concentration, but the findings are inconsistent, highlighting the need for further research.

Evaluation of Selected Folk Herbs on the Fertility of Sprague Dawley Male Rats: Biochemical, Histological, and Molecular Investigations

Scientists have shown great interest in traditional plant extracts, particularly Lepidium sativum (LS), Origanum majorana (OM), Ferula hermonis (FH), and Eruca sativa (ES), which are frequ ently used to improve health. Recently, attention has been directed toward their influence on spermatogenesis and male fertility. Hence, the objective of this study was to explore their impact on male rats’ fertility. Antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (TPC) were determined, along with the identification and quantification of phenolic compounds. Oral administration of aqueous extracts was performed individually or as a mixture (MIX) at a dose of 100 mg/kg in 28 male Sprague Dawley rats over a 60-day period. Organ weight, sex hormone concentrations, sperm parameters, oxidative stress markers, histological and morphometric analysis, and protein expression levels were investigated. OM and MIX showed the highest TPC and antioxidant activities, and MIX possessed the highest polyphenolic constituents. Elevated serum testosterone, epididymal sperm concentration, testes glutathione levels, and histomorphometric parameters were manifested in all groups, especially in MIX. MIX group also displayed elevated levels of vimentin, protein kinase B, and mTOR expression in the testes, complemented by declined expression of Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog (PTEN). In conclusion, these findings propose that these extracts, especially MIX followed by OM, enhance fertility by stimulating spermatogenesis.

Semen Quality Correlation with Seminal Biochemistry and Enzymatic Profile of Barbari and Sirohi Bucks under Sub Tropical Environment

Background: The objective was to study the effect of seasonal variation on reproductive parameters, biochemical parameters and enzymes activity in relation to buck semen quality which would assist to produce good quality sperm doses for artificial insemination in goat farming. Methods: Four ejaculates fortnightly were collected from adult breeding Sirohi and Barbari bucks during summer and winter season by using artificial vagina for the study. Average meteorological data were recorded during the study. Reproductive parameters (scrotal temperature and scrotal circumference) were recorded and fresh semen samples were used for evaluation of sperm attributes (semen volume, pH, sperm concentration, mass motility, individual activity and live-dead sperm count). The seminal plasma was separated by from semen for estimation of different biochemical parameters (Total protein, Albumin, Total cholesterol and Calcium) and seminal enzymes activity (ALT, AST, ALP and LDH). Result: It was observed that sperm attributes and biochemical parameters were significantly (p less than 0.05) increased during winter as compared to summer season in both breed. No significant difference was observed for ALT in both breeds and seasons. Whereas, in summer AST activity was significantly (p less than 0.05) lower than winter in both the breeds. In summer season ALP and LDH activity were significantly (p less than 0.05) higher than winter in both the breeds. A positive correlation had observed with seminal biochemical parameters whereas a negative correlation with ALP and LDH. In conclusion, season influenced the semen quality in Barbari and Sirohi bucks and good quality semen produce during winter as compared to summer.

The correlation between abnormal Krüger strict morphology and the sperm DNA fragmentation index.

This study aims to investigate whether alterations in sperm DNA fragmentation rates are more frequent when Krüger strict morphology is ≥4% (normal). The retrospective study included 132 participants from March 2020 to November 2021. Participants were divided into two groups based on the inclusion criteria: normal and abnormal Krüger strict morphology, with a mean age of 40 years. Seminal analyses were conducted following the guidelines outlined in the 6th edition of the Manual for Examination and Processing of Human Semen (2021). The sperm chromatin dispersion test was used. The results did not reveal a statistically significant difference between Krüger strict morphology and Sperm DNA Fragmentation Index correlation (p<0.05) between the normal and abnormal morphology groups (p<0.05) and in Seminal Parameters. Sperm concentration is lower when Krüger strict morphology is < 4% (abnormal) (p=0.007). In conclusion, abnormal Krüger strict morphology does not have a higher predisposition to increased sperm DNA fragmentation.

Probiotics Combined with Metformin Improves Sperm Parameters in Obese Male Mice through Modulation of Intestinal Microbiota Equilibrium.

The decline in sperm parameters among obese males has attracted significant scholarly interest. The intestinal microbiota plays a crucial role in obesity, and investigating the intestinal-reproductive axis may offer a novel molecular approach to addressing the decline in male sperm parameters caused by obesity. To clarify whether probiotics, either alone or in conjunction with metformin, can enhance sperm parameters in obese male mice and assess the underlying mechanisms involved.6-week-old male mice were constructed as obese models. Probiotics and metformin were used as intervention conditions. Changes in inflammatory factors and ROS content were detected by ELISA, morphological changes in testicular and colon tissues were observed by H&E staining, changes in intestinal microbiota abundance were detected by 16SrRNA gene sequencing, and changes in metabolites such as blood glucose, blood lipids, and lipopolysaccharide were detected by biochemical testing to investigate the mechanism of probiotics, metformin, and their combination to ameliorate reproductive impairment in obese male mice. Our results revealed that high-fat diet would result in reduced testicular spermatogenic tubule hierarchy, decreased spermatogenic cell counts, decreased sperm concentration and motility, and altered abundance of intestinal microbiota, whereas the combination of probiotics and metformin could restore high-fat-mediated pathophysiological alterations thereby ameliorating spermatogenic disorders in mice.The combination of probiotics and metformin can attenuate inflammation and oxidative stress, while enhancing androgen production to improve testicular spermatogenic function by re-construction intestinal microbiota equilibrium in HFD mice.

Correlation between abnormal lipid profile and semen parameters in infertile males: Experience at a Tertiary care hospital.

Objective: To determine the correlation between abnormal lipid profile and semen parameters in infertile males. Study Design: Observational Cross-sectional Study. Setting: Department of Urology and Pathology, Sheikh Zayed Hospital (SZH), Rahim Yar Khan. Period: January 2022 and December 2023. Methods: Infertile males between 18 to 45 years of age visiting the outdoor clinic subjected to semen analysis as work up of infertility. Infertile males with high BMI (&gt;25kg/m2), family history of dyslipidemia and family history of high BMI were subjected to the estimation of lipid profile. A total of 127 infertile males with abnormal lipid profile were included. Serum total cholesterol &gt;200 mg/dl, serum triglycerides &gt;150 mg/dl, serum LDL &gt;50 mg/dl, and serum HDL &lt;40 mg/dl were the markers for an abnormal lipid profile. The study examined the correlation between aberrant lipid profile and characteristics related to semen, including sperm concentration (millions/ml), total sperm quantity (millions/ejaculate), morphology (percentage of normal forms), motility (percentage of progressive motility), and vitality (percentage of live). P-value less than 0.05 was deemed significant. Results: Mean age of the total 127 study subjects was 33±5.414years. Positive correlation of serum cholesterol has been found with respect to total sperm number (r=1.040), morphology (r=1.622), motility (r=0.832) and vitality(r=1.471). Positive correlation of triglyceride was found with respect to age (r=1.280) and sperm concentration (r=1.729). Positive correlation of HDL-c found with respect to sperm concentration (r=1.116). LDL-c shows positive correlation with respect to age (r=1.342), sperm concentration(r=0.856), total sperm number (r=1.757) and vitality(r=1.347). Statistically significant difference of serum cholesterol with respect to vitality (p value: 0.004), HDL-c with respect to sperm concentration (p value: 0.024), LDL-c with respect to age (p value: 0.037) and total sperm number (p value: 0.049) has been found. Conclusion: On the basis of our study, it has been concluded that abnormal lipid profile is positively correlated with semen parameters with significant correlation of LDL-c with total sperm number. Infertile males should have their lipid profile assessed to determine whether it adversely affects the characteristics of their semen parameters.

EFFECTS OF THE AQUEOUS BARK EXTRACT FROM STRYCHNOS CAMPTONEURA AGAINST 40% ETHANOL-INDUCED MALE INFERTILITY IN MALE GUINEA PIGS(CAVIAPORCELLUS)

The overall objective of this study was to assess the effects of the aqueous extract derived from the bark of Strychnos camptoneura on reproductive functions in male guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) following ethanol 40% intoxication. To assess these effects, 20 guinea pigs were randomly sorted into 4 lots, each containing 5 animals and given distilled water at a dose of 1ml/kg for lot1 ethanol at a dose of 1ml/kg for lot 2 (positive controls) and ethanol at a dose of 1ml/kg for lot 3: ethanol at 1ml/kg and aqueous extract fromStrychnos camptoneura trunk bark at 100mg/kg and for lot 4: ethanol at 1ml/kg and aqueous extract from Strychnos camptoneura bark, given at a dosage of250mg/kg. The results demonstratedthat oral administration of aqueous extract fromStrychnos camptoneura trunk bark (100mg/kg and 250mg/kg) in male guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) after ethanol intoxication 40% moderately stimulates food consumption compared with positive controls given ethanol exclusively. Results demonstrated that oral administration of aqueous extract fromStrychnos camptoneura trunk bark (100 and 250 mg/kg) in ethanol-treated male guinea pigs causes a non-significant (P ˃ 0.05) increase in the weight of vas deferens, seminal vesicles and penis, compared with negative controls given distilled water and positive controls treated exclusively with ethanol.In addition, gavage of the animals at the doses studied produced a significant (P&lt;0.01) dose-dependent increase in testicular and epididymal weights, in contrast to the positive controls, which showed a significant (P&lt;0.01) decrease in these two sexual organs. Treatment with the extract did not result in significant changes (P˃0.05)in the weight of the vas deferens, seminal vesicles, or penis. Oral administration of the aqueous extract of Strychnos camptoneura trunk bark (100 and 250mg/kg) to ethanol-exposed male guinea pigs resulted in highly and highly significant (p&lt;0.01 p&lt;0.001) dose-dependent increases in sperm concentration per epididymal tail compared with lots treated with distilled water and ethanol alone. In addition, there was a highly significant (p&lt; 0.001) dose-relatedincrease in the rate of motile and vital spermatozoa, compared with negative and positive controls given distilled water and ethanol alone.In contrast, a highly significant (p&lt; 0.01 p&lt; 0.001) decrease in sperm count, motility rate and vitality was observed in male guinea pigs treated with ethanol alone. These results show that gavage of the animals with the extract, at the doses studied after exposure to ethanol, results in a non-significant (p˃ 0.05) increase in serum testosterone levels, compared with positive controls. In addition, positive ethanol-only controls were found to experience a significant (p&lt;0.01) decrease in testosterone levels when compared to negative controls receiving distilled water. These results provide evidence that the extract may offer protective benefitsgainst alcohol-induced male infertility, confirming its androgenic and spermatogenic potential.

Study of variations in semen quality in men from 12 geographical locations in Spain

This study aimed to evaluate possible variations in semen quality among patients undergoing fertility evaluation in 12 different geographical locations in Spain. The study was conducted in 12 assisted reproduction centers located in different regions of Spain. Semen samples from 2,336 men seeking fertility assessment were analyzed. Seminal parameters-including semen volume, sperm concentration, motility, morphology, vitality, and total motile sperm count (TMS) were compared by geographic location. All parameters were evaluated using standardized methodologies, with interlaboratory quality controls to ensure consistency. No significant differences in patient age were found between centers (ANOVA, p > 0.05). However, statistically significant variations in semen volume, sperm concentration, total motility, and TMS were observed between the centers (p = 0.020, 0.004, 0.000, and 0.008, respectively). Men from Asturias exhibited the highest values for sperm concentration (mean: 59.8 ± 48.7 × 106 sperm/mL), motility (mean total motility: 54.3 ± 20.7%), and TMS (mean: 101.2 ± 107.5 × 10^6), with statistically significant differences compared to other regions. Patients from Cataluña, Almería, and Málaga followed in these metrics. In contrast, men from Granada presented the lowest sperm concentration and TMS (mean concentration: 43.1 ± 35.8 × 10^6 sperm/mL; mean TMS: 43.1 ± 34.6 × 10^6), followed by individuals from Alicante and Madrid. No significant differences in sperm morphology or vitality were observed between centers. Since all seminal parameters were assessed using standardized methodologies, the observed differences in semen quality between regions are unlikely to be due to laboratory variability.

First Evidence of Cotinine in Canine Semen Reveals Tobacco Smoke Exposure

Tobacco smoke has numerous adverse effects on both human and animal health, including impaired reproductive function. Recent research has explored environmental exposure in dogs, investigating various biological matrices. However, no data are currently available on the presence of cotinine, a nicotine metabolite, in the canine ejaculate. This study aimed to evaluate the detectability of cotinine in the semen of dogs living with smoking owners. Additionally, seminal cotinine concentrations were correlated with those in serum and hair. To further examine the potential impact of smoking on canine fertility, the relationships between seminal cotinine, total sperm concentration, and antioxidant activity in plasma and semen were analyzed in exposed and non-exposed dogs. This study is the first to demonstrate the presence of cotinine in canine ejaculate and its correlation with blood and hair concentrations. While the potential toxic effect of cotinine on seminal parameters and male fertility in dogs requires further investigation, it is crucial to raise awareness among pet owners about the risks associated with domestic smoking for their animals.

Commentary on "Delayed covering causes the accumulation of motile sperm, leading to overestimation of sperm concentration and motility with a Makler counting chamber".

Commentary on "Delayed covering causes the accumulation of motile sperm, leading to overestimation of sperm concentration and motility with a Makler counting chamber".

Prevalence of AZFс Y chromosome microdeletions and association with spermatogenesis in Russian men from the general population

The Y chromosome contains a set of genes with testis-specific expression that are responsible for the development of testes and spermatogenesis, and it is the most important target in the search for genetic causes of male infertility. Most of these genes are located in the “azoospermia factor” AZF locus (regions AZFa, AZFb, and AZFc) on the long arm of the Y chromosome. Microdeletions of the Y chromosome, leading to the removal of the entire AZF locus as well as one or more regions (complete deletions), are one of the leading causes of spermatogenesis impairment and infertility. However, the role of partial AZFc deletions (gr/gr, b2/b3, b1/b3) in spermatogenesis failure is unclear, and their impact on spermatogenesis varies between populations. The aim of the present study was to assess the frequency of various types of AZFc microdeletions and to search for associations with spermatogenesis parameters in men of Slavic ethnicity from the general Russian population (n = 700, average age 25.8 years). To identify AZF microdeletions, the presence/ absence of 15 STS markers was analyzed using multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction. Age, weight, height, and the volume, concentration, total count, proportion of motile and morphologically normal spermatozoa in the ejaculate were recorded for all participants. In the studied sample, 19.9 % (139/700) of men were found to have AZFc microdeletions, of which 16.7 % (117/700) were carriers of a partial b2/b3 deletion, 3.0 % (21/700) had a partial gr/gr deletion, and 0.14 % (1/700) had a complete b2/b4 deletion. Neither AZFa nor AZFb microdeletions nor other types of AZF deletions were detected. The overall frequency of all types of AZFc deletions, as well as each type of partial microdeletion, b2/b3 and gr/gr, did not differ in the groups of azoospermia, severe oligozoospermia (≤5.0 mill/ml), oligozoospermia (5.0 &lt; SC &lt; 16.0 mill/ml), and normal sperm concentration (≥16.0 mill/ml). Comparison of semen parameters in groups with different types of partial AZFc deletions and the control group (without deletions) also did not reveal significant differences. Thus, partial AZFc microdeletions b2/b3 and gr/gr do not have a significant impact on spermatogenesis in Slavic men. It is suggested that in Slavs, partial AZFc microdeletions b2/b3 and gr/gr are fixed in Y haplogroups N3 and R1a, respectively, and their negative impact on spermatogenesis is balanced by other genetic factors. The higher frequency of partial AZFc deletions (19.7 %) in Slavs compared to European populations (7.3 %) established in our study may be explained by the widespread distribution of these Y haplogroups in the Slavic population of Russia.

Elevated Seminal Plasma TLR-2 Levels are Associated with Leukocytospermia

Introduction: Leukocytospermia is associated with male infertility, but its underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the association between seminal plasma toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels and leukocytospermia in infertile Iraqi men, and to evaluate their potential as differential biomarkers. Methods: Eighty infertile men attending an infertility clinic in Iraq were enrolled. Semen analysis was performed according to WHO 2010 criteria. TLR-2 and PGE2 levels in seminal plasma were quantified using ELISA. Participants were categorized based on leukocytospermia status, varicocele presence, and smoking habits. Statistical analyses included correlation tests and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: Seminal plasma TLR-2 levels were significantly higher in leukocytospermic patients compared to non-leukocytospermic men (15.14 ± 1.06 vs. 9.27 ± 1.42 ng/mL, p &lt; 0.05). TLR-2 levels showed strong negative correlations with sperm concentration (r = -0.675), total sperm count (r = -0.673), progressive motility (r = -0.669), and normal morphology (r = -0.616) (all p &lt; 0.001). Positive correlations were observed between TLR-2 and round cell concentration (r = 0.684) and white blood cell count (r = 0.668) (both p &lt; 0.001). Smoking and varicocele did not significantly influence TLR-2 levels. ROC analysis revealed high diagnostic accuracy for TLR-2 in identifying leukocytospermia (AUC = 0.993, p &lt; 0.05). In contrast, PGE2 levels showed no significant differences or correlations with semen parameters. Discussion: The elevated TLR-2 levels in leukocytospermic samples and strong correlations with semen parameters suggest a potential role for TLR-2 in inflammationrelated male infertility. The persistence of this association regardless of smoking status or varicocele presence further supports TLR-2’s specificity as a biomarker for leukocytospermia. Conclusion: Elevated seminal plasma TLR-2 levels are associated with leukocytospermia and poor semen parameters in infertile Iraqi men. TLR-2 shows promise as a differential biomarker for male infertility, particularly in cases of leukocytospermia.

Co-Administration of a Plantain-Based Diet and Quercetin Modulates Atrazine-Induced Testicular Dysfunction in Rats via Testicular Steroidogenesis and Redox-Inflammatory Processes.

Plantain has been reported to enhance testicular function indices, however, the mechanism remains unknown. The present study investigated the action mechanisms of a plantain-based diet in the treatment of rat testicular dysfunction caused by exposure to atrazine (ATZ). The rats were grouped into 10 groups (5 rats each); control group, 50% plantain-based diet (50% PBD), 25% PBD, 12.5% PBD, quercetin (QUE), ATZ only, 50% PBD + ATZ, 25% PBD + ATZ, 12.5% PBD + ATZ, and QUE + ATZ for 21 days. Results revealed that ATZ treatments in rats lowered gonadal hormone levels and the semen quality (sperm concentration, motility, count, and viability), damaged testicular morphology and functions, and impaired redox-inflammatory balance as well as cholinergic and purinergic activities. However, treatment with PBD and QUE ameliorated the testicular toxicity induced by ATZ, although the treatment did not improve the rat semen quality. In addition, the ATZ + QUE and QUE groups showed mild to moderate atrophic degenerative changes, with reduced spermatogenic activity. Together, the results are evidence that 21 days of exposure to ATZ impaired testicular function. However, co-administration of atrazine and PBD improves rat gonadal hormones, redox state, inflammatory indices, cholinergic, and purinergic activities, as well as histoarchitecture of the testes.

Systemic alpha-1 adrenergic receptor inhibition reduces sperm damage in adult and aging spontaneously hypertensive rats

Decreased sperm quality has been reported in men with different clinical conditions, including aging and hypertension. In the male reproductive tract, it has been suggested that the α1-adrenergic receptor influences fertility and spermatogenesis, and important functions are also attributed to the renin–angiotensin axis, such as regulation of steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis, and sperm function. Previously, our group demonstrated impaired testicular vasomotion via α1-adrenergic receptor activation and increased hypoxia-related proteins in the testes of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) compared to Wistar normotensive rats. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of hypertension and inhibition of systemic α1-adrenergic receptor or angiotensin II AT1 receptor on sperm quality, sperm functional characteristics, and testicular microcirculation in rats from three different ages: young (8–10-week-old), adult (20–24-week-old) and older adult (60–66-week-old). We observed higher blood pressure in SHRs of all ages compared to age-matched Wistar rats. Lower blood pressure was observed either in prazosin or losartan-treated adult or aged SHRs. Additionally, lower sperm concentration, impaired motility and higher acrosome damage were demonstrated in SHRs. Prazosin treatment alleviated the effects of hypertension on sperm concentration and motility but not acrosome damage. Higher vasomotion was noticed in testicular blood vessels of adult and aged SHRs compared to Wistar rats. Thus, impaired sperm quality was observed in SHRs of different ages and was improved by sub-chronically blocking the α1-adrenergic receptor.

Impact of Ureaplasma urealyticum infection on semen parameters and in vitro fertilization outcomes in infertile men.

Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) is a common pathogen associated with genital tract infections in infertile males. However, its impact on semen quality, embryo development, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes remains underexplored. This study aims to evaluate the effect of male UU infection on semen parameters, embryo development, pregnancy outcomes, and neonatal health in infertile couples. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1,215 infertile couples at the First Hospital of USTC. Participants were divided into two groups based on the male partner's UU infection status: UU-positive (n=249) and UU-negative (n=966). Semen parameters (sperm concentration, motility, morphology, anti-sperm antibodies, DNA stainability) were assessed. Embryo development was evaluated through fertilization rates and blastocyst formation rates. Pregnancy outcomes (clinical pregnancy, live birth rates, miscarriage rate) and neonatal health (gestational age, birth weight, Apgar scores, preterm delivery) were also compared. Semen parameters, including sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, were similar between the UU-positive and UU-negative groups. However, the UU-positive group had significantly higher levels of anti-sperm antibodies (ASA) (p=0.020) and higher DNA stainability (HDS) (p=0.014). Despite these differences, embryo quality, as measured by fertilization rates and blastocyst formation rates, was not significantly different between the two groups. Pregnancy outcomes, including clinical pregnancy and live birth rates, were also comparable. While the UU-positive group had a slightly higher miscarriage rate, this difference was not statistically significant. Neonatal outcomes, including gestational age, birth weight, Apgar scores, and preterm delivery rate, did not differ significantly between the two groups. The study suggests that while male UU infection may adversely affect certain semen parameters, its impact on IVF outcomes-such as embryo quality, pregnancy rates, and neonatal health-appears to be minimal. These findings support the continued use of IVF as a viable and safe option for infertile couples with male UU infection, as it does not significantly influence reproductive or neonatal outcomes.

Exosc10 deficiency in the initial segment is dispensable for sperm maturation and male fertility in mice

Summary EXOSC10 is an exosome-associated ribonuclease that degrades and processes a wide range of transcripts in the nucleus. The initial segment (IS) of the epididymis is crucial for sperm transport and maturation in mice by affecting the absorption and secretion that is required for male fertility. However, the role of EXOSC10 ribonuclease-mediated RNA metabolism within the IS in the regulation of gene expression and sperm maturation remains unknown. Herein, we established an Exosc10 conditional knockout (Exosc10 cKO) mouse model by crossing Exosc10 F/F mice with Lcn9-Cre mice which expressed recombinase in the principal cells of IS as early as post-natal day 17. Morphological and histological analyses revealed that Exosc10 cKO males had normal spermatogenesis and development of IS. Moreover, the sperm concentration, morphology, motility, and frequency of acrosome reactions in the cauda epididymides of Exosc10 cKO mice were comparable with those of control mice. Thus, Exosc10 cKO males had normal fertility. Collectively, our genetic mouse model and findings demonstrate that loss of EXOSC10 in the IS of epididymis is dispensable for sperm maturation and male fertility.