Decreased Sperm Concentration Research Articles

Alterations in Human Semen After Infection with SARS-CoV-2: A Meta-analysis.

The purpose of the current study was to assess pooled prevalence (PP) of SARS-CoV-2 in semen and pooled estimates including weighted mean difference (WMD) and risk ratio (RR) of semen characteristics in infected cases as compared with healthy controls. Major databases were searched by two authors. SARS-CoV-2-positive cases were assigned to the exposed arm (group A), whereas the controls to the unex-posed (group B). Risk of bias was assessed with Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and PRISMA guidelines were followed. Random-effects model was employed for analyzing the heterogeneity and fixed-effects model for homogeneity of studies. Of 170 studies, 14 studies were eligible involving 507 subjects (316 in group A, 191 in group B). The risk of bias was the highest for "comparability" domain. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was found in only two studies among 7 subjects (PP= 2.10%, 95%CI 0.58-4.42). There was a significant decrease in sperm concentration (WMD= -15.29, 95%CI -24.70 - -5.88) and total sperm in ejaculate (WMD= -47.58, 95%CI -86.40 - -8.75) in group A. The effect of COVID-19 upon progressive motility, ejaculate volume, and leukocyte presence in semen was not significant. Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in semen among the infected cases is low. Sexual transmission through semen is improbable and of little concern for public health. Sperm concentration and total sperm in ejaculate are significantly reduced as compared with controls. Due to limited information of the current research, longer follow-up is needed to identify delayed or progressive impact.

Effect of Green Tea on Weight Gain and Semen Quality of Rabbit Males.

Simple SummaryThe consumption of green tea can reduce the occurrence of inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and obesity in humans. Due to its antioxidant and anti-microbial effects, green tea is considered an additive to feed in animal production to substitute for antibiotics. The goal of this study was to evaluate the action of the green tea plant (Camellia sinensis, L) given in powder form on male rabbits’ reproductive functions (sperm concentration and motility, testicular morphology) and some non-reproductive traits (weight gain, blood metabolic/haematological and biochemical parameters). The obtained results demonstrate a reduction in rabbit weight gain, but deterioration of sperm quality under the influence of green tea feeding. This study suggests that green tea can affect the metabolic and reproductive systems of rabbit males in different manners, which should be taken into account when assessing the impact of green tea on a living organism. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the action of the green tea plant (Camellia sinensis, L) on male rabbit reproduction and some non-reproductive indexes. Male rabbits were fed either a standard diet (control group) or a diet enriched with green tea powder (experimental groups; E): 5 g (E1) or 20 g (E2) per 100 kg of the milled complete feed mixture. Weight gain, sperm concentration, total and progressive motility, as well as haematological, and biochemical parameters and changes in testicular tissue histomorphology were evaluated. Feeding with green tea, at both tested concentrations, decreased weight gain per week and the total average weight gain compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, green tea decreased sperm concentration, motility and progressive motility in the group fed with a lower dose (5 g) of green tea powder (p < 0.05), whilst a higher dose (20 g) was neutral. Some haematological and biochemical indexes, like medium-size cell count (MID), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), platelet percentage (PCT), levels of phosphorus (P) and total proteins (TP) were decreased in one or both experimental groups (p < 0.05), whilst the triglyceride level (TG) was increased in the E2 group (p < 0.05). The thicknesses of the testicular seminiferous tubules and epithelial layer were not affected by any concentration of green tea powder (p > 0.05). These observations suggest that green tea in the diet may have an adverse effect on rabbit growth and sperm quality, but their effect may be potentially dose-dependent.

Hypertension induces gonadal macrophage imbalance, inflammation, lymphangiogenesis, and dysfunction.

Hypertension (HTN) is associated with gonadal dysfunction and impaired reproductive health in both men and women. An imbalance in the systemic and renal proinflammatory (M1)/anti-inflammatory (M2) macrophage ratio, increased inflammation, and inflammation-associated lymphangiogenesis have been observed in animals with HTN. However, the impact of HTN on gonadal macrophages, inflammation, and lymphatics remains obscure. We hypothesized that salt-sensitive HTN (SSHTN) and HTN alters gonadal macrophage polarization, which is associated with inflammation, inflammation-associated lymphangiogenesis, and reproductive dysfunction. Flow cytometry analyses revealed a significant increase in M1 macrophages in the testes of SSHTN and nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME)-induced HTN (LHTN) mice, with a concurrent decrease in M2 macrophages in SSHTN mice yet an increase in M2 macrophages in LHTN mice. Ovaries from SSHTN mice exhibited an increase in M1 and a decrease in M2 macrophages, while ovaries from LHTN mice had a significant increase in M2 and a decrease in M1 macrophages. Gene expression patterns of proinflammatory cytokines revealed gonadal inflammation in all hypertensive mice. Increased lymphatic vessel density in the gonads of both male and female hypertensive mice was confirmed by immunofluorescence staining for lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 (LYVE-1). HTN adversely affected the expression pattern of steroidogenic enzymes, hormone receptors, and secretory proteins in both the testes and ovaries. In line with these results, male hypertensive mice also presented with decreased sperm concentration, and increased percentage of sperm with abnormal morphology, damaged acrosome, and nonfunctional mitochondrial activity. These data demonstrate that HTN alters gonadal macrophage polarization, which is associated with gonadal inflammation, inflammation-associated lymphangiogenesis, and dysfunction.

Sugar-sweetened beverage intake in relation to reproductive parameters in young men

BackgroundThere has been a decrease in sperm concentration in recent years. Concurrently, there were important dietary changes, including an increase in sugar-sweetened beverage intake (SSB). The relation between SSB and male reproduction functions in humans are barely described in the literature. MethodsCross-sectional study with 209 participants (18–23 years old) recruited during one year in Murcia, Spain. All men provided semen and blood samples the same day. SSB consumption was evaluated using a 101-item validated food frequency questionnaire. Reproductive hormones were analysed from serum samples, obtaining levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, inhibin B, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, and testosterone. The evaluation of semen analysis followed the WHO guidelines and consisted of seminal volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, percentage of morphologically normal sperm, and percentage of motile sperm. SSB intake association with semen parameters and hormone levels were examined using multiple linear regression. ResultsMen in the highest quartile of the SSB intake had a higher percentage of morphologically normal sperm, 37.4% [6.1, 68.3] (p, trend=0.047) and higher estradiol levels (9.5% [−3.5, 22.5] (p, trend=0.047) than those in the first quartile. SSB intake was unrelated to other semen quality parameters or reproductive hormone levels. ConclusionsOur results indicate that sperm morphology and estradiol levels may be associated with sugar-sweetened beverage intake. These findings might be explained by physiological metabolism homeostasis, though more studies are required to confirm these results and draw conclusions in other male populations.

The Potential Impact of COVID-19 on Male Reproductive Health

Since the beginning of 2020, the whole world is trying to face the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In the last years, SARS-CoV-2 mutations showed an increased contagion and infection profile, affecting a higher proportion of young men during the last pandemic outbreaks. SARS-CoV-2 penetrates host cells by binding to Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE2) receptors, highly expressed by testis cells, and a significant hyper-gonadotropic hypogonadism rate in COVID-19 patients has been observed, leading to the hypothesis of a possible impact of this disease on male fertility. Indeed, recent founding demonstrated that 25% of patients healed by COVID-19 showed azoo/oligozoo-spermia. Moreover, a statistically significant decrease of sperm concentration, total number and sperm motility was detected in men with moderate infections, when compared with mild symptomatic men or controls. Thus, pathological levels of inflammatory cytokines in semen of men healed from COVID-19 were reported in a major percentage of studied men, with a significant correlation between oligo-crypto-azoospermia and disease severity. Even if the whole mechanisms of male reproductive damages are still unclear, autoimmune self-maintained inflammation may be one of the main determinants of male reproductive system impairment.

Protective effects of tadalafil against cisplatin-induced spermatogenic dysfunction

BackgroundCisplatin (CDDP) is an effective anticancer drug for the treatment of malignant tumors, such as lung cancer, bladder cancer, and testicular cancer. However, oligozoospermia and azoospermia after administration of CDDP are clinical problems. One of the testicular toxicities of CDDP is known to cause oxidative stress. Tadalafil has been reported to exhibit antioxidant effects and is widely used in clinical practice to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia and erectile dysfunction. Rho-kinase α (ROCK2) regulates cell migration and apoptosis and has been reported to be involved in CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity. The excessive expression of ROCK2 is known to cause oxidative stress. ObjectiveThe objective of the current study was to test the effect of tadalafil on the testicular toxicity of CDDP. Material and methodsThirty-two rats were used and divided into the following four groups. (1) The control group (CONT), treated with saline on day 1 and saline and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on days 1–10 intraperitoneally (i.p.) (2) The Tadalafil Group (TAD), treated with saline on day 1, and 0.4 mg/kg tadalafil on days 1–10 i.p. (3) The CDDP group (CD), treated with 7 mg/kg CDDP, saline, and DMSO on days 1–10 i.p. and (4) The CDDP + TAD group (CDT) was treated with 7 mg/kg CDDP on day 1, and 0.4 mg/kg tadalafil on days 1–10 i.p. Testes and epididymides samples were collected on day 11. Biochemical and pathological analyses and quantitative polymerase chain reaction were performed on the excised specimens. ResultsCDDP treatment resulted in testicular atrophy, decreased sperm concentration, and atrophy of seminiferous tubules as observed from the testicular histology. Increased apoptosis of seminiferous tubules, oxidative stress, and ROCK2 mRNA expression were observed after CDDP treatment. Treatment with tadalafil improved these adverse effects. ConclusionTadalafil is a potential drug for reducing CDDP-induced spermatogenic dysfunction. The antioxidant effect of tadalafil may be partly responsible for this phenomenon. ROCK2 and oxidative stress markers may be involved in the possible antioxidant effects of tadalafil. Tadalafil may be considered as one of a treatment option for reducing spermatogenic dysfunction after administration of CDDP.

Pubertal exposure to acrylamide disrupts spermatogenesis by interfering with meiotic progression in male mice

Teenagers are a major group likely to love junk foods, such as potato chips and bread items, which contain high levels of acrylamide (AA). The increasing evidence suggests that AA exposure may be associated with decreased reproductive capacity in humans and animals. However, the reproductive toxicity of AA in pubertal males has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the effects of pubertal AA exposure on adult spermatogenesis in male mice. Mice were exposed to AA at 0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg/day by gavage from postnatal day 28 (PND28) to PND56. Our results showed that pubertal AA exposure increased apoptosis of germ cells in seminiferous tubules, decreased sperm concentration, and caused defects in sperm of adult mice. To explore the possible mechanisms of AA on spermatogenesis, the meiotic process was analyzed. The ratio of leptotene and zygotene spermatocytes increased, while the pachytene and diplotene spermatocytes decreased in AA-treated mice. Further analysis revealed that AA exposure disrupted the pattern of H2AX phosphorylation expansion, synapsis, and the crossover formation during meiotic prophase I (MPI). Taken together, these results indicate that pubertal AA exposure affects the spermatogenesis may be by disrupting the MPI progression of male mice.

Characteristic of spermogram parameters in men with reproductive pathology in age-related aspect

Introduction. The prevalence of andrological diseases among adolescents and young adults resulting in lowered reproductive potential has been noted to progressively increase. At the same time, the number of couples starting to manage reproductive issues after 35–40 years of age highlighting the onset of male androgen deficiency continues to rise. Therefore, the analysis of spermogram as the key element in assessing male reproductive potential is better to conduct at different age periods of man's life.Aim: to compare spermogram parameters in different age groups of patients with reproductive pathology.Materials and Мethods. The analysis of spermograms in adolescents with left-sided grade II–III varicocele aged 17 years and in infertile males aged 22–48 years was performed. Semen analysis was conducted in accordance with the standards of the 5 th edition of the World Health Organization and included the following parameters: semen volume (ml), sperm concentration (million/ml), total sperm count (million), acidity, viscosity, progressive motility, total motility, viability, morphology, detected mucus, leukocytes, amyloid bodies, lecithin grains as well as sperm aggregation and agglutination. The stained preparations were used to assess the morphology of spermatozoa and spermatogenesis cells. According to the spermogram data obtained, the following conclusions were drawn: normozoospermia, oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, teratozoospermia. Statistical analysis was performed by using Statistica 10.0 software (StatSoft Inc., USA). The normality distribution was assessed using the χ2 test. Quantitative parameters were presented as arithmetic means and standard deviations (M ± SD). Assessing significance of differences was performed by using the Student's t-test, whereas inter-parameter correlation relations were analyzed by using the linear Pearson's correlation coefficient. A significance level between inter-group parameters was set at p &lt; 0.05.Results. It was found that adolescents with varicocele vs. adult men had significantly decreased ejaculate volume. In particular, the average ejaculate volume in adolescents and adult men was 2.32 ± 1.22 ml and 3.50 ± 1.44 ml, respectively, so that the larger number of young patients were noted to have ejaculate volume below 1.5 ml. Compared to young subjects, aged patients had decreased sperm concentration (35.88 ± 25.74 versus 72.20 ± 49.32 million/ml) and total sperm count (120.58 ± 91.72 versus 173.07 ± 163.92 million). Young patients were found to have significantly superior data in all categories of sperm motility, whereas infertile men were diagnosed with impaired sperm motility. In particular, adolescents were featured with the average number of spermatozoa displaying fast and slow translational movement comprising 17.12 ± 11.04 % and 29.30 ± 12.29 %, respectively, the proportion of progressive motility spermatozoa was 46.20 ± 19.82 %. In contrast, similar parameters in adult men were 5.10 ± 6.36 %, 19.80 ± 9.61 %, and 24.95 ± 11.23 %, respectively. In infertile men prevalence of lacked spermatozoa with rapid forward movement was 46 (46.0 %), in adolescents – 8 (8.6%), whereas rate of immotile spermatozoa in infertile men, on average, accounted for 53.10 ± 14.56 %, in adolescents – 34.40 ± 21.83 %. In addition, adolescents with varicocele had significantly fewer spermatozoa with normal morphology – 14.14 ± 8.06 % (in adult men – 30.08 ± 17.94 %), there were more abundant defects in the sperm head – 58.01 ± 12.43 % (in men – 48.83 ± 18.95 %) and flagella – 17.24 ± 6.31 % (in men – 10.29 ± 6.21 %). The data obtained showed that adolescents were more often diagnosed with normozoospermia – in 49 (52.7 %) cases, in infertile men – in 12 (12.0 %) cases, whereas in aged men asthenozoospermia was detected in 82 (82.0 %) cases, in adolescents – 5 (5.4 %) cases.Conclusion. The abnormalities in the spermogram revealed in adolescents may be associated with unestablished spermatogenesis. Normozoospermia more common in adolescents with varicocele may evidence about preserved reproductive potential. Impaired sperm motility in aged patients seems to be related to the formation of oxidative stress and damage to spermatozoa by reactive oxygen species due to combined age-related changes, cumulation of the negative effects of environmental and lifestyle factors, as well as comorbidities.

Sex hormones and sperm parameters after adjuvant oxaliplatin-based treatment for colorectal cancer

BackgroundThe incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in individuals of fertile age is increasing. Oxaliplatin is a cornerstone treatment in the adjuvant setting for stage III and high-risk stage II CRC. Limited data exist on possible side effects of oxaliplatin on fertility and gonadal function. More data is needed to guide possible fertility preservation procedures and aid evidence-based fertility counselling. Patients and methodsThe aim of this study (EudraCT2006-002832-10) was to prospectively investigate sex hormones and sperm parameters after oxaliplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy to clarify the risk of infertility and hypogonadism. Twenty males aged ≤55 years and 16 females aged ≤40 years were recruited from five hospitals in the Nordic countries. All had undergone radical surgery due to CRC and were given adjuvant oxaliplatin in combination with 5-fluorouracil. Measurement of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and semen analysis were done in males, while LH, FSH and oestradiol were measured in females. Measurements were done prior to chemotherapy, after completion of adjuvant treatment and at follow-up 1 and up to 5 years after end of treatment. ResultsFSH and testosterone levels increased in males after chemotherapy treatment but were restored at follow-up. No patients developed hypogonadism. There was a trend towards a decrease in sperm concentration during treatment (p = 0.063). When comparing sperm concentration and rapid progressive motility of sperms prior to chemotherapy and at follow-up, there were no differences, and no patients became permanently azoospermic by treatment. No distinct altering of gonadal function could be observed in females. ConclusionsOxaliplatin in combination with 5-fluorouracil seems to induce transient decrease in sperm concentration with recovery and a minor transient increase in FSH in males. No distinct altering of gonadal function was observed in females. The risk of infertility and hypogonadism in males and females after adjuvant oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy seems low.

Ameliorative Effect of Curcuma on Reproductive Functions of Male Adult Rats following Chromium Exposure

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of curcuma against hexavalent chromium-induced alterations in reproduction indices of male Wistar rats. Twenty adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups. The first group (0-0): control. The second group (0-Cur) received a diet with 2% curcuma powder. The third group (Cr-0) received 15 mg/kg B.W. of potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) per os, while the last group (Cr-Cur) received a diet containing 2% curcuma powder and 15 mg/kg B.W. of K2Cr2O7 per os. After 30 days of treatment, testicular weight, sperm concentration, sperm kinematic parameters, and testicular glutathione (GSH) level were evaluated. Our results suggest that hexavalent chromium causes a decrease in sperm concentration, total progression, total motility, fast motility, medium motility, slow motility, static sperm, linearity (LIN), straightness (STR), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), beat cross frequency (BCF), sperm velocity, and testicular GSH level, accompanied with an increase in testicular weight and wobble (WOB) level when compared to control group. However, supplementation with curcuma of chromium-intoxicated rats has reduced the toxic effect of K2Cr2O7 by bringing back the reproductive parameters and GSH levels to normal values. From this finding, it can be implicated that diet supplemented with curcuma powder may show protective effects against chromium toxicities.

Male Reproductive Tract Involvement and Sperm Parameters in SARS-CoV-2 Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

There is a growing concern regarding the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the male reproductive tract due to ACE2 receptor expression, however, its impact remains unclear. We performed this review to evaluate whether SARS-CoV-2 infection affects the male reproductive system. We conducted a search in the Embase, Scopus, and MEDLINE databases, adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guideline. Eligible studies comprised articles reporting viral RNA presence in semen, sperm parameters, and orchitis or orchiepididymitis occurrence in SARS-CoV-2 patients. Observational studies' quality was determined using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Case reports were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI)'s checklist. A total of 32 relevant articles were included. Viral RNA was found in 7% of infected patients' semen (95% CI, -0.01 to 0.15) from 3 studies. There were also only 7% of patients with orchitis or orchiepididymitis clinical manifestations (95% CI, 0.05-0.10). The semen volume and concentration were 2.34 mL (95% CI, 1.87-2.81) and 51.73 million/mL (95% CI, 31.60-71.85). The progressive and total motility percentages were 36.11% (95% CI, 28.87-43.35) and 43.07% (95% CI, 28.57-57.57), respectively. The morphology was 6.03% (95% CI, -1.05 to 13.10). There is a difference in semen volume between moderate and severe infections (MD, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.27-0.76; p<0.0001) and concentration between mild and moderate (MD, 18.74; 95% CI, 1.02-36.46; p=0.04), mild and severe (MD, 43.50; 95% CI, 13.86-73.14; p=0.004), as well as moderate and severe (MD, 22.25; 95% CI, 9.33-35.17; p=0.0007). SARS-CoV-2 infection may result in decreased sperm concentration in severe cases and the mechanism relates to potential reproductive tract inflammation. The absence of large viral RNA detection in the semen indicates a systemic effect, although this is largely unproven.

Investigation of pathology associated with Chlamydia pecorum infection in the male reproductive tract, and the effect on spermatogenesis and semen quality in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)

There is growing evidence that Chlamydia pecorum infection of the male koala reproductive tract causes inflammation and pathology of the urogenital tract. Previous studies have revealed that male koalas exhibiting severe clinical signs of urogenital chlamydial disease had an increased incidence of sperm DNA fragmentation and abnormal sperm morphology, suggestive of chronic exposure to C. pecorum infection and/or inflammation in the testis and epididymis, with residual pathology and lesions disrupting spermatogenesis and maturation of spermatozoa. This study specifically aimed to determine whether pathology associated with chlamydial infection in different regions of the male koala reproductive tract had an adverse effect on classical seminal parameters, sperm DNA quality and endocrine function (testosterone secretion) of naturally infected males. Semen from 58 sexually mature male koalas deemed not suitable for rehabilitation or treatment was assessed, in addition to undertaking a GnRH challenge to determine the androgenic capacity of the testis. Following euthanasia, tissue samples from testes, epididymis and prostate were evaluated for histopathology and real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). A significant difference in sperm concentration was observed between males with unilateral and bilateral testicular atrophy and C. pecorum infection (P = 0.011); and between males with unilateral atrophy and C. pecorum infection in one testis and bilateral normal testes with no C. pecorum infection (P = 0.008). No significant association was found for any other semen parameters when categorised by histopathology and C. pecorum tissue presence within the testes, epididymis and prostate. Plasma testosterone concentrations did not significantly differ between testicular histopathology diagnosis and/or C. pecorum infection status. This study suggests Chlamydia infection and inflammation may not be the predominant reason of disruption to spermatogenesis in the wild koala but rather testicular degeneration and atrophy, irrespective of Chlamydia infection, appears to be the primary reason of decreased sperm concentration.

Sheng Jing Decoction Can Promote Spermatogenesis and Increase Sperm Motility of the Oligozoospermia Mouse Model.

Sheng Jing Decoction (SJD), as a traditional Chinese medicine prescription, is mainly be used to treat male infertility. However, the pharmacological functions and molecular mechanisms of SJD are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the functions of SJD on spermatogenesis and sperm motility and explored the potential mechanisms involved. Here, we demonstrated that high, medium, and low doses of SJD are effective in restoring the impairments of the whole body and testicular tissue by cyclophosphamide inducing and to rescue the damage of testicular tissue cells including Sertoli cells and germ cells. SJD can partly restore the decrease in sperm concentration, sperm vitality, sperm motility, and normal sperm morphology rate in oligozoospermic mouse models. Ki67 staining analyses confirm SJD can promote testicular tissue cell proliferation. Real-time RT-PCR analyses also reveal that SJD can upregulate the expression of proliferation-associated gene Lin28a and differentiation-associated genes Kit, Sohlh2, and Stra8. SJD can also reduce the impairment of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and sperm plasma membrane integrity by cyclophosphamide inducing. Our results reveal that SJD is effective in improving both sperm quantity and quality by increasing the sperm concentration, sperm vitality, sperm motility, and normal sperm morphology rate. SJD can promote spermatogenesis by upregulating the expression of the proliferation-associated gene Lin28a and the differentiation-associated genes (Kit, Sohlh2, and Stra8). SJD can sustain MMP and sperm plasma membrane integrity to increase sperm motility.

Protective effect of Salvia officinalis against cypermethrininduced reprotoxicity in male Wistar rats

Background: Medicinal plants are a reservoir of biologically active compounds with therapeutic properties that, over time, have been used for the treatment of various diseases. This study aims to evaluate the protective effect of the aqueous extract of the leaves of Salvia officinalis against cypermethrin-induced toxicity. Methods: 30 male rats weighing approximately 240 g were divided into equal six groups; the control group received tap water, the positive control received the aqueous extract of sage leaves (SLE) at a dose of (0.5g/kg bw), the groups treated with cypermethrin (Cyp1) at 8.33 mg/kg bw and (Cyp2) at 25 mg/kg bw, and the groups treated by cypermethrin combined with aqueous extract of sage SLE+Cyp1 (0.5g/kg bw+8.33 mg/kg bw) and SLE+Cyp2 (0.5g/kg bw+25 mg/kg bw) for four days/week. After 4 weeks of oral administration, epididymal seminal fluid was analyzed via the CASA system, in addition to the histological study testis and epididymis. Results: The obtained results showed a decrease in the absolute weight of the reproductive organs, with a significant decrease in sperm concentration, motility and speed in the cypermethrin-treated group compared to the control. Histological study of the testes and epididymis indicates an alteration in the stages of spermatogenesis in groups Cyp1 and Cyp2 compared to the control. However, the above-mentioned parameters were maintained almost normal in the groups that received the aqueous extract of sage with both doses of cypermethrin. Conclusion: it can be demonstrated that SLE has been shown to protect rats from cypermethrin-induced reprotoxicity.

P–053 Concentration of bisphenol S in human seminal plasma negatively correlates with decreasing sperm concentration in ejaculate

Abstract Study question Is there a relationship between concentration of bisphenol S in seminal fluid and spermiogram parameters? Summary answer Bisphenol S was detected in 81% of seminal plasma samples. Negative correlation was found between BPS concentration and total sperm count in normozoospermic men. What is known already Human spermatogenesis can be influenced by a range of chemicals present in our environment. Bisphenol S (BPS) is a very frequent compound commonly used as a softener in production of plastics, where it has replaced bisphenol A. It is an endocrine disruptor frequently associated with negative effects on reproduction. It has been observed that BPS can affect testicular development in rodent males. In addition, it has cytotoxic, reprotoxic and neurotoxic effects and induces the oxidative stress bringing negative effects on spermatogenesis. BPS has been detected in food, drinks or cosmetics. Its direct effect on spermatozoa or spermatogenesis is still unclear. Study design, size, duration A total of 38 patients (25 normozoospermic) aged 24 to 42 years, non-smokers, with BMI between 19,9–32,9 were included in this prospective study from 2018 to 2020. None of them had varicocele, urogenital infections or other urological problems. Their seminal plasma was separated by centrifugation. BPS was extracted using solvent extraction followed by preconcentration step. The samples were analysed on Agilent 6495 Triple Quadrupole. Two MS/MS transitions were used for quantitative LC-MS/MS analyses. Participants/materials, setting, methods All the men included in this study signed an informed consent and agreed with analyses of their samples. These analyses were approved by Ethical committee of University Hospital Brno. We evaluated the relationship between concentration of BPS in seminal plasma, sperm concentration, total sperm count, total motility, progressive motility, morphology and fragmentation of DNA in spermatozoa. Statistical evaluation was performed by one individual one-dimensional regression model (p-value lower than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant). Main results and the role of chance The examination revealed the presence of BPS in 31 samples of seminal plasma (81% of all the samples). In 6 samples, the concentration was under level of detection and in one sample under level of quantification. In 7 samples, a very high concentration was detected (&amp;gt;0.1 ng/ml). These values were then compared to spermiogram parameters and sperm DNA integrity. There were no significant differences between the concentration of BPS and morphology of spermatozoa, progressive motility and total motility. In case of the DNA integrity, the opposite trend was observed, lower proportions of spermatozoa with fragmented DNA were found in samples with higher concentrations of BPS. Evaluation of sperm concentration and BPS concentration showed relationship of increasing BPS concentration with significantly lower sperm concentration, the differences were most obvious when only the normozoospermic men were compared. Evaluation of BPS concentration and total sperm count revealed the same trend with statistically significant difference in the category of normozoospermic men. Due to the small number of samples, a negative effect of extreme values on the statistical evaluation cannot be excluded. Currently, more analyses focused on detection of BPS in seminal plasma are carried out in order to obtain sufficiently larger data set. Limitations, reasons for caution A limitation is the number of samples included and analysed in this study, which slightly reduced the power of statistical analysis. Wider implications of the findings: These results document that BPS was present in 81% of analysed samples. Knowing the concentration of BPS in seminal fluid is important for understandig of impact of BPS on male fertility. Our future work will be focused on detection of other bisphenols in seminal plasma. Trial registration number MH CZ – DRO (FNBr, 65269705), AZV NV18–01–00544, Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (CZ.02.2.69/0.0/0.0/19_074/0012727)

P–430 Male fertility preservation: is there a role for cancer-induced inflammation that affects semen quality in oncological patients?

Abstract Study question What is the cause of semen quality impairment in oncological patients during fertility preservation programs? The cancer type and stadiation or the resulting inflammatory state? Summary answer The inflammatory state seems to be related to the decrease of sperm concentration, motility, morphology and viability due to the worsening of oxidative stress microenvironment. What is known already Fertility preservation acquired a great importance in the last decades due to increase survival of oncological patients, boost of diagnosis under 40 years and postponement of paternal age. At the time of cryopreservation, only one third of these males are normozoospermic. Tumor itself or other factors, added to psychological reasons, may be involved but there is no clear evidence. An imbalance of ROS (reactive oxygen species) in semen can compromise its quality. However, the correlation between cancer-related generalized stress state and fertility is poorly investigated. Inflammatory conditions induced by infections and pathologies, including cancer, increase ROS. Study design, size, duration Retrospective observational analysis was performed on 45 patients (29.0 ± 6.9 yrs) recruited during their fertility preservation program between 2016 and 2019 with written consent on use of their clinical data for research purpose. Patients presented several oncological diagnoses. Semen samples obtained from multiple collections (N = 58) were analyzed before applying standard freezing protocol. Data on semen parameters, inflammatory indices, hematological values and type/stage of tumors were collected. No exclusion criteria were applied. Participants/materials, setting, methods Routine semen analysis was performed according to the WHO standards. Sperm concentration and motility were evaluated on Makler Chamber, whereas eosin stain and Diff-quick slides were used for viability and morphology, respectively. Lymphoma was present in 72% of cases, leukemia in 8%, seminoma in 7% and other cancers in 13%. Correlations (Pearson/Spearman tests) among principal semen parameters and hematological values (leukocytes, erythrocytes, hemoglobin, RDW, albumin, etc.) were calculated with a P-value &amp;lt;0.05 considered statistically significant. Main results and the role of chance The majority of semen samples showed a severe impairment, with one or more parameters under lower reference limits (WHO): 48.3% had sperm concentration under 15 millions/ml, 43.1% had a progressive motility under 32%, 41.4% had viability under 58% and 91.4% had abnormal morphology (under 4%). The role of potential inflammatory state was analyzed by correlating semen parameters and some hematological values. No correlation was found with cancer type. Negative association resulted between progressive motility (%PR) and leukocytes (p = 0.041) or RDW% (p = 0.015), but positive one with albumin (p = 0.012). Even sperm count, total motility (%PR+NP) and morphology were significantly correlated to RDW% (p = 0.003, p = 0.032, p = 0.034, respectively). These findings suggest a possible role of inflammation and ROS related generation in semen quality impairment. Indeed, albumin exerts a protective action, but leukocytes are known to cause ROS increase. Cancer-induced oxidative stress state may alter red blood cells homeostasis and vitality and increase erythrocytes turnover resulting in high RDW values. It is likely semen is worse when blood values indicate more severe cancer-induced inflammatory condition. Limitations, reasons for caution Significant correlations with type/stage of cancer were not found due to small number of each diagnosis, in spite our study considered 3 years of patients inclusion. Moreover, we lack to analyze the same patient before the cancer onset to avoid the influence of inflammatory state generated by the tumor itself. Wider implications of the findings: Understanding the influence of cancer-induced inflammatory state on semen quality could increase the awareness that clinicians should direct patient to the fertility preservation as soon as possible, even if diagnosis is still ongoing. It should be evaluated whether offering specific treatments may reduce oxidative stress conditions. Trial registration number Not applicable

Spatial and Temporal Changes in Testis Morphology and Sperm Ultrastructure of the Sportfish Sauger (Sander canadensis)

AbstractThe objective of this study was to assess testicular morphology and spermatozoal structure spatially within the reproductive tract and temporally among seasons in the sauger (Sander canadensis). The testis exists as two separate lobes joined at the urogenital pore and were characterised as unrestricted lobular with seminiferous tubules terminating at the ventral periphery and coalescing dorsally on the main sperm duct. Differences were observed between the pre‐breeding season (November) and breeding season (March), with every stage of spermatogenesis occurring in spermatocysts in pre‐breeding season in contrast to only spermatozoa being present in the tubules and main duct during the breeding season. Longitudinal folds in the main duct epithelium increased in number with increasing proximity to the urogenital pore, greatly increasing epithelial height regardless of season. Sauger spermatozoa consisted of an ovoid head, a midpiece containing 2 – 4 mitochondria incorporated into the head and a single flagellum containing an asymmetrical lateral ribbon. Motile spermatozoa were found throughout the testis during the breeding season. A decrease in sperm concentration was quantified moving proximally, suggesting a hydration effect by the main duct epithelium during the breeding season. These observations fill an important knowledge gap regarding reproductive biology of this impactful recreational fish species.

Differentially expressed microRNA in testicular tissues of hyperuricaemia rats.

This study is to identify the differentially expressed miRNAs in testicular tissues of rats with hyperuricaemia-induced male infertility. We found that the hyperuricaemia model group had significantly increased serum uric acid, while significantly decreased sperm concentration and motile sperm percentage than normal group (p<.05). A total of 39 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in the testicular tissues of hyperuricaemia rats compared with the control rats, ten of which were validated by real-time PCR. The target mRNAs of 7 differentially expressed miRNAs (miR-10b-5p, miR-26a-5p, miR-136-5p, miR-151-3p, miR-183-5p, miR-362-3p and miR-509-5p) from 3'-untranslated region binding perspective were enriched in signalling pathways of Wnt, Jak-STAT, mTOR and MAPK. The target mRNAs of 6 differentially expressed miRNAs (miR-136-5p, miR-144-3p, miR-99a-5p, miR-509-5p, miR-451-5p and miR-362-3p) from coding sequence binding perspective were enriched in signalling pathways of Calcium, Notch and MAPK. The functions of miRNAs in testicular tissues of rats with hyperuricaemia were revealed by the differentially expressed miRNAs (miR-183-5p, miR-99a-5p, miR-10b-5p, miR-151-3p, miR-26a-5p, miR-451-5p, miR-362-3p, miR-136-5p, miR-144-3p and miR-509-5p)-mRNAs interaction network. The differentially expressed miRNAs in the testicular tissues of hyperuricaemia rats might shed light on the mechanism of hyperuricaemia-induced male infertility.

Semen quality from patients affected by seminomatous and non-seminomatous testicular tumor.

ABSTRACTTesticular cancer is considered a rare disease affecting approximately 1% to 2% of the male population. This neoplasm has a cure rate of over 95%; as a result, a major concern is the future of fertility of carriers from this disease. There are several histological subtypes of testicular tumors; however, the Testicular Germ Cell Tumors (TGCTs), comprising both seminoma and non-seminoma tumors, are considered the main subtypes of testicular neoplasms. TGCT are characterized by being a solid tumor that mostly affects young men aged between 15 and 40 years old. While TGCT subtypes may have an invasive potential, seminoma subtype does not affect other cells rather than germ cells, while non-seminomas have more invasive properties and can achieve somatic cells; thus, having a more aggressive nature. This research intends to review the literature regarding information about sperm parameters, correlating the data found in those studies to the subfertility and infertility of patients with TCGTs. Furthermore, it will also correlate the data to the non-seminoma and seminoma histological subtypes from pre- and post-cancer therapy. PubMed databases were used. Searched keywords included: seminoma AND non-seminoma; male infertility; germ cell tumor; chemotherapy AND radiotherapy. Only articles published in English were considered. Current studies demonstrate that both TGCT subtypes promote deleterious effects on semen quality resulting in decreased sperm concentration, declined sperm total motility and an increase in the morphology alterations. However, findings suggest that the non-seminoma subtype effects are more pronounced and deleterious. More studies will be necessary to clarify the behavior of seminoma and non-seminoma tumors implicating the reproductive health of male patients.

Decline of semen quality over the last 30\u2009years in Uruguay

BackgroundOver the last years, there has been an increasing concern about a global decline in men’s fertility. Specifically, some evidence indicates that sperm quality has decreased over the last years. However, reports showing the changes in sperm quality with time are inconsistent. Part of the contradictions between studies is attributed to geographical differences. Surprisingly, few studies include data from South American countries, creating a bias in the conclusions. This study aims to determine how sperm quality has evolved over the past 30 years in Uruguay. For this purpose, 317 medical records from allegedly healthy sperm donor candidates, aged between 18 and 36 years old, who voluntarily requested to be considered as sperm donors between 1988 and 2019, were analyzed. The studied variables were the following sperm parameters: semen volume, sperm cell concentration, total sperm number, progressive motility, vitality, and sperm morphology. A correlative statistical analysis was performed between seminal parameter values and the year data were collected.ResultsWe found a statistically significant decrease in sperm concentration and normal sperm morphology during the studied period. There was no decrease in vitality, seminal volume, and total progressive motility. Semen parameters were not associated with tobacco, drugs, or alcohol consumption.ConclusionsWe conclude that the sperm quality of donor candidates in Uruguay decreased during this period. Further studies should be carried out to verify the occurrence of this phenomenon in the general population and find its possible causes.