Differences In Semen Characteristics Research Articles

Sleep duration and biomarkers of fecundity in young men: a cross-sectional study from a population-based cohort.

Poor male fecundity is of concern and warrants the identification of potential modifiable risk factors. Short and long sleep duration might be risk factors for poor male fecundity although evidence in this research field is inconsistent. To investigate the association between sleep duration and biomarkers of male fecundity in young men. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 1,055 young men from the Fetal Programming of Semen Quality (FEPOS) cohort, Denmark, 2017-2019. Sleep duration was obtained from an online survey answered by the participants prior to the clinical visit, where semen and blood samples were obtained, and testis volume was self-assessed using an Orchidometer. Percentage differences in semen characteristics, testes volume, and reproductive hormone levels were analysed according to sleep duration using multivariable negative binomial regression models. Sleep duration was dichotomised (recommended (6-9h/night) versus deviant sleep) and visualised continuously as restricted cubic spline plots. Deviation from recommended sleep duration was associated with higher high DNA stainability (HDS) of 5% (95% CI: -1%; 13%), higher testosterone of 3% (95% CI: 0%; 7%) and higher free androgen index (FAI) of 6% (95% CI: 0%; 13%). The spline plots overall supported these results, suggesting u-shaped associations between sleep duration and HDS, testosterone and FAI, a linear association between sleep duration and semen volume and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and an inverse u-shaped association with normal morphology. Information on sleep duration was obtained by self-report in broad categories with at least 3h intervals. We were not able to investigate short or long sleep duration separately, since only few participants reported this. Sleep duration was associated with some biomarkers of fecundity in young men. Maintaining a recommended sleep duration may thus be beneficial for young men with regard to reproductive health.

Maternal intake of folate and folic acid during pregnancy and markers of male fecundity: A population-based cohort study.

Poor male fecundity is of concern, and a prenatal origin has been proposed. Folate, a methyl donor involved in DNA methylation, is essential for normal fetal development by regulating gene expression during different periods of fetal development. Thus, prenatal exposure to low maternal folate intake might have a programing function of the developing reproductive organs. To examine the association between maternal intake of folate from diet and folic acid from supplements during pregnancy and markers of fecundity in young men. We conducted a follow-up study using a Danish mother-son cohort of 787 young men born 1998-2000. Percentage differences in semen characteristics, testes volume, and reproductive hormone levels were analyzed according to total folate calculated as dietary folate equivalents from diet and supplements in midpregnancy, using multivariable negative binomial regression models. Total folate was analyzed in quintiles, continuous per standard deviation decrease (SD: 318μg/day) and as restricted cubic splines. Low maternal intake of total folate was associated with lower total sperm count (-5% (95% confidence intervals [CI]: -11%; 2%)), a lower proportion of non-progressive and immotile spermatozoa (-5% [95% CI: -8%; -3%]), and lower testes volume (-4% [95% CI: -6%; -2%]) per SD decrease in total folate intake. Spline plots supported these findings. The finding of a lower proportion of non-progressive and immotile spermatozoa, and hence a higher proportion of motile spermatozoa, in men of mothers with a lower intake of total folate in midpregnancy was surprising and may be a chance finding. Lower maternal intake of total folate in midpregnancy was associated with lower sperm count and lower testes volume, however, also with a lower proportion of non-progressive and immotile spermatozoa in adult men. Whether this actually affects the ability to obtain a pregnancy warrants further investigation.

265 Awardee Talk: Maternal and Paternal Contributions to Fertility

Abstract Using over 56,000 pregnancy diagnostic records in beef cattle, a meta-analysis was conducted to objectively determine that 28.4 % of embryos will not develop past day 7 of gestation with most embryonic losses occurring before day 4. Furthermore, by day 30 of gestation, 47.9 % of cows submitted to a single insemination at day 0 will not be pregnant and pregnancy loss between days 32 and 100 was 5.8%. Reproductive success, however, is highly variable and influenced by maternal and paternal factors. Maternal characteristics, including subspecies, parity and reproductive tract size, intersect with breeding management decisions regarding estrus expression and detection to influence conception and pregnancy rates. The maternal endocrine environment, from estradiol associated with estrus around fertilization to elevated prostaglandins during the embryonic to fetal transition period, play critical roles in pregnancy success. Despite the numerous maternal factors involved with pregnancy establishment, sire contribution to reproductive failure should not be overlooked. Sires are reported to influence pregnancy loss during the second month of gestation in both beef and dairy herds. These differences in sire field fertility could not be explained by differences in semen characteristics nor differences in sire conception rate (SCR) score. To understand parental contribution to pregnancy development during the second month of gestation we developed parthenogenetic (PA) embryos (embryos lacking paternal genome). We observed that PA conceptus had well developed trophectoderm tissue at day 31 of gestation but no site of embryo attachment to the endometrium. Moreover, conceptus secretion such as pregnancy-associated glycoproteins and interferon-stimulated genes were not found in maternal circulation. These results suggest that paternal genetics is required for post-elongated embryo attachment to endometrium. Further exploring the maternal vs paternal contribution to pregnancy development can help elucidate the mechanism that drives reproductive failure in cattle.

Geographical differences in semen characteristics of 13 892 infertile men

ObjectiveTo assess the relationship between geographical differences and all semen parameters, across 13,892 infertile men of 84 diverse nationalities, recruited at a specialised tertiary hospital that represents the main healthcare provider in Qatar. Male infertility is an important and global public health problem. Despite this, there is a significant scarcity of epidemiological male infertility and semen analysis research in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, as well as geographical comparisons with other parts of the world. Patients and methodsRetrospective study of semen findings of 13 892 infertile men assessed at the Male Infertility Unit at Hamad Medical Corporation, in Qatar between January 2012 and August 2015. Based on country of origin, patients were categorised into those from the MENA region (n = 8799) and non-MENA patients (n = 5093). The two groups were compared across demographic features and semen characteristics: age, sperm volume, sperm total motility, sperm progressive motility (PMot), abnormal sperm forms (ABF), and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF). ResultsThe whole sample’s mean (SD) age was 35.7 (0.7) years, sperm concentration was 32.3 (0.25) × 106 sperm/mL, total motility was 45.4 (0.2)%, sperm PMot was 25.1 (0.2)%, and ABF was 79.9 (0.2)%. Overall, 841 patients had azoospermia (6.05%), 3231 had oligospermia (23.3%), 4239 had asthenospermia (30.5%) and 6772 had teratospermia (48.7%). SDF (1050 patients) was abnormal in 333 patients (31.7%). MENA patients were significantly younger than their non-MENA counterparts and had a greater semen volume. Non-MENA patients had significantly higher sperm counts, total motility and PMot, and lower ABF. SDF showed no statistical difference between the two groups. MENA patients had significantly higher prevalence of oligospermia, asthenospermia, and teratospermia; and lower prevalence of normal sperm concentration, normal motility, and normal morphology. Throughout the 4 years of the study, MENA patients constantly had significantly lower sperm counts; generally lower sperm total motility percentage and generally lower quality sperm morphology. We compared patients by age (≤40 and >40 years): in the patients aged ≤40 years, the same results as for the overall study were reproduced; in the >40-years group, the same results were reproduced with the exception of morphology, which was not significantly different between the MENA and non-MENA patients. ConclusionSemen quality is generally lower in male infertility patients from the MENA region compared to non-MENA regions.

Impact of a porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome inactivated vaccine on the health and semen traits of boars

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a commercial European Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) - inactivated vaccine on health status, semen characteristics and semen fertilizing capacity in vivo of boars. In a farrow to finish farm that suffered from chronic course of PRRS, 7 donor boars (1.1-2.2 years old) were initially twice vaccinated, with a 4 weeks interval. At the same time, all gilts / sows of the herd were, also, vaccinated. Boars were monitored for abnormal clinical signs 24 h prior to 15 days after each vaccination. Ejaculates were collected 24 h prior, 24 h after and 15 days after each vaccination and the semen characteristics were evaluated. A total of 305 sows were inseminated twice with the collected semen 2 weeks prior up to 6 weeks after the 1st vaccination. No systemic clinical signs and significant differences in semen characteristics, except of sperm viability, were noticed. After the 1st vaccination, sperm viability increased, but this was probably due to the increase of the age of 7 boars during the trial and not due to the vaccination. All semen characteristics were decreased 24h after each vaccination, but they were not lower than the value of accepted criteria semen quality. No change was noticed in sow's fertility parameters, apart from the farrowing rate, that was not, however, of clinical importance. In conclusion, the use of a PRRSV - inactivated vaccine in boars is safe and has not negative effects on health status and their semen characteristics neither on fertilizing capacity in vivo.

English

A study was conducted at the poultry unit of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Teaching and Research Farm to investigate semen characteristics and the sensitivity of semen microbes to some antibiotics in exotic (large white – LW) and local (indigenous – I) breed of turkeys for a period of six months. Data were analysed using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results show significant breed differences (P≤0.01) in live weight (15.24±0.88 kg and 6.53±0.53 kg) for LW and I breeds, respectively. Significant breed differences were also recorded for semen volume (0.35±0.05 and 0.18±0.02 ml), total sperm per ejaculation (7.43±1.22 and 2.77±0.29×108/ml), daily sperm output (1.02±0.17 and 0.39±0.05×108/ml), total live spermatozoa (5.68±1.12 × 108 and 1.99±0.27×108/ml), total live normal spermatozoa (4.57±0.99 ×108 and 1.76±0.24×108/ml) for LW and I breeds, respectively. In the LW breed also, sperm concentration correlated positively (r = 0.79) with semen volume, total live spermatozoa (r= 0.77) with total spermatozoa per ejaculation, daily sperm output (r=0.68) with total live spermatozoa, daily sperm output (r=0.52) with semen motility and live weight (r=0.54) with semen volume. In the I breed, there was significant and positive correlation between total live normal spermatozoa (r=0.76) with total spermatozoa per ejaculation, daily sperm output (r=0.91) and total spermatozoa per ejaculation, daily sperm output (r=0.84) and total live normal spermatozoa. Enterobacter spp. was the only microbe isolated from the semen of both LW and I breeds of turkey and was susceptible to Ciproxine (Cip) and Gentamycin (GN). There were turkey breed differences in semen characteristics in our environment, and they compare favourably with those obtained elsewhere in the tropics. The LW breed appears to have a higher reproductive potential than the I breed. Ciproxine and Gentamycin could be used in the control of bacteria in turkey semen in our environment.   Key words: Turkey semen, microbial characteristics, breeds, arid tropical environment.

Use of two anesthetic combinations for semen collection by electroejaculation from captive coatis ( Nasua nasua)

The objective was to compare the effects of ketamine–xylazine or tiletamine–zolazepam combinations as anesthetic protocols for captive coatis ( Nasua nasua) for semen collection by electroejaculation. Five mature male coatis were physically restrained and then anesthetized by im injections of ketamine (10 mg/kg) plus xylazine (1 mg/kg) or a tiletamine–zolazepam combination (8 mg/kg). For the two combinations, additional quarter-doses of ketamine or the tiletamine–zolazepam combination were administered when necessary. Semen was collected by electroejaculation and immediately evaluated for color, volume, pH, sperm motility, vigor, morphology, acrosomal integrity, and percentage of live cells. Overall, collection of nine ejaculates was attempted from five animals for each treatment. Regardless of the anesthetic combination, all animals developed an erection during each attempt to collect semen. Ejaculates were obtained in all (9 of 9) attempts that used ketamine–xylazine for anesthesia, but in only 3 of 9 attempts ( P < 0.05) when tiletamine–zolazepam was used. All ejaculates contained sperm, with no significant differences in semen characteristics between the two anesthetic combinations. Recovery was smooth in all animals. In conclusion, semen collection by electroejaculation in coatis was significantly more successful with the use of a ketamine–xylazine combination than with tiletamine–zolazepam.

Semen analysis in fertile patients undergoing vasectomy: reference values and variations according to age, length of sexual abstinence, seasonality, smoking habits and caffeine intake

Recent studies have shown regional and population differences in semen characteristics. The objective was to establish reference values for semen analysis and to verify the effect that age, length of sexual abstinence, seasonality, smoking habits and coffee consumption have on fertile individuals' semen characteristics. Prospective study in the Urology Division, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade de São Paulo. Between September 1999 and August 2002, 500 fertile men requesting a vasectomy for sterilization purposes were asked to provide a semen sample before the vasectomy. We evaluated the effects of age, sexual abstinence, seasonality, smoking and coffee consumption on semen characteristics. Compared with World Health Organization values, 87.2% of the patients presented sperm morphology below the normal level. A significant decline in semen volume, sperm motility and sperm morphology in patients over 45 years of age was observed. In patients with 5 days or more of abstinence, there was reduced sperm motility. The lowest values for sperm concentration, motility and morphology were observed in summer and the highest in winter. No differences in semen parameters relating to smoking were detected. Patients who drank six or more cups of coffee per day presented higher sperm motility. Our sample had a very low percentage of normal sperm morphology. Only sperm morphology showed a high abnormality rate. Differences in semen parameters with regard to age, length of sexual abstinence, seasonality and coffee consumption were identified. No differences relating to smoking were detected.

Semen characteristics of genetically identical quadruplet bulls

Modern cloning methods have become an important technology in artificial insemination which is used to create and maintain pools of genetically superior bull semen. In this study, semen from four identical quadruplet bulls (Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4) produced by blastomere separation was analyzed to evaluate the differences in reproductive potential, if any, that existed between the identical quadruplet siblings. Analysis of fresh semen collected from 1994 to 1996, showed lower progressive motility and lower sperm concentration for one bull (Q3) compared to his identical brothers (P<0.05). Semen characteristics following freezing–thawing procedures have also been tested for these quadruplet bulls. The percentage of motility, progressive motility, and mean path velocity were lower in Q4 compared with Q1. Moreover, intracellular calcium level and P25b level (P25b is a sperm surface protein proposed to be a potential bull fertility marker) were lower in Q4 compared with his siblings (P<0.05). Cryodamage to Q4’s frozen–thawed spermatozoa were confirmed by a lower percentage of embryo development after in vitro fertilization. Thus, the higher instability of cryopreserved spermatozoa from Q4 and the lower semen production of Q3, compared to their siblings, indicate that differences in semen characteristics can indeed exist among genetically identical animals produced by blastomere separation.

Semen quality assessment of local Katjang and cross-bred (Katjang x German) bucks

Semen quality was compared between the local Katjang and the cross-bred (local Katjang ♀ × German Fawn ♂) bucks. There were no significant genotypic differences in semen characteristics of concentration (first ejaculate: 6.19 ± 1.30 - versus 6.33 ± 1.40 × 109/ml; second ejaculate: 5.82 ± 1.10 - versus 5.68 ± 1.45 × 109/ml, for Katjang and the cross-breds, respectively), percentage live (first ejaculate: 77.61 ± 1.33% versus 77.81 ± 0.53%; second ejaculate: 81.97 ± 1.59% versus 82.74 ± 0.96%, for Katjang and cross-breds, respectively) and percentage of normal sperms (first ejaculate: 12.54 ± 3.88% versus 26.45 ± 3.83%; second ejaculate: 38.68 ± 3.65% versus 28.54 ± 4.38%, for Katjang and cross-breds, respectively), with the exception of seminal volume and sperm motility. Means of all variables were within the values reported for other goat breeds. In contrast, the differences in semen characteristics between the first and second ejaculations of both genotypes were more distinct, the second ejaculations always had more volume, more normal sperms and better sperm motility but less sperm concentrations. Removing the seminal plasma and replacing it with tris-citrate buffer greatly prolonged the viability of sperms of both genotypes when stored at 5°C. Sperm motility seems to be a good indicator of sperm viability. However, the sperms of the cross-bred bucks withstood the washing process better and their swimming abilities were superior (8.12 ± 0.46 mm/min) when compared to those of the local Katjang breed (5.42 ± 0.49 mm/min). The higher content of calcium ions in their seminal plasma (first ejaculate: 10.5 ± 0.8 versus 10.6 ± 0.8 mg/100 ml; second ejaculate: 15.3 ± 0.8 versus 16.1 ± 0.8 mg/100 ml, for Katjang and cross-breds, respectively) means that in natural matings the sperms of the cross-breds would be at an advantage compared to those of the local Katjang, since calcium ions reportedly initiate acrosomal reactions.

Characteristics of the semen of three endangered species of gazelles (Gazella dama mhorr, G. dorcas neglecta and G. cuvieri).

As part of a captive breeding programme for three species of endangered gazelles (Gazella dama mhorr, G. dorcas neglecta and G. cuvieri) the semen parameters for each species were characterized. The volume of ejaculated semen varied widely within species (G. dama: 565-5569 microliters; G. dorcas: 0-1454 microliters; G. cuvieri: 50-1411 microliters), as did sperm concentration (G. dama: 14-1629 x 10(6) ml-1; G. dorcas: 197-2836 x 10(6) ml-1; G. cuvieri: 228-927 x 10(6) ml-1). Sperm motility and viability were high in the three species. G. dama had a significantly lower proportion of normal spermatozoa, with a significantly higher proportion having abnormal heads and midpieces and more spermatozoa with cytoplasmic droplets. In addition, G. dama tended to have a lower proportion of spermatozoa with normal acrosomes. Sperm heads in G. dama and G. cuvieri were pear-shaped, whereas they were oval in G. dorcas. Spermatozoa from G. cuvieri were the longest. These data were also analysed in the context of three hypotheses that could explain inter-species differences in semen characteristics. Differences in testes size were due largely to differences in body size between species. However, no semen characteristic could be explained by allometric relationships. The three gazelle species differed in the intensity of sperm competition (as measured by relative testes mass), a factor that could explain differences in the proportion of normal spermatozoa. Finally, although the three species have reached different levels of inbreeding, this factor did not explain differences in semen characteristics in the population.

Effect of plane of nutrition and season on body and testicular growth and on semen characteristics in Boran and Boran × Friesian bulls in Ethiopia

Ten Boran and 12 Boran × Friesian bulls with a mean (± standard error of the mean) age and body weight of 20.2 ± 0.5 months and 225.5 ± 2.5 kg were used over a 1 year period to determine the effect of plane of nutrition and season on body and testicular growth and on semen traits. Within genotype, bulls were allocated to either a high (HP) or a low (LP) plane of nutrition. Data on body weight, serotal circumference (SC) and semen characteristics were collected every 2 weeks. Body weight and SC increased ( P < 0.01) with age in all treatment groups. Mean body growth rate was higher ( P < 0.001) in bulls on HP than on LP nutrition (760 ± 12.6 vs. 236 ± 12.6 g day −1) and in Boran than in Boran × Friesian bulls (620±12.8 vs. 375±12.3 g day −1). Mean SC and changes in SC were higher in bulls on HP than on LP nutrition (0.23±0.01 vs. 0.10±0.01 mm day −1), and in the Boran than in the Boran × Friesian bulls (0.29±0.01 vs. 0.04±0.01 mm day −1). Season affected changes in SC in both Boran and Boran × Friesian bulls and was highest during the short rainy season and lowest during the dry season. Data from 528 ejaculates showed that the two genotypes reacted differently to season with respect to semen volume, percentage motility and sperm concentrations. Although these semen characteristics were highest during the dry season and lowest during the short rainy season in both genotypes, Boran bulls had better semen traits than Boran × Friesian bulls during the dry season and vice versa during the long rainy season, while genotype differences were minimal during the short rainy season. The percentage of normal sperm cells was higher in bulls on LP than on HP nutrition ( P < 0.01), in Boran than in Boran × Friesian bulls ( P < 0.05), and was highest ( P < 0.001) during the dry season. It was concluded that genotype differences in semen characteristics in response to season and plane of nutrition have to be taken into account in the management of zebu and crossbred bulls in tropical environments.

The spermatozoan genome and fertility

The strategy for effective reproduction by eliminating genetically unbalanced gametes during spermatogenesis and transport varies in degree of success within as well as among species, but in no animal has it been reported to be completely effective. In the human subject, for example, it is estimated that one in every 50 ejaculated spermatozoa is genetically abnormal. The causal basis of these anomalies is poorly understood. Meiotic accidents, environmental mutagens, and gamete senescence in utero are all implicated. However, many of these abnormal cells are fertile. This fact plus the weight of the evidence reviewed suggest that fertility differences among males which cannot be ascribed to measurable differences in semen characteristics reflect, in large part, the increased opportunity of nuclear defective gametes in the semen of some males to effect fertilization. The elimination of embryos arising from eggs fertilized by genetically defective spermatozoa through spontaneous abortions, although biologically costly, must be viewed as the final check for the elimination of genetic detritus of the species.