Ejaculate Quality Research Articles

Sperm DNA fragmentation in men vaccinated with Gam-COVID-Vac (Sputnik V)

Aim. To perform comparative analysis of sperm characteristics and DNA fragmentation in men vaccinated with GamCOVID-Vac (Sputnik V) and unvaccinated men.Materials and methods. Characteristics ofsemen analysis and DNA fragmentation index in ejaculate samples of 122 men, 28 of whom were vaccinated with Gam-COVID-Vac (Sputnik V), were analyzed. Study participants did not have history of coronavirus infection COVID-19. Vaccinated patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (n = 10) included patients for whom the time between full vaccination (2 doses of the vaccine) and ejaculate sampling was shorter than 75 days; and the group 2 (n = 18) included patients for whom the time between vaccination and ejaculate sampling was longer than 75 days. Unvaccinated men comprised the control group (group 3, n = 94). Standard semen analysis was performed in accordance with the accepted laboratory guidelines of the World Health Organization (2010). DNA fragmentation was evaluated using fluorescent labelling of single- and double-strand DNA breaks (TUNEL).Results. Totalsperm countin the group 1 was 265 ± 75 million, in the group 2 – 355 ± 67 million, in the group 3 – 304 ± 26 million. Progressive motile (PR)sperm in the group 1was 18.5 ± 1.9 %, in the group 2 – 23.2 ± 3.0 %, in the group 3 – 18.2 ± 1.1 %. Normal sperm morphology in the group 1 was 4.0 ± 0.5 %, in the group 2 – 5.8 ± 0.9 %, in the group 3 – 4.1 ± 0.3 %. The best ejaculate quality was observed in patients of the group 2, however, no statistically significant differences in semen analysis characteristics between the groups were found. Percentage of sperm with fragmented DNA (DNA fragmentation index, DFI) in the group 1 varied between 4.6 and 31.4 %, in the group 2 between 0.8 and 36.5 %, in the group 3 (control) between 1.3 and 39.8 %. Mean number of germ cells with DNA breaksin the group 1 (12.5 ± 2.4 %) was higher than in the group 2 (10.9 ± 2.0 %) and control group (10.5 ± 0.7 %), but with no statistical significance. Percentage of patients with DNA fragmentation index above the reference value (≤15 %) in the groups 1, 2 and 3 was 20, 22 and 18 % respectively. In 3 of 6 patients with increased DFI in the groups 1 and 2, this value was above the reference level even before vaccination.Conclusion. No significant effect of vaccination with Sputnik V on sperm DNA fragmentation level in men was observed.

Analysis of artificial insemination center management factors that contribute to sperm parameters and boar longevity with a major focus on PGF2α treatment.

Artificial insemination (AI) centers' economic profitability is directly impacted by the amount of high-quality sperm doses. Many internal and external factors contribute to the quality of ejaculates. To enhance the libido and to reduce the time that is required to train boars for semen collection, prostaglandin products are used routinely at AI centers. The objectives of this study were to analyze sperm parameters of 40,765 ejaculates and the survival of 406 PGF2α-treated and 417 untreated AI boars of five breeds (Duroc [DU], Large White [LW], Landrace [LR], Pietrain [PI], and Large White Sire Line [LS]). Data were assessed in one AI center in Switzerland from 2018 to 2022 and sperm parameters were determined by computer-assisted sperm analysis immediately after semen collection. For further calculations, the ejaculates were divided into four groups depending on the boar's age at semen collection day: 7 to 11, 12 to 18, 19 to 24, and 25 to 87 mo. Along with the boar age, breed, season, and semen collection frequency even the treatment with PGF2α had significant influence on sperm parameters. Overall, 19.5% ejaculates were collected after PGF2α treatment. For every age and breed group, higher ejaculate volume was found for untreated boars than for PGF2α-treated boars (P < 0.001). Higher values for total and progressive sperm motility, total sperm number, and the proportion of morphologically normal sperm were observed in untreated boars across several age and breed groups. Only for sperm concentration, higher values were found for treated boars older than 11 mo (P < 0.001) and the breeds DU, LW, and LR (P < 0.001). The chance of ejaculates being rejected for AI purposes because of low sperm quality was 21% greater for treated boars. There was no difference in survival between treated and untreated boars. The hazard for boar removal increased with decreasing age at first semen collection and decreasing semen collection frequency. The results reveal better sperm quality for untreated boars than for PGF2α-treated boars, which might indicate that the underlying fertility of boars necessitating treatment is inferior compared to boars that can be collected without further treatment. Therefore, AI boar stations that are aiming to reduce PGF2α treatment should pay special attention to high libido and fertility of young prospective AI boars.

ВЛИЯНИЕ ВОЗРАСТА ГУСЕЙ РОДИТЕЛЬСКОГО СТАДА НА СПОСОБНОСТЬ ГУСЕЙ К ВОСПРОИЗВОДСТВУ

Such indicators as the volume and quality of ejaculate in ganders, egg production per average laying hen, the weight of eggs of geese of the parent flock, the incubation quality of eggs of geese of the parent flock characterize the ability of the bird to reproduce.The timing of the use of poultry in farms is determined by the level of productivity of a particular type of bird at different ages. Age-related changes in egg production associated with a gradual decrease in sexual function are characteristic of bird s of all species and breeds, but to varying degrees. Establishing the timing of the use of poultry is important, both in terms of obtaining quality products and its cost. The best reproduction rates were found in geese of the second and third use and ganders of the fourth year, which had a positive effect on the results of incubation.

Testosterone replacement therapy and ejaculate quality in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Testosterone replacement therapy and ejaculate quality in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Гематологічні показники та якість сперми баранів у період статевого спокою за згодовування ліпосомальної вітамінно-мінеральної добавки

The aim of the work was to investigate the effect of feeding a liposomal vitamin and mineral supplement during the period of sexual rest on hematological indicators and quality of ram sperm. The experiment was conducted at the PE “Kogut BM” in Horodotsky district, Lviv region, on 12 clinically healthy Texel rams, aged 2–4 years, during the period of sexual rest (March-May). Animals were divided into two groups — control and experimental, 6 animals per group. The control rams received the basic diet containing hay, corn silage, and compound feed. For 45 days, the sheep of the experimental group were individually added to the combined feed a feed additive containing vitamins A, D3, E, C and zinc gluconate in the form of a liposomal emulsion. At the beginning and at the end of feeding, we took blood samples, in which hematological indicators were determined. After the end of supplement feeding, ejaculates were collected twice a week in doublets for three weeks. Physiological indicators of ejaculate quality (volume, sperm concentration, percentage of live sperm, as well as sperm viability, morphological disorders and percentage of degenerative sperm) were determined using the CASA computerized system. It was established that feeding liposomal vitamin-mineral supplements to rams during the period of sexual rest improves hematological indicators: the content of erythrocytes, hemoglobin, platelets and hematocrit increase significantly (P&lt;0.05–0.001) while the content of leukocytes decreases by 24.2% (P&lt;0.05). Accordingly, the erythrocyte indices of the blood of experimental breeding rams were higher than those of control animals. Feeding rams with a liposomal vitamin and mineral supplement ensured an increase in ejaculate volume by 17.6% (P&lt;0.05), sperm concentration (P&lt;0.01), their viability, as well as a decrease in the number of immature (P&lt;0.001) and degenerated (P&lt;0.05) sperm. Higher quality indicators of ejaculates of rams under the influence of vitamins A, D3, E, C and zinc gluconate indicate the possibility of obtaining sperm from breeding rams during the period of sexual rest.

Heritability and Genetic Parameters for Semen Traits in Australian Sheep.

Semen characteristics including volume, gross motility, spermatozoal concentration, and percent post-thaw motility are routinely assessed to determine the quality and quantity of an ejaculate prior to use in artificial breeding programs. Currently, artificial breeding programs in sheep place relatively little emphasis on ram-side factors, such as the fertilising potential of an ejaculate, which may contribute to variability in conception outcomes. Estimating genetic parameters for ejaculate quality and quantity traits could provide insights into whether selective breeding can be used to improve such ram-side traits, improving ovine reproductive performance and farm profitability. Therefore, in this study, a total of 11,470 ejaculate records, including data for ejaculate volume, gross motility, spermatozoal concentration, and percent post-thaw motility, collected over a 20-year period was used to estimate genetic parameters in sheep. Univariate and bivariate mixed model analysis was performed including a variety of fixed effects such as breed, age at collection, centre of collection, collection number, season of collection, and method of collection; and the permanent environmental effects associated with each ram, stud and year of collection, and the breeding value of rams included as random effects. The heritability for ejaculate volume, gross motility, concentration, and percent post-thaw motility was estimated to be 0.161, 0.170, 0.089, and 0.081. Repeatability estimates were moderate, ranging between 0.4126 and 0.5265. Overall, results indicate that semen traits are lowly heritable and moderately repeatable, indicating that these traits are significantly influenced by environmental variables.

Effects of virtual reality erotica on ejaculate quality of sperm donors: a balanced and randomized controlled cross-over within-subjects trial

BackgroundPrevious research has shown that the type and duration of erotic material that men have access to during masturbation can influence semen parameters. To our knowledge, the use of virtual reality (VR) headsets to present erotica has not previously been studied. We reasoned that, because VR can provide a more immersive experience to the user, semen parameters of masturbatory ejaculates may be altered.MethodsThis study had a balanced and randomized controlled cross-over within-subjects design. 504 ejaculates were collected from 63 sperm donors at 4 locations in Denmark. During masturbation each donor was instructed to observe erotic material either on a touch screen monitor or using a VR headset. The order of each pair of within-subject treatments was randomized by the throw of a dice. Anonymized data were analysed with linear mixed and piecewise structural equation models.ResultsBoth abstinence period and VR-use influenced the total number of motile spermatozoa ejaculated. For short abstinence periods, VR-use increased the number of motile sperm in the ejaculate. However, the difference between VR and non-VR ejaculates decreased as abstinence period increased such that there was no difference at the mean abstinence period of 58 h. For longer abstinence periods, total motile sperm counts were lower, on average, when men used VR compared to those that did not.ConclusionThe use of VR headsets to view erotica had a strong positive effect on the number of motile sperm in an ejaculate when the donor’s abstinence time was short (< 24 h). VR-use could improve the ejaculate quality of men who are asked to provide samples after a short period of abstinence, such as men in infertile partnerships producing samples for ART or cancer patients depositing sperm before treatment.Trial registrationTrial retrospectively registered on 13 July 2022 at ClinicalTrials.gov. Identifier: NCT05457764.

Biometric analysis spermograms of men of different age groups in normal and pathology in Lviv region, Ukraine

Background. Analysis of the causes of infertility revealed an increase in the proportion of male factors over the past 20 years by an average of 10–12 %. World Health Organization data, which summarize the observations of many authors in recent years, show a decrease in male reproductive potential. The ejaculate parameters of the modern average man are steadily declining. For example, the concentration of germ cells in the seminal fluid has decreased three times, and this trend continues: the concentration of sperm decreases annually by about 2 %, and their motility – by 1.5 %. Not only is infertility a pressing problem in modern medicine, but also an important social issue, as it is associated with the mental state of men and the preservation of the family. Materials and Methods. Spermograms were obtained during the study of patients in the clinic of reproductive medicine “Alternative Clinic” (Lviv, Ukraine). A total of 50 men were surveyed, including 16 men aged 20 to 29 (junior age group), 17 men aged 30 to 39 (middle age group) and 17 men 40 to 49 years old (senior age group), respectively. We found that out of the 16 men in the junior group, 4 spermograms corresponded to asthenozoospermia, and 12 – normozoospermia, of the 17 middle-aged group, 7 spermograms corresponded to asthenozoospermia, and 10 – normozoospermia and 10 men of the senior group to 15 spermograms asthenozoospermia, 2 – normospermia. Spermograms were evaluated by the following indicators: ejaculate count, viscosity, sperm count per 1 mL of ejaculate, sperm motility in categories “A” and “B”, the number of morphologically normal and morphologically degenerative sperm, Farris index. For control we took spermograms of patients with normozoospermia. Results. Analyzing spermograms according to the studied indicators, we found a decrease in the amount of ejaculate in older men relative to the norm, which may indicate a lack of function of the seminal vesicles, prostate. According to the criteria for the number of sperm in 1 ml of ejaculate and the total number of sperm in the whole ejaculate, it was shown that in the spermograms of patients with asthenozoospermia of different age, these figures are much lower than normal. This indicates a decrease in male fertility in these diseases. Examining sperm motility according to the following criteria: “A” – fast translational movements and “B” – slow, sluggish translational movements, we found a decrease in these indicators compared with the norm in men of all ages with asthenozoospermia. This indicates a decrease in the quality of ejaculate in men, and, consequently, reduce the likelihood of fertilization. Examining sperm morphology, we assessed the number of normal and degenerative sperm. We have shown that in men of all ages with asthenozoospermia, the number of morphologically normal sperm is lower than in the control, and the number of morphologically degenerative sperm is increasing. Probably, such pathology can lead to a decrease in the possibility of fertilization and increases the likelihood of malformations in the fetus, if fertilization has occurred. Evaluating the spermograms of men in the study groups according to the Farris index, we found a significant reduction in this number in men with asthenozoospermia. This indicates a low probability of fertilization. Conclusions. Male infertility (in particular, asthenozoospermia) can be caused by many different diseases in which there are deviations from the norms of qualitative and quantitative indicators of ejaculate. According to the data obtained from the observation of men, there is a tendency for the reduction of ejaculate volume, concentration and motility of sperm, as well as their morphological status.

Influence of Fat-Soluble Vitamin Intramuscular Supplementation on Kinematic and Morphometric Sperm Parameters of Boar Ejaculates.

Ejaculate quality can be regarded as multifactorial, with nutrition being a factor that could directly influence sperm parameters. The present study aimed to evaluate seminal quality associated with seasonal fat-soluble vitamin supplementation of boars. Seven sexually mature boars were randomly allotted to one of the three groups, and fed one of the three supplementary diets for 32 weeks: (1) control treatment (COD), without supplementation of fat-soluble vitamins, (2) treatment containing 100% fat-soluble vitamin supplementation administered intramuscularly, which was based on fat soluble vitamin supplementation (A, D3, E) (FVD1), and (3) treatment containing 50% of fat-soluble vitamin supplementation (FVD). Semen was collected at 7-day intervals. Semen samples were analyzed to assess several sperm parameters using the Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA) ISAS®v1 system. Results showed that groups receiving FVD1 and FVD supplementation had an increased semen volume. The percentages of motile and progressively motile sperm were increased by FVD1 treatment. A statistically significant interaction between treatment and season was found in the percentage of motility and progressive motility (p < 0.05). Sperm concentrations showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between treatments. Velocity variables (VSL, VCL, and VAP) were higher (p < 0.05) in boars that received fat-soluble vitamin supplementation in comparison to controls receiving no supplementation. The FVD1 treatment presented spermatozoa with greater head size and more elongated heads (p < 0.05). Overall, the utilization of dietary fat-soluble vitamin supplementation significantly improved the semen quality of boar ejaculates. This highlights the importance of fat-soluble vitamin supplementation in sexually active boars.

Semen characteristics of individuals before and after CovishieldTM vaccination.

Concern about fertility impairment after vaccination is one of the reasons for vaccine hesitancy in the population. This retrospective observational study aims to understand the impact of CovishieldTM (ChAdOx1 nCoV- 19 Corona Virus Vaccine, Recombinant) COVID-19 vaccination on ejaculate quality in fifty-three patients undergoing semen analysis between 2018 to 2021. A baseline semen profile was recorded from the subjects during their visit before the vaccination for fertility work-up. Follow-up ejaculates were provided approximately 82 (Q1:37, Q3:124) days after the second dose of vaccination. Semen characteristics such as volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility, and morphological abnormalities were recorded. Of the 53 subjects, 33 (62%) had semen characteristics above the WHO reference. In general, no significant variations in the semen parameters were observed except for a moderate decline in sperm morphology (p< 0.05). The baseline semen characteristics in 20 (38%) subjects were below the WHO reference range; however, no significant decline in the ejaculate quality was observed in their follow-up samples. Further, none of the ejaculates in both study groups were azoospermic during the follow-up evaluation. Our results affirm that CovishieldTM vaccine is not detrimental to male fertility.

Effects of copper citrate on physiological-biochemical parameters of ejaculate of sire boars

Revealing peculiarities of the course of physiological and biochemical processes in the formation of parameters of ejaculate allows effective correlation of biological completeness of spermatozoids based on the use of chelate compounds of limiting microelements, particularly copper. The study was focused on determining changes in processes of spermatogenesis during correction of mineral nutrition. In the experiment, we used adult boars of the same age, live weight and quality of ejaculates. They consumed copper citrate during the 45 day experiment in doses higher than the norm by 10% (1.5 mg per 1 kg of combined feed) and 20% (3 mg per 1 kg of combined feed) compared with the control. We determined difference in the effects of different doses of copper citrate on the formation of parameters of ejaculates in sire boars. Addition of the mineral additive to the feed in the doses 10% exceeding the norm promoted increase in the parameters of functional activity of spermatozoids – mobility and survival – on day 45 of the intake, which occurred against the background of acceleration of peroxidation processes (increase in the concentration of thiobarbituric acid of active compounds) and activation of the system of antioxidant protection – increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase and decrease in the level of catalase in the sperm. At the same time, we observed increase in the morphometric parameters of spermatozoids – general length, width, length and volume of the head. On day 30, sire boars that had been consuming copper citrate in the amounts 20% above the norm were observed to have increase in concentration of spermatozoids, their mobility and survivability, though a decrease was seen in the morphometric parameters of the gametes. Further intake of this element caused increase in the amount of abnormal forms of spermatozoids. Under the action of this additive, we determined increase in the amount of metabolites of lipid peroxidation – conjugated dienes and thiobarbituric acids of active compounds, and also weakening of the system of antioxidative protection – decrease in the content of reduced glutathione and accumulation of dehydroascorbic acid. Thus, the intake of copper citrate in the amounts of 10% above the norm facilitated morpho-functional parameters of spermatozoids by activating the system of antioxidant protection. It would be promising to conduct further research to determine the effects of copper citrate on the processes of activation and capacitation of spermatozoids and fertilization of oocytes in in vivo and in vitro conditions.

Spontaneous nocturnal erections and masturbation in captive male chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

Abstract Nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) has been reported for males of only a few mammalian species, including humans, albeit this scarcity might be an artefact of the difficulty of documenting it. We investigated NPT in 12 adult male chimpanzees living in an all-male group at Kumamoto Sanctuary, Japan. Recorded non-invasively with infrared video cameras across 72 nights (6 per individual), we observed NPT in two thirds of the individuals (8/12), with events in total. More than three quarters occurred during a transition from sleep to wakefulness, suggesting NPT may be associated with rapid eye movement sleep, similar to humans. Masturbation occurred in conjunction with NPT, including the likely consumption of ejaculate, in 4–6 individuals. While detailing nocturnal erections in chimpanzees may help us to better understand this robust physiological phenomenon in humans, further comparative research is necessary to reconstruct its phylogenetic history. At present, our findings support hypothetical functional explanations such as the facilitation of nocturnal emissions in order to increase ejaculate quality or an increase in tissue oxygenation to prevent erectile dysfunction.

Quality of ejaculate of male patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), vaccinated with GamCovidVac (Sputnik V)

Background: New coronavirus infection (Covid-19) in patients with diabetes type 2 mellitus (DM) often has severe clinical course and manifestation. This comorbidity is a reasonable indication for vaccination. Male patients are often concerned about the vaccination impact on their fertility, so the current research of this issue seems to be essential and relevant.Aims: To evaluate the quality of ejaculate in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients, vaccinated by GamCovidVac (Sputnik V).Materials and Methods: The pilot observational prospective study included 30 males with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The study continued from February 2021 till June 2021. The research design involved medical history analysis, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) tests, total testosterone level in blood measurement, semen analysis (sperm count test). Group comparison was performed by Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test. The differences were considered statistically significant at p&lt;0.05.Results: After vaccination 19 patients (63%) demonstrated a temperature rise which lasted for 2 days; 26 patients (87%) complained of tenderness in the injections site which lasted up to 5 days. Though a few patients reported general somatic side effects after the vaccination, there have been no statistically significant deviations in sperm count, viability, function and morphology. The levels of glycated hemoglobin and total testosterone remained unchanged.Conclusion: The study revealed no negative impact of GamCovidVac on ejaculate quality, total testosterone level and compensation of carbohydrate metabolism.

Boar Semen Contamination: Identification of Gram-Negative Bacteria and Antimicrobial Resistance Profile

Simple SummaryBoar semen can contain many bacterial species, some of which can have a negative impact upon the quality of the semen, as well as on the sows’ reproductive capacity. Semen contamination may occur at time of collection or during semen processing. The aim of this study was to identify gram-negative bacteria that appear in boar semen and to establish models of antimicrobial resistance of isolated gram-negative bacteria. Semen doses examined contained bacterial species with a known negative effect on sows’ reproductive tracts (Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, E. coli), and more than half of these isolates were resistance to gentamycin (56.52%) and penicillin (58.69%) antimicrobials commonly used in boar semen extenders. This work proved the presence of pathogenic multiple resistant bacteria in semen, and therefore, we highly recommend periodic microbiological screening of bacteriospermia in boars to avoid the use of low-quality semen in the pig industry.Bacterial contamination of boar semen occurs with some frequency in artificial insemination centers and may have a negative effect on the quality of the semen as well as on the sows’ reproductive capacity. Normally, the source of bacterial contamination in pig seminal doses is the own boar. However, distilled water or laboratory equipment used to elaborate the seminal doses can be an important source of bacterial contamination. This study focused on the identification of gram-negative bacteria in boar semen, and impact on the quality of ejaculates obtained from boar, as well as on the establishment of antimicrobial resistance patterns of isolated gram-negative bacteria. Semen samples were collected from 96 boars, ranging in age from 12–36 month, from three artificial insemination centers from the North-West of Romania. Bacterial species were identified by two methods: matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry and API 20 E (BioMerieux, France). The main bacteria isolated from the doses diluted semen were gram-negative bacteria (47.91%), with a majority of the contaminant bacteria belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae: Seratia marcescens 19.56%, Proteus mirabilis 15.21% and Escherichia coli 10.86% and to the family Pseudomonaceae: Ralstonia picketii 17.39%, Burkholderia cepacia 10.86%, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 8.69%, and Pseudomonas fluorescens 4.34%, respectively. More than half of these isolates (56.52%) were resistant to gentamycin and 58.69% were resistant to penicillin. These antibiotics are very frequently added in sperm diluent in the centers for the processing of sperm from boars in Romania. Regular monitoring for bacterial contamination is an important aspect of a control program.

Condition‐dependent seminal fluid gene expression and intergenerational paternal effects on ejaculate quality

AbstractThere is increasing evidence to show that the environment experienced by fathers can have intergenerational paternal effects on the phenotype of offspring. Paternal effects can be mediated by ejaculate traits beyond the genes carried by sperm, for example through methylation of DNA during spermatogenesis, or non‐sperm components of the ejaculate such as small RNAs or seminal fluid proteins (sfps).Theory suggests that ejaculate‐mediated paternal effects can have important evolutionary consequences, especially if they exhibit condition‐dependent expression. Here we use the nutritional geometry approach to explore condition dependence in ejaculate traits and intergenerational paternal effects in the cricketTeleogryllus oceanicus.We fed males one of 24 chemically defined diets that varied in macronutrient concentration and the ratio of protein (P) to carbohydrate (C). We measured paternal expenditure on testes and accessory gland growth, and the expression of three sfp genes that are known to impact sperm viability and the survival of embryos to hatching. We also measured the hatching success and reproductive phenotypes of adult offspring.We found linear effects of P and C on testes and accessory gland mass, and linear and correlated effects of P and C on the expression of two sfp genes. Paternal diet had no effect on the survival of embryos to hatching.There were significant intergenerational effects of paternal diet on the viability of sperm produced by sons, but no paternal effects on the expression of sfp genes in sons or fecundity in daughters.Our data suggest that ejaculate quality can have a significant non‐genetic component determined by the paternal environment, which holds important implications for the evolutionary maintenance of variation in heritable male fitness.A freePlain Language Summarycan be found within the Supporting Information of this article.

Evaluation and comparative analysis of sperm characteristics in men before and after vaccination with Sputnik V (Gam-COVID-Vac)

The study objective is to evaluate reproductive function in men who underwent vaccination with Sputnik V (Gam-COVID-Vac) based on quantitative and qualitative sperm characteristics.Materials and methods. Mean ejaculate characteristics were analyzed in 3 independent groups formed from patients examined at the Laboratory of Genetics of Impaired Reproduction of the Research Center for Medical Genetics in 2021: the comparison group consisted of 759 unvaccinated men; the group of 73 men who were vaccinated with Sputnik V and for whom the time between the full vaccination (2 components of the vaccine) and semen analysis was less than 75 days; and the group of 58 men who underwent vaccination more than 75 days prior to semen analysis.The results of semen analysis of 53 patients before and after full vaccination procedure were compared. In 32 patients, less than 75 days passed since vaccination; in 21 patients, more than 75 days; for 5 patients data prior to 75 days since vaccination and after are available.The study group included patients without history of COVID-19. Standard semen analysis was performed in accordance with the World Health Organization Guidelines. For statistical analysis of the differences between the groups Student's t-test was used with significance level of p &lt;0.05.Results. Comparison of semen analysis of the same patients before and after vaccination procedure showed no statistically significant differences. Small decrease in progressive motility was observed (from 19.0 ± 0.4 to 13.8 ± 1.1 %), as well as decline in sperm morphology (from 4.53 ± 0.12 to 3.55 ± 0.31 %) in the group who underwent vaccination less than 75 days prior to the analysis. In the group who underwent vaccination more than 75 days before semen analysis, sperm characteristics do not differ from the unvaccinated group.Conclusion. There were no statistically significant differences in the ejaculate indices of the same patients before and after vaccination with Sputnik V (Gam-COVID-Vac). In the group of patients examined in a short time after vaccination, there is a decrease in the quality of sperm compared to the comparison group (unvaccinated). In the group of patients examined in a more distant period, there are no significant differences in the quality of sperm from the group of unvaccinated, which indicates the absence of long-term consequences of vaccination for the quality of ejaculate.

Sperm preparedness and adaptation to osmotic and pH stressors relate to functional competence of sperm in Bos taurus

The adaptive ability of sperm in the female reproductive tract micromilieu signifies the successful fertilization process. The study aimed to analyze the preparedness of sperm to the prevailing osmotic and pH stressors in the female reproductive tract. Fresh bovine sperm were incubated in 290 (isosmotic-control), 355 (hyperosmotic-uterus and oviduct), and 420 (hyperosmotic-control) mOsm/kg and each with pH of 6.8 (uterus) and 7.4 (oviduct). During incubation, the changes in sperm functional attributes were studied. Sperm kinematics and head area decreased significantly (p < 0.05) immediately upon exposure to hyperosmotic stress at both pH. Proportion of sperm capacitated (%) in 355 mOsm/kg at 1 and 2 h of incubation were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those in 290 mOsm media. The magnitude and duration of recovery of sperm progressive motility in 355 mOsm with pH 7.4 was correlated with the ejaculate rejection rate (R2 = 0.7). Using this information, the bulls were divided into good (n = 5) and poor (n = 5) osmo-adapters. The osmo-responsive genes such as NFAT5, HSP90AB1, SLC9C1, ADAM1B and GAPDH were upregulated (p < 0.05) in the sperm of good osmo-adapters. The study suggests that sperm are prepared for the osmotic and pH challenges in the female reproductive tract and the osmoadaptive ability is associated with ejaculate quality in bulls.

Влияние употребления энергетических напитков на мужское репродуктивное здоровье

AIM to evaluate the relationship between the use of energy drinks and the decline in male reproductive function. MATERIALS AND METHODS The analysis of scientific publications dedicated to the issue was carried out. The results of the study, which involved 60 patients aged 22 to 40 years, are presented. The directions for further scientific search are suggested. RESULTS According to our study, there is a correlation between energy drinks consumption and decreased ejaculate quality. CONCLUSION systematic use of energy drinks has a negative impact on male reproductive function.

Mate Retention Behavior and Ejaculate Quality in Humans.

Males of some species use mate retention behavior and investment in ejaculate quality as anti-cuckoldry tactics concurrently while others do so in a compensatory fashion. Leivers, Rhodes, and Simmons (2014) reported that men who performed mate retention less frequently produced higher-quality ejaculates, suggesting that humans use these tactics compensatorily. We conducted a conceptual replication of this research in a sample of 41 men (18-33years; M = 23.33; SD = 3.60). By self-report, participants had not had a vasectomy and had never sought infertility treatment. We controlled for several covariates known to affect ejaculate quality (e.g., abstinence duration before providing an ejaculate) and found no statistically significant relationships between mate retention behavior and four components of ejaculate quality: sperm velocity, sperm concentration, slow motility, and ejaculate volume. The present results provide little support for the hypothesis that human males deploy mate retention behavior and ejaculate quality investment compensatorily. We discuss the limitations of this study and highlight the need for research to address questions about the nature of anti-cuckoldry tactic deployment in humans, especially concerning investment in ejaculate quality.

Ejaculate quality indicators of men with asthenozoospermia and asthenoteratozoospermia by treatment of obesity with liraglutide

Background: Considering the influence of visceral obesity on male infertility, the investigation of ejaculate quality indicators under obesity treatment is relevant.Objective: Evaluation of ejaculate quality indicators by obesity treatment with liraglutide in andrologically healthy men with infertility and post-pubertal visceral obesity.Methods: Infertile men with post-pubertal alimentary visceral obesity were included in a pilot observational prospective study. All patients were given recommendations for body weight loss (hypocaloric diet, daily aerobic physical activity) as well as an average daily dose of liraglutide 2.4 [2.4; 3.0] mg. Evaluation of waist circumference, antioxidant activity of ejaculate, spermogram was carried out initially and after 6 months. The differences were considered statistically significant at p &lt;0.005.Results: The body weight decrease was -11.7 [12.4; 11.0]%, the waist circumference decrease was 8 [12; 7] cm. In dynamics, increased content of living sperm in ejaculate from 92 [90; 95]% to 95 [92; 98]%, morphologically normal forms from 5 [3; 6]% to 6 [3; 8]%, mobility of A + B from 25 [15; 36] to 35 [19; 52]%, seminal antioxidant capacity, a decrease in reactive oxygen forms in the neat ejaculate were statistically significant. Increasing the sperm count in 1 ml and decreasing reactive oxygen forms in the washed ejaculate did not reach statistical significance.Conclusion: Ejaculate quality indicators improved by the complex obesity therapy with liraglutide in young andrologically healthy men with postpubertal visceral obesity.