Tail Of Epididymis Research Articles

B-mode and Doppler Ultrasonography of Accessory Genital Glands and Testes in Male Goats During the Breeding Season

The aims of the present study were to scan the echogenicity of reproductive organs of bucks during the breeding season. The influence of testosterone on haemodynamic Doppler indices of accessory genital glands of breeding bucks was also examined. Ten clinically healthy, sexually mature, Egyptian Baladi male goats were examined and the testes, tail of epididymis and accessory sex glands imaged using greyscale B-mode, colour Doppler ultrasonography. The spectral Doppler indices (pulsatility index and resistive index) were measured. Blood samples were collected and serum concentrations of testosterone, FSH and LH were determined. The results revealed that the echogenicity of testes, tail of epididymis and accessory genital glands was changed by breeding season. Pulsatility index values of supra-testicular artery, marginal artery, tail of the epididymis, ampulla, vesicular gland, pars disseminata of the prostate and bulbourethral gland were 0.85±0.04, 0.54±0.03, 0.4±0.03, 0.37±0.04, 0.51±0.03, 0.39±0.02 and 0.41±0.04, respectively. The resistive index of the above criteria were 0.51±0.04, 0.37±0.02, 0.3±0.03, 0.27±0.02, 0.31±0.03, 0.32±0.03 and 0.32±0.03, respectively. Serum testosterone concentration was 4.78±0.46 ng/mL. Furthermore, FSH and LH were 3.71±0.43 and 1.8±0.17 mIU/mL, respectively. Interestingly, testosterone clearly deceased the values of the both the pulsatility and resistive indices of the accessory genital glands of breeding bucks. Season modified the echogenicity of testes, epididymis and accessory genital glands. Testosterone regulated the reproductive indices of blood flow of the accessory genital glands of breeding bucks. Thus, this study could serve as a baseline of reference values of Egyptian Baladi male goats during the breeding season to improve reproductive efficiency.

Establishment of a Mouse Asthenospermia Model through Triggering D-Galactose Mediated Oxidative Stress Injury.

Asthenospermia is defined as the forward motility of sperm less than 32%. This study aimed to establish a mouse model of asthenospermia through triggering D-galactose mediated oxidative stress. A total of 40 Kunming male mice were randomly divided into control group, low-dose group (administrating D-galactose at 60 mg/kg), high-dose group (administrating D-galactose at 120 mg/kg), and high-dose+feed addition group (administrating D-galactose at 120 mg/kg together with oral D-galactose). The testicular weight, testicular organ coefficient, sperm viability, sperm concentration, and survival rate of the tail of epididymis were measured. Oxidative damage of D-- galactose to the reproductive system of mice was evaluated by measuring superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the testicular homogenate of mice. The sperm motility, motility rate, concentration, and survival rate of low-dose, high-dose and high-dose+feed addition group were decreased, compared to that in the control group. However, there background:was a significant difference between high-dose group/high dose+feed group and the control group (p<0.05): the forward motile sperm motility rate and total motility rate are accorded with critical criteria of asthenospermia. As compared with the control group, the activity of SOD of model group mice significantly decreased, and MDA concentration significantly increased (p<0.05), except for low-dose versus control group for SOD activity. This suggests that testicular tissues suffered from oxidative damage. This study successfully established a mouse asthenospermia model through D-galactose mediated oxidative stress injury. The establishment of asthenospermia model in this study would provide new promising insight and act as a potential approach for studying asthenospermia in vivo levels.

Development of effective and minimally invasive surgical techniques for the preparation of intact, sterile boars

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate three surgical procedures to produce intact, sterile boars. Materials and methods: Boars (n = 39) were allocated to one of four treatment groups: no surgery (control), epididymectomy by removal of the epididymis tail (TE), vasectomy via scrotal access (VS), and vasectomy via inguinal access (VI) at 63 days of age. Selected physiological, hematological, and endocrine responses were monitored after surgeries to evaluate the different techniques’ relative safety and effectiveness. Results: Libido and testosterone concentrations were not affected by surgical treatment and were similar to those observed in the control group. The TE and VS procedures required the least and most time to complete, respectively, while VI was intermediate (P &lt; .001). Both lactate and cortisol concentrations were elevated at the time of surgery compared with the control group, but had decreased by 2 days post surgery (P = .02). Implications: Considering the surgical time and ease, the TE procedure is suggested as the choice technique for producing intact, sterile boars. The swine industry is shifting from individual crates to the use of group pen housing of sows. Use of intact, sterile boars could be implemented to improve estrus detection in group pen housing systems.

Ultrasonographic Examination and Measurements of Testes, Epididymis and Accessory Glands at Different Growth Stages of Chios Rams

Background: Testes, epididymis and accessory glands measurements should be mandatory as an imminent for male selection. This study aimed at defining the ultrasonographic characteristics and measurements of testes, epididymis and accessory glands at different growth stages in Chios rams. Methods: Sixteen rams were assigned by age class into: group A (pre-pubertal, n=3), group B (pubertal, n=5) and group C (mature, n=8). Scrotal circumference (SC) was measured using a tape. Scrotal contents were examined using a B-mode ultrasound. Testicular breadth (TB), thicknesses of tunica albuginea (TA) and mediastinum (MS) and the largest dimension of epididymal tail (EpT) were estimated. Trans-rectal ultrasound was carried out to estimate the echogenicity and diameter of bulbourethral gland (BUG), height of pars dessiminata of prostate (PDP) and maximum breadth of seminal gland (SG). Result: SC increased curvilinear with age. Testicular echogenicity increased with age. Thickness of TA did not differ with age. MS could not detect in pre-pubertal rams, reached maximum thickness with puberty and became relatively thinner by maturity. EpT evidently enlarged with puberty. BUG, PDP and SG exhibited moderate echogenicity. They reached their greatest size with sexual maturity. SC estimated by tape and TB estimated by US correlated with most of the ultrasonographic measurements of the epididymis and accessory glands.

A cross-sectional study of the genital duct and renal anomalies in Egyptian cases of congenital absence of the vas deferens

The aim of the study was to detect the incidence and types of genital and renal duct anomalies associated with congenital absent vas deferens (CAVD). In 200 males with CAVD, the demographic characteristics, physical examination findings were evaluated. Scrotal ultrasonography and transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) were used as the diagnostic methods for evaluating unilateral or bilateral CAVD with associated abnormalities or agenesis of the testes, epididymes, seminal vesicles and prostate. Abdominal ultrasound was performed to detect any associated renal anomalies. There were a total of 111 CBAVD and 89 CUAVD males. Eight cases (8.98%) of CUAVD were associated with contralateral cryptorchidism. In most cases there were agenesis in the epididymal body and tail and seminal vesicles. Different types of renal anomalies (32.50%) especially renal agenesis were observed mainly in cases of left CUAVD and were predominately on the left hand side. An important implication of our study is the importance of requesting ultrasound of males with CAVD to discover any associated anomalies especially renal agenesis that may be ignored by many physicians.

Epididymal tail solid-surface vitrification as an effective method for domestic cat sperm cryobanking.

This study aimed to describe the viability of domestic feline spermatozoa after epididymal tail vitrification. For this, 10 pairs of testis-epididymis complexes were used. The epididymal tails were vitrified using the solid-surface vitrification (SSV) method, in which two vitrification media containing ethylene glycol (EG) 40% or glycerol (GLY) 40% were tested. Vitrification with the presence of EG resulted in better results for all sperm motility parameters (motility, vigour and CASA) compared with GLY (P < 0.05). There were no statistical differences for sperm viability and acrosome integrity, plasma membrane integrity, or overall health of morphologically normal sperm before or after vitrification among experimental groups. In conclusion, epididymal tail vitrification appears to be a suitable method for long-term storage of cat sperm, especially if the procedure is performed with EG as the cryoprotectant.

The European Academy of Andrology (EAA) ultrasound study on healthy, fertile men: Scrotal ultrasound reference ranges and associations with clinical, seminal, and biochemical characteristics.

Scrotal color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) still suffers from lack of standardization. Hence, the European Academy of Andrology (EAA) has promoted a multicenter study to assess the CDUS characteristics of healthy fertile men (HFM) to obtain normative parameters. To report and discuss the scrotal organs CDUS reference ranges and characteristics in HFM and their associations with clinical, seminal, and biochemical parameters. A cohort of 248 HFM (35.3±5.9years) was studied, evaluating, on the same day, clinical, biochemical, seminal, and scrotal CDUS following Standard Operating Procedures. The CDUS reference range and characteristics of the scrotal organs of HFM are reported here. CDUS showed a higher accuracy than physical examination in detecting scrotal abnormalities. Prader orchidometer (PO)- and US-measured testicular volume (TV) were closely related. The US-assessed TV with the ellipsoid formula showed the best correlation with the PO-TV. The mean TV of HFM was~17ml. The lowest reference limit for right and left testis was 12 and 11ml, thresholds defining testicular hypotrophy. The highest reference limit for epididymal head, tail, and vas deferens was 12, 6, and 4.5mm, respectively. Mean TV was associated positively with sperm concentration and total count and negatively with gonadotropins levels and pulse pressure. Subjects with testicular inhomogeneity or calcifications showed lower sperm vitality and concentration, respectively, than the rest of the sample. Sperm normal morphology and progressive motility were positively associated with epididymal head size/vascularization and vas deferens size, respectively. Increased epididymis and vas deferens sizes were associated with MAR test positivity. Decreased epididymal tail homogeneity/vascularization were positively associated with waistline, which was negatively associated with intratesticular vascularization. CDUS varicocele was detected in 37.2% of men and was not associated with seminal or hormonal parameters. Scrotal CDUS parameters were not associated with time to pregnancy, number of children, history of miscarriage. The present findings will help in better understanding male infertility pathophysiology, improving its management.

Diagnostic value of transrectal combined scrotal ultrasonography in acquired obstructive azoospermia

ObjectiveTo investigate the transrectal and scrotal ultrasonographic features of acquired obstructive azoospermia and evaluate the role of ultrasonography in the location diagnosis of acquired obstructive azoospermia patients. MethodsRetrospectively analysis of 92 cases of acquired obstructive azoospermia in recent years. All the patients underwent transrectal and scrotal ultrasonography. The ultrasonographic features were observed of testis, epididymis, scrotal segment of vas deferens, seminal vesicle, ejaculatory duct and prostate. Eighty cases with normal semen were taken as control group. ResultsAmong the 92 cases of acquired obstructive azoospermia, 28 cases were prostate midline cyst, 32 cases were stone or calcification of the ejaculation duct and 21 cases were chronic seminal vesicle inflammation, which were found through transrectal ultrasonography; 27 cases were vas deferens dilation, 30 cases had abnormal mass of epididymis tail, 31 cases were epididymis thickness with reticular change, 8 cases were cystic dilatation of rete testis, which were found through scrotal ultrasonography. Compared with the control group, ultrasound examination increased the detection rate of distal seminal duct lesions and epididymal lesions in acquired obstructive azoospermia patients (p<.01). Comparison of testicular volume between case group and control group did not reveal significant difference (p>.05). The thickness of the head, body and tail of epididymis in case group was significantly bigger than that in control group (p<.01). ConclusionTransrectal and scrotal ultrasonography can find lesions in different parts of the seminal passage. Acquired obstructive azoospermia patients have increased rate of distal seminal duct lesions, epididymal lesions and epididymis volume. Transrectal and scrotum ultrasonography can provide reliable imaging evidence for the location diagnosis of acquired obstructive azoospermia.

Potential fertilizer of spermatozoa in porcine epididymal tail post-orchiectomy.

The aim of this study was to determine the potential fertilizing of spermatozoa from the epididymal tail in different periods of time post-orchiectomy (P-OQ). Therefore, the study was approached in two stages. In the first stage, the orchiectomy was performed in 30 adult pigs. The testicles were stored at 5.00 ˚C in physiological saline solution for 5, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hr. The spermatozoa were obtained by backflushing the vas deferens. The spermogram and fluorometric study were performed for each sample to evaluate the exposure of phosphatidyl-serine (PS) and acrosome reaction (AR). The second stage included the fertilization test, 16 prepubertal sows were selected, after synchronizing the oestrous cycle and the post-cervical artificial insemination was performed with the refrigerated sperm samples from each P-OQ time. The percentage of live sperm remained without significant changes until 96 hr P-OQ. An increase in the percentage of spermatozoa that showed a PS exposure was observed. The premature AR was evident after 72 hr. Considering that the artificial insemination was performed ensuring a minimum number of live sperms, no significant differences were observed in the number of embryos and corpora lutea. The results indicated that pig sperm collected from the epididymal tail P-OQ and stored for 5 and up to 72 hr at 5.00 ˚C had viable characteristics and maintained their fertilization ability. However, there was an increase in the loss of phospholipid asymmetry of the plasma membrane as time increased (72 and 96 hr), therefore, sperm viability was decreased.

Carnitine chloride reduces the severity of experimental hyperhomocysteinemia and promotes lactate utilization by mitochondrial fraction of the rat epididymis

Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for many diseases, including reproductive disorders in men. L-carnitine is used in medical practice to correct impaired bioenergetic conditions; in patients with idiopathic forms of infertility its effects are associated with improvement of the sperm parameters. However, the effect of exogenous L-carnitine on the level of homocysteine in the gonadal tissues, as a risk factor for impaired fertility, has not been investigated yet. The aim of this study was to investigate activity of bioenergetic enzymes in the epididymal mitochondrial fraction, the dynamics of changes in the cytoplasmic and mitochondrial lactate levels and LDH activity, the total carnitine content, as well as the oxidative status of these cells under conditions of oxidative stress caused by hyperhomocysteinemia, and to assess the effect of carnitine chloride on these parameters under conditions of methionine administration to male Wistar rats. Methionine administration to animals for three weeks at a dose of 3 g/kg, resulted in development of the severe forms of hyperhomocysteinemia with serum homocysteine concentrations exceeding 100 μmol/L. This was accompanied by a decrease in the activity of enzymes involved in the bioenergetic processes of the cell: tissue respiration (succinate dehydrogenase) and oxidative phosphorylation (H+-ATPase) in the epididymal head and tail. The change in lactate metabolism included an increase in its level in both the mitochondrial and cytoplasmic fractions of the epididymal head and mitochondria of the epididymal tail, and also simultaneous statistically significant decrease in LDH activity in the mitochondria and cytoplasm of the epididymal head. In male rats with severe hyperhomocysteinemia, an increase in the activity of mitochondrial SOD accompanied by an increase in the carbonylation of mitochondrial proteins in the head and tail of the epididymis was noted. Modeling of hyperhomocysteinemia under conditions of carnitine chloride of administration led to different reactions of the cells of the studied tissues assayed in the epididymal head and tail homogenate. In the epididymal head, carnitine chloride promoted an increase in the mitochondrial lactate concentration and a decrease in the cytoplasmic lactate concentration, as well as an increase in the LDH activity associated with the mitochondrial fraction. These changes were accompanied by an increase in the activity of H+-ATPase in the epididymal, thus suggesting that carnitine chloride stimulated lactate transport of into the mitochondria and its use as an energy substrate under conditions of oxidative stress caused by hyperhomocysteinemia. In the tail tissues, the changes were protective in nature and were associated with a decrease in the formation of oxidatively modified proteins.

Successful blastocyst production by intracytoplasmic injection of sperm after in vitro maturation of follicular oocytes obtained from immature female squirrel monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis).

Advanced reproductive technologies are being applied for the propagation of squirrel monkeys, to ensure their preservation as a genetic resource and the effective use of their gametes in the future. In the present study, oocytes and spermatozoa were collected from live squirrel monkeys, following which piezo intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was performed using these gametes. Follicular development was induced by administering equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) containing inhibin antiserum to an immature squirrel monkey female. The unilateral ovary was excised after the administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), to induce ovulation, following which the larger developed follicular oocytes were collected. Follicular oocytes were prepared for ICSI using sperm from the epididymal tail of a unilateral testis extracted from a mature male. The embryos were continuously incubated in CMRL 1066 medium supplemented with 10% (v/v) fetal bovine serum. Embryo culture was performed with cumulus cells. Two experiments of ICSI carried out with three females resulted in 14 mature oocytes from the 49 cumulus-oocyte complexes collected and five embryos, three of which developed into blastocysts. These blastocysts were vitrified, thawed, and transferred to recipient monkeys, but no pregnancies resulted. In conclusion, the present study is the first to successfully produce ICSI-derived blastocysts from MII oocytes obtained by means of hormone administration (a combination of eCG+inhibin antiserum and hCG) and in vitro maturation in immature squirrel monkeys.

Application of Shear Wave Elastography to Evaluate the Stiffness of Normal Testes and Inflammatory Epididymal Tail Masses.

This study aimed to investigate the application value of shear wave elastography in examining normal testes and inflammatory epididymal tail masses. We examined 110 healthy male volunteers (with a total of 220 testes) and 25 patients with epididymitis via conventional scrotal ultrasonography and shear wave elastography. The mean (Emean), minimal (Emin), maximal (Emax), and standard deviation (ESD) values of elasticity were acquired. The inflammatory masses were assessed at initial diagnosis, at weeks 1 and 2 of standard anti-inflammatory treatment, upon remission, and at 2 weeks after remission. The Emean values of different regions in testes varied in the following order: center region (3.14 ± 0.35 kPa) < upper- or lower-pole capsule (upper, 3.94 ± 0.90 kPa; lower, 3.94 ± 0.97 kPa) < posterior capsule (5.96 ± 1.46 kPa) < anterior capsule (6.27 ± 1.58 kPa). The Emean value of the center of the testicular parenchyma in the short axis was significantly larger than that in the long axis (3.47 ± 0.32 vs 3.14 ± 0.35 kPa; P < 0.05). There were significant differences in the Emean value between inflammatory epididymal tail masses at initial diagnosis, at 1 and 2 weeks after treatment, upon remission, and at 2 weeks after remission (P < 0.05). Shear wave elastography can be used to reflect the relative hardness of normal testes and inflammatory epididymal tail masses.

Characterization of testicular and epididymal parameters in Algerian Arabia bucks

Abstract. In goat production, the reproductive efficiency of bucks must be taken into account. Testicle size is the most appropriate parameter to directly improve the reproductive performance of females. In this study, body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS) and testicular and epididymal parameters of Arabia goats were studied. A total number of 200 bucks wеre randomly selected and classified into three age categories (6-12 months, 13-24 months and &gt;2 years). BW, BCS, mean scrotal circumference, testicular volume, testicular diameter, testicular length, testicular weight, testicular density, epididymal weight, epididymal length, epididymal tail length, caput weight, corpus weight, caudal weight, Gonadosomatic Index, Epididymosomatic index and Epididymal-Testicular weight ratio were measured. A highly significant correlation was found between all parameters (p&lt;0.05). The values of all parameters increased significantly with age, with the exception of the gonadosomatic and epididymosomatic indices, which decreased with age (p&lt;0.05). These results provide data that can be used to anticipate an adequate ante-mortem sperm reserve based on testicular size in the preliminary selection of breeding males from the local sexually mature population.

Serological, molecular and bacteriological approaches for detecting Leptospira sp. carrier rams maintained in semiarid conditions

Even in the adverse environmental conditions of the semiarid region, leptospires can survive and spread by alternative routes of transmission, such as sexual in ewes, however, there is no data on rams. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the use of serological, molecular and microbial tools applied to diagnosis of Leptospira sp. Infection in rams maintained in semiarid conditions. Biological samples of urinary (urine, kidney and bladder) and genital (vas deferens, epididymis tail and vesicular gland) tracts were collected from 40 slaughtered rams for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and bacterial isolation, as well as blood samples for antibody detection through microscopic serum agglutination test (MAT). Anti-Leptospira antibodies were found in five (12.5%) animals with antibody titer of 50 and 2 (5%) for the titer 100 for serogroups Pyrogenes, Ballum, Icterohaemorrhagiae and Australis. Leptospira sp. DNA was found in PCR of organs and urine of 30 (75%) animals. Overall, 240 fragments of organs from the urinary and genital tracts and urine were evaluated, with 93 (38.7%) positive samples, being 48/120 (40%) for the urinary tract and 45/120 (37.5%) for the genital. There was no statistically significant difference between the tracts. A bladder sample was sent for sequencing and showed 99% similarity with L. interrogans. Of the 240 cultures evaluated, 59 (24.5%) had leptospire growth, being that 23 (39%) were confirmed in PCR. Considering the PCR of organs and urine and bacterial growth as gold standards, the cut-off 50 in MAT showed greater sensitivity when compared to cut-off 100, regardless of the material used. The great proportion of leptospiral DNA in organs, urine and culture and bacterial growth from the genital tracts reinforce its importance as an extra-renal site and highlights the possible role of rams in venereal transmission, as well as the sensitivity of the cut-off 50 suggested its adoption in the serology of rams maintained in semiarid conditions.

Doppler and B-mode ultrasonographic monitoring of accessory sex glands and testes in Barki rams during the breeding season

The aim of this study was to perform ultrasonographic imaging of the testes and accessory sex glands in adult Barki rams during the breeding season. The impact of testosterone on the Doppler indices of accessory sex glands was also investigated. Scrotal contents, pelvic urethra and accessory sex glands of twelve mature Barki rams were scanned with multiple imaging of B-mode and colour Doppler ultrasonography. Serum concentrations of testosterone, FSH and LH were determined. The results revealed that the breeding season changed the echogenicity of testicular parenchyma, spermatic cord, epididymal tail, glans penis and echotexture of accessory sex glands. Serum testosterone was 7.27±0.37 ng/mL, FSH was 6.46±0.2 and LH was 5.6±0.28 m IU/mL. The pulsatility index (PI) for the supra-testicular artery (STA), marginal artery (MA) of the testes and epididymal tail was 1.01±0.07, 0.58±0.04 and 0.5±0.04. The resistive index (RI) for the same structures was 0.6±0.04, 0.33±0.04 and 0.3±0.03, respectively. Importantly, testosterone downregulated PI and RI of the ampulla, vesicular gland, prostate gland and bulbourethral gland. In conclusion, the breeding season changed the echogenicity of reproductive organs and accessory genital glands of rams, and testosterone regulated the hemodynamic parameters of the accessory sex glands.

Three-Dimensional and Histological Observations on Male Genital Organs of Greater Horseshoe Bat, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum

Anatomy of bat genital organs has been conventionally studied by gross and microscopic observations to date. Here, we employ both histological observation and diceCT (diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced computed tomography) to study the detailed three-dimensional morphological structure of the male genital organs in bats, using the greater horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum. This is the first study to three-dimensionally describe the whole reproductive organs of bats in detail. Our highly resolved three-dimensional reconstruction reveals that the male organs of R. ferrumequinum consist of paired testes, epididymides, deferent ducts, and five accessory genital glands. The boundary between the ampullary and vesicular glands has been difficult to identify in previous observations, but our diceCT imaging allowed us to clearly differentiate the two. We found that the ampullary gland is located at the terminal part of the deferent ducts, and the vesicular gland lies distal to the ampullary glands. This species possesses a single and carrot-shaped urethral gland, which is not found in most chiropteran families. The presence of the urethral gland in this species and its secretions suggest that after copulation this species is capable of forming a vaginal plug, which can seal the female’s vaginal orifice to block the entrance of spermatozoa from other males. The presence of the urethral gland and elongated epididymal tail and the fact that some individuals can terminate their hibernation and reactivate imply forced copulation on hibernating females can occur in R. ferrumequinum.

One day is better than four days of ejaculatory abstinence for sperm function.

SummaryAccording to the World Health Organization guidelines, ejaculatory abstinence (EA) of 2–7 days is recommended for semen analysis. This study aimed to determine how seminal quality may be affected by two EA periods from the same man. Seminal samples from 65 men were evaluated by conventional semen analysis and qualitative characteristics after 1 and 4 days of EA (two samples/man). The semen was qualitatively analyzed by examining oxidative activity (intracellular and seminal plasma), sperm function (acrosome integrity, mitochondrial activity, and nuclear DNA integrity), and epididymal function. As expected, samples collected after 1 day of EA showed a decrease in volume and sperm total number compared to samples collected after 4 days of EA. The sperm motility of the samples collected after 1 day of EA was better compared to samples collected after 4 days of EA. Oxidative activity measured was lower after 1 day of EA compared with those measured after 4 days of EA. With regards to sperm function, samples collected after 1 day of EA showed an increase in acrosome integrity, mitochondrial activity, and nuclear DNA integrity compared with samples collected after 4 days of EA. Epididymal function showed no difference between the two-time points. Although samples collected after 4 days of EA showed better results for sperm quantity, samples collected after 1 day of EA showed better qualitative results, including motility, oxidative activity, and sperm function. Thus, it can be concluded that sperm storage at the epididymal tail may make spermatozoa more susceptible to oxidative damage.Lay summaryAccording to the World Health Organization guidelines, stopping ejaculation for 2 to 7 days is recommended before sperm collection for semen analysis. However, the evidence that supports these recommendations is limited. Our study aimed to compare how sperm quality was affected in samples collected after stopping ejaculation for 1 day and 4 days (two samples per man) in a total of 65 men. Although sample collection after stopping ejaculation for 4 days showed better semen quantity (volume and sperm concentration), sample collection after stopping ejaculation for 1 day showed better sperm motility and function. If not ejaculated, sperm are stored in the epididymis tail located in the scrotum beside the testicles and our study suggests that longer sperm storage may damage sperm quality. The results from this study may be used to inform guidance for sperm collection for use in assisted reproduction techniques, and lead to an improvement in both fertilization and implantation rates.

Effects of phosalone plant pesticide on sperm parameters and sexual hormone levels in Wistar rats: An experimental study.

BackgroundPhosalone is an organophosphate insecticide, applied to control of plant pests. This compound has various side effects because it acts as an acetyl cholinesterase enzyme inhibitor.ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of phosalone on the sperm parameters of and levels of sex hormones in adult male rats.Materials and MethodsIn this experimental study, 16 adult (8-12 wk) male Wister rates (weighing 220-280 gr) were randomly assigned into 4 groups (n = 4/each). Group 1 (control) received only routine adequate water and food; Group 2, 3, and 4 received different low doses of phosalone (60, 90, and 120 mg/kg respectively). The rats were weighed and anesthetized after 48 days. Sperm parameters including number, motility, and viability as well as sex hormones (such as Luteinizing Hormone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone, and testosterone) were evaluated and compared after removing the epididymis tail.ResultsOur results showed that phosalone decreased sperm motility, viability, and number in a dose-dependent manner. The level of FSH and LH was increased, and testosterone was decreased. Also, depending on the dose, phosalone decrease sperm motility and viability (p 0.001), while the level of FSH and LH was increased and testosterone was decreased (p = 0.861).ConclusionPhosalone has negative effects on reproductive indices in male rats and can cause serious damage and decrease the number and sperms motility. It can also cause infertility due to changing the concentration of hormones.

Epidydimal leiomyosarcoma: a rare case of scrotal swelling

Sarcomas of the genitourinary tract are extremely uncommon and accounts for only 1-2% of genito urinary malignancies. Sarcomas of the para testicular region, comprising tissues such as the epididymis, spermatic cord, inguinal canal and testicular tunica are also extremely rare. epidydimal leiomyosarcoma accounted only for 4 percentage of all para testicular tumours and only 16 cases are reported so far in literature and they account 4% of all Para testicular sarcomas. We are presenting a 61-year-old patient presented with a hard welling of 1 year duration, with no other associated symptoms. On ultrasound evaluation, it was reported as extra testicular lesion, possibly from epididymal tail. We performed a high inguinal orchidectomy. Histopathological examination revealed a para testicular leiomyosarcoma arising from epididymis. This case has discussed because of the rarity of the disease and possible cure if diagnosed early and treated aggressively.

Impact of thermal stress exposure on seminal quality, antioxidant defence system, TNF-α and TIMP-3 in Ossimi ram.

Heat stress (HS) occupies huge importance nowadays as it leads to severe economic losses especially in livestock. Preserving sheep against HS is one of the governmental scopes where it represents huge percentage of global ruminant. The present research was conducted to study semen quality, some stress and inflammatory markers in Ossimi rams under both hot and mild climatic conditions. The current study was conducted on selected 46 ram samples divided into two groups during summer and winter. Semen analysis, testosterone (TES), cortisol (COR) and blood glucose (BG) levels, and lipid and protein profiles were done. Concentrations of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP-3), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) and specific activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were assessed. The results in summer compared to winter revealed significant elevation of total defects and number of dead sperms; however, there was reduction in sperm total motility and concentration and external epididymal tail duct diameter. Histological study of epididymal tail lumen exhibited azoospermia. Further, TES, TIMP-3 and GSH levels were decreased and COR, TNF-α, NO and MDA were raised. Specific activities of GPx and SOD were also declined. Additionally, there was a significant increase in concentrations of BG and lipid profiles except high-density lipoprotein. Our data concluded that there were new insights into TNF-α and TIMP-3 as biomarkers can be used in diagnosis of sheep suffering from HS, but further studies are recommended to do in future work about such aspect.