Fertilization Success Research Articles

Outcome of Endometriosis Treatment In Infertile Patients In A Tertiary Level Hospital

Introduction: Prevalence of endometriosis is 6-10% in reproductive-age females. Around 25-35% of infertile women may be affected by endometriosis. Modalities of treatment for infertile patients depends on the stage of the disease. It starts from ovulation inducing drug to advanced ART. The objective of this study was to assess the outcome of surgical treatment in infertile, endometriosis patients. Materials and Methods: It was an observational study, which was conducted at Reproductive Endocrinology and infertility Unit, Dhaka Medical College. Total 144 patients were included during July 2018 to July 2021, aged 20-40 yrs. All the demographic variables, clinical and sonographic findings, and hormonal assessment were done. Then, staging was done by clinical pelvic assessment, and ultrasonographic findings. Patients who had ovarian endometrioma, more than 4 cm, were selected for laparoscopic surgery. In patients whose endometrioma was less than 4 cm, or had no ovarian endometrioma, were selected for ovulation induction with or without prior GnRH agonist therapy. Further infertility management were planned according to ovarian reserve, tubal patency, and male factor. Result: Mean age of the patients were 28.30±4.95 yrs. 75.0% patients had primary infertility. Dysmenorrhea was the most common symptom (86.96%), followed by chronic pelvic pain (81.16%). Bilaterality of endometrioma was associated with decreased serum AMH. Laparoscopic surgery was the mainstay of treatment, Cystectomy was done in 58% patients. Conservative treatment was done in remaining patients. Fertility enhancing treatment was done by ovulation inducing drug -letrozole, GnRH agonist, followed by controlled ovarian stimulation and followed by IUI. IVF was advised for fertility management in 26patients (18.06%). Conclusion: Endometriosis is not only associated with decreased ovarian reserve but also responsible for diminished response to ovarian stimulation. So, it is a great challenge to obtain successful fertility treatment for this group of patients. J Dhaka Med Coll. 2023; 32(1) : 9-15

Environmental microplastics compromise reproduction of the marine invertebrate Mytilus galloprovincialis: A holistic approach

The extensive presence of microplastics (MPs) in marine ecosystems constitutes a major threat to aquatic environments. The gametes of the marine invertebrate Mytilus galloprovincialis, which is essential for coastal ecosystems, are released directly into the water, potentially exposing them to environmental microplastics (EMPs). This study examined the effects of exposing M. galloprovincialis gametes to 50 or 100 µg/L EMP for 1 h on fertilization rates, larval quality, and the molecular mechanisms underlying the induction of apoptosis and shell growth. Our findings show that increased EMP concentrations correlate with reduced fertilization success and higher rates of larval malformations, indicating negative impacts on embryonic development. Additionally, DNA degradation in larvae is related to the EMP concentration. The apoptosis-associated proteins Bax, P53, and Cas-3 are upregulated, whereas Bcl-2 and DNA-ligase are downregulated with increasing EMP concentrations. Prothymosin-ɑ (PTMA), which is crucial for cell proliferation, also decreases with increasing EMP concentrations, contributing to impaired cell proliferation and growth imbalances. Reduced HRG gene expression is correlated with decreased shell growth and larval malformations. This study underscores the detrimental impact of EMPs on bivalve gametes, which impacts fertilization success and larval quality and highlights the potential risks to species survival and marine ecosystem stability.

The Effect of Biobased N and P Fertilizers in a Winter Wheat–Ryegrass Crop Rotation

Novel recycled fertilizers could help close environmental nutrient cycles in the circular economy. To better understand their performance and residual value, commercially available biobased nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers (BBFs) were tested in a two-year crop cycle of winter wheat and ryegrass. The N fertilizer replacement value of N-BBFs ranged from 47 to 80% in the main crop. Not all BBFs led to a similarly high N concentration in the mineral reference wheat straw. However, full and early fertilization with incorporation could make the fertilizing effect of N-BBFs more reliable. The P fertilizer replacement value ranged between 105 and 161% for the crop cycle. We assume that the N contained in biobased phosphorus fertilizers can be seen as unproblematic for losses during winter and can serve as a starter fertilizer already present in the soil for the succeeding crop in spring. In general, biobased P fertilizers had a higher residual value than biobased N fertilizers. However, these residual values were comparable to those of mineral fertilizer references. While P-BBFs proved to be a sustainable and reliable nutrient source for a crop cycle, the N-BBFs used as the main crop fertilizer were found to be more prone to environmental influences.

Acoustic enrichment of sperm for in vitro fertilization.

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has emerged as a crucial method in modern medicine for tackling infertility. However, the success of fertilization depends on the quality and quantity of sperm, often necessitating invasive surgical intervention, which presents challenges for non-invasive in vitro fertilization. Acoustic microfluidics technology has found widespread application across various biological contexts. In this paper, we propose to introduce a novel approach using asymmetric acoustic streaming generated by a single interdigital transducer (IDT) to enhance sperm concentration and improve fertilization in vitro, particularly in cases of moderate oligozoospermia. The concentration of particles increased approximately 6-fold in the central region after acoustic enrichment. Moreover, sperm motility was significantly improved without additional DNA fragmentation, and all the oocytes remained viable after 5 min of acoustic enrichment. Notably, acoustic enrichment accelerated fertilization and embryo development, leading to a higher fertilization rate and faster cleavage speed. Specifically, within 36 hours, the multiple-cell embryo ratio was significantly increased compared to the control group. This finding further validates the feasibility and non-invasiveness of acoustic enrichment for sperm fertilization in vitro. This work provides a promising tool for in vitro fertilization, holding significant implications for assisted reproduction.

7119 Klinefelter Syndrome in a Tertiary Referral Clinic: A Case Series and Clinical Audit

Abstract Disclosure: J. Luo: None. S. Sarlos: None. R. Giri: None. I. Sim: None. R.I. McLachlan: None. C.A. Allan: None. R. Upreti: None. Background: Klinefelter syndrome, the most common chromosomal disorder in men, remains underdiagnosed in many of those affected. Klinefelter syndrome is associated with hypogonadism and infertility, as well as an increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE), cardiometabolic disease, osteoporosis and gynaecomastia in adults. We studied the clinical features and disease associations in a tertiary referral cohort, and audited the care provided. Methods: Following ethics approval, adult patients with Klinefelter syndrome attending a Clinical Andrology Service in a tertiary Australian institution since 1 January 2011 were recruited. A database was established and demographics, aspects of initial diagnosis, ongoing treatments and comorbidities were documented. We audited our care using the European Academy of Andrology 2021 Guidelines for Klinefelter Syndrome. Results: Of 94 patients eligible, 57 patients consented to participation. The median age of diagnosis was 28 years, with the most common karyotype being 47,XXY (74%), followed by mosaic (20%) and higher degree polysomy (6%). Infertility (44%) and hypogonadism (33%) were the most common reasons for diagnosis. Most patients (88%) were treated with testosterone. Five men (11%) had genetic children with seven (18%) having previously attempted surgical sperm extraction. VTE occurred in seven patients (12%), with five on long-term anticoagulation following VTE diagnosis. Cardiovascular risk factor prevalence assessed at a median age of 42 years included increased BMI (72%), hypertension (25%), dyslipidaemia (70%), tobacco use (26%), impaired fasting glucose (11%) and type 2 diabetes (22%), though only one patient had a previous cardiovascular event. Osteopenia and osteoporosis were present in 28% and 4% of patients respectively, though only two patients had minimal trauma fractures. The audit of longitudinal care showed that gynaecomastia status was underreported (42%) in our clinic, whilst assessment and management of other health domains were mostly in keeping with the current recommendations. Conclusions: Klinefelter syndrome diagnosis continues to be delayed until adulthood in many men, with presentations most commonly involving infertility and/or hypogonadism. Our tertiary cohort demonstrates low rates of fertility treatment and success, which is likely multifactorial. There is a high burden of VTE, cardiovascular risk factors and reduced bone density despite testosterone treatment. Low rates of cardiovascular events and fracture may be reflective of a younger cohort as well as more aggressive risk factor management in a sub-specialist service. Gynaecomastia identification, documentation and management are areas for potential improvement. Increased awareness of Klinefelter syndrome and research into its associated risks are essential for standardising care and improving long-term outcomes. Presentation: 6/1/2024

7119 Klinefelter Syndrome in a Tertiary Referral Clinic: A Case Series and Clinical Audit

Abstract Disclosure: J. Luo: None. S. Sarlos: None. R. Giri: None. I. Sim: None. R.I. McLachlan: None. C.A. Allan: None. R. Upreti: None. Background: Klinefelter syndrome, the most common chromosomal disorder in men, remains underdiagnosed in many of those affected. Klinefelter syndrome is associated with hypogonadism and infertility, as well as an increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE), cardiometabolic disease, osteoporosis and gynaecomastia in adults. We studied the clinical features and disease associations in a tertiary referral cohort, and audited the care provided. Methods: Following ethics approval, adult patients with Klinefelter syndrome attending a Clinical Andrology Service in a tertiary Australian institution since 1 January 2011 were recruited. A database was established and demographics, aspects of initial diagnosis, ongoing treatments and comorbidities were documented. We audited our care using the European Academy of Andrology 2021 Guidelines for Klinefelter Syndrome. Results: Of 94 patients eligible, 57 patients consented to participation. The median age of diagnosis was 28 years, with the most common karyotype being 47,XXY (74%), followed by mosaic (20%) and higher degree polysomy (6%). Infertility (44%) and hypogonadism (33%) were the most common reasons for diagnosis. Most patients (88%) were treated with testosterone. Five men (11%) had genetic children with seven (18%) having previously attempted surgical sperm extraction. VTE occurred in seven patients (12%), with five on long-term anticoagulation following VTE diagnosis. Cardiovascular risk factor prevalence assessed at a median age of 42 years included increased BMI (72%), hypertension (25%), dyslipidaemia (70%), tobacco use (26%), impaired fasting glucose (11%) and type 2 diabetes (22%), though only one patient had a previous cardiovascular event. Osteopenia and osteoporosis were present in 28% and 4% of patients respectively, though only two patients had minimal trauma fractures. The audit of longitudinal care showed that gynaecomastia status was underreported (42%) in our clinic, whilst assessment and management of other health domains were mostly in keeping with the current recommendations. Conclusions: Klinefelter syndrome diagnosis continues to be delayed until adulthood in many men, with presentations most commonly involving infertility and/or hypogonadism. Our tertiary cohort demonstrates low rates of fertility treatment and success, which is likely multifactorial. There is a high burden of VTE, cardiovascular risk factors and reduced bone density despite testosterone treatment. Low rates of cardiovascular events and fracture may be reflective of a younger cohort as well as more aggressive risk factor management in a sub-specialist service. Gynaecomastia identification, documentation and management are areas for potential improvement. Increased awareness of Klinefelter syndrome and research into its associated risks are essential for standardising care and improving long-term outcomes. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Biochemical analysis and fertilization success of Cirrhinus mrigala ova during induced spawning

Fish egg quality is very crucial in aquaculture sector for production of healthy seed. Egg yolk is an energy reservoir for growth and development of embryo. This study evaluated the biochemical composition and quality of Cirrhinus mrigala eggs at three different hatchery sites of Pakistan, (Site 1= Fish Seed Hatchery, District Pakpattan; Site 2= Sidhuwan Hatchery, Head Balloki, District Kasur; Site 3= Chenab Fish Hatchery, Rangpur, District Muzaffargarh) during induced breeding. For this, a total of 36 (18 males and 18 females) fish brooders, 12 (06 males and 06 females) from each site were utilized. Fatty acids analysis revealed significant differences among three different sites. Saturated fatty acids i.e., palmitic acid (C16:0) and stearic acids (C18:0) were higher at site 2 compared to the others sites. Monounsaturated fatty acids i.e., Oleic acid (C18:1) and polyunsaturated fatty acids i.e., Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (C22:6) exhibited considerably greater values at site 2 than those of other two sites. Egg mineral contents unveiled remarkable differences, particularly at site 2 indicating significantly higher mineral contents except copper (Cu) in comparison to the other sites. Significant variation exists in fertilization and hatching rates during induced spawning, with the highest values recorded at site 2. It is concluded that biochemical composition of egg especially fatty acid profile and mineral content greatly influences the embryonic development and hatching success of farm reared Cirrhinus mrigala.

Different Nitrogen Levels with Nano and Prilled Urea Spray on Productivity and Profitability of Maize (Zea mays L.) in alfisols of Jharkhand

A ground-breaking and enduring way to significantly reduce the use of conventional nitrogen fertilizer is to use nano-urea as a nitrogen supplement. The combination of nano and prilled urea was investigated in this study to address this issue and allowing for a 25% reduction in the recommended urea dosage. Research on rainfed maize during kharif season was conducted at ICAR-IARI Jharkhand. Twelve different combinations of conventional prilled urea, nano and prilled urea spray were investigated in the study. In the fields, the experiment used a randomized block design. Different treatments included applying prilled urea as a 2% solution in 150 liters of water per hectare and nano-urea at a rate of 1250 ml/acre applied twice through foliar application. Results showed that applying two additional applications of nano-urea along with 75% of the recommended dose of prilled-urea was the most successful fertilization strategy. This performed statistically equal with both the 100% recommended dose and the 100% recommended dose with two prilled urea spray applications in terms of yield, and cost-to-benefit ratio. The study's findings show that nano-urea can safely replace at least 25% of the dosage of prilled urea i.e. recommended, providing a more profitable and environmentally friendly method of cultivation.

Male Reproductive Traits Display Increased Phenotypic Variation in Response to Resource Quality and Parental Provisioning in a Tropical Rainforest Dung Beetle, Onthophagus c.f. babirussa.

Reproductive traits that mediate differential fitness associated with mate acquisition and fertilisation success are often strongly linked to the overall condition. We investigated the effects of resource quality and parental provisioning in the phenotypic expression of sexual and non-sexual traits in a rainforest dung beetle, Onthophagus c.f. babirussa (Eschscholtz, 1822) from Singapore. F1 individuals were reared from wild-caught beetles and paired up to produce offspring (F2), and F2 larvae from the same F1 parents were reared on two dung substrates (herbivore and omnivore) in a full-sib design. Sexual traits displayed greater phenotypic variation in response to dung resource quality, with the precopulatory trait (horn length) responding more than the postcopulatory trait (testes weight). Notably, genotype-by-environment interactions between parental lines (genotype) and dung type (environment) affected male body size and horn length only, suggesting sex-specific variance in plasticity associated with sexually selected precopulatory traits. Dung type had significant effects on all measured traits. Offspring that were provisioned higher quality resource (omnivore dung) had larger absolute and relative trait values. Parental lines only significantly affected female body size but none of the male traits, suggesting an important role of environment and resource partitioning in determining precopulatory success of male offspring. Parental provisioning of larval resource varied with resource quality and brood sequence. Parents provisioned more dung when herbivore dung was presented than when they were given omnivore dung and provisioned more dung for their earlier broods when using herbivore dung but not omnivore dung. This suggests a trade-off between early offspring fitness and resource quality. We tested directly for genotype-by-environment (G × E) interactions in the expression of several morphological traits relevant to dung beetle fitness and documented that offspring with similar phenotypes may result from completely different parental resource allocation strategies. We discuss the importance of studying parental investment on trait variation and its implications on dung beetle ecology.

Detoxification as a potential intervention for improving in vitro fertilization outcomes: a comparative analysis of failed cycles before and after detox

Objectives: In vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates vary, posing challenges for patients with repeated failed cycles. Environmental toxins, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals, may contribute to IVF failure. Detoxification has emerged as a potential intervention to improve outcomes, but its efficacy remains uncertain. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of data from 65 IVF patients undergoing detoxification at a private fertility clinic in Lagos, Nigeria, between 2020 and 2022. Demographic data, IVF history, and detoxification details were collected. Logistic regression assessed the impact of age and failed IVF cycles on live birth outcomes, with odds ratios calculated. Results: Of 65 patients, 33 achieved a positive pregnancy outcome after detoxification. A significant reduction in failed IVF cycles postdetoxification was observed (P < 0.0001). Logistic regression indicated that older age and more failed IVF cycles were associated with decreased odds of live birth. However, detoxification mitigated this effect, reducing the odds of failed IVF cycles, although not significantly. Conclusion: Detoxification shows promise as an intervention to improve IVF outcomes in patients with repeated failed cycles. By reducing failed IVF cycles and enhancing live birth rates, detoxification may optimize reproductive success. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm these findings and elucidate underlying mechanisms. Nonetheless, our study highlights the importance of considering environmental factors and adopting holistic approaches to enhance IVF success.

Body size decline during thermal evolution is only detected at mild temperature.

Body size is a key morphological trait that affects physiology and metabolism, as well as other relevant traits such as fertility and mating success. Some evidence points to a trend of shrinking body size with increasing temperature, but this is far from unequivocal. Here, we assess the evolution of body size under a warming environment in experimentally evolved Drosophila subobscura populations from two distinct geographical origins, tested in both ancestral and warming environments. We observed a decrease in body size in the warming populations, but only in the lower-latitude populations and only when tested in the ancestral (control) environment. The absence of a body size response in the warming environment may be owing to a balance between forces promoting thermodynamic stability-leading to a tendency for body size to decrease-and selection for increased reproductive output-leading to an increase in body size. Our findings indicate that body size variation is complex, with genotype-by-environment interactions occurring. This may explain the lack of consistency across studies. This highlights that predictions of body size evolution under climate warming are not straightforward and emphasizes the need for considering intra- and inter-specific variation in future studies.

Reproductive behavior: Decrypting cryptic female choice

Females in many species bias fertilization success and paternity after mating with multiple males. Two new studies uncover the mechanisms of this phenomenon, cryptic female choice, in Drosophila, linking it to pheromone-stimulated ejection of sperm and mating plug.

Differential abundance of microRNAs in seminal plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) in Sahiwal cattle bull related to male fertility.

Sahiwal cattle, known for their high milk yield, are propagated through artificial insemination (AI) using male germplasm, largely contingent on semen quality. Spermatozoa, produced in the testes, carry genetic information and molecular signals essential for successful fertilization. Seminal plasma, in addition to sperm, contains nano-sized lipid-bound extracellular vesicles (SP-EVs) that carry key biomolecules, including fertility-related miRNAs, which are essential for bull fertility. The current study focused on miRNA profiling of SP-EVs from high-fertile (HF) and low-fertile (LF) Sahiwal bulls. SP-EVs were isolated using size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Western blotting detected the EV-specific protein markers TSG101 and CD63. The DLS analysis showed SP-EV sizes of 170-180nm in HF and 130-140nm in LF samples. The NTA revealed particle concentrations of 5.76 × 1010 to 5.86 × 1011 particles/mL in HF and 5.31 × 1010 to 2.70 × 1011 particles/mL in LF groups, with no significant differences in size and concentration between HF and LF. High-throughput miRNA sequencing identified 310 miRNAs in SP-EVs from both groups, with 61 upregulated and 119 downregulated in HF bull. Further analysis identified 41 miRNAs with significant fold changes and p-values, including bta-miR-1246, bta-miR-195, bta-miR-339b, and bta-miR-199b, which were analyzed for target gene prediction. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analyses indicated that these miRNAs target genes involved in transcription regulation, ubiquitin-dependent endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) pathways, and signalling pathways. Functional exploration revealed that these genes play roles in spermatogenesis, motility, acrosome reactions, and inflammatory responses. qPCR analysis showed that bta-miR-195 had 80% higher expression in HF spermatozoa compared to LF, suggesting its association with fertility status (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study elucidates the miRNA cargoes in SP-EVs as indicators of Sahiwal bull fertility, highlighting bta-miR-195 as a potential fertility factor among the various miRNAs identified.

Impact of heat stress on female reproduction in farm animals: challenges and possible remedies

Global warming poses significant challenges to agriculture, particularly within the livestock industry. Heat stress in animals refers to the physiological and metabolic distress experienced when environmental heat causes an animal’s body temperature to exceed its thermoneutral zone. Heat stress has a significant detrimental impact on reproductive outcomes, posing a direct threat to the profitability of livestock operations. Heat stress disrupts the normal hormonal balance essential for reproduction in female livestock, adversely affecting events of folliculogenesis and embryogenesis. As a result, the developmental competence of oocytes is compromised, which is crucial for successful fertilization and reproduction. Consequently, heat stress can lead to issues such as immature oocytes, atypical or sluggish embryonic development, silent estrus, and increased pregnancy loss causing a decline in reproductive rates and livestock owners face substantial financial losses. Despite using various cooling strategies, such as water sprinkler systems, cooling shades, and cooling devices, these measures are often insufficient to restore normal reproductive rates. Therefore, it is crucial to implement and explore novel strategies to enhance reproductive efficiency during periods of heat stress. Potential mitigation techniques include estrus synchronization, artificial insemination, hormonal alterations, embryo transfer, genetic engineering, sophisticated breeding strategies, the use of nutraceuticals, and changes in management practices. This review aims to consolidate recent findings on the adverse effects of heat stress on female reproduction, especially in tropical environments, and to evaluate potential strategies for improving summer fertility of livestock. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 53(3): 77-100, 2024

Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside improves survival, quality, and fertility of frozen-thawed C57Bl/6J and C57Bl/6N mouse spermatozoa.

Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside (AA2G) is a stabilized form of ascorbic acid and a potent antioxidant. Ascorbic acid is present in the testes and epididymis and helps maintain the physiological integrity of reproductive organs. Its properties have been utilized to protect spermatozoa of different species from oxidative stress. Spermatozoa of C57Bl/6J and C57Bl/6N strains were frozen and analyzed, after thawing, by supplementing the capacitation medium with AA2G, both in the presence and absence of methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MBCD). The effect of treatment was evaluated by SCA System (Microptic) analyzing the velocity, vitality, morphology, and the DNA fragmentation. We also examined sperm capacitation (CTC), acrosome reaction (Coomassie Brillant Blue), and fertility (in vitro fertilization) of treated spermatozoa. AA2G improved sperm quality and fertility particularly in association with MBCD. We observed a significant increase of sperm motility, velocity, and vitality associated with an enhanced capacitation and acrosome reaction. These improvements resulted in a marked increase in in vitro fertilization success. Embryos obtained were cultured and reached normally the blastocyst stage. This study aimed to determine if AA2G could safeguard mouse spermatozoa during cryopreservation. We found a protective effect of AA2G that increased sperm survivability resulting in higher fertilization rate. This newly improved protocol shows potential for reanimating cryopreserved GEMMs stored in mouse biobanks and international repositories, such as the European Mouse Mutant Archive (EMMA). This can serve as a pivotal tool in fulfilling the 3Rs mission (replacement, reduction, and refinement), promoting ethical and humane research practices.

Assessing Student and Physician Fertility Awareness Utilizing the Fertility and Infertility Treatment Knowledge Score (FIT-KS).

Medical trainees are delaying childbearing due to competing demands of career, financial constraints, and limited parental leave. Delaying childbearing increases the risk of obstetric complications, with up to one-quarter of female physicians facing infertility. Education on family planning and fertility is rarely discussed among medical trainees, and research on medical trainees' knowledge of fertility and infertility is minimal. Subjects included medical students, residents, fellows, and attendings assigned female at birth. The distributed survey included the Fertility and Infertility Treatment Knowledge Score (FIT-KS) instrument to assess for fertility and infertility knowledge. Outcome measures include participant age, stage of training, parity, specialty, and FIT-KS. Of the 291 participants included in the final analysis, participants scored an average of 20/29 (69%) on the FIT-KS. Around 44.8% (n=130) of participants overestimated the fecundability of a 30-year-old woman, and 36.9% (n=107) underestimated the chance of miscarriage in peak reproductive years. Five out of eight questions pertaining to infertility treatment had a <50% correct response rate. About 76.6% (n=216) of participants underestimated in vitro fertilization (IVF) success for a woman <35 years old, and 56% (n=158) overestimated the success of IVF for a woman >44 years old. Around 43.6% (n=123) of participants overestimated the average cost of IVF. Of the main outcome measures, only those participants representing obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) performed better on average than all other specialties (FIT-KS=21.7 vs. 19.5). Participants overestimated fecundity with increasing age and had insufficient knowledge of infertility treatment success. More awareness and early discussion about family planning and fertility goals are needed in medical training.

Exploring the Effects of Nitric Oxide and Reactive Oxygen Species on Buffalo Sperm Quality: A Comprehensive Review

Buffalo reproduction plays a vital role in the livestock industry, where sperm quality is a critical determinant of successful fertilization and overall fertility. Nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are key regulators of various physiological processes, including sperm function. However, their dual role in modulating sperm quality is complex, as both excessive and insufficient levels can lead to detrimental effects. This review explores the intricate balance between NO, ROS and sperm quality in buffalo, emphasizing the molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions. NO is a signaling molecule involved in the regulation of sperm motility, capacitation and acrosome reaction, but its overproduction can result in nitrosative stress, impairing sperm function. Similarly, ROS, at physiological levels, are essential for sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction, yet an imbalance towards oxidative stress can lead to lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation and reduced sperm viability. This review also delves into the role of exogenous NO donors, such as sodium nitroprusside (SNP), in modulating NO and ROS levels, and their consequent impact on sperm quality. The dual effects of NO and ROS on buffalo sperm highlight the importance of maintaining an optimal redox balance to preserve sperm integrity and functionality. In conclusion, understanding the molecular pathways through which NO and ROS influence sperm quality is crucial for developing targeted strategies to enhance reproductive outcomes in buffalo. Future research should focus on identifying biomarkers of oxidative stress and evaluating the potential of antioxidant therapies to mitigate the adverse effects of NO and ROS, ultimately improving buffalo fertility.

Hybridization and growth characteristics of interspecific crosses between Crassostrea hongkongensis and Crassostrea iredalei

Interspecific hybridization of oysters is a highly efficient breeding strategy that can produce commercially viable phenotypes. Crassostrea hongkongensis, the primary cultivar in southern China, faces increasing summer mortality risks and slow growth rates, which elevate commercial risks for farmers. C. iredalei, a commercially cultivated species in Southeast Asia, has been expanding its ecological niche northward in recent years, providing opportunities for interspecific hybridization with C. hongkongensis. This study conducted a 2 × 2 factorial cross between C. hongkongensis and C. iredalei (II: C. iredalei ♀ × C. iredalei ♂, HH: C. hongkongensis ♀ × C. hongkongensis ♂; IH: C. iredalei ♀ × C. hongkongensis ♂, HI: C. hongkongensis ♀ × C. iredalei ♂) and set up 6 salinity treatments (14, 17, 20, 23, 26 and 29 ppt) to explore the optimal salinity for embryo hatching. The results showed that the hybridization was successful, despite bidirectional fertilization and pronounced asymmetry in fertilization success. The optimal hatching salinity for C. iredalei and C. hongkongensis was 23 ppt and 17–20 ppt, respectively, while the optimal salinity for reciprocal hybrids was 20 ppt. Notably, the hatching rate of IH was lower than that of the control group at the optimal salinity. During the pelagic larval stage, hybrid larvae exhibited significant hybrid inferiority, with slower growth rates and higher mortality rates compared to intraspecific hybridization. It is worth noting that IH failed to overcome genetic incompatibility, resulting in complete mortality during the pelagic larval stage and failure to enter the growth stage. At the 360th day of the growth period, HI hybrids grown in Sanbaimen Sea exhibited significant hybrid vigor in shell height (15.65 %), and in Daya Bay Marine Biology Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences (MBRS), they showed significant single-parent hybrid advantages in shell height (28.44 %) and cumulative survival rate (58.11 %) compared to C. hongkongensis. In terms of gonadal development, HI hybrids were able to produce functional and viable gametes, although with some delay compared to their parents. The hybrid offspring inherited the phenotypic traits of their parents, with a grayish-yellow flesh color intermediate between the two oyster species. HI is a valuable genetic resource for oyster breeding, and its growth potential should be further explored to meet commercialization demands.

Hormone-Driven Temperature Optimization for Elevated Reproduction in Goldfish (Carassius auratus) under Laboratory Conditions.

This study investigates the efficacy of hormone-induced artificial reproduction in goldfish (Carassius auratus) under controlled temperatures. Ovaprim injections significantly enhanced ovulation and sperm production compared to controls. Medium temperature (22 °C) produced the highest ovulation rates, fastest ovulation timing, and optimal sperm quality (motility and morphology) compared to high (28 °C) and low (16 °C) temperature groups. The low-temperature group exhibited reduced sperm motility duration and higher rates of sperm and larvae damage. The sperm volume of the high-temperature group was higher, but their post-injection survival rates were lower. Furthermore, the lowest spawning rate and low egg quality were noted in the high temperature. Cryopreservation using extender E4 (15% DMSO) exhibited superior post-thaw sperm motility and achieved higher fertilization rates. Fertilization rates, embryo development, and larval survival were all highest at the medium temperature. Larvae hatched from fresh sperm at medium temperature exhibited faster growth and fewer deformities. These findings suggest that hormone stimulation coupled with a medium temperature regimen is critical for successful artificial reproduction in goldfish. Cryopreservation with extender E4 holds promise for sperm banking; however, further optimization is necessary to improve fertilization success with thawed sperm. Future research could explore the influence of temperature on sperm physiology and refine cryopreservation protocols to enhance fertilization rates.

Interacting phenotypic plasticities: Do male and female responses to the sociosexual environment interact to determine fitness?

Socially induced plasticity in reproductive effort is a widely documented phenomenon. However, few empirical studies have examined how male and female plastic responses to the social environment might interact in determining fitness outcomes. In field crickets, Teleogryllus oceanicus, males respond to rival song by increasing expenditure on seminal fluid proteins that enhance competitive fertilization success at the cost of reduced embryo survival. It remains unknown whether plastic responses in females could moderate the effects of male competitiveness on offspring performance. Here we used a fully factorial design to explore the interacting effects on fitness of male and female plasticity to the sociosexual environment. We found that female crickets exposed to male song increased the number of eggs produced during early life reproduction, which came at a cost of reduced offspring size. There was evidence, albeit weak, that interacting effects of male and female sociosexual environment contributed to variation in the hatching success of eggs laid by females. Lifetime offspring production was unaffected by the sociosexual environments to which upstream male and female plastic responses were made. Our data offer a rare test of the theoretical expectation that male and female plasticities should interact in their effects on female fitness.