Higher Percentage Of Spermatozoa Research Articles

Tektin bundle interacting protein, TEKTIP1, functions to stabilize the tektin bundle and axoneme in mouse sperm flagella

Tektins are microtubule inner proteins (MIPs) and localize at the inside lumen of doublet microtubules (DMTs) of cilia/flagella. TEKTIP1, a newly identified protein by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), is proposed to be localized at the center of the tektin bundle and hypothesized to recruit tektins or stabilize the bundle. However, the physiological role of TEKTIP1 is unknown. In this study, we generated Tektip1-knockout (Tektip1−/−) mice and showed that they were male subfertile primarily due to reduced sperm motility. A high percentage of sperm from Tektip1−/− mice showed moderately disorganized axoneme structures and abnormal flagellar waveforms. TEKTIP1 predominately interacted with TEKT3 among tektins. Loss of TEKTIP1 partially disturbed the organization of tektin bundle by mainly affecting the native status of TEKT3 and its interaction with other tektins. Collectively, our study reveals the physiological role and potential molecular mechanism of TEKTIP1 in axonemal structure and sperm motility, highlights the importance of MIPs in stabilizing DMTs, and suggests a potential relevance of TEKTIP1 deficiency to human asthenospermia. Tektip1−/− mice will be an excellent animal model to study the DMT organization of sperm flagella using cryo-EM in future.

Characterization of sperm cells in infertile male subjects in southwest Nigeria

Sperm characteristics are used as proxy to estimate or gain insight into the underlying causes of male infertility. The aim of the study was to characterize sperm cells in infertile males in South-West Nigeria. This is a cross-sectional study involving 92 male subjects, grouped as 35 fertile males (control) and 57 infertile males (test subjects). The subjects, who volunteered, were attendees of Fertility Clinics in Lagos Metropolis, Lagos, Nigeria. Semen specimens were collected and analyzed with computer-assisted sperm analyzer (CASA) in conjunction with WHO guidelines for semen preparation and examination. Raw data obtained from the measurements, were subjected to statistical analysis using GraphPad Prism Version 5.03 (San Diego, California, USA). Results were expressed as percentage. The results revealed sperm cells in the infertile subjects as following: (a) based on sperm counts; the sperm cells were oligospermia and azoospermia with prevalence of 54 (79%) and 12 (21%) respectively. (b) Based on sperm cell morphology: the sperm cells were 14 (25%) oligoasthenoteratospermia, 12 (21%) teratospermia, 9 (16%) oligoasthenospermia; 9 (16%) oligoteratospermia, 5 (8%) asthenospermia, 4 (7%) asthenoteratospermia and 4 (7%). Cryptospermia. (c) Based on ejaculatory volume; 14 (24.5%) hypovolaemia, 2 (3.5%) hypervolaemic, and 41 (72%) normovolaemia, (d) Based on viscosity: 53 (93 %) Normoviscosity, and 4 (7%) hyperviscocity. In conclusion, Infertility in the studied population was caused by high percentage of spermatozoa with abnormal morphology.

Biochemical indicators of sperm plasma and morphofunctional features of spermatozoa in HIV-infected men

BACKGROUND: The problem of male infertility particularly affects men with HIV infections, as semen volume and sperm motility are reduced by highly active antiretroviral therapy.
 AIM: To analyze the metabolic parameters of spermatozoa, spermograms and spermatozoa morphology in HIV-infected men.
 MATERIALS AND METODS: The study included 47 patients (aged 2546 years) who were under observation at the clinic of Professor M.A. Florova (Samara). 2 groups were formed: main (n=22) HIV-infected patients who want to have children (with an undetectable viral load (4050 copies/ml) and taking antiretroviral therapy); control (n=25) clinically healthy men with one child. The material was taken and the ejaculate was examined according to standardized methods proposed by WHO experts.
 RESULTS: In HIV-infected men, spermatozoa motility was low (the number of progressively motile spermatozoa was 28.503.72%), the spermatozoa concentration was two times lower compared to the control group of men, the morphological characteristics of spermatozoa were significantly worse than in the control group: most often pathology of the head (21.751.10%) and neck of the spermatozoon (22.301.18%) was detected, which negatively affects the fertilizing ability.
 In HIV-infected men, changes in metabolic metabolism were noted: the activity of creatine phosphokinase in both sperm plasma (661.951.08 U/l) and blood plasma (76.901.09 U/l) was lower, than in the control group (844.250.13 and 79.501.37 U/l, respectively), the glucose concentration (8.071.14 mmol/l) was 2 times higher than in the control group (3.061.09 mmol/l), the concentration of calcium 6.530.01 and sodium (119.201.23 mol/l) slightly exceeded those in the group of healthy patients (5.550.08 and 116.850.01 mol/l, respectively). Electron microscopic analysis revealed fragmentation of sperm DNA: the highest percentage of sperm with fragmented DNA was found in men with HIV infection (more than 23%).
 CONCLUSION: It was revealed that in vivo fertilization in HIV-infected men is impossible in most cases. The study forms the basis for a future comprehensive assessment of the state of reproductive function in HIV-infected men to assess their fertility and the need for assisted reproductive technologies.

Gonadotropin axis and semen quality in young Swiss men after cannabis consumption: Effect of chronicity and modulation by cannabidiol.

While cannabis is the most widely used recreational drug in the world, the effects of phytocannabinoids on semen parameters and reproductive hormones remain controversial. Cannabinoid receptors are activated by these compounds at each level of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadotropic axis. To assess the impact of the consumption of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol on semen parameters, as well as on male reproductive hormone and endocannabinoid levels, in a cohort of young Swiss men. The individuals in a Swiss cohort were divided according to their cannabis consumption. In the cannabis user group, we determined the delay between the last intake of cannabis and sample collection, the chronicity of use and the presence of cannabidiol in the consumed product. Urinary Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol metabolites were quantified via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Blood phytocannabinoids, endocannabinoids and male steroids were determined via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry, and other hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadotropic axis hormones were determined via immunoassays. Semen parameters such as sperm concentration and motility were recorded using computer-assisted sperm analysis. Anandamide, N-palmitoyl ethanolamide, androgens, estradiol and sex hormone binding globulin levels were all higher in cannabis users, particularly in chronic, recent and cannabidiol-positive consumers. Gonadotropin levels were not significantly different in these user subpopulations, whereas prolactin and albumin concentrations were lower. In addition, cannabis users had a more basic semen pH and a higher percentage of spermatozoa with progressive motility. However, the two latter observations seem to be related to a shorter period of sexual abstinence in this group rather than to the use of cannabis. Because both cannabidiol and Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol are frequently used by men of reproductive age, it is highly relevant to elucidate the potential effects they may have on human reproductive health. This study demonstrates that the mode of cannabis consumption must be considered when evaluating the effect of cannabis on semen quality.

The Influence of Body Weight on Semen Parameters in Apis mellifera Drones.

The quantity and quality of the honey bee drone semen have a significant determination on the performance of bee colonies. The existence of a smaller number of mature drones to participate in the mating of queens, as well as a sufficient number of drones but with poor quality semen can have serious implications for the productivity of bee colonies. Our study aimed to investigate the correlation between two body weight ranges of drones and semen parameters in the Buckfast honey bee, data that could be integrated into the optimization of instrumental insemination in been queens. Semen was collected from two groups of drones with different body weights (200-240 mg and 240-280 mg). Semen volume, semen concentration, motility, morphology and membrane integrity of spermatozoa were analyzed. The phenotype indicator related to body weight in correlation with the main semen parameters studied gives a weak influence or causality ratio. In drones with 240-280 mg body weight, a higher percentage of spermatozoa with abnormal morphology (>9.60%) was recorded, compared to drones with 200-240 mg body weight. The study reveals that a higher weight of honey bee drones is correlated with higher sperm concentration and total number of spermatozoa/ejaculate, with an increase in the percentage of spermatozoa with abnormal morphology.

Impact of post-Chernobyl radiation on flow cytometry parameters of human sperm.

The aim of this study was to analyse the long-term radiation effects on human sperm. In total, 104 samples of male donors from 2 regions of Ukraine were tested. Group 1 consisted of 32 donors from the Ivano-Frankivsk region, group 2 included 72 volunteers from the Zhytomyr region. The average age of donors in both groups was 35 ± 6 years (range 24-49). To assess the level of apoptosis, membrane mitochondrial potential, concentration of reactive oxygen species, and ploidy of sperm, flow cytometry was performed. The individual equivalent dose of group 1 was < 0.4 mSv and of group 2 ≥ 0.4 mSv. Live spermatozoa with signs of apoptosis were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in group 2 in comparison to group 1 (15.6% and 11.2%, respectively). Spermatozoa without violating integrity were 73.2% in group 1 and approximately 16% higher than the indices of group 2. The percentage of dead necrotic spermatozoa was twice as high in men with a predicted equivalent dose of ≥ 0.4 mSv than in comparison group. A higher percentage of spermatozoa with low mitochondrial membrane potential, di- and tetraploid was found in group 2. An equivalent individual dose of ≥ 0.4 mSv can cause a decrease in mitochondrial potential, an increase in the production of spermatozoa with pathological ploidy, as well as to provoke increasing apoptosis in cells.

Semen quality and reproductive hormones in sons of subfertile couples: a cohort study

To study the associations between parental subfecundity, assessed by time to pregnancy and use of medically-assisted reproduction, and reproductive health of young men. Cohort study. Denmark. A total of 1,058 men in the Fetal Programming of Semen quality cohort, a subcohort of the Danish National Birth Cohort. From 2017-2019, men were recruited and provided semen and blood samples. Information on parental time to pregnancy and use of medically-assisted reproduction (including type of treatment) as well as demographic, health, and lifestyle factors were available. We estimated the crude and adjusted relative percentage differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in the outcomes according to time to pregnancy and use of medically-assisted reproduction, using multiple adjusted negative binomial regression analysis. Semen characteristics (semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, sperm motility, and morphology), testicular volume, and reproductive hormone levels (follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, estradiol, sex hormone-binding globulin, and free androgen index). Overall, semen quality and levels of reproductive hormones were not lower among sons of subfecund parents reporting a time to pregnancy >6 months or use of intrauterine insemination. Sons conceived after invitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection, had a higher semen concentration (29%; 95% CI, -7%-79%) and a higher percentage of sperm with normal morphology (20%; 95% CI, -8%-56%), but with 95% CI overlapping the null. Moreover, these sons had slightly higher estradiol levels (30%; 95% CI, 7%-57%). The absolute differences seen were small, and the clinical significance of these differences are unknown. We found no major difference in semen quality or reproductive hormones in sons conceived by subfertile couples or with the use of medically-assisted reproduction.

Effect of extender on the quality and incubation resilience of cryopreserved Holstein bull semen

There are still concerns over sperm quality when plant-based diluents are used instead of animal-based semen extenders. Therefore, in our study we compared the effects of one soybean lecithin-based (AndroMed&lt;sup&gt;®&lt;/sup&gt;) and two egg yolk-based (BullXcell&lt;sup&gt;®&lt;/sup&gt; and Optidyl&lt;sup&gt;®&lt;/sup&gt;) commercially available extenders on post-thaw in vitro sperm quality. Fifty ejaculates collected from ten bulls were aliquoted into three parts and diluted with the above-mentioned extenders. Post-thaw sperm viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), plasma membrane integrity, and acrosome status were analysed immediately after thawing (0 h) and at an hourly interval during 2-h incubation at 38 °C. Sperm functionality variables were assessed by simultaneous quadruple staining using flow cytometry. Semen stored in Optidyl&lt;sup&gt;® &lt;/sup&gt;had a greater viability, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity than that stored in AndroMed&lt;sup&gt;®&lt;/sup&gt; and BullXcell&lt;sup&gt;®&lt;/sup&gt; (P &amp;lt; 0.05). With the use of BullXcell&lt;sup&gt;®&lt;/sup&gt; there was a higher percentage of sperm with high MMP (P &amp;lt; 0.05) when compared with the other extenders. The incubation affected the development of sperm quality parameters differently as the variables related to the plasma membrane showed an increase, while MMP and acrosome integrity showed a decline. Although the semen from all bulls responded to treatments in a similar manner, significant intra- and inter-male differences were found. In conclusion, the results clearly displayed the beneficial effects of egg yolk over soybean lecithin supplementation on in vitro sperm quality.

A triple stain method in conjunction with an in-depth screening of cryopreservation effects on post-thaw sperm in dogs

In order to accurately analyze the possible side effects of sperm cryopreservation, an in-depth screening of post-thaw sperm status is necessary. Thus, this study aimed to identify thorough effects of sperm cryopreservation, by evaluating the integrity of all specific structures of the canine spermatozoa. Thirteen (n = 13) mature dogs of different breeds were selected. Six dogs (n = 6) were subjected to sperm cryopreservation, whereas seven dogs (n = 7) were used as semen donors to validate a simultaneous assessment of sperm plasmatic, acrosomal, and mitochondrial membranes (triple stain) by fluorescent probes. Fresh and post-thaw semen samples were evaluated through a computer-assisted analysis of sperm motility, sperm morpho-functional evaluation, triple stain and sperm DNA integrity. Post-thaw semen samples had lower total and progressive motility, as well as higher percentage of minor and major defects. Moreover, post-thaw samples had higher percentage of sperm with plasma membrane and mitochondrial damage but intact acrosome, and also sperm with simultaneous damaged plasma, acrosomal and mitochondrial membranes. Furthermore, post-thaw sperm had higher protamination deficiency and DNA fragmentation. In conclusion, cryopreservation has a broad impact in sperm morphology and function, altering motility patterns, plasma, acrosome and mitochondrial membranes integrity, as well as sperm DNA.

Some features of reproductive health in male patients in Samara

In the past few decades, there has been a decline in male fertility worldwide. The article is devoted to the study of the reproductive health of subfertile men. Purpose of the work: analysis of the biochemical composition of sperm plasma, spermogram and sperm morphology in subfertile men of reproductive age. The study included 85 patients aged 25 to 45 years, who were under observation in the clinic of Professor M.A. Florova (Samara): 60 patients seeking help to optimize reproductive health and procreation planning (a group of subfertile men, spermogram indices have deviations) and 25 clinically healthy men - a comparison group (control, spermogram indices are within the WHO norm). In subfertile men, morphological abnormalities of spermatozoa and changes in the biochemical composition of sperm plasma (increased concentration of transamination enzymes) were established. Spermatozoa with immature chromatin were identified. Electron microscopic analysis revealed fragmentation of sperm DNA: the highest percentage of spermatozoa with fragmented DNA was found in subfertile men (more than 22%).

Effects of Selenium Supplementation on Sperm Parameters and DNA-Fragmentation Rate in Patients with Chronic Autoimmune Thyroiditis.

Background: Selenium (Se) is an essential component of selenoenzymes, which have catalytic and antioxidant functions. A low Se status has been reported in patients with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (AT) who benefit from Se supplementation. The role of Se in male reproduction is still a matter of debate. Although Se and selenoenzymes ensure sperm viability and protect against increased oxidative stress, only a few studies have assessed the effects of the administration of Se alone on sperm parameters, providing contrasting results. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of oral Se supplementation on conventional sperm parameters and DNA fragmentation (SDF) in patients with AT of reproductive age with normal thyroid function. Patients and Methods: Only patients with AT and normal thyroid function were selected for this study. All included patients underwent oral Se supplementation at the dose of 83 µg once daily (Syrel®, IBSA) for six months. Sperm conventional parameters, SDF, and thyroid function were assessed before and at the end of the treatment. Results: Twenty AT patients with normal weight were enrolled. After Se supplementation, they showed a higher sperm concentration, a higher percentage of sperm with progressive motility, and a higher percentage with normal morphology. They also had lower semen leukocyte concentration, and a lower percentage of spermatozoa with DNA fragmentation compared with pre-treatment values. Free-thyroxine serum levels increased significantly, whereas free triiodothyronine showed an upward trend. The thyroid-stimulating hormone did not change significantly. Conclusion: Se supplementation may represent a possible non-hormonal therapeutic choice for the treatment of male infertility, although further studies are needed to confirm this evidence. The possible thyroid hormone dependency of these findings needs to be clarified.

Toxicity assessment of chronic exposure to common insecticides and bee medications on colony development and drones sperm parameters.

The effect of agrochemicals and beekeeping treatments on drones have not been widely investigated compared to workers or queens. In the present study, we investigated the chronic exposure of chemicals set (deltamethrin, acetamiprid, oxalic acid, fumagillin, and amitraz) on some sperm parameters and on the histomorphology of seminal vesicles. We also assessed the colony development and nosema load before and after the exposure. Thirty native Apis mellifera anatolica honeybee colonies with sister queens equalized with brood and total frame of bees were used for this experiment. Five colonies were used for each group. Deltamethrin, acetamiprid and fumagillin were given as oral chronic exposure at final concentrations of 25.10-6 mg L-1, 0.01 m L-1 and 50 mg L-1 respectively in syrup solution (50/50). Colonies were exposed to oxalic acid by spraying 5 mL per frame space of 3% (w/v) of oxalic acid dihydrate. Finally, the amitraz was applied based on the manufacturer's instructions. The concentrations chosen represented the field-realistic concentrations and those used by beekeepers in the region. Results showed that deltamethrin reduced brood production. In the same group, we found a high increase in nosema load. All treatments decreased sperm count except for fumagillin but this compound increased sperm mortality and increased the percentage of sperm with defected acrosome integrity. The amitraz exhibited a high sperm mortality and high percentage of sperm with defected membrane integrity function. The sperm parameters such as the count, the motility, the acrosome integrity, the membrane function of sperm, and the histomorphology of seminal vesicles of drones exposed to oxalic acid were the most affected. Bee medications commonly used such as oxalic acid and fumagillin should be more investigated and should be considered by beekeepers and particularly queen breeders.

Toxicity and deleterious impacts of selenium nanoparticles at supranutritional and imbalance levels on male goldfish (Carassius auratus) sperm

BackgroundSelenium has a major role in male reproduction and antioxidative mechanisms. Although deficiency of this element can result in damages to the body's organs, this metalloid can induce deleterious effects in organisms by causing oxidative stress. This study assessed the spermatotoxicity of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) in goldfish (Carassius auratus) based on genotoxicity, antioxidant status, sperm quality, and histopathology. MethodsThe fish with an average weight of 70 g (n = 288) were divided into four experimental groups (three replicates) and fed three times a day with SeNPs at different levels of 0, 0.1, 0.5, and 1 mg kg diet for 30 and 60 days. ResultsAfter 30 and 60 days of feeding trial, compared to the control group, spermatocrit percentage markedly decreased at 1 mg kg SeNPs on day 30 as well as at 0.5 and 1 mg kg on day 60 (p < 0.05). Computer-assisted sperm analysis parameters especially VCL, VSL, and VAP decreased in response to SeNPs (p < 0.05). Percentage of fast speed progressive sperm cells was highest in fish fed with 0.1 mg kg SeNPs following the dietary experiment and significantly reduced in a SeNPs dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). In addition, the levels of Malondialdehyde and Glutathione peroxidase were significantly elevated in seminal plasma of all SeNPs-treated groups (p < 0.05). On day 60, DNA damage of sperm was greatly increased at 1 mg kg SeNPs (p < 0.05). Moreover, the highest percentage of spermatocyte and spermatid were observed at the highest dose of SeNPs while the highest percentage of spermatozoa was recorded at the lowest and moderate SeNPs doses. ConclusionThese findings suggested that non-optimal doses of SeNPs could reduce sperm quality, induce oxidative stress, and DNA damage in sperm, and disrupt testis development.

Ultrastructural Sperm Flagellum Defects in a Patient With CCDC39 Compound Heterozygous Mutations and Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia/Situs Viscerum Inversus.

Introduction: Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by structural or functional motile cilia abnormalities. Up to 40 different genes seem, at the moment, to be involved in the pathogenesis of PCD. A number of ultrastructural defects have also been reported in sperm flagella, but the sperm mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) has never been described in these cases.Aim: The aim of this study was to report the sperm MMP and ultrastructural abnormalities of the sperm flagella found in a patient with PCD and situs inversus (Kartagener syndrome) and its characterization from the genetic point of view.Methods: Transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) analysis was used to evaluate flagella ultrastructure. The genetic testing was performed by next-generation sequencing. Sperm DNA fragmentation and MMP were also evaluated by flow cytometry.Results: We report here the case of an 18-year-old male patient with PCD and situs inversus and severe oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia. TEM analysis of his spermatozoa showed an abnormal connecting piece. The mid piece appeared abnormally thickened, with cytoplasmic residue, dysplasia of fibrous sheath, loss of the outer dynein arms (ODAs), truncated inner dynein arms, and supernumerary outer fibers. The percentage of spermatozoa with fragmented DNA was normal, whereas a high percentage of spermatozoa had low MMP, suggesting an altered mitochondrial function. The genetic analysis showed the presence of c.610-2A > G, p.Arg811Cys compound heterozygous mutations in the CCDC39 gene.Conclusion: The case herein reported suggests that the high percentage of sperm with low MMP may play a role in the pathogenesis of asthenozoospermia in patients with Kartagener syndrome. In addition, we report, for the first time, the missense variant p.Arg811Cys in the CCDC39 gene in a patient with Kartagener syndrome. Although in silico analysis predicts its damaging potential, its clinical meaning remains unclear.

The Effect of Resorcinol on Bovine Spermatozoa Parameters in Vitro.

The goal of this study was to observe the effect of resorcinol on motility, viability and morphology of bovine spermatozoa. The semen was used from six randomly chosen breeding bulls. Ejaculate was diluted by different solutions of resorcinol in 1:40 ratio. Samples were divided into 7 groups with different concentrations of resorcinol (Control, RES1 - 4 mg/ml, RES2 - 2 mg/ml, RES3 - 1 mg/ml, RES4 - 0.5 mg/ml, RES5 - 0.25 mg/ml and RES6 - 0.125 mg/ml). Motility of spermatozoa was detected using CASA method at temperature of 37 °C in time periods 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 hours from the start of the experiment. Significant motility differences between all groups except control and RES6 with difference of 5.58 %, as well as between RES1 and RES2 groups with difference of 2.17 % were found. Progressive motility had the same significant differences. Spermatozoa viability (MTT test) decreased compared to control in all experimental groups during the entire duration of experiment. Observing morphologically changed spermatozoa, no significant changes were observed and a higher percentage of spermatozoa with separated flagellum in all experimental resorcinol groups compared to control were detected. Also, increased number of spermatozoa with broken flagellum, acrosomal changes and other morphological forms in the group with the highest concentration of resorcinol (RES1) were found. Results of our study clearly show negative effects on motility parameters of spermatozoa which depend on concentration, cultivation temperature and time period.

Mutational analysis of Aurora kinase C gene in Egyptian patients with macrozoospermia.

Macrozoospermia is a rare syndrome. The key marker of the disease is a high percentage of spermatozoa with abnormal phenotypes namely enlarged head and multiple tails. The presence of at least 70% of spermatozoa with a large head is usually associated with Aurora kinase C gene (AURKC) mutations. We sought to assess AURKC as a potential genetic actor of macrozoospermia in a sample of infertile Egyptian men. We recruited 30 patients and conducted a clinical examination, semen analysis, and DNA sequencing and RFLP for AURKC. We diagnosed 17 patients with characteristic macrozoospermia and classified them into eight severe and nine mild cases. We detected genetic variants of AURKC in five patients (29.4%): Three patients with severe macrozoospermia had c.144delC mutations in exon 3 (37.5% of the severe), and two mild cases had c.1157G>A polymorphism in the 3' UTR (22.2% of the mild). A successful intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was achieved only with a severe macrozoospermia patient without apparent AURKC mutation. The present study is the first report to link macrozoospermia and AURKC mutations in Egypt. The study recommends macrozoospermia patients to perform AURKC gene analysis and attempt ICSI, even those with a high percentage of large head spermatozoa.

Influence of the age of the individual on the stability of boar sperm genetic material

Routine evaluation of the sperm of livestock animals involves detection of morphological abnormalities. However, most sperm defects that reduce fertilizing capacity are a result of anomalies in spermatogenesis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of a boar’s age on the stability of the genetic material of its sperm. The age of the boar was found to have a significant effect on sperm DNA stability and chromatin structure. The highest percentage of spermatozoa with DNA fragmentation was found in the oldest group of boars (0,61%), while the highest proportion of spermatozoa with abnormal histone retention (8,01%) and protamination (9,78%) was found in the youngest group of boars. Aniline blue (AB), chromomycin A3 (CMA3) and acridine orange (AO) staining should be routinely used in individuals used for artificial insemination especially young animals at the start of their exploitation for breeding, as well as older individuals with an age-related decrease in the stability of genetic material. Earlier diagnosis based on additional tests would allow for stricter selection and elimination of males with fertility disorders from breeding, to be replaced by breeders of full value. It was also demonstrated that all three staining methods mentioned above can be used in classical morphological analysis, because they clearly distinguish the sperm head from the background of the slide. Chromomycin staining clearly reveals the midpiece and thus can be used as a specific staining method for its evaluation. Staining with aniline blue is a fast and simple test whose result can be analysed under a light microscope. This staining technique can be recommended for use at insemination stations.

Disruption of bovine sperm functions in the presence of aplastic midpiece defect.

Bulls are of great importance in the productive chain and for this reason they should have a good semen quality. There is no doubt that sperm morphology is very important to bull fertility, although little is known about how exactly the abnormal morphologies may affect sperm functions. To detail the morphological description of the aplastic midpiece defect (AMD), as well as to understand its consequences for male fertility based on membrane and acrosome status, mitochondrial membrane potential and DNA integrity parameters. The bulls were divided into two groups: control, consisting of satisfactory potential breeders (n=3); and AMD, consisting of unsatisfactory potential breeders with a high percentage of AMD (n=3). Bulls were evaluated by the breeding soundness evaluation; five ejaculates were collected from each animal and analyzed by flow cytometry. Spermatozoa from AMD group exhibited lower sperm motility and vigor (p<0.05). In addition, it also exhibited lower mitochondrial membrane potential (p<0.05), a higher percentage of spermatozoa with DNA fragmentation (p<0.05), lower acrosome and plasma membrane integrity (p<0.05), and higher lipid bilayer sperm membrane disorganization (p<0.05) in comparison with control bulls. These findings may be due to oxidative stress and a reduction of the energy production capacity in addition to an alteration in the structural composition of the sperm cell. Moreover, semen with a high percentage of AMD may also be undergoing apoptosis. Bulls with a high percentage of AMD in their semen are not suitable for reproduction. Furthermore, it suggests there is a putative genetic basis for this sperm defect.

Whole-exome sequencing identified a novel mutation of AURKC in a Chinese family with macrozoospermia

PurposeMacrozoospermia is a rare sperm morphologic abnormality associated with male infertility and is characterized by a high percentage of spermatozoa with large irregular heads. The aim of this study was to identify the genetic cause of an infertile male with macrozoospermia from a consanguineous family.MethodsWhole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed using peripheral blood genomic DNA from the patient and his parents.ResultsWES analysis of the patient with macrozoospermia from a consanguineous family allowed the identification of a novel homozygous missense variant in the AURKC gene (c.269G>A). Bioinformatics analysis also suggested this variant a pathogenic mutation. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that the mRNA level of AURKC is significantly decreased in the patient compared with his father. Moreover, no embryos were available for transfer after ICSI.ConclusionsThese results further support the important role of AURKC in male infertility and guide the practitioner in optimal decision making for patients with macrozoospermia.

Sperm macrocephaly syndrome in the ostrich Struthio camelus: morphological characteristics and implications for motility.

Sperm macrocephaly syndrome (SMS) is characterised by a high percentage of spermatozoa with enlarged heads and multiple tails, and is related to infertility. Although this multiple sperm defect has been described in other mammalian species, little is known about this anomaly in birds. Morphological examination of semen from nine South African black ostriches (Struthio camelus var. domesticus) involved in an AI trial revealed the variable presence of spermatozoa with large heads and multiple tails. Ultrastructural features of the defect were similar to those reported in mammals except that the multiple tails were collectively bound within the plasmalemma. The tails were of similar length and structure to those of normal spermatozoa, and the heads were 1.6-fold longer, emphasising the uniformity of the anomaly across vertebrate species. Flow cytometry identified these cells as diploid and computer-aided sperm analysis revealed that they swim slower but straighter than normal spermatozoa, probably due to the increased drag of the large head and constrained movement of the merged multiple tails. The high incidence of this defect in one male ostrich indicates that, although rare, SMS can occur in birds and may potentially have an adverse effect on breeding programs, particularly for endangered species.