Higher Sperm Concentration Research Articles

Paternal physical and sedentary activities in relation to semen quality and reproductive outcomes among couples from a fertility center.

Is paternal physical activity associated with semen quality parameters and with outcomes of infertility treatment? Among men presenting for infertility treatment, weightlifting and outdoor activities were associated with higher sperm concentrations but not with greater reproductive success. Higher physical activity is related to better semen quality but no studies to date have investigated whether it predicts greater reproductive success. The Environment and Reproductive Health (EARTH) Study is an on-going prospective cohort study which enrolls subfertile couples presenting at Massachusetts General Hospital (2005-2013). In total, 231 men provided 433 semen samples and 163 couples underwent 421 IVF or intrauterine insemination cycles. Leisure time spent in physical and sedentary activities over the past year was self-reported using a validated questionnaire. We used mixed models to analyze the association of physical and sedentary activities with semen quality and with clinical pregnancy and live birth rates. Men in this cohort engaged in a median of 3.2 h/week of moderate-to-vigorous activities. Men in the highest quartile of moderate-to-vigorous activity had 43% (95% confidence interval (CI) 9, 87%) higher sperm concentrations than men in the lowest quartile (P-trend = 0.04). Men in the highest category of outdoor activity (≥1.5 h/week) and weightlifting (≥2 h/week) had 42% (95% CI 10, 84%) and 25% (95% CI -10, 74%) higher sperm concentrations, respectively, compared with men in the lowest category (0 h/week) (P-trend = 0.04 and 0.02). Conversely, men who reported bicycling ≥1.5 h/week had 34% (95% CI 4, 55%) lower sperm concentrations compared with men who reported no bicycling (P-trend = 0.05). Paternal physical and sedentary activities were not related to clinical pregnancy or live birth rates following infertility treatment. The generalizability of the findings on live birth rates to populations not undergoing infertility treatment is limited. Certain types of physical activity, specifically weightlifting and outdoor activities, may improve semen quality but may not lead to improved success of infertility treatments. Further research is needed in other non-clinical populations. The authors are supported by NIH grants R01-ES009718, ES000002, P30-DK046200, T32-DK007703-16 and ES022955 T32-HD060454. None of the authors has any conflicts of interest to declare.

Clinical Outcome of Microsurgical Varicocelectomy in Infertile Men With Severe Oligozoospermia

To evaluate the outcome of microsurgical varicocelectomy in infertile men with severe oligozoospermia and to identify the predictive parameters associated with the efficacy of microsurgical varicocelectomy in this cohort of patients. This study included 102 consecutive severe oligozoospermic patients who underwent microsurgical varicocelectomy between 2000 and 2013. The significance of several parameters as predictors of response to microsurgical varicocelectomy was evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses. Responders were defined as those who fulfilled the following criteria: (1) sperm motility rate improved after surgery and (2) sperm concentration increased from <1 × 10(6)/mL to ≥ 5 × 10(6)/mL or from 1-5 × 10(6)/mL to ≥ 10 × 10(6)/mL. After the mean postoperative observation period of 8.2 months, the mean sperm concentration increased from 2.4 to 11.6 million/mL (P <.001), and the mean sperm motility improved from 32.8% to 42.2% (P = .0024). There were no significant differences in the levels of hormonal parameters between the preoperative and postoperative measurements. Of the 102 patients, 42 (41.1%) were determined to be responders, and the wives of 17 (16.7%) conceived naturally. Univariate analysis identified preoperative sperm concentration (≥ 2.0 vs <2.0 million/mL) and laterality of varicocele (bilateral vs unilateral) as significant predictors of response to varicocelectomy. Only preoperative sperm concentration appeared to be independently related to the efficacy of varicocelectomy in men with severe oligozoospermia on multivariate analysis. Varicocelectomy may improve the sperm quality and fertility potential in men with severe oligozoospermia, particularly for those with relatively high sperm concentration.

The influence of external and internal factors on the quality of semen collection and qualitative indicators of semen in the dog (Canis familiaris)

The influence of external and internal factors on the course of semen collection and quality of ejaculate has been evaluated in this work. This observation included 30 dogs of various breeds, each of which we collected 3 ejaculates from within one week (first, third and fifth day). The internal factors included the weight of the dog, order of semen collection and the age of the dog. The external factors included type of housing, utilization of the dog, point of the collection and type of nutrition. Average length of preparation of a dog for a collection and onset of sexual reflex was 95.7 sec. The observations showed that none of the evaluated internal factors had any influence on the length of preparation for the semen collection. The largest volume of ejaculate was collected from the first collection (10.5cm3), at the second collection it was 8.9 cm3 and the third one the volume was the smallest – with only 6.6 cm3. The average volume of 8.7 cm3 was found in the whole set of observed dogs. No statistically conclusive difference was found among groups. The average activity of sperm in the observed set was 68.8%. Activity declined from the first to the third collection from 73% to 65.5%. The difference in sperm activity was not statistically conclusive in any indicator. Sperm concentration in whole set of dogs was 143.6 103.mm−3 and was not significantly affected by any monitored internal factors.The longest preparation for the collection was found in dogs housed in pens (134.4 sec), dogs living in households (84.7 sec) and the shortest preparation was needed in dogs with freedom of movement. The longest onset of sexual reflexes was found in Police forces dogs, then family dogs and sport dogs (130.0 sec, 97.8 sec and 68.3 sec). In dogs collected in laboratory, the emergence of sexual reflex was longer (110.7 sec) than in dogs collected in their own natural environment (80.7 sec). The average length of the whole ejaculation was 396.0 sec in the whole set of dogs. The longest ejaculation was found in dogs held home (468.0 sec), the shortest in dogs with freedom of movement (290.0 sec). Family dogs had the longest ejaculation time, Police forces dogs had the shortest. The highest volume of semen was found in dogs kept in households (11.0 cm3), the smallest volume was in dogs with freedom of movement (4.2 cm3). Dogs used in sport, family dogs and Police forces dogs had the volume of semen 12.7 cm3, 6.3 cm3 and 5.7 cm3. Statistically highly significant differences in the activity of sperm was found between dogs with freedom of movement (35.0%) and dogs kept in pens and household of the breeder (77.8%, respectively 77.0%), between Police dogs (49.4%) and sport dogs (76.7%) and family dog (77.8%), as well as in the place of collection (P ≤ 0.01). The lowest sperm concentration was found in dogs kept in households (124.103.mm−3), in dogs kept in pens (152.103.mm−3), the highest sperm concentration was in dogs with freedom of movement (180.103.mm−3). Police, sport and family dogs had the concentration of 175.103.mm−3, 126,5.103.mm−3, respectively 135,0.103.mm−3. Dogs collected in household had the average sperm concentration 102.7.103.mm−3, compared to the sperm concentration of dogs collected in the laboratory (184.5.103.mm−3).

Dairy intake and semen quality among men attending a fertility clinic

To examine the relationship between dairy food intake and semen parameters. Longitudinal study. Academic medical center fertility clinic. One hundred fifty-five men. None. Total sperm count, sperm concentration, progressive motility, morphology, and semen volume. Low-fat dairy intake was positively related to sperm concentration and progressive motility. On average, men in the highest quartile of intake (1.22-3.54 servings/d) had 33% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1, 55) higher sperm concentration and 9.3 percentage units (95% CI 1.4, 17.2) higher sperm motility than men in the lowest quartile of intake (≤0.28 servings/d). These associations were primarily explained by intake of low-fat milk. The corresponding results for low-fat milk were 30% (95% CI 1, 51) higher sperm concentration and 8.7 percentage units (95% CI 3.0, 14.4) higher sperm motility. Cheese intake was associated with lower sperm concentration among ever-smokers. In this group, men in the highest tertile of intake (0.82-2.43 servings/d) had 53.2% (95% CI 9.7, 75.7) lower sperm concentration than men in the lowest tertile of cheese intake (<0.43 servings/d). Our findings suggest that low-fat dairy intake, particularly low-fat milk, is related to higher sperm concentration and progressive motility, whereas cheese intake is related to lower sperm concentration among past or current smokers.

Impact of the aqueous extract of dandelion, probiotic and their synbiotic on male lamb’s testicular histopathology relative to semen characteristics

This study aimed at investigating effects of dandelion/probiotic on the testis histology and semen characteristics of male lambs. Twelve prepuberal Noemi male lambs (2 ± 0.4-month-old and 20 ± 3.5 kg B.W) were randomly allocated into four groups. Animals in group 1 were controlled, orally given normal saline as the same schedule of treated animals. In group 2 animals were given daily oral 50 ml of an aqueous extract of dandelion leaves. In group 3 animals were given a daily 50 ml of cow’s milk probiotics, and in group 4 animals were given 50 ml of a 1:1 mixture (dandelion extract: probiotic). Animals were treated for 8 consecutive weeks. At puberty, semen ejaculates were collected weekly for further 10 weeks. Thereafter, animals were sacrificed and testicles were obtained, weighed and a histopathological study was performed on the testis. Results revealed that oral administration of the dandelion aqueous extract to prepuberal lambs exhibited disturbances in the histological architecture of the testicular semeniferous tubules. Additionally, dandelion resulted in edematic interstitial tissues with evident vaculations. These deteriorations were reflected in less spermatogenesis (i.e. less sperm concentration and ejaculate volume by 10% and 20%, respectively than controlled group). Also, the percentage of sperm progressive motility was lower (P eminiferous tubules architecture, however, very little vaculation with rare edema was observed. Administration of the synbiotic mixture revealed intermediate histopathological appearances. The highest sperm concentration, testosterone concentration and advanced motility were obtained when probiotic was administered. In conclusion, although dandelion cures some hepatic malfunctions in human, caution must be taken into consideration of the frequent ingestion of dandelion for its harmful effect on male fertility.

Sperm motility and lactate production at different sperm concentrations

s / Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 34 (2014) 76 76 x106sperm/mL. Sperm recovery rate after centrifugation was lower in low concentration samples (p<0.001). Mean lactate concentration at T0 was the same in all three groups and directly correlated with raw semen volume (r1⁄40.5032; p1⁄40.0103). Lactate concentrations at T0 and T24 were not correlated. Compared to T0, lactate concentration was increased at T24when groupswere pooled, in C1, C4 and C8 groups separately, and lactate concentration was directly correlated with sperm concentration (r1⁄40.6080; p1⁄40.0002). At T24, lactate concentration was lower in C1 samples (p<0.001) when compared to lactate concentrations observed in higher sperm concentrations. In highly concentrated samples (C8), PTM was decreased after 8 hr but not PPM (p<0.01). After 24 hr, low concentration samples showed higher PTM and PPM (p<0.01). PTM and PPM after 24 hr were negatively correlated to lactate concentrations at T0 (r1⁄4-0.4568; p1⁄40.0217 and r1⁄4-0.4684; p1⁄40.0182). Concentrations of TM spermatozoa after 8 and 24 hr were correlated to lactate concentration at T24 (respectively, r1⁄40.5373; p1⁄40.0015 and r1⁄40.5320 and p1⁄40.0017). The same correlation was observed for the concentrations of PM spermatozoa after 8 and 24 hr (r1⁄40.5738; p1⁄40.0006 and r1⁄40.5579 and p1⁄40.0009, respectively). Concentration of NPM after 24 hr of storage was highly correlated to lactate concentration at T24 (r1⁄40.6767; p<0.0001). Fig. 1. Lactate concentration (mmol/L) according sperm concentration in samples and storage. Different letters in superscript indicate statistically different values. 4. Discussion Raw semen parameters are not associated with lactate concentration at T0, except the initial ejaculate volume. These data show that lactate concentration at T0 depends on collection conditions. It also shows that the negative effect of lactate on semen parameters is not observed immediately but during storage. In the present study, semen storage with high sperm concentration is rapidly deleterious for total motility, whereas progressive motility decreases between 8 and 24 hr. This delayed effect of high storage concentrations on progressive motility suggests that insemination with highly concentrated semen should not be performed later than 8 hr. Volume of the raw ejaculate is associated with lactate concentrations at T0 while raw semen concentration is not. Lactate concentration at T0 was negatively associated with progressive and total motility after 24 hr. This suggests that production and composition of seminal plasma could interfere with lactate concentration in raw semen and with its long-term conservation. Seminal plasma components should be studied to determine changes in metabolic products. A direct association between lactate concentration after 24 hr and total sperm concentration was observed, reflecting anaerobic metabolism by spermatozoa. Concentration of NPM spermatozoa was strongly correlated to lactate concentration after 24 hr of storage, suggesting an increased use of anaerobic glycolysis by the subpopulation of non-progressively motile spermatozoa. To conclude, lactate production is associated with total sperm concentration. It negatively affects preservation of total and progressive motility, showing an effect of by-products of anaerobic metabolism on long-term sperm storage. Moreover, our data show that non-progressively motile spermatozoa are highly associated with lactate concentration, and thus, anaerobic glycolysis. More studies are required to determine relative contributions of aerobiosis and anaerobiosis to sperm motility under different storage conditions.

Spermiostasis in stallions: a retrospective study of clinical cases

Spermiostasis refers to the abnormal accumulation of spermatozoa in the epididymides and ductus deferens. Affected stallions, commonly called ‘sperm accumulators’, may exhibit high concentrations and total numbers of sperm in their ejaculate, low sperm motility and a high proportion of sperm with head-tail separation (i.e. detached heads). Anecdotal accounts of the clinical syndrome have been described. However, there are few published reports of semen parameters from affected stallions. The goal of this study was to compare semen analysis data for stallions with spermiostasis versus clinically normal stallions. Semen parameters from 10 stallions with spermiostasis and 10 normal stallions were analyzed. Criteria for inclusion as an affected stallion included a high sperm concentration, high total number of sperm in the ejaculate and low total sperm motility in the initial collection which improved with subsequent collections. Client stallions were collected as needed until sperm concentration and motility normalized. The normal stallions were collected once daily for 8 consecutive days for comparison. Data were analyzed by one way analysis of variance with post-hoc Student’s t-test (SAS). The average ages of normal and affected stallions were 10.0 0.9 and 13.0 2.4 years (mean sem), respectively (p<0.05).

&lt;b&gt;Influence of availability of shade on testicular characteristics of Santa Ines rams&lt;/b&gt; - doi: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v35i.18479

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of availability of artificial shading on testicular and seminal characteristics of Santa Ines crossbred rams. Twelve 8 month old rams at 38.1 ± 5.2 kg average weight, were used in a total random design with two treatments: areas with and without available artificial shading (black polyethylene mesh screen for a 50% reduction of solar radiation). The scrotal circumference, scrotal length, scrotal volume, rectal temperature and scrotal temperature were measured twice a week. Also a biweekly analysis of the semen was carried out, measuring the volume and spermatic concentration as well as the percentage of normal spermatozoa. The results show that available shading provided for lower scrotal temperatures and higher sperm concentration, without influencing the scrotal volume and the percentage of normal spermatozoa. The testicular measures, such as the scrotal circumference and length were higher in the rams that were subjected to the no available shading treatment. The absence of differences, in some of the analyzed variables, between the two treatments, with and without available shading, could be due to high adaptability of the animals.

Influence of availability of shade on testicular characteristics of Santa Ines rams

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of availability of artificial shading on testicular and seminal characteristics of Santa Ines crossbred rams. Twelve 8 month old rams at 38.1 ± 5.2 kg average weight, were used in a total random design with two treatments: areas with and without available artificial shading (black polyethylene mesh screen for a 50% reduction of solar radiation). The scrotal circumference, scrotal length, scrotal volume, rectal temperature and scrotal temperature were measured twice a week. Also a biweekly analysis of the semen was carried out, measuring the volume and spermatic concentration as well as the percentage of normal spermatozoa. The results show that available shading provided for lower scrotal temperatures and higher sperm concentration, without influencing the scrotal volume and the percentage of normal spermatozoa. The testicular measures, such as the scrotal circumference and length were higher in the rams that were subjected to the no available shading treatment. The absence of differences, in some of the analyzed variables, between the two treatments, with and without available shading, could be due to high adaptability of the animals.

Effect of vitamin E or propolis supplementation on semen quality, oxidative status and hemato-biochemical changes of rabbit bucks during hot season

This study was designed to determine the effects of supplementation of vitamin E or propolis to bucks’ diets on semen quality, oxidative status and hemato-biochemical changes during summer season. Thirty adult male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly allocated into three equal groups, 10 bucks each. Bucks received a maintenance diet supplemented by vitamin E (150mg/kg diet, E-group) or propolis (150mg/kg diet, P-group) or not supplemented (control, C-group) for ten consecutive weeks. Semen and blood samples were collected to analyze semen quality traits and hemato-biochemical parameters, respectively. Ambient temperature and relative humidity were recorded daily and used to estimate the temperature humidity index (THI). Results indicated that bucks in the E- and P-groups had better libido (lower reaction time, P<0.05) and higher sperm concentration and viability than the control group (P<0.01). These enhancements were parallel to an increase in blood plasma testosterone concentrations in the vitamin E and propolis-treated groups (P<0.01). Additionally, concentrations of seminal plasma total protein and initial fructose were significantly increased in the semen of both treated-groups. For blood components, either vitamin E or propolis supplementation enhanced hematopoiesis including the number of red blood cells, hematocrite value and hemoglobin concentration (P<0.01). Also, concentrations of blood plasma glucose and high density lipoprotein (HDL) were increased, while those of blood plasma cholesterol and triglycerides were decreased (P<0.01) in both treated-groups. Supplementation with vitamin E or propolis enhanced (P<0.01) oxidative status of the blood plasma, whereas propolis-treated bucks had the highest value of total antioxidant capacity followed by vitamin E treated-bucks. Also, malondialdehyde activity was lower (P<0.05) in the propolis-treated bucks compared with the control, while bucks of the E-group were intermediate. In summary, inclusion of vitamin E or propolis in male rabbits' diets during the hot season could be used effectively to mitigate negative impacts of elevated temperature on semen quality, oxidative status and hemato-biochemical features.

Improvement in overall seminal quality by separate collection of first sample of ejaculate

We aim to assess the improvement of sperm quality observed in the first ejaculate fraction compared to the second ejaculate fraction and total ejaculate. Usually, the ejaculate to be used for ART is collected in just one pot, producing a sustained contact between sperm and seminal liquid that can compromise chromatine stability. After a detailed explanations to the patients, semen samples were collected in two separate fractions in order to compare overall sperm quality in FEF. 30 patients were included in the study. Their semen sample was collected in two separate fractions, after 2 to 5 days of sexual abstinence, and analyzed within an hour. In both fractions and the TEF, classic seminal parameters and Zinc, Citric Acid and Fructose content were assessed. DNA fragmentation test was performed using the Sperm Chromatin Decondensation assay with Halosperm kit. Compared to TEF and SEF, we observed in FEF a disminution of volume, higher sperm concentration, higher motility rates, better morphology according to Kruger criteria and lower DNA fragmentation (DIF), all statistically significant.Tabled 1FEFSEFTEFVolume (ml)0,631,53p=0,02Motility (a+b%)48,531,940,3p=0,01Sperm count89,54065p=0,01Morphology4,93,44,5p=0,01DFI1732,324,7p=0,01Chart 1: Parameters assessed in FEF, SEF and TEF. Open table in a new tab Chart 1: Parameters assessed in FEF, SEF and TEF. Collection of semen sample in two separate fractions offers the possibility to achieve a improved sperm population, which may act synergically for the selection of high quality spermatozoa with further techniques to be applied in later stages, such as DL-DGc and MACS prior to ICSI.

Spermatozoa concentration influences cryopreservation success in sea trout (Salmo trutta m. trutta L.)

Variation among individuals is substantial for spermatozoa concentration in fresh milt in sea trout (Salmo trutta m. trutta L.). The objective of the present study was to examine effects of spermatozoa concentration in this species on subsequent cryopreservation success. Milt with high spermatozoa concentration was diluted with seminal plasma to obtain concentrations ranging between 6 and 24 × 109 mL−1 with steps of 2 × 109 mL−1. Diluted milts were cryopreserved in 0.25-mL straws with extender (0.3 M glucose) containing 10% methanol and 10 % (vol/vol) supplement of hen egg yolk. The dilution ratio was 1:3 (milt:cryomedium). Cryopreservation efficacies were assessed according to evaluation of motility of frozen/thawed spermatozoa and quantification of fertilizing ability. Percentage of motility of frozen/thawed spermatozoa was influenced by spermatozoa concentration in the cryomedium (P < 0.05). The highest motility was observed in samples with 3.0 to 4.0 × 109 spermatozoa per mL of cryomedium, which corresponds to 12 to 16 × 109 spermatozoa per mL in fresh milt. Higher sperm concentrations and lower sperm concentrations in cryomedium reduced the effectiveness of cryopreservation when compared with the optimum. Cryopreservation success measured according to fertilization rate was in agreement with results for motility of frozen/thawed spermatozoa, but the optimum could not be determined with statistical precision because of differences in fertilization rate among individual donor males. However, a significant positive correlation was found between postthaw motility and fertilization rate and between cryopreserved spermatozoa velocity and fertilization rate (P < 0.05). In sea trout, cryopreservation efficiency is influenced by spermatozoa concentration in cryomedium. Individual adjustment of the dilution ratio, based on initial spermatozoa density, is recommended in the freezing protocol. Maximum cryoresistance of the cell was obtained when spermatozoa concentration in cryomedium ranged from 3.0 to 4.0 × 109 mL−1.

Effect of Semen Collection Methods on the Quality of Pre‐ and Post‐thawed Bali Cattle (Bos javanicus) Spermatozoa

This study was conducted to evaluate the response of Bali bulls (Bos javanicus) to different semen collection methods and their effects on fresh and post-thawed semen quality. The collection methods employed were electro-ejaculation (EE), transrectal massage (RM) and RM followed by EE (RM+EE). A total of 25 untrained Bali bulls (age between 2 and 4years old) were subjected to the different semen collection methods. Fresh semen samples from all the 25 bulls were evaluated for volume, pH, general motility, live/dead ratio and abnormality using the conventional method. For fresh and frozen samples collected by EE and RM from 10 bulls, computer-assisted semen analysis system was used for precise quantitative measurement of motility, velocity and forward progression. Accucell photometer was used to measure sperm concentration in all samples, regardless fresh and frozen. Semen samples were obtained 100% of the attempts using EE, 84% using RM and 96% using RM+EE. There were no differences among the collection methods for fresh semen quality characteristics, including motility, morphology and viability, but pH and volume were higher for EE than RM and RM+EE. Higher sperm concentration was observed in semen collected by RM than the other two methods. Different age groups (2-3 and >3-4years old) of the bulls did not show significant differences in volume, pH, sperm concentration, percentages in motility, live/dead ratio and normal sperm morphology. The quality of semen for general and progressive motility, VAP, VSL and VCL and acrosomal integrity after thawing was higher for RM than EE. In conclusion, Bali bulls appeared to respond best to EE and the combination of RM+EE than RM, as a method of semen collection, with a shorter time of stimulation required. Differences in age of the Bali bulls did not affect the semen quality.

Metabolomics as a Potential New Approach for Investigating Human Reproductive Disorders

Metabolomics has been emerging for several years as a global chemical phenotyping approach offering fascinating descriptive capabilities for addressing life complexity. It facilitates the understanding of the mechanisms of biological and biochemical processes in complex systems and promises new insights into specific research questions. The objective of this study was to use for the first time a metabolomic approach based on liquid chromatography high resolution mass spectrometry for characterizing an alteration of the testicular function, namely impaired semen quality. Metabolomic fingerprints were generated from serum samples collected from Danish young men presenting low, intermediate, or high sperm concentrations. Serum metabolic profiles were found to be significantly different among the three groups of volunteers. The developed methodology permitted to correlate the studied clinical parameter (i.e., sperm concentration) with the metabolite profiles generated. Peptides related to the Protein Complement C3f were identified as putative markers associated with this clinical parameter. The biological interpretation and further robustness linked to this observation remain to be further investigated, in particular to address the inter- and intraindividual variabilities.

Traditional intracytoplasmic sperm injection provides equivalent outcomes compared with human zona pellucida-bound selected sperm injection

The capability of human zona pellucida (ZP) to bind selectively to normal functional sperm with normal chromatin has been reported widely in the literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether ZP-binding sperm selection may represent a method to retrieve superior spermatozoa for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Patients were divided into two groups: a ZP-ICSI and a conventional ICSI group. In the ZP-ICSI group, spermatozoa for injection were selected after ZP-sperm incubation and spermatozoa that were tightly bound to the ZP were used for ICSI (ZP-ICSI). Clinical outcomes of ZP-ICSI were compared with the outcomes of traditional scientist-selected sperm injection (conventional ICSI). Results did not show any significant difference in fertilization, pregnancy, implantation and take-home-baby rates between conventional ICSI and ZP-ICSI. However, when data relative to patients who received ZP-ICSI were analyzed, an interesting result was observed: higher sperm concentration and morphology correlated with higher ZP-sperm binding. Additionally, patients with higher ZP-sperm binding seem to have improved pregnancy and take-home-baby rates. In conclusion, this study shows that ZP-ICSI is not a superior method compared with conventional ICSI. However, clinical ICSI outcomes were apparently improved in the presence of good ZP-sperm binding. We therefore speculate that sperm competence to ICSI could be reduced when the sperm's ability to bind the ZP is impaired.

Image cytometer method for automated assessment of human spermatozoa concentration

In the basic clinical work-up of infertile couples, a semen analysis is mandatory and the sperm concentration is one of the most essential variables to be determined. Sperm concentration is usually assessed by manual counting using a haemocytometer and is hence labour intensive and may be subjected to investigator bias. Here we show that image cytometry can be used to accurately measure the sperm concentration of human semen samples with great ease and reproducibility. The impact of several factors (pipetting, mixing, round cell content, sperm concentration), which can influence the read-out as well as inter-operator and -cytometer variation on two different image cytometers (NC-3000 and SP-100) were evaluated. Furthermore, 725 semen samples were assessed both by manual assessment (WHO recommended method) and by image cytometry and tight correlations between the measured concentrations were shown. Moreover, by evaluation of repeated measurements it appeared that image cytometry produced more consistent and accurate measurements than manual counting of human spermatozoa concentration. In conclusion, image cytometry provides an appealing substitute of manual counting by providing reliable, robust and easy measurement of human sperm concentration.

Physical activity and television watching in relation to semen quality in young men

BackgroundSemen quality appears to have declined over the past decades but reasons for this decline are unresolved. The concurrent increase in sedentary behaviour may be a contributing factor. The objective...

Correlation of frequency of spermatozoa morphological alterations with sperm concentration in ejaculates of Polish Landrace boars

The experiments were performed on 448 ejaculates obtained from 41 Polish Landrace boars. Ejaculates collected from each boar at one-month intervals for approximately 10 months were analysed. Sperm morphometric measurements were taken from each boar and assessment of semen morphology was done on the basis of examination under a microscope of preparations made from fresh ejaculates. The ejaculates were classified based on the criterion of sperm concentration and divided into three groups. An attempt was made in the present study to assess the correlation of ejaculate parameters, morphological sperm alteration incidence and morphometric sperm parameters with the sperm concentration in ejaculates of Polish Landrace boars. It should be stated that morphometric traits of spermatozoa are related to sperm concentration. The spermatozoa in concentrated ejaculates had smaller heads than the spermatozoa in the ejaculates with lower sperm concentrations. This can mean that the high fertility of males that produce highly concentrated semen does not only result from a high sperm concentration, but also from the fact that the spermatozoa in such ejaculates have smaller heads. The highest frequency of morphologically well-formed spermatozoa was identified in ejaculates with the sperm concentration ranging from 400 to 500 thousand/mm3.

Semen collection and artificial insemination in cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) – A potential model for psittacines

Since many psittacine species are endangered and also rare in captivity, the number of offspring produced from breeding is crucial. Many potential breeding birds in species conservation programs are force-paired, and the eggs of many clutches are frequently infertile. Furthermore, male infertility is a common problem. The use of artificial insemination may increase the number of fertile eggs. In this study, 32 cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) were divided into two groups. In one group, the males were endoscopically sterilised. The males of the other group were used as semen donors. After collection using a novel massage technique, semen samples were examined microscopically to assess contamination and quality. Samples with medium to high sperm concentrations, medium to high motility and no contaminants were used for intracloacal artificial insemination of hens in the group with sterile males. In total, 74.2% of all attempts to collect semen were successful. Insemination resulted in fertilisation of 17 of 23 eggs (73.9%), which was slightly lower than the natural fertilisation rate (88.4%). No negative effects were observed on the oviposition interval of the inseminated hens throughout the entire study. Easily applicable in veterinary practice, this study demonstrates that the use of artificial insemination may be a valuable tool to address reproductive failure of psittacines in breeding projects.

Seminal Characteristics in Spanish Purebred Stallions: A Retrospective Study

In this work, we studied retrospectively the influence of several factors on semen quality of the Spanish Purebred (SPB) stallion. Among these factors, we considered stallion age, season, and interval between two consecutive collections. The semen was collected from 11 SPB stallions (634 ejaculates). Semen quality was evaluated based on volume, concentration, and motility of the ejaculates. Results showed that the semen collected in autumn and winter was more concentrated in comparison with that collected in spring and summer, when the volume of ejaculate was the highest. Those ejaculates collected from younger stallions were characterized by having the smallest volume and the highest sperm concentration. When incorporating an SPB stallion into a program of artificial insemination, it is important to take into account all of these factors to achieve the maximum reproductive potential of the animal.