Improve Semen Quality Research Articles

Effect of preputial washing on bacterial load and preservability of semen in Murrah buffalo bulls.

Aim:To study the effect of preputial washing on bacterial load, preservability and semen quality in Murrah buffalo bullsMaterials and Methods:A total of 36 collections of three Murrah buffalo bulls maintained at Artificial Breeding Research Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, were collected at weekly intervals from each bull without preputial washing and latter ejaculates from same bull with preputial washing by infusing normal saline (0.85%), KMnO4 (0.02%) and savlon (2.0%) to first, second and third bull, respectively. The microbial load and semen quality were evaluated during different hours of storage at refrigerated temperature (0, 24 and 48 h) and after thrawing of cryopreserved (at −196°C) semen.Results:The results of preservation of semen at refrigerated temperature showed that bacterial load was markedly lower in ejaculates of bulls subjected to preputial washing. Semen preserved at refrigerator temperature and cryopreserved, the effect of washing solution was significant for individual motility (IM), non-eosiniphilic count, hypo-osmotic swelling reactivity (HOST), total plate count (TPC) and acrosome integrity. KMnO4 was found to be the best in lowering bacterial load, sperm abnormalities and in improving semen quality such as motility, non-eosinophilic count, HOST and acrosome integrity even up to 48 h of preservation and cryopreserved semen. Effect of duration of preservation and stage of cryopreservation was also significant for IM, non-eosiniphilic count, HOST, sperm abnormalities and acrosome integrity.Conclusion:Overall the results suggested that preputial washing with KMnO4 solution improved the semen quality and reduced microbial load of Murrah buffalo bull’s semen preserved at refrigerated temperature and cryopreservation.

Transurethral electrotomy combined with seminal vesiculoscopy ejaculatory duct dilatation in treating patients with Müllerian duct cyst

To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of transurethral electrotomy combined with seminal vesiculoscopy ejaculatory duct dilatation in treating patients with Müllerian duct cyst. We retrospectively analyzed 12 infertile men due to Müllerian duct cyst between 2009 and 2012. They were diagnosed by semen analysis (including quantity of semen, pH and fructose), digital rectal examination, transrectal ultrasonography, magnetic resonance images and aspiration biopsy when necessary. All patients were treated by transurethral electrotomy combined with seminal vesiculoscopy ejaculatory duct dilatation and were followed up for 12 months. A significant improvement of semen quality was achieved after surgery and the sperms could be seen. The patients' semen was analyzed for 3 times in 12 months and the results were normal. Semen volume and pure berries of the patients were increased after the operation compared with those before the operation (P<0.05). Spontaneous pregnancies were achieved in 3 patients 9-12 months after surgery. Four patients' seminal vesicle became smaller obviously. Transurethral electrotomy combined with seminal vesiculoscopy ejaculatory duct dilatation is effective and safe for the treatment of Müllerian duct cyst accompanied with ejaculatory duct obstruction.

PPAR-γ agonist pioglitazone improves semen quality and testicular histomorphometrics with partial reversal of hyperglycaemia in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Objective: Chronic hyperglycaemia is associated with subfertility and infertility in male diabetic subjects, possible as a result of perturbed testicular antioxidant defence system. Recent evidence however shows that some testicular cells produce insulin and this raises the possibility of a role for this hormone in spermatogenesis. Moreover, isoforms of the nuclear peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) have been detected in testicular tissue, suggesting a role for insulin sensitisation in testicular function. In this study, we report the ameliorative effects of the PPAR γ agonist pioglitazone on testicular morphologic aberrations and impaired semen profile induced by diabetes in rats treated with intraperitoneal alloxan (150 mg/kg). Setting: This is an in vivo experimental study. Methods: Diabetic rats were randomized to receive oral pioglitazone at 10 or 30 mg/kg once daily for 6 weeks, after which rats were euthanised under anaesthesia. Caudal epididymal sperm was analysed for count, motility and morphology, and testosterone levels were measured in testicular homogenates by the enzyme immunoassay technique. Portions of the testes were fixed and processed by the H&E and Gordon and Sweet techniques. Blood glucose was estimated weekly during oral pioglitazone treatment using the glucometer. Results: Weekly blood glucose measurement showed weak effect of pioglitazone on hyperglycaemia in our model. Nonetheless, findings from caudal epididymal sperm analysis showed significantly high sperm density in the pioglitazone-treated rats at the two doses tested (P < 0.05 compared with diabetic controls). Moreover, pioglitazone at 10 mg/kg improved sperm motility and lowered the percentages of deformed and dead sperm cells in the treated diabetic rats. Haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) sections of the testes showed significantly reduced seminiferous tubule diameter and lumen size, as well as diminished height of the germinal epithelium in the untreated diabetic rats, but not in rats on pioglitazone intervention. Furthermore, Gordon and Sweet section of the testes showed thickened interstitial compartment only in the untreated diabetic group. Meanwhile, interstitial cells of Leydig appeared undisturbed in testicular sections of all the groups, while intratesticular testosterone levels were not significantly different between the treated and control rats (P > 0.05). Conclusion: These findings show that increased sensitivity of testicular cells to insulin mediated by the PPAR γ agonist pioglitazone restores testicular histomorphometry and improves semen quality in diabetic rats, despite the weak effect of this glitazone on blood glucose. This suggests a role for insulin sensitizers and improved insulin signalling in the amelioration of testicular lesions and regulation of spermatogenesis in the diabetic state, and lends support for insulin at promoting testicular functions.

Semen Quality Improvement in a Man with Idiopathic Infertility Treated with Traditional Korean Medicine: A Case Report

Approximately 45-50% of the cases of infertility result from deficiencies associated with male factors, and 30-45% of these deficiencies are idiopathic. A standardized approach for the treatment of idiopathic male infertility remains elusive. In Korea, male infertility has been treated with either acupuncture, herbal remedies, or pharmacopuncture. We report a case of male idiopathic infertility in which the patient's semen quality improved through traditional Korean medicine (TKM) therapies, which was evaluated according to the 2010 World Health Organization (WHO) standards. A 35-year-old infertile man visited the Conmaul Hospital from August 2013 to December 2013. He was diagnosed with asthenoteratozoospermia. The patient received 3 TKM therapies-acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, and herbal remedies-for 3 months. After 3 months of treatment, a second semen analysis of the patient was conducted. The sperm motility increased by 13%, and the normal sperm morphology increased by 4% over 3 months. In addition, the total motile sperm count was 2.5 times higher than that before treatment. The results of the present study support the clinical potency of treatment with acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, and herbal remedies in idiopathic infertile men, especially for the improvement of sperm motility and morphology. Further large-scale randomized controlled trials with elaborate designs should be performed to verify the clinical effect of TKM therapies.

Responses of the Fertility, Semen Quality, Blood Constituents, Immunity and Antioxidant Status of Rabbit Bucks to Type and Magnetizing of Water

Abstract This work aimed to test the responses of the fertility, semen quality, blood constituents, immunity and antioxidant status of rabbit bucks to water type (e.g., tap water and well water) and magnetizing of water exposed or unexposed to a magnetic field of ≈4000 gauss. The experimental design was factorial 2 (type of water, e.g. tap vs. well water) × 2 (magnetic treatments, e.g. unexposed vs. exposed to magnetic field) using forty mature V-line rabbit bucks randomly distributed to four groups of 10 animals each. The rabbit bucks were provided free access to the water and same diet. Well water had lower quality than tap water, i.e. higher pH, conductivity, salinity, calcium, magnesium, and total hardness. Water magnetizing had less effect on tap water than on well water (e.g. on pH, conductivity, salinity, calcium, magnesium, total hardness and dissolved oxygen). Bucks that consumed tap water showed better semen quality, metabolic profiles and immunity than those that drank well water. Magnetized water significantly increased body weight, feed intake, reaction time, fertility, sperm concentration, mass motility and total live sperm of bucks consuming well water and tap water. The improvements in fertility and semen quality concurred with significant increases in testosterone hormone, immunoglobulin A, antioxidant enzymes, and with decreases in lipid peroxidation biomarker malondialdehyde and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances. In conclusion, well water induced a significant decrease in semen quality and hence fertility of males. Whereas magnetic treatment improved water quality, semen quality, blood picture and antioxidant status and hence buck fertility.

Effects of Coconut Water on Reproductive Functions in Danazol Treated Wistar Rats

Coconut water (CW) has been reported to improve semen quality and testosterone levels in male rats and to possess estrogen‐like substances which can impact positively on female fertility. The mechanisms through which CW may perform these actions are yet to be fully elucidated. This study explored the effects of CW on the hypothalamo‐pituitary‐gonadal axis (HPG) using Danazol (a GnRH antagonist). Wistar rats were randomly assigned into 7 male and 7 female groups (n = 6); Group 1: control (distilled water), group 2: 20ml/kg corn oil (vehicle for danazol), group 3: 20ml/kg CW, group 4: 40ml/kg CW, group 5: 200mg/kg danazol, group 6: 200mg/kg danazol + 20ml/kg CW and group 7: 200mg/kg danazol + 40ml/kg CW. Oral administration was done daily for 6 weeks after which the rats were sacrificed to obtain their sex organs and serum. Serum levels of LH, FSH, estrogen and testosterone were determined using ELISA. Sperm indices were assessed using cauda epididymal fluid. Histological and weight evaluation of all sex organs were carried out. The males showed a significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in sperm count, sperm motility and serum estrogen concentration in groups 3, 4, 6 and 7, while a significant reduction in these variables was observed in group 5. The females showed a significant increase in serum estrogen levels in groups 3, 4, 6 and 7, with significant increases in serum LH, FSH and Testosterone concentrations in groups 6 and 7 when compared with group 5. There was a significant increase in uterine weight in group 4 and ovary weight in groups 6 and 7 when compared with group 5. Testicular and ovarian tissue appeared healthier in all CW groups. The results suggest that coconut water acts on the HPG to positively influence reproductive function in both males and females.

Dietary organic zinc and selenium supplementation improves semen quality and fertility in layer breeders

Dietary organic zinc and selenium supplementation improves semen quality and fertility in layer breeders

Spontaneous pregnancy rates in Chinese men undergoing microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy and possible preoperative factors affecting the outcomes

To investigate pregnancy rates after microsurgical varicocelectomy in Chinese infertile men with clinical varicoceles and to identify preoperative factors affecting the outcomes. Retrospective data analysis. University infertility clinic. One hundred seventy-six consecutive Chinese men with infertility and clinical varicoceles who underwent varicocelectomy from January 2010 to December 2011. Semen data were available for 145 patients, and pregnancy data were available for 66. Varicocelectomy was performed on all patients. Spontaneous pregnancy rates and improvement in semen parameters after varicocelectomy. We followed 145 men (82.4%) for a median of 21 months (range 12-36 months) after varicocelectomy. For 109 patients (75.2%), both sperm concentration and forward motility improved. Overall, 45.5% (66/145) of female partners achieved spontaneous pregnancy at a mean follow-up of 11.7 ± 6.2 months. On univariate analysis, preoperative high sperm concentration (≥20 million/mL) and high sperm motility (≥25%) were positively associated with spontaneous pregnancy. On multivariate analysis, only preoperative sperm concentration was an independent predictor. Microsurgical varicocelectomy could improve semen quality and spontaneous pregnancy rates. Only preoperative sperm concentration was an independent predictor of spontaneous pregnancy. Patients with high initial sperm concentration may benefit from varicocelectomy for spontaneous pregnancy.

In vivo adverse effects of alpha-tocopherol on the semen quality of male bucks.

Oxidative stress has detrimental effects on semen quality during spermatogenesis and semen processing for artificial insemination. This work was conducted to study the effect of different levels of vitamin E on the semen traits, oxidative status and trace minerals in Beetal bucks. Thirty-six bucks of similar body weight and age (1year) were randomly divided into four groups. One group was kept as control with no supplementation (group 1), and the others were supplemented with 200 (group 2), 400 (group 3) and 800IU (group 4) vitamin E/animal/day for 2months. At the end of the experiment, semen samples were collected and evaluated. Seminal plasma was separated to study the concentration of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and trace minerals (Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe). Group 3 showed significantly higher (p<0.05) semen volume and per cent motility and lower dead sperm percentage compared to control group. Superoxide dismutase, GPx, Zn, Cu and Mn were higher in the same group. The level of AST decreased in group 3 without any change on the concentration of ALT. It is suggested that vitamin E at the rate of 400 IU/buck/day supported higher semen volume, per cent motility, per cent live spermatozoa, antioxidants (SOD, GPx) and trace mineral levels (Zn, Cu, Mn) in the seminal plasma. The increased supplementation from 0 to 400 showed a general increasing trend in improving semen quality. However, the dose of 800IU/kg had no useful effect in further improving the semen quality.

Comparison of Three Nutriceutical Food Supplements for the Treatment of Infertility

Aims: Approximately one out of every 8 couples is confronted with a problem of infertility. The diagnostic and therapeutic management, taking into account the WHO recommendations, may be complemented by nutriceutical food supplementation. The present study compares the original nutriceutical (Qualisperm®) with two recently marketed products (Proxeed plus®, and PROfertil®). Study Design: The ingredients and their quantities of the three nutriceuticals were listed and compared, and their effectiveness on semen quality was assessed. The probability of conception per month was calculated, as were the numbers needed to treat, and the time to pregnancy, whenever availa ble. Results: All three nutriceuticals improve semen quality. The pregnancy rate per month of Proxeed plus was 3.7%, it was 5% for PROfertile, and 11% when Qualisperm was combined with WHO recommended treatment of the male partner. The numbers needed to tr eat were 5.0 (CI:3.58 - 8.18) for Proxeed plus, 9.4 (CI: 4.46 - 94.9) for PROfertil, and 2.8 (CI: 1.7 - 8.7) for Qualisperm added to WHO - recommended treatment. The combination of Proxeed plus with the non - steroidal anti inflammatory agent Cinnoxicam generated a number needed to treat of 2.9 (CI: 2.32 - 3.98). The time to pregnancy was reduced to half when combining WHO - recommended treatment with Qualisperm, as compared to either WHO recommended treatment alone, or treatment with Proxeed plus with Cin n oxicam added. In a placebo - controlled double - blind randomised trial of in Original Research Article

Comparative study between the outcome of Laparoscopic Palomo and open inguinal Varicocelectomy

Background: The ideal method of varicocele treatment is a controversial issue. The present study was designed to compare the outcome of laparoscopic palomo and open inguinal varicocelectomy. Methods: The present quasi experimental study was conducted in the Department of Urology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, between July 2010 and June 2012 to compare the outcome of open inguinal and laparoscopic Palomo approach of varicocelectomy. Purposively selected 50 patients were divided into equal two groups, Group A and Group B treated with open inguinal varicocelectomy and laparoscopic Palomo varicocelectomy respectively. Statistical analyses were done by using SPSS and p value &lt;0.05 was considered as significant. Results: In the present study, mean age of the patients of Group A and Group B were 29.1 ± 2.0 and 28.9±1.5 years respectively. Among the patients of Group A developed neither hydroeele nor testicular atrophy, where as in patients of Group B 20% and 12% developed hydrocele and testicular atrophy respectively. The recurrence rate of varicocele was lower in the Group A than that in the Group B. The findings of semen analysis at 1st and 2nd follow up visits show that there was negligible improvement in semen quality in terms of sperm count, motility and morphology. Conclusion: Open inguinal varicocelectomy is better than laparoscopic palomo varicocelectomy. Although sooner return to work is achieved by laparoscopic varicocelectomy, complications are more frequent than the open inguinal method. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v22i2.21527 J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 22, No.2, October, 2013, Page 156-162

EFFECT OF SOME BEE PRODUCTS ON REPRODUCTIVE PHENOMENA OF MALE NEW ZEALAND WHITE RABBITS

The present work was designed to study the effect of propolis (P) with or without royal jelly (RJ) and bee honey (H) on age of sexual puberty, semen quality and fertility of New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit males. Sixty pre-pubertal NZW rabbit males were used in the present study and were randomly divided into 3 groups (20 bucks per group); males were administered orally with 0.5 mL of a solution/ kg body weight (BW), 3 times weekly for 6 weeks. The solution contained: 1) water for control (1st group), 2) 15 mg propolis with 200 mg royal jelly (RJ) suspended in 0.25 mL bee honey (H) + 0.25 mL water (2nd group), 3) 15 mg propolis (P) was suspended in 0.5 mL water (3rd group). Fertility of rabbit bucks was tested using artificial insemination of 60 hybrid nonparous rabbit females (20 females per each experimental group). Male NZW rabbits received propolis with or without royal jelly and bee honey showed significant (P<0.05) earlier age at puberty (earlier ages at testis descending into scrotum, separation of penis from sheath, fighting, first ejaculation, appearance of sperm in testis and epididymis). The results also revealed significant (P<0.05) increase of ejaculate volume, percentage of sperm progressive motility, sperm-cell concentration and seminal plasma fructose concentration in treated groups compared to control group. On the other hand, reaction time, percentages of dead and abnormal spermatozoa increased significantly (P<0.05) for control group compared to the other two groups. Blood plasma concentration of testosterone increased significantly (P<0.05) for both 2nd and 3rd groups in comparison with control. Otherwise, plasma concentrations of cholesterol, aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alanine amino transferase (ALT) were reduced significantly (P<0.05) for 2nd and 3rd groups compared to control group. Rabbit bucks treated with either propolis with or without royal jelly and bee honey showed better fertility (higher conception rate and litter size) than control bucks. In conclusion, the results of the present study showed that oral administration of NZW rabbit males with propolis only or with royal jelly and bee honey could be used beneficially to have earlier age of puberty, improve semen quality and fertility. This improvement was also mirrored on better liver functions.

EFFECT OF MELATONIN ON BUFFALO BULL SPERM FREEZABILITY, ULTRASTRUCTURE CHANGES AND FERTILIZING POTENTIALS

Cryopreservation induces sublethal damage to the spermatozoa, which leads to reduce their fertile life. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of melatonin on freezability, ultrastructure and fertilizing potentials of the buffalo spermatozoa. Buffalo spermatozoa were cryopresreved with Tris egg yolk extender containing 7% glycerol supplemented with (0.100, 0.250, 0.500, 0.750 and 1 mM melatonin) or Tris-based extender only (control). Cryopresreved spermatozoa were assessed for post-thawing sperm motility, viability and acrosomal integrity, ultrastructure changes and fertilizing potentials. The current results clearly indicated that adding 0.1 mM melatonin to Tris extender significantly improved (P<0.05) post-thawing sperm motility and viability index following cryopreservation (60.00±2.9% and 157.5±11.8, respectively) compared with the control spermatozoa (45.00±2.90% and 97.00±9.09, respectively). The current results illustrated that addition of 0.1mM melatonin protected the plasma membrane, acrosomal region and mitochondria and maintained the ultrastructure integrity of the cryopresreved spermatozoa compared with the control spermatozoa. The present data indicated that addition of melatonin at a dose of 0.1 and 0.25 mM to the semen extender significant increased (P< 0.05) the positive HOST percent (83.66 and 81.33%, respectively) compared with the control semen (43.33 %). Additionally, the current results revealed that addition of 0.1 mM and 0.25 mM melatonin to the semen extender highly significant increased (P< 0.01) the pregnancy rate (66.67 and 60.43%, respectively) compared with the control semen (45.65%). Therefore, the present results revealed that addition of melatonin to the freezing extender might improve semen quality and reduce cryodamage of the buffalo bull spermatozoa.

Improvement of gamete quality and its short-term storage: an approach for biotechnology in laboratory fish

In fish, in vitro fertilization is an important reproductive tool used as first step for application of others biotechniques as chromosome and embryo manipulation. In this study, we aimed to optimize gamete quality and their short-term storage from the yellowtail tetra Astyanax altiparanae, for future application in laboratory studies. Working with sperm, we evaluated the effects of spawning inducers (carp pituitary gland and Ovopel® [(D-Ala6, Pro9-NEt) – mGnRH+metoclopramide]) and the presence of female on sperm motility. Additionally, we developed new procedures for short-term storage of sperm and oocytes. Briefly, sperm motility was higher when male fish were treated with carp pituitary gland (73.1±4.0%) or Ovopel® (79.5±5.5%) when compared with the control group treated with 0.9% NaCl (55.6±27.2%; P=0.1598). Maintenance of male fish with an ovulating female fish also improved sperm motility (74.4±7.4%) when compared with untreated male fish (42.1±26.1%; P=0.0018). Storage of sperm was optimized in modified Ringer solution, in which the sperm was kept motile for 18 days at 2.5°C. The addition of antibiotics or oxygen decreased sperm motility, but partial change of supernatant and the combination of those conditions improve storage ability of sperm. Fertilization ability of oocytes decreased significantly after storage for 30, 60 90 and 120 min at 5, 10, 15 and 20°C when compared with fresh oocytes (P=0.0471), but considering only the stored samples, the optimum temperature was 15°C. Those data describe new approaches to improve semen quality and gametes short-term storage in yellowtail tetra A. altiparanae and open new possibilities in vitro fertilization.

Seminal characteristics, libido and serum testosterone concentrations in mixed-breed goat bucks receiving testosterone during the non-breeding period

A total of 12 sexually mature mixed-breed goat bucks were used in this experiment to study the effects of testosterone application (T; 25 mg IM every three days during three weeks) during the period of sexual inactivity (end of March, 26°N) on libido, odour, Sertoli cell number, seminal characteristics and serum testosterone levels. The experimental design was completely random with two groups with six bucks in each group. Reaction time was shorter (P < 0.05) in T bucks (96 ± 45 sec) than in control bucks (258 ± 44 sec). Testosterone treatment increased semen volume (1.2 ± 0.5 vs. 0.3 ± 0.03 ml for T and control bucks, respectively) and total sperm cells/ejaculate (1.32 ± 0.7 vs. 0.33 ± 0.02 x 109 for T and control bucks, respectively). Buck’s odour (scale 1–5) was more intense (P < 0.05) in T bucks (1.8 ± 0.1) than control bucks (0.6 ± 0.2). Serum testosterone levels were threefold higher in T bucks (8 ng/mL) compared to control bucks (2 ng/mL) after three weeks of exogenous testosterone treatment. It was concluded that testosterone application to sexually inactive goat bucks provoke an increase in serum testosterone which in turn induces an intense sexual behaviour and the improvement of semen quality.

AB136. Comparison of the outcomes of microscopic varicocelectomy and laparoscopic varicocelectomy

ObjectivesTo compare and analyze semen quality improvement between the patients with microscopic varicocelectomy and laparoscopic varicocelectomy.MethodsA total of 291 patients with varicocele were included in this study, of who 176 underwent microscopic varicocelectomy and 115 laparoscopic varicocelectomy. The improvement rates of semen quality and pregnancy rates between the two groups were compared.ResultsThe improvement rate of sperm density in microscopic group was significantly higher than that of laparoscopic group (87.6% vs. 73.7%, P=0.006). Spouse pregnancy rate of microscopic group was significantly higher than that of laparoscopic group (45.4% vs. 30.3%, P=0.017).ConclusionsThe effect of microscopic varicocelectomy was superior to that of laparoscopic varicocelectomy.

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.

Addition of superoxide dismutase mimics during cooling process prevents oxidative stress and improves semen quality parameters in frozen/thawed ram spermatozoa

High levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which may be related to reduced semen quality, are detected during semen cryopreservation in some species. The objectives of this study were to measure the oxidative stress during ram semen cryopreservation and to evaluate the effect of adding 2 antioxidant mimics of superoxide dismutase (Tempo and Tempol) during the cooling process on sperm motility, viability, acrosomal integrity, capacitation status, ROS levels, and lipid peroxidation in frozen and/or thawed ram spermatozoa. Measuring of ROS levels during the cooling process at 35, 25, 15, and 5 °C and after freezing and/or thawing showed a directly proportional increase (P < 0.05) when temperatures were lowering. Adding antioxidants at 10 °C confered a higher motility and sperm viability after cryopreservation in comparison with adding at 35 °C or at 35 °C/5 °C. After freezing and/or thawing, sperm motility was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Tempo and Tempol 1 mM than that in control group. Percentage of capacitated spermatozoa was lower (P < 0.05) in Tempo and Tempol 1 mM in comparison with that in control group. In addition, ROS levels and lipid peroxidation in group Tempo 1 mM were lower (P < 0.05) than those in control group. These results demonstrate that ram spermatozoa are exposed to oxidative stress during the cooling process, specifically when maintained at 5 °C and that lipid peroxidation induced by high levels of ROS decreases sperm motility and induces premature sperm capacitation. In contrast, the addition of Tempo or Tempol at 0.5 to 1 mM during the cooling process (10 °C) protects ram spermatozoa from oxidative stress.

A Novel Collection Technique for the Improvement of Semen Quality

To date, the common thread in the use of semen extenders/collection techniques, whether they are being used for fresh extended semen, chilled semen, or cryopreserved semen, is that the extenders have all traditionally been added post-collection. The objective of this study was to determine if modifying the method of collection/extension of semen to include a warmed media environment would improve semen parameters by lessening cold and pH shock. Ten canine semen samples were collected with a modified artificial vagina to allow for a true split collection into to collection containers at one time. The treatment half of the sample was collected into a measured amount of warmed extension media. The control half was collected into a dry container and no attempts to maintain temperature was used. Standard semen parameters, available sperm pool, and number of inseminations were evaluated at specific time intervals and evaluations continued until samples reached zero percent motility. Data analysis was performed with SPSS using the general linear model and appropriate t-tests. There was a difference between the treatment and control groups for Motility (P<.001), Motility by Time (P<.001), Time to Zero Motility (P<.001), Time to Last Full Insemination (P<.03), Forward Progression (P<.001), Acrosome Reaction (P<.001), Acrosome Reaction by Time (P<.02) and Viability (P<.001). There was no difference in morphology between the treatment and control groups (P>.05). Modification of the semen collection/extension procedure resulted in improved semen parameters for extended time-periods post-collection. The data suggest the described collection technique can yield significantly more motile sperm by placing the sample into a physiologically favorable environment (eliminating pH and cold shock and allowing osmoregulation to begin), thus providing more available sperm for breeding.

EFFECT OF TREHALOSE, CYSTEINE AND HYPOTAURINE ON BUFFALO BULL SPERM FREEZABILITY, ULTRASTRUCTURE CHANGES AND FERTILIZING POTENTIALS

Cryopreservation induces sublethal damage to the spermatozoa, which leads to reduce their fertile life. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of trehalose, cysteine and hypotaurine on freezability, ultrastructure and in vitro fertilizing potentials of the buffalo spermatozoa. Buffalo spermatozoa were cryopresreved with Tris egg yolk extender containing 7% glycerol suplemmented with100 mM trehalose, 100 mM trehalose + 5 mM cysteine, 100 mM trehalose + 25 mM hypotaurine, 100 mM trehalose + 5 mM cysteine + 25 mM hypotaurine or Tris-based extender only (control). Cryopresreved spermatozoa were assessed for post-thawing sperm motility; viability and acrosomal integrity, ultrastructure changes, biochemical activity and in vitro fertilizing potentials. The current results clearly indicated that adding a mixture of 100 mM trehalose , 5 mM cysteine and 25 mM hypotaurine to Tris extender significantly improved (P<0.05) post-thawing sperm motility, viability index and maintained acrosomal integrity following cryopreservation (63.33±7.27%, 155.83±21.06and 12.33±2.73%, respectively) compared with the control spermatozoa (38.33±4.41%, 94.17±12.28 and 25.33±3.49%, respectively). The current results illustrated that addition of combination of additives protected the plasma membrane, acrosomal region and mitochondria and maintained the ultrastructure integrity of the cryopresreved spermatozoa compared with the control spermatozoa. Additionally, the current results revealed that combination of trehalose, cysteine and hypotaurine significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity level (TAC), superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) and glutathione reductase activity (GSH) and reduced significantly the lipid peroxidation rate (0.60±0.89 mµ/ml, 70.00 ±5.78 U/L, 81.66±4.41 U/L and 7.33±1.86 nmol/ml, respectively) compared with the control extender (0.23±0.04 mµ/ml, 34.67±6.74U/L, 51.67±14.82 U/Land 20.67±3.84 nmol/ml, respectively). Furthermore, a mixture of trehalose, cysteine, hypotaurine significantly improved (P<0.05) the rate of in vitro fertilization, cleavage and embryo development to morula and blastocyst stages (62.66±6.28, 53.54±3.89, 23.87±6.28 and17.94±2.57%) compared with the control extender (31.19±4.42, 18.47±5.04, 8.36±1.91 and .42±1.71%, respectively). Therefore, the present results revealed that addition of a mixture of trehalose, cysteine and hypotaurine to the freezing extender could improve semen quality and reduce cryodamage of the buffalo bull spermatozoa.