Indicator Of Semen Quality Research Articles

Importance of L-carnitine as Biochemical Marker for Semen Quality Preservation after Cryopreservation in Stallions

Background: The aim of this work is to study the significance of carnitine fractions and NO metabolites for the assessment of spermatozoa resistance to cryopreservation, for which purpose these parameters were investigated in seminal plasma of animals divided according to the indices of spermatozoa of stallions subjected to cryopreservation. Methods: There were 18 breeding stallions with an average age of 11.28±5.46 years, all 18 were of Arabian breed. Using cluster analysis of indicators of semen quality, animals were identified into two groups: with high and low sperm resistance to cryopreservation-thawing. We assessed standard quality parameters in fresh and cryopreserved sperm, as well as carnitine and its fractions and NO metabolites in stallions’ seminal plasma, steroid hormones level and carnitine fractions in blood serum. Data were analyzed using JASP. Differences at p less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Result: Seminal plasma obtained from animals from the cluster with low motility after cryopreservation-thawing was characterized by a lower concentration of nitric oxide metabolites in 1,79 time (p=0.0415) and free carnitine in 1,64 time (p=0.0349). Positive moderate strength correlation were established between the level of seminal plasma free carnitine and the percentage of live spermatozoa after sperm cryopreservation-thawing.

Evaluation of the Congjiang Xiang Pig’s Sperm Quality by Flow Cytometry

Background: Sperm quality plays an important role in the animal industry. The study of the sperm quality of Congjiang Xiang pigs is limited and the Rh123/PI double staining has not been used to detect the sperm quality of boars. Thus, the study aimed to evaluate the sperm quality of the Congjiang Xiang pigs and the feasibility of the flow cytometry (FCM) method in assessing sperm quality in pigs. Methods: Semen samples were evaluated for routine indicators of semen quality and using FCM with single staining and double staining to analyze the integrity of membrane and acrosome, the mitochondrial function. The sperm quality of the Congjiang Xiang pigs was compared with the Large White pigs. Result: The semen of the Congjiang Xiang pigs had a lower sperm concentration than that of the Large White pigs (P less than 0.01). There were no significant differences in sperm vitality, sperm motility and abnormality between the two breeds (P greater than 0.05). Single sperm staining revealed a lower sperm acrosomal integrity in the semen of the Congjiang Xiang pigs than that of the Large White pigs (P less than 0.01). No significant difference between the two breeds in membrane integrity and mitochondrial function was observed (P greater than 0.05). Rh123/PI double staining demonstrated that the rate of live sperm with a normal mitochondrial function of the Congjiang Xiang pigs was significantly higher than that of the Large White pigs (P less than 0.05). The rate of necrotic sperms in the semen of the Congjiang Xiang pigs was significantly lower than that in the semen of the Large White pigs (P less than 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a positive association between the rates of live sperm in the semen of the congjiang xiang pigs and their sperm motility (P=0.051). Our results suggest that Rh123/PI double staining with flow cytometry can provide more reliable information to assess the boar sperm quality.

Self-Rated Health and Semen Quality in Men Undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology

Numerous studies have documented the association of self-rated health (SRH) with chronic diseases. However, few studies have investigated its association with semen quality. To examine the association of SRH with semen quality among men undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) in China. This cross-sectional study recruited male partners in couples undergoing ART treatment at the Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, China. A total of 1262 men underwent 2 semen examinations and completed a questionnaire on SRH between December 2018 and January 2020. Data analysis was performed from November 20, 2022, to March 24, 2023. SRH, including overall physical and mental health, as well as reproductive-related physical and mental health specifically, were reported at baseline recruitment. Sperm concentration, sperm progressive motility, sperm motility, and sperm count as semen quality parameters. The study included 1262 men with a mean (SD) age of 32.79 (5.25) years and body mass index of 24.37 (3.68). Men with poorer SRH had lower semen quality (eg, sperm concentration among poor vs very good overall physical health: percentage variation, -14.67%; 95% CI, -23.62% to -4.66%). Among 4 components of SRH, a greater reduction in semen quality was estimated for reproductive-related SRH compared with overall SRH, whereas the greatest reduction was observed for reproductive-related physical SRH. In comparison with men with very good reproductive-related physical SRH, men with poor reproductive-related physical SRH had differences of -24.78% (95% CI, -32.71% to -15.93%) and -25.61% (95% CI, -33.95% to -16.22%) in sperm count and concentration, respectively, and regression coefficients of -9.38 (95% CI, -12.01 to -6.76) and -9.24 (95% CI, -11.82 to -6.66) for sperm motility and sperm progressive motility, respectively. In this cross-sectional study of Chinese men, poorer SRH was associated with lower semen quality, and reproductive-related physical SRH was the most pronounced indicator. Our findings suggest that SRH, especially reproductive-related physical SRH, was a good indicator of semen quality, which should inform public and clinical regulatory decisions.

METABOLITES AND SEMEN CHARACTERISTICS IN DIFFERENT BULLS FERTILITY

This study was investigated the relationship between Holstein bulls' fertility with some biomarkers (amino، fatty، and organic acids) and semen characteristics. The study included exploring the relationship among the fertility of Holstein bulls، several biomarkers، and semen characteristics in straws (20-25 straws/bull) preserved for three years. The cows were artificially inseminated (9-10 cows/bull) from semen. Based on the fertility rate، the bulls were divided into three groups، the first bulls of medium fertility (˂65%)، the second of good fertility (65-79%)، and the third of high fertility (>80%). The semen characteristics were evaluated، and the concentration of some amino acids and organic fatty acids was measured in the seminal plasma of bulls using gas chromatography and HPLC. The results revealed significant differences in the fertility rate among the different groups of bulls in favor of the highly fertile bulls. The results did not show any differences in most of the characteristics of the semen، except for a significant increase in the percentage of live sperm in good bulls compared to highly fertile ones. There were no significant differences for all the concentrations of carboxylic and most amino and fatty acids concentrations، except for an increase in the concentration of glycine acid (P˂0.05) and a decrease in the concentration of omega 9 (P˂0.05) in the highly fertile bulls compared to the medium fertile ones. In conclusion، glycine and omega-9 in the seminal plasma of bulls can be regarded as biomarkers of their fertility and the level of carboxylic acids (volatile fatty acids) can be adopted as an indicator of semen quality or energy level in the diet

Comprehensive Flow-Cytometric Quality Assessment of Ram Sperm Intended for Gene Banking Using Standard and Novel Fertility Biomarkers.

Flow cytometry becomes a common method for analysis of spermatozoa quality. Standard sperm characteristics such as viability, acrosome and chromatin integrity, oxidative damage (ROS) etc. can be easily assess in any animal semen samples. Moreover, several fertility-related markers were observed in humans and some other mammals. However, these fertility biomarkers have not been previously studied in ram. The aim of this study was to optimize the flow-cytometric analysis of these standard and novel markers in ram semen. Ram semen samples from Slovak native sheep breeds were analyzed using CASA system for motility and concentration and were subsequently stained with several fluorescent dyes or specific antibodies to evaluate sperm viability (SYBR-14), apoptosis (Annexin V, YO-PRO-1, FLICA, Caspases 3/7), acrosome status (PNA, LCA, GAPDHS), capacitation (merocyanine 540, FLUO-4 AM), mitochondrial activity (MitoTracker Green, rhodamine 123, JC-1), ROS (CM-H2DCFDA, DHE, MitoSOX Red, BODIPY), chromatin (acridine orange), leukocyte content, ubiquitination and aggresome formation, and overexpression of negative biomarkers (MKRN1, SPTRX-3, PAWP, H3K4me2). Analyzed semen samples were divided into two groups according to viability as indicators of semen quality: Group 1 (viability over 60%) and Group 2 (viability under 60%). Significant (p < 0.05) differences were found between these groups in sperm motility and concentration, apoptosis, acrosome integrity (only PNA), mitochondrial activity, ROS production (except for DHE), leukocyte and aggresome content, and high PAWP expression. In conclusion, several standard and novel fluorescent probes have been confirmed to be suitable for multiplex ram semen analysis by flow cytometry as well as several antibodies have been validated for the specific detection of ubiquitin, PAWP and H3K4me2 in ram spermatozoa.

Assessment of Frozen Semen Quality through Foldscope Microscopy- A Novel Application of Frugal Science to Reduce the Infertility Rate

Background: Quality determination of frozen semen before using for Artificial Insemination (AI) in cattle is of paramount importance. The success of cattle AI programs is largely depends on the use of good quality semen and thus assessment of semen quality parameters before AI will improve the conception rate and reduces the loss associated with repeated breeding. Among the various semen quality indicators, sperm motility is one of the important parameter and it should be evaluated immediately after semen collection (before freezing) and 24 hrs after freezing as per minimum standard protocol in frozen semen production. Though the motility is a major determinant of spermatozoa ability to reach the site of fertilization and it is affected by cryopreservation and subsequent poor cold storage facilities, motility is not frequently evaluated under field conditions. In the current scenario, many of our government AI sub-stations in remote villages are not equipped with microscope facility for semen quality evaluation before AI. Methods: In this study, we used foldscope, an origami-based paper microscope which give optical quality similar to conventional microscopes (magnification of 140X and 2-micron resolution), to evaluate the frozen semen motility at field level. In this study, the motility of spermatozoa was observed under foldscope and concluded that foldscope is very useful to asses the motility befor AI and improve the fertility in dairy animals. Result: We revealed that, utility of foldscope to assess the motility of spermatozoa was evaluated under field conditions and observed that 46% of sperms were motile. Further, evalaution of sperm motility before AI is not very common practice due to lack of microscope in many AI centres. Therefore, foldscope will be very useful at field conditions to avoid AI using poor quality semen and subsequent loss associated with repeat breeding problems.

Land use and semen quality: A fertility center cohort study.

This study explored the association between built environment and semen parameters among men who sought fertility evaluation. We used a data of 5,886 men living in the Seoul capital area whose semen was tested at a single fertility center during 2016-2018. Distance to fresh water, the coast, major roadways, and neighborhood greenness measured by Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were evaluated. Outcome indicators were semen volume, sperm concentration, percentage of progressive motility, vitality, normal morphology, and total motile sperm count. Linear regression models were fitted to standardized values of six semen indicators. Majority of men were white-collar, clerical, and service workers. Linear associations between built environment features and semen quality indicators were not evident except for NDVI within 500 m and sperm vitality (β = 0.05; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.01, 0.09). The 2nd quartile of distance to fresh water was associated with lower progressive motility compared to the 1st quartile (β = -0.10; 95% CI: -0.17, -0.03). Proportion of vitality was higher among men in the 2nd quartile of distance to roadways than those in the 1st quartile (0.08; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.15). Men in the 2nd quartile of NDVI had higher total motile sperm count (0.09; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.17). In the multi-exposure model, the positive association between NDVI and vitality remained (0.03; 95% CI: 0.00, 0.06). We observed potential evidence regarding the impact of built environment on male fertility, specifically a positive association between residential greenness and sperm vitality among men with a history of infertility.

Sperm Metabolomics through Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy.

Simple SummaryProton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1 H-NMR) is of special interest for the analysis of metabolites present in seminal plasma and spermatozoa. This metabolomic approach has been used to identify the presence of new biomarkers or their proportions in a non-invasive manner and is, therefore, an interesting tool for male fertility diagnosis. In this paper, we review current knowledge of the use of 1 H-NMR to examine sperm metabolomics in different species with special attention paid to humans and farm animals. We also describe the use of 1 H-NMR to establish a possible relationship between the mammalian diet and the presence of certain hydrophilic and lipophilic metabolites in spermatozoa.This report reviews current knowledge of sperm metabolomics analysis using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1 H-NMR) with particular emphasis on human and farm animals. First, we present the benefits of NMR over other techniques to identify sperm metabolites and then describe the specific methodology required for NMR sperm analysis, stressing the importance of analyzing metabolites extracted from both the hydrophilic and lipophilic phases. This is followed by a description of advances produced to date in the use of NMR to diagnose infertility in humans and to identify metabolic differences among the sperm of mammalian herbivore, carnivore, and omnivore species. This last application of NMR mainly seeks to explore the possible use of lipids to fuel sperm physiology, contrary to previous theories that glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) are the only sources of sperm energy. This review describes the use of NMR to identify sperm and seminal plasma metabolites as possible indicators of semen quality, and to examine the metabolites needed to maintain sperm motility, induce their capacitation, and consequently, to predict animal fertility.

Time Dependent Impact of Reactive Oxidants on Seminal Attributes of Murrah Bull during Cryopreservation and Storage

Background: Cryopreservation is an invaluable technique yet it is also known to be detrimental to sperm function and fertility due to cryo-injury and concomitant generation of reactive oxidants. During laboratory manipulation for the cryopreservation and freeze-thaw process, spermatozoa undergo osmotic stress, ionic imbalance, metabolic decoupling, membrane phase transition, destabilization of the cytoskeleton and antioxidant depletion which communally hampers the semen quality.Methods: With the aim of determining implications of cryopreservation and storage, semen samples were collected by artificial vagina technique from 12 Murrah bulls and subsequently examined at 0 hour (before cryopreservation) and at 24 hour, 1 month and 2 month of storage for various seminal attributes. Simultaneously seminal plasma was separated and preserved at -20oC till the analysis of biochemical indicators of semen quality viz., nitric oxide (NO), total antioxidant quantity (TAC) and lipid peroxidation status (TBARS). Result: A sharp reduction (p less than 0.01) in the semen quality was observed only at 24 h after cryopreservation except for viability. Significant reduction (p less than 0.05) in viable counts was observed up to 1 month interval. The capacitated sperm percentage was greater (p less than 0.01) in the cryopreserved semen as compared to fresh ejaculate. The mean ± SE levels of NO (μmol/L), TAC and TBARS (Units/ml) was 2.31±0.27, 0.73±0.04 and 1.11±0.16 respectively in seminal plasma of neat semen stored at -20oC, while the values in the extended seminal plasma after cryopreservation was 2.37±0.31, 0.44±0.03 and 0.65±0.03 respectively. So it can be inferred that most of the damage encountered by spermatozoa is during the initial period of freezing, but the damage associated by various stressors cannot be ignored.

Fertility in men with hypospadias: A nationwide register-based study using dizygotic twinning rates as an indicator of semen quality.

It is not known if impaired fertility in men with hypospadias is caused by decreased semen quality or other factors. Semen quality in men born with hypospadias may be impaired due to effects of androgens or testicular dysgenesis but has been very little studied. To study semen quality in men with hypospadias using dizygotic twinning rates as an epidemiological indicator. We further aimed to study men treated for cryptorchidism, given a hypothesized mutual etiology for decreased semen quality. We conducted a population-based study using national Swedish registers. A total of 4,363,165 births between 1964 and 2013 were included. The association between hypospadias and cryptorchidism, and fathering dizygotic multiple births was estimated using logistic regression and presented as odds ratios. The main analyses excluded births conceived using assisted reproductive technology (ART). We identified a total of 5317 births with fathers with hypospadias, including 26 dizygotic births conceived unassisted. No significant association was found between hypospadias and dizygotic twinning (OR 1.10, 0.75-1.61). We estimated a significantly increased odds for dizygotic multiple births in men treated for cryptorchidism (OR 1.35, 1.01-1.81) which was decreased after exclusion of ART, but the estimate was not significant (OR 0.75, 0.48-1.18). Using dizygotic twinning rates as an indicator of semen quality, we did not find any difference between fathers with hypospadias and controls. Due to sample size, we could not analyze phenotypes separately and can therefore not exclude impaired semen quality in severe hypospadias. We could not demonstrate any association between dizygotic twinning and cryptorchidism. Men treated for cryptorchidism were more likely than controls to use ART to conceive. Men with hypospadias who conceived without ART were not shown to have impaired semen quality using dizygotic twinning as an epidemiological indicator.

Показатели качества эякулята, ассоциированные со снижением массы тела у молодых бесплодных мужчин с патозооспермией, постпубертатным висцеральным ожирением и неотягощенным андрологическим анамнезом

Background : Considering the negative impact of visceral obesity on fertility, it is important to study semen quality indicators associated with reduced body weight. Aims : Evaluation of semen quality indicators associated with reduced body weight in patients with infertility, postpubertal visceral obesity and normal andrological history. Materials and methods : 33 infertile men under 30 years with post-pubertal and alimentary visceral obesity were included into retrospective case-control study. All patients have been followed through a six month weight loss program (hypocaloric diet, daily aerobic physical activity). The waist circumference, blood lipid levels, seminal antioxidant capacity and scanning electron microscopy analysis were determined before and after weight loss program. At the end of the study, patients were divided into two groups according to weight loss. The first group reduced their body weight by 5% or more (n=16), second group didn’t achieve the goal (n=17). Results : Statistically significant differences were identified in the ejaculate parameters between patients of two groups. Though at the time of initiation of medical intervention two groups were comparable except for body mass, after six months in the first group the number of sperm in 1 ml ejaculate, morphologically normal forms and the total antioxidant capacity of ejaculate increased while the number of sperm DNA integrity decreased. Conclusion : In young men with postpubertal visceral obesity and normal andrological history clinically significant body weight reduction is associated with improved semen quality indicators.

Semen quality indicators associated with reduced body weight in young infertile men with pathozoospermia, postpubertal visceral obesity and normal andrological history

Background: Considering the negative impact of visceral obesity on fertility, it is important to study semen quality indicators associated with reduced body weight.Aims: Evaluation of semen quality indicators associated with reduced body weight in patients with infertility, postpubertal visceral obesity and normal andrological history.Materials and methods: 33 infertile men under 30 years with post-pubertal and alimentary visceral obesity were included into retrospective case-control study. All patients have been followed through a six month weight loss program (hypocaloric diet, daily aerobic physical activity). The waist circumference, blood lipid levels, seminal antioxidant capacity and scanning electron microscopy analysis were determined before and after weight loss program. At the end of the study, patients were divided into two groups according to weight loss. The first group reduced their body weight by 5% or more (n=16), second group didn’t achieve the goal (n=17).Results: Statistically significant differences were identified in the ejaculate parameters between patients of two groups. Though at the time of initiation of medical intervention two groups were comparable except for body mass, after six months in the first group the number of sperm in 1 ml ejaculate, morphologically normal forms and the total antioxidant capacity of ejaculate increased while the number of sperm DNA integrity decreased.Conclusion: In young men with postpubertal visceral obesity and normal andrological history clinically significant body weight reduction is associated with improved semen quality indicators.

Nighttime environmental noise and semen quality: A single fertility center cohort study

With increased population and urban development, there are growing concerns regarding health impacts of environmental noise. We assessed the relationship between nighttime environmental noise and semen quality of men who visited for fertility evaluation. This is a retrospective cohort study of 1,972 male patient who had undertaken semen analysis between 2016–2018 at a single fertility center of Seoul, South Korea. We used environmental noise data of National Noise Information System (NNIS), Korea. Using semiannual nighttime noise measurement closest to the time of semen sampling, individual noise exposures at each patient’s geocoded address were estimated with empirical Bayesian kriging method. We explored the association between environmental noise and semen quality indicators (volume, concentration, % of progressive motility, vitality, normal morphology, total motile sperm count, oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, and severe teratozoospermia) using multivariable regression and generalized additive models. Estimated exposure to nighttime environmental noise level in the study population was 58.3±2.2 Leq. Prevalence of oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, and severe teratozoospermia were 3.3%, 14.0%, and 10.1%. Highest quartile nighttime noise was associated with 3.5 times higher odds of oligozoospermia (95% CI: 1.18, 10.17) compared to lowest quartile. In men whose noise exposure is in 3rd quartile, odds ratio (OR) of severe teratozoospermia was 0.57 (95% CI: 0.33, 0.98). The OR for 4th quartile noise were toward null. In generalized additive model, the risk of oligozoospermia increases when the nighttime noise is 55 Leq dB or higher. Our study adds an evidence of potential impact of environmental noise on semen quality in men living in Seoul. Additional studies with more refined noise measurement will confirm the finding.

The association between animal flesh foods consumption and semen parameters among infertile Iranian men: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPrevious studies have demonstrated the association between dietary patterns and semen quality indicators, but research on the possible association between animal flesh foods consumption and semen quality is limited. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the association between animal flesh foods consumption with semen quality.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 400 newly-identified (< 6 months) infertile men, as diagnosed by an andrologist, were recruited into the study. Dietary intake was assessed by using a semiquantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire. The total meat consumption was defined as the sum of red meat, poultry, fresh fish, canned fish, processed meats, and organ meats in the diet. A linear mixed model was used to assess the relationship between meat consumption and semen quality indicators of participants.ResultsConsumption of canned fish was inversely related to sperm immotility. Compared with the men in the lowest quartile of canned fish intake, those in the highest quartile had a lower sperm immotility [lowest quartile: 52.5%; (95% CI: 47–57) vs 47.4%; (95% CI: 43–51) P-trend = 0.026]. Similarly, a trend toward an inverse significant association between fresh fish intake and sperm immotility was observed (P-trend = 0.074). In contrast, fresh and canned fish intake was unrelated to other outcomes of sperm quality (P-trend > 0.05). No association was found between consumption of processed red meat, red meat, poultry, and organ meat, and semen quality indicators (P-trend > 0.05).ConclusionsWe found that consumption of canned fish is associated with a lower percentage of immotile sperm, whilst a high consumption of fresh fish increased the percentage of immotile sperm in Iranian infertile men. Further studies are recommended in this regard.

Processed meat intake in relation to semen quality indicators among men attending a fertility clinic

AbstractIt is estimated that in Central and Eastern Europe 8–12% of men are infertile, and in the case of 20% of infertile couples in the region, indicates a 56% part of the malefactor in the occurrence of infertility. Numerous studies have shown that a healthy diet with a high intake of fish and seafood, poultry, vegetables, fruits, legumes, through the high content of antioxidants are associated with better parameters of semen quality and reduced risk of asthenozoospermia. Men's diets may affect spermatogenesis as reflected in semen quality indicators, but the literature on the relation between meat intake and semen quality is limited. Our objective was to prospectively examine the relation between meats including red, poultry, proceesed and fish and indicators of semen quality. Men in subfertile couples presenting for evaluation at the Olsztyn Hospital Fertility Center were invited to participate in an ongoing study of environmental factors and fertility. This cross-sectional study was carried out in 208 men aged 18–55 years from Northern-Eastern Poland. Semen samples were collected at the clinic and analyses were performed by an experienced technician. Semen microscopic measurements were determined with the use of computer-aided semen analysis (CASA) and evaluated according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. A total of men completed a validated food-frequency questionnaire and subsequently provided semen samples. We used linear mixed regression models to examine the relation between meat intake and semen quality indicators (total sperm count, sperm concentration, progressive motility, morphology, and semen volume) while adjusting for potential confounders. After adjustment for age, BMI, physical activity, residence place and education, one serving increase in intake of processed meat was associated with a 56% higher risk of abnormal progressive sperm motility (OR = 1.56 95%CI:1.09–2.21). Consuming processed meat may have a negative impact on sperm counts and morphology. Potentially, these products may be a significant source of saturated and trans fatty acids, xenobiotics, mainly xenoestrogen, and steroids. Is need to clarify the potential effect of meat products, especially processed meat, on male reproductive potential in RCTs or longitudinal studies. Future findings may be useful to establish a more precise recommendation connected with red and processed meat intake in the context of reproductive health.

Scrotal infrared thermography and testicular biometry: Indicator of semen quality in Murrah buffalo bulls

This aim of this study was to assess the relationship, if any, of scrotal surface temperature gradient (SSTG), scrotal circumference (SC) and testicular covering thickness (TCT) with semen quality in Murrah buffalo breeding bulls. For this, buffalo breeding bulls (n = 130) were selected from four different semen centres. The ejaculates of each bull were evaluated for ejaculate volume (EV), mass motility (MM); concentration (SPC), motility (SM), viability and abnormalities (SA). The SSTG, SC and TCT of individual bulls were quantified using digital infrared thermography, measuring tape and ultrasonography, respectively. The bulls were divided into three groups on the basis of SSTG (≤ 4 °C, 4.1 to 6.4 °C and ≥ 6.5 °C), and SC (<31, 31 to 35 and> 35 cm) and into two groups on the basis of TCT (5 to 7.2 and 7.4 to 10.4 mm). Results indicated the bulls with a larger temperature gradient and larger SC produced greater quality semen than those with a lesser temperature gradient. The MM (P < 0.01) and SPC (P < 0.05) varied among the groups along with SSTG. Among the SC groups the EV, MM, SPC and SM (P < 0.01), and viability (P < 0.05) varied as did the SC. The bulls with a lesser TCT had a lesser SA (P < 0.05) as compared to the group with the greater TCT. Buffalo bulls having a greater SSTG, SC and lesser TCT produced semen of greater quality and these variables may be used as criteria for breeding soundness evaluation.

Use of scrotal infrared thermography and ultrasonography to understand thermoregulation of testis and sperm quality in Karan Fries breeding bull

The present investigation was carried out to study the effect of testicular covering thickness, scrotal circumference and scrotal surface temperature gradient insert semen quality attributes of Karan Fries breeding bull. Six ejaculates were collected from each randomly selected bulls (n=15), and seminal quality attributes were evaluated during peak winter season. Same time scrotal surface temperature gradient (SSTG), the thickness of testicular covering (TTC) and scrotal circumference (SC) of individual bulls were recorded using DarviDTL007 infrared thermography camera, ultrasonography and measuring tape, respectively. Three groups were formed based on SSTG (Group I- £ 4 oC, Group II- 4.1 to 6.8 oC and Group III- ³6.9 oC), two groups based on TTC (Group I- 3.03 to 4.85 and Group II- 4.86 to 7.03 mm) and SC (Group I- 32 to 35 and Group II- 36 to 41 cm). Ejaculate rejection rate (ERR) was significantly decreased with the increase of SSTG and SC. ERR was not affected with TTC. The increase of SSTG (from GroupI to Group III), mass activity and non-eosinophilic sperm count were significantly increased, and sperm abnormalities were significantly (p<0.01) decreased. Similarly, with the increase of SSTG and abnormalities were significantly (p<0.01) increased among different groups. Ejaculate volume and non-eosinophilic sperm count were significantly (p<0.01) increased with SC group I and group II. It can be concluded that scrotal surface temperature gradient was a better indicator of semen quality as compared to the thickness of testicular covering and bulls having a higher scrotal surface temperature gradient, scrotal circumference and lower thickness of testicular covering produced better quality semen.

Human sperm motility: a molecular study of mitochondrial DNA, mitochondrial transcription factor A gene and DNA fragmentation.

Alterations affecting the mitochondrial genome and chromatin integrity of spermatozoa impair male reproductive potential. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number alterations on sperm motility and on the molecular mechanism regulating the number of mtDNA copies, through analysis of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) gene expression. It also investigated any correlation between mtDNA copy number and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF). Sixty-three asthenozoospermic semen samples (Group A) and 63 normokinetic semen samples (Group N) were analysed according to WHO (WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen, World Health Organization, Geneva, 2010). Sperm mtDNA copy number and TFAM gene expression were quantified by real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. SDF was evaluated using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) assay. The mtDNA copy number was higher in asthenozoospermic semen samples and was negatively correlated with sperm concentration, total sperm number and total motile spermatozoa. The caseload showed a global negative correlation of TFAM gene expression with total motile sperm and a positive correlation with abnormal forms, SDF and mtDNA copy number, but this was not confirmed within each subgroup. SDF was significantly increased in asthenozoospermic samples and correlated with abnormal forms. No correlation was found between SDF and mtDNA copy number. Our results suggest a potential role of mtDNA content as an indicator of semen quality and support the hypothesis that dysregulation of TFAM expression is accompanied by a qualitative impairment of spermatogenesis. Since mtDNA copy number alterations and impaired chromatin integrity could affect reproductive success, these aspects should be evaluated in relation to assisted reproductive techniques.

The association between sperm head elongation and semen quality.

Previous studies suggested that sperm head shape may serve as an effective indicator of semen quality. However, there lacks research with large sample and quantitative measurement. The objective of this retrospective study was to explore the association between sperm head elongation (Width/Length ratio) and routine semen parameters. From January 2012 to December 2017, 63866 semen samples were collected from male subjects at 18-60years of age. Sperm head elongation and routine semen parameters (semen volume, sperm concentration, motility, etc.) were examined with computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) systems in order to evaluate the association between elongation and semen quality. Logistic and linear regression models showed that the value of elongation is negatively correlated with sperm concentration, total sperm count, progressive motility, total motility, percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa, and acrosin activity (all p<0.001). The results suggested that higher value of elongation is generally associated with higher risks of abnormality in semen quality. The importance of elongation may be explained by abnormal acrosin activity in the round-headed spermatozoa, which has been reported to cause failure of natural pregnancy. This study provides a new insight into the sperm head shape, which may be used as a complementary parameter in clinical semen examination and academic research.

Main signaling pathways involved in the control of fowl sperm motility.

Motility is an essential function of the mature male gamete and is widely used as an indicator of semen quality. Knowledge of signal transduction pathways regulating sperm motility is therefore important to gain insight into new methods to increase the fertilizing ability of semen samples, especially those subjected to biotechnological processes such as cryopreservation. In this article, we will briefly describe the roles of several signaling pathways involved in the motility of fowl sperm as compared to mammalian sperm. This review is intended to facilitate the design of future studies in fowl male fertility and improve the quality of frozen-thawed sperm.