Low Sperm Motility Research Articles

Cyp17a2 is involved in testicular development and fertility in male Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus.

Steroid hormones play an essential role in many reproductive processes of vertebrates. Previous studies revealed that teleost-specific Cyp17a2 (cytochrome P450 family 17 subfamily a 2) might be required for the production of cortisol in the head-kidney and 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) in ovary during oocyte maturation. However, the role of Cyp17a2 in male reproduction remains to be largely unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the essentiality of cyp17a2 gene in male steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis, and male fertility. A homozygous mutation line of cyp17a2 gene was constructed in tilapia by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology. The expression level of germ cell and meiosis-related genes and steroidogenic enzymes were detected by qRT-PCR, IHC, and Western blotting. EIA and LC-MS/MS assays were used to measure the steroid production levels. And sperm quality was examined by Sperm Quality Analyzer software. In this study, cyp17a2 gene mutation resulted in the significant decline of serum DHP and cortisol levels. On the contrary, significant increases in intermediate products of cortisol and DHP were found in cyp17a2-/- male fish. The deficiency of cyp17a2 led to the arrest of meiotic initiation in male fish revealing as the reduction of the expression of germ cell-related genes (vasa, piwil, oct4) and meiosis-related genes (spo11 and sycp3) by 90 dah. Afterwards, spermatogenesis was gradually recovered with the development of testis in cyp17a2-/- males, but it showed a lower sperm motility and reduced fertility compared to cyp17a2+/+ XY fish. Deletion of cyp17a2 led to the abnormal upregulation of steroidogenic enzymes for cortisol production in the head-kidney. Moreover, unaltered serum androgens and estrogens, as well as unchanged related steroidogenic enzymes were found in the testis of cyp17a2-/- male fish. This study proved that, for the fist time, Cyp17a2 is indispensable for cortisol and DHP production, and cyp17a2 deficiency associated curtailed meiotic initiation and subfertility suggesting the essentiality of DHP and cortisol in the male fertility of fish.

Kallikrein proteoforms and reproductive parameters in stallion are conditioned by climate

Horses are seasonal polyoestrous animals, and the photoperiod is the main factor modulating their reproductive activity. There is no consensus on the andrological and biochemical factors that influence breeding seasonality. To assess the involvement of climate in reproduction, Mangalarga Marchador stallions were monitored over 1 year regarding semen quality and seminal plasma proteome. Here, we show that kallikrein (KLKs) proteoforms in seminal plasma are involved in climate conditioning of reproduction. During the breeding season, greater abundance and different types of KLKs occurred simultaneously to lower sperm motility, greater semen volumes and higher concentrations of glucose and cholesterol. Considering that vasodilation due to activation of the kallikrein-kinin system and the consequent inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system may be associated with lower sperm motility, unravelling the involvement of KLK proteoforms in reproductive seasonality is a priority in horse breeding.

Relationships between semen quality and fertility in a population of infertile men in Erbil city.

The evaluation and the relationships between human semen quality and fertility in infertile males in Erbil city of Iraq is the aim of the present study. Semen quality and fertility were estimated by using semen analysis. The semen analysis parameters were including; the volume of the semen, and sperm (count, motility, morphology, and viability). For this purpose, one hundred fifty infertile and fifty fertile adult males participated. The study was performed from September 2021 to April 2022 in the Infertility care and In vitro fertilization center (IVF). A significant negative correlation was found between infertility% with decreased semen volume (r = - 0.58, p≤0.05), sperm concentration (r = - 0.74, p ≤0.001), total sperm count (r = - 0.68, p≤0.001), sperm morphology (r = - 0.57, p ≤0.01), sperm viability (r = - 0.80, p ≤0.001), total sperm motility (r = -0.80, p ≤0.001), and progressive motility (r = - 0.78, p≤0.001). Regarding fertility. A significant positive correlation was found between fertility% with increased semen volume (r = 0.64, p ≤0.05), sperm concentration (r = 0.76, p ≤0.001), total sperm count (r = 0.78, p ≤0.001), sperm morphology (r = 0.48, p ≤0.01), sperm viability (r = 0.70, p ≤0.001), total sperm motility (r = 0.84, p ≤0.001), and progressive motility (r = 0.75, p ≤0.001. The prevalence of hypospermia, oligozoospermia, teratozoospermia, low sperm viability, and low sperm motility kinetics (asthenozoospermia) in infertile males is significantly higher than that of fertile men.

Differential expression of circRNAs of testes with high and low sperm motility in Yili geese.

The aim of this study was to explore the potential biological function of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the sperm motility traits of Xinjiang Yili geese, and to provide a reference for analyzing the mechanism of regulation of Yili geese sperm motility. The 10 selected Xinjiang Yili Geese with high or low sperm motility (five for each group) were 3 years old, in good health, and were kept in the same feeding conditions. Yili geese were slaughtered for the collection of testicular tissue and high-throughput sequencing technology was used to screen differentially expressed circRNAs for bioinformatics analysis. Combined with the previously screened miRNAs related to the sperm motility of Yili geese, the circRNAs miRNAs regulatory network was constructed. The results showed that a total of 26,311 circRNAs were obtained from testicular tissues with high and low sperm motility, and 173 DECs were screened between the two groups (p < 0.05, |log2Foldchange|>0), of which 82 were up-regulated and 91 were down-regulated. Functional analysis of the source genes of these DECs showed that the source genes were mainly involved in biological processes. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the source genes of DECs were mainly enriched in autophagy-animal, ubiquinone and other terpenoid-quinone biosynthesis, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, regulation of the actin cytoskeleton and other pathways. Furthermore, the visual regulatory network of differential circRNA-miRNA-mRNA was constructed, including 20 circRNAs, 18 miRNAs and 177 mRNAs, and nine core regulatory circRNAs were screened, including novell_circ_0045314, novel_circ_0019994 and novel_circ_0020422, etc., targeting ppy-mir-16, hsa-mir-221–3p, gga-mir-499–5p, etc. The results suggest that circRNAs may interact with miRNAs to further regulate mRNA to regulate sperm motility in Yili geese, so as to provide a reference for analyzing the molecular mechanism of sperm motility regulation.

Exposomic Analysis of Organic Pollutants in Seminal Plasma and Male Reproductive Parameters

Previous studies of environmental exposures and male reproductive health have typically examined limited sets of exposures in the urine, which may not accurately capture the chemical burden in relevant tissues and do not consider a large range of concurrent exposures. Here, we used a combined targeted and untargeted exposome approach to identify novel associations of environmental pollutants found in seminal plasma, as individual metabolites and co-exposure patterns, with male reproductive parameters. Semen samples were collected from male partners from 100 heterosexual couples undergoing assisted reproductive treatment in Tel Aviv after 2-7 day abstinence. Semen parameters were assessed for sperm concentration, percent motility, and total motile sperm. Using a novel QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, efficient, rugged, and safe) extraction method, 118 targeted and 2005 untargeted organic pollutant exposures were measured from seminal plasma using gas chromatography. We used linear regression, principal component pursuit (PCP), and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) to estimate the associations of organic pollutants with semen parameters. Using an exposome-wide association approach, we found that etriadizole, a common pesticide, was negatively associated with total motile sperm (p&amp;#x3c;0.001), concentration (p=0.002), and percent motility (p=0.04). Using PCP, a machine learning pattern recognition approach, we derived a low-rank matrix with one major principal component. This principal component was primarily loaded by one phthalate (diethyl phthalate) and three PAHs (anthracene, pyrene, phenanthrene) and was associated with lower total sperm (p=0.03) and percent motility (p=0.05). BKMR results confirmed that as an overall mixture, these four pollutants were negatively associated with percent motility, although anthracene was not important to the mixture effect. Seminal plasma levels of etridiazole, diethyl phthalate, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are negatively associated with semen parameters. Future exposomic investigations using seminal plasma are warranted. Keywords: exposomics; exposome; seminal plasma; reproduction; reproductive health; semen; sperm; pesticide, etridiazole, phthalates, PAH

СРАВНИТЕЛЬНЫЙ АНАЛИЗ БИОХИМИЧЕСКИХ ПОКАЗАТЕЛЕЙ СПЕРМОПЛАЗМЫ ЖЕРЕБЦОВ С НОРМАЛЬНОЙ И НИЗКОЙ ПРОГРЕССИВНОЙ ПОДВИЖНОСТЬЮ СПЕРМАТОЗОИДОВ ПОСЛЕ КРИОКОНСЕРВАЦИИ

The aim of this work was to perform a comparative analysis of the biochemical parameters of spermoplasm of stallions with normal and low sperm progressive motility after cryopreservation. Seminal plasma of 34 Arabian stallions was collected during the breeding season (February-May). The activity of H+-ATPase was determined on the SF-2000 spectrophotometer (OKB Spectrum LLC, Russia), the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (СK), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), α-amylase (AA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), as well as the concentration of triacylglycerin (TAG), glucose and fructose - on a biochemical analyzer AU 680 (Beckman Coulter, USA), cytochrome oxidase activity, lactate and citrate concentration - on a semiautomatic analyzer Stat Fax 1904+ (Awareness Technology Inc, USA). The succinate content was determined on an IF analyzer StatFax 3200 (Awareness Technology Inc, USA). Statistical analysis was carried out using the Statistica 10 program and the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U-test. It was found that in the spermoplasm of stallions with low progressive sperm motility after freezing-thawing, the activity of ALT (p=0.012), AST (p=0.012), LDH (p=0.017) and H+-ATPase (p=0.037) is statistically significantly higher than in the spermoplasm of stallions with normal progressive sperm motility after cryopreservation. The results obtained may be associated with damage to the cytoplasmic and mitochondrial membranes of spermatozoa, which leads to a drop in ATP synthesis. The latter may be accompanied by a decrease in progressive motility in spermatozoa after cryopreservation. The research was supported by the grant of the Russian Science Foundation No. 20-16-00101.

Transcriptome analysis of the testes of male chickens with high and low sperm motility

The reproductive performance of chicken breeders has significant economic importance in the poultry industry, and sperm motility is an indicator of reproductive performance. This study performed RNA-seq of the testes of Gushi chicken roosters with high and low sperm motility and identified differentially expressed RNAs involved in sperm motility. RNA-seq analysis showed that 73 and 67 differentially expressed mRNAs were up- and downregulated, and 47 and 56 differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs were up- and downregulated, respectively. The genes related to sperm motility and spermatogenesis included KIFC1, KCNK2, and REC8. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the pathways related to sperm motility included oxidative phosphorylation and glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism. In addition, the MSTRG.15920.1-REC8-MSTRG.11860.2-VWC2 pathway may regulate sperm motility. This study helped elucidate the molecular genetic mechanism of sperm motility in chicken.

GNL3 is an evolutionarily conserved stem cell gene influencing cell proliferation, animal growth and regeneration in the hydrozoan Hydractinia.

Nucleostemin (NS) is a vertebrate gene preferentially expressed in stem and cancer cells, which acts to regulate cell cycle progression, genome stability and ribosome biogenesis. NS and its paralogous gene, GNL3-like (GNL3L), arose in the vertebrate clade after a duplication event from their orthologous gene, G protein Nucleolar 3 (GNL3). Research on invertebrate GNL3, however, has been limited. To gain a greater understanding of the evolution and functions of the GNL3 gene, we have performed studies in the hydrozoan cnidarian Hydractinia symbiolongicarpus, a colonial hydroid that continuously generates pluripotent stem cells throughout its life cycle and presents impressive regenerative abilities. We show that Hydractinia GNL3 is expressed in stem and germline cells. The knockdown of GNL3 reduces the number of mitotic and S-phase cells in Hydractinia larvae of different ages. Genome editing of Hydractinia GNL3 via CRISPR/Cas9 resulted in colonies with reduced growth rates, polyps with impaired regeneration capabilities, gonadal morphological defects, and low sperm motility. Collectively, our study shows that GNL3 is an evolutionarily conserved stem cell and germline gene involved in cell proliferation, animal growth, regeneration and sexual reproduction in Hydractinia, and sheds new light into the evolution of GNL3 and of stem cell systems.

Demographics and Cycle Outcomes of Transgender Patients Accessing Gamete Services at Monash IVF Victoria

Background: Since 2003 an increasing number of transgender patients are electing to store gametes prior to transitioning and/or utilising ART services at Monash IVF Victoria. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the number of transgender patients accessing gamete storage and utilisation services, as well as their cycle outcomes. Methodology: A retrospective study of frozen gamete usage of 48 patients collected between 2003-2021 was undertaken. Results: Trans-female patients were the most common cohort, with 37 patients (16-49yrs, mean age 25.9± 7.7) undertaking semen freezing and two (13yrs and 17yrs) surgical sperm retrieval prior to transitioning. Between 2003-2010 and 2011-2021 six (15.4%) and 33 (84.6%) patients respectively used this treatment. On average 2.3± 2.0 ejaculates/patient were frozen. At freezing 13 (35.1%) patients had &gt;1 ejaculate with a low sperm count and 23 patients (62%) low sperm motility compared to WHO criteria; data were unavailable if patients had already commenced hormonal therapy. Four patients (10.8%) elected to register as sperm donors and their sperm used, while only four (10.8%) trans -female patients have returned, 2-7 years later (mean 5.3± 2.2 years) with a cis -female partner to utilise their gametes; two achieving a live birth. In contrast, nine trans -male patients (20-29yrs, mean age 23.9± 2.6yrs) undertook oocyte collection; one (11.1%) had treatment in 2003-2010 and eight (88.9%) between 2011-2021. On average 1.4± 0.7 egg freezing cycles/patient were conducted, with 4-30 eggs frozen/collection (mean 14.4± 7.1). One patient donated their oocytes to their cis- female partner in an ICSI cycle 7 years after freezing and achieved one live birth. Conclusion: Gamete cryopreservation is a valuable service for transitioning patients wishing to preserve fertility; numbers are increasing, with low utilisation to date and successful outcomes recorded. Exploring transgender patient experiences and ART service uptake will provide vital feedback to tailor an inclusive fertility journey at our clinics.

Motion characteristics and plasma integrity evaluation of Murrah buffalo semen

Buffalo semen collected from Murrah bull were cryopreserved and evaluated for different motility parameter, kinematics and plasma membrane integrity. Buffalo bulls were maintained uniform standard management and nutritional practices. Semen was collected regularly twice a week semen collection schedule from four (04) Murrah bull. Collected semen was immediately transported to laboratory and evaluated for different macroscopic parameter (color, volume and thickness). Fresh semen was then diluted with saline solution and evaluated for sperm concentration, motility, sperm kinematics and morphology. Semen samples that fill all the standard were selected for freezing and diluted with Tris-egg yolk citrate diluter. Diluted semen was equilibrated, cryopreserved and finally evaluated for post thaw sperm quality. Different motility parameter (total, progressive, static and slow motility) varied significantly (p&lt;0.01) irrespective of different freezing stages. Significantly higher progressive sperm motility and viability of buffalo spermatozoa were observed at fresh semen whereas lower progressive sperm motility and viability was found at post thaw stage. Total and progressive motility reduced by 2.5 and 2.12% following equilibration, whereas following cryopreservation, total and progressive motility reduced by 35.7 and 28.51% and static motility increases accordingly (35.4%). Significantly higher plasma membrane integrity of sperm was observed at fresh semen followed by pre freeze and post thaw semen. Following freezing, integrity of plasma membrane reduces at the rate of 10.81% and 26.7% at pre freezing and post thaw stages. Significantly higher average path velocity (VAP), straight line velocity (VSL), curvilinear velocity (VCL), straightness (STR), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) and beat cross frequency (BCF) were found for fresh semen followed by pre-freeze and post-thaw semen. Frozen buffalo semen with higher progressive motility and motion characteristics may be produced if motility losses can be reduced during freezing stage as this stage results higher motility losses. Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2022, 7(2), 75-81

Fractional extracts of Azadirachta indica leaf affect spermiogram, testosterone profile, and testis histology of rabbit bucks

The effect of fractions from a crude extract of Azadirachta indica leaves on spermatogenesis, testicular histology and testosterone concentration of New Zealand White rabbits were evaluated in this study. Twenty-five matured male New Zealand White rabbits were used for this study and were randomly assigned to five groups (A, B, C, D, and E). Group A served as the control and was administered distilled water (0.5ml); while groups B, C, D and E served as the hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and butanol treated groups, respectively at the same dosage of 300 mg/kg. Semen samples were collected using an artificial vagina weekly for twelve weeks and were evaluated for volume, colour, motility, concentration, percentage live-dead ratio and morphological abnormalities. A blood sample (2ml) was also collected from each buck through venipuncture of the ear vein three times at regular intervals for the determination of testosterone concentration. Two bucks from each group were humanely sacrificed at the end of the experiment for testicular histology. Significantly lower (p&lt;0.05) sperm motility, higher dead sperm cells, sperm abnormalities, degenerative changes, depletion and vacuolation of spermatogenic cell layers were observed in treatment group C at the end of the experiment. The present study has shown that the chloroform fraction of methanolic crude Azadirachta indica (neem) leaves extract is detrimental to sperm cells and testicular histology.

Apigenin Ameliorates Lead Acetate Induced Hyperlipidemia and Hypogonadism in Male Rats

Background: Lead (Pb) is an environmental pollutant and has detrimental effects on human health. Apigenin (APG) is a flavonoid that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiallergic and cardioprotective so is used as treatment of many diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the probable protective effect of APG against Pb-induced toxicity in rats. Methods: Adult male rats were given either Pb (as lead acetate; 20 mg/kg) alone or in combination with APG (20 mg/kg) daily for 4 weeks by intraperitoneally injection (i.p). At the end of the experimental period, Pb accumulation, lipid profile and testicular function alterations were assessed. In addition, histopathological changes in the testis were assessed. Result: Results revealed that Pb treatment significantly increased Pb concentrations in blood and testis of rats. Further, the blood levels of hormones related to testis were altered in Pb-treated rats. In parallel, low sperm count and sperm motility, increased sperm abnormalities and marked pathological changes in testis were observed. On the contrary, the treatment with both Pb and APG recorded amelioration of the deleterious effects of Pb, involving attenuation of changes in lipid profile and testicular hormonal levels, sperm parameters and pathological changes in Pb treated rat’s testis. In conclusion, it appears that dietary APG can ameliorate lead acetate induced hyperlipidemia and hypogonadism in male rats.

Occupation and Semen Parameters in a Cohort of Fertile Men.

We examined associations between occupation and semen parameters in demonstrably fertile men in the Study for Future Families. Associations of occupation and workplace exposures with semen volume, sperm concentration, motility, and morphology were assessed using generalized linear modeling. Lower sperm concentration and motility were seen in installation, maintenance, and repair occupations. Higher exposure to lead, and to other toxicants, was seen in occupations with lower mean sperm concentrations (prevalence ratio for lead: 4.1; pesticides/insecticides: 1.6; solvents: 1.4). Working with lead for more than 3 months was associated with lower sperm concentration, as was lead exposure outside of work. We found evidence in demonstrably fertile men for reduced sperm quality with lead, pesticide/herbicide, and solvent exposure. These results may identify occupations where protective measures against male reproductive toxicity might be warranted.

Protective effect of melatonin on alleviating early oxidative stress induced by DOX in mice spermatogenesis and sperm quality maintaining

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective chemotherapy drug, but its clinical use has adverse effects on male reproduction. However, there are few studies about the specific biological processes related to male reproduction or strategies for improving fertility protection. In this paper, we examined the effects of DOX on spermatogenesis and sperm function, and tested the possible protective role of melatonin (MLT) against DOX’s reproductive toxicity. DOX-treated mice showed signs of significantly impaired spermatogenesis, including vacuolated epithelial cells, decreased testis weights, and lowered sperm counts and motility. DOX also reduced germ cell proliferation (PCNA) and meiosis-related proteins (SYCP3), but this effect could be partially improved with MLT administration. HSPA2 expression was maintained, which indicated that although MLT did not improve sperm motility, it did have a significant protective effect on elongated sperm. IVF results showed that MLT could partially promote two-cell and blastocyte development that was restricted by DOX. MLT reversed DOX-driven changes in the testes, including the antioxidant indices of SOD1, CAT and PRDX6, and the apoptotic indices of BAX and Caspase3. These results suggest that MLT effectively prevents DOX-induced early reproductive toxicity, and increase our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying DOX’s effects on male reproduction and the protective mechanism of MLT.

Associative relationship between sperm motility, oxidative stress and cytokines

Infertility is one of the most urgent medical and social problems in the whole world. Male factors of infertility reach 50% of all cases. Approximately 7% of men worldwide suffer from infertility. Spermatozoa are extremely vulnerable to oxidative damage since their membranes are enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids and do not have repair systems. Oxidative stress leads to damage to axonemes and an increase in morphological defects in the middle part of spermatozoa, which leads to a decrease in their mobility. The aim of the study is to evaluate the relationship between sperm motility, the activity of the glutathione antioxidant system and the concentration of cytokines. The study group included 68 healthy men who were divided into two subgroups according to the percentage of motile spermatozoa after one hour: low motility (LM, n=32) and high motility (HM, n=36). The level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was 1.3 times (p&lt;0.05) higher in the LM group compared to the HM group. Similarly, the mean values of IL-1β, IL-18, IFN-γ, and TNF-α were higher in the LM group than in the HM group. At the same time, the concentrations of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β1 in both studied groups were not significantly different. The results of this study showed that the percentage of motile sperm after 1 hour was negatively correlated with the levels of IL-1β, IL-18 and TNFα. No significant correlation was found between age and sperm motility. Lower sperm motility in healthy men is associated with reduced glutathione content and lower glutathione peroxidase and increased cytokine levels, which may be associated with increased oxidative stress in seminal plasma as evidenced by increased MDA levels. Thus, our study demonstrates the relationship between sperm motility, the state of pro-/antioxidant and antioxidant systems, and concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines. Keywords: sperm plasma, oxidative stress, fertility, glutathione.

O-247 Seminal Plasma Exposomics and Male Reproductive Parameters

Abstract Study question What novel environmental exposures found in seminal plasma, as individual metabolites and concurrent exposure patterns, are associated with poor male reproductive parameters? Summary answer Seminal plasma levels of etridiazole, diethyl phthalate, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are negatively associated with semen parameters. What is known already Numerous environmental exposures have been linked to poor male reproductive markers, but they have typically examined only a limited set of exposures in the urine, which may not be accurate representation of the chemical burden in tissue and do not holistically consider a large range of potential concurrent exposures. Study design, size, duration This cross-sectional study included 100 heterosexual couples undergoing assisted reproductive treatment at a Tertiary University Affiliated Medical Center. Semen samples were collected and fractionated to separate sperm (outcome measurement) and seminal plasma (exposomics analysis). Participants/materials, setting, methods Semen parameters were assessed for sperm concentration (millions/mL), percent motility, and total motile sperm (millions/mL). Using a novel QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, efficient, rugged, and safe) based extraction method, targeted and untargeted organic pollutant exposures were measured from 500uL of seminal plasma using a Thermo Q Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometer. We used linear regression, principal component pursuit (PCP), and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) to estimate the associations of organic pollutants with semen parameters. Main results and the role of chance We identified 118 known chemicals in seminal plasma from the targeted panel of organic pollutants. Using an exposome-wide association approach, we modeled each exposure with the outcome individually and found that etriadizole, a common pesticide, was negatively associated with total motile sperm (p &amp;lt; 0.001), concentration (p = 0.002), and percent motility (p = 0.04). Using PCP, a machine learning pattern recognition approach, we derived a low-rank matrix with one major principal component. This principal component was primarily loaded by one phthalate (diethyl phthalate) and three PAHs (anthracene, pyrene, phenanthrene) and was associated with lower total sperm (p = 0.03) and percent motility (p = 0.05) in linear regression models. BKMR results confirmed that as an overall mixture, these four pollutants were negatively associated with percent motility, although anthracene was not an important component of the mixture effect. Furthermore, BKMR models showed that other PAHs did not confound or modify the impact of diethyl phthalate, pyrene, and phenanthrene. Limitations, reasons for caution Our sample only included 100 men and larger studies are necessary to confirm the associations identified by this investigation. Furthermore, this current analysis only included a limited number of targeted chemicals and future studies should examine untargeted features as well. Wider implications of the findings To our knowledge, our study is the first to assess a large set of seminal plasma exposures and their relation to semen parameters. Although the biological mechanism(s) underlying the observed associations are unknown, we identified novel associations. Thus, future investigations using broad exposomic approaches in seminal plasma is warranted. Trial registration number PGA 2102 Environmental Health Fund Israel

Targeted Analysis of HSP70 Isoforms in Human Spermatozoa in the Context of Capacitation and Motility.

HSP70s constitute a family of chaperones, some isoforms of which appear to play a role in sperm function. Notably, global proteomic studies analyzing proteins deregulated in asthenozoospermia, a main cause of male infertility characterized by low sperm motility, showed the dysregulation of some HSP70 isoforms. However, to date, no clear trend has been established since the variations in the abundance of HSP70 isoforms differed between studies. The HSPA2 isoform has been reported to play a key role in fertilization, but its dysregulation and possible relocation during capacitation, a maturation process making the spermatozoon capable of fertilizing an oocyte, is debated in the literature. The aim of the present study was to investigate the fate of all sperm HSP70 isoforms during capacitation and in relation to sperm motility. Using Multiple-Reaction Monitoring (MRM) mass spectrometry, we showed that the relative abundance of all detected isoforms was stable between non-capacitated and capacitated spermatozoa. Immunofluorescence using two different antibodies also demonstrated the stability of HSP70 isoform localization during capacitation. We also investigated spermatozoa purified from 20 sperm samples displaying various levels of total and progressive sperm motility. We showed that the abundance of HSP70 isoforms is not correlated to sperm total or progressive motility.

Energy metabolism in mammalian sperm motility.

Mammalian sperm, the only cells that achieve their purpose outside their organism of origin, have to swim vigorously within the female reproductive tract to reach an oocyte. Flagellar dyneins drive sperm motility, which accounts for the consumption of high amounts of ATP. The two main ATP-producing metabolic pathways are compartmentalized in sperm: oxidative phosphorylation in the midpiece and glycolysis in the principal piece. The relative preponderance of these pathways has been discussed for decades (the so-called sperm energy debate). The debate has been muddled by species-specific variances and by technical constraints. But recent findings suggest that sperm from most mammalian species employ a versatile metabolic strategy to maintain motility according to the physiological environment. Different metabolic pathways likely coordinate by using exogenous and/or endogenous substrates in order to produce ATP efficiently. Defects in any of these pathways (glycolysis, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, Krebs cycle, fatty acids oxidation, and ketone bodies oxidation, among others) may disturb sperm motility and be at the origin of male infertility. Understanding sperm bioenergetics is thus crucial for building new diagnostic tools, and for the development of treatments for patients presenting with low sperm motility. Some of these patients may benefit from personalized metabolic supplementations and dietary interventions. This article is categorized under: Reproductive System Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.

PD20-03 ALDH2 EXPRESSION, ALCOHOL INTAKE, AND SEMEN PARAMETERS AMONG EAST ASIAN MEN

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 May 2022PD20-03 ALDH2 EXPRESSION, ALCOHOL INTAKE, AND SEMEN PARAMETERS AMONG EAST ASIAN MEN Daniel R. Greenberg, Hriday P. Bhambhvani, Satvir S. Basran, Brett P. Salazar, Sin-Jin Li, Che-Hong Chen, Daria Mochly-Rosen, and Michael L. Eisenberg Daniel R. GreenbergDaniel R. Greenberg More articles by this author , Hriday P. BhambhvaniHriday P. Bhambhvani More articles by this author , Satvir S. BasranSatvir S. Basran More articles by this author , Brett P. SalazarBrett P. Salazar More articles by this author , Sin-Jin LiSin-Jin Li More articles by this author , Che-Hong ChenChe-Hong Chen More articles by this author , Daria Mochly-RosenDaria Mochly-Rosen More articles by this author , and Michael L. EisenbergMichael L. Eisenberg More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002558.03AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Mutations in acetaldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) are highly prevalent in the global population. The most common variant, ALDH2*2, is present in 40-50% of East Asian individuals. This mutation causes acetaldehyde accumulation, flushing, and tachycardia after alcohol intake. While alcohol consumption is common, the relationship between alcohol intake and ALDH2 genotype on semen parameters remains unknown. We aimed to determine if ALDH2 genotype and alcohol consumption are associated with differences in semen parameters and ALDH2 expression in East Asian men. METHODS: East Asian men completed a survey and submitted a semen sample for analysis. Participants were genotyped to determine ALDH2 status (wild type vs ALDH2*2 carrier) and immunohistochemical staining was used to determine overall protein expression of ALDH2 in spermatozoa. Demographics, alcohol consumption habits, and sexual habits were also collected. Student’s t test was used to determine differences in demographics, semen parameters, and ALDH2 expression between and among ALDH2 genotypes. RESULTS: 45 (40.2%) of 112 men were ALDH2*2 carriers. There was no difference in alcohol consumption or sexual habits between ALDH2 genotypes. Among ALDH2*2 carriers, alcohol consumption was associated with significantly lower total sperm motility (25.6±16.8% vs 45.2±25.8%, p=0.005) and progressive sperm motility (23.0±15.1% vs 39.0±21.7%, p=0.008). Among alcohol consumers, ALDH2*2 men had significantly lower total sperm motility (25.5±16.8 vs 39.2±23.1%, p=0.021), progressive sperm motility (23.0±15.1% vs 34.9±20.1%, p=0.022) and total motile sperm count (44.7±48.5M vs 101.2±119.9M, p=0.047) compared to wild-type individuals (Figure 1). Secondly, ALDH2 protein expression in spermatozoa was significantly lower in ALDH2*2 carriers (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol consumption among ALDH2*2 carriers is associated with significantly lower total sperm motility, progressive sperm motility, and total motile sperm count. ALDH2*2 individuals also have significantly decreased protein expression of ALDH2 in spermatozoa. These findings suggest genotyping ALDH2, coupled with alcohol cessation counseling, may improve semen parameters among East Asian men. Source of Funding: None © 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 207Issue Supplement 5May 2022Page: e356 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Daniel R. Greenberg More articles by this author Hriday P. Bhambhvani More articles by this author Satvir S. Basran More articles by this author Brett P. Salazar More articles by this author Sin-Jin Li More articles by this author Che-Hong Chen More articles by this author Daria Mochly-Rosen More articles by this author Michael L. Eisenberg More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...

Influence of Non-Thermal Plasma (DBD) On Infertility Male Semen with Low Sperm Motility and Dna Damage

Non-thermal plasma(Dielectric barrier discharge) has many uses including living tissue sterilization, inactivation of the bacteria, excimer formation, angiogenesis, and surface treatment. This research aim is to use cold plasma as a tool to search the effect of the dielectric barrier discharge system at room temperature on human sperm motility and DNA integrity. This work was performed on 60 human semen samples suffering from low motility; each sample was prepared by centrifugation method, then each semen sample was divided into two sections, the first section is before significant exposure to the plasma system (DBD) and the second section is after treatment with the DBD system at ambient temperature. Before and after exposure to non-thermal Plasma (DBD), DNA integrity and sperm motility were assessed, patients suffered from asthenospermia has a high level of DNA fragmentation than fertile male, ( 24.16±4.14) p&lt;0.001 for untreated and after treatment the semen slide with dielectric barrier discharge the percentage decreases to (9.16±1.76) p&gt;0.006, and the comet slide was (35.44±4.15) then the percentage decline to (19.86 ±2.44) these results have shown that cold plasma improves sperm motility and decreases from DNA damage in patients with medium and high level of DNA damage.