Main Semen Research Articles

Semen parameter enhancement after varicocelectomy: Insights into varicose vein diameter and BMI influence: A cross-sectional study.

Varicocele is a condition in which the veins in the spermatic cord become enlarged and twisted. Varicocele is widely recognized as the leading cause of male infertility due to its significant impact on reproductive health in men. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the diameter of the varicose vein and the recovery rate of the spermogram after varicocelectomy. Also, the effect of body mass index (BMI) on sperm parameters after varicocelectomy. This descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Valiasr Hospital's urology clinic in Qaemshahr, Iran from August 2018 to August 2019 and involved 27 men with unilateral left varicocele who met the inclusion criteria for surgical repair. Before the operation, we recorded demographic information, the maximum diameter of varicose veins in the pampiniform plexus, and spermogram results. We repeated semen analysis 3 months after the operation and analyzed the data using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21 software. Our findings showed that the diameter of the varicose vein before varicocelectomy was not significantly associated with the improvement of main semen parameters after the operation. Furthermore, our study suggested that a lower body mass index might contribute to a greater improvement in sperm motility, as individuals with lower BMI showed more significant improvement. There is a significant inverse relationship between BMI and sperm motility improvement after surgery. Patients with a lower BMI showed greater improvement in sperm motility.

(234) The Effect of Cigarette Smoking Cessation on Semen Quality

Abstract Introduction Extensive research efforts have always focused on the deleterious effects of smoking on male reproduction by comparing fertility in smokers versus nonsmokers. Nevertheless, studies on the effect of smoking cessation on male fertility remain scarce. Objective Our primary aim was to investigate the reversibility of the negative impact of smoking on male fertility. Secondarily, we studied the effect of both time after smoking cessation as well as the smoking index on semen quality improvement. Methods Our study included 60 participants who applied to a smoking cessation program. The volunteers started by completing a fertility background questionnaire. Two semen specimens, provided 2 weeks apart, were analyzed according to the WHO guidelines for each candidate on three different occasions. The first was right before smoking cessation followed by the 2nd and 3rd at 3 and 6 months after stopping smoking, respectively. Semen quality was compared between the 3 occasions. The degree of change was correlated with the level of smoking. The nicotine level in urine was used for smoking cessation compliance monitoring during the study. Results Comparing semen quality on the 3 different occasions respectively, we detected a significant improvement in semen volume (3.33 ml ± 1.07 vs. 3.88 ml ± 0.80 vs. 4.34 ml ± 0.67, P < 0.001), sperm concentration (14.77 million /ml ± 6.49 vs. 17.71 million/ml ± 6.41 vs. 19.27 million/ml ± 6.46, P < 0.001), total sperm count (49.33 million ± 25.31 vs. 70.16 million ± 30.85 vs. 84.01 million ± 31.00, P < 0.001), progressive motility (20.7% vs. 35.3% vs. 42.28%, P < 0.001), total motility (41.48% vs. 60.33% vs. 67.67%, P < 0.001) and abnormal morphology (69.32% Vs. 50.88% vs. 40.82%, P < 0.001). Improvement in all parameters was positively correlated to time after cessation. Higher smoking indices were related to higher levels of improvement in semen volume, sperm concentration, and total count (areas under the curve of 0.867, 0.852, and 0.863 respectively, P < 0.001 for each). Conclusions The negative effect of smoking on semen quality is reversible. Smoking cessation has a time-dependent positive effect on main semen parameters, hence, positive potential for fecundity improvement in men. Disclosure No.

Microsurgical varicocelectomy efficacy in treatment of men with primary and secondary infertility (retrospective study).

Varicocele is the most common treatable cause of male infertility. The study aimed to compare varicocelectomy efficacy in men with primary (PI) and secondary infertility (SI). Medical records of 100 men suffering from PI and SI and having varicocelectomy at the Republican Specialized Scientific-Practical Medical Center of Urology were retrospectively selected and analyzed. Patients were divided into 2 groups. Group I included 58 men with PI and Group II 42 men with SI. Preoperative clinical characteristics and semen parameters before and after varicocelectomy were analyzed and compared between groups. Analysis revealed that the mean age of patients of group I was significantly lower (p < 0.001) and the duration of infertility was accurately shorter (p < 0.01) than those of group II. Main semen parameters increased significantly in group I (e.g., sperm concentration increased by 50%, from 62.2 ± 8.7 to 93.5 ± 10.0 M/ml, and total motile sperm count increased by 113%, from 76.7 ± 17.1 to 163.4 ± 27.8 M p < 0.05), while in group II only rate of progressive motile sperm increased significantly (by 107%, from 13.5 ± 2.6 to 28.0 ± 5.2% p < 0.05). We identified a significant difference in varicocelectomy efficacy between group I and group II in change of total motile sperm count (by 113% vs. 74% respectively, p < 0.01). We also revealed a discrepancy between groups in correlation ratio (r) between initial and post-surgical percent of progressive motile sperm. Patients with SI were older and had longer infertility period. Varicocelectomy resulted in significant semen parameters improvement in patients with PI. In patients with SI, only percent of progressively motile sperm improved significantly. It indicates that advanced male age and long infertility duration may have a negative impact on varicocelectomy success.

(078) The Effect of Smoking Cessation on Semen Quality

Abstract Introduction Extensive research efforts have always focused on the deleterious effects of smoking on male reproduction by comparing fertility in smokers versus nonsmokers. Nevertheless, studies on the effect of smoking cessation on male fertility remain scarce. Objective Our primary aim was to investigate the reversibility of the negative impact of smoking on male fertility. Secondarily, we studied the effect of both time after smoking cessation as well as the smoking index on semen quality improvement. Methods Our study included 60 participants who applied to a smoking cessation program. The volunteers started by completing a fertility background questionnaire. Two semen specimens, provided 2 weeks apart, were analyzed according to the WHO guidelines for each candidate on three different occasions. The first was right before smoking cessation followed by the 2nd and 3rd at 3 and 6 months after stopping smoking, respectively. Semen quality was compared between the 3 occasions. The degree of change was correlated with the level of smoking. The nicotine level in urine was used for smoking cessation compliance monitoring during the study. Results Comparing semen quality on the 3 different occasions respectively, we detected a significant improvement in semen volume (3.33 ml ± 1.07 vs. 3.88 ml ± 0.80 vs. 4.34 ml ± 0.67, P &amp;lt; 0.001), sperm concentration (14.77 million /ml ± 6.49 vs. 17.71 million /ml ± 6.41 vs. 19.27 million/ml ± 6.46, P &amp;lt; 0.001), total sperm count (49.33 million ± 25.31 vs. 70.16 million ± 30.85 vs. 84.01 million ± 31.00, P &amp;lt; 0.001), progressive motility (20.7% vs. 35.3% vs. 42.28%, P &amp;lt; 0.001), total motility (41.48% vs. 60.33% vs. 67.67%, P &amp;lt; 0.001) and abnormal morphology (69.32% Vs. 50.88% vs. 40.82%, P &amp;lt; 0.001). Improvement in all parameters was positively correlated to time after cessation. Higher smoking indices were related to higher levels of improvement in semen volume, sperm concentration, and total count (areas under the curve of 0.867, 0.852, and 0.863 respectively, P &amp;lt; 0.001 for each). Conclusions The negative effect of smoking on semen quality is reversible. Smoking cessation has a time-dependent positive effect on main semen parameters, hence, positive potential for fecundity improvement in men. Disclosure No.

Assessment of semen parameters after microsurgical varicocelectomy in men from infertile couples

Introduction. Varicocele is one of the frequently identified and corrected causes of male subfertility. However, varicocele correction results in improved sperm quality only in 60 – 70% of subfertile men. At the same time, it is not completely clear which semen parameters improve to a greater extent, and what is the proportion ofpatients with an improvement in parameters to normozoospermia.Objectives. To assess qualitative changes in semen after microsurgical varicocelectomy according to WHO 2021 Laboratory manual of semen analysis.Materials &amp; methods. This study analysed qualitative changes in sperm in infertile men after varicocelectomy. All patients had a clinical varicocele, for which microsurgical varicocelectomy was performed. The study included 100 subfertile men with varicocele and abnormal sperm parameters.Results. In the postoperative period (after 6 months), the main semen parameters increased significantly. Also, the proportion of patients with isolated asthenozoospermia decreased by 22% (p &lt; 0.05), the proportion of patients with oligoasthenozoospermia decreased by 14% (p &lt; 0.05). The proportion of patients with normospermia was 35% (p &lt; 0.0001). In patients with oligoasthenozoospermia significant improvement in sperm to normospermia was observed in 19% of cases.Conclusions. Varicocele repair leads to an improvement in the quality of the ejaculate in subfertile men with palpable varicocele and pathozoospermia, with the most significant improvement in sperm motility. However, only in a third of patients semen quality improved to normal levels. Additionally, varicocelectomy demonstrated high efficacy in patients with oligoasthenozoospermia.

Combined treatment of idiopathic male infertility using low-intensity laser therapy and complex prostate peptides: single-centre experience

Introduction. The study of effective and safe combined methods of conservative treatment of idiopathic male infertility is of great interest.Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of the combined use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the infrared (IR) spectrum and bioregulatory therapy with complex prostate peptides on the semen parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDNAF) in men with idiopathic infertility.Materials &amp; methods. The study is based on the results of examination and treatment of 97 men with idiopathic infertility. Prior to the start of treatment, all patients were divided into three groups by randomization. Patients in group 1 (n = 34) underwent a course of LLLT in the IR spectrum consisting of 10 procedures q.o.d. Patients in group 2 (n = 31) were prescribed complex prostate peptides Supp. Prostatilen® AC (30 + 180 mg) PR q.h.s. FXD, with a repeat of the course of treatment after 5 days. Patients in group 3 (n = 32) underwent combined treatment: LLLT sessions in the IR spectrum (10 procedures q.o.d.) and a course of Supp. Prostatilen® AC (30 + 180 mg) PR q.h.s. FXD, with a repeat of the course of treatment with peptides according to the same scheme after 5 days. Control examination of patients in all groups was carried out two months after the end of treatment.Results. As a result of treatment of patients in groups 1, 2, and 3, a significant improvement in the main semen parameters, a decrease in the grade of pathological SDNAF, an increase in serum total and free testosterone concentration (p &lt; 0.05) were observed. A comparative statistical analysis of the results obtained in three groups of patients showed that the combined treatment of patients of group 3, who were prescribed a course of LLLT in combination with complex prostate peptides Supp. Prostatilen® AC, was significantly more effective in improving concentration (p &lt; 0.01) and progressive sperm motility (p &lt; 0.01), as well as a decrease in the grade of pathological SDNAF (p &lt; 0.05), than in groups 1 and 2.Conclusion. Combined therapy that includes complex prostate peptides and LLLT in the IR spectrum improves the main semen parameters and reduces the grade of pathological SDNAF in men with idiopathic infertility.

P-092 Interaction of male and female genital microbiota in infertile couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology

Abstract Study question Is there a crosstalk between the male and female genital microbiota of couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) and the outcome of this treatment. Summary answer Despite the presence of bacteria linked with bacterial vaginosis in male samples, there appears to be very limited impact on the microbiota of female partners. What is known already In recent years, thanks to advancements in sequencing technologies, the microbiota has been explored extensively and many of its roles in human physiology were deciphered. Compared to its female counterpart, male genital microbiota has been understudied. Presence of bacteria in sperm was generally associated with a pathological condition, but recent reports indicate that the male genital tract is colonized by bacteria and even good quality semen generally contains bacteria. Previously three main semen microbiota profiles were identified, two of these were composed of bacteria, usually found in the vagina, indicating that bacteria could be shared between partners during sexual intercourse. Study design, size, duration Prospective observational study including 65 couples receiving ART between 2018 and 2020 at a single fertility center in Switzerland, to investigate the interaction of male and female reproductive tract microbiota. Samples were collected by swabbing penile skin and seminal fluid as well as vagina and follicular fluid. Participants/materials, setting, methods Samples of 64 infertile couples undergoing ART were collected by direct sampling (vagina and penis glans) or by immersion in the biological fluid (follicular fluid and semen). Follicular fluid was obtained during oocyte pick-up. Sampling of vagina and penis glans (self-sampling) as well as immersion of semen was performed on the same day. 16S rRNA profiling (next generation sequencing) was used to characterize bacterial populations in the samples using a previously developed pipeline. Main results and the role of chance Lactobacillus spp. were highly prevalent in follicular fluid samples and especially in vaginal samples. Generally, penis glans samples were highly colonized by different bacteria and showed the highest alpha diversity. Follicular fluid and semen samples had generally low bacterial biomass. Lactobacillus iners was the most prevalent species in female samples. This is also the case for male samples, although the abundance was lower. For male patients, comparison of beta diversities showed that intra-individual samples were more similar compared to same sample types from different individuals. The opposite was observed for vaginal samples, where inter-individual differences were less marked compared to samples of the same woman. Similar analyses were performed to evaluate relatedness of samples from the same couple, allowing us to estimate the possible impact of microbiota interaction between partners. Despite generally high values, in several cases intra-couple dissimilarities were significantly lower when compared to same sample type of different individuals. Analysis of differently abundant taxa showed, as expected, that Lactobacillus genus was enriched in female samples, along with Atopobium spp. A higher number of genera was specifically enriched in male samples, including Prevotella, Campylobacter and Mobiluncus genera among others. Limitations, reasons for caution Limitations of this study are, that it is only observational and the number of patients included is relatively small. Wider implications of the findings Our results suggest a very limited impact of male microbiota on the female bacterial colonization, despite male samples were enriched with bacterial genera negatively associated with reproduction. Future analysis of the influence of sexual activity on the microbial composition should comprise samples obtained before and after sexual intercourse. Trial registration number not applicable

Antioxidants: Reduces the Male Infertility

Background: This study takes a microscopic overview of main semen parameters such as sperm motility, morphology, fertility rate, sperm concentration, and DNA damage and their relationship with antioxidants. Aim: To explain the role of antioxidant minerals including Vitamin E and C, N-Acetyl cysteine, Selenium, Carnitine, CoQ10, and Zinc in improving semen quality across the semen parameters. Methods: The design of the study is an in-depth review and analysis of minerals that improve semen quality. Results: The result derived from this study stipulates those aforementioned minerals enhance the overall health and wellbeing of the body, which results in the semen quality improvement. The study determines that it is indeed true that antioxidant supplementation for infertile males produces favorable results. The practical implications: are immense including early diagnosis and treatment of infertility. Conclusion: To conclude, supplements such as CoQ10 improve sperm count, the combined dosage of Vitamin C and E diminishes sperm damage, and carnitine enhances sperm morphology and mobility. The study also concludes that with males who have infertility because of Oxidative Stress, the above-mentioned antioxidants produce a positive result. Keywords: Vitamin C and E, Selenium, Carnitine CoQ10, Zinc, Acetyl Cysteine

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

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

Sperm concentration and semen volume increase after smoking cessation in infertile men.

Smoking has negative reproductive consequences. This study investigated the effect of smoking cessation on the main semen parameters. We included 90 participants who applied to our infertility clinic and smoked at least 20 cigarettes a day for at least 1 year. Of the 90 participants, 48 were in the study group and 42 were in the control group. Semen analysis was performed before and at least 3 months after quitting smoking in the study group. Semen analysis was repeated at baseline and at least 3 months later in the control group. Semen parameters such as volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, morphology, and motility were evaluated according to the World Health Organization criteria. Patient characteristics as well as the duration of the smoking period, the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the time elapsed since smoking cessation were recorded. The mean age of the participants was 34.69 ± 5.3 years, and the duration of infertility was 34.12 ± 12.1 months (n = 90). The number of cigarettes smoked per day was 30.14 ± 6.69, and the smoking time was 8.31 ± 3.53 years. The average time to quit smoking was 104.2 ± 11.51 days (n = 48). A significant increase in semen volume, sperm concentration and total sperm count was observed 3 months after smoking cessation (2.48 ± 0.79 ml vs. 2.90 ± 0.77 ml, p = 0.002; 18.45 × 106/ml ± 8.56 vs. 22.64 × 106/ml ± 11.69, p = 0.001; 45.04 ± 24.38 × 106 vs. 65.1 ± 34.9 × 106, p < 0.001, respectively). This study showed that smoking cessation had a positive effect on sperm concentration, semen volume, and total sperm count. Although smoking cessation contributed positively to sperm motility and morphology, the difference was not statistically significant.

Magnetic-Activated Cell Sorting as a Method to Improve Necrozoospermia-Related Asthenozoospermic Samples.

According to some statistics, absolute asthenozoospermia affects every 1 in 5000 men. Although this incidence rate does not appear to be too high, it is extremely important to address the phenomenon because it can drastically reduce the chances of pregnancy, even with assisted reproduction. The biggest problem with absolute asthenozoospermia is that it is difficult to distinguish between live and dead sperm cells, and fertilization with non-viable spermatozoa may contribute to the failure of an assisted reproduction cycle. Nowadays, DNA fragmentation (DF) is a crucial parameter of semen analysis, and in this paper, we provide evidence of the correlation between DF and vitality. For this purpose, the main semen parameters were investigated by a CASA system (concentration, motility, progressive motility, vitality and DF). In the necrozoospermic group (vitality < 58%), all the measured parameters showed significant differences compared to normal vitality. Concentration (30.1 M mL−1 vs. 13.6 M mL−1), motility (31.9% vs. 18.3%), and progressive motility (24.3% vs. 12.7%) were significantly decreased, while DF was significantly increased (17.4% vs. 23.7%). Based on the connection between vitality decrement and DF increment, DF lowering methods, such as magnetic-activated cell sorting, have been hypothesized as novel methods for the elimination of dead spermatozoa.

Sperm donor lifestyle survey: modifiable risk factors for potential sperm donors.

To examine the association between modifiable lifestyle factors and the main semen parameter values, the number of qualified sperm donors, and to provide some sensible guidance for sperm donors. Healthy men screened as potential sperm donors were recruited in the Hunan Province Human Sperm Bank of China from March 2019 to December 2019. Participants were invited to complete interviewer-assisted questionnaires on eleven items of information. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to analyze which lifestyle factors collected by the questionnaire had an impact on the eligibility and main semen parameters of sperm donors. The eligibility of men as sperm donors was strongly influenced by the duration of abstinence (P = 0.002). The rate of eligibility sperm donors increased significantly with the number of days of abstinence. In addition, semen volume increased with abstinence time (P = 0.000). Exercise frequency (P = 0.025) and abstinence time (P = 0.000) were positively correlated with sperm concentration, and masturbation frequency was negatively correlated with sperm concentration (P = 0.013). Progressive sperm motility was significantly affected by abstinence time (P = 0.000) and bedtime (P = 0.047). Abstinence time was highly associated with semen parameters and donor qualification. Increase the abstinence time before donation may be meaningful in improving the proportion of eligible sperm donors.

Male autoimmune infertility: analysis of results and prediction of efficacy of low-level laser therapy in infrared spectrum

INTRODUCTION: Autoimmune infertility is diagnosed in 515% of men. Currently applied methods of medical therapy of autoimmune male infertility are not very effective, which requires the development of new ones and creation of predictive algorithms for their efficacy.&#x0D; The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in infrared spectrum on MAR-test rate and sperm fertile properties in men with autoimmune infertility, develop ways to predict the efficacy of this therapy.&#x0D; PATIENTS AND METHODS: 47 men with autoimmune infertility were examined. 31 of them (1st group) underwent course of LLLT in infrared spectrum (10 procedures), and 16 patients (2nd group, comparison) had placebo-laser therapy sessions (10 procedures). MAR-test value, main semen parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation were assessed before and after the treatment. For creation of LLLT efficacy algorithm we used discriminate analysis.&#x0D; RESULTS: In patients of the 1st group we indicated statistically significant decrease of MAR-test by an average of 19% immediately after the course of procedures, and by 33% within two months after the end of the treatment, at its initial level 60% or lower. LLLT contributed to improvement of the semen fertile properties, pregnancy developed in the natural reproductive cycle in 19% of couples. We developed math model for prediction the efficacy of LLLT in infrared spectrum of autoimmune male infertility.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: LLLT in infrared spectrum of male autoimmune infertility leads to MAR-test value decrease at its initial level less than 60%; improves sperm fertile properties. It is appropriate to use before LLLT predictive algorithm of its efficacy developed by us.

A longitudinal study of semen quality among Chinese sperm donor candidates during the past 11\xa0years

Studies suggest that semen quality is declining globally, however, the debate remains open due to the possible effects of ethnic and geographical differences. This study aimed to explore whether semen quality of sperm donor candidates has changed in Henan Province, China from 2009 to 2019. In this retrospective study, we included 23,936 sperm donor candidates who were recruited by the Henan Human Sperm Bank of China between 2009 and 2019. To minimize intra-individual bias, we included only the first ejaculate provided by each sperm donor candidate. The following parameters were measured: volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, progressive motility, and total motility. After adjustment for age, body mass index (BMI), and sexual abstinence duration, we evaluated changes in main semen parameters over time using multiple linear regression analyses. The sperm concentration decreased from 62.0 million/mL in 2009 to 32.0 million/mL in 2019 (P < 0.001), with an average annual rate of 3.9%. The total sperm count decreased from 160.0 million in 2009 to 80.0 million in 2019 (P < 0.001), with an average annual rate of 4.2%. The progressive motility decreased from 54.0% in 2009 to 40.0% in 2019 (P < 0.001), with an average annual rate of 2.5%. The total motility decreased from 60.0% in 2009 to 46.0% in 2019 (P < 0.001), with an average annual rate of 1.9%. Our results indicated that semen quality among sperm donor candidates had decreased during the study period in Henan Province, China.

Effect of aspirin on semen quality: A review.

According to the PubMed data base, there are at least fifty published articles that link between aspirin and semen quality. However, such link has yet to be comprehensively discussed and summarised. This work reviews and summarises the effect of aspirin on semen quality and sperm fertility characteristics, and hence on semen fertilising ability. To achieve this contribution, an electronic search of PubMed and Scopus databases was conducted for original manuscripts, presented from January 1974 through September 2019, via the keywords "aspirin" and "acetylsalicylic acid" versus "sperm" and "semen." In summary, there is a scientific research consensus that reveals negative effects of aspirin on semen quality. Still, clinical studies that directly examine the effect of aspirin on the main semen quality parameters are needed to support this conclusion. Mechanistically, the negative documented effect of aspirin on semen quality parameters may be attributable to decreased synthesis of testosterone, reduced function of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, decreased formation of testicular prostaglandins, reduced production of seminal nitric oxide and increased oxidative injury to sperm.

PREDICTING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN IN THE TREATMENT OF INFERTILITY AND HYPOGONADISM IN MEN

Introduction. Most urologists and andrologists for the initial therapy of hypogonadism use human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), but not always the results of treatment satisfy specialists. Objective is to study the effectiveness of infertility and hypogonadism treatment in men with HCG therapy depending on the level of testosterone-estradiol index. Materials and methods. HCG treatment of 60 male patients with infertility and hypogonadism was carried out. Prior to the start of therapy, all patients underwent 3-day HCG test, with the determination of testosterone and estradiol levels. The analysis of semen indices was carried out. Results . Improvement of semen indices was registered only in those patients, in which during the functional HCG test the level of testosterone increased to a greater extent than estradiol level, that is, an increase in the testosterone-estradiol index was recorded. Conclusion . In order to predict the effectiveness of the upcoming treatment with HCG drugs, it is necessary to conduct a test with the definition of testosterone-estradiol index, which allows to identify patients in whom this type of therapy will lead to improvement of the main semen indices.

Physiological Response, Semen Quality and Blood Metabolites of Friesian Bulls Treated with Zinc-Selenomethionine under Hot Summer Conditions in Egypt

The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of administration of zincmethionine and selnomethionine to Friesian bulls during hot summer conditions in Egypt on physiological thermoregulatory response, sexual desire, some physical and chemical semen characteristics and blood metabolites. Twenty sexually mature Friesian bulls were divided into five similar groups (4 bulls/ each). Bulls in the 1st group were unsupplemented and served as a control, while those in the 2nd,3rd,4th and 5th groups were orally supplemented with zincmethionine (Z-Met) at a levels of 2 and 4 mg/kg of BW/day and selenomethionine (Se-Met) at a levels of 0.3 and 0.6 mg/kg of BW/day, respectively, for two months as preliminary period and other three months as a main collection period. Rectal and skin temperatures, pulse rate (PR) and respiration rate (RR) were measured once each week through the experimental period. During the main collection period, semen was collected twice weekly and evaluated for semen-ejaculate volume (SEV), percentage of progressive sperm motility (PSM), live sperm (LS) and sperm abnormalities (SAB), sperm-cell concentration (SCC/ml) and total-sperm output (TSO/ejaculate). Blood samples were collected pre-treatment and monthly during the main collection period to determine concentration of total proteins (TP), albumin (AL) and globulin (GL); thyroxin (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), cortisol and testosterone hormones and zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) levels in blood plasma. Also, activity of ALT, AST, ALP, ACP, SOD and GSH enzymes, as well as concentration of fructose, zinc and selenium were estimated in seminal plasma.The obtained results revealed that reaction time (RT) was shorter (P<0.05) and blood plasma testosterone concentration was higher (P<0.05) in all treated groups than the control group, begin the shortest (P<0.05) and highest (P<0.05) values of RT and testosterone concentration were recorded for bulls treated with Z-Met, especially in G3 group. Physical semen characteristics (SEV, PSM, LS, SCC/ml, TSO/ejaculate and SAB) were improved (P<0.05) in all treated groups as compared with the control one, being the best (P<0.05) values for bulls treated with Z-Met, especially in G3 group. Also, bulls treated with Z-Met in G3 group showed the lowest (P<0.05) activity of ALT, AST, ALP and ACP enzymes, highest (P<0.05) activity of SOD and GSH enzymes, and fructose, Zn and Se concentrations in seminal plasma as compare to other treated groups and control one. Bulls treated with Z-Met and Se-Met showed increased (P<0.05) levels of AL, T4, T3, Zn and Se, while GL and cortisol levels decreased (P<0.05) in blood plasma as compared to control one. In conclusion, orally administration of zincmethionine and selenomethionine to Friesian bulls had a valuable impact on sexual desire, semen quality and blood metabolites. Therefore, it can be recommended to treating the Frisian bulls with zincmethionine at a level of 4 mg/kg of BW/day during two preliminary months and three main semen collection months for improving the sexual desire, semen quality and blood metabolites under hot summer conditions in Egypt.

The use of ultrasonography in the reproductive evaluation of boars.

The objective was to study the use of ultrasound as a complementary test in the breeding soundness evaluation in male pigs and study the pattern of echogenicity of the testicular parenchyma in boars of different racial groups. Twenty-six adult boars from four different racial groups were used, 10 from the Piau breed (group 1), four from the commercial and finishing group (group 2), six Pietrain breed (group 3) and six from the Duroc breed (group 4). All animals were evaluated for breeding soundness evaluation and the ultrasound examination of the testicles. The groups of animals that were evaluated showed no difference in the main semen parameters that were evaluated, except for the sperm volume, concentration of the ejaculated sperm and the supravital staining; the lowest figures were for the animals from the Piau breed (group 1). In relation to the testicular biometrics, Duroc animals (group 4) had a greater scrotal width compared to the other groups. But when we assessed the intensity of pixels of the testicles, there was a difference between groups. The groups 2 (finishing animals), 3 (Pietrain) and 4 had no difference between themselves. Group 3 had greater pixel intensity in relation to group 1. Of the 26 animals studied, five showed an abnormality during ultrasound evaluation, like hydrocele, hyperechoic mass in the testicular parenchyma, cyst in the head of the epididymis and the presence of fluid in the head and tail of the epididymis. The various animal groups studied did not differ in the principal reproductive parameters evaluated, showing that despite the great variability of reproductive traits between breeds and within the same breed, the breeding soundness evaluation, the more complete it is, is essential for the selection of breeders and the ultrasonography of the reproductive system becomes an important addition in this examination.

Human Semen Quality, Sperm DNA Damage, and the Level of Reproductive Hormones in Relation to Urinary Concentrations of Parabens.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between environmental exposure to parabens and semen quality parameters [main semen parameters, computer-aided semen analysis (CASA parameters], sperm chromatin structure, and the level of reproductive hormones in men [follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, estradiol]. Urine samples collected from 315 men who attended the infertility clinic for diagnostic purposes with normal semen concentration of 15 to 300 mln/mL were analyzed for five parabens concentrations using a validated gas chromatography ion-tap mass spectrometry method. Participants were interviewed and also provided a semen, saliva, and blood samples. Urinary parabens concentrations were significantly associated with an increase in the percentage of sperm with abnormal morphology, in sperm with high DNA stainability and a decrease in the percentage of motility and testosterone level. This is one of the first study on this topic, so the observation of the relationship between parabens and semen quality warrants further investigation.

SEMEN QUALITY, TESTOSTERONE LEVEL, SOME ENZYMES ACTIVITIES AND FERTILITY OF MALE APRI RABBITS TREATED WITH DIFFERENT LEVELS OF OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT

The present study was designed to investigate the efficacy of different dietary levels of ethanolic olive leaf extract (OLE), as a source of natural antioxidants, on quality and production of semen, some enzymes activities and testosterone concentration in blood serum and some seminal plasma characteristics of APRI rabbit bucks. A total of 24 mature rabbit bucks of APRI line (3-3.4 kg live body weight and 9-12 months of age) were divided into four similar groups, 6 bucks in each. Bucks in the 1st group were fed a reference diet (17.75% CP and 2500 DE Kcal/Kg diet) without any supplements (G1, control). While, those in the 2nd (G2), 3rd (G3) and 4th (G4) treatment groups were fed the same diet supplemented with olive leaf extract at levels of 0.5, 1 and 1.5 ml/kg diet, respectively. Bucks were fed ad libitum on the experimental diets for a period of 17 wk (8 wk as a treatment period and 9 wk as main semen collection period. Semen was evaluated physically, chemically and by transmission electron microscope (TEM). Results showed that all levels of dietary OLE supplementation increased (P<0.05) total semen volume in G2, G3 and G4 as compared to G1, being the highest in G4. Sperm characteristics, including percentages of progressive motility, livability, abnormality and cell concentration of spermatozoa improved (P<0.05) in G3 and G4 as compared to G2 and G1. Examination of sperm cells in all groups by TEM cleared enhancing the abnormalities in cell membrane and acrosome, axoneme as well as chromatin of spermatozoa in G4 as compared to other groups. Bucks in G4 showed the lowest (P<0.05) peroxidase and fructose testes in seminal plasma as compared to other groups. Activity of LDH in seminal plasma was higher (P<0.05) in all treatment groups than in control one, being the highest in G4 and the lowest in G1. Activity of AST and ALT and testosterone concentration in blood serum were not affected by OLE treatment. Activity of ALP in G4 and LDH activity in G3 and G4 increased (P<0.05) as compared to other groups. Kindling rate and reproductive index were improved (P<0.05) in rabbit does mated by bucks of G3 and G4 as compared to that of G2 and G1, being the highest in G4) 81.67 ، %6.5 .( In conclusion, supplementation of the diet with olive leaf extract, in particular at a level of 1.5 ml/kg, as a natural antioxidants source, is essential for improving reproductive performance and consequently semen quality and fertility of breeding rabbit bucks (natural or artificial mating) without adversely effects on healthy status.