Sperm Motility Research Articles

LANDRACE PIG SPERM QUALITYIN COCONUT WATER -EGG YOLK DILUENT ADDED WITH BOVINE SERUM ALBUMIN)

Young coconut water–egg yolk (yCW-EY) diluent used for semen preservation often produces inadequate sperm quality caused by damage to the sperm plasma membrane and DNA due to radical attack during storage. This research was designed by adding bovine serum albumin (BSA) as an additional supplement to the yCW-EYdiluent, because apart from being rich in amino acids, BSA also acts as an antioxidantthat can ward off free radical attacks.This study was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of BSA supplementation in yCW-EY diluent to maintain the sperm quality of landrace pigs. Semen was collected from two three-year-old landrace pigs using the massage method, evaluated macroscopically and microscopically, and then preserved in yCW-EY diluent with BSA added at various levels, namely 0% (control), 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25 and 1.5%. The diluted semen wasstored in a cool box at a temperature of 15-20 oC, and sperm motility, viability and abnormalities wereevaluated at the 48thhourof storage, while sperm viability wasevaluated until the 72ndhour of storage. Data analysis was carried out by using analysis of variance and continued with the Duncan Multiple Range Test. Supplementation of 1.25% BSA into the yCW-EYdiluent resulted in higher sperm quality and was significantly different from the control (P<0.05), with a percentage of sperm motility reaching 49.00%, viability 58.20%, and longevity 61.26 hours. Sperm abnormalities in all treatments were still far below the maximum SNI standard, namely 4.20-5.80%, and did not show significant differences between treatments (P>0.05). It was concluded that the addition of BSA to the yCW-EYdiluent was effective in maintaining sperm quality oflandrace pigs, with the best BSA level being 1.25%.

Orange peel ethanolic extract and physical exercise prevent testicular toxicity in streptozocin and high fat diet-induced type 2 diabetes rats via Nrf2/NF-kB signaling: In silico and in vivo studies

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a significant health issue affecting the quality of life including male reproductive functions. Orange peel ethanolic extract (OPEE) has been established to have antioxidant properties and has been shown to alleviate diabetic complications. This study determined to establish OPEE effect and physical exercise (EX) in T2DM-induced testicular dysfunction. Materials and methodsThirty male Wistar rats were randomly distributed in five groups as follows: control group (received 1 ml/b.w of normal saline), and groups 2–5 were induced with diabetes, with group 2 left untreated, group 3 received 600 mg/kg b.w OPEE, group 4 was subjected to EX while group 5 was treated with OPEE alongside EX. ResultsOPEE + EX ameliorated T2DM-induced decrease in sperm motility, count, and morphology and increased testicular lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphate, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and lactate. T2DM-induced disruption of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and, testosterone was also mitigated by OPEE + EX. In addition, OPEE + EX blunted T2DM-induced increase in oxidative stress, inflammatory, and apoptotic markers and the accompanied decrease in testicular nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) and increase in nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Also, OPEE + EX reversed T2DM-induced testicular histology distortion. ConclusionsThe outcome of this study revealed that the combination of OPEE and EX ameliorated T2DM-mediated testicular damage via Nrf2/NF-κB signaling.

Low protein uptake during peripuberty impairs the testis, epididymis, and spermatozoa in pubertal and adult Wistar rats.

Protein malnutrition during critical periods poses significant risks to reproductive health. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the immediate and delayed effects of a 30-day low-protein diet on the postnatal development of the male reproductive system. For so, male rats were fed a protein-deficient diet from postnatal day 30-60, followed by evaluations of testis, epididymis, and spermatozoa both at the end of the diet and after a 60-day recovery period. Testicular and epididymal weight was lowered in pubertal animals. Several histological alterations were found in the testis, such as acidophilic cells and vacuoles in the seminiferous epithelium, and sperm production was compromised. In the epididymis, the luminal compartment was diminished, and the stroma was enlarged both in the caput and cauda; in the cauda, the epithelial compartment was enlarged; the transit time of spermatozoa through this organ was diminished. Testosterone production was lowered. Spermatozoa's motility, mitochondrial activation, and acrosomal integrity were impaired, and several alterations in morphology were observed. After the recovery period, testicular and epididymal weight was restored. Tissue remodulation was observed in the epididymis, but the spermatozoa's transit time in this organ was not altered. Sperm and testosterone production, spermatozoa motility, mitochondrial activation, and acrosomal integrity were also restored. However, testicular histological alterations and spermatic morphological abnormalities were maintained in protein-restricted animals. Protein restriction during peripuberty impairs the reproductive maturation of pubertal Wistar rats, impairing testicular and epididymal function, with lasting effects even after dietary correction.

PFAS Exposure is Associated with a Lower Spermatic Quality in an Arctic Seabird.

Several studies have reported an increasing occurrence of poly- and perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) in Arctic wildlife tissues, raising concerns due to their resistance to degradation. While some research has explored PFAS's physiological effects on birds, their impact on reproductive functions, particularly sperm quality, remains underexplored. This study aims to assess (1) potential association between PFAS concentrations in blood and sperm quality in black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla), focusing on the percentage of abnormal spermatozoa, sperm velocity, percentage of sperm motility, and morphology; and (2) examine the association of plasma levels of testosterone, corticosterone, and luteinizing hormone with both PFAS concentrations and sperm quality parameters to assess possible endocrine disrupting pathways. Our findings reveal a positive correlation between the concentration of longer-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCA; C11-C14) in blood and the percentage of abnormal sperm in kittiwakes. Additionally, we observed that two other PFAS (i.e., PFOSlin and PFNA), distinct from those associated with sperm abnormalities, were positively correlated with the stress hormone corticosterone. These findings emphasize the potentially harmful substance-specific effects of long-chain PFCAs on seabirds and the need for further research into the impact of pollutants on sperm quality as a potential additional detrimental effect on birds.

Effect of Water Exposed to Electric Current on Gamete Quality of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Water Parameters

Electrofishing is a widely preferred method in freshwater. Freshwater conducts electric current at low levels. Therefore, a relatively high voltage electric current is applied in these waters. In this study, the effects of changes in the structure of the water after the electric current applied to the water on gamete quality and embryo-larvae survival rates were investigated. Water samples were collected from the central region of the tank (N), as well as from the positive (+) and negative (-) poles following the application of an electric current to the well water at 165 volts and 3 mA for durations of 15 and 30 minutes. Sperm kinematic velocity parameters, fertilization and hatching rates were determined to be at the highest level in the group where electric current was applied for 30 minutes and water samples were taken from the middle of the tank, 30 (N), were used (P<0.05). Furthermore, it was observed that the Chemical Oxygen Demand value was one of the values lowest in the groups where sperm motility results were found to be the highest (P<0.05). Regardless of the duration of electric current application, it was found that the dissolved oxygen value of the water samples collected from the positive poles was similar to the control group, but higher than the negative poles. In conclusion, the application of electric current resulted in variations in both the sperm kinematic parameter values and the water parameters among the samples collected from different poles. However, there was no statistically significant difference in fertilization and hatching rates between the groups (P>0.05).

Effectiveness of recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone treatment in patients with oligo-asthenospermia at different levels of DNA fragmentation index: A phase II clinical trial

Abstract Objective This study aimed to perform an evaluation of changes in spermogram parameters after follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) therapy in infertile males having oligo-asthenospermia at different levels of DNA fragmentation index (DFI). Materials and methods Infertile men with oligo-asthenospermia, no underlying urogenital disease (such as varicocele), and medically fertile partners were enrolled over 1 year. Semen parameters, FSH, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone levels were determined; also, a Sperm DNA Fragmentation Assay Kit (Hamun Teb Pishro, Tehran, Iran) was used for determining sperm DFI at baseline .Participants were categorized into three groups based on DFI: DFI <15% (group 1), DFI of 15%–30% (group 2), and DFI >30% (group 3). All participants received subcutaneous recombinant FSH (150 mg every other day) for 6 months. Sperm specimens were tested 6 months after intervention (a single sperm control test). Results Sixty males whose average age was 28.4 years were enrolled. Only group 3 (poor fertility) exhibited a significant rise in sperm concentration (p = 0.001) and motility (p < 0.05) after FSH treatment. Group 1 (DFI <30 fertility) and group 2 (DFI of 15%–30%) showed increased mean sperm concentration and motility postintervention, although these alterations were not significantly different. Follicle-stimulating hormone levels increased significantly in all three groups after FSH administration. Serum luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels were not significantly increased in any of the groups. Conclusions FSH treatment improves sperm concentration and motility in men with oligo-asthenospermia, with significant improvements observed in men with DFI >30%. DNA fragmentation index can be a predictive indicator of response to FSH treatment in such patients.

The moderation effect of GSTM1/GSTT1 gene polymorphisms on the association of sperm mitochondrial DNA copy number and sperm mobility

Oxidative stress (OS) is believed to be a significant factor in the decline of semen quality, with mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) serving as a sensitive biomarker for both semen quality and mitochondrial dysfunction resulting from oxidative stress. While glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are commonly known as ‘antioxidant’ enzymes, there is ongoing debate regarding the relationship between GST genotypes and semen quality. In a study involving 568 male volunteers from the outpatient department of Puyang Reproductive Medicine Center, sperm mtDNAcn, semen quality, and GSTM1/GSTT1 genotypes were analyzed to investigate the potential link between GSTM1/GSTT1 gene variations and semen quality, as well as the impact of GSTs gene variations on the connection between sperm mtDNAcn and semen quality. Adjusting for variables such as age, BMI, smoking, and alcohol consumption, it was found that mtDNAcn was significantly correlated with decreased sperm concentration and total sperm count (b = − 0.109, − 0.128, respectively; P = 0.002, 0.001, respectively). GSTM1 was associated with progressive motility (OR 0.390, 95% CI 0.218, 0.697), Straight line velocity (VSL) (OR = 0.606, 95% CI 0.385, 0.953), and Straightness (STR) (OR 0.604, 95% CI 0.367, 0.994), while GSTT1 was linked to progressive motility (OR 0.554, 95% CI 0.324, 0.944) and Beat crossover frequency (OR 0.624, 95% CI 0.397, 0.982). The GSTT1 was found to moderate the relationship between mtDNAcn and sperm motility parameters linearity (LIN), STR, and Wobble (WOB), with additive interaction effects observed between GSTT1 and mtDNAcn on LIN, STR, and WOB (P for interaction = 0.008, 0.034, 0.010, respectively). Overall, this study suggests that GSTT1 and GSTM1 gene variations may play a role in sperm motility, with GSTT1 potentially influencing the impact of oxidative stress on sperm motility.

Metabolomic signature of sperm in men with obesity-associated asthenozoospermia.

Obese men have a significantly increased risk of developing asthenozoospermia. Sperm motility is directly related to cellular energy supply and metabolic status. Sperm metabolomics research based on Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technology can provide useful information for the pathological mechanism, diagnosis, and treatment of obesity-associated asthenozoospermia. Sperm samples were obtained from a healthy control group (n = 49) and patients with obesity-associated asthenozoospermia (n = 40). After the analysis of sperm samples using GC-MS, various multivariate statistical methods such as principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were conducted. A total of 56 metabolites were identified in the sperm samples. Among them, 19 differential metabolites were found between the two groups. Metabolites such as glutamic acid, fumaric acid, and cysteine were significantly downregulated in the sperm of patients with obesity-associated asthenozoospermia, while metabolites like palmitic acid, stearic acid, and alanine were significantly upregulated. The differential metabolites were enriched in D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism; proline, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism; glutathione metabolism and the other metabolic pathways. Obesity may influence the composition of metabolic products in sperm, and metabolomic analysis proves beneficial for the future diagnosis and treatment of obesity-associated asthenozoospermia.

The effect of myo-inositol antioxidant activity on human sperm parameters and DNA damage in ultra-rapid and conventional freezing methods

Male fertility preservation is still challenged by cell damage induced during sperm cryopreservation and impaired sperm structure and function. Sperm ultra-rapid freezing, despite a higher protective effect compared to conventional freezing method, is still associated with suboptimal sperm cryosurvival and needs to be modified to increase its efficiency in sperm protection. Sperm freezing media supplemented with antioxidants can improve sperm parameters following freezing-warming process. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of employing ultra-rapid freezing and myo-inositol on sperm cryosurvival. Thirty semen samples with normal sperm parameters were collected and each one was divided into four portions to cryopreserve by conventional freezing, ultra-rapid freezing, conventional freezing + myo-inositol 2 mg/ml, and ultra-rapid freezing + myo-inositol 2 mg/ml. Sperm samples warmed after at least 24 h of freezing and sperm cryosurvival were analyzed by evaluation of sperm motility, viability, morphology and DNA fragmentation index (DFI). Freezing method had a significant influence on post-thaw sperm DFI and morphology (p < 0.05) and the interaction between freezing method and antioxidant supplementation significantly affected sperm morphology (p < 0.05). The highest percentage of sperm normal morphology and minimal DFI was achieved using ultra-rapid freezing supplemented by myo-inositol antioxidant compared to other groups (P < 0.05). The highest sperm DNA damage after freezing-warming was observed following the conventional freezing method. In conclusion, sperm freezing method was identified as factor strongly influencing sperm DFI and morphology after thawing/warming. Sperm samples can be rapidly frozen using the modified freezing media supplemented by myo-inositol without impacting sperm DNA and morphology.

Ameliorative Effects of N-Acetyl Cysteine and Zinc Sulfate on Reproductive Dysfunction Induced by Short-Term Crude Oil Exposure in Male Wistar Rats

Background: Crude oil contamination by accidental or voluntary ingestion is prevalent in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. One of the possible impacts of crude oil contamination is reproductive toxicity leading to infertility. The present study evaluated the potential protective effects of N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) and Zinc Sulfate (ZnSO4) in mitigating reproductive dysfunction caused by short-term Bonny Light Crude oil (BLCO) exposure in male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Fifty (50) male Wistar (180 – 200g) were used for the study. They were divided into ten (10) groups of five (5) animals each. Groups I and II served as the control and negative control and received distilled water and BLCO (600mg/kg) respectively while groups III to X served as the experimental groups and received NAC (100 and 200mg/kg) and ZnSO4 (0.5mg/kg and 1mg/kg) orally for three (3) weeks. Animals were euthanized, and blood and semen were collected for biochemical and seminal analysis. Results: The results of this current study show that BLCO exposure caused a disruption in reproductive functions in rats by decreasing reproductive hormones and semen quality parameters in Wistar rats. NAC and ZnSO4 administration significantly improved semen quality parameters by improving sperm count, sperm motility and morphology in experimental rats. Conclusion: Evidence from the present study suggests that NAC and ZnSO4 protected the testes, preventing reproductive alterations linked to BLCO exposure.

Selenium efficiency in protecting sperm quality and testicular parameters of South African indigenous Zulu rams exposed to heat stress.

The study investigated selenium's (Se) efficiency in preserving South African Zulu rams' sperm quality and testicular parameters when they were exposed to heat stress. Indigenous Zulu rams (20) between 2 and 5 years old were allocated into four groups, namely the Se, testicular heat stress (THS), selenium plus testicular heat stress (SeTHS), and control. Each group comprised five rams; the groups were balanced according to the rams' body weight and scrotal circumference. The Se and SeTHS groups received sodium selenite orally bi-weekly for 5 months. To induce heat stress, testicular heat insulation bags were wrapped around the testes of the rams receiving the THS and SeTHS treatments for 49 days. Semen was collected from the rams weekly from the third month onward; the first two months were for Se & THS acclimatization. In addition, testicular measurements were taken bi-weekly. Analysis of variance was used to analyze the sperm quality data. Duncan's multiple range test was used to compare the groups' data for significant differences. The results showed that the Se-supplemented rams' scrotal circumference was smaller (p < 0.05) compared with the other groups. The Se, SeTHS, and control groups demonstrated similar total sperm motility; in contrast, the THS and SeTHS groups recorded low and high total sperm motility, respectively, compared with other treatment groups (p < 0.05). The semen from the rams that received THS without Se displayed a significantly higher number of immotile sperm cells (p < 0.05) and poor sperm quality, including total and progressive motility, and kinematic parameters when compared with other treatments, suggesting that Se protects sperm against THS. We concluded that selenium protected some sperm parameters (TSM, PSM, MV, VCL, VSL) of THS- treated rams while others did not improve (RV, NSM, C, STR).

Spermatogenic and Libido Enhancing Effect of Ethanol Extract of Kigelia Africana in ∆9 Tetrahydrocannabinol Induced Erectile Dysfunction in Male Wistar Rats

Erectile dysfunction has remained one of the major global health issues for the past two decades. Since the discovery of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, a significant number of patients have solved the issue of erectile dysfunction. However, the wide distribution of phosphodiesterase type 5 enzymes at various sites of the body led phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors to cause various unnecessary outcomes. Hence, it is vital to look for optional agents that could solve these limitations. In this present work, erectile dysfunction was induced by administering 30 mg/kgbwt THC for 3 days. Treatment given was as follows: A - Normal Control, B - Std control (THC+Viagra), C - Negative control (THC only), D - THC + 200 mg/Kgbwt ethanol leaf extract of Kigelia africana (200 mg/Kgbwt), E - THC + 400 mg/Kgbwt ethanol leaf extract of Kigelia africana for a succession of 14 days. Sexual behaviour parameters were monitored in the male rats on Days 1, 7 and 14 respectively after administration by pairing with a receptive female (1:1); thereafter, rats were sacrificed and serum was collected for some biochemical parameters using standard method. Cage side observation on the animals revealed prospective behaviours by the receptive female rats and precopulatory behaviours by the ethanol extract K.africana treated male rats.The extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased the frequencies of mount and intromission.In addition, the ejaculation latency was significantly (P&lt; 0.05) prolonged.The latencies of mount and intromission were reduced significantly (P&lt;0.05) whereas ejaculation frequency increased. The extract also reduced the post-ejaculatory interval of the Wistar rats. Computed percentages of index of libido, mounted, intromitted, ejaculated and copulatory efficiency were significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in the extract-treated animals in a dosage dependent manner than the control whereas the inter copulatory interval decreased significantly. The extract also significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased the serum testosterone, FSH and LH concentration but significantly (p&lt;0.05) reduced serum oestrogen, prolactin and progesterone of the treated groups when compared with the control. The extract also significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased the sperm motility, total sperm count, and sperm viability but produced a significant (p&lt;0.05) decrease in serum immobility when compared with the THC control. It can be inferred from this work that an extract of K. africana may elicit spermatogenic, androgenic and libido enhancing activities in THC induced erectile dysfunction in a dosage dependent manner.

Environmental Heat Stress Decreases Sperm Motility by Disrupting the Diurnal Rhythms of Rumen Microbes and Metabolites in Hu Rams.

Heat stress (HS) has become a common stressor, owing to the increasing frequency of extreme high-temperature weather triggered by global warming, which has seriously affected the reproductive capacity of important livestock such as sheep. However, little is known about whether HS reduces sperm motility by inducing circadian rhythm disorders in rumen microorganisms and metabolites in sheep. In this study, the year-round reproduction of two-year-old Hu rams was selected, and the samples were collected in May and July 2022 at average environmental temperatures between 18.71 °C and 33.58 °C, respectively. The experiment revealed that the mean temperature-humidity index was 86.34 in July, indicating that Hu rams suffered from HS. Our research revealed that HS significantly decreased sperm motility in Hu rams. Microbiome analysis further revealed that HS reshaped the composition and circadian rhythm of rumen microorganisms, leading to the circadian disruption of microorganisms that drive cortisol and testosterone synthesis. Serum indicators further confirmed that HS significantly increased the concentrations of cortisol during the daytime and decreased the testosterone concentration at the highest body temperature. Untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed that the circadian rhythm of rumen fluid metabolites in the HS group was enriched by the cortisol and steroid synthesis pathways. Moreover, HS downregulated metabolites, such as kaempferol and L-tryptophan in rumen fluid and seminal plasma, which are associated with promotion of spermatogenesis and sperm motility; furthermore, these metabolites were found to be strongly positively correlated with Veillonellaceae_UCG_001. Overall, this study revealed the relationship between the HS-induced circadian rhythm disruption of rumen microorganisms and metabolites and sperm motility decline. Our findings provide a new perspective for further interventions in enhancing sheep sperm motility with regard to the circadian time scale.

Genetic etiological spectrum of sperm morphological abnormalities.

Male infertility manifests in the form of a reduction in sperm count, sperm motility, or the loss of fertilizing ability. While the loss of sperm production can have mixed reasons, sperm structural defects, cumulatively known as teratozoospermia, have predominantly genetic bases. The aim of the present review is to undertake a comprehensive analysis of the genetic mutations leading to sperm morphological deformities/teratozoospermia. We undertook literature review for genes involved in sperm morphological abnormalities. The genes were classified according to the type of sperm defects they cause and on the basis of the level of evidence determined by the number of human studies and the availability of a mouse knockout. Mutations in the SUN5, CEP112, BRDT, DNAH6, PMFBP1, TSGA10, and SPATA20 genes result in acephalic sperm; mutations in the DPY19L2, SPATA16, PICK1, CCNB3, CHPT1, PIWIL4, and TDRD9 genes cause globozoospermia; mutations in the AURKC gene cause macrozoospermia; mutations in the WDR12 gene cause tapered sperm head; mutations in the RNF220 and ADCY10 genes result in small sperm head; mutations in the AMZ2 gene lead to vacuolated head formation; mutations in the CC2D1B and KIAA1210 genes lead to pyriform head formation; mutations in the SEPT14, ZPBP1, FBXO43, ZCWPW1, KATNAL2, PNLDC1, and CCIN genes cause amorphous head; mutations in the SEPT12, RBMX, and ACTL7A genescause deformed acrosome formation; mutations in the DNAH1, DNAH2, DNAH6, DNAH17, FSIP2, CFAP43, AK7, CHAP251, CFAP65, ARMC2 and several other genes result in multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella (MMAF). Altogether, mutations in 31 genes have been reported to cause head defects and mutations in 62 genes are known to cause sperm tail defects.

Acoustic enrichment of sperm for in vitro fertilization.

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has emerged as a crucial method in modern medicine for tackling infertility. However, the success of fertilization depends on the quality and quantity of sperm, often necessitating invasive surgical intervention, which presents challenges for non-invasive in vitro fertilization. Acoustic microfluidics technology has found widespread application across various biological contexts. In this paper, we propose to introduce a novel approach using asymmetric acoustic streaming generated by a single interdigital transducer (IDT) to enhance sperm concentration and improve fertilization in vitro, particularly in cases of moderate oligozoospermia. The concentration of particles increased approximately 6-fold in the central region after acoustic enrichment. Moreover, sperm motility was significantly improved without additional DNA fragmentation, and all the oocytes remained viable after 5 min of acoustic enrichment. Notably, acoustic enrichment accelerated fertilization and embryo development, leading to a higher fertilization rate and faster cleavage speed. Specifically, within 36 hours, the multiple-cell embryo ratio was significantly increased compared to the control group. This finding further validates the feasibility and non-invasiveness of acoustic enrichment for sperm fertilization in vitro. This work provides a promising tool for in vitro fertilization, holding significant implications for assisted reproduction.

Short insemination during conventional in vitro fertilization increases embryo quality.

To compare clinical outcomes using short and long co-incubation protocols in sibling oocytes based on embryo morphokinetic outcomes measured by time-lapse incubator with stratification based on a woman's age and sperm quality. Our study included 72 cycles with>6 oocytes retrieved. Sibling oocytes were distributed for two parallel protocols: short (3h; n=421) or long (16-20h; n=434) insemination, using the same amount of spermatozoa from the same prepared sample. Oocytes were then washed and incubated for 5 days. Time-lapse annotations of embryos were performed by experienced embryologists and artificial intelligence-based Known Implantation Data scores for day 3 and day 5 were calculated with EmbryoScope software. Short-insemination group exhibited a higher blastulation rate, better morphokinetic indicators, and higher Known Implantation Data scores on day 3 and day 5 of the utilized embryos. However, the fertilization rate and clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer did not differ between experimental groups. A higher rate of abnormal fertilization (>2 pronuclei) after long insemination was recorded in women under 35 years old or with a total motile sperm count above 5 million and above 40% motility after preparation. A higher rate of usable embryos was observed after short insemination with a total motile sperm count above 30 million before preparation or 5 million and over 40% motility after preparation. Our results suggest that a short insemination protocol results in better embryo quality and should be considered as a favorable protocol, especially in young female patients or male patients with high sperm quality.

Ensemble machine learning models for sperm quality evaluation concerning success rate of clinical pregnancy in assisted reproductive techniques

This study aimed to investigate the influence of various sperm quality characteristics, including morphology, motility, and count, on the success rates of clinical pregnancy achieved through assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and intrauterine insemination (IUI). The secondary objective was to assess the impact of these sperm parameters on the clinical pregnancy rate that resulted in the detection of a fetal heartbeat during the 11th week of gestation, a crucial milestone in successful ART-derived pregnancies. The researchers employed a retrospective analysis, evaluating data from 734 couples undergoing IVF/ICSI and 1197 couples undergoing IUI across two infertility centers. Exclusion criteria included cases involving donated eggs or sperm, surrogate uteri, and infertile couples with combined male and female factors. Five ensemble machine-learning models were utilized to predict the clinical pregnancy success rates. The Random Forest (RF) model achieved the highest mean accuracy (0.72) and area under the curve (AUC) (0.80), outperforming the other models for both IVF/ICSI and IUI procedures. The Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) value analysis revealed that for IUI cycles, all three sperm parameters (morphology, motility, and count) had significant negative impacts on the prediction of clinical pregnancy success. In contrast, for IVF/ICSI cycles, sperm motility had a positive effect, while sperm morphology and count were negative factors. In cycles with 1 to 5 retrieved eggs, sperm motility, and count, they positively affected the clinical pregnancy rate. The study also identified cut-off values for sperm count, with 54 and 35 being the respective thresholds for IVF/ICSI and IUI. Additionally, a significant cut-off point 30 was found for the sperm morphology parameter across all procedures. This study underscores the immense potential of leveraging ensemble machine learning models with traditional sperm quality assessments. This integrated approach can elevate the precision and personalization of clinical decision-making in the field of assisted reproductive technologies, ultimately offering more hope and better outcomes for couples struggling with infertility.

The Effects of Adding Hempseed Cake on Sperm Traits, Body Weight, Haematological and Biochemical Parameters in Rabbit Males.

Incorporating of agro-industrial co-products into animal nutrition could represent an opportunity to lessen the environmental impact of the food production chain. One such co-product is a hempseed cake originating from cold pressing hemp seeds to extract oil for human consumption. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the action of hempseed cake in the diet on male rabbit reproductive and some non-reproductive indexes. Male rabbits were fed either a standard diet (control group; C; n = 10) or a diet enriched with hempseed cake (experimental group E5 with 5% of a hempseed cake; n = 10, and experimental group E10 with 10% of a hempseed cake; n = 10) in 100 kg of the milled complete feed mixture. Rabbit weight gain, sperm concentration, motility, progressive motility, and sperm quality were evaluated using CASA and flow cytometry. Feeding with a hempseed cake, given at both tested concentrations, had no effect on weight gain per week and the total average weight gain compared to the control group (p > 0.05). Hempseed cake addition had no effect on sperm concentration in ejaculate, sperm motility, and progressive motility (p > 0.05). Selected haematological and biochemical indexes were examined. The E5 group showed positive tendencies in hepatic profile parameters, while in the E10 group the tendencies were opposite, though within the reference values. Based on our results, no negative effects of hempseed cake feeding on rabbit reproduction and health status were found, and we can recommend the use of hempseed cake at doses up to 10% in the nutrition and feeding of rabbits. Therefore, agro-industrial co-products can decrease the feeding cost.

Radioprotective effects of melatonin therapy against testicular oxidative stress: a systematic review and meta-analysis of rodent models

Background: Radiation exposure is a concern in today’s world, given the widespread use of electronic devices and medical procedures involving ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. Radiations may cause male infertility by inducing oxidative stress in testicular tissue. Melatonin has antioxidant properties. Methods: We systematically reviewed the literature for the studies that have investigated the effects of melatonin therapy on radiation-induced oxidative stress in rodents’ testicular tissue. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for relevant animal trials. Standardized mean difference and 95% confidence intervals were used to pool the data. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were done. The risk of bias was assessed using SYRCLE tool. Results: Outcomes: histopathology and sperm analyses (testicular apoptotic cells, Johnsen’s testicular biopsy score, seminiferous epithelial height, tubular diameter, sperm motility, viability, count, and morphology, concentration of spermatid, spermatocyte, and spermatogonia), body and testes weights (absolute and relative body and testicular weights), reproductive hormones (serum prolactin, FSH, and testosterone), and oxidative stress tissue markers (TBARS, CAT, GSH, GSH-Px, MDA, SOD, and XO, and total antioxidant capacity). Rats and mice were exposed to electromagnetic radiations (gamma, roentgen, microwave, radiofrequency, and high-power line energy) and particle waves (radioiodine and carbon-ion). Melatonin therapy was significantly associated with improved male reproduction. Conclusion: Radiation exposure harms male fertility, but melatonin, as an antioxidant, is potentially associated with improved male reproductive function in rodents. Inconsistencies in research require further investigations.

Factors determining semen sample collection and semen quality parameters in African penguins Spheniscus demersus

Our research focuses on semen collection from 42 African penguin males, grouped by age, habituation levels, and reproductive season timing. We assess behavioral and physiological responses to dorso-abdominal massage, evaluating species-specific seminal traits using conventional and advanced methods. Positive behavioral responses corresponded with successful semen collection. Young and human-reared males exhibited more favorable behaviors, and samples containing spermatozoa were more likely collected during the reproductive season. Age did not influence sample collectability or spermatozoa presence, though mature males produced higher semen volumes. Young males exhibited more sperm morphological abnormalities, especially outside the breeding season. Sperm concentration and number per ejaculate showed no significant differences across age or seasonal groups. Young males had higher motile and progressive sperm percentages, while mature males had more static sperm. Additionally, percentages of live sperm and intact acrosomes were higher in mature males. Young males and samples from non-reproductive season presented more dead sperm with damaged acrosomes. Plasma membrane integrity positively correlated with age for live sperm and negatively for dying sperm. This research demonstrates the feasibility of semen collection from African penguins regardless of habituation level, fills the knowledge gap by describing sperm morphological abnormalities, and provides insights into using flow cytometry in Sphenisciformes.