Number Of Abnormal Spermatozoa Research Articles

An Assessment of the Genetic Parameters of Boars' Reproductive Traits.

The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for the reproductive traits of boars based on single-nucleotide polymorphism data. A total of 109,836 semen samples from 2249 boars were collected between 2010 and 2022. Five basic traits were assessed: sperm volume, sperm concentration, motility, number of abnormal sperm, and, for the first time for the local population, libido. In addition, two derived traits were assessed: total sperm count and number of functional sperm. Genetic parameters were estimated using the single-step genomic best linear unbiased prediction method (ssGBLUP). Dam and sire breeds were evaluated separately. The five basic traits were evaluated using five-trait models, while the two derived traits were evaluated using single-trait models. The heritability coefficients had lower values for all sperm quality traits with both methods. For the basic traits, the heritability ranged from 0.099 to 0.342. The greatest difference between dam and sire breeds was observed for the heritability of the sperm concentration trait (0.099 and 0.271, respectively). The heritability of the libido trait was twice as high for boars of sire breeds as it was for boars of dam breeds. The genetic parameters estimated with ssGBLUP can be used in routine genetic evaluations to improve the pig breeding process.

The Therapeutic Potential Of Date Palm Pollen For Testicular Disorders Induced By Diabetes In Male Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the main cause of large-scale morbidity and mortality. This syndrome has adverse effects on all physiological systems, including the male reproductive system. It affects a large number of men of reproductive age and causes serious reproductive disorders. This study was aimed to examine the protective effect of date palm pollen (DPP) on diabetes-induced testicular disorders in male rats. Rats were divided into 4 groups. The first group represents the negative control, while the second group is the positive control. In contrast, the following two groups represent the treated groups of DPP suspension with a concentration of 130 mg/kg and 160 mg/kg for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the rats were anesthetized, the epididymis and testis were extracted. The positive control group significantly decreased body weight, sex hormones, and sperm count. However, a significant increase in fasting glucose and the number of abnormal sperm. The histological results confirmed tubular degeneration, Leydig cell atrophy, and tubular dilation. Decrease the basement membrane, the semenforuos epithelium, and tubular diameter, while the diameter of the lumen increased. Treatment with DPP suspension showed a significant decrease in the level of fasting glucose and the number of abnormal sperm. While the number of sperm increased significantly. The results of the histological study confirmed that the Seminiferous Tubules treated with DPP were intact, the germinal epithelium dense, seminiferous tubules did not expand. We concluded that the DPP has an influence on protecting testis from diabetes complication.

Evaluation of biochemical, hematological, and genotoxic parameters in mice exposed to individual and combined ethoprophos and cadmium

Environmental contamination by complex mixtures of pesticides and metals is a major health problem in agriculture and industry. In real life scenarios, we are exposed to mixtures of chemicals rather than single chemicals, and therefore it is critical to assess their toxicity. The current work was conducted to assess the toxic effects of a low dose (2% median lethal dose) of ethoprophos (Etho, 0.16 mg kg−1 bw), and cadmium (Cd, 0.63 mg kg−1 bw); each alone or in combination on hematological, biochemical, and genotoxic parameters in male mice for one or four weeks. The tested toxicants resulted in a decline in body and organs weights, the most hematological indices, acetylcholine esterase activity, and the total protein content, while they significantly increased liver and kidney function parameters. Furthermore, they increased the mitotic index (MI), number of abnormal sperms, and chromosomes. In conclusion, Etho and Cd induce deleterious effects on all tested parameters in male mice which reflect more obvious impacts when both combined, particularly after 28 days of exposure. However, further research is needed to confirm toxicokinetic or toxicodynamic interactions between these two toxic compounds in the organisms.

Effects of Origanum majorana essential oil and antibiotics on the quality of frozen thawed Beni Arouss buck semen.

This study aims to investigate the effects of Origanum majorana (OM) essential oil (EO) at different concentrations and antibiotics on post-thawed Beni Arouss buck semen quality. Semen collection was performed using artificial vagina from eight Beni Arouss bucks. Ejaculates were pooled, divided into 12 equal aliquots, washed and diluted to 400 × 106 sperm/ml (with 7% of glycerol). Skim milk-based extender was supplemented with different concentrations of OM EO (0%; 0.01%; 0.02%; 0.03%; 0.04% and 0.05%) without antibiotics, marked as (CTR-), (M1-), (M2-), (M3-), (M4-) and (M5-), and with 50 mg of streptomycin and 50,000 IU of penicillin per 100 ml, marked as (CTR+), (M1+), (M2+), (M3+), (M4+) and (M5+), respectively. Aliquots were cooled to 4°C, then frozen in 0.25 ml straws with a programmable freezer and finally stored in liquid nitrogen for 48 h. Thawing was performed at 37°C for 30 s. Motility, live sperm, sperm abnormalities, membrane integrity, lipid peroxidation and bacterial growth were evaluated after thawing. Among the tested extenders, M2+ improved all semen quality parameters. Sperm motility, live sperm and membrane integrity increased significantly, while the number of abnormal sperm and bacterial growth decreased significantly. The toxic effect of OM EO, with and without antibiotics, appeared beyond 0.03%. In conclusion, M2+ is recommended to improve the cryopreservation of Beni Arouss buck semen.

LACTATIONAL EXPOSURE OF METHOXYCHLOR IMPAIRS SPERM QUALITY IN BALB/C MICE

Numerous pesticides derived from human activity are now disseminated in the environment that have been identified as an estrogenic activity that mainly affects the male reproductive system. The objective study was to determine the dose of methoxychlor (MXC) pesticides administered to the mother during the lactation period that would affect the sperm quality of the offspring in mice. Twenty-four BALB/c strains were divided into control and treatment groups. MXC was administered once daily by intraperitoneal to female mice for days 1 to 21 of lactation periods, with 0.14 mg/g, 0.28 mg/g, and 0,42 mg/g doses of MXC. Male litters were killed at postnatal day (PND) 60, and the cauda epididymis was used to observe sperm motility and morphology characteristics. Parameters observed were the number of spermatozoa abnormal and the percentage of progressive spermatozoa. ANOVA showed that the effect of MXC was significantly different in the case of the number of abnormal sperm and the rate of progressive sperm parameters. Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) showed that D3 (0.42 mg/g) gave the highest effect of MXC on increasing abnormal spermatozoa morphology and decreasing the percentage of motile sperm. These results indicate that exposure to MXC, which showed a physiological response in the lactation period, reduces the sperm quality of offspring

Acylated ghrelin suppresses doxorubicin-induced testicular damage and improves sperm parameters in rats via activation of Nrf2 and mammalian target of rapamycin.

Exogenous administration of acylated ghrelin (AG) afforded reproductive protective effect in several animal models but not in those treated with doxorubicin (DOX). This study evaluated the protective effect of AG against DOX-induced testicular damage and impairment in sperm parameters in rats and examined the potential mechanisms of action. Adult male rats were divided into five groups (n = 8/each) as control, control + AG (40 nmol/kg/day; subcutaneous), DOX (10 mg/kg/day 1; intraperitoneal [i.p.]), DOX + AG, and DOX + AG + brusatol (an Nrf2 inhibitor) (2 mg/kg/every 3 days; i.p.). The treatment regimen continued for 65 days. AG prevented testicular damage and apoptosis; increased sperm count, motility, and viability; and reduced the number of abnormal sperms. It also increased their circulatory levels of AG, des-acylated ghrelin (DAG), and AG/DAG ratio and the testicular mRNA levels of ghrelin and growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a Concomitantly, AG increased serum and testicular testosterone levels, reduced serum levels of the follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, and upregulated the testicular protein levels of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in DOX-treated rats. In the testes of the control and DOX-treated rats, AG increased the phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin and stimulated the levels of glutathione and superoxide dismutase, as well as the nuclear activation of Nrf2. All these effects were completely prevented by co-treatment with brusatol. AG replacement therapy could be a novel strategy to prevent reproductive toxicity in cancer patients.

EFFECT OF QUARTZETIN TREATMENT ON MALE REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION UNDER CONDITIONS OF EXPERIMENTAL CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

The aim of the study – to evaluate the effect of five-fold treatment of quercetin on thereproductive function of males in mice under conditions of experimental chronic kidneydisease (EChKD), namely: 1) the number of sperm (sperm concentration (million/ml)) andthe number of abnormal sperm (%)); and provided that such males are mated with intactfemales to assess: 2) the values of embryonic mortality before and after implantation;3) the number of live fetuses per female mouse.Materials and methods. The study was performed in two series of experiments on maleand female mice with EChKD, a model of which was created by immunizing animals withkidney homogenate.Quercetin (QUR, Sigma, USA) (50 mg / kg) was administered intraperitoneally oncedaily, five times according to the immunization schedule after the fourth immunization(the last, 3 weeks after the start of the experiment).The first series of experiments is devoted to the study of: the number of sperm (spermconcentration (million/ml)) and the number of abnormal forms of sperm.Fertile qualities of males were evaluated in the second series of experiments, afterreplanting them to intact females. Pre- and post-implantation embryonic mortality andthe number of living fetuses per female mouse have been investigated.Results. The treatment of QUR does not change the number of sperm, pre- and postimplantation embryonic mortality and the number of live newborns (pups) compared tosuch values in the control. The treatment of QUR in experimental chronic kidney disease leads to a decrease (1.60 times) in the number of abnormal sperm and the magnitude(1.37 times) of postimplantation mortality of embryos, as well as an increase (1.47 times)in the number of live newborns (pups).Conclusions. The treatment of Quercetin in experimental chronic kidney disease leads toa decrease in the number of abnormal sperm and postimplantation mortality of embryos,as well as an increase in the number of live fetuses per female.Quercetin may be recommended for the correction of spermatogenesis in chronic kidneydisease and to clarify new strategies for its treatment.

Lead Induced Oxidative Stress and Affected the Expression of Steroidogenesis -related Genes in Testis of Male Mice

Background: Lead (Pb) is classified as a major risk factor affecting the male reproductive system; however, itsprecise mechanisms of action are poorly understood and inconsistent. This work aimed to investigate the effect ofPb toxicity on male reproductive function.Methods: Accordingly, in this study, adult male mice treated with Lead acetate (PbAc) by gavage (200 mg/kg/day) for 28 days. We analyzed sperm count and morphology, oxidative stress, and the expression of antioxidantand steroidogenesis -related genes in the testes of male mice.Results: Pb significantly (P<0.05) showed decreased body weight and sperm count, as well as significantly(P<0.05) increased the number of abnormal sperms and plasma testosterone level. The activities of superoxidedismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (Cat) were significantly decreased, whereasthe level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly increased in the testis of mice treated by Pb. The mRNAlevels of antioxidant-related genes (SOD1, GPX1, and CAT) were significantly decreased following Pb treatment.Furthermore, the expression of genes involved in the steroidogenic pathway, including steroidogenic acuteregulatory protein (Star), cytochromeP-450scc (Cyp11a1), 17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD),3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) and cytochrome P450, family 17 (Cyp17), were significantly (P<0.05)decreased after exposure to Pb.Conclusion: In conclusion, Pb disrupts male reproductive function by inducing oxidative stress, negativelyregulating the mRNA expressions of steroidogenesis and antioxidant -related genes, and ultimately reducingsperm quality and quantity.

Effects of 5.8 GHz Microwaves on Testicular Structure and Function in Rats.

Objective To investigate the effects of exposure to 5.8 GHz microwaves on testicular structure and function of male adult rats. Methods After 30 days of exposure, we evaluated sperm quality by determining sperm concentration and quantifying the number of abnormal sperm. Testicular morphology was investigated by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The levels of testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), stem cell factor (SCF), and transferrin (TRF) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). We also used western blotting to determine the levels of GDNF and SCF and apoptosis-related protein (caspase-3) in the testis. Results Compared with the sham group, there were no significant differences in terms of sperm count, sperm abnormality, and the levels of T, FSH, LH, GDNF, SCF, and caspase-3 in the microwave group. Conclusion Under the experimental conditions, 5.8 GHz microwave exposure has no obvious effect on testicular structure and function of rats.

DISORDER OF SPERMATOGENESIS UNDER CONDITIONS OF EXPERIMENTAL CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

Purpose - to estimate the disorder of spermatogenesis under conditions of experimentalchronic kidney disease (EChD).Material and methods. The study was carried out in two series of experiments on malemice with EChD, the model of which was created by immunizing animals with a kidneyhomogenate. The first series of experiments was devoted to the study of: sperm count(sperm concentration (mln / ml)) and the number of abnormal sperm forms; the ratio ofcells of different generations of spermatogenic epithelium (%) in the testes; pathways ofcell death of cells of the testes and epididymis (spermatocytes (primary) and spermatozoa).The fertile qualities of males were assessed in the second series of experiments, afterreplanting them to intact females. Pre- and post-implantation embryonic mortality andthe number of living fetuses per female mouse have been investigated. The research resultswere compared with the performance of animals in the control groups for each series.Results. No significant changes in the number of spermatozoa were found under EChDconditions (p> 0.05). An increase in the number of abnormal spermatozoa (22%) andthose with primary abnormalities (p <0.05) was found. Among the generations of testescells, a decrease in the number of spermatids and living spermatocytes (primary) (15%)was established, with an increase in the number of cells with apoptosis and necrosisamong them (p <0.05). The number of living cells of the epididymis (spermatozoa) alsodecreased (17.8%), with the growth of cells with apoptosis and necrosis among them (p<0.05). There was an increase in the pre- and post-implantation mortality of embryos (p<0.05); decrease in the number of living fetuses (p <0.05).Conclusions. Under conditions of four-time treatment with renal homogenate (EChD)there is a disorder of spermatogenesis in male mice. Experimental model of kidneydamage, proposed by us, can be useful for studying other aspects and consequences ofkidney pathology, and both for establishment of the features and detection of possiblepathogenetic links in the development of spermatogenesis disorder under conditions ofchronic kidney disease and search of the effective ways to correct it in future.

Protective effect of propolis against aluminum chloride-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats

The aim of the present study was to investigate the toxic effects of aluminum chloride (AlCl3) on the reproductive organs, as well as, the protective effect of propolis against AlCl3-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats. Eighty adult male fertile Sprague Dawley albino rats were randomly divided into four groups of 20 each. Group 1: served as control group and received only distilled water. Group 2: received a daily ingestion of 80 mg/kg of AlCl3. Group 3: received a daily ingestion of 200 mg/kg of an ethanol extract of propolis. Group 4: received a daily ingestion of 80 mg/kg of AlCl3 in addition to 200 mg/kg of an ethanol extract of propolis. The duration of experiment was six weeks. At the end of the experiment, the testes, seminal vesicles, prostate glands and epididymides were dissected out, and weighed. Sperm characteristics were evaluated and plasma testosterone level was estimated. There were no significant changes between the control and the propolis-treated group. AlCl3-treated group showed a highly significant decrease in the index weights of testes and prostate glands, a highly significant lower sperm count, motility and viability, a highly significant increase in the number of abnormal sperms, as well as, a highly significant decrease in serum testosterone level (p < 0.001), compared to control. Rats of AlCl3+propolis-treated group showed a highly significant improvement in all previous alterations. In conclusion, propolis appeared to ameliorate AlCl3-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats.

Marginal Zinc Deficiency in Mice Increased the Number of Abnormal Sperm and Altered the Expression Level of Spermatogenesis-Related Genes

Marginal zinc deficiency is more common than severe zinc deficiency, and the effect of marginal zinc deficiency on male reproduction is unknown. This study investigated the effect of marginal zinc deficiency on spermatogenesis and its mechanism. Male ICR mice were fed normal zinc (30mg/kg) and marginal zinc deficiency (10mg/kg) diets for 35days. Zinc-dependent proteins and enzymes were measured as biomarkers of zinc levels in the body. Metallothionein and Cu-Zn SOD levels in the control group were higher than those in the marginal zinc deficiency group. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed that the marginal zinc deficiency diet caused histopathological changes in the testis and destruction of the sperm head under scanning electron microscopy. Sperm parameters and sex hormone levels were also affected by marginal zinc deficiency. In addition, marginal zinc deficiency led to alter expression level of several important spermatogenesis-related genes in the epididymis and testes. These results indicate that although zinc intake in marginal zinc deficiency is close to the recommended reference value, low zinc intake interferes with the expression of genes related to spermatogenesis and may lead to sperm abnormalities in mice.

EFFECT OF GENOTYPE ON FREQUENCY OF MORPHOLOGICALLY ABNORMAL SPERMATOZOA IN BULLS SEMEN AFTER THAWING

A reliable effect of the genotype on the number of normal and abnormal spermatozoa in thawed semen was es-tablished. A noticeable difference was marked between the lines of bulls in the presence of primary anomalies associated with the head or acrosome of the cell. It is proved that a significant increase in the count of abnormal spermatozoa in thawed semen leads to a decrease in the fertilizing capacity of the semen. It was found that the country of selection possesses no significant effect on the average number of normal and abnormal spermatozoa. It was revealed that with an increase in the proportion of the genotype for the Holstein breed up to 75%, the number of abnormal spermatozoa in semen significantly increases, while the number of anomalies in the head area increases reliably. With an increase in the proportion of the Holstein breed genotype up to 87.5%, the number of sperms abnormal in the body and tail area significantly increases and the fertilizing capacity of spermatozoa significantly decreases.

Effect of Sodium Nitrate (NaNO3) on Sperm Motility and Abnormality: An In vitro Approach

Nitrates (NO3 ) are the naturally occurring inorganic ions with beneficial effects in both plants and animals. However, NO3 in excess has adverse effect on male and female reproductive systems. The study was undertaken to investigate the effect of 10mg/ ml and 100mg/ml of sodium nitrate (NaNO3 ) on sperm motility and abnormality at different time intervals (5,10,15,20,25 and 30 min). Treatment of cauda epididymal sperm suspension with 10mg/ml of NaNO3 significantly reduced the sperm motility only at 25 and 30 min time intervals compared to controls. However, 100mg/ml of NaNO3 resulted in significant reduction of sperm motility from 5 min to 30 min time interval in time dependent manner and complete loss of sperm motility was observed at 15 min of incubation. In addition, the number of abnormal spermatozoa was significantly high in 100mg/ml of NaNO3 treated groups compared to controls and 10 mg/ml of NaNO3 . These results clearly reflected the toxic effect of NO3 on spermatozoa and its capability in fertilization.

Exposure to low doses of malathion during juvenile and peripubertal periods impairs testicular and sperm parameters in rats: Role of oxidative stress and testosterone

Malathion is an organophosphate insecticide used in agriculture and for controlling vector-borne diseases such as Zika. Humans can be exposed to malathion by means of ingestion of contaminated food. The juvenile and peripubertal periods are a large window of vulnerability to the action of toxic agents. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of low doses of malathion during the development of testes in the juvenile and peripubertal periods in rats. For this purpose, 45 male Wistar rats (postnatal day (PND) 25) were assigned to 3 experimental groups and treated for 40 days. The animals were exposed daily to malathion 10 mg/kg (M10 group) or 50 mg/kg (M50 group) diluted in 0.9 % saline via gavage. The control group received only the vehicle. On the 40th experimental day, the rats were anaesthetized and euthanized. The blood was collected for determination of testosterone concentration. The testes were removed and weighed. Spermatozoa from the vas deferens were used for sperm morphological analysis. The testes were used for evaluation of sperm count and oxidative stress status to determine the inflammatory profile and analysis of tissue constitution. The results showed that both malathion doses reduced the sperm count and increased the number of abnormal sperms. Furthermore, both doses altered the spermatogenetic process, delayed spermiogenesis, reduced the Leydig and Sertoli cell number and increased the thickness of tunica albuginea. The M10 group presented increased IL-10 levels and reduced GSH levels. These parameters did not change in the M50 group. However, the M50 group showed an increase in the number of abnormal seminiferous tubules, a decrease in plasma testosterone concentration and an increase in lipid peroxidation in the testes. In conclusion, the exposure to low doses of malathion during juvenile and peripubertal development resulted in testicular toxicity and compromised the testicular morphology and function.

Sperm quality and hormonal levels in C57BL/6 mice infected with Neospora caninum

Neospora caninum is a major pathogen of cattle and dogs, and neosporosis is widespread in five continents. In this study effect of experimental neosporosis on sperm quality of C57BL/6 mice in different days was investigated. Based on the results sperm concentration was not changed in infected groups but neosporosis induced a significant decrease in epididymis sperm motility at 60 days post infection. A significant increase in the number of abnormal sperms at five, 15, 30 and 60 days post infection was found. At days 15, 30 and 60 post infection testosterone concentrations were significantly low in infected groups and FSH level was significantly high in infected groups at five and 30 days post infection. LH level was decreased in infected groups, but the difference was significant at five, 15 and 30 days post infection. Comparison of TSH and T4 levels between groups revealed a significant decrease in infected groups at five, 15, 30 and 60 days post infection. Except 15 days post infection T3 levels decreased significantly in infected groups. GPX activity, MDA and TAC level was significantly increased in infected mice at five days post infection. In this study neosporosis is associated with hypogonadotrophic gonadal insufficiency in infected C57BL/6 male mice.

Multigenerational exposure to uranium changes morphometric parameters and global DNA methylation in rat sperm

There is increasing evidence that environmental exposures early in fetal development influence phenotype and give rise to disease risk in the next generations. We previously found that lifelong exposure to uranium, an environmental contaminant, induced subtle testicular and hormonal defects; however, its impact on the reproductive system of multiple subsequent generations was unexplored. Herein, rats were exposed to a supra-environmental and non-nephrotoxic concentration of natural uranium (U, 40 mg·L−1 of drinking water) from postnatal life to adulthood (F0), during fetal life (F1), and only as the germ cells from the F1 generation (F2). General parameters (reproductive indices, epididymal weight) and sperm morphology were assessed in the three generations. In order to identify the epigenetic effects of U, we analyzed also the global DNA methylation profile and described for the first time the mRNA expression levels of markers involved in the (de)methylation system in rat epididymal spermatozoa. Our results showed that the F1 generation had a reduced pregnancy rate. Despite the sperm number being unmodified, sperm morphology was affected in the F0, F1 and F2 generations. Morphometric analysis for ten parameters was detailed for each generation. No common parameter was detected between the three generations, but the head and the middle-piece were always modified in the abnormal sperms. In the F1 U-exposed generation, the total number of abnormal sperm was significantly higher than in the F0 and F2 generations, suggesting that fetal exposure to uranium was more deleterious. This effect could be associated with the pregnancy rate to produce the F2 generation. Interestingly, global DNA methylation analysis showed also hypomethylation in the sperm DNA of the last F2 generation. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that uranium can induce morphological sperm defects and changes in the DNA methylation level after multigenerational exposure. The epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of U-induced reproductive defects should be assessed in further experiments.

Mancozeb impaired male fertility in rabbits with trials of glutathione detoxification

The study aims to evaluate the potential reproductive toxicity induced by mancozeb fungicide in male rabbits and to examine the ameliorative effect of glutathione (GSH), a non-enzymatic antioxidant, against mancozeb reproductive toxicity. Mancozeb is a member of the dithiocarbamates group currently in use in the management of fungal diseases of plants. To achieve these aims, mature male White New-Zealand rabbits of 4–5 months old were randomly assigned to four groups of 9 animals each: control, mancozeb only, mancozeb and GSH, and GSH only. This study discovered a significant reduction in serum FSH, LH, testosterone and testicular LDH, ACP, and ALP levels in the groups of mancozeb-treated rabbits compared with control. The mancozeb-treated groups also showed significant losses in sperm viability, along with a significant increase in the number of abnormal sperms. Finally, an upregulation in steroidogenic 3β-HSD enzyme activity was noted in mancozeb-treated rabbits. Histopathological inspection of the testicles established disruption of the germinal epithelium with vacuolization of Leydig cells and reduced spermatogenic cells. GSH co-administration increased serum concentrations of FSH, LH, testosterone, and levels of the testicular enzymes: LDH, ACP, and ALP. Improved steroidogenesis was indicated in this group by a significant improvement in the testicular 3β-HSD enzyme, by a significant increase in sperm viability, and by a significant decrease in the number of abnormal sperms. The findings of this study suggest that mancozeb exposure has anti-spermatogenic and anti-steroidogenic adverse effects in rabbits and administration of GSH may alleviate the reproductive toxicity.

Negative effect of antiretroviral therapy on spermogram values in HIV-positive men

The study objective is to analyze spermogram values in HIV-positive men receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Materials and methods . The prospective case-controlled study included 115 men: the main group consisted of 51 patients with HIV, control group consisted of 64 patients with negative serological test for HIV and normal spermogram values. In total, 97 and 111 sperm samples were analyzed. HIV status was evaluated based on disease stage and phase, viral load, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ lymphocyte counts and ART duration. Results. History of HIV varied between 2 and 9 years (median 5 years). All patients were receiving ART. Median duration of drug administration was 1.5years. In 48.4 % of HIV-positive patients, normozoospermia was observed. In the structure of pathological zoospermia, teratozoospermia was the most prevalent (40 %), and the percentage of pathological forms of spermatozoa in HIV-positive men was significantly higher than in HIV-negative men (97 (96—98) and 96 (95—96) %, р = 0.0001, respectively). Ejaculate volume (2.7 (2.0—3.4) and 3.1 (2.3—4.0) ml, р = 0.003), total count (89.1 (47.3—153.0) and 198.8 (138.5—272.8) million, р = 0.0001), concentration (36 (21—52) and 63.5 (46—91) million/ml, р = 0.0001), percentage of progressive motile (40 (31—53) and 55 (48.7—62.2) %, р = 0.0001) and viable sperm (78 (71.5—81.0) and 84 (82—87) %, р = 0.0001) were significantly lower, and the number of immotile forms (50 (39—55.5) and 38 (31.7—42.2) %, р = 0.0001) significantly higher in HIV-positive patients than in men without HIV. Negative correlations between the number of abnormal spermatozoa and CD4+ lymphocyte count (r = —0.362, р = 0.026), disease duration and sperm concentration (r = —0.242, р = 0.020), percentage of progressive motile sperm (grade B) and disease duration (r = —0.241, р = 0.024) were established. ART duration negatively correlated with the percentage of progressive motile sperm (grade B) (r = —0.224, р = 0.036). Percentage of sperm with fragmented DNA was significantly higher in HIV-positive patients compared to HIV-negative men (15.8 (12.4—23.0) and 9.95 (7.3— 12.4) %, р = 0.001, respectively). Conclusion. In HIV-positive patients receiving ART, sperm DNA fragmentation and the number of pathological forms are increased. Percentage of abnormal forms is higher for lower CD4+ lymphocyte counts. Sperm concentration decreases, and percentage of immobile forms increases with duration of HIV infection. ART negatively affects sperm motility.

The effect of chronic stress and obesity on sperm quality and testis histology in male rats; a morphometric and immunohistochemical study.

Stress and obesity lead structural and functional abnormalities in many organs. This research investigated the effect of these two risk factors on sperm parameters and histologic structure of testis in rat model. Twenty-four male rats were divided into four groups with six rats in each group as control, stress, obesity, and stress-obesity groups. The rats of obesity and stress-obesity groups were fed high-fat diet for 12-week and obesity was created. Control and stress groups were given standard rat chow for the same time. Through last 4-week, stress and stress-obesity groups were applied to chronic mild stress procedure. At the end of the experiment, epididymal sperm was collected from vas deferens and testes were harvested from sacrificed animals. Sperm samples were evaluated in terms of concentration and motility by using Makler Chamber. Sperm smears were stained with Eosin-Y stain for morphological evaluation, and also histochemically for GABA transporter-1 (GAT1) expression assessment. Testis sections were dyed with Hematoxylin-Eosin and Johnsen scores were assessed. GAT1 expression was detected in testis sections by immunohistochemistry, and TUNEL method was used for determining apoptosis in testis. In comparison with the control samples in stress, obesity, and stress-obesity groups sperm concentration and motility decreased, and also the number of sperm with abnormal morphology increased. Stress, obesity, and stress-obesity groups showed a significantly decreased in sperm concentration and motility in comparison with the control group, and also in these groups had significantly increased number of abnormal sperm compared to control. Additionally, the testicular structure was deteriorated, and Johnsen scores decreased. And also GAT1 expression and apoptosis were prominent. These negative results, especially, testicular weight, sperm concentration, and Johnsen score were more observed in the stress-obesity group. Stress and obesity may induce male infertility by disrupting both sperm quality and testis histology. When stress and obesity are coexisting, these adverse effects are more severe. And also, increased GAT1 expression may be associated with these effects.