Sperm Parameters Research Articles

Impact of varicocelectomy on sperm parameters and hormone levels in infertile patients with sickle cell disease

Purpose: This study analyzes the semen parameters and gonadal hormone levels in infertile patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) and palpable varicoceles who underwent varicocelectomy for impaired semen parameters. Patients and methods: Improvements in the semen parameters—serum levels of total testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and inhibin B—and testicular volume (TV) in 18 infertile patients with SCD were evaluated before and at 6 months after varicocelectomy. Results: Before varicocelectomy, all sperm parameters were affected, with high rates of low sperm concentration (83.3%), poor motility (88.9%), and abnormal morphology (77.8%). All sperm parameters were altered in 61.1%. On follow-up at 55.5 months after varicocelectomy, improvement in all the semen parameters was successful and complete in 22.2% but was not significant in 77.8%. The median follow-up period for sperm recovery was relatively long at 60.3 months. Total testosterone, FSH, and inhibin B were not significantly different before and after treatment (P > 0.05). However, testosterone, FSH, and TV significantly correlated with the semen parameters (P < 0.05). Moreover, a significant positive correlation was found between TV and inhibin B (P < 0.05), and the improvement in the semen parameters was significantly correlated with primary hypogonadism (P < 0.05). Conclusion: In adult men with SCD, varicocelectomy had a positive impact on the impaired seminal parameters and may be an option before sperm cryopreservation to improve future male fertility. Furthermore, primary testicular failure may be a feature of reversible spermatogenesis recovery in these patients.

The effect of ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaves on sperm parameters in 4G-cellphone-EMR exposed rats

Cell phone use and infertility are topics of scientific investigation. 2G, 3G and 4G cell phone radiation causes negative effects on spermatogenesis. The aim of this study is to assess the protective efficiency of Moringa oleifera leaves (MOL) on the sperm parameters of Wistar rats against electromagnetic radiation (EMR) emitted from a 4G mobile phone. Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. Control group (n=3) without mobile phone; Sham group (n=3) with mobile phone in switched-off mode; MOL-2 group (n=6) obtained orally 200 mg ethanol extract of MOL/kg BW/two months; R2 group (n=6) subjected to 4G-EMR for 96 minutes/day/two months; R2+MOL group (n=6) treated with MOL extract while exposed to EMR for two months. After the experimental period, rats were sacrificed to get epididymises. The epididymal fluid was collected to evaluate count, viability, motility and morphology of sperms. The 4G-EMR induced a significant reduction in the count and tail defects of sperms (P<0.05) in R2 rats as compared to control, sham and MOL-2 groups. Nevertheless, MOL extract significantly inhibited the EMR-caused fall of those variables in R2+MOL group. The R2 group had significantly (P<0.0001) lower and higher values concerning the sperm’s progressive motility and non-motility rates, the percentages of alive and dead sperms than those in the control, sham, and MOL-2 groups, but the MOL extract restored the parameters in R2+MOL as compared to R2 group. The oral administration of 200 mg of ethanolic extract of Moringa leaves protected the sperm parameters of Wistar rats to near normal level from harmful effects of 4G-cell phone-EMR.

Beneficial effects of Anemone palmata extracts on male rabbit fertility and reproduction

Abstract Objective: The current study is intended to offer an insight on positive benefits of the herb Anemone palmate belonging to Ranunculaceae family, as an enhancing agent of male rabbit’s fertility. Methods: Twelve male rabbits, in the growth stage, were divided randomly into four equal groups: one serving as the control and three subjected to different treatments. Anemone palmata extracts (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) were administered orally to the groups. Blood samples were collected to measure the serum levels of testosterone four weeks later. The weight of the testis and epididymis, sperm count, and sperm motility were determined histologically. Results: The findings revealed a significant increase in the relative weights of the reproductive organs (testis and epididymis) and plasma testosterone levels in the groups that received the 100 and 200 mg/kg doses. Moreover a notable enhancement in the spermatozoa biology, including concentration, motility, and speed, was observed in the groups treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg doses compared to the control and the group treated with 50mg/kg. The histological study revealed some changes in the spermatogenesis and the structure of the organs, involving the presence of the spermatid phase. A significant increase in the thickness of seminiferous walls, a decrease in the interstitial space, and a reduction in the lumen and intra-tubular spaces were observed as well. Conclusions: it is well indicated that Anemone palmata could improve fertility factors, and exhibit good effects on gonad and sperm parameters in rabbits.

The microbiota continuum along the upper reproductive tract of male rat and its relation to semen parameters

Given the physiological function and anatomical location of the reproductive tract, studying the upper reproductive tract microbiota may be essential for studying male infertility and other male diseases. This study aimed to characterize the microbiota of the upper reproductive tract male rats and investigate whether specific microbial compositions are associated with sperm parameters. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to characterize the microbial composition in the testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles, vas deferens and prostate tissues of the rats. The results showed significant enrichment of Methyloperoxococcus spp. in testicular tissues, Jeotgalicoccus spp. in epididymal tissues. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that the abundance of several bacterial genera in epididymal, testicular, and seminal vesicle gland tissues correlated with several sperm activity parameters. Our findings provide detailed information on characterizing the upper reproductive tract microbiome in male rats, as well as a potentially crucial link between the reproductive system microbiota and sperm quality.

Quality and fertilizing ability of frozen-thawed porcine sperm separated using a migration sedimentation method.

We evaluated the quality and fertilizing ability of frozen-thawed porcine sperm that were selected using a commercially available device (MIGLIS, Menicon Life Science) consisting of three parts: an outer lid, an inner lid, and a tube. Firstly, to determine an adequate concentration of caffeine for separation, frozen-thawed sperm were incubated with different concentrations of caffeine (0, 1, 2.5, 5, and 10 mM) in a MIGLIS device. To determine the appropriate incubation time for separating sperm in the MIGLIS device, frozen-thawed sperm were incubated with 2.5 mM caffeine for 5, 10, 15, or 20 min. To evaluate the fertilization and embryo development of oocytes fertilized with frozen-thawed sperm separated into two regions (outer and inner) in the MIGLIS device, the separated sperm from the three boars was used to fertilize invitro-matured oocytes and cultured invitro for 7 days. Sperm quality parameters of sperm collected from the inner tube after incubation with 2.5 mM caffeine were superior to sperm incubated without caffeine. Moreover, sperm collected from the inner tube after incubation for 10 min had a higher progressive motility. The rate of blastocyst produced from spermatozoa collected from the inner tube after incubation with 2.5 mM caffeine for 10 min significantly increased compared to that produced from spermatozoa from the outer tube, regardless of the boar. In conclusion, sperm sorting using the MIGLIS device may be useful for separating high-quality sperm after incubation with 2.5 mM caffeine for 10 min to improve blastocyst formation.

Effects of hydroxytyrosol on post-thaw quality of rooster sperm.

Semen cryopreservation is one of the most important reproduction techniques in the livestock and poultry industry. Cryopreservation induces cold stress, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress causing structural and biochemical damages in sperm. In this study, we evaluated the effects of the hydroxytyrosol (HT), as an antioxidant, at the concentrations of 0, 25, 50, and 100 μg/mL on post-thaw semen quality metrics in rooster. Semen samples were collected twice a week from 10 roosters (29 weeks), processed and frozen according to experimental groups. Different quality parameters, including total motility, progressive motility, viability, morphology, membrane integrity, and malondialdehyde were measured after thawing. Results showed that 25 and 50 μg/mL of HT produced the highest percentage of total motility (51.01 ± 2.19 and 50.15 ± 2.19, respectively) and progressive motility (35.74 ± 1.34 and 35.15 ± 1.34, respectively), membrane integrity (48.00 ± 2.18 and 46.75 ± 2.18, respectively) as well as viability (53.00 ± 2.17 and 52.50 ± 2.17, respectively) compared with the other groups (p < .05). The group with 25 μg/mL of HT showed the lowest significant (p < .05) MDA concentration (1.81 ± 0.25). Our results showed that the effect of HT was not dose-dependent and optimum concentration of HT could improve functional parameters of rooster sperm after freezing-thawing. These findings suggest that HT may have protective effects on the rooster sperm during the freezing-thawing process.

Cannabidiol impairs sperm quality and function in adult mice

BackgroundConsidering the growing therapeutic use of cannabidiol as well as the presence of cannabinoid receptors in sperm and its possible genotoxic activity, the effect of cannabidiol on sperm quality and function was examined.MethodsThirty male NMRI mice were randomly divided into three groups: control (no injection), sham (intraperitoneal (IP) injection of DMSO daily for 34 days), and cannabidiol (IP injection of cannabidiol 30 mg/ml daily for 34 days). Following 35 days after the last injection, sperm parameters, chromatin integrity (CMA3 staining), acrosome reaction (FITC-PNA method), fertility-related genes (IZUMO1, PLCζ), and blastulation rate of the embryos obtained from the oocytes fertilized with the mentioned sperms was investigated.ResultsCount, motility, and morphology of sperm were not significantly affected by cannabidiol. CMA3+ sperms (protamine deficiency) were significantly higher in the cannabidiol group compared to the control group (P = 0.03). The acrosomal reaction and fertility-related genes (IZUMO1, PLCζ) in the cannabidiol group did not differ significantly compared to the control group. Also, there was no significant difference between the cannabidiol group and the control group in the two-cell and the eight-cell stages but the rate of blastocyst formation was significantly lower in the cannabidiol group compared to other groups (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsOur results showed that cannabidiol leads to negative effects on the male reproductive system through an effect on sperm chromatin and the rate of reaching the blastocyst stage of the embryo.Graphical

The effects of MitoQ as a mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant in a plant-based extender on buck sperm quality parameters during cryopreservation

Sperm cryopreservation plays an important role in the artificial insemination (AI) industry of small ruminants. It, however the use of frozen-thawed goat semen is limited due to the insufficient number of sperm with good biological functions. Mitochondria are the most sensitive organelles to cryopreservation damage in sperm. This study was conducted to determine the effects of MitoQ, the mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant, in a plant-based extender on the quality parameters of Markhoz goat sperm after the freezing and thawing process. Semen samples were collected and diluted in the extender, divided into five equal aliquots and supplemented with 0, 1, 10, 100 and 1000 nM MitoQ and cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen. After thawing, sperm motility, membrane functionality, abnormal morphology, mitochondrial activity, acrosome integrity, lipid peroxidation (LPO), DNA fragmentation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration, viability and apoptotic-like changes were measured. The use of 10 and 100 nM MitoQ resulted in higher (P≤0.05) total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM), viability, membrane functionality, mitochondrial activity, and acrosome integrity compared to the other groups. On the other hand, LPO, apoptotic-like changes, DNA fragmentation and ROS concentration were lower (P≤0.05) in MQ10 and MQ100 groups compared to the other groups. MitoQ has no effect (P>0.05) on sperm abnormal morphology and velocity parameters. In conclusion, MitoQ can reduce oxidative stress by regulating mitochondrial function during the cryopreservation process of buck sperm and could be an effective additive in the cryopreservation media to protect sperm quality.

Effect of bicarbonate and polyvinyl alcohol on in vitro capacitation and fertilization ability of cryopreserved equine spermatozoa.

Factors contributing to the limited success of in vitro fertilization in horses remain to be studied. In this work, we elucidated the effect of different essential capacitation media components, bicarbonate, and bovine serum albumin or polyvinyl-alcohol, and the incubation microenvironment on sperm parameters associated with capacitation, acrosome reaction, and their ability to activate oocytes via heterologous intracytoplasmic spermatozoa injection in equine cryopreserved spermatozoa. Frozen-thawed spermatozoa underwent incubation at different time intervals in either Tyrode's albumin lactate pyruvate medium (non-capacitating; NC) or Tyrode's albumin lactate pyruvate supplemented with bicarbonate, bicarbonate and polyvinyl-alcohol, bicarbonate and bovine serum albumin, polyvinyl-alcohol and bovine serum albumin alone. Protein kinase A-phosphorylated substrates and tyrosine phosphorylation levels, sperm motility, and acrosome reaction percentages were evaluated. After determining the best condition media (capacitating; CAP), heterologous intracytoplasmic spermatozoa injection on pig oocytes was performed and the phospholipase C zeta sperm localization pattern was evaluated. Incubation of frozen-thawed equine spermatozoa with bicarbonate and polyvinyl-alcohol in atmospheric air for 45min induced an increase in protein kinase A-phosphorylated substrates and tyrosine phosphorylation levels compared to NC condition. Sperm incubation in bicarbonate and polyvinyl-alcohol medium showed an increase in total motility and progressive motility with respect to NC (p ≤ 0.05). Interestingly, three parameters associated with sperm hyperactivation were modulated under bicarbonate and polyvinyl-alcohol conditions. The kinematic parameters curvilinear velocity and amplitude of lateral head displacement significantly increased, while straightness significantly diminished (curvilinear velocity: bicarbonate and polyvinyl-alcohol=120.9±2.9 vs. NC=76.91±6.9µm/s) (amplitude of lateral head displacement: bicarbonate and polyvinyl-alcohol=1.15±0.02 vs. NC=0.77±0.03µm) (straightness: bicarbonate and polyvinyl-alcohol=0.76±0.01 vs. NC=0.87±0.02) (p ≤ 0.05). Moreover, the spontaneous acrosome reaction significantly increased in spermatozoa incubated in this condition. Finally, bicarbonate and polyvinyl-alcohol medium was established as CAP medium. Although no differences were found in phospholipase C zeta localization pattern in spermatozoa incubated under CAP, equine spermatozoa pre-incubated in CAP condition for 45min showed higher fertilization rates when injected into matured pig oocytes (NC: 47.6% vs. CAP 76.5%; p ≤ 0.05). These findings underscore the importance of bicarbonate and polyvinyl-alcohol in supporting critical events associated with in vitro sperm capacitation in the horse, resulting in higher oocyte activation percentages following heterologous intracytoplasmic spermatozoa injection. This protocol could have an impact on reproductive efficiency in the equine breeding industry.

Comparative Evaluation of Levamisole and Broccoli in Mitigating Testicular Oxidative Stress and Apoptotic Alterations Caused by Cadmium and Lead Exposure in Rats.

Considering the significance of heavy metals in infertility and their reduction through natural and synthetic compounds, a comparative study of broccoli and levamisole in cadmium and lead poisoning was conducted. Male Wistar rats (48 in total) were divided into 8 groups. Control, cadmium, lead, levamisole, and broccoli were administered individually to groups 1-5, while groups 6-8 received combinations. Various measurements were taken, including final weight, testicular weight, and the GSI coefficient. Sperm parameters, spermatogenesis cell count, oxidative stress biomarkers, and apoptosis indices were assessed using ELISA kits and methods in testicular tissue. The results indicated that the GSI coefficient was lowest in group 2 and highest in group 4, showing a significant difference (P < 0.001). Sperm concentration peaked in group 1 and broccoli-treated ones, while motility was highest in group 5. Testicular cell counts and Johnson score were highest in groups 1 and 2, and lowest in cadmium-exposed groups. These differences were statistically significant at P < 0.01. Enzyme activities related to oxidative stress varied. Group 2 exhibited the highest catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, while glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels peaked in groups 1, 4, and 5. Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were significantly reduced in the group 5 (P < 0.05). Apoptosis indices revealed that broccoli had the highest Bcl-2 levels and lowest Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, indicating its anti-apoptotic effect. Group 4 showed less efficacy compared to broccoli in protecting fertility indices. In conclusion, cadmium and lead significantly impact male fertility, while broccoli extract demonstrates promising efficacy in mitigating damage when compared to levamisole. This underscores its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties.

The Effects of Different Antimicrobial Peptides (A-11 and AP19) on Isolated Bacteria from Fresh Boar Semen and Semen Quality during Storage at 18 °C.

Antibiotic resistance (AMR) is a major public health concern. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) could be an alternative to conventional antibiotics. The purpose of this research was to investigate the antimicrobial ability of the synthetic AMPs (i.e., A-11 and AP19) on the most frequently isolated bacteria in boar semen and their effect on extended boar semen quality during storage. We tested the antimicrobial effect of A-11 and AP19 at different concentrations and compared them with gentamicin for inhibiting the growth of E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis that were isolated from fresh boar semen. In order to evaluate the effect of AMP on semen qualities on days 0, 1, 3, and 5 after storage at 18 °C, seven fresh boar semen samples were collected, diluted with semen extender with antibiotic (i.e., gentamicin at 200 µg/mL, positive control) or without (negative control), and semen extender contained only A-11 or AP19 at different concentrations (i.e., 62.50, 31.25, and 15.625 µg/mL). The total bacterial count was also measured at 0, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h after storage. Comparable to gentamicin, both A-11 and AP19 inhibited the growth of E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Proteus mirabilis at 62.50, 31.25, and 15.625 µg/mL, respectively. Comparing the total bacterial count at 0, 24, 36, 48 and 72 h after storage, the lowest total bacterial concentration was found in the positive control group (p < 0.05), and an inferior total bacterial concentration was found in the treatment groups than in the negative control. On day 1, there is a lower percentage of all sperm parameters in the AP19 group at a concentration of 62.50 µg/mL compared with the other groups. On day 3, the highest percentage of all sperm parameters was found in the positive control and A-11 at a concentration of 31.25 µg/mL compared with the other groups. The AP19 group at 62.5 µg/mL constantly yielded inferior sperm parameters. On day 5, only A-11 at a concentration of 15.625 µg/mL showed a total motility higher than 70%, which is comparable to the positive control. A-11 and AP19 showed antimicrobial activity against E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis isolated from boar semen. Considering their effect on semen quality during storage, these antimicrobial peptides are an alternative to conventional antibiotics used in boar semen extenders. Nevertheless, the utilization of these particular antimicrobial peptides relied on the concentration and duration of storage.

The effects of saline water consumption on sperm parameters, testicular histopathology, hormonal and antioxidants concentrations in Barki Rams

The study aimed to assess the effects of water salinity on the sperm parameters, levels of cortisol, LH, FSH, testosterone and antioxidants as well as the testes’ histopathology in Barki rams. Fifteen healthy Barki rams (1–1.5 years) were divided into three equal depending on the type of drinking water for nine months. The rams in the tap water group (TW, water that contained 350 ppm of total dissolved salts (TDS). Males in the high saline water group (HSW) were permitted to consume high saline water with 8,934 ppm TDS, whereas those in the second group were permitted to have moderately saline water (MSW, 4,557 ppm TDS). High salt concentration in drinking water had adverse effect on sperm viability, morphology and sperm cell concertation. Nitric oxide and malondialdehyde concentrations in blood were significantly higher in the MSW and HSW groups than in TW. There was a significant decrease in glutathione concentration as well as superoxide dismutase activity in TDS and HSW. Cortisol was most highly concentrated in the HSW, next in the MSW, and least in TW. The testosterone, LH, and FSH concentrations in the HSW and MSW groups were significantly lower than in TW. As the salt concentration in drinking water increases, damage to testicular tissue. The MSW group demonstrating vacuolation of lining epithelial cells with pyknotic nuclei in the epididymis and necrosis and desquamation of spermatogenic cells in seminiferous tubules while HSW group displaying desquamated necrotic cells and giant cell formation in the epididymis, as well as damage to some of the seminiferous tubules and showed congestion, vacuolation of spermatogenic epithelium of seminiferous tubules, and desquamated necrotic spermatogenic epithelium. In conclusion, the salinity of the water has detrimental impacts on the sperm morphology, viability and concentration, hormones and antioxidant levels in Barki rams.

Micronutrient Antioxidants for Men (Menevit®) Improve Sperm Function by Reducing Oxidative Stress, Resulting in Improved Assisted Reproductive Technology Outcomes.

Oxidative stress (OS) affects men's health and impairs spermatogenesis. Micronutrient antioxidants are available for male infertility as complemental support; however, their efficacy remains debatable. This study aimed to investigate whether antioxidants can help to reduce sperm OS and improve semen analysis and quality. We included 171 male partners of couples planning to undergo assisted reproductive technology (ART). Male partners, aged 29-41 years, of couples intending to conceive were self-selected to take daily antioxidants (n = 84) containing folic acid and zinc, or not to take antioxidants (n = 52) for 6 months. We analyzed the alterations in serum oxidant levels, sperm parameters, OS, and deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation after 3 and 6 months. Additionally, implantation, clinical pregnancy, and miscarriage rates after vitrified-warmed embryo transfer were compared between those taking antioxidants and those not taking them after 6 months. In men with high static oxidation-reduction potential (sORP), we observed a significant improvement in sperm concentration and sORP. The high-quality blastocyst rate tended to increase, and implantation and clinical pregnancy rates also significantly increased after 6 months of intervention. The micronutrient antioxidants could improve sperm function by reducing OS and improving ART outcomes. Therefore, micronutrient antioxidants may be a viable treatment option for male infertility.

Effects of long and short ejaculatory abstinence on sperm parameters: a meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of ejaculatory abstinence on sperm parameters. This analysis was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023472124). We performed a search on PubMed using the following text terms: (("sperm parameters" OR "sperm analysis" [Mesh]) AND ("sperm DNA fragmentation" OR "DNA fragmentation" [Mesh]) AND ("sexual abstinence" [Mesh] OR "abstinence")) and an advanced search in Scopus using the terms ("sperm parameters" OR "sperm parameters" OR "DNA fragmentation") AND ("abstinence"). The sperm parameters that were investigated were sperm volume, total sperm motility, progressive sperm motility, sperm concentration, sperm morphology, and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF). A two-day cut-off as a "short" or "long" abstinence period has been defined. Thirteen studies published between 2013 and 2022 were included in this meta-analysis. A total of 2,315 patients, ranging from 6 to 836 from each cohort, were enrolled in the study. We showed that longer abstinence time was associated with greater sperm concentration (mean difference [MD]: 8.19; p <0.01), sperm volume (MD: 0.96; p <0.01), and higher SDF (MD: 3.46; p <0.01), but lower progressive sperm motility (MD: -1.83; p <0.01). Otherwise, no statistically significant difference was observed in patients with longer vs. shorter abstinence times regarding total sperm motility (MD: -1.83; p = 0.06). Meta-regression analysis showed that days of abstinence were positively and linearly related to sperm concentration (slope: 3.74; p <0.01) and SDF (slope: 0.65; p = 0.044). According to our data, short ejaculatory abstinence is associated with better sperm quality. Indeed, a higher percentage of progressive sperm motility and lower levels of SDF have been reported in a short abstinence cohort. In contrast, the long abstinence group reported a higher sperm concentration. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023472124.

Associations between seminal plasma metals/metalloids and semen quality: A cross-sectional study

Exposure to metals/metalloids is reported to potentially influence semen quality. While most studies have focused on single metal impacts, the link between exposure to multiple metals and semen quality has remained less explored. The study aimed to investigate the effects of both individual and mixed metal/metalloid exposure on semen quality. A total of 330 men were recruited from three reproductive centers in eastern China. Seminal plasma levels of 25 metals/metalloids and sperm parameters were determined. We used the Generalized Linear Model (GLM) and Restricted Cubic Spline (RCS) to assess the relationships between single metals/metalloids and semen quality. The weighted quantile sum (WQS) models were then applied to evaluate the combined effect of all these metals/metalloids. We observed positive associations of exposure to lithium (Li), zinc (Zn), and magnesium (Mg) with an increased risk of below reference values for progressive motility and total motility using a logistic regression model (P < 0.05). Additionally, our results also revealed a significant inverse relationship between aluminum (Al) and both sperm concentration and count, while cobalt (Co) demonstrated a positive association with sperm concentration (P < 0.05). Notably, the WQS model indicated a significant positive association between exposure to metal/metalloid mixtures and the risk of abnormal progressive motility (OR: 1.57; 95%CI: 1.10, 2.24) and abnormal total motility (OR: 1.53; 95%CI: 1.06, 2.19), with this association primarily driven by Li, Mg, and Zn. In summary, our findings indicate that exposure to metal/metalloid mixtures might have an adverse effect on semen quality.

The effects of vitamin C and vitamin B12 on improving spermatogenesis in mice subjected to long-term scrotal heat stress.

Scrotal hyperthermia poses a significant threat to spermatogenesis and fertility in mammalian species. This study investigated the effects of vitamin B12 and vitamin C on spermatogenesis in adult male mice subjected to long-term scrotal hyperthermia. The rationale is based on the sensitivity of germ cells and epididymal sperm to increased scrotal temperatures. While various factors, both internal and external, can raise the testicular temperature, this study focused on the potential therapeutic roles of vitamins B12 and C. After inducing scrotal hyperthermia in mice, vitamin B12 and vitamin C were administered for 35 days. We assessed sperm parameters, serum testosterone levels, stereological parameters, the percentage of apoptotic cells, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and glutathione (GSH) levels. Additionally, real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze the expression of the c-kit, stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (Stra8), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Pcna) genes. Vitamin C was more effective than vitamin B12 in improving sperm parameters and enhancing stereological parameters. The study showed a significant decrease in apoptotic cells and a beneficial modulation of ROS and GSH levels following vitamin administration. Moreover, both vitamins positively affected the expression levels of the c-kit, Stra8, and Pcna genes. This research deepens our understanding of the combined impact of vitamins B12 and C in mitigating the effects of scrotal hyperthermia, providing insights into potential therapeutic strategies for heat stress-related infertility. The findings highlight the importance of considering vitamin supplementation as a practical approach to counter the detrimental effects of elevated scrotal temperatures on male reproductive health.

Harmine exhibits anti-apoptotic properties and reduces diabetes-induced testicular damage caused by streptozotocin in rats.

Diabetes mellitus induces fertility problems in men, mainly because of increased free radicals. Natural resources are effective for male infertility treatment. This study investigated the effects of harmine, an alkaloid available in Peganum harmala L., on the male reproductive system of diabetic rats. We divided 32 rats into four groups, and eight were randomly placed in each group. For diabetes induction, the animals received 50 mg/kg of streptozotocin intraperitoneally. After 1 week, animals received 15 mg/kg of harmine (28 days; intraperitoneal). Histopathological examinations, serum levels of male hormones, levels of nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the testes, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), insulin serum levels, fasting blood glucose levels, the apoptotic index, and semen analysis were assessed. The diabetes group exhibited morphological changes in testicular tissue, significant decreases in the diameter of the seminiferous tubule, the Johnsen score, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, insulin serum levels, and TAC in testicular tissue (p<0.01). Harmine treatment ameliorated the morphological changes in the testes and improved sperm parameters relative to the diabetes group (p<0.05). The NO and MDA levels in the testes, fasting blood glucose serum levels, and apoptotic index parameters were significantly elevated in the diabetes group, while in the diabetes+harmine group, these parameters were reduced (p<0.01). Harmine protects testicular tissue and sperm against diabetes-induced damage. This effect of harmine is associated with a rebalancing of the antioxidant capacity that subsequently decreases apoptosis in the testes.

The evaluation effect of nanoliposome-loaded Mito-Tempo on sperm parameters during human sperm cryopreservation.

The aim of this study is the evaluation effect of nanoliposome-loaded Mito-Tempo on sperm parameters during human sperm cryopreservation. Semen samples of 50 Asthenoteratozoospermia men (random) were collected. Sperm parameters were analyzed based on World Health Organization (WHO, 2010) criteria (2021) and each sample was divided into 5 groups (E1-E5). E1 (control group): the sperm was cryopreserved without nanoliposome, and Mito-Tempo. E2: sperm cryopreservation with Mito-Tempo-loaded nanoliposome (Mito-Tempo 0.1 mM) + freezing medium. E3: sperm cryopreservation with Mito-Tempo-loaded nanoliposome (Mito-Tempo 0.2 mM) + freezing medium. E4: in this group, the cryopreservation sperm with Mito-Tempo 0.3 mM + freezing medium. E5: the cryopreservation sperm with Mito-Tempo 0.2 mM + freezing medium. The result of this study indicated that sperm parameters and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) significantly increase in E3 and E4 groups, compared to E1, E2, and E5 groups respectively (P < 0.05). The percentage of abnormal morphology, DNA fragmentation index (DFI), malondialdehyde (MDA), and the levels of ROS significantly decrease in E3 and E4 groups, compared to E1, E2, and E5 groups (P < 0.05). In addition, the sperm parameters and stress oxidative factors significantly improve in E3 group compared to other groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the combination of Mito-Tempo with nanoliposome due to its ability to cooperate with lipid layers may lead to significant performance in reducing oxidative stress damage and increasing the quality of sperm parameters.

Type 1 diabetes impairs the activity of rat testicular somatic and germ cells through NRF2/NLRP3 pathway-mediated oxidative stress.

It is well known that metabolic disorders, including type 1 diabetes (T1D), are often associated with reduced male fertility, mainly increasing oxidative stress and impairing the hypothalamus-pituitary-testis (HPT) axis, with consequently altered spermatogenesis and reduced sperm parameters. Herein, using a rat model of T1D obtained by treatment with streptozotocin (STZ), we analyzed several parameters of testicular activity. A total of 10 adult male Wistar rats were divided into two groups of five: control and T1D, obtained with a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ. After 3 months, the rats were anesthetized and sacrificed; one testis was stored at -80°C for biochemical analysis, and the other was fixed for histological and immunofluorescence analysis. The data confirmed that T1D induced oxidative stress and, consequently, alterations in both testicular somatic and germ cells. This aspect was highlighted by enhanced apoptosis, altered steroidogenesis and Leydig cell maturity, and impaired spermatogenesis. In addition, the blood-testis barrier integrity was compromised, as shown by the reduced levels of structural proteins (N-cadherin, ZO-1, occludin, connexin 43, and VANGL2) and the phosphorylation status of regulative kinases (Src and FAK). Mechanistically, the dysregulation of the SIRT1/NRF2/MAPKs signaling pathways was proven, particularly the reduced nuclear translocation of NRF2, affecting its ability to induce the transcription of genes encoding for antioxidant enzymes. Finally, the stimulation of testicular inflammation and pyroptosis was also confirmed, as highlighted by the increased levels of some markers, such as NF-κB and NLRP3. The combined data allowed us to confirm that T1D has detrimental effects on rat testicular activity. Moreover, a better comprehension of the molecular mechanisms underlying the association between metabolic disorders and male fertility could help to identify novel targets to prevent and treat fertility disorders related to T1D.

Investigating the effects of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 on sperm parameters and serum levels of male sexual hormones: Prospective observational study

BackgroundWith the progress and prevalence of COVID-19, concerns have arisen regarding its impact on men's sexual health. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of examining the effects of COVID-19 on serum levels of sex hormones and semen. MethodsSixty participants who met the study inclusion criteria enrolled in this study between January and April 2022. The individuals were divided into three groups (n = 20): healthy, COVID-19 positive, and recovered from COVID-19. Blood and semen samples were collected from the participants. Serum levels of sex hormones and semen were evaluated both macroscopically and microscopically. ResultsOur study results showed that the most common symptoms observed in the COVID-19 group were cough (100 %), fever (100 %), fatigue (95 %), and runny nose (90 %). Serum levels of sex hormones (testosterone, FSH, and prolactin) in the COVID-19 group were significantly decreased compared to the healthy group. Microscopic examination of semen revealed significant differences in vitality, progressive, and motile parameters among the three groups, with a decrease observed in the COVID-19 group. ConclusionThese results indicate that COVID-19 may have a negative impact on men's sexual health, potentially affecting hormone production and sperm quality. Further research is needed to determine the long-term effects of COVID-19 on male fertility and to explore potential treatment options.