Percentage Of Normal Spermatozoa Research Articles

Oxidative stress markers: Can they be used to evaluate human sperm quality?

To study the effects of an acute lifestyle change in human semen oxidative stress (OS) by applying seminal parameters and OS markers and to study the feasibility of mid-infrared spectroscopy with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) as a complementary tool to evaluate the effects of OS on human sperm samples. Sperm samples were collected from healthy male students (n=8) who voluntarily submitted themselves to acute lifestyle changes during academic festivities. The samples were obtained before and after the academic festivities and were compared by basic semen analyses and OS markers, namely with thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) and total thiol (SH) groups by spectrophotometric assays and carbonyl (CO) groups by slot blot. The samples were also submitted for spectroscopic analysis to evaluate the feasibility of FT-IR coupled with multivariate analysis to calibrate OS biomarkers. Statistical analysis was performed applying paired Wilcoxon tests. Acute lifestyle alterations during academic week festivities were associated with a significant decrease in the percentage of normal spermatozoa in the ejaculate (p=0.011) and a decrease in sperm concentration and in semen volume. Regarding OS, acute lifestyle changes promoted a significant increment of TBARS (p=0.018) and an increasing trend in the SH group. With FT-IR and multivariate analysis, it was possible to develop calibration models to the following protein OS biomarkers: SH groups and CO. Acute lifestyle changes during academic festivities have negative effects on sperm quality, in both conventional seminal parameters and OS markers. The evaluation of OS biomarkers and FT-IR could improve andrology diagnosis and therapeutic follow-up.

Is Varicocelectomy Useful for Subfertile Men with Isolated Teratozoospermia?

To evaluate the effect of microsurgical varicocelectomy on sperm morphology in subfertile men with isolated teratozoospermia and a clinically palpable varicocele. A retrospective review was performed of men with isolated teratozoospermia who had undergone microsurgical varicocelectomy. Semen analyses following varicocelectomy were performed at 2- to 3-month intervals. Responders to the varicocelectomy were defined as those who fulfilled the following criteria in semen analysis: (1) an improvement in percentage of normal forms to ≥4% and (2) normal results for all other semen parameters. A total of 80 patients underwent unilateral varicocelectomy (n = 49) or bilateral varicocelectomy (n = 31) (mean age of 36 ± 0.4 years, range 24-44). After a mean postoperative follow-up period of 6.8 months, the mean percentage of normal sperm forms increased from 0.9% to 3.5% (P < .001), and the mean sperm motility improved from 50.5% to 56.6% (P = .004). The number of responders to the surgery was 16 (20%), and their mean percentage of normal forms increased from 1.3% to 9.1%. The mean preoperative and postoperative semen volume and sperm concentration were not different (P > .05). No differences were observed in age, current smoking status, body mass index, or grade of varicocele between responders and nonresponders. Varicocelectomy might be an option for treating subfertile patients with isolated teratozoospermia and a clinically apparent varicocele. However, patients should be advised that the surgery helps in limited patients only because more patients did not benefit from the surgery.

Functional integrity of Colossoma macropomum (Cuvier, 1816) sperm cryopreserved with enriched extender solutions

Cryoprotectant solutions are used to protect the sperm from alterations caused by the low temperature in the cryopreservation process. We evaluated the quality of Colossoma macropomum semen after freezing, using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a cryoprotectant, combined with two extender solutions (T1 - Solution 1: Glucose 90.0 g/L, Sodium Citrate 6.0 g/L, EDTA 1.5 g/L, Sodium Bicarbonate 1.5 g/L, Potassium Chloride 0.8 g/L, Gentamycin Sulphate 0.2 g/L, and T2 - Solution 2: Glucose 90.0 g/L, ACP(r)-104 10.0 g/L). Motility rate and motility time did not differ between T1 and T2 and were lower than fresh semen. The number of normal sperm was significantly different in treatments T1 (15.1%) and T2 (21.9%), and both showed a reduction in the percentage of normal sperm compared to fresh semen (57.4%). The values found for the rates of fertilization and hatching, mitochondrial functionality and sperm DNA, did not differ between the treatments (T1 and T2). Regarding membrane integrity, there was a higher percentage of spermatozoa with intact membranes in T1 (53.4%) than T2 (43.7%). The extender solutions, combined with 10% DMSO, maintained the sperm DNA intact in almost all the C. macropomum sperm cells, however there was a loss in their functionality.

Seminal plasma protein profiles of ejaculates obtained by internal artificial vagina and electroejaculation in Brahman bulls

The present study was conducted to investigate if differences exist in the seminal plasma protein profile from mature Brahman bulls using two methods of semen collection: internal artificial vagina (IAV) and electroejaculation (EEJ). Semen was collected four times from three bulls on the same day and parameters were assessed immediately post-collection. Seminal plasma proteins were evaluated by 2-D fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis and identified by mass spectrometry. Semen volume was greater (P<0.05) for EEJ (4.6±0.35mL) than for IAV (1.86±0.24mL) but sperm concentration was greater in IAV (1505±189×106sperm/mL) than in EEJ samples (344±87×106sperm/mL). Sperm motility and the percentage of normal sperm were not different between treatments. Total concentration of seminal plasma proteins was greater for samples collected by IAV as compared to EEJ (19.3±0.9 compared with 13.0±1.8mg/mL, P<0.05; respectively). Based on 2-D gels, 22 spots had a greater volume (P<0.05) in gels derived from IAV samples, corresponding to 21 proteins identified as transferrin, albumin, epididymal secretory glutathione peroxidase, among others. Thirty-three spots, corresponding to 26 proteins, had a greater volume (P<0.05) in gels derived from EEJ samples. These proteins were identified as spermadhesin-1, Bovine Sperm Protin 1, 3 and 5 isoforms, angiogenin-1, alpha-1B-glycoprotein, clusterin, nucleobindin-1, cathepsins, spermadhesin Z13, annexins, among others. Thus, proteins in greater amounts in samples obtained by IAV and EEJ were mainly of epididymal origin and accessory sex glands, respectively.

Effect of increased testicular temperature on seminal plasma proteome of the ram

The present study evaluated the effects of heat stress on the ram seminal plasma proteome. Six Morada Nova rams were scrotal insulated for 8 days. Scrotal circumference, sperm parameters, and seminal fluid proteins were evaluated before (Day 0) and twice during scrotal insulation (Days 4 and 8), and weekly until semen parameters returned to preinsulation values (normal). Seminal proteins were analyzed by two-dimensional SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry. Scrotal circumference decreased from 30 ± 0.4 cm on Day 0 to 22.6 ± 0.6 cm on Day 36 (P < 0.05) and became equivalent to preinsulation values on Day 71. Motile sperm became nearly absent from Day 8 to Day 64 but returned to normal on Day 113. Percentage of normal sperm changed similarly and returned to normal on Day 106. Rams were azoospermic between Days 29 and 64, and sperm concentration came back to normal on Day 92. The number of spots/two-dimensional gel reduced from 256 ± 31 on Day 0 to 104 ± 14 on Day 29 (when rams were azoospermic) and then increased to 183 ± 9 on Day 113 (P < 0.05), similar to spot counts before insulation. The intensities of 24 spots, referring to 17 seminal plasma proteins, were affected by treatment (P < 0.05). After insulation, seminal plasma had greater expression of actin (two isoforms), albumin, heat shock protein 70 kDa, protein DJ-1, HRPE773-like, C-reactive protein precursor, bodhesin-2 (one isoform), spermadhesins. Most protein spots had the greatest intensity between Days 8 and 29, returning to preinsulation values on Day 113 (when many sperm criteria returned to normal). Proteins downregulated after scrotal insulation included dipeptidyl peptidase 3, isoforms of heat shock protein 90 kDa, RSVP22, MMP2 and of Bdh2. In this case, RSVP22 was reduced on Day 113 and all others, on Day 134. Expression of MMP2 and HSP90.1 was reduced throughout the study. Integrin β5, V-type H+-ATPase subunit A, ZBTB 42-like protein, isoforms of Bdh2, PSP-I, and RSVP22 were upregulated after testis insulation. Intensities of these spots were maximum (P < 0.05) 8 days after insulation started or on Day 29. Expression of most of such proteins returned to normal on Day 113. In conclusion, scrotal insulation affected testis and sperm parameters of rams, indicating alterations in both spermatogenesis and sperm maturation. Changes of seminal plasma proteome were coincidental with variations in semen parameters. Proteins affected by heat challenge are potentially involved in sperm protection, maturation, and fertilization.

Non-synonymous mutations mapped to chromosome X associated with andrological and growth traits in beef cattle.

BackgroundPrevious genome-wide association analyses identified QTL regions in the X chromosome for percentage of normal sperm and scrotal circumference in Brahman and Tropical Composite cattle. These traits are important to be studied because they are indicators of male fertility and are correlated with female sexual precocity and reproductive longevity. The aim was to investigate candidate genes in these regions and to identify putative causative mutations that influence these traits. In addition, we tested the identified mutations for female fertility and growth traits.ResultsUsing a combination of bioinformatics and molecular assay technology, twelve non-synonymous SNPs in eleven genes were genotyped in a cattle population. Three and nine SNPs explained more than 1% of the additive genetic variance for percentage of normal sperm and scrotal circumference, respectively. The SNPs that had a major influence in percentage of normal sperm were mapped to LOC100138021 and TAF7L genes; and in TEX11 and AR genes for scrotal circumference. One SNP in TEX11 was explained ~13% of the additive genetic variance for scrotal circumference at 12 months. The tested SNP were also associated with weight measurements, but not with female fertility traits.ConclusionsThe strong association of SNPs located in X chromosome genes with male fertility traits validates the QTL. The implicated genes became good candidates to be used for genetic evaluation, without detrimentally influencing female fertility traits.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-1595-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

INCLUSION OF PROPOLIS IN RABBIT DIETS AND SEMEN CHARACTERISTICS

This experiment was carried out with the objective of evaluating different levels of powder propolis in rabbit diets and their effect on semen characteristics. A total of 36 New Zealand White male rabbits were used, randomly distributed into six groups, corresponding to six propolis levels (0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0 and 1.25 g propolis/kg of ration). Semen was collected twice a week, using an artificial vagina. Semen volume, progressive spermatic motility, spermatic vigor, spermatic concentration and spermatic morphology were analyzed. General linear models were used for statistical analysis. The inclusion of powder propolis in the diet increased normal spermatozoa percentage and reduced spermatozoa abnormalities. The powder propolis did not affect the progressive spermatic motility, spermatic vigor or spermatic concentration. The values were considered normal for rabbits. However, a small reduction in semen volume was observed, without any negative effect on the other semen characteristics evaluated. Thus, it is possible to observe better semen quality with the inclusion of 1.25 g powder propolis/kg in the diet for reproducer rabbits.

Effect of dietary vitamin E and prey supplementation on semen quality in male black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes)

Over the recent years, the captive population of the endangered black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes; ferret) has experienced a decline in normal sperm (NS) morphology (from 50% to 16%), which may be linked to inbreeding depression or it may have been a dietary change. We examined the role of dietary vitamin E, selenium (SE), and vitamin A on serum levels of vitamin E, SE, and vitamin A and semen quality. Ferrets (n = 55 males) were randomly assigned to one of five diet treatments (n = 11 per treatment): (1) horsemeat diet (control); (2) horsemeat diet + vitamin E (400 IU/kg Dry Matter) daily; (3) horsemeat diet + whole prey; (4) horsemeat diet + vitamin E daily + whole prey; and (5) beef diet. Both blood (prediet and postdiet change) and diets were analyzed for vitamin E, vitamin A, and SE concentrations. Electroejaculates were collected monthly and evaluated for sperm concentration, sperm motility index (includes percent motile and forward progression), and percent NS. Results reveal that the beef and horsemeat diets had comparable (P = 0.05) vitamin E and SE concentrations and all diets met most nutrient requirements for small carnivores; however, the horsemeat diet was excessive in vitamin A and the beef diet was deficient in vitamin A. Vitamin E supplementation increased (χ12=25.83; P < 0.001) serum vitamin E. Ferrets fed the beef diet or prey had improved (H4 = 15.596; P = 0.004) sperm motility index than the horsemeat control group, and ferrets fed the horsemeat diet supplemented with vitamin E had the lowest (H4 = 18.408; P = 0.001) NS. In conclusion, the high levels of vitamin A in the horsemeat diet could compete with vitamin E as evidence by serum levels, which may reduce reproductive success in this endangered species.

Determination of Rare Earth Elements in Human Sperm and Association with Semen Quality.

The aim of the present study was to measure lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), europium (Eu), and gadolinium (Gd) concentrations in human semen and correlate the results with sperm quality. The median semen content of La was 19.5 µg kg−1 dry weight (dw) (range 2.27–269), of Ce was 41.9 µg kg−1 dw (range 4.52 to 167), of Eu was 0.68 µg kg−1 dw (range 0.06–1.95), of Gd was 3.19 µg kg−1 dw (range 0.38–12.0), and of calcium (Ca) was 4063 mg kg−1 dw (range 484–17,191). Concentrations of La, Ce, Eu, Gd, and Ca were significantly lower in nondrinkers’ semen than in semen from drinkers. Significant differences were detected between La, Ce, Eu, Gd, and Ca concentrations in semen from nondrinkers and moderate drinkers. Concentrations of La, Ce, and Gd in semen of short-term smokers were significantly lower than those in extremely long-term smokers. Significant differences were also detected between La concentration in semen from a group of short-term smokers and that of a group of long-term smokers. Positive correlations were found between La, Ce, Eu, Gd, and Ca concentrations in semen. La, Ce, Gd, and Ca concentrations in semen were positively associated with progressive motility and percentage of normal spermatozoa. Positive correlations were found between Ca and sperm concentration. Concentrations of La, Ce, and Gd were negatively associated with sperm concentration, whilst Ca concentration was negatively associated with volume of ejaculate. At the examined level, La, Ce, Eu, and Gd did not affect sperm quality, whereas alcohol consumption and smoking might have increased the level of rare earth elements in semen.

Effect of Dates (Phoenix Dactilyfera L) on Male Infertility

Background : Infertility can be caused by prolonged use of paracetamol that leads to a decrease in the sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. Dates (Phoenix Dactilyfera L) have natural antioxidant effects through several mechanisms, such as neutralizing free radicals, against NO, OH, and H2O2, and also preventing lipid peroxidation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of dates on sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. Methods : An experimental study was conducted in the Laboratory of Cell Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, during October–November 2012. Twenty two infertile male wistar rats were divided randomly into 2 groups. Group A was given 72 mg paracetamol/rat/day orally and group B was given 72 mg paracetamol/rat/day orally and 80% dates infusion/rat/day orally for 28 days and on the 29th day, sperm concentration, motility, and morphology were measured. Results were analyzed using unpaired t-testor Mann Whitney test. Result : In the control group, 502.73(100.66) sperm concentrations were compared to 397.55(143.07) in the treatment group. However, the sperm concentration mean in the treatment group was not significantly decreased (p>0.05) compared to the control group. The percentage of progressive sperm motility in the treatment group increased significantly compared to the control group. Meanwhile, the percentage of nonprogressive immotal sperm morphology was not significantly decreased. The percentage of normal sperm in the treatment group increased significantly (p<0.05) than the control group, while the percentage of abnormal sperm in the treatment group decreased significantly (p<0.05) compared to the control group. Conclusion : The dates affect sperm motility and morphology of infertile rats. Keywords : Dates, infertility, paracetamol, sperm DOI : 10.15850/amj.v2n1.437

Aqueous extract of Tetracarpidium conophorum increases FSH and LH plasma levels and impairs sperm indices in albino wistar rats

Objective: This study sought to investigate the effects of Tetracarpidium conophorum on male fertility indices.Materials and methods: Eighteen albino wistar rats between 178g to 241g were used; randomly assigned into 3 groups. Group 1 was the control group; oral gavaged 5ml of distilled water, group 2 and group 3 were administered medium dose (14.14mg/kg) and high dose (21.21mg/kg) of Tetracarpidium conophorum for 21 days. Acute toxicity study was done and the LD50 was gotten to be 1581.14mg/kg body weight. Animals were sacrificed on the 22nd day, blood samples were obtained by cardiac puncture and blood serum was obtained for hormonal assay and the testes were harvested for sperm analysis.Results: Significant increases were observed for FSH and LH in both the medium and high doses group compared to the control group. A significant decrease in fast progressive movement in medium dose and high dose compared to control group; a significant dose dependent decrease in high dose group compared to medium dose group. There was a significant decrease in percentage sperm concentration in medium dose and high dose compared to the control group and a significant increase in high dose compared to the medium dose group. In percentage normal sperm morphology, there was a significant decrease in medium dose group and high dose compared to control group, a significant increase in high dose compared to medium dose.Conclusion: Tetracarpidium conophorum adversely affect sperm characteristics; though it appears to promote biosynthesis of FSH and LH. Its potential to enhance fertility is therefore in doubt.

Prenatal Polychlorinated Biphenyls Exposure and Semen Quality in Adult Male Offspring: Results from the Child Health and Development Studies

Introduction In some cross sectional studies exposure to PCBs is associated with reduced sperm quality; however, only one small study has investigated prenatal exposure. Methods In a sample of 195 adult men whose mothers were enrolled in Child Health and Development studies in the 1960s, we measured 15 PCB congeners in maternal early postpartum serum in relation to sperm concentration, motility, and morphology in men ages 39 to 47. Linear regression was used to estimate the associations between maternal serum PCB levels and semen parameters, adjusting for potential confounders. Results Higher levels of PCB105 in maternal serum predicted increased sperm concentration in adult sons (estimated adjusted b = 1.9; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) (0.3-3.4)). Higher maternal serum PCB74 predicted increased sperm motility (estimated adjusted b = 24.9; 95% CI (1.9, 48.0)). In contrast, higher maternal serum PCB183 predicted decreased motility (estimated adjusted b= -41.04. 95% CI (-74.7, -7.4)) and higher maternal serum PCB66 and PCB156 predicted decreased percent normal sperm morphology (estimated adjusted b=-4.1; 95% CI (-8.0, -0.3) and estimated adjusted b=-7.1; 95% CI (-13.8, -0.5), respectively Conclusion Maternal perinatal serum levels of five specific PCB congeners predicted measures of semen quality in adult sons. Interestingly, maternal perinatal serum levels of three of these PCBs (105, 183 and 156) also predicted time to pregnancy in adult daughters in the Child Health and Development Studies in a prior report. Findings suggest that perinatal exposure to these three PCBs may result in lasting endocrine disruption in both sexes.

Semen effects on insemination outcomes in sows

Sows (n=1205) were artificially inseminated with semen from single sires (n=166). Semen was previously analysed for sperm concentration, motility, velocity, morphology (using DIC microscopy) and membrane integrity, sperm clump score, temperature on arrival and pH. Percent normal sperm influenced both numbers of pigs born alive (P<0.01) and litter size (P<0.05) which, in turn, was also influenced by abnormal sperm head morphology (P<0.05) and retained distal cytoplasmic droplets (P<0.01). Percent stillbirths were influenced by sperm flagellar beat cross frequency (P<0.05) and semen arrival temperature (P<0.05).

Sperm morphology training in India.

Sperm morphology is regarded as possibly the most consistent sperm variable that is related to in vitro and in vivo fertilisation success or failure. There is also a re-emerging awareness of andrology, particularly in developing countries where healthcare resources are often limited. This study aimed to record the importance of hands-on training on the sperm morphology reading skills among 174 Indian infertility workers. During a series of five workshops presented by the Indian Academy of Clinical Embryologists, delegates were requested to record the percentage normal spermatozoa on pre-stained Diff Quick slides. A total of four slides each containing different percentages normal spermatozoa were used during the workshops. The delegates were requested to record the percentage normal spermatozoa prior and after training. The results were expressed as the percentage difference between the reference value and the pre-training and post-training values reported by the workshop delegates. The percentage difference indicated a significant improvement in the reading skills, for example from 253±244% to 20±93% for slide 1. Similar values were recorded for slide 2, 3 and 4. If we consider the present findings as representative of medical laboratory scientist's sperm morphology reading skills, clinicians should be concerned about the diagnostic quality as far as male infertility is concerned.

How accurate is sperm morphology as an indicator of sperm function?

Sperm morphology has been consistently correlated with fertilisation success or failure. The clinical relevance of the percentage normal spermatozoa has been a widely discussed topic amongst infertility specialists and scientists. This study aimed to evaluate the role of sperm morphology as an indicator of additional sperm functions among 114 andrology referrals. The sperm functions that were investigated included chromatin packaging quality (CMA3 test (n = 109), zona-induced acrosome reaction (ZIAR test; n = 36), hemizona assay (HZI; n = 36) and progressive motility (n = 47). Chromatin packaging quality had a negative and significant (P = 0.0001, r = -0.74) correlation with the percentage normal spermatozoa, while progressive motility had a significant and positive correlation (P = 0.0001, 0.59). Accurate sperm morphology scoring as described by the WHO 2010 manual can therefore be used as an indicator of specific sperm functions.

Performance of Some Variables Used as a Procedure for Estimating Sexual Capacity (Fertility) of the Ram

The diameter of the ram testis is affected by seasonality and is associated with testosterone concentrations, presented a high correlation with the volume and sperm concentration. Selection for fertility in sheep can be accomplished through selecting for correlated traits in young rams such as age, testes size, testes length etc. The study was carried out to evaluate some parameters (testis length, testis width, testicular circumference, live weight) related with ram fertility and the qualities of ram semen in different age groups. The study was conducted in a farm located in Cluj County, on 20 rams of the breed Turcana Alba, grouped according to age into 4 batches. Weekly an ejaculate and the mentioned variables were measured. Semen samples were collected from each animal using an electro-ejaculator. There is a direct relationship between animals age and testicular circumference, testis length, testis width. With increase in age, ram showed increase percentages of motility and viability of sperm in all studied batches. Normal sperm percentage of one 1.5 aged ram was lower while higher results were obtained in the other three groups. In the present research work testicular diameter, normal and viable spermatozoa were optimum in batch 3 than the first and second one. As age increased, semen quality improved and stabilized at the age of 3.5 and 5 years. The results showed that the testicular measurements can be a criteria for early selection of ram lamb.

Beneficial effects of varicocele embolization on semen parameters.

BackgroundThe value of varicocele repair and the latter's impact on semen parameters are still subject to debate.MethodsWe analyse changes over time in initially abnormal sperm parameters and serum concentrations of testosterone, FSH and inhibin B after embolization treatment of males with high-grade varicocele. From 2007 to 2012, we recruited 47 male infertile patients with clinically visible left varicocele in the resting patient and at least one abnormal semen parameter. Sperm parameters and serum levels of total testosterone, FSH and inhibin B were measured prior to retrograde embolization (M0) and then 3 (M3) and 6 (M6) months afterwards.ResultsAt M0, the median sperm concentration was 5.78 [0.84-37.70] × 106/ejaculate. The mean ± SD sperm progressive motility, vitality and percentage of normal sperm were respectively, 21.83 ± 16.48%, 61.88 ± 15.98% and 12.88 ± 7.15%. The corresponding values at M3 were significantly higher (38.75 [3.96-95] × 106/ejaculate, 29.32 ± 14.21%, 69.14 ± 14.86% and 19.03 ± 11.02%, respectively). The mean percentage of spermatozoa with a thin head was significantly lower at M6 (6.35 ± 5.29%) than at M0 (14.03 ± 13.09%). The mean serum testosterone, FSH and inhibin B levels did not change significantly over time.ConclusionsEmbolization treatment in men with clinically visible left varicocele, abnormal sperm parameters and documented infertility is associated with a significant improvement in semen parameters including sperm head morphology.

Eliminating the effect of pathomorphologically formed sperm on resulting gravidity using the intracytoplasmic sperm injection method

The aim of the present study was to test whether it is possible to eliminate a high percentage of morphologically abnormal sperm in male ejaculate by assisted reproduction using the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) method. Treatment success was evaluated by comparing fertilization, clinical pregnancy and reproduction rates between males with heavy teratospermia (≤1% morphologically normal spermatozoa) and males with a higher percentage (>1%) of normal sperm. In total, 174 patients who had previously undergone 174 ICSI cycles (1 per each pair) were evaluated retrospectively. In the group of patients with heavily impaired sperm morphology (n=37), the percentage of normal spermatozoa was ≤1%. In the second group, males with >1% normal spermatozoa (n=137) were considered as patients with mildly impaired sperm morphology. The results of partner fertilization in these two groups were compared and a lower number of fertilized oocytes was identified in the patients with heavily impaired sperm morphology (P=0.038). However, neither the gravidity nor the take-home baby rates of the partners differed between the patients with mildly and heavily impaired sperm morphology. Trends opposite to that for fertilization were observed for gravidity and delivery [odds ratio (OR), 0.62; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.29–1.30; OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.26–1.24, respectively]. This indicates that the lower number of fertilized oocytes was not associated with the overall outcome of fertilization and that patients with heavily impaired sperm morphology experience the same benefit from ICSI as patients with mildly impaired sperm morphology.

The effects of age on sperm quality: an evaluation of 1,500 semen samples.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aging on semen quality in a population of infertile couples.MethodsA cross-sectional study of semen samples obtained from 1,500 men randomly selected from couples who attended an infertility clinic was conducted. The analyses were performed using Spearman’s correlation and Mann-Whitney tests. The age groups consisted of men ≤ 35 years, from 36-45 years and > 45 years of age. The semen analysis was performed according to the WHO criteria, and morphology was evaluated using the motile sperm organelle morphology examination (MSOME). The percentages of normal spermatozoa and spermatozoa with large nuclear vacuoles (LNV, occupying > 50% nuclear area) were determined. The percentages of DNA fragmentation were assessed using the TUNEL assay.ResultsA regression analysis revealed that the percentages of LNV spermatozoa and sperm DNA fragmentation positively correlated with age. Conversely, a regression analysis revealed that the percentage of normal sperm, sperm progressive motility and sperm vitality negatively correlated with age. As in the previous test, the analysis by age group showed that there was a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in the percentage of normal sperm, sperm progressive motility and sperm vitality as age increased. Conversely, the percentage of spermatozoa with LNVs and sperm DNA fragmentation significantly increased (P < 0.05) as age increased.ConclusionSemen quality seems to be influenced by aging. The age-related decrease in sperm quality suggests that delaying childbearing, not only for women but also for men, may jeopardize reproductive capacity.

Impact of Dietary Protein on Semen Characteristics of Boars Reared Under Derived Savannah Condition

The study evaluated the impact of dietary protein on semen characteristics of boars reared in Derived savannah zone of Nigeria. Sixteen crossbred (Large White x Landrace) boars were subjected to four dietary treatments containing different crude protein (CP) levels (T1 - 12% CP, T2 - 14% CP, T3 - 16% CP and T4 - 18% CP) for 60 days duration. Semen was collected from the boars twice a week using dummy sow and artificial vagina techniques. Ejaculates were subjected to physical evaluation to ascertain its quality. Dietary protein had significant (P 0.05) sperm motility. Percentage live, dead and normal sperm also differed (P < 0.05) among treatments. Sperm morphological abnormalities were not affected by dietary protein consumption. The results of the present study indicate that dietary protein levels influence some semen quality traits in boars without damage to sperm morphology.