Percentage Of Abnormal Sperm Research Articles

A Preliminary Study on Semen Collection, Its Evaluation, and Testicular and Sperm Morphometries in The Wild Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis Larvatus).

IntroductionThe proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) is an endangered species with a declining population. This article describes the first successful attempt at sperm collection and evaluation, and the testicular and sperm morphometries of the wild proboscis monkey in Sabah, Malaysia.Material and MethodsEight semen collection procedures using electro-ejaculation and digital manipulation were conducted in three wild adult male proboscis monkeys. A total of 21 ejaculates were collected. The testicular biometry was measured with the aid of ultrasonography. Sample evaluation included semen volume and pH and sperm concentration, viability, and abnormality. The sperm morphometry was undertaken using phase contrast microscopy.ResultsThe mean (±SD) total testicular volume of these animals was 5.77 cm3 (±1.58). Semen collection by electro-ejaculation resulted in an 84% success rate, while digital manipulation did not result in any ejaculation. Each animal showed different semen characteristics, where the volume was 5–540 μL, pH 8–9, and sperm concentration 0.041–83.00 ×106/mL. The percentage of abnormal sperm was high at 76.8% (±89.60), largely due to midpiece abnormality. Normal sperm had a spherical head and long tail with a head : midpiece : tail length ratio of 1 : 2: 8.ConclusionThe social status of these animals may contribute to the generally low quality of the semen. The techniques and data from this study are useful for future conservation and application of assisted reproductive technology in this species.

Morphological Characteristics of the Sperm of the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) during the Reproductive Season.

The morphological characteristics of different sperm cells (normal, abnormal, and immature) in the peregrine falcon during the reproductive season were analysed. We also classified the main sperm defects found in semen. Semen samples were collected from mature peregrine falcons via cloacal massage and stained with Diff-Quik stain. The percentages of normal, abnormal, and immature sperm cells were determined by bright-field optical microscopy. The number of normal spermatozoa were greater at the initial stage and subsequently decreased during the middle and later stages of the reproductive season (p < 0.01). In contrast, the percentage of abnormal spermatozoa increased significantly in the middle and end stages of the reproductive season (p < 0.05), whereas the proportion of immature spermatozoa remained stable during the study. Head defects represented the greatest proportion of morphological abnormalities, followed by the defects in the tail and midpiece regions. A small percentage of multiple defects and cytoplasmic droplets were also observed in the falcon spermatozoa. The findings of this study might be important for the development of future conservation protocols for falcon sperm.

The Protective Impacts of α-tocopherol Supplementation on the Semen Quality of Sapera Goat Preserved at 4oC

Supplementation of vitamin E (α-tocopherol) as an antioxidant into an extender is useful to maintain sperm quality during the process of cryopreservation by protecting the sperms from reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study aims to evaluate the protective impacts of vitamin E supplementation on the motility, viability, and reducing the abnormality of sperms in Sapera goats. The sample of semen used in the present study was obtained from fresh semen and good-quality ejaculates of the Sapera goats collected by an artificial vagina. The groups involve one controlled treatment group, which contains semen and tris egg yolk (TEY) extender without vitamin E (P0), and three treatment groups that contain semen, TEY extender, and different doses of vitamin E, i.e., 1 mg/mL (P1), 2 mg/mL (P2), and 3 mg/mL (P3), respectively. Data obtained from the experiments were analyzed using Repeated Measures Multivariate Analysis (MANOVA). The results showed that TEY extenders added with vitamin E at a dose of 1 mg/mL of vitamin E (P1) produced the highest motility and viability with the lowest abnormalities of sperm after 24th hour of cryopreservation. The lowest sperm motility and viability among the treatment groups was observed in the TEY extender added with vitamin E at a dose of 3 mg/mL (P3) at 96th hour after cryopreservation, which was almost the same as the control group without vitamin E (P0) that had the lowest motility and viability. In conclusion, the current study found that supplementation of vitamin E as an antioxidant at a dose of 1 mg/mL in TEY extender can preserve semen of the Sapera goats in refrigerator up to 96 h at 4°C and provides higher sperm motility and viability percentage, with a lower percentage of sperm abnormality.

Effect of gallic acid on the reproduction of adolescent male Brandt’s voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii)

Gallic acid (GA), a phenol that is present in various plants, potentially contains antioxidant properties. This study aimed to investigate the effects of GA on the reproduction of adolescent male Brandt’s voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii (Radde, 1861)). Antioxidant levels and apoptosis in the testis, as well as reproductive physiology, were evaluated in adolescent males treated with GA. The results showed that a low dose of GA enhanced relative epididymis mass and the sperm density in the epididymis, increased the mRNA levels of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein in the testis, and reduced the percentages of abnormal and dead sperm. In addition, a low dose of GA significantly increased the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, and decreased the level of malondialdehyde in the testis, as well as the mRNA and protein levels of the apoptosis-related gene, caspase-3. However, a high dose of GA sharply reduced the mean diameter of the seminiferous tubules compared with a low dose. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that GA treatment during puberty affects the reproductive responses of male Brandt’s voles in a dose-dependent manner by regulating antioxidant levels and apoptosis.

Evaluation of Triclosan-induced reproductive impairments in the accessory reproductive organs and sperm indices in the mice

Highly effective antimicrobial properties of triclosan (TCS) make its use as a widely used preservative in different types of consumer products. TCS is reported as an emerging endocrine disruptor causing reproductive impairments in the males as well as in the females. The present study describes the adverse effects of various doses of TCS (40, 80, 160 and 320 mg/kg BW/day, for 42 consecutive days) on the weights and histopathology of the epididymis and seminal vesicle, sperm indices (motility, viability, count and morphology), concentrations of epididymal sialic acid and seminal vesicular fructose, along with TCS accumulated in these accessory reproductive organs of the laboratory mouse. TCS induced significant reductions in the weights of the epididymis and seminal vesicle along with noticeable histopathological alterations in these organs. TCS caused significant reductions in the count, percentage of motile and viable spermatozoa while a significant increase in the percentage of abnormal spermatozoa in the epididymis. Concentrations of epididymal sialic acid and seminal vesicular fructose declined significantly in the treated mice. A significant increase was noticed in the concentration of TCS, accumulated in the epididymis and seminal vesicle following TCS exposure at a high dose (320 mg/kg BW/day). The results thus suggest that the accessory sex organs are also affected deleteriously following TCS exposure, leading to impairment in the male reproductive health.

The Effect of Single and Triple Testicular Biopsy Using Biopty Gun on Spermatogenesis in Pubertal Rats.

Simple SummaryNowadays, a punch biopsy is a simple, reliable and inexpensive method for different types of tissue sampling. Equally, it is the method of choice for obtaining testicular tissue samples for pathohistological analysis and sperm for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The results of this study clearly showed that a single biopsy has little effect on the biopsied testis, especially on total fertility. Triple biopsy showed by the same parameters that histological and immunohistochemical consequences were more significant compared to single but without a significant effect on overall fertility. Sperm analysis showed that single and triple biopsies did not have a significant effect on sperm count, motility and morphology. In addition, both single and triple punch biopsies of one testicle did not significantly affect the overall fertility potential of pubertal rats.Background: The aim of this study was to compare consequences in single and triple testicular biopsy by biopty gun in pubertal rats using histological and immunohistochemical analysis. Methods: Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley male rats were used as the experimental model. The rats were randomly divided into three study groups. The rats from the first group (n = 12) received a single-biopsy of upper pole of the left testis, while the rats from the second group (n = 10) received triple-biopsy of upper and lower poles and lateral surface of left testis. The third group (n = 10) was a control group. On the eightieth day after the biopsy in all rats bilateral orchiectomy and funiculectomy were performed to obtain testicular tissue and sperm for analysis. The consequences of the puncture were observed by pathohistology, immunohistochemistry and semen analysis. Results: The results of the study showed lower percentage of sperm count (14.5 mill/mL vs. 16 mill/mL, p = 0.130), sperm motility (24.6% vs. 32.7%, p > 0.05), abnormal sperm (30% vs. 27%, p > 0.05), atrophic tubules (21% vs. 6%, p < 0.001), volume (1.7 mL vs. 2.28 mL, p < 0.01) and apoptotic index (1.56 vs. 1.19, p = 0.650) in the testes with a triple-biopsy compared to the testes with a single-biopsy. Semen analysis showed a borderline significant difference between the group with triple-biopsy where sperm count was lower than it in the control group (14.5 mill/mL vs. 17.5 mill/mL, p = 0.05). A single-biopsy has little effect on the testis, especially on overall fertility. A triple-biopsy showed higher degree of the testicular damage but without a significant impact on overall fertility. Semen analysis showed that single- and triple-biopsies did not have a significant effect on sperm count, motility and morphology. Conclusion: Biopty gun procedure is a cheap, simple and reliable method for testicular biopsy in rats without a significant effect on sperm count, motility and morphology.

Effect of Postbiotic Based on Lactic Acid Bacteria on Semen Quality and Health of Male Rabbits.

Simple SummaryPostbiotics, especially those derived from metabolites of Lactobacillus, have been proposed as an alternative to the use of antibiotics for prevention and treatment of some diseases. This study was performed in rabbits due to their economic importance as a livestock species in Mediterranean countries, as well as being an experimental model in biomedicine. In this work, the use of a diet enriched with a postbiotic based on lactic acid bacteria is proposed to improve the seminal characteristics of rabbits and their health.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of lactic acid bacteria-based postbiotic supplementation on semen characteristics and hematological and biochemical profiles in rabbits. A total of 28 males were randomly allocated into two groups. Males received a Control diet and Enriched diet supplemented with postbiotic for 15 weeks (4 weeks of adaptation period and 11 weeks of experimental period). Body weight, feed intake and semen characteristics were recorded weekly. Hematological profile was recorded at the beginning and end of the experiment and biochemical profile at 0, 5, 10 and 15 weeks. Bayesian methodology was used for the statistical analysis. Feed intake was higher in Control diet (125.2 g) than in the Enriched diet (118.6 g, p = 1.00). The percentages of abnormal spermatozoa were higher in Control diet than in Enriched diet (30% and 22%; p = 0.93) and the acrosome integrity percentage was lower (97% and 96%; p = 0.87). The hematological profile was within the range for healthy rabbits. The plasmatic level of alanine aminotransferase was higher in Control diet than Enriched diet at 5 and 10 weeks (p = 0.93 and p = 0.94, respectively) and alkaline phosphatase was similar in Control diet throughout the experiment, but decreased in Enriched diet (p = 0.97). No difference was found in kidney parameters (uric nitrogen and creatinine). Enriched diet showed higher total protein and globulin than Control diet (p = 0.99). Phosphorus was lower (p = 0.92) in Control diet than in Enriched diet. In conclusion, the addition of the postbiotic based on lactic acid bacteria seems to improve the quality of the semen and the liver profile in rabbits.

Sperm morphological assessments of Bali boar semen collected from three area in Bali Island, Indonesia

Bali pigs is one of the original germplasm of Bali Island. This study assessed the sperm morphology of Bali boars collected from three areas in Bali Island. Sperm morphology is known to be closely related to boar fertility and sterility. Total of 15 Bali boars were used in this study and sperm observations for each ejaculation. One drop of semen was placed on two or three glass slides at each ejaculation for examination. Sperm staining used was the carbolfuchsin-eosin (Williams staining method). Observation of sperm abnormality was carried out on 200-250 spermatozoa in each semen sample. The results showed that the sperm morphology of Bali boars in the three districts was not significantly different (P>0.05). The types of abnormality found in Bali boar semen were bent tail and coiled tail. The percentage of sperm abnormality in Bali boars was less than 20%.

Breeding program in rehabilitated bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus gephyreus) from the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean.

Tursiops truncatus gephyreus is only found in the inshore waters of the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. They are organized in small socially, structured groups, which lead to low genetic variability and high anthropogenic threats. Currently, the information about their reproductive biology and management is still insufficient. Thus, this study aims to present novel information recorded for 20 years regarding reproductive parameters in a small population of captive T. t. gephyreus. Three of the animals involved were found stranded in La Plata River estuary and, the other two were born at the oceanarium. Thirteen semen evaluations showed high-quality semen with a low percentage of sperm abnormalities. Twelve pregnancies and parturitions were observed. There was a clear calving seasonality during austral spring and summer. The duration of phase-2 of labor was approximately 80 min, being the caudal presentation the most frequent. The average inter-birth interval (IBI) was about 33 months. This is the first report that closely monitored parturition, IBI, and seminal evaluation in this species. Information gathered during this program will allow the development of adequate conservation plans for free-ranging populations.

Improving seminal quality and reproductive performance in male broiler breeder by supplementation of camphor

The current study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary camphor levels as a medicinal feed additive to improve semen quality, antioxidant capacity, reproductive hormones, and reproduction performance in roosters. For this purpose, thirty-five 29-wk-old Ross 308 broiler breeder roosters randomly were assigned to five experimental groups (seven birds/group) and received five doses of camphor containing 0, 50, 250, 750, and 1000 mg camphor/kg of feed for 12 wk consecutive. Semen quality parameters and motion characteristics of sperm were evaluated every 28 days and semen antioxidant capacity and plasma reproductive hormones concentration were tested at the end of the experiment. Also, at the end of the experiment, reproductive performance was assessed using artificial insemination. Among seminal quality parameters, sperm forward motility (88.96 vs 82.56%) and percentage of abnormal sperm (14.75 vs 15.86%) were improved in roosters fed 50 mg camphor/kg of feed compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Overall percentage of live sperm and plasma membrane integrity exhibited the quadratic responses to the levels of camphor (P < 0.08). The motion characteristics of sperm including progressive motility (28.81 vs 21.77%), average path velocity (VAP, 33.35 vs 26.83 μm/s), progressive velocity (VSL, 19.78 vs 16.48 μm/s), curvilinear line velocity (VCL, 52.87 vs 44.38 μm/s), the amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH, 2.92 vs 2.46 μm) were improved in roosters fed 50 mg camphor/kg of feed compared to the control group (P < 0.05). However, dietary camphor levels linearly increased the percentage of linearity (LIN) and straightness (STR) (P < 0.05). A significant decrease in seminal plasma concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and an increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were observed in birds fed 1000 mg camphor/kg of feed (P < 0.05). Testosterone concentration was considerably increased by doses of 50 and 250 mg camphor/kg of feed compared to control (4.68, 4.79 vs 3.88 ng/mL) (P < 0.05). FSH and LH concentrations were not affected by camphor supplementation (P > 0.05). In the artificial insemination, fertility rate from both 50 mg camphor/kg of feed (88%) and 250 mg camphor/kg of feed (84%) was higher than control (75%) (P < 0.05). In conclusion, low levels of camphor, especially 50 mg camphor/kg of feed, improved seminal characteristics and, reproductive performance of roosters. Further researches are needed on the effect of higher levels of camphor and divulge of underlying mechanism on male’s reproductive function.

Differential gene expression patterns in spermatozoa from teratospermic and normospermic domestic cats

Large percentages of abnormal sperm, termed teratospermia, are associated with poor fertility in cats, many of which are threatened with extinction from their natural habitats. Even normal appearing spermatozoa from felids with teratospermia may have a compromised capacity for motility and fertilization indicating there are factors affecting the fertilization capacity of all sperm regardless of morphology. There was a comparative study conducted using the RNA-Seq approach to identify differentially expressed genes between morphologically normal and abnormal sperm from domestic cates with normospermia and teratospermia to elucidate genes and pathways associated with abnormal sperm function. Normal sperm from cats with teratospermia have a gene expression profile similar to abnormal sperm from males with teratospermia. There was also downregulation of cGMP pathways which may be associated with a lesser sperm motility in ejaculates from males with teratospermia. Kinase phosphorylation pathways also were downregulated in normal spermatozoa from ejaculates of males with teratospermia. Results indicate that analysis of sperm gene expression provides for a more precise assessment of sperm function in semen of cats with teratospermia and facilitates identification of molecular abnormalities that may lead to compromised fertilization capacity.

Effects of COQ10 with vitamin E supplementation on semen quality and seminal plasma parameters of broiler breeder males

This study aimed at detecting the effects of COQ10 with and without vitamin E on some semen characteristics of the broiler breeder males. Twenty-five males at 43weeks of age divided into five categories of treatment with five replicates. The first treatment (control group) included drenching with corn oil capsules only. The second and fourth treatments were about drenching with capsules containing the COQ10 enzyme at a concentration of 5 mg / male / day with and without10 mg of vitamin E whereas the third and fifth treatments included drenching with capsules containing the Q10 enzyme at a concentration of 10 mg / male / day with and without 10 mg of vitamin E. This whole scheme of treatments was to study their effects on certain semen and seminal plasma properties. The results showed a significant increase (P<0.05) in the ejaculation volume, both individual and mass motility in addition to sperm concentration, all accrediting the fifth treatment. Furthermore, the results clear a significant decrease in the percentage of dead and abnormal sperms. The COQ10 with and without vitamin E led to improved semen quality marking a reduction in AST and ALT, glucose concentration and total protein with improved antioxidant status referring to a high level of GSH and low MDA. We conclude from this study that COQ10 with and without vitamin E has the ability to improve the semen characteristics of age-old broiler breeder males and can improve the status of antioxidants in semen.

Effect of season on Ejaculate Quality of three phenotypes of Nigerian Local Cocks

Twenty four (24) adult Nigerian local cocks comprising 8 normal, 8 frizzle and 8 naked-neck were subjected to two ejaculations per week for seven weeks in each season (early rain, lale rain, early dry and late dry seasons) using the massage technique. Ejaculates were subjected to both physical and chemical evaluations. Results showed a significant (P&lt;0.01) seasonal effects between phenotypes in reaction time. In all the seasons, naked-neck and frizzle cocks had higher (P&lt;0.01) ejaculate volume, sperm motility and total sperm than normal cocks. A highly significant (P&lt;0.01) phenotype by season interaction was observed with naked-neck producing better quality ejaculates during the dry season when compared to other phenotypes. Significant (P&lt;0.05) differences were noted in the percent abnormal sperm among the seasons. There were no significant season by phenotype interactions (P&gt;0.05) in most of the chemical parameters (Na+1, K+1, Ca2+, Mg2+, and total protein) evaluated. However, a gradual increase in seminal protein was observed among the phenotypes with a peak during late dry season. The cations (particularly sodium, potassium and calcium) and chloride constituents of ejaculates were significantly lower during the late dry season than at most other seasons. From these results it was concluded that the naked-neck and frizzle cocks appear superior to the normal cocks in semen output and quality under the humid tropical environment.

107 Administration of antioxidants improves serum total antioxidant capacity, testosterone, and seminal quality of Magra rams

Oxidative stress is one of the most important factors responsible for poor quality of semen, and it is defined as an imbalance between the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS, including hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anions, and hydrogen peroxide) and antioxidant capacity of semen. Antioxidants act as a powerful defence system against ROS attack in sperm cells by decreasing oxidative stress and they improve semen quality, which could be useful in the management of male infertility. Magra is a dual-purpose (wool and meat) hardy sheep breed that originated in the eastern and southern parts of the Bikaner district of Rajasthan, India. The present study evaluated the effects of the administration of vitamin E with selenium or vitamin C on serum antioxidants, testosterone, and seminal quality of Magra rams. Twenty-one Magra rams, aged between 1.5 and 2.5 years, were randomly assigned to treatment at weekly intervals with administration of either 1mL of vitamin E (tocopherol, 50mg mL−1) and selenium (1.5mg sodium selenite; n=7; VES), 8mL of vitamin C (250mg mL−1 sodium ascorbate; n=7; VC), or 1mL of saline (n=7; control) subcutaneously for 5 consecutive weeks. After the fourth week, semen and blood were collected twice a week for 5 consecutive weeks and assayed for seminal quality parameters, serum testosterone, and serum antioxidants. Data obtained were analysed statistically using te SPSS software (version 25.0; IBM Corp.). Mean values were compared using Duncan’s multiple range test. The semen parameters sperm motility, sperm concentration, live sperm percentage, and% HOST (hypo-osmotic swelling test)-positive sperm were significantly elevated, whereas reaction time and percentage of abnormal sperm were lower in both the treated groups compared with controls (P&amp;lt;0.05). Seminal pH declined significantly in the VES group (P&amp;lt;0.05), whereas it was not different between the VC and control groups of rams (P&amp;gt;0.05). Glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity concentrations were higher in serum and seminal plasma of treated rams (P&amp;lt;0.05). Serum testosterone concentrations were significantly elevated in VES and VC groups (P&amp;lt;0.05). We concluded that the administration of vitamin E and selenium or vitamin C improves the serum testosterone production and seminal quality of rams.

Effect of dietary pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) seed oil supplementation on reproductive performance and serum antioxidant capacity in male and nulliparous female V-Line rabbits

Pumpkin seed (PS) oil is antioxidant that can provide a scavenging effect on reactive oxygen species produced during gametogenesis. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of 0.5% dietary PS oil supplementation on rabbit reproductive performance. A total of 20 mature bucks and 48 nulliparous does were used in a 72 days experiment. Rabbits were divided into two groups: Control group (CON-M = 10 bucks; CON-F = 24 does) and PSO group (PSO-M = 10 bucks; PSO-F = 24 does), blood samples were collected and analysed for serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Bucks and does were cross-mated on d30 to have 4 female groups: (1) CON-C (CON-F × CON-M), (2) CON-P (CON-F × PSO-M), (3) PSO-C (PSO-F × CON-M) and (4) PSO-P (PSO-F × PSO-M). Doe serum oestradiol and progesterone were assessed on days 0, 14, 26 and 32 after mating. Bucks serum testosterone and oestradiol were also assessed. Reproductive performance and litter size and weight were recorded, semen samples were collected from bucks for 6 successive weeks and assessed for semen quality. PS oil increased the level of TAC (p = .05) and decreased total MDA (p = .04) in both sexes. The percentage of sperm abnormality was decreased in PS oil-fed bucks (p = .04), PS oil did not alter the reproductive performance of the does including litter size and litter birth weight (p > .05). In conclusion, PS oil improved buck fertility. The antioxidant effect of PS oil was remarkable in both sexes. HIGHLIGHTS Pumpkin seed (PS) oil improved the semen quality of rabbit bucks. PS oil increased antioxidant capacity in both rabbit buck and doe. PS oil did not impact the reproductive performance of rabbits.

Effect of Gamma Radiation on Some Sperm Factors of Male Rats

Introduction: The present study investigatedthe risks of ionizing radiation on sperm counts in chronic doses and compared the findings with previous results in similar and different conditions to minimize oxidant stress on sperm parameters rather than using black seed oil. Material and Methods: Twenty rats were used in experimental designs 1 and allocated unordered to four groups. Each group included five. The ranges of 2-3 months and 170 -200 g, respectively .The healthy rats were obtained from the University of Mosul ,Iraq .Experimental design 2, was conducted on 50 rats .The rats were exposed to three different doses for 30 days similar to those of experimental design 1. Oral black seed oil was administrated a dose of 20 mg/kg in group 2 . Results: In experimental design 1, there was a significant decrease in sperm count, live sperm percentage and normal sperm percentages respectively. However a significant increase was observed in dead sperm and abnormal sperm percentages in experimental design 1.The administration of black seed oil in excremental design 2 improved all the parameters with reducing abnormal and dead sperm counts rather than increasing normal and live sperm counts at all doses . Conclusion: The use of black seed reduce the oxidative stress caused by low dose gamma radiation .Therefore , this substance can be used as a therapeutic option for the treatment of several type of cancer especially those under the treatment of low dose gamma radiation through enhancement of protection for a long time.

Amelioration of sperm fertilizability, thyroid activity, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokines in rabbit bucks treated with phytogenic extracts.

This study investigated the beneficial effect of phytogenic extracts on semen quality, reproductive hormones, thyroid activity, immunity, hepatic antioxidant activity, and fertility in rabbit bucks. We divided 70 bucks into seven groups (10 in each). Group 1 was fed a basal diet (control); groups 2, 3, and 4 were fed the control diet with 30, 60, and 90mg/kg of turmeric, respectively; and groups 5, 6, and 7 were fed the control diet with 50, 75, and 100mg/kg of garlic extract, respectively, for 8weeks. Rectal and skin temperatures decreased, while follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, triiodothyronine, thyroxine, testosterone, immunoglobulin M, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-6 in blood serum and glutathione peroxidase in the liver increased in all groups (p<.05). Garlic extract (100mg/kg diet) increased adenosine triphosphate and glutathione in the liver tissues. All treatments significantly increased net semen volume, percentages of progressive motility, livability, curled tail, and intact acrosomes of spermatozoa, sperm cell concentration, and outputs of total and motile spermatozoa, while significantly decreased percentage of sperm abnormality. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of turmeric or garlic extract can be used as a suitable tool for enhancing the hepatic antioxidant activity, immunity, and semen quality in rabbit bucks.

Spermatotoxic Effects of Single-Walled and Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes on Male Mice.

Carbon-based nanomaterials possess a remarkably high potential for biomedical applications due to their physical properties; however, their detrimental effects on reproduction are also concerned. Several reports indicate the toxicity of carbon nanotubes (CNT); nevertheless, their impact on intracellular organelles in the male reproductive organs has not been fully elucidated. Herein, we report on the reprotoxicity of single-walled (SWCNT) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCN) on several intracellular events and histological criteria in pubertal male BALB/c mice orally treated with 0, 10, and 50 mg/kg/day doses for 5 weeks. Biomarkers of oxidative stress and mitochondrial functionality, histopathological alterations, and epididymal sperm characteristics were determined. Oral administration of CNTs at 10 and 50 mg/kg evoked a significant decrement in weight coefficient, sperm viability and motility, hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) test, sperm count, mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity, ATP content, total antioxidant capacity, and GSH/GSSH ratio in the testis and epididymal spermatozoa. On the other hand, percent abnormal sperm, testicular and sperm TBARS contents, protein carbonylation, ROS formation, oxidized glutathione level, and sperm mitochondrial depolarization were considerably increased. Significant histopathological and stereological alterations in the testis occurred in the groups challenged with CNTs. The current findings indicated that oxidative stress and mitochondrial impairment might substantially impact CNTs-induced reproductive system injury and sperm toxicity. The results can also be used to establish environmental standards for CNT consumption by mammals, produce new chemicals for controlling the rodent populations, and develop therapeutic approaches against CNTs-associated reproductive anomalies in the males exposed daily to these nanoparticles.

Protective role of silibinin over nickel sulfate-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats.

Nickel damages the male reproductive system. We investigated the beneficial effects of silibinin which has metal-chelating and antioxidant properties over nickel toxicity. Both antioxidative effects in testes and overall effects related to sperm motility, membrane and acrosome integrity of orally administered Silibinin were evaluated against the harmful effects of 30 day of intraperitoneal nickel sulfate (5 mg/kg/day) administration in rats. Male rats were randomized into control (Group1; n=6) and three experimental groups (n=6, each): Group2 Nickel sulfate (5 mg/kg/day), Group3 Silibinin (150 mg/kg/day), and Group 4 Nickel sulfate (5 mg/kg/day) + Silibinin (150 mg/kg/day). We found higher sperm motility, viable sperm and total sperm count in Groups 3 and 4 than the Group 2 treatment groups and the percentage of abnormal spermatozoa was similar in both groups (Groups 2 and 4). Increased apoptosis, activation of caspase3, 8, 9 and TUNEL were detected in Group 2. However, activation of caspase3, 8, 9 and TUNEL was reduced in Group 4. The protective effects of silibinin were demonstrated on histopathologic findings and some sperm parameters (sperm motility percentage, viable spermatozoa, sperm count, and abnormal spermatozoa percentage) in rats exposed to nickel.

Effect of Light-Dark Cycle Misalignment on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis, Testicular Oxidative Stress, and Expression of Clock Genes in Adult Male Rats.

This study investigated the influence of circadian misalignment on the male reproductive system. Adult Sprague-Dawley male rats were exposed to prolonged light (20 h light : 4 h dark) or prolonged darkness (4 h light : 20 h dark) for 12 consecutive weeks. The somatic index of seminal vesicles and prostates increased due to prolonged light exposure. Sperm count and motility were enhanced solely by prolonged light exposure, whereas the percentage of sperm abnormalities was reduced by both prolonged light and darkness. The serum levels of reproductive hormones (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and prolactin) were elevated, and the estradiol level was reduced by long-term light and dark exposure. Testicular total antioxidant capacity and antioxidant enzyme activities were improved, and lipid peroxidation was inhibited following chronic exposure to light or dark. Chronic light exposure increased, but chronic darkness decreased, testicular nitric oxide production. The mRNA expression of the hypothalamic and testicular clock genes including PER1-2, CRY1-2, BMAL1, CLOCK, and Rev-Erbα was altered by circadian disruption. Prolonged light exposure decreased the levels of thyroid hormones and suppressed the mRNA expression of adiponectin receptors 1 and 2. The immunohistochemical expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen was decreased only by chronic darkness. The present study thus provides new insights into the physiological changes associated with long-term exposure to light or darkness, in which the expression levels of various clock gene mRNAs are modulated, reproductive hormones are increased, and the antioxidant enzyme system is ameliorated as mechanisms of adaptation to chronic circadian disruption.