Percentage Of Progressive Sperm Research Articles

Interrelation of Kinetic Parameters of Sperm of Servicing Bulls of the Holstein Breed with Its Fertilising Ability

Sperm motility is an essential indicator that characterises the viability and structural integrity of sperm. This parameter is closely related to the fertilisation capacity of male germ cells, so its assessment is an integral part of sperm analysis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the possibility of predicting the fertilisation capacity of sperm of servicing bulls based on kinetic indicators. The study involved laboratory, zootechnical, and statistical methods. A significant variability in the kinetic parameters of sperm of servicing bulls was revealed – from 6.2 to 16.1%. The variation in the percentage of motile sperm in the ejaculate was 78.9-89.8; the percentage of progressive sperm – 50.0-74.5; velocity average path of sperm (VAP) – 132.6-163.7 µm/s; velocity straight line (VSL) – 99.2-138.2 µm/s; curvilinear velocity (VCL) – 223.7-272.3 µm/s; straightness of sperm (STR) – 73.9-85.0%, linearity (LIN) – 45.1-56.1%, wobble (WOB) – 57.2-63.8%. The difference between the minimum and maximum values for all the parameters under study is highly likely (P<0.001). A correlation between various kinetic parameters of sperm is established. Sperm movement rates and their relative values are largely conditioned upon the percentage of progressive sperm in the ejaculate (r=+0.231-0.761). VAP, VSL, and VCL indicators are interrelated (r=+0.550-0.887). The study investigated the average fertilising ability of the sperm of servicing bulls based on the results of insemination of 8,594 cows and 992 heifers in four farms of Zhytomyr and Kyiv oblasts, the variation was within 40.7-61.4%. It was proved that bulls with higher and average fertilising capacity are described by a higher percentage of progressive sperm in ejaculates, and VAP, VSL, and VCL indicators of sperm movement compared to bulls with low fertilising capacity. This pattern is confirmed by correlation analysis (r=+0.538-0.675). Kinetic parameters identified using the CASA system allow predicting the fertilising capacity of sperm and identify servicing bulls with reduced reproductive function

O-250 Strong differences in surface molecule expression profile in both microvesicles and exosomes between patient and semen donor groups: new fertility biomarker?

Abstract Study question Are the extracellular vesicles (exosomes and microvesicles) presented in seminal plasma a potential novel biomarkers of male infertility? Summary answer There are significant differences in surface molecules (CD9, CD29, CD40, CD49d, CD73, CD282 and CD284) expressed in extracellular vesicles of patient and control groups What is known already Male infertility has been progressively increasing in recent decades. Therefore, it is essential to find new tools that help us to diagnose the male factor. One of the potential markers could be the study of the extracellular vesicles (EV), mainly exosomes (EXO) and microvesicles (MV), present in the seminal plasma. Recent works have shown that these extracellular vesicles would have an important role in the modulation of the maternal immune system, as well as in regulating the sperm activation. Therefore, the study of the extracellular vesicles can be a useful model to increase the diagnosis of the infertile male Study design, size, duration This prospective study, performed between March 2019 to January 2022, included 44 semen samples from healthy semen donors (control group) and 44 semen samples from infertile males seeking infertility treatment with their partners (study group). Men under drug treatment and/or with infectious or chronic diseases were excluded from the study Participants/materials, setting, methods After conventional semen analysis, semen samples were ultra-centrifuged to obtain EVs enriched plasma seminal. The samples were then stained with fluorescent antibodies against the following surface molecules: CD81, CD63, CD9, CD40, CD44, CD49d, CD73, CD284 and CD29. After incubation, samples were analyzed by flow cytometry (Cytoflex cytometer) The percentage and mean expression of each molecule in EVs populations (EXOs and MVs) were determined. Statistical analysis was performed by t-Student test; significance established under 0.05 Main results and the role of chance Conventional semen analysis showed significant differences between control and patient group in sperm concentration (77.2 · 106 vs 40.2 · 106 cells / ml, respectively, p < 0.01), percentage of progressive sperm (60 vs 40.3 %, respectively, p < 0.01) and total progressive sperm cells (170 · 106 vs 69 · 106 spermatozoa, respectively, p < 0.01). Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that the MVs population is larger than the EXOs population in both control and patient group. With respect to the surface molecule expression in EXOs population, patient group showed significant higher expression of CD9 (31.18 vs 20.1 % control group, p < 0.01), CD40 (8.94 vs 3.84 % control group, p < 0.001), CD49d (69.07 vs 46.73 %, control group, p < 0.001), CD73 (68.17 vs 51.41 % control group, p < 0.001) and CD284 (61.48 vs 53.45 % control group, p < 0.01), and significant lower expression of CD29 (19.49 vs 29.54 % control group, p < 0.01) molecules compared to control group. When MVs populations were analyzed, significant differences between patient and control group were found in the expression of CD63 (13.01 vs 1.65 %, respectively p < 0.001), CD40 (9.23 vs 1.34 %, respectively p < 0.001), CD282 (17 vs 10.22 %, respectively p < 0.01) and CD29 (17.11 vs 7.8 %, respectively p < 0.001) molecules Limitations, reasons for caution This study enrolled male partners of couples seeking infertility treatment with dissimilar disorders and seminal diagnosis (astheno, oligo, and teratozoospermia). Therefore, further studies are needed lowering the heterogeneity of the study group. No data about reproductive outcome of these patients are available at this moment Wider implications of the findings These results suggest that the differences found in the expression profiles between men with proven fertility and infertile men may be related to molecular mechanisms implicated in sperm function, and/or female immune system modulation and, for that reason, may be used as a new potential marker of male fertility Trial registration number 1904-MAD-045-AP

Optimal analysis conditions for sperm motility parameters with a CASA system in a passerine bird, Passer montanus

BackgroundSperm motility parameters, which can be measured objectively and repeatedly by a computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system, are important indicators of sperm quality. However, the sperm motility parameters assessed by a CASA system can be affected by various factors, including instrument components and settings, sperm preparation or analysis procedures. To date, no standardized protocol is available that would permit to assess sperm kinetic characteristics in passerine birds and this lack precludes any comparison of sperm swimming ability and sperm quality across species.MethodsIn this study, we chose the Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) as the object to evaluate sperm motility parameters, including sperm motility, sperm velocity and sperm movement trajectory, at different analysis time, temperatures and pH using the WLJY-9000 CASA system.ResultsSperm motility parameters remained statistically unchanged at 1‒9 min. Progressive motility was similar at 38 °C and 40 °C, but a greater percentage of slow progressive sperm was detected at 38 °C compared to 40 °C and 42 °C. Additionally, progressive motility was lower and immotility was higher at 42 °C than 38 °C and/or 40 °C (close to the body temperature of the Tree Sparrow). The percentages of rapid progressive sperm, progressive sperm and immotile sperm were statistically similar at pH 7.0, 7.5 and 8.0 with the exception of lower percentage of progressive sperm at pH 7.0 compared to pH 7.5. In addition, slower sperm velocity and worse sperm movement trajectory were found at pH 6.0 and 9.0 than those at pH 8.0, 7.5 or 7.0.ConclusionsOur study indicates that the ideal conditions for sperm motility parameters assessment in Tree Sparrow are obtained between 1 and 9 min after dilution, an environment at body temperature (40 °C) and a pH around 7.5‒8.0. The results of this study provide a reference for the evaluation of sperm characteristics and sperm quality using a CASA system in passerine birds.

Effect of supplemental tracemineral source on bull semen quality

This study evaluated the effect of tracemineral supplementation on bull semen quality, as measured by computer-assisted sperm analysis. Angus and Gelbvieh × Angus bulls assigned to inorganic (n = 9) and organic (n = 10) trace-mineral treatments were maintained in drylot pens and fed mixed grass hay. Three times weekly bulls were individually fed rations containing either inorganic or a mixture of inorganic and organic Zn, Cu, Co, and Mn trace mineral for 123 d (mid-May to early September). Starting on d 60, semen was collected by electroejaculation weekly for a 9-wk period (mid-July until early September) and evaluated by computer-assisted sperm analysis for motility parameters within 5 min of collection. Data were analyzed by treatment, week, and their interaction using SAS PROC Mixed for repeated measures. Bulls supplemented with organic trace minerals had a greater (P = 0.02) percentage of motile sperm than those supplemented with inorganic trace minerals (65.5 vs. 56.1%, respectively). Likewise, percentage of progressive sperm was greater (P = 0.01) for bulls receiving organic (47.0%) versus only inorganic (38.4%) trace mineral. Sperm with rapid motility (path velocity >50 μm/s) was also greater (P = 0.03) for bulls supplemented with organic compared with bulls receiving inorganic trace mineral (62.3 vs. 52.8%, respectively). Sperm motility is the single most important semen quality parameter influencing bull fertility. Results suggest organic trace-mineral supplementation may improve bull semen quality. Additional studies are needed to determine whether this improvement in semen quality translates into improved pregnancy rates.

Factors Influencing the Sperm Motility and Viability Parameters of Post-Thawed Semen of Tunisian Arab Stallions

The study was taken to investigate the quality of post-thawed semen and to determine factors that can affects semen motility and viability parameters of Tunisian Arab stallions. 42 ejaculates from 9 stallions (young stallions: age < 15 years, n = 5; old stallions: age ≥ 15 years, n = 4) were collected and frozen. After thawing, sperm motility including percentage of total motile sperm (%TMO), percentage of progressive sperm (%PROG), average path velocity (VAP, µm/s), straight line velocity (VSL, µm/s), and curvilinear velocity (VCL, µm /s) were determined. Sperm viability was studied by eosin-nigrosin stain. The results showed that the sperm motility parameters and the percentage of live sperm (%LS) varied between individual stallions (p<0.01). The age of stallions influenced the %PROG (9 ± 0.9% for young vs 7 ± 0.8%; p< 0.05) and the VSL (79 ± 1.7 µm /s for young to 71 ± 2.1 for old; p<0.01). It seems that age, stallion and ejaculate are the main factors influencing the quality of thawed semen of stallion. Other factors related to the freezing process which they have not been considered in this study could be apart of the variation of semen quality.

Reproductive Toxicity of Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether in Aldh2 Knockout Mice

Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether (EGEE) can cause damage to testes and sperm, and its metabolites are believed to play an important role in its toxicity. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is involved in the metabolism of this chemical. To investigate whether and how the enzyme affects the toxicity of EGEE, we conducted experiments comparing Aldh2 knockout mice with wild-type mice. Administration of EGEE at 100 and 600 mg/kg/day for one week did not induce any significant change in the weight and body weight ratios of testes, prostate and epididymides in either Aldh2 knockout or wild-type mice. However, motion of sperm from the spermaduct, as analyzed with a Hamilton-Thorne Sperm analyzer, was slightly decreased in the low dose group, and significantly lower in the high dose group; and the percentage of progressive sperm was also reduced in the two EGEE groups. This effect of EGEE treatment was observed in the wild-type, but not in the Aldh2 knockout mice. Sperm motion from the cauda epididymides was not affected. On the other hand, the concentration of ethoxyacetic acid, a metabolite of EGEE, in 24 h pooled urine of EGEE-treated Aldh2 knockout mice was not significantly lower than that of the wild-type mice on most days of urine sampling. These results suggest that inactivation of the ALDH2 enzyme due to gene mutation may be linked to differences in the susceptibility to EGEE-induced sperm toxicity.

14 MOTILITY AND FERTILITY OF BULL SPERMATOZOA FROZEN IN EGG YOLK EXTENDER SUPPLEMENTED WITH LACTOFERRIN

Lactoferrin (Lf) is secreted by the prostate, seminal vesicles, and epididymis, and appears to represent a major component of the sperm-coating antigens that protect sperm. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of Lf used in semen extender on motility and fertility of bovine frozen semen. Semen samples were collected from three fertile Japanese Black sires. The semen collected was cooled and extended with egg yolk–Tris extender supplemented with glycerol and Lf (from bovine milk) to give final concentrations of 7% and 0, 10, 100, 500, 1000, or 2000 �g mL-1, respectively. After being extended, the semen was packaged in 0.5-mL straws, frozen, and transferred into liquid nitrogen. At least one week later, the frozen semen was thawed and washed mTALP containing caffeine. Motile sperm were separated by discontinuous 2-step (40 and 80%) Percoll gradient centrifugation. Sperm motility was calculated as the percentage of motile sperm separated by Percoll gradients relative to pre-separated sperm. Sperm motility character (motile sperm, progressive sperm) was analyzed by a CASA system (Hamilton Thorne Biosciences, Beverly, MA, USA). In the following experiment, we examined the effect of Lf added in the extender on improvement of semen fertility. The frozen semen from one sire extended with or without 500 �g mL-1 of Lf was prepared (99 straws with Lf, 99 straws without), distributed to three inseminators, and used to inseminate to 198 cows. The sperm motility and motility character were analyzed by ANOVA and Fisher&amp;apos;s exact test. The field trials were evaluated by chi-square test. After selection of motile sperm with the Percoll gradient, examination of sperm motility revealed that addition of Lf in the extender increased sperm motility significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) compared to that in the control without Lf: 51.2–53.8% in semen with added Lf (100–2000 �g mL-1) vs. 39.6% in the control. CASA analysis showed that motile sperm and progressive sperm were improved significantly by the addition of Lf; the peak level was 500 �g mL-1 of Lf in the extender. The percentage of motile sperm in semen with added Lf was higher significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.01) than that of the control: with Lf of 100 and 500 �g mL-1, 50.8 and 56.0%, respectively, vs. 39.7% without Lf. The percentage of progressive sperm was also significantly higher (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than that of the control: with Lf of 100 and 500 �g mL-1, 18.8 and 19.0%, respectively, vs. 13.5% without Lf. In the next experiment, we performed field trials to assess the availability of Lf for artificial insemination. In total, the group with Lf showed some but not a significant increase in fertility rate (delivery cow/inseminated cow) compared with the control group without Lf: 56.6% vs. 52.5%, respectively. In conclusion, these results suggest that addition of Lf in sperm extender may be useful for improvement of sperm motility and motility character after freezing and thawing. In the present study, we used fertile bulls, but the concentration of intact Lf in the semen was unknown, which might be the reason why the effect of Lf on the fertility rate was not observed to be significant. In future experiments it would be valuable to demonstrate the effect of Lf in subfertile semen.

Does exposure to computers affect the routine parameters of semen quality?

To assess whether exposure to computers harms the semen quality of healthy young men. A total of 178 subjects were recruited from two maternity and children healthcare centers in Shanghai, 91 with a history of exposure to computers (i.e., exposure for 20 h or more per week in the last 2 years) and 87 persons to act as control (no or little exposure to computers). Data on the history of exposure to computers and other characteristics were obtained by means of a structured questionnaire interview. Semen samples were collected by masturbation in the place where the semen samples were analyzed. No differences in the distribution of the semen parameters (semen volume, sperm density, percentage of progressive sperm, sperm viability and percentage of normal form sperm) were found between the exposed group and the control group. Exposure to computers was not found to be a risk factor for inferior semen quality after adjusting for potential confounders, including abstinence days, testicle size, occupation, history of exposure to toxic substances. The present study did not find that healthy men exposed to computers had inferior semen quality.

Sperm motion analysis in rats treated with adriamycin and its applicability to male reproductive toxicity studies.

Adriamycin (ADR), an anticancer drug which induces testicular toxicity, was administrated to Slc:SD male rats at doses of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/kg intravenously once a week for 4 weeks. The males treated with ADR were mated with untreated females, and sperm analyses (motion, count, and morphology) were performed. Sperm motion was analyzed by Hamilton-Thorne Sperm analyzer (HTM-IVOS) to investigate the useful parameters. Copulated females were necropsied at Day 13 of gestation, and reproductive status was evaluated. In ADR-treated groups, the testicular weight was dose-dependently decreased. Associated with this decrease was a depletion of the number of spermatogonia noted histopathologically at all dosage levels. Sperm morphological abnormalities, which were classified as tailless sperm and/or no-hook head sperm, were increased in both the 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg groups. The males treated with ADR at 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg had a decreased number of sperms per cauda epididymis. In sperm motion analysis, decreases in the percentage of motile sperm, percentage of progressive sperm, and sperm velocity (straight line velocity and curvilinear velocity) were noted at 2.0 mg/kg. Impaired fertility was noted at 2.0 mg/kg in the form of decreased numbers of implantations and live embryos, and an increased number of pre-implantation losses. In conclusion, ADR induced deterioration of sperm motion and sperm content, which were responsible for the adverse effect on male fertility. The most sensitive indicators to detect male reproductive toxicity induced by ADR were testicular weight and histopathological findings in the testis. Among the parameters generated by HTM-IVOS, the percentage of motile sperm, the percentage of progressive sperm, and sperm velocity are useful for assessing male fertility.

Association of semen quality and occupational factors: comparison of case-control analysis and analysis of continuous variables

Objective: To compare two statistical approaches, case-control and analysis of continuous parameters of semen, in examining the relationship between occupational exposures and male reproductive function. Design: Case-control study. Setting: Males providing semen samples at a university infertility clinic. Patient(s): Nonvasectomized males who provided at least one semen sample at an infertility clinic. Main Outcome Measure(s): Standard clinical semen analysis. Result(s): Analyses using a dichotomous dependent variable did not uncover significant associations between any occupational factor and infertility case status. However, linear models incorporating continuous variables identified a number of occupational factors that were associated with specific parameters of semen. A reduction in percentage of progressive sperm and an increase in percentage of coiled tail sperm defects in welders, compared with unexposed subjects, were found. Significant dose-response relationships between level of perceived job stress and percentage of progressive sperm, total motile count, morphology, abnormal heads, and coiled tail defects were found. Conclusion(s): The findings suggest that subtle changes in semen variables, possibly associated with workplace exposure, may be detected only with parametric analyses of continuous variables of semen.

Caffeine and sperm motility

Six different doses of caffeine were used to study its effect on human spermatozoal motility. The recently developed method for assessment of sperm motility by videomicrography was used to determine the percentage of sperm motility, swimming speed (velocity), percentage of progressive sperm, and progressive swimming speed. In doses of 3 and 6 mM/ml, caffeine significantly increased the percentage of motile sperm, but it had no influence on sperm velocity. In doses greater than 6 mM/ml, caffeine exhibited a slight insignificant stimulation that reversed later into an inhibitory effect on all parameters of sperm motility in a dose of 60 mM/ml. Reaching a dose of 120 mM/ml, caffeine caused complete immobilization of human spermatozoa.

Sperm Motility Assessment by Videomicrography

A technically simple, inexpensive method is described for measuring objective parameters of sperm motility. The instruments involved are commercially available, home-oriented videotape equipment. Quantitative measurements of sperm motility are made directly from the video image and are facilitated by use of an analysis transparency that is applied as an overlay to the screen of the television monitor. A protocol is given for describing the motility of a suspension of human spermatozoa in terms of percentage motility, mean swimming speed, and the percentage of progressive sperm. A complete analysis can be done in 20 minutes or less. Examples are presented of videomicrographic assessment of the motility of human and bull spermatozoa.