Ejaculate Quality Research Articles

Male–male behavioral interactions drive social-dominance-mediated differences in ejaculate traits

Higher social status is expected to result in fitness benefits as it secures access to potential mates. In promiscuous species, male reproductive success is also determined by an individual’s ability to compete for fertilization after mating by producing high-quality ejaculates. However, the complex relationship between a male’s investment in social status and ejaculates remains unclear. Here, we examine how male social status influences ejaculate quality under a range of social contexts in the pygmy halfbeak Dermogenys collettei, a small, group-living, internally fertilizing freshwater fish. We show that male social status influences ejaculate traits, both in the presence and absence of females. Dominant males produced faster swimming and more viable sperm, two key determinants of ejaculate quality, but only under conditions with frequent male–male behavioral interactions. When male–male interactions were experimentally reduced through the addition of a refuge, differences in ejaculate traits of dominant and subordinate males disappeared. Furthermore, dominant males were in a better condition, growing faster, and possessing larger livers, highlighting a possible condition dependence of competitive traits. Contrary to expectations, female presence or absence did not affect sperm swimming speed or testes mass. Together, these results suggest a positive relationship between social status and ejaculate quality in halfbeaks and highlight that the strength of behavioral interactions between males is a key driver of social-status-dependent differences in ejaculate traits.

Current markers for infertility in men.

Male infertility accounts for about 30% of the causes of couple infertility and has become a public health concern. Male infertility may be caused by several factors occurring in isolation or association with several complex syndromes. Despite the importance of semen analysis in the initial investigation of infertility, it has been estimated that 15% of infertile men present normal sperm, a proportion that calls for additional tests to further investigate cases of infertility and accurately determine the factors that alter ejaculate quality. In addition to semen analysis parameters, genetics has been drawing attention. The incorporation of genetic diagnostic methods in the routine practice of andrology laboratories is an important step to further improve assisted reproductive technologies. The present study described the current status of the main methods used in male infertility investigation.

Mass spectrometry reveals distinct proteomic profiles in high- and low-quality stallion spermatozoa.

The horse breeding industry relies upon optimal stallion fertility. Conventional sperm assessments provide limited information regarding ejaculate quality and are not individually predictive of fertilizing potential. The aim of this study was to harness mass spectrometry to compare the proteomic profiles of high- and low-quality stallion spermatozoa, with the ultimate goal of identifying fertility biomarker candidates. Extended stallion semen (n = 12) was fractionated using Percoll density gradients to isolate low-quality and high-quality sperm populations. Motility and morphological assessments were carried out, and proteomic analyses was conducted using UHPLC-MS/MS. High-quality spermatozoa recorded higher total (95.2 ± 0.52% vs 70.6 ± 4.20%; P ≤ 0.001) and progressive motilities (43.4 ± 3.42% vs 27.3 ± 4.32%; P ≤ 0.05), and a higher proportion of morphologically normal cells (50.2 ± 4.34% vs 38.8 ± 2.72%; P ≤ 0.05). In total, 1069 proteins were quantified by UHPLC-MS/MS, of which 22 proteins were significantly more abundant in the high-quality sperm population (P ≤ 0.05). A-kinase anchor protein 4 (AKAP4) and Hexokinase 1 (HK1) were considered possible biomarker candidates and their differential expression was confirmed by immunoblot. Protein expression was significantly correlated with total (AKAP4 R2 = 0.38, P ≤ 0.01; HK1 R2 = 0.46, P ≤ 0.001) and progressive motilities (AKAP4 R 2 = 0.51, P ≤ 0.001; HK1 R2 = 0.55, P ≤ 0.01), percentage rapid (AKAP4 R2 = 0.29, P ≤ 0.05; HK1 R2 = 0.58, P ≤ 0.001), straight-line velocity (HK1 R2 = 0.50, P ≤ 0.01) and straightness (HK1 R2 = 0.40, P ≤ 0.01). Furthermore, AKAP4 was highly susceptible to adduction by 4-hydroxynonenal (4HNE), which resulted in a global reduction in the phosphorylation profiles following capacitation. In conclusion, the proteomic profiles of high- and low-quality stallion spermatozoa differ substantially, and proteins such as AKAP4 and HK1 could serve as biomarkers of ejaculate quality.

Personified correction of micronutrient deficiency as a therapeutic tactic for improving the quality of ejaculate in idiopathic infertility

Introduction. Marital infertility is one of the key medical problems. Almost 50% of infertility in marriage is caused by male infertility. The proportion of idiopathic male infertility is 3040%.
 Material and methods. 157 patients with idiopathic infertility were randomized into 2 groups. The main group (MG) (n = 82): conducted a correction of the level of micronutrients in case of their deficiency by the appointment of monocomponent drugs in the maximum permitted daily doses. The control group (n = 75) (empirical therapy with complex drugs) was randomized to subgroup 1 (CG1) (n = 38): complex preparations with L-carnitine were used; and subgroup 2 (CG2) (n = 37): complex multivitamin preparations without L-carnitine were used. To identify micronutrient deficiencies, 93 healthy volunteers who realized a fertile function were examined (their partners were in the third trimester of pregnancy).
 Results. Deficiencies of micronutrients were determined: selenium, zinc, vitamins C and E. Correction was carried out for three months with monocomponent preparations. In the exhaust gas, there was a positive dynamics in all parameters of the spermogram. In the control subgroups the ejaculate volume, concentration, total sperm count did not change, an increase in the general and progressive motility was revealed. The proportion of normal spermatozoa increased in MG, CG1 and CG2 groups by 61.9%, 28.6% (in comparison with MG p 0.01) and 20.0% (in comparison with MG p 0.001), respectively. Total mobility increased by 44.5%, 24.5% (compared to MG p 0.05), by 12.0% (compared to exhaust gas p 0.001), respectively. Progressive mobility by 60.4%, 54.5% (compared with MG p 0.05), 14.7% (compared with MG p 0.001), respectively. Pregnancy in MG was 21.9%, in CG1 5.2% (p 0.05) and CG2 2.7% (p 0.05).
 Conclusion. Personified correction of micronutrient deficiency in order to improve the quality of ejaculate in idiopathic male infertility was an effective therapeutic tactic. The results obtained suggest that this approach is more pathogenetically justified, which requires further study.

Female sperm storage mediates post-copulatory costs and benefits of ejaculate anticipatory plasticity in the guppy.

Males of many species evolved the capability of adjusting their ejaculate phenotype in response to social cues to match the expected mating conditions. When females store sperm for a prolonged time, the expected fitness return of plastic adjustments of ejaculate phenotype may depend on the interval between mating and fertilization. Although prolonged female sperm storage (FSS) increases the opportunity for sperm competition, as a consequence of the longer temporal overlap of ejaculates from several males, it may also create variable selective forces on ejaculate phenotype, for example by exposing trade-offs between sperm velocity and sperm survival. We evaluated the relationship between the plasticity of ejaculate quality and FSS in the guppy, Poecilia reticulata, a polyandrous live-bearing fish in which females store sperm for several months and where stored sperm contribute significantly to a male's lifelong reproductive success. In this species, males respond to the perception of future mating opportunities by increasing the quantity (number) and quality (swimming velocity) of ready-to-use sperm (an anticipatory response called 'sperm priming'). Here we investigated (a) the effect of sperm priming on in vitro sperm viability at stripping and its temporal decline (as an estimate of sperm survival), and (b) the in vivo competitive fertilization success in relation to female sperm storage using artificial insemination. As expected, sperm-primed males produced more numerous and faster sperm, but with a reduced in vitro sperm viability at stripping and after 4hr, compared with their counterparts. Artificial insemination revealed that the small (nonsignificant) advantage of primed sperm when fertilization immediately follows insemination is reversed when eggs are fertilized by female-stored sperm, weeks after insemination. By suggesting a plastic trade-off between sperm velocity and viability, these results demonstrate that prolonged female sperm storage generates divergent selection pressures on ejaculate phenotype.

Influence of Collection Frequency on Boar Ejaculate Quality Parameters

The aim of study was to examine the effect of the boar ejaculate collection frequency on the parameters of its quality. The research covered a three-year period, and four most common boar breeds in our area. A total of 1705 ejaculates were taken from Yorkshire boars, 1693 ejaculates from Landrace boars, 1106 ejaculates from Pietrain boars and 669 ejaculates from Duroc boars. Within each breed, groups were formed according to the frequency of ejaculate taking (once, twice, three, four, five, or six times a month). Evaluation of ejaculate quality was performed in a reprocentre laboratory, according to their quality standards. Quality parameters that have been determined were the volume of ejaculate, sperm concentration, progressive sperm motility, live sperm count, the number of doses per ejaculate and the overall assessment of ejaculate. Results of this study show that the volume and progressive motility increase with the increase of frequency in ejaculate taking, while the sperm concentration drops, except for the Pietrain boars. The best results were observed in ejaculates collected 5-6 times during the month. The highest mean volume of ejaculate was found in the Landrace boars (292.22 ml), in ejaculate taking frequency of five times per month. The highest average progressive sperm motility was 92% in the Yorkshire boars, on collection frequency of six times a month, while the highest concentration of spermatozoa was found in the Duroc boars in collection frequency of one taking per month (447.32 mil/ml). The results of this study indicate that the frequency of ejaculate taking affects the boar semen quality parameters.

No Evidence for a Trade-Off Between Competitive Traits and Ejaculate Quality in Humans.

Research in nonhuman animals (including insects, birds, and primates) suggests a trade-off in males between investment in competitive traits and investment in ejaculate quality. Previous research reported a negative association between perceived strength and ejaculate quality, suggesting that this trade-off also applies to human males. We conducted novel analyses of data secured as part of a larger project to assess the relationship between competitive traits (shoulder-to-hip ratio, handgrip strength, and height) and ejaculate quality (indexed by sperm morphology, sperm motility, and sperm concentration) in a sample of 45 men (ages ranging 18-33 years; M = 23.30, SD = 3.60). By self-report, participants had not had a vasectomy and had never sought treatment for infertility. We controlled for several covariates known to affect ejaculate quality (e.g., abstinence duration before providing an ejaculate) and found no statistically significant relationships between competitive traits and ejaculate quality; our findings therefore do not accord with previous research on humans. We highlight the need for additional research to clarify whether there is a trade-off between investment in competitive traits and investment in ejaculate quality in humans.

No Evidence for a Relationship between Intelligence and Ejaculate Quality.

Genetic quality may be expressed through many traits simultaneously, and this would suggest a phenotype-wide fitness factor. In humans, intelligence has been positively associated with several potential indicators of genetic quality, including ejaculate quality. We conducted a conceptual replication of one such study by investigating the relationship between intelligence (assessed by the Raven Advanced Progressive Matrices Test-Short Form) and ejaculate quality (indexed by sperm count, sperm concentration, and sperm motility) in a sample of 41 men (ages ranging 18 to 33 years; M = 23.33; SD = 3.60). By self-report, participants had not had a vasectomy, and had never sought infertility treatment. We controlled for several covariates known to affect ejaculate quality (e.g., abstinence duration before providing an ejaculate) and found no statistically significant relationship between intelligence and ejaculate quality; our findings, therefore, do not match those of Arden, Gottfredson, Miller et al. or those of previous studies. We discuss limitations of this study and the general research area and highlight the need for future research in this area, especially the need for larger data sets to address questions around phenotypic quality and ejaculate quality.

Covariation in superoxide, sperm telomere length and sperm velocity in a polymorphic reptile

Telomeres are DNA-protein caps at the ends of chromosomes that have been shown to be associated with male fertility may be heritable, reflect environmental influences and predict life span in some taxa. If heritable, paternal telomere length would be transmitted via sperm in the form of sperm telomere length (STL). We, therefore, investigated STL, sperm number and velocity in the Australian-painted dragon lizard, Ctenophorus pictus, an agamid lizard with distinct male colour morphs and related reproductive tactics. We measured telomere length in the sperm and blood as well as superoxide levels, as a measure for the potential for oxidative stress and ejaculate quality. We also noted a male’s head colour (red, orange, yellow or blue) and whether or not they had a yellow gular bib. Previous research has reported that yellow males outcompete red males in sperm competition; we found that yellow males had significantly shorter STL than red males. Males with bibs had greater STL than did males without bibs. Superoxide levels measured in the blood were negatively correlated with STL. Whole blood TL and body length were weakly but positively correlated with STL. Superoxide measurements were negatively correlated with progressive sperm motility and straight line sperm velocity across all males. The ejaculates of males with bibs had lower sperm counts and velocity than males without bibs. Our research adds to the growing research that indicates the importance of considering both somatic and gametic telomeres when assessing the interaction between telomere dynamics, life history and reproductive strategies. Telomeres are DNA-protein caps at the ends of chromosomes that reflect environmental stress may be heritable and epigenetically modified, may predict life span in some taxa and may influence the probability of paternity in sperm competition. Ours is one of the first studies to examine correlates of sperm telomere length in a non-mammalian, polymorphic species, but much more remains to be done. Telomere research in non-model species has focused on survival consequences of variation in telomere traits with less attention paid to the fact that sperm (and egg) telomere biology can link life history traits directly to reproductive physiology. We chose to investigate sperm velocity and sperm telomere length (STL) in the painted dragon lizard, Ctenophorus pictus, an agamid lizard with distinct male morphs and associated reproductive tactics. We also observed morph-specific differences in ejaculate quality and STL; in particular, males with yellow bibs had longer STL but poorer ejaculate quality metrics (e.g., number of sperm, velocity and proportion of progressively motile sperm) than males without the throat patch. The differences in STL between the morphs and the negative relationship between sperm velocity and STL, along with previous work on this species, suggest that telomere length and dynamics may be linked with the reproductive tactics of colour morphs within this species.

Strategic ejaculate adjustments and mismatches: are males paying sperm senescence costs?

In many species, males show anticipatory plasticity for sperm production, which they adjust to match perceived mating opportunities. While the strategic adjustment of sperm production is likely to be beneficial, it may be also associated with costs, including those arising from the expression of a phenotype that is poorly matched to the conditions that males will subsequently experience. Mismatch costs are exacerbated by trade-offs between investment in the ejaculate and investment in other traits and by trade-offs among individual ejaculate traits. Trade-offs, in fact, may determine a decrease in male competitiveness, due to impaired ability to obtain copulations or to reduced ejaculate quality. We explored mismatch costs using male guppies, which are known to increase sperm production, but reduce their investment in sexual behaviour, when maintained in the presence of females. Increasing ejaculate size in the absence of females could impose costs that would be paid when an opportunity to mate eventually arises. One of such costs may involve male post-copulatory competitiveness and may be associated with increased sperm senescence. To explore mismatch costs, firstly we induced two groups of males to differentiate their sperm production by exposing them or not to female stimuli. Then, we isolated them to prevent matings and have their sperm ageing. Finally, we compared ejaculate quality between the groups. Contrary to expectations, we found that female-stimulated males did not suffer from increased sperm senescence. These costs are probably minimized by the high level of plasticity associated with this trait, resulting in sperm production being quickly re-adjusted to a new environment. Other types of mismatch costs may be more relevant, for example, those related to trade-offs with sexual behaviour.

Body Mass Index and Sperm Quality: Is there a Relationship?

Context:Obesity and infertility are the major global public health problems. The evidences of adverse impact of adiposity on male fertility are contradictory.Aim:The objective of the study was to determine the effect of overweight and obesity on ejaculate quality, in particular, sperm parameters and biochemical markers.Subject and Design:The study involved 152 men who were distributed into three groups according to the body mass index (BMI, kg/m2): control group with normal values (18.5–24.9), preobese (25.0–29.9), and obese (≥30.0).Materials and Methods:Semen analysis included parameters: volume, sperm concentration and total count, morphology, progressive (PR) and total motility. Levels of fructose, citric acid, and zinc were measured in seminal plasma.Statistic:The results of the studies were analyzed using StatPlus: mac (AnalystSoft Inc., version 6). The Mann–Whitney U-test was used to compare groups. Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:No significant differences of the semen parameters were observed between preobese and control group, except for increasing the number of abnormal spermatozoa. The obese group revealed lower concentration and total number of sperm, PR motility. BMI was negatively correlated with most semen parameters. The overweight group showed a decreasing of fructose levels and increasing of citric acid and zinc concentration, while no significant changes were observed in the obese group, except for a decreasing in fructose.Conclusions:The present study confirms that with the growth of BMI, the sperm quality deteriorates. Based on these results, we can assume that obesity may be an injurious factor of male infertility.

Study of the relationship between the age of the rams and the quality of their ejaculates obtained outside the breeding season

The present study aims to research the effect of age on the quality of ejaculates of rams from Synthetic population of Bulgarian dairy breed. Rams divided into two age groups were used for the experiment: G1 (2.5 years) versus G2 (6 years). Ejaculates were obtained by the method of artificial vagina and diluted with medium 6A-G. The tested ejaculates were obtained outside the breeding season. A Sperm Class Analyzer (SCA Microptic, Barcelona, Spain) was used to study sperm motility. The biochemical activity of the enzymes lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) was determined using an automatic Mindrai BA88 spectrophotometer. The activity of the enzymes was studied in sperm plasma, in aqueous and tritonic extract. Significant differences between the groups were found in total sperm motility (P?0.05) and LDH enzyme activity in sperm plasma (P?0.01). Regarding the efficiency of the LDH enzyme in aqueous and tritone extract, no significant differences between the groups was found. No significant differences were found between groups for GGT activity, while age had significant impact on LDH enzyme in sperm plasma.

Vimentin 3 Allows Differentiation between Normozoospermia and Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia.

Vimentin is a structural protein predominantly located in the head of sperms. The function and localization of the previously identified truncated version, Vimentin 3 (Vim3), are still unknown. To investigate whether the expression of Vim3 can be used as a reliable marker for the differentiation of sperm quality, we analyzed ejaculates from patients with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) syndrome and normozoospermia. We identified sperms with head, neck, and tail changes, which were less positive for Vim3 in OAT syndrome compared to normozoospermia. The expression of Vim3 was significantly downregulated in patients with OAT syndrome compared to sperms from patients with normozoospermia (∗∗p < 0.01). The ELISA analysis showed similar results as ejaculates from normozoospermic patients showed a significantly higher Vim3 concentration than patients with OAT syndrome (∗∗∗p < 0.001). This study demonstrates that Vim3 is more highly expressed in ejaculates from patients with normozoospermia compared to ejaculates from patients with OAT syndrome. Therefore, we postulate that Vim3 can be used to determine ejaculate quality. Furthermore, we identified the marker, Vim3, to differentiate between mature sperms with no morphological changes and sperms with head, neck, and tail changes. A lateral flow assay that allows quick analysis is currently under development.

Age-related declines in ejaculate quality and sperm kinematics vary among strains of Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica).

For successful breeding programs, it is important to quantify the useful period of a male's reproductive life and it is often done simply by measurement of semen quality. This information is lacking for Japanese quail so we tested whether there is a decline in ejaculate quality and sperm kinematics with age, and whether the decline varies among strains. Nine males (n=9) from each of 5 strains (A, B, C, D and E) were subjected to 4 semen collections (n=16 per male) at 8, 16, 26 and 36weeks of age. Ejaculate volume, sperm concentration and total sperm per ejaculate were measured, and sperm kinematics were analysed using a Sperm Class Analyser (SCA® ). There was a significant effect of age for ejaculate volume, total sperm per ejaculate and per cent medium sperm. The effect of the interaction between age and strain was significant for percent progressive motile sperm, percent rapid sperm, velocity curvilinear, velocity straight line, velocity average path, linearity, straightness and beat cross frequency. Ejaculate volume peaked at Week 26 in all strains, while peak values for sperm concentration and total sperm per ejaculate were observed at Week 16 for most strains. There were declines in percent motile sperm, progressive motile sperm and rapid sperm, and in velocity curvilinear velocity, velocity straight line and velocity average path, by Week 16 for most strains. Linearity declined by Week 26 in some strains, and all strains showed a significant decline in beat cross frequency by that age. In conclusion, the ability of CASA to detect age-related changes in sperm kinematics makes it a valuable tool for identifying the best males and thus improving quail flock fertility. It is essential that breeders understand that age affects both sperm production and sperm kinematics, and that the changes vary with strain.

Male reproductive ageing: a tale of the whole ejaculate.

Ageing is nearly ubiquitous and encompasses all biological functions. We here focus on age-dependent changes in male reproductive capacity across a broad range of animal taxa. While there has been a long-standing focus on mating ability and overall reproductive success, we here highlight the underlying mechanisms that explain loss in fertilisation capacity in ageing males. Fertilisation is mediated by not only the presence of sperm, but also the cocktail of seminal fluid proteins that ensure sperm survival, capacitation and interaction with female physiology. Sperm ageing has received much attention in studies of male reproductive senescence; however, post-mating processes include a number of interlocked steps that together cumulate in successful fertilisation. As such we consider male ability to elicit female post mating responses such as uterine conformational changes, sperm storage and ovulation and the components within the ejaculate that mediate these post-mating processes. For the latter seminal fluid proteins are key and hence we reflect on age-dependent changes in quality of the entire ejaculate and its consequences for male reproductive capacity. While first studies accrue and highlight that changes in the non-sperm fraction can explain substantial variation in senescent male reproductive success and male ability to induce post-mating responses necessary for fertilisation many open questions still remain that warrant further investigations. One being what the potential age-dependent changes in composition are or whether there is a general decline and how this interacts with sperm to affect fertilisation success. Further, the impact females might have to ameliorate these changes will be an area of interest.

A preliminary but methodologically improved investigation of the relationships between major personality dimensions and human ejaculate quality

Some research has reported relationships between personality dimensions and ejaculate quality, but this research has methodological limitations. In the current study, we investigated the relationships between six major personality dimensions and ejaculate quality in a design that offered several methodological improvements over previous research. Forty-five fertile men provided two masturbatory ejaculates and completed a measure of personality (HEXACO-60) assessing honesty-humility, emotionality, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience. Agreeableness was the only personality dimension associated with ejaculate quality, after controlling statistically for participant age, Body Mass Index (BMI), and abstinence duration, and this association was negative. However, once the covariates of BMI, age, and abstinence duration were included in a hierarchical regression (along with the six personality dimensions), agreeableness was no longer a statistically significant predictor of ejaculate quality, although the direction of the relationship remained negative. The current study adds to previous research documenting that psychological attributes—including major dimensions of personality—may be associated with ejaculate quality. We highlight limitations of the current research and identify directions for future study.

Двойное слепое рандомизированное плацебо-контролируемое исследование эффективности и безопасности комплекса ацетил-L-карнитина, L-карнитина фумарата и альфа-липоевой кислоты (СпермАктин® Форте) в лечении мужского бесплодия

Oxidative stress of sperm is a common pathologic condition, which can be detected in 30-80% infertile men. It is established that dietary consumption of antioxidants and microelements contributes to an increase of conception probability in subfertile couples, and also reduces the risk of reproductive losses. Drug complexes influencing various factors of spermatogenesis disturbance (oligo-, astheno-, teratozoospermia), oxidative stress and the level of sperm DNA fragmentation are of greatest and reasonable interest.To study the effects of complex acetyl-l-carnitine, l-carnitine fumarate and alpha-lipoic acid (SpermActin Forte) on oxidative stress, ejaculate quality and sperm DNA fragmentation in men with infertility.A total of 80 infertile men aged 25-40 years with increased level of sperm DNA fragmentation and oxidative stress were included in open-label, prospective, randomized study. In Group A (n=20) patients received a placebo for 180 days, and in Group B patients were prescribed to SpermActin Forte, 1 sachet of 10 g once a day. The criteria for the efficiency of therapy included sperm analysis, the level of sperm DNA fragmentation, the level of sperm oxidative stress, as well as information about achievement of pregnancy, obtained by interviewing all participants.In patients taking antioxidant complex SpermActin Forte there were significant positive changes in the main parameters of sperm analysis, including sperm mobility and morphology starting from the third month of therapy. The level of free oxygen radicals (as indicator of oxidative stress) in Group B also significantly decreased (by 86%). A more profound decrease in DNA fragmentation was seen in Group B compared to Group A (21.5% vs. 3.6%). Pregnancy was achieved in 1 and 13 cases in Group A and B, respectively.The use of the SpermActin Forte antioxidant complex allowed to improve sperm analysis in most patients, and these changes were significant starting from the third month of therapy. Stimulation of spermatogenesis using the antioxidant complex SpermActin Forte is an effective and safe method of treating male infertility.

Двойное слепое рандомизированное плацебо-контролируемое исследование эффективности и безопасности комплекса ацетил-L-карнитина, L-карнитина фумарата и альфа-липоевой кислоты (СпермАктин® Форте) в лечении мужского бесплодия

Oxidative stress of sperm is a common pathologic condition, which can be detected in 30-80% infertile men. It is established that dietary consumption of antioxidants and microelements contributes to an increase of conception probability in subfertile couples, and also reduces the risk of reproductive losses. Drug complexes influencing various factors of spermatogenesis disturbance (oligo-, astheno-, teratozoospermia), oxidative stress and the level of sperm DNA fragmentation are of greatest and reasonable interest. To study the effects of complex acetyl-l-carnitine, l-carnitine fumarate and alpha-lipoic acid (SpermActin Forte) on oxidative stress, ejaculate quality and sperm DNA fragmentation in men with infertility. A total of 80 infertile men aged 25-40 years with increased level of sperm DNA fragmentation and oxidative stress were included in open-label, prospective, randomized study. In Group A (n=20) patients received a placebo for 180 days, and in Group B patients were prescribed to SpermActin Forte, 1 sachet of 10 g once a day. The criteria for the efficiency of therapy included sperm analysis, the level of sperm DNA fragmentation, the level of sperm oxidative stress, as well as information about achievement of pregnancy, obtained by interviewing all participants. In patients taking antioxidant complex SpermActin Forte there were significant positive changes in the main parameters of sperm analysis, including sperm mobility and morphology starting from the third month of therapy. The level of free oxygen radicals (as indicator of oxidative stress) in Group B also significantly decreased (by 86%). A more profound decrease in DNA fragmentation was seen in Group B compared to Group A (21.5% vs. 3.6%). Pregnancy was achieved in 1 and 13 cases in Group A and B, respectively. The use of the SpermActin Forte antioxidant complex allowed to improve sperm analysis in most patients, and these changes were significant starting from the third month of therapy. Stimulation of spermatogenesis using the antioxidant complex SpermActin Forte is an effective and safe method of treating male infertility.

Experimental evidence that winning or losing a fight does not affect sperm quality in a field cricket

AbstractFighting is a powerful social experience that can affect male reproductive behavior, including ejaculatory strategies. Whereas winners may monopolize females, losers may instead perceive high sperm competition and limited future mating opportunities, and accordingly enhance ejaculate quality to maximize their reproductive success. In male field crickets Gryllus bimaculatus that fight aggressively for control of breeding territories, winners are known to possess sperm of lower quality (viability) compared to losers, but it remains unclear whether this is due to short‐term fighting consequences. To test if the fighting experience per se (winning or losing) affects male adjustment of sperm viability, we subjected males to winning and losing experiences by staging fights against size‐matched rivals of known fighting ability. These rivals were males that previously won or lost a fight and, due to “winner‐loser effects” kept winning or losing subsequent contests. We sampled sperm prior and after the fight and twice in control males with no fighting experience and found no differences in sperm viability across measures. We conclude that males do not tailor their ejaculate quality following a single fight, or based on its outcome. Intrinsic differences in other attributes between winners and loser phenotypes may explain differences in sperm quality previously described in this system.

Influence of environmental factors on the qualitative and quantitative parameters of male ejaculate (literature review)

Today it is important to study the problem of male infertility, as well as to identify the factors of its occurrence. The purpose of the work is to evaluate the overall picture of the quality of ejaculate during the last 50 years and to determine the reasons for such changes. More than 40 literary sources were published for thorough analysis in the period 1984–2018 (the share of new references is 20%). There was a decrease in sperm concentration by 1.5% / year, total sperm count — 1.6% / year, total sperm motility — 0.4% / year, decrease in the percentage of progressive motility sperm by 5.5% / year and with normal morphology 2.2% / year. One of the main reasons for the deterioration of sperm quality is the impact of negative environmental factors — chemical and radioactive contamination, as well as electromagnetic radiation. Among the most toxic substances are the heavy metals, pesticides, bisphenol A, phthalates, polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxin and its derivatives. Thus, over the last 50 years there has been a decline in the qualitative and quantitative indices of ejaculate men worldwide. One of the reasons is the worsening environmental situation.