Reduced Sperm Concentration Research Articles

Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of testicular degeneration in the bull

Testicular degeneration in the bull is described as diffuse disintegration of seminiferous tubule structure and function causing a profound reduction in sperm concentration, scrotal circumference, and an increase in sperm morphologic abnormalities resulting in subfertility or permanent infertility. Degenerative changes within the seminiferous epithelium occur most commonly after an insult to spermatogenesis or may be idiopathic. Common insults include trauma, stress (environmental, heat, nutritional), or toxins. Idiopathic is most often associated with age-related changes. Clinical signs of testicular degeneration are discussed along with approaches to treatment and potential prognoses as related to treatment and management practices that can be employed by the general practitioner and specialist alike. This review will also encompass a discussion on the pathophysiology of this disease so that the practitioner has a detailed understanding of the disease, which improves their ability to employ evidence-based medicine and sound clinical reasoning.

MP79-08 EFFECT OF HORMONE THERAPY ON SEMEN ANALYSIS PARAMETERS IN ADOLESCENT TRANSGENDER FEMALES

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP79-08 EFFECT OF HORMONE THERAPY ON SEMEN ANALYSIS PARAMETERS IN ADOLESCENT TRANSGENDER FEMALES Sai Allu, Sreeya Komaravolu, Mark Sigman, Gabriella Avellino, and Sarah Moore Sai AlluSai Allu More articles by this author , Sreeya KomaravoluSreeya Komaravolu More articles by this author , Mark SigmanMark Sigman More articles by this author , Gabriella AvellinoGabriella Avellino More articles by this author , and Sarah MooreSarah Moore More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003356.08AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Feminizing transgender patients represent an important urological patient population with unique healthcare needs. Although not every patient chooses to cryopreserve, everyone should be given the option. Hormone therapy (HT) is often started prior to proceeding with surgical orchiectomy. Research has suggested that transgender females on HT have reduced semen analysis (SA) parameters compared to cisgender patients, including reduced sperm concentration and motility. [1,2] There is limited information regarding fertility preservation by transgender patients on HT. The goal of this study is to report cryopreservation outcomes by adolescent feminizing transgender patients who are currently on HT. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed charts of donors with our Men’s Health Center for direct donations to the sperm bank between 01/2011 to 07/2022. Inclusion criteria included adolescent age (16–24 years old) and the use of HT within three months of cryopreservation. Patient data collected included patient demographics, type of hormone therapy, and SA parameters. RESULTS: Five transgender patients were found who were on HT within three months prior to their semen cryopreservation and analysis. Their median age was 18 (range 16–22). Three patients were on spironolactone, one patient was on estradiol, and one patient was on a combination of both medications. All four patients on single-medication HT had normal concentration and motility on their semen analysis, as defined by the WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Process of Human Semen (Table 1). Three of four patients on single HT had normal volume. The patient on combination HT demonstrated lowered overall SA parameters. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest cohort of adolescent feminizing transgender patients on hormone therapy in which fertility preservation has been described. Semen cryopreservation could be a viable method for fertility preservation among this patient population who have already initiated hormonal therapies, specifically spironolactone or estradiol. Patients on single HT appear to have improved semen analysis parameters compared to patients on combination HT. Future studies are needed to further characterize fertility preservation with specific information on duration and dosage of HT, as well as outcomes of cryopreservation. Source of Funding: N/A © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e1144 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Sai Allu More articles by this author Sreeya Komaravolu More articles by this author Mark Sigman More articles by this author Gabriella Avellino More articles by this author Sarah Moore More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

ADGB variants cause asthenozoospermia and male infertility.

Asthenozoospermia is one of the main factors leading to male infertility, but the genetic mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Variants in the androglobin (ADGB) gene were identified in an infertile male characterized by asthenozoospermia. The variants disrupted the binding of ADGB to calmodulin. Adgb-/- male mice were infertile due to reduced sperm concentration (< 1 × 106 /mL) and motility. Spermatogenesis was also abnormal, with malformation of both elongating and elongated spermatids, and there was an approximately twofold increase in apoptotic cells in the cauda epididymis. These exacerbated the decline in sperm motility. It is surprising that ICSI with testicular spermatids allows fertilization and eventually develops into blastocyst. Through mass spectrometry, we identified 42 candidate proteins that are involved in sperm assembly, flagella formation, and sperm motility interacting with ADGB. In particular, CFAP69 and SPEF2 were confirmed to bind to ADGB. Collectively, our study suggests the potential important role of ADGB in human fertility, revealing its relevance to spermatogenesis and infertility. This expands our knowledge of the genetic causes of asthenozoospermia and provides a theoretical basis for using ADGB as an underlying genetic marker for infertile males.

Semen parameters and male reproductive potential are not adversely affected after three or more months of recovery from COVID-19 disease.

The male reproductive system may be a potential target for SARS-CoV-2 since the presence of ACE and TMPRS2 receptors. After a first report of the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in semen of COVID-19 patients, several papers reported that SARS-CoV-2 was not detected in the semen. However, some evidences indicated that COVID-19 disease could impair semen parameters. During the infection, or in a short period after, a reduction in sperm concentration and motility and an increase in DNA fragmentation were observed, even in asymptomatic patients. There is no conclusive data exploring whether this damage changes with time. We investigated whether COVID-19 disease has a negative impact on semen parameters and male reproductive potential after recovery. In this longitudinal retrospective study, we enrolled 20 men who had COVID-19 disease. We compared sperm parameters in samples collected before COVID-19 and after infection (8.3 ± 4.8 months). We also evaluated the reproductive potential in pre- and post-COVID-19 infertility treatments of 8 self-controlled couples as well as in 40 cycles after COVID-19 infection of the male partner. For most patients, we obtained results of more than one semen analysis before and after COVID-19. After adjusting for age, days of sexual abstinence, frequency of ejaculations and presence of fever, we found no significant difference over time in any semen parameter. The interval between COVID-19 infection and subsequent infertility treatments was 10.7 ± 7.5 months. There were no differences in the embryological and clinical outcomes of infertility treatments performed before and after male infection. One couple obtained a single pregnancy in the post COVID-19 IUI. Normal fertilization (65%), cleavage (99%) and blastocyst development (40%) rates in treatments performed after male infection were within the expected range of competencies. A total of 5 singleton and 1 twin clinical pregnancies were obtained, and 6 healthy children were born. A total of 10 blastocysts have been cryopreserved. Our data are reassuring that COVID-19 disease has no negative effect on semen quality and male reproductive potential when semen samples are collected three months or more after infection.

Biallelic mutations in CFAP54 cause male infertility with severe MMAF and NOA

BackgroundSpermatogenic impairments can lead to male infertility by different pathological conditions, such as multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Genetic factors are involved in...

Association between COVID-19 and Male Fertility: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.

Whether COVID-19 reduces male fertility remains requires further investigation. This meta-analysis and systematic review evaluated the impact of COVID-19 on male fertility. The literature in PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to January 01, 2022 was systematically searched, and a meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the effect of COVID-19 on male fertility. Totally 17 studies with a total of 1,627 patients and 1,535 control subjects were included in our meta-analysis. Regarding sperm quality, COVID-19 decreased the total sperm count (p=0.012), sperm concentration (p=0.001), total motility (p=0.001), progressive sperm motility (p=0.048), and viability (p=0.031). Subgroup analyses showed that different control group populations did not change the results. It was found that during the illness stage of COVID-19, semen volume decreased, and during the recovery stage of COVID-19, sperm concentration and total motility decreased <90 days. We found that sperm concentration and total motility decreased during recovery for ≥90 days. Fever because of COVID-19 significantly reduced sperm concentration and progressive sperm motility, and COVID-19 without fever ≥90 days, the sperm total motility and progressive sperm motility decreased. Regarding disease severity, the moderate type of COVID-19 significantly reduced sperm total motility, but not the mild type. Regarding sex hormones, COVID-19 increased prolactin and estradiol. Subgroup analyses showed that during the illness stage, COVID-19 decreased testosterone (T) levels and increased luteinizing hormone levels. A potential publication bias may have existed in our meta-analysis. COVID-19 in men significantly reduced sperm quality and caused sex hormone disruption. COVID-19 had long-term effects on sperm quality, especially on sperm concentration and total motility. It is critical to conduct larger multicenter studies to determine the consequences of COVID-19 on male fertility.

Y-chromosome haplogroups and Azoospermia Factor (AZF) analysis in Tunisian infertile male

The aim of the present study was to clarify the implication of Y chromosome genetic variations and haplogroups in Tunisian infertile men. A total of 27 Y-chromosomal binary markers partial microdeletions (gr/gr, b1/b3 and b2/b3) and copy number variation of DAZ and CDY genes in the AZFc region were analysed in 131 Tunisian infertile men with spermatogenic failure and severe reduced sperm concentrations and in 85 normospermic men as controls. Eleven different haplogroups in the overall population study (E3b2; J1J*, E1, E3b*, F, G, K, P/Q, R*, R1* and R1a1) were found. Interestingly, the J1J* haplogroup was significantly more frequent in azoo/oligospermic patients than in normospermic men (35.1% and 22.3%, respectively (p value = 0.04)). Results showed also that patients without DAZ/CDY1 copies loss and without partial microdeletions belonged to the R1 haplogroup. The relative high frequencies of two haplogroups, E3b2 (35.1%) and J (30%) was confirmed in Tunisia. We reported in the present study and for the first time, that J1J* haplogroup may confer a risk factor for infertility in the Tunisian population and we suggested that R1 haplogroup may ensure certain stability to Y-chromosome in Tunisian men.

Fertility Impairment after Trekking at High Altitude: A Proof of Mechanisms on Redox and Metabolic Seminal Changes.

Many authors described negative but reversible effects of high-altitude hypoxic exposure on animal and human fertility in terms of sperm concentration, function, and biochemical alterations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute and chronic effects of high-altitude exposure on classical sperm parameters, redox status, and membrane composition in a group of travellers. Five healthy Italian males, all lowlanders not accustomed to the altitude, were evaluated after 19 days-trekking through low, moderate, and high altitudes in the Himalayas. Sperm samples were collected before (Pre), 10 days after (Post), and 70 days after the end of the expedition (Follow-up). Sperm concentration, cholesterol and oxysterol membrane content, and redox status were measured. Hypoxic trek led to a significant reduction in sperm concentration (p < 0.001, η2p = 0.91), with a reduction from Pre to Post (71.33 ± 38.81 to 60.65 ± 34.63 × 106/mL) and a further reduction at Follow-up (to 37.13 ± 39.17 × 106/mL). The seminal volume was significantly affected by the hypoxic trek (p = 0.001, η2p = 0.75) with a significant reduction from Pre to Post (2.86 ± 0.75 to 1.68 ± 0.49 mL) and with partial recovery at Follow-up (to 2.46 ± 0.45 mL). Moreover, subjects had an increase in ROS production (+86%), and a decrease in antioxidant capacity (−37%) in the Post period with partial recovery at Follow-up. These results integrated the hormonal response on thyroid function, hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal axis, and the prolactin/cortisol pathways previously reported. An uncontrolled ROS production, rather than a compromised antioxidant activity, was likely the cause of impaired sperm quality. The reduction in fertility status observed in this study may lie in an evolutionary Darwinian explanation, i.e., limiting reproduction due to the “adaptive disadvantage” offered by the combined stressors of high-altitude hypoxia and daily physical exercise.

Impact of cancer on cryopreserved sperm quality and fertility: A cohort study.

BackgroundSperm quality at cancer diagnosis is often compromised by the disease and any given gonadotoxic treatment will further diminish fertility.ObjectivesHere, we aim to analyze the cryopreserved sperm quality according to the cancer types as well as the fertility outcomes.MethodsOur study included all cancer patients who cryopreserved sperm over 20 years at Erasme Hospital Brussels (from 1999 to 2019). First sperm samples from 111 hematologic, 104 testicular, 19 prostate, 28 gastrointestinal, and 16 neurological cancer patients were compared.ResultsOligozoo‐asthenozoospermia was observed in 30% of the samples, including 19.33% with severe oligozoospermia (<5 million/ml). Our results showed a significant reduction in sperm concentration among testicular cancer (p < 0.01). No significant differences in progressive motility, sperm volume, and number of frozen straws were observed. Significant correlations were found between sperm concentration and cancer type (p <0.01) as well as patients' age (p <0.01). Twenty‐eight cancer survivors returned for using their cryopreserved sperm (9.33%), fertilization rate was 60.5% and implantation rate was 29.6%. There was no correlation between sperm concentration and fertility outcomes.ConclusionOur results confirm the negative impact of cancer on sperm quality without affecting assisted reproductive technology (ART) success rate, which is utterly important as a male reproductive health perspective. All cancer patients should be counselled and offered fertility preservation options as a gold standard.

P-091 Semen parameters and male reproductive potential are not negatively affected after recovery from COVID-19 disease

Study questionDoes COVID-19 disease negatively impact on male fertility after adequate time of recovery?Summary answerCOVID-19 disease did not impact on semen parameters and male reproductive potential in infertile patients, when semen was collected at least three months after recoveryWhat is known alreadyThe male reproductive system may be a potential target for SARS-CoV-2 since the presence of ACE and TMPRS2 receptors. After a first report of the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in semen of COVID-19 patients, several papers reported that SARS-CoV-2 was not detected in the semen. However, some evidences indicated that COVID-19 disease could impair semen parameters. During the infection, or in a short period after, a reduction in sperm concentration (up to cases of azoospermia) and motility and an increase in DNA fragmentation were observed. There are no conclusive data exploring if these damages persist.Study design, size, durationIn this longitudinal prospective study, performed at a tertiary level public fertility center from February 2020 to December 2021 we enrolled 20 men who had COVID-19 disease (1 severe, 15 mild/moderate, and 4 asymptomatic). We compared sperm parameters in semen samples collected before COVID-19 and at least three months after recovery (median=6 months, IQR 4-9). We also evaluated the reproductive potential of 18 men who performed ART cycles after the recovery.Participants/materials, setting, methodsFor each man we compared semen parameters before the COVID-19 disease and at least three months after recovery. Semen samples were analyzed following WHO guidelines. Medians and interquartile ranges (IQRs) were reported. The impact of COVID-19 on endpoints (semen volume, concentration, motility) was evaluated by Wilcoxon rank sum test. A subset of 18 patients performed ART cycles after COVID-19 recovery. Outcomes of these cycles were compared with reference performance indicators set at our center.Main results and the role of chanceComparing median semen volume and progressive motility before (2.9 ml, IQR 2.0-3.5; 38.5%, IQR 30.0-52.5) and after COVID-19 (2.5 ml, IQR 2.0-3.6; 40%, IQR 30.0-47.5) we did not find any statistical difference (p = 0.766 and p = 0.782, respectively). We observed an improvement of median sperm concentration after disease recovery (before COVID-19: 26.0 million/ml, IQR 16-37, after: 68.0 million/ml, IQR 29.5-93.5, p = 0. 003), which may be due to intra-individual variability and to patients’ management at our center (i.e., oral antioxidant treatments, other therapies, higher ejaculatory frequency). On the whole, semen parameters did not worsen although the median age of patients obviously increased (36.5 years, IQR 33.8-38 versus 37.5 years, IQR 35.9-39.6). Eighteen couples performed 29 ART cycles after recovery from COVID-19 disease of the male partners (12 IUI, 8 FIVET, 9 ICSI of which one from frozen oocytes). Fertilization, cleavage and top-quality rates were within the normal reference ranges of our center. A total of 6 clinical pregnancies were achieved (5 singletons and 1 twin). One gestation ended in a successful healthy newborn, whereas the remining 5 pregnancies are ongoing. A total of 10 blastocysts were vitrificated in 4 cycles, thus further embryo transfers will be performed.Limitations, reasons for cautionThe main limitations of the study are: small sample size, limited generalizability because no data were collected in fertile patients.Wider implications of the findingsOur data are reassuring about the effect of COVID-19 disease on male fertility, if semen samples are collected at least three months after recovery from infection.Trial registration numbernot applicable

P-117 A novel method to select spermatozoa with the best morphokinetic characteristics and superior genomic integrity

Abstract Study question Can an automated device based on membrane electrophoresis be used to select spermatozoa with superior morphokinetic characteristics and lower sperm chromatin fragmentation (SCF)? Summary answer Albeit at an expense of concentration, a membrane-electrophoretic device was able to isolate a proportion of spermatozoa with the highest motility, morphology, and genomic integrity. What is known already Conventional sperm selection based on density gradient centrifugation (DGC) can enhance the proportion of progressively motile spermatozoa; however, DGC methods are limited in their ability to select spermatozoa with higher genomic integrity. Membrane-based microfluidic technologies (MFSS) have already been used clinically to select for spermatozoa with a superior chromatin status; however, these methods are based on the intrinsic characteristics of motile spermatozoa capable of selecting themselves. By incorporating an extrinsic electrophoretic drive, membrane electrophoresis would overcome a limitation of progressive motility in the semen sample and be able to isolate viable gametes with better morphology and reduced SCF. Study design, size, duration From August 2020 to December 2021, semen samples from 68 men were evaluated by standard semen analysis and simultaneously processed by DGC or a novel membrane-electrophoretic sperm sorter (EPSS) to select for progressively motile spermatozoa. Concentration, motility, progressive motility, morphology, and SCF were measured and compared between raw, DGC-, and EPSS-processed specimens. Participants/materials, setting, methods Fresh ejaculates were evaluated by standard semen analysis according to WHO 2021 criteria. Following complete liquefaction, specimens were divided into two equal aliquots for DGC and EPSS sorting. SCF was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay under fluorescent microscopy; at least 500 spermatozoa were evaluated for each specimen with a normal threshold of ≤ 15%. Main results and the role of chance A total of 68 men with an average age of 38.1±6 years had the following average semen parameters: volume of 3.1±1 mL, concentration of 58.2±33 x106/mL, 43.3±9% motility, 40.5±9% forward progression motility, and a normal morphology of 2.9±0.8%. When comparing the final parameters between the EPSS and DGC methods, despite a reduced sperm concentration (7.3±9 x106/mL vs 45.0±36 x106/mL, P&amp;lt;0.0001, respectively), EPSS was highly selective for motile spermatozoa, yielding significantly higher motility (93.1±16% vs. 86.8±15% P&amp;lt;0.0001) and forward progressive motility (92.3±17% vs 85.2±15%, P&amp;lt;0.0001). Despite an overall lower sperm recovery rate (21.4±25% vs 75.4±17%, P&amp;lt;0.0001), normal morphology improved to 3.4±0.8% (P&amp;lt;0.0001) after EPSS but remained unchanged in the DGC-processed sample. Although both EPSS and DGC improved SCF from 12.2±9% in the raw specimen to 4.8±6% and 6.6±7% (P &amp;lt; 0.0001), respectively, EPSS outperformed DGC (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Moreover, the DGC method took up to 60 min to process, whereas the EPSS technique took a total of 6 min. Limitations, reasons for caution The selection of spermatozoa by EPSS is a promising technique to isolate progressively motile spermatozoa with enhanced morphology and superior chromatin integrity, albeit at a lower concentration. This is a preliminary study; the benefit and safety of this method must be further demonstrated by insemination or IVF treatment. Wider implications of the findings A membrane electrophoresis device may be a viable alternative method to MFSS to identify spermatozoa with superior morphokinetic characteristics and intact chromatin. Moreover, incorporating an automated device can reduce gamete processing time while minimizing labor costs and inter-operator errors. Trial registration number N/A

Protective Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Along with Fe2O3 Nanoparticles On Sperm Parameters in Rats with Scrotal Hyperthermia: Effects of CoQ 10 and Fe2O3 Nanoparticles On Sperm Parameters.

Background: One of the most important factors in reducing the birth rate is male infertility, and one of the main reasons for male infertility is scrotal hyperthermia (SH). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the protective effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) along with Fe2O3 nanoparticles on semen parameters in rats with SH. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight adult male Wistar rats were divided into eight groups: healthy control, control group receiving Fe2O3 nanoparticles, control group receiving CoQ10, control group receiving Fe2O3 nanoparticles plus CoQ10, SH group, SH group receiving CoQ10, SH group receiving Fe2O3 nanoparticle, and SH group receiving Fe2O3 nanoparticles plus CoQ10. After killing rats, semen was collected from epididymal tissue, and parameters such as sperm viability, motility, concentration, and morphology were studied. Results: SH significantly reduced sperm concentration, motility, and viability, as well as altering sperm morphology in rats. Nevertheless, CoQ10 strongly improved sperm parameters in SH rats. Fe2O3 nanoparticles led to a sharp decrease in sperm parameters; however, during the simultaneous administration of Fe2O3 nanoparticles with CoQ10, improvement in sperm parameters was seen in the SH rats. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that CoQ10, along with Fe2O3 nanoparticles, has a protective effect against spermatogenic cell death induced by SH. Thus, green synthesis of nanoparticles with the administration of antioxidants, including CoQ10 is recommended for the treatment of SH.

Особливості розвитку репродуктивної системи щурів нащадків чоловічої статі, що народжені від батька, який до спаровування отримував фітоестрогени

The purpose of the study was the research of the influence of rats father's excessive consumption of phytoestrogens on somato-sexual development and reproductive function of male offspring. Materials and methods. Male parents were fed with a mixture of phytoestrogens before mating with intact females at a dose of 20 mg/kg of body weight for 30 days. In reproductive animals, reproductive function was studied for such characteristics as sexual behavior, fertility, spermogram, the mass of androgen-dependent organs was determined, and the level of sex hormones was determined. Experimental parents were divided into two groups: 1) intact, 2) males who received excess phytoestrogens. After the birth of male offspring from these parents, their reproductive system was examined. Results and discussion. Prolonged administration of phytoestrogens to mature male parents (parents) causes absolute and relative hyperestrogenism (five-fold increase in E2 and vice versa reduction of T/E2 three-fold), which leads to a decrease in copulatory activity (reduction of the number of nurseries and intromissions by 28%), violation of spermatogenesis (reduction of sperm concentration by 39%, doubling the proportion of abnormal forms), at the same time does not affect the reproductive potential of male who were born to fathers who received an excess consumption of phytoestrogens. The presence of excess compounds with estrogenic activity in the diet of adult males in the preconsumption period leads to the birth of male offspring, which have reduced testosterone levels (25%) in the critical period of sexual differentiation of the brain (5 days of life). Descendants of the male sex of the phytoestrogenized father have a normal course of somatic development but are characterized by impaired sexual development (less anogenital distance by 13%) and delayed lowering of the testicles into the scrotum, lower body weight in adulthood (28.2% in 150 day rats). Reproductive function of the offspring of phytoestrogenized father is characterized by differences in sexual behavior: less copulatory activity – 50%, less number intromission, the number of males with ejaculation is 10%; delayed sexual reactions; and lower reproductive potential (two-fold reduction of the integrated indicator of potential fertility of animals). Decreased reproductive potential of the offspring, who were born to fathers who received an excess consumption of phytoestrogens, occurs due to a decrease in the proportion of effective fertilization (pregnant females among those fertilized only 60%), indicating negative changes in sperm, the development of which, starting from the stage of spermatocytes, occurred in conditions of absolute and relative hyperestrogenism. Conclusion. The male who were born to fathers who received an excess consumption of phytoestrogens, have complications in the functioning of the reproductive system

Mixture analysis of associations between exposure to low levels of multiple metals and semen quality and sperm DNA integrity

The objective of this study was to assess the association of exposure to metal mixtures with semen quality and sperm DNA integrity of coke oven workers (n = 96). Urinary six metals (cadmium, lead, arsenic, zinc, selenium, and copper) were quantified using inductively coupled-mass spectrometry. Semen quality parameters included sperm concentration, sperm concentration, sperm motility, sperm morphology, and sperm viability. Sperm DNA fragmentation and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodGuo) adducts served as biomarkers for assessing sperm DNA integrity. Bayesian kernel machine regression with the hierarchical variable selection process was used for analyzing both individual and joint effects of the metal mixture on the outcomes of semen samples, while adjusting for age, smoking, alcohol consumption, job length, and body mass index. The metal mixture was associated with reduced sperm concentration, motility, viability, and normal morphology. It was novel that a dose-response relationship was observed between exposure of the metal mixture and semen quality. Among the metals tested, cadmium had a reverse relationship with sperm motility, viability, and normal morphology, and a non-linear relationship with sperm viability and sperm motility. The metal mixture and individual metals were not associated with sperm DNA fragmentation and 8-oxodGuo. In conclusion, exposure to metal mixtures and cadmium may exert an association with semen quality and had no association with sperm DNA breakages.

Formaldehyde and anti-fertility: correlation between testicular cytoarchitecture and semen analysis

The anti-fertility effect of formaldehyde was investigated on the testicular cytoarchitecture and semen of Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to formaldehyde by inhalation. Thirty adult male rats were randomly selected into three (3) groups of ten (10) rats each. The treatment group 2 and group 3 were exposed to 40% stock concentration of formaldehyde for 1 min/m2 and 2 min/m2 respectively daily for four (4) weeks of experimental period. The control group (group 1) was allowed free access to natural air throughout the experimental period. Testis was dissected out following cervical dislocation and fixed in Bouins fluid for histological processing. Caudal Epididymis was also dissected out and suspended in 1ml of Hams F- 10 solution for estimation of sperm concentration and motility. Semen analysis revealed a significant reduction in sperm concentration and sperm motility in the treated groups. Histological alterations in the seminiferous tubule and degeneration of spermatogenic cells were observed in the treated groups compared with the control. Reduction in sperm concentration and motility and histological alteration of the testes in the treated rats showed that formaldehyde might have toxicity on the reproductive organ.

Identifying the dose response relationship between seminal metal at low levels and semen quality using restricted cubic spline function

Environmental exposure to metals, including essential and nonessential elements, may be related to semen quality. Our goal was to explore the continuous relationship between seminal metals and sperm parameters. A restricted cubic spline (RCS) was applied to automatic selection criteria to ascertain the optimal smoothing degree. We recruited 841 male volunteers from Henan Province, China. Eighteen seminal metals, namely Al, Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, Se, As, Ni, Cd, Pb, Co, V, Rb, Ag, Ba, TI, Fe, and Li, and 21 semen parameters were detected. Seminal malondialdehyde (MDA) was also detected to express oxidative stress. We revealed a non-linear relationship of the vanadium and chromium exposure to semen parameters. There were inverse ‘U’ shapes found between seminal Cr and sperm concentrations, total sperm count, and semen quality. The best semen quality was observed when the seminal Cr concentration was 5.05 ppb, and an increase or decrease in chromium concentration led to decreased semen quality. The V concentration was associated with reduced sperm concentration, total sperm count, normal morphology, and progressive motility at high doses (V > 0.58 ppb). Seminal MDA had a strong adverse association with sperm motility parameters, such as curve line velocity (VCL) (P < 0.001), straight line velocity (VSL) (P = 0.004), velocity of average path (VAP) (P < 0.001), and lateral head movement (ALH) (P = 0.001), whereas it was adversely associated with seminal Zn (β [95% confidence interval (CI)], −0.28(-0.41–0.16), P < 0.001) after adjusting for confounding factors. Our findings represent the curves of the dose-response relationship between seminal Cr, seminal V, and semen quality, in which seminal MDA was a good indicator of sperm movement. These models provide new insight into the dose-relationship between metal exposure and semen quality, and further investigation is needed to validate this.

Deep Metabolomic Profiling Reveals Alterations in Fatty Acid Synthesis and Ketone Body Degradations in Spermatozoa and Seminal Plasma of Astheno-Oligozoospermic Bulls.

Male fertility is extremely important in dairy animals because semen from a single bull is used to inseminate several thousand females. Asthenozoospermia (reduced sperm motility) and oligozoospermia (reduced sperm concentration) are the two important reasons cited for idiopathic infertility in crossbred bulls; however, the etiology remains elusive. In this study, using a non-targeted liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry-based approach, we carried out a deep metabolomic analysis of spermatozoa and seminal plasma derived from normozoospermic and astheno-oligozoospermic bulls. Using bioinformatics tools, alterations in metabolites and metabolic pathways between normozoospermia and astheno-oligozoospermia were elucidated. A total of 299 and 167 metabolites in spermatozoa and 183 and 147 metabolites in seminal plasma were detected in astheno-oligozoospermic and normozoospermic bulls, respectively. Among the mapped metabolites, 75 sperm metabolites were common to both the groups, whereas 166 and 50 sperm metabolites were unique to astheno-oligozoospermic and normozoospermic bulls, respectively. Similarly, 86 metabolites were common to both the groups, whereas 45 and 37 seminal plasma metabolites were unique to astheno-oligozoospermic and normozoospermic bulls, respectively. Among the differentially expressed metabolites, 62 sperm metabolites and 56 seminal plasma metabolites were significantly dysregulated in astheno-oligozoospermic bulls. In spermatozoa, selenocysteine, deoxyuridine triphosphate, and nitroprusside showed significant enrichment in astheno-oligozoospermic bulls. In seminal plasma, malonic acid, 5-diphosphoinositol pentakisphosphate, D-cysteine, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate were significantly upregulated, whereas tetradecanoyl-CoA was significantly downregulated in the astheno-oligozoospermia. Spermatozoa from astheno-oligozoospermic bulls showed alterations in the metabolism of fatty acid and fatty acid elongation in mitochondria pathways, whereas seminal plasma from astheno-oligozoospermic bulls showed alterations in synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies, pyruvate metabolism, and inositol phosphate metabolism pathways. The present study revealed vital information related to semen metabolomic differences between astheno-oligozoospermic and normospermic crossbred breeding bulls. It is inferred that fatty acid synthesis and ketone body degradations are altered in the spermatozoa and seminal plasma of astheno-oligozoospermic crossbred bulls. These results open up new avenues for further research, and current findings can be applied for the modulation of identified pathways to restore sperm motility and concentration in astheno-oligozoospermic bulls.

Inter- and trans-generational effects of gestational ghrelin imbalance on development and reproduction in the mouse.

We have demonstrated that ghrelin (Ghrl) participates in fetal programming, since intragestational hyperghrelinaemia increased pup's growth and a Ghrl-receptor antagonist accelerated offspring's sexual maturation and impaired their adult reproductive function. Now, we aim to analyse if these phenotypic changes (found in F1) also occurred in F2 and/or F3 generations. We treated mice dams (F0), with 4nmol/animal/day of Ghrl or 6nmol/animal/day of an antagonist [Ant:(d -Lys3)GHRP6] from day 1 of pregnancy until delivery. When F1 female pups reached adulthood, they were paired to obtain F2, and subsequently, F2 females were paired to obtain F3. Parameters evaluated in F2 and F3 pups were: growth, physical development, neurobiological maturation, puberty onset and in adulthood, reproductive function. The F2 and F3 Ant groups showed a significant increase in litter size. Although no differences were detected in the weight of these pups at birth, in adulthood, they were heavier. At F3, pups from the Ant group showed advanced incisors eruption and eye opening compared to controls. Furthermore, F3 male pups from the Ant group showed earlier testis descent, although in adulthood, these males exhibited reduced sperm concentration in comparison to Ghrl. No differences were detected in F2 or F3 females regarding puberty onset or reproduction. Some fetal programming effects of Ghrl seen in F1, also appeared transgenerationally. Since many women at reproductive age suffer from conditions with reduced Ghrl levels (i.e. obesity or polycystic ovarian syndrome), these results could be relevant to the health of their descendants.

Effects of Coenzyme Q10 and Diamond Nanoparticles on Ischemia-Reperfusion-Induced Testicular Damages in Rats

Background:Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) induced by testicular torsion can damage the testicles. In the present study, we assessed the effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and diamond nanoparticles on sperm parameters in I/R testes in rats.Materials and Methods:Forty-eight Wistar adult male rats were divided into eight groups: healthy control (Ch), diamond nanoparticle healthy control group (Ch+Dia), CoQ10 healthy control group (Ch+Q10), diamond nanoparticles+CoQ10 healthy control group (Ch+Q10+Dia), torsion/detorsion group (Ct), the Ct group that received diamond nanoparticles (Ct+Dia), the Ct group that received CoQ10 (Ct+Q10), and Ct group that received diamond nanoparticles and CoQ10 (Ct+Q10+Dia). The rats were euthanized, and we collected the semen from the epididymal tissues to evaluate sperm viability, motility, concentration, and morphology parameters.Results:The I/R of the testicles significantly reduced sperm concentration, motility, viability, and altered sperm morphology in the rats. However, the administration of CoQ10 significantly improved sperm parameters in the rats with testicular I/R. Diamond nanoparticles decreased the sperm parameters; however, simultaneous administration of diamond nanoparticles and CoQ10 led to improved sperm parameters. Conclusion:CoQ10 potentially appeared to have protective effects against the long-term side-effects of I/R in testes in rats. Co-administration of diamond nanoparticles with CoQ10 significantly improved sperm parameters and greatly reduced the negative effects of diamond nanoparticles alone. Therefore, green synthesis of nanoparticles with the use of antioxidants such as CoQ10 is recommended.

Effects of Coenzyme Q10 and Diamond Nanoparticles on Ischemia-Reperfusion-Induced Testicular Damages in Rats

Background: Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) induced by testicular torsion can damage the testicles. In the present study, we assessed the effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and diamond nanoparticles on sperm parameters in I/R testes in rats. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight Wistar adult male rats were divided into eight groups: healthy control (Ch), diamond nanoparticle healthy control group (Ch+Dia), CoQ10 healthy control group (Ch+Q10), diamond nanoparticles+CoQ10 healthy control group (Ch+Q10+Dia), torsion/detorsion group (Ct), the Ct group that received diamond nanoparticles (Ct+Dia), the Ct group that received CoQ10 (Ct+Q10), and Ct group that received diamond nanoparticles and CoQ10 (Ct+Q10+Dia). The rats were euthanized, and we collected the semen from the epididymal tissues to evaluate sperm viability, motility, concentration, and morphology parameters. Results: The I/R of the testicles significantly reduced sperm concentration, motility, viability, and altered sperm morphology in the rats. However, the administration of CoQ10 significantly improved sperm parameters in the rats with testicular I/R. Diamond nanoparticles decreased the sperm parameters; however, simultaneous administration of diamond nanoparticles and CoQ10 led to improved sperm parameters. Conclusion: CoQ10 potentially appeared to have protective effects against the long-term side-effects of I/R in testes in rats. Co-administration of diamond nanoparticles with CoQ10 significantly improved sperm parameters and greatly reduced the negative effects of diamond nanoparticles alone. Therefore, green synthesis of nanoparticles with the use of antioxidants such as CoQ10 is recommended. [GMJ.2021;10:e2029]