Semen Quality Research Articles

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 1008 Promotes Reproductive Function and Cognitive Activity in Aged Male Mice with High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obesity by Altering Metabolic Parameters and Alleviating Testicular Oxidative Damage, Inflammation and Apoptosis

The effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 1008 (LP1008) on age-related cognitive impairment and skeletal muscle atrophy have been reported previously. However, its role in obesity- and age-related hypogonadism has yet to be explored. This study investigates the therapeutic efficacy of low- and high-dose LP1008 in a high-fat-diet-fed male mouse model. Mice at 37 weeks of age were fed a standard diet (n = 8) or a 45% high-fat diet for 28 weeks, and the high-fat-diet-fed mice were divided into vehicle, low-dose and high-dose LP1008 groups (n = 8 per group) on the basis of the treatment administered for an additional 8 weeks. We found that LP1008 suppressed the increases in total cholesterol levels and liver function parameters and alleviated histological changes in the brain, ileum, gastrocnemius muscle and testes. In terms of reproductive function, LP1008 attenuated the decreases in sperm quality, sperm maturity, testosterone levels and levels of enzymes involved in testosterone biosynthesis. Furthermore, LP1008 altered impairments in spatial learning and memory and induced slight alterations in the gut microbiota. Moreover, LP1008 exerted antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects in aged, obese male mice. LP1008 reversed diet-induced obesity, age-related reproductive dysfunction and pathological damage by increasing testosterone levels and altering the gut microbiome through the regulation of mediators involved in oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammation.

Association Between Reduced Upstream Riparian Forest Cover and Impaired Development of Embryos From Eastern Hellbenders (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis)

ABSTRACT Populations of the Eastern Hellbender, (a large‐bodied, fully aquatic salamander) inhabiting stream reaches with low catchment‐wide riparian forest cover upstream, have experienced population declines and a shift toward a geriatric population age structure. These population declines and demographic shifts might be attributed to reduced embryo viability. Reduced egg quality/viability could negatively affect recruitment and has also been known to trigger filial cannibalism in other species. Therefore, we hypothesized that in comparison to high forest cover sites, hellbender eggs collected from low forest cover sites would have a greater incidence of developmental abnormalities and lower overall viability, and that this would predict whole‐clutch cannibalism by the attending male. We collected a subset of eggs (~20–35) from 99 clutches across sites with variable upstream riparian forest cover and reared these eggs through hatching in stream water under controlled laboratory conditions. At the same time, we monitored the fate of the remaining eggs from the same clutches in the field to document the frequency of whole‐clutch filial cannibalism. We found that eggs collected from sites with lower upstream forest cover had significantly shorter embryonic development times and produced a lower percentage of viable hatchlings (hatchlings with normal development times and morphology). The average modelled viability of hatchlings was 70% higher in sites with the highest forest cover compared to our sites with the lowest forest cover. In contrast to our predictions, we did not find evidence to suggest that egg viability in the lab predicted whole‐clutch cannibalism in the field. Although forest cover was a significant predictor of egg viability and underdevelopment, substantial variance in embryonic developmental traits was unaccounted for in our models suggesting that traits associated with adults (e.g., egg and/or sperm quality) may also play a role in determining developmental outcomes. Further experiments are needed to identify what factors (e.g., egg quality, water quality) disrupt the embryonic development of hellbenders as well as the proximate stimulus that causes adult male hellbenders to eat their young. Our results emphasise the importance of restoring and protecting riparian forest cover to conserve sensitive stream species.

Zinc Attenuates Bisphenol A-Induced Reproductive Toxicity in Male Mice by Inhibiting Ferroptosis and Apoptosis Through Improving Zinc Homeostasis.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a contaminant widely found in food packaging that can reduce sperm quality and impair male fertility. Zinc (Zn) is an important antioxidant involved in many important biological functions. The aim of this study was to explore the protective effect and mechanism of Zn on reproductive toxicity induced by BPA. Male ICR mice were divided into a control group, a BPA group and a BPA + Zn group. The results showed that the body weight, sperm count and sperm motility of the animals in the BPA group were significantly reduced, and testicular structure was damaged. BPA decreased the levels of serum total Zn, testis-free zinc, ADH and ALP, upregulated the expression of ZnT4 protein, and down-regulated the expression levels of ZIP8, ZIP14, ZnT1, MT and MTF1 protein, resulting in the imbalance of testicular Zn homeostasis. BPA down-regulates the antioxidant enzymes SOD and GSH-Px, and increases MDA, leading to oxidative stress. BPA up-regulates TF, TFR and STEAP3 and down-regulates SLC7A11, GPX4, FPN1 and FTH protein levels, resulting in abnormal iron metabolism and ferroptosis. BPA down-regulated anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, up-regulated pro-apoptotic markers Bax, caspase-9, caspase-8 and caspase-3, and induced apoptosis. BPA also increased the phosphorylation of JNK and ERK1/2, but did not increase the phosphorylation of P38. Zn significantly increased body weight and sperm quality, improved testicular morphology, down-regulated p-JNK/JNK and p-ERK/ERK levels, improved oxidative stress, and reduced ferroptosis and apoptosis. In conclusion, Zn regulates Zn homeostasis and down-regulates the MAPK signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting ferroptosis and apoptosis, alleviating BPA-induced oxidative stress and ultimately improving male reproductive damage.

The sitting men: A systematic review of spare and working time exposure to sedentariness in relation to semen parameters.

Over the past few decades, several studies have found that semen quality parameters have steadily declined over time. Many hypotheses have been made to explain this finding, among which a sedentary lifestyle has been investigated. To synthesize the current evidence, we performed a systematic review of published papers reporting on the relationship between sedentary habits and semen parameters. Embase and PubMed were systematically searched for papers published in English up to May 2023. We included all full-text observational papers that reported the relationship between sedentariness and semen parameters. Article selection adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Sixteen observational studies were ultimately included, six in healthy men and ten in men from Fertility Clinics. They encompassed a total of 13,509 men, with 9877 being healthy men and 3632 presenting at Fertility Clinics for initial assessment. In terms of semen volume, no association emerged in the six studies involving healthy men: however, results in men referring to fertility clinics mainly showed no association, with one indicating a decline and one higher volume. Twelve studies did not report differences in sperm concentration, while one study in men from Fertility Clinics and two in healthy men observed a decline in this parameter with increasing time spent on TV watching or sedentary posture in spare time. Total sperm count was found to be similar across groups of inactivity, except for one study that showed a significant decrease when men from Fertility Clinics spent more time watching TV. No significant differences were reported in sperm motility across all studies, with only one study, among those addressing sperm morphology, indicating a lower percentage of normal forms in men watching TV more than 3h per day. Finally, three studies conducted in men referring to Fertility Clinics analyzed the sperm DNA fragmentation index. Two of these studies found a higher DNA fragmentation index in men spending more time per day in a sitting posture. This review suggests a weak association between time spent sitting during spare time and sperm concentration, but the findings are inconsistent, highlighting the need for further research.

Impact of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) on Male and Female Fertility

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are responsible for the majority of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), some of which are oncogenic and can cause oropharyngeal or genital cancers. The HPV prevalence at the genital level varies according to the population studied but is higher in the seminal fluid of men suffering from idiopathic infertility than in the general population. The involvement of HPV in male infertility is supported by several studies suggesting that this virus can affect sperm quality by altering sperm DNA integrity, motility, number, viability, and morphology, and by inducing the production of anti-sperm antibodies (ASAs). HPVs may also have an impact on female fertility, mainly by increasing the risk of miscarriage and premature delivery and by altering the implantation of endometrial trophoblastic cells. In addition, an association with vaginal bacterial dysbiosis, notably involving Gardnerella vaginalis, or co-infection with an STI agent, serves as an aggravating factor. The aim of this review is to present current data on the potential role of HPVs in male and female infertility, along with data on infertility prevention and treatment strategies and the impact of vaccination in this context.

BPA Exacerbates Zinc Deficiency-Induced Testicular Tissue Inflammation in Male Mice Through the TNF-α/NF-κB/Caspase8 Signaling Pathway.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that is toxic to reproduction. Zinc (Zn) plays an important role in male reproductive health. Zn deficiency (ZD) can co-exist with BPA. In order to investigate the specific mechanism of reproductive damage caused by BPA exposure in ZD male mice, a mouse model of ZD, BPA exposure, and their combined exposure was established in this study. Forty 4-week-old SPF male ICR mice with an average body weight of 31.7 ± 4.2g were divided into four groups including normal Zn diet group 30mg/(kg•d), BPA exposure group 150mg/(kg•d), zinc deficiency diet group 7.5mg/(kg•d), and BPA + ZD combined exposure group (BPA 150mg/(kg•d) + ZD 7.5mg/(kg•d)). The mice were kept for 8weeks. The results showed that the testicular tissue structure was disturbed, and semen quality, serum Zn, testicular tissue Zn, and testicular tissue free Zn ions were decreased in the BPA-exposed and ZD groups. The expression of zinc transporters (ZIP7, ZIP8, ZIP13, and ZIP14) in testicular tissue was changed. The expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α and IL-1β as well as inflammatory pathway-related proteins (IKB-α, p-IKB-α, NF-κB, p-NF-κB, Caspase8, and Caspase3) were increased, while the expressions of anti-inflammatory cytokines (TGF-β and IL-10) were decreased. The changes in the above indexes in the BPA + ZD group were more obvious. Both BPA exposure and ZD can induce testicular tissue inflammation through the TNF-α/NF-κB/Caspase8 signaling pathway, and BPA further aggravates zinc deficiency-induced testicular tissue inflammation and apoptosis damage.

Effects of a semen extender treated with coenzyme Q10-ubiquinol on the quality of thawed ram sperm

Objective was to determine whether addition of coenzyme Q10 - ubiquinol to glycerol extender improved cryopreserved ram sperm quality. Semen was collected (electroejaculation) from mature Suffolk rams (n = 6) 6 times during the breeding season. Pooled semen from each session was processed and cryopreserved in extenders with 150 µmol/liter of ubiquinol (treated) and without (control). Thawed cryopreserved semen was evaluated using computer-assisted sperm analysis for motility and kinetic parameters. Sperm viability was determined via plasma membrane integrity. After thawing, measurements were obtained at 10, 20, 60, and 120 minutes. In treated samples, there were increases in progressive motility (p < 0.0001), curvilinear velocity (p = 0.002), straight line velocity (p = 0.003) and time average velocity (p = 0.001), and sperm tended (p = 0.07) to have more viability. Furthermore, there were time-related decreases in all variables in treated control and samples. Ubiquinol improved cryopreserved ram sperm quality.

Efficacy of Surgically Extracted Sperm in Assisted Reproductive Technology

Objectives The objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of various sperm extraction techniques used in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), focusing on sperm retrieval rates, fertilization rates, and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing fertility treatments. Material and Methods This retrospective observational study was conducted at RISAA IVF, Green Park, New Delhi, from January 2023 to January 2024. The study included male participants diagnosed with azoospermia, who underwent ART procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Sperm extraction techniques evaluated include percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA), testicular sperm aspiration (TESA), and microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE). Data were collected from electronic medical records, laboratory reports, and patient charts, focusing on demographic data, sperm retrieval rates, and clinical outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, with significance set at P < 0.05. Results Surgical sperm retrieval was performed on 11 azoospermic patients. Viable sperm was successfully retrieved using PESA in 18.1% of the patients, while TESA and micro-TESE yielded successful retrievals in 63.6% and 18.1% of the cases, respectively. The overall pregnancy rate achieved through these procedures was 63.6%. No significant difference in pregnancy rates was observed between the different sperm retrieval techniques (P > 0.05). Conclusion The study highlights that PESA, TESA, and micro-TESE are effective sperm extraction techniques for azoospermic patients undergoing ART. The success in sperm retrieval and subsequent pregnancy outcomes underscores the importance of selecting the appropriate method based on individual patient conditions. These findings contribute to the evidence base for optimizing fertility treatments in patients with severe male factor infertility.

Long-Term Monitoring of Semen Quality and Serum Testosterone Concentration in a Male False Killer Whale in Managed Care

Long-Term Monitoring of Semen Quality and Serum Testosterone Concentration in a Male False Killer Whale in Managed Care

Semen Quality Correlation with Seminal Biochemistry and Enzymatic Profile of Barbari and Sirohi Bucks under Sub Tropical Environment

Background: The objective was to study the effect of seasonal variation on reproductive parameters, biochemical parameters and enzymes activity in relation to buck semen quality which would assist to produce good quality sperm doses for artificial insemination in goat farming. Methods: Four ejaculates fortnightly were collected from adult breeding Sirohi and Barbari bucks during summer and winter season by using artificial vagina for the study. Average meteorological data were recorded during the study. Reproductive parameters (scrotal temperature and scrotal circumference) were recorded and fresh semen samples were used for evaluation of sperm attributes (semen volume, pH, sperm concentration, mass motility, individual activity and live-dead sperm count). The seminal plasma was separated by from semen for estimation of different biochemical parameters (Total protein, Albumin, Total cholesterol and Calcium) and seminal enzymes activity (ALT, AST, ALP and LDH). Result: It was observed that sperm attributes and biochemical parameters were significantly (p less than 0.05) increased during winter as compared to summer season in both breed. No significant difference was observed for ALT in both breeds and seasons. Whereas, in summer AST activity was significantly (p less than 0.05) lower than winter in both the breeds. In summer season ALP and LDH activity were significantly (p less than 0.05) higher than winter in both the breeds. A positive correlation had observed with seminal biochemical parameters whereas a negative correlation with ALP and LDH. In conclusion, season influenced the semen quality in Barbari and Sirohi bucks and good quality semen produce during winter as compared to summer.

Evaluation of carp sperm respiration: fluorometry with optochemical oxygen sensor versus polarography

The primary function of spermatozoa is to fertilize the oocyte, which depends on their motility and is directly associated with their metabolic state. The oxygen consumption rate (OCR) of spermatozoa reflects the respiratory capacity of sperm mitochondria under various physiological conditions and is an essential marker of sperm quality. We determined the OCR of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) sperm using two respirometry methods: the conventionally used polarographic method with a Clark-type electrode and fluorometric assay with an Oxo Dish optochemical oxygen sensor. The latter was used for the first time to evaluate spermatozoa oxygen consumption in various metabolic states (under different treatments) at different dilution rates. These two methods were compared using Bland–Altman analysis, and the applicability of the optochemical oxygen sensor for evaluating carp sperm oxygen consumption was discussed. Sperm motility and progressive velocity parameters were also assessed to evaluate the effect of sperm respiration under different metabolic states and dilution rates and preincubation period on the physiological status of spermatozoa. The comparison of these respirometry methods clearly shows that while the polarographic method allows immediate measurement of oxygen levels after adding a sperm sample, the optochemical oxygen sensor has a priority in the amount of data obtained due to simultaneous measurements of several samples (e.g., different males, different fish species, repetitions of the same sample or various experimental conditions), even at a later time after adding sperm to the measuring chamber. However, the compared methods are complementary, and the proposed methodology can be applied to other fish species.

SARS-CoV-2 in semen: a multicenter prospective study and literature review

BackgroundDespite numerous efforts to demonstrate the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 in semen of affected males, no clear evidence exists. We conducted a multicenter prospective study on adult patients with a confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 including patients with active infection (Active Group) and with a history of COVID-19 disease at least of 6 months (Recovered Group). An RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 and a semen analysis were performed on the semen of the enrolled patients. Genital/sexual symptoms were investigated in both groups. In the active infection group, urinary and sexual functions were assessed in the active phase and after 6 months. Finally, the literature on the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in semen was reviewed non-systematically.ResultsSixty-five patients were enrolled (Active Group = 15, Recovered Group = 50). RT-PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2 found no trace of the virus in any of the semen samples. Genital/sexual symptoms during the active phase were reported in 8 (12.2%) patients. No statistically significant differences in semen quality were found between the two groups. IPSS and IIEF-5 scores did not change significantly during the different phases of infection about (p > 0.05).ConclusionsSARS-CoV-2 was not detected in semen of acute or recovered cases. Sperm parameters were not significantly different in the two groups. Urinary and erectile functions appeared stable across the phases of infection.

Protective effect of epidermal growth factor on cryopreservation of dromedary camel epididymal spermatozoa: Evidence from in vitro and in silico studies

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) plays a crucial role in maintaining male reproductive capacity in mammals, however, its protective effects on cryopreserved dromedary camel epididymal spermatozoa have not been thoroughly investigated. This study aims to investigate the potential protective role of EGF on cryopreserved camel epididymal spermatozoa, supported by evidence from a molecular docking study. We assessed sperm motility, kinematics parameters, oxidative stress, ultrastructural changes, apoptosis, and molecular docking markers in camel epididymal spermatozoa following cryopreservation. Camel epididymal spermatozoa (n=30 pairs of testes) were collected from local slaughterhouses. The epididymal spermatozoa were diluted with a freezing medium (SHOTOR extender) supplemented with different concentrations of EGF; 0 (EGF0), 50 (EGF50), 100 (EGF100), 200 (EGF200), and 400 (EGF400) ng/mL in SHOTOR extender and cryopreserved using a standard protocol. All EGF groups showed significant improvements in sperm progressive motility, viability, and sperm membrane function after equilibration at 5 °C for 24hours. Regarding frozen-thawed samples, sperm progressive motility and some kinematic parameters (DAP, VSL, VCL and AHL) were significantly higher in the EFG400 group compared to the other groups (P < 0.01). A significant increase in the percentage of live/acrosome-intact sperm was observed, accompanied by a significant decrease in malondialdehyde levels in all EGF groups (P < 0.05). Both the EGF200 and EGF400 groups showed significantly higher sperm viability and significantly lower percentages of apoptotic and necrotic sperm compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). EGF supplementation preserved the ultrastructural integrity and cryotolerance of epididymal camel spermatozoa. The docking analysis indicated that EGF exhibited higher binding affinity with apoptosis sperm markers, including caspase-3 and bcl-2-associated X (Bax) proteins, with binding energies of -502.0 and -621.0kcal/mol, respectively. In conclusion, the addition of EGF to SHOTOR extender was found to have beneficial effects on sperm motility, kinematics parameters, sperm viability, acrosome integrity, sperm ultrastructural features, and reduced oxidative stress and apoptosis-like changes in cryopreserved epididymal camel sperm.

Effect of natural astaxanthin on sperm quality and mitochondrial function of breeder rooster semen cryopreservation

Cryopreservation causes higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentrations, leading to oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation damaging sperm, and using antioxidants can improve semen quality after freeze-thaw. Natural astaxanthin (ASTA) can be inserted into cell membranes and its antioxidant properties are stronger than other antioxidants. We aimed to investigate the effects of ASTA supplementation in the Beltsville Poultry Semen Extender (BPSE) on post-thaw rooster semen quality and to explore the potential mechanism of rooster semen quality change. The qualifying semen ejaculates collected from 30 adult male Jinghong No. 1 laying hen breeder roosters (65 wk old) were pooled, divided into four aliquots, and diluted with BPSE having different levels of ASTA (0, 0.5, 1, or 2 μg/mL). Treated semen was cryopreserved and kept in liquid nitrogen. The entire experiment was replicated three times independently. Sperm viability, motility, curvilinear velocity, amplitude of lateral head displacement, straightness, plasma membrane integrity, and acrosome integrity were observed to be highest (P < 0.05) with 1 μg/mL ASTA at freeze-thawing. Higher (P < 0.05) antioxidant enzyme (CAT-like, SOD) activities and free radical (·OH, O2.-) scavenging ability, less ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were recorded with the addition of appropriate concentrations of ASTA compared to control. In addition, the levels of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the 1 μg/mL ASTA group improved compared to the control group, and decreased the amount of AIF protein level but increased the Bcl-2 protein level (P < 0:05). Collectively, these results demonstrate that adding ASTA in the BPSE promoted rooster freeze-thaw sperm quality, which may be related to reducing ROS levels, protecting the antioxidant defense system, preventing lipid peroxidation, improving mitochondrial structural and functional integrity, and inhibiting sperm apoptosis.

Taxifolin: A flavonoid in the freezing medium augments post-thaw semen quality and in vivo fertility potential of buffalo bull spermatozoa

This comprehensive study was carried out to investigate the effects of taxifolin in the freezing medium on post-thaw semen quality, and fertility potential of buffalo bull spermatozoa. Taxifolin was also evaluated for radical scavenging activity through DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), and Nitric oxide (NO) inhibition (%) during in vitro conditions. Collected semen samples from four buffalo bulls were initially evaluated (consistency, volume, motility, and concentrations); the accepted samples were pooled, and diluted in extenders containing different doses of taxifolin (0 μM [control], 2 μM, 5 μM, 10 μM, and 20 μM). Diluted semen was gradually cooled (2 h, 4 °C), equilibrated (4 h, 4 °C), and then frozen in liquid nitrogen (−196 °C). Data analysis revealed that taxifolin supplementation (10 μM) displayed the highest DPPH-scavenging ability, and NO inhibition compared to the control (% DPPH, 67.31 vs. 13.50; and % NO, 78.25 vs. 21.25) respectively. Moreover, taxifolin supplementation (10 μM) significantly (P < 0.05) improved progressive motility (%), average path velocity (μm/sec), straight-line velocity (μm/sec), and seminal plasma glutathione peroxidase (μM), and superoxide dismutase (U/mL) of buffalo bull spermatozoa than control. Sperm plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial transmembrane potential, acrosome integrity (%) and seminal plasma adenosine triphosphate (nmol/million), and total antioxidant capacity (μM/L) were enhanced significantly with taxifolin (10 and 20 μM) supplementing group. Lastly, taxifolin supplementation significantly improved the fertility rate (%, 69.09 vs. 40.38) compared to the control. Further studies to assess mechanisms by which taxifolin improves semen quality and fertility of buffalo spermatozoa are warranted.

Preliminary steps for fabrication of microfluidic systems for swine sperm sorting: Materials, perfusing systems and flow

The success rate of assisted reproductive techniques in the livestock production can be optimized by improving the quality of the semen sample by selecting only the good quality sperm from the ejaculate. Microfluidic technology has been studied for sperm sorting mainly in human ejaculates but has not been studied for boar sperm. Spermatozoa have been proven to be highly sensitive to different microplastics, but the potential toxic effects of the materials used to set up microfluidic systems have not been studied. The main goal of this study was to assess the possible toxic effect on boar sperm of materials commonly used for a microfluidic system and to evaluate the effect of different flow control systems (peristaltic pump, syringe pump and a microfluidic flow controller) at different flow rates (10 μl*min-1, 100 μl*min-1 and 1 ml*min-1) on sperm quality, as preliminary information for the development of a swine sperm sorting microfluidic system. Results showed no negative effect of the different materials at different concentrations. The control reached the highest curvilinear velocity compared to the peristaltic pump and the pressure-based flow control system. In the flow rates, 10 μm*min-1 showed the poorest results and no significant differences were observed between control and 1 mlmin-1 flow in any of the parameters. In conclusion, all materials that were studied for microfluidic fabrications were suitable for sperm sorting, any of the pumps would be suitable for sperm selection and 1 ml*min-1 flow rate would be the flow rate of choice for sperm pumping.

Ginkgo biloba extract alleviates deltamethrin-induced testicular injury by upregulating SKP2 and inhibiting Beclin1-independent autophagy

BackgroundMale infertility is a worldwide concern that is associated with a decline in sperm quality. Environmental pollutants such as deltamethrin (DM) have harmful effects on male reproductive organs. By maintaining intracellular redox homeostasis, ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) can alleviate male reproductive dysfunction. However, research on the mechanisms by which GBE alleviates reproductive toxicity induced by DM is limited. PurposeIn this study, we investigated whether GBE can alleviate DM-induced testicular and Sertoli cell reproductive toxicity by modulating SKP2 and Beclin1, thus providing a theoretical basis for the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Study DesignWe explored the role of GBE in mitigating DM-induced testicular damage, with a specific focus on the intricate involvement of ubiquitination and autophagy. MethodsAn experimental model was constructed using ICR male mice and the TM4 cell line. Tissue, cellular, and sperm morphological changes were observed through methods such as Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining, Periodate-Schiff (PAS) staining, ultrastructural observation, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Enzyme and hormone levels were measured, and gene and protein levels were detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting techniques. ResultsIn vivo experiments showed that DM exposure led to decreased sex hormone levels, increased seminiferous tubule diameter and impaired spermatogenesis. Meanwhile, DM exposure was found to decrease ubiquitination levels, leading to mitochondrial damage and further escalation of mitochondrial autophagy. Furthermore, in the DM-induced cell model, the upregulation of Beclin1 expression was associated with the inhibition of the ubiquitin‒proteasome system (UPS) and SKP2, thereby exacerbating autophagy. However, GBE has demonstrated notable efficacy in alleviating the reproductive toxicity induced by DM. ConclusionOur findings highlighted that SKP2 is a key regulator of Beclin1-independent autophagy and that GBE exerts therapeutic effects by upregulating SKP2 and inhibiting Beclin1 activation, which ameliorates autophagy and reduces DM-induced testicular damage.

Effects of feminizing gender-affirming hormone therapy on testicular function and reproductive capacity.

Feminizing gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) may include combined estrogen, progesterone and/or antiandrogens (collectively referred to as E-GAHT) aiming to achieve individualized embodiment goals. This kind of treatment is expected to negatively impact the reproductive ability of transgender, nonbinary and/or gender diverse (TNG) individuals having testes, mainly by disrupting the biological pathways involved in spermatogenesis. There is little research on the impact of E-GAHT in the testis, or on the potential recovery of spermatogenesis by stopping GAHT. Studies using animal models receiving GAHT are a novel promising method to help identify the reproductive pathways affected by GAHT and the degree of those effects. A literature search was performed to identify both clinical and experimental studies using rodent models applicable to the reproductive needs of E-GAHT users. We found large variability in clinical populations that has not been fully replicated in translational research. Further, animal GAHT models have yet to be capitalized to examine fertility preservation. Some clinical studies indicated sperm quality may be reduced in E-GAHT patients prior to initiating E-GAHT, which cannot be studied using GAHT-treated animals. As many TNG people of reproductive age may have the wish to create a future family, it is important to increase the knowledge that will inform and improve E-GAHT patients' fertility preservation outcomes and reproductive health.

Acupuncture in the Treatment of Male Infertility: A Review

In recent years, there has been a global decline in the quality of human semen, leading to a gradual increase in the incidence of infertility, which significantly impacts men’s health. Due to the complex etiology of male infertility, clinical treatment is predominantly confined to drugs, surgery, and assisted reproductive technology. However, the efficacy of these approaches often falls short of meeting clinical needs, prompting the exploration of new treatment methods. Acupuncture, a crucial component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has gained increasing prominence in the treatment of male infertility, yielding noteworthy results. This article offers an overview of TCM’s perspective on male infertility, explores the clinical efficacy of acupuncture in treating male infertility and the corresponding mechanisms, and summarizes the existing challenges in the current acupuncture-based treatment of male infertility. It also clarifies the validity of acupuncture and provides references for the future development of acupuncture in the treatment of male infertility.

Sperm human biobanking: An overview.

The purpose of this article is to analyze in detail the advantages and disadvantages of sperm cryopreservation, focusing on the cellular and molecular changes that occur during these processes. The main issue is the cellular damage caused by ice crystal formation and osmotic imbalance, along with other secondary effects such as sperm motility and viability, as well as the acrosome reaction or oxidative stress. Another important aspect is the examination of how chromatin structure and DNA integrity affect sperm. Biochemical changes affecting enzyme activity and protein stability have also been analyzed. Finally, the article highlights emerging technologies aimed at reducing the damage caused by sperm cryopreservation, as well as the potential benefits of biobanks as an essential resource for addressing male infertility.