Semen Quality Research Articles

Impacts of adding sucrose or trehalose to extenders with different glycerol concentrations on freezablility and fertility of buffalo bull semen

This experiment was conducted to determine the most suitable glycerol concentration (3 or 6%) and/or non-penetrating cryoprotectants (trehalose and sucrose) for the cryopreservation of buffalo semen, with the aim of enhancing the cryopreservation protocol. Semen of Egyptian buffalo were pooled and diluted with eight Tris extenders supplemented with either 6% glycerol (control group, GL6), 3% (low level, GL3), sucrose (SU, 50 mM), trehalose (TR, 50 mM), 6% glycerol together with 50 mM of sucrose (GL6SU) or 50 mM of trehalose (GL6TR), and 3% of glycerol together with 50 mM of sucrose (GL3SU) or 50 mM of trehalose (GL3TR), then frozen following the standard protocol. Findings indicated that GL3 extender resulted in the highest values of progressive motility, sperm kinematics, sperm membrane integrity, and viability of post-thawed semen (37 °C for 30 s). On the contrary, the Tris extender enriched only with SU and TR groups had the lowest values of sperm quality compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). All GL supplemented groups showed higher intact acrosome levels and lower detached acrosome and dead sperm with intact acrosome compared to those with TR and SU alone (p < 0.05). A significant increase in viable sperm was observed in the GL3, GL6, and GL3SU groups compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). The Tris extender supplemented with low glycerol (3%) significantly reduced the levels of MDA. In the in vivo fertility trial, it was shown that the pregnancy rate was higher in the GL6SU group (72%) than in the GL3SU group (68%; p > 0.05). Collectively, these results suggest that there is potential in using low glycerol (3%) as a cryoprotective agent in the medium for buffalo sperm cryopreservation without significant adverse effects compared to the addition of 6% glycerol. This study supported the sustainability of materials used in assisted reproductive technology by reducing the glycerol content in the freezing medium. Further research is needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Mapping the proteome landscape of Indian Zebu (Sahiwal) spermatozoa using high-resolution mass spectrometry and in-silico annotation

Proteomic analysis of sperm cells offers significant insights into proteins’ structural, functional, and localization aspects within biological systems. Sahiwal, a native Indian cattle breed, is well known for its disease resistance, calving ease, and resilience to drought. This study addressed the gap in Sahiwal’s comprehensive sperm proteome profiling data. The research involved the global in-silico quantitative high-resolution mass spectrometry-based protein profiling of Indian Zebu sperm, identifying 4651 sperm proteins. Beyond mere identification, the study characterized these proteins at a sub-organellar level to facilitate a better understanding of their functional attributes. Gene Ontology analysis of sperm proteins facilitated the segregation of proteins based on their function, localization, and mode of action. The study revealed that despite the limited number of organelles, sperm cells encapsulate a wide array of crucial proteins, compensating for the deficiency of organelles through the presence of multifunctional proteins. Most identified sperm proteins actively participate in spermatogenesis, motility, acrosome reaction, capacitation, and seminal plasma binding, directly or indirectly. Notably, the results not only present the highest number of identified bovine sperm proteins but also hold the potential to pave the way for empirical research on sperm functionality, egg-sperm interaction, sperm-sex sorting biomarkers, sperm quality, and bull fertility.

Gandou Bushen Decoction improves spermatogenesis and promotes spermatogenic cell proliferation in Wilson disease TX mice by activating testicular ERK signaling pathway

To investigate the therapeutic mechanism of Gandou Bushen Decoction (GDBSD) for improving reproductive disorders in male mouse models of Wilson disease (WD). Sixty male homozygous TX mice were randomized equally into 4 groups and treated with daily gavage of saline (WD model group), penicillamine (0.09 g/kg), or GDBSD (0.2 mL/10 g), or with intraperitoneal injection of U0126 (20 mg/kg) in addition to GDBSD gavage, with 15 male DL mice as control. After 4 weeks of treatment, copper content in testicular tissue of the mice was detected, and histopathology of the testes and epididymis was examined using HE staining and electron microscopy. TUNEL staining was used to identify apoptotic cells in the testes. The protein expressions of Bcl-2, Cytc, caspase-3, ERK, and p-ERK in the testicular tissue were evaluated with Western blotting, and BrdU-positive cells were detected with immunohistochemical labeling. Sperm density, viability, malformation rate and fertility levels of male mice were studied. Treatment with penicillamine and GDBSD obviously improved pathological changes of the testis, increased sperm density and motility, lowered sperm abnormality rate, fertility levels and increased testicular JOHNSEN score of TK mice, but the therapeutic effect of GDBSD was blocked by U0126. GDBSD treatment significantly lowered Cytc and caspase-3 expressions and increased Bcl-2 expression in the testicular tissue of TX mice (P < 0.05), while U0126 treatment significantly lowered testicular Bcl-2 expression level. No significant differences were found in total protein expression levels of ERK1/2 among the 5 groups, but p-ERK protein expression was significantly reduced in WD and U0126 groups and increased in penicillamine and GDBSD groups. GDBSD can improve spermatogenesis and enhance fertility of male TX mice with WD possibly by activating the ERK signaling pathway to enhance proliferation and reduce apoptosis of the spermatogenic cells.

Factors affect progressive sperm motility.

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of age, body mass index, and diet factors on sperm parameters and developing a novel index (Artuklu Sperm Quality Index [ASQI]). The study incorporated a total of 115 patients who sought medical attention due to infertility and underwent semen analysis (spermiogram). The ASQI score was developed. About 73% reported eating three meals daily, while 62% consume fruits a few times a week. When considering grain consumption, 30% rarely do, mirroring the 25% who never do. Carbonated drinks are consumed a few times in 15 days by 39% of respondents. Salt consumption showed 47% taking very little, whereas 42% consume caffeine very minimally. Sausage/salami is minimally consumed by 44%, and 32% of participants reported never being exposed to air pollution. ASQI score ranges from 6 to 61 point. A lower score indicates good nutrition and quality of life, while a higher score suggests deteriorating nutrition and increasing unhealthy habits. Cronbach alfa value was noted as 0.72. A negative correlation was found between ASQI and sperm progressive motility (p < 0.001, r = -0.405). This study revealed a clear negative correlation between the ASQI score, which signifies deteriorating nutrition and escalating unhealthy habits, and sperm progressive motility.

Effects of alpha-lipoic acid and sildenafil citrate on sperm quality in asthenozoospermic men during freezing-thawing processes

We aimed to investigate the combined effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and sildenafil citrate (SC) on sperm quality during freeze-thawing in asthenozoospermic men. We categorized thirty semen samples from asthenozoospermic into five different groups for analysis: Control (fresh), Freeze, Freeze + SC, Freeze + ALA, and Freeze + SC + ALA. We evaluated sperm parameters in each group, including motility, viability, morphology, plasma membrane integrity, DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial membrane potential, protamine deficiency, acrosome integrity, malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), antioxidants (Superoxide dismutase, Glutathione, Catalase), and gene expression of HSP70 and Bcl-2. The Freeze group showed significant declines in viability, motility, morphology, membrane integrity, antioxidants, and mitochondrial membrane potential, with increases in protamine deficiency, abnormalities, DNA fragmentation, TNF-α, and malondialdehyde compared to control (p = 0.000). These effects were significantly reversed in all treatment groups (p = 0.000). Bcl-2 and HSP70 expression increased significantly in all groups (p = 0.000). Acrosomal integrity decreased significantly (p = 0.000) in the Freeze group compared to controls and in the Freeze + SC group compared to the Freeze group. However, acrosomal integrity significantly increased (p = 0.000) in the Freeze + SC + ALA group compared to the Freeze + SC group and in the Freeze + ALA group compared to other treatments. Our findings indicate that the simultaneous addition of SC and ALA in the freezing media yielded increased sperm quality. This enhancement was evidenced by reductions in oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, along with partial prevention of premature acrosome reactions induced by SC.

Impact of Ureaplasma urealyticum infection on semen parameters and in vitro fertilization outcomes in infertile men.

Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) is a common pathogen associated with genital tract infections in infertile males. However, its impact on semen quality, embryo development, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes remains underexplored. This study aims to evaluate the effect of male UU infection on semen parameters, embryo development, pregnancy outcomes, and neonatal health in infertile couples. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1,215 infertile couples at the First Hospital of USTC. Participants were divided into two groups based on the male partner's UU infection status: UU-positive (n=249) and UU-negative (n=966). Semen parameters (sperm concentration, motility, morphology, anti-sperm antibodies, DNA stainability) were assessed. Embryo development was evaluated through fertilization rates and blastocyst formation rates. Pregnancy outcomes (clinical pregnancy, live birth rates, miscarriage rate) and neonatal health (gestational age, birth weight, Apgar scores, preterm delivery) were also compared. Semen parameters, including sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, were similar between the UU-positive and UU-negative groups. However, the UU-positive group had significantly higher levels of anti-sperm antibodies (ASA) (p=0.020) and higher DNA stainability (HDS) (p=0.014). Despite these differences, embryo quality, as measured by fertilization rates and blastocyst formation rates, was not significantly different between the two groups. Pregnancy outcomes, including clinical pregnancy and live birth rates, were also comparable. While the UU-positive group had a slightly higher miscarriage rate, this difference was not statistically significant. Neonatal outcomes, including gestational age, birth weight, Apgar scores, and preterm delivery rate, did not differ significantly between the two groups. The study suggests that while male UU infection may adversely affect certain semen parameters, its impact on IVF outcomes-such as embryo quality, pregnancy rates, and neonatal health-appears to be minimal. These findings support the continued use of IVF as a viable and safe option for infertile couples with male UU infection, as it does not significantly influence reproductive or neonatal outcomes.

A review on the functional roles of trehalose during cryopreservation of small ruminant semen.

Sperm cryopreservation is an approach to preserve sperm cells in liquid nitrogen or other cryogenic media for future use in assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization or artificial insemination. Sperm cryopreservation has been extensively used in the dairy industry and has attained excellent results after artificial insemination. However, for small ruminants the application of sperm cryopreservation is limited, due to the poor quality of frozen semen and special characteristics of the reproductive female tract. In order to improve post-thaw semen quality various cryoprotectants are used. Currently, many types of cryoprotectants, such as permeable organic solvents, sugars, antioxidants, and natural or synthetic ice blockers, have been tested on small ruminants' sperm cryopreservation. Among them, trehalose; has shown potential acting as an excellent cryoprotectant for semen freezing. While, the exact roles and action mechanisms of trehalose during cryopreservation remain unclear. In this review, we systematically summarized the present usage status, potential action mechanisms, and future application prospects of trehalose in small-ruminant sperm cryopreservation.

Acoustotaxis‑based pump-less separation of highly motile human sperm by a SAW-in-capillary acoustofluidic platform

In artificial reproductive technologies mirroring in vivo fertilization, there is a correlation between sperm motility and fertilization outcomes. Here, we present a technology for separating sperm based on motility, which uses a biocompatible, pump-less, and simple acoustofluidic approach. Our developed and fabricated sperm separation configuration is an acoustofluidic platform consisting of a circular glass capillary tube mounted on top of a ZnO-based surface acoustic wave (SAW) device. It can separate highly motile sperm from small volumes of normal raw human semen samples. This configuration allows the generated traveling SAW to couple into the capillary, causing highly motile sperm cells to swim against the propagation direction of the traveling SAW along the capillary tube. We term this fascinating acoustic-induced sperm swimming behavior acoustotaxis in analogy with the well-known rheotaxis, in which sperm orientate to swim against a continuous fluid flow frequently generated by using an external pump in the microfluidic systems. Here, we benefit from the acoustotaxis for a pump-less separation of an effective highly motile sperm concentration from raw human semen samples at low volumes of up to 20–30 µL within a short period of about 4 minutes free from any centrifugation step. This sperm separation device exhibits a successful selection capability that leads to sperm progressive motility increase by 45 %, sperm curvilinear velocity by 23 %, sperm average path velocity by 69 %, and sperm linearity by 78 % in the selected cells in comparison with the raw sample. This acoustotaxic sperm selection separation approach provides an easy-to-use and effective method for the selection of highly motile sperm cells without adversely affecting sperm viability, paving the way for efficient and rapid sperm separation platforms, applicable for patients with low semen volumes, and up-scalable for a large volume of raw semen processing in a short time.

Examination of the Toxicity Pattern and Influence of Azadirachta indica on Testicular Function and Expression of Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen in Plasmodium berghei-Infected Mice

Background: Malaria, a parasitic disease caused by a single-celled parasite called Plasmodium, poses a significant global health burden, especially in tropical regions such as Africa. The impact of malaria on human health is well-documented; however, its effects on the male reproductive system and the impact of herbal extracts remain underexplored. Objectives: This study aims to investigate Azadirachta indica's toxicity and its antimalarial potency's influence on testicular function and expression of proliferating cells nuclear antigen (PCNA). Methods: The antimalarial activity of Azadirachta indica was determined using standard procedures. Thirty male mice were used and grouped into six. Group 1 (normal control), group 2 (P. berghei infected only - negative control), group 3 (Plasmodium berghei infected + lonart - standard drug), group 4 (P. berghei infected + 100 mg/kg BWT crude ethanol extract), group 5 (P. berghei infected + 200 mg/kg BWT crude ethanol extract), group 6 (P. berghei infected + 400 mg/kg BWT crude ethanol extract). Administration of A. indica leaf extract to infected mice for four consecutive days demonstrated promising results. Results: The extract significantly suppressed parasite multiplication, ameliorated testicular damage, and improved sperm quality. The non-toxic extract also reduced oxidative stress in the testes, suggesting its potential effectiveness as phytotherapy against malaria-induced male reproductive impairments. Conclusions: The beneficial effects of A. indica emphasize its potential as a natural remedy for malaria-induced reproductive complications, offering a new avenue for therapeutic intervention in malaria-endemic regions. This study contributes to our knowledge of the intricate relationship between malaria and male reproductive health and provides valuable insights for future research and clinical applications.

The Protective Effects of Citrulline on Testicular Injury Induced by Torsion and Detorsion in Adult Male Rats: An Experimental Study

Background: Testicular torsion is a critical urological emergency that can lead to testicular ischemia and significant tissue damage. Citrulline, a supplement known for enhancing cellular metabolism and mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation, has been explored for its protective effects against testicular injury resulting from torsion and detorsion in rat models. Methods: This study involved 42 Wistar rats, divided into six groups: Sham, torsion/detorsion (T/D), and four groups receiving varying doses of Citrulline (300, 600, 900 mg/kg) and vitamin E (20 mg/kg). A surgical procedure was performed to induce torsion by rotating the left testicle for 4 hr, followed by reperfusion. Daily oral administration of the supplements continued for one week post-surgery. Assessments included oxidative stress markers, apoptosis, inflammation, pathology, and sperm parameters. Statistical analysis was conducted using GraphPad Prism. Results: Citrulline administration at doses of 600 and 900 mg/kg significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Additionally, it increased glutathione (GSH) levels and decreased protein carbonyl levels at the 900 mg/kg dose. The expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) decreased at 900 mg/ kg, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels dropped at 600 and 900 mg/kg, and the pro-apoptotic factor Bax was reduced at all doses. Sperm analysis showed improved sperm count and motility at the 900 mg/kg dose. Histological examination revealed significant positive effects of Citrulline on testicular tissue. Conclusion: Citrulline effectively lowers oxidative stress, inflammation, while enhancing sperm quality and pathological outcomes. These results indicate that Citrulline has potential as a therapeutic agent for testicular torsion.

Ameliorative impacts of carvacrol on DNA integrity, oxidative stress, and sperm quality in asthenozoospermic infertile individuals during cryopreservation.

Nowadays, the cryopreservation process can produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cause damage to the motility, cell membrane, and DNA integrity of sperm. This study is aimed at evaluating the impact of carvacrol, as a powerful antioxidant, on sperm features and improving oxidative stress throughout the cryopreservation procedure. In this prospective study, semen samples from 25 patients with asthenozoospermia were separated into three groups: fresh, freezing, and freezing + carvacrol (a dose of 100µM). The subsequent parameters were evaluated using standard methods in all three groups: sperm motility according to WHO criteria, sperm morphology using Papanicolaou staining, sperm viability with eosin-nigrosin staining, DNA integrity with acridine orange staining, levels of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione, and superoxide dismutase), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) using ELISA. Also, DNA fragmentation was analyzed by the SDFA kit, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was assessed by rhodamine staining. Average sperm viability, motility, mitochondrial membrane potentiality, integrity of sperm membrane, and antioxidant enzyme levels are meaningfully reduced in the freezing group in contrast to the control group. The freezing group showed a meaningful rise in the mean MDA levels and DNA fragmentation compared to the control group. In the freezing group supplemented with carvacrol, a meaningful rise could be visible in mean percentages of viability, motility, and antioxidant enzyme levels, whereas mean levels of MDA and DNA fragmentation meaningfully declined in contrast to the freezing group. The results demonstrate that carvacrol, a potent antioxidant, offers significant protection against the loss generated by the freeze-thaw procedure, thereby improving sperm quality.

Assessing the Impact of Ghee, Olive Oil and Margarine on Male Rabbit Fertility and Reproductive Hormones.

In the present investigation, the impact of natural ghee, olive oil and synthetic margarine on the fertility parameters of male rabbits was evaluated by examining semen quality, fertility hormones, antioxidant markers, lipid profile, and liver and kidney functions. Eighty male rabbits were randomly allotted into four groups (20 rabbits each, four replicates/group). The basal diet supplemented the control group; the margarine group was fed a 10% margarine diet, the ghee group was fed a 10% ghee diet, and the olive oil group was fed a 10% olive oil diet. In the margarine group, the semen quality parameters, total testosterone levels, free testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and antioxidant enzyme levels as catalase showed a significant reduction compared to other groups. At the same time, they were enhanced in ghee and olive oil groups. A substantial increase of triglyceride (TAG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and cholesterol, with a decrease of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, were observed in the margarine group contrasted to ghee and olive oil groups. The ghee and the olive oil-treated group showed strong immunoreactions of androgen, FSH, LH receptors and mild caspase 3 in testicular tissue compared to the margarine-treated group. Finally, histopathological examination of rabbit testicular tissue showed proliferation of basal spermatogenic cells, increased luminal spermatid of seminiferous epithelium, and proliferation of interstitial cells in normal interstitial tissue in the ghee and olive oil treated group. Still, it showed severe vacuolation and necrosis in the basal luminal seminiferous epithelium and congestion of blood vessels in the margarine group. This present study revealed that the health influence of olive oil and ghee is better than margarine on male fertility parameters.

Short-term polystyrene nanoplastic exposure alters zebrafish male and female germline and reproductive outcomes, unveiling pollutant-impacted molecular pathways

Nanoplastics pollution is a rising environmental concern whose impacts on biodiversity and human health are far from being understood. This is particularly salient in aquatic ecosystems, where the majority of species depend on external fertilization for reproduction. Here we evaluated the effects of a short-term exposure to engineered polystyrene nanoplastics (NPs) in the zebrafish germline to further explore their impact on reproduction. To this end, zebrafish (Danio rerio) were exposed to 5 mg/L of 45 nm polystyrene (PS)-NPs via water for 96 h. We show that, in males, nanoplastics induced testicular histological alterations with abnormal sperm clustering and chromatin compaction, resulting in viable spermatozoa but with reduced motility. Moreover, in females we observed an alteration in oocyte stages frequencies during oogenesis, possibly reflecting alterations in oocyte growth. RNA-sequencing analysis in male testis links nanoplastic induced alterations in the expression of genes involved in chromatin structure, meiosis and DNA double-strand break formation and repair progression, and gametes recognition. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that the observed effects in males were directly due to nanoplastics penetrating the testicular barrier and being internalized within germline cells. Overall, our results demonstrate that acute exposure to NPs can compromise reproductive fitness, underscoring the environmental and health impacts of NPs pollution.

Evaluating the Effects of Heavy Metals on Seminal Fluid Anti Oxidants Status and Semen Parameters among Males with Infertility at Tertiary Health Centre in Nigeria

Abstract Introduction: There are evidences of a reduction in male fertility potential globally. This, coupled with the limitation of the gold standard investigative tool of male infertility, has become necessary that focus should be on elucidating the aetiopathogenic causes of male fertility. This includes the impact of environmental toxic products such as levels of heavy metals that have been proposed to impact both the sperm quality and seminal antioxidant status. The study assessed how the seminal concentrations of specific heavy metals such as cadmium, lead and Iron affect the seminal fluid analysis (SFA) parameters and seminal antioxidant status of males exhibiting abnormal parameters of sperm, analysing infertile male patients consecutively in a cross-sectional manner, with at least one abnormal SFA parameter, at a tertiary health centre. Materials and Methods: One hundred and thirty consenting males who have one or several anomalies with sperm characteristics were selected as subjects. Semen samples were collected, processed and centrifuged. The supernatants were analysed for the heavy metals using Buck Scientific 210/211VGP Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometers 220GF Graphite Furnace and 220AS Autosampler and seminal Vitamins C and E, using spectrophotometric method and glutathione peroxidase, whereas catalase was analysed using ELISA method. Results: Subjects’ seminal levels of Cd, Fe and Pb were notably greater than those of controls, respectively. In addition, individuals’ levels of seminal antioxidants were noticeably lower than controls. Seminal antioxidant status and Seminal Cd, Fe and Pb were positive and negative significantly correlated with sperm count and active motility, respectively. Conclusion: Laboratory quantification of the seminal concentrations of these heavy metals in the evaluation of males with infertility, especially those still regarded as idiopathic, because of limitations of investigative tools and biomarkers, will be of clinical utility, in both the management and prevention of sperm quality deterioration.

Understanding the Role of Alcohol in Metabolic Dysfunction and Male Infertility.

Purpose: Over the past 40-50 years, demographic shifts and the obesity epidemic have coincided with significant changes in lifestyle habits, including a rise in excessive alcohol consumption. This increase in alcohol intake is a major public health concern due to its far-reaching effects on human health, particularly on metabolic processes and male reproductive function. This narrative review focuses on the role of alcohol consumption in altering metabolism and impairing testicular function, emphasizing the potential damage associated with both acute and chronic alcohol intake. Conclusion: Chronic alcohol consumption has been shown to disrupt liver function, impair lipid metabolism, and dysregulate blood glucose levels, contributing to the development of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and related systemic diseases. In terms of male reproductive health, alcohol can significantly affect testicular function by lowering testosterone levels, reducing sperm quality, and impairing overall fertility. The extent of these effects varies, depending on the frequency, duration, and intensity of alcohol use, with chronic and abusive consumption posing greater risks. The complexity of alcohol's impact is further compounded by individual variability and the interaction with other lifestyle factors such as diet, stress, and physical activity. Despite growing concern, research on alcohol's effects remains inconclusive, with significant discrepancies across studies regarding the definition and reporting of alcohol consumption. These inconsistencies highlight the need for more rigorous, methodologically sound research to better understand how alcohol consumption influences metabolic and reproductive health. Ultimately, a clearer understanding is essential for developing targeted public health interventions, particularly in light of rising alcohol use, demographic changes, and the ongoing obesity crisis.

Long-term effects of sub-chronic exposure to L-NAME on reproductive system of male rats.

Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) has been utilized as a nitric oxide synthase antagonist for many years in both basic and clinical research settings to assess its therapeutic potential. Though a number of studies have shown the effect of L-NAME on testicular function, the information regarding the reversibility of these effects upon L-NAME withdrawal is limited. In the present study, male rats (68-80days old) divided randomly into three groups received different doses of L-NAME, i.e. 20mg/kg bw (L20) and 10mg/kg bw (L10) in drinking water, and drinking water only (control) through oral gavage daily for three weeks. The rats were monitored for and sacrificed after 60days of L-NAME treatment termination. The animals had a significantly higher (p < 0.01) mean blood pressure compared to control. Aberrant histological changes were observed in the testes of L-NAME-treated rats. A significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the sperm count and an increase in abnormal sperm morphology (p < 0.05) was observed in L-NAME treated rats. Moreover, the spermatogenic cycle was found to be altered in L-NAME treated rats. No change was observed in serum estradiol levels, while serum testosterone levels were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in L10 and L20 animals. The intra-testicular testosterone was increased significantly (p < 0.01) in L20 animals. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) in superoxide dismutase activity was observed in L20 animals. The sub-chronic exposure to L-NAME resulted in higher mean arterial blood pressure and long-term testicular tissue damage, affecting sperm quality and spermatogenesis.

Microfluidic in compared with Zeta potential, MACS and swim up methods, resulted in improved chromatin integrity and high quality sperms.

Sperm parameters and DNA integrity are crucial factors in ART outcomes. This study compared four sperm preparation methods (microfluidics, MACS, zeta potential, and swim-Up) for sorting spermatozoa with normal parameters and chromatin integrity. This study evaluated semen samples from 25 couples with male factor infertility. The semen samples were divided into four portions: one prepared by MACS, one by zeta potential, the other by microfluidics, and the last by swim-up. After preparation, sperm viability, motility, and morphology were assessed based on the WHO guidelines. DNA intergrity was assessed by SDF assay, and the CMA3 staining test was used to evaluate sperm chromatin packaging. Compared to other preparation techniques, microfluidic preparation significantly improved sperm parameters, including motility, viability, morphology, and DNA integrity as well as chromatin packaging (p-value <0.05). The results also demonstrated that sperm motility, viability, and sperm DNA integrity as well as chromatin packaging, were not significantly different after preparation with MACS and Zeta potential methods. However, the MACS and Zeta methods produced improved sperm parameters and better DNA integrity than the swim-up method. Our results indicate that microfluidics can improve sperm quality compared to other methods of sperm preparation. When the microfluidic chip is not available, considering the similar results of sperm preparation by MACS and Zeta potential methods, it is preferred to use the Zeta method for the ART cycle due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

Protective effects of Juglans regia oil on lead acetate-induced reprotoxicity in rats: an antioxidant, histological and computational molecular study.

Lead (Pb) is a metal that affects many body systems, primarily the male reproductive system. This study aimed to examine the phytochemical profiling and beneficial effects of Juglans regia oil (JRO) in alleviating lead-induced reprotoxicity-associated oxidative injury in rats. Adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups as follows: control group received no treatment, Pb group was exposed to 0.344 g kg-1 bw of Pb acetate, Pb + JRO group was co-treated with Pb plus walnut oil (0.9 g kg-1 bw) and JRO group received walnut oil only. Pb-treated rats showed significantly decreased gonado-somatic index, count and viability of sperm. Testosterone levels decreased in Pb-treated animals. Besides, Pb disrupted the oxidative/antioxidative status, the plasmatic lipase activity and testicular Pb content. Furthermore, Pb produced testis histopathological features, especially cell degeneration, atrophy and tubular disarrangement. Co-treatment with JRO was found to be effective for recovering the increased testicular oxidative damage-associated histological features in the Pb group. This was supported by the in silico modeling results. The in silico analyses revealed that JRO compounds bound androgen receptor and RAC-alpha serine/threonine kinase with high affinities, which together with pharmacokinetic properties and molecular interactions satisfactorily support the beneficial in vivo findings in the Pb + JRO group of rats. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Polysaccharides from Cordyceps cicadae Ameliorate Reproductive Impairments in Male Mouse through the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis.

Cordyceps cicadae polysaccharides have received attention due to their potential in treating hyperglycemia and enhancing renal function. The beneficial effect of the purified C. cicadae polysaccharides fraction (CCP-1) on the reproductive impairments and spermatogenesis dysfunction of immunocompromised mice is unavailable and is studied herein. The study establishes a GC-1 spg cell apoptosis model induced by TNF-α+SM-164 (TS) and male mouse reproductive injury model induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX), and then intervened by CCP-1. CCP-1 improves the viability of GC-1 spg cell and inhibits cells apoptosis induced by TS in vitro. CCP-1 enhances sperm quality and spermatogenesis function, as well as ameliorating the histological lesions in the hypothalamus, testicular, and kidney. CCP-1 elevates gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) level that secreted by the hypothalamus, and increases the levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteizing hormone (LH) in the anterior pituitary stimulated by GnRH, and promotes the secretion of testosterone (T) by testis. Moreover, CCP-1 could protect the reproductive system by activating reproductive regulatory pathway such as SCF/C-kit pathway and inhibiting apoptotic signaling pathway such as Bax/Caspase-3 pathway. These results manifest that CCP-1 could serve as a natural promising reproductive system protective supplement for ameliorating CTX biotoxicity.

The association of men's beverage intake with semen quality and assisted reproduction outcomes in patients undergoing fertility treatment.

Although some studies have investigated the relationships between beverage intake and reproductive health these have generated conflicting results. To evaluate the associations between men's beverage intake and semen quality parameters and couple outcomes of medically assisted reproduction. The relationship between preconception beverage intake and semen quality was evaluated in 896 semen samples from 343 men. The relation between beverage intake and medically assisted reproduction outcomes (fertilization, implantation, clinical pregnancy, total/clinical pregnancy loss, and live birth) was evaluated in 296 men and their female partners who underwent 714 medically assisted reproduction cycles: 306 intrauterine insemination cycles and 408 in vitro fertilization. Intake of caffeinated, alcoholic, sugar-sweetened, and artificially sweetened beverages and sub-groups were considered as exposures. Caffeinated, alcoholic, sugar-sweetened, and artificially sweetened beverage intake was not associated with semen quality parameters or with fertilization, implantation, clinical pregnancy, or live birth in couples undergoing medically assisted reproduction. When specific types of beverages were explored, there was an inverse association between a greater intake of coffee/tea with caffeine and lower live birth probabilities in couples undergoing in vitro fertilization cycles. The adjusted probabilities (95% confidence interval) of live birth in the lowest and highest tertiles of intake were 0.49 (0.38, 0.61) and 0.33 (0.24, 0.43) for coffee with caffeine, and 0.49 (0.33, 0.51) and 0.31 (0.22, 0.41) for tea with caffeine. A similar trend was detected with liquor intake and live birth probabilities: 0.45 (0.37, 0.53) and 0.32 (0.25, 0.41). We also found an association between a greater beer intake and higher live birth probabilities. The adjusted probabilities (95% confidence interval) in the lowest and highest quartile of intake were 0.32 (0.23, 0.42) and 0.51 (0.39, 0.62). Male preconception intakes of coffee, tea, and liquor were inversely associated, whereas beer intake was positively associated with the probability of live birth during infertility treatment.