Male Semen Research Articles

Investigations and treatment offered to women presenting for infertility care in Harare, Zimbabwe: a cross sectional study.

Introductionclinical infertility is failure to conceive within a year of regular sexual intercourse by a non contracepting couple. Infertility care is costly and result in investigations being incomplete and inconclusive. It is therefore important to streamline investigations offered to infertile couples such that only the most cost effective tests are done. This paper explores the adequacy of investigations and treatments offered to women presenting for infertility care.Methodsthe data used in this analysis was obtained from a cross sectional sample of 216 women who presented with infertility in public and private gynaecological clinics in Harare, Zimbabwe. Information on investigations and treatment offered to women presenting for care was extracted from hospital cards, case notes, laboratory and radiological reports. Data was analysed using STATA SE/15.Resultsof the 178 (82.4%) who had ultrasound scan evaluation (USS) 50 (28.1%) had fibroids and 22 (12.4%) had polycystic ovaries. Tubal patency tests were done in 118 participants using (hystero-salpingogram) HSG alone in 62.7%, laparoscope and dye alone in 21.2% and both in 16.1% of them. Of the 97 (44.9%) men who had semen analysis 61 (62.9%) had abnormal parameters.Conclusionthis study reveals that evaluation for tubal patency and USS to rule out reproductive organ pathology are not being offered to all women with a diagnosis of infertility. Likewise, male partner semen evaluation is not being done in all male partners. There is a high prevalence of abnormal semen parameters. Studies should be done to understand why some male partners are not forthcoming in providing semen for analysis. It is important for protocols to be produced by professional bodies which prescribe the minimum basic investigations in couples with infertility.

Effect of Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors on the Treatment of Male Infertility: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PurposeMale infertility is a worldwide problem with limitations in the treatment. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5is) is the first choice for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, more and more studies show that it has a certain effect on male infertility in recent years. But there was currently no high quality of systematic review to evaluate the effects of PDE5is on semen quality.Materials and MethodsWe retrieved the electronic databases of MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, etc. Related randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were collected and selected up to May 20, 2020. We have searched literature with terms “male infertility”, “phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors”, “PDE5i”, “Tadalafil”, “Sildenafil”, “Vardenafil”, “Udenafil”, “Avanafil”, “semen”, and “sperm”. Mean value and its standard deviation were used to perform quantitative analysis. All statistical analyses were conducted by RevMan 5.3 and Stata software.ResultsThere were a total of 1,121 participants in the nine included studies. There was a statistically significant improvement treated with PDE5is compared with sham therapy, which including sperm concentration (mean difference [MD]=1.96, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.70–2.21, p<0.001; MD=3.22, 95% CI=1.96–4.48, p<0.001), straight progressive motility (%) Grade A (MD=3.71, 95% CI=2.21–5.20, p<0.001), sperm motility (MD=8.09, 95% CI=7.83–8.36, p<0.001), morphologically normal spermatozoa (%) (MD=0.67, 95% CI=0.20–1.15, p=0.005; MD=1.27, 95% CI=0.02–2.52, p=0.05), sperm abnormalities (%) (MD=−0.64, 95% CI=−0.81–−0.47, p<0.001), and progressive motile sperm (MD=5.34, 95% CI=3.87–6.81, p<0.001).ConclusionsIn this meta-analysis of nine RCTs, treatment with PDE5is could improve some indicators of male sperm.

Analysis of allergen profile in patients sensitized to canine allergen and potential Can f 5 cross-reactivity with human PSA.

Can f 5 allergy and possible cross-reactivity with human semen in which there are significant amounts of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) are particularly interesting aspects of allergy to dog. The objective of the study was to confirm cross-reactivity between human PSA and Can f 5 in a study of canine sensitised women. A total of 100 women (aged 18–73, 41 on average) with a positive history of animal fur allergy or positive skin prick tests to canine allergens were selected. Levels of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) specific to Can f 1, Can f 2, Can f 3, Can f 5 were determined. Patients with increased concentration of sIgE Can f 5 were selected for further inhibition testing using polystyrene microplate ELISA test coated with human PSA. In the studied population, allergy to Can f 5 dominated (52.3% of patients with increased concentration of canine-specific IgE were allergic to this allergenic component). In all analyzed cases, the concentration of IgE Can f 5 decreased after incubation on the ELISA plate coated with human PSA. The minimum decrease in concentration was 10.44%, the maximum was 37.73%, the average decrease was 21.6%. No statistically significant influence of the presence or absence of allergenic sIgE Can f 5 in blood serum on the occurrence of symptoms after intercourse was found. The study confirmed the moderate ability of Can f 5 to cross-react with human PSA sIgE, which may be clinically significant in some women. At the same time, symptoms of an allergy to male semen do not constitute a typical clinical presentation of allergy to Can f 5.

Sperm Quality and Environment: A Retrospective, Cohort Study among 21,715 Semen Samples in a Southern Province of China

To explore the differences of male semen parameters in different seasons of the year, so as to explore the potential climatic factors affecting spermatogenesis and male reproductive ability, we retrospectively analyzed 21,715 semen analysis data from January 2018 to February 2021, grouped by year and season, and finally the relationships among semen parameters and semen and meteorological parameters were compared. Environmental exposures prior to 3 months were analyzed and correlation analysis was performed.The semen concentration decreased year by year (p

The Matter of Formation of Human Being Described By the Holy Quran In Comparison With the History of Embryology

What is the matter of creation of human? This question has been addressed since long back in the history from ancient Indian and Egyptian civilizations to the Greeks and until the advent of modern sciences. The answers to this question were varying and led to various ideologies about the paternity of the newborn and the role and importance of women in society. More or less the concept was that the human is formed from the male semen and female menstrual blood where semen is the actual matter of formation and the part of the female is just to nourish and nurture; until it is proved by the modern science that both male and female gametes equally take part in the formation of the embryo. However, the Islamic Holy Scripture, the Quran, and the narrations from Islamic prophet (PBUH) and the descriptions of the Islamic scholars stand in opposition to these concepts and have a stunning correlation with the modern scientific descriptions of the embryology.

Relationship Between Post-Pubertal Mumps Infection In Males With Infertilityand Its Effect on The Result of Seminal Fluid Analysis and Occurrence of Immunological Infertility

Background: Mumps caused by paramyxovirus in the same group as parainfluenza and Newcastle disease virus, orchitis is the widely recognized complication in post-pubertal males. Approximately 50% of patients with orchitis have some degree of testicular atrophy, but sterility is rare. Objective: To demonstrate the effect of the post-pubertal mumps infection on the result of seminal fluid analysis and to know if infection by mumps after puberty can lead to immunological infertility and production of anti-sperm antibodies. Patients and Methods: Cross-sectional study in which 300 infertile males attending microbiology laboratory in Rizgary teaching hospital in Erbil city in Iraqi Kurdistan from November 2017- September 2018. Questionnaire was prepared for each male which included: name, age, occupation, history of mumps infection after puberty. Seminal fluid collected from each patient after 3 days of abstinence and analyzed according to WHO guidelines. Seminal fluid and serum obtained from each infertile male for the detection of anti-sperm antibodies by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Results: The mean age of the participant in the study was (32.805 year) with the maximum and minimum age was (50, 18) years respectively. The incidence of post-pubertal mumps was (13.3%) and the incidence of abnormal seminal fluid analysis was (10%) and the highest abnormal seminal fluid variables among infertile males with post-pubertal mumps was oligoasthenozoospermia (43%) and the anti-sperm antibodies in the semen of infertile males with post-pubertal mumps infection was (60%) while the frequency of anti-sperm antibodies in the serum in infertile males with a history of post-pubertal mumps was (40%) which was higher than those with no history of post-pubertal mumps with highly significant relation statistically. Conclusion: Abnormal seminal fluid analysis result may be due to post-pubertal mumps and it can lead to (Asthenozoospermia, Oligospermia, and Teratozoospermia). The highest percentage of abnormal seminal fluid variables was Oligoasthenozoospermia the occurrence of anti-sperm antibodies can be the sequence of post-pubertal mumps and by itself can lead to abnormality in the seminal fluid analysis. Mumps can lead to male infertility by affecting the seminal fluid parameters and also by the production of anti-sperm antibodies which can lead to subfertility in adult males. Keywords: Paramyxovirus, post-pubertal mumps, anti-sperm antibodies

Intergenerational transfer of DNA methylation marks in the honey bee

The evolutionary significance of epigenetic inheritance is controversial. While epigenetic marks such as DNA methylation can affect gene function and change in response to environmental conditions, their role as carriers of heritable information is often considered anecdotal. Indeed, near-complete DNA methylation reprogramming, as occurs during mammalian embryogenesis, is a major hindrance for the transmission of nongenetic information between generations. Yet it remains unclear how general DNA methylation reprogramming is across the tree of life. Here we investigate the existence of epigenetic inheritance in the honey bee. We studied whether fathers can transfer epigenetic information to their daughters through DNA methylation. We performed instrumental inseminations of queens, each with four different males, retaining half of each male's semen for whole genome bisulfite sequencing. We then compared the methylation profile of each father's somatic tissue and semen with the methylation profile of his daughters. We found that DNA methylation patterns were highly conserved between tissues and generations. There was a much greater similarity of methylomes within patrilines (i.e., father-daughter subfamilies) than between patrilines in each colony. Indeed, the samples' methylomes consistently clustered by patriline within colony. Samples from the same patriline had twice as many shared methylated sites and four times fewer differentially methylated regions compared to samples from different patrilines. Our findings indicate that there is no DNA methylation reprogramming in bees and, consequently, that DNA methylation marks are stably transferred between generations. This points to a greater evolutionary potential of the epigenome in invertebrates than there is in mammals.

Pollutants and sperm quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Male fertility and semen quality have declined over recent decades. Among other causes, exposure to environmental and occupational pollution has been linked to adverse reproductive outcomes, but effects on male semen quality are still uncertain. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess current evidence regarding the impact of exposure to tobacco smoke and environmental and occupational pollution on sperm quality in humans. In the meta-analysis, 22 studies are included showing that environmental and occupational pollutants may affect sperm count, volume, concentration, motility, vitality and sperm DNA, and chromatin integrity. All included articles reported significant alterations in at least one of the outcomes studied in association with at least one of the pollutants studied. Considering that sperm quality can be considered a proxy for general health and that pollutants have a dramatic impact on climate change, it would be strongly recommended to better understand the role of pollutants on human, animal, and planetary health.

Retrospective Analysis of Semen Quality Using Sperm Enhancing Technique for Intrauterine Insemination

Objective: To use sperm wash swim up technique as a diagnostic tool in Intra Uterine Insemination. Design: Male semen data was recorded for 181 couples who chose to undergo IUI procedures at the Bangladesh Institute of Research &amp; Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine &amp; Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM) Centre for Assisted Reproduction (CARE) from 2013- 2016. Couples were selected for IUI based on initial complaints of primary or secondary subfertility. The female partner had at least patent one tube based on hysterosalphingogram or laparoscopy results. Polycystic ovarian syndrome and minimal to mild endometriosis cases were included. Male factor includes sexual dysfunction and moderate sperm abnormalities. Statistical Analysis: Baseline and stratified analyses were conducted using semen data form. Results: There were 181 IUI cycles done in total. 126 couples (70%) suffered from primary sub fertility while 55 couples (30%) suffered from secondary subfertility. The baseline findings show that morphology of samples is improved by nearly 28%, while rapid linear motility improves by 50% after the first wash and has less variation after the second wash. Concentration, rapid linear motility, and morphology, all have strengthened parameters with each progressive wash process (p&lt; .0001, p&lt; .0001, and p = .0004, respectively). Conclusions: The result of our study provides some interesting observations in the treatment modalities for male infertility. Relatively low cost, less time consuming Swim up sperm wash technique can improve the quality of semen in a great extent. Bangladesh Journal of Urology, Vol. 20, No. 1, January 2017 p.36-41

Myo-inositol as a Safe and Novel Approach in the Treatment of Infertile PCOS Women: An Observational Study

Background: Adjunctive therapies to have a baby and widespread perception is that dietary supplementation such as myo-inositol are associated with only benefit, not with harm in case of PCOS women. The use of 2×1000mg myo-inositol +2×200microgram folic acid per day is a safe and promising tool in the effective improvement of symptoms and infertility for patients with a PCOS.&#x0D; Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of oral supplementation of inositol for reproductive outcomes among subfertile women with PCOS who are trying to conceive.&#x0D; Materials and methods: Using questionnaire an observational study was performed in ShSMCH of outdoor infertility clinic and routine clinical practiced. In this observational study Thirtyfive PCOS women of childbearing age with oligo or amenorrhea were enrolled in the study. Ovulatory disorder due to PCOS was apparently the only cause of infertility; no tubal defect or deficiency of male semen parameters was found. Myo-inositol combined with folic acid 2g twice a day was administered continuously. During an observation period of 6 months from July,2018 to December, 2018, ovulatory activity was monitored with ultrasound scan and hormone profile and the number of spontaneous menstrual cycles and eventually pregnancies were assessed. Results: Twenty eight out of 35 (80%) patients restored their spontaneous menstrual cycle during treatment. A total of 10 singleton pregnancies (28.5% of patients) were obtained. Nine clinical pregnancies were assessed with fetal heart beat at USG scan. One pregnancies evolved in spontaneous abortion.&#x0D; Conclusion: Myo-inositol is a simple and safe treatment that is capable of restoring spontaneous ovarian activity and consequently fertility in most patients with PCOS. This therapy did not cause multiple pregnancy.&#x0D; J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll, December 2019, Vol.11(2); 115-118

MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE-BASED SEMEN PREPARATION INFLUENCES EUPLOIDY RATES OF HUMAN BLASTOCYSTS

The study has been conducted to assess preimplantation development of human embryos following ICSI with two different sperm separation techniques. Zymot, a microfluidic sperm separation device (MFSS), which was based on motility within a micro-environment, and density gradient centrifugation (DGS) which was based on centrifugal force. The study was carried out between 2018 and 2019. Retrospective A total of 371 ART-cycles were included in the study. Semen samples from patients with severe male pathology, TESE, MESA, and donor semen were excluded. Fresh ejaculated specimens from consenting men were collected for standard semen analysis in accordance with WHO 2015 guidelines. DGC (Control Group, n=220) and MFSS (Treatment Group, n=151) were used to isolate motile spermatozoa based on cell motility and fluid dynamics. 1802 blastocysts were biopsied and analyzed to determine ploidy status . Patient characteristics such as male and female age, number of retrieved oocytes, number of embryos were comparable between control and treatment groups. All oocytes were inseminated by ICSI and cultured following standard embryo culture protocols. Trophectoderm biopsies were performed on Day 5 or 6 of development and screened for euploidy using NGS. Experimental end points of the study were fertilization, blastocyst conversion and euploidy rates of preimplantation embryos. Ch-square and regression analyses were used to compare treatments and to identify factors affecting ploidy status of blastocysts. Fertilization and blastocyst conversion rates were comparable between the sperm prep methods tested. Regression analysis of the factors influencing the ploidy status of the blastocysts indicated that use of MFSS method, ZyMot increases the number of euploid embryos by 0.44/cycle, controlling for other known characteristics of patient sets (p: 0.05 *).Tabled 1Semen Prep MethodICSI Cycles (N)ICSI Oocyte (n)Fertilization %Blastocysts Biopsied (%)Euploid Blastocyst (%)DGS22020581667 (81.0)1050 (51.0)620 (59.0)MFSS15114191078 (76.0)752 (53.0)474 (63.0) * Open table in a new tab This study suggests that the use MFSS for sperm preparation for ICSI ccyles could improve the number of euploid embryos, modestly. Although the morphology and DNA integrity were not assessed in this study directly, widely reported improvements in these aspects by the MFSS may explain the improvements in PGT-A outcomes. The findings of our study should to be considered in the light of some limitations, such as a modest sample size and absence of morphology and DNA integrity data. These need to be addressed in future studies to provide a more complete assessment of the treatments.

Toward controlled breeding of the blackfin icefish Chaenocephalus aceratus (Lönnberg 1906): determination of spermatozoa concentration and evaluation of short- and long-term preservation of semen

Efforts to study the effects of environmental change on early development of Antarctic fishes would benefit from the ability to control reproduction by in vitro fertilization. Here, we established a spectrophotometric method to determine spermatozoa concentration in the semen of the blackfin icefish Chaenocephalus aceratus and we evaluated the potential for short (refrigeration) and long-term (cryopreservation) storage. The former will maximize the use of semen over several hours and the latter alleviate the risk that semen is unavailable when a spawning female is available. Seminal plasma osmolality and pH of GnRH-injected male semen were 423.65 ± 35.6 mOsm kg−1 and 8.05 ± 0.11, respectively. The predictive power of regression models between spermatozoa concentration and absorbance was determined from 200 to 600 nm and revealed a best-fitted correlation at 505 nm. The standard curve was tested against measured concentrations and the average difference between measured and estimated concentrations was 0.27 ± 10.23%. Semen could be kept on ice for up to 6 h with minimal loss ( 90% post-thawing motility using a salt-based extender (pH 7.5–7.85 and ~ 280 mOsm kg−1) and 10% DMSO after 72 h immersed in liquid nitrogen. Spermatozoa morphometry revealed significant inter-individual variability. Average head length, head width, and flagella length were 3.78 ± 1.03, 2.87 ± 0.78, and 17.75 ± 7.15 µm, respectively. Spermatids composed 9.7 ± 0.8% of total spermatogenic cells, probably indicating active spermatogenesis, but perhaps resulting to some degree from the semen extraction technique used. Variations on these baseline methods may facilitate semen preservation and ultimately in vitro fertilization in this and other notothenioid species, thereby enhancing our understanding of the responses of early-life stages of Antarctic fishes to future warming of the Southern Ocean.

Relationship between aryl hydrocarbon receptor and spermatogenic dysfunction in male patients with varicocele.

The main purpose of this project is to verify whether there is a difference in the expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) between varicocele (VC) and normal male semen, and determine whether there is a connection with the parameters of semen analysis. The risk factors of infertility in patients with VC were also studied. Semen samples were collected for semen analysis and Western blot. Logistic regression was used to investigate the risk factors associated with infertility in patients with VC. Men with VC had lower AhR expression compared to healthy men; correlation analysis results showed that: AhR expression in patients with VC group was significantly positively correlated with sperm concentration and sperm motility; significantly negatively correlated with the diameter of spermatic veins during Valsalva and the percentage of abnormal sperm morphology; the research results of related risk factors show that the risk of infertility of patients with grade III is 1.67 times that of patients with grades I and II. For each unit of abnormal sperm morphology, the risk of infertility increases 1.04 times. Sperm concentration, total sperm viability and each unit the expression of AhR protein decreases the risk of infertility by 3%, 9% and 11% respectively.

SARS-CoV-2 and human reproduction: An open question.

In late 2019, a new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, started spreading in China and resulted in the Covid-19 pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 is a respiratory virus with a broad organ tropism gradually unveiled. Over 30 viruses infect male genital organs and semen, including viruses whose tropism for the male genital tract and sexual transmission was unexpected [1]. Several viruses also target the female genital tract [2]. Infection of the genital tract is particularly problematic since (i) male genital organs can act as viral reservoirs with persistent excretion in semen, leading to sexual transmission by cured men (e.g.

Preconception Sex Selection in Traditional Persian Medicine: A Review of the Literature

Objectives: This review investigates the existing research with regard to a variety of different suggested methods by traditional Persian medicine (TPM) about the baby’s sex selection. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive scoping review including five stages was conducted to summarize evidence on pre-implantation sex selection in TPM. The research question and relevant studies were identified in stages 1 and 2, respectively. Then, studies were selected and data were charted in stages 3 and 4, and finally, the results were collated, summarized, and reported in stage 5. Results: Accordingly, 7 general categories were arranged, including the temperament of the sexual organs in a man, the temperament of sexual organs in a woman, the type of male semen, and timing and manner of sexual intercourse for fetus sex induction purposes. Other categories were the effect of environmental factors, the couple’s psychic states during the course of love-making, the couple’s age, and measures for male sex induction. Conclusions: This review summarizes the existing research regarding different suggested methods by TPM on the baby’s sex selection. These could well be the basis for further prospective scientific research and investigation.

Supplementation with L-Carnitine Rescues Sperm Epigenetic Changes in Asthenospermic Male Semen with Altered Acetyl-L-Carnitine Levels

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the concentration of L-carnitine in semen and sperm parameters and investigate the epigenetic profile in sperm cell after L-carnitine usage. Methods: From February 2017 to February 2018, 46 semen samples from asthenospermic males and 41 semen samples from healthy donors were acquired. Motility parameters were assessed using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA, n = 78) and the DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was evaluated through flow cytometry (n = 86), %DFI = % cells outside main population. Other oxidative stress markers, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels (n = 86) and the mitochondria DNA copy numbers, were detected (n = 78). The concentration of L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine was detected (n = 82), and methylation was analyzed (n = 30). After that, we collected 13 fresh semen samples from asthenospermic males and 23 fresh semen samples from healthy donors. These samples were used in a freeze-thaw model that was used to determine whether adding L-carnitine could change sperm progressive motility (n = 23), apoptosis index (n = 9), and methylation analysis (n = 7). In total, we have done 13 asthenospermia samples for Western blot, and except for the poor Western result, we analyzed 6 samples for H3K9ac detection, 7 samples for H3K9m3 and H3K27m3 detection, and immunofluorescence (n = 3). Finally, we had recruited 30 volunteers, and they were given oral administration of L-carnitine for 3 months and then collected semen samples at different time points for methylation analysis. Results: The concentration of acetyl-L-carnitine is negatively correlated with the %DFI value (r2 = 0.1090; P = 0.0026), and the concentration of acetyl-L-carnitine is positively correlated with sperm forward motility (r2 = 0.0543; P = 0.0458) and ROS (r2 = 0.1854;P Conclusion: L-carnitine can reduce the %DFI and also affect the methylation of the histone modification marker in sperm as a possible epigenetic regulator.

Christian Response to Reproductive Technologies: A Case Study of Artificial Insemination

The scientific method of artificial insemination is one of the reproductive technology that came into widespread use some decades ago. With this method, some couples with fertility problems can now have children through artificial insemination; a process where concentrated male semen is introduced into the female reproductive system artificially in the clinic for childbearing. The increasing cases of childlessness, infertility or barrenness among married couples and request from the homosexuals (gay and lesbians) have given rise to high demand for artificial insemination. Today, there are commercial sperm banks that store frozen sperms for sell to those who need them. This artificial method of childbearing has generated serious controversy among theologians, bioethical and Christian scholars. Artificial insemination has indeed given hope to many couples globally whose marriages were threatened due to the problem of barrenness, childlessness or reproductive malfunctioning. The major Christian and ethical concern is that the process is artificial and manipulative rather than being natural. This paper aims to examine the biblical perspective of this phenomenal scientific breakthrough and show whether or not artificial insemination is compatible with the Christian doctrine of marriage and childbearing. The research method adopted is descriptive, using secondary materials from journals, textbooks and websites to elucidate the points. The study reveals that there is no consensuses agreement on the issue of reproductive technology among Christian scholars and the biblical interpretation of some related passages are not explicit on issues of reproductive technology. The study, therefore, recommends a more natural way of treating the issues of infertility, barrenness and childlessness by investigating into the causes of infertility and proffer a curative solution rather than resort into masturbation and commercialization of human sperm and egg.

Interaction effect of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites and cadmium on semen quality in nonsmokers.

Both cadmium (Cd) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are known reproductive toxicants, but their co-exposure and interaction effect on semen quality particularly in nonsmokers remain unknown. We included 333 nonsmoking men and analyzed their urine and semen samples for heavy metals and PAH metabolites. Restricted cubic spline models were used to explore the dose-response relationship between each OH-PAHs, Cd, and semen quality parameters; the generalized linear model was performed to examine the interaction of each urinary OH-PAH metabolite and Cd concentration on semen quality. Also, stratified analysis was applied to further illustrate the independent effect of PAHs on semen quality parameters in low and high concentration Cd subgroups. The dose-response and interaction effect of PAHs and Cd on male semen quality was observed. Stratified analysis in the high concentration Cd subgroup showed a negative association of 1-OHPyr concentration with semen motility. Our findings indicate that Cd not only modifies the association between PAHs and semen quality but can also exacerbate the toxic effect of pyrene on semen quality parameters. However, further studies with larger samples are needed to confirm the findings.

Zika virus dysregulates human Sertoli cell proteins involved in spermatogenesis with little effect on tight junctions.

Zika virus (ZIKV), a neglected tropical disease until its re-emergence in 2007, causes microcephaly in infants and Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults. Its re-emergence and spread to more than 80 countries led the World Health Organization in 2016 to declare a Public Health Emergency. ZIKV is mainly transmitted by mosquitos, but can persist in infected human male semen for prolonged periods and may be sexually transmitted. Testicular Sertoli cells support ZIKV replication and may be a reservoir for persistent ZIKV infection. Electrical impedance analyses indicated ZIKV infection rapidly disrupted Vero cell monolayers but had little effect upon human Sertoli cells (HSerC). We determined ZIKV-induced proteomic changes in HSerC using an aptamer-based multiplexed technique (SOMAscan) targeting >1300 human proteins. ZIKV infection caused differential expression of 299 proteins during three different time points, including 5 days after infection. Dysregulated proteins are involved in different bio-functions, including cell death and survival, cell cycle, maintenance of cellular function, cell signaling, cellular assembly, morphology, movement, molecular transport, and immune response. Many signaling pathways important for maintenance of HSerC function and spermatogenesis were highly dysregulated. These included IL-6, IGF1, EGF, NF-κB, PPAR, ERK/MAPK, and growth hormone signaling. Down-regulation of the PPAR signaling pathway might impact cellular energy supplies. Upstream molecule analysis also indicated microRNAs involved in germ cell development were downregulated by infection. Overall, this study leads to a better understanding of Sertoli cellular mechanisms used by ZIKV during persistent infection and possible ZIKV impacts on spermatogenesis.

Oxidative stress in cryopreserved semen of sex-reversed female and normal male rainbow trout

The aim of the current study was to determine the sperm quality of sex-reversed female (SRF) and normal male rainbow trout measured as ROS+ (percentage of spermatozoa exhibiting reactive oxygen species) production and TAC (total antioxidant capacity) in semen cryopreserved at different glucose concentration [optimal (0.15 M), low (0.11 M) and high (0.19 and 0.21 M for SRF and normal male rainbow trout, respectively)] in 7.5% methanol (glucose-methanol extender). Our hypothesis assumes that at non-optimal glucose concentrations, production of ROS+ is induced, resulting in damage to spermatozoa which should be characteristic for normal males and SRF rainbow trout. Such approach would allow to describe the characteristics of the response of spermatozoa of normal males and SRF to oxidative stress which is prerequisite for better understanding the mechanism of oxidative stress of normal males and SRF. This knowledge can be important for improvement of protocols of short-term storage and cryopreservation of SRF and normal males semen. We established baseline values for ROS+ and TAC for fresh semen from SRF and normal male rainbow trout and found a negative regression between those two characteristics in SRF. We determined the effect of glucose concentration on ROS+ production, TAC and sperm quality parameters of cryopreserved semen. TAC activity was monitored at the same time, and its relationship to oxidative stress was assessed. The glucose concentration significantly affected sperm motility, curvilinear velocity and viability after thawing. Cryopreservation resulted in increased ROS+ values in both tested groups. On the other hand, TAC values were significantly lower in cryopreserved samples than in equilibrated samples of SRF rainbow trout semen at all tested glucose concentrations. Our results strongly suggest that increasing the osmolality of the extender induces oxidative stress in spermatozoa of SRF and normal male rainbow trout. Most changes are related to freezing and thawing; however, some changes may occur during equilibration. Specific changes in oxidative stress characteristics occur in fresh and cryopreserved semen of SRF and normal males. An inverse relationship between ROS+ and TAC is likely caused by consumption of antioxidants by ROS+. Our results can be useful for optimization of cryopreservation protocols for salmonid fish. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the mechanisms that lead to differences in oxidative stress levels in semen from SRF and normal male rainbow trout.