Semen Parameters Research Articles

Correlation between seminal α-glycerylphosphorylcholine and semen parameters in infertile patients pre- and post-sub-inguinal micro-varicocelectomy: a prospective study.

Varicocele (Vx) which is the most treatable cause of male infertility, is also associated with low sperm count, decreased sperm motility and increased sperm abnormal morphology. We aimed in the current study to evaluate the correlation between seminal α-Glycerylphosphorylcholine (αGPC) and semen parameters in infertile patients pre- and post- sub-inguinal micro-varicocelectomy. The current comparative prospective study was carried out on 20 male patients who presented to Kasr Al-AinyHospitals from March 2022 to March 2023 as well as 20 healthy controls. The participants were divided into groups as follows: group (1) included fertile normozoospermic men (n = 20) who served as controls. Group (2) included infertile oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) men with varicocele (n = 20). Patients in group (2) were followed up to 3 months after microsurgicalsub-inguinal Varicocelectomy. The examination included an assessment of Vx with scrotal Duplex. Semen analysis wasdone according to the 5thEdition of WHO manual for semenanalysis. The study demonstrates that αGPC level was significantly higher among fertile normozoospermic control group andinfertile OAT men post varicocelectomy when compared to infertile OAT men preoperative (p<0.001). Moreover, it demonstrates that on follow up of infertile OAT group 3 months after sub-inguinal micro-varicocelectomy, all semen parametersshowed significant improvement compared to the corresponding semen parameters pre-operatively among Vxs grade II andgrade III (p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively). A significant positive correlation was found between αGPC level and semen parameters including sperm normal forms, sperm count andsperm motility. Using ROC curve, αGPC protein showed a sensitivity of (100%) and a specificity of (100%) at cut off value(≤ 1.975 pg/ml) in differentiation between infertile OAT patients with Vx and control fertile normozoospermic men (p<0.001). αGPC may play an important role in infertility in men with Vx and correction of Vx improves the seminal αGPC level.

A new approach for hemodynamics of varicoceles: blood flow patterns based on contrast-enhanced ultrasound

BackgroundHemodynamic alterations in the spermatic vein are implicated in infertility among patients with varicocele (VC). Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), a powerful tool for hemodynamic analysis, remains unexplored for VC. This study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of using CEUS to evaluate spermatic vein hemodynamics in patients with VC and establish a clear correlation between specific hemodynamic patterns and impaired semen parameters. This study included 165 patients with left-sided VC and 50 healthy volunteers. All participants underwent CEUS of the spermatic veins, along with maximum venous diameter and testicular volume measurements and serum sex hormone levels and routine semen analyses. The sperm DNA fragmentation index was measured in 146 patients with VC and 37 healthy controls.ResultsThe analyses revealed four distinct blood flow patterns of the spermatic vein: steady flow, intermittent stasis, intermittent reflux, and filling defect. In healthy spermatic veins, the predominant blood flow patterns included steady flow and intermittent stasis. Spermatic veins with VC exhibited a significant increase in the intermittent reflux and filling defect patterns, with the proportion rising as the clinical grade increased. The four patterns were further grouped into the “steady flow & intermittent stasis” and “intermittent reflux & filling defect” patterns for logistic regression analyses; the intermittent reflux & filling defect pattern was revealed as an independent risk factor for impaired sperm concentration, total sperm counts, progressive motility, morphology, and DNA fragmentation index.ConclusionsThis study validated the feasibility of CEUS for assessing the hemodynamics of the spermatic vein and established the intermittent reflux & filling defect pattern as an independent predictor of impaired semen parameters.

Impact of Male Age and Semen Parameters on Blastocyst Morphology, Beta-HCG Positivity and Pregnancy Viability: A Retrospective Analysis in Frozen Embryo Transfer Cycles

Impact of Male Age and Semen Parameters on Blastocyst Morphology, Beta-HCG Positivity and Pregnancy Viability: A Retrospective Analysis in Frozen Embryo Transfer Cycles

Fertility problems in men carrying chromosome 7 inversion: A retrospective, observational study.

Infertility is a worldwide public health issue. Fifty percent of infertile couples are male-only. A number of male infertility etiologies are significantly influenced by chromosomal abnormalities. Clinical manifestations, however, differ according to the presence of aberrant chromosomes and distinct breakpoints. The reproductive effects of inversion are evident in those who carry it. The influence of inverted carriers on male infertility may be explained by the interchromosomal effect, although further research is still needed to determine the precise mechanism. Furthermore, selecting clinical reproductive technology presents difficulties for both physician and patients. The aim of this study is to determine the clinical characteristics of 4 males who have an inversion of chromosome 7, and to investigate the connection between the breakpoints of this chromosome and male infertility. For each patient, cytogenetic and semen analyses were carried out. Using PubMed or Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, relevant research and genes on breakpoints on chromosome 7 were found. This study includes 4 male infertile patients, all of whom had chromosome 7 inversions. 46,XY,inv(7)(p22q22), 46,XY,inv(7)(p21q11.2), 46,XY,inv(7)(p21q21), and 46,XY,inv(7)(p15q36) were the results of the cytogenetic analysis. Three cases of aberrant semen parameters were detected by semen detection. After a literature search, 21 cases of chromosome 7 inversion carriers were found. These carrier couples have varying reproductive histories. Among the 5 cases where semen parameters are available, 1 is azoospermia and 1 is oligoasthenozoospermia. Five significant genes on chromosome 7 have been linked to male infertility. Changes in semen parameters may be connected to the breakpoints 7q11, 7q21, 7q22, and 7q36. Physicians should take into account the relevant breakpoints when offering genetic counseling to patients who have chromosome 7 inversion.

Posterior Urethral Valves and Fertility: Insight on Paternity Rates and Seminal Parameters.

Posterior urethral valves (PUVs) represent the most common cause of male congenital lower urinary tract obstruction, often responsible for renal dysplasia and chronic renal failure. Despite recent improvements in patients' outcomes thanks to prenatal ultrasound early diagnosis, PUVs can still impact sexual function and fertility. This study aims to review the available evidence on fertility in PUV patients, examining paternity rates and semen parameters. A review was conducted of the PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Embase databases. Studies focusing on fertility and paternity outcomes in PUV patients were selected, including case reports, case series, and retrospective and prospective studies. A total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. The review revealed that PUV patients often exhibit compromised semen parameters, including low sperm count, reduced motility, and abnormal morphology, as well as alterations in seminal plasma. PUV diagnoses are common in adults exhibiting infertility and ejaculation disorders, suggesting PUVs cannot be considered only a pediatric disease. Paternity rates among PUV patients were rarely reported in extenso, hampering the correct assessment of the overall medium paternity rate and its comparison with that of healthy individuals. Lastly, seminal parameters were assessed in a minimal cohort of patients, therefore, they could not be considered representative. Fertility and seminal parameters in PUV patients represent an under-investigated area. PUVs can variably and non-univocally affect fatherhood, and they may be associated with compromised semen quality. Early intervention and long-term follow-up are essential to address potential fertility issues. Future research should focus on developing targeted strategies to preserve and enhance fertility in this patient population.

Predicting Semen Analysis Parameters from Testicular Ultrasonography Images Using Deep Learning Algorithms: An Innovative Approach to Male Infertility Diagnosis.

Objectives: Semen analysis is universally regarded as the gold standard for diagnosing male infertility, while ultrasonography plays a vital role as a complementary diagnostic tool. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven deep learning algorithms in predicting semen analysis parameters based on testicular ultrasonography images. Materials and Methods: This study included male patients aged 18-54 who sought evaluation for infertility at the Urology Outpatient Clinic of our hospital between February 2022 and April 2023. All patients underwent comprehensive assessments, including blood hormone profiling, semen analysis, and scrotal ultrasonography, with each procedure being performed by the same operator. Longitudinal-axis images of both testes were obtained and subsequently segmented. Based on the semen analysis results, the patients were categorized into groups according to sperm concentration, progressive motility, and morphology. Following the initial classification, each semen parameter was further subdivided into "low" and "normal" categories. The testicular images from both the right and left sides of all patients were organized into corresponding folders based on their associated laboratory parameters. Three distinct datasets were created from the segmented images, which were then augmented. The datasets were randomly partitioned into an 80% training set and a 20% test set. Finally, the images were classified using the VGG-16 deep learning architecture. Results: The area under the curve (AUC) values for the classification of sperm concentration (oligospermia versus normal), progressive motility (asthenozoospermia versus normal), and morphology (teratozoospermia versus normal) were 0.76, 0.89, and 0.86, respectively. Conclusions: In our study, we successfully predicted semen analysis parameters using data derived from testicular ultrasonography images through deep learning algorithms, representing an innovative application of artificial intelligence. Given the limited published research in this area, our study makes a significant contribution to the field and provides a foundation for future validation studies.

Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors in Male Reproduction: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Implications for Fertility Management.

Phosphodiesterases, particularly the type 5 isoform (PDE5), have gained recognition as pivotal regulators of male reproductive physiology, exerting significant influence on testicular function, sperm maturation, and overall fertility potential. Over the past several decades, investigations have expanded beyond the original therapeutic intent of PDE5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction, exploring their broader reproductive implications. This narrative review integrates current evidence from in vitro studies, animal models, and clinical research to clarify the roles of PDEs in effecting the male reproductive tract, with an emphasis on the mechanistic pathways underlying cyclic nucleotide signaling, the cellular specificity of PDE isoform expression, and the effects of PDE5 inhibitors on Leydig and Sertoli cell functions. Although certain findings suggest potential improvements in sperm motility, semen parameters, and a more favorable biochemical milieu for spermatogenesis, inconsistencies in study design, limited sample sizes, and inadequate long-term data temper definitive conclusions. Addressing these gaps through standardized protocols, larger and more diverse patient cohorts, and explorations of mechanistic biomarkers could pave the way for incorporating PDE5 inhibitors into evidence-based fertility treatment strategies. In the future, such targeted approaches may inform individualized regimens, optimize male reproductive outcomes, and refine the clinical application of PDE5 inhibitors as part of comprehensive male fertility management.

Direct-to-consumer semen analysis products: Content, accountability, and adherence to clinical guidelines.

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) semen analysis (SA) products obviate barriers that deter men from clinic testing and have made strides in providing higher quality data. However, it is unclear how well these products adhere to the 2021 WHO guidelines on examination and processing of human spermatozoa as they pertain to the evaluation of male fertility. We investigate the content and adherence to clinical guidelines associated with consumer-facing information on DTC analysis products. Google search terms "at-home sperm test" and "mail-in sperm test" were used to identify commercially available products. Products that were offered to providers or were designed for use after vasectomy were excluded. We determined which semen parameters each product offered; if it was validated in subfertile men and against an established semen analysis method; and if it provided guidance in accordance with the WHO 2021 guidelines and related AUA/ASRM guidelines. The accountability and esthetic appearance of content for each product were assessed using the Silberg accountability and modified Abbott's criteria, respectively. Readability was assessed using the Flesch-Kincaid score. Descriptive statistics and two-tailed t-tests were used to compare characteristics, with p<0.05 as statistically significant. We identified 20 at-home (n=17) and mail-in (n=3) products. 85% of tests reported sperm concentration, with 60% and 15% of tests reporting motility and morphology, respectively. Fewer than half recommended men perform more than one test (40%), and none highlighted the need for partner evaluation. Only 25% were validated among subfertile men. Most tests lacked information on their credentials and sponsors, though were esthetically pleasing. Consumer-facing information on average required a high school level education for comprehension. DTC products inconsistently provide clinical recommendations in accordance with guidelines. Additionally, while product content is on average aesthetically appealing, it may lack accountability. Formal recommendations on the content and use of such products may improve their clinical integration.

Effect of age-associated oxidative stress on sperm viability, acrosomal integrity and sperm apoptosis and DNA fragmentation in Sahiwal breeding bulls.

Sperm motility is the prime functional attribute for semen quality and fertility of the bull. However, the bull's age directly affects the semen quality, and the bull's fertility and productive life decline with age. Even though research on age has been conducted in the past, it is still unclear how old a bull should be maintained at artificial insemination centers. The minimum standard protocol (MSP) states that a bull has an 8-years productive lifespan, yet it has been shown that some bulls older than 8 years have produced freezable ejaculates. It has yet to be established what the bull's ideal productive life is under the tropical climate of India without affecting in-vitro sperm functions. For the validation of the maximum age of a bull up to that it could be utilized in the artificial insemination centers, cut-off values of oxidative stress in freezable semen ejaculates were used. The current study was done at the Artificial Breeding Research Centre, ICAR-NDRI, Karnal, Haryana, India. A total of eighteen Sahiwal breeding bulls were divided into three groups: Young (2-4 years), Adult (> 4-8 years), and Older (> 8-11 years). Three ejaculates were taken from each bull; thus, a total of 18 ejaculates were utilized in each group for semen examination. Semen quality of Young bulls was poor compared with adult and older bulls. Seminal parameters such as dead, moribund, apoptotic, reacted acrosome, and protamine deficient sperms were higher in older bulls than in adult bulls; however, the values were non-significant. Less difference was found in the semen parameters among adult and older bulls. This indicates that the semen quality of older Sahiwal bulls was optimum, freezable, and can be utilized for up to 11 years (Average 9.5 years).

Micronucleus counts correlating with male infertility: a clinical analysis of chromosomal abnormalities and reproductive parameters.

Investigating the correlation between micronucleus formation and male infertility has the potential to improve clinical diagnosis and deepen our understanding of pathological progression. Our study enrolled 2252 male patients whose semen was analyzed from March 2023 to July 2023. Their clinical data, including semen parameters and age, were also collected. Genetic analysis was used to determine whether the sex chromosome involved in male infertility was abnormal (including the increase, deletion, and translocation of the X and Y chromosomes), and subsequent semen analysis was conducted for clinical grouping purposes. The participants were categorized into five groups: normozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, oligozoospermia, oligoasthenozoospermia, and azoospermia. Patients were randomly selected for further study; 41 patients with normozoospermia were included in the control group and 117 patients with non-normozoospermia were included in the study group according to the proportions of all enrolled patients. Cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) screening was conducted through peripheral blood. Statistical analysis was used to determine the differences in micronuclei (MNi) among the groups and the relationships between MNi and clinical data. There was a significant increase in MNi in infertile men, including those with azoospermia, compared with normozoospermic patients, but there was no significant difference between the genetic and nongenetic groups in azoospermic men. The presence of MNi was associated with sperm concentration, progressive sperm motility, immotile spermatozoa, malformed spermatozoa, total sperm count, and total sperm motility. This study underscores the potential utility of MNi as a diagnostic tool and highlights the need for further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of male infertility.

PFAS Exposure and Male Reproductive Health: Implications for Sperm Epigenetics.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent environmental contaminants found in human tissues and persist in the environment, posing significant risks to reproductive health. This review examines the impact of PFAS exposure on male reproductive health, with a focus on sperm epigenetics. PFASs disrupt endocrine function by altering key reproductive hormones and impairing sperm motility, quality, and viability. Epidemiologic and animal studies highlight inconsistent yet concerning associations between PFAS exposure and semen parameters, as well as altered gene expression and DNA methylation patterns. Moreover, PFAS exposure during critical windows of development has been linked to differential impacts on male versus female pubertal development, cognitive outcomes, and reproductive physiology, emphasizing the complexity of PFAS interactions. This comprehensive analysis highlights the need for continued research into the mechanisms by which PFASs influence reproductive health and development with potential implications for sperm epigenetics. The review emphasizes the importance of understanding the epigenetic mechanisms behind these disruptions, particularly DNA methylation and its role in heritable changes. Investigating the epigenetic modifications driven by PFAS exposure is crucial for elucidating the mechanisms by which these chemicals influence reproductive health. Future research should focus on understanding these epigenetic changes in both immediate fertility outcomes and transgenerational health risks.

Genome-wide discovery of underlying genetic factors associated with fresh and frozen-thawed semen traits in composite ram breeds exhibiting different cryotolerance.

Fewer studies investigate the effects of underlying genetic factors related to semen characteristics, significantly affecting sheep farm profitability. This study aimed to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and genomic regions associated with fresh and frozen-thawed semen traits in rams with low (Hasak) and high (Hasmer) cryotolerance. Semen collected from 11 (5 Hasak with low and 6 Hasmer with high cryotolerance) rams cryopreserved in 0.25 ml straws in the breeding season. Quality characteristics were determined in fresh, equilibrated, and frozen-thawed semen. A Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) was conducted to unveil the genetic structure that might be attributed to cryotolerance in low and high cryotoleranced rams. Fresh (regarding total and progressive motility) and equilibrated semen quality were similar in Hasak and Hasmer rams (p > 0.6). However, the freeze-thawing process had a more pronounced negative effect on ram semen traits in Hasak than in Hasmer (p < 0.05). GWAS revealed 27 SNPs correlated with post-thaw semen parameters. Moreover, network analyses revealed pathways related to sperm ion channels and their activities, providing insights into the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying sperm physiology and emphasizing their role in potentially impacting sperm cryotolerance. The functional significance of detected SNPs and the associated pathways require further exploration.

Association between sperm DNA fragmentation index and recurrent pregnancy loss: results from 1485 participants undergoing fertility evaluation.

Several male factors have been reported to play a role in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between semen parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and RPL. A total of 1485 participants were recruited from a university hospital between April 2020 and August 2022. Six hundred and thirtyfour men from couples with RPL were assigned to the case group, while 851 men from couple without RPL who underwent fertile evaluation were assigned to the control group. Semen parameters including sperm DNA fragmentation, were assessed. No statistically significant differences in semen parameters, sperm kinematics and DFI were observed between the case group and the control group. A higher proportion of men in the case group had a DFI > 30% compared to those in the control group; however, this difference was not statistically significant. Restricted cubic spline analysis revealed no significant non-linear relationships between continuous DFI and risk of RPL. Our study indicates that there is no significant relationship between DFI and RPL risk. Further prospective studies are needed to explore the impact of DFI on fertility outcomes in couples experiencing RPL.

Evaulation of varicocelectomy efficacy in primary and secondary infertile men

Introduction. Varicocele is one of the main causes of subfertility in men with primary and secondary infertility. Objective. In this study, we compared the initial semen parameters and the effectiveness of varicocelectomy in men with primary and secondary infertility. Materials &amp; methods. 100 men suffering from primary infertility (PI) and secondary infertility (SI) and having varicocelectomy were recruited. Patients were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 included 58 men with PI and the group 2 42 men with SI. Preoperative clinical characteristics and semen parameters before and after varicocelectomy were analyzed and compared between groups. Results. Analysis revealed that the mean age of patients of the group 1 was significantly lower (p &lt; 0,001) and duration of infertility was accurately shorter (p &lt; 0,01) than those of group 2. Main semen parameters increased significantly in group I (e. g., sperm concentration increased by 50 %, from 62,2 ± 8,7 to 93,5 ± 10,0 M/ml and total motile sperm count increased by 113 %, from 76,7 ± 17,1 to 163,4 ± 27,8 M p &lt; 0,05), while in group 2 only % of progressive motile sperm increased significantly (by 107 %, from 13,5 ± 2,6 to 28,0 ± 5,2 % p &lt; 0,05). We identified significant difference in varicocelectomy efficacy between group 1 and group 2 in change of total motile sperm count (by 113 % vs. 74 % respectively, p &lt; 0,01). We also revealed discrepancy between groups in correlation ratio (r) between initial and post-surgical percentage of progressive motile sperm. Conclusions. Patients with SI were older and had longer infertility period. Varicocelectomy resulted in significant semen parameters improvement in patients with PI. In patients with SI only a percent of progressively motile sperm improved significantly. It shows that male age and infertility duration may negatively affect varicocelectomy outcomes in male subfertility treatment.

Pre-orchiectomy semen analysis in patients with testicular germ cell tumours and comparison with healthy men and with patients with other malignancies

Purpose Subfertility is a well-known aftermath of treatment of testicular germ cell tumours (GCTs). Growing evidence suggests reduced semen quality also before therapy. The present study aimed to evaluate pre-orchiectomy semen parameters in GCT patients and to compare the results with controls. Methods GCT patients providing semen for cryopreservation before orchiectomy during 2012 - 2023 were retrospectively enrolled (TT cohort). Controls consisted of healthy volunteers for sperm donation (HD), and of patients with other malignancies (OM). The following parameters were recorded in each participant: ejaculate volume (EV; ml), total sperm count in ejaculate (TSC), and proportion of progressive motility (PM) (%). Descriptive statistical methods were used to compare the 3 populations with each other. Results A total of 664 subjects were included, thereof 163 TT, 289 HD, and 212 OM. Median ejaculate volume was 3.0 ml, 3.5 ml, and 3.4 ml; median TSC was 56.9 x106, 207 x106, and 152 x106; median PM was 40%, 40.2%, and 43% in TT, HD, and OM, respectively. TSC, EV and several secondary parameters of semen quality observed in TT were significantly worse than those in the two control cohorts. HD and OM were within normal limits with regard to TSC and PM and were different in only a few secondary parameters. Conclusion This study confirmed significantly lower pre-orchiectomy semen quality in GCT patients in comparison to healthy males and to patients with other malignancies. Subfertility is an intrinsic feature of GCT preceding treatment that needs to be considered by care-givers.

Investigating male factors and their relationships with reproductive health outcomes: a case-control study protocol for Towards Optimal Fertility, Fathering, and Fatherhood studY (TOFFFY) in Singapore

IntroductionDespite the global prevalence of low fertility rates, male contributions to fertility and reproductive health outcomes have been understudied. This study aims to investigate the male contribution to fertility and...

Bacteriospermia in men among infertile couples in the Nepalese population

Infection of the male urogenital tract or male accessory glands is considered one of the important causes of male infertility, and results in the presence of bacteria in semen affecting the fertility potential of men. This study aims to understand the rate of seminal infection in infertile men, and its association with semen parameters related to fertility potential. The study was carried out from June 2021 to July 2022, in which 217 semen samples were collected from male partners of couples consulting for fertility complaints in a fertility center in Nepal. Analysis of semen parameters was done following the WHO guidelines for human semen analysis, 2021. Microbiological assessment of semen by culture-based approach showed bacteriospermia among 25.3% of samples. Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant isolate in semen. The volume of semen was reduced (p = 0.001 at 95% confidence interval) with bacteriospermia. The concentration, total motility, morphology, and vitality of spermatozoa in the samples tended to be negatively impacted due to bacteriospermia, however, the associations were insignificant at 95% CI. Our study indicates impairment of semen parameters is partially associated with bacterial infection, and hence bacteriospermia may be an important cause of male infertility. Our data represent a baseline for future in-depth studies on bacterial infection in the semen of infertile men in Nepal.

Indicators of native and frozen-thawed semen in breeding bulls of the simmental and montbeliarde breeds

Semen quality is the main parameter for evaluating sires. Sperm freezing is considered the main method for preserving animals with certain reproductive capabilities. The aim of the study was to investigate the quantitative and qualitative parameters of native and frozen-thawed semen in sires depending on the selection direction. The study was conducted at the base of JSC "GCV" in the Moscow Region, Podolsk, on 3 groups of bulls in the amount of 12 heads: Simmental bulls of the dairy direction (n=4) and meat direction (n=4) and Montbéliarde bulls of the dairy direction (n=4). A total of 477 samples were analyzed, including 173 samples from meat Simmentals (the number of samples in a group varied from 41 to 46); 160 samplings of dairy Simmentals (the number of samplings in a group varied from 32 to 46) and 144 samplings of Montbéliarde (the number of samplings in a group varied from 29 to 47). It was found that the defective ejaculates of native semen in beef bulls averaged 22.7%, the number of fertile spermatozoa 32.6%, while the percentage of defective ejaculates in dairy sires of the Simmental breed averaged 12%, the percentage of fertile spermatozoa at the level of 44.6%. Similar indicators were obtained in Montbéliarde bulls and amounted to 8.2% and 53.6%, respectively. Semen losses per bull were greatest in beef Simmentals (9,808 doses). In Montbéliardes, this figure was 3,795 doses. At a reliable level, the dose of frozen semen per 1 ejaculate in Simmental bulls of dairy orientation was 236 doses and in beef orientation - 201 doses (at P &lt; 0.05). Individual characteristics were also established in bulls in all groups.

Seminal Plasma-Derived Exosome Preserves the Quality Parameters of the Post-Thaw Semen of Bulls with Low Freezeability.

Introduction: Sperm cryopreservation is a useful storage technique in artificial insemination. Nanoparticles and nanovesicles such as exosomes are widely used in sperm cryopreservation procedures to alleviate cold-induced injury inflicted during sperm freezing. Objective: The objective of the present study was to examine the impact of varying concentrations of exosomes derived from seminal plasma added to a freezing extender on the quality of post-thawed bull sperm. Methods: Five Holstein bulls were chosen based on their samples having less than 30% progressive motility. After exosome extraction, semen samples from bulls (n = 5) with progressive sperm motility ≤30% were collected, diluted with different exosome concentrations (0, 25, 50, and 100 μg/mL), and aspirated into 0.5 mL straws. After the freeze-thaw process, sperm total and progressive motility, viability, morphology, plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, and apoptosis status were assessed. Furthermore, the expression levels of annexin (ANX1), dystrophy-associated Fer-1-like protein (DYSF), fibronectin 1 (FN1), and reactive oxygen species modulator 1 (ROMO1) were evaluated via real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Adding different concentrations of exosomes (25, 50, and 150 μg/mL) significantly increased the progressive motility, viability, and membrane integrity of sperm compared with the control group (p < 0.05). For the apoptosis index, treatment with 100 μg/mL exosomes significantly increased the percentage of live cells (p < 0.05), while the percentage of necrotic cells decreased significantly (p < 0.05) compared with 25 μg/mL exosome. The results of quantitative PCR showed that the expression levels of ANX1 were significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated at 50 μg/mL exosome, and the expression of ROMO1, FN1, and DYSF were downregulated upon treatment with different exosome concentrations. Conclusions: In conclusion, supplementing the freezing diluent with exosome-derived seminal plasma could preserve the quality parameters of the post-thaw semen of the bull with low freezeability and could be used as a helpful method for reproductive programs.

To Assess the Impact of Smoking on Semen Quality: A Comprehensive Study of Semen Parameters in North Indian Men

Objectives Infertility affects a large proportion of couples worldwide, with male factors accounting for approximately half of the cases. Smoking and other lifestyle choices have been linked to decreased sperm quality, which includes factors such as sperm count, motility, and morphology. This study intends to assess the influence of smoking on sperm quality among north Indian males seeking reproductive treatment. Material and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at Matritava Advanced IVF and Maternity Centre in Gurugram, Haryana, India, from September 2023 to June 2024. The study comprised 100 men aged 21–55 years old who were coming for infertility treatment and inclined to participate in the study and were divided into two groups: smokers (n = 50) and non-smokers (n = 50). Semen samples were analysed according to WHO guidelines (2021) to evaluate parameters such as semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, motility, and morphology. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 25.0. Results The average age of smokers and non-smokers was 35.10 ± 4.41 years and 35.72 ± 3.80 years, respectively (p = 0.45). Smokers showed more abnormalities in semen parameters compared to non-smokers. Key findings include semen volume of (2.86 ± 1.04 ml) in smokers as compared to non-smokers (2.40 ± 0.67 ml) (p = 0.01). Smokers exhibited lower average sperm concentration (51.91 ± 37.81 million/ml) than non-smokers (67.14 ± 56.76 million/ml) (p = 0.07). Smoking significantly reduced sperm morphology (2.70 ± 0.81%) compared to non-smokers (3.50 ± 0.76%) (p &lt; 0.001). There were no significant differences between total and progressive motility between the two groups. Conclusion Smoking has a considerable negative impact on sperm quality, particularly morphology, in males seeking fertility treatment. These findings emphasise the necessity to incorporate smoking cessation 3 months before Starting the fertility treatment to improve reproductive outcomes. Healthcare organisations should emphasise the negative effects of smoking on male fertility and advocate lifestyle modifications as part of comprehensive fertility care.