Application Of Seminal Plasma Research Articles

In vivo effect of vaginal seminal plasma application on the human endometrial transcriptome: a randomized controlled trial.

Studies in humans and animals suggest that seminal plasma, the acellular seminal fluid component, stimulates the endometrium to promote immune tolerance and facilitate implantation. We designed a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial to investigate changes in the endometrial transcriptomic profile after vaginal application of seminal plasma. The study participants were randomized into two groups. Five women received a vaginal application of seminal plasma, and four received a placebo application with saline solution. The application was performed two days after human chorionic gonadotrophin-triggered ovulation in an unstimulated cycle. After 5-8 days, an endometrial biopsy was collected to analyze differences in the endometrial transcriptomic profile using microarray analyses. A differential gene expression analysis and a gene set analysis were performed. The gene set enrichment analysis showed a positive enrichment of pathways associated with the immune response, cell viability, proliferation and cellular movement. Moreover, pathways involved in implantation, embryo development, oocyte maturation, and angiogenesis were positively enriched. The differential gene expression analysis, after adjusting for multiple testing, showed no significantly differentially expressed genes between the two groups. A comparative analysis was also performed with similar studies conducted in other animals or in vitro using human endometrial cells. The comparative analysis showed that the effect of seminal plasma effect on the endometrium is similar in pigs, mice and in vitro human endometrial cells. The present study provides evidence that seminal plasma might impact the endometrium during the implantation window, with potential to affect endometrial receptivity and embryo development.

Cytokine profile of seminal plasma and effectiveness of assisted reproductive technology programs

Increasing evidence shows that seminal plasma is among the most important immunoregulatory factors in female reproductive function. We suggest that the favorable effect of the partner’s seminal plasma (SP) upon pregnancy occurence in women during the cycle of in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be provided by the balanced content of Th1/Th2-dependent seminal cytokines. Otherwise, in case of pathologic changes in SP composition, it may negatively affect the IVF efficiency. Our aim was to determine whether the levels of seminal IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-18, IFNγ, TNFα, TNFβ and TGF-β1 are associated with pregnancy establishment in female patients exposed to seminal plasma during IVF/ICSI cycle.Twenty-eight female patients were exposed to seminal plasma via sexual intercourse before the day of oocyte retrieval, and also underwent intravaginal application of seminal plasma just after transvaginal puncture and oocyte retrieval. Quantitative measurement of seminal cytokines was performed by FlowCytomix™ technology. IL-1, IL-18 and TNFβ concentrations were significantly higher in non-pregnant group (p = 0.011; p = 0.030 and p = 0.008, respectively). The contents of IL-2, IL-6, IL-18 and TNFβ per ejaculate were also significantly higher in non-pregnant group (p = 0.020; р = 0.042; р = 0.030 and р = 0.004, respectively). We conclude that elevated concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines in seminal plasma, as well as their total excessive content per ejaculate may have an adverse effect on implantation and pregnancy establishment.

Modification of Endometrial Receptivity After Vaginal Seminal Plasma Application

Modification of Endometrial Receptivity After Vaginal Seminal Plasma Application

99 Effect of application of seminal plasma on Day 0, 5, or 7 postmating on pregnancy rate and embryonic survival in alpacas (Lama pacos)

Alpacas, similar to other camelids, are classified as induced ovulators, as an external stimulus is required for the occurrence of ovulation. A protein identified as β-nerve growth factor, present in the seminal plasma (SP), has the capacity to induce ovulation and corpus luteum formation. Alpacas exhibit poor reproductive efficiency, with birth rates below 50% due in part to high embryo mortality before 35 days post-mating. A study was carried out to evaluate the effect of the application of SP on Day 0, 5, or 7 post-mating on pregnancy rate and embryo survival, defined as the difference in the numbers of pregnant females between Day 35 and 25. Nonpregnant adult alpaca females (n=124) between 5 to 6 years old were evaluated by transrectal ultrasonography to determine presence of a follicle ≥7mm, and then 2 days later to confirm permanence of the follicle. Alpacas were then bred by natural mating and assigned randomly to 1 of 4 treatments: 1mL of SP IM at mating; 1mL of SP IM Day 5 post-mating; 1mL of SP IM Day 7 post-mating; and control. Semen was collected from adults male and ejaculates were diluted 1:1 with PBS and then centrifuged for 30min at 3000 rpm. Supernatant was separated and a drop evaluated to determine absence of spermatozoa and SP-free sperm was stored at −20°C. Twenty adult males with optimal reproductive performance were used for mating with females assigned to the different treatments. Animals were evaluated by ultrasound with an Aloka SSD 500 (Aloka, Tokyo, Japan) and 5.0-MHz linear transducer on Day 25 and 35 to determine pregnancy rate and embryonic survival. Data were analysed by chi-square. Results are present in Table 1. The results differ from our initial hypothesis and a possible explanations may be that additional application of SP IM could saturate receptors and block the action of the seminal plasma present in the ejaculate of males. Table 1.Pregnancy rate and embryonic survival in alpacas with application of seminal plasma on Day 0, 5, or 7 Study was supported by project no. 405-PNICP-PIAP-UNMSM.

Application of seminal plasma to female genital tract prior to embryo transfer in assisted reproductive technology cycles (IVF, ICSI and frozen embryo transfer).

Application of seminal plasma to female genital tract prior to embryo transfer in assisted reproductive technology cycles (IVF, ICSI and frozen embryo transfer).

Efecto de la Aplicación Intramuscular de Plasma Seminal sobre la Supervivencia Embrionaria en Alpacas Poscópula

Se evaluó el efecto de la aplicación por vía intramuscular (IM) de plasma seminal sobre la supervivencia embrionaria en alpacas luego de la monta natural. El estudio se llevó a cabo en Puno, Perú. El plasma seminal se obtuvo de muestras de semen de alpaca. El semen fue colectado y diluido en proporción 1:1 en buffer fosfato salino (PBS), y posteriormente centrifugado y conservado en congelación. Se seleccionaron alpacas hembras vacías (n=117) con presencia de un folículo ovárico dominante (e»7 mm) detectado por ecografía transrectal. Los animales fueron servidos por monta natural y distribuidos aleatoriamente en tres grupos: T1(n=40), se les administró 1 ml de plasma seminal diluido en PBS, vía IM; T2(n=39), se les administró 1 ml de un análogo de GnRH (0.0042 mg de acetato de buserelina), vía IM; T3(n=38), sin administración alguna (control). Se hizo una evaluación mediante ecografía transrectal el día 25 de la monta para determinar la gestación y el día 62 para determinar la tasa de supervivencia embrionaria. La tasa de concepción al día 25 de la monta fue de 67.5, 51.3 y 55.3% y la tasa de supervivencia embrionaria al día 62 fue de 92.6, 80.0 y 85.7% para los grupos T1, T2 y T3, respectivamente, sin diferencias estadísticas. Los resultados parecieran indicar que la aplicación IM de plasma seminal inmediatamente después de la monta determina una mejora en la supervivencia embrionaria en comparación a la aplicación de GnRH o la monta natural; sin embargo dicha diferencia no es estadísticamente diferente.

Application of seminal plasma to female genital tract prior to embryo transfer in assisted reproductive technology cycles (IVF, ICSI and frozen embryo transfer)

Application of seminal plasma to female genital tract prior to embryo transfer in assisted reproductive technology cycles (IVF, ICSI and frozen embryo transfer)

Influence of intracervical and intravaginal seminal plasma on the endometrium in assisted reproduction: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study.

To investigate the effect of intracervical and intravaginal application of seminal plasma on the endometrium, as assessed by endometrial/subendometrial vascularization and endometrial volume between the day of oocyte retrieval and the day of embryo transfer in an in-vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) cycle. This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study including patients undergoing a first or second IVF/ICSI cycle. Homologous seminal plasma or placebo (sodium chloride) was injected into the cervix and posterior vaginal fornix just after follicle aspiration. Three-dimensional power Doppler examination was performed 30 min before oocyte retrieval and 30 min before embryo transfer. Main outcome measures were changes in vascularization flow index (VFI), flow index (FI) and vascularization index (VI) of the endometrium/subendometrium using VOCAL™ (Virtual Organ Computer-aided AnaLysis) and endometrial volume. One hundred patients agreed to participate in the study. Twenty-three patients were excluded, mainly as a result of canceled embryo transfer. Data were analyzed from 40 patients receiving seminal plasma and 37 receiving placebo. No significant differences between the two groups were seen in VFI, FI or VI of the endometrium or subendometrium or in endometrial volume on the day of oocyte pick-up and on the day of embryo transfer. Neither endometrial/subendometrial vascularization parameters nor endometrial volume seem to be affected by the application of seminal plasma in patients undergoing their first or second IVF/ICSI cycle.

Effect of seminal plasma application to the vaginal vault in in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment cycles—a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study

To study whether intravaginal application of seminal plasma after follicle aspiration has the potential to increase implantation and clinical pregnancy rates after IVF-ET. We conducted a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized study of 230 patients undergoing IVF-ET cycles. 500 μL of Fresh seminal plasma from the patient's partner or culture medium (placebo) were injected in the vaginal vault just after follicle aspiration. The main outcome measured was ongoing clinical-pregnancy rate. After ET cancellation in ten patients due to lack of fertilization or embryo cleavage, 220 embryo transfers (103 and 117 in the study and control groups) resulted in a clinical pregnancy rate of 36.9 % and 29.1 % for the study and control groups, corresponding to a relative increase of 26.8 %. After an early pregnancy loss of 13.1 % (5/38) and 23.5 % (8/34) in the study and control groups respectively an ongoing pregnancy rate of 32.0 % (33/103) and 22.2 % (26/117) was achieved corresponding to a relative increase of 44.1 %. Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for study group, age, infertility, and cycle characteristics did not demonstrate any parameter that could predict occurrence of clinical pregnancy rates after IVF-ET. Patients who underwent SP intravaginal insemination after oocyte pick-up reached higher implantation and clinical pregnancy rates following ET compared to controls, although the difference did not reach statistical significance. More studies and variable methodologies may clarify the potential clinical effect of SP in improving live birth rates after ART.

The influence of intracervical and intravaginal application of seminal plasma on the endometrium and life birth rate: a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study

The influence of intracervical and intravaginal application of seminal plasma on the endometrium and life birth rate: a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study

Extracorporeal perfusion of the swine uterus: effect of human seminal plasma

The active transport of sperm through the female genital tract is a very important factor in the fertilisation process. There is conflicting evidence as to whether seminal plasma has a positive or a negative effect on reproductive performance regarding the sperm transport in the female genital tract. In this study, we investigated if the perfused swine uterus is an appropriate model to study the effect of human seminal plasma on uterine contractility. It was found that repeated application of human seminal plasma caused a significantly higher rise in pressure and frequency of contractions in perfused swine uteri compared to buffer [a 1.8-fold and 1.5-fold pressure rise (Δt1SP, P = 0.025; Δt2SP, P = 0.004)] after the first and second application of seminal plasma respectively, and even a 2-fold pressure rise after the third application with a statistical significance of P = 0.007. The pressure rise caused by the seminal plasma over the entire period of application was calculated using a mathematical programme and was represented by the integral of the pressure curve over time. This perfusion model as well as the use of pressure-time integrals is suitable for patho-physiological studies of the uterus.

A short period of ejaculatory abstinence before intrauterine insemination is associated with higher pregnancy rates

An ejaculatory abstinence period of <or=2 days before IUI produced the highest pregnancy rates per cycle compared with longer intervals of ejaculatory abstinence. This higher conception rate occurred despite a lower total number of motile spermatozoa inseminated.

Application of seminal plasma in sex-sorting and sperm cryopreservation

Substantial dilution of boar semen during processing decreased the concentration of seminal plasma, perhaps contributing to the decline in sperm quality after cryopreservation and sex-sorting. Results of replacing seminal plasma in investigations from many laboratories have been contradictory. Results and discussion here suggest that whereas membrane status can be influenced by seminal plasma, the action of its various components, both positive and negative, is determined in part by the membrane status of the spermatozoa to which it is being exposed. Although progress has been made in identifying components of seminal plasma responsible for its protective effect (notably PSP-I/II spermadhesin for sex-sorted boar spermatozoa), little is known (in any species) regarding how external factors may influence their levels, and their functionality, in seminal plasma. It is noteworthy that seminal plasma is beneficial to post-thaw quality of sex-sorted ram spermatozoa only when added before freezing, not after thawing. Therefore, the action of seminal plasma and its components is dependent on sperm-related factors, in particular the type of processing to which they have been previously exposed. Further research is needed to unravel these biological complexities, and then characterise and synthesise useful proteins within seminal plasma.

Practical application of seminal plasma

Natural mating deposits a large number of sperm in a high volume of seminal plasma. Semen processed for AI has the seminal plasma greatly diluted, and processing of boar sperm for cryopreservation removes all seminal plasma. Boar sperm were evaluated for the impact of seminal plasma on the functional status of boar sperm. Seminal plasma prevented or reversed capacitation in frozen–thawed boar sperm. However, supplementing frozen–thawed semen doses with 10% seminal plasma did not significantly affect the number of sperm found in the utero-tubal sperm reservoir, nor did it affect farrowing rates.

Working to improve implantation

Working to improve implantation

Intravaginal and intracervical application of seminal plasma in in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment cycles—a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized pilot study

To evaluate whether intravaginal application of seminal plasma at the time of follicle aspiration in IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment cycles has the potential to increase pregnancy rate. To calculate the number of patients needed to achieve significance in a multicenter trial. Double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized pilot study. University department of gynecological endocrinology and reproductive medicine. One hundred sixty-eight patients undergoing IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment. Cryopreserved seminal plasma from the patient's partner or sodium chloride (placebo) was injected into the cervix and the posterior fornix of the vagina just after follicle aspiration. Clinical-pregnancy rate. One hundred sixty-eight patients agreed to participate in the study. Participation was limited to one treatment cycle. Thirty-one patients (18%) were excluded from the study, mainly as a result of canceled embryo transfers. Seventy patients received placebo, and 67 received seminal plasma. The clinical-pregnancy rate was 25.7% (18/70) in the placebo group. The clinical-pregnancy rate in the seminal plasma group reached 37.3% (25/67), corresponding to a relative increase of 45%. Even though significance was not reached in this pilot study, the data suggest that seminal plasma has the potential to improve pregnancy rate. It is estimated that around 450 patients need to be recruited to reach significance in a multicenter study.

FERTILIZING CAPACITY OF BOAR SPERMATOZOA RELATED TO THE APPLICATION OF SEMINAL PLASMA, THE INTERVAL AI – OVULATION and SPERM NUMBER

Reproduction in Domestic AnimalsVolume 31, Issue 2 p. 299-299 FERTILIZING CAPACITY OF BOAR SPERMATOZOA RELATED TO THE APPLICATION OF SEMINAL PLASMA, THE INTERVAL AI – OVULATION and SPERM NUMBER D. Waberski, D. Waberski Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Veterinary School of Hannover, GermanySearch for more papers by this authorJ. A. Guilen Soares, J. A. Guilen Soares Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Veterinary School of Hannover, GermanySearch for more papers by this authorE. Bandeira de Arruda, E. Bandeira de Arruda Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Veterinary School of Hannover, GermanySearch for more papers by this authorK.F. Weitze, K.F. Weitze Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Veterinary School of Hannover, GermanySearch for more papers by this author D. Waberski, D. Waberski Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Veterinary School of Hannover, GermanySearch for more papers by this authorJ. A. Guilen Soares, J. A. Guilen Soares Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Veterinary School of Hannover, GermanySearch for more papers by this authorE. Bandeira de Arruda, E. Bandeira de Arruda Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Veterinary School of Hannover, GermanySearch for more papers by this authorK.F. Weitze, K.F. Weitze Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Veterinary School of Hannover, GermanySearch for more papers by this author First published: September 1996 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0531.1996.tb00067.xCitations: 1AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume31, Issue2September 1996Pages 299-299 RelatedInformation

Advancement of Ovulation in the Sow Related to Seminal Plasma Application before Insemination

Reproduction in Domestic AnimalsVolume 25, Issue 2 p. 61-67 Advancement of Ovulation in the Sow Related to Seminal Plasma Application before Insemination K.F. Weitze, K.F. Weitze Clinic of Andrology and Artificial Insemination, Veterinary School of HannoverSearch for more papers by this authorD. Rath, D. Rath Clinic of Andrology and Artificial Insemination, Veterinary School of HannoverSearch for more papers by this authorT. Willmen, T. Willmen Clinic of Andrology and Artificial Insemination, Veterinary School of HannoverSearch for more papers by this authorD. Waberski, D. Waberski Clinic of Andrology and Artificial Insemination, Veterinary School of HannoverSearch for more papers by this authorJ. Lotz, Corresponding Author J. Lotz Clinic of Andrology and Artificial Insemination, Veterinary School of HannoverAddress of authors: Clinic of Andrology and Artificial Insemination, Veterinary School of Hannover, Bünteweg 15, 3000 Hannover 71, FRGSearch for more papers by this author K.F. Weitze, K.F. Weitze Clinic of Andrology and Artificial Insemination, Veterinary School of HannoverSearch for more papers by this authorD. Rath, D. Rath Clinic of Andrology and Artificial Insemination, Veterinary School of HannoverSearch for more papers by this authorT. Willmen, T. Willmen Clinic of Andrology and Artificial Insemination, Veterinary School of HannoverSearch for more papers by this authorD. Waberski, D. Waberski Clinic of Andrology and Artificial Insemination, Veterinary School of HannoverSearch for more papers by this authorJ. Lotz, Corresponding Author J. Lotz Clinic of Andrology and Artificial Insemination, Veterinary School of HannoverAddress of authors: Clinic of Andrology and Artificial Insemination, Veterinary School of Hannover, Bünteweg 15, 3000 Hannover 71, FRGSearch for more papers by this author First published: May 1990 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0531.1990.tb00682.xCitations: 17Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume25, Issue2May 1990Pages 61-67 RelatedInformation