Seminal Plasma Zinc Research Articles

Association of seminal plasma zinc levels with human semen quality and its toxic effects on sperm motility

Infertility has become one of the most common chronic diseases among reproductive- aged individuals, and male factors account for about 50 %. Zinc is a trace element that is essential for sperm quality and male reproductive system. Although several current studies with small sample sizes have investigated this relationship, the conclusions have been still controversial. Here, using a large population sample involved 25,915 participants from Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, we revealed an inverted “U”-shaped trend between seminal plasma zinc concentrations and sperm motility PR/PR + NP (PR, progressive motility; NP, non-progressive motility). The results showed that the highest values of sperm PR/PR + NP observed in the group with intermediate concentrations of zinc (Group 2, 0.25–2.11 mmol/L). The mean values were 43.17 ± 19.03 % and 56.64 ± 20.28 %, respectively. And the lowest values came out in the highest zinc levels group (Group 4, > 3.04 mmol/L). In vitro cell experiments also showed that zinc caused dose-dependent cytotoxicity for GC-2 cells at a threshold value. Furthermore, RNA-seq analysis demonstrated that high concentrations of zinc exerted toxic effects on GC-2 cells through immune injury. Taken together, our findings suggested that moderate amounts of zinc are crucial for human reproduction and excessive concentrations may have adverse effects on male fertility.

Age-Related COVID-19 Influence on Male Fertility.

The impact of coronavirus on the reproductive health of men attracts the special attention of many researchers. While studies suggest changes in sperm parameters and the possibility of testicular inflammation, further studies are needed to elucidate any potential age-related changes in these findings, which is the purpose of the present study. The semen quality parameters, cytokine concentration, and markers of the pro- and antioxidant system were assessed in 60 men five to seven months after the coronavirus infection and in 77 controls (without a history of coronavirus infection). Additionally, participants were divided into two age groups: less than 35 years and 35 years or older. Notably increased round cell count in ejaculate and reduced sperm hyaluronan binding ability were observed among post-infection patients younger than 35 years. In the same group, a decline in seminal plasma zinc levels and nitrotyrosine in the cell fraction was found. In men over 35 years of age, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) led to increased sperm DNA fragmentation, a decrease in the total antioxidant capacity, and an elevation in the levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-10. The concentration of interleukin-1β decreased over time following recovery in all affected patients. The data obtained suggest the potential adverse impact of the coronavirus infection on male reproductive health; however, these effects appear to be age-dependent.

Biochemical and Pharmacological Assessments of Tramadol Abuse on Human Male Fertility: Relation to Seminal Plasma 8-Hydroxyguanosine and Zinc.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12291-023-01141-4.

Effects of Jinkui Shenqi and Wuzi Yanzong pill on sperm motility and sperm DNA fragmentation rate in asthenospermia

This study was designed to compare the effects of Jinkui Shenqi and Wuzi Yanzong pill on sperm motility and sperm DNA fragmentation rate in patients with asthenospermia. 130 cases were randomly divided into an observation and control group (n=65). The control group was treated with the Wuzi Yanzong pill while the observation group with the Jinkui Shenqi pill. The sperm motility parameters rate (PR), semen concentration, sperm motility, DFI and α-glucosidase, fructose, seminal plasma zinc (Zn), acid phosphatase (ACP) in seminal plasma biochemistry and other indexes of were observed. The biochemical indexes of seminal plasma of α-glucosidase, fructose, Zn, ACP in two groups were significantly (p<0.05) improved after treatment. Compared with the control group, the indexes of the observation group improved more obviously after treatment. Pearson correlation analysis of DFI and PR indexes in 130 patients before treatment showed that sperm DFI and PR percentage were negatively correlated in asthenospermia patients (r =-0.572, P<0.05). There was no significant difference in DFI, semen concentration, PR, and sperm motility between the two groups before treatment. The DFI, semen concentration, PR and sperm viability of the two groups showed a tendency to improve after treatment, and the effect of the observation group was less significant than that of the control group (p<0.05). Two groups of patients have completed treatment successfully, no adverse events occurred during treatment. Jinkui Shenqi pill can effectively treat asthenospermia, which can effectively improve the effect of sperm motility in patients. It has less adverse reactions, safe and reliable, and is worthy of promotion.

Association of SNPs in zinc transporter genes on seminal plasma zinc levels in humans.

This study is to examine the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of SLC30A and SLC39A on seminal plasma zinc concentration. Blood and seminal plasma samples were collected from outpatients. SNPs of zinc transporters were analyzed by next Generation sequencing technology, and seminal plasma zinc concentration were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Our date showed nine SNPs (SLC30A8 rs2466295, rs2466294, SLC30A10 c.-160C>G, SLC39A8 rs9331, rs9705, rs151392, rs151393, SLC39A11 rs9912126, SLC39A14 rs1051708) were significantly associated with seminal plasma zinc concentration, and 14 SNPs (SLC30A8 rs2466295, rs2466294, SLC30A10 c.-160C>G, SLC39A6 rs148550301, SLC39A8 rs9331, rs9705, rs151392, rs151393, SLC39A11 rs9912126, rs61736066, rs36041371 and SLC39A14 rs1051708, rs76963096, rs17060854) were found to be significantly associated with total zinc per ejaculate. The seminal plasma zinc concentrations and total zinc per ejaculate were associated with the number of SNPs, and decreased significantly when five SNPs (SLC39A8 rs9331, rs9705, rs151392, rs151393 and SLC39A14 rs1051708) were a combination of homozygous genotype. Our findings suggest that different zinc transporter SNPs may significantly affect seminal plasma zinc levels.

Association of Zinc Concentration in Seminal Plasma and Blood with Several Parameters of Semen in Infertile Males

Objective: To evaluate the concentration of zinc inthe blood and seminal plasma with semen parameters between fertile and infertile males Methodology: This prospective study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Hayatabad medical complex, Peshawar. Fifty (50)infertile males, not receiving any treatment and had regularintercourse for 1 yearaged 25-45 years were selected from HMC. They were divided into 35oligospermia and 15 azoospermic. 35 fertile males were nominatedamongthe overallresidents and were taken as the control group after their semen analysis was taken as normozoospermic. According to WHO criteria semen is analyzed. With the help of 5br Serum and seminal plasma zinc were estimated. Result: There was a significant difference found in serum and seminal levels of zinc in normozoospermic, oligospermia (p less than 0.05), and azoospermic (p-value less than 0.05) individuals. The correlation of seminal plasma zinc with sperm counts showed a positive association with the count of sperm and a negative association with motility of sperm in normozoospermic/oligospermia and a negative association of concentration with pH, and volume, WBC in all groups. No association was found with the morphology of sperm. Conclusion: It has been concluded that zinc interfered with fertility by having a considerable impact on many semen parameters. It suggests that measuring seminal plasma zinc could be useful for diagnosing and treating male infertility.

Relationship between indicators of oxidative stress and idiopathic infertility in men

Male infertility is a major health problem worldwide. According to a study of the WHO and the European Association of Urologists, the incidence of infertility is increasing worldwide. The male factor causes up to 50% of all cases of infertility in married couples and approximately 7% of men worldwide suffer from infertility. No cause can be found in approximately 30% of infertile men, and these cases are called idiopathic infertility. In many such cases, oxidative stress is believed to be the main causative factor. Oxidative stress, which is characterized by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and the antioxidant defense system, which is responsible for their neutralization, leads to damage to many cellular structures, especially phospholipids of cell membranes. The study is aimed at studying the adverse effect of lipid peroxidation on spermatogenesis in idiopathic male infertility. The study was conducted on the sperm of 56 men with normozoospermia and 30 men with oligoasthenozoospermia. The levels of malondialdehyde, zinc, fructose, NO-synthase activity and glutathione peroxidase (GP) in seminal plasma were correlated with sperm count and motility. Ejaculate malondialdehyde and NO-synthase activity were significantly higher, while zinc, fructose and GP were significantly lower in oligoasthenospermic than in normospermic men (p<0.001). A 1.8-fold decrease in the level of fructose in the spermogram of patients of group oligoasthenospermia, compared to the data of normozoospermic men correlated with processes of impaired motility and viability of spermatozoa. This was confirmed by the data obtained in the scientific work, in the form of a statistically significant difference in the average indicator of the quantitative content of fructose in the studied groups of patients. In particular, we found a positive correlation between the fructose content in the ejaculate and sperm motility (r=0.69), as well as a positive correlation between fructose content and the number of spermatozoa in the ejaculate (r=0.53). There was a significant negative correlation between malondialdehyde and NO-synthase with sperm count and motility in oligoasthenospermia. Elevated levels of malondialdehyde, NO-synthase in sperm, and decreased levels of zinc and GP in oligoasthenospermia may be responsible for impaired sperm membrane integrity and play a role in sperm DNA damage. The positive correlation of zinc with sperm count and sperm motility indicates an important role of zinc in spermatogenesis. Thus, these parameters may be useful in determining the fertilization potential of sperm in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of male infertility, especially idiopathic infertility. Keywords: sperm plasma, malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, NO-synthase, zinc, fructose.

Environmental metal exposure, seminal plasma metabolome and semen quality: Evidence from Chinese reproductive-aged men

Environmental metal exposure has been associated with decreasing semen quality, but the effects of multiple metal exposure on seminal plasma metabolome remain obscure. In this study, semen and repeated urine samples from 551 volunteers were collected in Wuhan City. Heavy metals and trace elements were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, and seminal plasma metabolomes were acquired using liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis showed more than half of the seminal plasma metals were associated with specific metabolite modules, whereas only a few urine metals presented weak associations, indicating that seminal plasma may be an ideal biological sample for male reproductive biomarker discovery and exposure risk assessment. Seminal plasma zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) concentrations were significantly associated with 22 metabolites (e.g., glycerophospholipids, acyl-carnitines and amino acid derivatives). Among these metabolites, acyl-carnitines were positively associated with semen quality and sperm concentration. Moreover, acyl-carnitines were associated with both Zn and Se exposure, indicating the potential role of carnitine pathway in their toxicity mechanism. Our findings suggest that seminal plasma metabolome connects Zn and Se exposure and sperm concentrations in Chinese men of reproductive age.

Semen Quality and Freezability Analyses in the Ejaculates of Two Poitou Donkeys in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Baudet du Poitou is a vanishing donkey breed recognized for engendering robust working mules. In Chile, only two pure breed Poitou males exist, which belong to the Chilean army and are used for mule production. We performed an extensive sperm and seminal analysis of these two jackasses aged 3 and 6 years and investigated the use of a simple hypometabolic extender for sperm cryopreservation. Computer-assisted sperm analysis showed high motility, velocity, and linearity in sperm movement. The seminal plasma analysis revealed that sodium and chloride were the main electrolytes, and globulins were the main metabolites. Active and variable enzymatic activity was observed. New information is reported about gamma-glutamyltransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, zinc, and magnesium concentrations in seminal plasma of Poitou donkeys. Ejaculates among jackasses showed some variability due to individual variability and different stages in sexual maturation according to age. The freezability index analysis based in viability, total motility and progressive motility with Botucrio extender (57.1 ± 11.0%; 56.6 ± 20.0%; and 22.6 ± 10.3%, respectively) were significantly higher (p < 0.05, p < 0.0001, and p < 0.0001, respectively) than with HM-0 extender (42,6 ± 11.4%; 14.9 ± 5.1%; and 1.0 ± 2.5%, respectively). We report new information on Poitou donkey semen and cryopreservation in the Southern Hemisphere that could be useful in donkey breeding and conservation programs to develop strategies that improve the effectiveness of population management of this breed.

Macro- and microelements in serum and seminal plasma as biomarkers for bull sperm cryotolerance

ABSTRACTBackgroundWide variation in fertility rates is observed when using frozen bull semen, even when the bulls have met quality standards for semen production. Therefore, a simple and reliable test to assess the freezing potential of bull semen based on the analysis of fresh semen or blood would be of great value. Attention is now turning to assessment of seminal plasma components such as proteins and elements. In the present study, the concentrations of macro- and microelements in fresh bull semen plasma and in serum and their correlation with quality characteristics of fresh semen and with semen quality after freezing and thawing were determined. Ejaculates were collected from 30 mature bulls, and semen volume, concentration, sperm motility, morphology, tail membrane integrity, plasma membrane permeability and DNA fragmentation were determined on the day of collection and after freezing and thawing. The concentrations of macroelements (Na, Mg, K and Ca) and microelements (Cu, Fe, Zn and Se) were determined in the seminal plasma and serum. The semen samples were classified into satisfactory and unsatisfactory groups according to the fresh semen quality.ResultsZinc and Se levels measured in serum were associated with almost all fresh and frozen-thawed semen quality characteristics, while Fe levels were associated only with acrosomal defects in fresh semen. Zinc and Fe levels in fresh seminal plasma were associated with various quality characteristics of fresh and frozen-thawed semen, while Se level in fresh seminal plasma was not associated with any of the semen quality characteristics.ConclusionsMicroelements were shown to be useful as biomarkers involved in the analysis of bull sperm quality and could be used as an additional tool to predict bull semen quality after freezing and thawing. Our results confirm that the analysis of Zn and Se levels in serum and Zn, Cu and Fe levels in fresh seminal plasma can provide information to discriminate between bull semen samples with spermatozoa with high or low cryotolerance.

Exploring the Mechanism of Zhibai Dihuang Decoction in the Treatment of Ureaplasma Urealyticum-Induced Orchitis Based on Integrated Pharmacology

Background: Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) infection is the most common cause of male infertility. Zhibai Dihuang Decoction (ZBDHD) can improve the rate of forwarding motility sperm, sperm deformity rate, seminal plasma zinc and refined berry sugar levels. Methods: The potential targets of ZBDHD are obtained from The Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM). Orchitis-related targets were collected from the Genecards and OMIM databases. The Cytoscape and the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) were utilized to construct and analyzed the networks. Finally, a rat model of orchitis caused by UU infection was used to detect related indicators of mitochondrial energy metabolism using TUNEL apoptosis detection technology, loss cytometry, Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western Blot. Results: A total of 795 ZBDHD targets and 242 orchitis-related targets were obtained. The “ZBDHD- orchitis PPI network” was constructed and analyzed. ZBDHD can regulate signaling pathways and biological processes related to mitochondrial energy metabolism. The results of experimental studies have shown that ZBDHD maintains the integrity of sperm mitochondrial respiratory chain function by enhancing mitochondrial Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase activities, promotes the synthesis of mitochondrial ATP, and improves sperm energy supply, thereby improving the motility, vitality and survival rate of sperm, and effectively improving the quality of semen in UU-infected rats (p < 0.05). Conclusion:This study discovered the multi-pathway mechanism of ZBDHD intervention in UU-induced orchitis through integrated pharmacological strategies, which provides a reference for further research on the mechanism of ZBDHD intervention in orchitis in the direction of mitochondrial energy metabolism.

Evaluating the Serum and Seminal Plasma Levels of Zinc and Cadmium in Smokers and Their Relation to the Semen Parameters

Cigarette smoking appears to have adverse effects of male reproductivity. The interplay between zinc and cadmium presumably plays a role in mediating toxic effects of smoking. This work was conducted to study serum and seminal plasma zinc and cadmium level in smokers compared to non-smokers. Seventy males were included: 35 smokers (group I) (smoking ˃20 cigarettes/day with mild smoking index <400) and 35 age-matched non-smokers (group II). Semen analysis was performed according to the WHO laboratory manual 2010. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to detect zinc and cadmium amounts in both blood plasma and semen of any groups. Smoker group showed significantly lower sperm density, motility (P=0.001), and sperm viability (P=0.002) and higher abnormally formed sperms. Seminal zinc level was significantly lower in smokers (P=0.038).There was significant negative correlation between seminal zinc and smoking index and significant positive correlation between seminal zinc levels and sperm motility (P=0.008) and viability percentage (P=0.001). Seminal cadmium level was significantly higher in smoker (P=0.022). Significant positive correlation between seminal cadmium and both age and smoking index (P=0.003) and significant negative correlation between seminal cadmium and sperm density (P=0.005), motility (P=0.047), and viability (P=0.039). Seminal zinc level was negatively correlated to seminal cadmium level (P=0.020). Smoking has deleterious effects on semen quality hence fertility through several toxicants and chemicals. Reduced zinc levels and elevated cadmium levels were evident in smokers which have significant role in the adverse effects on the semen parameters.

Differences between some biochemical components in seminal plasma of first and second ejaculations in dual-purpose Simmental (Fleckvieh) bulls and their relationships with semen quality parameters.

This study aimed to evaluate differences in seminal plasma zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels in the first and second ejaculations and their relationships with semen quality parameters in Fleckvieh bulls. Repetitive ejaculates were separately collected, analyzed, and frozen from the sires. Progressive motility of frozen-thawed semen (PMFT) was considered the main factor for more data classification into three following groups: <40.00%, 40.00 - 50.00%, and >50.00%. Seminal plasma trace elements and enzymes were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry and ELISA, respectively. The results revealed significant differences between the first and second ejaculations. Semen concentration, SOD, GPx, and Fe were different in ejaculations. Although PMFT groups in different ejaculations did not show significant differences, there was significant alteration between different PMFT groups and first and second ejaculations. All frozen-thawed semen CASA parameters (except lateral head displacement) were associated with fresh motility parameters and before and after thawing sperm viability. Also, a correlation between seminal Zn concentration with fresh semen gross and progressive motility, average path velocity, and beat cross frequency, Cu with SOD and Fe and semen concentration was observed. CAT was associated with fresh and frozen-thawed sperm motility parameters except for lateral head displacement and angular displacement. Although our findings showed differences between the first and second ejaculations in some parameters, PMFT, which is the most important indicator for estimating bull fertility, was not different between them.

REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF HEAT-STRESSED NEW ZEALAND WHITE RABBIT BUCKS IN RESPONSE TO DIFFERENT ZINC SOURCES

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of zinc supplementation from different sources to heat-stressed New Zealand White rabbit buck diets on some reproductive traits including semen quality, conception rate and litter size. Twenty four mature bucks were randomly assigned into four groups, with six males each. The first group reared under mild condition and received the basal diet with no supplementation. The other three groups were raised under heat stress condition and received the basal diet only or the basal diet supplied with 75 mg zinc either as zinc sulphate (inorganic zinc) or as zinc picolinate (organic zinc), for the second, third and fourth groups, respectively. It was found that dietary zinc supplementation reduced the heat stress-related increases in reaction time, and seminal plasma levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Decreased values of serum and seminal plasma testosterone, sperm count, sperm motility and conception rate induced by heat stress conditions were restored by zinc supplementation. Seminal plasma zinc and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were significantly increased in zinc-treated groups when compared to both control groups in different conditions. Organic source of zinc was more potent than inorganic one in restoring levels of serum testosterone, seminal plasma MDA and testosterone, and sperm motility. From these results, it could be concluded that dietary zinc addition from different sources, especially zinc picolinate (organic form), is helpful in alleviating the negative effect of heat stress on reproductive traits of New Zealand White rabbit bucks.

Association of Copper-to Zinc Ratio with Sperm Concentration among Males Investigated for Infertility

Background: The importance of copper and zinc in the fertility potential of males are well understood. The close relationship and the antagonistic interactions between copper and zinc requires further investigation especially because of conflicting reports in literature on the association of the trace elements with sperm quantity and quality. This study evaluates seminal plasma copper and zinc concentrations, copper-to-zinc ratio and their associations with sperm concentration in infertile males. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 400 males investigated for infertility and 100 male control subjects. Seminal plasma copper and zinc were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry technique (Buck Scientific Model VGP-210, Germany). The subjects were grouped based on sperm count; normozoospermia(&gt;15 x 106cells/mL), oligozoospermia (&lt;15x106cells/mL) and azoospermia (no sperm cell). The levels of copper, zinc and Cu/Zn ratio were compared using unpaired Students-t-test and analysis of variance while Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between measured variables and sperm count. Results: Seminal plasma zinc was significantly lower (p&lt;0.001) while copper and Cu/Zn ratio were significantly higher (p&lt;0.001) in infertile than fertile males. The Cu/Zn ratio was significantly higher (p&lt;0.001) among infertile males than controls. Seminal plasma levels of copper and Cu/Zn ratio increased with decreasing concentrations of sperm cells while zinc levels increase with increasing concentration of sperm cells.

Biochemical Assessments of Seminal Plasma Zinc, Testis-Expressed Sequence 101 and Free Amino Acids and Their Correlations with Reproductive Hormones in Male Infertility

The role of the male factors in the couple's infertility has been significantly increased in recent years due to a sententious assessment of male reproductive functions and enhanced diagnostic tools. We investigated the correlations among the seminal plasma (SP) levels of each of zinc, testis-expressed sequence 101 (TEX101), and free amino acids levels with reproductive hormones in adult fertile and infertile men. The study included 100 infertile men categorized into 50 non-obstructive azoospermic patients and 50 patients with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (iOAT), in addition to 50 fertile controls. Semen analyses, serum ELISA assays for male reproductive hormones (follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), total testosterone, and prolactin), colorimetric assays of SP zinc and total proteins, SP free amino acids using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and ELISA assays of SP TEX101 were performed for all subjects. Infertile men with azoospermia had significantly lower SP median levels of zinc, TEX101, and many SP free amino acids compared to both men with iOAT and fertile controls (P˂0.05 for all). There were lower SP levels of zinc and some free amino acids among men with iOAT compared to the fertile controls (P˂0.05 for all) with non-significant difference regarding to SP TEX101 (P˃0.05). Azoospermic men exhibited negative correlations between FSH, LH, and prolactin with some SP free amino acids (P˂0.05 for all), and a positive correlation between glycine with total testosterone (P˂0.05). Among iOAT patients, LH and FSH were positively correlated with SP zinc, TEX101, and some measured free amino acids (P˂0.05 for all). Total testosterone was positively correlated with some amino acids, while prolactin was negatively correlated with glycine (P˂0.05 for all). iOAT and azoospermic men exhibited low SP zinc and some free amino acids levels that were more pronounced in azoospermic men and were significantly associated with the reproductive hormones. TEX101 could be a helpful confirmatory test for azoospermia.

Correlation Study between Level of zinc and lead in Serum and Seminal Plasma in Infertile Patients

Correlation Study between Level of zinc and lead in Serum and Seminal Plasma in Infertile Patients

PSVII-17 The relationship of biochemistry of seminal plasma, ejaculate volume and sperm concentration in horses

Abstract The aim of the work was to study the relationship between biochemistry of seminal plasma with the ejaculate volume and the concentration of spermatozoa. Ejaculates from 35 stallions aged 5 to 15 were collected during the breeding season (February–May). The concentration of calcium (Ca), phosphate (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn) and lithium (Li) in seminal plasma were determined by atomic emission and mass spectrometry (AES-ICP and MS-ICP) using an mass spectrometer Elan 9000 (Perkin Elmer, USA) and an atomic emission spectrometer Optima 2000V (Perkin Elmer,USA). The concentration of glucose, phospholipids, aspartate-amino-transferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (AIP) was determined by ChemWell 2902V analyzer (Awareness Technology, USA). The significance of differences between the indices was determined using Student’s t-test, the differences at P ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. A significant negative correlation between the volume of ejaculate and concentration of Se (r = -0.42; P = 0.01), P (r =-0.39; P = 0.001), AIP (r = -0.48; P = 0.01), Zn (r = -0.40; P = 0.01), Li (r = -0.39; P = 0.02), phospholipids (= -0.52; P = 0.03) in seminal plasma was established. A correlation between the concentration of sperm and the concentration of P (r = 0.71; P = 0.01), Se (r = 0.39; P = 0.02), Li (r = 0.33; P = 0.05), AIP (r = 0.81; P = 0.001) in seminal plasma was established. Also a negative correlation between the concentration of sperm and glucose (r = -0.62; P = 0.01) was found. We assumed that selenium, zinc, phosphorus, lithium, phospholipids and AIP in seminal plasma have an epididymal origin and do not depend on the secretion of the accessory sex glands. Glucose enters the ejaculate with the secrets of the accessory sex glands. Authors acknowledge financial support from Russian Science Foundation, Grant No: 17-16-01109, development program of Bioresource collections “Cryobank of genetic recourses the All-Russian Research Institute for Horse Breeding.”

A Comparative Study of Seminal Plasma and Blood Serum Macro and Trace Elements in the the Breeding (October) and the Non-Breeding (April) Seasons in Merino Ram

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the concentrations of macro and trace elements in seminal plasma and blood serum in the breeding (October) and the non-breeding (April) seasons in Merino Ram. Nineteen Merino Rams, aged 18-24 months, were involved in the study. Blood (once) and ejaculate samples (6 replicates) were taken in the breeding (October) and the non-breeding (April) seasons. Blood serum, seminal plasma and diet Calcium, Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Sulfur, Zinc, Selenium, Chrome, Manganese, Nickel, Molybdenum and Boron concentrations were determined by ICP-AES. In blood serum, Sodium and Selenium concentrations were higher (p&lt;0.05 and 0.001, respectively) in the the breeding season than in non-breeding season, whereas Potassium, Chromium and Boron concentrations were lower (p&lt;0.05, 0.001 and 0.001, respectively) in the breeding season than in the non-breeding season. In seminal plasma Calcium, Sodium, Zinc and Manganese concentrations were higher (p&lt;0.05, 0.001, 0.01 and 0.05, respectively) in the breeding season than in the non-breeding season, whereas Phosphorus, Chrome, Molybdenum and Boron concentrations were lower (p&lt;0.001, 0.001, 0.05 and 0.001, respectively) in the breeding season than in the non-breeding season. No difference was detected regarding the other elements. The higher levels of Cr and B in the non-breeding season compared to the breeding season both in serum and seminal plasma, regardless of diet intake, suggest that these elements may play a crutial role on male fertility in Merino Ram.

Effects and mechanism of action of transcutaneous electrical acupuncture point stimulation in patients with abnormal semen parameters.

To evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupuncture point stimulation (TEAS) on sperm parameters and the underlying molecular mechanisms. A total of 121 patients diagnosed with oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia or oligoasthenozoospermia were randomised into four groups (three treatment groups, one control): the TEAS groups were treated with 2 Hz (n=31), 100 Hz (n=31), or mock stimulation (n=29) at acupuncture points BL23, ST36, CV1 and CV4 for 2 months. The control group (n=30) was provided with lifestyle advice only. The changes in total sperm count and motility in the 2 Hz TEAS group were significantly greater than those in the mock group and the control group. The change in neutral α-glucosidase (NAG) and zinc levels in the 2 Hz group were significantly greater than those in the mock group and control group, and the changes in fructose levels of the 2 Hz group were significantly greater than those in the control group. Significant increases in calcium and integrin-binding protein 1 (CIB1) and reduction of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 b (CDK1) were also found after 2 Hz TEAS treatment. The present findings suggest that 2 Hz TEAS can improve sperm count and motility in patients with abnormal semen parameters, and is associated with increases in seminal plasma zinc, NAG and fructose. The upregulation of CIB1 and downregulation of CDK1 by TEAS may be associated with its positive effects on sperm motility and count. http://www.chictr.org ; registration no. ChiCTR-TRC-11001775.