Seminal Volume Research Articles

Toni HAASTRUP, Luis MAH and Niall DUGGAN (eds.), The Routledge Handbook of EU-Africa Relations

The Routledge Handbook of EU-Africa Relations is a timely and pioneering volume that offers a comprehensive analysis of the evolving interaction and collaboration between the European Union (EU) and Africa. The work brings together contributions from scholars with diverse viewpoints, critical analysis, and expertise on EU-Africa relations. By blending historical contexts, contemporary dynamics, and future-oriented insights, this seminal volume offers a holistic understanding of EU-Africa relations with five parts that each part delve into specific aspects of the relationship, including historical and theoretical perspectives (Part I), governance frameworks (Part II), key issues (Part III), the role of external actors (Part IV), and opportunities for cooperation in tackling global challenges (Part V). One of the most remarkable aspects of this volume is its bold interrogation of the asymmetrical relationship between the EU and Africa, as well as the prevailing Eurocentric narratives in the study of EU-Africa relations. In fact, some chapters deliberately use the term “Africa-EU relations” to emphasize a shift in literature, challenging dominant narratives and promoting a more inclusive and diverse scholarship. By navigating the complexities of this relationship, the handbook sheds light on underlying dynamics and offers practical modalities for consolidating and strengthening the partnership between the two continents.

Circular Economy, Dairy Cow Feed Leftovers, and Withania somnifera Supplementation: Effects on Black Belly Ram's Libido, Sperm Quality, Sexual Behavior, and Hemogram Values.

Considering a circular economy perspective, this study evaluates the possible effect of targeted short-term supplementation with Withania somnifera L. (WS; Ashwagandha) on ram's seminal quality, socio-sexual behaviors, and blood constituents. Black Belly rams (n = 20) received a basal diet comprising feed-leftovers from dairy cows in the north-arid Mexico (i.e., Comarca Lagunera CL). The experimental units, with proven libido and fertility, were homogeneous in terms of age (3.41 ± 0.21 yr.), live weight (LW; 53.8 ± 3.3 kg), body condition (BC; 2.96 ± 0.01 units), initial sperm concentration (2387 ± 804 × 106), and viability (23.9 ± 15.6%). Rams were randomly assigned during the transition reproductive period (i.e., May to Jun; 25° NL) to three treatment groups: non-supplemented control group (CONT; n = 6), low WS-supplemented (LWS; i.e., 100 mg kg LW-1 d-1 × 40 d; n = 7), and high-WS-supplemented (HWS; i.e., 200 mg kg LW-1 d-1 × 40 d; n = 7). The basal leftover diet was offered twice daily (0700 and 1600 h); the experimental period (EP) lasted 47 d. No differences (p > 0.05) among treatments occurred regarding LW and BCS at the onset of the EP. Whereas the greater scrotal circumference (SCRC, cm) arose in the LWS and CONT rams, an increased ejaculated volume (VOLEJA, mL) occurred in the WS-rams. A total of 5/9 (i.e., 55%) appetitive and 3/3 (i.e., 100%) consummatory sexual behaviors favored (p < 0.05) the WS-rams, particularly the HWS rams, towards the final EP. The same was true (p < 0.05) regarding the hemogram variables white blood cell count (×109 cells L-1), hemoglobin concentration (g dL-1), and medium corpuscular volume (fL). This study, based on a rethink-reuse-reduce enquiry approach, enabled connectedness between two noteworthy animal systems in the CL: dairy cows and meat sheep schemes. Certainly, the use of dairy cow feed-leftovers aligned with the short-term supplementation with WS promoted enhanced testicular function, augmented seminal volume, and an increased sexual behavior in Black Belly rams in northern Mexico. Finally, while our research outcomes should enhance not only the resilience and sustainability of sheep production and the well-being of sheep-producers and their families, it may also embrace clinical translational applications.

Sperm recovery from urine in men with retrograde ejaculation

Abstract Introduction Retrograde ejaculation (RE) consists of the reflux backwards, towards the bladder, of the ejaculate, during the emission phase of ejaculation, causing a total or partial absence of sperm emission, with the consequent diversion of semen into the bladder during the emission phase of ejaculation. Evaluating the ejaculate may not be sufficient for identifying RE in some patients. Hence, the management of infertility may involve the use of invasive methods such as epididymal fluid retrieval or testicular biopsy. Content This paper defines RE and methods for its diagnosis. A description is also provided of the techniques used for the detection of sperm in post-ejaculatory urine (PEU), the preparation and retrieval of sperm from urine and their subsequent use in assisted reproductive techniques. Summary and Outlook The diagnosis of RE is based on the detection of spermatozoa in PEU in patients with aspermia or oligozoospermia and low or normal seminal volume. Although the presence of sperm in PEU could be sufficient for a diagnosis of RE, there is a lack of consensus regarding the diagnostic criteria for PEU, and the literature available is very limited. A correct diagnosis of RE allows the use of PEU for recovering sperm and its subsequent use in assisted human reproduction techniques, thus avoiding invasive techniques. A significant number of patients with RE may remain undiagnosed. Therefore, it is essential to conduct an RE study in patients with suspicion, through the analysis of PEU, and to properly interpret the results for accurate diagnosis.

Curcumin ameliorates pyroptosis in diabetic seminal vesicles by upregulating TRPV6.

Diabetes damages the seminal vesicle tissues leading to a decrease in seminal fluid secretion, so investigations are ongoing to identify specific therapeutic approaches to address diabetes-induced damage to seminal vesicles. This study investigated the secretory dysfunction of seminal vesicles and how curcumin can ameliorate this dysfunction. First, 40 diabetic males (DM group) and 40 nondiabetic males (control group) underwent seminal vesicle ultrasound evaluation and ejaculate volume measurements. Then, the effects of curcumin on seminal vesicle function were investigated in a diabetic rat model. Fifty 8-week-old SPF-grade SD rats were categorized into five groups: control, DM (diabetes mellitus), low-dose CUR (curcumin 50mg/kg/d), medium-dose CUR (curcumin 100mg/kg/d), and high-dose CUR (curcumin 150mg/kg/d). After a month-long diet with varying curcumin doses, key parameters such as body weight, blood glucose levels, seminal vesicle volume, and seminal fluid secretion were measured. Transcriptome sequencingwas performed to assess differences in gene expression and structural changes in rat seminal vesicle tissues were examined by HE staining. Finally, human seminal vesicle cell lines were cultured and divided into five groups (HG-CON, HG-CUR-5µM, HG-CUR-10µM, HG-CUR-20µM, and HG-CUR-50µM) to measure the fructose levels in the seminal vesicle cell culture fluids and evaluate the expression of CASP1, GSDMD, and TRPV6. Post TRPV6 interference, variations in the gene expression of CASP1, GSDMD, and TRPV6 were monitored. Diabetic patients exhibited a notable reduction in seminal vesicle volume and ejaculate volume compared with the control group, with a direct correlation between the decrease in ejaculate and seminal vesicle volume. Animal studies demonstrated that curcumin supplementation significantly augmented seminal vesicle volume in diabetic rats and notably improved their seminal vesicle secretory dysfunction, particularly in the high-dose curcumin group. Transcriptome sequencing and experimental verification pinpointed the differential expression of TPRV6 and pyroptosis-associated genes (CASP1, GSDMD), with reduced TRPV6 expression but increased markers of pyroptosis (CASP1 and GSDMD) in diabetic rats. Curcumin treatment reversed these effects with an increase in TRPV6 and a decrease in GSDMD and CASP1. Cell transfection experiments indicated that TRPV6 downregulation increased GSDMD and CASP1 gene expression. Curcumin effectively activates TRPV6, thereby diminishing pyroptosis in the seminal vesicle tissues of diabetic rats. This activation not only leads to an increase in the seminal vesicle volume but also significantly ameliorates the seminal vesicle secretory dysfunction in diabetic rats.

Impact of coenzyme Q10 as an adjuvant therapy to letrozole on spermiogram results and sex hormone levels in Iraqi men with infertility; randomized open label comparative study.

Background: Worldwide, infertility affects about 15% of reproductive-age couples. In many cases, infertility can't be treated, however new treatment options with promising value have been involved in recent clinical trials. The aim of this clinical trial was to evaluate the impacts of adding coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) to letrozole on the results of spermiogram and sex hormone tests in men diagnosed with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (iOAT) syndrome, which is a type of male defective spermatogenesis of unknown etiology. Methods: This randomized, open-label, parallel two-arm interventional study included 67 adult male patients aged 18-60 years with a confirmed diagnosis of iOAT syndrome recruited from The High Institute for Infertility Diagnosis & Assisted Reproduction Technologies/Nahrain University. Patients were randomly separated into two groups, Group A included 29 patients treated with letrozole 2.5 mg tablet orally twice a week, Group B included 38 patients treated with a combination of letrozole 2.5 mg tablet orally twice a week plus CoQ10 400 mg per day. Both groups completed treatment for three months. Semen samples, serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E 2), and testosterone (T) were analyzed at day one, and at the end of month one, two and three. Results: Both groups showed that sperm concentration, normal morphology, total sperm count and motility, serum testosterone and FSH levels, and T/E 2 ratio were significantly increased, while estradiol levels significantly decreased after three months of treatment. Seminal fluid volume changed significantly in group A only. In comparing between the two groups, all measured parameters, apart from sperm motility and FSH level, demonstrated a significant difference after three months of treatment, while sperm volume reached significant value after only two months of therapy. Conclusions: CoQ10 as adjuvant treatment to letrozole effectively improved most of the tested sperm parameters in Iraqi men with iOAT. Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT05847257, May 6, 2023).

(337) Microsurgical Varicocelectomy Improves Seminal Parameters in Infertile Men: 10-year Experience in a University Hospital

Abstract Introduction Varicocele is the most common treatable cause of male infertility. Although the exact mechanisms by which varicocele causes infertility have not been fully identified, there is evidence of an improvement in seminal parameters and pregnancy rates after varicocelectomy, especially if the technique is performed with an operating microscope Objective This study seeks to compare pre- and post-operative seminal and hormonal parameters of infertile patients undergoing microsurgical varicocelectomy in a local cohort Methods Retrospective analytical study of male patients with a diagnosis of infertility and clinical varicocele, who underwent microsurgical varicocelectomy in a University Hospital, between April 2013 - April 2023. Demographic variables, varicocele grade and laterality, reproductive hormone levels, seminal parameters and postoperative complications were collected from the clinical history database. Pre and postoperative seminal parameters and reproductive hormones were compared using non-parametric statisticians were used for data analysis with the Jamovi Software. P&amp;lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant Results There were 136 varicocelectomies in the period, 56 patients were excluded due to incomplete data collection and finally 80 patients were analyzed. Median age was 34.5 years (IQR 31-38), with a median infertility duration of 2 years (IQR 1-4). All patents had primary infertility. The median testicular volume was 15 cc (IQR 15-20 cc). 82.5% of varicoceles were Grade ≥2, 70.6% patients presented left varicocele and 28% were bilateral. Of the reproductive hormones, only FSH showed a statistically significant decrease of the pre- and post-operative median values, being 5.8 IU/L (IQR 3.9-8.9) and 2.7 IU/L (IQR 2.5-2.9) (p=0.001), respectively. Median sperm concentration before and after surgery was 7 million/mL (IQR 2-23) and 18 million/mL (IQR 3.3-73.5), respectively (p=0.02). Median preoperative and postoperative sperm progressive motility was 29% (IQR 15-48) and 40% (IQR 27-60), respectively (p=0.004). Seminal volume and normal morphology did not show significative changes after surgery. Only 2 patients (2.5%) presented a grade 1 Clavien-Dindo postoperative complication (mild infection of surgical site) Conclusions In this study, infertile patients with a clinical diagnosis of varicocele showed a statistically significant improvement in sperm concentration and progressive motility and a significant decrease in FSH levels after microsurgical varicocelectomy. The reduction of this pituitary hormone may reflect an improvement in testicular spermatogenesis Disclosure No.

HYPERSPERMIA, THE OFTEN-NEGLECTED SEMEN ABNORMALITY AFFECTING FECUNDABILITY

Highlights Hyperspermia is often ignored, but it can affect fecundability by diluting sperm and reducing sperm concentration. Hyperspermia might be associated with genetic causes and male accessory gland infections, but no specific treatment is mentioned to treat this condition. Abstract Background: Hyperspermia is defined as a seminal volume greater than 6.3 ml. This definition is often ignored by physicians, while it may affect fecundability. Objective: To report a case of an adult with hyperspermia that affects his fecundability and to discuss it with the scoping review’s result. Case: A 30-year-old man came desiring to have a child. He had regular sexual intercourse with his wife for the last 3 months, after living in different cities before. Based on the semen analysis, it was found that he had hyperspermia (volume 8.2 ml) and oligozoospermia (sperm concentration 4.25 million/ml). After taking antioxidants, the seminal volume was lowered, and the couple got pregnant. Method: A scoping review was conducted by using guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR). After a comprehensive search based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, only 3 original research were retrieved due to the rarity of articles regarding this topic. Discussion: According to previous studies, hyperspermia can affect fecund-ability by diluting the sperm, causing sperm concentration to be decreased as in this case. Genetic mutation and male accessory gland infection may be contributing factors to hyperspermia. No consensus and studies about the treatment are available. Conclusion: Hyperspermia is a semen parameter alteration that needs to be taken care of to increase fecundability.

Sperm proteome and sperm parameters of captive Amazon squirrel monkeys (Saimiri collinsi Osgood, 1916) during the non-fatted and fatted condition

The aims of this work were (1) to characterize the proteome profile of Saimiri collinsi (Amazon squirrel monkey) sperm, and (2) to evaluate if there are meaningful differences in sperm quality and sperm protein landscape during the non-fatted and fatted conditions of the animals. Semen of adult males (n=4) was collected by electroejaculation and diluted in ACP-118® extender. Sperm concentration, motility, vigor, plasma membrane integrity and functionality, and sperm morphology were evaluated. Sperm proteome was characterized by mass spectrometry. The non-fatted and fatted conditions were defined according to the fattening index. There were increases in seminal volume, pH, and sperm motility of S. collinisi during the fatted in comparison with the non-fatted condition (p < 0.05). Animals in the fatted condition had greater body mass (909 ± 23.98 g) in comparison with the non-fatted condition (818.8 ± 5.97 g, p = 0.0001). There were 1161 proteins identified in the sperm of the monkeys. Thirty-seven proteins were upregulated (p < 0.05) in non-fatted condition (such as coiled-coil domain-containing protein 105, protein kinase C alpha type isoform X1, pyruvate dehydrogenase protein X component – mitochondrial and heat shock 70 kDa protein 1-like) and they were involved in cellular and metabolic processes, catalytic activity and binding. Twenty-eight sperm proteins proteins were upregulated (p < 0.05) in fatted condition (such as Cytochrome b-c1 complex subunit 2, mitochondrial; calcium-binding mitochondrial carrier protein SCaMC-1-like; heat shock 70 kDa protein 13, and izumo sperm-egg fusion protein 1), participating in cellular processes, metabolic processes, and localization, binding, catalytic activity, ATP-dependent activity, and transport activity. Functional annotations of sperm proteins upregulated in non-fatted condition were described as hydrogen ion transport, chaperone, cilium, flagellum, and cell projection. In in fatted conditions, such annotations were described as fertilization, spermatogenesis and transport, chaperone, and motor protein. The present study brings an unprecedent contribution to our understanding about the reproductive biology of adult Saimiri collinsi. It also provides support for conservation and development of assisted reproductive technologies for Neotropical primates.

Exploring the relationship between ambient sulfur dioxide and semen quality parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: To investigate the relationship between ambient sulfur dioxide (SO2) exposure and semen quality parameters. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies investigating the association between SO2 exposure and semen quality parameters. This search encompassed the timeframe from January 2000 to May 2023 and included electronic databases such as Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus. Pooled effect estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using percent changes (PC). The meta-analysis included seven studies with 6 711 participants and 15 087 semen samples. Results: The results revealed a significant negative association between ambient SO2 exposure and certain semen quality parameters. In particular, SO2 exposure was associated with a significant decrease in progressive motility (PC=0.032; 95% CI: -0.063 to -0.001; P=0.044) and sperm concentration (PC = -0.020; 95% CI: -0.036 to -0.005; P=0.012). However, no statistically significant associations were observed for total sperm count (PC = -0.038; 95% CI: -0.079 to 0.003; P=0.070), seminal fluid volume (PC = -0.009; 95% CI: -0.048 to -0.030; P=0.662) and sperm motility (PC = -0.17; 95% CI: -0.363 to 0.022; P=0.830). In addition, the results of the subgroup analysis revealed specific variables that were associated with the decrease in relevant sperm parameters. Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis provides compelling evidence supporting a consistent negative association between exposure to ambient SO2 and semen quality parameters.

Sperm DNA damage in men with severe asthenozoospermia

Background. Sperm motility is a fundamental factor for sperm penetration into the oocyte and fertilization. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2021, less than 42% of motility is called asthenozoospermia, which is one of the most common causes of male infertility. This retrospective cohort study aims to investigate sperm DNA damage with TUNEL and SCSA methods and its relationship with sperm parameters, age, and body mass index (BMI) in severe asthenospermia (&lt;2% sperm motility) and normozoospermia. Methods. The study parameters between 111 subjects with severe asthenozoospermia and 113 subjects with normozoospermia were investigated. The 2010 World Health Organization guidelines were used to evaluate sperm parameters, and TUNEL and SCSA methods were used to assess sperm DNA damage. The statistical analysis was done using the t-test of two independent samples. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to investigate the relationship between sperm DNA damage and sperm parameters, age, and BMI P&lt;0.05 was considered significant. Results. The mean seminal volume, sperm concentration and count, and the percentage of sperm total motility and progressive motility were significantly lower in severe asthenospermic subjects compared to normozoospermic subjects (P&lt;0.001). In addition, the mean percentage of sperm DNA damage in severe asthenozoospermic individuals was significantly higher than in normozoospermic individuals (P&lt;0.001). There was also a positive and significant relationship between sperm DNA damage and the age of severely asthenozoospermic men. Conclusion. Sperm motility, sperm DNA damage, and the father's age are essential in the successful conception, development, and health of the embryo. Therefore, the evaluation of sperm DNA damage is recommended in examining male fertility and selecting the appropriate treatment approach for men with severe asthenozoospermia. Practical Implications. Considering that the sperm genome constitutes 50% of the genetic material of the next generation, evaluating sperm DNA health to determine the appropriate treatment approach in infertile men can be influential in the success of assisted reproductive techniques and in maintaining the next generation’s health.

The Trouble with White Feminist Theologians? Decentring White Normativity in Feminist Theology

Feminist theology has provided a critical hermeneutical lens through which to interrogate hegemonic and hierarchical social and theological structures. Yet, can feminist theology itself be charged with the same paradigmatic problems it seeks to challenge? What exactly do we speak of when we speak of feminist theology? More importantly, who are we speaking of? Drawing from Kyla Schuller’s seminal volume, ‘The Trouble with White Women: A counter-history of feminism’, this article seeks to uncover the foundational connections between the historically ‘white feminism’ of Schuller’s counter-history and feminist theology, examining how, and indeed if, feminist theology contests or colludes with this problematic legacy. Considering post-colonial and intersectional feminist perspectives which trouble epistemological normativity, this article asks, is it possible to decentre, from the centre?

Impact of coenzyme Q10 as an adjuvant therapy to letrozole on spermiogram results and sex hormone levels in Iraqi men with infertility; randomized open label comparative study

Background: Worldwide, infertility affects about 15% of reproductive-age couples. In many cases, infertility can't be treated, however new treatment options with promising value have been involved in recent clinical trials. The aim of this clinical trial was to evaluate the impacts of adding coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) to letrozole on the results of spermiogram and sex hormone tests in men diagnosed with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (iOAT) syndrome, which is a type of male defective spermatogenesis of unknown etiology. Methods: This randomized, open-label, parallel two-arm interventional study included 67 adult male patients aged 18-60 years with a confirmed diagnosis of iOAT syndrome recruited from The High Institute for Infertility Diagnosis &amp; Assisted Reproduction Technologies/Nahrain University. Patients were randomly separated into two groups, Group A included 29 patients treated with letrozole 2.5 mg tablet orally twice a week, Group B included 38 patients treated with a combination of letrozole 2.5 mg tablet orally twice a week plus CoQ10 400 mg per day. Both groups completed treatment for three months. Semen samples, serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), and testosterone (T) were analyzed at day one, and at the end of month one, two and three. Results: Both groups showed that sperm concentration, normal morphology, total sperm count and motility, serum testosterone and FSH levels, and T/E2 ratio were significantly increased, while estradiol levels significantly decreased after three months of treatment. Seminal fluid volume changed significantly in group A only. In comparing between the two groups, all measured parameters, apart from sperm motility and FSH level, demonstrated a significant difference after three months of treatment, while sperm volume reached significant value after only two months of therapy. Conclusions: CoQ10 as adjuvant treatment to letrozole effectively improved most of the tested sperm parameters in Iraqi men with iOAT. Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05847257, May 6, 2023).

Impact of organophosphate pesticides exposure on human semen parameters and testosterone: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Organophosphate (OP) pesticides have been associated with a decline in semen quality, although there are still considerable arguments about the magnitude of the association. This study provides a systematic review and meta-analysis of the impacts of OP pesticides on semen quality and male reproductive hormones. This study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocols. Strategic search was conducted using combined text words as search terms. The eligibility criteria were developed based on Population, Exposure, Comparator, Outcome, and Study designs (PECOS) framework. Relevant data were extracted, risk of bias was evaluated by The Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) tool, and certainty of evidence was assessed by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) Working Group guidelines. Quantitative meta-analysis was performed by using Review Manager. A total of 766 male subjects (349 exposed to OP pesticides and 417 unexposed controls) were included in the meta-analysis. There was no significant difference in the ejaculate volume, seminal fluid volume, sperm multiple anomaly index, sperm, and leukocytes levels of the OP-exposed subjects compared to the control. In addition, OP pesticides exposure did not significantly affect serum concentrations of FSH, LH, and testosterone in subjects who were exposed to OP pesticides compared to their unexposed counterparts. However, we found a significant reduction in the sperm count, sperm concentration, progressive sperm motility, total sperm motility, and normal sperm morphology of OP pesticides-exposed subjects compared to the unexposed subjects. However, after subtype and sensitivity analyses, exposure to OP pesticides did not reduce sperm count. Also, after sensitivity analysis, OP pesticides exposure did not alter progressive sperm motility. This study demonstrates that OP pesticides exposure reduced sperm count, concentration, total and progressive motility, and normal sperm morphology, possibly via a testosterone-independent mechanism.

Seminal Fluid parameters abnormality in a sample of Iraqi Infertile Males with observation of the chromosomal abnormalities in an Azoospermia case by using Karyotyping

Male infertility is any health issue in a man that lowers the chances of his female partner getting pregnant. The present study aimed to observe the seminal fluid parameters abnormalities among primary and secondary infertility. The total number of participants is 93, consisting of 83 infertile males and 10 normal males as a control group. The patient's group was classified into Azoospermia, Asthenospermia and Oligoasthenospermia according to their semen abnormalities. The total number of patients is divided into two groups, the primary (65), who have no children and those with secondary infertility (18), who are unable to conceive or carry a baby to full-term after having a previous successful pregnancy. According to the seminal analysis, there were 18 infertile males with Azoospermia, 26 infertile males with oligoasthenospermia, 39 infertile males with asthenoospermia and 10 as a control group as represented. A one-way ANOVA is used to determine whether or not there is a statistically significant difference between the means of the analyzed independent groups. The mean of all parameters represents significant differences between the control group and other tested groups with few exceptions, e.g., the seminal volume in the control group showed no higher difference than Asthenospermia. Banding technique: G-band showing 46XY, der 2, der 3, der 4, der 7. And in der 5 but not in all cell.s Abnormal karyotype for males with a derivative of one copy of chromosome 2, one copy of chromosome 3 was a derivative, a copy of chromosome 4 was a derivative and a derivative of chromosome 7. Keywords: infertility 1; karyotype 2; Azoospermia 3; Asthenospermia 4; Oligoasthenospermia 5

Impact of coenzyme Q10 as an adjuvant therapy to letrozole on spermiogram results and sex hormone levels in Iraqi men with infertility; randomized open label comparative study

Background: Worldwide, infertility affects about 15% of reproductive-age couples. In many cases, infertility can't be treated, however new treatment options with promising value have been involved in recent clinical trials. The aim of this clinical trial was to evaluate the impacts of adding coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) to letrozole on the results of spermiogram and sex hormone tests in men diagnosed with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (iOAT) syndrome, which is a type of male defective spermatogenesis of unknown etiology. Methods: This randomized, open-label, parallel two-arm interventional study included 67 adult male patients aged 18-60 years with a confirmed diagnosis of iOAT syndrome recruited from The High Institute for Infertility Diagnosis &amp; Assisted Reproduction Technologies/Nahrain University. Patients were randomly separated into two groups, Group A included 29 patients treated with letrozole 2.5 mg tablet orally twice a week, Group B included 38 patients treated with a combination of letrozole 2.5 mg tablet orally twice a week plus CoQ10 400 mg per day. Both groups completed treatment for three months. Semen samples, serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), and testosterone (T) were analyzed at day one, and at the end of month one, two and three. Results: Both groups showed that sperm concentration, normal morphology, total sperm count and motility, serum testosterone and FSH levels, and T/E2 ratio were significantly increased, while estradiol levels significantly decreased after three months of treatment. Seminal fluid volume changed significantly in group A only. In comparing between the two groups, all measured parameters, apart from sperm motility and FSH level, demonstrated a significant difference after three months of treatment, while sperm volume reached significant value after only two months of therapy. Conclusions: CoQ10 as adjuvant treatment to letrozole effectively improved most of the tested sperm parameters in Iraqi men with iOAT. Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05847257, May 6, 2023).

Quantitative proteomic profile analysis of thyroid dysfunction effects on seminal vesicles and repercussions on male fertility

Hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis are associated with male reproductive disorders, but little is known about the influence of the thyroid hormone milieu on seminal vesicle (SV) function and metabolism. In this sense, we investigated the effects of hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis induced in adulthood Wistar male rats on SV function and identified new thyroid hormone targets on male reproduction regulation using novel proteomic approaches. Hypothyroidism reduces SV size and seminal fluid volume, which are directly associated with low testosterone and estradiol levels, while thyrotoxicosis increases Esr2 and Dio1 expression in the SV. We found 116 differentially expressed proteins. Hypothyroidism reduces the expression of molecular protein markers related to sperm viability, capacitation and fertilization, protection against oxidative stress and energetic metabolism in SV, while it increases the expression of proteins related to tissue damage. In conclusion, thyroid dysfunction in the adult phase impairs several morphological, molecular and functional characteristics of SV.

Meaty Mags and Fleshy Films

This paper addresses the topic of transformation identifying written text as a living body, ultimately suggesting that the corporeal qualities of textual matter function as an interpretative tool for unpacking new and unexpected fashion imagery. Through the observation of three fashion films dating between 2005 and 2020, as well as relying on a firm theoretical framework based on the analysis of Roland Barthes’ seminal volume The Pleasure of Text (1973), the research discusses the role of written discourse in contemporary fashion communication, highlighting its performative and erotic traits and how these inherent properties interreact within the field of fashion visual culture. Fashion moving image is therefore seen as the context in which—and with which—the body of text seductively moves, mutates, and merges to unveil unprecedented visual scapes.

Influence of Letrozole and Co Q10 on Sex Hormones and Spermiogram in Infertile Men; sample of Iraqi patients

Background: The definition of World Health Organization (WHO) to the infertile couple is the failure of female get pregnancy in spite of having regular sexual activity for at least 1 year without using any contraceptive methods, worldwide it is estimated that 15 % of reproductive-age couples are struggling with infertility.&#x0D; In many cases, infertility cannot be treated, new treatment options with promising value were involved in the recent clinical trials.&#x0D; Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of letrozole plus coenzyme Q10 combination on spermiogram and sex hormones in men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (iOAT) syndrome.&#x0D; Patient and methods: fifty-five patients are enrolled in this study, but only 40 patients complete the study, they are treated with a combination of Letrozole 2.5 mg tablet orally twice a week plus Co-enzyme Q10 400mg per day for three months. Seminal fluid sample, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, and testosterone were analyzed before starting the treatment and at the end of month 1, 2 and 3.Results: sperm concentration, sperm morphology, total sperm count and motility, serum testosterone and follicle stimulation hormone levels, in addition to testosterone/estradiol ratio were significantly improved, while estradiol levels significantly decreased after 3 months of treatment. However, seminal fluid volume showed no significant change. Finally, as a notable outcome, one spontaneous conception occurred after treatment as well as three azoospermia cases responded well after completing the course of treatment.&#x0D; Conclusions: a combination of Letrozole and CO Q10 can effectively improve sperm parameters in Iraqi men with iOAT.

Serum lipid profile levels and semen quality: new insights and clinical perspectives for male infertility and men's health.

Several clinical scenarios regulate the final ejaculated semen, which is pivotal to reproductive success. Sperm motility and plasma membrane fusogenic activity primarily rely on the peculiar sperm lipid composition, influenced by the patient's metabolism, genetics, nutritional, environmental status, and concomitant clinical entities such as varicocele. This study aimed to determine the relationship between serum lipid profile and testicular function (semen quality and testosterone levels). This retrospective study uses medical charts of 278 infertile men who attended andrological care between 2000 and 2019. Seminal analysis data, lipid profile, and total serum testosterone were collected. A multiple linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the influence of the lipid parameters on the seminal variables. Statistical analyses were carried out with p ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant. Seminal creatine kinase activity (p = 0.024) is negatively related to HDL (p = 0.032) and triglycerides (p = 0.037), while total testosterone (p < 0.0001) and seminal volume (p = 0.046) appeared both to be negatively related to triglycerides (p = 0.030 and p = 0.033, respectively). Medical advice commonly advocated to prevent endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease and improve HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels in dyslipidemic patients should also be given to infertile men. Physicians should give patients a thorough assessment, including the blood lipid profile, hormonal status, and routine seminal examinations. We propose a more comprehensive men´s health check-up for the infertile male population, not limited to a simple evaluation of basic sperm parameters.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids as Supplements and Cryoprotectants and Positive Outcomes for Human Seminal Cryopreservation: A Study in the Iraqi Context

Background: With the increasing deterioration in male fertility rates over the past few decades, assisted reproductive therapy via sperm banking has gained considerable attention from different health authorities worldwide. The process of sperm cryopreservation exerts certain harmful effects on sperm quality parameters. The aim of the current study was to examine the effect of omega-3 on human sperm cryopreservation as a dietary supplement and as a cryoprotectant stimulant.&#x0D; Methods: From healthy men, 120 seminal fluid samples were randomly collected for cryopreservation (for 30 days). All samples were divided into three groups (40 in each). The supplement group (SG) (first group) had been given dietary supplements of omega-3 (30% EPA: 20% DHA) for eight weeks before sample collection. The samples of the cryoprotectant group (CG) (second group) were treated with omega-3 additive in the diluent at the time of being collected and before we cryopreserved them. The samples from the control group (third group) were cryopreserved without any dietary or cryoprotectant supplementation. Initial seminal analysis was recorded and post-thawing assessment of sperm motility, vitality (using eosin test) and oxidative stress (using a nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) test) were compared.&#x0D; Results and Conclusion: SG samples had greater initial seminal fluid volumes, as well as better sperm motility and vitality, but the oxidative stress assessment did not differ significantly pre-cryo. Post-thawing assessment revealed that the CG group had the best parameters of motility, vitality and oxidative stress. These results may be related to the positive effects of omega-3 fatty acids on reproductive glands, hormonal milieu, sperm function and structure, making it a suitable biostimulant for improving the outcome of human sperm banking. Results were comparable to multiple previous animal studies.