Significant Decrease In Sperm Concentration Research Articles

Genital stones: Radiological, histopathological, ultrastructural, and molecular analysis in rooster

Epididymal lithiasis, characterized by the formation of stones in the epididymis, has been associated with a decline in fertility in roosters. This study aimed to investigate the reproductive performance, ultrastructural characteristics, and expression of aromatase cytochrome P450 (CYP19) and aquaporin 9 (AQP9) in aged broiler breeder roosters affected by epididymal lithiasis. X-ray analysis confirmed the presence of genital stones in both the epididymis and testicular tissue regions. While there was a significant decrease in sperm concentration in the affected roosters compared to non-affected roosters, no significant differences were observed in total and progressive sperm motility between the two groups. Furthermore, the affected roosters exhibited significant abnormalities in semen parameters, except for sperm concentration and morphology. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed the depletion and deciliation of ciliated cells in the distal efferent ductules of the epididymis in affected roosters. Additionally, the expression of CYP19 and AQP9 was found to be increased in the epididymal region of affected roosters. Notably, we report the presence of testicular stones for the first time in this study, in addition to epididymal stones. Considering the male reproductive tract lesions observed, we propose the term “genital stones” to describe these conditions. Moreover, our findings suggest that the overexpression of AQP9, which is associated with a high copy number of the CYP19 gene in the epididymal region of affected aged roosters, may contribute to the formation of genital stones by promoting increased reabsorption of fluids in the epididymis. The condensation of epididymal duct contents and reduction in the population of ciliated cells further impairs semen movement and can lead to the blockage of extra-testicular ducts, resulting in the low fertility syndrome observed in aged roosters.

The Effect of Statins on Male Reproductive Parameters: A Mechanism Involving Dysregulation of Gonadal Hormone Receptors and TRPV1.

Statins have been shown to cause diverse male reproductive function impairment, and in some cases, orchialgia. Therefore, the current study investigated the possible mechanisms through which statins may alter male reproductive parameters. Thirty adult male Wistar rats (200-250 g) were divided into three groups. The animals were orally administered rosuvastatin (50 mg/kg), simvastatin (50 mg/kg), or 0.5% carboxy methyl cellulose (control), for a 30-day period. Spermatozoa were retrieved from the caudal epididymis for sperm analysis. The testis was used for all biochemical assays and immunofluorescent localization of biomarkers of interest. Rosuvastatin-treated animals presented with a significant decrease in sperm concentration when compared to both the control and simvastatin groups (p < 0.005). While no significant difference was observed between the simvastatin and the control group. The Sertoli cells, Leydig cells and whole testicular tissue homogenate expressed transcripts of solute carrier organic anion transporters (SLCO1B1 and SLCO1B3). There was a significant decrease in the testicular protein expression of the luteinizing hormone receptor, follicle stimulating hormone receptor, and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 in the rosuvastatin and simvastatin-treated animals compared to the control. The expression of SLCO1B1, SLCO1B2, and SLCO1B3 in the different spermatogenic cells portray that un-bio transformed statin can be transported into the testicular microenvironment, which can subsequently alter the regulation of the gonadal hormone receptors, dysregulate pain-inflammatory biomarkers, and consequently impair sperm concentration.

Comparison of sperm parameters and DNA fragmentation index between infertile men with infection and vaccines of COVID-19.

Several preventive measures, including vaccination, have been implemented owing to the severe global effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but there is still limited evidence in the effect of this disease and vaccination against it on male fertility. Therefore, this study is to compare sperm parameters of infertile patients with or without COVID-19 infection and the effect of COVID-19 vaccine types on them. Semen samples of infertile patients were collected consecutively at Universitas Indonesia - Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (Jakarta, Indonesia). COVID-19 was diagnosed by rapid antigen or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. Vaccination was performed with three types of vaccine, namely inactivated viral vaccine, messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine, and viral vector vaccine. Spermatozoa were then analyzed on the World Health Organization recommendations, and DNA fragmentation was assayed with the sperm chromatin dispersion kit. The results showed that the COVID-19 group experienced a significant decrease in sperm concentration and progressive motility (both P < 0.05), but there was no significant change in morphology or sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI; both P > 0.05). The viral vector vaccine caused a decrease in morphology as well as an increase in DFI compared with the control (both P < 0.05), meanwhile results for those who were vaccinated with the inactivated and mRNA types were not significant compared with the control (both P > 0.05). We conclude that COVID-19 has negative effects on sperm parametes and sperm DNA fragmentation, and we found that the viral vector vaccines affect sperm parameter values and DNA fragmentation negatively. Further studies with a larger population and longer follow-up are needed to confirm the results.

The impact of low-intensity extracorporeal shock waves on testicular spermatogenesis demonstrated in a rat model.

In rodent models, low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy has been shown to negatively impact semen concentration after treatment on the penis, implying that the reproductive system in close proximity may be indirectly affected by this modality. We hypothesized that shock waves are detrimental to spermatogenesis, and the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of shock waves on spermatogenesis after direct shockwave treatment on testes using different energy settings. Twenty-five male Sprague Dawley rats, 8 weeks old, were divided into five groups, including one control group and four treatment groups each treated using shock waves of different intensities. All rats in the treatment groups received 2000 shocks on the left testis twice a week for 4 weeks, with shock wave intensity and frequency varied by treatment group: 0.1 mJ/mm 2 at 4 Hz for Group A, 0.15 mJ/mm 2 at 4 Hz for Group B, 0.35 mJ/mm 2 at 4 Hz for Group C, and 0.55mJ/mm 2 at 3 Hz for Group D. At the end of the experiment, sperm collected from the epididymis was evaluated for concentration and motility. Testicular spermatogenesis, the apoptotic index of germ cells, and the expression of a meiotic-specific gene were also analyzed. The treatment group receiving shock wave intensity at 0.55 mJ/mm 2 showed a significant decrease in sperm concentration, motility, and Johnsen score as compared to other groups. The apoptotic index of spermatogenic cells increased as the intensity of the shock wave treatment escalated, and reach a statistically significant difference at 4 weeks posttreatment. Treating testes with intensity levels of 0.55 mJ/mm 2 at 3 Hz interfere with the quality or quantity of spermatogenesis and also increases in spermatogenic cell apoptosis, whereas the expression of the SYCP3 gene significantly decreased after treatment with intensity levels of 0.10 mJ/mm 2 , 0.15 mJ/mm 2 , and 0.35 mJ/mm 2 at 4 Hz. Treating testes with intensity levels of 0.55 mJ/mm 2 at 3 Hz interfere with the quality or quantity of spermatogenesis and also increases spermatogenic cell apoptosis, whereas the expression of the SYCP3 gene significantly decreased after treatment with intensity levels of 0.10 mJ/mm 2 , 0.15 mJ/mm 2 , and 0.35 mJ/mm 2 at 4 Hz.

Alterations in Human Semen After Infection with SARS-CoV-2: A Meta-analysis.

The purpose of the current study was to assess pooled prevalence (PP) of SARS-CoV-2 in semen and pooled estimates including weighted mean difference (WMD) and risk ratio (RR) of semen characteristics in infected cases as compared with healthy controls. Major databases were searched by two authors. SARS-CoV-2-positive cases were assigned to the exposed arm (group A), whereas the controls to the unex-posed (group B). Risk of bias was assessed with Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and PRISMA guidelines were followed. Random-effects model was employed for analyzing the heterogeneity and fixed-effects model for homogeneity of studies. Of 170 studies, 14 studies were eligible involving 507 subjects (316 in group A, 191 in group B). The risk of bias was the highest for "comparability" domain. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was found in only two studies among 7 subjects (PP= 2.10%, 95%CI 0.58-4.42). There was a significant decrease in sperm concentration (WMD= -15.29, 95%CI -24.70 - -5.88) and total sperm in ejaculate (WMD= -47.58, 95%CI -86.40 - -8.75) in group A. The effect of COVID-19 upon progressive motility, ejaculate volume, and leukocyte presence in semen was not significant. Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in semen among the infected cases is low. Sexual transmission through semen is improbable and of little concern for public health. Sperm concentration and total sperm in ejaculate are significantly reduced as compared with controls. Due to limited information of the current research, longer follow-up is needed to identify delayed or progressive impact.

Protective effect of Salvia officinalis against cypermethrininduced reprotoxicity in male Wistar rats

Background: Medicinal plants are a reservoir of biologically active compounds with therapeutic properties that, over time, have been used for the treatment of various diseases. This study aims to evaluate the protective effect of the aqueous extract of the leaves of Salvia officinalis against cypermethrin-induced toxicity. Methods: 30 male rats weighing approximately 240 g were divided into equal six groups; the control group received tap water, the positive control received the aqueous extract of sage leaves (SLE) at a dose of (0.5g/kg bw), the groups treated with cypermethrin (Cyp1) at 8.33 mg/kg bw and (Cyp2) at 25 mg/kg bw, and the groups treated by cypermethrin combined with aqueous extract of sage SLE+Cyp1 (0.5g/kg bw+8.33 mg/kg bw) and SLE+Cyp2 (0.5g/kg bw+25 mg/kg bw) for four days/week. After 4 weeks of oral administration, epididymal seminal fluid was analyzed via the CASA system, in addition to the histological study testis and epididymis. Results: The obtained results showed a decrease in the absolute weight of the reproductive organs, with a significant decrease in sperm concentration, motility and speed in the cypermethrin-treated group compared to the control. Histological study of the testes and epididymis indicates an alteration in the stages of spermatogenesis in groups Cyp1 and Cyp2 compared to the control. However, the above-mentioned parameters were maintained almost normal in the groups that received the aqueous extract of sage with both doses of cypermethrin. Conclusion: it can be demonstrated that SLE has been shown to protect rats from cypermethrin-induced reprotoxicity.

Decline of semen quality over the last 30\u2009years in Uruguay

BackgroundOver the last years, there has been an increasing concern about a global decline in men’s fertility. Specifically, some evidence indicates that sperm quality has decreased over the last years. However, reports showing the changes in sperm quality with time are inconsistent. Part of the contradictions between studies is attributed to geographical differences. Surprisingly, few studies include data from South American countries, creating a bias in the conclusions. This study aims to determine how sperm quality has evolved over the past 30 years in Uruguay. For this purpose, 317 medical records from allegedly healthy sperm donor candidates, aged between 18 and 36 years old, who voluntarily requested to be considered as sperm donors between 1988 and 2019, were analyzed. The studied variables were the following sperm parameters: semen volume, sperm cell concentration, total sperm number, progressive motility, vitality, and sperm morphology. A correlative statistical analysis was performed between seminal parameter values and the year data were collected.ResultsWe found a statistically significant decrease in sperm concentration and normal sperm morphology during the studied period. There was no decrease in vitality, seminal volume, and total progressive motility. Semen parameters were not associated with tobacco, drugs, or alcohol consumption.ConclusionsWe conclude that the sperm quality of donor candidates in Uruguay decreased during this period. Further studies should be carried out to verify the occurrence of this phenomenon in the general population and find its possible causes.

Impact of Male Aging on Semen Parameters

Aim: To investigate the effect of increasing male age on the semen parameters including semen volume, sperm concentration, and progressive sperm motility. Materials and Methods: 1038 patients who applied to our IVF clinic for semen analysis or for infertility treatment were included in the study. The participants were divided into three age categories as follows: 680 participants (65.5%) aged 22-30, 139 participants (13.4%) aged 31-45 years, and 219 participants (21.1%) aged ≥45 years. Demographic and baseline clinical characteristics were recorded. The variables considered in this study were age and the following semen parameters: volume (ml); sperm concentration (millions/ml); and progressive sperm motility A+B (%). Normal semen values were defined based on the WHO criteria (World Health Organization, 2010). Results: The mean age of the participants was 33.1(± 4.8). The mean BMI of the participants was 24.1(± 2.8). The mean semen volume was 3.3 (± 1.5), the mean semen concentration was 43.6 (± 31.7), and the mean progressive sperm motility was 43.6 (± 10.1). There was a moderate negative correlation between paternal age and semen volume (r=-0.13) and sperm motility (r=-0.32), while there was a moderate positive correlation between paternal age and sperm concentration (r=0.24). The proportion of likelihood ratio measured between semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility and age was found to be 1 in patients between the ages of 22-30. The 22-30 age group does not have a decreasing or increasing effect on semen volume (OR: 1), sperm concentration (OR: 1) and motility (OR: 1). Regression analysis of patients in the 31-45 age group revealed no change in semen volume (OR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.43-2.3, p &lt;0.9), but an increase in sperm concentration (OR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.13-2.7, p &lt;0.01), and decreased sperm motility (OR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.16-0.47, p &lt;0.00). In the regression analysis of participants over the age of 45, semen volume (OR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.19-0.53, p &lt;0.00) and sperm motility (OR: 0.05, 95% CI: 0.03-0.08, p &lt;0.00) decreased with age. No change was detected in the concentration (OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.63- 1.2, p &lt;0.3). Conclusion: With increasing male age, semen volume and sperm motility begin to decrease. However, a significant decrease in sperm concentration does not occur until the age of 45.

The Beneficial Role of Anchomanes difformis in STZ-Induced Reproductive Dysfunction in Male Wistar Rats.

BackgroundProgression of diabetes mellitus has increasingly led to several diabetic complications. Diabetes is one of the major factors implicated in male reproductive system damage. Recent approaches such as the use of medicinal plants have been explored in the management of diabetes and associated complications. Anchomanes difformis (common name: children’s umbrella) has been shown to possess anti-diabetic ability in animal model. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate the potency of Achomanes difformis in ameliorating diabetes-induced reproductive dysfunction.MethodsType 2 diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats with 10% fructose administration for 2 weeks and an intraperitoneal injection of 40mg/kgBW of streptozotocin. Aqueous extract (200mg and 400mg/kgBW) of Anchomanes difformis leaves was administered daily for 6 weeks. The rats were randomly divided into 7 groups with a minimum of eight rats in each (8 rats in normal groups and 10 in diabetic groups). The impact of diabetes and treatment was investigated by estimating sperm concentration, motility indices, viability and morphological parameters in the normal, treatment controls and diabetic rats using CASA-SCA system. Histological examination of the testes and epididymis was performed.ResultsDiabetes induction resulted in significant decrease in sperm concentration, viability and some motility parameters with 40% abnormalities in sperm morphology. The administration of Anchomanes difformis significantly increased sperm concentration and sperm viability, while it significantly improved the percentage of morphologically normal sperm in diabetic rats. Anchomanes difformis ameliorated testicular damage such as vacuolization and loss of germinal epithelium in the diabetic-treated rats when compared to the diabetic controls.ConclusionThe potency Anchomanes difformis displayed against diabetic-induced damage in the reproductive system might be a new and promising tool in the management of male reproductive dysfunctions and associated complications in diabetes mellitus.

Effect of Curcuma longa Aqueous Extract on Male Fertility in Aluminum Exposed Wistar Rats

To assess the effects of Curcuma longa aqueous extract (CE) on fertility in male rats exposed to Aluminum chloride (AlCl3), Twenty four male rats, 3 months old, divided into 4 groups (n=6) were used. Animal from the first group received, by the oral route, water-containing AlCl3 at the dose of 34 mg/kg body weight (BW). Rats from the second group received both AlCl3 at the same dose in combination with oral treatment of CE at a dose of 200 mg/kg BW. The third group received only an oral administration of CE with the same dose. Rats from the fourth group, without any treatment, served as control. After 4 weeks of experimentation, AlCl3 exposure showed a significant decrease in sperm concentration (4.58±0.65 × 106 cells /ml), and percentage of viability (61.53±23.63 %), and an increase of morphological abnormalities (26.11±17.84 %). A significant decreased in serum testosterone levels (0.31±0.26 ng/ml) and an increase of testicular malondialdehyde (MDA) level (0.16±0.015 μM/g) were also observed. Histological examination of the testes showed degeneration of the seminiferous tubules, germ line cells, and interstitial cells. However, CE treatment concomitant to AlCl3 showed that the rate of morphological abnormalities (19±2.65 %) is significantly decreased compared to AlCl3 group, with a significant increase in serum testosterone (1.17±0.24 ng/ml) and a significant decrease in MDA (0.11±0.003μM/g) level. Microscopic examination revealed a significant regeneration of seminiferous tubules and interstitial cells. This study demonstrated an ameliorative effect of Curcuma longa aqueous extract in testicular tissue and sperm quality.&#x0D; Keywords: Curcuma longa, Aluminum, fertility, testosterone, malondialdehyde (MDA), sperm.

The effect of cigarette smoking on the semen parameters of infertile men

Introduction 36.9% of men worldwide use tobacco. Previous studies suggest a negative effect of cigarette smoking on semen quality, but the results are contradictory. We have studied the effects of smoking on the semen characteristics such as sperm concentration, semen volume, sperm motility, sperm vitality and sperm morphology in a large group of infertile men. Methods This retrospective study was conducted on a total of 5146 infertile men with at least one year of idiopathic infertility, who admitted to the Centre for Reproductive medicine (CRG) at the Brussels University Hospital, Belgium between 2010 and 2017. The smokers were classified as mild (1-10 cigarettes/d), moderate (11-20 cigarettes/d) or heavy smokers (> 20 cigarettes/d). Semen analysis was performed for all patients. Statistical analysis was performed using the R software package and t-test or Mann-Whitney U tests were used, group comparisons were performed using ANOVA, ANCOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests as appropriate. A p-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results Comparing the semen parameters in the two global groups showed that smoking had a significant decrease in semen volume (p=0.04074) and sperm concentration (p=0.029). ANOVA testing on the different smoking groups versus non-smoking group showed a significant decrease in sperm concentration (p=0.0364). After adjusting for the confounders, age and testosterone, ANCOVA testing showed significant effect on the sperm concentration (p=0.03871) in smokers versus non-smokers. No significant correlation was detected between the other semen characteristics. Conclusion We concluded that smoking had a significant and independent effect on the sperm concentration in a semen analysis. Other parameters, like semen volume, sperm motility, sperm vitality and sperm morphology were not influenced by smoking.

The Impact of Zika Virus Infection On Human Semen: A Case Study

The outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) in Brazil and in many countries was marked by the occurrences of fetal malformations and neurological effects upon infection of pregnant women. Like other members of the Flaviviridae family, ZIKV in semen is infectious and sexually transmitted. Viral persistence in the male genital tract is unresolved and still needs further understanding. A regular semen donor was followed from the acute phase of ZIKV infection, up to 8 months after ZIKV in his body fluids became undetected. Immunofluorescence assay was performed in semen samples before and after the infection. A significant decrease in sperm concentration and in the percentage of progressive motility of sperm was observed. The methodology adopted for clearance of sexually transmitted viruses decreased virus load, but the complete clearance of ZIKV from semen was not achieved.

Food Yellow4 reprotoxicity in relation to localization of DMC1 and apoptosis in rat testes: Roles of royal jelly and cod liver oil

Food Yellow 4 (FY4) is a lemon-yellow-colored synthetic organic azo dye, which is used widely for imparting pleasant and attractive appearance to foods and cosmetics. The present study aimed at evaluating the possible mechanism underlying the FY4-induced reprotoxicity in rats, and the potential supportive role of royal jelly (RJ) or cod liver oil (CLO), which is a natural remedy with several pharmacological benefits, against induced toxicity. Forty-eight male rats were divided into different groups-the control group, the CLO group (0.4 mL/kg), the RJ group (300 mg/kg), the FY4 group (500 mg/kg b.w.), and the co-treated groups (FY4 + CLO or FY4 + RJ). Semen analysis, serum hormones, and enzyme activities were estimated. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using anti-PCNA, anti-Sox 9, anti-STRA8, anti-DMC1, and anti-ssDNA antibody. The FY4 group exhibited a significant decrease in sperm concentration and motility percentage (%) and a substantial reduction in the TES and LH levels. Testicular LDH, ACP, and SDH were observed to be inhibited. Furthermore, co-localization of DMC1 and ssDNA, which reflected apoptotic induction in the leptotene and zygotene spermatocytes, respectively, was observed to have markedly elevated in the FY4 treated rats, with fewer PCNA-positive and SOX9-positive cells and higher ssDNA-positive cells in the seminiferous epithelium in comparison to the control groups. Interestingly, co-treatment with CLO or RJ exhibited healthy sperms and restored their features, activated the enzyme production, and raised the levels of sexual hormones. In addition, both RJ and CLO restored the features of the testicular tissue as observed under a light microscope, and limited the apoptosis as observed through antibody staining. Collectively, the results of the present study revealed that the co-administration of RJ or CLO with FY4 improved the biochemical, hormonal, and structural aspects of the testicular tissue in rats. Therefore, CLO and RJ may be considered promising agents that would be able to improve the testicular structure and function in the FY4-exposed individuals.

Advanced Paternal Age Affects Sperm Count and Anogenital Distance in Mouse Offspring.

In Western society, couples increasingly delay parenthood until later in life. Overall, studies have focused on the reproductive performance of older parents or the impact of advanced maternal age on pregnancy outcomes, but few studies have examined how advanced paternal age (APA) affects offspring health. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of increasing paternal age on offspring reproductive performance and long-term metabolic health in a mouse model. Here, the same adult B6D2F1/J male mice were mated at 4, 12, and 18 months of age with 6- to 10-week-old naturally cycling CF1 females to generate 3 offspring cohorts conceived at increasing paternal ages PA4, PA12, and PA18. The offspring resulting from mating the same fathers at different ages (n = 20 per age; 10 males and 10 females) were maintained up to 20 weeks of age and morphometric parameters, growth curve, and glucose tolerance were measured. We found that increasing paternal age was associated with a trend toward longer time to conception. Litter sizes were not significantly different. Reassuringly, metabolic parameters and growth curve were not different in the 3 cohorts of offspring. Most importantly, increased paternal age (PA4 vs PA18) was associated with a statistically significant decrease in sperm concentration, sperm motility, and anogenital distance in offspring. These changes raise concerns about the potential impact of APA on the reproductive fitness in males of the next generation.

Reproductive Effects of Clanobutin Sodium or Menbutone Diethanolamine

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of clanobutin sodium and menbutone diethanolamine each alone on some male fertility parameters of male goats. Moreover, the possible adverse effects of repeated administration of these drugs on the foeti of pregnant female rats and/ or induction of abortion were evaluated. Therefore, two experiments were carried out; the first was done on 15 apparently healthy mature un-castrated male goats of Zaraibi breed (1.5-2 year old) were divided into 3 equal groups. The 1st group: goats received basal ration and water without any treatment, the 2nd group: goats administered with clanobutin sodium (20 mg/kg b.wt in the 1st day and 10 mg/kg b.wt. in the 2nd day weekly for 8 weeks) and the 3rd group: goats administered with menbutone diethanolamine (10 mg/kg b.wt in the 1st day and 5 mg/kg b.wt. in the 2nd day weekly for 8 weeks). The second experiment was done on 45 pregnant female rats were divided into 3 equal groups. The 1st group of rats received basal ration and water, the 2nd group: rats administered with clanobutin sodium (40 mg/kg b.wt from 5th to 15th day of pregnancy period) and the 3rd group: rats administered with menbutone diethanolamine (20 mg/kg b.wt from 5th to 15th day of pregnancy period). The obtained results showed that administration of these drugs showed a deteriorating effect on male and female fertility parameters. Both drugs induced significant decrease in sperm concentration, sperm progressive motility, normal sperm %, in comparison with the control group of male goats all over the periods of the experiment. Also, the drugs induced a significant reduction in serum testosterone with significant increase on serum FSH and LH levels with harmful histophthological alterations in testis and epididymis Moreover, in the second experiment number, weights of foeti and number of live foeti on both uterine horns of pregnant female rats was significantly decreased with increased number of dead foeti on both clanobutin sodium and menbutone diethanolamine treated groups of rats in comparison with the control group. These results concluded that the use of both drugs on male or female animals intended for breeding must be avoided.

Bisphenol A induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in mice testes: Modulation by selenium.

Spermatogenesis, a highly coordinated process, is prone to environmental insults which may lead to impaired spermatogenesis or, at worst, infertility. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a well-known global environmental toxicant and a ubiquitous oestrogenic chemical. This study evaluated the role of selenium (0.5ppm sodium selenite/kg diet) on spermatogenesis after BPA treatment in different groups of male BALB/c mice: control, selenium, BPA and selenium+BPA. Markers of oxidative stress and apoptosis were evaluated in testis after BPA treatment. Significant decrease in sperm concentration and motility and increased reactive oxygen species(ROS) and LPO levels were seen in BPA group. Histopathological changes revealed extensive vacuolisation, lumen devoid of spermatozoa and decreased germ cell count, confirmed by testicular germ cell count studies. TUNEL assay for apoptosis showed increased number of TUNEL-positive germ cells in BPA group with increased percentage apoptotic index. However, in Se+BPA group, histopathological studies revealed systematic array of all germ cells, preserved basement membrane with relatively less vacuolisation, improved sperm parameters and ROS and LPO levels and decreased number of TUNEL-positive germ cells. These results clearly demonstrate the role of selenium in ameliorating oxidative stress and apoptosis induced upon BPA treatment in mice and can be further used as therapeutic target in male infertility.

Overweight in young males reduce fertility in rabbit model.

Semen quality has certainly declined over the past few decades, possibly owing to modern lifestyle factors. In this sense, the role of overweight and obesity in the development of subfertility in males has generated a considerable amount of interest in recent years. However, there is no consensus on whether overweight or obesity impaired sperm quality. Thus, based on the ongoing debate about risk factors for subfertility associated with overweight and obesity in men, this study was designed to investigate the effect of overweight on sperm quality parameters and fertility success in randomized controlled trial in a rabbit model. Fourteen male rabbits were randomly assigned to a control group in which nutritional requirements were satisfied or a group fed to satiety from 12 to 32 weeks of age. At 24 weeks of age, semen samples were analysed weekly by conventional semen analysis for 8 weeks. In addition, during the trial female rabbits were artificially inseminated by each male to assess the fertility success and the number of offspring. Young males fed to satiety were associated with a significant increase in body weight (13.6% overweight) and perirenal fat thickness (5%). Male overweight presented a significant decrease in sperm concentration. There were no differences in the remaining sperm parameters. However, male overweight showed a clear and significant decrease in fertility success (control group, 64±8.9% versus fed to satiety group, 35±9.2%), but not in the number of offspring. Taken together, our findings provide new evidence on the loss of fertility induced by overweight in males.

Azoospermia in rabbits following an intravas injection of Vasalgel ™.

BackgroundVasectomy is currently the only long-acting contraceptive option available for men, despite increasing demand and potentially significant positive impacts on human health of additional male contraceptive options. Vasalgel ™ is a high molecular weight hydrogel polymer being developed as a non-hormonal long-acting reversible male contraceptive. Vasalgel consists of styrene-alt-maleic acid dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide, which is distinct from styrene-alt-maleic anhydride materials previously studied.MethodsThe goal of the study was to determine the contraceptive efficacy of two test articles with different levels of styrene maleic acid (100 %, and 80 % acid/20 % anhydride). The test articles were injected bilaterally in the vasa deferentia of mature male rabbits. Post-implantation analyses of semen parameters were completed over a 12 month period and compared to baseline measures of sperm concentration, motility and forward progression.ResultsBoth test articles were effective in blocking the passage of spermatozoa through the vasa deferentia in the 12 subjects completing the study. A significant decrease in sperm concentration occurred following implantation of the test material, with no measurable sperm concentration except for a few samples in one animal that were markedly oligospermic. Vasalgel produced a rapid onset of azoospermia, with no sperm in semen samples collected as early as 29–36 days post-implantation, and was durable over a 12 month period.ConclusionThis study indicated that Vasalgel is an effective non-hormonal long-acting male contraceptive in a rabbit model.

Protective Antioxidant Efficiency of Garlic against Lead-Induced Renal and Testicular Toxicity in Adult Male Rats

Rational: Leads is one of the common heavy metal pollutants which have toxicological effects on various organs in humans and animals. Lead (Pb) exposure leads to the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) which affected kidney and testes functions. Objectives: The current study was performed to evaluate the effect of lead on the alterations of biochemical markers related to oxidative stress in kidney and testes of adult male rats and to highlight the protective effect of garlic administration on these biomarkers. Results: The results revealed that lead exposure caused significant elevations in creatinine, urea and uric acid as indicators to renal function, cytokines and inflammatory mediators, concentration of lead in kidney and testis tissues, oxidative stress with significant reduction in weights of kidney and testes, sexual hormones and antioxidants in kidney and testis tissues. Lead intoxicated rats showed marked increase in the percentage of dead sperms and abnormal sperm rate, while significant decrease in sperm concentration and sperm motility. Conclusion: Pre-treatment with garlic prevent degenerative changes induced by lead, reduced oxidative stress, cytokines and inflammatory mediators, and restored the biochemical changes occurring in the kidney and testis tissues to approximately close to normal group.

Spermatogenesis in Hodgkin's lymphoma patients: a retrospective study of semen quality before and after different chemotherapy regimens

Is spermatogenesis impairment caused by Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) itself or by the various treatments? HL is not itself the main cause of impaired spermatogenesis, which is instead affected by the treatment; the extent of impairment depends on the type of treatment and the number of cycles. Data in the literature are contradictory, although most studies found poor semen quality in HL patients prior to treatment. The impact of therapy on spermatogenesis depends on the type of treatment, but the time needed to recover testicular function following treatment with chemotherapeutic agents inducing azoospermia is unknown. In a retrospective study, the semen parameters of 519 patients (504 with sperm and 15 who were azoospermic) were investigated.HL patients were analysed before therapy. A longitudinal study was also conducted of semen quality in 202 patients pre- and post-ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine) at T0 (baseline) and 6 (T6), 12 (T12) and 24 (T24) months after the end of treatment, and of 42 patients pre- and post-BEACOPP (bleomycin, etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone), COPP/ABVD (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone, doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine), OPP/ABVD (vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone, doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine) or MOPP (mechlorethamine, vincristine, procarbazine and prednisone) and inguinal radiotherapy at different observation times (from T0 to 16 years after treatment). Semen parameters were examined according to World Health Organization 2010 criteria, evaluating sperm concentration, total sperm number, progressive motility and morphology. Our data, which pertain to the largest caseload reported to date, indicate that 75% of HL patients are normozoospermic prior to treatment. The results from the HL patients studied pre- and post-therapy demonstrate that spermatogenesis recovery depends on the therapeutic regimen used. After ABVD, there was a statistically significant decrease in sperm concentration and total sperm number at T6 and T12 (P < 0.001; P < 0.01, respectively). There was a significant drop in progressive motility (P < 0.001) and a significant increase in abnormal forms (P < 0.01) at T6. The differences in sperm concentration, total sperm number and abnormal forms at T0 and T24 were not statistically significant, indicating that sperm quality had returned to pre-therapy values. The most interesting data in terms of patient management arise from the study of azoospermia induced by other chemotherapeutic agents. A high number of BEACOPP, COPP/ABVD, OPP/ABVD or MOPP cycles (≥6) induced a permanent absence of sperm in the seminal fluid, while even following a low number of cycles (<6), spermatogenesis only recovered after 3-5 years and semen quality was highly impaired. The study type (retrospective) and the low caseload and varying time of the follow-up do not permit any firm conclusions to be drawn about the recovery of spermatogenesis after BEACOPP or other combined therapies, or the identification of any risk factors for testicular function in treated patients. The pretreatment semen parameters of HL patients in this study were better than some results reported in the literature, with a higher percentage of normozoospermic patients. Strengths of this study were the large caseload of HL patients and a high degree of consistency in semen analysis, as all parameters were assessed in the same laboratory. Following the azoospermia induced by different chemotherapeutic protocols, spermatogenesis may take several years to recover. Awareness of this issue will enable oncologists to better inform patients about the possibility of recovering fertility post-treatment and also demonstrates the importance of semen cryobanking before beginning any cancer treatment. Supported by a grant from the Italian Ministry of Education and Research (MIUR-PRIN) and the University of Rome 'La Sapienza' Faculty of Medicine. The authors have no conflicts of interest.