Sperm Concentration Research Articles

Ejaculate traits of ram lambs with different rectal temperatures under heat stress conditions. Impacts of heat stress on semen traits in rams with different rectal temperature

Background: heat stress diminishes semen quality in rams. Objective: to evaluate productive and reproductive responses of rams and ram lambs with different rectal temperatures under heat stress conditions. Methods: the animals (n=12, Dorper × Katadhin × Pelibuey crossbreed, 235 to 730 days old ) were assigned to one of three experimental groups: ram lambs with low rectal temperature (RLLRT), ram lambs with high rectal temperature (RLHRT) and Rams. Results: afternoon rectal temperatures were higher (p≤0.05) in the RLHRT group, and there was no difference (p>0.05) between the Rams and RLHRT groups. The ejaculated volume and sperm concentration were higher (p≤0.05) in the group of Rams than in RLLRT and RLHRT. Mass motility and sperm concentration were lower (p≤0.05) in the RLLRT group than in the RLHRT and Rams groups. Average daily weight gain was not different (p>0.05) between the RLLRT and RLHRT groups. Conclusion: the selection of ram lambs with low rectal temperature under heat stress conditions showed no benefit in terms of average daily weight gain and ejaculate traits.

Gonadal health benefits of black cumin (Nigella sativa) seed oil on chronic lead-exposed male Wistar rats

Lead (Pb) is a highly toxic heavy metal that can cause harm even at extremely low concentrations and damage various organs, including those of reproduction. Medical herbs like Nigella sativa include antioxidants that have been shown to enhance spermatogenesis and male fertility. This research aimed to investigate the gonadal health benefits of Nigella sativa seed oil (NSO) as an antidote in male rats exposed to chronic Pb toxicity. Forty rats were divided into four groups: a control group, a group exposed to Pb acetate (75 mg/kg body weight), a group given NSO (1ml/kg feed), and a group exposed to Pb acetate (75 mg/kg body weight) along with NSO (1ml/kg feed). Pb was administered through water, while NSO with fed for 16 weeks. Rats were euthanized, blood was obtained, and serum was prepared to perform hormonal study. Sperm concentration and motility along with testis weight and diameter were measured. The testes were collected for histology. The findings indicated a significant drop in serum concentrations of testosterone and thyroxin (T4) in Pb-exposed rats, whereas NSO demonstrated a remarkable ability to restore these hormone levels. Moreover, Pb exposure led to a notable reduction in sperm motility, sperm concentration, testis weight, and testis diameter, accompanied by seminiferous tubule degeneration. However, the administration of NSO effectively counteracted the adverse effects induced by chronic Pb exposure in rats. Together, these findings revealed the gonadoprotective effects of NSO against lead toxicity, suggesting its preventive as well as therapeutic potential in preserving the testicular function of rats exposed to chronic Pb toxicity.

Assessing the impact of sub-chronic polyethylene terephthalate nanoplastic exposure on male reproductive health in mice.

The widespread use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in food and beverage packaging raises concerns about its potential health effects, particularly when PET-derived nanoplastics (PET-NPs) are released into the environment. This study investigates the reproductive toxicity of PET-NPs in male mice. Mice were exposed to PET-NPs at doses of 0.1mg/day and 0.5mg/day for 28days, and the testes index, sperm count, sperm morphology, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production, DNA integrity, histopathology, and spermatogenesis were evaluated. PET-NP exposure resulted in a significant decrease in sperm concentration and an increase in abnormal spermatozoa-particularly blunt-headed sperm and sperm with neck and tail anomalies- and elevated ROS levels in testicular tissue in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.05). Additionally, PET-NPs induced DNA strand breaks, as demonstrated by the COMET assay (p<0.05). Histopathological analysis revealed disorganization of the germinal epithelium, vacuolization, reduced sperm density, and increased interstitial spaces, accompanied by a significant decline in spermatogenic activity, as assessed by Johnsen scoring. These findings strongly suggest that the observed adverse effects on male reproductive health, including sperm abnormalities, DNA damage, and impaired spermatogenesis, are primarily driven by ROS-induced oxidative stress. The observed changes provide clear evidence of the adverse effects of subchronic exposure to PET nanoplastics on male reproductive health, highlighting the inherent risks associated with nanoplastic exposure and offering crucial insights for public health awareness and regulatory considerations.

Hormonal Regulation of Urokinase- and Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator in Mouse Sertoli Cells.

A role for the plasminogen activator (PA) system has been postulated in mammalian gonads, considering the complex process of morphogenesis these organs undergo during their development. Our results show that mouse Sertoli cells under basal conditions produce both types of PA, tissue-type PA (tPA) and urokinase-type PA (uPA), and hormonal treatments increase the production of both enzymes. The increased enzyme secretion does not correlate with a parallel increase in their mRNAs. However, the proteolytic activity results from a balance between enzyme activity and inhibitors. Hormonal stimulation decreased the expression of the inhibitor PAI-1, suggesting that the increase in proteolytic activity might depend on the decreased production of PAI-1. The expression of the two enzymes and their inhibitor depends on the seminiferous epithelium stage. We observed higher uPA mRNA levels at stages VII-VIII and IX-XII, tPA peaks at stages VII-VIII, and PAI-1 mRNA levels decreased at stages VII-VIII and IX-XII. The testes from mice lacking the uPA gene (uPA-/-) presented statistically smaller sizes and weights. Histological analysis of uPA-/-animals showed tubular morphology defects and atypical residual bodies (RB), suggesting a defect in Sertoli cell phagocytosis. Moreover, we show lower sperm concentration and motility in uPA-/- mice. These data suggested an effective deficiency of testicular development in the absence of uPA.

A simple and rapid evaluation of boar sperm quality using the resazurin colorimetric assay.

Ensuring boar sperm quality before insemination is crucial for maximizing field fertility and efficient pig production. The computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and fluorescence probes combined with flow cytometry (FC) are commonly used techniques for evaluating sperm kinematics and functions, closely related to animal fertility. However, their high cost and complex operations make it challenging to apply them in laboratories or pig breeding farms with limited resources. Here, our aim was to develop a new protocol using a resazurin redox dye to assess boar sperm quality for practical application. We first created simulated semen samples with different levels of sperm quality (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100%) at concentrations of 300 and 150 × 106 cells/mL. Subsequently, the simulated semen was used to establish an optimal standard protocol based on the results of the resazurin colorimetric assay. Finally, the condition that showed the strongest correlation between resazurin redox rate and sperm parameters was selected to perform a linear regression test. Two optimal working conditions were identified, involved incubating 10 µL of resazurin reagent with 100 µL of semen for either 20 or 40 min, depending on the sperm concentration of either 300 or 150 × 106 cells/mL. We subsequently conducted a linear regression analysis using data that included the resazurin reaction rate and measurements of sperm parameters. Finally, we obtained two sets of five equations, allowing directly convert the absorbance of the resazurin assay into values for sperm quality parameters. These parameters include total motility, progressive motility, viability, acrosome integrity, and mitochondrial activity. This new protocol is valuable for sperm evaluation because it is cost-effective, time-efficient, and labor-saving.

Bacteriospermia in men among infertile couples in the Nepalese population

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

Modulating Role of Vernonia amygdalina Leaf Meal on Spermatogenic and Steroidogenic Functions of West African Dwarf Bucks Testis

Vernonia amygdalina has a unique nutritional and phytochemical property with numerous physiological, biochemical and morphological benefits due to its anti-oxidative and anti-helminthic properties. This study evaluated the effects of Vernonia amygdalina leaf meal (VALM) on follicle stimulating (FSH), luteinizing hormones (LH) and testosterone regulation of seminal characteristics of West African dwarf (WAD) bucks. Twenty-four (24) WAD bucks were randomly assigned to four treatments (A, B, C and D) in a completely randomized design for a nutritional trial of eight weeks. Animals were given diets containing 0, 20, 30 and 40g VALM/kg feed. Animals were weighed and blood samples were collected at the beginning of the experiment and subsequently forth-nightly before the end of the experiment for hormonal assay. Semen volume, semen color, sperm concentration, sperm motility and sperm morphology were determined from the semen samples obtained forth-nightly by electro-ejaculation. All data collected were analyzed using the General Linear Model procedure of SAS, (2002). Means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test of the same software. There were significant differences (p&lt;0.05) in most of the hormones studied except testosterone which was not significantly affected by VALM. Sperm concentration, motility and morphology increased significantly (P&lt;0.05) and was highest at 40 g of VALM/kg feed. The color of the semen from all the treatments was whitish grey. It was therefore concluded that VALM improved the FSH and LH production at 40 g of VALM/kg feed with improved sperm quality in WAD bucks, thereby enhancing the reproductive performance of the goats. Keywords: Vernonia amygdalina, semen quality, hormone, goats

Effect of breed and season on the quality of fresh and cryopreserved ram semen

The study was conducted at the Artificial Insemination Station of the Executive Agency of Selection and Reproduction in Animal Breeding in Sofia, covering the period from June 2018 to September 2020. Ejaculates were collected from four rams of the Pleven Blackhead breed (47 ejaculates), three rams of the Assaf breed (55 ejaculates), and three rams of the Kotel sheep breed (52 ejaculates). The breed significantly influenced ejaculate volume, percentage of progressive motility, and total sperm concentration. The season of collection, on the other hand, significantly affected progressive motility in both fresh ejaculates and semen after cryopreservation. The highest mean ejaculate volume was observed in Pleven Blackhead rams, with an average of 1.108 ± 0.053 ml, while the lowest was recorded in Kotel rams, with an average of 0.718 ± 0.057 ml. The total sperm concentration in Pleven Blackhead rams averaged 2.865 ± 0.146 × 10⁹/ml, which was significantly higher compared to the Assaf rams at 2.067 ± 0.124 × 10⁹/ml and Kotel rams at 1.919 ± 0.157 × 10⁹/ml (p&lt;0.001). Keywords: rams’ semen, semen cryopreservation, Assaf ram, local sheep breeds

Overview of Clomiphene Citrate Use in Male Hypogonadism and Infertility

Clomiphene Citrate (CC) has been widely used in medicine since the 1970s, primarily as a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) for female ovulation induction. However, its off-label use in men has gained traction, particularly for the treatment of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and idiopathic infertility. CC’s mechanism of action, which increases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion and subsequently elevates luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, offers a unique advantage by preserving the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and maintaining fertility. This article presents evidence supporting CC’s efficacy and safety in these contexts, summarizing data from systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and retrospective studies. In hypogonadotropic men, CC has been shown to significantly improve total and free testosterone levels, gonadotropin concentrations, and hypogonadism symptoms, while avoiding common complications of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), such as secondary polycythemia. CC also demonstrated favorable outcomes in seminal parameters, including sperm concentration and motility, as well as improved pregnancy rates in idiopathic infertility cases. Adverse effects reported with CC use include reduced energy, mood instability, and occasional visual disturbances, most of which are mild and reversible. Long-term safety data are reassuring, with rare severe adverse events such as thrombotic complications. Studies comparing CC to TRT indicate a lower risk of hematological and prostate-related complications, underscoring its safety profile. While the evidence supports CC as a viable alternative or adjunct to TRT in specific patient populations, further research is needed to refine treatment protocols, assess long-term outcomes, and explore biofunctional sperm parameters. Overall, CC represents a promising, cost-effective therapeutic option for addressing male hypogonadism and infertility, with its integration into clinical practice guided by careful patient selection and ongoing monitoring.

Evaluation of the parameters of variability of the productivity of kholmogory breed bulls

For the first time in Russia a mathematical analysis of sperm production of Kholmogory stud bulls will be performed based on a linear equation model. The aim of the research was to evaluate the parameters of variability of the productivity of Kholmogory stud bulls based on a linear equation model. The object of the study was Kholmogory stud bulls (n = 72) born and used mainly in the Komi Republic. The main aspects of sperm productivity that were the subject of the study include the following parameters: "proportion of live sperm", "sperm concentration", "proportion of sperm with PPD, (%)", "number of sperm with PPD in a dose", "number of sperm with intact acrosome", "number of sperm with abnormal morphology", "sperm survival at 38°C, h". The collected data were analyzed using a mixed equation model approach with the REMLF90 restricted maximum likelihood program. The highest values of the genetic correlation coefficient were found for such sperm production parameters as "sperm concentration, million/ml" - it was reliably positively associated with "the number of sperm with PPD in a dose, million" and "the number of sperm with an intact acrosome, %". In this case, the correlations were at the level of r=0.6-0.8. "The number of sperm with abnormal morphology, %" positively correlated with "the proportion of live sperm, %" and with the "sperm survival at 38°C" parameter. Negatively strong reliable relationships were not established either for the values of genetic or paratypic correlations. Low heritability of sperm productivity parameters (0.039…0.112) indicates that the influence of genetics on these parameters is small. Among these parameters, the highest heritability coefficient was demonstrated by the parameter “sperm survival at 38°C” (0.322). In light of the analysis of sperm productivity as a complex of parameters, it can be stated that this system demonstrates significant stability and variability, which emphasizes the importance of taking into account various aspects when assessing sperm productivity.

Spinal cord epidural stimulation for male sexual function in spinal cord injured rats.

95% of men with spinal cord injuries exhibit difficulties with sexual function, including erectile dysfunction, anejaculation, retrograde ejaculation, poor ejaculatory force, and poor sperm quality. The primary goal is to determine if well-established interventions, such as spinal cord epidural stimulation, are a feasible treatment for sexual dysfunction and if locomotor recovery training can be used to improve ejaculatory function in a rodent model of spinal cord injury (SCI). Male Wistar rats underwent thoracic laminectomies (shams), spinal cord transections, or moderate spinal cord contusion injuries. In urethane-anesthetized rodents, terminal spinal cord epidural stimulation was performed to target the mid-lumbar level spinal generator for ejaculation (SGE) in animals with transection spinal cord injuries at 3-, 14-, or 70-days post-injury and in animals with sham surgeries and spinal cord contusions at 70days post-injury. The impact of locomotor training frequency was examined in two groups of rats with spinal cord contusion, which underwent 1-hr of assisted plantar stepping on a treadmill, training two or five times weekly for 6weeks. Terminal experiments in all groups were followed by measures of sperm concentration and post-mortem testicular weight and morphology. Spinal cord epidural stimulation consistently induced the expulsion phase of ejaculation, and occasionally the emission phase of ejaculation in rats with chronic SCI. All animals were most responsive to spinal cord epidural stimulation combined with manual stimulation to induce ejaculation, with chronic injury resulting in the most consistent responses. Locomotor training improved response rates to spinal cord epidural stimulation, with intermittent training resulting in the most consistent induction of both the emission and expulsion phases of ejaculation. Sperm concentration was impacted by injury completeness and time-post injury, which was lowest in the chronic complete transection group of rats. Locomotor training resulted in an overall increase in sperm concentration, with 2days per week of training resulting in a significant improvement of sperm motility. Spinal cord epidural stimulation combined with locomotor training is a feasible intervention for individuals with SCI who seek to regain sexual function. Although we have anecdotal reports of non-targeted L3 spinal cord epidural stimulation inducing ejaculation in humans having spinal cord injuries, the current outcomes may be underestimated as stimulation was carried out in anesthetized animals. Spinal cord epidural stimulation to target the SGE is a feasible intervention for sexual dysfunction following SCI.

A novel microfluidic device for human sperm separation based on rheotaxis.

This study explores the efficacy of a novel microfluidic device in isolating rheotactic sperm and assesses their advantages compared with other motile sperm. Two microfluidic devices were used in this study: the microfluidic device we designed to separate sperm based on rheotaxis and a simple passive microfluidic device. We compared the results with the density gradient centrifugation technique. Sperm attributes including concentration, morphology, viability and motility were assessed using related procedures. Statistical analyses were conducted using one-way analysis of variance. Results showed differences in sperm concentration, motility, morphology and vitality using different sperm separation techniques. The sperms separated using our microfluidic device demonstrated the highest motilities, normal morphology percentages and higher sperm vitality but significantly lower sperm concentrations. These findings suggest the potential of our microfluidic design in enhancing sperm quality. Our findings are in agreement with previous research, emphasizing the capability of microfluidics in enhancing sperm quality. Specifically, our designed microfluidic device exhibited exceptional efficacy in isolating highly motile sperm, a critical factor for successful fertilization.

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

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

Attenuation of Chronic Oxidative Stress-Induced Testicular and Epididymal Dysfunction by Oral Intake of Lepidium meyenii in New Zealand Rabbits.

Lepidium meyenii (Maca) is a plant that has nutritional benefits and increases the effectiveness of male reproduction. In this study, oxidative stress-exposed New Zealand rabbits were used to assess the ameliorative effects of daily Maca ingestion on testicular and epididymal tissues as well as the quality of fresh and frozen/thawed sperm. Twenty-four 40-week-old, healthy New Zealand white male rabbits were divided into four groups. The first group consumed tap water and served as a control. The second group was given 300 mg of Maca daily in capsules. The third group drank water containing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at a concentration of 1%. Finally, the fourth group consumed H2O2 and Maca daily. The ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, vitality, motility and velocity of the H2O2 group were considerably lower than those of the other groups. Frozen/thawed spermatozoa showed more dramatic decreases in motility and velocity as a result of H2O2 consumption. The plasma concentrations of testosterone and total antioxidant capacity were also lowest in the H2O2-treated rabbits, while malondialdehyde levels were highest. Exposure to H2O2 increased collagen deposition between ST and epididymal ducts which induced testicular and epididymis fibrosis. In addition, the spermatogenic and epididymal epithelial cells exhibited signs of apoptosis, degeneration, vacuolation and a reduction in height. Maca intake attenuated most of the damaging effects of H2O2 ingestion-induced oxidative stress. Furthermore, H2O2-treated rabbits had modest nuclear androgen receptor positivity, unlike those in the Maca group. The number of Leydig cells significantly increased with daily Maca intake. In conclusion, daily intake of Maca improved reproductive performance and mitigated the damaging effects of oxidative stress on testicular and epididymal functions in New Zealand rabbits.

Selenium-Enriched Aspergillus oryzae A02 Enhances Testicular Antioxidant Capacity in Mice by Regulating Intestinal Microbiota and Serum Metabolite.

Selenium (Se) is a trace element that is essential for health. Organic Se created by Se-enriched microorganisms has the characteristics of low toxicity, high bioavailability, and regulation of physiological functions. Here, the regulatory effect of Se-enriched Aspergillus oryzae A02 on the reproductive function of male mice and its potential molecular mechanism was studied. Specifically, twenty-four male mice were randomly divided into a control group and a Se-enriched A. oryzae A02 (Nano-Se) (daily gavage of 0.5mg/kg, dissolved in saline) for an 8-week experiment. The results showed that Nano-Se intervention did not affect body weight and testicular index, but increased sperm concentration and seminiferous epithelium height in experimental mice, indicating that Nano-Se has the potential to improve the reproductive performance of male mice. Mechanistically, Nano-Se intervention increased the levels of antioxidant-related indicators catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in mouse serum, and increased the relative mRNA expression of GSH-Px, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and NADPH quinine oxidoreductase-1 (NQO-1) in testicular tissues. We identified 9,10,13-trihydroxyoctadecenoic acids (TriHOMEs), stearidonic acid and selenomethionine linked with alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, selenocompound metabolism, folate biosynthesis, ubiquinone, and other terpenoid-quinone biosynthesis and biosynthesis of cofactors. In addition, Nano-Se did not influence the fecal bacterial alpha and beta diversity (P > 0.05), but increased the abundance of the Actinobacteriota and Proteobacteria phyla and the Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium genera, and lowered the abundance of the Bacteroidota phylum and the Lactobacillus and norank_f_Muribaculaceae genera. Nano-Se is considered a novel and promising nutritional regulator to improve reproductive function.

Spinal muscular atrophy is also a disorder of spermatogenesis

BackgroundSpinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients benefit from pre-mRNA splicing modifiers targeting the SMN2 gene, which aims to increase functional SMN production. The animal toxicity affecting spermatogenesis associated with one such treatment raised questions about male SMA patients’ spermatogenesis.MethodsThis descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2022 to July 2023. The study involved adult male patients with genetically confirmed SMA type 2 (SMA2) or SMA3 from 13 French neuromuscular centers. The patients’ general data, motor severity, urological history, exposure to certain factors, parenthood, and spermogram results were obtained. All patients were enrolled prior to exposure to risdiplam.FindingsSixty-eight patients were enrolled ( 36 SMA2 and 32 SMA3 patients). Forty-one patients had fertility data (parenthood history and spermogram analyses) and underwent 33 spermograms. Fertility disorders were identified in 27 of the 41 patients (65·9%, 95%CI 51·3–80·4%) in particular SMA2 patients: 19 cases (90.5%, CI 77·9–100%) (SMA3: 8 cases (40%, CI 18·5–61·5%). Among the patients with available spermograms, 81% (27/33) had abnormal sperm concentration; 30% presented azoospermia. These abnormalities were significantly associated with SMA type (more prevalent in SMA2 patients, p < 0·001), disease motor severity, which included age at the loss of walking ability and wheelchair use duration (p < 0·001). The Motor Function Measure (MFM) determined that the sperm counts were also correlated with disease severity (p < 0·01).InterpretationThe fertility disorders were correlated with SMA severity and were particularly evident in SMA2 patients. In the latter, sperm concentration positively correlated with MFM. This study is the first one to link fertility disorders with spermogram abnormalities in SMA males. Understanding spermatogenesis in SMA is crucial, especially with new therapies such as risdiplam. Consequently, conducting systematic spermogram studies prior to SMA treatment is recommended.

Оценка кумулятивной эффективности совместного назначения препаратов «Сперотон» и «Синергин» у пациентов с мужским бесплодием

Introduction. Infertility is a serious problem of modern medicine, affecting 15% of couples worldwide. In 25- 87% of cases, the male factor of infertility is mediated by oxidative stress. An effective way to eliminate oxidative stress is the use of antioxidant supplements. To date, the question remains open about the effect of combined drugs – which components and in what proportions can provide the optimal therapeutic effect. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the «Speroton» and «Sinergin» complexes separately and in combination with each other on bulk semen analysis parameters and accessory spermiological tests. The patient was asymptomatic and the lesion was accidental finding on the CT scan. Materials and methods. The study included 90 patients, whose ages ranged from 25 to 45. In the first group, 30 patients received «Speroton» 1 sachet per day for 3 months, in the second group, 30 patients received «Sinergin» 2 capsules per day for 3 months, in the third group, 30 patients received both drugs at the prescribed dosage. At the time of inclusion in the study and after 3 months of therapy, patients underwent a semen analysis, an assessment of the index of sperm DNA fragmentation and the level of generation of reactive oxygen species. Results. In patients taking «Speroton», a moderate positive effect was observed with respect to sperm concentration, an increase in sperm motility was noted, as well as a significant decrease in the generation of reactive oxygen species and, accordingly, the DNA fragmentation index. The «Sinergin» complex in the form of monotherapy led to a moderate increase in sperm concentration and motility, but had practically no effect on the results of additional functional tests. Combination therapy («Speroton» and «Sinergin») surpassed both types of monotherapy in terms of its effect on the number of spermatozoa (the average increased from 62.4 million to 100 million), the total number of motile spermatozoa (from 11.38 million to 34 million), the DNA fragmentation index (from 21% to 7%) and the level of generation of reactive oxygen species (from 66.09 mV to 17.64 mV). Conclusion. Antioxidant complexes have a positive effect on various spermological parameters. The combination of «Speroton» and «Sinergin» has the most pronounced effect on the intensity of oxidative stress and the index of fragmentation of sperm DNA, as well as on the basic parameters of the spermogram.

Спермиологические нарушения у пациентов с мужским бесплодием, связанным с дисплазией фиброзной оболочки жгутика сперматозоида

Dysplasia of the fibrous sheath (DFS) is a specific structural abnormality of sperm, which is characterized by disorganization of the transverse ribs and vertical columns of the fibrous membrane and leads to impaired motility and morphology of sperm, impaired male fertility. The purpose of this work was a comprehensive spermiological study of patients with infertility associated with DFS. Material and methods. Twenty-six unrelated patients with male infertility were examined, in whom, according to the results of transmission electron microscopy of spermatozoa (TEM), a high content of gametes with DFO was detected (group I – 50-79%, n=14; group II – 80-100%, n=12). Standard semen examination was performed according to WHO laboratory manual (2010). Results. Total asthenozoospermia was detected in 11 (42%) patients and total teratozoospermia in 21 (81%) patients.Increased content of spermatozoa with spontaneous acrosome reaction in 85% of patients with DFS and incomplete chromatin condensation in 38% were detected. Heterogeneous defects of axoneme structure were found in 88% of samples. In 42% of cases, dysplastic changes in the fibrous sheath were combined with the absence of the central pair of microtubules of the axoneme of the sperm flagellum. Conclusion. In patients with severe dysplasia of the fibrous sheath, a decrease in motile and morphologically normal sperm, combined with their reduced concentration (oligoasthenoteratozoospermia), was revealed. DFS is often combined with an increased content of sperm with a reacted acrosome and heterogeneous defects in the axoneme structure, including primary ciliary dyskinesia. In patients with high percentage DFS, severe decrease in sperm motility and morphology was found, in most in combination with their reduced concentration (oligoastenotheratozoospermia). An increased percentage of gametes with a reacted acrosome and heterogeneous defects in the axoneme structures characteristic of primary ciliary dyskinesia also was revealed.

Elucidating the Effects of Formalin as Food Preservative on Hematological Profile and Fertility of Swiss Albino Mice

In Bangladesh, the use of formalin as a food preservative has recently expanded significantly. With this backdrop, the study was attempted to discover changes in the fertility, gross structure, and histoarchitecture of the male reproductive system and hematology in Swiss albino mice as a result of formalin use. Up until experimental week 24, four groups of four mice each were given normal drinking water mixed with formalin at doses of 1%, 5%, 10%, and 20%, respectively, orally. A control group of mice (n=4) were given normal drinking water only. After 24 weeks of treatment, the testicular weight, sperm concentration, morphology, gonadosomatic index (GSI), and hematological profile were evaluated. Testicular histological changes were also evaluated. Formalin-treated mice had significantly lower testes weight, GSI, and sperm count (P&lt;0.05) than the control group. In formalin-treated mice, hematocrit value (HCT) and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration were dramatically reduced; percentage of morphologically healthy epididymal sperm also reduced significantly. In the formalin-treated animals, histopathology indicated degenerative alterations in seminiferous tubules, a lower number of spermatogenic cells, the buildup of spermatozoa with exudates in the tubular lumen, and the displacement of the seminiferous tubule from the basement membrane. According to the findings, formalin has a negative impact on hematological profile and reproductive health of male mice. J. of Sci. and Tech. Res. 6(1): 73-81, 2024

Assessing the outcomes of subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy: pulling technique compared to the conventional method.

The positive effect of varicocelectomy on sperm parameters (sperm morphology, concentration, motility) and fertility and pregnancy rates has been proven. Although various techniques have been defined for varicocele treatment, varicocelectomy with the pulling technique was first defined in 2017. The aim of this retrospective study is to compare the effectiveness and reliability of subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy with the "pulling" technique and conventional subinguinal varicocelectomy. A total of841 patients who underwent subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy using the "pulling" or conventional technique between January 2015 and January 2024 were examined retrospectively. Patients with missing and/or inaccessible data, who were using empirical treatments, were excluded from the study. Demographic data, laboratory and imaging results, and peroperative and postoperative 3rd and 6th month semen analysis results of the remaining 231 patients were evaluated. The mean age of 231 patients who underwent varicocelectomy was 31.1 ± 5.5years. 202 of the patients (87.4%) were primary infertile. Conventional technique was applied to 124 (53.7%) of the 231 patients, while pulling technique was applied to 107 (46.3%) patients. No significant difference was found between the demographic and clinical data of the patients. The median number of ligated pampiniform plexus veins in the patient group who underwent pulling technique was statistically significantly less than that in the patient group that underwent the conventional method (4 vs 5, p = 0.03). In all patients who underwent varicocelectomy, semen volume, spermatozoa concentration, and progressive motile spermatozoa proportion increased significantly in the postoperative period (p = 0.002, p = 0.006, p = 0.001, respectively). No significant change was found in the proportion of spermatozoa with normal morphology (p = 0.617). The changes in semen analysis data from the preoperative period to the third and sixth postoperative months after varicocelectomy with conventional and pulling techniques were compared. No significant difference was found between the two techniques. Subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy with the "pulling" technique may be a safe and effective treatment option with fewer vein ligations compared to the standard surgical method.