Sperm Form Research Articles

Spermocytogram: Comparison Between the Papanicolaou Staining and Modified May Grünwald Giemsa Staining

Introduction: The research and distribution of sperm abnormalities by the spermocytogram are an essential examination in the diagnosis of male infertility. The standard Papanicolaou staining method, recommended by the World Health Organization, for performing a spermocytogram, is too expensive in Congo. The work aimed to look for abnormalities in sperm forms by two comparative methods: Papanicolaou staining and modified May Grünwald Giemsa staining (less expensive), set up in our laboratories.Materials and methods: A series of one hundred spermocytograms were performed by two staining methods: the Papanicolaou method and the modified May Grünwald Giemsa method. The results of two techniques were compared qualitatively and quantitatively.Results: The mean detection of sperm form abnormalities was higher by the Papanicolaou method. However, the precision of the kind of abnormalities highlighted by the two techniques was superimposable.Conclusion: Despite the superiority of the Papanicolaou staining method, which is a reference technique of the spermocytogram, the modified May Grünwald Giemsa staining method can be a first-line technique in the male diagnosis of infertility, especially in the deep Congo. It is efficient, reliable, inexpensive and easily achievable.

Антиоксидантная терапия в коррекции ДНК-фрагментации сперматозоидов.

Introduction. The progressive deterioration of reproductive function, observed throughout the world in recent decades, is an extremely alarming trend, while the incidence of male infertility is increasing. The universal pathogenetic mechanism of spermatogenesis disorders, which underlies almost all forms of male infertility, is oxidative stress of sperm. It has various manifestations, the essence of which, as a rule, boils down to the formation of mitochondrial dysfunction and fragmentation of sperm DNA. It has been found that consuming antioxidants and microelements helps increase the chances of conception for subfertile couples, and also reduces the risk of reproductive losses. Of greatest and justifiable interest are medicinal complexes designed to reduce the level of oxidative stress and sperm DNA fragmentation. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of antioxidant therapy on the degree of sperm DNA fragmentation in men suffering from infertility. Materials and methods. The study involved 42 men aged 25 to 37 years with an established diagnosis of male infertility who were treated at the Center for Family Health and Reproduction. The patients were divided into 2 groups, comparable according to the main criteria assessed. Patients in the control group (12 people, 29%) received standard antioxidant therapy. Patients of the main group (30 people, 71%) received the BESTFertil-DHA® complex. The course of treatment for patients in both groups was 3 months. Control examinations were carried out at 1.5 and 3 months from the start of therapy. Spermogram data and assessment of the degree of DNA fragmentation in sperm using the SCD (Sperm chromatin dispersion test) method were used as the main criterion for assessing the effectiveness of therapy. Results. After three months of taking BESTFertil-DHA®, in 16 patients (53%), the degree of sperm DNA fragmentation decreased to less than 15%. Against this background, 5 couples became pregnant naturally, and 4 couples became pregnant as a result of the in vitro fertilization procedure. The average level of sperm DNA fragmentation was less than 13% (p < 0.05). A decrease in the level of DNA fragmentation was noted in 53% of patients after 1.5 months of taking BESTFertil-DHA®, which is especially important when preparing patients for assisted reproductive technology programs. In patients taking BESTFertil-DHA®, the total progressive motility of spermatozoa «A+B» increased by 28%, and the concentration of spermatozoa in 1 ml of ejaculate – by 61%. In the control group, the degree of sperm DNA fragmentation did not undergo statistically significant changes during treatment. Conclusion. BESTFertil-DHA® statistically significantly helps to reduce the degree of DNA fragmentation in sperm, increase the number of actively motile forms of sperm and reduce the degree of teratozoospermia.

Correlation between standard sperm parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation from 11,339 samples

Conventional semen parameters have long been considered fundamental in male fertility analyses. However, doubts have been raised regarding the clinical utility of the assessment of spermatozoa (sperm) DNA damage. In this retrospective study, we investigated the potential correlation between conventional semen parameters and semen DNA fragmentation (SDF) assessed as sperm DNA damage, in 11,339 semen samples collected between January 2019 and June 2022. We observed significant negative correlations between the DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and sperm viability (correlation coefficient [r] = −0.514) as well as progressive sperm motility (r = −0.512, p < 0.05). Samples were categorized into three groups according to DFI levels (Groups A, B, and C: ≤15%, 15 < DFI ≤30%, and >30%, respectively). Furthermore, the percentage of semen samples with normal sperm conventional parameters in Groups A, B, and C was 76.7% (4369/5697), 61.4% (2351/3827), and 39.7% (721/1815), respectively. Moreover, according to the reference values of conventional sperm parameters, the samples were divided into Groups F, G, and H with all normal, only one abnormal, and > two abnormal parameters, respectively. In addition, the proportions of samples with abnormal DFI values (>30) in Groups F, G, and H were 9.7% (721/7441), 23.1% (618/2676), and 39.0% (476/1222), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression models demonstrated that sperm vitality, progressive sperm motility, normal sperm form, total sperm count, semen volume, age, and some sperm kinematics collectively improved the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) to 0.861, surpassing the predictive value of a single predictor of pathologically damaged sperm DNA. Our study suggests that samples with abnormal sperm parameters may have a higher likelihood of high DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, certain semen parameters could be potential indicators of sperm DNA fragmentation, aiding sperm selection in assisted reproductive procedures.

Comparison of methods for morphological evaluation of sheep spermatozoa using the SPERM BLUE kit and Romanovsky-Giemse staining

The purpose of this study is to test and comparatively evaluate the method of morphological examination of ram sperm using a differentiated staining Sperm Blue and Romanovsky-Giemsa staining. The sperm of Dorper rams was collected and examined. The obtained samples (n=10) were diluted in a ratio of 1:100 (PBS solution) to conduct a morphological assessment of sperm. Two methods were used for the morphological assessment of spermatozoa: a set of differentiated staining Sperm Blue (Microptic, exposure of the smear in the fixative – 10 minutes, in the main dye - 18 minutes) and Romanovsky-Giemsa staining (exposure of the smear in the fixative - 10 minutes, in the main dye – 20 minutes). After routine staining, the smears were washed with distilled water, dried, and microscopy was performed (magnification using a 100x10 immersion objective, oil immersion), followed by a manual method of counting the number of morphological forms of sperm. According to the results of a comparative analysis of stained smears, staining with Sperm Blue allows for a detailed morphological study and differentiation of teratozoospermic characteristics. When stained with Romanovsky-Giemsa, normal spermatozoa were clearly visible, but the acrosome was poorly visualized. Manual calculation of the percentage of normal sperm using both dyes resulted in the same decimal result. A statistically insignificant difference in head and tail defects was found between the dyes used (p = 0.41 and p = 0.77, respectively): Romanovsky-Giemsa staining (7.8% and 34.1%) detected these defects more often than Sperm Blue (6.3% and 32.9%). Considering the results obtained, the use of the Sperm Blue dyes dye in veterinary andrology is relevant, in particular for assesment the morphology of sperm of different animal species with the further development of appropriate protocols in terms of the duration of exposure of the smears themselves to the main dye.

Comparing novel sperm extenders for the internally-fertilizing tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum)

Due to the concentrated nature and small volume of spermic milt that is typically produced from internally-fertilizing salamanders, an extender is needed to analyze the sperm for quality and quantity metrics. Techniques for diluting salamander sperm for analysis have thus far utilized low osmolality media, which are likely physiologically distinct from the salamander female reproductive tract. Application of mammalian sperm extenders could maintain salamander sperm motility and morphology in storage longer due to the similar nature of internal fertilization in both taxa. Several sperm extenders were tested including: Multipurpose Handling Medium, Sperm Washing Medium, Modified Ham’s F-10 Basal Medium (HAM’s), Refrigeration Medium, and 10% Holtfreter’s solution as a control. The experimental treatments were divided into two groups: diluted (90 mOsm, the approximate osmolality of salamander sperm) and undiluted (280-320 mOsm). Milt samples were collected from male tiger salamanders (N=11) and diluted 1:50 with each of the treatments and measured for sperm progressive motility, total motility, and normal morphology every 10 minutes for one hour. When comparing the diluted versus undiluted treatments of the same extender, there was no difference (p&amp;gt;0.05) for any of the response variables. In addition, we found that 10% Holtfreter’s solution is best for maintaining progressive motility, while diluted HAM’s is best for retaining total motility and normal morphology over time. Overall, we found that osmolality is not a key driver influencing tiger salamander sperm motility, but rather other factors such as ionic composition or pH could be affecting sperm form and function.

Ultra-processed food consumption and semen quality parameters in the Led-Fertyl study.

Is ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption associated with semen quality parameters? Higher UPF consumption was inversely associated with total sperm count, sperm concentration, and total motility in men of reproductive age. The consumption of UPF, which has been rising during the last decades, has been demonstrated to be positively associated with several chronic diseases such as diabetes or cardiovascular diseases. However, the scientific evidence on its potential impact on semen quality remains notably limited. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from 200 healthy men (mean age 28.4 ± 5.5 years) enrolled in the Led-Fertyl (Lifestyle and Environmental Determinants of Seminogram and Other Male Fertility-Related Parameters) study between February 2021 and April 2023. UPF consumption (% of energy from UPF) was estimated according to the NOVA classification system using a validated 143-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Total sperm count, sperm concentration, sperm vitality, total motility, progressive motility, and normal sperm forms were set as the main outcomes. Microscopic parameters were analyzed using a phase-contrast microscope and a computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system. Semen samples were collected and tested according to World Health Organization 2010 standards. Multivariable linear regression models were fitted to estimate the associations between UPF tertile and semen quality parameters. Sperm concentration (β: -1.42 × 106 spz./ml; 95% CI: -2.72 to -0.12) and motility (β: -7.83%; 95% CI: -15.16 to -0.51) were lower in participants in the highest tertile of UPF compared to the lowest. A similar association was observed for sperm count when UPF was analyzed per 10% increment of energy from UPF consumption (β: -1.50 × 106 spz.; 95% CI: -2.83 to -0.17). Theoretically replacing 10% of energy from UPF consumption with 10% of energy from unprocessed or minimally processed food consumption was associated with a higher total sperm count, sperm concentration, total motility, progressive motility, and normal sperm forms. Cross-sectional studies do not permit the drawing of causal inferences. Measurement errors and reporting bias cannot be entirely ruled out. This work suggests that consumption of UPF may have an impact on certain semen quality parameters. Furthermore, opting for unprocessed or minimally processed foods instead of UPFs could potentially benefit semen quality. If these results are replicated in future epidemiological studies with different long-term designs, these novel findings could provide valuable insights for updating or even designing preventive and interventional programs to address infertility among men of reproductive age. This study was supported by the Spanish government's official funding agency for biomedical research, ISCIII, through the Fondo de Investigación para la Salud (FIS), the European Union ERDF/ESF, 'A way to make Europe'/'Investing in your future' [PI21/01447], and the Diputació de Tarragona (2021/11-No.Exp. 8004330008-2021-0022642). J.S.-S. gratefully acknowledges the financial support of ICREA under the ICREA Academia program. C.V.-H. received a predoctoral grant from the Generalitat de Catalunya (2022 FI_B100108). M.Á.M. was supported by the Sara Borrell postdoctoral fellowship (CD21/00045-Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII)). M.F.d.l.P. was supported by a predoctoral grant from the Rovira i Virgili University and Diputació de Tarragona (2020-PMF-PIPF-8). All authors have no conflict of interest to declare. N/A.

Multi-pharmacological treatment for young subfertile males with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) treatments using multiple pharmaceutical agents that could simultaneously preserve or enhance fertility capability. This was a single-center-based, randomized controlled study, whereas the final analysis evaluated a total 350 CP/CPPS patients (age range, 28-40 years) and 50 patients were randomly allocated to each therapeutic group, with a 1:1 ratio. The therapeutic groups consist of tadalafil (group 1, 5 mg daily), L-carnitine (group 2, 2 g daily), Serenoa repens extract (group 3, 320 mg daily), group 4 (tadalafil+L-carnitine), group 5 (tadalafil+S. repens), group 6 (L-carnitine+S. repens), and group 7 (tadalafil+L-carnitine+S. repens). The treatment outcomes at 3 months post-therapy were analyzed. At 3 months post-therapy, the mean total sperm motility was significantly improved in all groups. A normal morphology improvement was observed in L-carnitine receiving groups. The mean total score on the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) and the mean International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) showed the greatest reduction in intensity in group 7. Logistic regression analyses showed that group 5 and group 7 were significantly associated with improvements in total IPSS and total NIH-CPSI scores at 3 months post-therapy. Group 7 was a significant predictor for improving total sperm motility, leukocytospermia and normal form of sperm. Tadalafil, carnitine, and S. repens combination therapy could be considered a feasible treatment option for CP/CPPS males with subfertility.

Trigonelline Chloride Ameliorated Triphenyltin-Induced Testicular Autophagy, Inflammation, and Apoptosis: Role of Recovery.

Triphenyltin chloride (TPT-Cl) is an organometallic organotin. This study aimed to investigate the role of trigonelline (TG) along with the impact of TPT withdrawal on the testicular toxicity induced by TPT-Cl. Thirty-six adult male albino rats were divided into control, TG (40 mg/kg/day), TPT-Cl (0.5 mg/kg/day), TG + TPT-Cl, and recovery groups. Animals were daily gavaged for 12 weeks. Both TG and TPT-Cl withdrawal improved TPT-Cl-induced testicular toxicity features involving testis and relative testis weight reduction, luteinizing hormone, follicular stimulating hormone, and sex hormone-binding globulin elevation, reduction of inhibin B, free testosterone levels, and sperm count reduction with increased abnormal sperm forms. Moreover, both TG and TPT-Cl withdrawal reduced inflammatory activin A, follistatin, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-1β, and proapoptotic Bax and elevated antiapoptotic Bcl2 in testicular tissues mediated by TPT-Cl. TG and TPT-Cl withdrawal restored the excessive autophagy triggered by TPT-Cl via elevation of mTOR, AKT, PI3K, and P62/SQSTM1 and reduction of AMPK, ULK1, Beclin1, and LC3 mRNA gene expressions and regained the deteriorated testicular structure. In conclusion, TG and TPT-Cl withdrawal had an ameliorative role in partially reversing TPT-Cl-induced testicular toxicity. However, the findings indicated that the use of TG as an adjunctive factor is more favorable than TPT-Cl withdrawal, suggesting the capability of the testis for partial self-improvement.

Effect of varicocele surgery on sperm quality

Introduction: A varicocele is a vascular lesion characterised by dilatation and tortuosity of the veins of the pampiniform plexus and is found in approximately one-fifth of the adult male population. It is the most common cause of treatable infertility. Physical examination may or may not show a varicocele which is mostly diagnosed only when patients present with infertility or adolescents during a physical examination, like testicular hypotrophy, impairment in spermatogenesis mainly in the form of low or absent count, decreased sperm motility, and abnormal sperm morphology. Treatment for varicocele includes medical therapies, radiological embolization, and surgical techniques. Medical therapy, including antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, has been utilized with variable success. Radiological embolization of varicocele is a new technique in the treatment of varicocele, but it is associated with high recurrences and high cost. Varicoceles are surgically treated either by open or laparoscopic approaches the principal aim being occlusion of the dilated veins of the pampiniform plexus. A definitive conclusion of indication of medical treatment cannot be drawn at present because most published studies have inadequate design and lack controls. Various studies in the past have concluded significant changes in sperm parameters (total count, motility, morphology) post-varicocele repair. However, few other studies suggest no improvement in sperm parameters following surgical varicocele repair and studies that conclude recommendations against repair of varicocele. Thus, conflicting opinions have opened the scope to establish this fact by this study. Aim: To evaluate changes in sperm morphology, sperm count, and sperm motility in a patient with varicocele after varicocele surgery. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Surgery, North Delhi Municipal Corporation Medical College &amp; Hindu Rao Hospital, Delhi, India from August 2019 to February 2021. The sample size was calculated to be 50 using Slovin’s formula with a confidence level of 95% with a margin error taken as 5% (p - value 0.05). Sperm morphology, sperm count, and sperm motility were the parameters studied before and after 3 months of surgery. Results: The majority of patients belonged to the age group of 18 to 25 years (42%) followed by 26 to 35 years (40%) (27.78 ± 6.547 years). Left-sided varicocele was more common (54%), followed by bilateral varicocele (42%). Varicocele grade II was most common (58%) followed by grade I (30%) and lastly grade III (12%). Total sperm count improved by 8.88 million per ml after varicocelectomy. Total sperm motility improved by 6.08% after the surgery. Total normal sperm forms improved by 6.44% after varicocele repair. Conclusion: Based on the findings it was concluded that Varicocelectomy results in significant improvement in total sperm count, total sperm motility, and total normal sperm morphology. The best improvement was seen in sperm count followed by total normal sperm forms and lastly total sperm motility.

Spatial–Temporal Characteristics of Semen Quality in Infertile Men in Wenzhou, China during 2010–2018

Background. Declining semen quality has become one of the most serious public health problems worldwide; however, the spatial–temporal characteristics of semen quality of infertile men remain unknown. Objective. To explore spatial–temporal characteristics of semen quality of infertile men in Wenzhou from 2010 to 2018 and thereby provide a scientific basis for development of strategies to enhance male reproductive health. Methods. We obtained 22,978 semen sample data from 2010 to 2018 from the Reproductive Medicine Center and Urology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University in Wenzhou, China. Linear regression analyses and spatial autocorrelation analyses were used to study spatial–temporal characteristics of semen quality parameters. Results. Overall, from 2010 to 2018, mean values for total sperm number and semen volume showed linear increasing trends, and mean values for total sperm motility showed linear decreasing trend (all P &lt; 0.05 ). Cold spot analyses of progressive sperm motility, total sperm motility, and normal sperm forms were also in main urban area of Wenzhou (Lucheng District, Ouhai District, Longwan District, and Dongtou District) and hot spot were also in nonmain urban area of Wenzhou (mainly including Taishun County, Pingyang County, and Wencheng County). However, hot spot analyses of total sperm number and semen volume were mainly in Dongtou District. Conclusions. The main urban area is the “harder-hit area” of semen quality, while for the islands area is the “high-withdrawal area.” Government departments need to pay more attention to improve male reproductive health in the main urban areas and actively control the potential influencing factors of male reproductive health, such as occupational exposure and life stress. Good environmental quality and plenty of seafood intake may be beneficial to semen quality.

Influence of metformin therapy and treatment with an allosteric luteinizing hormone agonist and chorionic gonadotropin on spermatogenesis in male rats with obesity

BACKGROUND: In men, obesity is accompanied by a complex of metabolic and hormonal disorders, which leads to androgen deficiency and impaired spermatogenesis. Antidiabetic drugs, including metformin (MF), and luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) agonists, which activate testicular steroidogenesis, can be used to correct reproductive dysfunctions. However, in diet-induced obesity (DIO), their effectiveness and mechanisms of action are poorly understood.AIM: In men, obesity is accompanied by a complex of metabolic and hormonal disorders, which leads to androgen deficiency and impaired spermatogenesis. Antidiabetic drugs, including metformin (MF), and luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) agonists, which activate testicular steroidogenesis, can be used to correct reproductive dysfunctions. However, in dietinduced obesity (DIO), their effectiveness and mechanisms of action are poorly understood.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Obesity in male Wistar rats was induced by a 23-week diet enriched with saturated fats. MF treatment was carried out for 5 weeks at a dose of 120 mg/kg/day (orally), and the treatment with hCG and TP03 was carried out for 5 days at daily doses of 20 IU/rat (s.c.) and 15 mg/kg (i.p.), respectively. Using microscopy and histochemical analysis, the number and motility of spermatozoa (SP), the number of their defective forms and the morphology of the seminiferous tubules were assessed, and the levels of testosterone and other hormones in the blood were measured using ELISA.RESULTS: MF, hCG, and TP03 to varying degrees increased the number of SP and the proportion of their mobile forms, including those with forward movement, which were reduced in DIO rats, and also normalized the thickness of the epithelium of the seminiferous tubules and the number of spermatogonia and pachytene spermatocytes in them, but did not reduced the proportion of defective forms of SP, increased in DIO. In the case of MF, this was associated with the drug-induced normalization of body weight, glucose tolerance, and the insulin and leptin levels in DIO rats. The positive effect of hCG and TP03 on spermatogenesis was due to their stimulating effect on testosterone production.CONCLUSION: The use of long-term MF therapy and short-term courses of LHR-agonists normalizes impaired spermatogenesis in DIO, which indicates the prospects for their use to improve male fertility in obesity, and in the case of MF therapy, normalization of the metabolic and hormonal status is of great importance, while in the case of LHR-agonists the most important factor is their steroidogenic effect.

L-Arginine abrogates maternal and pre-pubertal codeine exposure-induced impaired spermatogenesis and sperm quality by modulating the levels of mRNA encoding spermatogenic genes.

Although, codeine has been demonstrated to lower sperm quality; the effects of maternal and prepubertal codeine exposure on male offspring is yet to be reported. In addition, the effect of arginine on codeine-induced decline in sperm quality has not been explored. This study investigated the impact of maternal and prepubertal codeine exposure on spermatogenesis and sperm quality in F1 male Wistar rats to study the effect that codeine may have during recreational use in humans. Also, the effect of arginine supplementation on codeine-induced alteration in spermatogenesis and sperm quality was evaluated. Female rats were treated with either 0.5 ml distilled water or codeine orally for eight weeks, and then mated with male rats (female:male, 2:1). The F1 male offsprings of both cohorts were weaned at 3 weeks old and administered distilled water, codeine, arginine, or codeine with arginine orally for eight weeks. Prepubertal codeine exposure in rats whose dams (female parents) were exposed to codeine delayed puberty and reduced the weight at puberty. Prepubertal codeine exposure exacerbated maternal codeine exposure-induced reduced total and daily spermatid production, sperm count, sperm motility, and normal sperm form, as well as impaired sperm plasma membrane integrity and increased not intact acrosome and damaged sperm DNA integrity. These perturbations were accompanied by a decrease in mRNA levels encoding spermatogenic genes, testicular testosterone and androgen receptor (AR) concentrations, and upregulation of sperm 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8OHdG). Prepubertal arginine supplementation mitigated codeine-induced alterations. This study provides novel experimental evidence that maternal and prepubertal codeine exposure reprogramed spermatogenesis and sperm quality of male FI generation by decreasing mRNA levels encoding spermatogenic genes and AR via oxidative stress-mediated signaling, which was abrogated by prepubertal arginine supplementation.

Impact of latent toxoplasmosis on the fertility indices of male rats

Infertility is a prevalent condition affecting approximately 70 million people worldwide and male factor contributes to about fifty percent of the issues. Studies on infectious agents as a possible cause of infertility has become prominent in the past decade. Toxoplasma gondii has emerged as a prime candidate as it has been found in the reproductive organs and semen of males of many animal species and humans. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of latent toxoplasmosis on experimental rat fertility. Ninety Toxoplasma infected rat were used as the experimental group besides, thirty control naïve ones. Both groups were observed clinically. Weekly assessment of fertility indices starting from the 7th week post infection till the 12th week were done by recording rat body weight, weight of testes, semen analysis and histo-morphometric analysis of the testes. Toxoplasma infected rats exhibited significant gradual loss of body weight and the absolute weight of the testes. The sperm characteristic parameters including percentage of motile sperm, percentage of viable sperm and sperm concentration in Toxoplasma infected rats showed highly significant decrease throughout the observation period in comparison to the control group with recording highly significant increase in the percentage of abnormal sperm forms. Pathological insults in tests of the infected rat group were denoted. Our findings demonstrated that Toxoplasma gondii is accused for affecting male rat main reproductive parameters and is implicated in the male reproductive disorders.

The effect of Green lea aqueous extract Camellia sinensisand Vitamin E in infertile men in Tikrit city and It'sSuburbs

This study investigated the effects of Green tea aqueous extract and Vitamin I effect on the fertility of men, and the antioxidant and unti-infenile activity for comparison. The study included examination of (281) samples of seminal fluid of men thar were suffering from infertility caused by gonorrhea n :(144) , Varicose n: (47) , seminal vessels narrow 0: (31) , different inflammations n: (59) samples . and (60) samples from normal individuals (subjects) as a control, for the period from March(2008) 10 April(2009) in Tikrit city and its surrounding. The results appeared that adminstratio of green tea extract alone or with Vit. E in an infertile men (Gonorrhea infections, Varicocele |, Seminal vessels narrow and different sexual inflammations) lead to significant increase (p&lt;0.03) in total numbers , the average of movement and normal forms of sperm. The treatment with Vit. k alone lead to increase in numbers and normal forms of spermatozoa , however , no significant variations were of served in the average of movement. The results indicated that using green tes agueous exirct , VitE or both logether were effective to inducing significant increase in the concentrations of testosterone hormone. In noma) cases the results showed no significant variation in total numbers of sperms after with preen tea extract or ViLE adminstration. whereas acminstration both together showed a significant increase , also an increase in the average of movement and normal forms when patints treated with green tea extract alone or green extract incombination with VitFE bu no significant variations were observed when treated with Vit.E alone The results emphasized that using Vit. E or green tea extract or both together were effective in inducing a significant increase in the concentration of lestosicrone hormone The causes of the green lea extract effectivness relate 10 its consistence of antioxidants which reduced the free mdicals in the infertile men and caused an improvement of their fertility.

Seminal Calbindin 2 in Infertile Men With Varicocele: A Prospective Comparative Study

The present study compared seminal calbindin 2 (CALB 2) levels and semen parameters in men with and without varicocele. CALB 2 is also known as calretinin and 29 kDa calbindin. The study was a case-control study conducted from April (2021) to March (2022) in the andrology department at Beni-Suef University hospital. The study included four matched groups: group (I) were controls (fertile normozoospermic men without varicocele) (n=24). Group (II) were fertile normozoospermic men with varicocele (n=24). Group (III) were infertile oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) men without varicocele (n=24). Group (IV) were infertile OAT men with varicocele (n=24). The lowest levels of seminal CALB 2 were found in patients with severe oligozoospermia which showed a statistically significant difference when compared to seminal CALB 2 in patients with normal, mildly low, or moderately low sperm counts. There were significant negative correlations between sperm concentration, sperm motility and percentage of normal sperm forms and seminal CALB 2. Seminal plasma CALB 2 may play a role in the negative impact of varicocele on the semen parameters especially sperm concentration, sperm motility and percentage of sperm normal forms. Future studies are needed to verify these findings.

A meiotic driver alters sperm form and function in house mice: a possible example of spite

The ability to subvert independent assortment of chromosomes is found in many meiotic drivers, such as the t haplotype in house mice Mus musculus, in which the t-bearing chromosomal homolog is preferentially transmitted to offspring. This is explained by a poison-antidote system, in which developing + and t sperm in testes of + /t males are exposed to ‘poison’ coded by t loci, from which t sperm are protected, allowing t sperm an overwhelming fertilisation advantage in monogamous matings. This system is thought to result in poorly and normally motile sperm subpopulations within + /t sperm, leaving t sperm unharmed. Conversely, we found that the fastest quartile of sperm from + /t males swam more slowly, both forwards and along their travel path, and had reduced straightness and linearity, compared to the fastest quartile of + / + sperm. Moreover, sperm from + /t males had shorter tails and narrower heads than + / + sperm, and these morphological differences covaried with motility differences. Finally, + /t traits did not show evidence of bimodal distributions. We conclude that the t haplotype drive results in lasting damage to the motility of both + and t developing sperm, although previous studies indicate that + must be more harmed than t sperm. This damage to all sperm may explain the low success of + /t males in sperm competition with + / + males, seen in earlier studies. We propose that the harm the t causes to itself could be termed ‘spiteful’, which may also be common to other gamete-harming meiotic drive systems.

Effect of various factors on ejaculate fertility in vitro

Introduction. Current demographic situation in Russia is characterized by decreasing birth rate. According to the World Health Organization, percentage of child-free marriages in various countries is 10–15 %. In Russia, the National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Perinatology named after Academician V.I. Kulakov states that this number is 17 %. More than 4 million men suffer from infertility of various types. In recent years, pathologies of male reproductive function have achieved medical and social significance due to progressively decreasing sperm fertility. Fertility disorders are considered multi-factor conditions caused by internal and external factors and leading to pathological changes in sex organs. Correction of pathologies of male fertility does not always lead to positive results. Therefore, it is important to develop and study effective pharmaceuticals affecting the main fertility parameters.The study objective is to investigate the effect of various biological pharmaceuticals, physical and chemical factors on parameters of ejaculate fertility in vitro.Materials and methods. Experiments with a protein-peptide complex (PPC), methylene blue, and hydrogen peroxide were performed on human semen. After semen dilution, the sample was studied under the microscope and sperm motility and other ejaculate parameters were evaluated per the 5th edition WHO standard. Experiments were performed at 20–22 ºС. Statistical data analysis was performed using the Student’s t-test. Differences were considered statistically significant at р &lt;0.05.Results. The results show increased motility in the fraction of active motile sperm in first 30 minutes after incubation with methylene blue. In case of initial asthenospermia, active motility increased by 72 %, in case of normospermia by 89 %. After 2 hours, all motility fractions were at the baseline level.The experiments also showed significant changes in sperm motility in the presence of PPC preparation in the ejaculate: increase in sperm motility was observed beginning at 30-minute mark and this level persisted through 3 hours of observation. A more pronounced change, by 60 %, was observed in the active motile sperm; total motility increased by up to 30 %. After 24 hours, sperm motility remained close to the baseline level, the number of normal sperm forms and live cells did not change. Dependence of the motility change on the preparation concentration should be noted: the highest increase was observed at PPC concentration with total protein level of 10–12 mg/mL. Higher concentrations did not have a positive effect on sperm motility. In experiments with low hydrogen peroxide concentration, a positive effect on sperm motility was observed.Conclusions. Sperm motility is supported by glycolysis energy, and one of the glycolysis enzymes glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase is tightly bound to the fibrous layer of the flagellum, activation of metabolic pathways leading to increased enzyme activity, increased sperm motility. The mechanism of the observed effect is not entirely clear, however, the obtained data demonstrate potential benefits of further studies on use of pharmaceuticals in andrological and reproductive practice, assisted reproductive technologies, as well as for stimulation of sperm motility in further experimental studies.

Chemiluminescence analysis of free radical processes in seminal plasma of men with pathospermia who have undergone COVID-19 infection

Introduction. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, it seems relevant to study the clinical features and the effect of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on the reproductive system and male fertility.The study objective was to assess the intensity of oxidative processes in the seminal plasma of men with pathozoospermia after suffering a COVID-19 infection.Materials and methods. Spermogram parameters were assessed in accordance with the criteria of the 2010 WHO Guidelines, 5th edition, for the study and processing of human ejaculate two to three months after the patient received a negative polymerase chain reaction result of a nasopharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV-2 DNA. The intensity of free radical processes in seminal plasma was investigated by the method of chemiluminescence induced by ions of bivalent iron. Results. A decrease in sperm motility and an increase in the number of leukocytes were found in men with pathozoospermia who had undergone COVID-19 infection. There are lower levels of indicators such as ejaculate volume, total sperm concentration and the number of morphologically normal sperm forms. An increased ability to generate reactive oxygen species in seminal plasma was revealed in pathozoospermia and COVID-19.Conclusions. The results obtained indicate that SARS-CoV-2 affects the male reproductive system directly or indirectly and has a negative effect on male reproductive health, causing the activation of lipid peroxidation processes and spermatogenic insufficiency.

Parenteral supplementation of Cu, Zn and Mn enhances boars’ sperm quality

IntroductionThe trace elements concentrations of blood might play a key role in the trace element concentration of seminal plasma, as well as in the improvement of semen volume and sperm morphology in boars. ObjectiveTo assess the effect of supplementation of Cu, Zn and Mn on their concentrations in blood serum and seminal plasma and sperm quality in boars. MethodsEighteen boars of the Duroc Jersey breed were selected and their blood and semen (54 ejaculates before supplementation) were extracted. Coinciding with the third sampling and after of blood taken, the boars were supplemented subcutaneously with 37.5 mg of Cu, 75 mg of Zn and 37.5 mg of Mn; 40 days after the supplementation the fourth sampling was taken. Cu and Zn concentrations in blood serum and seminal plasma were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, while the sperm pathologies were determined by microscopy and the concentrations of Cu and Zn in blood serum and seminal plasma, and semen pathologies were compared using the t-Student test for paired samples. A simple linear correlation was made between the minerals concentration in seminal plasma with the percentage of spermatozoa with abnormal forms. ResultsAlthough the concentrations of Zn in blood serum did not show differences between sampling periods (P < 0.05), they were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the seminal plasma after supplementation as compared to its levels before supplementation. In addition, the concentrations of Cu and Zn in seminal plasma were increased (P < 0.01), and the total spermatic pathologies were reduced; especially those of the head, neck and intermediate part of the tail (P < 0.001). Besides, macrocephaly, double head and broken acrosome were the most common pathologies (P < 0.05). Moreover, parenteral supplementation of Cu, Zn and Mn was a protective factor to the presentation of ejaculates with abnormal sperm percentages higher than 10% (χ2 = 6.1544; P = 0.0131). The prevalence of abnormal shapes of boars’ sperm before supplementation was 0.40; after supplementation the answer was 0.05 and the prevalence ratio was 0.13 with a confidence interval of 95% from 0.01 to 0.94. Moreover, Zn concentrations in blood serum were not correlated with those of the seminal plasma (P > 0.05, r = − 0.0353); however, the concentrations of Cu in both fluids were correlated (P < 0.05, r = 0.2254). In addition, the Zn values in the seminal plasma and the percentage of abnormal spermatozoa had a negative and highly significant correlation (P < 0.0001, r = − 0.5628). However, the Cu concentrations in the semen were not significantly correlated with the abnormal sperm forms (P > 0.05, r = 0.0200). ConclusionFrom the present study it can be concluded that in boars fed with diets that meeting their requirements in trace minerals according to NRC (2012) [1], parenteral supplementation of 37.5 mg of Cu, 75 mg of Zn and 37.5 mg of Mn increased the Zn concentrations in the seminal plasma and reduced the sperm pathologies, which resulted in an increase of the boars’ sperm quality.

Investigating Impacts of CoronaVac Vaccination in Males on In Vitro Fertilization: A Propensity Score Matched Cohort Study.

PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the influences of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (CoronaVac) on male fertility and investigate the impact of a history of the CoronaVac vaccination in males on gamete and embryo development and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes.Materials and MethodsA prospective cohort study enrolled couples undergoing IVF cycles between June and August 2021 at Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China. According to the history of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in males, the participants were divided into the vaccination group and the non-vaccination group. A self-controlled study of semen analyses for males before and after CoronaVac vaccination was conducted. Baseline characteristics were matched using propensity score matching. Participants were categorized into the unexposed group (non-vaccination) and exposed group (vaccination), and the population was 271 for each. Semen parameters and IVF outcomes were the main outcomes.ResultsGenerally, no statistically significant differences were exhibited between the matched cohorts regarding embryo developmental parameters, including fertilization rate, cleavage rate, high-quality embryo rate, blastocyst formation rate, and available blastocyst rate, as well as clinical outcomes, such as implantation rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, and clinical pregnancy rate. Moreover, males after vaccination seemed to have fluctuating semen parameters including increased semen volume, lower motility, and decreased normal forms of sperm, while the motile sperm counts were similar. In addition, all semen parameters were above the lower reference limits.ConclusionsOur findings suggested that CoronaVac vaccinations in males may not have adverse effects on patient performance or the gamete and embryonic development potential during assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments.