Sperm Motility Research Articles

Homeopathy has been increasingly investigated as a complementary approach in the management of reproductive disorders in livestock. Several studies in dairy cattle and buffaloes have demonstrated the efficacy of homeopathic complexes, administered in various potencies (e.g., 30C, 200C, 6C, 30X and MK), in managing conditions such as true anoestrus, ovarian inactivity, cystic ovarian disease, postpartum anestrus and endometritis. These remedies, including Calcarea phosphorica, Sepia, Pulsatilla, Aletris farinosa and Oophorinum, appear to exert regulatory effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, improving ovarian cyclicity, estrus induction and conception rates. Additionally, some homeopathic formulations have shown potential in modulating mineral metabolism, supporting follicular development and restoring hormonal balance. Beyond female fertility, emerging evidence highlights the potential role of homeopathy in enhancing male fertility by improving mitochondrial bioenergetics, sperm motility and semen quality. Complexes such as Ubichinon compositum®, Coenzyme compositum® and individualized remedies like Sulphur, Phosphorus, Lycopodium, Argentum nitricum and Pulsatilla have demonstrated promising effects on sperm function and cryopreservation outcomes in bulls. Collectively, these findings suggest that homeopathy, through endocrine modulation, metabolic support and cellular bioenergetics enhancement, holds promise as a safe and viable alternative or adjunct therapy for improving reproductive performance in farm animals.

Emerging evidence suggests that the seminal microbiota may play a role in male reproductive health, yet its relationship with sperm parameters remains poorly understood. This study explores the link between seminal microbiota composition and sperm parameters to understand their impact on the male reproductive function. This prospective cross-sectional study included 100 eugonadal adult men evaluated at a university-affiliated Endocrinology and Andrology Division. Seminal concentrations of lactobacilli, anerobic, and facultative bacteria, along with serum luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and testosterone, were assessed alongside conventional sperm parameters. Conventional sperm parameters and seminal leukocyte counts were analyzed. Regression models were used to explore associations, and predictive thresholds for sperm concentration >16 mil/mL and sperm progressive motility >30% were determined. Seminal lactobacillus concentration positively correlated with sperm concentration (r = 0.42, p < 0.001). Seminal leukocyte concentration and percentage of immature germ cells (spermatids) identified at semen analysis showed negative correlations (r = -0.35, p = 0.002; r = -0.37, p < 0.001, respectively). Anerobic and facultative bacteria negatively correlated with sperm progressive motility (r = -0.77, p < 0.001) and positively correlated with percentage of spermatids (r = 0.72, p < 0.001). The lactobacilli-to-total bacteria ratio negatively correlated with leukocyte concentration (r = -0.96, p < 0.001) and percentage of spermatids (r = -0.89, p <0.001), and positively with sperm progressive motility (r = 0.95, p < 0.001). All of these correlations remained significant after adjustments. Concentrations of lactobacilli, anerobic/facultative bacteria, and the lactobacilli/total bacteria ratio were strong predictors of sperm concentration and motility, demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity. Our findings suggest that the composition of the seminal microbiota, particularly the relative abundance of lactobacilli versus anerobic/facultative bacteria, may influence key sperm parameters such as concentration and motility. This highlights the potential clinical relevance of microbiota profiling in the male fertility assessment. A higher abundance of seminal lactobacilli is associated with more favorable sperm parameters, while anerobic and facultative bacteria are linked to poorer outcomes. Microbiota analysis may offer additional insights into male infertility diagnostics, though further studies are needed to confirm causality.

Background: Male infertility is evaluated using standard semen parameters. However, these criteria offer limited insight into sperm functionality and poorly predict natural fertility or assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. Methods: In this study, the expression levels of three genes (AURKA, HDAC4, and CARHSP1) involved in mitosis regulation, epigenetic modulation and early embryonic development, were measured by RT-qPCR in sperm samples (training dataset). For each gene, thresholds of normal and reduced expression were established by biostatistical modeling and combined with the number of motile spermatozoa to develop the Spermatozoa Function Index (SFI). Results: The ROC analysis was used to interpret the SFI values: SFI &gt; 320 (normal), 290–320 (intermediate), and &lt;290 (low). Then, this index was validated using 627 fresh semen samples from 25- to 60-year-old men at our ART center. Based on the World Health Organization criteria, 54.5% of the 627 sperm samples were normospermic, 8.8% showed oligo-astheno-teratospermia, and 36.6% had one or two abnormal parameters. According to the SFI values, 41% of sperm samples displayed normal expression, 55.9% low expression, and 4.1% intermediate expression. Only 57% of the 342 normospermic samples had normal SFI values and 37% had low SFI values. Among the 81 samples with stringent normal criteria (≥50 million/mL, ≥50% total motility, ≥14% normal morphology), 67.9% displayed normal SFI and 22.2% low SFI values. These findings suggest that even sperm with normal parameters may harbor dysfunctions. Conclusions: Our data highlight a gene signature with strong discriminatory power and promising diagnostic value for detecting subclinical sperm defects and improving male infertility assessment.

Background Temperature has a complex impact and is likely to influence the early stages of spermatogenesis. This study aimed to determine the effect of differential temperature in sperm preparation using the swim-up method on total motile sperm count (TMSC) and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) of male infertility. Methods This experimental study recruited 37 infertile male patients who attended the Sekar Fertility Clinic, Dr. Moewardi General Hospital, in November 2020, and we added more participants in December 2022. Before collecting semen samples, all infertile males signed informed consent. The collected sample is divided into 1 ml for sperm preparation in groups A (27°C) and B (37°C). The Wilcoxon test analyzed the data; p &lt;0.05 was considered significant. Results The mean TMSC result in Group A was 17.00 ± 13.06 x106 versus the mean TMSC in Group B at 21.19 ± 17.20 x106; p=0.004, indicating a lower TMSC in Group A. The mean DFI result in group A was 13.74 ± 10.54% versus group B at 13.35 ± 11.78%; p=0.261, also lower in group A. Conclusion Sperm preparation using the swim-up at 27°C significantly lowers TMSC in infertile males compared to 37°C, but the difference in DFI is not significant compared to 37°C. BJMS, Vol. 24 No. 04 October’25 Page : 1222-1227

Characterisation of phosphate transport in epididymis and prostate with possible relevance for semen quality.

Studies have demonstrated the harmful consumption of palm wine (PW) in rats’ reproduction. These include impairment of sperm parameters such as sperm motility, count, viability and morphology. In addition, Amaranthus hybridus (AH) has been shown to protect against the effects of noxious substances. This study aims to investigate the protective potential of AH in PW-induced testicular toxicity in Wistar rats. The rats were randomly divided into seven groups, with five rats each. The treatment of all groups lasted for 8 weeks (orally administered). Group A received 5 ml/kg normal saline; Group B rats received 50 mg/kg AH; Group C received 100 mg/kg AH; Group D received 5 ml/kg PW; Group E received 10 ml/kg PW for 56 days; Group F received 5 ml/kg PW + 50 mg/kg Amaranthus hybridus for 56 days; Group G received 10 ml/kg palm wine + 100/kg Amaranthus hybridus. Body weight increased in all treated groups but was not significantly different from the control. Testicular weight and volume decreased in all treated groups, with significant changes in the testis weight to body weight ratio in groups D and E. Groups A-C maintained normal sperm parameters. Chronic consumption of PW results in a decrease in sperm count and motility and an increase in dysmorphology. Furthermore, AH administration results in increased sperm count and motility and a decrease in dysmorphology. The AH protects against decreased sperm count, motility and dysmorphology in PW-induced testiculotoxicity in rats.

Objective: Antioxidants have shown positive effects on semen quality by improving sperm parameters such as motility and viability. This study investigate the effects of curcumin on sperm parameters, apoptosis, and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) following freezing in oligoteratoasthenospermia (OAT) patients. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, a total of 40 semen samples obtained from 10 men aged 25–42 years with OAT according to WHO guidelines were treated with different concentrations of curcumin (0, 10, 20, and 30 μM) in a freezing medium. Following the freeze-thaw process, sperm parameters were evaluated. At the optimal dose, DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was assessed using the TUNEL (Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling) assay, and the expression levels of BAX (BCL2-associated X) and BCL2 (B-cell lymphoma-2) genes were measured by real-time PCR in both the optimal dose group and the control group. Results: The cryopreservation had a significant detrimental effect on sperm parameters. Curcumin treatment, particularly at the 20 μM dose, showed improvements in sperm motility, although these improvements did not reach statistical significance. Also in optimal dose (20 μM dose), there was a significant decrease (p &lt; 0.001) in the level of DFI, in BAX gene expression and BAX/BCL2 ratio, as well as a significant increase in BCL2 gene expression, which It indicates a decrease in apoptosis. Conclusion: It seems that the addition of curcumin to the sperm- freezing medium has a positive impact on sperm motility. This improvement can be attributed to the reduction in apoptosis and the protective effects on sperm DNA. By mitigating apoptosis, curcumin helps preserve the viability and functionality of sperm cells.

The Caenorhabditis elegans spe-21 gene that encodes a palmitoyltransferase is necessary for spermiogenesis.

Effects of diet on sperm functionality and cryopreservation tolerance in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).

Quercetin attenuates busulfan-induced testicular and epididymal toxicity via modulation of oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and apoptotic markers in rats.

The validation and application of an ovine fertility model using standardised in vitro thresholds to predict the likelihood of pregnancy.

Intra-testicular injection of titanium dioxide nanoparticles induces chemical castration in male mice.

Effect of the freezer and straw positioning on the post-thaw quality of bull spermatozoa: A comparative study.

Bisphenol AF (BPAF) jeopardizes male fertility and triggers intergenerational defects in zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Chronic restraint stress associations with sperm global DNA hypermethylation: Impacts on male reproductive function in rats.

A prodrug strategy for sustained release of lactic acid from silicone elastomer vaginal rings.

This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with lemuru fish oil (Sardinella longiceps, LFO), corn oil (Zea mays L., CO), and their combination on spermatozoa quality in kampung chickens. Sixteen adult males were assigned to four treatment diets: R-0 (control), R-1 (10% LFO), R-2 (5% LFO + 5% CO), and R-3 (10% CO), each with four replicates. Diets were formulated to be iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric following current poultry nutrient standards. Semen samples were collected using the abdominal massage method and analyzed for sperm motility and concentration. Results showed that supplementation with LFO and CO significantly (P &lt; 0.05) improved both sperm motility and concentration compared with the control. The combination of 5% LFO and 5% CO (R-2) produced the highest motility (88.34%) and concentration (3.07 × 10⁹/mL), indicating a synergistic effect between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The balanced fatty acid profile enhanced lipid metabolism, steroid hormone synthesis, and sperm membrane integrity, leading to better reproductive performance. It can be concluded that the combined supplementation of 5% LFO and 5% CO provides optimal improvement in kampung chicken spermatozoa quality.

Recent advances in microbiome research have illuminated the complex bidirectional interactions between gut health and reproductive well-being. Understanding the gut microbiome's influence on the reproductive system and vice versa reveals how both of them can affect hormone production, immune function, and ultimately overall reproductive health. Dysbiosis, an imbalance in the gut microbial community, has been linked with a range of reproductive issues, including decreased sperm count and motility, erectile dysfunction, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, infertility, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. This review critically evaluates emerging therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring microbial balance and enhancing reproductive health, such as use of prebiotics, probiotics, bacteriophage therapy, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). By exploring the intricate interplay between gut microbiota and reproductive health, this review also emphasizes the need for integrated approaches in research and clinical practice to develop effective microbiome-based therapies for better reproductive health outcomes.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) causes male infertility through the suppression of spermatogenesis and testosterone biosynthesis. The impact of DM on male reproduction has mainly been investigated in adulthood, therefore we aimed to study the developmental effects of DM, induced in early life, on testicular cell population and fertility. Neonatal (NDM) and prepubertal DM (PDM) were induced in immature rats by streptozotocin administration on day 1 or day 10, respectively. Germ (GCs) and somatic cells (Sertoli—SCs and Leydig cells—LCs) were counted in pubertal (25 day) and post-pubertal (45 day) rats in tandem with the measurement of serum testosterone levels and the protein expression of androgen receptor. Glucose levels were higher in PDM than in NDM. Incomplete spermatogenesis and reduced GC number were found in PDM but not in NDM. LC number, testosterone, and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were differently altered by both types of DM with a pronounced negative impact of PDM. Protein expression of androgen receptor in SCs was altered only in PDM. Reduced sperm concentration and motility was found in both groups. Thus, our results provide new insights into different mechanisms of action of PDM and NDM on developing germ cells that involved disturbances in androgen production by Leydig cells and androgen action in Sertoli cells.

This study evaluated the impact of pre-freezing semen dilution rate and dimethyl acetamide (DMA) concentration on the post-thaw motility and fertility of cryopreserved rooster sperm. Rooster ejaculates were diluted with a standard EK extender to achieve low (LSC; 1 × 10⁹ sperm/mL) and high (HSC; 2 × 10⁹ sperm/mL) sperm concentrations. Each dilution group was further treated with three DMA concentrations (3%, 6%, or 9%) before cryopreservation. Post-thaw sperm motility traits were obtained by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA), and fertility features were evaluated through artificial insemination in hens. The current results showed that HSC significantly improved total motility (TM), curvilinear velocity (VCL), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), and beat cross frequency (BCF), but reduced linearity (LIN) and straightness (STR) compared to LSC. DMA concentration had a quadratic effect on motility, with 6% yielding the highest progressive motility (PM), straight line velocity (VSL), and BCF. Fertility outcomes revealed that HSC resulted in higher fertilization rates, while neither DMA concentrations nor their interaction with dilution rates exerted significant effects on fertility traits. VCL, ALH, and BCF showed positive correlations with pipping-chicks rates, whereas STR, LIN, and WOB displayed negative correlations. These findings underscore the critical interplay between dilution rate and cryoprotectant concentration and provide practical guidance for developing more reliable cryopreservation protocols that can be applied under field conditions to enhance fertility management in poultry production.