Number Of Spermatozoa Research Articles

The effect of drugs used in the treatment of hemoblastosis on the morphofunctional state of spermatozoa

Introduction. The relevance of the study is due to the high frequency of complications after the use of drugs for treating malignant tumors, which is associated with the cytotoxic effect of chemotherapy drugs both on malignancy sites and on healthy tissues, including the cells of male gonads.Aim. To study the impact of drugs intended for the treatment of hemoblastoses on the total sperm count, their mobility, and the presence of pathological forms under experimental conditions.Materials and methods. A case-control study was conducted on 18 male rats aged 90 days. The control group consisted of male rats that did not receive hemoblastosis treatment drugs, and the second group was intraperitoneally injected with cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin, vincristine, prednisolone (hereinafter referred to as CHOP). Mature spermatozoa were obtained from the dissected appendages of the testes, by opening them on a thermal stage. The contents of the rat's seminiferous tubules, in a volume of 0.02 ml, were diluted in 0.4 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride solution, preheated to 37°C. The total, absolute, and relative number of spermatozoa in a unit volume (0.4 ml) of epididymal suspension was counted, taking into account their mobility according to the generally accepted system. Actively mobile and weakly mobile were attributed to the fertile fraction, and "twitching" and immobile - to the infertile fraction of epididymal spermatozoa. Then, the fertility index was calculated, which represents the ratio of the number of fertile forms to infertile ones. To determine the viability of spermatozoa, their count with regard to mobility was conducted within the first hour every 15 minutes, and subsequently every 30 minutes until the complete cessation of all spermatozoa. To assess the pathological forms of spermatozoa, the absolute and percentage content of spermatozoa in a unit volume (0.4 ml) of epididymal suspension with defects in the head, neck, midpiece, and tail was counted under light microscopy.Results. The experimental exposure to CHOP group drugs had the following effects: a decrease in the total number of spermatozoa by 37% was observed in the male rats of the experimental group, accompanied by an increase in the number of their pathological forms by 26% compared to the control group.Conclusion. The increased risk of infertility, caused by the toxic effect of drugs intended for the treatment of hemoblastoses, is associated with a decrease in the total number of spermatozoa and an increase in pathological forms, leading to a reduction in the number of mobile cells.

Chlorpyrifos impairs sperm parameters and number of Sertoli and Leydig cells in rats after exposure during the peripubertal period

Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate insecticide used to control pests in crops. Thus, humans are constantly exposed through ingestion of contaminated food or water, inhalation of contaminated air, and through the skin. The juvenile and peripubertal periods comprise a window of development of the reproductive system, sensitive to toxic agents. Considering the scarcity of data on exposure to the insecticide during these periods, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chlorpyrifos on the testis during the juvenile and peripubertal periods. Thirty Wistar rats with an initial age of 25 days were distributed into 3 groups: control, which received corn oil (vehicle); CPS5, which received 5 mg/Kg b.w. of chlorpyrifos; and CPS15, which received 15 mg/Kg b.w. of chlorpyrifos. The groups were treated via gavage daily for 40 days and on the 41st experimental day, the animals were anesthetized and submitted to euthanasia to collect the organs. Blood was collected to obtain plasma and testosterone measurement. The testicles were removed, weighed and used for sperm count analyses, histopathological and morphometric analyzes and for oxidative stress analyses. Spermatozoa from the vas deferens were collected for analyzes of sperm morphology and acrosome integrity. The results showed that the two concentrations of chlorpyrifos caused a decrease in the number of Leydig and Sertoli cells and germ cells and increased the number of morphologically abnormal sperm and sperm with acrosomal damage. Furthermore, a decrease in lipid peroxidation was observed in the CPS5 and CPS15 groups, and a decrease in glutathione-S-transferase activity in the CPS5 group. We conclude that exposure to chlorpyrifos harms the daily production of sperm, as well as their quality, in addition to causing an imbalance in the oxidoreductive balance of the testicle.

Effects of culture salinity on growth and reproduction of the polychaete Dendronereis chipolini

Dendronereis chipolini is an important brackish water polychaete and has been wildly used as fattening feed for marine shrimp broodstocks. Investigation into the effects of salinity on performance of this worm species is fundamental for the development of mass culture procedure to produce feed for fattening shrimp broodstock and reduce pressure on wild catch. The study was conducted in a tank system with an area of 0.25 m2 in which the young worms (0.9±0.2 cm in length and 0.007±0.003 g in body weight) were stocked at 100 inds/tank. Four salinity treatments, including 15, 20, 25, 30 ppt, were designed with three replicates each. The worms were fed once a day at 9 am with commercial shrimp feed at a rate of 3% body weight. After 150 days of rearing, the fastest growth of worms was recorded in 20 ppt. The survival rate was also higher in 20 ppt but no significant difference was found (p>0.05) between treatments. Higher absolute fecundity (103,890±17,389 and 112,740±22,328 eggs/female) was recorded at 20 and 25 ppt, respectively. The males in 20 ppt also produced a higher number of sperms. Overall, the polychaete D. chipolini reared at 20 ppt performed higher growth, survival and reproduction rates.

A single administration of carbetocin before electroejaculation increases the insemination doses produced from each ejaculate in rams

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of carbetocin administration (a long-acting analog of oxytocin) 20 or 10 min before electroejaculation (EE) on the duration of semen collection procedure, quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the ejaculate, and stress biomarkers in rams. Semen was collected from 12 Corriedale rams (age, 2.5–5.5 years old) with EE, in a Latin-square design, administrating carbetocin (0.2 mg/100 kg of body weight i.v.) 20 or 10 min before EE, or without carbetocin administration (CB-20, CB-10, and CON treatments, respectively). Each treatment was applied to different rams every 3–4 days, allowing all the rams to receive all three treatments. Carbetocin administered 20 or 10 min before EE increased the number of sperm ejaculated (P = 0.01), the semen concentration (P = 0.02), the number of insemination doses collected in a single collection (P = 0.01), and the number of insemination doses collected/electrical pulses administered (P = 0.05) compared to control rams. Carbetocin administered 20 or 10 min before semen collection prolonged the time required for EE and the number of pulses administered during EE compared to CON rams (P < 0.03 for both). The CB-10 rams required the administration of more electrical pulses during ejaculation than CON rams (P = 0.001), and CB-20 treatment tended to require more electrical pulses than CON rams (P = 0.06). The volume of the ejaculate was greater in CB-10 than in CON rams (P = 0.01), and that of CB-20 treatment tended to be greater than CON rams (P = 0.08). The percentage of sperm with intact membrane was greater in CB-20 than in CON rams (P = 0.01). Total protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations were lower immediately after carbetocin administration 20 or 10 min before EE. The treatments did not affect cortisol concentration, glycemia, rectal and surface temperatures, heart rate, and facial expressions. Carbetocin administration before EE of rams improved the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the ejaculate, duplicating the number of insemination doses collected. It can be a promising treatment to obtain a greater quantity of doses to inseminate with a lower frequency of semen collections, reducing the negative impacts of EE on animal welfare.

Overexpression of miR-927-5p suppresses stalky expression and negatively reduces the spermatid production in Zeugodacus cucurbitae.

The melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae Coquillett, is one of the major pests attacking Cucurbitaceae crops. Identifying critical genes or proteins regulating fertility is essential for sustainable pest control and a research hotspot in insect physiology. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short RNAs that do not directly participate in protein translation, but instead function in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression involved in male fertility. We found that miR-927-5p is highly expressed in the testes and investigated its function in spermatogenesis in Z. cucurbitae. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) showed miR-927-5p in the transformation and maturation region of the testis, and overexpression of miR-927-5p reduced the number of sperms by 53%. In continuation, we predicted 12 target genes of miR-927-5p using bioinformatics combined with transcriptome sequencing data, and found that miR-927-5p targets the new gene Stalky in insects, which was validated by quantitative real-timePCR, RNA pull-down and dual luciferase reporter assays. FISH also confirmed the co-localization of miR-927-5p and the transcript Stalky_1 in the testis. Moreover, silencing of Stalky_1 by RNA interference reduced the number of sperms by 32% and reduced sperm viability by 39% in physiologically mature male adults. Meanwhile, the silencing of Stalky_1 also resulted in low hatchability. Our work not only presents a new, so far unreported mechanism regulating spermatogenesis by miR-927-5p targeting a new unknown target, Stalky, which is providing new knowledge on the regulatory network of insect spermatogenesis, but also lays a foundation for the development of SIT against important tephritid fly pests. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Evaluation of a commercial proAKAP4 kit for the assessment of fresh and frozen-thawed feline spermatozoa.

ProAKAP4 is gaining increasing attention as a potential marker of semen quality in many species, but while there is a commercial kit for assessing proAKAP4 in the domestic cat, there are no publications about its use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the commercial proAKAP4 kit - Cat 4MID® Kit (SPQI - 4BioDx, Lille, France) for the assessment of feline semen. Semen was collected from 54 male cats by urethral catheterization. After a basic semen evaluation (subjective motility, CASA, viability, morphology), proAKAP4 levels in each sample were assessed using the Cat 4MID® Kit according to the manufacturer's protocol or with some modifications related to incubation time, sample storage conditions and number of spermatozoa used. Finally, the Spearman correlation of proAKAP4 concentration and sperm motility parameters was calculated. The most reliable results (acceptable intraassay coefficient of variation) were obtained with an optimized protocol of overnight incubation and isolation of proAKAP4 protein from 1 × 106 spermatozoa stored at -80°C. For fresh semen, there were no significant correlations between proAKAP4 concentration and sperm motility parameters, despite a strong correlation between motility parameters and sperm viability and morphology. A predominant effect of other sperm parameters and highly variable performance of lysis buffer question the usefulness of Cat 4MID® Kit for the assessment of feline semen. For frozen-thawed semen, there was a moderate, negative correlation between proAKAP4 concentration and two CASA parameters, VAP and VSL. As there were no correlations between proAKAP4 concentration in fresh semen and motility parameters in cryopreserved samples, proAKAP4 cannot be used as freezability marker in cats. More studies are needed to establish potential correlation with long-lasting motility.

The lack of the influence of various species of Mycoplasma spp. on canine semen quality

Mycoplasmas colonize fish, reptiles, birds and mammals, being commensals or causing diseases, sometimes severe in ruminants, swine, poultry, or wildlife animals. So far, 15 species of canine Mycoplasma spp. have been described. Conflicting results have been presented regarding the pathogenicity of Mycoplasma spp. Although many virulence factors of these bacteria have been described, they still require attention. The main aim of our study was to evaluate the presence of known canine Mycoplasmas in the male reproductive tract of clinically healthy dogs. The second aim was to check if Mycoplasma spp. cause any abnormalities in semen quality that could have further consequences and to propose the schemes for managing the carriers.83.3% of examined dogs were Mycoplasma spp. -positive dogs, and most of them were the carriers of more than one species. Six dogs had azoospermic ejaculates. The total spermatozoa numbers were similar in Mycoplasma -positive and negative groups. Motility was slightly higher in Mycoplasma spp.-negative group, but the difference was not statistically significant. There was no significant difference in semen characteristics between the carriers and Mycoplasma spp.-negative dogs. Neither the individual species nor the number of species strains had a significant effect on sperm morphological parameters as well as viability.Semen quality parameters are not correlated with the species found on the prepuce. Over 70% Mycoplasma spp.- positive dogs have more than one species of this bacteria. Despite finding mycoplasmas in azoospermic dogs, we suggest that they were not the cause of infertility. Mycoplasma spp. could be a part of normal microbiota in canine prepuce in individuals without any clinical signs.

Ameliorating diabetes-induced testicular dysfunction by modulating PKC/Nrf2/Bcl-2 signaling: Protective role of sulbutiamine.

The prevalence of testicular dysfunction is increasing as it is a common diabetes mellites (DM) complication. The objective of this study is to explore the potential protective effect of sulbutiamine against testicular hypofunction associated with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DM in rats. Sulbutiamine was administered orally (60 mg/kg) to male Wistar rats for 8 weeks starting 72 h after a single injection of STZ (45 mg/kg, i.p.). Blood glucose level (BGL), serum testosterone level, sperm number, and motility were determined. Testicular tissue was examined histopathologically, and the Johnson score was evaluated. Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), protein kinase C (PKC), nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (Nrf2), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were measured. Apoptosis was evaluated by immunohistochemical determination of B-cell lymphoma protein 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated X-protein (Bax), and caspase-3. Sulbutiamine administration managed to reduce BGL and boost testicular function as manifested by increased testicular weight, testosterone level, sperm number, and motility compared to the STZ group. Additionally, histopathological examination revealed an improved histological picture and Johnson score of testicular tissue after sulbutiamine treatment. Sulbutiamine administration reduced testicular PKC, MDA, and PCNA levels and increased Nrf2 compared to the untreated group. Moreover, sulbutiamine treatment suppressed apoptosis triggered by STZ as evidenced by elevated Bcl-2, decreased Bax and reduced caspase-3. The present work revealed for the first time a promising protective role of sulbutiamine against STZ-induced testicular dysfunction which may add to the clinical utility of sulbutiamine. The underlying mechanisms involve reducing BGL and PKC, activating Nrf2 and inhibiting apoptosis.

Presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Semen and Reproductive Function of Asymptomatic and Mildly Symptomatic Male Patients with a High Viral Load

Background: The potential impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on male fertility is a complex and evolving area of research. Although there is some evidence to suggest that the virus might have negative effects on semen from mild to moderate symptoms or recovery of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and might induce epididymal-orchitis, further research is needed to definitively determine the risks. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 ribonucleic acid (RNA) in semen and to determine any possible implications of SARS-CoV-2 infection on semen parameters and genital tract complications. Methods: Thirty-two subjects with a real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) cycle threshold (Ct) value of less than 20 were recruited, and semen samples were collected. Additionally, testicular discomfort and urogenital abnormality were assessed. Results: No SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in the seminal sample of men; however, semen quality impairment was detected, especially in patients with Ct values less than 15 in the upper respiratory tract. Total sperm count, the number of motile spermatozoa, progressive motility, and the percentage of normal morphology were significantly reduced. Acute epididymo-orchitis and testicular tenderness were observed in 4 patients in the acute stage of the disease. Conclusions: This study showed no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in semen, suggesting that sexual transmission of the virus is unlikely. However, semen quality impairment was observed in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly those with higher viral loads. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 affects male fertility and develop effective interventions to protect men's reproductive health during the pandemic.

Decrease in Sperm Parameters in the 21st Century: Obesity, Lifestyle, or Environmental Factors? An Updated Narrative Review.

Semen quality represents a compelling factor for fertility, and delineating the normal values has proven difficult. In the last four decades, several authors have reported a noticeable decline in sperm parameters. Also, studies investigating 'time to pregnancy' have shown that fecundity begins to be reduced when sperm numbers decrease below 30 million, even though according to the 6th edition of the WHO manual, the normal value is currently 16 million/mL or 39 million per ejaculate. There exists sufficient data to suggest a decline in sperm counts over time, even though the clear reason for this adverse trend is not well established, but some associations have been hypothesised, such as maternal smoking during pregnancy. Additional potential factors have yet to be fully illustrated but involve poor diet, increased obesity, and exposure to environmental toxins. Moreover, the change in environmental conditions and more common exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as pesticides and herbicides, as well as bisphenol A, phthalates, polychlorinated biphenyls, and heavy metals, starting from prenatal life and continuing into adulthood, may exhibit probable features explaining the reduction in sperm parameters. Therefore, the main goal of this narrative review is to furnish an overview of the possible effects of exposure to EDCs on testicular function and spermatogenesis and, also, to summarise the evidence regarding a decrease in sperm quality and examine its potential consequences.

Spermatogenic potential of Chlorophytum borivilianum Santapau & R.R.Fern. in rats

Traditional applications of the roots of Chlorophytum borivilianum Santapau & R.R.Fern. include spermatogenic potential. Using rats as test subjects, the potential of alcoholic extract (AE-SM) and n-Butanol fraction (NB-SM), which is rich in saponin, to alter the levels of testicular testosterone and cholesterol as well as mRNA expression of the 3β-Hydroxy-∆5- steroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) and Acute Steroid Regulatory Protein (StAR) were determined. Histological analyses of testicular tissues were performed, and the quantity of sperm in the seminal fluid was measured. The testosterone concentration increased in AE-SM and NB-SM in a dose-dependent and statistically significant manner. In-vivo mRNA expression of the StAR and 3β-HSD enzymes was also enhanced by the test samples. When compared to control animals, AE-SM and NB-SM increased testicular testosterone by 11.46 and 12.98 fold, respectively, while the extract and fractions revealed a 5.72 and 7.70 fold alteration in StAR mRNA expression. In testicular tissues, AE-SM and NB-SM increased 3β-HSD activity by 4.98 and 9.05 fold, respectively, while changing the expression of the 3β-HSD mRNA by 6.46 and 15.54 factor, respectively. The fluid sampled from the caudal region of the AE-SM and NB-SM indicated an increased sperm concentration, and histological examinations revealed dense Sertoli cell cytoplasm and an increase in the number of sperms in the luminal part of the seminiferous tubules. The components of AE-SM and NB-SM might stimulated testosterone biosynthesis in-vivo by modifying mRNA expression of selected steroidogenic enzymes. By modifying the mRNA expression of the StAR and 3β-HSD, AE-SM and NB-SM can raise the level of testosterone in testicular tissues. As evidenced by an elevated sperm concentration discovered within the seminiferous fluid and histological studies, overexpression of steroidogenic enzymes increased testicular testosterone levels and may have stimulated the spermatogenesis process.Saponin enriched n-butanol fraction might have interacted with CREB and additionally stimulated LH receptors to elevate the StAR and 3β-HSD mRNA expression.

Cross sectional study on exposure to BPA and its analogues and semen parameters in Czech men

Exposure to bisphenols has been found to have adverse effects on male reproductive function in animals. Human exposure to bisphenols is widespread. Bisphenol A (BPA) and its analogues, including bisphenol S (BPS), bisphenol F (BPF), and bisphenol AF (BPAF) are utilized in various consumer products such as food contact materials and dental resins. The effects of these compounds on male fertility and spermatogenesis are unclear and findings from human studies are inconsistent. In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the influence of BPA, BPS, BPF, BPAF (BPs) measured in semen on number of spermatozoa, total motility, progressive motility, morphology, and DNA fragmentation. We also examined the association of bisphenols (BPs) exposure with patients’ occupation. A total of 358 patients aged 17–62 years with BMI 18–42 were included in the study from 2019 to 2021. BPs were extracted using solvent extraction followed by preconcentration step and determined by high-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MSMS). Bisphenols were detected in 343 from 349 analysed samples (98.3% of all the samples). In 6 samples, the concentration of all BPs was under the limit of detection and in 20 samples under the limit of quantification. We did not find a statistically significant relationship between occupation and BPs. However, we observed significant correlations between the concentration of BPA and a lower motility and normal morphology. For BPS, a significant correlation with a lower ejaculate volume and a lower total sperm count was found. BPF and BPAF were detected only in 14.3% and 23.9% of samples, respectively. For BPF and BPAF, no significant correlations with spermiogram parameters were observed. Our results show that BPs are widespread in the male population (more than 90% of analysed samples), independently of an occupation and in case of BPA and BPS having a negative impact on spermiogram parameters.

Cryopreservation of Limited Sperm Using A Combination of Sucrose and Taurine, Loaded on Two Different Devices, and Thawed at Two Different Temperatures.

Cryopreservation of sperm is essential for patients with low sperm counts and couples undergoing infertility treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of Taurine (T) and Sucrose (S) in individual sperm cryopreservation utilizing cryotop and petri dish and thawing at 37 and 42°C. In this experimental study, 17 normospermic semen samples were processed using the "Swim-up" procedure and progressively motile sperm were then isolated from these samples using an inverted microscope. Sperm were added to droplets of "sucrose medium" with 25 mM Taurine antioxidant (S+T) and the commercial cryoprotectant "Sperm Freeze" (CPA), loaded on a petri dish and cryotop. After rapid freezing of the samples, they were thawed at two different temperatures (37°C and 42°C), and the sperm classical parameters, viability, and DNA fragmentation were assessed. Statistical analysis displayed a significant increase in total and progressive motility in individual sperm freezing on cryotop with CPA and thawing at 42°C (P<0.05). Other parameters did not show any differences between the CPA and S+T groups and two thawing temperatures in either of the cryopreservation methods. Although, both cryoprotectants (CPA and S+T) may preserve individual sperm effectively using cryotop, the CPA and thawing at 42°C showed a better effect on the motility percentage of the small number of sperm.

Proteomic analysis of spermathecal fluid reveals factors related to long‐term sperm storage in ant queens

AbstractAnt queens can maintain a large number of sperm cells for over a decade after mating at the beginning of their adult lives until they die. This sperm storage ability is prominent; however, the cellular mechanisms involved remain unclear. Sperm cells are maintained in the female sperm storage organ—the spermatheca—which supplies a suitable environment for sperm cells. To reveal the molecular basis of the long‐term sperm storage mechanisms in ant queens, protein profiles enriched in the spermathecal fluid relative to the hemolymph were identified in Lasius japonicus using data‐independent acquisition‐based quantitative proteomics technology. Proteins related to the extracellular matrix, antioxidants, metabolic pathways, proteases, chaperones, and with uncharacterized functions were especially abundant with higher log ratio values in the spermathecal fluid relative to the hemolymph. These enriched proteins were shared with highly expressed genes previously detected by transcriptome analyses of the spermatheca in queens of Crematogaster osakensis that belong to a different subfamily than L. japonicus. It is likely that the ability for long‐term sperm storage evolved early in the ant lineage. Therefore, the common proteins identified in these two ant species are possibly crucial for this ability.

Efficacy of &lt;i&gt;Chatuprasrutik Basti&lt;/i&gt; in Management Of Oligospermia – A Pilot Study

Oligospermia is one of the most common reasons for infertility in day-to-day life. Infertility is a widespread issue that affects 8-12 % of couples globally on average and is getting worse day by day. It was observed that the pathology is found in approximately incidence of 60% males alone in infertile couples. In Ayurveda, Oligospermia can be correlated with Shukra-Alpta. Bastikarma is considered to be having particular action on Shukra Dhatu and Chatuprasrutik Basti is explained as Shukrakrut Basti in Charak Samhita, So in this study, Chatuprasrutik Basti was selected in the management of Oligospermia. Aim: This clinical investigation looked into how Chatuprasrutik Basti affected the number of sperm in patients with infertility. Study Design: This was interventional clinical research with one arm. Materials and Methods: Chatuprasrutik Basti was administered for two cycles of Basti of 6 days each with a month gap in Seven newly diagnosed cases of Oligospermia from the outpatient Department of Panchakarma at SST’s Ayurved Mahavidyalaya in, Sangamner, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India. Statistical Analysis: The “Student paired t-test” was used statistically to analyze the data. Results: At the conclusion of therapy, a significant (p&lt;0.05) result was found in the evaluation of an objective parameter, specifically sperm count, and a significant result was not found in the evaluation of the factor sperm motility as p&gt;0.05. Conclusion: Chatuprasrutik Basti is effective in the management of Oligospermia considering the factor of sperm count.

The association between ambient temperature and semen quality in a Northern Peninsular Province, China.

Extreme ambient temperature has been linked to decline in males' semen quality. Although the temperature-semen quality association has been examined in certain cities of South China, how the effect size of the extreme temperature may lag over critical windows in spermatogenesis and whether the strength of association may vary in North China have yet been adequately explored. To quantify the association between air temperature and semen quality, and identify critical exposure windows in a Northern Peninsular Province, China. Data on semen quality in 2014-2019 were collected from the Human Sperm Bank of Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, China. Daily meteorological data (0.01°×0.01°) were assigned to each subject's residential address. The linear mixed-effect model combined with the distributed lag nonlinear model was used to estimate the effect of ambient temperature over critical spermatogenesis windows. The temperature-semen quality association was inverted V-shaped, with the maximum lag being 0-45 days before ejaculation and the threshold being 9.2°C. Progressively and total motile sperm number, and total sperm number declined more substantially than other semen quality parameters. Semen quality was more sensitive to cold exposure during the epididymal storage period than the sperm motility development period. By contrast, semen quality was insensitive to heat exposure during both critical spermatogenesis windows. Impairment of certain semen quality parameters was more obvious for males with higher educational attainment and those aged over 35 years. Exposure to non-optimal temperature is associated with decreased semen quality in North China, with the epididymal storage and sperm motility development periods more sensitive to cold exposure than heat. Older males and those with higher educations may need particular awareness.

Nanosuspension of Purwoceng Extract (Pimpinella Pruatjan Molk) Using Alginate and Sodium Chloride

Pimpinella pruatjan Molk (Purwoceng) is known to increase the degree of spermatogenesis in the testes, the number and motility of spermatozoa. This study aimed to prepare purwoceng nanosuspension using ionic gelation method to increase the effectiveness of purwoceng roots extract. Pimpinella pruatjan Molk (Purwoceng) nanosuspension was made using sodium alginate and calcium chloride as a crosslinker. The optimum nanosuspension were chosen from the most stable formula which is contained 0.001% sodium alginate, 18 mM calcium chloride, and 0.666% purwoceng roots extract, or by comparing polymer and crosslinker of 1,6: 0,4 mL (formula F129). The organoleptic observation displayed that the nanosuspension is a clear yellow colloid, slightly viscous, and smell like purwoceng roots extract. Nanosuspension has pH 4, stable on the sedimentation stability test and showed no agglomeration. Nanosuspension’s drops of formula F129 were observed by PSA (particle size analyzer) result at average size 150,8 nm (SD=100,5). Nanosuspension morphology was spheres which the average size 150 nm until 630 nm and zeta potential value was -2.29 mV. Therefore, it can be concluded that formula F129 can form an optimum nanosuspension of purwoceng roots extract.

Does COVID-19 affect sperm quality in males? the answer may be yes, but only temporarily

BackgroundThe Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has raised concerns regarding its potential impact on male reproductive health. However, the impact of COVID-19 on sperm quality remains uncertain. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the short-term and relatively long-term effects of COVID-19 infection on sperm quality.MethodsA total of 85 males with fertility requirements, who underwent semen evaluation at Guilin People’s Hospital between June 2022 and July 2023, were included in the study. Changes in semen parameters were analyzed across three specific timeframes: within 6 months before COVID-19 infection, within 3 months after COVID-19 infection, and 3–6 months after COVID-19 recovery.ResultsThe results revealed that the sperm concentration and total sperm number were significantly lower after infection compared to before, while in the recovery period, the sperm concentration, total sperm count, progressive motility, and normal morphology significantly increased. Comparing the three periods, the most significant difference was observed in sperm concentration, which exhibited a significant decrease after infection but returned to normal levels after recovery from COVID-19.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that COVID-19 may exert some impact on sperm quality, particularly evidenced by decreased sperm concentration post-infection. Fortunately, these effects on semen parameters appear to be temporary, with gradual restoration of semen parameters within 3–6 months after recovery. However, further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and long-term implications of these observed changes in semen parameters.

Rreb1 is a key transcription factor in Sertoli cell maturation and function and spermatogenesis in mouse.

Spermatogenesis is a developmental process driven by interactions between germ cells and Sertoli cells. This process depends on appropriate gene expression, which might be regulated by transcription factors. This study focused on Rreb1, a zinc finger transcription factor, and explored its function and molecular mechanisms in spermatogenesis in a mouse model. Our results showed that RREB1 was predominantly expressed in the Sertoli cells of the testis. The decreased expression of RREB1 following injection of siRNA caused impaired Sertoli cell development, which was characterized using a defective blood-testis barrier structure and decreased expression of Sertoli cell functional maturity markers; its essential trigger might be SMAD3 destabilization. The decreased expression of RREB1 in mature Sertoli cells influenced the cell structure and function, which resulted in abnormal spermatogenesis, manifested as oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, and we believe RREB1 plays this role by regulating the transcription of Fshr and Wt1. RREB1 has been reported to activate Fshr transcription, and we demonstrated that the knockdown of Rreb1 caused a reduction in follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) in the testis, which could be the cause of the increased sperm malformation. Furthermore, we confirmed that RREB1 directly activates Wt1 promoter activity, and RREB1 downregulation induced the decreased expression of Wt1 and its downstream polarity-associated genes Par6b and E-cadherin, which caused increased germ-cell death and reduced sperm number and motility. In conclusion, RREB1 is a key transcription factor essential for Sertoli cell development and function and is required for normal spermatogenesis.

Digest: A sex chromosome driver without a sperm deficit.

Meiotic drivers that act during spermatogenesis derive a transmission advantage by disabling sperm that do not carry the driver, often leading to substantially reduced overall sperm number and function. A new study by Bates et al. shows no sperm deficit for a driver in a stalk-eyed fly, in contrast to a related species. This observed sperm compensation is possibly due to secondary testes-expanding mutations linked to the driving genomic locus.