Semen Sperm Research Articles

Major seminal plasma proteome of rabbits and associations with sperm quality

The present study was conducted to describe the major seminal plasma proteome of rabbits and potential associations between seminal proteins and semen criteria. Semen samples were collected from 18 New Zealand adult rabbits, and seminal plasma proteins were analyzed by 2-D SDS-PAGE and tandem mass spectrometry. Sperm motility, vigor, concentration, morphology and membrane sperm viability were evaluated. Rabbits ejaculated 364 ± 70 million sperm/ml, with 81 ± 6.1% motile cells, 3.8 ± 0.2 vigor and 66.7 ± 2.5% sperm with normal morphology. Based on the viability and acrosome integrity assay, there were 65.8 ± 2.5% live sperm with intact acrosome and most spermatozoa had both intact acrosome and functional membrane. On average, 2-D gels of rabbit seminal plasma had 232 ± 69.5 spots, as determined by PDQuest software (Bio Rad, USA). Mass spectrometry allowed the identification of 137 different proteins. The most abundant proteins in rabbit seminal plasma were hemoglobin subunit zeta-like, annexins, lipocalin, FAM115 protein and albumin. The intensity of the spots associated with these five proteins represented 71.5% of the intensity of all spots detected in the master gel. Multiple regression models were estimated using sperm traits as dependent variables and seminal plasma proteins as independent ones. Also, sperm motility had positive association with beta-nerve growth factor and cysteine-rich secretory protein 1-like and a negative one with galectin-1. The percentage of rabbit sperm with intact membrane was related to seminal plasma protein FAM115 complex and tropomyosin. Then, the population of morphologically normal sperm in rabbit semen was positively linked to carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 6-like and down regulated by seminal plasma isocitrate dehydrogenase. Based on another regression model, the variation in the percentage of live sperm with intact acrosome was partially explained by the amount of leukocyte elastase inhibitor and the peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase A in the rabbit seminal fluid. The current study reports the identification of 137 proteins of rabbit seminal plasma. Major proteins of seminal secretion relate primarily to prevention of damages caused by lipid peroxide radicals and oxidative stress, membrane functionality, transport of lipids to the sperm membrane and temperature regulation. Moreover, finding seminal plasma proteins as indicators of semen parameters will improve assisted reproductive technologies.

The effects of melatonin supplement on paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) sperm quality and ATP content in sperm during in vitro storage

Melatonin (MLT) is a well-known antioxidant and can improve sperm quality during storage in many species. In the present study, the effects of different concentration of MLT (0.1, 0.5, 1 and 5 μM) on paddlefish sperm quality and ATP content in sperm were evaluated during semen storage at 4 °C. Compared with other groups, 0.5 μM MLT supplement in semen could be more effective to improve the plasma membrane integrity, maintain the steady reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and inhibit decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential of the non-activated sperm during whole storage. To the activated sperm, the total motility, progressive motility, beat cross frequency of sperm in semen with 0.5 μM MLT was significant higher (p < .05) than other groups at 30 s after activation. And the motility duration of sperm was also prolonged in semen with 0.5 μM MLT after 24 h storage (p < .05). Furthermore, 0.5 μM MLT in semen could maintain a higher ATP content of sperm before and after sperm activation. Compared with the morphology of the non-activated sperm with 0.5 μM MLT, the head and midpiece of the activated sperm with 0.5 μM MLT displayed deformation in hypotonic condition at 24 h storage. The same morphology changes were also appeared in the non-activated and activated sperm at 0 h storage. In conclusion, 0.5 μM MLT in semen is an optimal concentration to maintain the normal physiological function of paddlefish sperm during storage at 4 °C.

Evaluation of gonadotropin-replacement therapy in male patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) is a rare disease in which medical treatment has a high success rate to achieve fertility. This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of hormone replacement therapy and determine predictive factors for successful spermatogenesis and spontaneous pregnancy in patients with idiopathic HH. A total of 112 patients with low testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and normal prolactin levels were diagnosed with HH and administered LH and FSH analogs as hormone replacement therapy. During treatment, 96 (85.7%) patients had sperm present in ejaculate samples. Among these patients, 72 were married and wanted a child. Of these 72 patients, 48 (66.7%) of couples had pregnancies from natural conception. After initiation of treatment, the mean time for the appearance of sperm in semen was 9.48 months. There were no significant differences between baseline FSH, T, and LH levels; however, older age, larger testicular size, and low rate of undescended testes were favorable factors for successful spermatogenesis. Larger testicular size and older age were also the main predictive factors for natural conception. We found that patients with undescended testes had a younger age, smaller testes, and lower T levels compared with patients exhibiting descended testes. The rate of sperm found in the ejaculate was not significantly decreased in patients with undescended compared with descended testis (73.7% vs 87.6%, P = 0.261). The medical approach for males with HH and azoospermia provides a successful treatment modality in regard to successful spermatogenesis and achievement of pregnancy.

EFFECTS OF PARSLEY SEEDS AT DIFFERENT LEVELS AS NATURAL ADDITIVES ON SEMEN QUALITY IN RABBIT MALES

This study is designed to evaluate the effect of using parsley seeds (PAS) at different levels as a natural on semen quality and reduce the effect of lipidperoxidation of bucks. Forty New Zealand rabbit bucks 8 month old were divided into four groups (each 10 rabbit bucks). The groups were divided as follows: Control diet (free from PAS), T1: Control diet + 5g/kg PAS, T2: Control diet + 10g/kg PAS; T3: Control diet + 15g/kg PAS. Semen sample were collected twice a week; from each rabbit buck by artificial vagina. The first semen collection was used to evaluate semen quality parameters. However, the second semen collection was used for analysis semen plasma. Results revealed that feeding diets containing different levels of PAS significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased semen volume, mass activity, individual motility, PSV, sperm concentration, total sperm and seminal plasma activity of ALP enzyme and significant (P&lt;0.05) decrease in dead sperm and seminal plasma concentrations of total lipids, triglycerides, cholesterol and MDA and seminal plasma activities of AST and ALT enzymes and TAC as compared with the control group. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with different levels of PAS, especially at the level of 15 g/kg (T3) resulted in significant improvement in semen quality, antioxidant status and reproductive traits of rabbit bucks.

157 Dietary L-arginine supplementation affects boar seminal plasma proteome

There are numerous benefit claims for the supplementation of l-arginine in animal production systems. Its positive effect on fertility has been widely characterised in females of various species; however, the effects on the male reproductive system remain debatable with still unfolding molecular mechanisms. Here we investigated the effects of a dietary l-arginine supplementation on boar semen production outcomes, sperm characteristics, and seminal plasma proteome. Nine mature (20 months of age) Nebraska Index Line boars were individually housed and randomly assigned to a soybean meal-based diet containing 0.77% standard l-arginine (control, n=4) or 1.77% high l-arginine (n=5). Boar semen was collected weekly during the 6-week dietary arginine trial. Semen production outcomes (volume and total spermatozoa) and sperm motion (total and progressive motility) and morphology characteristics were subsequently analysed using a computer-assisted sperm analyzer (CEROS II). On Week 6, the seminal plasma of each boar was obtained by centrifugation at 4°C for proteome analysis. The clarified seminal plasma was precipitated; the purified proteins were resuspended in an appropriate buffer and loaded (300μg) onto an immobilized pH gradient strip (isoelectric point 3-10) for the first-dimension electrophoresis. The second-dimension was subsequently performed (4-20% gradient gel), and all gels were stained with Coomassie R250 dye. The PDQuest software (Bio-Rad, Hercules, CA, USA) was used to detect all significantly differentially expressed protein spots (Student’s t-test with P&amp;lt;0.05). Two-way ANOVA repeated measurements (SPSS Statistics, Chicago, IL, USA) was used to analyse dependent (semen outputs and sperm characteristics) and independent (week) variables. A difference was significant at P&amp;lt;0.05. During the l-arginine-consumption trial, semen volumes and total spermatozoa were not significantly affected (P&amp;gt;0.05). Similarly, various sperm motility (total and progressive motility) and velocity characteristics were not affected (P&amp;gt;0.05). By the end of the feed trial, the average (mean±standard error of the mean) semen volume (389±40mL), the total spermatozoa per ejaculate (39±8×109), the total (82±2%) and progressive (62±3%) sperm motility, the sperm velocity (e.g. average path: 98±7μm s−1), and sperm morphology (e.g. distal droplet: 5±1%) parameters of the control group were not significantly different from the group supplemented with high l-arginine: 393±35mL, 47±4×109, 82±2%, 61±3%, 92±8μm s−1, and 5±0%, respectively (P&amp;gt;0.05). In contrast, the proteome profiles of seminal plasma harvested on the sixth week of diet revealed various changes, characterised by the significantly increased expression of 8 protein spots in seminal plasma samples derived from arginine-fed boars (P&amp;lt;0.05). These results indicate that dietary supplementation of l-arginine does not affect the semen outputs, neither the sperm motility characteristics nor their morphology. However, the proteome profile of the seminal plasma was changed by the presence of l-arginine. The findings may have significant implications for boar fertility, and the identification of these proteins is ongoing. This work was supported by USDA-Agricultural Research Service Biophotonics Initiative #58-6402-3-018.

Analysis of the success rate and complications of three different approaches for endoscopic access in seminal vesicle surgery

Objective To analyze the success rate and complications of three different approaches of endoscopic approach in seminal vesiculoscopy (SVS). Methods The clinical data of 120 patients underwent SVS in our hospital from October 2015 to October 2017 were retrospectively analyzed, including 24 cases of hemospermia, 74 cases of obstructive azoospermia (including 13 cases of prostate cyst) and 22 cases of regional spermatocystitis. The success rate and complications of different approaches were compared. Results The operation time of 120 patients in the whole group was 28-76 min, with an average of (41.84±6.58) min, and the total success rate was 96.67% (116/120). Of the 120 patients, 39 patients underwent direct ejaculation through the ejaculatory duct, 49 patients underwent direct prostatic utricle, and 28 patients underwent transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided prostatic utricle, and 4 patients failed. Among of the 24 cases of hemospermia, 22 cases (91.67%) after 7 days showed semen of dark red, after 30 days showed normal color of semen and after 3 months of follow-up, no recurrence was found in cases of obstructive azoospermia. Among of the 74 cases (including 13 cases of prostate cyst), 69 cases (93.24%) were found sperm lotion in the seminal vesicle, 55 (74.32%) cases showed normal semen sperm after operation of 7 days, 45 cases (60.81%) were found sperm at 6 months after operation. No recurrence was found in 22 cases of cystospermitis after 3 months of follow-up. The follow-up results after operation found that 4 cases of epididymitis, 9 cases of watery semen, without urinary incontinence, retrograde ejaculation and rectum, prostate injury and other complications. Conclusions Directly through the ejaculatory ducts and the prostate capsule are taken into the conventional way of SVS, guided by TRUS into the prostate capsule can effectively reduce the failure rate of surgery, prevent the complications of urinary incontinence, retrograde ejaculation and rectum, prostate injury prevention after operation, so it has certain safety. Key words: Genital Diseases, Male; Seminal Vesicles; Surgical Procedures, Minimally Invasive; Postoperative Complications

Patterns of expression of sperm and seminal plasma microRNAs in boar semen

Although sperm and seminal plasma differ in their origin, biophysical and biochemical properties of seminal plasma influence the sperm function. Seminal plasma is a fluid medium containing substances from testes, epididymides and accessory glands. Composition of seminal plasma varies among animal species and in boars, prostate and bulbourethral glands are major contributors to the volume and contents. While the origin of some components of seminal plasma are known, the source of recently discovered seminal plasma microRNAs remains unknown, in part due to the difficulty of recovering and characterizing RNA from porcine sperm and seminal plasma. To test the hypothesis that seminal plasma miRNAs interact with sperm, the first objective was to validate protocols for recovering RNAs from porcine seminal plasma and sperm, whereas the second objective was to characterize expression patterns of 84 prioritized microRNAs employing real time PCR methodology. The study identified a relationship between sperm and seminal plasma microRNAs, based on the normalized threshold cycle of amplifying cDNA in sperm and seminal plasma from the same semen of Landrace boars. Therefore, it was concluded that seminal plasma miRNAs may originate from sperm or these miRNAs may shuttle between sperm and seminal plasma in order to facilitate cell-to-cell communication.

Ibuprofen does not have an adverse impact on semen parameters

PurposeA recent study suggested that ibuprofen may alter testicular physiology in a state of compensated hypogonadism, but only evaluated spermatogenic cells in a laboratory ex-vivo model with no significant effect, and found no significant change in follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in men treated with ibuprofen. The study did not evaluate the impact of ibuprofen use on clinical semen parameters, which has not been assessed to date. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of ibuprofen on semen parameters.MethodsIn a retrospective chart review from October 2012 to February 2018, 64 men had semen analyses revealing leukocytospermia and were treated with a 3-week course of ibuprofen 600 mg every 8 hours (1800 mg per day) and had a repeat semen analyses 3 weeks later.ResultsOf the 64 men diagnosed with leukocytospermia, 51 returned for post-treatment semen analyses. Parameters included semen volume, sperm concentration, motility, TMC, and forward progression. Morphology was excluded as it could not be standardized between assessments with strict Kruger criteria versus WHO fourth edition criteria depending on the lab in which it was performed. The mean age of these men was 35 (SD 4.6). There was no difference in mean abstinence intervals prior to semen analyses for the pre-treatment and post-treatment data. There was no significant difference in pre-treatment and post-treatment semen volumes, sperm concentrations, motility, TMC, or forward progression.ConclusionsAmong men with leukocytospermia, the treatment with a 3-week course of ibuprofen at 1800 mg per day did not demonstrate a significant adverse impact on semen volume, sperm concentration, motility, TMC, or forward progressive motility when compared to pre-treatment semen analyses parameters.

A COMPARATIVE CLINICAL STUDY ON EFFICACY OF MASHAPARNI AND KAPIKACHU IN OLIGOSPERMIA

Introduction: Oligospermia is deficiency of sperm cells in semen. It is one of the main causes for male infertility. Prevalence of male infertility is around 7%. Recent studies showed that nearly 2-5% couple around world is suffering from the problems of inability to achieve conception. The normal process of spermatogenesis will be affected due to mechanical life, stress, strain and unhealthy food and various changes occur in the life style. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Mashaparni and Kapikachu in Oligospermia. Materials and Methods: Data was collected by randomized sampling through lottery method with a minimum of 30 subjects of Oligospermia with respect to age and sex, irrespective of caste, religion and socio economic status. These subjects were assigned into 2 groups A and B with 15 subjects in each group. Duration of the intervention was 3 months. Results: Results obtained were statistically insignificant between both the groups. Conclusion: On the basis of the result of this study it was concluded that, both prescribed drugs will increase sperm count significantly.

English

The study evaluated the relationships between sperm morphology and semen cation concentrations in Red Sokoto bucks. A total of 31 Red Sokoto bucks were used for the study. Semen samples were collected from each animal on weekly basis for 52 weeks using an electro-ejaculator. Sperm morphological traits: detached mid-piece and tail (DMT), detached head (DH), mid-piece droplet (MPD), coiled and bent tail (CBT), and acrosomal abnormality (ACR) as well as semen cation parameters: sodium ion (Na+), potassium ion (K+) and calcium ion (Ca2+) were respectively determined. Correlation analysis procedure (Pearson correlation) of SAS was used to assess the relationship between the measured characteristics. The results showed that correlations among the sperm morphological characteristics were generally low and not significant except the correlation between DH and DMT which was perfect (P < 0.01; r = 1.0). Semen cations correlated positively but non-significantly among themselves except the correlation between Na+ and K+ (P < 0.05; r = 0.3) which was significant. Relationship between semen cations and sperm morphological traits were generally negative and significant (P < 0.05; r = -0.28 to -0.40) except ACR which was positively and significantly correlated with Ca2+ (P < 0.01; r = 0.37). The study revealed that DH is highly associated with the DMT, while Na+ concentration was an indicator of K+ level in the semen, as positive and significant relationtions were observed between each pair. The negative and significant relationship between sperm morphological traits and semen cations, as observed in the present study suggest that the level of morphological defects of spermatozoa can be determined based on information on semen cations of the bucks. Key words: Red Sokoto goats, sperm morphology, semen cations.

535 A novel therapeutic method for azoospermia resulted from distal deferential obstruction

To evaluate the efficiency of the therapeutic method using seminal vesiculoscope with holmium laser to treat azoospermia resulted from distal deferential obstruction. We recruited 6 obstructive azoospermia (OA) patients from the Andrology Clinic. All cases were diagnosed as OA caused by distal deferential obstruction via 3 consecutive semen analyses, trans-rectal B-type ultrasound and pelvic MRI. Then we performed transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy for all patients, and treated the local lesions at the distal part of deferential duct using holmium laser. Cysts with calcification at the ejaculatory ducts were found in ultrasound images in 4 of 6 patients, and the other 2 cases suffered from the unexplained stenosis of vas deferens ampulla, which resulted in the obvious dilation of proximal part. During the operation, we firstly inserted the seminal vesiculoscope into the prostatic utricle, and then decorticated the cysts located at the ejaculatory duct or resected the scars at the ampulla of deferens duct using holmium laser. Motile sperms were found in 5 of 6 patients’ semens three months after the operations. Negative sperm in semen happened in only one patient with severe long stenosis of the vas deferens ampulla.

Sperm DNA Links from Sperm to Ovum to Implant Genetic Changeability: an Overview

Sperm DNA disintegration is known to cooperate male fertility. The data bring about that sperm DNA cleavage can be competently treated with orally administered antioxidant during a relatively short moment period. It is an accepting thought that the two types of DNA become visible to be distinctive and autonomously packaged molecules; though, investigation has established the symbiotic nature of these structures in contributing to male infertility. Data should continue to be gathered to ascertain strong correlation between conventional semen examination parameters and sperm DNA integrity; this information remains contentious and inadequate in clinical practice until certain novel techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of sperm DNA can be established. Rather more modern technology should be employed to associate such information into practical clinical awareness. This overview compiles certain specific reports pertaining to studies on sperm DNA physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology to provide further new insights into establishing hypothesis that sperm DNA integrity is both enormously fragile and remarkably significant for male fertility. Keywords: Apoptosis; Male infertility; Sperm DNA

MP15-02 SEMEN REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC PROSTATITIS/CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN SYNDROME CATEGORY IIIA: RELATIONSHIP WITH THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH-CHRONIC PROSTATITIS SYMPTOM INDEX

You have accessJournal of UrologyInfections/Inflammation/Cystic Disease of the Genitourinary Tract: Prostate & Genitalia I1 Apr 2018MP15-02 SEMEN REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC PROSTATITIS/CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN SYNDROME CATEGORY IIIA: RELATIONSHIP WITH THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH-CHRONIC PROSTATITIS SYMPTOM INDEX Ilter Alkan, Meral Yüksel, Anil Atalay, Lütfi Canat, çigdem Arabaci, Muammer Bozkurt, and Murad Basar Ilter AlkanIlter Alkan More articles by this author , Meral YükselMeral Yüksel More articles by this author , Anil AtalayAnil Atalay More articles by this author , Lütfi CanatLütfi Canat More articles by this author , çigdem Arabaciçigdem Arabaci More articles by this author , Muammer BozkurtMuammer Bozkurt More articles by this author , and Murad BasarMurad Basar More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2018.02.515AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES The etiology of CP/CPPS is still unclear despite many studies suggests the possible role of infectious, inflammatory, immunologic and neuronal causes. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced oxidative stress (OS) could be an etiologic factor in CP/CPPS. We would like to determine if there is any difference between seminal ROS levels in patients with CP/CPPS National Institutes of Health (NIH) category IIIA and age-matched healthy men and also determine any positive relationship between seminal ROS levels and disease symptom severity scored by The Turkish version of NIH-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI). METHODS We prospectively evaluated 63 patients for prostatitis-like symptoms. Thirty-three patients (age, mean ± SD; 41.1 ± 9.75) provided study inclusion criteria for CP/CPPS category IIIA and enrolled into the study. Eight age-matched (age: 40.7 ± 1.98) healthy men consist control group. The Turkish version of NIH-CPSI form was completed by the study participants. Semen characteristics were examined according to the WHO 2010 criteria. No patients had leukocytospermia (≥ 1.0 x106 white blood cells/mL). Swim-up method was used for the sperm preparation. ROS levels were measured by chemiluminescence method via luminol enhancer. Results are given as relative light unit (rlu) /106 spermatozoa /mL. The log of (ROS+1) was used in calculations. RESULTS The mean sperm concentrations (106/mL) and motilities (%) of patient group and control subjects were 121 ± 116 x 106/mL, 35.9 ± 9.94 % vs. 110.8 ± 77.37 x 106/mL, 39.6 ± 7.19 %, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found in age, semen sperm concentrations and motility in between CP/CPPS patients and the control subjects. (p = 0.903, 0.755 and 0.2001, respectively) CP/CPPS patients had higher luminol enhanced ROS levels 2.9 ± 0.45 than healthy control subjects 2.5 ± 0.20 (Mann-Whitney test, p = 0.002). We found that there was a moderately positive correlation between ROS levels and NIH-CPSI scores.(Spearman Correlation Test, r = 0.291, p=0.048) CONCLUSIONS Semen ROS levels in CP/CPPS category IIIA patients were significantly higher than healthy control subjects. Overproduction of ROS or OS could be an etiologic factor in this group of patients. Semen ROS levels were positively correlated with NIH-CPSI scores, it could be another tool for assessing disease severity in CP/CPPS category IIIA patients. © 2018FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 199Issue 4SApril 2018Page: e189 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2018MetricsAuthor Information Ilter Alkan More articles by this author Meral Yüksel More articles by this author Anil Atalay More articles by this author Lütfi Canat More articles by this author çigdem Arabaci More articles by this author Muammer Bozkurt More articles by this author Murad Basar More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Effects of varicocele on the expression of IL-6, INH-B and TGF-β1 in seminal plasma and semen quality

Objective To investigate the effects of saphenous vein on expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), serum inhibin-B (INH-B), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and semen quality in seminal plasma. Methods From February 2013 to February 2015, 68 cases of varicocele patients were selected as the observation group, and 30 healthy subjects were selected as the control group. Routine semen parameters and sperm morphology, the levels of IL-6, INH-B and TGF-β1 in seminal plasma of two groups were compared and analyzed. Results The sperm density and sperm motility of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P 0.05). The rate of spermatozoa in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The sperm rate was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). The expression of IL-6 and TGF-β1 in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). While the expression level of INH-B was significantly lower than that of the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions Varicocele can significantly reduce the patient's sperm density and sperm motility, increase the rate of abnormal sperm in patients, resulting in IL-6, and TGF-β1 expression rise and INH-B levels decline in patient’s seminal plasma. Key words: Varicocele; Interleukin-6; Inhibins; Transforming Growth Factor beta1; Semen

The effects of type I collagenase on the degelification of chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) semen plug and sperm quality

BackgroundSemen from the chimpanzee species becomes a colloidal solid after ejaculation. The formation of this copulatory plug is believed to prevent additional spermatozoa of subsequent mating events from accessing the ova. However, this naturally preserved strategy hampers the processes for sperm preparation. In this study, we investigated whether collagenase can be used to degelify the semen plug and accelerate the semen liquefaction process in zoo captive chimpanzee species (Pan troglodytes).ResultsWe showed that incubation of chimpanzee ejaculates with 0.1% type I collagenase efficiently and significantly (p < 0.05) releases 2.7-fold more spermatozoa from the coagulated ejaculates, and this degelification process did not alter sperm morphology or viability; nor did it stimulate spontaneous capacitation or an acrosome reaction as assessed by tyrosine phosphorylation and peanut agglutinin stains; moreover, based on computer assisted sperm analysis assay, motility-related parameters remained similar to those of untreated spermatozoa. When collagenase effects were evaluated on cryopreserved sperm samples, we observed post collagenase treatment in which 2.5% glycerol, as a cryoprotectant, preserved sperm acrosome integrity better than 7.8%; however, 7.8% glycerol, as a cryoprotectant, maintained sperm motility better than that of 2.5% glycerol.ConclusionsOur results demonstrated for the first time that type I collagenase can be used to obtain a significantly higher number of spermatozoa from colloid chimpanzee semen ejaculate without affecting the physiological properties of spermatozoa, and these results are critical for the subsequent gamete development. Our results would benefit sperm preparation processes and cryopreservation efficiency per ejaculate, as more unaffected spermatozoa can be released from the semen plug within a shorter period of time. These results would also benefit the genetic diversity of the chimpanzee species, using sperm cells from less dominant individuals, and for achieving better pregnancy success in primates with significantly higher amounts of sperm for artificial insemination.

Influence of breed type and age on spermatological traits of Nigerian local chickens

This study evaluated semen quality traits of 36 roosters, comprising 18 roosters each of normal feather and naked neck Nigerian local chicken (NLC) breeds at different ages. The abdominal massage technique was used to collect semen samples from individual roosters at 28, 32, 36 and 40 weeks of age. Individual ejaculates were assessed for semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count/ejaculate, motility, morphology and viability. Results of the semen evaluation indicated that except for semen volume, breed of rooster did not statistically influence other spermatological traits studied. The normal feather had higher semen volume (0.13 mL) than the naked neck roosters. Semen volume, sperm concentration and total sperm count/ejaculate were influenced by age (p < 0.05). There was a 44.16% increase (p < 0.05) in semen volume between 28 and 36 weeks of age and 24.67% decrease by 40 weeks. Sperm concentration was highest at 28 weeks with a decrease of up to 1.32 × 109mL -1 at 40 weeks whereas total sperm count/ejaculate was highest at36 weeks of age. Sperm viability ranged from 70.60-80.00% and did not vary between the two breeds at different ages. It can be concluded that though there exist marginal variations in spermatological traits of the normal feather and naked neck roosters due to their genetic constitution and age, both breeds could still be used efficiently in planning artificial insemination/breeding programmes for genetic improvement of the Nigerian local chicken since the results obtained were within the accepted reference range for chickens. Key words : artificial insemination, naked neck, Nigerian local chicken, normal feather, semen quality

Efeito de aplicação do hormônio hcg em machos de diferentes variedades de tilápia do Nilo Oreochromis Niloticus

Este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar o efeito do horário de aplicação da gonadotrofina coriônica humana (hCG), sobre os parâmetros reprodutivos de 40 machos das variedades de tilápias do Nilo GIFT e UFLA. O experimento foi conduzido no Laboratório de Recirculação de Água da Estação de Piscicultura, do Departamento de Zootecnia da Universidade Federal de Lavras - MG. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 2 x 4 (duas variedades e quatro horários de aplicação do hCG) com cinco repetições. Foram utilizados 20 machos da variedade GIFT e 20 machos da variedade UFLA, microchipados e alojados em um sistema de recirculação de água. Os horários foram 6, 12, 18 e 24 horas. A dosagem de hCG foi realizada em dose única. Foram analisadas as variáveis: taxa e duração da motilidade espermática, morfologia espermática, volume de sêmen e a concentração de espermatozoides do sêmen. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise da variância e as médias foram comparadas pelo teste SNK a 5% de significância. O horário de aplicação e a variedade utilizada nao influenciaram as variáveis analisadas, porém a variedade UFLA apresentou um maior número de animais que espermiaram. A concentração apresentou uma media de 5,73 x 105 espermatozoide/mL para a variedade UFLA e 4,71 x 105 espermatozoide/mL para a variedade GIFT. O volume de sêmen encontrado para a GIFT foi de 0,9 mL enquanto para a UFLA foi de 0,6 mL. A motilidade espermática encontrada foi de 96,5% com duração de 4,33 minutos para a variedade UFLA e 88,4% com duração de 4,8 minutos para variedade GIFT. A quantidade de células espermáticas normais apresentou uma média de 86,35% para a variedade UFLA e 86,46% para a variedade GIFT. A indução com hCG em diferentes horários de aplicação não apresentou diferença significativa sobre os parâmetros de qualidade espermática dos machos de tilápia.

Effect of Oral Administration of Selenium and Vitamin E on the Quality of Fresh, Refrigerated and Frozen Semen in French Bulldog Breed Dogs

Background: New methodologies have been developed seeking to maximize pregnancy rate in female dogs created in commercial kennels, and also in order to maintain the quality of canine semen after dilution, refrigeration or freezing. One of the main factors that generate damage to sperm is oxidative stress, to minimize sperm damage, selenium and antioxidants like vitamin E are administered, by oral administration, seeking to improve the quality of semen. The objective was to study the effect of vitamin E and selenium, by oral administration, in the quality of fresh, refrigerated and frozen semen in adult dogs French Bulldog breed.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: Semen samples were collected from 5 adult dogs, French Bulldog breed, being 2 semen drawing before the daily oral supplementation with vitamin E and selenium (ESE®) and semen drawing at 20, 40 and 60 days after the beginning of oral supplement. The ejaculated samples were diluted in TRIS - fructose citric acid (3.28 g TRIS-hydroxy-methyl-amino-methane, 1.78 g of citric acid monohydrate and 1.25 g of D - fructose, dissolved in 100 mL of distilled water and added of 20% egg yolk and 6% of glycerol. The characteristics evaluated in fresh semen were: volume (mL), color, appearance, concentration (x106 / mL), sperm motility (%), sperm strength (1 to 5) and morphology (%). For refrigerated and frozen semen were analyzed: sperm motility (%), sperm strength (1-5) and morphology (%). Diluted semen samples were centrifuged at: 1500 g/10 min and “pellets” formed by sperm of each ejaculated, detached from the tube wall were diluted homogeneously in the diluent TRIS type up to the final volume of 1.5 mL. After that, packaged in 0.5 mL French straws, kept under refrigeration at 5ºC/4 h, placed in nitrogen vapor at -120ºC/15 min, and dipped in liquid nitrogen at -196ºC and then stored on identified rachis and stored in liquid nitrogen container until the time of thawing in water bath at 37°C/30 s for semen microscopic analysis. Data from fresh, refrigerated and frozen semen were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance and the average compared by 5% of Tukey test. Fresh semen sperm concentration differed (P &lt; 0.05) between the samples, rising after 40 days after the beginning of oral supplementation with selenium and vitamin E. For the spermatic strength, better score (P &lt; 0.05) was observed at collection 4, in 40 days after the beginning of oral supplementation to dogs. For fresh and refrigerated semen, the total defects, defects of head, acrosome and tail did not differ (P &gt; 0.05) between the samples. Total sperm defects and minor head and tail defects did not differ (P &gt; 0.05) between the samples in post-thawing. Regarding the acrosome defects after thawing, there was a significant reduction (P &lt; 0.05) in samples performed 40 and 60 days after the beginning of oral supplementation with selenium and vitamin E.Discussion: Attention should be paid for what purpose the extenders within the refrigeration or freezing biotech will be used. The managed supplement, by oral administration, containing selenium and vitamin E, influenced beneficially raising the sperm concentration in fresh semen and decreasing the acrosome defects in frozen semen. Oral administration of supplementation with selenium and vitamin E is recommended for improving the quality of fresh and frozen semen in dogs.

Effect of Propolis as an Extender Supplementation on Ram Semen Quality and Sperm Penetration Ability

Effect of Propolis as an Extender Supplementation on Ram Semen Quality and Sperm Penetration Ability

The Effect of Male Age on the Quality of Bali Cattle Fresh Semen

This research was conducted by conducting experiments in UPTD laboratory of Livestock and Livestock Feeding Agricultural Service of Sulawesi Barat Province. The purpose of this research is to compare the age of males during March to April 2013. The results of this research are expected to be used as a guideline for the use of Bali Cattle research as a semen producer based on the age of livestock that can be used as one of the criteria in the selection of prospective semen producing males. The research material is fresh semen of Bali Cattle with requirement of 70% individual motility. The research method used is observation method by observing the fresh semen quality of Bali Cattle research which has been classified into 3 groups based on age 3, 5, and 6 years. The data analysis used is the analysis of the variety and the design is Completely Randomized Design. The results showed that the quality of fresh semen in the three age groups (3, 5, and 6 years) where volume: 5.2 ± 1.2; 6.4 ± 1.1; And 6.4 ± 0.8 ml, color: milk, white, pH: 6,4 ± 0,1; 6.4 ± 0.1; And 6.3 ± 0.1, consistency: concentrated; Medium; Concentrated and concentrated, concentrations: 1909.6 ± 418.8; 1223.3 ± 220.8; And 1790.8 ± 240.5 million / ml, and 92.5 ± 2.9%, abnormality: 4.4 ± 1.2; 4.3 ± 1.2; And 3.3 ± 1.0%. The conclusions of this research indicate that the age of males gives a significant effect on the fresh semen volume, fresh semen concentration, gives a very significant effect on fresh semen concentration and does not have a significant effect on fresh semen sperm abnormalities. And a male of Bali Cattle age 3-6 years old in UPTD Livestock Feeding and Animal Feed Agricultural Service of Sulawesi Province has good semen quality for Artificial Insemination.