Sperm Mobility Research Articles

Двойное слепое рандомизированное плацебо-контролируемое исследование эффективности и безопасности комплекса ацетил-L-карнитина, L-карнитина фумарата и альфа-липоевой кислоты (СпермАктин® Форте) в лечении мужского бесплодия

Oxidative stress of sperm is a common pathologic condition, which can be detected in 30-80% infertile men. It is established that dietary consumption of antioxidants and microelements contributes to an increase of conception probability in subfertile couples, and also reduces the risk of reproductive losses. Drug complexes influencing various factors of spermatogenesis disturbance (oligo-, astheno-, teratozoospermia), oxidative stress and the level of sperm DNA fragmentation are of greatest and reasonable interest.To study the effects of complex acetyl-l-carnitine, l-carnitine fumarate and alpha-lipoic acid (SpermActin Forte) on oxidative stress, ejaculate quality and sperm DNA fragmentation in men with infertility.A total of 80 infertile men aged 25-40 years with increased level of sperm DNA fragmentation and oxidative stress were included in open-label, prospective, randomized study. In Group A (n=20) patients received a placebo for 180 days, and in Group B patients were prescribed to SpermActin Forte, 1 sachet of 10 g once a day. The criteria for the efficiency of therapy included sperm analysis, the level of sperm DNA fragmentation, the level of sperm oxidative stress, as well as information about achievement of pregnancy, obtained by interviewing all participants.In patients taking antioxidant complex SpermActin Forte there were significant positive changes in the main parameters of sperm analysis, including sperm mobility and morphology starting from the third month of therapy. The level of free oxygen radicals (as indicator of oxidative stress) in Group B also significantly decreased (by 86%). A more profound decrease in DNA fragmentation was seen in Group B compared to Group A (21.5% vs. 3.6%). Pregnancy was achieved in 1 and 13 cases in Group A and B, respectively.The use of the SpermActin Forte antioxidant complex allowed to improve sperm analysis in most patients, and these changes were significant starting from the third month of therapy. Stimulation of spermatogenesis using the antioxidant complex SpermActin Forte is an effective and safe method of treating male infertility.

Двойное слепое рандомизированное плацебо-контролируемое исследование эффективности и безопасности комплекса ацетил-L-карнитина, L-карнитина фумарата и альфа-липоевой кислоты (СпермАктин® Форте) в лечении мужского бесплодия

Oxidative stress of sperm is a common pathologic condition, which can be detected in 30-80% infertile men. It is established that dietary consumption of antioxidants and microelements contributes to an increase of conception probability in subfertile couples, and also reduces the risk of reproductive losses. Drug complexes influencing various factors of spermatogenesis disturbance (oligo-, astheno-, teratozoospermia), oxidative stress and the level of sperm DNA fragmentation are of greatest and reasonable interest. To study the effects of complex acetyl-l-carnitine, l-carnitine fumarate and alpha-lipoic acid (SpermActin Forte) on oxidative stress, ejaculate quality and sperm DNA fragmentation in men with infertility. A total of 80 infertile men aged 25-40 years with increased level of sperm DNA fragmentation and oxidative stress were included in open-label, prospective, randomized study. In Group A (n=20) patients received a placebo for 180 days, and in Group B patients were prescribed to SpermActin Forte, 1 sachet of 10 g once a day. The criteria for the efficiency of therapy included sperm analysis, the level of sperm DNA fragmentation, the level of sperm oxidative stress, as well as information about achievement of pregnancy, obtained by interviewing all participants. In patients taking antioxidant complex SpermActin Forte there were significant positive changes in the main parameters of sperm analysis, including sperm mobility and morphology starting from the third month of therapy. The level of free oxygen radicals (as indicator of oxidative stress) in Group B also significantly decreased (by 86%). A more profound decrease in DNA fragmentation was seen in Group B compared to Group A (21.5% vs. 3.6%). Pregnancy was achieved in 1 and 13 cases in Group A and B, respectively. The use of the SpermActin Forte antioxidant complex allowed to improve sperm analysis in most patients, and these changes were significant starting from the third month of therapy. Stimulation of spermatogenesis using the antioxidant complex SpermActin Forte is an effective and safe method of treating male infertility.

Activation of Toll-like receptor 7/8 encoded by the X chromosome alters sperm motility and provides a novel simple technology for sexing sperm.

In most mammals, the male to female sex ratio of offspring is about 50% because half of the sperm contain either the Y chromosome or X chromosome. In mice, the Y chromosome encodes fewer than 700 genes, whereas the X chromosome encodes over 3,000 genes. Although overall gene expression is lower in sperm than in somatic cells, transcription is activated selectively in round spermatids. By regulating the expression of specific genes, we hypothesized that the X chromosome might exert functional differences in sperm that are usually masked during fertilization. In this study, we found that Toll-like receptors 7/8 (TLR7/8) coding the X chromosome were expressed by approximately 50% of the round spermatids in testis and in approximately 50% of the epididymal sperm. Especially, TLR7 was localized to the tail, and TLR8 was localized to the midpiece. Ligand activation of TLR7/8 selectively suppressed the mobility of the X chromosome–bearing sperm (X-sperm) but not the Y-sperm without altering sperm viability or acrosome formation. The difference in sperm motility allowed for the separation of Y-sperm from X-sperm. Following in vitro fertilization using the ligand-selected high-mobility sperm, 90% of the embryos were XY male. Likewise, 83% of the pups obtained following embryo transfer were XY males. Conversely, the TLR7/8-activated, slow mobility sperm produced embryos and pups that were 81% XX females. Therefore, the functional differences between Y-sperm and X-sperm motility were revealed and related to different gene expression patterns, specifically TLR7/8 on X-sperm.

A sublethal dose of the neonicotinoid insecticide acetamiprid reduces sperm density in a songbird.

Farmland bird species are particularly exposed to pesticides through various pathways. Among pesticides, neonicotinoids insecticides are commonly used in agriculture, but their influence on bird reproductive capacities is poorly understood. In this study, we experimentally tested the effects of the neonicotinoid acetamiprid on House sparrows' sperm quality and oxidative status following ingestion of a low and field-realistic dose of the compound. To do so, 56 males were captured, held and orally dosed seven times over 19 days of experiment with either a saline solution (control) or an acetamiprid-saline solution, and sperm samples were retrieved before and after the experiment. The overall dose given to the birds corresponded to 0.5% of the LD50 for the Zebra finch (5.7 mg/kg BW) spread into 7 separate doses and administered every three days over the entire duration of the study (ca. 0.07% LD50 per oral dose). Sperm mobility and sperm oxidative status were unaffected by the treatment, but sperm density was. Birds that received oral doses of acetamiprid suffered a significant decline in their sperm density compared to control birds. This result was confirmed by a significant decrease in the activity of the antioxidant enzyme SOD in the sperm of acetamiprid-dosed birds. These results provide the first evidence of sublethal toxicity of acetamiprid in a songbird and suggest that passerine birds’ fertility may be negatively affected by very small doses of neonicotinoids in the wild.

Evaluation of sperm mobility activation media for egg Fertiliztion in locally bred American channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

Fish sperm motility is now thought to be the prime indicator for the peculiarity of fish spermatozoa. Sperm motion characteristics from over 305 different fish species have been published in over 1450 scholarly articles spanning a wide variety of issues, from molecular biology to ecology. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the impact of two activation media (A, B) created in the lab and distilled water as a control on male American channel catfish milt quality and fertilization rate (Ictalurus punctatus). Brooders were developed from locally bred catfish seed and selected on the basis of maturity at Aquaculture and Fisheries Program, National Agriculture Research Center (NARC), Islamabad Pakistan. The experiment used a complete randomized design (CRD) with three replicates for each of the three treatments: media A, B, and Control (distilled water). As considerable number of sperms are present in every microliter of sperm, hence several forms of activation or dilution media were utilized to utilize sperm or milt more effectively. Following milt collection, it was diluted in a ratio of 1:29 with the aforementioned matching activation media before being subjected to in vitro testing for a number of parameters, including sperm mobility, sperm mobility duration, and sperm viability. The same diluted milt aliquots were used to check fertilization rates, and the findings showed that the components were substantially different in the specified conducts (p

ABORDAGEM BIOPSICOSSOCIAL DE UM CASO DE DISFUNÇÃO SEXUAL MASCULINA

Diagnósticos biopsicossociais, incluindo mecanismos de medicações, são importantes para o tratamento das disfunções sexuais. Um homem de 23 anos referia ser muito tímido e exigente consigo mesmo. Às masturbações fazia estimulação anal e apresentava ejaculação precoce (EP). Só tentou ter a sua primeira relação sexual há nove meses, quando teve disfunção erétil (DE). Desde então teve poucas tentativas, sempre com DE e EP. Estava com varicocele e espermograma alterado. Tem pai idoso e com dificuldades para deambular. Os diagnósticos foram DE, EP, fobia social, fortes traços obsessivos de personalidade, reação depressiva e excitação por estimulação anal pela qual tinha sentimento de culpa. O tratamento incluiu psicoterapia, Sertralina 25 mg, Diazepam e Sildenafila se necessário, além de exercícios sexuais e avaliação urológica. Foi sugerida cirurgia para a varicocele, mas esta não justificava as disfunções sexuais. Relutou em iniciar o tratamento e manteve a DE e a EP. Quando usou Sildenafila, não teve DE mas apresentou EP. Quando iniciou a Sertralina conseguiu o retardo ejaculatório. A Sertralina trata a fobia social e retarda a ejaculação pelo efeito da serotonina, melhorando a EP. Foi usada em dose bem baixa, mesmo porque inibe a libido. O Diazepam também causa disfunções sexuais, por isso foi evitado. Assim, com essas medicações associadas à psicoterapia passou a ter relações normalmente. Pouco tempo depois, suspendeu as drogas sem prejuízo da função sexual. Continuou a psicoterapia na qual foram trabalhados os seguintes aspectos: o sentimento de culpa em relação às fantasias de estimulação anal; a baixa autoestima; o medo de ser criticado; as fantasias em relação à varicocele e à perda de mobilidade dos espermatozoides; a auto cobrança excessiva e o fraco pai interno. Com a melhora da autoestima e da autoconfiança, passou a ter uma vida sexual saudável.

Measuring Sperm Guidance and Motility within the Caenorhabditis elegans Hermaphrodite Reproductive Tract.

Successful fertilization is fundamental to sexual reproduction, yet little is known about the mechanisms that guide sperm to oocytes within the female reproductive tract. While in vitro studies suggest that sperm of internally fertilizing animals can respond to various cues from their surroundings, the inability to visualize their behavior inside the female reproductive tract creates a challenge for understanding sperm migration and mobility in its native environment. Here, we describe a method using C. elegans that overcomes this limitation and takes advantage of their transparent epidermis. C. elegans males stained with a mitochondrial dye are mated with adult hermaphrodites, which act as modified females, and deposit fluorescently labeled sperm into the hermaphrodite uterus. The migration and motility of the labeled sperm can then be directly tracked using an epi-fluorescence microscope in a live hermaphrodite. In wild-type animals, approximately 90% of the labeled sperm crawl through the uterus and reach the fertilization site, or spermatheca. Images of the uterus can be taken 1 h after mating to assess the distribution of the sperm within the uterus and the percentage of sperm that have reached the spermatheca. Alternatively, time-lapse images can be taken immediately after mating to assess sperm speed, directional velocity and reversal frequency. This method can be combined with other genetic and molecular tools available for the C.elegans to identify novel genetic and molecular mechanisms that are important in regulating sperm guidance and motility within the female reproductive tract.

Baillonella toxisperma improves sexual performance and protects against stress-induced reproductive dysfunction in male Wistar rats

Baillonella toxisperma Pierre (Sapotaceae) is a medicinal plant widely used in Central Africa against several diseases including erectile dysfunction and male infertility. However, no study dealing with these male reproductive dysfunctions has been published until now. Accordingly, the present study was undertaken. It evaluated the capacity of an aqueous extract of stem bark of B. toxisperma (BT) at 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg/d to induce aphrodisiac effects and prevent the stress-induced reproductive dysfunction in males using normal non-experienced (an 8-day oral treatment) and stressed (a 6-h/day immobilization stress for 35 consecutive days)male Wistar rats. Both in normal and stressed animals, BT at the doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg decreased (p < 0.05) the mount and intromission latencies, and increased (p < 0.05) the number of total penile licking, mount and intromission as well as ejaculation frequencies. In stressed animals, a significant (p < 0.05) increase in sperm levels, sperm mobility as well as in the relative weight of androgen-dependent organs (testis, epididymis and seminal vesicles) was observed at the same doses compared with the stressed control. These results suggest that this aqueous extract of B. toxisperma might endow with aphrodisiac and androgenic properties in normal and stressed male Wistar rats.

Examination of the Accuracy of the Quantitative In-House Kit for Determining Zinc Concentration in Seminal Fluid

Zinc in seminal fluid originates primarily from the prostate gland. It is pivotal for male sexual function because it affects the quantity, quality and mobility of sperm. Materials and methods: The semen samples were obtained from 300 male partners of infertile couples who attended the Department of Biomedicine and Genetics at the Hanoi Medical University between the ages of 18 and 50 years; they were then analysed for routine seminal parameters. They were collected and analysed according to WHO 2010 guidelines. Seminal fluid was centrifuged at 1500 rpm for 10 minutes, and floating fluid collected for zinc quantification using spectroscopy with 5-Br-PAPS was used as a color indicator. In a pH 8.6-buffer solution, in a buffered media, zinc reacts with specific complexing 5-Br-PAPS form a stable color compound. The optical density is directly proportional to the concentration of zinc in the semen. The results yielded a linear regression model of y=0.0666x+1.2026 with a correlation coefficient of r=0.9956. The calibration function was y=0.9977x with R2=0.9995. The repeatability was SD=0.004, and the coefficient of variation was CV%=0.27% <5%. In terms of intermediate precision, the standard deviation was (SD)=0.01, and the coefficient of variation was CV%=0.64% <5%. Trueness was tex=2.076 <tt =2.262. Specificity and sensitively were 100% at 64x dilution. Specificity and sensitivity were 100% and 99.05% respectively. A significant correlation was discovered between the two methods, with r=0.975 and p<0.001; the average difference between the two methods was 0.0002. Conclusion: Successfully completed the kit for determining zinc concentration in semen by the colorimetric method.

The Effect of Supplementation with Some Essential Oils on the Mobility and the Vitality of Human Sperm.

The objective of this work is to study the improvement effect of some essential oils of sage (Salvia officinalis), oregano (Origanum vulgare), and eucalyptus (eucalyptus globulus) on the physiological parameters characterizing the quality of human sperm (mobility and vitality). We find natural biomolecules to improve sperm quality to increase the chances of success of very low in vitro fertilization (IVF) that stagnate around 20%. Sperm samples were mixed with different concentrations of essential oils. The effect of these essential oils on the motility and vitality of spermatozoa has been analyzed. The mobility was determined using a Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA). In the other side, the evaluation of sperm vitality was performed by staining eosin 2% and the microscopic examination is carried out via optical microscope. A drop of sperm will be mixed with a drop of eosin solution 2%, spread between the slip and coverslip, then allowed to air dry, and examined under a microscope. A significant improvement in the mobility and vitality of human spermatozoa has been noted with oregano. Eucalyptus after 10 min of exposure also significantly improves the mobility and vitality of the spermatozoa. Sage does not improve mobility for these incubation times but significantly improves vitality.

Stress and reproductive disorders: modern views on the problem and own research experience

Modern therapy of infertility in men is mainly associated with the use of hormonal and anti-hormonal drugs, but hormonal therapy often leads to a number of negative complications. The list of non-hormonal nature is extremely limited, which is why the study of effective and safe non-hormonal drugs for the treatment of pathospermia and infertility remains an urgent task. The purpose of our work was to evaluate the effectiveness of the new biologically active compound Katiazin — a non-hormonal medicine — for the treatment of pathospermia. The work was performed on sexually mature 6-month rats’ males of the Vistar population. To simulate the pathology of spermatogenesis, animals were stressed for seven days by daily one-hour immobilization on the back with fixation of both pairs of paws. The appointment of Katiazin was carried out from the first day of male exertion in a dose of 0.6 mg/kg body weight daily for 21 days intragastrically. Generative function of males was estimated by the indicators of spermogram and morphometric analysis of the histological structure of the testicles. It was founf that stressing of rats affects all the indicators of spermatogenesis, namely, the amount and mobility of spermatozoa decreases and, conversely, the percentage of pathological cells increases. In animals who taking the Katiazin, all the parameters of spermogram of rats were improved. The analysis of morphometric data suggests that the formation of germ cells at the stage of maturation of sperm from the spermatoid and the stage of spermatogenesis is activated under the influence of Katiazin. The results allow us to recommend Katiazin for the development of a new drug for the treatment of male infertility.

Disruptions of spermatogenic function after testicle torsion in childhood and adolescence

Aim of research. To assess the state of spermatogenesis in men after an experience of testicle torsion in childhood and adolescence. 
 Materials and methods. A semen analysis was performed involving 76 men, ages 18 to 29 years, who had testicle torsion in childhood and adolescence. Inclusion criteria in this study were an age of 18 years and an active sexual life. Analysis of the ejaculate was performed in accordance with the World Health Organization Guidelines for the study of human ejaculate. Macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of ejaculate, as well as assessment of motility, viability, number, and morphology of sperm was performed. The control group included 49 men who lacked potential risk factors for male infertility. 
 Results and discussion. Changes in the ejaculate depended on the patient's age, as well as the duration and degree of testicular ischemia. When the gonad was preserved after critical ischemia occurred, the spermogram indices were significantly worse than when performing primary orchiectomy, which indicates functional failure of the gonad following its atrophy and suggests that it is inadvisable to maintain the gonad with the expectation of improved long-term results. 
 Conclusions: 1. Changes in the spermogram after ischemia were observed in terms of sperm morphology and mobility. 2. The most pronounced changes in the spermogram were noted in patients who had experienced third-degree inversion of the testicle with preservation of gonads; the least pronounced changes were noted in patients who had experience inversion with spontaneous generation and incomplete inversion, which involved minimal ischemic damage. 3. The worst ischemia in puberty occurred in the context of mature sex glands. 4. There was a direct dependence of spermogram changes on the duration of acute ischemia. 5. The most unfavorable combination occurred in puberty, with disease lasting for more than 1 day, comprising complete inversion with “critical” ischemia. 6. After critical ischemia with preservation of the gonad, the semen is less favorable than after completion of orchiectomy, due to the failure of atrophied gonads; this finding casts doubt on the practice of gonad preservation.

Low-mobility sperm phenotype in the domestic turkey: Impact on sperm morphometry and early embryonic death.

The sperm mobility assay measures the ability of sperm to swim through a dense layer of Accudenz® , and the sperm mobility phenotype has been shown to predict fertility and other sperm performance traits in roosters and turkeys. In this study, we examined turkey sperm morphometry and rates of early embryonic death associated with high- and low-mobility semen. We also assessed whether the hypo-osmotic stress test, which evaluates the structural integrity of the sperm plasma membrane, may be used as a faster and simpler assay for sperm mobility and viability. We confirmed previous work that found that high-mobility sperm are faster and swim more linearly than low-mobility sperm, and that mobility traits were repeatable within males. In contrast to previous studies, we did not find higher rates of fertility, but low-mobility sperm was associated with higher rates of early embryonic death, though this trend was not significant. High-mobility sperm had longer sperm heads, explained by longer nuclei, despite shorter acrosomes. Although these sperm were faster, midpiece length and flagellum length did not differ between high- and low-mobility sperm. Finally, mobility was not found to be associated with sperm performance in the hypo-osmotic stress test.

The effect of crude protein intake on sperm quality of young and old male broiler breeders

This experiment compared fertility of male broiler breeders with different crude protein (CP) intakes from diets containing 9.7%, 11.7% and 13% CP from 27 to 60 weeks of age (in two phases) and in a different group of birds from 52 to 60 weeks of age. This was to assess fertility of males with different CP intakes, as well as comparing fertility in older birds having been fed different protein intakes throughout production to those on a commercial ration for most of production. Sperm concentration and sperm mobility were assessed, as well as the number of points of hydrolysis in the inner-perivitelline membrane of eggs from commercial egg-type hybrids after insemination, which was used to predict egg fertility. There was no response to CP intake observed in sperm concentration or sperm mobility at any age. A positive effect of CP intake was observed in egg fertility towards the end of the production phase. While broiler breeder producers make use of separate sex feeding, the female ration is often fed to males in the appropriate amounts to achieve growth according to the target for males. However because it would be cheaper to include less CP in the ration, the effect of CP on breeder fertility is important. This experiment showed that reducing CP to 117 g/kg in male broiler breeder rations fed throughout the production phase had minimal negative effects on sperm quality, however, increasing CP intake towards the end of production may positively impact egg fertility. Keywords : Fertility, insemination, mobility, poultry

Efficiency of house poultry sperm cryopreservation by the Kharkiv technology

The article presents the results of comparing the effectiveness of cryopreservation of poultry sperm according to the Kharkiv and German technology and the physiological characteristics of sperm of male birds of different species. Ejaculates from experimental birds were obtained 3 times a week by dorso-abdominal massage. In freshly ejaculates, motility of sperm cells and the number of pathological forms of germ cells in percent were determined in the Sperm Vision system (Minitube, Germany). After freezing and thawing, the sperm motility was determined in percent. The integrity of the plasma membranes of bird sperm before and after cryopreservation was determined on a DAKO Galaxy cytometer. Parts of the ejaculates that were diluted with the control diluent were frozen in 0.25 ml paillettes in an automatic freezer Biofreeze BV-65 (Consarctic Entwicklung Und Handels GmbH, Germany). Parts of ejaculates that were diluted with the diluent being developed were frozen in the form of coated pellets of 0.25 ml in the freezer developed for mammalian sperm of Kharkiv technology. The effectiveness of the Kharkiv technology of cryopreservation of sperm, which was modified by us for bird sperm, provided the best physiological characteristics of the ejaculates of poultry after thawing than the German technology. The mobility of rooster sperm after deconservation was 4.24% more than when applying the German technology with an increase in membrane preservation by 8.6%. The cryoresistance of quail sperm was also higher when applying the Kharkiv technology by 3.24% in mobility and by 3.26% in membrane-stabilizing properties. The efficiency of cryopreservation of the sperm of the czars according to the Kharkiv technology in lined granules was higher than when applying the German technology in mobility of sperm cells by 4.44%, in the integrity of plasma membranes of germ cells by 8.87%. The physiological characteristics of thawed turkey sperm, which was harvested according to the Kharkiv technology, surpassed the German equivalent by 7.04% in mobility and 2.65% in preservation of sperm membrane.

Using Laser Acupuncture and Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) to Treat Male Infertility by Improving Semen Quality: Case Report

Infertility is worldwide a health and psychological burden for couples aiming at building up a family. Male and female are equally involved in reasons for infertility. In 50% percent of the cases, the issue is caused by the male. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of Laser acupuncture and Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) on the sperm quality of an infertile male with an idiopathic reason. A 32- year- old infertile male with low quality sperm was referred to the Sheykh Bahaee clinic after spermogram testing in a central pathobiology laboratory according to 2010 World Health Organization (WHO) standards. The following laser acupuncture treatment was conducted; points: LI4, Liv3, Sp6, Kid3, Kid6, Sp5, Ren3, St29, Du4, St36, Ub20, Ub23 and also auricular points: shenmen, prostate gland, interferon, kidney, liver, spleen, by laser pen with 810 n.m, 400 mw power, Nogier B frequency (584 Hz) and each area 1-6 joules, according to patient’s vascular autonomic signal (VAS), twice a week, in 15 sessions. Furthermore, super pulse laser with the following parameters setting was conducted: 5*60W = 300 W peak power, duration 200 ns, length wave of 904 n.m, Nogier B frequency, 10 joules according to patient’s VAS was applied on local areas: symphysis pubis, prostate gland, pelvic area twice a week in 15 sessions. Findings: After 15 sessions the spermogram test was done. The test showed that the sperm mobility, enhanced 23% and sperm morphology increased 25%. In addition, changes in sperm count and volume of sperm were seen. Results: The results showed LLLT and laser acupuncture were effective on the enhancement of sperm quality.

Modification of sperm fatty acid composition during epididymal maturation in bats.

Biochemical properties of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are fundamental to sperm movements. Amongst all adjustments operated during epididymal maturation, sperm membrane lipid composition is remodelled. Specifically, the proportion of PUFAs usually increases from the caput towards the cauda epididymidis. In mammals, PUFAs are predominantly acquired through the diet, which can consequently impact male fertility. We aimed at analysing to what extent n-6 and n-3 PUFAs are incorporated into sperm in the Seba's short-tailed bat (Carollia perspicillata), and at demonstrating the effect of the sperm fatty acid composition on sperm mobility. We therefore provided food varying in fatty acid composition to males of C. perspicillata and measured the fatty acid composition and mobility traits in spermatozoa collected from the caput and cauda epididymides. We found that n-6 and n-3 PUFAs and saturated fatty acids were significantly related to sperm velocity but not to the proportion of progressive sperm (i.e. motility). Concomitant to an increase in sperm velocity, the level of fatty acid saturation increased from the caput to the cauda epididymidis, while the proportion of PUFAs remained similar along the epididymis. A reduction in n-6 PUFAs counterbalanced an increase in n-3 PUFAs. The food treatments did not affect the sperm fatty acid composition. Our results suggest that a precise endogenous control rather than dietary effects determines sperm fatty acid composition in C. perspicillata.

Reproductive Characteristics of Male Rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ) Fed on Spirulina ( Spirulina platensis ) Hydro - Ethanolic Extract

Spirulina , a filamentous cyanobacteri um, possesses diverse biological activities and nutritional significance due to high concentration of natural nutrients . This work aimed to evaluate the effects of hydro - ethanolic extract (HEE) of Spirulina platensis on organ weights, sperm characteristics , reproductive hormones and fertility index in male rabbits. 30 male rabbits were randomly distributed into 5 groups (6 rabbits/group). For 120 days, group 1 animals (control) were orally given distilled water, those of group 2 were treated with 100 mg/kg bw of vitamin E, while groups 3, 4 and 5 received respectively 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg bw of spirulina extract. The results showed that the relative weights of the vas deferens and sexual glands increased significantly (p<0.05) in the HEE groups compared to the control, whereas no significant (p>0.05) difference was noticed in the weights of testes and epididymis, sperm mobility and membrane integrity. Sperm count was significantly (p<0.05) higher in animals given 400 mg/kg bw of HEE of spirulina with refere nce to all other treatments. The sperm morphological anomalies declined significantly (p<0.05) in HEE - treated rabbits compared to distilled water and vitamin E - given animals. The serum concentration of FSH decreased significantly (p<0.05) in rabbits receiv ing 400 mg/kg bw of HEE of spirulina compared to those of other groups. Meanwhile, that of LH did not show any significant (p>0.05) difference among treatments. The serum content in testosterone increased significantly (p<0.05) in spirulina extract - treated and vitamin E groups with reference to the control group. The litter size and the sex ratio did not present any significant (p>0.05) difference among treatments. The kid weight at birth and the litter size at weaning increased significantly (p<0.05) in sp irulina extract - treated and vitamin E groups with the reference to the control group. The viability rates at weaning were significantly (p<0.05) higher in spirulina extract - treated groups referring to the vitamin E and distilled water groups. In conclusion , the administration of hydro - ethanolic extract of spirulina enhanced the sexual organ weights, sperm characteristics, reproductive hormone levels and performances in male rabbit.

Factores asociados a embarazo en pacientes sometidas a inseminación intrauterina en el Hospital de las Mujeres Dr. Adolfo Carit Eva, Costa Rica, enero 2009 a diciembre 2015.

Introducción: La inseminación intrauterina es un procedimiento de baja complejidad en reproducción asistida que se ha utilizado por más de un siglo como tratamiento en infertilidad y consiste en el depósito de espermatozoides en el útero, previa capacitación, con la finalidad de lograr el embarazo. El objetivo general fue identificar los factores asociados a embarazo en pacientes sometidas a inseminación intrauterina homóloga en el Hospital de las Mujeres Dr. Adolfo Carit Eva. 
 Metodología: Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles definiendo como caso aquella paciente con diagnóstico de embarazo clínico luego de ser sometida a inseminación intrauterina y como control a toda paciente que ha sido sometida a tres ciclos de inseminación intrauterina sin lograr un embarazo. Los factores pronósticos evaluados fueron: la edad materna, el índice de masa corporal, el periodo de infertilidad transcurrido, el recuento de espermatozoides móviles y el número de folículos mayor a 16mm previo a la aplicación de hormona gonadotropina coriónica. 
 Resultados: No hubo diferencias significativas entre los casos y controles en la edad media (p=0,22), la evaluación del índice de masa corporal (p=0,18) y los otros factores evaluados; solo el periodo medio de infertilidad evidenció diferencias estadísticamente significativas, con un tiempo medio de 36,7 meses para el grupo de caso y de 49,7 meses dentro del grupo control (p= 0,01). 
 Conclusiones: Dentro de las variables evaluadas, únicamente el periodo transcurrido de infertilidad resultó ser un factor pronóstico para el éxito de la inseminación intrauterina en la población estudiada.

AyoWahlbergGood Quality: The Routinization of Sperm Banking in ChinaBerkeley, CA: University of California Press, 2018. 248 p. $34.95 (pbk.)

AyoWahlbergGood Quality: The Routinization of Sperm Banking in ChinaBerkeley, CA: University of California Press, 2018. 248 p. $34.95 (pbk.)