Total Number Of Spermatozoa Research Articles

The Potential Benefits of Legumes Germ and Cereal Grains on Roosters' Reproductive Performance.

Vit E is known as one of the most important antioxidant. It has been previously approved that cereal grains and leafy plants are considered as the main source for α-tocopherol (Vit E). One of the recommended therapies for male infertility would be the Vit E therapy. Following Vit E consumption the semen parameters such as sperm concentration, ejaculation volume, sperm progressive motility, and in vitro function (zone binding assay) have been significantly improved. Therefore, present study was designed to investigate the effects of oral administration of cereal grain and seeds on reproductive performance of local cocks. During a period of 63 weeks, 100 local (Iraqi breed) rooster chicks were randomly divided into the five groups (n=20). Animals in group 1 served as control group and had not received any supplementations in their diet. The animals in the Groups 2-5 received diets which were fortified with 100, 200, 300, and 400 g of cereal grain and legume seeds pure germs. The results of the current study showed that the total number of spermatozoa and percentages of abnormal sperm were decreased by adding more amount of germ of cereal grain and seeds (P<0.01). Increased germ of cereal grain and seeds was not associated with pH volume, colour, consistency and motility of the sperm compared to corresponding rates in control group. Phospholipids content and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance of semen sample as well as density of ejaculate (sperm/µl) were decreased by adding increasing germ of cereal grain and seeds in diet of rosters. Weight of testis decreased by increasing levels of cereal grains and legume seeds germ in the diets (P<0.05).

Effects of vitamin E and vitamin C on male infertility: a meta-analysis.

The efficacy of the antioxidants vitamin E (VitE) and vitamin C (VitC) on male infertility is uncertain. Therefore, this research systematically assessed the influences of VitE and VitC on male infertility. We did a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to analyze semen parameters, pregnancy rate, and adverse effects (AEs) between VitE and VitC groups and control groups by searching Cochrane Library, Excerpta Medica Database (Embase), PubMed, China Biology Medicine disc (CBMdisc), and Web of Science up to June 2020. We screened 11 studies (832 patients) that met the inclusion criteria. The evidence quality ranged from moderate to low. The pregnancy rate was obviously better in the VitE group than in the control group (relative risk (RR) 1.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-3.41). Compared with the control group, VitE and VitC significantly improved progressive motility (standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.38, 95% CI 0.22-0.55), sperm concentration (SMD 0.21, 95% CI 0.09-0.34), sperm morphology (SMD 0.32, 95% CI 0.09-0.55), and total sperm number (SMD 0.28, 95% CI 0.12-0.43) without AEs. This study suggests that VitC and VitE can improve the spousal pregnancy rate and semen parameters in infertile men without AEs.

Evaluation of sperm membrane functionality during epididymal transit in red-rumped agouti (Dasyprocta leporina).

We studied the sperm membrane functionality through the epididymal transit by comparing different hypoosmotic solutions and verifying possible associations among osmotic response and functional parameters of sperm in red-rumped agouti (Dasyprocta leporina). For this purpose, epididymal sperm from six sexually mature male agoutis were collected via flotation. Then, analyses of sperm parameters and hypoosmotic swelling test using different hypoosmotic solutions (0, 50 and 200mOsm/L) in different regions of the epididymis (caput, corpus and cauda) were performed. There was an increase (p<.05) in the values for sperm concentration, the total number of sperm recovered, total and progressive motility, average path velocity, straight-line velocity, curvilinear velocity, and rapid and medium subpopulations following the caput-corpus-cauda direction. Regardless of the hypoosmotic solution, the agouti sperm membrane presented similar functional integrity in all the epididymal regions. Moreover, the highest (p<.05) osmotic responses were reached with the use of 50mOsm/L solution in comparison to 0 and 200mOsm/L for all the regions. Significant correlations among osmotic response and some sperm kinetic parameters were observed, especially in epididymal caput, while no correlations were found in the region of the cauda. In summary, red-rumped agouti sperm present similar membrane functionality during epididymal transit, but there are evident correlations among such functionality and sperm kinetic parameters, especially in the caput region. Moreover, we indicate the use of a 50mOsm/L hypoosmotic solution for the analysis of this parameter through the hypoosmotic swelling test.

Low-level and combined exposure to environmental metal elements affects male reproductive outcomes: Prospective MARHCS study in population of college students in Chongqing, China

BackgroundMale fertility has shown a continuously declining tendency for decades. Over exposure to metal/metalloid elements has been proposed as associated with reproductive impairment. However, the hazard profile remained unclear in general public experiencing low-level and combined metal exposure. MethodsBased on the MARHCS cohort in Chongqing, China, 796 college students were recruited from June 2013 and 666 subjects were followed up next year. At each phase, semen and blood samples were collected for an assessment of semen quality and six sex hormones levels. Eighteen urinary metal/metalloid elements were quantified by ICP-MS as internal exposure biomarkers. Cluster analysis was conducted to characterize reproductive outcomes in the subgroups for different overall estimated exposure levels. Effects of each metal/metalloid element were analyzed using multiple statistical strategies: single-element mixed model, multiple-elements model and self before-after comparison design. ResultsThe urine concentration for 18 metal/metalloid elements was at a typically lower level (far away from the exposure limits) and positively associated with each other. After adjustment of the potential confounders, a decrease of 11.53% (95% CI: −18.61, −3.84%) and 10.84% (95% CI: −17.93, −3.14%) in spermatid morphology was observed in the highest quantile groups of vanadium (V) and nickel (Ni), respectively. Urinary silver (Ag) was dose-dependent associated with an increase in total sperm number (6.91%, 95% CI: 1.14, 13.00%), sperm concentration (16.38%, 95% CI: 5.15, 28.81%) and semen volume (23.73%, 95% CI: 10.46, 38.60%). Further, hormone testosterone presented a significant decrease in subgroup with higher overall estimated exposure and a stable negative association with lithium (Li). The above relationships remained significant across different statistical strategies (all p values <0.05). ConclusionOur study provided new evidences that exposure to metal/metalloid elements potentially exert bidirectional influences on semen quality at a relatively low level. And serum testosterone appears as a vulnerable index for metal exposure.

Breeding and genetic parameters of signs of own productivity of sires in different age periods

Based on the calculation of the selection and genetic parameters of the main indicators of sperm production of Holstein bulls in different age periods, an assessment of their own productivity under the influence of various factors was carried out. The factors "year" and "year of birth" have a significant effect on the volume of ejaculate (n=2.4-4.0%***), the total number of spermatozoa in the ejaculate (?=3.7-2.8%***), the concentration of spermatozoa (?=1.4-2.4%***). The factor "age of the bull" also significantly affects the quantitative indicators of sperm production. There are significant differences in the volume of ejaculate (P?0.001, R2=0.93), the total number of spermatozoa (P?0.001, R2=0.85). The concentration of spermatozoa in 1 ml decreases with age (R2=0.63), at the age of 1-2 years, the indicator value is higher than in all other age periods up to 12 years (P?0.001). The volume of ejaculate and the concentration of spermatozoa had relatively high heritability coefficients – 0.51 and 0.65, respectively. The genetic and phenotypic correlations between the volume and the number of spermatozoa of 0.68 and 0.52 are determined by the average relationship. In all age periods, the relationship between the indicators of the own productivity of producing bulls was mainly linear. A significantly high correlation between the volume and the number of sperms in the ejaculate was at the level of +0.59(P?0.001)...+0.66 (P?0.001); between the number and concentration of sperms at the level of +0.31(P?0.001)...+0.49 (P?0.001) in all age periods.

Heritability and genetic correlation estimates of semen production traits with litter traits and pork production traits in purebred Duroc pigs.

We estimated heritabilities of semen production traits and their genetic correlations with litter traits and pork production traits in purebred Duroc pigs. Semen production traits were semen volume, sperm concentration, proportion of morphologically normal sperms, total number of sperm, and total number of morphologically normal sperm. Litter traits at farrowing were total number born, number born alive, number stillborn, total litter weight at birth, mean litter weight at birth, and piglet survival rate at birth. Litter traits at weaning were litter size at weaning, total litter weight at weaning, mean litter weight at weaning, and piglet survival rate from birth to weaning. Pork production traits were average daily gain, backfat thickness, and loin muscle area. We analyzed 45,913 semen collection records of 896 boars, 6,950 farrowing performance records of 1,400 sows, 2,237 weaning performance records of 586 sows, and individual growth performance records of 9,550 animals measured at approximately 5 mo of age. Heritabilities were estimated using a single-trait animal model. Genetic correlations were estimated using a 2-trait animal model. Estimated heritabilities of semen production traits ranged from 0.20 for sperm concentration to 0.29 for semen volume and were equal to or higher than those of litter traits, ranging from 0.06 for number stillborn and piglet survival rate at birth to 0.25 for mean litter weight at birth, but lower than those of pork production traits, ranging from 0.50 for average daily gain to 0.63 for backfat thickness. In many cases, the absolute values of estimated genetic correlations between semen production traits and other traits were smaller than 0.3. These estimated genetic parameters provide useful information for establishing a comprehensive pig breeding scheme.

The Semen Microbiome and Semen Parameters in Healthy Stallions.

Simple SummaryStallion infertility is a major cause of concern in the horse industry. Despite zootechnics advances, sub- or infertile animals appear in stud farms without a toxic, genetic, or nutritional reason. Recent research in human andrology has opened the door for a new, plausible factor that affects sperm quality: seminal microflora. In recent years, there has been an increasing amount of evidence regarding the relationship between different seminal flora compositions and male fertility. However, little has been studied in veterinary science, including horses. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine associations with the presence of bacteria families in horse semen with five sperm quality parameters: concentration, total number of spermatozoa, total and progressive sperm motility, and DNA fragmentation. Our study detected a correlation between the presence of the Peptoniphilaceae family and higher total motility and the presence of Clostridiales Incertae Sedis XI and lower progressive motility. These changes in seminal flora may contribute to the idiopathically poorer sperm quality in certain animals. Although further mechanisms behind bacteria–spermatozoa interactions are unknown, these associations are already leading to a new therapeutic approach to infertility: the use of prebiotics, which has already yielded promising results in human andrology.Despite the advances in reproductive technology, there is still a considerable number of low sperm quality cases in stallions. Recent studies in humans have detected several seminal microflora–spermatozoa associations behind some idiopathic infertility cases. However, no studies are available on horses, and there is limited information on the microflora present in stallion ejaculates. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to examine associations to the presence of bacteria families with five sperm quality parameters: concentration, total number of spermatozoa, total and progressive motility, and DNA fragmentation. Samples were cryopreserved after their extraction. High-speed homogenization using grinding media was performed for cell disruption. Family identification was performed via 16S rRNA sequencing. Bacterial families were only considered if the relative abundance was higher than 1%. Only two families appeared to have a correlation with two sperm quality parameters. Peptoniphilaceae correlated positively with total sperm motility, whereas Clostridiales Incertae Sedis XI correlated negatively with progressive motility. No significant differences were found for the rest of the parameters. In conclusion, the seminal microbiome may affect spermatozoa activity. Our findings are based on statistical associations; thus, further studies are needed to understand the internal interactions between seminal flora and cells.

Study on Influencing Factors of Semen Quality in Fertile Men.

ObjectiveTo establish a system for evaluation of semen quality in fertile men by factor analysis (FA).MethodsThe FA method was used to analyze five sperm test indicators for fertile men (sperm pH, sperm motility, sperm progressive motility, semen density, and total sperm number) to determine the evaluation standard of semen quality. Pearson analysis was adopted for correlation testing.ResultsThe comprehensive score formula for semen quality of normal fertile men was as follows: comprehensive score of semen quality = (0.38272 F1 + 0.36359 F2 + 0.20018 F3)/94.699. Across the whole fertile population, semen quality was found to be correlated with abstinence period, age of first spermatorrhea, and frequency of intercourse. Smoking, drinking, and place of residence were correlated with semen quality in the high semen quality population. In the population with medium semen quality, only the abstinence period was associated with semen quality.ConclusionIt is feasible to evaluate the semen quality of fertile men using the FA method. The comprehensive indicators of semen volume, sperm motility, and semen pH can be used as evaluative measures. Across the whole fertile population, the abstinence period and age of first spermatorrhea were correlated with semen quality. In the high semen quality population, smoking and drinking were negatively correlated with semen quality, and participants living in rural areas had better semen quality.

Evaluation of mid- and long-term impact of COVID-19 on male fertility through evaluating semen parameters.

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread worldwide with alarming levels of spread and severity. The distribution of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) from bioinformatics evidence, the autopsy report for COVID-19 and the published study on sperm quality indicated COVID-19 could have a negative impact on male fertility. However, whether the negative impact of COVID-19 on male fertility is persistent remains unknown, which requires long-term follow-up investigation.MethodsSemen samples were collected from 36 male COVID-19 patients with a median recovery time of 177.5 days and 45 control subjects. Then, analysis of sperm quality and alterations of total sperm number with recovery time were performed.ResultsThere was no significant difference in semen parameters between male recovered patients and control subjects. And the comparisons of semen parameters between first follow-up and second follow-up revealed no significant difference. In addition, we explored the alterations of sperm count with recovery time. It showed that the group with recovery time of ≥120 and <150 days had a significantly lower total sperm number than controls while the other two groups with recovery time of ≥150 days displayed no significance with controls, and total sperm number showed a significant decline after a recovery time of 90 days and an improving trend after a recovery time of about 150 days.ConclusionsThe sperm quality of COVID-19 recovered patients improved after a recovery time of nearly half a year, while the total sperm number showed an improvement after a recovery time of about 150 days. COVID-19 patients should pay close attention to the quality of semen, and might be considered to be given medical interventions if necessary within about two months after recovery, in order to improve the fertility of male patients as soon as possible.

Effects of high serum uric acid levels on oxidative stress levels and semen parameters in male infertile patients.

This study is to investigate the effect of high serum uric acid (UA) level on oxidative stress and semen quality of male infertility patients.A cohort of 654 male individuals aged between 20 and 45 years old were included in this study, and their semen and venous blood samples were collected. The serum UA, blood glucose, blood lipids, and hormone levels were determined by chemiluminescence method. The changes in inflammatory factors, oxidative stress, adipokines, and biochemical indices in seminal plasma were determined by ELISA. Organic acids in seminal plasma were detected with reversed-phase ultra high performance liquid chromatography.Compared with the control group, the amount of semen and the total number of sperm in the hyperuricemia group significantly reduced (P < .05). Semen volume decreased with the increase of serum UA level, and the total number of sperm also decreased. The level of luteinizing hormone increased and the level of testosterone decreased in the hyperuricemia group. The concentration of superoxide dismutase decreased and the concentration of endothelin increased in the hyperuricemia group (P < .05). The concentration of seminal plasma α-glucosidase and alkaline phosphatase in the hyperuricemia group decreased significantly (P < .05). Compared with the control group, the contents of ascorbic acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid, and UA in the seminal plasma were significantly reduced in the hyperuricemia group (P < .05).Blood UA level may become a new risk predictor of semen quality in infertile men.

Improved reproductive performance of captive male broodstock of tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon with 17α-methyltestosterone induction

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of different 17α-methyltestosterone injection frequencies at optimal doses to improve the quality of spermatophore and reproductive performance of captive male broodstock of tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon. Broodstocks of tiger shrimp weighing 51-65 g for males and 86-161 g for females were collected from ponds and stored in a 3,000 m3 concrete tank. Male broodstocks were injected with 17α-methyltestosterone at the optimized protocol at 300 ng/100 g body weight at different injection frequencies, three times, four times, and five times at seven-day intervals. As a control, male broodstocks were injected with a saline solution to determine the spermatophore quality. Evaluation of the reproductive performance of the captive male was observed in the captive female broodstock tiger shrimp using artificial insemination. The weight of spermatophore (0.041 g), gonadosomatic index (7.71%), the total number of spermatozoa (64 × 106 cells/mL) significantly increased, and the percentage of abnormal spermatozoa significantly decreased by 73% as well as hatching rate increased to 43.14% at the injection frequency of four times compared to the other treatments. In conclusion, injection of 17α-methyltestosterone at the dosage of 300 ng/100 g body weight at the frequency of giving four times was effective enough to improve the reproductive performance of captive tiger shrimp. Therefore, the method proposed can be a strategy to produce better larvae and increase the income of the aquaculture business.

Sperm Characteristics in Microminipigs.

The microminipig is a relatively new type of mini pig; microminipigs weigh about 10 kg at 6 months of age and are expected to be of use in drug discovery research and safety tests. Herein, we analyzed the characteristics of ejaculated sperm from microminipigs. Sperm parameters such as microstructure and sensitivity to cold shock were investigated using optical or scanning electron microscopy. Ejaculate volumes and total numbers of sperm were lower than in standard pig strains, but were proportional to body weight. Ejaculation time, pH of the ejaculate, sperm motility and morphology, and sensitivity to cold shock were similar to those of standard pig strains. Herein, we provide the first characterization of the ejaculates of microminipigs and demonstrate that this type of pig will be useful not only in medical research, but also in investigations into sperm preservation in different pig breeds.

A semi-extensive management system reduces plasma testosterone concentrations, sexual behaviour and sperm production in male goats from subtropical latitudes

Context In subtropical latitudes, most goats are managed in semi-extensive management systems, eating only available vegetation. Underfeeding is common during the dry season and may reduce the endocrine and sexual activities of male goats. Aims The aim of the study was to determine plasma testosterone concentrations, sexual behaviour and sperm production of male goats kept in a semi-extensive management system for 12 months, from March to February. Methods Control males were placed indoors and were well nourished (n = 5). Experimental males were placed in a flock and grazed daily with females for 7 h, eating only natural vegetation (n = 5). Experimental males were fitted with an apron to prevent mating during the study. Plasma testosterone concentrations were determined every 2 weeks. Sexual behaviour and sperm production were determined in May and June (beginning of breeding season), August and October (middle of season), and November and December (end of season). Key results Plasma testosterone concentrations were higher (P &lt; 0.05) in control than experimental males in June and from August to December. The percentage of males refusing to ejaculate was lower (P &lt; 0.05) in control than experimental males throughout the study. Total number of spermatozoa per ejaculate was higher (P &lt; 0.05) in control than experimental males in May, June, November and December. Sperm progressive motility was higher (P &lt; 0.05) in control than experimental males in May and June and from October to December. Conclusions The results indicate that male goats in a semi-extensive management system have lower plasma testosterone concentrations, sexual behaviour, and sperm quantitative and qualitative production than those in a confined management system. Implications Nutritional supplementation may improve the endocrine and sexual activity of male goats in semi-extensive management systems.

Semen collection by urethral catheterization and electro-ejaculation with different voltages, and the effect of holding temperature and cooling rate before cryopreservation on semen quality in the Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata).

In the Japanese macaque, semen has been collected by electro-ejaculation (EE), using the higher voltage stimuli compared to other species including genus Macaca. Semen coagulates immediately after ejaculation, which makes difficult to produce high-quality semen for artificial insemination. Recently, semen collection using urethral catheterization (UC) has been reported in carnivore and this technique may allow semen collection without coagulation in a less invasive manner. Further, the temporal preservation temperature and cooling rate of semen during cryopreservation affect post thawing sperm quality. In this study, to improve semen quality and quantity, as well as the animal welfare, semen collection was performed by EE with high (5–15 V) or low (3–6 V) voltage, UC and a combination of the two (EE-UC). It has been suggested that a high voltage is necessary for semen collection, but 10 V stimulation was effective enough and 15 V is for additional sperm collection. Also, liquid semen was collected by EE-UC and this could increase the total number of sperm. Further, to improve the post thawing sperm motility, semen was kept at four temperatures (4, 15, 25 and 37°C) for 60 min, and processed with two cooling procedures (slow cooling before second dilution and fast cooling after second dilution). Holding semen at 25°C and fast cooling after the second dilution maintained progressive motile sperm rate. The present results will contribute to the improvement of semen collection and animal welfare of Japanese macaques.

The role of chronic infection with toxoplasmosis in mitochondrial DNA 4,977 bp common deletion in sperm of men infertility.

Toxoplasma has the ability to infect a wide range of living organisms, including humans, and the infection found all over the world. The current study included 200 blood and semen samples collected from married men from which 100 samples of infertile men and 100 non-infertile men as control. The infertile men were divided into two groups: group A, which includes 35 (35%) infertile patients have IgG antibody sero-positive with toxoplasmosis, and group B, which includes 65 (65%) infertile people without toxoplasmosis were detected by rapid test for Toxo IgG/IgM antibody and then ensure by enzyme linked sorbent immunoassay (ELISA). The aging of men involved in the study extended between 20-57 years. The study revealed group A Toxoplasma IgG positive have mean concentration 65.10±13.84, was measured by ELISA in the serum of patients. Studies have shown mean age of men in group A and group B patients were 32.77±7.83 and 30.31±6.14, respectively. The age from 20-29 years as well as from 30 to 39 years high number of infertility in both A and B group patients. There is no significant distribution between group A and group B patients according to age of men infertility. The common deletion 4,977 bp mutation in mitochondrial sperm DNA(mt-DNA) was detected using the Gap-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Although the results showed that group A have high rate of common deletion mutation compare to group B but non-significant, while there is no deletion detection in the control group. The current results showed that reducing the mean total number of sperms in group A patient common deletion high significant compared to group B. The mean percentage of slow movement high significant than group B patient but non-significant mean percentage of death sperm although have high mean than to group B patient and abnormal sperm shape percentage have significant is higher in group A patient (common deletion) compared to group B.

Tamoxifen as Empirical Treatment in Males with Primary Infertility and Normal Gonadotropic Hormonal Levels: A Prospective Study

Background: One of the most commonly employed medical therapies for idiopathic male infertility are antiestrogens. Tamoxifen as estrogen receptor blockers have been used as empiric treatments for male infertility, acting through blocking estrogen receptor at the hypothalamus and pituitary levels and so preventing the important negative feedback of estrogens to the pituitary and hypothalamus as a result that leading to gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation and pulsatile release of luteinizing hormone (LH)/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Objective: To assess tamoxifen role in the treatment of men with primary infertility who are normogonadotropic. as it is widely prescribed drug for that purpose as well as to evaluate possible patient’s criteria for a better response to tamoxifen. Methods: One hundred twenty-three patients with idiopathic primary infertility and normal FSH, LH, and testosterone serum levels were enrolled in this prospective study. All patients received 20 mg tamoxifen daily as a single dose for at least 3 months, and semen analysis (total sperm concentration, total number of progressive motile sperms and percentage of normal sperm morphology) as well hormones levels were evaluated, with the values being compared with those before treatment. Results: Overall, there was no statistically-significant improvement in semen parameters 3 months after treatment (P&gt;0.05); however, patients with pretreatment lower normal FSH level of (1.7-6.85 mIU/ml) and those with pretreatment sperm concentration of (five to ten million per ml) showed statistically significant improvement in sperm concentration after tamoxifen therapy (p=0.044 and p=0.012 respectively). Conclusion: Tamoxifen is an acceptable treatment for idiopathic male infertility. A better response can be expected in patients with pretreatment lower normal FSH level of (1.7-6.85 miu/ml) and sperm concentration of 5-10 million per ml. It might be used as first line treatment to enhance sperm concentration, giving its availability and lower cost in comparison to other hormonal therapies. Keywords: Male Infertility, tamoxifen, empirical treatment Citation: Al-Anbary LA. Tamoxifen as empirical treatment in males with primary infertility and normal gonadotropic hormonal levels: A prospective study. Iraqi JMS. 2021; 19(2): 230-236. doi: 10.22578/IJMS.19.2.12

From subjective to objective: A pilot study on testicular radiomics analysis as a measure of gonadal function.

BackgroundThe connection between testicular ultrasound (US) parameters and testicular function, including both spermato‐ and steroidogenesis has been largely suggested, but their predictive properties are not routinely applied. Radiomics, a new engineering approach to radiological imaging, could overcome the visual limit of the sonographer.ObjectivesThis study is aimed at extracting objective testicular US features, correlating with testicular function, including both spermato‐ and steroidogenesis, using an engineering approach, in order to overcome the operator‐dependent subjectivity.Materials and methodsProspective observational pilot study from December 2019 to December 2020 on normozoospermic subjects and patients with semen variables alterations, excluding azoospermia. All patients underwent conventional semen analysis, pituitary‐gonadal hormones assessment, and testicular US, performed by the same operator. US images were analyzed by Biolab (Turin) throughout image segmentation, image pre‐processing, and texture features extraction.ResultsOne hundred seventy US testicular images were collected from 85 patients (age 38.6 ± 9.1 years). A total of 44 first‐order and advanced features were extracted. US inhomogeneity defined by radiomics significantly correlates with the andrologist definition, showing for the first time a mathematical quantification of a subjective US evaluation. Thirteen US texture features correlated with semen parameters, predicting sperm concentration, total sperm number, progressive motility, total motility and morphology, and with gonadotropins serum levels, but not with total testosterone serum levels. Classification analyses confirmed that US textural features predicted patients’ classification according to semen parameters alterations.ConclusionsRadiomics texture features qualitatively describe the testicular parenchyma with objective and reliable quantitative parameters, reflecting both the testicular spermatogenic capability and the action of pituitary gonadotropins. This is an innovative model in which US texture features represent a mirror of the pituitary‐gonadal homeostasis in terms of reproductive function.

PHENOTYPIC VARIABILITY OF SPERM PRODUCTIVITY OF BULL-SIRES OF DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS OF PRODUCTIVITY

Significant breeds and age features of sperm productivity were found in breeding bulls. The volume of ejaculate and the total number of sperm in it increases until the age of 8–9 years, depending on the breed. The ejaculate volume of 2-year-old bulls, depending on the breed, was 58.63–73.0% and 3-year-old bulls – 69.1–87.0% of the ejaculate volume of 6-year-old offspring, and the total number of sperm in the ejaculate – respectively 53.9–75.4 and 59.5–90.4% of this number of sperm in the ejaculate of 6-year-old bulls. These indicators with small fluctuations persist until 10–12 years of age of the offspring. Sperm concentration and motility also increase until 6–8 years of age and remain at this level with small fluctuations until 12 years of age. The resistance of sperm to freezing reaches its maximum values at the age of 5–6 years of bulls. Analysis of the data shows that the degree of influence of age on the volume of ejaculate, depending on the breed is in the range of 24.2–30.1%, on the concentration of sperm – 2.6–15.2, their total number in the ejaculate – 13.8–21.2, sperm motility – 4.3–18.3 and the resistance of sperm to freezing – 8.5–15.8%.&#x0D; According to the results of research, the correlation coefficient between age and ejaculate volume for bulls of the studied breeds was 0.43–0.60, and between age and the total number of sperm in the ejaculate – 0.37–0.48. There is a significant dependence of ejaculate volume and total sperm count on the live weight of the fetuses. The correlation coefficient between ejaculate volume and live weight, depending on the breed, was 0.51–0.75, and for the total amount in ejaculate – 0.45–0.55. The share of live weight on ejaculate volume was 25.0–43.1%, and on the total number of sperm in ejaculate – 20.8–36.9%. This close relationship can be explained by the fact that the weight of the testes has a high relationship with the live weight of the ovary (r = 0.89).&#x0D; The results of research show that the semen of breeding bulls of different breeds has different morphological composition. The largest number of sperm abnormalities occurs in isolated heads (3.5 ± 0.14%), curved bodies (2.7 ± 0.19%), twisted (1.6 ± 0.14%), bent (1.7 ± 0.14%) and folded (3.4 ± 0.40%) tails. The sum of primary anomalies was significantly less than the sum of secondary anomalies.&#x0D; When dividing pathological forms into pathology of the head, neck, body and tail, it was found that the total amount of abnormal forms of sperm was the largest in bulls of limousine breed (16.6 ± 2.19) and the smallest – in the offspring of Aberdeen Angus and Simmental breeds. The largest number of pathological forms of sperm heads were bulls of Hereford breed (7.0 ± 0.55%), and the smallest – the offspring of Aberdeen Angus breed (4.2 ± 0.83%), the difference is statistically significant at P &lt; 0.005. The sum of primary anomalies was highest in bulls of Limousine breed (2.9 ± 1.03) and Dutch breed (2.1 ± 0.42), and secondary anomalies – in bulls of Limousine breed (13.7 ± 1.87) and Piemontese breed (13.7 ± 2.19%).&#x0D; During the correlation-regression analysis, the closest correlation was established between the motility of germ cells after thawing and the number of pathologies of the heads (r = -0.43 at P &lt; 0.05), cervical sperm (r = -0.44 at P &lt; 0,05) and the total amount of pathological forms (r = -0.45 at P &lt; 0.005). Average correlations were observed between the number of pathologies of the heads and necks of sperm and the motility of germ cells in native semen (respectively r = -0.31 and r = -0.30 at P &lt; 0.05), pathologies of the heads – -0.30 at P &lt; 0.005) and the total amount of pathological forms of sperm (r = -0.23 at P &gt; 0.05) and the amount of rejected sperm. The share of the influence of the age of bulls on the number of pathological forms of the heads was 24.0% (P &lt; 0.05), pathologies of the necks – 4.0% (P &gt; 0.05), the body – 26.0% (P &lt; 0.05), tail – 37.0% (P &lt; 0.01) and the total number of pathological forms of sperm – 59.0% (P &lt; 0.001).&#x0D; Conclusions. Age and breed features of quantitative and qualitative indicators of sperm productivity, growth of genitals, morphological composition of spermatozoa and correlations between these indicators in bulls of different breeds have been established.

Number and Relative Proportions of Eusperm and Parasperm in Various Lepidoptera

Lepidoptera produce two kinds of sperm, eusperm, which are conventional nucleated spermatozoa, and parasperm, which lack nuclei and are usually smaller. Both travel in the female to the sperm storage organ, the spermatheca, but there the parasperm become inactive or disappear without taking any direct role in fertilization of the eggs. There are widespread accounts in the literature of an excess of parasperm over eusperm, though relatively few actual counts, and those counts are from various locations in the lifetime of the sperm: from testes, seminal vesicles, ejaculates, or spermathecae. With phylogenetic comparisons in mind, we counted sperm in the final sperm storage organs of males, the seminal vesicles (ductus ejaculatorius duplex), to explore the prevalence of these two types of sperm over a wide range of species and sizes. We found parasperm in all species, including the most phylogenetically basal (non-ditrysian) ones, and a preponderance of parasperm over eusperm in almost all, including a majority of the smaller species with small total numbers of sperm. Total sperm number of both types increased with wingspan (our proxy for size) as did the ratio of parasperm to eusperm. The ubiquity of parasperm and their preponderance even in very small species indicates an important role in lepidopteran reproduction. Further, the large numbers of both sperm types in larger species of Lepidoptera, apparently vastly more than are needed to fertilize eggs, suggests a role in sperm competition.

The interaction effect between advanced paternal age and paternal obesity is associated with the low implantation rate in couples with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss

ObjectiveTo explore the roles of advanced paternal age (APA) and abnormal paternal weight on embryo quality and pregnancy outcomes for unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (uRPL) couples who underwent preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A). MethodsThis study included 779 uRPL couples who underwent their first PGT-A cycles between 2014 and 2018. Male patients’ aging and nutritional status were quantified by paternal age and body mass index (BMI). Routine semen parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) were used to reflect the seminal quality. Blastocyst formation rate and aneuploidy rate were used to reflect the embryo quality. Cycle cancellation rate, implantation rate, pregnancy loss rate, and live birth rate were measured to evaluate the treatment efficiency from IVF. To remove the interference of maternal age, only the women younger than 38 years old were included. After univariate screening, interaction tests were performed in a generalized linear model (GLM) to further examine the effects of paternal age and BMI on each outcome indicator. ResultsIn the total population (779 cycles), there were no statistical differences in aneuploidy rate, cycle cancellation rate, implantation rate, pregnancy loss rate, and live birth rate, whether stratified by paternal age or paternal BMI. Similar results occurred in the younger men (<40 y.o., 633 cycles). Conversely, among the men with advanced age (≥40 y.o., 146 cycles), there were statistical differences between the three BMI groups in four semen parameters (total sperm number, total motility, progressive motility, and total motile sperm count), implantation rate, and live birth rate. After interaction testing, the results of GLM suggested that the interaction effect between APA and paternal obesity was associated with the low implantation rate of uRPL couples. ConclusionsFor the uRPL couples seeking for PGT-A treatment, if the male patients have both advanced age and obesity, their spouses are at higher risks for embryo implantation failure.