Semen Volume Research Articles

The relationship between male semen parameters and sperm DNA fragment index with the age

To investigate the relationship between male semen parameters and sperm DNA fragment index with age. Adopt cross-sectional sampling survey design, 3 203 male patients who visited the Department of Reproductive Andrology in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2019 to June 2021 were selected as subjects. Age range is 18-57 years, with the median age of 30 years. Through quartile regression analysis, the correlation between age and different male semen parameters and DNA fragment index (DFI) was presented. The study population was divided into ≤30 years old group and >30 years old group, and the correlation between age and semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, progressive motility, total motility, percentage of normal sperm and DFI level were compared and analyzed. The results showed that there were significant differences in progressive motility, total motility and DFI level among different age groups (χ2=-4.608, -4.604, -7.719,P all <0.05), but there was no significant difference in semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count and percentage of normal sperm (χ2=-1.712, -1.203, -0.149, -0.175,P all >0.05). In the>30 years old age group, there was a very weak negative correlation between male age and semen volume, progressive motility and total motility (r=-0.137, -0.101 and -0.056, P all <0.05). There was a very weak positive correlation between male age and sperm concentration and sperm DFI level (r=0.061, 0.190, P all <0.05), while there was no correlation between male age and total sperm count and percentage of normal sperm (r=-0.018, -0.016,P all >0.05). In conclusion, with the increase of age, especially after the age of 30, semen volume, progressive motility and total motility decreased, while sperm concentration and DFI level increased, and semen quality decreased.

Sperm Quality Assessment in Stallions: How to Choose Relevant Assays to Answer Clinical Questions.

Stallion sperm analysis is indicated for infertility diagnosis, pre-sale expertise, production of fresh or frozen doses, and frozen straw quality control. Various collection methods are described, and numerous assays can be performed on semen. Determining an approach for each of these cases is challenging. This review aims to discuss how to obtain relevant clinical results, answering stallion owners' concerns. Semen can be collected with an artificial vagina on a phantom or a mare, by electro-ejaculation under anesthesia, or after pharmacological induction. The collection method influences the semen volume and concentration, while the total sperm number depends on the testicular production and collection frequency. In the seminal plasma, acidity, pro-oxidant activity, and some enzymes have repercussions for the semen quality and its conservation. Moreover, non-sperm cells of seminal plasma may impact semen conservation. Motility analysis remains a core parameter, as it is associated with fresh or frozen dose fertility. Computer-assisted motility analyzers have improved repeatability, but the reproducibility between laboratories depends on the settings that are used. Morphology analysis showing spermatozoa defects is useful to understand production and maturation abnormalities. Staining of the spermatozoa is used to evaluate viability, but recent advances in flow cytometry and in fluorochromes enable an evaluation of multiple intracellular parameters. Spermatozoa protein expression already has clinical applications, for example, as a fertility and freezing ability predictor. At present, stallion semen analysis ranges from macroscopic evaluation to assessing spermatozoa proteins. However, clinically, all these data may not be relevant, and the lack of standardization may complicate their interpretation.

Comparative effects of finasteride and minoxidil on the male reproductive organs: A systematic review of in vitro and in vivo evidence

Finasteride and minoxidil are medicaments commonly prescribed for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPA), hypertension, and/or androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The mechanism of action of finasteride is based on the interference in androgenic pathways, which may lead to fertility-related disorders in men. Minoxidil, however, can act in multiple ways, and there is no consensus that its use can adversely affect male fertility. Since finasteride and minoxidil could be risk factors for male fertility, we aimed to compare their impact on the two reproductive organs testis and epididymis of adult murine models, besides testis/epididymis-related cells, and describe the mechanism of action involved. For such, we used the PRISMA guideline. We included 31 original studies from a structured search on PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. For in vivo studies, the bias analysis and the quality of the studies were assessed as described by SYRCLE (Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation). We concluded that finasteride and minoxidil act as hormone disruptors, causing oxidative stress and morphological changes mainly in the testis. Our results also revealed that finasteride treatment could be more harmful to male reproductive health because it was more associated with reproductive injuries, including damage to the epididymis, erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and reduced semen volume. Thus, this study contributes to the global understanding of the mechanisms by which medicaments used for alopecia might lead to male reproductive disorders. We hope that our critical analysis expedites clinical research and reduces methodological bias. The registration number on the Prospero platform is CRD42022313347.

Smoking Induces a Decline in Semen Quality and the Activation of Stress Response Pathways in Sperm.

Male infertility is a prevalent concern affecting couples worldwide. While genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, and reproductive system defects play significant roles, emerging evidence suggests that lifestyle choices also profoundly impact male fertility. This study aimed to explore the effects of several lifestyle factors, including tobacco and alcohol consumption, physical activity, and dietary habits, on semen quality parameters and molecular biomarkers. Thirty healthy male volunteers were recruited in the Urology service at Hospital Infante D. Pedro, Aveiro, Portugal. Participants completed lifestyle questionnaires and provided semen samples, which were analyzed according to the World Health Organization criteria by experienced technicians. We also analyzed the expression levels of antioxidant enzymes and heat-shock response-related proteins to explore the activation of signaling pathways involved in stress response within sperm cells. Our results revealed that tobacco consumption reduced semen volume and total sperm count. Although the changes in the percentage of total motility and normal morphology in the smokers' group did not reach statistical significance, a slight decrease was observed. Moreover, we identified for the first time a significant association between tobacco consumption and increased levels of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) and phosphorylated HSP27 (p-HSP27) in sperm cells, indicating the potential detrimental effects of tobacco on the reproductive system. This study highlights that lifestyle factors reduce semen quality, possibly by inducing stress in sperm, raising awareness about the effects of these risk factors among populations at risk of male infertility.

Kanser hastalarında sperm kriyoprezervasyonu: 13 yıllık tecrübe

ABSTRACT&#x0D; Purpose: The study represents 13 years experience of sperm cryopreservation for different cancer types by researching the semen parameters, the use of frozen-stored samples in ART-ICSI (Assisted Reproductive Technologies-intracytoplasmic sperm injection) cycles, and their current storage status.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Sperm cryopreservation in order to fertility preservation was conducted on 318 patients who had different malignancies applied to the Reproductive Center of Ankara Bilkent City Hospital (from November 2019 to April 2023) and Zekai Tahir Burak Women’s Health Hospital (from January 2010 to September 2019). The age, cancer type, semen volume, sperm count, sperm motility, samples storage status, and usage of banked sperm in ART cycles were recorded and analyzed.&#x0D; Results: Sperm cryopreservation was applied to a total of 318 patients for 13 years. The major cancer types of patients are testicular cancer (54.7%), lymphoma (17.3%), and leukemia (10.1%). 11% (n=35) of patients are under the age of 18 years old. The lowest sperm cryopreservation age at 14 years old in four patients. The highest median semen volume was detected in leukemia (3.1 (1.5-6.0)), and the lowest mean semen volume was in the urinary system tumor (1.5 (1.0-2.0)).In testicular cancer, the median(min-max) sperm concentration is 12.5 (1.0-100.0)×106/mL. In lymphoma, the median(min-max) sperm concentration is 40.0 (1.0-140.0)×106/mL. In leukemia, the median(min-max) sperm concentration is 24.5 (1.0-130.0)×106/mL. Sperm concentration significantly decreased in men with testicular cancer. The highest median of sperm motility was observed in nasopharyngeal tumor group (40.0 (20.0-60.0)). Compared to other cancer patients, individuals with leukemia (20.0 (2.0-55.0)) and urinary system tumors (8.0 (6.0-55.0)) showed lower sperm motility. Leukemia (20.0 (2.0-55.0)) The longest time of sexual abstinence was detected in leukemia 7.0 (1.0-25.0) and osteosarcoma (7.0 (3.0-10.0)). Four patients applied to our center to use their frozen sperm. The patients underwent five ART (ICSI) cycles and four embryo transfers. One of the patient had abnormal fertilization and one of the patient had twin clinical pregnancy. Three patients transferred their banked sperm to another center. Sperm samples of 277 patients continue to be stored in our fertility center.&#x0D; Conclusion: Since surgical methods, chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments used for cancer treatment have intense negative effects on spermatogenesis and fertility health, sperm cryopreservation is the gold standard and increasingly being recommended in clinical practice for preserving the fertility potential of cancer patients before treatment.

Effect of feeding dried olive (Olea europaea) leaves on the reproductive parameters of Awassi rams

Abstract The aim of this study was to estimate the effect of feeding adult Awassi rams different ratio of dried olive leaves on the reproductive parameters during seven weeks during the breeding season. Three groups of Awassi rams were fed for twelve weeks either a conventional wheat straw-concentrate ration (Control) or experimental rations where 30% (G1) and 60% (G2) of the wheat straw were replaced with dried olive leaves. Animals were fed the same amounts of crude protein and metabolizable energy daily. Results indicated that with the exception of scrotal circumference, no significant (p&gt;0.05) responses were noted for testosterone level, body weight, semen volume, sperm concentration or semen pH values between the tested groups. Analysis of motility characteristics of sperm by computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) technique showed no significant differences (p&gt;0.05) between the three groups in the percent motility, percent of sperm showing progressive motility, average path velocity, straight line velocity, curvilinear velocity, percent straightness and percent linearity. It could be concluded that feeding Awassi rams dried olive leaves even at the 60% level did not affect the reproductive characteristics of the Awassi rams and therefore could be used as supplement sources of feeds for small ruminants.

Reproductive characteristics of Saanen and Alpine bucks

Genetic variations among breeds within a species can impact not only productivity traits, such as milk yield and quality, but also animal health, including fertility. This study aimed to compare the reproductive characteristics of bucks from the Saanen and Alpine breeds. Sperm concentration and motility were assessed using light microscopy, viability was determined using eosin-nigrosin staining, and morphological parameters were evaluated using the Spermac Stain method. DNA fragmentation was measured using the Halosperm kit. Artificial insemination of goats was conducted with fresh semen during natural estrus. Statistical analysis was performed using the Graph Pad Prism software. The results revealed that Alpine bucks exhibited significantly higher semen volume, sperm concentration, viability, and motility (P&lt;0.05). No significant differences (P≥0,05) were observed between the breeds regarding the number of spermatozoa with normal morphology and the rate of DNA fragmentation. Cryobiological analysis of spermatozoa from Saanen bucks suggested a higher cryoresistance compared to the Alpine breed. Following artificial insemination of goats, the pregnancy rate for the Saanen breed was 61.8%, which was twice as high as that observed in Alpine goats — 28.8% (P&lt;0.05). These findings demonstrate significant differences in reproductive characteristics between Saanen and Alpine goats. Despite superior sperm characteristics, the pregnancy rate after artificial insemination was significantly lower in the Alpine breed compared to the Saanen breed. Consequently, it is crucial to consider these variations in essential reproductive characteristics when implementing breeding programs and employing reproductive biotechnology in animal husbandry to ensure their successful application and effectiveness.

Fresh Semen Quality of Bos taurus, Bos indicus and Bos sondaicus Bulls in the Tropical Condition

This study aimed to assess the effect of genetic and seasonal interaction on semen quality in the Artificial Insemination Center. A total of 36,754 ejaculation records were evaluated. The dependent variable was semen quality which consisted of volume, pH, concentration, abnormalities, and motility of fresh semen. The independent variables consisted of age, season, and number of ejaculation. The mixed procedure with Tukey–Kramer multiple comparison test was used to analyze the effect of interaction between the variables. Seasonal factors significantly affected concentration, fresh semen motility, and abnormality, but did not affect pH and volume. Age factor had a significant effect on all semen quality variables. The ejaculation factor significantly affected pH, volume, concentration, and fresh semen motility, but did not affect abnormality. The species factor significantly affected pH, concentration, and fresh semen motility, but did not affect volume and abnormality.

Factors associated with anxiety and depression in men undergoing fertility investigations: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundInfertility is a real public health issue because of its medical, socio-cultural, and financial impact. It does also have heavy psychological consequences on both partners. This study aimed to assess levels of anxiety and depression among men undergoing infertility investigation and to identify their associated factors.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study in the Laboratory of Cytogenetics and Reproductive Biology of Fattouma Bourguiba University Teaching Hospital (Monastir, Tunisia) between August 30th, 2020, and March 16th, 2021. Anxiety and depression levels were assessed using the valid Arab version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HAD). Semen parameters were analyzed and interpreted according to 2021 World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.ResultsA total of 282 men were included in the current study. The mean HAD-D (depression) and HAD-A (anxiety) scores were of 6.56 ± 3.07 (IQR [4–8]) and 7.94 ± 3.73 (IQR[5–10]) respectively. Univariate analysis showed that patients having two or more comorbidities were nearly five times more likely to be anxious than those without or with only one comorbidity (ORc = 4.71; p = 0.007). Furthermore, single patients were about four times more anxious than those in couple having primary or secondary infertility (ORc = 3.85; p = 0.027). With regards to semen parameters, patients having hypospermia were more than two times anxious compared with those with normal semen volume (ORc = 2.33; p = 0.034). As for depression, we observed that patients with an infertility history lasting for a year or more have a nine times greater risk of depression (ORc = 9.848; p = 0.007). With regards to semen parameters, patients exhibiting two or more semen abnormalities, teratozoospermia and increased MAI were more depressed (ORc = 2.478; p = 0.036; ORc = 2.549: p = 0.023; ORc = 2.762; p = 0.036). Furthermore, we found a negative correlation between HAD-A scores and patient’s age.ConclusionsWe pointed out through the current study the associated factors with anxiety and depression in patients under fertility management to precociously identify those who need psychological counseling and hence to better manage infertility issues.

Effects of Semen Dosage and Insemination Frequency on Fertility and Hatchability in Horasi Chicken Ecotype

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of Horasi chicken ecotype semen dilution, insemination dosage, and frequency of insemination on spermatozoa fertility potentials (hatchability and fertility). Twenty adult hens and four cockerels were used in a 2×2×2 factorial experiment. The factors were semen type (undiluted versus diluted semen), insemination volume (0.5 versus 0.1 ml), and insemination frequency (once versus twice inseminations per week). Egg fertility and hatchability among semen type, semen volume and insemination frequency varied from 68.35 ± 2.10 to 82.20 ± 2.29, and 59.38 ± 2.15 to 86.87 ± 2.57; 70.99 ± 2.45 to 79.56 ± 2.62, and 69.33 ± 3.88 to 76.92 ± 3.83; 67.41 ± 1.99 to 83.15 ± 2.06, and 68.53 ± 4.16 to 77.73 ± 3.40 respectively. The type of semen significantly (P ˂0.05) affected both fertility and hatchability. Higher fertility was recorded in hens inseminated with diluted fresh semen than those inseminated using undiluted fresh semen in all semen volumes and insemination frequencies. Insemination volume and insemination frequency had a significant (P ˂0.05) effect only on fertility. Higher egg fertility was observed in hens inseminated with 0.5mL of semen compared to those inseminated using 0.1mL of semen irrespective of semen type and insemination frequency. Also, hens inseminated twice a week had higher egg fertility in comparison to those inseminated once a week irrespective of semen volume and semen type. From the results obtained, it is concluded that the BPSE improved the fertilizing potential of fresh stored sperm and subsequent hatchability, while inseminating dose and insemination frequency only affected fertility. Thus, twice weekly insemination with diluted semen using 0.5mL of semen will maximize fertility and hatchability of Horasi chicken ecotype eggs.

Antioxidants in Male Infertility-If We Want to Get This Right We Need to Take the Bull by the Horns: A Pilot Study.

Antioxidant therapy should be reserved for infertile patients who actually exhibit signs of oxidative stress (OS). Nevertheless, there is no consensus regarding the measure of the primary endpoint and the assay that should be used. The formation of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), an early marker of sperm DNA oxidation (SDO), was analyzed using flow cytometry, in men at a University hospital setup for infertility treatment. Similar to conventional semen parameters, 8-OHdG assay was validated on fresh semen samples to reduce the variability of results. SDO was associated with semen volume, sperm concentration, leucocytes and round cells, but not with age, body mass index, sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) or OS. Whether the semen samples were normal or subnormal according to the WHO criteria, the expression of 8-OHdG was not different. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis could discriminate two independent populations. Both SDF and SDO were independently expressed. A high SDF did not reveal a high SDO and vice versa. The thresholds for SDO have been established, but vary with the techniques used. The methodology for SDO needs to be further validated and optimized on a larger clinically defined patient population before the outcome measure is fit to monitor antioxidant therapy in male infertility.

Immune Regulation of Seminal Plasma on the Endometrial Microenvironment: Physiological and Pathological Conditions.

Seminal plasma (SP) accounts for more than 90% of semen volume. It induces inflammation, regulates immune tolerance, and facilitates embryonic development and implantation in the female reproductive tract. In the physiological state, SP promotes endometrial decidualization and causes changes in immune cells such as macrophages, natural killer cells, regulatory T cells, and dendritic cells. This leads to the secretion of cytokines and chemokines and also results in the alteration of miRNA profiles and the expression of genes related to endometrial tolerance and angiogenesis. Together, these changes modulate the endometrial immune microenvironment and contribute to implantation and pregnancy. However, in pathological situations, abnormal alterations in SP due to advanced age or poor diet in men can interfere with a woman's immune adaptation to pregnancy, negatively affecting embryo implantation and even the health of the offspring. Uterine pathologies such as endometriosis and endometritis can cause the endometrium to respond negatively to SP, which can further contribute to pathological progress and interfere with conception. The research on the mechanism of SP in the endometrium is conducive to the development of new targets for intervention to improve reproductive outcomes and may also provide new ideas for semen-assisted treatment of clinical infertility.

Evaluation of Semen Quality of Free-Range Chickens After Addition of Putri Malu Leaf Herbal Extract (Mimosa pudica Linn)

This research was conducted to determine the effect of female shy daughter (Mimosa pudica Linn) leaf extract supplementation on the semen quality of native chickens. In this study, 18 male native chickens aged approximately 1 year with an average weight of 2.0 kg were used, divided into 6 treatments, each with 3 replications, each consisting of 1 chicken. Basal feed in this study used BR-1 chicken feed produced by PT. Japfa Comfeed Indonesia Tbk. As an adjustment before treatment, the chickens were reared for 1 week with basic feed. As a control before being given treatment, sperm was taken from chickens and used as a control. Furthermore, the chickens began to be given treatment by giving shame daughter leaf extract supplementation. The study was conducted experimentally using a completely randomized design by allocating 18 free-range male chickens which were divided into 6 treatments, each treatment consisting of three replications, one chicken each. The conclusion of this study is that the supplementation of Putri Mal leaf extract as much as 0.50 cc to 2 cc per day per chicken can increase sperm count per ml of free-range chicken semen, viability, motility, thickness, and color density, while the volume and pH of semen do not experience change.

The Effects of Varying Combinations of Dietary Selenium, Vitamin E, and Zinc Supplements on Semen Characteristics and Antioxidant Enzyme Activity of Spermatozoa in 1-Year-Old Native Turkish Ganders

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of dietary Selenium (Se), Vitamin E (Vit E), and Zinc (Zn) and their various combinations on semen quantity, quality, and oxidative enzyme activities of spermatozoa in 1-year-old native Turkish ganders. In this study, 48 1-year-old native Turkish ganders were used. The ganders were randomly divided into 8 dietary treatment groups (Control, Se, Vit E, Zn, Se + Vit E, Se + Zn, Vit E + Zn, Se + Vit E + Zn) with 6 birds each. In addition to the control diet, specific amounts of 0.3 mg/kg Se, 100 mg/kg Vit E, and 100 mg/kg Zn were added to the diets of each treatment group. Semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility, sperm quality factor (SQF), and total live and normal sperm percentage were the lowest in the control group and highest in the ganders fed with the Se + Vit E + Zn combination. While the percentage of macro-cephalic and dead sperm was highest in the ganders fed with control feed, the lowest percentage of dead sperm was found in the sperm of the ganders fed with Vit E and Se + Vit E + Zn combinations. The lowest glutathione peroxidase enzyme (GPx) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and the highest amount of malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined in the spermatozoa of the control group ganders. This study revealed that the combined use of Se, Vit E, and Zn in the diet maintained higher semen quantity and quality in 1-year-old native Turkish gander despite the advancing reproduction season compared to the control group.

The Impact of Obesity on Sperm Parameters in Young Adult Males: A Retrospective Study of Sperm Donors

To utilize a large cohort of healthy sperm bank donors to evaluate the association between body mass index and individual sperm parameters. Sperm parameters from donors across the United States were obtained between 2013 and 2022. Donors were healthy men aged 18-46years old. Semen samples were analyzed in a certified lab following guidelines by the World Health Organization. A multivariable interaction model between age, body mass index, and sperm parameters was conducted. There were 117,357 sperm donations included in our study. In our sample, 98,397 (83.84%) men were classified as young donors (ages 18-32years) and 18,960 (16.16%) were classified as old donors (ages 33-46years). We identified 1032 (0.88%) men as underweight, 76,635 (65.30%) as normal weight, 36,686 (31.26%) as overweight, and 3004 (2.56%) as obese. Participants had a median total motile sperm count (TMSC) of 186 (interquartile ranges [IQR]: 128 million), volume of 3.36 (IQR: 1.82 mL), sperm concentration of 56 (IQR: 34 million/mL) and a progressive motility of 59.84% (IQR: 16.95%). Older obese donor had lower TMSC (β = -22.98 ± 4.66, P < .001), semen volumes (β = -0.85 ± 0.06, P < .001), and progressive motility (β = -3.94 ± 0.56, P < .001) compared to younger, healthy weight donors. We observed lower TMSC, semen volumes, and progressive motility in older obese donors. Although these values are within the normal expected ranges for individual sperm parameters, our ability to detect differences within this healthy population highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen for preserving high sperm counts.

Genome-wide association study identifies variants associated with semen volume in white-feathered broilers.

Semen is a measure of the reproductive efficiency of roosters, which affects the economic benefits of white-feathered broilers. Over the years, research in this field has mainly focused on hens, while there have been fewer studies on the reproductive traits of roosters. To identify the genes related to the semen traits of roosters, we used a chicken 55 K SNP chip to genetically type the white-feathered population (220) and performed imputation with resequencing data from 97 roosters. In total, 1 048 576 SNPs were obtained and used for genome-wide association analysis of semen volume, from which 197 genome-wide significant markers were identified, all within the interval of 13.82-16.12 Mb on chromosome 7. By combining our results with the biological functions of genes in the interval, four candidate genes were identified that potentially relate to semen volume: FAPP1, OSBPL6, SESTD1 and SSFA2. Our findings may provide a basis for further research on the genetic mechanism and marker-assisted selection of semen volume in white-feathered broilers.

Muscle growth affects the metabolome of the pectoralis major muscle in red-winged tinamou (Rhynchotus rufescens)

The aim of the present study was to identify and quantify the metabolites (metabolome analysis) of the pectoralis major muscle in male red-winged tinamou (Rhynchotus rufescens) selected for growth traits. A selection index was developed for females [body weight (BW), chest circumference (CC), and thigh circumference (TC)] and males [BW, CC, TC, semen volume, and sperm concentration] in order to divide the animals into 2 experimental groups: selection group with a higher index (TinamouS) and commercial group with a lower index (TinamouC). Twenty male offspring of the 2 groups (TinamouS, n=10; TinamouC, n=10) were confined for 350 d. The birds were slaughtered and pectoralis major muscle samples were collected, subjected to polar and apolar metabolites extractions and analyzed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy. Analysis of the polar metabolomic profile identified 65 metabolites; 29 of them were differentially expressed between the experimental groups (P < 0.05). The TinamouS groups exhibited significantly higher concentrations (P < 0.05) of 25 metabolites, including anserine, aspartate, betaine, carnosine, creatine, glutamate, threonine, 3-methylhistidine, NAD+, pyruvate, and taurine. Significantly higher concentrations of cysteine, beta-alanine, lactose, and choline were observed in the TinamouC group (P < 0.05). The metabolites identified in the muscle provided information about the main metabolic pathways (higher impact value and P < 0.05), for example, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis; alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism; D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism; β-alanine metabolism; glycine, serine and threonine metabolism; taurine and hypotaurine metabolism; histidine metabolism; phenylalanine metabolism. The NMR spectra of apolar fraction showed 8 classes of chemical compounds. The metabolome analysis shows that the selection index resulted in the upregulation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids, phosphocholines, phosphoethanolamines, triacylglycerols, and glycerophospholipids. The present study suggests that, despite few generations, the selection based on muscle growth traits promoted changes in metabolite concentrations in red-winged tinamou.

Collection, Handling, and Preservation of Wild Bird Semen: Current Status, Challenges, and Perspectives.

Semen preservation is a significant biotechnology used to safeguard the genetic material of birds, especially those with declining populations, through biobanking. However, there are limited reports on the successful chilling or cryopreservation of wild bird semen. In general, these techniques are not yet well-established for several species of wild birds and pose several challenges such as the need for bird handling and training, contamination of semen samples, low volume of semen collected, and inefficient preservation protocols. To address these challenges and improve post-thawing outcomes, new possibilities are being investigated, including alternative collection methods to traditional digital massage, the use of antioxidants and enzymes in the medium for chilling or freezing, storage methods using different straws from the usual pellet, and slower freezing rates. This review aims to discuss the various aspects of applying semen preservation in wild birds to create germplasm banks, highlighting the primary results obtained and the challenges that need to be addressed.

Enzyme activity, DNA degradation and drying times of semen, saliva and vaginal material

The stability of enzyme activity and the amount of detectable DNA within liquid samples of semen, saliva and vaginal material were tested across a number of days. The concentration of DNA within neat semen and saliva samples fell significantly after one week of refrigeration. No apparent change in acid phosphatase or amylase enzyme activity was observed in neat semen and saliva samples over 96 or 72 h respectively. Changes in the enzyme activity of most of the dilute semen and saliva samples, as well as the neat vaginal material sample, were noted after 24 h. The drying times and sizes of stains produced from various volumes of neat semen, saliva and vaginal material were tested on porous and non-porous surfaces at room temperature. Larger volumes of body fluid took longer to dry and generally resulted in larger stains. Body fluids on a non-porous surface took longer to dry than on the porous surface tested.

Comparison of semen parameters in the same patients before and after diagnosis of COVID-19.

Clinical and histopathological evidence suggest that the male reproductive system may be negatively impacted in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on semen parameters by comparing semen analyses before and after COVID-19 diagnosis in the same patient. We retrospectively analyzed 342 semen analyses by reviewing medical records. The study included two groups of patients: (i) those who underwent two consecutive semen analyses within 6 months, one before (n = 114) and one after (n = 114) COVID-19 diagnosis, and (ii) a control group (n = 114) that was age-matched and did not receive a diagnosis of COVID-19. The study results indicated a significant decrease in semen volume, total sperm count per ejaculate, progressive motile sperm count, total motile sperm count, and normal sperm morphology after SARS-CoV-2 infection in comparison to their respective values before the infection. Subgroup analyses showed that the duration of COVID-19 diagnosis (short-term vs. long-term) did not impact the changes in semen parameters. However, fever during the COVID-19 process had a negative effect on semen parameters, particularly sperm concentration, unlike in patients without fever. In conclusion, our findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with a decline in semen quality, which may potentially impact male fertility. Furthermore, it's important to note that the negative effects on semen parameters may persist in the long-term. Our results also indicate that fever during active infection could be a significant risk factor that negatively affects spermatogenesis.