104 Teratospermia in tigers: Evidence for declining sperm quality over time

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 178
Author(s):  
J. R. Herrick ◽  
C. Ploog ◽  
R. Santymire ◽  
J. Aaltonen ◽  
K. Traylor-Holzer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South China ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Panthera Tigris ◽  
Isolated Populations ◽  
Acinonyx Jubatus ◽  
Normal Morphology ◽  
Panthera Tigris Altaica ◽  
Nutritional Influences

Ejaculate traits in male tigers (Panthera tigris) were studied in the 1980s, but little work has been done on male tigers since then and the reproductive status of the current zoo population is not known. In order to characterise ejaculate traits in male tigers, semen was collected by electroejaculation (90 to 100 stimulations, 3 to 7V), subjected to a standard semen analysis (volume and pH and sperm concentration, motility, and morphology), and cryopreserved. To date, semen has been collected from 24 males (n=16 Amur tigers, Panthera tigris altaica, 10.3±1.1 y; n=7 Sumatran tigers, Panthera tigris sumatrae, 9.4±1.3 y; n=1 Malayan tiger, Panthera tigris jacksoni, 6 y), maintained at 18 USA institutions. Ejaculates (4.7±0.6 mL; pH=8.4±0.1) contained 240.3±54.9×106 spermatozoa, which yielded 357 straws of cryopreserved spermatozoa that were used to establish a Tiger Genome Resource Bank. The majority of the spermatozoa were motile (69.2±4.6%), but the proportion of spermatozoa exhibiting normal morphology was very low (18.7±3.3%) and similar between both Amur (20.0±4.8%) and Sumatran (16.3±5.2%) males, with the majority of abnormalities affecting the midpiece (retained cytoplasmic droplets, bent midpieces, or both). Previous studies of male tigers that utilised comparable anaesthesia regimens and collection techniques recovered similar quantities of semen (5 to 10mL), but the proportions of normal spermatozoa in those studies (>65%) were very high (Wildt et al. 1988 Biol. Reprod. 38, 245; Byers et al. 1990 J. Reprod. Fert. 90, 119). Proportions of normal spermatozoa in the current study more closely resemble those reported for the teratospermic (<40% normal spermatozoa) clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa, 18.5% normal spermatozoa, Pukazhenthi et al. 2006 Theriogenology 66, 1790) and cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus, 18.4% normal spermatozoa, Crosier et al. 2007 Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 19, 370), as well as the South China tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis, 27% normal spermatozoa). The number of spermatozoa per ejaculate was also decreased in Amur tigers (190.1±67.7×106) compared to Sumatran tigers in the current study (362.9±99.5×106) and earlier studies of other Amur tigers (>500×106). The reasons for this apparent decline in sperm quality are unclear, but reduced proportions of normal spermatozoa have been associated with reduced heterozygosity in small, isolated populations of felids (Florida panthers, South China tigers) or species that have been through a genetic bottleneck (cheetahs). Semen collections and evaluations will continue in order to determine if trends for compromised sperm quality are representative of the current SSP population(s) or an artifact of our reduced sample size. Additional studies investigating possible environmental, genetic, or nutritional influences on sperm morphology are also warranted. This work is supported by grants from Association of Zoo and Aquarium’s Conservation Grants Fund and Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium’s Dr. Holly Reed Conservation Fund.

scholarly journals CagA-PositiveHelicobacter pyloriInfection and Reduced Sperm Motility, Vitality, and Normal Morphology

2013 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
pp. 229-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Moretti ◽  
G. Collodel ◽  
L. Mazzi ◽  
M. S. Campagna ◽  
N. Figura
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Normal Forms ◽  
Molecular Mimicry ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Normal Morphology ◽  
Partial Linear ◽  
Caga Status ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Autoimmune Phenomena

Helicobacter pylori(HP) infection, particularly when caused by strains expressing CagA, may be considered a concomitant cause of male and female reduced fertility. This study explored, in 87 HP-infected males, the relationship between infection by CagA-positive HP strains and sperm parameters. HP infection and CagA status were determined by ELISA and Western blotting; semen analysis was performed following WHO guidelines. The amino acid sequence of human enzymes involved in glycolysis and oxidative metabolism were “blasted” with peptides expressed by HP J99. Thirty-seven patients (42.5%) were seropositive for CagA. Sperm motility (18% versus 32%; ), sperm vitality (35% versus 48%; ) and the percentage of sperm with normal forms (18% versus 22%; ) in the CagA-positive group were significantly reduced versus those in the CagA-negative group. All the considered enzymes showed partial linear homology with HP peptides, but four enzymes aligned with four different segments of the samecagisland protein. We hypothesize a relationship between infection by strains expressing CagA and decreased sperm quality. Potentially increased systemic levels of inflammatory cytokines that occur in infection by CagA-positive strains and autoimmune phenomena that involve molecular mimicry could explain the pathogenetic mechanism of alterations observed.

scholarly journals Direct Characterization of Motion-Dependent Parameters of Sperm in a Microfluidic Device: Proof of Principle

2013 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 493-501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-An Chen ◽  
Ken-Chao Chen ◽  
Vincent FS Tsai ◽  
Zi-Wei Huang ◽  
Ju-Ton Hsieh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Microfluidic Device ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Beat Frequency ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Optical Methods ◽  
Voltage Source ◽  
Considerable Difficulty ◽  
Pulse Technique ◽  
Proof Of Principle

BACKGROUND Semen analysis is essential for evaluating male infertility. Besides sperm concentration, other properties, such as motility and morphology, are critical indicators in assessing sperm quality. Nevertheless, rapid and complete assessment of these measures still presents considerable difficulty and involves a range of complex issues. Here we present a microfluidic device capable of quantifying a range of properties of human sperm via the resistive pulse technique (RPT). METHODS An aperture, designed as a long channel, was used to allow the quantification of various properties as sperm swam through. RESULTS The time trace of the voltage drop across the aperture during sperm passage contained a wealth of information: the sperm volume was presented by the amplitude of the induced pulse, the swim velocity was evaluated via the duration, and the beat frequency was calculated from the voltage undulation superposed on the pulse signal. The RPT measurement of swim velocity and beat frequency showed a correlation with the same observation in a microscope (R2 = 0.94 and 0.70, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The proposed proof of principle enables substantial quantification of the motion-dependent properties of sperm. Because this approach requires only a current/voltage source and data analysis, it is economically advantageous compared with optical methods for characterizing sperm motion. Furthermore, this approach may be used to characterize sperm morphology.

scholarly journals Incidence and impact of hyperviscosity on sperm parameters of Malawian men seeking assisted reproduction

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Fanuel Lampiao ◽  
Joseph Chisaka
Keyword(s):  
Male Infertility ◽  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Volume Concentration ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Infertility Treatment ◽  
Normal Morphology ◽  
Progressive Motility ◽  
Accessory Sex Glands ◽  
Semen Volume

Background: Seminal hyperviscosity has been shown to be associated with male infertility. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of hyperviscosity in semen of Malawian males seeking infertility treatment. Methods: A total of 120 men visiting our laboratory for fertility assessment donated semen samples. The semen samples were assessed for hyperviscosity, volume, concentration, total motility, progressive motility, viability, and morphology. Results: Out of the 120 samples analyzed, 34 samples were hyperviscous representing 28.3%. No significant statistical differ- ence in semen volume between samples with normal viscosity compared to those with hyperviscosity (p>0.05). Sperm concen- tration, progressive motility, total motility, viability, and normal morphology were significantly higher in the normal viscosity group when compared to the abnormal viscocity group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Hyperviscosity affects a significant number of men in Malawi and may be the cause of decreased fertility as it was associated with poor sperm concentration, total motility, progressive motility, viability, and morphology. Keywords: Viscosity; sperm motility; accessory sex glands; infertility; semen; semen analysis; spermatozoa.

scholarly journals The Association Between Abstinence Period and Semen Parameters: Results in Normal Samples and Different Sperm Pathology

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Xie ◽  
Silvan Hämmerli ◽  
Kerstin Blickenstorfer ◽  
Brigitte Leeners
Keyword(s):  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Sexual Abstinence ◽  
Normal Morphology ◽  
Few Data ◽  
Total Motile Sperm Count ◽  
Abstinence Period

Abstract Purpose: The length of sexual abstinence seems to influence sperm quality. However, few data on the relevance of abstinence time in pathological sperm samples are available. With our study, we look for associations of abstinence length and semen quality. Methods: We studied semen samples from 4423 men undergoing fertility evaluation. Sperm concentration, percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa, total motile sperm count, percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology, were compared after each day and 0-2, 3-7 and >7 days of abstinence. Results: We found that a longer abstinence time was related to higher sperm concentration in normal semen samples (P<0.001) and in semen samples with any sperm pathology (P<0.001, P=0.004) with the exception of oligozoospermia (P=0.125). Longer abstinence time was also associated with significantly reduced progressive motility in normal samples (P<0.001) and in cases of teratozoospermia (P<0.001). In normal samples a higher percentage of sperm were morphologically normal after a shorter abstinence period (P=0.03); in oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) samples, this was the case after a longer abstinence period (P=0.013). Conclusion: A longer abstinence time is associated with higher sperm concentration, whereas sperm motility is optimal after shorter abstinence times; results on morphology are controversial. The recommendation on abstinence time needs to be adjusted in relation to the parameter that needs to be improved.

scholarly journals The Effect of Screening and Treatment of Ureaplasma Urealyticum Infection on Semen Parameters in Asymptomatic Leukocytospermia: A Case Control Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qi-Feng Zhang ◽  
Yu-Ji Zhang ◽  
Sheng Wang ◽  
Yu Wei ◽  
Feng Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ureaplasma Urealyticum ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Day Treatment ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Good Choice ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Normal Morphology ◽  
Cure Rates

Abstract Background: Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) infection, as well as asymptomatic leukocytospermia, whether it has effect on semen parameters and whether it needs screening and treatment is still a confusing and controversial topic for clinicians.Methods: Among 1,530 adult males who visited Guilin People's Hospital due to infertility, 295 were diagnosed with asymptomatic leukocytospermia, and 95 were further screened for UU-positive. 81 UU-positive asymptomatic leukocytospermia patients received 7-day or 14-day treatment plan with doxycycline, and 70 cases were cured. The semen parameters of non-leukocytospermia, leukocytospermia, UU-positive leukocytospermia and UU-negative leukocytospermia groups were compared, and the differences between the two treatment plans and the semen parameters before UU treatment and 1 month after UU-cured were compared.Results: Compared with non-leukocytospermia patients, the sperm concentration, progressive motility (PR), and normal morphology of patients with leukocytospermia decreased, while those with UU-positive leukocytospermia performed more significantly. The PR, total motility, and normal morphology of UU-positive leukocytospermia patients were significantly lower than those of UU-negative leukocytospermia patients (all p<0.001). The UU cure rates of the 7-day and 14-day treatment plan with doxcycline was 84.62% and 89.66% (p=0.738), respectively, and the sperm concentration, PR, total motility, and normal morphology of the cured UU-positive leukocytospermia patients were all increased after 1 month (p=0.001, p=0.022, p=0.004 and p=0.008, respectively).Conclusions: It is significant to screen and treat UU infection in asymptomatic leukocytospermia for improving sperm quality. Where appropriate, the 7-day treatment plan with doxycycline may be a good choice.

scholarly journals Semen and Spermatozoa Characteristics in Alcohol Users and Non-Users

2021 ◽  
pp. 102-106
Author(s):  
Tanuja Lella ◽  
A. Ruckmani ◽  
N. Pandiyan Pandiyan ◽  
R. Arunkumar
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Medicine ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Semen Volume ◽  
The Difference ◽  
One Year ◽  
Alcohol Users

Introduction: Increasing infertility rate worldwide raises research to investigate plausible reason health community. To find out the characteristics of semen and spermatozoa in alcohol users and compare these characteristics with that of non-users of alcohol. Methodology: The data on alcohol use and semen analysis were obtained from case records of patients reported to the Department of Andrology & Reproductive Medicine of a tertiary care hospital for a period of one year from January 2018 to December 2018. The semen volume, sperm concentration, motility and morphology in alcohol users were compared with non-users. Results: A total of 231 patients had reported to the Department of Andrology & Reproductive Medicine during the study period. Among them 81 (35.06%) were alcohol users and 150 (64.94%) alcohol non-users. Analysis of their semen reports revealed that the difference in semen volume and sperm morphology was not found to be statistically significant, but the sperm concentration and progressive motility of spermatozoa showed significant reduction in alcohol users compared to non – users (p<0.05). Conclusion: The semen volume and sperm quality were found to be low in alcohol users. Among the spermatozoa characteristics, sperm concentration and motility were significantly reduced in alcohol users.

scholarly journals The effect of screening and treatment of Ureaplasma urealyticum infection on semen parameters in asymptomatic leukocytospermia: a case control study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qi-Feng Zhang ◽  
Yu-Ji Zhang ◽  
Sheng Wang ◽  
Yu Wei ◽  
Feng Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ureaplasma Urealyticum ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Day Treatment ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Good Choice ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Normal Morphology ◽  
Cure Rates

Abstract Background: Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) infection, as well as asymptomatic leukocytospermia, whether it has effect on semen parameters and whether it needs screening and treatment is still a confusing and controversial topic for clinicians.Methods: Among 1,530 adult males who visited Guilin People's Hospital due to infertility, 295 were diagnosed with asymptomatic leukocytospermia, and 95 were further screened for UU-positive. 81 UU-positive asymptomatic leukocytospermia patients received 7-day or 14-day treatment plan with doxycycline, and 70 cases were cured. The semen parameters of non-leukocytospermia, leukocytospermia, UU-positive leukocytospermia and UU-negative leukocytospermia groups were compared, and the differences between the two treatment plans and the semen parameters before UU treatment and 1 month after UU-cured were compared.Results: Compared with non-leukocytospermia patients, the sperm concentration, progressive motility (PR), and normal morphology of patients with leukocytospermia decreased, while those with UU-positive leukocytospermia performed more significantly. The PR, total motility, and normal morphology of UU-positive leukocytospermia patients were significantly lower than those of UU-negative leukocytospermia patients (all p<0.001). The UU cure rates of the 7-day and 14-day treatment plan with doxycycline was 84.62% and 89.66% (p=0.738), respectively, and the sperm concentration, PR, total motility, and normal morphology of the cured UU-positive leukocytospermia patients were all increased after 1 month (p=0.001, p=0.022, p=0.004 and p=0.008, respectively).Conclusions: It is significant to screen and treat UU infection in asymptomatic leukocytospermia for improving sperm quality. Where appropriate, the 7-day treatment plan with doxycycline may be a good choice.

scholarly journals Semen analysis of subfertility caused by testicular carcinoma

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Behrooz Ghasemi ◽  
Alimohammad Mosadegh Mehrjardi ◽  
Carolyn Jones ◽  
Nasrin Ghasemi
Keyword(s):  
Testicular Cancer ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Correct Diagnosis ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Germ Cell Tumors ◽  
Normal Morphology ◽  
Semen Parameter ◽  
Individual Traits ◽  
Testicular Carcinoma

Background: Infertility is a common problem in testicular cancer. Affected men often decide to undergo sperm banking before chemo/radiotherapy. The cumulative effects of therapy can considerably reduce fertility. Objective: Testicular cancers impair fertilizing ability, even before diagnosis. This study tries to verify individual traits and semen quality in patients with testicular cancer. Materials and Methods: This observational study analyzed 190 semen of patients with testicular cancer (16 to 47 yr old) referred to the sub-fertility laboratory at the St. Mary hospital for semen banking prior to treatment carcinoma. Several aspects of their semen analyses were examined. The cases were divided into four different categories: seminoma, teratoma, mixed germ cell tumors and others. Results: The results showed that 23 cases were azoospermic, and 13 of the patients who were not azoospermic, their sperm of “normal” morphology were too few to count. Among patients that could produce spermatozoa, 59.4% had a sperm concentration of < 20 × 106/ml. The mean of “motility excellent” and “sluggish” taken together in all the cases was 47.2%. More than 92% of the patients had an abnormal morphology. The morphology of sperm is the most sensitive semen parameter that is affected by testicular carcinoma. Conclusion: Abnormal spermatogenesis is seen in most patients with testicular cancer before treatment with radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery. The causes of poor semen quality in cancer patients are not well-understood, but the patients with impaired spermatogenesis should have precise examination to find out the correct diagnosis of problem and preserve the fertility before any treatment. Key words: Infertility, Testicular cancer, Semen analyses, Spermatogenesis.

scholarly journals Impact of Seminal Plasma Trace Elements on Human Sperm Motility Parameters

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Mostakhdem Hashemi ◽  
Nasser Behnampour ◽  
Mojgan Nejabat ◽  
Afsaneh Tabandeh ◽  
Behrouz Ghazi-Moghaddam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Human Sperm ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Human Seminal Plasma

Abstract Introduction. Human seminal plasma contains a variety of macro and trace elements including magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) that have essential roles in normal functioning of semen and its quality. The imbalance of these elements has been reported in several pathologic and male infertility disorders. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the levels of these elements in seminal plasma samples, their relationships with each other and their impact on sperm motility. Methods. Overall, 192 males (96 normospermic and 96 asthenospermic males) were enrolled in the study. Semen samples were collected by masturbation and computer-assisted/aided semen analysis of sperm motility was performed. The samples were centrifuged and seminal levels of Mg, Cu, Zn and Fe were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results. The levels of Zn did not differ between the two groups, while the levels of Mg, Cu, and Fe were significantly higher in normospermic males. Fe showed a positive correlation with Mg and Cu in asthenospermic group. However, a negative relationship was found between Mg and Fe levels and between Mg and sperm concentration in the normospermic group. Fe levels were higher in the normospermic group compared to the asthenospermic group. Nevertheless, increased Fe levels caused a decrease in most of sperm motility fractions. Conclusion: Elements play major roles in male fertility and directly affect sperm quality. According to the results of this study, the levels of Zn do not affect the sperm quality and motility, while Fe, Cu and Mg are decreased in males with sperm motility problems. Nevertheless, Fe levels can adversely affect sperm motility in normospermic men.

Association between kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) and macroscopic indicators of semen analysis: their relation to sperm motility

2009 ◽  
Vol 390 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nashmil Emami ◽  
Andreas Scorilas ◽  
Antoninus Soosaipillai ◽  
Tammy Earle ◽  
Brendan Mullen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Viscosity Data ◽  
Clinical Value

Abstract Human kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) are a family of proteases, the majority of which are found in seminal plasma and have been implicated in semen liquefaction. Here, we examined the clinical value of seminal KLKs in the evaluation of semen quality and differential diagnosis and etiology of abnormal liquefaction and/or viscosity. KLK1–3, 5–8, 10, 11, 13, and 14 were analyzed, using highly specific ELISA assays. Samples were categorized into four clinical groups, according to their state of liquefaction and viscosity. Data were compared between the clinical groups and in association with other parameters of sperm quality, including number of motile sperms, straight line speed, sperm concentration, volume, pH, and patient age. Seminal KLKs were found to be differentially expressed in the four clinical groups. Combination of KLK2, 3, 13, and 14 and KLK1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, and 14 showed very strong discriminatory potential for semen liquefaction and viscosity, respectively. Liquefaction state was associated with several parameters of sperm motility. Finally, KLK14 was differentially expressed in asthenospermic cases. In conclusion, the expression level of several seminal plasma KLKs correlates with liquefaction and viscosity indicators of semen quality and may aid in their differential diagnosis and etiology.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document