P–053 Concentration of bisphenol S in human seminal plasma negatively correlates with decreasing sperm concentration in ejaculate

Abstract Study question Is there a relationship between concentration of bisphenol S in seminal fluid and spermiogram parameters? Summary answer Bisphenol S was detected in 81% of seminal plasma samples. Negative correlation was found between BPS concentration and total sperm count in normozoospermic men. What is known already Human spermatogenesis can be influenced by a range of chemicals present in our environment. Bisphenol S (BPS) is a very frequent compound commonly used as a softener in production of plastics, where it has replaced bisphenol A. It is an endocrine disruptor frequently associated with negative effects on reproduction. It has been observed that BPS can affect testicular development in rodent males. In addition, it has cytotoxic, reprotoxic and neurotoxic effects and induces the oxidative stress bringing negative effects on spermatogenesis. BPS has been detected in food, drinks or cosmetics. Its direct effect on spermatozoa or spermatogenesis is still unclear. Study design, size, duration A total of 38 patients (25 normozoospermic) aged 24 to 42 years, non-smokers, with BMI between 19,9–32,9 were included in this prospective study from 2018 to 2020. None of them had varicocele, urogenital infections or other urological problems. Their seminal plasma was separated by centrifugation. BPS was extracted using solvent extraction followed by preconcentration step. The samples were analysed on Agilent 6495 Triple Quadrupole. Two MS/MS transitions were used for quantitative LC-MS/MS analyses. Participants/materials, setting, methods All the men included in this study signed an informed consent and agreed with analyses of their samples. These analyses were approved by Ethical committee of University Hospital Brno. We evaluated the relationship between concentration of BPS in seminal plasma, sperm concentration, total sperm count, total motility, progressive motility, morphology and fragmentation of DNA in spermatozoa. Statistical evaluation was performed by one individual one-dimensional regression model (p-value lower than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant). Main results and the role of chance The examination revealed the presence of BPS in 31 samples of seminal plasma (81% of all the samples). In 6 samples, the concentration was under level of detection and in one sample under level of quantification. In 7 samples, a very high concentration was detected (>0.1 ng/ml). These values were then compared to spermiogram parameters and sperm DNA integrity. There were no significant differences between the concentration of BPS and morphology of spermatozoa, progressive motility and total motility. In case of the DNA integrity, the opposite trend was observed, lower proportions of spermatozoa with fragmented DNA were found in samples with higher concentrations of BPS. Evaluation of sperm concentration and BPS concentration showed relationship of increasing BPS concentration with significantly lower sperm concentration, the differences were most obvious when only the normozoospermic men were compared. Evaluation of BPS concentration and total sperm count revealed the same trend with statistically significant difference in the category of normozoospermic men. Due to the small number of samples, a negative effect of extreme values on the statistical evaluation cannot be excluded. Currently, more analyses focused on detection of BPS in seminal plasma are carried out in order to obtain sufficiently larger data set. Limitations, reasons for caution A limitation is the number of samples included and analysed in this study, which slightly reduced the power of statistical analysis. Wider implications of the findings: These results document that BPS was present in 81% of analysed samples. Knowing the concentration of BPS in seminal fluid is important for understandig of impact of BPS on male fertility. Our future work will be focused on detection of other bisphenols in seminal plasma. Trial registration number MH CZ – DRO (FNBr, 65269705), AZV NV18–01–00544, Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (CZ.02.2.69/0.0/0.0/19_074/0012727)

Download Full-text

Effects of Sperm Parameters on Pregnancy Rate in Patients Undergoing Intrauterine Insemination

Gynecology Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine ◽

10.21613/gorm.2020.1040 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1

Author(s):

Mehmet Solakhan ◽

Mustafa Demir

Keyword(s):

Intrauterine Insemination ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Sperm Parameters ◽

Motile Sperm ◽

Progressive Motility ◽

Age Related ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Sperm Volume ◽

Infertile Couples

OBJECTIVE: In this study, the effects of sperm parameters on the success of intrauterine insemination were investigated. STUDY DESIGN: The data from 309 infertile couples who were admitted between 2012-2018 without a female factor were analyzed retrospectively and included in the study. After the administration of gonadotropin and hCG (5000-10000 IU), single insemination was performed in 36-40 hours in all cycles. All couples underwent routine infertility screening. The relationship between sperm parameters (motility, morphology, sperm count), patient age, duration of infertility with intrauterine insemination success was evaluated.RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of mean age and age related-parity. There was no statistically significant difference between male ages, liquefaction, and sperm volumes between the two groups (p=0.898, p=0.448, p=0.651). Before washing; There was a statistically significant difference between the sperm concentration, percentage of total motile sperm, percentage of progressive motility sperm, percentage of normal sperm morphology, and total sperm count between the two groups (p=0.0001, p=0.0001, p=0.0001, p=0.0001, p=0.0001). After sperm washing; the results were similar to those obtained before washing. While statistically significant difference was observed between sperm volume and sperm concentrations (p=0.023, p=0.018), no significant difference was observed between the two groups in total sperm count (p=0.612).CONCLUSION: As a result, during the application of intrauterine insemination to infertile couples, total motile sperm count, progressive motility sperm count ratio and high sperm ratio with normal morphology used in order to increase pregnancy success can be considered as criteria that increase the chances of success.

Download Full-text

Differences in Bisphenol A and Estrogen Levels in the Plasma and Seminal Plasma of Men With Different Degrees of Infertility

Physiological Research ◽

10.33549/physiolres.933090 ◽

2015 ◽

pp. S303-S311 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

J. VITKU ◽

L. SOSVOROVA ◽

T. CHLUPACOVA ◽

R. HAMPL ◽

M. HILL ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bisphenol A ◽

Seminal Plasma ◽

Seminal Fluid ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Endocrine System ◽

Estrogen Metabolism ◽

Healthy Men ◽

Infertile Men ◽

Estradiol Levels

The general population is potentially exposed to many chemicals that can affect the endocrine system. These substances are called endocrine disruptors (EDs), and among them bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most widely used and well studied. Nonetheless, there are still no data on simultaneous measurements of various EDs along with steroids directly in the seminal fluid, where deleterious effects of EDs on spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis are assumed. We determined levels of BPA and 3 estrogens using LC-MS/MS in the plasma and seminal plasma of 174 men with different degrees of infertility. These men were divided according their spermiogram values into 4 groups: (1) healthy men, and (2) slightly, (3) moderate, and (4) severely infertile men. Estradiol levels differed across the groups and body fluids. Slightly infertile men have significantly higher BPA plasma and seminal plasma levels in comparison with healthy men (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). Furthermore, seminal BPA, but not plasma BPA, was negatively associated with sperm concentration and total sperm count (–0.27; p<0.001 and –0.24; p<0.01, respectively). These findings point to the importance of seminal plasma in BPA research. Overall, a disruption of estrogen metabolism was observed together with a weak but significant impact of BPA on sperm count and concentration.

Download Full-text

Seminal Plasma Clusterin as a Biomarker for Spermatogenesis in Varicocele Patients before and after Varicocelectomy

QJM ◽

10.1093/qjmed/hcaa046.015 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 113 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

H M A Saleh ◽

A A Afify ◽

W A Ahmed ◽

M S Daruish

Keyword(s):

Seminal Plasma ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Semen Analysis ◽

Progressive Motility ◽

Infertile Men ◽

Pampiniform Plexus ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Before And After ◽

Sperm Development ◽

High Concentrations

Abstract Introduction a varicocele is an abnormally dilated pampiniform plexus of veins. Hyperthermia, oxidative stress, and elevated apoptotic index have been described in men with variocele and infertility. Clusterin (Clu) is a chaperone-like glycoprotein which is synthesized by Sertoli cells in high concentrations and is deposited onto the membranes of and mature spermatozoa, giving rise to the possibility that it has a role in sperm development. Secreted form of clusterin is a powerful anti-apoptotic. Aim To explore clusterin level in seminal plasma of infertile men with varicocele in comparison to normal healthy fertile subjects and to compare the seminal plasma clusterin level before and after varicocelectomy Methods The study included 25 patients suffering from varicocele with infertility (whether primary or secondary) for 12 months, and 10 healthy volunteers of matched age and sex as control. For all the patients Sub-inguinal varicocelectomy was done. Semen analysis, and seminal plasma clusterin assay were carried out before and three months after varicocelectomy. Results there was a statistically significant difference between patients and controls as regards sperm count, progressive motility, and seminal plasma clusterin (P < 0.01). Three months after varicocelectomy, the sperm count had a highly significant improvement in the patient’s group (Mean= 17.90 + 8.86) compared to a preoperative count (Mean= 11.43 + 7.56). There was a highly significant improvement in post-operative progressive motility in the patient’s group (Mean= 34.5 + 20.2) compared to a preoperative progressive motility (Mean= 22.05 + 15.5). Post-operative clusterin showed a highly significant elevation in the patient’s group postoperative (Mean= 10.73 + 4.5) compared to a preoperative clusterin (Mean= 6.68 + 3.8). Conclusion Based on our study we could suggest another way of contribution of varicocele to male infertility by affecting seminal plasma clusterin level.

Download Full-text

The effects of Pb on sperm parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation of men investigated for infertility

Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology ◽

10.1515/jbcpp-2019-0239 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 31 (4) ◽

Author(s):

G.U.S. Wijesekara ◽

D.M.S. Fernando ◽

S. Wijeratne

Keyword(s):

Dna Fragmentation ◽

Seminal Plasma ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Sperm Parameters ◽

World Health ◽

Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽

Progressive Motility ◽

Sperm Dna ◽

The Mean ◽

Pb Concentration

AbstractBackgroundLead (Pb) is one of the metals most prevalent in the environment and is known to cause infertility and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation. This study aimed to determine the association between seminal plasma Pb and sperm DNA fragmentation in men investigated for infertility.MethodsMale partners (n = 300) of couples investigated for infertility were recruited after informed consent was obtained. Sperm parameters were assessed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Seminal plasma Pb was estimated by atomic absorption spectrophotometry after digestion with nitric acid.ResultsIn Pb-positive and -negative groups the sperm parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation were compared using independent sample t-test and the Mann-Whitney U-test, respectively. The mean [standard deviation (SD)] age and duration of infertility were 34.8 (5.34) years and 45.7 (35.09) months, respectively, and the mean Pb concentration was 15.7 μg/dL. In Pb positives compared to Pb negatives the means (SD) of sperm count, progressive motility viability and normal morphology were lower (p > 0.05) but the DNA fragmentation was significantly higher 39.80% (25.08) than Pb negatives 22.65% (11.30). Seminal plasma Pb concentration and sperm DNA fragmentation had a positive correlation (r = 0.38, p = 0.03). A negative correlation was observed between sperm DNA fragmentation and sperm concentration, progressive motility, total motility and viability. When the DNA fragmentation was ≥30% sperm concentration and viability decreased (p < 0.05).ConclusionsPb in seminal plasma had a significant effect on sperm DNA fragmentation but not with other sperm parameters.

Download Full-text

The relationship between serum hormone levels (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, total testosterone) and semen parameters

Archivio Italiano di Urologia e Andrologia ◽

10.4081/aiua.2015.3.194 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 87 (3) ◽

pp. 194 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Mehmet Zeynel Keskin ◽

Salih Budak ◽

Tuǧba Zeyrek ◽

Orçun Çelik ◽

Oguz Mertoglu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sperm Concentration ◽

Reference Value ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Total Testosterone ◽

Testosterone Levels ◽

Progressive Motility ◽

Semen Volume ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Serum Hormone ◽

Serum Gonadotropin

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of serum gonadotropin and total testosterone levels on semen parameters. Materials and Methods: Three hundred and eighty-two patients that applied to a male infertility polyclinic were included in our study. Serum gonadotropin and total testosterone levels and semen parameters of the patients were analyzed during the first visit to the clinic. The reference FSH value was 1.5-12.4 mIU/mL, that of LH was 1.7-8.6 mIU/mL and the reference value for total testosterone was 249-836 ng/dL. Results: While there was no statistically significant difference between the patients with low gonadotropin levels and the controls regarding any of the semen parameters (p > 0.05), there was a strong statistically significant difference between the patients with high gonadotropin levels and the controls regarding sperm concentration (p = 0.000), total motility (p = 0.000), progressive motility (p = 0.000), and morphology (p = 0.000). There was a strong statistically significant difference between the patients with low testosterone levels and the controls regarding total motility (p = 0.012) and progressive motility (p = 0.010), and a weak statistically significant difference in morphology (p = 0.042). There was no statistically significant difference in semen volume or sperm concentration (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in any of the semen parameters between the patients with high testosterone levels and the controls (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings especially regarding LH and T levels are not in agreement with previous reports. In this regard, there is a need for larger-scale and randomized trials to resolve this discrepancy.

Download Full-text

Correlation Between Ultrasonic Testicular Volume and Seminal Fluid Analysis in Men with Infertility

European Journal of Medical and Health Sciences ◽

10.24018/ejmed.2021.3.1.541 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. 103-107

Author(s):

Sadiq Abu ◽

Hadijat O. Kolade-Yunusa ◽

Terkaa Atim ◽

F. Ehimatie Obakeye ◽

Nuhu K. Dakum

Keyword(s):

Sperm Motility ◽

Teaching Hospital ◽

Seminal Fluid ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Testicular Volume ◽

Seminiferous Tubules ◽

Testicular Function ◽

Semen Volume ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Mean

Background: Infertility is a major cause of marital disharmony in Nigeria because of the high premium placed on childbearing. Unfortunately, the blame is on the woman most times in Nigeria. Seminiferous tubules comprise 80-90% of testicular mass. Thus, the testicular volume is an index of spermatogenesis. Therefore, accurate testicular volume will help in assessing testicular function if there is no obstruction. This study was conducted to evaluate the correlation between testicular volume, measured by ultrasound and conventional sperm parameters (semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility and sperm morphology) in men with infertility presenting to Urology Division, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada Abuja. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross sectional study, male subjects with infertility presenting to University of Abuja Teaching Hospital were recruited into the study. The testicular volume of all the subjects was measured by ultrasonography. The semen samples were collected by the process of masturbation on day five of sexual abstinence and analyzed according to WHO criteria 2010. Collated data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. P-value<0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: The average total testicular volume (TTV) of men with infertility was 19.83 ml while mean testicular volume (MTV) was 10.24 ml. There was a statistically significant difference between MTV and semen volume (r=0.391, p=0.000), and sperm concentration (r=0.639, p=0.000). There was a weak and insignificant correlation between MTV and sperm motility and MTV and morphology (r=0.216, p=0.055 and r=0.076, p=0.502) respectively. Linear regression analysis showed significant impact of MTV (P<0.001) on sperm concentration with a critical MTV of ≤10ml.0 indicating poor testicular function (severe oligospermia) Conclusion: The mean ultrasonic testicular volume in men with infertility in this study was 10.24ml and there was a significant positive correlation of MTV with semen volume and sperm concentration. Although, there was correlation of MTV with sperm motility and morphology, this was not significant. The critical mean ultrasonic testicular volume indicating poor testicular function (severe oligospermia) was found to be 10ml. This study has shown that the mean ultrasonic testicular volume can be a pointer to semen volume and sperm concentration in evaluating men with infertility.

Download Full-text

Comparison of semen characteristics between indigenous and Amo breeds cockerel of Gombe State, Nigeria

Malaysian Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences ◽

10.11113/mjfas.v15n2-1.1540 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 15 (2-1) ◽

pp. 303-306

Author(s):

Tijjani Haruna Usman ◽

Saleh Mohammed Sir ◽

Ma’aruf Bashir Sani

Keyword(s):

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Progressive Motility ◽

Indigenous Breed ◽

Normal Sperm ◽

Abnormal Sperm ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Semen Characteristics ◽

Genetically Improved ◽

Abdominal Massage

The experiment was carried out to compare the semen characteristics of indigenous and Amo strains of cockerel at poultry unit of teaching and research farm of Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State, Nigeria. Semen samples were collected from nine indigenous and nine Amo breeds of cockerel at three days interval for two weeks using abdominal massage technique. Semen samples were examined macroscopically for semen colour, pH and ejaculation volume. Then, microscopic observation was carried for sperm concentration, mass motility, progressive motility, live and dead sperms percentage, normal and abnormal sperm, all for semen characteristics. The results showed a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) between mass motility, progressive motility, sperm concentration and head defects of 4.85 ± 0.27 to 4.37 ± 0.19, 95.13 ± 0.43 to 81.63 ± 1.15%, 4.93 ± 1.84 to 3.40 ± 1.07×109/ml and 2.96 ± 0.17 to 3.44 ± 0.12% for indigenous and Amo breeds of cockerel, respectively. There were no significant differences observed as semen colour, ejaculate volume, semen pH, live / dead normal sperm neck (mid-piece), tail defects and sperm total abnormalities were found to be 2.85 ± 0.07 to 2.00 ± 0.090.21 ± 0.17 to 0.20 ± 0.02 /ml, 88.85 ± 0.58 to 72.70 ± 0.54% /ml, 11.14 ± 0.58 to 27.29 ± 0.54%, 81.00 ± 0.78 to 66.22 ± 0.61%,9.03 ± 0.42 to 13.96 ± 0.47%, 9.70 ± to 13.00 ± 0.30 and 21.70 ± 0.59 to 30.40 ± 0.53% for the indigenous and Amo breed groups of cockerel, respectively. It was concluded that semen quality characteristics could be differed between genetically improved (Amo strain) and indigenous breed of cockerels.

Download Full-text

Semen quality pattern and age threshold: a retrospective cross-sectional study of 71,623 infertile men in China, between 2011 and 2017

Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology ◽

10.1186/s12958-019-0551-2 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

W. N. Li ◽

M. M. Jia ◽

Y. Q. Peng ◽

R. Ding ◽

L. Q. Fan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Joinpoint Regression ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Progressive Motility ◽

Infertile Men

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to provide information on the semen quality pattern of infertile men and age thresholds for semen parameters in China. Methods This was a retrospective cross-sectional study investigating 71,623 infertile men from the Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC Xiangya in Hunan, China, from 2011 to 2017. The Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Kendall test, linear regression model and joinpoint regression were used. Results Although erratic changes were observed in the median semen parameters (sperm concentration 40.1–52.1 × 106/ml, total sperm count 117.8–153.1 × 106, sperm progressive motility 33.4–38.1%) during the 7 years of observation, no significant decrease in semen quality was found, and 47.88% of infertile men showed normal semen parameters according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. According to the joinpoint regression analysis, sperm progressive motility appeared to decrease earlier than the sperm concentration and total sperm count (at 28, 58, and 42 years of age, respectively). Conclusions There is no evidence of a deterioration in semen quality among infertile men in Hunan, China. Semen parameters decreased with increasing age, with turning points noted at different ages. Semen parameters are not absolute evidence for the assessment of male fertility potential. Therefore, we believe that, among semen parameters, the sperm concentration is the best predictor of fertility for ART, followed by motility. Decreased sperm motility may affect natural pregnancy, but it is not necessary for successful IVF.

Download Full-text

From Spermiogram to Bio-Functional Sperm Parameters: When and Why Request Them?

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm9020406 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 406 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Rosita A. Condorelli ◽

Aldo E. Calogero ◽

Giorgio I. Russo ◽

Sandro La Vignera

Keyword(s):

Normal Form ◽

Sperm Motility ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Semen Analysis ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Sperm Parameters ◽

Sperm Parameter ◽

Progressive Motility ◽

Semen Volume ◽

Chromatin Compactness

The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate whether infertile patients may benefit from the evaluation of bio-functional sperm parameters in addition to the conventional semen analysis. To accomplish this, we evaluated the correlation between conventional and bio-functional sperm parameters based on their percentile distribution in search of a potential threshold of these latter that associates with conventional sperm parameter abnormalities. The study was conducted on 577 unselected patients with infertility lasting at least 12 months. We identified cut-off values according to the median of the population for mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), number of alive spermatozoa, and chromatin abnormality. High MMP (HMMP) (≥46.25%) was associated with sperm concentration, sperm count, progressive motility, and normal form. Low MMP (LMMP) (≥36.5%) was found to be associated with semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, progressive motility, total motility, and normal form. The number of alive spermatozoa (≥71.7%) was associated with sperm concentration and progressive motility whereas abnormal chromatin compactness (≥21.10%) was associated with sperm concentration, total sperm count, and progressive motility. The data would suggest that, for every increase in the percentile category of sperm concentration, the risk of finding an HMMP≤46.25 is reduced by 0.4 and by 0.66 for a total sperm count. This risk is also reduced by 0.60 for every increase in the percentile category of sperm progressive motility and by 0.71 for total sperm motility. Each increment of percentile category of the following sperm parameter was followed by a decrease in the risk of finding an LMMP≤36.5: sperm concentration 1.66, total sperm count 1.28, sperm progressive motility 1.27, total sperm motility 1.76, and normal form 1.73. Lastly, the data showed that, for every increase in the percentile category of total sperm count, the risk of finding an abnormal chromatin compactness ≤21.10 is reduced by 1.25 (1.04–1.51, p < 0.05) and an increase of total sperm motility is associated with a reduced risk by 1.44 (1.12–1.85, p < 0.05). Results suggest a correlation between bio-functional and conventional sperm parameters that impact the sperm fertilizing potential. Therefore, the evaluation of bio-functional sperm parameters by flow cytometry may be useful to explain some cases of idiopathic male infertility.

Download Full-text

Relationship between semen quality and seminal plasma cholesterol, triacylglycerols and proteins in the domestic cat

Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery ◽

10.1177/1098612x19889072 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 22 (10) ◽

pp. 882-889 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

María F García ◽

Romina Nuñez Favre ◽

María C Stornelli ◽

Ramiro Rearte ◽

María C García Mitacek ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Seminal Plasma ◽

Sperm Morphology ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Sodium Dodecyl ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Membrane Integrity ◽

Domestic Cat ◽

Sds Page ◽

The Relationship

Objectives The current study aimed to evaluate the relationship between specific seminal plasma components – cholesterol (CHOL), triacylglycerols (TAG) and total protein (PROT) concentrations – and semen quality in cats. A further aim was to determine the relationship between specific seminal protein bands and semen quality. Methods Thirteen toms, 2–5 years of age, were included. Semen collection was performed by electroejaculation every 4 weeks. Fifty-eight ejaculates were assessed for motility, velocity, volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, viability, acrosome integrity, plasma membrane integrity and sperm morphology. Samples were divided into two groups: good semen quality (GSQ) and poor semen quality (PSQ). After evaluation, seminal plasma was separated from the sperm by centrifugation and stored at −20°C. CHOL, TAG and PROT concentrations were then assessed and seminal plasma protein profile was determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Results Seminal plasma CHOL and TAG concentrations, motility, velocity, sperm concentration, total sperm count and sperm morphology were significantly higher in GSQ cats compared with PSQ cats ( P <0.01). Moreover, seminal plasma SDS-PAGE analysis showed an identifiable extra band exclusively in the GSQ group. Conclusions and relevance Data obtained in this study showed that seminal plasma CHOL and TAG concentrations and specific protein bands could be used to improve semen evaluation in toms. In this sense, the 14 kDa protein band could be a valuable marker for semen quality in the cat and should be further investigated. However, more studies are necessary to determine its relationship with fertility.

Download Full-text