scholarly journals Oxytocin in pig seminal plasma is positively related with in vivo fertility of inseminated sows

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorena Padilla ◽  
Marina López-Arjona ◽  
Silvia Martinez-Subiela ◽  
Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez ◽  
Jordi Roca ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Identification of relevant in vivo biomarkers for fertility remains a challenge for the livestock industry. Concentrations of the small peptide hormone oxytocin (OXT), involved in male reproductive function and present in the seminal plasma (SP) of several species could be a robust one. This study characterized concentrations of SP-OXT in ejaculates from boars used in artificial insemination (AI) programs aiming to evaluate its relationship with sperm quality variables and in vivo fertility of their liquid-stored AI-semen. Seminal OXT concentrations (ng/mL) were measured in 169 ejaculates from 61 boars of the Duroc, Pietrain, Landrace and Large White breeds using a direct competitive immunoassay test based on AlphaLISA® technology. Ejaculate (ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count) and sperm parameters (motility, viability, intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species, plasma membrane fluidity) were assessed at 0 h and 72 h in AI-semen samples stored at 17 °C. In vivo fertility included only 18 Large White and Landrace boars whose AI-semen was used to inseminated > 100 sows and evaluated both farrowing rate and litter size of 3,167 sows. Results The results showed that SP-OXT differed between boars and between ejaculates within boar (P < 0.05) but not between breeds (Duroc, Pietrain, Landrace and Large White). Ejaculates with higher SP-OXT concentration/mL (hierarchically grouped; P < 0.001) had larger volume and came from younger boars (P < 0.05). Ejaculates of boars showing positive farrowing rate deviation exhibited higher (P < 0.05) SP-OXT concentration/mL than those with negative farrowing rate deviation. Conclusion The SP concentrations of OXT are boar, ejaculate and age dependent, and positively related with ejaculate volume and farrowing rates of liquid-stored semen AI-doses.

Biology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel Barranco ◽  
Beatriz Fernandez-Fuertes ◽  
Lorena Padilla ◽  
Ariadna Delgado-Bermúdez ◽  
Asta Tvarijonaviciute ◽  
...  

The anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a Sertoli cell-secreted glycoprotein that is present in seminal plasma (SP), is considered as a marker of spermatogenesis in humans. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of this hormone in boar SP, together with its putative relationship with sperm quality, function, and in vivo fertility parameters in liquid-stored semen samples. The concentration of SP-AMH was assessed in 126 ejaculates from artificial insemination (AI)-boars (n = 92) while using a commercial Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) kit with monoclonal antibodies specific for Sus scrofa AMH (CEA228Po, Cloud-clone). Sperm quality (concentration, motility, viability, and acrosome damage) and functionality (membrane lipid disorder and intracellular H2O2 generation) were assessed in semen samples at 0 and 72 h of liquid-storage. In addition, fertility parameters from 3113 sows inseminated with the AI-boars were recorded in terms of farrowing rate, litter size, number of stillbirths per litter, and the duration of pregnancy over a 12-month period. The results revealed that the SP-AMH concentration varied widely among boar ejaculates, with no differences among breeds. Moreover, the SP-AMH concentration proved to be a good predictive biomarker for sperm concentration (p ˂ 0.05), but poor for other sperm quality, functionality, and in vivo fertility parameters of liquid-stored semen samples from AI-boars.


Author(s):  
Ana Paula P Pavaneli ◽  
Cristian H G Martinez ◽  
Denis H Nakasone ◽  
Ana Carolina Pedrosa ◽  
Maitê V Mendonça ◽  
...  

Abstract This study aimed to compare different selenium (Se) sources in the diet on boar's semen quality and fertility. For this, 28 boars aged 8 to 28 months were fed with the following dietary treatments for 95 days: 0.3 mg Se/kg as sodium selenite (SS, n = 14) and 0.3 mg Se/kg as hydroxy-selenomethionine (OH-SeMet, n = 14). During this period, two experiments were carried out. In experiment 1, the semen of all boars was evaluated every 2 weeks. Raw semen was initially evaluated for the processing of seminal doses, which were stored at 17 °C for 72 h, followed by sperm quality assessments. Furthermore, Se concentration and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were measured in the seminal plasma. In experiment 2, 728 females were inseminated weekly with seminal doses from boars of the different experimental groups to further assess in vivo fertility and litter characteristics. Results demonstrated that boars fed OH-SeMet had more Se in their seminal plasma (p &lt; 0.05), showing the greater bioavailability of the organic source in the male reproductive system. Moreover, boars fed OH-SeMet tended (p &lt; 0.10) towards a higher total sperm count in the ejaculate (66.60 vs. 56.57 × 10 9 sperm), and the number of seminal doses (22.11 vs. 18.86; 3 × 10 9 sperm/dose) when compared to those fed SS. No effect of the dietary treatments was observed on GPx activity in seminal plasma (p &gt; 0.05), as well as on raw and stored semen quality (p &gt; 0.05). Under in vivo conditions, seminal doses from boars fed OH-SeMet tended (p &lt; 0.10) towards a higher pregnancy rate at weeks 3, 5, and 8, and also resulted in a higher (p &lt; 0.05) percentage of pregnant females in the overall period (99.30 vs. 97.00). In conclusion, the replacement of SS with OH-SeMet in boars' diet can improve sperm production and results in better reproductive performance for them, bringing greater productivity and profitability to artificial insemination centers and commercial pig farms.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (17) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kone Allassane ◽  
Gnahoue Goueh ◽  
Diabate Daouda ◽  
Kouakou Koffi

Alchornea cordifolia (euphorbiaceae) is a tree whose leaves are used in traditional medicine to cure several health problems. Little information, however, exist on the effects of this herb on the male reproductive system. In order to assess the effect of Alchornea cordifolia on reproductive male parameters and testosterone production, twenty-four male wistar rats divided into four groups of six rats were used. The aqualus extract of Alchornea cordifolia was administered at a dose of 100 mg/kg of bw, 200 mg/kg of bw, and 400 mg/kg of bw per day, orally for 60 days. A significant increase in androgen-dependent organs, testosterone quantity, mobility, and sperm concentration was observed at doses of 200 mg/kg of bw and 400 mg/kg of bw. Only the unwinger sperm count significantly increased at the 100 mg/kg of bw dose. These results revealed that the aqualius extract of the leaves of Alchornea cordifolia has the potential to improve sperm quality and have positive effects on the reproductive system.


2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 397-405
Author(s):  
R. Savic ◽  
M. Petrovic ◽  
D. Radojkovic ◽  
C. Radovic ◽  
N. Parunovic ◽  
...  

The main objective of this study was to assess the variability of ejaculate properties: volume of ejaculate (VOL, ml), sperm concentration (CON, spermatozoa/ml), total sperm count (NT) and the number of doses produced (NPD) per ejaculate under the influence of season, boar and the interval between two mounts. Reproductive efficiency of boars was analysed based on the farrowing rate (FR). The study included 341 ejaculates from seven Large White boars. Impact assessment was carried out by applying the GLM procedure of the statistical package SAS 9.1.3. The average values of VOL, CON, NT, NPD and FR were: 244.28 ml, 203.77x106 spermatozoa/ml, 43.48x109 spermatozoa, 17.39 doses and 67.58%. Ejaculate properties varied under the influence of season (P<0.01, P<0.001). The interval between two mounts did not affect only the variability of CON. The difference between the best and worst boars was 91.99x106 spermatozoa/ml of ejaculate (P<0.001). During summer VOL ejaculate was the lowest (191.36 ml). The highest NPD (19.04 doses) was produced during the autumn months, and during the same period the highest concentration of sperm was recorded (242.16x106 spermatozoa/ml). Regardless of the differences in the farrowing rate between boars not being statistically significant (P=0.0882), it is necessary to perform the ranking and promptly identify boars with farrowing rate below average.


Author(s):  
David Charles Roland M0UKALA ◽  
Gabriel AH0MB0 ◽  
Raoul AMPA ◽  
Jacques François SILOU MASSAMBA ◽  
Etienne NGUIMBI ◽  
...  

Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for male infertility. The mechanism of action of C. trachomatis on male reproductive function is still controversial. The present study aims to evaluate seroprevalence and its influence on sperm quality in a male sample of 307 patients requesting serological examination for C. trachomatis, 73 of whom were examined by sperm analysis - spermocytogram and sperm culture. The patients were aged between 17 and 71 years, consulting for infertility or urology. The analysis of C. trachomatis serologies, based on the enzyme immunoassay dosage of immunoglobulin G, yielded 111 cases of positive serology, i.e. a seroprevalence of 36.2%. The age group over 60 years of age, the least represented group, had the highest frequency at 52.9%. Analysis of the 73 spermograms and spermocytograms revealed a non-significant difference in mean sperm concentration, 49.67 million sperm per milliliter, standard deviation ±45.71, in Chlamydia negative subjects versus 7.66 million sperm per milliliter, standard deviation ±10.98, in Chlamydia positive subjects. A non-significant change in total motility of 39.83%, standard deviation ±27.49, in Chlamydia-negative subjects versus 36.03%, standard deviation ±24.58, in Chlamydia-positive subjects, a 3% drop. Abnormal sperm forms, 51.86%, standard deviation ±19.60, in Chlamydia negative versus 57.17%, standard deviation ±21.41, in Chlamydia positive, an increase of 6%. The global reading of the average spermogram of Chlamydia positive individuals revealed oligospermia and asthenospermia as abnormalities. This suggests that there is a possible link between C. trachomatis infection and decreased sperm quality in Chlamydia positive patients.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 198-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Motamedifar ◽  
Yalda Malekzadegan ◽  
Parisa Namdari ◽  
Behzad Dehghani ◽  
Bahia Namavar Jahromi ◽  
...  

Introduction: Infertility considered as a social and public health issue and estimated that most of these infertile couples are residents of developing countries. Infectious diseases including the history of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) may impact on male reproductive function. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of bacterial contaminants of semen and probable association with sperm quality of infertile men in Iranian population. Methods: The study population consisted of 200 infertile men and 150 fertile men attending an infertility Center in southwestern Iran during the study period in 2015. The assessment of sperm parameters was according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The presumptive pathogens were identified using standard microbiology tests and confirmed by specific PCR primers. Results: The prevalence of bacteriospermia in the semen of the infertile group was significantly higher than that in the fertile group (48% vs. 26.7%, P <0.001). The microbiological analysis of samples showed that the most abundant species of bacteria in semen of infertile men were Chlamydia trachomatis (12.5%) followed by Neisseria gonorrhoeae (11%). On the other hand, in the control group, Lactobacillus spp. (17.3%) was the most isolated pathogen. Results showed that the presence of N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Haemophilus, and Klebsiella was significantly associated with sperm abnormality. Conclusion: Based on our findings, it seems that bacteriospermia is associated with alterations in the properties of semen which may lead to a decrease in the fertilization potential of sperm. Therefore, immediate and appropriate treatment is necessary before investigating every other possible cause of infertility.


Development ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 127 (1) ◽  
pp. 143-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Thepot ◽  
J.B. Weitzman ◽  
J. Barra ◽  
D. Segretain ◽  
M.G. Stinnakre ◽  
...  

JunD is one of three mammalian Jun proteins that contribute to the AP-1 transcription factor complex. Distinct regulation and functions have been proposed for each Jun member, but less is known about the biological functions of each of these proteins in vivo. To investigate the role of JunD, we have inactivated the murine gene by replacement with a bacterial lacZ reporter gene. Embryonic JunD expression was initially detected in the developing heart and cardiovascular system. Subsequent broadening phases of JunD expression were observed during embryonic development and expression in the adult was widespread in many tissues and cell lineages. Mutant animals lack JunD mRNA and protein and showed no evidence of upregulation of c-Jun and JunB mRNA levels. In contrast to the other two Jun members, homozygous JunD−/− mutant animals were viable and appeared healthy. However, homozygous JunD−/− animals showed a reduced postnatal growth. Furthermore, JunD−/− males exhibited multiple age-dependent defects in reproduction, hormone imbalance and impaired spermatogenesis with abnormalities in head and flagellum sperm structures. No defects in fertility were observed in JunD−/− female animals. These results provide evidence for redundant functions for members of the Jun family during development and specific functions for JunD in male reproductive function.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 155798832092598
Author(s):  
Nathan L. McCray ◽  
Heather A. Young ◽  
Michael S. Irwig ◽  
David Frankfurter ◽  
Arnold M. Schwartz ◽  
...  

A decades-long decline in sperm counts in Western countries has coincided with an increase in obesity rates, prompting study into their association. Few of these studies have incorporated men of color, the sperm health of whom is relatively unknown. The present exploratory study evaluated the association between body mass index (BMI), race, ethnicity, and sperm parameters among a diverse sample of U.S. men attending a Washington, DC physician practice. Semen samples were collected and processed at a single laboratory and sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and count were evaluated according to World Health Organization (WHO) 5th edition criteria. Multivariate models accounted for covariates related to sperm health. The study population ( n = 128) was largely obese (45.3%) or overweight (34.4%), and 36.0% were black or Hispanic. Black men had lower adjusted sperm concentration compared to white men (75.0 million/mL to 107.4 million/mL, p = .01) and were more likely to have oligozoospermia ( p = .01), asthenozoospermia ( p = .004), and low sperm count ( p < .0001). Hispanic men had higher adjusted sperm concentration compared to non-Hispanic men (124.5 million/mL to 62.1 million/mL, p = .007) and were less likely to have teratozoospermia ( p = .001). Obesity and BMI were associated with lower sperm motility and count in crude models only. Given the study’s sample size its findings should be interpreted with caution but align with the limited epidemiological literature to date that has evaluated racial and ethnic differences in semen quality. Heightened clinical research attention is needed to ensure men of color are included in representative numbers in studies of urologic and andrologic health.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuejie Yi ◽  
Donghui Tang ◽  
Shicheng Cao ◽  
Tao Li ◽  
Haining Gao ◽  
...  

This study is aimed at investigating the effect of different exercise loads on the reproductive function of obese male mice and the underlying mechanisms. Male mice with high-fat diet-induced obesity were divided into obesity control (OC), obesity moderate-load exercise (OME), and obesity high-load exercise (OHE) groups. The OME and OHE groups were subjected to swimming exercise 5 days per week over a duration of 8 weeks, with the exercise load progressively increased to 2 h per day in the OME group and 2 h twice per day in the OHE group. In the OC group mice without exercise regimen, we observed a decrease in mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes, increase in free radical products, upregulation of mRNA and protein expression of nuclear factor-κB and proinflammatory cytokines, inhibition of mRNA and protein expression of testosterone synthases, decrease in the serum testosterone level and sperm quality, and increase in sperm apoptosis. Although both moderate-load exercise and high-load exercise reduced body fat, only moderate-load exercise effectively alleviated obesity-induced oxidative stress, downregulated the expression of nuclear factor-κB and proinflammatory cytokines, and reversed the decrease in mRNA and protein expression of testosterone synthases, serum testosterone level, and sperm quality. These changes were not observed in the OHE group mice. Obesity-induced testicular oxidative stress and inflammatory response decreased testosterone synthesis and sperm quality. Moderate-load exercise alleviated the negative effect of obesity on male reproductive function by decreasing testicular oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Although high-load exercise effectively reduced body fat, its effects on alleviating oxidative stress and improving male reproductive function were limited.


2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 244
Author(s):  
K. Hayama ◽  
M. Takeuchi ◽  
A. Ideta ◽  
M. Urakawa ◽  
M. Sasatani ◽  
...  

Sperm motility is known to affect fertilization; however, little is known about the relationship between frozen–thawed sperm motility and in vivo fertilization following superovulatory treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate a sperm function test as potential predictors of embryo production following superovulatory treatment in cattle. Two to five batches of semen (Japanese black bull, n = 4, A to D) were diluted with egg york-citrate-glycerol in 0.5 mL plastic straws, and they were stored in liquid nitrogen until analyzed. Frozen–thawed spermatozoa were evaluated for motility {motile sperm concentration (MSC, million mL–1), progressive MSC (PMSC, million mL–1) and velocity (μm s–1)} using a sperm quality analyzer for bulls (SQA-Vb, Medical Electronic Systems, Caesarea, Israel). Each sample of 20 μL aspirated into the disposable capillary, was inserted into SQA-Vb. Measurements were displayed within 75 s. Intra-assay CVs of MSC, PMSC, and velocity were 14.2, 7.3 and 7.5%, respectively. Inter-assey CVs of them were 13.5, 3.9 and 4.3% respectively. Superstimulated donors (Japanese black cows, n = 161) were artificially inseminated with one dose of frozen–thawed semen (bull A = 74, B = 46, C = 21 and D = 20). The proportion of transferable embryo (IETS grade 1 to 3) was examined on day 7 (day 0 = estrus). Data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Scheffe multiple comparison test, and Fisher’s z-transformation. MSC, PMSC and velocity values differed significantly among each bull. The values of bull A were much lower than those of the other bulls. The proportion of transferable embryos produced by bull A was significantly lower than that of other bulls (P < 0.05, Table 1). Correlations showed significant association between MSC and proportion of transferable embryos (r = 0.99, P < 0.01). We conclude that bovine sperm motility using a SQA-Vb is a useful predictor of embryo production following superovulatory treatment. Table 1.Relationship between sperm motility and proportion of transferable embryo


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