scholarly journals Effect of Macrophages in Semen on Sperm Quality

Author(s):  
Gangxin Chen ◽  
Beihong Zheng

Abstract Background: This was a cross-sectional study in China, we analyzed the levels of macrophages(Mφ) in semen. The study evaluated the influence of the levels of Mφ in semen on sperm quality.Methods: The subjects were 78 males between 25 and 35 years old. The samples were divided into a low group(Mφ<6×105/ml) and a high group (Mφ>6×105/ml). Evaluation included consideration of the influencing factors of male semen quality, macrophage concentration, sperm motility, morphology, membrane integrity DNA fragmentation index (DFI), anti-sperm antibodies (AsAb), IL-10, and IL-12 in semen.Results: There was no difference in the physical or chemical indices of the semen, sperm concentration, AsAb, IL-10, or IL-12 between the two groups (P>0.05). The percentage of sperm forward motility (PR%), the rate of normal sperm shape, and the integrity of cell membranes in the low group were higher than those in the high group (P<0.05), while the percentage of sperm inactivity (IM%), the rate of sperm head deformity, the rate of deformity in the neck and middle segment, the sperm malformation index (SDI), the abnormal sperm index (TZI), and the sperm DFI in the low group were lower than those in the high group (P<0.05). The concentration of Mφ in the semen was linearly correlated with sperm concentration, sperm PR%, IM%, sperm normal shape rate, head deformity rate, neck and middle deformity rate, SDI, TZI, sperm DFI, and sperm cell membrane integrity (P<0.05), but there was no linear correlation with IL-10 or IL-12 (P>0.05).Conclusions: The concentration of Mφ in semen had no significant correlation with semen volume or sperm concentration, but it did have a significant negative correlation with sperm motility, sperm morphology, cell membrane integrity, and DNA breakage rate. There was no significant correlation with the concentration of IL-10 or IL-12.

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gangxin Chen ◽  
Beihong Zheng

Abstract Background This was a cross-sectional study in China which analyzed the levels of macrophages (Mφ) in semen and evaluated the influence of Mφ levels in semen on sperm quality. Methods The subjects involves 78 males, 25- to 35-year old. The samples were divided into a low group (Mφ < 6 × 105/ml) and a high group (Mφ > 6 × 105/ml). Evaluation included consideration of the influencing factors of male semen quality, macrophage concentration, sperm motility, morphology, membrane integrity DNA fragmentation index (DFI), anti-sperm antibodies (AsAb), IL-10, and IL-12 in semen. Results There was no difference in the physical or chemical indices of the semen, sperm concentration, AsAb, IL-10, or IL-12 between the two groups (P > 0.05). The percentage of sperm forward motility (PR%), the rate of normal sperm shape, and the integrity of cell membranes in the low group were higher than those in the high group (P < 0.05), while the percentage of sperm inactivity (IM%), the rate of sperm head deformity, the rate of deformity in the neck and middle segment, the sperm deformity index (SDI), the teratozoospermia index (TZI), and the sperm DFI in the low group were lower than those in the high group (P < 0.05). The concentration of Mφ in the semen was linearly correlated with sperm concentration, sperm PR%, IM%, sperm normal shape rate, head deformity rate, neck and middle deformity rate, SDI, TZI, sperm DFI, and sperm cell membrane integrity (P < 0.05), but there was no linear correlation with IL-10 or IL-12 (P > 0.05). Conclusions The Mφ concentration in semen is not significantly correlated with semen volume or sperm concentration, but negatively correlated with sperm motility, morphology, cell membrane integrity, and DNA damage rate. There is no significant correlation between the macrophages and the concentration of IL-10 or IL-12.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 137
Author(s):  
Y. Pirosanto ◽  
M. Valera ◽  
A. Molina ◽  
J. Dorado ◽  
S. Demyda-Peyrás

Inbreeding depression, a genetic condition produced by the mating of close-related individuals, has been associated with a reduction of fertility in several species. However, a loss in sperm quality was also associated with age. In horses, the few existing reports have described a tendency of both parameters to produce a negative effect on sperm quality. However, those reports were performed using a subjective evaluation of sperm motility. In the present study, a total of 692 ejaculates from 86 Pure Spanish stallions (PRE), aged between 3 and 22 years, were evaluated using a computer-assisted methodology to determine the effect of inbreeding in four semen parameters: free-gel volume (V), sperm concentration (C, by haemocytometer), and total (TM) and progressive (PM) sperm motility (by Spermvision sperm class analyser; Minitube). The inbreeding coefficient (F) was estimated using 300 000 PRE pedigree records approximately (minimum pedigree depth, eight equivalent complete generations; range, between 1 and 30.1%). Stallion, age, ejaculate, and season of semen collection were the variables included in the statistical model (general linear model), with ejaculate and season being the variables with a major effect (by variance components analysis). Our results showed that sperm concentration (r=−0.18; P&lt;0.0001) and volume (to a lesser extent) were reduced with advancing age, both showing a major decline after 15 years of age. To the contrary, sperm motility was not affected by age of the stallion. We also found a negative correlation between the inbreeding coefficient and ejaculate volume (r=−0.14; P&lt;0.001), with a marked decrease seen when F was between 7 and 20%. Also, a negative correlation was observed in PM (r=−0.08; P&lt;0.05), although to a lower extent. Conversely, C and TM were not affected by inbreeding depression (P&gt;0.05). In conclusion, our results demonstrated that high levels of inbreeding can compromise severely the sperm quality of the PRE stallion, which, subsequently, may have a negative influence on fertility. Ongoing studies using genomic data will help to detect genetic variants associated with stallion semen quality and how it is influenced by inbreeding in specific genomic regions.


Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 824
Author(s):  
Fabio Mosca ◽  
Luisa Zaniboni ◽  
Ahmad Abdel Sayed ◽  
Nicolaia Iaffaldano ◽  
Dominga Soglia ◽  
...  

In seeking alternative cryoprotectants to glycerol for a reference chicken semen freezing procedure, the aim of the present study was to compare the effect of two concentrations of N-Methylacetamide (MA) and two thawing rates on the quality of frozen-thawed semen. Semen samples were diluted in Lake pre-freezing extender, including 0.1 M trehalose in presence of 6% or 9% MA, loaded into straws, frozen in nitrogen vapors, and stored in liquid nitrogen. The following thawing treatments were used: 5 °C for 100 s and 38 °C for 30 s. Sperm quality (cell membrane integrity, motility and kinetic parameters) was assessed before and after cryopreservation. The decrease of MA concentration from 9 to 6% improved sperm quality after freezing/thawing and this effect was dependent on thawing temperature. Decreasing the MA concentration from 9 to 6% improved the proportion of undamaged membrane, motile, and progressive motile sperm recovered after thawing at 5 °C for 100 s; in contrast, no effect of the MA concentration was observed thawing at 38 °C for 30 s. Therefore, the treatment with 6% MA and thawing at 5 °C for 100 s has given the best cryoprotective action. These results contribute to improve the efficacy of the current chicken semen cryopreservation procedures.


2009 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arash Kheradmand ◽  
Majid Taati ◽  
Homayoon Babaei

AbstractAlthough ghrelin acts as a modulator of feeding behavior and energy metabolism in the central nervous system, recent studies have implicated the peripheral actions of ghrelin in reproductive tissues. Here, we investigated the effects of chronic administration of ghrelin on the motility, plasma membrane integrity and concentration of rat spermatozoa. 45-d male Wistar rats were scheduled for the study and were divided into control and treatment groups. In the treatment group, 1 nmol of ghrelin was administered as sc injection for 10 consecutive days or vehicle (physiological saline) to the control rats. Sperm collection was achieved by killing of the rats on days 15, 25 and 50 after first injection. Total sperm motility and forward progressive movement did not exhibit significant difference during the experiment, although, there was a tendency for greater motion rate on d 15 and 25 in the treated rats compared to the control group. Plasma membrane integrity (HOS-reacted spermatozoa) was significantly higher in the treated animals, especially on day 15 as well as day 25, because of possible antioxidant properties of ghrelin. This value was statistically higher on day 15 than that of day 25 (P <0.05). Likewise, there was a significant correlation between the FPM (P <0.0001, r = 0.79) and TSM (P <0.01, r = 0.52) with the HOS test percentage in the treatment group. It was not observed statistically difference in the sperm concentration between groups during all of the experimental days. In conclusion, chronic administration of ghrelin (similar to induced by energy deficiency such as fasting) increased the integrity of sperm membrane, however, the sperm motility and concentration did not display any alterations.


Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 3373
Author(s):  
Anna Wysokińska ◽  
Dorota Szablicka

The aim of the study was to assess changes in the integrity of sperm cell membranes during the storage of semen collected from Duroc × Pietrain crossbred boars and purebred boars of the component breeds. To compare the cell membrane integrity of sperm heads in crossbred and purebred boars, heterosis effects were estimated. The study was conducted on 48 ejaculates collected from Duroc × Pietrain crossbred boars and from purebred Duroc and Pietrain boars used for artificial insemination. Microscope slides were prepared from each ejaculate for the evaluation of the cell membrane integrity of the sperm, at 1, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after collection of the ejaculate. Diluted ejaculates were stored at 17 °C. Sperm membrane integrity was analysed by two methods: SYBR-14/PI and eosin–nigrosin. Our results showed that the cell membrane integrity of sperm heads changed with storage time, but the extent of the changes varied depending on the genetic group of boars. The semen of Duroc × Pietrain crossbreds was clearly seen to be less sensitive to storage conditions than that of boars of the parent breeds, which was confirmed by the calculated heterosis effects. The percentage of sperm with an intact cell membrane was higher in crossbred boars than in purebred boars (p ≤ 0.05). In addition, significantly fewer moribund sperm spermatozoa and spermatozoa with a damaged cell membrane were observed in crossbred boars (p ≤ 0.05). In the semen of purebred Duroc and Pietrain boars, the cell membrane integrity of the sperm should be assessed more often during storage than in the semen of Duroc × Pietrain crossbred boars. This study provides valuable information for the development and implementation of semen quality monitoring in crossbred boars and boars of the parent breeds during storage at 17 °C with respect to the cell membrane structure of sperm heads. The evaluation methods used effectively identify damage to the cell membranes of the sperm during semen storage.


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (03) ◽  
pp. 24-29
Author(s):  
A. J. Dhami ◽  
Tapasvi M Patel ◽  
DV Chaudhari

This study was undertaken during the winter season on healthy mature Gir cattle and Murrah buffalo bulls (n=3 each). The semen samples (6 ejaculates/bull, total 36 ejaculates) collected in the morning using artificial vagina were evaluated for routine seminal attributes, including acrosomal and plasma membrane integrity. The samples were then diluted @ 100 million sperm/ml with tris fructose yolk glycerol extender without and with sericin @ 0.1, 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0% (w/v), filled in French mini-straws, and frozen in LN2 using biofreezer as per standard freezing protocol. Straws were thawed in water bath at 37°C for 30 sec and evaluated for post-thaw quality, viz., motility, viability, morphology, acrosome integrity and plasma membrane integrity (HOST). Lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde - MDA production) and activities of enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were assessed as oxidative markers in seminal plasma of freshly diluted and frozen-thawed semen samples. Sericn at 0.5% level significantly (p less than 0.01) improved the post-thaw sperm quality with reduced oxidative stress in both the species. The breed-wise correlation coefficients (r) among sperm quality attributes and oxidative markers were studied in fresh and frozen-thawed semen of each species, and also for fresh with frozen-thawed semen. The findings revealed significant interrelationships amongst most of the attributes of fresh as well as post-thawed semen and also of fresh semen attributes with those of cryopreserved semen including oxidative markers in both the species. Sperm motility estimation in fresh, pre-freeze and post-thawed semen was a legitimately good indicator of quality of spermatozoa at various steps of semen processing/freezing, and its fertilizing potential. Thus, the sperm motility, HOS test and either MDA or SOD/GPx activity alone may be used as valuable and practical tools for routine assessment of bovine semen quality considering significant correlations found between them.


2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 163
Author(s):  
C. Tamargo ◽  
M. Carbajo ◽  
C. Diez ◽  
D. Martin ◽  
C. O. Hidalgo

Artificial insemination and semen cryopreservation have significantly improved the breeding potential of male animals. However, current freezing techniques commonly result in reduced semen quality (Januskauskas et al. 1999 Theriogenology 52, 641-658), and surviving cells are affected post-thaw either structurally or functionally (Nagy et al. 2004 Anim. Reprod. Sci. 80, 225-235). In this work we analyze the impact of cryopreservation on Asturiana de los Valles bull sperm. Ejaculates (n = 373) from seven adult bulls were weekly collected by means of artificial vagina. Immediately after collection, routine parameters including volume (V), mass motility (MM), and concentration (C) of sperm cells were evaluated. Then the semen was extended with a commercial extender, loaded into 0.25-mL plastic straws at a concentration of 23 � 106 per straw, frozen and stored for further analysis. Four straws per ejaculate were thawed, pooled and analyzed for motion characteristics by means of a CASA system (Sperm Class Analyzer, SCA 2002� Microptic S. L., Barcelona, Spain) added to an optical phase-contrast microscope with heatable (37�C) stage. Immediately after thawing, we analyzed the % of motile spermatozoa (MS) and the % of progressively motile spermatozoa (PMS); then samples were incubated for 3 h at 37�C and MS and PMS were measured again (MS3 and PMS3, respectively). Functional integrity of the plasmallema was evaluated by the hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST) together with the % of typical tail coiling/swelling (percentage of HOST-positive spermatozoa, HOST-PS). The % of viable spermatozoa (VS) [membrane integrity was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy with a dual staining system (propidium iodide (PI) and 6-carboxyfluorescein diacetate (CFDA)]. Sperm showing partial or complete red fluorescence (PI staining) were considered nonviable, whereas sperm showing complete green fluorescence were considered viable. Altered acrosomes (AA) and morphological abnormalities were also determined. The % of morphological abnormalities was classified according to their location in head (HA), midpiece (MA), and tail (TA). Proximal and distal cytoplasmic droplets were counted as separate abnormalities (CD). Data were analyzed by the MEANS procedure of SAS (SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC, USA). A significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the sperm motility was observed after freezing/thawing (MS: 80.20 � 0.75 vs. 47.36 � 1.04, and PMS: 68.73 � 0.73 vs. 42.14 � 0.96 for fresh and frozen-thawed semen, respectively). Also, the frozen-thawed sperm showed increased % of HA, MA, AA, HOST-PS, and VS (P < 0.05). These morphological abnormalities could contribute to decreasing sperm motility. The new computer and video technologies provide useful information about sperm quality and can be used in the daily routine of processing semen. This work was performed in collaboration with ASEAVA.


2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 221
Author(s):  
D. Le Bourhis ◽  
S. Camugli ◽  
P. Salvetti ◽  
L. Schibler ◽  
E. Schmitt

SensiTemp, a new in vitro maturation (IMV) bull straw concept, presents the advantage of colour changing while the straw is thawed. The colour of frozen straws is blue and straws start to become white when the temperature reaches 33°C, with a complete change of colour at 37°C. The objective of this study is to assess sperm quality after thawing of semen frozen in SensiTemp from 2 bulls, by analysing, in experiment 1, sperm motility and membrane integrity using computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) and flow cytometry (FC), and, in experiment 2, the in vitro embryo production (IVP) using IVP technologies [IVM, IVF, and in vitro culture (IVC)]. The ejaculates of 2 bulls, selected during preliminary experiments on high in vitro fertility, were harvested at CIA L’Aigle, France, and split ejaculates were frozen in experimental (SensiTemp) and conventional (control) straws. In experiment 1 after thawing semen from the 2 types of straws (5 pooled straws each; 2 replicates), motility was assessed using the IVOS CASA system (Hamilton Thorne Inc., Beverly, MA, USA) and membrane integrity was evaluated through FC with Cytosoft software (Millipore-Guava Technologies Inc., Hayward, CA, USA). In experiment 2, IVF was used to evaluate the non-toxicity of SensiTemp and control straws. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC; n = 1178; 4 replicates) collected from slaughterhouse ovaries were matured in IVM medium (TCM-199 with bicarbonate, Sigma-Aldrich, Saint Quentin Fallavier, France; 10 µg mL–1 FSH-LH, Reprobiol, Liège, Belgium; and 10% FCS, Thermo Fisher, Illkirch, France) for 22 h. After fertilization, presumptive zygotes of each group (SensiTemp and control for each bull) were cultured in synthetic oviduct fluid medium (SOF, Minitube, Tiefenbach, Germany) with 1% estrous cow serum (ECS) and 0.6% BSA (Sigma-Aldrich, France) up to 8 days. All cultures were conducted at 38.5C in 5% CO2, and 5% O2. The cleavage and blastocysts rates were evaluated on Days 3 and 7, respectively, for each group. Embryo quality was recorded on Day 7 according to the IETS evaluation. Data from each bull were analysed separately using the chi-squared test (P < 0.05). In experiment 1, neither sperm motility from bull 1 (61.2 and 60.5%) and bull 2 (66.2 and 66.5%) nor membrane integrity from bull 1 (58.6 and 52.2%) and bull 2 (61.0 and 61.9%) were different between SensiTemp and control, respectively. Results from experiment 2 showed no difference (P > 0.05) in cleavage rate between SensiTemp and control for the 2 bulls: 92.1 and 91.7% for bull 1 and 94.2 and 94.6% for bull 2 respectively. The blastocysts rate on Day 7 did not differ (P > 0.05) among groups (47.5, 47.1 and 51.3, 50.4% for SensiTemp and control bull 1 and bull 2, respectively) nor the quality of embryos retrieved in the different groups: 25.4, 23.3, and 30.8, 29.6% in grade 1 embryo for SensiTemp and control bull 1 and bull 2, respectively. Those results demonstrate, in vitro, that the new SensiTemp straws were non-toxic and did not affect the semen quality after thawing nor did the SensiTemp straws affect the ability of sperm cells to fertilize oocytes and produce 8-day-old embryos.


Author(s):  
G Kadirvel ◽  
M K Kalita ◽  
Raju Kr Dewry ◽  
Ashok Kumar ◽  
Nripendra Mahanta ◽  
...  

Study was conducted to compare the semen quality and fertility of liquid stored semen for three days and frozen-thawed semen in the north-eastern region of India. For liquid semen, the semen ejaculates were extended in Beltsville Thawing Solution (BTS) extender and preserved at 17°C for three days. For cryopreservation, semen was diluted Lactose-egg yolk-glycerol extender and frozen in straw using programmable freezer with freezing rate of 40°C/min from -6 to -140°C. The preserved evaluated for sperm motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity and fertility. The results revealed that the liquid stored semen has maintained the sperm motility and viability up to day 3 without significant reduction. Similarly the plasma membrane integrity did not differ significantly up to day 2, but it was significantly (P less than 0.05) reduced on days 3 in liquid stored semen. After freezing and thawing, the mean sperm motility, viability and plasma membrane integrity were 58.25 ± 2.96%, 64.75 ± 2.47% and 47.06 ± 2.02%, respectively. These parameters were significantly (PP less than 0.01) lower as compared to the liquid stored semen from day 0 to day 3. After insemination with liquid semen, the farrowing rate was 77.7%, 80.76%, 73.07% and 69.8%, respectively from day 0, day1, day 2 and day 3. The pregnancy rate, farrowing rate and litter size did not differ significantly among different days of liquid storage. These parameters were significantly (PP less than 0.01) lower in frozen semen as compare to that of liquid stored semen. The study concluded that the liquid semen stored up to three days is more efficient than frozen-thawed semen in terms of preserving sperm quality and fertility.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 87
Author(s):  
Anita Hafid ◽  
Riasari Gail Sianturi ◽  
Diana Andrianita Kusumaningrum ◽  
Yeni Widiawati ◽  
Anneke Anggraeni ◽  
...  

<p class="MDPI17abstract"><strong>Objective: </strong>Reproduction and nutritional status is closely related. Nutritional deficiency or insufficiency directly affects reproductive efficiency. Deficiency of nutrition could affect the sperm quality and the ability to fertilize. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of feed additive (Minoxvit) on semen quality of buck.</p><p class="MDPI17abstract"><strong>Methods: </strong>This study used 6 sexually mature bucks, aged 1.5 years old. The bucks were fed daily with 3 kg of freshly chopped king grass, 1 kg of Legume (<em>Calliandra</em> sp.), and 500 g of concentrate. Three bucks were given Minoxvit by 1.25 g/day in the concentrate, while three other bucks were considered as control. Semen was evaluated once a week for 49 days. Semen was evaluated macroscopically and microscopically. The macroscopic evaluation consisted of volume, color, and consistency of semen, while microscopic evaluation consisted of mass motility, sperm motility, viability, and sperm concentration. Data were analyzed using Completely Randomized Design with Tukey test.<strong></strong></p><p class="MDPI17abstract"><strong>Results: </strong>The result showed significantly different (<em>P</em>&lt;0,05) in which bucks semen in Minoxvit addition group had higher semen volume (0.75 ml vs 0.54 ml), mass motility (3.32 vs 2.67), sperm motility (70% vs 58 %), sperm viability (86.67% vs 79.19%), and sperm consentration (2,6x10<sup>9</sup> mL vs 1,7x10<sup>9</sup> mL).<strong></strong></p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study concludes that the addition of Minoxvit has a positive influence on the quality of buck sperms providing volume, mass motility, individual motility, viability, and concentration of the sperm.</p>


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