Seroprevalence and Incidence of Chlamydia Trachomatis on Sperm Quality in Men of Procreating Age in Brazzaville

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.

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

Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology ◽

10.1186/s40104-021-00620-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Lorena Padilla ◽

Marina López-Arjona ◽

Silvia Martinez-Subiela ◽

Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez ◽

Jordi Roca ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Seminal Plasma ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Reproductive Function ◽

Peptide Hormone ◽

Large White ◽

Male Reproductive Function ◽

Farrowing Rate

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.

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The Prevalence of Bacteriospermia in Infertile Men and Association with Semen Quality in Southwestern Iran

Infectious Disorders - Drug Targets ◽

10.2174/1871526519666181123182116 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (2) ◽

pp. 198-202 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mohammad Motamedifar ◽

Yalda Malekzadegan ◽

Parisa Namdari ◽

Behzad Dehghani ◽

Bahia Namavar Jahromi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Reproductive Function ◽

World Health ◽

Public Health Issue ◽

Control Group ◽

Microbiological Analysis ◽

Male Reproductive Function ◽

Infertile Men ◽

Southwestern Iran

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.

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Effect of Different Exercise Loads on Testicular Oxidative Stress and Reproductive Function in Obese Male Mice

Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity ◽

10.1155/2020/3071658 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-13 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Xuejie Yi ◽

Donghui Tang ◽

Shicheng Cao ◽

Tao Li ◽

Haining Gao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Protein Expression ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Reproductive Function ◽

High Load ◽

Serum Testosterone Level ◽

Male Mice ◽

Male Reproductive Function ◽

Mrna And Protein Expression ◽

Moderate Load

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.

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Bisphenol A differentially affects male reproductive function biomarkers in a reference population and agro pesticides users from Djutitsa, Cameroon

Toxicology and Industrial Health ◽

10.1177/0748233719838437 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 35 (4) ◽

pp. 324-335 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Faustin Pascal Tsagué Manfo ◽

Cathérine Harthé ◽

Edouard Akono Nantia ◽

Henri Dechaud ◽

Angèle Nkouatchoua Tchana ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bisphenol A ◽

Daily Intake ◽

Reproductive Function ◽

Reference Population ◽

Average Concentration ◽

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin ◽

Urinary Concentration ◽

Total Testosterone ◽

Male Reproductive Function ◽

Significant Difference

The consequences of bisphenol A (BPA) exposure on male reproductive function were studied in two populations from Cameroon, farmers using agro pesticides in Djutitsa (rural area) and townsmen in Yaoundé (urban area, Centre region). Urinary BPA concentration from all participants was measured, and the values were correlated with biochemical markers of male reproductive function. The data showed that BPA could be detected in 92.6% of urine participants, with an average concentration of 2.18 ± 1.97 µg/g creatinine but with no significant difference between the urinary BPA concentration from rural and urban populations. From BPA urinary concentration, the BPA average daily intake was estimated to be 0.06 ± 0.05 μg/kg/day (3.51 µg/day per individual) in the Cameroon population. Interestingly, free and bioavailable testosterone concentrations and estradiol/testosterone ratio correlated with BPA levels in the overall population. When data were analysed according to residence, BPA correlated with total testosterone levels ( r = −0.433) and estradiol/testosterone ratio ( r = 0.338) in the urban residents only, while the rural population exhibited significant increases in sex-hormone-binding globulin with increased BPA exposure. Our data showed that the male Cameroon population is exposed to BPA but that inconstant BPA association to endocrine reproductive markers suggests that other environmental factors in combination with BPA exposure might influence testicular function.

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Validation of the Turkey Semen Cryopreservation by Evaluating the Effect of Two Diluents and the Inseminating Doses

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani10081329 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (8) ◽

pp. 1329

Author(s):

Michele Di Iorio ◽

Giusy Rusco ◽

Roberta Iampietro ◽

Lucia Maiuro ◽

Achille Schiavone ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sperm Quality ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Membrane Integrity ◽

In Vivo Test ◽

Sperm Analysis ◽

Fertilizing Ability ◽

Vitro Analysis ◽

Hatching Rates

This study was designed to test the fertilizing ability of cryopreserved turkey semen, and here, two experiments were performed: an in vitro analysis to assess the effects of Tselutin and Lake diluents and an in vivo test to determine the fertility and hatching rates by also studying the feat of three insemination doses (250, 400 and 600 × 106 sperm/hen). Pooled semen samples were diluted with Tselutin or Lake extender which contained 20% of dimethylsulfoxide and 1 mM of Ficoll at final sperm concentration of 3 × 109 sperm/mL. Thereafter, semen was packaged into straws and frozen on liquid nitrogen. The post-thaw sperm quality was evaluated considering motility (computer-aided sperm analysis—CASA system) and membrane integrity (flow cytometry). Significantly higher values of progressive motility and some kinetic parameters in semen frozen with Lake were found. When we compared the extenders in vivo, no significant effects were detected, whilst sperm concentration significantly affected both fertility and hatching rates, with the best results obtained with the sperm concentration of 400 × 106 sperm/hen. From the results obtained, it emerged that the extender type only affected sperm motility characteristics, not the fertilizing ability of frozen-thawed semen, while inseminating dose markedly affected fertility and hatching rates.

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Comparison of Serum Inhibin B and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Level between Normal and Infertile Men in Yaoundé

International Journal of Reproductive Medicine ◽

10.1155/2020/4765809 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Tchoula Mamiafo Corinne ◽

Pieme Constant Anatole ◽

Ngogang Yonkeu Jeanne

Keyword(s):

Semen Quality ◽

Follicle Stimulating Hormone ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Reproductive Hormones ◽

Inhibin B ◽

World Health ◽

Infertile Couple ◽

Male Reproductive Function ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Stimulating Hormone

Objective. Hormones play a vital role in initiating and maintaining male reproductive function. The present study explores the influence and predictive ability of two reproductive hormones on semen quality among men who were partners in an infertile couple. Design. During our cross sectional study, men were recruited from private and public hospital and laboratories for clinical evaluation of fertility status. Methods. Fresh semen samples were assessed for quality (concentration, motility and morphology) according to the 2010 World Health Organization manual and the serum levels of hormones, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Inhibin B was measured (ELISA). Results. We found a significant difference in the two groups regarding sperm concentration (p<0.0001), total sperm count (p<0.0001), progressive motility (p<0.0001), vitality (p<0.0001) and the percentage of normal forms (p=0.043). We found a strong and negative correlation between FSH and Inhibin B in the overall population, the normozoospermic reference group and the case group. Our study confirmed that Inhibin B was significantly and positively correlated with sperm concentration and leucocytes, and that FSH was negatively correlated to sperm concentration and vitality. Conclusion. Consistent with other studies, our results show strong association between semen quality and FSH and Inhibin B.

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The effects of chronic administration of ghrelin on rat sperm quality and membrane integrity

Animal Biology ◽

10.1163/157075609x437682 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 59 (2) ◽

pp. 159-168 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Arash Kheradmand ◽

Majid Taati ◽

Homayoon Babaei

Keyword(s):

Plasma Membrane ◽

Treatment Group ◽

Sperm Motility ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Membrane Integrity ◽

Chronic Administration ◽

Control Group ◽

Plasma Membrane Integrity ◽

Significant Difference

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.

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Induced lipid peroxidation in ram sperm: semen profile, DNA fragmentation and antioxidant status

Reproduction ◽

10.1530/rep-15-0403 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 151 (4) ◽

pp. 379-390 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Thais Rose dos Santos Hamilton ◽

Letícia Signori de Castro ◽

Juliana de Carvalho Delgado ◽

Patrícia Monken de Assis ◽

Adriano Felipe Perez Siqueira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lipid Peroxidation ◽

Dna Fragmentation ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Ovis Aries ◽

Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽

Mitochondrial Potential ◽

Sperm Analysis ◽

Sperm Dna ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Ram Sperm

Action of reactive oxygen species, protamination failures and apoptosis are considered the most important etiologies of sperm DNA fragmentation. This study evaluated the effects of induced lipid peroxidation susceptibility on native semen profile and identified the mechanisms involved in sperm DNA fragmentation and testicular antioxidant defense on Santa Ines ram sperm samples. Semen was collected from 12 adult rams (Ovis aries) performed weekly over a 9-week period. Sperm analysis (motility, mass motility, abnormalities, membrane and acrosome status, mitochondrial potential, DNA fragmentation, lipid peroxidation and intracellular free radicals production); protamine deficiency; PRM1, TNP1 and TNP2 gene expression; and determination of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase activity and immunodetection in seminal plasma were performed. Samples were distributed into four groups according to the sperm susceptibility to lipid peroxidation after induction with ascorbate and ferrous sulfate (low, medium, high and very high). The results were analyzed by GLM test and post hoc least significant difference. We observed an increase in native GPx activity and CAT immunodetection in groups with high susceptibility to induced lipid peroxidation. We also found an increase in total sperm defects, acrosome and membrane damages in the group with the highest susceptibility to induced lipid peroxidation. Additionally, the low mitochondrial membrane potential, susceptible to chromatin fragmentation and the PRM1 mRNA were increased in the group showing higher susceptibility to lipid peroxidation. Ram sperm susceptibility to lipid peroxidation may compromise sperm quality and interfere with the oxidative homeostasis by oxidative stress, which may be the main cause of chromatin damage in ram sperm.

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Same Total Normal Forms Sperm Counts of Males From Lhasa and Shanghai, China

10.21203/rs.3.rs-511098/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Benhong GU ◽

Shangren WANG ◽

Feng LIU ◽

Yuxuan SONG ◽

Jun LI ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Normal Form ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Reproductive Function ◽

Sperm Parameters ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Male Reproductive Function ◽

Fragmentation Index ◽

Reproductive Endocrine ◽

Index Ratio ◽

The Impact

Abstract Male infertility may be caused by genetic and/or environmental factors that impair spermatogenesis and sperm maturation. High-altitude (HA) hypoxic environments represent one of the most serious challenges faced by humans that reside in these areas. To assess the influence of the plateau environment on semen parameters, 2,798 males, including 1,111 native Tibetans and 1,687 Han Chinese individuals living in the plains(HCILP) who underwent pre-pregnancy checkups, were enrolled in this study. The semen samples of males were evaluated to determine conventional sperm parameters, sperm morphology, and sperm movement. Reproductive endocrine hormones (REHs) were detected in 474 males, including 221 Tibetans and 253 HCILP. Due to recurrent abortions in partners, the DNA fragmentation index (DFI) of 133 native Tibetans and 393 HCILP individuals was further compared. Luteinizing hormone (LH) (4.94 ± 2.12 vs. 3.29 ± 1.43 U/L), prolactin (11.34 ± 3.87 vs. 8.97 ± 3.48 nmol/L), E2/T (0.22 ± 0.11 vs 0.11 ± 0.05), median total sperm motility (61.20% vs. 51.56%), and DFI (23.11% vs. 7.22%) were higher in males from plateau areas while median progressive motility (PR) (35.60% vs. 41.12%), total number of PR sperms (51.61 vs. 59.63 mil/ejaculate), percentage of normal form sperms (3.70% vs. 6.00%), curvilinear velocity (36.10 vs. 48.97 μm/s), straight-line (rectilinear) velocity (14.70 vs. 31.52 μm/s), estradiol (103.82 ± 45.92 vs. 146.01 ± 39.73 pmol/L), progesterone (0.29 ± 0.27 vs. 2.22 ± 0.84 nmol/L), testosterone (4.90 ± 1.96 vs. 14.36 ± 5.24 nmol/L), and testosterone secretion index (ratio of testosterone to LH) (33.45 ± 22.86 vs 145.78 ± 73.41) were lower than those in males from the plains. There was no difference in median total sperm number (157.76 vs. 151.65 mil/mL), sperm concentration (52.40 vs. 51.79 mil/mL), volume (3.10 vs. 3.10 mL), total normal form sperms (5.91 vs. 6.58 mil/ejaculate, p50), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels (4.13 ± 2.55 U/L vs 3.82 ± 2.35 U/L) between the two groups of males. The REH and sperm parameters of males from HA hypoxic environments were adaptively altered. Although the total number of PR sperm decreased and DFI increased, the Tibetan population that lives at HAs has been found to grown continuously and rapidly. These results supplement prior findings regarding the impact of HA on male reproductive function.

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Exposure to Environmentally Relevant Concentrations of Genistein during Activation Does Not Affect Sperm Motility in the Fighting FishBetta splendens

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2014/865741 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-5 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Ethan D. Clotfelter ◽

Hannah K. Gendelman

Keyword(s):

Sperm Motility ◽

Reproductive Function ◽

Positive Control ◽

Betta Splendens ◽

Computer Assisted ◽

Swimming Velocity ◽

Sperm Analysis ◽

Male Reproductive Function ◽

Fish Sperm ◽

Control Water

Sperm collected from male fighting fishBetta splendenswere activated in control water, water containing the ion-channel blocker gadolinium (a putative positive control), or water containing the isoflavone phytoestrogen genistein to determine the effects of acute genistein exposure on male reproductive function. Computer-assisted sperm analysis was used to quantify the proportion of sperm that were motile and the swimming velocity of those sperm. The highest concentration of gadolinium (100 μM) tested was effective at reducing sperm motility and velocity, but neither concentration of genistein tested (3.7 nM or 3.7 μM) significantly affected these sperm parameters. Our findings suggest that acute exposure to waterborne phytoestrogens during activation does not reduce the motility of fish sperm.

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