scholarly journals Spermatogenic Activity and Sperm Traits in Post-Pubertal and Adult Tomcats (Felis catus): Implication of Intra-Male Variation in Sperm Size

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 624
Author(s):  
Eliana Pintus ◽  
Martin Kadlec ◽  
Barbora Karlasová ◽  
Marek Popelka ◽  
José Luis Ros-Santaella
Keyword(s):  
Cell Function ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Sperm Head ◽  
Mitochondrial Activity ◽  
Head Width ◽  
Dna Integrity ◽  
One Year ◽  
Sperm Size ◽  
Sperm Traits

Tomcats are considered to be adults at 1 year of age, although many reach sexual maturity at an earlier age. Nevertheless, we still know little about whether the spermatogenic activity and sperm quality of mature under one-year-old tomcats differ from those of tomcats that are over one-year-old. This study aims to evaluate the spermatogenic activity, sperm traits, and their relationships in mature tomcats at two different ages. Sixteen tomcats showing complete spermatogenesis and spermatozoa in their epididymal caudae were used and classified according to their age as post-pubertal (<1 year old) or adult (˃1 year old). Our results show that adult cats have higher epididymal sperm concentration and lower coefficient of variation in sperm head width and ellipticity than post-pubertal cats. However, they do not differ in their testicular and epididymal mass, spermatogenesis, and sperm traits such as motility, mitochondrial activity, morphology, morphometry, as well as plasma membrane, acrosome, and DNA integrity. Reduced intra-male variation of sperm head ellipticity is associated with higher testis mass, epididymis mass, and sperm concentration. Interestingly, low intra-male variation in sperm head size is associated with increased Sertoli cell function and reduced post-meiotic germ cell loss. These findings increase our knowledge about feline reproductive physiology and provide new insights into the functional significance of low intra-male variation in sperm size and shape in tomcats.

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

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

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

scholarly journals One day is better than four days of ejaculatory abstinence for sperm function

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Fatima Kazue Okada ◽  
Rhayza Roberta Andretta ◽  
Deborah Montagnini Spaine
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Dna ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
World Health ◽  
Oxidative Activity ◽  
Mitochondrial Activity ◽  
Dna Integrity ◽  
Sperm Function ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Two Samples

According to the World Health Organization guidelines, ejaculatory abstinence (EA) of 2–7 days is recommended for semen analysis. This study aimed to determine how seminal quality may be affected by two EA periods from the same man. Seminal samples from 65 men were evaluated by conventional semen analysis and qualitative characteristics after 1 and 4 days of EA (two samples/man). The semen was qualitatively analyzed by examining oxidative activity (intracellular and seminal plasma), sperm function (acrosome integrity, mitochondrial activity, and nuclear DNA integrity), and epididymal function. As expected, samples collected after 1 day of EA showed a decrease in volume and sperm total number compared to samples collected after 4 days of EA. The sperm motility of the samples collected after 1 day of EA was better compared to samples collected after 4 days of EA. Oxidative activity measured was lower after 1 day of EA compared with those measured after 4 days of EA. With regards to sperm function, samples collected after 1 day of EA showed an increase in acrosome integrity, mitochondrial activity, and nuclear DNA integrity compared with samples collected after 4 days of EA. Epididymal function showed no difference between the two-time points. Although samples collected after 4 days of EA showed better results for sperm quantity, samples collected after 1 day of EA showed better qualitative results, including motility, oxidative activity, and sperm function. Thus, it can be concluded that sperm storage at the epididymal tail may make spermatozoa more susceptible to oxidative damage. Lay summary According to the World Health Organization guidelines, stopping ejaculation for 2 to 7 days is recommended before sperm collection for semen analysis. However, the evidence that supports these recommendations is limited. Our study aimed to compare how sperm quality was affected in samples collected after stopping ejaculation for 1 day and 4 days (two samples per man) in a total of 65 men. Although sample collection after stopping ejaculation for 4 days showed better semen quantity (volume and sperm concentration), sample collection after stopping ejaculation for 1 day showed better sperm motility and function. If not ejaculated, sperm are stored in the epididymis tail located in the scrotum beside the testicles and our study suggests that longer sperm storage may damage sperm quality. The results from this study may be used to inform guidance for sperm collection for use in assisted reproduction techniques, and lead to an improvement in both fertilization and implantation rates.

scholarly journals Resveratrol and lycium barbarum polysaccharide improve Qinling giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca Qinlingensis) sperm quality during cryopreservation

2022 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruixue Zhang ◽  
Hemeng Dong ◽  
Pengpeng Zhao ◽  
Chunmei Shang ◽  
Hang Qi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Giant Panda ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Mitochondrial Activity ◽  
Dna Integrity ◽  
Ailuropoda Melanoleuca ◽  
Lycium Barbarum ◽  
Semen Cryopreservation ◽  
Freezing Medium ◽  
Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharide

Abstract Background Semen cryopreservation has become an essential tool for conservation efforts of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca); however, it is severely detrimental to sperm quality. Evidence has shown that antioxidants have the potential to reverse cryopreservation-induced damage in sperm. The purpose of this study was to screen effective antioxidants that could retain sperm quality during cryopreservation and to determine the optimal dose. Seven antioxidant groups, including resveratrol (RSV = 50 μM, RSV = 100 μM, RSV = 150 μM), lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP = 2 mg/mL, LBP = 4 mg/mL), laminaria japonica polysaccharides (LJP = 1 mg/mL) or combination (LBP = 2 mg/mL, LJP = 1 mg/mL and RSV = 100 μM) were assessed. Results RSV, LBP, LJP, or a combination of RSV, LBP, and LJP added to the freezing medium significantly improved sperm progressive motility, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, and mitochondrial activity during the cryopreservation process. Furthermore, the activities of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase were also improved. The levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde in semen were notably reduced. Hyaluronidase activity and acrosin activity were significantly increased in LBP-treated sperm. However, sperm total motility and DNA integrity were not significantly different between the groups. Conclusions RSV (50 μM) or LBP (2 mg/mL) are the best candidate antioxidants for inclusion in the freezing medium to improve the quality of giant panda spermatozoa during semen cryopreservation.

Effect of ESR, FSHB and PRLR Genes on Sperm Traits of Landrace and Yorkshire Boars in the Tropical Environmental Conditions of Vietnam

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Do Duc Luc ◽  
Ha Xuan Bo ◽  
Nguyen Hoang Thinh ◽  
Nguyen Chi Thanh ◽  
Tran Xuan Manh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Model ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Quality Trait ◽  
Quality Traits ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Genotype Frequencies ◽  
Tropical Conditions ◽  
Sperm Traits ◽  
Esr Gene

Background: Fertility traits in pigs made a restricted progress through traditional selection. Applying marker assisted selection could improve these traits. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of candidate genes Estrogen Receptor (ESR), Follicle Stimulating Hormone Beta (FSHB) and Prolactin Receptor (PRLR) on sperm quality traits of Landrace and Yorkshire boars under tropical conditions in Northern Vietnam.Methods: A total of 6306 ejaculates from 140 boars (92 Landrace and 48 Yorkshire) were collected to estimate sperm ejaculate volume (VOL), spermatozoon motility (MO), sperm concentration (CO) and total number of spermatozoon in ejaculate (NT). Ear tissue samples were collected for genotype identification of SNP present in ESR, FSHB and PRLR genes using PCR-RFLP technique. A mixed model was used to test the effect of different genetic and non-genetic factors on the sperm quality traits.Result: The genotype frequencies of ESR, FSHB and PRLR were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for each breed. Age of boars and month of the year had significant effect on all the sperm quality traits (P less than 0.01) while effect of breed was found to be non-significant on all the sperm quality trait. FSHB gene significantly (P less than 0.05) affected VOL, MO and CO. Boars with BB genotype showed positive effect on VOL but negative effect on MO and CO in comparison with AA genotype boars. ESR gene showed only effect on VOL while PRLR affected only MO. Boars with AA and AB genotypes of ESR gene had a significantly higher VOL than those with BB genotype (P less than 0.05). For PRLR gen, AB genotype was associated with higher MO than AA genotype (P less than 0.05). These results suggest a possibility of using the existing polymorphisms in ESR, FSHB and PRLR genes to improve some sperm traits of Landrace and Yorkshire boars.

Identification of sperm morphometric subpopulations in the canine ejaculate: do they reflect different subpopulations in sperm chromatin integrity?

Zygote ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 257-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Núñez-Martinez ◽  
J.M. Moran ◽  
F.J. Peña
Keyword(s):  
Semen Quality ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Sperm Head ◽  
Data Matrix ◽  
Sperm Chromatin ◽  
Head Width ◽  
Dna Integrity ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Head Shape ◽  
Shape Factors

SummaryA statistical approach using sequentially principal component analysis (PCA) clustering and discriminant analysis was developed to disclose morphometric sperm subpopulations. In addition, we used a similar approach to disclose subpopulations of spermatozoa with different degrees of DNA fragmentation. It is widely accepted that sperm morphology is a strong indicator of semen quality and since the sperm head mainly comprises the sperm DNA, it has been proposed that subtle changes in sperm head morphology may be related to abnormal DNA content. Semen from four mongrel dogs (five replicates per dog) were used to investigate DNA quality by means of the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA), and for computerized sperm morphometry (ASMA). Each sperm head was measured for nine primary parameters: head area (A), head perimeter (P), head length (L), head width (W), acrosome area (%), midpiece width (w), midpiece area (a), distance (d) between the major axes of the head and midpiece, angle (θ) of divergence of the midpiece from the head axis; and four parameters of head shape: FUN1 (L/W), FUN2 (4π A/P2), FUN3 ((L – W)/(L + W)) and FUN 4 (π LW/4A). The data matrix consisted of 2361 observations, (morphometric analysis on individual spermatozoa) and 63 815 observations for the DNA integrity. The PCA analysis revealed five variables with Eigen values over 1, representing more than 79% of the cumulative variance. The morphometric data revealed five sperm subpopulations, while the DNA data gave six subpopulations of spermatozoa with different DNA integrity. Significant differences were found in the percentage of spermatozoa falling in each cluster among dogs (p < 0.05). Linear regression models including sperm head shape factors 2, 3 and 4 predicted the amount of denatured DNA within each individual spermatozoon (p < 0.001). We conclude that the ASMA analysis can be considered a powerful tool to improve the spermiogram.

scholarly journals The Re-Addition of Seminal Plasma after Thawing Does Not Improve Buck Sperm Quality Parameters

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 3452
Author(s):  
Uchechi Linda Ohaneje ◽  
Uchebuchi Ike Osuagwuh ◽  
Manuel Alvarez-Rodríguez ◽  
Iván Yánez-Ortiz ◽  
Abigail Tabarez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Egg Yolk ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Mitochondrial Activity ◽  
Dna Integrity ◽  
Vitro Fertilization

In order to achieve a higher post-thaw buck sperm quality, an approach in the thawing protocol of cryopreserved sperm doses under in vitro capacitation conditions mimicking the in vivo female environment was studied. Therefore, functional and kinetic characteristics of buck thawed sperm from males of different ages, the season of collection, and melatonin implanted males in the non-breeding season were assessed after 3 h of incubation in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) media with 20% of buck seminal plasma (SP). Previously, fresh ejaculates were collected via artificial vagina from eight males of the Cabra Blanca de Rasquera breed during two consecutive years in breeding and non-breeding periods. Prior to semen collection in non-breeding seasons, males were split into two groups: one group was implanted with melatonin, while the other was not. In each group, semen samples were pooled, centrifuged, and diluted in an extender containing 15% powdered egg yolk and 5% glycerol before freezing. After thawing, sperm were washed and incubated in three different media: (a) control media (modified phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), (b) IVF commercial media, and (c) IVF media + 20% SP. Sperm motility was evaluated by CASA, while plasma and acrosome membrane integrity, mitochondria activity, and DNA fragmentation were analysed by flow cytometer at 0 h and after 3 h incubation. A significant reduction in motility, mitochondrial activity, plasma, and acrosome membrane integrity were observed after incubation in the presence of SP, although similar to that observed in IVF media alone. DNA integrity was not affected under in vitro capacitation conditions, regardless of SP addition. In conclusion, the addition of SP failed to improve post-thaw buck sperm quality under in vitro conditions irrespective of male age, the season of collection, and melatonin implant.

scholarly journals Effect of bacterial infection on sperm quality and DNA fragmentation in subfertile men with Leukocytospermia

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Eini ◽  
Maryam Azizi Kutenaei ◽  
Fayegheh Zareei ◽  
Zeinolabedin Sharifian Dastjerdi ◽  
Maryam Hosseinzadeh Shirzeyli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Infection ◽  
Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Seminal Fluid ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Dna Integrity ◽  
Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Sperm Dna

Abstract Background Although bacterial infections have been recognized as a possible cause of male infertility, the effect of bacterial infections on sperm quality and sperm DNA fragmentation remains controversial. The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence rate of bacterial infection in subfertile men and its effect on semen quality. Seminal fluid was collected from 172 male members of infertile couples attending the andrology infertility center and a group of 35 fertile subjects as a control. Sperm parameters and DNA fragmentation were evaluated based on the type of bacteria in all ejaculates. Results From the 172 patients investigated for infertility, 60 (34.88%) patients had a positive culture for pathogenic bacteria of different species. Leukocytospermia was significantly higher in infected samples in comparison with non-infected samples (p < 0.05). Sperm concentration and motility and morphology were significantly lower in infected than non-infected samples. Moreover, sperm DNA fragmentation was significantly higher in infected than non-infected samples. Besides, our results showed that sperm DNA fragmentation was correlated significantly with leukocytospermia (R: 0.22, p < 0.01). Conclusion The present study suggested that bacterial infection significantly correlated with leukocytospermia could impair male fertility potential through decreasing sperm motility, morphology, and DNA integrity.

Characteristics of high-quality Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) ejaculates and in vitro sperm quality after prolonged chilled storage and directional freezing

2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 790 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. K. O'Brien ◽  
K. J. Steinman ◽  
G. A. Montano ◽  
C. C. Love ◽  
R. L. Saiers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Elephas Maximus ◽  
Mitochondrial Activity ◽  
Dna Integrity ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Chilled Storage ◽  
Progressive Motility ◽  
Directional Freezing

The in vitro quality of spermatozoa from one elephant (Elephas maximus) was examined after chilled storage and directional freezing (DF). High-quality, non-contaminated ejaculates (77.6 ± 6.0% progressive motility, 3.9 ± 1.5 µg creatinine mL–1 raw semen, 2.7 ± 0.6% detached heads) were cryopreserved after 0 (0hStor), 12 (12hStor) and 24 h (24hStor) of chilled storage. At 0 h and 6 h post-thawing, total motility, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial activity and normal morphology were similar (P > 0.05) across treatments. In contrast, progressive motility, rapid velocity and several kinematic parameters were lower (P < 0.05) for 24Stor compared with 0hStor at 0 h post-thaw. By 6 h post-thaw, amplitude of lateral head displacement and velocity parameters (average pathway, straight-line and curvilinear velocity) were lower (P < 0.05) for 24hStor compared with 0hStor and 12hStor. DNA integrity was high and remained unchanged (P > 0.05) across all groups and processing stages (1.6 ± 0.6% of cells contained fragmented DNA). Results indicate that DF after up to 12 h of chilled storage results in a post-thaw sperm population of acceptable quality for artificial insemination. These findings have implications for the cryopreservation of sex-sorted spermatozoa, which typically undergo more than 12 h of chilled storage prior to sorting and preservation.

scholarly journals A Novel Combination of γ-Tocopherol-Rich Mixture of Tocopherols and Ascorbic Acid Restores Fertility in Cases of Tyrosine Nitration-Associated Male Infertility in Mice

Antioxidants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 613
Author(s):  
Eleonora Scarlata ◽  
Maria C. Fernandez ◽  
Cristian O’Flaherty
Keyword(s):  
Ascorbic Acid ◽  
Male Infertility ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Dna Integrity ◽  
Tyrosine Nitration ◽  
Male Mice ◽  
Rich Mixture ◽  
And Function

Infertility is an important health problem that affects up to 16% of couples worldwide. Male infertility is responsible for 50% of the cases. Currently, a physical examination, hormone profiling and the evaluation of two consecutive semen samples (to determine the sperm concentration, motility, morphology and, in very few cases, sperm DNA integrity) are the sole tools that physicians have to evaluate infertility in men. Antioxidant therapy is often used to improve sperm quality and function in infertile men. However, there are controversial results regarding the efficacy of these treatments. Prdx6−/− male mice are subfertile, displaying significant oxidative damage in the lipids, proteins and DNA of their spermatozoa. Here, we used Prdx6−/− male mice to test whether a novel combination of tocopherols that contained 60% γ-tocopherol and ascorbic acid could restore their fertility. These mice were fed with the supplemented (Vit. Mix) or control diets. To assess sperm quality, we determined the motility, levels of lipid peroxidation, DNA oxidation and tyrosine nitration in the spermatozoa. The number of pups sired by the Prdx6−/− mice fed with the Vit. Mix diet was higher than that sired by the males fed with the control diet, and the pups’ mortality was lower. The sperm quality was improved in the males fed with the supplemented diet. We concluded that treatment with a supplement composed of tocopherols and rich in γ-tocopherol and ascorbic acid is effective in restoring fertility in cases where oxidative stress and high levels of tyrosine nitration are associated with male infertility.

scholarly journals Sperm Motility, Oxidative Status, and Mitochondrial Activity: Exploring Correlation in Different Species

Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1131
Author(s):  
Alessandra Gallo ◽  
Maria Consiglia Esposito ◽  
Elisabetta Tosti ◽  
Raffaele Boni
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Membrane Lipids ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Marine Invertebrate ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Reproductive Potential ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Membrane Lipid ◽  
Oxidative Status ◽  
Mitochondrial Activity

Sperm quality assessment is the first step for evaluating male fertility and includes the estimation of sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. Nevertheless, other parameters can be assessed providing additional information on the male reproductive potential. This study aimed to evaluate and correlate the oxidative status, mitochondrial functionality, and motility in spermatozoa of two marine invertebrate (Ciona robusta and Mytilus galloprovincialis) and one mammalian (Bos taurus) species. By combining fluorescent staining and spectrofluorometer, sperm oxidative status was evaluated through intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and plasma membrane lipid peroxidation (LPO) analysis. Mitochondrial functionality was assessed through the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). In the three examined species, a negative correlation emerged between sperm motility vs ROS levels and LPO. Sperm motility positively correlated with MMP in bovine, whereas these parameters were not related in ascidian or even negatively related in mussel spermatozoa. MMP was negatively related to ROS and LPO levels in ascidians, only to LPO in bovine, and positively related in mussel spermatozoa. These results suggest that energy sources for sperm motility vary between species and that ROS causes a decline in sperm motility via oxidative damage of membrane lipids. Overall, this study validates the use of fluorescent probes in combination with spectrofluorometer as a simple and powerful methodology for supplementary evaluation of sperm quality shedding light on new potential quality markers and provided relevant information on sperm energetic metabolism.

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