Induction of Spermiation in Sterlet Acipenser ruthenus by PLGA Microparticle Delivery with Sustained Alarelin Release

Carp pituitary treatment versus poly (lactiac-co-glycolic acid) microparticles with slow release of Alarelin at 35 µg kg−1 or 200 µg kg−1 body weight to induce spermiation was compared in sterlet Acipenser ruthenus. All hormone treatments initially increased testosterone and 11-ketotestosterone, with a subsequent decline in testosterone but consistent high levels of 11-ketotestosterone at 48 and 72 h post-treatment. Spermiation did not differ between hormone-treated groups, and was not detected in controls receiving saline solution. Administration of the carp pituitary led to maximum sperm production 24 h post-treatment, followed by a decrease at 48 h post-treatment, with no sperm obtained at 72 h. The effect of Alarelin at 35 µg kg−1 bw and carp pituitary did not differ at 24 and 48 h post-treatment, whereas 200 µg kg−1 bw Alarelin was associated with significantly lower spermatozoon concentration 24 h post-treatment compared to carp pituitary, with no difference in milt volume. Higher relative sperm production was observed 48 h after injection of Alarelin at 200 µg kg−1 bw compared to carp pituitary. Spermatozoon motility was significantly higher in fish receiving Alarelin at 35 µg kg−1 bw than 200 µg kg−1 bw. The treatment with optimal effect on inducing spermiation was poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) microparticles with slow release of Alarelin at 35 µg kg−1 bw.

Characteristics of biochemical indicators of sperm production of carp males while using naked oats in the nutrition process during pre-sprawning period

In the research there have been used males of the Nyvka intra-breed type of the Ukrainian scaly carp breed, which were kept during the pre-spawning period in the pond conditions of the State Enterprise “Experimental fish farm Nyvka” within the Institute of Fisheries of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine (IFNAASU). The carps were divided into 3 groups. The first group (Experiment I) was fed 100 % naked oats, the second (Experiment II) – 30 %, the control group of fish (Control) was fed a grain mixture. The quality of sexual products of male carp was assessed by determining the effect of adding naked oats to their diet during the pre-spawning period. Indicators of sperm motility and fertilizing ability, content of γ-, β- and α-globulins, albumin, prealbumin, and physiological characteristics of ejaculates of respiratory and regenerative capacity, activity of enzymes of respiratory chain of mitochondria (CHO and SDG) were studied. Given the increased productivity of fish sperm, in particular the increase in the number of sperm with rectilinear motion, decrease in the number of inanimate sperm and changes in the protein formula of germ cells, it is advisable to add naked oats to the main diet in the amount of 30 %.

Gross testicular morphometric parameters and sperm reserves in indigenous Ghanaian West African dwarf goats

The West African Dwarf (WAD) goat has genetic potentials that can be exploited for improved goat production. However, their testicular morphometric parameters and sperm reserves in Ghana are not well known. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Sabtiu Musah abattoir in Kumasi, Ghana, to evaluate the gross testicular morphometric parameters and sperm reserves in 10 indigenous WAD goats. The samples were stored on an ice chest and transported to the Regional Veterinary Laboratory for analysis on the day of collection. In the laboratory, the testes and epididymis were separated by dissection and then freed of all connective tissue and the Tunica albuginea. The weight, length, width and volume of the testis were determined. A segment of testicular parenchyma was incised and homogenized in a 20 ml normal saline solution. The resulting homogenate was stored in the refrigerator overnight and a filtered aliquot used for estimating spermatid concentration and sperm reserves. The weight, length, width, volume of the testis and the gonadosomatic index were 70.09 ±14.19 gm, 7.46 ± 0.52 cm, 5.08 ± 0.62, cm, 102.40 ± 29.40 ml and 5.09 ± 0.07%, respectively. The sperm reserves per the whole testis, sperm reserves per gramme testis, Daily Sperm production (DSP), and DSP per gramme testis of Ghanaian WAD bucks were 146.0 ± 50.95, 2.2 ± 0.62, 41.01 ± 14.3 and 0.62 ± 0.17 x109 spermatozoa, respectively. Indigenous West African Draft goats have a high potential for sperm production. It is recommended that further research be conducted on the semen quality parameters of this breed.

Association of X Chromosome Aberrations with Male Infertility

Male infertility is caused by spermatogenetic failure, clinically noted as oligoor azoospermia. Approximately 20% of infertile patients carry a genetic defect. The most frequent genetic defect leading to azoospermia (or severe oligozoospermia) is Klinefelter syndrome (47, XXY), which is numerical chromosomal abnormality and Y- structural chromosome aberration. The human X chromosome is the most stable of all human chromosomes. The X chromosome is loaded with regions of acquired, rapidly evolving genes. The X chromosome may actually play an essential role in male infertility and sperm production. Here we will describe X chromosome aberrations, which are associated with male infertility.

Age related changes in testicular histomorphometry and spermatogenic activity of bulls

The aim of the present study was to evaluate age related changes in testicular histomorphometry and spermatogenic activity of bulls during their sexual development. A total of 36 bulls were selected and divided into four groups (n=9 in each) according to their age. Bulls included in Groups I, II, III and IV were 10, 12, 14 and 16 months old respectively. Left testes of bulls were subjected to histomorphometry after slaughter. Statistical analysis revealed that the secondary spermatocytes, round and elongated spermatids increased significantly (P˂0.05) with the age of bulls. Likewise, both sertoli and leydig cell numbers increased significantly (P˂0.05) with the age of bulls. However, the number of spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes did not change (P>0.05) due to age. The mean tubular diameter increased from 200.70±5.45 μm (10 months of age) to 227.30±9.16 μm (16 months of age) and the total volume of seminiferous tubule per testis from 69.63±1.50 % (10 months of age) to 84.64±2.53 % (16 months of age). A positive linear relationship (P<0.05) was found between meiotic index (Y) and the age (X, in month), which was characterized by the equation 0.048X+3.135 and a coefficient of correlation (R) of 0.396. The correlation between age and sertoli cell efficiency was 0.482 with a regression equation Y= 0.141X+7.696. It is concluded that histomorphometric parameters of the bulls’ testes and spermatogenic activity are correlated with the age, so these parameters provide a reliable tool for the assessment of the reproductive state and sperm production capacity of a bull in a breeding program.

Circadian effects of ionizing radiation on reproductive function and clock genes expression in male mouse

Background Exposure to the ionizing radiation (IR) encountered outside the magnetic field of the Earth poses a persistent threat to the reproductive functions of astronauts. The potential effects of space IR on the circadian rhythms of male reproductive functions have not been well characterized so far. Methods Here, we investigated the circadian effects of IR exposure (3 Gy X-rays) on reproductive functional markers in mouse testicular tissue and epididymis at regular intervals over a 24-h day. For each animal, epididymis was tested for sperm motility, and the testis tissue was used for daily sperm production (DSP), testosterone levels, and activities of testicular enzymes (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), and acid phosphatase (ACP)), and the clock genes mRNA expression such as Clock, Bmal1, Ror-α, Ror-β, or Ror-γ. Results Mice exposed to IR exhibited a disruption in circadian rhythms of reproductive markers, as indicated by decreased sperm motility, increased daily sperm production (DSP), and reduced activities of testis enzymes such as G6PDH, SDH, LDH, and ACP. Moreover, IR exposure also decreased mRNA expression of five clock genes (Clock, Bmal1, Ror-α, Ror-β, or Ror-γ) in testis, with alteration in the rhythm parameters. Conclusion These findings suggested potential health effects of IR exposure on reproductive functions of male astronauts, in terms of both the daily overall level as well as the circadian rhythmicity.

254 Effects of Nutrition on Bull Fertility

The greatest effects of nutrition on bull fertility occur by providing a relatively high plane of nutrition during calfhood when the seminiferous epithelium of the testes is developing. A high plane of nutrition from 5 to 25 weeks of age results in greater circulating gonadotropin concentrations, greater testicular volume, and greater sperm production at maturity. At this age, diet can be manipulated by creep feeding bull calves with both protein and energy supplements which could accelerate puberty and increase sperm production. Increased rate of gain in bull calves post-weaning can accelerate puberty a few weeks, but excess post-weaning gain and fat buildup in the neck of the scrotum can have detrimental effects on fertility. Considerable emphasis has been placed on specific micronutrient (especially minerals) effects on peripubertal bull fertility. Trace mineral supplementation is believed to be critical for optimal fertility and both copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) supplementation have influenced male fertility in other species. However, there are no guidelines for recommended levels of these minerals to ensure fertility. Providing organic or complexed compared to inorganic mineral to peripubertal bulls have increased liver concentrations of mineral and in some cases, have accelerated puberty, but enhanced fertility-associated measures have not been realized. Because both Cu and Zn are present in the ejaculate, mineral needs during the breeding season may differ from the off-season. During the breeding season, bulls can lose 10 to 20% of their weight and need to re-gain this weight before the next breeding season. Divergent planes of nutrition provided to mature bulls during the off-season revealed enhanced sperm energy and stress-fighting potential with decreasing plane of nutrition. Specific mineral supplementation during the off-season in mature bulls provides no beneficial effect on fertility-associated measures. In summary, significant effects of nutrition post-weaning on bull fertility-associated measures have not been realized.

Impact of metabolic syndrome on the viability of human spermatozoa: a cross-sectional descriptive study in men from infertile couples

Background A direct association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and sperm production/function has been proposed. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to determine the impact of MetS on sperm survival. Men from infertile couples treated at Hue University Hospital, Vietnam, were enrolled in this study, which spanned the October 2018 to October 2020 period. The general characteristics of the patients, including body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), the levels of different biochemicals, and semen parameters were determined, and sperm survival tests (SSTs) were performed. The modified National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III for the Asian population was used for MetS diagnosis. Results Men with an abnormal waist circumference (≥ 90 cm) showed a higher rate of abnormal SST results (30.1% vs. 16.7%, p = 0.012). The frequency of abnormal SST results in patients with MetS (72.3%) was significantly higher than that in individuals without MetS (53.4%) (p = 0.02). Furthermore, the percentage of abnormal SST results in patients with MetS and with BMI ≥ 23 was significantly higher than those in individuals without MetS (77.1% vs. 55.2%, p = 0.03). Weak negative correlations were also observed between the patients’ age and the SST results. Conclusion Sperm viability was lower in men with MetS. We also observed that age and BMI were independent factors associated with abnormal SST.

Sperm Production Is Reduced after a Heatwave at the Pupal Stage in the Males of the Parasitoid Wasp Microplitis rufiventris Kok (Hymenoptera; Braconidae)

Understanding reproduction is essential for controlling pests and supporting beneficial insects. Among the many factors allowing optimal reproduction, sperm availability is key to sex ratio control in hymenopteran parasitoids since males are haploid and only females come from fertilization. Microplitis rufiventris (Hymenoptera; Braconidae) is a solitary endoparasitoid of some noctuids. This insect could be used for the control of the cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis. Under controlled conditions, sperm quantity was measured in virgin males at 1, 5, 10, and 15 days; it increases in adult males until the fifth day. Sperm stock of control males increased from 2500 at one day to 6700 at 15 days. With the control climatic condition being 25 °C, we tested the effects of a time-limited increase of temperature that can be found in Egypt (36 and 40 °C) during one day at the early pupal stage. Emerging males had 1500 and 420 sperm at 36 and 40 °C, respectively; both lived shorter than the control. The sperm potential of males is dependent on both age and temperature during the early pupal stage. It could have dramatic consequences on the sex ratio of M. rufiventris in natural and controlled populations.