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.

Female accessory gland fluid promotes sperm survival in yellow dung flies

Female and male reproductive traits co-evolve through pre- and post-copulatory sexual selection and sexual conflict. Although males typically transfer many sperm during copulation, only a small proportion reach the fertilization site because females often actively or passively reduce sperm number in their reproductive tract. Males may transfer accessory substances to protect their ejaculates against female selective processes, which benefits males but can harm females. In turn, females may use accessory gland fluids to control paternity or sperm storage. Female yellow dung flies (Scathophaga stercoraria) have paired accessory glands that produce fluids involved in fertilization and egg laying. One proposed function for these fluids is spermicide. Alternatively, female accessory gland fluid may help keep sperm alive to avoid fertilization failure or encourage sperm competition. Using yellow dung flies, we investigated the interaction of female accessory gland fluid with sperm in vitro. Significantly more sperm remained alive when exposed to accessory gland fluid compared to buffer only (63% vs. 44%). We conclude that female accessory gland fluid in yellow dung flies can help nourish rather than kill male sperm, although selective nourishment of sperm is as consistent with cryptic female choice as is selective spermicide.

Effect of Semen Freezing and Thawing on Sperm Survival And Motility Rate : A Comparative Analysis

Objective : To compare the rate of sperm survival and motility through semen freezing and thawing during infertility treatment. Methodology: In this bidirectional observational study, we enrolled 31 patients who underwent semen analysis for infertility treatment at the Institute of Reproduction and Child Cares & IRCC IVF Centre, Panchkula, Haryana, from June 2020 to December 2020. Out of these patients, 21 (67.74 %) were considered for semen freezing and thawing. For the rest of the ten patients (32.25 %), sperm count and motility were not good, and we excluded them from this study. Semen freezing based upon sperm count and motility were done. We did semen thawing after two weeks of semen freezing and recorded the sperm survival and motility. Results: Post thaw sperm survival rate and motility was 37.66% compare to pre-cryopreservation (61.82%). The observed rate of sperm motility declining was 24.16 % after cryopreservation/freezing. Conclusion: The present study results concluded that sperm's cryopreservation results in a decrease in sperm motility. There is a need of finding more accurate and reliable methods to freeze and thaw semen.

The effect of a canine semen activator supplementation or addiction on the long-term refrigeration quality of dog spermatozoa

Within modern biotechnology, different tools have been developed to maximize canine semen conservation protocol to optimizing reproductive results and making their handling more flexible. In the last decades, the survival of refrigerated semen has been prolonged from 2-3d with the first basic diluents, to 10-14d using the most modern extenders. Semen activators ( SA ) have been produced to provide the molecules necessary to maximize the sperm survival and quality with the aim to enhance fertility and prolificacy. In this study, the effect of SA was recorded by daily evaluation of chilled semen 14d. For this experiment, Six adult healthy Neapolitan Mastiff dogs, were used as donors semen was manually collected. Spermatozoa-rich fractions of each subject was chilled using a new generation extender for long periods of time (d0) s tarting from the d1 to d1 4, different aliquot, with (experimental trial) and without SA (control trial), were evaluated daily for motility vigor, morphology and membrane integrity. The initial sperm concentration of extended semen was 417. 3±170 . 4x10 6 /mL (mean ± SEM) with 85.89±4.76% of MNS (morphologically normal sperm), 84.47±5.22 % vital sperm and a pH of 6.2±2.8. The initial vigor was 3.83±0.48, but after one min with SA , it rose to 4.45 ± 0.45 (P<0.001). The semen motility parameter increase significantly (P < 0.05) in experimental trial , respect to control, starting to d 2 at finish ( except for d 7). The vigor analysis significantly increase in experimental trial (P < 0.05) during the most day of the study with the exclusion of d 3 and d 14. For evaluate the semen characteristics over time, the experiment was divided into T1 (d0-d5), T2 (d6- d 10) and T3 (d11-d14) (P<0.001) in evaluation of morphology and membrane stability. The MNS reached 70% at d10 and finally 65% at −d14, being considered normal and possibly fertile. With Host-s, 65% of MNS were also achieved at d14. The presence of glucose and fructose in the diluents used for refrigeration can exert very important effects given the fact that metabolic routes have been found in both sugars, providing both different and complementing effects. It can be concluded that the use of SA prior to artificial insemination improves the quality of chilled semen significantly, although it does not reverse the effects of deterioration due to cellular metabolism over time.

ACTIVITY AND CONTENT OF ISOZYMES OF ASPARTATE AMINOTRANSFERASE IN CONNECTION WITH THE SURVIVAL OF BULL SPERMATOZOA

The activity and content of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) isoforms in bovine ejaculates due to sperm survival were studied. Ejaculates of bulls of the Ukrainian black-spotted dairy breed (n = 22) were selected for research. In freshly obtained and incubated semen the activity and isozymes of AST was studied in connection with spermatozoa survival at a temperature of 2-4 ° C (on the first, second, third and fourth days) until the cessation of rectilinear translational movement. AST activity depended on the duration of sperm survival. When survival was more than 100 hours - AST activity was the highest - 65.2 ± 1.7 nmol / min × mg of protein. When survival was lower - up to 100 hours, enzymatic activity lower by 26.8% (P <0.001). Two enzymes of the enzyme (AST1 and AST2) were found in the semen of the fetuses, which differ in electrophoretic mobility and intensity of staining in 7.5% polyacrylamide gel. The established correlation with sperm survival time has a strong straight line for AST1 (η2АSТ1 = 0.88) and inverse - for AST2 (η2АSТ2 = 0.87) isozymes. During sperm incubation, the ratio of AST isozymes changes - the content of AST1 increases and decreases - AST2. The correlation ratio for sperm survival for enzyme activity and isozymes is up to 100 hours, respectively. - η2АSТ = 0.83; η2АSТ1 = 0.68 and η2АSТ2= 0.69 and more than 100 hours - η2АSТ = 0.75; η2АSТ1= 0.92 and η2АSТ2= 0.69. Therefore, ejaculates of bulls with reduced sperm survival are characterized by lower AST activity and, accordingly, the speed of the amino acid transamination process. Increased supply of substrates from the cytosol in the mitochondria of germ cells ensures high survival of sperm. Changes in the activity and content of AST isozymes, which characterize the energy supply of germ cells, can serve as a criterion for the physiological quality of sperm of freshly obtained sperm.

Relation between washed sperm cells and fluid from White Fulani Genitalia in some enzyme activities and lipid contents

Lipid contents and enzyme activities were studied in the fluid and washed sperm (WS) from the genitalia of 26 mature White Fulani (WF) bulls of mean live weight 213.96±4.88kg (range 140 260kg) in a complete randomized design experiment. Tissue homogenization and biochemical assay methods were employed after storing the tissue in deep freeze for 24 hours post slaughter. Total lipid contents did not differ significantly (P>0.05) between WS and fluid of the testis, the caput epididymis and the cauda epididymis but was significantly (P<0.05) higher in WS than the fluid in corpus epididymis and vas deferens. Phospholipid and phospholipid phosphorus contents of WS and fluid did not vary significantly (P>0.05) benveen WS in the testis and epididymis. Alkaline phosphatatse (ALP) activity was higher (P<0.05) in the corpus and cauda edididymal fluid than in the WS. Glutamic Oxalate Transaminase (GOT) activity was significantly (P<0.05) higher in the fluid than the WS in all segments but not in the testis. The generally higher values of lipids in the washed sperm over the fluid the need for lipids as protective cover and as substrates for sperm survival from its formation up to maturation. The generally higher enzyme activity in the fluid is an indicator of damage to sperm acrosome, with corresponding leakage of enzyme into the fluid consequent upon the various stress conditions encountered as sperm traverses the epididymis for the maturation process and finally sojourns in the epididymis.

The productivity of boars when introduced to the feed sprouted grains

Recipes were developed for compound feeds for boars with replacement of 5% and 10% of natural barley grain with sprouted grain. The use of experimental feeds allowed to increase the volume of boar ejaculate-by 25.5% and 31.9%; sperm concentration-by 18.4 and 20.1%; sperm survival-by 7.7 and 9.2 hours; sperm resistance by 27.0 and 27.8%. The fertilization rate of sows increased by 3.0 and 6.3%, multiplicity-by 3.1 and 4.2%, large-scale fertility remained at the control level. The cost of compound feed increases with the Introduction of sprouted grain, but this increase is economically justified, since the productivity of animals increases. The cost of a dose of sperm from boars is reduced by 2.8 and 3.2 rubles, the number of farrowed sows increases in the experimental groups by 51.8 and 71.4%, respectively, and the cost of one Piglet is lower by 12.4 - 17.5 rubles or 8.6 - 12.6%..

Correlation of Sperm DNA Fragmentation Index With Seminal Plasma Biochemical Index and Semen Parameters in Infertile Men

In general, routine semen analysis makes only limited predictions about a man's reproductive potential and is not always able to explain why he is infertile. In fact, many male infertility cases are caused by sperm DNA defects ,which routine semen quality analyses fail to detect. The relationship between sperm DFI, sperm parameters and their diagnostic value were analyzed and evaluated by observing the seminal parameters of infertile patients without accessory gonadal infection. Specimens of 151 cases were collected from infertile patients who visited the male department of STD and reproductive specialty clinic of our hospital from August 2018 to September 2019. SCD test was performed to measure the DNA fragmentation in native. The routine semen analysis was performed with a semen quality detection system (CFT-920, Jiangsu Ruiqi Life Science & Tech Dev .Co.Ltd) and supporting reagents. Seminal plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were assessed. Fructose(Fru) 、a-glucosidase (a-glu), and zinc (Zn) levels are quantitatively detected by kehua-310, a fully automated biochemical tester provided by Nanjing Xindibio. According to DFI level, there were 31 cases in group I (DFI ≤ 15%), 81 cases in group II (15% < DFI < 30%), and 39 cases in group III (DFI ≥ 30%). Compared with group II, there were significant differences in sperm survival rate, PR% and Fru by non-parametric test (Z = -2.16 -2. 43. − 2. 20,respectively,P < 0. 05). There were significant differences in sperm survival rate and PR% between group I and group III (t = 4. 32, 4.25, respectively, P < 0.01). Compared with group III, there were significant differences in sperm survival rate and PR% by non-parametric test (Z= -3. 26, -3. 50, respectively).Sperm DFI was negatively correlated with sperm survival rate and PR%(R=-0.56,-0.46,P < 0.01). DFI was positively correlated with MDA content (R = 0.42, P < 0.01) and negatively correlated with TAC (r=-0.40, P < 0.01).There was no correlation with age ,abstinence days, semen volume, sperm concentration, percentage of normal form sperm, Fru, a-Glu, Zn (R = 0. 15, 0. 05,0.03,-0.03, -0.2, -0.16,- 0.20, 0.03, 0.15, p > 0.05).The survival rate and PR% of sperm decreased significantly with the increase of DFI level, antioxidant can decrease the rate of DNA fragmentation, antioxidant can decrease the rate of DNA fragmentation. Semen volume and sperm concentration were mainly related to the secretion volume of accessory gonads and total sperm count, but no correlation was found between them and DFI.

Correlation of Sperm DNA Fragmentation Index With Seminal Plasma Biochemical Index and Semen Parameters in Infertile Men

BackgroundAccording to world Health Organization guidelines, semen analysis by testing routine parameters is the main method for assessing male fertility.In general, routine semen analysis makes only limited predictions about a man's reproductive potential and is not always able to explain why he is infertile. In fact, many male infertility cases are caused by sperm DNA defects ,which routine semen quality analyses fail to detect.The relationship between sperm DFI , sperm parameters and their diagnostic value were analyzed and evaluated by observing the seminal parameters of infertile patients without accessory gonadal infection.MethodsSpecimens of 151 cases were collected from infertile patients who visited the male department of STD and reproductive specialty clinic of our hospital from August 2018 to September 2019. SCD test was performed to measure the DNA fragmentation in native. The routine semen analysis was performed with a semen quality detection system (WLJY-9000, Beijing Weili New century Science & Tech Dev .Co.Ltd) and supporting reagents. Seminal plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were assessed. Fructose(Fru) 、a-glucosidase (,a-glu), and zinc (Zn) levels are quantitatively detected by kehua-310, a fully automated biochemical tester provided by Nanjing Xindibio.ResultsAccording to DFI level, there were 31 cases in group I (DFI≤15%), 81 cases in group II (15% < DFI < 30%), and 39 cases in group III (DFI≥30%). Compared with group II, there were significant differences in sperm survival rate, PR% and Fru by non-parametric test (Z = -2.16 -2. 43. - 2. 20,respectively,P < 0. 05). There were significant differences in sperm survival rate and PR% between group I and group III (t = 4. 32, 4.25, respectively, P< 0.01). Compared with group III, there were significant differences in sperm survival rate and PR% by non-parametric test (Z= -3. 26, -3. 50, respectively).Sperm DFI was negatively correlated with sperm survival rate and PR%(R=-0.56,-0.46,P<0.01). DFI was positively correlated with MDA content (R=0.42, P<0.01) and negatively correlated with TAC (r=-0.40, P<0.01).There was no correlation with age ,abstinence days, semen volume, sperm concentration, percentage of normal form sperm, Fru, a-Glu, Zn (R= 0. 15, 0. 05,0.03,-0.03, -0.2, -0.16,- 0.20, 0.03, 0.15, p > 0.05).ConclusionThe survival rate and PR% of sperm decreased significantly with the increase of DFI level, antioxidant can decrease the rate of DNA fragmentation, antioxidant can decrease the rate of DNA fragmentation. Semen volume and sperm concentration were mainly related to the secretion volume of accessory gonads and total sperm count, but no correlation was found between them and DFI.