Influence of free and microencapsulated recombinant rabbit nerve growth factor with chitosan on rabbit sperm quality parameters.

ß-nerve growth factor (ßNGF) plays a crucial role in reproductive physiology and sperm quality. Enzymatic activity of seminal plasma and vaginal fluids reduces available ßNGF and it has been demonstrated that chitosan microspheres could protect rrßNGF from degradation. This study examined the effects of microencapsulated rrbNGF with chitosan on rabbit sperm viability, motility and capacitation status. Results showed that 0.5 and 1 µg/mL of microencapsulated rrßNGF, as well as free rrßNGF or empty microspheres, did not adversely affect sperm viability or total motility after 2 h of incubation. However, the highest progressivity kinetic parameters were observed with 1 µg/mL free rrßNGF, while the highest curvilinear velocity (VCL) occurred with 0.5 µg/mL microencapsulated rrßNGF. Empty chitosan microspheres did not induce acrosome reaction (AR), but both concentrations of free and rrßNGFch favoured AR during in vitro incubation. The study suggests that using chitosan spheres did not show any adverse effects on sperm traits, unlike free rßNGF and rrßNGFch promoted capacitation and AR. Further research is needed to explore the potential of rrßNGFch in modifying in vitro capacitation and inducing ovulation during artificial insemination.

Characterizing the Impact of Dysregulated Micrornas on CRISP3 Isoforms in Male Infertility.

microRNAs (miRNAs) have a serious and dynamic function in spermatogenesis. These molecules have been recognized as crucial parts of the control of gene activity, and their involvement in the regulation of target genes has been extensively studied. This research aimed to determine the expression of CRISP3 and miR-493-5p, miR-204-5p, and miR-182-5p in the seminal plasma fluid and spermatozoa and to examine the relationship between CRISP3 and the mentioned miRNAs in 57 infertile men with Asthenozoospermia (AZ) (n = 19), Teratoasthenozoospermia (TAZ) (n = 19), and Normozoospermia (NZ) (n = 19). The selection of these three miRNAs, miR-493-5p, miR-204-5p, and miR-182-5p, was conducted using computational prediction algorithms. These miRNAs were nominated as CRISP3-associated miRNAs that can target CRISP3. We performed the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) method to determine the levels of the studied miRNA expression. In the following stage, the expression of two protein isoforms of CRISP3, targeted by these miRNAs, was quantified using western blotting. The results demonstrate significant differences in the levels of miR-182-5p, miR-204-5p, miR-493-5p, and CRISP3 isoforms among the patient groups. In TAZ individuals, miR-182-5p and miR-204-5p expression decreased, while miR-493-5p expression increased compared to the control samples. Additionally, significant differences were observed in the expression levels of unglycosylated and glycosylated CRISP3 isoforms between the AZ and NZ groups. Correlation analysis revealed associations between miRNA expression and the expression of CRISP3 isoforms in the patient groups. Additionally, there were correlations between the expression of CRISP3 isoforms and sperm motility and morphology. These results offer valuable insights into the underlying molecular processes associated with male infertility.

The potential influence and intervention measures of gut microbiota on sperm: it is time to focus on testis-gut microbiota axis.

As the global male infertility rate continues to rise, there is an urgent imperative to investigate the underlying causes of sustained deterioration in sperm quality. The gut microbiota emerges as a pivotal factor in host health regulation, with mounting evidence highlighting its dual influence on semen. This review underscores the interplay between the Testis-Gut microbiota axis and its consequential effects on sperm. Potential mechanisms driving the dual impact of gut microbiota on sperm encompass immune modulation, inflammatory responses mediated by endotoxins, oxidative stress, antioxidant defenses, gut microbiota-derived metabolites, epigenetic modifications, regulatory sex hormone signaling. Interventions such as probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and Traditional natural herbal extracts are hypothesized to rectify dysbiosis, offering avenues to modulate gut microbiota and enhance Spermatogenesis and motility. Future investigations should delve into elucidating the mechanisms and foundational principles governing the interaction between gut microbiota and sperm within the Testis-Gut microbiota Axis. Understanding and modulating the Testis-Gut microbiota Axis may yield novel therapeutic strategies to enhance male fertility and combat the global decline in sperm quality.

The role of S-palmitoylation of C4BPA in regulating murine sperm motility and complement resistance.

The epididymis and epididymosomes are crucial for regulating sperm motility, a key factor in male fertility. Palmitoylation, a lipid modification involving the attachment of palmitic acid to cysteine residues, is essential for protein function and localization. Additionally, this modification plays a vital role in the sorting of proteins into exosomes. This study investigates the role of S-palmitoylation at the Cys15 residue of the C4b binding protein alpha chain (C4BPA) in murine sperm motility. Our findings revealed high expression of C4BPA mRNA in the caput epididymis, with the protein present across all regions of the epididymis. Palmitoylation of C4BPA in epididymal epithelial cells was essential for its enrichment in epididymosomes and on sperm, thereby maintaining sperm motility. Inhibition of palmitoylation significantly reduced sperm motility and the localization of C4BPA on sperm. Additionally, palmitoylated C4BPA in exosomes resisted complement C4 attacks, preserving motility, unlike mutated C4BPA (C15S). These results highlight the critical role of palmitoylated C4BPA in protecting sperm from complement attacks and maintaining motility, suggesting that reversible palmitoylation of epididymal proteins could be explored as a therapeutic strategy for male contraception. Our study underscores the importance of post-translational modifications in sperm function and presents new insights into potential male contraceptive methods.

Piceatannol Protects Sperm from Cryopreservation Damage by Modulating the Keap1-Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathway.

The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanism of action of Piceatannol (PIC) in attenuating oxidative damage to sperm during cryopreservation. Semen samples were collected and homogenized into six equal parts for freeze-thawing experiments. Four different concentrations of PIC were utilized as cryoprotectants during the freeze-thawing process, maintaing a semen to PIC ratio of 1:1, while sperm motility after freezing and thawing was analyzed using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). Sperm plasma membrane integrity was assessed via the hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) test. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) activities, long with the ability to scavenge sperm malondialdehyde (MDA), were examined in sperm following the addition of PIC. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect the expression levels of Keap1, Nrf2, GCLC, GCLM, and HMOX1 in sperm. The mechanism by which PIC protects sperm during cryopreservation from oxidative stress damage was further verified. Treatment with PIC at a dose of 5.0 µmol/L significantly improved both sperm motility and viability while effectively reducing ROS levels in frozen sperm. Additionally, the integrity of the sperm plasma membrane was significantly enhanced. Furthermore, the expression level of Keap1 was significantly reduced, whereas the expression levels of GCLC, GCLM, HMOX1, and Nrf2 were significantly increased (p < 0.05) after the addition of PIC. Notably, a significant attenuation of sperm motility and viability was observed in this treatment group when PIC treatment was accompanied by the addition of an Nrf2 inhibitor, resulting in a significant elevation of ROS levels. The finding that PIC modulates ROS in frozen sperm via the Keap1-Nrf2/ARE pathway thereby enhancing sperm viability levels after freezing and thawing provides a novel approach to optimize semen cryopreservation.

Aromatase inhibitors can improve the semen quality of aged roosters by up regulating genes related to steroid hormone synthesis.

Excessive aromatase can reduce reproductive performance in aged roosters. Aromatase inhibitors (AI) can inhibit the aromatase activity and improve the semen quality of aged roosters. However, relevant molecular mechanism is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the regulatory mechanism of AI letrozole improving semen quality in aged roosters by transcriptomic and proteomic sequencing. In this study, 56-week-old roosters were reared in separate cages on a standard basice diet and oral letrozole 42 days (D) at a daily dose 0.25 mg/kg. Semen quality and serum hormone were measured before (0 D) and after (42 D) letrozole administration. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were detected, respectively. The results indicated that semen volume, sperm motility, sperm density, MMP, testosterone (T) and gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) in letrozole treatment group (LET) were significantly increased than those in control group (CN) (P<0.05); estradiol (E2) and ROS in LET were significantly lower than those in CN (P<0.05). Through transcriptomic and proteomic analysis, we identified 189 differently expressed genes (DEGs) and 64 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the comparison of LET and CN. DEGs and DEPs Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) items are mainly enriched in steroid biosynthetic process, cell differentiation and proliferation, lipid metabolic process, oxidation-reduction process and electron transfer activity. Furthermore, 8 genes including STAR, CYP17A1, NSDHL, SULT1E1, EHF, NRNPA1, PLIN2 and SDHA were identified as key genes for letrozole to regulate semen quality in aged roosters. These results indicate that letrozole can up-regulate the expression of genes related to steroid hormone synthesis, cell differentiation and proliferation, electron transfer activity, and enhance mitochondrial activity, increase testicular weight, and ultimately improve the semen quality of aged roosters.

Treatment of human sperm with GYY4137 increases sperm motility and resistance to oxidative stress.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been shown to play a significant role in oxidative stress across various tissues and cells; however, its role in sperm function remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of GYY4137, a slow-releasing H2S compound, on sperm damage induced by H2O2. We assessed the effects of GYY4137 on motility, viability, lipid peroxidation and caspase-3 activity in human spermatozoa in vitro following oxidative damage mediated by H2O2. Spermatozoa from 25 healthy men were selected using a density gradient centrifugation method and cultured in the presence or absence of 10 µM H2O2, followed by incubation with varying concentrations of GYY4137 (0.625-2.5 µM). After 24 h of incubation, sperm motility, viability, lipid peroxidation, and caspase-3 activity were evaluated. The results indicated that H2O2 adversely affected sperm parameters, reducing motility and viability, while increasing oxidative stress, as evidenced by elevated lipid peroxidation and caspase-3 activity. GYY4137 provided dose-dependent protection against H2O2-induced oxidative stress (OS). We concluded that supplementation with GYY4137 may offer antioxidant protection during in vitro sperm preparation for assisted reproductive technology.

Patterns of sperm swimming behaviour depend on male mating tactic and spawning environment in chinook salmon.

Many species exhibit alternative mating tactics (ARTs), with larger socially dominant males competing for females and smaller males adopting "sneaker" strategies to exploit fertilisation opportunities without competition or courtship. Females typically prefer larger socially dominant males, but their ability to manipulate mating or fertilisation outcomes is largely unknown. Here, using chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, we examined whether the female's ovarian fluid (OF) differentially influences the temporal patterns of sperm swimming traits in ejaculates from non-preferred sneaker ('parr') and preferred (dominant) males. Results demonstrate that OF improves sperm swimming speed and linearity compared to river water, regardless of male mating tactic. We report a novel tactic-specific difference in sperm linearity in which parr male sperm initially maintain straighter trajectories in river water, compared to dominant males, but then rapidly change to less linear and more circular paths over time. Intriguingly, we show that OF counteracts this change in sperm linearity in parr males so that patterns become indistinguishable from dominants when parr sperm swim in OF. Together, these results show that male chinook salmon exhibit differential sperm trait investment strategies depending on reproductive tactic.

Quality assurance applied to semen analysis.

Artificial insemination is an important biotechnology employed in livestock production. Production of semen products requires analysis of sperm concentration, motility and morphology. Although adequate analytical procedures are essential to ensure product quality, several multicenter studies have reported large variations in semen analysis results within and across laboratories. Differences in equipment and methodology, inconsistent training and performance testing, and lack of quality assurance programs are likely responsible for these observations. The somewhat pervasive perception that semen analysis is a trivial task must be challenged as it jeopardizes efficient semen production and germplasm utilization. This manuscript reviews the Quality Assurance (QA) procedures recommended to control results obtained during semen analysis. Reference, standard technical specifications for basic semen analysis are also described.

Environmental Heat Stress Decreases Sperm Motility by Disrupting the Diurnal Rhythms of Rumen Microbes and Metabolites in Hu Rams.

Heat stress (HS) has become a common stressor, owing to the increasing frequency of extreme high-temperature weather triggered by global warming, which has seriously affected the reproductive capacity of important livestock such as sheep. However, little is known about whether HS reduces sperm motility by inducing circadian rhythm disorders in rumen microorganisms and metabolites in sheep. In this study, the year-round reproduction of two-year-old Hu rams was selected, and the samples were collected in May and July 2022 at average environmental temperatures between 18.71 °C and 33.58 °C, respectively. The experiment revealed that the mean temperature-humidity index was 86.34 in July, indicating that Hu rams suffered from HS. Our research revealed that HS significantly decreased sperm motility in Hu rams. Microbiome analysis further revealed that HS reshaped the composition and circadian rhythm of rumen microorganisms, leading to the circadian disruption of microorganisms that drive cortisol and testosterone synthesis. Serum indicators further confirmed that HS significantly increased the concentrations of cortisol during the daytime and decreased the testosterone concentration at the highest body temperature. Untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed that the circadian rhythm of rumen fluid metabolites in the HS group was enriched by the cortisol and steroid synthesis pathways. Moreover, HS downregulated metabolites, such as kaempferol and L-tryptophan in rumen fluid and seminal plasma, which are associated with promotion of spermatogenesis and sperm motility; furthermore, these metabolites were found to be strongly positively correlated with Veillonellaceae_UCG_001. Overall, this study revealed the relationship between the HS-induced circadian rhythm disruption of rumen microorganisms and metabolites and sperm motility decline. Our findings provide a new perspective for further interventions in enhancing sheep sperm motility with regard to the circadian time scale.

The Molecular Basis of Multiple Morphological Abnormalities of Sperm Flagella and Its Impact on Clinical Practice.

Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) is a specific form of severe flagellar or ciliary deficiency syndrome. MMAF is characterized by primary infertility with abnormal morphology in the flagella of spermatozoa, presenting with short, absent, bent, coiled, and irregular flagella. As a rare disease first named in 2014, studies in recent years have shed light on the molecular defects of MMAF that comprise the structure and biological function of the sperm flagella. Understanding the molecular genetics of MMAF may provide opportunities for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for this rare disease. This review aims to summarize current studies regarding the molecular pathogenesis of MMAF and describe strategies of genetic counseling, clinical diagnosis, and therapy for MMAF.

Addition of Mitoquinone (MitoQ) to Fresh Human Sperm Enhances Sperm Motility without Attenuating Viability.

The preparation of human sperm in an andrology laboratory subjects it to oxidative stress. Reactive oxygen species are produced by mitochondria, making it susceptible to oxidative damage; hence, mitochondria-targeted antioxidants like Mitoquinone (MitoQ) might have therapeutic potential for oxidative-damage-associated disorders. The current research aims to establish whether MitoQ has any positive effects during in vitro preparation of fresh human sperm. Viability and motility are evaluated to determine the effective MitoQ concentration and to assess whether MitoQ supplementation is affected by sperm concentration by incubating normospermia semen samples at 37 °C for 2 h and 4 h, respectively. The effect of semen centrifugation following supplementation of 20 × 106 sperm/mL with 200 nM MitoQ is also assessed by measuring viability, motility and sperm DNA fragmentation. The best sperm motility is achieved after 2 h of incubation with 200 nM MitoQ at 37 °C. Sperm concentration of 20 × 106 sperm/mL is the best concentration where 200 nM MitoQ works efficiently. For semen centrifugation at 300× g for 20 min, supplementation with 200 nM MitoQ shows higher sperm motility. The current results demonstrate that MitoQ supplementation during in vitro human semen preparation procedures positively affects fresh sperm motility without affecting viability or increasing DNA fragmentation.

Quantitative assessment of Nigella sativa and conjugated silver nanoparticles against hexavalent chromium toxic effects on sperm function.

BACKGROUND: Infertility has been observed as one of the major issues in humans, one known risk factor is heavy metals. METHODS: The main focus of the present research was to assess the toxic effect of hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) on sperm and its mitigation by Nigella sativa seed extract (NS) and its conjugated silver nanoparticles (NS + NP). In the present study, we administered 1.5 mg/kg body of Cr (VI) orally in mice for 60 days routinely, to induce toxicity in testes and effect on sperm production and motility in male mice. NS and NS + NP (50 mg/kg body weight) were administered to evaluate protective action against Cr (VI). The sperm were analyzed by computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) and chromium concentration in testicular tissue was measured via the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. RESULTS: The CASA analysis showed that Cr (VI) was directly linked with a decline in sperm concentration, motility, distance, velocity, straightness, and head beat frequency attributes. However, the administration of Nigella sativa seed extract and its green synthesized silver nanoparticles improved sperm concentration, motility, distance, velocity, straightness, and head beat frequency. The chromium content in the testes of Cr-exposed animals significantly increased, which negatively affected sperm parameters. However, Nigella sativa and Nigella sativa conjugated silver nanoparticles appeared to help in the removal of Cr content from testes hence improving the sperm parameters in exposed mice. CONCLUSION: The decrease in Cr concentration improved sperm quality and quantity, hence, improve male fertility.

Study of the Association of Semen Parameters With Embryo Quality in a Tertiary Care Center in Bihar: A Retrospective Study.

Introduction Semen quality, characterized by parameters such as sperm count, motility, and morphology, determines successful fertilization and subsequent embryo health. This study investigates the impact of sperm parameters on embryo quality in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Methods The study utilized a retrospective design with 194 male and 194 female participants who underwent fertility treatment from October 2020 to May 2024. Semen analysis included assessment of sperm count, motility, and morphology. Embryo quality was evaluated on days three and five post-fertilizations based on morphological criteria. Statistical analyses, including one-way ANOVA and chi-square tests, explored relationships between semen parameters and embryo quality. Results The study included 388 participants (males: 194 and females: 194). Female participants had a mean age of 31.0 ± 4.6 years and a mean BMI of 23.1 ± 5.3 kg/m², while males had a mean age of 36.6 ± 5.4 years and a mean BMI of 22.7 ± 2.8 kg/m². Paternal age and BMI showed no significant association (p > 0.05) with embryo quality. However, sperm quality parameters such as sperm count, motility, and morphology demonstrated significant associations (p < 0.05) with embryo quality on both day three and day five, indicating that abnormal sperm parameters were linked to poorer embryo quality. Factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking, tobacco use, living in industrial areas, and tea/coffee consumption showed no significant association with embryo quality. Conclusion The findings of the study emphasize the importance of comprehensive semen analysis in fertility assessments and highlight opportunities for improving ART outcomes through targeted interventions and further mechanistic research.

Lipidomic and transcriptomic characteristics of boar seminal plasma extracellular vesicles associated with sperm motility.

Seminal plasma extracellular vesicles (SPEVs) play an important role in regulating sperm motility by delivering various cargoes, such as miRNAs, mRNAs, proteins and metabolites. However, information on the lipid compositions of SPEVs and their roles in semen quality is limited. Here, we performed high-throughput transcriptomic and lipidomic analysis on SPEVs isolated from 20 boars with high or low sperm motility. Then, we evaluated the lipid composition and gene expression characteristics of SPEVs and identified the specific lipids and genes related to sperm motility. As a result, a total of 26 lipid classes were identified in SPEVs, and five subclasses, CerG2, CerG3, LPE, LPS and TG, were significantly different in boars with high and low sperm motility. In addition, 195 important lipids and 334 important genes were identified by weighted gene coexpression analysis (WGCNA) and differential expression analysis. We observed that several important genes and lipids in SPEVs potentially influence sperm motility via glycerophospholipid metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism, the sphingolipid signaling pathway and the ferroptosis pathway. Furthermore, we found a significant correlation between the content of 22 lipids and the expression levels of 67 genes (|cor| > 0.8, P < 0.05). Moreover, we observed that three important gene-lipid linkages (CerG1 (d22:0/24:0) - RCAN3, Cer (d18:1/24:0) - SCFD2 and CerG1 (d18:0/24:1) - SCFD2) were strongly correlated with sperm motility. Based on the results, some genes and lipids in SPEVs may play important roles in sperm motility by interacting with sperm through important pathways.

Effect of Two Different Sperm Selection Methods on Boar Sperm Parameters and In Vitro Fertilisation Outcomes.

Porcine in vitro embryo production (IVP) protocols have conventionally used density gradient selection (DGS) by centrifugation to prepare sperm samples and achieve successful fertilisation. However, the possible toxicity of the solutions used and the potential damage caused by the centrifugation step may have a negative effect on the quality of the sample. Microfluidic chip-based sperm (MCS) sorting has been proposed as an alternative technique for the selection of high-quality sperm with the purpose of improving reproductive outcomes in IVF. This device does not require centrifugation or any toxic solution to prepare the sample for fertilisation. The sample is not subjected to unnecessary stress, and the process is less operator-dependent. In this study, we compared the sperm parameters of unselected extender-diluted boar semen samples with selected samples using DGS and MCS methods. The results show an expected reduction in sperm concentration after both methods. All the groups were significantly different from one another, with MCS being the group with the lowest concentration. Though the three groups had a similar overall motility, significant differences were found in progressive motility when comparing the unselected group (control, 19.5 ± 1.4%) with DGS and MCS. Progressive motility in DGS was also significantly higher than in MCS (65.2 ± 4.9% and 45.7% ± 5.3, respectively). However, MCS selection resulted in enriched sperm samples with a significantly lower proportion of morphologically abnormal sperm compared to DGS. After fertilisation, no statistical differences were found between the two methods for embryological parameters such as cleavage rates, blastulation rates, and embryo quality. The number of cells in blastocysts derived from MCS was significantly greater than those derived from DGS sperm. Thus, we demonstrate that MCS is at least as good as the standard DGS for most measures. As a more gentle and reproducible approach for sperm selection, however, it could improve consistency and improve IVP outcomes as mediated by a greater proportion of morphologically normal sperm and manifested by a higher cell count in blastocysts.

Aquaporin-3a Dysfunction Impairs Osmoadaptation in Post-Activated Marine Fish Spermatozoa.

Spermatozoon volume regulation is an essential determinant of male fertility competence in mammals and oviparous fishes. In mammals, aquaporin water channels (AQP3, -7 and -8) have been suggested to play a role in spermatozoon cell volume regulatory responses in the hypotonic female oviduct. In contrast, the ejaculated spermatozoa of marine teleosts, such as the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), experience a high hypertonic shock in seawater, initially resulting in an Aqp1aa-mediated water efflux, cell shrinkage and the activation of motility. Further regulatory recovery of cell volume in post-activated spermatozoa is mediated by Aqp4a in cooperation with the Trpv4 Ca2+ channel and other ion channels and transporters. Using a paralog-specific antibody, here, we show that seabream spermatozoa also express the aquaglyceroporin AQP3 ortholog Aqp3a, which is highly accumulated in the mid posterior region of the spermatozoon flagella, in a similar pattern to that described in mouse and human sperm. To investigate the role of Aqp3a in seabream sperm motility, we used a recently developed AQP3 antagonist (DFP00173), as well as the seabream Aqp3a-specific antibody (α-SaAqp3a), both of which specifically inhibit Aqp3a-mediated water conductance when the channel was heterologously expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Inhibition with either DFP00173 or α-SaAqp3a did not affect sperm motility activation but did impair the spermatozoon motion kinetics at 30 s post activation in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, in close resemblance to the phenotypes of AQP3-deficient murine sperm, electron microscopy image analysis revealed that both Aqp3a inhibitors induce abnormal sperm tail morphologies, including swelling and angulation of the tail, with complete coiling of the flagella in some cases. These findings suggest a conserved role of Aqp3a as an osmosensor that regulates cell volume in fish spermatozoa under a high hypertonic stress, thereby controlling the efflux of water and/or solutes in the post-activated spermatozoon.

Sperm Migration and Hyaluronic Acid Binding: Implications for Male Fertility Evaluation.

Mature, vital, and motile spermatozoa are essential for reaching the oocyte and binding to hyaluronic acid (HA) in the cumulus oophorus matrix. This study aims to determine the relationship between sperm-migration ability and HA-binding potential, as well as the relationship between sperm concentration and motility. Semen samples were collected from 702 men aged 20-56 years (median 34.8). We evaluated the sperm concentration and motility from basic semen analysis, the swim-up test (expressed as millions per mL and the migration efficiency percentage), and the hyaluronan-binding assay (HBA). A moderate positive correlation was found between the migration test results and HBA (R = 0.48). The highest correlation was observed between the concentration of motile spermatozoa and the migration test results (R = 0.85) and HBA (R = 0.4). The sperm migration efficiency strongly correlated with progressive motility (R = 0.6). Although significantly higher sperm migration was observed in patients with normal HBA results, the results of the functional tests were found to differ in some cases. For infertility treatment, the current diagnostic algorithm should be enhanced with more comprehensive seminological methods that assess the sperm-migration ability and HA-binding potential. We also recommend incorporating the swim-up method into the diagnostic protocol before planning assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment.

Oxidative stress affects sperm health and fertility-Time to apply facts learned at the bench to help the patient: Lessons for busy clinicians.

Background: Increased oxidative stress (OS), resulting from the delicate balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidant defense, is closely linked to sperm abnormalities and male subfertility. Elevated ROS levels particularly affect sperm quality. The vulnerability of spermatozoa to ROS is due to the absence of DNA repair mechanisms and the high presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids in their membranes. Methods: This article updates and advances our understanding of the molecular damage caused by OS in spermatozoa, including lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, motility, and functionality. Additionally, the review discusses the challenges in diagnosing OS in semen and recommends accurate and sensitive testing methods. Case studies are utilized to demonstrate the effective management of male infertility caused by OS. Main findings: Highlighting the need to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, this review suggests strategies for clinicians, such as lifestyle and dietary changes and antioxidant therapies. The review emphasizes lifestyle modifications and personalized care as effective strategies in managing male infertility caused by OS. Conclusion: This review calls for early detection and intervention and interdisciplinary collaboration to improve patient care in male infertility cases related to increased OS.

Supplementation of Rooster Semen Extender with Aqueous Extract of Urtica dioica for a Long Time Preservation by Low Temperature.

The peroxidation of spermatozoa membrane phospholipids is a primary cause of irreversible changes in the preservation of avian semen. To address this issue, the objective of the present study was to assess the potential of Urtica dioica extracts in protecting avian spermatozoa during prolonged storage. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopic techniques were employed to evaluate the bioactive compounds present in the aqueous and ethanolic extracts obtained from the aerial parts and roots of U. dioica. Semen samples were collected from 16 roosters twice a week and were diluted in Lake's extender containing different concentrations (0, 0.5, and 1 mg/100 mL) of the various extracts. Subsequently, the extended semen samples were cooled and stored at 5°C, and the sperm quality parameters were assessed at 0, 12, 24, and 36 hours of storage. The data from this experiment clearly demonstrate that the addition of nettle root aqueous extracts to the semen diluent, especially at a concentration of 0.5 mg/100 mL, resulted in a significant improvement in various sperm quality parameters. Notably, there were enhancements in total and progressive sperm motilities, viability, fertility, membrane integrity, acrosomal membrane integrity, and a reduction in malondialdehyde production in rooster semen stored in vitro for up to 36 hours. Interestingly, the present study reveals that the beneficial effects of the aqueous extracts from different parts of the nettle were supported not only by the conventional manual method but also by the computer-assisted sperm analysis system. This dual confirmation further emphasizes the positive impact of the aqueous extract on various sperm traits during cooled semen preservation. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of U. dioica extracts, particularly the aqueous extract from nettle roots at a concentration of 0.5 mg/100 mL, in safeguarding avian spermatozoa during prolonged storage. The significant improvements in various sperm quality parameters and the validation of results through both manual and computer-assisted analysis methods provide strong evidence for the application of U. dioica extracts in avian breeding programs and artificial insemination practices.