Enterotypes in asthenospermia patients with obesity.

The essence of enterotypes is stratifying the entire human gut microbiome, which modulates the association between diet and disease risk. A study was designed at the Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University and Jinghua Hospital of Shenyang. Prevotella and Bacteroides were analyzed in 407 samples of stool, including 178 men with enterotype B (61 normal, 117 overweight/obese) and 229 men with enterotype P (74 normal, 155 overweight/obese). The ratio between Prevotella and Bacteroides abundance, P/B, was used as a simplified way to distinguish the predominant enterotype. In enterotype P group (P/B ≥ 0.01), obesity was a risk factor for a reduced rate of forward progressive sperm motility (odds ratio [OR] 3.350; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.881-5.966; P < 0.001), and a reduced rate of total sperm motility (OR 4.298; 95% CI 2.365-7.809; P < 0.001). Obesity was also an independent risk factor (OR 3.131; 95% CI 1.749-5.607; P < 0.001) after adjusting follicle-stimulating hormone. In enterotype P, body mass index, as a diagnostic indicator of a reduced rate of forward progressive sperm motility and a decreased rate of decreased total sperm motility, had AUC values of 0.627 (P = 0.001) and 0.675 (P < 0.0001), respectively, which were significantly higher than the predicted values in all patients. However, in enterotype B group (P < 0.01), obesity was not a risk factor for asthenospermia, where no significant difference between obesity and sperm quality parameters was observed. This study is tried to introduce enterotypes as a population-based individualized classification index to investigate the correlation between BMI and asthenospermia. In our study, overweight/obese men with enterotype P were found to have poorer sperm quality. however, sperm quality was not associated with overweight/obese in men with enterotype B. Thereof, BMI is a risk factor for asthenospermia only in men with enterotype P, but not in men with enterotype B.

Associations between Meat and Vegetable Intake, Cooking Methods, and Asthenozoospermia: A Hospital-Based Case-Control Study in China.

Background: The role of meat and vegetable intake in the development of asthenozoospermia has been controversial, and the role of cooking methods for meat and vegetables in the association has yet to be determined. The present study aimed to illuminate the relationship between the consumption and cooking methods of meat and vegetables and the risk of asthenozoospermia. Methods: In this hospital-based case-control study, we enrolled 552 patients with asthenozoospermia and 585 healthy controls. Dietary information was assessed using a validated self-administered food frequency questionnaire. Asthenozoospermia was diagnosed according to the fifth edition of the WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen. Results: Participants in the highest tertile of total meat and unprocessed meat intake had a 44% and 39% lower risk of asthenozoospermia than those in the lowest tertile (OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.37, 0.87 and OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.40, 0.93), respectively. Participants with the highest processed meat consumption showed higher risk (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.06). Raw vegetable consumption was negatively associated with the risk of asthenozoospermia (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.45, 0.98). The stir-frying cooking method for meat was associated with increased risk of asthenozoospermia (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.02, 2.46). Conclusions: Intake of total meat, unprocessed meat, and raw vegetable may reduce asthenozoospermia risk, while higher consumption of processed meat may increase the risk. Cooking methods may play a role in these associations. These findings need to be confirmed in large and prospective cohort studies.

[Huayu Jiedu Shengjing Decoction improves semen quality and reduces TCM syndrome scores in patients with varicocele-induced asthenospermic infertility].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of "Huayu Jiedu Shengjing Decoction" (HJSD) in the treatment of varicocele (VC)-induced asthenospermic infertility and its action mechanism. METHODS: Using computer-generated random numbers, we equally divided 88 patients meeting the study criteria into an experimental and a control group, the former treated orally with HJSD plus or minus, while the latter with Maizhiling Tablets and levocarnitine, both for a course of 12 weeks. After medication, we obtained TCM syndrome scores, sperm motility, sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), the seminal cord venous ultrasonographic index, and levels of nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the seminal plasma from the patients, compared the therapeutic effects between the two groups, and analyzed the correlation among the obtained parameters. RESULTS: The total effectiveness rate was dramatically higher in the experimental than in the control group (86.04% vs 73.74%, P < 0.01). The TCM syndromes scores, sperm motility, sperm DFI, and seminal plasma NO, ROS and SOD were all more significantly improved in the former than in the latter group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Huayu Jiedu Shengjing Decoction can improve semen quality and reduce TCM syndrome scores without adverse reactions in patients with VC-induced asthenospermic infertility, which may be attributed to its effect of improving antioxidation and local blood flow.

Bi-allelic variants in DNAH10 cause asthenoteratozoospermia and male infertility.

PURPOSE: Multiple morphological abnormalities in the sperm flagella (MMAF) comprise a severe phenotype of asthenoteratozoospermia with reduced or absent spermatozoa motility. Whereas dozens of candidate pathogenic genes for MMAF have been identified, the genetic cause in a large proportion of patients is unknown. We attempted to identify novel genetic explanations for MMAF. METHODS: We performed whole-exome sequencing of patients with MMAF to identify pathogenic variants. The phenotypes of spermatozoa in patients carrying DNAH10 variants were investigated using haematoxylin and eosin staining, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The expression and location of DNAH10 and other spermatozoa structure-related proteins were analyzed using immunofluorescence assays. RESULTS: We found one homozygous frameshift DNAH10 variant (NM_207437: c.2514delG:p.L839*) and one compound heterozygous DNAH10 variant (NM_207437: c.10820 T > C:p.M3607T; c.12692C > T:p.T4231I) in two patients with MMAF. These variants were absent or rare in the general population. Haematoxylin and eosin staining and scanning electron microscopy revealed the significant disruption of sperm flagella in the patients. In addition, ultrastructural analysis by transmission electron microscopy showed significant inner dynein arm (IDA) deficiency in sperm flagella. Using immunofluorescence assays, we found a significant reduction in IDA-related proteins including DNAH10 and DNAH1. CONCLUSIONS: We identified putative novel pathogenic variants in DNAH10 for MMAF, which might advance the genetic diagnosis and clinical genetic counselling for male infertility.

Establishment of a Mouse Asthenospermia Model through Triggering D-Galactose Mediated Oxidative Stress Injury.

BACKGROUND: Asthenospermia is defined as the forward motility of sperm less than 32%. AIM/OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to establish a mouse model of asthenospermia through triggering D-galactose mediated oxidative stress. METHODS: A total of 40 Kunming male mice were randomly divided into control group, low-dose group (administrating D-galactose at 60 mg/kg), high-dose group (administrating D-galactose at 120 mg/kg), and high-dose+feed addition group (administrating D-galactose at 120 mg/kg together with oral D-galactose). The testicular weight, testicular organ coefficient, sperm viability, sperm concentration, and survival rate of the tail of epididymis were measured. Oxidative damage of D-- galactose to the reproductive system of mice was evaluated by measuring superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the testicular homogenate of mice. RESULTS: The sperm motility, motility rate, concentration, and survival rate of low-dose, high-dose and high-dose+feed addition group were decreased, compared to that in the control group. However, there background:was a significant difference between high-dose group/high dose+feed group and the control group (p<0.05): the forward motile sperm motility rate and total motility rate are accorded with critical criteria of asthenospermia. As compared with the control group, the activity of SOD of model group mice significantly decreased, and MDA concentration significantly increased (p<0.05), except for low-dose versus control group for SOD activity. This suggests that testicular tissues suffered from oxidative damage. CONCLUSION: This study successfully established a mouse asthenospermia model through D-galactose mediated oxidative stress injury. The establishment of asthenospermia model in this study would provide new promising insight and act as a potential approach for studying asthenospermia in vivo levels.

[Yishen Tongluo Recipe combined with minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of varicocele-associated asthenospermia].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of Yishen Tongluo Recipe (YTR) combined with minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in the treatment of varicocele-associated asthenospermia (of the kidney-deficiency and collateral-obstruction type). METHODS: We randomly divided 116 patients with varicocele-associated asthenospermia and up to the inclusion criteria into three groups and treated them by YTR combined with MIS (low spermatic vein ligation at the external inguinal ring orifice under the microscope) (the YTR+MIS group, n = 39), YTR alone (the YTR group, n = 38), or MIS alone (the MIS group, n = 39). At 12 weeks after treatment, we compared the total effectiveness rate, the percentage of progressively motile sperm (PMS), sperm straight line velocity (VSL), sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and symptoms among the three groups of patients. RESULTS: After treatment, the total effectiveness rate was significantly higher in the YTR+MIS than in the YTR and the MIS group (89.74% vs 63.16% and 64.10%, P < 0.05), and so were the percentage of PMS (31.67 ± 3.93 vs 24.48 ± 3.15 and 25.57 ± 3.37, P < 0.05) and VSL (ï¼»30.19 ± 5.32ï¼½ vs ï¼»27.19 ± 5.48ï¼½ and ï¼»27.55 ± 5.24ï¼½ µm/s, P < 0.05), but the DFI was remarkably lower in the former than in the latter two groups (11.25 ± 8.27 vs 15.87 ± 5.45 and 15.26 ± 4.36, P < 0.05). The symptoms were improved more significantly in the YTR+MIS than in the YTR and MIS groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Yishen Tongluo Recipe combined with minimally invasive surgery, as an effective and safe strategy, can significantly improve sperm quality and sperm DNA integrity in patients with varicocele-associated asthenospermia.

[Association of tension-free inguinal hernia repair and pathospermia in fertile men]. / Assotsiatsiya nenatyazhnoi pakhovoi gernioplastiki i patospermii u muzhchin reproduktivnogo vozrasta.

OBJECTIVE: To reveal the association of tension-free inguinal hernia repair and pathospermia in fertile men. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have retrospectively analyzed medical records of 512 men who appealed to andrologist with complaints of the absence of pregnancy in wife in 2018. We evaluated duration and features of infertility, presence/absence of previous inguinal hernia repair, spermogram data (according to WHO criteria, 2010) in all patients. RESULTS: Duration of infertility in men after inguinal hernia repair persists for 4.2±2.1 years. Right-sided hernia repair was performed in 36 (48.6%) patients, left-side - 23 (31%), bilateral repair - 15 (20.2%) patients. Men with impaired sperm motility prevailed among patients after right-sided inguinal hernia repair (17 (47.2%) people). Left-sided hernia repair was followed by asthenozoospermia in 8 (34.7%) cases, bilateral hernia repair - in 3 (20%) cases. The most severe abnormalities in semen analysis (azoospemia) develop after bilateral hernia repair. CONCLUSION: Inguinal tension-free hernia repair is a risk factor for male infertility in 14.4% of cases. It is very important to examine a man in case of infertile marriage. Previous surgical interventions including inguinal hernia repair should be considered.

Asthenozoospermia: Cellular and molecular contributing factors and treatment strategies.

Semen sample with poor sperm motility, which called asthenozoospermia, is considered as one of the main factors contributing to male infertility. Recognition of the cellular and molecular pathways contributing to sperm motility reduction may lead to applying novel treatment strategies for overcoming low sperm motility in asthenozoospermia individuals. In this review, we intend to discuss the main causes of sperm motility reduction in asthenozoospermia and some treatment strategies used to overcome low sperm motility.

COMPARATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF SPERMOGRAPHIC INDICATORS IN IDIOPATHIC FORMS OF INFERTILITY IN MEN FROM RADIOACTIVELY CONTAMINATED AND CONVENTIONALLY CLEAN REGIONS OF UKRAINE. / PORIVNIaL'NA KhARAKTERYSTYKA POKAZNYKIV SPERMOGRAMY PRY IDIOPATYChNYKh FORMAKh BEZPLIDDIa U ChOLOVIKIV Z RADIATsIY̆NO ZABRUDNENYKh TA UMOVNO ChYSTYKh REGIONIV UKRAÏNY.

OBJECTIVE: the compare of men reproductive function with idiopathic infertility on the grounds of spermogram tests from the radioactively contaminated and conventionally clean regions of Ukraine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: There are 143 men (group I) with idiopathic infertility in the form of asthenozoospermia of the II degree living in the territories of the Kyiv region were investigated in the Department of Sexual Pathology and Andrology of the SI «Institute of Urology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine¼ and exposed to ionizing radiation due to the Chornobyl accident in 1986. All individuals in the I group were born from parents who were in the accident at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant in the area of radioactive contamination and perma- nently resided in areas with a high level of radioactivity. The control group was made up of persons born and living in the Ivano-Frankivsk region with a similar with a similar state of health (group II, n = 157). The mean age of the studied group I was (28.3 ± 2.4) years, and persons of the II group were (30.1 ± 2.8) years. Diagnosis of II was per- formed ambulatory in accordance with WHO and Ministry of Health of Ukraine standards. The research was to study and compare spermogram parameters in patients from both groups. RESULTS: It has been established that the reproductive problems of men with idiopathic infertility living in radia- tively contaminated areas of the Kyiv region of Ukraine consist in a significant violation of the quality indicators of ejaculate (mobility by the pool A+B is less than 1.6 times, р < 0.05) correlating with modifications of physicochemi- cals (the average time of liquefaction is 1.4 times greater, р < 0.05) and biochemical (decrease of levels of fructose by 2.2 times, citrate - by 1.6 times, р < 0.001-0.05) investigation. CONCLUSIONS: The study found that the level of general indicators of spermogram is significantly worse in the regions of Ukraine who were exposed to radioactive contamination due to the Chornobyl accident, in contrast to the indicators of persons from conventionally clean regions.

Mutations in TTC29, Encoding an Evolutionarily Conserved Axonemal Protein, Result in Asthenozoospermia and Male Infertility.

In humans, structural or functional defects of the sperm flagellum induce asthenozoospermia, which accounts for the main sperm defect encountered in infertile men. Herein we focused on morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagellum (MMAF), a phenotype also termed "short tails," which constitutes one of the most severe sperm morphological defects resulting in asthenozoospermia. In previous work based on whole-exome sequencing of a cohort of 167 MMAF-affected individuals, we identified bi-allelic loss-of-function mutations in more than 30% of the tested subjects. In this study, we further analyzed this cohort and identified five individuals with homozygous truncating variants in TTC29, a gene preferentially and highly expressed in the testis, and encoding a tetratricopeptide repeat-containing protein related to the intraflagellar transport (IFT). One individual carried a frameshift variant, another one carried a homozygous stop-gain variant, and three carried the same splicing variant affecting a consensus donor site. The deleterious effect of this last variant was confirmed on the corresponding transcript and protein product. In addition, we produced and analyzed TTC29 loss-of-function models in the flagellated protist T. brucei and in M. musculus. Both models confirmed the importance of TTC29 for flagellar beating. We showed that in T. brucei the TPR structural motifs, highly conserved between the studied orthologs, are critical for TTC29 axonemal localization and flagellar beating. Overall our work demonstrates that TTC29 is a conserved axonemal protein required for flagellar structure and beating and that TTC29 mutations are a cause of male sterility due to MMAF.

[Expression of IQCG in the human testis and its correlation with asthenospermia].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression and location of IQ motif-containing G (IQCG) in the human testis, compare its expression in normal-motility sperm with that in the sperm of asthenospermia patients, and explore its possible mechanisms and its correlation with fertility. METHODS: The expression of the IQCG gene in the human testis was detected by RT-PCR and its location in the testis and sperm was determined by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining. Semen samples were collected from normal males, patients with asthenospermia, and fertile men that succeeded in artificial insemination with donor's sperm (AID), followed by analysis of the IQCG protein expression in different groups of samples by Western blot. RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry showed that IQCG was extensively expressed in the human testis, in the spermatocytes and spermatids, specifically in the sperm tail, weakly expressed or absent in the spermatogonial stem cells, and strongly expressed in the spermatogonial cells. The expression of IQCG was significantly lower in the asthenospermia patients than in the normal males (P= 0.041). Western blot manifested that IQCG was expressed in the semen of all the three groups of subjects, with statistically significant differences between the normal men and severe asthenospermia patients (P = 0.032) as well as between the fertile males and the severe asthenospermia group (P = 0.027) . CONCLUSIONS: IQCG may act on human sperm motility and its abnormal expression possibly reduces sperm motility and fertility. An insight into its action mechanisms may shed some new light on the etiology and treatment of asthenospermia.

Primary male factor infertility due to asthenospermia in maturity-onset diabetes of the young type 5 (MODY 5): uncommon presentation of an uncommon disease.

Mutations in hepatocyte nuclear factor-1ß gene result in a multisystemic syndrome where a monogenic form of diabetes (maturity-onset diabetes of young type 5; MODY 5) and renal anomalies, usually bilateral multiple cysts are the most characteristic findings. Many of them have pancreatic structural abnormalities as well. A plethora of extrapancreatic manifestations like altered liver function tests, hypomagnesaemia, hyperuricaemia with/without gout and urogenital malformations, particularly in females are also components of the syndrome. Structural malformation of male urogenital tract is rare in MODY 5, even rarer is asthenospermia. We encountered a young non-obese individual having insulin-requiring diabetes following secondary oral agent failure with primary male factor infertility secondary to asthenospermia. A suggestive family history, lack of acanthosis, negative pancreatic autoimmunity, hypomagnesaemia, bilateral renal and epididymal cysts, and absence of body and tail of pancreas pointed towards underlying MODY 5.

Adherence to the Western Pattern Is Potentially an Unfavorable Indicator of Asthenozoospermia Risk: A Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this case-control study was to examine the relationship between dietary patterns and asthenozoospermia risk. METHODS: In total, 107 incident asthenozoospermic men and 235 age-matched controls were interviewed through the infertility clinics in Tehran, Iran, from January 2012 to November 2013. Usual dietary intakes were collected using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire and semen quality data were analyzed according to the fifth edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Dietary patterns were derived using factor analysis. The first tertile served as the reference category for regression analyses. RESULTS: In principal component analysis, 2 dietary patterns emerged: a "prudent pattern" (leafy green vegetables, yellow vegetables, other vegetables, tomatoes, fish and other seafood, fruits and natural fruit juices, legumes, whole grains, poultry, tea and coffee, low-fat dairy products, and vegetable oils) and a "Western pattern" (organ meats, red and processed meats, sugar, soft drinks and confectionary, pasta, rice and refined grains, potatoes, french fries and fast foods, high-fat dairy products, hydrogenated fats, mayonnaise and fatty sauces, and snacks). After adjustment for potential confounders, participants in the highest tertile of the prudent pattern scores had 54% lower risk of asthenozoospermia compared to those in the lowest (p for trend: 0.003). Being in the highest tertile of the Western pattern was positively associated with asthenozoospermia risk (odds ratio [OR] = 2.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.83-2.97). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that adherence to the Western pattern is potentially an unfavorable indicator of asthenozoospermia risk and a diet composed mainly of plant-based foods may be associated with a reduced risk.

[APPLICATION OF INTEGRAL INDICATOR FOR ASSESSMENT OF OXIDATIVE STRESS IN MEN WITH PATHOSPERMIA AND TYPE 1 DIABETES].

This study introduces a method for assessing the individual degree of oxidative stress (integral indicator) in men with pathospermia and type 1 diabetes, based on lipid peroxidation parameters. The study population consisted of three groups of patients. The study group included 15 men with type 1 diabetes (mean age 28 ± 3.8 years) and abnormal semen analyses: oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia and oligoasthenozoospermia. The comparison group consisted of 20 people (average age 30 ± 2.5 years) without type 1 diabetes, but with changes in semen, similar to those in the study group. The control group was formed of 30 men (mean age 28 ± 4.3 years) with complete reproductive function and without type 1 diabetes. The mechanisms of lipid peroxidation development were found to differ between patients with and without type 1 diabetes. In pathospermic patients without carbohydrate metabolism disorders, activation of lipid peroxidation processes was most pronounced at the stage of primary product formation--diene conjugates, while in patients with type 1 diabetes and pathospermia--at the stage of formation of ketodienes and conjugated trienes, and TBA- active products. It is recommended to take into account the integral indicator of the lipid peroxidation intensity in the development of methods for correction and prevention of reproductive disorders in men with type 1 diabetes and impaired spermatogenesis.

[Semen quality and its influencing factors in preconception males in Nanjing area].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the semen quality and its influencing factors in preconception males in Nanjing area so as to provide some evidence for working out effective intervention measures. METHODS: Totally 687 men receiving preconceptional physical examination were enrolled in this study. A questionnaire survey was conducted among the subjects along with an analysis of their semen quality. RESULTS: The median of sperm concentration was 63.3 x 10(6)/ml (95% CI [19.88-119] x 10(6)/ml). The median of grade a sperm was 33.03% (95% CI [19.38-55.05]%), that of grade a + b sperm was 52.08% (95% CI [39.53-69.37]%), and that of teratosperm was 91.75% (95% CI [69-100]%). The median concentration of seminal plasma PMN-elastase was 195.55 ng/ml (95% CI [76.16-3330.38] ng/ml) and that of seminal plasma zinc was 7.62 µmol/L (95% CI [1.5-23, 45] µmol/L). The positive rates of Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), and Gardnerella vaginalis (GV) were 42.4%, 0.3%, and 2.4%, respectively. The median of sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) of those whose wives had a history of adverse pregnancy was 20.25% (95% CI [2.15-68.25]%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that mental stress (OR 1.567, 95% CI [1.081-2.27]) and sedentariness (OR 1.772, 95% CI [1.211-2.592]) were independent risk factors for asthenospermia. CONCLUSION: The sperm quality of preconception males in Nanjing area is not encouraging, and it can be improved by changing undesirable lifestyle and reducing mental stress.

Repetitive percutaneous epididymal sperm aspirations (PESA's) resulted in asthenospermia and significant inflammation.

INTRODUCTION: In obstructive azoospermia, choosing a sperm retrieval method for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) depends on the preference and expertise of both the urologist and the reproductive endocrinologist. Generally, a percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) is attempted first. Not uncommonly, multiple PESA's are necessary. This study utilizes a rat model to provide an understanding of sperm parameter and histological changes resulting from repetitive PESA procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cohort of 30 male Wistar rats of reproductive age (68-73 days) was divided into three groups of 10 (G1-G3). All three groups underwent a left epididymal head PESA using a 253/8 gauge needle. The untouched right epididymis acted as the control. At 14 day intervals, G2 and G3 underwent a second and third PESA respectively. Fourteen days after the final PESA, both epididymides and a 1 cm segment of both vas deferentia were harvested for sperm and histological evaluations. RESULTS: The percentage of vas specimens with a sperm count ≥ 5 x104/cc was 100%, 22%, and 20% for the G1, G2, G3 PESA samples respectively. Moreover, the percentage of the vas specimens with sperm motility ≥ 10% was 90%, 22%, and 20%, respectively. Epididymal granulomas were not seen in the control side, but formed in 70%, 100%, and 80% of G1, G2, G3 PESA specimens, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In a rat model, PESA resulted in significant epididymal inflammation and a reduction in both sperm concentration and motility.

Smoking influence on sperm vitality, DNA fragmentation, reactive oxygen species and zinc in oligoasthenoteratozoospermic men with varicocele.

This study aimed to assess the influence of smoking duration and intensity on sperm vitality, sperm DNA fragmentation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and zinc (Zn) levels in oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (OAT) men with varicocele (Vx). A total of 246 men were investigated who were divided into OAT nonsmokers, OAT smokers, OAT nonsmokers and OAT smokers with Vx. They were subjected to history taking, clinical examination and semen analysis. In their semen, sperm hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) test, sperm DNA fragmentation test, seminal ROS and seminal Zn were assessed. The results demonstrated significantly decreased HOS test, seminal Zn level and significantly increased sperm DNA fragmentation, seminal ROS levels in OAT smokers with Vx more than OAT smokers compared with OAT nonsmokers. Smoking intensity, smoking duration and Vx grade demonstrated significant negative correlations with sperm motility, HOS test percentage and significant positive correlations with sperm DNA fragmentation, seminal ROS level. It is concluded that smoking has a negative impact on sperm progressive motility, HOS test, seminal Zn and positive impact on sperm DNA fragmentation, semen ROS level that are exaggerated if Vx is associated being correlated with smoking intensity, smoking duration and Vx grade.

Season-induced variation in lipid composition is associated with semen quality in Holstein bulls.

Season-induced variation in fatty acid and cholesterol composition in bovine semen has been associated with semen quality. Given the specific roles of the various semen compartments (seminal fluids, sperm head, and sperm tail) in fertilization, we hypothesized that environmental-stress-induced alterations in the lipid composition of a specific compartment might impair semen quality and sperm function. Semen samples were collected from five mature Holstein-Friesian bulls during the summer (August to September) and winter (December to January). Semen was evaluated by computerized sperm-quality analyzer, calibrated for bulls' semen, and centrifuged to separate the spermatozoa from the seminal fluids. The spermatozoal fraction was sonicated to separate the sperm head and tail compartments. Cold lipid extraction was performed with chloroform:methanol (2:1, vol/vol). Lipids were identified and quantified by gas chromatography. Seasonal variation was found in both physiological and structural parameters. The proportion of spermatozoa defined as morphologically normal was higher in the winter, with higher motility, progressive motility, and velocity relative to summer samples. Lipid composition within fractions varied between seasons with prominent impairment in the tail compartment, characterized by high saturated fatty acid, low polyunsaturated fatty acid, and low cholesterol concentrations during the summer. Given the association between alterations in lipid composition and reduced sperm motility and velocity during the summer, it is suggested that lipid composition might serve to predict sperm quality.

Proteomic analysis of seminal plasma from infertile patients with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia due to oxidative stress and comparison with fertile volunteers.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the expression protein profile of seminal plasma from infertile men with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) due to oxidative stress with that of healthy, fertile men to determine the proteins indicative of infertility. DESIGN: Experimental study. SETTING: University hospital and research institute. PATIENT(S): Semen samples from 11 healthy, fertile (according to the 1999 World Health Organization criteria) male volunteers and 11 infertile idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (iOAT) patients. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Proteomic analysis performed by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry on a hybrid linear trap quadrupole Orbitrap Velos mass spectrometer, carbonylation assay to determine degree of oxidative stress, semiquantitative proteomic analysis, gene ontology, and pathway analysis. RESULT(S): A total of 2,489 proteins were identified from seminal plasma, which represents the highest number of unique proteins identified to date. Twenty-four proteins were determined as ≥ 1.5-fold up-regulated in the infertile iOAT males as compared with the fertile controls; and 27 proteins from iOAT patients only were identified as common across all analyses. Only five of the proteins were shared between these two groups. CONCLUSION(S): A panel of 46 proteins were identified in patients with iOAT that are potential candidates in understanding the etiology of OAT due to oxidative stress.