Modeling methods for busulfan-induced oligospermia and asthenozoospermia in mice: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Modeling methods for busulfan-induced oligoasthenozoospermia are controversial. We aimed to systematically review the modeling method of busulfan-induced oligospermia and asthenozoospermia, and analyze changes in various evaluation indicators at different busulfan doses over time. METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed databases, Web of Science, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Service System until April 9, 2022. Animal experiments of busulfan-induced spermatogenesis dysfunction were included and screened. The model mortality and parameters of the evaluation indicators were subjected to meta-analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-nine animal studies were included (control/model: 669/1829). The mortality of mice increased with busulfan dose. Significant spermatogenesis impairment occurred within 5 weeks, regardless of busulfan dose (10-40 mg/kg). Testicular weight (weighted mean difference [WMD]: - 0.04, 95% CI: - 0.05, - 0.03), testicular index (WMD: - 2.10, 95% CI: - 2.43, - 1.76), and Johnsen score (WMD: - 4.67, 95% CI: - 5.99, - 3.35) were significantly decreased. The pooled sperm counts of the model group were reduced by 32.8 × 106/ml (WMD: - 32.8, 95% CI: - 44.34, - 21.28), and sperm motility decreased by 37% (WMD: - 0.37, 95% CI: - 0.47, - 0.27). Sperm counts decreased slightly (WMD: - 3.03, 95% CI: - 3.42, - 2.64) in an intratesticular injection of low-dose busulfan (4 - 6 mg/kg), and the model almost returned to normal after one seminiferous cycle. CONCLUSION: The model using low-dose busulfan (10 - 20 mg/kg) returned to normal after 10 - 15 weeks. However, in some spermatogenesis cycles, testicular weight reduction and testicular spermatogenic function damage were not proportional to busulfan dose. Sperm counts and motility results in different studies had significant heterogeneity. Standard protocols for sperm assessment in animal models were needed to reduce heterogeneity between studies.

DJ-1 deficiency causes metabolic abnormality in ornidazole-induced asthenozoospermia.

Asthenozoospermia (AS), defined as low-motility spermatozoa in the ejaculate, is a frequent cause of human male infertility. DJ-1 (also known as PARK7), a protein highly associated with male sterility, binds to the mitochondrial complex I subunit to protect mitochondrial function. However, its involvement in spermatogenesis has not been fully elucidated. Previously, the levels of DJ-1 were shown to be significantly decreased in testicular tissues of rats with ornidazole (ORN)-induced AS. Here, we used a rat model to investigate the localization and expression levels of DJ-1 and its interacting NDUFS3 and NDUFA4 mitochondrial complex I subunits, as well as AS-induced metabolic alterations in testicular tissues. ORN significantly reduced the levels of DJ-1 in the nucleus of secondary spermatocytes, while increasing the expression of NDUFS3 in the cytoplasm of primary spermatocytes. Further, NDUFA4 showed higher expression after treatment with ORN. The principal ORN-induced changes in metabolic small molecules related to the accumulation of glucose, glutamine, and N-acetyl aspartate, enhancement of purine pathway, increase of the phosphatidic acid (PA) (18:0/18:1), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) (16:0/18:1), and PA (18:0/20:4) lipid metabolites, and imbalance in the concentrations of Na+ and K+. However, we did not observe any abnormalities of certain small metabolic molecules and metal ions in semen samples from patients with AS. In conclusion, these results suggest that DJ-1 deficiency in testicular tissues might be closely related to the localization of NDUFS3 and content of NDUFA4, thus causing abnormalities in the mitochondrial energy metabolism and multiple other metabolic pathways.

[Mechanisms of Huanshao Capsules protecting the reproductive function in rats with ornidazole-induced asthenozoospermia].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the possible mechanism of Huanshao Capsules (HSC) protecting the reproductive function in rats with ornidazole-induced asthenozoospermia (AZS). METHODS: Forty SD male rats were randomly divided into four groups of equal number, blank control, AZS model control, HSC and L-carnitine (LC) intervention. The AZS model was established in the latter three groups of rats by intragastrical administration of ornidazole at 400 mg/kg/d for 28 days, and meanwhile the animals in the HSC and LC groups were treated by gavage of HSC at 0.31 g/kg/d and LC at 100 mg/kg/d, respectively. Then, all the rats were killed for examination of the LC content, sperm concentration, sperm motility and expression of OCTN2 mRNA in the epididymis and observation of the histopathological changes in the testis tissue. RESULTS: Compared with the AZS model controls, the rats in the HSC and LC groups showed significantly increased LC content (2 880.3 vs 6 366.5 and 6 934.7 mg/L, P < 0.01), sperm concentration (ï¼»34.58 ± 10.25ï¼½ vs ï¼»46.19 ± 14.23ï¼½ and ï¼»42.25 ± 6.11ï¼½ ×106/ml, P < 0.01), sperm motility (ï¼»42.59 ± 7.54ï¼½% vs ï¼»61.34 ± 7.98ï¼½% and ï¼»61.34 ± 7.98ï¼½%, P < 0.01) and expression of OCTN2 mRNA in the epididymis (26.07% vs 27.26% and 27.15%, P < 0.01). The animals of the HSC group exhibited a higher comparability than those of the LC group to the blank controls in the morphology, arrangement and activity of spermatogenic cells. CONCLUSIONS: HSC can protect the reproductive function and improve sperm concentration and motility in the model rats with ornidazole-induced AZS, which may be associated with its abilities of up-regulating the expression of OCTN2 mRNA and increasing the LC content in the epididymis.

Taurine Increases Spermatozoa Quality and Function in Asthenospermia Rats Impaired by Ornidazole.

Asthenospermia has been considered as one of the crucial causes of male infertility, which was closely related to epididymal dysfunction. Lots of documents have revealed that taurine palys an important role in male reproduction, including antioxidation, membrane stabilization, stimulation of sexual hormone secretion and elevation of sperm quality. The objective of this study was to expose the effect of taurine on spermatozoa quality and function in ornidazole-induced asthenospermia rats. We found that taurine treatment could obviously recover the decline of cauda epididymal sperm count, viability and motility, and the elevation of sperm abnormality in asthenospermia animals. Spermatozoa acrosin, LDH-X, SDH and CCO activities of model rats also were notably increased by taurine administration. The present data indicated that taurine could raise spermatozoa quality and function by elevating mitochondrial energy metabolism. Notably, taurine supplementation markedly raised serum GnRH, LH and T levels in asthenospermia rays, suggesting taurine rescued asthenosperm by means of stimulating hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis secretion. We also found that concentrations of asthenospermia epididymal carnitine, SA, α-Glu and ACP, and mRNA expression levels of MMP7 and IDO2 were significantly rised by taurine administration, indicating taurine may protect epididymal epithelium structure, improve secretion activity, and maintain intraluminal microenvironment homeostasis. Finally, the present results showed taurine effectively increased cauda epididymal SOD, GSH and γ-GT levels in model rats, reduced ROS and MDA production, suggesting epididymal antioxidant ability of asthenospermia rats could be elevated by taurine treatment. To sum up, our results indicated that taurine can promote spermatozoa quality and function in ornidazole-induced asthenospermia rats by facilitating epididymal epithelium secretion and luminal microenvironment homeostasis.

[Content of seminal plasma plasticizer in the patients with idiopathic asthenozoospermia and its impact on male fertility].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between di-(2-ethyl hexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and male infertility by detecting the concentration of DEHP in the seminal plasma of the patient with idiopathic asthenozoospermia (IAS). METHODS: This study included 45 infertile males with diagnosed IAS in the observation group and another 45 men with normal sperm parameters as controls. We obtained the general baseline data on the subjects, determined the concentration of DEHP in the seminal plasma, the ROS level and the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), and compared them between the two groups of males. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups of subjects in age, living habits and other general in baseline data (P > 0.05). The IAS patients, in comparison with the normal controls, showed significantly increased DEHP concentration in the seminal plasma (ï¼»0.45 ± 0.09ï¼½ vs ï¼»0.23 ± 0.05ï¼½ µg/ml, P < 0.05), ROS level (ï¼»569.4 ± 45.3ï¼½ vs ï¼»317.6 ± 27.8ï¼½ pmol/106 sperm, P < 0.05) and sperm DFI (ï¼»22.1 ± 8.3ï¼½% vs ï¼»10.5 ± 6.7ï¼½%, P < 0.05). The concentration of DEHP in the seminal plasma was correlated positively with the ROS level (r = 0.77, P < 0.05) and sperm DFI (r = 0.75, P < 0.05) but negatively with the percentage of progressively motile sperm (r = －0.81, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The DEHP level is escalated in the seminal plasma of the IAS patient, which may be responsible for the reduced sperm motility and increased DFI of the patient.

[Efficacy of Yu Si Granules on methyl methanesulphonate-induced oligoasthenozoospermia in mice].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect and action mechanism of Yu Si Granules (YSG) in the treatment methyl methanesulphonate (MMS)-induced oligoasthenozoospermia (OAZ) in mice. METHODS: Thirty adult male mice were randomly divided into three groups of equal number, normal control, OAZ model control and YSG intervention. The OAZ model was established by oral administration of MMS and the model mice in the YSG intervention group were treated intragastrically with YSG suspension at 0.144 g/100 g of the body weight per day for 48 successive days. Then, all the mice were sacrificed and their epididymides harvested for detection of the sperm count and motility, observation of the morphology of the seminiferous tubules by HE staining, determination of the expressions of the germ cell-, sperm cell-, spermatocyte-, Sertoli cell- and blood-testis barrier-related genes by RT-PCR, and measurement of the levels of oxidative stress in the blood. RESULTS: Compared with the normal control, the OAZ model mice showed significantly decreased sperm count (ï¼»49.2 ± 0.7ï¼½ vs ï¼»23.6 ± 0.4ï¼½ ×107/ml/g, P < 0.05) and sperm motility (ï¼»76.3 ± 0.7ï¼½% vs ï¼»5.0 ± 5.8ï¼½%, P < 0.05), which were both remarkably increased after YSG intervention (ï¼»38.4 ± 0.5ï¼½ ×107/ml/g and ï¼»71.5 ± 0.5ï¼½%) (P < 0.05). The OAZ model mice also exhibited degenerated and atrophic seminiferous tubules, thinner seminiferous epithelia, disorderly arranged cells at different levels, reduced number of sperm in the lumen and unclear layers of germ cells in the epididymis, while those after YSG intervention manifested regularly organized seminiferous tubules with orderly arrangement and clear layers. The expressions of the Vasa, Dazl and Snd1 genes were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), but not those of Gfra, Plzf, Stra8, Spo11, Sycp3, Sox9 and Vim (P > 0.05) in the OAZ model and YSG intervention groups as compared with those in the normal control group. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the serum was markedly reduced in the OAZ model mice as compared with that in the normal controls (P < 0.05) and increased again after YSP intervention (P < 0.05), but the opposite was the case with the expression of the superoxide anion. CONCLUSIONS: YSG can significantly reduce MMS-induced OAZ in mice, which may be associated with oxidative stress.

[Linggui Fang protects the reproductive system of asthenospermia rats: An experimental study based on the L-carnitine pathway].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the protective effect of the Chinese medicinal prescription Linggui Fang (LGF) on the reproductive system of the ornidazole-induced asthenospermia (AS) rat and its possible action mechanisms. METHODS: Forty male SD rats weighing 200－230 g were equally randomized into four groups, blank control, AS model control, LGF treatment and L-carnitine (LC) intervention. The AS models were made in the latter three groups by intragastrical administration of ornidazole at 400 mg/kg. Meanwhile, the rats in the LGF group were treated intragastrically with LGF at 17.5 g/kg, those in the LC group with LC at 100 mg/kg, and the control animals with 0.5% sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC-Na), all once a day for 4 successive weeks. Then, all the rats were sacrificed for examination of the semen parameters, determination of the LC content and OCTN2 mRNA expression in the epididymis and observation of the histopathological changes in the testis. RESULTS: Compared with the AS model controls, the rats in the other groups showed significantly higher percentages of progressively motile sperm and total motile sperm (P < 0.01) as well as a higher LC content in the epididymis (P < 0.01), but no statistically significant difference in sperm concentration (P > 0.05). The expression of OCTN2 mRNA was remarkably upregulated in the LGF and LC groups in comparison with that in the AS model control (P < 0.05). Compared with the rats in the blank control group, the AS model controls exhibited markedly increased morphologically abnormal seminiferous tubules, irregularly arranged, with narrowed lumens and reduced numbers of sperm and sperm cells, as well as significantly increased hollow seminiferous tubules with deficient and disorderly arranged spermatogenic cells and partial epithelial degeneration and vacuolization. Those in the LGF and LC groups, however, manifested almost normal testicular histomorphology, with basically regular arrangement of different layers of seminiferous tubules. CONCLUSIONS: ①Ornidazole induces AS in rats by reducing the LC content in the epididymis, while LGF can improve the sperm motility and testicular morphology of the rats and upregulate the expression of OCTN2 mRNA in the epididymis by increasing the LC concentration.

[Lipoic acid protects spermatogenesis in male rats with ornidazole-induced oligoasthenozoospermia].

OBJECTIVE: To study the protective effect of lipoic acid (LA) on the spermatogenic function of the male rats with oligoasthenozoospermia induced by ornidazole (ORN). METHODS: Seventy male SD rats were equally randomized into groups A (solvent control: 1 ml 0.5% CMC-Na + 1 ml olive oil), B (low-dose ORN model: 400 mg/kg ORN suspension + 1 ml olive oil), C (low-dose ORN + low-dose LA treatment: 400 mg/kg ORN + 50 mg/kg LA), D (low-dose ORN + high-dose LA treatment: 400 mg/kg ORN + 100 mg/kg LA), E (high-dose ORN model: 800 mg/kg ORN suspension + 1 ml olive oil), F (high-dose ORN + low-dose LA treatment: 800 mg/kg ORN + 50 mg/kg LA), and G (high-dose ORN + high-dose LA treatment: 800 mg/kg ORN + 100 mg/kg LA), and treated respectively for 20 successive days. Then all the rats were sacrificed and the weights of the body, testis, epididymis and seminal vesicle obtained, followed by calculation of the organ index, determination of epididymal sperm concentration and motility, and observation of the histomorphological changes in the testis and epididymis by HE staining. RESULTS: Compared with group A, group E showed significantly decreased body weight (ï¼»117.67 ± 11.53ï¼½ vs ï¼»88.11 ± 12.65ï¼½ g, P < 0.01) and indexes of the testis (ï¼»1.06 ± 0.12ï¼½ vs ï¼»0.65 ± 0.13ï¼½ %, P < 0.01) and epididymis (ï¼»0.21 ± 0.03ï¼½ vs ï¼»0.17 ± 0.01ï¼½ %, P < 0.01). In comparison with group E, group F exhibited remarkable increases in the epididymal index (ï¼»0.17 ± 0.01ï¼½ vs ï¼»0.20 ± 0.02ï¼½ %, P < 0.01), and so did group G in the body weight (ï¼»88.11 ± 12.65ï¼½ vs ï¼»102.70 ± 16.10ï¼½ g, P < 0.05) and the indexes of the testis (ï¼»0.65 ± 0.13ï¼½ vs ï¼»0.95 ± 0.06ï¼½ %, P < 0.01) and epididymis (ï¼»0.17 ± 0.01ï¼½ vs ï¼»0.19 ± 0.02ï¼½ %, P < 0.05), but no obvious difference was observed in the index of seminal vesicle among different groups. Compared with group A, group B manifested significant decreases in sperm motility (ï¼»74.12 ± 8.73ï¼½ vs ï¼»40.25 ± 6.08ï¼½ %, P < 0.01), and so did group E in sperm count (ï¼»38.59 ± 6.40ï¼½ vs ï¼»18.67 ± 4.59ï¼½ ×105/100 mg, P < 0.01) and sperm motility (ï¼»74.12 ± 8.73ï¼½ vs ï¼»27.58 ± 8.43ï¼½ %, P < 0.01). Sperm motility was significantly lower in group B than in C and D (ï¼»40.25 ± 6.08ï¼½ vs ï¼»58.13 ± 7.62ï¼½ and ï¼»76.04 ± 8.44ï¼½%, P < 0.01), and so were sperm count and motility in group E than in F and G (ï¼»18.67 ± 4.59ï¼½ vs ï¼»25.63 ± 9.66ï¼½ and ï¼»29.92 ± 4.15ï¼½ ×105/100 mg, P < 0.05 and P < 0.01; ï¼»27.58 ± 8.43ï¼½ vs ï¼»36.56 ± 11.08ï¼½ and ï¼»45.05 ± 9.59ï¼½ %, P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). There were no obvious changes in the histomorphology of the testis and epididymis in groups A, B, C and D. Compared with group A, group E showed necrotic and exfoliated spermatogenic cells with unclear layers and disorderly arrangement in the seminiferous tubules and remarkably reduced sperm count with lots of noncellular components in the epididymal cavity, while groups F and G exhibited increased sperm count in the seminiferous tubules and epididymis lumen, also with exfoliation, unclear layers and disorderly arrangement of spermatogenic cells, but significantly better than in group E. CONCLUSIONS: LA can reduce ORN-induced damage to the spermatogenetic function of rats, improve sperm quality, and protect the reproductive system.

Perinatal exposure to insecticide fipronil: effects on the reproductive system in male rats.

Fipronil is an insecticide widely used in agriculture, veterinary medicine and public health that has recently been listed as a potential endocrine disrupter. In the present study we evaluated the effects of perinatal exposure to fipronil during the period of sexual brain differentiation and its later repercussions on reproductive parameters in male rats. Pregnant rats were exposed (via gavage) to fipronil (0.03, 0.3 or 3mgkg-1) from Gestational Day 15 until Postnatal Day 7. Fipronil exposure did not compromise the onset of puberty. In adulthood, there was no effect on organ weight or sperm production. Furthermore, there were no adverse effects on the number of Sertoli cells per seminiferous tubule, testicular and epididymal histomorphometry or histopathology or expression patterns of androgen receptor in the testis. Similarly, no changes were observed in the sexual behaviour or hormone levels. However, in rats exposed to fipronil, changes in sperm motility were observed, with a decrease in motile spermatozoa and an increase in non-mobile spermatozoa, which can compromise sperm quality in these rats. Perinatal exposure to fipronil has long-term effects on sperm parameters, and the epididymis can be a target organ. Additional studies should be undertaken to identify the mechanisms by which fipronil affects sperm motility.

[Protective effect of Qilin Pills on the reproductive function of oligoasthenospermia rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the protective effect of Qilin Pills (QLP) on the reproductive function of rats with oligoasthenospermia (OAS) induced by tripterygium glycosides. METHODS: Twenty-eight male SD rats were randomly divided into a normal control, an OAS model control, a low-dose QLP, and a high-dose QLP group of equal number. OAS models were made in the latter three groups by intragastrical administration of tripterygium glycosides at 40 mg per kg of the body weight per day, and meanwhile the animals in the low- and high-dose QLP groups were treated with QLP at 1.62 and 3.24 g per kg of the body weight per day, respectively, while those in the OAS model group with normal saline, all for 30 consecutive days. Then all the rats were executed for obtaining the testis weight, testis viscera index, epididymal sperm concentration and motility, reproductive hormone levels, and antioxidation indexes and observation of the histomorphological changes of the testis tissue by HE staining. RESULTS: After 30 days of intervention, the low- and high-dose QLP groups, as compared with the OAS model controls, showed significantly improved epididymal sperm concentration (ï¼»14.57 ± 3.95ï¼½ and ï¼»39.71 ± 11.31ï¼½ vs ï¼»4.71 ± 1.25ï¼½ ×106/ml, P <0.05) and motility (ï¼»3.71 ± 1.11ï¼½ and ï¼»4.29 ± 1.80ï¼½ vs ï¼»0.57 ± 0.53ï¼½%, P <0.05), increased levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) (ï¼»94.83 ± 11.17ï¼½ and ï¼»88.05 ± 9.21ï¼½ vs ï¼»56.74 ± 8.29ï¼½ nmol/L, P <0.05) and free testosterone (FT) (ï¼»27.27 ± 3.63ï¼½ and ï¼»32.80 ± 2.51ï¼½ vs ï¼»22.81 ± 2.75ï¼½ nmol/L, P <0.05), decreased level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (ï¼»1.49 ± 0.62ï¼½ and ï¼»1.12 ± 0.83ï¼½ vs ï¼»1.71 ± 0.52ï¼½ mIU/ml, P <0.05), but no significant change in the total testosterone (TT) level. Meanwhile, the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was markedly elevated in the low- and high-dose QLP groups in comparison with the OAS model control group (ï¼»277.14 ± 15.84ï¼½ and ï¼»299.60 ± 20.83ï¼½ vs ï¼»250.04 ± 31.06ï¼½ U/ml, P <0.05) while that of reactive oxygen species (ROS) remarkably reduced (ï¼»397.61 ± 62.71ï¼½ and ï¼»376.84 ± 67.14ï¼½ vs ï¼»552.20 ± 58.07ï¼½ IU/ml, P <0.05). HE staining showed that QLP intervention significantly increased the layers and quantity of spermatogenic cells in the testicular seminiferous tubules of the OAS rats. CONCLUSIONS: QLP can effectively protect the reproductive system of oligoasthenospermia rats by raising sperm quality, elevating reproductive hormone levels, reducing oxidative stress injury, and improving histomorphology of the testis.

[Protective effect of Wuziyanzong Pills on rats with experimental oligoasthenospermia and its action mechanism].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effect of Wuziyanzong Pills (WYP) in the rat model of oligoasthenospermia (OAS) and its action mechanism. METHODS: Sixty male SD rats were equally randomized into six groups: normal control, OAS model, Shengjing Capsules (1.6 g per kg of the body weight), low-dose WYP (1 g per kg of the body weight), medium-dose WYP (2 g per kg of the body weight), and high-dose WYP (4 g per kg of the body weight). The OAS model was established by intragastric administration of Tripterygium glucoside at 30 mg per g per d for 6 weeks. From the 3rd week of modeling, the rats of the medication groups were treated intragastrically with corresponding drugs for 4 weeks. Then all the rats were sacrificed for measurement of the testicular and epididymal organ coefficients, examination of epididymal sperm quality and apoptosis, and detection of the openness of the sperm mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP). Histopathological changes in the testis were observed by HE staining and the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells determined by Hochest staining. RESULTS: WYP obviously improved the organ coefficients of the testis and epididymis, increased sperm concentration, motility and viability, decreased the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells, and inhibited the abnormal openness of MPTP in the OAS model rats. HE staining showed that the number and levels of spermatogenic cells were significantly increased while Hochest staining manifested that the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells was remarkably inhibited in the seminiferous tubules of the testis in the WYP-treated rats. CONCLUSIONS: WYP can improve sperm quality and reduce the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells (including sperm) in OAS model rats, which may be related with its inhibitory effect on the abnormal openness of MPTP.

[Antioxidating and energy metabolism improving effects of Qiangjing Decoction on oligospermia and asthenospermia: An experimental study].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanisms of Qianjing Decoction in the treatment of oligoasthenospermia (OAS). METHODS: We randomly divided 100 SPF male rats into five groups of equal number: normal, model, Huangjingzanyu, levocarnitine, and Qiangjing. OAS models were established in the animals followed by intragastrical administration of normal saline, ornidazole, Huangjingzanyu Capsules (200 mg per kg body weight per day), levocarnitine (100 mg per kg body weight per day), and Qianjing Decoction (10 g per kg body weight per day), respectively, qd, for 4 successive weeks. Then, we detected the concentration and motility of the epididymal sperm, obtained the contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malonaldehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), α-glucosidase, and fructose in the epididymis, and determined the mRNA expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) in the epididymal tissue of the rats by real-time PCR. RESULTS: The concentration and motility of the epididymal sperm in the model, Huangjingzanyu, levocarnitine, and Qianging groups were (35.34 ± 4.22) x 10(6)/ml and (40.04 ± 7.05)%, (48.12 ± 5.56) x 10(6)/ml and (62.46 ± 7.12)%, (47.14 ± 4.87) x 10(6)/ml and (63.23 ± 6.34)%, and (50.25 ± 5.08) x 10(6)/ml and (66.34 ± 7.58)%, respectively, all significantly lower than in the normal group ([53.05 ± 4.55] x 10(6)/ml and [70.20 ± 8.54]%) (P < 0.05), but remarkably higher in the Huangjingzanyu, levocarnitine, and Qiangjing groups than in the model rats (P < 0.05). Compared with the thinned epididymal lumen walls, decreased sperm count, and disorderly and loose arrangement of the lumens in the OAS models, the rats in the Huangjingzanyu, levocarnitine, and Qiangjing groups showed evidently thicker epididymal lumen walls, with the lumens full of sperm cells and arranged regularly and compactly, similar to those of the normal rats. The levels of SOD and GSH-Px were significantly lower but that of MDA markedly higher in the model rats ([84.12 ± 23.25], [10.56 ± 3.02], and [14.04 ± 2.06] nmol/mg) than in the normal group ([110.04 ± 19.56], [17.25 ± 3.56], and [8.87 ± 1.35] nmol/mg) (P < 0.05), while the former two indexes remarkably higher and the latter one significantly lower in the animals treated with Qiangjing Decoction ([120.56 ± 23.68], [16.34 ± 3.12], and [8.45 ± 1.56] nmol/mg), Huangjingzanyu Capsules ([115.34 ± 21.35], [15.23 ± 3.67], and [8.33 ± 1.54] nmol/mg), and levocarnitine ([116.67 ± 22.67], [15.35 ± 3.45], and [8.05 ± 1.78] nmol/mg) than in the models (P < 0.05). The levels of fructose, LDH and α-glucosidase were decreased markedly in the OAS models ([100.22 ± 12.12] mg/[ ml x g], [322 ± 46.13] U/[ ml x g], and [10.48 ± 2.33] U/[ml x g]) as compared with the normal rats ([128.12 ± 13.45] mg/[ml x g], [428 ± 35.12] U/[ml x g], and [15.34 ± 3.12] U/[ ml x g]) (P < 0.05), remarkably higher in the rats treated with Qiangjing ([130.23 ± 13.67] mg/[ml x g] [455 ± 51.50] U/[ml x g], and [18.56 ± 4.67] U/[ml x g]), Huangjingzanyu ([124.16 ± 14.02] mg/[ml x g], [ 419 ± 43.14] U/[ml x g], and [17.64 ± 4.08] U/[ml x g]), and levocarnitine ([123.34 ± 14.02] mg/[ml x g], [430 ± 31.80] U/ [ml x g], and [16.85 ± 5.55] U/[ml x g]) than in the models (P < 0.05). The Nrf2 mRNA expression was significantly reduced in the models as compared with the normal rats (P < 0.05) but remarkably increased in the Huangingzanyu, Qiangjing and levocarnitine groups as compared with the model and normal animals (P < 0.05). The SDH mRNA expression was significantly lower in the model than in the normal rats (P < 0.05) but markedly elevated in the Huangjingzanyu, Qiangjing and levocarnitine groups as compared with the model and normal animals (P < 0.05), remarkably higher in the Qiangjing than in the Huangjingzanyu group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Ornidazole induces OAS in rats, which is closely associated with excessive oxidation and energy metabolism dysfunction. Qiangjing Decoction can improve and even reverse ornidazole-induced OAS in rats as well as improve the ultrastructure of their testicular and epididymal tissues. Antioxidation and improvement of energy metabolism are probably the action mechanisms of Qiangjing Decoction in the treatment of OAS.

Evaluation of atorvastatin efficacy and toxicity on spermatozoa, accessory glands and gonadal hormones of healthy men: a pilot prospective clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Recommendations for cardiovascular disease prevention advocate lowering both cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol systemic levels, notably by statin intake. However, statins are the subject of questions concerning their impact on male fertility. This study aimed to evaluate, by a prospective pilot assay, the efficacy and the toxicity of a decrease of cholesterol blood levels, induced by atorvastatin on semen quality and sexual hormone levels of healthy, normocholesterolaemic and normozoospermic men. METHODS: Atorvastatin (10 mg daily) was administrated orally during 5 months to 17 men with normal plasma lipid and standard semen parameters. Spermatozoa parameters, accessory gland markers, semen lipid levels and blood levels of gonadal hormones were assayed before statin intake, during the treatment, and 3 months after its withdrawal. RESULTS: Atorvastatin treatment significantly decreased circulating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol concentrations by 42% and 24% (p<0.0001) respectively, and reached the efficacy objective of the protocol. During atorvastatin therapy and/or 3 months after its withdrawal numerous semen parameters were significantly modified, such as total number of spermatozoa (-31%, p<0.05), vitality (-9.5%, p<0.05), total motility (+7.5%, p<0.05), morphology (head, neck and midpiece abnormalities, p<0.05), and the kinetics of acrosome reaction (p<0.05). Seminal concentrations of acid phosphatases (p<0.01), α-glucosidase (p<0.05) and L-carnitine (p<0.05) were also decreased during the therapy, indicating an alteration of prostatic and epididymal functions. Moreover, we measured at least one altered semen parameter in 35% of the subjects during atorvastatin treatment, and in 65% of the subjects after withdrawal, which led us to consider that atorvastatin is unsafe in the context of our study. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show for the first time that atorvastatin significantly affects the sperm parameters and the seminal fluid composition of healthy men.

Relationship between ouabain and asthenozoospermia.

A growing number of researches have shown that ouabain can regulate mammalian sperm function and male reproduction by modulating the sperm motility, capacitation and acrosome reaction in vitro. This study further examined the relationship between ouabain and asthenozoospermia. In this study, the rat was intraperitoneally injected with ouabain at different concentrations (low-dose ouabain group: 12.5 µg/kg body weight per day, and high-dose ouabain group: 25 µg/kg body weight per day) for 30 days to establish the asthenozoospermia model. The sperms from 60 males with normal fertility were incubated with ouabain of gradient concentrations (10(-7)-10(-2) mol/L) for 4 h. The sperm motility was evaluated under a microscope. Moreover, the endogenous ouabain (EO) level was determined in seminal plasma of mild or severe asthenozoospermia patients and males with normal fertility by competitive inhibition ELISA. The results showed that the sperm motility was significantly diminished in the rats treated with different concentrations of ouabain. The number of motile sperms (grades a and b) was decreased greatly in a time- and dose-dependent manner in 10(-5)-10(-2) mol/L ouabain groups (P<0.01), while no obvious change in sperm motility was observed in 10(-7)-10(-6)mol/L groups even for 4-h incubation (P>0.05). Furthermore, the EO level was significantly increased in asthenozoospermia patients as compared with that in males with normal fertility (25.27±1.71 µg/L in mild asthenozoospermia patients, 26.52±1.82 µg/L in severe asthenozoospermia patients, 19.31±1.45 µg/L in normal fertility men) (P<0.01). In conclusion, rat asthenozoospermia was successfully established by intraperitoneal injection of ouabain, and 10(-5) mol/L ouabain was sufficient enough to inhibit sperm motility in vitro. Moreover, EO, a normal constituent of seminal plasma, was highly expressed in asthenozoospermia males as compared with normal fertility ones.

Moxibustion prevents tripterygium glycoside-induced oligoasthenoteratozoospermia in rats via reduced oxidative stress and modulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) decreases male fertility, seriously affecting the production of offspring. This study clarified the preventive impact of different moxibustion frequencies on OAT and selected the optimal frequency to elucidate the underlying mechanism. An OAT rat model was constructed by gavage of tripterygium glycosides (TGS) suspension. Daily moxibustion (DM) or alternate-day moxibustion (ADM) was administered on the day of TGS suspension administration. Finally, we selected DM for further study based on sperm quality and DNA fragmentation index, testicular and epididymal morphology, and reproductive hormone level results. Subsequently, the oxidative stress (OS) status was evaluated by observing the OS indices levels; malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) in testicular tissue using colorimetry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Furthermore, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and nuclear factor erythropoietin-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) were evaluated using Western blotting. Immunohistochemistry was employed to locate and assess the expression of HO-1 and Nrf2 protein, while quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was utilized to detect their mRNA expression. MDA and 8-OHdG levels decreased following DM treatment, while T-SOD and T-AOC increased, suggesting that DM may prevent TGS-induced OAT in rats by decreasing OS in the testis. Furthermore, protein and mRNA expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in the testis were elevated, indicating that DM may reduce OS by activating the signaling pathway of Nrf2/HO-1. Therefore, DM could prevent OAT in rats via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, thereby presenting a promising therapeutic approach against OAT.

Chestnut polysaccharide rescues the damaged spermatogenesis process of asthenozoospermia-model mice by upregulating the level of palmitic acid.

Introduction: In recent years, the quality of male semen has been decreasing, and the number of male infertilities caused by asthenozoospermia is increasing year by year, and the diagnosis and treatment of patients with asthenozoospermia are gradually receiving the attention of the whole society. Due to the unknown etiology and complex pathogenesis, there is no specific treatment for asthenozoospermia. Our previous study found that the administration of chestnut polysaccharide could alter the intestinal microbiota and thus improve the testicular microenvironment, and rescue the impaired spermatogenesis process by enhancing the expression of reproduction-related genes, but its exact metabolome-related repairment mechanism of chestnut polysaccharide is still unclear. Methods and results: In this study, we studied the blood metabolomic changes of busulfan-induced asthenozoospermia-model mice before and after oral administration of chestnut polysaccharide with the help of metabolome, and screened two key differential metabolites (hydrogen carbonate and palmitic acid) from the set of metabolomic changes; we then analyzed the correlation between several metabolites and between different metabolites and intestinal flora by correlation analysis, and found that palmitic acid in the blood serum of mice after oral administration of chestnut polysaccharide had different degrees of correlation with various metabolites, and palmitic acid level had a significant positive correlation with the abundance of Verrucomicrobia; finally, we verified the role of palmitic acid in rescuing the damaged spermatogenesis process by using asthenozoospermia-model mice, and screened the key target gene for palmitic acid to play the rescuing effect by integrating the analysis of multiple databases. Discussion: In conclusion, this study found that chestnut polysaccharide rescued the damaged spermatogenesis in asthenozoospermia-model mice by upregulating palmitic acid level, which will provide theoretical basis and technical support for the use of chestnut polysaccharide in the treatment of asthenozoospermia.

Effect of moxa smoke on sperm parameters and oxidative stress in rats with asthenozoospermia.

Asthenozoospermia is a leading cause of male infertility, characterized by reduced sperm motility. In this study, we determined sperm motility and the activities of antioxidant enzymes and oxidation products in the testis of rats with ornidazole (ORN)-induced asthenozoospermia and further examined and compared the differential effects of moxa smoke (MS) and cigarette smoke (CS) on sperm motility and oxidative stress (OS) of asthenozoospermic rats. The smoke intervention was initiated 11 days after intragastric administration of ORN, followed by the examination of testis index, sperm parameters, OS-related gene levels, and testicular histopathology. Sperm motility and antioxidant enzyme activities, as well as oxidation products significantly decreased in ORN-induced rats compared with MS-treated rats (p < .05-.001). MS treatment restored the reduced sperm motility and activities of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, but increased the malondialdehyde and nitric oxide synthetase levels in ORN-induced rats (p < .05-.001). Also, the histopathological changes in the testis of ORN-induced rats were improved by MS treatment. The study highlighted that MS was an effective factor in moxibustion therapy, which notably improved the sperm motility of asthenozoospermic rats by inhibiting OS in the reproductive system.

Epigenetics and its role in male infertility.

Male infertility is a common and complex problem affecting 1 in 20 men. Despite voluminous research in this field, in many cases, the underlying causes are unknown. Epigenetic factors play an important role in male infertility and these have been studied extensively. Epigenetic modifications control a number of processes within the body, but this review will concentrate on male fertility and the consequences of aberrant epigenetic regulation/modification. Many recent studies have identified altered epigenetic profiles in sperm from men with oligozoospermia and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. During gametogenesis and germ cell maturation, germ cells undergo extensive epigenetic reprogramming that involves the establishment of sex-specific patterns in the sperm and oocytes. Increasing evidence suggests that genetic and environmental factors can have negative effects on epigenetic processes controlling implantation, placentation and fetal growth. This review provides an overview of the epigenetic processes (histone-to-protamine exchange and epigenetic reprogramming post-fertilization), aberrant epigenetic reprogramming and its association with fertility, possible risks for ART techniques, testicular cancer and the effect of environmental factors on the epigenetic processes.

Fusion failure of dense-cored proacrosomal vesicles in an inducible mouse model of male infertility.

The acrosome is a specialized secretory vesicle located in the head of spermatozoa and has an essential role during fertilization. This organelle and the sperm nucleus have aberrant morphologies in forms of male infertility in humans (teratozoospermia), often associated with poor motility (asthenoteratozoospermia). To further our understanding of the aetiology of these conditions, we have performed a pathological investigation of a model of asthenoteratozoospermia that can be induced in mice by N-butyldeoxynojirimycin (NB-DNJ). We have found that, in mice treated with NB-DNJ, instead of an acrosome forming over the round spermatid nucleus, multivesicular bodies (MVB) accumulate in the vicinity of this nucleus. Electron microscopy has revealed that proacrosomic vesicles or granules (PAG) secreted during the Golgi phase of spermiogenesis do not fuse together to form an acrosomic vesicle, but rather attach transiently to the spermatid nucleus. Immunocytochemistry has shown that acrosomal membrane proteins and cytosolic acrosome-associated proteins are redirected to MVB in affected testes, whereas glycoproteins originating in the dense core of the PAG are degraded. Thus, the major effect of NB-DNJ is to inhibit membrane fusion of Golgi-derived secretory vesicles destined for acrosome formation, raising the possibility that these vesicles are critically affected in forms of (astheno)teratozoospermia.

Protective Effect of Ursolic Acid in Prunella vulgaris L. on LPS-Induced Asthenozoospermia via Bcl-2/Bax Apoptosis Signaling Pathway.

BACKGROUND: Asthenozoospermia, also known as lack of sperm motility, accounts for about 27.8% of male infertility as a separate factor, and is often associated with abnormal quantity and morphology of spermatozoa. Therefore, oligozoospermia has become one of the most important factors affecting male infertility. METHODS: Ursolic Acid (UA), also known as wusu acid, is the main active component isolated from Prunella vulgaris L. and has a variety of pharmacological effects. However, the protective effect of UA on asthenozoospermia disease has not been reported. In the current study, the purpose of this study was to investigate the regulatory effect of UA in rats with LPS-induced asthenozoospermia disease. SD rats were treated with 5 mg/kg LPS, respectively. RESULTS: After different concentrations of UA were infused into the stomach of SD rats, microscopy, flow cytometry, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), qRT-PCR and western blot were used to detect sperm motility, apoptosis, the levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6, and Bcl-2/Bax apoptosis pathway related proteins in rat serum and epididymis tissues. DISCUSSION: Compared with the normal group, the sperm motility and Bcl-2 level in LPS group decreased significantly, while the expression of inflammatory factors and Bax proteins increased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with LPS group, UA intervention group has the opposite result and dose dependence. CONCLUSION: This study shows that UA can protect LPS-induced asthenozoospermia of rats by increasing sperm density and motility, regulating Bcl-2/Bax apoptosis pathway and reducing inflammatory apoptosis response. This experiment provides ideas for improving the clinical treatment of infertile patients with oligoasthenospermia.