Vasectomy histology: Is it still useful?

OBJECTIVES: To determine if histological evaluation of the vasa is useful when post-vasectomy semen analysis (PVSA) compliance is low and to determine whether compliance could be predicted. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of patients undergoing vasectomy between 2018 and 2022 was undertaken. A comparison of the PVSA between three vasa histological categorisations was made: complete divisions, incomplete division(s), absent vas(a). A multivariate model was constructed to predict PVSA compliance. RESULTS: From 388 patients, 191 (49.2%) undertook PVSA. Four patients had a revision of vasectomy. On 3 occasions this was due to the histology findings and once from semen analysis with normal histology. There was no significant difference in the number of azoospermic samples (95.4% vs 91.2%, ns), of samples with presence of Rare Non-Motile Sperm (RNMS) (2.6% vs 8.8%, ns) and those with sperm present (2.0 vs 0%, ns), between patients with complete division of the vasa on both sides and those with incomplete division on one side respectively. There was no difference in patient characteristics between those who complied with PVSA and those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: This paper suggests that there is a role for histological evaluation of the vasa when PVSA compliance is poor. Incompletely divided vasa on histology are not associated with an adverse PVSA.

Polymorphism detection and characterization of sperm cells chromatin remodeling associated genes in Murrah buffalo.

Seasonal variations significantly impact buffalo bull semen production and quality, particularly during the summer months. Understanding the genetic basis of these changes is important for managing bull fertility and improving sperm quality. The present study focused on characterizing and identifying polymorphisms in chromatin remodeling genes, protamines (PRMs) and Transition Nuclear Proteins (TNPs) in Murrah buffalo bulls with varying semen quality due to seasonal effects. Our findings revealed none of the coding region variation in PRM1, PRM2, TNP1, and TNP2, these genes are highly conserved in buffalo. Two intronic variants were identified, including G16C in PRM1 intron 1 and intronic SNP in PRM2 intron 1 (G96A). The complete CDS of consensus sequence of bubaline PRM1 was 86.3% identical and 94.1% similar to the bovine PRM1. Whereas the complete CDS of consensus sequence of bubaline TNP2 was 78.2% identical and 91.0% similar to bovine TNP2. Further, no statistically significant differences in the fold change of TNP1, TNP2, PRM1, and PRM2 levels between the hot summer SNA and SA groups and the winter SNA and SA groups This study represents the first comprehensive report on the characterization of bubaline PRM1 (complete CDS), PRM2 (partial CDS), TNP1 (partial CDS), and TNP2 (complete CDS) genes in buffalo sperm cells. Results of the study, clearly indicate that the genes associated with protamine (PRM1 and TNP2) are highly conserved in Bubalus bubalis. Understanding these genetic underpinnings can have implications for improving buffalo bull fertility and semen quality.

Can serum 17-hydroxy progesterone predict an improvement in semen parameters following micro-varicocelectomy? A prospective study.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Notably, 17-hydroxy progesterone (17-OHP) (17-OHP) is a precursor for testosterone (T) synthesis, and intratesticular testosterone (ITT) is essential for spermatogenesis. Varicocele (Vx) has an estimated prevalence of 15% in the general population and 35% in those with primary infertility. We aimed to evaluate the correlation between changes of serum 17-OHP after sub-inguinal micro-varicocelectomy and improvement of semen parameters. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The current prospective study included 45 infertile men attending the andrology clinic form February 2021 to August 2021. Two semen analyses and hormonal profile were evaluated. Colored duplex ultasonography (CDUS) was done in standing and supine position for accurate measurements of testicular volumes and confirmation of Vx. Patients underwent sub-inguinal micro-varicocelectomy using a surgical microscope HB surgitech. We followed them prospectively up for three months following micro-varicocelectomy with serum TT and 17-OHP. RESULTS: Sperm concentration improved significantly from 8.36 ± 5.04 million/ml to 12.52 ± 8.42 million/ml after 3 months following sub-inguinal micro-varicocelectomy (p= 0.001), with normalization of concentration in 15/45 (33%) patients. Total motility did not improve significantly but progressive motility improved significantly from 8.62 ± 8.74% to 16.24 ± 14.45% (p=0.001). Abnormal forms significantly declined from 96.67 ± 2.03% to 95.75 ± 2.47% (p=0.009).  Serum 17 OHP and 17 OHP/total testosterone (TT) improved significantly from 1.21 ± 0.45 ng/ml and 0.26 ± 0.09 to 1.42 ± 0.76 ng/ml and 0.3 ± 0.16 (p= 0.013, p= 0.004), respectively, while serum TT did not improve significantly. A significant correlation was found between improvement in sperm concentration and both serum 17 OHP and 17 OHP/TT ratio (p=0.001, p=004). Furthermore, change in abnormal sperm forms showed significant correlations with changes in both 17-OHP and 17-OHP/TT. CONCLUSION: 17 OHP and 17OHP/ TT ratio can be used as biomarkers to detect improvement in semen parameters following sub-inguinal micro-varicocelectomy.

Ultrasonographic Assessment of Testicular Biometry and Arterial Blood Flow in Pre- and Postpubertal Miranda Donkeys: Correlations With Semen Quality Parameters.

The main goals of this study were to document and compare the normal ranges of testicular haemodynamic parameters in pre- (aged 8-12 months; n = 4) and postpubertal (aged 24-259 months; n = 16) Miranda donkeys in the breeding season, and to correlate animal biometric data and testicular Doppler indices with basic semen quality parameters of sexually mature jacks. Colour and pulsed-Doppler ultrasonography were employed to assess blood flow in the left and right distal supratesticular artery (DsTA) and their marginal branches (marginal arteries-MA). Peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), pulsatility index (PI) and resistive index (RI) were evaluated in both blood vessels, and TAMV (time-averaged mean velocity), TABF (total arterial blood flow) and TABF rate (TABF-R) were calculated for MA. The mean diameter of MA was greater (p < 0.05; 0.24 ± 0.05 vs. 0.19 ± 0.05 cm; mean ± SD) but TABF-R was less (p < 0.05; 0.004 ± 0.004 vs. 0.02 ± 0.01 mL/s/cm3) in sexually mature donkeys compared with prepubertal animals. Apart from RI values for the right testicle of prepubertal donkeys, PI and RI were consistently greater (p < 0.05) in DsTA compared with MA. Significant correlations were found among select biometric and haemodynamic attributes of the testes (height, width and length, TV, TTV and PSV-ST) and ejaculate characteristics (volume, sperm defects-total, head and midpiece) in sexually mature donkeys (n = 8). The present results highlight the importance of scrotal ultrasonography for the reproductive assessment of jacks and provide reference values, based on the available subpopulation of Miranda donkeys that can be used in their clinical and reproductive management and research, or conservation programmes.

A Comparison of White and Yellow Seminal Plasma Phosphoproteomes Obtained from Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) Semen.

Seminal plasma is rich in proteins originating from various male reproductive organs. The phosphorylation of these proteins can significantly impact sperm motility, capacitation, and acrosome reaction. Phosphoproteomics identifies, catalogues, and characterizes phosphorylated proteins. The phosphoproteomic profiling of seminal plasma offers valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms that influence semen quality and male fertility. Thus, the aim of this study was a phosphoproteomic analysis of white and yellow turkey seminal plasma. The experimental material consisted of 100 ejaculates from BIG-6 turkeys between 39 and 42 weeks of age. The collected white and yellow turkey seminal plasmas were analyzed for total protein content; the activity of selected enzymes, i.e., alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT); and the content of reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Phosphoproteins were isolated from white and yellow seminal fluids, and the resulting protein fractions were separated by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. Phosphorylated residues were immunodetected, and the isolated phosphoproteins were identified (nano LC-MS/MS). Yellow seminal plasmas were characterized by higher levels of total protein, GSH, and MDA, as well as higher levels of ALP, ACP, and GPx activity. There were no significant differences in the activity of SOD and CAT. A total of 113 phosphoproteins were identified in turkey seminal fluids. The functional analysis demonstrated that these phosphoproteins were mainly involved in oocyte fertilization, organization and metabolism of the actin cytoskeleton, amplification of the intracellular signal transduction pathway, general regulation of transport, vesicular transport, proteome composition of individual cellular compartments, and the organization and localization of selected cellular components and macromolecules. Increased phosphorylation of the fractions containing proteins encoded by SPARC, PPIB, TRFE, QSOX1, PRDX1, PRDX6, and FASN genes in white plasmas and the proteins encoded by CKB, ORM2, APOA1, SSC5D, RAP1B, CDC42, FTH, and TTH genes in yellow plasmas was observed based on differences in the optical density of selected bands. The obtained results indicate that the phosphorylation profiles of turkey seminal plasma proteins vary depending on the type of ejaculate.

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.

Sperm DNA Fragmentation: Unraveling Its Imperative Impact on Male Infertility Based on Recent Evidence.

Male factors may be present in up to 50-70% of infertile couples and the prevalence of male infertility accounts for 20-30% of infertility cases. Understanding the mechanisms and causes behind male infertility remains a challenge, but new diagnostic tools such as DNA fragmentation might aid in cases where the routine semen analysis is insufficient. DNA fragmentation, which refers to damages or breaks of the genetic material of the spermatozoa, is considered one of the main causes of male infertility due to impaired functional capability of sperm. The aim of the present narrative review is to investigate and enlighten the potential correlation between DNA fragmentation and male infertility parameters such as the seminal profile and the reproductive outcomes. Comprehensive research in PubMed/Medline and Scopus databases was conducted and 28 studies were included in the present review. Fourteen studies provided data regarding the impact of DNA fragmentation and seminal parameters and showed a correlation of significantly lower sperm count, lower concentration, motility, and abnormal morphology with an increased DNA fragmentation index (DFI). Similarly, 15 studies provided data regarding the impact of DFI on reproductive outcomes. Two studies showed higher aneuploidy rates with higher DFI values, and seven studies showed significantly lower pregnancy rates and live birth rates with higher DFI values. Ultimately, the studies included in this review highlight, collectively, the importance of measuring sperm DFI in the assessment of male infertility. Further studies are needed to explore the effectiveness of interventions aiming to reduce DFI levels.

Exploratory Metabolomics and Lipidomics Profiling Contributes to Understanding How Curcumin Improves Quality of Goat Semen Stored at 16 °C in Tropical Areas.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) exert a vital role in sperm quality during semen preservation, where excessive ROS leads to oxidative damage and undermines sperm integrity. Curcumin, a botanical extract, is capable of neutralizing ROS and enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of curcumin on sperm viability, acrosome integrity, and antioxidant levels, as well as metabolomic and lipidomic profiles. The results demonstrated that curcumin at 25 µmol/L significantly enhanced sperm motility, plasma membrane, and acrosome integrity, elevated the levels of antioxidant enzymes (T-AOC, CAT, SOD), and decreased ROS production (p < 0.05). Metabolomic analysis identified 93 distinct metabolites that showed significant differences between the control and curcumin-treated groups. KEGG pathways emphasized the participation of these metabolites in key metabolic processes such as the citric acid cycle, cholesterol metabolism, and fatty acid metabolism. Curcumin treatment brought about notable variations in lipid profiles, including increased levels of phosphatidylcholine, acylcarnitine, and triglyceride over the storage time, suggesting enhanced lipid anabolic activity. Overall, the supplementation of curcumin at 25 µmol/L effectively mitigates oxidative stress and prolongs the viability of semen storage at 16 °C by modulating specific metabolic and lipid profiles.

The Andrological Landscape in the Twenty-First Century: Making Sense of the Advances in Male Infertility Management for the Busy Clinicians.

Male infertility represents a significant global problem due to its essential health, social, and economic implications. It is unsurprising that scientific research is very active in this area and that advances in the diagnostic and therapeutic fields are notable. This review presents the main diagnostic advances in male infertility, starting from the changes made in the latest WHO Manual of semen analysis and discussing the more molecular aspects inherent to "omics". Furthermore, the usefulness of artificial intelligence in male infertility diagnostics and the latest advances in varicocele diagnosis will be discussed. In particular, the diagnostic path of male infertility is increasingly moving towards a personalized approach to the search for the specific biomarkers of infertility and the prediction of treatment response. The treatment of male infertility remains empirical in many regards, but despite that, advances have been made to help formulate evidence-based recommendations. Varicocele, the most common correctable cause of male infertility, has been explored for expanded indications for repair. The following expanded indications were discussed: elevated sperm DNA fragmentation, hypogonadism, orchalgia, and the role of varicocele repair in non-obstructive azoospermia. Moving forward with the available data, we discussed the stepwise approach to surgical sperm retrieval techniques and the current measures that have been investigated for optimizing such patients before testicular sperm extraction. Finally, the key points and expert recommendations regarding the best practice for diagnosing and treating men with infertility were summarized to conclude this review.

Reversible effects of the SARS-CoV-2 on semen parameters.

Despite that the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has been controlled, it has affected a large proportion of the population, raising some concerns about potential sequelae in men at reproductive age. To contribute to the clarification of this issue, we performed a retrospective study comparing semen parameters values before and after confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in a large cohort of infertile men, compared to a control group that did not undergo SARS-CoV-2 infection. Wilcoxon test on paired samples and general linear regression model showed that SARS-CoV-2 infection has a detrimental effect on semen volume values (p < 0.005). However, semen volume seems to be significantly lower only during the first spermatogenic cycle after SARS-COV-2 infection (p < 0.005) and mainly in unvaccinated patients (p < 0.05). In addition, we detected alterations in progressive motility in patients infected with the alpha SARS-COV-2 strain (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our results show that although SARS-CoV-2 has a small effect on semen volume and sperm motility in infertile men, depending on the infectious strain or vaccination status, pre-infection values of semen parameters appear to be restored over one spermatogenic cycle after infection.

Impact of high-risk and low-risk human papillomavirus infections on the male genital tract: effects on semen inflammation and sperm quality.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a prevalent sexually transmitted infection, comprises high-risk (HR-HPV) and low-risk (LR-HPV) viruses, the former posing a high risk for developing malignancies whereas the latter mainly for benign warts. Despite increasing awareness of HPV's impact on men's health, the influence of HR-HPV and LR-HPV urogenital infections on male fertility potential remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate whether male urogenital infection with HR- or LR-HPV associates with impaired sperm quality, oxidative stress, and inflammation. A total of 205 male patients attending an urology clinic were enrolled. Semen samples were analyzed for HPV using PCR and genotyped by RFLP. Semen quality was evaluated following WHO guidelines. Semen leukocytes, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and sperm viability were analyzed using flow cytometry. HPV was detected in 19% (39/205) of semen samples. HR-HPV infections were more prevalent, with HPV-16 being the most frequent genotype. Neither HR-HPV nor LR-HPV were associated with significant alterations in routine sperm quality parameters. However, HR-HPV+ individuals showed significantly higher levels of sperm necrosis and exhibited increased proportions of ROS+ spermatozoa compared to LR-HPV+ or control individuals. Furthermore, no significant semen inflammation was detected in patients infected with either HR-HPV or LR-HPV, and unexpectedly reduced semen leukocytes and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-1ß) were observed in HR-HPV+ patients compared to controls. These observations underscore the importance of comprehensive HPV screening, including genotyping, in urology and fertility clinics to understand the progression of the infection, potential adverse effects on reproductive health, and the oncogenic risks involved.

Stress increases sperm respiration and motility in mice and men.

Semen quality and fertility has declined over the last 50 years, corresponding to ever-increasing environmental stressors. However, the cellular mechanisms involved and their impact on sperm functions remain unknown. In a repeated sampling human cohort study, we identify a significant effect of prior perceived stress to increase sperm motility 2-3 months following stress, timing that expands upon our previous studies revealing significant stress-associated changes in sperm RNA important for fertility. We mechanistically examine this post-stress timing in mice using an in vitro stress model in the epididymal epithelial cells responsible for sperm maturation and find 7282 differentially H3K27me3 bound DNA regions involving genes critical for mitochondrial and metabolic pathways. Further, prior stress exposure significantly changes the composition and size of epithelial cell-secreted extracellular vesicles that when incubated with mouse sperm, increase mitochondrial respiration and sperm motility, adding to our prior work showing impacts on embryo development. Together, these studies identify a time-dependent, translational signaling pathway that communicates stress experience to sperm, ultimately affecting reproductive functions.

Enhancing canine semen quality through a second centrifugation after 48 hours of storage: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Centrifugation is a common procedure to improve the quality of chilled and frozen canine semen by removing debris and seminal plasma and adding semen extenders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and influence of a second centrifugation after 48 h of storage at 5 °C on the sperm quality of canine semen. The ejaculates of 45 healthy male dogs, divided into three groups according to body weight, were analyzed for macro- and microparameters such as ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, kinematic parameters, morphology, and integrity of plasma membrane. Samples were analyzed at baseline conditions (T0), after 24 h (T24) and after 48 h (T48) to assess the effects of the different treatments on sperm quality. RESULTS: The results showed a significant effect of a second centrifugation on the improvement of chilled sperm quality compared to the other techniques, especially up to 48 h. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of the data showed that the semen samples centrifuged and then cooled at 5 °C had acceptable semen parameters, especially in terms of motility, with a gradual decrease in serial evaluations after 24 and 48 h. A second centrifugation after 48 h of storage may lead to better semen quality and improve the kinetics of sperm parameters, the percentage of morphologically normal sperm and the percentage of sperm with intact membranes.

Temporal effect of flaxseed oil in boar's diet on semen quality, antioxidant status and in-vivo fertility under hot humid sub-tropical condition.

The present study investigates the temporal effects of flaxseed supplementation on boar semen quality, antioxidant status, and in-vivo fertility under high-temperature humidity index (THI) conditions in a sub-tropical climate. Twelve Hampshire crossbreed boars were randomly assigned to control and treatment groups, with the treatment group receiving flaxseed oil supplementation. Semen samples were collected and analyzed for semen quality parameters, sperm kinematics, and antioxidant status. Fertility outcomes were assessed through in-vivo mating trials. Flaxseed supplementation resulted in time dependent significant improvements in semen volume, sperm concentration, total and progressive sperm motility, sperm quality parameters, and antioxidant status. Fertility outcomes, including farrowing rates and litter sizes, were also enhanced in the flaxseed-supplemented group. These findings highlight the potential of flaxseed supplementation to improve boar fertility under high ambient stress conditions, with implications for optimizing reproductive performance in swine production systems.

Effects of short-term oral letrozole on fresh semen parameters, endocrine balance, and prostate gland dimensions in domestic dogs.

BACKGROUND: Aromatase inhibitors improve male fertility by modifying the hormonal control of spermatogenesis. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of oral administration of letrozole on testosterone and estradiol concentrations and their ratios in blood serum, seminal plasma, prostatic fluid, sperm quality in fresh semen, and prostate gland dimensions. Seven adult male intact mixed-breed dogs were selected. The animals received letrozole (72 µg/kg, PO) daily for four weeks. Blood samplings and semen collections were carried out on days 0 (control), 14 (treatment), 28 (treatment), and 42 (post-treatment). RESULTS: Our results showed that letrozole administration resulted in a 4.3 fold significant increase in serum, seminal plasma, and prostatic fluid testosterone levels after 14 days. This remained high until the end of the study. Serum and prostatic fluid estradiol levels did not change significantly over the study period. However, the seminal plasma estradiol level showed a significant increase on day 14. The estradiol: testosterone ratio was significantly reduced on day 14 in serum, seminal plasma, and prostatic fluid samples. Letrozole significantly improved the ejaculated spermatozoa viability and concentration after 28 days of oral administration. However, the sperm plasma membrane functional integrity and kinematic parameters were not significantly affected by the treatment. Transabdominal ultrasound examination revealed a significant increase in the height, width, and volume of the prostate gland after 28 days of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: According to the present research, oral administration of letrozole for 28 days affects local and systemic sex hormone balance leading to an improvement of the ejaculated canine spermatozoa viability and concentration concurrent with an increase in the prostate gland dimensions.

Quality and kinematic characteristics of Bali bulls frozen semen with purified green tea extract epigallocatechin-3-gallate antioxidant addition in diluent.

Background: The preservation of semen quality and kinematic characteristics during cryopreservation is crucial for the reproductive success and genetic management of livestock, particularly in Bali bulls. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effect of adding purified green tea extract antioxidant Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in tris egg yolk diluent on the quality and kinematic characteristics of frozen semen from Bali bulls. Methods: Fresh and frozen semen samples were obtained from Bali bull and divided into four different treatment groups. P0 contained semen samples + diluent, while P1 to P3 consisted of semen samples + diluent supplemented with EGCG levels of 0.1, 0.15, and 0.2 mg/100 ml, respectively. Data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA and followed by Duncan's test if significant differences were found (p<0.05). Parameters observed included the assessment of fresh semen quality, kinematic analysis, post-thawing sperm viability, and abnormality. Results: The results indicated that the assessment of fresh semen quality showed macroscopic and microscopic semen quality according to SNI 4869-1:2021. Kinematic analysis revealed significant differences in DSL and STR parameters between P0 and P3 (p<0.05). EGCG supplementation also caused significant differences in motility between P0 and P3 (p<0.05). Viability and spermatozoa abnormality with EGCG supplementation did not show significant differences (p>0.05). Conclusion: The best results for motility, kinematics, and sperm morphology variables were found in P1 as it did not exhibit a decrease in motility, kinematics, and sperm morphology. Viability did not show significant differences between P1, P2, and P3, but the best results were found in P2 as it did not exhibit a decrease in viability with mean and standard deviation (66.84 ± 7.88). Abnormality variables also did not show significant differences between P1, P2, and P3, but the best results were found in P2 as it did not exhibit a decrease in abnormality with mean and standard deviation (23.80 ± 7.36).

SARS-CoV-2 impairs male fertility by targeting semen quality and testosterone level: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Since the discovery of COVID-19 in December 2019, the novel virus has spread globally causing significant medical and socio-economic burden. Although the pandemic has been curtailed, the virus and its attendant complication live on. A major global concern is its adverse impact on male fertility. AIM: This study was aimed to give an up to date and robust data regarding the effect of COVID-19 on semen variables and male reproductive hormones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature search was performed according to the recommendations of PRISMA. Out of the 852 studies collected, only 40 were eligible for inclusion in assessing the effect SARS-CoV-2 exerts on semen quality and androgens. More so, a SWOT analysis was conducted. RESULTS: The present study demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 significantly reduced ejaculate volume, sperm count, concentration, viability, normal morphology, and total and progressive motility. Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2 led to a reduction in circulating testosterone level, but a rise in oestrogen, prolactin, and luteinizing hormone levels. These findings were associated with a decline in testosterone/luteinizing hormone ratio. CONCLUSIONS: The current study provides compelling evidence that SARS-CoV-2 may lower male fertility by reducing semen quality through a hormone-dependent mechanism; reduction in testosterone level and increase in oestrogen and prolactin levels.

Pre- and Post-Thaw Addition of L-Carnitine and Pyruvate: Effect on Stallion Sperm Parameters.

The addition of antioxidants to cryopreservation media reportedly improves sperm post-thaw quality and reproductive performance after artificial insemination. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate if the addition of L-carnitine and pyruvate to freezing media, or their addition to samples after thawing, improves the post-thaw quality of equine spermatozoa. Thus, in Experiment 1, stallion semen samples were cryopreserved in: (1) EDTA-glucose-based extender with 20% egg yolk and 5% dimethylformamide (EDTA control); (2) skim milk-based extender with 20% egg yolk and 5% dimethylformamide (milk control); (3) Extender 1 supplemented with 50 mM L-carnitine and 10 mM pyruvate (EDTA-carnitine-pyruvate); and (4) Extender 2 supplemented with 50 mM L-carnitine and 10 mM pyruvate (milk-carnitine-pyruvate). In Experiment 2, 50 mM L-carnitine and 10 mM pyruvate were added post-thaw to samples cryopreserved with extenders 1 and 2 (EDTA control and milk control). Sperm kinematic parameters, DNA fragmentation, membrane lipid peroxidation, acrosome status and viability were evaluated after thawing. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed for most of the kinematic parameters, DNA fragmentation, membrane lipid peroxidation, acrosome status and viability of spermatozoa, between the samples frozen in the presence or absence of L-carnitine and pyruvate, nor between the samples after the post-thaw addition of these components. A higher (p < 0.05) mean velocity and higher (p < 0.05) amplitude of lateral head displacement were observed in the samples frozen in the milk-based extender with the addition of L-carnitine and pyruvate after thawing. The addition of 50 mM L-carnitine and 10 mM pyruvate, either to the freezing extenders or after thawing, was not deleterious for sperm; however, it did not improve equine sperm motility, viability, acrosome and DNA integrity, nor decrease membrane lipid peroxidation after thawing.

Trends and challenges in liquid-preserved boar semen production: From boar to product.

Boar semen production plays a pivotal role in modern swine breeding programmes, influencing the genetic progress and overall efficiency of the pork industry. This review explores the current challenges and emerging trends in liquid-preserved boar semen production, addressing key issues that impact the quality and quantity of boar semen. Advances in new reproductive technologies, boar selection, housing, semen processing, storage and transport, and the need for sustainable practices including the use of artificial intelligence are discussed to provide a comprehensive overview of the field.

Investigating the relationship between spermogram parameters and sexual desire in infertile men: a cross-sectional study from a tertiary centre in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Male factor infertility can affect spermatogenesis, sexual desire, and thus the quality of life of couples. The present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between spermogram parameters, and the score of sexual desire in infertile men. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 315 infertile men referred to the Avicenna Infertility Center of Tehran (March 2022 to March 2023). The participants were selected based on the results of previous spermogram and hormonal tests recorded in their medical records. Eligible men completed the demographic information questionnaire and Hurlbert Index of Sexual Desire. A multivariable linear regression model was used to adjust the effect of variables on Hurlbert's score. RESULTS: There was no significant relationship among sperm parameters (count, morphology, motility, vitality, concentration and DNA Fragmentation Index) and with sexual desire of infertile men. Education level, age of men and their partners, the duration of the marriage and duration of infertility did not have a statistically significant effect on sexual desire. However, economic status had an inverse effect on men's sexual desire, with regression coefficients of 7.37 and 7.78 for medium and low socioeconomic levels compared with high (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Male sexual desire is primarily influenced by social factors rather than organic ones. Further multicentre prospective studies are recommended for more accurate results.