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The current investigation aimed to explore the effects of Myrciaria dubia liquid extract (MDLE) as the primary component of an extender for breeder rooster semen over different periods at room temperature. Fifteen breeder roosters (40 weeks of age, average body weight of 2.05±0.12) with confirmed fertility were used. Employing a factorial design (3x4), the treatments consisted of semen in natura and two semen extenders (an experimental based on MDLE and a commercial) subjected to four periods at room temperature post-collection (5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes) with four replicates (tubes) each. All variables evaluated in this study yielding significant results (p<0.05). Analyzed individually, the experimental extender based on MDLE exhibited a linear reduction (p<0.05) in motility and vigor results, while it caused an increase in pH values and percentages of sperm defects evaluated. When compared with semen in natura and commercial extender, the efficiency of MDLE as a semen extender was inferior to that observed with the commercial extender and similar to the results observed with semen in natura. Nonetheless, the experimental extender based on MDLE yielded satisfactory results for up to 15 minutes of storage time. In conclusion, MDLE can be considered as an alternative for composing a roosters' semen extender, maintaining sperm characteristics within acceptable limits for up to 15 minutes at room temperature. However, this experimental extender demonstrated lower efficiency than the commercial extender in maintaining the sperm quality at room temperature across all periods tested.

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Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are fundamental for cattle breeding and sustainable food production. Together with genomic selection, these technologies contribute to reducing the generation interval and accelerating genetic progress. In this paper, we discuss advancements in technologies used in the fertility evaluation of breeding animals, and the collection, processing, and preservation of the gametes. It is of utmost importance for the breeding industry to select dams and sires of the next generation as young as possible, as is the efficient and timely collection of gametes. There is a need for reliable and easily applicable methods to evaluate sexual maturity and fertility. Although gametes processing and preservation have been improved in recent decades, challenges are still encountered. The targeted use of sexed semen and beef semen has obliterated the production of surplus replacement heifers and bull calves from dairy breeds, markedly improving animal welfare and ethical considerations in production practices. Parallel with new technologies, many well-established technologies remain relevant, although with evolving applications. In vitro production (IVP) has become the predominant method of embryo production. Although fundamental improvements in IVP procedures have been established, the quality of IVP embryos remains inferior to their in vivo counterparts. Improvements to facilitate oocyte maturation and development of new culture systems, e.g. microfluidics, are presented in this paper. New non-invasive and objective tools are needed to select embryos for transfer. Cryopreservation of semen and embryos plays a pivotal role in the distribution of genetics, and we discuss the challenges and opportunities in this field. Finally, machine learning (ML) is gaining ground in agriculture and ART. This paper delves into the utilization of emerging technologies in ART, along with the current status, key challenges, and future prospects of ML in both research and practical applications within ART.

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Heat waves, defined as periods with daily temperatures surpassing the historical average for a specific region, have become more frequent worldwide in recent years. Previous studies have reported a negative association between temperature and semen quality, but the focus has mainly been on Asian and European populations. The study included 54,926 men (18-60 years) undergoing routine semen analysis between 2005 and 2023 at CEUSA-LAEH andrology unit, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Hourly temperature readings were provided by the Servicio Meteorológico Nacional. R programming (R Studio v2022.07.2) was used to define heat waves, calculate key characteristics, visualize results, and perform statistical tests at the IBYME laboratory. During the period studied, a total of 124 days had heat waves (defined after at least 3 consecutive days with 32.3 °C and 22 °C). Men exposed to heat waves during spermatogenesis exhibited lower sperm number (concentration and count; P < 0.0001) and decreased normal morphology (percentage of normal sperm and normal motile count; P < 0.05) compared to those not exposed. These differences were most pronounced between semen samples from years with several heat waves (2013, 2023) and none (2005, 2007, 2016), displaying 4-5 times higher fold changes (P < 0.05). Further analysis employing multiple regression revealed a significantly negative association between semen quality and heat wave length, suggesting that a prolonged exposure may be more detrimental than an acute exposure. Subsequent analysis focusing on prolonged exposure (≥6-days heat wave) during spermatogenesis revealed a negative (P < 0.05) association between early exposure (spermatocytogenesis: 64-90 days prior semen collection) and semen quality. This study underscores the negative association between early exposure to heat waves during sperm development and semen quality, raising concerns about its possible association with the worldwide declining male fertility. A comprehensive collaborative approach is crucial, involving global governmental policies, sustainable practices, and coordinated efforts across scientific, healthcare, and policy domains.

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The study investigated midpiece defects in sperm from a 5-year-old Brangus bull with a high rate of semen batch rejection, due to morphologically abnormal sperm, with no reduction in sperm kinematics. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted over a 16-month period, involving 28 ejaculates. Notably, despite the high proportion of midpiece defects (average 37.73%, from 3% to 58%), the study revealed stable sperm production, with no discernible differences in the kinematic data before and after cryopreservation. Electron microscopy identified discontinuities in the mitochondrial sheath, characteristic of midpiece aplasia (MPA). The anomalies were attributed to be of genetic origin, as other predisposing factors were absent. Additionally, the electron microscopy unveiled plasma membrane defects, vacuoles and chromatin decondensation, consistent with previous findings linking acrosome abnormalities with midpiece defects. The findings underscored the necessity of conducting thorough laboratory evaluations before releasing cryopreserved semen for commercialization. Despite substantial morphological alterations, the initial semen evaluation data indicated acceptable levels of sperm kinematics, emphasizing the resilience of sperm production to severe morphological changes. This case report serves as a contribution to the understanding of midpiece defects in bull sperm, emphasizing the need for meticulous evaluation and quality control in semen processing and commercialization.

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This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of the HSP70 gene and protein in spermatozoa of Bali bulls of different age groups and to examine its potential as a biomarker determining bull fertility. This study used frozen semen produced from six Bali bulls divided into two groups based on age (≤ 9 years and ≥ 12 years). Parameters of frozen semen quality analyzed included sperm motility and kinetics using computer-assisted semen analysis, sperm morphological defects using Diff-Quick staining, acrosome integrity using FITC-PNA staining, and DNA fragmentation using acridine orange staining. HSP70 gene expression characterization was analyzed using qRT-PCR, and HSP70 protein abundance was analyzed using enzyme immunoassays. Fertility field data were obtained by analyzing the percentage conception rate for each bull based on the artificial insemination service data contained in the Indonesian-integrated system of the National Animal Health Information System (iSIKHNAS). The results showed significant differences (P<0.05) in total and progressive motility, morphological defects of the neck and midpiece, and tail of sperm, and acrosome integrity between the age groups of Bali bulls. HSP70 gene expression and protein abundance showed no significant differences (P>0.05) in different age groups. HSP70 gene expression correlated with fertility rate (P<0.05). Age affected several semen quality parameters but did not affect HSP70 gene expression and protein abundance. The HSP70 gene molecule could be a biomarker that determines the fertility of Bali bulls.

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Triclosan (TCS) is a chemical compound, which has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. TCS is considered an endocrine-disrupting chemical, which has been shown to interfere with developmental, behavioral, and reproductive outcomes in biological models and cell cultures. However, implications about exposure to TCS and human infertility are rare. Thus, the main of this review is summarize the available evidence of the association between triclosan exposure on human infertility. For this, systematic review was conducted following the recommendations established in Report of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guide (PRISMA). Initially, an electronic search in MEDLINE (via PubMed) and Science direct was performed. The methodological quality of the included studies was verified through the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklists. All selection and data extraction processes were carried out independently by two reviewers. The evidence was organized and presented using tables and narrative synthesis. There is lacking evidence about the association between triclosan and human infertility. Overall, no association between triclosan and infertility was found. However, semen quality and ovarian reserve are susceptible to triclosan exposure. Thus, future studies are still needed to better elucidate the associations between triclosan and infertility outcomes.

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BACKGROUND: The use of reproductive biotechnologies in equine practice has shown that some stallions are subfertile, so ways to improve fertility have been sought. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of nutraceutical supplementation on improving semen quality in Quarter Horse stallions. METHODS: Semen from six Quarter Horse stallions was assessed for 4 months every 20 days using the computer-assisted semen analysis system. They were evaluated for 60 days before supplementation; then, the same stallions were re-evaluated for 60 days with nutraceutical supplementation (30 g/day). RESULTS: Volume showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) with nutraceuticals. Sperm concentration (10x6 ) was significantly higher with supplementation (339.4 ± 17.5 sperm/mL) than without supplementation (224.6 ± 19.9). Sperm abnormalities (%) were significantly (p < 0.05) lower with supplementation (14.3 ± 0.6) than without supplementation (19.1 ± 0.4). Sperm kinematic parameters, total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM), rectilinear velocity (VSL), the velocity of the trajectory (VAP) and curvilinear velocity (VCL), were significantly better with supplementation (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results, it is concluded that nutraceutical supplementation improved semen parameters in Quarter Horse stallions.

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The main class of nutritional interest for lipids are fatty acids (FA), which correspond to 90% of triglycerides, the main form of lipid storage in both plants and animals. FAs serve as a source of energy in the diet of cattle; however, they also have an important non-caloric effect on animal organisms as they are important components of the physical and functional structures of cells and participate in the composition of steroid hormones. As such, research has studied the improvement of semen quality through the provision of polyunsaturated FAs in bull diets, as well as the use of FAs in semen extenders in order to reduce damage to sperm cells, which can alter lipid composition and the quality of frozen sperm. Therefore, the objective of this work was to review the effectiveness of lipids on reproductive efficiency, based on their effects on semen quality and hormonal production. Supplementation with polyunsaturated FAs positively alters semen composition and in vitro fertility; however, results vary according to the type of FA used, the method of administration, and its quality. Fish oil and linseed oil showed better results in qualitative parameters in fresh and thawed semen. The use of cyclodextrins to incorporate or extract cholesterol from plasma membranes can also improve the viability of cryopreserved semen.

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Spermatozoa experience oxidative, osmotic, chemical, and thermal stresses when cooled, which degrade the quality and fertilizing capacity of the cells. Adding antioxidants to the sperm extender mitigates these alterations. This study evaluated the effect of isoespintanol (ISO) on boar semen subjected to cooling. Fifteen ejaculates from five boars (Susscrofadomestica) were extended in Beltsville thawing solution (BTS) supplemented with 0 µM (control), 5 µM (ISO5), 10 µM (ISO10), 15 µM (ISO15), 20 µM (ISO20), 25 µM (ISO25), and 30 µM (ISO30) of ISO, which were then cooled for five days at 16 °C. Sperm kinetics, total motility (TM), and progressive motility (PM) were evaluated every 24 h using an IVOS computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system. On day 1 and day 5 of cooling, a hypoosmotic test, spectrofluorometry, and flow cytometry were performed to evaluate the following: membrane functionality, measured as a function of hypoosmotic swelling (HOS); total antioxidant capacity (TAC); reactive oxygen species (ROS); and mitochondrial membrane potential (Δ¥M). Regression analysis and comparison of means using the Duncan test were performed. The ISO added had a slight impact on sperm motility, as evidenced by a reduction in TM at 24 h of cooling (but not prior) with the addition of 20 µM of ISO. Similarly, no effect of the ISO on the kinetics and functional integrity of the sperm membrane was observed at 96 h of cooling; however, the regression coefficients indicated that the ISO lowered the rate of decrease in sperm motility and the proportion of rapid spermatozoa relative to the concentration of ISO used. The ISO did not affect the TAC of the cooled semen; however, different concentrations of ISO lowered ROS production in the semen after 96 h of cooling. ISO also impacted the Δ¥M of the spermatozoa at 0 h of cooling, increasing the proportion of low Δ¥M cells and decreasing the proportion of high Δ¥M cells. In conclusion, ISO can reduce the loss of quality and oxidative stress occurring in boar semen during cooling and can modulate the mitochondrial activity of sperm.

Durante a refrigeração, os espermatozoides sofrem estresse oxidativo, osmótico, químico e térmico, que diminuem sua qualidade e afetam sua capacidade de fertilização. A adição de antioxidantes ao diluente espermático é uma alternativa para mitigar essas alterações. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar o efeito do isospintanol (ISO) na refrigeração do sêmen suíno. Quinze ejaculados de cinco varrascos (Sus scrofa domestica) foram diluídos em BTS suplementado com ISO a 0 (controle), 5 (ISO5), 10 (ISO10), 15 (ISO15), 20 (ISO20), 25 (ISO25) e 30 (ISO30) µM e foram refrigerados por cinco dias a 16 °C. A motilidade total (MT), motilidade progressiva (MP) e cinética dos espermatozóides foram avaliadas a cada 24 h com um sistema CASA IVOS. Nos dias um e cinco de refrigeração, foram avaliadas a funcionalidade da membrana, a capacidade antioxidante total (CAT), as espécies reativas de oxigênio (ROS) e o potencial de membrana mitocondrial (Δ¥M), através do teste hiposmótico (HOS), espectrofluorimetría e citometria de fluxo. Foram realizadas análises de regressão e comparação de médias, pelo teste de Duncan. A adição de ISO teve pouca influência na motilidade espermática, apresentando apenas redução na MT em 24 h de refrigeração, devido à adição de 20 µM. Da mesma forma, não foi observada influência de ISO na cinética e integridade funcional da membrana em 96 horas de refrigeração; porém, os coeficientes de regressão mostraram que ISO produziu menor taxa de diminuição da motilidade e proporção de espermatozoides rápidos dependendo da concentração utilizada. ISO não influenciou significativamente na CAT do sêmen refrigerado; entretanto, diferentes concentrações de ISO reduziram a produção de EROs a partir do sêmen após de 96 h de refrigeração. ISO também influenciou o Δ¥M dos espermatozóides em 0 h de refrigeração, com aumento das células de baixo Δ¥M e diminuição das células de alto Δ¥M. Em conclusão, o isospintanol pode reduzir a perda da qualidade e o estresse oxidativo do sêmen suíno durante a refrigeração e pode modular a atividade mitocondrial do esperma.

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Transport of extended boar semen doses is a common practice in the swine industry. This study aimed to verify the effect of agitation time on sperm parameters during storage in two semen extenders. One normospermic ejaculate from each boar (n = 20) was diluted in a split sample design with long-term (LONG, Androstar® Plus) and short-term (SHORT, Beltsville Thawing Solution) extenders. Extended semen doses were filled with a total volume of 45 mL and 1.5 billion sperm cells and submitted to 0, 3, 6, and 12 h of agitation in an orbital shaker at 70 rpm. The samples were stored at 17 °C for 120 h. Sperm parameters were evaluated for sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, pH, thermo-resistance test (TRT), oxidative stress status, and mitochondrial membrane potential. Total and progressive motility were affected by the interaction between the agitation time and the extender, with a linear reduction in sperm motility as the agitation time increased for LONG extender (P ≤ 0.05). Semen doses diluted with SHORT showed a higher pH (P < 0.01), and agitation time had a positive quadratic effect with the highest pH observed after 6 h of agitation, regardless of the extender used (P < 0.01). Sperm motility after TRT and plasma membrane integrity potential were not affected by agitation time (P > 0.05). Mitochondrial membrane potential and oxidative stress status quadratically decreased as agitation time increased (P ≤ 0.05). Based on the results, long transport durations of AI doses under mild vibration emissions affect boar semen quality.

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In bridging the knowledge gap on stress physiology of Nigerian indigenous chickens, this study investigated the effect of exogenous corticosterone (eCORT) as stress inducing agent on the testicular function and mating behavior of Nigerian indigenous cocks. Twenty-four (24) cocks and one hundred and forty four (144) hens (mating ratio of 1 cock: 6 hens) were grouped into four and assigned to each of the four eCORT treatments (0, 2, 4 and 6 mgeCORT/KgBW) daily for 14 days. Semen samples were collected on days 0, 7 and 14 and analyzed for semen volume (SV), progressive sperm motility (PSM), membrane integrity (MI) and sperm abnormality (SA). Mating behaviors were monitored on days 3, 5 and 8. Blood samples, for hormonal (Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Testosterone (TEST) and stress analysis (heterophil/lymphocyte ratio, H/L) were collected from brachial vein on days 7 and 14. On day 15, cocks were euthanized and testes harvested for histomorphometry. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis, one-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests all in SPSS 23. Administration of 4 mgeCORT/KgBW declined (P<0.05) PSM while 4 mgeCORT/KgBW and 6 mgeCORT/KgBW cocks had reduced (P<0.05) SV and MI with increased SA. Compared to baseline values, progressive sperm motility of cocks administered 6 mgeCORT for 7 and 14 days decreased (P<0.05) by 57.5% and 52.4%, respectively. Exogenous CORT had no significant (P>0.05) influence on the mating behaviors, H/L ratio, FSH and TEST. However, 2 mgeCORT/KgBW enhanced LH levels. Administration of eCORT did not affect the testicular epithelial height and seminiferous tubular diameter. In conclusion, optimal stress induced by eCORT impaired semen quality but with less impact on reproductive hormones, H/L and mating behaviors of intensively raised Nigerian indigenous cocks.

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The use of dogs in military work environments has always aroused great interest in the general population and determining the stress levels they go through is extremely important to maintain their welfare. The aim of this research was to evaluate if the work shifts in military working dogs leads to stress conditions and if this working influences on the reproductive performance and life quality. The study was conducted at the Military Police Kennel located at Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Eight male dogs of four different breeds (German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois Shepherd, Doberman, and Rottweiler) were evaluated during two different shifts: Working Shifts: animals working 12 hours a day with 2 hour-interval; and Control Shifts: animals that were on their day off (36 hours). Saliva samples were collected for cortisol analysis at the control and working shifts. The study was carried out over 60 days and analyzed behavior, physiology, and reproduction quality. Saliva samples, behavior observation of stereotyping, resting and moving activities and semen analysis were collected by digital stimulation (for combined second and third fractions). The salivary cortisol levels during the control and working shifts were between 0.361-0.438 and 0.312-0.592 µg/dL, respectively; the highest values were found at the end of working shifts. The animals were resting during most of the observation period, but few showed stereotypic behaviors. The testicular consistency was firm and semen parameters were within the normal values in German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois Shepherd, and Doberman dogs. However, Rottweiler dogs had a higher rate of sperm abnormalities, higher salivary cortisol levels, and more stereotypic behaviors. Nevertheless this work highlights the importance of further research relating reproduction and cortisol levels in military dogs.

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OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the influence of different dietary crude protein (CP) levels during the growth phase on reproductive characteristics and reproductive efficiency as well as the body development of adult male Japanese quail. METHODS: Three hundred one-day-old male quails were distributed into five treatments with diets containing different CP levels (18%, 20%, 22%, 24%, and 26%) in a completely randomized design, with six replicates of ten birds each. The CP diets were applied only during the growth phase (1 to 35 days). At 36 days of age, the birds were transferred to 30 laying cages with three males and nine females each, and all birds received the same diet formulated to meet production-phase requirements until 96 days of age. RESULTS: The growth rate of the birds increased linearly (p<0.01) with increasing dietary CP, but the age of maximum growth decreased (p<0.05). At growth maturity, all birds had the same body weight (p>0.05). At 35 days of age, higher weight gain was obtained (p<0.05) with diets containing 22% CP or higher. No effects on feed conversion were observed in this phase. The increase in dietary CP enhanced (p<0.01) nitrogen intake and nitrogen excretion but did not affect (p>0.05) nitrogen retention. Testis size, seminiferous tubular area, number of spermatogonia, and germinal epithelial height at 35 days of age increased linearly (p<0.05) with dietary CP, while the number of Leydig cells decreased (p<0.01). The Sertoli cell number at 60 days of age increased linearly (p<0.01) with dietary CP. Dietary CP levels did not affect cloacal gland size, foam weight, foam protein concentration, semen volume, or flock fertility at 90 days of age. CONCLUSION: Dietary CP concentration affected body and testicular development in male Japanese quails but did not affect reproductive efficiency.

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O Brasil vive um cenário de grande demanda pelo produto carne, tanto para o mercado interno quanto para o mercado externo. Para atender a esta demanda, há o envolvimento de toda a cadeia da carne, desde os programas de melhoramento genético com o fornecimento de touros melhoradores para tais características, como as centrais de colheita de sêmen desses animais para uso em massa por meio da Inseminação Artificial em Tempo Fixo (IATF). Para que haja sucesso no uso desta biotécnica, é de vital importância a qualidade do produto sêmen aliado às outras características como ambiência e nutrição.(AU)

Brazil is now with a great demand of beef products, for the domestic and exportation markets. To delivery the demand, the entire meat chain must be involved, included genetics programs to provide and separate superior bulls, and the collection centers that collect this superior genetics bulls to be used in the Fixed Timed Artificial Insemination (FTAI) biotechnique in a large scale. In order to be successful using this biotechnology, the quality of the semen combined with other characteristics such as ambience and nutrition are extremely important.(AU)

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The use of dogs in military work environments has always aroused great interest in the general population and determining the stress levels they go through is extremely important to maintain their welfare. The aim of this research was to evaluate if the work shifts in military working dogs leads to stress conditions and if this working influences on the reproductive performance and life quality. The study was conducted at the Military Police Kennel located at Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Eight male dogs of four different breeds (German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois Shepherd, Doberman, and Rottweiler) were evaluated during two different shifts: Working Shifts: animals working 12 hours a day with 2 hour-interval; and Control Shifts: animals that were on their day off (36 hours). Saliva samples were collected for cortisol analysis at the control and working shifts. The study was carried out over 60 days and analyzed behavior, physiology, and reproduction quality. Saliva samples, behavior observation of stereotyping, resting and moving activities and semen analysis were collected by digital stimulation (for combined second and third fractions). The salivary cortisol levels during the control and working shifts were between 0.361-0.438 and 0.312-0.592 µg/dL, respectively; the highest values were found at the end of working shifts. The animals were resting during most of the observation period, but few showed stereotypic behaviors. The testicular consistency was firm and semen parameters were within the normal values in German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois Shepherd, and Doberman dogs. However, Rottweiler dogs had a higher rate of sperm abnormalities, higher salivary cortisol levels, and more stereotypic behaviors. Nevertheless this work highlights the importance of further research relating reproduction and cortisol levels in military dogs.(AU)

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In bridging the knowledge gap on stress physiology of Nigerian indigenous chickens, this study investigated the effect of exogenous corticosterone (eCORT) as stress inducing agent on the testicular function and mating behavior of Nigerian indigenous cocks. Twenty-four (24) cocks and one hundred and forty four (144) hens (mating ratio of 1 cock: 6 hens) were grouped into four and assigned to each of the four eCORT treatments (0, 2, 4 and 6 mgeCORT/KgBW) daily for 14 days. Semen samples were collected on days 0, 7 and 14 and analyzed for semen volume (SV), progressive sperm motility (PSM), membrane integrity (MI) and sperm abnormality (SA). Mating behaviors were monitored on days 3, 5 and 8. Blood samples, for hormonal (Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Testosterone (TEST) and stress analysis (heterophil/lymphocyte ratio, H/L) were collected from brachial vein on days 7 and 14. On day 15, cocks were euthanized and testes harvested for histomorphometry. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis, one­way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests all in SPSS 23. Administration of 4 mgeCORT/KgBW declined (P0.05) influence on the mating behaviors, H/L ratio, FSH and TEST. However, 2 mgeCORT/KgBW enhanced LH levels. Administration of eCORT did not affect the testicular epithelial height and seminiferous tubular diameter. In conclusion, optimal stress induced by eCORT impaired semen quality but with less impact on reproductive hormones, H/L and mating behaviors of intensively raised Nigerian indigenous cocks.(AU)

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PURPOSE: To evaluate if age, alcohol consumption, and body mass index (BMI) have synergistic effects on seminal quality, and to rank these factors based on their impact on semen. METHODS: Retrospective study of 9464 patients attending an andrology laboratory. Data on patients' age and daily alcohol intake were provided by the patients. BMI was recorded in the laboratory. Seminal parameters evaluated were volume, sperm concentration and total count, motility, morphology, viability, nuclear maturity, and membrane functional integrity. RESULTS: All the seminal parameters evaluated were affected by the synergistic interaction Age x BMI, suggesting that this combination is more potent in affecting semen quality. The variables sperm morphology and nuclear maturity seemed to be especially susceptible since they were affected by the three synergistic interactions. In the logistic regression analysis, age was the most powerful factor since it impacted first on five of the nine parameters, impacting mainly on sperm motility, viability, and morphology, with no effects on sperm count. On the contrary, BMI impacted first in sperm concentration and total sperm count; which was confirmed also by the logistic predictions analysis. Alcohol consumption impacted first on membrane functional integrity and nuclear maturity. A J-shaped association between BMI or alcohol consumption with semen quality was found in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: The factors considered in this study showed a synergistic negative impact on semen quality, being age and unhealthy weight the most important ones. Reducing the exposure to lifestyle risk factors may be promising for improving sperm quality in infertile patients.

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Infertility affects about 15% of the population and male factors only are responsible for ~25-30% of cases of infertility. Currently, the etiology of suboptimal semen quality is poorly understood, and many environmental and genetic factors, including oxidative stress, have been implicated. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of free radicals, or reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the capacity of the body to counteract their harmful effects through neutralization by antioxidants. The purpose of this review, by employing the joint expertise of international researchers specialized in nutrition and male fertility areas, is to update the knowledge about the reproductive consequences of excessive ROS concentrations and oxidative stress on the semen quality and Assisted Reproduction Techniques (ART) clinical outcomes, to discuss the role of antioxidants in fertility outcomes, and finally to discuss why foods and dietary patterns are more innocuous long term solution for ameliorating oxidative stress and therefore semen quality results and ART fertility outcomes. Since this is a narrative review and not a systematic/meta-analysis, the summarized information in the present study should be considered cautiously.

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Male infertility accounts for about 30% of the causes of couple infertility and has become a public health concern. Male infertility may be caused by several factors occurring in isolation or association with several complex syndromes. Despite the importance of semen analysis in the initial investigation of infertility, it has been estimated that 15% of infertile men present normal sperm, a proportion that calls for additional tests to further investigate cases of infertility and accurately determine the factors that alter ejaculate quality. In addition to semen analysis parameters, genetics has been drawing attention. The incorporation of genetic diagnostic methods in the routine practice of andrology laboratories is an important step to further improve assisted reproductive technologies. The present study described the current status of the main methods used in male infertility investigation.

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In vitro and in vivo assays were conducted to investigate the effects of trans-resveratrol (RVT) on liquid-extended boar semen during 72 h of storage at 17 °C. Thirty-six ejaculates were collected from six boars, evaluated, and extended. RVT was then added at the indicated treatment concentration (0, 0.01, 0.1 or 1 mM), and the ejaculates were cooled to 17 °C and evaluated at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h. Samples were evaluated for sperm motility, kinetics, plasma and acrosome integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, anion superoxide levels, lipoperoxidation, and antioxidant enzyme activity. In the follow-up experiment, twenty-eight gilts were fixed-time inseminated with 0 or 0.01 mM RVT liquid-extended boar semen. After five days, they were slaughtered, and their reproductive tracts were recovered. The embryos were collected, and the pregnancy, fertility, and viable embryo rates were calculated. In the in vitro assays, total motility, plasma and acrosome membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, anion superoxide levels, and lipoperoxidation did not change at any of the evaluation times with the use of RVT up to 0.01 mM. RVT decreased SOD activity without changes in GPx. RVT used at 1 mM showed harmful effects for almost all evaluated parameters. For the in vivo assay, the same pregnancy and fertility rates were observed for both groups, while the viable embryo rate was three-fold lower in the 0.01 mM group than in the 0 mM group. The results showed a dichotomous effect of RVT; a low concentration was not harmful in vitro but was catastrophic for embryo viability.

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