RESUMO
Seminal fluid is rich in sugars, but their role beyond supporting sperm motility is unknown. In this study, we found Drosophila melanogaster males transfer a substantial amount of a phospho-galactoside to females during mating, but only half as much when undernourished. This seminal substance, which we named venerose, induces an increase in germline stem cells (GSCs) and promotes sperm storage in females, especially undernourished ones. Venerose enters the hemolymph and directly activates nutrient-sensing Dh44+ neurons in the brain. Food deprivation directs the nutrient-sensing neurons to secrete more of the neuropeptide Dh44 in response to infused venerose. The secreted Dh44 then enhances the local niche signal, stimulating GSC proliferation. It also extends the retention of ejaculate by females, resulting in greater venerose absorption and increased sperm storage. In this study, we uncovered the role of a sugar-like seminal substance produced by males that coordinates reproductive responses to nutritional challenges in females.
Assuntos
Drosophila melanogaster , Reprodução , Comportamento Sexual Animal , Animais , Masculino , Feminino , Drosophila melanogaster/fisiologia , Drosophila melanogaster/metabolismo , Comportamento Sexual Animal/fisiologia , Reprodução/fisiologia , Espermatozoides/metabolismo , Espermatozoides/fisiologia , Sêmen/metabolismo , Sêmen/química , Proteínas de Drosophila/metabolismo , Neurônios/metabolismo , Neurônios/fisiologia , Açúcares/metabolismo , Neuropeptídeos/metabolismo , Estresse Fisiológico , Hemolinfa/metabolismo , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides/fisiologiaRESUMO
PURPOSE: To determine the effect of electromagnetic waves of mobile phone stations on several sperm parameters and the male reproductive system. METHODS: This observational study was performed on 216 subjects, aged 18-60 years. Two equal groups of subjects were assigned to group A (study group) if they were living close to cell phone tower stations for at least 6 months and group B (control group) formed from individuals living 100 meters away from cell phone tower stations. Every subject underwent a comprehensive history taking, a clinical assessment, and laboratory testing. RESULTS: Regarding morphology index in the studied groups, the exposed group exhibited a trend of reduced percentage of normal morphology compared to the non-exposed group, with no statistical difference between the two groups. Regarding the total sperm motility (A+B+C) and progressive sperm motility (A+B) in the studied groups, the exposed group showed a trend of decreased total sperm motility and of progressive sperm motility in contrast to the non-exposed group, with no statistical difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Personal wrong lifestyles with exposure to electromagnetic waves have shown a trend towards a reduced percentage of normal morphology and reduced motility although nonstatistically significant compared with non-exposed populations.
Assuntos
Telefone Celular , Ondas de Rádio , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides , Humanos , Masculino , Adulto , Adolescente , Adulto Jovem , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides/efeitos da radiação , Ondas de Rádio/efeitos adversos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Radiação Eletromagnética , Fertilidade/efeitos da radiação , Espermatozoides/efeitos da radiação , Infertilidade Masculina/etiologia , Exposição Ambiental/efeitos adversosRESUMO
Combining cholesterol-loaded methyl-ß-cyclodextrin (CD-CHL) with vitamin E-loaded methyl-ß-cyclodextrin (CD-Vit E) to combat cold shock and oxidative stress during sperm cryopreservation in soybean lecithin extenders remains unexplored. Thus, the current study aimed to investigate the effect of treating bull sperm with CD-CHL and CD-Vit E prior to cryopreservation in a soybean lecithin extender. Sperm collected from eight fertile bulls were pooled and split into six aliquots. Five aliquots were treated, in a Tris-based extender, with CD-CHL (2 mg/120 × 106 cells/mL) and either 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 or 2 mg CD-Vit E/120 × 106 cells/mL. The control aliquot was diluted in a Tris-based extender without further supplementation. After incubation at 22°C for 15 min and addition of a soybean lecithin extender, all aliquots were equilibrated for 2 h at 4°C and then cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen. Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) was used to explore the different sperm motility parameters, hypo-osmotic swelling test to determine membrane functionality and fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated Aeachis hypogaea (peanut) agglutinin (FITC-PNA) to quantify acrosome integrity. The effect of oxidative stress on the sperm membrane was assessed through lipid peroxidation measurement. Compared to control, CD-CHL alone improved significantly (p < 0.05) all CASA motility parameters, membrane functionality and acrosome integrity of thawed sperm. The membrane functionality was more significantly (p < 0.05) improved when 0.5 mg CD-Vit E was combined with CD-CHL. Concerning lipid peroxidation, no significant differences (p > 0.05) in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were registered between groups. In conclusion, the combination of CD-CHL and CD-Vit E demonstrated a significant positive effect on the cryopreservation of bull sperm in a soybean lecithin extender.
Assuntos
Colesterol , Criopreservação , Crioprotetores , Glycine max , Preservação do Sêmen , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides , Espermatozoides , Vitamina E , Masculino , Animais , Criopreservação/veterinária , Criopreservação/métodos , Bovinos , Preservação do Sêmen/veterinária , Preservação do Sêmen/métodos , Vitamina E/farmacologia , Crioprotetores/farmacologia , Colesterol/farmacologia , Espermatozoides/efeitos dos fármacos , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides/efeitos dos fármacos , Glycine max/química , Lecitinas/farmacologia , beta-Ciclodextrinas/farmacologia , Ciclodextrinas/farmacologia , Estresse Oxidativo/efeitos dos fármacos , Acrossomo/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
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.
Assuntos
Mitocôndrias , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides , Espermatozoides , Animais , Masculino , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides/fisiologia , Espermatozoides/metabolismo , Espermatozoides/fisiologia , Humanos , Camundongos , Mitocôndrias/metabolismo , Respiração Celular , Vesículas Extracelulares/metabolismo , Epididimo/metabolismo , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Estresse Fisiológico , Adulto , Células Epiteliais/metabolismo , Análise do Sêmen , Estudos de CoortesRESUMO
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.
Assuntos
Centrifugação , Análise do Sêmen , Preservação do Sêmen , Animais , Cães/fisiologia , Masculino , Centrifugação/veterinária , Centrifugação/métodos , Preservação do Sêmen/veterinária , Preservação do Sêmen/métodos , Análise do Sêmen/veterinária , Sêmen/fisiologia , Fatores de Tempo , Espermatozoides/fisiologia , Motilidade dos EspermatozoidesRESUMO
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.
Assuntos
COVID-19 , Fertilidade , SARS-CoV-2 , Análise do Sêmen , Testosterona , Humanos , Masculino , COVID-19/complicações , COVID-19/virologia , Fertilidade/fisiologia , Infertilidade Masculina/sangue , Infertilidade Masculina/fisiopatologia , Infertilidade Masculina/virologia , Hormônio Luteinizante/sangue , SARS-CoV-2/patogenicidade , Sêmen/fisiologia , Contagem de Espermatozoides , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides/fisiologia , Testosterona/sangueRESUMO
To fertilize eggs, sperm must pass through narrow, complex channels filled with viscoelastic fluids in the female reproductive tract. While it is known that the topography of the surfaces plays a role in guiding sperm movement, sperm have been thought of as swimmers, i.e., their motility comes solely from sperm interaction with the surrounding fluid, and therefore, the surfaces have no direct role in the motility mechanism itself. Here, we examined the role of solid surfaces in the movement of sperm in a highly viscoelastic medium. By visualizing the flagellum interaction with surfaces in a microfluidic device, we found that the flagellum stays close to the surface while the kinetic friction between the flagellum and the surface is in the direction of sperm movement, providing thrust. Additionally, the flow field generated by sperm suggests slippage between the viscoelastic fluid and the solid surface, deviating from the no-slip boundary typically used in standard fluid dynamics models. These observations point to hybrid motility mechanisms in sperm involving direct flagellum-surface interaction in addition to flagellum pushing the fluid. This finding signifies an evolutionary strategy of mammalian sperm crucial for their efficient migration through narrow, mucus-filled passages of the female reproductive tract.
Assuntos
Motilidade dos Espermatozoides , Espermatozoides , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides/fisiologia , Masculino , Animais , Espermatozoides/fisiologia , Viscosidade , Elasticidade , Cauda do Espermatozoide/fisiologia , FemininoRESUMO
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).
Assuntos
Antioxidantes , Catequina , Criopreservação , Análise do Sêmen , Preservação do Sêmen , Animais , Masculino , Catequina/análogos & derivados , Catequina/farmacologia , Preservação do Sêmen/veterinária , Criopreservação/veterinária , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Análise do Sêmen/veterinária , Bovinos , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Extratos Vegetais/química , Chá/química , Fenômenos Biomecânicos/efeitos dos fármacos , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides/efeitos dos fármacos , Sêmen/efeitos dos fármacos , Sêmen/fisiologia , Espermatozoides/efeitos dos fármacos , Espermatozoides/fisiologiaRESUMO
Rheotaxis is a fundamental mechanism of sperm cells that guides them in navigating towards the oocyte. The present study investigates the phenomenon of sperm rheotaxis in Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluid media, which for the first time explores a viscosity range equivalent to that of the oviductal fluid of the female reproductive tract in rectilinear microfluidic channels. Three parameters, the progressive velocity while performing rheotaxis, the radius of rotation during rheotaxis, and the percentage of rheotactic sperm cells in the bulk and near-wall regions of the microfluidic channel were measured. Numerical simulations of the flow were conducted to estimate the shear rate, flow velocity, and the drag force acting on the sperm head at specific locations where the sperms undergo rheotaxis. Increasing the flow velocity resulted in a change in the position of rheotactic sperm from the bulk center to the near wall region, an increase and subsequent decrease in the sperm's upstream progressive velocity, and a decrease in the radius of rotation. We observed that with an increase in viscosity, rheotactic sperms migrate to the near wall regions at lower flow rates, the upstream progressive velocity of the sperm decreases for Newtonian and increases for non-Newtonian media, and the radius of rotation increases for Newtonian and decreases for non-Newtonian media. These results quantify the effects of fluid properties such as viscosity and flow rate on sperm rheotaxis and navigation, thereby paving the way for manipulating sperm behavior in microfluidic devices, potentially leading to advancements in assisted reproduction techniques.
Assuntos
Motilidade dos Espermatozoides , Espermatozoides , Viscosidade , Espermatozoides/fisiologia , Masculino , Microfluídica/métodosRESUMO
Infertility rates have risen significantly, one of which is due to monosodium glutamate (MSG) consumption. Recent studies have shown that flavonoids in black garlic (Allium sativum) act as antioxidants. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of black garlic extract (BGE) on gonadosomatic index, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, and spermatozoa quality in rats exposed to MSG. Twenty-five healthy rats, aged ten to twelve weeks, were divided equally into five experimental groups: (1) negative control (NC), no intervention; (2) positive control (PC), fed with MSG 8 mg/kg; and (3) fed with MSG + BGE 200 mg/kg; (4) fed with MSG + BGE 400 mg/kg; and (5) fed with MSG + BGE 600 mg/kg. Oral MSG was administered once a day for two weeks before BGE administration was started for two weeks. The measured endpoints were gonadosomatic index, FSH levels, and spermatozoa concentration and quality (spermatozoa motility and abnormality). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan's post hoc analysis was used to assess the measurement differences. The result suggested that the administration of BGE did not significantly affect the gonadosomatic index (p=0.513). Significant decreases in FSH levels (p=0.005) and spermatozoa concentration were observed in the PC group compared to other groups (p<0.001). Additionally, spermatozoa motility was significantly lower in the PC group compared to NC, BGE200, BGE400, and BGE600 (p<0.001), with higher motility noted in BGE200, BGE400, and BGE600 compared to PC (p<0.001). Furthermore, PC had significantly higher spermatozoa abnormalities compared to NC, BGE200, BGE400, and BGE600 (p<0.001). In conclusion, administration of BGE had a significant effect on the improvement of FSH levels and the quality of spermatozoa in rats exposed to MSG.
Assuntos
Hormônio Foliculoestimulante , Alho , Extratos Vegetais , Glutamato de Sódio , Espermatozoides , Animais , Masculino , Alho/química , Glutamato de Sódio/farmacologia , Hormônio Foliculoestimulante/sangue , Ratos , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Extratos Vegetais/administração & dosagem , Espermatozoides/efeitos dos fármacos , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides/efeitos dos fármacos , Ratos Wistar , Antioxidantes/farmacologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Valproic acid (VPA) is a widely used antiepileptic drug (AED) often prescribed as a first-line treatment for many idiopathic and symptomatic generalized epilepsies. Several studies have highlighted the side effects of VPA on male fertility and reproductive factors in males, although the specific underlying etiology of these abnormalities is not clear. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the preclinical and clinical evidence concerning the impact of VPA on male fertility and reproductive factors. METHODS: The scientific literature was reviewed for eligibility using PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO, encompassing preclinical and clinical studies. Factors related to male fertility and reproduction, such as differences in sperm count, sperm motility, and the percentage of abnormal sperm, were compared between the experimental groups treated with VPA (in both preclinical and clinical) and the control groups using the Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Additionally, differences in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were explicitly assessed in clinical studies. RESULTS: Male fertility data were extracted from 7 preclinical studies (112 animals) and 5 clinical studies (274 male individuals). The results of animal studies found that the sperm count (SMD = -2.28, 95% CI: -3.39 to -1.18, P = 0.335) and sperm motility (SMD = -2.32, 95% CI: -3.34 to -1.30, P = 0.368) were decreased in the treated groups compared to the control groups. The percentage of abnormal sperm (SMD = 3.27, 95% CI: 1.98 to 4.56, P = 0.019) was significantly increased, while a non-significant reduction was revealed in the weight of the testis (SMD = -2.73, 95% CI: -4.23 to -1.23, P = 0.673) in treated groups. The outcomes of clinical studies indicated a non-significant decrease in sperm count (SMD = -0.78, 95% CI: -1.58 to 0.03, P = 0.286) among patients with epilepsy treated with VPA compared to control subjects. However, a significant reduction in sperm motility (SMD = -1.62, 95% CI: -2.81 to -0.43, P = 0.033 was observed. The percentage of abnormal sperm showed a non-significant increase (SMD = 0.93, 95% CI: -0.97 to 2.84, P = 0.616) after being treated with VPA. Furthermore, there was a non-significant reduction in the levels of FSH (SMD = -1.32, 95% CI: -2.93 to 0.29, P = 0.198) and LH (SMD = -0.96, 95% CI: -1.95 to 0.04, P = 0.211) observed in clinical participants. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis of both preclinical and clinical studies revealed that VPA causes a significant reduction in male fertility and reproductive factors among male patients with epilepsy. Clinical neurologists should be more cautious when prescribing VPA, especially to young male adult patients with epilepsy.
Assuntos
Anticonvulsivantes , Fertilidade , Contagem de Espermatozoides , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides , Ácido Valproico , Ácido Valproico/efeitos adversos , Masculino , Humanos , Anticonvulsivantes/efeitos adversos , Fertilidade/efeitos dos fármacos , Animais , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides/efeitos dos fármacos , Infertilidade Masculina/induzido quimicamente , Hormônio Foliculoestimulante/sangueRESUMO
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.
Assuntos
Ácido Hialurônico , Infertilidade Masculina , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides , Espermatozoides , Humanos , Masculino , Ácido Hialurônico/metabolismo , Adulto , Espermatozoides/metabolismo , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Infertilidade Masculina/metabolismo , Análise do Sêmen/métodos , Contagem de Espermatozoides , Adulto Jovem , FertilidadeRESUMO
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.
Assuntos
Carnitina , Criopreservação , Crioprotetores , Fragmentação do DNA , Peroxidação de Lipídeos , Ácido Pirúvico , Preservação do Sêmen , Espermatozoides , Animais , Masculino , Cavalos , Criopreservação/veterinária , Criopreservação/métodos , Carnitina/farmacologia , Carnitina/administração & dosagem , Preservação do Sêmen/veterinária , Preservação do Sêmen/métodos , Espermatozoides/efeitos dos fármacos , Espermatozoides/fisiologia , Ácido Pirúvico/farmacologia , Crioprotetores/farmacologia , Peroxidação de Lipídeos/efeitos dos fármacos , Fragmentação do DNA/efeitos dos fármacos , Análise do Sêmen/veterinária , Acrossomo/efeitos dos fármacos , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides/efeitos dos fármacos , Antioxidantes/farmacologiaRESUMO
Persons living in industrial environments are exposed to levels of air pollution that can affect their health and fertility. The Czech capital city, Prague, and the Ostrava industrial agglomeration differ in their major sources of air pollution. In Prague, heavy traffic produces high levels of nitrogen oxides throughout the year. In the Ostrava region, an iron industry and local heating are sources of particulate matter (PM) and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), especially in the winter. We evaluated the effects of air pollution on human sperm mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Using real-time PCR, we analysed sperm mtDNA copy number and deletion rate in Prague city policemen in two seasons (spring and autumn) and compared the results with those from Ostrava. In Prague, the sperm mtDNA deletion rate was significantly higher in autumn than in spring, which is the opposite of the results from Ostrava. The sperm mtDNA copy number did not show any seasonal differences in either of the cities; it was correlated negatively with sperm concentration, motility, and viability, and with sperm chromatin integrity (assessed with the Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay). The comparison between the two cities showed that the sperm mtDNA deletion rate in spring and the sperm mtDNA copy number in autumn were significantly lower in Prague vs. Ostrava. Our study supports the hypothesis that sperm mtDNA deletion rate is affected by the composition of air pollution. Sperm mtDNA abundance is closely associated with chromatin damage and standard semen characteristics.
Assuntos
Poluição do Ar , Variações do Número de Cópias de DNA , DNA Mitocondrial , Espermatozoides , Humanos , Masculino , DNA Mitocondrial/genética , Espermatozoides/efeitos dos fármacos , República Tcheca , Adulto , Poluição do Ar/efeitos adversos , Estações do Ano , Material Particulado/toxicidade , Material Particulado/efeitos adversos , Poluentes Atmosféricos/toxicidade , Poluentes Atmosféricos/efeitos adversos , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides/efeitos dos fármacos , PolíciaRESUMO
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.
Assuntos
Fragmentação do DNA , Infertilidade Masculina , Espermatozoides , Humanos , Masculino , Infertilidade Masculina/genética , Espermatozoides/metabolismo , Análise do Sêmen/métodos , Gravidez , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides , FemininoRESUMO
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.
Assuntos
Curcumina , Cabras , Lipidômica , Metabolômica , Análise do Sêmen , Preservação do Sêmen , Animais , Curcumina/farmacologia , Masculino , Lipidômica/métodos , Metabolômica/métodos , Preservação do Sêmen/métodos , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Sêmen/metabolismo , Sêmen/efeitos dos fármacos , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides/efeitos dos fármacos , Estresse Oxidativo/efeitos dos fármacos , Espécies Reativas de Oxigênio/metabolismo , Espermatozoides/efeitos dos fármacos , Espermatozoides/metabolismo , Metaboloma/efeitos dos fármacos , Acrossomo/metabolismo , Acrossomo/efeitos dos fármacos , Clima TropicalRESUMO
The study aimed to determine the in-vitro effect of metformin on total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of seminal samples of infertile male subjects. It was conducted from January to June 2022 on forty-four seminal plasma samples collected from male infertile patients, age ranging from 18 to 55 years. All 44 semen samples were treated as three distinct groups: (i) a control group (ii) a study group subjected to oxidative stress (OS) induction and (iii) a test group exposed to OS induction and subsequent treatment with metformin. OS was introduced by using commercially available 100µM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and incubated for twenty-four hours at 37ºC. After that 1 ml of 100 mmol/l concentration of commercially available Metformin (PHR 1331, CAS: 461-58-5) was administered to test group samples for additional 24h at 37ºC. Low levels of TAC were observed after OS induction in comparison to the control group (p=0.01). In test samples (after treatment with Metformin), a positive correlation of TAC with sperm count, normal sperm morphology and sperm motility were observed however, results were not significant. The antioxidant effect of Metformin was shown to improve the antioxidant capacity of OS induced samples and their sperm parameters in seminal plasma of infertile male subjects.
Assuntos
Antioxidantes , Infertilidade Masculina , Metformina , Estresse Oxidativo , Sêmen , Espermatozoides , Masculino , Metformina/farmacologia , Estresse Oxidativo/efeitos dos fármacos , Humanos , Infertilidade Masculina/tratamento farmacológico , Infertilidade Masculina/metabolismo , Adulto , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Adulto Jovem , Espermatozoides/efeitos dos fármacos , Espermatozoides/metabolismo , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Sêmen/efeitos dos fármacos , Sêmen/metabolismo , Adolescente , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides/efeitos dos fármacos , Peróxido de Hidrogênio/metabolismo , Contagem de EspermatozoidesRESUMO
Spermatozoon volume regulation is an essential determinant of male fertility competence in mammals and oviparous fishes. In mammals, aquaporin water channels (AQP3, -7 and -8) have been suggested to play a role in spermatozoon cell volume regulatory responses in the hypotonic female oviduct. In contrast, the ejaculated spermatozoa of marine teleosts, such as the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), experience a high hypertonic shock in seawater, initially resulting in an Aqp1aa-mediated water efflux, cell shrinkage and the activation of motility. Further regulatory recovery of cell volume in post-activated spermatozoa is mediated by Aqp4a in cooperation with the Trpv4 Ca2+ channel and other ion channels and transporters. Using a paralog-specific antibody, here, we show that seabream spermatozoa also express the aquaglyceroporin AQP3 ortholog Aqp3a, which is highly accumulated in the mid posterior region of the spermatozoon flagella, in a similar pattern to that described in mouse and human sperm. To investigate the role of Aqp3a in seabream sperm motility, we used a recently developed AQP3 antagonist (DFP00173), as well as the seabream Aqp3a-specific antibody (α-SaAqp3a), both of which specifically inhibit Aqp3a-mediated water conductance when the channel was heterologously expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Inhibition with either DFP00173 or α-SaAqp3a did not affect sperm motility activation but did impair the spermatozoon motion kinetics at 30 s post activation in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, in close resemblance to the phenotypes of AQP3-deficient murine sperm, electron microscopy image analysis revealed that both Aqp3a inhibitors induce abnormal sperm tail morphologies, including swelling and angulation of the tail, with complete coiling of the flagella in some cases. These findings suggest a conserved role of Aqp3a as an osmosensor that regulates cell volume in fish spermatozoa under a high hypertonic stress, thereby controlling the efflux of water and/or solutes in the post-activated spermatozoon.
Assuntos
Aquaporina 3 , Dourada , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides , Espermatozoides , Animais , Masculino , Espermatozoides/metabolismo , Aquaporina 3/metabolismo , Aquaporina 3/genética , Dourada/metabolismo , Feminino , CamundongosRESUMO
Male infertility due to asthenozoospermia is quite frequent, but its etiology is poorly understood. We recruited two infertile brothers, born to first-cousin parents from Pakistan, displaying idiopathic asthenozoospermia with mild stuttering disorder but no ciliary-related symptoms. Whole-exome sequencing identified a splicing variant (c.916+1G>A) in ARMC3, recessively co-segregating with asthenozoospermia in the family. The ARMC3 protein is evolutionarily highly conserved and is mostly expressed in the brain and testicular tissue of human. The ARMC3 splicing mutation leads to the exclusion of exon 8, resulting in a predicted truncated protein (p.Glu245_Asp305delfs*16). Quantitative real-time PCR revealed a significant decrease at mRNA level for ARMC3 and Western blot analysis did not detect ARMC3 protein in the patient's sperm. Individuals homozygous for the ARMC3 splicing variant displayed reduced sperm motility with frequent morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella. Transmission electron microscopy of the affected individual IV: 2 revealed vacuolation in sperm mitochondria at the midpiece and disrupted flagellar ultrastructure in the principal and end piece. Altogether, our results indicate that this novel homozygous ARMC3 splicing mutation destabilizes sperm flagella and leads to asthenozoospermia in our patients, providing a novel marker for genetic counseling and diagnosis of male infertility.
Assuntos
Astenozoospermia , Consanguinidade , Homozigoto , Linhagem , Splicing de RNA , Cauda do Espermatozoide , Adulto , Humanos , Masculino , Astenozoospermia/genética , Astenozoospermia/patologia , Sequenciamento do Exoma , Infertilidade Masculina/genética , Infertilidade Masculina/patologia , Mutação , Splicing de RNA/genética , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides/genética , Cauda do Espermatozoide/patologia , Cauda do Espermatozoide/ultraestrutura , Cauda do Espermatozoide/metabolismo , Espermatozoides/ultraestrutura , Espermatozoides/patologiaRESUMO
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.