Effects of acrylamide in the presence of vitamin E on sperm parameters, chromatin quality, and testosterone levels in mice / 대한생식의학회지

Objective@#The present study investigated sperm chromatin quality and testosterone levels in acrylamide-treated mice and the possible protective effects of vitamin E on the fertility potential of spermatozoa. @*Methods@#Thirty-two adult male mice were divided equally into four groups. Group 1 was the control, group 2 received acrylamide (10 mg/kg, water solution), group 3 received vitamin E (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), and group 4 received both acrylamide and vitamin E. After 35 days, spermatozoa from the right cauda epididymis were analyzed in terms of count, motility, morphology, and viability. Sperm DNA integrity and chromatin condensation were assessed by acridine orange (AO), aniline blue (AB), toluidine blue (TB), and chromomycin A3 (CMA3) staining. @*Results@#In acrylamide-treated mice, significantly lower sperm concentration, viability, motility, and testosterone levels were found in comparison with the control and acrylamide+vitamin E groups (p<0.05). In the vitamin E group, significantly more favorable sperm parameters and testosterone levels were found than in the other groups (p<0.05). There were also significantly more spermatozoa with less condensed chromatin in the acrylamide-treated mice than in the other groups. Moreover, significantly more spermatozoa with mature nuclei (assessed by AB, CMA3, AO, and TB staining) were present in the vitamin E group than in the control and acrylamide+vitamin E groups. @*Conclusion@#This study revealed the deleterious effects of acrylamide on sperm parameters and sperm chromatin quality. Vitamin E can not only compensate for the toxic effects of acrylamide, but also improve sperm chromatin quality in mice.

Correlations between embryo morphokinetic development and maternal age: Results from an intracytoplasmic sperm injection program / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: It is widely accepted that aging decreases women’s fertility capacity. The aim of this study was to assess correlations between maternal age and the morphokinetic parameters and cleavage pattern of embryos. METHODS: The morphokinetics of embryos derived from women 40 years of age were compared retrospectively in terms of time of second polar body extrusion, time of pronuclei appearance, time of pronuclei fading, and time of two to eight discrete cells (t2–t8). Furthermore, abnormal cleavage patterns such as uneven blastomeres at the two-cell stage, cell fusion (Fu), and trichotomous mitoses (TM) were assessed. RESULTS: Only t5 occurred later in women aged 36–40 and >40 years when compared with those aged 0.05). However, Fu and TM were more common in women aged >40 years than in younger women (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Maternal age was correlated with the cleavage pattern of embryos. Therefore, evaluating embryo morphokinetics may contribute to optimal embryo selection, thereby increasing fertility in patients with advanced maternal age.

etiologies of sperm DNA abnormalities in male infertility: an assessment and review

The sperm DNA damage may occur in testis, genital ducts, and also after ejaculation. Mechanisms altering chromatin remodeling are abortive apoptosis and oxidative stress resulting from reactive oxygen species. Three classifications of intratesticular, post-testicular, and external factors have been correlated with increased levels of sperm DNA damage which can affect the potential of fertility. Alcohol consumption may not increase the rate of sperm residual histones and protamine deficiency; however, it causes an increase in the percentage of spermatozoa with DNA fragmentation and apoptosis. In a medical problem as spinal cord injury, poor semen parameters and sperm DNA damage were reported. Infection induces reactive oxygen species production, decreases the total antioxidant capacity and sperm DNA fragmentation or antigen production that lead to sperm dysfunctions and DNA fragmentation. While reactive oxygen species generation increases with age, oxidative stress may be responsible for the age-dependent sperm DNA damage. The exposing of reproductive organs in older men to oxidative stress for a long time may produce more DNA-damaged spermatozoa than youngers. Examining the sperm chromatin quality in testicular cancer and Hodgkin's lymphoma patients prior to chemotherapy demonstrated the high incidence of DNA damage and low compaction in spermatozoa at the time of diagnosis. In chemotherapy cycles with genotoxic agents in cancer patients, an increase in sperm DNA damage was shown after treatment. In overall, those factors occurring during the prenatal or the adult life alter the distribution of proteins associated with sperm chromatin induce changes in germ cells which can be detected in infertile patients

Relationship between sperm protamine deficiency and apoptosis in couples with unexplained repeated spontaneous abortions

Background: Etiology of more than half of Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion. The etiology of more than 50 percent of Recurrent Spontaneous Abortions [RSA] cases has been remained unexplained. It is supposed that RSA may have "paternal effect" due to supply 50% of embryonic genomic content by male gamete

Objective: The aim of present study was to evaluate the role of sperm apoptosis and protamine deficiency at same time in RSA cases

Materials and Methods: Forty fertile [control] and 40 unfertile men with RSA [case] were enrolled in this case-control study. Semen analysis was performed in accordance with WHO criteria and sperm apoptosis and protamine deficiency were evaluated by cell apoptosis detection kit and chromomycin A3, respectively

Results: Results showed significant different between normal morphology and total motility in two groups. Case group had higher percentage of spermatozoa with protamine deficiency and apoptosis compared to controls significantly

Conclusion: Our results showed that in cases of RSA, in addition to abnormal sperm parameters, we have a high percentage of spermatozoa with protamine deficiency and apoptosis and these two anomalies may consider as important causes of idiopathic recurrent abortions. It should be advised that sperm chromatin and DNA examinations are useful tools in the process of RSA treatments

effect of heracleum persicum [Golpar] oil and alcoholic extracts on sperm parameters and chromatin quality in mice

Background: Evaluating the significance and the effects of plant-derived drugs on laboratory animal's fertility was recognized. There was antioxidant activity reported from Heracleum persicum [Golpar]

Objective: Current study aims to study the antioxidant effect of Golpar extracts on sperm parameters and chromatin quality in mice

Materials and Methods: Eighteen adult male mice were divided to 3 groups [10 wk old, 35 gr weight]: group1 received hydro alcoholic extract [1000 mg/kg, ip], group 2 received oil extract [200 mg/kg, ip] and group 3 serving as the sham control group that received sterile water. Finally, left cauda epididymis of each animal was dissected and sperm analysis was done accordingly. To asses sperm chromatin and DNA quality, we used aniline blue [AB], toluidine blue [TB],chromomycin A3 [CMA3] and acridine orange [AO] staining

Results: Progressive and non-progressive sperm motility were significantly increased in group 1 in comparison with group 3 [p=0.032]. There was an increasing trend in progressive sperm motility and decreasing trend in non-progressive sperm motility in group 2 in comparison with group 3, but the differences were not significant [p=0.221 and p=0.144, respectively]. According to the sperm chromatin quality, the results of TB and AO tests revealed significant differences [p=0.004, p=0.000, respectively] between those groups and showed that the extracts of Golpar cause DNA damage, but no differences can be observed between them in AB and CMA3 staining [p>0.05]

Conclusion: The results showed that Heracleum persicum extracts may improve sperm motility. Also, it has harmful effects on sperm chromatin condensation and DNA integrity in mice

The effect of embryo catheter loading technique on the live birth rate / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: Embryo loading (EL) is a major step in embryo transfer (ET) and affect on the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF). This study aimed to compare the effect of two different EL techniques on the rates of pregnancy and delivery in IVF/ET cycles. METHODS: 207 fresh ET and 194 Frozen-thawed ET (FET) cycles were included in this retrospective study. Two groups (A and B) were defined based on the EL technique used. In group A, the entire catheter was flushed with Ham's F-10 medium. The embryos were then drawn into the catheter using one air bracket. In group B, 70 microL of air was aspirated into the syringe and the catheter was flushed using Ham's F10 medium. The medium, air, embryos, air, and finally another layer of medium were then sequentially drawn into the catheter. The main outcome measures were the pregnancy and delivery rates. RESULTS: The groups did not differ with respect to the etiology of infertility, the source of spermatozoa, the quality of the embryos, the type of EL catheter, and the ease of transfer. The pregnancy rate was similar between two groups. In fresh ET cycles, a higher delivery rate was observed in group B than it group A (78.1% vs. 60%, p=0.1). In FET cycles, the rate of delivery was significantly higher in group B than in group A to a nonsignificant extent (88.9% vs. 58.8%, p=0.06). CONCLUSION: EL techniques did not have a significant impact on the delivery rate in either fresh or FET cycles.

Effects of acrylamide on sperm parameters, chromatin quality, and the level of blood testosterone in mice

Acrylamide [AA] is an important industrial chemical primarily. AA is also found in carbohydrate-rich foods that are prepared at high temperatures, such as French fries and potato chips. It is demonstrated that AA is a carcinogen and reproductive toxin and has ability to induce sperm damage. The aim of this study was to observe the effects of AA on sperm parameters and evaluation of sperm chromatin quality and testosterone hormone in mice. Totally, 16 adult male mice were divided into two groups. Mice of group A fed on basal diet; group B received basal diet and AA [10 mg/kg, water solution] for 35 days. The right cauda epididymis was incised and then placed in Ham's F10 culture media at 37°C for 15 min. Released spermatozoa were used to analyze count, motility, morphology and viability. To determine the sperm DNA integrity and chromatin condensation, the cytochemical techniques including Aniline blue, Acridine orange and Chromomycin A3 staining were used. AA-treated mice had poor parameters in comparison with control animals. In sperm chromatin assessments, except TB [p=0.16], significant differences were found in all of the tests between two groups. It was also seen a significant decrease in concentration of blood testosterone in AA-treated animals when compared to controls [p<0.001]. According to our results, AA can affect sperm parameters as well as sperm chromatin condensation and DNA integrity in mice. These abnormalities may be related to the reduction in blood testosterone

Effects of silver nano-particles on sperm parameters, number of Leydig cells and sex hormones in rats

Nano-particles are extensively employed in most industries. Several studies have been started to explore the probable detrimental effects of nano-particles on human reproduction. However, there is insufficient and controversially evident of effects of silver nano-particles on sperm parameters and other reproductive indices. Investigation of the effects of silver nano-particles on sperm parameters, sex hormones and Leydig cells in rat as an experimental model. In this experimental study, 75 male prepubertal Wistar rats were categorized in five groups including control group and 4 experimental groups [n=15 in each group]. The rats in the experimental groups were fed silver nano-particles [60 nm in dimension] with concentrations of 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day. After 45 days [about one duration of spermatogenesis in rat], samples of blood were taken from the rats for testosterone, leuteinizing hormone [LH], and follicle stimulating hormone [FSH] assessments. Afterwards, the epididymis and the testis of each rat were dissected for analyzing sperm parameters and Leydig cells. The results demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in number of Leydig cells in experimental groups compared to control one. In addition, the data showed a reduction in testosterone and a rise in LH level which was more obvious in high doses [p<0.05]; however, FSH level showed a reduction but it was not statistically significant. A significant decrease was also found in sperm motility and normal sperm morphology in the experimental groups compared to the control one. Our results demonstrated that silver nano-particles, in addition to interruption in functions of sex hormones, can diminish the number of Leydig cells and sperm parameter indices. It should be noted that the effects of nano-particles on reproductive indices are dose-dependent

Effects of experimentally-induced diabetes on sperm parameters and chromatin quality in mice

Background: diabetes mellitus [DM], primary or idiopathic is a chronic disorder of the carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism. DM may impact male reproductive function at several levels. It is shown that DM has detrimental effects on sperm parameters in human and experimental animals

Objective: the aim of this study was to observe the effects of diabetes on sperm parameters [viability, count, morphology and motility] and evaluation of sperm chromatin quality in mice

Materials and Methods: totally twenty adult male Syrian mice were divided randomly into 2 groups [n=10]. The animals of group A were considered as controls while group B mice were diabetic that received a single dose [200 mg/kg] streptozotocin [STZ] intra peritoneally. After 35 days, the cauda epididymis of each diabetic mouse was dissected and placed in culture medium for 30 min. The swim-out spermatozoa were analyzed for count, motility, morphology and viability. The sperm chromatin quality and DNA integrity, was evaluated with Aniline Blue [AB], Toluidine blue [TB], Acridine orange [AO] and Chromomycin A3 [CMA3] staining

Results: in sperm analysis, the diabetic mice had poor parameters in comparison with control animals [p=0.000]. Regarding sperm chromatin quality, the results of TB and AO tests showed statically significant differences between two groups, but in AB and CMA3 staining, we didn't see any differences between them

Conclusion: the results showed that STZ-induced diabetes mellitus may influence the male fertility potential via affecting sperm parameters and DNA integrity in mice. However, according to our data, the diabetes doesn't have any detrimental effects on histone-protamines replacement during the testicular phase of sperm chromatin packaging