ABSTRACT
<p><b>AIM</b>To study the protein changes of spermatozoa associated with sperm motility during sperm cryopreservation and its mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In 18 healthy men, the seminal sperm motility and HSP90 levels were studied before and after cryopreservation using SDS-PAGE, Western blotting and computerized image analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The sperm motility declined significantly after cryopreservation (P<0.01). The average grey level and the integrated grey level of sperm HSP90 before cooling were 34.1+/-3.2 and 243.0+/-21.6, respectively, while those after thawing were 23.2+/-2.5 and 105.7+/-28.5, respectively. Both parameters were decreased significantly (P<0.01). No HSP90 was found in the seminal plasma before and after cryopreservation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>HSP90 in human spermatozoa was decreased substantially after cryopreservation. This may result from protein degradation, rather than leakage into the seminal plasma.</p>
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Blotting, Western , Cryopreservation , HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins , Metabolism , Semen Preservation , Sperm Motility , Spermatozoa , Cell Biology , MetabolismABSTRACT
The aim of semen cryopreservation research is to elevate the proportion of competent spermatozoa after thawing. By means of molecular biology, the research of spermatozoa injury during cryopreservation reaches molecular level. In each stage of cryopreservation, there exists its own optimal condition for cooling. Cryopreservation medium still need to be improved. Men should pay more attention to the field of spermatozoa function. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has a close relationship with the technology of semen cryopreservation. The latter's development will improve the former.
Subject(s)
Animals , Humans , Male , Cryopreservation , Methods , Reproductive Techniques, Assisted , Semen Preservation , MethodsABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To investigate the influence of aging on male sexual function.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The study selected 93 ED patients, aged from 23 to 64, who responded to the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. The questionnaire includes 15 items related to male sexual activity, which are organized into 5 domains, namely, erectile function (EF), orgasmic function (OF), sexual desire (SD), intercourse satisfaction (IS) and overall satisfaction (OS). For statistical analysis, ANOVA with DUNCAN test was conducted, and statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Some other risk factors of ED such as hypertension, diabetes etc. had been excluded.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>According to the age, the subjects were divided into 5 groups. With age increasing, the proportion of moderate and severe in each group increased from 16.17% to 57.14%, whereas EF score decreased from (19.50 +/- 4.64) to (15.27 +/- 5.64), OF score decreased from (6.93 +/- 2.86) to (5.62 +/- 2.94), SD score decreased from (6.33 +/- 1.63) to (4.50 +/- 2.94), IS score decreased from (10.17 +/- 1.94) to (6.93 +/- 2.90), OS score decreased from (5.00 +/- 0.89) to (3.15 +/- 1.84). The tendency took on linearity (P < 0.01). Aging was negatively correlated to above mentioned scores (r = 0.98, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Aging could be thought as a risk factor of ED, which is negatively correlated with male's EF, OF, IS, OS and SD scores, furthermore. IIEF questionnaire is a useful tool assessing epidemiology of ED.</p>