Microtubular Dysfunction and Male Infertility

Composición química, características físico-químicas, trazas metálicas y evaluación genotóxica del aceite de Plukenetia volubilis L. (sacha inchi) / Chemical composition, physico-chemical characteristics, metallic traces and genotoxic evaluation of Plukenetia volubilis L. oil (sacha inchi)

Objetivos. Determinar la composición química, características físico-químicas y el efecto genotóxico del aceite de Plukenetia volubilis L. Materiales y métodos. Se evaluó el perfil de ácidos grasos, tocoferoles, esteroles, fosfolípidos, carotenoides, tocotrienoles y fenoles; así como las características físico-químicas y trazas metálicas. La genotoxicidad fue evaluada a través del ensayo de morfología de la cabeza de espermatozoides. Para este ensayo, se emplearon ratones albinos machos formando 3 grupos de experimentación de 7 animales cada uno: control negativo (solución salina 0,9%), control positivo (50 mg/kg/pc/día de ciclofosfamida) y grupo problema que recibió por vía oral 0,5 ml de aceite sacha inchi (NIMET); las sustancias se administraron cada 24 horas por 5 días. Resultados. El aceite contiene ácidos grasos poliinsaturados(81,72%), monoinsaturados (10,31%) y saturados(7,67%); siendo el alfa-linolénico (47,35%) y el linoleico (34,34%) los más abundantes. El tocoferol y esterol más abundante fueron el gamma-tocoferol y el beta-siitosterol respectivamente, y en escasa cantidad se halló: fenoles, fosfolípidos, carotenoides y tocotrienoles. Los índices de refracción, saponificación, yodo, peróxido y de acidez, fueron 1,48, 189 mg KOH/g, 190, 0,9 meq/kg, 1,11 KOH/g respectivamente. La densidad, materia insaponificable y humedad y materias volátiles fueron 0,9276, 0,27%, 0,05% respectivamente. Los niveles de arsénico y de plomo, no excedieron los límites máximos permisibles. El grupo de ciclofosfamida mostró una cantidad mayor de espermatozoides anormales (P<0,01) con respecto a los grupos de solución salina y NIMET; no se halló diferencia significativa entre los grupos de solución salina y NIMET . Conclusiones. el aceite de Plukenetia volubilis, es rico en ácidos grasos esenciales alfa-linolénico y linoleico, con una óptima proporción omega 6/omega 3, con significativas cantidades de tocoferoles y fitoesteroles los cuales le brindan una estabilidad oxidativa y con características físico-químicas que corroboran su calidad.En este diseño evaluado el aceite de sacha inchi no induce genotóxicidad, podemos decir que su consumo es seguro como alimento.

Objectives. To determine the chemical composition, physical-chemical characteristics and the genotoxic effect of Plukenetia volubilis L. oil. Materials and methods. The profile of fatty acids, tocopherols, sterols, phospholipids, carotenoids, tocotrienols and phenols was evaluated; as well as the physical-chemical characteristics and metallic traces. Genotoxicity was assessed through the sperm head morphology test. For this test, male albino mice were used forming 3 experimental groups of 7 animals each: negative control (saline solution 0.9%), positive control (50 mg / kg / pc / day of cyclophosphamide) and problem group received via oral 0.5 ml sacha inchi oil (NIMET); the substances were administered every 24 hours for 5 days. Results. The oil contains polyunsaturated (81.72%), monounsaturated (10.31%) and saturated (7.67%) fatty acids; being alpha-linolenic (47.35%) and linoleic (34.34%) the most abundant. The most abundant tocopherol and sterol were gammatocopherol and beta-siitosterol respectively, and in a small amount it was found: phenols, phospholipids, carotenoids and tocotrienols. The indices of refraction, saponification, iodine, peroxide and acidity were 1.48, 189 mg KOH / g, 190, 0.9 meq / kg, 1.11 KOH / g respectively. The density, unsaponifiable matter and moisture and volatile materials were 0.9276, 0.27%, 0.05% respectively. The arsenic and lead levels did not exceed the maximum permissible limits. The cyclophosphamide group showed a higher amount of abnormal sperm (P <0.01) with respect to the saline solution and NIMET groups; no significant difference was found between the saline solution and NIMET groups. Conclusions. Plukenetia volubilis oil, is rich in alphalinolenic and linoleic essential fatty acids, with an optimum omega 6 / omega 3 ratio, with significant amounts of tocopherols and phytosterols which provide oxidative stability and physical-chemical characteristics that corroborate its quality. In this evaluated design sacha inchi oil does not induce genotoxicity, we can say that its consumption is safe as food.

Evaluation of black glutinous rice (Oryza sativa L) extract as a novel nuclear stain for human sperm head assessment by microscopic examination / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: To compare black rice (Oryza sativa L) extract with three different staining methods for human sperm head assessment. METHODS: Semen samples were collected from 34 volunteers. Four smears of each ejaculate were prepared for staining using the rapid Papanicolaou (PAP) stain, SpermBlue, DipQuick, and black rice extract. The percentage of defective sperm heads (mean±standard deviation) was compared. RESULTS: Black glutinous rice extract, a natural dye, was used instead of hematoxylin to stain the nuclei of the sperm heads. The percentage of defective sperm heads showed a significant difference between black rice extract and DipQuick (p=0.000). In contrast, black rice extract and rapid PAP showed no statistically significant difference (p=0.974). A strong correlation (r =0.761) was found between the findings obtained using rapid PAP and black rice extract. In contrast, a weak correlation (r =0.248) was obtained between DipQuick and black rice extract for the percentage of defective sperm heads. CONCLUSION: The results showed good agreement and a strong correlation between the rapid PAP and black rice extract stains. The advantages of black rice extract as a novel substitute for hematoxylin for nuclear staining include ease of preparation, local availability, and favorable nuclear staining properties. Further studies could also focus on comparing staining techniques in clinical samples.

Does conventional freezing affect sperm DNA fragmentation? / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: Sperm cryopreservation has been widely used in assisted reproductive technology, as it offers great potential for the treatment of some types of male infertility. However, cryopreservation may result in changes in membrane lipid composition and acrosome status, as well as reductions in sperm motility and viability. This study aimed to evaluate sperm DNA fragmentation damage caused by conventional freezing using the sperm chromatin dispersion test. METHODS: In total, 120 fresh human semen samples were frozen by conventional methods, using SpermFreeze Solution as a cryoprotectant. Routine semen analysis and a Halosperm test (using the Halosperm kit) were performed on each sample before freezing and after thawing. Semen parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation were compared between these groups. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in sperm progressive motility, viability, and normal morphology after conventional freezing (32.78%, 79.58%, and 3.87% vs. 16%, 55.99%, and 2.55%, respectively). The sperm head, midpiece, and tail defect rate increased slightly after freezing. Furthermore, the DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was significantly higher after thawing than before freezing (19.21% prior to freezing vs. 22.23% after thawing). Significant increases in the DFI after cryopreservation were observed in samples with both normal and abnormal motility and morphology, as well as in those with normal viability. CONCLUSION: Conventional freezing seems to damage some sperm parameters, in particular causing a reduction in sperm DNA integrity.

Specific tail swelling pattern in hypo-osmotic solution as a predictor of DNA fragmentation status in human spermatozoa / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate DNA fragmentation status in human spermatozoa according to specific tail swelling patterns determined via hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST).METHODS: Frozen semen samples from 21 healthy donors were thawed and prepared by the swim-up technique for use in intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The semen samples were treated for 5 minutes as part of the HOST procedure and then underwent the sperm chromatin dispersion test using a Halosperm kit. DNA fragmentation status (large halo, medium halo, small halo, no halo, or degraded) and the specific tail swelling pattern (“a”–“g”) were assessed at the level of a single spermatozoon. A total of 42,000 spermatozoa were analyzed, and the percentage of spermatozoa without DNA fragmentation (as evidenced by a large or medium halo) was assessed according to the specific tail swelling patterns observed.RESULTS: The HOST examinations showed that >93% of spermatozoa across all types displayed no DNA fragmentation. The percentage of spermatozoa without DNA fragmentation was 100% in type “d”, 98.67% in type “g”, and 98.17% in type “f” spermatozoa.CONCLUSION: We found that the type “d” spermatozoa displayed no DNA fragmentation, but the other types of spermatozoa also displayed very low rates of DNA fragmentation. This result may be associated with the processing of the spermatozoa by density gradient centrifugation and the swim-up technique.

Microscopic sperm head damage and abnormalities as heat stress indicators in Australian Merino rams (Ovis aries) in Northern Patagonia, Argentina / Danos e anormalidades microscópicas das cabeças espermáticas como indicadores de estresse por calor em carneiros Merino Australiano (Ovis aries) da Patagônia Norte, Argentina

In Northern Patagonia, the mating season starts on March 15th, when rams are submitted to summer temperatures. Exposure of rams to heat stress increases the prevalence of microscopic damage to spermatozoa, morphological abnormalities, and reductions in fertility. This study assesses the adaptive capabilities of six unshorn and six shorn Australian Merino rams, half of which were treated in a heat chamber for eight hours for five days, gradually reaching a temperature of up to 40 °C. Microscopic damage, abnormalities and ultramicroscopic alterations of the plasma membrane and the acrosome of sperm head were analysed. There were significant differences in the percentage of tailless spermatozoa and proximal cytoplasmic droplets between post-treatment periods. Temperature primarily affected the shorn rams and the sperm heads during spermiogenesis. Submicroscopic alterations were observed when the plasma membrane was present in the anterior segment. These alterations can be intact, waved, or dilated. When the plasma membrane was absent, the acrosome might be intact, dilated, and waved. In addition, the outer acrosomal membrane may completely lose its contents or have a nude nucleus. The plasma membrane assumes a waved shape as a result of the effect of temperature on the epididymis. According to this study, the tailless head, proximal cytoplasmic droplets, and the ultramicroscopic categories studied were robust indicators of semen heat stress. After ten weeks, the sperm head recovered its normal shape. Unshorn rams are better adapted to summer heat stress than shorn ones. Microscopy and transmission electron microscopy alterations have been shown to be excellent indicators of thermal stress in Australian Merino rams and may be useful tools to help sheep farmers choose when to begin the mating season, which will vary depending on the environmental conditions of the summer.(AU)

Na Patagônia Norte, os ovinos têm sua estação de acasalamento iniciada em 15 de março, portanto, ficam sujeitos às temperaturas do verão. A exposição de carneiros a estresse térmico aumenta a prevalência de danos microscópicos e anomalias morfológicas nos espermatozoides, que implica uma redução na fertilidade. Este trabalho avaliou a capacidade adaptativa de carneiros Merino Australiano com lã (N = 6) e tosquiados (N = 6): metade ficou ao ar livre e outra metade foi mantida em uma câmara climática por oito horas, durante cinco dias, chegando gradualmente a uma temperatura máxima de 40 °C. Foram analisados danos microscópicos, anormalidades e alterações ultramicroscópicas da membrana plasmática e do acrossoma da cabeça dos espermatozoides. Os resultados microscópicos confirmaram a existência de diferença significativa na porcentagem de espermatozoides sem cauda e com gota citoplasmática proximal, entre os ejaculados pós-tratamento. A temperatura afetou os carneiros tosquiados, principalmente a cabeça de seus espermatozoides, durante a espermatogênese. Alterações submicroscópicas foram observados na membrana plasmática quando ela estava presente no segmento anterior: quando não intacta, ficava ondulada ou dilatada. Quando a membrana plasmática estava ausente, o acrossoma podia se apresentar ondulado ou dilatado. Além disso, sob efeito do calor, a membrana acrossomal externa pode perder completamente seu conteúdo ou apresentar núcleo desnudo. A membrana plasmática assume uma forma ondulada pelo efeito da temperatura no epidídimo. Depois de dez semanas, a cabeça dos espermatozoides recuperou sua forma normal. Como demonstrado neste estudo, a cabeça sem cauda, as gotas citoplasmáticas proximais e as categorias ultramicroscópicas estudadas são indicadores do efeito do estresse térmico no sêmen, e os carneiros com maior cobertura de lã se adaptam melhor ao estresse por calor. Alterações de microscopia e de microscopia eletrônica de transmissão têm se mostrado excelentes indicadores de estresse por calor em carneiros Merino Australiano e podem ser ferramentas úteis para ajudar criadores de ovelhas a escolher quando começar a época de acasalamento, o que irá variar de acordo com as condições ambientais do verão.(AU)

Combined therapy of Compound Xuanju Capsules and traditional Chinese medicinal formula for infertility in male smokers / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>Objective</b>To investigate the clinical effects of the combined therapy of Compound Xuanju Capsules (CXJC) and traditional Chinese medicinal formula on infertility in male smokers.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 176 male infertility patients were divided into a smoking and a non-smoking group and the former further divided into mild, moderate and heavy smokers according to the daily consumption of cigarettes and the length of smoking history. The patients were treated with CXJC combined with traditional Chinese medicinal formula for 3 four-week courses and the therapeutic results were evaluated by comparing the indicators of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome, routine semen parameters, sperm morphology, and sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) among different groups before and after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The baseline TCM syndrome scores were remarkably higher in the heavy smokers than in the non-smoking group (P < 0.05) but showed no statistically significant differences between the mild and moderate smokers (P > 0.05). The baseline percentage of sperm head defects and DFI were also markedly higher in the heavy and moderate smokers than in the non-smoking group (P < 0.05). Compared with the baseline, significant improvement was achieved after treatment in the TCM syndrome, routine semen parameters, sperm morphology and sperm DFI, especially in the heavy smokers in the percentages of grade a+b sperm (［17.12 ± 2.54］ vs ［30.15 ± 3.10］%, P < 0.05), morphologically normal sperm (［15.54 ± 1.98］ vs ［26.82 ± 3.52］%, P < 0.05), and head-defective sperm (［27.02 ± 2.14］ vs ［22.07 ± 1.52］%, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Sperm quality is significantly decreased while the risk of infertility remarkably increased in moderate and heavy smokers. The combined therapy of CXJC and traditional Chinese medicinal formula can effectively improve semen quality, sperm morphology and sperm DFI in male smokers with infertility, though more evidence is to be collected from further studies.</p>

Routine semen parameters and sperm morphological index of infertile males with partial globozoospermia / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To investigate the routine semen parameters and sperm morphological indexes of the patients with partial globozoospermia (PGZ).@*METHODS@#We included in this study 100 infertile males with PGZ and another 180 non-PGZ infertile men as controls. According to the proportion of round-headed sperm (RHS) in the semen, we classified the PGZ males into five subgroups: 25%－40%, 41%－55%, 56%－70%, 71%－85%, and 86%－99% RHS. We obtained sperm concentration, total sperm motility, the percentage of progressively motile sperm, teratozoospermia index (TZI), and sperm deformity index (SDI) from the subjects and compared them among different groups.@*RESULTS@#Statistically significant differences were found between the PGZ patients and non-PGZ controls in total sperm motility (［35.76±24.88］% vs ［62.03±10.20］%, P0.05), sperm concentration (［46.01±40.38］ vs ［54.00±25.15］ ×106/ml, P>0.05), or TZI (1.35±0.11 vs 1.34±0.54, P>0.05). There were also significant differences among the five PGZ subgroups in total sperm motility, progressive sperm motility, normal sperm morphology, TZI, and SDI (P0.05). Morphologically, the sperm head changed from heterogeneous to homogeneous with the increased proportion of round-headed sperm.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Different proportions of round-headed sperm are closely related to routine semen parameters and sperm morphological index in PGZ patients, which can help clinicians choose the proper assisted reproductive technology and predict the rate of fertilization for infertile males.

Evaluation of sperm protamine deficiency and apoptosis in infertile men with idiopathic teratozoospermia / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: Sperm morphology plays an important role in infertility, especially in cases of defects in the heads of spermatozoa. Tapered-head or elongated-head spermatozoa are examples of morphological abnormalities. The aim of this study was to compare the semen parameters, levels of protamine deficiency, and frequency of apoptosis between patients with normozoospermia and those with teratozoospermia with tapered-head spermatozoa. METHODS: Fifty-two semen samples (27 patients with tapered-head sperm and 25 fertile men) were collected and semen analysis was performed according to the World Health Organization criteria for each sample. Protamine deficiency and the percentage of apoptotic spermatozoa were evaluated using chromomycin A3 (CMA3) staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) assays, respectively. RESULTS: Sperm concentration, motility, and normal morphology in the tapered-head spermatozoa (cases) were significantly lower than in the normozoospermic samples (controls). CMA3-reactive spermatozoa (CMA3+) in the case group were more common than in the controls. Apoptotic spermatozoa (TUNEL-positive) were significantly more common in the cases than in the controls. CONCLUSION: This analysis showed that tapered-head spermatozoa contained abnormal chromatin packaging and exhibited a high rate of apoptosis, which can be considered to be an important reason for the impaired fertility potential in teratozoospermic patients with tapered-head spermatozoa.

Sperm acrosome formation-associated genes in mice: Advances in studies / 中华男科学杂志

Spermiogenesis is a complex process of differentiation and morphologic alteration, in which sperm acrosome formation is an important stage. Acrosome is an essential component of the sperm head, which develops in four distinct phases: Golgi, cap, acro- somal, and maturation, each supported by precise and orderly regulation of various genes. The regulatory genes which act on Golgi ap- paratus include GOPC, Hrb, SPATA16, PICK1, and CK2α', those involved in the cap phase are Fads2, syntaxin 2, Kdm3a, and UBR7, and participating in acrosomal and maturation phases are KIFC1, Rnf19a, and DPY19L2. The abnormalities of these genes may affect male fertility by influencing the connection of the nuclear dense lamina and acroplaxome with the nuclear membrane and then the fusion and transportation of vesicles. This review focuses on the genes involved in different phases of acrosome formation.

Impact of mobile phone radiation on the quality and DNA methylation of human sperm in vitro / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the influences of mobile phone radiation on the quality and DNA methylation of human sperm in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>According to the fifth edition of the WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen, we randomly selected 97 male volunteers with normal semen parameters and divided each semen sample from the subjects into two equal parts, one exposed to mobile phone radiation at 1950 M Hz, SAR3. 0 W/kg for 3 hours while the other left untreated as the control. We obtained routine semen parameters as well as the acrosomal reaction ability, apoptosis and DNA methylation of sperm, and compared them between the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the control, the radiation group showed significantly decreased progressive sperm motility ([36.64 ± 16.93] vs [27.56 ± 16.92]%, P < 0.01) and sperm viability ([63.72 ± 16.35] vs [54.31 ± 17.35]%, P < 0.01) and increased sperm head defects ([69.92 ± 4.46] vs [71.17 ± 4.89]%, P < 0.05), but no significant differences in sperm acrosomal reaction ([66.20 ± 6.75] vs [64.50 ± 3.47]%, P > 0.05). The early apoptosis rate of sperm cells was remarkably higher in the radiation group ([6.89 ± 9.84]%) than in the control ([4.44 ± 5.89]%) (P < 0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were found between the control and radiation groups in the DNA methylation patterns of the paternal imprinting gene H19 ICR ([0.60 ± 0.02] vs [1.40 ± 0.03]%, P > 0.05) or the maternal imprinting gene KvDMR1 ([0.00 ± 0.00] vs [1.80 ± 0.031%, P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Mobile phone radiation reduces the progressive motility and viability of human sperm and increases sperm head defects and early apoptosis of sperm cells.</p>

Eosin Y-water test for sperm function examination / 中华男科学杂志

Based on the principles of the in vitro staining technique, hypotonic swelling test, and water test, the Eosin Y-water test method was developed to simultaneously detect the integrity of the sperm head and tail and sperm membrane structure and function. As a widely used method in clinical laboratories in China, the Eosin Y-water test is methodologically characterized by three advantages. Firstly, both the sperm head and tail can be detected at the same time, which allows easy and comprehensive assessment of membrane damage in different parts of sperm. Secondly, distilled water is used instead of the usual formula solution to simplify and standardize the test by eliminating any potential effects on the water molecules through the sperm membrane due to different osmotic pressure or different sugar proportions and electrolyte solutions. Thirdly, the test takes less time and thus can be repeated before and after treatment. This article focuses on the fundamental principles and modification of the Eosin Y-water test and its application in sperm function examination and routine semen analysis for male infertility, assessment of the quality of sperm retrieved by testicular fine needle aspiration, semen cryopreservation program development, and evaluation of sperm membrane integrity after microwave radiation.

Large nuclear vacuoles in spermatozoa negatively affect pregnancy rate in IVF cycles

Recently, motile sperm organelle morphology examination [MSOME] criteria as a new real time tool for evaluation of spermatozoa in intracytoplasmic sperm injection [ICSI] cycles has been considered. The aim was to investigate the predictive value of MSOME in in vitro fertilization [IVF] in comparison to ICSI cycles and evaluation of the association between MSOME parameters and traditional sperm parameters in both groups. This is a cross sectional prospective analysis of MSOME parameters in IVF [n=31] and ICSI cycles [n=35]. MSOME parameters were also evaluated as the presence of vacuole [none, small, medium, large or mix]; head size [normal, small or large]; cytoplasmic droplet; head shape and acrosome normality. In sub-analysis, MSOME parameters were compared between two groups with successful or failed clinical pregnancy in each group. In IVF group, the rate of large nuclear vacuole showed significant increase in failed as compared to successful pregnancies [13.81 +/- 9.7vs7.38 +/- 4.4, respectively, p=0.045] while MSOME parameters were the same between successful and failed pregnancies in ICSI group. Moreover, a negative correlation was noticed between LNV and sperm shape normalcy. In ICSI group, a negative correlation was established between cytoplasmic droplet and sperm shape normalcy. In addition, there was a positive correlation between sperm shape normalcy and non-vacuolated spermatozoa. The high rate of large nuclear vacuoles in sperm used in IVF cycles with failed pregnancies confirms that MSOME, is a helpful tool for fine sperm morphology assessment, and its application may enhance the assisted reproduction technology success rates

La calidad espermática evaluada mediante metodologías no convencionales / Sperm quality analysis by non-conventional methodologies

Existen diferentes metodologías para evaluar la calidad seminal, siendo la valoración de la movilidad y de la morfología espermática los indicadores más comúnmente utilizados, sin embargo, los espermatozoides poseen ciertas características que no siempre pueden analizarse a través del examen tradicional. En esta revisión de la literatura se describen algunas metodologías alternativas empleadaspara observar y evaluar las características seminales. La movilidad, la viabilidad y la morfología espermática pueden evaluarse empleando metodologías manuales y análisis asistidos por computador. Otras características evaluables de la biología espermática son la producción de especies reactivas del oxígeno, la calidad mitocondrial y el ADN espermático. Esta revisión demuestra que existe una amplia disponibilidad de metodologías para el análisis seminal, sin embargo, cada día se siguen implementando nuevas técnicas, lo que impactará en el entendimiento de la fisiología espermática. En un futuro estas herramientas diagnósticas podrán incidir en el beneficio de los pacientes con infertilidad.

There are different methodologies for assessing semen quality assessment of mobility and sperm morphology are the most commonly used indicators. However, sperm have certain characteristics that cannot always be analyze through the traditional examination. In this review are describe some alternativemethodologies to observe and assess the seminal characteristics. Motility, viability and sperm morphology can be evaluated using manual methodologies and computational analysis. Other quantifiable characteristics of sperm biology are the production of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial and DNA sperm quality. Here is shown that there are many methodologies for seminal analysis, however, each day are going to implementing new techniques, which will impact on the understanding of sperm physiology and in the future, they may improve the diagnosis of individuals.

Effect of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on sodium valporate induced cytogenetic and testicular alterations in albino rats / 대한해부학회지

The present study investigated the cytogenetic and testicular damage induced by the antiepileptic drug, sodium valporate (SVP) in albino rats and the effect of saffron aqueous extracts. Treating rats with SVP caused a significant increase in the chromosomal aberrations either structural or numerical and decreased the mitotic index. Besides, animals administered SVP showed DNA damage appeared in the single strand breaks (comet assay). Testis of SVP-treated rats showed many histopathological changes. A significant decrease in seminiferous tubules and their epithelial heights diameters and inhibition of spermatogenesis was recorded. In addition, the number of sperm head abnormalities was increased. Biochemical results revealed an increase in malondialdhyde (MDA) which is lipid peroxidation marker and a significant decrease in the level of serum antioxidant enzyme, catalase (CAT) and reducing antioxidant power (RAP). Animals given SVP and saffron showed an improvement in chromosomal aberrations, mitotic index, DNA damage and testicular alterations caused by SVP. Moreover, MDA decreased and CAT and RAP increased. It is concluded from the present results that the ameliorative effects of saffron extract against SVP-induced cytogenetic and testicular damage in albino rats may be due to the presence of one or more antioxidant components of saffron.

Updated molecular genetic mechanisms of globozoospermia / 中华男科学杂志

Globozoospermia is a rare and serious teratozoospermia, which is one of the important causes contributing to human male infertility. The assisted reproductive technique remains the only means for such patients to produce offspring. However, the pathogenesis of globozoospermia is not yet clear. In recent years, related studies have shown that some genes are connected with the onset of globozoospermia. This paper outlines the progress in the studies of pathogenicity genes, aiming to contribute to the molecular diagnosis and mechanism investigation of the disease.

Administration of three natural products as protective agents against the genotoxic and cytotoxic effect of methotrexate in mice [mus musculus]

Methotrexate is an antimetabolite and antifolate drug. It is used in treatment of cancer, autoimmune diseases. 210 healthy adult male Swiss albino mice [Mus musculus], were allotted among three groups. The animal were given daily [0.065mg/ml] of methotrexate intraperitonealy followed by injection of Omega-3 plus at dose [8.58 mg/20g mice], Apple at dose [1.43 mg/20 g mice] and Psyllium at dose [18.2mg /20 g mice] for five days. Various Structural and numerical chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow cells; mitotic activity and sperm head abnormality were recorded, quantitated, and statistically analyzed. Also DNA extraction and apoptosis detection in liver was done. The intensity of apoptotic bands located at 200 b p; 400b p ; 600 b p;800 b p and intact DNA measured by software Gel Pro program as maximum optical density values. Methotrexate had adverse effect on chromosomal and sperm head structure, also it induce apoptosis, necrosis and decrease total DNA in mice liver.Omega-3 plus, Apple, and Psyllium attenuate the methotrexate-related toxic effects

Protective effect of diallyl disulfide on cyclophosphamide-induced testicular toxicity in rats / 한국실험동물학회지

This study investigated the protective effects of diallyl disulfide (DADS) against cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced testicular toxicity in male rats. DADS was gavaged to rats once daily for 3 days at 100 mg/kg/day. One hour after the final DADS treatment, the rats were given a single intraperitoneal dose of 150 mg/kg CP. All rats were killed and necropsied on day 56 after CP treatment. Parameters of testicular toxicity included reproductive organ weight, testicular sperm head count, epididymal sperm motility and morphology, epididymal index, and histopathologic examinations. The CP treatment caused a decrease in body weight, testicular sperm head count, epididymal sperm motility, and epididymal index. The histopathological examination revealed various morphological alterations, characterized by degeneration of spermatogonia/spermatocytes, vacuolization, and decreased number of spermatids/spermatocytes in the testis, and cell debris and mild oligospermia in the ductus epididymis. In contrast, DADS pretreatment effectively attenuated the testicular toxicity caused by CP, including decreased sperm head count, epididymal sperm motility, and epididymal index and increased histopathological alterations in the testis and epididymis. These results indicate that DADS attenuates testicular toxicity induced by CP in rats.

DPY19L2 gene and globozoospermia: an update / 中华男科学杂志

Globozoospermia is a severe teratozoospermia, and the cases with 100% round-headed sperm are rare clinically. Globozoospermia is generally characterized by absence or abnormality of acrosome, accompanied by round-headed sperm with deranged midpiece and tails. The acrosome normally contains the enzymes that enable sperm to fertilize oocytes, while defective sperm cannot independently fertilize oocytes either in vivo or in vitro, and therefore globozoospermia makes males infertile clinically. Recent studies show that the deletion of the DPY19L2 (dpy-19-like 2) gene is a major cause of globozoospermia. This paper updates the relationship between DPY19L2 and globozoospermia to provide some evidence for further studies on the gene diagnosis and molecular mechanisms of globozoospermia.