Developmental and heritable genetic defects induced in mice by municipal landfill leachate.

Environmental pollution by solid waste leachate is a serious environmental and public health concern. Leachate contamination and pollution of environmental matrices have been reported, but no report of embryotoxic and developmental defects, and heritable transfer of leachate-induced toxicity in mice. We investigated the ability of Aba-Eku landfill leachate to induce embryonic malformations, developmental toxicity, and germline and somatic DNA damage in the F1 of exposed pregnant mice. Pregnant mice (n = 100) were randomly distributed into 5 experimental groups of 20 animals/group and exposed to 0.2 mL of 5-75% concentrations of the leachate (v/v; Aba-Eku landfill leachate: distilled water) by daily gavage from gestational day (GD) zero to postnatal day (PND) 21. A similar treatment was given to pregnant female mice administered with distilled water (negative control). At GD 18, ten dams from the treatment and control groups were sacrificed by cervical dislocation after which the embryos were collected from the uterus for analyses of fetal morphometric and skeletal metamers respectively. We then monitored the developmental conditions of F1 mice from the remaining ten dams until they were weaned at PND 21 and sacrificed at PND 56 and PND 98 for bone marrow micronucleus and spermiogram analyses respectively. We also analyzed the leachate for inorganic and organic pollutants and calculated the Leachate Pollution Index (LPI). The leachate reduced maternal and fetal birth weight and increased fetal mortality and postnatal appearance of physiological markers in the F1 mice. There was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the frequency of fetal skeletal malformations, micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes, and apparent decline of epididymal sperm parameters. The concentrations of the inorganic and organic pollutants, and the LPI exceeded standard limits. Exposure of pregnant female mice to Aba-Eku landfill leachate caused embryonic defects and heritable DNA damage in subsequent generations.

The impact of low-dose methotrexate on erectile dysfunction, sex hormone profile and spermiogram in male patients with psoriasis: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: Psoriasis, affecting approximately 2% of the world's population, often necessitates systemic treatments, with methotrexate (MTX) as a cornerstone therapy. Despite documented systemic side effects of MTX, concerns about its impact on male reproductive health persist. We aim to investigate low-dose MTX effect on hormonal, cellular and functional ability of male reproductive system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our prospective study on 40 male psoriasis patients receiving low-dose MTX (<15mg/week) comprehensively investigates its effects on erectile function, sex hormones, and spermiogram parameters. RESULTS: After six months of MTX treatment, a significant decline in erectile function (p < 0.001) decreased total testosterone levels (p = 0.03) were observed. No significant reduction in sperm count was noted after six months of MTX treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights a significant decline in erectile function following low-dose MTX therapy, warranting further investigation into this potential side effect. While reassuring for sperm quantity and quality, the findings emphasise the necessity for larger cohorts and longer follow-up times to validate results and comprehend the complex interactions between MTX and male sexual health.

Effects of Carica papaya peel meal-based diets on rabbit bucks' spermiogram and reaction time.

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of Carica papaya peel meal-based diet on spermiogram and reaction time in rabbit bucks. Ripe pawpaw fruits were harvested during the dry season. The peels were carefully removed from the pulp and sun-dried for a week. Afterward, they were ground and included in the test diets as pawpaw peel meal (PPM) at inclusion rates of 0%, 15%, and 30%. Rabbit bucks (n = 15) were randomly separated into three groups of five bucks and labeled as groups A, B, and C. Group A, the control group (0%), was fed the basal protein diet (BD), group B (PPM 15) was given a PPM-based diet (15%), while C (PPM 30) was given diet composed of PPM (30%). Semen samples were collected and evaluated fortnightly for 14 weeks. The reaction time and mean ejaculate volume were lower (P < 0.05) in the treatment groups than in the control. Sperm motility and concentration decreased significantly (P < 0.05) across the groups from week 4 to the end of the experiment. Bucks fed PPM 15%, and PPM 30% had significantly (P < 0.05) higher percentages of dead sperm cells and total spermatozoa abnormalities. The control had (86%) normal spermatozoa morphology while those of PPM 15% and PPM 30% were (61%) and (52%), respectively. PPM 30% had the highest abnormal spermatozoa (47%) compared to PPM 15% (38%) and control (13%). The findings indicate that pawpaw peels up to 15% and 30% in the diet have a negative effect on spermiogram.

Safety of Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF) as additive to healthy human sperm samples: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to assess if the addition of PRGF to healthy human sperm affects its motility and vitality. METHODS: This was a prospective study, with 44 sperm donors on whom sperm analysis was performed. Nine mL of blood was collected and PRGF was obtained using PRGF-Endoret® technology. The influence of different dilutions of PRGF (5%, 10%, 20%, 40%) applied to 15 sperm donors was compared, and sperm motility was assessed after 30 minutes. In the second part of the study, 29 sperm donors were studied to analyze the influence of 20% dilution of PRGF at 15, 30 and 45 minutes in fresh and thawed sperm samples. Motility was assessed after the addition of PRGF and after analysis each aliquot was frozen. After thawing, concentration and motility were assessed at the same time periods. RESULTS: There were no differences in sperm motility in fresh samples between dilutions of PRGF when assessed 30 minutes after administration, nor between them, nor when compared to the control group immediately prior to treatment. No trend was observed between motility and PRGF dilution in linear regression analysis. There were no significant differences in thawed samples. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of 20% PRGF dilution had no effect on sperm motility compared to samples without PRGF. In addition, there was no change in sperm vitality when comparing samples with and without PRGF. More studies focusing on subnormal sperm samples, analyzing different PRGF concentrations and increasing the number of study variables are needed.

Pattern and value of Sperm DNA Fragmentation Index and its correlation with spermiogram in infertile South West Nigerian Men.

Semen analysis has been used for a long time to assess male fertility due to its limitations sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), which describes the sperm DNA's condition, is an appropriate criterion for assessing male fertility. This study evaluated the pattern and value of DFI of infertile men in the South West of Nigeria. This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study that recruited two hundred and eighty-seven (287) patients from two fertility centers in Lagos, Nigeria. The Sperm DFI was determined using the Sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) test. The descriptive and inferential statistics of the study were carried out using R packages (R version 4.2.0) with the help of R functions using compiled code. The result showed that the mean age sperm concentration, total motility morphology, and DFI were as follows 42.96±7.09years, 40.18±4.19×106 per ml, 49%±19%, 56±17%, and 15.78±8.52 respectively. There is a significant negative correlation between sperm concentration and DFI at a P-value of 0.0018 with a regression model of Coefficient of determination is 0.305. The DFI value of infertile men negatively correlates with sperm concentration, thus increase sperm production may improve sperm quality.

Field Morphology and Interpretation.

Semen morphology evaluation in the field should always be performed at 1000× with oil immersion. The development of a spermiogram will aid the practitioner to interpret potential fertility of semen at the time of sampling as well as determine potential causes of an abnormal spermiogram. Bulls, which experience stress or impairment of thermoregulation of the testes for any reason, often experience a transitory decrease in the quality of sperm morphology. This can be recognized by a sequence of appearances of morphologic defects coupled with a thorough patient history.

Protective role of vitamin E against acrylamide-induced testicular toxicity from pregnancy to adulthood: insights into oxidative stress and aromatase regulation.

Acrylamide (ACR) is a toxic chemical frequently encountered in daily life, posing health risks. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular-level mechanism of ACR's toxic effects on testicles and investigate whether Vitamin E can mitigate these effects. A total of 40 adult pregnant rats were utilized, divided into four groups: Control, ACR, Vitamin E, and ACR + Vitamin E. ACR and Vitamin E were administered to the mother rats during pregnancy and lactation, and to the male offspring until the 8th week post-birth. Serum hormone levels, oxidant-antioxidant parameters, histopathological examination of testicular tissue, and mRNA and protein levels of the testicular and liver aromatase gene were analyzed. Spermiogram analysis was conducted on the collected sperm samples from the male offspring. The results revealed that ACR exposure adversely affected hormone levels, oxidant-antioxidant parameters, histological findings, as well as aromatase gene and protein expressions. However, Vitamin E administration effectively prevented the toxic effects of ACR. These findings demonstrate that ACR application significantly impairs the reproductive performance of male offspring rats by increasing liver aromatase activity.

Proteomic approach towards identification of seminal fluid biomarkers from individuals with severe oligozoospermia, cryptozoospermia and non-obstructive azoospermia: a pilot study.

Background: Infertility becomes a global problem that affects to the same extent females and males. As reasons of male infertility can differ among individuals, the accurate diagnostics is essential for effective treatment. The most problematic both in diagnostics and in treatment are disturbances of spermatogenesis. Seminal fluid is rich in proteins that potentially can serve as markers for male infertility and among them, markers of spermatogenesis which are highly desired. Methods: To find biomarkers of spermatogenesis, we applied comparative proteomics using nano ultra performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (nanoUPLC-MS/MS) followed by single-sample Western blotting (WB) using seminal fluid samples from males with different types of infertility including non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), cryptozoospermia (C) and severe oligozoospermia (SO). Then, the extensive survey on the identified proteins and their function in male reproductive system has been done. Results: The proteomic approach has enabled to identified five seminal fluid proteins being potential markers of spermatogenesis disorders: ADGRG2, RAB3B, LTF, SLC2A3 and spermine synthase (SMS). Among them ADGRG2 seems to be strongly involved in male infertility. In addition, WB indicated that the distribution of LTF, SLC2A3 and SMS was not coherent among the individuals, especially in a group with NOA. Functional annotation analysis and search in proteomics databases revealed that vast majority of the proteins originated from extracellular environment. Conclusions: The presented data point out several proteins that potentially can become biomarkers of male infertility. The data suggest, however, different mechanisms behind the male infertility indicating that the etiology is more complex. We assume that recognition of these mechanisms may lead to the creation of specific protein panel helpful in the management of male infertility and therefore, further studies are required.

The spermiogram and correlation of seminal fluid parameters in patient attending fertility centre in Lagos, South West Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The determinant of the spermiogram of semen varies in different populations based on several factors ranging, from age to the pathological state of an individual to environmental factors. The aim of the study is to determine the spermiogram of patients that attend fertility clinics in southwest Nigeria and the relationship between the parameters. METHODOLOGY: This is a cross-sectional study that recruited two hundred and ninety seven (297) patients from two fertility centers in Lagos, Nigeria for the period of January 2021 to November 2022. The sperm samples were collected following WHO standards. The spermiogram was analyzed using an automated sperm analyzer and the descriptive and inference statistics of the study were carried out using R packages (R version 4.2.0). RESULTS: The result showed the mean age of 43.12±6.95years with median age of 42years. The mean of sperm count and concentration were 114×106 sperm cells and 42×106 per mL with the mean volume of the semen produced by the patients was 2.69mL and average motility (progressive and non-progressive) of the sperm is 47%±19%, 42%±17% has normal morphology. The distributions of the observed variables (seminal fluid parameters) were different from normal distributions in the studied population, such that almost all of them are skewed to the right. The degree of relationship between the sperm parameter were very weak. Nevertheless, specifically, there is a negative correlation between age and sperm count, age and motility, age and volume, and a positive correlation between age and abnormal morphology. The results showed that sperm morphology has a significant effect on motility while sperm morphology significantly depend on sperm count. CONCLUSION: An increase in sperm volume and concentration improves the sperm morphology and boost the sperm motility, this may increasing the chance of fertility.

Separating the chaff from the wheat: antibody-based removal of DNA-fragmented sperm.

STUDY QUESTION: Is it possible to remove sperm with damaged DNA from a semen sample? SUMMARY ANSWER: By using immunomagnetic cell sorting that targets the sperm head-bound epididymal sperm-binding protein 1 (ELSPBP1), it was possible to produce an ELSPBP1(-) sperm fraction characterized by consistently lower levels of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: In bovines, ELSPBP1 is bound to dead spermatozoa. Human ejaculates with high SDF have increased detected levels of sperm ELSPBP1 when compared to ejaculates with low native SDF. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: We recruited 267 patients who were referred to the clinic for conjugal infertility. After applying exclusion criteria, such as fever within 90 days of the study, history of systemic diseases, alterations or surgical interventions to the genital tract and use of cigarette or drugs, a total of 133 patients were included. A total of 52 samples were used for the evaluation of sperm ELSPBP1 levels (Sub-study 1), 41 samples for determination of ELSPBP1 location in human sperm (Sub-study 2), and 40 samples for immunomagnetic cell sorting targeting ELSPBP1, to produce ELSPBP1(-) (without ELSPBP1) and ELSPBP1(+) (with ELSPBP1) fractions (Sub-study 3). Samples were collected between July 2016 and September 2019. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: In Sub-study 1, sperm ELSPBP1 levels were assessed by western blotting. For Sub-study 2, ELSPBP1 was localized in sperm by immunocytochemistry. Finally, for Sub-study 3, sperm were selected based on incubation of semen samples with antibody-coated magnetic microspheres targeting ELSPBP1. Two fractions were produced (with or without ELSPBP1), and these sub-populations were submitted to an alkaline Comet assay for determination of SDF. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Men with high SDF presented higher sperm ELSPBP1 levels when compared to the control group (low SDF), while no difference between groups was observed in seminal plasma. ELSPBP1 was located in the head region of human sperm. The ELSPBP1(+) fractions presented high and variable levels of SDF, while their paired ELSPBP(-) fractions presented consistently low SDF. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: This work did not validate the levels of ELSPBP1 in other functional alterations of sperm, such as acrosome integrity or mitochondrial activity. Moreover, this is still a pre-clinical study, intended to demonstrate proof-of-concept that ELSPBP1 selects sperm with low DNA fragmentation; further investigation is warranted to demonstrate safety for use in ART. Sperm fractions were not assessed for sperm vitality. A clinical trial is still necessary for these findings to be extrapolated to outcomes in ART. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our findings demonstrate that ELSPBP1 is associated with sperm with higher levels of DNA fragmentation. The finding that the sperm membrane can reflect alterations in DNA integrity could give rise to a novel molecular method for sperm preparation prior to use of assisted reproductive procedures. Moreover, the detection of sperm-bound ELSPBP1 could serve as an indirect method for the determination of DNA fragmentation. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): L.B.B. was a recipient of a Ph.D. scholarship from the Sao Paulo Research Foundation-FAPESP (process number 2016/05487-3). R.P.B. is a recipient of a Scientific Productivity scholarship from the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development-CNPq (process number 306705/2017-6). The authors have no conflict of interest to disclose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

Ethanol extract of aloe vera ameliorates Artemether-Lumefantrine-induced reproductive toxicity in adult male Albino rats (Wistar Strain).

Artemether-Lumefantrine (AL) is one of the alternative drugs used in treating malaria - an endemic scourge in Africa. AL has been reported to generate free radicals with long term use implicated in testicular pathologies. The antioxidative properties of Aloe vera (AV) has been well documented. This study investigated the ameliorative effect of ethanol extract of Aloe Vera on Artemether-Lumefantrine induced testicular toxicity. Thirty adult male albino rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (Control, AL-dosed, AV-dosed, AL+AV concurrently administered and AV-pretreated). Spermiogram, serum testosterone, testicular histopathology and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) immunohistochemistry were carried out. AL-dosed rats had poor spermiogram indices which were greatly improved in AV-dosed and AV-pretreated rats. These also corresponded with the testicular histopathology observations and were further buttressed by oxidative stress marker (iNOS) as AL-dosed rats had higher signal intensity compared to the control and AV-pretreated rats. Authors posit that concurrent administration of AV and AL protected testicular architecture while pretreating with AV prior AL administration improved the spermiogram. AL induces testicular pathology, thus should be used with care in male subjects. AV can confer a level of protection against these defects if used prior to administration of the drug.

The Amino Acid Profile in Seminal Plasma of Normozoospermic Men: A Correlation Analysis with Spermiogram Parameters and Total Antioxidant Capacity.

Background: Male infertility is usually determined by the manual evaluation of the semen, namely the standard semen analysis. It is currently impossible to predict sperm fertilizing ability based on the semen analysis alone. Therefore, a more sensitive and selective diagnosis tool is required. Methods: Twelve fresh semen samples were collected from fertile volunteers attending the Avicenna Fertility Center (Tehran, Iran). The seminal plasma (SP) was prepared and subjected to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was analysis. Thirty-four amino acids including essential amino acids (EAA), non-essential amino acids (NEAA), and non-proteinogenic amino acids (NPAA) relative concentration were determined, and the correlation between their concentration with spermiogram parameters and TAC of the SP was analyzed. Results: Significant positive correlations have been found between selected amino acids with the motility (Met and Gln, rs=0.92; Cys, rs=0.72; and Asn, rs=0.82), normal sperm morphology (Met, rs=0.92; Cys, rs=0.72; Glu, rs=0.92; and Asn, rs=0.82), and sperm concentration (Trp, Phe, and Ala). In contrast, several AAs, including Gly, Ser, and Ile showed negative correlations with sperm concentration (rs=-0.93, r=-0.92, and r=-0.89, respectively). Furthermore, TAC showed a positive association only with Tyr (rs=0.79). Conclusion: The strong positive/negative correlations between the seminal metabolic signature and spermiogram demonstrate the significance of determining metabolite levels under normal conditions for normal sperm functions. Combining the metabolome with the clinical characteristics of semen would enable clinicians to look beyond biomarkers toward the clinical interpretation of seminal parameters to explain the biological basis of sperm pathology.

Azanza garckeana ameliorates Bisphenol A-induced reproductive toxicities in rabbit bucks.

This study evaluated the ameliorative properties of Azanza garckeana in Bisphenol A-induced reproductive toxicities on weight, spermiogram, serum hormonal profile, sperm DNA integrity, histopathology of testes and brain tissues of rabbit bucks. Twenty-eight rabbit bucks, with live weight of 1.20-2.00 kg and aged 10-18 months. They were randomly divided into four groups of seven bucks each, group A was administered distilled water (1.5 mL) daily for 12 weeks, group B was administered Bisphenol A (100 mg/kg) for 5 consecutive days in a week for a period of 12 weeks, group C was administered Azanza garckeana (500 mg/kg) daily for 12 weeks and group D was pre-dosed with Bisphenol A (100 mg/kg) for 5 consecutive days in a week over 6 weeks period followed by Azanza garckeana (500 mg/kg) daily for another 6 weeks. Mean testicular weights differed significantly (p < 0.05) between group B (4.4 ± 0.23) when compared with groups A (8.0 ± 0.06), C (8.7 ± 0.19) and D (7.1 ± 0.18). There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the mean reaction time, spermiogram, testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone and sperm DNA fragmentation index between Bisphenol A-exposed groups and treatment groups. On histopathology, there was testicular vacuolization, interstitial hemorrhage, reduction in spermatogenic cells following Bisphenol A exposure. There were layers of dense basophilic cells in the pineal and pituitary parenchymas. In conclusion, Bisphenol A has negative effects on reproduction but administration of Azanza garckeana may possess some therapeutic properties that can ameliorate such adverse effects.

Physical activity and sperm quality: influence in sperm donors.

PURPOSE: To ascertain whether physical activity (PA) is associated with better sperm quality in sperm donors. METHODS: A prospective case-control study was designed in an IVF center setting. A total of 207 sperm donation candidates from a relatively small geographical area were included in the study with no intervention. Donor candidates were subjected to conventional sperm analysis according to WHO criteria. Moreover, they answered a standardized questionnaire regarding their last week PA (IPAQ), with PA expressed in metabolic equivalents (METs)-min/week. Donors were classified into 4 groups: low, moderate, high and very high PA. Specific sports were included in the questionnaire. Semen samples from 43 accepted donors were used in artificial insemination by donor (AID) and IVF. The fertilization rates (FR) and pregnancy rates (PR) were studied. RESULTS: Semen volume, sperm concentration, progressive spermatozoa, non-progressive spermatozoa, total motile progressive spermatozoa and sperm morphology were similar in the four PA groups. No correlation between various semen parameters studied and METs was found. Running or cycling > 1 h/week did not influence sperm parameters. The AID PR was similar in the different PA groups. However, in IVF the mean donor FR was significantly higher in the high PA group and in the very high PA group. CONCLUSIONS: No detrimental effect was associated with PA, or even very high PA, regarding conventional sperm parameters. Moreover, a better FR was associated with high and very high PA in IVF cycles, which merits more studies.

Asymptomatic bacteriospermia and infertility-what is the connection?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of asymptomatic bacteriospermia on semen quality in subfertile men. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, single-centre cohort study in 1300 subfertile men. In those diagnosed with asymptomatic bacteriospermia we performed univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to evaluate the strain-specific association with semen parameters. RESULTS: Asymptomatic bacteriospermia was diagnosed in 3.2% of patients. The microbiological semen analysis revealed a poly-microbial result in 60%. The most common bacterial species were coagulase-negative Staphylococci species (71.4%), Streptococcus viridans (50.0%) and Enterococcus faecalis (26.2%). Sexually transmitted pathogens were identified in 11.9% of semen samples. The detection of Streptococcus viridians or Haemophilus parainfluenzae correlated with impaired sperm morphology (p < 0.05). The presence of coagulase-negative Staphylococci species or Enterococcus faecalis was associated with pathological low counts of live spermatozoa (p < 0.05). In multivariate analysis only Enterococcus faecalis showed a significant impact on sperm concentration (OR 4.48; 95% CI 1.06-22.10; p = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic bacteriospermia has always been a subject of great controversy. There is still an ongoing debate whether to treat or not to treat. Here, we demonstrate that asymptomatic bacteriospermia is clearly associated with impaired semen quality. Our findings speak in favour of strain-specific interactions with semen parameters. Especially Enterococcus faecalis seriously affects sperm concentration.

Comparison of two staining techniques on the manual and automated canine sperm morphology analysis.

Detailed and direct analysis of semen, including sperm morphology, enables a diagnosis of male fertility. This study aimed to describe an economical and verified protocol for canine spermiograms and compare the effectiveness of Sperm Stain® and Sperm Blue® (Microptic, Spain) in veterinary practice. Sperm assessment was conducted manually, using a standard optical microscope, and via computerized semen analysis using the SCA® CASA (Sperm Class Analyzer® CASA System-MICROPTIC, Spain). This study showed that Sperm Blue® is a better solution for computerized sperm quality analysis of healthy dogs. At the same time, Sperm Stain® turned out to be more helpful in identifying specific morphological defects of sperm. Automated canine sperm morphology analysis worked better with Sperm Blue stain, but Sperm Stain simplified manual evaluation of various organelles' defects. Standard, manual examination is more error-prone for an inexperienced andrology technician, but it seems to be still a gold standard technique for canine sperm assessment.

Comparison of spermiograms of infertile men before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been interest in the impact of both SARS-CoV-2 infection and pandemic-induced social restrictions on male reproductive health. This study aimed to evaluate the spermiogram values of men who presented for infertility during the pandemic compared with the previous 2 years. METHODS: Patients who presented to a urology outpatient clinic for the first time due to infertility were included. The patients' age, semen volume, and spermiogram results were recorded. Based on the presentation date, the patients were divided into prepandemic group 1 (March 2018-February 2019), prepandemic group 2 (March 2019-February 2020), and pandemic group (March 2020-February 2021) for comparison. RESULTS: A total of 594 patients were included. There was no significant difference between the three groups in terms of the number of patients who presented for infertility (207, 190, and 197 patients, respectively; p=0.691). The mean age was 36.6±7.2 in the prepandemic group 1, 35.5±7.1 in the prepandemic group 2, and 33.1±6.3 in the pandemic group. Patients who presented during the pandemic were significantly younger (p<0.001). There were no differences between the groups in terms of semen volume (p=0.910) or rates of normospermia and pathological spermiogram findings (p=0.222). CONCLUSIONS: In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no significant difference in the number of patients who presented for infertility or in their spermiogram results compared with 2018 and 2019. However, it is noteworthy that the patients were significantly younger during the pandemic than in the previous 2 years.

The effects of two different antioxidant combinations on sperm parameters.

BACKGROUND: Studies demonstrate that getting antioxidants in the course of treatment has a positive impact beneficial effect on fertility, especially on the quality of sperm. Because of that reason antioxidants are recommended as a potentially influential treatment for infertility in men. However, it is argued that this treatment is not based on sufficient evidence and has no effect on the rate of healthy pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: In this study, two different antioxidant combinations with different doses and contents were evaluated in terms of their effect on sperm parameters. MATERIALS/METHODS: A total of 122 patients diagnosed with idiopathic infertility were enrolled in our multicenter study. The patients were divided into two different groups: The first group used a combination 2 × 1 sachet form (l-carnitine 1 g, acetyl-l-carnitine 0.5 g, fructose 1 g, citric acid 0.50 mg, selenium 50 µg, coenzyme Q10 20 mg, vitamin C 90 mg, zinc 10 mg, folic acid 200 µg, and vitamin B12 1.5 µg) and the second group used a combination tablets form 2 × 1 (l-carnitine 500 mg, selenium 50 µg, coenzyme Q10 20 mg, vitamin C 60 mg, zinc 15 mg, folic acid 400 µg, vitamin E, and ginseng 15 µg) for 6 months. The total semen volume, the total sperm number, sperm concentration, sperm motility, and lastly morphological findings of the patients were compared at the end of 6 months. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients participating in the study was 30.8 ± 6.05 years. No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of baseline sperm count. There was a significant difference between the baseline and sixth-month values of the patients using both combinations. However, no significant statistical difference was found between the groups according to the sixth-month data. The combinations of both antioxidants had a positive effect on sperm parameters, and the use of different doses and contents had a similar effect. CONCLUSION: Both antioxidants respectively had a positive effect on sperm parameters and also the use of different doses and contents had a similar effect.

Association Between Serum Vitamin D Concentration with Spermiogram Parameters and Reproductive Hormones Among Infertile Iranian Males: a Cross-sectional Study.

Infertility is a health concern affecting more than 186 million people globally, and male factors play a role in almost half of cases. Recently, the possible impact of vitamin D on male reproduction has become the center of attention. Our study intended to assess the correlation between serum vitamin D concentrations with sperm parameters and sex hormones in infertile Iranian men compared to fertile men. This cross-sectional study was performed among the 114 couples who were referred to the Urology Clinic of Imam Reza hospital in Mashhad, Iran. According to the inclusion criteria, 57 patients were entered into the infertility group, and 57 cases entered into the fertile group. Semen quality assessment was performed based on WHO guidelines, and the serum was analyzed for 25-hydroxy vitamin D, LH (luteinizing hormone), FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), and testosterone by ELISA method. Vitamin D level was significantly higher in the fertile group compared with infertile males (p < 0.001). Moreover, vitamin D level was positively correlated with some fertility indicators assessed by spermiogram test including sperm motility (p < 0.001, r = 0.483) and sperm count (p = 0.019, r = 0.216). Additionally, vitamin D was positively associated with testosterone level (p = 0.025, r = 0.210). There was no significant correlation between vitamin D concentrations with sperms morphology, LH, and FSH level. Our study showed a significantly lower vitamin D level in infertile males compared to the fertile group. In conclusion, our study results showed a positive correlation between serum vitamin D with sperm motility, sperm count, and serum testosterone level in fertile males compared to infertile men and suggest the beneficial effects of vitamin D on male reproduction.

Ability of the ISAS3Fun Method to Detect Sperm Acrosome Integrity and Its Potential to Discriminate between High and Low Field Fertility Bulls.

The objective of the present study was to investigate whether fertility differences in bulls are reflected in variations of sperm quality when analysing only one ejaculate per male. Two experiments were performed. In the first experiment, frozen semen samples from 20 adult bulls were tested; 10 bulls had high field fertility and 10 bulls had low field fertility. Analyses of sperm motility, membrane integrity, and membrane-acrosome integrity with the ISAS3Fun method were performed. Sperm morphometry of the fluorescence sperm subpopulations obtained with the ISAS3Fun method was also analysed. Significant differences between high- and low-fertility groups were only found with the ISAS3Fun technique, specifically in sperm acrosome integrity, the proportion of spermatozoa with an intact acrosome and damaged membrane, and in sperm head width of spermatozoa with intact structures. Discriminant analyses allowed us to correctly classify 90% of sperm samples in their fertility group using sperm quality parameters. Given that only the results obtained with the ISAS3Fun technique were related to bull fertility, we performed a second experiment aimed to validate the efficacy of this technique to detect the acrosomal integrity of bull spermatozoa, comparing them with the conventional FITC-PNA/propidium iodide (PNA/PI) combination under capacitating conditions. The results indicated that the ISAS3Fun combination provided an accurate assessment of both viability and acrosomal integrity for ejaculated spermatozoa, while the PNA/PI combination underestimated the extension of acrosomal damage due to false negatives. It was concluded that the simultaneous assessment of sperm plasma membranes and acrosome integrity with the ISAS3Fun method is precise and seems to have a greater potential to discriminate between high- and low-fertility bulls than more conventional in vitro sperm quality tests.