Association between kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) and macroscopic indicators of semen analysis: their relation to sperm motility

2009 ◽  
Vol 390 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nashmil Emami ◽  
Andreas Scorilas ◽  
Antoninus Soosaipillai ◽  
Tammy Earle ◽  
Brendan Mullen ◽  
...  

Abstract Human kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) are a family of proteases, the majority of which are found in seminal plasma and have been implicated in semen liquefaction. Here, we examined the clinical value of seminal KLKs in the evaluation of semen quality and differential diagnosis and etiology of abnormal liquefaction and/or viscosity. KLK1–3, 5–8, 10, 11, 13, and 14 were analyzed, using highly specific ELISA assays. Samples were categorized into four clinical groups, according to their state of liquefaction and viscosity. Data were compared between the clinical groups and in association with other parameters of sperm quality, including number of motile sperms, straight line speed, sperm concentration, volume, pH, and patient age. Seminal KLKs were found to be differentially expressed in the four clinical groups. Combination of KLK2, 3, 13, and 14 and KLK1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, and 14 showed very strong discriminatory potential for semen liquefaction and viscosity, respectively. Liquefaction state was associated with several parameters of sperm motility. Finally, KLK14 was differentially expressed in asthenospermic cases. In conclusion, the expression level of several seminal plasma KLKs correlates with liquefaction and viscosity indicators of semen quality and may aid in their differential diagnosis and etiology.

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Mostakhdem Hashemi ◽  
Nasser Behnampour ◽  
Mojgan Nejabat ◽  
Afsaneh Tabandeh ◽  
Behrouz Ghazi-Moghaddam ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction. Human seminal plasma contains a variety of macro and trace elements including magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) that have essential roles in normal functioning of semen and its quality. The imbalance of these elements has been reported in several pathologic and male infertility disorders. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the levels of these elements in seminal plasma samples, their relationships with each other and their impact on sperm motility. Methods. Overall, 192 males (96 normospermic and 96 asthenospermic males) were enrolled in the study. Semen samples were collected by masturbation and computer-assisted/aided semen analysis of sperm motility was performed. The samples were centrifuged and seminal levels of Mg, Cu, Zn and Fe were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results. The levels of Zn did not differ between the two groups, while the levels of Mg, Cu, and Fe were significantly higher in normospermic males. Fe showed a positive correlation with Mg and Cu in asthenospermic group. However, a negative relationship was found between Mg and Fe levels and between Mg and sperm concentration in the normospermic group. Fe levels were higher in the normospermic group compared to the asthenospermic group. Nevertheless, increased Fe levels caused a decrease in most of sperm motility fractions. Conclusion: Elements play major roles in male fertility and directly affect sperm quality. According to the results of this study, the levels of Zn do not affect the sperm quality and motility, while Fe, Cu and Mg are decreased in males with sperm motility problems. Nevertheless, Fe levels can adversely affect sperm motility in normospermic men.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giulia Collodel ◽  
Fabio Ferretti ◽  
Maurizio Masini ◽  
Giacomo Gualtieri ◽  
Elena Moretti

AbstractThe impact of male aging on male fertility has only recently become of interest to the scientific community. This study aims to assess the relationship between age and fertility among a sample of men, considering the individual and pathological characteristics. In this retrospective study data of semen analysis and medical history of 1294 Italian male patients were considered. Semen analysis was performed by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy mathematically elaborated. A generalized linear model was used to explore the influence of male age on semen quality, considering as confounders wine consumption, smoking habits, presence of varicocele, consanguinity and positive semen bacteriological analysis and urethral swab. The mean age of the participants was 36.41 ± 6.379. Male aging without impact of confounders was correlated with a decrease in sperm concentration and motility and an increased in sperm necrosis. Sperm concentration and progressive motility were negatively related to the presence of confounders as wine consumption (sperm motility), urogenital infection (sperm concentration and motility), varicocele (sperm concentration) and consanguinity (sperm motility). Urogenital infection, varicocele and consanguinity positively correlated with sperm necrosis. The most important finding was the observation of a negative effect of male aging on sperm parameters such as concentration, motility, and viability. It is possible to hypothesize age-dependent changes of testicular environment, probably related to reactive oxygen species production. The demonstration, in a large sample of patients, that aging influences sperm quality strongly motivates further research focused on the mechanisms involved in this phenomenon and its effects on offspring fitness.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 137
Author(s):  
Y. Pirosanto ◽  
M. Valera ◽  
A. Molina ◽  
J. Dorado ◽  
S. Demyda-Peyrás

Inbreeding depression, a genetic condition produced by the mating of close-related individuals, has been associated with a reduction of fertility in several species. However, a loss in sperm quality was also associated with age. In horses, the few existing reports have described a tendency of both parameters to produce a negative effect on sperm quality. However, those reports were performed using a subjective evaluation of sperm motility. In the present study, a total of 692 ejaculates from 86 Pure Spanish stallions (PRE), aged between 3 and 22 years, were evaluated using a computer-assisted methodology to determine the effect of inbreeding in four semen parameters: free-gel volume (V), sperm concentration (C, by haemocytometer), and total (TM) and progressive (PM) sperm motility (by Spermvision sperm class analyser; Minitube). The inbreeding coefficient (F) was estimated using 300 000 PRE pedigree records approximately (minimum pedigree depth, eight equivalent complete generations; range, between 1 and 30.1%). Stallion, age, ejaculate, and season of semen collection were the variables included in the statistical model (general linear model), with ejaculate and season being the variables with a major effect (by variance components analysis). Our results showed that sperm concentration (r=−0.18; P<0.0001) and volume (to a lesser extent) were reduced with advancing age, both showing a major decline after 15 years of age. To the contrary, sperm motility was not affected by age of the stallion. We also found a negative correlation between the inbreeding coefficient and ejaculate volume (r=−0.14; P<0.001), with a marked decrease seen when F was between 7 and 20%. Also, a negative correlation was observed in PM (r=−0.08; P<0.05), although to a lower extent. Conversely, C and TM were not affected by inbreeding depression (P>0.05). In conclusion, our results demonstrated that high levels of inbreeding can compromise severely the sperm quality of the PRE stallion, which, subsequently, may have a negative influence on fertility. Ongoing studies using genomic data will help to detect genetic variants associated with stallion semen quality and how it is influenced by inbreeding in specific genomic regions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Richard Michael Blay ◽  
Abigail Duah Pinamang ◽  
Augustine E. Sagoe ◽  
Ewurama Dedea Ampadu Owusu ◽  
Nii Koney-Kwaku Koney ◽  
...  

Introduction. Male infertility is known to contribute about half of all infertility cases. In Ghana, the prevalence of male infertility is higher (15.8%) than in females (11.8%). Sperm quality is associated with the likelihood of pregnancy and known to be the cause of male fertility problems 90% of the time. Exposure to certain environmental factors reduces semen quality in men. The study examined the effects of environmental and lifestyle factors on semen quality in Ghanaian men. Materials and Methods. This was a cross-sectional study involving 80 apparent healthy adult males in their reproductive age. Participants were males referred to the laboratory (Immunology Unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital) for semen analysis test and/or culture and sensitivity. Participants were made to fill out a questionnaire which entailed selected environmental factors (accidents or trauma, exposure to chemicals, radiation, and heat) and lifestyle habits (including alcohol consumption, smoking, and whether participants sat more or less than 4 hours per day). Semen samples were then collected by masturbation into sterile containers and analysed in accordance with WHO guidance for semen analysis within 60 minutes after ejaculation and collection. Results. About 69% of participants had semen pH within the normal range compared to 15% whose pH were lower than 7.2. There was a significantly high number of immotile sperm cells ( p value = 0.017) in participants who sat for more than 4 hours as compared to those that sat for less than 4 hours in a day. Active sperm motility and viability showed significant increase ( p value = 0.002 and 0.009, respectively) in participants who kept their cell phones in their side pockets. Smoking produced a twofold decrease in sperm count as smokers had a significantly lower sperm count ( 12.28 ± 10.95 × 10 6 /ml) compared to the smoke-free ( 23.85 ± 22.14 × 10 6 /ml). For exposure to STDs, no significant differences were recorded among study groups concerning semen quality. Conclusion. Sperm quality in Ghanaian men is associated with lifestyle habits. Smoking and sitting for long hours influenced sperm motility and count, respectively. Knowledge of the factors that influence sperm quality in this geographical region can contribute to informed decisions on effective management of infertility in Ghanaian men.


2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 221
Author(s):  
D. Le Bourhis ◽  
S. Camugli ◽  
P. Salvetti ◽  
L. Schibler ◽  
E. Schmitt

SensiTemp, a new in vitro maturation (IMV) bull straw concept, presents the advantage of colour changing while the straw is thawed. The colour of frozen straws is blue and straws start to become white when the temperature reaches 33°C, with a complete change of colour at 37°C. The objective of this study is to assess sperm quality after thawing of semen frozen in SensiTemp from 2 bulls, by analysing, in experiment 1, sperm motility and membrane integrity using computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) and flow cytometry (FC), and, in experiment 2, the in vitro embryo production (IVP) using IVP technologies [IVM, IVF, and in vitro culture (IVC)]. The ejaculates of 2 bulls, selected during preliminary experiments on high in vitro fertility, were harvested at CIA L’Aigle, France, and split ejaculates were frozen in experimental (SensiTemp) and conventional (control) straws. In experiment 1 after thawing semen from the 2 types of straws (5 pooled straws each; 2 replicates), motility was assessed using the IVOS CASA system (Hamilton Thorne Inc., Beverly, MA, USA) and membrane integrity was evaluated through FC with Cytosoft software (Millipore-Guava Technologies Inc., Hayward, CA, USA). In experiment 2, IVF was used to evaluate the non-toxicity of SensiTemp and control straws. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC; n = 1178; 4 replicates) collected from slaughterhouse ovaries were matured in IVM medium (TCM-199 with bicarbonate, Sigma-Aldrich, Saint Quentin Fallavier, France; 10 µg mL–1 FSH-LH, Reprobiol, Liège, Belgium; and 10% FCS, Thermo Fisher, Illkirch, France) for 22 h. After fertilization, presumptive zygotes of each group (SensiTemp and control for each bull) were cultured in synthetic oviduct fluid medium (SOF, Minitube, Tiefenbach, Germany) with 1% estrous cow serum (ECS) and 0.6% BSA (Sigma-Aldrich, France) up to 8 days. All cultures were conducted at 38.5C in 5% CO2, and 5% O2. The cleavage and blastocysts rates were evaluated on Days 3 and 7, respectively, for each group. Embryo quality was recorded on Day 7 according to the IETS evaluation. Data from each bull were analysed separately using the chi-squared test (P < 0.05). In experiment 1, neither sperm motility from bull 1 (61.2 and 60.5%) and bull 2 (66.2 and 66.5%) nor membrane integrity from bull 1 (58.6 and 52.2%) and bull 2 (61.0 and 61.9%) were different between SensiTemp and control, respectively. Results from experiment 2 showed no difference (P > 0.05) in cleavage rate between SensiTemp and control for the 2 bulls: 92.1 and 91.7% for bull 1 and 94.2 and 94.6% for bull 2 respectively. The blastocysts rate on Day 7 did not differ (P > 0.05) among groups (47.5, 47.1 and 51.3, 50.4% for SensiTemp and control bull 1 and bull 2, respectively) nor the quality of embryos retrieved in the different groups: 25.4, 23.3, and 30.8, 29.6% in grade 1 embryo for SensiTemp and control bull 1 and bull 2, respectively. Those results demonstrate, in vitro, that the new SensiTemp straws were non-toxic and did not affect the semen quality after thawing nor did the SensiTemp straws affect the ability of sperm cells to fertilize oocytes and produce 8-day-old embryos.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gangxin Chen ◽  
Beihong Zheng

Abstract Background: This was a cross-sectional study in China, we analyzed the levels of macrophages(Mφ) in semen. The study evaluated the influence of the levels of Mφ in semen on sperm quality.Methods: The subjects were 78 males between 25 and 35 years old. The samples were divided into a low group(Mφ<6×105/ml) and a high group (Mφ>6×105/ml). Evaluation included consideration of the influencing factors of male semen quality, macrophage concentration, sperm motility, morphology, membrane integrity DNA fragmentation index (DFI), anti-sperm antibodies (AsAb), IL-10, and IL-12 in semen.Results: There was no difference in the physical or chemical indices of the semen, sperm concentration, AsAb, IL-10, or IL-12 between the two groups (P>0.05). The percentage of sperm forward motility (PR%), the rate of normal sperm shape, and the integrity of cell membranes in the low group were higher than those in the high group (P<0.05), while the percentage of sperm inactivity (IM%), the rate of sperm head deformity, the rate of deformity in the neck and middle segment, the sperm malformation index (SDI), the abnormal sperm index (TZI), and the sperm DFI in the low group were lower than those in the high group (P<0.05). The concentration of Mφ in the semen was linearly correlated with sperm concentration, sperm PR%, IM%, sperm normal shape rate, head deformity rate, neck and middle deformity rate, SDI, TZI, sperm DFI, and sperm cell membrane integrity (P<0.05), but there was no linear correlation with IL-10 or IL-12 (P>0.05).Conclusions: The concentration of Mφ in semen had no significant correlation with semen volume or sperm concentration, but it did have a significant negative correlation with sperm motility, sperm morphology, cell membrane integrity, and DNA breakage rate. There was no significant correlation with the concentration of IL-10 or IL-12.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 87
Author(s):  
Anita Hafid ◽  
Riasari Gail Sianturi ◽  
Diana Andrianita Kusumaningrum ◽  
Yeni Widiawati ◽  
Anneke Anggraeni ◽  
...  

<p class="MDPI17abstract"><strong>Objective: </strong>Reproduction and nutritional status is closely related. Nutritional deficiency or insufficiency directly affects reproductive efficiency. Deficiency of nutrition could affect the sperm quality and the ability to fertilize. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of feed additive (Minoxvit) on semen quality of buck.</p><p class="MDPI17abstract"><strong>Methods: </strong>This study used 6 sexually mature bucks, aged 1.5 years old. The bucks were fed daily with 3 kg of freshly chopped king grass, 1 kg of Legume (<em>Calliandra</em> sp.), and 500 g of concentrate. Three bucks were given Minoxvit by 1.25 g/day in the concentrate, while three other bucks were considered as control. Semen was evaluated once a week for 49 days. Semen was evaluated macroscopically and microscopically. The macroscopic evaluation consisted of volume, color, and consistency of semen, while microscopic evaluation consisted of mass motility, sperm motility, viability, and sperm concentration. Data were analyzed using Completely Randomized Design with Tukey test.<strong></strong></p><p class="MDPI17abstract"><strong>Results: </strong>The result showed significantly different (<em>P</em>&lt;0,05) in which bucks semen in Minoxvit addition group had higher semen volume (0.75 ml vs 0.54 ml), mass motility (3.32 vs 2.67), sperm motility (70% vs 58 %), sperm viability (86.67% vs 79.19%), and sperm consentration (2,6x10<sup>9</sup> mL vs 1,7x10<sup>9</sup> mL).<strong></strong></p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study concludes that the addition of Minoxvit has a positive influence on the quality of buck sperms providing volume, mass motility, individual motility, viability, and concentration of the sperm.</p>


Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 483
Author(s):  
Mohammed S. Liman ◽  
Vittoria Franco ◽  
Claudia L. Cardoso ◽  
Valentina Longobardi ◽  
Bianca Gasparrini ◽  
...  

Isomers of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) enhances circulating insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) levels. Furthermore, fertility rate of breeding bulls is positively correlated to seminal plasma IGF-I concentration. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of dietary CLA supplementation and inclusion to the semen extender on bovine semen quality and freezability. Fourteen bulls, randomly assigned to control (CTL) and CLA (50 g/day) groups, were supplemented for 10 weeks. Samples were collected at Weeks −2 (before supplementation), 0, 4, 6 (during supplementation), 10, and 11 (after supplementation). Blood and seminal plasma were analyzed for IGF-I; the ejaculates were frozen in the following subgroups: CTL (no addition to semen extender), CLA c9, t11 (50 µM), CLA c9, t11 (100 µM), CLA t10, c12 (50 µM), CLA t10, c12 (100 µM), and CLA mix (50 µM each of CLA c9, t11 and CLA t10, c12). Sperm motility, morphology, viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, and reactive oxidative species were assessed. CLA supplementation decreased ejaculates’ total volume, increased sperm concentration, beat cross frequency, and decreased oxidative stress; it also increased plasma and seminal plasma IGF-I levels compared to the CTL. The inclusion of CLA c9, t11 100 µM and CLA mixture in the extender increased live spermatozoa percentage post-thawing compared to other groups. Our results show a beneficial effect of CLA supplementation on semen quality; however, further studies evaluating fertilization rates are necessary to corroborate the results.


2019 ◽  
Vol 64 (No. 5) ◽  
pp. 209-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Ratchamak ◽  
T Vongpralub ◽  
W Boonkum ◽  
V Chankitisakul

The purpose of this study was to examine sperm quality after cryopreservation of ejaculates collected as a bulk sample, which is routinely part of semen collection, and to compare this quality with the sperm-rich fraction in boars. Ejaculates were collected as sperm-rich fractions (SRF) and bulk samples (BE) using a gloved-hand technique. Fresh semen quality in terms of semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm motility and pH were conventionally evaluated. Then, semen was cryopreserved using the liquid nitrogen vapour method. The post-thaw sperm quality was evaluated by assessing sperm motility, live sperm with normal apical ridge and high mitochondrial energy status, lipid peroxidation was evaluated using CASA and fluorescent multiple staining and MDA levels were determined using a spectrophotometer, respectively. In terms of fresh semen quality, sperm motility in fresh semen did not differ significantly between the two groups. The treatment with the greater mean volume (BE; P &lt; 0.05) had a lower mean sperm concentration (P &lt; 0.05); meanwhile, the mean ejaculate pH collected as BE was more basic compared with SRF (P &lt; 0.05). However, there were no significant post-thaw quality changes between sperm-rich fractions and bulk samples of semen. In conclusion, ejaculates can be collected as bulk samples without the need to classify fractions for boar semen cryopreservation.


2015 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 279-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Orzołek ◽  
Paweł Wysocki ◽  
Jerzy Strzeżek ◽  
Magdalena Koziorowska-Gilun ◽  
Anna Dziekońska ◽  
...  

Abstract The aim of the study was to analyse sperm proteomes of ejaculates from Polish Large White (PLW) and Polish Landrace (PL) boars and to identify differences which putatively influence semen quality. Spermatozoa protein profiles were analysed by electrophoretic methods followed by selected techniques to evaluate semen quality on the following factors: sperm motility, lipid peroxidation levels (MDA production), ATP content, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), total antioxidant status (TAS), and total oxidant status (TOS) of seminal plasma. A protein with an estimated molecular weight of 30 kDa was found in spermatozoa of selected ejaculates. Mass spectrometry demonstrated that this polypeptide is most similar to proacrosin binding protein (sp32). The presence of the protein was more frequently observed in sperm extracts obtained in spring-summer period. Ejaculates containing sp32-like protein demonstrated significantly higher spermatozoa motility, lower inhibition of MDA production by seminal plasma, and higher SOD activity in seminal plasma. Boar semen which included sp32-like protein also demonstrated lower ATP levels in spermatozoa as well as higher TAS and lower TOS of seminal plasma, though the differences were not statistically significant. Ejaculates from PLW boars, with sp32-like protein present in sperm, were characterised by significantly higher sperm motility, lower ATP content in spermatozoa, and higher TAS of seminal plasma. The diminished parameters of semen quality were observed in ejaculates from PL boars that also contained the discussed protein, but the differences were not statistically significant. These findings suggest that the presence of sp32-like protein in boar spermatozoa could influence semen quality


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