Analysis of sperm chromatin packaging and reproductive biomarker to evaluate the consequence of advanced male age

In this study, the semen parameters, sperm chromatin integrity, antioxidant enzyme levels, and reproductive hormone levels of subfertile male subjects from Pakistan were assessed in relation to their age. Data on the demographic characteristics of the 750 study participants, including their general health, body mass index (BMI), and reproductive status, were collected from subfertile men from Pakistan. Semen and blood were collected to determine standard semen parameters, sperm chromatin dispersion (Halosperm-SCD), sperm chromatin integrity using toluidine blue (TB) staining, sperm chromatin maturity using chromomycin A3 (CMA3+) staining, and reproductive hormone (FSH, LH, prolactin and testosterone levels). The patients were divided into three groups according to their age: Group 1 included male subjects aged 30 years or less (n = 90), Group 2 included male subjects between the ages of 31 and 40 years (n = 330), and Group 3 included male subjects over 40 years of age (n = 330). Conventional semen parameters, reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), and lipid peroxidation (MDA) did not statistically (p > 0.05) differ with increasing male age or between different age groups. When compared to younger men (<30 years), sperm SCD (23.2 ± 0.88%) was significantly (p = 0.01) lower as compared to male patients aged >40 years (26.6 ± 0.6%). The concentration of LH, FSH, and testosterone levels were comparable between the groups (p > 0.05), while a significant (p = 0.04) increase in sperm chromatin immaturity CMA3+ (30 ± 0.71%) was observed in the old age group (>40 years) compared to the <30-year group (26.6 ± 1.03%). A positive association was observed between advanced male age and sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) (r = 0.124, p = 0.001) and decondensation (CMA3+) (r = 0.1, p = 0.009). Despite potential limitations, this study has been carried out with extensive information on the potential risk of male age on sperm integrity. The present study demonstrated the impact of male age on male reproductive health, as these patients had a higher percentage of sperm chromatin damage (SCD) in their semen. Sperm DNA damage assessment will help in the evaluation and diagnosis of the underlying cause of poor fertility and can help clinicians in selecting the right treatment options. Male age is one of the factors that have an impact on the decline in male fertility. As a result, it is preferable for patients receiving assisted reproductive technology to be younger.

Diallel cross analysis of plesiomorphic traits in Triticum aestivum L. genotypes

We conducted a 5 x 5 complete diallel cross experiment in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) with the genotypes 6309, Chkwal-50, Dhrabi, Bhkhar-02, and FS-08. Our objective was to evaluate the type of gene action and the general and specific combining abilities required for various morphological traits in wheat. The results of analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among genotypes for all the investigated traits. The results of joint regression analysis showed that the data for all the investigated traits fitted a simple additive dominance model. Graphical representation of variance and covariance suggested that most of the investigated traits were controlled by overdominance gene action. However, the peduncle length and plant height were controlled by additive gene action. Variety 6309 carried the highest number of dominant genes for the number of spikelets per spike, number of tillers per plant, plant height, number of fertile tillers per plant, and grain yield per plant. Chakwal-50 carried the highest number of recessive genes for grain yield per plant, number of tillers per plant, number of grains per spike, number of fertile tillers per plant, and plant height. Chakwal-50 and 6309 were the best general combiners for number of spikelets per spike, number of grains per spike, grain yield per plant, 1000-grain weight, number of fertile tillers per plant, and number of tillers per plant. On other hand, 6309 performed well in specific crosses with Chakwal-50, FS-08, and Bhakhar-02 for spike length and number of tillers per plant.