Bull Sperm SWATH-MS-Based Proteomics Reveals Link between High Fertility and Energy Production, Motility Structures, and Sperm-Oocyte Interaction

The prediction of male or semen fertility potential remains a persistent challenge that has yet to be fully resolved. This work analyzed several in vitro parameters and proteome of spermatozoa in bulls cataloged as high- (HF; n = 5) and low-field (LF; n = 5) fertility after more than a thousand artificial inseminations. Sperm motility was evaluated by computer-assisted sperm analysis. Sperm viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and reactive oxygen species (mROS) of spermatozoa were assessed by flow cytometry. Proteome was evaluated by the SWATH-MS procedure. Spermatozoa of HF bulls showed significantly higher total motility than the LF group (41.4% vs 29.7%). Rates of healthy sperm (live, high MMP, and low mROS) for HF and LF bull groups were 49% and 43%, respectively (p > 0.05). Spermatozoa of HF bulls showed a higher presence of differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) related to both energy production (COX7C), mainly the OXPHOS pathway, and the development of structures linked with the motility process (TPPP2, SSMEM1, and SPAG16). Furthermore, we observed that equatorin (EQTN), together with other DAPs related to the interaction with the oocyte, was overrepresented in HF bull spermatozoa. The biological processes related to protein processing, catabolism, and protein folding were found to be overrepresented in LF bull sperm in which the HSP90AA1 chaperone was identified as the most DAP. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD042286.

Trends in sperm quality by computer-assisted sperm analysis of 49,189 men during 2015-2021 in a fertility center from China

Background

Sperm quality, including semen volume, sperm count, concentration, and total and progressive motility (collectively, "semen parameters"), has declined in the recent decades. Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) provides sperm kinematic parameters, and the temporal trends of which remain unclear. Our objective is to examine the temporal trend of both semen parameters and kinematic parameters in Shanghai, China, in the recent years.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed semen parameters and kinematic parameters of 49,819 men attending our reproductive center by using CASA during 2015-2021. The total sample was divided into two groups: samples that surpassed the WHO guideline (2010) low reference limits ("above reference limit" group, ARL; n = 24,575) and samples that did not ("below reference limit" group, BRL; n = 24,614). One-way analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis test, independent samples t-test, and covariance analysis were used to assess the differences among groups. Year, age, and abstinence time were included in the multiple linear regression model of the ARL group to adjust the confounders and depict the trends in sperm quality.

Results

Among all the total sample and the ARL and BRL groups, the age of subjects increased in recent years. Semen volume and sperm count showed declined tendency with years in the total sample, the ARL and BRL groups, and the subgroup of age or abstinence time, whereas sperm velocities showed increased tendency with years on the contrary. The multiple linear regression model of the ARL group, adjusting for age and abstinence time, confirmed these trends. Semen volume (β1= -0.162; CI: -0.172, -0.152), sperm count (β1= -9.97; CI: -10.813, -9.128), sperm concentration (β1 = -0.535; CI: -0.772, -0.299), motility (β1 = -1.751; CI: -1.830, -1.672), and progressive motility (β1 = -1.12; CI: -0.201, -0.145) decreased with year, whereas curvilinear line velocity (VCL) (β1 = 3.058; CI: 2.912, 3.203), straight line velocity (VSL) (β1 = 2.075; CI: 1.990, 2.161), and average path velocity (VAP) (β1 = 2.305; CI: 2.224, 2.386) increased over time (all p < 0.001). In addition, VCL, VSL, and VAP significantly declined with age and abstinence time.

Conclusion

The semen parameters declined, whereas the kinematic parameters increased over the recent years. We propose that, although sperm count and motility declined over time, sperm motion velocity increased, suggesting a possible compensatory mechanism of male fertility.

High concentration of growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9) to the ram semen had a negative effect on the sperm positive rheotaxis

Herein, the microfluidic device technique was used to investigate the effects of GDF-9 concentrations and exposure time on the ram sperm positive rheotaxis (PR). Semen was collected from six rams and utilized for PR, motility and sperm kinetic parameter analysis using a computer-assisted sperm analysis program with controlled flow velocity following 0, 10, 20 or 30 min of incubation at 37°C with GDF-9 (200 , 400 or 600 ng/ml; semen sample without GDF-9 was used as a control). Results revealed that there was not an interaction between effects of GDF-9 concentrations and incubation duration on PR% (p = .457) and TM% (p = .099). A simple main effects analysis showed that GDF-9 concentrations had an effect on PR% (p = .003). However, the incubation duration did not have an effect on PR% (p = .101). GDF-9 concentrations had not an effect on TM% (p = .817). By contrast, the incubation duration affected on TM% (p = .026). A higher PR% was found (p < .05) at 200 ng GDF-9 after 10 min (46.7 ± 10.3) and 20 min (45.5 ± 11.5) of incubation. After 30 min of incubation, the PR% was found lowest (p < .05) at 400 ng of GDF-9 (30.6 ± 14.1) and 600 ng of GDF-9 (32.2 ± 9.6). There was no difference (p > .05) in the sperm kinetic parameters between the four treatment groups. In conclusion, the ram sperms had the best rheotaxis properties after 10 and 20 min of incubation with 200 ng of GDF-9 and were sensitive to high concretions.

Effects of tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate on epididymal sperm parameters in adult male rats

Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) is widely used as a flame retardant and is known to exhibit anti-androgenic effects in vitro and in vivo. To assess the reproductive toxicity potency of TDCIPP, we investigated the effects of 7 days of TDCIPP oral administration on epididymal sperm motion and concentration in adult male Wistar-Imamichi rats. Thirty-five days after the final administration, sperm parameters were evaluated by computer-assisted sperm analysis. Results showed that sperm swimming progression and vigor and sperm concentration in TDCIPP-treated rats were unexpectedly higher than those in control rats. TDCIPP did not significantly affect the percentage of motile sperms or sperm swimming pattern. These results contribute to the understanding of the biological effects of TDCIPP.

Impact of Cryopreservation on Motile Subpopulations and Tyrosine-Phosphorylated Regions of Ram Spermatozoa during Capacitating Conditions

Simple Summary

Spermatozoa go through diverse changes to achieve their fertilizing potential (capacitation) and develop a specific motility pattern (hyperactivation). However, to ensure a greater reproductive success, not all the spermatozoa present in an ejaculate react equally or at the same time. Therefore, a comparative analysis was performed in the present study to improve our current understanding about how cryopreservation may affect the heterogeneous nature of fresh ejaculates during these two events. Among the four motile sperm subpopulations identified in fresh and frozen-thawed ram semen, one of them developed a hyperactivated-like movement and was the main group involve in those changes associated with sperm capacitation based on the marked increase and the positive correlation with mitochondrial activity and tyrosine phosphorylation, two relevant parameters that usually increase during capacitation. In addition, cryopreservation altered the distribution of the motile sperm subpopulations. Although the subpopulation with hyperactivated-like movement increased at the beginning of incubation in frozen-thawed samples, this subpopulation together with the subpopulation of rapid and progressive spermatozoa were replaced after a prolonged incubation by the subpopulation of slow spermatozoa with the lowest mitochondrial activity, which clearly indicate the reduction in sperm quality. These findings will aid to optimize the current cryopreservation and in vitro fertilization protocols.

Abstract

The heterogeneous nature of ejaculates highlights the relevance of studying the behavior of different sperm subpopulations. Changes in sperm motility and the increase in tyrosine phosphorylation are key events that usually occur during capacitation and can be modified by the cryopreservation process. However, the relationship between both events remains poorly defined throughout capacitation in the different sperm subpopulations. Fresh and frozen-thawed spermatozoa were incubated in capacitating (CAP) and non-capacitating (NC) media up to 240 min. Sperm kinematics, tyrosine phosphorylation and mitochondrial activity were measured by the CASA system and imaging flow cytometry. Four motile sperm subpopulations (SP) were identified in fresh and frozen-thawed ram semen after the cluster analysis. Incubation under CAP conditions over time led to greater changes in the percentage of spermatozoa included in each subpopulation compared to NC conditions, being different between fresh and frozen-thawed spermatozoa. The SP1, characterized by slow spermatozoa, progressively increased after 15 min in frozen-thawed samples incubated in both media but not in fresh ones. The SP4, characterized by fast and non-linear spermatozoa, showed a marked increase during CAP, but not under NC conditions, occurring more rapidly in frozen-thawed spermatozoa. This subpopulation (SP4) was also the only one positively and strongly correlated with mitochondrial activity and all phosphorylated sperm regions during capacitation, either in fresh or frozen-thawed samples. Our results indicated that in vitro capacitation induced significant changes in the distribution of motile sperm subpopulations, being affected by cryopreservation. Notwithstanding, the subpopulation which probably represents hyperactivated-like spermatozoa (SP4) also increased in frozen-thawed samples, occurring faster and simultaneously to the increment of mitochondrial activity and tyrosine phosphorylation of different sperm regions.

The validity and reliability of computer-aided semen analyzers in performing semen analysis: a systematic review

Background

Computer-aided sperm analyzers (CASA) are currently used worldwide for semen analysis. However, there are doubts about their reliability to fully substitute the human operator. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically review the current literature comparing results from semen evaluation by both CASA-based and manual approaches.

Methods

A systematic screening of the literature was performed based on the PRISMA guidelines and by searching on PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases.

Results

A total of 14 studies were included. Our results showed a high degree of correlation for sperm concentration and motility when analysis was performed either manually or by using a CASA system. However, CASA results showed increased variability in low (<15 million/mL) and high (>60 million/mL) concentration specimens, while sperm motility assessment was inaccurate in samples with higher concentration or in the presence of non-sperm cells and debris. Morphology results showed the highest level of difference, due to the high amount of heterogeneity seen between the shapes of the spermatozoa either in one sample or across multiple samples from the same subject.

Conclusions

Overall, our study suggests CASA systems as a valid alternative for the evaluation of semen parameters in clinical practice, especially for sperm concentration and motility. However, further technological improvements are required before these devices can one day completely replace the human operator. Artificial intelligence-based CASA devices promise to offer higher efficiency of the analysis and improve the reliability of results.

Quality assessment of frozen bull semen with the precursor A-kinase anchor protein 4 biomarker

In this study, the quality of frozen bull semen was evaluated with the proAKAP4 level test. Sixty straws of frozen bull semen from various batches (n = 30) belonging to six bulls were used in the current study. The frozen bull semen samples were analysed in terms of proAKAP4 levels, sperm morphology and sperm movement parameters at hour 0 and hour 3 after thawing. The semen samples were divided into three groups according to the proAKAP4 levels: low concentration (<25 ng/10x10⁶ spermatozoa), moderate concentration (25 to 39 ng/10x10⁶ spermatozoa) and high concentration (≥40 ng/10x10⁶ spermatozoa). A positive correlation was found between the proAKAP4 level and total motility (TM₃ ), progressive motility (PM₃ ), VSL₃ and VCL₃ values obtained after the third-hour thermoresistance test (p < .05). There was a negative correlation between the percentage of sperm abnormal tail and the proAKAP4 level (p < .01). In addition, it was observed that the semen samples with proAKAP4 concentrations of 25 ng/10⁶ spermatozoa and higher preserved the TM₃ and PM₃ motility characteristics. In conclusion, the proAKAP4 has the potential to become a biomarker protein to evaluate in the quality analysis of frozen-thawed semen.

[Internal quality control products for computer-assisted sperm analysis: Research and application]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the application of the self-made semen quality control (QC) product in internal QC of computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA).

METHODS

CASA was calibrated with high- and low-concentration commercially available semen QC product and meanwhile 15 samples of self-made mixed semen QC product were placed in 75 cryotubes containing liquid nitrogen, followed by CASA of the concentration, motility, curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight line velocity (VSL), average path velocity (VAP), linearity (LIN), wobble (WOB) and straightness (STR) of the sperm using standard procedures and 50 days of continuous monitoring. The Makler counting plate was used to measure the concentration and motility of the self-made sperm.

RESULTS

The coefficients of variation (CV) of the commercially available semen QC product at high and low concentrations were 6.18% and 7.85%, respectively. CASA showed that the concentration of the self-made QC product was (25.97 ± 1.41) ×10⁶/ml, with a CV of 5.42%, and the sperm motility, VCL, VSL, VAP, LIN, WOB and STR were (22.15 ± 1.75)% (CV = 7.9%), (59.18 ± 2.05) μm/s (CV = 3.46%), (26.79 ± 1.2) μm/s (CV = 4.48%), (34.98 ± 1.4) μm/s (CV = 4.01%), 46.81 ± 1.55 (CV = 3.3%), 60.52 ± 1.3 (CV = 2.15%) and 76.46 ± 1.98 (CV = 2.59%), respectively. The concentration and motility of the self-made sperm detected with the Makler counting plate were (34.39 ± 2.37) ×10⁶/ml (CV = 6.89%) and (38.04 ± 1.69)% (CV = 4.44%), respectively. Levey-Jennings QC charts were plotted for the indicators using the means and standard deviation.

CONCLUSIONS

The self-made internal QC product by liquid nitrogen cryopreservation is feasible and effective for monitoring the accuracy and precision of CASA-derived sperm concentration and motion parameters, and it has a smaller CV than the commercially available QC product in measuring sperm concentration.

Computer-assisted beat-pattern analysis and the flagellar waveforms of bovine spermatozoa

Obstructed by hurdles in information extraction, handling and processing, computer-assisted sperm analysis systems have typically not considered in detail the complex flagellar waveforms of spermatozoa, despite their defining role in cell motility. Recent developments in imaging techniques and data processing have produced significantly improved methods of waveform digitization. Here, we use these improvements to demonstrate that near-complete flagellar capture is realizable on the scale of hundreds of cells, and, further, that meaningful statistical comparisons of flagellar waveforms may be readily performed with widely available tools. Representing the advent of high-fidelity computer-assisted beat-pattern analysis, we show how such a statistical approach can distinguish between samples using complex flagellar beating patterns rather than crude summary statistics. Dimensionality-reduction techniques applied to entire samples also reveal qualitatively distinct components of the beat, and a novel data-driven methodology for the generation of representative synthetic waveform data is proposed.

Method agreement between three different chambers for comparative boar semen computer-assisted sperm analysis

The computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) has become a standard laboratory tool. Although it contributes a lot to the objective sperm motility assessment, its measurements may be affected by many factors. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of chamber on boar semen CASA results. Totally, 100 extended (30 × 10⁶  sperm/ml) boar semen samples were analysed by CASA. Each sample was evaluated using Makler, Leja 4 chamber 20 μm and conventional glass slide/coverslip chambers (MC, LC and GSC, respectively). The differences in values between MC and LC and between MC and GSC were significantly positive (higher values for MC compared with LC and GSC) for total motility, progressive, rapid movement, VCL, VSL, VAP, STR and hyperactive, thus indicating a systematic effect. Between LC and GSC, the differences in many parameters (non-progressive, progressive, slow, LIN, STR, hyperactive) were evenly distributed around zero, while in all other parameters the differences were significantly positive (higher values for LC compared with GSC), except for medium movement. Based on the estimated intraclass correlation coefficients, the method agreement between MC and LC and between LC and GSC was overall moderate to good, depending on the parameter; nonetheless, it was poor between MC and GSC. The limits of agreement between methods can vary considerably depending on the parameter and should be considered when comparisons between CASA measurements of different andrology laboratories or studies have to be performed.

Gallic and carnosic acids improve quality of frozen-thawed ram spermatozoa

The objective was to determine effects of gallic acid (GA) and carnosic acid (CA), present in carob pods and rosemary extract respectively, on frozen-thawed ram spermatozoa. Thirty ejaculates were collected from five Merino rams, pooled, diluted in Tris-based extender and divided into five equal portions containing: 0.05 or 2 mM of GA; 0.05 or 0.2 mM of CA; or no additive (control). Extended semen was equilibrated at +4°C, loaded into straws, held 5 cm above liquid nitrogen for 12 min then plunged. Computer-aided sperm analysis was used to assess motility, whereas flow cytometry was used to assess high mitochondrial membrane potential (HMMP) and percentages of spermatozoa with plasma membrane and acrosome integrity (PMAI). Spermatozoa supplemented with 2 mM GA had greater total motility than control spermatozoa (39.9 ± 3.01 vs. 29.2 ± 1.31%, mean ± SEM, p < .05). The PMAI was greatest in 0.2 mM CA (13.3 ± 0.68%), whereas HMMP was highest in 0.05 mM CA but lowest in control (22.9 ± 4.95 and 11.4 ± 3.64% respectively; p < .05). In conclusion, for cryopreservation of ram semen in Tris-based extender, supplementation with 2 mM GA increased post-thaw motility, whereas supplementation with 0.05 mM CA enhanced mitochondrial function.

Sea urchin reproductive performance in a changing ocean: poor males improve while good males worsen in response to ocean acidification

Ocean acidification (OA) is predicted to be a major driver of ocean biodiversity change. At projected rates of change, sensitive marine taxa may not have time to adapt. Their persistence may depend on pre-existing inter-individual variability. We investigated individual male reproductive performance under present-day and OA conditions using two representative broadcast spawners, the sea urchins Lytechinus pictus and Heliocidaris erythrogramma. Under the non-competitive individual ejaculate scenario, we examined sperm functional parameters (e.g. swimming speed, motility) and their relationship with fertilization success under current and near-future OA conditions. Significant inter-individual differences in almost every parameter measured were identified. Importantly, we observed strong inverse relationships between individual fertilization success rate under current conditions and change in fertilization success under OA. Individuals with a high fertilization success under current conditions had reduced fertilization under OA, while individuals with a low fertilization success under current conditions improved. Change in fertilization success ranged from -67% to +114% across individuals. Our results demonstrate that while average population fertilization rates remain similar under OA and present-day conditions, the contribution by different males to the population significantly shifts, with implications for how selection will operate in a future ocean.

Female nutritional condition affects ovarian fluid quality in guppies

Male and female gametes are often embedded in fluids that are produced by gonads and other reproductive tissues. Female reproductive fluids, usually called ovarian fluid (OF), which often constitute a relevant volumetric component of the egg mass, are rich in ions, sugars and proteins, and are involved in several functions, from protecting gametes to facilitating fertilization, and often act as mediators of post-mating sexual selection. Despite their applied and evolutionary importance, we know virtually nothing about the costs of female reproductive fluid production. We investigated the effect of nutritional condition on OF quality by experimentally manipulating the diet of two groups of female guppies (Poecilia reticulata) which were maintained for 20 days either on a restricted diet or had ad libitum access to food. In this species, OF enhances sperm swimming longevity and velocity (a predictor of sperm competition success) and mediates post-copulatory inbreeding avoidance. We found that sperm velocity was significantly lower in the OF of diet-restricted females, indicating that OF quality is dependent on female nutritional condition. Our results demonstrate that OF represents a non-trivial component of female reproductive investment and provides a tool to investigate which OF constituents are involved in modulating OF-sperm interactions and fertilization.

[Hamilton-Thorne Integrated Visual Optical System Ⅰ (IVOSⅠ) versus IVOS Ⅱ for human sperm analysis]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) systems Hamilton-Thorne Integrated Visual Optical System Ⅰ (IVOSⅠ) and IVOS Ⅱ after verifying the performance of the latter so as to ensure the accuracy of the results of analysis.

METHODS

Based on the criteria established in the 5th edition of the WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen (WHO 5th Ed), we compared the main semen parameters obtained from IVOSⅠ with those generated by IVOS Ⅱ, and examined the consistency between the results of the two sperm analyzers.

RESULTS

The linear relationship of the outlier test, bias estimation and scatter plot and the results of the outlier test of the two systems all met the requirements of comparison analysis and showed an obvious correlativity. The application scope of the results obtained from the apparatus indicated a reasonable value range, with r = 0.988 for sperm concentration, r = 0.975 for sperm progressive motility (PR), and r = 0.981 for total sperm motility. Evaluation of the acceptability of the predicted bias showed that the allowable total error (TEa) to be 6.67% with sperm concentration at 12 × 106 /ml and 2.34% with PR < 31%, their upper limit of the allowable error < 1/2. The results of IVOS Ⅱ conformed to the requirements of the WHO 5th Ed.

CONCLUSIONS

The main parameters derived from IVOSⅠ and IVOS Ⅱ are comparable and consistent, indicating that both can be used for the examination of semen samples.

Effect of adding different levels of caffeine in the extender on some biochemical constituents, enzymatic activities and physical characteristics of chilled and frozen ram semen

Two experiments were carried out to determine the efficiency of supplementation of ram semen extender with caffeine on chilled storage and frozen capacity of spermatozoa. In the first experiment, eighty ejaculates were collected by an artificial vagina from five adult Barki rams, aged 2-3 years and weighted 45.0 ± 2.0 kg throughout the experimental period (January to February 2017). The ejaculates were pooled and diluted (1:10) with tris-citric egg yolk extender and were split into five groups. Group 1 served as control, whereas groups 2-5 were supplemented with 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 mM caffeine. All diluted semen specimens were evaluated for physical characteristics immediately after dilution (T₀ ) and throughout preservation period of 48 hr at 4°C. Simultaneously, oxidative stress and indices such as total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde concentrations (MDA) and alkaline transaminase (AKP) concentrations and value of resazurin reduction test (RRT) were determined. In the second experiment, the raw pooled ejaculates were diluted (1:10) with glycerolated tris-citric egg yolk extender, receiving the previously mentioned caffeine levels. The post-thaw assessment of cryopreserved spermatozoa, in all groups, was conducted by a computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system. The results revealed that adding caffeine to ram semen extender at low (0.1 mM) or medium (0.2 mM) levels had positive impact on both physical characteristics of ram sperm and the enzymatic activities compared to the other semen groups. Caffeine supplementation also enhanced post-thaw sperm dynamics, which implies its potential as an exogenous antioxidant supplement.

Influence of omega-3 incorporation in sperm preservation medium on physical and kinematic properties of chilled and cryopreserved ram spermatozoa

Two experiments were carried out to investigate the efficiency of supplementing sperm preservation medium with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on improving liquid-chilled storage and cryopreservation capacity of ram spermatozoa. Ejaculates (n = 100) were collected from five adult rams, Ovis aries, by an artificial vagina twice weekly throughout the period February-April, 2017. After initial evaluation, ejaculates of each collection session from the same males were pooled, diluted (1:10) with Tris-citric acid egg yolk extender, and were further split into five aliquots using a split-sample technique. The first aliquot served as control (omega-free), whereas the other four portions were supplemented with 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 or 0.4 mM omega-3, respectively (T₀ ). Thereafter, the diluted specimens were stored at 4°C for 48 hr, during which sperm physical and morphometric properties were evaluated along with oxidative stress indices (T₂₄ , T₄₈ ). Omega-3 levels that efficiently mitigated the detrimental effects of chilled preservation, and maintained preservation aptitude of spermatozoa were further investigated for sperm cryosurvival against control (untreated). Post-thaw physical and kinematic properties of spermatozoa, in all groups, were objectively evaluated by a computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system. The results showed that, at 48 hr of chilled storage, supplementing preservation medium with 0.4 mM omega-3 was positively correlated (p < 0.01) with each of progressive motility, live sperm, intact acrosome and intact cell membrane (r = 0.83, 0.85, 0.85, 0.89, respectively). Furthermore, a positive correlation (p < 0.01) was observed between inclusion of omega-3 in cryopreservation medium and each of post-thaw total sperm motility, progressive motility, live sperm, normal sperm, intact acrosome, intact cell membrane, VCL, VSL, VAP, ALH and STR (r = 0.76, 0.84, 0.79, 0.90, 0.89, 0.91, 0.61, 0.73, 0.65, 0.78 and 0.60, respectively). These results accentuate efficiency of supplementing the diluent with omega-3 fatty acids on improving chilled and cryopreservation aptitude of ram spermatozoa.

Comparison of sperm subpopulation structures in first and second ejaculated semen from Japanese black bulls by a cluster analysis of sperm motility evaluated by a CASA system

In the present study, bull sperm in the first and second ejaculates were divided into subpopulations based on their motility characteristics using a cluster analysis of data from computer-assisted sperm motility analysis (CASA). Semen samples were collected from 4 Japanese black bulls. Data from 9,228 motile sperm were classified into 4 clusters; 1) very rapid and progressively motile sperm, 2) rapid and circularly motile sperm with widely moving heads, 3) moderately motile sperm with heads moving frequently in a short length, and 4) poorly motile sperm. The percentage of cluster 1 varied between bulls. The first ejaculates had a higher proportion of cluster 2 and lower proportion of cluster 3 than the second ejaculates.

[Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation for asthenozoospermia]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) in the treatment of asthenozoospermia.

METHODS

We randomly divided 72 asthenozoospermia patients into a 2 Hz TEAS (n = 29), a 100 Hz TEAS (n = 20), and a blank control group (n = 23), those in the former two groups treated by 30 minutes of TEAS at 2 Hz and 100 Hz respectively, applied to the acupoints of bilateral Shenshu, left Zusanli, and Guanyuan, once a day for 60 days, while those in the blank control group left untreated. Using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA), we examined sperm concentration and motility as well as the percentages of grade a and grade a+b sperm in different groups of the patients.

RESULTS

Compared with the baseline, 2 Hz TEAS significantly increased sperm motility (［12.76 ± 1.39］ vs ［18.89 ± 2.46］%, P<0.05) and the percentage of grade a+b sperm ( ［10.68 ± 1.22］ vs ［16.32 ± 2.10］%, P<0.05) in the asthenozoospermic patients, while 100 Hz TEAS improved not only sperm motility (［12.32 ± 2.21］ vs ［23.81 ± 3.42］%, P<0.01) and the percentage of grade a+b sperm (［10.45 ± 1.98］ vs ［20.25 ± 2.82 ］%, P<0.01), but also the percentage of grade a sperm (［6.44 ± 1.16］ vs ［13.31 ± 2.30］%, P<0.05). Moreover, in comparison with the blank control group, 2 Hz TEAS also remarkably increased sperm motility (［9.57 ± 1.60］ vs ［18.89 ± 2.46］%, P<0.05) and the percentage of grade a+b sperm (［7.81 ± 1.31］ vs ［16.32 ± 2.10］%, P<0.05) in the asthenozoosperma patients, while 100 Hz TEAS improved not only sperm motility (［9.57 ± 1.60］ vs ［23.81 ± 3.42］%, P<0.01) and the percentage of grade a+b sperm (［7.81 ± 1.31］ vs ［20.25 ± 2.82］%, P<0.01) but also the percentage of grade a sperm (［4.87 ± 1.01］ vs ［13.31 ± 2.30］%, P<0.01). Meanwhile, the rate of clinical effectiveness was significantly higher in the 100 Hz TEASthan in the blank control group either in intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis (100% vs 18.18%) orper-protocol (PP) analysis (90% vs 0%), and so was it than in the 2 Hz TEAS group based on the data of ITT (100% vs 33.33%).

CONCLUSIONS

Both 2 Hz and 100 Hz TEAS are effective for the treatment of asthenozoospermia by improving sperm motility and vitality.

Addition of different concentrations of prostasome-like vesicles at neutral or slightly alkaline pH decreases canine sperm motility

Prostasome-like vesicles (PV) are components of the canine prostatic fluid during ejaculation and despite some enzymatic activities have been identified recently, their functions in the reproductive events in this species are still poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated at neutral or slightly alkaline pH, the effects of different concentrations of purified PV on sperm cell motility characteristics and the impact on the short- and long-term preservation of preserved semen maintained at room temperature. Two different experiments were performed. In the first experiment, purified PV were added at increasing concentration (1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 μL equivalent to 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 μg of protein, respectively) to aliquots of 100 μL of preserved semen maintained at 22 °C at the following time points: 0, 30, 60, 120, 240, and 480 min. Computer-assisted sperm motility characteristics and pH were assessed three times at each time points, for each sample and for every concentrations. In the second experiment, the purified PV were added with the same methods as described above but only at time 0. Sperm motility characteristics and pH were assessed over the time. This study showed how the addition of purified PV to preserved semen affects negatively (p < 0.05) at neutral and alkaline pH, both total and progressive motility in a concentration depending manner. Furthermore, prostasome addition was demonstrated to change the quality of sperm movement which may represent a mechanism facilitating sperm cells attachment to the uterine epithelium and facilitating energy preservation before fertilization.

Incidence of Sperm Surface Autoantibodies and Relationship with Routine Semen Parameters and Sperm Kinematics

PROBLEM

Antisperm antibodies (ASA) are associated with male subfertility. However, results on sperm surface autoantibodies are controversial, the relationship between ASA and semen parameters (WHO, 2010) is unknown, and data on ASA and sperm kinematics are scarce.

METHOD OF STUDY

A retrospective study carried out in men undergoing routine semen analysis (WHO 2010), ASA evaluation (direct SpermMAR(™) (IgG) test), and computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA).

RESULTS

A 2.6% and a 5.9% incidence of ASA-positive cases were found (cut-off 50% and 10%, respectively; n = 7492). ASA-positive samples had lower (P < 0.0001) sperm concentration, count, motility, and hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) test score. HOS results did not correlate with sperm vitality in normozoospermic samples with high ASA levels. In unselected samples, ASA-positive samples (cut-off 50%) showed decreased sperm kinematics (VSL, VAP, LIN, ALH, STR, BCF, WOB), but in normozoospermic samples, ASA-positive and ASA-negative subgroups had similar CASA results.

CONCLUSIONS

ASA evaluation is highly relevant in full semen assessment.