Insulin-like growth factor 2(IGF2)is a critical endocrine mediator implicated in male reproductive physiology.To investigate the correlation between IGF2 protein levels and various aspects of male infertility,specific...Insulin-like growth factor 2(IGF2)is a critical endocrine mediator implicated in male reproductive physiology.To investigate the correlation between IGF2 protein levels and various aspects of male infertility,specifically focusing on sperm quality,inflammation,and DNA damage,a cohort of 320 male participants was recruited from the Women’s Hospital,Zhejiang University School of Medicine(Hangzhou,China)between 1^(st) January 2024 and 1^(st) March 2024.The relationship between IGF2 protein concentrations and sperm parameters was assessed,and Spearman correlation and linear regression analysis were employed to evaluate the independent associations between IGF2 protein levels and risk factors for infertility.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to measure IGF2 protein levels in seminal plasma,alongside markers of inflammation(tumor necrosis factor-alpha[TNF-α]and interleukin-1β[IL-1β]).The relationship between seminal plasma IGF2 protein levels and DNA damage marker phosphorylated histone H2AX(γ-H2AX)was also explored.Our findings reveal that IGF2 protein expression decreased notably in patients with asthenospermia and teratospermia.Correlation analysis revealed nuanced associations between IGF2 protein levels and specific sperm parameters,and low IGF2 protein concentrations correlated with increased inflammation and DNA damage in sperm.The observed correlations between IGF2 protein levels and specific sperm parameters,along with its connection to inflammation and DNA damage,underscore the importance of IGF2 in the broader context of male reproductive health.These findings lay the groundwork for future research and potential therapeutic interventions targeting IGF2-related pathways to enhance male fertility.展开更多
Extensive studies have identified potential adverse effects on semen quality of obesity, based on body mass index, but the association between body fat distribution, a more relevant indicator for obesity, and semen qu...Extensive studies have identified potential adverse effects on semen quality of obesity, based on body mass index, but the association between body fat distribution, a more relevant indicator for obesity, and semen quality remains less clear. We conducted a longitudinal study of 4304 sperm donors from the Guangdong Provincial Human Sperm Bank (Guangzhou, China) during 2017–2021. A body composition analyzer was used to measure total and local body fat percentage for each participant. Generalized estimating equations were employed to assess the association between body fat percentage and sperm count, motility, and morphology. We estimated that each 10% increase in total body fat percentage (estimated change [95% confidence interval, 95% CI]) was significantly associated with a 0.18 × 106 (0.09 × 106–0.27 × 106) ml and 12.21 × 106 (4.52 × 106–19.91 × 106) reduction in semen volume and total sperm count, respectively. Categorical analyses and exposure-response curves showed that the association of body fat distribution with semen volume and total sperm count was stronger at higher body fat percentages. In addition, the association still held among normal weight and overweight participants. We observed similar associations for upper limb, trunk, and lower limb body fact distributions. In conclusion, we found that a higher body fat distribution was significantly associated with lower semen quality (especially semen volume) even in men with a normal weight. These findings provide useful clues in exploring body fat as a risk factor for semen quality decline and add to evidence for improving semen quality for those who are expected to conceive.展开更多
To investigate the molecular etiology of low sperm quality in patients with intractable spermatocystitis,spermatozoa samples from patients with persistent hematospermia undergoing transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy a...To investigate the molecular etiology of low sperm quality in patients with intractable spermatocystitis,spermatozoa samples from patients with persistent hematospermia undergoing transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy and healthy volunteers were utilized.Spermatozoa samples were collected from the seminal vesicles through transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy or by masturbation ejaculation.Sperm quality was analyzed by a WLJY-9000 color semen analysis system.Measurement of tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNFa)and interleukin-6(IL-6)in the seminal plasma was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Measurement of H_(2)O_(2)in the seminal plasma was performed with a hydrogen peroxide kit.The protein levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)and phosphorylated-Nrf2(p-Nrf2)were measured by western blot analysis and immunofluorescence assays.Low sperm quality parameters and increased levels of inflammatory cytokines(TNFa,IL-6,and H_(2)O_(2))in the seminal plasma were detected among the semen samples from the patients with persistent hematospermia.Nrf2 and p-Nrf2 were strongly expressed in the nucleus and periphery of human sperm cells,according to the results of the immunofluorescence assays.The protein levels of Nrf2 and p-Nrf2 were significantly lower in the spermatozoa samples from patients with persistent hematospermia than in those from healthy volunteers with normal sperm motility.The results suggested that Nrf2 signaling might play a role in the low sperm quality of patients with intractable spermatocystitis.展开更多
By literature search, 114 papers for fertile m ale sperm quality including 256 set data w ere collected from 9 292 personsand 11 726 assaysinvolving 39 citiesand coun- ties. Results of analysis show ed a decrease in...By literature search, 114 papers for fertile m ale sperm quality including 256 set data w ere collected from 9 292 personsand 11 726 assaysinvolving 39 citiesand coun- ties. Results of analysis show ed a decrease in m ean concentration of sperm from 103.02×106 /m l (1983) to 83.84×106/m l (1996), sperm m otility w as decreased from 75.11(1982) to 67.27(1996) and percentage of sperm w ith norm alm or- phology w asreduced from 85.02(1983) to 77.89(1996), thusshow ing thedefi- nite negative correlation and being statistically significant (P< 0.05). Total sperm countsw ere decreased from 355.34×106(1984) to 262.26×106(1996) and the m ean sem inalvolum ew asdecreased from 3.31 m l(1981) to 2.97 m l(1996), both tending to decline butnotbeing statistically significant(P> 0.05). Itisinteresting to notethat although Chinese sperm quality is better, itdeclines significantly faster than thatof w estern countriesatthesam eperiod. Itispossible thatthe decline of sperm quality is due to problem of environm entalquality. Theauthorssuggesttheemphasisof basicre- search in relevantfields.展开更多
Serine protease 50(PRSS50/TSP50)is highly expressed in spermatocytes.Our study investigated its role in testicular development and spermatogenesis.Initially,PRSS50 knockdown was observed to impair DNA synthesis in spe...Serine protease 50(PRSS50/TSP50)is highly expressed in spermatocytes.Our study investigated its role in testicular development and spermatogenesis.Initially,PRSS50 knockdown was observed to impair DNA synthesis in spermatocytes.To further explore this,we generated PRSS50 knockout(Prss50^(−/−))mice(Mus musculus),which exhibited abnormal spermatid nuclear compression and reduced male fertility.Furthermore,dysplastic seminiferous tubules and decreased sex hormones were observed in 4-week-old Prss50^(−/−)mice,accompanied by meiotic progression defects and increased apoptosis of spermatogenic cells.Mechanistic analysis indicated that PRSS50 deletion resulted in increased phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2(ERK1/2)and elevated levels of MAP kinase phosphatase 3(MKP3),a specific ERK antagonist,potentially accounting for testicular dysplasia in adolescent Prss50−/−mice.Taken together,these findings suggest that PRSS50 plays an important role in testicular development and spermatogenesis,with the MKP3/ERK signaling pathway playing a significant role in this process.展开更多
Penises play a key role in sperm transport and in stimulating female genitals.This should impact post-copulatory competition,and expose penis characteristics to sexual selective pressures.Studies of male genitalia hav...Penises play a key role in sperm transport and in stimulating female genitals.This should impact post-copulatory competition,and expose penis characteristics to sexual selective pressures.Studies of male genitalia have repeatedly reported negative static allometries,which mean that,within species,large males have disproportionally small genitals when compared with smaller individuals.Males of some sperm-storing bat species may stand as an exception to such a pattern by arousing from hibernation to copulate with torpid females.The selection for large penises might take place,if a long organ provides advantages during post-copulatory competition and/or if females have evolved mechanisms allowing the choice of sire,relying on characters other than pre-copulatory traits(e.g.,penis size).In this study,we measured dimensions of the erected penis in 4 sperm-storing bat species.Furthermore,we collected sperm and evaluated the link between penis dimensions and sperm velocity.Our results revealed steep allometric slopes of the erected penis length in Barbastella barbastellus and an inverse allometry of penis head width in Myotis nattereri.More detailed studies of copulatory behavior are urgently needed to explain the range of observed scaling relations.Furthermore,penis head width correlates with sperm velocity in Plecotus auritus.For this last species,we propose that penis shape might act as a marker of male fertility.展开更多
This commentary is to critique the revised World Health Organization （WHO） semen analysis manual as it pertains to characteristics of a spermatozoon at spermiation. The aims of the revised WHO manual include improvi...This commentary is to critique the revised World Health Organization （WHO） semen analysis manual as it pertains to characteristics of a spermatozoon at spermiation. The aims of the revised WHO manual include improving the ＇quality of semen analysis＇ without any restriction to clinical use. Furthermore, the manual states that semen analysis may be useful for （a） ＇investigating male fertility status＇ and （b） ＇monitoring spermatogenesis during and following male fertility regula- tion.＇ However, if the analysis of ejaculated spermatozoa is intended for the purposes described in （b）, then cells that are abnormal at spermiation must be identified. This paper takes the position that the manual does not identify methods to estimate the quality of spermatozoa at spermiation. Instead, it uses a ＇gold standard＇ of sperm passing through the cervical mucus or arriving near the site of fertilization. Although this standard is appropriate for drawing conclusions regarding the probability that an individual could impregnate his partner, it is not appropriate for studying illness of the testes per se. Herein, the measures of sperm quality presented in the WHO manual are critiqued with respect to the detection of spermatozoa that were abnormal at spermiation vs. those that became abnormal subsequently. Quality assessments based on the percentage of motile or ＇viable＇ spermatozoa are meaningless. Alternative quality attributes defining spermatozoa at spermiation are presented in this paper. In conclusion, assessment of spermatozoal quality at spermiation, on the basis of quality attributes of individual ejaculated spermatozoa, is best achieved through application of （a） a new paradigm for the morphological evaluation of sperm quality and （b） modern analytical techniques to evaluate, in an adequate sample, several appropriate independent attributes in each spermatozoon in order to more accurately identify the proportion of abnormal spermatozoa.展开更多
Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic disease that affects important body organs in a very serious manner. The consequences of this disease turn out to be a significant problem for the patient, who tries to cope with the new...Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic disease that affects important body organs in a very serious manner. The consequences of this disease turn out to be a significant problem for the patient, who tries to cope with the new condition his organism has been placed in. The most common effect of the disease, hyperglycaemia, leads over time to serious damage to various body systems, such as nerves and blood vessels. What is not widely known among the population is that diabetes may have harmful effects on the reproductive system of the men suffering from diabetes type 1 and 2 and that such a parameter could lead to or might be the reason for infertility problems for couples, for example, miscarriage or embryonic failure. AGEs is a number of products which are believed to play an important role, because their presence has been detected in increased level in diabetic men. This implies that those glycation products might play a key role in diabetic complications. Their receptor, RAGE, member of the immunoglobulin superfamily has been detected in the reproductive tract of diabetic men. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), a possible product of AGEs appear in high levels in seminal plasma and are believed to be the cause of DNA fragmentation. The objective of this review was to gather all the available material i.e. studies on diabetes mellitus in one article, to study the research which has already been conducted and the conclusions that have been drawn, in order to offer, if possible, new pathways and perspectives to the scientists, who focus on fertility problems, sometimes intractable.展开更多
Objective:To determine the effect of oral selenium supplementation and semen collection methods on various post thaw semen quality parameters in Saanen bucks.Methods:Sixteen healthy bucks were divided into two equal g...Objective:To determine the effect of oral selenium supplementation and semen collection methods on various post thaw semen quality parameters in Saanen bucks.Methods:Sixteen healthy bucks were divided into two equal groups(n=8 each).The treatment group received selenium at 10-day intervals for three months.Sperm kinematic parameters,morphological parameters,mitochondrial membrane potential,plasma membrane functionality,and sperm DNA integrity were evaluated weekly pre and post-cryopreservation.Results:The mean percentages of the morphological abnormalities were significantly lower in the selenium-supplemented samples when semen was collected by using artificial vagina method(P<0.05).Proximal droplet defects were significantly lower in the selenium supplementation group when semen was collected by electro-ejaculation(P<0.05).Post-thaw sperm parameters such as total motility and progressive motility were significantly higher when semen was obtained by artificial vagina in the selenium-supplemented bucks compared to the electro-ejaculation and the control groups(P<0.05).The sperm kinematic parameters such as curvilinear velocity,average path velocity,and amplitude of lateral head displacement were significantly higher when semen was collected by artificial vagina in the selenium-treated bucks(P<0.05).The percentages of sperm with intact and functional plasma membrane and functional mitochondria were significantly higher in the selenium-supplemented samples collected with artificial vagina compared to the electro-ejaculation method and the control groups(P<0.05).In vitro fertilizing potential was significantly higher in the selenium-supplemented samples collected with artificial vagina compared to the electro-ejaculation method and the control groups,respectively(P<0.05).Conclusions:Oral supplementation of selenium and artificial vagina semen collection improve post thaw sperm quality parameters of Saanen buck.展开更多
Proline-, glutamic acid-, and leucine-rich protein 1 （PELP1） is a scaffolding protein involved in both genomic and nongenomic estrogen signal transduction pathways. To date, the role of PELP1 protein has yet to be c...Proline-, glutamic acid-, and leucine-rich protein 1 （PELP1） is a scaffolding protein involved in both genomic and nongenomic estrogen signal transduction pathways. To date, the role of PELP1 protein has yet to be characterized in human sperm and has not been associated with sperm parameters. To confirm the presence of PELP1 in human sperm, fresh semen samples were obtained from 178 donors. The study was designed to establish both mRNA and protein presence, and protein cellular localization. Additionally, the number of PELP1-positive spermatozoa was analyzed in men with normal and abnormal semen parameters. Sperm parameters were assessed according to the World Health Organization （WHO） 2010 standards. The presence of PELP1 in spermatozoa was investigated using four precise, independent techniques. The qualitative presence of transcripts and protein was assessed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） and western blot protocols, respectively. The cellular localization of PELP1 was investigated by immunocytochemistry. Quantitative analysis of PELP1-positive cells was done by flow cytometry. PELP1 mRNA and protein was confirmed in spermatozoa. Immunocytochemical analysis identified the presence of PELP1 in the midpieces of human sperm irrespective of sperm parameters. Becton Dickinson fluorescence-activated cell sorting （FACSCalibur^Tm） analysis revealed a significantly lower number of PELP1-positive cells in males with normal semen parameters versus abnormal samples （42.78% ± 11.77% vs 61.05% ± 21.70%, respectively; P = 0.014）. The assessment of PELP1 may be a time-saving method used to obtain information about sperm quality. The results of our study suggest that PEPL1 may be utilized as an indicator of sperm quality; thereby, PELP1 may be an additional biomarker useful in the evaluation of male infertility.展开更多
To evaluate current status of male sperm quality and compare with the data of 110 cases in 1980's from same laboratory,434 fertile man and 346 cases of man with uncertain sperm quality were examined.The results sh...To evaluate current status of male sperm quality and compare with the data of 110 cases in 1980's from same laboratory,434 fertile man and 346 cases of man with uncertain sperm quality were examined.The results showed sperm quality was significantly declined.The changes were most obvious in the sperm counts and total number of sperm,which were decreased by 54.2%～98.9% and 39.7%～114.5% respectively.Among parameters of sperm quality,motility of sperm is most affected in overall motility,a level and a+b level motility,with percentage of abnormal case were 18.4%～42.3%,37.5%～68.1% and 39.5%～75.2% respectively.The number of cases within normal range of sperm parameters was merely 33.6% for group of fertile man and 26.0% for the group of man with uncertain sperm quality.These results suggest that it should pay more attention to the decline of sperm quality.展开更多
Semen from 5210 sperm bank donors was analyzed and trends in semen quality were evaluated at Shandong Human Sperm Bank between 2008 and 2014. After 2-7 days of abstinence, semen samples were collected. Measurements of...Semen from 5210 sperm bank donors was analyzed and trends in semen quality were evaluated at Shandong Human Sperm Bank between 2008 and 2014. After 2-7 days of abstinence, semen samples were collected. Measurements of semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm forward motility, and total sperm count were performed. There were significant declining trends in semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm forward motility, and total sperm count. Our results indicate that the quality of semen in this cohort of sperm donors had decreased during the study period.展开更多
Aim： To investigate effects of quercetin on weight and histology of testis and accessory sex organs and on sperm quality in adult male rats. Methods： Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected s.c. with quercetin at the...Aim： To investigate effects of quercetin on weight and histology of testis and accessory sex organs and on sperm quality in adult male rats. Methods： Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected s.c. with quercetin at the dose of 0, 30, 90, or 270 mg/kg body weight/day （hereafter abbreviated Q0, Q30, Q90 and Q270, respectively）, and each dose was administered for treatment durations of 3, 7 and 14 days. Results： From our study, it was found that the effects of quercetin on reproductive organs and sperm quality depended on the dose and duration of treatment. After Q270 treatment for 14 days, the weights of testes, epididymis and vas deferens were significantly increased, whereas the weights of seminal vesicle and prostate gland were significantly decreased, compared with those of Q0. The histological alteration of those organs was observed after Q270 treatment for 7 days as well as 14 days. The sperm motility, viability and concentration were significantly increased after Q90 and Q270 injections after both of 7 and 14 days. Changes in sperm quality were earlier and greater than those in sex organ histology and weight, respectively. Conclusion： Overall results indicate that quercetin might indirectly affect sperm quality through the stimulation of the sex organs, both at the cellular and organ levels, depending on the dose and the duration of treatment. Therefore, the use of quercetin as an alternative drug for treatment of male infertility should be considered. （Asian J Androl 2008 Mar. 10： 249-258）展开更多
Excess weight and obesity have become a serious problem in adult men of reproductive age throughout the world. The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the relationships between body mass index and sperm ...Excess weight and obesity have become a serious problem in adult men of reproductive age throughout the world. The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the relationships between body mass index and sperm quality in subfertile couples in a Chinese Han population. Sperm analyses were performed and demographic data collected from 2384 male partners in subfertile couples who visited a reproductive medical center for treatment and preconception counseling. The subjects were classified into four groups according to their body mass index： underweight, normal, overweight, and obese. Of these subjects, 918 （38.3%） had a body mass index of 〉25.0 kg m-2. No significant differences were found between the four groups with respect to age, occupation, level of education, smoking status, alcohol use, duration of sexual abstinence, or the collection time of year for sperm. The results clearly indicated lower sperm quality （total sperm count, sperm concentration, motile sperm, relative amounts of type A motility, and progressive motility sperm [A ＋ B]） in overweight and obese participants than in those with normal body mass index. Normal sperm morphology and sperm volume showed no clear difference between the four groups. This study indicates that body mass index has a negative effect on sperm quality in men of subfertile couples in a Northern Chinese population. Further study should be performed to investigate the relationship between body mass index and sperm aualitv in a lar^er ooDulation.展开更多
Chronic prostatitis can affect the sperm＇s quality. Previous studies have shown that transrectal microwave thermotherapy （TRMT） results in symptomatic relief in patients with chronic prostatitis, but the effects on...Chronic prostatitis can affect the sperm＇s quality. Previous studies have shown that transrectal microwave thermotherapy （TRMT） results in symptomatic relief in patients with chronic prostatitis, but the effects on sperm have not been carefully investigated. This study evaluates the impact of TRMT on the relief or decrease of symptoms and quality of sperm when used to treat patients with chronic nonbacterial prostatitis. Sixty patients were enrolled in the study. TRMT treatment was administered over 5 days, 1 h per day. Semen examination was carried out pretreatment and immediately at the conclusion of the 5-day treatment. Also, it was repeated 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months later. The treatment＇s symptom relief efficacy was evaluated using the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index （NIH-CPSI）. After the treatment, the overall NIH-CPSI scores were lower compared to those of pretreatment. In addition, the white blood cells and lecithin in expressed prostatic secretion were normal after the treatment. The sperm count was decreased by 23.8% 3 months after the treatment, sperm motility was reduced by 10.3% immediately after treatment, and sperm deformity was increased by 17.2%. The sperm volume and PH were not affected. However, the sperm quality recovered after treatment and the malformation rate was also lower at 6 months after treatment. TRMT is a favorable and safe treatment option for patients with nonbacterial chronic prostatitis. It could relieve the patient＇s symptoms and impact on sperm quality in the short-term.展开更多
Spermadhesins,as the most important components of boar semen seminoproteins,play a regulatory role in sperm motility,sperm capacitation and sperm-ovum fusion.In order to study the fertility differences among different...Spermadhesins,as the most important components of boar semen seminoproteins,play a regulatory role in sperm motility,sperm capacitation and sperm-ovum fusion.In order to study the fertility differences among different boar breeds,the sperm motility,sperm viability and sperm deformity,as well as the spermadhesins＇ m RNA expression in fresh semen of Luchuan,Landrace and Duroc boars were compared.The results showed that the sperm motility and viability of Luchuan boar showed no significant differences with those of Landrace and Duroc boars（P〉 0.05）,but its sperm deformity was significantly lower than those of the other two exotic breeds（P〈0.01）;no significant differences were found in the m RNA expression levels of spermadhesins between Luchuan and Landrace,Duroc boars（P〉0.05）,excepting that the m RNA expression level of AQN1 in Luchuan boar semen was significantly lower than that in Duroc boar semen（P〈0.05）;the m RNA expression levels of AQN3,AWN and PSP-II in Landrace boar semen were significantly higher than those in Duroc boar semen（P〈0.05,P〈0.01）.In short,there were significant differences in the m RNA expression levels of spermadhesins among different pig breeds,which showed no significant correlations with the differences in sperm motility,viability and deformity.展开更多
To ascertain the effect mechanism of high temperature after anthesis on rice quality, the experiment was conducted with two rice lines, the heat-tolerant line 996 and heat-sensitive line 4628, with high temperature an...To ascertain the effect mechanism of high temperature after anthesis on rice quality, the experiment was conducted with two rice lines, the heat-tolerant line 996 and heat-sensitive line 4628, with high temperature and optimal temperature in the growth chamber to investigate the effect of high temperature stress after anthesis on rice appearance quality, milling quality, cooking and eating quality and starch granule structure of endo- sperm. The result showed that milled rice rate, head rice rate, amylose content and gel consistency of both lines decreased under high temperature stress after anthesis, while the ratio of grain length to width, chalky rate, chalkiness, protein content increased. Under high temperature treatments, gelatinization temperature, final viscosity, set back and peak time increased, breakdown decreased, Mg content and K content increased, Mg/K ra- tio decreased. Under same treatment, the extent of rice quality of heat tolerant line 996 affected by high temperature was lower than that of heat sensitive line 4628. Under high temperature stress after anthesis, starch granule arranged untightly, most of starch granules existed in the form of a single starch endosperm, refractive index decreased, transparency reduced, and led to the formation of chalk. Under high temperature stress af- ter anthesis, the increase of protein content, the decrease of Mg/K, the changes of rice RVA profile characteristics and starch granule structure of endosperm could be the main reason for the decrease of rice cooking and eating quality and appearance quality.展开更多
Diabetes mellitus(DM)is known to cause reproductive impairment.In men,it has been linked to altered sperm quality and testicular damage.Oxidative stress(OS)plays a pivotal role in the development of DM complications.G...Diabetes mellitus(DM)is known to cause reproductive impairment.In men,it has been linked to altered sperm quality and testicular damage.Oxidative stress(OS)plays a pivotal role in the development of DM complications.Glutathione(GSH)is a part of a nonenzymatic antioxidant defense system that protects lipid,protein,and nucleic acids from oxidative damage.However,the protective effects of exogenous GSH on the male reproductive system have not been comprehensively examined.This study determined the impact of GSH supplementation in ameliorating the adverse effect of type 1 DM on sperm quality and the seminiferous tubules of diabetic C57BL/6NTac mice.GSH at the doses of 15 mg kg^(-1)and 30 mg kg^(-1)was given intraperitoneally to mice weekly for 6 consecutive weeks.The mice were then weighed,euthanized,and had their reproductive organs excised.The diabetic(D Group)showed significant impairment of sperm quality and testicular histology compared with the nondiabetic(ND Group).Diameters of the seminiferous lumen in diabetic mice treated with 15 mg kg^(-1) GSH(DGSH15)were decreased compared with the D Group.Sperm motility was also significantly increased in the DGSH15 Group.Improvement in testicular morphology might be an early indication of the protective roles played by the exogenous GSH in protecting sperm quality from effects of untreated type 1 DM or diabetic complications.Further investigation using different doses and different routes of GSH is necessary to confirm this suggestion.展开更多
As a primary parameter in the water quality model for shallow bays, the dispersion coefficient is traditionally determined with a trial-and-error method, which is time-consuming and requires much experience. In this p...As a primary parameter in the water quality model for shallow bays, the dispersion coefficient is traditionally determined with a trial-and-error method, which is time-consuming and requires much experience. In this paper, based on the measured data of chemical oxygen demand （COD）, the dispersion coefficient is calculated using an inversion method. In the process, the regularization method is applied to treat the ill-posedness, and an operator identity perturbation method is used to obtain the solu- tion. Using the model with an inverted dispersion coefficient, the distributions of COD, inorganic nitrogen （IN）, and inorganic phosphorus （IP） in Bohai Bay are predicted and compared with the measured data. The results indicate that the method is feasible and the inverted dispersion coefficient can be used to predict other pollutant distribution. This method may also be further extended to the inversion of other parameters in the water quality model.展开更多
A 3-month feeding experiment was conducted in an in-door seawater system to investigate the effect of dietary vitamin E （Ve） on the sperm quality of turbot （Scophthalmus maximus）. D-α-tocopherol acetate was suppl...A 3-month feeding experiment was conducted in an in-door seawater system to investigate the effect of dietary vitamin E （Ve） on the sperm quality of turbot （Scophthalmus maximus）. D-α-tocopherol acetate was supplemented to the basal （control） diet （65.14 mg kg-l Ve） to obtain low and high levels of dietary Ve （244.60 mgkg-1, LVe; 721.60 mg kg-1, HVe）. Compared with the con- trol, sperm concentration was significantly increased in Ve-supplemented groups （LVe and HVe）; while relative sperm volume and testis-somatic index were significantly increased in group HVe only. Sperm motility duration was significantly longer in group HVe than in the control, but no significant difference was observed in percent motility among groups. Sperm size, the uniformity of mito- chondrial size, and the integrity of mitochondria cristae and plasma membrane were improved by dietary Ve, especially in HVe. The content of Ve in testis and liver as well as polyunsaturated fatty acids in sperm increased with dietary Ve. These results suggested that dietary Ve, especially at the high level （721.60 mg kgl）, significantly improved sperm concentration and motility duration and main- tained normal sperm morphology of turbot.Abstract A 3-month feeding experiment was conducted in an in-door seawater system to investigate the effect of dietary vitamin E （Ve） on the sperm quality of turbot （Scophthalmus maximus）. D-α-tocopherol acetate was supplemented to the basal （control） diet （65.14 mg kg-l Ve） to obtain low and high levels of dietary Ve （244.60 mgkg-1, LVe; 721.60 mg kg-1, HVe）. Compared with the con- trol, sperm concentration was significantly increased in Ve-supplemented groups （LVe and HVe）; while relative sperm volume and testis-somatic index were significantly increased in group HVe only. Sperm motility duration was significantly longer in group HVe than in the control, but no significant difference was observed in percent motility among groups. Sperm size, the uniformity of mito- chondrial size, and the integrity of mitochondria cristae and plasma membrane were improved by dietary Ve, especially in HVe. The content of Ve in testis and liver as well as polyunsaturated fatty acids in sperm increased with dietary Ve. These results suggested that dietary Ve, especially at the high level （721.60 mg kgl）, significantly improved sperm concentration and motility duration and main- tained normal sperm morphology of turbot.展开更多
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82370846)the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(No.LY24H070002).
文摘Insulin-like growth factor 2(IGF2)is a critical endocrine mediator implicated in male reproductive physiology.To investigate the correlation between IGF2 protein levels and various aspects of male infertility,specifically focusing on sperm quality,inflammation,and DNA damage,a cohort of 320 male participants was recruited from the Women’s Hospital,Zhejiang University School of Medicine(Hangzhou,China)between 1^(st) January 2024 and 1^(st) March 2024.The relationship between IGF2 protein concentrations and sperm parameters was assessed,and Spearman correlation and linear regression analysis were employed to evaluate the independent associations between IGF2 protein levels and risk factors for infertility.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to measure IGF2 protein levels in seminal plasma,alongside markers of inflammation(tumor necrosis factor-alpha[TNF-α]and interleukin-1β[IL-1β]).The relationship between seminal plasma IGF2 protein levels and DNA damage marker phosphorylated histone H2AX(γ-H2AX)was also explored.Our findings reveal that IGF2 protein expression decreased notably in patients with asthenospermia and teratospermia.Correlation analysis revealed nuanced associations between IGF2 protein levels and specific sperm parameters,and low IGF2 protein concentrations correlated with increased inflammation and DNA damage in sperm.The observed correlations between IGF2 protein levels and specific sperm parameters,along with its connection to inflammation and DNA damage,underscore the importance of IGF2 in the broader context of male reproductive health.These findings lay the groundwork for future research and potential therapeutic interventions targeting IGF2-related pathways to enhance male fertility.
基金supported by the Guangdong Natural Science Foundation(No.2022A1515011705).
文摘Extensive studies have identified potential adverse effects on semen quality of obesity, based on body mass index, but the association between body fat distribution, a more relevant indicator for obesity, and semen quality remains less clear. We conducted a longitudinal study of 4304 sperm donors from the Guangdong Provincial Human Sperm Bank (Guangzhou, China) during 2017–2021. A body composition analyzer was used to measure total and local body fat percentage for each participant. Generalized estimating equations were employed to assess the association between body fat percentage and sperm count, motility, and morphology. We estimated that each 10% increase in total body fat percentage (estimated change [95% confidence interval, 95% CI]) was significantly associated with a 0.18 × 106 (0.09 × 106–0.27 × 106) ml and 12.21 × 106 (4.52 × 106–19.91 × 106) reduction in semen volume and total sperm count, respectively. Categorical analyses and exposure-response curves showed that the association of body fat distribution with semen volume and total sperm count was stronger at higher body fat percentages. In addition, the association still held among normal weight and overweight participants. We observed similar associations for upper limb, trunk, and lower limb body fact distributions. In conclusion, we found that a higher body fat distribution was significantly associated with lower semen quality (especially semen volume) even in men with a normal weight. These findings provide useful clues in exploring body fat as a risk factor for semen quality decline and add to evidence for improving semen quality for those who are expected to conceive.
基金funded by the Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital Project(grant No.2022QN01).
文摘To investigate the molecular etiology of low sperm quality in patients with intractable spermatocystitis,spermatozoa samples from patients with persistent hematospermia undergoing transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy and healthy volunteers were utilized.Spermatozoa samples were collected from the seminal vesicles through transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy or by masturbation ejaculation.Sperm quality was analyzed by a WLJY-9000 color semen analysis system.Measurement of tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNFa)and interleukin-6(IL-6)in the seminal plasma was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Measurement of H_(2)O_(2)in the seminal plasma was performed with a hydrogen peroxide kit.The protein levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)and phosphorylated-Nrf2(p-Nrf2)were measured by western blot analysis and immunofluorescence assays.Low sperm quality parameters and increased levels of inflammatory cytokines(TNFa,IL-6,and H_(2)O_(2))in the seminal plasma were detected among the semen samples from the patients with persistent hematospermia.Nrf2 and p-Nrf2 were strongly expressed in the nucleus and periphery of human sperm cells,according to the results of the immunofluorescence assays.The protein levels of Nrf2 and p-Nrf2 were significantly lower in the spermatozoa samples from patients with persistent hematospermia than in those from healthy volunteers with normal sperm motility.The results suggested that Nrf2 signaling might play a role in the low sperm quality of patients with intractable spermatocystitis.
文摘By literature search, 114 papers for fertile m ale sperm quality including 256 set data w ere collected from 9 292 personsand 11 726 assaysinvolving 39 citiesand coun- ties. Results of analysis show ed a decrease in m ean concentration of sperm from 103.02×106 /m l (1983) to 83.84×106/m l (1996), sperm m otility w as decreased from 75.11(1982) to 67.27(1996) and percentage of sperm w ith norm alm or- phology w asreduced from 85.02(1983) to 77.89(1996), thusshow ing thedefi- nite negative correlation and being statistically significant (P< 0.05). Total sperm countsw ere decreased from 355.34×106(1984) to 262.26×106(1996) and the m ean sem inalvolum ew asdecreased from 3.31 m l(1981) to 2.97 m l(1996), both tending to decline butnotbeing statistically significant(P> 0.05). Itisinteresting to notethat although Chinese sperm quality is better, itdeclines significantly faster than thatof w estern countriesatthesam eperiod. Itispossible thatthe decline of sperm quality is due to problem of environm entalquality. Theauthorssuggesttheemphasisof basicre- search in relevantfields.
基金supported by the Research Foundation of Jilin Provincial Science&Technology Development(20210204164YY,YDZJ202201ZYTS524,20230204067YY,20230204069YY)Jilin Province Development and Reform Commission(2022C044-3)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(135131002)。
文摘Serine protease 50(PRSS50/TSP50)is highly expressed in spermatocytes.Our study investigated its role in testicular development and spermatogenesis.Initially,PRSS50 knockdown was observed to impair DNA synthesis in spermatocytes.To further explore this,we generated PRSS50 knockout(Prss50^(−/−))mice(Mus musculus),which exhibited abnormal spermatid nuclear compression and reduced male fertility.Furthermore,dysplastic seminiferous tubules and decreased sex hormones were observed in 4-week-old Prss50^(−/−)mice,accompanied by meiotic progression defects and increased apoptosis of spermatogenic cells.Mechanistic analysis indicated that PRSS50 deletion resulted in increased phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2(ERK1/2)and elevated levels of MAP kinase phosphatase 3(MKP3),a specific ERK antagonist,potentially accounting for testicular dysplasia in adolescent Prss50−/−mice.Taken together,these findings suggest that PRSS50 plays an important role in testicular development and spermatogenesis,with the MKP3/ERK signaling pathway playing a significant role in this process.
基金This project was financed by the Swiss Science Foundation(grant nb.P2BEP3_168709)N.J.F.and by the National Science Center,Poland(grant nb.DEC-2013/10/E/NZ8/00725)。
文摘Penises play a key role in sperm transport and in stimulating female genitals.This should impact post-copulatory competition,and expose penis characteristics to sexual selective pressures.Studies of male genitalia have repeatedly reported negative static allometries,which mean that,within species,large males have disproportionally small genitals when compared with smaller individuals.Males of some sperm-storing bat species may stand as an exception to such a pattern by arousing from hibernation to copulate with torpid females.The selection for large penises might take place,if a long organ provides advantages during post-copulatory competition and/or if females have evolved mechanisms allowing the choice of sire,relying on characters other than pre-copulatory traits(e.g.,penis size).In this study,we measured dimensions of the erected penis in 4 sperm-storing bat species.Furthermore,we collected sperm and evaluated the link between penis dimensions and sperm velocity.Our results revealed steep allometric slopes of the erected penis length in Barbastella barbastellus and an inverse allometry of penis head width in Myotis nattereri.More detailed studies of copulatory behavior are urgently needed to explain the range of observed scaling relations.Furthermore,penis head width correlates with sperm velocity in Plecotus auritus.For this last species,we propose that penis shape might act as a marker of male fertility.
文摘This commentary is to critique the revised World Health Organization （WHO） semen analysis manual as it pertains to characteristics of a spermatozoon at spermiation. The aims of the revised WHO manual include improving the ＇quality of semen analysis＇ without any restriction to clinical use. Furthermore, the manual states that semen analysis may be useful for （a） ＇investigating male fertility status＇ and （b） ＇monitoring spermatogenesis during and following male fertility regula- tion.＇ However, if the analysis of ejaculated spermatozoa is intended for the purposes described in （b）, then cells that are abnormal at spermiation must be identified. This paper takes the position that the manual does not identify methods to estimate the quality of spermatozoa at spermiation. Instead, it uses a ＇gold standard＇ of sperm passing through the cervical mucus or arriving near the site of fertilization. Although this standard is appropriate for drawing conclusions regarding the probability that an individual could impregnate his partner, it is not appropriate for studying illness of the testes per se. Herein, the measures of sperm quality presented in the WHO manual are critiqued with respect to the detection of spermatozoa that were abnormal at spermiation vs. those that became abnormal subsequently. Quality assessments based on the percentage of motile or ＇viable＇ spermatozoa are meaningless. Alternative quality attributes defining spermatozoa at spermiation are presented in this paper. In conclusion, assessment of spermatozoal quality at spermiation, on the basis of quality attributes of individual ejaculated spermatozoa, is best achieved through application of （a） a new paradigm for the morphological evaluation of sperm quality and （b） modern analytical techniques to evaluate, in an adequate sample, several appropriate independent attributes in each spermatozoon in order to more accurately identify the proportion of abnormal spermatozoa.
文摘Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic disease that affects important body organs in a very serious manner. The consequences of this disease turn out to be a significant problem for the patient, who tries to cope with the new condition his organism has been placed in. The most common effect of the disease, hyperglycaemia, leads over time to serious damage to various body systems, such as nerves and blood vessels. What is not widely known among the population is that diabetes may have harmful effects on the reproductive system of the men suffering from diabetes type 1 and 2 and that such a parameter could lead to or might be the reason for infertility problems for couples, for example, miscarriage or embryonic failure. AGEs is a number of products which are believed to play an important role, because their presence has been detected in increased level in diabetic men. This implies that those glycation products might play a key role in diabetic complications. Their receptor, RAGE, member of the immunoglobulin superfamily has been detected in the reproductive tract of diabetic men. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), a possible product of AGEs appear in high levels in seminal plasma and are believed to be the cause of DNA fragmentation. The objective of this review was to gather all the available material i.e. studies on diabetes mellitus in one article, to study the research which has already been conducted and the conclusions that have been drawn, in order to offer, if possible, new pathways and perspectives to the scientists, who focus on fertility problems, sometimes intractable.
文摘Objective:To determine the effect of oral selenium supplementation and semen collection methods on various post thaw semen quality parameters in Saanen bucks.Methods:Sixteen healthy bucks were divided into two equal groups(n=8 each).The treatment group received selenium at 10-day intervals for three months.Sperm kinematic parameters,morphological parameters,mitochondrial membrane potential,plasma membrane functionality,and sperm DNA integrity were evaluated weekly pre and post-cryopreservation.Results:The mean percentages of the morphological abnormalities were significantly lower in the selenium-supplemented samples when semen was collected by using artificial vagina method(P<0.05).Proximal droplet defects were significantly lower in the selenium supplementation group when semen was collected by electro-ejaculation(P<0.05).Post-thaw sperm parameters such as total motility and progressive motility were significantly higher when semen was obtained by artificial vagina in the selenium-supplemented bucks compared to the electro-ejaculation and the control groups(P<0.05).The sperm kinematic parameters such as curvilinear velocity,average path velocity,and amplitude of lateral head displacement were significantly higher when semen was collected by artificial vagina in the selenium-treated bucks(P<0.05).The percentages of sperm with intact and functional plasma membrane and functional mitochondria were significantly higher in the selenium-supplemented samples collected with artificial vagina compared to the electro-ejaculation method and the control groups(P<0.05).In vitro fertilizing potential was significantly higher in the selenium-supplemented samples collected with artificial vagina compared to the electro-ejaculation method and the control groups,respectively(P<0.05).Conclusions:Oral supplementation of selenium and artificial vagina semen collection improve post thaw sperm quality parameters of Saanen buck.
文摘Proline-, glutamic acid-, and leucine-rich protein 1 （PELP1） is a scaffolding protein involved in both genomic and nongenomic estrogen signal transduction pathways. To date, the role of PELP1 protein has yet to be characterized in human sperm and has not been associated with sperm parameters. To confirm the presence of PELP1 in human sperm, fresh semen samples were obtained from 178 donors. The study was designed to establish both mRNA and protein presence, and protein cellular localization. Additionally, the number of PELP1-positive spermatozoa was analyzed in men with normal and abnormal semen parameters. Sperm parameters were assessed according to the World Health Organization （WHO） 2010 standards. The presence of PELP1 in spermatozoa was investigated using four precise, independent techniques. The qualitative presence of transcripts and protein was assessed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） and western blot protocols, respectively. The cellular localization of PELP1 was investigated by immunocytochemistry. Quantitative analysis of PELP1-positive cells was done by flow cytometry. PELP1 mRNA and protein was confirmed in spermatozoa. Immunocytochemical analysis identified the presence of PELP1 in the midpieces of human sperm irrespective of sperm parameters. Becton Dickinson fluorescence-activated cell sorting （FACSCalibur^Tm） analysis revealed a significantly lower number of PELP1-positive cells in males with normal semen parameters versus abnormal samples （42.78% ± 11.77% vs 61.05% ± 21.70%, respectively; P = 0.014）. The assessment of PELP1 may be a time-saving method used to obtain information about sperm quality. The results of our study suggest that PEPL1 may be utilized as an indicator of sperm quality; thereby, PELP1 may be an additional biomarker useful in the evaluation of male infertility.
文摘To evaluate current status of male sperm quality and compare with the data of 110 cases in 1980's from same laboratory,434 fertile man and 346 cases of man with uncertain sperm quality were examined.The results showed sperm quality was significantly declined.The changes were most obvious in the sperm counts and total number of sperm,which were decreased by 54.2%～98.9% and 39.7%～114.5% respectively.Among parameters of sperm quality,motility of sperm is most affected in overall motility,a level and a+b level motility,with percentage of abnormal case were 18.4%～42.3%,37.5%～68.1% and 39.5%～75.2% respectively.The number of cases within normal range of sperm parameters was merely 33.6% for group of fertile man and 26.0% for the group of man with uncertain sperm quality.These results suggest that it should pay more attention to the decline of sperm quality.
文摘Semen from 5210 sperm bank donors was analyzed and trends in semen quality were evaluated at Shandong Human Sperm Bank between 2008 and 2014. After 2-7 days of abstinence, semen samples were collected. Measurements of semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm forward motility, and total sperm count were performed. There were significant declining trends in semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm forward motility, and total sperm count. Our results indicate that the quality of semen in this cohort of sperm donors had decreased during the study period.
文摘Aim： To investigate effects of quercetin on weight and histology of testis and accessory sex organs and on sperm quality in adult male rats. Methods： Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected s.c. with quercetin at the dose of 0, 30, 90, or 270 mg/kg body weight/day （hereafter abbreviated Q0, Q30, Q90 and Q270, respectively）, and each dose was administered for treatment durations of 3, 7 and 14 days. Results： From our study, it was found that the effects of quercetin on reproductive organs and sperm quality depended on the dose and duration of treatment. After Q270 treatment for 14 days, the weights of testes, epididymis and vas deferens were significantly increased, whereas the weights of seminal vesicle and prostate gland were significantly decreased, compared with those of Q0. The histological alteration of those organs was observed after Q270 treatment for 7 days as well as 14 days. The sperm motility, viability and concentration were significantly increased after Q90 and Q270 injections after both of 7 and 14 days. Changes in sperm quality were earlier and greater than those in sex organ histology and weight, respectively. Conclusion： Overall results indicate that quercetin might indirectly affect sperm quality through the stimulation of the sex organs, both at the cellular and organ levels, depending on the dose and the duration of treatment. Therefore, the use of quercetin as an alternative drug for treatment of male infertility should be considered. （Asian J Androl 2008 Mar. 10： 249-258）
文摘Excess weight and obesity have become a serious problem in adult men of reproductive age throughout the world. The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the relationships between body mass index and sperm quality in subfertile couples in a Chinese Han population. Sperm analyses were performed and demographic data collected from 2384 male partners in subfertile couples who visited a reproductive medical center for treatment and preconception counseling. The subjects were classified into four groups according to their body mass index： underweight, normal, overweight, and obese. Of these subjects, 918 （38.3%） had a body mass index of 〉25.0 kg m-2. No significant differences were found between the four groups with respect to age, occupation, level of education, smoking status, alcohol use, duration of sexual abstinence, or the collection time of year for sperm. The results clearly indicated lower sperm quality （total sperm count, sperm concentration, motile sperm, relative amounts of type A motility, and progressive motility sperm [A ＋ B]） in overweight and obese participants than in those with normal body mass index. Normal sperm morphology and sperm volume showed no clear difference between the four groups. This study indicates that body mass index has a negative effect on sperm quality in men of subfertile couples in a Northern Chinese population. Further study should be performed to investigate the relationship between body mass index and sperm aualitv in a lar^er ooDulation.
文摘Chronic prostatitis can affect the sperm＇s quality. Previous studies have shown that transrectal microwave thermotherapy （TRMT） results in symptomatic relief in patients with chronic prostatitis, but the effects on sperm have not been carefully investigated. This study evaluates the impact of TRMT on the relief or decrease of symptoms and quality of sperm when used to treat patients with chronic nonbacterial prostatitis. Sixty patients were enrolled in the study. TRMT treatment was administered over 5 days, 1 h per day. Semen examination was carried out pretreatment and immediately at the conclusion of the 5-day treatment. Also, it was repeated 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months later. The treatment＇s symptom relief efficacy was evaluated using the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index （NIH-CPSI）. After the treatment, the overall NIH-CPSI scores were lower compared to those of pretreatment. In addition, the white blood cells and lecithin in expressed prostatic secretion were normal after the treatment. The sperm count was decreased by 23.8% 3 months after the treatment, sperm motility was reduced by 10.3% immediately after treatment, and sperm deformity was increased by 17.2%. The sperm volume and PH were not affected. However, the sperm quality recovered after treatment and the malformation rate was also lower at 6 months after treatment. TRMT is a favorable and safe treatment option for patients with nonbacterial chronic prostatitis. It could relieve the patient＇s symptoms and impact on sperm quality in the short-term.
文摘Spermadhesins,as the most important components of boar semen seminoproteins,play a regulatory role in sperm motility,sperm capacitation and sperm-ovum fusion.In order to study the fertility differences among different boar breeds,the sperm motility,sperm viability and sperm deformity,as well as the spermadhesins＇ m RNA expression in fresh semen of Luchuan,Landrace and Duroc boars were compared.The results showed that the sperm motility and viability of Luchuan boar showed no significant differences with those of Landrace and Duroc boars（P〉 0.05）,but its sperm deformity was significantly lower than those of the other two exotic breeds（P〈0.01）;no significant differences were found in the m RNA expression levels of spermadhesins between Luchuan and Landrace,Duroc boars（P〉0.05）,excepting that the m RNA expression level of AQN1 in Luchuan boar semen was significantly lower than that in Duroc boar semen（P〈0.05）;the m RNA expression levels of AQN3,AWN and PSP-II in Landrace boar semen were significantly higher than those in Duroc boar semen（P〈0.05,P〈0.01）.In short,there were significant differences in the m RNA expression levels of spermadhesins among different pig breeds,which showed no significant correlations with the differences in sperm motility,viability and deformity.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(30900874)Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province(11JJ3026)+1 种基金Excellent Youth Fund Project of Hunan Department of Education(13B052)Crop Science Open Fund Project(ZWKF201504)
文摘To ascertain the effect mechanism of high temperature after anthesis on rice quality, the experiment was conducted with two rice lines, the heat-tolerant line 996 and heat-sensitive line 4628, with high temperature and optimal temperature in the growth chamber to investigate the effect of high temperature stress after anthesis on rice appearance quality, milling quality, cooking and eating quality and starch granule structure of endo- sperm. The result showed that milled rice rate, head rice rate, amylose content and gel consistency of both lines decreased under high temperature stress after anthesis, while the ratio of grain length to width, chalky rate, chalkiness, protein content increased. Under high temperature treatments, gelatinization temperature, final viscosity, set back and peak time increased, breakdown decreased, Mg content and K content increased, Mg/K ra- tio decreased. Under same treatment, the extent of rice quality of heat tolerant line 996 affected by high temperature was lower than that of heat sensitive line 4628. Under high temperature stress after anthesis, starch granule arranged untightly, most of starch granules existed in the form of a single starch endosperm, refractive index decreased, transparency reduced, and led to the formation of chalk. Under high temperature stress af- ter anthesis, the increase of protein content, the decrease of Mg/K, the changes of rice RVA profile characteristics and starch granule structure of endosperm could be the main reason for the decrease of rice cooking and eating quality and appearance quality.
基金the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia(grant FRGS 5/3[273/2019])the Universiti Teknologi MARA(grant MYRA 5/3/MITRA[008/2017]-2).
文摘Diabetes mellitus(DM)is known to cause reproductive impairment.In men,it has been linked to altered sperm quality and testicular damage.Oxidative stress(OS)plays a pivotal role in the development of DM complications.Glutathione(GSH)is a part of a nonenzymatic antioxidant defense system that protects lipid,protein,and nucleic acids from oxidative damage.However,the protective effects of exogenous GSH on the male reproductive system have not been comprehensively examined.This study determined the impact of GSH supplementation in ameliorating the adverse effect of type 1 DM on sperm quality and the seminiferous tubules of diabetic C57BL/6NTac mice.GSH at the doses of 15 mg kg^(-1)and 30 mg kg^(-1)was given intraperitoneally to mice weekly for 6 consecutive weeks.The mice were then weighed,euthanized,and had their reproductive organs excised.The diabetic(D Group)showed significant impairment of sperm quality and testicular histology compared with the nondiabetic(ND Group).Diameters of the seminiferous lumen in diabetic mice treated with 15 mg kg^(-1) GSH(DGSH15)were decreased compared with the D Group.Sperm motility was also significantly increased in the DGSH15 Group.Improvement in testicular morphology might be an early indication of the protective roles played by the exogenous GSH in protecting sperm quality from effects of untreated type 1 DM or diabetic complications.Further investigation using different doses and different routes of GSH is necessary to confirm this suggestion.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 10872144)the Global Environmental Foundation (No. TF053183)
文摘As a primary parameter in the water quality model for shallow bays, the dispersion coefficient is traditionally determined with a trial-and-error method, which is time-consuming and requires much experience. In this paper, based on the measured data of chemical oxygen demand （COD）, the dispersion coefficient is calculated using an inversion method. In the process, the regularization method is applied to treat the ill-posedness, and an operator identity perturbation method is used to obtain the solu- tion. Using the model with an inverted dispersion coefficient, the distributions of COD, inorganic nitrogen （IN）, and inorganic phosphorus （IP） in Bohai Bay are predicted and compared with the measured data. The results indicate that the method is feasible and the inverted dispersion coefficient can be used to predict other pollutant distribution. This method may also be further extended to the inversion of other parameters in the water quality model.
基金financially supported by a grant from the Modern Agro-Industry Technology Research System of China(CARS-50-G08)
文摘A 3-month feeding experiment was conducted in an in-door seawater system to investigate the effect of dietary vitamin E （Ve） on the sperm quality of turbot （Scophthalmus maximus）. D-α-tocopherol acetate was supplemented to the basal （control） diet （65.14 mg kg-l Ve） to obtain low and high levels of dietary Ve （244.60 mgkg-1, LVe; 721.60 mg kg-1, HVe）. Compared with the con- trol, sperm concentration was significantly increased in Ve-supplemented groups （LVe and HVe）; while relative sperm volume and testis-somatic index were significantly increased in group HVe only. Sperm motility duration was significantly longer in group HVe than in the control, but no significant difference was observed in percent motility among groups. Sperm size, the uniformity of mito- chondrial size, and the integrity of mitochondria cristae and plasma membrane were improved by dietary Ve, especially in HVe. The content of Ve in testis and liver as well as polyunsaturated fatty acids in sperm increased with dietary Ve. These results suggested that dietary Ve, especially at the high level （721.60 mg kgl）, significantly improved sperm concentration and motility duration and main- tained normal sperm morphology of turbot.Abstract A 3-month feeding experiment was conducted in an in-door seawater system to investigate the effect of dietary vitamin E （Ve） on the sperm quality of turbot （Scophthalmus maximus）. D-α-tocopherol acetate was supplemented to the basal （control） diet （65.14 mg kg-l Ve） to obtain low and high levels of dietary Ve （244.60 mgkg-1, LVe; 721.60 mg kg-1, HVe）. Compared with the con- trol, sperm concentration was significantly increased in Ve-supplemented groups （LVe and HVe）; while relative sperm volume and testis-somatic index were significantly increased in group HVe only. Sperm motility duration was significantly longer in group HVe than in the control, but no significant difference was observed in percent motility among groups. Sperm size, the uniformity of mito- chondrial size, and the integrity of mitochondria cristae and plasma membrane were improved by dietary Ve, especially in HVe. The content of Ve in testis and liver as well as polyunsaturated fatty acids in sperm increased with dietary Ve. These results suggested that dietary Ve, especially at the high level （721.60 mg kgl）, significantly improved sperm concentration and motility duration and main- tained normal sperm morphology of turbot.
