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Sperm motility is a crucial factor in male fertility. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been reported to increase sperm motility, but a consistent approach suitable for identifying standardizable protocols is lacking. We collected asthenozoospermic (n = 70) and normozoospermic (n = 20) semen. The asthenozoospermic samples were irradiated with an 810 nm diode laser, in continuous wave mode, at 0.25 W, 0.5 W, 1 W and 2 W for 60 s on a circular area of 1 cm2 through a novel handpiece with an innovative flat-top profile. Sperm motility was assessed immediately, after 30 and 60 min. A sample size calculator, unpaired t-test and one-way ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey HSD tests were used for statistics. One and 2 W were the most effective outputs in increasing progressive motility compared to control (p < 0.001). The maximum effect was immediately after 1 W-PBM (p < 0.001) and decreased after 60 min (p < 0.001). Time physiologically decreased vitality (p < 0.001), but less in the 1 W-PBM samples (p < 0.05). 1 W-PBM did not affect chromatin condensation. Asthenozoospermic samples displayed an impairment of 80% in oxygen consumption and ATP production and a slight inefficiency of oxidative phosphorylation compared to normozoospermic samples (p < 0.001). 1 W-PBM partially restored the functionality of aerobic metabolism (p < 0.001) by recovery of oxidative phosphorylation efficiency. PBM did not affect lactate dehydrogenase (glycolysis pathway). No irradiated samples increased accumulated malondialdehyde, a marker of lipidic peroxidation. In conclusion, PBM improves progressive motility in asthenozoospermia through increased mitochondrial energetic metabolism without harmful oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the artificial breeding process of Chinese pearl oysters, the quality and vitality of sperm and eggs are pivotal in determining the success rate of fertilization. This study delves into the impact of externally added fructose, glucose, and ammoniated water on sperm vitality and lifespan under varying temperature conditions. The results indicate that the addition of exogenous energy sources and cell protectants, specifically monosaccharide energy substances, significantly improves sperm vitality. Moreover, under 4°C conditions, adding 2.8 mmol/L fructose, glucose, and 2 mmol/L ammoniated water to sperm samples significantly enhances sperm vitality and prolongs their lifespan. This provides strong evidence for the feasibility of short-term preservation and vitality enhancement strategies for Chinese pearl oyster sperm and also offers important scientific support for optimizing the artificial reproduction techniques of Chinese pearl oysters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Cyclophosphamide (CP) is an anticancer drug; however, clinical utilization of CP is limited, resulting from its considerable toxicities. This research was performed to explore the protective effects of Chlorogenic acid (CGA) on reproductive damage induced by CP in mice. Methods Blood samples were collected for analysis of hormone content subsequently; semen samples were evaluated for quality, and testis samples were used for histopathological evaluation and analysis of oxidative stress biomarkers, protein and gene expression levels of steroid regulatory factors, and steroid synthase. Results The results noted that CGA increased serum testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) activity; increased SOD, GPx, and GSH oxidative stress levels in testis tissue; and decreased MDA content in testis tissue. Testicular cells in the CGA treatment group gradually returned to normal morphology, and CYP11A1 and CYP17A1 levels increased after CGA treatment. The mRNA levels of CYP11A1, CYP17A1, StAR, 3β-HSD, and 17β-HSD were significantly raised in the CGA dose group. In the test dose range, CGA can improve sperm quality, quantitative abnormality, and serum T synthesis disorder caused by CP. This mechanism may be correlated with the inhibition of oxidative stress and antioxidation levels. Conclusions Therefore, CGA has a protective impact on testicular injuries arising from CP in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Sperm motility is a crucial factor in male fertility. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been reported to increase sperm motility, but a consistent approach suitable for identifying standardizable protocols is lacking. We collected asthenozoospermic (n = 70) and normozoospermic (n = 20) semen. The asthenozoospermic samples were irradiated with an 810 nm diode laser, in continuous wave mode, at 0.25 W, 0.5 W, 1 W and 2 W for 60 s on a circular area of 1 cm2 through a novel handpiece with an innovative flat-top profile. Sperm motility was assessed immediately, after 30 and 60 min. A sample size calculator, unpaired t-test and one-way ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey HSD tests were used for statistics. One and 2 W were the most effective outputs in increasing progressive motility compared to control (p

Necrozoospermia is a poorly documented condition with a low incidence, and its definition and clinical significance are unclear. Herein, we provide a reference range for necrozoospermia and discuss its possible etiology and impact on male fertility and assisted reproductive outcomes. We extracted relevant information from 650 Chinese male partners of infertile couples and statistically analyzed sperm vitality. Necrozoospermia was present in 3.4% (22/650) of our study population, and the lower cut-off value for sperm vitality was 75.3%. We compared two methods for assessing sperm vitality (eosin-nigrosin head staining and hypo-osmotic swelling test [HOST]), for which the percentage in the eosin-nigrosin group (mean ± standard deviation [s.d.]: 77.5% ± 10.5%) was significantly higher than that in the HOST group (mean ± s.d.: 58.1% ± 6.7% [5–10 min after incubation] and 55.6% ± 8.2% [25–30 min after incubation]; both P < 0.001). The incidence of necrozoospermia increased with age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.116, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.048–1.189, P = 0.001), while the percentage of normal sperm morphology and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) were significantly associated with necrozoospermia, with ORs of 0.691 (95% CI: 0.511–0.935, P = 0.017) and 1.281 (95% CI: 1.180–1.390, P < 0.001), respectively. In the following 6 months, we recruited 166 patients in the nonnecrozoospermia group and 87 patients in the necrozoospermia group to compare intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and pregnancy outcomes between the two groups. The necrozoospermia group had a significantly lower normal fertilization rate (74.7% vs 78.2%, P = 0.041; OR = 0.822; 95% CI: 0.682–0.992) than that in the nonnecrozoospermia group. This study presents substantial information on necrozoospermia to establish comprehensive and applicable reference values for sperm vitality for spontaneous conception and artificially assisted reproductive management.

Simple Summary: This study explores how different concentrations of ammonium ions affect the sperm health of three important bivalve species: Noble Scallop Mimachlamys nobilis, Chinese Pearl Oyster Pinctada fucata martensii, and Small Rock Oyster Saccostrea mordax. Bivalves are crucial to aquatic ecosystems, and understanding the factors that impact their reproduction is essential. Our research found that higher levels of ammonium reduced sperm vitality and movement in Noble Scallop and Small Rock Oysters, especially at the highest concentration we tested. Interestingly, the Chinese Pearl Oyster showed improved sperm vitality and movement at moderate ammonium levels. Additionally, we observed the increased curling of sperm tails in Noble Scallops and Small Rock Oysters with higher ammonium levels, but this effect was not seen in Chinese Pearl Oysters. These findings highlight how varying environmental conditions can differently affect species and emphasize the importance of maintaining balanced ammonium levels in aquatic habitats. This knowledge is valuable for protecting the reproductive health of these bivalves, which play a key role in the health and sustainability of aquatic ecosystems. Ammonium (NH4+) plays a crucial role in the reproductive processes of key biotic groups in aquatic ecosystems—bivalves. This study aims to elucidate the effects of three different ammonium ion concentrations on sperm vitality, swimming kinematics, and morphology of Mimachlamys nobilis, Pinctada fucata martensii, and Saccostrea mordax. The results indicate that the sperm vitality and motility rates of M.nobilis and S. mordax are inversely proportional to the ammonium concentration, especially in the treatment group with an ammonium concentration of 3 mmol/L, where the decrease in sperm vitality and motility is most significant. In contrast, the sperm of P. fucata martensii reacted differently to increasing ammonium concentrations. After the addition of 2 mmol/L of ammonium, the sperm vitality and motility of P. fucata martensii reached a peak, showing a significant stimulatory effect. Additionally, as the ammonium concentration increased, the curling of the sperm flagella in M.nobilis and S. mordax increased. However, sperm flagella curling in P. fucata martensii showed no change compared to the control group. This study provides insights into the effects of ammonium concentrations on the sperm vitality and motility of three marine bivalve species and highlights the importance of sperm flagella curling as a factor affecting sperm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative processes give rise to reactive oxygen species/oxidants which are detrimental to living cells and underlie many pathologic conditions. On the other hand, many plant species possess antioxidant properties and phytochemicals which are closely linked to their therapeutic potentials. Solanum macrocarpon is a tropical plant which is traditionally claimed to possess therapeutic properties. Although, antioxidant potentials have been reported for different Solanum species and antioxidants have been reported to improve sperm morphology and motility; this has not been fully elucidated in S. macrocarpon. Following a comparative phytochemical and in vitro antioxidant screening of S. macrocarpon fruit, leaf and root ethanol extracts, this study evaluated the effect of S. macrocarpon leaf ethanol extract (SMLE) on sperm parameters in vitro and antioxidant enzymes in vivo. The effect of SMLE on sperm motility and vitality was examined in vitro at concentrations of 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/ml at 1, 5 and 10 min' intervals. Furthermore, thirty male albino rats (10–12 weeks old), separated at random into six groups (A–F, n = 5), and administered SMLE for 42 days, were used to investigate the antioxidant potency (AP) of SMLE in vivo. The phytochemical screening of different parts of S. macrocarpon revealed that SMLE had the highest (p < 0.05) composition (mg/100 g) of tannins, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids and saponin compared to fruit and root extracts. Furthermore, SMLE had the highest (p < 0.05) DPPH-scavenging antioxidant potency, which was similar to that of the control (ascorbic acid) at 200 µg/ml concentration, compared to the fruit and root extracts. SMLE significantly (p < 0.05) exhibited spermicidal potency in vitro in terms of reduced sperm motility and vitality but showed no significant effect on lipid peroxidation/antioxidant enzymes in vivo. The findings suggest that the SMLE possesses in vitro spermicidal potential despite its potent antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have demonstrated interesting results considering the implication of three growth factors (GFs), namely nerve growth factor (NGF), erythropoietin (EPO), and the insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-1) in the physiology of male reproductive functions. This review provides insights into the effects of NGF, EPO, and IGF-1 on the male reproductive system, emphasizing mainly their effects on sperm motility and vitality. In the male reproductive system, the expression pattern of the NGF system varies according to the species and testicular development, playing a crucial role in morphogenesis and spermatogenesis. In humans, it seems that NGF positively affects sperm motility parameters and NGF supplementation in cryopreservation media improves post-thaw sperm motility. In animals, EPO is found in various male reproductive tissues, and in humans, the protein is present in seminal plasma and testicular germ cells. EPO receptors have been discovered in the plasma membrane of human spermatozoa, suggesting potential roles in sperm motility and vitality. In humans, IGF-1 is expressed mainly in Sertoli cells and is present in seminal plasma, contributing to cell development and the maturation of spermatozoa. IGF-1 seems to modulate sperm motility, and treatment with IGF-1 has a positive effect on sperm motility and vitality. Furthermore, lower levels of NGF or IGF-1 in seminal plasma are associated with infertility. Understanding the mechanisms of actions of these GFs in the male reproductive system may improve the outcome of sperm processing techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonium (NH4+) plays a crucial role in the reproductive processes of key biotic groups in aquatic ecosystems—bivalves. This study aims to elucidate the effects of three different ammonium ion concentrations on sperm vitality, swimming kinematics, and morphology of Mimachlamys nobilis, Pinctada fucata martensii, and Saccostrea mordax. The results indicate that the sperm vitality and motility rates of M.nobilis and S. mordax are inversely proportional to the ammonium concentration, especially in the treatment group with an ammonium concentration of 3 mmol/L, where the decrease in sperm vitality and motility is most significant. In contrast, the sperm of P. fucata martensii reacted differently to increasing ammonium concentrations. After the addition of 2 mmol/L of ammonium, the sperm vitality and motility of P. fucata martensii reached a peak, showing a significant stimulatory effect. Additionally, as the ammonium concentration increased, the curling of the sperm flagella in M.nobilis and S. mordax increased. However, sperm flagella curling in P. fucata martensii showed no change compared to the control group. This study provides insights into the effects of ammonium concentrations on the sperm vitality and motility of three marine bivalve species and highlights the importance of sperm flagella curling as a factor affecting sperm.

The main aim of this randomized controlled pilot trial was to evaluate the effects of hydrogen-rich water on spermiogram parameters in normospermic and oligospermic men. As many as 12 healthy young men (age 29.1 ± 5.9 years; n = 6 normospermic; n = 6 oligospermic) volunteered. Participants were allocated in a double-blind manner to receive 1 L of hydrogen-rich water per day or 1 L of tap water fortified with magnesium for 8 weeks. Following hydrogen-rich water supplementation, sperm concentration and morphology tended to increase by 12.4 million per milliliter (95% CI; -31.8 to 56.6), and live cells increased by 3.8% (95% CI; -12.5 to 20.1), respectively (P = 0.30). A significant difference between the two interventions was found in sperm vitality (P = 0.03), with hydrogen-rich water being superior to the placebo in terms of an increase in the number of live sperm cells. Subgroup analyses revealed no significant differences between interventions in sperm viability outcomes in oligospermic men (P > 0.05). However, sperm count increased by over 20 million in two of the three oligospermic men (66.7%) receiving hydrogen-rich water, while no oligospermic men in the placebo group increased sperm concentration to euspermic levels (P < 0.01). These preliminary findings suggest hydrogen-rich water is an effective intervention for improving some aspects of male subfertility; further large-sample trials are warranted to corroborate our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epicatechin (EPC) is a flavonoid belonging to the family of catechins; it has been described as a powerful scavenger of a wide spectrum of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a modulator of ex vivo sperm vitality. In this study, we assessed the potential protective abilities of EPC on cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa. We focused on conventional quality parameters, as well as the oxidative profile of spermatozoa alongside capacitation patterns, and expression profiles of proteins involved in the process of capacitation. Semen samples were cryopreserved in the presence of 25, 50 or 100 μmol/L EPC and compared to native semen (negative control) as well as ejaculates frozen in the absence of EPC (positive control). A dose-dependent improvement of conventional sperm quality parameters was observed following EPC administration, particularly in case of the sperm motility, membrane, acrosome and DNA integrity in comparison to the positive control. Experimental groups exposed to all EPC doses presented with a significantly lower proportion of capacitated spermatozoa as opposed to the positive control. While no significant effects of EPC were observed in cases of superoxide production, a significant decrease in the levels of hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical were recorded particularly in the experimental groups supplemented with 50 and 100 μmol/L EPC. Western blot analysis revealed that supplementation of particularly 100 μmol/L EPC to the semen extender prevented the loss of the cation channel of sperm (CatSper) isoforms 1 and 2, sodium bicarbonate cotransporter (NBC) and protein kinase A (PKA), which play important roles in the process of sperm capacitation. In summary, we may hypothesize that EPC is particularly effective in the stabilization of the sperm membrane during the freeze–thaw process through its ability to quench ROS involved in damage to the membrane lipids and to prevent the loss of membrane channels crucial to initiate the process of sperm capacitation. These attributes of EPC provide an additional layer of protection to spermatozoa exposed to low temperatures, which may be translated into a higher post-thaw structural integrity and functional activity of male gametes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two isoforms of the gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH), GnRH‐I and GnRH‐II, are expressed in mammals, and the presence of one or more GnRH‐like peptides has been demonstrated in the male reproductive tract. GnRH and its receptors (GnRHR) are present in human and non‐human primate testis, prostate, epididymis, seminal vesicle, spermatozoa and seminal human plasma. GnRH‐II is site‐specific and acts directly in an inhibitory or stimulatory fashion. Previous studies speculated that GnRH‐II could disrupt specific sperm processes, such as sperm motility or capacitation and could be utilized as an effective contraceptive agent. Our study aimed to investigate the in‐vitro effects of GnRH‐I and GnRH‐II on Vervet monkey sperm function. Electro‐ejaculated semen samples from 10 Vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops) were used to select motile sperm populations. Sperm aliquots were incubated with GnRH‐I and GnRH‐II at different concentrations for 1 h, where after sperm motility and kinematic parameters were assessed using the automated Sperm Class Analyser. Additional sperm aliquots were incubated with two 10‐amino acid control peptides, a non‐related peptide and an inactive peptide to exclude the possible influence on sperm motility from other peptides with a structure similar to GnRH. Additionally, a GnRHR‐I antagonist (GnRHR‐A), Cetrorelix, was tested to establish its antagonistic capability on GnRH. The effect of selected concentrations of GnRH‐I and GnRH‐II on sperm vitality and acrosome intactness was also evaluated after 10‐ and 60 min exposure. Analysis of the percentage total sperm motility revealed that different concentrations for GnRH‐I and GnRH‐II inhibited sperm motility significantly. While sperm progressiveness was also notably affected and a trend of decreased sperm kinematics were evident, no effect was found on sperm vitality or acrosome intactness. The non‐related and inactive peptides had no impact on sperm motility. The GnRHR‐A demonstrated no effect on sperm motility and effectively blocked the inhibitory outcome on the motility of both GnRH isoforms. While GnRH‐I or GnRH‐II at low‐dose concentrations resulted in in‐vitro inhibition of sperm motility, it appears to have no adverse effects on other sperm functional parameters evaluated. These collective observations possibly indicate an essential role for GnRH in the in‐vivo process of sperm selection in the female reproductive tract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Female genital candidiasis is a common gynecological complaint. Studies demonstrated its negative impact on sperm motility. In the current study we aimed at determining the effect of vaginally extracted Candida albicans on different semen parameters. Study Design: Vaginal swabs were obtained from 25 females suffering from vaginitis and semen samples from 18 normozoospermia healthy males. Semen samples were inoculated with different concentrations of vaginal isolates of Candida albicans (0 (control), 20000, 60000 and 100000 cfus/0.5ml) for two incubation periods (5 and 15 hours). Semen was tested for sperm motility, vitality, morphology, and fertilizing capacity as well as seminal fructose, seminal level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pH. Results: Significant concentration and duration dependent decrease in sperm motility, vitality, normality and sperm fertilizing capacity was observed following incubation with candida. The drop in the percent of normal forms was within the acceptable range for normal semen. Level of ROS decreased significantly only at high candida concentration (100000 cfus/0.5 ml) and duration of incubation (15 hours). Seminal fructose was mainly affected by candida concentration while pH decreased only at low incubation time. However, the observed change in pH was still within the normal semen pH range. Relation between patient’s results and types of graft used showed no statistically significant differences between them. Conclusion: Vaginally extracted Candida albicans may have negative impact on different semen parameters affecting mainly sperm motility, vitality as well as sperm fertilizing capacity. To what extent this effect may influence couple fertility needs further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A basic semen investigation has established principles that are necessary for ascertaining reliable and internationally comparable results. Although these principles have been present in the WHO manual since its inception, the baseline issue across most published studies and practice in reproductive medicine (in which the male is considered) is repetitive failure to adhere to these principles, thereby leading to relevant comparable data and accuracy. To address this failure, the sixth edition of the WHO manual includes revised basic methods, and a complementary formal standard of the International Standards Organization (ISO23162:2021) for basic semen examination has been published. Perhaps the most significant change in the sixth edition is the reintroduction of the four-category distinction of sperm motility, which causes additional work for laboratories in changing reporting parameters but is clinically important. Another essential change is the widened focus from mainly a prognostic tool for medically assisted reproduction to additionally raising awareness of semen examination as a measure of male reproductive functions and general male health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The first two editions of the World Health Organization laboratory manual described the determination of live spermatozoa by a dye exclusion method as a sperm "viability" test, whereas subsequent editions classified it as a "vitality" test, without providing an explanation for the reclassification. Additionally, the hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) test, which assesses the functional integrity of the human sperm membrane, was placed in the same category as the dye exclusion test. Although the two terms might seem synonymous, the term "vitality" merely means "alive," whereas "viability" assesses qualities or physiological functions of a living entity. After comparing the morphological, physiological, and clinical findings obtained from dye exclusion testing vs. the HOS test, we conclude that the HOS test should be classified as a viability test, not merely as a vitality test., (Copyright © 2021 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)