bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of chronic alcoholism on semen—studies on lipid profiles
Authors: GOMATHI C. , BALASUBRAMANIAN K. , BHANU N. VIJAYA , SRIKANTH V. , GOVINDARAJULU P. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe effect of chronic alcoholism on various seminal parameters (sperm concentration, rate of forward motility, percentage of abnormal spermatozoa, lipid profiles of seminal plasma and spermatozoa) was studied together with the serum levels of testosterone and oestradiol. In chronic alcoholics there was a marked reduction in sperm concentration and in the rate of their forward motility, and increase in the number of spermatozoa with morphological abnormalities when compared to age‐matched normal fertile subjects. Serum levels of testosterone were decreased while oestradiol levels were increased in chronic alcoholic men. Studies of lipid profiles showed a marked decrease in the total phospholipid concentration in spermatozoa, primarily in sphingomyelin, phosphatidyl choline and ethanolamine fractions. The cholesterol phospholipids ratio in spermatozoa was increased in alcoholics. In the seminal plasma of chronic alcoholics, there was a decrease in total lipid, in glyceride glycerol and in free and esterified cholesterol. Of the phospholipid classes, sphingomyelin and phosphatidyl ethanolamine showed a significant reduction. In general, the present study provides evidence for the adverse effects of chronic alcoholism on serum hormones, sperm count, morphology, motility and seminal lipid profiles. These may be responsible for the fertility disorders common in chronic alcoholics.
Reactive oxygen species in semen of infertile patients: levels of superoxide dismutase‐ and catalase‐like activities in seminal plasma and spermatozoa
Authors: ZINI A. , de LAMIRANDE E. , GAGNON C. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryReactive oxygen species (ROS) can be detected in the semen of 40% of infertile men, whereas none is detected in semen from normal men. The ROS detected in semen are a reflection of the imbalance between ROS production and degradation. The aim of the present study was to determine whether a lowered scavenging capacity or an increased production of ROS was responsible for the ROS detected in semen samples from infertile men. Two activities were investigated: (1) catalase‐like activity, which is responsible for the degradation of H2O2, and (2) superoxide dismutase‐like (SOD‐like) activity which is responsible for the degradation of O2‐‐. Catalase‐like and SOD‐like activities were found in whole seminal plasma, in dialyzed seminal plasma (> 12 kD), in an ultrafiltrate of seminal plasma (< 5 kD) and in spermatozoa. There was no significant difference in the SOD‐like activities measured in spermatozoa, or in seminal plasma (whole or fractionated) from samples that did or did not produce ROS. SOD‐like activity originated mostly from the high molecular weight components of seminal plasma. However, the catalase‐like activity of whole seminal plasma and of spermatozoa was significantly greater (P = 0.01) in those samples that produced ROS as compared to those that did not. The catalase‐like activity in dialyzed seminal plasma, and an ultrafiltrate of seminal plasma from semen samples that did or did not produce ROS were not statistically different. The catalase‐like activity of the seminal plasma originated equally from high and low molecular weight components. In conclusion, the data suggest that the ROS detected in the semen of infertile patients are likely due to increased ROS production rather than to decreased ROS scavenging capacity.
Is testosterone essential for maintenance of normal morphology in immature rat Leydig cells?
Authors: MISRO M. M. , GANGULY A. , DAS R. P. 
Published: May 2008

SummarySelective deprivation of gonadotrophins in prepubertal rats by administration of a GnRH antagonist (Ac‐D2Nal1, D4ClPhe2, DTrp3, DArg6, DA1a10‐GnRH; GnRH code: 103–289–10, National Institutes of Health, USA) for 3 weeks, initiated at 20–22 days of age, induced morphological changes in the Leydig cells, including thickening and indentation of the nuclear margin, pyknosis and elongation of the nuclei. Mean nuclear diameter was reduced to 22% of that in the controls. Under the electron microscope the cells exhibited reduced volume of the nucleus and cytoplasm and the plasma membrane was irregular. This abnormal appearance of the Leydig cells improved marginally in 20–30% of the Leydig cells and their mean nuclear diameter increased to 39% of the control level after FSH supplementation (20 μg ovine FSH/day). Normal morphological integrity of the Leydig cells consisting of round or oval nuclei, a smooth nuclear and cellular margin and the original mean nuclear diameter was restored completely when testosterone (30 μg/day) was administered to GnRH antagonist‐treated rats, with or without simultaneous administration of FSH; in these rats testosterone levels in blood were also restored to normal. These findings indicate that testosterone may be important for the maintenance of normal Leydig cell morphology in the rat.
Alterations in testicular function after endotoxin injection in the boar
Authors: WALLGREN MARGARETA , KINDAHL H. , RODRIGUEZ‐MARTINEZ H. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryTwelve mature boars were injected intravenously with endotoxin from Salmonella typhimuvium. Blood plasma was analysed for 15‐ketodihydro‐PGF2α, LH and testosterone. The boars were castrated at various times after endotoxin administration and the testes examined by light and electron microscopy. The levels of 15‐ketodihydro‐PGF2, and LH rose immediately after endotoxin injection followed by an increase in testosterone levels, and in five boars a second increase in LH levels was observed. Morphological examination of the testes revealed infiltration of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) into the testicular interstitium. The Leydig and myoid cells showed morphological changes.Alterations were also present in the seminiferous epithelium among Sertoli cells, spermatocytes and spermatids. The results indicate that endotoxins can exert a negative effect on testicular function in the boar. Except for the initial increase in LH levels, which is not clearly understood, the hormonal changes are thought to be mediated by alterations in Leydig cell function. The alterations further support previous findings in the boar, and indicate that there is short‐term, moderate damage to the seminiferous epithelium following endotoxin injection.
Influence of three different preparation techniques on the results of human sperm morphology analysis*
Authors: MESCHEDE D. , KECK C. , ZANDER M. , COOPER T. G. , YEUNG C.‐H. , NIESCHLAG E. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryUsing 158 unselected semen samples the present study has analysed how the results of sperm morphology assessment were influenced by different techniques for preparing the slides for microscopic assessment. All three techniques compared, the Papanicolaou stain (PAP), the Shorr stain (SHO) and the ‘wet preparations’ protocol (WET) are currently recommended by the World Health Organization for use in andrology laboratories. Mean percentages of morphologically normal spermatozoa were identical on PAP and SHO slides (31.1%), but were significantly lower in wet preparations (12.3%). Wide divergence of results obtained with the three different methods was also found with respect to the percentage of sperm with head, midpiece and tail defects and two ‘indices of teratozoospermia’. For the majority of parameters assessed, linear regression analysis revealed a poor correlation between evaluations of PAP, SHO and WET slides (r values ranging from 0.01 to 0.87). We conclude that only one standard method should be recommended for the preparation of morphology slides in order to ensure inter‐laboratory comparability of results and to enhance the value of sperm morphology analysis for predicting fertility.
Urine as an alternative to urethral swabs for the diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis in infertile males
Authors: RAMUTHAGA T. N. , BORNMAN M. s. , MAHOMED M. F. , BOOMKER D. , GREEF A. S. , CREWE‐BROWN H. H. , REIF S. 
Published: May 2008

SummarySwabbing the urethrae of men has been the traditional approach for collecting specimens for detection of Chlamydia trachomatis. Recently, however, urine testing using enzyme immunoassay has yielded promising results. A total of 105 patients attending the Andrology Clinic at Ga Rankuwa Hospital, Medunsa were included in the study. These patients were asymptomatic and had no urethral discharge. Three endo‐urethral swabs and first‐catch urine were collected fiom each patient. The urethral swabs were used for enzyme immunoassay (EIA) (IDEIA 111), tissue culture and direct immonufluorescent antibody (DFA) test (IMAGEN) to detect C. trachomatis. In addition about 15–30 ml of first‐catch urine, or urine collected at least 2h after the previous micturition, was collected for each patient for EIA testing. Fifteen (14.3%) of 105 patients were positive on urethral swab EIA, in comparison with the DFA test in which 14 (13.3%) were positive. Eight (7.8%) were positive in tissue culture. Urine EIA was positive in 17 (16.2%) patients, of whom five (4.8%) were positive in urine EIA only. All EIA positive urines were confirmed by DFA. We recommend that first‐catch urine or urine collected at least 2h after the previous micturition in infertile males may be considered a suitable alternative to urethral swab for chlamydial diagnosis because it is noninvasive and nontraumatic.
Simultaneous measurement of sperm LDH, LDH‐X, CPK activities and ATP content in normospermic and oligozoospermic men
Authors: ORLANDO C. , KRAUSZ C. , FORT G. , CASANO R. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryTotal lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), LDH‐X, creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activities and ATP content were measured in washed spermatozoa from 188 normospermic and 94 oligozoospermic men. These four biochemical parameters were significantly higher (p>0.00l) in spermatozoa from oligozoospermic men than in those from normospermic men and were related inversely to sperm concentration. In oligozoospermic men the activity of sperm LDH and LDH‐X was related sipficantly to sperm CPK activity (r = 0.5486 and r = 0.4442, respectively), whereas this relationship was less evident in normospermic men (r =0.4124 andr= 0.3844, respectively). Sperm ATP content was related weakly to sperm LDH, LDH‐X and CPK activities both in oligozoospermic and normospermic men. After separation on a discontinuous (40% and 80%) Percoll gradient LDH, LDH‐X, CPK activities and ATP content in 80% separated sperm fractions from 48 normospermic and 30 oligozoospermic men were found to be significantly lower than in the initial semen sample in both groups of subjects. The 80% separated sperm fi‐actions fiom oligozoospermic and normospermic men did not differ in their LDH or LDH‐X activities or ATP content, whereas sperm CPK activity was still significantly higher in oligozoospermic men. These data suggest that, of the four parameters studied, high levels of intracellular CPK activity are the most relevant biochemical feature of spermatozoa from oligozoospermic men.
Seminal plasma lead, cadmium and zinc in relation to tobacco consumption
Authors: OLDEREID N. B. , THOMASSEN Y. , PURVIS K. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe total quantity of zinc in the ejaculates of smokers was sipficantly lower than in non‐smokers. This was not related to a significant increase in the quantities of seminal cadmium or lead, or to a decrease in sperm quality in the smoking group. It appears that tobacco consumption may have to exceed 20 cigarettedday before a noticeable increase in seminal cadmium can be recorded. It is suggested that this reduction in zinc secretion may jeopardize the content of chromatin zinc, and thereby the stability of the sperm chromatin. This may then contribute to reproductive failure or have consequences for fetal development.
Objective assessment of spermatogenesis in men with functional and anatomic obstruction of the genital tract*
Authors: HIRSCH I. H. , SEDOR J. , KULP D. , McCUE P. J. , STAAS W. E. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryExperimental rodent models simulating the condition of neurogenic infertility have drawn attention to the role of potential epididymal dysfunction as an underlying cause.This functional obstruction of the genital tract is comparable to the outcome of genital tract obstruction after vasectomy, and may explain the common finding of asthenospermia in both groups following either stimulated semen recovery or vasovasostomy, respectively. Since spermatogenic dysfbnction has been reported in spinal cord injury, the relative roles of defective sperm production and sperm transport remain to be determined in men with neurogenic infertility. The objective of this study was to compare the levels of spermatogenesis in groups of vasectomized men and those with spinal cord injury, using objective measurement criteria for spermatogenesis.Groups of 10 spinal cord‐injured and six vasectomized men matched for age and duration of disease, underwent incisional testicular biopsy. The specimens were divided equally for parallel quantitation of spermatogenesis by both quantitative cytometry and DNA flow cytometric analysis. Quantitative parameters showed similar values for both groups with reference to mean tubular wall thickness, mean tubular concentration of spermatids and Sertoli cells, as well as the mean spermatid: Sertoli cell ratio per tubule. Additionally, similar percentages of lN, 2N and 4N cells were found in both groups‐ Based on these preliminary findings this study provides a clinical correlation supporting the experimental observation that both anatomical and functional obstruction of the male genital tract exert a similar although minor spermatogenic insult, and that in both the putative cause for neurogenic infertility is more likely to be at the post‐testicular level.
Affinity sites for N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase on the surface of rat epididymal spermatozoa*
Authors: BARBIERI M. A. , SOSA M. A. , COUSO R. , IELPI L. , MERELLO S. , TONN C. E. , BERTINI E. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe binding of N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase from rat epidldymal fluid to the surf‐ace of spermatozoa from the cauda epididymis was measured in the presence of sugars, its phosphorylated derivatives, or after treatment of the cells or the enzyme with agents that alter the integrity of proteins or carbohydrates. The binding was saturable, with a K, in the nanomolar range, was inhibited with phosphorylated derivates of fructose, and did not depend on Ca2+ showing that it is different from the mannose 6‐P‐recognizing system existing in other tissues for this and other acid hydrolases. Treatment of the cells with sodium periodate or trypsin inhibited the binding, showing that a glycoprotein of the plasmalemma is involved in the affinity site. Fructose or phosphorylated derivates were not detected in the proteins of the epididymal fluid with HPLC. However, with the method used, the presence of these compounds cannot be ruled out, if among the proteins of the fluid there are only a small number of acid hydrolases containing this sugar.
Relationship between semen characteristics, a‐glucosidase and the capacity of spermatozoa to bind to the human zona pellucida
Authors: ALI H. BEN , GUERIN J. F. , PINATEL M. C. , MATHIEU C. , BOULIEU D. , TRITAR B. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryUnfertilized oocytes from an in‐vitro fertilization programme were stored in different saline solutions and then utilized in a zona binding assay (ZBA). The four saline solutions tested were identical with regard to the capacity of the zona to bind sperniatozoa provided by healthy donors. Spermatozoa from 150 infertile patients were tested in the ZBA. The number of spermatozoa bound to the zona correlated positively with sperm concentration, the percentage sperm motility and the percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa. The population was then divided into two groups according to the level of α‐glucosidase activity, an epididymal marker. The average number of spermatozoa bound to the zona was diminished in the group with low α‐glucosidase activity, even when considering strictly equivalent classes of sperm concentration, motility and morphology, respectively.
Modulation of ornithine decarboxylase activity by prolactin in seminal vesicles of the rat
Authors: GONZALEZ S. I. , SUESCUN M. O. , RULLI S. B. , ESTIVARIZ E. , CALANDRA R. S. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe stimulatory effect of prolactin on sexual accessory glands is well established, though the mechanism of trophic action remains poorly understood. We have therefore assessed the effect of high levels of prolactin on ornithine decarboxylase activity and polyamine content in seminal vesicles (SV) of adult rats. Hyperprolactinaemia was induced by implantation of tissue fragments of a prolactin‐secreting tumour 7315a, and the rats killed at 35 days post‐inoculation. Serum levels of prolactin were increased significantly (p<0.001) in tumour‐bearing rats. Levels of testosterone in serum were reduced markedly, whereas LH levels remained unchanged. SV weight in the experimental group was not significantly different from that in the corresponding control group. A clear increase in ornithine decarboxylase activity of SV was observed (p<0.001) in the hyperprolactinaemic rats. However, there was no change in the polyamine content of SV in tumour‐bearing rats, compared to the control group. These results indicate that ornithine decarboxylase activity in SV of adult rats is regulated mainly by prolactin. This experimental model may be useful for identification of some of the events involved in the trophic action of prolactin.
The effect of experimental cryptorchidism on the phosphorus NMR spectrum of the rat testis
Authors: VAN DER GROND J. , DIJKSTRA G. , VAN ECHTELD C. J. A. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryMagnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy of the cryptorchid rat testis was used to test whether changes in the MR spectra of the rat testis might be a more sensitive indicator of changes in the metabolic status of germ cells in the testis rather than simply the cell types present. Testes of adult Wistar rats before and during 42 days of experimental cryptorchidism were investigated by in‐vivo 31P MR spectroscopy. Results were compared to MR studies of the synchronized developing testis. The testicular phospho‐monoester/ATP (PM/ATP) ratio was dependent only on the cell types present, and showed the same characteristics for each cell type present in the degenerating testis as in the developing testis. The testicular phosphodiester/ATP (PD/ATP) ratio decreased rapidly when the number of round and elongated spermatids was reduced. Similar effects, although less pronounced, were seen in the developing testis. The pH decreased rapidly after cryptorchidism, and was related inversely to the PM/ATP ratio, which was also observed in the developing testis. This study demonstrates that MR spectroscopy monitors the cell types present in the rat testis rather than its metabolic status.
The potential of mild testicular heating as a safe, effective and reversible contraceptive method for men
Authors: MIEUSSET ROGER , B'UJAN LOUIS 
Published: May 2008

SummaryA preliminary assessment of the contraceptive efficacy of a daily mild increase (1–2°c) in testicular temperature during waking hours is reported in nine couples using two techniques of non‐surgical fixation of the testes close to the inguinal canal. With technique 1, immobilization was achieved by passing the penis and the empty scrotum through a hole made in close‐fitting underwear; there was one pregnancy, hm a man who stopped the heating after 7 weeks, for 42 cycles of exposure in three couples. With technique 2, immobilization was achieved by adding a ring of soft material surrounding the hole in the underwear; there was no pregnancy for 117 cycles of exposure in six couples. Reversibility and safety were assessed. These preliminary results suggest that a daily mild increase in testicular temperature could be a potential contraceptive method for men.
Pentoxifylline acts synergistically with A23187 to increase the penetration of zona‐free hamster oocytes by cryopreserved human spermatozoa
Authors: FORD W. C. L. , REES J. M. , McLAUGHLIN E. A. , LING L. , HULL M. G. R. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe number of cryopreserved human spermatozoa which penetrated zona‐free hamster oocytes afier stimulation with 2μmol A23187 per litre was increased by the hrther addition of 0.6 or 3.6 mmol pentoxifjrlline per litre. With spermatozoa prepared by washing by repeated centrifugation, the median numbers of sperm headd/egg were 1.9, 7.9 and 10.8 in the presence of 0, 0.6 or 3.6 mmol pentoxifylline per litre, respectively. A similar effect was observed with spermatozoa prepared on a Percoll gradient. As A23187 inhibited sperm motility, and this was exacerbated by pentoxifylline, the increased penetration rate of hamster oocytes cannot be explained by improved sperm motility. The number of spermatozoa stimulated to acrosome react by 2 μmol A23187 per litre was increased 3‐fold by 3.6 mmol pentoxifylline per litre and 4‐fold by 5 mmol caffeine per litre. These data suggest that CAMP may act synergistically with Ca2+ to stimulate the acrosome reaction. Pentoxifjrlline may improve the fertility of poor‐quality human spermatozoa by enhancing their ability to respond to the Ca2+ signal produced by binding to the zona pellucida.
Superoxide anion production by human spermatozoa as a part of the ionophore‐induced acrosome reaction process
Authors: GRIVEAU J. F. , RENARD P. , LANNOU D. LE 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe involvement of superoxide anion (O2°‐) in human sperm capacitation and/or acrosome reaction was investigated. Addition of superoxide dismutase (SOD) to the medium at the beginning of the capacitation process or 15 min before induction of the acrosome reaction, decreased the level of ionophore‐induced acrosome reaction. Hyperactivation was unaffected by the presence of SOD during the capacitation process. Addition of calcium ionophore to the sperm suspension increased production of O2°‐ by the spermatozoa by four to five‐fold and induced the acrosome reaction. In the presence of SOD, superoxide anion could not be detected in the medium and the rate of induced‐acrosome reaction was decreased gready. The presence of an inhibitor of protein kinase C inhibited the production of O2°‐ in the medium and reduced the induced‐acrosome reaction. The production of O2°‐ and the acrosome reaction were also increased by exposure of spermatozoa to 12‐myristate 13‐acetate phorbol ester, a specific activator of protein kinase C. While the level of spontaneous acrosome reaction was not increased by the direct addition of O2°‐ to the medium, its presence induced the release of unesterified fatty acids from membrane phospholipids. These findings suggest that the production of O2°‐ by spermatozoa could be involved in the ionophore‐induced acrosome reaction, possibly through the de‐esterification of membrane phospholipids. However, this production of superoxide anion is not sufficient on its own to induce the acrosome reaction.