Search Results (13)

This study aims to demonstrate whether immunization against inhibin could alters testicular echotexture (TE), hemodynamics (resistance and pulstalilty index [RI and PI], testicular blood flow volume [TBFV]), and semen picture. Senile male camels were immunized actively against inhibin alpha subunit (immunized males; n = 5; subcutaneous route; 1 mL) or non immunized (control males; n = 5). The injection was four times with four weeks intervals. Semen was collected by electroejaculator once per week. Blood sampling, ultrasonography, and hormonal assaying was performed once per week. The levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), and nitric oxide (NO) were calculated. Regarding control camels, the FSH levels were elevated (p < 0.01) in immunized males weeks 6–9 in August. Both E2 and NO were increased in the same group at weeks 7–11 with the highest level in week 10 for E2 (17.01 ± 0.11 pg/mL) in September and in week 9 for NO (44.66 ± 0.15 µmol/L). The Doppler indices RI and PI were declined (p < 0.01) in immunized camels in weeks 7–11, while the TBFV was elevated (p < 0.01). A marked elevation (p < 0.05) in testicular volume was noticed in the immunized group with a decline in the TE in week 9. The sperm cell concentration and viability were elevated (p < 0.01) in the immunized group. In conclusion, the active immunization against inhibin in senile camels shows a positive effect via improvement of testicular hemodynamics, flow volume, testicular volume, FSH, E2, NO, and sperm cell concentration with viability %, and alterations in both Doppler indices with the TE. Full article

Obesity is considered a metabolic disease, in which leptin is used as an indicator of energy in the body. This hormone, in turn, is related to the neuroendocrine regulation of the reproductive axis. However, leptin excess secretion due to obesity can have a negative effect on reproduction. Overweight and obesity were induced through high-calorie diets. Lee and gonadosomatic indices were determined to characterize the model and degree of reproductive development in the testis and epididymis. Sperm quality was analyzed using spermatobioscopy. Morphometry was analyzed through histological analysis. The changes described affect testicular function in hormone and sperm production. Exposure of 3-month-old male rats to diets with different fat contents (10% and 60%) induced both overweight and obesity. The animals showed morphological alterations, both testicular and epididymal, the latter being more sensitive to dietary changes by modifying the epididymal index, morphometric parameters (in both organs), and a decrease in cilia length. These changes induced a reduction in sperm viability, as well as an increase in malformed spermatozoa. In conclusion, both overweight and obesity have effects on male reproduction by modifying the morphology and physiology of reproductive organs. Full article

Our objectives were to investigate the effects of exogenous melatonin on testicular volume (TV), testicular blood flow (TBF), and semen quality in Bafra rams during the non-breeding season. One group of rams (MEL, n = 5) received a 36 mg melatonin implant twice, with 30 days in between, while the other group (CON, n = 5) served as the control. TBF, TV, and semen quality parameters were determined at three-week intervals starting three weeks before until twelve weeks after the first melatonin implant. Testicular blood flow was determined in the supratesticular (STA) and marginal testicular artery (MA) using color Doppler ultrasound. Semen was collected and evaluated, and the total oxidative status (TOS) and total antioxidative status (TAS) was determined using an ELISA. The MEL group had increased (p < 0.05) TV between the sixth and twelfth week after the start of treatment. Overall, the MEL group had lower resistance and pulsatility indexes (p < 0.05) between the third and ninth week, although there was no difference (p > 0.05) between the two groups in most semen quality parameters. However, TAS concentrations increased (p < 0.05) in the MEL group compared with the CON. The results of this study show that exogenous melatonin in the non-breeding season significantly increased both TBF and TV in Bafra rams. Therefore, giving rams implants with 36 mg melatonin twice at least one month prior to the non-breeding season is expected to improve testicular size and function and reproductive capacity. Full article

Traditional outdoor pig farming is renowned for its emphasis on animal welfare and the production of highly valued, quality meat. While seasonality is known to impact certain animals, particularly those raised outdoors, there is a lack of research on Bísaro boars, a native Portuguese breed. This research study was conducted on a total of 20 male entire Bísaro pigs, reared in outdoor pens from 4 to 13 months old, and subsequently slaughtered. The animals were divided into two groups: one slaughtered in winter (Wi, n = 9), and the other in summer (Su, n = 11). The objective was to evaluate testicular morphometry, boar taint compounds, and meat quality traits, including sensory analysis and fatty acid profile. Testicles from the Su group exhibited reduced volume, indicating diminished functionality during that season. While no significant differences were observed in the boar taint compound analysis, panelists could discern a more intense aroma and flavor of boar taint in the Su meat. Other meat quality traits showed no significant variations, but the fatty acid profile displayed higher values in the Wi group. This study reveals that Bísaro boars experience reproductive seasonality, leading to variations in boar taint compounds across the seasons. This information is crucial for farm planning. Full article

The goal of this study was to investigate the age-related differences in testosterone concentration and its relation to testicular biometrics, testicular blood flow, and fertility in alpacas (Vicugna pacos). Fifteen alpaca males with different ages (young (YM; ~12–14 mo.), n = 5; intermediate (IM; ~24 mo.), n = 5; and old (OM; ≥36 mo.), n = 5) were enrolled in the study. Blood samples were taken from each alpaca male and the circulating plasmatic testosterone concentration (TC; ng/mL) was determined using ELISA analysis. The testicular traits related to bio-morphometric parameters (the length (L), width (W), area (A), and volume (TV)) were assessed using B-mode ultrasonography. Pulse-wave/power Doppler ultrasonography was used to obtain the circulatory dynamic values (testicular hemodynamics) before the beginning of natural service mating. Significant differences were observed in TC among the age groups, increasing as the age of the males increased (2.47 ± 0.31, 8.45 ± 1.53, and 22.66 ± 2.15 for YM, IM, and OM, respectively; p < 0.05); however, no differences were observed regarding the testicular B-mode ultrasonographic parameters (L, W, and A) (p > 0.05). Positive correlations were observed between TV and testicular L, W, and A (r = 0.96, r = 0.95, and r = 0.96, respectively; p ≤ 0.001). Pulse-wave-Doppler-derived parameters such as the pulsatility index (PI) and the resistive index (RI), as well as the total vascularity area (TVA) assessed by power Doppler, were similar in all of the age groups studied (p > 0.05). General linear model (GLM) analysis showed a relationship between TC and TV (OR = 0.95; p = 0.04), as well as between TC and TVA (OR = 0.99; p= 0.02). Finally, no differences were observed regarding the pregnancy rate among the different age groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, TC increased as the age of the alpaca males increased. Although TC was related to TV and TVA, the pregnancy rates obtained from individuals belonging to the different age groups were similar, indicating that TC, TV, and TVA were not determining factors in assessing the potential age-related fertility differences in alpaca males. Full article

The prevalence of diabetic patients who abuse alcohol while on combination antiretroviral drug therapy (cART) therapy is rising in society. Little is known about the impact of this scenario on the testes and male reproductive viability, and therefore, these factors were evaluated. Thirty 10-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats were distributed into five groups of six rats each: control, diabetic only (DM), diabetic treated with alcohol (DM+A), diabetic treated with Atripla, fixed-dose cART (DM+cART), and diabetic treated with both alcohol and cART (DM+A+cART). After 90 days of treatment, rats were terminated, and blood and testes were harvested for immunoassay, histological, and immunohistochemistry analyses. Testicular perturbations of varying severity were recorded in all treated groups for most of the parameters. The DM+A treated group showed the most severe perturbations, followed sequentially by the treated groups DM+A+cART, DM, and DM+cART. Alterations in the testes and seminiferous tubule morphometry as well as the spermatogenic, Sertoli, and Leydig cells were found in all treated groups. Further, a significant decrease in Johnsen’s testicular scores, the appearance of seminiferous tubule lesions, changes in the basement membrane and capsule thickness, and a reduction in the testis connective tissue fibers were demonstrated in the treated groups. Additionally, reproductive hormone levels were altered, and the number and staining intensity of Sertoli and Leydig cells expressing androgen receptors reduced significantly in all treated animals. The study results reveal that the consumption of alcohol and/or the use of cART in diabetic individuals induces a derangement in circulating reproductive hormone levels and in the testicular structure and function, which consequently leads to a decline in the male reproductive capacity. Full article

Background: Due to the increased use of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs), the risks of their reprotoxic effect arise. This study anticipated examining the potential protective effects of GEO (geranium essential oil) components screened via GC/MS analysis against the reprotoxic impacts of TiO₂ NPs on male rats. Methods: Thirty-two adult male rats were randomly assigned to four groups: control, GEO (75 mg/kg bwt/orally/day/60 days), TiO₂ NPs (100 ppm/rat/IP/day/60 days), and TiO₂ NPs + GEO. After 60 days, hormonal assay, semen appraisal, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes, testis and prostate morphometry, and the steroidogenesis-related genes’ mRNA expressions were assessed. Results: The TEM and DLS results demonstrated that synthesized TiO₂ NPs are spherical with minimal aggregations polydispersed and varying in size from 50 to 100 nm. TiO₂ NPs IP injection-induced sperm abnormalities decreased the percent of motile sperms in the sperm count, reduced sex hormone levels, altered the testicular oxidant/antioxidant status and mRNA expression of steroid-related genes, and induced architectural alterations in testicular, epididymal, and prostate gland tissues. GEO significantly rescued the TiO₂ NPs-altered spermiogram, sex hormones, and antioxidant capacity, restored the tissue architectures, and enhanced steroidogenesis-related gene mRNA expression. Conclusions: These findings may significantly contribute to developing combinatorial treatments for infertility associated with various environmental and industrial xenobiotic exposures. Full article

In this study, we retrospectively investigated GPER expression in biopsies of azoospermic men with complete (obstructive azoospermia—OA) and aberrant spermatogenesis (nonobstructive azoospermia—NOA). Each biopsy was histologically evaluated with morphometry. The testicular GPER expression was analyzed by the immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR technique in the whole testicular tissue and in seminiferous tubules and Leydig cells after laser-capture microdissection. In laser-microdissected compartments, we also analyzed transcriptional expression of selected Leydig (CYP17A1, HSD17B3, StAR) and Sertoli cell (AMH, SCF, BMP4) function markers. Immunohistochemical staining revealed expression of GPER in the cytoplasm of Leydig and Sertoli cells. Its stronger intensity was observed in Sertoli cells of NOA biopsies. The RT-PCR analysis of the GPER mRNA level unequivocally showed its increased expression in seminiferous tubules (i.e., Sertoli cells), not Leydig cells in NOA biopsies. This increased expression correlated positively with the transcriptional level of AMH—a marker of Sertoli cell immaturity, as well as FSH serum level in NOA but not in the OA group. Our results clearly demonstrate altered GPER expression in testes with primary spermatogenic impairment that might be related to Sertoli cell maturity/function. Full article

Background: Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a form of male infertility caused by disorders of the testicular parenchyma and impaired spermatogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the nature of Leydig cell changes in patients with NOA, especially whether their actual proliferation occurred. Methods: 48 testicular biopsies from infertile patients with NOA and 24 testicular biopsies originating from azoospermic patients suffering from obstructive azoospermia (OA) were included in the study. Leydig cells and their possible proliferative activity were analysed by immunohistochemistry and morphometry (stereology). Results: Unlike in the OA group, Leydig cells in NOA patients were sometimes organised into larger clusters and displayed an abundant cytoplasm/hypertrophy. Moreover, significant fibrosis of the interstitial compartment was demonstrated in some NOA samples, often accompanied by inflammatory cells. Stereological analysis showed no increase/proliferation of Leydig cells; on the contrary, these cells decreased in number in the NOA group. Conclusions: The decrease in the number of Leydig cells can be explained by previous inflammatory changes within the testicular interstitium and consequent interstitial fibrosis. The interstitial fibrosis might have a deteriorating effect on Leydig cells. Full article

Tomcats are considered to be adults at 1 year of age, although many reach sexual maturity at an earlier age. Nevertheless, we still know little about whether the spermatogenic activity and sperm quality of mature under one-year-old tomcats differ from those of tomcats that are over one-year-old. This study aims to evaluate the spermatogenic activity, sperm traits, and their relationships in mature tomcats at two different ages. Sixteen tomcats showing complete spermatogenesis and spermatozoa in their epididymal caudae were used and classified according to their age as post-pubertal (<1 year old) or adult (˃1 year old). Our results show that adult cats have higher epididymal sperm concentration and lower coefficient of variation in sperm head width and ellipticity than post-pubertal cats. However, they do not differ in their testicular and epididymal mass, spermatogenesis, and sperm traits such as motility, mitochondrial activity, morphology, morphometry, as well as plasma membrane, acrosome, and DNA integrity. Reduced intra-male variation of sperm head ellipticity is associated with higher testis mass, epididymis mass, and sperm concentration. Interestingly, low intra-male variation in sperm head size is associated with increased Sertoli cell function and reduced post-meiotic germ cell loss. These findings increase our knowledge about feline reproductive physiology and provide new insights into the functional significance of low intra-male variation in sperm size and shape in tomcats. Full article

The aim of the present study is to define and compare the predictive power of two different Bayesian models for donkey sperm quality after the evaluation of linear and combined testicular biometry indices and their relationship with age and body weight (BW). Testicular morphometry was ultrasonographically obtained from 23 donkeys (six juveniles and 17 adults), while 40 ejaculates from eight mature donkeys were analyzed for sperm output and quality assessment. Bayesian linear regression analyses were considered to build two statistical models using gel-free volume, concentration, total sperm number, motility, total motile sperm, and morphology as dependent variables. Predictive model 1 comprised the covariate of age and the independent factors testicular measurements (length, height and width), while model 2 included the covariate of age and the factors of BW, testicular volume, and gonadosomatic ratio. Although goodness-of-fit was similar, the combination of predictors in model 1 evidenced higher likelihood to predict gel-free volume (mL), concentration (×10⁶/mL), and motility (%). Alternatively, the combination of predictors in model 2 evidenced higher predictive power for total sperm number (×10⁹), morphologically normal spermatozoa (%), and total motile sperm count (×10⁹). The application of the present models may be useful to gather relevant information that could be used hereafter for assisted reproductive technologies. Full article

Among testicular germ cell tumors, teratomas may often be very aggressive and therapy-resistant. Our aim was to investigate the impact of histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) on the in vitro growth of experimental mouse teratoma by treating their embryonic source, the embryo-proper, composed only of the three germ layers. The growth of teratomas was measured for seven days, and histopathological analysis, IHC/morphometry quantification, gene enrichment analysis, and qPCR analysis on a selected panel of pluripotency and early differentiation genes followed. For the first time, within teratomas, we histopathologically assessed the undifferentiated component containing cancer stem cell-like cells (CSCLCs) and differentiated components containing numerous lymphocytes. Mitotic indices were higher than apoptotic indices in both components. Both HDACi treatments of the embryos-proper significantly reduced teratoma growth, although this could be related neither to apoptosis nor proliferation. Trichostatin A increased the amount of CSCLCs, and upregulated the mRNA expression of pluripotency/stemness genes as well as differentiation genes, e.g., T and Eomes. Valproate decreased the amount of CSCLCs, and downregulated the expressions of pluripotency/stemness and differentiation genes. In conclusion, both HDACi treatments diminished the inherent tumorigenic growth potential of the tumor embryonal source, although Trichostatin A did not diminish the potentially dangerous expression of cancer-related genes and the amount of CSCLC. Full article

The reproductive cycle of an invasive alien Italian grey squirrel population was studied to understand its adaptation and limit its spread, in order to conserve the autochthonous red squirrel. Female and male genital traits were evaluated throughout the reproductive cycle, including the ovary, uterus, testicle, epididymis, seminiferous tubule morphometry, and germinative epithelium histology. Moreover, individual female fecundity was determined by counting uterine scars. Ovary width and uterus weight, length, and width reached their highest values in the luteal and pregnancy phases. On conducting a histological evaluation of the testicular germinal epithelium, four morphotypes related to the different reproductive phases of the male squirrels were identified: immature, pubertal, spermatogenesis, and regressive. Testicle and epididymis weights and seminiferous tubule diameters reached their largest values during spermatogenesis. Uterine scar analysis showed that 69% of the females had given birth to one or two litters, while 31% had no uterine scars. Litters were larger in the first breeding period than in the second; annual fecundity was 4.52 ± 1.88 uterine scars/female. Umbrian grey squirrels have adapted to their non-native range, showing two annual mating periods at times similar to those in their native range, and high reproductive success. Full article