• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
• /
• v.19 no.2
• /
• pp.49-61
• /
• 2006

Purpose : This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of the different administration duration of Ginseng Radix Alba extract solution on the spermatogenic abilities. Methods : We used the 2-month-old mice and administered Ginseng Radix Alba extract solution 0.3mg/g/day for 30, 60, 90 and 120 days. The control group was administered the normal saline in the same way. We examined the number of total, motile and normal sperm from the cauda epididymis, the activities of sperm hyaluronidase. Also we observed changes of isolated testis before and after administration of Ginseng Radix Alba extract solutions in the mice. And we compared to the testicular tissue especially seminiferous tubules between control and treated group by histochemical methods. Results : The significant differences were observed in the concentration of total sperm and normality of spermatozoa of the Ginseng Radix Alba extract solution administered groups compared to the control group in 60, 90 and 120days groups. The significant differences were observed the motility of the Ginseng Radix Alba extract solution administered groups compared to the control group in 90 days group respectively. In the histological analysis of the testicular tissues, the enlargement of testicular lobe diameter and apparent vasculogenesis between testicular lobes were observed in the Ginseng Radix Alba extract solution administered groups compared to the control group, respectively. but the activity of hyaluronidase was not significantly increased in the Ginseng Radix Alba extract solution administered groups Conclusion : This study shows that Ginseng Radix Alba has the beneficial effect on the concentration, morphology and motility of sperm especially in 90 days administration group. We can suggest that Ginseng Radix Alba extract solution be useful for the treatment of male sexual dysfunctions and infertility.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.49 no.4
• /
• pp.270-276
• /
• 2022

Objective: The present study assessed the biological characteristics of human spermatozoa at different time intervals (0, 1, 1.5, and 2 hours) after incubation at 37℃. Methods: Twenty-five normozoospermic semen samples were incubated at 37℃. Incubation was performed at four time intervals of 0 (after liquefaction), 1, 1.5, and 2 hours. The samples were evaluated for sperm parameters at each time interval. Results: The rate of sperm progressive motility decreased at 1.5 hours compared to 0 hours as well as 2 hours compared to 1 hour and 0 hours. The rate of non-motile spermatozoa also decreased after 2 hours compared to after 0 hours. No significant changes were observed in sperm viability (p=0.98) and non- progressive motility (p=0.48) at any time intervals. Abnormal sperm morphology increased at 1.5 hours of incubation time (p<0.001). No significant changes were observed in DNA fragmentation at 1 hour compared to 0 hours (median [interquartile range]: 19.5 [4] vs. 19 [4]), as well as at 1.5 hours compared to 1 hour (20 [5]). However, a significant increase in DNA fragmentation was observed at 1.5 hours compared to 0 hours. The mitochondrial membrane potential decreased remarkably after 1 hour of incubation time. No significant differences were observed in the acrosome reaction or malonaldehyde levels at any time point (p=0.34 and p=0.98, respectively). Conclusion: The incubation of normozoospermic samples before use in assisted reproductive technology should be less than 1.5 hours to minimize the destructive effects of prolonged incubation time on general and specific sperm parameters.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
• /
• v.65 no.2
• /
• pp.401-411
• /
• 2023

Many studies have been conducted to improve technology for semen cryopreservation in pigs. However, computer-assisted analysis of sperm motility and morphology is insufficient to predict the molecular function of frozen-thawed semen. More accurate expression patterns of boar sperm proteins may be derived using the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) technique. In this study, the iTRAQ-labeling system was coupled with liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis to identify differentially expressed CM10-fractionated proteins between fresh and frozen-thawed boar semen. A total of 76 protein types were identified to be differentially expressed, among which 9 and 67 proteins showed higher and lower expression in frozen-thawed than in fresh sperm samples, respectively. The classified functions of these proteins included oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial inner membrane and matrix, and pyruvate metabolic processes, which are involved in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis; and sperm flagellum and motile cilium, which are involved in sperm tail structure. These results suggest a possible network of biomarkers associated with survival after the cryopreservation of Duroc boar semen.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
• /
• v.23 no.3
• /
• pp.161-166
• /
• 2008

The techniques for the collection, cooling and freezing of semen and artificial insemination of horses are not fully understood in Korea. We investigated the percentages of total motile (TM) and progressively motile (PM) sperms after the collection, cooling and freezing of stallion semen. The average volume of semen was 167 ml in Thoroughbred and 68 ml in Arab. The average numbers of spermatozoa in Thoroughbred and Arab were $104\times10^6/ml$ and $86\times10^6/ml$ respectively. The average percentages of TM and PM were 82.3% and 88.6% in Thoroughbred, and 61.4% and 82.6% in Arab, respectively. The average percentage of TM at 4 hr after cooling at $5^{\circ}C$ was significantly lower than that at 0 hr ($30.0\pm4.1%\;vs.\;78.0\pm2.5%,\;p<0.05$), but the percentage of PM was similar between 66.5 and 73.2% at 0, 1, and 4hr. The average percentage of frozen-thawed Thoroughbred semen frozen in MFR5 extender was 56.2%, which was significantly higher than that of the semen frozen in LE extender (average 32.9%, p<0.05). The percentage of TM in Arab was similar for semen frozen in MFR5 extender and LE extender (18.2% and 21.2%, respectively), but the percentage of PM was significantly higher in sperm frozen in MFR5 extender than in sperm frozen in LE extender (69.0% vs. 36.4%, p<0.05). Four mares were artificially inseminated by Thoroughbred frozen-thawed semen and one of them fertilized at 11 day after artificial insemination. In this study, the collection, cooling and freezing of equine semen were possible under domestic conditions.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.19 no.11
• /
• pp.1561-1565
• /
• 2006

The objective of this study was to investigate the anti-oxidative effects of taurine on sperm characteristics for in vitro storage of boar semen. Semen was randomly divided into 10 groups in conical tubes and treated with different concentrations of taurine (25-100 mM) with or without $250{\mu}M$ $H_2O_2$. The percentage of motile spermatozoa in taurine groups after 6 and 9 h were significantly higher at >94% and 87%, respectively, compared to the control group ($85.1{\pm}0.5$ and $72.4{\pm}0.3$, p<0.05). The sperm motility in taurine with $H_2O_2$ after 6 h incubation was slightly decreased compared to the taurine alone treatment, but after 9 and 12 h incubation % sperm motility dropped sharply in taurine with $H_2O_2$ ($75.3{\pm}0.3$ and $69.6{\pm}2.9$, p<0.05). For 3, 9 and 12 h incubation, sperm viability in the control was lower than in taurine groups, irrespective of taurine concentration. In eosin Y and nigrosin staining (ENS), the sperm survival rates (%) for 6 h incubation were significantly higher in 25 mM ($76.0{\pm}0.6$) and 50 mM taurine groups ($78.0{\pm}0.7$), respectively. Sperm survival rates for 9 and 12 h incubation were higher in taurine groups (${\geq}48%$ in 9 h and ${\geq}42%$ in 12 h) compared to controls ($43.0{\pm}2.1$ and $31.0{\pm}0.6$, respectively). In the hyoosmotic swelling test (HOST), sperm membrane integrity was similar to the results of sperm survival. These experiments indicate that supplementation of taurine to the semen extender can increase the sperm characteristics(motility, viability, survival and membrane integrity).

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.23 no.3
• /
• pp.351-355
• /
• 1996

Objective: To analyze the direct effect of nitre oxide, generated from sodium nitroprusside, on sperm motility and reactive oxygen species. Design: Human sperm samples were treated to allow swim-up and washing. And the samples were devided into four aliquots. Each aliquot was incubated with either concentration at 0, 100nM, $10{\mu}M$, 1mM of nitroprusside. Intervention: Samples were measured chemiluminosence for reactive oxygen species of each aliquot with concentrations at 0, 100nM, $10{\mu}M$, 1mM of nitroprusside at allowing swim-up and washing of sperm. Main Outcome Measures: Percent motion parameters and viability were asse-ssed at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24 hours incubation. Results: The percent viablity was lower slightly in control group (50.2%) than that in sperm treated with 100nM of nitroprusside(57.5%) at 24 hours after incubation, while was reduced significantly in sperm with concentra-tion of $10{\mu}M(42.1%)$ and 1mM(21.3%)of nitroprusside at 6 hours after incubation. And the sperm treated with 1mM of nitroprusside was immotile totally at 6 hours after incubation. The straight line$(35.3{\pm}5.6%)$, the rapid forward$(37.2{\pm}6.4%)$ and the weak curvilinear velocity$(9.6{\pm}2.4%)$were more favorable comparing with those ($32.4{\pm}4.2%$, $30.0{\pm}7.8%$ and $18.0{\pm}4.6%$ respectively) in control group at 3 hours after incubation, but reduced significantly in sperm treated with $10{\mu}M$ and 1mM of nitroprusside. The levels of reactive oxygen species in control(700 c.p.m.) is lower significantly than that in each experimental groups of sperm treated with nitroprusside. And the levels of reactive oxygen species were 2200 c.p.m. in 100nM, 6200c.p.m. in $1{\mu}M$ and 12800c.p.m. in 1mM respectively. Conclusion: These results suggested that the concentration of 100nM of nitroprusside on sperm is beneficial to the maintanance of viablity and motile velocity, but detriment in high concentration of $10{\mu}M$ or 1mM of nitroprusside.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
• /
• v.19 no.2
• /
• pp.62-76
• /
• 2006

Purpose : These studies were undertaken to evaluate the effects of the Cynomorii Herba (CH) on the spermatogenic abilities such as the concentration, motility and morphological normality of sperm from the testis, and the activities of sperm hyaluronidase, testicular peroxidase and testicular catalase. Materials and Methods : We used the 2-month-old mice and administered 0.2ml extract solution of CH in the 0.1mg/ml, 1mg/ml, 10mg/ml and 100mg/ml once a day for 60days. The control group was administered the distilled water in the same way. After the administration of extract solution, we examined the number of total, motile and normal sperm from the cauda epididymis, the activities of sperm hyaluronidase, testicular peroxidase and testicular catalase. We observed the histological changes of isolated testis and compared to the testicular tissue especially seminiferous tubules between control and CH groups by histochemical method. Results : The concentration of total sperm and the motility of spermatozoa were significantly increased in the 1mg/ml, 10mg/ml and 100mg/ml CH groups, especially in 10mg/ml group, compared to the control group. The significant differences were observed in the normality of spermatozoa of the CH groups compared to the control group. In the histolocal analysis of the testicular tissues, the enlargement of testicular lobe diameter and apparent vasculogenesis between testicular lobes were observed in the CH groups compared to the control group. Also, the activity of hyaluronidase was significantly increased in the CH groups compared to the control group. In the antioxidant activity analysis, the activities of testicular peroxidase and testicular catalase were significantly increased in the CH groups compared to the control group, respectively. Conclusion : This study shows that CH has the beneficial effect on the concentration, morphology and motility of sperm, the activities of sperm hyaluronidase, testicular peroxidase and testicular catalase. We can suggest that CH extract solution be useful for the treatment of male sexual dysfunctions and infertility.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
• /
• v.18 no.3
• /
• pp.17-31
• /
• 2005

Purpose : These studies were undertaken to evaluate the effects of the administration of different concentrated Morindae officinalis Radix extract solution on the spermatogenic abilities such as concentration, motility and morphological normality of sperm from the testis and the activities of sperm hyaluronidase, testicular peroxidase and testicular catalase. Methods : We used the 2-month-old mice and administered the extract solution of Morindae officinalis Radix in the different concentration once a day for 60 days. The control group was administered the normal saline in the same way and duration. We examined the number of total, motile and normal sperm from the cauda epididymis, the activities of sperm hyaluronidase, testicular peroxidase and testicular catalase. Also we observed changes of isolated testis before and after administration of Morindae officinalis Radix extract solutions the mice. And we compared to the testicular tissue especially seminiferous tubules between control and treated group by histochemical methods. Results : The significant dose-dependent differences were observed in the concentration of total sperm, the motility and normality of spermatozoa of Morindae officinalis Radix extract solution administered groups compared to the control group, respectively. In the histological analysis of the testicular tissues, the enlargement of testicular lobe diameter and apparent vasculogenesis between testicular lobes were observed in the Morindae officinalis Radix extract solution administered groups compared to the control group, respectively. Also, the activity of hyaluronidase was significantly increased in the Morindae officinalis Radix extract solution administered groups compared to the control group. In the antioxidant activity analysis, the activity of testicular peroxidase was significantly increased in the Morindae officinalis Radix extract solution administered groups compared to the control group, respectively. Conclusion : This study shows that Morindae officinalis Radix has the beneficial effect on the concentration, morphology and motility of sperm, the activities of sperm hyaluronidase and testicular peroxidase. We can suggest that Morindae officinalis Radix extract solution be useful for the treatment of male sexual dysfunctions and infertility.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
• /
• v.10 no.2
• /
• pp.192-203
• /
• 1986

Two experiments in this study were designed to compare the potential for in vitro capacitation and in vitro fertilization of ejaculated sperm among individual rabbit bucks. In experiment 1, for in vitro capacitation, the ejaculated sperm were preincubated in DM for 12 hr or 18 hr after HIS treatment, then 12 hr -or 18 hr- preincubated sperm were incubated with superovulated rabbit ova in a 5% CO2 incubator for 36 hr at 38$^{\circ}C$, and a part of cleaved ova was transferred to the recipient does for implantation of embryo. In experiment 2, effect of lysolecithin addition to preincubation medium on induction of accelerated in vitro capacitation and in vitro fertilization of individual rabbit sperm was studied. Experiment 1; 1. Percent acrosome reaction of sperm, noted after staining, after 12 hr or 18 hr preincubation ranged from 52.5 to 76.0% and from 67.5 to 90.0%, respectively and sperm motility index of these sperm ranged from 20.0 to 47.5 for 12 hr-preincubated sperm and from 15.0 to 37.5 for 18 hr- preincubated sperm. There was no a certain relation between percent acrosome reaction and sperm motility index. 2. In vitro fertilization rate (cleavage rate) of in vitro capacitated sperm varied widely among individual bucks, ranging from 0 to 47.8% for 12 hr - preincubated sperm and from 0 to 60.9% for 18 hr -prein- cubated sperm. Cleavage rate of 18 hr - preincubated sperm was higher and faster than that of 12 hr - preincubated sperm. 3. Eight of 44 in vitro fertilized embryos transferred into 6 recipients were implanted in 4 recipients (66.7%) up to day 15 and implnatation rate was 18.2%. Experiment 2; 1. The percent acrosome reaction of sperm before and after 4 hr preincubation in DM without lysolecithin varied significantly among individual bucks, ranging from 0.4 to 18.4% and from 1.7 to 37.4%, respectively and percent acrosome reaction of sperm at 30 min after addition of 60${\mu}$g/ml lysolecithin also was significantly different among bucks, ranging from 19.2 to 67.1%. 2. Effect of accelerated acrosome reaction following lysolecithin addition was more considerable in the individuals showed less percent acrosome reaction before and after 4 hr preincubation. Percentage of motile sperm and motility score showed a trendency towards a decrease with increase of preincubation time and time after lysolecithin addition. 3. In vitro fertilization rate (cleavage rate) at 24 hr postinesmination with pooled sperm were treated to 60 $\mu\textrm{g}$/ml lysolecithin for 30 min after 4 hr preincubation was 24.6%, a higher rate than 13.2% for control. While 80 $\mu\textrm{g}$/ml lysolecithin-added sperm showed a lower cleavage than control and 60$\mu\textrm{g}$/ml-added sperm at both 24 hr and 48 hr postinsemination. These results from 2 experiments suggest that more useful preincubation time for the in vitro capacitation of ejaculated rabbit sperm is 18 hr in DM after HIS treatment, although there is wide variation in vitro capacitation and in vitro fertilization rate among individual bucks, and lysolecithin addition to at least 4 hr - preincubated sperm in DM can result in almost same in vitro fertilization rate as that of 18 hr - preincubated sperm in the experiment 1.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
• /
• v.31 no.3
• /
• pp.287-291
• /
• 2016

For evaluating the boar semen quality, sperm motility (MOT) is an important parameter because the movement of spermatozoa indicates active metabolism, membrane integrity and fertilizing capacity. Estrogen receptors 2(ESR2) is involved in estrogen related apoptosis in cell cycle spermatogenesis, but their functions have not been confirmed in pig until now. Therefore, this study was conducted to analyze their association with sperm motility and kinematic characteristics. DNA samples from 105 Duroc pigs with records of semen motility and kinematic characteristics [Total motile spermatozoa (MOT), Curvilinear velocity(VCL), Straight-line velocity(VSL), the ratio between VSL and VCL(LIN), Amplitude of Lateral Head displacement(ALH)] were analyzed. A SNP in coding region of ESR2 g.35547A > G in exon 5 was associated with MOT (p < 0.05) in Duroc population. Therefore, we suggest that the porcine ESR2 gene may be used as a molecular marker for Duroc boar semen quality, although its functional effects were not defined yet. These results might shed new light on the roles of ESR2 in spermatogenesis as candidate gene for boar fertility, but still the lack of association across populations should be considered.