• 대한생식의학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2000.06a
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• pp.37-42
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• 2000

Objective: To determine whether particular semen characteristics in various clinical diagnoses of infertility are associated with high oxidative stress and whether any group of infertile men is more likely to have high seminal oxidative stress. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in sperm physiological functions, but elevated levels of ROS or oxidative stress are related to male infertility. Design: Measurement of sperm concentration, motility, morphology, seminal ROS, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in patients seeking infertility treatment and controls. Setting: Male infertility clinic of a tertiary care center. Patient(s): One hundred sixty-seven infertile patients and 19 controls. Intervention(s): None. Main Outcome Measure(s): Semen characteristics, seminal ROS, and TAC in samples from patients with various clinical diagnoses and controls. Result(s): Fifteen patients (9.0%) were Endtz positive and 152(91.0%) Endtz negative. Sperm concentration, motility, and morphology were significantly reduced in all groups compared with the controls (P = .02), except in varicocele associated With infection group. Mean (${\pm}$SD) ROS levels in patient groups ranged from 2.2 ${\pm}$ 0.13 to 3.2 ${\pm}$ 0.35, signilicantly higher than controls (1.3 ${\pm}$ 0.3; P<.005). Patient groups had a significantly lower mean (${\pm}$SD) TAC from 1014.75 ${\pm}$ 79.22 to 1173.05 ${\pm}$ 58.07 than controls (1653 ${\pm}$ 115.28, P<.001), except ill the vaseclony reversal group (1532.02 ${\pm}$ 74.24). Sperm concentration was negatively correlated with ROS both overall and within all groups (P${\leq}$.007), with the exception of idiopathic infertility. Conclusion(s): Irrespective of the clinical diagnosis and semen characteristics, the presence of seminal oxidative stress in infertile men suggests its role in the pathophysiology of infertility. Medical or surgical treatments for infertility in these men should include strategies to reduce oxidative stress.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.115-122
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• 2009

Spermatogenesis and ultrastructural characteristics of sperm of brackish water diploid Corbicula japonica were investigated by electron microscope observations. Based on the cytological studies, the spermatozoon of this species (brackish water diploid) C japonica is approximately 55 ${\mu}m$ in length. The sperm head (about 12 ${\mu}m$ long) is elongated and tapers with a slight curve. Sperm nucleus is about 7.90 ${\mu}m$ long, and the acrosome is about 2.70 ${\mu}m$ long: The morphologies of the sperm nucleus type and the acrosome shape of this species are a long arrow-like type and long cone-like shape, respectively. The sperm head of this species (external fertilization, dioecious and oviparous species) is partially modified from that of the primitive type, as seen in triploid Corbicula species (internal fertilization, hermaphrodite and ovoviparous species), reported by some authors. However, this species produces uniflagellate spermatozoa, unlike freshwater triploid hermaphroditic clams being possessed of partially modified biflagellate spermatozoa. Diploid C japonica is similar to those of other bivalves being possessed of a short midpiece containing four mitochondria surrounding the centrioles. The axoneme of the sperm tail flagellum consists of nine pairs of microtubules at the periphery and a pair at the center. The axoneme of the sperm tail shows a 9+2 structure, and from uniflagellate sperm cross sectioned, in particular, wing-like axonernal lateral fins are observed, as seen in external fertilization fishes.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.13-17
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• 2016

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of taurine and vitamin E on sperm characteristics damaged by bromopropane (BP) in pig. We evaluated toxicity of BP on viability, membrane integrity and mitochondrial activity of spermatozoa. 1-BP (0, 2.5, 5.0, 10, and $50{\mu}M$), 2-BP (0, 2.5, 5.0, 10, and $50{\mu}M$), taurine (0, 5.0, 10, and $25{\mu}M$) and vitamin E (0, 50, 100, and $200{\mu}M$) were treated in fresh boar semen for 6 h. 10 and $50{\mu}M$ of 1-BP and 2-BP inhibited sperm viability, membrane integrity and mitochondrial activity in fresh boar semen (P<0.05). $25{\mu}M$ of taurine increased sperm viability and membrane integrity (P<0.05), $100{\mu}M$ of vitamin E enhanced viability and mitochondrial activity of sperm (P<0.05). Finally, $10{\mu}M$ of 1-BP and 2-BP was co-treated with taurine ($25{\mu}M$) and vitamin E ($100{\mu}M$) in the fresh boar semen. The co-treated samples did affected viability, membrane integrity and mitochondrial activity of sperm. In conclusion, taurine and vitamin E can improve and maintain sperm quality in fresh boar semen.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.349-353
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• 2013

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of semen extenders on the sperm motility, viability, acrosome integrity and functional integrity of plasma membrane (HOST: hypo-osmotic swelling test) during liquid preservation of Korean Native boar semen. In this experiment, semen was diluted in Androhep plus, Beltsville Thawing Solution (BTS), ModenaTM, Seminark and Vitasem LD. Sperm-rich fractions were collected from three Korean Native boars and sub-samples were diluted ($30{\times}10^6$ spermatozoa/ml) in different semen extenders. Semen samples were stored at $17^{\circ}C$ for 96 hours. On everyday (0, 24, 48, 72, 96 h) after storage, the sperm characteristics relevant for fertility, such as sperm motility, viability, acrosome integrity and HOST positive were evaluated. The motility of spermatozoa stored in different extenders was no significantly different among other extenders (P>0.05). Also, no difference was observed among samples processed with different extenders in the percentage of sperm viability, acrosome integrity and HOST positive. All extenders maintained a high percentage (70%) of sperm motility, viability and acrosome integrity through 96 h of storage. The result of this study show that there was no significant differences among extenders in their capacity to preserve motility, viability and membrane integrity of spermatozoa from normal, fertile Korean Native boars for 96 h of liquid preservation at $17^{\circ}C$.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.49-54
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• 2009

The current study was designed to evaluate the effects of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated with a xanthine (X) and xanthine oxidase system (XO) on sperm function and DNA fragmentation in porcine spermatozoa. ROS were produced by a combination of $1,000{\mu}M$ X and 50 mU/ml XO. The ROS scavengers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) (200 U/ml) and catalase (CAT) (500 U/ml) were also tested. Spermatozoa were incubated for 2 hours in BWW medium with a combination of X-XO supplemented with or without antioxidants at $37^{\circ}C$ under 5% $CO_2$ incubator. Ca-ionophore-induced acrosome reaction, the proportion of swollen spermatozoa under hypo-osmotic condition, malondialdehyde formation for the analysis of lipid peroxidation, and the proportion of DNA fragmentation were determined after 2 hours incubation. The action of ROS on porcine spermatozoa resulted in decreased Ca-ionophore-induced acrosome reaction and membrane integrity, increased the formation of malondialdehyde, and the proportion of sperm with DNA fragmentation(p<0.05). The toxic effects caused by ROS were completely alleviated by CAT in terms of sperm function and characteristics, however SOD did not serve the same scavenger effect as CAT. To conclude, the ROS can cause significant damage to porcine sperm functions and characteristics, which can be minimized by the use of antioxidants.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.340-345
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• 2008

Oxidative stress is one of the major causes of failure of in vitro storage of boar semen. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are one of the important mediators of oxidative stress during in vitro storage of boar semen. Our study examined the effects of taurine on sperm characteristic and on in vitro developmental embryos during in vitro storage of boar semen for 7 days. Semen was randomly aliquoted into 3 centrifuge tubes and treated with different concentrations of taurine (25-100 mM). The characteristics of boar sperm were analyzed for motility by light microscopy, viability by using a Makler counting chamber and membrane integrity by a hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST). The percentages of motile spermatozoa in taurine groups after 5 days were significantly higher compared to the control. Sperm viability in the control was lower than in taurine groups after 7 days irrespective of different taurine concentration. In the hyoosmotic swelling test (HOST), significantly higher results were obtained in taurine groups after 3 days. Also, the developmental rates of IVM/IVF porcine embryos from semen treated with pyruvate and taurine were significantly increased when compared with the control (p<0.05). These results indicate that supplementation of taurine as an antioxidant in boar semen extender can improve the semen quality.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.403-414
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• 2000

To improve the semen production, the selenium(Se) and vitamin E(Vit. E) were administrated into Hanwoo young sire for intensification an antioxidant system and the taurine were supplemented into semen extender for improving the semen characteristics. The 16 heads ranging from twenty to thirty two months of age were randomly assigned to control group, Se-admistrated group(Se-group), Vit. E-administrated group(Vit. E-Group) and Se and Vit. E administrated group(Se and Vit. E-group). Se and Vit. E dministrated 3 times every 30 days by intramuscular injection. The administration of Se, Vit. E, and Se and Vit. E didn't affect on semen volume, sperm concentration, and total sperm number among all groups(p>0.05). Adiministration of Se improved sperm motility and viability. Motility of Se-group and control were 26.01% and 19.20%, respectively(p<0.05). Viability of Se-group(47.07%) was higher than control group(35.73%), Vit. E group(36.55%)(p<0.05). The administration of Se and Vit. E didn't affect sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction. The 100mM taurine supplement into semen extender increased the motility of frozen/thawed semen in the Vit. E-group(p<0.05) and had a beneficial effects on decreasing abnormality of frozen/thawed semen in all groups(p<0.05). These results indicate that Se administration improve sperm motility and viability, and the taurine supplement into semen extender decrease abnormality in Hanwoo young sire.

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

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.25-30
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• 2005

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of semen characteristics, frozen-thawed sperm viability and serum FSH, LH, estradiol-17β and testosterone concentrations between breeds and among seasons in boars. In all seasons, Yorkshire boars produced higher semen volume compared with Duroc boars, whereas sperm concentration did not differ significantly between Duroc and Yorkshire boars. Semen volume in spring was higher compared with summer, autumn and winter in both Duroc and Yorkshire boars, but sperm concentration did not differ significantly among seasons. Sperm motility and normal acrosome rate of frozen-thawed sperm produced in spring were higher than those in summer, autumn and winter in both Duroc and Yorkshire boars. Sperm motility of frozen-thawed sperm in Yorkshire boars was higher than that in Duroc boars regardless of seasons. However, normal acrosome rate did not differ significantly between Duroc and Yorkshire boars. Serum FSH concentration in Yorkshire boars was lower than that in Duroc boars in all seasons. However, there were no significant differences on serum FSH concentration of Duroc and Yorkshire boars among seasons. Serum LH and estradiol-17β concentrations did not differ significantly between Duroc and Yorkshire boars. Also, there were no significant differences in serum LH and estradiol-17β concentrations of Duroc and Yorkshire boars among seasons. Serum testosterone concentration in Yorkshire boars was higher than that in Duroc boars in all seasons. In both breeds, serum testosterone concentrations were higher in spring than in summer, autumn and winter. In conclusion, when serum FSH concentrations were low, semen volumes were high, and when serum testosterone concentrations were high, sperm motility and normal acrosome rate of frozen-thawed sperm were high.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.517-523
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• 2017

This study was to investigate the role of antioxidants on the characteristics of arsenite-damaged boar semen. Collected sperm was diluted with semen extender, and $100{\mu}M$ arsenite was used for sperm damage. Then melatonin, silymarin, curcumin, and vitamin E were applied for 3, 6, and 9 hr in arsenite-treated boar sperm. Sperm characteristics were then analyzed for motility, plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, and lipid peroxidation. In the results, sperm motility (control, $77.3{\pm}1.8%$) was decreased by arsenite ($33.3{\pm}1.5%$), while the antioxidant treatment groups (100 nM melatonin, $55.8{\pm}3.4%$; $2{\mu}M$ silymarin, $48.8{pm}3.4%$; $10{\mu}M$ curcumin, $53.9{\pm}2.8%$; and $500{\mu}M$ vitamin E, $54.5{\pm}3.1%$) showed increases compared to the arsenite group (p<0.05). $100{\mu}M$ arsenite decreased the sperm plasma membrane integrity ($24.5{\pm}1.6%$) and mitochondrial activity ($58.2{\pm}2.6%$), and increased lipid peroxidation ($5.3{\pm}0.2%$) at 3 hr (p<0.05). However, arsenite-treated samples with 100 nM melatonin, $2{\mu}M$ silymarin, $10{\mu}M$ curcumin, and $500{\mu}M$ vitamin E increased the plasma membrane integrity and mitochondria activity, and decreased lipid peroxidation compared to the arsenite-treated samples. In summary, arsenite may induce sperm damage and oxidation stress, while antioxidants such as melatonin, silymarin, curcumin, and vitamin E are useful for maintaining sperm characteristics. Therefore, antioxidants can protect sperm against damage by arsenite in fresh boar semen.