• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제19권2호
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• pp.160-164
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• 2006

Currently, boars selected for commercial use as AI sires are evaluated on grow-finish performance and carcass characteristics. If AI sires were also evaluated and selected on semen production, it may be possible to reduce the number of boars required to service sows, thereby improving the productivity and profitability of the boar stud. The objective of this study was to estimate genetic correlations between production and semen traits in the boar: average daily gain (ADG), backfat thickness (BF) and muscle depth (MD) as production traits, and total sperm cells (TSC), total concentration (TC), volume collected (SV), number of extended doses (ND), and acceptance rate of ejaculates (AR) as semen traits. Semen collection records and performance data for 843 boars and two generations of pedigree data were provided by Smithfield Premium Genetics. Backfat thickness and MD were measured by real-time ultrasound. Genetic parameters were estimated from five four-trait and one five-trait animal models using MTDFREML. Average heritability estimates were 0.39 for ADG, 0.32 for BF, 0.15 for MD, and repeatability estimates were 0.38 for SV, 0.37 for TSC, 0.09 for TC, 0.39 for ND, and 0.16 for AR. Semen traits showed a strong negative genetic correlation with MD and positive genetic correlation with BF. Genetic correlations between semen traits and ADG were low. Therefore, current AI boar selection practices may be having a detrimental effect on semen production.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제49권1호
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• pp.70-73
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• 2022

Objective: This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of subcutaneous granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) for treating thin endometrium. Methods: Data from 88 infertile women with thin endometrium (<7 mm) aged 23 to 40 years were evaluated retrospectively over a period of 1 year. In group 1, subcutaneous infusion of G-CSF (300 ㎍/mL) was administered to 44 women along with other supplemental treatments. If the lining did not exceed 7 mm within 72 hours, a second infusion was administered. In group 2, which also had 44 women, only estradiol valerate and sildenafil were administered, while subcutaneous G-CSF infusion was not. Embryo transfers were performed once the lining exceeded 7.5 mm. The efficacy of G-CSF was evaluated by assessing the thickness of the endometrium before embryo transfer, pregnancy rates, and clinical pregnancy rates. Results: There were no differences between the groups regarding demographic variables, egg reserves, sperm parameters, the number of embryos transferred, and embryo quality. The pregnancy rate was significantly higher in group 1 (60%, 24 of 40 cases) than in group 2 (31%, 9 of 29 cases) (p<0.001). The clinical pregnancy rate was also significantly higher in group 1 (55%) than in group 2 (24%) (p<0.001). Conclusion: Subcutaneous G-CSF infusion improved the thickness of the endometrium when it was thin. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented study to clearly demonstrate the benefits of subcutaneous G-CSF infusion for treating thin endometrium.

• 한국동물생명공학회지
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• 제38권2호
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• pp.47-53
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• 2023

Despite numerous advances in in-vitro embryo production (IVP), many documented factors have been shown to influence the development of mammalian preimplantation embryos and the success of IVP. In this sense, elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) correlate with poor outcomes in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) due to oxidative stress (OS), which results from an imbalance between ROS production and neutralization. Indeed, excessive production of ROS compromises the structural and functional integrity of gametes and embryos both in vivo and in vitro. In particular, OS damages proteins, lipids, and DNA and accelerates cell apoptosis. Several in-vivo and in-vitro studies report an improvement in qualityrelevant parameters after the use of various antioxidants. In this review, we focus on OS and the source of free radicals and their effects on oocytes, sperm, and the embryo during IVP. In addition, antioxidants and their important role in IVP, supplementation during oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM), in vitro culture (IVC), and semen extenders were discussed. Nevertheless, various methods for determining the level of ROS in germ cells have been briefly described. Still, it is crucial to develop standardized antioxidant supplement systems to improve overall IVP success. Further studies should explore the safety, efficacy, mechanism of action, and combination of different antioxidants to improve IVP outcomes.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• 제31권2호
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• pp.121-126
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• 2007

The objective of this study was to establish the optimal conditions for hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) test to assess the functional integrity of the membranes of boar fresh or frozen/thawed spermatozoa. When pooled semen sample was incubated for 30 min at $37^{\circ}C$ with different test solution of varied osmolarity, the highest percentage of HOS positive spermatozoa was observed in a 150 mOsmol fructose/Na-citrate solution (33.6%). Incubation time did not affect significantly the score of HOS positive spermatozoa observed in a 150 mOsmol fructose/Na-citrate solution at $37^{\circ}C$, but the osmolarity affected the score of HOS positive spermatozoa under the same condition above. Fresh semen was significantly better than frozen/thawed semen in semen parameters evaluated such as motility, viability, membrane integrity and lipid peroxidation (p<005). In the relationships of sperm parameters, motility vs viability, motility vs membrane integrity and viability vs membrane integrity were positively correlated ($0.82{\sim}0.94$) but lipid peroxidation vs other estimated factors was negatively correlated ($- 0.90{\sim}- 0.98$). Among the evaluation methods, motility vs Viability, motility vs membrane integrity and lipid peroxidation vs other estimated factors were significantly correlated (p<0.05). These results of this. study indicate that the optimal condition of HOST in boar spermatozoa is a 150 mOsmol fructose/Na-citrate solution for 30 min incubation at $37^{\circ}C$ and HOST can substitute the examination of motility, viability and lipid peroxidation.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제24권10호
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• pp.1348-1357
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• 2011

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of Butylated Hydroxy Toluene (BHT), Pentoxifylline (PTX) and ${\alpha}$-tocopherol (Vit E) on semen quality parameters of Karan Fries bulls. The fortification of extender by various semen additives improves motility as well as fertility of spermatozoa. Split samples of 24 ejaculates of four Karan Fries bulls were extended in extender with or without various additives such as BHT, PTX and Vit E, and performance was evaluated at an interval of 0, 24, 48 and 72 h at refrigerated temperature (4-$7^{\circ}C$). Results of the present study revealed that addition of BHT, PTX and Vit E in extender improved sperm cell function, such as motility, viability, HOST, and acrosome integrity, as compared to the control during liquid storage up to 48 h of preservation at refrigerated temperature. There was no significant (p<0.05) difference between any of the additives up to 48 h of preservation. Overall, the results showed a significant (p<0.05) deterioration in motility after each storage interval. The results showed a significant deterioration in the acrosome integrity and plasma membrane integrity up to 48 h; subsequently, there was not much degradation of both the semen quality parameters. There was a significant increase in spermatozoal tail and total abnormality after each storage interval at refrigerator temperature (4 to $7^{\circ}C$); however, the head and mid-piece abnormalities were almost unaffected. Tail and total abnormality were least in extender fortified with BHT, PTX and Vit E at different hours of incubation as compared to the control. The addition of 1.5 mM BHT, 3.6 mM PTX and 1 mg/ml Vit E in the semen extender has more beneficial effect in terms of semen quality and preservability of spermatozoa.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제31권3호
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• pp.177-182
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• 2004

Purpose: To determine the efficacy of $Carnitil^{(R)}$ (acetylcarnitine, Hanmi, Korea) therapy in idiopathic oligoasthenospermic men. Materials and Methods: Forty-four subfertile men with abnormal semen parameters were treated between March, 2003 and March, 2004 with 3 g of $Carnitil^{(R)}$ daily for 3 months. Changes in semen parameters were evaluated 3 months after this therapy. Results: The mean age was 34.2 years and the mean follow-up duration was 3.7 months. In asthenospemic patients (n=28), semen analysis before and after $Carnitil^{(R)}$ treatment showed an increase in volume ($2.64{\pm}1.65\;ml$ vs. $3.10{\pm}1.60\;ml$), motility ($35.1{\pm}17.7%$ vs. $45.9{\pm}20.4%$) and viability ($51.4{\pm}20.3%$ vs. $59.3{\pm}13.6%$) respectively. In oligoasthenospermic patients (n=16), semen analysis before and after $Carnitil^{(R)}$ treatment showed an increase in sperm count ($10.7{\pm}54.4\;million/ml$ vs. $38.4{\pm}32.5\;million/ml$) respectively. Conclusions: These results suggested that in idiopathic oligoasthenospermic men the empirical medical therapy with acetylcarnitine may be considered as primary treatment.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제43권1호
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• pp.135-142
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• 2019

Background: Panax ginseng Meyer, known as Korean Red Ginseng (KRG), is one of the important age-old traditional herbs used in boosting libido and improving male fertility. In this study, the effects of Rg3-enriched KRG extract (KGC04P) on heat stress-induced testicular damage in experimental rats was evaluated. Methods: Male rats (Sprague-Dawley) were divided into four groups (n = 10): normal control (NC), heat-stressed control (HC), heat-stressed plus KGC04P-100 mg/kg (HK100), and heat-stressed plus KGC04P-200 mg/kg (HK200) groups. Starting 1 week prior to heat stress, animals were administered orally with KGC04P (100 and 200 mg/kg) mixed with a regular pellet diet and continued for 25 weeks. Heat stress was induced to HC, HK100, and HK200 groups by intermittently exposing the animals to high temperatures ($32{\pm}1^{\circ}C$, 2 h/day). After 6 months, animals were euthanized under general anesthesia with carbon dioxide and evaluated for various parameters in serum and testicular tissue by using Western blotting, biochemical kits, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Results: Significant (p < 0.05) alterations in several parameters, such as body/organ weight, sperm kinematics, and lipid metabolism marker levels, in the serum and testis of rats were observed. Further, the expression of testicular antioxidant enzymes, inflammatory cytokines, sex hormonal receptors, and spermatogenesis-related genes were also affected significantly (p < 0.05) in the heat-stressed group. However, KGC04P prevented the heat stress-induced changes in rats significantly (p < 0.05) at both concentrations. Conclusion: KGC04P attenuated heat stress-induced testicular damage by a multifunctional approach and can be developed as an excellent therapeutic agent for hyperthermia-mediated male infertility.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제49권1호
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• pp.33-39
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• 2022

Objective: Male genital tract infections have been associated with infertility, and Escherichia coli has drawn increasing attention as an important bacterium in this context. This investigation aimed to characterize and compare the distributions of O-antigen serogroups of E. coli in the semen samples of fertile and infertile men. Methods: In this case-control study, semen samples were collected from 618 fertile and 1,535 infertile men. The E. coli-positive samples were evaluated in terms of concentration, morphology, viability, and motility parameters according to the World Health Organization 2010 guidelines. Finally, different serogroups of E. coli were identified by multiplex polymerase chain reaction targeting the O-antigen variations of the bacterium. Results: The prevalence of E. coli among fertile men was significantly higher than among infertile men (p<0.001). The sperm morphology, viability, and motility in the E. coli-positive fertile group were significantly higher than in the E. coli-positive infertile group (p<0.001). E. coli O6 was the most prevalent serogroup found in both groups. However, there was no significant difference in the frequency of different serogroups of E. coil between the two groups (p=0.55). Conclusion: Despite the higher prevalence of E. coli among fertile men, E. coli had more detrimental effects on semen parameters in infertile men. There was no significant difference in E. coli serogroups between the fertile and infertile groups.

• 대한수의학회지
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• 제38권4호
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• pp.898-908
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• 1998

The aim of this experiments were to assess the time-interval change of motional characteristics in frozen-thawed semen of Korean native cattle (KNC) by using computer aided semen analysis (CASA) technology. Twenty-six KNC frozen semen straws were obtained from Korean KNC improvement department, livestock improvement main division, national livestock cooperatives federation in Korea. Specimens were allowed to thaw at $37^{\circ}C$ for 30 sec in water bath. Semen analysis was performed on semen image analysis system (SIAS, Medical supply, Korea) adjusted to the gate settings and used the semen droplet ($5{\mu}l$) placed on Makler counting chamber (Sefi medical instrument, Israel) prewarmed at $37^{\circ}C$. The same person used the same micropipette to fill the Makler counting chamber. A total of 150 or more of sperms were analysed in each specimen by a single trained person by scanning at least 5 to 10 fields. The measurement parameters in SIAS were as follows ; frame rate = 30 frames per sec, image capture = 1 sec, minimum motile speed = $10{\mu}m/s$, maximum countable sperm number = 400. Statistical analysis was done by Student t-test with use of the Sigma plot program on a IBM personal computer. The dancemean(DNM) and hyperactivated sperm(HYP) of frozen-thawed KNC semen kinematics were significantly decreased(p < 0.05) after 10 min of incubation at $37^{\circ}C$ water bath. But, wobble(WOB) of same sample semen was significantly increased(p < 0.05) after 10 min of incubation and significantly decrease(p < 0.05) after 60 min of same incubation. And, after 30 mim of incubation, significantly differences were found most of motion kinematics, motifity(MOT), curvilinear velocity(VCL), straight line velocity(VSL), average path velocity(VAP), amplitude of lateral head displacement(ALH), beat cross frequency(BCF), mean angular displacement(MAD), dance(DNC), on same sample semen. The DNM of KNC semen sample was variable kinematics after 30 min of incubation. Also, the linearity(LIN) and straightness(STR) was significantly decreased(p < 0.05) from 60 min of incubation. In conclusion, the AI within 30 min after thawing of frozen semen can be an effective method for obtaining high fertility rate in KNC reproductive program.

• 한국수정란이식학회지
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• 제30권2호
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• pp.109-114
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• 2015

Cryopreservation of boar semen is continually researched in reproductive technologies and genetic resource banking in breed conservation. 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. Various researches have been trying to improve the quality of semen post-thawed in boar. Recently, polymorphism (g.358A>T) of cluster-of-differentiation antigen 9 (CD9) gene reported to be significant association with MOT. Also, CD9 gene was expressed in the male germ line stem cells is crucial for sperm-egg fusion, and was therefore selected as candidate gene for boar semen. This study was conducted to evaluate the pig SNP (g.358A>T) of CD9 gene as a positional controlling for semen parameters of post-thawed boar semen. To results, the g.358A>T SNP of the CD9 gene was significantly associated with the traits such as MOT, curve linear velocity, straight line velocity, average path velocity and amplitude of lateral head displacement. Particularly, the g.358A>T SNP significantly has the highest association with MOT and animals with AA genotype (p<0.001). Therefore, we suggest that the g.358A>T in the intron 6 region of the porcine CD9 may be used as a molecular marker for Duroc boar Post-thawed semen quality, although its functional effect was not defined yet.