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Qun Wang - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Comparative transcriptome analysis of the Accessory Sex Gland and testis from the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis). PLoS One
2016Co-Authors: Hui Jiang, Lihua Liu, An Cao, Qun WangAbstract:The Accessory Sex Gland (ASG) is an important component of the male reproductive system, which functions to enhance the fertility of spermatozoa during male reproduction. Certain proteins secreted by the ASG are known to bind to the spermatozoa membrane and affect its function. The ASG gene expression profile in Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) has not been extensively studied, and limited genetic research has been conducted on this species. The advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies enables the generation of genomic resources within a short period of time and at minimal cost. In the present study, we performed de novo transcriptome sequencing to produce a comprehensive transcript dataset for the ASG of E. sinensis using Illumina sequencing technology. This analysis yielded a total of 33,221,284 sequencing reads, including 2.6 Gb of total nucleotides. Reads were assembled into 85,913 contigs (average 218 bp), or 58,567 scaffold sequences (average 292 bp), that identified 37,955 unigenes (average 385 bp). We assembled all unigenes and compared them with the published testis transcriptome from E. sinensis. In order to identify which genes may be involved in ASG function, as it pertains to modification of spermatozoa, we compared the ASG and testis transcriptome of E. sinensis. Our analysis identified specific genes with both higher and lower tissue expression levels in the two tissues, and the functions of these genes were analyzed to elucidate their potential roles during maturation of spermatozoa. Availability of detailed transcriptome data from ASG and testis in E. sinensis can assist our understanding of the molecular mechanism
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cathepsin a protein from the Accessory Sex Gland of the chinese mitten crab eriocheir sinensis plays a key role in spermatophore digestion
Journal of Insect Physiology, 2013Co-Authors: Juan Wang, Dian Fang, Yang Wang, Yuanli Wang, Lin Cheng, Qun WangAbstract:Accessory Sex Gland (ASG) secretory proteins of the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) can effectively digest the spermatophore wall. In order to identify which proteins participate in spermatophore wall digestion, a 50-kDa protein secreted from the ASG was purified to homogeneity by a series of isolation steps, including ammonium sulfate fractionation, Sephadex G-25 S gel-filtration, ion exchange chromatography on a DEAE-Sephacel column and Sephacryl S-200 gel-filtration. The purified protein was effective in spermatophore wall rupture, and the subsequent HPLC–ESI-MS/MS shotgun analysis showed the digestive protein to be cathepsin A (cathA). This finding was also confirmed by Western blot analysis and a cathA inhibitor digestion experiment. ELISA analysis showed that cathA enzymatic activity from ASG secretions increased during its purification process. Furthermore, enzymatic activity was significantly higher in the mating period of E. sinensis parallel to the latest developmental stage of the Gland. Moreover, analysis from a cathA inhibitor that inhibits spermatophore wall digestion showed that cathA is the main enzyme involved. Hence, we first report the characterization of cathA from the ASG, which might play a key role in digesting the spermatophore wall of E. sinensis.
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comparative transcriptome analysis of the Accessory Sex Gland and testis from the chinese mitten crab eriocheir sinensis
PLOS ONE, 2013Co-Authors: Hui Jiang, Dandan Cao, Lihua Liu, Qun WangAbstract:The Accessory Sex Gland (ASG) is an important component of the male reproductive system, which functions to enhance the fertility of spermatozoa during male reproduction. Certain proteins secreted by the ASG are known to bind to the spermatozoa membrane and affect its function. The ASG gene expression profile in Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) has not been extensively studied, and limited genetic research has been conducted on this species. The advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies enables the generation of genomic resources within a short period of time and at minimal cost. In the present study, we performed de novo transcriptome sequencing to produce a comprehensive transcript dataset for the ASG of E. sinensis using Illumina sequencing technology. This analysis yielded a total of 33,221,284 sequencing reads, including 2.6 Gb of total nucleotides. Reads were assembled into 85,913 contigs (average 218 bp), or 58,567 scaffold sequences (average 292 bp), that identified 37,955 unigenes (average 385 bp). We assembled all unigenes and compared them with the published testis transcriptome from E. sinensis. In order to identify which genes may be involved in ASG function, as it pertains to modification of spermatozoa, we compared the ASG and testis transcriptome of E. sinensis. Our analysis identified specific genes with both higher and lower tissue expression levels in the two tissues, and the functions of these genes were analyzed to elucidate their potential roles during maturation of spermatozoa. Availability of detailed transcriptome data from ASG and testis in E. sinensis can assist our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved with spermatozoa conservation, transport, maturation and capacitation and potentially acrosome activation.
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Accessory Sex Gland proteins affect spermatophore digestion rate and spermatozoa acrosin activity in eriocheir sinensis
Journal of Crustacean Biology, 2010Co-Authors: Xueli Hou, Qian Mao, Yanan Gong, Qun WangAbstract:Abstract Accessory Sex Gland (ASG) in Eriocheir sinensis is the important component of the male reproductive system; its function is still unknown. Here we report that ASG protein can digest the spermatophore wall effectively. By optimizing the incubation temperatures, durations, and secreted protein concentrations using the L30 (52) orthogonal method, we find the protein concentration was the important factor affecting spermatophore wall digestion. In order to find out the digestion effect and spermatozoa quality, we observed the acrosin activity and survival rate of free spermatozoa obtained by different methods. We found that the survival rate of ASG protein digestion is the highest (98.06%), and its acrosin activity of free spermatozoa was significantly higher (4.290 ± 0.095 µIU/106) than those obtained by traditional trypsinase digestion (2.446 ± 0.251 µIU/106) or mechanical homogenate (1.423 ± 0.109 µIU/106) methods, but it was still significantly lower than those obtained from the spermatheca of ma...
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differentially expressed genes during Accessory Sex Gland seasonal development in eriocheir sinensis
Journal of Crustacean Biology, 2010Co-Authors: Xueli Hou, Qian Mao, Wei Zhang, Linzhi Jia, Qun WangAbstract:In order to elucidate the functional and molecular mechanisms employed during Accessory Sex Gland seasonal development, we performed suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) experiments in the crab, Eriocheir sinensis, by constructing forward and reverse cDNA libraries enriched with up- or down-regulated transcript genes. A total of 175 ESTs were obtained from 180 randomly picked clones in the two libraries, with an average insert size of 450 bp, and a cloning efficiency . 90%. Comparative sequence analysis of ESTs with sequences reported in public genomic databases identified 88 unigenes, 35 of which were homologous to reported proteins, with the remainder unidentified. Unigene Annotation identified some unigenes via the Gene Ontology classification. Some of these unigenes had greater activity in the early stage of Gland development, with an inferred function in cellular processes (involved in cell proliferation and differentiation), and the other genes with inferred functions in protein synthesis, energy metabolism, and signal transduction were more prevalent during the peak stage of Gland development. Hence, genes elevated during the early stage may play roles in the process of rapid cell growth, while those elevated during the peak stage may play important roles in protein synthesis and secretion, as well as sperm capacitation and fertilization. SSH results were validated by the real-time PCR analysis of five candidate genes, whose expression correlated well with the SSH results, and exhibited relative expression levels that were five fold greater than those observed in the SSH libraries, confirming the SSH success.
Saad Elzanaty - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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effects of ejaculation to analysis delay on levels of markers of epididymal and Accessory Sex Gland functions and sperm motility
Journal of Andrology, 2007Co-Authors: Saad Elzanaty, Johan MalmAbstract:This study aimed to examine the association between the interval from ejaculation to analysis and epididymal and Accessory Sex Gland function in relation to sperm motility. Ejaculates from 1079 men assessed for infertility were analyzed according to World Health Organization guidelines. Biochemical markers were measured in semen to assess the function of the epididymi;s (neutral alpha-glucosidase [NAG]), prostate (prostate-specific antigen [PSA] and zinc), and seminal vesicles (fructose). Three groups were defined according to time from ejaculation to analysis: G 60) (63-80 minutes). The proportion of progressively motile sperm was significantly lower in G(>60) than in G( 60) were 29% and 31% significantly lower than in G( 60) had 29% and 17% significantly lower zinc compared with those in G(<= 30) (95% CI, 4.0%-69%) and G(31-60) (95% CI, 4.0%-64%), respectively. Levels of NAG and fructose did not differ significantly between the groups. There were negative associations between the ejaculation-to-analysis interval and sperm motility and levels of PSA and zinc. In male infertility assessments, semen analysis should be performed within 60 minutes of ejaculation.
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association between age and epididymal and Accessory Sex Gland function and their relation to sperm motility
Archives of Andrology, 2007Co-Authors: Saad ElzanatyAbstract:Increased male age has been associated with significant reduction in pregnancy rates. This study investigated the association between age, the function of epididymal and Accessory Sex Glands, and their relation to sperm motility. Ejaculates from 498 men assessed for infertility were analysed according to WHO [1999] guidelines. Seminal markers of epididymal (neutral alpha-glucosidase (NAG)), prostatic (prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and zinc), and seminal vesicle function (fructose) were measured. Four groups according to age were defined: G(21-30) (21-30 years), G(31-40) (31-40 years), G(41-50) (41-50 years), and G(>50) (51-66 years). Percentage progressive motility was significantly lower in G(>50) compared with G(21-30). NAG, PSA, zinc, and fructose were significantly lower in G(>50) compared with G(21-30). In a multiple regression analysis model, NAG and PSA showed positive significant association with percentage progressive motility. The opposite trend was found regarding zinc. No association between fructose and percentage progressive motility was shown. In this cross-sectional study, declined sperm motility observed in men over 50 years of age might be due to age-dependent changes in epididymal and Accessory Sex Gland function.
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association between exposure to persistent organohalogen pollutants and epididymal and Accessory Sex Gland function multicentre study in inuit and european populations
Reproductive Toxicology, 2006Co-Authors: Saad Elzanaty, Anna Rignellhydbom, Bo Jonsson, Henning S Pedersen, Jan K Ludwicki, Maryna Shevets, Valentyna Zvyezday, Gunnar Toft, Jens Peter Bonde, Lars RylanderAbstract:Exposure to persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs) may have negative impact on male reproductive function. We, therefore, investigated the association between serum levels of POPs and epididymal and Accessory Sex Gland function. Serum levels of CB-153, p,p'-DDE and seminal markers of epididymal [neutral-alpha glucosidase (NAG)], prostatic [prostate specific-antigen (PSA)] and zinc, and seminal vesicle function (fructose) were measured from 135 Swedish fishermen and fertile men from Greenland (n=163), Warsaw, Poland (n=167) and Kharkiv, Ukraine (n=158). Multiple linear regression analyses, adjusting for potential confounders, were employed using both continuous and categorized exposure variables. Both exposure and outcome variables were log transformed. Considering the consistency between models with either continuous or categorized CB-153 levels, negative associations with the activity of NAG were found among Greenlandic men (mean difference 7.0 mU/ejaculate, 95% CI 3.0, 34), and in the aggregated cohort (mean difference 4.0 mU/ejaculate, 95% CI -0.2, 8.0). A positive association was observed between CB-153 and PSA as well as zinc among Kharkiv men. In the Swedish cohort, a negative association was found between CB-153 and fructose. In conclusion, the negative effects of POP on sperm motility, observed in the same study population might partly be caused by post-testicular mechanisms, involving a decreased epididymal function.
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exposure to persistent organochlorine pollutants and seminal levels of markers of epididymal and Accessory Sex Gland functions in swedish men
Human Reproduction, 2005Co-Authors: Anna Rignellhydbom, Saad Elzanaty, Aleksander Giwercman, Lars Rylander, Christian H Lindh, L HagmarAbstract:BACKGROUND A major exposure route for persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs) in Sweden is through consumption of fatty fish from the Baltic Sea. Endocrine disruptors, such as POPs, may have a negative impact on sperm quality. The present study aimed to investigate whether exposure to 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (CB-153) and 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl)-ethylene (p,p'-DDE) affects epididymal and Accessory Sex Gland function. METHODS 157 fishermen from the coastal stretches of Sweden, aged 27-67 years, provided semen samples which were analyzed for prostate-specific antigen (PSA), neutral alpha-glucosidase (NAG), fructose and zinc levels. Serum levels of CB-153 and p'p-DDE were determined. RESULTS The median CB-153 serum level was 189 ng/g lipid (range 40-1460) and a median p,p'-DDE serum level 231 ng/g lipid (range 40-2252). There was a significant linear association between CB-153 and total amount of PSA (slope [beta] = -2.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] -4.0, -0.9; P = 0.02). With age, abstinence time and smoking included in the model the association became non-significant (beta = -1.4, 95% CI-3.0, 0.1; P = 0.07). There were no significant associations between CB-153 and zinc, fructose and NAG. As for the exposure variable p,p'-DDE and the outcome variables, no significant associations were found. CONCLUSIONS The study gives only very limited support of an association between CB-153 in serum and total PSA, and a random finding cannot be excluded.
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epididymal and Accessory Sex Gland function and semen quality
(2005), 2005Co-Authors: Saad ElzanatyAbstract:Infertility, defined as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected regular intercourse, affects up to 15% of all couples of reproductive age. The infertility can originate from female, male or both partners. In up to 50% of the affected couples, a male factor is the cause of infertility. Semen analysis is the cornerstone of male infertility assessment and an abnormal result often triggers a referral for a specialist opinion. It has been hypothesized that epididymal and Accessory Sex Gland dysfunction are involved in pathophysiologies affecting male fertility. However, our knowledge within this area is still very limited. The aims of this study were, therefore, 1) To examine the association between the markers of epididymal (neutral ?-glucosidase [NAG]), prostatic (prostate-specific antigen [PSA] and zinc), and seminal vesicles (fructose) function and the motility of spermatozoa; 2) To examine the association between the function of these organs and semen visco-elasticity, the length of Sexual abstinence and the impact of these two factors on sperm motility in men under infertility assessment; 3) To assess the association between 5?-reductase type 2 gene (SD2R5A) polymorphisms and semen parameters in men from the general population; 4) Finally, to explore the association between exposure to persistent organohalogen pollutants (POPs) and epididymal and Accessory Sex Gland function in a group of Swedish fishermen , fertile men from Greenland, Warsaw, (Poland) and Kharkiv, (Ukraine). Our study demonstrated a positive association between the epididymal marker NAG as well as the prostatic marker PSA and the motility of spermatozoa. Hyperfunction of seminal vesicles was associated with high visco-elasticity and lower proportion of motile spermatozoa. Compared to men delivering semen samples after 4?5 days, those having 2?3 days abstinence presented with lower NAG, zinc and proportion of motile sperm whereas those who delivered samples after 6?7 days exhibited higher percentage spermatozoa with tail defects and lower percentage motile sperm. SD2R5A polymorphism analysis showed, that subjects with the AT genotype had significantly higher sperm concentration compared to those having the AA genotype. Men bearing the V allele showed higher proportion of motile sperms compared to those being homozygotes for the L allele. We demonstrated a negative impact of POPs on the epididymal function, which might help us to understand the previously reported negative impact of POPs on sperm motility. Epididymis and Accessory Sex Glands are potential targets for infertility assessment, therapy and for male contraception. Therefore, an insight into the function of these organs may help us to understand the mechanism behind male infertility and may lead to the development of new therapeutic and contraceptive modalities. (Less)
P H Chow - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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protection of sperm dna against oxidative stress in vivo by Accessory Sex Gland secretions in male hamsters
Reproduction, 2002Co-Authors: Hong Chen, P H Chow, M P L Cheung, Annie L M Cheung, W LiuAbstract:with the sham-operated controls, spermatozoa that had not been exposed to Accessory Sex Gland secretions had a higher incidence and more extensive single-strand DNA damage with increasing concentrations of NADPH. Spermatozoa from hamsters without ampullary Glands and from hamsters without the ventral prostate Glands were similar to those of the control group. After incubation with NADPH, the capacity of spermatozoa from hamsters without Accessory Glands and from sham-operated controls to fuse with oocytes in vitro was reduced. However, only hamsters without Accessory Glands showed a negative correlation between single-strand DNA damage and sperm‐oocyte fusion. Cauda epididymal spermatozoa were less susceptible to NADPH treatment compared with caput epididymal spermatozoa. The results of the present study showed that male Accessory Sex Gland secretions can preserve the integrity of the sperm genome.
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male Accessory Sex Gland secretions affect oocyte ca2 oscillations during in vitro fertilization in golden hamsters
Molecular Human Reproduction, 1999Co-Authors: Ying Ying, P H Chow, M P L CheungAbstract:compared to the controls (P < 0.05, P < 0.01 respectively). Moreover, the relative area of the first Ca 2F transient in treatment groups was significantly smaller than the control. In addition, a significantly higher percentage of oocytes (52%) inseminated by spermatozoa from males with all Accessory Sex Glands removed showed non-oscillatory Ca 2F transients, compared to the controls (5%, P < 0.05). These results indicate that Accessory Sex Gland secretions can affect Ca 2F oscillations. The differences between Ca 2F oscillations induced by
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effects of male Accessory Sex Glands on deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis in the first cell cycle of golden hamster embryos
Biology of Reproduction, 1998Co-Authors: Ying Ying, P H ChowAbstract:To study the paternal effect, particularly of Accessory Sex Gland secretions, on DNA synthesis in golden hamster zygotes, the Glands were surgically removed from golden hamsters resulting in 4 groups: SH, sham-operated; AGX, bilateral excision of ampullary Glands; VPX, bilateral excision of ventral prostates; and TX, excision of all Accessory Sex Glands. Each female was mated with one male and killed at 6, 8, 10, or 12 h postcoitus (p.c.). Embryos were collected, and zygotes in S-phase were identified by immunocytochemical techniques after pulse-labeling with 50 M 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine-5'-monophosphate (BrdU) in Tyrode's albumin lactate pyruvate medium for 30 min. In another experiment, embryos at 6 h p.c. were incubated in 50 M BrdU for 6 h. Presumptive zygotes were stained with propidium iodide to visualize pronuclei. The BrdU pulse-labeling results showed that the percentages of embryos with 1 or 2 pronuclei in S-phase at 8 h p.c. in VPX (44.3 10.4) and TX (41.6 ± 10.6) groups were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that in the SH group (69.0 5.5). In the AGX group, although the percentage of embryos with 1 or 2 pronuclei in S-phase was not significantly different from that of the SH group, the percentage of 8-h embryos with 2 pronuclei in S-phase was 51.6 ± 2.8, significantly lower than in the SH control (68.1 ± 6.0, p < 0.05). When the embryos were labeled with BrdU for 6 h, the percentages of embryos with 1 or 2 pronuclei in S-phase were not different among the 4 groups. However, the percentage of embryos showing 2 pronuclei in S-phase was significantly lower in the AGX group (78.4 ± 6.7) than in the SH group (91.8 ± 2.9, p < 0.05). These results suggest that Accessory Sex Glands can affect DNA synthesis in hamster zygotes and that the mechanisms by which ampullary Gland and ventral prostrate secretions affect the first cell cycle are probably different. A significantly higher incidence (p < 0.001) of polyspermy was observed in embryos sired by males without ampullary Glands (5.2 ± 1.0%) compared with those sired by the SH group (0.8 ± 0.3%).
Satoru Takahashi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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induction of invasive carcinomas in the Accessory Sex organs other than the ventral prostate of rats given 3 2 dimethyl 4 aminobiphenyl and testosterone propionate
Cancer Research, 1991Co-Authors: Tomoyuki Shirai, Seiko Tamano, Toshio Kato, Shogo Iwasaki, Satoru TakahashiAbstract:The promotion effects of testosterone propionate (TP) on prostate carcinogenesis were investigated in F344 rats given the prostatic carcinogen, 3,2′-dimethyl-4-aminobiphenyl (DMAB). One group of animals received s.c. DMAB injections at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight at 2-week intervals for a total of 10 injections along with s.c. implantations of TP-containing Silastic tubes. A second experimental group of rats was given DMAB at the same dose and intervals but each injection of DMAB was combined with 3 prior consecutive daily 100-mg/kg body weight s.c. injections of TP. After cessation of carcinogen administration, animals in these two groups received TP implants from week 21 to the end of the experiment. All surviving animals were killed at week 56 and Accessory Sex Gland tumor incidences were compared to those in DMAB alone and other appropriate control groups. The groups given TP plus DMAB and subsequent long term administration of TP developed lesions of the dorsolateral prostate, seminal vesicles, and coagulating Glands which were all invasive adenocarcinomas. Incidences were 84.2% (16 of 19 rats) and 66.7% (12 of 18 rats), respectively. Macroscopic large tumors were induced in 13 animals among which 8 demonstrated metastasis to the abdominal cavity, liver, or lung. None of the control groups except for the group given TP injections plus DMAB had equivalent tumors. Development of carcinomas of the ventral prostate, which were all of in situ type, were not increased by subsequent treatment with TP. These data thus clearly showed that TP can exert strong enhancing effects on tumor development in the dorsolateral prostate, seminal vesicles, and coagulating Glands but not in the ventral prostate.
Aleksander Giwercman - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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exposure to persistent organochlorine pollutants and seminal levels of markers of epididymal and Accessory Sex Gland functions in swedish men
Human Reproduction, 2005Co-Authors: Anna Rignellhydbom, Saad Elzanaty, Aleksander Giwercman, Lars Rylander, Christian H Lindh, L HagmarAbstract:BACKGROUND A major exposure route for persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs) in Sweden is through consumption of fatty fish from the Baltic Sea. Endocrine disruptors, such as POPs, may have a negative impact on sperm quality. The present study aimed to investigate whether exposure to 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (CB-153) and 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl)-ethylene (p,p'-DDE) affects epididymal and Accessory Sex Gland function. METHODS 157 fishermen from the coastal stretches of Sweden, aged 27-67 years, provided semen samples which were analyzed for prostate-specific antigen (PSA), neutral alpha-glucosidase (NAG), fructose and zinc levels. Serum levels of CB-153 and p'p-DDE were determined. RESULTS The median CB-153 serum level was 189 ng/g lipid (range 40-1460) and a median p,p'-DDE serum level 231 ng/g lipid (range 40-2252). There was a significant linear association between CB-153 and total amount of PSA (slope [beta] = -2.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] -4.0, -0.9; P = 0.02). With age, abstinence time and smoking included in the model the association became non-significant (beta = -1.4, 95% CI-3.0, 0.1; P = 0.07). There were no significant associations between CB-153 and zinc, fructose and NAG. As for the exposure variable p,p'-DDE and the outcome variables, no significant associations were found. CONCLUSIONS The study gives only very limited support of an association between CB-153 in serum and total PSA, and a random finding cannot be excluded.
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Duration of Sexual abstinence: epididymal and Accessory Sex Gland secretions and their relationship to sperm motility
Human reproduction (Oxford England), 2004Co-Authors: Saad Elzanaty, Johan Malm, Aleksander GiwercmanAbstract:Background The data on the association between the abstinence period and sperm motility are conflicting. Methods Ejaculates from 422 men assessed for infertility were analysed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Seminal plasma neutral alpha-glucosidase (NAG), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), zinc and fructose were measured. Three groups were defined according to the length of Sexual abstinence: G2-3 (2-3 days), G4-5 (4-5 days) and G6-7 (6-7 days). Results The total percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa was significantly higher in G4-5 compared with G2-3 and G6-7 (medians 55 versus 47 and 42%; P=0.039 and P Conclusions Within the time interval recommended by the WHO (2-7 days), the length of the abstinence period is associated with sperm characteristics and should be taken into consideration when interpreting results of semen analysis.
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visco elasticity of seminal fluid in relation to the epididymal and Accessory Sex Gland function and its impact on sperm motility
International Journal of Andrology, 2004Co-Authors: Saad Elzanaty, Johan Malm, Aleksander GiwercmanAbstract:Seminal viscopathy was shown to be associated with male infertility. However, our knowledge about the regulatory mechanism of this process is still limited. In semen samples from 411 men attending for fertility assessment, traditional semen parameters including visco-elasticity were assessed according to the World Health Organization guidelines. Sperm motility was evaluated by use of computer aided sperm analysis (CASA). Seminal activity of neutral alpha-glucosidase (NAG) and concentrations of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), zinc, and fructose were measured. The activity of NAG, and the concentrations of PSA and zinc were significantly lower in hyper-visco-elastic semen samples (medians: 5 vs. 8 mU/mL; 741 vs. 924 mg/L; 1 vs. 2 mM/L), than in those with normal visco-elasticity (p = 0.004, 0.005 and 0.011, respectively). When comparing the total amounts, only for seminal fructose there was a difference between samples with high visco-elasticity as compared with those of normal visco-elasticity (median: 74 vs. 53 microM/ejaculate, p = 0.007) This seminal marker was the only significant independent parameter in predicting seminal visco-elasticity in a multiple logistic regression analysis (odds ratio for the highest quartile = 4.67). Hyper-visco-elasticity was associated with a lower percentage of motile spermatozoa (43 vs. 50%, p = 0.045). Similar trend was found for the CASA motility characteristics curvilinear velocity (VCL), average path length (VAP), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) (p = 0.008, 0.038 and 0.020, respectively). Our study demonstrated the interplay between the regulatory effect of post-testicular organs on semen visco-elasticity. Hyper-visco-elasticity was associated with asthenozoospermia and lower levels of VCL, VAP and ALH.
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the impact of testicular and Accessory Sex Gland function on sperm chromatin integrity as assessed by the sperm chromatin structure assay scsa
Human Reproduction, 2002Co-Authors: Jonas Richthoff, Saad Elzanaty, Johan Malm, M Spano, Yvonne Lundberg Giwercman, Birgitta Frohm, K Jepson, Mats Stridsberg, Aleksander GiwercmanAbstract:BACKGROUND: The sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) provides an objective assessment of sperm chromatin integrity, which is essential for normal sperm function. SCSA is valuable as a fertility marker in epidemiological studies and in the clinical situation. Little is known about the impact of testicular and post-testicular function on SCSA parameters. METHODS: Ejaculates from 278 military conscripts of median age 18.1 (range 18-21) years were included. Levels of reproductive hormones, the length of the CAG repeat of the androgen receptor gene, sperm concentration, abstinence period and biochemical parameters of epididymal and Accessory Sex Gland secretions were correlated to the SCSA parameters, DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and highly DNA stainable (HDS) cells. RESULTS: Negative correlations were found between sperm concentration and DFI (r = -0.119, P = 0.049) and HDS (r = -0.513, P < 0.0001). DFI was negatively correlated with levels of estradiol (r = -0.19, P = 0.002) and free testosterone (r = -0.13, P = 0.03). DFI also correlated positively with abstinence time (r = 0.17, P = 0.005), and with seminal concentrations of fructose (r = 0.18, P = 0.004) and zinc (r = 0.12, P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Sex steroid production, spermatogenic function, abstinence time and seminal vesicle function appear to impact on sperm chromatin integrity and thereby on sperm fertilizing capacity. These findings may improve present understanding of the pathophysiology of male infertility.
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the impact of epididymal and Accessory Sex Gland function on sperm motility
Human Reproduction, 2002Co-Authors: Saad Elzanaty, Johan Malm, Jonas Richthoff, Aleksander GiwercmanAbstract:BACKGROUND Little is known about the regulation of sperm motility, which is an important predictor of male fertility. However, both testicular and post-testicular factors may be involved, although the impact of the latter has been relatively poorly investigated. METHODS In semen samples from 301 young men from the general Swedish population (mean +/- SD age 18.2 +/- 0.4 years), we assessed sperm motility by use of a manual method as well as computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and correlated these values to seminal levels of neutral alpha-glucosidase (NAG), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), zinc and fructose. RESULTS There were significant positive correlations between seminal levels of NAG, and PSA and CASA percentage motile sperm (r = 0.158, P = 0.009; r = 0.155, P = 0.01 respectively), and significant negative correlations with CASA percentage immotile sperm (r = -0.206, P = 0.001; r = -0.157, P = 0.009 respectively). In a multiple regression analysis it was found that, apart from sperm concentration, the level of PSA was the most significant and independent parameter in predicting percentage motile sperm (beta = 0.220, P = 0.037). CONCLUSION Our study demonstrated the regulatory effect of post-testicular Glands on the motility of sperm. This is to our knowledge the first study showing a direct correlation between the seminal PSA levels and sperm motility in a group of men representing the general population. In future investigations and searches for specific treatment modalities in male infertility, more attention should be paid to the epididymis and Accessory Sex Gland function.
