Mechanism of action of Wuzi Yanzong pill in the treatment of oligoasthenozoospermia in rats determined via serum metabolomics

Objective:To investigate the mechanism of action of Wuzi Yanzong pill(WYP)in rats with oligoasthenozoospermia(OAZ)via metabolomics and to provide a possible basis for improving this WYP-based treatment.Methods:A rat model of OAZ was established by treating male SpragueeDawley rats with glucosides from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook.F.Seventy-two rats were randomly divided into six groups:control,L-carnitine(positive control),model,and low-,medium-,and high-dose WYP groups.Rats in the experimental groups were treated with WYP for 4 weeks.At the end of the treatment period,sperm cell quality(density,motility,and viability)was assessed using a semen analysis system,mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP)was assessed using flow cytometry,and testicular injury was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin staining to validate the therapeutic effect of WYP in OAZ.Further,serum metabolomics-based analysis was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify differential metabolic pathways and possible mechanisms of action of WYP in OAZ treatment.Results:A rat model of OAZ was considered successfully-established after comparing the quality of spermatozoa in the model group to that in the control group.WYP-M and WYP-H treatments significantly improved sperm cell density,motility,and viability compared with those in the model group(all P<.05).Compared with the model group,both WYP-M and WYP-H treatments increased MMP values(P=.006 and P=.021 respectively),while there was no significant difference in the L-carnitine group.L-carnitine and WYP administration reversed damage to the testes to varying degrees compared with that in the model group.Further,44 differential metabolites and four metabolic pathways,especially autophagy pathway,related to OAZ were identified via metabolomics.Conclusions:WYP improves sperm cell quality and MMP in OAZ primarily via autophagy regulation.These findings can be employed to improve the efficacy of WYP in humans.

The relationship between DNA fragmentation and the intensity of morphologically abnormal human spermatozoa

Objective:To determine the relationship between teratozoospermia and sperm DNA fragmentation(SDF)in the human ejaculate.Methods:This retrospective study included 100 normozoospermic men as a control cohort(abnormal forms>14%),210 patients with a high level of abnormal forms(≤4%)and 65 patients presenting with a moderate level of abnormal forms(>4%to≤14%)based on the World Health Organization definitions.Sperm morphology was assessed using bright field microscopy.Sperm DNA fragmentation was assessed using the sperm chromatin dispersion assay.Non-parametric analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between abnormal sperm morphology and sperm DNA fragmentation;receiver operating characteristic(ROC)analyses were conducted to assess sensitivity and specificity of this relationship.Results:A correlation analysis revealed that the higher the proportion of abnormal spermatozoa in the ejaculate,the higher the level of SDF(Spearman's Rho=-0.230;P<0.001).Significant differences in the proportion of SDF were found when all cohorts were compared(P<0.001);these significant differences were also retained when the different cohorts were compared pairwise.ROC analysis showed a moderate but significant predictive value for SDF to differentiate patients with different levels of teratozoospemia.Conclusions:Although analysis of a more continuous range of values for teratozoospermia would help further clarify any causal relationship with SDF,there is clearly a synergistic or coincident affiliation between these variables that needs to be acknowledged by the clinician when interpreting the spermiogram.

Resolution of sperm quality impairment following SARS-CoV-2 infection:A prospective study

Objective:To investigate the length of time required to resolve COVID-19 effects on semen quality and DNA integrity.Methods:A prospective cohort study was conducted among 42 men who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and underwent semen analysis at baseline and four months’post-recovery.Semen samples were collected and evaluated for macroscopic and microscopic parameters,sperm chromatin maturation,and DNA fragmentation.Results:The mean age of participants was 37(±7)years,and 14%had normozoospermia at baseline.After a four-month recovery from COVID-19,48%of patients had normozoospermia.Sperm count,motility,and morphology increased significantly,while sperm DNA fragmentation and sperm chromatin maturation decreased significantly post-recovery from COVID-19.Conclusions:Sperm parameters improve after a four-month recovery from COVID-19.The findings indicate significant improvements in sperm count,motility,morphology,DNA fragmentation,and chromatin maturation after a four-month recovery period.

Sperm function, mitochondrial activity and in vivo fertility are associated to their mitochondrial DNA content in pigs

Background Despite their low abundance in sperm, mitochondria have diverse functions in this cell type, includ-ing energy production, signalling and calcium regulation. In humans, sperm mitochondrial DNA content(mtDNAc) has been reported to be negatively linked to sperm function and fertility. Yet, the association between mtDNAc and sperm function in livestock remains unexplored. For this reason, this study aimed to shed some light on the link between mtDNAc and sperm function and fertilising potential in pigs. A qPCR method for mtDNAc quantification was optimised for pig sperm, and the association of this parameter with sperm motility, kinematics, mitochondrial activity, and fertility was subsequently interrogated.Results First, the q PCR method was found to be sensitive and efficient for mtDNAc quantification in pig sperm. By using this technique, mtDNAc was observed to be associated to sperm motility, mitochondrial activity and in vivo, but not in vitro, fertility outcomes. Specifically, sperm with low mtDNAc were seen to exhibit greater motility but decreased mitochondrial activity and intracellular reactive oxygen species. Interestingly, samples with lower mtD-NAc showed higher conception and farrowing rates, but similar in vitro fertilisation rates and embryo development, when compared to those with greater mtDNAc.Conclusions These findings enrich our comprehension of the association of mtDNAc with sperm biology, and lay the foundation for future research into employing this parameter as a molecular predictor for sperm function and fer-tility in livestock.

Chromatin condensation but not DNA integrity of pig sperm is greater in the sperm-rich fraction

Background Protamination and condensation of sperm chromatin as well as DNA integrity play an essential role during fertilization and embryo development.In some mammals,like pigs,ejaculates are emitted in three separate fractions:pre-sperm,sperm-rich(SRF)and post sperm-rich(PSRF).These fractions are known to vary in volume,sperm concentration and quality,as well as in the origin and composition of seminal plasma(SP),with differences being also observed within the SRF one.Yet,whether disparities in the DNA integrity and chromatin condensation and pro-tamination of their sperm exist has not been interrogated.Results This study determined chromatin protamination(Chromomycin A3 test,CMA_(3)),condensation(Dibromobi-mane test,DBB),and DNA integrity(Comet assay)in the pig sperm contained in the first 10 m L of the SRF(SRF-P1),the remaining portion of the sperm-rich fraction(SRF-P2),and the post sperm-rich fraction(PSRF).While chromatin protamination was found to be similar between the different ejaculate fractions(P>0.05),chromatin condensation was seen to be greater in SRF-P1 and SRF-P2 than in the PSRF(P=0.018 and P=0.004,respectively).Regarding DNA integrity,no differences between fractions were observed(P>0.05).As the SRF-P1 has the highest sperm concentra-tion and ejaculate fractions are known to differ in antioxidant composition,the oxidative stress index(OSi)in SP,calcu-lated as total oxidant activity divided by total antioxidant capacity,was tested and confirmed to be higher in the SRF-P1 than in SRF-P2 and PSRF(0.42±0.06 vs.0.23±0.09 and 0.08±0.00,respectively;P<0.01);this index,in addition,was observed to be correlated to the sperm concentration of each fraction(Rs=0.973;P<0.001).Conclusion While sperm DNA integrity was not found to differ between ejaculate fractions,SRF-P1 and SRF-P2 were observed to exhibit greater chromatin condensation than the PSRF.This could be related to the OSi of each fraction.

Homozygous CCDC146 mutation causes oligoasthenoteratozoospermia in humans and mice

Infertility represents a significant health concern,with sperm quantity and quality being crucial determinants of male fertility.Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia(OAT)is characterized by reduced sperm motility,lower sperm concentration,and morphological abnormalities in sperm heads and flagella.Although variants in several genes have been implicated in OAT,its genetic etiologies and pathogenetic mechanisms remain inadequately understood.In this study,we identified a homozygous nonsense mutation(c.916C>T,p.Arg306*)in the coiled-coil domain containing 146(CCDC146)gene in an infertile male patient with OAT.This mutation resulted in the production of a truncated CCDC146 protein(amino acids 1-305),retaining only two out of five coiled-coil domains.To validate the pathogenicity of the CCDC146 mutation,we generated a mouse model(Ccdc146^(mut/mut))with a similar mutation to that of the patient.Consistently,the Ccdc146mut/mut mice exhibited infertility,characterized by significantly reduced sperm counts,diminished motility,and multiple defects in sperm heads and flagella.Furthermore,the levels of axonemal proteins,including DNAH17,DNAH1,and SPAG6,were significantly reduced in the sperm of Ccdc146^(mut/mut) mice.Additionally,both human and mouse CCDC146 interacted with intraflagellar transport protein 20(IFT20),but this interaction was lost in the mutated versions,leading to the degradation of IFT20.This study identified a novel deleterious homozygous nonsense mutation in CCDC146 that causes male infertility,potentially by disrupting axonemal protein transportation.These findings offer valuable insights for genetic counseling and understanding the mechanisms underlying CCDC146 mutant-associated infertility in human males.

Microfluidic thermotaxic selection of highlymotile sperm and in vitro fertilization

The selection of the most motile and functionally competent sperm is an essential basis for in vitro fertilization(IVF)and normal embryonic development.Widely adopted clinical approaches for sperm sample processing intensely rely on centrifugation and wash steps that may induce mechanical damage and oxidative stress to sperm.Although a few microfluidic sperm sorting devices may avoid these adverse effects by exploiting intrinsic guidance mechanisms of sperm swimming,none of these approaches have been fully validated by clinical-grade assessment criteria.In this study,a microfluidic sperm sorting device that enables the selection of highly motile and functional sperm via their intrinsic thermotaxis is presented.Bioinspired by the temperature microenvironment in the fallopian tube during natural sperm selection,a microfluidic device with controllable temperature gradients along the sperm separation channel was designed and fabricated.This study investigated the optimal temperature conditions for human sperm selection and fully characterized thermotaxis-selected sperm with 45 human sperm samples.Results indicated that a temperature range of 35–36.5℃along the separation channel significantly improves human sperm motility rate((85.25±6.28)%vs.(60.72±1.37)%;P=0.0484),increases normal sperm morphology rate((16.42±1.43)%vs.(12.55±0.88)%;P<0.0001),and reduces DNA fragmentation((7.44±0.79)%vs.(10.36±0.72)%;P=0.0485)compared to the nonthermotaxis group.Sperm thermotaxis is species-specific,and selected mouse sperm displayed the highest motility in response to a temperature range of 36–37.5℃ along the separation channel.Furthermore,IVF experiments indicated that the selected sperm permitted an increased fertilization rate and improved embryonic development from zygote to blastocyst.This microfluidic thermotaxic selection approach will be translated into clinical practice to improve the IVF success rate for patients with oligozoospermia and asthenozoospermia.

Impact of antisperm antibodies on sperm functions and fertility in livestock:A narrative review

Spermatozoa are recognized as foreign cells by both male and female immune systems,leading to the production of antisperm antibodies(ASAs)when sperm are exposed to immune system due to a breach in the mucosal barrier.ASAs can be found in both sexes,though concentrations vary by individual and sex.This review examines ASAs production,their specific binding locations on sperm,and how ASAs may impair key sperm functions,including motility,viability,acrosome reaction,and capacitation.While ASAs are known to potentially interfere with sperm quality and sperm binding to zona pellucida in both humans and livestock,their impact on fertility remains debated,as ASAs are also detected in a significant number of fertile individuals.Furthermore,the practical relevance of ASAs screening in fertility assessment lacks consensus,with some findings suggesting that ASAs might even aid fertilization under certain conditions.By compiling the information on ASAs and their effects on semen quality and fertility,this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of ASAs in infertility.

Protective effect of co-enzyme Q10 on testicular tissue and sperm parameters in adult male rats treated with Sunset Yellow FCF

Objective:To determine the protective effect of co-enzyme Q10(CoQ10)on testicular tissue and sperm parameters in male rats treated with SunsetYellow FCF.Methods:Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups of the control,CoQ10(10 mg/kg/day),low dose of Sunset Yellow(2.5 mg/kg),high dose of Sunset Yellow(70 mg/kg),low dose of Sunset Yellow(2.5 mg/kg)plus CoQ10,and high dose of Sunset Yellow(70 mg/kg)plus CoQ10.The drugs were administered via daily oral gavages for 6 weeks.At the end of the experiment,sperm analysis,stereological and histological assessments of the testis were carried out.Results:The normal morphology(by 41.1%)and progressive spermatozoa(by 74.8%),testicle volume(by 33.4%),lumen volume(by 38.3%),interstitial tissue volume(by 44.7%),seminiferous tubule volume(by 40.7%),and number of spermatogonia(by 53.9%)and Leydig cells(by 70.7%)reduced in the rats that received high doses of Sunset Yellow in comparison to the control group.Nonetheless,all these alterations were recovered by CoQ10 treatment in the CoQ10 plus high dose of Sunset Yellow group.Furthermore,low doses of Sunset Yellow did not affect different parameters of the testis and sperm.Conclusions:CoQ10 could,to some extent,prevent structural changes of the testis induced by the high dose of SunsetYellow.

Pig Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) Does Not Attach to Boar Sperm;It Affects Only the Velocity Pattern and the Mobility Pattern

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the sperm viability of semen infected with PRRSV viral particles, observing the effect of the Virus on the motility of boar sperm. The work was carried out at the FMVZ-BUAP Genetics and Reproduction Laboratory. 5 stallions were used. Each sample contained 1 × 106 sperm, the PRRS virus strain was ATCC-VR-2332 (0, 102, 104 and 106 copies of RNA/mL in triplicate), it was observed daily at the CASA;Hamilton Thorne®. Cells with MT (P < 0.05) on days 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 of evaluation with 201 ± 7.3, 167 ± 10.1, 165 ± 14.6, 134 ± 8.2 and 120 ± 8.8, respectively. The % MP between control and virus concentrations (P ≥ 0.05). The LCV on day 1 and 7 PI at 10X2 and 10X6 (P < 0.05) vs control. In the Correlation Matrix, where it is observed that there is a correlation between VSL and VAP, VSL and VCL, VCL and ALH, VAP with ALH. There is a correlation of VSL and ALH, STR and ALH. In this study there were (P ≤ 0.01) in the VCL, in the concentrations (102) 162.81 ± 10.65 and (106) 177.12 ± 5.77 vs 193.04 ± 4.62 of control. This indicates that altering these parameters would be related to fertility and the PRRS virus affects the LCV. Regarding the VSL, it was observed that the sperm infected with viruses 102, 104 and 106 of 48.00 ± 3.38, 49.88 ± 1.83 and 50.55 ± 2.24 Vs. 56.66 ± 1.68 of control respectively, the control would have greater possibilities of fertilizing the oocyte. In this study, it was found (P ≤ 0.01) in the VAP with 102 of 77.26 ± 5.16, 104 with 83.35 ± 2.41 and 106 with 81.29 ± 3.14 vs the control with 90.56 ± 2.07. Regarding the ALH there is (P < 0.05) a 104 with 8.70 ± .26 and 106 with 9.64 ± 0.23 vs control 8.50 ± 0.27. The presence of different concentrations of PRRSV in boar semen induces changes in different types of sperm motility. Infection of ejaculates with the PRRS virus affects sperm motility on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 post-infections.

PRSS50-mediated inhibition of MKP3/ERK signaling is crucial for meiotic progression and sperm quality

Serine protease 50(PRSS50/TSP50)is highly expressed in spermatocytes.Our study investigated its role in testicular development and spermatogenesis.Initially,PRSS50 knockdown was observed to impair DNA synthesis in spermatocytes.To further explore this,we generated PRSS50 knockout(Prss50^(−/−))mice(Mus musculus),which exhibited abnormal spermatid nuclear compression and reduced male fertility.Furthermore,dysplastic seminiferous tubules and decreased sex hormones were observed in 4-week-old Prss50^(−/−)mice,accompanied by meiotic progression defects and increased apoptosis of spermatogenic cells.Mechanistic analysis indicated that PRSS50 deletion resulted in increased phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2(ERK1/2)and elevated levels of MAP kinase phosphatase 3(MKP3),a specific ERK antagonist,potentially accounting for testicular dysplasia in adolescent Prss50−/−mice.Taken together,these findings suggest that PRSS50 plays an important role in testicular development and spermatogenesis,with the MKP3/ERK signaling pathway playing a significant role in this process.

Human circBOULE RNAs as potential biomarkers for sperm quality and male infertility

Reliable molecular biomarkers to predict fertility remain scarce.The current study investigated the potential of testis-specific circBOULE RNAs as biomarkers for male infertility and sperm quality.Using reverse transcription-PCR and real-time reverse transcription-PCR assays,we identified seven circular RNAs from the human BOULE gene in human sperm.We observed that the expression level of circEx3-6 was significantly reduced in asthenozoospermia,while the expression levels of both circEx2-6 and circEx2-7 were decreased in terato-zoospermia,compared with the controls.Furthermore,we demonstrated that the expression level of circEx2-6 was negatively correlated with the sperm DNA fragmentation index,and the expression level of circEx2-7 was correlated with both fertilization and cleavage rates in those treated with the assisted reproductive technologies.Further functional analyses in a transgenic fly model supported the roles of circBOULE RNAs in sperm development and human male fertility.Collectively,our findings support that sperm circBOULE RNAs may serve as diagnostic biomarkers for assessing sperm motility and DNA quality.Therefore,clinical application and significance of sperm circBOULE RNAs in the assisted reproductive technologies warrant further investigation.

Low Level of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Is Associated with Human Sperm Autophagy and Vitality

Low sperm motility is one of the main causes of male infertility. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR, an anion channel protein) is related to the progressive motility of sperm. CFTR disruptor CFTRinh-172 or forskolin (FSK) in this study were used to treat human sperm separately, and the rates of sperm autophagy and progressive motility, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and ATP concentration, and the expression levels of related factors were detected to explore their relationship. It was showed that sperms treated with CFTRinh-172 or FSK reduced the levels of cAMP, CFTR and PKA, but increased sperm autophagy rate, expression levels of AMPK and LC3B. However, reactive oxygen species content had no significant difference. It was indicated that low level of CFTR performed with cAMP and its downstream effectors such as PKA and AMPK to regulate mitochondrial structure and function, leading to increased autophagy rate and reduced vitality of sperm.

Representative cDNA Library from Isolated Rice Sperm Cells

利用Percoll密度梯度离心和多次滤膜过滤分离到适于分子生物学研究的水稻 (OryzasativaL .cv .Guichao2 )生活精细胞。借助RT_PCR和SMART技术构建了水稻精细胞的cDNA文库。初级文库的大小为 1.5 8× 10 6 pfu ,插入片段平均大小为 980bp。 10 3个随机挑选的克隆与DIG标记的水稻幼苗根、叶及二细胞时期花粉、成熟花粉、精细胞和授粉 5～ 7d的子房cDNA探针杂交表明 ,除少数克隆外 ,它们在上述器官中的表达情况很相似。 10个随机挑选的克隆用来测序及分析 ,有 4个克隆含有完整的开放阅读框。 1个克隆与水稻Polyubiquitin (Rubq1)mRNA高度同源。Northern杂交表明它在二细胞时期花粉、成熟花粉中的表达显著少于在根、叶和授粉子房中的表达。另一个克隆的开放阅读框编码与拟南芥 (Arabidopsisthaliana (L .)Heynh .)AtRAD17同源的蛋白。这是第一次正式报道高等植物精细胞cDNA文库的构建 ,也是第一次从高等植物精细胞中分离到其表达的基因。

Male Reproductive System and Spermatogenesis in Homoptera(Insecta:Hemiptera)

Morphology of the male reproductive system, chromosome behaviors during meiosis and spem tail structures in Homoptera and Heteroptera are compared in this paper. The sheathed testis is found in Fulgoroidea and Heteroptera, and unsheathed testis occurs in Cicadoidea, Cicadelloidea, Cercopoidea, Membracoidea, Psyloidea, Aphidoidea, Aleyrodoidea and Coccoidea. The testis also can be divide into three types by the shape of testicular follicles. The sphere-shaped type is found in Cicadoidea, Cicadelloidea, Cercopoidea, Membracoidea, Aphidoidea and Aleyrodoidea, the tube-shaped type observed in Fulgoroidea, Psyloidea and Coccoidea, and the lamella-shaped type represented by Heteroptera. It is suggested the unsheathed testis may be the primitive type in Homoptera. Meiosis can be divided into 6 type at least, i.e. 1） Cicadoid type; 2） Fulgoroid type; 3） Psyloid type; 4） Aphidoid type; 5） Aleyrodoid type; and 6） Coccoid type. At least four groups exhibit a diffuse stage during meiosis prophase l, they are Psyloidea, Fulgoroidea, Coccoidea and Heteroptera. Sperm tail structures are similar to those reported from other insects with a typical 9＋9＋2 axoneme except that in Aleyrodoidea and Coccoidea whose sperm tail is degenerated.

Pure Sperm梯度离心法和上游法处理精液效果的比较

目的 比较PureSperm(硅烷化硅胶悬浮液)梯度密度离心法和Earel’s液上游法处理精液在体外受精-胚胎移植(IVF -ET)中的应用情况。方法 4 5例丈夫精液密度(2 0～4 0 )×10 6/ml,a级精子比例<15 %或精液量少于1ml者用PureSperm处理,其余用Earel’s液上游法处理。结果 处理后两种方法均可以显著性提高精子的总活力、a级精子率。梯离组和上游组畸形精子率分别为:6 8 8% ,75 1% ,与处理前81 2 %比显著降低,但两种方法之间的降低程度无差别(P >0 0 5 )。梯离法在总活动精子回收率及a级精子的获得方面优于上游法(P <0 0 5 )。PureSperm组与上游组的受精率分别为6 8% ,70 1% (P均>0 0 5 ) ,无统计学差异,胚胎发育潜能:卵裂率、优胚率、着床率、临床妊娠率、流产率也均无统计学差异。结论 相对于稍差者的精液来说,用PureSperm梯度密度离心处理效果更佳;PureSperm对胚胎的毒性作用极小,不影响IVF -ET的结局,在IVF -ET技术中可以安全使用。

Molecular Cloning and Expression of RSSG58 Gene in Rice Sperm Cells

Myosins, a large family of structurally diverse mechanoenzymes, which, upon interaction with actin filaments, convert energy from ATP hydrolysis into mechanical force, play an important role in male reproductive processes. In this study we report the rice ( Oryza sativa L.) RSSG58 gene, which was cloned from the cDNA library of rice sperm cells by using sperm cell mainly expression subtractive clone as probe. This gene encodes a putative 66.7 W polypeptide, which shows similarity to the myosin heavy chain of Arabidopsis thaliana, and consists of 579 amino acids with an isoelectric point (pI) of 4.885. RSSG58, which is a member of a divergent gene family, generates transcripts of 2 278 bp and 2 437 bp that differ only in their polyadenylation sites. Southern hybridization showed that RSSG58 has only one copy in rice genome and RSSG58 transcripts are most abundant in sperm cells, with two distinct signals. The RT-PCR analysis indicated that the transcriptions of the RSSG58 gene were various in the different development stages and tissues. The greatest accumulation of RSSG58 mRNA was detected in sperm cells, while weaker expression was detected in leaves, microspore mother cells, unicellular microspore pollen stage, two-cell stage pollens, mature pollens and pollinated ovaries. These results suggest that RSSG58 is especially abundantly expressed in rice sperm cells.

基于中医证候与精液质量相关参数构建精子DNA碎片预测模型与验证

背景:中医证候与精液质量相关参数相结合,共同预测精子DNA碎片指数(DNA fragmentation index,DFI)异常增高的发生并绘制列线图,能显著提高临床的实操性与应用效能,为临床全面评估精液质量,采取积极干预措施以改善临床结局及制定个体化医疗方案提供依据。目的:探讨基于中医证候与精液质量相关参数构建精子DNA碎片的预测模型与验证。方法:回顾性分析2019年7月至2021年7月在广西壮族自治区南溪山医院中医男科接受中医证候诊断及精子DNA碎片率检查的不育患者共420例,据《人类精液检查与处理实验室手册》(第6版),将其中137例精子DFI>30%患者纳入精子DFI异常增高组,将283例精子DFI≤30%作为对照组;首先采用单因素分析筛选精子DFI异常增高的影响因素,然后采用套索算法(LASSO)校正因子共线性问题并筛选出最佳匹配因子后,将其纳入多因素向前逐步Logistic回归找出其独立影响因素并绘制列线图,最后采用受试者工作曲线、校准曲线、临床决策曲线、临床影响曲线对该预测模型进行区分度与准确度及临床应用效能验证。结果与结论:①单因素分析结果显示,年龄、体质量指数、前向运动率、精子总活率、精子浓度、精子形态学、肾阳虚衰证、湿热下注证、肾精不足证为引发精子DFI异常增高的影响因子(P<0.05);②通过LASSO回归进一步筛选出的最佳匹配因素为年龄、体质量指数、精子总活率、精子浓度、精子形态学、肾阳虚衰证、湿热下注证、肾精不足证(P<0.05);③多因素向前逐步Logistic回归结果显示年龄、体质量指数、精子浓度、精子总活率、湿热下注证、肾阳虚衰证共6项为引发精子DFI异常增高的独立影响因素;④受试者工作曲线显示,模型组曲线下面积为0.760(0.713,0.806),验证组曲线下面积为0.745(0.714,0.776),说明该预测模型具有较好的区分度;⑤校准曲线平均绝对误差0.040,Hosmer-Lemeshow检验P>0.05,表明该模型预测发生精子DFI异常增高的概率与实际发生精子DFI异常增高的概率无显著统计学差异,证实该模型具有较好的准确度;⑥临床决策曲线与临床影响曲线显示,模型组与验证组分别在阈概率值为0.08-0.84与0.09-0.78时具有临床最大净获益,且在该阈概率范围内具有较好的临床应用效能;⑦结果表明,年龄、体质量指数、精子浓度、精子总活率、湿热下注证、肾阳虚衰证为引发精子DFI异常增高的独立影响因素,通过其构建的临床预测模型列线图具有较好的临床预测价值与临床应用效能,可为临床全面评估精液质量、预后与干预及个体化医疗服务提供依据。

Effects of Cryopreservation on the Quality and Ultrastructure of Tibetan Mastiff Sperm

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the effects of cryopreservation on the quality and ultrastructure of Tibetan Mastiff sperm. [Method] The effects of cryopreservation on the quality of Tibetan Mastiff sperm were evaluated via motility, membrane integrity rate and acrosome intact rate. On that basis, the effects of cryopreservation on ultrastructure of sperm were observed under SEM and TEM. [Result] In Experiment 1, EG gave the best results not only in post-thaw motility rate （36.3%）, but also in low membrane integrity rate （38.0%） and acrosome intact rate （42.0% ）, but there was no significant difference between EG group and Glycerol group （P0.05）. In Experiment 2, the 5 cm freezing height obtained the best freezing-thawing results, but there was no significant difference between 2 and 5 cm height （P 0.05）, besides in acrosome intact rate. In Experiment 3, SDS and Vc added separately or together into extenders could improve freezing-thawing results, but there was not obvious difference between SDS group and Vc group （P0.05）, besides the lower motility of Vc group （P0.05）. Addition of SDS and Vc obtained the best results in post-thaw motility rate （44.1%）, and also in membrane integrity rate （48.0%） and acrosome intact rate （48.2%）. The ultrastructure of frozen-thawed sperm was also evaluated under SEM and TEM, results showed that cryopreservation caused various degrees of damage to Tibetan Mastiff sperm, more serious damages were observed in the acrosome such as swelling, vesiculation and even disappearance. [Conclusion] This study confirms that EG, horizontal height of 0.25 ml straw above LN 2 surface and additives SDS and Vc together can improve freezing effect. However, cryopreservation has certain damage to ultrastructure of sperm.

F-Actin Visualization in Generative and Sperm Cells of Living Pollen of Rice Using a GFP-Mouse Talin Fusion Protein

Green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused to the F-actin binding domain of mouse talin labels the actin cytoskeleton in the living generative and sperm cells of a third generation transgenic rice (Oryza sativa L.) plant, A005-G-T-1-2. Observations were made on pollen at four major developmental stages, viz. I. uni-nucleate microspore stage; II. early bi-cellular pollen stage; III. late bi-cellular pollen stage; and IV. tri-cellular pollen stage. At each of these developmental stages vegetative nucleus, generative nucleus/ cell, and sperm cells were seen undergoing continuous and coordinated motion and migration. These movements seemed to be influenced by associated microfilament networks existing in the pollen. Based on these observations we propose that it is the interaction between the microfilament networks (usually one existing in the central cytoplasm and another in the cortex) that controls the dynamic movement of the vegetative nucleus, generative nucleus/cell and sperm cells. Furthermore, we have also observed that there is an array of microfilaments (oriented mostly parallel to the long axis of the cell) existing in the generative and sperm cells. As far as we are aware, this is the first report showing the existence of microfilaments in living generative and sperm cells of rice pollen. The implication and significance of the existence of microfilaments in generative and sperm cells in rendering self-propelled motion of these cells in relation to their passage and movement in the pollen tube and embryo sac for fertilization were discussed.