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.

Reproductive outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection using testicular sperm and ejaculated sperm in patients with AZFc microdeletions:a systematic review and meta-analysis

Studies have explored the assisted reproductive technology(ART)outcomes of Y-chromosome azoospermia factor c(AZFc)microdeletions,but the effect of sperm source on intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI)remains unknown.To determine the ART results of ICSI using testicular sperm and ejaculated sperm from males with AZFc microdeletions,we searched Embase,Web of Science,and PubMed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis.The first meta-analysis results for 106 cycles in five studies showed no significant differences in the live birth rate between the testicular sperm group and the ejaculated sperm group(risk ratio:0.97,95%confidence interval[CI]:0.73-1.28,P=0.82).The second meta-analysis of 106 cycles in five studies showed no difference in the abortion rate between the testicular sperm group and ejaculated sperm group(risk ratio:1.06,95%Cl:0.54-2.06,P=0.87).The third meta-analysis of 386 cycles in seven studies showed no significant difference in clinical pregnancy rates between the testicular sperm group and the ejaculated sperm group(risk ratio:1.24,95%Cl:0.66-2.34,P=0.50).Inevitable heterogeneity weakened our results.However,our results indicated that testicular sperm and ejaculated sperm yield similar ART outcomes,representing a meaningful result for clinical treatment.More properly designed studies are needed to further confirm our conclusions.

射精功能障碍

在射精功能障碍(ejaculatory dysfunction)中,早泄(premature ejaculation,PE),射精延迟(delayed ejaculation,DE),不射精(anejaculation,AE)和逆行射精(retrograde ejaculation,RE)是最为常见的射精功能障碍类型,其他还包括高潮障碍(orgasmic disorder)、射精疼痛(painful ejaculation)、射精后综合征(postorgasmic illness syndrome)等少见情况[1],根据临床的常见情况,本文重点介绍PE和DE。

Assessment of the Quality of Frozen-Thawed Semen or Epididymal Sperm in Three Native Vietnamese Pig Breeds

Our aim was to evaluate the quality of ejaculated and epididymal frozen-thawed pig sperm of endangered Vietnam native pig breeds. Ejaculated sperm was collected from live boars and epididymal sperm was collected from slaughtered boars of the MuongTe, Kieng Sat and Co BinhThuan breeds and frozen in 0.25 ml straws using a protocol established earlier for modern pig breeds. We evaluated the sperm quality after thawing in terms of motility and rates of viable and abnormal spermatozoa. Our results revealed that the sperm motility and rates of viable and abnormal frozen-thawed sperm were >30%, >44%, and <14%, respectively. The origin of sperm had an effect on the production of pig embryos in vitro. In the Co BinhThuan breed, ejaculated sperm generated higher cleavage, blastocyst and hatching rates than did the epididymal sperm (60.11% vs 56.02%, 17.23% vs 14.31%, 3.78% vs 2.34%, respectively, P < 0.05). Although no difference in cleavage rate, blastocyst formation rate and the average number of cells/blastocysts, the hatching blastocyst rate was different between the breeds (P > 0.05). In the Co BinhThuan breed, the rate of pregnancy of ejaculated groups was similar to that of the epididymal group. In conclusion, the ejaculated and epididymal sperm of native Vietnamese pigs were successfully frozen. We succeeded in creating embryos in vitro and pregnant pigs after artificial insemination from frozen-thawed semen in three native Vietnamese pig breeds for the first time. The use of the ejaculated sperm improved the production of native pig embryos in vitro efficiency.

Effect of Selective Dorsal Neurectomy on Erectile Function in Rats

Objective This study aimed to investigate the effect of penile selective dorsal neurectomy(SDN)on erectile function in rats.Methods Twelve adult male Sprague-Dawley rats(15 weeks old)were divided into three groups(n=4 per group):in control group,rats received no treatment;in sham group,rats underwent a sham operation;in SDN group,rats underwent SDN with half of the dorsal penile nerve severed.The mating test was performed,and the intracavernous pressure(ICP)assessed six weeks after the surgical treatment.Results At postoperative six weeks,the mating test revealed no significant difference in mounting latency and mounting frequency among the three groups(P>0.05),while the ejaculation latency(EL)was significantly longer and ejaculation frequency(EF)lower in the SDN group than in the control and sham groups(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in preoperative and postoperative ICP and ICP/mean arterial blood pressure(MAP)among the three groups(P>0.05).Conclusion SDN does not adversely affect the erectile function and sexual desire of rats,and at the same time it can reduce EL and EF,providing an application basis for SDN in the clinical treatment of premature ejaculation.

Oxytocin in pig seminal plasma is positively related with in vivo fertility of inseminated sows

Background:Identification of relevant in vivo biomarkers for fertility remains a challenge for the livestock industry.Concentrations of the small peptide hormone oxytocin(OXT),involved in male reproductive function and present in the seminal plasma(SP)of several species could be a robust one.This study characterized concentrations of SPOXT in ejaculates from boars used in artificial insemination(AI)programs aiming to evaluate its relationship with sperm quality variables and in vivo fertility of their liquid-stored AI-semen.Seminal OXT concentrations(ng/mL)were measured in 169 ejaculates from 61 boars of the Duroc,Pietrain,Landrace and Large White breeds using a direct competitive immunoassay test based on AlphaLISA®technology.Ejaculate(ejaculate volume,sperm concentration,total sperm count)and sperm parameters(motility,viability,intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species,plasma membrane fluidity)were assessed at 0 h and 72 h in AI-semen samples stored at 17℃.In vivo fertility included only 18 Large White and Landrace boars whose AI-semen was used to inseminated>100 sows and evaluated both farrowing rate and litter size of 3,167 sows.Results:The results showed that SP-OXT differed between boars and between ejaculates within boar(P<0.05)but not between breeds(Duroc,Pietrain,Landrace and Large White).Ejaculates with higher SP-OXT concentration/mL(hierarchically grouped;P<0.001)had larger volume and came from younger boars(P<0.05).Ejaculates of boars showing positive farrowing rate deviation exhibited higher(P<0.05)SP-OXT concentration/mL than those with negative farrowing rate deviation.Conclusion:The SP concentrations of OXT are boar,ejaculate and age dependent,and positively related with ejaculate volume and farrowing rates of liquid-stored semen AI-doses.

Variation among Beef Bulls in the Ratio of X- to Y-Chromosome Bearing Spermatozoa

A study was conducted to evaluate variation in the ratio of X- to Y-bearing sperm of individual ejaculates and to determine any relationship between skewed sex ratio and either routine morphological evaluation or computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA). Semen was collected from bulls weekly for 6 consecutive weeks, sperm DNA was recovered and quantitative, and real-time PCR was used to determine the ratio of X- to Y-bearing sperm in each ejaculate. The overall mean of X-bearing sperm within ejaculates was 54.7% over the 6 weeks of semen collections. The percentages of X-bearing sperm were similar (P > 0.5) across all collections. Between bulls, there were differences (P < 0.05) in the mean percentage of X-bearing sperm. No significant correlations were found between CASA parameters and percentage of X-bearing sperm across bulls, so analysis was done within each bull. Different combinations of CASA and/or morphological parameters were found to correlate with the percentage of X-bearing sperm but the prediction equations were specific for individual bulls and unlikely to be of use across bulls. These results confirm that the ratio of X- to Y-bearing sperm may be skewed in some ejaculates of bull semen. Some sperm parameters measured by CASA or routine morphological evaluation were associated with semen sex ratio.

Selection of High-quality Sperms by the Nanotechnological Method of Magnetic Activation in Brazilian Cervids

Cervids show a high degree of abnormalities in their sperm cells.Thus,this study aimed to select high-quality spermatozoa using magnetic-activated sperm sorting(MASS)compared to density gradient centrifugation(DGC)by assessing the post-selection cell quality.Semen from six Mazama deer was collected by electroejaculation after chemical restraint.The semen was analyzed in four samples:Fresh,DGC,SEMgood-non-apoptotic fraction,and SEMpoor-apoptotic fraction.The material was analyzed for motility and vigor(light microscopy),concentration(Neubauer chamber),semen morphology(phase contrast),and supravital staining test(eosin/nigrosine).The DGC method used 20 x 106 cells in 90%and 45%percoll®gradient.The MASS used 10 x 106 cells with 20μl of iron nanoparticles attached to Annexin V and filtration in a magnetic separation column.Both processing methods(DGC and MASS)were effective in producing high-quality sperm samples,with a marked reduction in abnormalities from 41.83±10.25(fresh)to 14.83±3.17(DGC)and 12±3.01(SEMgood),with 80.3%±2.06 livings cells.These findings suggest that this nanotechnological method,using nanoparticles,effectively produces high-quality semen samples in cervids for use in assisted reproduction.

Ejaculatory dysfunction in men with diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus(DM)is a metabolic disorder that is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels due to absolute or relative insulin deficiency,in the background ofβ-cell dysfunction,insulin resistance,or both.Such chronic hyperglycemia is linked to long-term damage to blood vessels,nerves,and various organs.Currently,the worldwide burden of DM and its complications is in increase.Male sexual dysfunction is one of the famous complications of DM,including abnormal orgasmic/ejaculatory functions,desire/libido,and erection.Ejaculatory dysfunction encompasses several disorders related to DM and its complications,such as premature ejaculation,anejaculation(AE),delayed ejaculation,retrograde ejaculation(RE),ejaculatory pain,anesthetic ejaculation,decreased ejaculate volume,and decreased force of ejaculation.The problems linked to ejaculatory dysfunction may extend beyond the poor quality of life in diabetics as both AE and RE are alleged to alter the fertility potential of these patients.However,although both diabetes patients and their physicians are increasingly aware of diabetic ejaculatory dysfunction,this awareness still lags behind that of other diabetes complications.Therefore,all these disorders should be looked for thoroughly during the clinical evaluation of diabetic men.Besides,introducing the suitable option and/or maneuvers to treat these disorders should be tailored according to each case.This review aimed to explore the most important findings regarding ejaculatory dysfunction in diabetes from pre-clinical and clinical perspectives.

Comparative study of on-demand and daily use of sertraline in treatment of premature ejaculation:A randomized clinical trial

Objective:The intravaginal ejaculatory latency time(IELT)may increase less in on-demand compared to daily intake,but may fulfill a suitable treatment for specific patients.We decided to compare the efficacy and safety of on-demand and daily use of sertraline in order to find the most effective and least complicated method in treatment of premature ejaculation(PE).Methods:This study was parallel or concurrent control randomized clinical trial.Two hundred and forty patients with PE diagnosed by urologist in the two groups of 120 from July 2017 to February 2019 enrolled in the study.In the first group,it is prescribed 50 mg sertraline each 12 h daily and the second group received 50 mg 4 h before coitus for 4 and 8 weeks.The IELT before treatment and during all coitus after treatment were recorded by the patient’s wife with a stopwatch.Results:Mean IELT before,4 and 8 weeks after treatment in two groups were:On-demand group 101.62±65.44 s,208.75±128.02 s and 265.87±145.70 s;daily use group 102.50-81.22 s,276.87±181.08 s and 353.75±176.45 s,respectively.The ejaculation time increased significantly in both groups(p<0.05).However,increase in ejaculation time in daily use group was significantly higher than the on-demand group in 4 weeks(p=0.036),especially in 8 weeks(p=0.009).The percent of side effects in daily use group(26.7%)was higher than on-demand group(20%)(p<0.05).Drowsiness,diarrhea and vertigo were significantly higher in the daily use than on-demand(p<0.05).Conclusions:On-demand and daily use of sertraline are effective and usually have no serious complications,but the on-demand method is considerably more tolerable.In patients who did not tolerate to daily use of this drug,on-demand could be used as a salvage therapy.

Prevalence of Premature Ejaculation among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in a Tertiary Health Institution: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Premature ejaculation (PE) is one of the sexual dysfunctions commonly present among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), but rarely reported and not commonly investigated compared to erectile dysfunction. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of PE in a group of patients with type 2 DM and explore possible determinants of its occurrence and its association with erectile dysfunction. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of subjects recruited from the Diabetes clinic and whose sexual function was assessed using the premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT) and erection hardness score (EHS), who were in heterosexuals relationship and resides together with their wives and had no major organ failure or acute infection within the last 1 month. Other socio-demographic history and diabetes-related questions were assessed. Results: A total of 69 subjects were recruited. The prevalence of PE was 27.5% in the study. There was a significant inverse relationship between the prevalence of premature ejaculation and frequency of sexual intercourse. Almost half 14/30 (46.7%) of those with erectile dysfunction had premature ejaculation. Diabetic patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) showed a significantly higher incidence of PE with significantly lower values of EHS. Higher level of fasting blood glucose was associated with higher prevalence of erectile dysfunction. Conclusions: The prevalence of PE was relatively high at 19/69 (27.5%) among our type 2 diabetic patients. Hence, health care giver should always endeavour to ask about it even when patients do not volunteer the information.

Treatment of Functional Retrograde Ejaculation with Acupuncture and TCM Herbal Drugs

Acupuncture at the Taichong (LR 3), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Ciliao (BL 32) points combined with TCM drugs for soothing the liver, replenishing the kidney, freeing the seminal passage, and eliminating the stasis showed effective for functional retrograde ejaculation in 25 cases. The total effective rate of 68.0% was significantly better than imipramine used in the control group (P<0.05).

Frequency of Monthly Ejaculation at Sexual Intercourse, DNA Fragmentation Index and Fertilization Rate among Sperm Donors and Fertility-Challenged Men in Sub-Saharan Africa: Paper 1

Introduction: In humans, the ideal ejaculation frequency depends on age, exercise and sexual potential. Natural ejaculation frequency balances the testosterone levels in the body. Materials and Methods: Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information from subjects. Semen samples were collected from sperm donors and sub-fertile men who presented for infertility challenges. Processing and analysis of semen samples were done according to World Health Organization guidelines. Sperm DNA fragmentation was evaluated using the Halosperm&#174;?kit. Results: A total of 114 subjects, including 19 sperm donors and 95 sub-fertile males were studied. There was a significant difference (t =?&#8722;5.96, P-value = 0.00001) in the mean [±sd] age of sperm donors (30.8 [8.1]) and that of sub-fertile men (42.3 [76]). There was a significant difference (t=?&#8722;4.10, P-value = 0.0005) in the mean monthly ejaculation during sexual intercourse (MESI) among sperm donors with DNA fragmentation index &#8722;2.20, P-value = 0.02) in MESI among sub-fertile men aged ≥40 years (8.9 [4.6]) than among those aged &#8722;0.67, SE = 0.28, t = &#8722;2.40, P-value = 0.02, 95% CI: &#8722;1.24,?&#8722;0.10). Conclusion: In men < 40 years, fewer MESI did not worsen the DFI. A higher number of professionals such as doctors, lawyers and engineers, reported lower monthly frequency of sexual ejaculations compared to entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs and non-smokers had the highest frequencies of MESI.

Male masturbation device for the treatment of delayed ejaculation: A case report

Delayed ejaculation is a rare condition with different etiologies. Majority of cases of delayed ejaculation have a strong psychological/behavior component. A 48-year-old male with a diagnostic of delayed ejaculation acquired was encouraged to make an exercise protocol using a masturbation device for 8 wk, the percentage of intercourse successful a month after finish protocol exercise was 81%.

Unconsummated Marriage

The main purpose of this research is to help couples that have problems in early ejection in man and veganism’s problem in woman that after 2 months has been cured by using scientific and non-drug method, successfully. This case is related to couples who live in Arak and both of them are 21 years old and their education level is Diploma. They refer to clinic center and are asking help from consulters after one year of their unconsummated marriage. Man is involved with problem of early injection and woman is involved with veganism’s problem. Treatment has been done by teaching relaxation to woman for 2 weeks and little by little along with day dreaming that is related to sexual. In the next stage, the researchers ask her in relaxing time to enter fingers in vagina. Manner therapy has been used for man that usually consists of start-stop and squeeze techniques. At last, after successful performance, first sexual relationship happens. It is noticeable that unconsummated marriage is treatable with a simple and safe method and low cost in a short time. Regarding this matter that veganism’s and early ejection are as sexual disorders and are most prevalent kind of sexual disorders, so present research concludes that unconsummated marriage is treatable by psychology and non-drug treatment which prevents marriage from failing.

A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of the Effectiveness of Mate Endurance TM Dietary Supplement on Sexual Satisfaction, Ejaculatory Control, and Distress in Men with Premature Ejaculation

Background: To assess the efficacy of the dietary supplement Mate Endurance on sexual satisfaction, ejaculatory control, and sexually related personal distress in patients with premature ejaculation. Methods: In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 68 patients between 21 and 60 years old with premature ejaculation were randomized to receive either Mate Endurance or placebo treatment for three months. The patients were provided a questionnaire at the start of the study and again three months post commencement of the study. The questionnaires were comprised of the Index of Premature Ejaculation (IPE) and the PE Diagnostic Tool (PEDT). Results: Participants in the treatment group experienced a significant improvement in symptoms often associated with premature ejaculation versus those in the placebo group. The treatment was widely used with limited adverse effects. Conclusions: The results of the study demonstrate the effectiveness of the dietary supplement Mate Endurance in improving symptoms associated with premature ejaculation, including general sexual satisfaction and distress associated with sexual encounters.

Male Circumcision Does Not Reduce Sexual Function, Sensitivity or Satisfaction

We disagree with Boyle’s recent article questioning our systematic review in Journal of Sexual Medicine in 2013 (Volume 10, pages 2644-2657). In particular, he disputed the quality ranking we assigned to 7 of the 36 articles that met our inclusion criteria. These had been ranked for quality by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) grading system. We found that, “the highest-quality studies suggest that medical male circumcision has no adverse effect on sexual function, sensitivity, sexual sensation or satisfaction.” This conclusion was supported by two randomized controlled trials, regarded as high-quality (1++) evidence and the majority of surveys and studies involving physiological measurements comparing uncircumcised and circumcised men. Here we explain why the 2 randomized controlled trials merit a 1++ ranking and why 4 reports that Boyle believes merit a higher ranking only meet the criteria set down for low quality (2?) evidence according to the SIGN system. We therefore stand by our conclusions. These are supported by a meta-analysis of sexual dysfunctions and by a recent detailed systematic review of the histological correlates of male sexual sensation.

Ejaculatory Dysfunction—A Mini Review

For decades the field of male sexual dysfunction has remained controversial in terms of both diagnosis and management. There is a clear lack of rational, scientific and evidence-based practice in the field. Treatment remains arbitrary. This brief review tries to summarize concisely the etiology, diagnosis and management of the four categories of Ejaculatory dysfunction (EjD). This review also challenges the role of pharmacotherapy in the management of Ejaculatory dysfunction (EjD).

Frequency of Monthly Ejaculation at Sexual Intercourse, DNA Fragmentation Index and Fertilization Rate among Sperm Donors and Fertility-Challenged Men in Sub-Saharan Africa: Paper 2

Introduction: Heterogenous sexual intercourse often produces a powerful orgasm that stimulates the pituitary function. Studies have suggested ejaculation frequency based on age. Materials and Methods: Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect information from subjects. Semen samples were collected from sperm donors and sub-fertile men who presented for infertility challenges. Processing and analysis of semen samples were done according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Sperm deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation was evaluated using the Halosperm kit. Results: Among sperm donors, those aged χ2 = 0.09, P-value = 0.81, OR = 3.2, 95% CI: 0.23, 45.19) while among sub-fertile men those aged ≥40 years were approximately 2.3 times more likely to have very low frequency of MESI compared to aged χ2 = 2.11, P-value = 0.51, OR = 2.27, 95% CI: 0.74, 9.92). The frequency of all categories of MESI was highest among sub-fertile men aged χ2 = 0.03, P-value = 0.57, OR = 2.42, 95% CI: 0.41, 14.46). Sub-fertile men aged ≥40 with diastolic hypertension (≥90 mmHg) were approximately 6 times more likely to have a low (6 - 10) frequency of MESI compared to those aged χ2 = 1.97, P-value = 0.16, OR = 6.22, 95% CI: 0.69, 55.77). Overall mean fertilization rate was significantly higher (t-test = 2.44, P-value = 0.01) among sub-fertile men aged Conclusion: Cigarette smoking, more than alcohol consumption, appears to be a major factor that significantly affects the frequency of MESI among sub-fertile men in all age groups. Frequency of MESI negatively but insignificantly correlated with systolic blood pressure.

Female control of sperm ejection and retention in the cornsilk fly Euxesta eluta(Diptera:Ulididae)

Promiscuous mating systems provide the opportunity for females to bias fertilization toward particular males.However,distinguishing between male sperm com-petition and active female sperm choice is difficult for species with internal fertilization.Nevertheless,species that store and use sperm of different males in different storing struc-tures and species where females are able to expel all or part of the ejaculates after cop-ulation may be able to bias fertilization.We report a series of experiments aimed at pro-viding evidence of female sperm choice in Euxesta eluta(Hendel),a species of ulidiid fly that expels and consumes ejaculates after copulation.We found no evidence of greater reproductive success for females mated singly,multiply with the same male,or mated multiply with different males.Female E.eluta possesses two spherical spermathecae and a bursa copulatrix for sperm storage,with a ventral receptacle.There was no significant difference in storing more sperm in spermathecae 24 h after copulation than immediately after copulation.Females mated with protein-fed males had greater reproductive success than similar females mated to protein-deprived males.Protein-fed females prevented to consume the ejaculate,retained more sperm when mated to protein-fed males than when mated to protein-deprived males.Our results suggest that female E.eluta can exert control of sperm retention of higher quality males through ejaculate ejection.