Objective:To improve the quality of post-thawing Boer buck semen for artificial insemination by adding green tea extract chitosan nanoparticles to skimmed egg yolk diluent,and the proper thawing temperature.Methods:Th...Objective:To improve the quality of post-thawing Boer buck semen for artificial insemination by adding green tea extract chitosan nanoparticles to skimmed egg yolk diluent,and the proper thawing temperature.Methods:The ejaculate of Boer buck was added to skimmed egg yolk diluent without(the control group)and with adding 1μg of chitosan nanoparticles of green tea extract per mL of diluent(the treatment group).Then,the diluted semen was filled in French mini straws containing 60×106 live sperm per straw,frozen in a standard protocol,and stored as frozen semen at−196℃for a week.Six replicates from each group were diluted for 30 s at 37℃or 39℃sterile water to evaluate the semen quality.Results:Post-thawing(at 37℃or 39℃)of live sperm,progressive motility,and plasma membrane integrity were lower compared to those of the pre-freezing stage(P<0.05).Thawing at 37℃resulted in no significant difference in live sperm,progressive motility,and plasma membrane between the control group and the treatment group(P>0.05).The live sperm,progressive motility,and plasma membrane of the treatment group in the pre-freezing stage,and post-thawed at 39℃were higher compared to those of the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in malondialdehyde(MDA)concentration,DNA fragmentation,and catalase concentration of thawing at 37℃compared to those of 39℃in the same group.The MDA concentration and DNA fragmentation in thawing at 37℃and 39℃of the treatment group were significantly lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).However,the catalase concentration in thawing at 37℃and 39℃of the treatment group was not significantly different than the control group(P>0.05).Conclusions:Higher quality post-thawing Boer buck semen is achieved by adding 1μg/mL of chitosan nanoparticles of green tea extract to the skimmed egg yolk diluent and thawing at 39℃.展开更多
Amyloid-beta-induced neuronal cell death contributes to cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease.Citri Reticulatae Semen has diverse beneficial effects on neurodegenerative diseases,including Parkinson’s and Hunting...Amyloid-beta-induced neuronal cell death contributes to cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease.Citri Reticulatae Semen has diverse beneficial effects on neurodegenerative diseases,including Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases,however,the effect of Citri Reticulatae Semen on Alzheimer’s disease remains unelucidated.In the current study,the anti-apoptotic and autophagic roles of Citri Reticulatae Semen extract on amyloid-beta-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells were first investigated.Citri Reticulatae Semen extract protected PC12 cells from amyloid-beta-induced apoptosis by attenuating the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio via activation of autophagy.In addition,Citri Reticulatae Semen extract was confirmed to bind amyloid-beta as revealed by biolayer interferometry in vitro,and suppress amyloid-beta-induced pathology such as paralysis,in a transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans in vivo model.Moreover,genetically defective Caenorhabditis elegans further confirmed that the neuroprotective effect of Citri Reticulatae Semen extract was autophagy-dependent.Most importantly,Citri Reticulatae Semen extract was confirmed to improve cognitive impairment,neuronal injury and amyloid-beta burden in 3×Tg Alzheimer’s disease mice.As revealed by both in vitro and in vivo models,these results suggest that Citri Reticulatae Semen extract is a potential natural therapeutic agent for Alzheimer’s disease via its neuroprotective autophagic effects.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the relationship between ambient sulfur dioxide(SO2)exposure and semen quality parameters.Methods:A systematic literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies investigating the as...Objective:To investigate the relationship between ambient sulfur dioxide(SO2)exposure and semen quality parameters.Methods:A systematic literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies investigating the association between SO2 exposure and semen quality parameters.This search encompassed the timeframe from January 2000 to May 2023 and included electronic databases such as Web of Science,Google Scholar,PubMed,Cochrane,and Scopus.Pooled effect estimates with 95%confidence intervals(CI)were calculated using percent changes(PC).The meta-analysis included seven studies with 6711 participants and 15087 semen samples.Results:The results revealed a significant negative association between ambient SO2 exposure and certain semen quality parameters.In particular,SO2 exposure was associated with a significant decrease in progressive motility(PC=0.032;95%CI:-0.063 to-0.001;P=0.044)and sperm concentration(PC=-0.020;95%CI:-0.036 to-0.005;P=0.012).However,no statistically significant associations were observed for total sperm count(PC=-0.038;95%CI:-0.079 to 0.003;P=0.070),seminal fluid volume(PC=-0.009;95%CI:-0.048 to-0.030;P=0.662)and sperm motility(PC=-0.17;95%CI:-0.363 to 0.022;P=0.830).In addition,the results of the subgroup analysis revealed specific variables that were associated with the decrease in relevant sperm parameters.Conclusions:This systematic review and meta-analysis provides compelling evidence supporting a consistent negative association between exposure to ambient SO2 and semen quality parameters.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on semen quality parameters in Teressa goat buck.Methods:A total of 25 semen samples from six bucks were selected for the study.Spermatozoa of 150&#...Objective:To investigate the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on semen quality parameters in Teressa goat buck.Methods:A total of 25 semen samples from six bucks were selected for the study.Spermatozoa of 150×10^(6) were incubated in 0,300,500 and 700μg of leaf extract as groupⅠ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ and Ⅳ,respectively.Liquid stored semen samples were analysed for motility,viability,total sperm abnormalities,plasma membrane,acrosomal and nuclear integrities,seminal plasma intracellular enzymes[aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)]and total antioxidant capacity(TAC)and spermatozoa malondialdehyde(MDA)and cholesterol efflux in comparison with the control group(groupⅠ)for up to 72 h.Results:Moringa oleifera leaf extract(500μg/150×10^(6) spermatozoa)-treated semen had significantly higher motility,viability,plasma membrane,acrosomal and nuclear integrities,and TAC(P<0.05),and had significantly lower total sperm abnormalities,AST,ALT,LDH,MDA production and cholesterol efflux compared to those in other Moringa oleifera leaf extract treated(300 or 700μg/150×10^(6) spermatozoa)and control groups at different hours of liquid storage(P<0.05).Semen quality parameters and TAC showed an increasing trend and total sperm abnormalities,MDA production,leakage of intra-cellular enzymes and cholesterol efflux showed a decreasing trend from group Ⅰto group Ⅲand then an opposite trend from group Ⅲ to group Ⅳ at different hours of liquid storage.Conclusions:Moringa oleifera leaf extract 500μg/150×10^(6) spermatozoa can be used for liquid semen preservation in Teressa goat at Andaman and Nicobar Islands.展开更多
Objective:To select the appropriate concentrations of methanolic pomegranate extract supplemented in rams’semen extender for obtaining the best-cryopreserved semen quality.Methods:Tris-based semen extender was supple...Objective:To select the appropriate concentrations of methanolic pomegranate extract supplemented in rams’semen extender for obtaining the best-cryopreserved semen quality.Methods:Tris-based semen extender was supplemented with 0.0,0.40,0.48,and 0.56 mg/mL pomegranate peel methanolic extract to extend semen collected from five native rams twice weekly for two months(n=80).Pooled(n=16)post-thaw semen characteristics were determined.Thawed seminal plasma of all supplemented and control groups were used to measure malondialdehyde(MDA),nitric oxide(NO),glutathione peroxidase(GPx),superoxide dismutase(SOD),ascorbic acid,zinc,copper,total cholesterol,low-density lipoproteins(LDL),lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),and alkaline phosphatase(ALP).Results:The supplementation of Tris-based semen extender with 0.48 mg/mL semen extender resulted in the highest post-thaw sperm total motility(P<0.001),sperm progressive motility(P<0.001),live sperm(P<0.001),sperm plasma membrane integrity(P<0.001),acrosome integrity(P<0.001),SOD(P<0.05),zinc(P<0.001),total cholesterol(P<0.001),and LDL(P<0.001)with the lowest percentage of abnormal sperm morphology(P<0.001),the lowest lipid peroxidation(MDA,P<0.01),ascorbic acid(P>0.05),and LDH(P>0.05).Conclusions:Pomegranate peel methanolic extract 0.48 mg/mL supplemented to Tris-based semen extender of rams is the best enrichment in preserving the sperm post-thaw characteristics via improving biochemical profiles and antioxidant capacity.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the association between age and semen parameters among male partners of subfertile couples.Methods:This retrospective study analyzed the semen of 1523 infertile men aged 26 to 50 years.Data we...Objective:To investigate the association between age and semen parameters among male partners of subfertile couples.Methods:This retrospective study analyzed the semen of 1523 infertile men aged 26 to 50 years.Data were extracted from GarbhaGudi IVF Centre database from January 2019 to September 2020.The basic semen parameters were interpreted according to the WHO manual 2021,6th edition.Semen parameters in different age groups were compared.Results:Total and progressive motile sperms were significantly higher in the age group of 26-30 years compared to other age groups(P<0.05).Normal sperm count was significantly higher in the age group of 26-30 years compared to the age groups of 41-45 years and>46 years(P=0.001).However,sperm head defects,neck and midpiece defects,tail defects,and cytoplasmic droplets showed statistically insignificant difference in all the age groups(P>0.05).Semen viscosity showed no statistical difference in all the age groups compared to the reference age group of 26 to 30 years.Conclusions:Higher age can lead to a significant decrease in normal sperms and motility in subfertile men.Hence,male partner age should be considered as one of the major determining factors for reproductive outcomes.展开更多
Objective:To optimize the concentration of PDC-109 protein in semen for higher cryopreservability and fertility by sequestration or neutralization of PDC-109 by its antibodies(anti-PDC-109 antibodies)in bubaline speci...Objective:To optimize the concentration of PDC-109 protein in semen for higher cryopreservability and fertility by sequestration or neutralization of PDC-109 by its antibodies(anti-PDC-109 antibodies)in bubaline species.Methods:PDC-109 protein was purified by applying two-step chromatography procedures.Purified protein was injected in rabbits to raise antibodies.These raised anti-PDC-109 antibodies were used in neutralization or sequestration of PDC-109 in in-vitro model.Ejaculates were collected from buffaloes and splited for four groups.Group 1 received egg yolk Tris glycerol extender,without anti-PDC-109 antibodies,while group 2 to 4 received anti-PDC-109 antibodies 266μg/mL,80μg/mL,and 26μg/mL in Tris-fructose-citrate buffer,respectively.Semen quality parameters viz.,forward progressive motility,viability,total morphological abnormality,acrosomal integrity,plasma membrane integrity,cryoinjury and in-vitro zona binding index were evaluated.Results:Semen quality parameters of neat semen were within the normal range of bubaline species.Sperm motility,livability,acrosomal integrity,plasma membrane integrity,and cholesterol content of sperm were decreased and total sperm abnormality was increased significantly in post-thaw semen compared to those in pre-freeze and fresh semen(P<0.05).Semen in group 2 had higher sperm motility,livability,acrosomal integrity,plasma membrane integrity,and cholesterol content of sperm and lower total sperm abnormality significantly compared to those in group 1,3 and 4 at pre-freeze and post-thaw stages(P<0.05).Conclusions:Sequestration or neutralization of PDC-109 by its antibodies significantly improves pre-freeze,and post-thaw semen quality parameters and in-vitro zona binding index with simultaneously reducing cryoinjury or cryodamage in the sperm of bubaline species.展开更多
Objective:To measure seasonal effects on semen quality profiles,seminal biochemical and oxidative stress attributes in fresh and liquid stored semen in monsoon and dry seasons.Methods:A total of 10 Teressa bucks(3-4 y...Objective:To measure seasonal effects on semen quality profiles,seminal biochemical and oxidative stress attributes in fresh and liquid stored semen in monsoon and dry seasons.Methods:A total of 10 Teressa bucks(3-4 years)were selected from breeding farm,ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute,Port Blair,Andaman and Nicobar Islands,India.Semen samples(n=25 per season)were collected through artificial vagina method and preserved at refrigerated temperature(5℃)for 48 h using Tris citrate glucose based extender.We detected semen quality parameters[volume,mass activity,pH,sperm concentration,total motility,viability,total sperm abnormality,and plasma membrane,acrosomal and nuclear integrities],biochemical profiles[aspartate amino transferase(AST),alanine amino transferase(ALT)and total cholesterol],and oxidative stress markers[total antioxidant capacity(TAC)and malondialdehyde(MDA)]during monsoon and dry seasons.Results:Semen quality parameters significantly differed between seasons(P<0.05)and among storage periods(P<0.05).Volume,pH,mass activity,motility,viability,acrosomal,plasma membrane and nuclear integrities,and TAC were significantly higher(P<0.05).Sperm concentration,sperm abnormalities,MDA,AST,ALT and total cholesterol were significantly lower in fresh semen of monsoon than dry season(P<0.05).Motility,viability,acrosomal,plasma membrane and nuclear integrities,and TAC were significantly decreased(P<0.05)while sperm abnormality,AST,ALT,total cholesterol and MDA were significantly increased as liquid semen storage period advanced(P<0.05).Conclusions:Monsoon season has higher beneficial effects on semen quality profiles and liquid stored semen remained usable for upto 48 h.Good quality ejaculates with higher TAC and lower MDA can be cryopreserved and will be used for artificial insemination.展开更多
Lifestyle factors play a crucial role in the influence of semen quality,and they are especially significant in the context of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)clinical treatment for poor semen quality.TCM theory empha...Lifestyle factors play a crucial role in the influence of semen quality,and they are especially significant in the context of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)clinical treatment for poor semen quality.TCM theory emphasizes the importance of healthy lifestyle habits for overall well-being.Therefore,it is essential to consider lifestyle factors in the clinical management of TCM and semen quality.Lifestyle can act as a bias factor that affects research quality,making it vital to pay special attention to its impact in clinical trial research on male semen quality.This article aims to improve the quality and design of clinical research on male sperm quality by examining the effects of various lifestyle factors on semen quality,including physical activities,dietary patterns,smoking,alcohol consumption,coffee intake,sleep,and psychological stress.Each lifestyle factor has its own distinct influence on semen quality,and there is a synergistic effect when multiple lifestyle factors are combined.These findings emphasize the need for careful consideration of lifestyle factors and their interactions in the design and implementation of TCM clinical trial research.展开更多
The antioxidant of reduced glutathione(GSH) is the most abundant thiol in cells for the maintenance of the intracellular redox balance. The study aimed to assay the effect of sperm treatment with GSH before incubation...The antioxidant of reduced glutathione(GSH) is the most abundant thiol in cells for the maintenance of the intracellular redox balance. The study aimed to assay the effect of sperm treatment with GSH before incubation with oocytes on the development potential of embryos obtained by in vitro fertilization(IVF). Also the mitochondrial membrane potential(ΔΨm), plasma membrane integrity(viability), DNA fragmentation, reactive oxygen species(ROS) content, superoxide dismutase(SOD), catalase(CAT) and glutathione peroxidase(GPx) activities, methane dicarboxylic aldehyde(MDA) level as indices of lipid peroxidation in sex-sorted and unsorted sperm from three bulls were investigated using flow cytometry and enzyme-labeled instrument individually. The results showed that 2 mm ol L–1 GSH increased significantly the cleavage rate(86.68% vs. 82.78%), 4- to 8-cell rate(82.30% vs. 73.43%) and blastocyst rate(43.15% vs. 35.24%) of IVF embryos compared with untreated group. Furthermore, addition of GSH increased significantly the ΔΨm and viability, decreased the ratio of DNA fragmentation in sex-sorted or unsorted semen(P<0.05), except the sex-sorted semen from bull 019. Similarly, activities of SOD, CAT and GPx were increased significantly. However, the contents of MDA were decreased significantly both in sex-sorted and unsorted semen treated with GSH(P<0.05). These results suggest that sperm pretreatment with GSH during IVF can maintain better the viability and fertility of sperm through reducing apoptosis and increasing the antioxidant capacity, which improves the IVF embryos development.展开更多
Background: Hypothermic preservation of boar semen is considered a potential method for omitting antibiotics from insemination doses, thereby contributing to the global antibiotic resistance defence strategy. The main...Background: Hypothermic preservation of boar semen is considered a potential method for omitting antibiotics from insemination doses, thereby contributing to the global antibiotic resistance defence strategy. The main challenges are chilling injury to spermatozoa and bacterial growth during semen storage leading to reduced fertility.Objectives: To examine chilling injury and the number and type of bacteria in boar semen stored at 5 ℃ in the absence of antibiotics, and to assess the applicability of hypothermic semen storage under field conditions.Material and methods: Boar ejaculates were extended with AndroStar~? Premium, stored at 17 ℃ with and at 5 ℃ without antibiotics and tested for functional sperm parameters by flow cytometry. Raw semen and extended samples were investigated bacteriologically. Fertility was evaluated after once-daily inseminations of 194 sows in a field study.Results: Lethal sperm damage assessed by motility and membrane integrity was low throughout storage in both experimental groups. Sublethal chilling effects based on the decrease of viable spermatozoa with low membrane fluidity were higher(P < 0.05) up until 72 h in sperm stored at 5 ℃ compared to 17 ℃ but did not differ after 144 h.After 72 h, incubation in capacitating medium for 60 min induced a similar decrease in viable sperm with high mitochondria membrane potential and low cytosolic calcium in both groups. In semen stored at 5 ℃, bacteria counts were below 103 CFU/mL and the bacteria spectrum was similar to that of raw semen. In 88% of 34 boars,cooled semen fulfilled the requirements for insemination. Fertility was high and did not differ(P > 0.05) between sow groups inseminated with semen stored antibiotic-free at 5 ℃ and semen stored at 17 ℃ with antibiotics.Conclusion: Despite subtle chilling effects and low bacterial numbers, antibiotic-free hypothermic storage of boar semen offers the possibility to reduce the use of antibiotics in pig insemination. However, strict sanitary guidelines must be maintained and further evidence of efficiency under field conditions is considered desirable.展开更多
Objective:To characterize the semen of three genetic types of boars(local,improved and Large White)reared in Benin.Methods:Semen of local,improved and Large White boars reared in Benin were collected using the gloved ...Objective:To characterize the semen of three genetic types of boars(local,improved and Large White)reared in Benin.Methods:Semen of local,improved and Large White boars reared in Benin were collected using the gloved hand method and analyzed to determine volume,pH,concentration,mobility,motility,and morphology.The effect of the genetic type of boar on semen characteristics was aslo studied.Results:Duration of ejaculation and semen volume of Large White boar were significantly higher than those of local and improved boars(P<0.05).The semen of improved boars had a higher motility score than that of Large White and local boars(P<0.001).The semen of local boars was more concentrated in the spermatozoa than that of improved and Large White boars(P<0.05).The proportion of spermatozoa of improved boars with normal morphology(93.6%)was significantly higher than that of local(82.2%)and Large White boars(81.6%)(P<0.001).The proportion of spermatozoa with folded tails in the semen of Large White boars(9.2%)was significantly higher than that observed in improved(1.8%)and local(5.0%)boars(P<0.001).The proportion of spermatozoa with proximal cytoplasmic droplets in semen of improved boars(2.7%)was significantly lower than that in Large White(6.8%)and local(9.7%)boars(P<0.001).The local(1.5%)and Large White boars(1.1%)showed more spermatozoa with distal cytoplasmic droplets in their semen compared to the improved boars(0.4%).Conclusions:The semen characteristics of pigs reared in Benin vary from one genetic type to another.Each genetic type has a strong point.The Large White boar produces larger semen,the local boar produces more concentrated semen and the improved boar produces spermatozoa that are morphologically better.The semen of these three genetic types can be used in artificial insemination but the improved boar's semen is more recommended.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the effects of non-permeable cryoprotectant,cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin,when added at different concentrations into cooled and frozen-thawed semen extended with Tris-citrate-fructose egg y...Objective:To investigate the effects of non-permeable cryoprotectant,cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin,when added at different concentrations into cooled and frozen-thawed semen extended with Tris-citrate-fructose egg yolk glycerol and lecithin-based extenders.Methods:A total of 40 ejaculates from four buffalo bulls were collected using artificial vagina.Ejaculates were extended with one of Tris-citrate-fructose egg yolk glycerol and lecithin-based extenders which contained different concentrations[0(control),0.75,1.50,2.25 and 3.00 mg/mL]of cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin.The extended semen samples were cooled to 5曟and then frozen slowly to-196曟in 0.25 mL ministraws before being stored in liquid nitrogen pending its evaluation.Sperm motility,live sperm,normal sperm morphology,sperm membrane integrity and acrosome morphology were measured.Results:Supplementation of cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin improved progressive motility,viability,morphology and acrosome as well as plasma membrane integrities at 1.50-2.25 mg/mL depending upon types of used extenders and stages of pre-and post-freezing process(P<0.01).The best concentration was 1.50 mg/mL at pre-freeze stage and 2.25 mg/mL at post-freezing.However,greater concentration(3.00 mg/mL)of cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin had a detrimental effect compared to the control group with the two evaluated extenders(P<0.01).Conclusions:Cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin supplementation at 1.50-2.25 mg/mL concentration could improve pre-frozen and post-thawed buffalo sperm quality.The most suitable concentration is 1.50 mg/mL at pre-freeze stage and 2.25 mg/mL at post-freezing.展开更多
Ziziphi Spinosae Semen(ZSS),a traditional Chinese medicine,is used in clinics for the treatment of insomnia in China and other Asian countries.Herein,we described for the first time a comparative pharmacokinetics stud...Ziziphi Spinosae Semen(ZSS),a traditional Chinese medicine,is used in clinics for the treatment of insomnia in China and other Asian countries.Herein,we described for the first time a comparative pharmacokinetics study of the six major compounds of ZSS in normal control(NC)and para-chlorophenylalanine(PCPA)-induced insomnia model(IM)rats that were orally administered the aqueous extract of ZSS.An ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole orbitrap mass(UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS)method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of coclaurine,magnoflorine,spinosin,6000-feruloylspinosin,jujuboside A(JuA),and jujuboside B(JuB)in ZSS in rat plasma.The established approach was successfully applied to a comparative pharmacokinetic study.The systemic exposures of spinosin and 6000-feruloylspinosin were decreased in the IM group compared to the NC group,while plasma clearance(CL)was significantly increased.The Tmax values of JuA and JuB in IM rats were significantly lower than those in NC rats.The T1/2 of JuA in the IM group was significantly accelerated.The pharmacokinetic parameters of coclaurine and magnoflorine were not evidently affected between the two groups.These results indicate that the pathological state of insomnia altered the plasma pharmacokinetics of spinosin,6000-feruloylspinosin,JuA,and JuB in the ZSS aqueous extract,providing an experimental basis for the role of ZSS in insomnia treatment.The comparative pharmacokinetics-based UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS using full-scan mode can therefore provide a reliable and suitable means for the screening of potentially effective substances applied as quality markers of ZSS.展开更多
A sensitive,fast and comprehensive method for the quality assessment of Semen Ziziphi Spinosae(SZS)standard decoction with characterization of its chemical components was developed and validated.UPLC-Q/TOF-MS/MS syste...A sensitive,fast and comprehensive method for the quality assessment of Semen Ziziphi Spinosae(SZS)standard decoction with characterization of its chemical components was developed and validated.UPLC-Q/TOF-MS/MS system was used to identify thirty-six chemical components of SZS standard decoction which included nucleosides,phenolic acids,alkaloids,and flavonoids.Furthermore,a UPLC-PDA method was validated to simultaneously determine adenosine,protocatechuic acid,magnoflorine,catechin,protocatechin,vicenin II,spinosin,kaempferol-3-rutinoside,and 6'''-feruloylspinosin which represent four species of characteristic compounds.The qualitative method had been validated according to Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2015 edition)in terms of lineary,repeatability,recovery and stability for all analytes,with the results showing good precision,accuracy and stability.In conclusion,the method using UPLC combined with MS and PDA provided a novel way for the standardization and identification of SZS standard decoction,and also offered a basis for qualitative analysis and quality assessment of the preparations for SZS standard decoction.展开更多
Male reproductive functions are mediated by different hormones whose orchestrations remain a major research interest. The 'master' regulator hormonal axis is the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal/testicular axis w...Male reproductive functions are mediated by different hormones whose orchestrations remain a major research interest. The 'master' regulator hormonal axis is the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal/testicular axis which is led by the pulsatile release of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone. This, in turn, stimulates the anterior pituitary trophic hormones, the luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. Luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone act upon the testicular cells, the Leydig cells for steroidogenesis and Sertoli cells to aid spermatogenesis, respectively. This primary axis is influenced by an array of other testicular hormones, metabolic hormones, and different regulatory factors. These hormonal crosstalks influence the intricate testicular functions, sexual behavior and semen quality in men. Given the growing concern in the last few decades over the increasing prevalence of male subfertility and/or infertility mostly in terms of deteriorating semen quality, it is required to find its underlying mechanisms. In this regard, the endocrine regulation of testicular functions is of prime importance in the determination of semen quality and sperm functions. This review article aims to present a concise updated overview on the mechanism by which the key hormones integrate the male reproductive functions and maintain the semen quality.展开更多
Conventional quantity determination of Chinese herbal medicines by High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) must be carried out on a TLC scanner for measuring the marker component on the HPTLC plate. General...Conventional quantity determination of Chinese herbal medicines by High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) must be carried out on a TLC scanner for measuring the marker component on the HPTLC plate. Generally the HPTLC image of the herbal drug always takes the photograph as the permanent visual document. Considering the photo of the HPTLC image preserving all the visual quality-related parameters, there might be an alternative cost/effective approach worth studying. It would be presumably applicable to use the exclusively developed software as a virtual scanner instead of the TLC Scanner instrument to do digital scanning, integrating and calculating target components in the photo of the HPTLC image. It means digitally scanning the photo of the HPTLC image solely with software does the same thing as the instrumental scanner does. Based on this protocol, we primarily conducted the assay of the contents of the major saponins, jujuboside a and jujuboside b, in Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (Suan-Zao-Ren). Using home-developed software “digiscan” for acquiring the raw data and integrating the peaks area of the target components with “Origin Pro”, the contents of jujuboside a and jujuboside b can then be calculated respectively. The primary investigated experiment results were well compatible with official HPLC-ELSD method in Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The methodology validation and comparative analysis with HPLC confirmed that the unprecedented method is acceptable. The advantage of the recommended approach is far more simple, flexible and cost/effective than the conventional method, and it can be done at anytime and anywhere once only if the high quality HPTLC image photo is available. There would be a bright perspective for application to other herbal medicines. And the one-stop software for merging digital scanning, integration and calculation together is in progress.展开更多
Objective:To assess the effects of dietary L-Arginine (L-Arg) supplementation on testes histological parameters and semen quality of male broiler breeder.Methods: Twenty male broiler breeders at 37 wk of age were dist...Objective:To assess the effects of dietary L-Arginine (L-Arg) supplementation on testes histological parameters and semen quality of male broiler breeder.Methods: Twenty male broiler breeders at 37 wk of age were distributed in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 5 replicates each. The treatments consisted of 4 dietary levels of L-Arg (0.00, 1.35, 2.33 and 3.22 g/kg of the diet) and fed to birds for 8 wk. At the end of the experiment semen samples were collected by abdominal massage to determination of semen quality. The blood samples were used to determination of serum testosterone concentration at the end of the experiment. Furthermore, testes from each rooster were used to evaluation of their weights and histological parameters.Results:The results of the experiment showed that dietary L-Arg at 2.33 g/kg improved testes weight, semen volume and sperm forward motility in roosters (P<0.05). Besides, serum concentration of testosterone was increased in roosters fed 2.33 g/kg L-Arg (P<0.05). The results of testes histology indicated that seminiferous tubules lumen diameter, leydig cells, spermatides and sperm cells counts were greater in birds received 3.22 g/kg dietary L-Arg (P<0.05). However, the birds fed diet supplemented with 2.33 g/kg L-Arg had greater seminiferous tubules diameter, sertoli and spermatogonia cell counts than other groups (P<0.05).Conclusion:According to the results of this experiment, it is concluded that dietary L-Arg had positive effects on reproductive traits in roosters.展开更多
(+)-Sesamin was found in Semen Cuscutae for the first time. A rapid and simple approach for the analysis of (+)-sesamin in different sources of Semen Cuscutae is proposed, which used GC-FID for the determination of (+...(+)-Sesamin was found in Semen Cuscutae for the first time. A rapid and simple approach for the analysis of (+)-sesamin in different sources of Semen Cuscutae is proposed, which used GC-FID for the determination of (+)-sesamin and GC-MS for its identification. The result suggested that this approach could be used to identify Semen Cuscutae from various sources based on the different content of (+)-sesamin in them.展开更多
基金funded by Universitas Airlangga,Indonesia,contract number:1405/UN3.1.6/PT/2022.
文摘Objective:To improve the quality of post-thawing Boer buck semen for artificial insemination by adding green tea extract chitosan nanoparticles to skimmed egg yolk diluent,and the proper thawing temperature.Methods:The ejaculate of Boer buck was added to skimmed egg yolk diluent without(the control group)and with adding 1μg of chitosan nanoparticles of green tea extract per mL of diluent(the treatment group).Then,the diluted semen was filled in French mini straws containing 60×106 live sperm per straw,frozen in a standard protocol,and stored as frozen semen at−196℃for a week.Six replicates from each group were diluted for 30 s at 37℃or 39℃sterile water to evaluate the semen quality.Results:Post-thawing(at 37℃or 39℃)of live sperm,progressive motility,and plasma membrane integrity were lower compared to those of the pre-freezing stage(P<0.05).Thawing at 37℃resulted in no significant difference in live sperm,progressive motility,and plasma membrane between the control group and the treatment group(P>0.05).The live sperm,progressive motility,and plasma membrane of the treatment group in the pre-freezing stage,and post-thawed at 39℃were higher compared to those of the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in malondialdehyde(MDA)concentration,DNA fragmentation,and catalase concentration of thawing at 37℃compared to those of 39℃in the same group.The MDA concentration and DNA fragmentation in thawing at 37℃and 39℃of the treatment group were significantly lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).However,the catalase concentration in thawing at 37℃and 39℃of the treatment group was not significantly different than the control group(P>0.05).Conclusions:Higher quality post-thawing Boer buck semen is achieved by adding 1μg/mL of chitosan nanoparticles of green tea extract to the skimmed egg yolk diluent and thawing at 39℃.
基金supported by FDCT grants from the Macao Science and Technology Development Fund,China,No.002/2023/ALC(to BYKL)Foshan Medicine Dengfeng Project of China 2019-2021(to BYKL)+3 种基金the Science and Technology Program of Sichuan Province,Nos.2022YFS0620(to DQ)and MZGC20230041(to XFW)the TCMs Commission of Sichuan Province,No.2021MS469(to YT)the Science and Technology Program of Luzhou,No.2022-WGR-194(to YT)the Southwest Medical University Science and Technology Program,No.2021NJXNYD04(to DQ).
文摘Amyloid-beta-induced neuronal cell death contributes to cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease.Citri Reticulatae Semen has diverse beneficial effects on neurodegenerative diseases,including Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases,however,the effect of Citri Reticulatae Semen on Alzheimer’s disease remains unelucidated.In the current study,the anti-apoptotic and autophagic roles of Citri Reticulatae Semen extract on amyloid-beta-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells were first investigated.Citri Reticulatae Semen extract protected PC12 cells from amyloid-beta-induced apoptosis by attenuating the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio via activation of autophagy.In addition,Citri Reticulatae Semen extract was confirmed to bind amyloid-beta as revealed by biolayer interferometry in vitro,and suppress amyloid-beta-induced pathology such as paralysis,in a transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans in vivo model.Moreover,genetically defective Caenorhabditis elegans further confirmed that the neuroprotective effect of Citri Reticulatae Semen extract was autophagy-dependent.Most importantly,Citri Reticulatae Semen extract was confirmed to improve cognitive impairment,neuronal injury and amyloid-beta burden in 3×Tg Alzheimer’s disease mice.As revealed by both in vitro and in vivo models,these results suggest that Citri Reticulatae Semen extract is a potential natural therapeutic agent for Alzheimer’s disease via its neuroprotective autophagic effects.
文摘Objective:To investigate the relationship between ambient sulfur dioxide(SO2)exposure and semen quality parameters.Methods:A systematic literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies investigating the association between SO2 exposure and semen quality parameters.This search encompassed the timeframe from January 2000 to May 2023 and included electronic databases such as Web of Science,Google Scholar,PubMed,Cochrane,and Scopus.Pooled effect estimates with 95%confidence intervals(CI)were calculated using percent changes(PC).The meta-analysis included seven studies with 6711 participants and 15087 semen samples.Results:The results revealed a significant negative association between ambient SO2 exposure and certain semen quality parameters.In particular,SO2 exposure was associated with a significant decrease in progressive motility(PC=0.032;95%CI:-0.063 to-0.001;P=0.044)and sperm concentration(PC=-0.020;95%CI:-0.036 to-0.005;P=0.012).However,no statistically significant associations were observed for total sperm count(PC=-0.038;95%CI:-0.079 to 0.003;P=0.070),seminal fluid volume(PC=-0.009;95%CI:-0.048 to-0.030;P=0.662)and sperm motility(PC=-0.17;95%CI:-0.363 to 0.022;P=0.830).In addition,the results of the subgroup analysis revealed specific variables that were associated with the decrease in relevant sperm parameters.Conclusions:This systematic review and meta-analysis provides compelling evidence supporting a consistent negative association between exposure to ambient SO2 and semen quality parameters.
文摘Objective:To investigate the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on semen quality parameters in Teressa goat buck.Methods:A total of 25 semen samples from six bucks were selected for the study.Spermatozoa of 150×10^(6) were incubated in 0,300,500 and 700μg of leaf extract as groupⅠ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ and Ⅳ,respectively.Liquid stored semen samples were analysed for motility,viability,total sperm abnormalities,plasma membrane,acrosomal and nuclear integrities,seminal plasma intracellular enzymes[aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)]and total antioxidant capacity(TAC)and spermatozoa malondialdehyde(MDA)and cholesterol efflux in comparison with the control group(groupⅠ)for up to 72 h.Results:Moringa oleifera leaf extract(500μg/150×10^(6) spermatozoa)-treated semen had significantly higher motility,viability,plasma membrane,acrosomal and nuclear integrities,and TAC(P<0.05),and had significantly lower total sperm abnormalities,AST,ALT,LDH,MDA production and cholesterol efflux compared to those in other Moringa oleifera leaf extract treated(300 or 700μg/150×10^(6) spermatozoa)and control groups at different hours of liquid storage(P<0.05).Semen quality parameters and TAC showed an increasing trend and total sperm abnormalities,MDA production,leakage of intra-cellular enzymes and cholesterol efflux showed a decreasing trend from group Ⅰto group Ⅲand then an opposite trend from group Ⅲ to group Ⅳ at different hours of liquid storage.Conclusions:Moringa oleifera leaf extract 500μg/150×10^(6) spermatozoa can be used for liquid semen preservation in Teressa goat at Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
文摘Objective:To select the appropriate concentrations of methanolic pomegranate extract supplemented in rams’semen extender for obtaining the best-cryopreserved semen quality.Methods:Tris-based semen extender was supplemented with 0.0,0.40,0.48,and 0.56 mg/mL pomegranate peel methanolic extract to extend semen collected from five native rams twice weekly for two months(n=80).Pooled(n=16)post-thaw semen characteristics were determined.Thawed seminal plasma of all supplemented and control groups were used to measure malondialdehyde(MDA),nitric oxide(NO),glutathione peroxidase(GPx),superoxide dismutase(SOD),ascorbic acid,zinc,copper,total cholesterol,low-density lipoproteins(LDL),lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),and alkaline phosphatase(ALP).Results:The supplementation of Tris-based semen extender with 0.48 mg/mL semen extender resulted in the highest post-thaw sperm total motility(P<0.001),sperm progressive motility(P<0.001),live sperm(P<0.001),sperm plasma membrane integrity(P<0.001),acrosome integrity(P<0.001),SOD(P<0.05),zinc(P<0.001),total cholesterol(P<0.001),and LDL(P<0.001)with the lowest percentage of abnormal sperm morphology(P<0.001),the lowest lipid peroxidation(MDA,P<0.01),ascorbic acid(P>0.05),and LDH(P>0.05).Conclusions:Pomegranate peel methanolic extract 0.48 mg/mL supplemented to Tris-based semen extender of rams is the best enrichment in preserving the sperm post-thaw characteristics via improving biochemical profiles and antioxidant capacity.
文摘Objective:To investigate the association between age and semen parameters among male partners of subfertile couples.Methods:This retrospective study analyzed the semen of 1523 infertile men aged 26 to 50 years.Data were extracted from GarbhaGudi IVF Centre database from January 2019 to September 2020.The basic semen parameters were interpreted according to the WHO manual 2021,6th edition.Semen parameters in different age groups were compared.Results:Total and progressive motile sperms were significantly higher in the age group of 26-30 years compared to other age groups(P<0.05).Normal sperm count was significantly higher in the age group of 26-30 years compared to the age groups of 41-45 years and>46 years(P=0.001).However,sperm head defects,neck and midpiece defects,tail defects,and cytoplasmic droplets showed statistically insignificant difference in all the age groups(P>0.05).Semen viscosity showed no statistical difference in all the age groups compared to the reference age group of 26 to 30 years.Conclusions:Higher age can lead to a significant decrease in normal sperms and motility in subfertile men.Hence,male partner age should be considered as one of the major determining factors for reproductive outcomes.
文摘Objective:To optimize the concentration of PDC-109 protein in semen for higher cryopreservability and fertility by sequestration or neutralization of PDC-109 by its antibodies(anti-PDC-109 antibodies)in bubaline species.Methods:PDC-109 protein was purified by applying two-step chromatography procedures.Purified protein was injected in rabbits to raise antibodies.These raised anti-PDC-109 antibodies were used in neutralization or sequestration of PDC-109 in in-vitro model.Ejaculates were collected from buffaloes and splited for four groups.Group 1 received egg yolk Tris glycerol extender,without anti-PDC-109 antibodies,while group 2 to 4 received anti-PDC-109 antibodies 266μg/mL,80μg/mL,and 26μg/mL in Tris-fructose-citrate buffer,respectively.Semen quality parameters viz.,forward progressive motility,viability,total morphological abnormality,acrosomal integrity,plasma membrane integrity,cryoinjury and in-vitro zona binding index were evaluated.Results:Semen quality parameters of neat semen were within the normal range of bubaline species.Sperm motility,livability,acrosomal integrity,plasma membrane integrity,and cholesterol content of sperm were decreased and total sperm abnormality was increased significantly in post-thaw semen compared to those in pre-freeze and fresh semen(P<0.05).Semen in group 2 had higher sperm motility,livability,acrosomal integrity,plasma membrane integrity,and cholesterol content of sperm and lower total sperm abnormality significantly compared to those in group 1,3 and 4 at pre-freeze and post-thaw stages(P<0.05).Conclusions:Sequestration or neutralization of PDC-109 by its antibodies significantly improves pre-freeze,and post-thaw semen quality parameters and in-vitro zona binding index with simultaneously reducing cryoinjury or cryodamage in the sperm of bubaline species.
文摘Objective:To measure seasonal effects on semen quality profiles,seminal biochemical and oxidative stress attributes in fresh and liquid stored semen in monsoon and dry seasons.Methods:A total of 10 Teressa bucks(3-4 years)were selected from breeding farm,ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute,Port Blair,Andaman and Nicobar Islands,India.Semen samples(n=25 per season)were collected through artificial vagina method and preserved at refrigerated temperature(5℃)for 48 h using Tris citrate glucose based extender.We detected semen quality parameters[volume,mass activity,pH,sperm concentration,total motility,viability,total sperm abnormality,and plasma membrane,acrosomal and nuclear integrities],biochemical profiles[aspartate amino transferase(AST),alanine amino transferase(ALT)and total cholesterol],and oxidative stress markers[total antioxidant capacity(TAC)and malondialdehyde(MDA)]during monsoon and dry seasons.Results:Semen quality parameters significantly differed between seasons(P<0.05)and among storage periods(P<0.05).Volume,pH,mass activity,motility,viability,acrosomal,plasma membrane and nuclear integrities,and TAC were significantly higher(P<0.05).Sperm concentration,sperm abnormalities,MDA,AST,ALT and total cholesterol were significantly lower in fresh semen of monsoon than dry season(P<0.05).Motility,viability,acrosomal,plasma membrane and nuclear integrities,and TAC were significantly decreased(P<0.05)while sperm abnormality,AST,ALT,total cholesterol and MDA were significantly increased as liquid semen storage period advanced(P<0.05).Conclusions:Monsoon season has higher beneficial effects on semen quality profiles and liquid stored semen remained usable for upto 48 h.Good quality ejaculates with higher TAC and lower MDA can be cryopreserved and will be used for artificial insemination.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82274337)Capital's Funds for Health Improvement and Research(CFH 2022-2-4271),Science and technology innovation project of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences(No.CI2021A02207)Qingnianqiushi Project of the Chinese Society of Traditional Chinese Medicine(No.2022-QNQSDEP-20).
文摘Lifestyle factors play a crucial role in the influence of semen quality,and they are especially significant in the context of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)clinical treatment for poor semen quality.TCM theory emphasizes the importance of healthy lifestyle habits for overall well-being.Therefore,it is essential to consider lifestyle factors in the clinical management of TCM and semen quality.Lifestyle can act as a bias factor that affects research quality,making it vital to pay special attention to its impact in clinical trial research on male semen quality.This article aims to improve the quality and design of clinical research on male sperm quality by examining the effects of various lifestyle factors on semen quality,including physical activities,dietary patterns,smoking,alcohol consumption,coffee intake,sleep,and psychological stress.Each lifestyle factor has its own distinct influence on semen quality,and there is a synergistic effect when multiple lifestyle factors are combined.These findings emphasize the need for careful consideration of lifestyle factors and their interactions in the design and implementation of TCM clinical trial research.
基金supported by the grants from the National Science and Technology Support Program of China (2012BAD12B01)the Basic Research Fund of Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (2013ywf-zd-2)+1 种基金the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program, China (ASTIP-IAS06)the China Agriculture Research System (CARS-37)
文摘The antioxidant of reduced glutathione(GSH) is the most abundant thiol in cells for the maintenance of the intracellular redox balance. The study aimed to assay the effect of sperm treatment with GSH before incubation with oocytes on the development potential of embryos obtained by in vitro fertilization(IVF). Also the mitochondrial membrane potential(ΔΨm), plasma membrane integrity(viability), DNA fragmentation, reactive oxygen species(ROS) content, superoxide dismutase(SOD), catalase(CAT) and glutathione peroxidase(GPx) activities, methane dicarboxylic aldehyde(MDA) level as indices of lipid peroxidation in sex-sorted and unsorted sperm from three bulls were investigated using flow cytometry and enzyme-labeled instrument individually. The results showed that 2 mm ol L–1 GSH increased significantly the cleavage rate(86.68% vs. 82.78%), 4- to 8-cell rate(82.30% vs. 73.43%) and blastocyst rate(43.15% vs. 35.24%) of IVF embryos compared with untreated group. Furthermore, addition of GSH increased significantly the ΔΨm and viability, decreased the ratio of DNA fragmentation in sex-sorted or unsorted semen(P<0.05), except the sex-sorted semen from bull 019. Similarly, activities of SOD, CAT and GPx were increased significantly. However, the contents of MDA were decreased significantly both in sex-sorted and unsorted semen treated with GSH(P<0.05). These results suggest that sperm pretreatment with GSH during IVF can maintain better the viability and fertility of sperm through reducing apoptosis and increasing the antioxidant capacity, which improves the IVF embryos development.
基金supported by the Association for Bioeconomy Research (FBF e.V., Germany)by the Rentenbank-Germany’s development agency for agribusiness+3 种基金by the BLE–Germany’s Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (AMIKOS 28-RZ-3.054, 28-RZ-3.051)by the CAPES and DAAD(57390778PROBAL 88887.185883/2018-00)Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL。
文摘Background: Hypothermic preservation of boar semen is considered a potential method for omitting antibiotics from insemination doses, thereby contributing to the global antibiotic resistance defence strategy. The main challenges are chilling injury to spermatozoa and bacterial growth during semen storage leading to reduced fertility.Objectives: To examine chilling injury and the number and type of bacteria in boar semen stored at 5 ℃ in the absence of antibiotics, and to assess the applicability of hypothermic semen storage under field conditions.Material and methods: Boar ejaculates were extended with AndroStar~? Premium, stored at 17 ℃ with and at 5 ℃ without antibiotics and tested for functional sperm parameters by flow cytometry. Raw semen and extended samples were investigated bacteriologically. Fertility was evaluated after once-daily inseminations of 194 sows in a field study.Results: Lethal sperm damage assessed by motility and membrane integrity was low throughout storage in both experimental groups. Sublethal chilling effects based on the decrease of viable spermatozoa with low membrane fluidity were higher(P < 0.05) up until 72 h in sperm stored at 5 ℃ compared to 17 ℃ but did not differ after 144 h.After 72 h, incubation in capacitating medium for 60 min induced a similar decrease in viable sperm with high mitochondria membrane potential and low cytosolic calcium in both groups. In semen stored at 5 ℃, bacteria counts were below 103 CFU/mL and the bacteria spectrum was similar to that of raw semen. In 88% of 34 boars,cooled semen fulfilled the requirements for insemination. Fertility was high and did not differ(P > 0.05) between sow groups inseminated with semen stored antibiotic-free at 5 ℃ and semen stored at 17 ℃ with antibiotics.Conclusion: Despite subtle chilling effects and low bacterial numbers, antibiotic-free hypothermic storage of boar semen offers the possibility to reduce the use of antibiotics in pig insemination. However, strict sanitary guidelines must be maintained and further evidence of efficiency under field conditions is considered desirable.
基金supported by the“Académie de Recherche et d’Enseignement Supérieur(ARES)de la Commission de la Coopération au Développement(CUD)”of Belgium for its support to the realization of this work through Research and Development Project(PRD)titled“Professionalisation of swine value chain actors in the Ouémé and Plateau regions,Benin.”
文摘Objective:To characterize the semen of three genetic types of boars(local,improved and Large White)reared in Benin.Methods:Semen of local,improved and Large White boars reared in Benin were collected using the gloved hand method and analyzed to determine volume,pH,concentration,mobility,motility,and morphology.The effect of the genetic type of boar on semen characteristics was aslo studied.Results:Duration of ejaculation and semen volume of Large White boar were significantly higher than those of local and improved boars(P<0.05).The semen of improved boars had a higher motility score than that of Large White and local boars(P<0.001).The semen of local boars was more concentrated in the spermatozoa than that of improved and Large White boars(P<0.05).The proportion of spermatozoa of improved boars with normal morphology(93.6%)was significantly higher than that of local(82.2%)and Large White boars(81.6%)(P<0.001).The proportion of spermatozoa with folded tails in the semen of Large White boars(9.2%)was significantly higher than that observed in improved(1.8%)and local(5.0%)boars(P<0.001).The proportion of spermatozoa with proximal cytoplasmic droplets in semen of improved boars(2.7%)was significantly lower than that in Large White(6.8%)and local(9.7%)boars(P<0.001).The local(1.5%)and Large White boars(1.1%)showed more spermatozoa with distal cytoplasmic droplets in their semen compared to the improved boars(0.4%).Conclusions:The semen characteristics of pigs reared in Benin vary from one genetic type to another.Each genetic type has a strong point.The Large White boar produces larger semen,the local boar produces more concentrated semen and the improved boar produces spermatozoa that are morphologically better.The semen of these three genetic types can be used in artificial insemination but the improved boar's semen is more recommended.
文摘Objective:To investigate the effects of non-permeable cryoprotectant,cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin,when added at different concentrations into cooled and frozen-thawed semen extended with Tris-citrate-fructose egg yolk glycerol and lecithin-based extenders.Methods:A total of 40 ejaculates from four buffalo bulls were collected using artificial vagina.Ejaculates were extended with one of Tris-citrate-fructose egg yolk glycerol and lecithin-based extenders which contained different concentrations[0(control),0.75,1.50,2.25 and 3.00 mg/mL]of cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin.The extended semen samples were cooled to 5曟and then frozen slowly to-196曟in 0.25 mL ministraws before being stored in liquid nitrogen pending its evaluation.Sperm motility,live sperm,normal sperm morphology,sperm membrane integrity and acrosome morphology were measured.Results:Supplementation of cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin improved progressive motility,viability,morphology and acrosome as well as plasma membrane integrities at 1.50-2.25 mg/mL depending upon types of used extenders and stages of pre-and post-freezing process(P<0.01).The best concentration was 1.50 mg/mL at pre-freeze stage and 2.25 mg/mL at post-freezing.However,greater concentration(3.00 mg/mL)of cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin had a detrimental effect compared to the control group with the two evaluated extenders(P<0.01).Conclusions:Cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin supplementation at 1.50-2.25 mg/mL concentration could improve pre-frozen and post-thawed buffalo sperm quality.The most suitable concentration is 1.50 mg/mL at pre-freeze stage and 2.25 mg/mL at post-freezing.
基金This work was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No:81603289,81603251)Key Laboratory of Effective Substances Research and Utilization in TCM of Shanxi province(No:201605D111004)and Key Technology Research Zhen Dong Special Project from Shanxi Science and Technology Department(No:2016ZD0105).
文摘Ziziphi Spinosae Semen(ZSS),a traditional Chinese medicine,is used in clinics for the treatment of insomnia in China and other Asian countries.Herein,we described for the first time a comparative pharmacokinetics study of the six major compounds of ZSS in normal control(NC)and para-chlorophenylalanine(PCPA)-induced insomnia model(IM)rats that were orally administered the aqueous extract of ZSS.An ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole orbitrap mass(UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS)method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of coclaurine,magnoflorine,spinosin,6000-feruloylspinosin,jujuboside A(JuA),and jujuboside B(JuB)in ZSS in rat plasma.The established approach was successfully applied to a comparative pharmacokinetic study.The systemic exposures of spinosin and 6000-feruloylspinosin were decreased in the IM group compared to the NC group,while plasma clearance(CL)was significantly increased.The Tmax values of JuA and JuB in IM rats were significantly lower than those in NC rats.The T1/2 of JuA in the IM group was significantly accelerated.The pharmacokinetic parameters of coclaurine and magnoflorine were not evidently affected between the two groups.These results indicate that the pathological state of insomnia altered the plasma pharmacokinetics of spinosin,6000-feruloylspinosin,JuA,and JuB in the ZSS aqueous extract,providing an experimental basis for the role of ZSS in insomnia treatment.The comparative pharmacokinetics-based UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS using full-scan mode can therefore provide a reliable and suitable means for the screening of potentially effective substances applied as quality markers of ZSS.
基金financially supported by the National Key Scientific Project for China New Drug Discovery and Twelfth Five-Year Plan-preclinical study on Suanzaoren granules(No.2014ZX09304306)the Key Technologies of Common Quality Evaluation of New Drugs(Grant no.2015010201)
文摘A sensitive,fast and comprehensive method for the quality assessment of Semen Ziziphi Spinosae(SZS)standard decoction with characterization of its chemical components was developed and validated.UPLC-Q/TOF-MS/MS system was used to identify thirty-six chemical components of SZS standard decoction which included nucleosides,phenolic acids,alkaloids,and flavonoids.Furthermore,a UPLC-PDA method was validated to simultaneously determine adenosine,protocatechuic acid,magnoflorine,catechin,protocatechin,vicenin II,spinosin,kaempferol-3-rutinoside,and 6'''-feruloylspinosin which represent four species of characteristic compounds.The qualitative method had been validated according to Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2015 edition)in terms of lineary,repeatability,recovery and stability for all analytes,with the results showing good precision,accuracy and stability.In conclusion,the method using UPLC combined with MS and PDA provided a novel way for the standardization and identification of SZS standard decoction,and also offered a basis for qualitative analysis and quality assessment of the preparations for SZS standard decoction.
文摘Male reproductive functions are mediated by different hormones whose orchestrations remain a major research interest. The 'master' regulator hormonal axis is the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal/testicular axis which is led by the pulsatile release of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone. This, in turn, stimulates the anterior pituitary trophic hormones, the luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. Luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone act upon the testicular cells, the Leydig cells for steroidogenesis and Sertoli cells to aid spermatogenesis, respectively. This primary axis is influenced by an array of other testicular hormones, metabolic hormones, and different regulatory factors. These hormonal crosstalks influence the intricate testicular functions, sexual behavior and semen quality in men. Given the growing concern in the last few decades over the increasing prevalence of male subfertility and/or infertility mostly in terms of deteriorating semen quality, it is required to find its underlying mechanisms. In this regard, the endocrine regulation of testicular functions is of prime importance in the determination of semen quality and sperm functions. This review article aims to present a concise updated overview on the mechanism by which the key hormones integrate the male reproductive functions and maintain the semen quality.
文摘Conventional quantity determination of Chinese herbal medicines by High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) must be carried out on a TLC scanner for measuring the marker component on the HPTLC plate. Generally the HPTLC image of the herbal drug always takes the photograph as the permanent visual document. Considering the photo of the HPTLC image preserving all the visual quality-related parameters, there might be an alternative cost/effective approach worth studying. It would be presumably applicable to use the exclusively developed software as a virtual scanner instead of the TLC Scanner instrument to do digital scanning, integrating and calculating target components in the photo of the HPTLC image. It means digitally scanning the photo of the HPTLC image solely with software does the same thing as the instrumental scanner does. Based on this protocol, we primarily conducted the assay of the contents of the major saponins, jujuboside a and jujuboside b, in Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (Suan-Zao-Ren). Using home-developed software “digiscan” for acquiring the raw data and integrating the peaks area of the target components with “Origin Pro”, the contents of jujuboside a and jujuboside b can then be calculated respectively. The primary investigated experiment results were well compatible with official HPLC-ELSD method in Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The methodology validation and comparative analysis with HPLC confirmed that the unprecedented method is acceptable. The advantage of the recommended approach is far more simple, flexible and cost/effective than the conventional method, and it can be done at anytime and anywhere once only if the high quality HPTLC image photo is available. There would be a bright perspective for application to other herbal medicines. And the one-stop software for merging digital scanning, integration and calculation together is in progress.
文摘Objective:To assess the effects of dietary L-Arginine (L-Arg) supplementation on testes histological parameters and semen quality of male broiler breeder.Methods: Twenty male broiler breeders at 37 wk of age were distributed in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 5 replicates each. The treatments consisted of 4 dietary levels of L-Arg (0.00, 1.35, 2.33 and 3.22 g/kg of the diet) and fed to birds for 8 wk. At the end of the experiment semen samples were collected by abdominal massage to determination of semen quality. The blood samples were used to determination of serum testosterone concentration at the end of the experiment. Furthermore, testes from each rooster were used to evaluation of their weights and histological parameters.Results:The results of the experiment showed that dietary L-Arg at 2.33 g/kg improved testes weight, semen volume and sperm forward motility in roosters (P<0.05). Besides, serum concentration of testosterone was increased in roosters fed 2.33 g/kg L-Arg (P<0.05). The results of testes histology indicated that seminiferous tubules lumen diameter, leydig cells, spermatides and sperm cells counts were greater in birds received 3.22 g/kg dietary L-Arg (P<0.05). However, the birds fed diet supplemented with 2.33 g/kg L-Arg had greater seminiferous tubules diameter, sertoli and spermatogonia cell counts than other groups (P<0.05).Conclusion:According to the results of this experiment, it is concluded that dietary L-Arg had positive effects on reproductive traits in roosters.
基金NSFC, Grant !No. 29875001National ninth five-year Sci. & Tech. program of China, Grant !No. 96-903-02-02.
文摘(+)-Sesamin was found in Semen Cuscutae for the first time. A rapid and simple approach for the analysis of (+)-sesamin in different sources of Semen Cuscutae is proposed, which used GC-FID for the determination of (+)-sesamin and GC-MS for its identification. The result suggested that this approach could be used to identify Semen Cuscutae from various sources based on the different content of (+)-sesamin in them.
