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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2026

Reassessing Semen Analysis: Clinical Insights Beyond Sperm Count and Motility.

BACKGROUND: Semen analysis (SA), recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the cornerstone of male infertility evaluation, remains indispensable in reproductive medicine. However, advances in assisted reproductive technology (ART) and artificial intelligence (AI) have highlighted the limitations of relying solely on conventional semen parameters. OBJECTIVE: To critically review the evolving clinical role of SA by integrating conventional assessment with emerging functional, molecular, and computational approaches that improve diagnostic accuracy and individualized patient care. METHODS: A narrative review of contemporary evidence was conducted, focusing on conventional semen parameters, biofunctional sperm testing, omics technologies, AI-assisted analysis, and broader clinical applications of SA. RESULTS: Conventional parameters, including sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, remain essential but inadequately reflect fertilizing capacity. Adjunctive assessments, including oxidative stress biomarkers and sperm DNA fragmentation, provide valuable insights into sperm function and reproductive potential. Omics technologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, deepen mechanistic understanding, while AI enhances diagnostic precision, reproducibility, and standardization. Beyond infertility evaluation, SA also supports male contraceptive assessment, natural conception, ART, and patient counseling. CONCLUSIONS: Integrating conventional SA with functional, molecular, and AI-driven diagnostics provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating male fertility, advancing precision reproductive medicine and personalized clinical management.

cryopreservation↗
PubMed1977

The frequency of Y chromatin-positive spermatozoa during in vitro penetration tests under various experimental conditions.

Complete analysis were carried out on the semen of 55 subjects. The semen was then investigated by using the fluorescent microscopic technique to determine the percentage proportion of Y chromatin-bearing spermatozoa. After staining with quinacrine mustard, an average Y chromatin frequency of 48.2% +/- 2.9% was recorded. With this spermatozoal material, 139 in vitro penetration tests were carried out with cervical mucus. After penetration there was a small, but statistically significant, increase in the percentage of Y spermatozoa (to 52.7% +/- 3.8%). The figures thus recorded were then correlated under variable experimental conditions in addition to variable semen parameters. The ratio of X:Y spermatozoa was related to the duration of the penetration tests, varying temperatures during the penetration, varying acid values of semen and cervical secretion, and also to the value of sperm motility in the semen analysis and to cervical factors. None of the above variables had any measurable influence on the percentage distribution of X and Y spermatozoa during in vitro penetration.

Cervix Mucus↗
PubMed1975

Surgical aspects of infertility.

These surgical procedures that have been used in the management of male infertility have recently been subjected to critical review. In a recent study (Getzoff, 1973) designed to summarise the experience of 150 urologists in the surgical treatment of male infertility, several valuable viewpoints were revealed. 1. There is a need for establishing criteria for labelling an operation as a 'success'. In this group, 42 per cent defined a successful operation as the postoperative appearance of a normal semen analysis in the azoospermic or oligospermic man regardless of whether his wife fails to conceive. Thirty per cent were more stringent and required that the wife become pregnant and carry to term a normal viable infant. 2. The prerequisites for selecting suitable candidates for surgery were apparent. 3. The significance of establishing basic effective operative techniques is self-evident. 4. The importance of emphasising the limitations of the surgical management of impaired fertility is stressed.

Atrophy↗
PubMed2026

A CCNA1 Missense Variant Associated With Chromatid Non-Disjunction in Abnormal-Headed Sperm and Male Infertility.

BACKGROUND: Macrozoospermia is a rare form of teratozoospermia characterized by tetraploids, large-headed spermatozoa with multiple flagella, usually caused by bi-allelic AURKC mutations. The etiology of atypical phenotypes with a lower proportion of large headed spermatozoa and single flagella however often remains unresolved. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the genetic cause of severe sperm-head abnormalities with moderate macrozoospermia without multiflagellated spermatozoa in a patient with repeated ICSI failure. An infertile male with three failed ICSI attempts underwent semen analysis, revealing complete teratozoospermia, including 25% macrocephalic spermatozoa. METHODS: Multi-probe FISH targeting chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, Y assessed chromosomal segregation. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed to identify a candidate variant associated with meiotic abnormalities. RESULTS: FISH analysis revealed a high proportion of spermatozoa with n (23) chromosomes and 2c DNA content, consistent with sister chromatid non-disjunction during meiosis II. WES identified a homozygous missense variation in CCNA1, coding for a protein described to be essential for meiotic progression and chromatin remodeling in male germ cells. DISCUSSION: The variant affects a highly conserved residue within a functional domain and is predicted to be deleterious. This study establishes the first clinical association between CCNA1 mutations and chromatid non-disjunction in human spermatogenesis. It highlights the limitations of current morphology-based diagnostic thresholds and supports cytogenetic and genomic assessment for severe teratozoospermia (especially head abnormalities) and ART failure. CONCLUSION: Expanding genetic screening panels to include CCNA1 may improve diagnostic precision and clinical management in atypical macrozoospermia cases.

ART failure↗
PubMed2026

[Genetic analysis of a male with Multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella combined with sperm head abnormalities due to compound heterozygous variants of DNAH1 gene and a literature review].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical phenotype and genetic etiology of a male with Multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella (MMAF) combined with sperm head abnormalities due to compound heterozygous variants of DNAH1 gene, with an aim to provide guidance for assisted reproductive technology in his family. METHODS: A man with MMAF combined with sperm head abnormalities who visited Women and Children's Hospital of Ningbo University in October 2024 was selected as study subject. Clinical data of the patient's family were retrospectively collected. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the patient and his spouse, and G-banding karyotyping and whole exome sequencing (WES) were carried out. Candidate variants were validated by Sanger sequencing. Conservation of the DNAH1 protein was queried on the UCSC website. The difference between wild type and variant DNAH1 proteins were analyzed using AlphaFold v3.0.1 and PyMOL v2.5.6. The pathogenicity of variant was rated based on the guidelines from American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). Previous literature was searched using keywords "DNAH1 gene" and "multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella" on CNKI, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, and PubMed database to identify cases of MMAF attributed to biallelic DNAH1 gene variants. The retrieval period was set from the establishment of the databases to December 31, 2025. The genotypes and clinical phenotypes of patients with biallelic DNAH1 mutations were analyzed. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the hospital (Ethics No.: EC2023-094). RESULTS: The 30-year-old patient and his 30-year-old wife had infertility for 2 years. Semen analysis revealed no motile sperm and a 99.0% abnormal morphology rate. Typical MMAF was observed with phase-contrast microscopy. Sperm morphology analysis revealed abnormalities of the head, neck, and tail with an approximate ratio of 9:5:1. The patient's karyotype was 46,XY, and his wife's karyotype was 45,X[4]/47,XXX[1]/46,XX[84]. WES and Sanger sequencing revealed that the patient harbored compound heterozygous variants of the DNAH1 gene, namely c.1435_1444+3del and c.12204_12206del (p.Asn4069del), but their origin remained unidentified. UCSC genome browser query results showed that the amino acid residue at position 4 069 of the DNAH1 protein is highly conserved across various species. Protein structure prediction reveals that, in the wild-type DNAH1 protein, the Asparagine at position 4 069 (Asn4069) can form hydrogen bonds with the Leucine on the main chain at position 4 086 (Leu4086) and the Serine on the side chain at position 4 087 (Ser4087). The c.12204_12206del variant, resulting in deletion of Asn4069, disrupts these hydrogen bonds and does not generate any compensatory interactions. Based on the ACMG guidelines, the c.1435_1444+3del variant was predicted to be likely pathogenic (PM2_Supporting+PVS1), and the c.12204_12206del(p.Asn4069del) variant was rated as likely pathogenic (PM2_Supporting+PM4+PM3+PP4). The couple had elected for in vitro fertilization using donor sperm. During this cycle, 12 oocytes were retrieved, 10 oocytes were successfully fertilized, 1 embryo and 6 blastocysts were obtained. Following the first transfer of a frozen-thawed blastocyst, implantation of an empty gestational sac occurred, which led to a miscarriage. After the second transfer of a high-quality blastocyst, the embryo split into twins following implantation, and the spouse had selected fetal reduction. The gestational age was 33+3 weeks on June 1, 2026. Literature review identified three studies reporting biallelic mutations of the DNAH1 gene in association with MMAF combined with sperm head abnormalities. Together with the patient from this study, a total of 20 patients were included in the analysis. The rate of sperm flagellar abnormalities in these patients was above 80.0%, while the rate of sperm head abnormalities has ranged from 12.0% to 100.0%. In four patients, the genetic basis was unknown. In the remaining 16 patients, 35 mutations were detected, with c.8626-1G>A being the most common (22.9%, 8/35). CONCLUSION: This patient showed MMAF with frequent sperm head defects. Compound heterozygous variants of the DNAH1 gene probably underlay these abnormalities, which in turn has led to his primary infertility. This study revealed the phenotypic variability of MMAF and broadened the mutational spectrum of the DNAH1 gene.

Humans↗
PubMed2026

[Study of a patient with azoospermia due to variant of MOV10L1 gene].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical and genotypic characteristics of a patient with Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS) due to variants of MOV10L1 gene. METHODS: A 27-year-old patient with Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) underwent routine semen analysis. Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), progesterone (P), estradiol (E2), prolactin (PRL), and testosterone (T) were determined by chemiluminescence assays. Peripheral blood samples were collected for G-banded karyotyping analysis. Multiplex PCR fluorescence detection was used to screen for AZF gene microdeletions. Whole exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing were performed simultaneously. Testicular biopsy tissues were subjected to Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining to assess seminiferous tubule cell composition, and MOV10L1 protein expression was detected by immunohistochemical staining. Bioinformatics tools were employed to predict the pathogenicity of variants and their impact on protein structure and function. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Guangdong Institute of Reproductive Sciences [Ethics No.: 2023(01)]. RESULTS: The patient's two semen analyses had failed to detect any sperm. Hormone tests indicated elevated FSH (22.32 mIU/mL) and PRL (397.6 mIU/mL), while T (3.68 nmol/L) and E2 (38.32 pmol/L) were reduced. Chromosomal karyotyping revealed 46,XY, and no AZF gene deletion was detected. WES and Sanger sequencing detected compound heterozygous variants of the MOV10L1 gene, including a c.345C>A (p.C115X) nonsense variant and a c.3323C>T (p.T1108I) missense variant, with the former being unreported previously. HE staining showed only Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules, confirming the diagnosis of SCOS. Immunohistochemical staining revealed absent MOV10L1 protein expression in the testicular tissue. Based on the guidelines from American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the c.345C>A (p.C115X) was classified as a pathogenic variant (PVS1+PM2_Supporting+PP4), while the c.3323C>T (p.T1108I) was deemed variant of uncertain significance (PM2_Supporting+PP3_Supporting+PP4). Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that c.345C>A (p.C115X) may cause premature termination of protein translation, while c.3323C>T (p.T1108I) may disrupt the hydrophobicity of the RNA helicase domain, reducing the active pocket volume and decreasing its affinity for MILI protein. CONCLUSION: This study has diagnosed a case of SCOS due to compound heterozygous variants of the MOV10L1 gene, which also enriched its mutational spectrum.

Humans↗
PubMed2026

Novel biallelic FSIP2 variants cause male infertility with multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella in humans.

Biallelic variants in fibrous sheath-interacting protein 2 ( FSIP2 ) gene are a known cause of multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF). This study aimed to identify novel FSIP2 variants and evaluate their impact on sperm ultrastructure and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was employed to screen a cohort of 92 MMAF patients, with candidate variants validated via Sanger sequencing and third-generation sequencing. We identified one homozygous variant in a proband from a consanguineous family and two pairs of compound heterozygous variants in two unrelated, non-consanguineous families. Routine semen analysis demonstrated markedly reduced motility across all probands. Detailed morphological and ultrastructural assessments using Papanicolaou staining, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated that approximately 80.0% of spermatozoa exhibited pathological elongation of the mitochondrial sheath in the midpiece. Furthermore, 50.0%-70.0% of spermatozoa displayed fibrous sheath dysplasia or loss in the principal piece. Immunofluorescence assays and Western blotting confirmed that FSIP2 protein localization was disrupted, and the expression of key axonemal assembly factors was dysregulated. Notably, successful pregnancies were achieved via ICSI in the partners of two probands. This study expands the mutational spectrum of FSIP2 in both consanguineous and non-consanguineous populations. Ultrastructural abnormalities, such as mitochondrial sheath elongation and fibrous sheath disassembly, highlight FSIP2 's critical role in flagellar assembly. Clinical results further support ICSI as an effective therapeutic intervention for affected individuals.

Humans↗
PubMed1977

Fertility in undescended testes.

Since 1956 many children with undescended testes have been treated at the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital in Cape Town, and in this article the conesequent degree of fertility achieved by orchidopexy, the method of treatment, is appraised. In 567 children the condition was unilateral, and in 202 it was bilateral. Assessment of potential fertility in 76 unilateral and in 29 bilateral cases was mainly by semen analysis; the average age of the youths at the time of the examination was 19 years, and parenthood was therefore regarded as an unsuitable criterion for assessment. Four hundred and ninety-two youths had their condition reviewed, and the condition of 587 testes was assessed. The anatomical state of the testes was ascertained to help in the assessment, but also, and of greater importance, to obtain evidence of the usefulness of orchidopexy for cosmetic or psychological benefit. Biopsy of the affected testes, carried out in some, proved to be nor more informative than the anatomical appraisal, with regard to spermatogenesis. Two useful facts emerged from the study. About 10% of bilateral undescended testes are capable of normal spermatogenesis after orchidopexy, and 65% are sterile, while the fertility of persons with unilateral undescended testis is impaired, 28% having little hope of paternity, and 4% no hope at all.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1976

Case report: sterility due to sperm autoagglutination.

Autoagglutination in seminal fluid of husbands in three unexplained sterile couples was found in routine semen-analysis. Further exploration showed that sera and seminal fluid of these husbands agglutinate donors' sperm, while their wives' sera did not. Post-coital tests were not significant. After failure of conservative treatment with vitamin C, two couples agreed to AID followed promptly by pregnancies and deliveries. The possible connection between sterility and sperm-auto-agglutination is discussed, stressing the justification for looking at these phenomena more carefully and with more attention.

Adult↗
PubMed1976

Immunological factors and post coital test in unexplained infertility.

Twenty-four couples facing longstanding primary or secondary infertility underwent semen analysis, PCT, functional evaluation of menstrual cycle, hysterosalpingography and laparscopy. All clinical findings were normal with the exception of PCT which was positive in 13 and negative in 11. All the women underwent a multiple approach investigation of local and circulating antibodies production as well as cell-mediated immunity against live spermatozoa. Sperm Immobilization Test (SIT) and Spermatotoxicity Tests (STT) were performed in a single experimental design on cervical mucus and blood serum. Leucocyte Migration Inhibition Test in presence of sperms (LMIT) was done on peripheral leucocytes. Local antispermatic activity in the cervical mucus was negative in all PCT positive cases, and positive in six out of 11 PCT negative cases. SIT and STT were both positive in cervical mucus and in blood in one case only. No correlation could be found between PCT and serum SIT, STT or LMIT. The fertility pattern expressed by the number of pregnancies per years of exposure, already low in the whole group, was even lower in the sub-groups with positive immunological factors. Positive immunological factors do not exclude the possibility of conception but appear to be associated with a reduced rate of conception.

Cell Migration Inhibition↗
PubMed2026

Extender-dependent effects of reduced glutathione on post-thaw boar sperm quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Supplementation of reduced glutathione (GSH) in freezing media has been proposed to improve post-thaw boar sperm quality, although reported findings remain inconsistent. This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the effects of reduced glutathione on post-thaw sperm quality through a systematic review and meta-analysis. The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Scopus, PubMed, CAB Direct, EBSCOhost, and Google Scholar were systematically searched. Based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 15 in vitro studies comprising 19 experiments were included. Four outcomes were analyzed: total motility, progressive motility, viability, and acrosome integrity. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were calculated using random-effects models. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q test, and the I2 statistic. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots, Egger's test, and trim-and-fill analysis, while sensitivity analyses were performed using Baujat plots and leave-one-out analysis. Reduced glutathione was positively associated with total motility (SMD = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.42-1.05; P<0.001), progressive motility (SMD = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.21-1.58; P=0.014), viability (SMD = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.11-1.23; P=0.022), and acrosome integrity (SMD = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.32-1.12; P=0.002). Low to high heterogeneity was observed across outcomes, indicating variability in the estimated effects across studies. Significant subgroup differences were identified according to GSH concentration, freezing media, and thawing media. Overall, the available evidence suggests a possible positive association between GSH supplementation and several post-thaw sperm quality parameters, although these subgroup findings are exploratory and require confirmation in well-standardized experimental studies.

Animals↗
PubMed2026

L-glutamine supplementation improves porcine sperm quality and early embryo development during in vitro fertilization.

L-glutamine (Gln), as a key additive in porcine sperm capacitation medium and in vitro fertilization (IVF) systems, has been shown to significantly improve sperm motility and survival rates. However, its precise roles during porcine IVF and subsequent early embryonic development remain elusive. This study utilized an IVF model in pigs to investigate the effects of glutamine on sperm quality and embryonic development. We found that Gln supplementation during sperm treatment significantly improved sperm quality, as evidenced by reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and early apoptosis, while enhancing calcium ion levels and endoplasmic reticulum activity. Supplementing glutamine during embryo culture reduced polyspermy rates, promoted zygotic genome activation (ZGA) and accumulation of 5-ethynyluridine (EU) and histone modifications (H3K4me3 and H3K27ac) at the two-cell and four-cell stages, increased blastocyst formation rates and total cell numbers, while simultaneously reducing DNA damage and early apoptosis during the blastocyst stage. In summary, these findings demonstrate that Gln enhances porcine IVF outcomes by improving sperm quality, reducing polyspermy, and facilitating early embryonic development, thereby providing a basis for optimizing culture systems.

Animals↗
PubMed2026

Age-related differences in semen quality in Holstein-Friesian bulls: a paired within-bull comparison of early and mature reproductive stages.

Genomic selection has changed dairy cattle breeding by increasing the use of young bulls for artificial insemination and shortening the reproductive lifespan of sires. Under these conditions, semen quality at the beginning of commercial use has become an important practical issue. Semen samples from 39 fertile Holstein-Friesian bulls used for commercial AI were collected between 2013 and 2016, during the introduction of genomic selection in Poland. This paired within-bull study compared semen collected from the same bulls at an early reproductive stage (13-20 months; young bulls, YB) and at full maturity (5-6 years; mature bulls, MB). The evaluation included conventional ejaculate traits, CASA-derived motility and kinematic descriptors, mtDNA copy number, and mitochondrial content per sperm cell. Importantly, all ejaculates met the quality requirements for commercial insemination. Ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, mitochondrial DNA copy number, and mitochondrial content did not differ significantly between age groups. The CASA-derived sperm movement profile, in contrast, differed with age. Semen from young bulls showed a higher proportion of progressively motile spermatozoa, whereas semen from mature bulls showed higher velocity-related parameters, including VSL, VCL, and STR. These findings indicate that bull age mainly affected sperm movement characteristics rather than semen output or mitochondrial content. Overall, the results support the use of young bulls in artificial insemination programs and show that age-related differences in semen quality are expressed mainly through changes in the post-thaw sperm motility and kinematic profile.

Animals↗
PubMed2026

Gonadal function and fertility outcomes after orchiopexy versus orchiectomy for testicular torsion: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To review the early and late changes in hormonal profiles, semen parameters, and clinical outcomes in patients treated with orchiopexy versus orchiectomy for testicular torsion. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted across MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and other databases, following PRISMA guidelines. PRIMARY OUTCOMES: FSH, LH, testosterone, inhibin-B, and semen parameters. Quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE framework. Statistical analysis was performed using the random-effects model. RESULTS: Eleven studies involving 538 participants (197 orchiectomy, 341 orchiopexy) were included. Orchiectomy was associated with a significant increase in FSH (SMD: 1.63, P < 0.0001) and LH (SMD: 1.31, P < 0.0001) compared to orchiopexy. However, testosterone (MD: 0.31 ng/mL; P = 0.4) and inhibin-B (SMD: -0.14; P = 0.87) levels were comparable between groups. Regarding semen parameters, orchiectomy resulted in a significant reduction in sperm concentration (MD: -18 million/mL, P = 0.01). No significant differences were found in sperm count (MD: 13.9 million; P = 0.43), normal morphology (MD: 4.97%; P = 0.12), or total motility (MD: 4.05%; P = 0.49). The pooled rate for ipsilateral atrophy following orchiopexy was 38%, which likely depends on ischemia duration. CONCLUSION: Surgical choice in testicular torsion does not significantly affect the overall hormonal balance or most semen parameters due to compensatory mechanisms of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Clinical decisions should consider individual case factors, as we lack reliable data on subsequent paternity rates.

Male↗
PubMed2026

Spermidine and melatonin ameliorate heat stress-induced decline in sheep semen quality.

Heat stress impairs reproductive performance in sheep through endocrine disruption and oxidative stress. This study evaluated the protective effects of spermidine (SPD) and melatonin (MT) supplementation on semen quality in Dorper rams during summer. Twenty-four rams were randomly assigned to a control group, an SPD group (5&#x202f;mg/kg, dietary supplementation), or an MT group (60&#x202f;mg, subcutaneous implantation) and treated for 60 days. The temperature-humidity index (THI) was monitored throughout the experimental period. Compared with the control group, MT significantly reduced serum cortisol concentration on day 30 (P&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.05), whereas no significant differences were observed at the other sampling time points. Serum testosterone, spermidine, and melatonin concentrations remained unchanged throughout the study (P&#x202f;>&#x202f;0.05). SPD supplementation significantly increased ejaculate volume on day 35 and sperm motility on day 42 (P&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.05), whereas MT did not significantly affect these parameters. Neither treatment reduced the overall sperm abnormality rate. However, both SPD and MT significantly decreased the proportion of acephalic and decaudated sperm on day 56 (P&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.05). Neither treatment significantly affected pregnancy rate, delivery rate, or the expression of PMFBP1 and SUN5 proteins in semen (P&#x202f;>&#x202f;0.05). Regarding oxidative stress, MT significantly downregulated CAT protein expression (P&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.05), whereas SPD significantly reduced MDA content and SOD1 protein expression (P&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.05); MT showed similar but non-significant trends for these two markers (P&#x202f;>&#x202f;0.05). Collectively, these findings demonstrate that SPD and MT exert distinct protective effects against heat stress, with SPD improving selected semen quality traits and both treatments reducing sperm head-tail separation, although these benefits did not translate into improved reproductive performance.

Animals↗
PubMed1977

The effect of temperature on the motility and viability of sperm.

In specimens of semen kept at 37 degrees C sperm lose their motility and viability. If kept at 4 degrees C they retain their viability but lose their motility from so-called thermal shock. The best temperature to keep semen in order to preserve sperm motility is 20 degrees C. Loss of motility at 37 degrees C is not entirely prevented by prevention of bacterial contamination with antibiotics.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2026

Combined effects of urine exposure and cryopreservation on sperm quality: an in vitro study of retrograde ejaculation.

Sperm quality influences fertility and offspring health through both genomic inheritance and epigenetic inheritance. Thus, for use in clinical-assisted reproductive technology (ART), spermatozoa must have optimal genomic and epigenetic structures. In patients with retrograde ejaculation, spermatozoa are usually recovered from urine and then cryopreserved for ART. However, the effects of urine exposure and subsequent freeze-thaw cycles on sperm quality remain unclear. This is particularly true for epigenetic changes and their underlying mechanisms. In this study, we examined how different durations of urine exposure (10 min and 40 min) followed by freeze-thaw cycles affected sperm motility, DNA integrity, and methylation levels of imprinting genes (H19-imprinted maternally expressed transcript [ H19 ], mesoderm-specific transcript [ MEST ], and the transposable element Alu [ Alu ]). As the duration of urine exposure increased, sperm motility (median [interquartile range]) decreased from 48.0% (39.0%-52.5%) to 1.0% (1.0%-5.0%), the DNA fragmentation index (DFI; median [interquartile range]) increased from 12.0% (9.3%-19.9%) to 23.5% (13.9%-33.9%), the MEST methylation level (mean &#xb1; standard deviation [s.d.]) increased from 3.8% &#xb1; 1.5% to 11.5 &#xb1; 1.2%, and the H19 methylation level (mean &#xb1; s.d.) decreased from 86.9% &#xb1; 0.9% to 82.1% &#xb1; 0.5%. The freeze-thaw process further reduced sperm motility, while the DFI and methylation levels of MEST and H19 did not significantly change. The Alu methylation level remained stable. These findings demonstrate that urine exposure affects sperm motility, DNA integrity, and methylation levels of some imprinting genes. These effects intensify over time. In contrast, the freeze-thaw process impacts only sperm motility. In clinical practice, minimizing exposure to urine might improve sperm quality.

Humans↗