SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This randomized clinical trial study aims to investigate the effects of antioxidant food supplementation on the total antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma, sperm DNA fragmentation, sperm chromatin quality, and semen parameters. METHODS: In this study, a total of 48 subfertile men with moderate physical activity were included. Group 1 was recommended to use the antioxidant supplements, while antioxidant food supplements were not given to Group 2. Total antioxidant capacity, sperm DNA fragmentation, sperm chromatin structure, hormone levels, physical activities, and semen parameters were evaluated before and after treatment. Total antioxidant capacity, sperm DNA fragmentation, and sperm chromatin structure were assessed using ELISA, transferase dUTP nick end labeling, and aniline blue staining, respectively. RESULTS: Sperm DNA fragmentation (p=0.003) and histone/protamine ratio (p<0.001) were significantly decreased in the patients receiving antioxidant treatment. There was no statistical difference in the total antioxidant capacity values of the post-treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Antioxidant therapy seems to improve sperm DNA fragmentation and histone/protamine ratios in subfertile patients. Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT06042738. OBJECTIVE plasma quality METHODS 4 included 2 levels activities treatment ELISA labeling staining respectively RESULTS p=0.003 p0003 p 0 003 (p=0.003 histoneprotamine histone protamine p<0.001 p0001 001 (p<0.001 posttreatment post groups CONCLUSION Number NCT06042738 NCT p=0.00 p000 00 (p=0.00 p<0.00 (p<0.00 NCT0604273 p=0.0 p00 (p=0.0 p<0.0 (p<0.0 NCT060427 p=0. p0 (p=0. p<0. (p<0. NCT06042 p=0 (p=0 p<0 (p<0 NCT0604 p= (p= p< (p< NCT060 (p NCT06 NCT0

Resumen El objetivo fue determinar si la presencia de cuernos en carneros define si son de jerarquía alta o baja. Se evaluaron 20 carneros Dorper para determinar su rango social (SR), alto (HSR) o bajo (LSR) en condiciones de manejo intensivo. Al momento de la clasificación del SR, se registraron la presencia (HP) o ausencia (HA) de cuernos y distancia entre los mismos, la altura a la cruz, largo del cuerpo, perímetro torácico, circunferencia escrotal, olor, peso corporal y condición corporal. Posteriormente, se realizó la evaluación seminal, registrando el volumen del eyaculado, la concentración espermática y la motilidad masal. No se presentaron diferencias (p > 0.05) para las variables morfométricas entre los grupos. Sin embargo, la HP así como la calidad seminal, fueron mayores (p < 0.05) en los machos HSR. La presencia de cuernos en los carneros determinó su rango social y los machos dominantes mostraron una mejor calidad seminal que los machos subordinados.

Abstract The aim was to determine if the presence of horns on rams defines whether they are high-ranking or low-ranking. Dorper rams (n = 20) were evaluated to determine their social rank (SR), either high (HSR) or low (LSR), under intensive management conditions. Upon SR classification, the morphometric variables horns presence (HP) or absence (HA) and distance between them, the height at the withers, body length, thoracic perimeter, and scrotal circumference, male odor, body weight, and body condition score were registered. Afterward, semen evaluations were performed, recording the ejaculated volume, sperm concentration, and mass motility. There were no differences (p > 0.05) for the morphometric variables between the groups. However, HP as well as semen quality were higher (p < 0.05) in HSR males. The presence of horns in the rams determined their social rank and the dominant males showed better semen quality than the subordinate males.

Abstract In the context of the current debates about the disclosure of donor conception, this paper explores the perspectives on identity of people who have resorted to donating sperm and/or eggs in Buenos Aires City and for whom filiation with their descendants is not based on sharing biogenetic substance. Through the examination of a corpus of interviews conducted between 2018 and 2020 and in dialogue with kinships studies in anthropology, two notions of identity are recognized, identity as a construction or process and identity as an attribute transmitted through genes. Fathers and mothers’ reflections about the identity of their children and the identity of the donors return us to the problem of the biological and social aspects of kinship and the culture/nature binomial, forcing us to reflect on the distinction and articulation between both domains.

Resumen En el marco de los debates actuales sobre el levantamiento del anonimato de los/as donantes de gametos, este artículo indaga las perspectivas sobre la identidad de personas que han recurrido a la donación de semen y/u óvulos en la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires y cuyo vínculo de filiación con su descendencia no se basa en compartir una substancia biogenética. A partir del examen de un corpus de entrevistas realizadas entre 2018 y 2020 y en diálogo con la antropología del parentesco, se reconocen dos nociones de identidad en juego, la identidad como construcción o proceso y la identidad como un atributo transmitido a través de los genes. Las reflexiones de los padres y las madres acerca de la identidad de sus hijos/as y la identidad de los/las donantes nos devuelven de lleno al problema de los aspectos biológicos y sociales del parentesco y al binomio cultura/naturaleza, obligando a reflexionar sobre la distinción y articulación entre ambos dominios.

Abstract Increasing availability to assisted reproduction (AR) treatments in Argentina and advances in cryobiology resulted in changes in andrology laboratories. The aim of this study was to evaluate the demand and evolution of seminal variables in the last two decades, characterise the current andrology laboratory, evaluate the impact of the incorporation of quality assurance and the introduction of computer assisted semen analysis (CASA). Data were taken from internal quality control (IQC) monthly means (n=22 528) and professionals in charge of laboratories (n=65) and fertility physicians’ (n=33) surveys. Overall demand decreased significantly while first-time orders increased. Sperm volume and sperm count –androgen dependent parameters– decreased over the years. Strict morphology criteria reduced the percentage of normal results; half of the physicians received results between 0 and 10% and 40% considered that it compromised the clinical value of the variable. The CASA system made it possible to objectify sperm kinetic, increasing the percentage of fast progressives, but few laboratories have incorporated it. Sixty-six percent of physicians resolve severe andrological factor by clinical treatments and 95% use AR techniques in those cases. Semen analysis is mainly performed by specialised biochemists, with low adherence to laboratory automatisation and accreditation, but with participation in external quality assessment programmes. The demand decreased because of the increase in AR treatment. The lower percentage of normal forms compromises their clinical utility.

Resumen La mayor accesibilidad a los tratamientos de reproducción asistida (RA) y los avances de la criobiología produjeron cambios en los laboratorios de andrología. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar la demanda y evolución de las variables seminales en las últimas dos décadas, caracterizar el laboratorio andrológico actual, evaluar el impacto de la incorporación del aseguramiento de la calidad y la inclusión de los sistemas computarizados (CASA). Se utilizaron datos de las medias mensuales del control de calidad interno (n=22 528) y encuestas a profesionales de laboratorios andrológicos (n=65) y a médicos especialistas en fertilidad (n=33). La demanda global se redujo significativamente con el aumento de las solicitudes de primera vez. El volumen y recuento, variables dependientes de andrógenos, disminuyeron con los años. El criterio estricto en morfología disminuyó el porcentaje de normales; la mitad de los médicos encuestados recibieron resultados entre 0 y 10% y el 40% consideró que ponía en riesgo el valor clínico de la variable. El sistema CASA permitió objetivar la cinética espermática e incrementar el porcentaje de progresivos rápidos, pero pocos laboratorios lo incorporaron. El 66% de los médicos resuelven el factor andrológico severo por tratamientos clínicos y el 95% utiliza técnicas de RA. El análisis de semen es ejecutado fundamentalmente por bioquímicos especializados, con baja adhesión a la automatización y acreditación del laboratorio, pero con participación en programas de evaluación externa de calidad. La demanda disminuyó como consecuencia del aumento del tratamiento por RA. La reducción del porcentaje de formas normales compromete su utilidad clínica.

Resumo O aumento do acesso aos tratamentos de reprodução assistida (RA) e os avanços na criobiologia levaram a mudanças nos laboratórios de andrologia. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a demanda e a evolução das variáveis de sêmen nas últimas duas décadas, caracterizar o laboratório de andrologia atual, avaliar o impacto da incorporação da garantia da qualidade e a inclusão dos sistemas computadorizados (CASA). Foram utilizados dados das médias mensais do controle de qualidade interno (n= 22 528) e pesquisas a profissionais de laboratórios andrológicos e a médicos especialistas em fertilidade (n=33). A demanda geral diminuiu significativamente com o aumento das solicitações de primeira vez. O volume e a contagem de esperma, parâmetros dependentes de andrógenos, diminuíram ao longo dos anos. O critério morfológico rigoroso diminuiu a porcentagem de normais; metade dos médicos entrevistados recebeu resultados entre 0 e 10% e 40% considerou que isso comprometía o valor clínico do parâmetro. O sistema CASA, permitiu objetivar a cinética espermática e aumentar o percentual de progressões rápidas, mas poucos laboratórios o incorporaram. 66% dos médicos resolvem o fator andrológico grave por tratamentos clínicos e 95% utilizam técnicas de RA nesses casos. A análise do sêmen é realizada principalmente por bioquímicos especializados, com baixa aderência à automação e acreditação laboratorial, mas com participação em programas de avalação externa de qualidade. A demanda diminuiu como consequência do aumento do tratamento por RA. A diminuição em percentagem de formas normais compromete sua utilidade clínica.

Resumen Antecedentes: El incremento seminal de especies reactivas de oxígeno (ERO) se ha vinculado con la oxidación del ADN y anormalidades en la morfología espermática. La enzima 8-oxoguanina ADN glucosilasa 1 (OGG1) repara la oxidación del ADN. Sin embargo, la presencia del polimorfismo en la OGG1 que involucra cambio de citocina (C) por guanina (G), resultando la sustitución de una cisteína por una serina en el codón 326 (Ser326Cis), ha demostrado disminución en la reparación del ADN oxidado. Estudios del polimorfismo Ser326Cis en hombres españoles y asiáticos con infertilidad demostraron que el alelo G(Cis) incrementa las ERO, impactando en la infertilidad y en la teratozoospermia. Objetivo: Conocer la prevalencia del polimorfismo Ser326Cis de OGG1 en pacientes con teratozoospermia. Método: Se analizaron parámetros espermáticos y el polimorfismo Ser326Cis de OGG1 de 81 muestras de semen con teratozoospermia. Resultados: Los genotipos detectados fueron Ser326Ser(CC) 43%, Ser326Cis(CG) 41% y Cis326Cis(GG) 16%. La frecuencia del alelo G(Cis) fue de 0.4, valor mayor a la frecuencia reportada en las bases de datos disponibles para poblaciones americanas (0.21-0.29), los parámetros espermáticos no se relacionaron con el polimorfismo Ser326Cis. Conclusión: El alelo G(Cis) es un factor que contribuye a la infertilidad.

Abstract Background: The increase in seminal reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been linked to DNA oxidation and abnormalities in sperm morphology. The enzyme 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 (OGG1) repairs DNA oxidation. However, the presence of the polymorphism in OGG1 that involves a change of cytokine (C) to guanine (G) resulting in the substitution of a cystine for serine at codon 326 (Ser326Cys) has shown a decrease in the repair of oxidized DNA. Studies of the Ser326Cys polymorphism in Spanish and Asian men with infertility demonstrated that the G(Cys) allele increases ROS, impacting infertility and teratozoospermia. Objective: To know the prevalence of the Ser326Cys polymorphism of OGG1 in patients with teratozoospermia. Method: Sperm parameters and the Ser326Cys polymorphism of OGG1 were analyzed from 81 semen samples. Results: The genotypes detected were Ser326Ser(CC) 43%, Ser326Cys(CG) 41%, and yis326Cys(GG) 16%. The frequency of the G allele (Cys) was 0.4, a value higher than the frequency reported in the databases available for American populations (0.21-0.29), the sperm parameters were not related to the Ser326Cys polymorphism. Conclusion: The G (Cys) allele is a factor that contributes to infertility.

Abstract 17. The study aimed to evaluate the Fertilization Rate of four independent in vitro treatments of bovine oocytes with Sexed (SX) and Conventional (Conv) semen, capacitated (B.O and Percoll) using the Swim-Up technique. Cleavage was assessed at 48 hours post-fertilization and on the seventh day of embryonic development. The results showed a cleavage percentage of 59.4% in T1 (Conv. Percoll), 60% in T2 (Conv. B.O), 75% in T3 (SX. Percoll), and 46.6% in T4 (SX. B.O), with a statistically significant difference (p>0.05) observed specifically between T3 and T4. The embryo development rate on the seventh day was 34.4% in T1, 20% in T2, 15% in T3, and 10.51% in T4. In this case, a statistically significant difference was found in the use of conventional medium with Percoll compared to SX B.O medium (p<0.05) (T1 and T4, respectively). The results also showed similar production of morula and early blastocysts and protruded embryos among the four treatments, demonstrating the feasibility of in vitro fertilization (IVF) technique for producing bovine embryos. In conclusion, the preliminary evaluation highlights the significant influence of the sexing method and treatment on semen quality and embryonic development in animal reproduction programs. Although Sexed semen with Percoll shows potential to improve cleavage rates, conventional semen, especially in T1 treatment (Conv. Percoll), exhibits superiority in individual motility and concentration. These findings provide crucial insights for optimizing reproductive programs.

Resumen 13. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la Tasa de Fecundación in vitro de ovocitos bovinos con semen sexado (SX) y convencional (Conv.) capacitados (B.O y Percoll) con la técnica Swim-Up. Se evaluó el clivaje a las 48 horas post fecundación y al séptimo día del desarrollo embrionario. Los resultados mostraron un porcentaje de clivaje del 59,4% en el T1 (Conv. Percoll), 60% en el T2 (Conv. B.O), 75% en el T3 (SX. Percoll) y 46,6% en el T4 (SX. B.O), mostrando diferencia estadística entre T3 y T4 (p>0,05). La tasa de desarrollo del embrión al séptimo día fue 34,4% T1, 20% en T2, 15% en T3 y 10,51% en T4; en este caso, se encontró diferencia estadísticamente significativa en el uso del medio convencional más Percoll en comparación con el medio de SX B.O (p<0,05) (T1 y T4, respectivamente). Los resultados también mostraron una producción similar de mórulas y blastocitos tempranos y protruidos entre los cuatro tratamientos, y demuestran la viabilidad del desarrollo e implementación de la técnica de fertilización in vitro (FIV) para producir embriones bovinos. Concluyendo la evaluación preliminar, destaca la significativa influencia del método de sexado y del tratamiento en la calidad del semen y desarrollo embrionario en programas de reproducción animal. Aunque el semen sexado con Percoll muestra potencial para mejorar tasas de clivaje, el semen convencional, especialmente en el tratamiento T1 (Conv. Percoll), exhibe una superioridad en motilidad individual y concentración. Estos resultados informan decisiones cruciales para optimizar programas reproductivos.

ABSTRACT Objective: This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of low-dose prednisone as a rescue therapy for patients with deteriorating semen parameters following vasovasostomy. Materials and Methods: Electronic medical records were queried at the University of Miami with documented CPT code 55400 (Bilateral Vasovasostomy) between January 2016 and April 2023. Records were then reviewed to identify patients who demonstrated ≥50% decrease in semen parameters, specifically sperm concentration, motility and total motile sperm count. Patients who were treated with 6 weeks of low-dose prednisone were identified, and baseline semen parameters and subsequent changes after prednisone therapy were assessed. A Mann-Whitney U Test was used to compare semen parameter changes before and after prednisone. Adverse effects associated with prednisone were monitored. Results: A total of 8 patients were identified with deteriorating semen parameters who were treated with 6 weeks of low-dose prednisone. Following prednisone therapy, all patients demonstrated improvements in total motile sperm count (TMSC), with a median improvement of 6 million. The median relative improvement in TMSC was 433%. Sperm concentration and motility also improved compared to post-operative baseline. No adverse effects were reported during the treatment period. Conclusions: Low-dose prednisone therapy appears to be a safe and effective intervention for managing deteriorating semen parameters following VV. The observed improvements in TMSC suggest the potential of prednisone to rescue patients with delayed failure after VV. Further research with larger sample sizes is warranted to confirm the safety and efficacy of low-dose prednisone as a rescue therapy in this specific patient population. Optimizing VV outcomes is crucial in male infertility, and further exploration of steroid therapy and innovative biotechnologies is warranted.

The widespread use of antibiotics in poultry breeding has led to drug resistance of pathogenic microorganisms. With long-term dependence on antibiotics, immunity in poultry has decreased, increased susceptibility and seriously affecting the quality of poultry protein products and consumer health. Chinese medicinal herbs come mainly from nature and are natural products, so are called green feed additives. It has become an important substitute for antibiotics in high-quality livestock products. In this study, Wanxi White Geese were used as the research object to explore the effects of Chinese medicinal herb feed additives on intestinal microorganisms. Semen Cassiae and Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua increased the number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in intestinal microorganisms of geese, and the number of OTUs increased with dosage. Semen Cassiae or Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua has great influence on the abundance of intestinal microbes. The relative abundance of Clostridiales was higher than the control (feeding only the basal diet) after treated with Semen Cassiae or Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua feed additives. Chinese medicinal herb feed additives inhibited Erysipelotrichales and the relative abundance of Erysipelotrichales in all treated samples was lower than the control group. Alpha diversity analysis also showed that Chinese medicinal herb feed additives promoted the diversity of intestinal microorganisms. The purpose of this study is for future research and practical application of feed additives.

The objective of this study was to assess semen characteristics of bucks kept under communal management systems in the hard-veld, southern part of Botswana. In early autumn, semen was collected from 22 bucks ranging from < 2 to >5 years old across 20 randomly-selected communal farms using an electro-ejaculator. The buck type, age, live weight, and scrotal circumference were recorded prior to semen collection. Semen characteristics assessed were semen colour, ejaculated volume, sperm cell concentration, sperm motility, as well as morphology. The data were examined using analysis of variance with a general linear model in SAS. The common buck breed kept by communal farmers was a non-descript (mixed) breed (86%) and the Boer goat (14%) was in minority. The most predominant semen colour was creamy. The breed did not influence live weight, scrotal circumference, and semen characteristics. The younger bucks (<2 years) had substantially lower live weight, scrotal circumference, and ejaculated semen volume than the older bucks. Semen characteristics did not differ substantially across the ages except for the sperm concentration, which was lower in bucks <2 years compared to >5 years. Live weight was strongly correlated (r = 0.81) to scrotal circumference and moderately correlated (r = 0.60) to the ejaculated semen volume. The study provides an insight into semen quality and prediction of fertility for bucks kept under a communal management system.

RESUMO Descreveu-se o diagnóstico anatômico e ultrassonográfico de abscessos testiculares (n = 2) e microlitíase testicular (n = 3) em carneiros do Cazaquistão. No caso de abscessos testiculares, os sintomas localizados incluem aumento do testículo e diminuição da elasticidade, acompanhados de vários graus de dor e febre. Observou-se comportamento anormal, com o animal andando ou urinando com as pernas abertas, acompanhado de gemidos dolorosos. Achados ultrassonográficos: várias áreas hipoecogênicas ou escuras fluidas com morfologia irregular aparecem no parênquima testicular, com bordas pouco nítidas, com os tecidos normais circundantes e ecogenicidade interna irregular. Uma autópsia revelou necrose caseosa unilateral com degeneração de todos os tecidos testiculares. A microlitíase testicular não se apresenta clinicamente e a qualidade normal do sêmen não é afetada. Achados ultrassonográficos: pontos ecogênicos esparsos, dispersos ou densos, pontilhados, semelhantes a alfinetes, alguns com sinais de cauda de cometa e sem sombra acústica, são vistos no parênquima testicular. O tratamento de rotina para abscessos testiculares é a drenagem cirúrgica, mas, quando ocorre degeneração e necrose do tecido testicular, levando a sintomas sistêmicos graves, o animal deve ser eliminado. A microlitíase testicular é relativamente rara e não há tratamentos ou intervenções eficazes disponíveis, no entanto continua sendo um possível contribuinte para a disfunção testicular e outras condições secundárias.

ABSTRACT Anatomical and ultrasonographic diagnostic work-up of testicular abscesses (n = 2) and testicular microlithiasis (n = 3) in Kazakh rams is described. For testicular abscesses, the localized symptoms include enlargement of the testicle and decreased elasticity, accompanied by varying degrees of pain and fever, abnormal behavior, walking or urinating with legs spread apart and accompanied by painful moans. Ultrasound findings: several hypoechoic or fluid dark areas with irregular morphology appear within the testicular parenchyma, with unclear borders with the surrounding normal tissues and uneven internal echogenicity. An autopsy revealed unilateral caseous necrosis with degeneration of all testicular tissues. Testicular microlithiasis does not present clinically and normal semen quality is not affected. Ultrasound findings: sparse, scattered, or dense punctate, pinpoint-like echogenic dots, some with comet tail signs and no acoustic shadow, are seen in the testicular parenchyma. The routine treatment for testicular abscesses is surgical drainage, but when degeneration and necrosis of testicular tissue occur, leading to severe systemic symptoms, the animal must be put down. Testicular microlithiasis is relatively rare and there are no effective treatments or interventions available, but it remains a potential contributor to testicular dysfunction and other secondary conditions.

Resumo Objetivou-se avaliar a eficiência de duas ou três sincronizações de estro seguida da inseminação artificial (IA) por laparoscopia com sêmen congelado em ovinos. As ovelhas Santa Inês (n=147) foram distribuídas aleatoriamente em 2 grupos: Re-sync - 2IATF (n=72) e Doppler - 3IATF (n=75), sincronizadas com protocolo curto associado ao GnRH e IA por laparoscopia com sêmen congelado 50 horas após a retirada do dispositivo P4 (D0). No grupo Re-sync foram realizadas duas IA com início do protocolo de ressincronização em D23 e diagnóstico gestacional em D30, as fêmeas não gestantes eram inseminadas novamente. No grupo Doppler as ovelhas foram ressincronizadas (D10) e o diagnóstico de gestação realizado precocemente aos 17 dias, com auxílio da ultrassonografa Doppler. As fêmeas vazias eram inseminadas novamente, totalizando três inseminações em 42 dias. Os diagnósticos precoces de gestação foram confirmados com 30 dias. Re-sync (29,16%) e Doppler (21,33%), foram semelhantes entre si na taxa de prenhez acumulativa (P>0,05). Os indicadores da técnica de diagnóstico de não-gestação aos 17 dias foram: sensibilidade 100%, especificidade 28%, valor preditivo positivo 21,3%, valor preditivo negativo 100% e acurácia 39,8%. Com o auxílio do diagnóstico precoce as ovelhas puderam ser inseminadas de duas a três vezes no mesmo período e mostrou efetividade em diagnosticar as fêmeas verdadeiramente não gestante. Conclui-se que a ressincronização de estro associada a IA por laparoscopia utilizando sêmen congelado pode ser aplicada em ovinos, entretanto não foi possível alcançar maior taxa de prenhez com duas ou três inseminações ao final da estação de monta.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of two or three estrus synchronizations followed by artificial insemination (AI) by laparoscopy with frozen semen in sheep. Santa Inês sheep (n=147) were randomly distributed into two groups: Re-sync - 2FTAI (n=72) and Doppler - 3FTAI (n=75), synchronized with a short protocol associated with GnRH and AI by laparoscopy with frozen semen 50 h after removing the P4 device (D0). Two AIs were performed in the Re-sync group, with the start of the resynchronization protocol on D23 and gestational diagnosis on D30; the non-pregnant females were inseminated again. The sheep were resynchronized (D10) in the Doppler group and the gestation diagnosis was made early at 17 days using Doppler ultrasound. The open females were inseminated again, totaling three inseminations in 42 days. Early gestation diagnoses were confirmed at 30 days. Re-sync (29.16%) and Doppler (21.33%) were similar to each other in terms of cumulative gestation rate (P>0.05). The indicators of the non-gestation diagnosis technique at 17 days were sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 28%, positive predictive value of 21.3%, negative predictive value of 100%, and accuracy of 39.8%. Early diagnosis allowed sheep to be inseminated two to three times in the same period and was effective in diagnosing truly non-pregnant females. Therefore, estrus resynchronization associated with AI by laparoscopy using frozen semen can be applied in sheep, but a higher gestation rate could not be achieved with two or three inseminations at the end of the breeding season.

Abstract Cryoprotectants are required to reduce damage caused to the cells due to low temperatures during the cryopreservation. Antifreeze proteins (AFP) have a well-known role in cell membrane protection, while resveratrol is a potent antioxidant. This study assessed the effect of the association of resveratrol concentrations and AFP I in a ram semen extender. Pooled semen of four rams was allocated into six treatments in a factorial arrangement: (CONT, only the semen extender); only AFP I (ANT: 0.1 µg/mL of AFP I), only resveratrol, one treatment with two levels (10 µM/mL or 50 µM/mL of resveratrol); and two treatments with the interactions, with one AFP I and one of the two levels of resveratrol (0.1 µg/mL of AFP I with 10 µM/mL resveratrol; 0.1 µg/mL of AFP I with 50 µM/mL resveratrol). No interaction between factors was observed on sperm kinetics, plasma membrane integrity, hypo-osmotic test, and mitochondrial activity parameters. There was a high probability (P = 0.06) of reducing sperm cells with functional membrane percentage in the hypo-osmotic test and increasing the percentage of sperm with high mitochondrial activity (P = 0.07) was observed in AFP presence. An interaction of AFP and resveratrol was observed in non-capacitated sperm (P = 0.009), acrosomal reaction (P = 0.034), and sperm binding (P = 0.04). In conclusion, the association of resveratrol and AFP did not improve the quality of frozen-thawed semen and even promoted deleterious effects compared to their single addition in the semen extender. The supplementation of 50 µM/mL of resveratrol improved the outcomes of frozen-thawed ram sperm, being a potential cryoprotectant.

Abstract Background Varicocele is an abnormal expansion of the pampininias venous plexus in the scrotum, resulting in impaired sperm production and reduced sperm quality. The exact pathophysiological mechanism leading to varicocele-related infertility has not been fully elucidated. Although treatable, varicocele may lead to male infertility. Objective To investigate the relationship between semen parameters, serum InhB and INSL-3 levels, and the degree of varicocele in male patients. Methods Serum InhB and INSL-3 were detected. To evaluate the relationship between semen parameters and serum InhB and INSL-3 levels. To evaluate the value of semen parameters and serum InhB and INSL-3 levels in distinguishing disease severity in patients with varicocele. Results Serum INSL-3 in patients with varicocele decreased with the severity of the disease. Serum INSL-3 was positively correlated with total sperm count and frequency of normal sperm morphology. There was a weak correlation between serum InhB and semen volume, concentration, and total sperm. Patients with different disease severity were similar within the groups, with partial overlap or similarity between varicocele Grade I and Grade II, and significant differences between Grade III and Grade I and II. Semen volume, concentration, total sperm, normal sperm morphology, and serum InhB and INSL-3 levels could distinguish the degree of varicocele. Conclusion Semen parameters and the combination of serum InhB and INSL-3 levels in patients with varicocele are closely related to the severity of the disease. Serum INSL-3 is expected to be a potential biomarker for early clinical intervention.

Abstract One of the crucial aspects to be considered for successful in vitro production (IVP) of embryos is the composition of the various media used throughout the stages of this reproductive biotechnology. The cell culture media employed should fulfill the metabolic requirements of both gametes during oocyte maturation and sperm development, as well as the embryo during its initial cell divisions. Most IVP protocols incorporate blood serum into the media composition as a source of hormones, proteins, growth factors, and nutrients. Numerous studies have suggested Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) as a substitute for fetal sera in cell culture, particularly for stem cells. Therefore, the objective of this study is to assess the potential use of PRP as a replacement for fetal bovine serum (FBS) during oocyte maturation for in vitro production of bovine embryos. During in vitro maturation (IVM), cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were allocated into the following experimental groups: Group G1 (IVM medium with 5% PRP); Group G2 (MIV medium with 5% PRP and 5% SFB); Group G3 (MIV medium with 5% SFB); and Group G4 (MIV medium without either PRP or SFB). Subsequently, the cumulus-oocyte complexes were fertilized with semen from a single bull, and the resulting zygotes were cultured for seven days. Cleavage and blastocyst formation rates were assessed on days 2 and 7 of embryonic development, respectively. The quality of matured COCs was also evaluated by analyzing the gene expression of HSP70, an important protein associated with cellular stress. The results demonstrated that there were no significant differences among the experimental groups in terms of embryo production rates, both in the initial cleavage stages and blastocyst formation (except for the G4 group, which exhibited a lower blastocyst formation rate on D7, as expected). This indicates that PRP could be a cost-effective alternative to SFB in the IVP of embryos.