• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제48권4호
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• pp.374-379
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• 2021

Objective: We aimed to evaluate associations between the ratio of serum estrone (E1) to estradiol (E2) and parameters related to serum glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: In total, 133 women between the ages of 18 and 35 diagnosed with PCOS were enrolled in this study. All participants with PCOS underwent blood tests to determine hormonal and biochemical metabolic parameters and a standard 2-hour 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. They were divided into two groups according to the serum E1-to-E2 ratio: group 1 (E1/E2 ratio <2.0) and group 2 (E1/E2 ratio ≥2.0). Results: In the comparative analysis, the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) was the only clinical variable that was significantly different between the two groups. Patients with a higher E1/E2 ratio showed higher fasting insulin levels, homeostasis model for insulin resistance, and postprandial glucose level at 2 hours (PPG2). In a correlation analysis, only PPG2 was significantly related to the serum E1/E2 ratio. However, after controlling for the confounding effects of body mass index (BMI) and WHR, fasting glucose was also significantly correlated with the serum E1/E2 ratio. Conclusion: Women with PCOS with a higher serum E1/E2 ratio were found to be more likely to show higher fasting insulin and postprandial glucose levels. Significant correlations were found between the serum E1/E2 ratio and both fasting and postprandial serum glucose levels after adjusting for BMI and WHR in women with PCOS.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제49권2호
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• pp.117-126
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• 2022

Objective: This study examined whether the addition of triple antioxidants (3A)-10 µM acetyl-L-carnitine, 10 µM N-acetyl-L-cysteine, and 5 µM α-lipoic acid-in freezing-thawing medium during human sperm cryopreservation using the sucrose vitrification (SuV) and liquid nitrogen vapor (Vapor) techniques could improve post-thaw survival of spermatozoa. Methods: We analyzed 30 samples from healthy human sperm donors. Each sample was allocated into one of five groups: fresh control, SuV, SuV+3A, Vapor, and Vapor+3A. The sperm motility, morphology, viability, intracellular and extracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) were evaluated. Results: The cryopreserved spermatozoa had significantly reduced percentages of motility (p<0.05) and viability (p<0.05). Antioxidant supplementation non-significantly improved these parameters (p>0.05). No significant differences were found in sperm morphology between the fresh and frozen-thawed groups (p>0.05). After freezing, the extracellular ROS levels in the frozen-thawed groups were significantly higher (p<0.05) than in the fresh group. However, we did not find any differences in intracellular ROS parameters among these groups (p>0.05). The SDF was higher in the SuV and Vapor groups than in the fresh group, but without statistical significance (p=0.075 and p=0.077, respectively). Conclusion: Cryopreservation had detrimental effects on sperm motility, viability, and extracellular ROS levels, without changing the morphology or intracellular ROS levels. Antioxidant supplementation was slightly effective in preventing SDF in frozen-thawed spermatozoa.

• 한국동물생명공학회지
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• 제37권3호
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• pp.193-201
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• 2022

Subgroups of sperm which share similar motility features documented in mammals indicate between-subject variations that might be related to fertilizing potential of the respective ejaculates. The objectives of this study were to define subpopulations of motile sperm in Gyr falcon semen using kinematic parameters driven by Computer Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA) and to investigate the subject-related variations in these subpopulations. A total of 24 fresh ejaculates from 6 falcons were used to assign each of the 20473 sperms into 3 subpopulations by a multivariate cluster analysis. The proportion of sperms in different sub-populations were compared among subjects by a generalized linear model and repeatability of sperm frequency in different subpopulations was investigated by corelation analysis. The resulting 3 categories of sperm indicated significant differences in all kinematic parameters (p < 0.05). Subpopulation 1 (15.91%) contained sperms with the highest velocity and progressiveness of movement trajectory while subpopulation 3 (6.4%) included the least progressively motile sperms. Proportion of rapid and medium progressive sperm were consistently higher in the ejaculate of three falcons compared to the two other birds which also had the highest proportion of slow non-progressive sperms (p < 0.05). Respective proportion of sperms in each subpopulations indicated significant repeatability over multiple measurements (p < 0.05). In conclusion, subpopulations of motile sperm in Gyr falcon can be identified using kinematic parameters generated by CASA. Individual differences in the proportion of these subpopulations might have potential application for identifying the males with higher fertilizing capacity.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제50권3호
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• pp.160-169
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• 2023

Objective: Cryptorchidism is one of the main causes of infertility and can result in testicular cancer. This study aimed to present quantitative data on the damage caused by cryptorchidism using stereological analysis. Methods: Thirty newborn rats were randomly divided into control and experimental groups. The experimental group underwent surgery to induce unilateral cryptorchidism in the left testis, whereas the control group underwent a sham surgical procedure 18 days after birth. The testes were removed at designated time points (40, 63, and 90 days after birth) for stereological evaluation and sperm analysis. Total testicular volume, interstitial tissue volume, seminiferous tubule volume and length, and seminiferous epithelium volume and surface area were measured. Other parameters, such as sperm count, sperm morphology, and sperm tail length, were also examined. Results: Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were observed between the experimental and the control groups at different ages regarding the volumes of various parameters, including the surface area of the germinal layer, the length of the seminiferous tubules, sperm count, and sperm morphology. However, no significant differences were observed in the epithelial volume and the sperm tail length of the groups. Conclusion: Given the substantial effect of cryptorchidism on different testicular parameters, as well as the irreversible damage it causes in the testes, it is important to take this abnormality seriously to prevent these consequences.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제49권4호
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• pp.277-284
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• 2022

Objective: Oxidative stress is a key player in the development of idiopathic male infertility (IMI), and various antioxidants have been used for the treatment of IMI with inconsistent results. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a cofactor and an antioxidant that may improve semen parameters and reduce oxidative stress in patients with idiopathic oligoasthenospermia (OA). Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effect of CoQ10 on semen parameters and antioxidant markers in patients with idiopathic OA. Methods: Fifty patients with idiopathic OA and 35 fertile controls were enrolled in this prospective controlled study. All participants underwent a comprehensive fertility assessment. All patients received CoQ10 (300 mg/day) orally once daily for 3 months. Semen parameters, seminal CoQ10 levels, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured in patients and controls at the start of the study and after 3 months. Results: Treatment with CoQ10 resulted in increased sperm progressive motility (p<0.05), total motility (p<0.01), seminal TAC (p<0.01), SOD (p<0.05), GPx (p<0.001), and seminal CoQ10 (p<0.001) levels and reduced ROS (p<0.01) in patients as compared to baseline. Sperm concentration and motility were also significantly correlated with antioxidant measures and seminal CoQ10 levels (r=0.38-0.57). Conclusion: CoQ10 therapy (300 mg/day for 3 months) improved sperm motility and seminal antioxidant markers in patients with idiopathic OA. Therefore, CoQ10 could be a promising treatment for patients with idiopathic infertility and may improve their fertility potential.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• 제3권1호
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• pp.83-88
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• 2001

The effect of topical application with 200,400 and 600 $\mu$g/ml 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) on the fifth larval stadium of the silkworm, B. mori, was analyzed. Larvae treated during fifth larval stadium enhanced larval, cocoon and adult parameters. The larval period was significantly decreased with increase in silk gland weight at 400 and 600 $\mu$g/ml, male cocoon weight and shel1 weight in all the treated groups and filament length and weight at 200 $\mu$g/ml treated group. Length of the ovariole, eggs per ovariole and hatching percentage increased significantly in all the treated groups when compared with those of the carrier control. This suggests that the plant growth regulator 2,4-D in addition to affecting silk production also affect reproductive performance.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제15권4호
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• pp.494-499
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• 2002

The objectives of this study were to document the reproductive traits of mares as influenced by the month of the year in Taiwan. Reproductive records, lactation traits, foal birth weight (FBW) and foal height (FBH) were collected from Holi Equine Station of Taiwan. The effects of month on these parameters were analyzed. The length of estrus (LE) was shortest in December each year. The increasing trend was recorded from January to September with a significantly (p<0.05) longer period of $12.4{\pm}0.4$ days in September than in January and February. A gradual shortening in LE was observed from September to December ($10.1{\pm}0.6$ days, p<0.05), when the shortest period of the year was observed. Mares showed signs of estrus throughout the year, but more than 80% were found in estrus during March through October. The FBW was significantly (p<0.05) affected by the breeding month of the year. The lowest foal weights were recorded in both September ($36.7{\pm}0.7$ kg) and December ($36.8{\pm}0.9$ kg), which were also significantly lower than those in other months except in March, August, and November. A trend of lower FBH from September to December (93.5-93.8 cm) than those from January to August was observed. The greatest FBH was in June (96.2 cm). Breeding months and onset of estrus of the mares exerted a significant effect on the incidence of agalactia during the lactation period. These analyses provide fundamental information on adaptive processes in respect to reproductive characteristics of mares, which indicated an extent of acclimation by these animals in subtropical Taiwan.

• Toxicological Research
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• 제20권2호
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• pp.131-136
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• 2004

3-Monochloro-1,2-propanediol(3-MCPD) is a toxic compound, often present in different foods containing acid hydrolyzed(AH) protein, like seasonings and savory food products. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of 3-MCPD on male fertility, sperm and testosterone secretion. In vivo male fertility test was performed for observing the adverse effects of 3-MCPD on the function of male reproductive system and pregnancy outcome. 0.01, 0.05, 0.25, 1 and 5 mg/kg b.w. of 3-MCPD was given daily by gavage to groups of 15 adult male SD rats for 4 weeks. At the end of pre-treatment period, males were mated overnight with normal females. Following morning, males demonstrating successful induction of pregnancy were sacrificed on that day to assess sperm parameters and histopathology of reproductive organs. The resulting pregnant females were sacrificed on day 20 of gestation to evaluate pregnancy outcome. As a result, four-week paternal administration with 3-MCPD resulted in adverse effects on male fertility and pregnancy outcome without remarkable histopathological changes in testes and epididymides; sperm motility, copulation index and fertility index were markedly decreased in the treated group and numbers of live fetuses showed steep dose-response curves. Also, spermatogenesis was investigated in this experiment. However, no effect was observed on production of sperm in testes treated with 3-MCPD for 4 weeks. Hormone assay was performed for observing the effects of 3-MCPD on testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) in blood and testes of male SD rats and cultured primary Leydig cell. In result, significant changes of related hormones did not observed by treatment of 3-MCPD. These results indicated that paternal treatment with 3-MCPD induced spermatotoxic effect, which caused an antifertility on male.

• 한국발생생물학회지:발생과생식
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• 제24권3호
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• pp.159-165
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• 2020

Previously, we reported adverse effects of low-dose nonylphenol (NP) exposure on the reproductive parameters of F1 female mice. In the present study we further investigated the pathohistological effect of NP exposure on the reproductive organs in F1 female mice. NP exposures were continuously conducted from parental pre-mating period until the postnatal day (PND) 33 of F1 offspring for vaginal examination. Mice were sacrificed on PND 30 and the reproductive tissue weights were measured. The initial (at PND 21) body weights of the NP-50 group animals were significantly lower than those of control group animals, and the weight deficit were recovered when the terminal (PND 33) body weights were measured. Early vaginal opening was found in NP group animals (p<0.05). Pathohistological studies revealed that NP-treated F1 animals showed prominent increase in the ovarian follicle numbers (p<0.01), and decrease in the diameter of uterine myometrium (p<0.01), and increase in the diameter of luminal epithelium (p<0.05). The present study demonstrated that the subchronic low-dose NP exposure induced early beginning of puberty and pathohistological abnormalities in ovary and uterus of F1 mice. Further studies are needed to achieve a better understanding on the action mechanism of NP in pubertal onset and to find a way to avoid a hazardous situation provoked by NP exposure.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• 제54권1호
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• pp.9-14
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• 2012

본 연구는 국내 특정 종돈장에서 보유하고 있는 종돈에 대한 번식형질 및 산육형질들에 대한 유전변이를 추정하고자 연구를 실시하였다. 본 분석에 이용된 자료는 2000년부터 2008년까지 개량을 진행한 국내 모종돈장에 있는 돼지(Landrace, Large white, Duroc) 2,447두에서 조사된 9,886복의 번식자료(실산자수, 이유자 돈수)와 10,181두의 산육검정자료(등심단면적, 90 kg 도달일령, 등 지방두께, 정육률)을 이용하여 분석을 실시하였다. 번식형질 및 산육형질에 적합한 모형을 찾기 위해 분산분석을 실시하였으며, 그 결과 번식형질에서 품종효과, 교배웅돈효과, 산차효과, 분만시 년도-계절효과, 산육형질에서 품종효과, 분만시 년도-계절효과, 성의 효과, 모산차 등이 환경요인으로 작용하는 것으로 나타나 이들을 혼합모형방정식에 적합시켜 유전모수를 추정하였다. 그 결과, 번식 형질의 실산자수에 대한 유전력은 0.07, 모체 유전효과에 대한 유전력은 0.02로 추정되었고 이유자돈수의 유전력은 0.03, 모체 유전효과에서 0.02로 추정되었으며 이들 두 형질 간의 유전상관은 0.14, 모체 유전효과에 대한 상관은 0.06로 추정되었다. 또한 등심 면적의 경우 0.19, 90 kg 도달일령은 0.39, 등지방두께 및 정육률은 각각 0.36 및 0.43으로 번식형질에 비해 높은 유전력을 나타내는 것으로 추정되었다. 또한 등심단면적과 등지방두께 간에는 0.04로 유전적 상관관계가 없으며, 등심단면적과 정육률 간에는 0.35로 중도의 유전적 상관관계를 갖는 것으로 추정되었다. 반면에 등지방 두께와 정육률 간은 -0.42로 중도의 부의 상관관계를 나타냈으며, 등지방두께와 90 kg 도달일령 간에는 유전상관이 없는 것(0.00)으로 추정되었다. 또한 번식형질과 산육형질 간 유전상관은 등지방두께를 제외한 나머지 산육형질에서 번식형질과의 부의 상관을 보여, 번식형질 또는 산육형질을 독자적으로 개량하고자 할 때, 부의 관계가 있는 형질과의 유전적 관계를 고려한 개량목표 설정이 필요할 것으로 사료된다.