The highly condensed chromatin of mammalian spermatozoa is usually considered to be biologically inert before fertilization. However, we have demonstrated that even in this compacted state, sperm chromatin is subject to degradation at open configurations associated with the nuclear matrix through a process we have termed sperm chromatin fragmentation (SCF). This suggests that a mechanism exists...

This study was done to evaluate the effect of sperm source on chromatin integrity and ICSI outcomes. One hundred and thirteen samples containing epididymal aspirates of 57 obstructive azoospermic men and 56-ejaculated semen of normozoospermic men were included in this study. Sperm chromatin status was evaluated by Chromomycin A3 (CMA3), Aniline Blue (AB) and Toluidine Blue (TB). Fertilization r...

OBJECTIVES To obtain knowledge on male reproductive toxicity of inorganic lead at current European exposure levels and to establish lowest adverse effect levels, if any. METHODS A cross sectional survey of the semen of 503 men employed by 10 companies was conducted in the United Kingdom, Italy, and Belgium. The mean blood lead concentration was 31.0 microg/dl (range 4.6-64.5) in 362 workers e...

The aim of the experiment was to determine the effect of potential antioxidants (adenosine, L-cysteine hydrochloride, ascorbic acid, magnesium fumarate and prolactin) supplementing the Biosolwens extender on semen survival time and sperm chromatin structure. The semen motility was examined every day and the susceptibility of sperm chromatin to denaturation was evaluated on collection day and da...

objective: melatonin, the chief secretory product of the pineal gland, regulates dynamic physiological adaptations that occur in seasonally breeding mammals as a response to changes in daylight hours. because of the presence of melatonin in semen and the membrane melatonin receptor in spermatozoa, the impact of melatonin on the regulation of male infertility is still questionable. the aim of th...

BACKGROUND Sperm chromatin is highly condensed and relatively resistant to chemical and physical treatments. The purpose of this study was to explore the highest temperature that sperm can tolerate and still produce live offspring. METHODS Mouse sperm were heated in a water bath at 50, 65, 80 or 95°C for 30 min before they were microinjected into mouse oocytes. Fertilization, embryo developme...

Sperm cells are remarkably complex and highly specialized compared to somatic cells. Their function is to deliver to the oocyte the paternal genomic blueprint along with a pool of proteins and RNAs so a new generation can begin. Reproductive success, including optimal embryonic development and healthy offspring, greatly depends on the integrity of the sperm chromatin structure. It is now well d...

Background: During spermatogenesis the sperm nucleus exchange histones against cystein rich protamines, which stabilize the sperm chromatin and protects the DNA against damages. At ejaculation the age of the patient, handling routines, processing of the semen sample and the storage of the final sperm suspension might damage the DNA. Sperm chromatin stability and DNA damages are evaluated with d...

Background: Techniques of sperm preparation require centrifugation to separate spermatozoa from the seminal plasma. The centrifugation can induce damage to the spermatozoa and increase reactive oxygen species(ROS) productionspecially in leukospermic speciemens that are associated with impaired function and fertilizing capacity. However in ICSI, fertilization can occure with damage DNA sperm but...

BACKGROUND Acrylamide (AA) is an important industrial chemical primarily. AA is also found in carbohydrate-rich foods that are prepared at high temperatures, such as French fries and potato chips. It is demonstrated that AA is a carcinogen and reproductive toxin and has ability to induce sperm damage. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to observe the effects of AA on sperm parameters and eva...