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...

OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to evaluate three thawing rates on the post thaw motility, viability and chromatin structure of buffalo semen frozen in 0.5-ml straws. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this experimental study semen was collected with artificial vagina (42℃) from four buffalo bulls.Split pooled ejaculates (n=4) were extended at 37℃ with a Bioxcell® extender. Semen was cooled ...

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 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...

The scope of paternal contributions during early embryonic development has long been considered limited. Dramatic changes in chromatin structure throughout spermatogenesis have been thought to leave the sperm void of complex layers of epigenetic regulation over the DNA blueprint, thus leaving the balance of that regulation to the oocyte. However, recent work in the fields of epigenetics and mal...

The nuclear chromatin decondensation test (NCDT) detects the ability of the sperm chromatin to undergo decondensation following fertilization. The test does not have direct bearing with the fertilizing ability of the spermatozoa but only reflects the proportion of sperm that may swell following exposure to in vitro decondensing agents. The gross seminal parameters do not have any direct relatio...

Changes of chromosomal basic proteins of rats have been followed during transformation of spermatids into spermatozoa in the testis and during maturation of spermatozoa in the epididymis. Rat testis chromatin has been fractionated on the basis of differing sensitivity to shearing, yielding a soluble fraction and a condensed fraction. The sperm histone is found in the condense fraction. Somatic-...

The CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) is an architectural protein that governs chromatin organization and gene expression in somatic cells. Here, we show that CTCF regulates chromatin compaction necessary for packaging of the paternal genome into mature sperm. Inactivation of Ctcf in male germ cells in mice (Ctcf-cKO mice) resulted in impaired spermiogenesis and infertility. Residual spermatozoa in C...

We evaluated the effect of varicocelectomy on semen parameters and levels of sperm DNA damage in infertile men. A total of 75 infertile men with varicocele and 40 fertile men (controls) were included in this study. Semen analysis and sperm DNA damage expressed as the DNA fragmentation index using acridine orange staining and chromatin condensation test by flow cytometry were assessed before and...

BACKGROUND Currently, relation between reactive oxygen species (ROS) ROS concentration and semen quality was indicated. Saffron has traditionally been not only considered as a food additive but also as a medicinal herb, which has a good antioxidant properties. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the protection potency of saffron and vitamin E on sperm chromatin integrity. MATERI...