Rationale: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious disease due to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV2). Vertical transmission and clinical presentation of COVID-19 in pregnancy is still obscure. Additionally, the potential hazard of COVID-19 in pregnancy on the fetus and post-delivery risk for the neonate remain under investigations. Patient concern: A young-aged Asian pregnant woman with 28 weeks of gestation presented with fever, dyspnoea, headache, and joint pain with decreased fetal movement for about one week. Diagnosis: The patient was diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia. Interventions: The patient was referred to the quarantine sector and was treated with chloroquine orally, intravenous fluid and other supportive treatment. Outcomes: After one week of treatment, the patient improved. Seventeen days after admission to hospital and at 30 weeks of gestation, she started vaginal preterm delivery of a viable healthy neonate with negative COVID-19 test for two occasions. Lessons: COVID-19 pneumonia during pregnancy presents with similar clinical presentation of non-pregnant women. COVID-19 pneumonia during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm labour without evidence of vertical transmission.

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Rationale: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious disease due to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV2). Vertical transmission and clinical presentation of COVID-19 in pregnancy is still obscure. Additionally, the potential hazard of COVID-19 in pregnancy on the fetus and post-delivery risk for the neonate remain under investigations. Patient concern: A young-aged Asian pregnant woman with 28 weeks of gestation presented with fever, dyspnoea, headache, and joint pain with decreased fetal movement for about one week. Diagnosis: The patient was diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia. Interventions: The patient was referred to the quarantine sector and was treated with chloroquine orally, intravenous fluid and other supportive treatment. Outcomes: After one week of treatment, the patient improved. Seventeen days after admission to hospital and at 30 weeks of gestation, she started vaginal preterm delivery of a viable healthy neonate with negative COVID-19 test for two occasions. Lessons: COVID-19 pneumonia during pregnancy presents with similar clinical presentation of non-pregnant women. COVID-19 pneumonia during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm labour without evidence of vertical transmission.

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Objective: To evaluate the impact of Olea (O.) europaea extract on markers of oxidative stress and apoptosis of ovarian tissues in a rat model of torsion/detorsion-induced ovarian damage. Methods: A total of 28 Wistar female rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups, with 7 rats in each group. The sham group received a 2.5 cm longitudinal incision in the midline part of the abdomen which was then sutured with 5-0 nylon thread; the torsion/detorsion group underwent torsion induction for 3 h followed by reperfusion for 10 days; the torsion/detorsion+O. europaea group received 300 mg/kg hydro-alcoholic extract of O. europaea 30 min before detorsion, followed by reperfusion for 10 days; and the O. europaea group only received 300 mg/kg hydro-alcoholic extract of O. europaea for 10 days. After the treatment period, blood samples were taken; the levels of estrogen, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde were assayed. The histological changes, as well as the rate of apoptosis in ovarian tissues, were also carried out by histomorphometric analysis at day 10 post-procedure. Results: Histological comparisons demonstrated a significant detrimental change in the torsion/ detorsion group as compared with other groups. The number of pre-antral and antral follicles and corpus luteum was significantly decreased in the torsion/detorsion group compared with the sham group, while treatment with O. europaea could enhance their numbers (P<0.05). The index of apoptosis and the number of atretic body in the ovarian tissue were significantly higher in the torsion/detorsion group compared with the sham group (P<0.05). The concentrations of glutathione peroxidase, estrogen, and superoxide dismutase as well as the mRNA expression of Bcl-2 were considerably diminished in the torsion/detorsion group while they were elevated in the torsion/detorsion+O. europaea group (P<0.05) compared with the torsion/detorsion group. The serum malondialdehyde level and the mRNA expression of Bax were markedly increased during ischemia, while treatment with O. europaea significantly diminished the increased concentrations of malondialdehyde and Bax level in the torsion/detorsion+O. europaea group (P<0.05). Conclusions: O. europaea extract can reduce the degree of tissue damage induced by oxidative stress and apoptosis in the ovary following ovarian ischemia/reperfusion.

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Infertility is prevalent in about 10%-25% of couples in their reproductive age, analogous to 60-80 million infertile couples globally. Of these infertility cases, 10%-30% are exclusively attributed to a problem of the male. Several diseases have been implicated as contributors to deteriorating male fertility and diabetes mellitus (DM) is included. DM, a chronic non-communicable disease, has been considered as one of the most appreciable health threats, as it affects 9% (422 million) of the world’s population as of 2014. It is characterised by hyperglycaemia, which can result from the inability of the pancreatic β-cells to secrete insulin or from the target tissue becoming insensitive to insulin. DM has been reported to influence male reproductive function through diverse pathways and mechanisms. The adverse effects of reactive oxygen species and successive development of oxidative stress that occur due to DM have been investigated and implicated by several studies. The products of non-enzymatic glycosylation are reported to be widely distributed in the reproductive tract of diabetic men. Additionally, DM has been implicated to impair the processes of male sexual acts. Data reported in this review were extracted from PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Scopus with diabetes and male infertility as the key search words. In light of the aforementioned, the aim of this review is to provide brief background information on DM as well highlight and explain the likely mechanisms of male fertility which DM impacts.

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Objective: To reveal the trend in alterations of sperm counts in Asian men over the past 50 years. Methods: This study reviewed all the published reports to unveil the specific pattern of alterations of sperm concentrations in Asian men from 1965 till 2015. The time-related changes in sperm concentration were studied using linear regression analyses. Results: The present study elucidated the trend using the reports from Carlsen et al (1965-1990) and non-Carlsen studies published until 2015, on fertile Asian men. In the reports of Carlsen et al, no overall declining trend in Asian men (r = 0.509, P = 0.760) was observed during this tenure, but non- Carsen reports showed a significant time-dependent decline of sperm concentration (r = -0.754, P = 0.005) in Asian men. This present review also showed a mild time-dependant decline in sperm concentration (-0.44×10⁶/mL/year, 95% CI: -0.65 to -0.23; r = -0.473, P = 0.040) which accounted for an overall 22.17% decrease in past 50 years. Conclusions: This study brings to the forefront that sperm concentration among Asian men follows a mild declining trend over the period of 50 years, and further studies addressing the causes of this decline are required.

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Objective: To evaluate the antioxidant effect of quercetin on cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) contents and apoptosis of cryopreserved mouse spermatogonial stem cells (mSSCs). Methods: mSSCs were isolated from neonate mice and cultivated in culture medium containing 30 μΜ quercetin for 48 h and then frozen for 2 weeks. After thawing, MTT assay was carried out to analyze the cell viability. Moreover, intracellular ROS levels were measured by flow cytometery and apoptosis was evaluated by detection of phosphatidylserine externalization assay and also real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Pre-treatment of mSSCs by 30 μΜ quercetin significantly decreased intracellular ROS content and apoptotic cell numbers and improved viability of mSSCs. Moreover, the gene expression of Bcl-2 and Bax significantly increased and decreased respectively after the freeze-thawing process. Conclusions: Pre-treatment of mSSCs with quercetin can improve cell viability and reduce apoptosis during freeze-thawing process. It can be a promising way to improve the quality and efficiency of cryopreservation protocols used in fertility preservation strategies.

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Objective: To evaluate the effect of marine brown alga Sargassum polycystum extract on growth and biochemical parameters of Vigna radiata and Vigna mungo. Methods: Different concentrations of algal extracts (0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0%, 3.0%, 4.0%, and 5.0%) were prepared and applied to the crops at every 10-day intervals under natural conditions. After 30 d, the plants were harvested to evaluate the growth and biochemical parameters. Results: Seaweed liquid fertilizers treated seedlings showed maximum growth in 3.0% concentration when compared to the untreated seedlings. Similarly, biochemical parameters such as photosynthetic pigments, protein, reducing sugar, total sugar and amino acids exhibited increases in 3.0% concentration seaweed extract. Decreases in growth and biochemical parameters were noticed in concentrations higher than 3.0%. Conclusions: Presence of micronutrients and growth regulating substances in the liquid extract help healthier and faster productivity of the crop.

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Low sperm numbers in artificial insemination (AI)-doses are being used widely to make the best use of high genetic value bulls as well as sex-sorted semen. Sperm concentration needed for AI to obtain reasonable fertility, taking genetic value of bull and numerous others components into consideration is one of the essential constituents for successful AI breeding program. However, low sperm concentrations in AI-doses lead to reducing post-thaw viability. The reduction in viability of low sperm doses may be affected by fresh semen volume, sperm number and seminal plasma level at final dilution. Reduction in quality and fertility of low sperm doses is one of the limitations for their use in successful AI programme. Sperm number per AI required to achieve optimum fertility is one of the main crucial things to AI industry, and numerous efforts have been made in this regard. Due to great variability among bulls, sperm number per AI could be a limiting factor in achieving acceptable fertility values. Fertility of low sperm doses may vary among bulls, and non-return rates (NRRs) with low sperm doses may be determined by fertility level of bull. On the basis of individual bulls, sperm numbers in AI doses needed to be adjusted to reduce the variations in NRRs among bulls. Utilizing high fertile bulls for low sperm doses with acceptable non-return rates (NRRs) may be a way to cover a large number of bovines under AI in countries like India. Deposition site within the uterine horn may alter non return rates following inseminations with low sperm doses. Following deep-uterine inseminations, acceptable pregnancies may be achieved with low sperm doses and even if ovulation side is unknown.

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Objective: To evaluate the effects of the methanolic extract of Guibourtia tessmannii (G. tesmannii) on sperm parameters, lipid profile and testosterone level in obese rats. Methods: A total of 193 male Wistar rats were fed either with palm oil diet (n=185) or standard diet (n=8) for 16 wk. At the end of this feeding period, 90 obese rats were selected and randomly divided into 18 groups of five rats each and treated with distilled water (10 mL/kg), vitamin E (75 mg/ kg), clomiphene citrate (2 mg/kg) or methanolic extract of G. tessmannii (55, 110 or 220 mg/ kg) for 7, 21 or 56 d. At the end of each treatment period, sperm parameters, lipid profile and testosterone level were evaluated. Data were analyzed using ANOVA for repeated measures followed by post-hoc Tukey HSD (P<0.05) for multiple comparisons. Results: Feeding of rats for 16 wk with palm oil diet significantly damaged sperm parameters. The methanolic extract of G. tesmannii improved sperm viability, motility and normality after 21 or 56 d of treatment. The sperm normality increased significantly in rats treated with the methanolic extract of G. tesmannii for 7 (110 mg/kg, P<0.01) and 56 d (110 and 220 mg/kg, P<0.05) compared to control group. Triglycerids, total cholesterol, low and very low density lipoproteins cholesterol levels were lower in rats treated with the plant extract for 56 d. G. tesmannii also significantly increased the high density lipoprotein cholesterol and testosterone levels in the plasma after 56 d of treatment. Conclusions: The methanolic extract of G. tesmannii can improve sperm parameters, lipid profile and testosterone level in obese rats. These findings may justify the folkloric use of G. tesmannii as a reproductive performance enhancer.

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With a high rate of infertility, it is important to understand the context of fertility and family planning in China, to inform the necessity of supportive care. A literature review was undertaken to explore the societal constructs informing perspectives of childbearing, family planning and infertility, alongside Chinese considerations of fertility treatments, including assisted reproductive technologies and fertility counselling. In China, childbearing attitudes and behaviours are shaped by tensions between traditional cultural values of the filial piety originating from Confucianism, the history of strict family planning policy, the recent termination of one-child policy and the socioeconomic circumstance. For infertile Chinese individuals, the inability to meet these childbearing expectations gives rise to significant pressure and consequent psychological distress, particularly depressive symptoms. Demographic factors such as gender, education, income and geographical location have been found to influence prevalence and degree of depression in infertile Chinese men and women. These difficulties are compounded by barriers of cultural acceptance, legislative restrictions and availability of resources for alternative options such as adoption and surrogacy. It is important that these fertility sociocultural factors are taken into consideration when assisting Chinese patients to access and utilise fertility treatment services.

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The role of melatonin on sperm function as well as its use as antioxidant for sperm conservation is analysed in this review. Melatonin has been included in the cooling/freezing media for the conservation of spermatozoa. Depending on the animal species, the best dose to improve sperm quality and fertile capacity is in the range from 0.01 mM to 3.00 mM. Since the work started on the use of melatonin as antioxidant for the conservation of spermatozoa (2011), a search for references was done on the subject using internet and our university libraries: journals, proceedings, thesis, etc. The search focused on animal spermatozoa, but a collection of papers on human spermatozoa was also carried out.

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Male reproductive functions are mediated by different hormones whose orchestrations remain a major research interest. The ‘master’ regulator hormonal axis is the hypothalamo- pituitary-gonadal/testicular axis which is led by the pulsatile release of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone. This, in turn, stimulates the anterior pituitary trophic hormones, the luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. Luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone act upon the testicular cells, the Leydig cells for steroidogenesis and Sertoli cells to aid spermatogenesis, respectively. This primary axis is influenced by an array of other testicular hormones, metabolic hormones, and different regulatory factors. These hormonal crosstalks influence the intricate testicular functions, sexual behavior and semen quality in men. Given the growing concern in the last few decades over the increasing prevalence of male subfertility and/or infertility mostly in terms of deteriorating semen quality, it is required to find its underlying mechanisms. In this regard, the endocrine regulation of testicular functions is of prime importance in the determination of semen quality and sperm functions. This review article aims to present a concise updated overview on the mechanism by which the key hormones integrate the male reproductive functions and maintain the semen quality.

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The global scenario reveals that the recent trend of deterioration of male fertility parameters parallels the growing prevalence of obesity. Over the last few decades, substantial research evidence has surfaced that aid understanding of the mechanisms by which body energy homeostasis is associated with reproductive functions. In this regard, leptin, an adipocyte-derived hormone, finds utmost relevance for its versatile physiological functions especially in metabolism as well as in the regulation of reproductive functions. Since leptin receptors are found to be highly expressed in several structures, both centrally and peripherally, it has been hypothesized that leptin may affect reproductive functions either via the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis or may also directly act upon gonadal tissues. Its roles, particularly during puberty and reproduction, are well documented. However, the exact mechanisms of leptin actions upon the gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons to induce physiological changes of puberty and reproduction need further research. Leptin is proven as an essential hormone required for normal reproductive functions, but when leptin levels exceed the physiological limit, it may adversely affect the testicular processes. Leptin can serve as a potential link between obesity and male infertility, as it has been shown that poor male reproductive parameters such as low sperm count, testicular oxidative stress, high rate of morphological abnormalities in sperm, positively correlate with increased levels of leptin in obese men. Therefore, the present review article aims to provide a better understanding of the updated views on the functions of leptin and mechanisms of leptin actions on male reproduction.

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Obesity has become a global pandemic since the last few decades with prevalence in more than one-third of the population in the United States. Another concurrent global health concern is the declining trend in male fecundity in terms of semen quality. Male infertility etiology is multifactorial with obesity serving as one of the major causatives. An array of research is directed in unveiling the potential mechanism underlying the obesity-induced male subfertility or infertility. Obesity may alter the hormonal milieu of the hypothalamic- pituitary-gonadal axis, its crosstalks with other metabolic hormones, upregulates secretion of adipose tissue-derived hormones and other factors, thus influencing the endocrine regulation of male reproduction. Obesity may also directly impair testicular functions by inducing genetic and epigenetic alterations in spermatozoa, disrupting sperm morphology and functions. Given the complexity of the condition of obesity and the multivariate etiopathology of male subfertility/ infertility, this review is aimed to provide an updated concept on how obesity mediated hormonal modulation may affect male fertility parameters.

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Thyroid hormones have been well studied for its relevance to male reproduction in the last few decades. They are considered as essential regulators of male reproductive functions and play vital roles in male gonadal developments. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism both affect testicular functions and influence neuroendocrine regulations over reproductive functions via the crosstalk between the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The alterations in the male reproductive hormonal milieu by thyroid hormones may lead to reduced testosterone levels and deterioration of semen quality. However, there are very few reports on the direct effects of thyroid disorders upon testicular functions and semen quality. This article aims to review the available literature to present a concise updated concept on the regulation of male reproductive functions by the thyroid hormones, and the possible mechanism by which thyroid dysfunctions affects testicular functions.

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Adiponectin is an adipokine that has the highest plasma concentration among all other adipokines. It is a white adipose tissue secretion essential for the regulation of energy metabolism owing to its antiatherogenic insulin-resistance, and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have put forth that adiponectin is a potent endocrine regulator with mechanisms relating energy balance with reproductive function in different species, including humans. The two adiponectin receptors, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 have been found to be expressed in the prime regulatory axis of reproduction, the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The activation of adiponectin receptors has been shown to regulate the secretion and gene expressions of kisspeptin, gonadotropin-releasing hormone and gonadotropins. Adiponectin finds relevance in the regulations of most of the vital testicular functions, such as steroidogenesis, germ cell proliferation and their coordinated apoptosis, as well as in modulation of testicular redox status and oxidative stress. Since metabolic syndrome and their associations with male infertility have been gaining immense research interest, adiponectin seems to be one of the important mediators of metabolic syndrome-induced male reproductive dysfunctions. This article aims to review the patterns of adiponectin expression in the male reproductive tissues and the mechanism by which adiponectin modulates male reproductive functions.

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Objective: To examine the effect of Cissus populnea root on testicular function of male Wistar rats. Methods: Twenty albino male Wistar rats [(100.0 ±25.5) g] were selected into four groups randomly. The control group were administered 0.20 mL of distilled water while the other groups received 0.05 mL, 0.10 mL, and 0.20 mL/kg body weight of ethanol infusion. Oral administration was done using oropharyngeal cannula once daily for 14 days. Animals were thereafter sacrificed on day 15. Data obtained from this study were analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with multiple comparisons, post-hoc Tukey HSD was subsequently used and values at P<0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: There were significant increases in serum testosterone, testes-body weight ratio, luteinising hormone and follicle stimulating hormone, respectively, compared with those in control group. Similarly, increase in acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, protein, glycogen and cholesterol levels were more significant compared with those in control group. Conclusions: The findings of this study reveals enhanced secretions of the sex hormones and other indices at 0.05 mL/kg body weight administration of Cissus populnea root ethanol infusion. However, dosages exceeding 0.05 mL/kg body weight gradually depletes the level of reproductive indices assayed for in this current study. Therefore, caution must be taken when consuming ethanol infusion of Cissus populnea root above the dosages used in this current study.

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Objective: To establish reference values for pixel intensity of testicular ultrasonogram of rams in breeding and non-breeding seasons, and to investigate if the seasonal changes in testicular echogenicity and heterogeneity are associated with semen characteristics. Methods: Five Awassi rams aged 3-5 years old and weighing 45-60 kg were subjected to ultrasonographic scanning of the testes twice monthly for one year (from January 2018 to December 2018), together with semen collection and evaluation of ejaculate volume, sperm motility, sperm concentration, sperm morphology and viability. The ejaculate volume was determined in a graduated collection tube (scale of 0.1 mL). Mass and individual sperm motility was expressed in percentage of motile spermatozoa under optical microscope equipped with a warm stage. Sperm concentration was determined by using a Neubauer chamber. Semen smears stained with eosin-nigrosin were used to determine the percentage of live spermatozoa and sperm cell morphology by using a light microscope. Results: The mean testicular pixel intensity was the lowest in winter and increased gradually from breeding season to non- breeding season, reaching its maximum value in summer (P<0.05). Pixel intensity was found to have a significant negative correlation with progressive motility (r=-0.605, P<0.05), and sperm concentration (r=-0.619, P<0.05). It is also positively correlated with the percentage of sperm morphological abnormalities (r=0.666, P<0.05). Conclusions: Pixel intensity values of testicular ultrasonogram in rams undergo marked seasonal changes that are associated with fluctuations in photoperiod and ambient temperature. The resulting values of testicular echogenicity (pixel intensity) throughout the year provide useful reference values for predicting the testicular function in Awassi rams.

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Objective: To investigate the antioxidant and anti-caspase 3 effect of chitosan-Pinus merkusii extract nanoparticle on lead acetate-induced toxicity in rat testis. Methods: Chitosan-Pinus merkusii nanoparticles were identified by dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscope. The male rats were divided into control group (rats were given with distilled water); lead acetate group [rats were injected with lead acetate 20 mg/kg body weight (BW) i..p.], and the treatment group (rats were given the chitosan-Pinus merkusii nanoparticle 150 mg; 300 mg; 600 mg/kg BW orally and were injected with lead acetate 20 mg/kg BW). The testis tissues were collected to evaluate the malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), histological evaluations of testis damage, and the caspase 3 mRNA expression was measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Results: The dynamic light scattering showed that the size of chitosan-Pinus merkusii nanoparticle was (530.2±38.2) nm. The scanning electron microscope images of the chitosan-Pinus merkusii nanoparticles showed an irregular shape, and the morphology surface showed the rough surface. The treatment with lead acetate resulted in significantly increasing MDA level and caspase 3 mRNA expression, and significantly decreasing level of SOD and GPx when compared with control group. The treatment with the chitosan-Pinus merkusii nanoparticle 600 mg/kg BW but not 150 and 300 mg/kg BW significantly decreased the MDA levels, caspase 3 mRNA expression, and also increased level of SOD and GPx when compared with lead acetate group. The lead acetate induced loss of the normal structure of testicular cells and necrosis, whereas treatment with chitosan-Pinus merkusii nanoparticle inhibited testicular cell necrosis. Conclusions: It can be concluded that chitosan-Pinus merkusii nanoparticle protects rat testis from oxidative damage and apoptosis caused by lead acetate, through increasing antioxidant and inhibiting caspase 3 expression.

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Melatonin, conventionally accepted as a pineal gland secretion, is a neuromodulator whose physiological concentrations are regulated by circadian rhythms. Alteration in melatonin levels owing to circadian influences is a major regulator of reproductive functions in animal species that are seasonal breeders. Attributing to its antioxidant properties and capability to cross physiological barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier, the blood-testis barrier as well as having almost no toxicity, melatonin finds high relevance in amelioration of male fertility parameters. Melatonin may affect male reproductive functions by influencing the release of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone and pituitary luteinizing hormone, which are among the key hormones in regulation of male reproduction. It may directly act on testicular cells to influence testicular functions. The property of melatonin most essential for testicular functions is its ability to scavenge free radicals, thereby preventing testicular oxidative damage. This article summarizes the updated data on the versatility of melatonin as an endogenous rhythm setter, as an antioxidant molecule and its possible physiological impacts in male reproductive functions.

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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may have a ripple effect that puts men at a risk of infertility. This article reviews the possible link between SARS-CoV-2 infection and male reproduction following speculations that the single- stranded RNA viruses could directly invade the testes. SARS-CoV-2 enters the human lung cells via angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). ACEs, its products, angiotensin-(1-7), and its receptor, MAS receptor, are expressed in the testes. Although the binding of SAR-CoV-2 to ACE2 could lead to excess angiotensin II with possible enhanced inflammation, angiotensin II could also promote sperm motility. In addition, the pathophysiology of SAR-CoV-2, especially in relation to male fertility, is yet to be fully understood; the suppression of androgen observed in COVID-19 infected men calls for the need for andrological assessment in infected male.

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Objective: To optimize the cryopreservation of buffalo bull semen by altering freezing rates within critical temperature range (4 °C to -60 °C). Methods: A total of 20 ejaculates each from 5 Murrah buffalo bulls were cryopreserved using programmable biofreezer in 2 phases. In the 1st phase, 9 freezing rates were applied at -2, -5, -10, -20, -30, -40, -50, -60 or -4 °C/min (control) from 4 °C to -15 °C ; at -40 °C/min from -15 °C to -60 °C. In the 2nd phase, a fixed freezing rate was applied at -30 °C /min from 4 °C to -15 °C. Six freezing rates were applied at -10, -20, -30, -40 (control), -50 or -60 °C/min from -15 °C to -60 °C. The freezing from -60 °C to -140 °C were fixed at -50 °C/min in both the phases. Post thaw semen quality was assessed in terms of motility, viability, membrane integrity (hypo-osmotic swelling test), sperm abnormalities, and active mitochondria. Data were arc sine transformed and analyzed through one-way analysis of variance using SPSS software. Results: In the 1st phase, percent individual motility, progressive motility and viability were similar among various protocols. Percent hypo-osmotic swelling reactive sperm was higher with freezing at -30 °C/min. In the 2nd phase, percent individual motility, viability and hypo-osmotic swelling reactive sperm was higher with freezing at -50 °C /min. Sperm head abnormalities were lower at -30 °C /min in the 1st phase, but were similar among the protocols of the 2nd phase. Percent active mitochondria were higher at -30 °C /min in the 1st phase and at -50 °C/min in the 2nd phase. Conclusions: The optimum post thaw semen quality of buffalo bull could be obtained by applying freezing rate at -30 °C/min (4 °C to -15 °C) and at -50 °C/min (-15 °C to -140 °C ), followed by plunging of straws in into liquid nitrogen for storage.

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Objective: To investigate ameliorative effects of Vitex agnus-castus (VAC) and VAC containing pharmaceutical supplement (VPS) against polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: PCOS in the rats was induced by daily administration of letrozole at 1 mg/kg body weight concentration for 21 d. PCOS rats were then treated daily either with metformin, VAC plant extract or VPS at 70, 8 or 8 mg/kg body weight concentration for 15 d. Rats that received none of these treatments were considered as control. Blood and ovaries were collected from all the rats. Serum glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol were measured spectrophotometrically. Serum insulin, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulation hormone, catalase, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehide and reduced glutathione were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Rats treated with letrozole demonstrated a significant increase in serum testosterone, estrogen, cholesterol, luteinizing hormone, triglycerides, glucose, insulin, and malondialdehide levels, and a significant decline in progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, catalase and reduced glutathione levels compared to control. Contrarily, no significant change in superoxide dismutase was noted in response to letrozole treatment. Rats treated with metformin, VAC or VPS showed a remarkable reversal in the levels of parameters affected by letrozole treatment. Conclusions: Data indicate that VAC and VPS exert potential ameliorative effects against PCOS through the modulation of hormonal and lipid profile as well as oxidative stress. Moreover, the favorable effects of these compounds are comparable to that of metformin.

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Pyometra is one of the most important and common disorders in canine. The disease results in life threatening condition associated with septicemia and toxemia. The condition commonly occurs during luteal phase of estrous cycle, generally 4 weeks to 4 months of estrous cycle. The age, parity, breeds, administration of hormones are some predisposing factors of the condition. However, interaction between potentially pathogenic bacteria and hormonally primed uterus is believed to result in pyometra. The disease is initiated in the form of cystic endometrial hyperplasia, which later progresses into purulent uterine content following bacterial infection resulting in pyometra. The disturbance in antioxidant and pro-oxidant balance succeeding bacterial infection results in oxidative stress. The resultant stress further induces endometrial degeneration, immunosuppression and additionally aggravates the condition. An important clinical sign is malodorous, sanguineous or mucopurulent vaginal discharge with general symptoms such as vomiting, polyuria, polydipsia, depression, anorexia and occasionally fever. Till date, ultrasonography is the best diagnostic method while radiology and serological test are also helpful. Recently, the estimation of inflammatory mediators (acute phase proteins and prostaglandin metabolites) has appeared as marker for diagnosis of the pyometra. Determination of levels of inflammatory mediators has emerged as an important diagnostic method because it can be helpful in prognosis of the condition. The pyometra can be best treated by surgical manipulation (ovariohysterectomy); however, hormonal treatment can be given in less severe cases which aimed at reducing the effect of progesterone on the reproductive tract. Together, provision of antioxidants could be helpful in disease recovery along with the determined treatment. In this review, incidence, predisposing factors, etio-pathogenesis, oxidative stress associated with condition, diagnostic methods and treatment are discussed.

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Ghrelin is a multifunctional peptide hormone, conventionally known to be secreted by the stomach. The synthesis of ghrelin by the reproductive organs signifies its autocrine and/or paracrine actions upon the gonads. Expression of the functional ghrelin receptor is observed in different levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, suggesting its action on hypothalamic secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and the pulsatile secretion of pituitary gonadotropins. It mainly acts to inhibit the secretion of the luteinizing hormone and thereby may also hinder proper testicular functions. This review article aims to provide a concise concept on (a) the characteristics, secretion and mode of actions of ghrelin, and (b) the role of ghrelin as a potential regulator of male reproductive functions. It may act upon the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis as well as directly regulate key testicular functions such as testosterone secretion, Leydig cell proliferation and expressions of prime functional proteins in the seminiferous tubule. These actions of ghrelin on testicular functions appear to be species-specific. Ghrelin and its versatile biological functions bring to a consensus that further research on ghrelin may establish one of the associations between body energy status with alterations in male reproductive functions.

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