Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Erin L. McCullough, Emma Whittington, Akanksha Singh, Scott Pitnick, Mariana F. Wolfner, Steve Dorus
Summary: This study investigates the life history of Drosophila melanogaster sperm proteome and reveals substantial compositional changes after sperm are transferred to the female reproductive tract (FRT). Multiple seminal fluid proteins initially associate with sperm, but become undetectable after sperm storage. Female-derived proteins also associate with sperm immediately after mating, and contribute nearly 20% to the postmating sperm proteome after storage in the FRT. These female-derived proteins are enriched in processes associated with energy metabolism, suggesting their role in supporting sperm viability during the period between copulation and fertilization.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Gabriela Caetano, Ines Bozinovic, Charlotte Dupont, Damien Leger, Rachel Levy, Nathalie Sermondade
Summary: Results of the study suggest that sleep parameters may affect female and male reproductive functions, with short sleep duration, evening chronotype, or shift/night work schedules potentially impacting fertility and IVF outcomes. However, due to heterogeneous study methodologies, the results were difficult to compare.
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2021)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Lyndal Hulse, Chiara Palmieri, Kenneth W. Beagley, Rebecca Larkin, Tamara Keeley, Jaime Gosalvez, Stephen D. Johnston
Summary: The study suggests that Chlamydia infection and inflammation may not be the predominant reason for disruption to spermatogenesis in wild koalas, with testicular degeneration and atrophy appearing to be the primary cause of decreased sperm concentration, regardless of Chlamydia infection.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Bruno Garcia Montagnini, Simone Forcato, Karine Vandressa Pernoncine, Mariana Cunha Monteiro, Marina Rangel Ferro Pereira, Nathalia Orlandini Costa, Estefania Gastadello Moreira, Janete Aparecida Anselmo-Franci, Daniela Cristina Ceccatto Gerardin
Summary: The study found that TCS may act as an endocrine disruptor for the reproductive system. Exposure to TCS was shown to decrease sperm viability and motility, potentially related to the programming of reproductive cells during fetal/neonatal development.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jiraporn Laoung-on, Kanokporn Saenphet, Churdsak Jaikang, Paiwan Sudwan
Summary: Moringa oleifera leaf tea, rich in total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidants, showed positive effects on the male reproductive system. Experimental results demonstrated that it could enhance sexual behavior, increase sperm production, and improve reproductive function in male rats.
Article
Ecology
Julian Baur, Dorian Jagusch, Piotr Michalak, Mareike Koppik, David Berger
Summary: This study investigated the impact of mating systems on the thermal sensitivity of fertility in seed beetles. Results showed that females had higher thermal sensitivity of fertility compared to males, and this sex difference increased significantly over only two generations under sexual selection. Manipulation of mating systems can generate intraspecific variation in the sex difference in thermal sensitivity of fertility. The study provides a causal link between mating systems and thermal sensitivity of fertility.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
B. Fernandez-Fuertes
Summary: Male fertility in ruminants relies on the ability to produce sperm that can transmit paternal information to the next generation. However, the factors determining sperm function and healthy offspring development are not fully understood. Sperm function is influenced not only by germ cell DNA, but also by secretions from the testes, epididymides, and accessory glands, collectively known as seminal plasma. These secretions can affect both sperm epigenetic effectors and the female reproductive tract, potentially impacting embryo development and offspring health.
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
R. John Aitken
Summary: In modern post-transition societies, delayed reproduction and increased lifespan are observed. The impact of age on female reproduction has been extensively studied, however, the relationship between age and male reproduction is less known. It is now understood that male fertility declines with advancing age, accompanied by reduced testosterone levels, age-dependent reproductive pathologies, and increased sperm DNA damage. Age-related effects in males also result in an elevated disease burden in offspring, including genetic diseases and neuropsychiatric conditions. The underlying genetic mechanisms involve positive selection of stem cells containing mutations and increased oxidative stress which impairs reproductive function. Antioxidants may play a role in managing age-related effects on male reproduction, although clinical trials are needed.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Reproductive Biology
E. M. Donnellan, P. Lonergan, K. G. Meade, S. Fair
Summary: Despite passing quality control checks, bulls with apparently normal semen quality may have low field fertility rates. This study assessed the interaction between spermatozoa and the female reproductive tract in bulls with divergent field fertility. The results showed that there were no significant differences in most sperm motility and functional parameters between high and low fertility bulls. However, high fertility bulls had a higher straight-line velocity and a stronger binding ability to oviductal explants. There was also a positive correlation between straight-line velocity and sperm rheotactic response.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Cankiz Mina Ardic, Sinem Ilgin, Merve Baysal, A. Burak Karaduman, Volkan Kilic, Gozde Aydogan-Kilic, Seyda Ucarcan, Ozlem Atli-Eklioglu
Summary: The research revealed that olanzapine had toxic effects on the reproductive system of rats, causing abnormalities in testicular structure, decreased normal sperm morphology, alterations in hormone levels, and oxidative stress in the testis.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Liu Qingzhen, Hu Yuping, Zhang Lidong, Zhang Junfeng
Summary: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of inhalational anaesthetics on the male reproductive system in neonatal rats. The results showed that exposure to 3% sevoflurane significantly reduced sperm count and motility in rats, resulting in a decrease in the number of foetal rats. Additionally, sevoflurane exposure caused distorted arrangement of seminiferous tubules, detachment of spermatocytes, and increased apoptosis in testes. In conclusion, inhalation of sevoflurane has detrimental effects on the reproductive system in young rats, which is important for further clinical studies.
VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
P. A. Oyedokun, R. E. Akhigbe, L. O. Ajayi, A. F. Ajayi
Summary: This review examines the impact of hypoxia on male reproductive functions. Acute exposure to hypoxia promotes testosterone production, while chronic exposure impairs steroidogenesis. Hypoxia also distorts spermatogenesis and reduces sperm count, motility, and normal forms. Additionally, hypoxia induces sexual and erectile dysfunction. It is important to explore the effects of antioxidants and upregulation of transcription of antioxidants on hypoxia-induced male reproductive dysfunction.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Xu Zhang, Tongtong Zhang, Xiaohan Ren, Xinglin Chen, ShangQian Wang, Chao Qin
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of pyrethroid exposure on the male reproductive system, finding that exposure could reduce sperm quality and affect the reproductive system of F1 offspring. Pyrethroid exposure may lead to oxidative stress, damaging the male reproductive system.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pooja Jangid, Umesh Rai, Amrita Bakshi, Rajeev Singh
Summary: The role of CD molecules in fertilization, particularly in gamete binding and fusion, is still unknown. This review provides an overview of the expression of CD molecules in spermatozoa and seminal fluid and their potential involvement in the fertilization process.
CURRENT PROTEIN & PEPTIDE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fang-Hao Yang, Xiao-Lei Dong, Guo-Xiang Liu, Lei Teng, Lin Wang, Feng Zhu, Feng-Hua Xu, Yi-Fan Yang, Can Cao, Guang Chen, Bing Li
Summary: This study demonstrates that C-phycocyanin can protect GC-1 spg cells and the reproductive system of male mice from injury, and it has antioxidant and inhibitory effects on the necroptotic signaling pathway. Therefore, C-phycocyanin could serve as a promising reproductive system protective agent.
Article
Immunology
Lynn Nazareth, Heidi Walkden, Anu Chacko, Ali Delbaz, Todd Shelper, Charles W. Armitage, Ronak Reshamwala, Logan K. Trim, James A. St John, Kenneth W. Beagley, Jenny A. K. Ekberg
Summary: Chlamydia pneumoniae can infect the brain through olfactory nerve invasion, as demonstrated in mice within 48 h. Glial cells of olfactory and trigeminal nerves show differential responses to C. muridarum infection, potentially influencing the bacteria's ability to evade immune functions and invade nerves.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Rheumatology
Xavier Romand, Xiao Liu, M. Arifur Rahman, Zaied Ahmed Bhuyan, Claire Douillard, Reena Arora Kedia, Nathan Stone, Dominique Roest, Zi Huai Chew, Amy J. Cameron, Linda M. Rehaume, Aurelie Bozon, Mohammed Habib, Charles W. Armitage, Minh Vu Chuong Nguyen, Bertrand Favier, Kenneth Beagley, Max Maurin, Philippe Gaudin, Ranjeny Thomas, Timothy J. Wells, Athan Baillet
Summary: SKG mice infected with C muridarum showed higher bacterial load compared to BALB/c mice. While proinflammatory IL-23 produced by neutrophils contributed to C muridarum-mediated reactive arthritis initiation, macrophage depletion reduced bacterial dissemination and arthritis development. TNF inhibition was also effective in suppressing arthritis development in this model.
ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Emily R. Bryan, Roberto A. Barrero, Eddie Cheung, Jacob A. D. Tickner, Logan K. Trim, Derek Richard, Eileen A. McLaughlin, Kenneth W. Beagley, Alison J. Carey
Summary: Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted bacterial infection that can affect fertility in both males and females. This study using mouse testicular cell lines showed that infection led to fragmented genomes in somatic cell lineages, resulting in extensive transcriptional dysregulation and epigenetic changes. These effects could lead to the production of spermatozoa with abnormal epigenomes, contributing to subfertility and congenital defects observed in infected animals and their offspring.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Virology
Natasha Collinson, Natale Snape, Kenneth Beagley, Emmanuelle Fantino, Kirsten Spann
Summary: In this study, it was found that COPD patients showed significantly elevated production of IFN-beta in response to RSV and hMPV infections, without increased susceptibility to infection or intrinsic defects in IFN production. Elevated IFN-beta production was associated with reduced viral shedding only in WD-BECs infected with RSV.
Article
Physiology
John O. Osborne, Ian B. Stewart, David N. Borg, Kenneth W. Beagley, Robert L. Buhmann, Geoffrey M. Minett
Summary: Short-term heat acclimation training may increase knee extensor strength without changes in central fatigue or intestinal damage. However, this type of training is insufficient to improve 20 km self-paced cycling performance in the heat compared to workload-matched training in a temperate environment.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Lyndal Hulse, Kenneth Beagley, Rebecca Larkin, Vere Nicolson, Jaime Gosalvez, Stephen Johnston
Summary: The study found that severe clinical disease and the presence of C. pecorum in the semen were associated with significantly higher sperm DNA damage in wild male koalas. Conversely, wild koalas with severe clinical signs but negative for C. pecorum in semen had the highest percentage of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa. In vitro incubation with C. pecorum led to decreased sperm motility and viability over 24 hours.
Article
Developmental Biology
Lyndal Hulse, Kenneth W. Beagley, Rebecca Larkin, Stephen D. Johnston
Summary: This study investigated the transmission of Chlamydia pecorum infection through koala semen and found that venereal transmission is possible. Antimicrobial factors and innate immune function receptors associated with semen may inhibit chlamydial growth.
REPRODUCTION FERTILITY AND DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anu Chacko, Ali Delbaz, Heidi Walkden, Souptik Basu, Charles W. Armitage, Tanja Eindorf, Logan K. Trim, Edith Miller, Nicholas P. West, James A. St John, Kenneth W. Beagley, Jenny A. K. Ekberg
Summary: Chlamydia pneumoniae can infect the central nervous system (CNS) and may contribute to late-onset dementia. This study reveals that the olfactory and trigeminal nerves, as well as the olfactory bulb and brain, serve as invasion paths for C. pneumoniae to rapidly infect the CNS. Additionally, C. pneumoniae infection leads to dysregulation of key pathways associated with Alzheimer's disease, and amyloid beta accumulations are detected in close proximity to the C. pneumoniae inclusions in the olfactory system.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Lyndal Hulse, Chiara Palmieri, Kenneth W. Beagley, Rebecca Larkin, Tamara Keeley, Jaime Gosalvez, Stephen D. Johnston
Summary: The study suggests that Chlamydia infection and inflammation may not be the predominant reason for disruption to spermatogenesis in wild koalas, with testicular degeneration and atrophy appearing to be the primary cause of decreased sperm concentration, regardless of Chlamydia infection.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Sara Pagliarani, Stephen D. Johnston, Kenneth W. Beagley, Lyndal Hulse, Chiara Palmieri
Summary: Chlamydia infection causes cystic dilation of the ovarian bursa in female koalas, resulting in structural changes and altered expression of epithelial cell markers and cellular junctions. These changes may impair fertility and indicate the molecular basis of the pathological accumulation of bursal fluid.
Article
Immunology
Freya A. Russell, Logan K. Trim, Flavia Medeiros Savi, Craig Simon, Tim R. Dargaville, Dietmar W. Hutmacher, Kenneth W. Beagley
Summary: A study shows that a new vaccine implant system can provide both the primary immunization and delayed delivery of a booster dose at the same time, without the need for further handling of animals. Compared to traditional primary and booster vaccination regimens, this system demonstrated similar weight gain and T cell proliferation, but some differences were observed in serum IgG antibody responses.
VETERINARY IMMUNOLOGY AND IMMUNOPATHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Peter B. M. Mulvey, Logan K. Trim, John G. Aaskov, Emily R. Bryan, Emma L. Sweeney, Avinash Kollipara, Mark B. Plenderleith, Frank E. Aldwell, Kenneth W. Beagley
Summary: This study investigated the potential of oral immunization with a novel lipid adjuvant followed by local vaginal application of inflammatory agents to protect against primary HSV-2 infections. The results showed that this vaccination strategy provided complete protection against wild-type HSV-2 and prevented viral dissemination to the spinal cords.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Emily R. Bryan, Logan K. Trim, Pawel Sadowski, Selvam Paramasivan, Jay J. Kim, Kyle Gough, Sophia Worley, Toby Maidment, Alison J. Carey, Bettina Mihalas, Eileen A. McLaughlin, Kenneth W. Beagley
Summary: In this study, the long-term effects of vaccination with chlamydial major outer membrane protein (MOMP) and ISCOMATRIX (IMX) on male mice were investigated. The results showed that vaccination reduced and cleared chlamydial infection in the prostate, epididymis, and testes, protected sperm health and fertility, and altered immune responses in the spleen and testicular tissue. The study also demonstrated the presence of specific plasma cells in the testes, indicating the importance of vaccination in maintaining testicular function and protecting male fertility.
BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Charles W. Armitage, Alison J. Carey, Emily R. Bryan, Avinash Kollipara, Logan K. Trim, Kenneth W. Beagley
Summary: Urogenital chlamydial infections are increasing annually, affecting over 127 million people, leading to significant economic and public health pressures. The role of lipid antigens in immunity during these infections remains unclear. However, the study suggests that non-invariant NKT cells play an immunopathogenic role in urogenital chlamydial infections, facilitated by lipid presentation via CD1d on infected antigen-presenting cells.
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Toby I. Maidment, Emily R. Bryan, Michael Pyne, Michele Barnes, Sarah Eccleston, Samantha Cunningham, Emma Whitlock, Kelsie Redman, Vere Nicolson, Kenneth W. Beagley, Elise Pelzer
Summary: This study provides the first cultivation-independent characterization of the koala pouch microbiota and its association with reproductive outcomes, highlighting the link between pathogenic bacterial overgrowth in the pouch and neonatal mortality in captive koalas.