Theriogenology
Narges Bagheripour; Saeed Zavareh; Mohammad Taghi Ghorbanian; Seyed Hassan Paylakhi; Seyed Reza Mohebbi
Volume 8, Issue 1 , March 2017, , Pages 43-48
Abstract
The transcriptional factor OCT4 regulates pluripotency of stem cells and has an important role during oocyte growth. Whereas, its role has remained ambiguous in ovarian tissue during reproductive cycle. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate the expression patterns of OCT4 in mouse ovaries during ...
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The transcriptional factor OCT4 regulates pluripotency of stem cells and has an important role during oocyte growth. Whereas, its role has remained ambiguous in ovarian tissue during reproductive cycle. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate the expression patterns of OCT4 in mouse ovaries during the normal estrous cycle. Adult National Medical Research Institute mice were classified as proestrous, estrous, metestrous and diestrous on the basis of vaginal smear cytology. Their ovaries were removed and the protein and gene expression levels of OCT4 were assessed using immunohistochemical staining and real-time quantitative reverse-transcription PCR, respectively. Immunohistochemical staining revealed the expression of OCT4 in the cytoplasm of corpus luteum cells. In the follicles, OCT4 was expressed in the cytoplasm of granulosa cells. Furthermore, the gene expression levels of OCT4 was significantly higher in the proestrous phase than in the other phases of the estrous cycle (p < 0.05). The results indicated that OCT4 gene expression levels are affected by the cyclic pattern of the estrous cycle.
Theriogenology
Reza Youssefi; Parviz Tajik; Mansoureh Movahedin; Vahid Akbarinejad
Volume 7, Issue 4 , December 2016, , Pages 275-280
Abstract
Enrichment of cell suspension with germ cells prior to injection into recipient seminiferous tubules is of importance in spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) transplantation. Knock-out serum replacement (KSR) has been reported to enhance the proliferation of murine SSCs and human embryonic stem cells. The ...
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Enrichment of cell suspension with germ cells prior to injection into recipient seminiferous tubules is of importance in spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) transplantation. Knock-out serum replacement (KSR) has been reported to enhance the proliferation of murine SSCs and human embryonic stem cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of KSR versus fetal bovine serum (FBS) and their interaction on colonization of bovine SSCs in vitro. When FBS (10%) was replaced with KSR (10%), a significant increase in the colonization of SSCs and the expression of Thy1, as marker for enrichment of SSCs, was observed. It was revealed that the lesser proliferative effect of FBS as well as the greater proliferative impact of KSR on SSCs colonization were not irreversible as cells having been cultured with FBS (10%) for three days with low colonization showed high rate of colonization in response to KSR (10%) and cells having been cultured with KSR (10%) with high colonization experienced low rate of colonization in response to FBS (10%). Further, it was shown that FBS did not contain factors inhibiting SSCs colonization and it simply lacked factors essential for SSCs proliferation because the combination of FBS (5%) and KSR (5%) resulted in even greater rate of colonization than did KSR (10%). In conclusion, the present study showed that addition of KSR to culture medium would significantly increase SSCs proliferation.
Theriogenology
Abolfazl Hajibemani; Abdolah Mirzaei; Abbas Rowshan Ghasrodashti; Mohammad Reza Memarzadeh
Volume 7, Issue 4 , December 2016, , Pages 309-315
Abstract
In the present study, the effect of intrauterine infusion of Zataria multiflora extract on the clinical endometritis was investigated. Vaginal examination, transrectal palpation and ultrasonography were used to inspect the genital tract at 30-40 days in milk and two weeks later the same approach was ...
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In the present study, the effect of intrauterine infusion of Zataria multiflora extract on the clinical endometritis was investigated. Vaginal examination, transrectal palpation and ultrasonography were used to inspect the genital tract at 30-40 days in milk and two weeks later the same approach was applied. Cows with clinical endometritis were randomly divided into three treatment groups: Z. multiflora extract (n = 56), penicillin + streptomycin (pen + strep, n = 55), and placebo (n = 20). Cervical cytology, reagent strip test and cell counting by means of Neubauer hemocytometer were carried out in both examinations. Clinical cure rate of cows with endometritis of score 1 were 45.5, 34.5 and 53.6% in placebo, pen + strep and Z. multiflora, respectively. Clinical cure rate of cows with endometritis of score 2, 3 were 66.7, 84.6 and 56.0% in placebo, pen + strep and Z. multiflora, respectively. Overall, proportions of successfully treated cows were 55.0, 58.2 and 54.7% in placebo, pen + strep and Z. multiflora, respectively (p > 0.05). In placebo, none of the parameters were significantly different between first and second examination, while we found the significant differences in percentage of neutrophils and leukocyte esterase activity in other groups (p < 0.05). First service conception rate of cows was higher in Z. multiflora compared to other groups; however, this difference was not significant. In conclusion, pen + strep and Z. multiflora extract can be effective on the clinical endometritis and may improve reproductive performance. The extract of Z. multiflora can be useful as an alternative therapy for treatment of clinical endometritis in lactating dairy cows.
Theriogenology
Kolsum Choobineh; Saeed Zavareh; Mojdeh Salehnia; Mohamad Taghi Ghorbanian; Seyed Hassan paylakhi
Volume 7, Issue 3 , September 2016, , Pages 181-188
Abstract
It was assumed that uterine stem cells are responsible for the unique regenerative capacity of uterine. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of the pluripotent stem cell markers in the mice uterine tissue during different stages of estrous cycles. Twelve virgin female ...
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It was assumed that uterine stem cells are responsible for the unique regenerative capacity of uterine. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of the pluripotent stem cell markers in the mice uterine tissue during different stages of estrous cycles. Twelve virgin female NMRI mice (6 to 8 weeks old) were considered at proestrus, estrus, metestrus and diestrus according to the cell types observed in the vaginal smear and underwent hysterectomy operation. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemical staining for pluripotent stem cell markers (SOX2, OCT4, KLF4, and NANOG) were performed. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that expression and localization of the pluripotency markers SOX2, OCT4, KLF4, and NANOG at the protein level were not different throughout estrous cycle. Also, mRNA of pluripotency markers was detected in all tested samples. However, there were no significant differences in their genes expression at each stage and during the estrous cycle. Different hormonal profile during the estrous cycle could not affect expression of pluripotent stem cell markers in uterine tissue.
Theriogenology
Sahar Nouri Gharajelar; Rajab Ali Sadrkhanloo; Masoud Onsori; Adel Saberivand
Volume 7, Issue 3 , September 2016, , Pages 235-239
Abstract
Cryopreservation has the capacity to extend spermatozoa’s lifespan and viability. In addition, the semen samples can be collected, preserved and stored or sent to distant locations and still be used long after the death of the semen donor. In this study for the vitrification of dog sperm (fresh ...
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Cryopreservation has the capacity to extend spermatozoa’s lifespan and viability. In addition, the semen samples can be collected, preserved and stored or sent to distant locations and still be used long after the death of the semen donor. In this study for the vitrification of dog sperm (fresh and swum-up sperm), different cryopreservation mediums on the basis of glycerol, milk and egg yolk were used. Then, all of the samples were vitrified in the liquid nitrogen and thawed at least 48 hr later for re-examination of sperm parameters. The sperm parameters before and after cryopreservation in all groups were compared. It was found that during vitrification process, spermatozoa were damaged by the mechanical blows in centrifugation during swim-up processing, so they had less resistance than fresh semen. The examination of different cryoprotectants revealed that milk has better effects on the cryopreservation of semen than glycerol and egg yolk. With the comparison of the effects of glycerol and egg yolk as cryoprotectants, it was found that glycerol had better effects than egg yolk on the cryopreservation of the semen. In conclusion, milk might be used as a cryoprotectant instead of glycerol for canine sperm cryopreservation.
Theriogenology
Raul Eduardo Piña-Aguilar; Janet López-Saucedo; Lilia Ivone Ruiz-Galaz; José de Jesús Barroso-Padilla; Mayra Celina Gallegos-Rivas; Claudia González-Ortega; Antonio Martin Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez
Volume 7, Issue 3 , September 2016, , Pages 255-259
Abstract
Great apes are mammals close to humans in their genetic, behavioral, social and evolutionary characteristics and new genomic information is revolutionizing our understanding of evolution in primates. However, all these species are endangered. While there are many global programs to protect these species, ...
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Great apes are mammals close to humans in their genetic, behavioral, social and evolutionary characteristics and new genomic information is revolutionizing our understanding of evolution in primates. However, all these species are endangered. While there are many global programs to protect these species, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) projects that in a near future the wild populations will decrease significantly. Nowadays, the relevance of captive populations of great apes is becoming critical for research and understanding of pathophysiology of diseases. In this report, the evaluation of infertility in a group of captive chimpanzees maintained at Leon’s Zoological Park using a human infertility protocol is described. Our results suggested that infertility in this group was due to low hormonal levels and sperm alterations in the male characterized by hormonal assessment and a sperm sample obtained by electroejaculation and cryopreserved using human protocols. In the females, it was demonstrated that it is possible to follow the follicular cycle using non-invasive methods based on morphological changes in genitalia, detection of blood in urine and measurement of hormones in saliva samples; concluding that fertility in females was normal. Also, we demonstrate that human artificial insemination procedures may be applied. Our human approach was successful in finding the infertility cause in this group of captive chimpanzees. In countries with limited resources, collaboration of zoos with human infertility clinics can be beneficial for research and management of reproductive aspects of great apes.
Theriogenology
Lubna Hamid Tahtamouni; Rema Ahmad Al-Khateeb; Reem Nasser Abdellatif; Zainab Ali Al-Mazaydeh; Salem Refaat Yasin; Samer Al-Gharabli; Ali Zuhair Elkarmi
Volume 7, Issue 2 , June 2016, , Pages 89-97
Abstract
Taraxacum officinale has been used in Jordan folk medicine to treat male infertility. A recent study has proved a contradictory effect of the whole plant aqueous extract. The aim of the current study was to determine if the leaves of T. officinale have similar anti-fertility activities, and whether this ...
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Taraxacum officinale has been used in Jordan folk medicine to treat male infertility. A recent study has proved a contradictory effect of the whole plant aqueous extract. The aim of the current study was to determine if the leaves of T. officinale have similar anti-fertility activities, and whether this effect is mediated through the regulation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Fifty adult male rats were divided into five groups. Two groups were gavaged with 1/10 of LD50 of T. officinale whole plant (1.06 g kg-1 body weight) or leaves (2.30 g kg-1 body weight) aqueous extract; while two groups were gavaged with 1/20 of LD50 of T. officinale whole plant (2.13 g kg-1) or leaves (4.60 g kg-1) extract. The control group received distilled water. Oral administration of T. officinale (whole plant and leaves aqueous extract) caused a significant decrease in testis and seminal vesicle weight, a reduction in serum testosterone concentration, impaired sperm parameters, and a decrease in pregnancy parameters. Testicular histology of treated rats showed structural changes such as hypoplasia of germ cells, reduction in the thickness of germinal epithelium, arrest of spermatogenesis at spermatid stage (late maturation arrest) and reduction in the number of Leydig cells. Gene expression levels of two SSCs markers (GFRα1 and CSF1) responsible for self-renewal were relatively counter-balanced. In conclusion, T. officinale whole plant and leaves aqueous extracts changed the gene expression of two SSCs markers leading to the imbalance between spermatogonia self-renewal and differentiation causing late maturation arrest.
Theriogenology
Hamid Reza Shafiei Sheykhani; Rooz Ali Batavani; Gholam Reza Najafi
Volume 7, Issue 2 , June 2016, , Pages 99-104
Abstract
Leptin, the 16-kDa product of the obese (ob) gene, primarily secreted from adipose tissue, has been implicated to play an important role in the regulation of food intake and energy expenditure. This study investigated protective effect of leptin on trichostatin A-induced apoptotic on in vitro maturation ...
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Leptin, the 16-kDa product of the obese (ob) gene, primarily secreted from adipose tissue, has been implicated to play an important role in the regulation of food intake and energy expenditure. This study investigated protective effect of leptin on trichostatin A-induced apoptotic on in vitro maturation ratio of buffalo oocytes. Ovaries were collected from abattoir and were transported immediately to the laboratory by a thermos flask containing sterile normal saline with antibiotics. Oocytes were aspirated from 2 to 8 mm visible follicles. Oocytes were placed in a culture plate and then incubated at 38.5 ˚C with 5% CO2 in air for 24 hr. The maturation of oocytes was evaluated under a stereomicroscope. The FITC-Annexin V and propidium iodide staining method was used to detect oocyte apoptosis. In leptin treated groups with 0, 10, 50 and 100 ng mL-1 and groups that apoptosis was induced, the percentage of oocytes maturation was 77.03, 86.12, 85.08, and 79.89% and 59.96, 56.93 and 51.98, respectively, while the percentage of apoptosis was 8.83, 7.90, 8.58, and 9.39%, and 10.37, 11.57 and 12.03, respectively. Our findings showed that addition of 10 and 50 ng mL-1 leptin to IVM medium of buffalo oocytes could increase oocyte nuclear maturation, and could decrease oocyte apoptosis when trichostatin A added for inducing apoptosis.
Nutrition
Faramarz Gharagozlou; Reza Youssefi; Vahid Akbarinejad
Volume 7, Issue 2 , June 2016, , Pages 105-110
Abstract
The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of fish oil supplementation prior to mating on secondary sex ratio of pups (the proportion of males at birth) in bitches. Sixty five bitches (German Shepherd, n = 35; Husky, n = 30) were enrolled in the study. Bitches (140-150 days post-estrus) were ...
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The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of fish oil supplementation prior to mating on secondary sex ratio of pups (the proportion of males at birth) in bitches. Sixty five bitches (German Shepherd, n = 35; Husky, n = 30) were enrolled in the study. Bitches (140-150 days post-estrus) were given 2% per dry matter intake palm oil and fish oil in the control (n = 33) and treatment (n = 32) groups, respectively. To induce estrus, bitches were received equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) administration (50 IU kg-1) 30 days after nutritional supplementation followed by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration (500 IU per dog) seven days later. Bitches were introduced to dogs of the same breed after hCG administration. The weight of bitches was increased over time (p < 0.05), but their weight change was not different between two groups (p > 0.05). The mating rate, pregnancy rate and litter size were not influenced by treatment and breed. Secondary sex ratio was higher in the treatment (105/164; 64.00%) than in the control (68/147; 46.30%) group (p < 0.05; adjusted odds ratio = 2.068). Moreover, secondary sex ratio was higher in Husky bitches (88/141; 62.40%) compared to German Shepherd (85/170; 50.00%; p < 0.05; adjusted odds ratio = 1.661). In conclusion, the present study showed that inclusion of fish oil in the diet of bitches prior to mating could increase the proportion of male pups at birth. In addition, it appears that there might be variation among dog breeds with regard to the sex ratio of offspring.
Theriogenology
Ali Kadivar; Heidar Heidari Khoei; Hossein Hassanpour; Hamid Ghanaei; Arefeh Golestanfar; Hossein Mehraban; Najmeh Davoodian; Roohollah Dehghani Tafti
Volume 7, Issue 1 , March 2016, , Pages 27-34
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are a member of nuclear receptors superfamily, which mainly regulate the expression of target genes involved in lipid and energy metabolism. These receptors are divided to three isotypes: PPARα, PPARγ and PPARβ/δ. Each isotype ...
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Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are a member of nuclear receptors superfamily, which mainly regulate the expression of target genes involved in lipid and energy metabolism. These receptors are divided to three isotypes: PPARα, PPARγ and PPARβ/δ. Each isotype has a distinct tissue distribution relating to the distinct functions. In this study, the mRNA abundance for PPARα, PPARγ and PPARβ/δ was evaluated and compared with high and low motile ram spermatozoa. Semen samples from 6 adult rams were fractionated on a two layer discontinuous Percoll gradient to high and low motile sperm and quantitative parameters of sperm motility were determined by CASA. Total RNA was extracted and the mRNA abundance for each gene was measured by relative quantification technique with Real time PCR. The levels of three isotypes of PPAR transcripts were significantly higher in high motile semen samples using quantitative RT-PCR. Some of sperm motility indices were also significantly correlated with PPARα and PPARγ relative expression. This study revealed the novel association of PPAR gene isotypes with sperm motility. Data from our study suggested PPARs are one of the possible factors that can be studied in male infertility.
Theriogenology
Sayed Mortaza Alavi Shoushtari; Siamak Asri Rezaie; Amir Khaki; Abulfazl Belbasi; Hamid Tahmasebian
Volume 6, Issue 3 , September 2015, , Pages 211-215
Abstract
To investigate uterine fluid and serum copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) variations during the estrous cycle in water buffaloes, 71 genital tracts and blood samples were collected from the abattoir in Urmia, Iran. The phase of the estrous cycle was determined by examining ovarian structures; 18, 15, 16 and 22 ...
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To investigate uterine fluid and serum copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) variations during the estrous cycle in water buffaloes, 71 genital tracts and blood samples were collected from the abattoir in Urmia, Iran. The phase of the estrous cycle was determined by examining ovarian structures; 18, 15, 16 and 22 were pro-estrous, estrous, met-estrous and diestrous, respectively. The uterine fluid was collected by gentle scraping of the uterine mucosa with a curette. Blood serum and uterine fluid samples of 71 pre-pubertal buffalo calves were also collected and treated in similar manners. The mean (± SEM) total serum (77.10 ± 1.50 µg dL-1) and uterine fluid (296.40 ± 9.40 μg dL-1) Cu in cyclic cows was higher than the values of 54.00 ± 1.10 μg dL-1 and 133.40 ± 5.70 μg dL-1 in pre-pubertal calves, respectively. Blood serum (114.60 ± 3.20 μg dL-1) and the uterine fluid (349.90 ± 8.90 μg dL-1) Zn content in cyclic cows were also higher than those (98.80 ± 1.50 μg dL-1 and 246.6 ± 4.50 μg dL-1 respectively) in pre-pubertal calves. Serum Cu in pro-estrus and estrus were lower than those in other stages and also lower than those in the uterine fluid. The lowest serum Zn content was recorded in pro- and met-estrus, while in the uterine fluid it was observed in estrus. In all stages of estrous cycle the uterine fluid Zn content was significantly higher than those of the serum. These results suggested that during the estrous cycle in the buffalo cows, Cu and Zn were actively secreted in uterine lumen and were not dependent on blood serum. The values also increased after puberty.
Theriogenology
Arash Kakaiy; Esmail Ayen; Rajabali Sadrkhanlou; Farshid Sarrafzadeh-Rezaei
Volume 6, Issue 2 , June 2015, , Pages 101-110
Abstract
Thirty six Wistar albino rats with implant induced endometriosis were randomly divided into six groups of six animals each. The rats in the first group received nothing and were euthanized at day 21. In the second group, rats received nothing and were euthanized at day 36. The third group received atorvastatin ...
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Thirty six Wistar albino rats with implant induced endometriosis were randomly divided into six groups of six animals each. The rats in the first group received nothing and were euthanized at day 21. In the second group, rats received nothing and were euthanized at day 36. The third group received atorvastatin (ATV; 5 mg kg-1 per day, orally) until 21 days from induction of endometriosis, and the fourth group received ATV from the 15th day after induction of endometriosis for 21 days. The fifth group received grape seed extract (GET; 450 mg kg-1 per day, orally) until 21 days from induction of endometriosis. In the sixth group, GET was administered from the 15th day after induction of endometriosis for 21 days. The estrogen receptor positive cells (ER+) distribution and angiogenesis were assessed using immunohistochemical and immunoflourescent analyzes, respectively. The active cells with intracytoplasmic carbohydrate content were analyzed. Erα mRNA expression was assessed using semiquantitative real time-PCR and the tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were evaluated. The GET and ATV-treated animals showed significant reduction in endometriosis-increased ER+ cells distribution as well as significant decrease in Erα mRNA levels (p < 0.05). Our data suggests that GET exerts a potent inhibitory effect on development of endometriotic implants similar to ATV.
Theriogenology
Hadi Eslami; Rooz Ali Batavani; Siamak Asri-Rezaei; Rahim Hobbenaghi
Volume 6, Issue 2 , June 2015, , Pages 131-136
Abstract
The present study investigated the effects of E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced mastitis model in rat on the activity of antioxidant enzyme systems. To achieve this purpose, E. coli LPS were infused into the mammary gland of 12 rats 72 hr postpartum and compared with 12 rats in control group infused ...
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The present study investigated the effects of E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced mastitis model in rat on the activity of antioxidant enzyme systems. To achieve this purpose, E. coli LPS were infused into the mammary gland of 12 rats 72 hr postpartum and compared with 12 rats in control group infused intramammary placebo sterile pyrogene – free, physiological saline. The antioxidant activities of the enzymes, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase together with malondialdehyde (MDA) level were assayed in blood serum, milk and mammary tissue. Results obtained showed that, the antioxidant enzyme activities in milk, blood serum and mammary tissue were significantly decreased while the level of MDA, the indicator of lipid peroxidation were significantly increased following intramammary inoculation of LPS compared to the control animals. Histopathological examination also revealed the infiltration of inflammatory cells in mammary tissue and disruption of acinar structure and acinar lumina in mastitic rats. The results indicated that LPS-induced mastitis could alter antioxidant enzymes and increase lipid peroxidation.
Clinical Pathology
Mahdi Eghbali; Sayed Mortaza Alavi-Shoushtari; Siamak Asri-Rezaei; Mohammad-Hassan Khadem Ansari
Volume 1, Issue 1 , June 2010, , Pages 12-20
Abstract
In order to determine calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) content and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of seminal plasma in buffalo and to study their associations with the semen characteristics, 54 semen samples were collected from 10 buffalo bulls; semen quality was evaluated, seminal plasma was then harvested ...
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In order to determine calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) content and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of seminal plasma in buffalo and to study their associations with the semen characteristics, 54 semen samples were collected from 10 buffalo bulls; semen quality was evaluated, seminal plasma was then harvested by centrifugation and its Ca and Mg content were estimated and its TAC determined. The Ca and Mg content of the seminal plasma (Mean ± SEM) were recorded as 22.36 ± 0.52 mg dl-1 and 11.94 ± 0.36 mg dl-1 respectively, while, its mean TAC value was 1.50 ± 0.02 mmol L-1. The mean Ca value was highly associated with sperm progressive motility, gross motility, viability (P = 0.000 for all), negatively with semen volume (P = 0.01), and with Mg and TAC values (P = 0.000 for both). The mean Mg values was highly associated with sperm progressive motility, gross motility and viability and seminal plasma Ca and TAC (P = 0.000 for all) and negatively associated with semen volume (P = 0.014). The mean TAC values was highly associated with sperm progressive motility, gross motility and viability and seminal plasma Ca and Mg (P = 0.000 for all). For further clarification of these associations, the data was categorized in three groups of excellent (Ex, >90% motile, n = 33), good (Go, 80-89% motile, n = 15) and moderate (Mo, Keywords:
