Differentiation of human male germ cells from Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

Objective: Recapitulation of the spermatogenesis process is a tool for studying the biology of germ cells, and may lead to promising therapeutic strategies in the future. In this study, we attempted to transdifferentiate Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) into male germ cells using all- retinoic acid and Sertoli cell-conditioned medium.

Methods: Human WJ-MSCs were propagated by the explant culture method, and cells at the second passage were induced with differentiation medium containing all- retinoic acid for 2 weeks.

Antibiotics supplemented culture media can eliminate non-specific bacteria from human semen during sperm preparation for intra uterine insemination.

Rationale: Bacterial flora can be isolated from many semen samples of subfertile males. Bacteriospermia can compromise the outcome of intra uterine insemination (IUI) by contaminating the post-processed sperm sample.

Objectives: The objective of the present study is to determine the efficacy of penicillin and streptomycin in eliminating the bacteria from semen samples in the sperm processing procedure, and to assess the effects of antibiotics on sperm motility, survivability, and pregnancy rates.

Efficacy of two sperm preparation techniques in reducing non-specific bacterial species from human semen.

Context: Artificial reproductive techniques using seminal preparations with bacteria may cause pelvic inflammatory disease and its sequalae.

Aims: To assess efficacy of two sperm preparation techniques to clear bacteria and the effect of bacteriospermia on sperm recovery rates.

Settings And Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among males of subfertile couples.

Relationship between seminal plasma zinc and semen quality in a subfertile population.

Rationale: Current knowledge on the relationship between seminal zinc levels and different parameters of human semen is inconsistent.

Objectives: To assess the relationship between seminal plasma zinc and semen quality using two markers; zinc concentration (Zn-C) and total zinc per ejaculate (Zn-T).

Design: The study was carried out as a cross-sectional study.

Effects of zinc supplementation on sexual behavior of male rats.

Context: Effects of zinc on male sexual competence are poorly understood.

Aim: To study the effects of different doses of zinc on the sexual competence of males using a rat model.

Materials And Methods: Three subsets (eight in each subset) of sexually experienced adult male rats were supplemented with three different oral doses of zinc sulphate (a daily dose of 1 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg respectively) for two weeks.