Asthenozoospermia is considered as a common cause of male infertility and characterized by reduced sperm motility. However, the molecular mechanism that impairs sperm motility remains unknown in most cases. In the present review, we briefly reviewed the proteome of spermatozoa and seminal plasma in asthenozoospermia and considered post-translational modifications in spermatozoa of asthenozoospermia. The reduction of sperm motility in asthenozoospermic patients had been attributed to factors, for instance, energy metabolism dysfunction or structural defects in the sperm-tail protein components and the differential proteins potentially involved in sperm motility such as COX6B, ODF, TUBB2B were described. Comparative proteomic analysis open a window to discover the potential pathogenic mechanisms of asthenozoospermia and the biomarkers with clinical significance.

Sperm morphology displays a potential impact on sperm function and may ultimately impact reproductive function. Current studies have investigated the correlation between sperm morphology with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) but have shown inconsistent results. Hence, we systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CNKI databases, as well as the Cochrane Library for studies that examined the association between sperm morphology and unexplained RSA. Fifteen studies were identified, including 883 cases and 530 controls. Our meta-analysis results indicated that the percentage of normal sperm morphology from men with RSA partners was significantly lower than those from normal controls(SMD [95% CI]: − 0.60 [−0.81, −0.40]; P<0.00001) and the percentage of sperm morphologic alterations was significantly higher in patients with RSA compared with the control group (SMD [95% CI]: 0.92 [0.42, 1.43]; P=0.0004). The present study suggested that the percentage of normal sperm morphology may indeed decrease in men from RSA group compared with controls. However, there were some limitations in the study such as the differences in stain techniques and classification criteria. Further evidences are needed to better elucidate the relationship between sperm morphology and unexplained RSA.

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been considered as one of the most common sexually transmitted viruses that may be linked to unexplained infertility in men. The possible mechanisms underlying correlation between HPV infection and infertility could be related to the altered sperm parameters. Current studies have investigated the effect of HPV seminal infection on sperm quality in infertile men, but have shown inconsistent results. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and CNKI for studies that examined the association between HPV seminal infection and sperm progressive motility. Data were pooled using a randomeffects model. Outcomes were the sperm progressive motility rate. Results are expressed as standardised mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity was evaluated by the I-square (I 2) statistic. Results: Ten studies were identified, including 616 infertile patients with HPV seminal infection and 2029 infertile controls without HPV seminal infection. Our meta-analysis results indicated that sperm progressive motility was significantly reduced in HPV-infected semen samples compared with non-infected groups [SMD:-0.88, 95% CI:-1.17 − 0.59]. There existed statistical heterogeneity (I 2 value: 86%) and the subgroup analysis suggested that study region might be the causes of heterogeneity. Conclusions: HPV semen infection could significantly reduce sperm progressive motility in infertile individuals. There were some limitations in the study such as the differences in age, sample sizes and the number of HPV genotypes detected. Further evidences are needed to better elucidate the relationship between HPV seminal infection and sperm quality.

Background Wenshen Jianpi recipe (WSJPR), a blended traditional Chinese medicine, is considered to have the possible beneficial effect on the progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN). This present study was designed to elucidate this protective activity in a rat model with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DN and to explore the possible underlying mechanism. Methods Adult Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were induced to develop DN through intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg). Animals were orally administered saline, WSJPR at 7.5, 15, 30 g/kg, and valsartan (25 mg/kg) daily for 8 weeks. Blood and 24-h urine samples of each rat were collected for biochemical examination at 2-week intervals. Microcirculatory blood flow in the renal cortex and hemorheology index were also measured. At the end of 8 weeks, all rats were sacrificed to obtain the kidney tissues for histological examination and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to analyze the transcriptional levels of nephrin and podocin genes. Results WSJPR could improve serum total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB), reduce the excretion rates of urine-TP (U-TP), urine-ALB (U-ALB) and urine urea nitrogen (UUN) ( P < 0.05), although it did not significantly alter the hyperglycemia. In addition, treatment with WSJPR could strongly reduce blood flow, erythrocyte aggregation index, and ameliorate microcirculation. In histological measurement, WSJPR-treated rats showed a significant amelioration in glomerular hypertrophy and mesangial expansion. By RT-PCR, we found WSJPR up-regulated the nephrin and podocin expression at mRNA levels. Conclusion This study suggested that WSJPR could effectively relieve renal damage and improve renal function of DN rats by ameliorating metabolism disorder and increasing the gene expression of nephrin and podocin, which might be a useful approach for the treatment of DN.

The present work aimed to explore the protective effects of curcumenol and evaluate its pharmacological mechanisms in 5/6 nephrectomy‐induced chronic renal failure (CRF). Rats with CRF were administrated curcumenol and the effects on renal functions were investigated. Renal function examinations were carried out, whereas serum levels of inflammatory mediators, including NF‐κB, MCP‐1 and IL‐1β were analyzed by ELISA. The mRNA expression levels of SIRT1, p65 and IκBα were measured by qRT‐PCR, and the SIRT1 protein levels were analyzed by western blot and immunohistochemistry. Our results indicated that curcumenol significantly improved the renal functions in the CRF rats. Compared to the sham group, serum levels of NF‐κB, MCP‐1, IL‐1β, and the mRNA expression levels of p65 were significantly increased (p < 0.01), whereas the mRNA expression level of IκBα was significantly decreased (p < 0.01) and the SIRT1 levels were dramatically down‐regulated (p < 0.05) in the CRF groups. Treatment with curcumenol remarkably inhibited inflammatory responses as reflected by the reduced levels of inflammatory mediators (p < 0.01) and SIRT1 up‐regulation (p < 0.05). Our findings suggested that curcumenol could improve the renal function in 5/6 nephrectomy‐induced CRF rats, and the mechanisms might involve suppressing the associated inflammation and modulating the SIRT1 and NF‐κB signaling pathways.