Correlation between sperm parameters and circulating thyroid hormones and testosterone concentrations in Labrador Retriever dog

Abstract

Thyroid hormones physiologically regulate the semen quality, by altering testosterone concentrations, and different seminal parameters, as well as sperm motility, viability and semen volume. Serum thyroxine (T 4 ), free thyroxine (fT 4 ), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and testosterone (T) concentrations were measured in 26 adult Labrador Retriever dogs (n. 20 normospermic and n. 6 azoospermic groups), aged 3 ± 0.5 years old, to determine their specific references, by taking into account the related conventional and kinematic sperm parameters and clinical ultrasound evaluations. The mean values of T 4 , fT 4 , TSH and T concentrations, as soon as those of sperm parameters and clinical evaluations of normospermic group were in line with dog's physiological range of literature data. Normospermic group showed significant correlations between T 4 and T (r ¼ À0.681; p < .01), sperm progressive motility (%) (r ¼ À0.623; p < .01), and sperm non-progressive motility (%) (r ¼ 0.625; p < .02). The azoospermic group showed higher T 4 , fT 4 , TSH and lower T concentrations, compared to normospermic group, and a positive correlation between T 4 and T (r ¼ 0.8548; p < .046). The use of breed-specific hormonal ranges and sperm parameters will improve the knowledge of their interaction in Labrador Retriever dogs, adding a new segment of scientific literature. HIGHLIGHTSThyroxine (T 4 ), free thyroxine (fT 4 ), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and testosterone (T) concentrations were measured in male dogs. Conventional and kinematic sperm parameters were also evaluated. Dogs were divided in 20 normospermic and n. 6 azoospermic Labrador Retrivers. Azoospermic group showed higher values of T 4 , fT 4 , TSH and lower values of T compared to normospermic Use of breed-specific hormonal ranges and sperm parameters will improve the knowledge of scientific literature.

Transcriptomic Analysis of the Developing Testis and Spermatogenesis in Qianbei Ma Goats

“…Mutation of the gene altered thyroid hormone metabolism [42,43]. Thyroid hormones can modulate semen quality under physiological conditions by regulating testosterone and changing some semen indexes [44][45][46]. Thyroid hormone levels in the early stages of testicular development can also influence testicular development and spermatogenesis by regulating the length of time during which supporting cells proliferate [47].…”

Transcriptomic Analysis of the Developing Testis and Spermatogenesis in Qianbei Ma Goats

“…Mutation of the gene altered thyroid hormone metabolism [42,43]. Thyroid hormones can modulate semen quality under physiological conditions by regulating testosterone and changing some semen indexes [44][45][46]. Thyroid hormone levels in the early stages of testicular development can also influence testicular development and spermatogenesis by regulating the length of time during which supporting cells proliferate [47].…”

Assessment of Sex, Age, and Metabolism Relationships to Serum Thyroid Concentrations in Retired Alaskan Husky Sled Dogs

“…Prior research found that thyroid hormones have a role in regulating semen quality by altering testosterone levels in men and young boys ( 16 ). In one study, healthy azoospermic Labrador retrievers had higher thyroid levels and lower testosterone levels ( 17 ). These thyroid hormones were high normal, or slightly above the normal reference range.…”

Targeting Androgen, Thyroid Hormone, and Vitamin A and D Receptors to Treat Prostate Cancer

“…THs contribute to vertebrate development with links to many endocrine systems, as seen from studies of zebrafish, birds, rodents and dogs [68][69][70][71][72]. There are indications that a close interaction between thyroid and gonadal hormone systems controls sex-determination and testicular development [73].…”

Transcriptomic Analysis of the Developing Testis and Spermatogenesis in Qianbei Ma Goats

“…Mutation of the gene altered thyroid hormone metabolism [42,43]. Thyroid hormones can modulate semen quality under physiological conditions by regulating testosterone and changing some semen indexes [44][45][46]. Thyroid hormone levels in the early stages of testicular development can also influence testicular development and spermatogenesis by regulating the length of time during which supporting cells proliferate [47].…”

Assessment of Sex, Age, and Metabolism Relationships to Serum Thyroid Concentrations in Retired Alaskan Husky Sled Dogs

“…Prior research found that thyroid hormones have a role in regulating semen quality by altering testosterone levels in men and young boys ( 16 ). In one study, healthy azoospermic Labrador retrievers had higher thyroid levels and lower testosterone levels ( 17 ). These thyroid hormones were high normal, or slightly above the normal reference range.…”

Targeting Androgen, Thyroid Hormone, and Vitamin A and D Receptors to Treat Prostate Cancer

“…THs contribute to vertebrate development with links to many endocrine systems, as seen from studies of zebrafish, birds, rodents and dogs [68][69][70][71][72]. There are indications that a close interaction between thyroid and gonadal hormone systems controls sex-determination and testicular development [73].…”

Transcriptomic Analysis of the Developing Testis and Spermatogenesis in Qianbei Ma Goats

“…Mutation of the gene altered thyroid hormone metabolism [42,43]. Thyroid hormones can modulate semen quality under physiological conditions by regulating testosterone and changing some semen indexes [44][45][46]. Thyroid hormone levels in the early stages of testicular development can also influence testicular development and spermatogenesis by regulating the length of time during which supporting cells proliferate [47].…”

Assessment of Sex, Age, and Metabolism Relationships to Serum Thyroid Concentrations in Retired Alaskan Husky Sled Dogs

“…Prior research found that thyroid hormones have a role in regulating semen quality by altering testosterone levels in men and young boys ( 16 ). In one study, healthy azoospermic Labrador retrievers had higher thyroid levels and lower testosterone levels ( 17 ). These thyroid hormones were high normal, or slightly above the normal reference range.…”

Targeting Androgen, Thyroid Hormone, and Vitamin A and D Receptors to Treat Prostate Cancer

“…THs contribute to vertebrate development with links to many endocrine systems, as seen from studies of zebrafish, birds, rodents and dogs [68][69][70][71][72]. There are indications that a close interaction between thyroid and gonadal hormone systems controls sex-determination and testicular development [73].…”