In recent experimental studies, we reported the aggravating effects of Asian sand dust (ASD) on male reproductive function in mice. However, the effects of fetal ASD exposure on male reproductive function have not been investigated. The present study investigated the effects of fetal ASD exposure on reproductive function in male offspring. Using pregnant CD1 mice, ASD was administered intratrac...

It is now well established that exogenous GH promotes sexual maturation and reproductive function. The possibility that this may reflect physiological actions of endogenous GH has, however, rarely been considered. Correlative changes in GH secretion and reproductive state (puberty, pregnancy, lactation, menopause and ovarian cycles) are thus the primary focus of this review. GH secretion is, fo...

Calcium (Ca) is a significant element that acts as an intracellular second messenger. It is necessary for many physiological processes in spermatozoa including spermatogenesis, sperm motility, capacitation, acrosome reaction and fertilization. Although influences of Calcium deficiency on sperm function and male infertility have been widely studied, mechanisms for these abnormalities are not wel...

Disposition has been shown to significantly affect feed intake and growth rates of beef cattle. However, little research has evaluated the effects of poor disposition, and methods to improve this trait, on reproductive function of beef females. Thus, two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of disposition and acclimation to human handling on reproductive function of mature cows a...

Sexually selected traits are predicted to show condition dependence by capturing the genetic quality of its bearer. In separate-sexed organisms, this will ultimately translate into condition dependence of reproductive success of the sex that experiences sexual selection, which is typically the male. Such condition dependence of reproductive success is predicted to be higher in males than female...

BACKGROUND Reproductive function is tightly regulated by nutritional status. Indeed, it has been well described that undernutrition or obesity can lead to subfertility or infertility in humans. The common regulatory pathways which control energy homeostasis and reproductive function have, to date, been poorly understood due to limited studies or inconclusive data. However, gut hormones and adip...

A combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors contributes to adverse effects on the reproductive health in men. Metals are pervasive in food, water, air, tobacco smoke, and alcoholic beverages. Experimental studies suggest that many metals have adverse effects on the male reproductive function. However, information about reproductive effects of human exposure to metals is scarce...