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Kaur H, Chitkara M, Mathai E, Gurao A, Vasisth R, Dige MS, Mukesh M, Sriranga KR, Singh P, Kataria RS. Polymorphism detection and characterization of sperm cells chromatin remodeling associated genes in Murrah buffalo. Trop Anim Health Prod 2024; 56:318. [PMID: 39356339 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-024-04158-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 10/03/2024]
Abstract
Seasonal variations significantly impact buffalo bull semen production and quality, particularly during the summer months. Understanding the genetic basis of these changes is important for managing bull fertility and improving sperm quality. The present study focused on characterizing and identifying polymorphisms in chromatin remodeling genes, protamines (PRMs) and Transition Nuclear Proteins (TNPs) in Murrah buffalo bulls with varying semen quality due to seasonal effects. Our findings revealed none of the coding region variation in PRM1, PRM2, TNP1, and TNP2, these genes are highly conserved in buffalo. Two intronic variants were identified, including G16C in PRM1 intron 1 and intronic SNP in PRM2 intron 1 (G96A). The complete CDS of consensus sequence of bubaline PRM1 was 86.3% identical and 94.1% similar to the bovine PRM1. Whereas the complete CDS of consensus sequence of bubaline TNP2 was 78.2% identical and 91.0% similar to bovine TNP2. Further, no statistically significant differences in the fold change of TNP1, TNP2, PRM1, and PRM2 levels between the hot summer SNA and SA groups and the winter SNA and SA groups This study represents the first comprehensive report on the characterization of bubaline PRM1 (complete CDS), PRM2 (partial CDS), TNP1 (partial CDS), and TNP2 (complete CDS) genes in buffalo sperm cells. Results of the study, clearly indicate that the genes associated with protamine (PRM1 and TNP2) are highly conserved in Bubalus bubalis. Understanding these genetic underpinnings can have implications for improving buffalo bull fertility and semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsimran Kaur
- ICAR- National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal (Haryana), India
- ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal (Haryana), India
| | - Meenakshi Chitkara
- ICAR- National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal (Haryana), India
- ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal (Haryana), India
| | - Eldho Mathai
- ICAR- National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal (Haryana), India
- ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal (Haryana), India
| | - Ankita Gurao
- ICAR- National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal (Haryana), India
| | - Rashi Vasisth
- ICAR- National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal (Haryana), India
- ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal (Haryana), India
| | | | - Manishi Mukesh
- ICAR- National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal (Haryana), India
| | | | - Pawan Singh
- ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal (Haryana), India
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2
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Kameni SL, Dlamini NH, Feugang JM. Exploring the full potential of sperm function with nanotechnology tools. Anim Reprod 2024; 21:e20240033. [PMID: 39176004 PMCID: PMC11340799 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2024-0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Sperm quality is essential to guarantee the success of assisted reproduction. However, selecting high-quality sperm and maintaining it during (cryo)preservation for high efficiency remains challenging in livestock reproduction. A comprehensive understanding of sperm biology allows for better assessment of sperm quality, which could replace conventional sperm analyses used today to predict fertility with low accuracy. Omics approaches have revealed numerous biomarkers associated with various sperm phenotypic traits such as quality, survival during storage, freezability, and fertility. At the same time, nanotechnology is emerging as a new biotechnology with high potential for use in preparing sperm intended to improve reproduction in livestock. The unique physicochemical properties of nanoparticles make them exciting tools for targeting (e.g., sperm damage and sexing) and non-targeting bioapplications. Recent advances in sperm biology have led to the discovery of numerous biomarkers, making it possible to target specific subpopulations of spermatozoa within the ejaculate. In this review, we explore potential biomarkers associated with sperm phenotypes and highlight the benefits of combining these biomarkers with nanoparticles to further improve sperm preparation and technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serge Leugoué Kameni
- Mississippi State University, Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Notsile Hleliwe Dlamini
- Mississippi State University, Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Jean Magloire Feugang
- Mississippi State University, Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State, MS, USA
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3
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Robertson MJ, Chambers C, Spanner EA, de Graaf SP, Rickard JP. The Assessment of Sperm DNA Integrity: Implications for Assisted Reproductive Technology Fertility Outcomes across Livestock Species. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:539. [PMID: 39056730 PMCID: PMC11273975 DOI: 10.3390/biology13070539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 07/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Sperm DNA integrity is increasingly considered a useful measure of semen quality in mammalian reproduction. However, the definition of DNA integrity, the ideal means by which it should be measured, and its predictive value for fertility remain a topic of much discussion. With an emphasis on livestock species, this review discusses the assays that have been developed to measure DNA integrity as well as their correlation with in vitro and in vivo fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jessica P. Rickard
- Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (M.J.R.); (S.P.d.G.)
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4
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Sutovsky P, Hamilton LE, Zigo M, Ortiz D’Avila Assumpção ME, Jones A, Tirpak F, Agca Y, Kerns K, Sutovsky M. Biomarker-based human and animal sperm phenotyping: the good, the bad and the ugly†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:1135-1156. [PMID: 38640912 PMCID: PMC11180624 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Conventional, brightfield-microscopic semen analysis provides important baseline information about sperm quality of an individual; however, it falls short of identifying subtle subcellular and molecular defects in cohorts of "bad," defective human and animal spermatozoa with seemingly normal phenotypes. To bridge this gap, it is desirable to increase the precision of andrological evaluation in humans and livestock animals by pursuing advanced biomarker-based imaging methods. This review, spiced up with occasional classic movie references but seriously scholastic at the same time, focuses mainly on the biomarkers of altered male germ cell proteostasis resulting in post-testicular carryovers of proteins associated with ubiquitin-proteasome system. Also addressed are sperm redox homeostasis, epididymal sperm maturation, sperm-seminal plasma interactions, and sperm surface glycosylation. Zinc ion homeostasis-associated biomarkers and sperm-borne components, including the elements of neurodegenerative pathways such as Huntington and Alzheimer disease, are discussed. Such spectrum of biomarkers, imaged by highly specific vital fluorescent molecular probes, lectins, and antibodies, reveals both obvious and subtle defects of sperm chromatin, deoxyribonucleic acid, and accessory structures of the sperm head and tail. Introduction of next-generation image-based flow cytometry into research and clinical andrology will soon enable the incorporation of machine and deep learning algorithms with the end point of developing simple, label-free methods for clinical diagnostics and high-throughput phenotyping of spermatozoa in humans and economically important livestock animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
| | - Lauren E Hamilton
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
| | - Michal Zigo
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
| | - Mayra E Ortiz D’Avila Assumpção
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexis Jones
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
| | - Filip Tirpak
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
| | - Yuksel Agca
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Karl Kerns
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Miriam Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
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5
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Agudo-Rios C, Sanchez-Rodriguez A, Idrovo IID, Laborda-Gomariz JÁ, Soler AJ, Teves ME, Roldan ERS. Sperm Chromatin Status and DNA Fragmentation in Mouse Species with Divergent Mating Systems. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15954. [PMID: 37958937 PMCID: PMC10648696 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm DNA integrity and chromatin status serve as pivotal indicators of sperm quality, given their intricate link to sperm function, embryo development, and overall fertility. Defects in chromatin compaction, which are often associated with compromised protamine content, can lead to damaged DNA strands. In this study, the chromatin status and possible correlation with DNA damage was assessed in males of three mouse species: Mus musculus, M. spretus, and M. spicilegus. We employed various staining methods, including aniline blue, methylene blue (Diff-Quik), toluidine blue, and chromomycin A3, to assess chromatin compaction in cauda epididymal sperm. Samples were also analyzed by the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) to estimate DNA fragmentation (%tDFI, %HDS). Analyses were carried out on freshly collected sperm and cells incubated for 3 h in a HEPES-buffered modified Tyrode's medium simulating conditions of the female reproductive tract. Notably, the analysis of chromatin status yielded minimal abnormal values across all three species employing diverse methodologies. SCSA analyses revealed distinct variations in %tDFI between species. Following sperm incubation, the percentages of sperm stained with methylene blue exhibited differences among the species and were significantly correlated to the DNA fragmentation index. HDS demonstrated correlations with the percentages of sperm stained by aniline blue, methylene blue, and chromomycin A3. Overall, chromatin compaction was high across all species, with limited differences among them. The relationship between chromatin status and DNA integrity appeared to be related to levels of sperm competition among species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Agudo-Rios
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Sanchez-Rodriguez
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ingrid I. D. Idrovo
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ana J. Soler
- SaBio IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), ETSIAM, Campus Universitario, 02071 Albacete, Spain
| | - Maria E. Teves
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Eduardo R. S. Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
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6
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Gacem S, Castello-Ruiz M, Hidalgo CO, Tamargo C, Santolaria P, Soler C, Yániz JL, Silvestre MA. Bull Sperm SWATH-MS-Based Proteomics Reveals Link between High Fertility and Energy Production, Motility Structures, and Sperm-Oocyte Interaction. J Proteome Res 2023; 22:3607-3624. [PMID: 37782577 PMCID: PMC10629479 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
The prediction of male or semen fertility potential remains a persistent challenge that has yet to be fully resolved. This work analyzed several in vitro parameters and proteome of spermatozoa in bulls cataloged as high- (HF; n = 5) and low-field (LF; n = 5) fertility after more than a thousand artificial inseminations. Sperm motility was evaluated by computer-assisted sperm analysis. Sperm viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and reactive oxygen species (mROS) of spermatozoa were assessed by flow cytometry. Proteome was evaluated by the SWATH-MS procedure. Spermatozoa of HF bulls showed significantly higher total motility than the LF group (41.4% vs 29.7%). Rates of healthy sperm (live, high MMP, and low mROS) for HF and LF bull groups were 49% and 43%, respectively (p > 0.05). Spermatozoa of HF bulls showed a higher presence of differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) related to both energy production (COX7C), mainly the OXPHOS pathway, and the development of structures linked with the motility process (TPPP2, SSMEM1, and SPAG16). Furthermore, we observed that equatorin (EQTN), together with other DAPs related to the interaction with the oocyte, was overrepresented in HF bull spermatozoa. The biological processes related to protein processing, catabolism, and protein folding were found to be overrepresented in LF bull sperm in which the HSP90AA1 chaperone was identified as the most DAP. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD042286.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Gacem
- Departamento
de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología
Física, Universitat de València, 46100 Valencia, Spain
- Departamento
de Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Universitat
Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Castello-Ruiz
- Departamento
de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología
Física, Universitat de València, 46100 Valencia, Spain
- Unidad
Mixta de Investigación Cerebrovascular, Instituto de Investigación
Sanitaria La Fe, Hospital Universitario
y Politécnico La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlos O. Hidalgo
- Animal
Selection and Reproduction Area, Regional
Agrifood Research and Development Service (SERIDA), 33394 Deva, Gijón, Spain
| | - Carolina Tamargo
- Animal
Selection and Reproduction Area, Regional
Agrifood Research and Development Service (SERIDA), 33394 Deva, Gijón, Spain
| | - Pilar Santolaria
- BIOFITER
Research Group, Institute of Environmental Sciences (IUCA), University of Zaragoza, 22071 Huesca, Spain
| | - Carles Soler
- Departamento
de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología
Física, Universitat de València, 46100 Valencia, Spain
| | - Jesús L. Yániz
- BIOFITER
Research Group, Institute of Environmental Sciences (IUCA), University of Zaragoza, 22071 Huesca, Spain
| | - Miguel A. Silvestre
- Departamento
de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología
Física, Universitat de València, 46100 Valencia, Spain
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7
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Fallon L, Diaz-Miranda E, Hamilton L, Sutovsky P, Zigo M, Spencer TE, Ortega MS. The development of new biomarkers of spermatozoa quality in cattle. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1258295. [PMID: 37901101 PMCID: PMC10601460 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1258295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a current need for new biomarkers of spermatozoa quality, that consistently and correctly identify spermatozoa that will successfully contribute to subsequent embryo development. This could improve the standardization of semen analysis, decrease early embryo mortality, and use these biomarkers as a selection tool before servicing females. This study utilized imaging techniques to identify potential biomarkers of sperm quality, using sires previously classified as high (n = 4) or low (n = 4) performing at producing blastocysts in vitro. Spermatozoa were assessed before and following a gradient purification protocol, to understand how populations of cells are impacted by such protocols and may differ between in vivo and in vitro use. Pre-gradient samples from low-performing sires had an increased incidence of DNA damage, although post-gradient samples from high-performing sires were found to have an increased incidence of DNA damage. When evaluating morphology via fluorescent microscopy, the most prevalent defects in pre-gradient samples from high-performing sires were tail defects, which are successfully removed during purification processing. The most prevalent defects in pre-gradient samples from low-performing sires were aggresome defects located in the head, which would be brought into an oocyte upon fertilization and may impair embryo development. Image-based flow cytometry (IBFC) was employed to quantify defect prevalence to evaluate a greater sample size decreasing the variability that exists in manual assessments. Using IBFC, aggresome defects were again identified in the heads of spermatozoa from low-performing sires. Post-gradient samples from low-performing sires had a significantly greater (p < 0.05) incidence of aggresome defects than post-gradient samples from high-performing sires. Additionally, IBFC was used to evaluate spermatozoa viability following gradient purification. Distinct populations of sperm cells were identified. High-performing sires had more spermatozoa in the population deemed most viable than low-performing sires. This study demonstrated that spermatozoa defects vary in populations before and following gradient purification, indicating that it may be beneficial to separately evaluate semen for in vivo and in vitro use. Furthermore, a prevalent defect in low-performing sires that could explain a discrepancy between successful fertilization and embryo development was identified. Therefore, elucidating a malfunction regulated by sire, that could potentially affect early embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Fallon
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Edgar Diaz-Miranda
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Department of Veterinary, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Lauren Hamilton
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Department of Obstetrics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Department of Gynecology & Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Michal Zigo
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Thomas E. Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - M. Sofia Ortega
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
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8
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Moura AR, Santos AR, Losano JDA, Siqueira AFP, Hamilton TRS, Zanella R, Caires KC, Simões R. Evaluation of sperm and hormonal assessments in Wagyu, Nellore, and Angus bulls. ZYGOTE 2023; 31:507-516. [PMID: 37492001 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199423000278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Wagyu bulls are known to have a highly exacerbated libido, as shown by the intense sexual interest of young calves. Therefore we believe that Wagyu male animals have specialized Sertoli and Leydig cells that are directly involved with the sexual precocity in this breed as mature bulls have a small scrotal circumference. This study aimed to evaluate whether there were differences in the hormone and sperm characteristics of Wagyu bulls compared with the same characteristics of subspecies Bos indicus and Bos taurus sires. Frozen-thawed semen from Wagyu, Nellore, and Angus sires were analyzed for sperm kinetics (computer-assisted sperm analysis), plasma membrane integrity, chromatin integrity, acrosome status, mitochondrial activity, lipid peroxidation and hormone [luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone] serum concentration. The results showed that Wagyu had lower total motility and an increased number of sperm with no motility when compared with Nellore and Angus bulls. Wagyu breed did not differ from those breeds when considering plasma and acrosome membranes integrity, mitochondrial potential, chromatin resistance, sperm lipid peroxidation or hormone (LH and testosterone) concentrations. We concluded that Wagyu sires had lower total motility when compared with Nellore and Angus bulls. Wagyu breed did not differ from these breeds when considering plasma and acrosome membranes integrity, mitochondrial potential, chromatin resistance, sperm lipid peroxidation, or hormone (LH and testosterone) concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Moura
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - A R Santos
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - J D A Losano
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, USA
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - A F P Siqueira
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - T R S Hamilton
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - R Zanella
- Escola de Ciências Agrárias Inovação e Negócios, Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Programa de Pós Graduação em BioExperimentação, Universidade de Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - K C Caires
- Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, University of Hawaii, Manoa, Hawaii, USA
| | - R Simões
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Potgieter S, Eddy C, Badrinath A, Chukrallah L, Lo T, Mohanty G, Visconti PE, Snyder EM. ADAD1 is required for normal translation of nuclear pore and transport protein transcripts in spermatids of Mus musculus†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:340-355. [PMID: 37399121 PMCID: PMC10502568 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
ADAD1 is a testis-specific RNA-binding protein expressed in post-meiotic spermatids whose loss leads to defective sperm and male infertility. However, the drivers of the Adad1 phenotype remain unclear. Morphological and functional analysis of Adad1 mutant sperm showed defective DNA compaction, abnormal head shaping, and reduced motility. Mutant testes demonstrated minimal transcriptome changes; however, ribosome association of many transcripts was reduced, suggesting ADAD1 may be required for their translational activation. Further, immunofluorescence of proteins encoded by select transcripts showed delayed protein accumulation. Additional analyses demonstrated impaired subcellular localization of multiple proteins, suggesting protein transport is also abnormal in Adad1 mutants. To clarify the mechanism giving rise to this, the manchette, a protein transport microtubule network, and the LINC (linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton) complex, which connects the manchette to the nuclear lamin, were assessed across spermatid development. Proteins of both displayed delayed translation and/or localization in mutant spermatids implicating ADAD1 in their regulation, even in the absence of altered ribosome association. Finally, ADAD1's impact on the NPC (nuclear pore complex), a regulator of both the manchette and the LINC complex, was examined. Reduced ribosome association of NPC encoding transcripts and reduced NPC protein abundance along with abnormal localization in Adad1 mutants confirmed ADAD1's impact on translation is required for a NPC in post-meiotic germ cells. Together, these studies lead to a model whereby ADAD1's influence on nuclear transport leads to deregulation of the LINC complex and the manchette, ultimately generating the range of physiological defects observed in the Adad1 phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Potgieter
- Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Christopher Eddy
- Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Aditi Badrinath
- Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Lauren Chukrallah
- Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Toby Lo
- Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Gayatri Mohanty
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Snyder
- Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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10
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Bollwein H, Malama E. Review: Evaluation of bull fertility. Functional and molecular approaches. Animal 2023; 17 Suppl 1:100795. [PMID: 37567681 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
With the term "assisted reproduction technologies" in modern cattle farming, one could imply the collection of techniques that aim at the optimal use of bovine gametes to produce animals of high genetic value in a time- and cost-efficient manner. The accurate characterisation of sperm quality plays a critical role for the efficiency of several assisted reproduction-related procedures, such as sperm processing, in vitro embryo production and artificial insemination. Bull fertility is ultimately a collective projection of the ability of a series of ejaculates to endure sperm processing stress, and achieve fertilisation of the oocyte and production of a viable and well-developing embryo. In this concept, the assessment of sperm functional and molecular characteristics is key to bull fertility diagnostics and prognostics. Among others, functional features linked to sperm plasma membrane, acrosome and DNA integrity are usually assessed as a measure of the ability of sperm to express the phenotypes that will allow them to maintain their homeostasis and orchestrate-in a strict temporal manner-the course of events that will enable the delivery of their genetic content to the oocyte upon fertilisation. Nevertheless, measures of sperm functionality are not always adequate indicators of bull fertility. Nowadays, advancements in the field of molecular biology have facilitated the profiling of several biomolecules in male gametes. The molecular profiling of bovine sperm offers a deeper insight into the mechanisms underlying sperm physiology and, thus, can reveal novel candidate markers for bull fertility prognosis. In this review, the importance of three organelles (the nucleus, the plasma membrane and the acrosome) for the characterisation of sperm fertilising capacity and bull fertility is discussed at functional and molecular levels. In particular, information about sperm head morphometry, chromatin structure, viability as well as the ability of sperm to capacitate and undergo the acrosome reaction are presented in relation to the cryotolerance of male gametes and bull fertility. Finally, major spermatozoal coding and non-coding RNAs, and proteins that are involved in the above-mentioned aspects of sperm functionality are also summarised.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Bollwein
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Department for Farm Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - E Malama
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Department for Farm Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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11
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Selvaraju S, Ramya L, Swathi D, Archana SS, Lavanya M, Krishnappa B, Binsila BK, Mahla AS, Arangasamy A, Andonissamy J, Kumar P, Sharma RK. Cryostress induces fragmentation and alters the abundance of sperm transcripts associated with fertilizing competence and reproductive processes in buffalo. Cell Tissue Res 2023:10.1007/s00441-023-03764-8. [PMID: 37079096 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-023-03764-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
The study aimed to assess the influence of cryostress on RNA integrity and functional significance in sperm fertilizing ability. The fresh and post-thawed buffalo sperm (n = 6 each) samples were evaluated for their functional attributes, and sperm total RNA was subjected to transcriptome sequencing followed by validation using real-time PCR and dot blot. Overall, 6911 genes had an expression of FPKM > 1, and among these 431 genes were abundantly expressed (FPKM > 20) in buffalo sperm. These abundantly expressed genes regulate reproductive functions such as sperm motility (TEKT2, SPEM1, and PRM3, FDR = 1.10E-08), fertilization (EQTN, PLCZ1, and SPESP1, FDR = 7.25E-06) and the developmental process involved in reproduction (SPACA1, TNP1, and YBX2, FDR = 7.21E-06). Cryopreservation significantly (p < 0.05) affected the structural and functional membrane integrities of sperm. The expression levels of transcripts that regulate the metabolic activities and fertility-related functions were compromised during cryopreservation. Interestingly, cryostress induces the expression of genes involved (p < 0.05) in chemokine signaling (CX3CL1, CCL20, and CXCR4), G-protein coupled receptor binding (ADRB1, EDN1, and BRS3), translation (RPS28, MRPL28, and RPL18A), oxidative phosphorylation (ND1, ND2, and COX2), response to reactive oxygen species (GLRX2, HYAL2, and EDN1), and immune responses (CX3CL1, CCL26, and TBXA2R). These precociously expressed genes during cryopreservation alter the signaling mechanisms that govern sperm functional competence and can impact fertilization and early embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sellappan Selvaraju
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Bengaluru, 560030, India.
| | - Laxman Ramya
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Bengaluru, 560030, India
| | - Divakar Swathi
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Bengaluru, 560030, India
| | | | - Maharajan Lavanya
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Bengaluru, 560030, India
| | - Balaganur Krishnappa
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Bengaluru, 560030, India
| | - Bala Krishnan Binsila
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Bengaluru, 560030, India
| | - Ajit Singh Mahla
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Bengaluru, 560030, India
- Physiology and Biochemistry Division, ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Rajasthan, 304501, India
| | - Arunachalam Arangasamy
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Bengaluru, 560030, India
| | - Jerome Andonissamy
- Animal Physiology and Reproduction Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar, Haryana, 125001, India
| | - Pradeep Kumar
- Animal Physiology and Reproduction Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar, Haryana, 125001, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar Sharma
- Animal Physiology and Reproduction Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar, Haryana, 125001, India
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12
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Salman A, Fernández-Alegre E, Francisco-Vázquez R, Gómez-Martín R, Fernández-Fernández A, Areán-Dablanca H, Domínguez JC, González-Montaña JR, Caamaño JN, Martínez-Pastor F. Extension of the equilibration period up to 24 h maintains the post-thawing quality of Holstein bull semen frozen with OPTIXcell®. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 250:107209. [PMID: 36889162 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Semen cryopreservation in bovine livestock is well established, but logistics often require deviations from standard protocols. Extending the equilibration time to the following day is convenient in many situations. To improve our knowledge of the effects of this modification, we studied the post-thawing and post-incubation (4 h, 38 °C) sperm quality after freezing with 4 or 24-h extension in the OPTIXcell extender by using an ample panel of analyses: CASA for motility; flow cytometry for viability, physiology, oxidative stress, and chromatin parameters (DNA fragmentation, chromatin compaction, and thiol groups status); and spectrometry for malondialdehyde production. Semen was obtained from 12 Holstein bulls. The 24-h equilibration time showed few significant effects, with only a tiny decrease in progressive motility and a positive impact on chromatin structure. The incubation removed some of these effects, with the pattern for chromatin compaction remaining the same. No detrimental oxidative stress or increase in apoptotic or capacitation markers was detected. Additionally, the individual bull interacted with the effects of the incubation and the equilibration, especially regarding the chromatin status. Whereas this interaction did not critically affect sperm quality, it could be relevant in practice. Bull fertility as non-return rates (NRR56) was associated with some sperm parameters (especially with an improved chromatin structure) but not in the 4-h post-thawing analysis. Our study supports that extending the equilibration time by at least 24-h is feasible for bull semen freezing with the OPTIXcell extender.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Juan Carlos Domínguez
- INDEGSAL, Universidad de León, León, Spain; Department of Medicine, Surgery and Veterinary Anatomy, Universidad de León, Spain
| | - J Ramiro González-Montaña
- INDEGSAL, Universidad de León, León, Spain; Department of Medicine, Surgery and Veterinary Anatomy, Universidad de León, Spain
| | - J Néstor Caamaño
- Selección y Reproducción Animal-SERIDA, Principado de Asturias, Gijón, Spain
| | - Felipe Martínez-Pastor
- INDEGSAL, Universidad de León, León, Spain; Department of Molecular Biology (Cell Biology), Universidad de León, León, Spain.
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13
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New evidence for deleterious effects of environmental contaminants on the male gamete. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 246:106886. [PMID: 34774338 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The decreasing trend in human and domestic animal fertility in recent decades has resulted in the question of whether reduced sperm quality is associated with changes in global climate and the environment. Proposed causes for reduced sperm quality include environmental contaminants, which enter into the body of animals through the food chain and are transported to the reproductive tract, where contaminating agents can have effects on fertilization capacities of gametes. In this review, there is a focus on various environmental contaminants and potential effects on male fertility. Human-derived contaminants, particularly endocrine-disrupting phthalates and the pesticide atrazine, are discussed. Naturally occurring toxins are also addressed, in particular mycotoxins such as aflatoxin which can be components in food consumed by humans and animals. Mechanisms by which environmental contaminants reduce male fertility are not clearly defined; however, are apparently multifactorial (i.e., direct and indirect effects) with there being diverse modes of action. Results from studies with humans, rodents and domestic animals indicate there are deleterious effects of contaminants on male gametes at various stages of spermatogenesis (i.e., in the testis) during passage through the epididymis, and in mature spermatozoa, after ejaculation and during capacitation. Considering there is never detection of a single contaminant, this review addresses synergistic or additive effects of combinations of contaminants. There is new evidence highlighted for the long-lasting effects of environmental contaminants on spermatozoa and developing embryos. Understanding the risk associated with environmental contaminants for animal reproduction may lead to new management strategies, thereby improving reproductive processes.
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14
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Hitit M, Memili E. Sperm Signatures of Fertility and Freezability. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 247:107147. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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15
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Donnellan EM, Perrier JP, Keogh K, Štiavnická M, Collins CM, Dunleavy EM, Sellem E, Bernecic NC, Lonergan P, Kenny DA, Fair S. Identification of differentially expressed mRNAs and miRNAs in spermatozoa of bulls of varying fertility. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:993561. [PMID: 36277068 PMCID: PMC9581129 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.993561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Bulls used in artificial insemination, with apparently normal semen quality, can vary significantly in their field fertility. This study aimed to characterize the transcriptome of spermatozoa from high (HF) and low (LF) fertility bulls at the mRNA and miRNA level in order to identify potential novel markers of fertility. Holstein-Friesian bulls were assigned to either the HF or LF group (n = 10 per group) based on an adjusted national fertility index from a minimum of 500 inseminations. Total RNA was extracted from a pool of frozen-thawed spermatozoa from three different ejaculates per bull, following which mRNA-seq and miRNA-seq were performed. Six mRNAs and 13 miRNAs were found differentially expressed (P < 0.05, FC > 1.5) between HF and LF bulls. Of particular interest, the gene pathways targeted by the 13 differentially expressed miRNAs were related to embryonic development and gene expression regulation. Previous studies reported that disruptions to protamine 1 mRNA (PRM1) had deleterious consequences for sperm chromatin structure and fertilizing ability. Notably, PRM1 exhibited a higher expression in spermatozoa from LF than HF bulls. In contrast, Western Blot analysis revealed a decrease in PRM1 protein abundance for spermatozoa from LF bulls; this was not associated with increased protamine deficiency (measured by the degree of chromatin compaction) or DNA fragmentation, as assessed by flow cytometry analyses. However, protamine deficiency was positively and moderately correlated with the percentage of spermatozoa with DNA fragmentation, irrespective of fertility group. This study has identified potential biomarkers that could be used for improving semen quality assessments of bull fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eimear M. Donnellan
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Natural Sciences, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Jean-Philippe Perrier
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Natural Sciences, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Kate Keogh
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Ireland
| | - Miriam Štiavnická
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Natural Sciences, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | | | - Elaine M. Dunleavy
- Centre for Chromosome Biology, Biomedical Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Eli Sellem
- ALLICE, Innovation and Development, Paris, France
| | - Naomi C. Bernecic
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Natural Sciences, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David A. Kenny
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Ireland
| | - Sean Fair
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Natural Sciences, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland,*Correspondence: Sean Fair
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16
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Ribas-Maynou J, Delgado-Bermúdez A, Mateo-Otero Y, Viñolas E, Hidalgo CO, Ward WS, Yeste M. Determination of double- and single-stranded DNA breaks in bovine sperm is predictive of their fertilizing capacity. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2022; 13:105. [PMID: 36114517 PMCID: PMC9482281 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-022-00754-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The analysis of chromatin integrity has become an important determinant of sperm quality. In frozen-thawed bovine sperm, neither the sequence of post-thaw injury events nor the dynamics of different types of sperm DNA breaks are well understood. The aim of the present work was to describe such sperm degradation aftermath focusing on DNA damage dynamics, and to assess if this parameter can predict pregnancy rates in cattle. RESULTS A total of 75 cryopreserved ejaculates from 25 Holstein bulls were evaluated at two post-thawing periods (0-2 h and 2-4 h), analyzing global and double-stranded DNA damage through alkaline and neutral Comet assays, chromatin deprotamination and decondensation, sperm motility, viability, acrosomal status, and intracellular levels of total ROS, superoxides and calcium. Insemination of 59,605 females was conducted using sperm from the same bulls, thus obtaining the non-return to estrus rates after 90 d (NRR). Results showed an increased rate of double-stranded breaks in the first period (0-2 h: 1.29 ± 1.01%/h vs. 2-4 h: 0.13 ± 1.37%/h; P < 0.01), whereas the rate of sperm with moderate + high single-stranded breaks was higher in the second period (0-2 h: 3.52 ± 7.77 %/h vs. 2-4h: 21.06 ± 11.69 %/h; P < 0.0001). Regarding sperm physiology, viability decrease rate was different between the two periods (0-2 h: - 4.49 ± 1.79%/h vs. 2-4 h: - 2.50 ± 3.39%/h; P = 0.032), but the progressive motility decrease rate was constant throughout post-thawing incubation (0-2 h: - 4.70 ± 3.42%/h vs. 2-4 h: - 1.89 ± 2.97%/h; P > 0.05). Finally, whereas no correlations between bull fertility and any dynamic parameter were found, there were correlations between the NRR and the basal percentage of highly-damaged sperm assessed with the alkaline Comet (Rs = - 0.563, P = 0.003), between NRR and basal progressive motility (Rs = 0.511, P = 0.009), and between NRR and sperm with high ROS at 4 h post-thaw (Rs = 0.564, P = 0.003). CONCLUSION The statistically significant correlations found between intracellular ROS, sperm viability, sperm motility, DNA damage and chromatin deprotamination suggested a sequence of events all driven by oxidative stress, where viability and motility would be affected first and sperm chromatin would be altered at a later stage, thus suggesting that bovine sperm should be used for fertilization within 2 h post-thaw. Fertility correlations supported that the assessment of global DNA damage through the Comet assay may help predict bull fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Campany, 69, ES-17003, Girona, Spain. .,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain. .,Institute for Biogenesis Research, Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry & Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA.
| | - Ariadna Delgado-Bermúdez
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Campany, 69, ES-17003, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Campany, 69, ES-17003, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Estel Viñolas
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Campany, 69, ES-17003, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Carlos O Hidalgo
- Department of Animal Selection and Reproduction, The Regional Agri-Food Research and Development Service of Asturias (SERIDA), ES-33394, Gijón, Spain
| | - W Steven Ward
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry & Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Campany, 69, ES-17003, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain.,Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), ES-08010, Barcelona, Spain
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17
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Ribas-Maynou J, Llavanera M, Mateo-Otero Y, Ruiz N, Muiño R, Bonet S, Yeste M. Telomere length in bovine sperm is related to the production of reactive oxygen species, but not to reproductive performance. Theriogenology 2022; 189:290-300. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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18
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Mateo-Otero Y, Llavanera M, Recuero S, Delgado-Bermúdez A, Barranco I, Ribas-Maynou J, Yeste M. Sperm DNA damage compromises embryo development, but not oocyte fertilisation in pigs. Biol Res 2022; 55:15. [PMID: 35365220 PMCID: PMC8973803 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-022-00386-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The assessment of sperm DNA integrity has been proposed as a complementary test to conventional mammalian semen analysis. In this sense, single-strand (SSB) and double-strand (DSB) DNA breaks, the two types of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), have been reported to have different aetiologies and to be associated to different fertility outcomes in bovine and humans. Considering that no studies in porcine have addressed how SDF may affect sperm quality and fertility outcomes, the present work aimed to determine the impact of global DNA damage, SSB and DSB on sperm quality and in vitro fertilising ability. To this end, 24 ejaculates (one per boar) were split into three aliquots: the first was used to assess sperm quality parameters through a computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system and flow cytometry; the second was used to perform in vitro fertilisation, and the third, to evaluate sperm DNA integrity using alkaline and neutral Comet assays. Results The results showed that global DNA damage negatively correlates (P < 0.05) with normal sperm morphology (R = − 0.460) and progressive motility (R = − 0.419), and positively with the percentage of non-viable sperm (R = 0.507). Multiple regression analyses showed that non-viable sperm were related to SSB (β = − 0.754). In addition, while fertilisation did not seem to be affected by sperm DNA integrity, global DNA damage, DSB and SSB were found to be correlated to embryo development outcomes. Specifically, whereas global DNA damage and DSB negatively affected (P < 0.05) the later preimplantation embryo stages (percentage of early blastocyst/blastocyst D6: for global DNA damage, R = − 0.458, and for DSB, R = − 0.551; and percentage of hatching/hatched blastocyst D6: for global DNA damage, R = − 0.505, and for DSB, R = − 0.447), global DNA damage and SSB had a negative impact (P < 0.05) on the developmental competency of fertilised embryos (R = − 0.532 and R = − 0.515, respectively). Remarkably, multiple regression analyses supported the associations found in correlation analyses. Finally, the present work also found that the inclusion of Comet assays to the conventional sperm quality tests improves the prediction of blastocyst formation (AUC = 0.9021, P < 0.05), but not fertilisation rates (P > 0.05). Conclusion Considering all these findings, this work sets a useful model to study how SDF negatively influences fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Llavanera
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Sandra Recuero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Ariadna Delgado-Bermúdez
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Isabel Barranco
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell'Emilia, T40064, Bologna, Italy
| | - Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain. .,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain.
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain. .,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain. .,Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), S08010, Barcelona, Spain.
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19
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PRM1 Gene Expression and Its Protein Abundance in Frozen-Thawed Spermatozoa as Potential Fertility Markers in Breeding Bulls. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9030111. [PMID: 35324839 PMCID: PMC8951773 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9030111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional genes and proteins in sperm play an essential role in bulls’ reproductive processes. They are more accurate in determining bull fertility than conventional semen quality tests. Protamine-1 (PRM1) is a gene or protein crucial for packaging and protecting sperm DNA until fertilization affects normal sperm function. This study analyzes the genes and proteins potential from PRM1 as fertility markers for different breeds of bulls utilized in the artificial insemination programs, expected to be an accurate tool in interpreting bull fertility in Indonesia. This study used Limousin, Holstein, and Ongole Grade bulls divided into two groups based on fertility, high-fertility (HF) and low fertility (LF). The semen quality assessment included progressive motility (computer-assisted semen analysis), viability (eosin-nigrosine), and plasma membrane integrity (HOS test). Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) was assessed using the acridine orange staining and the Halomax test. Sperm PRM deficiency was evaluated with the chromomycin A3 method. Moreover, PRM1 gene expression was measured using qRT-PCR, and the PRM1 protein abundance was measured with the enzyme immunoassay method. Semen quality values, relative expression of PRM1 gene, and quantity of PRM1 protein were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in HF bulls than in LF bulls. The SDF and PRM deficiency values in LF bulls were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than HF bulls. Additionally, PRM1 at the gene and protein levels correlated significantly (p < 0.01) with fertility. Therefore, PRM1 is a potential candidate for fertility markers in bulls in Indonesia.
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20
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Ugur MR, Guerreiro DD, Moura AA, Memili E. Identification of biomarkers for bull fertility using functional genomics. Anim Reprod 2022; 19:e20220004. [PMID: 35573862 PMCID: PMC9083437 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2022-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Prediction of bull fertility is critical for the sustainability of both dairy and beef cattle production. Even though bulls produce ample amounts of sperm with normal parameters, some bulls may still suffer from subpar fertility. This causes major economic losses in the cattle industry because using artificial insemination, semen from one single bull can be used to inseminate hundreds of thousands of cows. Although there are several traditional methods to estimate bull fertility, such methods are not sufficient to explain and accurately predict the subfertility of individual bulls. Since fertility is a complex trait influenced by a number of factors including genetics, epigenetics, and environment, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive methodological approach to clarify uncertainty in male subfertility. The present review focuses on molecular and functional signatures of bull sperm associated with fertility. Potential roles of functional genomics (proteome, small noncoding RNAs, lipidome, metabolome) on determining male fertility and its potential as a fertility biomarker are discussed. This review provides a better understanding of the molecular signatures of viable and fertile sperm cells and their potential to be used as fertility biomarkers. This information will help uncover the underlying reasons for idiopathic subfertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Arlindo A. Moura
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Brasil; Universidade Federal do Ceará, Brasil
| | - Erdogan Memili
- Mississippi State University, USA; Prairie View A&M University, USA
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21
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Narud B, Khezri A, Nordborg A, Klinkenberg G, Zeremichael TT, Stenseth EB, Heringstad B, Kommisrud E, Myromslien FD. Semen quality parameters including metabolites, sperm production traits and fertility in young Norwegian Red AI bulls. Livest Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2021.104803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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22
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Finelli R, Moreira BP, Alves MG, Agarwal A. Unraveling the Molecular Impact of Sperm DNA Damage on Human Reproduction. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1358:77-113. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-89340-8_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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23
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Teves ME, Roldan ERS. Sperm bauplan and function and underlying processes of sperm formation and selection. Physiol Rev 2022; 102:7-60. [PMID: 33880962 PMCID: PMC8812575 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00009.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The spermatozoon is a highly differentiated and polarized cell, with two main structures: the head, containing a haploid nucleus and the acrosomal exocytotic granule, and the flagellum, which generates energy and propels the cell; both structures are connected by the neck. The sperm's main aim is to participate in fertilization, thus activating development. Despite this common bauplan and function, there is an enormous diversity in structure and performance of sperm cells. For example, mammalian spermatozoa may exhibit several head patterns and overall sperm lengths ranging from ∼30 to 350 µm. Mechanisms of transport in the female tract, preparation for fertilization, and recognition of and interaction with the oocyte also show considerable variation. There has been much interest in understanding the origin of this diversity, both in evolutionary terms and in relation to mechanisms underlying sperm differentiation in the testis. Here, relationships between sperm bauplan and function are examined at two levels: first, by analyzing the selective forces that drive changes in sperm structure and physiology to understand the adaptive values of this variation and impact on male reproductive success and second, by examining cellular and molecular mechanisms of sperm formation in the testis that may explain how differentiation can give rise to such a wide array of sperm forms and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eugenia Teves
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Eduardo R S Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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24
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Nagaki CAP, Hamilton TRDS, Assumpção MEODÁ. What is known so far about bull sperm protamination: a review. Anim Reprod 2022; 19:e20210109. [DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2021-0109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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25
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Pardede BP, Maulana T, Kaiin EM, Agil M, Karja NWK, Sumantri C, Supriatna I. The potential of sperm bovine protamine as a protein marker of semen production and quality at the National Artificial Insemination Center of Indonesia. Vet World 2021; 14:2473-2481. [PMID: 34840468 PMCID: PMC8613797 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.2473-2481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Protamine (PRM) is the major protein in the sperm nucleus and plays an essential role in its normal function. Moreover, PRM has great potential as a protein marker of semen production and quality. This study aimed to assess the potential of sperm bovine PRM as a protein marker of semen production and quality in bulls at the National Artificial Insemination (AI) Center of Indonesia. Materials and Methods: The semen production capacity of each bull was collected from frozen semen production data at the Singosari AI Center for 6 months, and was then divided into two groups (high and low). A total of 440 frozen semen straws from six Limousin (LIM), six Friesian Holstein (FH), six Peranakan Ongole (PO), and four Aceh bulls aged 4-5 years were used in the study. The frozen semen was used to measure the concentration of PRM1, PRM2, and PRM3 using the enzyme immunoassay method. The frozen semen was also used to assess the quality of the semen, including progressive motility (PM) through computer-assisted semen analysis, sperm viability through eosin–nigrosin analysis, and the DNA fragmentation index through Acridine Orange staining. Results: PRM1 was significantly higher in all bull breeds included in the study (p<0.00), followed by PRM2 (p<0.00) and PRM3 (p<0.00). PRM1 significantly affected semen production in LIM, FH, PO, and Aceh bulls (p<0.05). Moreover, PRM2 significantly affected semen production only in FH and Aceh bulls (p<0.05), whereas PRM3 affected this parameter in PO and Aceh bulls exclusively (p<0.05). Consistently and significantly, PRM1 was positively correlated with the PM and viability of sperm and negatively associated with its DNA fragmentation in LIM, FH, PO, and Aceh bulls (p<0.05; p<0.01). The correlation analysis between PRM2 and PRM3 and semen quality parameters varied across all bull breeds; some were positively and negatively correlated (p<0.05; p<0.01), and some were not correlated at all. Conclusion: PRM1 has excellent potential as a protein marker of semen production and quality in bulls at the National AI Center of Indonesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berlin Pandapotan Pardede
- Reproductive Biology Study Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB University, Dramaga, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Tulus Maulana
- Animal Reproduction Biotechnology Research Group, Research Center for Biotechnology, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Ekayanti Mulyawati Kaiin
- Animal Reproduction Biotechnology Research Group, Research Center for Biotechnology, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Agil
- Department of Veterinary Clinic, Reproduction, and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB University, Dramaga, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Ni Wayan Kurniani Karja
- Department of Veterinary Clinic, Reproduction, and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB University, Dramaga, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Cece Sumantri
- Department of Animal Production and Technology, Faculty of Animal Science, IPB University, Dramaga, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Iman Supriatna
- Department of Veterinary Clinic, Reproduction, and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB University, Dramaga, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
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Hitit M, Özbek M, Ayaz-Guner S, Guner H, Oztug M, Bodu M, Kirbas M, Bulbul B, Bucak MN, Ataman MB, Memili E, Kaya A. Proteomic fertility markers in ram sperm. Anim Reprod Sci 2021; 235:106882. [PMID: 34823050 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Precise estimation of ram fertility is important for sheep farming to sustain reproduction efficiency and profitability of production. There, however, is no conventional method to accurately predict ram fertility. The objective of this study, therefore, was to ascertain proteomic profiles of ram sperm having contrasting fertility phenotypes. Mature rams (n = 66) having greater pregnancy rates than average (89.4 ± 7.2%) were assigned into relatively-greater fertility (GF; n = 31; 94.5 ± 2.8%) whereas those with less-than-average pregnancy rates were assigned into a lesser-fertility (LF; n = 25; 83.1 ± 5.73%; P = 0.028) group. Sperm samples from the outlier greatest- and least-fertility rams (n = 6, pregnancy rate; 98.4 ± 1.8% and 76.1 ± 3.9%) were used for proteomics assessments utilizing Label-free LC-MS/MS. A total of 997 proteins were identified, and among these, 840 were shared by both groups, and 57 and 93 were unique to GF and LF, respectively. Furthermore, 190 differentially abundant proteins were identified; the abundance of 124 was larger in GF while 66 was larger in LF rams. The GF ram sperm had 79 GO/pathway terms in ten major biological networks while there were 47 GO/pathway terms in six biological networks in sperm of LF rams. Accordingly, differential abundances of sperm proteins between sperm of GF and LF rams were indicative of functional implications of sperm proteome on male fertility. The results of this study emphasize there are potential protein markers for evaluation of semen quality and estimation of ram sperm fertilizing capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Hitit
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kastamonu University, Kastamonu, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Özbek
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkey
| | - Serife Ayaz-Guner
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Life and Natural Science, Abdullah Gül University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Huseyin Guner
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Life and Natural Science, Abdullah Gül University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Merve Oztug
- National Metrology Institute, TUBITAK UME, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Bodu
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Mesut Kirbas
- Bahri Dagdas International Agricultural Research Institute, Konya, Turkey
| | - Bulent Bulbul
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Numan Bucak
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Bozkurt Ataman
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Erdoğan Memili
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States; Cooperative Agricultural Research Center, College of Agriculture and Human Sciences, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX, United States.
| | - Abdullah Kaya
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey.
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Mukherjee A, de Izarra A, Degrouard J, Olive E, Maiti PK, Jang YH, Lansac Y. Protamine-Controlled Reversible DNA Packaging: A Molecular Glue. ACS NANO 2021; 15:13094-13104. [PMID: 34328301 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c02337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Packaging paternal genome into tiny sperm nuclei during spermatogenesis requires 106-fold compaction of DNA, corresponding to a 10-20 times higher compaction than in somatic cells. While such a high level of compaction involves protamine, a small arginine-rich basic protein, the precise mechanism at play is still unclear. Effective pair potential calculations and large-scale molecular dynamics simulations using a simple idealized model incorporating solely electrostatic and steric interactions clearly demonstrate a reversible control on DNA condensates formation by varying the protamine-to-DNA ratio. Microscopic states and condensate structures occurring in semidilute solutions of short DNA fragments are in good agreement with experimental phase diagram and cryoTEM observations. The reversible microscopic mechanisms induced by protamination modulation should provide valuable information to improve a mechanistic understanding of early and intermediate stages of spermatogenesis where an interplay between condensation and liquid-liquid phase separation triggered by protamine expression and post-translational regulation might occur. Moreover, recent vaccines to prevent virus infections and cancers using protamine as a packaging and depackaging agent might be fine-tuned for improved efficiency using a protamination control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnab Mukherjee
- GREMAN, CNRS UMR 7347, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| | - Ambroise de Izarra
- GREMAN, CNRS UMR 7347, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
- Department of Energy Science and Engineering, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Korea
| | - Jeril Degrouard
- Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, CNRS UMR 8502, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France
| | - Enrick Olive
- GREMAN, CNRS UMR 7347, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| | - Prabal K Maiti
- Center for Condensed Matter Theory, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Yun Hee Jang
- Department of Energy Science and Engineering, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Korea
| | - Yves Lansac
- GREMAN, CNRS UMR 7347, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
- Department of Energy Science and Engineering, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Korea
- Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, CNRS UMR 8502, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France
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28
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Hamilton LE, Lion M, Aguila L, Suzuki J, Acteau G, Protopapas N, Xu W, Sutovsky P, Baker M, Oko R. Core Histones Are Constituents of the Perinuclear Theca of Murid Spermatozoa: An Assessment of Their Synthesis and Assembly during Spermiogenesis and Function after Gametic Fusion. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158119. [PMID: 34360885 PMCID: PMC8347300 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The perinuclear theca (PT) of the eutherian sperm head is a cytoskeletal-like structure that houses proteins involved in important cellular processes during spermiogenesis and fertilization. Building upon our novel discovery of non-nuclear histones in the bovine PT, we sought to investigate whether this PT localization was a conserved feature of eutherian sperm. Employing cell fractionation, immunodetection, mass spectrometry, qPCR, and intracytoplasmic sperm injections (ICSI), we examined the localization, developmental origin, and functional potential of histones from the murid PT. Immunodetection localized histones to the post-acrosomal sheath (PAS) and the perforatorium (PERF) of the PT but showed an absence in the sperm nucleus. MS/MS analysis of selectively extracted PT histones indicated that predominately core histones (i.e., H3, H3.3, H2B, H2A, H2AX, and H4) populate the murid PT. These core histones appear to be de novo-synthesized in round spermatids and assembled via the manchette during spermatid elongation. Mouse ICSI results suggest that early embryonic development is delayed in the absence of PT-derived core histones. Here, we provide evidence that core histones are de novo-synthesized prior to PT assembly and deposited in PT sub-compartments for subsequent involvement in chromatin remodeling of the male pronucleus post-fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E. Hamilton
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Botterell Hall, 18 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (L.E.H.); (M.L.); (G.A.); (N.P.); (W.X.)
- Division of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA;
| | - Morgan Lion
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Botterell Hall, 18 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (L.E.H.); (M.L.); (G.A.); (N.P.); (W.X.)
| | - Luis Aguila
- Center for Research in Reproduction and Fertility, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Université de Montreal, St. Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada; (L.A.); (J.S.)
| | - João Suzuki
- Center for Research in Reproduction and Fertility, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Université de Montreal, St. Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada; (L.A.); (J.S.)
| | - Genevieve Acteau
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Botterell Hall, 18 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (L.E.H.); (M.L.); (G.A.); (N.P.); (W.X.)
| | - Nicole Protopapas
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Botterell Hall, 18 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (L.E.H.); (M.L.); (G.A.); (N.P.); (W.X.)
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Botterell Hall, 18 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (L.E.H.); (M.L.); (G.A.); (N.P.); (W.X.)
| | - Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA;
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Mark Baker
- School of Environmental and Life Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;
| | - Richard Oko
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Botterell Hall, 18 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (L.E.H.); (M.L.); (G.A.); (N.P.); (W.X.)
- Correspondence:
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Bernecic NC, Donnellan E, O'Callaghan E, Kupisiewicz K, O'Meara C, Weldon K, Lonergan P, Kenny DA, Fair S. Comprehensive functional analysis reveals that acrosome integrity and viability are key variables distinguishing artificial insemination bulls of varying fertility. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:11226-11241. [PMID: 34253371 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In vitro methods of assessing bull semen quality in artificial insemination (AI) centers are unable to consistently detect individuals of lower fertility, and attempts to reliably predict bull fertility are still ongoing. This highlights the need to identify robust biomarkers that can be readily measured in a practical setting and used to improve current predictions of bull fertility. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed a range of functional, morphological, and intracellular attributes in cryopreserved spermatozoa from a selected cohort of Holstein Friesian AI bulls classified as having either high or low fertility (n = 10 of each fertility phenotype; difference of 11.4% in adjusted pregnancy rate between groups). Here, spermatozoa were assessed for motility and kinematic parameters, morphology, acrosome integrity, plasma membrane lipid packing, viability (or membrane integrity), superoxide production, and DNA integrity. In addition, spermatozoa were used for in vitro fertilization to evaluate their capacity for fertilization and successful embryo development. The information collected from these assessments was then used to phenotypically profile the 2 groups of bulls of divergent fertility status as well as to develop a model to predict bull fertility. According to the results, acrosome integrity and viability were the only sperm attributes that were significantly different between high- and low-fertility bulls. Interestingly, although spermatozoa from low-fertility bulls, on average, had reduced viability and acrosome integrity, this response varied considerably from bull to bull. Principal component analysis revealed a sperm phenotypic profile that represented a high proportion of ejaculates from low-fertility bulls. This was constructed based on the collective influence of several sperm attributes, including the presence of cytoplasmic droplets and superoxide production. Finally, using the combined results as a basis for modeling, we developed a linear model that was able to explain 47% of the variation in bull field fertility in addition to a logistic predictive model that had a 90% chance of distinguishing between fertility groups. Taken together, we conclude that viability and acrosome integrity could serve as fertility biomarkers in the field and, when used alongside other sperm attributes, may be useful in detecting low-fertility bulls. However, the variable nature of low-fertility bulls suggests that additional, in-depth characterization of spermatozoa at a molecular level is required to further understand the etiology of low fertility in dairy bulls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi C Bernecic
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland.
| | - Eimear Donnellan
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Elena O'Callaghan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | | | - Ciara O'Meara
- National Cattle Breeding Centre, Unit K4, M7 Business Park, Naas, County Kildare, W91 WF59, Ireland
| | - Kaitlyn Weldon
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Pat Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - David A Kenny
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Meath, C15 PW93, Ireland
| | - Sean Fair
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
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Role of Antioxidants in Cooled Liquid Storage of Mammal Spermatozoa. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10071096. [PMID: 34356329 PMCID: PMC8301105 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10071096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cooled preservation of semen is usually associated with artificial insemination and genetic improvement programs in livestock species. Several studies have reported an increase in reactive oxidative species and a decrease in antioxidant substances and sperm quality parameters during long-term semen storage at refrigerated temperatures. The supplementation of antioxidants in extenders before refrigeration could reduce this detrimental effect. Various antioxidants have been tested, both enzymatic, such as superoxide dismutase and catalase, and non-enzymatic, such as reduced glutathione, vitamins E and C and melatonin. However, the problem of oxidative stress in semen storage has not been fully resolved. The effects of antioxidants for semen-cooled storage have not been reviewed in depth. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to review the efficiency of the supplementation of antioxidants in the extender during cooled storage of semen in livestock species.
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31
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Özbek M, Hitit M, Kaya A, Jousan FD, Memili E. Sperm Functional Genome Associated With Bull Fertility. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:610888. [PMID: 34250055 PMCID: PMC8262648 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.610888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bull fertility is an important economic trait in sustainable cattle production, as infertile or subfertile bulls give rise to large economic losses. Current methods to assess bull fertility are tedious and not totally accurate. The massive collection of functional data analyses, including genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics, helps researchers generate extensive knowledge to better understand the unraveling physiological mechanisms underlying subpar male fertility. This review focuses on the sperm phenomes of the functional genome and epigenome that are associated with bull fertility. Findings from multiple sources were integrated to generate new knowledge that is transferable to applied andrology. Diverse methods encompassing analyses of molecular and cellular dynamics in the fertility-associated molecules and conventional sperm parameters can be considered an effective approach to determine bull fertility for efficient and sustainable cattle production. In addition to gene expression information, we also provide methodological information, which is important for the rigor and reliability of the studies. Fertility is a complex trait influenced by several factors and has low heritability, although heritability of scrotal circumference is high and that it is a known fertility maker. There is a need for new knowledge on the expression levels and functions of sperm RNA, proteins, and metabolites. The new knowledge can shed light on additional fertility markers that can be used in combination with scrotal circumference to predict the fertility of breeding bulls. This review provides a comprehensive review of sperm functional characteristics or phenotypes associated with bull fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Memmet Özbek
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Hitit
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kastamonu University, Kastamonu, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Kaya
- Department of Artificial Insemination and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Frank Dean Jousan
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
| | - Erdogan Memili
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
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Hamilton TRDS, Simões R, Assumpção MEODÁ. An improved acetic acid-urea polyacrylamide electrophoresis method to evaluate bovine sperm protamines. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 56:1050-1056. [PMID: 33890330 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The acetic acid-urea polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis system could separate very similar basic proteins on differences in size and effective charge. This system has been used for many years to analyse histones and their post-translational modifications and widely used in the study of mammal protamines. Two types of protamine have been described, the protamine 1 (P1) and the protamine 2 (P2) family members, which are synthetized by PRM1 and PRM2 genes. The ratio of P1 and P2 is important for predicting fertility in humans and mice. Therefore, the quantification of protamines is a fundamental step in order to establish the ratio between P1 and P2 in these species. In other mammals, studies linking sperm protamination and the protamine ratio with fertility are increasing. So, the use of an effective technique to separate and quantify protamines is important to study sperm P1/P2 ratio. Therefore, this article describes in detail a feasible and useful procedure to isolate bovine sperm protamines, to perform pre-electrophoresis with PEG solution and finally to carry out acid-urea polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in reverse polarity. This technique allows a clear separation and efficient detection of bovine sperm protamines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais Rose Dos Santos Hamilton
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renata Simões
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, Brazil
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33
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Ribas-Maynou J, Garcia-Bonavila E, Hidalgo CO, Catalán J, Miró J, Yeste M. Species-Specific Differences in Sperm Chromatin Decondensation Between Eutherian Mammals Underlie Distinct Lysis Requirements. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:669182. [PMID: 33996825 PMCID: PMC8120241 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.669182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm present a highly particular DNA condensation that is acquired during their differentiation. Protamines are key elements for DNA condensation. However, whereas the presence of protamine 1 (P1) is conserved across mammalian species, that of protamine 2 (P2) has evolved differentially, existing only few species that use both protamines for sperm DNA condensation. In addition, altered P1/P2 ratios and alterations in the expression of P1 have previously been associated to infertility and DNA damage disorders. On the other hand, different methods evaluating DNA integrity, such as Sperm Chromatin Dispersion (SCD) and Comet tests, need a previous complete DNA decondensation to properly assess DNA breaks. Related with this, the present study aims to analyze the resilience of sperm DNA to decodensation in different eutherian mammals. Sperm samples from humans, horses, cattle, pigs and donkeys were used. Samples were embedded in low melting point agarose and treated with lysis solutions to induce DNA decondensation and formation of sperm haloes. The treatment consisted of three steps: (1) incubation in SDS + DTT for 30 min; (2) incubation in DTT + NaCl for 30 min; and (3) incubation in DTT + NaCl with or without proteinase K for a variable time of 0, 30, or 180 min. How incubation with the third lysis solution (with or without proteinase K) for 0, 30, and 180 min affected DNA decondensation was tested through analyzing core and halo diameters in 50 sperm per sample. Halo/core length ratio was used as an indicator of complete chromatin decondensation. While incubation time with the third lysis solution had no impact on halo/core length ratios in species having P1 and P2 (human, equine and donkey), DNA decondensation of pig and cattle sperm, which only present P1, significantly (P < 0.05) increased following incubation with the third lysis solution for 180 min. In addition, the inclusion of proteinase K was found to accelerate DNA decondensation. In conclusion, longer incubations in lysis solution including proteinase K lead to higher DNA decondensation in porcine and bovine sperm. This suggests that tests intended to analyze DNA damage, such as halo or Comet assays, require complete chromatin deprotamination to achieve high sensitivity in the detection of DNA breaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Estela Garcia-Bonavila
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Carlos O Hidalgo
- Department of Animal Selection and Reproduction, Regional Agrifood Research and Development Service of Asturias (SERIDA), Gijón, Spain
| | - Jaime Catalán
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Jordi Miró
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
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Abstract
Sex selection through sperm sorting offers advantages in regards selection pressure in high-producing livestock. However, the sex-sorting process results in sperm membrane and DNA damage that ultimately decrease fertility. We hypothesized that given the role of protamines in DNA packaging, protamine deficiency could account, at least partially, for the DNA damage observed following sperm sex sorting. To test this, we compared protamine status between unsexed and sexed spermatozoa from two bulls using the fluorochrome chromomycin A3 (CMA3) and flow cytometry. Then, we assessed embryo development following in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the same sperm treatments. Overall, sperm protamination was not different between sexed and unsexed semen. However, one of the two bulls displayed higher rates of protamine deficiency for both unsexed and sexed semen (P < 0.05). Moreover, unsexed semen from this bull yielded lower blastocyst (P < 0.05) and blastocyst hatching rates than unsexed sperm from the other bull. CMA3-positive staining was negatively correlated with cleavage (R2 85.1, P = 0.003) and blastocyst hatching (R2 87.6, P = 0.006) rates in unsexed semen. In conclusion, while the sex-sorting process had no effect on sperm protamine content, we observed a bull effect for sperm protamination, which correlated to embryo development rates following IVF.
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Paul N, Kumaresan A, Das Gupta M, Nag P, Guvvala PR, Kuntareddi C, Sharma A, Selvaraju S, Datta TK. Transcriptomic Profiling of Buffalo Spermatozoa Reveals Dysregulation of Functionally Relevant mRNAs in Low-Fertile Bulls. Front Vet Sci 2021; 7:609518. [PMID: 33506000 PMCID: PMC7829312 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.609518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although, it is known that spermatozoa harbor a variety of RNAs that may influence embryonic development, little is understood about sperm transcriptomic differences in relation to fertility, especially in buffaloes. In the present study, we compared the differences in sperm functional attributes and transcriptomic profile between high- and low-fertile buffalo bulls. Sperm membrane and acrosomal integrity were lower (P < 0.05), while protamine deficiency and lipid peroxidation were higher (P < 0.05) in low- compared to high-fertile bulls. Transcriptomic analysis using mRNA microarray technology detected a total of 51,282 transcripts in buffalo spermatozoa, of which 4,050 transcripts were differentially expressed, and 709 transcripts were found to be significantly dysregulated (P < 0.05 and fold change >1) between high- and low-fertile bulls. Majority of the dysregulated transcripts were related to binding activity, transcription, translation, and metabolic processes with primary localization in the cell nucleus, nucleoplasm, and in cytosol. Pathways related to MAPK signaling, ribosome pathway, and oxidative phosphorylation were dysregulated in low-fertile bull spermatozoa. Using bioinformatics analysis, we observed that several genes related to sperm functional attributes were significantly downregulated in low-fertile bull spermatozoa. Validation of the results of microarray analysis was carried out using real-time qPCR expression analysis of selected genes (YBX1, ORAI3, and TFAP2C). The relative expression of these genes followed the same trend in both the techniques. Collectively, this is the first study to report the transcriptomic profile of buffalo spermatozoa and to demonstrate the dysregulation of functionally relevant transcripts in low-fertile bull spermatozoa. The results of the present study open up new avenues for understanding the etiology for poor fertility in buffalo bulls and to identify fertility biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilendu Paul
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of ICAR - National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Arumugam Kumaresan
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of ICAR - National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Mohua Das Gupta
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of ICAR - National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Pradeep Nag
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of ICAR - National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Pushpa Rani Guvvala
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, ICAR - National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru, India
| | - Channareddi Kuntareddi
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of ICAR - National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Ankur Sharma
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of ICAR - National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Sellappan Selvaraju
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, ICAR - National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru, India
| | - Tirtha Kumar Datta
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, ICAR - National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
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Zhu L, Marjani SL, Jiang Z. The Epigenetics of Gametes and Early Embryos and Potential Long-Range Consequences in Livestock Species-Filling in the Picture With Epigenomic Analyses. Front Genet 2021; 12:557934. [PMID: 33747031 PMCID: PMC7966815 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.557934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The epigenome is dynamic and forged by epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNA species. Increasing lines of evidence support the concept that certain acquired traits are derived from environmental exposure during early embryonic and fetal development, i.e., fetal programming, and can even be "memorized" in the germline as epigenetic information and transmitted to future generations. Advances in technology are now driving the global profiling and precise editing of germline and embryonic epigenomes, thereby improving our understanding of epigenetic regulation and inheritance. These achievements open new avenues for the development of technologies or potential management interventions to counteract adverse conditions or improve performance in livestock species. In this article, we review the epigenetic analyses (DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNAs) of germ cells and embryos in mammalian livestock species (cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs) and the epigenetic determinants of gamete and embryo viability. We also discuss the effects of parental environmental exposures on the epigenetics of gametes and the early embryo, and evidence for transgenerational inheritance in livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linkai Zhu
- AgCenter, School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Sadie L Marjani
- Department of Biology, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT, United States
| | - Zongliang Jiang
- AgCenter, School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
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Pardede BP, Agil M, Yudi Y, Supriatna I. Relationship of frozen-thawed semen quality with the fertility rate after being distributed in the Brahman Cross Breeding Program. Vet World 2020; 13:2649-2657. [PMID: 33487983 PMCID: PMC7811557 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.2649-2657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Various factors can reduce the quality of semen used for artificial insemination and have an impact on fertility decline, such as poor handling during frozen semen distribution. This study was aimed at assessing the quality of frozen-thawed semen after distribution in the field and its importance in maintaining fertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS The Brahman Cross (BX) breeding program of PT Lembu Jantan Perkasa, Indonesia, was used. This program was preferred due to its adherence to guidelines that limit the effects of extraneous factors that may affect semen quality. Frozen-thawed semen samples from eight bulls with the same production code were analyzed and compared between the production site (artificial insemination [AI] center) and the field (BX breeding program). Total and progressive motility (PM) of sperm were determined using computer-assisted semen analysis. Plasma membrane integrity (PMI) was assessed using hypoosmotic swelling test, sperm viability using Eosin-Nigrosin staining, acrosome integrity using trypan blue-Giemsa staining, morphological abnormalities using William staining, and DNA fragmentation using toluidine blue staining. The fertility rate was determined using the conception rate (%) derived from AI data based on 502 AI services and 478 cows in the BX breeding program. A t-test was used to compare the quality of frozen-thawed semen before and after distribution. The relationship between the qualities of frozen semen after distribution in the field with fertility was analyzed using Pearson correlation. RESULTS There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the quality of frozen-thawed semen (sperm motility, PMI, viability, acrosome integrity, abnormalities, and DNA fragmentation) between the production site (AI center) and after distribution in the field (BX breeding program). The semen met the minimum standards for AI programs. Total motility (r=0.986), PM (r=0.961), sperm viability (r=0.971), PMI (r=0.986), and acrosome integrity (r=0.992) were all positively correlated (p<0.05) with fertility rate; while sperm abnormalities (r=-0.996) and sperm DNA fragmentation (r=0.975) were negatively correlated (p<0.05) with fertility rate. CONCLUSION The study showed that to achieve the maximal and optimal fertility rate in bulls in an AI program, the overall quality of frozen-thawed semen in all aspects is critical. This can be achieved if the handling during distribution and storage, as well as the various factors that may affect the quality of semen in the field, can be controlled properly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berlin Pandapotan Pardede
- Reproductive Biology Study Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Agil
- Department of Veterinary Clinic, Reproduction, and Pathology, Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Yudi Yudi
- Department of Veterinary Clinic, Reproduction, and Pathology, Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Iman Supriatna
- Department of Veterinary Clinic, Reproduction, and Pathology, Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
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Kritaniya D, Yadav S, Swain DK, Reddy AV, Dhariya R, Yadav B, Anand M, Nigam R. Freezing-thawing induces deprotamination, cryocapacitation-associated changes; DNA fragmentation; and reduced progesterone sensitivity in buck spermatozoa. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 223:106628. [PMID: 33128908 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, there was evaluation of cryocapacitation-associated changes, apoptotic-like changes, deprotamination, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and in vitro sperm functional attributes in Barbari bucks after freezing-thawing. The correlation between deprotamination and sperm functional characteristics was established. Using immunoblotting procedures, there was detection of the presence of a single 28-kDa protein band corresponding to protamine-1. The localization in the head region of the spermatozoa was further validated by an immunofluorescence test. Capacitated (B-) and acrosome-reacted (AR-) pattern spermatozoa, spermatozoa with the externalization of phosphatidylserine and a relatively lesser mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and deprotamination and DNA fragmentation was greater (P < 0.05) after freezing-thawing and indicated there were cryocapacitation- and apoptotic-like changes, respectively. Furthermore, the detection of phosphorylation of tyrosine-containing proteins with use of immunoblotting and immunofluorescence procedures confirmed there were cryocapacitation-like changes in the buck spermatozoa after freezing-thawing. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), in vitro thermal resistance response, Vanguard distance, progesterone sensitivity, and in vitro capacitation response were less (P < 0.05) in the spermatozoa after freezing-thawing compared with spermatozoa after initial dilution and equilibration. Deprotamination (chromomycin A3-positive cells, CMA3+) and DNA fragmentation (TUNEL+ve) were positively correlated with B- and AR-pattern spermatozoa, while other values for other variables were negatively correlated. In conclusion, the results of this study indicated there was protamine-1 in buck spermatozoa and after freezing-thawing there was a loss of protamine-1 combined with cryocapacitation-associated changes and apoptotic-like changes in buck spermatozoa. Spermatozoa deprotamination might be attributed to increased DNA fragmentation, resulting in compromised fertilizing capacity of buck spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Kritaniya
- College of Biotechnology, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sarvajeet Yadav
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India; College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Dilip Kumar Swain
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India; College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - A Vidyasagar Reddy
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India; College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rahul Dhariya
- College of Biotechnology, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Brijesh Yadav
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India; College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mukul Anand
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India; College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rajesh Nigam
- Department of Biochemistry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India; College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Long JA. The ‘omics’ revolution: Use of genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic tools to predict male reproductive traits that impact fertility in livestock and poultry. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 220:106354. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Roth Z, Komsky-Elbaz A, Kalo D. Effect of environmental contamination on female and male gametes - A lesson from bovines. Anim Reprod 2020; 17:e20200041. [PMID: 33029217 PMCID: PMC7534576 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2020-0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) and foodborne contaminants are environmental pollutants that are considered reproductive toxicants due to their deleterious effects on female and male gametes. Among the EDCs, the phthalate plasticizers are of growing concern. In-vivo and in-vitro models indicate that the oocyte is highly sensitive to phthalates. This review summarizes the effects of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and its major metabolite mono(2-ethyhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) on the oocyte. MEHP reduces the proportion of oocytes that fertilize, cleave and develop to the blastocyst stage. This is associated with negative effects on meiotic progression, and disruption of cortical granules, endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial reorganization. MEHP alters mitochondrial membrane polarity, increases reactive oxygen species levels and induces alterations in genes associated with oxidative phosphorylation. A carryover effect from the oocyte to the blastocyst is manifested by alterations in the transcriptomic profile of blastocysts developed from MEHP-treated oocytes. Among foodborne contaminants, the pesticide atrazine (ATZ) and the mycotoxin aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) are of high concern. The potential hazards associated with exposure of spermatozoa to these contaminants and their carryover effect to the blastocyst are described. AFB1 and ATZ reduce spermatozoa's viability, as reflected by a high proportion of cells with damaged plasma membrane; induce acrosome reaction, expressed as damage to the acrosomal membrane; and interfere with mitochondrial function, characterized by hyperpolarization of the membrane. ATZ and AFB1-treated spermatozoa show a high proportion of cells with fragmented DNA. Exposure of spermatozoa to AFB1 and ATZ reduces fertilization and cleavage rates, but not that of blastocyst formation. However, fertilization with AFB1- or ATZ-treated spermatozoa impairs transcript expression in the formed blastocysts, implying a carryover effect. Taken together, the review indicates the risk of exposing farm animals to environmental contaminants, and their deleterious effects on female and male gametes and the developing embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zvi Roth
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Alisa Komsky-Elbaz
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Dorit Kalo
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel
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Morgan HL, Eid N, Khoshkerdar A, Watkins AJ. Defining the male contribution to embryo quality and offspring health in assisted reproduction in farm animals. Anim Reprod 2020; 17:e20200018. [PMID: 33029211 PMCID: PMC7534566 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2020-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies such as artificial insemination have delivered significant benefits for farm animal reproduction. However, as with humans, assisted reproduction in livestock requires the manipulation of the gametes and preimplantation embryo. The significance of this ‘periconception’ period is that it represents the transition from parental genome regulation to that of the newly formed embryo. Environmental perturbations during these early developmental stages can result in persistent changes in embryonic gene expression, fetal organ development and ultimately the long-term health of the offspring. While associations between maternal health and offspring wellbeing are well-defined, the significance of paternal health for the quality of his semen and the post-conception development of his offspring have largely been overlooked. Human and animal model studies have identified sperm epigenetic status (DNA methylation levels, histone modifications and RNA profiles) and seminal plasma-mediated maternal uterine immunological, inflammatory and vascular responses as the two central mechanisms capable of linking paternal health and post-fertilisation development. However, there is a significant knowledge gap about the father’s contribution to the long-term health of his offspring, especially with regard to farm animals. Such insights are essential to ensure the safety of widely used assisted reproductive practices and to gain better understanding of the role of paternal health for the well-being of his offspring. In this article, we will outline the impact of male health on semen quality (both sperm and seminal plasma), reproductive fitness and post-fertilisation offspring development and explore the mechanisms underlying the paternal programming of offspring health in farm animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Louise Morgan
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's Medical Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Nader Eid
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's Medical Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Afsaneh Khoshkerdar
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's Medical Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Adam John Watkins
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's Medical Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Kumaresan A, Das Gupta M, Datta TK, Morrell JM. Sperm DNA Integrity and Male Fertility in Farm Animals: A Review. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:321. [PMID: 32637425 PMCID: PMC7317013 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The accurate prediction of male fertility is of major economic importance in the animal breeding industry. However, the results of conventional semen analysis do not always correlate with field fertility outcomes. There is evidence to indicate that mammalian fertilization and subsequent embryo development depend, in part, on the inherent integrity of the sperm DNA. Understanding the complex packaging of mammalian sperm chromatin and assessment of DNA integrity could potentially provide a benchmark in clinical infertility. In the era of assisted reproduction, especially when in-vitro fertilization or gamete intrafallopian transfer or intracytoplasmic sperm injection is used, assessment of sperm DNA integrity is important because spermatozoa are not subjected to the selection process occurring naturally in the female reproductive tract. Although sperm DNA integrity testing measures a significant biological parameter, its precise role in the infertility evaluation in farm animals remains unclear. In this review, the earlier findings on sperm DNA integrity in relation to male fertility are compiled and analyzed. Furthermore, the causes and consequences of sperm DNA damage are described, together with a review of advances in methods for detection of sperm DNA damage, and the prognostic value of sperm DNA quality on male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arumugam Kumaresan
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of National Dairy Research Institute (ICAR), Bengaluru, India
| | - Mohua Das Gupta
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of National Dairy Research Institute (ICAR), Bengaluru, India
| | - Tirtha Kumar Datta
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, National Dairy Research Institute (ICAR), Karnal, India
| | - Jane M. Morrell
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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Indriastuti R, Ulum MF, Arifiantini RI, Purwantara B. Individual variation in fresh and frozen semen of Bali bulls ( Bos sondaicus). Vet World 2020; 13:840-846. [PMID: 32636577 PMCID: PMC7311882 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.840-846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to analyze the individual factors influencing the sperm quality of Bali bulls at Baturiti Artificial Insemination (AI) center. MATERIALS AND METHODS Semen that was ejaculated from nine Bali bulls was collected using artificial vaginas (n=5/bull). Semen ejaculates were evaluated immediately after collection to measure the quality of the fresh semen, including semen volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility, membrane integrity (MI), and abnormal morphology. Frozen semen was evaluated for progressive sperm motility, concentration, viability, MI, abnormal morphology, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation. Other secondary data, focusing on semen quantity (semen volume and sperm concentration), were also collected from frozen the semen production data of the Baturiti AI center from 2017 to 2019. Data were analyzed statistically using a completely randomized design, and one-way analysis of variance was applied to find differences among individual bulls. RESULTS Significant differences (p<0.05) were found among the bulls in semen volume, sperm motility, concentration, and MI of the fresh semen. Significant differences (p<0.05) were also found among the bulls in sperm motility, viability, MI, abnormal morphology, and DNA fragmentation of the frozen semen. CONCLUSION Individual variation in all the tested sperm parameters of the fresh semen of Bali bulls, except sperm viability and abnormalities, was noted. Similarly, individual variation in all the tested sperm parameters in frozen semen, except sperm concentration, was noted. Therefore, individual factors can be used for selecting a superior bull in Bali cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Indriastuti
- Study Program of Reproductive Biology, Graduate School, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - M. F. Ulum
- Study Program of Reproductive Biology, Graduate School, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
- Department of Veterinary Clinic, Reproduction and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - R. I. Arifiantini
- Study Program of Reproductive Biology, Graduate School, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
- Department of Veterinary Clinic, Reproduction and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - B. Purwantara
- Study Program of Reproductive Biology, Graduate School, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
- Department of Veterinary Clinic, Reproduction and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
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Pardede BP, Agil M, Supriatna I. Protamine and other proteins in sperm and seminal plasma as molecular markers of bull fertility. Vet World 2020; 13:556-562. [PMID: 32367964 PMCID: PMC7183474 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.556-562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertility is the most important aspect in the efforts to increase livestock populations. Protamine and various proteins in sperm and seminal plasma are the results of the molecular analysis which can be used as a marker of fertility. Each of the proteins plays an important role in the normal function of sperm, starting from the formation of sperm structure, motility, capacitation, cell protection, acrosome reactions, successful fertilization, egg activation, and embryonic development. Finally, these molecular components can be a marker of fertility and can help to diagnose the cases of infertility/subfertility in livestock in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berlin Pandapotan Pardede
- Reproductive Biology Study Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Agil
- Department of Veterinary Clinic, Reproduction and Pathology, Division of Reproduction and Obstetric, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Iman Supriatna
- Department of Veterinary Clinic, Reproduction and Pathology, Division of Reproduction and Obstetric, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
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Polymorphisms of sperm protamine genes and CMA3 staining in infertile men with varicocele. Rev Int Androl 2020; 18:7-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.androl.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Abstract
Sperm DNA fragmentation is referred to as one of the main causes of male infertility. Failures in the protamination process, apoptosis and action of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are considered the most important causes of DNA fragmentation. Action of ROS or changes in sperm protamination would increase the susceptibility of sperm DNA to fragmentation. Routine semen analysis is unable to estimate sperm chromatin damage. Sperm DNA integrity influences sperm functional capability, therefore tests that measure sperm DNA fragmentation are important to assess fertility disorders. Actually, there is a considerable number of methods for assessing sperm DNA fragmentation and chromatin integrity, sperm chromatin stability assay (SCSA modified), sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD), comet assay, transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL); and protamine evaluation in sperm chromatin assay, such as toluidine blue, CMA3, protamine expression and evaluation of cysteine radicals. This review aims to describe the main causes of sperm DNA fragmentation and the tests commonly used to evaluate sperm DNA fragmentation.
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Ugur MR, Kutchy NA, de Menezes EB, Ul-Husna A, Haynes BP, Uzun A, Kaya A, Topper E, Moura A, Memili E. Retained Acetylated Histone Four in Bull Sperm Associated With Fertility. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:223. [PMID: 31417913 PMCID: PMC6685445 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bull fertility, ability of the sperm to fertilize and activate the egg and support embryo development, is vital for cattle reproduction and production. Even though majority of histones are replaced by protamines, some histones are retained in sperm. It is known that chromatin remodeling during spermatogenesis results in dynamic changes in sperm chromatin structure through post-translational modifications (PTM) of sperm histones, which are important for regulation of gene expression. However, amounts of sperm Histone 4 (H4), its acetylated form (H4 acetyl), and to what extent these molecular attributes influence sperm chromatin structure and bull fertility are unknown. These gaps in the knowledge base are important because they are preventing advances in the fundamental science of bovine male gamete and improvement of bull fertility. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that expression dynamics as well as PTM of sperm H4 are associated with bull fertility. Flow cytometry was utilized to quantify H4 and H4 acetylated form in sperm from seven high and seven low fertility Holstein bulls. The results indicated that the average number of cells with H4 or H4 acetyl expression in high and low fertility bull sperm were 34.6 ± 20.4, 1.88 ± 1.8, 15.2 ± 20.8, and 1.4 ± 1.2, respectively. However, the sperm enriched in both H4 and H4 acetyl were different between high and low fertility groups (3.5 ± 0.6; 1.8 ± 0.8; P = 0.043). The localization and detection of H4 and H4 acetylation were measured by immunocytochemistry which revealed that H4 and H4 acetylation were equally distributed in the sperm head of high and low fertility sires. Western blotting results confirmed the presence of the H4 and its acetylated form in the sperm. Bioinformatics studies demonstrated that H4 is highly conserved among mammalians, and have significant gene ontology on spermatogenesis, early embryo implantation, and sperm capacitation. The results are significant because it demonstrates the replacement of canonical histone H4 into modified H4 acetylation in sperm and regulate its dynamics which is crucial for bull fertility and reproductive biotechnology. These findings advance fundamental science of mammalian early development and reproductive biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammet Rasit Ugur
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
| | - Naseer Ahmad Kutchy
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States.,Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Erika Bezerra de Menezes
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
| | - Asma Ul-Husna
- Department of Zoology, Pir Mehr Ali Shah-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Bethany Peyton Haynes
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
| | - Alper Uzun
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, United States.,Center for Computational Molecular Biology, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Abdullah Kaya
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | | | - Arlindo Moura
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Erdogan Memili
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
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Akmal M, Gholib G, Rinidar R, Fitriani F, Helmi TZ, Sugito S, Isa M, Nurliana N, Wahyuni S, Dasrul D, Yaman MA. The concentration of testosterone, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide, and protamine 1 in the serum of male chicken following administration of epididymis and testicular extracts and their combination. Vet World 2019; 12:1101-1107. [PMID: 31528039 PMCID: PMC6702581 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2019.1101-1107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Bakcground and Aim Testis and epididymis are male reproductive organs that play an important role in spermatogenesis. These two organs are rich in the content of hormones and other molecules needed in the process of spermatogenesis which affect the quality of the spermatozoa. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of the administration of epididymis and testicular extracts and their combination on testosterone, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), and protamine 1 (PRM1) concentrations in the serum of male chicken. Materials and Methods Twenty male chickens (broiler strain Cp707), aged 3 weeks and weighing 800-1000 g, were randomly divided into four different groups including a control group (T0) = injected with 1 ml normal saline and treatment groups: T1 = injected with 1 ml epididymis extract, T2 = injected with 1 ml testicular extract, and T3 = injected with a combination of 1 ml epididymis + 1 ml testicular extract. The experiment was conducted for 13 days and at the end of the study (day 14), the chickens were sacrificed to obtain the serum. Furthermore, the concentrations of testosterone, PACAP, and PRM1 were then measured by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Results The concentrations of PACAP and PRM1 did not show a significant difference between treatment groups (T1, T2, and T3) and control group (T0) (p>0.05). However, the concentration of testosterone showed a significantly higher difference in a group injected with a combination of 1 ml epididymis and 1 ml testicular extracts (T3) compared to the control group (T0) (p<0.05). Conclusion The administration of epididymis and testicular extracts and their combination did not affect the increase of PACAP and PRM1 concentration. However, a combination of these extracts significantly affects the increase of testosterone concentration in the serum of male chicken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muslim Akmal
- Laboratory of Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Aceh, Indonesia
| | - Gholib Gholib
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Aceh, Indonesia
| | - Rinidar Rinidar
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Aceh, Indonesia
| | - Fitriani Fitriani
- Laboratory of Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Aceh, Indonesia
| | - T Zahrial Helmi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Aceh, Indonesia
| | - Sugito Sugito
- Laboratory of Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Aceh, Indonesia
| | - M Isa
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Aceh, Indonesia
| | - Nurliana Nurliana
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Aceh, Indonesia
| | - Sri Wahyuni
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Aceh, Indonesia
| | - Dasrul Dasrul
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Aceh, Indonesia
| | - M Aman Yaman
- Field Laboratory of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Aceh, Indonesia
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Monachesi NE, Neild D, Carretero M. Dog sperm DNA: Raw semen evaluation with Toluidine blue stain. Reprod Domest Anim 2019; 54:1078-1084. [PMID: 31187909 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The toluidine blue (TB) stain has been used in different species to evaluate the degree of chromatin condensation. The objectives of this study were as follows: simplify the TB stain to evaluate sperm in canine raw semen, verify the staining patterns for this species using this simplified technique and establish a protocol for using dithiothreitol (DTT) as a positive control for TB staining in dogs. Twenty-one ejaculates were collected from 7 adult male dogs; semen was extended, fixed with ethanol 96° and stained with TB using 2 staining times: 15 and 30 min. In addition, 3 incubation times with 1% DTT were assayed (2, 5 and 30 min). Three staining patterns were established: light blue colouring (TB negative, normal chromatin condensation), light violet (TB intermediate, some degree of chromatin decondensation) and dark blue-violet (TB positive, high degree of chromatin decondensation). No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed between the staining times (15 and 30 min) for any of the TB patterns. All DTT incubation times (2, 5 and 30 min) showed 100% sperm positive to TB. To conclude, it was possible to simplify the TB stain and determine the different patterns in canine spermatozoa. Also, DTT can be used both as a positive control for the stain and to evaluate individual susceptibility to decondensation in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norma E Monachesi
- Cátedra de Teriogenología, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Deborah Neild
- Cátedra de Teriogenología, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Carretero
- Cátedra de Teriogenología, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Hamilton TRS, Simões R, Mendes CM, Goissis MD, Nakajima E, Martins EAL, Visintin JA, Assumpção MEOA. Detection of protamine 2 in bovine spermatozoa and testicles. Andrology 2019; 7:373-381. [PMID: 30920782 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sperm DNA integrity is crucial for transmission of genetic information to future generations and DNA damage can occur during chromatin packaging. Chromatin packaging involves the replacement of somatic nucleosomal histones by nuclear proteins called protamines. Protamine 1 (PRM1) is transcribed and translated in spermatids of all mammals; however, protamine 2 (PRM2) is transcribed in low levels in spermatids and it is not yet described in bull mature spermatozoa. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess gene and protein expression of PRM2 and corroborate gene and protein expression of PRM1 in bull spermatozoa and testis. MATERIALS AND METHODS For this purpose, absolute q-RT-PCR was performed to calculate the number of copies of PRM1 and PRM2 mRNAs in bovine epididymal spermatozoa and testicular tissue. Western blot and mass spectrometry were performed to identify PRM1 and PRM2 in samples of bovine epididymal spermatozoa. Samples of bovine testicular tissue were collected to identify PRM1 and PRM2 by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS We evaluated that the number of PRM1 mRNA copies was about hundred times higher than PRM2 mRNA copies in sperm and testicular samples (p < 0.0001). In addition, we estimated the PRM1: PRM2 ratio based on mRNA number of copies. In spermatozoa, the ratio was 1: 0.014, and in testicle, the ratio was 1: 0.009. We also evaluated the immunolocalization for PRM1 and PRM2 in bovine testis, and both proteins were detected in spermatids. Western blot and mass spectrometry in bovine epididymal spermatozoa confirmed these results. CONCLUSION Our work identifies, for the first time, PRM2 in bovine epididymal spermatozoa and in testis. Further studies are still needed to understand the role of PRM2 on the chromatin of the spermatozoa and to verify how possible changes in PRM2 levels may influence the bull fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- T R S Hamilton
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Doutor Orlando Marques de Paiva, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - R Simões
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - C M Mendes
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Doutor Orlando Marques de Paiva, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - M D Goissis
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Doutor Orlando Marques de Paiva, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - E Nakajima
- Process Development Laboratory, Inovation Division, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - E A L Martins
- Process Development Laboratory, Inovation Division, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - J A Visintin
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Doutor Orlando Marques de Paiva, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - M E O A Assumpção
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Doutor Orlando Marques de Paiva, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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