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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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2
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Xie Y, Xu Z, Wu C, Zhou C, Zhang X, Gu T, Yang J, Yang H, Zheng E, Xu Z, Cai G, Li Z, Liu D, Wu Z, Hong L. Extracellular vesicle-encapsulated miR-21-5p in seminal plasma prevents sperm capacitation via Vinculin inhibition. Theriogenology 2022; 193:103-113. [PMID: 36156422 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
To penetrate the zona pellucida before sperm-egg binding, sperm must undergo highly time-controlled capacitation and acrosome reaction in the female reproductive tract. Our previous study demonstrated that miR-21-5p is the most abundant miRNA in boar seminal plasma (SP)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) and can target Vinculin (VCL) gene, which may participate in boar sperm capacitation. Thus, this study aims to explore the potential role of miR-21-5p from SP-derived EVs in preventing sperm capacitation and its underlying mechanism. We observed that sperm could incorporate miR-21-5p from SP-derived EVs. The roles of SP-derived EVs miR-21-5p in sperm capacitation were then determined using gain- and loss-of-function analyses. In addition, the expression levels of miR-21-5p, VCL, and VCL protein in liquid-preserved boar sperm following transfection were determined using RT-qPCR and Western blotting. Our results revealed that miR-21-5p overexpression inhibited sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction. Similarly, miR-21-5p expression was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in capacitated sperm than un-capacitated sperm. However, the protein level of VCL was also significantly lower (P < 0.05) in capacitated sperm than un-capacitated sperm. Furthermore, immunofluorescence analysis showed that VCL protein mainly located in sperm head and sperm capacitation was inhibited after treating with VCL protein inhibitor (Chrysin). In conclusion, our study provides reasonable evidence that miR-21-5p expression in SP-derived EVs could prevent sperm capacitation via VCL inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanshe Xie
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiqian Xu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Changhua Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chen Zhou
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Ting Gu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huaqiang Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Enqin Zheng
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zheng Xu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gengyuan Cai
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zicong Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Dewu Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenfang Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
| | - Linjun Hong
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China.
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Vašíček J, Baláži A, Svoradová A, Vozaf J, Dujíčková L, Makarevich AV, Bauer M, Chrenek P. Comprehensive Flow-Cytometric Quality Assessment of Ram Sperm Intended for Gene Banking Using Standard and Novel Fertility Biomarkers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23115920. [PMID: 35682598 PMCID: PMC9180808 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Flow cytometry becomes a common method for analysis of spermatozoa quality. Standard sperm characteristics such as viability, acrosome and chromatin integrity, oxidative damage (ROS) etc. can be easily assess in any animal semen samples. Moreover, several fertility-related markers were observed in humans and some other mammals. However, these fertility biomarkers have not been previously studied in ram. The aim of this study was to optimize the flow-cytometric analysis of these standard and novel markers in ram semen. Ram semen samples from Slovak native sheep breeds were analyzed using CASA system for motility and concentration and were subsequently stained with several fluorescent dyes or specific antibodies to evaluate sperm viability (SYBR-14), apoptosis (Annexin V, YO-PRO-1, FLICA, Caspases 3/7), acrosome status (PNA, LCA, GAPDHS), capacitation (merocyanine 540, FLUO-4 AM), mitochondrial activity (MitoTracker Green, rhodamine 123, JC-1), ROS (CM-H2DCFDA, DHE, MitoSOX Red, BODIPY), chromatin (acridine orange), leukocyte content, ubiquitination and aggresome formation, and overexpression of negative biomarkers (MKRN1, SPTRX-3, PAWP, H3K4me2). Analyzed semen samples were divided into two groups according to viability as indicators of semen quality: Group 1 (viability over 60%) and Group 2 (viability under 60%). Significant (p < 0.05) differences were found between these groups in sperm motility and concentration, apoptosis, acrosome integrity (only PNA), mitochondrial activity, ROS production (except for DHE), leukocyte and aggresome content, and high PAWP expression. In conclusion, several standard and novel fluorescent probes have been confirmed to be suitable for multiplex ram semen analysis by flow cytometry as well as several antibodies have been validated for the specific detection of ubiquitin, PAWP and H3K4me2 in ram spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaromír Vašíček
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Reproduction, NPPC, Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecká 2, 951 41 Lužianky, Slovakia; (A.B.); (A.S.); (L.D.); (A.V.M.); (M.B.)
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia;
- Correspondence: (J.V.); (P.C.); Tel.: +421-37-654-6600 (J.V.); +421-37-641-4274 (P.C.)
| | - Andrej Baláži
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Reproduction, NPPC, Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecká 2, 951 41 Lužianky, Slovakia; (A.B.); (A.S.); (L.D.); (A.V.M.); (M.B.)
| | - Andrea Svoradová
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Reproduction, NPPC, Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecká 2, 951 41 Lužianky, Slovakia; (A.B.); (A.S.); (L.D.); (A.V.M.); (M.B.)
- Department of Morphology, Physiology and Animal Genetics, Faculty of Agri Sciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1/1665, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Vozaf
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia;
| | - Linda Dujíčková
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Reproduction, NPPC, Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecká 2, 951 41 Lužianky, Slovakia; (A.B.); (A.S.); (L.D.); (A.V.M.); (M.B.)
- Department of Botany and Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nábrežie Mládeže 91, 949 74 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Alexander V. Makarevich
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Reproduction, NPPC, Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecká 2, 951 41 Lužianky, Slovakia; (A.B.); (A.S.); (L.D.); (A.V.M.); (M.B.)
| | - Miroslav Bauer
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Reproduction, NPPC, Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecká 2, 951 41 Lužianky, Slovakia; (A.B.); (A.S.); (L.D.); (A.V.M.); (M.B.)
- Department of Botany and Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nábrežie Mládeže 91, 949 74 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Peter Chrenek
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Reproduction, NPPC, Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecká 2, 951 41 Lužianky, Slovakia; (A.B.); (A.S.); (L.D.); (A.V.M.); (M.B.)
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia;
- Correspondence: (J.V.); (P.C.); Tel.: +421-37-654-6600 (J.V.); +421-37-641-4274 (P.C.)
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4
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Tanga BM, Qamar AY, Raza S, Bang S, Fang X, Yoon K, Cho J. Semen evaluation: methodological advancements in sperm quality-specific fertility assessment - A review. Anim Biosci 2021; 34:1253-1270. [PMID: 33902175 PMCID: PMC8255896 DOI: 10.5713/ab.21.0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Assessment of male fertility is based on the evaluation of sperm. Semen evaluation measures various sperm quality parameters as fertility indicators. However, semen evaluation has limitations, and it requires the advancement and application of strict quality control methods to interpret the results. This article reviews the recent advances in evaluating various sperm-specific quality characteristics and methodologies, with the help of different assays to assess sperm-fertility status. Sperm evaluation methods that include conventional microscopic methods, computer-assisted sperm analyzers (CASA), and flow cytometric analysis, provide precise information related to sperm morphology and function. Moreover, profiling fertility-related biomarkers in sperm or seminal plasma can be helpful in predicting fertility. Identification of different sperm proteins and diagnosis of DNA damage has positively contributed to the existing pool of knowledge about sperm physiology and molecular anomalies associated with different infertility issues in males. Advances in methods and sperm-specific evaluation has subsequently resulted in a better understanding of sperm biology that has improved the diagnosis and clinical management of male factor infertility. Accurate sperm evaluation is of paramount importance in the application of artificial insemination and assisted reproductive technology. However, no single test can precisely determine fertility; the selection of an appropriate test or a set of tests and parameters is required to accurately determine the fertility of specific animal species. Therefore, a need to further calibrate the CASA and advance the gene expression tests is recommended for faster and field-level applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bereket Molla Tanga
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hawassa University, 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Ahmad Yar Qamar
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea.,Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang 35200, Sub-campus University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Sanan Raza
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang 35200, Sub-campus University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan.,Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang 35200, Sub-campus University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, PakistanDepartment of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Aydin 09016, Turkey
| | - Seonggyu Bang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Xun Fang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Kiyoung Yoon
- Department of Companion Animal, Shingu College, Seongnam 13174, Korea
| | - Jongki Cho
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
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5
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Daneluz LO, Acosta IB, Nunes LS, Blodorn EB, Domingues WB, Martins AWS, Dellagostin EN, Rassier GT, Corcini CD, Fróes CN, Komninou ER, Varela AS, Campos VF. Efficiency and cell viability implications using tip type electroporation in zebrafish sperm cells. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:5879-5887. [PMID: 32661869 PMCID: PMC7356131 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05658-2] [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: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Sperm-mediated gene transfer (SMGT) has a potential use for zebrafish transgenesis. However, transfection into fish sperm cells still needs to be improved. The objective was to demonstrate the feasibility of tip type electroporation in zebrafish sperm, showing a protocol that provide high transfection efficiency, with minimal side-effects. Sperm was transfected with a Cy3-labelled DNA using tip type electroporation with voltages ranging from 500 to 1500 V. Sperm kinetics parameters were assessed using Computer Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA) and cell integrity, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial functionality and transfection rate were evaluated by flow cytometry. The transfection rates were positively affected by tip type electroporation, reaching 64.9% ± 3.6 in the lowest voltage used (500 V) and 86.6% ± 1.9 in the highest (1500 V). The percentage of overall motile sperm in the electrotransfected samples was found to decrease with increasing field strength (P < 0.05). Increase in the sperm damaged plasma membrane was observed with increasing field strength (P < 0.05). ROS and sperm mitochondrial functionality did not present a negative response after the electroporation (P > 0.05). Overall results indicate that tip type electroporation enhances the internalization of exogenous DNA into zebrafish sperm cells with minimal harmful effects to sperm cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa O Daneluz
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Izani B Acosta
- ReproPel, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.,Laboratório de Reprodução Animal, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia de Ambientes Aquáticos Continentais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas - Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Leandro S Nunes
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Eduardo B Blodorn
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - William B Domingues
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Amanda W S Martins
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Eduardo N Dellagostin
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Gabriela T Rassier
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Carine D Corcini
- ReproPel, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Charles N Fróes
- Laboratório de Ictiologia, Faculdade de Zootecnia - Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Eliza R Komninou
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.,ReproPel, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Antônio S Varela
- ReproPel, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.,Laboratório de Reprodução Animal, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia de Ambientes Aquáticos Continentais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas - Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Vinicius F Campos
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
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6
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Khasin LG, Della Rosa J, Petersen N, Moeller J, Kriegsfeld LJ, Lishko PV. The Impact of Di-2-Ethylhexyl Phthalate on Sperm Fertility. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:426. [PMID: 32695775 PMCID: PMC7338605 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
A growing number of studies point to reduced fertility upon chronic exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as phthalates and plasticizers. These toxins are ubiquitous and are often found in food and beverage containers, medical devices, as well as in common household and personal care items. Animal studies with EDCs, such as phthalates and bisphenol A have shown a dose-dependent decrease in fertility and embryo toxicity upon chronic exposure. However, limited research has been conducted on the acute effects of these EDCs on male fertility. Here we used a murine model to test the acute effects of four ubiquitous environmental toxins: bisphenol A (BPA), di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), and dimethyl phthalate (DMP) on sperm fertilizing ability and pre-implantation embryo development. The most potent of these toxins, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), was further evaluated for its effect on sperm ion channel activity, capacitation status, acrosome reaction and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). DEHP demonstrated a profound hazardous effect on sperm fertility by producing an altered capacitation profile, impairing the acrosome reaction, and, interestingly, also increasing ROS production. These results indicate that in addition to its known chronic impact on reproductive potential, DEHP also imposes acute and profound damage to spermatozoa, and thus, represents a significant risk to male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliya Gabelev Khasin
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - John Della Rosa
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Natalie Petersen
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Jacob Moeller
- Graduate Group in Endocrinology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Lance J. Kriegsfeld
- Graduate Group in Endocrinology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Polina V. Lishko
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Graduate Group in Endocrinology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
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7
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Bucci D, Spinaci M, Galeati G, Tamanini C. Different approaches for assessing sperm function. Anim Reprod 2020; 16:72-80. [PMID: 33299480 PMCID: PMC7720929 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-ar2018-122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Different approaches can be used to assess sperm function in different conditions, i.e. sperm storage, freezing-thawing or activation by induction of capacitation and acrosome reaction. In this review we will focus on the assays routinely performed in our laboratories, giving a literature support to critically analyse different approaches. In fact, researchers usually tend to look for the "one shot" parameter that could explain itself a specific process; it is our conviction that a multiparametric approach is still more valid, as some changes in sperm function are very complex and could be explained only by operating in different ways. Sperm motility, the most evident sperm characteristic, should be assessed by computer-aided sperm analysers that permit an objective evaluation of the motility and its kinematic parameters. Commercial and open source instruments are available and could be profitably used together with specific statistical approaches. The use of microscopy, and particularly fluorescent microscopy, could be a very useful tool to assess different parameters in sperm cells both by fluorophores that give indication of a determined function, and by immunolocalization of proteins, that permits the discover of new features or to explain particular sperm functions. The same substrates could be used also in flow cytometry: the difference is that it permits to study wider sperm populations (and their sub-population distribution). Flow cytometry is undergoing a very wide use in spermatology and technical and experimental rigor is needed to obtain reliable results. Metabolic assessment of sperm features, particularly energetic supply, ATP formation and other enzyme activities, could represent a very important challenge to acquire new information and complete/integrate those derived from other techniques. Finally, functional assays such as oocyte binding and in vitro fertilization, represent a very strong tool to assess sperm function in vitro, as they could evidence the functional intactness of some pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Bucci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marcella Spinaci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanna Galeati
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Carlo Tamanini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
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8
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Roldan ERS. Assessments of sperm quality integrating morphology, swimming patterns, bioenergetics and cell signalling. Theriogenology 2020; 150:388-395. [PMID: 32093962 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Spermatozoa are diverse in form and function and these differences impact on their fertilizing capacity. Because of considerable inter-male and inter-species differences in sperm traits, assessments of sperm quality demand that we consider variations at different levels. We should thus pay attention not only to average values but also intra- and inter-sperm population variations and subpopulation structure. Sperm shape and size evolve in reponse to postcopulatory sexual selection. Assessments of morphological variation, with conventional microscopy or with computer-assisted systems, should bear this in mind. In rodents sperm head shape is asymmetric so it requires more complex tools, such as geometric morphometrics. Sperm function also evolves under postcopulatory sexual selection and this could be used as a basis to assess sperm performance. Sperm cells swim actively to overcome barriers in the female tract and develop a peculiar motility pattern in the final stages prior to and during fertilization. Both types of movement can be analyzed by computer-assisted microscopy systems. Sperm have high energetic demands for cell homeostasis, motility, and signalling. Bioenergetics can be analyzed by various means, including extracellular flux analyses to characterize glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration. Finally, cell signalling during capacitation has received much attention and can be assessed by microscopy (conventional or computer-assisted) or flow cytometry. Recent advances in image-flow cytometry affords analyses of high cell numbers with spatial localization of subcellular changes, which will have a big impact in the development of functional tests for the andrology clinic and in sperm preservation and use in artificial insemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo R S Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), c/José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain.
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9
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Ded L, Dostalova P, Zatecka E, Dorosh A, Komrskova K, Peknicova J. Fluorescent analysis of boar sperm capacitation process in vitro. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2019; 17:109. [PMID: 31856844 PMCID: PMC6923987 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-019-0554-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Capacitation involves physiological changes that spermatozoa must undergo in the female reproductive tract or in vitro to obtain the ability to bind, penetrate and fertilize the egg. Up to date, several methods have been developed to characterize this complex biological process. The goal of the presented study is to mutually compare several fluorescent techniques, check their ability to detect changes in molecular processes during the capacitation progress and determine their ability to predict the percentage of acrosome reacted (AR) sperm after the exposure to solubilized zona pellucida (ZP). The capacitation process was analyzed using four fluorescent techniques: 1. chlortetracycline (CTC) staining, 2. anti-acrosin antibody (ACR.2) assay, 3. anti-phosphotyrosine (pY) antibody assay, 4. fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated phalloidin (FITC-phall) assay. All these methods were tested using fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry. RESULTS All selected methods are capable to detect the capacitation progress of boar sperm in vitro, but there are significant differences in their outcome when using fluorescent microscopy or flow cytometry experimental arrangements and subsequent statistical analysis (KW-ANOVA). Also, the ability to predict the absolute numbers of sperm which will undergo ZP-induced AR differ significantly (CTC and ACR.2 gave the best predictions). CONCLUSIONS Our study compared four largely used methods used to characterize capacitation process, highlighted their differences and showed that all are able to detect capacitation progress, CTC and ACR.2 are furthermore able to accurately predict the percentage of AR sperm after ZP-induced AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Ded
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic.
| | - Pavla Dostalova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Zatecka
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Andrej Dorosh
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Komrskova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Peknicova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
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Saalfeld GQ, Varela Junior AS, Castro T, Pires DM, Pereira JR, Pereira FA, Corcini CD, Colares EP. Atrazine exposure in gestation and breastfeeding affects Calomys laucha sperm cells. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:34953-34963. [PMID: 31664666 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06577-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The present study evaluated the effects of low doses of atrazine administered during gestation and breastfeeding on sperm characteristics of the wild rodent Calomys laucha. Adult females were divided into groups of 10 and administered different doses of atrazine through gavage, during gestational or breastfeeding period. At 3 months of age, the F1 adult male progeny of these females was evaluated. We observed a drastic reduction in the total and progressive motility of male sperm cells at all doses and during both the exposure periods. Moreover, the plasma membrane integrity of adult male sperm cells decreased at all doses of atrazine administered during the breastfeeding, whereas the membrane fluidity of these cells increased at all tested doses. Atrazine led to a decrease in the sperm mitochondrial functionality at all doses and during both exposure periods. The damage to the sperm DNA was higher in males exposed to the highest dose (1.0 mg/kg) during the gestation period, and in animals exposed to the lowest dose of atrazine (0.1 mg/kg) during breastfeeding period. Furthermore, the highest dose (1.0 mg/kg) of atrazine reduced the sperm concentration. Furthermore, the reduced levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were observed at all evaluated doses in males exposed during the gestation period. These results suggest that the administration of low doses of atrazine at critical periods of development may permanently reduce the sperm quality in C. laucha.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graciela Quintana Saalfeld
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Avenida Itália, Km 08 s/n, Caixa Postal 474, Rio Grande, RS, Cep: 96201-900, Brazil.
| | - Antônio Sergio Varela Junior
- Reprodução Animal Comparada, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Tiane Castro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Avenida Itália, Km 08 s/n, Caixa Postal 474, Rio Grande, RS, Cep: 96201-900, Brazil
| | - Diego Martins Pires
- ReproPel, Faculdade de Veterinária, Campus Capão do Leão, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Ribeiro Pereira
- Reprodução Animal Comparada, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Alves Pereira
- Reprodução Animal Comparada, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Carine Dahl Corcini
- Reprodução Animal Comparada, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
- ReproPel, Faculdade de Veterinária, Campus Capão do Leão, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Elton Pinto Colares
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Avenida Itália, Km 08 s/n, Caixa Postal 474, Rio Grande, RS, Cep: 96201-900, Brazil
- Reprodução Animal Comparada, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
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11
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Silveira CR, Varela Junior AS, Corcini CD, Soares SL, Anciuti AN, Kütter MT, Martínez PE. Effects of Bisphenol A on redox balance in red blood and sperm cells and spermatic quality in zebrafish Danio rerio. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2019; 28:913-922. [PMID: 31396792 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-019-02091-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a potential endocrine disruptor besides being associated with oxidative damage in several vertebrate classes. In the present study we investigated oxidative effects in erythrocytes and sperm cells as well as spermatic quality in Danio rerio exposed to 14 days at BPA concentrations of 2, 10 and 100 μg/L. Organelles structure, reactive species of oxygen (ROS) and lipoperoxidation (LPO) on erythrocytes and sperm cells were measured by flow cytometry and spermatic parameters were analyzed by the computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system. For both cell types, when compared with control BPA treatment induced a significant increase in ROS and LPO production causing the membrane fluidity disorder, loss of membrane integrity and mitochondrial functionality. Furthermore, it was found a significant increase in DNA fragmentation in erythrocytes of zebrafish BPA exposed. Regarding the spermatic quality, results showed lower sperm motility in animals exposed to BPA, and alterations on velocity parameters of spermatozoa. Thus, the present study concludes that BPA affects the oxidative balance of both cell types, and that can directly affects the reproductive success of the adult Danio rerio. The sensitivity of erythrocytes to oxidative damage induced by BPA was similar to sperm cells, indicating a potential use of blood cells as indicators of oxidative damage present in fish sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- C R Silveira
- Reprodução Animal Comparada, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - A S Varela Junior
- Reprodução Animal Comparada, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - C D Corcini
- Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - S L Soares
- Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - A N Anciuti
- Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - M T Kütter
- Reprodução Animal Comparada, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - P E Martínez
- Reprodução Animal Comparada, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
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Abstract
In the quest for predicting fertility of an individual, enhancing semen handling, dilution and storage protocols, and understanding the impact of environment and, andrologists have changed their approaches to semen analysis. The technologies used today are fast developing and readily implemented in research. Semen is one of a few naturally occurring monocellular suspensions, so sperm function analysis by flow cytometry (FC) and utilization of fluorochromes is an ideal technique for high throughput, objective and accurate analysis. The complementary use of microscopical assessments by Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA), where sperm cell parameters can be objectively assessed is equally important. The objectivity and repeatability of these techniques have driven research on the function, identification of heterogeneity and fertility of the ejaculate. The wealth of knowledge obtained from the application of these powerful methods has changed our view of the spermatozoon. Although there is some application of these methods in the industry producing boar semen for artificial insemination (AI) and to eliminate sires of sub-standard semen quality, uptake of advanced methods is still slow. Instruments are becoming cheaper and technically more user friendly. Standardization of methodology and optimization of instrument settings is important for full implementation of these systems, including comparison between labs. This review provides an update on two technologies: flow cytometry and CASA for objective analysis of boar semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nana Satake
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia
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13
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Effect of adding heterologous versus homologous bovine seminal plasma prior to cryopreservation on bull sperm quality after thawing. ZYGOTE 2018; 26:388-394. [PMID: 30289095 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199418000394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
SummaryThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of adding homologous or heterologous bovine seminal plasma (SP) to SP-free sperm samples before freezing on sperm quality after thawing. Ejaculates from bulls of known fertility were used as a source of SP. The SP was removed from further aliquots of the same ejaculates by colloid centrifugation to create SP-free sperm samples; the resuspended sperm pellets were treated with homologous or heterologous SP from high or low fertility bulls at 0%, 1% or 5% before freezing. After thawing, sperm quality was evaluated by computer-assisted sperm analysis and flow cytometry for membrane integrity, reactive oxygen species, chromatin structure, mitochondrial membrane potential and protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Data were analysed using Proc MIXED, SAS®. Post-hoc comparisons were adjusted for multiplicity using Tukey's method. The addition of SP resulted in significant differences in sperm quality, namely velocity class A, Velocity Straight Line (VSL), Velocity Average Path (VAP), Velocity Curved Line (VCL), Amplitude of Lateral Head Displacement (ALH), Hyperactive (HYP), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and % DNA fragmentation index (DFI) (P<0.05 for each). Although adding 5% homologous SP from high fertility bulls was beneficial to sperm kinematics, 5% heterologous SP from high fertility bulls had a deleterious effect on chromatin integrity and on sperm velocity. In conclusion, adding SP may have either a beneficial effect or a deleterious effect depending on the individuals involved. It might be feasible to use this method to improve sperm quality in some circumstances.
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14
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Luque GM, Dalotto-Moreno T, Martín-Hidalgo D, Ritagliati C, Puga Molina LC, Romarowski A, Balestrini PA, Schiavi-Ehrenhaus LJ, Gilio N, Krapf D, Visconti PE, Buffone MG. Only a subpopulation of mouse sperm displays a rapid increase in intracellular calcium during capacitation. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:9685-9700. [PMID: 29953592 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian sperm must undergo a functionally defined process called capacitation to be able to fertilize oocytes. They become capacitated in vivo by interacting with the female reproductive tract or in vitro in a defined capacitation medium that contains bovine serum albumin, calcium (Ca2+ ), and bicarbonate (HCO3 - ). In this work, sperm were double stained with propidium iodide and the Ca2+ dye Fluo-4 AM and analyzed by flow cytometry to determine changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+ ]i ) in individual live sperm. An increase in [Ca2+ ]i was observed in a subpopulation of capacitated live sperm when compared with noncapacitated ones. Sperm exposed to the capacitating medium displayed a rapid increase in [Ca2+ ]i within 1 min of incubation, which remained sustained for 90 min. These rise in [Ca2+ ]i after 90 min of incubation in the capacitating medium was evidenced by an increase in the normalized median fluorescence intensity. This increase was dependent on the presence of extracellular Ca2+ and, at least in part, reflected the contribution of a new subpopulation of sperm with higher [Ca2+ ]i . In addition, it was determined that the capacitation-associated [Ca2+ ]i increase was dependent of CatSper channels, as sperm derived from CatSper knockout (CatSper KO) or incubated in the presence of CatSper inhibitors failed to increase [Ca2+ ]i . Surprisingly, a minimum increase in [Ca2+ ]i was also observed in CatSper KO sperm suggesting the existence of other Ca2+ transport systems. Altogether, these results indicate that a subpopulation of sperm increases [Ca2+ ]i very rapidly during capacitation mainly due to a CatSper-mediated influx of extracellular Ca2+ .
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermina M Luque
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tomas Dalotto-Moreno
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - David Martín-Hidalgo
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
| | - Carla Ritagliati
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Lis C Puga Molina
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana Romarowski
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paula A Balestrini
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Liza J Schiavi-Ehrenhaus
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nicolas Gilio
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Dario Krapf
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
| | - Mariano G Buffone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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15
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de Andrade AFC, Arruda RP, Torres MA, Pieri NCG, Leite TG, Celeghini ECC, Oliveira LZ, Gardés TP, Bussiere MCC, Silva DF. Nitric oxide in frozen-thawed equine sperm: Effects on motility, membrane integrity and sperm capacitation. Anim Reprod Sci 2018; 195:176-184. [PMID: 29861341 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 05/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is a reactive nitrogen species (RSN) that, over the years, has been shown to be integrated with biological and physiological events, including reproductive processes. NO can affect the functionality of spermatozoa through free radical scavenging, deactivating and inhibiting the production of superoxide anions (O2.-). However, the role of NO in mammalian spermatozoa physiology seems paradoxical. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of NO on motility, hyperactivation, membrane integrity, peroxidation, and capacitation in cryopreserved equine sperm. Ejaculates were collected and cryopreserved. After thawing, samples were centrifuged, suspended in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) medium and incubated with the following treatments: 1) C = control (IVF); 2) A = l-arginine (10 mM - In); 3) L = L-NAME (1 mM - Ih); 4) M = methylene blue (100 mM - Re); 5) AL = L-arginine + L-NAME (In + Ih); 6) AM = L-arginine + methylene blue (In + Re). The samples were evaluated for spermatic kinetics by CASA and other analyses [plasma and acrosomal membranes used the propidium iodide (PI) and Pisum sativum agglutinin (PSA), detection of tyrosine residues phosphorylation in the membrane (F0426), nitric oxide (DAF-2/DA), lipid peroxidation (C11-BODIPY581/591)] by flow cytometry. The l-arginine treatments reduced MOT, PROG, RAP and LIN only at time 0 min compared to the control and L-NAME. These treatments (MT and MP, VAP, VSL, LIN, RAP) also reduced the sperm movement characteristics but only at the beginning of the incubation period. After this period of incubation, motility recovered. NO removal by methylene blue almost completely inhibited sperm motility, but these treatments had the highest percentages of intact membranes. l-arginine treatments improved acrosome reactions and differed from M and AM. NO production, tyrosine phosphorylation and lipid peroxidation did not differ among treatments, except for M and AM, where a reduction in these variables was detected. Therefore, equine sperm capacitation and the acrosome reaction are part of an oxidative process that involves the participation of ROS, and NO plays an important role in the maintenance and regulation of motility, hyperactivation, induction of acrosome reaction and possibly in capacitation, which are indispensable processes for the fertility of equine sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- André F C de Andrade
- Laboratory of Andrology and Technology of Swine Embryos, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), Pirassununga, SP, Brazil.
| | - Rubens P Arruda
- Laboratory of Semen Biotechnology and Andrology, Department of Animal Reproduction,School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana A Torres
- Laboratory of Andrology and Technology of Swine Embryos, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Naira C G Pieri
- Laboratory of Andrology and Technology of Swine Embryos, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Ticiano G Leite
- Laboratory of Semen Biotechnology and Andrology, Department of Animal Reproduction,School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Eneiva Carla C Celeghini
- Laboratory of Teaching and Research in Pathology of Reproduction, Department of Animal Reproduction,School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Leticia Z Oliveira
- Department of Animal Pathology and Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Thayna P Gardés
- Laboratory of Semen Biotechnology and Andrology, Department of Animal Reproduction,School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Clara C Bussiere
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Genetics, Norte Fluminense University, Campus dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Daniela F Silva
- Laboratory of Semen Biotechnology and Andrology, Department of Animal Reproduction,School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
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16
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Nongbua T, Al-Essawe EM, Edman A, Johannisson A, Morrell JM. Adding bovine seminal plasma prior to freezing improves post-thaw bull sperm kinematics but decreases mitochondrial activity. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2018; 64:183-190. [DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2018.1455245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thanapol Nongbua
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, Thailand
| | - Essraa M. Al-Essawe
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Reproductive Physiology, High Institute of Infertility Diagnosis and Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | | | - Anders Johannisson
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jane M. Morrell
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
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17
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Lima-Verde IB, Johannisson A, Ntallaris T, Al-Essawe E, Al-Kass Z, Nongbua T, Dórea F, Lundeheim N, Kupisiewicz K, Edman A, Morrell JM. Effect of freezing bull semen in two non-egg yolk extenders on post-thaw sperm quality. Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 53:127-136. [PMID: 28960537 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Traditionally, extenders for bull semen included egg yolk or milk, but recently there has been a move to avoid material of animal origin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two commercial extenders (based on soya lecithin and liposomes) on bull sperm quality after cryopreservation. Post-thaw sperm quality was evaluated by computer-assisted sperm analysis and flow cytometric assessment of membrane integrity, chromatin integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, production of reactive oxygen species and tyrosine phosphorylation. Furthermore, an artificial insemination (AI) trial was conducted, and 56-day non-return rates were evaluated. Semen frozen in the liposome-based extender showed similar membrane integrity and higher mitochondrial membrane potential compared to those in the soya lecithin-based extender. Chromatin integrity and production of live H2 O2 + reactive oxygen species were similar in both extenders. Less superoxide was produced in the samples extended with liposome-based extender, with or without menadione stimulation. Chromatin integrity and tyrosine phosphorylation were not affected by either type of extender. No differences in 56-day non-return rate between extenders containing soya lecithin and liposomes were observed in the AI trial (66% ± 0.8 and 65% ± 0.8, respectively). In conclusion, the sperm quality of bull semen frozen in the two extenders that do not contain material of animal origin was similar, although the semen frozen in the liposome-based extender had higher mitochondrial membrane potential. Either extender could be used in situations where extenders containing material of animal origin are to be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- I B Lima-Verde
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
- University Tiradentes, Technology and Research Institute, Aracaju-SE, Brazil
| | - A Johannisson
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - T Ntallaris
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - E Al-Essawe
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
- Clinical Reproductive Physiology, Al-Nahrain University - High Institute of Infertility Diagnosis and Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Z Al-Kass
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Surgery and Theriogenology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq
| | - T Nongbua
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
- Clinical Sciences, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham, Thailand
| | - F Dórea
- National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - N Lundeheim
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, SLU, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - A Edman
- Viking Genetics, Örnsro, Skara, Sweden
| | - J M Morrell
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
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Torres MA, Díaz R, Boguen R, Martins SMMK, Ravagnani GM, Leal DF, Oliveira MDL, Muro BBD, Parra BM, Meirelles FV, Papa FO, Dell’Aqua JA, Alvarenga MA, Moretti ADS, Sepúlveda N, de Andrade AFC. Novel Flow Cytometry Analyses of Boar Sperm Viability: Can the Addition of Whole Sperm-Rich Fraction Seminal Plasma to Frozen-Thawed Boar Sperm Affect It? PLoS One 2016; 11:e0160988. [PMID: 27529819 PMCID: PMC4987046 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Boar semen cryopreservation remains a challenge due to the extension of cold shock damage. Thus, many alternatives have emerged to improve the quality of frozen-thawed boar sperm. Although the use of seminal plasma arising from boar sperm-rich fraction (SP-SRF) has shown good efficacy; however, the majority of actual sperm evaluation techniques include a single or dual sperm parameter analysis, which overrates the real sperm viability. Within this context, this work was performed to introduce a sperm flow cytometry fourfold stain technique for simultaneous evaluation of plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential. We then used the sperm flow cytometry fourfold stain technique to study the effect of SP-SRF on frozen-thawed boar sperm and further evaluated the effect of this treatment on sperm movement, tyrosine phosphorylation and fertility rate (FR). The sperm fourfold stain technique is accurate (R2 = 0.9356, p > 0.01) for simultaneous evaluation of plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential (IPIAH cells). Centrifugation pre-cryopreservation was not deleterious (p > 0.05) for any analyzed variables. Addition of SP-SRF after cryopreservation was able to improve total and progressive motility (p < 0.05) when boar semen was cryopreserved without SP-SRF; however, it was not able to decrease tyrosine phosphorylation (p > 0.05) or improve IPIAH cells (p > 0.05). FR was not (p > 0.05) statistically increased by the addition of seminal plasma, though females inseminated with frozen-thawed boar semen plus SP-SRF did perform better than those inseminated with sperm lacking seminal plasma. Thus, we conclude that sperm fourfold stain can be used to simultaneously evaluate plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential, and the addition of SP-SRF at thawed boar semen cryopreserved in absence of SP-SRF improve its total and progressive motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Andrade Torres
- Laboratory of Andrology and Technology of Swine Embryos, Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rommy Díaz
- Center of Excellence in Biotechnology of Reproduction, University of La Frontera, Temuco, Araucania, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Boguen
- Center of Excellence in Biotechnology of Reproduction, University of La Frontera, Temuco, Araucania, Chile
| | - Simone Maria Massami Kitamura Martins
- Laboratory of Andrology and Technology of Swine Embryos, Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Swine Research, Department of Animal Nutrition and Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gisele Mouro Ravagnani
- Laboratory of Andrology and Technology of Swine Embryos, Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Diego Feitosa Leal
- Laboratory of Andrology and Technology of Swine Embryos, Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Melissa de Lima Oliveira
- Laboratory of Andrology and Technology of Swine Embryos, Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruno Bracco Donatelli Muro
- Laboratory of Andrology and Technology of Swine Embryos, Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Martins Parra
- Laboratory of Andrology and Technology of Swine Embryos, Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Flávio Vieira Meirelles
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Sciences and Food Engineerig, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Frederico Ozanan Papa
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Antônio Dell’Aqua
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marco Antônio Alvarenga
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aníbal de Sant’Anna Moretti
- Laboratory of Swine Research, Department of Animal Nutrition and Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Néstor Sepúlveda
- Center of Excellence in Biotechnology of Reproduction, University of La Frontera, Temuco, Araucania, Chile
| | - André Furugen Cesar de Andrade
- Laboratory of Andrology and Technology of Swine Embryos, Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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19
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Acosta IB, Junior ASV, E Silva EF, Cardoso TF, Caldas JS, Jardim RD, Corcini CD. Effects of exposure to cadmium in sperm cells of zebrafish, Danio rerio. Toxicol Rep 2016; 3:696-700. [PMID: 28959594 PMCID: PMC5616012 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2016.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Revised: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cadmium is a natural element found in the earth’s crust; it is usually associated with other metals, but due to the impacts caused by human activity, its concentration has increased in the aquatic environment. This metal may damage aquatic animal reproduction, decreasing the rate of fertilization of organisms such as fish. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the in vitro toxicity of different concentrations of cadmium (0 (control), 0.5, 5, and 10 μg/L) using sperm cells of model organism zebrafish, Danio rerio. Structural parameters, including integrity and fluidity of the plasma membrane, concentration of oxygen species, mitochondrial function and DNA fragmentation were measured by flow cytometry. The following sperm movement parameters were also measured using the computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system: motility, time of motility, curvilinear velocity, average path velocity and straight line velocity in μm/s. Significant effects were observed on path speed, straight speed, curvilinear velocity, motility time, progressive and total motility, and plasma and DNA integrity. The results showed that cadmium can negatively affect some reproductive parameters in D. rerio, which may reduce the fertility rate of these animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izani Bonel Acosta
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande, Av. Italy 8 km, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.,Post-Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences-Comparative Animal Physiology, Av 8 km Italy, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Antonio Sergio Varela Junior
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande, Av. Italy 8 km, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.,Post-Graduate Program in Aquatic Environments Continental Biology, Federal University of Rio Grande, Av. Italy 8.96203 to 900 km Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Estela Fernandes E Silva
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande, Av. Italy 8 km, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.,Post-Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences-Comparative Animal Physiology, Av 8 km Italy, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Tainã Figueiredo Cardoso
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande, Av. Italy 8 km, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.,Post-Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences-Comparative Animal Physiology, Av 8 km Italy, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Jôsie Schwartz Caldas
- Post-Graduate Program in Aquatic Environments Continental Biology, Federal University of Rio Grande, Av. Italy 8.96203 to 900 km Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Desessards Jardim
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande, Av. Italy 8 km, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.,Post-Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences-Comparative Animal Physiology, Av 8 km Italy, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Carine Dahl Corcini
- Post-Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences-Comparative Animal Physiology, Av 8 km Italy, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pelotas, University Campus, PO Box 354, 96001-970 Pelotas, Brazil
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20
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Escoffier J, Navarrete F, Haddad D, Santi CM, Darszon A, Visconti PE. Flow cytometry analysis reveals that only a subpopulation of mouse sperm undergoes hyperpolarization during capacitation. Biol Reprod 2015; 92:121. [PMID: 25855261 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.127266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
To gain fertilizing capacity, mammalian sperm should reside in the female tract for a period of time. The physiological changes that render the sperm able to fertilize are known as capacitation. Capacitation is associated with an increase in intracellular pH, an increase in intracellular calcium, and phosphorylation of different proteins. This process is also accompanied by the hyperpolarization of the sperm plasma membrane potential (Em). In the present work, we used flow cytometry to analyze changes in sperm Em during capacitation in individual cells. Our results indicate that a subpopulation of hyperpolarized mouse sperm can be clearly distinguished by sperm flow cytometry analysis. Using sperm bearing green fluorescent protein in their acrosomes, we found that this hyperpolarized subpopulation is composed of sperm with intact acrosomes. In addition, we show that the capacitation-associated hyperpolarization is blocked by high extracellular K(+), by PKA inhibitors, and by SLO3 inhibitors in CD1 mouse sperm, and undetectable in Slo3 knockout mouse sperm. On the other hand, in sperm incubated in conditions that do not support capacitation, sperm membrane hyperpolarization can be induced by amiloride, high extracellular NaHCO3, and cAMP agonists. Altogether, our observations are consistent with a model in which sperm Em hyperpolarization is downstream of a cAMP-dependent pathway and is mediated by the activation of SLO3 K(+) channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Escoffier
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Felipe Navarrete
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Doug Haddad
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Celia M Santi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology. Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnologia-Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
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21
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Dynamic quantification of intracellular calcium and protein tyrosine phosphorylation in cryopreserved boar spermatozoa during short-time incubation with oviductal fluid. Theriogenology 2014; 82:1145-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Revised: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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22
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Goodla L, Morrell JM, Yusnizar Y, Stålhammar H, Johannisson A. Quality of bull spermatozoa after preparation by single-layer centrifugation. J Dairy Sci 2014; 97:2204-12. [PMID: 24534497 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2013-7607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 12/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of single-layer centrifugation (SLC) through a species-specific colloid (Androcoll-B; patent pending, J. M. Morrell) on bull sperm quality. Computer-assisted sperm analysis of motility and flow cytometric analysis of sperm viability (SYBR-14/propidium iodide staining), chromatin integrity (acridine orange staining), reactive oxygen species production [Hoechst 33258-hydroethidine-2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (HO-HE-DCFDA) staining], mitochondrial membrane potential (staining with JC-1 probe), and protein tyrosine phosphorylation (specific antibody staining) were performed on unselected and SLC-selected sperm samples. Single-layer centrifugation of bull spermatozoa resulted in the selection of a sperm population that had high mitochondrial membrane potential, a higher content of phosphorylated protein, and more reactive oxygen species than control samples. Sperm chromatin damage was lower in the SLC samples although sperm viability and motility did not differ between SLC samples and controls. These observations suggest that SLC of bull semen in a soybean-containing extender improved some, but not all, parameters of sperm quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavanya Goodla
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction,; Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry, and
| | - Jane M Morrell
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction,.
| | - Yulnawati Yusnizar
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7054, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden; Research Center for Biotechnology, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Jl. Raya Bogor Km. 46, Cibinong 16911, Indonesia
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23
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Bucci D, Isani G, Giaretta E, Spinaci M, Tamanini C, Ferlizza E, Galeati G. Alkaline phosphatase in boar sperm function. Andrology 2013; 2:100-6. [PMID: 24249651 DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2013.00159.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2013] [Revised: 09/30/2013] [Accepted: 10/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Alkaline phosphatase (AP) catalyses the detachment of phosphate residues from different substrates. Its activity has been demonstrated in seminal plasma and spermatozoa from porcine and other mammalian species; anyway, the role of AP in male reproduction has not been clarified yet and the aim of this study was to determine AP function in boar sperm capacitation and in vitro fertilization (IVF). AP activity was assayed in seminal plasma and in uncapacitated and in vitro capacitated (IVC) spermatozoa; in addition, capacitation was studied in presence of different doses of AP (1.2 and 2.5 IU/mL). The effect of different doses of AP (1.2 and 2.5 IU/mL) on several sperm parameters after IVC (viability, acrosome integrity with FITC-PSA, capacitation status with CTC staining, tyrosine phosphorylation) and on fertilizing ability during IVF were also evaluated. High AP activity was detected in seminal plasma, in particular in sperm-rich fraction; a lower activity was detected in uncapacitated spermatozoa while a significant decrease was evidenced after IVC. Viability was not changed by AP supplementation of the capacitating medium, whereas acrosome integrity and capacitation status were significantly affected by 1.2 and 2.5 doses, with a dose-dependent decrease in acrosome-reacted cells as well as in CTC B pattern displaying cells. As for sperm head protein phosphorylation, a decrease in relative fluorescence was detected in AP 2.5 group, if compared with capacitated one. After IVF, a dose-dependent decrease in penetrated oocytes was recorded, with an increase in monospermic zygote rate. In conclusion, we demonstrated that AP activity decreases under capacitating condition and that addition of AP to spermatozoa during capacitation results in a depression of the capacitating process and IVF. We can infer that AP plays a role in keeping spermatozoa quiescent until they are ejaculated and in modulating the acquisition of the fertilizing ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Bucci
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Veterinarie (DIMEVET), Università degli Studi di Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia (BO), Italy
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24
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de Andrade AFC, Zaffalon FG, Celeghini ECC, Nascimento J, Bressan FF, Martins SMMK, de Arruda RP. Post-thaw addition of seminal plasma reduces tyrosine phosphorylation on the surface of cryopreserved equine sperm, but does not reduce lipid peroxidation. Theriogenology 2012; 77:1866-72.e1-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2011] [Revised: 01/07/2012] [Accepted: 01/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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25
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Escoffier J, Krapf D, Navarrete F, Darszon A, Visconti PE. Flow cytometry analysis reveals a decrease in intracellular sodium during sperm capacitation. J Cell Sci 2012; 125:473-85. [PMID: 22302997 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.093344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian sperm require time in the female tract in order to be able to fertilize an egg. The physiological changes that render the sperm able to fertilize are known as capacitation. Capacitation is associated with an increase in intracellular pH, an increase in intracellular calcium and phosphorylation of different proteins. This process is also accompanied by the hyperpolarization of the sperm plasma membrane potential. Recently, we presented evidence showing that epithelial Na+ channels (ENaC) are present in mature sperm and that ENaCs are blocked during capacitation. In the present work, we used flow cytometry to analyze changes in intracellular Na+ concentration ([Na+](i)) during capacitation in individual cells. Our results indicate that capacitated sperm have lower Na+ concentrations. Using sperm with green fluorescent protein in their acrosomes, it was shown that the lower [Na+](i) concentration only occurs in sperm having intact acrosomes. ENaC inhibition has been shown in other cell types to depend on the activation of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). In non-capacitated sperm, amiloride, an ENaC inhibitor, and genistein, a CFTR activator, caused a decrease in [Na+](i), suggesting that also in these cells [Na+](i) is dependent on the crosstalk between ENaC and CFTR. In addition, PKA inhibition blocked [Na+](i) decrease in capacitated sperm. Altogether, these data are consistent with the hypothesis that the capacitation-associated hyperpolarization involves a decrease in [Na+](i) mediated by inhibition of ENaC and regulated by PKA through activation of CFTR channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Escoffier
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
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26
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The effect of oviductal fluid on protein tyrosine phosphorylation in cryopreserved boar spermatozoa differs with the freezing method. Theriogenology 2012; 77:588-99. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2011] [Revised: 08/30/2011] [Accepted: 08/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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27
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Kumaresan A, Siqueira AP, Hossain MS, Johannisson A, Eriksson I, Wallgren M, Bergqvist AS. Quantification of kinetic changes in protein tyrosine phosphorylation and cytosolic Ca2+ concentration in boar spermatozoa during cryopreservation. Reprod Fertil Dev 2012; 24:531-42. [DOI: 10.1071/rd11074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2011] [Accepted: 08/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein tyrosine phosphorylation in sperm is associated with capacitation in several mammalian species. Although tyrosine phosphorylated proteins have been demonstrated in cryopreserved sperm, indicating capacitation-like changes during cryopreservation, these changes have not yet been quantified objectively. We monitored tyrosine phosphorylation, intracellular calcium and sperm kinematics throughout the cryopreservation process, and studied the relationships among them in boar spermatozoa. Sperm kinetics changed significantly during cryopreservation: curvilinear velocity, average path velocity and straight line velocity all decreased significantly (P < 0.05). While the percentage of sperm with high intracellular calcium declined (P < 0.05), global phosphorylation increased significantly (P < 0.01). Specifically, cooling to 5°C induced phosphorylation in the spermatozoa. After cooling, a 32-kDa protein not observed in fresh semen appeared and was consistently present throughout the cryopreservation process. While the level of expression of this phosphoprotein decreased after addition of the second extender, frozen–thawed spermatozoa showed an increased expression. The proportion of sperm cells with phosphorylation in the acrosomal area also increased significantly (P < 0.05) during cryopreservation, indicating that phosphorylation might be associated with capacitation-like changes. These results provide the first quantitative evidence of dynamic changes in the subpopulation of boar spermatozoa undergoing tyrosine phosphorylation during cryopreservation.
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28
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Kumaresan A, Siqueira A, Hossain M, Bergqvist A. Cryopreservation-induced alterations in protein tyrosine phosphorylation of spermatozoa from different portions of the boar ejaculate. Cryobiology 2011; 63:137-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2011.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2011] [Revised: 06/22/2011] [Accepted: 08/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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29
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Impact of epididymal maturation, ejaculation and in vitro capacitation on tyrosine phosphorylation patterns exhibited of boar (Sus domesticus) spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2011; 76:1356-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2011] [Revised: 06/03/2011] [Accepted: 06/04/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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30
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Hossain MS, Johannisson A, Siqueira AP, Wallgren M, Rodriguez-Martinez H. Spermatozoa in the sperm-peak-fraction of the boar ejaculate show a lower flow of Ca2+ under capacitation conditions post-thaw which might account for their higher membrane stability after cryopreservation. Anim Reprod Sci 2011; 128:37-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2011.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2010] [Revised: 08/22/2011] [Accepted: 08/26/2011] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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31
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Fernández-Novell JM, Ballester J, Altirriba J, Ramió-Lluch L, Barberà A, Gomis R, Guinovart JJ, Rodríguez-Gil JE. Glucose and fructose as functional modulators of overall dog, but not boar sperm function. Reprod Fertil Dev 2011; 23:468-80. [PMID: 21426864 DOI: 10.1071/rd10120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2010] [Accepted: 10/06/2010] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The main aim of the present work was to test the effects of glucose and fructose on the phosphorylation levels of proteins linked to the control of overall sperm function in two species with very different metabolic characteristics, dog and boar. Incubation of dog spermatozoa with 10mM glucose increased serine phosphorylation of proteins related to cell cycle and signal transduction including cyclins B and E, Cdk2, Cdk6, Cdc6, PYK2, c-kit, Raf-1, TRK and several protein phosphatases. Incubation of dog spermatozoa with 10mM fructose decreased serine phosphorylation levels of cyclins B and D3, Cdk1/Cdc2, Cdk2, Cdk6, Akt, PI3 kinase, ERK-1 and protein kinase C. Incubation of boar spermatozoa with glucose or fructose did not modify any of the phosphorylation patterns studied. Given that one important difference between dog and boar spermatozoa is the presence of glucokinase (GK) in dog but not in boar, GK-transfected COS7 cells were incubated with either 10mM glucose or 10mM fructose. Incubation of GK-transfected cells with fructose decreased serine phosphorylation of cyclin A, ERK-2 and Hsp-70. In contrast, incubation of control COS7 cells with fructose increased serine phosphorylation of Cdk6, Cdk1/Cdc2, protein kinase C and Hsp-70. Incubation with glucose did not induce any significant effect. Our results indicate that monosaccharides act as signalling compounds in dog spermatozoa after ejaculation through changes in the phosphorylation levels of specific proteins. One of the factors that may be related to the action of sugars is the equilibrium of the total sperm hexokinase activity, in which the presence or absence of GK appears to be relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Fernández-Novell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Barcelona, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
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32
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Hossain MS, Johannisson A, Wallgren M, Nagy S, Siqueira AP, Rodriguez-Martinez H. Flow cytometry for the assessment of animal sperm integrity and functionality: state of the art. Asian J Androl 2011; 13:406-19. [PMID: 21478895 PMCID: PMC3739346 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2011.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2010] [Revised: 11/19/2010] [Accepted: 01/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Flow cytometry is now a recognized methodology within animal spermatology, and has moved from being a research tool to become routine in the assessment of animal semen destined to breeding. The availability of 'bench-top' flow cytometers and of newer and versatile markers for cell structure and function had allowed the instrumentation to measure more sperm parameters, from viability to reactiveness when exposed to exogenous stimuli, and to increase our capabilities to sort spermatozoa for potential fertilizing capacity, or chromosomal sex. The present review summarizes the state of the art regarding flow cytometry applied to animal andrology, albeit keeping an open comparative intent. It critically evaluates the present and future capabilities of flow cytometry for the diagnostics of potential fertility and for the development of current reproductive technologies such as sperm freezing, sperm selection and sperm sorting. The flow cytometry methods will probably further revolutionize our understanding of the sperm physiology and their functionality, and will undoubtedly extend its application in isolating many uncharacterized features of spermatozoa. However, continuous follow-up of the methods is a necessity owing to technical developments and the complexity of mapping spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Sharoare Hossain
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
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33
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Petrunkina AM, Harrison RAP. Cytometric solutions in veterinary andrology: Developments, advantages, and limitations. Cytometry A 2011; 79:338-48. [DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.21044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2010] [Revised: 02/07/2011] [Accepted: 02/13/2011] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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34
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Nixon B, Bielanowicz A, Anderson AL, Walsh A, Hall T, Mccloghry A, Aitken RJ. Elucidation of the signaling pathways that underpin capacitation-associated surface phosphotyrosine expression in mouse spermatozoa. J Cell Physiol 2010; 224:71-83. [PMID: 20232304 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.22090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies from within our laboratory have demonstrated a causal relationship between capacitation-associated surface phosphotyrosine expression and the ability of mouse spermatozoa to recognize the oocyte and engage in sperm-zona pellucida interaction. In the studies described herein we have sought to investigate the signaling pathways that underpin the tyrosine phosphorylation of sperm surface protein targets and validate the physiological significance of these pathways in relation to sperm-zona pellucida adhesion. Through selective pharmacological inhibition we have demonstrated that surface phosphotyrosine expression is unlikely to be mediated by the canonical cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) signaling cascade that has been most widely studied in relation to sperm capacitation. Rather, it appears to be primarily driven by the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) module of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Consistent with this notion, the main components of the ERK module (RAS, RAF1, MEK, and ERK1/2) were localized to the periacrosomal region of the head of mature mouse spermatozoa and their phosphorylation status within this region of the cell was positively modulated by capacitation. Furthermore, inhibition of several elements of this pathway suppressed sperm surface phosphotyrosine expression and induced a concomitant reduction sperm-zona pellucida interaction. Collectively, these data highlight a previously unappreciated role of the ERK module in the modification of the sperm surface during capacitation to render these cells functionally competent to engage in the process of fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Nixon
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.
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Martínez-Pastor F, Mata-Campuzano M, Álvarez-Rodríguez M, Álvarez M, Anel L, De Paz P. Probes and Techniques for Sperm Evaluation by Flow Cytometry. Reprod Domest Anim 2010; 45 Suppl 2:67-78. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2010.01622.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Petrunkina A, Harrison R. Systematic misestimation of cell subpopulations by flow cytometry: A mathematical analysis. Theriogenology 2010; 73:839-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2009] [Revised: 07/31/2009] [Accepted: 09/02/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Dun MD, Mitchell LA, Aitken RJ, Nixon B. Sperm-zona pellucida interaction: molecular mechanisms and the potential for contraceptive intervention. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2010:139-178. [PMID: 20839091 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-02062-9_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
At the moment of insemination, millions of mammalian sperm cells are released into the female reproductive tract with the single goal of finding the oocyte. The spermatozoa subsequently ignore the thousands of cells they make contact with during their journey to the site of fertilization, until they reach the surface of the oocyte. At this point, they bind tenaciously to the acellular coat, known as the zona pellucida, which surrounds the oocyte and orchestrate a cascade of cellular interactions that culminate in fertilization. These exquisitely cell- and species- specific recognition events are among the most strategically important cellular interactions in biology. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underpin them has implications for the etiology of human infertility and the development of novel targets for fertility regulation. Herein we describe our current understanding of the molecular basis of successful sperm-zona pellucida binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Dun
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
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Satorre MM, Breininger E, Beconi MT, Beorlegui NB. Protein tyrosine phosphorylation under capacitating conditions in porcine fresh spermatozoa and sperm cryopreserved with and without alpha tocopherol. Andrologia 2009; 41:184-92. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2009.00915.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Caballero I, Vazquez JM, Mayor GM, Almiñana C, Calvete JJ, Sanz L, Roca J, Martinez EA. PSP-I/PSP-II spermadhesin exert a decapacitation effect on highly extended boar spermatozoa. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 32:505-13. [PMID: 18399981 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2008.00887.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PSP-I/PSP-II heterodimer is a major protein of boar seminal plasma that is able to preserve, in vitro, the viability, motility and mitochondrial activity of highly-extended boar spermatozoa. However, a relationship between the protective effects of the heterodimer and sperm capacitation is still unclear. The present study investigated the effect of the PSP-I/PSP-II (1.5 mg/mL) on membrane stability, intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](I)) and plasma membrane and acrosome integrity of highly extended boar spermatozoa. Boar spermatozoa were diluted to 1 x 10(6) spermatozoa/mL and incubated at 38 degrees C in Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for 10, 30, 60, 120 and 300 min or in modified Tris-buffered medium (mTBM) for 10, 20, 30, 60 and 120 min. After each incubation time, the membrane stability (using Merocyanine-540/Yo-Pro-1), elevation of [Ca(2+)](I) (using Fluo-3-AM/PI) and the sperm plasma membrane and acrosome integrity (using SYBR-14/PI/PE-PNA) were evaluated by flow cytometry. As expected, exposure of the spermatozoa to the PSP-I/PSP-II preserved the plasma membrane and acrosome integrity compared to non-exposed spermatozoa in both media PBS and mTBM (p < .01). The evaluation of membrane stability showed no differences in the percentages of viable sperm with instable plasma membrane in the presence of the PSP-I/PSP-II compared to controls irrespective of the dilution media. The evaluation of the [Ca(2+)](I) levels showed that while spermatozoa incubated in mTBM and exposed to PSP-I/PSP-II had lower [Ca(2+)](I) than controls (39.08% vs. 47.97%, respectively; p < .05), no differences were observed in those samples incubated in PBS. However, a temporal evaluation of the samples showed that a similar proportion of live spermatozoa were able to achieve high levels of [Ca(2+)](I) and membrane instability independent of the presence of PSP-I/PSP-II. In conclusion, PSP-I/PSP-II exert a non-permanent decapacitation effect on highly extended boar spermatozoa that is related with a delay in the increase of [Ca(2+)](I) levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Caballero
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
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