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Binelli M, Rocha CC, Bennett A, Waheed A, Sultana H, Maldonado MBC, Mesquita FS. Solutions to the fertility equation in beef embryo recipients. Anim Reprod 2024; 21:e20240041. [PMID: 39175998 PMCID: PMC11340797 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2024-0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
In beef cattle operations that conduct embryo transfer, the overall success depends on the pregnancy outcome that results from every pregnancy opportunity. In this review, we dissected the main components that determine if a recipient will sustain the pregnancy after embryo transfer up to calving. Specifically, we describe the effect of the uterus on its ability to provide a receptive environment for embryo development. We then discuss the capacity of the embryo to thrive after transfer, and especially the contribution of the sire to embryo fitness. Finally, we review the interaction between the uterus and the embryo as an integrated unit that defines the pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Binelli
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - Alexandra Bennett
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Abdul Waheed
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Institute of Continuing Education & Extension, Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Halima Sultana
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - Fernando Silveira Mesquita
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Universidade Federal do Pampa, Uruguaiana, RS, Brasil
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2
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Stigliani S, Amaro A, Reggiani F, Maccarini E, Massarotti C, Lambertini M, Anserini P, Scaruffi P. A Pilot Analysis of Whole Transcriptome of Human Cryopreserved Sperm. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4131. [PMID: 38612939 PMCID: PMC11012871 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Sperm cryopreservation is a procedure widely used to store gametes for later use, to preserve fertility in patients prior to gonadotoxic treatments or surgery, and for sperm donation programs. The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of cryopreservation on human sperm transcriptome. Semen samples were collected from 13 normospermic men. Each sample was divided into two aliquots. The total RNA was immediately extracted from one aliquot. The second aliquot was frozen and total RNA was extracted after a week of storage in liquid nitrogen. The RNA samples were randomized in four pools, each of six donors, and analyzed by microarrays. The paired Significance Analysis of Microarray was performed. We found 219 lower abundant transcripts and 28 higher abundant transcripts in cryopreserved sperm than fresh sperm. The gene ontology analysis disclosed that cryopreservation alters transcripts of pathways important for fertility (i.e., spermatogenesis, sperm motility, mitochondria function, fertilization, calcium homeostasis, cell differentiation, and early embryo development), although the increase of some transcripts involved in immune response can compensate for the harmful effects of freezing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Stigliani
- SS Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.S.); (C.M.); (P.A.)
| | - Adriana Amaro
- SSD Regolazione dell’Espressione Genica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Francesco Reggiani
- SSD Regolazione dell’Espressione Genica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Elena Maccarini
- SS Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.S.); (C.M.); (P.A.)
| | - Claudia Massarotti
- SS Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.S.); (C.M.); (P.A.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal-Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Matteo Lambertini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy;
- Department of Medical Oncology, UOC Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Paola Anserini
- SS Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.S.); (C.M.); (P.A.)
| | - Paola Scaruffi
- SS Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.S.); (C.M.); (P.A.)
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Sereshki N, Rafiee M, Alipour R, Rahimyan K, Wilkinson D. CD33 as a leukocyte-associated marker expressed on human spermatozoa. BMC Res Notes 2023; 16:57. [PMID: 37081561 PMCID: PMC10120122 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-023-06324-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-type lectins (Siglecs) are commonly present on immune cells and often mediate cell-to-cell interactions and signaling. Studies have shown the presence of Siglecs 1, 2, 5, 6, 10 and 14 on human spermatozoa. To the best of our knowledge, the expression of CD33 on spermatozoa has not yet been studied. Semen samples were collected from 25 healthy men with normal semen status. CD33 expression on purified spermatozoa was evaluated by flow cytometry methods. RESULTS The results demonstrate the expression of CD33 on the surface of purified spermatozoa. The mean (± SD) of MFI (mean fluorescence intensity) was 12.85 (± 1.33) and the mean percentage of spermatozoa that express CD33 was 73.75 (± 3.75). Results were obtained showing that spermatozoa express CD33 (or Siglec-3) on their surface. The physiological role of these molecules on spermatozoa remains to be determined. It is recommended that further research be undertaken regarding the role of Siglecs (such as CD33) on spermatozoa apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasrin Sereshki
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mitra Rafiee
- Department of Immunology, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, 9717853577, Iran.
| | - Razieh Alipour
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Kourosh Rahimyan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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4
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Ando A, Matsubara T, Suzuki S, Imaeda N, Takasu M, Shigenari A, Miyamoto A, Ohshima S, Kametani Y, Shiina T, Kulski JK, Kitagawa H. Genetic Association between Farrowing Rates and Swine Leukocyte Antigen Alleles or Haplotypes in Microminipigs. Cells 2022; 11:3138. [PMID: 36231100 PMCID: PMC9563624 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193138] [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: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously reported specific swine leukocyte antigen (SLA) haplotype associations with significant effects on several reproduction performance traits in a highly inbred miniature pig population of Microminipigs (MMPs). In this study, to clarify the effects on farrowing rates of SLA similarity between mating partners in the MMP population, we compared the farrowing rates as a measure of reproductive success after 1063-cumulative matings among the following three groups of mating partners: (1) completely sharing SLA class I or class II haplotypes or alleles between partners (CS), (2) only one sharing the haplotypes or alleles (OS), and (3) non-sharing the haplotypes or alleles (NS). Average farrowing rates in CS groups consisting of completely sharing SLA class II haplotypes or DRBI and DQB1 alleles were lowest in the three groups. Moreover, lower farrowing rates were indicated in mating pairs with smaller amino acid pairwise genetic distances of SLA-1, SLA-3, DRB1 and DQB1 alleles between the pairs. These results suggested that the dissimilarity of SLA class I and class II alleles between mating partners markedly improved reproductive performance; therefore, SLA alleles or haplotypes are potentially useful genetic markers for the selection of mating pairs in breeding programs and epistatic studies of reproductive traits of MMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asako Ando
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara 259-1193, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Matsubara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Shingo Suzuki
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara 259-1193, Japan
| | - Noriaki Imaeda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Masaki Takasu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Atsuko Shigenari
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara 259-1193, Japan
| | - Asuka Miyamoto
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara 259-1193, Japan
| | - Shino Ohshima
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara 259-1193, Japan
| | - Yoshie Kametani
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara 259-1193, Japan
| | - Takashi Shiina
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara 259-1193, Japan
| | - Jerzy K. Kulski
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara 259-1193, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Kitagawa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, 1-3 Ikoino-oka, Imabari 794-8555, Japan
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5
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Sperm Physiological Response to Female Serum-Potential New Insights into the Reproductive Incompatibility Diagnostics. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073428. [PMID: 35408797 PMCID: PMC8998597 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility is assumed to arise exclusively from male- and female-dependent pathological factors. However, recent studies have indicated that reproductive failure may also result from the reproductive incompatibility of the partners. Selection against such incompatibilities likely occurs via female-derived reproductive secretions, including follicular fluid (FF), that mediate gamete-level mate choice towards the sperm of specific males. To facilitate potential development of diagnostic tests for human reproductive incompatibility, we examined whether sperm physiological response to female serum indicate male–female compatibility in the presence of FF. We performed a full-factorial experiment, in which the sperm of 10 males were treated with the FF and serum of 6 healthy females. We found that sperm motility and viability in both biofluids were highly similar and that in 70% of the males, sperm serum treatment predicted male–female compatibility. We also identified male human leucocyte antigen (HLA) alleles and female (FF and serum) anti-HLA antibodies and tested whether the number of allele–antibody matches predict sperm physiological response to female fluids. However, no association was found between measured sperm traits and the number of allele–antibody matches. Overall, the present results may open novel possibilities for the future development of reproductive incompatibility tests and may pave the way towards more accurate infertility diagnostics and treatments.
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Sereshki N, Andalib A, Toghyani M, Motedayyen H, Hesamian MS, Rezaei A, Wilkinson D. Spermatozoa Induce Maternal Mononuclear Cells for Production of Antibody with Cytotoxic Activity on Paternal Blood Mononuclear Cells. CELL JOURNAL 2021; 23:349-354. [PMID: 34308579 PMCID: PMC8286455 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2021.7157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Objective The maternal immune response to paternal antigens is induced at insemination. We believe that pregnancy protective alloantibodies, such as anti-paternal cytotoxic antibody (APCA), may be produced against the paternal antigens in the context of stimulated immunity at insemination and that they increase during pregnancy. APCA is necessary for pregnancy. It is directed towards paternal human leucocyte antigens (HLAs) and has cytotoxic activity against paternal leucocytes. The present study aims to determine whether APCA is produced by the maternal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in contact with the husband's spermatozoa and to evaluate the relation of APCA production with HLA class I and II expressions by spermatozoa in fertile couples. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study included 30 fertile couples with at least one child. The maternal PBMCs were co-cultured with the husband's spermatozoa and the supernatant was assessed for the presence of IgG by ELISA. Cytotoxic activity of the supernatant on the husband's PBMCs was assessed by the complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) assay. Results IgG was produced in all co-cultures, and the mean level of supernatant IgG was 669 ng/ml. The cytotoxic activity of the supernatant was observed in all the supernatant obtained from the co-cultures. The mean percentage of APCA in supernatant was 73.93%. Conclusion Based on the results of this study it can be concluded that APCA may be a natural anti-sperm antibody (ASA), which can be produced during exposure to spermatozoa and may have some influence before pregnancy. Further research is required to determine the role of APCA before pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasrin Sereshki
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.,Asadabad School of Medical Science, Asadabad, Iran.
| | - Alireza Andalib
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohadeseh Toghyani
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hossein Motedayyen
- Autoimmune Diseases Research Centre, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Sadegh Hesamian
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Abbas Rezaei
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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7
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Magris M, Jokiniemi A, Kuusipalo L, Ritari J, Koskela S, Partanen J, Kekäläinen J. Structural dissimilarity of partners' immune genes increases sperm viability in women's reproductive tract. J Evol Biol 2021; 34:1125-1132. [PMID: 34056789 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Human leucocyte antigen (HLA) genes appear to mediate pre- and post-copulatory mate choice towards HLA-dissimilar ('compatible') partners. However, since genetically distinct alleles often have similar immunogenic properties, genetic dissimilarity is not necessarily an accurate predictor of the functional compatibility of HLA alleles and, hence, may not reflect partners' true compatibility. Furthermore, it has remained unclear whether other genes of the immune system could also play a role in male-female compatibility. We studied whether the immunoglobulin binding regions (eplets) of HLA molecules and the immunoglobulin structural dissimilarity of the partners affect their gamete-level compatibility. We exposed sperm of multiple men to follicular fluid or cervical mucus of multiple women and tested whether sperm viability in these reproductive secretions was influenced by HLA eplet and immunoglobulin structural dissimilarity between partners. We found that eplet dissimilarity positively affects sperm viability in follicular fluid, whereas immunoglobulin dissimilarity enhanced sperm viability in cervical mucus. Together, these findings indicate that structural characteristics of both HLA alleles and immunoglobulins may facilitate cryptic female choice towards immunologically compatible partners. Our results, thus, indicate that partners' genetic compatibility may have wider immunological basis than traditionally has been assumed. Relative contribution of different immunogenetic factors to overall compatibility of the reproductive partners needs to be clarified in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Magris
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Annalaura Jokiniemi
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| | | | - Jarmo Ritari
- Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Research and Development, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Satu Koskela
- Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Research and Development, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jukka Partanen
- Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Research and Development, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jukka Kekäläinen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
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Kamiya J, Kang W, Yoshida K, Takagi R, Kanai S, Hanai M, Nakamura A, Yamada M, Miyamoto Y, Miyado M, Kuroki Y, Hayashi Y, Umezawa A, Kawano N, Miyado K. Suppression of Non-Random Fertilization by MHC Class I Antigens. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8731. [PMID: 33227981 PMCID: PMC7699254 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hermaphroditic invertebrates and plants have a self-recognition system on the cell surface of sperm and eggs, which prevents their self-fusion and enhances non-self-fusion, thereby contributing to genetic variation. However, the system of sperm-egg recognition in mammals is under debate. To address this issue, we explored the role of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC class I, also known as histocompatibility 2-Kb or H2-Kb and H2-Db in mice) antigens by analyzing H2-Kb-/-H2-Db-/-β2-microglobulin (β2M)-/- triple-knockout (T-KO) male mice with full fertility. T-KO sperm exhibited an increased sperm number in the perivitelline space of wild-type (WT) eggs in vitro. Moreover, T-KO sperm showed multiple fusion with zona pellucida (ZP)-free WT eggs, implying that the ability of polyspermy block for sperm from T-KO males was weakened in WT eggs. When T-KO male mice were intercrossed with WT female mice, the percentage of females in progeny increased. We speculate that WT eggs prefer fusion with T-KO sperm, more specifically X-chromosome-bearing sperm (X sperm), suggesting the presence of preferential (non-random) fertilization in mammals, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junki Kamiya
- Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, Kanagawa 214-8571, Japan; (J.K.); (R.T.); (S.K.); (M.H.)
| | - Woojin Kang
- Department of Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan; (W.K.); (Y.M.); (A.U.)
| | - Keiichi Yoshida
- Next-Generation Precision Medicine Research Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka Prefectural Hospital Organization, Osaka 541-8567, Japan;
| | - Ryota Takagi
- Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, Kanagawa 214-8571, Japan; (J.K.); (R.T.); (S.K.); (M.H.)
| | - Seiya Kanai
- Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, Kanagawa 214-8571, Japan; (J.K.); (R.T.); (S.K.); (M.H.)
| | - Maito Hanai
- Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, Kanagawa 214-8571, Japan; (J.K.); (R.T.); (S.K.); (M.H.)
| | - Akihiro Nakamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (A.N.); (M.Y.)
| | - Mitsutoshi Yamada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (A.N.); (M.Y.)
| | - Yoshitaka Miyamoto
- Department of Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan; (W.K.); (Y.M.); (A.U.)
| | - Mami Miyado
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan;
| | - Yoko Kuroki
- Department of Genome Medicine, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan;
| | - Yoshiki Hayashi
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan;
| | - Akihiro Umezawa
- Department of Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan; (W.K.); (Y.M.); (A.U.)
| | - Natsuko Kawano
- Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, Kanagawa 214-8571, Japan; (J.K.); (R.T.); (S.K.); (M.H.)
| | - Kenji Miyado
- Department of Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan; (W.K.); (Y.M.); (A.U.)
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Jokiniemi A, Magris M, Ritari J, Kuusipalo L, Lundgren T, Partanen J, Kekäläinen J. Post-copulatory genetic matchmaking: HLA-dependent effects of cervical mucus on human sperm function. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20201682. [PMID: 32811307 PMCID: PMC7482290 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have demonstrated that women show pre-copulatory mating preferences for human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-dissimilar men. A fascinating, yet unexplored, possibility is that the ultimate mating bias towards HLA-dissimilar partners could occur after copulation, at the gamete level. Here, we explored this possibility by investigating whether the selection towards HLA-dissimilar partners occurs in the cervical mucus. After combining sperm and cervical mucus from multiple males and females (full factorial design), we found that sperm performance (swimming velocity, hyperactivation, and viability) was strongly influenced by the male–female combination. This indicates that sperm fertilization capability may be dependent on the compatibility between cervical mucus (female) and sperm (male). We also found that sperm viability was associated with partners' HLA dissimilarity, indicating that cervical mucus may selectively facilitate later gamete fusion between immunogenetically compatible partners. Together, these results provide novel insights into the female-mediated sperm selection (cryptic female choice) in humans and indicate that processes occurring after copulation may contribute to the mating bias towards HLA-dissimilar partners. Finally, by showing that sperm performance in cervical mucus is influenced by partners' genetic compatibility, the present findings may promote a deeper understanding of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalaura Jokiniemi
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 111, 80101 Joensuu, Finland
| | - Martina Magris
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 111, 80101 Joensuu, Finland
| | - Jarmo Ritari
- Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Research and Development, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Liisa Kuusipalo
- North Karelia Central Hospital, Tikkamäentie 16, 80210 Joensuu, Finland
| | - Tuulia Lundgren
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 111, 80101 Joensuu, Finland
| | - Jukka Partanen
- Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Research and Development, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jukka Kekäläinen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 111, 80101 Joensuu, Finland
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10
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Abstract
PURPOSE Approximately 50% of men reporting to clinics for assisted reproduction have abnormal sperm parameters; we therefore considered whether they differ from fertile males in terms of the frequency of KIR and HLA-C genes, suggesting the involvement of NK cells and some T cells in the inflammatory reaction that can occur in the testes, vas deferens, or epididymis. METHOD We tested a total of 1064 men: 445 of them were patients who, together with their female partners, participated in in vitro fertilization (IVF), 298 men whose female partners suffered from recurrent spontaneous abortion. Three hundred twenty-one fertile men constituted the control group. KIRs were genotyped using KIR Ready Gene kits and HLA-C by PCR-SSP methods. RESULTS We found differences in KIR gene frequencies between men who became fathers via natural conception and men who participated in in vitro fertilization for KIR2DL2 (p/pcorr. = 0.0015/0.035, OR = 1.61), KIR2DL5 gr.2 (p/pcorr. = 0.0023/0.05, OR = 1.64), KIR2DS2 (p/pcorr. = 0.0019/0.044, OR = 1.59), and KIR2DS3 (p/pcorr. = 0.0016/0.037, OR = 1.67). KIRs in Cen AA region were significantly overrepresented in fertile males than in IVF males (p/pcorr. = 0.0076/0.03, OR = 0.67), whereas Cen AB + Cen BB frequency was higher in IVF males than in fertile males (p/pcorr. = 0.0076/0.03, OR = 1.50). We also observed a limited association in KIR-HLA-C combinations. CONCLUSION Fertile men differ in profile of KIR genes and KIR-HLA-C combinations from men participating in IVF.
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Sereshki N, Andalib A, Ghahiri A, Mehrabian F, Sherkat R, Rezaei A, Wilkinson D. The expression of human leukocyte antigen by human ejaculated spermatozoa. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2019; 7:e1005. [PMID: 31625276 PMCID: PMC6900355 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background After coitus and insemination, an inflammatory response is evident in the female reproductive tract (FRT). Semen contains a variety of immune‐activating components that have a major role in the induction of an immune response in the FRT. One of the most important is (human leukocyte antigen) HLA molecules which are present in soluble form in seminal plasma and in membrane form on the surface of cells (such as epithelial and leukocytes) existing in semen. Nevertheless, there is considerable debate over the expression of HLA antigens by human spermatozoa. Considering the critical role of HLA molecules in reproduction and the induction of an immune response, it is very important to clearly define HLA expression by spermatozoa and the role of these molecules in sperm morphology, motility, and strength to fertilize an egg. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine HLA expression by ejaculated spermatozoa. The results of this study will facilitate the design of future studies. Method Semen samples were collected from 50 healthy men with normal semen status by masturbation after 2–3 days of sexual abstinence. After purification of normal spermatozoa, HLA class I & II expression was evaluated by quantitative real‐time PCR and flow cytometry methods. Results The results showed the expression of both HLA class I & class II by spermatozoa. The results also showed that the expression of HLA class Ⅱ was significantly more than HLA class Ⅰ. Conclusion Spermatozoa express both HLA class I & class II molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasrin Sereshki
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Alireza Andalib
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ataollah Ghahiri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Al-Zahra Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ferdos Mehrabian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Al-Zahra Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Roya Sherkat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Al-Zahra Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Abbas Rezaei
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - David Wilkinson
- School of Geosciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
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