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Xu Z, Zhang K, Yang Y, Chang H, Wen F, Li X. The role of reproductive tract extracellular vesicles on boar sperm function. Theriogenology 2024; 230:278-284. [PMID: 39357166 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.09.029] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2024] [Accepted: 09/26/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are abundant in reproductive tract fluids and serve as important mediators of paracrine communication, influencing the function of gametes. Sperm undergo development in the male reproductive tract and exert their function within the female reproductive tract, engaging in interactions with various types of EVs present throughout the reproductive system. Previous studies have demonstrated that both male and female reproductive tract EVs can impact sperm function by transferring regulatory cargoes to them. Nevertheless, inconsistencies of previous research regarding the effects of EVs on sperm function, coupled with a lack of investigation into the influence of female reproductive tract EVs on sperm fertilization, have left the true role and underlying mechanisms of reproductive tract EVs on sperm function largely unexplored. Given that pigs represent significant economic livestock and serve as an ideal biomedical model for human diseases, this review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the current knowledge regarding reproductive tract EVs and their influence on boar sperm function, while highlighting their potential roles. We anticipate that this review will facilitate future research on reproductive tract EVs and their impact on sperm function, contributing to improved animal reproductive efficiency and advancements in the treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqian Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, Henan, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, Henan, China
| | - Youbing Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, Henan, China
| | - Huixian Chang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, Henan, China
| | - Fengyun Wen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, Henan, China.
| | - Xiaoxia Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, Henan, China.
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2
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Zigo M, Netherton J, Zelenková N, Kerns K, Kraus V, Postlerová P, Baker M, Sutovsky P. Bottom-up approach to deciphering the targets of the ubiquitin-proteasome system in porcine sperm capacitation. Sci Rep 2024; 14:20159. [PMID: 39215164 PMCID: PMC11364869 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-71056-4] [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: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Capacitation is an essential post-testicular maturation event endowing spermatozoa with fertilizing capacity within the female reproductive tract, significant for fertility, reproductive health, and contraception. By using a human-relevant large animal model, the domestic boar, this study focuses on furthering our understanding of the involvement of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) in sperm capacitation. The UPS is a universal, evolutionarily conserved, cellular proteome-wide degradation and recycling machinery, that has been shown to play a significant role in reproduction during the past two decades. Herein, we have used a bottom-up proteomic approach to (i) monitor the capacitation-related changes in the sperm protein levels, and (ii) identify the targets of UPS regulation during sperm capacitation. Spermatozoa were capacitated under proteasomal activity-permissive and inhibiting conditions and extracted sperm proteins were subjected to high-resolution mass spectrometry. We report that 401 individual proteins differed at least two-fold in abundance (P < 0.05) after in vitro capacitation (IVC) and 13 proteins were found significantly different (P < 0.05) between capacitated spermatozoa with proteasomal inhibition compared to the vehicle control. These proteins were associated with biological processes including sperm capacitation, sperm motility, metabolism, binding to zona pellucida, and proteasome-mediated catabolism. Changes in RAB2A, CFAP161, and TTR during IVC were phenotyped by immunocytochemistry, image-based flow cytometry, and Western blotting. We conclude that (i) the sperm proteome is subjected to extensive remodeling during sperm capacitation, and (ii) the UPS has a narrow range of distinct protein substrates during capacitation. This knowledge highlights the importance of the UPS in sperm capacitation and offers opportunities to identify novel pharmacological targets to modulate sperm fertilizing ability for the benefit of human reproductive health, assisted reproductive therapy, and contraception, as well as reproductive management in food animal agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Zigo
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211-5300, USA.
| | - Jacob Netherton
- HMRI Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Natálie Zelenková
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211-5300, USA
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, University of Life Sciences Prague, 16500, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Karl Kerns
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211-5300, USA
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Veronika Kraus
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, 25250, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Postlerová
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, University of Life Sciences Prague, 16500, Prague, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, 25250, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Mark Baker
- HMRI Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211-5300, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
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3
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Das A, Barua PM, Nath M, Deka N, Ahmed K, Sinha S, Kalita D, Borah P, Tamuly S, Borpujari D, Sonowal J, Hussain J, Choudhury MD. Effect of tyrode albumin lactate pyruvate and modified Krebs Ringers broth media on in vitro capacitation of HD-K75 boar spermatozoa at different period of incubation. Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14679. [PMID: 39086072 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
In vitro capacitation allows for a greater understanding of the mechanisms underlying fertilization and the development of improved reproductive techniques for improving fertility rates in porcine. Tyrodes albumin lactate pyruvate (TALP) and modified Krebs Ringers Broth (m-KRB) are two medias that are commonly used in research experiments to induce capacitation in boar spermatozoa (Cañón-Beltrán et al., Theriogenology, 198, 2023 and 231; Oberlender et al., Archivos de Medicina Veterinaria, 44, 2012 and 201; Sahoo et al., International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 241, 2023 and 124502). Moreover, understanding the morphological and functional changes in boar spermatozoa at different hours of capacitation periods might aid in the development of novel techniques for improving sperm quality and increasing the litter size. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of Tyrode albumin lactate pyruvate and modified Krebs Ringers Broth media on in vitro capacitation of HD-K75 boar spermatozoa at three different periods of incubation. A total of 24 ejaculate from four clinically healthy, 10-12 months aged HD-K75 boars, maintained at ICAR-All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on pig were selected. Semen was collected by 'Simple fist' method using a portable dummy. The semen samples having 200 mL volume, 103 × 106 spermatozoa/ml concentration and 70% initial motility were selected and split into two parts and suspended in TALP and m-KRB media, respectively, and incubated for 5 h at 37°C. Seminal parameters viz. sperm viability, plasma membrane integrity and acrosomal integrity were estimated in the samples at 0, 3 and 5 h of incubation. This study revealed that there was significant variation between media in live acrosome-reacted (p < .05) and HOST-reacted (p < .01) spermatozoa, while between capacitation periods significant (p < .01) variation was observed in hyperactivated spermatozoa, live acrosome-reacted spermatozoa, HOST-reacted spermatozoa, FITC-labelled PSA, extracellular protein and sperm cholesterol. Non-significant variation was observed in total phospholipid. TALP showed overall better consequence on sperm viability, plasma membrane and acrosomal integrity of boar spermatozoa. From this study, it could be concluded that both TALP and m-KRB media were virtuous to induce capacitation in HD-K75 boar spermatozoa. TALP media, however, had a better effect on sperm viability, plasma membrane and acrosomal integrity of boar spermatozoa. Out of the three different periods, 3 h capacitation period resulted in significantly (p < .01) higher incidence of sperm viability, plasma membrane and acrosomal integrity in HD-K75 boar spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunima Das
- College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | | | - Mrinal Nath
- College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Nipu Deka
- College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Kutubuddin Ahmed
- College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Sudip Sinha
- College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Dhireswar Kalita
- College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Prabodh Borah
- College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Shantanu Tamuly
- College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Dhrubajyoti Borpujari
- College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Joyshikh Sonowal
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, Assam, India
- Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Assam Agricultural University, Karimganj, Assam, India
| | - Jakir Hussain
- College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati, Assam, India
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Parra A, Barranco I, Martínez-Díaz P, González E, Albóniga OE, Cabrera D, Falcón-Pérez JM, Roca J. Cryogenic electron microscopy reveals morphologically distinct subtypes of extracellular vesicles among porcine ejaculate fractions. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16175. [PMID: 39003421 PMCID: PMC11246463 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67229-w] [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: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Seminal plasma (SP) is rich in extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are still poorly studied, especially in livestock species. To better understand their functional role in both spermatozoa and endometrial epithelial cells, proper characterization of EVs is an essential step. The objective was to phenotypically characterize porcine seminal EVs (sEVs) using cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM), which allows visualization of EVs in their native state. Porcine ejaculates are released in fractions, each containing SP from different source. This allows characterization sEVs released from various male reproductive tissues. Two experiments were performed, the first with SP from the entire ejaculate (n:6) and the second with SP from three ejaculate fractions (n:15): the first 10 mL of the sperm-rich ejaculate fraction (SRF-P1) with SP mainly from the epididymis, the remainder of the SRF (SRF-P2) with SP mainly from the prostate, and the post-SRF with SP mainly from the seminal vesicles. The sEVs were isolated by size exclusion chromatography and 1840 cryo-EM sEV images were acquired using a Jeol-JEM-2200FS/CR-EM. The size, electron density, complexity, and peripheral corona layer were measured in each sEV using the ImageJ software. The first experiment showed that sEVs were structurally and morphologically heterogeneous, although most (83.1%) were small (less than 200 nm), rounded, and poorly electrodense, and some have a peripheral coronal layer. There were also larger sEVs (16.9%) that were irregularly shaped, more electrodense, and few with a peripheral coronal layer. The second experiment showed that small sEVs were more common in SRF-P1 and SRF-P2, indicating that they originated mainly from the epididymis and prostate. Large sEVs were more abundant in post-SRF, indicating that they originated mainly from seminal vesicles. Porcine sEVs are structurally and morphologically heterogeneous. This would be explained by the diversity of reproductive organs of origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Parra
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Isabel Barranco
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pablo Martínez-Díaz
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Esperanza González
- Exosomes Laboratory, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Vizcaya, Spain
| | - Oihane E Albóniga
- Exosomes Laboratory, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Vizcaya, Spain
| | - Diana Cabrera
- Exosomes Laboratory, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Vizcaya, Spain
| | - Juan M Falcón-Pérez
- Exosomes Laboratory, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Vizcaya, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Madrid, Spain
- Metabolomics Platform, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences, Basque Research and Technology Alliance, Derio, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
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Barranco I, Spinaci M, Nesci S, Mateo-Otero Y, Baldassarro VA, Algieri C, Bucci D, Roca J. Seminal extracellular vesicles alter porcine in vitro fertilization outcome by modulating sperm metabolism. Theriogenology 2024; 219:167-179. [PMID: 38437767 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Porcine seminal plasma (SP) is loaded with a heterogeneous population of extracellular vesicles (sEVs) that modulate several reproductive-related processes. This study investigated the effect of two sEV subsets, small (S-sEVs) and large (L-sEVs), on porcine in vitro fertilization (IVF). The sEVs were isolated from nine SP pools (five ejaculates/pool) using a size-exclusion chromatography-based procedure and characterized for quantity (total protein), morphology (cryogenic electron microscopy), size distribution (dynamic light scattering), purity and EV-protein markers (flow cytometry; albumin, CD81, HSP90β). The characterization confirmed the existence of two subsets of high purity (low albumin content) sEVs that differed in size (S- and L-sEVs). In vitro fertilization was performed with in vitro matured oocytes and frozen-thawed spermatozoa and the IVF medium was supplemented during gamete coincubation (1 h at 38.5 °C, 5 % CO2 in a humidified atmosphere) with three different concentrations of each sEV subset: 0 (control, without sEVs), 0.1, and 0.2 mg/mL. The first experiment showed that sEVs, regardless of subset and concentration, decreased penetration rates and total IVF efficiency (P < 0.0001). In a subsequent experiment, it was shown that sEVs, regardless of subset and concentration, impaired the ability of spermatozoa to bind to the zona pellucida of oocytes (P < 0.0001). The following experiment showed that sEVs, regardless of the subset, bound to frozen-thawed sperm but not to in vitro matured oocytes, indicating that sEVs would affect sperm functionality but not oocyte functionality. The lack of effect on oocytes was confirmed by incubating sEVs with oocytes prior to IVF, achieving sperm-zona pellucida binding results similar to those of control. In the last experiment, conducted under IVF conditions, sperm functionality was analyzed in terms of tyrosine phosphorylation, acrosome integrity and metabolism. The sEVs, regardless of the subset, did not affect sperm tyrosine phosphorylation or acrosome integrity, but did influence sperm metabolism by decreasing sperm ATP production under capacitating conditions. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the presence of sEVs on IVF medium impairs IVF outcomes, most likely by altering sperm metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Barranco
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy; Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Spain
| | - Marcella Spinaci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Salvatore Nesci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain; Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Vito Antonio Baldassarro
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cristina Algieri
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Diego Bucci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Spain
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Lacalle E, Fernández-Alegre E, Gómez-Giménez B, Álvarez-Rodríguez M, Martín-Fernández B, Soriano-Úbeda C, Martínez-Pastor F. Application of Flow Cytometry Using Advanced Chromatin Analyses for Assessing Changes in Sperm Structure and DNA Integrity in a Porcine Model. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1953. [PMID: 38396632 PMCID: PMC10888687 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25041953] [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: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Chromatin status is critical for sperm fertility and reflects spermatogenic success. We tested a multivariate approach for studying pig sperm chromatin structure to capture its complexity with a set of quick and simple techniques, going beyond the usual assessment of DNA damage. Sperm doses from 36 boars (3 ejaculates/boar) were stored at 17 °C and analyzed on days 0 and 11. Analyses were: CASA (motility) and flow cytometry to assess sperm functionality and chromatin structure by SCSA (%DFI, DNA fragmentation; %HDS, chromatin maturity), monobromobimane (mBBr, tiol status/disulfide bridges between protamines), chromomycin A3 (CMA3, protamination), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG, DNA oxidative damage). Data were analyzed using linear models for the effects of boar and storage, correlations, and multivariate analysis as hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis (PCA). Storage reduced sperm quality parameters, mainly motility, with no critical oxidative stress increases, while chromatin status worsened slightly (%DFI and 8-oxo-dG increased while mBBr MFI-median fluorescence intensity-and disulfide bridge levels decreased). Boar significantly affected most chromatin variables except CMA3; storage also affected most variables except %HDS. At day 0, sperm chromatin variables clustered closely, except for CMA3, and %HDS and 8-oxo-dG correlated with many variables (notably, mBBr). After storage, the relation between %HDS and 8-oxo-dG remained, but correlations among other variables disappeared, and mBBr variables clustered separately. The PCA suggested a considerable influence of mBBr on sample variance, especially regarding storage, with SCSA and 8-oxo-dG affecting between-sample variability. Overall, CMA3 was the least informative, in contrast with results in other species. The combination of DNA fragmentation, DNA oxidation, chromatin compaction, and tiol status seems a good candidate for obtaining a complete picture of pig sperm nucleus status. It raises many questions for future molecular studies and deserves further research to establish its usefulness as a fertility predictor in multivariate models. The usefulness of CMA3 should be clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estíbaliz Lacalle
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (E.L.); (B.M.-F.)
- Bianor Biotech SL, 24071 León, Spain
| | | | - Belén Gómez-Giménez
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (E.L.); (B.M.-F.)
| | - Manuel Álvarez-Rodríguez
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology, Spanish Scientific Research Council (INIA-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Beatriz Martín-Fernández
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (E.L.); (B.M.-F.)
- Department of Molecular Biology (Cell Biology), University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Cristina Soriano-Úbeda
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Veterinary Anatomy (Animal Medicine and Surgery), University of León, 24071 León, Spain;
| | - Felipe Martínez-Pastor
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (E.L.); (B.M.-F.)
- Department of Molecular Biology (Cell Biology), University of León, 24071 León, Spain
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Barranco I, Alvarez-Barrientos A, Parra A, Martínez-Díaz P, Lucas X, Roca J. Immunophenotype profile by flow cytometry reveals different subtypes of extracellular vesicles in porcine seminal plasma. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:63. [PMID: 38263049 PMCID: PMC10807091 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01485-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Porcine seminal plasma (SP) is endowed with a heterogeneous population of extracellular vesicles (sEVs). This study evaluated the immunophenotypic profile by high-sensitivity flow cytometry of eight sEV subpopulations isolated according to their size (small [S-sEVs] and large [L-sEVs]) from four different SP sources, namely three ejaculate fractions (the first 10 mL of the sperm rich fraction [SRF-P1], the remaining SRF [SRF-P2], and the post-SRF [PSRF]) and entire ejaculate (EE). METHODS Seminal EVs were isolated using a size exclusion chromatography-based protocol from six SP pools (five ejaculates/pool) of each SP source and characterized using complementary approaches including total protein (BCA™assay), particle size distribution (dynamic light scattering), morphology (transmission electron microscopy), and purity (albumin by Western blot). Expression of CD9, CD63, CD81, CD44 and HSP90β was analyzed in all sEV subpopulations by high-sensitivity flow cytometry according to MIFlowCyt-EV guidelines, including an accurate calibration, controls, and discrimination by CFSE-labelling. RESULTS Each sEV subpopulation exhibited a specific immunophenotypic profile. The percentage of sEVs positive for CD9, CD63, CD81 and HSP90β differed between S- and L-sEVs (P < 0.0001). Specifically, the percentage of sEVs positive for CD9 and CD63 was higher and that for CD81 was lower in S- than L-sEVs in the four SP sources. However, the percentage of HSP90β-positive sEVs was lower in S-sEVs than L-sEVs in the SRF-P1 and EE samples. The percentage of sEVs positive for CD9, CD63, and CD44 also differed among the four SP sources (P < 0.0001), being highest in PSRF samples. Notably, virtually all sEV subpopulations expressed CD44 (range: 88.04-98.50%). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated the utility of high-sensitivity flow cytometry for sEV immunophenotyping, allowing the identification of distinct sEV subpopulations that may have different cellular origin, cargo, functions, and target cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Barranco
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | | | - Ana Parra
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pablo Martínez-Díaz
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Xiomara Lucas
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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8
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Xu Z, Xie Y, Wu C, Gu T, Zhang X, Yang J, Yang H, Zheng E, Huang S, Xu Z, Li Z, Cai G, Liu D, Hong L, Wu Z. The effects of boar seminal plasma extracellular vesicles on sperm fertility. Theriogenology 2024; 213:79-89. [PMID: 37816296 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are abundant in body fluid and are critical in cell interaction. Seminal plasma contains numerous EVs which affecting sperm function via transferring regulatory cargoes to the sperm. However, the mechanism of seminal plasma extracellular vesicles (SP-EVs) is still not clear. The present study aimed to isolate the boar SP-EVs and explore its potential function, then identify the key protein involved in SP-EVs and sperms interaction, and elucidate mechanism of SP-EVs protein on sperms. Here, we successfully isolated and concentrated boar SP-EVs, the SP-EVs showed a typical vesicle structure under transmission electron microscopy, most of their diameters range between 50 and 200 nm and express EVs biomarkers CD9 and CD63. We proved that SP-EVs could inhibit sperm acrosome reaction and in vitro fertility. Through a data-independent acquisition analysis of protein profiles of noncapacitated sperms, normal capacitated sperms and SP-EVs treated capacitated sperms, we identified that EZRIN was one of the active proteins that participated in SP-EVs and sperms interaction. Furthermore, we tested that the inhibition of EZRIN could promote boar sperm fertility, which is in consistence with the function of SP-EVs. The results may facilitate future research of SP-EVs on sperm function and male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqian Xu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, Henan, China
| | - Yanshe Xie
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Changhua Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Ting Gu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Xianwei Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Wens Foodstuff Group Co., Ltd., Yunfu, 527400, Guangdong, China
| | - Jie Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Huaqiang Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Enqin Zheng
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Sixiu Huang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Zheng Xu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Zicong Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Gengyuan Cai
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Dewu Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Linjun Hong
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China.
| | - Zhenfang Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Wens Foodstuff Group Co., Ltd., Yunfu, 527400, Guangdong, China.
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9
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Cerepaka C, Schlupp I. Sperm specificity and potential paternal effects in gynogenesis in the Amazon Molly ( Poecilia formosa). PeerJ 2023; 11:e16118. [PMID: 37941935 PMCID: PMC10629382 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The Amazon Molly (Poecilia formosa) reproduces by gynogenesis, a relatively rare form of asexual reproduction where sperm is required to trigger embryogenesis, but male genes are not incorporated into the genome of the embryo. Studying gynogenesis could isolate paternal non-genetic effects on reproduction. This study explored which of eleven related species can produce sperm to trigger gynogenesis through natural mating in P. formosa, and whether sympatry affects reproductive success in P. formosa. Reproductive outcomes measured were relative reproductive output (number of offspring in the first brood divided by female standard length), relative embryo output (number of embryos in the first brood divided by female standard length) and combined relative reproductive output (sum of relative reproductive output and relative embryo output). For large (>4 cm) P. formosa, combined relative reproductive output was higher with sympatric Atlantic Molly (Poecilia mexicana) males than with allopatric P. mexicana males. P. formosa produced live offspring or late-stage embryos with all species tested in the genera Poecilia and Limia but did not produce offspring or embryos with males from the genera Gambusia, Girardinus, Heterandria, Poeciliopsis, or Xiphophorus. This information, as well as the limitations characterized in this study, will set a foundation for use of P. formosa as a model for paternal effects and the species specificity of sperm on fertilization, embryogenesis, and reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Cerepaka
- Division of Comparative Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, United States of America
- Lab Animal Resource Center, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, United States of America
| | - Ingo Schlupp
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, United States of America
- International Stock Center for Livebearing Fishes, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, United States of America
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10
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Li Q, Yang Q, Guo P, Feng Y, Wang S, Guo J, Tang Z, Yu W, Liao J. Mitophagy contributes to zinc-induced ferroptosis in porcine testis cells. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 179:113950. [PMID: 37481227 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.113950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Zinc (Zn) is a critical microelement for physiological process, but excess exposure can cause testicular dysfunction. However, the underlying mechanism of Zn-induced ferroptosis via regulating mitophagy is unknown. In this study, a total of 60 male weaned pigs were randomly divided into three groups and the content of Zn were 75 mg/kg (control), 750 mg/kg (Zn-I), 1500 mg/kg (Zn-II). Meanwhile, testicular cells were treated with ZnSO4 (0, 50 and 100 μM), and in combination of ZnSO4 (100 μM) and ferrostation-1, ML-210, or 3-methyladenine for 24 h. Our results verified that Zn could cause ferroptosis and lipid peroxidation, which were characterized by down-regulating level of SLC7A11, GPX4, and ferritin, and up-regulating levels of MDA, CD71, TF, and HMGB1 by Western blot, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, peroxidase assay, et.ac. The opposite effect was shown after treatment with ferrostation-1 or ML-210. Meanwhile, the mitophagy-related proteins (PINK, Parkin, ATG5, LC3-II/LC3-I) were significantly upregulated in vivo and in vitro. Most importantly, 3-methyladenine observably relieved ferroptosis under Zn treatment through inhibiting mitophagy. Collectively, we demonstrated that mitophagy contributes to Zn-induced ferroptosis in porcine testis cells, providing a new insight into Zn toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanwei Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Qingwen Yang
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chongqing Three Gorges Vocational College, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Pan Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Yuanhong Feng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Shaofeng Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Jianying Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Zhaoxin Tang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Wenlan Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Jianzhao Liao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, PR China.
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11
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Keller A, Kerns K. Sperm capacitation as a predictor of boar fertility. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:594-600. [PMID: 37306038 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Prediction of a boar's fertility level has great economic importance for sow herds. After standard sperm morphology and motility metrics are met, approximately 25% of boars have less than 80% conception rates. Due in part to the many factors involved in the fertilization process, a multifactorial model incorporating multiple relevant sperm physiology factors will likely lead to increased understanding of boar fertility. Here we review the current literature on boar sperm capacitation as a predictor of boar fertility. While limited, several studies have provided correlations between the percentage of sperm in an ejaculate that are capable of undergoing sperm capacitation in a chemically defined media and artificial insemination field fertility as well as proteome and other methods. Work summarized here underscores the need for further understanding of boar fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Keller
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Karl Kerns
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
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12
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Zigo M, Kerns K, Sutovsky P. The Ubiquitin-Proteasome System Participates in Sperm Surface Subproteome Remodeling during Boar Sperm Capacitation. Biomolecules 2023; 13:996. [PMID: 37371576 PMCID: PMC10296210 DOI: 10.3390/biom13060996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm capacitation is a complex process endowing biological and biochemical changes to a spermatozoon for a successful encounter with an oocyte. The present study focused on the role of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) in the remodeling of the sperm surface subproteome. The sperm surface subproteome from non-capacitated and in vitro capacitated (IVC) porcine spermatozoa, with and without proteasomal inhibition, was selectively isolated. The purified sperm surface subproteome was analyzed using high-resolution, quantitative liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) in four replicates. We identified 1680 HUGO annotated proteins, out of which we found 91 to be at least 1.5× less abundant (p < 0.05) and 141 to be at least 1.5× more abundant (p < 0.05) on the surface of IVC spermatozoa. These proteins were associated with sperm capacitation, hyperactivation, metabolism, acrosomal exocytosis, and fertilization. Abundances of 14 proteins were found to be significantly different (p < 0.05), exceeding a 1.5-fold abundance between the proteasomally inhibited (100 µM MG132) and vehicle control (0.2% ethanol) groups. The proteins NIF3L1, CSE1L, NDUFB7, PGLS, PPP4C, STK39, and TPRG1L were found to be more abundant; while BPHL, GSN, GSPT1, PFDN4, STYXL1, TIMM10, and UBXN4 were found to be less abundant in proteasomally inhibited IVC spermatozoa. Despite the UPS having a narrow range of targets, it modulated sperm metabolism and binding by regulating susceptible surface proteins. Changes in CSE1L, PFDN4, and STK39 during in vitro capacitation were confirmed using immunocytochemistry, image-based flow cytometry, and Western blotting. The results confirmed the active participation of the UPS in the extensive sperm surface proteome remodeling that occurs during boar sperm capacitation. This work will help us to identify new pharmacological mechanisms to positively or negatively modulate sperm fertilizing ability in food animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Zigo
- Division of Animal Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA;
| | - Karl Kerns
- Division of Animal Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA;
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA;
| | - Peter Sutovsky
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA;
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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13
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Probing the chemical unfolding and phospholipid binding to the major protein of donkey seminal plasma, DSP-1 by fluorescence spectroscopy. J Photochem Photobiol A Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochem.2023.114643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
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14
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Torres-Badia M, Martin-Hidalgo D, Serrano R, Garcia-Marin LJ, Bragado MJ. Bisphenol S Reduces Pig Spermatozoa Motility through Different Intracellular Pathways and Mechanisms than Its Analog Bisphenol A. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119598. [PMID: 37298548 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA: 2,3-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) propane) is an environmental chemical widely used in the manufacturing of epoxy polymers and many thermoplastic consumer products. Serious concerns about its safety led to the development of analogs, such as BPS (4-hydroxyphenyl sulfone). Very limited studies about BPS's impact on reproduction, specifically in spermatozoa, exist in comparison with BPA. Therefore, this work aims to study the in vitro impact of BPS in pig spermatozoa in comparison with BPA, focusing on sperm motility, intracellular signaling pathways and functional sperm parameters. We have used porcine spermatozoa as an optimal and validated in vitro cell model to investigate sperm toxicity. Pig spermatozoa were exposed to 1 and 100 μM BPS or BPA for 3 and 20 h. Both bisphenol S and A (100 μM) significantly reduce pig sperm motility in a time-dependent manner, although BPS exerts a lower and slower effect than BPA. Moreover, BPS (100 μM, 20 h) causes a significant increase in the mitochondrial reactive species, whereas it does not affect sperm viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, cell reactive oxygen species, GSK3α/β phosphorylation or phosphorylation of PKA substrates. However, BPA (100 μM, 20 h) leads to a decrease in sperm viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, GSK3β phosphorylation and PKA phosphorylation, also causing an increase in cell reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial reactive species. These intracellular effects and signaling pathways inhibited might contribute to explaining the BPA-triggered reduction in pig sperm motility. However, the intracellular pathways and mechanisms triggered by BPS are different, and the BPS-caused reduction in motility can be only partially attributed to an increase in mitochondrial oxidant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Torres-Badia
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Institute of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Livestock (INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
| | - David Martin-Hidalgo
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Institute of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Livestock (INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
- Research Unit, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Cáceres, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
| | - Rebeca Serrano
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Institute of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Livestock (INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
| | - Luis J Garcia-Marin
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Institute of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Livestock (INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
| | - Maria J Bragado
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Institute of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Livestock (INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
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15
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Mateo-Otero Y, Madrid-Gambin F, Llavanera M, Gomez-Gomez A, Haro N, Pozo OJ, Yeste M. Sperm physiology and in vitro fertilising ability rely on basal metabolic activity: insights from the pig model. Commun Biol 2023; 6:344. [PMID: 36997604 PMCID: PMC10063579 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04715-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Whether basal metabolic activity in sperm has any influence on their fertilising capacity has not been explored. Using the pig as a model, the present study investigated the relationship of energetic metabolism with sperm quality and function (assessed through computer-assisted sperm analysis and flow cytometry), and fertility (in vitro fertilisation (IVF) outcomes). In semen samples from 16 boars, levels of metabolites related to glycolysis, ketogenesis and Krebs cycle were determined through a targeted metabolomics approach using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. High-quality sperm are associated to greater levels of glycolysis-derived metabolites, and oocyte fertilisation and embryo development are conditioned by the sperm metabolic status. Interestingly, glycolysis appears to be the preferred catabolic pathway of the sperm giving rise to greater percentages of embryos at day 6. In conclusion, this study shows that the basal metabolic activity of sperm influences their function, even beyond fertilisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Francisco Madrid-Gambin
- Applied Metabolomics Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), ES-08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Llavanera
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Alex Gomez-Gomez
- Applied Metabolomics Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), ES-08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Noemí Haro
- Applied Metabolomics Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), ES-08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oscar J Pozo
- Applied Metabolomics Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), ES-08003, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain.
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain.
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), ES-08010, Barcelona, Spain.
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16
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Padilla L, Barranco I, Martínez-Hernández J, Parra A, Parrilla I, Pastor LM, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Lucas X, Roca J. Extracellular vesicles would be involved in the release and delivery of seminal TGF-β isoforms in pigs. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1102049. [PMID: 36846267 PMCID: PMC9950116 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1102049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pig seminal plasma (SP) is rich in active forms of all three isoforms (1-3) of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), a chemokine modulatory of the immune environment in the female genital tract once semen is delivered during mating or artificial insemination (AI). The present study aimed to examine how TGF-βs are secreted by the epithelium of the male reproductive tract and how they are transported in semen, emphasizing the interplay with seminal extracellular vesicles (sEVs). Methods Source of TGF-βs was examined by immunohistochemistry in testis, epididymis, and accessory sex glands, by immunocytochemistry in ejaculated spermatozoa, and by Luminex xMAP® technology in SP and sEVs retrieved from healthy, fertile male pigs used as breeders in AI programs. Results All three TGF-β isoforms were expressed in all reproductive tissues explored and would be released into ductal lumen either in soluble form or associated with sEVs. Ejaculated spermatozoa expressed all three TGF-β isoforms, both inside and outside, probably the outer one associated with membrane-bound sEVs. The results confirmed that pig SP contains all three TGF-β isoforms and demonstrated that a substantial portion of them is associated with sEVs. Discussion Seminal EVs would be involved in the cellular secretion of the active forms of seminal TGF-β isoforms and in their safe transport from the male to the female reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Padilla
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Isabel Barranco
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jesús Martínez-Hernández
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Ana Parra
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Parrilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Pastor
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Xiomara Lucas
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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Losano JDDA, Daigneault BW. Pharmacological perturbation of peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor gamma alters motility and mitochondrial function of bovine sperm. Andrology 2023; 11:155-166. [PMID: 36198578 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13308] [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: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sperm transit through the female reproductive relies upon maintenance of sperm motility. Peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a ligand-activated nuclear transcription factor with roles in glucose metabolism and reproductive processes including placental function. PPARγ roles in the mammalian postejaculatory sperm function are incompletely defined. OBJECTIVES Determine expression, localization, and functions of PPARγ in postejaculatory bovine sperm. MATERIALS AND METHODS Frozen-thawed bovine sperm from three to four different bulls were pooled and subjected to immunofluorescence and western blot for detection and localization of PPARγ. Functions in sperm energetics were explored through the addition of pharmacological inhibition (GW; GW9662) and activation (Ros; Rosiglitazone) in the culture medium at 0 and 24 h under non-capacitating conditions. Samples were analyzed for sperm kinematics (CASA) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP; JC-1 fluorophore). RESULTS PPARγ was detected in bovine sperm and co-localized to the acrosome with re-localization to the equatorial region in acrosome-compromised sperm. The addition of Ros 50 µM for 24 h maintained superior total and progressive motility of sperm compared to vehicle control (VC-DMSO 0.01%). The PPARγ antagonist GW 1 µM was detrimental to both total and progressive motility. A challenge experiment (Ros + GW) partially rescued total and progressive motility phenotypes observed with GW incubation. GW-treated samples had a lower number of sperm with high MMP at 24 h compared to Ros or VC. The negative GW MMP phenotype was reversed with the addition of Ros + GW. Likewise, GW-treated samples had more sperm with low MMP compared to VC and Ros, and this phenotype was partially restored with Ros + GW. CONCLUSION PPARγ is expressed in post-ejaculatory bovine sperm with regulatory roles in sperm motility and MMP. These findings implicate PPARγ as a novel regulator of postejaculatory mammalian sperm energetics through non-canonical signaling mechanisms.
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Rodriguez-Martinez H, Roca J, Alvarez-Rodriguez M, Martinez-Serrano CA. How does the boar epididymis regulate the emission of fertile spermatozoa? Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 246:106829. [PMID: 34452796 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The epididymis is responsible for peripheral immune tolerance of maturing spermatozoa even though these have xeno-antigens foreign to the male and female immune system. The epididymis also produces factors required for fertilization and serves as a sperm repository until the time of ejaculation. These reproduction-relevant epididymal functions occur in the mesonephros-derived duct-system that is composed of absorptive and secretory epithelial cells with the capacity for merocrine and apocrine secretion of proteins, antioxidative- and electrolyte/pH-regulating enzymes and small, non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs), many stored in epididymosomes for sperm adhesion and long-lasting modifications of sperm functions. This paper provides a review summary of current and new knowledge of how the boar epididymis affects the quality of spermatozoa in the ejaculate of breeding boars. There is a particular focus on sperm maturation, survival, function and the role of signaling to the female immune system in fertility modulation. Furthermore, aspects related to the ductus epithelial contributions regarding electrolyte control, protein production, release of epididymosomes that contain sncRNAs are emphasized as are novel associations with fertility of the male, sperm quiescence during storage in the cauda epididymis, and on changes occurring in sperm subsequent to ejaculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Alvarez-Rodriguez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Cristina A Martinez-Serrano
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185, Linköping, Sweden
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19
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Qu X, Han Y, Chen X, Lv Y, Zhang Y, Cao L, Zhang J, Jin Y. Inhibition of 26 S Proteasome Enhances AKAP3-mediated cAMP-PKA Signaling During Boar Sperm Capacitation. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 247:107079. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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Delgado-Bermúdez A, Yeste M, Bonet S, Pinart E. A Review on the Role of Bicarbonate and Proton Transporters during Sperm Capacitation in Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116333. [PMID: 35683013 PMCID: PMC9180951 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Alkalinization of sperm cytosol is essential for plasma membrane hyperpolarization, hyperactivation of motility, and acrosomal exocytosis during sperm capacitation in mammals. The plasma membrane of sperm cells contains different ion channels implicated in the increase of internal pH (pHi) by favoring either bicarbonate entrance or proton efflux. Bicarbonate transporters belong to the solute carrier families 4 (SLC4) and 26 (SLC26) and are currently grouped into Na+/HCO3− transporters and Cl−/HCO3− exchangers. Na+/HCO3− transporters are reported to be essential for the initial and fast entrance of HCO3− that triggers sperm capacitation, whereas Cl−/HCO3− exchangers are responsible for the sustained HCO3− entrance which orchestrates the sequence of changes associated with sperm capacitation. Proton efflux is required for the fast alkalinization of capacitated sperm cells and the activation of pH-dependent proteins; according to the species, this transport can be mediated by Na+/H+ exchangers (NHE) belonging to the SLC9 family and/or voltage-gated proton channels (HVCN1). Herein, we discuss the involvement of each of these channels in sperm capacitation and the acrosome reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariadna Delgado-Bermúdez
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; (A.D.-B.); (M.Y.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; (A.D.-B.); (M.Y.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), ES-08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; (A.D.-B.); (M.Y.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Elisabeth Pinart
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; (A.D.-B.); (M.Y.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-972-419-514
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Fernández-Alegre E, Lacalle E, Soriano-Úbeda C, González-Montaña JR, Domínguez JC, Casao A, Martínez-Pastor F. Bos taurus and Cervus elaphus as Non-Seasonal/Seasonal Models for the Role of Melatonin Receptors in the Spermatozoon. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116284. [PMID: 35682961 PMCID: PMC9181011 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Melatonin is crucial in reproduction due its antioxidant, hormonal, and paracrine action. Melatonin membrane receptors (MT1/MT2) have been confirmed on spermatozoa from several species, but functionality studies are scarce. To clarify their role in ruminants as reproductive models, bull (Bos taurus, non-seasonal) and red deer (Cervus elaphus, highly seasonal) spermatozoa were analyzed after 4 h of incubation (38 °C, capacitating media) in 10 nM melatonin, MT1/MT2 agonists (phenylmelatonin and 8M-PDOT), and antagonists (luzindole and 4P-PDOT). Motility and functionality (flow cytometry: viability, intracellular calcium, capacitation status, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and acrosomal and mitochondrial status) were assessed. In bull, MT1 was related to sperm viability preservation, whereas MT2 could modulate cell functionality to prevent excess ROS produced by the mitochondria; this action could have a role in modulating sperm capacitation. Deer spermatozoa showed resistance to melatonin and receptor activation, possibly because the samples were of epididymal origin and collected at the breeding season's peak, with high circulating melatonin. However, receptors could be involved in mitochondrial protection. Therefore, melatonin receptors are functional in the spermatozoa from bull and deer, with different activities. These species offer models differing from traditional laboratory experimental animals on the role of melatonin in sperm biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estela Fernández-Alegre
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), University of León, 24071 Leon, Spain; (E.F.-A.); (E.L.); (C.S.-Ú.); (J.R.G.-M.); (J.C.D.)
- Bianor Biotech SL, 24071 Leon, Spain
| | - Estíbaliz Lacalle
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), University of León, 24071 Leon, Spain; (E.F.-A.); (E.L.); (C.S.-Ú.); (J.R.G.-M.); (J.C.D.)
- Bianor Biotech SL, 24071 Leon, Spain
| | - Cristina Soriano-Úbeda
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), University of León, 24071 Leon, Spain; (E.F.-A.); (E.L.); (C.S.-Ú.); (J.R.G.-M.); (J.C.D.)
- Department of Molecular Biology (Cell Biology), University of León, 24071 Leon, Spain
| | - José Ramiro González-Montaña
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), University of León, 24071 Leon, Spain; (E.F.-A.); (E.L.); (C.S.-Ú.); (J.R.G.-M.); (J.C.D.)
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Veterinary Anatomy (Animal Medicine and Surgery), University of León, 24071 Leon, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Domínguez
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), University of León, 24071 Leon, Spain; (E.F.-A.); (E.L.); (C.S.-Ú.); (J.R.G.-M.); (J.C.D.)
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Veterinary Anatomy (Animal Medicine and Surgery), University of León, 24071 Leon, Spain
| | - Adriana Casao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Institute of Environmental Sciences of Aragón, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Felipe Martínez-Pastor
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), University of León, 24071 Leon, Spain; (E.F.-A.); (E.L.); (C.S.-Ú.); (J.R.G.-M.); (J.C.D.)
- Department of Molecular Biology (Cell Biology), University of León, 24071 Leon, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-987-291-491
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22
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Zigo M, Kerns K, Sen S, Essien C, Oko R, Xu D, Sutovsky P. Zinc is a master-regulator of sperm function associated with binding, motility, and metabolic modulation during porcine sperm capacitation. Commun Biol 2022; 5:538. [PMID: 35660793 PMCID: PMC9166710 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03485-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm capacitation is a post-testicular maturation step endowing spermatozoa with fertilizing capacity within the female reproductive tract, significant for fertility, reproductive health, and contraception. Recently discovered mammalian sperm zinc signatures and their changes during sperm in vitro capacitation (IVC) warranted a more in-depth study of zinc interacting proteins (further zincoproteins). Here, we identified 1752 zincoproteins, with 102 changing significantly in abundance (P < 0.05) after IVC. These are distributed across 8 molecular functions, 16 biological processes, and 22 protein classes representing 130 pathways. Two key, paradigm-shifting observations were made: i) during sperm capacitation, molecular functions of zincoproteins are both upregulated and downregulated within several molecular function categories; and ii) Huntington's and Parkinson's disease pathways were the two most represented, making spermatozoon a candidate model for studying neurodegenerative diseases. These findings highlight the importance of Zn2+ homeostasis in reproduction, offering new avenues in semen processing for human-assisted reproductive therapy, identification of somatic-reproductive comorbidities, and livestock breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Zigo
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
| | - Karl Kerns
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Sidharth Sen
- Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA
| | - Clement Essien
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Richard Oko
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3 N6, Canada
| | - Dong Xu
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
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23
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Mateo-Otero Y, Llavanera M, Recuero S, Delgado-Bermúdez A, Barranco I, Ribas-Maynou J, Yeste M. Sperm DNA damage compromises embryo development, but not oocyte fertilisation in pigs. Biol Res 2022; 55:15. [PMID: 35365220 PMCID: PMC8973803 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-022-00386-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The assessment of sperm DNA integrity has been proposed as a complementary test to conventional mammalian semen analysis. In this sense, single-strand (SSB) and double-strand (DSB) DNA breaks, the two types of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), have been reported to have different aetiologies and to be associated to different fertility outcomes in bovine and humans. Considering that no studies in porcine have addressed how SDF may affect sperm quality and fertility outcomes, the present work aimed to determine the impact of global DNA damage, SSB and DSB on sperm quality and in vitro fertilising ability. To this end, 24 ejaculates (one per boar) were split into three aliquots: the first was used to assess sperm quality parameters through a computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system and flow cytometry; the second was used to perform in vitro fertilisation, and the third, to evaluate sperm DNA integrity using alkaline and neutral Comet assays. Results The results showed that global DNA damage negatively correlates (P < 0.05) with normal sperm morphology (R = − 0.460) and progressive motility (R = − 0.419), and positively with the percentage of non-viable sperm (R = 0.507). Multiple regression analyses showed that non-viable sperm were related to SSB (β = − 0.754). In addition, while fertilisation did not seem to be affected by sperm DNA integrity, global DNA damage, DSB and SSB were found to be correlated to embryo development outcomes. Specifically, whereas global DNA damage and DSB negatively affected (P < 0.05) the later preimplantation embryo stages (percentage of early blastocyst/blastocyst D6: for global DNA damage, R = − 0.458, and for DSB, R = − 0.551; and percentage of hatching/hatched blastocyst D6: for global DNA damage, R = − 0.505, and for DSB, R = − 0.447), global DNA damage and SSB had a negative impact (P < 0.05) on the developmental competency of fertilised embryos (R = − 0.532 and R = − 0.515, respectively). Remarkably, multiple regression analyses supported the associations found in correlation analyses. Finally, the present work also found that the inclusion of Comet assays to the conventional sperm quality tests improves the prediction of blastocyst formation (AUC = 0.9021, P < 0.05), but not fertilisation rates (P > 0.05). Conclusion Considering all these findings, this work sets a useful model to study how SDF negatively influences fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Llavanera
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Sandra Recuero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Ariadna Delgado-Bermúdez
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Isabel Barranco
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell'Emilia, T40064, Bologna, Italy
| | - Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain. .,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain.
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain. .,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain. .,Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), S08010, Barcelona, Spain.
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24
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Almeida FRCL, Dias ALNA. Pregnancy in pigs: the journey of an early life. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2022; 78:106656. [PMID: 34474228 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2021.106656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Embryo mortality is responsible for greater losses in litter size in pigs. It is well known that pregnancy establishment is a complex process, and important changes occur continuously in both the corpora lutea and the endometrium, which varies depending on the pre-natal development phase: embryonic, pre-implantation or fetal stages. The placenta is a key organ responsible for the exchange of nutrients, metabolites and respiratory gases between mother and fetuses. The porcine placenta is diffuse, epitheliochorial, and placentation begins with implantation, which involves specialized cell adhesion and cell migration, leading to the attachment of the trophectoderm to the uterine endometrial lumen epithelium. The efficiency with which the placenta provides adequate amounts of nutrients and oxygen to the fetus is crucial for proper fetal growth and development. In the last decades, emphasis on selection for sow prolificacy has resulted in a substantial increase in the number of piglets born per litter, which had a direct effect on piglet quality, compromising birth weight and litter uniformity. Placental insufficiency will lead to fetal intrauterine growth restriction. This review addresses the main events of early embryo development, including preimplantation and implantation periods. In addition, placentation and its role on fetal development are covered, as well as intrauterine growth restriction, as it is a natural condition in the pig, with long lasting detrimental effects to the production chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- F R C L Almeida
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Science, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, CEP 31207-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
| | - A L N Alvarenga Dias
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Uberlandia, Rodovia BR-050, km 78 - CEP 38410-337, Uberlandia, MG, Brazil
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25
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Chen PR, Redel BK, Kerns KC, Spate LD, Prather RS. Challenges and Considerations during In Vitro Production of Porcine Embryos. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102770. [PMID: 34685749 PMCID: PMC8535139 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetically modified pigs have become valuable tools for generating advances in animal agriculture and human medicine. Importantly, in vitro production and manipulation of embryos is an essential step in the process of creating porcine models. As the in vitro environment is still suboptimal, it is imperative to examine the porcine embryo culture system from several angles to identify methods for improvement. Understanding metabolic characteristics of porcine embryos and considering comparisons with other mammalian species is useful for optimizing culture media formulations. Furthermore, stressors arising from the environment and maternal or paternal factors must be taken into consideration to produce healthy embryos in vitro. In this review, we progress stepwise through in vitro oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo culture in pigs to assess the status of current culture systems and address points where improvements can be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula R. Chen
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | | | - Karl C. Kerns
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Lee D. Spate
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- National Swine Resource and Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Randall S. Prather
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- National Swine Resource and Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Correspondence:
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26
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Sperm Lipid Markers of Male Fertility in Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168767. [PMID: 34445473 PMCID: PMC8395862 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm plasma membrane lipids are essential for the function and integrity of mammalian spermatozoa. Various lipid types are involved in each key step within the fertilization process in their own yet coordinated way. The balance between lipid metabolism is tightly regulated to ensure physiological cellular processes, especially referring to crucial steps such as sperm motility, capacitation, acrosome reaction or fusion. At the same time, it has been shown that male reproductive function depends on the homeostasis of sperm lipids. Here, we review the effects of phospholipid, neutral lipid and glycolipid homeostasis on sperm fertilization function and male fertility in mammals.
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27
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Torres-Badia M, Solar-Malaga S, Martin-Hidalgo D, Hurtado de Llera A, Gomez-Candelo A, Garcia-Marin LJ, González-Fernández L, Bragado MJ. Impaired mammalian sperm function and lower phosphorylation signaling caused by the herbicide Roundup® Ultra Plus are due to its surfactant component. Theriogenology 2021; 172:55-66. [PMID: 34102463 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The use of worldwide glyphosate-based herbicide Roundup® is growing and to date its effects on mammalian spermatozoa are controversial. This study aims to investigate the functional impact of in vitro exposure of pig spermatozoa to low concentrations of Roundup® Ultra Plus (RUP), similar to those present as environment contaminants, to its active ingredient glyphosate, and to the non-active component, surfactant polyoxyethyleneamine (POEA). Pig spermatozoa were incubated in Tyrode's basal medium (TBM) or Tyrode's complete medium (TCM) (1 h at 38.5 °C) with several RUP dilutions or equivalent concentrations of glyphosate or POEA. RUP treatment causes a significant dilution-dependent decrease in sperm motility, a significant increase in plasma membrane disorganization and reduction in GSK3β phosphorylation (TBM) and in two PKA substrates (TBM and TCM), whereas does not affect sperm viability or mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Equivalent glyphosate concentrations do not affect any functional sperm parameters. However, POEA concentrations equivalent to RUP dilutions mimic all RUP sperm effects: decrease sperm motility in a concentration-dependent manner, increase sperm plasma membrane lipid disorder and significantly inhibit GSK3β phosphorylation (TBM) and two PKA substrates without affecting sperm viability or MMP. In summary, low concentrations RUP herbicide cause sperm motility impairment without affecting sperm viability. This adverse effect could be likely due to a detrimental effect in the plasma membrane lipid organization and to inhibition of phosphorylation of both, GSK3β and specific PKA substrates. Importantly, our results indicate that negative effects of low RUP concentrations in pig spermatozoa function are likely caused by the surfactant included in its formulation and no by its active ingredient glyphosate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Torres-Badia
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Research Institute INBIO G+C, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
| | - Soraya Solar-Malaga
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Research Institute INBIO G+C, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
| | - David Martin-Hidalgo
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Research Institute INBIO G+C, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
| | - Ana Hurtado de Llera
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Research Institute INBIO G+C, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
| | - Andrea Gomez-Candelo
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Research Institute INBIO G+C, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
| | - Luis J Garcia-Marin
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Research Institute INBIO G+C, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
| | - Lauro González-Fernández
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Research Institute INBIO G+C, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
| | - Maria J Bragado
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Research Institute INBIO G+C, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain.
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28
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The less conserved metal-binding site in human CRISP1 remains sensitive to zinc ions to permit protein oligomerization. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5498. [PMID: 33750840 PMCID: PMC7943821 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84926-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs) are a subgroup of the CRISP, antigen 5 and PR-1 (CAP) superfamily that is characterized by the presence of a conserved CAP domain. Two conserved histidines in the CAP domain are proposed to function as a Zn2+-binding site with unknown function. Human CRISP1 is, however, one of the few family members that lack one of these characteristic histidine residues. The Zn2+-dependent oligomerization properties of human CRISP1 were investigated using a maltose-binding protein (MBP)-tagging approach in combination with low expression levels in XL-1 Blue bacteria. Moderate yields of soluble recombinant MBP-tagged human CRISP1 (MBP-CRISP1) and the MBP-tagged CAP domain of CRISP1 (MBP-CRISP1ΔC) were obtained. Zn2+ specifically induced oligomerization of both MBP-CRISP1 and MBP-CRISP1ΔC in vitro. The conserved His142 in the CAP domain was essential for this Zn2+ dependent oligomerization process, confirming a role of the CAP metal-binding site in the interaction with Zn2+. Furthermore, MBP-CRISP1 and MBP-CRISP1ΔC oligomers dissociated into monomers upon Zn2+ removal by EDTA. Condensation of proteins is characteristic for maturing sperm in the epididymis and this process was previously found to be Zn2+-dependent. The Zn2+-induced oligomerization of human recombinant CRISP1 may shed novel insights into the formation of functional protein complexes involved in mammalian fertilization.
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29
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Llavanera M, Mateo-Otero Y, Delgado-Bermúdez A, Recuero S, Olives S, Barranco I, Yeste M. Deactivation of the JNK Pathway by GSTP1 Is Essential to Maintain Sperm Functionality. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:627140. [PMID: 33732696 PMCID: PMC7959831 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.627140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fifty percent of male subfertility diagnosis is idiopathic and is usually associated with genetic abnormalities or protein dysfunction, which are not detectable through the conventional spermiogram. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are antioxidant enzymes essential for preserving sperm function and maintaining fertilizing ability. However, while the role of GSTP1 in cell signaling regulation via the inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) has been enlightened in somatic cells, it has never been investigated in mammalian spermatozoa. In this regard, a comprehensive approach through immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, computer-assisted sperm assessment (CASA), and flow cytometry analysis was used to characterize the molecular role of the GSTP1–JNK heterocomplex in sperm physiology, using the pig as a model. Immunological assessments confirmed the presence and localization of GSTP1 in sperm cells. The pharmacological dissociation of the GSTP1–JNK heterocomplex resulted in the activation of JNK, which led to a significant decrease in sperm viability, motility, mitochondrial activity, and plasma membrane stability, as well as to an increase of intracellular superoxides. No effects in intracellular calcium levels and acrosome membrane integrity were observed. In conclusion, the present work has demonstrated, for the first time, the essential role of GSTP1 in deactivating JNK, which is crucial to maintain sperm function and has also set the grounds to understand the relevance of the GSTP1–JNK heterocomplex for the regulation of mammalian sperm physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Llavanera
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Ariadna Delgado-Bermúdez
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Sandra Recuero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Samuel Olives
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Isabel Barranco
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
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Noto F, Recuero S, Valencia J, Saporito B, Robbe D, Bonet S, Carluccio A, Yeste M. Inhibition of Potassium Channels Affects the Ability of Pig Spermatozoa to Elicit Capacitation and Trigger the Acrosome Exocytosis Induced by Progesterone. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041992. [PMID: 33671466 PMCID: PMC7922121 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
During capacitation, sperm undergo a myriad of changes, including remodeling of plasma membrane, modification of sperm motility and kinematic parameters, membrane hyperpolarization, increase in intracellular calcium levels, and tyrosine phosphorylation of certain sperm proteins. While potassium channels have been reported to be crucial for capacitation of mouse and human sperm, their role in pigs has not been investigated. With this purpose, sperm samples from 15 boars were incubated in capacitation medium for 300 min with quinine, a general blocker of potassium channels (including voltage-gated potassium channels, calcium-activated potassium channels, and tandem pore domain potassium channels), and paxilline (PAX), a specific inhibitor of calcium-activated potassium channels. In all samples, acrosome exocytosis was induced after 240 min of incubation with progesterone. Plasma membrane and acrosome integrity, membrane lipid disorder, intracellular calcium levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, and total and progressive sperm motility were evaluated after 0, 120, and 240 min of incubation, and after 5, 30, and 60 min of progesterone addition. Although blocking potassium channels with quinine and PAX prevented sperm to elicit in vitro capacitation by impairing motility and mitochondrial function, as well as reducing intracellular calcium levels, the extent of that inhibition was larger with quinine than with PAX. Therefore, while our data support that calcium-activated potassium channels are essential for sperm capacitation in pigs, they also suggest that other potassium channels, such as the voltage-gated, tandem pore domain, and mitochondrial ATP-regulated ones, are involved in that process. Thus, further research is needed to elucidate the specific functions of these channels and the mechanisms underlying its regulation during sperm capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Noto
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; (F.N.); (S.R.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain;
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D’Accio, IT-64100 Teramo, Italy; (B.S.); (D.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Sandra Recuero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; (F.N.); (S.R.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain;
| | - Julián Valencia
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain;
- University Antonio Nariño, Calle 53 #9-35, Popayán CO-190002, Colombia
| | - Beatrice Saporito
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D’Accio, IT-64100 Teramo, Italy; (B.S.); (D.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Domenico Robbe
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D’Accio, IT-64100 Teramo, Italy; (B.S.); (D.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; (F.N.); (S.R.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain;
| | - Augusto Carluccio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D’Accio, IT-64100 Teramo, Italy; (B.S.); (D.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; (F.N.); (S.R.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain;
- Correspondence:
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Ligands and Receptors Involved in the Sperm-Zona Pellucida Interactions in Mammals. Cells 2021; 10:cells10010133. [PMID: 33445482 PMCID: PMC7827414 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm-zona pellucida (ZP) interaction, involving the binding of sperm surface ligands to complementary carbohydrates of ZP, is the first direct gamete contact event crucial for subsequent gamete fusion and successful fertilization in mammals. It is a complex process mediated by the coordinated engagement of multiple ZP receptors forming high-molecular-weight (HMW) protein complexes at the acrosomal region of the sperm surface. The present article aims to review the current understanding of sperm-ZP binding in the four most studied mammalian models, i.e., murine, porcine, bovine, and human, and summarizes the candidate ZP receptors with established ZP affinity, including their origins and the mechanisms of ZP binding. Further, it compares and contrasts the ZP structure and carbohydrate composition in the aforementioned model organisms. The comprehensive understanding of sperm-ZP interaction mechanisms is critical for the diagnosis of infertility and thus becomes an integral part of assisted reproductive therapies/technologies.
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Elbert K, Matthews N, Wassmuth R, Tetens J. Vitality in relation to litter size of crossbred pigs and the effect of the terminal sire line. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/an20424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context
Most research on sire lines is linked to growth and carcass traits. Only a limited number of field trials explore the effect of sire line on piglet vitality, litter size and the interactions between these traits.
Aim
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of sire line on the growth performance and vitality of progeny from birth to weaning and to evaluate the lines with respect to their impact on litter size.
Methods
Data included 150 litters of a Synthetic sire line (A) and 154 of a Piétrain sire line (B), with 4209 piglets born alive, which resulted from matings to 337 dams (Camborough PIC). The numbers of total born and born alive piglets per litter were recorded. Within 24 h after birth, piglet individual birthweight (BWbirth), sex (male/female) and body temperature (BT) were also recorded. At weaning, mortality rates and weaned pigs per sow were registered. At the day of weaning, 665 randomly chosen pigs were individually weighed. Weaning weights (WW) were used to calculate the weaning average daily gain (WADG).
Key results
Sire line significantly affected number of total born (P < 0.0001), number born alive (P < 0.01) and number of weaned pigs per sow (P < 0.01). Across lines, each additional piglet per litter resulted in a 31.2 g decline in BWbirth (P < 0.001). Larger litter sizes, higher BWbirth (P < 0.01) and piglets with a lower BT (P < 0.0001) were detected in litters of Sire line B compared with litters of Sire line A. No differences between lines were detected for WADG, WW and pre-weaning mortality (P > 0.05). A positive correlation between birthweight and WW resulted in a correspondingly higher WADG (P < 0.0001). Overall, heavier BWbirth piglets had a higher BT (P < 0.0001).
Conclusions
The present study indicates that Sire line B would offer a possibility to maintain litter size at a high level and, simultaneously, achieve higher BWbirth, with consequently more vital piglets.
Implication
It is important to emphasise that further selection for litter size in dam lines is not indicated in terms of animal welfare but also production efficiency. Instead, it seems feasible to follow the above strategy and stabilise litter size at a high level, while at the same time breeding for vitality and survivability in sire lines.
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Bubenickova F, Postlerova P, Simonik O, Sirohi J, Sichtar J. Effect of Seminal Plasma Protein Fractions on Stallion Sperm Cryopreservation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6415. [PMID: 32899253 PMCID: PMC7504567 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminal plasma (SP) is the natural environment for spermatozoa and contains a number of components, especially proteins important for successful sperm maturation and fertilization. Nevertheless, in standard frozen stallion insemination doses production, SP is completely removed and is replaced by a semen extender. In the present study, we analyzed the effects of the selected seminal plasma protein groups that might play an important role in reducing the detrimental effects on spermatozoa during the cryopreservation process. SP proteins were separated according to their ability to bind to heparin into heparin-binding (Hep+) and heparin-non-binding (Hep-) fractions. The addition of three concentrations-125, 250, and 500 µg/mL-of each protein fraction was tested. After thawing, the following parameters were assessed: sperm motility (by CASA), plasma membrane integrity (PI staining), and acrosomal membrane integrity (PNA staining) using flow cytometry, and capacitation status (anti-phosphotyrosine antibody) using imaging-based flow cytometry. Our results showed that SP protein fractions had a significant effect on the kinematic parameters of spermatozoa and on a proportion of their subpopulations. The 125 µg/mL of Hep+ protein fraction resulted in increased linearity (LIN) and straightness (STR), moreover, with the highest values of sperm velocities (VAP, VSL), also this group contained the highest proportion of the fast sperm subpopulation. In contrast, the highest percentage of slow subpopulation was in the groups with 500 µg/mL of Hep+ fraction and 250 µg/mL of Hep- fraction. Interestingly, acrosomal membrane integrity was also highest in the groups with Hep+ fraction in concentrations of 125 µg/mL. Our results showed that the addition of protein fractions did not significantly affect the plasma membrane integrity and capacitation status of stallion spermatozoa. Moreover, our results confirmed that the effect of SP proteins on the sperm functionality is concentration-dependent, as has been reported for other species. Our study significantly contributes to the lack of studies dealing with possible use of specific stallion SP fractions in the complex puzzle of the improvement of cryopreservation protocols. It is clear that improvement in this field still needs more outputs from future studies, which should be focused on the effect of individual SP proteins on other sperm functional parameters with further implication on the success of artificial insemination in in vivo conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Bubenickova
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (F.B.); (P.P.); (J.S.)
| | - Pavla Postlerova
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (F.B.); (P.P.); (J.S.)
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Simonik
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (F.B.); (P.P.); (J.S.)
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Sirohi
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Economics and Management, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Jiri Sichtar
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (F.B.); (P.P.); (J.S.)
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Chen X, Zheng Y, Lei A, Zhang H, Niu H, Li X, Zhang P, Liao M, Lv Y, Zhu Z, Pan C, Dong W, Chen H, Wu D, Liu W, Hamer G, Zeng S, Zeng W. Early cleavage of preimplantation embryos is regulated by tRNA Gln-TTG-derived small RNAs present in mature spermatozoa. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:10885-10900. [PMID: 32487749 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.013003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) from spermatozoa could act as acquired epigenetic factors and contribute to offspring phenotypes. However, the roles of specific tsRNAs in early embryo development remain to be elucidated. Here, using pigs as a research model, we probed the tsRNA dynamics during spermatogenesis and sperm maturation and demonstrated the delivery of tsRNAs from semen-derived exosomes to spermatozoa. By microinjection of antisense sequences into in vitro fertilized oocytes and subsequent single-cell RNA-seq of embryos, we identified a specific functional tsRNA group (termed here Gln-TTGs) that participate in the early cleavage of porcine preimplantation embryos, probably by regulating cell cycle-associated genes and retrotransposons. We conclude that specific tsRNAs present in mature spermatozoa play significant roles in preimplantation embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxu Chen
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Anmin Lei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Stem Cell Engineering and Technology Center, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hanxue Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Embryonic Biotechnology, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Huimin Niu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Stem Cell Engineering and Technology Center, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xueliang Li
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Mingzhi Liao
- College of Life Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yinghua Lv
- College of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhendong Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chuanying Pan
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wuzi Dong
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - De Wu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an Chengdu, China
| | - Wansheng Liu
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Geert Hamer
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Shenming Zeng
- Laboratory of Animal Embryonic Biotechnology, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenxian Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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