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Bromfield JJ. Interaction of semen with female reproductive tract tissues: what we know, what we guess and what we need to do. Anim Reprod 2024; 21:e20240042. [PMID: 39176000 PMCID: PMC11340795 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2024-0042] [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: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
For nearly 100 years the postcoital inflammatory response has been described in the female reproductive tract of rodents. Since the 1950's this observation has been made in a number of animals including humans and domestic species. Yet pregnancy can be initiated and maintained by using embryo transfer which bypasses insemination and the related postcoital inflammatory response. Thus, the role of semen exposure beyond sperm transport and subsequent postcoital inflammatory response in female reproductive tissues has yet to be given a true physiological purpose. Historically the postcoital inflammatory response of female tissues was suggested to remove spermatozoa and male derived pathogens from the female reproductive tract. More recently, semen exposure and the postcoital inflammatory response have been suggested to play a role in long-term preparation of the maternal immune system to the semi-allogeneic pregnancy, ancillary support of the preimplantation embryo, and potentially fetal programing that improves pregnancy outcomes, while the absence or inappropriate postcoital inflammation has been suggested to contribute to pregnancy complications. Although the postcoital inflammatory response has been robustly characterized, the evidence for its role in promoting positive pregnancy outcomes or reducing pregnancy complications remains tenuous. This manuscript is designed to balance the information we know regarding semen exposure and postcoital inflammation in various animal systems, with the information we perceive to be factual but perhaps not yet fully tested, along with the data we have yet to generate if we intend to postulate a physiological purpose of the postcoital inflammatory response to pregnancy outcomes.
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Zhang Y, Zhang Q, Ma C, Chen G, Yue Y, Gao X, Yang J, Wan F, Zhou Z. Male-derived phospholipase A2 enhances WD46 expression and increases fertility in Ophraella communa. INSECT SCIENCE 2024. [PMID: 39012243 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Successful bisexual reproduction requires interactions between males and females. Male-derived seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) transferred to females during mating profoundly affect females from pre- to post-mating, and the subsequent shift in female physiology enhances their fertility. SFPs have important evolutionary implications for the fitness of many insects. However, little is known about how females respond to male SFPs. In this study, we identified a male-derived SFP-phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in Ophraella communa. PLA2 is a vital enzyme in eicosanoid biosynthesis; however, it has not been identified as an insect SFP. We found that OcPLA2 is specifically expressed in males, especially in the male accessory glands (MAGs); it is transferred to the female during mating and functions as an SFP to enhance fertility. The expression of a female-derived gene encoding the WD repeat-containing protein 46 (WD46) was upregulated when OcPLA2 entered the female reproductive tract, and this contributed to female egg production by increasing triacylglycerol lipase (TGL) gene expression and the triglyceride (TG) content. This is the first study to identify PLA2 as an SFP in insects. Our findings also shed light on the regulatory role of OcPLA2 in beetle reproduction; the expression of OcPLA2 is initially correlated with female WD46 expression and later with the decline in TGL gene expression and the TG content. This represents a unique mechanism of reproductive regulation by an SFP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qinglu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Ma
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guangmei Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Yue
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuyuan Gao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biology for Crop Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Jingfang Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fanghao Wan
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongshi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Nanfan Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, Hainan Province, China
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3
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Parvin A, Erabi G, Alemi A, Rezanezhad A, Maleksabet A, Sadeghpour S, Taheri-Anganeh M, Ghasemnejad-Berenji H. Seminal plasma proteomics as putative biomarkers for male infertility diagnosis. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 561:119757. [PMID: 38857670 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2024.119757] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Male infertility represents a significant global public health issue that is currently emerging as a prominent research focus. Presently, laboratories adhere to the guidelines outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO) manuals for conducting routine semen analysis to diagnose male infertility. However, the accuracy of results in predicting sperm quality and fertility is limited because some individuals with a normal semen analysis report, an unremarkable medical history, and a physical examination may still experience infertility. As a result, the importance of employing more advanced techniques to investigate sperm function and male fertility in the treatment of male infertility and/or subfertility becomes apparent. The standard test for evaluating human semen has been improved by more complex tests that look at things like reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), sperm DNA fragmentation levels, DNA compaction, apoptosis, genetic testing, and the presence and location of anti-sperm antibodies. Recent discoveries of novel biomarkers have significantly enriched our understanding of male fertility. Moreover, the notable biological diversity among samples obtained from the same individual complicates the efficacy of routine semen analysis. Therefore, unraveling the molecular mechanisms involved in fertilization is pivotal in expanding our understanding of factors contributing to male infertility. By understanding how these proteins work and what role they play in sperm activity, we can look at the expression profile in men who can't have children to find diagnostic biomarkers. This review examines the various sperm and seminal plasma proteins associated with infertility, as well as proteins that are either deficient or exhibit aberrant expression, potentially contributing to male infertility causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Parvin
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Gisou Erabi
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Alireza Alemi
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Arman Rezanezhad
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Amir Maleksabet
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Sonia Sadeghpour
- Reproductive Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mortaza Taheri-Anganeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Hojat Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Reproductive Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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de Carvalho RC, Andretta RR, de Moura JAC, Bertolla RP, Okada FK. Moment of induction and duration of experimental varicocele in rats: effects on semen quality. Int Braz J Urol 2024; 50:433-449. [PMID: 38787514 PMCID: PMC11262715 DOI: 10.1590/s1677-5538.ibju.2023.0412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Varicocele is a condition known to cause damage to seminal parameters and sperm function. Furthermore, it has been hypothesized that the varicocele effect on fertility is time-dependent; however, little is known about the consequences of its establishment time on reproductive organs and/or sperm function. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the duration of experimental varicocele on reproductive organs, sperm parameters, and sperm function. MATERIALS AND METHODS Varicocele induction surgeries were performed in Wistar rats aged 40 or 100 days old. At 160-day-old, analyses were performed, including biometry of reproductive organs (prostate, seminal vesicles, epididymis, and testis), sperm parameters (vitality, morphology, and motility), and sperm function tests (nuclear DNA integrity, acrosome integrity, and mitochondrial activity). RESULTS The analysis of the biometry of reproductive organs showed no differences between distinct ages in which varicocele was induced. The total abnormal sperm morphology was bigger in animals with varicocele induced to 100 days old than in animals with varicocele induced to 40 days old. Regarding nuclear DNA integrity, animals of varicocele induced to 100 days old showed worse results compared to animals of varicocele induced to 40 days old. Other parameters analyzed showed no differences between varicocele groups. CONCLUSION In this study conducted on rats, we conclude that varicocele adversely affects sperm, particularly its function. However, we did not observe a negative progressive effect on sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Cristina de Carvalho
- Divisão de UrologiaDepartamento de CirurgiaUniversidade Federal de São PauloSão PauloSPBrasil Seção de Reprodução Humana, Divisão de Urologia, Departamento de Cirurgia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil;
| | - Rhayza Roberta Andretta
- Divisão de UrologiaDepartamento de CirurgiaUniversidade Federal de São PauloSão PauloSPBrasil Seção de Reprodução Humana, Divisão de Urologia, Departamento de Cirurgia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil;
| | - Jheysson Alfredo Cordeiro de Moura
- Divisão de UrologiaDepartamento de CirurgiaUniversidade Federal de São PauloSão PauloSPBrasil Seção de Reprodução Humana, Divisão de Urologia, Departamento de Cirurgia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil;
| | - Ricardo Pimenta Bertolla
- Divisão de UrologiaDepartamento de CirurgiaUniversidade Federal de São PauloSão PauloSPBrasil Seção de Reprodução Humana, Divisão de Urologia, Departamento de Cirurgia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil;
| | - Fatima Kazue Okada
- Divisão de UrologiaDepartamento de CirurgiaUniversidade Federal de São PauloSão PauloSPBrasil Seção de Reprodução Humana, Divisão de Urologia, Departamento de Cirurgia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil;
- Laboratório de Biologia do DesenvolvimentoDepartamento de Morfologia e GenéticaUniversidade Federal de São PauloSão PauloSPBrasil Laboratório de Biologia do Desenvolvimento, Departamento de Morfologia e Genética, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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Kokori E, Olatunji G, Isarinade DT, Aboje JE, Ogieuhi IJ, Lawal ZD, Woldehana NA, Nazar MW, Scott GY, Aderinto N. Ejaculation Frequency and Prostate Cancer Risk: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence. Clin Genitourin Cancer 2024; 22:102043. [PMID: 38430857 DOI: 10.1016/j.clgc.2024.01.015] [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: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Prostate cancer, constituting a substantial portion of global cancer incidence and mortality, prompts a critical examination of potential modifiers, notably ejaculation frequency. This narrative review explores the complex relationship between ejaculation frequency and prostate cancer risk, addressing the paucity of consensus and the intricate interplay of factors. The evidence drawn from eleven studies with diverse methodologies reveals a complex understanding of this association. While some studies suggest an inverse correlation between ejaculation frequency and prostate cancer risk, signifying a potential protective effect, others present conflicting findings, necessitating a comprehensive exploration. Evidence synthesis underscores the importance of considering age, urinary health, and lifestyle factors in elucidating the ejaculation frequency-prostate cancer relationship. Notably, technological advancements, including machine learning models and genetic markers, enhance the precision of patient counselling and individualized care. In a clinical context, the findings emphasize the clinical relevance of incorporating sexual behavior into preventive strategies. Public health campaigns emerge as influential tools, breaking taboos, raising awareness, and empowering men to prioritize their well-being. The paradigm shift in prostate cancer understanding, fueled by technology and personalized medicine, holds promise for more accurate risk assessments. Liquid biopsies, multiparametric MRI, and considerations of the gut microbiome present avenues for tailored preventive strategies. However, methodological challenges and study variations necessitate further research, emphasizing consistency, exploring underlying mechanisms, and a life course perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Kokori
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Gbolahan Olatunji
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | | | - John Ehi Aboje
- Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, Benue, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | | | - Godfred Yawson Scott
- Department of Medical Diagnostics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Nicholas Aderinto
- Department of Medicine, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
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Álvarez-Rodríguez M, Martinez-Serrano CA, Gardela J, Nieto H, de Mercado E, Rodríguez-Martínez H. MicroRNA expression in specific segments of the pig periovulatory internal genital tract is differentially regulated by semen or by seminal plasma. Res Vet Sci 2024; 168:105134. [PMID: 38194892 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.105134] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
microRNAs play pivotal roles during mammalian reproduction, including the cross-talk between gametes, embryos and the maternal genital tract. Mating induces changes in the expression of mRNA transcripts in the female, but whether miRNAs are involved remains to be elucidated. In the current study, we mapped 181 miRNAs in the porcine peri-ovulatory female reproductive tract: Cervix (Cvx), distal and proximal uterus (Dist-Ut, Prox-Ut), Utero-tubal-junction (UTJ), isthmus (Isth), ampulla (Amp), and infundibulum (Inf) when exposed to semen (natural mating (NM) or artificial insemination (AI-P1)) or to infusions of sperm-free seminal plasma (SP): the first 10 mL of the sperm rich fraction (SP-P1) or the entire ejaculate (SP-E). Among the most interesting findings, NM decreased mir-671, implicated in uterine development and pregnancy loss prior to embryo implantation, in Cvx, Dist-UT, Prox-UT, Isth, and Inf, while it increased in Amp. NM and SP-E induced the downregulation of miR-let7A-1 (Dist-UT, Prox-UT), a regulator of immunity during pregnancy. miR-34C-1, a regulator of endometrial receptivity gene expression, was increased in Dist-UT, UTJ and Amp (NM), in Prox-UT (AI-P1), and in Amp (SP-P1). miR-296, a modulator of the inflammatory response and apoptosis, was upregulated in the UTJ (all treatments). NM elicited the highest miRNA activity in the sperm reservoir (UTJ), suggesting that key-regulators such as miR-34c or miR-296 may modulate the metabolic processes linked to the adequate preparation for gamete encounter in the oviduct. Our results suggest that SP should be maintained in AI to warrant miRNA regulation within the female genital tract for reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Álvarez-Rodríguez
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Spanish National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain; Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Cristina A Martinez-Serrano
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Spanish National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain; Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Jaume Gardela
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden; IRTA, Programa de Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; Unitat mixta d'Investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Helena Nieto
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Spanish National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo de Mercado
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Spanish National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Heriberto Rodríguez-Martínez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden.
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7
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Swanson RM, Neville TL, McCarthy KL, Kassetas CJ, Borowicz PP, Crouse MS, Reynolds LP, Dahlen CR, Caton JS. Differing planes of nutrition alter serum and histotroph amino acid composition in nonpregnant, multiparous beef cows on day 3 of the estrous cycle. J Anim Sci 2024; 102:skae199. [PMID: 39028436 PMCID: PMC11322741 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skae199] [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: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometrial-derived uterine histotroph is a critical component of nutrient supply to a growing conceptus throughout gestation; however, the effect of nutritional plane on histotroph nutrient composition remains unknown in multiparous cows. We hypothesized that differing planes of nutrition would alter histotroph and serum nutrient composition in beef cattle. Thus, we evaluated serum and histotroph amino acid and glucose composition, and serum non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in cows individually fed to maintain body weight (BW; 0 kd/d, n = 9; CON) compared with those losing moderate BW (-0.7 kg/d, n = 9; NEG). After 49 d of differing nutritional planes, cows were subjected to the 7-d CoSynch + controlled internal drug release device estrus synchronization protocol and then slaughtered on day 62. Blood serum (days 0 and 62) and uterine histotroph [day 62; from uterine horns ipsilateral and contralateral to the corpus luteum (CL)] were collected and analyzed for concentrations of amino acids, glucose, and NEFA. Performance characteristics, body composition via ultrasound (days 0 and 62), and carcass characteristics were collected. Body condition score, change in BW, average daily gain, dry matter intake, and gain:feed were decreased (P ≤ 0.05) in NEG vs. CON cows. There were no differences in body composition or carcass characteristics, except an increase (P ≤ 0.05) in dressing percentage in NEG cows due to differences in gut fill, consistent with study design. Serum NEFA increased (P ≤ 0.05) in the NEG group, but there were no differences between NEG vs. CON in glucose or BUN. Serum histidine increased (P ≤ 0.05) and alanine, isoleucine, and tryptophan decreased (P ≤ 0.05) in NEG vs. CON cows. Compared with that of the uterine horn ipsilateral to the CL, histotroph from the uterine horn contralateral to the CL had increased (P ≤ 0.05) isoleucine, asparagine, and proline concentrations in NEG cows, and decreased (P ≤ 0.05) tryptophan as a proportion of essential and total amino acids. There were no differences in glucose concentrations of histotroph contralateral or ipsilateral to the CL. Cow nutritional plane does alter serum and histotroph amino acid composition, although the presence of an embryo may be necessary to fully elucidate these changes. Differences in serum and histotroph tryptophan should be given consideration in future studies due to its importance as an essential amino acid in protein synthesis and bioactive affects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M Swanson
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Tammi L Neville
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Kacie L McCarthy
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Cierrah J Kassetas
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Pawel P Borowicz
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Matthew S Crouse
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933, USA
| | - Lawrence P Reynolds
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Carl R Dahlen
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Joel S Caton
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
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Kortsmit Y, Mariën J, Koene JM, Nakadera Y. Dynamics of seminal fluid production after mating. Mol Reprod Dev 2024; 91:e23732. [PMID: 38282311 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) play vital roles for optimizing reproductive success in diverse animals. Underlining their significance, SFP production and transfer are highly plastic, e.g., depending on the presence of rivals or mating status of partners. However, surprisingly little is known about replenishing SFPs after mating. This is especially relevant in species that mate multiple times, as they continuously produce and use SFPs throughout their reproductive life. Here we examined the expression pattern of SFP genes after mating in the great pond snail, Lymnaea stagnalis. Our results show that two out of the six SFP genes investigated here were upregulated 1 week after mating. Surprisingly, most SFP genes did not change their expression immediately after mating. Even after 1 week, when supposedly seminal fluid is fully replenished, the expression of SFP genes is rather high. In addition, the difference with previous studies hints at the possibility that SFP production after mating is plastic and depends on the mating history of female-acting snails. Our results shed light on unexplored aspects of SFP production, thereby expanding the understanding of reproductive strategies in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Kortsmit
- Ecology and Evolution, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Janine Mariën
- Ecology and Evolution, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joris M Koene
- Ecology and Evolution, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yumi Nakadera
- Ecology and Evolution, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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9
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Houle E, Li Y, Schroder M, McRitchie SL, Rahil T, Sites CK, Sumner SJ, Pilsner JR. Exploring the internal exposome of seminal plasma with semen quality and live birth: A Pilot Study. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2023; 69:296-309. [PMID: 37098216 PMCID: PMC11144350 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2023.2195964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
Infertility is clinically defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy within 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse and affects 15% of couples worldwide. Therefore, the identification of novel biomarkers that can accurately predict male reproductive health and couples' reproductive success is of major public health significance. The objective of this pilot study is to test whether untargeted metabolomics is capable of discriminating reproductive outcomes and understand associations between the internal exposome of seminal plasma and the reproductive outcomes of semen quality and live birth among ten participants undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) in Springfield, MA. We hypothesize that seminal plasma offers a novel biological matrix by which untargeted metabolomics is able to discern male reproductive status and predict reproductive success. The internal exposome data was acquired using UHPLC-HR-MS on randomized seminal plasma samples at UNC at Chapel Hill. Unsupervised and supervised multivariate analyses were used to visualize the differentiation of phenotypic groups classified by men with normal or low semen quality based on World Health Organization guidelines as well as by successful ART: live birth or no live birth. Over 100 exogenous metabolites, including environmentally relevant metabolites, ingested food components, drugs and medications, and metabolites relevant to microbiome-xenobiotic interaction, were identified and annotated from the seminal plasma samples, through matching against the NC HHEAR hub in-house experimental standard library. Pathway enrichment analysis indicated that fatty acid biosynthesis and metabolism, vitamin A metabolism, and histidine metabolism were associated sperm quality; while pathways involving vitamin A metabolism, C21-steroid hormone biosynthesis and metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, and Omega-3 fatty acid metabolism distinguished live birth groups. Taken together, these pilot results suggest that seminal plasma is a novel matrix to study the influence of the internal exposome on reproductive health outcomes. Future research aims to increase the sample size to validate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Houle
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, 275 E. Hancock Street, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - YuanYuan Li
- Department of Nutrition, Nutrition Research Institute, 500 Laureate Way, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Public Health, Kannapolis, NC 28010, USA
| | - Madison Schroder
- Department of Nutrition, Nutrition Research Institute, 500 Laureate Way, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Public Health, Kannapolis, NC 28010, USA
| | - Susan L McRitchie
- Department of Nutrition, Nutrition Research Institute, 500 Laureate Way, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Public Health, Kannapolis, NC 28010, USA
| | - Tayyab Rahil
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Baystate Medical Center, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA, USA
| | - Cynthia K Sites
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Baystate Medical Center, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA, USA
| | - Susan Jenkins Sumner
- Department of Nutrition, Nutrition Research Institute, 500 Laureate Way, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Public Health, Kannapolis, NC 28010, USA
| | - J. Richard Pilsner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, 275 E. Hancock Street, Detroit, MI, USA
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10
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Dorostghoal M, Galehdari H, Hemadi M, Izadi F. Seminal prolactin is associated with HSP90 transcript content in ejaculated spermatozoa. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2023; 50:99-106. [PMID: 37258103 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2022.05757] [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: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Evidence indicates that an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and defense ability of antioxidants has clinical significance in the pathophysiology of male infertility. To investigate the role of seminal prolactin (PRL) in the fertilizing capacity of men, the present study evaluated the associations of seminal PRL levels with semen parameters and heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) transcript abundance in ejaculated spermatozoa. METHODS We assessed seminal PRL levels and the abundance of HSP90 transcripts in ejaculated spermatozoa from normozoospermic donors (n=18) and infertile men (n=18). The transcript content of HSP90 in ejaculated spermatozoa was analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Seminal PRL concentrations in infertile patients were significantly lower (p=0.004) than in fertile controls. Seminal PRL showed relatively good diagnostic power for discriminating infertile men (area under the curve=0.776; 95% confidence interval, 0.568 to 0.934; p=0.005). Significant positive correlations were seen between seminal PRL levels and sperm count (r=0.400, p=0.016) and progressive motility (r=0.422, p=0.010). Infertile patients showed a significantly higher abundance of sperm HSP90 than fertile controls (p=0.040). Sperm HSP90 transcript abundance was negatively correlated with sperm progressive motility (r=0.394, p=0.018). Men with higher seminal PRL levels exhibited a lower abundance of sperm HSP90 transcripts. CONCLUSION Our finding demonstrated associations among semen quality, seminal PRL levels, and the abundance of HSP90 transcripts in ejaculated spermatozoa. Seminal PRL may contribute to male fertility by maintaining the seminal antioxidant capacity and may have the potential to act as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehran Dorostghoal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
- Biotechnology and Bioscience Research Center, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hamid Galehdari
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Masoud Hemadi
- Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Science, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Fahimeh Izadi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
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Becatti M, Cito G, Argento FR, Fini E, Bettiol A, Borghi S, Mannucci A, Fucci R, Giachini C, Picone R, Emmi G, Taddei N, Coccia ME, Fiorillo C. Blood Leukocyte ROS Production Reflects Seminal Fluid Oxidative Stress and Spermatozoa Dysfunction in Idiopathic Infertile Men. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12020479. [PMID: 36830037 PMCID: PMC9952358 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
A large proportion of infertile men do not receive a clear diagnosis, being considered as idiopathic or unexplained cases due to infertility diagnosis based on standard semen parameters. Particularly in unexplained cases, the search for new indicators seems mandatory to provide specific information. In the etiopathogenesis of male infertility oxidative stress displays important roles by negatively affecting sperm quality and function. In this study, performed in a population of 34 idiopathic infertile men and in 52 age-matched controls, redox parameters were assessed in blood, leukocytes, spermatozoa, and seminal fluid and related to semen parameters. The main findings indicate that blood oxidative stress markers reflect seminal oxidative stress. Interestingly, blood leukocyte ROS production was significantly correlated to sperm ROS production and to semen parameters. Overall, these results suggest the potential employ of blood redox markers as a relevant and adjunctive tool for sperm quality evaluation aimed to preconception care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Becatti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Firenze, 50134 Firenze, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-055-2751261
| | - Gianmartin Cito
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Flavia Rita Argento
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Firenze, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Eleonora Fini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Firenze, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bettiol
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Serena Borghi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Firenze, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Amanda Mannucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Firenze, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Rossella Fucci
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Centre, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Claudia Giachini
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Centre, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Rita Picone
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Centre, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Giacomo Emmi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Niccolò Taddei
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Firenze, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Fiorillo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Firenze, 50134 Firenze, Italy
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Harrison TD, Chaney EM, Brandt KJ, Ault-Seay TB, Payton RR, Schneider LG, Strickland LG, Schrick FN, McLean KJ. The effects of nutritional level and body condition score on cytokines in seminal plasma of beef bulls. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2022.1078960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionHigh quality semen is essential for reproductive efficiency. Nutrition and environmental factors impact the ejaculate components, like cytokines, that are essential for pregnancy establishment. We hypothesized that differing nutritional periods and body condition scores would affect seminal plasma cytokine concentrations of bulls.MethodsMature Angus bulls (n=11) were individually housed and randomly assigned to either over-fed (n=5) or restricted (n=6) treatment pathways. Bulls were fed different volumes of a single ration creating 8 individual treatment periods. Body weight and body condition scores were taken every 14 d to manage intake volumes. Ejaculates were collected every 84 d to determine seminal plasma cytokine profiles. A complete randomized design was used to evaluate seminal plasma cytokines after each nutritional treatment. Initial cytokine concentrations and volume of the ejaculate were included as covariates.ResultsAll cytokines returned to initial concentrations following maintenance treatments at an ideal body condition score of 6. Nutritional treatments affected (P ≤ 0.05) IFN-γ, IL-8, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, TNF-α, IL-1β, and VEGF-A. However, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and MIP-1α had the greatest impact on cytokine profile.DiscussionNutritional levels and adiposity altered seminal plasma cytokine concentrations which could potentially impact the inflammatory balance of the uterus and the immune responses necessary for pregnancy establishment.
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13
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Nixon B, Schjenken JE, Burke ND, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Hart HM, De Iuliis GN, Martin JH, Lord T, Bromfield EG. New horizons in human sperm selection for assisted reproduction. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1145533. [PMID: 36909306 PMCID: PMC9992892 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1145533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a commonly encountered pathology that is estimated to be a contributory factor in approximately 50% of couples seeking recourse to assisted reproductive technologies. Upon clinical presentation, such males are commonly subjected to conventional diagnostic andrological practices that rely on descriptive criteria to define their fertility based on the number of morphologically normal, motile spermatozoa encountered within their ejaculate. Despite the virtual ubiquitous adoption of such diagnostic practices, they are not without their limitations and accordingly, there is now increasing awareness of the importance of assessing sperm quality in order to more accurately predict a male's fertility status. This realization raises the important question of which characteristics signify a high-quality, fertilization competent sperm cell. In this review, we reflect on recent advances in our mechanistic understanding of sperm biology and function, which are contributing to a growing armory of innovative approaches to diagnose and treat male infertility. In particular we review progress toward the implementation of precision medicine; the robust clinical adoption of which in the setting of fertility, currently lags well behind that of other fields of medicine. Despite this, research shows that the application of advanced technology platforms such as whole exome sequencing and proteomic analyses hold considerable promise in optimizing outcomes for the management of male infertility by uncovering and expanding our inventory of candidate infertility biomarkers, as well as those associated with recurrent pregnancy loss. Similarly, the development of advanced imaging technologies in tandem with machine learning artificial intelligence are poised to disrupt the fertility care paradigm by advancing our understanding of the molecular and biological causes of infertility to provide novel avenues for future diagnostics and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Brett Nixon,
| | - John E. Schjenken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Nathan D. Burke
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - David A. Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Hanah M. Hart
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Geoffry N. De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Jacinta H. Martin
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Tessa Lord
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G. Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
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Menzies FM. Immunology of Pregnancy and Systemic Consequences. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2023; 441:253-280. [PMID: 37695432 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-35139-6_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy is an immunological paradox, with renowned Nobel Prize winning transplantation biologist Sir Peter Brian Medawar being the first to introduce this concept back in 1953. This concept considers how the maternal immune system can tolerate the developing fetus, which is 50% antigenically foreign to the uterus. There have been significant advances in our understanding of the immune system in regulating fertility, pregnancy and in complications of these, and what was once considered a paradox can be seen as a highly evolved system. Indeed, the complexity of the maternal-fetal interface along with our ever-advancing knowledge of immune cells and mediators means that we have a better understanding of these interactions, with gaps still present. This chapter will summarise the key aspects of the role of the immune system at each stage of pregnancy and highlight the recent advances in our knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona M Menzies
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Lanarkshire, UK.
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15
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Parrilla I, Rodriguez‐Martinez H, Cuello C, Gil MA, Martinez EA. Neither frozen-thawed seminal plasma nor commercial transforming growth factor-β1 infused intra-utero before insemination improved fertility and prolificacy in sows. Reprod Domest Anim 2022; 57 Suppl 5:86-89. [PMID: 35467050 PMCID: PMC9790250 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Seminal plasma (SP) affects reproduction, inducing cell and molecular changes in the female genital tract. A main active component in SP is the modulatory transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), particularly its TGF-β1 isoform, which affects the synthesis of other cytokines as granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, relevant for embryo development and pregnancy. This study evaluated the effect of pooled frozen-thawed SP and commercial TGF-β1 infused during oestrus in sows post-cervically inseminated with liquid extended semen, containing ~4 ml of residual SP, on their fertility and prolificacy. For this, 250 sows in their post-weaning oestrus were used. Sows were randomly assigned to one of the following groups to be post-cervically treated 30 min before insemination: (i) SP group: infused with 40 ml of SP (N = 57); ii) Group TFGß1 : infused with 40 ml of BTS extender containing 3 ng/ml of porcine TGF-β1 (N = 64); iii) BTS group: infused with 40 ml of BTS extender (N = 60); and iv) Control Group: sows catheterized but not infused prior to AI (N = 69). Farrowing rates (range: 86.7% to 91.3%) and numbers of live-born piglets (range: range: 12.8 ± 2.9 to 13.4 ± 3.1) were not affected by any treatment compared with Controls, indicating that neither pre-infusions of SP nor TGF-ß1 30 min before AI influenced subsequent fertility and prolificacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heriberto Rodriguez‐Martinez
- Deparment of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV)BKH/Obstetrics & GynaecologyLinköping UniversityLinköpingSweden
| | - Cristina Cuello
- Deparment of Medicine and Animal SurgeryUniversity of MurciaMurciaSpain
| | - María Antonia Gil
- Deparment of Medicine and Animal SurgeryUniversity of MurciaMurciaSpain
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16
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Garzarelli V, Ferrara F, Primiceri E, Chiriacò MS. Biofluids manipulation methods for liquid biopsy in minimally-invasive assays. MethodsX 2022; 9:101759. [PMID: 35774416 PMCID: PMC9237943 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2022.101759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The Liquid Biopsy (LB) is an opportunity for non-invasive diagnosis and prognosis of various diseases. To date, it isn't possible to consider that tissue biopsy can represent a pathology entirety. Then, body fluids are rich in a large number and variety of biomarkers and they can provide information about several diseases.Recently, other biological fluids, easy to be collected are rising for their significant content of biomarkers and for the possibility to collect and manipulate them without the intervention of medical staff. The management of biological fluids requires suitable storage methods. Temperature, storage time and physical stresses due to sample handling can lead to chemical and physical changes that may induce sample degradation and incorrect analysis. The reliability of a diagnostic or screening test depends on its sensitivity and specificity. As the liquid biopsy is a 'snapshot' of a pathophysiological condition, it is crucial that its components do not degrade due to the improper handling of the body fluid. In this review, some handling methods of Saliva, Urine, Stool, Seminal Fluid, Tears and Sweat samples will be described, as well as protocols to facilitate the analysis of metabolites, nucleic acids, proteins and Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) from those unusual body fluids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Garzarelli
- University of Salento, Dept. of Mathematics & Physics E. de Giorgi, Via Arnesano, 73100, Lecce, Italy.,CNR NANOTEC - Institute of Nanotechnology, via per Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Francesco Ferrara
- CNR NANOTEC - Institute of Nanotechnology, via per Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy.,STMicroelectronics s.r.l., via per Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Primiceri
- CNR NANOTEC - Institute of Nanotechnology, via per Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
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Extracellular vesicles from seminal plasma improved development of in vitro-fertilized mouse embryos. ZYGOTE 2022; 30:619-624. [PMID: 35730539 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199422000041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
In vitro fertilization (IVF) has wide application in human infertility and animal breeding. It is also used for research on reproduction, fertility and development. However, IVF embryos are still inferior to their in vivo counterparts. Some substances in seminal plasma appear to have important roles in embryo development, and during the traditional IVF procedure, the seminal plasma is washed away. In this study, extracellular vesicles (EVs) were concentrated from seminal plasma by ultracentrifugation, visualized using transmission electron microscopy, and particle size distributions and concentrations were determined with a NanoSight particle analyzer. We found particles of various sizes in the seminal plasma, the majority having diameters ranging from 100 to 200 nm and concentrations of 6.07 × 1010 ± 2.91 × 109 particles/ml. Addition of seminal plasma EVs (SP-EVs) to the IVF medium with mouse oocytes and sperm significantly increased the rate of blastocyst formation and the inner cell mass (ICM)/trophectoderm (TE) cell ratio, and reduced the apoptosis of blastocysts. Our findings provide new insights into the role of seminal plasma EVs in mediating embryo development and it suggests that SP-EVs may be used to improve the developmental competence of IVF embryos, which has important significance for assisted reproduction in animals and humans.
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Rafiee M, Sereshki N, Alipour R, Ahmadipanah V, Pashoutan Sarvar D, Wilkinson D. The effect of probiotics on immunogenicity of spermatozoa in couples suffering from recurrent spontaneous abortion. BMC Immunol 2022; 23:32. [PMID: 35725392 PMCID: PMC9210679 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-022-00506-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Impaired spermatozoa immunogenicity can result in pregnancy complications such as recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Given that spermatozoa contact with microbiota, it is possible that inappropriate microbiota composition in the reproductive tract could result in the alteration of spermatozoa antigenicity. Probiotics, as a representative of microbiota, may therefore have a beneficial effect on this altered immunogenicity. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of probiotics on spermatozoa immunogenicity.
Methods Twenty-five fertile couples and twenty-five RSA couples were included in this study. Spermatozoa were purified and treated with probiotics. Untreated and probiotic treated spermatozoa were evaluated for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I & II expression by flow cytometry. Untreated and probiotic treated spermatozoa were also cocultured with the wife’s peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) for 12 days. Then, the supernatant was assessed for IgG and APCA by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) assay respectively. Results Probiotic treatment of spermatozoa leads to an increase of HLA class I & II expression in both the fertile and RSA groups. The probiotic treatment resulted in a decrease in both IgG and APCA in the fertile group, but an increase in both IgG and APCA in the RSA group. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that a supplementary probiotic treatment may be useful in couples suffering from RSA with an immunologic cause, because it improves disturbed HLA expression on spermatozoa and improves disturbed APCA and IgG production in the presence of spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitra Rafiee
- Department of Immunology, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Nasrin Sereshki
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Razieh Alipour
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Galić I, Dragin S, Stančić I, Maletić M, Apić J, Kladar N, Spasojević J, Grba J, Kovačević Z. Effect of an Antioxidant Supplement Combination on Boar Sperm. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12101301. [PMID: 35625147 PMCID: PMC9138103 DOI: 10.3390/ani12101301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The study was conducted on a commercial pig farm located in Serbia. Thirty Duroc or Landrace breed boars were randomly selected for this study. The experimental group was fed a compound feed with added organic selenium and Oxynat 3D. The antioxidant status parameters of boar seminal plasma were evaluated using a biochemical analyzer and commercial Randox kits. The sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) using flow cytometry (FC) provided information about spermatozoa’s DNA status. Additionally, the total number of motile spermatozoa and spermatozoa kinematic parameters were measured using the computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system. The aim of this study was to improve the parameters of semen by combining two preparations that have a potential antioxidant effect, but also to establish the level of various antioxidant enzymes in native sperm. There was no statistically significant difference in total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase activity in the seminal plasma obtained from the experimental and control groups of boars. Regarding the superoxide dismutase activity, the research results showed a difference in the control group compared to the experimental one. Moreover, spermatozoa DNA fragmentation and the total number of motile spermatozoa showed statistically significant lower and higher values, respectively, in experimental compared to the control groups. The combination of these two preparations shows significantly enhanced vital parameters of semen. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first in which the ejaculate parameters were examined after the application of a combination of these two antioxidant supplements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Galić
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (I.G.); (I.S.); (J.S.); (Z.K.)
| | - Saša Dragin
- Department for Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +381-21-457-464
| | - Ivan Stančić
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (I.G.); (I.S.); (J.S.); (Z.K.)
| | - Milan Maletić
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Jelena Apić
- Scientific Veterinary Institute Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia;
| | - Nebojša Kladar
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia;
| | - Jovan Spasojević
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (I.G.); (I.S.); (J.S.); (Z.K.)
| | - Jovana Grba
- Department for Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia;
| | - Zorana Kovačević
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (I.G.); (I.S.); (J.S.); (Z.K.)
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Semen Modulates Cell Proliferation and Differentiation-Related Transcripts in the Pig Peri-Ovulatory Endometrium. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11040616. [PMID: 35453814 PMCID: PMC9029625 DOI: 10.3390/biology11040616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Homeostasis of the uterus after mating is crucial for the subsequent reproductive events. The post-mating inflammatory response is restricted to the uterus, but semen also modulates the expression of other genes involved in regulation along the female reproductive tract, including the oviduct. This study aims to determine if several ejaculate fractions of the pig may modulate cell proliferation and differentiation-related transcripts in different sections of the peri-ovulatory sow reproductive tract. Our data demonstrate that most of the mRNA expression changes of the 144 transcripts tested were induced by mating. Additionally, spermatozoa and seminal plasma also triggered differential expression of the transcripts tested. Finally, our data imply that spermatozoa, seminal plasma components, and the act of mating induce differential mechanisms in the peri-ovulatory female reproductive tract, which are essential for tissue repair. Abstract Uterine homeostasis is maintained after mating by eliminating pathogens, foreign cells, and proteins by a transient inflammation of the uterus. Such inflammation does not occur in the oviductal sperm reservoir (utero-tubal junction, UTJ), colonized by a population of potentially fertile spermatozoa before the inflammatory changes are triggered. Semen entry (spermatozoa and/or seminal plasma) modifies the expression of regulatory genes, including cell proliferation and differentiation-related transcripts. Considering pigs display a fractionated ejaculation, this study aims to determine whether different ejaculate fractions differentially modulate cell proliferation and differentiation-related transcripts in the sow reproductive tract during the peri-ovulatory stage. Using species-specific microarray analyses, the differential expression of 144 cell proliferation and differentiation-related transcripts was studied in specific segments: cervix (Cvx), distal and proximal uterus (DistUt, ProxUt), UTJ, isthmus (Isth), ampulla (Amp), and infundibulum (Inf) of the peri-ovulatory sow reproductive tract in response to semen and/or seminal plasma cervical deposition. Most mRNA expression changes were induced by mating. In addition, while mating upregulates the fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1, p-value DistUt = 0.0007; ProxUt = 0.0253) transcript in the endometrium, both its receptor, the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1, p-value DistUt = 2.14 e−06; ProxUt = 0.0027; UTJ = 0.0458) transcript, and a potentiator of its biological effect, the fibroblast growth factor binding protein 1 (FGFBP1), were downregulated in the endometrium (p-value DistUt = 0.0068; ProxUt = 0.0011) and the UTJ (p-value UTJ = 0.0191). The FGFBP1 was downregulated in the whole oviduct after seminal depositions (p-value Isth = 0.0007; Amp = 0.0007; Inf = 6.87 e−05) and, interestingly, FGFR1 was downregulated in the endometrium in the absence of semen (p-value DistUt = 0.0097; ProxUt = 0.0456). In conclusion, the findings suggest that spermatozoa, seminal components, and the act of mating trigger, besides inflammation, differential mechanisms in the peri-ovulatory female reproductive tract, relevant for tissue repair.
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Jakop U, Müller K, Müller P, Neuhauser S, Callealta Rodríguez I, Grunewald S, Schiller J, Engel KM. Seminal lipid profiling and antioxidant capacity: A species comparison. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264675. [PMID: 35259184 PMCID: PMC8903242 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
On their way to the oocyte, sperm cells are subjected to oxidative stress, which may trigger the oxidation of phospholipids (PL). Applying MALDI-TOF MS, HPTLC and ESI-IT MS, we comparatively analyzed the PL compositions of semen and blood of species differing in their reproductive systems and types of nutrition (bull, boar, stallion, lion and man) with regard to the sensitivity to oxidation as well as the accumulation of harmful lyso-PL (LPL), transient products of lipid oxidation. In addition, the protective capacity of seminal fluid (SF) was also examined. The PL composition of erythrocytes and blood plasma is similar across the species, while pronounced differences exist for sperm and SF. Since the blood function is largely conserved across mammalian species, but the reproductive systems may vary in many aspects, the obtained results suggest that the PL composition is not determined by the type of nutrition, but by the relatedness of species and by functional requirements of cell membranes such as fluidity. Sperm motion and fertilization of oocytes require a rather flexible membrane, which is accomplished by significant moieties of unsaturated fatty acyl residues in sperm lipids of most species, but implies a higher risk of oxidation. Due to a high content of plasmalogens (alkenyl ether lipids), bull sperm are most susceptible to oxidation. Our data indicate that bull sperm possess the most effective protective power in SF. Obviously, a co-evolution of PL composition and protective mechanisms has occurred in semen and is related to the reproductive characteristics. Although the protective capacity in human SF seems well developed, we recorded the most pronounced individual contaminations with LPL in human semen. Probably, massive oxidative challenges related to lifestyle factors interfere with natural conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Jakop
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow e. V., Bernau, Germany
| | - Karin Müller
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Müller
- Department of Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Sonja Grunewald
- Department of Dermatology, Training Center of the European Academy of Andrology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jurgen Schiller
- Department of Dermatology, Training Center of the European Academy of Andrology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kathrin M. Engel
- Department of Dermatology, Training Center of the European Academy of Andrology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- * E-mail:
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22
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Preimplantation Endometrial Transcriptomics in Natural Conception Cycle of the Rhesus Monkey. REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/reprodmed3010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There is no report on preimplantation phase endometrial transcriptomics in natural conception cycles of primates. In the present study, the whole-genome expression array of endometrium on Days 2, 4, and 6 post-ovulation (pov) in proven natural conception (Group 1; n = 12) and non-mated, ovulatory (Group 2; n = 12) cycles of rhesus monkeys was examined, compared, and validated. Of fifteen (15) genes showing differential expression (>2-fold; pFDR < 0.05), six genes (CHRND, FOXD3, GJD4, MAPK8IP3, MKS1, and NUP50) were upregulated, while eight genes (ADCY5, ADIPOR1, NNMT, PATL1, PIGV, TGFBR2, TOX2, and VWA5B1) were down regulated on Day 6 pov as compared to Day 2 pov in conception cycles. On Day 6 pov, four genes (ADCY5, NNMT, TOX2, and VWA5B1) were down regulated, and AVEN was upregulated in conception cycles compared with the non-conception cycle. These observations were orthogonally validated at protein expression level. Group-specifically expressed unique genes in conception cycles influence the process of induction of immune-tolerance, while the genes expressed in both groups influence processes of protein targeting and metabolism. A triad of timed-actions of progesterone, seminal plasma, and preimplantation embryo putatively regulate several input molecules to CREB, NF-kB, and STAT regulatory networks during secretory phase towards evolution of endometrial receptivity in the rhesus monkey.
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Rumph JT, Rayford KJ, Stephens VR, Ameli S, Nde PN, Osteen KG, Bruner-Tran KL. A Preconception Paternal Fish Oil Diet Prevents Toxicant-Driven New Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Neonatal Mice. TOXICS 2021; 10:7. [PMID: 35051049 PMCID: PMC8778469 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
New bronchopulmonary dysplasia is a developmental lung disease associated with placental dysfunction and impaired alveolarization. Risk factors for new BPD include prematurity, delayed postnatal growth, the dysregulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and parental exposure to toxicants. Our group previously reported that a history of paternal toxicant exposure increased the risk of prematurity and low birth weight in offspring. A history of paternal toxicant exposure also increased the offspring's risk of new BPD and disease severity was increased in offspring who additionally received a supplemental formula diet, which has also been linked to poor lung development. Risk factors associated with new BPD are well-defined, but it is unclear whether the disease can be prevented. Herein, we assessed whether a paternal fish oil diet could attenuate the development of new BPD in the offspring of toxicant exposed mice, with and without neonatal formula feeding. We investigated the impact of a paternal fish oil diet preconception because we previously reported that this intervention reduces the risk of TCDD associated placental dysfunction, prematurity, and low birth weight. We found that a paternal fish oil diet significantly reduced the risk of new BPD in neonatal mice with a history of paternal toxicant exposure regardless of neonatal diet. Furthermore, our evidence suggests that the protective effects of a paternal fish oil diet are mediated in part by the modulation of small molecules involved in EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelonia T. Rumph
- Women’s Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 1161 21st Ave S, MCN B-1100, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (J.T.R.); (V.R.S.); (S.A.); (K.G.O.)
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; (K.J.R.); (P.N.N.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Kayla J. Rayford
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; (K.J.R.); (P.N.N.)
| | - Victoria R. Stephens
- Women’s Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 1161 21st Ave S, MCN B-1100, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (J.T.R.); (V.R.S.); (S.A.); (K.G.O.)
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Sharareh Ameli
- Women’s Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 1161 21st Ave S, MCN B-1100, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (J.T.R.); (V.R.S.); (S.A.); (K.G.O.)
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Pius N. Nde
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; (K.J.R.); (P.N.N.)
| | - Kevin G. Osteen
- Women’s Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 1161 21st Ave S, MCN B-1100, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (J.T.R.); (V.R.S.); (S.A.); (K.G.O.)
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
- VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Kaylon L. Bruner-Tran
- Women’s Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 1161 21st Ave S, MCN B-1100, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (J.T.R.); (V.R.S.); (S.A.); (K.G.O.)
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24
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McPherson NO, Vincent AD, Zander-Fox D, Grieger JA. Birthweight associations with parental obesity: retrospective analysis of 1,778 singleton term births following assisted reproductive treatment. F S Rep 2021; 2:405-412. [PMID: 34934980 PMCID: PMC8655430 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2021.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To determine the association of combined parental preconception overweight and obesity on infant birthweight. Design Retrospective study of fresh in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles (2009–2017). Setting Repromed, South Australia, assisted reproductive technology clinic. Patients Couples undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection insemination with their own gametes and transfer of a fresh single blastocyst (N = 1,778). Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measures Parental body mass index (BMI) was recorded prior to cycle initiation. Infant birthweight was recorded at delivery. The impact of parental obesity and their interaction on first singleton term (≥37 weeks’ gestation) birthweight was assessed using linear regressions assessing nonlinearity and a pairwise linear interactions. Results In the base model where parental BMI is assumed linear, there was strong evidence for higher birthweight with increasing maternal BMI (11.2 g per maternal kg/m2; 95% confidence interval, 7.2, 15.1) but not paternal BMI. The inclusion of a pairwise linear interaction indicated that paternal BMI attenuates the positive association between maternal BMI and infant birthweight (interaction −0.88; 95% confidence interval, −1.49, −0.27). The inclusion of nonlinear maternal BMI terms did not change the conclusions. Conclusions Increases in the mean infant birthweight associated with maternal obesity are attenuated when the father is obese. While maternal BMI contributed more to the mean infant birthweight than paternal BMI, a couple-centered approach to preconception health advice is recommended, given the documented relationships between parental obesity and childhood weight beyond infancy. Further studies in both assisted reproductive technology and general population cohorts assessing the parental BMI interaction on infant birthweight are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole O McPherson
- Freemasons Center for Male Health and Wellbeing, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Repromed, Dulwich, South Australia, Australia.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Andrew D Vincent
- Freemasons Center for Male Health and Wellbeing, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, South Australia, Australia
| | - Deirdre Zander-Fox
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Repromed, Dulwich, South Australia, Australia.,Monash IVF Group, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Faculty of Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jessica A Grieger
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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25
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Ding Y, Ding N, Zhang Y, Xie S, Huang M, Ding X, Dong W, Zhang Q, Jiang L. MicroRNA-222 Transferred From Semen Extracellular Vesicles Inhibits Sperm Apoptosis by Targeting BCL2L11. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:736864. [PMID: 34820370 PMCID: PMC8607813 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.736864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminal plasma contains a large number of extracellular vesicles (EVs). However, the roles of these EVs and their interactions with sperm are not clear. To identify the important molecules affecting sperm motility in EVs, we analyzed RNA from seminal plasma EVs of boars with different sperm motility using whole-transcriptome sequencing and proteomic analysis. In total, 7 miRNAs, 67 lncRNAs, 126 mRNAs and 76 proteins were differentially expressed between the two groups. We observed that EV-miR-222 can obviously improve sperm motility. In addition, the results suggested that miR-222 was transferred into sperm by the EVs and that miR-222 affected sperm apoptosis by inhibiting the expression of EGFR, BCL2L11, BAX, CYCs, CASP9 and CASP3. The results of electron microscopy also showed that overexpression of miR-222 in EVs could reduce sperm apoptosis. The study of the whole transcriptomes and proteomes of EVs in boar semen revealed some miRNAs may play an important role in these EVs interactions with Duroc sperm, and the findings suggest that the release of miR-222 by semen EVs is an important mechanism by which sperm viability is maintained and sperm apoptosis is reduced. Our studies provide a new insight of miR-222 in EVs regulation for sperm motility and sperm apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqun Ding
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Ding
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shenmin Xie
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Mengna Huang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangdong Ding
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Wuzi Dong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
| | - Li Jiang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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26
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Wang D, Jueraitetibaike K, Tang T, Wang Y, Jing J, Xue T, Ma J, Cao S, Lin Y, Li X, Ma R, Chen X, Yao B. Seminal Plasma and Seminal Plasma Exosomes of Aged Male Mice Affect Early Embryo Implantation via Immunomodulation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:723409. [PMID: 34712227 PMCID: PMC8546305 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.723409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminal plasma (SP), particularly SP exosomes (sExos), alters with age and can affect female mouse uterine immune microenvironment. However, the relationship between fertility decline in reproductively older males, and SP and sExos age-related changes, which may compromise the uterine immune microenvironment, remains unclear. The present study demonstrated that the implantation rate of female mice treated with SP from reproductively older male mice (aged-SP group) was lower than that of those treated with SP from younger male mice (young-SP group). RNA-sequencing analysis revealed altered levels of dendritic cell (DC)-related cytokines and chemokines in the uteri of the former group compared with those of the latter group. In vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated a weaker inhibitory effect of aged SP on DC maturation than of young SP upon stimulation. After isolating and characterizing sExos from young and advanced-age male mice, we discovered that insemination of a subset of the aged-SP group with sExos from young male mice partially recovered the implantation rate decline. Additional in vivo and in vitro experiments revealed that sExos extracted from age male mice exerted a similar effect on DC maturation as SP of aged mice, indicating an age-related sExos inhibitory effect. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that age-related alterations of sExos may be partially responsible for lower implantation rates in the aged-SP group compared with those in the young-SP group, which were mediated by uterine immunomodulation. These findings provide new insights for clinical seminal adjuvant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medicine School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kadiliya Jueraitetibaike
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medicine School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ting Tang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanbo Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Jing
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medicine School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tongmin Xue
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinzhao Ma
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medicine School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Siyuan Cao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medicine School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Lin
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medicine School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medicine School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rujun Ma
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medicine School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xi Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bing Yao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medicine School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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27
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Sereshki N, Andalib A, Toghyani M, Motedayyen H, Hesamian MS, Rezaei A, Wilkinson D. Spermatozoa Induce Maternal Mononuclear Cells for Production of Antibody with Cytotoxic Activity on Paternal Blood Mononuclear Cells. CELL JOURNAL 2021; 23:349-354. [PMID: 34308579 PMCID: PMC8286455 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2021.7157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Objective The maternal immune response to paternal antigens is induced at insemination. We believe that pregnancy protective alloantibodies, such as anti-paternal cytotoxic antibody (APCA), may be produced against the paternal antigens in the context of stimulated immunity at insemination and that they increase during pregnancy. APCA is necessary for pregnancy. It is directed towards paternal human leucocyte antigens (HLAs) and has cytotoxic activity against paternal leucocytes. The present study aims to determine whether APCA is produced by the maternal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in contact with the husband's spermatozoa and to evaluate the relation of APCA production with HLA class I and II expressions by spermatozoa in fertile couples. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study included 30 fertile couples with at least one child. The maternal PBMCs were co-cultured with the husband's spermatozoa and the supernatant was assessed for the presence of IgG by ELISA. Cytotoxic activity of the supernatant on the husband's PBMCs was assessed by the complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) assay. Results IgG was produced in all co-cultures, and the mean level of supernatant IgG was 669 ng/ml. The cytotoxic activity of the supernatant was observed in all the supernatant obtained from the co-cultures. The mean percentage of APCA in supernatant was 73.93%. Conclusion Based on the results of this study it can be concluded that APCA may be a natural anti-sperm antibody (ASA), which can be produced during exposure to spermatozoa and may have some influence before pregnancy. Further research is required to determine the role of APCA before pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasrin Sereshki
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.,Asadabad School of Medical Science, Asadabad, Iran.
| | - Alireza Andalib
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohadeseh Toghyani
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hossein Motedayyen
- Autoimmune Diseases Research Centre, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Sadegh Hesamian
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Abbas Rezaei
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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28
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Fuentes-Albero MC, González-Brusi L, Cots P, Luongo C, Abril-Sánchez S, Ros-Santaella JL, Pintus E, Ruiz-Díaz S, Barros-García C, Sánchez-Calabuig MJ, García-Párraga D, Avilés M, Izquierdo Rico MJ, García-Vázquez FA. Protein Identification of Spermatozoa and Seminal Plasma in Bottlenose Dolphin ( Tursiops truncatus). Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:673961. [PMID: 34336830 PMCID: PMC8323341 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.673961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteins play an important role in many reproductive functions such as sperm maturation, sperm transit in the female genital tract or sperm-oocyte interaction. However, in general, little information concerning reproductive features is available in the case of aquatic animals. The present study aims to characterize the proteome of both spermatozoa and seminal plasma of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) as a model organism for cetaceans. Ejaculate samples were obtained from two trained dolphins housed in an aquarium. Spermatozoa and seminal plasma were analyzed by means of proteomic analyses using an LC-MS/MS, and a list with the gene symbols corresponding to each protein was submitted to the DAVID database. Of the 419 proteins identified in spermatozoa and 303 in seminal plasma, 111 proteins were shared by both. Furthermore, 70 proteins were identified as involved in reproductive processes, 39 in spermatozoa, and 31 in seminal plasma. The five most abundant proteins were also identified in these samples: AKAP3, ODF2, TUBB, GSTM3, ROPN1 for spermatozoa and CST11, LTF, ALB, HSP90B1, PIGR for seminal plasma. In conclusion, this study provides the first characterization of the proteome in cetacean sperm and seminal plasma, opening the way to future research into new biomarkers, the analysis of conservation capacity or possible additional applications in the field of assisted reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari-Carmen Fuentes-Albero
- Department of Biology, Avanqua-Oceanogràfic S.L, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Leopoldo González-Brusi
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Paula Cots
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Chiara Luongo
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Silvia Abril-Sánchez
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - José Luis Ros-Santaella
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Eliana Pintus
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Sara Ruiz-Díaz
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Agricultural and Food Research and Technology Institute (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - María-Jesús Sánchez-Calabuig
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Agricultural and Food Research and Technology Institute (INIA), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel García-Párraga
- Department of Biology, Avanqua-Oceanogràfic S.L, Valencia, Spain.,Research Department, Fundación Oceanogràfic, Valencia, Spain
| | - Manuel Avilés
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Mᵃ José Izquierdo Rico
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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29
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du Fossé NA, Lashley EELO, van Beelen E, Meuleman T, le Cessie S, van Lith JMM, Eikmans M, van der Hoorn MLP. Identification of distinct seminal plasma cytokine profiles associated with male age and lifestyle characteristics in unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss. J Reprod Immunol 2021; 147:103349. [PMID: 34246867 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2021.103349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seminal plasma contains a wide range of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors. Part of these signalling molecules assist in inducing a state of active maternal immune tolerance towards the fetus. Disbalances in seminal plasma content may contribute to pregnancy loss. This study investigated cytokine expression profiles in seminal plasma of male partners of couples with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and the association with clinical and lifestyle characteristics, including smoking, alcohol consumption and body mass index (BMI). METHODS In the seminal plasma of 52 men who visited a specialised RPL clinic the levels of 25 pre-selected cytokines, chemokines and growth factors were measured by Bio-Plex assay or ELISA. Two-way hierarchical cluster analysis was performed. Identified patient clusters were compared on clinical and lifestyle characteristics. RESULTS Two distinct cytokine expression profiles in the seminal plasma were revealed by cluster analysis. Patient cluster I showed relatively higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL-18 and TNF-α, compared to Patient cluster II. Men belonging to Patient cluster I were significantly older and had significantly more lifestyle risk factors compared to men in Patient cluster II. CONCLUSION Cluster analysis suggested the existence of a less favourable pro-inflammatory cytokine expression profile, being present in part of men affected by RPL and associated with advanced male age and lifestyle risk factors. These findings may serve as a starting point for further research into underlying mechanisms and ultimately lead to novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for couples with RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A du Fossé
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - E E L O Lashley
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - E van Beelen
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - T Meuleman
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - S le Cessie
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - J M M van Lith
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - M Eikmans
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - M L P van der Hoorn
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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30
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McPherson NO. Can we blame fathers who are obese peri-conception, for increasing chronic disease risk in children? Obes Res Clin Pract 2021; 14:195-196. [PMID: 32593417 DOI: 10.1016/j.orcp.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Olivia McPherson
- Freemasons Foundation Centre for Men's Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia; Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia; Repromed, Dulwich, South Australia, 5065, Australia.
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31
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Mateo-Otero Y, Zambrano F, Catalán J, Sánchez R, Yeste M, Miro J, Fernandez-Fuertes B. Seminal plasma, and not sperm, induces time and concentration-dependent neutrophil extracellular trap release in donkeys. Equine Vet J 2021; 54:415-426. [PMID: 33908643 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In several mammalian species, acute endometritis driven by the recruitment of polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) occurs in response to semen. These PMNs release DNA to form neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in cattle, horse and human, leading to sperm entrapment. While there is no evidence of this phenomenon occurring in donkeys, artificial insemination (AI) with frozen-thawed semen, which results in very poor pregnancy rates, leads to a large PMN recruitment to the uterus. OBJECTIVES To investigate whether donkey semen can trigger NET release (NETosis) and if excessive NETosis occurs in response to frozen-thawed semen. STUDY DESIGN In vitro experiments. METHODS Jenny PMNs were exposed to jackass fresh or frozen-thawed semen, isolated sperm or seminal plasma (SP), over the course of three experiments. NET formation in response to different treatments was assessed through manual quantification of stained slides. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by a post hoc Sidak test, was carried out to determine statistical significance. RESULTS NET release occurred in a semen concentration- and incubation-time-dependent manner. Surprisingly, frozen-thawed donkey sperm did not increase NETosis rate in comparison with the control (23 ± 2.5% vs. 31 ± 3.7%; P > .05), whereas fresh semen exposure did (78 ± 5.7% vs. 26 ± 3.2%, P < .01). NETosis increased in the presence of SP, regardless of the presence or absence of sperm, in comparison with the control in both fresh (84 ± 5.2% and 77 ± 5.0% vs. 12 ± 2.7%, respectively; P < .01) and frozen (95 ± 2.2% and 94 ± 2.9% vs. 14 ± 3.8%, respectively; P < .01) samples. Moreover, exposure of PMN to viable and motile sperm, in the absence of SP, did not increase NETosis rates (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS Donkey SP, and not sperm-intrinsic factors, is able to trigger NETosis in both time- and semen concentration-dependent manner. The physiological relevance of such response against semen in the donkey remains to be elucidated.
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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, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Fabiola Zambrano
- Laboratory in Reproductive Medicine and Molecular Endocrinology, Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine-Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT - BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.,Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Jaime Catalán
- 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.,Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raúl Sánchez
- Laboratory in Reproductive Medicine and Molecular Endocrinology, Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine-Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT - BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.,Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - 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
| | - Jordi Miro
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Beatriz Fernandez-Fuertes
- 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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32
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Rodriguez-Martinez H, Martinez EA, Calvete JJ, Peña Vega FJ, Roca J. Seminal Plasma: Relevant for Fertility? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094368. [PMID: 33922047 PMCID: PMC8122421 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Seminal plasma (SP), the non-cellular component of semen, is a heterogeneous composite fluid built by secretions of the testis, the epididymis and the accessory sexual glands. Its composition, despite species-specific anatomical peculiarities, consistently contains inorganic ions, specific hormones, proteins and peptides, including cytokines and enzymes, cholesterol, DNA and RNA-the latter often protected within epididymis- or prostate-derived extracellular vesicles. It is beyond question that the SP participates in diverse aspects of sperm function pre-fertilization events. The SP also interacts with the various compartments of the tubular genital tract, triggering changes in gene function that prepares for an eventual successful pregnancy; thus, it ultimately modulates fertility. Despite these concepts, it is imperative to remember that SP-free spermatozoa (epididymal or washed ejaculated) are still fertile, so this review shall focus on the differences between the in vivo roles of the SP following semen deposition in the female and those regarding additions of SP on spermatozoa handled for artificial reproduction, including cryopreservation, from artificial insemination to in vitro fertilization. This review attempts, including our own results on model animal species, to critically summarize the current knowledge of the reproductive roles played by SP components, particularly in our own species, which is increasingly affected by infertility. The ultimate goal is to reconcile the delicate balance between the SP molecular concentration and their concerted effects after temporal exposure in vivo. We aim to appraise the functions of the SP components, their relevance as diagnostic biomarkers and their value as eventual additives to refine reproductive strategies, including biotechnologies, in livestock models and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185 Linköping, Sweden
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-132-869-25
| | - Emilio A. Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (E.A.M.); (J.R.)
| | - Juan J. Calvete
- Laboratorio de Venómica Estructural y Funcional, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, C.S.I.C., 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Fernando J. Peña Vega
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, 10003 Caceres, Spain;
| | - 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, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (E.A.M.); (J.R.)
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33
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Gibb Z, Blanco-Prieto O, Bucci D. The role of endogenous antioxidants in male animal fertility. Res Vet Sci 2021; 136:495-502. [PMID: 33857769 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian semen is a physiological fluid composed of a cellular fraction (spermatozoa), and a liquid fraction (seminal plasma). Once delivered to the female genital tract, spermatozoa should be able to capacitate; a process which involves a plethora of biochemical and physiological changes required to fertilize the oocyte. Sperm production (spermatogenesis) occurs in the testes, whereby pluripotent spermatogonia differentiate to form the most morphologically specialized cells in the body. Further maturation of spermatozoa occurs in the epididymis, where they are stored prior to ejaculation. During this whole process, spermatozoa are exposed to different environments and cellular processes which may expose them to substantial levels of oxidative stress. To avoid damage associated with the unchecked production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), both spermatozoa, and the parts of the male genital tract in which they reside, are furnished with a suite of antioxidant molecules which are able to provide protection to these cells, thereby increasing their chance of being able to fertilize the oocyte and deliver an intact paternal genome to the future offspring. However, there are a host of reasons why these antioxidant systems may fail, including nutritional deficiencies, genetics, and disease states, and in these situations, a reduction or abolition of fertilizing capacity may result. This review paper focuses on the endogenous antioxidant defences available to spermatozoa during spermatogenesis and sperm maturation, the site of their production and their physiological role. Furthermore, we revised the causes and effects of antioxidant deficiencies (congenital or acquired during the animal's adulthood) on reproductive function in different animal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zamira Gibb
- Priority Research Centre in Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Olga Blanco-Prieto
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Italy.
| | - Diego Bucci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Italy
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34
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Ayaz A, Houle E, Pilsner JR. Extracellular vesicle cargo of the male reproductive tract and the paternal preconception environment. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2021; 67:103-111. [PMID: 33630671 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2020.1867665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The molecular composition of extracellular vesicles (EVs) is emerging as a novel biomarker in many areas of research including reproductive health. EVs transport biological molecules such as RNA and protein to facilitate cell-to-cell communication among cells of the male reproductive tract. Human and animal studies have shown that EVs present in seminal plasma or in the male reproductive tract contain important cargo that are important for successful reproductive outcomes. Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNA) have been at the forefront of this research, and as such, they have the potential to serve as novel biomarkers of male infertility diagnosis and reproductive success. This review provides an overview of EV biosynthesis and examines the molecular payloads of seminal plasma EVs on male infertility and reproductive success as well as future research that is warranted to examine how these molecular payloads may be modified by environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Ayaz
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Emily Houle
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - J Richard Pilsner
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
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35
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Intrauterine Infusion of TGF-β1 Prior to Insemination, Alike Seminal Plasma, Influences Endometrial Cytokine Responses but Does Not Impact the Timing of the Progression of Pre-Implantation Pig Embryo Development. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10020159. [PMID: 33671276 PMCID: PMC7923199 DOI: 10.3390/biology10020159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Seminal plasma (SP) in the female genital tract induces changes that affect multiple reproductive processes. One of the active components in SP is the transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), which has major roles in embryo development and pregnancy. Embryo transfer (ET) technology is welcomed by the pig industry provided that embryo quality at embryo collection as well as the fertility and prolificacy of the recipients after the ET is increased. This study evaluated different intrauterine infusion treatments at estrus (40 mL of SP, TGF-β1 cytokine in the extender, or the extender alone (control)) by mimicking an ET scenario in so-called "donor" (inseminated) and "recipient" (uninseminated) sows. On day 6 (day 0-onset of estrus), all "donors" were laparotomized to determine their pregnancy status (presence and developmental stage of the embryos). In addition, endometrial explants were collected from pregnant "donors" and cyclic "recipients," incubated for 24 h, and analyzed for cytokine production. SP infusions (unlike TGF-β1 infusions) positively influenced the developmental stage of day 6 embryos. Infusion treatments differentially influenced the endometrial cytokine production, mainly in donors. We concluded that SP infusions prior to AI not only impacted the porcine preimplantation embryo development but also influenced the endometrial cytokine production six days after treatment, both in donors and recipients.
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36
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Douhard M, Geffroy B. Males can adjust offspring sex ratio in an adaptive fashion through different mechanisms. Bioessays 2021; 43:e2000264. [PMID: 33594712 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202000264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Sex allocation research has primarily focused on offspring sex-ratio adjustment by mothers. Yet, fathers also benefit from producing more of the sex with greater fitness returns. Here, we review the state-of-the art in the study of male-driven sex allocation and, counter to the current paradigm, we propose that males can adaptively influence offspring sex ratio through a wide variety of mechanisms. This includes differential production and motility of X- versus Y-bearing sperms in mammals, variation in seminal fluid composition in haplo-diploid invertebrates, and epigenetic mechanisms in some fish and lizards exhibiting environmental sex determination. Conflicts of interest between mothers and fathers over offspring sex ratios can emerge, although many more studies are needed in this area. While many studies of sex allocation have focused on adaptive explanations with little attention to mechanisms, and vice versa, the integration of these two topics is essential for understanding male-driven sex allocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Douhard
- Laboratoire de Biométrie & Biologie Evolutive, Université Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Benjamin Geffroy
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, Ifremer, CNRS, IRD, Palavas-Les-Flots, France
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37
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The Role of NF-κB in Uterine Spiral Arteries Remodeling, Insight into the Cornerstone of Preeclampsia. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020704. [PMID: 33445783 PMCID: PMC7828278 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is one of the three leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. It afflicts 2-8% of pregnancies and is the most common cause of gestational hypertension. This article is focused on nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), its role in normal and pathological spiral arteries remodelling and development of preeclampsia, with evaluation if it is a promising therapeutic target. NF-κB is a key mediator of placentation. Since insemination, it stimulates production of proinflammatory cytokines by the uterine epithelium, which leads to activation of macrophages, uterine natural killer cells (uNKs), and other leukocytes. The trophoblast/uNK/macrophage crosstalk is crucial for implantation and spiral arteries remodeling, and NF-κB regulates that process through modification of cytokine expression, as well as cell phenotype and function. In the course of preeclampsia, the remodeling processes is disturbed by excessive inflammation and increased NF-κB activation. The pathological remodeling leads to uteroplacental dysfunction, release of proinflammatory cytokines into the maternal circulation, endothelial stress, and development of preeclampsia. The analysis of genetic and environmental inductors of NF-κB helps to distinguish preeclampsia risk groups. Furthermore, a selective inhibition of NF-κB or NF-κB activating pathways alleviates symptoms of preeclampsia in rat models; therefore, this could be an efficient therapeutic option.
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38
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Gaikwad AS, Hu J, Chapple DG, O'Bryan MK. The functions of CAP superfamily proteins in mammalian fertility and disease. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 26:689-723. [PMID: 32378701 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Members of the cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPS), antigen 5 (Ag5) and pathogenesis-related 1 (Pr-1) (CAP) superfamily of proteins are found across the bacterial, fungal, plant and animal kingdoms. Although many CAP superfamily proteins remain poorly characterized, over the past decade evidence has accumulated, which provides insights into the functional roles of these proteins in various processes, including fertilization, immune defence and subversion, pathogen virulence, venom toxicology and cancer biology. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The aim of this article is to summarize the current state of knowledge on CAP superfamily proteins in mammalian fertility, organismal homeostasis and disease pathogenesis. SEARCH METHODS The scientific literature search was undertaken via PubMed database on all articles published prior to November 2019. Search terms were based on following keywords: 'CAP superfamily', 'CRISP', 'Cysteine-rich secretory proteins', 'Antigen 5', 'Pathogenesis-related 1', 'male fertility', 'CAP and CTL domain containing', 'CRISPLD1', 'CRISPLD2', 'bacterial SCP', 'ion channel regulator', 'CatSper', 'PI15', 'PI16', 'CLEC', 'PRY proteins', 'ASP proteins', 'spermatogenesis', 'epididymal maturation', 'capacitation' and 'snake CRISP'. In addition to that, reference lists of primary and review article were reviewed for additional relevant publications. OUTCOMES In this review, we discuss the breadth of knowledge on CAP superfamily proteins with regards to their protein structure, biological functions and emerging significance in reproduction, health and disease. We discuss the evolution of CAP superfamily proteins from their otherwise unembellished prokaryotic predecessors into the multi-domain and neofunctionalized members found in eukaryotic organisms today. At least in part because of the rapid evolution of these proteins, many inconsistencies in nomenclature exist within the literature. As such, and in part through the use of a maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis of the vertebrate CRISP subfamily, we have attempted to clarify this confusion, thus allowing for a comparison of orthologous protein function between species. This framework also allows the prediction of functional relevance between species based on sequence and structural conservation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS This review generates a picture of critical roles for CAP proteins in ion channel regulation, sterol and lipid binding and protease inhibition, and as ligands involved in the induction of multiple cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash S Gaikwad
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Jinghua Hu
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - David G Chapple
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
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39
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Daigneault BW. Dynamics of paternal contributions to early embryo development in large animals. Biol Reprod 2020; 104:274-281. [PMID: 32997138 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on current knowledge of paternal contributions to preimplantation embryonic development with particular emphasis on large animals. Specifically, the included content aims to summarize genomic and epigenomic contributions of paternally expressed genes, their regulation, and chromatin structure that are indispensable for early embryo development. The accumulation of current knowledge will summarize conserved allelic function among species to include functional molecular and genomic studies across large domestic animals in context with reference to founding experimental models.
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40
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Environmental Impact on Male (In)Fertility via Epigenetic Route. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9082520. [PMID: 32764255 PMCID: PMC7463911 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9082520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last 40 years, male reproductive health-which is very sensitive to both environmental exposure and metabolic status-has deteriorated and the poor sperm quality observed has been suggested to affect offspring development and its health in adult life. In this scenario, evidence now suggests that epigenetics shapes endocrine functions, linking genetics and environment. During fertilization, spermatozoa share with the oocyte their epigenome, along with their haploid genome, in order to orchestrate embryo development. The epigenetic signature of spermatozoa is the result of a dynamic modulation of the epigenetic marks occurring, firstly, in the testis-during germ cell progression-then, along the epididymis, where spermatozoa still receive molecules, conveyed by epididymosomes. Paternal lifestyle, including nutrition and exposure to hazardous substances, alters the phenotype of the next generations, through the remodeling of a sperm epigenetic blueprint that dynamically reacts to a wide range of environmental and lifestyle stressors. With that in mind, this review will summarize and discuss insights into germline epigenetic plasticity caused by environmental stimuli and diet and how spermatozoa may be carriers of induced epimutations across generations through a mechanism known as paternal transgenerational epigenetic inheritance.
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41
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Shotgun proteome analysis of seminal plasma differentiate boars by reproductive performance. Theriogenology 2020; 157:130-139. [PMID: 32810790 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
There is a need to identify subfertile boars before they enter into the breeding herd. Seminal plasma proteins are essential for normal sperm function and transport and play an important role in fertilization. The objective of this study was to use liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry for shotgun proteome analysis to investigate whether differences in boar fertility phenotype can be differentiated by seminal plasma protein abundance. Following 50 breedings, boars were categorized into one of four phenotypes: high farrowing rate and total born (HFHB; n = 9), high farrowing rate with low total born (HFLB; n = 10), low farrowing rate and total born (LFLB; n = 9), and low farrowing rate with high total born (LFHB; n = 4) that were distinct (p < 0.05) from each other by these variables. There were 506 proteins measured in at least one sample across all animals. There were 245 high confidence proteins and 56 were differentially abundant between the high fertility phenotype (HFHB) and at least one of the three subfertile groups. Findings support that seminal plasma protein profiles are distinct between boars with different fertility phenotypes.
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42
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Parrilla I, Martinez EA, Gil MA, Cuello C, Roca J, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Martinez CA. Boar seminal plasma: current insights on its potential role for assisted reproductive technologies in swine. Anim Reprod 2020; 17:e20200022. [PMID: 33029213 PMCID: PMC7534575 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2020-0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminal plasma (SP) supports not only sperm function but also the ability of spermatozoa to withstand biotechnological procedures as artificial insemination, freezing or sex sorting. Moreover, evidence has been provided that SP contains identifiable molecules which can act as fertility biomarkers, and even improve the output of assisted reproductive technologies by acting as modulators of endometrial and embryonic changes of gene expression, thus affecting embryo development and fertility beyond the sperm horizon. In this overview, we discuss current knowledge of the composition of SP, mainly proteins and cytokines, and their influence on semen basic procedures, such as liquid storage or cryopreservation. The role of SP as modulator of endometrial and embryonic molecular changes that lead to successful pregnancy will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inmaculada Parrilla
- Departmento de Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de de Excelencia International "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria, Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Murcia, Spain
| | - Emilio Arsenio Martinez
- Departmento de Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de de Excelencia International "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria, Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Murcia, Spain
| | - Maria Antonia Gil
- Departmento de Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de de Excelencia International "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria, Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Murcia, Spain
| | - Cristina Cuello
- Departmento de Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de de Excelencia International "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria, Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jordi Roca
- Departmento de Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de de Excelencia International "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria, Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Murcia, Spain
| | - Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences, BKH/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Cristina Alicia Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences, BKH/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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43
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Fernandez-Encinas A, García-Peiró A, del Rey J, Ribas-Maynou J, Abad C, Amengual MJ, Prada E, Navarro J, Benet J. Proteomic Analysis in Seminal Plasma of Fertile Donors and Infertile Patients with Sperm DNA Fragmentation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21145046. [PMID: 32708913 PMCID: PMC7404047 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Seminal plasma proteomics studies could represent a new approach for the determination of molecular elements driving male infertility, resulting in a better male infertility characterization. The aim of this study is to investigate proteomic differences in seminal plasma samples from fertile and infertile individuals. For that, semen samples were selected according to semen analysis, clinical pathology, and values of sperm DNA fragmentation (alkaline and neutral Comet assay and Sperm Chromatin Dispersion test). A total of 24 seminal plasma samples classified in four groups were processed: fertile donors (FD), recurrent miscarriage patients (RM), asthenoteratozoospermic patients (ATZ), and asthenoteratozoospermic patients with varicocele (ATZ-VAR). Results obtained by 2D-differential gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) revealed 26 spots significantly increased in fertile donors when compared to patient groups. Also, eight spots in the ATZ group and two in the ATZ-VAR group were decreased compared to the other groups. Twenty-eight proteins were identified by mass spectrometry (MS), most of them involved in metabolic and cellular processes and with a catalytic or binding function. Protein-protein interactions through Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) tool suggest that a large part of them were associated with each other. Furthermore, most of them were associated with ubiquitin C, indicating that it could play an important regulation role, resulting in a potential male infertility biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Fernandez-Encinas
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; (A.F.-E.); (J.d.R.); (J.R.-M.); (J.N.)
| | - Agustín García-Peiró
- Centro de Infertilidad Masculina y Análisis de Barcelona (CIMAB), 08192 Sant Quirze del Vallès, Spain;
| | - Javier del Rey
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; (A.F.-E.); (J.d.R.); (J.R.-M.); (J.N.)
| | - Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; (A.F.-E.); (J.d.R.); (J.R.-M.); (J.N.)
| | - Carlos Abad
- Servei d’Urologia, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Sabadell, Institut Universitari Parc Taulí—UAB, 08208 Sabadell, Spain;
| | - Maria José Amengual
- UDIAT, Centre Diagnòstic, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Sabadell, Institut Universitari Parc Taulí—UAB, 08208 Sabadell, Spain;
| | - Elena Prada
- Servei de Ginecologia, Hospital Universitari Mútua de Terrassa, 08221 Terrassa, Spain;
| | - Joaquima Navarro
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; (A.F.-E.); (J.d.R.); (J.R.-M.); (J.N.)
| | - Jordi Benet
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; (A.F.-E.); (J.d.R.); (J.R.-M.); (J.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-935-811-773
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Zhu C, Hu W, Zhao M, Huang MY, Cheng HZ, He JP, Liu JL. The Pre-Implantation Embryo Induces Uterine Inflammatory Reaction in Mice. Reprod Sci 2020; 28:60-68. [PMID: 32651899 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00259-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
It has been well established that uterine function during the peri-implantation period is precisely regulated by ovarian estrogen and progesterone. The embryo enters the uterine cavity before implantation. However, the impact of pre-implantation embryo on uterine function is largely unknown. In the present study, we performed RNA-seq analysis of mouse uterus on day 4 morning of natural pregnancy (with embryos in the uterus) and pseudo-pregnancy (without embryos in the uterus). We found that 146 genes were upregulated, and 77 genes were downregulated by the pre-implantation embryo. Gene ontology and gene network analysis highlighted the activation of inflammatory reaction in the uterus. By examining the promoter region of differentially expressed genes, we found that NF-kappaB was a causal transcription factor. Finally, we validated 4 inflammation-related genes by quantitative RT-PCR. These 4 genes are likely the main mediators of the inflammatory reaction in the uterus triggered by the pre-implantation embryo. Our data indicated that the pre-implantation embryo causes uterine inflammatory reaction, which in turn might contribute to the establishment of uterine receptivity and embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, No.483 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510642, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Hu
- College of Life Sciences and Resource Environment, Yichun University, Yichun, 336000, China
| | - Miao Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, No.483 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510642, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ming-Yu Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, No.483 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510642, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao-Zhuang Cheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, No.483 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510642, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Peng He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, No.483 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510642, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ji-Long Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, No.483 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510642, China. .,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.
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Seminal Plasma Modulates miRNA Expression by Sow Genital Tract Lining Explants. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10060933. [PMID: 32575588 PMCID: PMC7356309 DOI: 10.3390/biom10060933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The seminal plasma (SP) modulates the female reproductive immune environment after mating, and microRNAs (miRNAs) could participate in the process. Considering that the boar ejaculate is built by fractions differing in SP-composition, this study evaluated whether exposure of mucosal explants of the sow internal genital tract (uterus, utero-tubal junction and isthmus) to different SP-fractions changed the profile of explant-secreted miRNAs. Mucosal explants retrieved from oestrus sows (n = 3) were in vitro exposed to: Medium 199 (M199, Control) or M199 supplemented (1:40 v/v) with SP from the sperm-rich fraction (SRF), the post-SRF or the entire recomposed ejaculate, for 16 h. After, the explants were cultured in M199 for 24 h to finally collect the media for miRNA analyses using GeneChip miRNA 4.0 Array (Affymetrix). Fifteen differentially expressed (False Discovery Rate (FDR) < 0.05 and Fold-change ≥ 2) miRNAs (11 down- versus 4 up-regulated) were identified (the most in the media of uterine explants incubated with SP from post-SRF). Bioinformatics analysis identified that predicted target genes of dysregulated miRNAs, mainly miR-34b, miR-205, miR-4776-3p and miR-574-5p, were involved in functions and pathways related to immune response. In conclusion, SP is able to elicit changes in the miRNAs profile secreted by female genital tract, ultimately depending SP-composition.
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Mateo-Otero Y, Fernández-López P, Gil-Caballero S, Fernandez-Fuertes B, Bonet S, Barranco I, Yeste M. 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of Pig Seminal Plasma Reveals Intra-Ejaculate Variation in Metabolites. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E906. [PMID: 32549232 PMCID: PMC7355445 DOI: 10.3390/biom10060906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In pigs, ejaculate is expelled in fractions, mainly the sperm-rich fraction (SRF) and the post-SRF (PSRF), which differ in both sperm content and origin. In addition, intra-ejaculate variability between fractions in terms of sperm reproductive characteristics has been previously reported, the highest sperm quality being observed in the first 10 mL of the SRF (SRF-P1). As seminal plasma (SP) composition has been purported to influence sperm physiology, the aim of this study was to profile pig SP metabolite composition and to find putative differences between the ejaculate portions (SRF-P1, the rest of SRF [SRF-P2], PSRF) and entire ejaculate (EE). To this end, ejaculates (n = 8, one per boar) were collected in fractions and SP was analyzed using 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy. We identified 19 metabolites present in all ejaculate portions and the EE, and reported correlations between the metabolites. Additionally, and for the first time in mammals, we found intra-ejaculate variability in the SP metabolites, observing different relative abundances in choline, glycerophosphocholine and glycine. Regarding their influence in sperm physiology, we hypothesize that these metabolites may explain the specific reproductive characteristics of each ejaculate portion. Finally, the reported SP metabolites could serve as a first steppingstone in the study of quality, functionality, and fertility biomarkers.
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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, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (Y.M.-O.); (B.F.-F.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Pol Fernández-López
- Theoretical and Computational Ecology Group, Centre for Advanced Studies of Blanes (CEAB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), E-17300 Girona, Spain;
| | - Sergi Gil-Caballero
- NMR Facility, Research Technical Services (STR), University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain;
| | - Beatriz Fernandez-Fuertes
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (Y.M.-O.); (B.F.-F.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (Y.M.-O.); (B.F.-F.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Isabel Barranco
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (Y.M.-O.); (B.F.-F.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, E-30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (Y.M.-O.); (B.F.-F.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
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Padilla L, Lucas X, Parrilla I, Perez-Patiño C, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Roca J, Barranco I. Period of Boar Ejaculate Collection Contributes to the Yearly Intra-Male Variability of Seminal Plasma Cytokines. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9050105. [PMID: 32443675 PMCID: PMC7285058 DOI: 10.3390/biology9050105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The concentrations of cytokines in seminal plasma (SP) fluctuate over time in healthy males, weakening their practical usefulness as diagnostic tools. This study evaluated the relevance of intra-male variability in SP cytokines and to what extent the period of the year when ejaculate is collected contributes to such variability. Thirteen cytokines (GM-CSF, IFNγ, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-18, and TNFα) were measured using the Luminex xMAP® technology for 180 SP samples of ejaculate collected over a year from nine healthy and fertile boars. The SP samples were grouped into two annual periods according to decreasing or increasing daylight and ambient temperature. Intra-male variability was higher than inter-male variability for all cytokines. All SP cytokines showed concentration differences between the two periods of the year, showing the highest concentration during the increasing daylength/temperature period, irrespective of the male. Similarly, some cytokines showed differences between daylength/temperature periods when focusing on their total amount in the ejaculate. No strong relationship (explaining more than 50% of the total variance) was found between annual fluctuations in SP-cytokine levels and semen parameters. In conclusion, the period of the year during which ejaculates were collected helps explain the intra-male variability of SP-cytokine levels in breeding boars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Padilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.P.); (X.L.); (I.P.); (C.P.-P.); (I.B.)
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Xiomara Lucas
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.P.); (X.L.); (I.P.); (C.P.-P.); (I.B.)
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Parrilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.P.); (X.L.); (I.P.); (C.P.-P.); (I.B.)
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Cristina Perez-Patiño
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.P.); (X.L.); (I.P.); (C.P.-P.); (I.B.)
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.P.); (X.L.); (I.P.); (C.P.-P.); (I.B.)
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-868-884-735
| | - Isabel Barranco
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.P.); (X.L.); (I.P.); (C.P.-P.); (I.B.)
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
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Abstract
PURPOSE Approximately 50% of men reporting to clinics for assisted reproduction have abnormal sperm parameters; we therefore considered whether they differ from fertile males in terms of the frequency of KIR and HLA-C genes, suggesting the involvement of NK cells and some T cells in the inflammatory reaction that can occur in the testes, vas deferens, or epididymis. METHOD We tested a total of 1064 men: 445 of them were patients who, together with their female partners, participated in in vitro fertilization (IVF), 298 men whose female partners suffered from recurrent spontaneous abortion. Three hundred twenty-one fertile men constituted the control group. KIRs were genotyped using KIR Ready Gene kits and HLA-C by PCR-SSP methods. RESULTS We found differences in KIR gene frequencies between men who became fathers via natural conception and men who participated in in vitro fertilization for KIR2DL2 (p/pcorr. = 0.0015/0.035, OR = 1.61), KIR2DL5 gr.2 (p/pcorr. = 0.0023/0.05, OR = 1.64), KIR2DS2 (p/pcorr. = 0.0019/0.044, OR = 1.59), and KIR2DS3 (p/pcorr. = 0.0016/0.037, OR = 1.67). KIRs in Cen AA region were significantly overrepresented in fertile males than in IVF males (p/pcorr. = 0.0076/0.03, OR = 0.67), whereas Cen AB + Cen BB frequency was higher in IVF males than in fertile males (p/pcorr. = 0.0076/0.03, OR = 1.50). We also observed a limited association in KIR-HLA-C combinations. CONCLUSION Fertile men differ in profile of KIR genes and KIR-HLA-C combinations from men participating in IVF.
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USUGA ALEXANDRA, ROJANO BENJAMIN, RESTREPO GIOVANNI. Lyophilized seminal plasma can improve stallion semen freezability. THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.56093/ijans.v90i2.98769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of lyophilized seminal plasma (LSP) on stallion semen freezability. Seminal plasma from 30 stallions was lyophilized to obtain a pool of LSP. Fifteen ejaculates from five stallions were supplemented before freezing with 0 mg/mL (Control), 1.44 mg/mL (LSP1), 5.04 mg/mL (LSP2) or 8.68 mg/ mL (LSP3) of LSP. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of LSP was assessed using Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) assay. Post-thaw motility and kinetics, sperm viability, normal morphology and membrane integrity were evaluated. Completely randomized mixed models were fitted for data analyses. The results was analyzed based on freezability of semen samples. TAC for LSP pool was 13679.4±911.6 μmol Trolox 100/g (ORAC units). Semen supplementation with LSP1 and LSP2 showed a positive effect on post-thaw total motility and membrane integrity. Supplementation with LSP3 showed a decrease in post-thaw total and progressive motility, straight line velocity and sperm viability. For poor freezability semen samples, supplementation with LSP1 and LSP2, showed higher post-thaw total motility and membrane integrity than good freezability semen samples. In conclusion, supplementation with LSP can improve the post-thaw seminal quality of stallion semen with poor freezability.
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50
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Green C, Rickard JP, de Graaf SP, Crean AJ. From One Ejaculate to Another: Transference of Sperm Traits via Seminal Plasma Supplementation in the Ram. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:E33. [PMID: 32085377 PMCID: PMC7168205 DOI: 10.3390/biology9020033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Males can adjust sperm motility instantaneously in response to the perceived risk of sperm competition. The speed of this response suggests that sperm motility is regulated by changes in seminal plasma rather than changes in the sperm cells themselves. Hence, here we test whether inter-ejaculate variation in seminal plasma can be used to alter sperm quality prior to use in assisted reproductive technologies. We supplemented fresh ejaculates of Merino rams with seminal plasma collected from previous 'donor' ejaculates to test whether changes in sperm kinetics were related to the relative quality of donor to focal ejaculates. We found a positive relationship between the change in sperm traits before and after supplementation, and the difference in sperm traits between the donor and focal ejaculate. Hence, sperm motility can be either increased or decreased through the addition of seminal plasma from a superior or inferior ejaculate, respectively. This positive relationship held true even when seminal plasma was added from a previous ejaculate of the same ram, although the slope of the relationship depended on the identity of both the donor and receiver ram. These findings indicate that seminal plasma plays a key role in the control and regulation of sperm kinetics, and that sperm kinetic traits can be transferred from one ejaculate to another through seminal plasma supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Green
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jessica P. Rickard
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Simon P. de Graaf
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Angela J. Crean
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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