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Ahlam Z, Souraya S, Bouchra EK, Moudou MM, Uxia YR, Luis Angel QA, Juan JBG, Pedro GH, Abdelaziz S. The impact of Origanum Vulgare essential oil supplementation on sperm motility and subpopulation alterations in bulls, dogs, and rabbits. Res Vet Sci 2024; 170:105200. [PMID: 38428368 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Artificial insemination is a widely adopted method in livestock production for various reasons such as health security and genetic improvement. Although sperm motility is of paramount importance in this technique as it directly influences the sperm's ability to fertilize the oocyte. In previous research on human sperm, we observed that in vitro supplementation with Origanum Vulgare essential oil significantly improved sperm motility and antioxidant activities, all without negatively affecting the integrity of their DNA. Based on these promising results, we considered it crucial to explore the potential effects of supplementation with this essential oil on sperm of other species. In this study, we studied the effects of oregano essential oil supplementation on sperm motility of (bulls = 15) (dogs = 15) and (rabbits = 9) and the changes that in vitro incubation with this oil could induce on sub-motile sperm populations of different species. The results of the study showed that in vitro oregano essential oil supplementation had a significant impact on sperm motility in the three species studied. This improvement in sperm motility was accompanied by an increase in the proportion of subpopulations with high velocity and progressivity: an increase of (2.16%, 10% and 4.84%) for subpopulation 1, (6.50%, 5.5% and 3.17%) for subpopulation 4 in bulls, dogs and rabbits respectively. While the subpopulations representing low motile and non-progressive sperm have decreased. These results suggest that the use of oregano essential oil can be a beneficial approach to improve sperm motility in different species, which can have important implications for the success of artificial insemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zarhouti Ahlam
- Laboratory of Physiopathology, Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Health and Biotechnology Research Center, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Maarif B.P 5366, Casablanca 20000, Morocco
| | - Sakoui Souraya
- Laboratory of Physiopathology, Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Health and Biotechnology Research Center, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Maarif B.P 5366, Casablanca 20000, Morocco
| | - El Khalfi Bouchra
- Laboratory of Physiopathology, Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Health and Biotechnology Research Center, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Maarif B.P 5366, Casablanca 20000, Morocco
| | - Mbaye M Moudou
- Laboratory of Physiopathology, Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Health and Biotechnology Research Center, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Maarif B.P 5366, Casablanca 20000, Morocco; Laboratory of Medical Analysis, Andrology, LABOMAC, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Yañez Ramil Uxia
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, Universitario Campus, 27002 Lugo, Spain
| | - Quintela Arias Luis Angel
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, Universitario Campus, 27002 Lugo, Spain
| | - José Becerra González Juan
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, Universitario Campus, 27002 Lugo, Spain
| | - García Herradón Pedro
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, Universitario Campus, 27002 Lugo, Spain
| | - Soukri Abdelaziz
- Laboratory of Physiopathology, Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Health and Biotechnology Research Center, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Maarif B.P 5366, Casablanca 20000, Morocco.
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2
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Abdelli A, Raboisson D, Besbaci M, Belabdi I, Kalem A, Kaidi R, Johannisson A, Morrell JM, Iguer-Ouada M. Influence of the coincubation of post-thawed bull semen with elevated β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations on sperm characteristics. Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58:1732-1744. [PMID: 37888860 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14492] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the relationships between post-thaw bull sperm characteristics and hyperketonemic conditions after coincubation with cow plasma or media were determined to investigate if such a condition could affect bull sperm characteristics. Two experiments were conducted. In experiment 1, blood samples were collected from 31 cows to prepare plasma. Cows were independently categorized into two groups according to plasma β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations (above or below 1.2 mM). Thawed bull semen was diluted and incubated with diluted plasma; motility parameters were evaluated using Computer Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA). In experiment 2, a pooled sample of thawed semen was diluted and divided into three aliquots: without BHB (control) and treated with either 1.2 mM (1.2) or 3 mM (3) BHB. In addition to motility, flow cytometric analyses were carried out. In experiment 1, the overall motility decreased significantly in plasma containing high (≥1.2 mM) BHB compared to plasma containing low (<1.2 mM) BHB. In experiment 2, the overall motility tended to be lower in BHB (3 mM)-supplemented samples. The supplementation of 3 mM BHB increased the proportion of live superoxide-positive sperm and sperm with high mitochondrial potential, while the DNA fragmentation index decreased.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Abdelli
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Laboratory of Management and Valorization of Natural Resources and Quality Assurance (LGVRNAQ), University of Bouira, Bouira, Algeria
| | - D Raboisson
- UMR ASTRE, Montpellier, France
- ASTRE, CIRAD, INRAE, Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- ENVT, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - M Besbaci
- Laboratory of Biotechnology in Animal Reproduction, Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Blida 1, Blida, Algeria
| | - I Belabdi
- Laboratory of Local and Natural Resources, Department of Biology, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University Hassiba Benbouali of Chlef, Chlef, Algeria
| | - A Kalem
- Laboratory of Biotechnology in Animal Reproduction, Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Blida 1, Blida, Algeria
| | - R Kaidi
- Laboratory of Biotechnology in Animal Reproduction, Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Blida 1, Blida, Algeria
| | - A Johannisson
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - J M Morrell
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - M Iguer-Ouada
- Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, Associated Laboratory in Marine Ecosystems and Aquaculture, University of Bejaia, Bejaia, Algeria
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Gloria A, Bracco C, Antenucci E, Contri A. Validation of the volumetric flow cytometry for bovine sperm concentration. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16560. [PMID: 37783767 PMCID: PMC10545691 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43678-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm concentration is a stronghold of the andrological evaluation and the production of insemination doses. The use of haemocytometers, although considered the gold standard, is difficult to apply in field conditions because it is subjective and time-consuming. The present study was designed to validate the volumetric flow cytometry (volFC) in order to estimate bovine sperm concentration, comparing it with the performances of haemocytometer, NucleoCounter, and flow cytometry with the use of fluorospheres. Compared with other methods, volFC appeared less affected by large dilution of the sample, with similar concentrations calculated in the range of dilution 1:200-1:800. Using volFc the population detected on the basis of morphological criteria and fluorescence of DNA better represents the real concentration of sperm in the sample. The volFC showed high repeatability compared with the haemocytometer (coefficient of variation 1.85% and 4.52%, respectively) and stable performances with cryopreserved samples, with negligible effects of the medium components. The present study showed that volFC is as accurate and precise as other techniques to estimate sperm concentration in bovine fresh and frozen semen, but it is less affected by operative conditions, such as sample dilution. The possibility to quantify sperm functional subpopulations by volFC could potentially implement the study of the relationship between sperm attributes and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Gloria
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Claudia Bracco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Emiliana Antenucci
- Provincial Breeders Federation of Trento, Via delle Bettine 40, 38121, Trento, Italy
| | - Alberto Contri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy.
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Abedin SN, Baruah A, Baruah KK, Kadirvel G, Katiyar R, Khargharia G, Bora A, Dutta DJ, Sinha S, Tamuly S, Phookan A, Deori S. In Vitro and In Vivo Studies on the Efficacy of Zinc-Oxide and Selenium Nanoparticle in Cryopreserved Goat (Capra hircus) Spermatozoa. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:4726-4745. [PMID: 36598740 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03551-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Different nanoparticles (NPs) are currently being investigated for their potential role as cryoprotectant during semen cryopreservation in several mammalian species. It may be possible to improve semen quality following cryopreservation by supplementation of NPs in the freezing extenders. The present study was carried out in semen collected from four (4) Assam Hill Goat bucks (10 ejaculates per buck) to investigate the effect of supplementing zinc oxide (ZnO) and selenium (Se) NPs in Tris-citric acid-fructose yolk (TCFY) extender on in vitro sperm quality and in vivo fertility rate after freeze-thawing. The size morphology and zeta potential of ZnO and Se NPs were evaluated prior to its incorporation in the freezing extender. Qualified semen samples (> 70% progressive motility) were divided into five (5) aliquots and then diluted in TCFY extender containing ZnO and Se NP supplementation at different concentrations (T0, control; T1, 0.1 mg/mL ZnO NPs; T2, 0.5 mg/mL ZnO NPs; T3, 0.5 µg/mL Se NPs; and T4, 1 µg/mL Se NPs). Diluted semen was packed in 0.25 mL straws and then stored in liquid nitrogen. After thawing, post-thaw in vitro sperm attributes were evaluated. Finally, the effect of NPs on in vivo fertility rate was checked in heat-synched does (n = 70) by artificial insemination (AI) using straws that showed superior results during the in vitro study. Results showed that ZnO and Se NPs were poly-crystalline in nature with particle size below 100 nm (nm). The evaluated post-thaw sperm in vitro attributes were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in T1 in comparison to T0. The antioxidant enzyme activities were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in T1. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) profile was significantly (p < 0.001) lower in T1. Sperm motility and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) had a highly significant (r = 0.580, p < 0.05) association in T1. No significant (p > 0.05) differences in pregnancy rates were recorded after AI in the different treatments. In conclusion, extender supplemented with 0.1 mg/mL ZnO NPs improved post-thaw semen quality of goat spermatozoa consequently by increasing activities of endogenous antioxidant enzymes thereby lowering LPO levels. However, improved in vitro outcomes might not correspond to improved field fertility outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayed Nabil Abedin
- College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati, India
| | - Anubha Baruah
- College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati, India
| | - Kishore Kumar Baruah
- Semen Biology Laboratory, Division of Animal and Fisheries Science, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya, India
| | - Govindasamy Kadirvel
- Semen Biology Laboratory, Division of Animal and Fisheries Science, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya, India
| | - Rahul Katiyar
- Semen Biology Laboratory, Division of Animal and Fisheries Science, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya, India
| | - Gautam Khargharia
- Semen Biology Laboratory, Division of Animal and Fisheries Science, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya, India
| | - Arundhati Bora
- College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati, India
| | - Devo Jyoti Dutta
- College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati, India
| | - Sudip Sinha
- College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati, India
| | - Shantanu Tamuly
- College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati, India
| | - Arundhati Phookan
- College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati, India
| | - Sourabh Deori
- Semen Biology Laboratory, Division of Animal and Fisheries Science, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya, India.
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Alm-Kristiansen AH. Motility Subpopulations with Distinct Motility Characteristics Using Swim-Up-Selected Sperm Cells from Norwegian Red Bulls: Effects of Freezing-Thawing and Between-Bull Variation. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1086. [PMID: 37626972 PMCID: PMC10452253 DOI: 10.3390/biology12081086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Discrete subpopulations of motile sperm cells have been found for several species and are implicated to be important for sperm functionality. The aim of this present study was to examine the motile subpopulations in swim-up-selected bull spermatozoa and the relationship between subpopulations in fresh and frozen-thawed sperm cells. In experiment 1, swim-up (SWUP)-selected and non-selected (control) sperm cells were analyzed using a Computer-Assisted Sperm Analyzer (CASA). In experiment 2, the semen from nine bulls was cryopreserved and analyzed using CASA both before and after freezing and after incubation at physiological temperatures. The SWUP population had a higher proportion of total motility, progressivity, and velocity compared to the control (p < 0.05). Likewise, both incubation over time and cryopreservation affected motility and motility parameters (p < 0.05). The population of rapid progressive (RapidP) sperm cells dominated the SWUP fraction and was higher than in the control samples (p < 0.05). Furthermore, RapidP was also the main part of fresh semen, but decreased significantly over time during incubation and due to cryopreservation. In conclusion, RapidP was the main population in SWUP-selected spermatozoa and seems to be an important subpopulation contributing to the differences between treatments and in response to the freezing of sperm cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Hege Alm-Kristiansen
- Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, 2418 Hamar, Norway
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Ghoreishifar M, Vahedi SM, Salek Ardestani S, Khansefid M, Pryce JE. Genome-wide assessment and mapping of inbreeding depression identifies candidate genes associated with semen traits in Holstein bulls. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:230. [PMID: 37138201 PMCID: PMC10157977 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09298-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The reduction in phenotypic performance of a population due to mating between close relatives is called inbreeding depression. The genetic background of inbreeding depression for semen traits is poorly understood. Thus, the objectives were to estimate the effect of inbreeding and to identify genomic regions underlying inbreeding depression of semen traits including ejaculate volume (EV), sperm concentration (SC), and sperm motility (SM). The dataset comprised ~ 330 K semen records from ~ 1.5 K Holstein bulls genotyped with 50 K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) BeadChip. Genomic inbreeding coefficients were estimated using runs of homozygosity (i.e., FROH > 1 Mb) and excess of SNP homozygosity (FSNP). The effect of inbreeding was estimated by regressing phenotypes of semen traits on inbreeding coefficients. Associated variants with inbreeding depression were also detected by regressing phenotypes on ROH state of the variants. RESULTS Significant inbreeding depression was observed for SC and SM (p < 0.01). A 1% increase in FROH reduced SM and SC by 0.28% and 0.42% of the population mean, respectively. By splitting FROH into different lengths, we found significant reduction in SC and SM due to longer ROH, which is indicative of more recent inbreeding. A genome-wide association study revealed two signals positioned on BTA 8 associated with inbreeding depression of SC (p < 0.00001; FDR < 0.02). Three candidate genes of GALNTL6, HMGB2, and ADAM29, located in these regions, have established and conserved connections with reproduction and/or male fertility. Moreover, six genomic regions on BTA 3, 9, 21 and 28 were associated with SM (p < 0.0001; FDR < 0.08). These genomic regions contained genes including PRMT6, SCAPER, EDC3, and LIN28B with established connections to spermatogenesis or fertility. CONCLUSIONS Inbreeding depression adversely affects SC and SM, with evidence that longer ROH, or more recent inbreeding, being especially detrimental. There are genomic regions associated with semen traits that seems to be especially sensitive to homozygosity, and evidence to support some from other studies. Breeding companies may wish to consider avoiding homozygosity in these regions for potential artificial insemination sires.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ghoreishifar
- Agriculture Victoria Research, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBioscience, 5 Ring Road, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia.
- School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia.
| | - Seyed Milad Vahedi
- Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS, B2N5E3, Canada
| | | | - Majid Khansefid
- Agriculture Victoria Research, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBioscience, 5 Ring Road, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
- School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Jennie E Pryce
- Agriculture Victoria Research, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBioscience, 5 Ring Road, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
- School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
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Tamargo C, Salman A, Caamaño JN, Martínez-Pastor F, Fernández Á, Muiño R, Carbajo MT, Hidalgo CO. Characterization of the Germplasm Bank for the Spanish Autochthonous Bull Breed "Asturiana de la Montaña". Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13081402. [PMID: 37106966 PMCID: PMC10135365 DOI: 10.3390/ani13081402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Semen cryobanks are critical for preserving autochthonous and rare breeds. Since sperm cryopreservation has been optimized for commercial breeds, non-commercial ones (often endangered) must be characterized to ensure the germplasm's viability. This study reports an investigation of the "Asturiana de la Montaña" breed (AM), a valuable Spanish autochthonous cattle breed adapted to the mountainous Atlantic environment. The survey included cryopreserved semen doses from 40 bulls stored at the Principado de Asturias Germplasm Bank. Data were obtained from the routine fresh semen analysis, CASA (motility), and flow cytometry analyses of fresh and post-thawing semen, and the 56-day non-return-rate (NRR) in heifers and cows (all results as 1st and 3rd quartiles). Fresh samples (artificial vagina) were within the normal range for cattle (4-6 mL, 5-10 × 109/mL; mass motility 5). Post-thawing results showed motility below typical for commercial breeds (total motility 26-43%, progressive 14-28%), with higher values for viability (47-62%). Insemination results showed a good performance for this breed (NRR: 47-56%; higher for heifers). Sperm volume increased with age, with little or no effects on sperm quality. Few associations were found between post-thawing quality or freezability and NRR, LIN being the variable more strongly associated (positively). The AM semen bank shows a good prospect for preserving and disseminating the genetics of this breed. This survey indicates that dedicated research is needed to adapt freezing protocols to this breed, optimizing post-thawing results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Tamargo
- Selección y Reproducción Animal-SERIDA, Principado de Asturias, 33394 Gijón, Spain
| | - Amer Salman
- INDEGSAL and IMAPOR, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Jose Néstor Caamaño
- Selección y Reproducción Animal-SERIDA, Principado de Asturias, 33394 Gijón, Spain
| | - Felipe Martínez-Pastor
- INDEGSAL and IMAPOR, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
- Department of Molecular Biology (Cell Biology), Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Ángel Fernández
- Selección y Reproducción Animal-SERIDA, Principado de Asturias, 33394 Gijón, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Muiño
- Department of Animal Patology, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - María Teresa Carbajo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Veterinary Anatomy, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
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Salman A, Fernández-Alegre E, Francisco-Vázquez R, Gómez-Martín R, Fernández-Fernández A, Areán-Dablanca H, Domínguez JC, González-Montaña JR, Caamaño JN, Martínez-Pastor F. Extension of the equilibration period up to 24 h maintains the post-thawing quality of Holstein bull semen frozen with OPTIXcell®. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 250:107209. [PMID: 36889162 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Semen cryopreservation in bovine livestock is well established, but logistics often require deviations from standard protocols. Extending the equilibration time to the following day is convenient in many situations. To improve our knowledge of the effects of this modification, we studied the post-thawing and post-incubation (4 h, 38 °C) sperm quality after freezing with 4 or 24-h extension in the OPTIXcell extender by using an ample panel of analyses: CASA for motility; flow cytometry for viability, physiology, oxidative stress, and chromatin parameters (DNA fragmentation, chromatin compaction, and thiol groups status); and spectrometry for malondialdehyde production. Semen was obtained from 12 Holstein bulls. The 24-h equilibration time showed few significant effects, with only a tiny decrease in progressive motility and a positive impact on chromatin structure. The incubation removed some of these effects, with the pattern for chromatin compaction remaining the same. No detrimental oxidative stress or increase in apoptotic or capacitation markers was detected. Additionally, the individual bull interacted with the effects of the incubation and the equilibration, especially regarding the chromatin status. Whereas this interaction did not critically affect sperm quality, it could be relevant in practice. Bull fertility as non-return rates (NRR56) was associated with some sperm parameters (especially with an improved chromatin structure) but not in the 4-h post-thawing analysis. Our study supports that extending the equilibration time by at least 24-h is feasible for bull semen freezing with the OPTIXcell extender.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Juan Carlos Domínguez
- INDEGSAL, Universidad de León, León, Spain; Department of Medicine, Surgery and Veterinary Anatomy, Universidad de León, Spain
| | - J Ramiro González-Montaña
- INDEGSAL, Universidad de León, León, Spain; Department of Medicine, Surgery and Veterinary Anatomy, Universidad de León, Spain
| | - J Néstor Caamaño
- Selección y Reproducción Animal-SERIDA, Principado de Asturias, Gijón, Spain
| | - Felipe Martínez-Pastor
- INDEGSAL, Universidad de León, León, Spain; Department of Molecular Biology (Cell Biology), Universidad de León, León, Spain.
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9
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Sharafi M, Blondin P, Vincent P, Anzar M, Benson JD. Hydroxytyrosol and resveratrol improves kinetic and flow cytometric parameters of cryopreserved bull semen with low cryotolerance. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 245:107065. [PMID: 36115090 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
There is considerable interest in breeding programs to "rescue" semen with poor post-thaw fertility from bulls known as "bad freezers". We hypothesized that there may be an interaction between the post-thaw recovery of sperm and the efficacy of antioxidant addition to extenders. The current study assesses the effects of antioxidant additives hydroxytyrosol (HT) and resveratrol (RSV) on the post-thaw semen parameters in two groups of bulls classified as either high or low cryotolerant (i.e., "good" and "bad" freezers). Semen samples were collected from 40 bulls and processed in the extenders containing different concentrations of HT (experiment 1; 0, 25 and 50 µM) and RSV (experiment 2; 0.0, 0.01, 0.1 and 1 mM). In experiment 1, bulls in the low cryotolerance group had a significant improvement in post-thaw recovery at 25 µM and 50 µM (P < 0.05). These improvements were observed in motility and several cellular parameters. However, post-thaw semen quality in the high cryotolerance group was not significantly affected by the HT addition. In experiment 2, although RSV did not have any positive impact in high cryotolerance group, post-thaw recovery in the low cryotolerance bulls was significantly improved in 0.1 mM RSV. Oxidative stress markers in either high or low cryotolerance groups were not significantly changed by RSV addition (P > 0.05). It can be concluded that addition of optimized concentrations of HT and RSV to the extender could be a strategy for improving the post-thaw semen, especially in bulls with high genetic merit but low initial cryotolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Sharafi
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | | | | | - Muhammad Anzar
- Agriculture and AgriFood Canada, Saskatoon Research and Development Center, and Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - James D Benson
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
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Ribas-Maynou J, Delgado-Bermúdez A, Mateo-Otero Y, Viñolas E, Hidalgo CO, Ward WS, Yeste M. Determination of double- and single-stranded DNA breaks in bovine sperm is predictive of their fertilizing capacity. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2022; 13:105. [PMID: 36114517 PMCID: PMC9482281 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-022-00754-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The analysis of chromatin integrity has become an important determinant of sperm quality. In frozen-thawed bovine sperm, neither the sequence of post-thaw injury events nor the dynamics of different types of sperm DNA breaks are well understood. The aim of the present work was to describe such sperm degradation aftermath focusing on DNA damage dynamics, and to assess if this parameter can predict pregnancy rates in cattle. RESULTS A total of 75 cryopreserved ejaculates from 25 Holstein bulls were evaluated at two post-thawing periods (0-2 h and 2-4 h), analyzing global and double-stranded DNA damage through alkaline and neutral Comet assays, chromatin deprotamination and decondensation, sperm motility, viability, acrosomal status, and intracellular levels of total ROS, superoxides and calcium. Insemination of 59,605 females was conducted using sperm from the same bulls, thus obtaining the non-return to estrus rates after 90 d (NRR). Results showed an increased rate of double-stranded breaks in the first period (0-2 h: 1.29 ± 1.01%/h vs. 2-4 h: 0.13 ± 1.37%/h; P < 0.01), whereas the rate of sperm with moderate + high single-stranded breaks was higher in the second period (0-2 h: 3.52 ± 7.77 %/h vs. 2-4h: 21.06 ± 11.69 %/h; P < 0.0001). Regarding sperm physiology, viability decrease rate was different between the two periods (0-2 h: - 4.49 ± 1.79%/h vs. 2-4 h: - 2.50 ± 3.39%/h; P = 0.032), but the progressive motility decrease rate was constant throughout post-thawing incubation (0-2 h: - 4.70 ± 3.42%/h vs. 2-4 h: - 1.89 ± 2.97%/h; P > 0.05). Finally, whereas no correlations between bull fertility and any dynamic parameter were found, there were correlations between the NRR and the basal percentage of highly-damaged sperm assessed with the alkaline Comet (Rs = - 0.563, P = 0.003), between NRR and basal progressive motility (Rs = 0.511, P = 0.009), and between NRR and sperm with high ROS at 4 h post-thaw (Rs = 0.564, P = 0.003). CONCLUSION The statistically significant correlations found between intracellular ROS, sperm viability, sperm motility, DNA damage and chromatin deprotamination suggested a sequence of events all driven by oxidative stress, where viability and motility would be affected first and sperm chromatin would be altered at a later stage, thus suggesting that bovine sperm should be used for fertilization within 2 h post-thaw. Fertility correlations supported that the assessment of global DNA damage through the Comet assay may help predict bull fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Campany, 69, ES-17003, Girona, Spain. .,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain. .,Institute for Biogenesis Research, Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry & Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA.
| | - Ariadna Delgado-Bermúdez
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Campany, 69, ES-17003, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Campany, 69, ES-17003, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Estel Viñolas
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Campany, 69, ES-17003, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Carlos O Hidalgo
- Department of Animal Selection and Reproduction, The Regional Agri-Food Research and Development Service of Asturias (SERIDA), ES-33394, Gijón, Spain
| | - W Steven Ward
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry & Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Campany, 69, ES-17003, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain.,Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), ES-08010, Barcelona, Spain
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11
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Tiwari S, Rajamanickam G, Unnikrishnan V, Ojaghi M, Kastelic JP, Thundathil JC. Testis-Specific Isoform of Na +-K + ATPase and Regulation of Bull Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:7936. [PMID: 35887284 PMCID: PMC9317330 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
An advanced understanding of sperm function is relevant for evidence-based male fertility prediction and addressing male infertility. A standard breeding soundness evaluation (BSE) merely identifies gross abnormalities in bulls, whereas selection based on single nucleotide polymorphisms and genomic estimated breeding values overlooks sub-microscopic differences in sperm. Molecular tools are important for validating genomic selection and advancing knowledge on the regulation of male fertility at an interdisciplinary level. Therefore, research in this field is now focused on developing a combination of in vitro sperm function tests and identifying biomarkers such as sperm proteins with critical roles in fertility. The Na+-K+ ATPase is a ubiquitous transmembrane protein and its α4 isoform (ATP1A4) is exclusively expressed in germ cells and sperm. Furthermore, ATP1A4 is essential for male fertility, as it interacts with signaling molecules in both raft and non-raft fractions of the sperm plasma membrane to regulate capacitation-associated signaling, hyperactivation, sperm-oocyte interactions, and activation. Interestingly, ATP1A4 activity and expression increase during capacitation, challenging the widely accepted dogma of sperm translational quiescence. This review discusses the literature on the role of ATP1A4 during capacitation and fertilization events and its prospective use in improving male fertility prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jacob C. Thundathil
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; (S.T.); (G.R.); (V.U.); (M.O.); (J.P.K.)
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12
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Ribas-Maynou J, Llavanera M, Mateo-Otero Y, Ruiz N, Muiño R, Bonet S, Yeste M. Telomere length in bovine sperm is related to the production of reactive oxygen species, but not to reproductive performance. Theriogenology 2022; 189:290-300. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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13
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Effect of two 'progressively motile sperm-oocyte' ratios on porcine in vitro fertilization and embryo development. ZYGOTE 2022; 30:543-549. [PMID: 35362399 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199422000053] [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: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Sperm motility and viability of cryopreserved semen vary between boars and straws, which influences the outcomes of in vitro embryo production (IVEP). However, progressive motility is usually not considered during IVEP. The aim of this study was to assess fertilization with a 500:1 and 250:1 'progressively motile sperm to oocyte' ratio on IVEP outcomes using semen from three Duroc and three Landrace boars. Frozen-thawed sperm was centrifuged through a 45/90% Percoll® density gradient and sperm quality parameters were assessed. In vitro matured oocytes were fertilized at the two ratios, a portion was stained 10-12 h after start of fertilization to analyze fertilization and polyspermy, while the remaining zygotes were cultured up to day 7. The 500:1 ratio resulted in a higher fertilization and blastocyst yield on day 6 compared with the 250:1 ratio, but no effect of ratio was observed for polyspermy, cleavage rate or blastocyst cell number. Individual differences between boars were observed for fertilization, cleavage and blastocyst rates, but not for the other IVEP outcomes. In conclusion, a higher fertilization and blastocyst yield was obtained with the 500:1 ratio compared with the 250:1 ratio, while polyspermy level was consistent across ratios. Differences in IVEP outcomes were still observed between the individual boars although adjusted for progressive motility. Promising blastocyst yields and high total blastocyst cell counts were obtained with sperm from both breeds.
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14
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Kanno C, Sun-Sik K, Sakamoto KQ, Yanagawa Y, Katagiri S, Nagano M. Relationship between frame rates and subpopulation structure of bovine sperm divided by their motility analyzed by a computer-assisted sperm analysis system. Anim Sci J 2022; 93:e13796. [PMID: 36502272 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The authors investigated the relationship between frame rates and subpopulation structure of bovine sperm divided by their motility analyzed by a computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). Kinematic parameters of bovine sperm incubated in Brackett & Oliphant medium with and without calcium ionophore for 0, 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 min were evaluated by a CASA at 150 frames per second (fps) and analyzed structure of sperm motility subpopulation by cluster analysis. Then, we converted CASA data at 150 fps to 75, 50, and 30 fps and evaluated the structures of sperm motility subpopulation at different fps in each sperm by a discriminant analysis. As the results, the structure of sperm motility subpopulation was affected by frame rate. Sperm were divided into six clusters at 150, 75, and 50 fps; on the other hand, there were five clusters at 30 fps. Straight-line velocity was similar at all frame rates. However, as the frame rate became higher, curvilinear velocity and beat cross frequency of sperm head increased significantly, whereas lateral sperm head displacement decreased significantly. In conclusion, higher frame rate at 150 fps is recommended to capture the trajectory of sperm accurately by CASA in the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chihiro Kanno
- Laboratory of Clinical Veterinary Medicine for Large Animal, Division of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Japan
| | - Kang Sun-Sik
- Hanwoo Research Institute, National Institute of Animal Science of Korea, Pyeongchang, Korea
| | - Kentaro Q Sakamoto
- Department of Marine Bioscience, Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Yojiro Yanagawa
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Seiji Katagiri
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Masashi Nagano
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Japan
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15
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Impact of Cryopreservation on Motile Subpopulations and Tyrosine-Phosphorylated Regions of Ram Spermatozoa during Capacitating Conditions. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10111213. [PMID: 34827206 PMCID: PMC8614982 DOI: 10.3390/biology10111213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Spermatozoa go through diverse changes to achieve their fertilizing potential (capacitation) and develop a specific motility pattern (hyperactivation). However, to ensure a greater reproductive success, not all the spermatozoa present in an ejaculate react equally or at the same time. Therefore, a comparative analysis was performed in the present study to improve our current understanding about how cryopreservation may affect the heterogeneous nature of fresh ejaculates during these two events. Among the four motile sperm subpopulations identified in fresh and frozen-thawed ram semen, one of them developed a hyperactivated-like movement and was the main group involve in those changes associated with sperm capacitation based on the marked increase and the positive correlation with mitochondrial activity and tyrosine phosphorylation, two relevant parameters that usually increase during capacitation. In addition, cryopreservation altered the distribution of the motile sperm subpopulations. Although the subpopulation with hyperactivated-like movement increased at the beginning of incubation in frozen-thawed samples, this subpopulation together with the subpopulation of rapid and progressive spermatozoa were replaced after a prolonged incubation by the subpopulation of slow spermatozoa with the lowest mitochondrial activity, which clearly indicate the reduction in sperm quality. These findings will aid to optimize the current cryopreservation and in vitro fertilization protocols. Abstract The heterogeneous nature of ejaculates highlights the relevance of studying the behavior of different sperm subpopulations. Changes in sperm motility and the increase in tyrosine phosphorylation are key events that usually occur during capacitation and can be modified by the cryopreservation process. However, the relationship between both events remains poorly defined throughout capacitation in the different sperm subpopulations. Fresh and frozen-thawed spermatozoa were incubated in capacitating (CAP) and non-capacitating (NC) media up to 240 min. Sperm kinematics, tyrosine phosphorylation and mitochondrial activity were measured by the CASA system and imaging flow cytometry. Four motile sperm subpopulations (SP) were identified in fresh and frozen-thawed ram semen after the cluster analysis. Incubation under CAP conditions over time led to greater changes in the percentage of spermatozoa included in each subpopulation compared to NC conditions, being different between fresh and frozen-thawed spermatozoa. The SP1, characterized by slow spermatozoa, progressively increased after 15 min in frozen-thawed samples incubated in both media but not in fresh ones. The SP4, characterized by fast and non-linear spermatozoa, showed a marked increase during CAP, but not under NC conditions, occurring more rapidly in frozen-thawed spermatozoa. This subpopulation (SP4) was also the only one positively and strongly correlated with mitochondrial activity and all phosphorylated sperm regions during capacitation, either in fresh or frozen-thawed samples. Our results indicated that in vitro capacitation induced significant changes in the distribution of motile sperm subpopulations, being affected by cryopreservation. Notwithstanding, the subpopulation which probably represents hyperactivated-like spermatozoa (SP4) also increased in frozen-thawed samples, occurring faster and simultaneously to the increment of mitochondrial activity and tyrosine phosphorylation of different sperm regions.
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16
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Llavanera M, Ribas-Maynou J, Delgado-Bermúdez A, Recuero S, Muiño R, Hidalgo CO, Tamargo C, Bonet S, Mateo-Otero Y, Yeste M. Sperm chromatin condensation as an in vivo fertility biomarker in bulls: a flow cytometry approach. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2021; 12:115. [PMID: 34749810 PMCID: PMC8576882 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-021-00634-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Genetic selection in cattle has been directed to increase milk production. This, coupled to the fact that the vast majority of bovine artificial inseminations (AI) are performed using cryopreserved sperm, have led to a reduction of fertility rates over the years. Thus, seeking sensitive and specific sperm biomarkers able to predict fertility rates is of vital importance to improve cattle reproductive efficiency. In humans, sperm chromatin condensation evaluated through chromomycin A3 (CMA3) has recently been purported to be a powerful biomarker for sperm functional status and male infertility. The objectives of the present study were: a) to set up a flow cytometry method for simultaneously evaluating chromatin condensation and sperm viability, and b) to test whether this parameter could be used as a predictor of in vivo fertility in bulls. The study included pools of three independent cryopreserved ejaculates per bull from 25 Holstein males. Reproductive outcomes of each sire were determined by non-return rates, which were used to classify bulls into two groups (highly fertile and subfertile). Results Chromatin condensation status of bovine sperm was evaluated through the combination of CMA3 and Yo-Pro-1 staining and flow cytometry. Sperm quality parameters (morphology, viability, total and progressive motility) were also assessed. Pearson correlation coefficients and ROC curves were calculated to assess their capacity to predict in vivo fertility. Sperm morphology, viability and total motility presented an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.54, 0.64 and 0.68, respectively (P > 0.05), and thus were not able to discriminate between fertile and subfertile individuals. Alternatively, while the percentage of progressively motile sperm showed a significant predictive value, with an AUC of 0.73 (P = 0.05), CMA3/Yo-Pro-1 staining even depicted superior results for the prediction of in vivo fertility in bulls. Specifically, the percentage of viable sperm with poor chromatin condensation showed better accuracy and precision to predict in vivo fertility, with an AUC of 0.78 (P = 0.02). Conclusions Chromatin condensation evaluated through CMA3/Yo-Pro-1 and flow cytometry is defined here as a more powerful tool than conventional sperm parameters to predict bull in vivo fertility, with a potential ability to maximising the efficiency of dairy breeding industry. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40104-021-00634-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Llavanera
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Campany, 69, ES-17003, Girona, Spain.,Department of Biology, Unit of Cell Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Campany, 69, ES-17003, Girona, Spain. .,Department of Biology, Unit of Cell Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain.
| | - Ariadna Delgado-Bermúdez
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Campany, 69, ES-17003, Girona, Spain.,Department of Biology, Unit of Cell Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Sandra Recuero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Campany, 69, ES-17003, Girona, Spain.,Department of Biology, Unit of Cell Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Muiño
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, ES-15705, Lugo, Spain
| | - Carlos O Hidalgo
- Department of Animal Selection and Reproduction, The Regional Agri-Food Research and Development Service of Asturias (SERIDA), E-33394, Gijón, Spain
| | - Carolina Tamargo
- Department of Animal Selection and Reproduction, The Regional Agri-Food Research and Development Service of Asturias (SERIDA), E-33394, Gijón, Spain
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Campany, 69, ES-17003, Girona, Spain.,Department of Biology, Unit of Cell Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Campany, 69, ES-17003, Girona, Spain.,Department of Biology, Unit of Cell Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Campany, 69, ES-17003, Girona, Spain.,Department of Biology, Unit of Cell Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain
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17
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SINGH AK, KUMAR A, BISLA A. Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) in veterinary science: A review. THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.56093/ijans.v91i6.115435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) allows an assessment of sperm motion and morphology more accurately and objectively than by subjective evaluation. Although, CASA instruments have improved significantly during last 40 years especially in terms of software, image capture and computer settings, little has changed regarding processes for analyzing sperm motion attributes. The main problem is related to validation, consistency and optimization of equipment and procedures. Differences among CASA systems denote problems of objective analysis of results between different semen processing units. If validated, CASA systems can provide a great tool to objectively compare sperm motility and morphology. Sperm motility is one of the indicators most evaluated before and after cryopreservation vis-à-vis quality and fertilizing ability. Researchers have determined a possible relationship of CASA outputs with bull fertility in vivo; however, a clear association has not yet been confirmed. Most CASA measures depend upon concentration, sample volume, type of extender, duration of analysis and thawing temperature. For each attribute, CASA software should provide outputs based on a range rather than means or medians for transformed data. The current review describes development, validation requirements, limitations and future expansions associated with CASA technology.
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18
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Effect of Extender, Storage Time and Temperature on Kinetic Parameters (CASA) on Bull Semen Samples. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10080806. [PMID: 34440041 PMCID: PMC8389670 DOI: 10.3390/biology10080806] [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: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The bull accounts for a great part of the economic value of beef herds managed with natural mating, with the Bull Breeding Soundness Evaluation (BBSE) performed in the field becoming essential. Part of the BBSE is the semen-quality evaluation (classical and kinetic parameters) that can be performed in situ (by trained practitioners) or at laboratories, with semen being short-term stored and shipped. The extender used as well as the storage temperature and duration may affect its quality. Thus, our aim was to explore the best conditions to preserve CASA kinetic parameters, to be reliably assessed afterwards. CASA parameters were preserved for up to 4–6 h post-ejaculation, except for AndroMed® in most of the parameters. Motility decreased from 4–6 h up to 24 h, with the best values obtained with BIOXcell® at 5 °C. The rest of kinetic parameters worsened when analyses were performed at 24 h. Therefore, we suggest evaluating seminal quality as soon as possible. However, using BIOXcell®, either at 5 °C or room temperature, and INRA96® at room temperature, sperm motility can be reliably evaluated for up to 6 h. These results help to fix adequate protocols for the short-term storage and shipment of bovine semen collected under field conditions. Abstract CASA kinetic parameters are often evaluated in a diagnostic centre. How storage conditions affect ejaculates up to evaluation is unclear. We assessed, in 25 commercial bulls electroejaculated in the field, the impact of time until evaluation (0–2 h, 4–6 h, and 24 h post-ejaculation), holding temperature (5 °C vs. room temperature), and extender (AndroMed®, BIOXcell® or INRA96®) on CASA kinetic parameters. Total and progressive motility, VCL, VAP, VCL, ALH, BCF, STR, LIN, and WOB were assessed. CASA kinetic parameters were preserved for up to 4–6 h post-ejaculation, except for AndroMed®. Regardless of extender or temperature, motility decreased from 4–6 h up to 24 h, with the best values obtained with BIOXcell® at 5 °C. Our results suggest that BIOXcell® can preserve sperm motility for up to 6 h, either at 5 °C or room temperature, and also INRA96® at room temperature, with motility assessments and the percentage of the most rapid sperms being the lowest with INRA96® at 5 °C. The kinetic parameters decreased when analyses were performed at 24 h. Therefore, we suggest evaluating seminal quality as soon as possible, before 6 h after collection. These results help to fix adequate protocols for the short-term storage and shipment of bovine semen collected under field conditions.
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Alves LQ, Ruivo R, Valente R, Fonseca MM, Machado AM, Plön S, Monteiro N, García-Parraga D, Ruiz-Díaz S, Sánchez-Calabuig MJ, Gutiérrez-Adán A, Castro LFC. A drastic shift in the energetic landscape of toothed whale sperm cells. Curr Biol 2021; 31:3648-3655.e9. [PMID: 34171300 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.05.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatozoa are a notable example of metabolic compartmentalization.1 Energy in the form of ATP production, vital for motility, capacitation, and fertilization, is subcellularly separated in sperm cells. While glycolysis provides a local, rapid, and low-yielding input of ATP along the flagellum fibrous sheath, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), far more efficient over a longer time frame, is concentrated in the midpiece mitochondria.2 The relative weight of glycolysis and OXPHOS pathways in sperm function is variable among species and sensitive to oxygen and substrate availability.3-5 Besides partitioning energy production, sperm cell energetics display an additional singularity: the occurrence of sperm-specific gene duplicates and alternative spliced variants, with conserved function but structurally bound to the flagellar fibrous sheath.6,7 The wider selective forces driving the compartmentalization and adaptability of this energy system in mammalian species remain largely unknown, much like the impact of ecosystem resource availability (e.g., carbohydrates, fatty acids, and proteins) and dietary adaptations in reproductive physiology traits.8 Here, we investigated the Cetacea, an iconic group of fully aquatic and carnivorous marine mammals, evolutionarily related to extant terrestrial herbivores.9 In this lineage, episodes of profound trait remodeling have been accompanied by clear genomic signatures.10-14 We show that toothed whales exhibit impaired sperm glycolysis, due to gene and exon erosion, and demonstrate that dolphin spermatozoa motility depends on endogenous fatty acid β-oxidation, but not carbohydrates. Such unique energetic rewiring substantiates the observation of large mitochondria in toothed whale spermatozoa and emphasizes the radical physiological reorganization imposed by the transition to a carbohydrate-depleted marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Q Alves
- CIMAR/CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Raquel Ruivo
- CIMAR/CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Raul Valente
- CIMAR/CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; FCUP - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto (U. Porto), Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Miguel M Fonseca
- CIMAR/CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - André M Machado
- CIMAR/CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; FCUP - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto (U. Porto), Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Stephanie Plön
- Department of Pathology, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
| | - Nuno Monteiro
- FCUP - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto (U. Porto), Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; CIBIO - Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - David García-Parraga
- Veterinary Services, L'Oceanográfic, Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, Junta de Murs i Vals, s/n, 46013 Valencia, Spain
| | - Sara Ruiz-Díaz
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA, Av. Puerta de Hierro, 18, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Mistral Fertility Clinics S.L., Clínica Tambre, 28002 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria J Sánchez-Calabuig
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA, Av. Puerta de Hierro, 18, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University Complutense of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Gutiérrez-Adán
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA, Av. Puerta de Hierro, 18, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - L Filipe C Castro
- CIMAR/CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; FCUP - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto (U. Porto), Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
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20
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Hidalgo MMT, Almeida ABMD, Moraes FLZD, Marubayashi RYP, Souza FFD, Barreiros TRR, Martins MIM. Sperm subpopulations influence the pregnancy rates in cattle. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 56:1117-1127. [PMID: 34013640 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13955] [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: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to study the characteristics and subpopulations of spermatozoa from bulls with low and high reproductive performance based on pregnancy rates. Based on historical records of pregnancy rate from four farms, 24 bulls were selected. Two groups were established, with low pregnancy rates (n = 12; LOW), including bulls that presented pregnancy rates <52.27% (33.33% to 51.81%); and a group with high pregnancy rates (n = 12; HIGH), with pregnancy rates >52.27% (52.27% to 69.64%), after fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI). The thawed sperm straws were analysed to sperm kinetics, morphology, plasma membrane integrity and sperm subpopulations. The LOW group exhibited a higher proportion of static cells (p < .05). In contrast, the HIGH group showed greater percentages for membrane integrity and total and progressive motility, and cells with fast and medium velocity (p < .05). In the cluster procedures, four sperm subpopulations were established. The low-fertility bulls presented the highest percentage of subpopulation 2 (41.46%), characterized by slow and progressive spermatozoa. The high-fertility bulls exhibited the highest percentage of subpopulation 3 (37.17%), characterized by fast and nonlinear spermatozoa. Results from this study indicated that bulls with greater percentages of fast and nonlinear spermatozoa seem to have greater fertilization capacity and the subpopulations analysis can be considered a tool to identify ejaculates with high fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Beatriz Marques de Almeida
- Laboratório de Andrologia e Reprodução Animal Assistida (LARAA), Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Londrina, Brazil
| | | | | | - Fabiana Ferreira de Souza
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Thales Ricardo Rigo Barreiros
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia da Reprodução Animal, Universidade Estadual do Norte do Paraná (UENP), Bandeirantes, Brazil
| | - Maria Isabel Mello Martins
- Laboratório de Andrologia e Reprodução Animal Assistida (LARAA), Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Londrina, Brazil
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21
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Salman A, Caamaño JN, Fernández-Alegre E, Hidalgo CO, Nadri T, Tamargo C, Fueyo C, Fernández Á, Merino MJ, Martínez-Pastor F. Supplementation of the BIOXcell extender with the antioxidants crocin, curcumin and GSH for freezing bull semen. Res Vet Sci 2021; 136:444-452. [PMID: 33812287 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Semen cryopreservation is routine in cattle, but the results of artificial insemination need improvement. A strategy to these aims is the supplementation of the freezing extender with novel antioxidants. This study aimed at testing the natural antioxidants curcumin and crocin as supplements to the commercial extender BIOXcell for freezing semen from 8 Holstein bulls. We tested curcumin at 0.05 and 0.1 mM (CU0.05, CU0.1) and crocin at 0.5 and 1.5 mM (CR0.5, CR1.5), with 0.5 mM reduced glutathione (GSH0.5) as reference, and a control (CTL, without supplementation). The samples were evaluated post-thawing and after 5 h at 38 °C by CASA for motility and flow cytometry for viability, apoptotic, capacitation, acrosomal status, cytoplasmic and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and chromatin status (SCSA). Control and GSH0.5 showed similar results, possibly because of the good protection from BIOXcell. CU0.05 and CU0.1 showed little effects but increased cytoplasmic ROS production and motility ALH. CR0.5 and CR1.5 decreased viability and increased apoptotic features significantly post-thawing and after the incubation, resulting in lower motility (significant after the incubation) but decreasing SCSA %HDS (loose chromatin). Whereas crocin at these concentrations seems incompatible with BIOXcell, maybe because of a prooxidant activity, curcumin use merits further research, considering the elevation of ROS with no significant negative effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amer Salman
- INDEGSAL, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Touba Nadri
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resource, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
| | | | | | | | | | - Felipe Martínez-Pastor
- INDEGSAL, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain; Molecular Biology (Cell Biology), Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain.
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22
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The effect of dilution rate and successive semen collections on sperm quality and sexual motivation of sexually mature South African Merino rams. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 53:182. [PMID: 33634325 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-02627-0] [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: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated whether dilution rate and successive semen collections influenced sperm viability, morphology, motility and male sexual motivation in sexually mature South African Merino rams (SAMR). Semen was collected from 11 rams up to either sperm or behavioural exhaustion. Semen was then immediately serial diluted to make 0, 2, 4, 8 and 16× dilutions with Hams F10 diluent. Following dilution, sperm motility was evaluated using computer-assisted sperm analysis (SCA®), while sperm morphology and viability were assessed using nigrosin-eosin staining and SYBR14/PI, respectively. Male sexual motivation was recorded by reaction time to first mount, while male dexterity was calculated as the ratio of mounts to ejaculations. An increase of dilution rate did not affect sperm motility (P > 0.05) but resulted in a significant decrease in the percentage of live normal sperm (P < 0.05). Furthermore, while sperm concentration and number decreased with semen collection number (P < 0.05), no effect was detected on sperm viability, morphology and motility (P > 0.05), except for average curvilinear velocity which showed a biphasic trend (P < 0.05). Mating success and reaction time were negatively affected by successive semen collections (P < 0.05), while male dexterity was unaffected (P > 0.05). Nevertheless, relatively high numbers of motile sperm (>2 billion) were collected up to the 4th successive semen collection, with a short initial reaction period (<25 s) and good success rate (>65%). SAMR thus withstood frequent semen collections without affecting their sperm reserves or sexual motivation. Further studies are required to investigate optimal conditions for semen collection and artificial insemination in this breed.
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23
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Marinović Z, Šćekić I, Lujić J, Urbányi B, Horváth Á. The effects of cryopreservation and cold storage on sperm subpopulation structure of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). Cryobiology 2021; 99:88-94. [PMID: 33450240 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2021.01.007] [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: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to identify the presence of different spermatozoa subpopulations (SPs) according to their kinematic characteristics in the sperm of common carp and to test the effects of cryopreservation and prolonged (6-day) storage at room temperature (RT; 23 °C) and 4 °C on spermatozoa motility and subsequently on SP dynamics. Two-step clustering analyses identified three motile SPs based on their kinematic properties: SP1 contained spermatozoa with low velocity and low/moderate STR/LIN values (slow non-linear SP); SP2 was comprised of spermatozoa with high velocities and high STR/LIN values (fast linear SP); SP3 was characterized with high VCL, and moderate LIN/STR (fast non-linear SP); and an additional SP0 was added comprising immotile spermatozoa. Total motility, progressive motility and VCL decreased after cryopreservation to approximately 50% of their value in fresh sperm, while the frequency of SPs characterized by high values of motility parameters declined in favor of those with low motility values and SP0. Motility values of fresh and cryopreserved spermatozoa which were washed with fresh extender after thawing decreased significantly after 24 h of storage at RT and after 72 h of storage at 4 °C, while cryopreserved sperm which remained in the original cryomedium faced a steep decline in motility after only 2 h of storage. As subpopulation frequencies followed this dynamic, this indicates that cryopreserved sperm should be washed with fresh extender in order to obtain favorable sperm kinematic properties after freezing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoran Marinović
- Department of Aquaculture, Szent István University, Páter Károly U. 1., H-2100, Gödöllő, Hungary.
| | - Ilija Šćekić
- Department of Aquaculture, Szent István University, Páter Károly U. 1., H-2100, Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Jelena Lujić
- Center for Reproductive Genomics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Béla Urbányi
- Department of Aquaculture, Szent István University, Páter Károly U. 1., H-2100, Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Ákos Horváth
- Department of Aquaculture, Szent István University, Páter Károly U. 1., H-2100, Gödöllő, Hungary
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24
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Martinez G, Garcia C. Sexual selection and sperm diversity in primates. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 518:110974. [PMID: 32926966 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Many aspects of primate sperm physiology and reproductive behavior have been influenced by sexual selection, especially in taxa exposed to sperm competition where females mate with multiple partners. Primate sperm diversity reflects therefore the evolutionary divergences of the different primate species and the impact of a combination of variables exerting selection pressures on sperm form, function, and competition. Thereby, mating systems, life cycle or ecological variables are some of the important factors driving sperm diversity and explaining variation in terms of sperm morphology, parameters or male sexual characters. Here, we address primate sperm diversity through a compilation of all data available in the literature concerning primate sperm parameters and relationships between them. We also review the factors that can influence primate sperm diversity (e.g. mating systems, trade-off between investments in precopulatory and postcopulatory sexual traits, male and female sexual behaviors, seasonality, social constraints, testosterone levels), and discuss also their relevance to our understanding of human reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Martinez
- Hôpital Couple-Enfant, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, UM de Génétique Chromosomique, F-38000, Grenoble, France; Genetic Epigenetic and Therapies of Infertility, Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, F-38000, Grenoble, France.
| | - Cécile Garcia
- UMR 7206 Eco-anthropologie, CNRS - MNHN - Université de Paris, Musée de l'Homme, 75016, Paris, France.
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25
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Peres Campanholi S, Garcia Neto S, Basso AC, de Agostini Losano JD, Perez Siqueira AF, Nichi M, Ortiz D'Avila Assumpção ME, Afonso de Freitas L, Paro de Paz CC, Ferraudo AS, Morato Monteiro F, Unno Gimenes L. Estimate of in vitro embryo production based on sperm subpopulations in Senepol bulls. Theriogenology 2020; 161:98-107. [PMID: 33302167 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In cattle, in vitro embryo production (IVEP) is an important reproductive biotechnology responsible for the rapid expansion of the Senepol breed in our country. This breed has shown important results when used in crossbreeding and estimate IVEP in Senepol based on seminal analysis would be valuable for the semen cryopreservation industry, research institutes and breeders. Combining the evaluation of sperm subpopulations with analysis of other sperm attributes may help to improve fertility predictions in cattle. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were to: 1) identify and characterize motile sperm subpopulations in cryopreserved Senepol semen following the washing process carried out before in vitro fertilization, and 2) to determine an model for estimate IVEP based on sperm subpopulations in conjunction with other sperm quality analyzes. Samples of 38 cryopreserved semen from 28 Senepol bulls, chosen based on retrospective data from 386 IVEP routines, underwent the semen washing and were evaluated by the computer-assisted sperm analysis system. Sperm morphology was evaluated by wet preparation technique, and plasma and acrosomal membranes integrity, mitochondrial potential, oxidative status and chromatin resistance were analyzed by flow cytometry. After multivariate analysis of principal components and grouping, three sperm subpopulations were identified: SBP1 (fast and progressive motility), SBP2 (hyperactivated motility) and SBP3 (slow non-progressive motility). After categorization of IVEP in high, medium and low embryo yield, logistic regression analysis was applied to associate the results of subpopulations and other sperm quality variables with IVEP. The SBP1 and SBP2 variables affected embryo production, and an IVEP estimation model was generated for Senepol bulls based on these two subpopulations: embryo yield = 0.1563 + 0.0328 (SBP1) + 0.0173 (SBP2). SBP1 and SBP2 represents the absolute value of the percentage of subpopulations in semen. If the calculated value (by this equation) is close to 1, the embryo yield will be low; if is close to 2, will be medium; if is close to 3, will be high. In conclusion, three subpopulations were found for Senepol semen and, despite all analyzed variables, only SBP1 and SBP2 were included in the model to estimate IVEP in this breed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Marcílio Nichi
- Universidade de São Paulo, FMVZ/USP, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Fabio Morato Monteiro
- Centro Avançado de Pesquisa de Bovinos de Corte, APTA/IZ, Sertãozinho, São Paulo, Brazil
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26
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Catalán J, Papas M, Gacem S, Mateo-Otero Y, Rodríguez-Gil JE, Miró J, Yeste M. Red-Light Irradiation of Horse Spermatozoa Increases Mitochondrial Activity and Motility through Changes in the Motile Sperm Subpopulation Structure. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9090254. [PMID: 32872467 PMCID: PMC7565061 DOI: 10.3390/biology9090254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies in other mammalian species have shown that stimulation of semen with red-light increases sperm motility, mitochondrial activity, and fertilizing capacity. This study sought to determine whether red-light stimulation using a light emitting diode (LED) at 620–630 nm affects sperm motility and structure of motile subpopulations, sperm viability, mitochondrial activity, intracellular ATP levels, rate of O2 consumption and DNA integrity of horse spermatozoa. For this purpose, nine ejaculates were collected from nine different adult stallions. Upon collection, semen was diluted in Kenney extender, analyzed, its concentration was adjusted, and finally it was stimulated with red-light. In all cases, semen was packaged in 0.5-mL transparent straws, which were randomly divided into controls and 19 light-stimulation treatments; 6 consisted of a single exposure to red-light, and the other 13 involved irradiation with intervals of irradiation and darkness (light-dark-light). After irradiation, sperm motility was assessed using a Computerized Semen Analysis System (CASA). Flow cytometry was used to evaluate sperm viability, mitochondrial membrane potential and DNA fragmentation. Intracellular levels of ATP and O2 consumption rate were also determined. Specific red-light patterns were found to modify kinetics parameters (patterns: 4, 2-2-2, 3-3-3, 4-4-4, 5-1-5, and 5-5-5 min), the structure of motile sperm subpopulations (patterns: 2, 2-2-2, 3-3-3, and 4-1-4 min), mitochondrial membrane potential (patterns: 4, 3-3-3, 4-4-4, 5-1-5, 5-5-5, 15-5-15, and 15-15-15 min), intracellular ATP levels and the rate of O2 consumption (pattern: 4 min), without affecting sperm viability or DNA integrity. Since the increase in some kinematic parameters was concomitant with that of mitochondrial activity, intracellular ATP levels and O2 consumption rate, we suggest that the positive effect of light-irradiation on sperm motility is related to its impact upon mitochondrial activity. In conclusion, this study shows that red LED light stimulates motility and mitochondrial activity of horse sperm. Additional research is needed to address the impact of red-light irradiation on fertilizing ability and the mechanisms through which light exerts its effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Catalán
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, ES-08193 Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Spain; (J.C.); (M.P.); (S.G.); (J.E.R.-G.)
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain;
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Marion Papas
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, ES-08193 Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Spain; (J.C.); (M.P.); (S.G.); (J.E.R.-G.)
| | - Sabrina Gacem
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, ES-08193 Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Spain; (J.C.); (M.P.); (S.G.); (J.E.R.-G.)
| | - Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain;
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Joan E. Rodríguez-Gil
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, ES-08193 Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Spain; (J.C.); (M.P.); (S.G.); (J.E.R.-G.)
| | - Jordi Miró
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, ES-08193 Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Spain; (J.C.); (M.P.); (S.G.); (J.E.R.-G.)
- Correspondence: (J.M.); (M.Y.); Tel.: +34-93-5814293 (J.M.); +34-972-419514 (M.Y.)
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain;
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.M.); (M.Y.); Tel.: +34-93-5814293 (J.M.); +34-972-419514 (M.Y.)
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27
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Víquez L, Barquero V, Soler C, Roldan ER, Valverde A. Kinematic Sub-Populations in Bull Spermatozoa: A Comparison of Classical and Bayesian Approaches. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:E138. [PMID: 32604716 PMCID: PMC7345988 DOI: 10.3390/biology9060138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The ejaculate is heterogenous and sperm sub-populations with different kinematic patterns can be identified in various species. Nevertheless, although these sub-populations are statistically well defined, the statistical differences are not always relevant. The aim of the present study was to characterize kinematic sub-populations in sperm from two bovine species, and diluted with different commercial extenders, and to determine the statistical relevance of sub-populations through Bayesian analysis. Semen from 10 bulls was evaluated after thawing. An ISAS®v1 computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA)-Mot system was employed with an image acquisition rate of 50 Hz and ISAS®D4C20 counting chambers. Sub-populations of motile spermatozoa were characterized using multivariate procedures such as principal components (PCs) analysis and clustering methods (k-means model). Four different sperm sub-populations were identified from three PCs that involved progressiveness, velocity, and cell undulatory movement. The proportions of the different sperm sub-populations varied with the extender used and in the two species. Despite a statistical difference (p < 0.05) between extenders, the Bayesian analysis confirmed that only one of them (Triladyl®) presented relevant differences in kinematic patterns when compared with Tris-EY and OptiXcell®. Extenders differed in the proportion of sperm cells in each of the kinematic sub-populations. Similar patterns were identified in Bos taurus and Bos indicus. Bayesian results indicate that sub-populations SP1, SP2, and SP3 were different for PC criteria and these differences were relevant. For velocity, linearity, and progressiveness, the SP4 did not show a relevant difference regarding the other sperm sub-populations. The classical approach of clustering or sperm subpopulation thus may not have a direct biological meaning. Therefore, the biological relevance of sperm sub-populations needs to be reevaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Víquez
- Costa Rica Institute of Technology, School of Agronomy, San Carlos Campus, 223-21002 Alajuela, Costa Rica; (L.V.); (V.B.)
| | - Vinicio Barquero
- Costa Rica Institute of Technology, School of Agronomy, San Carlos Campus, 223-21002 Alajuela, Costa Rica; (L.V.); (V.B.)
| | - Carles Soler
- Department of Cellular Biology, Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, University of Valencia, Campus Burjassot, C/Dr Moliner, 50, 46100 Burjassot, Spain;
- Proiser R+D, Av. Catedrático Agustín Escardino, 9, Building 3 (CUE), Floor 1, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Eduardo R.S. Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Anthony Valverde
- Costa Rica Institute of Technology, School of Agronomy, San Carlos Campus, 223-21002 Alajuela, Costa Rica; (L.V.); (V.B.)
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28
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Miguel-Jimenez S, Rivera Del Alamo MM, Álvarez-Rodríguez M, Hidalgo CO, Peña AI, Muiño R, Rodríguez-Gil JE, Mogas T. In vitro assessment of egg yolk-, soya bean lecithin- and liposome-based extenders for cryopreservation of dairy bull semen. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 215:106315. [PMID: 32216928 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The study was conducted to compare the effect of four commercially available extenders (Triladyl®- egg yolk-based; Andromed® and Bioxcell®-plant based and Optixcell®-liposome-based) on post-thaw sperm quality and functionality variables evaluated using computer-assisted sperm analysis and flow cytometry. A total of 30 ejaculates from five bulls were analysed. With use of Triladyl®, sperm had a greater post-thaw total motility than with use of Bioxell® and Optixcell® but there was no difference as compared with use of Andromed® with the greatest (P < 0.05) percentage of progressively motile cells. With use of Optixcell®, there was a greater (P < 0.05) percentage of sperm with an intact membrane than with use of Triladyl® and Bioxcell®, but values were similar with use of Andromed®. Acrosome damage in semen preserved with use of Optixcell® was less than with use of Bioxcell® and Andromed®. With use of Optixcell®, there was a greater percentage of viable spermatozoa with a lesser lipid disruption (P < 0.05) when compared with the other extenders. Production of peroxides was greater for sperm cryopreserved with use of Triladyl® and Optixcell® while less superoxide was produced in the samples cryopreserved with the egg yolk-based extender. Optixcell® appears to be a promising alternative to replace traditional egg yolk extenders. With use of Optixcell®, however, there were greater peroxide concentrations after thawing. With use of Andromed®, there were similar results as with use of Optixcell®, therefore, it could be an effective substitute for egg-yolk based media due to the greater proportion of highly and progressively motile spermatozoa at thawing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Miguel-Jimenez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology-Institute of Research in Environmental Sciences of Aragon (IUCA), University of Zaragoza, E-50013 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | | | - Manuel Álvarez-Rodríguez
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193, Cerdanyola Del Vallès, Spain.
| | - Carlos Olegario Hidalgo
- Department of Animal Selection and Reproduction, The Regional Agri-Food Research and Development Service of Asturias (SERIDA), E-33394 Gijón, Spain.
| | - Ana Isabel Peña
- Department of Animal Pathology, University of Santiago De Compostela, E-15705 Lugo, Spain.
| | - Rodrigo Muiño
- Department of Animal Pathology, University of Santiago De Compostela, E-15705 Lugo, Spain.
| | - Joan Enric Rodríguez-Gil
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193, Cerdanyola Del Vallès, Spain.
| | - Teresa Mogas
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193, Cerdanyola Del Vallès, Spain.
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29
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Tamargo C, Hidalgo CO, Caamaño JN, Salman A, Fueyo C, Arija C, Fernández Á, Merino MJ, Martínez-Pastor F. Assessment of a germplasm bank for the autochthonous cattle breed Asturiana de la Montaña: Extender (Biociphos vs. BIOXCell) affected sperm quality but not field fertility. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 54 Suppl 4:90-93. [PMID: 31625236 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Semen banking is critical to preserving rare and autochthonous breeds. However, protocols can change with time, leaving heterogeneous semen batches. The objective of this study was to assess differences in sperm quality and field fertility. We report differences between batches frozen with the Biociphos and BIOXCell extenders in the Asturiana de la Montaña cryobank (autochthonous and endangered breed, Northern Spain). Doses from 48 bulls were analysed by CASA and flow cytometry. The 85-days non-return rates from AI records were used to assess the fertility of 23,853 AI. BIOXCell showed higher quality post-thawing. Differences increased after a 5-hr incubation at 37°C, and Biociphos yielded doses with lower resilience. Field fertility did not differ between extenders (Biociphos: 57.4% ± 1.2; BIOXCell: 56.6% ± 3.0), possibly because of AI protocols compensating for differences in quality. However, this needs to be confirmed by controlled intervention studies. In conclusion, batches frozen with Biociphos may require specific strategies for compensating for the lower sperm quality. Regular surveys and evaluation of cryobank procedures may be useful to characterizing stored batches and defining strategies to guaranteeing success in their future use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Tamargo
- Selección y Reproducción Animal-SERIDA, Principado de Asturias, Gijón, Spain
| | - Carlos O Hidalgo
- Selección y Reproducción Animal-SERIDA, Principado de Asturias, Gijón, Spain
| | - Jose Néstor Caamaño
- Selección y Reproducción Animal-SERIDA, Principado de Asturias, Gijón, Spain
| | - Amer Salman
- INDEGSAL and IMAPOR, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - Carmen Fueyo
- Selección y Reproducción Animal-SERIDA, Principado de Asturias, Gijón, Spain
| | | | - Ángel Fernández
- Selección y Reproducción Animal-SERIDA, Principado de Asturias, Gijón, Spain
| | - María J Merino
- Selección y Reproducción Animal-SERIDA, Principado de Asturias, Gijón, Spain
| | - Felipe Martínez-Pastor
- INDEGSAL and IMAPOR, Universidad de León, León, Spain.,Department of Molecular Biology (Cell Biology), Universidad de León, León, Spain
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Ibanescu I, Siuda M, Bollwein H. Motile sperm subpopulations in bull semen using different clustering approaches - Associations with flow cytometric sperm characteristics and fertility. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 215:106329. [PMID: 32216932 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
There are sperm subpopulations (SPs) with different kinematic characteristics in various species, however, biological relevance of these SPs is still uncertain. The objective of the present study was to investigate associations of motile sperm SPs with sperm characteristics determined by evaluations with flow cytometry and assessment of bull fertility, using multiple approaches for sperm clustering. Semen from 24 bulls was evaluated concomitantly using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and flow cytometry before freezing and after thawing. Motile SPs were determined utilizing two acknowledged clustering methods (TwoStep and K-Means) and one customized method. With the customized method, there was utilization of mean values of sperm velocity and linearity as thresholds for direct assignment of motile spermatozoa into four SPs. Regardless of approach for identifying SPs, sperm quality, as determined using flow cytometry, was correlated particularly with the subpopulation (SP) of fast and linear spermatozoa immediately after thawing and with the SP of fast and nonlinear spermatozoa before freezing and 3 h after thawing. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between proportion of spermatozoa with fast and nonlinear movements before freezing and bull non-return to estrous rates. These results indicate that with different sperm SPs, there are different biological implications which can be evaluated to gain useful information concerning semen quality as determined using flow cytometry and fertility. Furthermore, determining SPs by assigning motile spermatozoa into clusters based on a combination of "below and "above" threshold values for sperm velocity and linearity might be considered a practical alternative to otherwise intricate clustering procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iulian Ibanescu
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland; Besamungsverein Neustadt a. d. Aisch e.V., Karl-Eibl-Strasse 23, 91413, Neustadt an der Aisch, Germany.
| | - Mathias Siuda
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Heinrich Bollwein
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
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31
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Gimeno-Martos S, Casao A, Yeste M, Cebrián-Pérez JA, Muiño-Blanco T, Pérez-Pé R. Melatonin reduces cAMP-stimulated capacitation of ram spermatozoa. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:420-431. [PMID: 30209004 DOI: 10.1071/rd18087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of melatonin receptors on the surface of ram spermatozoa has led to speculation about melatonin having a role in sperm functionality. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism through which melatonin regulates ram sperm capacitation induced by a cocktail containing cAMP-elevating agents. Cocktail samples capacitated in the presence of 1µM melatonin showed lower percentages of capacitated spermatozoa (chlortetracycline staining; P<0.001) together with a decrease in protein tyrosine phosphorylation (P<0.01) and lower levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cAMP (P<0.05) compared with cocktail samples without the hormone. Determination of kinematic parameters, together with principal component and cluster analyses, allowed us to define four sperm subpopulations (SP). After 3h of incubation with cAMP-elevating agents, the percentages of spermatozoa belonging to SP1 (high straightness) and SP4 (less-vigorous spermatozoa with non-linear motility) increased while SP2 and SP3 (rapid spermatozoa starting hyperactivation or already hyperactivated) decreased compared with the control sample. The presence of melatonin at 100 pM and 10nM restored these subpopulations to values closer to those found in the control sample. These results indicate that melatonin at micromolar concentrations modulates ram sperm capacitation induced by cAMP-elevating agents, reducing ROS and cAMP levels, whereas at lower concentrations melatonin modifies motile sperm subpopulations. These findings warrant further studies on the potential use of melatonin for controlling capacitation in artificial insemination procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gimeno-Martos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Institute of Environmental Sciences of Aragón, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Adriana Casao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Institute of Environmental Sciences of Aragón, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, C/Maria Aurèlia Campany 69, Campus Montilivi, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - José A Cebrián-Pérez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Institute of Environmental Sciences of Aragón, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Teresa Muiño-Blanco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Institute of Environmental Sciences of Aragón, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Rosaura Pérez-Pé
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Institute of Environmental Sciences of Aragón, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
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Menegatti Zoca S, Shafii B, Price W, Utt M, Harstine B, McDonald K, Cruppe L, DeJarnette M, Peters L, Moraes Vasconcelos JL, Dalton J. Angus sire field fertility and in vitro sperm characteristics following use of different sperm insemination doses in Brazilian beef cattle. Theriogenology 2019; 147:146-153. [PMID: 31785860 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/17/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The primary objective was to determine if Angus bull fertility varied by number of sperm inseminated. A secondary objective was to characterize the potential impact of random variation on fertility using two identical sperm per dose treatments, which differed only in straw color. Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and flow cytometry (FC) were used to identify post-thaw sperm characteristics associated with field fertility differences between bulls. Ejaculates from five Angus bulls were collected, extended, and cryopreserved at 10, 20, 20 or 40 × 106 sperm per dose in color-coded 0.5-mL French straws. Multiparous cows (n = 4866) from ten Brazilian farms were synchronized for first-service timed artificial insemination (TAI). Bull identification and straw color were recorded at TAI. Pregnancy per TAI (P/TAI) did not differ between sperm doses (43.8, 45.3, 43.8 and 47.1% for 10, 20, 20 or 40 × 106 sperm respectively; P = 0.31) nor was there an interaction between bull and dose (P = 0.53). The P/TAI differed between bulls and ranged from 40.7 to 48.1% (P < 0.01). The overall P/TAI between the two control groups were not different (45.3 vs 43.8%); however, the numerical variation within bull ranged from 0.5 to 4.9 percentage points. Numerous CASA and FC post-thaw sperm characteristics differed among bulls (P < 0.05), but these characteristics did not explain the fertility difference between bulls. Principal component analysis provided a multivariate description of the CASA and FC data, where three principal components (Prin1, Prin2, and Prin3) accounted for a combined total of 88.7% of the data variability. The primary components of each PCA axis were flow cytometric measures of sperm viability and DNA fragmentation (Prin1), and CASA-derived sperm movement patterns (Prin2) and motility (Prin3); however, the relative influence of these characteristics varied by bull. Although fertility differences between bulls were detected, neither sperm per dose nor post-thaw in vitro sperm analyses (CASA and FC) were able to explain the observed differences in field fertility between bulls, further illustrating the difficulties in predicting bull fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saulo Menegatti Zoca
- Animal and Veterinary Science Department, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, 83844, USA
| | - Bahman Shafii
- Statistical Programs, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, 83844, USA
| | - William Price
- Statistical Programs, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, 83844, USA
| | - Matthew Utt
- Select Sires, Inc., Plain City, OH, 43064, USA
| | - Bo Harstine
- Select Sires, Inc., Plain City, OH, 43064, USA
| | | | | | | | - Lon Peters
- Select Sires, Inc., Plain City, OH, 43064, USA
| | - Jose Luiz Moraes Vasconcelos
- Departamento de Produçáo Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia-UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, 18618-681, Brazil
| | - Joseph Dalton
- Animal and Veterinary Science Department, University of Idaho, Caldwell, 83605, USA.
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Ondřej Š, Jiří Š, Jan B, Pavla MP, Lucie T, Doležalová M, Petra F, Luděk S, Radko R. Low Density Lipoprotein - important player in increasing cryoprotective efficiency of soybean lecithin-based bull semen extenders. Anim Reprod 2019; 16:267-276. [PMID: 33224286 PMCID: PMC7673600 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-ar2018-0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, considering cryopreservation of bull semen, there is no clear consensus over the comparability of cryoprotective efficacy of extenders with soybean lecithin and those based on egg yolk. The objective of this study was to prove the use of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) extracted from hen-egg yolk as an enhancing factor for soybean lecithin-based extenders. In total, 35 ejaculates of (seven bulls x five ejaculates per bull) were collected and cryopreserved at a commercial insemination centre. The effect of the LDL addition to the extenders AndroMed® and Bioxcell® was tested in a 6% (v/v) concentration on spermatozoa after thawing. Modified extender composition effects were assessed on sperm functional parameters motility, plasma membrane, mitochondrial membrane potential and acrosomal integrity after thawing by CASA, flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy, respectively. Based on kinematic parameters determined from CASA, k-means cluster analysis was used to classify individual spermatozoon into specific subpopulations (fast, medium fast and slow). A subpopulation of fast spermatozoa was increased in the presence of LDL in both selected extenders (P < 0.05). Moreover, the positive effect of LDL on sperm motility was confirmed by decreasing the percentage of sperm in slow subpopulation (P < 0.05). The effect of LDL addition on the incidence of spermatozoa with intact plasma membrane was not demonstrated in any case of extender used (P > 0.05). The percentage of sperm with intact acrosome was improved when LDL was added to Bioxcell® extender (P < 0.05). On the other hand, addition of LDL to AndroMed® extender improved mitochondrial intactness after thawing (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our results showed that adding LDL to selected soybean lecithin-based extenders considerably ameliorated the functional parameters of spermatozoa after thawing and thus this lipoprotein could represent an improving agent for soybean lecithin-based extender for bull semen cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Šimoník Ondřej
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic.,Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, v.v.i., Biocev, Průmyslová, Czech Republic
| | - Šichtař Jiří
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Beran Jan
- Department of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Zootechnical Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Maňásková-Postlerová Pavla
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic.,Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, v.v.i., Biocev, Průmyslová, Czech Republic
| | - Tůmová Lucie
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Doležalová
- Department of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Folková Petra
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Stádník Luděk
- Department of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Rajmon Radko
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
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34
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Morató R, Prieto-Martínez N, Muiño R, Hidalgo CO, Rodríguez-Gil JE, Bonet S, Yeste M. Aquaporin 11 is related to cryotolerance and fertilising ability of frozen-thawed bull spermatozoa. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 30:1099-1108. [PMID: 29365310 DOI: 10.1071/rd17340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are channel proteins involved in the transport of water and solutes across biological membranes. In the present study we identified and localised aquaporin 11 (AQP11) in bull spermatozoa and investigated the relationship between the relative AQP11 content, sperm cryotolerance and the fertilising ability of frozen-thawed semen. Bull ejaculates were classified into two groups of good and poor freezability and assessed through immunofluorescence and immunoblotting analyses before and after cryopreservation. AQP11 was localised throughout the entire tail and along the sperm head. These findings were confirmed through immunoblotting, which showed a specific band of approximately 50 kDa corresponding to AQP11. The relative amount of AQP11 was significantly (P<0.05) higher in both fresh and frozen-thawed spermatozoa from bull ejaculates with good freezability compared with those with poorer freezability. In addition, in vitro oocyte penetration rates and non-return rates 56 days after AI were correlated with the relative AQP11 content in fresh spermatozoa. In conclusion, AQP11 is present in the head and tail of bull spermatozoa and its relative amount in fresh and frozen-thawed spermatozoa is related to the resilience of the spermatozoa to withstand cryopreservation and the fertilising ability of frozen-thawed spermatozoa. Further research is needed to elucidate the actual role of sperm AQP11 in bovine fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roser Morató
- Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, C/Maria Aurèlia Campany 69, Campus Montilivi, E-17071 Girona, Spain
| | - Noelia Prieto-Martínez
- Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, C/Maria Aurèlia Campany 69, Campus Montilivi, E-17071 Girona, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Muiño
- Department of Animal Pathology, Avda. Carballo Calero s/n, University of Santiago de Compostela, E-15705 Lugo, Spain
| | - Carlos O Hidalgo
- Department of Animal Selection and Reproduction, The Regional Agri-Food Research and Development Service of Asturias (SERIDA), Camino de Rioseco 1225, La Olla, Deva, E-33394 Gijón, Spain
| | - Joan E Rodríguez-Gil
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Building V, Campus Bellaterra s/n, E-08193 Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, C/Maria Aurèlia Campany 69, Campus Montilivi, E-17071 Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, C/Maria Aurèlia Campany 69, Campus Montilivi, E-17071 Girona, Spain
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35
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Stewart JL, Canisso IF, Podico G, Kaplan C, Garrett EF, Shike DW, Henley P, Lima FS. Nerve growth factor-β effects on post-thaw bull semen quality: Effects of nerve growth factor-β added to extenders for cryopreservation of electro-ejaculated and epididymal bull semen. Anim Reprod Sci 2019; 207:107-117. [PMID: 31204090 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Nerve growth factor-β (NGF) is a seminal plasma protein associated with improved sperm membrane integrity and motility in mammalian species. The objective of this study was to compare post-thaw semen quality from both ejaculated and pididymal-collected bull sperm incubated with purified NGF prior to cryopreservation. Semen was obtained from Angus × Simmental crossbred bulls (n = 10) collected by electroejaculation, followed by castration and epididymal sperm collections 3 days later. Semen samples were incubated with extender having 0 ng/mL (CONT), 0.5 ng/mL (LOW), 5 ng/mL (MED), or 50 ng/mL (HIGH) of purified NGF prior to cryopreservation. Sperm motility was assessed in each sample prior to treatment and cryopreservation and at post-thaw. Flow cytometry was used for post-thaw assessment of sperm viability (SYBR-14/PI), acrosome integrity (FITC-PNA/PI), and chromatin stability (acridine orange). Values for post-thaw sperm motility and velocity variables were decreased, while linearity was increased in samples of the HIGH compared with CONT group (P < 0.01), but there were no differences in epididymal samples (P> 0.05). Samples from the HIGH group also had a lesser amplitude of lateral head displacement at 2.5 and 3 h post-thaw (P < 0.01). Post-thaw sperm viability, acrosome integrity, and DNA fragmentation index were not affected by NGF treatment in either ejaculated or epididymal sperm (P> 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation of freezing extender with NGF had minimal effects on post-thaw sperm quality in bulls. Results indicate NGF may have a function in preventing premature sperm hyperactivation in ejaculated, but not epididymal-collected spermatozoa. Fertility studies, both in vitro and in vivo, are warranted to ascertain the relevancy of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie L Stewart
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Igor F Canisso
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Giorgia Podico
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Claire Kaplan
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Edgar F Garrett
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Daniel W Shike
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Parker Henley
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Fabio S Lima
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA.
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Jepson A, Arlt J, Statham J, Spilman M, Burton K, Wood T, Poon WCK, Martinez VA. High-throughput characterisation of bull semen motility using differential dynamic microscopy. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0202720. [PMID: 30969959 PMCID: PMC6457493 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
We report a high-throughput technique for characterising the motility of spermatozoa using differential dynamic microscopy. A movie with large field of view (∼10mm2) records thousands of cells (e.g. ≈ 5000 cells even at a low cell density of 20 × 106 cells/ml) at once and yields averaged measurements of the mean ([Formula: see text]) and standard deviation (σ) of the swimming speed, head oscillation amplitude (A0) and frequency (f0), and the fraction of motile spermatozoa (α). Interestingly, we found that the measurement of α is facilitated because the swimming spermatozoa enhance the motion of the non-swimming population. We demonstrate the ease and rapidity of our method by performing on-farm characterisation of bull spermatozoa motility, and validate the technique by comparing laboratory measurements with tracking. Our results confirm the long-standing theoretical prediction that [Formula: see text] for swimming spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alys Jepson
- SUPA, School of Physics & Astronomy, The University of Edinburgh, Peter Guthrie Tait Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FD, United Kingdom
- School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (AJ); (VAM)
| | - Jochen Arlt
- SUPA, School of Physics & Astronomy, The University of Edinburgh, Peter Guthrie Tait Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FD, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Statham
- RAFT Solutions Ltd., Mill Farm, Studley Road, Ripon, HG4 2QR, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Spilman
- RAFT Solutions Ltd., Mill Farm, Studley Road, Ripon, HG4 2QR, United Kingdom
| | - Katie Burton
- RAFT Solutions Ltd., Mill Farm, Studley Road, Ripon, HG4 2QR, United Kingdom
| | - Tiffany Wood
- SUPA, School of Physics & Astronomy, The University of Edinburgh, Peter Guthrie Tait Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FD, United Kingdom
| | - Wilson C. K. Poon
- SUPA, School of Physics & Astronomy, The University of Edinburgh, Peter Guthrie Tait Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FD, United Kingdom
| | - Vincent A. Martinez
- SUPA, School of Physics & Astronomy, The University of Edinburgh, Peter Guthrie Tait Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FD, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (AJ); (VAM)
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Botta D, de Arruda RP, Watanabe YF, de Carvalho Balieiro JC, Romanello N, do Nascimento Barreto A, de Andrade Pantoja MH, Giro A, de Carvalho CPT, de Sousa Oliveira A, Garcia AR. Influence of post-thawing thermal environment on bovine sperm characteristics and in vitro fertility. Andrologia 2019; 51:e13266. [PMID: 30868613 DOI: 10.1111/and.13266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Our aim was to evaluate the effects of three thermal environments over time on kinetics, functionality and in vitro fertility of cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa. Four ejaculates from five bulls (n = 20) were cryopreserved. After thawing, semen was evaluated (0 hr), incubated for 4 hr in T36.0 (36.0°C), T38.0 (38.0°C) and T39.5 (39.5°C), and analysed every hour (1 hr, 2 hr, 3 hr, 4 hr). In vitro production of embryos was performed at 0 hr and 4 hr. Sperm motility and cell kinetics (Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis) were impaired after 2 hr at T38.0 and T39.5 (p < 0.05). Flow cytometry revealed an increase in the cells with injured plasma membrane to 39.5°C and a general reduction in the mitochondrial potential over time (p < 0.05). In vitro fertility was impaired in all temperatures after 4 hr, but there was no difference between 36.0°C and 38.0°C. Our results suggest that the ex situ resilience of semen at 36.0°C after thawing with no major damage to the quality is limited to 3 hr. In normothermia or in thermal stress, sperm cells present a gradual reduction of movement and functionality, which were more significant after 1 hr of incubation. The in vitro production of embryos is impaired when the semen is kept in a thermal environment ≥36.0°C for 4 hr.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Botta
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Castanhal, Brazil
| | - Rubens Paes de Arruda
- Laboratory of Semen Biotechnology and Andrology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | | | - Júlio Cesar de Carvalho Balieiro
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Production, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Narian Romanello
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Castanhal, Brazil
| | | | | | - Alessandro Giro
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Castanhal, Brazil
| | - Carla Patrícia Teodoro de Carvalho
- Laboratory of Semen Biotechnology and Andrology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | | | - Alexandre Rossetto Garcia
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction, Embrapa Southeast Livestock (CPPSE/Embrapa), Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, São Carlos, Brazil
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Peña AI, Adán S, Quintela LA, Becerra JJ, Herradón PG. Relationship between motile sperm subpopulations identified in frozen-thawed dog semen samples and their ability to bind to the zona pellucida of canine oocytes. Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 53 Suppl 3:14-22. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.13349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ana I. Peña
- Unit of Reproduction and Obstetrics; Department of Animal Pathology; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Santiago de Compostela; Lugo Spain
| | - Sheila Adán
- Unit of Reproduction and Obstetrics; Department of Animal Pathology; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Santiago de Compostela; Lugo Spain
| | - Luis A. Quintela
- Unit of Reproduction and Obstetrics; Department of Animal Pathology; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Santiago de Compostela; Lugo Spain
| | - Juan J. Becerra
- Unit of Reproduction and Obstetrics; Department of Animal Pathology; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Santiago de Compostela; Lugo Spain
| | - Pedro G. Herradón
- Unit of Reproduction and Obstetrics; Department of Animal Pathology; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Santiago de Compostela; Lugo Spain
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Siqueira AFP, de Castro LS, de Assis PM, Bicudo LDC, Mendes CM, Nichi M, Visintin JA, Assumpção MEOD. Sperm traits on in vitro production (IVP) of bovine embryos: Too much of anything is good for nothing. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200273. [PMID: 29990330 PMCID: PMC6039049 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm samples used on fertilization strongly influence the in vitro production (IVP) rates. However, sperm traits behind this effect are not stated consistently until now. This study aimed to evaluate the isolated and combined effect of some sperm traits (MB: total motility before Percoll® gradient, MA: total motility after Percoll® gradient, AI: acrosome integrity, MI: membrane integrity, MP: mitochondrial membrane potential, and CR: chromatin resistance) on IVP rates. This is the first study focusing on the isolated effect of distinct traits. For this purpose, the experiment was divided in three steps. In first step, to study behavior of traits sperm samples (n = 63 batches) were analyzed and ranked based on each trait. In second step, samples ranked were selected from target ranks regions and allocated in groups of four to five batches, creating Higher and Lower groups, according to two different approaches. One aimed to form groups that differed to all sperm traits simultaneously (effect of combined traits). The other aimed to form groups that differed only to a single sperm trait while no differences were observed for the remaining traits (effect of each isolated trait). In third step, for each group successfully formed in step 2, sperm samples were individually and prospectively used for IVP. Cleavage, embryo development and blastocyst rates were recorded and compared between Higher and Lower of respective trait groups. Surprisingly, evaluation of isolated effects revealed that lower levels of MB, AI and MP resulted in higher embryo development and blastocyst rates (p<0.05), which was not observed on cleavage rate. We conclude that sperm traits strongly influence embryo development after in vitro fertilization (IVF), affecting the zygote competence to achieve blastocyst stage. Individually, levels of MB, AI or MP could be some of the key traits that may define IVP efficiency on current systems of embryo production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Felipe Perez Siqueira
- Laboratory of Spermatozoa Biology, Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Letícia Signori de Castro
- Laboratory of Spermatozoa Biology, Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Monken de Assis
- Laboratory of Spermatozoa Biology, Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luana de Cássia Bicudo
- Laboratory of Spermatozoa Biology, Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camilla Mota Mendes
- Laboratory of Spermatozoa Biology, Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of in vitro Fertilization, Cloning and Animal Transgenesis, Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcílio Nichi
- Laboratory of Andrology, Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Antônio Visintin
- Laboratory of in vitro Fertilization, Cloning and Animal Transgenesis, Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mayra Elena Ortiz D’Ávila Assumpção
- Laboratory of Spermatozoa Biology, Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Žaja IŽ, Vince S, Milinković-Tur S, Milas NP, Samardžija M, Valpotić H, Berta V, Vilić M, Rakić K. Exogenous melatonin influences distribution of French Alpine buck spermatozoa in morphometrically distinct subpopulations during the non-breeding season. Anim Reprod Sci 2018. [PMID: 29525208 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to establish subpopulations of spermatozoa in bucks using the principal component (PC) and cluster analysis according to morphometric head and tail variables, and to determine differences in proportions of subpopulations between exogenous melatonin-treated and control bucks. The bucks (n = 12) were assigned to two groups comprising six bucks each. By the end of March, four melatonin implants were inserted in the bucks in the experimental group. Semen was collected weekly using an artificial vagina from March to May (the non-breeding season). Analyses were performed in stained smears by SFORM computer-assisted program for eight head and five tail variables. The PC analysis revealed four components with the most important value for each (head outline, head ellipticity, mid-piece length and width). Cluster analysis indicated there were three subpopulations (average-sized spermatozoa- C_1; small and less-elliptic - C_2; big and elliptic - C_3). Melatonin-treated bucks had a greater proportion of C_1 spermatozoa and a lesser proportion of C_2 spermatozoa during May (P < 0.05). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study where PC and cluster analyses were performed on buck semen with head and tail variables analyzed together, in the same analysis, to evaluate spermatozoa population. Also, this is the first analysis of morphometric variables for assessing the influence of melatonin on spermatozoa subpopulations. The positive effect of melatonin on the proportions of spermatozoa in subpopulations could have been a consequence of the decreasing the proportion of the subpopulation with the least head and tail sizes and ellipticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivona Žura Žaja
- Department of Physiology and Radiobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Silvijo Vince
- Clinic of Reproduction and Obstetrics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Suzana Milinković-Tur
- Department of Physiology and Radiobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nina Poljičak Milas
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marko Samardžija
- Clinic of Reproduction and Obstetrics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Hrvoje Valpotić
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Velimir Berta
- Veterinary Practice Varaždin, 42000, Varaždin, Croatia
| | - Marinko Vilić
- Department of Physiology and Radiobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Kristina Rakić
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia
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Influence of cooling temperature in sperm subpopulations of domestic cats. Anim Reprod Sci 2018; 189:1-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Caldeira C, García-Molina A, Valverde A, Bompart D, Hassane M, Martin P, Soler C. Comparison of sperm motility subpopulation structure among wild anadromous and farmed male Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) parr using a CASA system. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 30:897-906. [DOI: 10.1071/rd17466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is an endangered freshwater species that needs help to recover its wild stocks. However, the priority in aquaculture is to obtain successful fertilisation and genetic variability to secure the revival of the species. The aims of the present work were to study sperm subpopulation structure and motility patterns in wild anadromous males and farmed male Atlantic salmon parr. Salmon sperm samples were collected from wild anadromous salmon (WS) and two generations of farmed parr males. Sperm samples were collected from sexually mature males and sperm motility was analysed at different times after activation (5 and 35 s). Differences among the three groups were analysed using statistical techniques based on Cluster analysis the Bayesian method. Atlantic salmon were found to have three sperm subpopulations, and the spermatozoa in ejaculates of mature farmed parr males had a higher velocity and larger size than those of WS males. This could be an adaptation to high sperm competition because salmonid species are naturally adapted to this process. Motility analysis enables us to identify sperm subpopulations, and it may be useful to correlate these sperm subpopulations with fertilisation ability to test whether faster-swimming spermatozoa have a higher probability of success.
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Gloria A, Wegher L, Carluccio A, Valorz C, Robbe D, Contri A. Factors affecting staining to discriminate between bull sperm with greater and lesser mitochondrial membrane potential. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 189:51-59. [PMID: 29279197 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The sperm mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) is usually evaluated using the JC-1 dye. This study aimed to verify the effect of incubation temperature (25 °C or 38 °C), incubation time (10, 30, and 45 min), JC-1 stain concentration (0.2 μM, 2 μM, 8 μM, 12 μM), and the presence of glycerol (6.6% compared with 0%), on the capacity of the stain to discriminate between sperm with high mitochondrial membrane potential (hMMP) and low mitochondrial membrane potential (lMMP) in fresh and frozen bull sample by both flow cytometry and epifluorescence microscopy. The temperature (38 °C for 10 min) and the dye concentration (8 μM and 12 μM) resulted in a greater proportion of hMMP (P < .05). The incubation for 45 min at 38 °C resulted in a significant reduction of hMMP in samples stained with JC-1 dye at 8 μM and 12 μM (P < .01). A longer incubation time (45 min) and greater dye concentration (8 μM and 12 μM) resulted in an increased proportion of hMMP sperm in cryopreserved samples. Fresh sperm incubated with glycerol had a hMMP (P < .05). Data for the present study indicate that the optimal incubation temperature was 38 °C, with an incubation time differing between fresh (10-30 min) and cryopreserved sperm (at least 45 min). Furthermore, the JC-1 dye concentration used that could reliably detect the proportion of hMMP sperm was 2 μM in fresh samples, and at least 8 μM in cryopreserved sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Gloria
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d'Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
| | - Laura Wegher
- Provincial Breeders Federation of Trento, Via delle Bettine 40, 38121 Trento, Italy
| | - Augusto Carluccio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d'Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Claudio Valorz
- Provincial Breeders Federation of Trento, Via delle Bettine 40, 38121 Trento, Italy
| | - Domenico Robbe
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d'Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Alberto Contri
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d'Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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Ledesma A, Zalazar L, Fernández-Alegre E, Hozbor F, Cesari A, Martínez-Pastor F. Seminal plasma proteins modify the distribution of sperm subpopulations in cryopreserved semen of rams with lesser fertility. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 184:44-50. [PMID: 28728862 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Any physiological mechanism involved in sperm selection and semen improvement has effects on heterogeneous sperm populations. This is mainly due to the fact that sperm populations within a single ejaculate have considerable heterogeneity for many variables, such as motility which is meaningful in terms of understanding how some sperm cells possess fertility advantages as compared with other cells. In the present research, initially there was a multivariate and clustering analysis used to assess sperm motility data from cryopreserved ram semen to identify subpopulations and compare the distribution of these clusters between rams with lesser and greater fertility. There were four classifications made of sperm subpopulations (clusters): CL1 fast/linear/progressive sperm; CL2 fast/non-linear sperm; CL3 very fast/linear sperm with vigorous beating and CL4 slow/non-linear sperm. Rams with greater fertility had a lesser proportion of sperm considered as "hyperactivated" (CL2) and a greater proportion of slow and non-linear sperm (CL4) than sperm of rams with lesser fertility. In addition, the effects were assessed for the capacity of seminal plasma (SP) and interacting SP proteins (iSPP) that were present during different seasons of the year to improve the distribution of sperm within subpopulations of semen from rams with lesser fertility. The iSPP and SP were obtained by artificial vagina (AV) and electroejaculation (EE) during breeding and non-breeding seasons and added to thawed semen. All the aggregates had a significant effect on the distribution of sperm subpopulations and effects differed among seasons of the year and depending on collection method used. Even though, future studies are needed to assess the contribution of each subpopulation on ram sperm fertility, it is important that a multivariate analysis be used to evaluate the effect of a treatment on sperm quality variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Ledesma
- Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Ruta 226 km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Argentina; Biotecnología de la Reproducción, Departamento de Producción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Ruta 226 km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Lucía Zalazar
- Biología de Microorganismos y Gametas, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Funes 3250, 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Estela Fernández-Alegre
- Instituto de Desarrollo Ganadero y Sanidad Animal (INDEGSAL) y Departamento de Biología Molecular y Biología Celular, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana 24071, León, Spain
| | - Federico Hozbor
- Biotecnología de la Reproducción, Departamento de Producción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Ruta 226 km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Argentina.
| | - Andreina Cesari
- Biología de Microorganismos y Gametas, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Funes 3250, 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Felipe Martínez-Pastor
- Instituto de Desarrollo Ganadero y Sanidad Animal (INDEGSAL) y Departamento de Biología Molecular y Biología Celular, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana 24071, León, Spain
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Kanno C, Sakamoto KQ, Yanagawa Y, Takahashi Y, Katagiri S, Nagano M. Comparison of sperm subpopulation structures in first and second ejaculated semen from Japanese black bulls by a cluster analysis of sperm motility evaluated by a CASA system. J Vet Med Sci 2017. [PMID: 28626150 PMCID: PMC5573822 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.17-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, bull sperm in the first and second ejaculates were divided into
subpopulations based on their motility characteristics using a cluster analysis of data
from computer-assisted sperm motility analysis (CASA). Semen samples were collected from 4
Japanese black bulls. Data from 9,228 motile sperm were classified into 4 clusters; 1)
very rapid and progressively motile sperm, 2) rapid and circularly motile sperm with
widely moving heads, 3) moderately motile sperm with heads moving frequently in a short
length, and 4) poorly motile sperm. The percentage of cluster 1 varied between bulls. The
first ejaculates had a higher proportion of cluster 2 and lower proportion of cluster 3
than the second ejaculates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chihiro Kanno
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-18, Nishi-9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Kentaro Q Sakamoto
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-18, Nishi-9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Yojiro Yanagawa
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-18, Nishi-9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Takahashi
- Genetics Hokkaido Association, Kita-4, Nishi-1, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0004, Japan
| | - Seiji Katagiri
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-18, Nishi-9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan.,Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-18, Nishi-9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Masashi Nagano
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-18, Nishi-9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
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Souza HM, Arruda LC, Monteiro MM, Nery IH, Araújo Silva RA, Batista AM, Guerra MMP. The Effect of Canthaxanthin on the Quality of Frozen Ram Spermatozoa. Biopreserv Biobank 2017; 15:220-227. [DOI: 10.1089/bio.2016.0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Helder M. Souza
- Andrology Laboratory (ANDROLAB), Veterinary Medicine Department, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife, Brazil
| | - Lúcia C.P. Arruda
- Andrology Laboratory (ANDROLAB), Veterinary Medicine Department, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife, Brazil
| | - Millena M. Monteiro
- Andrology Laboratory (ANDROLAB), Veterinary Medicine Department, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife, Brazil
| | - Igor H.A.V. Nery
- Andrology Laboratory (ANDROLAB), Veterinary Medicine Department, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife, Brazil
| | - Robespierre A.J. Araújo Silva
- Andrology Laboratory (ANDROLAB), Veterinary Medicine Department, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife, Brazil
| | - André M. Batista
- Andrology Laboratory (ANDROLAB), Veterinary Medicine Department, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife, Brazil
| | - Maria Madalena Pessoa Guerra
- Andrology Laboratory (ANDROLAB), Veterinary Medicine Department, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife, Brazil
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Harayama H, Minami K, Kishida K, Noda T. Protein biomarkers for male artificial insemination subfertility in bovine spermatozoa. Reprod Med Biol 2017; 16:89-98. [PMID: 29259456 PMCID: PMC5661804 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although artificial insemination (AI) technique is an established biotechnology for bovine reproduction, the results of AI (conception rates) have a tendency to decline gradually. To our annoyance, moreover, AI‐subfertile bulls have been occasionally found in the AI centers. To resolve these serious problems, it is necessary to control the sperm quality more strictly by the examinations of sperm molecules. Methods We reviewed a number of recent articles regarding potentials of bovine sperm proteins as the biomarkers for bull AI‐subfertility and also showed our unpublished supplemental data on the bull AI‐subfertility associated proteins. Main findings Bull AI‐subfertility is caused by the deficiency or dysfunctions of various molecules including regulatory proteins of ATP synthesis, acrosomal proteins, nuclear proteins, capacitation‐related proteins and seminal plasma proteins. Conclusion In order to control the bovine sperm quality more strictly by the molecular examinations, it is necessary to select suitable sperm protein biomarkers for the male reproductive problems which happen in the AI centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Harayama
- Division of Animal Science Department of Bioresource Science Graduate School of Agricultural Science Kobe University Kobe Japan
| | - Kenta Minami
- Division of Animal Science Department of Bioresource Science Graduate School of Agricultural Science Kobe University Kobe Japan
| | - Kazumi Kishida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Shiga University of Medical Science Otsu Japan
| | - Taichi Noda
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases Osaka University Suita Osaka Japan
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Prieto-Martínez N, Morató R, Muiño R, Hidalgo CO, Rodríguez-Gil JE, Bonet S, Yeste M. Aquaglyceroporins 3 and 7 in bull spermatozoa: identification, localisation and their relationship with sperm cryotolerance. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 29:1249-1259. [DOI: 10.1071/rd16077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to determine the localisation of aquaglyceroporins 3 (AQP3) and 7 (AQP7) in bull spermatozoa and their relationship with the sperm cell’s resilience to withstand cryopreservation (i.e. cryotolerance). A total of 18 bull ejaculates were cryopreserved and their sperm quality analysed before and after freeze–thawing. The presence and localisation of AQP3 and AQP7 was determined through immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry. AQP3 was found in the mid-piece and AQP7 in the mid-piece and post-acrosomal region of bull spermatozoa. Immunoblotting showed specific signal bands at 30 and 60 kDa for AQP3 and at 25 kDa for AQP7. Neither the relative abundance of AQP3 and AQP7 nor their localisation patterns was altered by cryopreservation but individual differences between bull ejaculates were found in immunoblots. In order to determine whether these individual differences were related to sperm cryotolerance, bull ejaculates were classified as having good (GFE) or poor freezability (PFE) on the basis of their sperm quality after thawing. While the relative abundance of AQP3 before cryopreservation did not differ between ejaculates with GFE and PFE, the abundance of AQP7 was higher in GFE than in PFE ejaculates. This finding was further confirmed through principal component and linear regression analyses. In conclusion, the relative abundance of AQP7 in fresh semen may be used as a marker to predict bull sperm cryotolerance.
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49
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Dorado J, Cid RM, Molina A, Hidalgo M, Ariza J, Moreno-Millán M, Demyda-Peyrás S. Effect of inbreeding depression on bull sperm quality and field fertility. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 29:712-720. [DOI: 10.1071/rd15324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the effect of inbreeding depression on sperm quality using automated and objective methods and subsequent effects on beef bull field fertility. Individual inbreeding coefficient (F) values and field fertility data were determined using a dataset of AI bulls belonging to the Spanish Retinta Breeders Association (Asociación Nacional de Criadores de Ganado Vacuno Selecto de Raza Retinta (ANCRE)). Animals were clustered in two groups according to the F values as follows: (1) a high inbreeding group (HI; F ≥ 13.5%, mean 16.3); and (2) a non-inbreeding group (NI; F = 0%). In total, 17 different assessments were performed in both experimental groups, including evaluation of sperm morphology, acrosomal and DNA status, sperm plasma membrane integrity and function (hypo-osmotic swelling test), 10 kinetic parameters and the structure of sperm subpopulations. Sperm morphology, acrosomal and DNA status and osmotic tolerance were similar in both groups. Three velocity parameters (curvilinear velocity, straight line velocity and average path velocity) and the amplitude of lateral head displacement were higher in HI (P < 0.05). Cluster analysis of kinematic parameters revealed three different sperm subpopulations (sP1, sP2 and sP3), with the proportion of the sP1 population (highly active but non-progressive spermatozoa) being significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the HI group. Field fertility was assessed using two calving record datasets. In a smaller database including only bulls evaluated in the present study, there was a significant increase in the calving interval of cows sired with HI bulls. Conversely, in an extended genetic analysis of the ANCRE database, inbreeding only explained a small part of the variation in calving interval, and the results of regression analysis were not significant among bulls. The findings of the present study suggest that high inbreeding levels have a moderate effect on bull semen quality, with an increased percentage of highly active but non-progressive spermatozoa, but only when F values reached a certain threshold. This motility pattern could explain, in part, the higher calving interval produced by inbred bulls under field conditions.
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50
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Valverde A, Arenán H, Sancho M, Contell J, Yániz J, Fernández A, Soler C. Morphometry and subpopulation structure of Holstein bull spermatozoa: variations in ejaculates and cryopreservation straws. Asian J Androl 2016; 18:851-857. [PMID: 27678464 PMCID: PMC5109875 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.187579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm quality is evaluated for the calculation of sperm dosage in artificial reproductive programs. The most common parameter used is motility, but morphology has a higher potential as a predictor of genetic quality. Morphometry calculations from CASA-Morph technology improve morphological evaluation and allow mathematical approaches to the problem. Semen from 28 Holstein bulls was collected by artificial vagina, and several ejaculates were studied. After general evaluation, samples were diluted, packaged in 0.25 ml straws, and stored in liquid nitrogen. Two straws per sample were thawed, and slides were processed and stained with Diff-Quik. Samples were analyzed by a CASA-Morph system for eight morphometric parameters. In addition to the "classical" statistical approach, based on variance analysis (revealing differences between animals, ejaculates, and straws), principal component (PC) analysis showed that the variables were grouped into PC1, related to size, and PC2 to shape. Subpopulation structure analysis showed four groups, namely, big, small, short, and narrow from their dominant characteristics, representing 31.0%, 27.3%, 24.1%, and 17.7% of the total population, respectively. The distributions varied between animals and ejaculates, but between straws, there were no differences in only four animals. This modern approach of considering an ejaculate sperm population as divided into subpopulations reflecting quantifiable parameters generated by CASA-Morph systems technology opens a new view on sperm function. This is the first study applying this approach to evaluate different ejaculates and straws from the same individual. More work must be done to improve seminal dose calculations in assisted reproductive programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Valverde
- Technological Institute of Costa Rica, San Carlos Campus, School of Agronomy, 223-21001 Alajuela, Costa Rica
| | - Héctor Arenán
- Xenética Fontao, Fontao-Esperante, 27210 Lugo, Spain
| | - María Sancho
- R+D Department, Proiser R+D, Scientific Park, University of València, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Jesús Contell
- R+D Department, Proiser R+D, Scientific Park, University of València, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Jesús Yániz
- Department of Animal Production and Food Science, Politechnical School of Huesca, University of Zaragoza, 22071 Huesca, Spain
| | | | - Carles Soler
- R+D Department, Proiser R+D, Scientific Park, University of València, 46980 Paterna, Spain
- Department of Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, University of València, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
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