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Tvrdá E, Ďuračka M, Benko F, Lukáč N. Bacteriospermia - A formidable player in male subfertility. Open Life Sci 2022; 17:1001-1029. [PMID: 36060647 PMCID: PMC9386612 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial colonization of male reproductive tissues, cells, and fluids, and the subsequent impact of bacteria on the sperm architecture, activity, and fertilizing potential, has recently gained increased attention from the medical and scientific community. Current evidence strongly emphasizes the fact that the presence of bacteria in semen may have dire consequences on the resulting male fertility. Nevertheless, the molecular basis underlying bacteriospermia-associated suboptimal semen quality is sophisticated, multifactorial, and still needs further understanding. Bacterial adhesion and subsequent sperm agglutination and immobilization represent the most direct pathway of sperm-bacterial interactions. Furthermore, the release of bacterial toxins and leukocytic infiltration, associated with a massive outburst of reactive oxygen species, have been repeatedly associated with sperm dysfunction in bacteria-infested semen. This review serves as a summary of the present knowledge on bacteriospermia-associated male subfertility. Furthermore, we strived to outline the currently available methods for assessing bacterial profiles in semen and to outline the most promising strategies for the prevention and/or management of bacteriospermia in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Tvrdá
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Applied Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, Nitra-Chrenová, 949 76, Slovakia
| | - Michal Ďuračka
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Applied Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, Nitra-Chrenová, 949 76, Slovakia
| | - Filip Benko
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Applied Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, Nitra-Chrenová, 949 76, Slovakia
| | - Norbert Lukáč
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Applied Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, Nitra-Chrenová, 949 76, Slovakia
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Domain G, Ali Hassan H, Wydooghe E, Bogado Pascottini O, Johannisson A, Morrell JM, Niżański W, Van Soom A. Influence of Single Layer Centrifugation with Canicoll on Semen Freezability in Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12060714. [PMID: 35327111 PMCID: PMC8944562 DOI: 10.3390/ani12060714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Freezing dog semen is not always possible due to low quality sperm or poor survival during freezing. In order to make this assisted reproductive technique available to a larger number of dogs, this study investigated the benefit of selecting the best spermatozoa before freezing using single layer centrifugation (SLC). The results indicated that this technique was effective in separating spermatozoa according to their quality, although this resulted in losing some good quality spermatozoa. After thawing, spermatozoa centrifuged by SLC were of better quality than after standard centrifugation. However, spermatozoa from suboptimal quality semen did not survive freezing as well as spermatozoa from semen of optimal quality, even after SLC. Single layer centrifugation, therefore, makes it possible to obtain better quality spermatozoa after thawing but is not sufficient on its own to improve the inferior freezing ability of spermatozoa from suboptimal quality semen. So far, eighteen pups were born after insemination with SLC-selected frozen-thawed semen, proving that these selected spermatozoa remain fertile. Abstract This study evaluated how semen selection by single layer centrifugation (SLC) with Canicoll affects semen freezability in dogs. A total of eighteen ejaculates, collected from dogs with optimal and suboptimal semen quality (optimal: normal morphology (NM) ≥ 80%, n = 9; suboptimal: NM between 60 and 79%, n = 9), were divided into two aliquots and subjected to standard centrifugation or SLC before cryopreservation. Motility, NM, membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and DNA integrity were improved in fresh samples after SLC, regardless of semen quality, but at the expense of some good quality spermatozoa. After thawing, NM and membrane integrity were improved in SLC-selected semen in both semen qualities. Interestingly, MMP was also higher but only in optimal quality semen. Still, spermatozoa from suboptimal quality semen did not survive freezing to the same extent as spermatozoa from optimal quality semen, even after selecting superior spermatozoa. Semen selection with Canicoll is, therefore, an effective technique to isolate a subpopulation of high-quality spermatozoa and obtain sperm samples of better quality after thawing, but is not sufficient to improve the intrinsic inferior freezability of suboptimal quality semen. So far, eighteen pups were born after insemination with SLC-selected frozen-thawed semen, proving that these selected spermatozoa remain fertile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Domain
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (H.A.H.); (E.W.); (O.B.P.); (A.V.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Hiba Ali Hassan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (H.A.H.); (E.W.); (O.B.P.); (A.V.S.)
| | - Eline Wydooghe
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (H.A.H.); (E.W.); (O.B.P.); (A.V.S.)
| | - Osvaldo Bogado Pascottini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (H.A.H.); (E.W.); (O.B.P.); (A.V.S.)
- Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Anders Johannisson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 756-51 Uppsala, Sweden; (A.J.); (J.M.M.)
| | - Jane M. Morrell
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 756-51 Uppsala, Sweden; (A.J.); (J.M.M.)
| | - Wojciech Niżański
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, University of Environmental Science, Grundwaldzki Square 49, 50-357 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (H.A.H.); (E.W.); (O.B.P.); (A.V.S.)
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Hamacher T, Berendsen JTW, van Dongen JE, van der Hee RM, Cornelissen JJLM, Broekhuijse MLWJ, Segerink LI. Virus removal from semen with a pinched flow fractionation microfluidic chip. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:4477-4486. [PMID: 34664598 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00643f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays pigs are bred with artificial insemination to reduce costs and transportation. To prevent the spread of diseases, it is important to test semen samples for viruses. Screening techniques applied are enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and/or polymerase chain reaction, which are labor-intensive and expensive methods. In contrast to the current used screening techniques, it is possible to remove viruses physically from semen. However, existing methods for virus removal techniques have a low yield of spermatozoa. Therefore, we have developed a microfluidic chip that performs size-based separation of viruses and spermatozoa in boar semen samples, thereby having the potential to reduce the risk of disease spreading in the context of artificial insemination in the veterinary industry. As the head of a spermatozoon is at least twenty times larger than a virus particle, the particle size can be used to achieve separation, resulting in a semen sample with lower viral load and of higher quality. To achieve the size separation, our microfluidic device is based on pinched-flow fractionation. A model virus, cowpea chlorotic mottle virus, was used and spiked to porcine semen samples. With the proposed microfluidic chip and the optimized flow parameters, at least 84 ± 4% of the model viruses were removed from the semen. The remaining virus contamination is caused by the model virus adhering to spermatozoa instead of the separation technique. The spermatozoa recovery was 86 ± 6%, which is an enormous improvement in yield compared to existing virus removal techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Hamacher
- BIOS Lab on a Chip Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology & Technical Medical Centre, Max Planck - University of Twente Center for Complex Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE, Enschede, The Netherlands.
| | - J T W Berendsen
- BIOS Lab on a Chip Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology & Technical Medical Centre, Max Planck - University of Twente Center for Complex Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE, Enschede, The Netherlands.
| | - J E van Dongen
- BIOS Lab on a Chip Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology & Technical Medical Centre, Max Planck - University of Twente Center for Complex Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE, Enschede, The Netherlands.
| | - R M van der Hee
- Department of Molecules & Materials, MESA+ Institute, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - J J L M Cornelissen
- Department of Molecules & Materials, MESA+ Institute, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - M L W J Broekhuijse
- CRV, Wassenaarweg 20, 6843NW, Arnhem, The Netherlands
- Topigs Norsvin, 227, 5263LT Vught, The Netherlands
| | - L I Segerink
- BIOS Lab on a Chip Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology & Technical Medical Centre, Max Planck - University of Twente Center for Complex Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE, Enschede, The Netherlands.
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Chen R, Chen Q, Wu X, Che Y, Wang C, Wang L, Yan S, Zhou L. Development of a TaqMan Based Real-Time Fluorescent Quantitative PCR Assay for Detection of Porcine Cytomegalovirus in Semen. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:5673145. [PMID: 32420350 PMCID: PMC7199591 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5673145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study described a TaqMan based real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qPCR) method to detect porcine cytomegalovirus (PCMV) infection, targeting the conserved region of the DNA polymerase (DPOL) gene. The standard curve showed a linear regression relationship with a coefficient of 0.999 and a slope of y = -3.249x + 38.958 corresponding to the amplification efficiency at 99.8%. The limit of the qPCR method was 51.9 copies/μl. The established qPCR method showed excellent specificity, with no cross-reaction observed with common porcine pathogens. The coefficient of variation for intra-assay and interassay variability ranged up to 1.51% and 2.24%, respectively. PCMV positive signals can be found in semen using this qPCR method, which suggested that we should pay more attention to PCMV contamination in semen in order to eliminate PCMV infection in artificial insemination and xenotransplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rujing Chen
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agriculture Sciences/Fujian Animal Disease Control Technology Development Center, Fuzhou 350013, China
| | - Qiuyong Chen
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agriculture Sciences/Fujian Animal Disease Control Technology Development Center, Fuzhou 350013, China
| | - Xuemin Wu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agriculture Sciences/Fujian Animal Disease Control Technology Development Center, Fuzhou 350013, China
| | - Yongliang Che
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agriculture Sciences/Fujian Animal Disease Control Technology Development Center, Fuzhou 350013, China
| | - Chenyan Wang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agriculture Sciences/Fujian Animal Disease Control Technology Development Center, Fuzhou 350013, China
| | - Longbai Wang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agriculture Sciences/Fujian Animal Disease Control Technology Development Center, Fuzhou 350013, China
| | - Shan Yan
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agriculture Sciences/Fujian Animal Disease Control Technology Development Center, Fuzhou 350013, China
| | - Lunjiang Zhou
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agriculture Sciences/Fujian Animal Disease Control Technology Development Center, Fuzhou 350013, China
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Morrell JM. Effect of colloid centrifugation on boar sperm quality during storage and function in in vitro fertilization. Theriogenology 2019; 137:122-126. [PMID: 31176492 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.05.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Ejaculates contain a heterogeneous population of spermatozoa with differing ability to fertilize. It may be possible to reduce the numbers of spermatozoa required for artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization by selecting the sperm sub-population that possesses certain desired characteristics. This review describes what is meant by sperm quality, mentions different methods of sperm selection and then describes the effect of sperm selection by colloid centrifugation on boar sperm quality, both quality during storage and functionality in in vitro fertilization. Several versions of the technique known as Single Layer Centrifugation are available depending on the volume of ejaculate to be processed. Semen can be processed in volumes ranging from 0.25 to 150 mL, in suitably sized tubes. Processing small volumes of semen (0.25 mL on 1 mL colloid) is best done in a 15 mL tube, since the area of the interface between the semen and colloid is greater than in a 1.5 mL microcentrifuge tube. Potential uses of this processing technique are described, such as conservation breeding of rare breeds and removal of pathogens. Reducing the bacterial load in semen by single layer centrifugation though a low density colloid could provide an alternative to the use of antibiotics in semen extenders, and is an interesting development.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Morrell
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7054, SE-75007, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Reduction of Trypanosoma equiperdum from equine semen by single layer centrifugation. Exp Parasitol 2019; 200:79-83. [PMID: 30953625 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.04.002] [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: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma equiperdum (T. equiperdum) causes dourine, a venereally transmitted infection in horses. Purification of semen by single layer centrifugation (SLC) has been proven to be successful in reducing venereally transmitted diseases when dealing with other pathogens. The objective of this study was to evaluate the purification of T. equiperdum spiked semen by SLC. Semen was spiked using cryopreserved T. equiperdum stabilates (Dodola strain isolate 943). In total, 6 concentrations, varying from 102 to >5 × 106 trypanosomes, were added to semen samples. Subsequently, SLC was performed following standard procedures. The presence of the parasite in the purified semen was checked by wet smear examination, ITS1 PCR and in vivo inoculation in mice. Before SLC, all spiked semen samples, except the negative controls, were positive on PCR analysis. After SLC, all the pellets were found to be negative for T. equiperdum on microscopic examinations. Examination of the pellet by PCR could also not detect any parasite-DNA in the SLC-pellet of semen spiked with the lower number of parasites (102 to104 trypanosomes). However, in the SLC pellets spiked with 104 - 5 × 104 trypanosomes, only 1 out of the 4 replicates was negative for parasite DNA. All groups spiked with >5 × 104 trypanosomes were found to be positive on PCR. All mice in the positive controls exhibited parasitaemia (5/5). Mice inoculated with SLC-purified semen that was spiked with lower than 5 × 104 trypanosomes, remained free of parasitaemia, similar to the negative controls. However inoculation with SLC-pellets from samples with a higher number of trypanosomes (>5 × 104 - 5 × 106 and > 5 × 106), induced parasitaemia in 2 out of 5 and 3 out of 5 mice, respectively. This study indicates that single layer centrifugation can be used to clear T. equiperdum infected semen but that the success is dependent on the number of parasites.
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7
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Varela E, Rey J, Plaza E, Muñoz de Propios P, Ortiz-Rodríguez JM, Álvarez M, Anel-López L, Anel L, De Paz P, Gil MC, Morrell JM, Ortega-Ferrusola C. How does the microbial load affect the quality of equine cool-stored semen? Theriogenology 2018; 114:212-220. [PMID: 29653389 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 03/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Contaminating bacteria present in stallion ejaculates may compromise sperm quality during storage. Different procedures have been used to reduce the load of microorganisms in semen and avoid bacterial growth during storage. The aims of this study were: 1) to evaluate different techniques to eliminate bacteria in semen 2) to study the relationship between total microflora load (TML) and ROS production; and 3) to determine if TML affects the functionality of cool-stored sperm. Ejaculates from 11 stallions were split and processed in 3 ways: A. extended semen; B. conventional centrifuged semen, and C. Single layer centrifugation through Androcoll-E (SLC). All samples were preserved in INRA 96 at 5 °C for 72 h. Aliquots from native semen and from different treatments were taken for bacteriological analysis at T0, T24, T48 and T72h of storage and Total microbial load (TML: CFU (colony-forming units/ml) was calculated. The ROS production (dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate for H2O2, dihydroethidium for superoxide anion and CellROX deep red for total ROS), viability (YO-PRO-1-Ethidium) and lipid peroxidation (BODIPY-C11) were assessed by flow cytometry, and motility by CASA. The bacteria isolated were Corynebacterium spp, Arcanobacterium spp, Bacillus spp, Dermobacter, Staphylococcus spp, Streptococcus spp, Penicilium spp. TML of semen showed correlations with live sperm (r: -0.771), dead sperm (r: 0.580), H2O2 production (r: 0.740), and total ROS production (CellROX (+)) (r: -0.607), Total motility (r: 0.587), Progressive motility (r: -0.566), VCL (r: -0.664), VSL (r: -0,569), VAP (r: -0.534) (p ≤ 0.05). SLC removed 99.34% of the microbial load, which was assicated with a significanlty reduced H2O2 production (p ≤ 0.05). However, only samples treated with Androcoll-E had a higher total ROS production (CellROX +) (p ≤ 0.05). These results suggest that CellROX stain probably identifies superoxide production rather than H2O2 and this higher superoxide production may reflect an intense sperm functionality. The bacterial load increased the production of H2O2 in cool-stored semen which was associated with lower tolerance to refrigeration. SLC was the sperm processing technique that was most efficient at removing bacteria, reducing H2O2 production and selecting the most functional sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Varela
- Unit of Infection Diseases, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
| | - J Rey
- Unit of Infection Diseases, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
| | - E Plaza
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
| | | | - J M Ortiz-Rodríguez
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
| | - M Álvarez
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, University of León, León, Spain
| | - L Anel-López
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, University of León, León, Spain
| | - L Anel
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, University of León, León, Spain
| | - P De Paz
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, University of León, León, Spain
| | - M C Gil
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
| | - J M Morrell
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, SLU, Uppsala, Sweden
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Crespo-Félez I, Castañeda-Sampedro A, Sánchez DI, Fernández-Alegre E, Álvarez-Rodríguez M, Domínguez JC, Morrell JM, Martínez-Pastor F. Effect of Single Layer Centrifugation Porcicoll (70%, 80% and 90%) or supplementation with reduced glutathione, seminal plasma and bovine serum albumin on frozen-thawed boar sperm. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 187:167-173. [PMID: 29113727 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Selecting the optimal sperm population is essential for success with reproductive techniques. Porcicoll (formerly Androcoll-P) is a colloid formulation for selection of high-quality boar spermatozoa by single layer centrifugation (SLC). To date, most studies have been carried out with fresh semen and large volumes. We carried out 2 experiments to test the use of Porcicoll for thawed boar semen in small volumes. In Experiment 1, cryopreserved semen doses were thawed, split in 200-μL aliquots and layered on 1mL of Porcicoll 70%, 80% or 90%, or buffer without colloid. We assessed sperm recovery (the proportion of the loading dose that appeared in the pellet, %), and the physiology of the selected spermatozoa (flow cytometry: Viability, apoptotic changes, capacitation, mitochondrial activity, intracellular reactive oxygen species). The most suitable proportion was Porcicoll 80%, allowing acceptable sperm recovery (16.9±4.2%, compared to 70% (35.4%±3.0, p<0.001) and 90% (8.2%±3.0, P=0.001), and improved quality (mitochondrial activity: Porcicoll 80%: 77.7±1% vs Control: 60.3±0.7%, P<0.05). In Experiment 2, we compared 3 supplements to Porcicoll 80%: 500mM reduced glutathione (GSH), 20% seminal plasma (SP) and 0.5% bovine serum albumin (BSA). Supplementation with GSH or BSA did not cause relevant changes relative to Control. In contrast, SP induced membrane and acrosomal changes resembling capacitation, which might preclude its use in some applications, and decreased recovery (5.5%±1.9 vs. 24.3%±1.2 Control; P<0.001). However, it could be useful prior to other applications such as in vitro fertilisation. Overall, Porcicoll is an effective colloid for isolating a high-quality population from thawed boar sperm, 80% being a balanced option for good recovery and high quality. Supplements could be useful depending on the proposed use of the spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Crespo-Félez
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), University of León, 24071, León, Spain
| | - A Castañeda-Sampedro
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), University of León, 24071, León, Spain
| | - D I Sánchez
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, 24071, León, Spain
| | - E Fernández-Alegre
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), University of León, 24071, León, Spain
| | - M Álvarez-Rodríguez
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKE). BKH, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linköping University, 58183, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - J C Domínguez
- Department of Animal Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy (Animal Medicine and Surgery), University of León, 24071, León, Spain
| | - J M Morrell
- Division of Reproduction, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - F Martínez-Pastor
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), University of León, 24071, León, Spain; Dept. of Molecular Biology (Cell Biology), University of León, León, Spain
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Abstract
Many biotechnologies are currently used in livestock breeding with the aim of improving reproductive efficiency and increasing the rate of genetic progress in production animals. Semen cryopreservation is the most widely used cryobiotechnology, although vitrification techniques now allow embryos and oocytes to be banked in ever-increasing numbers. Cryopreservation of other types of germplasm (reproductive tissue in general) is also possible, although the techniques are still in the early stages of development for use in livestock species. Although still in their infancy, these techniques are increasingly being used in aquaculture. Germplasm conservation enables reproductive tissues from both animals and fish to be preserved to generate offspring in the future without having to maintain large numbers of living populations of these species. However, such measures need careful planning and coordination. This review explains why the preservation of genetic diversity is needed for livestock and fish, and describes some of the issues involved in germplasm banking. Furthermore, some recent developments in semen handling leading to improved semen cryopreservation and biosecurity measures are also discussed.
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Galeati G, Zannoni A, Spinaci M, Bucci D, Ostanello F, Panarese S, Tamanini C, Sarli G. Porcine circovirus type 2 detection inin vitroproduced porcine blastocysts after virus sperm exposure. Anim Sci J 2015; 87:511-6. [DOI: 10.1111/asj.12465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2014] [Revised: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Galeati
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences; University of Bologna; Bologna Italy
| | - Augusta Zannoni
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences; University of Bologna; Bologna Italy
| | - Marcella Spinaci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences; University of Bologna; Bologna Italy
| | - Diego Bucci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences; University of Bologna; Bologna Italy
| | - Fabio Ostanello
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences; University of Bologna; Bologna Italy
| | - Serena Panarese
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences; University of Bologna; Bologna Italy
| | - Carlo Tamanini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences; University of Bologna; Bologna Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sarli
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences; University of Bologna; Bologna Italy
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Porcine semen as a vector for transmission of viral pathogens. Theriogenology 2015; 85:27-38. [PMID: 26506911 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.09.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Revised: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Different viruses have been detected in porcine semen. Some of them are on the list of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), and consequently, these pathogens are of socioeconomic and/or public health importance and are of major importance in the international trade of animals and animal products. Artificial insemination (AI) is one of the most commonly used assisted reproductive technologies in pig production worldwide. This extensive use has enabled pig producers to benefit from superior genetics at a lower cost compared to natural breeding. However, the broad distribution of processed semen doses for field AI has increased the risk of widespread transmission of swine viral pathogens. Contamination of semen can be due to infections of the boar or can occur during semen collection, processing, and storage. It can result in reduced semen quality, embryonic mortality, endometritis, and systemic infection and/or disease in the recipient female. The presence of viral pathogens in semen can be assessed by demonstration of viable virus, nucleic acid of virus, or indirectly by measuring serum antibodies in the boar. The best way to prevent disease transmission via the semen is to assure that the boars in AI centers are free from the disease, to enforce very strict biosecurity protocols, and to perform routine health monitoring of boars. Prevention of viral semen contamination should be the primary focus because it is easier to prevent contamination than to eliminate viruses once present in semen. Nevertheless, research and development of novel semen processing treatments such as single-layer centrifugation is ongoing and may allow in the future to decontaminate semen.
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In vitro fertilization in pigs: New molecules and protocols to consider in the forthcoming years. Theriogenology 2015; 85:125-34. [PMID: 26271164 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Revised: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Assisted reproduction technology (ART) protocols are used in livestock for the improvement and preservation of their genetics and to enhance reproductive efficiency. In the case of pigs, the potential use of embryos for biomedicine is being followed with great interest by the scientific community. Owing to the physiological similarities with humans, embryos produced in vitro and many of those produced in vivo are used in research laboratories for the procurement of stem cells or the production of transgenic animals, sometimes with the purpose of using their organs for xenotransplantation. Several techniques are required for the production of an in vitro-derived embryo. These include in vitro oocyte maturation, sperm preparation, IVF, and further culture of the putative zygotes. Without doubt, among these technologies, IVF is still a critical limiting factor because of the well-known, but still unsolved, question of polyspermy. Despite the improvements made in the past decade, current IVF systems hardly reach 50% to 60% efficiency and any progression in porcine ARTs requires an unavoidable improvement in the monospermy rate. It is time, then, to learn from what happens under in vivo physiological conditions and to transfer this knowledge into ART. This review describes the latest advances in porcine IVF, from sperm preparation procedures to culture media supplements with special attention paid to molecules with a known or potential role in in vivo fertilization. Oviductal fluid is the natural medium in which fertilization takes place, and, in the near future, could become the definitive supplement for culture media, where it would help to solve many of the problems inherent in ARTs in swine and improve the quality of in vitro-derived porcine embryos.
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Sperm selection by Capripure® density-gradient centrifugation versus the dextran swim-up procedure in wild mountain ruminants. Anim Reprod Sci 2014; 149:178-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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González R, Sjunnesson YCB. Effect of blood plasma collected after adrenocorticotropic hormone administration during the preovulatory period in the sow on oocyte in vitro maturation. Theriogenology 2013; 80:673-83. [PMID: 23886600 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2013] [Revised: 06/23/2013] [Accepted: 06/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Reproduction may be affected by stressful events changing the female endocrine or metabolic profile. An altered environment during oocyte development could influence the delicate process of oocyte maturation. Here, the effect of simulated stress by media supplementation with blood plasma from sows after adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) administration during the preovulatory period was assessed. Oocytes were matured for 46 hours in the presence of plasma from ACTH-treated sows, or plasma from NaCl-treated control sows, or medium without plasma (BSA group). The plasma used had been collected at 36 and 12 hours (±2 hours) before ovulation (for the first 24 hours + last 22 hours of maturation, respectively). Subsequent fertilization and embryo development were evaluated. Actin cytoskeleton and mitochondrial patterns were studied by confocal microscopy both in the oocytes and the resulting blastocysts. Nuclear maturation did not differ between treatments. Subtle differences were observed in the actin microfilaments in oocytes; however, mitochondrial patterns were associated with the treatment (P < 0.001). These differences in mitochondrial patterns were not reflected by in vitro outcomes, which were similar in all groups. In conclusion, an altered hormonal environment provided by a brief exposure to plasma from ACTH-treated sows during in vitro oocyte maturation could induce alterations in actin cytoskeleton and mitochondrial patterns in oocytes. However, these changes might not hamper the subsequent in vitro embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- R González
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden.
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Martinez-Alborcia MJ, Morrell JM, Gil MA, Barranco I, Maside C, Alkmin DV, Parrilla I, Martinez EA, Roca J. Suitability and effectiveness of single layer centrifugation using Androcoll-P in the cryopreservation protocol for boar spermatozoa. Anim Reprod Sci 2013; 140:173-9. [PMID: 23890802 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2013.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2013] [Revised: 05/21/2013] [Accepted: 06/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The goal of the present experiment was to evaluate the suitability and effectiveness of single layer centrifugation (SLC), using the pig-specific colloid Androcoll-P, as a routine procedure for selecting boar spermatozoa for cryopreservation. The study focuses special attention on the effectiveness of SLC for processing a whole sperm rich ejaculate fraction and the fertilizing ability of frozen-thawed (FT) sperm selected using SLC prior to freezing. Thirteen sperm rich ejaculate fractions (one per boar) were split into three aliquots. Two aliquots of 15 and 150mL were SLC-processed (500×g for 20min) using 15 and 150mL (v/v) of Androcoll-P-Large and Androcoll-P-XL, respectively. The third aliquot remained un-processed as a control. The percentages of spermatozoa that were morphologically normal and showed rapid and progressive motility (assessed by CASA) spermatozoa were higher (P<0.01) and those with fragmented nuclear DNA (sperm chromatin dispersion test) were lower (P<0.01) after SLC than control semen samples, regardless of the Androcoll-P used. The recovery rates of total, motile, viable (flow cytometric evaluated after staining with H-42, PI and FITC-PNA) and morphologically normal spermatozoa ranged between 20 and 100% and those with intact nuclear DNA ranged between 60 and 100%, irrespective of the Androcoll-P used. Thereafter, the semen samples were cryopreserved using a standard 0.5-mL straw freezing protocol. Post-thaw percentages of sperm motility (both total motility and rapid progressive motility), viability and intact nuclear DNA were higher (P<0.05) in SLC-processed than in control semen samples, irrespective of the Androcoll-P used. SLC-processing also improved the in vitro fertilizing ability of FT-sperm (679 in vitro matured oocytes inseminated with a viable sperm:oocyte ratio of 300:1 and coincubated for 6h), measured as the percentage of penetrated oocytes and the mean number of swollen sperm heads and/or male pronuclei in penetrated oocytes. However, there was no effect of SLC-processing on the in vitro ability of putative zygotes to develop to blastocysts. Overall these results indicate that SLC-processing of boar ejaculates using Androcoll-P improves the quality and fertilizing ability of cryosurvival boar sperm. However, efforts should be made to ensure continued high recovery yields before considering the inclusion of SLC as a routine procedure in the cryopreservation protocol of boar ejaculates.
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Bucci D, Spinaci M, Morrell J, Vallorani C, Tamanini C, Guidetti R, Galeati G. Effects of single layer centrifugation with Androcoll-P on boar sperm. Anim Reprod Sci 2013; 138:276-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2013.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2012] [Revised: 02/20/2013] [Accepted: 02/28/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Sjunnesson YCB, Morrell JM, González R. Single layer centrifugation-selected boar spermatozoa are capable of fertilization in vitro. Acta Vet Scand 2013; 55:20. [PMID: 23497680 PMCID: PMC3602148 DOI: 10.1186/1751-0147-55-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2012] [Accepted: 03/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Good quality spermatozoa are important to achieve fertilization, viable embryos and offspring. Single Layer Centrifugation (SLC) through a colloid (Androcoll-P) selects good quality spermatozoa. However, it has not been established previously whether porcine spermatozoa selected by this method maintain their fertility. Methods The semen was prepared either by SLC or by standard centrifugation (control) and used for in vitro fertilization (IVF) at oocyte:spermatozoa ratios of 1:50; 1:100 and 1:300 (or 4 x 103, 8 x 103 and 24 x 103 spermatozoa/ml) to evaluate their subsequent ability to generate blastocysts. In addition, sperm motility was assessed by computer assisted sperm motility analysis. Results Total and progressive motility were significantly higher in sperm samples prepared by SLC compared to uncentrifuged samples. Sperm binding ability, polyspermy, cleavage and blastocyst rates were affected by the oocyte:sperm ratio, but not by sperm treatment. Conclusion The use of SLC does not adversely affect the in vitro fertilizing and embryo-generating ability of the selected spermatozoa compared to their unselected counterparts, but further modifications in the IVF conditions would be needed to improve the monospermy in IVF systems. Since SLC did not appear to have a negative effect on sperm fertilizing ability, and may in fact select for spermatozoa with a greater potential for fertilization, an in vivo trial to determine the usefulness of this sperm preparation technique prior to artificial insemination is warranted.
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Galuppo AG, Junior NB, Arruda NS, Corbellini AO, Chiappetta CM, Pavão DL, D'Angelo M, Canal CW, Rodrigues JL. Evaluation of the effectiveness of semen processing techniques to remove bovine viral diarrhea virus from experimentally contaminated semen samples. J Virol Methods 2012; 187:443-8. [PMID: 23219984 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2012.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2012] [Revised: 11/20/2012] [Accepted: 11/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of three semen processing techniques, Percoll gradient centrifugation, Swim-up and a combination of Swim-up and Percoll gradient centrifugation, to reduce the viral load of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in experimentally infected semen samples. The evaluation was performed using two approaches: first, searching for the presence of virus in the processed samples (via virus titration and RT-PCR) and second, ascertaining the possible interference on in vitro embryo production. The sperm count and DNA integrity (Comet assay) of the processed samples were analyzed (Experiment 1). The amount of virus in the processed samples was determined by titration in cell culture (Experiment 2). The samples processed by Swim up/Percoll gradient centrifugation were utilized for in vitro embryo production, and the embryos produced were tested for BVDV by RT-PCR (Experiment 3). Sperm concentration, Comet assay and embryo production were analyzed by chi-squared tests (P<0.05). There was a significant difference between sperm separation techniques when the sperm count and Comet assay were analyzed. The sperm count obtained from the Swim up/Percoll gradient centrifugation group was lower than that obtained in either of the two other groups (Swim up and Percoll gradient centrifugation), and the Comet assay showed that the combination of the two semen processing techniques (Swim up/Percoll gradient) produced a 1.1% prevalence of Comet level 2, which was not observed in the other groups. The BVDV titer (10(6.68)TCID(50)/mL) added to experimentally infected semen samples decreased after Percoll gradient centrifugation to 10(2.3)-10(1)TCID(50)/mL; for the Swim up group, the titer range was 10(3.3)-10(1.87)TCID(50)/mL, and in the Swim up/Percoll gradient centrifugation group, BVDV was undetectable. The decreases in titer varied from 99.9% in the Swim up-processed group to 100% in the Swim up/Percoll gradient centrifugation group. In vitro embryo production displayed similar blastocyst development rates among all groups, and RT-PCR was negative for the produced embryos. The data showed that the combination of Swim up/Percoll gradient centrifugation promoted the elimination of BVDV from the semen samples without damaging spermatozoa cells and also allowed successful in vitro embryo production free of BVDV. Hence, the risk of BVDV contamination is negligible for the embryo recipient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea G Galuppo
- Laboratory of Embryology and Reproductive Biotechniques-FAVET-UFRGS, Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil.
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Morrell JM, Timoney P, Klein C, Shuck K, Campos J, Troedsson M. Single-Layer Centrifugation Reduces Equine Arteritis Virus Titre in the Semen of Shedding Stallions. Reprod Domest Anim 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- JM Morrell
- Clinical Sciences; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; Uppsala; Sweden
| | - P Timoney
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center; Lexington; KY; USA
| | - C Klein
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center; Lexington; KY; USA
| | - K Shuck
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center; Lexington; KY; USA
| | - J Campos
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center; Lexington; KY; USA
| | - M Troedsson
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center; Lexington; KY; USA
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Kruse R, Dutta PC, Morrell JM. Colloid centrifugation removes seminal plasma and cholesterol from boar spermatozoa. Reprod Fertil Dev 2012; 23:858-65. [PMID: 21871205 DOI: 10.1071/rd10260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2011] [Accepted: 03/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of Single-Layer Centrifugation (SLC) on boar spermatozoa, namely the effect of removal of seminal plasma proteins and cholesterol from the surface of spermatozoa. The presence of porcine seminal plasma proteins I and II (PSP-I/PSP-II) before and after SLC was studied using immunofluorescence, whereas the removal of cholesterol was shown qualitatively by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Finally, the integrity of the sperm plasma membrane was observed by electron microscopy. It was shown that the seminal plasma proteins PSP-I and -II were removed from spermatozoa during SLC but could be restored by adding seminal plasma to the SLC-selected sperm samples. Some cholesterol was also lost from the spermatozoa during SLC but the plasma membrane itself appeared to be morphologically intact. Further studies are underway to examine the relevance of these findings to boar sperm cryopreservation and sperm fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Kruse
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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