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Kujoana TC, Sehlabela LD, Mabelebele M, Sebola NA. The potential significance of antioxidants in livestock reproduction: Sperm viability and cryopreservation. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 267:107512. [PMID: 38901083 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107512] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Male reproductive efficiency is primarily defined by the generation of high-quality and viable sperm cells in farm animals. However, the literature shows that male fertility has declined in recent years due various factors including heat stress, which causes the development of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) which damages sperm cells. This review aimed to examine the potential significance of antioxidants in increasing and preserving sperm quality and viability. Data used to produce this review paper came from recently published articles in peer reviewed journals. Google Scholar, Science Direct, Research Gate, Web of Science, and the Directory of Open Access Journals were used to access the data. Various studies have shown that antioxidants play acritical role in preserving the sperm quality and viability by protecting sperm cells from the potential damage from oxidative stress induced by the development of oxygen species imbalances. However, there is less information on the use of natural or synthetic antioxidants to preserve semen quality through in vivo procedures, despite its growing popularity and promising results. Hence, there is a need for researchers to explore more on this topic, especially in other livestock species than poultry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tlou Christopher Kujoana
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Florida 1709, South Africa.
| | - Lerato Deirdre Sehlabela
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Florida 1709, South Africa.
| | - Monnye Mabelebele
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Florida 1709, South Africa.
| | - Nthabiseng Amenda Sebola
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Florida 1709, South Africa.
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2
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Sanchez-Rodriguez A, Idrovo IID, Rielo JA, Roldan ERS. Sperm Capacitation and Kinematics in Phodopus Hamsters. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16093. [PMID: 38003282 PMCID: PMC10671044 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was designed to analyze changes in the spermatozoa of three species of Phodopus hamsters incubated under different conditions. Cauda epididymal sperm were incubated for 4 h in modified Tyrode's medium containing albumin, lactate, pyruvate, and Hepes (mTALP-H), in the same medium with the addition of bicarbonate (mTALP-BH), or with bicarbonate and 20 ng/mL of progesterone (mTALP-BH+P4). Media with bicarbonate are believed to promote capacitation in rodent species. Sperm motility, viability, capacitation patterns, and kinematics were assessed at different times. Capacitation in live cells was quantified after staining with Hoechst 33258 and chlortetracycline. Patterns believed to correspond to non-capacitated cells (F pattern), capacitated, acrosome-intact cells (B pattern), and acrosome-reacted cells (AR pattern) were recognized. Kinematics were examined via computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). The results showed a decrease in total motility in all three species in different media, with a sharp decrease in progressive motility in bicarbonate-containing media (without or with progesterone), suggesting hyperactivated motion. However, none of the other signs of hyperactivation described in rodents (i.e., decrease in STR or LIN, together with an increase in ALH) were observed. F pattern cells diminished with time in all media and were generally lower in P. roborovskii and higher in P. campbelli. B pattern cells increased in mTALP-BH media in all species. Progesterone did not enhance the percentage of B pattern cells. Finally, AR pattern cells increased in all species incubated in different media, showing the highest percentage in P. roborovskii and the lowest in P. campbelli. Comparisons between media revealed that there were higher percentages of F pattern cells and lower percentages of B pattern cells over time in medium without bicarbonate (mTALP-H) in comparison to media containing bicarbonate (mTALP-BH; mTALP-BH+P4). Overall, changes consistent with the acquisition of capacitation and development of hyperactivated motility were found; however, further studies are required to better characterize media necessary to support the pathways involved in these processes in Phodopus species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Eduardo R. S. Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), Calle Jose Gutierrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain; (A.S.-R.)
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Umair M, Claes A, Buijtendorp M, Cuervo-Arango J, Stout TAE, Henning H. In vitro aging of stallion spermatozoa during prolonged storage at 5°C. Cytometry A 2022. [PMID: 36519783 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.24712] [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: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Artificial insemination with chilled stallion semen is hampered by a limited period of maximum fertility maintenance (24-48 h). This study used multiparametric flow cytometry to simultaneously measure reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial function or [Ca2+ ]i and plasma membrane fluidity in viable, acrosome-intact spermatozoa, with the aim of providing insight into changes in sperm function during storage at 5°C. High proportions of viable and acrosome-intact spermatozoa (71 ± 8%) remained after 96 h of storage demonstrating that the basic integrity of the cells was well preserved (n = 17 stallions). In addition, more than 90% of viable, acrosome-intact spermatozoa had active mitochondria and low intra-cellular or mitochondrial ROS levels. By contrast, the percentage of viable, acrosome-intact sperm with low plasma membrane fluidity and low [Ca2+ ]i decreased over time (1 h: 63 ± 16%, 96 h: 29 ± 18%; p < 0.05). The [Ca2+ ]i in viable sperm rose 3.1-fold (p < 0.05) over the 4 days, and fewer spermatozoa responded to bicarbonate stimulation (1 h: 46 ± 17%, 96 h: 19 ± 12%) with an increase in plasma membrane fluidity following prolonged storage. Overall, prolonged storage of stallion semen at 5°C resulted in disturbed calcium homeostasis and increased plasma membrane fluidity. The decline in fertility of stallion semen during cooled-storage may therefore relate to aspects of in vitro aging (changes in plasma membrane fluidity and intracellular calcium) which impairs capacitation-associated cell functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Umair
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anthony Claes
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Juan Cuervo-Arango
- Equine Fertility Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, CEU Universities, Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, Spain
| | - Tom A E Stout
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Heiko Henning
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Neustadt am Rübenberge, Germany
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Clulow J, Gibb Z. Liquid storage of stallion spermatozoa – Past, present and future. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 247:107088. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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5
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Assessment of sperm motility in livestock: Perspectives based on sperm swimming conditions in vivo. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 246:106849. [PMID: 34556397 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Evaluation of sperm motility is well-established in farm animals for quickly selecting ejaculates for semen processing into insemination doses and for evaluating the quality of preserved semen. Likewise, sperm motility is a fundamental parameter used by spermatologists in basic and applied science. Motility is commonly assessed using computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA). Recent increases in computational power, as well as utilization of mobile CASA systems and open-source CASA programs, broaden the possibilities for motility evaluation. Despite this technological progress, the potential of computer-generated motility data to assess male fertility remains challenging and may be limited. Relevance for fertility assessment could be improved if measurement conditions would more closely mimic the in vivo situation. Hence, this review is focused on the current trends of automated semen assessment in livestock and explores perspectives for future use with respect to the physiological and physical conditions encountered by sperm in the female reproductive tract. Validation of current CASA systems with more complex, microfluidic-based devices mimicking the female reproductive tract environment could improve the value of sperm kinematic data for assessing the fertilizing capacity of semen samples, not only for application in livestock but also for use in conducting assisted reproduction techniques in other species.
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Tourmente M, Sanchez-Rodriguez A, Roldan ERS. Effect of Motility Factors D-Penicillamine, Hypotaurine and Epinephrine on the Performance of Spermatozoa from Five Hamster Species. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11040526. [PMID: 35453725 PMCID: PMC9032960 DOI: 10.3390/biology11040526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Analysis of sperm performance under in vitro conditions provides a good indication of fertilizing potential. Parameters such as motility, swimming kinetics, acrosome integrity, or ATP content are thus examined in efforts to characterize such potential. Hamster species are a good model to study sperm parameters that are key determinants of fertilizing capacity because these species are at the higher end of the diversity of mammalian sperm morphology and performance. In vitro functional studies demand that sperm remain viable during a long period of time under conditions that resemble those in the female tract. Sperm from certain species require supplementation of the incubation medium with factors that stimulate viability and swimming, or that promote acquisition of fertilizing capacity. Molecules important for sperm performance in hamsters have been identified, namely D-penicillamine, hypotaurine and epinephrine (PHE). In the present study, we investigated the effect of PHE on spermatozoa from five hamster species incubated for up to 4 h. Our results revealed that PHE maintains sperm performance in the golden hamster, whereas it improves sperm quality in the Chinese hamster. In contrast, it does not seem to have any effect on sperm from the Siberian (Djungarian), Roborovski and Campbell’s dwarf hamsters. These results are valuable to understand the different regulatory mechanisms of sperm motility and survival in different species. Abstract Assessments of sperm performance are valuable tools for the analysis of sperm fertilizing potential and to understand determinants of male fertility. Hamster species constitute important animal models because they produce sperm cells in high quantities and of high quality. Sexual selection over evolutionary time in these species seems to have resulted in the largest mammalian spermatozoa, and high swimming and bioenergetic performances. Earlier studies showed that golden hamster sperm requires motility factors such as D-penicillamine, hypotaurine and epinephrine (PHE) to sustain survival over time, but it is unknown how they affect swimming kinetics or ATP levels and if other hamster species also require them. The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of PHE on spermatozoa of five hamster species (Mesocricetus auratus, Cricetulus griseus, Phodopus campbelli, P. sungorus, P. roborovskii). In sperm incubated for up to 4 h without or with PHE, we assessed motility, viability, acrosome integrity, sperm velocity and trajectory, and ATP content. The results showed differences in the effect of PHE among species. They had a significant positive effect on the maintenance of sperm quality in M. auratus and C. griseus, whereas there was no consistent effect on spermatozoa of the Phodopus species. Differences between species may be the result of varying underlying regulatory mechanisms of sperm performance and may be important to understand how they relate to successful fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximiliano Tourmente
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Spanish Research Council (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain;
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Cordoba X5016GCA, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIByT), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científica y Técnicas (CONICET), Cordoba X5016GCA, Argentina
- Correspondence: (M.T.); (E.R.S.R.)
| | - Ana Sanchez-Rodriguez
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Spanish Research Council (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Eduardo R. S. Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Spanish Research Council (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain;
- Correspondence: (M.T.); (E.R.S.R.)
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7
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Leemans B, Bromfield EG, Stout TAE, Vos M, Van Der Ham H, Van Beek R, Van Soom A, Gadella BM, Henning H. Developing a reproducible protocol for culturing functional confluent monolayers of differentiated equine oviduct epithelial cells. Biol Reprod 2021; 106:710-729. [PMID: 34962550 PMCID: PMC9040661 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe the development of two methods for obtaining confluent monolayers of polarized, differentiated equine oviduct epithelial cells (EOEC) in Transwell inserts and microfluidic chips. EOECs from the ampulla were isolated post-mortem and seeded either (1) directly onto a microporous membrane as differentiated EOECs (direct seeding protocol) or (2) first cultured to a confluent de-differentiated monolayer in conventional wells, then trypsinized and seeded onto a microporous membrane (re-differentiation protocol). Maintenance or induction of EOEC differentiation in these systems was achieved by air-liquid interface introduction. Monolayers cultured via both protocols were characterized by columnar, cytokeratin 19-positive EOECs in Transwell inserts. However, only the re-differentiation protocol could be transferred successfully to the microfluidic chips. Integrity of the monolayers was confirmed by transepithelial resistance measurements, tracer flux and the demonstration of an intimate network of tight junctions. Using the direct protocol, 28% of EOECs showed secondary cilia at the apical surface in a diffuse pattern. In contrast, re-differentiated polarized EOECs rarely showed secondary cilia in either culture system (>90% of the monolayers showed <1% ciliated EOECs). Occasionally (5-10%), re-differentiated monolayers with 11-27% EOECs with secondary cilia in a diffuse pattern were obtained. Additionally, nuclear progesterone receptor expression was found to be inhibited by simulated luteal phase hormone concentrations, and sperm binding to cilia was higher for re-differentiated EOEC monolayers exposed to estrogen-progesterone concentrations mimicking the follicular rather than luteal phase. Overall, a functional equine oviduct model was established with close morphological resemblance to in vivo oviduct epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Leemans
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium.,Departments of Clinical Sciences, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Biomolecular Health Sciences, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.,Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - Tom A E Stout
- Departments of Clinical Sciences, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Mabel Vos
- Departments of Clinical Sciences, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Hanna Van Der Ham
- Departments of Clinical Sciences, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Ramada Van Beek
- Departments of Clinical Sciences, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Bart M Gadella
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium.,Biomolecular Health Sciences, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.,Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Heiko Henning
- Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
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8
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Maitan PP, Bromfield EG, Hoogendijk R, Leung MR, Zeev-Ben-Mordehai T, van de Lest CH, Jansen JWA, Leemans B, Guimarães JD, Stout TAE, Gadella BM, Henning H. Bicarbonate-Stimulated Membrane Reorganization in Stallion Spermatozoa. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:772254. [PMID: 34869370 PMCID: PMC8635755 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.772254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Classical in vitro fertilization (IVF) is still poorly successful in horses. This lack of success is thought to be due primarily to inadequate capacitation of stallion spermatozoa under in vitro conditions. In species in which IVF is successful, bicarbonate, calcium, and albumin are considered the key components that enable a gradual reorganization of the sperm plasma membrane that allows the spermatozoa to undergo an acrosome reaction and fertilize the oocyte. The aim of this work was to comprehensively examine contributors to stallion sperm capacitation by investigating bicarbonate-induced membrane remodelling steps, and elucidating the contribution of cAMP signalling to these events. In the presence of capacitating media containing bicarbonate, a significant increase in plasma membrane fluidity was readily detected using merocyanine 540 staining in the majority of viable spermatozoa within 15 min of bicarbonate exposure. Specific inhibition of soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) in the presence of bicarbonate by LRE1 significantly reduced the number of viable sperm with high membrane fluidity. This suggests a vital role for sAC-mediated cAMP production in the regulation of membrane fluidity. Cryo-electron tomography of viable cells with high membrane fluidity revealed a range of membrane remodelling intermediates, including destabilized membranes and zones with close apposition of the plasma membrane and the outer acrosomal membrane. However, lipidomic analysis of equivalent viable spermatozoa with high membrane fluidity demonstrated that this phenomenon was neither accompanied by a gross change in the phospholipid composition of stallion sperm membranes nor detectable sterol efflux (p > 0.05). After an early increase in membrane fluidity, a significant and cAMP-dependent increase in viable sperm with phosphatidylserine (PS), but not phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) exposure was noted. While the events observed partly resemble findings from the in vitro capacitation of sperm from other mammalian species, the lack of cholesterol removal appears to be an equine-specific phenomenon. This research will assist in the development of a defined medium for the capacitation of stallion sperm and will facilitate progress toward a functional IVF protocol for horse gametes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Piccolo Maitan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Department of Biomolecular Health Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Romy Hoogendijk
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Miguel Ricardo Leung
- Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Tzviya Zeev-Ben-Mordehai
- Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Chris H van de Lest
- Department of Biomolecular Health Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jeroen W A Jansen
- Department of Biomolecular Health Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Bart Leemans
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Tom A E Stout
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Bart M Gadella
- Department of Biomolecular Health Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Population Health Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Heiko Henning
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Umair M, Henning H, Stout TAE, Claes A. A Modified Flotation Density Gradient Centrifugation Technique Improves the Semen Quality of Stallions with a High DNA Fragmentation Index. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:1973. [PMID: 34359101 PMCID: PMC8300244 DOI: 10.3390/ani11071973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm DNA fragmentation compromises fertilization and early embryo development. Since spermatozoa lack the machinery to repair DNA damage, to improve the likelihood of establishing a healthy pregnancy, it is preferable to process ejaculates of stallions with a high sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) before artificial insemination or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The aim of this study was to examine a modified flotation density gradient centrifugation (DGC) technique in which semen was diluted with a colloid solution (Opti-prepTM) to increase its density prior to layering between colloid layers of lower and higher density. The optimal Opti-prepTM solution (20-60%) for use as the bottom/cushion layer was first determined, followed by a comparison between a modified sedimentation DGC and the modified flotation DGC technique, using different Opti-prepTM solutions (20%, 25% and 30%) as the top layer. Finally, the most efficient DGC technique was selected to process ejaculates from Friesian stallions (n = 3) with high sperm DFI (>20%). The optimal Opti-prepTM solution for the cushion layer was 40%. The modified sedimentation technique resulted in two different sperm populations, whereas the modified flotation technique yielded three populations. Among the variants tested, the modified flotation DGC using 20% Opti-prepTM as the top layer yielded the best results; the average sperm recovery was 57%; the DFI decreased significantly (from 12% to 4%) and the other sperm quality parameters, including progressive and total motility, percentages of spermatozoa with normal morphology and viable spermatozoa with an intact acrosome, all increased (p < 0.05). In Friesian stallions with high sperm DFI, the modified flotation DGC markedly decreased the DFI (from 31% to 5%) and significantly improved the other semen quality parameters, although sperm recovery was low (approximately 20%). In conclusion, stallion sperm DFI and other sperm quality parameters can be markedly improved using a modified flotation DGC technique employing a 40% Opti-prepTM cushion and a 20% top layer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Umair
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (H.H.); (T.A.E.S.); (A.C.)
| | - Heiko Henning
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (H.H.); (T.A.E.S.); (A.C.)
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Höltystraße 10, D-31535 Neustadt, Germany
| | - Tom A. E. Stout
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (H.H.); (T.A.E.S.); (A.C.)
| | - Anthony Claes
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (H.H.); (T.A.E.S.); (A.C.)
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10
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SINGH PALLAVI, RANJAN R, KHARCHE SD, SINGH MK. Exogenous catalase improves the goat seminal attributes at refrigeration temperature. THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.56093/ijans.v90i3.102441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential benefit of catalase (CAT) on sperm functional parameters (motility, viability, membrane integrity and acrosomal integrity) during liquid storage of buck spermatozoa at 0 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h. Semen samples from bucks were pooled to avoid individual effect and diluted with tris-egg yolk-fructose extender with catalase (0 U/ mL (control), 200 U/mL, 400 U/ mL, 600 U/ mL and 800 U/ mL) at a final concentration of 400 million/mL. No significant difference was observed between treatments at 24 h with respect to motility, viability and plasma membrane integrity. However, acrosome integrity of control was significantly higher as compared to other concentrations. Motility, viability, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity were observed significantly highest for CAT @ 600 U/mL in comparison to other concentrations at 48 h, 72 h and 96 h of liquid storage at refrigeration temperature. The seminal parameters declined with the progression of storage time and remained over 50% even after 72 h at refrigeration temperature in CAT @ 600 U/mL. It can be concluded that the addition of CAT @ 600 U/mL in semen diluent along with 20% egg yolk reduced the detrimental effects of cooling on motility, viability, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity.
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11
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Miró J, Morató R, Vilagran I, Taberner E, Bonet S, Yeste M. Preservation of Epididymal Stallion Sperm in Liquid and Frozen States: Effects of Seminal Plasma on Sperm Function and Fertility. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 88:102940. [PMID: 32303324 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.102940] [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: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Three separate experiments were conducted to improve preservation of stallion epididymal sperm. In the first one, two different cooling extenders (Kenney and Gent) were compared. Sperm viability and motility patterns were assessed in 10 different epididymal sperm samples after 0 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, and 96 hours of preservation at 4°C. No significant differences were observed in any of the evaluated parameters either between extenders or throughout the storage period. The second set of experiments was designed to determine whether supplementing thawing medium (INRA Freeze) with seminal plasma had any impact on the quality of frozen-thawed epididymal sperm. Ten epididymal frozen-thawed sperm samples coming from separate stallions were used and different functional parameters (sperm membrane integrity and lipid disorder, motility, intracellular Ca2+ levels, and intracellular concentrations of peroxides and superoxides) were evaluated after incubation with or without 50% seminal plasma. Supplementing thawing medium with seminal plasma had no impact on sperm function and survival. The third experiment was an in vivo study. Twenty-five mares were inseminated with epididymal frozen-thawed sperm and seminal plasma, and 21 were bred with epididymal frozen-thawed sperm only. Pregnancy rates obtained for mares artificially inseminated with epididymal frozen-thawed sperm and seminal plasma were significantly (P < .05) higher than those observed when seminal plasma was not infused (64% vs. 19%). Taken together, our data indicate that the quality of epididymal stallion sperm can be maintained at 4°C for up to 96 hours. In addition, not only does supplementing frozen-thawed epididymal sperm with seminal plasma have any damaging effect on their quality but it may also improve pregnancy rates after artificial insemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Miró
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Roser Morató
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Ingrid Vilagran
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Ester Taberner
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
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Liu T, Han Y, Zhou T, Zhang R, Chen H, Chen S, Zhao H. Mechanisms of ROS-induced mitochondria-dependent apoptosis underlying liquid storage of goat spermatozoa. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 11:7880-7898. [PMID: 31548434 PMCID: PMC6782006 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Liquid storage of spermatozoa is important for artificial insemination and herd genetic breeding. However, the extended time of storage inducing the rapid decline in spermatozoa quality limits the development of this technology. The molecular mechanisms underlying liquid storage of spermatozoa remain largely unexplored. In this study, the effects of liquid storage on functional quality of spermatozoa were assessed in goat (Capra hircus). The time-dependent decline in spermatozoa motility showed a strong correlation with the significant increase in apoptosis. Moreover, apoptosis-related ultrastructural changes were observed, especially the defects in mitochondria. A significant decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and changes in the expression of mitochondrial apoptosis-related proteins indicated mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial apoptotic pathway activation. Notably, the abnormally high level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by liquid storage resulted in oxidative damage to mitochondria and accelerated mitochondria-dependent apoptosis, as demonstrated by the addition of ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine. Furthermore, critical differentially expressed proteins involved in mitochondria-dependent apoptosis and antioxidant defense were identified and profiled by quantitative proteomic analysis, facilitating the understanding of molecular regulation of ROS-induced mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. These outcomes provide insights into the mechanisms underlying liquid storage of goat spermatozoa and enhance the progress of semen storage technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengfei Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yawen Han
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Ting Zhou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Ruihang Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Hong Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Shulin Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Huiying Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, China
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13
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Al-Bulushi S, Manjunatha BM, Bathgate R, Rickard JP, de Graaf SP. Liquid storage of dromedary camel semen in different extenders. Anim Reprod Sci 2019; 207:95-106. [PMID: 31208848 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to assess the effects of commercial extenders and storage temperature on dromedary camel sperm quality during liquid preservation. In Experiment 1, ejaculates (n = five males; replicated seven times) were split and diluted with synthetic (OPTIXcell, EquiPlus, INRA96, Bioxcell or AndroMed; Experiment 1a) or egg-yolk based (Biladyl, Green buffer or Triladyl; Experiment 1b) extenders and stored for 48 h at 4 °C. In Experiment 2, split ejaculates (n = five males; replicated six times) were used to directly compare Green buffer, OPTIXcell and Triladyl extenders over 48 h of storage at 4 °C. Ejaculates collected in Experiment 3 (n = five males; replicated five times) were diluted with Green buffer or Triladyl before chilled storage for 48 h at 4 or 15 °C. Sperm kinematics, viability and acrosome integrity were assessed during liquid storage. In Experiment 1a, there was the greatest total sperm motility (TM) in the OPTIXcell group following 24 and 48 h of storage, while in Experiment 1b, there was the greatest TM after 48 h of storage with Triladyl and Green buffer. In Experiment 2, there were greater TM and viable acrosome intact spermatozoa in the Triladyl and Green buffer than with OPTIXcell group. In Experiment 3, there was a greater TM in the Triladyl than Green buffer group at 24 and 48 h of storage regardless of storage temperature (which had no effect on sperm quality). In conclusion, camel sperm have greater viability when preserved in liquid form for 48 h following dilution with Triladyl and storage at either 4 or 15 °C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Al-Bulushi
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, NSW 2006, Australia; Laboratories and Animal Research Center, DG of Veterinary Services, Royal Court Affairs, Muscat, Oman.
| | - B M Manjunatha
- Laboratories and Animal Research Center, DG of Veterinary Services, Royal Court Affairs, Muscat, Oman
| | - R Bathgate
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Sciences, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - J P Rickard
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - S P de Graaf
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, NSW 2006, Australia
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Fair S, Romero-Aguirregomezcorta J. Implications of boar sperm kinematics and rheotaxis for fertility after preservation. Theriogenology 2019; 137:15-22. [PMID: 31176491 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Artificial insemination (AI) is the single most important assisted reproductive technique devised to facilitate the genetic improvement of livestock. In the swine industry, it has broadly replaced natural service over the last number of decades which has been made possible by the high pregnancy rates and litter sizes obtainable with semen extended, up to, and sometimes beyond 5 d. Central to achieving good reproductive performance is the ability of boar studs to monitor semen quality, the basis of which has long been the assessment of sperm motility by subjective and, more recently, by more objective computerised systems. In this review, the literature on the relationship between sperm motility and kinematic parameters and field fertility is summarised. We discuss how this relationship is dependent on factors such as the viscosity of the media and the use of standard operating procedures. Emerging evidence is discussed regarding the importance of sperm rheotaxis and thigmotaxis as long-distance sperm guidance mechanisms, which enable motile functional spermatozoa to avoid the backflow of fluid, mucus and semen from the sow's uterus in the hours post AI, facilitating the establishment of sperm reservoirs in the oviducts. The literature on the use of microfluidics in studying sperm rheotaxis in vitro is also summarised, and we discuss how these systems, when combined with techniques such as lensless microscopy, have the potential to offer more physiological assessments of the swimming patterns of boar spermatozoa. Finally, possible future avenues of further investigation are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Fair
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, P61 C996, Ireland.
| | - J Romero-Aguirregomezcorta
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
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Del Prete C, Tafuri S, Ciani F, Pasolini MP, Ciotola F, Albarella S, Carotenuto D, Peretti V, Cocchia N. Influences of dietary supplementation withLepidium meyenii(Maca) on stallion sperm production and on preservation of sperm quality during storage at 5 °C. Andrology 2018; 6:351-361. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- C. Del Prete
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions; University of Naples ‘Federico II’; Naples Italy
| | - S. Tafuri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions; University of Naples ‘Federico II’; Naples Italy
| | - F. Ciani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions; University of Naples ‘Federico II’; Naples Italy
| | - M. P. Pasolini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions; University of Naples ‘Federico II’; Naples Italy
| | - F. Ciotola
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions; University of Naples ‘Federico II’; Naples Italy
| | - S. Albarella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions; University of Naples ‘Federico II’; Naples Italy
| | - D. Carotenuto
- UNMSM; Universidad Nacional Mayor San Marcos; Lima Peru
| | - V. Peretti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions; University of Naples ‘Federico II’; Naples Italy
| | - N. Cocchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions; University of Naples ‘Federico II’; Naples Italy
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Berlinguer F, Pasciu V, Succu S, Cossu I, Caggiu S, Addis D, Castagna A, Fontani V, Rinaldi S, Passino ES. REAC technology as optimizer of stallion spermatozoa liquid storage. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2017; 15:11. [PMID: 28179013 PMCID: PMC5299698 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-017-0229-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND REAC technology (acronym for Radio Electric Asymmetric Conveyor) is a technology platform for neuro and bio modulation. It has already proven to optimize the ions fluxes at the molecular level and the molecular mechanisms driving cellular asymmetry and polarization. METHODS This study was designed to verify whether this technology could extend spermatozoa life-span during liquid storage, while preserving their functions, DNA integrity and oxidative status. At 0, 24, 48, and 72 h. of storage at 4 °C, a battery of analyses was performed to assess spermatozoa viability, motility parameters, acrosome status, and DNA integrity during REAC treatment. Spermatozoa oxidative status was assessed by determining lipid peroxidation, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the total antioxidant capacity. RESULTS During liquid storage REAC treated spermatozoa, while not showing an increased viability nor motility compared to untreated ones, had a higher acrosome (p > 0.001) and DNA integrity (p > 0.01). Moreover, the analysis of the oxidative status indicated that the mean activity of the intracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly higher in REAC treated spermatozoa compared to untreated controls (p < 0.05), while the intracellular concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), an end product of lipid peroxidation, at the end of the REAC treatment was higher in untreated controls (p > 0.05). The REAC efficacy on spermatozoa oxidative status was also evidenced by the higher trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) found in both the cellular extract (p < 0.05) and the storage media of REAC treated spermatozoa compared to untreated controls (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION The present study demonstrated that REAC treatment during liquid storage preserves spermatozoa acrosome membrane and DNA integrity, likely due to the enhancement of sperm antioxidant defenses. These results open new perspective about the extending of spermatozoa functions in vitro and the clinical management of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiammetta Berlinguer
- 0000 0001 2097 9138grid.11450.31Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Viale Vienna 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Valeria Pasciu
- 0000 0001 2097 9138grid.11450.31Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Viale Vienna 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Sara Succu
- 0000 0001 2097 9138grid.11450.31Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Viale Vienna 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Ignazio Cossu
- AGRIS, Department of Research for Equine Reproduction, Ozieri, Sassari Italy
| | - Sabrina Caggiu
- 0000 0001 2097 9138grid.11450.31Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Viale Vienna 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Daniela Addis
- 0000 0001 2097 9138grid.11450.31Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Viale Vienna 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Castagna
- Departments of Regenerative Medicine, Rinaldi Fontani Institute, Viale Belfiore 43, 50144 Florence, Italy
| | - Vania Fontani
- Departments of Regenerative Medicine, Rinaldi Fontani Institute, Viale Belfiore 43, 50144 Florence, Italy
- Research Department, Rinaldi Fontani Foundation, Viale Belfiore 43, 50144 Florence, Italy
| | - Salvatore Rinaldi
- Departments of Regenerative Medicine, Rinaldi Fontani Institute, Viale Belfiore 43, 50144 Florence, Italy
- Research Department, Rinaldi Fontani Foundation, Viale Belfiore 43, 50144 Florence, Italy
| | - Eraldo Sanna Passino
- 0000 0001 2097 9138grid.11450.31Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Viale Vienna 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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