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Pasciu V, Nieddu M, Sotgiu FD, Baralla E, Berlinguer F. An Overview on Assay Methods to Quantify ROS and Enzymatic Antioxidants in Erythrocytes and Spermatozoa of Small Domestic Ruminants. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2300. [PMID: 37508077 PMCID: PMC10376267 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The present review aims to provide an overview of the assay methods for the quantification of ROS and principal enzymatic antioxidants as biomarkers of oxidative stress in erythrocytes and spermatozoa of small domestic ruminants. A complete literature search was carried out in PubMed, Scopus and the World Wide Web using relevant keywords and focusing on the last five years (2018-2023). Among spectrophotometry, fluorometry and chemiluminescence, the most widely used method for ROS assay is fluorometry, probably because it allows to simultaneously assay several ROS, using different probes, with greater economic advantages. Regarding intracellular antioxidant enzymes, recent literature reports only spectrophotometric methods, many of which use commercial kits. The use of a less sensitive but cheapest method is suitable because both erythrocytes and spermatozoa samples are highly concentrated in domestic ruminant species. All methods considered in this review have been found to be appropriate; in general, the differences are related to their costs and sensitivity. Quantification of ROS and enzymatic antioxidant activity in erythrocytes and spermatozoa may find application in the study of the welfare and health status of small domestic ruminants for monitoring livestock production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Pasciu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Maria Nieddu
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Elena Baralla
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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Improvement of the Seminal Characteristics in Rams Using Agri-Food By-Products Rich in Phytomelatonin. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13050905. [PMID: 36899762 PMCID: PMC10000078 DOI: 10.3390/ani13050905] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a phytomelatonin-rich diet, including by-products from the food industry, on ram sperm quality and seminal plasma composition. Melatonin content in several by-products before and after in vitro ruminal and abomasal digestion was determined by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Finally, 20% of a mix of grape pulp with pomegranate and tomato pomaces was included in the rams' diet, constituting the phytomelatonin-rich diet. Feeding the rams with this diet resulted in an increase in seminal plasma melatonin levels compared with the control group (commercial diet) in the third month of the study. In addition, percentages higher than those in the control group of morphologically normal viable spermatozoa with a low content of reactive oxygen species were observed from the second month onwards. However, the antioxidant effect does not seem to be exerted through the modulation of the antioxidant enzymes since the analysis of the activities of catalase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase in seminal plasma revealed no significant differences between the two experimental groups. In conclusion, this study reveals, for the first time, that a phytomelatonin-rich diet can improve seminal characteristics in rams.
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Zeng J, Ge W, Duan H, Lv J, Ding Z, Wang W, Zhang Y, Zhao X, Hu J. Effect of dihydrotestosterone on melatonin secretion and the expression of melatonin receptors and apoptosis-related factors in sheep epididymides. Reprod Domest Anim 2022; 57:1244-1254. [PMID: 35775862 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin (MEL) is involved in homeostasis of the epididymis lumen environment. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) partakes in the development of gonads and organs in male animals. However, whether MEL secretion, the expression of its receptors, MT1 and MT2, and sheep epididymal epithelial cell apoptosis is regulated by DHT remains unclear. In this study, we used immunohistochemical staining to detect the distribution patterns of DHT synthetases [5α-reductase (5α-red)] and its androgen receptor (AR) in sheep epididymides. 5α-red1, 5α-red2, and AR were positively expressed in sperm, epididymal epithelial cells, and the smooth muscle cells of the caput, corpus, and cauda regions of the epididymis. DHT concentration and the expression levels of 5α-red and AR in the caput, corpus, and cauda regions were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and western blot analysis. DHT concentration in the caput was significantly higher than those in corpus and cauda, probably because of the high expression of 5α-red2 in the caput and secretion and transport of DHT by the testicles. DHT inhibited MEL secretion, the expression of its membrane receptors, and MEL synthetases in cultured sheep epididymal epithelial cells in vitro. In addition, the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, ACT CASP3, and caspase-3 mRNA expression were also decreased. The decreasing effect was partially reversed after flutamide treatment. Therefore, DHT regulates sheep epididymal function by influencing MEL expression and apoptosis-related factors. This study provides basic data for further research on the reproductive physiology of male animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianlin Zeng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wenbo Ge
- Key Lab of New Animal Drug Project of Gansu Province, Key Lab of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of CAAS, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hongwei Duan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianshu Lv
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ziqiang Ding
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xingxu Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China
| | - Junjie Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China
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Vašíček J, Baláži A, Svoradová A, Vozaf J, Dujíčková L, Makarevich AV, Bauer M, Chrenek P. Comprehensive Flow-Cytometric Quality Assessment of Ram Sperm Intended for Gene Banking Using Standard and Novel Fertility Biomarkers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23115920. [PMID: 35682598 PMCID: PMC9180808 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Flow cytometry becomes a common method for analysis of spermatozoa quality. Standard sperm characteristics such as viability, acrosome and chromatin integrity, oxidative damage (ROS) etc. can be easily assess in any animal semen samples. Moreover, several fertility-related markers were observed in humans and some other mammals. However, these fertility biomarkers have not been previously studied in ram. The aim of this study was to optimize the flow-cytometric analysis of these standard and novel markers in ram semen. Ram semen samples from Slovak native sheep breeds were analyzed using CASA system for motility and concentration and were subsequently stained with several fluorescent dyes or specific antibodies to evaluate sperm viability (SYBR-14), apoptosis (Annexin V, YO-PRO-1, FLICA, Caspases 3/7), acrosome status (PNA, LCA, GAPDHS), capacitation (merocyanine 540, FLUO-4 AM), mitochondrial activity (MitoTracker Green, rhodamine 123, JC-1), ROS (CM-H2DCFDA, DHE, MitoSOX Red, BODIPY), chromatin (acridine orange), leukocyte content, ubiquitination and aggresome formation, and overexpression of negative biomarkers (MKRN1, SPTRX-3, PAWP, H3K4me2). Analyzed semen samples were divided into two groups according to viability as indicators of semen quality: Group 1 (viability over 60%) and Group 2 (viability under 60%). Significant (p < 0.05) differences were found between these groups in sperm motility and concentration, apoptosis, acrosome integrity (only PNA), mitochondrial activity, ROS production (except for DHE), leukocyte and aggresome content, and high PAWP expression. In conclusion, several standard and novel fluorescent probes have been confirmed to be suitable for multiplex ram semen analysis by flow cytometry as well as several antibodies have been validated for the specific detection of ubiquitin, PAWP and H3K4me2 in ram spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaromír Vašíček
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Reproduction, NPPC, Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecká 2, 951 41 Lužianky, Slovakia; (A.B.); (A.S.); (L.D.); (A.V.M.); (M.B.)
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia;
- Correspondence: (J.V.); (P.C.); Tel.: +421-37-654-6600 (J.V.); +421-37-641-4274 (P.C.)
| | - Andrej Baláži
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Reproduction, NPPC, Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecká 2, 951 41 Lužianky, Slovakia; (A.B.); (A.S.); (L.D.); (A.V.M.); (M.B.)
| | - Andrea Svoradová
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Reproduction, NPPC, Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecká 2, 951 41 Lužianky, Slovakia; (A.B.); (A.S.); (L.D.); (A.V.M.); (M.B.)
- Department of Morphology, Physiology and Animal Genetics, Faculty of Agri Sciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1/1665, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Vozaf
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia;
| | - Linda Dujíčková
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Reproduction, NPPC, Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecká 2, 951 41 Lužianky, Slovakia; (A.B.); (A.S.); (L.D.); (A.V.M.); (M.B.)
- Department of Botany and Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nábrežie Mládeže 91, 949 74 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Alexander V. Makarevich
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Reproduction, NPPC, Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecká 2, 951 41 Lužianky, Slovakia; (A.B.); (A.S.); (L.D.); (A.V.M.); (M.B.)
| | - Miroslav Bauer
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Reproduction, NPPC, Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecká 2, 951 41 Lužianky, Slovakia; (A.B.); (A.S.); (L.D.); (A.V.M.); (M.B.)
- Department of Botany and Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nábrežie Mládeže 91, 949 74 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Peter Chrenek
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Reproduction, NPPC, Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecká 2, 951 41 Lužianky, Slovakia; (A.B.); (A.S.); (L.D.); (A.V.M.); (M.B.)
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia;
- Correspondence: (J.V.); (P.C.); Tel.: +421-37-654-6600 (J.V.); +421-37-641-4274 (P.C.)
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El-Shalofy A, Shahat A, Hedia M. Effects of melatonin administration on testicular hemodynamics, echotexture, steroids production, and semen parameters during the non-breeding season in Ossimi rams. Theriogenology 2022; 184:34-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Gibb Z, Blanco-Prieto O, Bucci D. The role of endogenous antioxidants in male animal fertility. Res Vet Sci 2021; 136:495-502. [PMID: 33857769 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian semen is a physiological fluid composed of a cellular fraction (spermatozoa), and a liquid fraction (seminal plasma). Once delivered to the female genital tract, spermatozoa should be able to capacitate; a process which involves a plethora of biochemical and physiological changes required to fertilize the oocyte. Sperm production (spermatogenesis) occurs in the testes, whereby pluripotent spermatogonia differentiate to form the most morphologically specialized cells in the body. Further maturation of spermatozoa occurs in the epididymis, where they are stored prior to ejaculation. During this whole process, spermatozoa are exposed to different environments and cellular processes which may expose them to substantial levels of oxidative stress. To avoid damage associated with the unchecked production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), both spermatozoa, and the parts of the male genital tract in which they reside, are furnished with a suite of antioxidant molecules which are able to provide protection to these cells, thereby increasing their chance of being able to fertilize the oocyte and deliver an intact paternal genome to the future offspring. However, there are a host of reasons why these antioxidant systems may fail, including nutritional deficiencies, genetics, and disease states, and in these situations, a reduction or abolition of fertilizing capacity may result. This review paper focuses on the endogenous antioxidant defences available to spermatozoa during spermatogenesis and sperm maturation, the site of their production and their physiological role. Furthermore, we revised the causes and effects of antioxidant deficiencies (congenital or acquired during the animal's adulthood) on reproductive function in different animal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zamira Gibb
- Priority Research Centre in Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Olga Blanco-Prieto
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Italy.
| | - Diego Bucci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Italy
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Zarazaga LA, Gatica MC, Delgado-Pertíñez M, Hernández H, Guzmán JL, Delgadillo JA. Photoperiod-Treatment in Mediterranean Bucks Can Improve the Reproductive Performance of the Male Effect Depending on the Extent of Their Seasonality. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020400. [PMID: 33562447 PMCID: PMC7915632 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020400] [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: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary On the extensive and semi-extensive goat farms of the Mediterranean region, the induction of the male effect is a common reproductive management practice in spring mating (seasonal anoestrous). The sexual activity displayed by the bucks is one of the main factors that determines the reproductive performance of this practice and, for that reason, it is essential to photostimulate the bucks prior to using it. However, the effectiveness of this photostimulation and the male effect could depend on the seasonality of the breed of buck used. Thus, the present work aimed to compare the efficiency of the male effect, in terms of doe reproductive response and reproductive performance, as induced by bucks made sexually active via photostimulation, from breeds with different reproductive seasonality (Murciano–Granadina, low reproductive seasonality vs. Blanca Andaluza, high reproductive seasonality). The results demonstrated that the Blanca Andaluza bucks subjected to a natural photoperiod and used for the male effect induced a lower percentage of females into oestrus and ovulation, resulting in lower productivity. This suggests that photoperiod-treated bucks efficiently induce the male effect, but photostimulation may be more necessary for breeds with deep seasonality. Abstract This study examines the effectiveness of the photoperiod treatment (extra light for 88 days) to render the bucks sexually active during the seasonal anoestrous in order to induce a male effect, depending on the reproductive seasonality of the breed of the bucks used. In April, 57 anoestrous Blanca Andaluza does were distributed into four groups with three males each: 13 were exposed to control Murciano–Granadina bucks (lower seasonality); 15 were exposed to photostimulated Murciano–Granadina bucks; 14 were exposed to control Blanca Andaluza bucks (higher seasonality), and 15 were exposed to photostimulated Blanca Andaluza bucks. After male introduction, the sexual behaviour of the bucks was assessed, and harness marks recorded doe oestrous behaviour. Ovulation was confirmed from plasma progesterone, and the ovulation rate was assessed by transrectal ultrasonography. Fecundity, fertility, prolificacy and productivity were also determined. All of the does in all of the groups showed ovulation. Interaction between both sources of variation was observed: the percentage of females showing oestrous (p < 0.01) and productivity (p < 0.05) was the lowest in the Blanca Andaluza control group (50% and 0.36 ± 0.17 goat kids born/female, respectively). In conclusion, photoperiod-treated bucks efficiently induce a male effect, but photostimulation could be more necessary for breeds with deep seasonality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis A. Zarazaga
- Departamento de Ciencias Agroforestales, Campus Universitario de la Rábida, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Huelva, Carretera de Huelva-Palos de la Frontera, 21819 Huelva, Spain;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-95-9217-713
| | - María Carolina Gatica
- Facultad de Recursos Naturales Renovables, Universidad Arturo Prat, Avenida Arturo Prat, Iquique 2120, Chile;
| | - Manuel Delgado-Pertíñez
- Departamento de Ciencias Agroforestales, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica, Universidad de Sevilla, Ctra. Utrera km 1, 41013 Sevilla, Spain;
| | - Horacio Hernández
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Caprina, Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Periférico Raúl López Sánchez y Carretera a Santa Fe, Torreón 27054, Mexico; (H.H.); (J.A.D.)
| | - José Luis Guzmán
- Departamento de Ciencias Agroforestales, Campus Universitario de la Rábida, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Huelva, Carretera de Huelva-Palos de la Frontera, 21819 Huelva, Spain;
| | - José Alberto Delgadillo
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Caprina, Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Periférico Raúl López Sánchez y Carretera a Santa Fe, Torreón 27054, Mexico; (H.H.); (J.A.D.)
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