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Warr S, Pini T, de Graaf SP, Rickard JP. Molecular insights to the sperm-cervix interaction and the consequences for cryopreserved sperm. Biol Reprod 2023; 108:183-196. [PMID: 36191077 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryopreserved ram spermatozoa are limited in their capacity to traverse the ovine cervix and achieve fertilization. This altered interaction may be related to modified molecular communication between frozen-thawed ram spermatozoa, seminal plasma, and the female tract. As such, this review aims to identify the biological processes which underpin sperm maturation and transport throughout the female reproductive tract to elucidate factors which may alter this natural process in cryopreserved ram spermatozoa. We also assess critical barriers to ram spermatozoa specific to the ovine cervix and the role of seminal plasma in mitigating these barriers. Transcriptomics is explored as a new approach to understand the sperm-cervix interaction. Recent studies have demonstrated that both spermatozoa and seminal plasma contain a complex profile of coding and non-coding RNAs. These molecular species have clear links with functional fertility, and mounting evidence suggests they may be altered by cryopreservation. Emerging in vitro cell culture models are also investigated as a "next step" in studying this interaction, utilizing transcriptomics to identify subtle changes in female tract gene expression in response to spermatozoa. The application of such models is proposed as an exciting opportunity to investigate the unique challenges faced by cryopreserved spermatozoa traversing the ovine cervix prior to fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Warr
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Taylor Pini
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, Australia
| | - Simon P de Graaf
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jessica P Rickard
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Sperm Lipid Markers of Male Fertility in Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168767. [PMID: 34445473 PMCID: PMC8395862 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm plasma membrane lipids are essential for the function and integrity of mammalian spermatozoa. Various lipid types are involved in each key step within the fertilization process in their own yet coordinated way. The balance between lipid metabolism is tightly regulated to ensure physiological cellular processes, especially referring to crucial steps such as sperm motility, capacitation, acrosome reaction or fusion. At the same time, it has been shown that male reproductive function depends on the homeostasis of sperm lipids. Here, we review the effects of phospholipid, neutral lipid and glycolipid homeostasis on sperm fertilization function and male fertility in mammals.
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Fang Y, Zhao C, Xiang H, Jia G, Zhong R. Melatonin improves cryopreservation of ram sperm by inhibiting mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:1240-1249. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.13771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Fang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Grassland Farming Northeast Institute of Geography and Agoecology Chinese Academy of Sciences Changchun, Jilin China
| | - Chengzhen Zhao
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Grassland Farming Northeast Institute of Geography and Agoecology Chinese Academy of Sciences Changchun, Jilin China
| | - Hai Xiang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Grassland Farming Northeast Institute of Geography and Agoecology Chinese Academy of Sciences Changchun, Jilin China
| | - GongXue Jia
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology Chinese Academy of Sciences Xining China
| | - Rongzhen Zhong
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Grassland Farming Northeast Institute of Geography and Agoecology Chinese Academy of Sciences Changchun, Jilin China
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Cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin is efficient in preserving sperm quality of cryopreserved ram semen with low freezability. Reprod Biol 2020; 20:14-24. [PMID: 31918981 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2020.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Semen freezability is positive correlated with the cholesterol content in the sperm cell. Freeze-thawing mainly cause temperature chock and change on media osmolarity, which can modify plasma membrane lipids content and sperm conformation, resulting in decreased fertility. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effect of adding cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin (CLC) to the cryopreservation process of ram semen with low freezability. For that, two experiments were performed using 5 ejaculates of 6 rams, totalizing 30 samples. For experiment 1 the following treatments were tested: in natura (IN), Tris solution (CON), CLC + Tris solution (CLC), and pure methyl-β-cyclodextrin + Tris solution (MCD). For experiment 2 treatments CON and CLC were tested in samples subdivided into three freezability classes: high (n = 10), intermediate (n = 10) and low (n = 10). Freezability classes were based on the variation of sperm motility between IN and CON groups from the first experiment. Sample analyzes included sperm motility, sperm morphology, plasma and acrosome membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species content, lipid peroxidation, and fluidity of plasma membrane. Results showed that CLC treatment was more efficient in maintaining sperm motility, integrity of plasma membrane, integrity of acrosome, and mitochondria membrane potential. In addition, CLC treatment in the groups with low and intermediate freezability showed improvement on progressive motility and percentage of rapid cells. In contrast, no difference was noted between CLC and CON treatments in the high freezability group. Therefore, the addition of CLC to semen extender improved sperm cryopreservation, especially in rams with low freezability.
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Galarza DA, López-Sebastián A, Woelders H, Blesbois E, Santiago-Moreno J. Two-step accelerating freezing protocol yields a better motility, membranes and DNA integrities of thawed ram sperm than three-steps freezing protocols. Cryobiology 2019; 91:84-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2019.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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de Jesus Paula DA, Murgas LDS, Castro TFD, de Lima Assis I, Neto RVR, Marcussi S. Effects of cooling rates on the quality of Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1836) sperm. Reprod Domest Anim 2019; 54:1034-1043. [PMID: 31077452 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the effect of different cooling rates on the semen cryopreservation of curimba (Prochilodus lineatus). Nineteen ejaculates were obtained from adults males and cryopreserved at 15°C/min (CR15), 30°C/min (CR30) (controlled temperature inside and outside straw, speed was stable during freezing) and direct freezing in liquid nitrogen vapour (~35.6°C/min) (CRNV). The straws were thawed and seminal parameters evaluated. DNA fragmentation through the comet assay was assessed. A fresh sperm sample was not frozen and used for analyses. Data were submitted to an analysis of variance (ANOVA), and means were compared by Scott-Knott test (p < 0.05) using the R Software. Mean motility percentage was 100%, and motility duration was 39.5 ± 5.7 s for the fresh sperm (subjective analysis); 58.9 ± 8.0% and 24.5 ± 5.7 s for CR15; 64.8 ± 4.8% and 26.5 ± 7.1 s for CR30; and 50.1 ± 16% and 25.7 ± 4.7 s for CRNV, respectively. Motility percentages were higher and equal between CR15 and CR30 compared to CRNV (p < 0.05). Some sperm motion kinetics, namely average path velocity (VAP) and straight line velocity (VAS), were higher for CR30 (p < 0.05), while curvilinear velocity (VCL) and velocity progression (PRO) were lower for CRNV (p < 0.05). Straightness (STR) and wobble (WOB) were the same among treatments (p > 0.05). Sperm morphology results indicated higher means for total morphological sperm alterations in CRNV. All cooling rates caused sperm DNA fragmentation, although CR30 provided a less harmful effect. This is the first report for cryopreserved P. lineatus sperm preserved under different controlled cooling rates. The cooling rate of 30°C/min is indicated for the cryopreservation of this fish sperm as it led to the lowest detrimental spermatozoa effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniella Aparecida de Jesus Paula
- Department of Animal Sciences, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lavras, UFLA, Lavras, Brazil
| | - Luis David Solis Murgas
- Department of Animal Sciences, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lavras, UFLA, Lavras, Brazil
| | - Tássia Flávia Dias Castro
- Department of Animal Sciences, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lavras, UFLA, Lavras, Brazil
| | - Isadora de Lima Assis
- Department of Animal Sciences, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lavras, UFLA, Lavras, Brazil
| | | | - Silvana Marcussi
- Department of Animal Sciences, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lavras, UFLA, Lavras, Brazil
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Improvement in Semen Conservation of the Indigenous Czech Endangered Old Kladruber Horse: Special Focus on the Type of Extender and Packaging System. J Equine Vet Sci 2018; 72:101-107. [PMID: 30929772 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2018.10.026] [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: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of two freezing extenders and two packaging systems on motility, plasma membrane (PM) integrity, and the apoptotic status of frozen-thawed (F-T) spermatozoa of the endangered Old Kladruber stallions. The collected semen (n = 6 stallions, three collections each) was diluted either with Gent or Lactose-EDTA (Lact) extender. Two aliquots of semen from each collection diluted in this way were prepared and then loaded into 5-mL aluminum tubes or 0.5-mL plastic straws. After thawing and then at 15 minutes intervals within 1 hour, the samples were analyzed for motility (CASA), PM integrity (CFDA/PI), and apoptotic changes of the spermatozoa (Yo-Pro-1/PI). Using Gent, the samples exhibited higher motility, kinematic parameters, higher representation of spermatozoa in medium, and fast subpopulation, as well as more spermatozoa with intact PMs and fewer spermatozoa with apoptotic changes compared with Lact extender (P < .05). Progressive motility and PM integrity was superior when using Gent and 5-mL aluminum tubes as compared with the rest of the combinations (P < .05). Kinematic parameters, percentage of spermatozoa in fast subpopulation and apoptotic status was superior in Gent and 0.5-mL straws as compared with the rest of the combinations (P < .05). Moreover, we revealed that F-T semen reacts diametrically differently when two different extenders and packaging systems are used. The study concludes that the combination of Gent and 0.5-mL straws represent adequate freezing system to maintain the appropriate quality of spermatozoa of this endangered breed.
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Sublethal sperm freezing damage: Manifestations and solutions. Theriogenology 2018; 118:172-181. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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9
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Binder of Sperm Proteins protect ram spermatozoa from freeze-thaw damage. Cryobiology 2018; 82:78-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2018.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Pini T, Rickard JP, Leahy T, Crossett B, Druart X, de Graaf SP. Cryopreservation and egg yolk medium alter the proteome of ram spermatozoa. J Proteomics 2018; 181:73-82. [PMID: 29627624 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Cryopreservation causes significant lethal and sub-lethal damage to spermatozoa. In order to improve freezing outcomes, a comprehensive understanding of sub-lethal damage is required. Cryopreservation induced changes to sperm proteins have been investigated in several species, but few have employed currently available state of the art, data independent acquisition mass spectrometry (MS) methods. We used the SWATH LC-MS method to quantitatively profile proteomic changes to ram spermatozoa following exposure to egg yolk and cryopreservation. Egg yolk contributed 15 proteins to spermatozoa, including vitellogenins, apolipoproteins and complement component C3. Cryopreservation significantly altered the abundance of 51 proteins. Overall, 27 proteins increased (e.g. SERPINB1, FER) and 24 proteins decreased (e.g. CCT subunits, CSNK1G2, TOM1L1) in frozen thawed ram spermatozoa, compared to fresh spermatozoa. Chaperones constituted 20% of the proteins lost from spermatozoa following cryopreservation. These alterations may interfere with both normal cellular functioning and the ability of frozen thawed spermatozoa to appropriately respond to stress. This is the first study to apply SWATH mass spectrometry techniques to characterise proteins contributed by egg yolk based freezing media and to profile cryopreservation induced proteomic changes to ram spermatozoa. SIGNIFICANCE This study profiles changes to the sperm proteome induced by exposure to egg yolk based media and the process of cryopreservation, and the biological consequences are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Pini
- Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - J P Rickard
- Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - T Leahy
- Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - B Crossett
- Sydney Mass Spectrometry, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - X Druart
- UMR6175 INRA, CNRS-Université de Tours-Haras Nationaux, Station de Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - S P de Graaf
- Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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Gallo A, Boni R, Tosti E. Sperm viability assessment in marine invertebrates by fluorescent staining and spectrofluorimetry: A promising tool for assessing marine pollution impact. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2018; 147:407-412. [PMID: 28888124 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.07.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The viability of spermatozoa is a crucial parameter to evaluate their quality that is an important issue in ecotoxicological studies. Here, a new method has been developed to rapidly determine the viability of spermatozoa in three marine invertebrates: the ascidian Ciona intestinalis, the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus and the mollusc Mytilus galloprovincialis. This method employed the dual DNA fluorescent staining coupled with spectrofluorimetric analysis. The dual fluorescent staining used the SYBR-14 stained live spermatozoa and propidium iodide stained degenerated cells that had lost membrane integrity. Stain uptake was assessed by confocal microscopy and then the percentage of live and dead spermatozoa was quantified by spectrofluorimetric analysis. The microscopic examination revealed three populations of spermatozoa: living-SYBR-14 stained, dead-PI stained, and dying-doubly stained spermatozoa. The fluorescence emission peak values recorded in a spectrofluorimeter provide the portion of live and dead spermatozoa showing a significant negative correlation. The stain combination was further validated using known ratios of live and dead spermatozoa. The present study demonstrated that the dual DNA staining with SYBR-14 and propidium iodide was effective in assessing viability of spermatozoa in marine invertebrates and that spectrofluorimetric analysis can be successfully employed to evaluate the percentage of live and dead spermatozoa. The method develop herein is simple, accurate, rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective, so it could be a useful tool by which marine pollutants may be screened for spermiotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Gallo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Raffaele Boni
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 75100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Tosti
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Napoli, Italy.
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