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Maggi G, Silveira D, Vieira MB, da Silva IGM, Barros-Cordeiro KB, Severo NC, Báo SN, Mondadori RG. High percentage of midpiece defects in Brangus bull sperm with no reduction in sperm kinematics. Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14585. [PMID: 38745503 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14585] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The study investigated midpiece defects in sperm from a 5-year-old Brangus bull with a high rate of semen batch rejection, due to morphologically abnormal sperm, with no reduction in sperm kinematics. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted over a 16-month period, involving 28 ejaculates. Notably, despite the high proportion of midpiece defects (average 37.73%, from 3% to 58%), the study revealed stable sperm production, with no discernible differences in the kinematic data before and after cryopreservation. Electron microscopy identified discontinuities in the mitochondrial sheath, characteristic of midpiece aplasia (MPA). The anomalies were attributed to be of genetic origin, as other predisposing factors were absent. Additionally, the electron microscopy unveiled plasma membrane defects, vacuoles and chromatin decondensation, consistent with previous findings linking acrosome abnormalities with midpiece defects. The findings underscored the necessity of conducting thorough laboratory evaluations before releasing cryopreserved semen for commercialization. Despite substantial morphological alterations, the initial semen evaluation data indicated acceptable levels of sperm kinematics, emphasizing the resilience of sperm production to severe morphological changes. This case report serves as a contribution to the understanding of midpiece defects in bull sperm, emphasizing the need for meticulous evaluation and quality control in semen processing and commercialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Maggi
- Grupo Fisiopatologia e Biotécnicas da Reprodução Animal (FiBRA-UFPel), Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brasil
| | | | | | - Ingrid Gracielle Martins da Silva
- Laboratório de Microscopia e Microanálise, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brasil
| | - Karine Brenda Barros-Cordeiro
- Laboratório de Microscopia e Microanálise, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brasil
| | | | - Sônia Nair Báo
- Laboratório de Microscopia e Microanálise, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brasil
| | - Rafael Gianella Mondadori
- Instituto de Biologia, Grupo Fisiopatologia e Biotécnicas da Reprodução Animal (FiBRA-UFPel), Universidade Federal de Pelotas, RS, Brasil
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Nanowater enhances cryoprotective properties of glycerol-containing extenders used for ram semen freezing: A preliminary study spanning laboratory testing. ANNALS OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/aoas-2022-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
It has been suggested that nanowater (NW-water declustered in the cold plasma generator and characterized by a low freezing point and high diffusivity) could improve ram semen quality after freezing in glycerol-containing extenders. Eighteen ejaculates from six Olkuska rams were divided into six equal portions each, and then diluted (800×106 spermatozoa/ml) and frozen in the fructose-skimmed milk-egg yolk Kareta extenders containing 3% or 7% of glycerol. The extenders were prepared with deionized water (DW-3% and DW-7%) or NW declustered for 15 min (NW15’) or 30 min (NW30’). Post-thaw sperm motility, proportions of sperm defects and percentages of apoptotic, necrotic, and live spermatozoa were determined. The proportion of spermatozoa with mid-piece defects was lower (P<0.05) in NW15’-3% compared with DW-3%. Sperm progressive motility was greater (P<0.05) for spermatozoa cryopreserved in both NW30’ (NW30’-3%/7%) extenders compared with their respective controls (DW30’-3%/7%). The proportion of necrotic spermatozoa 1 h after thawing was lower (P<0.05) in NW30’-7% compared with DW-7%, whereas the proportion of live cells detected immediately and 1 h after thawing was greater (P<0.05) in NW30’-7% than in DW-7%. In summary, NW enhanced cryoprotective effects of glycerol-containing extenders with an increase in sperm viability being greater with 7% than 3% of glycerol. Different declustering times appear to alter NW properties. These observations merit future studies of the utility of NW for semen cryopreservation in rams and other mammalian species. The specific mechanisms whereby NW ameliorates the quality of frozen-thawed ram spermatozoa remain to be elucidated.
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Madeja ZE, Podralska M, Nadel A, Pszczola M, Pawlak P, Rozwadowska N. Mitochondria Content and Activity Are Crucial Parameters for Bull Sperm Quality Evaluation. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10081204. [PMID: 34439451 PMCID: PMC8388911 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10081204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Standard sperm evaluation parameters do not enable predicting their ability to survive cryopreservation. Mitochondria are highly prone to suffer injuries during freezing, and any abnormalities in their morphology or function are reflected by a decline of sperm quality. Our work focused on describing a link between the number and the activity of mitochondria, with an aim to validate its applicability as a biomarker of bovine sperm quality. Cryopreserved sperm collected from bulls with high (group 1) and low (group 2) semen quality was separated by swim up. The spermatozoa of group 1 overall retained more mitochondria (MitoTrackerGreen) and mtDNA copies, irrespective of the fraction. Regardless of the initial ejaculate quality, the motile sperm contained significantly more mitochondria and mtDNA copies. The same trend was observed for mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm, JC-1), where motile sperm displayed high ΔΨm. These results stay in agreement with transcript-level evaluation (real-time polymerase chain reaction, PCR) of antioxidant enzymes (PRDX1, SOD1, GSS), which protect cells from the reactive oxygen species. An overall higher level of glutathione synthetase (GSS) mRNA was noted in group 1 bulls, suggesting higher ability to counteract free radicals. No differences were noted between basal oxygen consumption rate (OCR) (Seahorse XF Agilent) and ATP-linked respiration for group 1 and 2 bulls. In conclusion, mitochondrial content and activity may be used as reliable markers for bovine sperm quality evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zofia E. Madeja
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, 60-637 Poznan, Poland; (M.P.); (P.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Marta Podralska
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479 Poznan, Poland; (M.P.); (A.N.); (N.R.)
| | - Agnieszka Nadel
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479 Poznan, Poland; (M.P.); (A.N.); (N.R.)
| | - Marcin Pszczola
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, 60-637 Poznan, Poland; (M.P.); (P.P.)
| | - Piotr Pawlak
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, 60-637 Poznan, Poland; (M.P.); (P.P.)
| | - Natalia Rozwadowska
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479 Poznan, Poland; (M.P.); (A.N.); (N.R.)
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Perry VEA. The Role of Sperm Morphology Standards in the Laboratory Assessment of Bull Fertility in Australia. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:672058. [PMID: 34124227 PMCID: PMC8187580 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.672058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The lack of standardization in the laboratory assessment of semen questions the reliability of semen analysis, and makes meaningful interpretation of these evaluations impossible. We herein describe a standardization program for morphology assessment currently in place in Australia and outline the methods used, both for the categorization of the abnormalities, including newly described abnormalities, and those that permit standardized microscopic assessment between laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- V E A Perry
- Queensland Sperm Morphology Laboratory, Ruminant Reproduction Research Centre, Goondiwindi, QLD, Australia.,School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD, Australia.,Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Soley JT, du Plessis L. Ultra-imaging in applied animal andrology: The power and the beauty. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 220:106306. [PMID: 32085922 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106306] [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: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Ultrastructural studies of the male gamete provide relevant complementary data of value for the clinical assessment of semen quality and assist in determining phylogenetic and structural/functional relationships. This is illustrated using semen samples and testicular material from vulnerable wild animals (cheetah and rhinoceros), commercially exploited exotic birds (ratites and tinamou) and poultry (chicken and duck). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to record sperm and spermatid ultrastructural detail on a comparative basis. The power of the technique was demonstrated using normal and abnormal (the knobbed acrosome defect) formation of the acrosome in the cheetah and rhinoceros. The structural similarities of the defect across species was apparent. The determination of phylogenetic associations was illustrated by comparing structural characteristics between ratites (ostrich, emu and rhea), the tinamou and poultry (chicken and duck), highlighting the morphological peculiarities evident in the midpiece and proximal principal piece of the sperm tail. A clear distinction was obvious between the ratites and tinamou on the one hand and the Galliform and Anseriform birds on the other. The potential power of using molecular techniques in conjunction with ultrastructural studies to explain structural/functional relationships was demonstrated by describing a transient elaboration of the perinuclear theca that occurs during a specific stage of spermiogenesis in ratites, and which can only be imaged using TEM. The inherent aesthetic appeal of the structurally complex normal and defective male gamete was also emphasised.
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Affiliation(s)
- John T Soley
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa.
| | - Lizette du Plessis
- Electron Microscope Unit, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
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Arando A, Delgado JV, Arrebola FA, León JM, Alcalá CJ, Pérez-Marín CC. Vitrification induces critical subcellular damages in ram spermatozoa. Cryobiology 2019; 87:52-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2019.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Díaz-Miranda EA, Maitan PP, Machado TP, Camilo BS, Lima DA, Okano DS, Penitente-Filho JM, Machado-Neves M, de Oliveira LL, Guimarães SEF, da Costa EP, Guimarães JD. Disruption of bovine sperm functions in the presence of aplastic midpiece defect. Andrology 2019; 8:201-210. [PMID: 30908900 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12618] [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: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bulls are of great importance in the productive chain and for this reason they should have a good semen quality. There is no doubt that sperm morphology is very important to bull fertility, although little is known about how exactly the abnormal morphologies may affect sperm functions. OBJECTIVES To detail the morphological description of the aplastic midpiece defect (AMD), as well as to understand its consequences for male fertility based on membrane and acrosome status, mitochondrial membrane potential and DNA integrity parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS The bulls were divided into two groups: control, consisting of satisfactory potential breeders (n = 3); and AMD, consisting of unsatisfactory potential breeders with a high percentage of AMD (n = 3). Bulls were evaluated by the breeding soundness evaluation; five ejaculates were collected from each animal and analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS Spermatozoa from AMD group exhibited lower sperm motility and vigor (p < 0.05). In addition, it also exhibited lower mitochondrial membrane potential (p < 0.05), a higher percentage of spermatozoa with DNA fragmentation (p < 0.05), lower acrosome and plasma membrane integrity (p < 0.05), and higher lipid bilayer sperm membrane disorganization (p < 0.05) in comparison with control bulls. DISCUSSION These findings may be due to oxidative stress and a reduction of the energy production capacity in addition to an alteration in the structural composition of the sperm cell. Moreover, semen with a high percentage of AMD may also be undergoing apoptosis. CONCLUSION Bulls with a high percentage of AMD in their semen are not suitable for reproduction. Furthermore, it suggests there is a putative genetic basis for this sperm defect.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Díaz-Miranda
- Department of Veterinary, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - P P Maitan
- Department of Veterinary, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - T P Machado
- Department of Veterinary, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - B S Camilo
- Department of Veterinary, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - D A Lima
- Department of Veterinary, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - D S Okano
- Department of Veterinary, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - J M Penitente-Filho
- Department of Veterinary, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - M Machado-Neves
- Department of General Biology, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - L L de Oliveira
- Department of General Biology, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - S E F Guimarães
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - E P da Costa
- Department of Veterinary, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - J D Guimarães
- Department of Veterinary, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
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Moustacas VS, Xavier MN, Carvalho-Júnior CA, Costa EA, Henry M, Santos RL. Effect of extender supplementation with various antimicrobial agents on viability of Brucella ovis and Actinobacillus seminis in cryopreserved ovine semen. Theriogenology 2010; 74:1476-81. [PMID: 20708246 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2010] [Revised: 06/12/2010] [Accepted: 06/19/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The objective was to determine the effectiveness of various antimicrobial agents added to semen extender for inactivation of B. ovis or A. seminis in ovine semen after cryopreservation. In Experiment 1, 20 ejaculates from a crossbred ram infected with B. ovis were cryopreserved in Tris-based extenders with various antimicrobial agents: (I) control without antibiotics, (II) with penicillin and streptomycin (1000 IU/mL and 1 mg/mL, respectively), (III) lincomycin (0.15 mg/mL), (IV) sulphadiazine (0.60 mg/mL), and (V) gentamicin sulphate (0.25 mg/mL). Semen was stored in 0.25 mL straws at a final concentration of 150 × 10(6) spermatozoa/mL. After thawing (37 °C for 30 s), sperm total motility (TM), sperm morphology, integrity of sperm membranes, and bacterial growth were assessed. In Experiment 2, six B. ovis isolates were separately inoculated into aliquots of a fresh ejaculate from a B. ovis-free ram. Mock inoculated semen was processed for cryopreservation using the five extenders described above, and bacteriologically evaluated after thawing. In Experiment 3, sensitivity of A. seminis to the same antimicrobial agents was evaluated by inoculating an ejaculate from an A. seminis and B. ovis-free ram. There were no significant differences among treatments in post-thawing sperm parameters. B. ovis was isolated from 100% (20/20), 0% (0/20), 95% (19/20), 100% (20/20), and 5% (1/20) of semen samples diluted in tris-based extender of untreated (I) and treated semen samples with antimicrobial agents II, III, IV, and V, respectively. Frequencies of isolation from samples treated with antimicrobial agent II and V were significantly lower than untreated ones (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the profile of antimicrobial resistance of different B. ovis isolates. A. seminis had a similar sensitivity to the antimicrobial agents. We concluded that addition of a combination of penicillin and streptomycin or gentamicin alone to ram semen cryo-extenders inactivated B. ovis and A. seminis.
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Affiliation(s)
- V S Moustacas
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Akhter S, Ansari MS, Andrabi SMH, Ullah N, Qayyum M. Effect of Antibiotics in Extender on Bacterial and Spermatozoal Quality of Cooled Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis
) Bull Semen. Reprod Domest Anim 2007; 43:272-278. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2007.00890.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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