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García-Vázquez FA. Artificial intelligence and porcine breeding. Anim Reprod Sci 2024:107538. [PMID: 38926001 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107538] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Livestock management is evolving into a new era, characterized by the analysis of vast quantities of data (Big Data) collected from both traditional breeding methods and new technologies such as sensors, automated monitoring system, and advanced analytics. Artificial intelligence (A-In), which refers to the capability of machines to mimic human intelligence, including subfields like machine learning and deep learning, is playing a pivotal role in this transformation. A wide array of A-In techniques, successfully employed in various industrial and scientific contexts, are now being integrated into mainstream livestock management practices. In the case of swine breeding, while traditional methods have yielded considerable success, the increasing amount of information requires the adoption of new technologies such as A-In to drive productivity, enhance animal welfare, and reduce environmental impact. Current findings suggest that these techniques have the potential to match or exceed the performance of traditional methods, often being more scalable in terms of efficiency and sustainability within the breeding industry. This review provides insights into the application of A-In in porcine breeding, from the perspectives of both sows (including welfare and reproductive management) and boars (including semen quality and health), and explores new approaches which are already being applied in other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco A García-Vázquez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain; Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain.
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2
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Mutagenesis alters sperm swimming velocity in Astyanax cave fish. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18709. [PMID: 36379982 PMCID: PMC9666463 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22486-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the hypothesis that intra ejaculate sperm competition screens against the transmission of deleterious alleles, including new mutants, from male parent to offspring. Recent investigations have established that sperm haploid genotypes can have major effects on sperm traits such as cellular robustness, longevity, and fertilization success. However, there is no evidence that new mutations can meaningfully affect sperm phenotypes. We tested this directly by comparing sperm from mutagenized and non-mutagenized control males in Astyanax fish. We used N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) to induce single base substitutions in spermatogonial stem cells. We looked at swimming velocity, an important factor contributing to fertilization success, and flagellar length. Variability in swimming velocity was significantly higher in sperm from mutagenized males than in control sperm, reflecting their increased allelic diversity. In contrast, flagellar length, which is fixed during diploid stages of spermatogenesis, was unaffected by ENU treatment. We briefly discuss the implications of intra-ejaculate screening for maintenance of anisogamy and for outcomes of assisted reproductive technology.
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Kadlec M, Pintus E, Ros-Santaella JL. The Interaction of NO and H 2S in Boar Spermatozoa under Oxidative Stress. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12050602. [PMID: 35268171 PMCID: PMC8909797 DOI: 10.3390/ani12050602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Various recent studies dedicated to the role of nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in somatic cells provide evidence for an interaction of the two gasotransmitters. In the case of male gametes, only the action of a single donor of each gasotransmitter has been investigated up until today. It has been demonstrated that, at low concentrations, both gasotransmitters alone exert a positive effect on sperm quality parameters. Moreover, the activity of gaseous cellular messengers may be affected by the presence of oxidative stress, an underlying condition of several male reproductive disorders. In this study, we explored the effect of the combination of two donors SNP and NaHS (NO and H2S donors, respectively) on boar spermatozoa under oxidative stress. We applied NaHS, SNP, and their combination (DD) at 100 nM concentration in boar spermatozoa samples treated with Fe2+/ascorbate system. After 90 min of incubation at 38 °C, we have observed that progressive motility (PMot) and plasma membrane integrity (PMI) were improved (p < 0.05) in DD treatment compared to the Ctr sample under oxidative stress (CtrOX). Moreover, the PMot of DD treatment was higher (p < 0.05) than that of NaHS. Similar to NaHS, SNP treatment did not overcome the PMot and PMI of CtrOX. In conclusion, for the first time, we provide evidence that the combination of SNP and NaHS surmounts the effect of single-donor application in terms of PMot and PMI in porcine spermatozoa under oxidative stress.
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Should All Fractions of the Boar Ejaculate Be Prepared for Insemination Rather Than Using the Sperm Rich Only? BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11020210. [PMID: 35205077 PMCID: PMC8869087 DOI: 10.3390/biology11020210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The swine industry is constantly looking for efficiency improvement, especially focusing on the artificial insemination (AI) process. One of the trends in AI centers is to maximize the number of doses obtained from one ejaculate. Seminal doses are usually prepared with the sperm-rich fraction or the whole ejaculate, but further studies are needed to understand how to prepare them properly. Thus, this study aims to analyze how accumulative ejaculate fractions may influence sperm storage, AI performance, and offspring. The results indicate that the presence of all ejaculate fractions within seminal doses does not affect either sperm quality or AI performance and offspring health. Therefore, this study highlights the possibility to use the bulk ejaculate for seminal dose preparation, leading to successful AI. Additionally, it results in a more time-efficient preparation of a greater number of seminal doses providing an economic advantage. Abstract Boar ejaculate is released in several well-characterized fractions, differing in terms of sperm concentration, seminal plasma volume, and composition. However, the inclusion of the last part of the ejaculate for artificial insemination (AI) purposes is still under debate due to its controversial effects. Thus, there is a need to study the potential synergistic impact of the different ejaculate fractions. We aimed to evaluate the effect of accumulative ejaculate fractions on sperm conservation, AI performance, and offspring health. Ejaculates (n = 51) were collected and distributed as follows: F1: sperm-rich fraction; F2: sperm-rich + intermediate fractions; F3: sperm-rich + intermediate + poor fractions. Each group was diluted in a commercial extender, packaged in seminal doses (2000 × 106 sperm/60 mL), and stored at ~16 °C. On day 3 of conservation, sperm were analyzed and used for AI (n = 174). High sperm quality was observed after storage without a significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). Moreover, no differences were obtained for AI performance (pregnancy and farrowing rates, and litter size; p > 0.05) and offspring health (growth and blood analysis; p > 0.05). Conclusively, the presence of all ejaculate fractions within the seminal doses does not impair the reproductive performance, reporting important economic savings according to the economic model included here.
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Górski K, Kondracki S, Iwanina M, Kordan W, Fraser L. Effects of breed and ejaculate volume on sperm morphology and semen parameters of boars. Anim Sci J 2021; 92:e13629. [PMID: 34477292 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13629] [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: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine the relation between the semen quality, frequency of sperm defects, sperm dimensions and shape, and the ejaculate volume of Large White and Landrace boars. A total of 648 ejaculates collected from 31 Large White and 30 Landrace boars were divided into three groups according to the criterion of the ejaculate volume. In this study Landrace boars produced ejaculates with higher volume, sperm concentration, and total numbers of spermatozoa than Large White boars. Landrace boars also showed a lower frequency of sperm with morphological abnormalities (P < 0.05). Landrace boars sperm had larger heads, which were by 0.15 μm longer, and by a larger perimeter and area (P < 0.05). Landrace boar spermatozoa also had a longer flagellum and were generally larger and by 2.07 μm longer than Large White boar sperm (P < 0.05). Significant differences were also found in the shape of sperm of the two breeds (P < 0.05). Landrace boars sperm had more elongated heads, and the ratio of head size to flagellum length was lower than in Large White boars sperm (P < 0.05). Sperm from ejaculates with low volume had a shorter flagellum and a greater head length/flagellum length ratio than sperm from medium- and high-volume ejaculates (P < 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Górski
- Institute of Animal Production and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobioengineering and Animal Husbandry, Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Siedlce, Poland
| | - Stanisław Kondracki
- Institute of Animal Production and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobioengineering and Animal Husbandry, Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Siedlce, Poland
| | - Maria Iwanina
- Institute of Animal Production and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobioengineering and Animal Husbandry, Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Siedlce, Poland
| | - Władysław Kordan
- Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Leyland Fraser
- Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
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6
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Characterization of Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Sperm Based on Morphometric Traits. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10050355. [PMID: 33922110 PMCID: PMC8143526 DOI: 10.3390/biology10050355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Dolphins are one of the best adapted aquatic mammalians in captivity. While these animals can reproduce naturally in aquaria, many aspects related to their reproduction are still unknown. Their behavior, sociability with humans and ability to learn make dolphins ideal subjects for investigating their reproduction features for conservation programs aimed at this aquatic species and others. It is known that dolphins use a multi-male mating strategy, in which sperm competition could play a fundamental role. This study aims to characterize the shape and dimensions of dolphin sperm from two mature males and putatively classifies them into subpopulations. Moreover, the influence of sex hormone levels (testosterone) and refrigeration (temperature and storage period) with sperm dimension was evaluated. The results indicated that sperm dimensions and shape differed between the two males studied and that the sperm of both males could be classified into two subpopulations depending on their dimensions. Moreover, both testosterone levels and refrigeration were seen to influence sperm dimensions. This investigation provides new insights into sperm competition in dolphin species, and the results could be extrapolated to other endangered aquatic mammalian species. Abstract Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) males follow many reproductive strategies to ensure their paternity. However, little is known about the sperm traits, including morphometric features, that contribute to their reproductive success. Our aim was to study dolphin sperm morphometry (a total of 13 parameters) in two adult males to evaluate (i) presumptive sperm subpopulations, (ii) the correlation of sperm morphometry with testosterone levels and (iii) the effect of refrigerated storage on the sperm morphometry. Sperm populations were classified into four principal components (PCs) based on morphometry (>94% of cumulative variance). The PCs clustered into two different sperm subpopulations, which differed between males. Furthermore, the levels of serum testosterone were positively correlated with the length of the midpiece but negatively correlated with head width and the principal piece, flagellum and total sperm lengths. Most of the sperm morphometric parameters changed during the storage period (day 1 vs. day 7), but only the principal piece length was affected by the storage temperature (5 °C vs. 15 °C). This is the first study to identify dolphin sperm subpopulations based on morphometry and the influence of serum testosterone and refrigeration on sperm morphometry.
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Divergent effect of fast- and slow-releasing H 2S donors on boar spermatozoa under oxidative stress. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6508. [PMID: 32300246 PMCID: PMC7162918 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63489-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is involved in the physiology and pathophysiology of different cell types, but little is known about its role in sperm cells. Because of its reducing properties, we hypothesise that H2S protects spermatozoa against the deleterious effects of oxidative stress, a condition that is common to several male fertility disorders. This study aimed i) to determine the total antioxidant capacities of Na2S and GYY4137, which are fast- and slow-releasing H2S donors, respectively, and ii) to test whether H2S donors are able to protect spermatozoa against oxidative stress. We found that Na2S and GYY4137 show different antioxidant properties, with the total antioxidant capacity of Na2S being mostly unstable and even undetectable at 150 µM. Moreover, both H2S donors preserve sperm motility and reduce acrosome loss, although the effects were both dose and donor dependent. Within the range of concentrations tested (3–300 µM), GYY4137 showed positive effects on sperm motility, whereas Na2S was beneficial at the lowest concentration but detrimental at the highest. Our findings show that Na2S and GYY4137 have different antioxidant properties and suggest that both H2S donors might be used as in vitro therapeutic agents against oxidative stress in sperm cells, although the optimal therapeutic range differs between the compounds.
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8
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Andraszek K, Banaszewska D, Szeleszczuk O, Niedbała P, Kuchta-Gładysz M. Comparison of the structure of chinchilla sperm isolated from semen and from the tail of the epididymis. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:515-522. [PMID: 31985848 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Sperm cells isolated from the tail of the epididymis and from the semen of the same individuals were analysed. The use of silver nitrate to stain sperm cells isolated from the tail of the epididymis made it possible to identify structures that were not visible in the sperm from semen. Silver nitrate very clearly distinguished the acrosomal and distal parts of the sperm head. Following silver nitrate staining, the sperm isolated from the tail of the epididymis were characterized by dark 'collars' in the distal part of the head. These 'collars' are not visible in the sperm cells isolated from semen. The results of the study indicate differences in the dimensions of sperm isolated from the tail of the epididymis and sperm in semen. Sperm isolated from the tail of the epididymis had smaller heads, despite their longer length, and had longer midpieces and tails than ejaculate sperm. Silver nitrate staining is a simple and fast technique. Silver nitrate makes it possible to identify the acrosome and post-acrosomal region of the sperm head and to clearly identify the midpiece. Therefore, it can be successfully used to supplement routine techniques for evaluating sperm morphology or as an independent technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Andraszek
- Department of Bioengineering and Animal Sciences, Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Siedlce, Poland
| | - Dorota Banaszewska
- Department of Bioengineering and Animal Sciences, Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Siedlce, Poland
| | - Olga Szeleszczuk
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Anatomy and Genomics, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Kraków, Poland
| | - Piotr Niedbała
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Anatomy and Genomics, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Kraków, Poland
| | - Marta Kuchta-Gładysz
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Anatomy and Genomics, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Kraków, Poland
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9
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Borowsky R, Luk A, Kim RS. Sperm swimming behaviors are correlated with sperm haploid genetic variability in the Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218538. [PMID: 31242252 PMCID: PMC6594619 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The diploid genotypes of males are widely thought to determine sperm phenotypes, yet recent work shows that the haploid genetics of the individual sperm cell also contributes significantly. We tested seven sperm phenotypes, flagellar length and six behaviors, looking for correlations between genetic and phenotypic variability. While flagellar length appears to be controlled by the diploid genotype of the source, variation in three of the behavioral phenotypes, linearity, wobble, and progression are significantly correlated with the heterozygosity of the male producer. Because males that are more genetically variable produce a sperm set that is more diverse in its haploid genotypes, we suggest that the correlations may reflect significant haploid genetic control of sperm swimming behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Borowsky
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Alissa Luk
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Rebecca S. Kim
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Langone Center, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
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10
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Post-cervical artificial insemination in porcine: The technique that came to stay. Theriogenology 2019; 129:37-45. [PMID: 30797138 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The porcine industry is of great importance worldwide, and so any technological innovation in one or more of the associated production areas is of interest for meat production. Among such innovations in the reproduction area, post-cervical or intrauterine artificial insemination (PCAI) has emerged as a new approach in artificial insemination (AI). PCAI is gradually replacing traditional cervical insemination (CAI), particularly in countries with intensive pig production industries. This type of insemination, which deposits the semen in the body of the uterus (as opposed to traditional cervical deposition), is increasingly used in the field due to its simplicity and the numerous advantages that it provides at production level (e.g. reduced number of sperm, less time required to perform insemination and faster genetic improvement) and, consequently, from an economic point of view. In addition, since its inception, PCAI has been combined with other reproductive biotechnologies, such as the use of frozen-thawed sperm, fixed-time AI or sperm-mediated gene transfer. However, despite its wide acceptance and application, new approaches for increasing the efficiency of PCAI are constantly being sought, such as the adjustment and standardization in sperm numbers, the conservation of the PCAI semen dose, its association with other biotechnologies (sex-sorted sperm) or its efficacy in young (nulliparous and primiparous) females.
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11
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Aminoguanidine Protects Boar Spermatozoa against the Deleterious Effects of Oxidative Stress. Pharmaceutics 2018; 10:pharmaceutics10040212. [PMID: 30388840 PMCID: PMC6321554 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics10040212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aminoguanidine is a selective inhibitor of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and a scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Numerous studies have shown the antioxidant properties of aminoguanidine in several cell lines, but the in vitro effects of this compound on spermatozoa under oxidative stress are unknown. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that aminoguanidine may protect against the detrimental effects of oxidative stress in boar spermatozoa. For this purpose, sperm samples were incubated with a ROS generating system (Fe2+/ascorbate) with or without aminoguanidine supplementation (10, 1, and 0.1 mM). Our results show that aminoguanidine has powerful antioxidant capacity and protects boar spermatozoa against the deleterious effects of oxidative stress. After 2 h and 3.5 h of sperm incubation, the samples treated with aminoguanidine showed a significant increase in sperm velocity, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity together with a reduced lipid peroxidation in comparison with control samples (p < 0.001). Interestingly, except for the levels of malondialdehyde, the samples treated with 1 mM aminoguanidine did not differ or showed better performance than control samples without Fe2+/ascorbate. The results from this study provide new insights into the application of aminoguanidine as an in vitro therapeutic agent against the detrimental effects of oxidative stress in semen samples.
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12
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Engel KM, Grunewald S, Schiller J, Paasch U. Automated semen analysis by SQA Vision®
versus the manual approach-A prospective double-blind study. Andrologia 2018; 51:e13149. [DOI: 10.1111/and.13149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin M. Engel
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, EAA Training Center of Andrology; University of Leipzig, University Hospital Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
- Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics; University of Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
| | - Sonja Grunewald
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, EAA Training Center of Andrology; University of Leipzig, University Hospital Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
| | - Jürgen Schiller
- Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics; University of Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
| | - Uwe Paasch
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, EAA Training Center of Andrology; University of Leipzig, University Hospital Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
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13
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Borowsky R, Luk A, He X, Kim RS. Unique sperm haplotypes are associated with phenotypically different sperm subpopulations in Astyanax fish. BMC Biol 2018; 16:72. [PMID: 29973198 PMCID: PMC6032774 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-018-0538-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The phenotypes of sperm are generally believed to be under the control of the diploid genotype of the male producing them rather than their own haploid genotypes, because developing spermatids share cytoplasm through intercellular bridges. This sharing is believed to homogenize their content of gene products. However, not all developing spermatids have identical gene products and estimates are that alleles at numerous gene loci are unequally expressed in sperm. This provides scope for the hypothesis that sperm phenotypes might be influenced by their unique haplotypes. Here we test a key prediction of this hypothesis. RESULTS The haploid hypothesis predicts that phenotypically different sperm subpopulations should be genetically distinct. We tested this by genotyping different sperm subpopulations that were generated by exposing sperm to a chemical dye challenge (Hoechst 33342). Dye treatment caused the cells to swell and tend to clump together. The three subpopulations of sperm we distinguished in flow cytometry corresponded to single cells, and clumps of two or three. Cell clumping in the presence of the dye may reflect variation in cell adhesivity. We found that allelic contents differed among the three populations. Importantly, the subpopulations with clumped sperm cells were significantly enriched in allelic combinations that had previously been observed to have significantly lower transmission success. CONCLUSIONS We show that at least one sperm phenotype is correlated with its haploid genotype. This supports a broader hypothesis that the haploid genotypes of sperm cells may influence their fitness, with potentially significant implications for the transmission of deleterious alleles or combinations of alleles to their offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alissa Luk
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, USA
| | - Xinjian He
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, USA
| | - Rebecca S. Kim
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, USA
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14
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Maroto-Morales A, García-Álvarez O, Ramón M, Martínez-Pastor F, Fernández-Santos MR, Soler AJ, Garde JJ. Current status and potential of morphometric sperm analysis. Asian J Androl 2017; 18:863-870. [PMID: 27678465 PMCID: PMC5109877 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.187581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The spermatozoon is the most diverse cell type known and this diversity is considered to reflect differences in sperm function. How the diversity in sperm morphology arose during speciation and what role the different specializations play in sperm function, however, remain incompletely characterized. This work reviews the hypotheses proposed to explain sperm morphological evolution, with a focus on some aspects of sperm morphometric evaluation; the ability of morphometrics to predict sperm cryoresistance and male fertility is also discussed. For this, the evaluation of patterns of change of sperm head morphometry throughout a process, instead of the study of the morphometric characteristics of the sperm head at different stages, allows a better identification of the males with different sperm cryoconservation ability. These new approaches, together with more studies employing a greater number of individuals, are needed to obtain novel results concerning the role of sperm morphometry on sperm function. Future studies should aim at understanding the causes of sperm design diversity and the mechanisms that generate them, giving increased attention to other sperm structures besides the sperm head. The implementation of scientific and technological advances could benefit the simultaneous examination of sperm phenotype and sperm function, demonstrating that sperm morphometry could be a useful tool for sperm assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olga García-Álvarez
- SaBio IREC (CSIC - UCLM - JCCM), Albacete, Spain.,Biomedical Center, Medical Faculty in Pilsen, Charles University in Prague, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Manuel Ramón
- Regional Center of Animal Selection and Reproduction (CERSYRA) JCCM, Valdepeñas, Spain
| | - Felipe Martínez-Pastor
- Institute for Animal Health and Cattle Development, University of León, León, Spain.,Department of Molecular Biology, University of León, León, Spain
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15
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García-Vázquez FA, Gadea J, Matás C, Holt WV. Importance of sperm morphology during sperm transport and fertilization in mammals. Asian J Androl 2017; 18:844-850. [PMID: 27624988 PMCID: PMC5109874 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.186880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
After natural or artificial insemination, the spermatozoon starts a journey from the site of deposition to the place of fertilization. However, only a small subset of the spermatozoa deposited achieves their goal: to reach and fertilize the egg. Factors involved in controlling sperm transport and fertilization include the female reproductive tract environment, cell-cell interactions, gene expression, and phenotypic sperm traits. Some of the significant determinants of fertilization are known (i.e., motility or DNA status), but many sperm traits are still indecipherable. One example is the influence of sperm dimensions and shape upon transport within the female genital tract towards the oocyte. Biophysical associations between sperm size and motility may influence the progression of spermatozoa through the female reproductive tract, but uncertainties remain concerning how sperm morphology influences the fertilization process, and whether only the sperm dimensions per se are involved. Moreover, such explanations do not allow the possibility that the female tract is capable of distinguishing fertile spermatozoa on the basis of their morphology, as seems to be the case with biochemical, molecular, and genetic properties. This review focuses on the influence of sperm size and shape in evolution and their putative role in sperm transport and selection within the uterus and the ability to fertilize the oocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco A García-Vázquez
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Joaquín Gadea
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Carmen Matás
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - William V Holt
- Department of Human Metabolism, Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Sheffield S10 2SF, UK
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16
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Soler C, Alambiaga A, Martí MA, García-Molina A, Valverde A, Contell J, Campos M. Dog sperm head morphometry: its diversity and evolution. Asian J Androl 2017; 19:149-153. [PMID: 27751991 PMCID: PMC5312210 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.189207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dogs have been under strong artificial selection as a consequence of their relationship with man. Differences between breeds are evident that could be reflected in seminal characteristics. The present study was to evaluate differences in sperm head morphometry between seven well-defined breeds of dog: the British Bulldog, Chihuahua, German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Spanish Mastiff, Staffordshire Terrier, and Valencian Rat Hunting dog. Semen samples were obtained by masturbation and smears stained with Diff-Quik. Morphometric analysis (CASA-Morph) produced four size and four shape parameters. Length, Ellipticity, and Elongation showed higher differences between breeds. MANOVA revealed differences among all breeds. Considering the whole dataset, principal component analysis (PCA) showed that PC1 was related to head shape and PC2 to size. Procluster analysis showed the British Bulldog to be the most isolated breed, followed by the German Shepherd. The PCA breed by breed showed the Chihuahua, Labrador Retriever, Spanish Mastiff, and Staffordshire Terrier to have PC1 related to shape and PC2 to size, whereas the British Bulldog, Valencia Rat Hunting dog, and German Shepherd had PC1 related to size and PC2 to shape. The dendrogram for cluster groupings and the distance between them showed the British Bulldog to be separated from the rest of the breeds. Future work on dog semen must take into account the large differences in the breeds’ sperm characteristics. The results provide a base for future work on phylogenetic and evolutionary studies of dogs, based on their seminal characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carles Soler
- Department of Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, University of València, 46100 Burjassot, Spain.,R+D Department, Proiser R+D, Scientific Park, University of València, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Ana Alambiaga
- Department of Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, University of València, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
| | - Maria A Martí
- Department of Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, University of València, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
| | - Almudena García-Molina
- R+D Department, Proiser R+D, Scientific Park, University of València, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Anthony Valverde
- Department of Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, University of València, 46100 Burjassot, Spain.,Technological Institute of Costa Rica, San Carlos Campus, School of Agronomy, 223-21001 Alajuela, Costa Rica
| | - Jesús Contell
- R+D Department, Proiser R+D, Scientific Park, University of València, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Marcos Campos
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, University Cardenal-Herrera-CEU, 46113 Moncada, València, Spain.,Global Veterinaria (Reprovalcan), 46500 Sagunto, València, Spain.,Clínica Veterinaria Sangüeso, 46009 València, Spain
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17
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Soler C, Contell J, Bori L, Sancho M, García-Molina A, Valverde A, Segarvall J. Sperm kinematic, head morphometric and kinetic-morphometric subpopulations in the blue fox ( Alopex lagopus). Asian J Androl 2017; 19:154-159. [PMID: 27751987 PMCID: PMC5312211 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.188445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This work provides information on the blue fox ejaculated sperm quality needed for seminal dose calculations. Twenty semen samples, obtained by masturbation, were analyzed for kinematic and morphometric parameters by using CASA-Mot and CASA-Morph system and principal component (PC) analysis. For motility, eight kinematic parameters were evaluated, which were reduced to PC1, related to linear variables, and PC2, related to oscillatory movement. The whole population was divided into three independent subpopulations: SP1, fast cells with linear movement; SP2, slow cells and nonoscillatory motility; and SP3, medium speed cells and oscillatory movement. In almost all cases, the subpopulation distribution by animal was significantly different. Head morphology analysis generated four size and four shape parameters, which were reduced to PC1, related to size, and PC2, related to shape of the cells. Three morphometric subpopulations existed: SP1: large oval cells; SP2: medium size elongated cells; and SP3: small and short cells. The subpopulation distribution differed between animals. Combining the kinematic and morphometric datasets produced PC1, related to morphometric parameters, and PC2, related to kinematics, which generated four sperm subpopulations – SP1: high oscillatory motility, large and short heads; SP2: medium velocity with small and short heads; SP3: slow motion small and elongated cells; and SP4: high linear speed and large elongated cells. Subpopulation distribution was different in all animals. The establishment of sperm subpopulations from kinematic, morphometric, and combined variables not only improves the well-defined fox semen characteristics and offers a good conceptual basis for fertility and sperm preservation techniques in this species, but also opens the door to use this approach in other species, included humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carles Soler
- Department of Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, University of València, 46100 Burjassot, Spain.,R+D Department, Proiser R+D, Scientific Park, University of València, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Jesús Contell
- R+D Department, Proiser R+D, Scientific Park, University of València, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Lorena Bori
- Department of Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, University of València, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
| | - María Sancho
- R+D Department, Proiser R+D, Scientific Park, University of València, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Almudena García-Molina
- R+D Department, Proiser R+D, Scientific Park, University of València, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Anthony Valverde
- Department of Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, University of València, 46100 Burjassot, Spain.,Technological Institute of Costa Rica, San Carlos Campus, School of Agronomy, 223-21001 Alajuela, Costa Rica
| | - Jan Segarvall
- Finnish Fur Breeders Association, ProFur, 65101 Vaasa, Finland
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