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Llavanera M. Evaluation of sperm quality and male fertility: The use of molecular markers in boar sperm and seminal plasma. Anim Reprod Sci 2024:107545. [PMID: 38960838 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107545] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
In pig production, the optimization of artificial insemination (AI) efficiency significantly relies on the accurate assessment of semen quality and fertility of boars. Traditional methods such as conventional seminogram techniques, although long-standing, exhibit limited sensitivity in predicting boar fertility, warranting the exploration of novel molecular markers. This review synthesizes the current knowledge on the utilization of molecular markers for semen quality evaluation and male fertility prediction in boars, providing an in-depth examination of molecular markers in this context. Specifically, the present work delves into the potential of OMICs technologies, encompassing genetic and genomic approaches, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. A diverse array of molecular markers, including genomic regions associated with sperm quality and male fertility, chromatin integrity, mitochondrial DNA content, mRNA and non-coding RNA signatures, as well as proteins and metabolites in sperm and seminal plasma, are identified as promising molecular markers for fertility prediction in boars. Furthermore, the need of validating biomarkers and their practical implementation in AI centres is here emphasized. Addressing these considerations and integrating molecular markers within the swine breeding field holds the potential to enhance reproductive management practices and optimize productivity in boar breeding programs. This integration can significantly improve overall efficiency within the pig breeding industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Llavanera
- Laboratory of Chromosome Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany; Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.
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2
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Kaur R, McGarry A, Shropshire JD, Leigh BA, Bordenstein SR. Prophage proteins alter long noncoding RNA and DNA of developing sperm to induce a paternal-effect lethality. Science 2024; 383:1111-1117. [PMID: 38452081 PMCID: PMC11187695 DOI: 10.1126/science.adk9469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The extent to which prophage proteins interact with eukaryotic macromolecules is largely unknown. In this work, we show that cytoplasmic incompatibility factor A (CifA) and B (CifB) proteins, encoded by prophage WO of the endosymbiont Wolbachia, alter long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and DNA during Drosophila sperm development to establish a paternal-effect embryonic lethality known as cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). CifA is a ribonuclease (RNase) that depletes a spermatocyte lncRNA important for the histone-to-protamine transition of spermiogenesis. Both CifA and CifB are deoxyribonucleases (DNases) that elevate DNA damage in late spermiogenesis. lncRNA knockdown enhances CI, and mutagenesis links lncRNA depletion and subsequent sperm chromatin integrity changes to embryonic DNA damage and CI. Hence, prophage proteins interact with eukaryotic macromolecules during gametogenesis to create a symbiosis that is fundamental to insect evolution and vector control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupinder Kaur
- Pennsylvania State University, Departments of Biology and Entomology, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- One Health Microbiome Center, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Biological Sciences, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Angelina McGarry
- Pennsylvania State University, Departments of Biology and Entomology, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- One Health Microbiome Center, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - J. Dylan Shropshire
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Biological Sciences, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
| | - Brittany A. Leigh
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Biological Sciences, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Seth R. Bordenstein
- Pennsylvania State University, Departments of Biology and Entomology, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- One Health Microbiome Center, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Biological Sciences, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
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3
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Lacalle E, Fernández-Alegre E, Gómez-Giménez B, Álvarez-Rodríguez M, Martín-Fernández B, Soriano-Úbeda C, Martínez-Pastor F. Application of Flow Cytometry Using Advanced Chromatin Analyses for Assessing Changes in Sperm Structure and DNA Integrity in a Porcine Model. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1953. [PMID: 38396632 PMCID: PMC10888687 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25041953] [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: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Chromatin status is critical for sperm fertility and reflects spermatogenic success. We tested a multivariate approach for studying pig sperm chromatin structure to capture its complexity with a set of quick and simple techniques, going beyond the usual assessment of DNA damage. Sperm doses from 36 boars (3 ejaculates/boar) were stored at 17 °C and analyzed on days 0 and 11. Analyses were: CASA (motility) and flow cytometry to assess sperm functionality and chromatin structure by SCSA (%DFI, DNA fragmentation; %HDS, chromatin maturity), monobromobimane (mBBr, tiol status/disulfide bridges between protamines), chromomycin A3 (CMA3, protamination), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG, DNA oxidative damage). Data were analyzed using linear models for the effects of boar and storage, correlations, and multivariate analysis as hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis (PCA). Storage reduced sperm quality parameters, mainly motility, with no critical oxidative stress increases, while chromatin status worsened slightly (%DFI and 8-oxo-dG increased while mBBr MFI-median fluorescence intensity-and disulfide bridge levels decreased). Boar significantly affected most chromatin variables except CMA3; storage also affected most variables except %HDS. At day 0, sperm chromatin variables clustered closely, except for CMA3, and %HDS and 8-oxo-dG correlated with many variables (notably, mBBr). After storage, the relation between %HDS and 8-oxo-dG remained, but correlations among other variables disappeared, and mBBr variables clustered separately. The PCA suggested a considerable influence of mBBr on sample variance, especially regarding storage, with SCSA and 8-oxo-dG affecting between-sample variability. Overall, CMA3 was the least informative, in contrast with results in other species. The combination of DNA fragmentation, DNA oxidation, chromatin compaction, and tiol status seems a good candidate for obtaining a complete picture of pig sperm nucleus status. It raises many questions for future molecular studies and deserves further research to establish its usefulness as a fertility predictor in multivariate models. The usefulness of CMA3 should be clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estíbaliz Lacalle
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (E.L.); (B.M.-F.)
- Bianor Biotech SL, 24071 León, Spain
| | | | - Belén Gómez-Giménez
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (E.L.); (B.M.-F.)
| | - Manuel Álvarez-Rodríguez
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology, Spanish Scientific Research Council (INIA-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Beatriz Martín-Fernández
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (E.L.); (B.M.-F.)
- Department of Molecular Biology (Cell Biology), University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Cristina Soriano-Úbeda
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Veterinary Anatomy (Animal Medicine and Surgery), University of León, 24071 León, Spain;
| | - Felipe Martínez-Pastor
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (E.L.); (B.M.-F.)
- Department of Molecular Biology (Cell Biology), University of León, 24071 León, Spain
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Viñolas-Vergés E, Ribas-Maynou J, Barranco I, Peres Rubio C, Bonet S, Roca J, Yeste M. Chromatin condensation but not DNA integrity of pig sperm is greater in the sperm-rich fraction. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2023; 14:139. [PMID: 37926841 PMCID: PMC10626759 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-023-00938-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protamination and condensation of sperm chromatin as well as DNA integrity play an essential role during fertilization and embryo development. In some mammals, like pigs, ejaculates are emitted in three separate fractions: pre-sperm, sperm-rich (SRF) and post sperm-rich (PSRF). These fractions are known to vary in volume, sperm concentration and quality, as well as in the origin and composition of seminal plasma (SP), with differences being also observed within the SRF one. Yet, whether disparities in the DNA integrity and chromatin condensation and protamination of their sperm exist has not been interrogated. RESULTS This study determined chromatin protamination (Chromomycin A3 test, CMA3), condensation (Dibromobimane test, DBB), and DNA integrity (Comet assay) in the pig sperm contained in the first 10 mL of the SRF (SRF-P1), the remaining portion of the sperm-rich fraction (SRF-P2), and the post sperm-rich fraction (PSRF). While chromatin protamination was found to be similar between the different ejaculate fractions (P > 0.05), chromatin condensation was seen to be greater in SRF-P1 and SRF-P2 than in the PSRF (P = 0.018 and P = 0.004, respectively). Regarding DNA integrity, no differences between fractions were observed (P > 0.05). As the SRF-P1 has the highest sperm concentration and ejaculate fractions are known to differ in antioxidant composition, the oxidative stress index (OSi) in SP, calculated as total oxidant activity divided by total antioxidant capacity, was tested and confirmed to be higher in the SRF-P1 than in SRF-P2 and PSRF (0.42 ± 0.06 vs. 0.23 ± 0.09 and 0.08 ± 0.00, respectively; P < 0.01); this index, in addition, was observed to be correlated to the sperm concentration of each fraction (Rs = 0.973; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION While sperm DNA integrity was not found to differ between ejaculate fractions, SRF-P1 and SRF-P2 were observed to exhibit greater chromatin condensation than the PSRF. This could be related to the OSi of each fraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estel Viñolas-Vergés
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.
| | - Isabel Barranco
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Camila Peres Rubio
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), S08010, Barcelona, Spain
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Agudo-Rios C, Sanchez-Rodriguez A, Idrovo IID, Laborda-Gomariz JÁ, Soler AJ, Teves ME, Roldan ERS. Sperm Chromatin Status and DNA Fragmentation in Mouse Species with Divergent Mating Systems. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15954. [PMID: 37958937 PMCID: PMC10648696 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm DNA integrity and chromatin status serve as pivotal indicators of sperm quality, given their intricate link to sperm function, embryo development, and overall fertility. Defects in chromatin compaction, which are often associated with compromised protamine content, can lead to damaged DNA strands. In this study, the chromatin status and possible correlation with DNA damage was assessed in males of three mouse species: Mus musculus, M. spretus, and M. spicilegus. We employed various staining methods, including aniline blue, methylene blue (Diff-Quik), toluidine blue, and chromomycin A3, to assess chromatin compaction in cauda epididymal sperm. Samples were also analyzed by the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) to estimate DNA fragmentation (%tDFI, %HDS). Analyses were carried out on freshly collected sperm and cells incubated for 3 h in a HEPES-buffered modified Tyrode's medium simulating conditions of the female reproductive tract. Notably, the analysis of chromatin status yielded minimal abnormal values across all three species employing diverse methodologies. SCSA analyses revealed distinct variations in %tDFI between species. Following sperm incubation, the percentages of sperm stained with methylene blue exhibited differences among the species and were significantly correlated to the DNA fragmentation index. HDS demonstrated correlations with the percentages of sperm stained by aniline blue, methylene blue, and chromomycin A3. Overall, chromatin compaction was high across all species, with limited differences among them. The relationship between chromatin status and DNA integrity appeared to be related to levels of sperm competition among species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Agudo-Rios
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Sanchez-Rodriguez
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ingrid I. D. Idrovo
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ana J. Soler
- SaBio IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), ETSIAM, Campus Universitario, 02071 Albacete, Spain
| | - Maria E. Teves
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Eduardo R. S. Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
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Agudo-Rios C, Rogers A, King I, Bhagat V, Nguyen LMT, Córdova-Fletes C, Krapf D, Strauss JF, Arévalo L, Merges GE, Schorle H, Roldan ERS, Teves ME. SPAG17 mediates nuclear translocation of protamines during spermiogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1125096. [PMID: 37766963 PMCID: PMC10520709 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1125096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Protamines (PRM1 and PRM2) are small, arginine-rich, nuclear proteins that replace histones in the final stages of spermiogenesis, ensuring chromatin compaction and nuclear remodeling. Defects in protamination lead to increased DNA fragmentation and reduced male fertility. Since efficient sperm production requires the translocation of protamines from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, we investigated whether SPAG17, a protein crucial for intracellular protein trafficking during spermiogenesis, participates in protamine transport. Initially, we assessed the protein-protein interaction between SPAG17 and protamines using proximity ligation assays, revealing a significant interaction originating in the cytoplasm and persisting within the nucleus. Subsequently, immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry (IP/MS) assays validated this initial observation. Sperm and spermatids from Spag17 knockout mice exhibited abnormal protamination, as revealed by chromomycin A3 staining, suggesting defects in protamine content. However, no differences were observed in the expression of Prm1 and Prm2 mRNA or in protein levels between testes of wild-type and Spag17 knockout mice. Conversely, immunofluorescence studies conducted on isolated mouse spermatids unveiled reduced nuclear/cytoplasm ratios of protamines in Spag17 knockout spermatids compared to wild-type controls, implying transport defects of protamines into the spermatid nucleus. In alignment with these findings, in vitro experiments involving somatic cells, including mouse embryonic fibroblasts, exhibited compromised nuclear translocation of PRM1 and PRM2 in the absence of SPAG17. Collectively, our results present compelling evidence that SPAG17 facilitates the transport of protamines from the cytoplasm to the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Agudo-Rios
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Amber Rogers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Isaiah King
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Virali Bhagat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Le My Tu Nguyen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Carlos Córdova-Fletes
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Diego Krapf
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Jerome F. Strauss
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Lena Arévalo
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gina Esther Merges
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Eduardo R. S. Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Eugenia Teves
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
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Maside C, Recuero S, Salas-Huetos A, Ribas-Maynou J, Yeste M. Animal board invited review: An update on the methods for semen quality evaluation in swine - from farm to the lab. Animal 2023; 17:100720. [PMID: 36801527 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Pig breeding is mainly conducted through artificial insemination with liquid-stored semen. It is, therefore, crucial to ensure that sperm quality is over the standard thresholds, as reduced sperm motility, morphology or plasma membrane integrity are associated with reduced farrowing rates and litter sizes. This work aims to summarise the methods utilised in farms and research laboratories to evaluate sperm quality in pigs. The conventional spermiogram consists in the assessment of sperm concentration, motility and morphology, which are the most estimated variables in farms. Yet, while the determination of these sperm parameters is enough for farms to prepare seminal doses, other tests, usually carried out in specialised laboratories, may be required when boar studs exhibit a decreased reproductive performance. These methods include the evaluation of functional sperm parameters, such as plasma membrane integrity and fluidity, intracellular levels of calcium and reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial activity, and acrosome integrity, using fluorescent probes and flow cytometry. Furthermore, sperm chromatin condensation and DNA integrity, despite not being routinely assessed, may also help determine the causes of reduced fertilising capacity. Sperm DNA integrity can be evaluated through direct (Comet, transferase deoxynucleotide nick end labelling (TUNEL) and its in situ nick variant) or indirect tests (Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay, Sperm Chromatin Dispersion Test), whereas chromatin condensation can be determined with Chromomycin A3. Considering the high degree of chromatin packaging in pig sperm, which only have protamine 1, growing evidence suggests that complete decondensation of that chromatin is needed before DNA fragmentation through TUNEL or Comet can be examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Maside
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Sandra Recuero
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Albert Salas-Huetos
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Consorcio CIBER, M.P., Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), ES-28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Institute for Biogenesis Research, Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, United States
| | - Marc Yeste
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), ES-08010 Barcelona, Spain.
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8
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Ribas-Maynou J, Novo S, Torres M, Salas-Huetos A, Rovira S, Antich M, Yeste M. Sperm DNA integrity does play a crucial role for embryo development after ICSI, notably when good-quality oocytes from young donors are used. Biol Res 2022; 55:41. [PMID: 36572948 PMCID: PMC9791757 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-022-00409-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on the inconsistent literature published thus far involving infertile patients, whether intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) allows overcoming total fertilization failure due to sperm DNA fragmentation is still unclear. Related to this, female factors, which may have a significant impact on assisted reproduction outcomes, can mask male infertility. In this scenario, evaluating ICSI outcomes following cycles using healthy donor gametes could shed light on this realm, as it would avoid the influence of (un)known confounding factors present in infertile individuals. The present work, therefore, aimed to address whether single- and double-stranded sperm DNA fragmentation leads to impaired ICSI outcomes in double gamete donation cycles. The study also compared these double-gamete donation cycles to cycles in which only sperm were donated and oocytes were obtained from infertile patients. Two cohorts were included: (a) the Donor-Donor (DD) cohort, which included 27 semen donor samples used in 49 ICSI cycles with young healthy oocyte donors; and (b) the Donor-Infertile (DI) cohort, which involved 34 semen donor samples used in 57 ICSI cycles with oocytes from patients. Single- and double-stranded sperm DNA breaks were determined with alkaline and neutral Comet assays, respectively; ICSI was conducted following standard protocols and embryos were monitored through time-lapse microscopy. In the DD cohort, the percentage of sperm with high overall DNA damage correlated with fertilization rates (Rs = - 0.666; P < 0.001) and with the percentage of blastocysts per injected oocyte (Rs = - 0.414; P = 0.040). In addition, sperm DNA damage delayed the first embryo division (Rs = 0.421; P = 0.036), and development from the 8-cell to the morula stage (Rs = 0.424; P = 0.034). In contrast, double-stranded DNA breaks had no effect in this cohort. As far as the DI cohort is concerned, while overall sperm DNA damage was not found to be correlated to fertilization or blastocyst rates, pronuclei formation following ICSI was delayed when the incidence of double-stranded DNA breaks was high (Rs = 0.485; P = 0.005). In conclusion, this study, which is the first involving double donation cycles (i.e., a donor-donor cohort), supports that sperm DNA damage has a detrimental impact on fertilization rates after ICSI, and delays embryo development. Moreover, the use of oocytes from infertile individuals is suggested to hide the male-factor effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- grid.5319.e0000 0001 2179 7512Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, ES-17003 Girona, Spain ,grid.5319.e0000 0001 2179 7512Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Sergi Novo
- Fertilab – Institut Catala de Fertilitat SL, Barcelona, Spain ,Fertibank, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Torres
- grid.5319.e0000 0001 2179 7512Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, ES-17003 Girona, Spain ,grid.5319.e0000 0001 2179 7512Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Albert Salas-Huetos
- grid.5319.e0000 0001 2179 7512Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, ES-17003 Girona, Spain ,grid.5319.e0000 0001 2179 7512Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
| | - Sergi Rovira
- Fertilab – Institut Catala de Fertilitat SL, Barcelona, Spain ,Fertibank, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Antich
- Fertilab – Institut Catala de Fertilitat SL, Barcelona, Spain ,Fertibank, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- grid.5319.e0000 0001 2179 7512Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, ES-17003 Girona, Spain ,grid.5319.e0000 0001 2179 7512Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain ,grid.425902.80000 0000 9601 989XCatalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
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