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Andrei CR, Posastiuc FP, Constantin NT, Mitrea IL. New insights into semen separation techniques in buffaloes. Front Vet Sci 2024; 10:1347482. [PMID: 38269362 PMCID: PMC10806153 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1347482] [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: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is frequently caused by idiopathic or unexplained reasons, resulting in an increase in demand for assisted reproductive technologies. In buffaloes, more than in other animals due to reproductive hardiness, successful fertilization needs spermatozoa to effectively transit the female reproductive system to reach the oocyte. This mechanism naturally picks high-quality sperm cells for conception, but when artificial reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, or intrauterine insemination are utilized, alternative techniques of sperm selection are necessary. Currently, technology allows for sperm sorting based on motility, maturity, the lack of apoptotic components, proper morphology, and even sex. This study provides current knowledge on all known techniques of sperm cell sorting in buffaloes, evaluates their efficiency, and discusses the benefits and drawbacks of each approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crina Raluca Andrei
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florin Petrișor Posastiuc
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Nicolae Tiberiu Constantin
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Bucharest, Romania
- Research and Development Institute for Bovine Balotești, Balotești, Romania
| | - Ioan Liviu Mitrea
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Bucharest, Romania
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Assumpção TI, Lançoni R, Foschini M, Vieira CS. Equine Spermatozoa Selection by Magnetic Activation for Use in Assisted Reproduction. J Equine Vet Sci 2023; 123:104245. [PMID: 36773851 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to select high-quality spermatozoa by sperm separation by magnetic activation of the fresh equine semen, compared to density gradient centrifugation and evaluating cell quality after selection. The semen of 10 stallions was collected by the artificial vagina technique. The samples analyzed were: (1) fresh semen; (2) density gradient centrifugation (DGC); (3) separation by magnetic activation (MASS) (nonapoptotic portion NAP); (4) separation by MASS (apoptotic portion-APT). Was analyzed: motility (light microscopy), concentration (Neubauer chamber), semen morphology (humid chamber in phase contrast), and supravital test (eosin/nigrosine). In DGC, 20 × 106 spermatozoa were used in the gradient of Percoll at 90% and 45% (400 μL each), centrifugation at 900 G/5 min, the pellet was diluted in HEPES. In MASS, 10 × 106 spermatozoa were diluted in 1.5 mL of HEPES, centrifugation at 300 G/10 min, pellet was resuspended in 150 μL of HEPES with 20 μL of nanoparticles bound to annexin V, incubation for 15 minutes and filtered in the magnetic separation column. The nonapoptotic fraction was collected directly and the apoptotic fraction after removal the column from the magnet and adding 300 μL of HEPES. The total abnormalities were 43.2% ± 2.78%, with the DGC and MASS being effective in reducing sperm abnormality by 15.6% ± 2.10% and 24.30% ± 1.63%, respectively, like the observed for the number of cells with intact membranes (50% lower in the APT portion). This nanotechnological method is efficient in producing high-quality semen samples for assisted reproduction procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresinha Inês Assumpção
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Renata Lançoni
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mauricio Foschini
- Physics Institute, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Caroline Silva Vieira
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Orsolini MF, Meyers SA, Dini P. An Update on Semen Physiology, Technologies, and Selection Techniques for the Advancement of In Vitro Equine Embryo Production: Section II. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113319. [PMID: 34828049 PMCID: PMC8614388 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113319] [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: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In order to improve fertilization and pregnancy rates within artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization techniques in horses, producers may choose to select the best sperm within an ejaculate. In this paper, we review conventional and novel methods of sperm selection. Abstract As the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and in vitro embryo production (IVP) expand in the equine industry, it has become necessary to further our understanding of available semen selection techniques. This segment of our two-section review will focus on the selection of spermatozoa based on quality and sex for equine intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), as well as current and future developments in sperm sorting technologies. Ultimately, novel methods of semen selection will be assessed based on their efficacy in other species and their relevance and future application towards ARTs in the horse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan F. Orsolini
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Stuart A. Meyers
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Pouya Dini
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
- Correspondence:
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Magnetic-activated cell sorting improves high-quality spermatozoa in bovine semen. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL REPRODUCTION AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.12750/jarb.36.2.91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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Rateb SA. Purification of cryopreserved camel spermatozoa following protease-based semen liquefaction by lectin-functionalized DNA-defrag magnetic nanoparticles. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 56:183-192. [PMID: 33170990 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13863] [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: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Although incorporating proteases into sperm medium is considered the most effective procedure to eliminate camel semen viscosity, it drastically affects viability, morpho-functional properties and, hence, fertilization potential of spermatozoa. The present work aimed at evaluating adequacy of employing magnetic nanoparticles-based sperm purification technique for eluting impaired and apoptotic camel spermatozoa from cryopreserved semen doses following protease-based semen liquefaction. Thirty cryopreserved semen doses (50 x 106 sperm/straw) representing the following liquefaction treatments: control (untreated), 0.1 mg/ml papain or 5 U/ml bromelain were used (n = 10 straws per treatment). Immediately after thawing (38°C for 40 s), sperm concentration of each straw within treatment was readjusted to 15 x 106 sperm/mL by dilution in PBS (37°C). Sperm physical and cytological properties were then assessed (non-purified semen). Thereafter, each specimen was subjected to lectin-functionalized DNA-defrag magnetic nanoparticles sperm purification, and the same sperm traits were re-evaluated after undergoing purification (purified semen). Sperm DNA fragmentation level within each group, prior to and after magnetic nano-purification, was also determined by fluorescent imaging. The results showed a dramatic improvement (p < .05) in post-thaw motility (%), viability (%), normal sperm (%), intact acrosome (%) and HOST-reacted (%) spermatozoa in protease-liquefied semen following sperm magnetic nano-purification. Additionally, the highest (p < .05) DNA fragmentation level was recorded in all cryopreserved semen groups prior to purification, whereas the lowest (p < .05) was observed in the protease-treated specimens after magnetic nano-purification. These results indicate that protease-based semen liquefaction prior to cryopreservation in conjunction with magnetic nano-purification post-thawing holds potential for reducing the proportion of damaged and dead spermatozoa, hence improving camel sperm fertilization competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherif A Rateb
- Animal and Poultry Production Division, Desert Research Center, Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Cairo, Egypt
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State-of-the-Art and Prospective of Nanotechnologies for Smart Reproductive Management of Farm Animals. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10050840. [PMID: 32414174 PMCID: PMC7278443 DOI: 10.3390/ani10050840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Many biotechnological assisted reproductive techniques (ART) are currently used to control the reproductive processes of farm animals. Nowadays, smart ART that considers technique efficiency, animal welfare, cost efficiency and environmental health are developed. Recently, the nanotechnology revolution has pervaded all scientific fields including the reproduction of farm animals, facilitating certain improvements in this field. Nanotechnology could be used to improve and overcome many technical obstacles that face different ART. For example, semen purification and semen preservation processes have been developed using different nanomaterials and techniques, to obtain semen doses with high sperm quality. Additionally, nanodrugs delivery could be applied to fabricate several sex hormones (steroids or gonadotrophins) used in the manipulation of the reproductive cycle. Nanofabricated hormones have new specific biological properties, increasing their bioavailability. Applying nanodrugs delivery techniques allow a reduction in hormone dose and improves hormone kinetics in animal body, because of protection from natural biological barriers (e.g., enzymatic degradation). Additionally, biodegradable nanomaterials could be used to fabricate hormone-loaded devices that are made from non-degradable materials, such as silicon and polyvinyl chloride-based matrixes, which negatively impact environmental health. This review discusses the role of nanotechnology in developing some ART outcomes applied in the livestock sector, meeting the concept of smart production.
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Marzano G, Chiriacò MS, Primiceri E, Dell’Aquila ME, Ramalho-Santos J, Zara V, Ferramosca A, Maruccio G. Sperm selection in assisted reproduction: A review of established methods and cutting-edge possibilities. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 40:107498. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2019.107498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Ondřej Š, Jiří Š, Jan B, Pavla MP, Lucie T, Doležalová M, Petra F, Luděk S, Radko R. Low Density Lipoprotein - important player in increasing cryoprotective efficiency of soybean lecithin-based bull semen extenders. Anim Reprod 2019; 16:267-276. [PMID: 33224286 PMCID: PMC7673600 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-ar2018-0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, considering cryopreservation of bull semen, there is no clear consensus over the comparability of cryoprotective efficacy of extenders with soybean lecithin and those based on egg yolk. The objective of this study was to prove the use of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) extracted from hen-egg yolk as an enhancing factor for soybean lecithin-based extenders. In total, 35 ejaculates of (seven bulls x five ejaculates per bull) were collected and cryopreserved at a commercial insemination centre. The effect of the LDL addition to the extenders AndroMed® and Bioxcell® was tested in a 6% (v/v) concentration on spermatozoa after thawing. Modified extender composition effects were assessed on sperm functional parameters motility, plasma membrane, mitochondrial membrane potential and acrosomal integrity after thawing by CASA, flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy, respectively. Based on kinematic parameters determined from CASA, k-means cluster analysis was used to classify individual spermatozoon into specific subpopulations (fast, medium fast and slow). A subpopulation of fast spermatozoa was increased in the presence of LDL in both selected extenders (P < 0.05). Moreover, the positive effect of LDL on sperm motility was confirmed by decreasing the percentage of sperm in slow subpopulation (P < 0.05). The effect of LDL addition on the incidence of spermatozoa with intact plasma membrane was not demonstrated in any case of extender used (P > 0.05). The percentage of sperm with intact acrosome was improved when LDL was added to Bioxcell® extender (P < 0.05). On the other hand, addition of LDL to AndroMed® extender improved mitochondrial intactness after thawing (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our results showed that adding LDL to selected soybean lecithin-based extenders considerably ameliorated the functional parameters of spermatozoa after thawing and thus this lipoprotein could represent an improving agent for soybean lecithin-based extender for bull semen cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Šimoník Ondřej
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic.,Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, v.v.i., Biocev, Průmyslová, Czech Republic
| | - Šichtař Jiří
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Beran Jan
- Department of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Zootechnical Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Maňásková-Postlerová Pavla
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic.,Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, v.v.i., Biocev, Průmyslová, Czech Republic
| | - Tůmová Lucie
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Doležalová
- Department of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Folková Petra
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Stádník Luděk
- Department of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Rajmon Radko
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
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Kumar A, Prasad JK, Srivastava N, Ghosh SK. Strategies to Minimize Various Stress-Related Freeze-Thaw Damages During Conventional Cryopreservation of Mammalian Spermatozoa. Biopreserv Biobank 2019; 17:603-612. [PMID: 31429586 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2019.0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the article is to report a review on different sperm cryopreservation techniques, various stress-related freeze-thaw damages altering sperm structure and function during conventional cryopreservation, and strategies to minimize these stresses. Sperm cryopreservation has allowed indefinite storage and successful transportation of valuable germplasm from proven sites at distant locations, for genetic upgradation through implementation of reproductive techniques, such as artificial insemination. Different techniques for sperm cryopreservation have been proposed such as conventional freezing techniques, directional freezing, and sperm vitrification. Drawbacks related to conventional freezing methods, such as heterogeneous ice nucleation and repeated freeze-thaw cycles at the ice front that disrupts and kill sperm cells, led to the emergence of the directional freezing technique. Sperm vitrification is advantageous as there is no ice crystal-induced physical damages to sperm. However, sperm vitrification has less applicability as encouraging results are only reported in human, dog, and cat. In spite of several drawbacks, conventional freezing techniques are still most widely used for sperm cryopreservation. Spermatozoa experience stresses in the form of cold shock, osmotic stress, and mainly oxidative stress during conventional cryopreservation ultimately reduces the sperm viability and fertility. Several attempts have been made in the past to minimize all these stresses individually or in combination. Membrane fluidity was increased to prevent the cold shock and cryocapacitation-like changes by the addition of cholesterol to the membrane. Antifreeze proteins were added in semen extender to minimize freeze-thaw damages due to heterogeneous ice nucleation and ice recrystallization. Oxidative stress was reduced either by neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) through enzymatic, nonenzymatic, plant-based antioxidants or reductants; or by minimizing the level of sources like the semen radiation exposure, leucocytes, and dead and defective spermatozoa, which lead to ROS production during the semen cryopreservation process. A novel approach of minimizing oxidative stress was to reduce the oxygen tension in sperm microenvironment that is, extender by partial deoxygenation process, as a number of literatures pointed out direct link of O2 with ROS production. When compared with other strategies, partial deoxygenation of semen extender with N2 gassing is found as a cost-effective, comparatively easy and a potential approach to large-scale frozen semen production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Kumar
- Germ-Plasm Centre, Division of Animal Reproduction, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
| | - J K Prasad
- Germ-Plasm Centre, Division of Animal Reproduction, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
| | - N Srivastava
- Germ-Plasm Centre, Division of Animal Reproduction, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
| | - S K Ghosh
- Germ-Plasm Centre, Division of Animal Reproduction, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
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Falchi L, Khalil WA, Hassan M, Marei WF. Perspectives of nanotechnology in male fertility and sperm function. Int J Vet Sci Med 2018; 6:265-269. [PMID: 30564607 PMCID: PMC6286411 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijvsm.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in nanotechnology have tremendously expanded its possible applications in biomedicine. Although, the effects of nanoparticles (NPs) at cellular and tissue levels have not been fully understood, some of these biological effects might be employed in assisted reproduction to improve male fertility particularly by enhancing sperm cell quality either in vivo or in vitro. This review summarises the available literature regarding the potential applications of nanomaterials in farm animal reproduction, with a specific focus on the male gamete and on different strategies to improve breeding performances, transgenesis and targeted delivery of substances to a sperm cell. Antioxidant, antimicrobial properties and special surface binding ligand functionalization and their applications for sperm processing and cryopreservation have been reviewed. In addition, nanotoxicity and detrimental effects of NPs on sperm cells are also discussed due to the increasing concerns regarding the environmental impact of the expanding use of nanotechnologies on reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Falchi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Sezione di Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologia, Università di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Wael A. Khalil
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Hassan
- Animal Production Research Institute, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Waleed F.A. Marei
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12211, Egypt
- Gamete Research Centre, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
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Abstract
Many biotechnologies are currently used in livestock breeding with the aim of improving reproductive efficiency and increasing the rate of genetic progress in production animals. Semen cryopreservation is the most widely used cryobiotechnology, although vitrification techniques now allow embryos and oocytes to be banked in ever-increasing numbers. Cryopreservation of other types of germplasm (reproductive tissue in general) is also possible, although the techniques are still in the early stages of development for use in livestock species. Although still in their infancy, these techniques are increasingly being used in aquaculture. Germplasm conservation enables reproductive tissues from both animals and fish to be preserved to generate offspring in the future without having to maintain large numbers of living populations of these species. However, such measures need careful planning and coordination. This review explains why the preservation of genetic diversity is needed for livestock and fish, and describes some of the issues involved in germplasm banking. Furthermore, some recent developments in semen handling leading to improved semen cryopreservation and biosecurity measures are also discussed.
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