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Hernández-Avilés C, Ramírez-Agámez L, Varner DD, Love CC. Factors affecting the analysis and interpretation of sperm quality in frozen/thawed stallion semen. Theriogenology 2024; 218:35-44. [PMID: 38295678 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
In the current study, we examined: 1) the agreement (bias) between fluorescence-based methods (NucleoCounter-SP100 [NC] vs. flow cytometry [FC]) for determining the viability (VIAB) of frozen/thawed stallion sperm; 2) the agreement between post-thaw sperm total motility (TMOT) and VIAB; 3) whether a difference between TMOT and VIAB [VIAB - TMOT] in frozen/thawed stallion sperm could be explained by the level of lipid peroxidation in viable sperm (VLPP); 4) the repeatability of post-thaw analysis of sperm quality; and 5) the effect of final post-thaw semen dilution (10, 30, or 50 x 106 sperm/mL) on sperm motion characteristics. Post-thaw VIAB was similar between NC and FC (P > 0.05), and the agreement between these two methods was high (bias: 1 to -3). The agreement between post-thaw TMOT and VIAB decreased as the pre-freeze percentages of morphologically normal sperm and DNA quality decreased: bias - 4 to - 25. The bias between [VIAB - TMOT] and VLPP ranged from - 5 to 7. Differences in post-thaw sperm quality (TMOT, PMOT, VIAB, and sperm concentration) were not observed when analyzing one or three straws per ejaculate (P > 0.05). There was no effect of post-thaw sperm concentration (i.e., 10 vs. 30 vs. 50 x 106 sperm/mL) on sperm motion characteristics (P > 0.05). This study reports factors other than post-thaw sperm motility that warrant further consideration when analyzing frozen/thawed stallion sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo Hernández-Avilés
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4475, USA.
| | - Luisa Ramírez-Agámez
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4475, USA
| | - Dickson D Varner
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4475, USA
| | - Charles C Love
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4475, USA
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2
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Malaluang P, Wagner LH, Cojkic A, Spergser J, Aurich C, Morrell JM. Reduced bacterial load in stallion semen by modified single layer centrifugation or sperm washing. Theriogenology 2024; 216:111-117. [PMID: 38171197 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The presence of bacteria poses a significant challenge to the quality of stallion semen used in artificial insemination. The bacterial content of insemination doses arises from various sources, such as the healthy stallion, environment, and collection equipment, and is implicated in fertility problems as well as reduced sperm quality during storage. The conventional approach of adding antibiotics to semen extenders raises concerns about antimicrobial resistance and potential negative effects on sperm characteristics, and may not be effective in inhibiting all bacteria. The objective of this study was to determine whether an innovative alternative to antibiotic usage - centrifugation through a single layer of a low density colloid (SLC) - could reduce the bacterial load in stallion semen, and to compare sperm characteristics in samples arising from this procedure, or simple extension of the ejaculate in semen extender, or from sperm washing, i.e. adding extender and then centrifuging the sample to allow the removal of most of the seminal plasma and extender. Eighteen semen samples were collected from six stallions. The semen samples were split and extended prior to washing or SLC, or received no further treatment other than extension. After preparation aliquots from each type of sample were sent for bacteriological examination; the remaining samples were stored for up to 72 h, with daily checks on sperm quality. The low density colloid SLC outperformed sperm washing or extension for bacterial reduction, effectively removing several bacterial species. The bacterial load in the samples was as follows: extended semen, 16 ± 6.7 × 105; washed, 5.8 ± 2.0 × 105; SLC, 2.3 ± 0.88 × 105, p < 0.0001. In addition, SLC completely removed some bacterial species, such as Staphylococcus xylosus. Although there is no selection for robust spermatozoa with the low density colloid, sperm motility, membrane integrity, and DNA fragmentation were not different to washed sperm samples. These findings suggest that SLC with a low density colloid offers a promising method for reducing bacterial contamination in stallion semen without resorting to antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pongpreecha Malaluang
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), 75007, Uppsala, Sweden; Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, 40000, Thailand
| | - Lisa Helène Wagner
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Aleksandar Cojkic
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), 75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Joachim Spergser
- Institute of Microbiology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christine Aurich
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jane M Morrell
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), 75007, Uppsala, Sweden.
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3
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Monteiro RA, Cunha RM, Guerra MMP, de Almeida VM, Peña-Alfaro CE, Silva SV. Use of equine sperm cryopreservation techniques as a conservation method of donkey germplasm. J Equine Vet Sci 2022; 111:103888. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.103888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Martins-Bessa A, Quaresma M, Leiva B, Calado A, Navas González FJ. Bayesian Linear Regression Modelling for Sperm Quality Parameters Using Age, Body Weight, Testicular Morphometry, and Combined Biometric Indices in Donkeys. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11010176. [PMID: 33451023 PMCID: PMC7828516 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The prediction of sperm output and other reproductive traits based on testicular biometry is an important tool in the reproductive management of stallions. Nevertheless, corresponding research in donkeys remains scarce. Several donkey breeds in Europe face a compromising threat of extinction, which has been accelerated by the low renovation of populations and their inbreeding levels. Although research on female reproductive physiology has made crucial advances, much less is known about the physiology of the male. In the present work, two Bayesian models were built to predict for sperm output and quality parameters in donkeys. Models included combinations of age as a covariate and biometric and testicular measurements as independent factors. Results evidenced that the goodness-of-fit was similar for both models—hence, the combination of biometry and testicular factors presented improved predictive power. The application of these models may assist in the process of making decisions in respect to the reproductive/biological, clinical, and selection handling of the animals. Abstract The aim of the present study is to define and compare the predictive power of two different Bayesian models for donkey sperm quality after the evaluation of linear and combined testicular biometry indices and their relationship with age and body weight (BW). Testicular morphometry was ultrasonographically obtained from 23 donkeys (six juveniles and 17 adults), while 40 ejaculates from eight mature donkeys were analyzed for sperm output and quality assessment. Bayesian linear regression analyses were considered to build two statistical models using gel-free volume, concentration, total sperm number, motility, total motile sperm, and morphology as dependent variables. Predictive model 1 comprised the covariate of age and the independent factors testicular measurements (length, height and width), while model 2 included the covariate of age and the factors of BW, testicular volume, and gonadosomatic ratio. Although goodness-of-fit was similar, the combination of predictors in model 1 evidenced higher likelihood to predict gel-free volume (mL), concentration (×106/mL), and motility (%). Alternatively, the combination of predictors in model 2 evidenced higher predictive power for total sperm number (×109), morphologically normal spermatozoa (%), and total motile sperm count (×109). The application of the present models may be useful to gather relevant information that could be used hereafter for assisted reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Martins-Bessa
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (M.Q.); (A.C.)
- CECAV, Animal and Veterinary Research Center, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-2593-50634
| | - Miguel Quaresma
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (M.Q.); (A.C.)
- CECAV, Animal and Veterinary Research Center, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Belén Leiva
- AEPGA-Association for the Study and Protection of Donkeys, Atenor, 5225-011 Miranda do Douro, Portugal;
| | - Ana Calado
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (M.Q.); (A.C.)
- CECAV, Animal and Veterinary Research Center, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Francisco Javier Navas González
- Genetics Department, Veterinary Sciences, Rabanales University Campus, University of Córdoba, Madrid-Cádiz Km. 396, 14014 Cordoba, Spain;
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Diaz-Jimenez M, Rota A, Dorado J, Consuegra C, Pereira B, Camillo F, Panzani D, Fanelli D, Tesi M, Monaco D, Hidalgo M. First pregnancies in jennies with vitrified donkey semen using a new warming method. Animal 2020; 15:100097. [PMID: 33516021 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2020.100097] [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: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm vitrification has been recently developed, but fertility trials have not been performed yet in equine species. In this study, a new warming technique for vitrified donkey semen was developed and the uterine inflammatory response and fertility were compared to conventional freezing. In Experiment 1, sperm was vitrified in straws and warmed in 3 ml of extender or in a water bath at: 37 °C/30 s; 43 °C/10 s; and 60 °C/5 s. Sperm motility, plasma and acrosome membranes and DNA integrity were compared between treatments. In Experiment 2, jennies were inseminated twice (500 × 106 sperm) in the uterine body either with vitrified or frozen semen (2 cycles/jenny). Pregnancy rates and the uterine inflammatory response (polymorphonuclear neutrophil concentration; PMN) were evaluated after artificial insemination (AI). No differences between warming in extender/water bath were found and 43 °C/10 s was better than lower temperatures in terms of total (53.8 ± 13.2%) and progressive sperm motility (41.4 ± 11.4%). No differences in PMN concentration (×103 PMN/ml) were found between vitrified (276.8 ± 171.6) or frozen (309.7 ± 250.7) semen after AI. However, PMN decreased faster (P < 0.05) using vitrified semen. Pregnancy rates were greater for vitrified (22%) than frozen semen (10%) but not statistically different. In conclusion, donkey sperm vitrified in straws could be directly warmed in a water bath at 43 °C/10 s, reducing the uterine inflammatory response obtained after AI and promoting positive pregnancy outcomes. These findings confirm the possibility to use vitrified semen as an alternative for AI in jennies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Diaz-Jimenez
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Cordoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain; Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - A Rota
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - J Dorado
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Cordoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain
| | - C Consuegra
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Cordoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain
| | - B Pereira
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Cordoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain
| | - F Camillo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - D Panzani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - D Fanelli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - M Tesi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - D Monaco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - M Hidalgo
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Cordoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain.
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Single Layer Centrifugation Improves the Quality of Fresh Donkey Semen and Modifies the Sperm Ability to Interact with Polymorphonuclear Neutrophils. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10112128. [PMID: 33207812 PMCID: PMC7696916 DOI: 10.3390/ani10112128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Donkey Artificial Insemination (AI) with frozen/thawed semen results in poor fertility outcomes. Jennies show a significant post-AI endometrial reaction, with a large amount of defense cells—polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN)—migrating to the uterine lumen. Seminal plasma (SP) has a detrimental effect on sperm conservation and its removal is a necessary step in the semen freezing protocol. However, several SP proteins seem to control sperm-PMN binding. Single layer centrifugation (SLC) with colloids, which has been used to select spermatozoa and improve reproductive performance in different species, is known to remove SP proteins attached to the sperm membrane. In this study, two experiments were performed. The first one compared the quality of SLC-selected and non-selected fresh donkey spermatozoa. In the second experiment, PMN obtained from the peripheral blood were co-incubated with selected and unselected spermatozoa, and the interaction between PMN and spermatozoa was analyzed. In conclusion, SLC of fresh donkey semen increases the proportion of functionally intact spermatozoa and appears to remove the SP proteins that inhibit sperm-PMN binding, thus increasing sperm phagocytosis by PMN. Abstract This study sought to determine whether single layer centrifugation (SLC) of fresh donkey semen with Equicoll has any impact on sperm quality parameters and on the modulation of endometrial reaction following semen deposition using an in vitro model. Seventeen ejaculates from five jackasses were obtained using an artificial vagina and diluted in a skim-milk extender. Samples were either selected through SLC (Equicoll) or non-treated (control). Two experiments were performed. The first one consisted of incubating selected or non-selected spermatozoa at 38 °C for 180 min. Integrity and lipid disorder of sperm plasma membrane, mitochondrial membrane potential, and intracellular levels of calcium and reactive oxygen species were evaluated at 0, 60, 120, and 180 min. In the second experiment, polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) isolated from jennies blood were mixed with selected and unselected spermatozoa. Interaction between spermatozoa and PMN was evaluated after 0, 60, 120, and 180 min of co-incubation at 38 °C. SLC-selection increased the proportions of spermatozoa with an intact plasma membrane and low lipid disorder, of spermatozoa with high mitochondrial membrane potential and with high calcium levels, and of progressively motile spermatozoa. In addition, selection through SLC augmented the proportion of phagocytosed spermatozoa, which supported the modulating role of seminal plasma proteins on sperm-PMN interaction. In conclusion, SLC of fresh donkey semen increases the proportions of functionally intact and motile spermatozoa, and appears to remove the seminal plasma proteins that inhibit sperm-PMN binding.
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Ortiz I, Dorado J, Morrell JM, Diaz-Jimenez MA, Pereira B, Consuegra C, Hidalgo M. Comparison of sperm selection techniques in donkeys: motile subpopulations from a practical point of view. Anim Reprod 2019; 16:282-289. [PMID: 33224288 PMCID: PMC7673585 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-ar2018-0133] [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: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the post-thaw distribution of motile sperm subpopulations, following simple or colloid centrifugation. A new analysis was used to evaluate the available number of sperm from each subpopulation after each centrifugation protocol. Frozen/thawed semen samples were divided into the following after-thawing treatments: uncentrifuged control (UDC), sperm washing (SW) and two colloid centrifugation procedures (Equipure, SLC-E, and Androcoll, SLC-A). Percentage of total and progressive motility (TM and PM), as well as sperm motility kinematics, distribution of motile sperm subpopulations, and recovery rates, were statistically compared among treatments. The SLC treatments showed higher (P < 0.001) TM and PM than UDC and SW. Following each SLC procedure, different percentages of the subpopulation with the most vigorous and progressive sperm (sP4) were obtained. SLC-A recovered a larger number of sperm belonging to sP4 than SLC-E, but not significantly higher than SW. From a practical point of view, sperm washing, the standard centrifugation procedure for equine semen processing, recovered the same amount of fast and progressive sperm as colloid centrifugation, apparently the best treatment according to traditional analysis. In conclusion, samples processed by SLC have higher motility percentages than SW and UDC but, after combining the available number of sperm, SLC and SW techniques are equally efficient in recovering sperm from the most vigorous, fast and progressive motile subpopulation (sP4).
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Ortiz
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Jesús Dorado
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Jane M Morrell
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maria Angeles Diaz-Jimenez
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Blasa Pereira
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - César Consuegra
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Manuel Hidalgo
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
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8
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Consuegra C, Crespo F, Dorado J, Diaz-Jimenez M, Pereira B, Ortiz I, Hidalgo M. Vitrification of stallion sperm using 0.25 ml straws: Effect of volume, concentration and carbohydrates (sucrose/trehalose/raffinose). Anim Reprod Sci 2019; 206:69-77. [PMID: 31138492 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Sperm vitrification is a rapid freezing method in which carbohydrates are used as cryoprotectants. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal volume, concentration and type of carbohydrates for stallion sperm vitrification using 0.25 ml straws in comparison to conventional freezing. Ejaculates (n = 54) were collected from six stallions. For vitrification, straws were filled with different volumes (30, 70, 100 μl), sperm concentrations (50, 100, 200 × 106 sperm/ml) and extenders containing sucrose (20, 100, 200 mM), trehalose (50, 100, 200 mM) and raffinose (50, 100, 200 mM) and plunged into LN2. Conventional freezing was performed in 0.5 ml straws frozen in LN2 vapors. Sperm motility, plasma and acrosome membrane integrities and DNA fragmentation were compared among treatments. The use of straws filled with 100 μl at 100 × 106 sperm/ml with the extender containing 100 mM trehalose resulted in greater values for sperm quality than the other concentrations, volumes and carbohydrates. With vitrification, there were greater values (mean ± SEM; P < 0.05) than freezing for progressive motility (48.2 ± 2.3 compared with 37.3 ± 2.2%), plasma membrane integrity (82.8 ± 1.5 compared with 74.1 ± 1.9%), and intact acrosomes (50.2 ± 1.2 compared with 43.1 ± 1.4%); and less DNA fragmentation (6.4 ± 0.7 compared with 8.2 ± 0.3%). In conclusion, stallion sperm can be vitrified in 0.25 ml straws filled with 100 μl of sperm at 100 x 106 sperm/ml using an extender with 100 mM of trehalose, obtaining better sperm quality after warming than conventional freezing.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Consuegra
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - F Crespo
- Department of Reproduction, Centro Militar de Cría Caballar (CCFAS-Ministry of Defense), Ávila, Spain
| | - J Dorado
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - M Diaz-Jimenez
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - B Pereira
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - I Ortiz
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - M Hidalgo
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain.
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Consuegra C, Crespo F, Dorado J, Diaz-Jimenez M, Pereira B, Ortiz I, Arenas R, Morrell JM, Hidalgo M. Vitrification of Large Volumes of Stallion Sperm in Comparison With Spheres and Conventional Freezing: Effect of Warming Procedures and Sperm Selection. J Equine Vet Sci 2019; 83:102680. [PMID: 31791531 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2019.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Stallion sperm was vitrified using straws in comparison with spheres and conventional freezing. Vitrification was performed plunging 30 μL of sperm (spheres) or 0.5 mL straws into liquid nitrogen (LN2) and conventional freezing using 0.5 mL straws frozen in LN2 vapors. Sperm vitrified in straws were submitted to different warming procedures (42°C/20 seconds; 60°C/15 seconds) and single-layer centrifugation (SLC). Total (TM, %) and progressive sperm motility (PM, %), plasma membrane (IMS, %) and acrosome integrity (AIS, %) were statistically compared between treatments (mean ± SEM). Significant higher values (P < .001) were obtained after vitrification using spheres in comparison with conventional freezing and vitrification in straws for TM (54.46 ± 3.2 vs. 36.47 ± 3.2 vs. 2.50 ± 1.2, %), PM (38.63 ± 3.4 vs. 15.11 ± 2.0 vs. 1.9 ± 0.9, %), IMS (65.40 ± 2.8 vs. 50.50 ± 2.8 vs. 21.63 ± 2.1, %), and AIS (48.89 ± 2.8 vs. 15.46 ± 1.7 vs. 4.69 ± 0.9, %). No differences were found between warming procedures. Single-layer centrifugation after warming at 42°C/20 seconds obtained higher values (P < .05) than unselected samples for TM (32.52 ± 5.8%), PM (14.22 ± 2.8%), IMS (60.01 ± 3.2%), and AIS (44.5 ± 2.2%), whereas selection after 60°C/15 seconds increased TM (23.11 ± 4.3%) and IMS (67.11 ± 3.9%). In conclusion, vitrification in spheres obtained better sperm quality than conventional freezing and vitrification in straws. Warming procedures did not affect the sperm quality but SLC could be a strategy to enhance the quality of the samples after sperm vitrification using 0.5 mL straws.
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Affiliation(s)
- César Consuegra
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Francisco Crespo
- Department of Reproduction, Centro Militar de Cría Caballar (CCFAS-Ministry of Defense), Ávila, Spain
| | - Jesús Dorado
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Maria Diaz-Jimenez
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Blasa Pereira
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Isabel Ortiz
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Regina Arenas
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Jane M Morrell
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Manuel Hidalgo
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain.
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Diaz-Jimenez M, Dorado J, Pereira B, Ortiz I, Consuegra C, Bottrel M, Ortiz E, Hidalgo M. Vitrification in straws conserves motility features better than spheres in donkey sperm. Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 53 Suppl 2:56-58. [PMID: 30238658 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Sperm vitrification as alternative to conventional freezing is increasing in popularity in many species. It has been achieved by direct exposure of diluted semen to liquid nitrogen in spheres or straws. Both techniques have been successfully developed, but they had not been compared yet in donkeys. The aim of this study was to compare these two methods of vitrification for donkey semen. Ejaculates from six Andalusian donkeys were collected and extended in Gent without glycerol supplemented with sucrose 0.1 M (Molar). Samples were slowly cooled at 5°C. For vitrification, 30 μl suspensions (spheres) were dropped directly into liquid nitrogen (LN2 ) or filled in covered 0.25 ml straws and then plunged into the LN2 (straws). For warming, straws and spheres were directly immersed in 3 ml of INRA-96 at 43°C. Total (TM, %) and progressive motility (PM, %) were objectively evaluated by computer-assisted sperm analysis and plasma membrane integrity (PMI, %) by epifluorescence microscopy. Results showed the straw method resulted in significantly higher values than spheres for: TM (54.7% ± 10.1 vs. 28.6% ± 6.5) and PM (44.2% ± 9.4 vs. 17.7% ± 6.4), but no significant differences were found between straws or spheres for PMI (31.5 ± 10.7 vs. 41.6 ± 14.3) respectively. In conclusion, donkey sperm could be vitrified in straws obtaining better sperm motility parameters after warming in comparison to the sphere method.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Diaz-Jimenez
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Reproduction Group, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - J Dorado
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Reproduction Group, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - B Pereira
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Reproduction Group, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - I Ortiz
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Reproduction Group, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - C Consuegra
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Reproduction Group, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - M Bottrel
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Reproduction Group, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - E Ortiz
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Reproduction Group, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - M Hidalgo
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Reproduction Group, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
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11
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Hidalgo M, Consuegra C, Dorado J, Diaz-Jimenez M, Ortiz I, Pereira B, Sanchez R, Crespo F. Concentrations of non-permeable cryoprotectants and equilibration temperatures are key factors for stallion sperm vitrification success. Anim Reprod Sci 2018; 196:91-98. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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12
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Perrier JP, Sellem E, Prézelin A, Gasselin M, Jouneau L, Piumi F, Al Adhami H, Weber M, Fritz S, Boichard D, Le Danvic C, Schibler L, Jammes H, Kiefer H. A multi-scale analysis of bull sperm methylome revealed both species peculiarities and conserved tissue-specific features. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:404. [PMID: 29843609 PMCID: PMC5975405 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-4764-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatozoa have a remarkable epigenome in line with their degree of specialization, their unique nature and different requirements for successful fertilization. Accordingly, perturbations in the establishment of DNA methylation patterns during male germ cell differentiation have been associated with infertility in several species. While bull semen is widely used in artificial insemination, the literature describing DNA methylation in bull spermatozoa is still scarce. The purpose of this study was therefore to characterize the bull sperm methylome relative to both bovine somatic cells and the sperm of other mammals through a multiscale analysis. RESULTS The quantification of DNA methylation at CCGG sites using luminometric methylation assay (LUMA) highlighted the undermethylation of bull sperm compared to the sperm of rams, stallions, mice, goats and men. Total blood cells displayed a similarly high level of methylation in bulls and rams, suggesting that undermethylation of the bovine genome was specific to sperm. Annotation of CCGG sites in different species revealed no striking bias in the distribution of genome features targeted by LUMA that could explain undermethylation of bull sperm. To map DNA methylation at a genome-wide scale, bull sperm was compared with bovine liver, fibroblasts and monocytes using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) and immunoprecipitation of methylated DNA followed by microarray hybridization (MeDIP-chip). These two methods exhibited differences in terms of genome coverage, and consistently, two independent sets of sequences differentially methylated in sperm and somatic cells were identified for RRBS and MeDIP-chip. Remarkably, in the two sets most of the differentially methylated sequences were hypomethylated in sperm. In agreement with previous studies in other species, the sequences that were specifically hypomethylated in bull sperm targeted processes relevant to the germline differentiation program (piRNA metabolism, meiosis, spermatogenesis) and sperm functions (cell adhesion, fertilization), as well as satellites and rDNA repeats. CONCLUSIONS These results highlight the undermethylation of bull spermatozoa when compared with both bovine somatic cells and the sperm of other mammals, and raise questions regarding the dynamics of DNA methylation in bovine male germline. Whether sperm undermethylation has potential interactions with structural variation in the cattle genome may deserve further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Philippe Perrier
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France
- Present Address: Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Eli Sellem
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France
- ALLICE, 149 rue de Bercy, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Audrey Prézelin
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Maxime Gasselin
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Luc Jouneau
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France
| | - François Piumi
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France
- Present Address: Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR3664, 75005 Paris, France
- Present Address: Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, CNRS, UMR3664, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Hala Al Adhami
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France
- CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, UMR7242 Biotechnologie et signalisation cellulaire, 300 bd Sébastien Brant, 67412 Illkirch cedex, France
| | - Michaël Weber
- CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, UMR7242 Biotechnologie et signalisation cellulaire, 300 bd Sébastien Brant, 67412 Illkirch cedex, France
| | - Sébastien Fritz
- ALLICE, 149 rue de Bercy, 75012 Paris, France
- UMR GABI, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris Saclay, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Didier Boichard
- UMR GABI, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris Saclay, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Chrystelle Le Danvic
- ALLICE, 149 rue de Bercy, 75012 Paris, France
- UMR CNRS/USTL 8576, UGSF, Villeneuve D’Ascq, France
| | | | - Hélène Jammes
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Hélène Kiefer
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France
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13
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Varela E, Rey J, Plaza E, Muñoz de Propios P, Ortiz-Rodríguez JM, Álvarez M, Anel-López L, Anel L, De Paz P, Gil MC, Morrell JM, Ortega-Ferrusola C. How does the microbial load affect the quality of equine cool-stored semen? Theriogenology 2018; 114:212-220. [PMID: 29653389 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 03/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Contaminating bacteria present in stallion ejaculates may compromise sperm quality during storage. Different procedures have been used to reduce the load of microorganisms in semen and avoid bacterial growth during storage. The aims of this study were: 1) to evaluate different techniques to eliminate bacteria in semen 2) to study the relationship between total microflora load (TML) and ROS production; and 3) to determine if TML affects the functionality of cool-stored sperm. Ejaculates from 11 stallions were split and processed in 3 ways: A. extended semen; B. conventional centrifuged semen, and C. Single layer centrifugation through Androcoll-E (SLC). All samples were preserved in INRA 96 at 5 °C for 72 h. Aliquots from native semen and from different treatments were taken for bacteriological analysis at T0, T24, T48 and T72h of storage and Total microbial load (TML: CFU (colony-forming units/ml) was calculated. The ROS production (dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate for H2O2, dihydroethidium for superoxide anion and CellROX deep red for total ROS), viability (YO-PRO-1-Ethidium) and lipid peroxidation (BODIPY-C11) were assessed by flow cytometry, and motility by CASA. The bacteria isolated were Corynebacterium spp, Arcanobacterium spp, Bacillus spp, Dermobacter, Staphylococcus spp, Streptococcus spp, Penicilium spp. TML of semen showed correlations with live sperm (r: -0.771), dead sperm (r: 0.580), H2O2 production (r: 0.740), and total ROS production (CellROX (+)) (r: -0.607), Total motility (r: 0.587), Progressive motility (r: -0.566), VCL (r: -0.664), VSL (r: -0,569), VAP (r: -0.534) (p ≤ 0.05). SLC removed 99.34% of the microbial load, which was assicated with a significanlty reduced H2O2 production (p ≤ 0.05). However, only samples treated with Androcoll-E had a higher total ROS production (CellROX +) (p ≤ 0.05). These results suggest that CellROX stain probably identifies superoxide production rather than H2O2 and this higher superoxide production may reflect an intense sperm functionality. The bacterial load increased the production of H2O2 in cool-stored semen which was associated with lower tolerance to refrigeration. SLC was the sperm processing technique that was most efficient at removing bacteria, reducing H2O2 production and selecting the most functional sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Varela
- Unit of Infection Diseases, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
| | - J Rey
- Unit of Infection Diseases, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
| | - E Plaza
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
| | | | - J M Ortiz-Rodríguez
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
| | - M Álvarez
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, University of León, León, Spain
| | - L Anel-López
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, University of León, León, Spain
| | - L Anel
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, University of León, León, Spain
| | - P De Paz
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, University of León, León, Spain
| | - M C Gil
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
| | - J M Morrell
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, SLU, Uppsala, Sweden
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14
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Sperm Quality during Storage Is Not Affected by the Presence of Antibiotics in EquiPlus Semen Extender but Is Improved by Single Layer Centrifugation. Antibiotics (Basel) 2017; 7:antibiotics7010001. [PMID: 29267226 PMCID: PMC5872112 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics7010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Contamination of semen with bacteria arises during semen collection and handling. This bacterial contamination is typically controlled by adding antibiotics to semen extenders but intensive usage of antibiotics can lead to the development of bacterial resistance and may be detrimental to sperm quality. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of antibiotics in a semen extender on sperm quality and to investigate the effects of removal of bacteria by modified Single Layer Centrifugation (MSLC) through a colloid. Semen was collected from six adult pony stallions (three ejaculates per male). Aliquots of extended semen were used for MSLC with Equicoll, resulting in four treatment groups: control and MSLC in extender with antibiotics (CA and SA, respectively); control and MSLC in extender without antibiotics (CW and SW, respectively). Sperm motility, membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential and chromatin integrity were evaluated daily by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and flow cytometry. There were no differences in sperm quality between CA and CW, or between SA and SW, although progressive motility was negatively correlated to total bacterial counts at 0 h. However, MSLC groups showed higher mean total motility (P < 0.001), progressive motility (P < 0.05), membrane integrity (P < 0.0001) and mitochondrial membrane potential (P < 0.05), as well as better chromatin integrity (P < 0.05), than controls. Sperm quality remained higher in the MSLC groups than controls throughout storage. These results indicate that sperm quality was not adversely affected by the presence of antibiotics but was improved considerably by MSLC.
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15
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Hidalgo M, Ortiz I, Dorado J, Morrell JM, Gosálvez J, Consuegra C, Diaz-Jimenez M, Pereira B, Crespo F. Stallion sperm selection prior to freezing using a modified colloid swim-up procedure without centrifugation. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 185:83-88. [PMID: 28827080 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2017] [Revised: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The aims of this study were to: 1) develop a new method for stallion sperm selection using a modified swim-up procedure through a colloid and 2) evaluate its impact in good quality ejaculates from bad freezers in comparison to methods involving centrifugation such as single layer centrifugation and sperm washing. Ejaculates were processed before freezing using three different procedures: sperm washing (SW), colloid single layer centrifugation (SLC) and a modified colloid swim-up (SU). After semen processing, sperm recovery rates were measured and sperm were frozen. Post-thaw sperm motility (assessed by computer-assisted sperm analysis), normal forms and plasma membrane integrity (evaluated under bright-field and fluorescence microscopy respectively), and DNA fragmentation (assessed by the Sperm-Halomax kit) were compared between treatments. Sperm recovery rates were similar between SU and SLC but lower than SW. Sperm motility after thawing was lower in SU in comparison to SLC and SW, maybe due to the incomplete removal of seminal plasma before freezing. Sperm DNA fragmentation was lower in SU and SLC selection methods, particularly in SLC selected samples during the first 6h of incubation. The remaining sperm parameters assessed were similar among treatments. In conclusion, SLC is more suitable than SW and SU to process stallion semen prior to freezing, in particular when sperm DNA damage is suspected. Further studies are needed in order to determine the potential benefits of SU in samples where centrifugation is not necessary, such as epididymal sperm, ejaculate fractioning or post-thaw semen samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Hidalgo
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain.
| | - I Ortiz
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - J Dorado
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - J M Morrell
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7054, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - J Gosálvez
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
| | - C Consuegra
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - M Diaz-Jimenez
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - B Pereira
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - F Crespo
- Department of Reproduction, Centro Militar de Cría Caballar (FESCCR-Ministry of Defense), Ávila, Spain
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16
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Ortiz I, Dorado J, Morrell J, Gosálvez J, Crespo F, Jiménez JM, Hidalgo M. New approach to assess sperm DNA fragmentation dynamics: Fine-tuning mathematical models. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2017; 8:23. [PMID: 28286648 PMCID: PMC5341447 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-017-0155-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sperm DNA fragmentation (sDF) has been proved to be an important parameter in order to predict in vitro the potential fertility of a semen sample. Colloid centrifugation could be a suitable technique to select those donkey sperm more resistant to DNA fragmentation after thawing. Previous studies have shown that to elucidate the latent damage of the DNA molecule, sDF should be assessed dynamically, where the rate of fragmentation between treatments indicates how resistant the DNA is to iatrogenic damage. The rate of fragmentation is calculated using the slope of a linear regression equation. However, it has not been studied if sDF dynamics fit this model. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of different after-thawing centrifugation protocols on sperm DNA fragmentation and elucidate the most accurate mathematical model (linear regression, exponential or polynomial) for DNA fragmentation over time in frozen-thawed donkey semen. Results After submitting post-thaw semen samples to no centrifugation (UDC), sperm washing (SW) or single layer centrifugation (SLC) protocols, sDF values after 6 h of incubation were significantly lower in SLC samples than in SW or UDC. Coefficient of determination (R2) values were significantly higher for a second order polynomial model than for linear or exponential. The highest values for acceleration of fragmentation (aSDF) were obtained for SW, followed by SLC and UDC. Conclusion SLC after thawing seems to preserve longer DNA longevity in comparison to UDC and SW. Moreover, the fine-tuning of models has shown that sDF dynamics in frozen-thawed donkey semen fit a second order polynomial model, which implies that fragmentation rate is not constant and fragmentation acceleration must be taken into account to elucidate hidden damage in the DNA molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Ortiz
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Jesús Dorado
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Jane Morrell
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7054, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jaime Gosálvez
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Crespo
- Department of Reproduction, Centro Militar de Cría Caballar (FESCCR-Ministry of Defense), 05005 Ávila, Spain
| | - Juan M Jiménez
- Department of Chemistry and Physics of Materials, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34/III, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Manuel Hidalgo
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain
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17
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Ortiz I, Dorado J, Morrell JM, Crespo F, Gosálvez J, Gálvez MJ, Acha D, Hidalgo M. Effect of single-layer centrifugation or washing on frozen-thawed donkey semen quality: Do they have the same effect regardless of the quality of the sample? Theriogenology 2015; 84:294-300. [PMID: 25917884 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Revised: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The aims of this study were to determine the sperm quality of frozen-thawed donkey sperm samples after single-layer centrifugation (SLC) using Androcoll-E in comparison to sperm washing or no centrifugation and to determine if the effect on the sperm quality after SLC or sperm washing depends on the quality of the sample. Frozen-thawed sperm samples from Andalusian donkeys were divided into three aliquots, and they were processed using three different techniques after thawing: uncentrifuged diluted control (UDC), sperm washing (SW), and SLC. Afterward, sperm quality index was estimated by integrating all parameters (total and progressive sperm motility, membrane integrity, and DNA fragmentation) in a single value. The relationship between the sperm quality of thawed UDC samples and the effect on sperm parameters in SW and SLC-selected samples was assessed. Sperm quality index was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in SLC (0.8 ± 0.0) samples than that in UDC (0.6 ± 0.0) and SW (0.6 ± 0.0) samples, regardless of the sperm quality index after thawing of the sperm sample. In conclusion, SLC of frozen-thawed donkey spermatozoa using Androcoll-E-Small can be a suitable procedure for selecting frozen-thawed donkey sperm with better quality, in particular in those samples where an improvement in motility is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Ortiz
- Animal Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain.
| | - J Dorado
- Animal Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - J M Morrell
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - F Crespo
- Department of Reproduction, Centro Militar de Cría Caballar (FESCCR-Ministry of Defense), Ávila, Spain
| | - J Gosálvez
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - M J Gálvez
- Animal Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - D Acha
- Animal Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - M Hidalgo
- Animal Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain
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