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Cinar B, Bollwein H, Siuda M, Lautner M, Leiding C, Malama E. Impact of bull age, sperm processing, and microclimatic conditions on the viability and DNA integrity of cryopreserved bovine sperm. Reprod Fertil Dev 2024; 36:RD23219. [PMID: 38713807 DOI: 10.1071/rd23219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Context Seasonal microclimatic fluctuations can cause changes in sperm quality even in dairy bulls bred under temperate climate. These changes can vary between sires of different age and affect sperm freezability. Aims We aimed to evaluate the modulating effect of bull age and equilibration time before freezing on the seasonal pattern of sperm viability and DNA integrity post-thaw. Methods In the frame of systematic sperm quality control, we assessed the integrity of sperm plasma membrane and acrosome (PMAI) in 15,496 cryopreserved bovine batches, and the percentage of sperm with high DNA fragmentation index (%DFI) after 0h and 3h incubation at 38°C post-thaw (3h) in 3422 batches. Semen was equilibrated for 24h before freezing if collected on Monday or Wednesday and 72h if produced on Friday. We investigated the effect of season, bull age, equilibration, and temperature-humidity index (THI) on the day of semen collection on sperm traits using mixed-effects linear models. Key results PMAI and %DFI (0h and 3h) deteriorated with increasing THI. The effect of THI on %DFI was detected with a 30-day time lag. Seasonal fluctuations of sperm quality were similar between young, mature, and older sires. Prolonged equilibration did not affect PMAI but was linked to elevated %DFI (3h) in summer. Conclusions Extending equilibration from 24 to 72h is compatible with commercial standards of bovine sperm quality post-thaw; however, it could interfere with the seasonal pattern of the latter. Implications Systematic monitoring of bovine sperm quality enables the prompt detection of stress factors related to microclimate and semen processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burcu Cinar
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Heinrich Bollwein
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Mathias Siuda
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Lautner
- Besamungsverein Neustadt a.d. Aisch e.V., Karl-Eibl-Straße 17-27, Neustadt a.d. Aisch 91413, Germany
| | - Claus Leiding
- Besamungsverein Neustadt a.d. Aisch e.V., Karl-Eibl-Straße 17-27, Neustadt a.d. Aisch 91413, Germany
| | - Eleni Malama
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
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2
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Palacin-Martinez C, Anel-Lopez L, Alvarez M, Neila-Montero M, Montes-Garrido R, Soriano-Úbeda C, de Paz P, Anel L, Riesco MF. The characterization of CellROX™ probes could be a crucial factor in ram sperm quality assessment. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1342808. [PMID: 38476170 PMCID: PMC10927726 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1342808] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Several authors have demonstrated that low levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are necessary for the physiological functions of sperm, such as capacitation, hyperactivation, acrosomal reaction and fertilization. However, high levels of ROS are associated with oxidative stress and detrimental effects on fertility. Consequently, deep characterization of ROS presence using different fluorescent probes could be crucial. In this sense, the study of intracellular ROS localization and the relationships between ROS and other conventional parameters could improve the characterization of sperm quality for semen preservation protocols in rams. In this work, a multiparametric study was carried out by analyzing four experimental groups of ram sperm with different initial qualities: fresh semen (from both breeding and nonbreeding seasons), frozen-thawed semen and, a positive control group treated with hydrogen peroxide (300 μM) as a marker of extreme damage. Sperm analyses, including viability, apoptosis, lipid peroxidation, motility and kinetic parameters, were applied to compare several experimental groups with different sperm qualities. After that, the signals from two different ROS probes: CellROX™ Deep Red (CRDR) and Green (CRG), were examined by flow cytometry (percentage of cells that express ROS) and fluorescence microscopy (intracellular ROS location). Comparing conventional parameters, fresh samples from the breeding season showed the highest sperm quality, while the positive control samples showed the worst sperm quality. Concerning the ROS probes, the CRDR levels were higher in fresh samples from the breeding season than in the positive control and cryopreserved samples. Surprisingly, CRG presented its highest level (P < 0.05) in the positive control group treated with peroxide by flow cytometry. CRDR and CRG presented opposite labeling patterns that were corroborated by fluorescence microscopy, which determined that the probes localized in different parts of sperm. CRDR was found in the sperm mitochondrial region, while CRG was observed in the cell nucleus, suggesting that ROS localization is an important factor. Finally, our study indicates that CRDR is correlated with proper viability and sperm motility, and could be associated with high mitochondrial activity, while CRG is associated with sperm damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Palacin-Martinez
- Investigación en Técnicas de Reproducción Asistida (Itra-ULE), Instituto de Desarrollo Ganadero y Sanidad Animal (INDEGSAL), University of León, León, Spain
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Luis Anel-Lopez
- Investigación en Técnicas de Reproducción Asistida (Itra-ULE), Instituto de Desarrollo Ganadero y Sanidad Animal (INDEGSAL), University of León, León, Spain
- Anatomy, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Mercedes Alvarez
- Investigación en Técnicas de Reproducción Asistida (Itra-ULE), Instituto de Desarrollo Ganadero y Sanidad Animal (INDEGSAL), University of León, León, Spain
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Marta Neila-Montero
- Investigación en Técnicas de Reproducción Asistida (Itra-ULE), Instituto de Desarrollo Ganadero y Sanidad Animal (INDEGSAL), University of León, León, Spain
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Rafael Montes-Garrido
- Investigación en Técnicas de Reproducción Asistida (Itra-ULE), Instituto de Desarrollo Ganadero y Sanidad Animal (INDEGSAL), University of León, León, Spain
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Cristina Soriano-Úbeda
- Investigación en Técnicas de Reproducción Asistida (Itra-ULE), Instituto de Desarrollo Ganadero y Sanidad Animal (INDEGSAL), University of León, León, Spain
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Paulino de Paz
- Investigación en Técnicas de Reproducción Asistida (Itra-ULE), Instituto de Desarrollo Ganadero y Sanidad Animal (INDEGSAL), University of León, León, Spain
- Celular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Luis Anel
- Investigación en Técnicas de Reproducción Asistida (Itra-ULE), Instituto de Desarrollo Ganadero y Sanidad Animal (INDEGSAL), University of León, León, Spain
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Marta F. Riesco
- Investigación en Técnicas de Reproducción Asistida (Itra-ULE), Instituto de Desarrollo Ganadero y Sanidad Animal (INDEGSAL), University of León, León, Spain
- Celular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, University of León, León, Spain
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3
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Pardede BP, Karja NWK, Said S, Kaiin EM, Agil M, Sumantri C, Purwantara B, Supriatna I. Bovine nucleoprotein transitions genes and protein abundance as valuable markers of sperm motility and the correlation with fertility. Theriogenology 2024; 215:86-94. [PMID: 38016305 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.11.015] [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: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Bovine nucleoprotein transitions (TNPs), specifically TNP1 and TNP2, are essential molecules in sperm nucleus rich in arginine and lysine. These molecules act in the phase between histone expulsion and before incorporation of protamine in the spermatid nucleus. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze genes and protein abundance of TNP1 and TNP2 in sperm to determine the potential as motility markers and correlation with fertility in the field. An objective evaluation method, CASA-Sperm Vision, was used to separate 22 bulls into two groups (mg-A and mg-B) based on their increasing motility. Sperm quality parameters were also examined including velocity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) by the JC-1 method, head defects using William staining, and DNA fragmentation by Halomax. TNPs genes abundance was performed using the RT-qPCR method, and the protein abundance was examined with the EIA approach. The fertility rate was also analyzed based on the conception rate generated from each bull in the field, with the data obtained from iSIKHNAS. The results showed that TNPs genes and protein abundance were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in mg-A compared to mg-B, followed by various sperm quality parameters and fertility rates (P < 0.05). Positive correlations were found in TNPs genes and protein abundance with motility, velocity, MMP, and fertility (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, a negative correlation (P < 0.01) was found between head defects and DNA fragmentation. These results showed the potential of TNPs as sperm motility markers and bull fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berlin Pandapotan Pardede
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia; Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research, and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia.
| | - Ni Wayan Kurniani Karja
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Syahruddin Said
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research, and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Ekayanti Mulyawati Kaiin
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research, and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Agil
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia.
| | - Cece Sumantri
- Department of Animal Production and Technology, Faculty of Animal Science, IPB University, Indonesia
| | - Bambang Purwantara
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Iman Supriatna
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
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4
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Gacem S, Castello-Ruiz M, Hidalgo CO, Tamargo C, Santolaria P, Soler C, Yániz JL, Silvestre MA. Bull Sperm SWATH-MS-Based Proteomics Reveals Link between High Fertility and Energy Production, Motility Structures, and Sperm-Oocyte Interaction. J Proteome Res 2023; 22:3607-3624. [PMID: 37782577 PMCID: PMC10629479 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00461] [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: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
The prediction of male or semen fertility potential remains a persistent challenge that has yet to be fully resolved. This work analyzed several in vitro parameters and proteome of spermatozoa in bulls cataloged as high- (HF; n = 5) and low-field (LF; n = 5) fertility after more than a thousand artificial inseminations. Sperm motility was evaluated by computer-assisted sperm analysis. Sperm viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and reactive oxygen species (mROS) of spermatozoa were assessed by flow cytometry. Proteome was evaluated by the SWATH-MS procedure. Spermatozoa of HF bulls showed significantly higher total motility than the LF group (41.4% vs 29.7%). Rates of healthy sperm (live, high MMP, and low mROS) for HF and LF bull groups were 49% and 43%, respectively (p > 0.05). Spermatozoa of HF bulls showed a higher presence of differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) related to both energy production (COX7C), mainly the OXPHOS pathway, and the development of structures linked with the motility process (TPPP2, SSMEM1, and SPAG16). Furthermore, we observed that equatorin (EQTN), together with other DAPs related to the interaction with the oocyte, was overrepresented in HF bull spermatozoa. The biological processes related to protein processing, catabolism, and protein folding were found to be overrepresented in LF bull sperm in which the HSP90AA1 chaperone was identified as the most DAP. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD042286.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Gacem
- Departamento
de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología
Física, Universitat de València, 46100 Valencia, Spain
- Departamento
de Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Universitat
Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Castello-Ruiz
- Departamento
de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología
Física, Universitat de València, 46100 Valencia, Spain
- Unidad
Mixta de Investigación Cerebrovascular, Instituto de Investigación
Sanitaria La Fe, Hospital Universitario
y Politécnico La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlos O. Hidalgo
- Animal
Selection and Reproduction Area, Regional
Agrifood Research and Development Service (SERIDA), 33394 Deva, Gijón, Spain
| | - Carolina Tamargo
- Animal
Selection and Reproduction Area, Regional
Agrifood Research and Development Service (SERIDA), 33394 Deva, Gijón, Spain
| | - Pilar Santolaria
- BIOFITER
Research Group, Institute of Environmental Sciences (IUCA), University of Zaragoza, 22071 Huesca, Spain
| | - Carles Soler
- Departamento
de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología
Física, Universitat de València, 46100 Valencia, Spain
| | - Jesús L. Yániz
- BIOFITER
Research Group, Institute of Environmental Sciences (IUCA), University of Zaragoza, 22071 Huesca, Spain
| | - Miguel A. Silvestre
- Departamento
de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología
Física, Universitat de València, 46100 Valencia, Spain
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5
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Lin HLH, Mermillod P, Grasseau I, Brillard JP, Gérard N, Reynaud K, Chen LR, Blesbois E, Carvalho AV. Is glycerol a good cryoprotectant for sperm cells? New exploration of its toxicity using avian model. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 258:107330. [PMID: 37734123 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Glycerol is a cryoprotectant used widely for the cryopreservation of animal sperm, but it is linked to a decrease in fertility. The mechanism underlying the negative effects of glycerol remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to gain a better understanding by using the chicken model. First, we investigated the impact of increasing the concentration of glycerol during insemination on hen fertility. Our findings revealed that 2% glycerol resulted in partial infertility, while 6% glycerol led to complete infertility. Subsequently, we examined the ability of sperm to colonize sperm storage tubules (SST) during in vivo insemination and in vitro incubation. The sperm used in the experiment were stained with Hoechst and contained 0, 2, or 6% glycerol. Furthermore, we conducted perivitelline membrane lysis tests and investigated sperm motility, mitochondrial function, ATP concentration, membrane integrity, and apoptosis after 60 min of incubation with different glycerol concentrations (0%, 1%, 2%, 6%, and 11%) at two temperatures to simulate pre-freezing (4 °C) and post-insemination (41 °C) conditions. Whereas 2% glycerol significantly reduced 50% of sperm containing SST, 6% glycerol completely inhibited SST colonization in vivo. On the other hand, in vitro incubation of sperm with SST revealed no effect of 2% glycerol, and 6% glycerol showed only a 17% reduction in sperm-filled SST. Moreover, glycerol reduced sperm-egg penetration rates and also affected sperm motility, bioenergetic metabolism, and cell death at 4 °C. These effects were observed when the concentration of glycerol exceeded 6%. Furthermore, at 41 °C, glycerol caused even greater damage, particularly in terms of reducing sperm motility. These data altogether reveal important effects of glycerol on sperm biology, sperm migration, SST colonization, and oocyte penetration. This suggests that glycerol plays a role in reducing fertility and presents opportunities for improving sperm cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiu-Lien Herbie Lin
- INRAE, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380 Nouzilly, France; Division of Physiology, LRI, COA, 71246 Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Pascal Mermillod
- INRAE, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | | | | | - Nadine Gérard
- INRAE, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Karine Reynaud
- INRAE, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Lih-Ren Chen
- Division of Physiology, LRI, COA, 71246 Tainan, Taiwan
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6
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Alm-Kristiansen AH. Motility Subpopulations with Distinct Motility Characteristics Using Swim-Up-Selected Sperm Cells from Norwegian Red Bulls: Effects of Freezing-Thawing and Between-Bull Variation. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1086. [PMID: 37626972 PMCID: PMC10452253 DOI: 10.3390/biology12081086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Discrete subpopulations of motile sperm cells have been found for several species and are implicated to be important for sperm functionality. The aim of this present study was to examine the motile subpopulations in swim-up-selected bull spermatozoa and the relationship between subpopulations in fresh and frozen-thawed sperm cells. In experiment 1, swim-up (SWUP)-selected and non-selected (control) sperm cells were analyzed using a Computer-Assisted Sperm Analyzer (CASA). In experiment 2, the semen from nine bulls was cryopreserved and analyzed using CASA both before and after freezing and after incubation at physiological temperatures. The SWUP population had a higher proportion of total motility, progressivity, and velocity compared to the control (p < 0.05). Likewise, both incubation over time and cryopreservation affected motility and motility parameters (p < 0.05). The population of rapid progressive (RapidP) sperm cells dominated the SWUP fraction and was higher than in the control samples (p < 0.05). Furthermore, RapidP was also the main part of fresh semen, but decreased significantly over time during incubation and due to cryopreservation. In conclusion, RapidP was the main population in SWUP-selected spermatozoa and seems to be an important subpopulation contributing to the differences between treatments and in response to the freezing of sperm cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Hege Alm-Kristiansen
- Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, 2418 Hamar, Norway
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7
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Egyptien S, Dewals B, Ectors F, Brutinel F, Ponthier J, Deleuze S. Validation of Calcein Violet as a New Marker of Semen Membrane Integrity in Domestic Animals. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1874. [PMID: 37578748 PMCID: PMC10252073 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Many fluorochromes routinely used in semen quality analysis emit in the green and red channels, limiting their possible combination for multiple parameter analysis. The use of fluorophores emitting in different light channels broadens the possibilities of combination to expand the range of simultaneously evaluated criteria. This is of great interest in cases of small ejaculated volumes, such as those naturally occurring in roosters, small dog breeds and drones (Apis mellifera). The purpose of this experiment is to establish Calcein Violet (CaV), a blue fluorochrome, as a marker of viability and acrosomal integrity in domestic animals in order to free the red and green channels. SYBR®14/Propidium Iodide (PI) was used as reference dye, heat-treated samples as negative controls, serial staining combination for validation and epifluorescence microscopy for observation. Dead spermatozoa marked in red with PI showed no blue fluorescence either from the head or the tail. Live spermatozoa showed a decreasing blue emission from head to tail when single stained with CaV. Unreacted acrosomes showed intense blue fluorescence irrespective of plasma membrane integrity. This needs to be further confirmed for species with small and difficult to observe heads. Establishment of CaV as a marker of membrane integrity by fluorescence microscopy is a decisive first step towards further technical development and use with flow cytometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Egyptien
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals and Health Research Unit (FARAH), Comparative Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Avenue de Cureghem 1, 4000 Liège, Belgium (J.P.)
| | - Benjamin Dewals
- FARAH, Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Avenue de Cureghem 1, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Fabien Ectors
- FARAH, Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Avenue de Cureghem 1, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Flore Brutinel
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals and Health Research Unit (FARAH), Comparative Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Avenue de Cureghem 1, 4000 Liège, Belgium (J.P.)
| | - Jérôme Ponthier
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals and Health Research Unit (FARAH), Comparative Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Avenue de Cureghem 1, 4000 Liège, Belgium (J.P.)
| | - Stéfan Deleuze
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals and Health Research Unit (FARAH), Comparative Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Avenue de Cureghem 1, 4000 Liège, Belgium (J.P.)
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8
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Capra E, Turri F, Lazzari B, Biffani S, Lange Consiglio A, Ajmone Marsan P, Stella A, Pizzi F. CpG DNA methylation changes during epididymal sperm maturation in bulls. Epigenetics Chromatin 2023; 16:20. [PMID: 37254160 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-023-00495-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During epididymal transit spermatozoa acquire specific morphological features which enhance their ability to swim in a progressive manner and interact with the oocytes. At the same time, sperm cells undergo specific molecular rearrangements essential for the fertilizing sperm to drive a correct embryo development. To assess epigenetic sperm changes during epididymal maturation, the caput, corpus and cauda epididymis sperm tracts were isolated from eight bulls and characterized for different sperm quality parameters and for CpG DNA methylation using Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing (RRBS) able to identify differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in higher CpG density regions. RESULTS Caput sperm showed significant variation in motility and sperm kinetics variables, whereas spermatozoa collected from the corpus presented morphology variation and significant alterations in variables related to acrosome integrity. A total of 57,583 methylated regions were identified across the eight bulls, showing a significantly diverse distribution for sperm collected in the three epididymal regions. Differential methylation was observed between caput vs corpus (n = 11,434), corpus vs cauda (n = 12,372) and caput vs cauda (n = 2790). During epididymal transit a high proportion of the epigenome was remodeled, showing several regions in which methylation decreases from caput to corpus and increases from corpus to cauda. CONCLUSIONS Specific CpG DNA methylation changes in sperm isolated from the caput, corpus, and cauda epididymis tracts are likely to refine the sperm epigenome during sperm maturation, potentially impacting sperm fertilization ability and spatial organization of the genome during early embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Capra
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, National Research Council IBBA CNR, 26900, Lodi, Italy.
| | - F Turri
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, National Research Council IBBA CNR, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - B Lazzari
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, National Research Council IBBA CNR, 26900, Lodi, Italy
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, National Research Council IBBA CNR, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - S Biffani
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, National Research Council IBBA CNR, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - A Lange Consiglio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS), Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - P Ajmone Marsan
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Technology-DIANA, and Romeo and Enrica Invernizzi Research Center on Sustainable Dairy Production-CREI, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 29122, Piacenza, Italy
| | - A Stella
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, National Research Council IBBA CNR, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - F Pizzi
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, National Research Council IBBA CNR, 26900, Lodi, Italy
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9
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Abadjieva D, Georgiev B, Gerzilov V, Tsvetkova I, Taushanova P, Todorova K, Hayrabedyan S. Machine Learning Approach for Muscovy Duck ( Cairina moschata) Semen Quality Assessment. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13101596. [PMID: 37238026 DOI: 10.3390/ani13101596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to develop a comprehensive approach for assessing fresh ejaculate from Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) drakes to fulfil the requirements of artificial insemination in farm practices. The approach combines sperm kinetics (CASA) with non-kinetic parameters, such as vitality, enzyme activities (alkaline phosphatase (AP), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and γ-glutamyl-transferase (GGT)), and total DNA methylation as training features for a set of machine learning (ML) models designed to enhance the predictive capacity of sperm parameters. Samples were classified based on their progressive motility and DNA methylation features, exhibiting significant differences in total and progressive motility, curvilinear velocity (VCL), velocity of the average path (VAP), linear velocity (VSL), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), beat-cross frequency (BCF), and live normal sperm cells in favour of fast motility ones. Additionally, there were significant differences in enzyme activities for AP and CK, with correlations to LDH and GGT levels. Although motility showed no correlation with total DNA methylation, ALH, wobble of the curvilinear trajectory (WOB), and VCL were significantly different in the newly introduced classification for "suggested good quality", where both motility and methylation were high. The performance differences observed while training various ML classifiers using different feature subsets highlight the importance of DNA methylation for achieving more accurate sample quality classification, even though there is no correlation between motility and DNA methylation. The parameters ALH, VCL, triton extracted LDH, and VAP were top-ranking for "suggested good quality" predictions by the neural network and gradient boosting models. In conclusion, integrating non-kinetic parameters into machine-learning-based sample classification offers a promising approach for selecting kinetically and morphologically superior duck sperm samples that might otherwise be hindered by a predominance of lowly methylated cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desislava Abadjieva
- Department of Immunoneuroendocrinology, Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bul. Tzarigradsko Shosse 73, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Boyko Georgiev
- Department of Immunoneuroendocrinology, Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bul. Tzarigradsko Shosse 73, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Vasko Gerzilov
- Department of Animal Science, Agricultural University, 12, Mendeleev Str., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Ilka Tsvetkova
- Reproductive OMICS Laboratory, Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bul. Tzarigradsko Shosse 73, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Paulina Taushanova
- Department of Immunoneuroendocrinology, Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bul. Tzarigradsko Shosse 73, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Krassimira Todorova
- Reproductive OMICS Laboratory, Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bul. Tzarigradsko Shosse 73, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Soren Hayrabedyan
- Reproductive OMICS Laboratory, Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bul. Tzarigradsko Shosse 73, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
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10
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Bollwein H, Malama E. Review: Evaluation of bull fertility. Functional and molecular approaches. Animal 2023; 17 Suppl 1:100795. [PMID: 37567681 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100795] [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: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
With the term "assisted reproduction technologies" in modern cattle farming, one could imply the collection of techniques that aim at the optimal use of bovine gametes to produce animals of high genetic value in a time- and cost-efficient manner. The accurate characterisation of sperm quality plays a critical role for the efficiency of several assisted reproduction-related procedures, such as sperm processing, in vitro embryo production and artificial insemination. Bull fertility is ultimately a collective projection of the ability of a series of ejaculates to endure sperm processing stress, and achieve fertilisation of the oocyte and production of a viable and well-developing embryo. In this concept, the assessment of sperm functional and molecular characteristics is key to bull fertility diagnostics and prognostics. Among others, functional features linked to sperm plasma membrane, acrosome and DNA integrity are usually assessed as a measure of the ability of sperm to express the phenotypes that will allow them to maintain their homeostasis and orchestrate-in a strict temporal manner-the course of events that will enable the delivery of their genetic content to the oocyte upon fertilisation. Nevertheless, measures of sperm functionality are not always adequate indicators of bull fertility. Nowadays, advancements in the field of molecular biology have facilitated the profiling of several biomolecules in male gametes. The molecular profiling of bovine sperm offers a deeper insight into the mechanisms underlying sperm physiology and, thus, can reveal novel candidate markers for bull fertility prognosis. In this review, the importance of three organelles (the nucleus, the plasma membrane and the acrosome) for the characterisation of sperm fertilising capacity and bull fertility is discussed at functional and molecular levels. In particular, information about sperm head morphometry, chromatin structure, viability as well as the ability of sperm to capacitate and undergo the acrosome reaction are presented in relation to the cryotolerance of male gametes and bull fertility. Finally, major spermatozoal coding and non-coding RNAs, and proteins that are involved in the above-mentioned aspects of sperm functionality are also summarised.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Bollwein
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Department for Farm Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - E Malama
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Department for Farm Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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11
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Motility Assessment of Ram Spermatozoa. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11121715. [PMID: 36552225 PMCID: PMC9774426 DOI: 10.3390/biology11121715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
For successful fertilisation to occur, spermatozoa need to successfully migrate through the female reproductive tract and penetrate the oocyte. Predictably, poor sperm motility has been associated with low rates of fertilisation in many mammalian species, including the ram. As such, motility is one of the most important parameters used for in vitro evaluation of ram sperm quality and function. This review aims to outline the mechanical and energetic processes which underpin sperm motility, describe changes in motility which occur as a result of differences in sperm structure and the surrounding microenvironment, and assess the effectiveness of the various methods used to assess sperm motility in rams. Methods of subjective motility estimation are convenient, inexpensive methods widely used in the livestock industries, however, the subjective nature of these methods can make them unreliable. Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) technology accurately and objectively measures sperm motility via two-dimensional tracing of sperm head motion, making it a popular method for sperm quality assurance in domesticated animal production laboratories. Newly developed methods of motility assessment including flagellar tracing, three-dimensional sperm tracing, in vivo motility assessment, and molecular assays which quantify motility-associated biomarkers, enable analysis of a new range of sperm motion parameters with the potential to reveal new mechanistic insights and improve ram semen assessment. Experimental application of these technologies is required to fully understand their potential to improve semen quality assessment and prediction of reproductive success in ovine artificial breeding programs.
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12
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Assessment of sperm motility in livestock: Perspectives based on sperm swimming conditions in vivo. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 246:106849. [PMID: 34556397 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Evaluation of sperm motility is well-established in farm animals for quickly selecting ejaculates for semen processing into insemination doses and for evaluating the quality of preserved semen. Likewise, sperm motility is a fundamental parameter used by spermatologists in basic and applied science. Motility is commonly assessed using computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA). Recent increases in computational power, as well as utilization of mobile CASA systems and open-source CASA programs, broaden the possibilities for motility evaluation. Despite this technological progress, the potential of computer-generated motility data to assess male fertility remains challenging and may be limited. Relevance for fertility assessment could be improved if measurement conditions would more closely mimic the in vivo situation. Hence, this review is focused on the current trends of automated semen assessment in livestock and explores perspectives for future use with respect to the physiological and physical conditions encountered by sperm in the female reproductive tract. Validation of current CASA systems with more complex, microfluidic-based devices mimicking the female reproductive tract environment could improve the value of sperm kinematic data for assessing the fertilizing capacity of semen samples, not only for application in livestock but also for use in conducting assisted reproduction techniques in other species.
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13
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DeJarnette JM, Harstine BR, McDonald K, Marshall CE. Commercial application of flow cytometry for evaluating bull sperm. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 246:106838. [PMID: 34507847 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Artificial insemination using semen from genetically superior sires remains one of the most effective biotechnologies ever commercialized for animal breeding purposes. Genetic progress, however, cannot begin until conception occurs. Processing laboratories that provide cryopreserved bull semen for commercial use depend on in vitro assays of semen quality to identify samples that are expected to result in less than desirable conception rates. These identified samples are discarded, rather than released to salable inventories, with the desired effect of minimizing variance in field fertility among both sires and individual collections. Although the industry was successfully founded on subjective assessment of motility and acrosome integrity, flow cytometric and computer-assisted sperm analysis offer more objective and repeatable measures of sperm quality attributes. Albeit more expensive to implement, the increased precision and repeatability when using these objective assays lends to greater confidence in the accuracy of decisions for individual collections and (or) bulls. The efficacy of a quality control program is evidenced by the range in sire fertility estimates calculated from field fertility data, which have historically indicated >90% of all sires achieve fertility deviation within ±3% points of the breed average. This impressive precedent implies somewhat limited opportunity for transition to objective assessments to have a meaningful impact on an already narrow range of fertility distributions. Nonetheless, flow cytometric assessments of novel attributes of sperm quality hold promise for detection of truly sub-fertile sires (deviations < -3) that presently elude detection with use of existing semen bioassays.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M DeJarnette
- Select Sires, Incorporated, 11740 US 42N, Plain City, OH 43064, USA.
| | - B R Harstine
- Select Sires, Incorporated, 11740 US 42N, Plain City, OH 43064, USA
| | - K McDonald
- Select Sires, Incorporated, 11740 US 42N, Plain City, OH 43064, USA
| | - C E Marshall
- Select Sires, Incorporated, 11740 US 42N, Plain City, OH 43064, USA
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14
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Use of auxiliary techniques for assessing the reproductive capacity of natural service Nellore bulls. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 247:107090. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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15
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Dessouki SM, Ahmed DAER, Fayed AK. Sperm kinetics of Egyptian buffalo bulls ( Bubalus bubalis) affected by the red laser postfreezing. J Adv Vet Anim Res 2022; 9:396-404. [PMID: 36382032 PMCID: PMC9597919 DOI: 10.5455/javar.2022.i607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To improve the fertilizing ability of frozen buffalo semen using the more beneficial, accurate, and cheap technique of laser irradiation at specific wavelengths and exposure times. MATERIALS AND METHODS The red laser source (625 nm) was used in this study with 5 watts output power and for the irradiation of the semen samples for 5 min; the laser focus spot area was 1 cm2.Thirty straws belonging to five buffalo bulls were used in this study. RESULTS The results show that total motility (%) and progressive motility (%) increased insignificantly after 5 min of exposure (73.8 ± 1.4 and 60.4 ± 1.1, respectively) compared to the control sample (70.9 ± 0.9 and 57.5 ± 1.7, respectively). All velocity parameters (velocity average path,velocity curved line, and velocity straight line µm/sec) recorded a significant (p < 0.05) increase in samples measured 5 min after exposure (52.3 ± 1.3, 83.5 ± 2.0, and 43.5 ± 1.2, respectively) compared to the untreated ones (47.1 ± 2.0, 76.3 ± 3.1, and 38.6 ± 1.9, respectively). CONCLUSION The application of the red laser light on buffalo semen postthawing resulted in a positive correlation with almost every motility parameter; it may be recommended to apply this technique pre-in vitro fertilization for embryo production of buffalo species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ayat Kassem Fayed
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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16
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Donnellan E, Lonergan P, Meade K, Fair S. An ex-vivo assessment of differential sperm transport in the female reproductive tract between high and low fertility bulls. Theriogenology 2022; 181:42-49. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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17
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Tırpan MB, Olğaç KT, Korkmaz F, Sonat A, Kaya U, Akçay E. Fertility comparison of frozen bull semen stored in cryogenic deep freezer (−152 °C) and LN2 container. Theriogenology 2022; 185:1-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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18
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Sperm function and oxidative status: Effect on fertility in Bos taurus and Bos indicus bulls when semen is used for fixed-time artificial insemination. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 237:106922. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.106922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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19
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Narud B, Khezri A, Nordborg A, Klinkenberg G, Zeremichael TT, Stenseth EB, Heringstad B, Kommisrud E, Myromslien FD. Semen quality parameters including metabolites, sperm production traits and fertility in young Norwegian Red AI bulls. Livest Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2021.104803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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20
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Finelli R, Moreira BP, Alves MG, Agarwal A. Unraveling the Molecular Impact of Sperm DNA Damage on Human Reproduction. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1358:77-113. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-89340-8_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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21
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Effect of Extender, Storage Time and Temperature on Kinetic Parameters (CASA) on Bull Semen Samples. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10080806. [PMID: 34440041 PMCID: PMC8389670 DOI: 10.3390/biology10080806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The bull accounts for a great part of the economic value of beef herds managed with natural mating, with the Bull Breeding Soundness Evaluation (BBSE) performed in the field becoming essential. Part of the BBSE is the semen-quality evaluation (classical and kinetic parameters) that can be performed in situ (by trained practitioners) or at laboratories, with semen being short-term stored and shipped. The extender used as well as the storage temperature and duration may affect its quality. Thus, our aim was to explore the best conditions to preserve CASA kinetic parameters, to be reliably assessed afterwards. CASA parameters were preserved for up to 4–6 h post-ejaculation, except for AndroMed® in most of the parameters. Motility decreased from 4–6 h up to 24 h, with the best values obtained with BIOXcell® at 5 °C. The rest of kinetic parameters worsened when analyses were performed at 24 h. Therefore, we suggest evaluating seminal quality as soon as possible. However, using BIOXcell®, either at 5 °C or room temperature, and INRA96® at room temperature, sperm motility can be reliably evaluated for up to 6 h. These results help to fix adequate protocols for the short-term storage and shipment of bovine semen collected under field conditions. Abstract CASA kinetic parameters are often evaluated in a diagnostic centre. How storage conditions affect ejaculates up to evaluation is unclear. We assessed, in 25 commercial bulls electroejaculated in the field, the impact of time until evaluation (0–2 h, 4–6 h, and 24 h post-ejaculation), holding temperature (5 °C vs. room temperature), and extender (AndroMed®, BIOXcell® or INRA96®) on CASA kinetic parameters. Total and progressive motility, VCL, VAP, VCL, ALH, BCF, STR, LIN, and WOB were assessed. CASA kinetic parameters were preserved for up to 4–6 h post-ejaculation, except for AndroMed®. Regardless of extender or temperature, motility decreased from 4–6 h up to 24 h, with the best values obtained with BIOXcell® at 5 °C. Our results suggest that BIOXcell® can preserve sperm motility for up to 6 h, either at 5 °C or room temperature, and also INRA96® at room temperature, with motility assessments and the percentage of the most rapid sperms being the lowest with INRA96® at 5 °C. The kinetic parameters decreased when analyses were performed at 24 h. Therefore, we suggest evaluating seminal quality as soon as possible, before 6 h after collection. These results help to fix adequate protocols for the short-term storage and shipment of bovine semen collected under field conditions.
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22
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Turri F, Capra E, Lazzari B, Cremonesi P, Stella A, Pizzi F. A Combined Flow Cytometric Semen Analysis and miRNA Profiling as a Tool to Discriminate Between High- and Low-Fertility Bulls. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:703101. [PMID: 34355036 PMCID: PMC8329915 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.703101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Predicting bull fertility is one of the main challenges for the dairy breeding industry and artificial insemination (AI) centers. Semen evaluation performed in the AI center is not fully reliable to determine the level of bull fertility. Spermatozoa are rich in active miRNA. Specific sperm-borne miRNAs can be linked to fertility. The aim of our study is to propose a combined flow cytometric analysis and miRNA profiling of semen bulls with different fertility to identify markers that can be potentially used for the prediction of field fertility. Sperm functions were analyzed in frozen-thawed semen doses (CG: control group) and high-quality sperm (HQS) fraction collected from bulls with different field fertility levels (estimated relative conception rate or ERCR) by using advanced techniques, such as the computer-assisted semen analysis system, flow cytometry, and small RNA-sequencing. Fertility groups differ for total and progressive motility and in the abnormality degree of the chromatin structure (P < 0.05). A backward, stepwise, multiple regression analysis was applied to define a model with high relation between in vivo (e.g., ERCR) and in vitro (i.e., semen quality and DE-miRNA) fertility data. The analysis produced two models that accounted for more than 78% of the variation of ERCR (CG: R2 = 0.88; HQS: R2 = 0.78), identifying a suitable combination of parameters useful to predict bull fertility. The predictive equation on CG samples included eight variables: four kinetic parameters and four DNA integrity indicators. For the HQS fraction, the predictive equation included five variables: three kinetic parameters and two DNA integrity indicators. A significant relationship was observed between real and predicted fertility in CG (R2 = 0.88) and HQS fraction (R2 = 0.82). We identified 15 differentially expressed miRNAs between high- and low-fertility bulls, nine of which are known (miR-2285n, miR-378, miR-423-3p, miR-191, miR-2904, miR-378c, miR-431, miR-486, miR-2478) while the remaining are novel. The multidimensional preference analysis model partially separates bulls according to their fertility, clustering three semen quality variable groups relative to motility, DNA integrity, and viability. A positive association between field fertility, semen quality parameters, and specific miRNAs was revealed. The integrated approach could provide a model for bull selection in AI centers, increasing the reproductive efficiency of livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Turri
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, National Research Council (IBBA-CNR), Lodi, Italy
| | - Emanuele Capra
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, National Research Council (IBBA-CNR), Lodi, Italy
| | - Barbara Lazzari
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, National Research Council (IBBA-CNR), Lodi, Italy
| | - Paola Cremonesi
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, National Research Council (IBBA-CNR), Lodi, Italy
| | - Alessandra Stella
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, National Research Council (IBBA-CNR), Lodi, Italy
| | - Flavia Pizzi
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, National Research Council (IBBA-CNR), Lodi, Italy
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23
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Bernecic NC, Donnellan E, O'Callaghan E, Kupisiewicz K, O'Meara C, Weldon K, Lonergan P, Kenny DA, Fair S. Comprehensive functional analysis reveals that acrosome integrity and viability are key variables distinguishing artificial insemination bulls of varying fertility. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:11226-11241. [PMID: 34253371 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In vitro methods of assessing bull semen quality in artificial insemination (AI) centers are unable to consistently detect individuals of lower fertility, and attempts to reliably predict bull fertility are still ongoing. This highlights the need to identify robust biomarkers that can be readily measured in a practical setting and used to improve current predictions of bull fertility. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed a range of functional, morphological, and intracellular attributes in cryopreserved spermatozoa from a selected cohort of Holstein Friesian AI bulls classified as having either high or low fertility (n = 10 of each fertility phenotype; difference of 11.4% in adjusted pregnancy rate between groups). Here, spermatozoa were assessed for motility and kinematic parameters, morphology, acrosome integrity, plasma membrane lipid packing, viability (or membrane integrity), superoxide production, and DNA integrity. In addition, spermatozoa were used for in vitro fertilization to evaluate their capacity for fertilization and successful embryo development. The information collected from these assessments was then used to phenotypically profile the 2 groups of bulls of divergent fertility status as well as to develop a model to predict bull fertility. According to the results, acrosome integrity and viability were the only sperm attributes that were significantly different between high- and low-fertility bulls. Interestingly, although spermatozoa from low-fertility bulls, on average, had reduced viability and acrosome integrity, this response varied considerably from bull to bull. Principal component analysis revealed a sperm phenotypic profile that represented a high proportion of ejaculates from low-fertility bulls. This was constructed based on the collective influence of several sperm attributes, including the presence of cytoplasmic droplets and superoxide production. Finally, using the combined results as a basis for modeling, we developed a linear model that was able to explain 47% of the variation in bull field fertility in addition to a logistic predictive model that had a 90% chance of distinguishing between fertility groups. Taken together, we conclude that viability and acrosome integrity could serve as fertility biomarkers in the field and, when used alongside other sperm attributes, may be useful in detecting low-fertility bulls. However, the variable nature of low-fertility bulls suggests that additional, in-depth characterization of spermatozoa at a molecular level is required to further understand the etiology of low fertility in dairy bulls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi C Bernecic
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland.
| | - Eimear Donnellan
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Elena O'Callaghan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | | | - Ciara O'Meara
- National Cattle Breeding Centre, Unit K4, M7 Business Park, Naas, County Kildare, W91 WF59, Ireland
| | - Kaitlyn Weldon
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Pat Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - David A Kenny
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Meath, C15 PW93, Ireland
| | - Sean Fair
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
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24
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Missio D, Dos Santos Brum D, Dalle Laste Dacampo L, Weber Santos Cibin F, Silveira Mesquita F, Germano Ferst J, Fiordalisi G, Dias Gonçalves PB, Ferreira R. High concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate alter the kinetics of bovine spermatozoa. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14148. [PMID: 34171138 DOI: 10.1111/and.14148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Postpartum cows, mainly with metabolic diseases, such as ketosis, usually experience an increased number of services per conception. During ketosis, high concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) in follicular, uterine and oviductal fluid have been considered to cause subfertility in cows. However, the effect of sperm exposure to an environment with high BHBA concentration is not known. This study investigated the influence of high levels of BHBA on kinetics, oxidative status and morphology of bovine spermatozoa. To assess the effect of BHBA after sperm selection, bovine spermatozoa were incubated (180 min) with different BHBA concentrations: 0 (Control), 0.8, 2.4 or 5 mM. Sperm kinetics was evaluated after 30, 60, 120 and 180 min, and oxidative status and morphology were analysed at 180 min. Oxidative status was evaluated through the production of reactive oxidative species (ROS), total antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation. High concentrations of BHBA decreased the curvilinear velocity, straight line velocity, mean path velocity, linearity, straightness and hyperactivity of spermatozoa. However, there was no effect of BHBA on oxidative and antioxidant capacity as well as on sperm morphology. In conclusion, exposure of bovine spermatozoa to high levels of BHBA impairs sperm kinetics without altering oxidative and antioxidant mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Missio
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction - BioRep, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Daniela Dos Santos Brum
- Laboratory of Biotechnology of Reproduction - BIOTECH, Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana, Brazil
| | - Lucas Dalle Laste Dacampo
- Laboratory of Biotechnology of Reproduction - BIOTECH, Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana, Brazil
| | | | - Fernando Silveira Mesquita
- Molecular and Integrative Physiology of Reproduction Laboratory, MINT, Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana, Brazil
| | - Juliana Germano Ferst
- Molecular and Integrative Physiology of Reproduction Laboratory, MINT, Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana, Brazil
| | - Giovanna Fiordalisi
- Department of Animal Science, Santa Catarina State University, Chapecó, Brazil
| | - Paulo Bayard Dias Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction - BioRep, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil.,Molecular and Integrative Physiology of Reproduction Laboratory, MINT, Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana, Brazil
| | - Rogério Ferreira
- Department of Animal Science, Santa Catarina State University, Chapecó, Brazil
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25
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Sperm phenotypic characteristics and oviduct binding ability are altered in breeding bulls with high sperm DNA fragmentation index. Theriogenology 2021; 172:80-87. [PMID: 34146972 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we standardized an in vitro oviduct explants model for cattle and assessed the oviduct explants binding ability and phenotypic characteristics of spermatozoa obtained from breeding bulls with high- and low-sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI%). Cryopreserved spermatozoa from Holstein Friesian crossbred breeding bulls (n = 45) with known field fertility were assessed for DFI% and were classified into either high DFI% or low DFI% category. Flow cytometry was used to assess sperm membrane integrity, acrosome reaction status, mitochondrial membrane potential and intracellular calcium concentrations. It was found that spermatozoa from bulls with low DFI% had significantly higher (P < 0.05) membrane integrity, acrosome intactness, and mitochondrial membrane potential. To assess the sperm oviduct binding ability, oviduct explants were prepared by incubating the oviduct cells overnight in TCM-199 medium at 38.5 °C under 5% CO2. Different sperm concentrations and times of incubation were evaluated and found that 2 million spermatozoa and 1-h incubation yielded high binding index (BI). The BI was also significantly (P < 0.01) higher (>2 times) in the bulls with low-DFI% as compared to high DFI% bulls. The correlation between binding index and DFI% was negative and significant (r = -0.528; P < 0.05). Further, the binding index was positively correlated with conception rate (r = 0.703), intact sperm membrane (r = 0.631) and mitochondrial membrane potential (r = 0.609). It is inferred that sperm phenotypic characteristics and oviduct binding ability are impaired in breeding bulls with high sperm DFI%, which might be associated with low conception rates in these bulls.
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Hiltpold M, Kadri NK, Janett F, Witschi U, Schmitz-Hsu F, Pausch H. Autosomal recessive loci contribute significantly to quantitative variation of male fertility in a dairy cattle population. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:225. [PMID: 33784962 PMCID: PMC8010996 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07523-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cattle are ideally suited to investigate the genetics of male fertility. Semen from individual bulls is used for thousands of artificial inseminations for which the fertilization success is monitored. Results from the breeding soundness examination and repeated observations of semen quality complement the fertility evaluation for each bull. RESULTS In a cohort of 3881 Brown Swiss bulls that had genotypes at 683,609 SNPs, we reveal four novel recessive QTL for male fertility on BTA1, 18, 25, and 26 using haplotype-based association testing. A QTL for bull fertility on BTA1 is also associated with sperm head shape anomalies. All other QTL are not associated with any of the semen quality traits investigated. We perform complementary fine-mapping approaches using publicly available transcriptomes as well as whole-genome sequencing data of 125 Brown Swiss bulls to reveal candidate causal variants. We show that missense or nonsense variants in SPATA16, VWA3A, ENSBTAG00000006717 and ENSBTAG00000019919 are in linkage disequilibrium with the QTL. Using whole-genome sequence data, we detect strong association (P = 4.83 × 10- 12) of a missense variant (p.Ile193Met) in SPATA16 with male fertility. However, non-coding variants exhibit stronger association at all QTL suggesting that variants in regulatory regions contribute to variation in bull fertility. CONCLUSION Our findings in a dairy cattle population provide evidence that recessive variants may contribute substantially to quantitative variation in male fertility in mammals. Detecting causal variants that underpin variation in male fertility remains difficult because the most strongly associated variants reside in poorly annotated non-coding regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Hiltpold
- Animal Genomics, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zürich, Eschikon 27, 8315, Lindau, Switzerland.
| | - Naveen Kumar Kadri
- Animal Genomics, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zürich, Eschikon 27, 8315, Lindau, Switzerland
| | - Fredi Janett
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Hubert Pausch
- Animal Genomics, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zürich, Eschikon 27, 8315, Lindau, Switzerland
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27
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Genualdo V, Turri F, Pizzi F, Castiglioni B, Marletta D, Iannuzzi A. Sperm Nuclei Analysis and Nuclear Organization of a Fertile Boar-Pig Hybrid by 2D FISH on Both Total and Motile Sperm Fractions. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:738. [PMID: 33800504 PMCID: PMC8001930 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A wide range of mammalian hybrids has recently been found by chance or through population-screening programs, but studies about their fertilizing capacity remain scarce and incomplete. Most of them are assumed to be sterile due to meiotic arrest caused by the failure of chromosome pairings. In this study, we evaluated both sperm meiotic segregation, by 2D fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis, and sperm quality (Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay) by flow cytometer in a fertile boar-pig hybrid (2n = 37,XY) originating from a Nero Siciliano pig breed (Sus scrofa domesticus) and a wild boar (Sus scrofa ferus). Spermatozoa were also separated by a dual-layer (75-60%) discontinuous Percoll gradient, resulting in two fractions with a significantly better overall quality in the motile sperm fraction. These data were confirmed by FISH analysis also, where the frequencies of spermatozoa with a regular chromosome composition were 27% in total sperm fraction and 64% in motile sperm fraction. We also evaluated the nuclear architecture in all counted spermatozoa, showing a chromatin distribution changing when chromosome abnormalities occur. Our results demonstrate that the chromosome pairing has a minimal effect on the sperm segregation and semen quality of a boar-pig hybrid, making it fertile and harmful for the conservation of autochthonous pig breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Genualdo
- Institute for Animal Production System in Mediterranean Environment, National Research Council, Portici, 80055 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Federica Turri
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, National Research Council, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (F.T.); (F.P.); (B.C.)
| | - Flavia Pizzi
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, National Research Council, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (F.T.); (F.P.); (B.C.)
| | - Bianca Castiglioni
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, National Research Council, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (F.T.); (F.P.); (B.C.)
| | - Donata Marletta
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, 95131 Catania, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Iannuzzi
- Institute for Animal Production System in Mediterranean Environment, National Research Council, Portici, 80055 Napoli, Italy;
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28
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Narud B, Khezri A, Zeremichael TT, Stenseth EB, Heringstad B, Johannisson A, Morrell JM, Collas P, Myromslien FD, Kommisrud E. Sperm chromatin integrity and DNA methylation in Norwegian Red bulls of contrasting fertility. Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:187-200. [PMID: 33634579 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the complexity of chromatin integrity was investigated in frozen-thawed semen samples from 37 sires with contrasting fertility, expressed as 56-day non-return rates (NR56). Protamine deficiency, thiols, and disulfide bonds were assessed and compared with previously published data for DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and high DNA stainability (HDS). In addition, in vitro embryo development and sperm DNA methylation were assessed using semen samples from 16 of these bulls. The percentages of DFI and HDS were negatively associated with NR56 and cleavage rate and positively associated with sperm protamine deficiency (p < 0.05). Significant differences in cleavage and blastocyst rates were observed between bulls of high and low NR56. However, once fertilization occurred, further development into blastocysts was not associated with NR56. The differential methylation analysis showed that spermatozoa from bulls of low NR56 were hypermethylated compared to bulls of high NR56. Pathway analysis showed that genes annotated to differentially methylated cytosines could participate in different biological pathways and have important biological roles related to bull fertility. In conclusion, sperm cells from Norwegian Red bulls of inferior fertility have less compact chromatin structure, higher levels of DNA damage, and are hypermethylated compared with bulls of superior fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgitte Narud
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | - Abdolrahman Khezri
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | | | - Else-Berit Stenseth
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | - Bjørg Heringstad
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Anders Johannisson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jane M Morrell
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Philippe Collas
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Elisabeth Kommisrud
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
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Palazzese L, Anzalone DA, Turri F, Faieta M, Donnadio A, Pizzi F, Pittia P, Matsukawa K, Loi P. Whole genome integrity and enhanced developmental potential in ram freeze-dried spermatozoa at mild sub-zero temperature. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18873. [PMID: 33139842 PMCID: PMC7606492 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76061-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Freeze-dried spermatozoa typically shows a reduction in fertility primarily due to the DNA damage resulting from the sublimation process. In order to minimize the physical/mechanical damage resulting from lyophilization, here we focused on the freezing phase, comparing two cooling protocols: (i) rapid-freezing, where ram sperm sample is directly plunged into liquid nitrogen (LN-group), as currently done; (ii) slow-freezing, where the sample is progressively cooled to − 50 °C (SF-group). The spermatozoa dried in both conditions were analysed to assess residual water content by Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and DNA integrity using Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA). TGA revealed more than 90% of water subtraction in both groups. A minor DNA damage, Double-Strand Break (DSB) in particular, characterized by a lower degree of abnormal chromatin structure (Alpha-T), was detected in the SF-group, comparing to the LN-one. In accordance with the structural and DNA integrity data, spermatozoa from SF-group had the best embryonic development rates, comparing to LN-group: cleaved embryos [42/100 (42%) versus 19/75 (25.3%), P < 0.05, SL and LN respectively] and blastocyst formation [7/100 (7%) versus 2/75 (2.7%), P < 0.05, SF and LN respectively]. This data represents a significant technological advancement for the development of lyophilization as a valuable and cheaper alternative to deep-freezing in LN for ram semen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Palazzese
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Street R. Balzarini 1, Campus Coste Sant'Agostino, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Debora Agata Anzalone
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Street R. Balzarini 1, Campus Coste Sant'Agostino, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Federica Turri
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology (IBBA), National Research Council (CNR), 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Marco Faieta
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Anna Donnadio
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Flavia Pizzi
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology (IBBA), National Research Council (CNR), 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Paola Pittia
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Kazutsugu Matsukawa
- Faculty of Agriculture and Marine Science, Kochi University, Kochi, 783-8502, Japan
| | - Pasqualino Loi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Street R. Balzarini 1, Campus Coste Sant'Agostino, 64100, Teramo, Italy.
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30
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Narud B, Klinkenberg G, Khezri A, Zeremichael TT, Stenseth EB, Nordborg A, Haukaas TH, Morrell JM, Heringstad B, Myromslien FD, Kommisrud E. Differences in sperm functionality and intracellular metabolites in Norwegian Red bulls of contrasting fertility. Theriogenology 2020; 157:24-32. [PMID: 32777668 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In the dairy breeding industry, prediction of bull fertility in artificial insemination (AI) is important for efficient and economically sustainable production. However, it is challenging to identify bulls with superior fertility applying conventional in vitro sperm assays. In the present study, sperm functionality was investigated to identify a multivariate model that could predict fertility. Two groups of young Norwegian Red bulls were selected, one with inferior fertility (18 bulls) and one with superior fertility (19 bulls) based on non-return rate after 56 days (NR56). Frozen-thawed semen doses were analysed for sperm chromatin integrity, viability, acrosome integrity, motility, and ATP content. A targeted approach was used to study intracellular concentrations of amino acids and trace elements in viable sperm cells. Significant differences between the two groups of bulls were observed, both for sperm functional attributes and intracellular concentrations of metabolites. Pearson correlation analyses indicated a negative relationship between NR56 and chromatin integrity parameters, DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and high DNA stainability (HDS). Several motility parameters correlated positively with NR56. The concentrations of cysteine and glutamic acid in sperm cells correlated negatively with NR56, while the concentrations of aspartic acid, leucine and serine showed a positive NR56-correlation. The sperm intracellular concentrations of the trace elements Fe, Al and Zn, correlated negatively with NR56. Correlations were observed between several sperm parameters and metabolites. Stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that the best predictor of NR56 was a model containing %DFI, together with the intracellular sperm concentration of aspartic acid, Fe and Zn. This model explained 59% of the variability in NR56.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgitte Narud
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | | | - Abdolrahman Khezri
- Department of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | - Teklu Tewoldebrhan Zeremichael
- Department of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | - Else-Berit Stenseth
- Department of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | | | | | - Jane M Morrell
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Bjørg Heringstad
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Norway
| | - Frøydis Deinboll Myromslien
- Department of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | - Elisabeth Kommisrud
- Department of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway.
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Miguel-Jimenez S, Rivera Del Alamo MM, Álvarez-Rodríguez M, Hidalgo CO, Peña AI, Muiño R, Rodríguez-Gil JE, Mogas T. In vitro assessment of egg yolk-, soya bean lecithin- and liposome-based extenders for cryopreservation of dairy bull semen. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 215:106315. [PMID: 32216928 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The study was conducted to compare the effect of four commercially available extenders (Triladyl®- egg yolk-based; Andromed® and Bioxcell®-plant based and Optixcell®-liposome-based) on post-thaw sperm quality and functionality variables evaluated using computer-assisted sperm analysis and flow cytometry. A total of 30 ejaculates from five bulls were analysed. With use of Triladyl®, sperm had a greater post-thaw total motility than with use of Bioxell® and Optixcell® but there was no difference as compared with use of Andromed® with the greatest (P < 0.05) percentage of progressively motile cells. With use of Optixcell®, there was a greater (P < 0.05) percentage of sperm with an intact membrane than with use of Triladyl® and Bioxcell®, but values were similar with use of Andromed®. Acrosome damage in semen preserved with use of Optixcell® was less than with use of Bioxcell® and Andromed®. With use of Optixcell®, there was a greater percentage of viable spermatozoa with a lesser lipid disruption (P < 0.05) when compared with the other extenders. Production of peroxides was greater for sperm cryopreserved with use of Triladyl® and Optixcell® while less superoxide was produced in the samples cryopreserved with the egg yolk-based extender. Optixcell® appears to be a promising alternative to replace traditional egg yolk extenders. With use of Optixcell®, however, there were greater peroxide concentrations after thawing. With use of Andromed®, there were similar results as with use of Optixcell®, therefore, it could be an effective substitute for egg-yolk based media due to the greater proportion of highly and progressively motile spermatozoa at thawing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Miguel-Jimenez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology-Institute of Research in Environmental Sciences of Aragon (IUCA), University of Zaragoza, E-50013 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | | | - Manuel Álvarez-Rodríguez
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193, Cerdanyola Del Vallès, Spain.
| | - Carlos Olegario Hidalgo
- Department of Animal Selection and Reproduction, The Regional Agri-Food Research and Development Service of Asturias (SERIDA), E-33394 Gijón, Spain.
| | - Ana Isabel Peña
- Department of Animal Pathology, University of Santiago De Compostela, E-15705 Lugo, Spain.
| | - Rodrigo Muiño
- Department of Animal Pathology, University of Santiago De Compostela, E-15705 Lugo, Spain.
| | - Joan Enric Rodríguez-Gil
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193, Cerdanyola Del Vallès, Spain.
| | - Teresa Mogas
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193, Cerdanyola Del Vallès, Spain.
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Abdel-Aziz Swelum A, M. Saadeldin I, Ba-Awadh H, G. Al-Mutary M, F. Moumen A, N. Alowaimer A, Abdalla H. Efficiency of Commercial Egg Yolk-Free and Egg Yolk-Supplemented Tris-Based Extenders for Dromedary Camel Semen Cryopreservation. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9110999. [PMID: 31752406 PMCID: PMC6912343 DOI: 10.3390/ani9110999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This study compared the efficiency of commercial egg yolk-free (AndroMed, OPTIXcell) and egg yolk-supplemented (Triladyl, Steridyl) Tris-based extenders for semen cryopreservation in dromedary camels. The camel-specific extender SHOTOR was used for reference. SHOTOR, Triladyl, Steridyl, AndroMed, and OPTIXcell can all be used for camel semen cryopreservation; however, SHOTOR and Triladyl provide the best post-thawing sperm quality. Abstract This study compared the efficiency of commercial egg yolk-free (AndroMed, OPTIXcell) and egg yolk-supplemented (Triladyl, Steridyl) Tris-based extenders for semen cryopreservation in seven adult dromedary camels. The camel-specific extender SHOTOR was used as control. The collected semen samples were evaluated and diluted with SHOTOR, Triladyl, Steridyl, AndroMed, or OPTIXcell. The diluted semen was gradually cooled and equilibrated for two hours before liquid nitrogen freezing. Semen was evaluated prior to freezing and after freeze-thawing cycles for motility, kinetics, vitality, abnormality, plasma membrane integrity, and DNA fragmentation using computer-assisted sperm analysis. In pre-freezing evaluation, progressive sperm motility was higher in SHOTOR-diluted samples (21.54 ± 1.83) than in samples diluted with Steridyl, OPTIXcell, or AndroMed (15.76 ± 1.80, 17.43 ± 1.10, and 13.27 ± 1.07, respectively). Moreover, Triladyl and SHOTOR resulted in significantly (p < 0.05) better sperm vitality and DNA integrity than all other diluents, but Triladyl resulted in a significantly (p < 0.05) better plasma membrane integrity (87.77 ± 0.31) than SHOTOR (85.48 ± 0.58). In the post-thawing evaluation, Triladyl led to significantly (p < 0.05) higher sperm motility (38.63 ± 0.81%; p < 0.05) when compared to SHOTOR, Steridyl or AndroMed (35.09 ± 1.341%, 34.4 ± 0.84%, and 31.99 ± 1.48%, respectively), with OPTIXcell being the least efficient (28.39 ± 0.86%). Progressive sperm motility was the highest when using Triladyl. Post-thawing curvilinear, straight line and average path sperm velocities were highest with Triladyl and lowest with AndroMed. Triladyl led to the highest linearity coefficient and straightness sperm coefficient, while SHOTOR to the highest DNA and plasma membrane integrity. OPTIXcell and AndroMed resulted in poor post-thawing sperm vitality, while Steridyl was less efficient than Triladyl. The highest rate of sperm abnormalities was recorded with OPTIXcell and the lowest with SHOTOR or Triladyl. In conclusion, SHOTOR, Triladyl, Steridyl, AndroMed, and OPTIXcell can all be used for camel semen cryopreservation; however, SHOTOR and Triladyl provided the best post-thawing sperm quality. Based on our findings, Triladyl is the best commercially available extender for dromedary camel semen cryopreservation to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman Abdel-Aziz Swelum
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (I.M.S.); (H.B.-A.); (A.F.M.); (A.N.A.)
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, 44519 Zagazig, Egypt;
- Correspondence:
| | - Islam M. Saadeldin
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (I.M.S.); (H.B.-A.); (A.F.M.); (A.N.A.)
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, 44519 Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Hani Ba-Awadh
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (I.M.S.); (H.B.-A.); (A.F.M.); (A.N.A.)
| | - Mohsen G. Al-Mutary
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Education, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Abdullah F. Moumen
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (I.M.S.); (H.B.-A.); (A.F.M.); (A.N.A.)
| | - Abdullah N. Alowaimer
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (I.M.S.); (H.B.-A.); (A.F.M.); (A.N.A.)
| | - Hany Abdalla
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, 44519 Zagazig, Egypt;
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Menegatti Zoca S, Shafii B, Price W, Utt M, Harstine B, McDonald K, Cruppe L, DeJarnette M, Peters L, Moraes Vasconcelos JL, Dalton J. Angus sire field fertility and in vitro sperm characteristics following use of different sperm insemination doses in Brazilian beef cattle. Theriogenology 2019; 147:146-153. [PMID: 31785860 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/17/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The primary objective was to determine if Angus bull fertility varied by number of sperm inseminated. A secondary objective was to characterize the potential impact of random variation on fertility using two identical sperm per dose treatments, which differed only in straw color. Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and flow cytometry (FC) were used to identify post-thaw sperm characteristics associated with field fertility differences between bulls. Ejaculates from five Angus bulls were collected, extended, and cryopreserved at 10, 20, 20 or 40 × 106 sperm per dose in color-coded 0.5-mL French straws. Multiparous cows (n = 4866) from ten Brazilian farms were synchronized for first-service timed artificial insemination (TAI). Bull identification and straw color were recorded at TAI. Pregnancy per TAI (P/TAI) did not differ between sperm doses (43.8, 45.3, 43.8 and 47.1% for 10, 20, 20 or 40 × 106 sperm respectively; P = 0.31) nor was there an interaction between bull and dose (P = 0.53). The P/TAI differed between bulls and ranged from 40.7 to 48.1% (P < 0.01). The overall P/TAI between the two control groups were not different (45.3 vs 43.8%); however, the numerical variation within bull ranged from 0.5 to 4.9 percentage points. Numerous CASA and FC post-thaw sperm characteristics differed among bulls (P < 0.05), but these characteristics did not explain the fertility difference between bulls. Principal component analysis provided a multivariate description of the CASA and FC data, where three principal components (Prin1, Prin2, and Prin3) accounted for a combined total of 88.7% of the data variability. The primary components of each PCA axis were flow cytometric measures of sperm viability and DNA fragmentation (Prin1), and CASA-derived sperm movement patterns (Prin2) and motility (Prin3); however, the relative influence of these characteristics varied by bull. Although fertility differences between bulls were detected, neither sperm per dose nor post-thaw in vitro sperm analyses (CASA and FC) were able to explain the observed differences in field fertility between bulls, further illustrating the difficulties in predicting bull fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saulo Menegatti Zoca
- Animal and Veterinary Science Department, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, 83844, USA
| | - Bahman Shafii
- Statistical Programs, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, 83844, USA
| | - William Price
- Statistical Programs, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, 83844, USA
| | - Matthew Utt
- Select Sires, Inc., Plain City, OH, 43064, USA
| | - Bo Harstine
- Select Sires, Inc., Plain City, OH, 43064, USA
| | | | | | | | - Lon Peters
- Select Sires, Inc., Plain City, OH, 43064, USA
| | - Jose Luiz Moraes Vasconcelos
- Departamento de Produçáo Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia-UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, 18618-681, Brazil
| | - Joseph Dalton
- Animal and Veterinary Science Department, University of Idaho, Caldwell, 83605, USA.
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Bucher K, Malama E, Siuda M, Janett F, Bollwein H. Multicolor flow cytometric analysis of cryopreserved bovine sperm: A tool for the evaluation of bull fertility. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:11652-11669. [PMID: 31521361 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-16572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The study aimed at the analysis of the functional status of cryopreserved bovine sperm using multicolor flow cytometry. The value of sperm functional traits as predictors of bull fertility was further evaluated through a retrospective fertility study. For this purpose, 20 Holstein-Friesian bulls serving as mature sperm donors in an artificial insemination (AI) center were selected based on their annual 56-d non-return rate (%) after at least 1,000 AI, and were accordingly classified as high (HF; nHF = 10 bulls) or low fertility bulls (LF; nLF = 10 bulls). Four to 5 cryopreserved ejaculates per bull (91 ejaculates in total) were examined immediately after thawing (0 h) and after a 3-h incubation at 38°C (3 h). A panel of 5 fluorochromes including calcein violet, propidium iodide, pycoerythrin-conjugated lectin of Arachis hypogea, Fluo-4, and cyanine dye DiIC1(5) was configured by means of a 3-laser flow cytometer, to simultaneously assess sperm esterase activity, plasma membrane integrity, acrosomal status, intracellular Ca2+ levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential, respectively. The % relative size of 18 sperm sub-populations showing 2 or more of a combination of the following features was determined: high esterase activity (Cpos), intact plasma membrane (PIneg), unstained acrosome (PNAneg), low intracellular Ca2+ levels (Fneg), and high mitochondrial membrane potential (Mpos). In both fertility groups, Mpos cells comprised more than 90 and 84% of PInegPNAneg sperm at 0 and 3 h, respectively. The percentage of CposPInegPNAnegFnegMpos sperm did not differ between HF and LF ejaculates; however, the percentage of Fneg cells within the PInegPNAneg and PInegMpos sperm populations at 0 h was higher in the HF than in the LF bulls. Applying the random forest ensemble learning method, approximately two-thirds of ejaculates could be correctly assigned to their fertility group. The fraction of Fneg sperm within the PInegMpos population at 0 h was the most important fertility predictor among the 18 defined sperm populations. In conclusion, multicolor flow cytometry offered an insight into the functional heterogeneity of cryopreserved bovine sperm. Indeed, the ability of viable sperm to retain low Ca2+ levels differed between bulls of diverse fertility. A classifier based on selected sperm populations assessed through multicolor flow cytometry could contribute to the prognosis of bull fertility after AI.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Bucher
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - E Malama
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland; Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, Thermi 57001, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - M Siuda
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - F Janett
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - H Bollwein
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
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Yániz JL, Silvestre MA, Santolaria P, Soler C. CASA-Mot in mammals: an update. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019. [PMID: 29514734 DOI: 10.1071/rd17432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm motility is one of the most widely used parameters of sperm quality. Computer-aided sperm motility analysis (CASA-Mot) systems were developed to reduce the subjectivity of sperm motility assessment, and have had broad scientific and practical acceptance. In this review, the sources of variation and current applications of this technology and its relationships with other sperm quality tests are described in detail. Despite remarkable advances in the technique, there is still great need for standardisation in many species, and the numerous factors that affect the results make it difficult to provide universally accepted criteria for classifying semen samples based on sperm motility characteristics. The main fields for CASA-Mot include the study of male fertility and pathologies, evaluation of the effects of physical and chemical agents, improvement of epidemiological survey studies, more precise calculation of seminal doses for farm animals, realisation of basic studies about sperm function, improvement of sperm technologies such as cryopreservation and quality control analysis. Numerous relationships have been established between CASA-Mot and other sperm quality tests, although most of these parameters are complementary. Future CASA-Mot systems will probably be able to integrate several sperm quality parameters with motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Yániz
- TECNOGAM Research Group, Environmental Sciences Institute (IUCA), Department of Animal Production and Food Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 22071, Huesca, Spain
| | - M A Silvestre
- Department of Cellular Biology, Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, University of Valencia, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - P Santolaria
- TECNOGAM Research Group, Environmental Sciences Institute (IUCA), Department of Animal Production and Food Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 22071, Huesca, Spain
| | - C Soler
- Department of Cellular Biology, Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, University of Valencia, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
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Tekin K, Daşkın A. Effect of polyvinyl alcohol on survival and function of angora buck spermatozoa following cryopreservation. Cryobiology 2019; 89:60-67. [PMID: 31078581 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine effects of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) on buck semen quality. Seventy-five ejaculates were collected and diluted in Tris-egg yolk extender containing one of three PVA co-polymers of 9, 18 and 100 kDa. Five different concentrations 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1 and 2% of the PVA co-polymers were added to the extender with respected to the decreasing glycerol concentrations of 5, 4, 3, 3, 2% respectively. Following freeze-thaw, sperm motility, viability, acrosome-intact spermatozoa and mitochondrial membrane potentials were analysed. During freezing, sperm seeding temperature were recorded with a cryo-thermometer. PVA 2% glycerol group gained 8.2 ± 1 °C latent heat plateau difference comparing to control. Highest motility was found in PVA 18 kDa with regardless of the dosage (P < 0.001). All PVA copolymers gained higher motility independently in all other dosage groups (except PVA 2%) comparing to control (P < 0.001). Live spermatozoa rate between treatment groups were statistically insignificant (P = 0.953), however, when moribund sperm were gated out PVA 9 induced better protection with respect to other groups (P < 0.05). Intact acrosome rate was statically higher in PVA groups (P < 0.002) and subgroups (P < 0.001). Mitochondrial membrane potential was higher in all experimental groups comparing to control group (P < 0.001). PVA co-polymer concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, 1 and 2% v/v (PBS: PVA) decreased the concentration of glycerol required for freezing in a 100 ml volume by 0, 1, 2, 2, and 3% v/v from the control dose (5%), respectively. In conclusion, synthetic PVA-derived ice blocking agents offer new opportunities for improving the post-thaw buck sperm quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koray Tekin
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, 06110, Ankara University, Turkey.
| | - Ali Daşkın
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, 06110, Ankara University, Turkey
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Zhao L, Ma C, Song H, Feng Y, Li Y, Xia X, Li J, Li F. H2AFZ, RNF4 and NR4A1 loci are associated with boar semen quality by population association studies. Anim Biotechnol 2019; 30:311-316. [PMID: 30595092 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2018.1521825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process regulated by many genes. In this study, H2AFZ, RNF4 and NR4A1 genes were selected as candidate genes for boar semen quality traits based on their functions during spermatogenesis, and the associations of three loci (H2AFZ c.192 + 210-192 + 213delCGAT, RNF4 c.374 + 358 T > C and NR4A1 c.956 + 796 A > G) with sperm quality traits were analyzed in Duroc (n = 185), Large White (n = 87) and Landrace (n = 49) pig populations. The results showed H2AFZ c.192 + 210-192 + 213delCGAT AA boars produced 1.52% lower abnormal sperm rate (ASR) than AB boars in Landrace pigs (p < 0.05); RNF4 c.374 + 358 TC boars produced 0.31 × 108/ml higher sperm concentration (SCON) than CC boars (p < 0.05) in Large White pigs; NR4A1 c.956 + 796 A > G was associated with ASR in Duroc and Large White pigs and was associated with sperm motility (MOT) in Large White and Landrace pigs. This study indicated the H2AFZ, RNF4 and NR4A1 loci were the potential molecular markers for improving the semen quality traits in boars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Zhao
- Key Lab of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan , P. R. China
| | - Changping Ma
- Key Lab of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan , P. R. China
| | - Huibin Song
- Key Lab of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan , P. R. China
| | - Yue Feng
- Key Lab of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan , P. R. China
| | - Yang Li
- Key Lab of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan , P. R. China
| | - Xuanyan Xia
- College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan , P. R. China
| | - Jialian Li
- Key Lab of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan , P. R. China
| | - Fenge Li
- Key Lab of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan , P. R. China.,The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production , Wuhan , P. R. China
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SRIVASTAVA N, PANDE MEGHA, RAJA TV, TYAGI S, KUMAR SURESH, KUMAR SUSHIL, KUMAR RAVINDER, SIROHI AS, CHAND NAIMI, ARYA S, KUMAR AMIT, DIN OMER. Prognostic value of post thaw semen quality parameters, mitochondrial integrity and cholesterol content of sperm membrane vis-à-vis conception rate in Frieswal bulls. THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.56093/ijans.v88i8.82911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to analyze the quantitative relationship of membrane cholesterol content (Chol content), mitochondrial integrity (Δψm), and quality parameters of spermatozoa (SQP) at post-thaw stage with conception rate (CR) and estimated relative conception rate (ERCR) in Frieswal bulls. For the experiment, frozen semen straws (32) were collected from the SF laboratory and CR (Total insemination 3482) was obtained from Field Progeny Testing units. Based on the CR, bulls were grouped into low, medium or high groups (G I, G II and G III, respectively). SQP, viz. viability (Eosin Nigrosin), post thaw motility, biochemical integrity of the membrane (HOS res), acrosome integrity (Giemsa, and fluorochromes fluorescein isothiocyanate Pisum sativum agglutinin and propidium iodide, respectively), chol-content, and Δψm using fluorescent probe JC-1 (5,5’,6,6’-tetrachloro- 1,1’,3,3’-tetraethylbenzimi-dazolylcarbocyanine iodide) were determined. The values thus obtained were subjected to the stepwise regression analysis using the least squares principles for each group, and the CR and ERCR were regressed on the various SQP. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were estimated between the CR and ERCR values and the various SQPs. The coefficient of determination (R2) moderately higher for all the models and ranged from 63.70–93.40% (high and medium group, respectively). High R2 value of the prediction equation for the herd and bulls with medium CR (75.9 and 93.4%, respectively) reveal their suitability to predict the CR and ERCR potential of the cryopreserved semen. Study results point to inclusion of cholesterol content and Δψm estimation in routine semen analysis before long-term storage or usage for insemination purposes.
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Yániz JL, Palacín I, Caycho KS, Soler C, Silvestre MA, Santolaria P. Determining the relationship between bull sperm kinematic subpopulations and fluorescence groups using an integrated sperm quality analysis technique. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 30:919-923. [DOI: 10.1071/rd17441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to determine whether there is an association between the kinematic sperm subpopulations and fluorescent groups in bulls using a new fluorescent staining method that allows classification of spermatozoa into groups depending on their acrosomal and membrane integrity, as well as functional status, without inhibiting sperm motility. Cryopreserved semen samples from 10 Holstein bulls were used in the study. A multiparametric analysis of results obtained by the ISAS 3Fun kit (Proiser) was performed. The different fluorescent groups were detected and their motility characteristics evaluated using ISAS software. Clustering procedures using the kinematic data resulted in the classification of spermatozoa into three kinematic sperm subpopulations. The distribution of kinematic sperm subpopulations was different between the fluorescent sperm groups (P < 0.001), although the correlation between them was low (r = 0.113; P < 0.01).
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