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Baud D, Zuber A, Peric A, Pluchino N, Vulliemoz N, Stojanov M. Impact of semen microbiota on the composition of seminal plasma. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0291123. [PMID: 38349179 PMCID: PMC10913749 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02911-23] [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: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Several studies have found associations between specific bacterial genera and semen parameters. Bacteria are known to influence the composition of their niche and, consequently, could affect the composition of the seminal plasma. This study integrated microbiota profiling and metabolomics to explore the influence of seminal bacteria on semen metabolite composition in infertile couples, revealing associations between specific bacterial genera and metabolite profiles. Amino acids and acylcarnitines were the predominant metabolite groups identified in seminal plasma. Different microbiota profiles did not result in globally diverse metabolite compositions in seminal plasma. Nevertheless, levels of specific metabolites increased in the presence of a dysbiotic microbiota. Urocanate was significantly increased in abnormal semen samples (adjusted P-value < 0.001) and enriched in samples dominated by Prevotella spp. (P-value < 0.05), which was previously linked to a negative impact on semen. Therefore, varying microbiota profiles can influence the abundance of certain metabolites, potentially having an immunomodulatory effect, as seen with urocanate.IMPORTANCEMale infertility is often considered idiopathic since the specific cause of infertility often remains unidentified. Recently, variations in the seminal microbiota composition have been associated with normal and abnormal semen parameters and may, therefore, influence male infertility. Bacteria are known to alter the metabolite composition of their ecological niches, and thus, seminal bacteria might affect the composition of the seminal fluid, crucial in the fertilization process. Our research indicates that distinct seminal microbiota profiles are not associated with widespread changes in the metabolite composition of the seminal fluid. Instead, the presence of particular metabolites with immunomodulatory functions, such as urocanate, could shed light on the interplay between seminal microbiota and variations in semen parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Baud
- Materno-Fetal and Obstetrics Research Unit, Mother-Woman-Child Department, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - A. Zuber
- Materno-Fetal and Obstetrics Research Unit, Mother-Woman-Child Department, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - A. Peric
- 360° Fertility Center Zurich, Zollikon, Switzerland
| | - N. Pluchino
- Fertility Medicine and Gynaecological Endocrinology Unit, Department Woman-Mother-Child, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - M. Stojanov
- Materno-Fetal and Obstetrics Research Unit, Mother-Woman-Child Department, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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2
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Luongo FP, Perez Casasus S, Haxhiu A, Barbarulo F, Scarcella M, Governini L, Piomboni P, Scarica C, Luddi A. Exposure to Cumulus Cell Secretome Improves Sperm Function: New Perspectives for Sperm Selection In Vitro. Cells 2023; 12:2349. [PMID: 37830563 PMCID: PMC10571658 DOI: 10.3390/cells12192349] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
In the literature, there is a well-known correlation between poor semen quality and DNA sperm integrity, which can turn into negative outcomes in terms of embryo development and clinical pregnancy. Sperm selection plays a pivotal role in clinical practice, and the most widely used methods are mainly based on sperm motility and morphology. The cumulus oophorus complex (COC) during natural fertilization represents a barrier that spermatozoa must overcome to reach the zona pellucida and fertilize the oocyte. Spermatozoa that can pass through the COC have better structural and metabolic characteristics as well as enhanced acrosome reaction (AR). The present study aimed to evaluate the exposure of sperm to cumulus cell secretome during swim-up treatment (SUC) compared with the routinely used swim-up method (SU). To determine the effectiveness of this method, biological factors critical for the ability of sperm to fertilize an oocyte, including capacitation, AR, tyrosine phosphorylation signature, DNA integrity, and mitochondrial functionality, were assessed. The SUC selection assures recovery of high-quality spermatozoa, with enhanced mitochondrial functionality and motility compared with both SU-selected and unselected (U) sperm. Furthermore, using this modified swim-up procedure, significantly reduced sperm DNA damage (p < 0.05) was detected. In conclusion, the SUC approach is a more physiological and integrated method for sperm selection that deserves further investigation for its translation into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Paola Luongo
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (A.H.); (F.P.L.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Silvia Perez Casasus
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (A.H.); (F.P.L.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Alesandro Haxhiu
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (A.H.); (F.P.L.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Fabio Barbarulo
- New Fertility Group—European Hospital, Centre for Reproductive Medicine (NFG), 00148 Rome, (M.S.)
| | - Marta Scarcella
- New Fertility Group—European Hospital, Centre for Reproductive Medicine (NFG), 00148 Rome, (M.S.)
| | - Laura Governini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (A.H.); (F.P.L.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Paola Piomboni
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (A.H.); (F.P.L.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Catello Scarica
- New Fertility Group—European Hospital, Centre for Reproductive Medicine (NFG), 00148 Rome, (M.S.)
| | - Alice Luddi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (A.H.); (F.P.L.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
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Saratsi A, Samartzi F, Panagiotidis I, Basioura A, Tsiokos D, Ligda C, Rekkas CA. Post-Thaw Parameters of Buck Semen Quality after Soy Lecithin Extender Supplementation with Fumaric Acid. Vet Sci 2023; 10:569. [PMID: 37756091 PMCID: PMC10534350 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10090569] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The supplementation of cryopreservation media with antioxidants improves the post-thaw quality and fertilizing ability of spermatozoa. To maximize the fertility of frozen-thawed buck spermatozoa, further research is required to overcome obstacles that have yielded controversial results and standardize protocols. In the present work, the effect of adding fumaric acid (a well-described antioxidant) to a soy lecithin semen extender on certain quality parameters of spermatozoa following freezing and thawing was examined for the first time. Five sexually mature Skopelos bucks were used, and ejaculates were collected with an artificial vagina. The semen samples (98 samples, five replicates) were diluted (400 × 106 spermatozoa/mL) with OviXcell®, supplemented with fumaric acid (0 mM, 2.15 mM, 10 mM or 30 mM), equilibrated (5 °C; 3 h), packed (0.5 mL straws), frozen and stored (-196 °C) until further processing. After thawing, the spermatozoa total and progressive motility (CASA), viability (eosin-nigrosin), membrane functional integrity (HOST), acrosome integrity (SpermBlue®) and mitochondrial function (Rhodamine-123/SYBR-14/PI) were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed with one-way ANOVA, followed by Duncan's test; significance was set at 0.05. The addition of 2.15 mM fumaric acid improved (p < 0.05) spermatozoa viability, membrane functional integrity, acrosome integrity and mitochondrial function compared to all other concentrations. The addition of 30 mM fumaric acid decreased (p < 0.05) spermatozoa viability and mitochondrial function compared to all other concentrations. These results indicate a beneficial effect of a 2.15 mM fumaric acid addition to a soy lecithin extender on post-thaw buck spermatozoa quality. Further research is required to evaluate the in vivo fertility of frozen-thawed buck spermatozoa treated with fumaric acid, as well as to elucidate the mechanism of action of fumaric acid in spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini Saratsi
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization—DIMITRA, ELGO Campus, 57001 Thermi-Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.S.); (F.S.); (C.L.)
| | - Foteini Samartzi
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization—DIMITRA, ELGO Campus, 57001 Thermi-Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.S.); (F.S.); (C.L.)
| | - Ioannis Panagiotidis
- Department of Animal Reproduction & Artificial Insemination, Directorate of Veterinary Center of Thessaloniki, Ministry of Rural Development and Food, 9 Verias Str., 57008 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Athina Basioura
- Department of Agriculture, University of Western Macedonia, Terma Kontopoulou, 53100 Florina, Greece;
| | - Dimitrios Tsiokos
- Research Institute of Animal Science, Hellenic Agricultural Organization—DIMITRA, 58100 Paralimni Giannitsa, Greece;
| | - Christina Ligda
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization—DIMITRA, ELGO Campus, 57001 Thermi-Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.S.); (F.S.); (C.L.)
| | - Constantinos A. Rekkas
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization—DIMITRA, ELGO Campus, 57001 Thermi-Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.S.); (F.S.); (C.L.)
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Guo Y, Li J, Hao F, Yang Y, Yang H, Chang Q, Kong P, Liu W, Jiao X, Teng X. A new perspective on semen quality of aged male: The characteristics of metabolomics and proteomics. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 13:1058250. [PMID: 36686470 PMCID: PMC9848653 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1058250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Semen quality is negatively correlated with male age and is mainly quantified by a routine semen analysis, which is descriptive and inconclusive. Sperm proteins or semen metabolites are used as the intermediate or end-products, reflecting changes in semen quality, and hold much promise as a new biomarker to predict fertility in advanced-aged males. Objectives In this study, we sought to assess whether the semen metabolome and proteome of aged males can affect semen quality and serve as biomarkers for predicting semen quality. Materials and methods We retrospectively analyzed 12825 males that underwent semen routine analysis to understand the age-dependent changes in sperm quality. To identify the difference between aged and young adults, metabolomics (n=60) analyses of semen and proteomics (n=12) analyses of sperm were conducted. Finally, integrated machine learning of metabolomics was conducted to screen biomarkers to identify aging semen. Results We discovered that male age was positively correlated with sperm concentration as well as DNA fragmentation index(DFI), and negatively with progressive motile sperm count, total sperm count, sperm volume and progressive sperm motility. The differential metabolites were significantly enriched in various metabolic pathways, and four of these differential metabolites (Pipamperone, 2,2-Bis(hydroxymethyl)-2,2',2''-nitrilotriethanol, Arg-Pro and Triethyl phosphate) were utilized to establish a biomarker panel to identify aging semen. Proteomic analysis showed that differential proteins were significantly enriched in protein digestion and absorption and some energy-related pathways. An integrated analysis of the metabolome and proteome identified differential energy metabolism and oxidative stress-related proteins, which could explain the decreased motility and the increased DFI of aging sperm. Discussion and conclusion We provide compelling evidence that the changes in semen metabolome and sperm proteome are related to the decline of semen quality in aged males. Moreover, a biomarker panel based on four metabolites was established to identify aging semen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Guo
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinli Li
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fengdan Hao
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Yang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiurong Chang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pengcheng Kong
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenqiang Liu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianting Jiao
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoming Teng
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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Kalwar Q, Chu M, Korejo RA, Soomro H, Yan P. Cryopreservation of Yak Semen: A Comprehensive Review. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12243451. [PMID: 36552371 PMCID: PMC9774175 DOI: 10.3390/ani12243451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
An urgent need to boost the sustainability and efficiency of animal production exists, owing to the growing global population. Enhancing the global fertility of animals, especially cattle, is essential to ameliorate this issue. Artificial insemination and sperm cryopreservation have a considerable and favorable influence on the quantity and quality of the cattle produced. Sperm cryopreservation is crucial for livestock production because it promotes and accelerates genetic diversity and the worldwide dispersion of animals with enhanced genetics. Owing to the importance of cryobiology in reproductive technologies, researchers are developing new approaches, and they are testing cryoprotectant drugs to enhance sperm cryosurvival. However, the viability of sperm after freezing is low and widely varies across breeding yaks. These faults are crucial because they impede advances in reproductive biotechnology and the study of mammalian gametes at a fundamental level. Using chemicals, researchers have developed and enhanced various extenders with varying degrees of efficiency to reduce cryodamage and oxidative stress. In this article, we review the cryopreservation of yak semen, the development of extenders, the difficulties faced during cryopreservation, and the evaluation of semen quality using various methodologies. This review might be helpful for researchers exploring semen cryopreservation in the future, as demand for enhanced cryopreservation exists to boost the post-thaw viability and fertility of sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qudratullah Kalwar
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sakrand 67210, Pakistan
| | - Min Chu
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (P.Y.); Tel.: +86-931-211-5288 (P.Y.); Fax: +86-931-211-5191 (P.Y.)
| | - Rashid Ali Korejo
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sakrand 67210, Pakistan
| | - Hidayatullah Soomro
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sakrand 67210, Pakistan
| | - Ping Yan
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (P.Y.); Tel.: +86-931-211-5288 (P.Y.); Fax: +86-931-211-5191 (P.Y.)
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6
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Irigoyen P, Pintos-Polasky P, Rosa-Villagran L, Skowronek MF, Cassina A, Sapiro R. Mitochondrial metabolism determines the functional status of human sperm and correlates with semen parameters. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:926684. [PMID: 36111336 PMCID: PMC9468643 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.926684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis of male infertility is based essentially on the patient’s medical history and a standard semen analysis. However, the latter rarely provides information on the causes of a possible infertility, emphasizing the need to extend the analysis of the sperm function. Mitochondrial function has been associated with sperm function and dysfunction, the latter primarily through the production of excessive amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We hypothesized that analysis of sperm mitochondrial metabolism together with sperm ROS production could be an additional tool to improve routine semen analysis, after appropriate validations. To test our hypothesis, we performed several experiments using a non-routine method (high-resolution respirometry, HRR) to access mitochondrial function. First, we investigated whether mitochondrial function is related to human sperm motility and morphology. When mitochondrial metabolism was challenged, sperm motility decreased significantly. Additionally, morphological abnormalities in the sperm mid-piece and mitochondria were associated with global sperm defects evaluated by routine methods. Subsequently, sperm mitochondrial function was assessed by HRR. Respiratory control ratio (RCR) was determined and evaluated in the context of classical sperm analysis. In parallel, sperm hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production and seminal plasma (SP) antioxidant capacity were measured. The percentage of sperm with progressive motility correlated positively with RCR, SP antioxidant capacity, and negatively with the concentration of extracellular H2O2 production ([H2O2]). The percentage of normal sperm morphology correlated positively with RCR and negatively with [H2O2]. Sperm morphology did not correlate with seminal plasma antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, Receiver Operating Characteristic curves were used for the first time to test the diagnostic ability of RCR, [H2O2], and SP antioxidant capacity as binary classifiers. An RCR cut off value of 3.2 was established with a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 61%, using reference values considered normal or abnormal in routine semen analysis. The cut off value for [H2O2] was 0.2 μM/106 sperm (sensitivity = 65%, specificity = 60%). There were no reference values for SP antioxidant capacity that distinguished between abnormal and normal sperm samples. We conclude that sperm mitochondrial function indices in combination with [H2O2] may be useful tools to complement the routine semen analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Irigoyen
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Paula Pintos-Polasky
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Lucia Rosa-Villagran
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Maria Fernanda Skowronek
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Adriana Cassina
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CEINBIO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Rossana Sapiro
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CEINBIO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- *Correspondence: Rossana Sapiro,
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The Role of NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation and Oxidative Stress in Varicocele-Mediated Male Hypofertility. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095233. [PMID: 35563625 PMCID: PMC9102453 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Varicocele (VC) is the most common abnormality identified in men evaluated for hypofertility. Increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduced antioxidants concentrations are key contributors in varicocele-mediated hypofertility. Moreover, inflammation and alterations in testicular immunity negatively impact male fertility. In particular, NLRP3 inflammasome activation was hypothesized to lead to seminal inflammation, in which the levels of specific cytokines, such as IL-1β and IL-18, are overexpressed. In this review, we described the role played by oxidative stress (OS), inflammation, and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in VC disease. The consequences of ROS overproduction in testis, including inflammation, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, chromatin damage, and sperm DNA fragmentation, leading to abnormal testicular function and failed spermatogenesis, were highlighted. Finally, we described some therapeutic antioxidant strategies, with recognized beneficial effects in counteracting OS and inflammation in testes, as possible therapeutic drugs against varicocele-mediated hypofertility.
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Vollmer T, Stegmayr B. Establishing Cell Models to Understand Cellular Toxicity: Lessons Learned from an Unconventional Cell Type. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14010054. [PMID: 35051031 PMCID: PMC8779380 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14010054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The syndrome of uremic toxicity comprises a complex toxic milieu in-vivo, as numerous uremic substances accumulate and harm the organ systems. Among these substances, toxic and non-toxic players differently interfere with human cells. However, results from animal experiments are not always compatible with the expected reactions in human patients and studies on one organ system are limited in capturing the complexity of the uremic situation. In this narrative review, we present aspects relevant for cellular toxicity research based on our previous establishment of a human spermatozoa-based cell model, as follows: (i) applicability to compare the effects of more than 100 uremic substances, (ii) detection of the protective effects of uremic substances by the cellular responses towards the uremic milieu, (iii) inclusion of the drug milieu for cellular function, and (iv) transferability for clinical application, e.g., hemodialysis. Our technique allows the estimation of cell viability, vitality, and physiological state, not only restricted to acute or chronic kidney toxicity but also for other conditions, such as intoxications of unknown substances. The cellular models can clarify molecular mechanisms of action of toxins related to human physiology and therapy. Identification of uremic toxins retained during acute and chronic kidney injury enables further research on the removal or degradation of such products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tino Vollmer
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, University of Umea, SE-90187 Umea, Sweden;
- Correspondence:
| | - Bernd Stegmayr
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, University of Umea, SE-90187 Umea, Sweden;
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9
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Ferreira JJ, Cassina A, Irigoyen P, Ford M, Pietroroia S, Peramsetty N, Radi R, Santi CM, Sapiro R. Increased mitochondrial activity upon CatSper channel activation is required for mouse sperm capacitation. Redox Biol 2021; 48:102176. [PMID: 34753004 PMCID: PMC8585656 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.102176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
To fertilize an oocyte, sperm must undergo several biochemical and functional changes known as capacitation. A key event in capacitation is calcium influx through the cation channel of sperm (CatSper). However, the molecular mechanisms of capacitation downstream of this calcium influx are not completely understood. Capacitation is also associated with an increase in mitochondrial oxygen consumption, and several lines of evidence indicate that regulated calcium entry into mitochondria increases the efficiency of oxidative respiration. Thus, we hypothesized that calcium influx through CatSper during capacitation increases mitochondrial calcium concentration and mitochondrial efficiency and thereby contributes to sperm hyperactivation and fertilization capacity. To test this hypothesis, we used high-resolution respirometry to measure mouse sperm mitochondrial activity. We also measured mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP/ADP exchange during capacitation, and mitochondrial calcium concentration in sperm from wild-type and CatSper knockout mice. We show that the increase in mitochondrial activity in capacitated wild-type sperm parallels the increase in mitochondrial calcium concentration. This effect is blunted in sperm from CatSper knockout mice. Importantly, these mechanisms are needed for optimal hyperactivation and fertilization in wild-type mice, as confirmed by using mitochondrial inhibitors. Thus, we describe a novel mechanism of sperm capacitation. This work contributes to our understanding of the role of mitochondria in sperm physiology and opens the possibility of new molecular targets for fertility treatments and male contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan J Ferreira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States; Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Adriana Cassina
- Departamento de Bioquímica and Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CEINBIO) Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Pilar Irigoyen
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología and Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CEINBIO), Facultad de Medicina UDELAR, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Mariana Ford
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología and Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CEINBIO), Facultad de Medicina UDELAR, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Santiago Pietroroia
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología and Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CEINBIO), Facultad de Medicina UDELAR, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Nikita Peramsetty
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States; Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Rafael Radi
- Departamento de Bioquímica and Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CEINBIO) Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Celia M Santi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States; Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States.
| | - Rossana Sapiro
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología and Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CEINBIO), Facultad de Medicina UDELAR, Montevideo, Uruguay.
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10
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Alcay S, Aktar A, Koca D, Kilic MA, Akkasoglu M, Sagirkaya H. Positive effect of autologous platelet rich plasma on Saanen buck semen cryopreservation in non-breeding season. Cryobiology 2021; 103:45-48. [PMID: 34710381 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2021.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effect of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) addition into soybean lecithin based extender on buck semen at post-thaw. Semen samples were collected from eight Saanen buck, and each semen sample was split into four equal aliquots and diluted with different concentrations of PRP supplemented extenders [no PRP (control), 0.5 × 107/ml PRP, 1 × 107/ml PRP, or 2 × 107/ml PRP]. Motility, plasma membrane functional integrity, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, DNA integrity and malondialdehyde concentrations (MDA) were measured and analyzed at post-thaw. The results showed that 2 × 107/ml PRP group had a positive effect on motility (62.41 ± 4.24), membrane functional integrity (71.11 ± 2.90), mitochondrial membrane potential (69.70 ± 1.99), DNA integrity (7.22 ± 0.93) and MDA levels (2.56 ± 0.73) at post-thaw (P < 0.05). The results of the study demonstrated that autologous PRP has a protective effect on cryopreservation of buck spermatozoa and the fertility effects are worthy of further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selim Alcay
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Uludag University, Gorukle, Bursa, 16059, Turkey.
| | - Ahmet Aktar
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Uludag University, Gorukle, Bursa, 16059, Turkey
| | - Davut Koca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Uludag University, Gorukle, Bursa, 16059, Turkey
| | - M Ali Kilic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Uludag University, Gorukle, Bursa, 16059, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Akkasoglu
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Uludag University, Gorukle, Bursa, 16059, Turkey
| | - Hakan Sagirkaya
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Uludag University, Gorukle, Bursa, 16059, Turkey
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11
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Gutiérrez-Añez JC, Henning H, Lucas-Hahn A, Baulain U, Aldag P, Sieg B, Hensel V, Herrmann D, Niemann H. Melatonin improves rate of monospermic fertilization and early embryo development in a bovine IVF system. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256701. [PMID: 34473747 PMCID: PMC8412339 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The developmental competence of male and female gametes is frequently reduced under in vitro conditions, mainly due to oxidative stress during handling. The amino-acid derived hormone melatonin has emerged as a potent non-enzymatic antioxidant in many biological systems. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the effects of melatonin on post-thaw sperm quality, fertilizing ability, and embryo development and competence in vitro after in vitro fertilization. Frozen-thawed bovine spermatozoa were incubated either in the presence of 10−11 M melatonin (MT), or its solvent (ethanol; Sham-Control), or plain Tyrode’s Albumin Lactate Pyruvate medium (TALP, Control). Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA) and flow cytometry data after 30 min, 120 min, and 180 min incubation did not reveal any significant effects of melatonin on average motility parameters, sperm subpopulation structure as determined by hierarchical cluster, or on the percentage of viable, acrosome intact sperm, or viable sperm with active mitochondria. Nevertheless, in vitro matured cumulus-oocyte-complexes fertilized with spermatozoa which had been preincubated with 10−11 M melatonin (MT-Sperm) showed higher (P < 0.01) rates of monospermic fertilization, reduced (P < 0.05) polyspermy and enhanced (P < 0.05) embryo development compared to the Control group. Moreover, the relative abundance of MAPK13 in the in vitro-derived blastocysts was greater (P < 0.05) than observed in the Control group. In conclusion, adding melatonin to the sperm-preparation protocol for bovine IVF improved proper fertilization and enhanced embryonic development and competence in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Gutiérrez-Añez
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich Loeffler Institut (FLI), Mariensee, Germany
- Medical-Surgical Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
- * E-mail: , (JCGA); (HN)
| | - Heiko Henning
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich Loeffler Institut (FLI), Mariensee, Germany
| | - Andrea Lucas-Hahn
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich Loeffler Institut (FLI), Mariensee, Germany
| | - Ulrich Baulain
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich Loeffler Institut (FLI), Mariensee, Germany
| | - Patrick Aldag
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich Loeffler Institut (FLI), Mariensee, Germany
| | - Birgit Sieg
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich Loeffler Institut (FLI), Mariensee, Germany
| | - Vivian Hensel
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich Loeffler Institut (FLI), Mariensee, Germany
| | - Doris Herrmann
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich Loeffler Institut (FLI), Mariensee, Germany
| | - Heiner Niemann
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
- * E-mail: , (JCGA); (HN)
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12
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The Effect of Non-Thermal Plasma on the Structural and Functional Characteristics of Human Spermatozoa. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094979. [PMID: 34067102 PMCID: PMC8124443 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Significant antibacterial properties of non-thermal plasma (NTP) have converted this technology into a promising alternative to the widespread use of antibiotics in assisted reproduction. As substantial data available on the specific in vitro effects of NTP on male reproductive cells are currently missing, this study was designed to investigate selected quality parameters of human spermatozoa (n = 51) exposed to diffuse coplanar surface barrier discharge NTP for 0 s, 15 s, 30 s, 60 s and 90 s. Sperm motility characteristics, membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA fragmentation and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were investigated immediately following exposure to NTP and 2 h post-NTP treatment. Exposure to NTP with a power input of 40 W for 15 s or 30 s was found to have no negative effects on the sperm structure or function. However, a prolonged NTP treatment impaired all the sperm quality markers in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The most likely mechanism of action of high NTP doses may be connected to ROS overproduction, leading to plasma membrane destabilization, LPO, mitochondrial failure and a subsequent loss of motility as well as DNA integrity. As such, our findings indicate that appropriate plasma exposure conditions need to be carefully selected in order to preserve the sperm vitality, should NTP be used in the practical management of bacteriospermia in the future.
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13
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Lunetti P, Capobianco L, Zara V, Ferramosca A. Physical Activity and Male Reproductive Function: A New Role for Gamete Mitochondria. Exerc Sport Sci Rev 2021; 49:99-106. [PMID: 33720911 DOI: 10.1249/jes.0000000000000245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Several studies demonstrated that some types of physical exercise might affect male reproductive potential, even though the potential mechanisms involved in the modulation of sperm quality remain poorly understood. Therefore, we propose a new role for gamete mitochondria as a key hub that coordinates molecular events related to the effects induced by physical exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Lunetti
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
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14
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Boguenet M, Bouet PE, Spiers A, Reynier P, May-Panloup P. Mitochondria: their role in spermatozoa and in male infertility. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 27:697-719. [PMID: 33555313 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The best-known role of spermatozoa is to fertilize the oocyte and to transmit the paternal genome to offspring. These highly specialized cells have a unique structure consisting of all the elements absolutely necessary to each stage of fertilization and to embryonic development. Mature spermatozoa are made up of a head with the nucleus, a neck, and a flagellum that allows motility and that contains a midpiece with a mitochondrial helix. Mitochondria are central to cellular energy production but they also have various other functions. Although mitochondria are recognized as essential to spermatozoa, their exact pathophysiological role and their functioning are complex. Available literature relative to mitochondria in spermatozoa is dense and contradictory in some cases. Furthermore, mitochondria are only indirectly involved in cytoplasmic heredity as their DNA, the paternal mitochondrial DNA, is not transmitted to descendants. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONAL This review aims to summarize available literature on mitochondria in spermatozoa, and, in particular, that with respect to humans, with the perspective of better understanding the anomalies that could be implicated in male infertility. SEARCH METHODS PubMed was used to search the MEDLINE database for peer-reviewed original articles and reviews pertaining to human spermatozoa and mitochondria. Searches were performed using keywords belonging to three groups: 'mitochondria' or 'mitochondrial DNA', 'spermatozoa' or 'sperm' and 'reactive oxygen species' or 'calcium' or 'apoptosis' or signaling pathways'. These keywords were combined with other relevant search phrases. References from these articles were used to obtain additional articles. OUTCOMES Mitochondria are central to the metabolism of spermatozoa and they are implicated in energy production, redox equilibrium and calcium regulation, as well as apoptotic pathways, all of which are necessary for flagellar motility, capacitation, acrosome reaction and gametic fusion. In numerous cases, alterations in one of the aforementioned functions could be linked to a decline in sperm quality and/or infertility. The link between the mitochondrial genome and the quality of spermatozoa appears to be more complex. Although the quantity of mtDNA, and the existence of large-scale deletions therein, are inversely correlated to sperm quality, the effects of mutations seem to be heterogeneous and particularly related to their pathogenicity. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The importance of the role of mitochondria in reproduction, and particularly in gamete quality, has recently emerged following numerous publications. Better understanding of male infertility is of great interest in the current context where a significant decline in sperm quality has been observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magalie Boguenet
- MITOVASC Institute, CNRS 6015, INSERM U1083, Angers University, Angers 49000, France
| | - Pierre-Emmanuel Bouet
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Angers University Hospital, Angers 49000, France
| | - Andrew Spiers
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Angers University Hospital, Angers 49000, France
| | - Pascal Reynier
- MITOVASC Institute, CNRS 6015, INSERM U1083, Angers University, Angers 49000, France.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, Angers University Hospital, Angers 49000, France
| | - Pascale May-Panloup
- MITOVASC Institute, CNRS 6015, INSERM U1083, Angers University, Angers 49000, France.,Reproductive Biology Unit, Angers University Hospital, Angers 49000, France
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15
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Ferramosca A, Lorenzetti S, Di Giacomo M, Lunetti P, Murrieri F, Capobianco L, Dolce V, Coppola L, Zara V. Modulation of Human Sperm Mitochondrial Respiration Efficiency by Plant Polyphenols. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10020217. [PMID: 33540578 PMCID: PMC7912874 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10020217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant bioactives, such as polyphenols, can differentially affect (positively or negatively) sperm quality, depending on their concentration. These molecules have been proposed as natural scavengers of reactive oxygen species (ROS) for male infertility treatment. However, few data are available about their effects on the molecular mechanisms related to sperm quality and, in particular, to sperm mitochondrial function. We investigated the effects of quercetin, naringenin, genistein, apigenin, luteolin, and resveratrol at the concentration of 0.1-1000 nM on mitochondrial respiration efficiency. Upon chemical exposure, spermatozoa were swollen in a hypotonic solution and used for polarographic assays of mitochondrial respiration. All tested compounds, except for apigenin, caused a significant increase in the mitochondrial respiration efficiency at the concentration of 0.1 nM, and a significant decrease starting from concentrations of 10 nM. The analysis of oxygen consumption rate in the active and in the resting state of mitochondrial respiration suggested different mechanisms by which the tested compounds modulate mitochondrial function. Therefore, by virtue of their ability to stimulate the respiration active state, quercetin, genistein, and luteolin were found to improve mitochondrial function in asthenozoospermic samples. Our results are relevant to the debate on the promises and perils of natural antioxidants in nutraceutical supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Ferramosca
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, I-73100 Lecce, Italy; (M.D.G.); (P.L.); (L.C.); (V.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0832-298705; Fax: +39-0832-298626
| | - Stefano Lorenzetti
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, I-00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Mariangela Di Giacomo
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, I-73100 Lecce, Italy; (M.D.G.); (P.L.); (L.C.); (V.Z.)
| | - Paola Lunetti
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, I-73100 Lecce, Italy; (M.D.G.); (P.L.); (L.C.); (V.Z.)
| | - Francesco Murrieri
- Biological Medical Center “Tecnomed”, I-73048 Nardò (LE), Italy; (F.M.); (L.C.)
| | - Loredana Capobianco
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, I-73100 Lecce, Italy; (M.D.G.); (P.L.); (L.C.); (V.Z.)
| | - Vincenza Dolce
- Department of Pharmacy, Health, and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (Cosenza), Italy;
| | - Lamberto Coppola
- Biological Medical Center “Tecnomed”, I-73048 Nardò (LE), Italy; (F.M.); (L.C.)
| | - Vincenzo Zara
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, I-73100 Lecce, Italy; (M.D.G.); (P.L.); (L.C.); (V.Z.)
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16
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Ito K, Akai K, Nishiumi F, Nakura Y, Ning Wu H, Kurata T, Onodera A, Kawai Y, Kajiyama S, Yanagihara I. Ability of Ureaplasma parvum to invade mouse sperm, fertilize eggs through infected sperm, and impair mouse sperm function and embryo development. F&S SCIENCE 2021; 2:13-23. [PMID: 35559760 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2020.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of Ureaplasma parvum (U. parvum) infection on mouse sperm motility, structure, and fertilizing ability and on embryo development. DESIGN In vitro model of the effects of U. parvum serovar 3 infection on mouse sperm. SETTING Basic research laboratory. INTERVENTION(S) None. ANIMALS Mice. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Mouse sperm motility was examined using the swim-up method, and their motility parameters were analyzed using the sperm motility analysis system. Localization and invasion of U. parvum were observed with fluorescence, confocal, and scanning electron microscopy. After in vitro fertilization with U. parvum-infected sperm, the quality of the fertilized egg and embryo development were assessed. RESULT(S) U. parvum was attached and internalized into mouse sperms and localized mainly at the sperm head and midpiece. U. parvum-infected mouse sperms exhibited decreased motility in a dose- and duration-dependent manner. Electron micrographs revealed that U. parvum infection induced the aggregation and morphological destruction of mouse sperm. Infected mouse sperm transported U. parvum into the fertilized egg with reduced fertilization rates, and infected embryo development was impaired. CONCLUSION(S) U. parvum infection caused deterioration of the mouse sperm quality and its functions, which affected the fertilization rate and embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazutoshi Ito
- Department of Developmental Medicine, Research Institute, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuki Akai
- Department of Developmental Medicine, Research Institute, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Osaka, Japan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Fumiko Nishiumi
- Department of Developmental Medicine, Research Institute, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yukiko Nakura
- Department of Developmental Medicine, Research Institute, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Heng Ning Wu
- Department of Developmental Medicine, Research Institute, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Teru Kurata
- Department of Developmental Medicine, Research Institute, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Osaka, Japan; Division of Biotechnological Science, Graduate School of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology, Kindai University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Akira Onodera
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kobe Gakuin University, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Yuichi Kawai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kobe Gakuin University, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Kajiyama
- Division of Biotechnological Science, Graduate School of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology, Kindai University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Itaru Yanagihara
- Department of Developmental Medicine, Research Institute, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Osaka, Japan.
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17
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Ferramosca A, Lorenzetti S, Di Giacomo M, Murrieri F, Coppola L, Zara V. Herbicides glyphosate and glufosinate ammonium negatively affect human sperm mitochondria respiration efficiency. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 99:48-55. [PMID: 33249231 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The widespread cultivation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) led to a widespread use of selective herbicides to which GMOs are resistant, thus increasing the concern about human exposure to them. Glyphosate (GLY) and glufosinate ammonium (GA), the active principles of the main formulations, have been investigated for their effects on human health, mainly cancer and reproductive toxicity. However, little is known about their effects on the molecular mechanisms related to sperm quality. To investigate the effects of GLY and GA on mitochondrial respiration efficiency, we took advantage of our already established ex vivo human sperm mitochondria assay. Since spermatozoa are highly regulated by sex steroids, we tested at first testosterone (T), di-hydroxytestosterone (DHT), 17β-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4). Then, we tested the effects of GLY and GA and of the hormone-like flavonoid quercetin (QRC) in a dose-dependent manner. The 0.1-1000 nM concentration range has been considered because it covers both the sexual hormones physiologically relevant concentrations (10 nM), triggering endogenously hormone-dependent signaling pathways, and the estimated (nM range) QRC dietary intake. Subsequently, co-incubation experiments were carried out with the two herbicides in the presence of 10 nM of each sex steroid and QRC. We found that: i) DHT and QRC are able to significantly reduce mitochondrial functionality at concentrations ≥ 10 nM; ii) GLY and GA negatively affect mitochondrial respiration efficiency; iii) in the presence of 10 nM DHT, the negative effect of GLY was increased; iiii) DHT, QRC and GA target mitochondria by using a mechanism different from GLY.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Ferramosca
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, I-73100, Lecce, Italy.
| | - Stefano Lorenzetti
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, I-00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Mariangela Di Giacomo
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, I-73100, Lecce, Italy
| | | | | | - Vincenzo Zara
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, I-73100, Lecce, Italy
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18
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de Santi F, Beltrame FL, Rodrigues BM, Junior MJVP, Scaramele NF, Lopes FL, Cerri PS, Sasso-Cerri E. Venlafaxine-induced damage to seminiferous epithelium, spermiation, and sperm parameters in rats: A correlation with high estrogen levels. Andrology 2021; 9:297-311. [PMID: 32598512 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Venlafaxine (selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) use has increased worldwide. However, the impact of venlafaxine on testes and sperm parameters has not been investigated. OBJECTIVES We evaluated venlafaxine impact on testicular and sperm parameters and verified whether the changes are reversible. METHODS Animals from venlafaxine-35 days and venlafaxine-65 days groups received 30 mg/kg of venlafaxine for 35 days. Control-35 days and control-65 days received distilled water. In control-65 days and venlafaxine-65 days, the treatment was interrupted for 30 days. Sperm concentration, morphology, motility, and mitochondrial activity were analyzed. Number of step 19 spermatids (NLS), frequency of tubules with spermiation failure, Sertoli cells number, and TUNEL-positive germ cells were quantified. Testicular aromatase, connexin 43 (Cx43) immunoexpression, Cx43 protein levels, and Cx43 expression were evaluated. Either intratesticular testosterone or estrogen levels were measured. RESULTS Venlafaxine impaired sperm morphology, reduced sperm concentration, mitochondrial activity, and sperm motility. The frequency of tubules with spermiation failure and NLS increased in parallel to increased Cx43 immunoexpression; mRNA and protein levels; and aromatase, testosterone, and estrogen levels. An increase in germ cell death and decreased Sertoli cells number were observed. In venlafaxine-65 days, except for sperm motility, mitochondrial activity, Sertoli cells number, and germ cell death, all other parameters were partially or totally recovered. CONCLUSION Venlafaxine increases testosterone aromatization and Cx43. This drug, via high estrogen levels, disturbs Sertoli cells, induces germ cell death, and impairs spermiation and sperm parameters. The restoration of spermiation associated with the decreased Cx43 and hormonal levels in venlafaxine-65 days reinforces that high estrogen levels are related to venlafaxine-induced changes. The presence of damaged Sertoli cells, germ cell death, and low sperm motility in venlafaxine-65 days indicates that interruption of treatment for 30 days was insufficient for testicular recovery and points to a long-term estrogen impact on the seminiferous epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiane de Santi
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Flávia L Beltrame
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Beatriz M Rodrigues
- Department of Morphology, Genetics, Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Marcio J V P Junior
- Department of Morphology, Genetics, Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Natália F Scaramele
- Department of Production and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araçatuba, Brazil
| | - Flávia L Lopes
- Department of Production and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araçatuba, Brazil
| | - Paulo S Cerri
- Department of Morphology, Genetics, Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Estela Sasso-Cerri
- Department of Morphology, Genetics, Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
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19
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Catalán J, Papas M, Trujillo-Rojas L, Blanco-Prieto O, Bonilla-Correal S, Rodríguez-Gil JE, Miró J, Yeste M. Red LED Light Acts on the Mitochondrial Electron Chain of Donkey Sperm and Its Effects Depend on the Time of Exposure to Light. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:588621. [PMID: 33365309 PMCID: PMC7750462 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.588621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This work aimed to investigate how stimulation of donkey sperm with red LED light affects mitochondrial function. For this purpose, freshly diluted donkey semen was stimulated with red light for 1, 5, and 10 min, in the presence or absence of oligomycin A (Omy A), a specific inhibitor of mitochondrial ATP synthase, or FCCP, a specific disruptor of mitochondrial electron chain. The results obtained in the present study indicated that the effects of red LED light on fresh donkey sperm function are related to changes in mitochondria function. In effect, irradiation of donkey sperm resulted in an increase in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), the activity of cytochrome C oxidase and the rate of oxygen consumption. In addition, in the absence of oligomycin A and FCCP, light-stimulation augmented the average path velocity (VAP) and modified the structure of motile sperm subpopulations, increasing the fastest and most linear subpopulation. In contrast, the presence of either Omy A or FCCP abolished the aforementioned effects. Interestingly, our results also showed that the effects of red light depend on the exposure time applied, as indicated by the observed differences between irradiation protocols. In conclusion, our results suggest that exposing fresh donkey sperm to red light modulates the function of their mitochondria through affecting the activity of the electron chain. However, the extent of this effect depends on the irradiation pattern and does not exclude the existence of other mechanisms, such as those related to thermotaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Catalán
- Unit of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.,Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Marion Papas
- Unit of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Lina Trujillo-Rojas
- Unit of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Olga Blanco-Prieto
- Unit of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Sebastián Bonilla-Correal
- Unit of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Joan E Rodríguez-Gil
- Unit of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Jordi Miró
- Unit of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
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Catalán J, Papas M, Gacem S, Mateo-Otero Y, Rodríguez-Gil JE, Miró J, Yeste M. Red-Light Irradiation of Horse Spermatozoa Increases Mitochondrial Activity and Motility through Changes in the Motile Sperm Subpopulation Structure. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9090254. [PMID: 32872467 PMCID: PMC7565061 DOI: 10.3390/biology9090254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies in other mammalian species have shown that stimulation of semen with red-light increases sperm motility, mitochondrial activity, and fertilizing capacity. This study sought to determine whether red-light stimulation using a light emitting diode (LED) at 620–630 nm affects sperm motility and structure of motile subpopulations, sperm viability, mitochondrial activity, intracellular ATP levels, rate of O2 consumption and DNA integrity of horse spermatozoa. For this purpose, nine ejaculates were collected from nine different adult stallions. Upon collection, semen was diluted in Kenney extender, analyzed, its concentration was adjusted, and finally it was stimulated with red-light. In all cases, semen was packaged in 0.5-mL transparent straws, which were randomly divided into controls and 19 light-stimulation treatments; 6 consisted of a single exposure to red-light, and the other 13 involved irradiation with intervals of irradiation and darkness (light-dark-light). After irradiation, sperm motility was assessed using a Computerized Semen Analysis System (CASA). Flow cytometry was used to evaluate sperm viability, mitochondrial membrane potential and DNA fragmentation. Intracellular levels of ATP and O2 consumption rate were also determined. Specific red-light patterns were found to modify kinetics parameters (patterns: 4, 2-2-2, 3-3-3, 4-4-4, 5-1-5, and 5-5-5 min), the structure of motile sperm subpopulations (patterns: 2, 2-2-2, 3-3-3, and 4-1-4 min), mitochondrial membrane potential (patterns: 4, 3-3-3, 4-4-4, 5-1-5, 5-5-5, 15-5-15, and 15-15-15 min), intracellular ATP levels and the rate of O2 consumption (pattern: 4 min), without affecting sperm viability or DNA integrity. Since the increase in some kinematic parameters was concomitant with that of mitochondrial activity, intracellular ATP levels and O2 consumption rate, we suggest that the positive effect of light-irradiation on sperm motility is related to its impact upon mitochondrial activity. In conclusion, this study shows that red LED light stimulates motility and mitochondrial activity of horse sperm. Additional research is needed to address the impact of red-light irradiation on fertilizing ability and the mechanisms through which light exerts its effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Catalán
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, ES-08193 Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Spain; (J.C.); (M.P.); (S.G.); (J.E.R.-G.)
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain;
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Marion Papas
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, ES-08193 Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Spain; (J.C.); (M.P.); (S.G.); (J.E.R.-G.)
| | - Sabrina Gacem
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, ES-08193 Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Spain; (J.C.); (M.P.); (S.G.); (J.E.R.-G.)
| | - Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain;
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Joan E. Rodríguez-Gil
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, ES-08193 Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Spain; (J.C.); (M.P.); (S.G.); (J.E.R.-G.)
| | - Jordi Miró
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, ES-08193 Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Spain; (J.C.); (M.P.); (S.G.); (J.E.R.-G.)
- Correspondence: (J.M.); (M.Y.); Tel.: +34-93-5814293 (J.M.); +34-972-419514 (M.Y.)
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain;
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.M.); (M.Y.); Tel.: +34-93-5814293 (J.M.); +34-972-419514 (M.Y.)
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Butola A, Popova D, Prasad DK, Ahmad A, Habib A, Tinguely JC, Basnet P, Acharya G, Senthilkumaran P, Mehta DS, Ahluwalia BS. High spatially sensitive quantitative phase imaging assisted with deep neural network for classification of human spermatozoa under stressed condition. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13118. [PMID: 32753627 PMCID: PMC7403412 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69857-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm cell motility and morphology observed under the bright field microscopy are the only criteria for selecting a particular sperm cell during Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) procedure of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). Several factors such as oxidative stress, cryopreservation, heat, smoking and alcohol consumption, are negatively associated with the quality of sperm cell and fertilization potential due to the changing of subcellular structures and functions which are overlooked. However, bright field imaging contrast is insufficient to distinguish tiniest morphological cell features that might influence the fertilizing ability of sperm cell. We developed a partially spatially coherent digital holographic microscope (PSC-DHM) for quantitative phase imaging (QPI) in order to distinguish normal sperm cells from sperm cells under different stress conditions such as cryopreservation, exposure to hydrogen peroxide and ethanol. Phase maps of total 10,163 sperm cells (2,400 control cells, 2,750 spermatozoa after cryopreservation, 2,515 and 2,498 cells under hydrogen peroxide and ethanol respectively) are reconstructed using the data acquired from the PSC-DHM system. Total of seven feedforward deep neural networks (DNN) are employed for the classification of the phase maps for normal and stress affected sperm cells. When validated against the test dataset, the DNN provided an average sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 85.5%, 94.7% and 85.6%, respectively. The current QPI + DNN framework is applicable for further improving ICSI procedure and the diagnostic efficiency for the classification of semen quality in regard to their fertilization potential and other biomedical applications in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Butola
- Bio-photonics Laboratory, Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz-Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India
- Department of Physics and Technology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Daria Popova
- Department of Physics and Technology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Women's Health and Perinatology Research Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Dilip K Prasad
- Department of Computer Science, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Azeem Ahmad
- Department of Physics and Technology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Anowarul Habib
- Department of Physics and Technology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Jean Claude Tinguely
- Department of Physics and Technology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Purusotam Basnet
- Women's Health and Perinatology Research Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Ganesh Acharya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Dalip Singh Mehta
- Bio-photonics Laboratory, Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz-Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India
- Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz-Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Balpreet Singh Ahluwalia
- Department of Physics and Technology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Effects of reduced glutathione on ram sperm parameters, antioxidant status, mitochondrial activity and the abundance of hexose transporters during liquid storage at 5 ℃. Small Rumin Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2020.106139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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23
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Sperm Quality Assessment in Honey Bee Drones. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9070174. [PMID: 32708362 PMCID: PMC7408582 DOI: 10.3390/biology9070174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The quality of honey bee drone semen is relevant in different contexts, ranging from colony productivity to pathology, toxicology and biodiversity preservation. Despite its importance, considerably less knowledge is available on this subject for the honey bee when compared to other domestic animal species. A proper assessment of sperm quality requires a multiple testing approach which discriminates between the different aspects of sperm integrity and functionality. Most studies on drone semen quality have only assessed a few parameters, such as sperm volume, sperm concentration and/or sperm plasma membrane integrity. Although more recent studies have focused on a broader variety of aspects of semen quality, some techniques currently used in vertebrates, such as computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) or multiparametric sperm quality testing, still remain to be developed in the honey bee. This may be attributed to the particular sperm morphology and physiology in this species, requiring the development of technologies specifically adapted to it. This article reviews the present knowledge of sperm quality in honey bee drones, highlighting its peculiarities and proposing future lines of research.
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Marzano G, Chiriacò MS, Primiceri E, Dell’Aquila ME, Ramalho-Santos J, Zara V, Ferramosca A, Maruccio G. Sperm selection in assisted reproduction: A review of established methods and cutting-edge possibilities. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 40:107498. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2019.107498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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25
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Abadjieva D, Yotov S, Mladenova V, Lauberte L, Kalvanov I, Krasilnikova J, Telesheva G, Kistanova E. Positive effect of natural antioxidant oregonin from Alnus incana bark on ram semen quality stored at 5 °C for 48 h. Res Vet Sci 2020; 131:153-158. [PMID: 32387554 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The maintenance of high vitality and motility of ram's spermatozoa during storage at low temperatures has a crucial role for successful fertilization. This study evaluates the effect of the natural antioxidant oregonin on ram semen quality, stored at 5 °C for 48 h. Еighteen ejaculates (three repetitions for 6 ejaculates) from three local breed rams, collecting by artificial vagina, with volume > 1 ml, concentration > 1 × 109/ml and mass motility >3.5 were used for chilling. Each ejaculate was separated in two equal parts, diluted with Tris-glucose-glycerol-egg yolk extender with no oregonin or supplemented with 100μМ oregonin until adjustment of the sperm concentration to 200 × 106 cells/ml and stored at 5 °C for 48 h. The semen quality assessment was based on the main kinematic (by CASA analysis), morphological parameters (by BrightVit kit staining) and mitochondrial status (by MitoView staining) of the spermatozoa on 0, 24 and 48 h of storage, and on in vivo fertility test. Oregonin did not impair the morphology and kept sustained motility of ram spermatozoa stored at 5 °C for 48 h. The curvilinear velocity indicated faster movement of the oregonin treated sperms that corresponded with high percent of spermatozoa with active mitochondria in these samples. The fertilizing capacity of spermatozoa was preserved and pregnancy rate in the experimental group was 80% versus 60% in control. In conclusion, this study provides a new data about positive effect of the natural antioxidant oregonin, supplemented to the extender, on chilled ram semen quality, including fertilizing ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desislava Abadjieva
- Department of Imunoneuroendocrionology, Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria
| | - Stanimir Yotov
- Department Obstetrics, Reproduction and Reproductive Disorders, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora 6000, Bulgaria
| | - Vanya Mladenova
- Department of Imunoneuroendocrionology, Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria
| | - Liga Lauberte
- Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, 27 Dzerbenes Str. LV, 1006 Riga, Latvia
| | - Ismet Kalvanov
- Department General and Clinical Pathology of Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora 6000, Bulgaria
| | - Jelena Krasilnikova
- Department of Human Physiology and Biochemistry, Stradiņš University, 16 Dzirciema Street, LV-1007 Rīga, Latvia
| | - Galina Telesheva
- Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, 27 Dzerbenes Str. LV, 1006 Riga, Latvia
| | - Elena Kistanova
- Department of Imunoneuroendocrionology, Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria.
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26
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Centrifugation Force and Time Alter CASA Parameters and Oxidative Status of Cryopreserved Stallion Sperm. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9020022. [PMID: 32012799 PMCID: PMC7168157 DOI: 10.3390/biology9020022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Conventional sperm selection techniques used in ARTs rely on centrifugation steps. To date, the different studies reported on the effects of centrifugation on stallion sperm motility provided contrasting results and do not include effects on mitochondrial functionality and different oxidative parameters. The effects of different centrifugation protocols (300 ×g for 5', 300 ×g for 10', 1500 ×g for 5' and 1500 ×g for 10' vs no centrifugation) on motility and oxidative status in cryopreserved stallion sperm, were analyzed. After centrifugation, almost all motility parameters were significantly altered, as observed by computer-assisted sperm analysis. A polarographic assay of oxygen consumption showed a progressive decrease in mitochondria respiration from the gentlest to the strongest protocol. By laser scanning confocal microscopy, significant reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential, at any tested protocol, and time-dependent effects, at the same centrifugal force, were found. Increased DNA fragmentation index at any tested protocol and time-dependent effects at the same centrifugal force were found, whereas increased protein carbonylation was observed only at the strongest centrifugal force. These results provide more comprehensive understandings on centrifugation-induced effects on cryopreserved stallion sperm and suggest that, even at a weak force for a short time, centrifugation impairs different aspects of equine sperm metabolism and functionality.
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27
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De Martin H, Miranda EP, Cocuzza MS, Monteleone PAA. Density gradient centrifugation and swim-up for ICSI: useful, unsafe, or just unsuitable? J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:2421-2423. [PMID: 31664659 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01602-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hamilton De Martin
- Human Reproduction Center, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Discipline of Gynecology, Hospital das Clinicas, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Monteleone Clinic, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eduardo P Miranda
- Division of Urology, Universidade Federal do Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil.
| | - Marcello S Cocuzza
- Human Reproduction Center, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Division of Urology, Hospital das Clinicas, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pedro A A Monteleone
- Human Reproduction Center, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Discipline of Gynecology, Hospital das Clinicas, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Monteleone Clinic, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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28
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Vollmer T, Ljungberg B, Jankowski V, Jankowski J, Glorieux G, Stegmayr BG. An in-vitro assay using human spermatozoa to detect toxicity of biologically active substances. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14525. [PMID: 31601841 PMCID: PMC6787250 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50929-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying the key toxic players within an in-vivo toxic syndrome is crucial to develop targeted therapies. Here, we established a novel method that characterizes the effect of single substances by means of an ex-vivo incubation set-up. We found that primary human spermatozoa elicit a distinct motile response on a (uremic) toxic milieu. Specifically, this approach describes the influence of a bulk toxic environment (uremia) as well as single substances (uremic toxins) by real-time analyzing motile cellular behavior. We established the human spermatozoa-based toxicity testing (HSTT) for detecting single substance-induced toxicity to be used as a screening tool to identify in-vivo toxins. Further, we propose an application of the HSTT as a method of clinical use to evaluate toxin-removing interventions (hemodialysis).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tino Vollmer
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umea University, Umea, Sweden. .,Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany. .,Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin-Brandenburg School for Regenerative Therapies (BSRT) & Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies (BeCAT), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Börje Ljungberg
- Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Urology and Andrology, Umea University, Umea, Sweden
| | - Vera Jankowski
- Institute for Cardiovascular Research, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Joachim Jankowski
- Institute for Cardiovascular Research, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,School for Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Griet Glorieux
- Nephrology Section, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bernd G Stegmayr
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umea University, Umea, Sweden
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29
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Ugur MR, Saber Abdelrahman A, Evans HC, Gilmore AA, Hitit M, Arifiantini RI, Purwantara B, Kaya A, Memili E. Advances in Cryopreservation of Bull Sperm. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:268. [PMID: 31552277 PMCID: PMC6736622 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation of semen and artificial insemination have an important, positive impact on cattle production, and product quality. Through the use of cryopreserved semen and artificial insemination, sperm from the best breeding bulls can be used to inseminate thousands of cows around the world. Although cryopreservation of bull sperm has advanced beyond that of other species, there are still major gaps in the knowledge and technology bases. Post-thaw viability of sperm is still low and differs significantly among the breeding bulls. These weaknesses are important because they are preventing advances both in fundamental science of mammalian gametes and reproductive biotechnology. Various extenders have been developed and supplemented with chemicals to reduce cryodamage or oxidative stress with varying levels of success. More detailed insights on sperm morphology and function have been uncovered through application of advanced tools in modern molecular and cell biology. This article provides a concise review of progress in the cryopreservation of bull sperm, advances in extender development, and frontiers using diverse techniques of the study of sperm viability. This scientific resource is important in animal biotechnology because with the advances in discovery of sperm fertility markers, there is an urgent need to improve post-thaw viability and fertility of sperm through enhanced cryopreservation for precision agriculture to produce food animals to ensure food security on the global scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammet Rasit Ugur
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
| | - Amal Saber Abdelrahman
- Department of Clinic, Reproduction and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Holly C. Evans
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
| | - Alicia A. Gilmore
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
| | - Mustafa Hitit
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kastamonu University, Kastamonu, Turkey
| | - Raden Iis Arifiantini
- Department of Clinic, Reproduction and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Bambang Purwantara
- Department of Clinic, Reproduction and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Abdullah Kaya
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Erdogan Memili
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
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30
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Matsuura K, Wang WH, Ching A, Chen Y, Cheng CM. Paper-Based Resazurin Assay of Inhibitor-Treated Porcine Sperm. MICROMACHINES 2019; 10:mi10080495. [PMID: 31349635 PMCID: PMC6723269 DOI: 10.3390/mi10080495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Porcine sperm motility was assessed via resazurin reduction color change in sperm cells using a novel paper-based assay of our own design. We applied mixtures of resazurin solution and porcine semen onto hydrophilic test circles on our paper-based device and investigated the resulting reduction reaction expressed as red and blue color intensity (RBCI). We quantified this reaction using a blue/pink color ratio from our 8 × 3 = 24 bit RGB color image. To examine enzymatic reactivity in sperm cells, we used two inhibitors: 3-Nitropropanoic acid (3-NPA) and 3-Bromopyruvic acid (3-BP). 3-NPA inhibits the citric acid cycle and electron transfer reaction in mitochondria, but did not strongly reduce sperm motility in our tests. 3-BP decreases reactivity of both mitochondrial electron transfer and glycolytic enzymes in cytosol, which significantly lowers porcine sperm motility. RBCIs of 3-NPA- and 3-BP-treated samples were significantly lower compared to our untreated control (p < 0.025). Based on these results, we feel that resazurin can be used to estimate the amount of reductants with and without inhibitor treatment. For continued research assessing the molecular mechanisms of resazurin reduction in porcine sperm, a combination assay using two or more redox indicators (e.g., resazurin and Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Bromide (MTT)) embedded into our paper-based device could further our understanding of sperm cell bioenergetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Matsuura
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Okayama University of Science, 1-1 Ridai-Cho Kita-Ku, Okayama 700-0005, Japan
| | - Wen-Hsin Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Alex Ching
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
- St. Mark's School of Texas, Dallas, TX 75230, USA
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Urology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan.
| | - Chao-Min Cheng
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan.
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31
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Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Proteins Involved in Bioenergetics Pathways Associated with Human Sperm Motility. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20123000. [PMID: 31248186 PMCID: PMC6627292 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20123000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm motility is the most important parameter involved in the fertilization process and it is strictly required for reproductive success. Although sperm movements are essential for the physiologic fertilization process, the data, deriving from studies focused on the research of altered cell pathways involved in asthenozoospermia, offer only limited information about the molecular mechanism underlying sperm motility. The aim of this study was to identify proteins involved in human sperm motility deficiency by using label-free mass-spectrometry liquid chromatography (LC−MS/MS). For this purpose, we selected sperm samples with three different classes of progressive motility: low, medium (asthenozoospermic samples) and high (normozoospermic samples). We found that several differential expressed proteins in asthenozoospermic samples were related to energetic metabolism, suggesting an interesting link between bioenergetics pathways and the regulation of sperm motility, necessary for the flagellum movement. Therefore, our results provide strong evidence that mass spectrometry-based proteomics represents an integrated approach to detect novel biochemical markers of sperm motility and quality with diagnostic relevance for male infertility and unravel the molecular etiology of idiopathic cases.
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32
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Thyroid Hormones and Spermatozoa: In VitroEffects on Sperm Mitochondria, Viability and DNA Integrity. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8050756. [PMID: 31137924 PMCID: PMC6571713 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8050756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study wasto assess the in vitro effects of levothyroxine (LT4) on conventional and bio-functional sperm parameters and its implications on fertility. Patients with male idiopathic infertility were enrolled and subjected to examination of the seminal fluid and capacitation according to the WHO 2010 criteria and flow cytometric sperm analysis for the evaluation of bio-functional sperm parameters. LT4 significantly increased the percentage of spermatozoa with high mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), decreased the percentage of spermatozoa with low MMP and increased sperm motility already at a concentration of 0.9 pmol L−1. Therefore, LT4 significantly reduced sperm necrosis and lipid peroxidation ameliorating chromatin compactness. These effects of LT4 were evident at a concentration of 2.9 pmol L−1, close to the physiological free-thyroxine (FT4) concentrations in the seminal fluid of euthyroid subjects. We showed a beneficial role of thyroid hormones on sperm mitochondrial function, oxidative stress and DNA integrity. The results of this in vitro study could have a clinical application in patients with idiopathic infertility, clarifying the role of thyroid function on male fertility.
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You JB, Wang Y, McCallum C, Tarlan F, Hannam T, Lagunov A, Jarvi K, Sinton D. Live sperm trap microarray for high throughput imaging and analysis. LAB ON A CHIP 2019; 19:815-824. [PMID: 30693362 DOI: 10.1039/c8lc01204k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
There is a growing appreciation and understanding of cell-to-cell variability in biological samples. However, research and clinical practice in male fertility has relied on population, or sample-based characteristics. Single-cell resolution is particularly important given the winner-takes-all nature of both natural and in vitro fertilization: it is the properties of a single cell, not the population, that are passed to the next generation. While there are a range of methods for single cell analysis, arraying a larger number of live sperm has not been possible due to the strong locomotion of the cells. Here we present a 103-trap microarray that traps, aligns and arrays individual live sperm. The method enables high-resolution imaging of the aligned cell head, the application of dye-based DNA and mitochondrial analyses, and the quantification of motility characteristics, such as tail beat. In testing, a 2400-post array trapped ∼400 sperm for individual analyses of tail beating frequency and amplitude, DNA integrity via acridine orange staining, and mitochondrial activity via staining. While literature results are mixed regarding a possible correlation between motility and DNA integrity of sperm at sample-level, results here find no statistical correlation between tail beat characteristics and DNA integrity at the cell-level. The trap array uniquely enables the high-throughput study of individual live sperm in semen samples - assessing the inherently single-cell selection process of fertilization, with single-cell resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Bem You
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Road, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8, Canada.
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Longo V, Forleo A, Provenzano SP, Coppola L, Zara V, Ferramosca A, Siciliano P, Capone S. HS-SPME-GC-MS metabolomics approach for sperm quality evaluation by semen volatile organic compounds (VOCs) analysis. Biomed Phys Eng Express 2018. [DOI: 10.1088/2057-1976/aaeb07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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