1
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González LN, Giaccagli MM, Herzfeld JD, Cuasnicú PS, Da Ros VG, Cohen DJ. A side-by-side comparison of different capacitation media in developing mouse sperm fertilizing ability. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14287. [PMID: 38907001 PMCID: PMC11192932 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65134-w] [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: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
To acquire the ability to fertilize the egg, mammalian spermatozoa must undergo a series of changes occurring within the highly synchronized and specialized environment of the female reproductive tract, collectively known as capacitation. In an attempt to replicate this process in vitro, various culture media for mouse sperm were formulated over the past decades, sharing a similar overall composition but differing mainly in ion concentrations and metabolic substrates. The widespread use of the different media to study the mechanisms of capacitation might hinder a comprehensive understanding of this process, as the medium could become a confounding variable in the analysis. In this context, the present side-by-side study compares the influence of four commonly used culture media (FD, HTF and two TYH versions) on mouse sperm capacitation. We evaluated the induction of protein kinase A phosphorylation pathway, motility, hyperactivation and acrosome reaction. Additionally, in vitro fertilization and embryo development were also assessed. By analyzing these outcomes in two mouse colonies with different reproductive performance, our study provides critical insights to improve the global understanding of sperm function. The results obtained highlight the importance of considering variations in medium composition, and their potential implications for the future interpretation of results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas N González
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Fundación IBYME, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Vuelta de Obligado 2490, C1428ADN, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María M Giaccagli
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Fundación IBYME, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Vuelta de Obligado 2490, C1428ADN, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jael D Herzfeld
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Fundación IBYME, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Vuelta de Obligado 2490, C1428ADN, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Patricia S Cuasnicú
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Fundación IBYME, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Vuelta de Obligado 2490, C1428ADN, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanina G Da Ros
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Fundación IBYME, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Vuelta de Obligado 2490, C1428ADN, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Débora J Cohen
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Fundación IBYME, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Vuelta de Obligado 2490, C1428ADN, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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2
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Yang YT, Yan B, Guo LN, Liu M, Li YH, Shao ZY, Diao H, Liu SY, Yu HG. Scriptaid is a prospective agent for improving human asthenozoospermic sample quality and fertilization rate in vitro. Asian J Androl 2024:00129336-990000000-00196. [PMID: 38856299 DOI: 10.4103/aja202416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Male infertility is a global issue caused by poor sperm quality, particularly motility. Enhancement of the sperm quality may improve the fertilization rate in assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. Scriptaid, with a novel human sperm motility-stimulating activity, has been investigated as a prospective agent for improving sperm quality and fertilization rate in ART. We evaluated the effects of Scriptaid on asthenozoospermic (AZS) semen, including its impact on motility stimulation and protective effects on cryopreservation and duration of motility, by computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA). Sperm quality improvement by Scriptaid was characterized by increased hyaluronan-binding activity, tyrosine phosphorylation, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration, mitochondrial membrane potential, and an ameliorated AZS fertilization rate in clinical intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) experiments. Furthermore, our identification of active Scriptaid analogs and different metabolites induced by Scriptaid in spermatozoa lays a solid foundation for the future biomechanical exploration of sperm function. In summary, Scriptaid is a potential candidate for the treatment of male infertility in vitro as it improves sperm quality, prolongs sperm viability, and increases the fertilization rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ting Yang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Reproductive Health Drug and Devices, Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai 200237, China
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Bin Yan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Li-Na Guo
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Reproductive Health Drug and Devices, Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Miao Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yu-Hua Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Reproductive Health Drug and Devices, Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Zhi-Yu Shao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Hua Diao
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Reproductive Health Drug and Devices, Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Su-Ying Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - He-Guo Yu
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Reproductive Health Drug and Devices, Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai 200237, China
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3
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Byeun DG, Kim D, Park JH, Lee M, Choi JK. Embryonic development through in vitro fertilization using high-quality bovine sperm separated in a biomimetic cervix environment. Analyst 2024; 149:3078-3084. [PMID: 38717228 DOI: 10.1039/d4an00166d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
This study is the first to identify bovine blastocysts through in vitro fertilization (IVF) of matured oocytes with a large quantity of high-quality sperm separated from a biomimetic cervix environment. We obtained high-quality sperm in large quantities using an IVF sperm sorting chip (SSC), which could mimic the viscous environment of the bovine cervix during ovulation and facilitates isolation of progressively motile sperm from semen. The viscous environment-on-a-chip was realized by formulating and implementing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-based solutions for the SSC medium. Sperm separated from the IVF-SSC containing PVP 1.5% showed high motility, normal morphology and high DNA integrity. As a result of IVF, a higher rate of hatching blastocysts, which is the pre-implantation stage, were observed, compared to the conventional swim-up method. Our results may significantly contribute to improving livestock with superior male and female genetic traits, thus overcoming the limitation of artificial insemination based on the superior genetic traits of existing males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Do Gyeung Byeun
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life and Applied Sciences, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Korea.
| | - Dongwon Kim
- Department of Physics, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Chungbuk, Korea.
| | - Jin Hee Park
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life and Applied Sciences, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Korea.
| | - Manhee Lee
- Department of Physics, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Chungbuk, Korea.
| | - Jung Kyu Choi
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life and Applied Sciences, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Korea.
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4
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Bouloorchi Tabalvandani M, Saeidpour Z, Habibi Z, Javadizadeh S, Firoozabadi SA, Badieirostami M. Microfluidics as an emerging paradigm for assisted reproductive technology: A sperm separation perspective. Biomed Microdevices 2024; 26:23. [PMID: 38652182 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-024-00705-2] [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] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Millions of people are subject to infertility worldwide and one in every six people, regardless of gender, experiences infertility at some period in their life, according to the World Health Organization. Assisted reproductive technologies are defined as a set of procedures that can address the infertility issue among couples, culminating in the alleviation of the condition. However, the costly conventional procedures of assisted reproduction and the inherent vagaries of the processes involved represent a setback for its successful implementation. Microfluidics, an emerging tool for processing low-volume samples, have recently started to play a role in infertility diagnosis and treatment. Given its host of benefits, including manipulating cells at the microscale, repeatability, automation, and superior biocompatibility, microfluidics have been adopted for various procedures in assisted reproduction, ranging from sperm sorting and analysis to more advanced processes such as IVF-on-a-chip. In this review, we try to adopt a more holistic approach and cover different uses of microfluidics for a variety of applications, specifically aimed at sperm separation and analysis. We present various sperm separation microfluidic techniques, categorized as natural and non-natural methods. A few of the recent developments in on-chip fertilization are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zahra Saeidpour
- MEMS Lab, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, 1439957131, Iran
| | - Zahra Habibi
- MEMS Lab, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, 1439957131, Iran
| | - Saeed Javadizadeh
- MEMS Lab, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, 1439957131, Iran
| | - Seyed Ahmadreza Firoozabadi
- MEMS Lab, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, 1439957131, Iran
| | - Majid Badieirostami
- MEMS Lab, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, 1439957131, Iran.
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5
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Shibata T, Bhat SA, Cao D, Saito S, Bernstein EA, Nishi E, Medenilla JD, Wang ET, Chan JL, Pisarska MD, Tourtellotte WG, Giani JF, Bernstein KE, Khan Z. Testicular ACE regulates sperm metabolism and fertilization through the transcription factor PPARγ. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105486. [PMID: 37992807 PMCID: PMC10788540 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105486] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Testis angiotensin-converting enzyme (tACE) plays a critical role in male fertility, but the mechanism is unknown. By using ACE C-domain KO (CKO) mice which lack tACE activity, we found that ATP in CKO sperm was 9.4-fold lower than WT sperm. Similarly, an ACE inhibitor (ACEi) reduced ATP production in mouse sperm by 72%. Metabolic profiling showed that tACE inactivation severely affects oxidative metabolism with decreases in several Krebs cycle intermediates including citric acid, cis-aconitic acid, NAD, α-ketoglutaric acid, succinate, and L-malic acid. We found that sperms lacking tACE activity displayed lower levels of oxidative enzymes (CISY, ODO1, MDHM, QCR2, SDHA, FUMH, CPT2, and ATPA) leading to a decreased mitochondrial respiration rate. The reduced energy production in CKO sperms leads to defects in their physiological functions including motility, acrosine activity, and fertilization in vitro and in vivo. Male mice treated with ACEi show severe impairment in reproductive capacity when mated with female mice. In contrast, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) had no effect. CKO sperms express significantly less peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) transcription factor, and its blockade eliminates the functional differences between CKO and WT sperms, indicating PPARγ might mediate the effects of tACE on sperm metabolism. Finally, in a cohort of human volunteers, in vitro treatment with the ramipril or a PPARγ inhibitor reduced ATP production in human sperm and hence its motility and acrosine activity. These findings may have clinical significance since millions of people take ACEi daily, including men who are reproductively active.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Shibata
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Shabir A Bhat
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - DuoYao Cao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Suguru Saito
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ellen A Bernstein
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Erika Nishi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Juliet D Medenilla
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Erica T Wang
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jessica L Chan
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Margareta D Pisarska
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA; Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Warren G Tourtellotte
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA; Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jorge F Giani
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kenneth E Bernstein
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Zakir Khan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.
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6
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Benedetti F, Silvestri G, Saadat S, Denaro F, Latinovic OS, Davis H, Williams S, Bryant J, Ippodrino R, Rathinam CV, Gallo RC, Zella D. Mycoplasma DnaK increases DNA copy number variants in vivo. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2219897120. [PMID: 37459550 PMCID: PMC10372619 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2219897120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The human microbiota affects critical cellular functions, although the responsible mechanism(s) is still poorly understood. In this regard, we previously showed that Mycoplasma fermentans DnaK, an HSP70 chaperone protein, hampers the activity of important cellular proteins responsible for DNA integrity. Here, we describe a novel DnaK knock-in mouse model generated in our laboratory to study the effect of M. fermentans DnaK expression in vivo. By using an array-based comparative genomic hybridization assay, we demonstrate that exposure to DnaK was associated with a higher number of DNA copy number variants (CNVs) indicative of unbalanced chromosomal alterations, together with reduced fertility and a high rate of fetal abnormalities. Consistent with their implication in genetic disorders, one of these CNVs caused a homozygous Grid2 deletion, resulting in an aberrant ataxic phenotype that recapitulates the extensive biallelic deletion in the Grid2 gene classified in humans as autosomal recessive spinocerebellar ataxia 18. Our data highlight a connection between components of the human urogenital tract microbiota, namely Mycoplasmas, and genetic abnormalities in the form of DNA CNVs, with obvious relevant medical, diagnostic, and therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Benedetti
- Institute of Human Virology and Global Virus Network Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Giovannino Silvestri
- Institute of Human Virology and Global Virus Network Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Saman Saadat
- Institute of Human Virology and Global Virus Network Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Frank Denaro
- Department of Biology, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD21251
| | - Olga S. Latinovic
- Institute of Human Virology and Global Virus Network Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Harry Davis
- Institute of Human Virology and Global Virus Network Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Sumiko Williams
- Institute of Human Virology and Global Virus Network Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Joseph Bryant
- Institute of Human Virology and Global Virus Network Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | | | - Chozha V. Rathinam
- Institute of Human Virology and Global Virus Network Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Robert C. Gallo
- Institute of Human Virology and Global Virus Network Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Davide Zella
- Institute of Human Virology and Global Virus Network Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
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7
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Sood A, Kumar A, Gupta VK, Kim CM, Han SS. Translational Nanomedicines Across Human Reproductive Organs Modeling on Microfluidic Chips: State-of-the-Art and Future Prospects. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:62-84. [PMID: 36541361 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c01080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Forecasting the consequence of nanoparticles (NPs) and therapeutically significant molecules before materializing for human clinical trials is a mainstay for drug delivery and screening processes. One of the noteworthy obstacles that has prevented the clinical translation of NP-based drug delivery systems and novel drugs is the lack of effective preclinical platforms. As a revolutionary technology, the organ-on-a-chip (OOC), a coalition of microfluidics and tissue engineering, has surfaced as an alternative to orthodox screening platforms. OOC technology recapitulates the structural and physiological features of human organs along with intercommunications between tissues on a chip. The current review discusses the concept of microfluidics and confers cutting-edge fabrication processes for chip designing. We also outlined the advantages of microfluidics in analyzing NPs in terms of characterization, transport, and degradation in biological systems. The review further elaborates the scope and research on translational nanomedicines in human reproductive organs (testis, placenta, uterus, and menstrual cycle) by taking the advantages offered by microfluidics and shedding light on their potential future implications. Finally, we accentuate the existing challenges for clinical translation and scale-up dynamics for microfluidics chips and emphasize its future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankur Sood
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea
| | - Anuj Kumar
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea.,Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea
| | - Vijai Kumar Gupta
- Biorefining and Advanced Materials Research Center, Scotland's Rural College, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, United Kingdom
| | - Chul Min Kim
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Gyeongsang National University, 33 Dongjin-ro, Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do 52725, South Korea
| | - Sung Soo Han
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea.,Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea
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8
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Zhang N, Liang K, Liu Z, Sun T, Wang J. ANN-Based Instantaneous Simulation of Particle Trajectories in Microfluidics. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:2100. [PMID: 36557399 PMCID: PMC9781979 DOI: 10.3390/mi13122100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidics has shown great potential in cell analysis, where the flowing path in the microfluidic device is important for the final study results. However, the design process is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Therefore, we proposed an ANN method with three dense layers to analyze particle trajectories at the critical intersections and then put them together with the particle trajectories in straight channels. The results showed that the ANN prediction results are highly consistent with COMSOL simulation results, indicating the applicability of the proposed ANN method. In addition, this method not only shortened the simulation time but also lowered the computational expense, providing a useful tool for researchers who want to receive instant simulation results of particle trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiyin Zhang
- School of Automation, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Kaicong Liang
- Key Laboratory of RF Circuits and Systems, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Zhenya Liu
- Key Laboratory of RF Circuits and Systems, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Taotao Sun
- Key Laboratory of RF Circuits and Systems, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Junchao Wang
- Key Laboratory of RF Circuits and Systems, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
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9
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Heeremans T, Deblais A, Bonn D, Woutersen S. Chromatographic separation of active polymer-like worm mixtures by contour length and activity. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabj7918. [PMID: 35675403 PMCID: PMC9177071 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abj7918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The convective transport rate of polymers through confined geometries depends on their size, allowing for size-based separation of polymer mixtures (chromatography). Here, we investigate whether mixtures of active polymers can be separated in a similar manner based on their activity. We use thin, living Tubifex tubifex worms as a model system for active polymers and study the transport of these worms by an imposed flow through a channel filled with a hexagonal pillar array. The transport rate through the channel depends strongly on the degree of activity, an effect that we assign to the different distribution of conformations sampled by the worms depending on their activity. Our results demonstrate a unique way to sort mixtures of active polymers based on their activity and provide a versatile and convenient experimental system to investigate the hydrodynamics of active polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tess Heeremans
- Van der Waals-Zeeman Institute, IoP, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Antoine Deblais
- Van der Waals-Zeeman Institute, IoP, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Corresponding author. (A.D.); (D.B.); (S.W.)
| | - Daniel Bonn
- Van der Waals-Zeeman Institute, IoP, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Corresponding author. (A.D.); (D.B.); (S.W.)
| | - Sander Woutersen
- Van ’t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Corresponding author. (A.D.); (D.B.); (S.W.)
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10
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SERPINA5 Protein in Cumulus-Oocyte Complexes Increases the Fertilisation Ability of Mouse Sperm. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:2350-2362. [PMID: 35194761 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00867-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Obtaining high-quality sperm is key to improving the success rate of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Although cytokines secreted by cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) bind to sperm surface receptors to improve sperm quality, the effects of adding mouse COCs to human tubal fluid (HTF) medium on sperm capacitation have not yet been explored. Eight-week-old ICR mouse COCs were added to HTF medium and crushed to obtain the post-modified HTF medium. Compared with using HTF medium, the fertilisation rate and number of sperm combined with the zona pellucida significantly increased after in vitro capacitation using the post-modified HTF medium (P < 0.01). Proteomic and Western blotting analyses showed that the level of SERPINA5 in sperm increased significantly following in vitro capacitation with the post-modified HTF medium (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical staining analysis demonstrated that SERPINA5 protein was expressed in mouse cumulus cells. A SERPINA5 antibody was added in the post-modified HTF medium to block the effects of SERPINA5 after in vitro capacitation, which significantly decreased the fertilisation rate and the number of sperm combined with the zona pellucida (P < 0.05). Recombinant mouse SERPINA5 protein (1 ~ 2 μg/ml) was added to HTF medium and the fertilisation rate and the number of sperm combined with the zona pellucida significantly increased (P < 0.01). Moreover, recombinant human SERPINA5 protein (5 μg/ml) was added before human semen freezing. Compared with adding no SERPINA5 protein, the percentage of normal sperm morphology and the intact acrosome significantly increased (P < 0.05). Our study provides a reference method for optimising sperm quality in the process of in vitro capacitation.
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12
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de Oliveira Paludo FJ, de Bittencourt Pasquali MA, de Vargas AR, de Oliveira IB, Gonçalves LVB, Gelain DP, Moreira JCF. Influences of the polymorphisms of the Sod2 gene (rs4880) on the motility and vigor of X- and Y-bearing sperm at different pH values. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 142:111993. [PMID: 34364045 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) is an antioxidant enzyme that appears phylogenetically conserved. However, functional Sod2 polymorphisms have been studied, and the specific polymorphisms are related to activity alterations of the SOD2 enzyme. An example of a polymorphism of SOD2 is Val16Ala (rs4880), which has been identified in exon 2 of the human Sod2 gene. This polymorphism is recognized as a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and alters the conformation of SOD2. Additionally, recent studies have shown that the Ala16 Val polymorphism in Sod2 can be related to different pathological diseases. In these terms, the objective of the present study was to evaluate whether the polymorphism of SOD2 in Val16Ala (rs4880) influences the motility and vigor of X- and Y-bearing sperm at different pH values promoting sperm selection. We found that polymorphism rs4880 at normal pH conditions can result in alterations in the activity of superoxide dismutase in the sperm through different assay analyses. Moreover, compelling modulation evidence indicates that this effect could also mediate seminal plasma redox alterations and consequently can play an important role in sperm physiology, fertilization, and postfertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Jackson de Oliveira Paludo
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos 2600, 90035-003 Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Matheus Augusto de Bittencourt Pasquali
- Programa de Pós-Graduação de Engenharia e Gestão de Recursos Naturais, Centro de Tecnologia de Recursos Naturais, Universidade Federal Campina Grande, Av. Aprígio Veloso 882, 58429-200 Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil.
| | - Amanda Rodrigues de Vargas
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos 2600, 90035-003 Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Iara Bezerra de Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação de Engenharia e Gestão de Recursos Naturais, Centro de Tecnologia de Recursos Naturais, Universidade Federal Campina Grande, Av. Aprígio Veloso 882, 58429-200 Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Luzia Valberligia Batista Gonçalves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação de Engenharia e Gestão de Recursos Naturais, Centro de Tecnologia de Recursos Naturais, Universidade Federal Campina Grande, Av. Aprígio Veloso 882, 58429-200 Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Daniel Pens Gelain
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos 2600, 90035-003 Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - José Cláudio Fonseca Moreira
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos 2600, 90035-003 Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Abstract
Sperm selection is a clinical need for guided fertilization in men with low-quality semen. In this regard, microfluidics can provide an enabling platform for the precise manipulation and separation of high-quality sperm cells through applying various stimuli, including chemical agents, mechanical forces, and thermal gradients. In addition, microfluidic platforms can help to guide sperms and oocytes for controlled in vitro fertilization or sperm sorting using both passive and active methods. Herein, we present a detailed review of the use of various microfluidic methods for sorting and categorizing sperms for different applications. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are further discussed and future perspectives in the field are given.
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Neculai-Valeanu AS, Ariton AM. Game-Changing Approaches in Sperm Sex-Sorting: Microfluidics and Nanotechnology. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11041182. [PMID: 33924241 PMCID: PMC8074747 DOI: 10.3390/ani11041182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Sexing of sperm cells, including the capacity to preselect the sex of offspring prior to reproduction, has been a major target of reproductive biotechnology for a very long time. The advances in molecular biology, biophysics, and computer science over the past few decades, as well as the groundbreaking new methods introduced by scientists, have contributed to some major breakthroughs in a variety of branches of medicine. In particular, assisted reproduction is one of the areas in which emerging technologies such as nanotechnology and microfluidics may enhance the fertility potential of samples of sex-sorted semen, thus improving the reproductive management of farm animals and conservation programs. In human medicine, embryo sex-selection using in vitro fertilization (IVF) and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is accepted only for medical reasons. Using sex-sorting before IVF would enable specialists to prevent sex-linked genetic diseases and prevent the discharge of embryos which are not suitable for transfer due to their sex. Abstract The utilization of sex-sorted sperm for artificial insemination and in-vitro fertilization is considered a valuable tool for improving production efficiency and optimizing reproductive management in farm animals, subsequently ensuring sufficient food resource for the growing human population. Despite the fact that sperm sex-sorting is one of the most intense studied technologies and notable progress have been made in the past three decades to optimize it, the conception rates when using sex-sorted semen are still under expectations. Assisted reproduction programs may benefit from the use of emergent nano and microfluidic-based technologies. This article addresses the currently used methods for sperm sex-sorting, as well as the emerging ones, based on nanotechnology and microfluidics emphasizing on their practical and economic applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andra-Sabina Neculai-Valeanu
- Research and Development Station for Cattle Breeding Dancu, 707252 Iasi, Romania;
- Department of Fundamental Sciences in Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Food and Animal Sciences, University of Applied Life Sciences and Environment “Ion Ionescu de la Brad”, 700490 Iasi, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Adina Mirela Ariton
- Research and Development Station for Cattle Breeding Dancu, 707252 Iasi, Romania;
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