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Sečová P, Hackerová L, Horovská Ľ, Michalková K, Jankovičová J, Postlerová P, Antalíková J. Complexity and modification of the bull sperm glycocalyx during epididymal maturation. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23687. [PMID: 38785390 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202400551rr] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatozoa have a surface covered with glycocalyx, consisting of heterogeneous glycoproteins and glycolipids. This complexity arises from diverse monosaccharides, distinct linkages, various isomeric glycans, branching levels, and saccharide sequences. The glycocalyx is synthesized by spermatozoa developing in the testis, and its subsequent alterations during their transit through the epididymis are a critical process for the sperm acquisition of fertilizing ability. In this study, we performed detailed analysis of the glycocalyx on the sperm surface of bull spermatozoa in relation to individual parts of the epididymis using a wide range (24) of lectins with specific carbohydrate binding preferences. Fluorescence analysis of intact sperm isolated from the bull epididymides was complemented by Western blot detection of protein extracts from the sperm plasma membrane fractions. Our experimental results revealed predominant sequential modification of bull sperm glycans with N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc), followed by subsequent sialylation and fucosylation in a highly specific manner. Additionally, variations in the lectin detection on the sperm surface may indicate the acquisition or release of glycans or glycoproteins. Our study is the first to provide a complex analysis of the bull sperm glycocalyx modification during epididymal maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Sečová
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Lenka Hackerová
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ľubica Horovská
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Katarína Michalková
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Jana Jankovičová
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Pavla Postlerová
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Antalíková
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
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Hernández-Avilés C, Ramírez-Agámez L, Varner DD, Love CC. Lactate-induced spontaneous acrosomal exocytosis as a method to study acrosome function in stallion sperm. Theriogenology 2023; 210:169-181. [PMID: 37517302 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.07.024] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Evaluation of acrosome function in stallion sperm is mostly based on the use of inducers of acrosomal exocytosis (AE), such as the calcium ionophore A23187 or progesterone. Recently, it has been reported that incubation of stallion sperm under presumed capacitating conditions (i.e., medium formulated with calcium, bicarbonate, and bovine serum albumin) using a lactate-only containing medium (Lac-MW) results in a high rate of spontaneous AE in viable sperm (AE/Viable). In the current study, we developed an alternative assay of acrosome function for stallion sperm following the incubation of sperm in a medium formulated only with lactate as an energy substrate (Lac-MW). In Experiment 1, freshly ejaculated stallion sperm was incubated with 10 μM A23187, Lac-MW, or Control, for up to 6 h under capacitating conditions. The percentages of motile sperm, viable sperm, total AE (Total AE), and AE in viable sperm (AE/Viable) were compared among treatment groups. Incubation in Lac-MW, but not with Control or A23187, resulted in a time-dependent increase in the percentage of AE/Viable, as determined by flow cytometry, particularly at 4 and 6 h of incubation (P < 0.05). In Experiment 2, freshly ejaculated sperm was incubated in Lac-MW for up to 6 h, and the occurrence of protein tyrosine phosphorylation and AE/Viable were determined. At 4h and 6h of incubation in Lac-MW, ∼40% of the sperm displayed a protein tyrosine phosphorylation immunofluorescence pattern that coincides with that recently associated with stallion sperm capacitation (i.e., immunofluorescence signal at the acrosome and midpiece). In Experiment 3, the rate of AE/Viable sperm was compared among freshly ejaculated, cool-stored, and frozen/thawed stallion sperm. Except at 2h incubation in Lac-MW, differences in mean AE/Viable among fresh, cool-stored, and frozen/thawed sperm were not observed (P > 0.05). In Experiment 4, the relationship between Total AE (A23187), or AE/Viable (Lac-MW), and in vivo fertility of 5 stallions was determined. A linear relationship was observed between mean AE/Viable and the per-cycle (r = 0.93; P < 0.05) and seasonal (r = 0.66; P < 0.05) pregnancy rates of five stallions used for artificial insemination with cool-stored semen. In Experiment 5, frozen/thawed sperm from subfertile Thoroughbred (TB) stallions, known to carry the susceptibility genotype for Impaired Acrosomal Exocytosis (IAE; FKBP6 A/A-A/A) was evaluated following incubation in Lac-MW. Sperm from subfertile TB stallions with IAE had lower mean AE/Viable, at both 4h and 6h incubation in Lac-MW, when compared to that of fertile control stallions (P < 0.05). Overall, the Lac-MW model validated in the current study may be a useful complementary assay to evaluate the ability of stallion sperm to physiologically undergo AE and to study stallion fertility potential. This acrosome function assay can be used to evaluate fresh, cool-stored, or frozen/thawed stallion sperm, and describes a strong linear relationship with in vivo-fertility of stallions used in artificial insemination programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo Hernández-Avilés
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4475, USA.
| | - Luisa Ramírez-Agámez
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4475, USA
| | - Dickson D Varner
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4475, USA
| | - Charles C Love
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4475, USA
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Antalíková J, Sečová P, Michalková K, Horovská Ľ, Páleníková V, Jankovičová J. Expression of αV integrin and its potential partners in bull reproductive tissues, germ cells and spermatozoa. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 209:542-551. [PMID: 35413326 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Integrins are transmembrane receptors expressed in all nucleated mammalian cells, critically involved in cell-matrix adhesion and cell-cell interactions that modulate many signalling cascades. It is assumed that integrins also provide essential functions of the reproductive system. In this study, we describe the detailed localization and distribution of αV integrin in the plasma membrane of bull sperm head and tail. Integrin αV was observed in the area of forming acrosome in developing sperm since the stage of round spermatids and persists in the acrosome during epididymal maturation and ejaculation till the acrosomal exocytosis. We detected CD9 and CD81 tetraspanins as the potential partners of αV integrin. Their similar staining pattern in testicular tissue suggested the involvement of these molecules in the tetraspanin web of "testisomes". Moreover, the complex of αV with β1 and β3 integrin subunits cannot be excluded at least in sperm. The presented findings contribute to understanding the mutual action of integrins and tetraspanins during sperm development and maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Antalíková
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Dúbravská cesta 9, 840 05 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Petra Sečová
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Dúbravská cesta 9, 840 05 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Katarína Michalková
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Dúbravská cesta 9, 840 05 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Ľubica Horovská
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Dúbravská cesta 9, 840 05 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Veronika Páleníková
- Group of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., BIOCEV, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Hlavova 8, 128 40 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Jankovičová
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Dúbravská cesta 9, 840 05 Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
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Bovine Follicular Fluid Derived Extracellular Vesicles Modulate the Viability, Capacitation and Acrosome Reaction of Bull Spermatozoa. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10111154. [PMID: 34827147 PMCID: PMC8614796 DOI: 10.3390/biology10111154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Before the union of an egg and spermatozoon, several vital processes occur for fertilization in the female reproductive system. One of these processes is the maturation of spermatozoa which occurs in the female reproductive tract. Spermatozoa not undergoing maturation in the female reproductive tract are unable to penetrate the egg. Many reports have suggested the involvement of different factors in mediating the functional maturation of spermatozoa. Follicular fluid (FF) is named as one of those factors. FF is an ovarian fluid that plays an essential role in egg maturation and sources extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs are nano-containers that are released from different cells and are present in all body fluids. Several studies have reported that FF supports the functional maturation of spermatozoa. Therefore, we hypothesized that FF EVs might have a role in inducing functional maturation in spermatozoa. Surprisingly, the FF-derived EVs were able to aid vital functional parameters of spermatozoa and the effects from EVs were species- and source-specific. Therefore, deciphering the cargo of FF EVs responsible for modulating spermatozoa’s functions can potentially prove beneficial in diagnosing and treating male infertility and improving the current assisted reproductive technology protocols. Abstract While follicular fluid (FF) is known to enhance the functional properties of spermatozoa, the role of FF-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) in this respect is unknown. We hypothesized that bovine FF EVs convey signals to spermatozoa supporting sperm viability, inducing sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction. In this study, the effects of bovine FF EVs on sperm functions are evaluated. Irrespective of the size of the follicles which FF EVs had originated from, they were capable of supporting sperm viability, inducing capacitation and acrosome reaction. These effects were specific to the source of bovine FF EVs, as human-cell-line-derived or porcine FF EVs did not affect spermatozoa viability or induced capacitation and acrosome reaction. A minimum of 5 × 105 EVs/mL was adequate to maintain sperm viability and induce capacitation and acrosome reaction in spermatozoa. Interestingly, with FF EV trypsin treatment, FF EVs lost their ability to support sperm functions. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that bovine FF EVs can support spermatozoa function and may contribute to a favorable periconceptional microenvironment. This is an important aspect of the interactions between different sexes at the earliest stages of reproduction and helps to understand molecular mechanisms modulating processes such as sperm competition and female cryptic choice.
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Jankovicova J, Frolikova M, Palenikova V, Valaskova E, Cerny J, Secova P, Bartokova M, Horovska L, Manaskova-Postlerova P, Antalikova J, Komrskova K. Expression and distribution of CD151 as a partner of alpha6 integrin in male germ cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:4374. [PMID: 32152440 PMCID: PMC7062741 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-61334-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological importance of CD151 tetraspanin is known from somatic cells and its outside-in signalling through integrins was described. In male germ cells, two tetraspanins, CD9 and CD81, are involved in sperm-egg membrane fusion, and similarly to integrins, they occupy characteristic regions. We report here on a newly discovered presence of CD151 in sperm, and present its expression and distribution during spermatogenesis and sperm transition during the acrosome reaction. We traced CD151 gene and protein expression in testicular cell subpopulations, with strong enrichment in spermatogonia and spermatids. The testicular and epididymal localization pattern is designated to the sperm head primary fusion site called the equatorial segment and when compared to the acrosome vesicle status, CD151 was located into the inner acrosomal membrane overlying the nucleus. Moreover, we show CD151 interaction with α6 integrin subunit, which forms a dimer with β4 as a part of cis-protein interactions within sperm prior to gamete fusion. We used mammalian species with distinct sperm morphology and sperm maturation such as mouse and bull and compared the results with human. In conclusion, the delivered findings characterise CD151 as a novel sperm tetraspanin network member and provide knowledge on its physiology in male germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Jankovicova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - M Frolikova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - V Palenikova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50, Vestec, Czech Republic.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Hlavova 8, 128 40, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - E Valaskova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - J Cerny
- Laboratory of Structural Bioinformatics of Proteins, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - P Secova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - M Bartokova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - L Horovska
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - P Manaskova-Postlerova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50, Vestec, Czech Republic.,Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamycka 129, 165 00, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - J Antalikova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
| | - K Komrskova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50, Vestec, Czech Republic. .,Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vinicna 7, 128 44, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
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6
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Antalikova J, Secova P, Horovska L, Krejcirova R, Simonik O, Jankovicova J, Bartokova M, Tumova L, Manaskova-Postlerova P. Missing Information from the Estrogen Receptor Puzzle: Where Are They Localized in Bull Reproductive Tissues and Spermatozoa? Cells 2020; 9:cells9010183. [PMID: 31936899 PMCID: PMC7016540 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogens are steroid hormones that affect a wide range of physiological functions. The effect of estrogens on male reproductive tissues and sperm cells through specific receptors is essential for sperm development, maturation, and function. Although estrogen receptors (ERs) have been studied in several mammalian species, including humans, they have not yet been described in bull spermatozoa and reproductive tissues. In this study, we analyzed the presence of all types of ERs (ESR1, ESR2, and GPER1) in bull testicular and epididymal tissues and epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa, and we characterize them here for the first time. We observed different localizations of each type of ER in the sperm head by immunofluorescent microscopy. Additionally, using a selected polyclonal antibody, we found that each type of ER in bull sperm extracts had two isoforms with different molecular masses. The detailed detection of ERs is a prerequisite not only for understanding the effect of estrogen on all reproductive events but also for further studying the negative effect of environmental estrogens (endocrine disruptors) on processes that lead to fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Antalikova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 840 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; (J.A.); (P.S.); (L.H.); (J.J.); (M.B.)
| | - Petra Secova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 840 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; (J.A.); (P.S.); (L.H.); (J.J.); (M.B.)
| | - Lubica Horovska
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 840 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; (J.A.); (P.S.); (L.H.); (J.J.); (M.B.)
| | - Romana Krejcirova
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 00 Prague 6, Czech Republic; (R.K.); (O.S.); (L.T.)
| | - Ondrej Simonik
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 00 Prague 6, Czech Republic; (R.K.); (O.S.); (L.T.)
| | - Jana Jankovicova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 840 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; (J.A.); (P.S.); (L.H.); (J.J.); (M.B.)
| | - Michaela Bartokova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 840 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; (J.A.); (P.S.); (L.H.); (J.J.); (M.B.)
| | - Lucie Tumova
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 00 Prague 6, Czech Republic; (R.K.); (O.S.); (L.T.)
| | - Pavla Manaskova-Postlerova
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 00 Prague 6, Czech Republic; (R.K.); (O.S.); (L.T.)
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology CAS, v.v.i., BIOCEV, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-22438-2934
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Human sperm Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) mediates acrosome reaction, oxidative stress markers, and sperm parameters in response to bacterial lipopolysaccharide in infertile men. J Assist Reprod Genet 2017; 34:1067-1077. [PMID: 28550386 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-017-0957-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To study the role of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in human spermatozoa and to assess sperm parameters, oxidative stress markers, and acrosome reaction in response to the stimulation of TLR4 by its ligand, the lipopolysaccharide (LPS), as a major endotoxin of Gram-negative bacteria. METHODS Our study was carried out in 73 sperm samples from patients undergoing semen analysis for couple infertility investigations. The studied patients were divided into three groups: normozoospermic fertile patients (n = 13), patients with abnormal and leukospermic semen (n = 13), and patients with abnormal and non-leukospermic semen (n = 47). TLR4 expression in human spermatozoa was initially analyzed by western blot. Sperm samples were incubated in the presence of LPS (200 ng/ml) for 18 h. Then, sperm motility and vitality were evaluated by microscopic observation and oxidative stress markers as malondialdehyde (MDA) and carbonyl groups (CG) were spectrophotometrically assessed in neat and selected sperm. A triple-stain technique was also performed to evaluate acrosome reaction in 15 sperm samples from infertile patients. RESULTS TLR4 expression was confirmed in human spermatozoa with a molecular weight of 69 kDa. In the normozoospermic group, no significant differences in sperm parameters and oxidative stress markers were shown after incubation with LPS in neat and selected sperms. Regarding samples from the non-leukospermic group, LPS reduced spermatozoa motility and vitality rates in selected sperm (P = 0.003; P = 0.004, respectively). A significant increase of MDA and CG levels was also detected (P = 0.01; P = 0.02, respectively). However, only the MDA levels were significantly increased (P = 0.01) in neat LPS-stimulated sperm. The same results were shown within the leukospermic group. The comparison between the two groups, leukospermic and non-leukospermic, in selected sperms showed a more important LPS effect in the leukospermic group significantly on motility and MDA rates (P = 0.006; P = 0.009, respectively). Furthermore, a significant decrease in reacted spermatozoa rate was detected in response to LPS in selected sperm samples from infertile men (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that human spermatozoa express TLR4 and respond to LPS stimulation with alterations in viability, motility, and the acrosome reaction implicating reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in sperm samples from infertile patients.
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8
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Elkhawagah AR, Longobardi V, Neglia G, Salzano A, Zullo G, Sosa GA, Campanile G, Gasparrini B. Effect of Relaxin on Fertility Parameters of Frozen-Thawed Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Sperm. Reprod Domest Anim 2016; 50:756-62. [PMID: 26372314 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of relaxin on fertility parameters of buffalo frozen/thawed sperm. Sperm were incubated in the absence of capacitating agents (negative control), with a known capacitating agent such as heparin (positive control) and with 50 and 100 ng/ml relaxin for 2 and 4 h. Sperm viability, motility, capacitation and the effect of relaxin on the fertilizing ability after heterologous IVF were evaluated. Although viability was not affected, relaxin increased (p < 0.05) sperm motility compared to the negative and positive controls both after 2 h (60.0 ± 2.0, 60.0 ± 3.1, 68.3 ± 1.7 and 69.4 ± 2.7, respectively, in negative control, positive control, 50 and 100 ng/ml relaxin) and 4 h (55.0 ± 2.5, 53.3 ± 3.0, 62.2 ± 3.0 and 65.0 ± 3.2, respectively, in negative control, positive control, 50 and 100 ng/ml relaxin) incubation. When sperm were incubated with both 100 ng/ml relaxin and heparin, a decrease (p < 0.01) of pattern A, that is low capacitation level, was observed compared to the negative control both after 2 h (54.4, 34.3 and 36.4%, respectively, in negative control, positive control and 100 ng/ml relaxin) and 4 h (51.9, 35.0 and 34.3%, respectively, in negative control, positive control and 100 ng/ml relaxin). Moreover, an increase (p < 0.01) of pattern EA, that is high capacitation level, was recorded with 100 ng/ml relaxin and heparin compared to the negative control both after 2 h (44.1, 59.3 and 57.7%, respectively, in negative control, positive control and 100 ng/ml relaxin) and after 4 h (43.0, 54.4 and 56.0%, respectively, in negative control, positive control and 100 ng/ml relaxin). Finally, relaxin increased (p < 0.01) cleavage rate compared to the negative control (57.1 ± 4.4, 72.5 ± 6.0, 71.4 ± 5.5 and 73.6 ± 2.9, respectively, in negative control, positive control, 50 and 100 ng/ml relaxin). In conclusion, relaxin has a beneficial effect on motility, capacitation and fertilizing ability of frozen-thawed buffalo sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Elkhawagah
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - V Longobardi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - G Neglia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - A Salzano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - G Zullo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - G A Sosa
- Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Moshtohor - Toukh, Egypt
| | - G Campanile
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - B Gasparrini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
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9
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Antalíková J, Jankovičová J, Simon M, Cupperová P, Michalková K, Horovská Ľ. Localization of CD9 Molecule on Bull Spermatozoa: Its Involvement in the Sperm-Egg Interaction. Reprod Domest Anim 2015; 50:423-30. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J Antalíková
- Department of Immunogenetics; Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics Slovak Academy of Sciences; Ivanka pri Dunaji Slovakia
| | - J Jankovičová
- Department of Immunogenetics; Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics Slovak Academy of Sciences; Ivanka pri Dunaji Slovakia
| | - M Simon
- Department of Immunogenetics; Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics Slovak Academy of Sciences; Ivanka pri Dunaji Slovakia
| | - P Cupperová
- Department of Immunogenetics; Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics Slovak Academy of Sciences; Ivanka pri Dunaji Slovakia
| | - K Michalková
- Department of Immunogenetics; Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics Slovak Academy of Sciences; Ivanka pri Dunaji Slovakia
| | - Ľ Horovská
- Department of Immunogenetics; Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics Slovak Academy of Sciences; Ivanka pri Dunaji Slovakia
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10
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Manee-In S, Parmornsupornvichit S, Kraiprayoon S, Tharasanit T, Chanapiwat P, Kaeoket K. L-carnitine Supplemented Extender Improves Cryopreserved-thawed Cat Epididymal Sperm Motility. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2014; 27:791-6. [PMID: 25050016 PMCID: PMC4093175 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.2013.13565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2013] [Revised: 12/30/2013] [Accepted: 02/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Cryopreservation of epididymal sperm is an effective technique to preserve genetic materials of domestic cats and wild felids when they unexpectedly die. However, this technique inevitably causes detrimental changes of cryopreserved-thawed spermatozoa, for example, by physical damage and excessive oxidative stress. L-carnitine is an antioxidant that has been used to improve sperm motility in humans and domestic animals. This study aimed to investigate the effects of L-carnitine on cat epididymal sperm quality following cryopreservation and thawing. After routine castration, cauda epididymides were collected from 60 cat testes. The epididymal spermatozoa from 3 cauda epididymides were pooled as 1 replicate. Spermatozoa samples (16 replicates) were examined for spermatozoa quality and then randomly divided into 4 groups: 0 mM L-carnitine (control), 12.5 mM, 25 mM and 50 mM L-carnitine. The sperm aliquots were then equilibrated and conventionally frozen. After thawing, sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, DNA integrity and acrosome integrity were evaluated. The 25 mM L-carnitine significantly improved sperm motility compared with a control group (p<0.05), although this was not significantly different among other concentrations. In conclusion, supplementation of 25 mM L-carnitine in freezing extender improves cauda epididymal spermatozoa motility. The effects of L-carnitine on the levels of oxidative stress during freezing and thawing remains to be examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Manee-In
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Prathom 73170, Thailand
| | | | - S Kraiprayoon
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Prathom 73170, Thailand
| | - T Tharasanit
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - P Chanapiwat
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Prathom 73170, Thailand
| | - K Kaeoket
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Prathom 73170, Thailand
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11
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Pawar K, Kaul G. Toxicity of titanium oxide nanoparticles causes functionality and DNA damage in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) sperm in vitro. Toxicol Ind Health 2012; 30:520-33. [PMID: 23064765 DOI: 10.1177/0748233712462475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The present study has examined the effect of different concentrations (1 μg/ml, 10 μg/ml and 100 μg/ml) of titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) (<100 nm) on viability, membrane integrity, capacitation status and DNA integrity of buffalo spermatozoa. Characterization of NPs was done by the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test and acridine orange test (AOT) were employed to detect DNA fragmentation in sperm treated with NPs. There was significant (p < 0.05) decrease in cell viability and membrane integrity (assessed by enzyme leakage) at 6 h of incubation with NPs. However, significant (p < 0.05) increase in sperm capacitation was observed for TiO2 NP albeit at lower concentrations. In DNA fragmentation assay, there was dose-dependent increase in the DNA fragmentation (r = 0.96). Ultrathin cross-sections revealed TiO2 NPs inside head and plasma membrane of the buffalo spermatozoa as assessed by TEM. These studies suggest that TiO2 NPs may have cytotoxic effect on buffalo spermatozoa by affecting sperm functionality and causing high amount of DNA fragmentations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamlesh Pawar
- Biochemistry Department, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Gautam Kaul
- Biochemistry Department, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
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12
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α-Tocopherol and l-ascorbic acid increase the in vitro development of IVM/IVF swamp buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis) embryos. Animal 2012; 2:1486-90. [PMID: 22443906 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731108002541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the effects of capacitating agents added at in vitro fertilization (IVF) and antioxidants supplemented during in vitro culture (IVC) on the development of buffalo embryos. In experiment I, in vitro embryo development of buffalo embryos was compared when the IVF medium was supplemented with heparin, caffeine and calcium ionophore A23187 either alone or in combination. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the cleavage rates of oocytes among the treatment groups but the development rate to the blastocyst stage and the cell numbers of blastocyst in the heparin-treated group were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of other treatments. In experiment II, in vitro embryo development of buffalo embryos was compared when IVC medium was supplemented with either α-tocopherol (250 and 500 μM) or l-ascorbic acid (250 and 500 μM). The rate of development to the blastocyst stage of embryos cultured in medium supplemented with 250 μM α-tocopherol (33%, 41/123) and 250 μM l-ascorbic acid (31%, 38/123) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of those cultured in medium alone (19%, 20/108) but not significantly different (P < 0.05) from medium supplemented with either 500 μM α-tocopherol (24%, 30/123) or 500 μM l-ascorbic acid (25%, 33/133). These results suggest that buffalo spermatozoa treated with heparin were suitable for IVF and that α-tocopherol and l-ascorbic acid added during IVC increased the rate of buffalo embryo development.
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13
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Minervini F, Guastamacchia R, Pizzi F, Dell’Aquila ME, Barile VL. Assessment of Different Functional Parameters of Frozen-Thawed Buffalo Spermatozoa by Using Cytofluorimetric Determinations. Reprod Domest Anim 2012; 48:317-24. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2012.02152.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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14
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Pawar K, Kaul G. Assessment of Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Sperm DNA Fragmentation Using a Sperm Chromatin Dispersion Test. Reprod Domest Anim 2011; 46:964-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2011.01766.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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15
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Costa M, Oliveira L, Resende M, Lucio A, Perini A, Miguel M, Lima V. Induction of the acrosome reaction test to in vitro estimate embryo production in Nelore cattle. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2010. [DOI: 10.1590/s0102-09352010000400001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The effectiveness of induction of the acrosome reaction (AR) test as a parameter to in vitro estimate embryo production (IVP) in Nelore breed and the AR pattern by the Trypan Blue/Giemsa (TB) stain were evaluated. Frozen semen samples from ten Nelore bulls were submitted to AR induction and were also evaluated for cleavage and blastocyst rates. The treatments utilized for AR induction were: control (TALP medium), TH (TALP medium + 10μg heparin), TL (TALP medium + 100μg lysophosphatidylcholine) and THL (TALP medium + 10μg heparin + 100μg lysophosphatidylcholine). Sperm acrosomal status and viability were evaluated by TB staining at 0 and after 4h incubation at 38°C. The results obtained for AR presented a significant difference (P<0.05) in the percentage of acrosome reacted live sperm after 4h of incubation in the treatments that received heparin. The cleavage and blastocyst rates were 60% and 38% respectively and a significant difference was observed among bulls (P<0.05). It was founded a satisfactory model to estimate the cleavage and blastocyst rates by AR induction test. Therefore, it can be concluded that the induction of the AR test is a valuable tool to predict the IVP in Nelore breed.
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16
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Leßig J, Reibetanz U, Arnhold J, Glander HJ. Destabilization of acrosome and elastase influence mediate the release of secretory phospholipase A2from human spermatozoa. Asian J Androl 2008; 10:829-36. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-7262.2008.00440.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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17
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Areekijseree M, Veerapraditsin T. Characterization of porcine oviductal epithelial cells, cumulus cells and granulosa cells-conditioned media and their ability to induce acrosome reaction on frozen-thawed bovine spermatozoa. Micron 2008; 39:160-7. [PMID: 17331736 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2006.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2006] [Revised: 12/28/2006] [Accepted: 01/03/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian female reproductive tract cells have been wildely used in in vitro fertilization. We studied the secretory proteins of porcine oviductal epithelial cells (POEC), and cumulus cells (CC) co-cultured with granulosa cells (GC) in conditioned media (CM), and their ability in inducing acrosome reaction (AR) on frozen-thawed bovine spermatozoa. POEC and CC+GC were cultured in M 199 medium for 48, 96 and 144h prior to investigation of protein secretion. The results from SDS-PAGE showed secretory proteins sizes of about 17, 22 and >220kDa in both CM from POEC and CC+GC. To test the ability of CM from POEC and CC+GC in inducing AR, the CM was frozen for 1-3 months before incubating with frozen-thawed bovine spermatozoa. Percentages of the spermatozoa with AR were determined under an inverted microscope and it was found that the tested group 1 (incubated with fresh and frozen CM from POEC for 1-3 months) were 78.44+/-7.25, 75.78+/-4.41, 65.22+/-5.59 and 50.56+/-6.25, respectively. The tested group 2 (incubated with fresh and frozen CM from CC+GC for 1-3 months) had the percentages of the spermatozoa with AR at 88.67+/-4.03, 82.22+/-3.46, 71.00+/-3.16, and 58.56+/-4.69, respectively. Statistical analysis of all group percentages indicated that they were significantly different (P<0.05). Transmission electron microscope studies demonstrated that there were morphological changes on the sperm heads which resulted in the leakage of acrosin and subsequent AR. We concluded that the CM from both POEC and CC+GC efficiently increased in vitro AR on frozen-thawed bovine spermatozoa. Identification and functions of these secretory proteins are currently under investigation which may lead us to a better understanding of other beneficial effects in the utilization of both CM conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayuva Areekijseree
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Silpakorn University, Nakorn Pathom 73000, Thailand.
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18
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Mehmood A, Anwar M, Saqlan Naqvi SM. Capacitation of Frozen Thawed Buffalo Bull (Bubalus bubalis) Spermatozoa with Higher Heparin Concentrations. Reprod Domest Anim 2007; 42:376-9. [PMID: 17635774 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2006.00794.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The present study was conducted to examine the effect of high heparin concentration on capacitation of buffalo spermatozoa with a short incubation time. Frozen thawed spermatozoa from three buffalo bulls were pooled and treated with either 50, 100 or 200 microg/ml heparin for 30 min. Capacitation was evaluated by acrosome reaction of spermatozoa and in vitro fertilization rate (per cent cleavage rate, per cent cleavage index). Acrosome reaction was induced in heparin treated spermatozoa with calcium ionophore A23187 and staining was carried out with Coomassie G-250 to evaluate the response as compared with control (0 heparin + calcium ionophore). Significantly higher percentage of acrosome reaction (AR) spermatozoa was noted after heparin treatment (36.8-48.2%) as compared with control (8.1% ; p < 0.05) but differences among the three heparin concentrations were non-significant. However, a significantly higher in vitro fertilization rate was recorded in spermatozoa capacitated by 50 and 100 microg/ml heparin (80.4 and 75.9% cleavage rate, respectively) as compared with 200 microg/ml heparin (47.2% cleavage rate; p < 0.001). It is concluded that buffalo spermatozoa capacitated with 50-100 microg/ml heparin had significantly higher ability to improve in vitro fertilization rate in buffalo.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mehmood
- Animal Sciences Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan.
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19
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Petrunkina AM, Volker G, Brandt H, Töpfer-Petersen E, Waberski D. Functional significance of responsiveness to capacitating conditions in boar spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2005; 64:1766-82. [PMID: 15935460 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2005.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2004] [Revised: 03/18/2005] [Accepted: 04/17/2005] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
New methods are needed for rapid and sensitive assessment of sperm function. As the ability to fertilize an oocyte is acquired during the capacitation process, assessments of sperm function have to be performed under fertilizing conditions. In this study, we monitored the dynamics of the temporal response of sperm from ejaculates of both fertile and subfertile boars to capacitating conditions in vitro (responsiveness) by following the changes in the response to calcium ionophore treatment and in [Ca(2+)](i). The differences between individual males were also investigated. Ionophore-induced changes and increased intracellular calcium ion content in boar spermatozoa were found to progress as a function of time during incubation under capacitating conditions. After primary kinetic analysis, 120 min was chosen as the point in time for assessment of responsiveness. Intra-boar variability in responsiveness parameters was relatively high (variation coefficient CV>30%), especially in the response to ionophore treatment, indicating that an isolated test may be inadequate for the evaluation of sperm function. Despite this high variability, there were markedly significant individual differences with respect to changes during capacitation, and there were significant correlations between conventional and responsiveness sperm parameters. The population of samples from subfertile boars, was found to be heterogeneous in regard to sperm responsiveness to capacitating conditions. There were two significantly different classes of subfertile boars ("low" and "high" responders), indicating that fertility may be associated with suboptimal rather than maximal response (both too rapid and too slow membrane changes). Therefore, criteria for quality judgement should include both the low and upper limits of responsiveness. The use of responsiveness parameters together with conventional spermatological parameters improved the prediction level of multiple regression models for farrowing rate and litter size. It can be concluded that the combination of sperm responsiveness parameters applied here is a suitable tool for the evaluation of sperm function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Petrunkina
- Institute for Reproductive Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 15, 30559 Hannover, Germany.
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20
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Petrunkina AM, Volker G, Weitze KF, Beyerbach M, Töpfer-Petersen E, Waberski D. Detection of cooling-induced membrane changes in the response of boar sperm to capacitating conditions. Theriogenology 2005; 63:2278-99. [PMID: 15826690 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2004.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2004] [Revised: 10/07/2004] [Accepted: 10/08/2004] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
There is a need for methods of rapid and sensitive sperm function assessment. As spermatozoa are not able to fertilize an oocyte before having undergone a series of complex physiological changes collectively called capacitation, it is logical to assess sperm function under fertilizing conditions in vitro. In this study, the responsiveness of sperm to capacitating conditions in vitro was monitored by changes in sperm response to ionophore and by changes in the amount of intracellular calcium ions in stored boar semen. Boar semen was diluted at 32 and 20 degrees C and stored for 24 and 72 h at 16 and 10 degrees C. Ionophore-induced changes and increased intracellular calcium ion content in boar spermatozoa were recorded by flow cytometry and found to progress as a function of time during incubation under capacitating conditions. All responsiveness parameters (increases in proportions of membrane-defective spermatozoa, acrosome-reacted spermatozoa, and cells with high intracellular calcium levels) were shown to be sensitive to subtle physiological changes occurring at low storage temperatures. The initial levels of sperm with a high calcium content were higher in semen stored at 10 degrees C, but the accumulation of internal calcium was lower than in semen stored at 16 degrees C. The loss of membrane integrity and increase in the proportion of acrosome-reacted cells were higher in semen stored at 10 degrees C. Dilution at 20 degrees C had no negative effect on membrane integrity or responsiveness to capacitating conditions. There was no significant difference between semen stored for 24 and 72 h in terms of membrane integrity, acrosome reaction, and intracellular calcium after capacitation treatment. However, dynamics of cell death and acrosome reaction in response to capacitating conditions were somewhat accelerated after 72 h storage, especially in semen stored at 10 degrees C. It can be concluded that the simultaneous use of the sperm membrane responsiveness and kinetic parameters is a sensitive tool for the detection of storage-related membrane changes in boar semen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Petrunkina
- Institute for Reproductive Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 15, 30559 Hannover, Germany
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