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Neila-Montero M, Alvarez M, Riesco MF, Montes-Garrido R, Palacin-Martinez C, Silva-Rodríguez A, Martín-Cano FE, Peña FJ, de Paz P, Anel L, Anel-Lopez L. Ovine fertility by artificial insemination in the breeding season could be affected by intraseasonal variations in ram sperm proteomic profile. Theriogenology 2023; 208:28-42. [PMID: 37290145 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.05.030] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
It is important to note that seasonality could affect ram reproductive parameters, and therefore, fertility results after artificial insemination. In this work, 1) we assessed fertility rates after cervical artificial insemination of 11,805 ewes at the beginning (June 21st to July 20th) and at the end (November 20th to December 21st) of the reproductive season in the Assaf breed for the last four years, and 2) we aimed to identify male factors influencing the different reproductive success obtained depending on the time at the mating season in which ovine artificial insemination was performed. For this purpose, we evaluated certain ram reproductive and ultrasonographical parameters as well as we performed a multiparametric and proteomic sperm analysis of 6-19 rams at two very distant points in the mating season (July as Early Breeding Season -EBS- and November as Late Breeding Season -LBS-). Rutinary assessments carried out in the ovine reproduction centers (testicular volume, libido, sperm production and mass motility) showed non-significant differences (P ≥ 0.05) between both studied times, as well as the ram ultrasonographic evaluation (Resistive and Pulsatility Index as Doppler parameters; and pixels mean gray level, and hypoechoic areas percentage and density as echotexture parameters). However, at level of sperm functionality, although sperm quality appeared non-significantly lower (P ≥ 0.05) in the EBS, we identified a significantly different (P < 0.05) sperm proteomic profile between the seasonality points. The following proteins were identified with the lowest abundance in the EBS with a fold change > 4, a P = 2.40e-07, and a q = 2.23e-06: Fibrous Sheath-Interacting Protein 2, Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase Domain-Containing Protein 20-like, Phosphoinositide-Specific Phospholipase C, Tektin 5, Armadillo Repeat-Containing Protein 12 Isoform X3, Solute Carrier Family 9B1, Radial Spoke Head Protein 3 Homolog, Pro-Interleukin-16, NADH Dehydrogenase [Ubiquinone] 1 Alpha Subcomplex Subunit 8, Testis, Prostate and Placenta-Expressed Protein, and Acyl Carrier Protein Mitochondrial. In conclusion, while our basic analyses on male and sperm quality showed similar results between the beginning and the end of the breeding season, on a proteomic level we detected a lower expression of sperm proteins linked to the energy metabolism, sperm-oocyte interactions, and flagellum structure in the EBS. Probably, this different protein expression could be related to the lower fertility rate of Assaf ewes after cervical artificial insemination at this time. More importantly, sperm proteins can be used as highly effective molecular markers in predicting sperm fertilization ability related to intraseasonal variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Neila-Montero
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, León, Spain; Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Mercedes Alvarez
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, León, Spain; Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Marta F Riesco
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, León, Spain; Cellular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, University of León, León, Spain.
| | - Rafael Montes-Garrido
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, León, Spain; Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Cristina Palacin-Martinez
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, León, Spain; Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Antonio Silva-Rodríguez
- Facility of Innovation and Analysis in Animal Source Foodstuffs, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Francisco E Martín-Cano
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Fernando J Peña
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Paulino de Paz
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, León, Spain; Cellular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Luis Anel
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, León, Spain; Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Luis Anel-Lopez
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, León, Spain; Anatomy, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
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2
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Kalo D, Mendelson P, Komsky-Elbaz A, Voet H, Roth Z. The Effect of Mycotoxins and Their Mixtures on Bovine Spermatozoa Characteristics. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:556. [PMID: 37755982 PMCID: PMC10534433 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15090556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing concern about the effects of mycotoxins on mammalian reproduction. Although the effects of single mycotoxins have been well documented, the impact of their mixtures on spermatozoon quality is less known. Here, frozen-thawed semen (n = 6 bulls) was in-vitro-cultured (2 h) without (control) or with (i) a single mycotoxin [zearalenone (ZEN), ochratoxin A (OTA), toxin 2 (T2), and diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS)] in a dose-response manner; (ii) binary mixtures (OTA + T2, OTA + ZEN, OTA + DAS, ZEN + T2, DAS + T2 and ZEN + DAS); or (iii) ternary mixtures (OTA + DAS + T2, OTA + ZEN + T2, and ZEN + DAS + T2). Then, the spermatozoa quality was characterized according to its plasma- and acrosome-membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, and oxidation status by a flow cytometer. Exposure to single mycotoxins or binary mixtures did not affect the spermatozoa characteristics. However, exposure to the ternary mixtures, OTA + DAS + T2 and OTA + ZEN + T2, reduced (p < 0.05) the mitochondrial membrane potential relative to the control. In addition, OTA + ZEN + T2 increased (p < 0.05) the proportion of spermatozoa with reactive oxygen species relative to the control. The most suggested interaction effect between the mycotoxins was found to be an additive one. A synergistic interaction, mainly regarding the oxidation status of the spermatozoa, was also found between the mycotoxins. The current study sheds light on the potential risk of exposing spermatozoa to a mycotoxin mixture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorit Kalo
- Department of Animal Sciences, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Paz Mendelson
- Department of Animal Sciences, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Alisa Komsky-Elbaz
- Department of Animal Sciences, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Hillary Voet
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Management, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Zvi Roth
- Department of Animal Sciences, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
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Chacón LJ, Yepes GD, Cardozo J, Rueda F, Castillo V, Torres A, Martins J, Ardila A. Seminal Plasma Proteins Associated with The Fertility of Brahman Bulls in The Colombian Low Tropics. Trop Life Sci Res 2023; 34:259-277. [PMID: 37860088 PMCID: PMC10583850 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2023.34.3.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The sperm interacts with seminal plasma proteins during its transport through the female reproductive tract to reach the oocyte. Seminal plasma proteins have been associated as biomarkers of fertility in bovine males, while two-dimensional electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels under denaturing conditions (2D-PAGE) is a useful technique for their separation, allowing their subsequent analysis with the aid of specialised software. Brahman bulls are known for their tolerance to tropical conditions such as low-quality pastures, high temperatures, and relative humidity as well as moderate resistance to infestations by parasites and insects. The present study describes the two-dimensional electrophoretic profiles of the seminal plasma proteins in the rainy and dry seasons, associating them with the fertility of Brahman bulls in the Colombian Orinoquía in a 90-days breeding season and a single-sire mating system (1 bull per 50 Brahman cows) with 60 consecutive days of rest. The fertility-related seminal plasma protein spots increased in the dry season. Likewise, a meaningful relationship was found between the protein spots that possibly coincide with the Binder of Sperm Proteins. It was also found that bulls with the highest percentages of pregnancy also had similarities in their 2D seminal plasma maps. We conclude that the seminal plasma protein profile of Brahman bulls raised in the Colombian low tropic changes between rainy and dry seasons, and such changes may influence the reproductive performance of those animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana J. Chacón
- Faculty of Agricultural Science, University of La Salle, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Germán D. Yepes
- Faculty of Agricultural Science, University of La Salle, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Jaime Cardozo
- Colombian Agricultural Research Corporation (AGROSAVIA), Tropical Reproduction Group. Kilometer 14 Via Bogotá-Mosquera, Cundinamarca, Colombia
| | - Fabian Rueda
- Colombian Agricultural Research Corporation (AGROSAVIA), Tropical Reproduction Group. Kilometer 14 Via Bogotá-Mosquera, Cundinamarca, Colombia
| | - Viviana Castillo
- Colombian Agricultural Research Corporation (AGROSAVIA), Tropical Reproduction Group. Kilometer 14 Via Bogotá-Mosquera, Cundinamarca, Colombia
| | - Andrés Torres
- Faculty of Agricultural Science, University of La Salle, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Jorge Martins
- Centre for Agricultural Sciences and Biodiversity, Federal University of Cariri, Rua Icaro de Sousa Moreira, 126, Crato, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Ariosto Ardila
- Faculty of Agricultural Science, University of La Salle, Bogota, Colombia
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4
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Lee BM, Park YJ, Pang WK, Ryu DY, Rahman MS, Lee DY, Pang MG. Boar fertility is controlled through systematic changes of mitochondrial protein expression during sperm capacitation. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 248:125955. [PMID: 37494999 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125955] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Vigorous activation of mitochondria in spermatozoa during capacitation induces the biological and morphological changes of spermatozoa to acquire fertilizing ability. To in-depth understand the dynamic roles of mitochondrial and male fertility, this study was to identify how the mitochondrial proteins are changed during sperm capacitation and regulate male fertility using boar spermatozoa. The mitochondrial proteins were differentially changed during sperm capacitation according to fertility status, i.e., superior litter size (SL) and normal litter size (NL). Following sperm capacitation, ubiquitin-cytochrome c reductase core protein (UQCRC1) and ATP synthase F1 (ATP5F1) increased in NL, while cytochrome c oxidase subunit 5B (COX5B), and cytochrome c1 (CYC1) proteins decreased. In contrast, only and ubiquinone oxidoreductase core subunit 8 (NDUFS8) protein was increased in SL following capacitation. The protein expression difference value of CYC1, COX5B, and NDUFS8 following sperm capacitation was lower in NL than SL boars. Based on these complicated changes during sperm capacitation, the accuracy for predicting male fertility of NDUFS8 was increased to 87 %. Overall, considering the systematic orchestration of mitochondrial protein expression according to sperm capacitation status, it will be possible to better understand male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byeong-Mu Lee
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo-Jin Park
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Ki Pang
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Yeal Ryu
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Saidur Rahman
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Young Lee
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Geol Pang
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 17546, Republic of Korea.
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Ahmed H, Ijaz MU, Riaz M, Jahan S. Sulforaphane inclusion in a freezing medium augments post-thaw motility, functional and biochemical features, and fertility potential of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) spermatozoa. Res Vet Sci 2023; 158:196-202. [PMID: 37030095 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.03.020] [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: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023]
Abstract
Sulforaphane is a natural and highly effective antioxidant safeguarding the reproductive system, and alleviate oxidative stress. This study was designed in order to elaborate L-sulforaphane effect on semen quality, biochemical parameters, and fertility of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) spermatozoa. Semen was collected from five buffalo bull with artificial vagina (42 °C) three times and evaluated for volume, consistency (color), motility, and sperm concentration. After critical examination, semen was diluted (50 × 106 spermatozoa per ml, 37 °C) in extenders with (2 μM, 5 μM, 10 μM, and, 20 μM) or without (control) sulforaphane, cooled (from 37 to 4 °C), equilibrated (4 °C), filled (straws, 4 °C), and cryopreserved (LN2, -196 °C). Data analysis exhibited that sulforaphane addition in extender augments total motility (%, 10 μM, and 20 μM than control), progressive motility (%), and rapid velocity (%, 20 μM than control), and velocity parameters (average path velocity, μm/s, straight line velocity, μm/s and curved linear velocity, μm/s, 20 μM than control, and 2 μM). Moreover, sulforaphane augments functional features (membrane functionality, mitochondrial potential, and acrosome integrity) of buffalo sperm (20 μM than control). Sulforaphane preserves biochemical features of seminal plasma of buffalo i.e., Calcium (μM), and total antioxidant capacity (μM/L), followed by reduction in lactate dehydrogenase (IU/L), reactive oxygen species (104 RLU/20 min/ 25 million), and lipid peroxidation (μM/ml) in 20 μM than control. Lastly, sulforaphane augments fertility rate of buffalo sperm at 20 μM than control, and 2 μM. Conclusively the existing study revealed that adding L-sulforaphane (20 μM) in a freezing medium augments motilities, kinematics, functional parameters, and fertility rate of buffalo spermatozoa. Correspondingly, sperm favorable biochemical features were also augmented with sulforaphane followed by reduction in oxidative stress parameters. Further studies are highly recommended to define the particular mechanism of action of sulforaphane in augmenting buffalo post-thawed semen quality, and in vitro fertility potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussain Ahmed
- Department of Zoology, University of Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan; Department of Animal Sciences, Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Quaid-i-Azam University, Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Umar Ijaz
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Mehreen Riaz
- Department of Zoology, Women University Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Sarwat Jahan
- Department of Animal Sciences, Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Quaid-i-Azam University, Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Lange-Consiglio A, Gaspari G, Funghi F, Capra E, Cretich M, Frigerio R, Bosi G, Cremonesi F. Amniotic Mesenchymal-Derived Extracellular Vesicles and Their Role in the Prevention of Persistent Post-Breeding Induced Endometritis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065166. [PMID: 36982240 PMCID: PMC10049450 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent post-breeding induced endometritis (PPBIE) is considered a major cause of subfertility in mares. It consists of persistent or delayed uterine inflammation in susceptible mares. There are many options for the treatment of PPBIE, but in this study, a novel approach aimed at preventing the onset of PPBIE was investigated. Stallion semen was supplemented with extracellular vesicles derived from amniotic mesenchymal stromal cells (AMSC-EVs) at the time of insemination to prevent or limit the development of PPBIE. Before use in mares, a dose–response curve was produced to evaluate the effect of AMSC-EVs on spermatozoa, and an optimal concentration of 400 × 106 EVs with 10 × 106 spermatozoa/mL was identified. At this concentration, sperm mobility parameters were not negatively affected. Sixteen susceptible mares were enrolled and inseminated with semen (n = 8; control group) or with semen supplemented with EVs (n = 8; EV group). The supplementation of AMSC-EVs to semen resulted in a reduction in polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) infiltration as well as intrauterine fluid accumulation (IUF; p < 0.05). There was a significant reduction in intrauterine cytokine levels (p < 0.05) for TNF-α and IL-6 and an increase in anti-inflammatory IL-10 in mares in the EV group, suggesting successful modulation of the post-insemination inflammatory response. This procedure may be useful for mares susceptible to PPBIE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lange-Consiglio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (DIVAS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università, 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-025-033-4150
| | - Giulia Gaspari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (DIVAS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università, 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | | | - Emanuele Capra
- Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria (IBBA), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Marina Cretich
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche “Giulio Natta” (SCITEC), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Frigerio
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche “Giulio Natta” (SCITEC), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Bosi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (DIVAS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università, 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Fausto Cremonesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (DIVAS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università, 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
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Salman A, Fernández-Alegre E, Francisco-Vázquez R, Gómez-Martín R, Fernández-Fernández A, Areán-Dablanca H, Domínguez JC, González-Montaña JR, Caamaño JN, Martínez-Pastor F. Extension of the equilibration period up to 24 h maintains the post-thawing quality of Holstein bull semen frozen with OPTIXcell®. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 250:107209. [PMID: 36889162 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107209] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Semen cryopreservation in bovine livestock is well established, but logistics often require deviations from standard protocols. Extending the equilibration time to the following day is convenient in many situations. To improve our knowledge of the effects of this modification, we studied the post-thawing and post-incubation (4 h, 38 °C) sperm quality after freezing with 4 or 24-h extension in the OPTIXcell extender by using an ample panel of analyses: CASA for motility; flow cytometry for viability, physiology, oxidative stress, and chromatin parameters (DNA fragmentation, chromatin compaction, and thiol groups status); and spectrometry for malondialdehyde production. Semen was obtained from 12 Holstein bulls. The 24-h equilibration time showed few significant effects, with only a tiny decrease in progressive motility and a positive impact on chromatin structure. The incubation removed some of these effects, with the pattern for chromatin compaction remaining the same. No detrimental oxidative stress or increase in apoptotic or capacitation markers was detected. Additionally, the individual bull interacted with the effects of the incubation and the equilibration, especially regarding the chromatin status. Whereas this interaction did not critically affect sperm quality, it could be relevant in practice. Bull fertility as non-return rates (NRR56) was associated with some sperm parameters (especially with an improved chromatin structure) but not in the 4-h post-thawing analysis. Our study supports that extending the equilibration time by at least 24-h is feasible for bull semen freezing with the OPTIXcell extender.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Juan Carlos Domínguez
- INDEGSAL, Universidad de León, León, Spain; Department of Medicine, Surgery and Veterinary Anatomy, Universidad de León, Spain
| | - J Ramiro González-Montaña
- INDEGSAL, Universidad de León, León, Spain; Department of Medicine, Surgery and Veterinary Anatomy, Universidad de León, Spain
| | - J Néstor Caamaño
- Selección y Reproducción Animal-SERIDA, Principado de Asturias, Gijón, Spain
| | - Felipe Martínez-Pastor
- INDEGSAL, Universidad de León, León, Spain; Department of Molecular Biology (Cell Biology), Universidad de León, León, Spain.
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Sperm morphology and forward motility are indicators of reproductive success and are not age- or condition-dependent in a captive breeding population of endangered snake. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282845. [PMID: 36897888 PMCID: PMC10004498 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The relationship between male ejaculate traits and reproductive success is an important consideration for captive breeding programs. A recovery plan for the endangered Louisiana pinesnake includes captive breeding for the release of young to the wild. Semen was collected from twenty captive breeding male snakes and ejaculate traits of motility, morphology, and membrane viability were measured for each male. Semen traits were analyzed in relation to the fertilization rate of eggs produced from pairings of each male with a single female (% fertility) to determine the ejaculate factors contributing to reproductive success. In addition, we investigated the age- and condition-dependence of each ejaculate trait. We found significant variation in the ejaculate traits of males and normal sperm morphology ([Formula: see text] = 44.4 ± 13.6%, n = 19) and forward motility ([Formula: see text] = 61.0 ± 13.4%, n = 18) were found to be the best predictors of fertility. No ejaculate traits were found to be condition-dependent (P > 0.05). Forward progressive movement (FPM) ([Formula: see text] = 4 ± 0.5, n = 18) was determined to be age-dependent (r2 = 0.27, P = 0.028), but FPM was not included in the best model for rate of fertilization. Male Louisiana pinesnakes do not appear to experience a significant decline in reproductive potential with age (P > 0.05). The observed average rate of fertilization in the captive breeding colony was below 50% and only those pairings with a male having >51% normal sperm morphology avoided a 0% rate of fertilization. Identification of the factors contributing to the reproductive success of captive breeding Louisiana pinesnakes is of considerable conservation value in the recovery of the species, and captive breeding programs should use assessments of ejaculate traits to plan breeding pairs for maximum reproductive output.
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Motility Assessment of Ram Spermatozoa. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11121715. [PMID: 36552225 PMCID: PMC9774426 DOI: 10.3390/biology11121715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
For successful fertilisation to occur, spermatozoa need to successfully migrate through the female reproductive tract and penetrate the oocyte. Predictably, poor sperm motility has been associated with low rates of fertilisation in many mammalian species, including the ram. As such, motility is one of the most important parameters used for in vitro evaluation of ram sperm quality and function. This review aims to outline the mechanical and energetic processes which underpin sperm motility, describe changes in motility which occur as a result of differences in sperm structure and the surrounding microenvironment, and assess the effectiveness of the various methods used to assess sperm motility in rams. Methods of subjective motility estimation are convenient, inexpensive methods widely used in the livestock industries, however, the subjective nature of these methods can make them unreliable. Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) technology accurately and objectively measures sperm motility via two-dimensional tracing of sperm head motion, making it a popular method for sperm quality assurance in domesticated animal production laboratories. Newly developed methods of motility assessment including flagellar tracing, three-dimensional sperm tracing, in vivo motility assessment, and molecular assays which quantify motility-associated biomarkers, enable analysis of a new range of sperm motion parameters with the potential to reveal new mechanistic insights and improve ram semen assessment. Experimental application of these technologies is required to fully understand their potential to improve semen quality assessment and prediction of reproductive success in ovine artificial breeding programs.
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Zambelli D, Cunto M. Artificial Insemination in Queens in the Clinical Practice Setting: Protocols and challenges. J Feline Med Surg 2022; 24:871-880. [PMID: 36002144 PMCID: PMC10812221 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x221118756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE Despite substantial advances in assisted reproductive techniques having been recently reported in cats, the use of these is limited and routine application is still far from being a reality in veterinary clinics. Nevertheless, there is an increasing demand from domestic cat breeders for artificial insemination (AI) techniques that are already commonly used in dogs. Where natural breeding is not possible in tom cats and queens of high breeding value, AI could offer a solution. Clinical challenges: AI in cats is more difficult than in other species - both in terms of semen collection/handling and oestrous cycle management given that ovulation must be induced. AIM For practitioners wishing to perform AI in queens, there are challenges to overcome, and a good understanding of the techniques and procedures involved is pivotal. This review aims to contribute to improved knowledge by providing an overview of AI protocols, encompassing choice of breeding animals, procedures for semen collection, oestrus and ovulation induction, AI techniques and equipment. EQUIPMENT AND TECHNICAL SKILLS Depending on the animals involved and the specific AI technique chosen, essential equipment may include an artificial vagina, electroejaculator, endoscope (sialendoscope, which can be fairly expensive) and special catheters for transcervical insemination. Other instrumentation and materials needed are typically readily available in a veterinary clinic. In general, no particular skills are needed to perform the procedures described in this review, with the exception of endoscopic transcervical catheterisation, where the ability to use an endoscope is required. EVIDENCE BASE The information and advice/recommendations provided are based on specific feline research and reviews published in scientific peer-reviewed journals, animal reproduction textbooks, and presentations at national and international congresses. The authors also drew on their own clinical experience with regard to the choice of protocols and procedures presented in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Zambelli
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-Universita di Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra, 50 – 40064 – Ozzano dell’Emilia (BO), Italy
| | - Marco Cunto
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-Universita di Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra, 50 – 40064 – Ozzano dell’Emilia (BO), Italy
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11
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Tiwari S, Rajamanickam G, Unnikrishnan V, Ojaghi M, Kastelic JP, Thundathil JC. Testis-Specific Isoform of Na +-K + ATPase and Regulation of Bull Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:7936. [PMID: 35887284 PMCID: PMC9317330 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
An advanced understanding of sperm function is relevant for evidence-based male fertility prediction and addressing male infertility. A standard breeding soundness evaluation (BSE) merely identifies gross abnormalities in bulls, whereas selection based on single nucleotide polymorphisms and genomic estimated breeding values overlooks sub-microscopic differences in sperm. Molecular tools are important for validating genomic selection and advancing knowledge on the regulation of male fertility at an interdisciplinary level. Therefore, research in this field is now focused on developing a combination of in vitro sperm function tests and identifying biomarkers such as sperm proteins with critical roles in fertility. The Na+-K+ ATPase is a ubiquitous transmembrane protein and its α4 isoform (ATP1A4) is exclusively expressed in germ cells and sperm. Furthermore, ATP1A4 is essential for male fertility, as it interacts with signaling molecules in both raft and non-raft fractions of the sperm plasma membrane to regulate capacitation-associated signaling, hyperactivation, sperm-oocyte interactions, and activation. Interestingly, ATP1A4 activity and expression increase during capacitation, challenging the widely accepted dogma of sperm translational quiescence. This review discusses the literature on the role of ATP1A4 during capacitation and fertilization events and its prospective use in improving male fertility prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jacob C. Thundathil
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; (S.T.); (G.R.); (V.U.); (M.O.); (J.P.K.)
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12
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α/β-Hydrolase D16B Truncation Results in Premature Sperm Capacitation in Cattle. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147777. [PMID: 35887122 PMCID: PMC9316559 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147777] [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: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently it was shown that a specific form of male infertility in Holstein cattle was caused by a nonsense variant in the α/β-hydrolase domain-containing 16B (ABHD16B) gene resulting in a protein truncation at amino acid position 218 (p.218Q*) and loss of function. Lipidomics showed that the absence of ABHD16B influenced the content of phosphatidylcholine (PC), ceramide (Cer), diacylglycerol (DAG), and sphingomyelin (SM) in variant carrier sperm membranes. However, the exact cause of infertility in affected sires has remained unclear until now. To elucidate the cause of infertility, we analyzed (i) standard sperm parameters (i.e., total sperm number, morphological intact sperm, total sperm motility), (ii) in vitro fertilizability and effects on early embryonic development, and (iii) sperm survival rates (i.e., capacitation time). The affected spermatozoa showed no changes in the usual sperm parameters and were also capable of fertilization in vitro. Furthermore, the absence of ABHD16B did not affect early embryonic development. Based on these results, it was concluded that the affected spermatozoa appeared to be fertilizable per se. Consequently, the actual cause of the inability to fertilize could only be due to a time- and/or place-dependent process after artificial insemination and before fertilization. A process fundamental to the ability to fertilize after insemination is capacitation. Capacitation is a biochemical maturation process that spermatozoa undergo in the female genital tract and is inevitable for the successful fertilization of the oocyte. It is known that the presence and concentration of certain sperm membrane lipids are essential for the correct course of capacitation. However, precisely these lipids are absent in the membrane of spermatozoa affected by the ABHD16B truncation. Since all other causes of fertilization inability were excluded in the previous experiments, consequently, the only remaining hypothesis was that the loss of function of ABHD16B leads to a capacitation disruption. We were able to show that heterozygous and homozygous affected spermatozoa exhibit premature capacitation and therefore decay before fertilization. This effect of the loss of function of ABHD16B has not been described before and our studies now revealed why sires harboring the variant in the ABHD16B gene are infertile.
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13
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Pang WK, Amjad S, Ryu DY, Adegoke EO, Rahman MS, Park YJ, Pang MG. Establishment of a male fertility prediction model with sperm RNA markers in pigs as a translational animal model. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2022; 13:84. [PMID: 35794675 PMCID: PMC9261079 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-022-00729-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male infertility is an important issue that causes low production in the animal industry. To solve the male fertility crisis in the animal industry, the prediction of sperm quality is the most important step. Sperm RNA is the potential marker for male fertility prediction. We hypothesized that the expression of functional genes related to fertilization will be the best target for male fertility prediction markers. To investigate optimum male fertility prediction marker, we compared target genes expression level and a wide range of field data acquired from artificial insemination of boar semen. RESULTS Among the genes related to acrosomal vesicle exocytosis and sperm-oocyte fusion, equatorin (EQTN), zona pellucida sperm-binding protein 4 (ZP4), and sperm acrosome membrane-associated protein 3 exhibited high accuracy (70%, 90%, and 70%, respectively) as markers to evaluate male fertility. Combinations of EQTN-ZP4, ZP4-protein unc-13 homolog B, and ZP4-regulating synaptic membrane exocytosis protein 1 (RIMS1) showed the highest prediction value, and all these markers are involved in the acrosome reaction. CONCLUSION The EQTN-ZP4 model was efficient in clustering the high-fertility group and may be useful for selection of animal that has superior fertility in the livestock industry. Compared to the EQTN-ZP4 model, the ZP4-RIMS1 model was more efficient in clustering the low-fertility group and may be useful in the diagnosis of male infertility in humans and other animals. The appointed translational animal model and established biomarker combination can be widely used in various scientific fields such as biomedical science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Ki Pang
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Shehreen Amjad
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Yeal Ryu
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Elikanah Olusayo Adegoke
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Saidur Rahman
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo-Jin Park
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Geol Pang
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Tourmente M, Sanchez-Rodriguez A, Roldan ERS. Effect of Motility Factors D-Penicillamine, Hypotaurine and Epinephrine on the Performance of Spermatozoa from Five Hamster Species. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:526. [PMID: 35453725 PMCID: PMC9032960 DOI: 10.3390/biology11040526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Assessments of sperm performance are valuable tools for the analysis of sperm fertilizing potential and to understand determinants of male fertility. Hamster species constitute important animal models because they produce sperm cells in high quantities and of high quality. Sexual selection over evolutionary time in these species seems to have resulted in the largest mammalian spermatozoa, and high swimming and bioenergetic performances. Earlier studies showed that golden hamster sperm requires motility factors such as D-penicillamine, hypotaurine and epinephrine (PHE) to sustain survival over time, but it is unknown how they affect swimming kinetics or ATP levels and if other hamster species also require them. The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of PHE on spermatozoa of five hamster species (Mesocricetus auratus, Cricetulus griseus, Phodopus campbelli, P. sungorus, P. roborovskii). In sperm incubated for up to 4 h without or with PHE, we assessed motility, viability, acrosome integrity, sperm velocity and trajectory, and ATP content. The results showed differences in the effect of PHE among species. They had a significant positive effect on the maintenance of sperm quality in M. auratus and C. griseus, whereas there was no consistent effect on spermatozoa of the Phodopus species. Differences between species may be the result of varying underlying regulatory mechanisms of sperm performance and may be important to understand how they relate to successful fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximiliano Tourmente
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Spanish Research Council (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain;
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Cordoba X5016GCA, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIByT), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científica y Técnicas (CONICET), Cordoba X5016GCA, Argentina
| | - Ana Sanchez-Rodriguez
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Spanish Research Council (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Eduardo R. S. Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Spanish Research Council (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain;
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15
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Khaled Taïbi MA, Ait Abderrahim L, Boussaid M, Souana K, Tadj A, Benaissa T, Gouchich T. Dissecting the relationship between artificial insemination success and bull semen quality in the arid region of Tiaret (Algeria). BIONATURA 2022. [DOI: 10.21931/rb/2022.07.01.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite being subject to prior assortment, frozen bull sperms commercialized for artificial insemination may present certain morphological defects. The present study aims (i) to assess the artificial insemination success of the most common cattle breeds in Algeria and (ii) to evaluate the possible effects of commercialized bull’s semen quality on this operation.
Artificial insemination was assessed through four years of field monitoring by inseminating different cattle breeds of normal fertility. However, semen quality was evaluated using light microscopy by measuring viability, motility, and morphological abnormalities of spermatozoa. Field study revealed a high percentage of normal calving in red and white Holstein breed (44.83 %) against the high percentage of embryonic mortality (46.43 %) and calving with a malformation (10.71 %) in Montbéliarde breed. Semen quality assessment revealed that sperm viability and motility were higher in Holstein breeds than in Montbéliarde. Furthermore, significant differences between semen bulls were found in the proportion of abnormal spermatozoa; a higher rate of sperms with the abnormal head was observed in the black and white Holstein breed (69.3±10.98 %). However, the percentage of abnormal sperms with tail defects was higher in the Montbéliarde breed (67.5±10.74 %).
The lousy quality of the selected semen and/or the poor handling and storage of frozen semen constitute a determinant factor that hinders the success of artificial insemination in the arid region of Tiaret (Algeria).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mohamed Boussaid
- Faculty of Life and Natural Sciences, University of Tiaret, 14000, Algeria
| | - Kada Souana
- Faculty of Life and Natural Sciences, University of Tiaret, 14000, Algeria
| | - Abdelkader Tadj
- Faculty of Life and Natural Sciences, University of Tiaret, 14000, Algeria
| | - Toufik Benaissa
- Faculty of Life and Natural Sciences, University of Tiaret, 14000, Algeria
| | - Tayeb Gouchich
- Faculty of Life and Natural Sciences, University of Tiaret, 14000, Algeria
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16
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Rato L, Sousa ACA. The Impact of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Male Fertility: Focus on the Action of Obesogens. J Xenobiot 2021; 11:163-196. [PMID: 34940512 PMCID: PMC8709303 DOI: 10.3390/jox11040012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The current scenario of male infertility is not yet fully elucidated; however, there is increasing evidence that it is associated with the widespread exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and in particular to obesogens. These compounds interfere with hormones involved in the regulation of metabolism and are associated with weight gain, being also able to change the functioning of the male reproductive axis and, consequently, the testicular physiology and metabolism that are pivotal for spermatogenesis. The disruption of these tightly regulated metabolic pathways leads to adverse reproductive outcomes. The permanent exposure to obesogens has raised serious health concerns. Evidence suggests that obesogens are one of the leading causes of the marked decline of male fertility and key players in shaping the future health outcomes not only for those who are directly exposed but also for upcoming generations. In addition to the changes that lead to inefficient functioning of the male gametes, obesogens induce alterations that are “imprinted” on the genes of the male gametes, establishing a link between generations and contributing to the transmission of defects. Unveiling the molecular mechanisms by which obesogens induce toxicity that may end-up in epigenetic modifications is imperative. This review describes and discusses the suggested molecular targets and potential mechanisms for obesogenic–disrupting chemicals and the subsequent effects on male reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Rato
- Health School of the Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, 6300-035 Guarda, Portugal
- Correspondence: (L.R.); (A.C.A.S.)
| | - Ana C. A. Sousa
- Department of Biology, School of Science and Technology, University of Évora, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), University of Évora, 7000-671 Évora, Portugal
- Correspondence: (L.R.); (A.C.A.S.)
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17
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Prakash MA, Kumaresan A, Ebenezer Samuel King JP, Nag P, Sharma A, Sinha MK, Kamaraj E, Datta TK. Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis of Spermatozoa From High- and Low-Fertile Crossbred Bulls: Implications for Fertility Prediction. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:647717. [PMID: 34041237 PMCID: PMC8141864 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.647717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Crossbred bulls produced by crossing Bos taurus and Bos indicus suffer with high incidence of infertility/subfertility problems; however, the etiology remains poorly understood. The uncertain predictability and the inability of semen evaluation techniques to maintain constant correlation with fertility demand for alternate methods for bull fertility prediction. Therefore, in this study, the global differential gene expression between high- and low-fertile crossbred bull sperm was assessed using a high-throughput RNA sequencing technique with the aim to identify transcripts associated with crossbred bull fertility. Crossbred bull sperm contained transcripts for 13,563 genes, in which 2,093 were unique to high-fertile and 5,454 were unique to low-fertile bulls. After normalization of data, a total of 776 transcripts were detected, in which 84 and 168 transcripts were unique to high-fertile and low-fertile bulls, respectively. A total of 176 transcripts were upregulated (fold change > 1) and 209 were downregulated (<1) in low-fertile bulls. Gene ontology analysis identified that the sperm transcripts involved in the oxidative phosphorylation pathway and biological process such as multicellular organism development, spermatogenesis, and in utero embryonic development were downregulated in low-fertile crossbred bull sperm. Sperm transcripts upregulated and unique to low-fertile bulls were majorly involved in translation (biological process) and ribosomal pathway. With the use of RT-qPCR, selected sperm transcripts (n = 12) were validated in crossbred bulls (n = 12) with different fertility ratings and found that the transcriptional abundance of ZNF706, CRISP2, TNP2, and TNP1 genes was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in low-fertile bulls than high-fertile bulls and was positively (p < 0.05) correlated with conception rate. It is inferred that impaired oxidative phosphorylation could be the predominant reason for low fertility in crossbred bulls and that transcriptional abundance of ZNF706, CRISP2, TNP2, and TNP1 genes could serve as potential biomarkers for fertility in crossbred bulls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mani Arul Prakash
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Arumugam Kumaresan
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - John Peter Ebenezer Samuel King
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Pradeep Nag
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Ankur Sharma
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Manish Kumar Sinha
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Elango Kamaraj
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Tirtha Kumar Datta
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
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18
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Mendoza N, Casao A, Domingo J, Quintín F, Laviña A, Fantova E, Cebrián-Pérez JÁ, Muiño-Blanco T, Pérez-Pe R. Influence of Non-conventional Sperm Quality Parameters on Field Fertility in Ovine. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:650572. [PMID: 34026889 PMCID: PMC8139619 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.650572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The prediction of the fertilizing ability of a seminal dose continues to be a primary aim in the field of artificial insemination (AI). To achieve this goal, in this study we have included the evaluation of some non-conventional sperm quality markers. A total of 3,906 ewes from 52 different farms were inseminated with 357 refrigerated seminal doses obtained from 45 mature Rasa Aragonesa rams. The same samples were used for sperm quality analysis including membrane integrity, capacitation status, oxygen consumption and apoptotic-like markers such as phosphatidylserine translocation (PS), plasmalemma disorganization/mitochondrial membrane potential, caspase activation and DNA damage. Seminal doses from the breeding (B) season presented higher percentages of intact membrane (IM), non permeant (NP) membrane with high mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and IM without PS translocation spermatozoa than those from the non-breeding (NB) season. Therefore, we can conclude that there were less spermatozoa showing apoptotic-like features in the seminal doses from the B than the NB season, although these differences did not affect field fertility. Only the percentage of intact membrane, non-capacitated (IM-NC) spermatozoa showed a significant correlation with in vivo fertility (P = 0.005) and fecundity (P = 0.007) values obtained after cervical AI when all data were evaluated. When the data were sorted by season and distance to the farms where AI was performed, the correlation between the percentage of IM-NC spermatozoa and reproductive parameters increased in the NB season and progressively with remoteness from the farms. Some other sperm parameters, like NP with high ΔΨm, IM sperm without active caspases and DNA-intact spermatozoa, also showed significant correlations with the reproductive parameters in the sorted data. Moreover, the increment in both the percentage of IM-NC and DNA-intact spermatozoa would increase the probability of obtaining a fertility higher than the mean (>52%), as revealed by a multiple logistic regression analysis. In conclusion, we have identified two seminal markers—the percentage of intact membrane, non-capacitated spermatozoa, and DNA intact spermatozoa—which could be used as a test to discard males in AI programs, which is highly important from an economic point of view and can contribute to achieving satisfactory fertility rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Mendoza
- Grupo BIOFITER-Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular-Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias Ambientales de Aragón (IUCA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Adriana Casao
- Grupo BIOFITER-Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular-Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias Ambientales de Aragón (IUCA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Juan Domingo
- Grupo BIOFITER-Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular-Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias Ambientales de Aragón (IUCA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Francisco Quintín
- Centro de Transferencia Agroalimentaria (Gobierno de Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Adolfo Laviña
- Asociación nacional de criadores de ganado ovino de la raza rasa aragonesa (ANGRA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Enrique Fantova
- Unión de Productores de Raza Rasa Aragonesa (UPRA)-Grupo Pastores, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - José Álvaro Cebrián-Pérez
- Grupo BIOFITER-Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular-Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias Ambientales de Aragón (IUCA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Teresa Muiño-Blanco
- Grupo BIOFITER-Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular-Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias Ambientales de Aragón (IUCA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Rosaura Pérez-Pe
- Grupo BIOFITER-Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular-Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias Ambientales de Aragón (IUCA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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19
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Tanga BM, Qamar AY, Raza S, Bang S, Fang X, Yoon K, Cho J. Semen evaluation: methodological advancements in sperm quality-specific fertility assessment - A review. Anim Biosci 2021; 34:1253-1270. [PMID: 33902175 PMCID: PMC8255896 DOI: 10.5713/ab.21.0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Assessment of male fertility is based on the evaluation of sperm. Semen evaluation measures various sperm quality parameters as fertility indicators. However, semen evaluation has limitations, and it requires the advancement and application of strict quality control methods to interpret the results. This article reviews the recent advances in evaluating various sperm-specific quality characteristics and methodologies, with the help of different assays to assess sperm-fertility status. Sperm evaluation methods that include conventional microscopic methods, computer-assisted sperm analyzers (CASA), and flow cytometric analysis, provide precise information related to sperm morphology and function. Moreover, profiling fertility-related biomarkers in sperm or seminal plasma can be helpful in predicting fertility. Identification of different sperm proteins and diagnosis of DNA damage has positively contributed to the existing pool of knowledge about sperm physiology and molecular anomalies associated with different infertility issues in males. Advances in methods and sperm-specific evaluation has subsequently resulted in a better understanding of sperm biology that has improved the diagnosis and clinical management of male factor infertility. Accurate sperm evaluation is of paramount importance in the application of artificial insemination and assisted reproductive technology. However, no single test can precisely determine fertility; the selection of an appropriate test or a set of tests and parameters is required to accurately determine the fertility of specific animal species. Therefore, a need to further calibrate the CASA and advance the gene expression tests is recommended for faster and field-level applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bereket Molla Tanga
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hawassa University, 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Ahmad Yar Qamar
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea.,Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang 35200, Sub-campus University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Sanan Raza
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang 35200, Sub-campus University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan.,Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang 35200, Sub-campus University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, PakistanDepartment of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Aydin 09016, Turkey
| | - Seonggyu Bang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Xun Fang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Kiyoung Yoon
- Department of Companion Animal, Shingu College, Seongnam 13174, Korea
| | - Jongki Cho
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
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20
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Viudes-de-Castro MP, Talaván AG, Vicente JS. Evaluation of dextran for rabbit sperm cryopreservation: Effect on frozen-thawed rabbit sperm quality variables and reproductive performance. Anim Reprod Sci 2021; 226:106714. [PMID: 33556752 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Effects were analysed of dextran supplementation to Me2SO and acetamide rabbit semen freezing extenders on quality characteristics of rabbit spermatozoa and reproductive performance. The final concentration of cryoprotectants in pooled semen samples was 12.4 % Me2SO for the A extenders, 10.7 % Me2SO and 2.9 % acetamide for the D extenders and 8.9 % Me2SO and 2.9 % acetamide in F extenders, with a supplementation of 1.7 % sucrose in all cases. There was not inclusion of dextran in the A0, D0, F0; while 5 % dextran was included in A5, D5, F5 and 10 % dextran in A10, D10 and F10 extenders. Sperm motility and viability rates were similar with use of the different extenders. Acrosome integrity after the freeze-thawing processes, however, was markedly greater when there was dextran supplementation of D and F extenders. Prolificacy was affected by extender composition. When there was artificial insemination (AI) using semen cryopreserved in the A extenders, number of kits born was similar to when there was AI with fresh semen when there was inclusion of 5% dextran for cryopreservation, while there was no effect on prolificacy when there was cryopreservation of semen using the D and F extenders. In conclusion, dextran supplementation of extenders containing Me2SO and acetamide resulted in greater acrosome integrity. Furthermore, when there was AI using sperm preserved in cryo-diluents containing an intermediate concentration of Me2SO, combined with inclusion of 5 % dextran, there was a marked beneficial effect on rabbit doe reproductive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- María P Viudes-de-Castro
- Animal Technology and Research Center (CITA-IVIA), Polígono La Esperanza nº 100, 12400 Segorbe, Castellón, Spain.
| | - Amparo G Talaván
- Institute of Science and Animal Technology (ICTA), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - José S Vicente
- Institute of Science and Animal Technology (ICTA), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
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21
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Selvaraju S, Swathi D, Ramya L, Lavanya M, Archana SS, Sivaram M. Orchestrating the expression levels of sperm mRNAs reveals CCDC174 as an important determinant of semen quality and bull fertility. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2020; 67:89-101. [PMID: 33190538 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2020.1836286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Bulls with acceptable semen quality vary in actual field fertility and this can be elucidated by studying the expression levels of mRNAs in the sperm. The present study aimed at assessing the variations in the sperm gene expression levels of PRM1, CCDC174, RPL36A, TMCO2, SWI5 and OIT3 in bulls differing in fertility status. Frozen semen samples from Holstein-Friesian bulls were classified into high-fertile (n = 8, average field conception rate = 46.1 ± 0.51, p < 0.001) and sub-fertile (n = 7, average field conception rate = 39.4 ± 0.69) groups. In the post-thaw semen samples, sperm kinematics, structural and functional membrane integrities, mitochondrial membrane potential and chromatin distribution were analyzed. The sperm total RNA was subjected to gene expression studies by Real-Time PCR. Multivariate regression analysis was performed using gene expression levels and conception rates. The sperm functional attributes did not differ significantly between the groups. The relative mRNA levels (fold change) of CCDC174 (6.20), RPL36A (4.66), SWI5 (1.86) and OIT3 (1.53) were higher in high-fertile bulls. Further, the expression level of the CCDC174 gene was significantly (p = 0.02) up-regulated in high-fertile bulls. The fertility prediction multivariate model with genes, CCDC174, RPL36A, TMCO2 and OIT3 had the maximum coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.68) with the field conception rate. This model had 93.3% bull fertility prediction accuracy with 100% sensitivity and 87.5% specificity. The study suggests that the expression level of CCDC174 can be used as a potential marker for assessing bull fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sellappan Selvaraju
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Bengaluru-560030, India
| | - Divakar Swathi
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Bengaluru-560030, India
| | - Laxman Ramya
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Bengaluru-560030, India
| | - Maharajan Lavanya
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Bengaluru-560030, India.,Division of Animal Reproduction, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly-243122, India
| | - Santhanahalli Siddalingappa Archana
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Bengaluru-560030, India
| | - Muniandy Sivaram
- Southern Regional Station, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru-560030, India
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22
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Abdel-Ghani MA, El-Sherry T, Mahmoud G, Nagano M. Implications of ram sperm rheotaxis analysed by microfluidics for fertility. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:1541-1547. [PMID: 32780908 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Rheotaxis of sperm using a microfluidic device was explored in human, mice and bull. However, the rheotaxis of ram sperm and its role in fertility are unknown. Herein, we described the sperm rheotaxis in ram using microfluidic devices and focused on rheotaxis as potential markers of in vivo fertility. Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) with controlled flow velocity was used to explore the kinematic parameters of sperm, total motility and positive rheotaxis (PR). The percentage of PR was defined as the number of PR sperm cells over the number of motile sperm cells. Then, according to the percentage of PR sperm, rams were classified into two groups; sperm with ≥40% PR and <40% PR, although the two ram groups showed similar total motility and kinematic values of sperm evaluated by CASA (p > .05). Two groups of rams mated one hundred thirty ewes naturally (10 ewes/ram). In the results, the pregnancy rate was higher in ≥40% PR (94.4%) than in <40% PR (42.5%, p < .05) after natural mating. Besides, the pregnancy loss was higher in <40% PR (33.3%) than in >40% PR group (8.1%, p < .05). In conclusion, the PR examination in semen can contribute to evaluate the reproductive performance of ram that will provide valuable insights into the semen evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A Abdel-Ghani
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assuit University, Assuit, Egypt
| | - Timor El-Sherry
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assuit University, Assuit, Egypt
| | - Gamal Mahmoud
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Masashi Nagano
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Japan
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23
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Nazari H, Ahmadi E, Hosseini Fahraji H, Afzali A, Davoodian N. Cryopreservation and its effects on motility and gene expression patterns and fertilizing potential of bovine epididymal sperm. Vet Med Sci 2020; 7:127-135. [PMID: 32964694 PMCID: PMC7840211 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite encountering new challenges in using epididymal sperm recovered from cauda epididymides, this accessible and, in some species, worthwhile sample makes inevitable the further development of a suitable cryopreservation protocol. In this study, sperm was recovered from the epididymis of 4°C overnight stored slaughtered bulls' testes and the effects of cryopreservation on the bovine epididymal sperm motility (with CASA) and gene expression patterns (with quantitative Real time-PCR) were evaluated. Moreover the fertilizing potential of cryopreserved epididymal sperm was used in in vitro fertilization (IVF). After freezing and thawing of epididymal sperm, total and slow progressive sperm motility, VCL, VAP, MAD, ALH and BCF were significantly decreased (p < .05), while in the parameters of fast progressive motility, VSL, LIN, WOB and STR there were not any significant variations in the frozen sperm compared to fresh (non-frozen) counterpart. The assessment of abundance of transcripts encoding motility (TSSK6) and fertility (PRM1 and PRM2)-related genes in epididymal sperm, showed that these transcripts were affected by freezing especially in slow progressive motility status (p < .01). Furthermore, cleavage and blastocyst rate did not present any significant differences between bovine embryos produced in vitro by fresh or frozen-thawed epididymal sperm. It can be concluded that epididymal sperm has enough freezability after overnight testes storage, and cryopreservation could not affect the percentage of in vitro produced embryos in spite of the changes of relative abundance of some transcripts and direction progressive motility pattern of sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Nazari
- Research Institute of Animal Embryo TechnologyShahrekord UniversityShahrekordIran
| | - Ebrahim Ahmadi
- Research Institute of Animal Embryo TechnologyShahrekord UniversityShahrekordIran
| | - Hamid Hosseini Fahraji
- PhD Student of Animal Reproductive BiotechnologyFaculty of Veterinary MedicineShahrekord UniversityShahrekordIran
| | - Azita Afzali
- PhD Candidate of Reproductive BiologyFaculty of Medical SciencesTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Najmeh Davoodian
- Research Institute of Animal Embryo TechnologyShahrekord UniversityShahrekordIran
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24
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Bull seminal plasma stimulates in vitro production of TGF-β, IL-6 and IL-8 from bovine endometrial epithelial cells, depending on dose and bull fertility. J Reprod Immunol 2020; 142:103179. [PMID: 32717675 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2020.103179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Seminal plasma (SP) regulates immune responses in the female reproductive tract through specific cytokines. It is not known whether SP from high fertility bulls (H) differs from SP from low fertility bulls (L). In this study, the cytokine response of bovine endometrial epithelial cells (bEEC) in culture was investigated after challenge with SP from two bulls of below average (L) or three bulls of above average fertility (H). The bEECs were challenged with 1% or 4% SP from l- or H-fertility bulls (L1, L4, H1, H4, respectively) or 1% or 4% PBS as control (C1, C4) for 72 h. The culture media were analysed for concentrations (pg/million cells) of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and TGF-β3) by Luminex, and Interleukin 6 and 8 (IL-6, IL-8) by ELISA. Challenge significantly affected production of TGF-ß1, TGF-ß2 and IL-8 compared to controls and was affected by bull fertility (p < 0.0001), SP concentration (p < 0.0001) and their interaction (p < 0.0001). A higher production of TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and IL-8 (p < 0.0001), and also IL-6 (p < 0.01), resulted from challenge with high doses of SP, being higher for L than H (p < 0.05). For TGF-β3, fertility of bull (p < 0.05). For TGF-B3, fertility of bull (p < 0.05) and the interaction between fertility and concentration of SP were significant (p < 0.01). In conclusion, 4% SP from L bulls stimulated more TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, IL-6 and IL-8 production than SP from H bulls, indicating that stimulation of the endometrium is relevant for fertility. Seminal plasma from high fertility bulls seems to affect cytokine production in utero positively in inseminated cows.
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25
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Víquez L, Barquero V, Soler C, Roldan ER, Valverde A. Kinematic Sub-Populations in Bull Spermatozoa: A Comparison of Classical and Bayesian Approaches. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:E138. [PMID: 32604716 PMCID: PMC7345988 DOI: 10.3390/biology9060138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The ejaculate is heterogenous and sperm sub-populations with different kinematic patterns can be identified in various species. Nevertheless, although these sub-populations are statistically well defined, the statistical differences are not always relevant. The aim of the present study was to characterize kinematic sub-populations in sperm from two bovine species, and diluted with different commercial extenders, and to determine the statistical relevance of sub-populations through Bayesian analysis. Semen from 10 bulls was evaluated after thawing. An ISAS®v1 computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA)-Mot system was employed with an image acquisition rate of 50 Hz and ISAS®D4C20 counting chambers. Sub-populations of motile spermatozoa were characterized using multivariate procedures such as principal components (PCs) analysis and clustering methods (k-means model). Four different sperm sub-populations were identified from three PCs that involved progressiveness, velocity, and cell undulatory movement. The proportions of the different sperm sub-populations varied with the extender used and in the two species. Despite a statistical difference (p < 0.05) between extenders, the Bayesian analysis confirmed that only one of them (Triladyl®) presented relevant differences in kinematic patterns when compared with Tris-EY and OptiXcell®. Extenders differed in the proportion of sperm cells in each of the kinematic sub-populations. Similar patterns were identified in Bos taurus and Bos indicus. Bayesian results indicate that sub-populations SP1, SP2, and SP3 were different for PC criteria and these differences were relevant. For velocity, linearity, and progressiveness, the SP4 did not show a relevant difference regarding the other sperm sub-populations. The classical approach of clustering or sperm subpopulation thus may not have a direct biological meaning. Therefore, the biological relevance of sperm sub-populations needs to be reevaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Víquez
- Costa Rica Institute of Technology, School of Agronomy, San Carlos Campus, 223-21002 Alajuela, Costa Rica; (L.V.); (V.B.)
| | - Vinicio Barquero
- Costa Rica Institute of Technology, School of Agronomy, San Carlos Campus, 223-21002 Alajuela, Costa Rica; (L.V.); (V.B.)
| | - Carles Soler
- Department of Cellular Biology, Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, University of Valencia, Campus Burjassot, C/Dr Moliner, 50, 46100 Burjassot, Spain;
- Proiser R+D, Av. Catedrático Agustín Escardino, 9, Building 3 (CUE), Floor 1, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Eduardo R.S. Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Anthony Valverde
- Costa Rica Institute of Technology, School of Agronomy, San Carlos Campus, 223-21002 Alajuela, Costa Rica; (L.V.); (V.B.)
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26
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Turner KA, Rambhatla A, Schon S, Agarwal A, Krawetz SA, Dupree JM, Avidor-Reiss T. Male Infertility is a Women's Health Issue-Research and Clinical Evaluation of Male Infertility Is Needed. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040990. [PMID: 32316195 PMCID: PMC7226946 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a devastating experience for both partners as they try to conceive. Historically, when a couple could not conceive, the woman has carried the stigma of infertility; however, men and women are just as likely to contribute to the couple’s infertility. With the development of assisted reproductive technology (ART), the treatment burden for male and unexplained infertility has fallen mainly on women. Equalizing this burden requires reviving research on male infertility to both improve treatment options and enable natural conception. Despite many scientific efforts, infertility in men due to sperm dysfunction is mainly diagnosed by a semen analysis. The semen analysis is limited as it only examines general sperm properties such as concentration, motility, and morphology. A diagnosis of male infertility rarely includes an assessment of internal sperm components such as DNA, which is well documented to have an impact on infertility, or other components such as RNA and centrioles, which are beginning to be adopted. Assessment of these components is not typically included in current diagnostic testing because available treatments are limited. Recent research has expanded our understanding of sperm biology and suggests that these components may also contribute to the failure to achieve pregnancy. Understanding the sperm’s internal components, and how they contribute to male infertility, would provide avenues for new therapies that are based on treating men directly for male infertility, which may enable less invasive treatments and even natural conception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina A. Turner
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA;
| | - Amarnath Rambhatla
- Department of Urology, Vattikuti Urology Institute, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI 48202, USA;
| | - Samantha Schon
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School, L4000 UH-South, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA;
| | - Stephen A. Krawetz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA;
| | - James M. Dupree
- Department of Urology and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48019, USA;
| | - Tomer Avidor-Reiss
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA;
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
- Correspondence:
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27
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Namuncura C, Sánchez R, Pezo F, Uribe P, Navarro P, Zambrano F. Rest days and storage of boar semen at 17°C: Effect on motility and sperm concentration. Andrologia 2020; 52:e13578. [PMID: 32227514 DOI: 10.1111/and.13578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Boar fertility is an important factor in farm production; it is therefore of interest to determine factors which reduce the fertilising capacity of semen samples stored at 17°C for use in intrauterine insemination. This work evaluated the effect of the number of rest days between each mounting of the boar, and the number of days that the semen was stored at 17°C, on sperm motility and semen concentration. We also analysed whether the boar's age influenced the sperm concentration. The results showed that only the total motility diminished as the storage time at 17°C increased (p < .05). A low negative correlation was observed between the variables' rest days and total and progressive motility. The sperm concentration presented no relation with rest days or the boar's age. The boars' rest days had no effect on motility and sperm concentration in the males studied, allowing them to be used with the frequencies described with no effect on these parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Namuncura
- Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Molecular Endocrinology, Center for Translational Medicine (CEMT-BIOREN), Temuco, Chile
| | - Raúl Sánchez
- Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Molecular Endocrinology, Center for Translational Medicine (CEMT-BIOREN), Temuco, Chile.,Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Felipe Pezo
- Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Molecular Endocrinology, Center for Translational Medicine (CEMT-BIOREN), Temuco, Chile
| | - Pamela Uribe
- Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Molecular Endocrinology, Center for Translational Medicine (CEMT-BIOREN), Temuco, Chile.,Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Pablo Navarro
- Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Temuco, Chile.,Research Centre in Dental Sciences (CICO), Dental School, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Fabiola Zambrano
- Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Molecular Endocrinology, Center for Translational Medicine (CEMT-BIOREN), Temuco, Chile.,Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
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28
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Sicherle CC, de Souza FF, Freitas-Dell'Aqua CDP, Mothé GB, Padovani CR, Papa FO, Lopes MD. Effects of the cryopreservation process on dog sperm integrity. Anim Reprod 2020; 17:e20190081. [PMID: 32399067 PMCID: PMC7212748 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-ar2019-0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm cryopreservation has become an indispensable tool in reproductive biology. However, frozen/thawed semen has a short lifespan due to loss of sperm cell integrity. To better understand which sperm cell structures are compromised by the cryopreservation process and apoptosis markers, the sperm of five healthy mature dogs was analyzed in this study. Analysis was performed after collection, cooling, and thawing via computer assisted sperm analyzer (CASA) and evaluation of membrane fluidity and permeability, phosphatidylserine translocation (Annexin V), membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, membrane lipid peroxidation (LPO) and activity of the apoptotic markers caspases 3 and 7 by flow cytometry. Cryopreservation decreased total and progressive motility and the percentage of rapid sperm (P < 0.01). Damage to sperm cells was confirmed by Annexin V (P < 0.01), indicating that capacitation-like changes were induced by the cryopreservation procedures. An increase in sperm membrane fluidity was also noted in frozen/thawed samples (P < 0.01). Plasma and acrosomal cell membranes were affected (P < 0.01), with decreases in the subpopulation displaying high membrane potential (P < 0.01). Membrane LPO was increased in thawed sperm compared to cooled sperm (P < 0.05) but was not different from that in fresh sperm. No differences were observed in caspase 3 and 7 activity after cooling, freezing, or thawing. In conclusion, total and progressive motility, plasma membrane integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential suffered from the deleterious effects caused by cryopreservation, unlike the activity of caspases that remained stable during the freezing process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Cecilia Sicherle
- Departamento de Cirurgia Veterinária e Reprodução Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Julio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, SP, Brasil
| | - Fabiana Ferreira de Souza
- Departamento de Cirurgia Veterinária e Reprodução Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Julio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, SP, Brasil
| | - Camila de Paula Freitas-Dell'Aqua
- Departamento de Cirurgia Veterinária e Reprodução Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Julio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, SP, Brasil
| | - Gabriele Barros Mothé
- Departamento de Cirurgia Veterinária e Reprodução Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Julio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, SP, Brasil
| | - Carlos Roberto Padovani
- Departamento de Bioestatística, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Julio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, SP, Brasil
| | - Frederico Ozanam Papa
- Departamento de Cirurgia Veterinária e Reprodução Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Julio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, SP, Brasil
| | - Maria Denise Lopes
- Departamento de Cirurgia Veterinária e Reprodução Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Julio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, SP, Brasil
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Mańkowska A, Brym P, Paukszto Ł, Jastrzębski JP, Fraser L. Gene Polymorphisms in Boar Spermatozoa and Their Associations with Post-Thaw Semen Quality. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21051902. [PMID: 32164368 PMCID: PMC7084667 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic markers have been used to assess the freezability of semen. With the advancement in molecular genetic techniques, it is possible to assess the relationships between sperm functions and gene polymorphisms. In this study, variant calling analysis of RNA-Seq datasets was used to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in boar spermatozoa and to explore the associations between SNPs and post-thaw semen quality. Assessment of post-thaw sperm quality characteristics showed that 21 boars were considered as having good semen freezability (GSF), while 19 boars were classified as having poor semen freezability (PSF). Variant calling demonstrated that most of the polymorphisms (67%) detected in boar spermatozoa were at the 3’-untranslated regions (3’-UTRs). Analysis of SNP abundance in various functional gene categories showed that gene ontology (GO) terms were related to response to stress, motility, metabolism, reproduction, and embryo development. Genomic DNA was isolated from sperm samples of 40 boars. Forty SNPs were selected and genotyped, and several SNPs were significantly associated with motility and membrane integrity of frozen-thawed (FT) spermatozoa. Polymorphism in SCLT1 gene was associated with significantly higher motility and plasma membrane integrity of FT spermatozoa from boars of the GSF group compared with those of the PSF group. Likewise, polymorphisms in MAP3K20, MS4A2, and ROBO1 genes were significantly associated with reduced cryo-induced lipid peroxidation and DNA damage of FT spermatozoa from boars of the GSF group. Candidate genes with significant SNP associations, including APPL1, PLBD1, FBXO16, EML5, RAB3C, OXSR1,PRICKLE1, and MAP3K20 genes, represent potential markers for post-thaw semen quality, and they might be relevant for future improvement in the selection procedure of boars for cryopreservation. The findings of this study provide evidence indicating that polymorphisms in genes expressed in spermatozoa could be considered as factors associated with post-thaw semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Mańkowska
- Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Paweł Brym
- Department of Animal Genetics, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Łukasz Paukszto
- Department of Plant Physiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland; (Ł.P.); (J.P.J.)
| | - Jan P. Jastrzębski
- Department of Plant Physiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland; (Ł.P.); (J.P.J.)
| | - Leyland Fraser
- Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland;
- Correspondence:
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Kuiper M, Spencer M, Kanyima BM, Ng CH, Newell M, Turyahikayo S, Makoni N, Madan D, Lieberman DH. Using on-demand dry ice production as an alternative cryogenic cold chain for bovine artificial insemination outreach in low-resource settings. Transl Anim Sci 2020; 4:txaa012. [PMID: 32705012 PMCID: PMC7201085 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txaa012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Artificial insemination (AI) is widely used in livestock industries to breed for desirable characteristics and increase yields. The standard practice of storing and transporting bovine semen uses liquid nitrogen (LN), a scarce commodity in many regions of the world. This study explored the feasibility of using dry ice, a more readily available alternative. We developed equipment that dispenses dry ice from widely available liquid carbon dioxide (LCO2) tanks into an easily transportable device. In vivo fertility results with a dry ice cold chain showed no statistical difference to the conventional LN method. In vitro bovine semen analyses also showed that storage under these conditions minimally affects characteristics associated with fertility. A dry ice cold chain system could leverage the global availability of LCO2 to expand the reach of AI and other cold storage applications of biological materials in low-resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Kuiper
- Intellectual Ventures' Global Good Fund, Bellevue, WA
| | | | - Benon M Kanyima
- School of Veterinary and Animal Resources, COVAB, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Chin H Ng
- Intellectual Ventures' Global Good Fund, Bellevue, WA
| | - Mark Newell
- Intellectual Ventures' Global Good Fund, Bellevue, WA
| | - Silver Turyahikayo
- African Breeders Services Total Cattle Management Limited, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nathaniel Makoni
- African Breeders Services Total Cattle Management Limited, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Damian Madan
- Intellectual Ventures' Global Good Fund, Bellevue, WA
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Talini R, Kozicki L, Gaievski F, Polo G, Lima L, Santiago J, Segui M, Weiss R, Galan T. Bovine semen thermoresistance tests and their correlation with pregnancy rates after fixed-time artificial insemination. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2019. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-10994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT The objective of the study was to determine whether or not there is a correlation between thermoresistance tests (TT) after semen thawing and pregnancy rate (PR) after fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI). Four different TT were performed on ten samples used for AI; a rapid test (RTT) (30min / 46°C) and three slow tests (STT): STT1 (60min/38°C), STT2 (180min/38°C), and STT3 (300min/38°C). Two hundred and fifteen multiparous crossbred cows were submitted to FTAI under the following protocol: on day zero (d0) the animals received a P4 device +EB; on d7 PGF2α; on d8 P4 was removed and eCG+EC were administered; IATF was performed on d10. Three gestational diagnoses (G D) were performed on d40, d70 and d120. The mean sperm motility (%) in RTT and STTs were 19.84±6.13, 28.55±10.48, 17.62±5.87 and 8.63±3.46, respectively, and TP in the three DG 61.86%, 57.67%, and 55.81%, respectively. Through Person test a significant negative correlation (P< 0.05) was found between STT2 and PR at 60 days (r= -0.644) and between STT3 and all TPs (r= -0.774, -0.752, 0.748). It was concluded that TT parameters are not able to determine correlation between semen quality and TP.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Talini
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Brazil
| | - L.E. Kozicki
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - G. Polo
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Brazil
| | - L.G.F. Lima
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - M.S. Segui
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Brazil
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Codognoto VM, Yamada PH, Schmith RA, Rydygier de Ruediger F, de Paula Freitas-Dell'Aqua C, de Souza FF, Brochine S, do Carmo LM, Vieira AF, Oba E. Cross comparison of seminal plasma proteins from cattle and buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Reprod Domest Anim 2019; 55:81-92. [PMID: 31733131 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate seminal plasma proteins from cattle and buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), to identify differences between related species. Sixteen buffaloes and 16 cattle between 30 and 60 months of age were used. Semen collection was performed by electroejaculation, followed by macroscopic and microscopic subjective analyses. After analysis, the samples were centrifuged at 800 g for 10 min, and the supernatant (seminal plasma) was recentrifuged at 10,000 g for 30 min at 4°C. The total protein concentration was determined by the Bradford method, and the proteins were digested in solution for mass spectrometry (nLC-MS/MS). Multivariate statistical analysis was used to evaluate the proteomics results by non-hierarchical clustering the considering exponentially modified protein abundance index (emPAI). Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were used for clustering. Proteomics identified 78 proteins, and multivariate analysis showed 4 that were over-expressed in buffaloes (cystatin C, prosaposin, peptide YY and keratin type II cytoskeletal 5) and 9 in cattle (spermadhesin-1, seminal plasma protein PDC-109, ribonuclease 4, metalloproteinase inhibitor 2, acrosin inhibitor 1, seminal ribonuclease, C-type natriuretic peptide, angiogenin-1 and osteopontin). Among the proteins identified in seminal plasma, the C-type natriuretic peptide and metalloproteinase inhibitors were described for the first time in buffaloes. Some protease inhibitors were found over-expressed in buffaloes, and important proteins in seminal plasma of cattle were not identified or were found at lower expression levels in buffaloes, which can contribute to reproductive performance in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Maria Codognoto
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Paulo Henrique Yamada
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Rúbia Alves Schmith
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Felipe Rydygier de Ruediger
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Camila de Paula Freitas-Dell'Aqua
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Ferreira de Souza
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Suzane Brochine
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Lucas Monteiro do Carmo
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Andressa Filaz Vieira
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Eunice Oba
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
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Menegatti Zoca S, Shafii B, Price W, Utt M, Harstine B, McDonald K, Cruppe L, DeJarnette M, Peters L, Moraes Vasconcelos JL, Dalton J. Angus sire field fertility and in vitro sperm characteristics following use of different sperm insemination doses in Brazilian beef cattle. Theriogenology 2019; 147:146-153. [PMID: 31785860 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/17/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The primary objective was to determine if Angus bull fertility varied by number of sperm inseminated. A secondary objective was to characterize the potential impact of random variation on fertility using two identical sperm per dose treatments, which differed only in straw color. Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and flow cytometry (FC) were used to identify post-thaw sperm characteristics associated with field fertility differences between bulls. Ejaculates from five Angus bulls were collected, extended, and cryopreserved at 10, 20, 20 or 40 × 106 sperm per dose in color-coded 0.5-mL French straws. Multiparous cows (n = 4866) from ten Brazilian farms were synchronized for first-service timed artificial insemination (TAI). Bull identification and straw color were recorded at TAI. Pregnancy per TAI (P/TAI) did not differ between sperm doses (43.8, 45.3, 43.8 and 47.1% for 10, 20, 20 or 40 × 106 sperm respectively; P = 0.31) nor was there an interaction between bull and dose (P = 0.53). The P/TAI differed between bulls and ranged from 40.7 to 48.1% (P < 0.01). The overall P/TAI between the two control groups were not different (45.3 vs 43.8%); however, the numerical variation within bull ranged from 0.5 to 4.9 percentage points. Numerous CASA and FC post-thaw sperm characteristics differed among bulls (P < 0.05), but these characteristics did not explain the fertility difference between bulls. Principal component analysis provided a multivariate description of the CASA and FC data, where three principal components (Prin1, Prin2, and Prin3) accounted for a combined total of 88.7% of the data variability. The primary components of each PCA axis were flow cytometric measures of sperm viability and DNA fragmentation (Prin1), and CASA-derived sperm movement patterns (Prin2) and motility (Prin3); however, the relative influence of these characteristics varied by bull. Although fertility differences between bulls were detected, neither sperm per dose nor post-thaw in vitro sperm analyses (CASA and FC) were able to explain the observed differences in field fertility between bulls, further illustrating the difficulties in predicting bull fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saulo Menegatti Zoca
- Animal and Veterinary Science Department, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, 83844, USA
| | - Bahman Shafii
- Statistical Programs, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, 83844, USA
| | - William Price
- Statistical Programs, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, 83844, USA
| | - Matthew Utt
- Select Sires, Inc., Plain City, OH, 43064, USA
| | - Bo Harstine
- Select Sires, Inc., Plain City, OH, 43064, USA
| | | | | | | | - Lon Peters
- Select Sires, Inc., Plain City, OH, 43064, USA
| | - Jose Luiz Moraes Vasconcelos
- Departamento de Produçáo Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia-UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, 18618-681, Brazil
| | - Joseph Dalton
- Animal and Veterinary Science Department, University of Idaho, Caldwell, 83605, USA.
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Panda SK, Nayak G, Mishra C. Meta-analysis of seminal traits affecting bull fertility. Trop Anim Health Prod 2019; 52:1325-1329. [PMID: 31713146 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-019-02132-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The pedigree information on bulls was collected from Frozen Semen Bank (FSB). Male reproductive data on seminal characters (semen volume (SV), sperm concentration (SC), initial progressive motility (IPM), post-thaw motility (PTM), and total spermatozoa (TS)) were analyzed to calculate their repeatability, heritability, genetic correlation, phenotypic correlation, and environmental correlation values. The principal component analysis revealed SV and SC were the two most important characters among the five seminal characters that can be further used. The repeatability value for seminal characters was very low (0.02-0.2). The sire component of heritability value varied from very low to low (0.0001 to - 0.24). The dam component of heritability value varied from very low to high (0.01 to 0.64). The genetic correlation value calculated from the sire component indicated a slightly antagonistic relationship between SV and SC (- 0.007) and SV and PTM (- 0.049). The environmental correlation value was found to be negative for all the traits except the value calculated from the dam component between SC and IPM (0.027). The phenotypic correlation values between the seminal traits were low and mostly negative except between SC and IPM (0.107) and PTM and TS (0.109). Statistically significant correlation was observed between PTM and SV (- 0.157), PTM and IPM (- 0.145), PTM and TS (0.109), and SC and IPM (0.107). Since the estimated heritability, repeatability, and the correlation values were found low, individual selection method cannot be applied on these bulls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudipta Kumar Panda
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Gangadhar Nayak
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Chinmoy Mishra
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, India.
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David I, Kohnke P, Fehrenbach J, Lopes Simoes AR, Debreuve E, Descombes X, Plouraboue F, Degond P, Druart X. New objective measurements of semen wave motion are associated with fertility in sheep. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019. [PMID: 29514733 DOI: 10.1071/rd17472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In sheep, wave motion in semen is currently used by AI centres to select ejaculates for insemination. Despite its low cost, convenience and established ability to predict fertility, the subjectivity of this assessment is a limiting factor for its applicability. The aims of the present study were to establish an objective method for the analysis of wave motion and to assess the associations of objective parameters with fertility after cervical insemination. Collective sperm motion in undiluted semen was observed by phase contrast microscopy at low magnification in a 100-µm deep glass chamber. Images of moving dark waves over a grey background were recorded and analysed by the optic flow method, producing several velocity-related parameters. Turbulence was assessed from the motion of fluorescent polystyrene beads. Among objective parameters, optical flow entropy and the average speed of beads were both able to discriminate ejaculates suitable for insemination. Two synthetic variables of optic flow and bead motion and a global objective variable were computed from linear combinations of individual parameters and compared with the subjective motion score for their predictive value. These were as efficient as the wave motion score for assessing fertility and can be proposed for the assessment of ram semen in routine AI procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- I David
- GenPhySE, INRA, Université de Toulouse, ENVT, F-31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - P Kohnke
- INRA, UMR 6175, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - J Fehrenbach
- Institut de Mathématiques de Toulouse, 31062 Toulouse cedex 09, France
| | | | - E Debreuve
- Laboratoire I3S, UMR CNRS 6070, Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - X Descombes
- Laboratoire I3S, UMR CNRS 6070, Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - F Plouraboue
- Université de Toulouse - INPT-UPS, Institut de Mécanique des Fluides, 31000 Toulouse, France
| | - P Degond
- Department of Mathematics, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - X Druart
- INRA, UMR 6175, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, 37380 Nouzilly, France
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Valencia J, Yeste M, Quintero-Moreno A, Henao FJ. A new test based on the hypotonic resistance and functional competence to evaluate the sperm quality, cryotolerance and in vitro fertilizing ability in pigs. Theriogenology 2019; 140:84-92. [PMID: 31454722 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The present work aimed at setting a new test of boar sperm functional competence (SFCt) to determine the association with sperm in vitro fertilizing ability and cryotolerance. Three independent experiments were conducted. In the first experiment, a gage repeatability and reproducibility (R&R) study was carried out to determine the reliability of the SFCt. Following this, 1565 ejaculates were clustered on the basis of sperm membrane and acrosome integrity, total motility, morphology and membrane functional integrity. Two groups were obtained and their SFCt values were compared. In the second experiment, 45 ejaculates were classified into two groups based on cleavage rates after in vitro fertilization and the SFCt outcomes of the two groups were examined. In the third experiment, 45 ejaculates were cryopreserved and classified as with good (GFE) or poor freezability (PFE) based on their post-thaw sperm membrane integrity and total motility; the SFCt outcomes in liquid-stored semen were also compared. ROC curves were used to address the accuracy of the SFCt in each experiment. In the R&R study, the greater variability of the study was attributed to the differences between ejaculates (97.61%); SFCt values were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in the good than in the poor sperm quality group. Ejaculates with high cleavage rates showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher SFCt values than ejaculates with low cleavage rates. SFCt values of GFE before cryopreservation were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those of PFE. The SFCt had a fair discriminatory value in all experiments. In conclusion, the SFCt is a useful and reliable test to evaluate the sperm quality and is also related to the sperm resilience to withstand freeze-thawing procedures. However, further studies evaluating blastocyst formation and AI trials with a large number of boars are needed to confirm the accuracy of this test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Valencia
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agricultural Production, University of Caldas, Manizales, Colombia.
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Armando Quintero-Moreno
- Laboratory of Andrology, Unit of Animal Production (UNIPA), Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Zulia, Box 15252, Maracaibo, 4005-A, Venezuela
| | - Francisco Javier Henao
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agricultural Production, University of Caldas, Manizales, Colombia.
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Abstract
Spermatozoa must possess many attributes to fertilize an egg but few laboratory methods can assess all of these attributes simultaneously and objectively. Most laboratory methods used to assess the quality of semen in veterinary andrology can be inaccurate and time-consuming. Laboratory techniques which evaluate only one sperm attribute, often provide results that have a weak correlation with fertility. Therefore, semen used for artificial insemination should not be assessed based on the results of one method only but rather on the comprehensive results of several laboratory tests. Flow cytometry is a modern method of analysing diJ169fferent types of cells, including sperm cells. It is based on the scattering of light and fluorescence, the outcome of which yields results that are recorded and evaluated by computer technology which makes an objective assessment. Flow cytometry in combination with fluorescence microscopy and fluorescent probes provides a comprehensive, accurate, objective, and rapid analysis of the ejaculate. In a short time frame it allows us to test thousands of sperm for their structure and properties, even with a minimal amount of semen. This method enables the evaluation of several indicators simultaneously in a population of sperm as a whole or for each sperm individually. It informs us about the selected indicators of sperm quality in the sample by examining the membrane integrity, DNA, mitochondria, acrosome, oxidative stress, and other properties. Flow cytometry has become an important method of evaluating the functional and morphological properties of sperm and is used for research in veterinary science as well as for a routine assessment of the semen quality.
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Okano DS, Penitente-Filho JM, Gomez León VE, Maitan PP, Silveira CO, Waddington B, Díaz-Miranda EA, da Costa EP, Guimarães SEF, Guimarães JD. In vitro evaluation of cryopreserved bovine sperm and its relation to field fertility in fixed-time artificial insemination. Reprod Domest Anim 2019; 54:604-612. [PMID: 30614080 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess characteristics of bovine cryopreserved sperm and evaluate its relation to field fertility in fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI). Semen samples of 16 bulls were used to inseminate 811 Nellore cows, and four of these bulls were also used to inseminate 101 Nellore heifers. Samples of the same ejaculate used for FTAI from each bull were analysed in the laboratory after thawing. Sperm motility and vigour were subjectively assessed by light microscope, and integrity of the plasma and acrosome membranes, and H2 O2 production were evaluated by flow cytometer. Relation among sperm characteristics and pregnancy rate of cows and heifers were evaluated by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Subjective sperm motility and vigour did not affect the probability of pregnancy in cows or heifers. In univariate analysis for pregnancy in cows, sperm traits related to acrosome injury positively affected probability of pregnancy mainly when associated with plasma membrane integrity; H2 O2 production seems to be less important than plasma membrane integrity in affecting probability of pregnancy. In multivariate analysis, sperm traits related to injured acrosome positively affected probability of cow and heifer pregnancies while intact acrosome was negatively related to cow pregnancy. Intact plasma membrane and high H2 O2 production were positively related to cow pregnancy but negatively related to heifer pregnancy. Results suggest that a capacitation-like status of the acrosome may benefit probability of pregnancy in cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise S Okano
- Department of Veterinary, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | | | | | - Paula P Maitan
- Department of Veterinary, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Camila O Silveira
- Department of Veterinary, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Bruna Waddington
- Department of Veterinary, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | | | - Eduardo P da Costa
- Department of Veterinary, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | | | - José D Guimarães
- Department of Veterinary, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
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El Kadili S, Raes M, Bister JL, Archa B, Chentouf M, Kirschvink N. Effect of season on sexual behavior, testicular measurements and seminal characteristics in "Beni arouss" North Moroccan bucks. Anim Reprod Sci 2018; 201:41-54. [PMID: 30579734 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Changes in anatomical, behavioural and seminal characteristics were measured throughout the year in seven Beni Arouss bucks maintained at a latitude of 35 °N. Testicular size varied significantly. There were the greatest values during the summer and autumn for scrotal circumference and least in the winter for testicular length. Values for most variables related to sexual behavior were not affected by season except the number of mounts before first ejaculation which was least in the summer. No differences were detected between seasons in terms of semen volume. The sperm concentration, viability and percentage of normal sperm, however, were less during the winter period. The size of sperm heads was larger in the autumn and motility of spermatozoa was greater in the summer and autumn. Results from the correlation analysis indicated that the majority of conventional seminal characteristics were correlated with testis measurements (P < 0.05; r < 0.5). Values for conventional and CASA motility variables indicated there were positive correlations between viability and progressive motility (r = 0.4; P < 0.05) and between the percentage of normal sperm and straight line and average path velocity (r = 0.4; P < 0.05). A global reproduction performance score was established for each buck, which allowed for assessment of magnitude of seasonal changes for each individual. These global score values indicated there was a greater reproductive performance for all bucks during summer and autumn. This study described for the first time seasonal variations of reproductive characteristics of Beni Arouss bucks and results indicate that even though there is a maximal capacity for reproductive performance during the summer and autumn, breeding should be possible throughout the year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara El Kadili
- University of Namur, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Integrated Veterinary Research Unit, Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), Rue de Bruxelles 61, B-5000, Namur, Belgium; Ecole Nationale d'Agriculture de Meknès, Department of Animal Production, Route Haj Kaddour, BP. S/40, 50001, Meknes, Morocco.
| | - Marianne Raes
- University of Namur, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Integrated Veterinary Research Unit, Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), Rue de Bruxelles 61, B-5000, Namur, Belgium
| | - Jean-Loup Bister
- University of Namur, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Integrated Veterinary Research Unit, Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), Rue de Bruxelles 61, B-5000, Namur, Belgium
| | - Bouchaib Archa
- Ecole Nationale d'Agriculture de Meknès, Department of Animal Production, Route Haj Kaddour, BP. S/40, 50001, Meknes, Morocco
| | - Mouad Chentouf
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Regional Center of Tangier, Bd Sidi Mohamed Ben abdellah78, 90010, Tangier, Morocco
| | - Nathalie Kirschvink
- University of Namur, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Integrated Veterinary Research Unit, Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), Rue de Bruxelles 61, B-5000, Namur, Belgium.
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40
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Effect of adding heterologous versus homologous bovine seminal plasma prior to cryopreservation on bull sperm quality after thawing. ZYGOTE 2018; 26:388-394. [PMID: 30289095 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199418000394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
SummaryThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of adding homologous or heterologous bovine seminal plasma (SP) to SP-free sperm samples before freezing on sperm quality after thawing. Ejaculates from bulls of known fertility were used as a source of SP. The SP was removed from further aliquots of the same ejaculates by colloid centrifugation to create SP-free sperm samples; the resuspended sperm pellets were treated with homologous or heterologous SP from high or low fertility bulls at 0%, 1% or 5% before freezing. After thawing, sperm quality was evaluated by computer-assisted sperm analysis and flow cytometry for membrane integrity, reactive oxygen species, chromatin structure, mitochondrial membrane potential and protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Data were analysed using Proc MIXED, SAS®. Post-hoc comparisons were adjusted for multiplicity using Tukey's method. The addition of SP resulted in significant differences in sperm quality, namely velocity class A, Velocity Straight Line (VSL), Velocity Average Path (VAP), Velocity Curved Line (VCL), Amplitude of Lateral Head Displacement (ALH), Hyperactive (HYP), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and % DNA fragmentation index (DFI) (P<0.05 for each). Although adding 5% homologous SP from high fertility bulls was beneficial to sperm kinematics, 5% heterologous SP from high fertility bulls had a deleterious effect on chromatin integrity and on sperm velocity. In conclusion, adding SP may have either a beneficial effect or a deleterious effect depending on the individuals involved. It might be feasible to use this method to improve sperm quality in some circumstances.
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Ntemka A, Kiossis E, Boscos C, Theodoridis A, Kourousekos G, Tsakmakidis I. Effects of testicular hemodynamic and echogenicity changes on ram semen characteristics. Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 53 Suppl 2:50-55. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.13279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini Ntemka
- School of Veterinary Medicine; Faculty of Health Sciences; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; Thessaloniki Greece
| | - Evangelos Kiossis
- School of Veterinary Medicine; Faculty of Health Sciences; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; Thessaloniki Greece
| | - Constantin Boscos
- School of Veterinary Medicine; Faculty of Health Sciences; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; Thessaloniki Greece
| | - Alexandros Theodoridis
- School of Veterinary Medicine; Faculty of Health Sciences; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; Thessaloniki Greece
| | - Georgios Kourousekos
- Directorate of Veterinary Centre of Thessaloniki; Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination; National Ministry of Rural Development and Food; Thessaloniki Greece
| | - Ioannis Tsakmakidis
- School of Veterinary Medicine; Faculty of Health Sciences; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; Thessaloniki Greece
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Kumaresan A, Johannisson A, Bergqvist AS. Sperm function during incubation with oestrus oviductal fluid differs in bulls with different fertility. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 29:1096-1106. [PMID: 27112984 DOI: 10.1071/rd15474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa undergo several modifications in the oviduct before acquiring fertilising capacity. Although spermatozoa are exposed to similar conditions in the oviduct, the speed of the response varies with the male and the state of the spermatozoa. We hypothesised that spermatozoa from bulls with different fertility may differ in their ability to respond to oviductal fluid (ODF). Frozen-thawed spermatozoa from four bulls were incubated with oestrus oviductal fluid (OODF) for 6h. Sperm kinematics, tyrosine phosphorylation, phosphorylation patterns, capacitation and acrosome reaction were analysed at hourly intervals. The amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) and straightness coefficient (STR) were higher (P<0.05) in bulls with higher fertility compared with those with lower fertility, at 1-4h of incubation. At 4h of incubation and onwards, spermatozoa from bulls with higher fertility showed a lower degree (P<0.05) of tyrosine phosphorylation and higher degree of capacitation and acrosome reaction. At least five tyrosine-phosphorylated sperm proteins were detected in all bulls. However, the expression of two phosphorylated sperm proteins (183 and 109 kDa) was upregulated in bulls with lower fertility. It may be concluded that cryopreserved spermatozoa from high- and low- fertile bulls differ in their ability to respond to OODF. This may help in developing tools for assessing fertility of bulls, once validated in more animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kumaresan
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7054, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - A Johannisson
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7054, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - A-S Bergqvist
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7054, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
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43
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Farooq U, Malecki IA, Mahmood M, Martin GB. Correlation between objective semen analysis and fertility in Japanese quail. Theriogenology 2018; 115:23-29. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2017] [Revised: 04/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Al-Essawe EM, Wallgren M, Wulf M, Aurich C, Macías-García B, Sjunnesson Y, Morrell JM. Seminal plasma influences the fertilizing potential of cryopreserved stallion sperm. Theriogenology 2018; 115:99-107. [PMID: 29747159 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Seminal plasma (SP) contains proteins that may influence cryosurvival and prevent capacitation-like changes due to freezing and thawing. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of adding pooled SP from "good" (GF) or "bad" (BF) freezer stallions on sperm cells' fertilizing ability. "Good freezers" refers to stallions that usually produce ejaculates which can withstand cryopreservation, whilst "bad freezer" stallions produce ejaculates which cannot tolerate the freezing process. A heterologous zona binding assay with in vitro matured bovine oocytes was used to assess the binding ability of equine sperm cells as a possible alternative to artificial insemination trials. The effect of adding SP i) prior to cryopreservation; ii) after thawing of sperm cells selected by single layer centrifugation (SLC); iii) to capacitation medium, was evaluated. Adding SP from GF stallions prior to cryopreservation reduced the mean number of sperm cells bound to the zona pellucida (ZP) compared to control (P = 0.0003), SP-free sperm cells and group received SP from BF stallions (P ≤ 0.0001 for both). After thawing SLC-selected sperm cells treated with 5% SP showed a decrease in binding ability compared with SP-free sperm cells (P ≤ 0.0001). The binding affinity of sperm cells was higher in the group treated with SP from GF than with SP from BF stallions (P ≤ 0.05). Prolonged exposure to SP impaired the ability of stallion sperm cells to undergo capacitation and bind to ZP, regardless of the source of SP (P ≤ 0.0001). The response of equine sperm cells to SP is influenced by the ability of the sperm cells to withstand cryopreservation and is affected by the timing of exposure and the origin of SP. Customization of the protocol for individual stallions is recommended to optimize the effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essraa M Al-Essawe
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden; Al-Nahrain University - High Institute of Infertility Diagnosis and Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Clinical Reproductive Physiology, Baghdad, Iraq.
| | - Margareta Wallgren
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Manuela Wulf
- Graf Lehndorff Institute for Equine Sciences, Vetmeduni Vienna, Austria, and Neustadt (Dosse), Germany.
| | - Christine Aurich
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Beatriz Macías-García
- Jesús Usón Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre (CCMIJU), Assisted Reproduction Unit, Cáceres, Spain.
| | - Ylva Sjunnesson
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Jane M Morrell
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Nongbua T, Al-Essawe EM, Edman A, Johannisson A, Morrell JM. Adding bovine seminal plasma prior to freezing improves post-thaw bull sperm kinematics but decreases mitochondrial activity. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2018; 64:183-190. [DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2018.1455245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thanapol Nongbua
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, Thailand
| | - Essraa M. Al-Essawe
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Reproductive Physiology, High Institute of Infertility Diagnosis and Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | | | - Anders Johannisson
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jane M. Morrell
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
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46
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Cavallin MD, Wilk R, Oliveira IM, Cardoso NCS, Khalil NM, Oliveira CA, Romano MA, Romano RM. The hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis and the testicular function are modulated after silver nanoparticle exposure. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2018; 7:102-116. [PMID: 30090567 PMCID: PMC6060733 DOI: 10.1039/c7tx00236j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used in industrial and medical applications and humans may be exposed through different routes, increasing the risk of toxicity. We investigated the transcript expression of genes involved in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis and the parameters associated with sperm functionality after prepubertal exposure. AgNPs modulated the transcript expression of genes involved in the control of the HPT axis and spermatogenesis in the groups treated with lower doses, while the functional parameters related to sperm and puberty were affected in the groups administered higher doses. These results suggest that the HPT axis is disrupted by AgNPs during the prepubertal and pubertal periods, which are highly susceptible windows for the endocrine-disrupting chemical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M D Cavallin
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology , Department of Pharmacy , State University of Centro-Oeste , Rua Simeao Camargo Varela de Sa , 03 , 85040-080 , Parana , Brazil .
| | - R Wilk
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology , Department of Pharmacy , State University of Centro-Oeste , Rua Simeao Camargo Varela de Sa , 03 , 85040-080 , Parana , Brazil .
| | - I M Oliveira
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology , Department of Pharmacy , State University of Centro-Oeste , Rua Simeao Camargo Varela de Sa , 03 , 85040-080 , Parana , Brazil .
| | - N C S Cardoso
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology , Department of Pharmacy , State University of Centro-Oeste , Rua Simeao Camargo Varela de Sa , 03 , 85040-080 , Parana , Brazil .
| | - N M Khalil
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology , Department of Pharmacy , State University of Centro-Oeste , Rua Simeao Camargo Varela de Sa , 03 , 85040-080 , Parana , Brazil
| | - C A Oliveira
- Laboratory of Hormonal Dosages , Department of Animal Reproduction , Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , University of Sao Paulo , Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva , 87 , 05508-270 , Sao Paulo , Brazil
| | - M A Romano
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology , Department of Pharmacy , State University of Centro-Oeste , Rua Simeao Camargo Varela de Sa , 03 , 85040-080 , Parana , Brazil .
| | - R M Romano
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology , Department of Pharmacy , State University of Centro-Oeste , Rua Simeao Camargo Varela de Sa , 03 , 85040-080 , Parana , Brazil .
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Nongbua T, Guo Y, Edman A, Humblot P, Morrell JM. Effect of bovine seminal plasma on bovine endometrial epithelial cells in culture. Reprod Domest Anim 2017; 53:85-92. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.13069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- T Nongbua
- Division of Reproduction; Department of Clinical Sciences; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU); Uppsala Sweden
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences; Mahasarakham University; Maha Sarakham Thailand
| | - Y Guo
- Division of Reproduction; Department of Clinical Sciences; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU); Uppsala Sweden
| | - A Edman
- VikingGenetics; Skara Sweden
| | - P Humblot
- Division of Reproduction; Department of Clinical Sciences; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU); Uppsala Sweden
| | - JM Morrell
- Division of Reproduction; Department of Clinical Sciences; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU); Uppsala Sweden
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48
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Zakošek Pipan M, Mrkun J, Nemec Svete A, Zrimšek P. Improvement of liquid stored boar semen quality by removing low molecular weight proteins and supplementation with α-tocopherol. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 186:52-61. [PMID: 28951025 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Seminal plasma contains low-molecular weight components that can exert a harmful effect on sperm function. We have evaluated the effects of removing low-molecular weight components from seminal plasma and adding α-tocopherol on boar semen quality after 72h of liquid storage. Semen was evaluated on the basis of motility, morphology, acrosome integrity, plasma membrane modifications, mitochondrial activity, DNA fragmentation and lipid peroxidation. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), 8-isoprostane, and antioxidant status (total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and superoxide dismutase activity (SOD)) were measured in seminal plasma. Removal of low-molecular weight components from seminal plasma, together with the addition of α-tocopherol, kept the lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial activity and DNA fragmentation at the same level as in native semen samples. Dialysing semen and adding 200μM of α-tocopherol led to higher progressive motility, a higher proportion of morphologically normal spermatozoa and a significantly lower level of acrosomal reacted spermatozoa compared to non-dialyzed semen samples after 72h of storage. In conclusion, liquid stored boar semen was better preserved, and oxidative stress in the semen was reduced when semen was dialyzed and α-tocopherol was added prior to storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Zakošek Pipan
- Clinic for Reproduction and Large Animals, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - J Mrkun
- Clinic for Reproduction and Large Animals, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - A Nemec Svete
- Small Animal Clinic, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - P Zrimšek
- Institute for Preclinical Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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49
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Sperm quality variables as indicators of bull fertility may be breed dependent. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 185:42-52. [PMID: 28811063 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A means of discriminating among bulls of high fertility based on sperm quality is needed by breeding centers. The objective of the study was to examine parameters of sperm quality in bulls of known fertility to identify useful indicators of fertility. Frozen semen was available from bulls of known fertility (Viking Genetics, Skara, Sweden): Swedish Red (n=31), Holstein (n=25) and Others (one each of Charolais, Limousin, Blonde, SKB). After thawing, the sperm samples were analyzed for motility (computer assisted sperm analysis), plasma membrane integrity, chromatin integrity, acrosome status, mitochondrial activity and reactive oxygen species. A fertility index score based on the adjusted 56-day non-return rate for >1000 inseminations was available for each bull. Multivariate data analysis (Partial Least Squares Regression and Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Regression) was performed to identify variables related to fertility; Pearson univariate correlations were made on the parameters of interest. Breed of bull affected the relationship of sperm quality variables and fertility index score, as follows: Swedish Red: %DNA Fragmentation Index, r=-0.56, P<0.01; intact plasma membrane, r=0.40, P<0.05; membrane damaged, not acrosome reacted, r=-0.6, P<0.01; Linearity, r=0.37, P<0.05; there was a trend towards significance for Wobble, r=0.34, P=0.08. Holstein: Linearity was significant r=0.46, P<0.05; there was a trend towards significance for Wobble, r=0.45, P=0.08. In conclusion, breed has a greater effect on sperm quality than previously realized; different parameters of sperm quality are needed to indicate potential fertility in different breeds.
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50
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Knecht D, Jankowska-Mąkosa A, Duziński K. The effect of age, interval collection and season on selected semen parameters and prediction of AI boars productivity. Livest Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2017.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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