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Zhang Y, Wang M, Zhang T, Wang H, Chen Y, Zhou T, Yang R. Spermbots and Their Applications in Assisted Reproduction: Current Progress and Future Perspectives. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:5095-5108. [PMID: 38836008 PMCID: PMC11149708 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s465548] [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: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Sperm quality is declining dramatically during the past decades. Male infertility has been a serious health and social problem. The sperm cell driven biohybrid nanorobot opens a new era for automated and precise assisted reproduction. Therefore, it is urgent and necessary to conduct an updated review and perspective from the viewpoints of the researchers and clinicians in the field of reproductive medicine. In the present review, we first update the current classification, design, control and applications of various spermbots. Then, by a comprehensive summary of the functional features of sperm cells, the journey of sperms to the oocyte, and sperm-related dysfunctions, we provide a systematic guidance to further improve the design of spermbots. Focusing on the translation of spermbots into clinical practice, we point out that the main challenges are biocompatibility, effectiveness, and ethical issues. Considering the special requirements of assisted reproduction, we also propose the three laws for the clinical usage of spermbots: good genetics, gentle operation and no contamination. Finally, a three-step roadmap is proposed to achieve the goal of clinical translation. We believe that spermbot-based treatments can be validated and approved for in vitro clinical usage in the near future. However, multi-center and multi-disciplinary collaborations are needed to further promote the translation of spermbots into in vivo clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Zhang
- Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Diseases, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Wuxi, 214002, People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, 214002, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214002, People’s Republic of China
| | - Honghua Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, 214002, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Chen
- Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Diseases, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Wuxi, 214002, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tao Zhou
- Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Diseases, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Wuxi, 214002, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rui Yang
- Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Diseases, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Wuxi, 214002, People’s Republic of China
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2
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Kong H, Sokolova IM. Oxidative phosphorylation rather than glycolysis is the primary energy source for sperm motility in the mussels Mytilus edulis. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 270:110909. [PMID: 37898360 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2023.110909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Broadcast-spawning marine mussels rely on high sperm motility for successful fertilization in the dynamic seawater environment. Mitochondria are typically considered the primary source of ATP generation via oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS); however, the ATP generation pathways of mussel sperm have not been fully characterized. To better understand the importance of both OXPHOS and glycolysis for mussel sperm function, we conducted experiments inhibiting these pathways in sperm from Mytilus edulis. Our results indicate that oligomycin, an inhibitor of the mitochondrial ATP synthase, immediately decreased sperm motility rate, velocity, and ATP content, while 2-deoxy-d-glucose, a glycolysis inhibitor, had no effect. The OXPHOS inhibitor rotenone also partially reduced sperm motility rate and velocity. Interestingly, no evidence was found for the inhibitors' effects on the content of energy-rich compounds (lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins) in the mussels' sperm, indicating only modest energy demand to fuel sperm motility. Based on these findings, we conclude that OXPHOS is the primary energy source for sperm motility in marine mussels. Our study sheds light on the intricacies of mussel sperm physiology and highlights the importance of understanding the energy requirements for successful fertilization in broadcast-spawning marine invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Kong
- Department of Marine Biology, Institute for Biological Sciences, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Inna M Sokolova
- Department of Marine Biology, Institute for Biological Sciences, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany; Department of Maritime Systems, Interdisciplinary Faculty, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
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3
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Liu N, Chen HG, Li Y, Zhang G, Zhang J, Qu G, He B, Meng TQ, Xiong CL, Pan A, Yin Y, Liang Y, Shi J, Wang YX, Hu L, Jiang G. Exogenous Metals Atlas in Spermatozoa at Single-Cell Resolution in Relation to Human Semen Quality. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:7358-7369. [PMID: 37144275 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c08838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
While exogenous metal/metalloid (metal) exposure has been associated with reduced human semen quality, no study has assessed the associations of exogenous metals in human spermatozoa with semen quality. Here, we developed a strategy to explore the associations between exogenous metals in spermatozoa at single-cell resolution and human semen quality among 84 men screened as sperm donors, who provided 266 semen samples within 90 days. A cellular atlas of exogenous metals at the single-cell level was created with mass cytometry (CyTOF) technology, which concurrently displayed 18 metals in more than 50 000 single sperm. Exogenous metals in spermatozoa at single-cell resolution were extremely heterogeneous and diverse. Further analysis using multivariable linear regression and linear mixed-effects models revealed that the heterogeneity and prevalence of the exogenous metals at single-cell resolution were associated with semen quality. The heterogeneity of lead (Pb), tin (Sn), yttrium (Y), and zirconium (Zr) was negatively associated with sperm concentration and count, while their prevalence showed positive associations. These findings revealed that the heterogeneous properties of exogenous metals in spermatozoa were associated with human semen quality, highlighting the importance of assessing exogenous metals in spermatozoa at single-cell resolution to evaluate male reproductive health risk precisely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310042, China
| | - Heng-Gui Chen
- Clinical Research and Translation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China
| | - Yu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Guohuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Guangbo Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310042, China
| | - Bin He
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310042, China
| | - Tian-Qing Meng
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Wuhan 430030, China
- Hubei Province Human Sperm Bank, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Cheng-Liang Xiong
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Wuhan 430030, China
- Hubei Province Human Sperm Bank, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - An Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yongguang Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310042, China
| | - Yong Liang
- Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Jianbo Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310042, China
| | - Yi-Xin Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Ligang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310042, China
- Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310042, China
- Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
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Kashir J, Mistry BV, BuSaleh L, Nomikos M, Almuqayyil S, Abu-Dawud R, AlYacoub N, Hamdan H, AlHassan S, Lai FA, Assiri AM, Coskun S. Antigen Unmasking Is Required to Clinically Assess Levels and Localisation Patterns of Phospholipase C Zeta in Human Sperm. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:198. [PMID: 37259347 PMCID: PMC9962097 DOI: 10.3390/ph16020198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Mammalian oocyte activation is initiated by intracellular calcium (Ca2+) oscillations, driven by the testis-specific phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ). Sperm PLCζ analysis represents a diagnostic measure of sperm fertilisation capacity. The application of antigen unmasking/retrieval (AUM) generally enhanced the visualisation efficacy of PLCζ in mammalian sperm, but differentially affected the PLCζ profiles in sperm from different human males. It is unclear whether AUM affects the diagnosis of PLCζ in human sperm. Herein, we examined whether the application of AUM affected the correlation of PLCζ profiles with sperm parameters and fertilisation capacity. PLCζ fluorescence levels and localisation patterns were examined within the sperm of males undergoing fertility treatment (55 patients aged 29-53) using immunofluorescence in the absence/presence of AUM. The changes in PLCζ profiles following AUM were examined in relation to sperm health and fertilisation outcome. AUM enhanced the observable levels and specific localisation patterns of PLCζ in relation to both optimal sperm parameters and fertilisation outcome, without which significant differences were not observed. The extent of the change in levels and localisation ratios of PLCζ was also affected to a larger degree in terms of the optimal parameters of sperm fertility and fertilisation capacity by AUM. Collectively, AUM was essential to accurately assesses PLCζ in human sperm in both scientific and clinical contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junaid Kashir
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 127788, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bhavesh V. Mistry
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lujain BuSaleh
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
| | - Michail Nomikos
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| | - Sarah Almuqayyil
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raed Abu-Dawud
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nadya AlYacoub
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamdan Hamdan
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 127788, United Arab Emirates
| | - Saad AlHassan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
| | - F. Anthony Lai
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| | - Abdullah M. Assiri
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
| | - Serdar Coskun
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
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5
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Karcz A, Van Soom A, Smits K, Verplancke R, Van Vlierberghe S, Vanfleteren J. Electrically-driven handling of gametes and embryos: taking a step towards the future of ARTs. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:1852-1875. [PMID: 35510672 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc01160j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Electrical stimulation of gametes and embryos and on-chip manipulation of microdroplets of culture medium serve as promising tools for assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). Thus far, dielectrophoresis (DEP), electrorotation (ER) and electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) proved compatible with most laboratory procedures offered by ARTs. Positioning, entrapment and selection of reproductive cells can be achieved with DEP and ER, while EWOD provides the dynamic microenvironment of a developing embryo to better mimic the functions of the oviduct. Furthermore, these techniques are applicable for the assessment of the developmental competence of a mammalian embryo in vitro. Such research paves the way towards the amelioration and full automation of the assisted reproduction methods. This article aims to provide a summary on the recent developments regarding electrically stimulated lab-on-chip devices and their application for the manipulation of gametes and embryos in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Karcz
- Centre for Microsystems Technology (CMST), Imec and Ghent University, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 126, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Ghent, Belgium.
- Reproductive Biology Unit (RBU), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133 D4 entrance 4, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Reproductive Biology Unit (RBU), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133 D4 entrance 4, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Katrien Smits
- Reproductive Biology Unit (RBU), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133 D4 entrance 4, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Rik Verplancke
- Centre for Microsystems Technology (CMST), Imec and Ghent University, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 126, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Campus Sterre, building S4, Krijgslaan 281, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan Vanfleteren
- Centre for Microsystems Technology (CMST), Imec and Ghent University, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 126, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Ghent, Belgium.
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Kamieniczna M, Stachowska E, Augustynowicz A, Woźniak T, Kurpisz MK. Human live spermatozoa morphology assessment using digital holographic microscopy. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4846. [PMID: 35318373 PMCID: PMC8940907 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08798-6] [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: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Digital holographic microscopy (DHM) was applied for the morphological assessment of live intact spermatozoa from fertile and infertile men directly after semen liquefaction. This method allowed us to study the sperm population directly from the sample droplet and not only from the focal plane of the microscope as in classical optical microscopy. The newly implemented 3-dimensional sperm morphological parameters (head height, acrosome/nucleus height, head/midpiece height) were included in morphological assessment of semen samples from fertile and infertile individuals. The values of the 3D parameters were less variable in fertile men than for infertile ones. DHM was also used to compare the morphological profiles of spermatozoa after applying the “swim-up” and gradient centrifugation techniques. During selection, the most statistically significant differences were observed after separation with a Percoll gradient of 90% and a 60-min “swim-up” procedure versus ‘native’ unfractionated samples. This shows that the developed methodology can be efficiently used for the selection of morphologically sound spermatozoa. The motility type for each spermatozoon was also assessed. The results indicate that the extension of the number of morphological parameters with new 3D parameters and the simultaneous assessment of sperm motility may be valuable addition to sperm examination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ewa Stachowska
- Department of Metrology and Measurement Systems, Institute of Mechanical Technology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, Poznan, Poland
| | - Agata Augustynowicz
- Department of Metrology and Measurement Systems, Institute of Mechanical Technology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, Poznan, Poland
| | - Tomasz Woźniak
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Maciej K Kurpisz
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
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7
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Jeon H, Cremers C, Le D, Abell J, Han J. Multi-dimensional-double-spiral (MDDS) inertial microfluidic platform for sperm isolation directly from the raw semen sample. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4212. [PMID: 35273303 PMCID: PMC8913683 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08042-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we propose a fully-automated platform using a spiral inertial microfluidic device for standardized semen preparation that can process patient-derived semen samples with diverse fluidic conditions without any pre-washing steps. We utilized the multi-dimensional double spiral (MDDS) device to effectively isolate sperm cells from other non-sperm seminal cells (e.g., leukocytes) in the semen sample. The recirculation platform was employed to minimize sample dependency and achieve highly purified and concentrated (up to tenfold) sperm cells in a rapid and fully-automated manner (~ 10 min processing time for 50 mL of diluted semen sample). The clinical (raw) semen samples obtained from healthy donors were directly used without any pre-washing step to evaluate the developed separation platform, which showed excellent performance with ~ 80% of sperm cell recovery, and > 99.95% and > 98% removal of 10-μm beads (a surrogate for leukocytes) from low-viscosity and high-viscosity semen samples, respectively. We expect that the novel platform will be an efficient and automated tool to achieve purified sperm cells directly from raw semen samples for assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) as an alternative to density centrifugation or swim-up methods, which often suffer from the low recovery of sperm cells and labor-intensive steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyungkook Jeon
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Claudia Cremers
- Ohana Biosciences, 20 Acorn Park Dr, Cambridge, MA, 02140, USA
| | - Doris Le
- Ohana Biosciences, 20 Acorn Park Dr, Cambridge, MA, 02140, USA
| | - Justin Abell
- Ohana Biosciences, 20 Acorn Park Dr, Cambridge, MA, 02140, USA
| | - Jongyoon Han
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA. .,Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA. .,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
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8
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How can mating systems inform future biobanking strategies? An illustration using two Indonesian bovids, banteng (Bos javanicus) and lowland anoa (Bubalus depressicornis). Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 238:106943. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.106943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Initial Characterization of Male Southern Stingray ( Hypanus americanus) Reproductive Parameters and Preliminary Investigation of Sperm Cryopreservation. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092716. [PMID: 34573681 PMCID: PMC8468634 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Understanding the reproductive biology of a species is critical for the development of biobanks and assisted reproductive techniques to aid in the genetic management of isolated populations. Male southern stingray (Hypanus americanus) reproductive examinations were opportunistically conducted in March and June. Semen and plasma were collected to characterize ejaculate parameters and to investigate the effect of plasma total testosterone on semen quality. Semen was used for preliminary sperm cryopreservation studies. Changes in semen quality were observed with changes in plasma testosterone concentrations and body conditions. Southern stingray spermatozoa were highly sensitive to cooling rates with slower rates, producing a higher post-thaw survival. Abstract This study investigated the reproductive biology and sperm cryopreservation of ex situ southern stingrays (Hypanus americanus) by semen collection and characterization and the development and validation of an enzyme-linked immunoassay for plasma total testosterone. Semen was collected in March and June using a manual massage technique, and the ejaculates were assessed for volume, pH, osmolarity, motility, status (0–5 scale: 0 = no forward progression, 5 = rapid linear progression) and total sperm count. Semen was extended in Hank’s elasmobranch ringer solution containing 10% DMSO, 10% glycerol or 5% glycerol with 5% N-methylformamide and cryopreserved using a conventional freezing method (~−50 °C/min) or a modified slow freezing method (~−3 °C/min). Body condition was scored from 1–5 and was noted to be low in March (1.93 ± 0.07) due to feeding practices and increased by June (2.93 ± 0.05) after dietary corrections were made. A concomitant increase (p < 0.05) in plasma total testosterone concentration and sperm motility was noted between March (8.0 ± 7.2 ng/mL, 5.71 ± 2.77%) and June (97.3 ± 11.3 ng/mL, 51.4 ± 14.3%). Samples cryopreserved using a modified slow freeze method (~−3 °C/min) had higher post-thaw motility and plasma membrane integrity than conventionally cryopreserved samples. Data indicate that southern stingray sperm morphometrics adheres to those of other elasmobranch species and that a slow cooling rate may be an avenue of research to improve southern stingray sperm survival during cryopreservation.
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Occurrence of Calcium Oscillations in Human Spermatozoa Is Based on Spatial Signaling Enzymes Distribution. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158018. [PMID: 34360784 PMCID: PMC8347727 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In human spermatozoa, calcium dynamics control most of fertilization events. Progesterone, present in the female reproductive system, can trigger several types of calcium responses, such as low-frequency oscillations. Here we aimed to identify the mechanisms of progesterone-induced calcium signaling in human spermatozoa. Progesterone-induced activation of fluorophore-loaded spermatozoa was studied by fluorescent microscopy. Two computational models were developed to describe the spermatozoa calcium responses: a homogeneous one based on a system of ordinary differential equations and a three-dimensional one with added space dimensions and diffusion for the cytosolic species. In response to progesterone, three types of calcium responses were observed in human spermatozoa: a single transient rise of calcium concentration in cytosol, a steady elevation, or low-frequency oscillations. The homogenous model provided qualitative description of the oscillatory and the single spike responses, while the three-dimensional model captured the calcium peak shape and the frequency of calcium oscillations. The model analysis demonstrated that an increase in the calcium diffusion coefficient resulted in the disappearance of the calcium oscillations. Additionally, in silico analysis suggested that the spatial distribution of calcium signaling enzymes governs the appearance of calcium oscillations in progesterone-activated human spermatozoa.
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11
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Martinez G, Garcia C. Sexual selection and sperm diversity in primates. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 518:110974. [PMID: 32926966 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Many aspects of primate sperm physiology and reproductive behavior have been influenced by sexual selection, especially in taxa exposed to sperm competition where females mate with multiple partners. Primate sperm diversity reflects therefore the evolutionary divergences of the different primate species and the impact of a combination of variables exerting selection pressures on sperm form, function, and competition. Thereby, mating systems, life cycle or ecological variables are some of the important factors driving sperm diversity and explaining variation in terms of sperm morphology, parameters or male sexual characters. Here, we address primate sperm diversity through a compilation of all data available in the literature concerning primate sperm parameters and relationships between them. We also review the factors that can influence primate sperm diversity (e.g. mating systems, trade-off between investments in precopulatory and postcopulatory sexual traits, male and female sexual behaviors, seasonality, social constraints, testosterone levels), and discuss also their relevance to our understanding of human reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Martinez
- Hôpital Couple-Enfant, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, UM de Génétique Chromosomique, F-38000, Grenoble, France; Genetic Epigenetic and Therapies of Infertility, Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, F-38000, Grenoble, France.
| | - Cécile Garcia
- UMR 7206 Eco-anthropologie, CNRS - MNHN - Université de Paris, Musée de l'Homme, 75016, Paris, France.
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12
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Gu NH, Zhao WL, Wang GS, Sun F. Comparative analysis of mammalian sperm ultrastructure reveals relationships between sperm morphology, mitochondrial functions and motility. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2019; 17:66. [PMID: 31416446 PMCID: PMC6696699 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-019-0510-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sperm morphology mainly refers to the shape of the head, the length of the flagellar segments, including the midpiece, principal piece and end piece, and the size of the accessory structures, including axonemes, outer dense fibers (ODFs), mitochondrial sheath (MS) and fibrous sheath (FS). Across species, there is considerable diversity in morphology. An established theory posits that the length of the sperm flagellum, especially the length of the midpiece, is a critical factor influencing sperm metabolism and velocity. However, our understanding of the relationships between sperm ultrastructures and the sperm flagellar length is incomplete. METHODS The morphologies of sperm from 10 mammalian species, human, mouse, rat, dog, rabbit, goat, pig, bull, guinea pig and golden hamster, were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). According to the SEM and TME images, the length of sperm heads and flagellar segments, the cross-sectional areas of the accessory structures and flagella and the width of sperm heads were measured using Image J software. The variation tendencies (referred to as slope) of the accessory structures along flagella were calculated by the linear regression method. Mitochondrial functions were measured using commercial kits. The velocities of sperm were measured using CASA software. RESULTS The three-dimensional morphologies of sperm from 10 species and the slopes of internal accessory structures along flagella were obtained. The width of the axoneme tapered slightly from the base to the tip of the sperm flagellum, and slopes of the axonemes correlated negatively with the variability in flagellar length across species. Additionally, the cross-sectional areas of the ODFs and/or the MS were positively correlated with the lengths of the midpiece, principal piece, and total flagellum, as well as with sperm velocities. Mitochondrial volumes were positively correlated with ATP content and sperm swimming velocities. CONCLUSIONS Our results not only show the relationship between sperm internal structures, flagellar length and sperm physiology but also provide sizes of mitochondria and ODFs as new targets with which to study the regulation of sperm length and velocity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni-Hao Gu
- 0000 0004 0368 8293grid.16821.3cInternational Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine,Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030 China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Orignal Diseases, Shanghai, 200030 China
- 0000 0004 0368 8293grid.16821.3cShanghai Municipal Key Clinical Speciality, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Wen-Long Zhao
- 0000 0004 0368 8293grid.16821.3cInternational Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine,Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030 China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Orignal Diseases, Shanghai, 200030 China
- 0000 0004 0368 8293grid.16821.3cShanghai Municipal Key Clinical Speciality, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Gui-Shuan Wang
- 0000 0000 9530 8833grid.260483.bInstitute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001 Jiangsu China
| | - Fei Sun
- 0000 0004 0368 8293grid.16821.3cInternational Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine,Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030 China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Orignal Diseases, Shanghai, 200030 China
- 0000 0004 0368 8293grid.16821.3cShanghai Municipal Key Clinical Speciality, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030 China
- 0000 0000 9530 8833grid.260483.bInstitute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001 Jiangsu China
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13
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Abstract
The trajectory of sperm in the presence of background flow is of utmost importance for the success of fertilization, as sperm encounter background flow of different magnitude and direction on their way to the egg. Here, we have studied the effect of an unbounded simple shear flow as well as a Poiseuille flow on the sperm trajectory. In the presence of a simple shear flow, the sperm moves on an elliptical trajectory in the reference frame advecting with the local background flow. The length of the major-axis of this elliptical trajectory decreases with the shear rate. The flexibility of the flagellum and consequently the length of the major axis of the elliptical trajectories increases with the sperm number. The sperm number is a dimensionless number representing the ratio of viscous force to elastic force. The sperm moves downstream or upstream depending on the strength of background Poiseuille flow. In contrast to the simple shear flow, the sperm also moves toward the centerline in a Poiseuille flow. Far away from the centerline, the cross-stream migration velocity of the sperm increases as the transverse distance of the sperm from the centerline decreases. Close to the centerline, on the other hand, the cross-stream migration velocity decreases as the sperm further approaches the center. The cross-stream migration velocity of the sperm also increases with the sperm number.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Kumar
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, 47907, USA.
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14
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Panahi S, Abdollahifar MA, Aliaghaei A, Nazarian H, Paktinat S, Abdi S, Farahani RM. Application of stereological methods for unbiased estimation of sperm morphology in the mice induced by busulfan. Anat Cell Biol 2017; 50:301-305. [PMID: 29354302 PMCID: PMC5768567 DOI: 10.5115/acb.2017.50.4.301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 11/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Busulfan is an anticancer drug, which causes the apoptosis germ cells and azoospermia in humans and animals. Abnormal morphology of spermatozoa related to the male infertility. The sperm morphology is evaluation of sperm size, shape and appearance characteristics should be assessed by carefully observing a stained sperm sample under the microscope. Evaluation of sperm morphology has been considered as one of the most important factors for a successful fertilization and determining sperm quality. The mice were assigned to tow experimental groups: control and busulfan. Each group included six mice that were housed under standard conditions. The volume was estimated using the nucleator method. The sperm's flegellum and mid-piece length was estimated by counting the number of intersections between the tails and Merz grid test line in an unbiased counting frame, superimposed on live images of sperms. Our results demonstrated a significant different in the volume and surface of the sperm's head and the length of the sperm's flagellum in the control and busulfan groups. Busulfan can effect on the volume of the sperm's head and the length of the sperm's flagellum in rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakineh Panahi
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Amin Abdollahifar
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Aliaghaei
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Nazarian
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahrokh Paktinat
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shabnam Abdi
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Azad University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Mastery Farahani
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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15
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Son J, Samuel R, Gale BK, Carrell DT, Hotaling JM. Separation of sperm cells from samples containing high concentrations of white blood cells using a spiral channel. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2017; 11:054106. [PMID: 29034050 PMCID: PMC5617737 DOI: 10.1063/1.4994548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic technology has potential to separate sperm cells from unwanted debris while improving the effectiveness of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Current clinical protocol limitations regarding the separation of sperm cells from other cells/cellular debris can lead to low sperm recovery when the sample contains a low concentration of mostly low motility sperm cells and a high concentration of unwanted cells/cellular debris, such as in semen samples from patients with pyospermia [high white blood cell (WBC) semen]. This study demonstrates label-free separation of sperm cells from such semen samples using inertial microfluidics. The approach does not require any externally applied forces except the movement of the fluid sample through the instrument. Using this approach, it was possible to recover not only any motile sperm, but also viable less-motile and non-motile sperm cells with high recovery rates. Our results demonstrate the ability of inertial microfluidics to significantly reduce WBC concentration by flow focusing of target WBCs within a spiral channel flow. The estimated sample process time was more rapid (∼5 min) and autonomous than the conventional method (gradient centrifuge sperm wash; ∼1 h). A mixture of sperm/WBC was injected as the device input and 83% of sperm cells and 93% of WBCs were collected separately from two distinct outlets. The results show promise for enhancing sperm samples through inertial flow processing of WBCs and sperm cells that can provide an advantage to ART procedures such as sample preparation for intrauterine insemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyoung Son
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Raheel Samuel
- Urology Division of Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, USA
| | - Bruce K Gale
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Douglas T Carrell
- Urology Division of Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, USA
| | - James M Hotaling
- Urology Division of Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, USA
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16
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García-Vázquez FA, Gadea J, Matás C, Holt WV. Importance of sperm morphology during sperm transport and fertilization in mammals. Asian J Androl 2017; 18:844-850. [PMID: 27624988 PMCID: PMC5109874 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.186880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
After natural or artificial insemination, the spermatozoon starts a journey from the site of deposition to the place of fertilization. However, only a small subset of the spermatozoa deposited achieves their goal: to reach and fertilize the egg. Factors involved in controlling sperm transport and fertilization include the female reproductive tract environment, cell-cell interactions, gene expression, and phenotypic sperm traits. Some of the significant determinants of fertilization are known (i.e., motility or DNA status), but many sperm traits are still indecipherable. One example is the influence of sperm dimensions and shape upon transport within the female genital tract towards the oocyte. Biophysical associations between sperm size and motility may influence the progression of spermatozoa through the female reproductive tract, but uncertainties remain concerning how sperm morphology influences the fertilization process, and whether only the sperm dimensions per se are involved. Moreover, such explanations do not allow the possibility that the female tract is capable of distinguishing fertile spermatozoa on the basis of their morphology, as seems to be the case with biochemical, molecular, and genetic properties. This review focuses on the influence of sperm size and shape in evolution and their putative role in sperm transport and selection within the uterus and the ability to fertilize the oocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco A García-Vázquez
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Joaquín Gadea
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Carmen Matás
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - William V Holt
- Department of Human Metabolism, Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Sheffield S10 2SF, UK
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17
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Ros-Santaella JL, Pintus E, Garde JJ. Intramale variation in sperm size: functional significance in a polygynous mammal. PeerJ 2015; 3:e1478. [PMID: 26664807 PMCID: PMC4675104 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.1478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies concerning the relationships between sperm size and velocity at the intraspecific level are quite limited and often yielded contradictory results across the animal kingdom. Intramale variation in sperm size may represent a meaningful factor to predict sperm velocity, due to its relationship with the level of sperm competition among related taxa. Because sperm phenotype is under post-copulatory sexual selection, we hypothesized that a reduced intramale variation in sperm size is associated with sperm competitiveness in red deer. Our results show that low variation in sperm size is strongly related to high sperm velocity and normal sperm morphology, which in turn are good predictors of male fertility in this species. Furthermore, it is well known that the red deer show high variability in testicular mass but there is limited knowledge concerning the significance of this phenomenon at intraspecific level, even though it may reveal interesting processes of sexual selection. Thereby, as a preliminary result, we found that absolute testes mass is negatively associated with intramale variation in sperm size. Our findings suggest that sperm size variation in red deer is under a strong selective force leading to increase sperm function efficiency, and reveal new insights into sexual selection mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Luis Ros-Santaella
- SaBio, IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM) , Albacete , Spain ; Department of Animal Science and Food Processing/Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague , Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Eliana Pintus
- Department of Veterinary Sciences/Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague , Prague , Czech Republic
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18
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Pintus E, Ros-Santaella JL, Garde JJ. Beyond Testis Size: Links between Spermatogenesis and Sperm Traits in a Seasonal Breeding Mammal. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0139240. [PMID: 26430740 PMCID: PMC4592251 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0139240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a costly process that is expected to be under selection to maximise sperm quantity and quality. Testis size is often regarded as a proxy measure of sperm investment, implicitly overlooking the quantitative assessment of spermatogenesis. An enhanced understanding of testicular function, beyond testis size, may reveal further sexual traits involved in sperm quantity and quality. Here, we first estimated the inter-male variation in testicular function and sperm traits in red deer across the breeding and non-breeding seasons. Then, we analysed the relationships between the testis mass, eight parameters of spermatogenic function, and seven parameters of sperm quality. Our findings revealed that the Sertoli cell number and function parameters vary greatly between red deer males, and that spermatogenic activity co-varies with testis mass and sperm quality across the breeding and non-breeding seasons. For the first time in a seasonal breeder, we found that not only is the Sertoli cell number important in determining testis mass (r = 0.619, p = 0.007 and r = 0.248, p = 0.047 for the Sertoli cell number assessed by histology and cytology, respectively), but also sperm function (r = 0.703, p = 0.002 and r = 0.328, p = 0.012 for the Sertoli cell number assessed by histology and cytology, respectively). Testicular histology also revealed that a high Sertoli cell number per tubular cross-section is associated with high sperm production (r = 0.600, p = 0.009). Sperm production and function were also positively correlated (r = 0.384, p = 0.004), suggesting that these traits co-vary to maximise sperm fertilisation ability in red deer. In conclusion, our findings contribute to the understanding of the dynamics of spermatogenesis, and reveal new insights into the role of testicular function and the Sertoli cell number on testis size and sperm quality in red deer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliana Pintus
- Department of Veterinary Clinics and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - José Luis Ros-Santaella
- Department of Animal Science and Food Processing, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
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19
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Andolfi L, Trevisan E, Troian B, Prato S, Boscolo R, Giolo E, Luppi S, Martinelli M, Ricci G, Zweyer M. The application of scanning near field optical imaging to the study of human sperm morphology. J Nanobiotechnology 2015; 13:2. [PMID: 25591971 PMCID: PMC4302611 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-014-0061-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The morphology of spermatozoa is a fundamental aspect to consider in fertilization, sperm pathology, assisted reproduction and contraception. Head, neck, midpiece, principal and terminal part of flagellum are the main sperm components to investigate for identifying morphological features and related anomalies. Recently, scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM), which belongs to the wide family of nanoscopic techniques, has opened up new routes for the investigation of biological systems. SNOM is the only technique able to provide simultaneously highly resolved topography and optical images with a resolution beyond the diffraction limit, typical of conventional optical microscopy. This offers the advantage to obtain complementary information about cell surface and cytoplasmatic structures. Results In this work human spermatozoa both healthy and with morphological anomalies are analyzed by SNOM, to demonstrate the potentiality of such approach in the visualization of sperm morphological details. The combination of SNOM topography with optical (reflection and transmission) images enables to examine typical topographic features of spermatozoa together with underlying cytoplasmic structures. Indeed the head shape and inner components as acrosome and nucleus, and the organization of mitochondria in the midpiece region are observed. Analogously for principal tract of the tail, the ridges and the columns are detected in the SNOM topography, while their internal arrangement can be observed in the corresponding SNOM optical transmission images, without requiring specific staining procedures or invasive protocols. Conclusions Such findings demonstrate that SNOM represents a versatile and powerful tool to describe topographical and inner structural details of spermatozoa simultaneously. This analysis could be helpful for better characterizing several morphological anomalies, often related to sperm infertility, which cannot be examined by conventional techniques all together. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12951-014-0061-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Andolfi
- IOM-CNR, Area Science Park, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Elisa Trevisan
- Department of Life Sciences University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Barbara Troian
- A.P.E. Research Srl, AREA Science Park, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Stefano Prato
- A.P.E. Research Srl, AREA Science Park, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Rita Boscolo
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Elena Giolo
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Stefania Luppi
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Monica Martinelli
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Ricci
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy. .,Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Marina Zweyer
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.
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