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Becerro-Rey L, Martín-Cano FE, Ferrusola CO, Rodríguez-Martínez H, Gaitskell-Phillips G, da Silva-Álvarez E, Silva-Rodríguez A, Gil MC, Peña FJ. Aging of stallion spermatozoa stored in vitro is delayed at 22°C using a 67 mm glucose-10 mm pyruvate-based media. Andrology 2024; 12:1170-1185. [PMID: 38041502 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most commerce of equine seminal doses is carried out using commercial extenders under refrigeration at 5°C. OBJECTIVES To determine if 10 mm pyruvate in a 67 mm glucose extender and storage at 22°C could be the basis of an alternative storage method to cooling to 5°C. MATERIAL AND METHODS Stallion ejaculates were extendedin: INRA96 (67 mm glucose, non-pyruvate control), modified Tyrode's (67 mm glucose-10 mm pyruvate), supplemented with 0, 10, 50, and 100 μM itaconate. As itaconate was vehiculated in DMSO, a control vehicle was also included. Sperm motility, viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, and production of reactive oxygen species were measured after collection and again after 48 and 96 h of storage at 22°C. To disclose molecular metabolic changes, spermatozoa were incubated up to 3 h in modified Tyrode's 67 mm glucose-10 mm pyruvate and modified Tyrode's 67 mm glucose, and metabolic analysis conducted. RESULTS After 96 h of storage aliquots stored in the control, INRA96 had a very poor total motility of 5.6% ± 2.3%, while in the 67 mm glucose-10 mm pyruvate/10 μm itaconate extender, total motility was 34.7% ± 3.8% (p = 0.0066). After 96 h, viability was better in most pyruvate-based media, and the mitochondrial membrane potential in spermatozoa extended in INRA96 was relatively lower (p < 0.0001). Metabolomics revealed that in the spermatozoa incubated in the high pyruvate media, there was an increase in the relative amounts of NAD+, pyruvate, lactate, and ATP. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Aliquots stored in a 67 mm glucose-10 mm pyruvate-based medium supplemented with 10 μM itaconate, maintained a 35% total motility after 96 h of storage at 22°C, which is considered the minimum acceptable motility for commercialization. Improvements may be related to the conversion of pyruvate to lactate and regeneration of NAD+.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Becerro-Rey
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Francisco Eduardo Martín-Cano
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Cristina Ortega Ferrusola
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Heriberto Rodríguez-Martínez
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Obstetrics & Gynaecology (BKH), University of Linköping, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Gemma Gaitskell-Phillips
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Eva da Silva-Álvarez
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Antonio Silva-Rodríguez
- Facility of Innovation and Analysis in Animal Source Foodstuffs, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - María Cruz Gil
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Fernando J Peña
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
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Hai E, Li B, Zhang J, Zhang J. Sperm freezing damage: the role of regulated cell death. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:239. [PMID: 38762505 PMCID: PMC11102515 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-02013-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Substantial progress in research on sperm cryopreservation has occurred since the twentieth century, especially focusing on improving sperm freezing procedures and optimizing semen extenders. However, the cellular biological mechanisms of sperm freezing damage are still unclear, which greatly restricts the promotion and development of sperm cryopreservation. An essential component of sperm freezing damage is the occurrence of cell death. Considering the existence of multiple types of cell death pathways, this review discusses connections between characteristics of regulated cell death (e.g., apoptosis and ferroptosis), and accidental cell death (e.g., intracellular ice crystals) with sperm freezing damage and explores possible future research directions in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erhan Hai
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Sheep & Goat Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Boyuan Li
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Sheep & Goat Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Sheep & Goat Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Sheep & Goat Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, Inner Mongolia, China.
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3
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da Silva CMB, Cano FEM, Gaitskell-Phillips G, Vega FJP. Multiparametric Flow Cytometry for Determination of Viability, Caspase 3 and 7 Activity, and Lipid Peroxidation Adduct (4-Hydroxynonenal) in Equine Spermatozoa. Curr Protoc 2023; 3:e885. [PMID: 37672491 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.885] [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] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Flow cytometry is a powerful tool for the analysis of cell samples formed of multipopulations, such as spermatozoa. In recent years, multiparametric cytometers have evolved, allowing the study of different cellular characteristics, such as protein expression, DNA analysis, or mitochondrial activity. Whether using traditional fluorescent dyes or fluorophore-conjugated antibodies, each cell or cellular component is individually stained, the sample is analyzed at high velocities, and then is displayed and interpreted in a dot-plot. We hereby describe the procedure to perform a multiparametric flow cytometry analysis in equine spermatozoa using three sources of excitation and polychromatic flow cytometry for the detection of 4HNE, a lipid peroxidation adduct (by anti-4HNE antibody), apoptotic markers (by caspases 3 and 7 activity), and live/dead spermatozoa (by ethidium-homodimer) excluding the debris with Hoechst 33342 staining and gating. This multiparametric analysis allows the simultaneous detection of different spermatic parameters, providing useful information for the characterization of a seminal sample and fertility estimation. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol: Determination of viability, caspase 3 and 7 activity, and 4-hydroxynonenal in equine spermatozoa by flow cytometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Maria Balão da Silva
- Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, Agrarian School of Elvas, Elvas, Portugal
- VALORIZA, Research Centre for Endogenous Resources Valorization, Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, Portalegre, Portugal
| | - Francisco E Martín Cano
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Gemma Gaitskell-Phillips
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Fernando J Peña Vega
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
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4
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Bazzano M, Laus F, Spaterna A, Marchegiani A. Use of nutraceuticals in the stallion: Effects on semen quality and preservation. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 56:951-957. [PMID: 33772909 PMCID: PMC8360198 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Nutritional supplements are widely used in the equine industry with the aim of improving horse health, sports or reproductive performances. Over the years, a number of studies have focused on investigating the effects of several dietary compounds on the quality and preservation of stallion semen. This paper reviews the literature available on the use of nutritional supplementation for the improvement of reproductive performance and semen quality in equine species, critically appraising the benefits and negative effects of several compounds found in complementary feeds such as PUFAs from different sources, vitamins and antioxidants, carnitine and botanical extracts. Different nutraceuticals have been highlighted to improve stallion fertility by providing optimal levels of antioxidants, with the most promising results obtained by the combination of PUFAs and antioxidants that resulted to be essential for the maintenance of normal reproductive functions and the reduction of cryodamage in cooled and frozen equine semen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilena Bazzano
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Matelica MC, Italy
| | - Fulvio Laus
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Matelica MC, Italy
| | - Andrea Spaterna
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Matelica MC, Italy
| | - Andrea Marchegiani
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Matelica MC, Italy
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5
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Estaras M, Peña FJ, Tapia JA, Fernandez-Bermejo M, Mateos JM, Vara D, Roncero V, Blanco G, Lopez D, Salido GM, Gonzalez A. Melatonin modulates proliferation of pancreatic stellate cells through caspase-3 activation and changes in cyclin A and D expression. J Physiol Biochem 2020; 76:345-355. [PMID: 32361979 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-020-00740-6] [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: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the effects of melatonin (1 μM-1 mM) on pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) have been examined. Cell viability and proliferation, caspase-3 activation, and the expression of cyclin A and cyclin D were analyzed. Our results show that melatonin decreased PSC viability in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. This effect was not inhibited by treatment of cells with MT1, MT2, calmodulin, or ROR-alpha inhibitors prior to melatonin addition. Activation of caspase-3 in response to melatonin was detected. The expression of cyclin A and cyclin D was decreased in cells treated with melatonin. Finally, changes in BrdU incorporation into the newly synthesized DNA of proliferating cells were also observed in the presence of melatonin. We conclude that melatonin, at pharmacological concentrations, modulates proliferation of PSC through activation of apoptosis and involving crucial regulators of the cell cycle. These actions might not require specific melatonin receptors. Our observations suggest that melatonin, at high doses, could potentially exert anti-fibrotic effects and, thus, could be taken into consideration as supportive treatment in the therapy of pancreatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matias Estaras
- Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers, University of Extremadura, Avenida de las Ciencias s/n, E-10003, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Fernando J Peña
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - José A Tapia
- Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers, University of Extremadura, Avenida de las Ciencias s/n, E-10003, Cáceres, Spain
| | | | - Jose M Mateos
- Department of Gastroenterology, San Pedro de Alcantara Hospital, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Daniel Vara
- Department of Gastroenterology, San Pedro de Alcantara Hospital, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Vicente Roncero
- Unit of Histology and Pathological Anatomy, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Gerardo Blanco
- Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Liver Transplant Unit, Infanta Cristina Hospital, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Diego Lopez
- Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Liver Transplant Unit, Infanta Cristina Hospital, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Gines M Salido
- Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers, University of Extremadura, Avenida de las Ciencias s/n, E-10003, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Antonio Gonzalez
- Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers, University of Extremadura, Avenida de las Ciencias s/n, E-10003, Cáceres, Spain.
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6
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From Past to Present: The Link Between Reactive Oxygen Species in Sperm and Male Infertility. Antioxidants (Basel) 2019; 8:antiox8120616. [PMID: 31817049 PMCID: PMC6943565 DOI: 10.3390/antiox8120616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can be generated in mammalian cells via both enzymatic and non-enzymatic mechanisms. In sperm cells, while ROS may function as signalling molecules for some physiological pathways, the oxidative stress arising from the ubiquitous production of these compounds has been implicated in the pathogenesis of male infertility. In vitro studies have undoubtedly shown that spermatozoa are indeed susceptible to free radicals. However, many reports correlating ROS with sperm function impairment are based on an oxidative stress scenario created in vitro, lacking a more concrete observation of the real capacity of sperm in the production of ROS. Furthermore, sample contamination by leukocytes and the drawbacks of many dyes and techniques used to measure ROS also greatly impact the reliability of most studies in this field. Therefore, in addition to a careful scrutiny of the data already available, many aspects of the relationship between ROS and sperm physiopathology are still in need of further controlled and solid experiments before any definitive conclusions are drawn.
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7
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Peña FJ, O’Flaherty C, Ortiz Rodríguez JM, Martín Cano FE, Gaitskell-Phillips GL, Gil MC, Ortega Ferrusola C. Redox Regulation and Oxidative Stress: The Particular Case of the Stallion Spermatozoa. Antioxidants (Basel) 2019; 8:antiox8110567. [PMID: 31752408 PMCID: PMC6912273 DOI: 10.3390/antiox8110567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Redox regulation and oxidative stress have become areas of major interest in spermatology. Alteration of redox homeostasis is recognized as a significant cause of male factor infertility and is behind the damage that spermatozoa experience after freezing and thawing or conservation in a liquid state. While for a long time, oxidative stress was just considered an overproduction of reactive oxygen species, nowadays it is considered as a consequence of redox deregulation. Many essential aspects of spermatozoa functionality are redox regulated, with reversible oxidation of thiols in cysteine residues of key proteins acting as an “on–off” switch controlling sperm function. However, if deregulation occurs, these residues may experience irreversible oxidation and oxidative stress, leading to malfunction and ultimately death of the spermatozoa. Stallion spermatozoa are “professional producers” of reactive oxygen species due to their intense mitochondrial activity, and thus sophisticated systems to control redox homeostasis are also characteristic of the spermatozoa in the horse. As a result, and combined with the fact that embryos can easily be collected in this species, horses are a good model for the study of redox biology in the spermatozoa and its impact on the embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando J. Peña
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; (J.M.O.R.); (F.E.M.C.); (G.L.G.-P.); (M.C.G.); (C.O.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-927-257-167
| | - Cristian O’Flaherty
- Departments of Surgery (Urology Division) and Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada;
| | - José M. Ortiz Rodríguez
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; (J.M.O.R.); (F.E.M.C.); (G.L.G.-P.); (M.C.G.); (C.O.F.)
| | - Francisco E. Martín Cano
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; (J.M.O.R.); (F.E.M.C.); (G.L.G.-P.); (M.C.G.); (C.O.F.)
| | - Gemma L. Gaitskell-Phillips
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; (J.M.O.R.); (F.E.M.C.); (G.L.G.-P.); (M.C.G.); (C.O.F.)
| | - María C. Gil
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; (J.M.O.R.); (F.E.M.C.); (G.L.G.-P.); (M.C.G.); (C.O.F.)
| | - Cristina Ortega Ferrusola
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; (J.M.O.R.); (F.E.M.C.); (G.L.G.-P.); (M.C.G.); (C.O.F.)
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8
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The roles of reactive oxygen species and antioxidants in cryopreservation. Biosci Rep 2019; 39:BSR20191601. [PMID: 31371631 PMCID: PMC6712439 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20191601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation has facilitated advancement of biological research by allowing the storage of cells over prolonged periods of time. While cryopreservation at extremely low temperatures would render cells metabolically inactive, cells suffer insults during the freezing and thawing process. Among such insults, the generation of supra-physiological levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) could impair cellular functions and survival. Antioxidants are potential additives that were reported to partially or completely reverse freeze-thaw stress-associated impairments. This review aims to discuss the potential sources of cryopreservation-induced ROS and the effectiveness of antioxidant administration when used individually or in combination.
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9
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Rosiglitazone in the thawing medium improves mitochondrial function in stallion spermatozoa through regulating Akt phosphorylation and reduction of caspase 3. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211994. [PMID: 31276504 PMCID: PMC6611560 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The population of stallion spermatozoa that survive thawing experience compromised mitochondrial functionality and accelerated senescence, among other changes. It is known that stallion spermatozoa show very active oxidative phosphorylation that may accelerate sperm senescence through increased production of reactive oxygen species. Rosiglitazone has been proven to enhance the glycolytic capability of stallion spermatozoa maintained at ambient temperature. OBJECTIVES Thus, we hypothesized that thawed sperm may also benefit from rosiglitazone supplementation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thawed sperm were washed and resuspended in Tyrodes media, and the samples were divided and supplemented with 0 or 75 μM rosiglitazone. After one and two hours of incubation, mitochondrial functionality, Akt phosphorylation and caspase 3 activity were evaluated. Additional samples were incubated in the presence of an Akt1/2 inhibitor, compound C (an AMPK inhibitor) or GW9662 (an antagonist of the PPARγ receptor). RESULTS Rosiglitazone maintained Akt phosphorylation and reduced caspase 3 activation (p<0.01), both of which were prevented by incubation in the presence of the three inhibitors. Rosiglitazone also enhanced mitochondrial functionality (P<0.01). CONCLUSION We provide the first evidence that the functionality of frozen stallion spermatozoa can be potentially improved after thawing through the activation of pro survival pathways, providing new clues for improving current sperm biotechnology.
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10
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Ortiz-Rodriguez JM, Ortega-Ferrusola C, Gil MC, Martín-Cano FE, Gaitskell-Phillips G, Rodríguez-Martínez H, Hinrichs K, Álvarez-Barrientos A, Román Á, Peña FJ. Transcriptome analysis reveals that fertilization with cryopreserved sperm downregulates genes relevant for early embryo development in the horse. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213420. [PMID: 31237882 PMCID: PMC6592594 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Artificial insemination with cryopreserved spermatozoa is a major assisted reproductive technology in many species. In horses, as in humans, insemination with cryopreserved sperm is associated with lower pregnancy rates than those for fresh sperm, however, direct effects of sperm cryopreservation on the development of resulting embryos are largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in gene expression between embryos resulting from fertilization with fresh or cryopreserved sperm. Embryos were obtained at 8, 10 or 12 days after ovulation from mares inseminated post-ovulation on successive cycles with either fresh sperm or frozen-thawed sperm from the same stallion, providing matched embryo pairs at each day. RNA was isolated from two matched pairs (4 embryos) for each day, and cDNA libraries were built and sequenced. Significant differences in transcripts per kilobase million (TPM) were determined using (i) genes for which the expression difference between treatments was higher than 99% of that in the random case (P < 0.01), and (ii) genes for which the fold change was ≥ 2, to avoid expression bias in selection of the candidate genes. Molecular pathways were explored using the DAVID webserver, followed by network analyses using STRING, with a threshold of 0.700 for positive interactions. The transcriptional profile of embryos obtained with frozen-thawed sperm differed significantly from that for embryos derived from fresh sperm on all days, showing significant down-regulation of genes involved in biological pathways related to oxidative phosphorylation, DNA binding, DNA replication, and immune response. Many genes with reduced expression were orthologs of genes known to be embryonic lethal in mice. This study, for the first time, provides evidence of altered transcription in embryos resulting from fertilization with cryopreserved spermatozoa in any species. As sperm cryopreservation is commonly used in many species, including human, the effect of this intervention on expression of developmentally important genes in resulting embryos warrants attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M. Ortiz-Rodriguez
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Cristina Ortega-Ferrusola
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - María C. Gil
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Francisco E. Martín-Cano
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Gemma Gaitskell-Phillips
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Heriberto Rodríguez-Martínez
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Katrin Hinrichs
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | | | - Ángel Román
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Fernando J. Peña
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
- * E-mail:
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11
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Davila MP, Muñoz PM, Bolaños JMG, Stout TAE, Gadella BM, Tapia JA, da Silva CB, Ferrusola CO, Peña FJ. Mitochondrial ATP is required for the maintenance of membrane integrity in stallion spermatozoa, whereas motility requires both glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. Reproduction 2017; 152:683-694. [PMID: 27798283 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the hypothesis that oxidative phosphorylation is a major source of ATP to fuel stallion sperm motility, oxidative phosphorylation was suppressed using the mitochondrial uncouplers CCCP and 2,4,-dinitrophenol (DNP) and by inhibiting mitochondrial respiration at complex IV using sodium cyanide or at the level of ATP synthase using oligomycin-A. As mitochondrial dysfunction may also lead to oxidative stress, production of reactive oxygen species was monitored simultaneously. All inhibitors reduced ATP content, but oligomycin-A did so most profoundly. Oligomycin-A and CCCP also significantly reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. Sperm motility almost completely ceased after the inhibition of mitochondrial respiration and both percentage of motile sperm and sperm velocity were reduced in the presence of mitochondrial uncouplers. Inhibition of ATP synthesis resulted in the loss of sperm membrane integrity and increased the production of reactive oxygen species by degenerating sperm. Inhibition of glycolysis by deoxyglucose led to reduced sperm velocities and reduced ATP content, but not to loss of membrane integrity. These results suggest that, in contrast to many other mammalian species, stallion spermatozoa rely primarily on oxidative phosphorylation to generate the energy required for instance to maintain a functional Na+/K+ gradient, which is dependent on an Na+-K+ antiporter ATPase, which relates directly to the noted membrane integrity loss. Under aerobic conditions, however, glycolysis also provides the energy required for sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Plaza Davila
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology. Veterinary Teaching HospitalUniversity of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - P Martin Muñoz
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology. Veterinary Teaching HospitalUniversity of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - J M Gallardo Bolaños
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology. Veterinary Teaching HospitalUniversity of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - T A E Stout
- Department of Equine Sciences.,Department of Farm Animal Health
| | - B M Gadella
- Department of Farm Animal Health.,Department of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - J A Tapia
- Department of PhysiologyFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - C Balao da Silva
- Portalagre Polytechnic InstituteSuperior Agriculture School of Elvas, Elvas, Portugal
| | - C Ortega Ferrusola
- Reproduction and Obstetrics Department of Animal Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of León, León, Spain
| | - F J Peña
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology. Veterinary Teaching HospitalUniversity of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
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12
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Ortega-Ferrusola C, Anel-López L, Martín-Muñoz P, Ortíz-Rodríguez JM, Gil MC, Alvarez M, de Paz P, Ezquerra LJ, Masot AJ, Redondo E, Anel L, Peña FJ. Computational flow cytometry reveals that cryopreservation induces spermptosis but subpopulations of spermatozoa may experience capacitation-like changes. Reproduction 2016; 153:293-304. [PMID: 27965398 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Revised: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The reduced lifespan of cryopreserved spermatozoa in the mare reproductive tract has been attributed to both capacitative and apoptotic changes. However, there is a lack of studies investigating both phenomena simultaneously. In order to improve our knowledge in this particular point, we studied in raw and frozen-thawed samples apoptotic and capacitative markers using a wide battery of test based in flow cytometry. Apoptotic markers evaluated were caspase 3 activity, externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS), and mitochondrial membrane potential. Markers of changes resembling capacitation were membrane fluidity, tyrosine phosphorylation, and intracellular sodium. Conventional and computational flow cytometry using nonlinear dimensionally reduction techniques (t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE)) and automatic classification of cellular expression by nonlinear stochastic embedding (ACCENSE) were used. Most of the changes induced by cryopreservation were apoptotic, with increase in caspase 3 activation (P < 0.01), PS translocation to the outer membrane (P < 0.001), loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (P < 0.05), and increase in intracellular Na+ (P < 0.01). Average values of markers of capacitative changes were not affected by cryopreservation; however, the analysis of the phenotype of individual spermatozoa using computational flow cytometry revealed the presence of subpopulations of spermatozoa experiencing capacitative changes. For the first time advanced computational techniques were applied to the analysis of spermatozoa, and these techniques were able to disclose relevant information of the ejaculate that remained hidden using conventional flow cytometry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - L Anel-López
- Reproduction and Obstetrics Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery
| | - P Martín-Muñoz
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine SpermatologyVeterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - J M Ortíz-Rodríguez
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine SpermatologyVeterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - M C Gil
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine SpermatologyVeterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - M Alvarez
- Reproduction and Obstetrics Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery
| | - P de Paz
- Department of Molecular BiologyUniversity of León, León, Spain
| | - L J Ezquerra
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine SpermatologyVeterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - A J Masot
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine SpermatologyVeterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - E Redondo
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine SpermatologyVeterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - L Anel
- Reproduction and Obstetrics Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery
| | - F J Peña
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine SpermatologyVeterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
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New flow cytometry approaches in equine andrology. Theriogenology 2016; 86:366-72. [PMID: 27160445 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.04.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Revised: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Flow cytometry is currently recognized as a robust tool for the evaluation of sperm quality and function. However, within equine reproduction, this technique has not reached the sophistication of other areas of biology and medicine. In recent years, more sophisticated flow cytometers have been introduced in andrology laboratories, and the number of tests that can be potentially used in the evaluation of sperm physiology has increased accordingly. In this review, recent advances in the evaluation of stallion spermatozoa will be discussed. These new techniques in flow cytometry are able to simultaneously measure damage to different sperm regions and/or changes in functionality.
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