1
|
Mu Y, Zhou X, Li L, Liu X, Wen X, Zhang L, Yan B, Zhang W, Dong K, Hu H, Liao Y, Ye Z, Deng A, Wang Y, Mao Z, Yang M, Xiao X. Automatic high-throughput and non-invasive selection of sperm at the biochemical level. MED 2024; 5:603-621.e7. [PMID: 38608708 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2024.03.008] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sperm selection, a key step in assisted reproductive technology (ART), has long been restrained at the preliminary physical level (morphology or motility); however, subsequent fertilization and embryogenesis are complicated biochemical processes. Such an enormous "gap" poses tough problems for couples dealing with infertility, especially patients with severe/total asthenozoospermia . METHODS We developed a biochemical-level, automatic-screening/separation, smart droplet-TO-hydrogel chip (BLASTO-chip) for sperm selection. The droplet can sense the pH change caused by sperm's respiration products and then transforms into a hydrogel to be selected out. FINDINGS The BLASTO-chip system can select biochemically active sperm with an accuracy of over 90%, and its selection efficiency can be flexibly tuned by nearly 10-fold. All the substances in the system were proven to be biosafe via evaluating mice fertilization and offspring health. Live sperm down to 1% could be enriched by over 76-fold to 76%. For clinical application to patients with severe/total asthenozoospermia, the BLASTO-chip could select live sperm from human semen samples containing 10% live but 100% immotile sperm. The rates of fertilization, cleavage, early embryos, and blastocysts were drastically elevated from 15% to 70.83%, 10% to 62.5%, 5% to 37.5%, and 0% to 16.67%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The BLASTO-chip represents a real biochemical-level technology for sperm selection that is completely independent of sperm's motility. It can be a powerful tool in ART, especially for patients with severe/total asthenozoospermia. FUNDING This work was funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, the Ministry of Education of China, and the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Hetao Cooperation Zone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaoqin Mu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhou
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology (FRI), Department of Biomedical Sciences and Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, Key Laboratory of Biochip Technology and Biotech and Health Centre (SRI), City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Longjie Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China
| | - Xiaowen Liu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Hereditary Birth Defects Prevention and Control, Changsha Hospital for Maternal & Child Health Care Affiliated to Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Xu Wen
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Bei Yan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430023, China
| | - Kejun Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430023, China
| | - Hao Hu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yangwei Liao
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Zhengxin Ye
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Aimin Deng
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Hereditary Birth Defects Prevention and Control, Changsha Hospital for Maternal & Child Health Care Affiliated to Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology (FRI), Department of Biomedical Sciences and Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, Key Laboratory of Biochip Technology and Biotech and Health Centre (SRI), City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zenghui Mao
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Hereditary Birth Defects Prevention and Control, Changsha Hospital for Maternal & Child Health Care Affiliated to Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China.
| | - Mengsu Yang
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology (FRI), Department of Biomedical Sciences and Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, Key Laboratory of Biochip Technology and Biotech and Health Centre (SRI), City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Xianjin Xiao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sergouniotis F, Olofsson JI, Westling K, Rodriguez-Wallberg KA. First 15 Years of Assisted Reproductive Technology Using Washed Sperm in HIV-Positive Individuals Under Antiretroviral Therapy: Sweden's Nationwide Outcomes. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2023; 37:566-573. [PMID: 38096116 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2023.0163] [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: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Antiretroviral therapy has made HIV a chronic infectious disease. In Sweden, assisted reproductive technologies using sperm washing were implemented in 2004 for treatment of all HIV-positive males in serodiscordant couples at Karolinska Hospital in Stockholm. This study aimed to assess efficacy and safety of this approach and to investigate the effect of antiretroviral regimens on sperm quality of men treated for HIV. The study included all HIV-positive men (n = 53) adherent to antiretroviral treatment, including nucleoside/nucleotide analog reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) combined with non-nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) in 22 cases, or with other medication in 31 cases wishing fertility treatment. Sperm was washed using gradient centrifugation with a double tube system, frozen and thawed. Thereafter, single spermatozoa were injected in oocytes by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Treatment outcomes were compared to those of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-seropositive men in serodiscordant couples (n = 56), undergoing similar sperm washing protocols and ICSI at the center. In total, 82 fresh and 39 frozen/thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles were performed in discordant HIV couples and 92 fresh and 36 FET cycles in HBV. Fertilization rates (69.2% vs. 64.6%, p = 0.310), clinical pregnancy rates (39.2% vs. 32.6%, p = 0.378), and live birth rates (35.8% vs. 31.5%, p = 0.565) were similar between the groups and the cumulative results yielded similar outcomes with a live birth rate of 52.8% and 51.8% (p = 0.913), respectively. No post-wash sperm sample was found positive for HIV viral particles. No partner seroconversion or offspring infection was reported. NNRTI-treated men had significantly lower motile sperm concentration than non-NNRTI-treated patients (54.48% vs. 36.41%, p < 0001). This study showed that in vitro fertilization/ICSI treatment with sperm washing was safe in individuals compliant to antiretroviral treatment and the reproductive outcome was similar to that of HBV-positive men. The observed moderate negative impact on sperm motility of NNRTI regimens may be overcome by using ICSI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fotios Sergouniotis
- Laboratory of Translational Fertility Preservation, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Gynecology and Reproduction, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan I Olofsson
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katarina Westling
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kenny A Rodriguez-Wallberg
- Laboratory of Translational Fertility Preservation, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Gynecology and Reproduction, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ďuračka M, Benko F, Chňapek M, Tvrdá E. Strategies for Bacterial Eradication from Human and Animal Semen Samples: Current Options and Future Alternatives. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:6978. [PMID: 37571761 PMCID: PMC10422635 DOI: 10.3390/s23156978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
The primary role of semen processing and preservation is to maintain a high proportion of structurally and functionally competent and mature spermatozoa, that may be used for the purposes of artificial reproduction when needed, whilst minimizing any potential causes of sperm deterioration during ex vivo semen handling. Out of a multitude of variables determining the success of sperm preservation, bacterial contamination has been acknowledged with an increased interest because of its often unpredictable and complex effects on semen quality. Whilst antibiotics are usually the most straight-forward option to prevent the bacterial contamination of semen, antimicrobial resistance has become a serious threat requiring widespread attention. As such, besides discussing the consequences of bacteriospermia on the sperm vitality and the risks of antibiotic overuse in andrology, this paper summarizes the currently available evidence on alternative strategies to prevent bacterial contamination of semen prior to, during, and following sperm processing, selection, and preservation. Alternative antibacterial supplements are reviewed, and emphasis is given to modern methods of sperm selection that may be combined by the physical removal of bacteria prior to sperm preservation or by use in assisted reproductive technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michal Ďuračka
- AgroBioTech Research Centre, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Filip Benko
- Institute of Applied Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Milan Chňapek
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Eva Tvrdá
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tvrdá E, Ďuračka M, Benko F, Lukáč N. Bacteriospermia - A formidable player in male subfertility. Open Life Sci 2022; 17:1001-1029. [PMID: 36060647 PMCID: PMC9386612 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0097] [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: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial colonization of male reproductive tissues, cells, and fluids, and the subsequent impact of bacteria on the sperm architecture, activity, and fertilizing potential, has recently gained increased attention from the medical and scientific community. Current evidence strongly emphasizes the fact that the presence of bacteria in semen may have dire consequences on the resulting male fertility. Nevertheless, the molecular basis underlying bacteriospermia-associated suboptimal semen quality is sophisticated, multifactorial, and still needs further understanding. Bacterial adhesion and subsequent sperm agglutination and immobilization represent the most direct pathway of sperm-bacterial interactions. Furthermore, the release of bacterial toxins and leukocytic infiltration, associated with a massive outburst of reactive oxygen species, have been repeatedly associated with sperm dysfunction in bacteria-infested semen. This review serves as a summary of the present knowledge on bacteriospermia-associated male subfertility. Furthermore, we strived to outline the currently available methods for assessing bacterial profiles in semen and to outline the most promising strategies for the prevention and/or management of bacteriospermia in practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Tvrdá
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Applied Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, Nitra-Chrenová, 949 76, Slovakia
| | - Michal Ďuračka
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Applied Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, Nitra-Chrenová, 949 76, Slovakia
| | - Filip Benko
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Applied Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, Nitra-Chrenová, 949 76, Slovakia
| | - Norbert Lukáč
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Applied Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, Nitra-Chrenová, 949 76, Slovakia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yousef MS, Abdelhamid HN, Hidalgo M, Fathy R, Gómez-Gascón L, Dorado J. Antimicrobial activity of silver-carbon nanoparticles on the bacterial flora of bull semen. Theriogenology 2020; 161:219-227. [PMID: 33340755 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The spermicidal effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) hinder its application in the field of artificial insemination. In this study, silver-carbon NPs (Ag@C NPs) was synthesized and applied as an alternative antibiotic agent for bull semen extender. Ag@C NPs were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic absorption flame spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope (TEM), and high-resolution TEM (HR-TEM). Data analysis revealed the successful synthesis of Ag@C NPs with a particle size of 1-5 nm (average particle size of 2.5 nm) embedded into carbon. The antimicrobial activity of Ag@C NPs was tested against bacteriospermia of fresh semen collected from five fertile bulls (three ejaculates/bull). Escherichia coli (E. Coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) were isolated from fresh semen samples and identified by culture, staining, and conventional biochemical tests. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of Ag@C NPs against bacteriospermia was determined at 5 and 37 °C. Ag@C NPs showed efficient antimicrobial activity (MIC: 3.125-12.5 μg/mL) against the tested strains and strong bactericidal effect on S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa (MBC: 3.125 μg/mL), with no detrimental effect (P ˃ 0.05) on the percentage of sperm motility (70.71 ± 4.82; 74.65 ± 4.46), plasma membrane integrity (68.39 ± 4.31; 72.38 ± 4.91), acrosome integrity (88.40 ± 13.21; 86.77 ± 14.23), and normal sperm morphology (86.85 ± 7.43; 87.82 ± 8.15) at concentrations of 15 and 30 μg/mL, respectively, after a cold storage of 48 h. However, Ag@C NPs showed a detrimental effect on sperm parameters in a dose dependent manner at concentrations ≥60 μg/mL. Ag@C NPs showed no adverse effect on the sperm's ultrastructure with limited sperm internalization at MIC. In conclusion, Ag@C NPs could be used as an alternative antibiotic agent for bull semen extender without a significant cytotoxic effect on the sperm during cold storage. However, further investigations for their effects on embryo production and female genitalia are still required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M S Yousef
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, 14071, Cordoba, Spain; Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt
| | - Hani Nasser Abdelhamid
- Advanced Multifunctional Materials Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, Egypt.
| | - M Hidalgo
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, 14071, Cordoba, Spain
| | - R Fathy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt
| | - L Gómez-Gascón
- Department of Animal Health, University of Cordoba, 14071, Cordoba, International Excellence Agrifood Campus, CeiA3, Spain
| | - J Dorado
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, 14071, Cordoba, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Roux-Dalvai F, Gotti C, Leclercq M, Hélie MC, Boissinot M, Arrey TN, Dauly C, Fournier F, Kelly I, Marcoux J, Bestman-Smith J, Bergeron MG, Droit A. Fast and Accurate Bacterial Species Identification in Urine Specimens Using LC-MS/MS Mass Spectrometry and Machine Learning. Mol Cell Proteomics 2019; 18:2492-2505. [PMID: 31585987 PMCID: PMC6885708 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.tir119.001559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fast identification of microbial species in clinical samples is essential to provide an appropriate antibiotherapy to the patient and reduce the prescription of broad-spectrum antimicrobials leading to antibioresistances. MALDI-TOF-MS technology has become a tool of choice for microbial identification but has several drawbacks: it requires a long step of bacterial culture before analysis (≥24 h), has a low specificity and is not quantitative. We developed a new strategy for identifying bacterial species in urine using specific LC-MS/MS peptidic signatures. In the first training step, libraries of peptides are obtained on pure bacterial colonies in DDA mode, their detection in urine is then verified in DIA mode, followed by the use of machine learning classifiers (NaiveBayes, BayesNet and Hoeffding tree) to define a peptidic signature to distinguish each bacterial species from the others. Then, in the second step, this signature is monitored in unknown urine samples using targeted proteomics. This method, allowing bacterial identification in less than 4 h, has been applied to fifteen species representing 84% of all Urinary Tract Infections. More than 31,000 peptides in 190 samples were quantified by DIA and classified by machine learning to determine an 82 peptides signature and build a prediction model. This signature was validated for its use in routine using Parallel Reaction Monitoring on two different instruments. Linearity and reproducibility of the method were demonstrated as well as its accuracy on donor specimens. Within 4h and without bacterial culture, our method was able to predict the predominant bacteria infecting a sample in 97% of cases and 100% above the standard threshold. This work demonstrates the efficiency of our method for the rapid and specific identification of the bacterial species causing UTI and could be extended in the future to other biological specimens and to bacteria having specific virulence or resistance factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florence Roux-Dalvai
- Proteomics platform, CHU de Québec - Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Clarisse Gotti
- Proteomics platform, CHU de Québec - Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Mickaël Leclercq
- Computational Biology Laboratory, CHU de Québec - Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Marie-Claude Hélie
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie de l'Université Laval, Axe Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Maurice Boissinot
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie de l'Université Laval, Axe Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | | | | | - Frédéric Fournier
- Proteomics platform, CHU de Québec - Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Isabelle Kelly
- Proteomics platform, CHU de Québec - Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Judith Marcoux
- Proteomics platform, CHU de Québec - Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Julie Bestman-Smith
- Laboratoire de microbiologie-infectiologie, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, pavillon Hôpital de l'Enfant-Jésus, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Michel G Bergeron
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie de l'Université Laval, Axe Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, Canada; Département de microbiologie-infectiologie et d'immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Arnaud Droit
- Proteomics platform, CHU de Québec - Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, Québec, Canada; Computational Biology Laboratory, CHU de Québec - Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, Québec, Canada; Département de Médecine Moléculaire, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Relationships between bacteriospermia, DNA integrity, nuclear protamine alteration, sperm quality and ICSI outcome. Reprod Biol 2018; 18:115-121. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2018.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Revised: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
8
|
Ntostis P, Carter D, Iles D, Huntriss J, Tzetis M, Miller D. Potential sperm contributions to the murine zygote predicted by in silico analysis. Reproduction 2017; 154:777-788. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Paternal contributions to the zygote are thought to extend beyond delivery of the genome and paternal RNAs have been linked to epigenetic transgenerational inheritance in different species. In addition, sperm–egg fusion activates several downstream processes that contribute to zygote formation, including PLC zeta-mediated egg activation and maternal RNA clearance. Since a third of the preimplantation developmental period in the mouse occurs prior to the first cleavage stage, there is ample time for paternal RNAs or their encoded proteins potentially to interact and participate in early zygotic activities. To investigate this possibility, a bespoke next-generation RNA sequencing pipeline was employed for the first time to characterise and compare transcripts obtained from isolated murine sperm, MII eggs and pre-cleavage stage zygotes. Gene network analysis was then employed to identify potential interactions between paternally and maternally derived factors during the murine egg-to-zygote transition involving RNA clearance, protein clearance and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Ourin silicoapproach looked for factors in sperm, eggs and zygotes that could potentially interact co-operatively and synergistically during zygote formation. At least five sperm RNAs (Hdac11,Fbxo2,Map1lc3a,Pcbp4andZfp821) met these requirements for a paternal contribution, which with complementary maternal co-factors suggest a wider potential for extra-genomic paternal involvement in the developing zygote.
Collapse
|
9
|
Fagerlind M, Stålhammar H, Olsson B, Klinga-Levan K. Expression of miRNAs in Bull Spermatozoa Correlates with Fertility Rates. Reprod Domest Anim 2015; 50:587-94. [PMID: 25998690 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 04/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Bull spermatozoa are rich in active miRNAs, and it has been shown that specific spermborne miRNAs can be linked to fertility. Thus, expression profiling of spermatozoa could be helpful for understanding male fertility and the ability of spermatozoa to initiate and sustain zygotic, embryonic and foetal development. Herein we hypothesized that bulls with moderate to high fertility can be identified by differences in amounts of certain miRNAs between their ejaculates. RNA samples from spermatozoa of eight brother pairs (one bull with high and one with moderate NRR in each pair) of the Holstein breed were prepared. miRNA was isolated, and the expression of 178 miRNAs was determined by RT-qPCR. Important findings were that highly expressed miRNAs, not linked to NRR status, were identified in the bull sperm samples, which indicate that these miRNAs have an important role in early embryogenesis. A large fraction of the targets genes were phosphoproteins and genes involved in the regulation of transcription. Seven miRNAs (mir-502-5p, mir-1249, mir-320a, mir-34c-3p, mir-19b-3p, mir-27a-5p and mir-148b-3p) were differentially expressed between bulls with moderate and high NRR with a strong tendency towards a higher expression of miRNAs in bulls with moderate fertility. Thus, bulls with a moderate NRR negatively regulate the expression of protein-coding genes, which leads to problems during the pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Fagerlind
- Systems Biology Research Centre - Infection Biology, School of Bioscience, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden
| | | | - B Olsson
- Systems Biology Research Centre - Bioinformatics, School of Bioscience, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden
| | - K Klinga-Levan
- Systems Biology Research Centre - Tumor Biology, School of Bioscience, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fraczek M, Hryhorowicz M, Gaczarzewicz D, Szumala-Kakol A, Kolanowski TJ, Beutin L, Kurpisz M. Can apoptosis and necrosis coexist in ejaculated human spermatozoa during in vitro semen bacterial infection? J Assist Reprod Genet 2015; 32:771-9. [PMID: 25808020 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-015-0462-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate whether ejaculated human spermatozoa undergo complete apoptosis or necrosis during experimental semen bacterial infection in vitro. METHODS Apoptotic markers, including mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm), phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization, and DNA fragmentation, have been detected simultaneously in ejaculated human sperm after their incubation with a known pathogenic (Escherichia coli), as well as with conditionally pathogenic bacterial strains (Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Bacteroides ureolyticus) and/or leukocytes. The ΔΨm and translocation of PS was evaluated using the JC-1 and Annexin V binding tests, respectively. A modified TUNEL assay with additional staining for sperm viability was used to detect the DNA fragmentation level. RESULTS The exposure of ejaculated spermatozoa to bacterial strains was associated with a simultaneous decrease in the percentage of sperm with normal ΔΨm and an increase in the proportion of Annexin V-positive sperm. Additionally, in the presence of S. haemolyticus, B. ureolyticus and/or leukocytes, a significant increase in the percentage of live TUNEL-positive (apoptotic) as well as dead TUNEL-positive (necrotic) sperm cells was also observed. CONCLUSIONS The cellular death observed in spermatozoa in the presence of inflammatory mediators may be due to both apoptosis and necrosis. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that direct contact of conditionally pathogenic bacteria with ejaculated human sperm may play an even greater role in the promotion of apoptosis than in case of some pathogenic bacterial strains. These findings suggest that significant bacteriospermia and leukocytospermia may be direct causes of subfertility or additional negative factors worsening the prognosis of fertility in natural and assisted procreation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Fraczek
- Department of Reproductive Biology and Stem Cells, Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-685, Poznan, Poland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Alternatives to antibiotics in semen extenders: a review. Pathogens 2014; 3:934-46. [PMID: 25517429 PMCID: PMC4282893 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens3040934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Revised: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotics are added to semen extenders to be used for artificial insemination (AI) in livestock breeding to control bacterial contamination in semen arising during collection and processing. The antibiotics to be added and their concentrations for semen for international trade are specified by government directives. Since the animal production industry uses large quantities of semen for artificial insemination, large amounts of antibiotics are currently used in semen extenders. Possible alternatives to antibiotics are discussed, including physical removal of the bacteria during semen processing, as well as the development of novel antimicrobials. Colloid centrifugation, particularly Single Layer Centrifugation, when carried out with a strict aseptic technique, offers a feasible method for reducing bacterial contamination in semen and is a practical method for semen processing laboratories to adopt. However, none of these alternatives to antibiotics should replace strict attention to hygiene during semen collection and handling.
Collapse
|
12
|
Semen decontamination for the elimination of seminal HIV-1. Reprod Biomed Online 2014; 30:296-302. [PMID: 25596908 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2014.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Revised: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission to the female partner, or potential offspring of an HIV-1 infected man can be reduced using semen decontamination procedures before assisted reproductive treatment (ART). The objective of this study was to determine the efficiency of decontaminating semen samples (n = 186) from 95 HIV-1 sero-positive patients. Aliquots of neat semen were submitted for viral validation by qualitative and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Semen samples were processed by density gradient centrifugation in combination with a ProInsert™ tube after which aliquots of the processed sperm samples were analysed for the presence of HIV-1. Fifty-four percent of all tested neat semen samples tested positive for HIV-1 DNA, RNA or both (13.4%, 11.3% and 29.0%, respectively). From a total of 103 processed sperm samples that were submitted for viral validation, two samples tested positive for HIV-1 DNA and none for RNA. In conclusion, semen processing with the ProInsert™ followed by viral validation of processed sperm samples should be carried out when providing ART to couples where the male partner is HIV-1 sero-positive.
Collapse
|
13
|
Sperm selection by Capripure® density-gradient centrifugation versus the dextran swim-up procedure in wild mountain ruminants. Anim Reprod Sci 2014; 149:178-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
14
|
Guimarães T, Lopes G, Pinto M, Silva E, Miranda C, Correia MJ, Damásio L, Thompson G, Rocha A. Colloid centrifugation of fresh stallion semen before cryopreservation decreased microorganism load of frozen-thawed semen without affecting seminal kinetics. Theriogenology 2014; 83:186-91. [PMID: 25287189 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Freezability of equine semen may be influenced by microorganism population of semen. The objective of this study was to verify the effect of single-layer density gradient centrifugation (SLC) of fresh semen before cryopreservation on semen's microbial load (ML) and sperm cells kinetics after freezing-thawing. For that, one ejaculate was collected from 20 healthy stallions and split into control (C) samples (cryopreserved without previous SLC) and SLC samples (subjected to SLC). Semen cryopreservation was performed according to the same protocol in both groups. Microbial load of each microorganism species and total microbial load (TML) expressed in colony-forming units (CFU/mL) as well as frozen-thawed sperm kinetics were assessed in both groups. Additional analysis of the TML was performed, subdividing the frozen-thawed samples in "suitable" (total motility ≥ 30%) and "unsuitable" (total motility < 30%) semen for freezing programs, and comparing the C and SLC groups within these subpopulations. After thawing, SLC samples had less (P < 0.05) TML (88.65 × 10(2) ± 83.8 × 10(2) CFU/mL) than C samples (155.69 × 10(2) ± 48.85 × 10(2) CFU/mL), mainly due to a reduction of Enterococcus spp. and Bacillus spp. A relationship between post-thaw motility and SLC effect on ML was noted, as only in samples with more than 30% total motility was ML reduced (P < 0.05) by SLC (from 51.33 × 10(2) ± 33.26 × 10(2) CFU/mL to 26.68 × 10(2) ± 12.39 × 10(2) CFU/mL in "suitable" frozen-thawed semen vs. 240.90 × 10(2) ± 498.20 × 10(2) to 139.30 × 10(2) ± 290.30 × 10(2) CFU/mL in "unsuitable" frozen-thawed semen). The effect of SLC on kinetics of frozen-thawed sperm cells was negligible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Guimarães
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Portugal; Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal (CECA/ICETA), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - G Lopes
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Portugal; Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal (CECA/ICETA), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - M Pinto
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Portugal
| | - E Silva
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Portugal; Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos (CIBIO), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - C Miranda
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Portugal
| | - M J Correia
- Fundação Alter Real, Alter do Chão, Portugal
| | - L Damásio
- Private Practitioner, Évora, Portugal
| | - G Thompson
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Portugal; Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos (CIBIO), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - A Rocha
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Portugal; Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal (CECA/ICETA), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Dissanayake DMAB, Amaranath KA, Perera RRDP, Wijesinghe PS. Antibiotics supplemented culture media can eliminate non-specific bacteria from human semen during sperm preparation for intra uterine insemination. J Hum Reprod Sci 2014; 7:58-62. [PMID: 24829533 PMCID: PMC4018800 DOI: 10.4103/0974-1208.130859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2013] [Revised: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE: Bacterial flora can be isolated from many semen samples of subfertile males. Bacteriospermia can compromise the outcome of intra uterine insemination (IUI) by contaminating the post-processed sperm sample. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present study is to determine the efficacy of penicillin and streptomycin in eliminating the bacteria from semen samples in the sperm processing procedure, and to assess the effects of antibiotics on sperm motility, survivability, and pregnancy rates. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: A prospectively controlled study was carried out using couples undergoing IUI with their informed consent. INTERVENTION: Sperm processing using the swim-up technique in penicillin and streptomycin supplemented culture medium. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Couples were consecutively allocated in two groups for sperm processing (a) Group AB+ (antibiotics supplemented culture medium, n = 33) and (b) Group AB− (antibiotic free culture medium, n = 33). Semen culture was performed before and after sperm processing. Sperm motility was assessed immediately after processing and after 24 h of incubation. RESULTS: Bacterial isolates were found in 20 (60.6%) and 22 (66.1%) of samples before processing in Groups AB+ and AB− respectively. Addition of antibiotics resulted in completely eliminating non-specific bacteria from semen samples without affecting sperm motility. In vitro survival rate of sperm enhanced in AB+ group compared with AB− group (motile sperm after 24 h), 62.21% (standard deviation [SD]: 37.27) versus 41.36% (SD: 30.78), P = 0.012. Pregnancy rate, was comparable between two groups (9% in Group AB+ vs. 6% in Group AB−, P = 0.45). CONCLUSION: Penicillin streptomycin combination could completely eliminate non-specific bacteria from semen samples during sperm processing in this population. The types of antibiotics and dosage used did not seem to have any harmful effects on human sperm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D M A B Dissanayake
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka
| | - K A Amaranath
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka
| | - R R D P Perera
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka
| | - P S Wijesinghe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abeysundara PK, Dissanayake D, Wijesinghe PS, Perera R, Nishad A. Efficacy of two sperm preparation techniques in reducing non-specific bacterial species from human semen. J Hum Reprod Sci 2013; 6:152-7. [PMID: 24082658 PMCID: PMC3778606 DOI: 10.4103/0974-1208.117169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2013] [Revised: 06/09/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Artificial reproductive techniques using seminal preparations with bacteria may cause pelvic inflammatory disease and its sequalae. AIMS To assess efficacy of two sperm preparation techniques to clear bacteria and the effect of bacteriospermia on sperm recovery rates. SETTINGS AND DESIGN A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among males of subfertile couples. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Semen samples were randomly allocated into swim-up method (group S, n = 68) and density gradient method (group D, n = 50) for sperm preparation. Seminal fluid analysis and bacterial cultures were performed in each sample before and after sperm preparation. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS McNemar's chi-squared test and independent samples t-test in SPSS version 16.0 were used. RESULTS Organisms were found in 86 (72.88%) out of 118 samples, before sperm preparation; Streptococcus species (n = 40, 46.51% of which 14 were Group D Streptococcus species), Coagulase negative Staphylococcus species (n = 17, 19.76%), Staphylococcus aureus (n = 13, 15.11%), Coliform species (n = 11, 12.79% of which 09 were Escherichia coli) and Corynebacterium species (n = 5, 5.81%). There was a statistically significant reduction of culture positive samples in raw vs. processed samples; in group S, 49 (72.05%) vs. 16 (23.52%) and in group D, 37 (74%) vs. 18 (36%). In group S and D, mean (SD) recovery rates of culture positive vs. culture negative samples were 39.44% (SD-14.02) vs. 44.22% (SD-22.38), P = 0.39 and 52.50% (SD-37.16) vs. 49.58% (SD-40.32), P = 0.82 respectively. CONCLUSIONS Both sperm preparation methods significantly reduced bacteria in semen, but total clearance was not achieved. Sperm recovery rate was not affected by bacteriospermia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prabath K Abeysundara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kaspersen MD, Höllsberg P. Seminal shedding of human herpesviruses. Virol J 2013; 10:226. [PMID: 23834839 PMCID: PMC3717016 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-10-226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2012] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Most of the human herpesviruses can be found in semen, although the reported prevalence varies considerably between individual studies. The frequent presence of herpesvirus in semen raises the question whether sexual transmission of the virus could have an impact on human reproduction. Only few studies have associated seminal shedding of herpesviruses with impaired sperm quality, reduced fertility, or reduced chances of pregnancy, whereas most studies fail to find an association. Taken together, no firm evidence is so far linking the presence of herpesviruses in semen to impaired human reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maja D Kaspersen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C DK-8000, Denmark
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Treatment of human sperm with serine protease during density gradient centrifugation. J Assist Reprod Genet 2012; 29:1273-9. [PMID: 22956335 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-012-9851-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2012] [Accepted: 08/08/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Seminal pathogens can bind specifically or non-specifically to spermatozoa, rendering semen decontamination procedures ineffective, whereby vertical or horizontal transmission of the infection could occur. Serine proteases have been demonstrated to effectively inactivate viruses and to break pathogen-sperm bonds. However, the addition of a protease to density gradient layers during semen processing could negatively impact on sperm parameters. This study investigated the effect of the addition of a recombinant, human-sequence protease (rhProtease) on sperm parameters during density gradient centrifugation. METHODS (i) Pooled semen samples (n = 9) were split and processed by density gradient centrifugation, with the top density layers supplemented, or non-supplemented with rhProtease at three different concentrations (diluted 2, 10 and 20 times). Sperm parameters were then analysed by flow cytometry and computer-assisted semen analyses. (ii) Semen samples (n = 5) were split and similarly processed using PureSperm® Pro, with rhProtease in the 40 % density gradient layer, or standard PureSperm® not supplemented with rhProtease (Nidacon, International) respectively. The Hemizona assay was then utilized to compare sperm-zona binding post processing. RESULTS Evaluation of sperm parameters indicated that rhProtease did not, at any of the tested concentrations, have an impact on (i) mitochondrial membrane potential, vitality, motility, or (ii) zona binding potential. CONCLUSION We report that the addition of rhProtease to density gradients is a non-detrimental approach that could improve the effectiveness of semen processing for the elimination of seminal pathogens, and benefit assisted reproduction outcome.
Collapse
|