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Sutovsky P, Hamilton LE, Zigo M, Ortiz D’Avila Assumpção ME, Jones A, Tirpak F, Agca Y, Kerns K, Sutovsky M. Biomarker-based human and animal sperm phenotyping: the good, the bad and the ugly†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:1135-1156. [PMID: 38640912 PMCID: PMC11180624 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae061] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Conventional, brightfield-microscopic semen analysis provides important baseline information about sperm quality of an individual; however, it falls short of identifying subtle subcellular and molecular defects in cohorts of "bad," defective human and animal spermatozoa with seemingly normal phenotypes. To bridge this gap, it is desirable to increase the precision of andrological evaluation in humans and livestock animals by pursuing advanced biomarker-based imaging methods. This review, spiced up with occasional classic movie references but seriously scholastic at the same time, focuses mainly on the biomarkers of altered male germ cell proteostasis resulting in post-testicular carryovers of proteins associated with ubiquitin-proteasome system. Also addressed are sperm redox homeostasis, epididymal sperm maturation, sperm-seminal plasma interactions, and sperm surface glycosylation. Zinc ion homeostasis-associated biomarkers and sperm-borne components, including the elements of neurodegenerative pathways such as Huntington and Alzheimer disease, are discussed. Such spectrum of biomarkers, imaged by highly specific vital fluorescent molecular probes, lectins, and antibodies, reveals both obvious and subtle defects of sperm chromatin, deoxyribonucleic acid, and accessory structures of the sperm head and tail. Introduction of next-generation image-based flow cytometry into research and clinical andrology will soon enable the incorporation of machine and deep learning algorithms with the end point of developing simple, label-free methods for clinical diagnostics and high-throughput phenotyping of spermatozoa in humans and economically important livestock animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
| | - Lauren E Hamilton
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
| | - Michal Zigo
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
| | - Mayra E Ortiz D’Avila Assumpção
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexis Jones
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
| | - Filip Tirpak
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
| | - Yuksel Agca
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Karl Kerns
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Miriam Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
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Hensel B, Henneberg S, Kleve-Feld M, Jung M, Schulze M. Selection and direct biomarkers of reproductive capacity of breeding boars. Anim Reprod Sci 2024:107490. [PMID: 38735766 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Efficient management of pig reproduction is paramount for the sustainability and productivity of the global pork industry. Modern artificial insemination (AI) breeding programs have greatly benefited from the integration of advanced selection methods and biomarkers to enhance the reproductive performance of boars. While traditional selection methods have relied soley on boar phenotype, such as growth rate and conformation, modern pig breeding has shifted more and more toward molecular and genetic tools, which are still complemented by phenotypic traits. These methods encompass genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics. Biomarkers serve as critical indicators of boar reproductive capacity. They can help to identify individuals with superior fertility and aid in the early identification of potential fertility issues, allowing for proactive management strategies. This review summarizes current knowledge of various biomarkers associated with semen quality, sperm function, and overall reproductive fitness in boars. Furthermore, we explore advanced technologies and their potential applications in uncovering novel selection methods and biomarkers for predicting boar fertility. A comprehensive understanding of selection criteria and biomarkers governing boar reproductive capacity is essential for developing effective breeding programs to enhance swine reproductive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Hensel
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernauer Allee 10, Bernau D-16321, Germany
| | - Sophie Henneberg
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernauer Allee 10, Bernau D-16321, Germany
| | - Michael Kleve-Feld
- Pig Improvement Company, 100 Bluegrass Commons Blvd. Ste 2200, Hendersonville, TN 37075, United States
| | - Markus Jung
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernauer Allee 10, Bernau D-16321, Germany
| | - Martin Schulze
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernauer Allee 10, Bernau D-16321, Germany.
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3
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Lucca MS, Bustamante-Filho IC, Ulguim RR, Gianluppi RDF, Evaristo JAM, Nogueira FCS, Timmers LFSM, Mellagi APG, Wentz I, Bortolozzo FP. Proteomic analysis of boar seminal plasma: Putative markers for fertility based on capacity of semen preservation at 17°C. Mol Reprod Dev 2024; 91:e23735. [PMID: 38282317 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23735] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Boar seminal plasma (SP) proteins were associated with differences on sperm resistance to cooling at 17°C. However, information about seminal plasma proteins in boars classified by capacity of semen preservation and in vivo fertility remains lacking. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the SP proteome in boars classified by capacity of semen preservation and putative biomarkers for fertility. The ejaculates from high-preservation (HP) showed higher progressive motility during all 5 days than the low-preservation (LP) boars. There was no difference for farrowing rate between ejaculates from LP (89.7%) and HP boars (88.4%). The LP boars presented lower total piglets born (14.0 ± 0.2) than HP (14.8 ± 0.2; p < 0.01). A total of 257 proteins were identified, where 184 were present in both classes of boar, and 41 and 32 were identified only in LP and HP boars, respectively. Nine proteins were differently expressed: five were more abundant in HP (SPMI, ZPBP1, FN1, HPX, and C3) and four in LP boars (B2M, COL1A1, NKX3-2, and MPZL1). The HP boars had an increased abundance of SP proteins related to sperm resistance and fecundation process which explains the better TPB. LP boars had a higher abundance of SP proteins associated with impaired spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus S Lucca
- Departamento de Medicina Animal, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul-UFRGS, Setor de Suínos, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Rafael R Ulguim
- Departamento de Medicina Animal, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul-UFRGS, Setor de Suínos, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Rafael D F Gianluppi
- Departamento de Medicina Animal, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul-UFRGS, Setor de Suínos, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Joseph A M Evaristo
- Laboratory of Proteomics, LADETEC, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fábio C S Nogueira
- Laboratory of Proteomics, LADETEC, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Proteomics Unit, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luís F S M Timmers
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Universidade do Vale do Taquari-Univates, Lajeado, Brazil
| | - Ana P G Mellagi
- Departamento de Medicina Animal, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul-UFRGS, Setor de Suínos, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Ivo Wentz
- Departamento de Medicina Animal, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul-UFRGS, Setor de Suínos, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Fernando P Bortolozzo
- Departamento de Medicina Animal, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul-UFRGS, Setor de Suínos, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Viñolas-Vergés E, Ribas-Maynou J, Barranco I, Peres Rubio C, Bonet S, Roca J, Yeste M. Chromatin condensation but not DNA integrity of pig sperm is greater in the sperm-rich fraction. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2023; 14:139. [PMID: 37926841 PMCID: PMC10626759 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-023-00938-w] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protamination and condensation of sperm chromatin as well as DNA integrity play an essential role during fertilization and embryo development. In some mammals, like pigs, ejaculates are emitted in three separate fractions: pre-sperm, sperm-rich (SRF) and post sperm-rich (PSRF). These fractions are known to vary in volume, sperm concentration and quality, as well as in the origin and composition of seminal plasma (SP), with differences being also observed within the SRF one. Yet, whether disparities in the DNA integrity and chromatin condensation and protamination of their sperm exist has not been interrogated. RESULTS This study determined chromatin protamination (Chromomycin A3 test, CMA3), condensation (Dibromobimane test, DBB), and DNA integrity (Comet assay) in the pig sperm contained in the first 10 mL of the SRF (SRF-P1), the remaining portion of the sperm-rich fraction (SRF-P2), and the post sperm-rich fraction (PSRF). While chromatin protamination was found to be similar between the different ejaculate fractions (P > 0.05), chromatin condensation was seen to be greater in SRF-P1 and SRF-P2 than in the PSRF (P = 0.018 and P = 0.004, respectively). Regarding DNA integrity, no differences between fractions were observed (P > 0.05). As the SRF-P1 has the highest sperm concentration and ejaculate fractions are known to differ in antioxidant composition, the oxidative stress index (OSi) in SP, calculated as total oxidant activity divided by total antioxidant capacity, was tested and confirmed to be higher in the SRF-P1 than in SRF-P2 and PSRF (0.42 ± 0.06 vs. 0.23 ± 0.09 and 0.08 ± 0.00, respectively; P < 0.01); this index, in addition, was observed to be correlated to the sperm concentration of each fraction (Rs = 0.973; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION While sperm DNA integrity was not found to differ between ejaculate fractions, SRF-P1 and SRF-P2 were observed to exhibit greater chromatin condensation than the PSRF. This could be related to the OSi of each fraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estel Viñolas-Vergés
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.
| | - Isabel Barranco
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Camila Peres Rubio
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), S08010, Barcelona, Spain
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Nedić S, Đurić M, Vakanjac S, Arsić S, Nedić S, Samardžija M, Borozan S. Relationship between biochemical parameters and paraoxonase 1 activity of boar seminal plasma and semen quality. Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:1243-1253. [PMID: 36600008 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-022-10066-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the biochemical components and the parameters of antioxidant protection in the seminal plasma (SP) of boars, as well as their relationship with semen quality parameters. Thirty-six boars were included in the study, whose ejaculates were divided into two groups: Group I (good quality semen, > 70% progressively motile sperm, < 20% spermatozoa with abnormal morphology, n = 16), and Group II (poor quality semen, < 70% progressively motile sperm, > 20% spermatozoa with abnormal morphology, n = 20). Significantly higher concentrations of ionized calcium (iCa), total cholesterol (TC), lactate-dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, as well as significantly higher values of antioxidant protection parameters: thiol groups (-SH), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) ) were found in the good quality semen, while higher phosphorus (P) concentrations and increased alkaline-phosphatase (ALP) activity were found in the semen of poor quality. A negative correlation of total and progressive sperm motility with P and ALP was found in all examined semen samples, while a positive correlation was found with PON1 and TAC. The percentage of fast sperm cells positively correlated with iCa, chlorine (Cl), lactate, LDH and TAC, while a negative correlation was found with P, magnesium (Mg) and the enzyme creatine-kinase (CK). The percentage of immobile sperm positively correlated with P and ALP, and negatively correlated with TC, CK, PON1 and TAC. Elevated values of PON1 and TAC in SP and a positive correlation with sperm motility indicate the possible use of these parameters as sensitive biomarkers of boar semen quality. To the best of our knowledge there are no published data on association between PON1 activity and boar semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Nedić
- Department of Reproduction, Fertility and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Miloje Đurić
- Department of Reproduction, Fertility and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Slobodanka Vakanjac
- Department of Reproduction, Fertility and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sveta Arsić
- Department of Ruminants and Swine Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sreten Nedić
- Department of Ruminants and Swine Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marko Samardžija
- Clinic for Obstetrics and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sunčica Borozan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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White BR, Cederberg RA, Elsken DH, Ross CE, Lents CA, Desaulniers AT. Role of gonadotropin-releasing hormone-II and its receptor in swine reproduction. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:469-479. [PMID: 36542769 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The pig represents the only livestock mammal capable of producing a functional protein for the second mammalian form of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH-II) and its receptor (GnRHR-II). To examine the role of GnRH-II and its receptor in pig reproduction, we produced a unique swine line with ubiquitous knockdown of endogenous GnRHR-II levels (GnRHR-II knockdown [KD]), which is largely the focus of this review. In mature GnRHR-II KD males, circulating testosterone concentrations were 82% lower than littermate control boars, despite similar luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. In addition, nine other gonadal steroids were reduced in the serum of GnRHR-II KD boars, whereas adrenal steroids (except 11-deoxycortisol) did not differ between lines. Interestingly, testes from GnRHR-II KD males had fewer, hypertrophic Leydig cells and fewer, enlarged seminiferous tubules than control testes. As expected, downstream reproductive traits such as androgen-dependent organ weights and semen characteristics were also significantly reduced in GnRHR-II KD versus control boars. Next, we explored the importance of this novel ligand/receptor complex in female reproduction. Transgenic gilts had fewer, but heavier, corpora lutea with smaller luteal cells than littermate control females. Although the number of antral follicles were similar between lines, the diameter of antral follicles tended to be larger in GnRHR-II KD females. In regard to steroidogenesis, circulating concentrations of progesterone and 17β-estradiol were lower in transgenic compared to control gilts, even though serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and LH were similar. Thus, GnRH-II and GnRHR-II represent a potential avenue to enhance fertility and promote the profitability of pork producers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett R White
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Rebecca A Cederberg
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Dorothy H Elsken
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Caitlin E Ross
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Clay A Lents
- Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, U. S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska, USA
| | - Amy T Desaulniers
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
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Huang J, Zuo Z, Zhao H, Wang C, Li S, Liu Z, Yang Y, Jiang S. Cluster analysis and potential influencing factors of boars with different fertility. Theriogenology 2023; 199:95-105. [PMID: 36709653 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.12.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The fertility of boars is intimately tied to the pig farm's economic benefits. This study aimed to rapidly categorize boars of different fertility and investigate the factors influencing the categorization using the production data in a large pig farm in northern China, including 11,163 semen collection records of Yorkshire boars (215), 11,163 breeding records and 8770 records of farrowing performance of Yorkshire sows (4505), as well as 4720 records of selection indices (sire line index and dam line index) for boars and sows (215 and 4505) between 2017 and 2020. The boar population was classified by two-step cluster analysis, followed by factor analysis to minimize the dimensionality of data variables and eliminate multicollinearity, and then using ordinal logistic regression model to investigate the risk variables impacting boar fertility categorization. Results showed that the two-step clustering divided the 215 boars into three subgroups: high-fertility (n = 61, 28.4%), medium-fertility (n = 127, 59.1%) and low-fertility (n = 27, 12.6%). The high-fertility boars were shown to be substantially greater than the medium-fertility or low-fertility boars (p < 0.05) in average total litter size, number of born alive, and number of healthy piglets of mated sows. Compared with low-fertility boars, the high-fertility boars were also significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the pregnancy rate and farrowing rate of mated sows. However, the three boar subgroups showed no difference (p > 0.05) in semen quality information (average sperm motility, average sperm density, and average sperm volume). Collinearity diagnosis indicated severe multicollinearity among the 20 data variables, which were reduced to 8 factor variables (factors 1-8) by factor analysis, and further collinearity diagnosis exhibited no multicollinearity among the 8 factor variables. Ordered logistic regression analysis revealed a significant and positive correlation (p < 0.05) of boar fertility with factor 2 (average total litter size, number of born alive, number of healthy piglets), factor 4 (average number of weak piglets and average weak piglet rate), factor 6 (sire line index of boars and dam line index of boars), factor 8 (pregnancy rate and farrowing rate), highlighting factor 2 as the most important factor influencing the classification of boar fertility. Our results indicate that the two-step cluster analysis can be used as a simple and effective method to screen boars with different fertility and that farm producers should pay attention to the recording of the reproductive performance of the mated sows due to its role as the risk factor for classification of boar fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Huang
- Key Laboratory of Pig Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Zixi Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Pig Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Hucheng Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Pig Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pig Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuangshuang Li
- Key Laboratory of Pig Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Zezhang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pig Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxuan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pig Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Siwen Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Pig Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.
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Sperm Quality and Fertility of Livestock Animals. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040604. [PMID: 36830389 PMCID: PMC9951638 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent research has focused on the understanding of the causes of subfertility observed in livestock species, evidencing that different factors could underlie this condition [...].
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Lucca MS, Goularte KL, Rovani MT, Schneider A, Gasperin BG, Lucia Júnior T, Rossi CAR. Paraoxonase 1 activity in the sperm-rich portion of boar ejaculates is positively associated with sperm quality. Anim Reprod 2022; 19:e20220039. [PMID: 36156884 PMCID: PMC9484396 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2022-0039] [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: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Associations of the activity of the paraoxonase 1 (PON1) enzyme with boar sperm quality still needs to be characterized, since boar ejaculates present distinct portions with differences in sperm concentration and quality. This study evaluated PON1 activity in the serum, in the distinct portions of boar ejaculates and estimated correlations with sperm quality parameters. Ejaculates and blood samples were collected from six boars for three weeks (two per week per boar; n = 36). Serum and post-spermatic portion PON1 activities were positively correlated (P = 0.01) but were both uncorrelated with the PON1 activity in the sperm-rich portion and in the whole ejaculate (P > 0.05). Differences in PON1 activity among boars were only observed in the sperm-rich portion of the ejaculate (P < 0.05). The PON1 activity in the serum and in the post-spermatic portion was generally negatively correlated with parameters of spermatozoa kinetics (P < 0.05). In the sperm-rich portion, PON1 activity was positively correlated with sperm concentration (P < 0.0001), curvilinear distance and velocity (both P < 0.05) and DNA integrity (P < 0.05), but negatively correlated with straightness and linearity (P < 0.05). Thus, boar ejaculates with increased PON1 activity in the sperm-rich portion may present increased concentration and spermatozoa with acceptable curvilinear velocity and distance and DNA integrity, which suggests that PON1 activity may be a biomarker for potential fertility.
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10
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Xu Y, Han Q, Ma C, Wang Y, Zhang P, Li C, Cheng X, Xu H. Comparative Proteomics and Phosphoproteomics Analysis Reveal the Possible Breed Difference in Yorkshire and Duroc Boar Spermatozoa. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:652809. [PMID: 34336820 PMCID: PMC8322956 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.652809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm cells are of unique elongated structure and function, the development of which is tightly regulated by the existing proteins and the posttranslational modifications (PTM) of these proteins. Based on the phylogenetic relationships of various swine breeds, Yorkshire boar is believed to be distinctly different from Duroc boar. The comprehensive differential proteomics and phosphoproteomics profilings were performed on spermatozoa from both Yorkshire and Duroc boars. By both peptide and PTM peptide quantification followed by statistical analyses, 167 differentially expressed proteins were identified from 1,745 proteins, and 283 differentially expressed phosphopeptides corresponding to 102 unique differentially phosphorylated proteins were measured from 1,140 identified phosphopeptides derived from 363 phosphorylated proteins. The representative results were validated by Western blots. Pathway enrichment analyses revealed that majority of differential expression proteins and differential phosphorylation proteins were primarily concerned with spermatogenesis, male gamete generation, sperm motility, energy metabolism, cilium morphogenesis, axonemal dynein complex assembly, sperm–egg recognition, and capacitation. Remarkably, axonemal dynein complex assembly related proteins, such as SMCP, SUN5, ODF1, AKAP3, and AKAP4 that play a key regulatory role in the sperm physiological functions, were significantly higher in Duroc spermatozoa than that of Yorkshire. Furthermore, phosphorylation of sperm-specific proteins, such as CABYR, ROPN1, CALM1, PRKAR2A, and PRKAR1A, participates in regulation of the boar sperm motility mainly through the cAMP/PKA signal pathway in different breeds, demonstrating that protein phosphorylation may be an important mechanism underlying the sperm diversity. Protein–protein interaction analysis revealed that the 14 overlapped proteins between differential expression proteins and differential phosphorylation proteins potentially played a key role in sperm development and motility of the flagellum, including the proteins ODF1, SMCP, AKAP4, FSIP2, and SUN5. Taken together, these physiologically and functionally differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and differentially expressed phosphorylated proteins (DPPs) may constitute the proteomic backgrounds between the two different boar breeds. The validation will be performed to delineate the roles of these PTM proteins as modulators of Yorkshire and Duroc boar spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjie Xu
- College of Life Science, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China.,Institute for Conservation and Utilization of Agro-Bioresources in Dabie Mountains, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China
| | - Qiu Han
- College of Life Science, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China
| | - Chaofeng Ma
- Xinyang Animal Disease Control and Prevention Center, Xinyang, China
| | - Yaling Wang
- College of Life Science, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China
| | - Pengpeng Zhang
- College of Life Science, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China.,Institute for Conservation and Utilization of Agro-Bioresources in Dabie Mountains, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China
| | - Cencen Li
- College of Life Science, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China.,Institute for Conservation and Utilization of Agro-Bioresources in Dabie Mountains, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China
| | - Xiaofang Cheng
- College of Life Science, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China.,Institute for Conservation and Utilization of Agro-Bioresources in Dabie Mountains, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China
| | - Haixia Xu
- College of Life Science, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China.,Institute for Conservation and Utilization of Agro-Bioresources in Dabie Mountains, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China
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11
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Barquero V, Soler C, Sevilla F, Calderón-Calderón J, Valverde A. A Bayesian analysis of boar spermatozoa kinematics and head morphometrics and their relationship with litter size fertility variables. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 56:1024-1033. [PMID: 33914994 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The semen movement and sperm head size patterns of boar ejaculates were analysed using computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA)-Mot and -Morph systems. The aim of the present study was to compare morphometric and kinematics variables from boars and to determine the relationship with sow fertility variables related to litter size. The females were from maternal crossing schemes such as the continuous 3-generation cross between York (Y), Landrace (L), and Pietrain (P) hybrid sows and Pietrain boars. Semen samples were collected from 11 sexually mature boars from two sire lines. Samples were analysed using the ISAS® v1 system to evaluate eight kinematic variables of sperm velocity, progressiveness and undulations. Four morphometric parameters of sperm head size (length, width, area and perimeter) were analysed. Bayesian analysis revealed relevant differences in four kinematic variables (VSL, LIN, STR and WOB) between sire lines, with a probability of relevance (PR ) of 0.79-0.91, and Pietrain boars were associated with higher progressive motility compared with Duroc x Pietrain boars. Moreover, there were relevant differences in all morphometric variables (PR = 0.82-0.85) between sire lines. The dam line Y-L-50 (½ Y × ½ L) had higher total born per litter and piglets born alive, and YLP-75 (1 /8 Y × 1 /8 L × 3 /4 P) was associated with higher values of litter weight at birth (highest posterior density region at 95% = 9.92, 16.41 kg). There are relevant differences in kinematic variables between the assessed sire lines and the differences in morphometric and litter size variables were also relevant. The York-Landrace hybrid sows had higher total born per litter and piglets born alive, and there were relevant differences when compared with YLP-50 (¼ York × ¼ Landrace × ½ Pietrain). Differences in kinematic and morphometric variables between sire and dam lines related to fertility need to be further studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinicio Barquero
- School of Agronomy, Costa Rica Institute of Technology, Campus San Carlos, San Carlos, Costa Rica
| | - Carles Soler
- Department of Cellular Biology, Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, University of Valencia, Campus Burjassot, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Francisco Sevilla
- School of Agronomy, Costa Rica Institute of Technology, Campus San Carlos, San Carlos, Costa Rica
| | - Josué Calderón-Calderón
- School of Agronomy, Costa Rica Institute of Technology, Campus San Carlos, San Carlos, Costa Rica
| | - Anthony Valverde
- School of Agronomy, Costa Rica Institute of Technology, Campus San Carlos, San Carlos, Costa Rica
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12
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Rodriguez-Martinez H, Martinez EA, Calvete JJ, Peña Vega FJ, Roca J. Seminal Plasma: Relevant for Fertility? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094368. [PMID: 33922047 PMCID: PMC8122421 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Seminal plasma (SP), the non-cellular component of semen, is a heterogeneous composite fluid built by secretions of the testis, the epididymis and the accessory sexual glands. Its composition, despite species-specific anatomical peculiarities, consistently contains inorganic ions, specific hormones, proteins and peptides, including cytokines and enzymes, cholesterol, DNA and RNA-the latter often protected within epididymis- or prostate-derived extracellular vesicles. It is beyond question that the SP participates in diverse aspects of sperm function pre-fertilization events. The SP also interacts with the various compartments of the tubular genital tract, triggering changes in gene function that prepares for an eventual successful pregnancy; thus, it ultimately modulates fertility. Despite these concepts, it is imperative to remember that SP-free spermatozoa (epididymal or washed ejaculated) are still fertile, so this review shall focus on the differences between the in vivo roles of the SP following semen deposition in the female and those regarding additions of SP on spermatozoa handled for artificial reproduction, including cryopreservation, from artificial insemination to in vitro fertilization. This review attempts, including our own results on model animal species, to critically summarize the current knowledge of the reproductive roles played by SP components, particularly in our own species, which is increasingly affected by infertility. The ultimate goal is to reconcile the delicate balance between the SP molecular concentration and their concerted effects after temporal exposure in vivo. We aim to appraise the functions of the SP components, their relevance as diagnostic biomarkers and their value as eventual additives to refine reproductive strategies, including biotechnologies, in livestock models and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185 Linköping, Sweden
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-132-869-25
| | - Emilio A. Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (E.A.M.); (J.R.)
| | - Juan J. Calvete
- Laboratorio de Venómica Estructural y Funcional, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, C.S.I.C., 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Fernando J. Peña Vega
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, 10003 Caceres, Spain;
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (E.A.M.); (J.R.)
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13
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Zeng F, Chen Y, Guo C, Li C, Wei H, Li L, Meng L, Zhang S. Analysis of differentially abundant proteins related to boar fertility in seminal plasma using iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics. J Proteomics 2021; 236:104120. [PMID: 33540064 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2021.104120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Animal fertility is one of the most important characteristics for the livestock breeding industry. Conventional semen analysis provides basic information on sperm quality, but the predictive value of such analysis with regard to fertility remains questionable. Therefore, it is important to determine and predict male fertility more accurately in the clinic. To identify seminal plasma proteins involved in fertility, isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (quantitative proteomic analysis) were used to identify differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) in seminal plasma between high- and low-reproductive-efficiency Landrace boars. A total of 141 DAPs were identified, of which 125 upregulated and 16 downregulated proteins were subjected to bioinformatics analysis. These DAPs were found to be mainly involved in proteolysis, ATP binding, and energy metabolism. We investigated the relevance of three DAPs-ceruloplasmin, carboxypeptidase E (CPE), and serpin family A member 12 (SERPINA12)-in an in vitro fertility assay. This assay revealed that the inhibition of these proteins with antibodies can reduce or increase the fertilization rate. These results indicate possible biomarkers for the selection of high-fertility boars and provide a theoretical basis for the use of protein biomarkers in the livestock breeding industry. SIGNIFICANCE: Our study identified differentially abundant proteins in the seminal plasma of high-reproductive-efficiency and low-reproductive-efficiency Landrace boars. These proteins may be used as biomarkers to screen out high-fertility boars. The study can provide not only a new method for improving the effects of artificial insemination and reproductive efficiency of boars but also an important reference for boar breeding. Meanwhile, because pigs and humans have similar physiological parameters and organ sizes, our findings can also serve as a reference for human reproduction research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanwen Zeng
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industryg, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science of South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yuming Chen
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industryg, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science of South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Kaiping Guangsanbao Pig Industry Co., Ltd, Jiangmen 529300, China
| | - Conghui Guo
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industryg, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science of South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Chengde Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industryg, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science of South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Hengxi Wei
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industryg, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science of South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Li Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industryg, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science of South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Li Meng
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industryg, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science of South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Shouquan Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industryg, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science of South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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14
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Padilla L, Martínez-Hernández J, Barranco I, Lucas X, Pastor LM, Rodriguez-Martínez H, Roca J, Parrilla I. Granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is fully expressed in the genital tract, seminal plasma and spermatozoa of male pigs. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13360. [PMID: 32770046 PMCID: PMC7414873 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70302-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine identified in boar seminal plasma (SP) but until now unexplored in terms of place of production and its association to spermatozoa. This study aimed to explore these aspects by evaluating the presence of GM-CSF in porcine reproductive organs (testes, epididymis and accessory sex glands), SP and mature spermatozoa (from cauda epididymis and ejaculated) using Western blot (WB), immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry. Positive labelling was obtained in tissues, SP and spermatozoa. In reproductive organs, WB revealed three forms of GM-CSF with different glycosylation degrees (15, 31 and 40 kDa). In SP and epididymal fluid, the GM-CSF appeared only in its active form while in spermatozoa the GM-CSF form present varied among sperm sources. Non-viable spermatozoa showed more GM-CSF than viable spermatozoa (14.87 ± 1.98 RU vs. 7.25 ± 0.52 RU) of fluorescence intensity. In conclusion, GM-CSF is widely present in the reproductive tract of male pigs, attached to the spermatozoa already in the epididymis as well as verted to SP. Consequently, the GM-CSF ought to regulate male genital tract and sperm function as well as mediating initial inflammatory responses and further mediating later immune actions by the female to semen deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Padilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain.,IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jesús Martínez-Hernández
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain.,IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Isabel Barranco
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain.,IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, 30100, Murcia, Spain.,Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, 17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Xiomara Lucas
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain.,IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Luis M Pastor
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain.,IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain.,IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Parrilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain. .,IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
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15
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Parrilla I, Martinez EA, Gil MA, Cuello C, Roca J, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Martinez CA. Boar seminal plasma: current insights on its potential role for assisted reproductive technologies in swine. Anim Reprod 2020; 17:e20200022. [PMID: 33029213 PMCID: PMC7534575 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2020-0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminal plasma (SP) supports not only sperm function but also the ability of spermatozoa to withstand biotechnological procedures as artificial insemination, freezing or sex sorting. Moreover, evidence has been provided that SP contains identifiable molecules which can act as fertility biomarkers, and even improve the output of assisted reproductive technologies by acting as modulators of endometrial and embryonic changes of gene expression, thus affecting embryo development and fertility beyond the sperm horizon. In this overview, we discuss current knowledge of the composition of SP, mainly proteins and cytokines, and their influence on semen basic procedures, such as liquid storage or cryopreservation. The role of SP as modulator of endometrial and embryonic molecular changes that lead to successful pregnancy will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inmaculada Parrilla
- Departmento de Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de de Excelencia International "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria, Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Murcia, Spain
| | - Emilio Arsenio Martinez
- Departmento de Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de de Excelencia International "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria, Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Murcia, Spain
| | - Maria Antonia Gil
- Departmento de Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de de Excelencia International "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria, Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Murcia, Spain
| | - Cristina Cuello
- Departmento de Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de de Excelencia International "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria, Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jordi Roca
- Departmento de Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de de Excelencia International "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria, Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Murcia, Spain
| | - Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences, BKH/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Cristina Alicia Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences, BKH/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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16
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Roca J, Perez-Patiño C, Barranco I, Padilla LC, Martínez EA, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Parrilla I. Proteomics in fresh and preserved pig semen: Recent achievements and future challenges. Theriogenology 2020; 150:41-47. [PMID: 32088031 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.01.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Proteins in semen, either in spermatozoa (SPZ) or seminal plasma (SP), are directly involved in molecular processes and biological pathways regulating sperm function, including fertilizing ability. Therefore, semen proteins are candidates of choice for biomarkers discovery for fertility and for sperm (dys)function. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics has opened up a new era for characterizing and quantifying the protein profile of SP and SPZ, as well as for unveiling the complex protein interactions involved in the activation of sperm functionality. This article overviews existing literature on MS-based proteomics regarding porcine semen, with a specific focus on the potential practical application of the results achieved so far. The weaknesses of current studies and the perspectives for future research in MS-based pig semen proteomics are also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, 30100, Spain.
| | - Cristina Perez-Patiño
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, 30100, Spain
| | - Isabel Barranco
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, 30100, Spain; Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, 17003, Spain
| | - Lorena C Padilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, 30100, Spain
| | - Emilio A Martínez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, 30100, Spain
| | | | - Inmaculada Parrilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, 30100, Spain
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17
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Zhao Y, Gao N, Li X, El-Ashram S, Wang Z, Zhu L, Jiang W, Peng X, Zhang C, Chen Y, Li Z. Identifying candidate genes associated with sperm morphology abnormalities using weighted single-step GWAS in a Duroc boar population. Theriogenology 2019; 141:9-15. [PMID: 31479777 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Artificial insemination (AI) has been used as a routine technology globally in the pig production industry since 1930. One of the preferable advantages of AI technology is that the semen of elite boars can be disseminated to the commercial sow population rapidly. Understanding the genetic background of semen traits may help in developing genetic improvement programs of boars by including these traits into the selection index. In this study, we utilized weighted single-step genome-wide association study (wssGWAS) to identify genetic regions and further candidate genes associated with sperm morphology abnormalities (proximal droplet, distal droplet, bent tail, coiled tail, and distal midpiece reflex) in a Duroc boar population. Several genomic regions explained 2.76%-9.22% of the genetic variances for sperm morphology abnormalities were identified. The first three detected QTL regions together explained about 7.65%-25.10% of the total genetic variances of the studied traits. Several genes were detected and considered as candidate genes for each of the traits under study: coiled tail, HOOK1, ARSA, SYCE3, SOD3, GMNN, RBPJ, STIL, and FGF1; bent tail, FGF1, ADIPOR1, ARPC5, FGFR3, PANX1, IZUMO1R, ANKRD49, and GAL; proximal droplet, NSF, WNT3, WNT9B, LYZL6, FGFR1OP, RNASET2, FYN, LRRC6, EPC1, DICER1, FNDC3A, and PFN1; distal droplet, ARSA, SYCE3, MOV10L1, CBR1, KDM6B, TP53, PTBP2, UBR7, KIF18A, ADAM15, FAAH, TEKT3, and SRD5A1; and distal midpiece reflex, OMA1, PFN1, PELP1, BMP2, GPR18, TM9SF2, and SPIN1. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed the potential function of the identified candidate genes in spermatogenesis, testis functioning, and boar spermatozoa plasma membrane activating and maintenance. In conclusion, we detected candidate genes associated with the coiled tail, bent tail, proximal droplet, distal droplet, and distal midpiece reflex in a Duroc boar population using wssGWAS. Overall, these novel results reflect the polygenic genetic architecture of the studied sperm morphology abnormality traits, which may provide knowledge for conducting genomic selection on these traits. The detected genetic regions can be used in developing trait-specific marker assisted selection models by assigning higher genetic variances to these regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxiang Zhao
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, 18 Jiangwan Street, Foshan, 528231, Guangdong Province, China; Guangxi Yangxiang Agriculture and Husbandry Co.,LTD, Guigang, 537100, China
| | - Ning Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, North Third Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xinyun Li
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Saeed El-Ashram
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, 18 Jiangwan Street, Foshan, 528231, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhiquan Wang
- Department of Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lin Zhu
- Guangxi Yangxiang Agriculture and Husbandry Co.,LTD, Guigang, 537100, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Guangxi Yangxiang Agriculture and Husbandry Co.,LTD, Guigang, 537100, China
| | - Xing Peng
- Guangxi Yangxiang Agriculture and Husbandry Co.,LTD, Guigang, 537100, China
| | - Conglin Zhang
- Guangxi Yangxiang Agriculture and Husbandry Co.,LTD, Guigang, 537100, China
| | - Yilong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Zhili Li
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, 18 Jiangwan Street, Foshan, 528231, Guangdong Province, China.
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18
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Barranco I, Padilla L, Tvarijonaviciute A, Parrilla I, Martínez EA, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Yeste M, Roca J. Levels of activity of superoxide dismutase in seminal plasma do not predict fertility of pig AI-semen doses. Theriogenology 2019; 140:18-24. [PMID: 31421531 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a major antioxidant enzyme in boar seminal plasma (SP). This study evaluated how SP-SOD affected sperm attributes when semen of boars of various breeds, included in commercial artificial insemination (AI)-programs, was extended and liquid-stored at 17 °C for AI; as well as their in vivo fertility (farrowing rate and litter size of 10,952 AI-sows). SP-SOD-activity was assessed in 311 ejaculates (100 boars) while sperm motility (by CASA), viability and intracellular H2O2 generation in viable spermatozoa (by flow cytometry) were measured at 0 and 72 h of liquid storage. SP-SOD activity was not affected by breed but differed (P < 0.001) between boars (n = 50), ranging from 1.16 ± 0.11 to 7.02 ± 0.75 IU/mL. Semen AI-doses (n = 44) hierarchically grouped (P < 0.001) with low SP-SOD activity showed lower (P < 0.05) sperm motility and intracellular H2O2 at 72 h of liquid storage. Fertility did not differ between AI-boars (n = 39) hierarchically grouped (P < 0.001) with high or low SP-SOD activity. In conclusion, SP-SOD activity is boar dependent and positively related with sperm functionality of liquid-stored semen AI-doses. However, this positive effect is not reflected on in vivo fertility post-AI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Barranco
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, 30100, Spain; Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, 17003, Spain
| | - Lorena Padilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, 30100, Spain
| | - Asta Tvarijonaviciute
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, 30100, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Parrilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, 30100, Spain
| | - Emilio A Martínez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, 30100, Spain
| | | | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, 17003, Spain
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, 30100, Spain.
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19
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Parrilla I, Perez-Patiño C, Li J, Barranco I, Padilla L, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Martinez EA, Roca J. Boar semen proteomics and sperm preservation. Theriogenology 2019; 137:23-29. [PMID: 31208776 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Recently numerous proteomic approaches have been undertaken to identify sperm and seminal plasma (SP) proteins that can be used as potential biomarkers for sperm function, including fertilization ability. This review aims firstly to briefly introduce the proteomic technologies and workflows that can be successfully applied for sperm and SP proteomic analysis. Secondly, we summarize the current knowledge about boar SP and the sperm proteome, focusing mainly on its relevance to sperm preservation procedures (liquid storage or cryopreservation) and their outcomes in terms of sperm function and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Parrilla
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain; Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain.
| | - C Perez-Patiño
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain; Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - J Li
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain; Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - I Barranco
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain; Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - L Padilla
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain; Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - H Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKE), Linköping University, Sweden
| | - E A Martinez
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain; Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - J Roca
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain; Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
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20
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Pérez-Patiño C, Parrilla I, Li J, Barranco I, Martínez EA, Rodriguez-Martínez H, Roca J. The Proteome of Pig Spermatozoa Is Remodeled During Ejaculation. Mol Cell Proteomics 2019; 18:41-50. [PMID: 30257877 PMCID: PMC6317480 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.ra118.000840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteins are essential for sperm function, including their fertilizing capacity. Pig spermatozoa, emitted in well-defined ejaculate fractions, vary in their functionality, which could be related to different sperm protein composition. This study aimed (i) to update the porcine sperm proteome and (ii) to identify proteins differentially expressed in mature spermatozoa from cauda epididymis and those delivered in separate ejaculate fractions. Ejaculates from nine mature and fertile boars were manually collected in three separate portions: the first 10 ml of the sperm-rich ejaculate fraction (SRF), the rest of the SRF and the post-SRF. The contents of cauda epididymides of the boars were collected post-mortem by retrograde duct perfusion, generating four different semen sources for each boar. Following centrifugation, the resulting pellets of each semen source were initially pooled and later split to generate two technical replicates per source. The resulting eight sperm samples (two per semen source) were subjected to iTRAQ-based 2D-LC-MS/MS for protein identification and quantification. A total of 1,723 proteins were identified (974 of Sus scrofa taxonomy) and 1,602 of them were also quantified (960 of Sus scrofa taxonomy). After an ANOVA test, 32 Sus scrofa proteins showed quantitative differences (p < 0.01) among semen sources, which was particularly relevant for sperm functionality in the post-SRF. The present study showed that the proteome of boar spermatozoa is remodeled during ejaculation involving proteins clearly implicated in sperm function. The findings provide valuable groundwork for further studies focused on identifying protein biomarkers of sperm fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Pérez-Patiño
- From the ‡Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Parrilla
- From the ‡Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Spain
| | - Junwei Li
- From the ‡Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Spain
| | - Isabel Barranco
- From the ‡Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Spain
| | - Emilio A Martínez
- From the ‡Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Jordi Roca
- From the ‡Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Spain;.
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21
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Pérez-Patiño C, Parrilla I, Barranco I, Vergara-Barberán M, Simó-Alfonso EF, Herrero-Martínez JM, Rodriguez-Martínez H, Martínez EA, Roca J. New In-Depth Analytical Approach of the Porcine Seminal Plasma Proteome Reveals Potential Fertility Biomarkers. J Proteome Res 2018; 17:1065-1076. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.7b00728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Pérez-Patiño
- Department
of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Parrilla
- Department
of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain
| | - Isabel Barranco
- Department
of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Emilio A. Martínez
- Department
of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department
of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain
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22
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Zak LJ, Gaustad AH, Bolarin A, Broekhuijse MLWJ, Walling GA, Knol EF. Genetic control of complex traits, with a focus on reproduction in pigs. Mol Reprod Dev 2017; 84:1004-1011. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Louisa J. Zak
- Topigs Norsvin Research Center; Beuningen The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Grant A. Walling
- JSR Genetics; Southburn; Driffield East Yorkshire United Kingdom
| | - Egbert F. Knol
- Topigs Norsvin Research Center; Beuningen The Netherlands
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23
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Lents CA, Thorson JF, Desaulniers AT, White BR. RFamide‐related peptide 3 and gonadotropin‐releasing hormone‐II are autocrine–paracrine regulators of testicular function in the boar. Mol Reprod Dev 2017; 84:994-1003. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Clay A. Lents
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research ServiceU. S. Meat Animal Research CenterClay CenterNebraska
| | - Jennifer F. Thorson
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research ServiceU. S. Meat Animal Research CenterClay CenterNebraska
| | - Amy T. Desaulniers
- University of Nebraska‐LincolnDepartment of Animal ScienceLincolnNebraska
| | - Brett R. White
- University of Nebraska‐LincolnDepartment of Animal ScienceLincolnNebraska
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24
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Rahman MS, Kwon WS, Pang MG. Prediction of male fertility using capacitation-associated proteins in spermatozoa. Mol Reprod Dev 2017; 84:749-759. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Md Saidur Rahman
- Department of Animal Science and Technology; Chung-Ang University; Anseong Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Sung Kwon
- Department of Animal Science and Technology; Chung-Ang University; Anseong Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Geol Pang
- Department of Animal Science and Technology; Chung-Ang University; Anseong Republic of Korea
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25
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Roca J, Broekhuijse MLWJ, Parrilla I, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Martinez EA, Bolarin A. Boar Differences In Artificial Insemination Outcomes: Can They Be Minimized? Reprod Domest Anim 2016; 50 Suppl 2:48-55. [PMID: 26174919 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In Western countries, where pig breeding and production are intensive, there is a documented variability in fertility between farms with boar-related parameters only accounting to 6% of this total variation of in vivo fertility. Such low boar effect could be a result of the rigorous control of sires and ejaculates yielding AI-doses exerted by the highly specialized AI-centres that monopolize the market. However, some subfertile boars pass through these rigorous controls and consequently reach the AI-programmes. Here, we discuss why testing young boars for chromosomal defects, sperm nuclear chromatin integrity and in vitro fertilizing ability can be discriminative and economically sound for removing these less fertile boars. Alongside, we discuss why boars differ in the ability of their sperm to tolerate cryopreservation or sex sorting.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Roca
- Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - I Parrilla
- Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - H Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine (IKE), University of Linköping, Linköping, Sweden
| | - E A Martinez
- Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - A Bolarin
- AIM iberica, Topigs Norsvin, Las Rozas, Spain
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26
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Sutovsky P. New Approaches to Boar Semen Evaluation, Processing and Improvement. Reprod Domest Anim 2016; 50 Suppl 2:11-9. [PMID: 26174914 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 05/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The improvement of boar reproductive performance may be the next frontier in reproductive management of swine herd in Unites States, facilitated by better understanding of boar sperm function and by the introduction of new advanced instrumentation in the andrology field. Objective single ejaculate evaluation and individual boar fertility prediction may be possible by introducing automated flow cytometric semen analysis with vital stains (e.g. acrosomal integrity and mito-potential), DNA fragmentation analysis and biomarkers (ubiquitin, PAWP, ALOX15, aggresome) associated with normal or defective sperm phenotypes. Measurement of sperm-produced reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a helpful indicator of normal semen sample. Semen ROS levels could be managed by the addition of ROS-scavenging antioxidants. Alternative energy regeneration substrates and sperm stimulants such as inorganic pyrophosphate and caffeine could increase sperm lifespan in extended semen and within the female reproductive system. Such technology could be combined with timed sperm release in the female reproductive system after artificial insemination. Sperm phenotype analysis by the image-based flow cytometry will go hand in hand with the advancement of swine genomics, linking aberrant sperm phenotype to the fertility influencing gene polymorphisms. Finally, poor-quality ejaculates could be rescued and acceptable ejaculates improved by semen purification methods such as the nanoparticle-based semen purification and magnetic-activated sperm sorting. Altogether, these scientific and technological advances could benefit swine industry, provided that the challenges of new technology adoption, dissemination and cost reduction are met.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Science, Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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27
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Žaja IŽ, Samardžija M, Vince S, Majić-Balić I, Vilić M, Đuričić D, Milinković-Tur S. Influence of boar breeds or hybrid genetic composition on semen quality and seminal plasma biochemical variables. Anim Reprod Sci 2015; 164:169-76. [PMID: 26692346 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2015.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Revised: 11/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The enzyme concentrations of seminal plasma are important for spermatozoa metabolism and function in boars. The need has arisen for introducing a biochemical evaluation of semen, along with the usual standard semen analyses. There are no data on the influence of boar breeds on the seminal plasma biochemical variables investigated in this study. Therefore, the objective was to determine the influence of breed and hybrid genetic composition of boars on semen quality and seminal plasma biochemical variables. Semen samples of 27 boars (Swedish Landrace, German Landrace, Large White, Pietrain and Pig Improvement Company hybrid-PIC-hybrid), aged between 1.5 and 3 years, were collected. After evaluation of semen quality, the seminal plasma was separated from the spermatozoa by centrifugation of semen. The seminal plasma was subjected to spectrophotometric analysis to determine alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and to atomic absorption spectrophotometric analysis to measure the concentration of calcium and magnesium. Conventional semen quality variables differed depending on breed and PIC-hybrid genetic composition, though these differences were typically insignificant. In the seminal plasma, significant differences were determined in enzyme activity (ALP, GGT, CK and LDH) and in calcium concentration among boars of different breeds. There are, therefore, differences in semen quality and significant differences in the seminal plasma biochemical variables among boars of different breeds and PIC-hybrid genetic composition. The data and differences in semen variables detected in the present study provide knowledge for enhancing evaluation and monitoring of boar reproductive potential, semen quality and explain the potential causes of boar infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivona Žura Žaja
- Department of Physiology and Radiobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marko Samardžija
- Clinic for Obstetrics and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Silvijo Vince
- Clinic for Obstetrics and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivanka Majić-Balić
- Center for Reproduction and Animal Breeding of Croatia d.o.o., Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marinko Vilić
- Department of Physiology and Radiobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Suzana Milinković-Tur
- Department of Physiology and Radiobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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28
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Bortolozzo FP, Menegat MB, Mellagi APG, Bernardi ML, Wentz I. New Artificial Insemination Technologies for Swine. Reprod Domest Anim 2015; 50 Suppl 2:80-4. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- FP Bortolozzo
- Departamento de Medicina Animal; Faculdade de Veterinária; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Porto Alegre-RS Brazil
| | - MB Menegat
- Departamento de Medicina Animal; Faculdade de Veterinária; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Porto Alegre-RS Brazil
| | - APG Mellagi
- Departamento de Medicina Animal; Faculdade de Veterinária; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Porto Alegre-RS Brazil
| | - ML Bernardi
- Departamento de Zootecnia; Faculdade de Agronomia; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Porto Alegre-RS Brazil
| | - I Wentz
- Departamento de Medicina Animal; Faculdade de Veterinária; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Porto Alegre-RS Brazil
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29
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Kwon WS, Rahman MS, Lee JS, Yoon SJ, Park YJ, Pang MG. Discovery of predictive biomarkers for litter size in boar spermatozoa. Mol Cell Proteomics 2015; 14:1230-40. [PMID: 25693803 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m114.045369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional semen analysis has been used for prognosis and diagnosis of male fertility. Although this tool is essential for providing initial quantitative information about semen, it remains a subject of debate. Therefore, development of new methods for the prognosis and diagnosis of male fertility should be seriously considered for animal species of economic importance as well as for humans. In the present study, we applied a comprehensive proteomic approach to identify global protein biomarkers in boar spermatozoa in order to increase the precision of male fertility prognoses and diagnoses. We determined that l-amino acid oxidase, mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase 2, NAD (MDH2), cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase 1B, lysozyme-like protein 4, and calmodulin (CALM) were significantly and abundantly expressed in high-litter size spermatozoa. We also found that equatorin, spermadhesin AWN, triosephosphate isomerase (TPI), Ras-related protein Rab-2A (RAB2A), spermadhesin AQN-3, and NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] iron-sulfur protein 2 (NDUFS2) were significantly and abundantly expressed in low-litter size spermatozoa (>3-fold). Moreover, RAB2A, TPI, and NDUFS2 were negatively correlated with litter size, whereas CALM and MDH2 were positively correlated. This study provides novel biomarkers for the prediction of male fertility. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that shows significantly increased litter size using male fertility biomarkers in a field trial. Moreover, these protein markers may provide new developmental tools for the selection of superior sires as well as for the prognosis and diagnosis of male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Sung Kwon
- From the ‡Department of Animal Science & Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 456-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Saidur Rahman
- From the ‡Department of Animal Science & Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 456-756, Republic of Korea
| | - June-Sub Lee
- From the ‡Department of Animal Science & Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 456-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Jae Yoon
- From the ‡Department of Animal Science & Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 456-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo-Jin Park
- From the ‡Department of Animal Science & Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 456-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Geol Pang
- From the ‡Department of Animal Science & Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 456-756, Republic of Korea.
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30
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Knox RV. Impact of swine reproductive technologies on pig and global food production. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 752:131-60. [PMID: 24170358 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-8887-3_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive technologies have dramatically changed the way pigs are raised for pork production in developed and developing countries. This has involved such areas as pigs produced/sow, more consistent pig flow to market, pig growth rate and feed efficiency, carcass yield and quality, labor efficiency, and pig health. Some reproductive technologies are in widespread use for commercial pork operations [Riesenbeck, Reprod Domest Anim 46:1-3, 2011] while others are in limited use in specific segments of the industry [Knox, Reprod Domest Anim 46:4-6, 2011]. Significant changes in the efficiency of pork production have occurred as a direct result of the use of reproductive technologies that were intended to improve the transfer of genes important for food production [Gerrits et al., Theriogenology 63:283-299, 2005]. While some technologies focused on the efficiency of gene transfer, others addressed fertility and labor issues. Among livestock species, pig reproductive efficiency appears to have achieved exceptionally high rates of performance (PigCHAMP 2011) [Benchmark 2011, Ames, IA, 12-16]. From the maternal side, this includes pigs born per litter, farrowing rate, as well as litters per sow per year. On the male side, boar fertility, sperm production, and sows served per sire have improved as well [Knox et al., Theriogenology, 70:1202-1208, 2008]. These shifts in the efficiency of swine fertility have resulted in the modern pig as one of the most efficient livestock species for global food production. These reproductive changes have predominantly occurred in developed countries, but data suggests transfer and adoption of these in developing countries as well (FAO STAT 2009; FAS 2006) [World pig meat production: food and agriculture organization of the United Nations, 2009; FAS, 2006) Worldwide Pork Production, 2006]. Technological advancements in swine reproduction have had profound effects on industry structure, production, efficiency, quality, and profitability. In all cases, the adoption of these technologies has aided in the creation of a sustainable supply of safe and affordable pork for consumers around the world [den Hartog, Adv Pork Prod 15:17-24, 2004].
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert V Knox
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, 360 Animal Sciences Laboratory, 1207 West Gregory Drive MC-630, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA,
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Fernández-Gago R, Domínguez JC, Martínez-Pastor F. Seminal plasma applied post-thawing affects boar sperm physiology: a flow cytometry study. Theriogenology 2013; 80:400-10. [PMID: 23756043 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2013] [Revised: 04/28/2013] [Accepted: 05/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cryopreservation induces extensive biophysical and biochemical changes in the sperm. In the present study, we used flow cytometry to assess the capacitation-like status of frozen-thawed boar spermatozoa and its relationship with intracellular calcium, assessment of membrane fluidity, modification of thiol groups in plasma membrane proteins, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, viability, acrosomal status, and mitochondrial activity. This experiment was performed to verify the effect of adding seminal plasma on post-thaw sperm functions. To determine these effects after cryopreservation, frozen-thawed semen from seven boars was examined after supplementation with different concentrations of pooled seminal plasma (0%, 10%, and 50%) at various times of incubation from 0 to 4 hours. Incubation caused a decrease in membrane integrity and an increase in acrosomal damage, with small changes in other parameters (P > 0.05). Although 10% seminal plasma showed few differences with 0% (ROS increase at 4 hours, P < 0.05), 50% seminal plasma caused important changes. Membrane fluidity increased considerably from the beginning of the experiment, and ROS and free thiols in the cell surface increased by 2 hours of incubation. By the end of the experiment, viability decreased and acrosomal damage increased in the 50% seminal plasma samples. The addition of 50% of seminal plasma seems to modify the physiology of thawed boar spermatozoa, possibly through membrane changes and ROS increase. Although some effects were detrimental, the stimulatory effect of 50% seminal plasma could favor the performance of post-thawed boar semen, as showed in the field (García JC, Domínguez JC, Peña FJ, Alegre B, Gonzalez R, Castro MJ, Habing GG, Kirkwood RN. Thawing boar semen in the presence of seminal plasma: effects on sperm quality and fertility. Anim Reprod Sci 2010;119:160-5).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Fernández-Gago
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Veterinary Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
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32
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Acrosin activity is a suitable indicator of boar semen preservation at 17 °C when increasing environmental temperature and radiation. Theriogenology 2013; 80:234-47. [PMID: 23669168 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2012] [Revised: 03/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The effect of increasing environmental temperature and radiation on the sperm quality and the field fertility of refrigerated seminal doses from AI boars (N = 30) was analyzed throughout four experimental months (from March through June). In each experimental month, analyses of sperm quality were performed at days 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 of refrigeration of seminal doses; pregnancy rate and litter size were evaluated using double monospermic inseminations of multiparous female animals using seminal doses at Days 1 to 2 and Days 3 to 4 of refrigeration. Sperm quality was assessed from the evaluation of conventional parameters of sperm concentration, sperm motility, sperm morphology, and sperm viability, and capacitation parameters of membrane lipid disorder, intracellular calcium content, and acrosin activity. Results showed that sperm quality of boar seminal doses was negatively affected by increasing temperature and radiation, which resulted in significantly decreased sperm motility and viability, acrosin activity, pregnancy rate, and litter size, and significantly increased intracellular calcium levels in the trials performed in June. In any experimental month, aging of refrigerated doses was associated with the progressive increase of intracellular calcium levels and inactivation of acrosin, that began from Day 5 of storage in the trials performed in March and April, from Day 3 in those of May, and from Day 0 in those of June. Among the sperm parameters analyzed, only acrosin activity exhibited a clearly differentiated pattern in association with increasing temperature and radiation, and a significant correlation with pregnancy rate and litter size. These results highlighted the potential role of acrosin activity as an indicator of boar sperm preservation at 17 °C in boars.
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33
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Ringwelski JM, Beever JE, Knox RV. Effect of interval between inseminations when using frozen-thawed boar sperm on fertility and fetal paternity in mature gilts. Anim Reprod Sci 2013; 137:197-204. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2013.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2012] [Revised: 01/15/2013] [Accepted: 01/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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34
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Madej M, Hansen C, Johannisson A, Madej A. Heparin-binding proteins from boar seminal plasma affecting the release of prostaglandins and interleukin-6 by porcine endometrial and cervical cells and bovine endometrial cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.4236/ns.2013.57a004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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