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Larbi A, Li C, Quan G. An updated review on the application of proteomics to explore sperm cryoinjury mechanisms in livestock animals. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 263:107441. [PMID: 38412764 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107441] [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: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
This comprehensive review critically examines the application of proteomics in understanding sperm cryoinjury mechanisms in livestock animals, in the context of the widespread use of semen cryopreservation for genetic conservation. Despite its global adoption, cryopreservation often detrimentally affects sperm quality and fertility due to cryoinjuries. These injuries primarily arise from ice crystal formation, osmotic shifts, oxidative stress, and the reorganization of membrane proteins and lipids during freezing and thawing, leading to premature capacitation-like changes. Moreover, the cryopreservation process induces proteome remodeling in mammalian sperm. Although there have been technological advances in semen cryopreservation, the precise mechanisms of mammalian sperm cryoinjury remain elusive. This review offers an in-depth exploration of how recent advancements in proteomic technologies have enabled a detailed investigation into these molecular disruptions. It presents an analysis of protein-level alterations post-thaw and their impact on sperm viability and functionality. Additionally, it discusses the role of proteomics in refining cryopreservation techniques to mitigate cryoinjury and enhance reproductive outcomes in livestock. This work synthesizes current knowledge, highlights gaps, and suggests directions for future research in animal reproductive science and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allai Larbi
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Jindian, Panlong District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China; Laboratory of Sustainable Agriculture Management, Higher School of Technology Sidi Bennour, Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida, Morocco
| | - Chunyan Li
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Jindian, Panlong District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Guobo Quan
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Jindian, Panlong District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China.
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2
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Yotov S, Abadjieva D, Atanasov A, Ivanova B, Taushanova P, Fasulkov I, Kistanova E. In vitro characteristics of X- and Y-bearing ram spermatozoa sorted by bovine serum albumin (BSA) column and TLR7/8 ligand R848. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 263:107450. [PMID: 38461673 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
The quality of the separated fractions in sex-sorted semen is very important for the success of the artificial insemination. This study aimed to evaluate some in vitro characteristics (DNA quantity, kinematic parameters and enzymes activity) of X- and Y-bearing ram spermatozoa sorted by bovine serum albumin (BSA) column and toll-like receptors (TLR)7/8 ligand R848. The ejaculates from six rams were collected by artificial vagina and subjected to a computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA). Total motility and percentage of the sperms with rapid and medium progressivity or non-progressivity in whole ejaculates and in X and Y fractions were analyzed. Activity of the enzymes ALP, GGT, CK, LDH and accumulation of lactate in the seminal plasma of ejaculates and in the environmental fluid of sexed spermatozoa were measured by biochemical analyzer. DNA was isolated from precipitated spermatozoa, and its quantity was measured. For both protocols the DNA mass from X-bearing fractions was higher, than from Y-bearing fractions. The high total motility of X- and Y-bearing spermatozoa as well as greater percent sperms with progressive motility were observed after use of BSA protocol. The application of TLR7/8 ligand R848 protocol led to reducing of Y-sperm motility and enhancement of non-progressivity in both fractions, which corresponded to the determined high amount of the extracellular lactate. For both methods, the significantly reduced activity of enzymes in the X and Y spermatozoa environmental fluids was established. Both protocols produce X- and Y-sperm fractions with satisfactory quality (over 80% total motility and over 50% rapid and medium progressive spermatozoa in each fraction).
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanimir Yotov
- Department of Obstetrics, Reproduction and Reproductive Disorders, Trakia University, Stara Zagora 6000, Bulgaria
| | - Desislava Abadjieva
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria
| | - Anatoli Atanasov
- Department of Obstetrics, Reproduction and Reproductive Disorders, Trakia University, Stara Zagora 6000, Bulgaria
| | - Boyana Ivanova
- Department of Obstetrics, Reproduction and Reproductive Disorders, Trakia University, Stara Zagora 6000, Bulgaria
| | - Paulina Taushanova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria
| | - Ivan Fasulkov
- Department of Obstetrics, Reproduction and Reproductive Disorders, Trakia University, Stara Zagora 6000, Bulgaria
| | - Elena Kistanova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria.
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Bollwein H, Malama E. Review: Evaluation of bull fertility. Functional and molecular approaches. Animal 2023; 17 Suppl 1:100795. [PMID: 37567681 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
With the term "assisted reproduction technologies" in modern cattle farming, one could imply the collection of techniques that aim at the optimal use of bovine gametes to produce animals of high genetic value in a time- and cost-efficient manner. The accurate characterisation of sperm quality plays a critical role for the efficiency of several assisted reproduction-related procedures, such as sperm processing, in vitro embryo production and artificial insemination. Bull fertility is ultimately a collective projection of the ability of a series of ejaculates to endure sperm processing stress, and achieve fertilisation of the oocyte and production of a viable and well-developing embryo. In this concept, the assessment of sperm functional and molecular characteristics is key to bull fertility diagnostics and prognostics. Among others, functional features linked to sperm plasma membrane, acrosome and DNA integrity are usually assessed as a measure of the ability of sperm to express the phenotypes that will allow them to maintain their homeostasis and orchestrate-in a strict temporal manner-the course of events that will enable the delivery of their genetic content to the oocyte upon fertilisation. Nevertheless, measures of sperm functionality are not always adequate indicators of bull fertility. Nowadays, advancements in the field of molecular biology have facilitated the profiling of several biomolecules in male gametes. The molecular profiling of bovine sperm offers a deeper insight into the mechanisms underlying sperm physiology and, thus, can reveal novel candidate markers for bull fertility prognosis. In this review, the importance of three organelles (the nucleus, the plasma membrane and the acrosome) for the characterisation of sperm fertilising capacity and bull fertility is discussed at functional and molecular levels. In particular, information about sperm head morphometry, chromatin structure, viability as well as the ability of sperm to capacitate and undergo the acrosome reaction are presented in relation to the cryotolerance of male gametes and bull fertility. Finally, major spermatozoal coding and non-coding RNAs, and proteins that are involved in the above-mentioned aspects of sperm functionality are also summarised.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Bollwein
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Department for Farm Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - E Malama
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Department for Farm Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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Cao W, Sun W, Chen S, Jia X, Wang J, Lai S. Comprehensive analysis of microRNA and metabolic profiles in bovine seminal plasma of different semen quality. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1088148. [PMID: 37056229 PMCID: PMC10086235 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1088148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundSeminal plasma plays a pivotal role in modulating sperm viability and function. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated.MethodIn this study, the bull semen production records of core breeding farms and bull stations in the past 10 years were analyzed.ResultsWe found that the semen of 5-year-old bulls collected for the first time is of the best quality (p < 0.05). Despite the bull semen collected under the above conditions, low-quality sperm is still obtained from part of bulls due to individual differences. Interestingly, seminal plasma from normal semen is capable of improving low-quality semen motility. To identify the potential key factors in seminal plasma, the differences in miRNA and metabolite profiles between normal and low-quality seminal plasma were analyzed. We found that 59 miRNAs were differently expressed, including 38 up-regulated and 21 down-regulated miRNAs. Three hundred and ninety-one and 327 significantly different metabolites were identified from the positive and negative ion models, respectively. These multiple miRNAs and metabolites collectively contribute to the motility of sperm, subsequently, affect semen quality.DiscussionTogether, these results not only revealed the critical factors of seminal plasma improving sperm quality but also provided potential miRNA- or metabolite-based biomarkers to identify the high semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cao
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology (Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding), Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Province General Station of Animal Husbandry, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenqiang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology (Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding), Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shiyi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology (Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding), Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xianbo Jia
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology (Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding), Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology (Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding), Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Songjia Lai
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology (Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding), Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Songjia Lai
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Viana AGDA, Ribeiro IM, Carvalho RPR, Memili E, Moura ADA, Machado-Neves M. Contributions of seminal plasma proteins to fertilizing ability of bull sperm: A meta-analytical review. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14615. [PMID: 36261879 DOI: 10.1111/and.14615] [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: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminal plasma is a dynamic, intricate combination of fluids from the testicles, epididymides, seminal vesicles, bulbourethral glands, and prostate, containing molecules that modulate sperm functions, post-fertilization events, and the female reproductive tract physiology. Significant variations in sperm parameters and fertility status of bulls relate to differences in the seminal plasma proteome. In this framework, a meta-analytical study was conducted examining 29 studies (published between 1990 and 2021) to ascertain the effects of seminal fluid proteins on parameters associated with bull fertility and the influence of distinct methodologies on such effects. Our results revealed that seminal proteins ameliorate sperm parameters, such as motility, integrity, capacitation, and fertilizing ability, and favours sperm protection. Seminal binder of sperm proteins and beta-defensin 126 highly favoured sperm protection when cells were collected from the epididymis by retrograde flux and analysed under room temperature conditions. Furthermore, seminal proteins improved the motility and quality of Bos taurus sperm collected by artificial vagina, mainly in the presence of heparin-binding proteins. The key limitations faced by this meta-analysis were the paucity of studies evaluating the effects of whole seminal fluid proteins and the limited number of studies conducted in vivo. In conclusion, the present meta-analytical study confirms that seminal proteins improve fertility-related parameters in the bovine species. However, methodological strategies used by authors are diverse, with distinct endpoints and methods. Thus, the translational aspects of seminal plasma research should be taken into consideration to precisely define how seminal proteins can be harnessed to advance reproductive biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Erdogan Memili
- Cooperative Agricultural Research Center, College of Agriculture and Human Sciences, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, Texas, USA
| | | | - Mariana Machado-Neves
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brasil.,Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brasil
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Turunen T, Magris M, Malinen M, Kekäläinen J. Seminal-Plasma-Mediated Effects on Sperm Performance in Humans. Cells 2022; 11:cells11142147. [PMID: 35883590 PMCID: PMC9322865 DOI: 10.3390/cells11142147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Seminal plasma (SP) plays a crucial role in reproduction and contains a large number of proteins, many of which may potentially modify sperm functionality. To evaluate the effects of SP identity and its protein composition on human sperm function, we treated the sperm of several males with either their own or multiple foreign SPs in all possible sperm–SP combinations (full-factorial design). Then we recorded sperm motility and viability in these combinations and investigated whether the sperm performance is dependent on sperm and SP identity (or their interaction). Finally, we studied whether the above-mentioned sperm traits are affected by the abundance of three SP proteins, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4), neutral endopeptidase (NEP), and aminopeptidase N (APN). The identity of the SP donor affected sperm swimming velocity, viability, and the proportion of hyperactivated sperm, but males’ own SP was not consistently more beneficial for sperm than foreign SPs. Furthermore, we show that sperm performance is also partly affected by the interaction between sperm and SP donor. Finally, we found that DPP4 and NEP levels in SP were positively associated with sperm swimming velocity and hyperactivation. Taken together, our results highlight the importance of seminal plasma as a potential source of biomarkers for diagnostics and therapeutic interventions for male-derived infertility.
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7
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Factors influencing seminal plasma composition and its relevance to succeed sperm technology in sheep: an updated review. Small Rumin Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2022.106759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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8
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Martínez-Madrid B, Castaño C, Ureña LP, Flix E, Velázquez R, López-Sebastián A, Ungerfeld R, Arrebola FA, Santiago-Moreno J. Seasonal changes in testosterone and thyroxine concentrations in Mediterranean rams and bucks and their relationship with sperm cryoresistance. Livest Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2021.104513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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9
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Upadhyay VR, Ramesh V, Dewry RK, Kumar G, Raval K, Patoliya P. Implications of cryopreservation on structural and functional attributes of bovine spermatozoa: An overview. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14154. [PMID: 34143907 DOI: 10.1111/and.14154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm cryopreservation is an important adjunct to assisted reproduction techniques (ART) for improving the reproductive efficiency of dairy cattle and buffaloes. Improved understanding of mechanisms and challenges of bovine semen cryopreservation is vital for artificial insemination on a commercial basis. Although cryopreservation of bovine spermatozoa is widely practiced and advanced beyond that of other species, there are still major gaps in the knowledge and technology. Upon cryopreservation, disruption of spermatozoal plasma membrane configuration due to alterations in metabolic pathways, enzymes and antioxidants activity add to lower efficiency with loss of sperm longevity and fertilising ability. Therefore, the effective amalgamation of cryo-variables like ambient temperature, cooling and thawing rates, nucleation temperature, type and concentration of the cryoprotectant, seminal plasma composition, free radicals and antioxidant status are required to optimise cryopreservation. Novel strategies like supplementation of cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrins (CLC), nanovesicles, osteopontin, antioxidants, etc., in an extender and recent techniques like nano-purification and modified packaging have to be optimised to ameliorate the cryodamage. This article is intended to describe the basic facts about the sperm cryopreservation process in bovine and the associated biochemical, biophysical, ultra-structural, molecular and functional alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vikram Ramesh
- Animal Reproduction and Gynecology, ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun, Medziphema, India
| | - Raju Kumar Dewry
- Artificial Breeding Research Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Gaurav Kumar
- Division of Animal Physiology, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Kathan Raval
- Artificial Breeding Research Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Priyanka Patoliya
- Division of Livestock Production Management, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
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10
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Fichtner T, Kotarski F, Hermosilla C, Taubert A, Wrenzycki C. Semen extender and seminal plasma alter the extent of neutrophil extracellular traps (NET) formation in cattle. Theriogenology 2020; 160:72-80. [PMID: 33189996 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
During artificial insemination in bovine, the deposition of semen into the uterus results in an immune reaction which is based on polymorphonuclear neutrophils activity, including the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps. The formation of neutrophil extracellular traps as a reaction of neutrophils to spermatozoa was recently described. However, it is not completely clear which components of the semen are responsible for this reaction. The objective of this study was to quantify and compare the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps following in vitro incubation of bovine polymorphonuclear neutrophils with semen and extenders of different origins and conditions. We investigated the interactions between bovine polymorphonuclear neutrophils and different semen extenders, various seminal plasma concentrations from young and old bulls as well as sexed and non-sexed semen and their corresponding extenders. Three different semen extenders from two companies in fresh and frozen-thawed conditions were compared. Fresh semen extenders showed higher neutrophil extracellular traps induction than did frozen-thawed ones. The formation of neutrophil extracellular traps were also dependent on the presence of seminal plasma. We could show that seminal plasma alone, without any sperm cells, induced the reaction and that the addition of at least 1% seminal plasma already resulted in the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps. Furthermore, seminal plasma from young bulls led to significant higher neutrophil extracellular traps induction. No difference between non-sex-sorted and sex-sorted sperm and its extenders was observed. Taken together, different semen extenders as well as the amount and origin of seminal plasma influence neutrophil extracellular traps formation, whereas sex-sorted sperm did not affect the reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Fichtner
- Chair for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Clinic of Veterinary Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Str. 106, 35392, Giessen, Germany; Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, BFS - Biomedizinisches Forschungszentrum Seltersberg, Schubertstraße 81, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Franziska Kotarski
- Chair for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Clinic of Veterinary Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Str. 106, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Carlos Hermosilla
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, BFS - Biomedizinisches Forschungszentrum Seltersberg, Schubertstraße 81, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Anja Taubert
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, BFS - Biomedizinisches Forschungszentrum Seltersberg, Schubertstraße 81, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christine Wrenzycki
- Chair for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Clinic of Veterinary Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Str. 106, 35392, Giessen, Germany
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11
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Fair S, Meade KG, Reynaud K, Druart X, de Graaf SP. The biological mechanisms regulating sperm selection by the ovine cervix. Reproduction 2020; 158:R1-R13. [PMID: 30921769 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
In species where semen is deposited in the vagina, the cervix has the unique function of facilitating progress of spermatozoa towards the site of fertilisation while also preventing the ascending influx of pathogens from the vagina. For the majority of species, advances in assisted reproduction techniques facilitate the bypassing of the cervix and therefore its effect on the transit of processed spermatozoa has been largely overlooked. The exception is in sheep, as it is currently not possible to traverse the ovine cervix with an inseminating catheter due to its complex anatomy, and semen must be deposited at the external cervical os. This results in unacceptably low pregnancy rates when frozen-thawed or liquid stored (>24 h) semen is inseminated. The objective of this review is to discuss the biological mechanisms which regulate cervical sperm selection. We assess the effects of endogenous and exogenous hormones on cervical mucus composition and discuss how increased mucus production and flow during oestrus stimulates sperm rheotaxis along the crypts and folds of the cervix. Emerging results shedding light on the sperm-cervical mucus interaction as well as the dialogue between spermatozoa and the innate immune system are outlined. Finally, ewe breed differences in cervical function and the impact of semen processing on the success of fertilisation, as well as the most fruitful avenues of further investigation in this area are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Fair
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - K G Meade
- Animal & Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Co Meath, Ireland
| | - K Reynaud
- UMR PRC, INRA 85, CNRS 7247, Université de Tours, IFCE, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Nouzilly, France
| | - X Druart
- UMR PRC, INRA 85, CNRS 7247, Université de Tours, IFCE, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Nouzilly, France
| | - S P de Graaf
- The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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12
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Leahy T, Rickard JP, Pini T, Gadella BM, Graaf SP. Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Seminal Plasma, Sperm Membrane Proteins, and Seminal Extracellular Vesicles Suggests Vesicular Mechanisms Aid in the Removal and Addition of Proteins to the Ram Sperm Membrane. Proteomics 2020; 20:e1900289. [DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201900289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Leahy
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesFaculty of ScienceUniversity of Sydney Sydney New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | - Jessica P. Rickard
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesFaculty of ScienceUniversity of Sydney Sydney New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | - Taylor Pini
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine Lone Tree Colorado 80124 USA
| | - Bart M. Gadella
- Department of Farm Animal Health and Department of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUtrecht University Yalelaan 2, CM Utrecht 3584 The Netherlands
| | - Simon P. Graaf
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesFaculty of ScienceUniversity of Sydney Sydney New South Wales 2006 Australia
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13
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Lone SA, Mohanty TK, Bhakat M, Paray AR, Yadav HP, Singh A, Sinha R, Baithalu RK, Rahim A, Kumar R, Kumar P, Shah N. Modification of French mini-straw plug position for cryopreservation of small doses of bull sperm. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 218:106485. [PMID: 32507265 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Greater than optimal diluting of semen for producing a large number of doses containing relatively small numbers of sperm can lead to compromised quality of sperm, post-thawing. In the present study the French mini-straw plug position was modified and the effect of re-positioning was evaluated on the quality of sperm after thawing subsequent to cryopreservation of small doses of sperm. Four types of mini-straws were used based on the position of cotton plug including no plug displacement (Type 1; Manufacturers location for plug-placement in 0.25 mL French mini-straws), and Type II, III, and IV with re-positioning the cotton plug being 2.5, 5, and 7.5 cm, respectively, further from the manufacturer's placement location. Each ejaculate was proportioned into four Aliquots (I, II, III, and IV) and diluted to 80, 60, 40, and 20, million sperm/mL, respectively. Aliquot I was placed in all types of straws, while Aliquots II, III, IV were placed only in Type I straws. Semen straws were equilibrated, cryopreserved and sperm kinetic and functional variables were evaluated post-thawing. The results indicate that in Aliquots III and IV there were lesser (P < 0.05) values for sperm kinetic and function variables compared with sperm from Aliquot I (i.e., unmodified mini-straw). In conclusion, cryopreservation of small doses of sperm in modified French mini-straws resulted in acceptable values for kinetic and function variables, post-thawing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabir Ahmad Lone
- Artificial Breeding Research Center (ABRC), Animal Reproduction, Gynecology & Obstetrics, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India.
| | - Tushar Kumar Mohanty
- Artificial Breeding Research Center (ABRC), Animal Reproduction, Gynecology & Obstetrics, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India.
| | - Mukesh Bhakat
- Artificial Breeding Research Center (ABRC), Livestock Production and Management (LPM), ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Adil Rasool Paray
- Artificial Breeding Research Center (ABRC), Livestock Production and Management (LPM), ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Hanuman Prasad Yadav
- Artificial Breeding Research Center (ABRC), Animal Reproduction, Gynecology & Obstetrics, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Ajeet Singh
- Artificial Breeding Research Center (ABRC), ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Ranjana Sinha
- Artificial Breeding Research Center (ABRC), Livestock Production and Management (LPM), ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Rubina Kumari Baithalu
- Animal Biotechnology Center (ABTC), Animal Reproduction, Gynecology & Obstetrics, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Abdul Rahim
- Artificial Breeding Research Center (ABRC), ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Raj Kumar
- Artificial Breeding Research Center (ABRC), ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Pradeep Kumar
- Buffalo Physiology and Reproduction Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar, Haryana, India
| | - Nadeem Shah
- Artificial Breeding Research Center (ABRC), ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
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Leahy T, Rickard JP, Bernecic NC, Druart X, de Graaf SP. Ram seminal plasma and its functional proteomic assessment. Reproduction 2020; 157:R243-R256. [PMID: 30844754 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Ejaculation results in the confluence of epididymal spermatozoa with secretions of the accessory sex glands. This interaction is not a prerequisite for fertilisation success, but seminal factors do play a crucial role in prolonging the survival of spermatozoa both in vitro and in vivo by affording protection from handling induced stress and some selective mechanisms of the female reproductive tract. Reproductive biologists have long sought to identify specific factors in seminal plasma that influence sperm function and fertility in these contexts. Many seminal plasma proteins have been identified as diagnostic predictors of sperm function and have been isolated and applied in vitro to prevent sperm damage associated with the application of artificial reproductive technologies. Proteomic assessment of the spermatozoon, and its surroundings, has provided considerable advances towards these goals and allowed for greater understanding of their physiological function. In this review, the importance of seminal plasma will be examined through a proteomic lens to provide comprehensive analysis of the ram seminal proteome and detail the use of proteomic studies that correlate seminal plasma proteins with ram sperm function and preservation ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Leahy
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, New South Wales, Australia
| | - J P Rickard
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, New South Wales, Australia
| | - N C Bernecic
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, New South Wales, Australia
| | - X Druart
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et du Comportement, INRA, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - S P de Graaf
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, New South Wales, Australia
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15
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Zalazar L, Iniesta-Cuerda M, Sánchez-Ajofrín I, Garde JJ, Soler Valls AJ, Cesari A. Recombinant SPINK3 improves ram sperm quality and in vitro fertility after cryopreservation. Theriogenology 2020; 144:45-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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16
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Green C, Rickard JP, de Graaf SP, Crean AJ. From One Ejaculate to Another: Transference of Sperm Traits via Seminal Plasma Supplementation in the Ram. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:E33. [PMID: 32085377 PMCID: PMC7168205 DOI: 10.3390/biology9020033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Males can adjust sperm motility instantaneously in response to the perceived risk of sperm competition. The speed of this response suggests that sperm motility is regulated by changes in seminal plasma rather than changes in the sperm cells themselves. Hence, here we test whether inter-ejaculate variation in seminal plasma can be used to alter sperm quality prior to use in assisted reproductive technologies. We supplemented fresh ejaculates of Merino rams with seminal plasma collected from previous 'donor' ejaculates to test whether changes in sperm kinetics were related to the relative quality of donor to focal ejaculates. We found a positive relationship between the change in sperm traits before and after supplementation, and the difference in sperm traits between the donor and focal ejaculate. Hence, sperm motility can be either increased or decreased through the addition of seminal plasma from a superior or inferior ejaculate, respectively. This positive relationship held true even when seminal plasma was added from a previous ejaculate of the same ram, although the slope of the relationship depended on the identity of both the donor and receiver ram. These findings indicate that seminal plasma plays a key role in the control and regulation of sperm kinetics, and that sperm kinetic traits can be transferred from one ejaculate to another through seminal plasma supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Green
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jessica P. Rickard
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Simon P. de Graaf
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Angela J. Crean
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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17
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Höfner L, Luther AM, Waberski D. The role of seminal plasma in the liquid storage of spermatozoa. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 220:106290. [PMID: 32001046 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Ongoing progress in proteomic characterization of seminal plasma has stimulated research on the identification of biomarkers for male fertility and sperm preservability. So far, many studies have evaluated the benefits of reconstituting cryopreserved or sex-sorted semen with seminal plasma. Less information is available about the effect of remaining or added seminal plasma in liquid preserved semen. The interaction between seminal plasma and spermatozoa is species -specific, and within species often complex and ambiguous. This article aims to review the action of seminal plasma on sperm function in preserved semen with a focus on liquid storage. Effects of seminal plasma on sperm traits during in vitro storage are summarized for males from four domestic farm animals, namely the bull, ram, boar and stallion. Special emphasis is placed on the effect of seminal plasma on long-term stored boar semen, including novel data demonstrating the attenuating effect of protective extender on the adverse effect of seminal plasma in some boars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Höfner
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine of Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 15, D-30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anne-Marie Luther
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine of Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 15, D-30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Dagmar Waberski
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine of Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 15, D-30559, Hannover, Germany.
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18
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Epididymal and ejaculated sperm differ on their response to the cryopreservation and capacitation processes in mouflon (Ovis musimon). Sci Rep 2019; 9:15659. [PMID: 31666633 PMCID: PMC6821854 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52057-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa must undergo the process of capacitation to fertilize the egg which involves a cell destabilizing process. Capacitation-like changes such as protein tyrosine phosphorylation (PTP) are associated with cryopreservation. The aim of this study was to compare the cryoresistance and capacitation response of epididymal and ejaculated sperm of European mouflon (Ovis musimon). Post-thaw sperm parameters were analysed from epididymal and ejaculated samples cryopreserved by slow-freezing or ultrarapid-freezing for comparison. Sperm capacitation status was assessed by the semiquantification of PTP levels, cell localization of PTP and kinematic clustering. Epididymal sperm had higher cryoresistance than ejaculated sperm in both freezing techniques, and slow-freezing rendered better results than ultrarapid-freezing in both sperm samples. Ejaculated sperm had higher PTP levels than epididymal sperm and, additionally, ejaculated sperm showed higher phosphorylation in capacitating (CA) than in non-capacitating (NCA) conditions while there was no effect of medium in epididymal sperm. There was a higher tail PTP in CA than in NCA conditions in both types of sperm. Kinematic analysis revealed that the cluster associated with hyperactivated movement increased in ejaculated sperm incubated in CA whereas no effect of medium was observed in epididymal sperm clusters. In conclusion, epididymal sperm showed better freezability and lower capacitation status compared to ejaculated sperm.
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19
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Ramírez-Vasquez RRA, Cano A, Hozbor FA, Cesari A. Cryopreservation and egg yolk extender components modify the interaction between seminal plasma proteins and the sperm surface. Theriogenology 2019; 140:153-163. [PMID: 31473498 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
It is known that the addition of seminal plasma (SP) or SP proteins either before freezing or post thawing show contradictory results on sperm quality and fertility due to the interference between SP and the extender. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine whether egg yolk (EY) interferes with SP ability to protect the functionality and fertility of ram sperm during freeze-thawing by modifying the interaction between seminal plasma proteins and the sperm plasma membrane. Ejaculated or epididymal ram sperm collected during the breeding season were incubated with SP in the presence or absence of EY or soybean lecithin-based extenders before cryopreservation. No significant differences were observed after thawing in sperm quality (total and progressive sperm motility, membrane integrity, plasma membrane functionality, percentage of non-capacitated sperm) between the extenders, either in presence or absence of seminal plasma (P ≥ 0.05). The amount of proteins retained by the sperm surface normalized to number of cells was diminished after freeze-thawing compared to their fresh counterparts for all the treatments (P < 0.05), demonstrating that cryopreservation weakens the interaction between external proteins and the sperm surface. The electrophoretic analysis of sperm-bound proteins showed that the retention of several SP peptides onto the sperm surface (based on densitometry estimation) was affected by the presence of the diluents on both ejaculated and epididymal sperm (P < 0.05). Moreover, variation was observed in the protein pattern after thawing compared to the corresponding fresh samples, suggesting that freezing affects surface protein profile. Pregnancy rate after artificial insemination at fixed time was higher (P < 0.05) for samples treated with reconstituted with heterologous SP compared to those supplemented with 20% additional seminal plasma or control samples despite the presence of EY. In conclusion, both freeze-thawing and EY components affected the interaction among seminal plasma proteins and the sperm surface, although these changes were not reflected on different sperm quality parameters under our experimental conditions. In vivo fertility of sperm reconstituted with exogenous SP before freezing was improved even in the presence of EY components considering an optimal ratio SP:sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael R A Ramírez-Vasquez
- Biotecnología de la Reproducción, Departamento de Producción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria (INTA), Balcarce, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Técnicas (CONICET) CCT-Mar del Plata, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Adriana Cano
- Biotecnología de la Reproducción, Departamento de Producción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria (INTA), Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Federico A Hozbor
- Biotecnología de la Reproducción, Departamento de Producción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria (INTA), Balcarce, Argentina.
| | - Andreina Cesari
- Biología de Microorganismos y Gametas, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas-CONICET, UNMdP, Mar del Plata, Argentina.
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20
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The Potential Role of Seminal Plasma in the Fertilization Outcomes. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:5397804. [PMID: 31531356 PMCID: PMC6720062 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5397804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
For human infertility both male and female factors may be equally important. Searching for molecular biomarkers of male infertility, neglected for decades, and the attempts to explain regulatory mechanisms of fertilization become thus extremely important. Apart from examination of the structure and function of male gametes, also the possible importance of seminal plasma components should be considered. In this article we discuss data that indicate for the substantial significance of active seminal plasma components for conception and achievement of healthy pregnancy. Seminal plasma impact on the storage and cryopreservation of human and animal sperm and regulatory role of glycodelin on human sperm capacitation as well as hypothesized course of female immune response to allogenic sperm and conceptus has been discussed. The possible involvement of carbohydrates in molecular mechanism of fetoembryonic defense has been also mentioned.
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21
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Pini T, de Graaf SP, Druart X, Tsikis G, Labas V, Teixeira-Gomes AP, Gadella BM, Leahy T. Binder of Sperm Proteins 1 and 5 have contrasting effects on the capacitation of ram spermatozoa. Biol Reprod 2019; 98:765-775. [PMID: 29415221 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Binder of Sperm Proteins (BSPs) are the most abundant seminal plasma protein family in the ram and bull. They have been extensively studied in the bull but less is known about their function in ovine seminal plasma and current knowledge suggests that BSPs may have different effects in these two species. In the bull, they facilitate capacitation and destabilize the sperm membrane during in vitro handling, whereas in the ram, they appear to stabilize the sperm membrane and prevent cryopreservation-induced capacitation-like changes. Further investigation into the effects of BSPs on ram spermatozoa under capacitating conditions is required to further clarify their physiological roles in the ram. We investigated the effects of Binder of Sperm Proteins 1 and 5 on epididymal ram spermatozoa in conditions of low, moderate, and high cAMP. BSPs had minimal effects on sperm function in low-cAMP conditions, but caused significant changes under cAMP upregulation. BSP1 stabilized the membrane and qualitatively reduced protein tyrosine phosphorylation, but significantly increased cholesterol efflux and induced spontaneous acrosome reactions. BSP5 slightly increased spontaneous acrosome reactions and caused sperm necrosis. However, BSP5 had minimal effects on membrane lipid order and cholesterol efflux and did not inhibit protein tyrosine phosphorylation. These findings demonstrate that under maximal cAMP upregulation, BSP1 affected ram spermatozoa in a manner comparable to bull spermatozoa, while BSP5 did not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Pini
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simon P de Graaf
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Xavier Druart
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Le Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut Francais du Cheval et de L'Equitation, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Guillaume Tsikis
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Le Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut Francais du Cheval et de L'Equitation, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Valerie Labas
- Plate-forme de Chirurgie et Imagerie pour la Recherche et l'Enseignement, Pôle d'Analyse et d'Imagerie des Biomolécules, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Nouzilly, France
| | - Ana Paula Teixeira-Gomes
- Plate-forme de Chirurgie et Imagerie pour la Recherche et l'Enseignement, Pôle d'Analyse et d'Imagerie des Biomolécules, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Nouzilly, France
| | - Barend M Gadella
- Department of Farm Animal Health and Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tamara Leahy
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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22
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Abstract
During ejaculation and deposition in the female genital tract, spermatozoa are exposed to seminal plasma, a mix of secretions primarily from the accessory sex glands. Proteins, which make up the largest contribution to seminal plasma by weight, have been the focus of much interest, in particular the identification of specific proteins both in the plasma and/or found bound to the sperm surface post ejaculation. Global proteomic studies of seminal plasma originating from a range of species over the last 15 years have revealed their hitherto unknown diversity and complexity. Seminal plasma is generally known to aid sperm survival and fertility in a range of species and studies have begun to reveal its link with sperm function and identification, as markers of fertility. This review summarises recent data on proteins found on the sperm surface that originate from seminal plasma and have subsequently been shown to correlate with fertility, with a focus on the pig.
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23
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Grötter LG, Cattaneo L, Marini PE, Kjelland ME, Ferré LB. Recent advances in bovine sperm cryopreservation techniques with a focus on sperm post-thaw quality optimization. Reprod Domest Anim 2019; 54:655-665. [PMID: 30681204 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Sperm cryopreservation facilitates the storage and transport of germplasm for its use in artificial insemination (AI) and other advanced reproductive technologies. The cryopreservation process can damage sperm and compromise functionality. Several cryobiological studies have found that the physical and biological factors that affect sperm survival at low temperatures during the cryopreservation process often involve the integrity of sperm membrane. In this review, the behaviour of the sperm membrane against cooling, cold shock, ice crystal formation, oxidative stress, osmotic changes, reorganization of the lipid bilayer and addition of cryoprotective agents (CPA) is discussed. In addition, the phenomenon of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and its relationship with the cryopreservation process is also described. Semen cryopreservation techniques have progressed slowly in past years, and the current performance, measured as post-thawed survival, is not very different compared to past decades. Recent advances in understanding the structure of the cell membrane, its function and metabolism have driven to new conservation systems, including lyophilization and vitrification. However, none of these technologies is commercially available, although its future appears very promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Guadalupe Grötter
- Cátedra de Teriogenología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, UNL, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Luciano Cattaneo
- Cátedra de Teriogenología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, UNL, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Patricia Estela Marini
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR-CONICET) y Área Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, UNR, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Michael E Kjelland
- Conservation, Genetics & Biotech, LLC, Vicksburg, Mississippi.,Mayville State University, Mayville, North Dakota
| | - Luis B Ferré
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Tres Arroyos, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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24
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Sublethal sperm freezing damage: Manifestations and solutions. Theriogenology 2018; 118:172-181. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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25
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Paul RK, Balaganur K, Kumar D, Naqvi SMK. Modulation of seminal plasma content in extended semen improves the quality attributes of ram spermatozoa following liquid preservation at 3-5°C. Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 53:1200-1210. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.13227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 02/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rajani K. Paul
- Semen Cryobiology Laboratory, Division of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry; ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute; Avikanagar Rajasthan India
| | - Krishnappa Balaganur
- Semen Cryobiology Laboratory, Division of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry; ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute; Avikanagar Rajasthan India
| | - Davendra Kumar
- Semen Cryobiology Laboratory, Division of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry; ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute; Avikanagar Rajasthan India
| | - Syed M. K. Naqvi
- Semen Cryobiology Laboratory, Division of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry; ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute; Avikanagar Rajasthan India
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26
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Binder of Sperm Proteins protect ram spermatozoa from freeze-thaw damage. Cryobiology 2018; 82:78-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2018.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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27
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Abstract
The ability to predict the fertility of bulls before semen is released into the field has been a long-term objective of the animal breeding industry. However, the recent shift in the dairy industry towards the intensive use of young genomically selected bulls has increased its urgency. Such bulls, which are often in the highest demand, are frequently only used intensively for one season and consequently there is limited time to track their field fertility. A more pressing issue is that they produce fewer sperm per ejaculate than mature bulls and therefore there is a need to reduce the sperm number per straw to the minimum required without a concomitant reduction in fertility. However, as individual bulls vary in the minimum number of sperm required to achieve their maximum fertility, this cannot be currently achieved without extensive field-testing. Although an in vitro semen quality test, or combination of tests, which can accurately and consistently determine a bull's fertility and the optimum sperm number required represent the 'holy grail' in terms of semen assessment, this has not been achieved to date. Understanding the underlying causes of variation in bull fertility is a key prerequisite to achieving this goal. In this review, we consider the reliability of sire conception rate estimates and then consider where along the pregnancy establishment axis the variation in reproductive loss between bulls occurs. We discuss the aetiology of these deficiencies in sperm function and propose avenues for future investigation.
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28
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Fumuso F, Giuliano S, Chaves M, Neild D, Miragaya M, Gambarotta M, Carretero M. Seminal plasma affects the survival rate and motility pattern of raw llama spermatozoa. Anim Reprod Sci 2018; 192:99-106. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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29
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Druart X, de Graaf S. Seminal plasma proteomes and sperm fertility. Anim Reprod Sci 2018; 194:33-40. [PMID: 29657075 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.04.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
During ejaculation, the spermatozoa are transported by the seminal plasma, a fluid resulting from secretions originating mainly from the prostate and the seminal vesicles in mammals. The interaction of the seminal plasma with spermatozoa induces binding of seminal proteins onto the sperm surface and membrane remodeling potentially impacting the sperm transport, survival and fertilizing ability in the female genital tract. The seminal plasma also contains peptides and proteins involved in the inflammatory and immune response of the female tract. Therefore the seminal plasma proteome has been investigated in a large range of taxa, including mammals, birds, fishes and insect species. The association of the seminal plasma with semen preservation or fertility identified proteic markers of seminal plasma function in domestic species. This review summarizes the current knowledge in seminal plasma proteomes and proteic markers of sperm preservation in animal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Druart
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et du Comportement, INRA, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, 37380 Nouzilly, France.
| | - Simon de Graaf
- RMC Gunn Building (B19), Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
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30
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Nongbua T, Al-Essawe EM, Edman A, Johannisson A, Morrell JM. Adding bovine seminal plasma prior to freezing improves post-thaw bull sperm kinematics but decreases mitochondrial activity. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2018; 64:183-190. [DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2018.1455245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thanapol Nongbua
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, Thailand
| | - Essraa M. Al-Essawe
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Reproductive Physiology, High Institute of Infertility Diagnosis and Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | | | - Anders Johannisson
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jane M. Morrell
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
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31
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Karan P, Mohanty TK, Kumaresan A, Bhakat M, Baithalu RK, Verma K, Kumar S, Das Gupta M, Saraf KK, Gahlot SC. Improvement in sperm functional competence through modified low‐dose packaging in French mini straws of bull semen. Andrologia 2018; 50:e13003. [DOI: 10.1111/and.13003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- P. Karan
- Artificial Breeding Research Centre ICAR‐National Dairy Research Institute Karnal Haryana India
| | - T. K. Mohanty
- Artificial Breeding Research Centre ICAR‐National Dairy Research Institute Karnal Haryana India
| | - A. Kumaresan
- Veterinary Gynecology and Obstetrics ICAR‐National Dairy Research Institute Karnal Haryana India
| | - M. Bhakat
- Artificial Breeding Research Centre ICAR‐National Dairy Research Institute Karnal Haryana India
| | - R. K. Baithalu
- Veterinary Gynecology and Obstetrics ICAR‐National Dairy Research Institute Karnal Haryana India
| | - K. Verma
- Artificial Breeding Research Centre ICAR‐National Dairy Research Institute Karnal Haryana India
| | - S. Kumar
- Veterinary Gynecology and Obstetrics ICAR‐National Dairy Research Institute Karnal Haryana India
| | - M. Das Gupta
- Artificial Breeding Research Centre ICAR‐National Dairy Research Institute Karnal Haryana India
| | - K. K. Saraf
- Veterinary Gynecology and Obstetrics ICAR‐National Dairy Research Institute Karnal Haryana India
| | - S. C. Gahlot
- Veterinary Gynecology and Obstetrics ICAR‐National Dairy Research Institute Karnal Haryana India
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Nongbua T, Guo Y, Edman A, Humblot P, Morrell JM. Effect of bovine seminal plasma on bovine endometrial epithelial cells in culture. Reprod Domest Anim 2017; 53:85-92. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.13069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- T Nongbua
- Division of Reproduction; Department of Clinical Sciences; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU); Uppsala Sweden
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences; Mahasarakham University; Maha Sarakham Thailand
| | - Y Guo
- Division of Reproduction; Department of Clinical Sciences; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU); Uppsala Sweden
| | - A Edman
- VikingGenetics; Skara Sweden
| | - P Humblot
- Division of Reproduction; Department of Clinical Sciences; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU); Uppsala Sweden
| | - JM Morrell
- Division of Reproduction; Department of Clinical Sciences; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU); Uppsala Sweden
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Dietary inclusion of fish oil changes the semen lipid composition but does not improve the post-thaw semen quality of ram spermatozoa. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 183:132-142. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Rickard JP, Schmidt RE, Maddison JW, Bathgate R, Lynch GW, Druart X, de Graaf SP. Variation in seminal plasma alters the ability of ram spermatozoa to survive cryopreservation. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 28:516-23. [PMID: 25138237 DOI: 10.1071/rd14123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Variation in the effect of seminal plasma on sperm function and fertility has been hypothesised to be due to differences between males and their seminal plasma composition. The freezing resilience of individual rams (n=17) was investigated to characterise inter-male variation. This was determined by measuring the degree of change in motility induced by cryopreservation (Experiment 1). Experiment 2 examined the effect of pooled seminal plasma from rams identified as having high or low resilience to freezing on the cryosurvival of washed spermatozoa from either high (n=3) or low (n=3) sperm freezing resilience rams. Immediately after thawing and throughout the incubation period (0-4h), spermatozoa from high-resilience rams frozen with high-resilience seminal plasma demonstrated superior motility to spermatozoa from high-resilience rams frozen with low-resilience seminal plasma (P<0.001). Similarly, spermatozoa from low-resilience rams frozen with high-resilience seminal plasma exhibited higher motility than spermatozoa from low-resilience rams frozen with low-resilience seminal plasma immediately after thawing (0h; P<0.001). The present study shows that variation in freezing resilience of ram spermatozoa is related to the source and composition of the seminal plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Rickard
- RMC Gunn Building, Regimental Drive, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - R E Schmidt
- RMC Gunn Building, Regimental Drive, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - J W Maddison
- RMC Gunn Building, Regimental Drive, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - R Bathgate
- RMC Gunn Building, Regimental Drive, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - G W Lynch
- RMC Gunn Building, Regimental Drive, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - X Druart
- UMR 6175 INRA, CNRS-Université de Tours-Haras Nationaux, Station de Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - S P de Graaf
- RMC Gunn Building, Regimental Drive, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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Campanholi SP, Monteiro FM, Ribeiro Dias EA, Mercadante MEZ, de Paz CCP, Dell'Aqua Junior JA, Papa FO, Dell'Aqua CDPF, Vantini R, Garcia JM. Effect of seminal plasma removal before cryopreservation of bovine semen obtained by electroejaculation on semen quality and in vitro fertility. Theriogenology 2017; 89:114-121. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Vilela CG, Marquez JM, Graham JK, Barfield JP. Cryopreservation of bison epididymal sperm: A strategy for improving post-thaw quality when collecting sperm in field conditions. Theriogenology 2017; 89:155-161. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.09.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Revised: 09/17/2016] [Accepted: 09/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Pini T, Leahy T, Soleilhavoup C, Tsikis G, Labas V, Combes-Soia L, Harichaux G, Rickard JP, Druart X, de Graaf SP. Proteomic Investigation of Ram Spermatozoa and the Proteins Conferred by Seminal Plasma. J Proteome Res 2016; 15:3700-3711. [PMID: 27636150 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.6b00530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Sperm proteomes have emerged for several species; however, the extent of species similarity is unknown. Sheep are an important agricultural species for which a comprehensive sperm proteome has not been produced. In addition, potential proteomic factors from seminal plasma that may contribute to improved fertility after cervical insemination are yet to be explored. Here we use liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to investigate the proteome of ejaculated ram spermatozoa, with quantitative comparison to epididymal spermatozoa. We also present a comparison to published proteomes of five other species. We identified 685 proteins in ejaculated ram spermatozoa, with the most abundant proteins involved in metabolic pathways. Only 5% of ram sperm proteins were not detected in other species, which suggest highly conserved structures and pathways. Of the proteins present in both epididymal and ejaculated ram spermatozoa, 7% were more abundant in ejaculated spermatozoa. Only two membrane-bound proteins were detected solely in ejaculated sperm lysates: liver enriched gene 1 (LEG1/C6orf58) and epidermal growth factor-like repeats and discoidin I-like domains 3 (EDIL3). This is the first evidence that despite its relatively complex proteomic composition, seminal plasma exposure leads to few novel proteins binding tightly to the ram sperm plasma membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Pini
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney , Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Tamara Leahy
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney , Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | | | - Guillaume Tsikis
- PRC, INRA, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours , 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Valerie Labas
- PRC, INRA, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours , 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | | | | | - Jessica P Rickard
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney , Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Xavier Druart
- PRC, INRA, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours , 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Simon P de Graaf
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney , Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
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Holden SA, Fernandez-Fuertes B, Murphy C, Whelan H, O'Gorman A, Brennan L, Butler ST, Lonergan P, Fair S. Relationship between in vitro sperm functional assessments, seminal plasma composition, and field fertility after AI with either non-sorted or sex-sorted bull semen. Theriogenology 2016; 87:221-228. [PMID: 27678515 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The hypothesis of this study was that different in vitro parameters are required to predict the in vivo fertility of non-sorted (NS) and sex-sorted (SS) semen. Thus, the aim was to correlate in vitro bull sperm functional parameters (experiment 1) and seminal plasma composition (experiment 2) with pregnancy rates using 2 cohorts of bulls (NS and SS). Experiment 1: ejaculates from each bull (n = 3 ejaculates per bull; n = 6 bulls for both NS and SS) were assessed for motility, thermal stress tolerance and morphology using microscopy, and viability, osmotic resistance, mitochondrial membrane potential, and acrosome integrity using flow cytometry. Fertilizing ability was assessed using IVF. Experiment 2: ejaculates (n = 3 per bull; n = 8 and 6 bulls for NS and SS, respectively) were collected, seminal plasma harvested and frozen and later analyzed for amino acid and fatty acid composition using gas chromatography mass spectrometry. In the NS cohort of bulls, there was no correlation between pregnancy rate and any of the sperm functional parameters assessed. However, within the SS cohort, motility and viability were correlated with pregnancy rate (r = 0.84 and 0.80, respectively; P < 0.05). There was no correlation between IVF outcome and pregnancy rate in either the SS or NS cohort of bulls. In the NS cohort of bulls, concentrations of the amino acid isoleucine and the fatty acid tricosylic acid (C23:0) were correlated with pregnancy rate (r = 0.80 and 0.74, respectively; P < 0.05). Within the SS cohort of bulls, the amino acid glutamic acid and the fatty acid arachidic acid (C20:0) were correlated with pregnancy rate (r = 0.84 and 0.82, respectively; P < 0.05). In conclusion, this study suggests that different in vitro markers of fertility are required to predict the fertility of NS and SS sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Holden
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - B Fernandez-Fuertes
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - C Murphy
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - H Whelan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Institute of Food and Health, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - A O'Gorman
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Institute of Food and Health, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - L Brennan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Institute of Food and Health, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - S T Butler
- Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - P Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - S Fair
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
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Milk proteins interact with goat Binder of SPerm (BSP) proteins and decrease their binding to sperm. Cell Tissue Res 2016; 366:427-442. [PMID: 27432314 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-016-2438-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Seminal plasma Binder of SPerm (BSP) proteins bind to sperm at ejaculation and promote capacitation. When in excess, however, BSP proteins damage the sperm membrane. It has been suggested that milk components of semen extenders associate with BSP proteins, potentially protecting sperm. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate if milk proteins interact with BSP proteins and reduce BSP binding to goat sperm. Using gel filtration chromatography, milk was incubated with goat seminal plasma proteins and loaded onto columns with and without calcium. Milk was also fractionated into parts containing mostly whey proteins or mostly caseins, incubated with seminal plasma proteins and subjected to gel filtration. Eluted fractions were evaluated by immunoblot using anti-goat BSP antibodies, confirming milk protein-BSP protein interactions. As determined by ELISA, milk proteins coated on polystyrene wells bound to increasing of goat BSP proteins. Far-western dot blots confirmed that BSP proteins bound to caseins and β-lactoglobulin in a concentration-dependent manner. Then, cauda epididymal sperm from five goats was incubated with seminal plasma; seminal plasma followed by milk; and milk followed by seminal plasma. Sperm membrane proteins were extracted and evaluated by immunoblotting. The pattern of BSP binding to sperm membrane proteins was reduced by 59.3 % when epididymal sperm were incubated with seminal plasma and then with skimmed milk (p < 0.05). When epididymal sperm were treated with milk followed by seminal plasma, coating of sperm with BSP proteins was not significantly reduced (57.6 %; p > 0.05). In conclusion, goat BSP proteins have an affinity for caseins and whey proteins. Milk reduces BSP binding to goat sperm, depending whether or not sperm had been previously exposed to seminal plasma. Such events may explain the protective effect of milk during goat sperm preservation.
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Leahy T, Gadella BM. New insights into the regulation of cholesterol efflux from the sperm membrane. Asian J Androl 2016; 17:561-7. [PMID: 25926609 PMCID: PMC4492045 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.153309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol is an essential component of the mammalian plasma membrane because it promotes membrane stability without comprising membrane fluidity. Given this important cellular role, cholesterol levels are tightly controlled at multiple levels. It has been clearly shown that cholesterol redistribution and depletion from the sperm membrane is a key part of the spermatozoon's preparation for fertilization. Some factors that regulate these events are described (e.g., bicarbonate, calcium) but the mechanisms underlying cholesterol export are poorly understood. How does a hydrophobic cholesterol molecule inserted in the sperm plasma membrane enter the energetically unfavorable aqueous surroundings? This review will provide an overview of knowledge in this area and highlight our gaps in understanding. The overall aim is to better understand cholesterol redistribution in the sperm plasma membrane, its relation to the possible activation of a cholesterol transporter and the role of cholesterol acceptors. Armed with such knowledge, sperm handling techniques can be adapted to better prepare spermatozoa for in vitro and in vivo fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bart M Gadella
- Department of Farm Animal Health and of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
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41
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Pukazhenthi BS. Saving wild ungulate diversity through enhanced management and sperm cryopreservation. Reprod Fertil Dev 2016; 28:RD15412. [PMID: 27246462 DOI: 10.1071/rd15412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild ungulates throughout the world face the impending risk of extinction. Small founding population size, lack of interest in exhibiting wild ungulates and declining space in zoos are not sustaining ex situ populations. Animals managed in ex situ collections continue to experience >20% neonate loss globally. To ensure population sustainability there is a critical need to: (1) manage ungulates in large herds, increasing mate choice and reproductive efficiency; (2) improve husbandry and genetic management; and (3) develop consistent assisted reproductive technologies, including sperm cryopreservation and AI. Recently, new models in the management of ungulates have begun to emerge. Animal managers and researchers are also beginning to exploit advances in genomics to improve genetic management of their collections. Furthermore, the past decade has witnessed significant advances particularly in semen collection and cryopreservation in numerous species. Advances in gonadal tissue cryopreservation now offer additional opportunities to preserve male genomes. The new knowledge generated is enabling the creation of genetic (sperm) banks to rescue and enhance reproductive management of wild ungulates. The present paper reviews the threats to ungulate populations, the status and relevance of animal management and biomaterial banking efforts to ensure long-term survival of these charismatic species.
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Zalazar L, Ledesma A, Hozbor F, Cesari A. Heterologous recombinant protein with decapacitating activity prevents and reverts cryodamage in ram sperm: An emerging biotechnological tool for cryobiology. Anim Reprod Sci 2016; 164:31-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2015.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Revised: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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43
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Villaverde-Morcillo S, Esteso MC, Castaño C, Santiago-Moreno J. Influence of Post-Mortem Sperm Recovery Method and Extender on Unstored and Refrigerated Rooster Sperm Variables. Reprod Domest Anim 2015; 51:40-6. [PMID: 26602054 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Many post-mortem sperm collection techniques have been described for mammalian species, but their use in birds is scarce. This paper compares the efficacy of two post-mortem sperm retrieval techniques - the flushing and float-out methods - in the collection of rooster sperm, in conjunction with the use of two extenders, i.e., L&R-84 medium and Lake 7.1 medium. To determine whether the protective effects of these extenders against refrigeration are different for post-mortem and ejaculated sperm, pooled ejaculated samples (procured via the massage technique) were also diluted in the above extenders. Post-mortem and ejaculated sperm variables were assessed immediately at room temperature (0 h), and after refrigeration at 5°C for 24 and 48 h. The flushing method retrieved more sperm than the float-out method (596.5 ± 75.4 million sperm vs 341.0 ± 87.6 million sperm; p < 0.05); indeed, the number retrieved by the former method was similar to that obtained by massage-induced ejaculation (630.3 ± 78.2 million sperm). For sperm collected by all methods, the L&R-84 medium provided an advantage in terms of sperm motility variables at 0 h. In the refrigerated sperm samples, however, the Lake 7.1 medium was associated with higher percentages of viable sperm, and had a greater protective effect (p < 0.05) with respect to most motility variables. In conclusion, the flushing method is recommended for collecting sperm from dead birds. If this sperm needs to be refrigerated at 5°C until analysis, Lake 7.1 medium is recommended as an extender.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Villaverde-Morcillo
- Veterinary Clinical and Research Services, Fieb Foundation, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - M C Esteso
- Department of Animal Reproduction, INIA, Madrid, Spain
| | - C Castaño
- Department of Animal Reproduction, INIA, Madrid, Spain
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44
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Evolution and function of mammalian binder of sperm proteins. Cell Tissue Res 2015; 363:105-127. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2289-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Mata-Campuzano M, Soleilhavoup C, Tsikis G, Martinez-Pastor F, de Graaf SP, Druart X. Motility of liquid stored ram spermatozoa is altered by dilution rate independent of seminal plasma concentration. Anim Reprod Sci 2015; 162:31-6. [PMID: 26421370 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2015.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Revised: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The fertility after use of liquid stored ram semen following cervical AI rapidly decreases if semen is stored beyond 12h. The dilution of seminal plasma is often cited as a key contributor to the diminished motility and fertility of ram spermatozoa subjected to liquid preservation. Two experiments were conducted to assess the effect of spermatozoa concentration (i.e. dilution rate) and percentage of seminal plasma on the motility and viability of liquid stored ram spermatozoa. In Experiment 1, semen was diluted to one of seven concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 1.4×10(9)spermatozoa/ml with milk and assessed for motility after 3 or 24h of storage at 15°C. In Experiment 2, semen was collected and washed to remove seminal plasma before re-dilution to 0.2-1.4×10(9)spermatozoa/ml with milk containing 0%, 20% or 40% (final v/v ratio) seminal plasma and assessed for viability and motility after 3 or 24h of storage at 15°C. Whereas motility was not affected by spermatozoa concentration after 3h of storage, the proportion of progressive spermatozoa decreased after 24h of storage when spermatozoa concentration was greater than 1.0×10(9)spermatozoa/ml. The duration of preservation and the spermatozoa concentration affected spermatozoa motility but had no impact on spermatozoa viability. This negative effect of greater spermatozoa concentrations on motility was independent of the presence and the concentration of seminal plasma. The seminal plasma at both concentrations (20% and 40%) had a protective effect on spermatozoa motility after 24h of storage. These findings have the potential to improve the efficiency of cervical AI with liquid stored ram semen.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - C Soleilhavoup
- INRA, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; CNRS, UMR 7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37000 Tours, France; IFCE, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - G Tsikis
- INRA, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; CNRS, UMR 7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37000 Tours, France; IFCE, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | | | - S P de Graaf
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - X Druart
- INRA, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; CNRS, UMR 7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37000 Tours, France; IFCE, F-37380 Nouzilly, France.
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46
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Plante G, Lusignan MF, Lafleur M, Manjunath P. Interaction of milk proteins and Binder of Sperm (BSP) proteins from boar, stallion and ram semen. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2015; 13:92. [PMID: 26272219 PMCID: PMC4536704 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-015-0093-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mammalian semen contains a family of closely related proteins known as Binder of SPerm (BSP proteins) that are added to sperm at ejaculation. BSP proteins extract lipids from the sperm membrane thereby extensively modifying its composition. These changes can ultimately be detrimental to sperm storage. We have demonstrated that bovine BSP proteins interact with major milk proteins and proposed that this interaction could be the basis of sperm protection by milk extenders. In the present study, we investigated if homologous BSP proteins present in boar, stallion and ram seminal plasma display a similar affinity for the milk proteins in order to assess whether the mechanism of sperm protection by milk for these species could be general. METHODS Skim milk was incubated with seminal plasma proteins (boar, stallion and ram), chromatographed on a Sepharose CL-4B column and protein fractions were analyzed by immunoblotting. RESULTS Boar, stallion and ram BSP proteins displayed affinity for a milk protein fraction (F1) mainly composed of α-lactalbumin, β-lactoglobulin, and κ-casein. They also had affinity for another milk protein fraction (F2) composed mostly of casein micelles. However, stallion BSP showed higher affinity for the fraction (F1). CONCLUSIONS These results further extend our view that the association of BSP proteins with milk proteins could be a general feature of the mechanism of mammalian sperm protection by milk to prevent detrimental effect of prolonged exposure of sperm to seminal plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geneviève Plante
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, Succ. Centre Ville, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H3C 3J7.
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, 5415 L'Assomption blvd, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H1T 2M4.
| | - Marie-France Lusignan
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, Succ. Centre Ville, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H3C 3J7.
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, 5415 L'Assomption blvd, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H1T 2M4.
| | - Michel Lafleur
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Self-Assembled Chemical Structures, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, Succ. Centre Ville, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H3C 3J7.
| | - Puttaswamy Manjunath
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, Succ. Centre Ville, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H3C 3J7.
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, 5415 L'Assomption blvd, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H1T 2M4.
- Puttaswamy Manjunath, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, 5415 L'Assomption blvd, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H1T 2M4.
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47
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48
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The identification of proteomic markers of sperm freezing resilience in ram seminal plasma. J Proteomics 2015; 126:303-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2015.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Revised: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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49
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Terminal Mannose Residues in Seminal Plasma Glycoproteins of Infertile Men Compared to Fertile Donors. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:14933-50. [PMID: 26147424 PMCID: PMC4519880 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160714933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Revised: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of seminal plasma components on the fertilization outcomes in humans is still under question. The increasing number of couples facing problems with conception raises the need for predictive biomarkers. Detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms accompanying fertilization remains another challenge. Carbohydrate–protein recognition may be of key importance in this complex field. In this study, we analyzed the unique glycosylation pattern of seminal plasma proteins, the display of high-mannose and hybrid-type oligosaccharides, by means of their reactivity with mannose-specific Galanthus nivalis lectin. Normozoospermic infertile subjects presented decreased amounts of lectin-reactive glycoepitopes compared to fertile donors and infertile patients with abnormal semen parameters. Glycoproteins containing unveiled mannose were isolated in affinity chromatography, and 17 glycoproteins were identified in liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization. The N-glycome of the isolated glycoproteins was examined in matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry. Eleven out of 27 identified oligosaccharides expressed terminal mannose residues, responsible for lectin binding. We suggest that lowered content of high-mannose and hybrid type glycans in normozoospermic infertile patients may be associated with impaired sperm protection from preterm capacitation and should be considered in the search for new infertility markers.
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The analysis of sialylation, N-glycan branching, and expression of O-glycans in seminal plasma of infertile men. DISEASE MARKERS 2015; 2015:941871. [PMID: 25892842 PMCID: PMC4393897 DOI: 10.1155/2015/941871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Carbohydrates are known to mediate some events involved in successful fertilization. Although some studies on the glycosylation of seminal plasma proteins are available, the total glycan profile was rarely analyzed as a feature influencing fertilization potential. In this work we aimed to compare some glycosylation traits in seminal plasma glycoproteins of fertile and infertile men. The following findings emerge from our studies: (1) in human seminal plasma the presence and alterations of O-linked glycans were observed; (2) the expression of SNA-reactive sialic acid significantly differs between asthenozoospermia and both normozoospermic (fertile and infertile) groups; (3) the expression of PHA-L-reactive highly branched N-glycans was significantly lower in oligozoospermic patients than in both normozoospermic groups. Indication of the appropriate lectins that would enable the possibly precise determination of the glycan profile seems to be a good supplement to mass spectrum analysis. Extension of the lectin panel is useful for the further research.
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