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Mogielnicka-Brzozowska M, Cichowska AW. Molecular Biomarkers of Canine Reproductive Functions. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:6139-6168. [PMID: 38921038 PMCID: PMC11202846 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46060367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of the current study is to review potential molecular biomarker substances selected so far as useful for assessing the quality of dog semen. Proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and ions can serve as molecular biomarkers of reproductive functions (BRFs) for evaluating male reproductive health and identifying potential risk factors for infertility or reproductive disorders. Evaluation of BRF levels in semen samples or reproductive tissues may provide insights into the underlying causes of infertility, such as impaired sperm function, abnormal sperm-egg interaction, or dysfunction of the male reproductive tract. Molecular biomarker proteins may be divided into two groups: proteins that are well-studied, such as A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs), albumins (ALBs), alkaline phosphatase (ALPL), clusterin (CLU), canine prostate-specific esterase (CPSE), cysteine-rich secretory protein 2 (CRISP2), lactotransferrin (LTF), metalloproteinases (MMPs), and osteopontin (OPN) and proteins that are not well-studied. Non-protein markers include lipid-based substances (fatty acids, phosphatidylcholine), carbohydrates (glycosaminoglycans), and ions (zinc, calcium). Assessing the levels of BRFs in semen samples may provide valuable information for breeding management and reproductive assessments in dogs. This review systematizes current knowledge that could serve as a starting point for developing practical tests with the use of biomarkers of canine reproductive functions and their predictive value for assisted reproductive technique outcomes and semen preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzena Mogielnicka-Brzozowska
- Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 5, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
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2
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Signorini C, Saso L, Ghareghomi S, Telkoparan-Akillilar P, Collodel G, Moretti E. Redox Homeostasis and Nrf2-Regulated Mechanisms Are Relevant to Male Infertility. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:193. [PMID: 38397791 PMCID: PMC10886271 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13020193] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Infertility represents a significant global health challenge, affecting more than 12% of couples worldwide, and most cases of infertility are caused by male factors. Several pathological pathways are implicated in male infertility. The main mechanisms involved are driven by the loss of reduction-oxidation (redox) homeostasis and the resulting oxidative damage as well as the chronic inflammatory process. Increased or severe oxidative stress leads to sperm plasma membrane and DNA oxidative damage, dysregulated RNA processing, and telomere destruction. The signaling pathways of these molecular events are also regulated by Nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). The causes of male infertility, the role of oxidative stress in male infertility and the Keap1-Nrf2 antioxidant pathway are reviewed. This review highlights the regulatory role of Nrf2 in the balance between oxidants and antioxidants as relevant mechanisms to male fertility. Nrf2 is involved in the regulation of spermatogenesis and sperm quality. Establishing a link between Nrf2 signaling pathways and the regulation of male fertility provides the basis for molecular modulation of inflammatory processes, reactive oxygen species generation, and the antioxidant molecular network, including the Nrf2-regulated antioxidant response, to improve male reproductive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Signorini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (C.S.); (G.C.); (E.M.)
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Somayyeh Ghareghomi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran 1417466191, Iran;
| | | | - Giulia Collodel
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (C.S.); (G.C.); (E.M.)
| | - Elena Moretti
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (C.S.); (G.C.); (E.M.)
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3
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Gautier C, Aurich C. "Fine feathers make fine birds" - The mammalian sperm plasma membrane lipid composition and effects on assisted reproduction. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 246:106884. [PMID: 34776291 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The sperm plasma membrane is important in modulating many sperm functions. The sperm membrane is composed of a complex mixture of lipids including phospholipids, glycolipids and sterols. There are differences of sperm membrane composition among mammalian species with two groups differing in the most abundant polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), either docosahexaenoic (ω-3 PUFA) or docosapentaenoic acid (ω-6 PUFA). During testicular and epididymal maturation, composition of the sperm plasma membrane evolves with spermatozoa gaining the capacity for fertilization. The importance of fatty acid metabolism for complete spermatogenesis has been elucidated using gene knockout mice. During epididymal transit cholesterol content decreases and PUFA content increases, conferring more fluidity properties to the sperm membrane. The relatively lesser content of antioxidant enzymes and the relatively larger content of PUFA make the spermatozoa particularly susceptible to lipid peroxidation during sperm preservation. In numerous studies, there was adding of PUFA and antioxidants to the diet of animals or to semen extenders with the aim to improve sperm membrane integrity. This review highlights the current knowledge on the sperm membrane composition and effects on sperm function in mammalian domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Gautier
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christine Aurich
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
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4
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Turnell BR, Reinhardt K. Sperm metabolic rate predicts female mating frequency across Drosophila species. Evolution 2022; 76:573-584. [PMID: 35064568 DOI: 10.1111/evo.14435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Female mating rates vary widely, even among closely related species, but the reasons for this variation are not fully understood. Across Drosophila species, female mating frequencies are positively associated with sperm length. This association may be due in part to sperm limitation, with longer-spermed species transferring fewer sperm, or to cryptic female choice. However, a previously overlooked factor is sperm metabolic rate, which may correlate with sperm length. If faster-metabolizing sperm accumulate age-related cellular damage more quickly, then females should remate sooner to obtain fresh sperm. Alternatively, frequent female mating may select for increased sperm competitiveness via increased metabolism. Here, we measure sperm metabolism across 13 Drosophila species and compare these measures to published data on female mating rate and on sperm length. Using fluorescent lifetime imaging microscopy, we quantify NAD(P)H metabolism ex vivo, in intact organs. Phylogenetically controlled regression reveals that sperm metabolic rate is positively associated with sperm length and with female mating frequency. Path analysis shows sperm length driving sperm metabolism and sperm metabolism either driving or being driven by female mating rate. While the causal directionality of these relationships remains to be fully resolved, and the effect of sperm metabolism on sperm aging and/or sperm competitiveness remains to be established, our results demonstrate the importance of sperm metabolism in sexual selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biz R Turnell
- Applied Zoology, Faculty Biology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Klaus Reinhardt
- Applied Zoology, Faculty Biology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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5
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Ugur MR, Guerreiro DD, Moura AA, Memili E. Identification of biomarkers for bull fertility using functional genomics. Anim Reprod 2022; 19:e20220004. [PMID: 35573862 PMCID: PMC9083437 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2022-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Prediction of bull fertility is critical for the sustainability of both dairy and beef cattle production. Even though bulls produce ample amounts of sperm with normal parameters, some bulls may still suffer from subpar fertility. This causes major economic losses in the cattle industry because using artificial insemination, semen from one single bull can be used to inseminate hundreds of thousands of cows. Although there are several traditional methods to estimate bull fertility, such methods are not sufficient to explain and accurately predict the subfertility of individual bulls. Since fertility is a complex trait influenced by a number of factors including genetics, epigenetics, and environment, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive methodological approach to clarify uncertainty in male subfertility. The present review focuses on molecular and functional signatures of bull sperm associated with fertility. Potential roles of functional genomics (proteome, small noncoding RNAs, lipidome, metabolome) on determining male fertility and its potential as a fertility biomarker are discussed. This review provides a better understanding of the molecular signatures of viable and fertile sperm cells and their potential to be used as fertility biomarkers. This information will help uncover the underlying reasons for idiopathic subfertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Arlindo A. Moura
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Brasil; Universidade Federal do Ceará, Brasil
| | - Erdogan Memili
- Mississippi State University, USA; Prairie View A&M University, USA
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6
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Sperm Lipid Markers of Male Fertility in Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168767. [PMID: 34445473 PMCID: PMC8395862 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm plasma membrane lipids are essential for the function and integrity of mammalian spermatozoa. Various lipid types are involved in each key step within the fertilization process in their own yet coordinated way. The balance between lipid metabolism is tightly regulated to ensure physiological cellular processes, especially referring to crucial steps such as sperm motility, capacitation, acrosome reaction or fusion. At the same time, it has been shown that male reproductive function depends on the homeostasis of sperm lipids. Here, we review the effects of phospholipid, neutral lipid and glycolipid homeostasis on sperm fertilization function and male fertility in mammals.
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7
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Friesen CR, Noble DWA, Olsson M. The role of oxidative stress in postcopulatory selection. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 375:20200065. [PMID: 33070735 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Two decades ago, von Schantz et al. (von Schantz T, Bensch S, Grahn M, Hasselquist D, Wittzell H. 1999 Good genes, oxidative stress and condition-dependent sexual signals. Proc. R. Soc. B 266, 1-12. (doi:10.1098/rspb.1999.0597)) united oxidative stress (OS) biology with sexual selection and life-history theory. This set the scene for analysis of how evolutionary trade-offs may be mediated by the increase in reactive molecules resulting from metabolic processes at reproduction. Despite 30 years of research on OS effects on infertility in humans, one research area that has been left behind in this integration of evolution and OS biology is postcopulatory sexual selection-this integration is long overdue. We review the basic mechanisms in OS biology, why mitochondria are the primary source of ROS and ATP production during oxidative metabolism, and why sperm, and its performance, is uniquely susceptible to OS. We also review how postcopulatory processes select for antioxidation in seminal fluids to counter OS and the implications of the net outcome of these processes on sperm damage, sperm storage, and female and oocyte manipulation of sperm metabolism and repair of DNA to enhance offspring fitness. This article is part of the theme issue 'Fifty years of sperm competition'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R Friesen
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daniel W A Noble
- Division of Ecology and Evolution, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Mats Olsson
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Box 463, SE 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
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8
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Gibb Z, Griffin RA, Aitken RJ, De Iuliis GN. Functions and effects of reactive oxygen species in male fertility. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 220:106456. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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9
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Friesen CR, Rollings N, Wilson M, Whittington CM, Shine R, Olsson M. Covariation in superoxide, sperm telomere length and sperm velocity in a polymorphic reptile. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-020-02855-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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10
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Lee SH, Kim YJ, Kang BH, Yun YS, Park CK. The relationship between acrosome reaction and polyunsaturated fatty acid composition in boar sperm. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:624-631. [PMID: 32108385 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between acrosome reactions and fatty acid composition with respect to fertility in boar sperm. The acrosome reaction was induced more than 85% by 60 mM methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MBCD), and plasma membrane integrity was significantly reduced dependent on the MBCD level in boar sperm (p < .05). The acrosome-reacted sperm exhibited significantly higher saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and lower polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) composition compared to the non-acrosome reaction group (p < .0001). In addition, the PUFAs, C22:5n-6 (docosapentaenoic acid [DPA]; p < .01) and C22:6n-3 (docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]; p < .0001) were significantly decreased, and cleavage and blastocyst formation of oocytes were significantly (p < .0001) decreased in acrosome-reacted sperm relative to non-acrosome-reacted sperm. Moreover, acrosome reaction was positively correlated with SFAs, whereas negatively correlated with PUFAs, of the PUFAs, the DPA (p = .0005) and DHA (p = <.0001) were negatively correlated with the acrosome reaction. Therefore, these results suggest that the PUFAs composition of sperm is closely involved in acrosome reaction in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Hee Lee
- Discipline of Information and Communication Technology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Yu-Jin Kim
- College of Animal Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Byeong Ho Kang
- Discipline of Information and Communication Technology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Yong Sik Yun
- Department of Mathematics and Research Institute for Basic Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju, Korea
| | - Choon-Keun Park
- College of Animal Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Korea
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11
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Collodel G, Castellini C, Lee JCY, Signorini C. Relevance of Fatty Acids to Sperm Maturation and Quality. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:7038124. [PMID: 32089776 PMCID: PMC7025069 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7038124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Almost 50% of infertility cases are associated with human male infertility. The sperm membrane is a key structure influencing sperm morphology and function in normal and pathological conditions. The fatty acid profile determines the performance not only of sperm motility but also of acrosomal reaction and sperm-oocyte fusion. This review presents available knowledge on the role of fatty acid composition in human sperm and spermatogenesis and discusses the influence of dietary fatty acids on the sperm fatty acid profile. Recent studies in biological sciences and clinical researches in this field are also reported. The topic object of this review has potential application in medicine by identifying potential causes of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Collodel
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci, 14, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Cesare Castellini
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno, 74, 06121 Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Cinzia Signorini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci, 14, 53100 Siena, Italy
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12
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Friesen CR, de Graaf SP, Olsson M. The relationship of body condition, superoxide dismutase, and superoxide with sperm performance. Behav Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arz086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Sperm competition theory predicts a negative correlation between somatic investment and traits that aid in pre- and postcopulatory sexual selection. Sperm performance is critical for postcopulatory success but sperm are susceptible to damage by free radicals such as superoxide radicals generated during mitochondrial respiration (mtSOx). Males can ameliorate damage to spermatozoa by investing in the production of antioxidants, like superoxide dismutase (SOD), which may act as a mechanistic link to pre- and postcopulatory trade-offs. Some male Australian, color-polymorphic painted dragon lizards (Ctenophorus pictus) possess a yellow throat patch (bib) that females prefer over nonbibbed males and are also more likely to win male–male contests indicating that males with bibs may be better at monopolizing females. We tested whether the sperm performance in nonbibbed males was superior to that of bibbed males. We show that overall sperm performance was not different between the bib-morphs, however, higher mtSOx levels were negatively correlated with sperm performance in bibbed males, but not of nonbibbed males. Blood cell mtSOx levels are negatively correlated with SOD activity in the plasma in all males early in the breeding season but SOD was lower in bibbed males. Nonbibbed males maintain a positive correlation between body condition and SOD activity over time while bibbed males do not. Together, these data suggest physiological associations between body condition, SOD activity, and sperm performance are linked to the expression of a yellow gular patch, which may be related to intrinsic differences in the metabolism of bibbed versus nonbibbed males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R Friesen
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Ross St. Camperdown, NSW Australia, Australia
| | - Simon P de Graaf
- Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Ross St. Camperdown, NSW Australia, Australia
| | - Mats Olsson
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Department of Biological & Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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13
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Rojas Mora A, Meniri M, Gning O, Glauser G, Vallat A, Helfenstein F. Antioxidant allocation modulates sperm quality across changing social environments. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176385. [PMID: 28472052 PMCID: PMC5417513 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In promiscuous species, male reproductive success depends on their ability to mate with fertile females and on the fertilizing ability of their sperm. In such species, theory predicts that, owing to a trade-off between pre- and post-copulatory reproductive traits, males with lesser access to females should increase resource investment into those sperm traits that enhance fertilization success–usually referred to as ejaculate quality. This prediction has been validated in several taxa, yet studies on the physiological mechanisms modulating ejaculate quality are lacking. Sperm cells are highly vulnerable to oxidative stress, which impairs male fertility. Therefore, males that better protect their sperm from oxidative stress are expected to achieve higher ejaculate quality. Based on theoretical expectations, and since social dominance is a major determinant of mating opportunity, we predicted that subordinate males should invest more into the antioxidant protection of their sperm in order to achieve higher ejaculate quality. We maintained 60 male and 60 female wild-caught house sparrows Passer domesticus in outdoor aviaries, where we experimentally manipulated male social status to test our predictions. We measured cellular oxidative stress and enzymatic antioxidant activity in blood and sperm both before and after manipulating social ranks. Before manipulating the social status, we found that ejaculate viability correlated with oxidative stress level in sperm, with dominant males producing more oxidized and less viable ejaculates. Further, males at the lower end of the hierarchy produced ejaculates of similar quality to those of dominant males, suggesting that restricted access to resources might limit male reproductive strategies. After experimentally manipulating the social status, males matched their ejaculate quality to their new rank, while increases in antioxidant investment into ejaculates paralleled increases in ejaculate viability. Oxidative stress has been proposed as a general constraint to the evolution of life histories. Our results highlight oxidative stress and strategic antioxidant allocation as important proximate physiological mechanisms underlying male reproductive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Rojas Mora
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Ecophysiology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Magali Meniri
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Ecophysiology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Ophélie Gning
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Ecophysiology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Gaëtan Glauser
- Neuchatel Platform of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Armelle Vallat
- Neuchatel Platform of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Fabrice Helfenstein
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Ecophysiology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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14
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Ramos Angrimani DS, Nichi M, Losano JDA, Lucio CF, Lima Veiga GA, Franco MVMJ, Vannucchi CI. Fatty acid content in epididymal fluid and spermatozoa during sperm maturation in dogs. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2017; 8:18. [PMID: 28194272 PMCID: PMC5299670 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-017-0148-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background During sperm maturation, there is a reorganization of fatty acids from plasmatic membrane of the spermatozoa, which allows higher membrane integrity and acquisition of sperm motility. However, the fatty acid profile during sperm maturation remains unclear in dogs. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the fatty acids from the epididymal spermatozoa and plasma during the sperm maturation, and observed changes in the motility and plasmatic membrane parameters. Twenty one adult dogs were used, subsequently to bilateral orchiectomy and epididymal storage, sperm samples were collected from the different segments of the epididymis. Samples were evaluated for conventional microscopy, computer-assisted motility analysis, sperm plasma membrane permeability and the fatty acid analysis (lipids were extracted, transmethylated and analyzed by chromatography). Results Caput and corpus sperm showed lower values for the motility variables evaluated and plasmatic membrane integrity, indicating different levels of the fatty acids organization. Saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids were in higher concentrations in the spermatozoa from epididymis cauda. Highlighting the presence of caprylic, stearic and docosahexaenoic acids. Conclusions These findings demonstrate the influence of the fatty acid profile during sperm maturation, assigning physical and chemical changes in sperm cells, essential for fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S Ramos Angrimani
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Rua Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, 05508-270 Brazil
| | - Marcilio Nichi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Rua Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, 05508-270 Brazil
| | - João Diego A Losano
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Rua Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, 05508-270 Brazil
| | - Cristina F Lucio
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Rua Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, 05508-270 Brazil
| | - Gisele A Lima Veiga
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Rua Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, 05508-270 Brazil
| | - Márcia V M Junqueira Franco
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nutrition, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900 - 14040-040, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Camila I Vannucchi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Rua Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, 05508-270 Brazil
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15
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Rojas Mora A, Firth A, Blareau S, Vallat A, Helfenstein F. Oxidative stress affects sperm performance and ejaculate redox status in subordinate House Sparrows. J Exp Biol 2017; 220:2577-2588. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.154799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS) is the result of random cellular damage caused by reactive oxygen species that leads to cell death, ageing, or illness. Most physiological processes can result in OS, which in turn has been identified as a major cause of infertility. In promiscuous species, the fertilizing ability of the ejaculate partly determines the male reproductive success. When dominance determines access to fertile females, theory predicts that lower ranking males should increase resource investment into enhancing ejaculate quality. We hypothesized that subordinate males should thus prioritize antioxidant protection of their ejaculates to protect them from OS. We put this hypothesis to the test, by chronically dosing wild House Sparrows with diquat (∼1mg/kg), an herbicide that increases pro-oxidant generation. We found that, although they increased their antioxidant levels in the ejaculate, diquat-treated males produced sperm with reduced velocity. Importantly, and contrary to our hypothesis, males at the bottom of the hierarchy suffered the largest reduction in sperm velocity. We suggest that resource access hinders individuals' ability to cope with environmental hazards. Our results point at OS as a likely physiological mechanism mediating ejaculate quality, while individual ability to access resources may play a role in constraining the extent to which such resources can be allocated into the ejaculate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Rojas Mora
- Evolutionary Ecophysiology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchatel, Neuchatel, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Firth
- Evolutionary Ecophysiology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchatel, Neuchatel, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Blareau
- Evolutionary Ecophysiology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchatel, Neuchatel, Switzerland
| | - Armelle Vallat
- Neuchatel Platform of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Neuchatel, Neuchatel, Switzerland
| | - Fabrice Helfenstein
- Evolutionary Ecophysiology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchatel, Neuchatel, Switzerland
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delBarco-Trillo J, García-Álvarez O, Soler AJ, Tourmente M, Garde JJ, Roldan ERS. A cost for high levels of sperm competition in rodents: increased sperm DNA fragmentation. Proc Biol Sci 2016; 283:20152708. [PMID: 26936246 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2015.2708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm competition, a prevalent evolutionary process in which the spermatozoa of two or more males compete for the fertilization of the same ovum, leads to morphological and physiological adaptations, including increases in energetic metabolism that may serve to propel sperm faster but that may have negative effects on DNA integrity. Sperm DNA damage is associated with reduced rates of fertilization, embryo and fetal loss, offspring mortality, and mutations leading to genetic disease. We tested whether high levels of sperm competition affect sperm DNA integrity. We evaluated sperm DNA integrity in 18 species of rodents that differ in their levels of sperm competition using the sperm chromatin structure assay. DNA integrity was assessed upon sperm collection, in response to incubation under capacitating or non-capacitating conditions, and after exposure to physical and chemical stressors. Sperm DNA was very resistant to physical and chemical stressors, whereas incubation in non-capacitating and capacitating conditions resulted in only a small increase in sperm DNA damage. Importantly, levels of sperm competition were positively associated with sperm DNA fragmentation across rodent species. This is the first evidence showing that high levels of sperm competition lead to an important cost in the form of increased sperm DNA damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier delBarco-Trillo
- Reproductive Ecology and Biology Group, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), Madrid 28006, Spain School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | | | | | - Maximiliano Tourmente
- Reproductive Ecology and Biology Group, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), Madrid 28006, Spain
| | | | - Eduardo R S Roldan
- Reproductive Ecology and Biology Group, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), Madrid 28006, Spain
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Alternative reproductive tactics, sperm mobility and oxidative stress in Carollia perspicillata (Seba’s short-tailed bat). Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-016-2251-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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18
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Fang Y, Blair H, Zhong R, Sun H, Zhou D. Optimizing the freezing rate for ovine semen cryopreservation: Phospholipid profiles and functions of the plasma membrane and quality and fertilization of spermatozoa. Small Rumin Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2016.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Castellanos P, Maroto-Morales A, García-Álvarez O, Garde JJ, Mateo R. AnIn VitroEvaluation of Biochemical Processes Involved in Lead-Induced Changes on Ram Spermatozoa. Reprod Domest Anim 2016; 51:421-7. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- P Castellanos
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) UCLM-CSIC-JCCM; Wildlife Toxicology Group; Ciudad Real Spain
| | - A Maroto-Morales
- SaBio; Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) UCLM-CSIC-JCCM; Albacete Spain
| | - O García-Álvarez
- SaBio; Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) UCLM-CSIC-JCCM; Albacete Spain
| | - JJ Garde
- SaBio; Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) UCLM-CSIC-JCCM; Albacete Spain
| | - R Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) UCLM-CSIC-JCCM; Wildlife Toxicology Group; Ciudad Real Spain
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21
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Rahman MM, Gasparini C, Turchini GM, Evans JP. Experimental reduction in dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids depresses sperm competitiveness. Biol Lett 2015; 10:rsbl.2014.0623. [PMID: 25252837 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2014.0623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The health benefits of diets containing rich sources of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA) are well documented and include reductions in the risk of several diseases typical of Western societies. The dietary intake of n-3 LC-PUFA has also been linked to fertility, and there is abundant evidence that a range of ejaculate traits linked to fertility in humans, livestock and other animals depend on an adequate intake of n-3 LC-PUFA from dietary sources. However, relatively few studies have explored how n-3 LC-PUFA influence reproductive fitness, particularly in the context of sexual selection. Here, we show that experimental reduction in the level of n-3 LC-PUFA in the diet of guppies (Poecilia reticulata) depresses a male's share of paternity when sperm compete for fertilization, confirming that the currently observed trend for reduced n-3 LC-PUFA in western diets has important implications for individual reproductive fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Moshiur Rahman
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, 6009 Western Australia, Australia
| | - Clelia Gasparini
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, 6009 Western Australia, Australia
| | - Giovanni M Turchini
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, Warrnambool, Victoria 3280, Australia
| | - Jonathan P Evans
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, 6009 Western Australia, Australia
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delBarco-Trillo J, Mateo R, Roldan ERS. Differences in the fatty-acid composition of rodent spermatozoa are associated to levels of sperm competition. Biol Open 2015; 4:466-73. [PMID: 25795911 PMCID: PMC4400589 DOI: 10.1242/bio.201411288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm competition is a prevalent phenomenon that drives the evolution of sperm function. High levels of sperm competition lead to increased metabolism to fuel higher sperm velocities. This enhanced metabolism can result in oxidative damage (including lipid peroxidation) and damage to the membrane. We hypothesized that in those species experiencing high levels of sperm competition there are changes in the fatty-acid composition of the sperm membrane that makes the membrane more resistant to oxidative damage. Given that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are the most prone to lipid peroxidation, we predicted that higher sperm competition leads to a reduction in the proportion of sperm PUFAs. In contrast, we predicted that levels of sperm competition should not affect the proportion of PUFAs in somatic cells. To test these predictions, we quantified the fatty-acid composition of sperm, testis and liver cells in four mouse species (genus Mus) that differ in their levels of sperm competition. Fatty-acid composition in testis and liver cells was not associated to sperm competition levels. However, in sperm cells, as predicted, an increase in sperm competition levels was associated with an increase in the proportion of saturated fatty-acids (the most resistant to lipid peroxidation) and by a concomitant decrease in the proportion of PUFAs. Two particular fatty acids were most responsible for this pattern (arachidonic acid and palmitic acid). Our findings thus indicate that sperm competition has a pervasive influence in the composition of sperm cells that ultimately may have important effects in sperm function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier delBarco-Trillo
- Reproductive Ecology and Biology Group, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, 28006 Madrid, Spain Present address: School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 5UA, UK.
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Wildlife Toxicology Group, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Eduardo R S Roldan
- Reproductive Ecology and Biology Group, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, 28006 Madrid, Spain
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Nakata K, Yamashita N, Noda Y, Ohsawa I. Stimulation of human damaged sperm motility with hydrogen molecule. Med Gas Res 2015; 5:2. [PMID: 25649433 PMCID: PMC4300028 DOI: 10.1186/s13618-014-0023-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Accepted: 12/27/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sperm motility is a critical factor in male fertility. Low motility can be caused by a variety factors including abnormal spermatogenesis, oxidative damage, or depletion of intracellular ATP. Recent findings indicate that hydrogen molecule (H2) selectively reduces toxic reactive oxygen species. In this study, we investigated the effects of H2 on human sperm motility in vitro. Methods Experimentally damaged sperm suspensions from patients left at room temperature for > 5 days or frozen immediately after ejaculation were used. After exposure with H2, their forward motility was measured with a counting chamber. A time-lapse movie was recorded to analyze sperm swimming speed. Mitochondria were stained with a membrane potential-sensitive dye. Results H2 treatment significantly improved the rate of forward motility, whereas treatment with nitrogen gas did not. While treatment for 30 min was sufficient to improve motility, it did not affect sperm swimming speed. After 24 h, retreatment with H2 increased the motility again. H2 treatment also increased mitochondrial membrane potential. Forward motility of low motile frozen-thawed sperm from patients significantly improved with cleavage medium containing H2. Conclusions Our results illustrated that H2 treatment stimulates low sperm motility. H2 is a new promising tool for male infertility treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumiko Nakata
- Biological Process of Aging, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, 35-2 Sakae-cho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-0015 Japan ; Reproductive Medicine Research Center, Yamashita Shonan Yume Clinic, 1-2-10 Kugenumaishigami, Fujisawa, 251-0025 Japan
| | - Naoki Yamashita
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, Yamashita Shonan Yume Clinic, 1-2-10 Kugenumaishigami, Fujisawa, 251-0025 Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Noda
- Animal Facility, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, 35-2 Sakae-cho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-0015 Japan
| | - Ikuroh Ohsawa
- Biological Process of Aging, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, 35-2 Sakae-cho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-0015 Japan
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Giribabu N, Kumar KE, Rekha SS, Muniandy S, Salleh N. Chlorophytum borivilianum (Safed Musli) root extract prevents impairment in characteristics and elevation of oxidative stress in sperm of streptozotocin-induced adult male diabetic Wistar rats. Altern Ther Health Med 2014; 14:291. [PMID: 25104050 PMCID: PMC4141081 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background We hypothesized that C. borivilianum root, known to improve male reproductive performance, prevents impairment in characteristics, morphology and elevation of oxidative stress in sperm of diabetics. We therefore investigated the effect of aqueous root extract of C. borivilianum on these parameters in diabetic rat model. Methods C. borivilianum root aqueous extract (250 and 500 mg/kg/day) or glibenclamide (600 μg/kg/day) were administered to streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male rats for 28 consecutive days. At the end of treatment, animals were sacrificed and sperm were collected. Sperm count and percentages of forward motility, viability, hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) tail-coiled and abnormal sperm were evaluated. Sperm lipid peroxidation product (LPO), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO) levels, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), activity levels of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase-SOD, catalase-CAT and glutathione peroxidase-GPx), epididymal sperm density, serum fasting blood glucose (FBG) and HbA1c levels were measured. The expression of sperm caspase-3 was assessed. Meanwhile, in-vitro free radical scavenging activity of C. borivilianum root extract was determined and the root extract was analyzed for the presence of bioactive compounds by FTIR spectroscopy. Results C. borivilianum root aqueous extract prevents the decrease in sperm count, percentages of forward motility, viability, HOS and the increase in abnormal sperm percentage and caspase-3 level in diabetic rats. Sperm LPO, H2O2 and NO levels, FBG and HbA1c were lower while TAC, SOD, CAT, GPx and epididymal sperm density were higher in diabetic rats receiving C. borivilianum root extract treatment. C. borivilianum root exhibited strong in-vitro free radical scavenging activity which may be due to the phenolic compound. Conclusions C. borivilianum root extract prevents impairment in sperm characteristics and morphology via preventing elevation of oxidative stress, apoptosis and free radicals levels of the sperm in diabetes. These effects may be achieved through maintaining sperm antioxidant level which could be related to free radical scavenging activity of the root extract by phenolic compounds. These effects could also be due to ability of the extract to maintain near normal serum FBG and HBA1c levels in diabetes.
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