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Pezo F, Contreras MJ, Zambrano F, Uribe P, Risopatron J, Andrade AFCD, Yeste M, Sánchez R. Thawing of cryopreserved sperm from domestic animals: Impact of temperature, time, and addition of molecules to thawing/insemination medium. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 268:107572. [PMID: 39128319 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107572] [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: 05/19/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
In recent decades, there has been a growing interest in optimizing the protocols intended to sperm cryopreservation in domestic animals. These protocols include initial cooling, freezing, and thawing. While different attempts have been devised to improve sperm cryopreservation, the efficiency of this reproductive biotechnology is still far from being optimal. Furthermore, while much attention in improving cooling/freezing, less emphasis has been made in how thawing can be ameliorated. Despite this, the conditions through which, upon thawing, sperm return to physiological temperatures are much relevant, given that these cells must travel throughout the female genital tract until they reach the utero-tubal junction. Moreover, the composition of the media used for artificial insemination (AI) may also affect sperm survival, which is again something that one should bear because of the long journey that sperm must make. Furthermore, sperm quality and functionality decrease dramatically during post-thawing incubation time. Added to that, the deposition of the thawed sperm suspension devoid of seminal plasma in some species during an AI is accompanied by a leukocyte migration to the uterine lumen and with it the activation of immune mechanisms. Because few reviews have focused on the evidence gathered after sperm thawing, the present one aims to compile and discuss the available information concerning ruminants, pigs and horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Pezo
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Medioambiente, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - María José Contreras
- Instituto de Ciencias Aplicadas, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Temuco, Chile
| | - Fabiola Zambrano
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine-Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT-BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Pamela Uribe
- Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine-Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT-BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Jennie Risopatron
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Center of Excellence in Reproductive Biotechnology (BIOREN-CEBIOR), Faculty of Medicine, University of La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Andre Furugen Cesar de Andrade
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marc Yeste
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Raúl Sánchez
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Center of Excellence in Reproductive Biotechnology (BIOREN-CEBIOR), Faculty of Medicine, University of La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.
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Pezo F, Zambrano F, Uribe P, de Andrade AFC, Sánchez R. Slow Freezing of Preserved Boar Sperm: Comparison of Conventional and Automated Techniques on Post-Thaw Functional Quality by a New Combination of Sperm Function Tests. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2826. [PMID: 37760225 PMCID: PMC10525940 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182826] [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: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The slow freezing of boar sperm is the only way to preserve genetic material for extended periods; this can be achieved with exposure to liquid nitrogen vapors (conventional) or by using automated freezing equipment. The aim was to compare the effect of both techniques on post-thaw functionality. Boar sperm devoid of seminal plasma and resuspended in lactose-egg yolk-glycerol medium were cryopreserved. Conventional: straws were exposed to LN2 vapors; automated: using a drop curve of -39.82 °C·min-1 for 113 s from -5 to -80 °C during the critical period; and subsequent immersion in NL2. Cell viability, cholesterol flow, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), lipid peroxidation, peroxynitrite, superoxide anion levels, phosphatidylserine translocation, and caspase activation were evaluated by flow cytometry. In addition, total motility (TM) and progressive motility (PM) were determined by the SCA system immediately (T0), 60 (T60), and 120 min (T120) post-thawing. Automated freezing significantly reduces cholesterol flow and free radical and lipid peroxidation levels, making it possible to preserve motility for 120 min of incubation. At the same time, viability, acrosome integrity, MMP, and caspase activation did not differ from the conventional technique. In conclusion, controlling the temperature drop curve using automated freezing equipment reduces oxidative/nitrosative stress, preserving membrane fluidity and sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Pezo
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Recursos Naturales y Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Santo Tomas, Santiago 8370003, Chile;
| | - Fabiola Zambrano
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiopathology, Center for Translational Medicine (CEMT-BIOREN), Temuco 4811230, Chile; (F.Z.); (P.U.)
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Pamela Uribe
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiopathology, Center for Translational Medicine (CEMT-BIOREN), Temuco 4811230, Chile; (F.Z.); (P.U.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - André Furugen Cesar de Andrade
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), University of São Paulo (USP), Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil;
| | - Raúl Sánchez
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiopathology, Center for Translational Medicine (CEMT-BIOREN), Temuco 4811230, Chile; (F.Z.); (P.U.)
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
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Gualtieri R, Kalthur G, Barbato V, Di Nardo M, Adiga SK, Talevi R. Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress Caused by Cryopreservation in Reproductive Cells. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10030337. [PMID: 33668300 PMCID: PMC7996228 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10030337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria, fundamental organelles in cell metabolism, and ATP synthesis are responsible for generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), calcium homeostasis, and cell death. Mitochondria produce most ROS, and when levels exceed the antioxidant defenses, oxidative stress (OS) is generated. These changes may eventually impair the electron transport chain, resulting in decreased ATP synthesis, increased ROS production, altered mitochondrial membrane permeability, and disruption of calcium homeostasis. Mitochondria play a key role in the gamete competence to facilitate normal embryo development. However, iatrogenic factors in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) may affect their functional competence, leading to an abnormal reproductive outcome. Cryopreservation, a fundamental technology in ART, may compromise mitochondrial function leading to elevated intracellular OS that decreases sperm and oocytes' competence and the dynamics of fertilization and embryo development. This article aims to review the role played by mitochondria and ROS in sperm and oocyte function and the close, biunivocal relationships between mitochondrial damage and ROS generation during cryopreservation of gametes and gonadal tissues in different species. Based on current literature, we propose tentative hypothesis of mechanisms involved in cryopreservation-associated mitochondrial dysfunction in gametes, and discuss the role played by antioxidants and other agents to retain the competence of cryopreserved reproductive cells and tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Gualtieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy; (V.B.); (M.D.N.); (R.T.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Guruprasad Kalthur
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576 104, India; (G.K.); (S.K.A.)
| | - Vincenza Barbato
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy; (V.B.); (M.D.N.); (R.T.)
| | - Maddalena Di Nardo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy; (V.B.); (M.D.N.); (R.T.)
| | - Satish Kumar Adiga
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576 104, India; (G.K.); (S.K.A.)
- Centre for Fertility Preservation, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576 104, India
| | - Riccardo Talevi
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy; (V.B.); (M.D.N.); (R.T.)
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Pezo F, Yeste M, Zambrano F, Uribe P, Risopatrón J, Sánchez R. Antioxidants and their effect on the oxidative/nitrosative stress of frozen-thawed boar sperm. Cryobiology 2020; 98:5-11. [PMID: 33248047 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2020.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In swine, the use of frozen-thawed boar sperm for artificial insemination remains a suboptimal reproductive technology. Among the negative effects of cryopreservation on sperm cells, it is worth highlighting that cryopreservation causes irreversible alterations in motility and components of the sperm membrane as a result of dramatic changes in temperature (cooling/freezing curve) and osmolality. In addition, freeze-thawing may induce oxidative stress and increase the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrogen reactive species (RNS). While boar sperm cryopreservation has been reported to increase lipid peroxidation and the intracellular levels of hydrogen peroxide, less research on its impact on RNS has been conducted. Furthermore, previous studies have investigated the effects of supplementing cryopreservation media with antioxidants to counteract the deleterious effects of ROS and RNS. Antioxidants of synthetic origin or natural extracts have been used, with some showing noticeable and positive effects on functional sperm parameters both in vitro and in vivo. The aim of this review is to provide an update on the effect of different molecules with antioxidant capacity on the function of cryopreserved boar sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Pezo
- Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Molecular Endocrinology, Center for Translational Medicine (CEMT-BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Recursos Naturales y Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Santo Tomas, Chile
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Fabiola Zambrano
- Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Molecular Endocrinology, Center for Translational Medicine (CEMT-BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Pamela Uribe
- Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Molecular Endocrinology, Center for Translational Medicine (CEMT-BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Jennie Risopatrón
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Raúl Sánchez
- Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Molecular Endocrinology, Center for Translational Medicine (CEMT-BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.
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