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Maggi G, Pires OS, Junior SFV, Oliveira FC, Moraes FP, Ferreira R, Vieira AD, Rovani MT, Gonçalves PBD, Mondadori RG, Gasperin BG. Is it possible to replace eCG by GnRH in the hormonal protocol for timed artificial insemination in ewes during the breeding season? Domest Anim Endocrinol 2024; 89:106878. [PMID: 39151257 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2024.106878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Hormonal protocols based on progestogens and equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) are efficient for estrus and ovulation synchronization in ewes. Although eCG is indispensable during seasonal anestrus, it may not be necessary during the breeding season. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that GnRH is effective in replacing eCG during the breeding season allowing satisfactory ovulation rate, luteal function and conception rates after timed artificial insemination (TAI). Ewes (n = 134) with a minimum body condition score of 2.5 (0-5 scale) were treated with intravaginal devices (IVD) containing 60 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) for seven days and received 0.26 mg of sodium cloprostenol at the time of IVD removal. In Exp. 1, at IVD removal, ewes (n = 29) were allocated to three groups: eCG (200 IU at IVD removal; n = 10); eCG+GnRH (200 IU eCG at IVD removal and 4 µg of buserelin 36 h later; n = 10); or GnRH (buserelin 36 h after IVD removal; n = 9). Blood samples were collected 2, 6 and 12 days after TAI moment (54 h after IVD removal), for progesterone (P4) analysis. In Exp 2, the ewes were allocated to eCG (n = 10) or GnRH (n = 10) groups, as above described, and ovulation moment was evaluated 54, 66 and 78 h after IVD removal. In Exp 3, TAI was performed in ewes from eCG (n = 45) and GnRH (n = 40) groups using 100 × 106 motile spermatozoa from a pool of semen collected from four rams. In Exp. 1, based on P4 levels, we confirmed that all the ewes ovulated (29/29) and there was no significant effect of group (P = 0.89) or group x day (P = 0.18) on P4 concentration, being observed a significant effect of day (P = 0.0001). In Exp. 2, the maximum DF diameter (P = 0.26) and ovulation moment (P = 0.69) did not differ between groups. In Exp. 3, pregnancy rate was significantly lower (P = 0.02) in GnRH (22.5 %; 9/40) compared to eCG (46.7 %; 21/45). The results indicate that, although ovulation and luteal function were not altered after eCG, eCG+GnRH or GnRH treatment, GnRH alone before TAI cannot be used to replace eCG treatment during the breeding season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Maggi
- FiBRA, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, s/n - Caixa Postal 354 - Campus Universitário, Capão do Leão, RS CEP: 96160-000, Brazil
| | - Otávio S Pires
- FiBRA, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, s/n - Caixa Postal 354 - Campus Universitário, Capão do Leão, RS CEP: 96160-000, Brazil
| | - Sérgio F Vargas Junior
- FiBRA, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, s/n - Caixa Postal 354 - Campus Universitário, Capão do Leão, RS CEP: 96160-000, Brazil
| | | | - Fabiane P Moraes
- FiBRA, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, s/n - Caixa Postal 354 - Campus Universitário, Capão do Leão, RS CEP: 96160-000, Brazil
| | | | - Arnaldo D Vieira
- FiBRA, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, s/n - Caixa Postal 354 - Campus Universitário, Capão do Leão, RS CEP: 96160-000, Brazil
| | - Monique T Rovani
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Rafael G Mondadori
- FiBRA, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, s/n - Caixa Postal 354 - Campus Universitário, Capão do Leão, RS CEP: 96160-000, Brazil
| | - Bernardo G Gasperin
- FiBRA, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, s/n - Caixa Postal 354 - Campus Universitário, Capão do Leão, RS CEP: 96160-000, Brazil.
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Gonçalves JD, Dias JH, Machado-Neves M, Vergani GB, Ahmadi B, Pereira Batista RIT, Souza-Fabjan JMG, Oliveira MEF, Bartlewski PM, da Fonseca JF. Transcervical uterine flushing and embryo transfer in sheep: Morphophysiological basis for approaches currently used, major challenges, potential improvements, and new directions (alas, including some old ideas). Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100920. [PMID: 38970979 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2024.100920] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
At present, the success of non-surgical embryo recovery (NSER) and transfer (NSET) hinges upon the cervical passage of catheters, but penetration of the uterine cervix in ewes is problematic due to its anatomical structure (i.e., long and narrow cervical lumen with misaligned folds and rings). It is a major obstacle limiting the widespread application of NSER and NSET in sheep. While initial attempts to traverse the uterine cervix focused on adapting or re-designing insemination catheters, more recent studies demonstrated that cervical relaxation protocols were instrumental for transcervical penetration in the ewe. An application of such protocols more than tripled cervical penetration rates (currently at 90-95 %) in sheep of different breeds (e.g., Dorper, Lacaune, Santa Inês, crossbred, and indigenous Brazilian breeds) and ages/parity. There is now sufficient evidence to suggest that even repeatedly performed cervical passages do not adversely affect overall health and reproductive function of ewes. Despite these improvements, appropriate selection of donors and recipients remains one of the most important requirements for maintaining high success rates of NSER and NSET, respectively. Non-surgical ovine embryo recovery has gradually become a commercially viable method as even though the procedure still cannot be performed by untrained individuals, it is inexpensive, yields satisfactory results, and complies with current public expectations of animal welfare standards. This article reviews critical morphophysiological aspects of transcervical embryo flushing and transfer, and the prospect of both techniques to replace surgical methods for multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) programs in sheep. We have also discussed some potential pharmacological and technical developments in the field of non-invasive embryo recovery and deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joedson Dantas Gonçalves
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University, Via de acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n, CEP 14884-900 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Jenniffer Hauschildt Dias
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Viçosa, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, s/n, CEP 36570-000 Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Mariana Machado-Neves
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Viçosa, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, s/n, CEP 36570-000 Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Brun Vergani
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University, Via de acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n, CEP 14884-900 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Bahareh Ahmadi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | | | | | - Maria Emilia Franco Oliveira
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University, Via de acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n, CEP 14884-900 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Pawel Mieczyslaw Bartlewski
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
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Sharan O, Stefanyk V, Bartlewski PM, Sharan M. The effect of supplementing freezing extender with Mn 2+-, Zn 2+- or Cu 2+-nanosuccinate on select post-thaw characteristics of ram semen. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100932. [PMID: 39153341 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2024.100932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2024] [Revised: 08/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
The effects of Mn2+-, Zn2+- or Cu2+-nanosuccinate added to freezing extender on select post-thaw semen characteristics were determined in six Texel rams (aged 2-4 years) during seasonal anestrus (April-May). Ejaculates (n = 6 per ram) collected into an artificial vagina were divided into ten isovolumetric fractions each. Semen was diluted in lactose-yolk-tris-citrate-glycerin medium and nanosuccinates (Mn2+- and Zn2+-nanosuccinate: 0.0 (control), 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 μg/l; Cu2+-nanosuccinate: 0.0 (control), 1.25, 2.5 and 3.75 μg/l) were added to semen extender. Extended semen was loaded into 0.25-ml straws and frozen in liquid nitrogen. After thawing, sperm motility parameters were determined with computer assisted semen analysis (CASA), and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) was measured with a spectrophotometric technique. The addition of 5.0 μg/l of Mn2+- and Zn2+-nanosuccinate significantly increased the sperm progressive motility and both 2.5 and 5.0 μg/l improved sperm motion kinetics. Further, both nanosuccinates at a dose of 5.0 μg/l significantly decreased SOD activity and stimulated an increase in GPx and CAT activity in semen samples. Alternatively, the addition of Cu2+-nanosuccinate (highest dose) significantly reduced the progressive motility and velocity of ram spermatozoa, increased the percentage of sperm with acrosomal/head defects and seminal SOD activity, and depressed CAT (highest dose) and GPx (all doses) activity. In summary, the addition of Mn2+- and Zn2+-nanosuccinate to semen extender had beneficial effects on sperm motility/motion kinetics and structural integrity, whereas Cu2+-nanosuccinate generally had debilitating effects on the post-thaw semen characteristics in rams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olha Sharan
- Stepan Gzhytskyi National University of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnologies in Lviv, 50 Pekarska St., Lviv 79010, Ukraine.
| | - Vasyl Stefanyk
- Stepan Gzhytskyi National University of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnologies in Lviv, 50 Pekarska St., Lviv 79010, Ukraine
| | - Pawel M Bartlewski
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd., Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Mykola Sharan
- Institute of Animal Biology NAAS, 38 Stus St., Lviv 79034, Ukraine
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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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Neila-Montero M, Alvarez M, Riesco MF, Soriano-Úbeda C, Montes-Garrido R, Palacin-Martinez C, de Paz P, Anel L, Anel-Lopez L. Seminal plasma removal for medium-term preservation of ram sperm at 5 °C. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:360. [PMID: 39128999 PMCID: PMC11318144 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04214-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate if washing ram sperm from seminal plasma (SP) could be an effective tool to extend sperm lifespan in medium-term preservation in liquid form to optimize ovine artificial insemination protocols. To this end, in Experiment 1 SP was added to a sperm model without previous contact with this substance (ram epididymal sperm) at the beginning or the end of a 48-hour preservation protocol at 5 °C (n = 13). Sperm motility and kinetic parameters and sperm functionality in terms of sperm viability, apoptosis, mitochondrial activity and reacted acrosomes were assessed after 6 h of storage at 15 °C (standard liquid preservation method) and 24 and 48 h at 5 °C. Extended sperm showed better results after 48 h when stored in the absence than in the presence of SP in most sperm quality parameters. Moreover, the final SP supplementation of this experimental group resulted in the highest sperm motility and kinetic parameters, viability and mitochondrial activity. These results suggested that initial SP deprivation could be beneficial in a medium-term ram sperm preservation protocol in liquid form, as well as a final supplementation. Therefore, we conducted Experiment 2 to evaluate the effect of SP removal from freshly ejaculated ram semen under the same storage conditions as in Experiment 1 (n = 12). Surprisingly, SP withdrawal impaired sperm functionality, leading to increased apoptosis and decreased mitochondrial activity after 24 and 48 h at 5 °C. Conversely, SP supplementation at the end of the preservation protocol of the ejaculate processed as usual had a positive effect on sperm quality and fertility. To summarize, SP absence was beneficial for a medium-term preservation protocol (up to 48 h at 5 °C) of ram epididymal sperm, but the same preservation protocol for ram ejaculated sperm revealed a possible failure of the SP removal method in avoiding the sperm-SP interaction effect. Meanwhile, SP supplementation of ram semen at the end of the preservation protocol increased in vitro sperm quality and fertility after artificial insemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Neila-Montero
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, Campus de Vegazana S/N, León, 24071, Spain
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, Campus de Vegazana S/N, León, 24071, Spain
| | - Mercedes Alvarez
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, Campus de Vegazana S/N, León, 24071, Spain.
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, Campus de Vegazana S/N, León, 24071, Spain.
| | - Marta F Riesco
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, Campus de Vegazana S/N, León, 24071, Spain
- Cellular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, University of León, Campus de Vegazana S/N, León, 24071, Spain
| | - Cristina Soriano-Úbeda
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, Campus de Vegazana S/N, León, 24071, Spain
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, Campus de Vegazana S/N, León, 24071, Spain
| | - Rafael Montes-Garrido
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, Campus de Vegazana S/N, León, 24071, Spain
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, Campus de Vegazana S/N, León, 24071, Spain
| | - Cristina Palacin-Martinez
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, Campus de Vegazana S/N, León, 24071, Spain
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, Campus de Vegazana S/N, León, 24071, Spain
| | - Paulino de Paz
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, Campus de Vegazana S/N, León, 24071, Spain
- Cellular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, University of León, Campus de Vegazana S/N, León, 24071, Spain
| | - Luis Anel
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, Campus de Vegazana S/N, León, 24071, Spain
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, Campus de Vegazana S/N, León, 24071, Spain
| | - Luis Anel-Lopez
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, Campus de Vegazana S/N, León, 24071, Spain
- Anatomy, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, Campus de Vegazana S/N, León, 24071, Spain
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Zhu Z, Zhao H, Yang Q, Li Y, Wang R, Adetunji AO, Min L. β-Nicotinamide mononucleotide improves chilled ram sperm quality in vitro by reducing oxidative stress damage. Anim Biosci 2024; 37:852-861. [PMID: 38575134 PMCID: PMC11065721 DOI: 10.5713/ab.23.0379] [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: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to investigate the effect of β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplementation on ram sperm quality during storage at 4°C in vitro. METHODS Tris-citric acid-glucose solution containing different doses of NMN (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 μM) was used to dilute semen collected from rams and it was stored at 4°C. Sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity as well as acrosome integrity were evaluated at 0, 24, and 48 h time points after storage at 4°C. In addition, sperm mitochondrial activity, lipid peroxidation (LPO), malondialdehyde (MDA) content, reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, glutathione (GSH) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and apoptosis were measured at 48 h time point after storage at 4°C. RESULTS Results demonstrate that the values obtained for sperm motility, acrosome integrity, and plasma membrane integrity in the NMN treatments were significantly higher than control (p<0.05). The addition of 60 μM NMN significantly improved ram sperm mitochondrial activity and reduced LPO, MDA content, and ROS content compared to control (p<0.05). Interestingly, sperm GSH content and SOD activity for the 60 μM NMN treatment were much higher than those observed for control. NMN treatment also decreased the level of Cleaved-Caspase 3, Cleaved-Caspase 9, and Bax while increasing Bcl-2 level in sperm at 48 h time point after storage at 4°C. CONCLUSION Ram sperm quality can be maintained during storage at 4°C with the addition of NMN at 60 μM to the semen extender. NMN also reduces oxidative stress and apoptosis. Overall, these findings suggest that NMN is efficient in improving the viability of ram sperm during storage at 4°C in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhendong Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109,
China
| | - Haolong Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109,
China
| | - Qitai Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109,
China
| | - Yajing Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109,
China
| | - Ruyuan Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109,
China
| | | | - Lingjiang Min
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109,
China
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Wei Z, Hong H, Liu W, Jiang L, Xu J, Gao X, Qian Y, Jiang Y, Jin Z, Jin Q, Chen M, Yang Z. DNase I rescues goat sperm entrapped by neutrophil extracellular traps. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 153:105107. [PMID: 38036049 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2023.105107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Artificial insemination has been a predominant technique employed in goat husbandry for breeding purposes. Subsequent to artificial insemination, sperm can elicit inflammation in the reproductive tract, resulting in substantial the accumulation of neutrophils. Recognized as foreign entities, sperm may become entrapped within neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) released by neutrophils, thereby exploiting their properties of pathogen elimination. Deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I), which is known for disintegrating NETs and causing loss of function, has been utilized to ameliorate liver and brain damage resulting from NETs, as well as to enhance sperm quality. This study investigated the mechanism of sperm-induced NETs and further explored the impact of DNase I on NETs. Sperm quality was evaluated using optical microscopy, while the structure of NETs was observed through immunofluorescence staining. The formation mechanism of NETs was examined using inhibitors and PicoGreen. The findings revealed that sperm induced the formation of NETs, a process regulated by glycolysis, NADPH oxidase, ERK1/2, and p38 signaling pathways. The composition of NETs encompassed DNA, citrullinated histone H3 (citH3), and elastase (NE). DNase I protects sperm by degrading NETs, thereby concurrently preserving the integrity of plasma membrane and motility of sperm. In summary, the release of sperm-induced NETs leads to its damage, but this detrimental effect is counteracted by DNase I through degradation of NETs. These observations provide novel insights into reproductive immunity in goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengkai Wei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China; College of Life Sciences and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528225, Guangdong Province, PR China.
| | - Hongrong Hong
- College of Life Sciences and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528225, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Wei Liu
- College of Life Sciences and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528225, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Liqiang Jiang
- College of Life Sciences and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528225, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Jingnan Xu
- College of Life Sciences and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528225, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Xinxin Gao
- College of Life Sciences and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528225, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Yuxiao Qian
- College of Life Sciences and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528225, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Yuqian Jiang
- College of Life Sciences and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528225, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Zha Jin
- College of Life Sciences and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528225, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Qinqin Jin
- College of Life Sciences and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528225, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Meiyi Chen
- College of Life Sciences and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528225, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Zhengtao Yang
- College of Life Sciences and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528225, Guangdong Province, PR China.
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El Amiri B, Rahim A. Exploring Endogenous and Exogenous Factors for Successful Artificial Insemination in Sheep: A Global Overview. Vet Sci 2024; 11:86. [PMID: 38393104 PMCID: PMC10891879 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11020086] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Artificial insemination (AI) plays a vital role in animal breeding programs. AI is applied to enhance animal genetics and facilitate the widespread integration of desirable characteristics with a high potential for productivity. However, in sheep, this biotechnology is not commonly practicable due to multi-factorial challenges, resulting in inconsistent outcomes and unpredictable results. Thoughtful selection of semen donors and recipients based on genetic merit deeply impacts ovine AI outcomes. Additionally, endogenous factors such as breed, age, fertility traits, genetic disorders, and cervical anatomy in ewes contribute to ovine AI success. Extensive research has studied exogenous influences on sexual behavior, reproductive health, and hormonal regulation, all impacting ovine AI success. These exogenous factors include techniques like estrus induction, synchronization, semen handling methods (fresh/chilled/frozen), and insemination methods (cervical/laparoscopic), as well as nutritional factors and climatic conditions. This overview of the literature highlights the endogenous and exogenous challenges facing successful ovine AI and proposes strategies and best practices for improvement. This paper will serve as a guide for understanding and optimizing the success of ovine AI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bouchra El Amiri
- Animal Production Unit, Regional Center Agricultural Research of Settat, National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), Avenue Ennasr, P.O. Box 415 Rabat Principal, Rabat 10090, Morocco;
- African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Laayoune 70000, Morocco
| | - Abdellatif Rahim
- Animal Production Unit, Regional Center Agricultural Research of Settat, National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), Avenue Ennasr, P.O. Box 415 Rabat Principal, Rabat 10090, Morocco;
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Neurosciences, Natural Resources and Environment, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Hassan First University of Settat, P.O. Box 577, Settat 26000, Morocco
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Bülbül B, Dayanıklı C, Şengül E, Turan A, Aksoy M, Nur Z. Failure of isoxsuprine HCl to increase sheep fertility after cervical versus laparoscopic AI using chilled semen at different durations. Anim Sci J 2024; 95:e13973. [PMID: 39087276 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
To improve the fertility of cervical artificial insemination (AI) in sheep, we investigated isoxsuprine HCl usage on the cervical passage during cervical AI. We also compared cervical and laparoscopic AI fertility results of using chilled semen at different durations. Semen was collected from rams and diluted as 20 × 106 or 400 × 106 spermatozoa/straw for laparoscopic and cervical AI, respectively, and chilled to 4°C within 2 h. Sheep were inseminated with chilled semen for 8 or 24 h via the laparoscopic or cervical AI method. Moreover, some of the cervical inseminated sheep were injected intramuscularly with 0.5 mg/kg of isoxsuprine HCl 15 min before AI. As a result, the use of isoxsuprine HCl did not affect cervical transit and fertility. In addition, fertility was affected by the storage duration of the semen; laparoscopic AI was more successful than cervical AI in terms of fertility; if cervical AI is performed, the duration between semen collection and AI should be less than 8 h after chilling the semen at 4°C, and if laparoscopic AI is performed, the time between semen collection and insemination can be up to 24 h after chilling the semen at 4°C. Longer storage periods should be studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bülent Bülbül
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Cemal Dayanıklı
- Department of Breeding Techniques, Sheep Breeding Research Institute, Balıkesir, Turkey
| | - Ebru Şengül
- Department of Breeding Techniques, Sheep Breeding Research Institute, Balıkesir, Turkey
| | - Aydın Turan
- Department of Breeding Techniques, Sheep Breeding Research Institute, Balıkesir, Turkey
| | - Muhammet Aksoy
- Department of Breeding Techniques, Sheep Breeding Research Institute, Balıkesir, Turkey
| | - Zekariya Nur
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bursa Uludağ University, Bursa, Turkey
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10
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Zhu Z, Zhao H, Cui H, Adetunji AO, Min L. Resveratrol Improves the Frozen-Thawed Ram Sperm Quality. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3887. [PMID: 38136923 PMCID: PMC10740518 DOI: 10.3390/ani13243887] [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: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation generates a substantial quantity of ROS in semen, leading to a decline in sperm quality and fertilization capacity. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of resveratrol and its optimal concentration on ram sperm quality after cryopreservation. Ram semen was diluted with a freezing medium containing different concentrations of resveratrol (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 μM). After thawing, various sperm parameters such as total motility, progressive motility, acrosome integrity, plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, glutathione (GSH) content, glutathione synthase (GPx) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, catalase (CAT) activity, lipid peroxidation (LPO) content, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, ROS level, SIRT1 level, DNA oxidative damage, and AMPK phosphorylation level were assessed. In addition, post-thaw sperm apoptosis was evaluated. Comparatively, the addition of resveratrol up to 75 μM significantly improved the sperm motility and sperm parameters of cryopreserved ram sperm. Specifically, 50 μM resveratrol demonstrated a notable enhancement in acrosome and plasma membrane integrity, antioxidant capacity, mitochondrial membrane potential, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, SIRT1 level, and AMPK phosphorylation levels compared to the control group (p < 0.05). It also significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the oxidative damage to sperm DNA. However, detrimental effects of resveratrol were observed at a concentration of 100 μM resveratrol. In conclusion, the addition of 50 μM resveratrol to the cryopreservation solution is optimal for enhancing the quality of cryopreserved ram sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhendong Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China; (Z.Z.); (H.Z.); (H.C.)
| | - Haolong Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China; (Z.Z.); (H.Z.); (H.C.)
| | - Haixiang Cui
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China; (Z.Z.); (H.Z.); (H.C.)
| | - Adedeji O. Adetunji
- Department of Agriculture, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Pine Bluff, AR 71601, USA;
| | - Lingjiang Min
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China; (Z.Z.); (H.Z.); (H.C.)
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11
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Vazquez-Avendaño JR, Cortez-Romero C, Bravo-Vinaja Á, Ambríz-García DA, Trejo-Córdova A, Navarro-Maldonado MDC. Reproduction of Sheep through Nuclear Transfer of Somatic Cells: A Bibliometric Approach. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1839. [PMID: 37889773 PMCID: PMC10251971 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111839] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is a reproductive biotechnology with great potential in the reproduction of different species of zootechnical interest, including sheep. This study aimed to carry out a bibliometric analysis of scientific papers published on the application of SCNT in sheep reproduction during the period 1997-2023. The search involved the Science Citation Index Expanded and Social Sciences Citation Index databases of the main collection of the Web of Sciences with different descriptors. A total of 124 scientific papers were analyzed for different bibliometric indicators using the VOSviewer software. Since 2001, the number of SCNT-related papers that have been published concerning sheep reproduction has increased and it has fluctuated in ensuing years. The main authors, research groups, institutions, countries, papers, and journals with the highest number of papers related to the application of SCNT in sheep reproduction were identified, as well as the topics that address the research papers according to the terms: somatic cell, embryo, oocyte, gene expression, SCNT, and sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Roberto Vazquez-Avendaño
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Ciudad de México C.P. 3855, Mexico;
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Division of Biological and Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México C.P. 09310, Mexico; (D.A.A.-G.); (A.T.-C.)
| | - César Cortez-Romero
- Program in Genetic Resources and Productivity-Livestock, Campus Montecillo, Colegio de Postgraduados, Montecillo, Texcoco C.P. 56264, Mexico;
- Program in Innovation in Natural Resources Management, Campus San Luis Potosí, Colegio de Postgraduados, Salinas de Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí C.P. 78600, Mexico;
| | - Ángel Bravo-Vinaja
- Program in Innovation in Natural Resources Management, Campus San Luis Potosí, Colegio de Postgraduados, Salinas de Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí C.P. 78600, Mexico;
| | - Demetrio Alonso Ambríz-García
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Division of Biological and Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México C.P. 09310, Mexico; (D.A.A.-G.); (A.T.-C.)
| | - Alfredo Trejo-Córdova
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Division of Biological and Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México C.P. 09310, Mexico; (D.A.A.-G.); (A.T.-C.)
| | - María del Carmen Navarro-Maldonado
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Division of Biological and Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México C.P. 09310, Mexico; (D.A.A.-G.); (A.T.-C.)
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12
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Reinoso-Peláez EL, Saura M, González-Recio Ó, González C, Fernández A, Peiro-Pastor R, López-García A, Saborío-Montero A, Calvo JH, Ramón M, Serrano M. Impact of oestrus synchronization devices on ewes vaginal microbiota and artificial insemination outcome. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1063807. [PMID: 37032869 PMCID: PMC10076614 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1063807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The low pregnancy rate by artificial insemination in sheep represents a fundamental challenge for breeding programs. In this species, oestrus synchronization is carried out by manipulating hormonal regimens through the insertion of progestogen intravaginal devices. This reproductive strategy may alter the vaginal microbiota affecting the artificial insemination outcome. Methods In this study, we analyzed the vaginal microbiome of 94 vaginal swabs collected from 47 ewes with alternative treatments applied to the progesterone-releasing intravaginal devices (probiotic, maltodextrin, antibiotic and control), in two sample periods (before placing and after removing the devices). To our knowledge, this is the first study using nanopore-based metagenome sequencing for vaginal microbiome characterization in livestock. Results Our results revealed a significant lower abundance of the genera Oenococcus (Firmicutes) and Neisseria (Proteobacteria) in pregnant compared to non-pregnant ewes. We also detected a significant lower abundance of Campylobacter in the group of samples treated with the probiotic. Discussion Although the use of probiotics represents a promising practice to improve insemination results, the election of the suitable species and concentration requires further investigation. In addition, the use of progestogen in the synchronization devices seemed to increase the alpha-diversity and decrease the abundance of harmful microorganisms belonging to Gammaproteobacteria and Fusobacteriia classes, suggesting a beneficial effect of their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar L. Reinoso-Peláez
- Departamento de Mejora Genética Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Producción Agraria, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica, Alimentaria y de Biosistemas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Edgar L. Reinoso-Peláez,
| | - María Saura
- Departamento de Mejora Genética Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- María Saura,
| | - Óscar González-Recio
- Departamento de Mejora Genética Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen González
- Departamento de Mejora Genética Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Almudena Fernández
- Departamento de Mejora Genética Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ramón Peiro-Pastor
- Departamento de Mejora Genética Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Adrián López-García
- Departamento de Mejora Genética Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Saborío-Montero
- Departamento de Mejora Genética Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge H. Calvo
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón (CITA-ARAID-IA2), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Manuel Ramón
- Departamento de Investigación en Reproducción y Mejora Genética Animal, Centro Regional de Selección y Reproducción Animal de Castilla La Mancha (CERSYRA-IRIAF), Valdepeñas, Spain
| | - Malena Serrano
- Departamento de Mejora Genética Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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13
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Montes-Garrido R, Riesco MF, Anel-Lopez L, Neila-Montero M, Palacin-Martinez C, Boixo JC, de Paz P, Ortega-Ferrusola C, Hassan MAA, Anel L, Alvarez M. Application of ultrasound technique to evaluate the testicular function and its correlation to the sperm quality after different collection frequency in rams. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1035036. [PMID: 36504850 PMCID: PMC9732105 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1035036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The frequency of semen collection is a crucial factor to consider in the rams performance inside breeding centers workout. To evaluate this factor, ram Breeding Soundness Evaluation could include sperm quality evaluation and new predictive and non-invasive tools such as ultrasound technique. In this work, an advanced ultrasonography technology, analyzing the testicular volume, echotexture, and vascular function, was used in three different frequencies of semen collection (abstinence frequency, AF; standard frequency, SF; and intensive frequency, IF). Semen samples were cooled (15°C, 6 h) and evaluated in terms of production, motility, viability, apoptosis, and content of reactive oxygen species. Correlation coefficients were calculated between ultrasonography measurements of echotexture and blood flow and sperm quality parameters. Our results showed an increase in the testicular echotexture when the frequency of semen collection was intensified. Doppler parameters (PSV, RI, PI, TABF) increased (P ≤ 0.05) when the frequency of semen collection was intensified. The sperm motility and functionality decreased in the samples of IF (P ≤ 0.05), evidencing the frequency of semen collection's influence. Moreover, moderate positive correlations were established among echotexture and different Doppler parameters with motility parameters in SF. Furthermore, the influence of abstinence days on AI success was analyzed in a field assay. The highest fertility rates were obtained when males had two to five abstinence days. To conclude, frequency of semen collection could be influenced in terms of semen quantity and sperm quality, showing changes in parenchyma echotexture and testicular vascularization. The standard semen collection frequency was the most adequate option. In addition, ultrasonography may be a predictive tool for estimating variations in the sperm quality of donor rams subjected to different frequencies of semen collection in reproduction centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Montes-Garrido
- Investigación en Técnicas de Reproducción Asistida – Universidad de León, Instituto de Desarrollo Ganadero y Sanidad Animal, University of León, León, Spain,Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Marta F. Riesco
- Investigación en Técnicas de Reproducción Asistida – Universidad de León, Instituto de Desarrollo Ganadero y Sanidad Animal, University of León, León, Spain,Celular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Luis Anel-Lopez
- Investigación en Técnicas de Reproducción Asistida – Universidad de León, Instituto de Desarrollo Ganadero y Sanidad Animal, University of León, León, Spain,Anatomy, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain,*Correspondence: Luis Anel-Lopez
| | - Marta Neila-Montero
- Investigación en Técnicas de Reproducción Asistida – Universidad de León, Instituto de Desarrollo Ganadero y Sanidad Animal, University of León, León, Spain,Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Cristina Palacin-Martinez
- Investigación en Técnicas de Reproducción Asistida – Universidad de León, Instituto de Desarrollo Ganadero y Sanidad Animal, University of León, León, Spain,Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Boixo
- Investigación en Técnicas de Reproducción Asistida – Universidad de León, Instituto de Desarrollo Ganadero y Sanidad Animal, University of León, León, Spain,Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Paulino de Paz
- Investigación en Técnicas de Reproducción Asistida – Universidad de León, Instituto de Desarrollo Ganadero y Sanidad Animal, University of León, León, Spain,Celular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Cristina Ortega-Ferrusola
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Mohamed A. A. Hassan
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Luis Anel
- Investigación en Técnicas de Reproducción Asistida – Universidad de León, Instituto de Desarrollo Ganadero y Sanidad Animal, University of León, León, Spain,Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Mercedes Alvarez
- Investigación en Técnicas de Reproducción Asistida – Universidad de León, Instituto de Desarrollo Ganadero y Sanidad Animal, University of León, León, Spain,Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
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14
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Priskas S, Valergakis G, Tsakmakidis I, Vouraki S, Papanikolopoulou V, Theodoridis A, Arsenos G. The Role of Housing Conditions on the Success of Artificial Insemination in Intensively Reared Dairy Ewes in Greece. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12192693. [PMID: 36230434 PMCID: PMC9559479 DOI: 10.3390/ani12192693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective was to assess the effect of housing conditions during the summer months on the success rates of cervical artificial insemination (AI) with cooled semen, in intensively reared dairy ewes in Greece. The study involved 2083 Lacaune ewes from 23 flocks that were serviced during May to September. An estrous synchronization protocol with the insertion of progestogen sponges for 14 days and eCG administration at sponge removal, was used. All ewes were inseminated 54−57 h after sponge removal with cooled semen (15 °C) from 10 Lacaune rams. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed via trans-dermal ultrasonography at 35−40 days after AI. Data recording started the day after sponge placement (15 days prior to AI), and lasted up to 14 days after AI. Daily records included temperature, relative humidity, and Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) inside the shed. Available space and volume per animal, frequency of bedding renewal, access to a yard, and indoor light were also recorded in each farm. Binary logistic regression of data records showed that temperature and THI increases at days −15 to +4 around AI (day 0) had a negative effect on pregnancy rates (reducing the likelihood of pregnancy by 3−6% and 7%, respectively). The latter also decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in farms with high stocking density, non-frequent bedding renewal, and outdoor access by ewes (by 30%, 34%, and 44%, respectively). Overall, the results indicate that appropriate housing conditions are warranted to increase the success of AI in dairy ewes during the summer months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stergios Priskas
- Laboratory of Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-2310999977
| | - Georgios Valergakis
- Laboratory of Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Tsakmakidis
- Clinic of Farm Animals, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sotiria Vouraki
- Laboratory of Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Papanikolopoulou
- Laboratory of Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexandros Theodoridis
- Laboratory of Animal Production Economics, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Arsenos
- Laboratory of Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
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15
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Efficiency of Artificial Insemination at Natural Estrus in Organic Churra Ewes. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9070370. [PMID: 35878387 PMCID: PMC9319334 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9070370] [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: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hormonal treatments used to synchronize estrus in sheep artificial insemination procedures can cause several physiological problems that can affect negatively fertility and animal health; however, alternative protocols based on the detection of natural estrus offer a more sustainable option while reaching successful fertility results. Therefore, in this study, an artificial insemination protocol at natural estrus in organic Churra sheep was performed. In the protocol design phase, 125 ewes were exocervically inseminated, and their fertility was assessed based on the number of inseminations, physiological state, body condition, estrus detection–insemination interval and vaginal fluids in cervix. That protocol was repeated in six consecutive years. In all ewes, fertilities based on the timing of insemination after estrus detection were very high. Lactating ewes produced better results than did dry ewes, which was probably because of the better feeding of the former. In addition, double insemination increased the fertility of ewes, whose estrus was detected within 16 h of onset. Body condition and amount of vaginal fluid were correlated with fertility. In conclusion, exocervical inseminations at natural estrus can produce acceptable fertility and prolificity in Churra ewes, avoiding physiological problems derived from the use of hormonal treatments. Abstract Hormonal treatments used in the artificial insemination (AI) of sheep can cause several physiological problems that can affect negatively fertility and animal health; however, AI protocols based on the detection of natural estrus offer a more sustainable option and can achieve high fertility. In this study, an AI protocol at natural estrus in organic Churra sheep was performed. In the first phase (AI protocol development), 125 ewes were exocervically inseminated, and their fertility was assessed based on the following factors: number of AI, physiological state, body condition, estrus detection–AI interval, and vaginal fluids in cervix. That protocol was repeated for six consecutive years. In all individuals, fertilities based on the timing of insemination after estrus detection were very high. Lactating ewes produced better results than did dry ewes, which was probably because of the better feeding of the former. In addition, double insemination increased the fertility of ewes whose estrus was detected within 16 h of onset. Body condition and amount of vaginal fluid were correlated with fertility. Exocervical inseminations at natural estrus can produce acceptable fertility and prolificity in Churra ewes.
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16
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Palacin-Martinez C, Alvarez M, Montes-Garrido R, Neila-Montero M, Anel-Lopez L, de Paz P, Anel L, Riesco MF. Frequency of Semen Collection Affects Ram Sperm Cryoresistance. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12121492. [PMID: 35739829 PMCID: PMC9219472 DOI: 10.3390/ani12121492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The improvement of frozen-thawed sperm quality has been mostly approached from the view of cryopreservation protocol optimization in terms of cryoprotectant solutions, freezing-thawing rates and antioxidant supplementation, while the impact of sperm collection frequency remains unknown in rams. In this work, a multiparametric study was carried out in cooled and frozen-thawed semen to evaluate sperm quality after different semen collection frequencies during a month: zero sperm collection (0 CW), four sperm collections per week (4 CW), and ten sperm collections per week (10 CW). Traditional analyses have been applied, in combination with novel technologies related to redox balance. Frozen-thawed semen quality showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in 0 CW and 10 CW in comparison to 4 CW, concerning motility and kinetics parameters. However, apoptosis showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in 10 CW in comparison to 0 CW and 4 CW. The employment methods related to redox balance provided us with the definitive probe to ensure the influence of collection frequency on balance redox after thawing. Specifically, glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in 10 CW compared to 0 CW and 4 CW. The characterization of alternative strategies to sperm cryopreservation based on consideration of male sexual regimes, could improve the quality of frozen-thawed sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Palacin-Martinez
- Assisted Reproduction Techniques Research Group (Itra-ULE), INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Mercedes Alvarez
- Assisted Reproduction Techniques Research Group (Itra-ULE), INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Rafael Montes-Garrido
- Assisted Reproduction Techniques Research Group (Itra-ULE), INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Marta Neila-Montero
- Assisted Reproduction Techniques Research Group (Itra-ULE), INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Luis Anel-Lopez
- Assisted Reproduction Techniques Research Group (Itra-ULE), INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
- Anatomy, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Paulino de Paz
- Assisted Reproduction Techniques Research Group (Itra-ULE), INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
- Cellular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Luis Anel
- Assisted Reproduction Techniques Research Group (Itra-ULE), INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Marta F Riesco
- Assisted Reproduction Techniques Research Group (Itra-ULE), INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
- Cellular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
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17
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King C, Osborn D, Grupen CG. Multiple ovulation and embryo transfer in sheep: Effects of embryo developmental stage and quality on viability in vivo under farm conditions. Aust Vet J 2022; 100:451-458. [PMID: 35582817 PMCID: PMC9543396 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) technologies are integral to genetic improvement programs in the sheep industries. Despite the protocols being well established, previous findings regarding the effects of embryo properties on MOET success remain contradictory. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of embryo developmental stage and quality on embryo viability following transfer to recipient ewes. Data including details of 377 embryos collected from 45 Merino donor ewes were obtained from MOET trials conducted on three separate farms on day 6 after laparoscopic artificial insemination (AI). A total of 270 embryos were classified as being of transferrable grade (grade 1: n = 233; grade 2: n = 37). One or two transferrable grade embryos were transferred to each of 256 synchronised recipient ewes and pregnancy diagnosis was performed on day 36 after embryo transfer. Embryos at the hatched blastocyst stage tended to have greater viability in vivo compared to embryos at the late morula stage (59.0 ± 10.6% vs. 36.2 ± 9.7%; P = 0.083). The viability of grade 1 embryos was greater than that of grade 2 embryos (53.6 ± 7.8% vs. 35.9 ± 10.2%; P < 0.05). The results suggest that the success of the MOET trials was influenced by the transfer of embryos at the late morula stage, almost half of which were classified as grade 2 embryos. These findings highlight the importance of following strict embryo quality grading criteria to inform the most economical management of recipient ewes and maximize pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caf King
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, 2570, Australia
| | - D Osborn
- Apiam Genetic Services, Dubbo, New South Wales, 2830, Australia
| | - C G Grupen
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, 2570, Australia
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Wilson CS, Petersen JL, Blackburn HD, Lewis RM. Assessing Population Structure and Genetic Diversity in U.S. Suffolk Sheep to Define a Framework for Genomic Selection. J Hered 2022; 113:431-443. [PMID: 35575262 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esac026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term sustainability of breeds depends on having sufficient genetic diversity for adaptability to change, whether driven by climatic conditions or by priorities in breeding programs. Genetic diversity in Suffolk sheep in the U.S. was evaluated in four ways: 1) using genetic relationships from pedigree data [(n=64,310 animals recorded in the U.S. National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP)]; 2) using molecular data (n=304 Suffolk genotyped with the OvineHD BeadChip); 3) comparing Australian (n=109) and Irish (n=55) Suffolk sheep to those in the U.S. using molecular data; and 4) assessing genetic relationships (connectedness) among active Suffolk flocks (n=18) in NSIP. By characterizing genetic diversity, a goal was to define the structure of a reference population for use for genomic selection strategies in this breed. Pedigree-based mean inbreeding level for the most recent year of available data was 5.5%. Ten animals defined 22.8% of the current gene pool. The effective population size (Ne) ranged from 27.5 to 244.2 based on pedigree and was 79.5 based on molecular data. Expected (HE) and observed (HO) heterozygosity were 0.317 and 0.306, respectively. Model-based population structure included 7 subpopulations. From Principal Component Analysis, countries separated into distinct populations. Within the U.S. population, flocks formed genetically disconnected clusters. A decline in genetic diversity over time was observed from both pedigree and genomic-based derived measures with evidence of population substructure as measured by FST. Using these measures of genetic diversity, a framework for establishing a genomic reference population in U.S. Suffolk sheep engaged in NSIP was proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie S Wilson
- USDA, ARS, National Animal Germplasm Program, Fort Collins, CO.,Colorado State University, Dept. of Animal Science, Fort Collins, CO
| | | | | | - Ronald M Lewis
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Dept. of Animal Science, Lincoln, NE
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19
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Tvrdá E, Kačániová M, Baláži A, Vašíček J, Vozaf J, Jurčík R, Ďuračka M, Žiarovská J, Kováč J, Chrenek P. The Impact of Bacteriocenoses on Sperm Vitality, Immunological and Oxidative Characteristics of Ram Ejaculates: Does the Breed Play a Role? Animals (Basel) 2021; 12:ani12010054. [PMID: 35011159 PMCID: PMC8749681 DOI: 10.3390/ani12010054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial contamination of semen is an often overlooked, yet important, factor contributing to decreased sperm vitality. Understanding the impact of bacterial presence on sperm structural integrity and functional activity may assist the development of effective strategies to prevent, or manage, bacteriospermia in the breeding practice. The aim of this study was to describe the bacterial profiles of ram semen (n = 35), and we also focused on the associations between bacteriospermia, sperm structure, and function, as well as oxidative and inflammatory characteristics of semen. For a better insight, the samples were divided into three groups, according to the breeds used in the study: native Wallachian (NW), improved Wallachian (IW), and Slovak dairy (SD) breeds. The results showed a significantly lower motility and membrane integrity in the NW group in comparison to the IW and SD groups, which was accompanied by a significantly higher concentration of leukocytes, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and subsequent oxidative insults to the sperm lipids and proteins. Accordingly, the NW group presented with the highest bacterial load, in which Staphylococcus and Escherichia were the predominant representatives. The Pearson correlation analysis uncovered positive relationships amongst the bacterial load and leukocytospermia (r = 0.613), the extent of lipid peroxidation (r = 0.598), protein oxidation (r = 0.514), and DNA fragmentation (r = 0.638). Furthermore, positive correlations were found between the bacterial load and pro-inflammatory molecules, such as the C-reactive protein (r = 0.592), interleukin 1 (r = 0.709), and interleukin 6 (r = 0.474), indicating a possible involvement of the immune response in the process of bacteriospermia. Overall, our data indicate that ram semen quality may be equally affected by the bacterial load and diversity. Furthermore, we can assume that the presence of bacteria in ejaculates triggers inflammatory processes, causes ROS overproduction, and, thereby, contributes to alterations in the sperm structure, while at the same time compromising the fertilization ability of male gametes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Tvrdá
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia; (E.T.); (J.V.); (J.V.); (M.Ď.); (J.K.)
| | - Miroslava Kačániová
- Institute of Horticulture, Faculty of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering, Slovak University of Agriculture, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia;
- Department of Bioenergetics, Food Analysis and Microbiology, Institute of Food Technology and Nutrition, University of Rzeszow, Cwiklinskiej 1, 35-601 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Andrej Baláži
- NPPC, Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecka 2, 95141 Luzianky, Slovakia; (A.B.); (R.J.)
| | - Jaromír Vašíček
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia; (E.T.); (J.V.); (J.V.); (M.Ď.); (J.K.)
- NPPC, Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecka 2, 95141 Luzianky, Slovakia; (A.B.); (R.J.)
| | - Jakub Vozaf
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia; (E.T.); (J.V.); (J.V.); (M.Ď.); (J.K.)
| | - Rastislav Jurčík
- NPPC, Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecka 2, 95141 Luzianky, Slovakia; (A.B.); (R.J.)
| | - Michal Ďuračka
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia; (E.T.); (J.V.); (J.V.); (M.Ď.); (J.K.)
| | - Jana Žiarovská
- Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia;
| | - Ján Kováč
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia; (E.T.); (J.V.); (J.V.); (M.Ď.); (J.K.)
| | - Peter Chrenek
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia; (E.T.); (J.V.); (J.V.); (M.Ď.); (J.K.)
- NPPC, Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecka 2, 95141 Luzianky, Slovakia; (A.B.); (R.J.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +421-37-654-6285
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20
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The Design of a New Catheter for Transcervical Artificial Insemination in Ewes. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11123348. [PMID: 34944124 PMCID: PMC8698084 DOI: 10.3390/ani11123348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In ovine species, transcervical artificial insemination (TCAI) is limited by the poor quality of frozen-thawed semen and by the convoluted cervical lumen hampering the passage of inseminating devices. The aim of the study was to test the efficiency of three newly designed catheters with bent tips of 3.5 mm, 5.0 mm or 8.0 mm in terms of reproductive performances (experiment 1) and to compare the results of TCAI with the best performing catheter of experiment 1 to those obtained in ewes submitted to surgical incision of cervical folds (SICF) prior to insemination (experiment 2). The following parameters were assessed: time to pass the cervix; depth of cervical penetration; site of deposition of semen; pregnancy (PR); and lambing rates (LR). The results of experiment 1 indicated that the 5.0 mm tip catheter resulted in deeper and faster TCAI and higher PR and LR compared to 3.5 mm and 8.0 mm tip catheters (p < 0.05). In experiment 2, TCAI with the 5.0 mm catheter did not differ from TCAI after SICF in terms of depth of semen deposition, time to pass the cervix, PR and LR (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the use of a catheter that allowed transcervical uterine deposition of semen without excessive manipulation led to satisfactory pregnancy rates.
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21
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Effects of Three Semen Extenders, Breeding Season Month and Freezing-Thawing Cycle on Spermatozoa Preservation of Portuguese Merino Sheep. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092619. [PMID: 34573585 PMCID: PMC8467096 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Spermatozoa (SPZ) viability, morphology and the kinetics of fresh and thawing Portuguese Merino Semen were evaluated at different breeding season months using an owner egg yolk-based semen extender (S-EXT) and two commercial lecithin-based semen extenders. The main significant differences between S-EXT were observed for thawed semen. The viability (30% vs. 15% of alive SPZ; p < 0.001), total motility (74% vs. 34%; p < 0.001), total progressive motility (18% vs. 5%; p < 0.001), straight line velocity (37 vs. 22 μm/s; p < 0.001) and beat cross frequency (13 vs. 6 Hz; p < 0.05) were higher in the owner egg yolk than in egg yolk-free-based S-EXT. Significant interactions between S-EXT, semen processing and/or months of semen collection were observed on several of the 22 evaluated SPZ parameters and should be elucidated in further studies. The egg yolk-based S-EXT was more consistent across the months in cryopreserving SPZ than commercial egg yolk- free-based S-EXT and still seems, to the present day, the most appropriate S-EXT to be used in (Merino) sheep. Abstract This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effect of three semen extenders (S-EXT) on 22 spermatozoa (SPZ) parameters (subjective and computer-assisted sperm analysis evaluations), before and after semen cryopreservation throughout different months of the breeding season in the Portuguese Merino breed. According to the multivariable model, the SPZ viability (alive %), kinetics subjective individual motility, total motility, total progressive motility and its subpopulations, and beat cross frequency) were higher in the egg yolk-based S-EXT improved by Estação Zootécnica National (Portugal) than in Ovixcell® or Andromed® extenders. All the differences were only observed in thawed semen, except for total motility and total progressive motility, in which Ovixcell® also showed the poorest results on fresh semen. An interaction effect between S-EXT and semen processing was observed on 72.3% (17/22) of the evaluated parameters, evidencing a variable cryoprotective action between S-EXT. The SPZ viability was poorer in the onset of the breeding season (end of April/early May) than in the previous middle breeding season (November/early December), suggesting the influence of a short anoestrous season on ejaculate quality, even though the volume and SPZ concentration of the ejaculates remained stable throughout the experiment. Additionally, S-EXT x semen processing x month interaction effect on 59.1% (13/22) of the evaluated parameters evidenced the importance of SPZ time collection in a natural environment to cryopreserve ram’s semen. We concluded that, overall, the egg yolk-based S-EXT provided a greater value to the cryopreservation of Merino rams´ semen. Nevertheless, the causes of the interaction effect between S-EXT, semen processing and/or month on several SPZ parameters should be addressed, including SPZ molecular research in new studies, in order to improve egg yolk-based as well as in egg yolk-free-based S-EXT.
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22
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Carro MDLM, Ramírez-Vasquez RRA, Peñalva DA, Buschiazzo J, Hozbor FA. Desmosterol Incorporation Into Ram Sperm Membrane Before Cryopreservation Improves in vitro and in vivo Fertility. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:660165. [PMID: 34249914 PMCID: PMC8264764 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.660165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy rates in ewes are markedly low after cervical insemination with frozen-thawed sperm. Sensitivity of ram sperm to freeze-thawing is related to the lipid composition of the membrane, particularly to its low sterol content. Recently, we proved that sterol content of ram sperm can be increased by treatment with methyl-β-cyclodextrin-sterol complexes and we provided mechanistic based evidence on the differential behavior of cholesterol and desmosterol in the ram sperm membrane. In the present study, we evaluated the role of increasing cholesterol and desmosterol content of ram sperm before cryopreservation, on the extent and distribution of sterols, cryocapacitation status, acrosome integrity, DNA damage associated with apoptosis and fertility competence in vitro and in vivo of post-thawed sperm. After freeze-thawing, similar levels of sterol content were evidenced in control sperm cells and in those pre-incubated with either cholesterol or desmosterol. Still, moderately higher levels of sterols were registered in treated sperm compared to the control, indicating no physiological excess of sterols after thawing or sterol losses that exceed the control. Live cell imaging of fluorescent cholesterol evidenced the presence of sperm sub-populations differentially affected by freeze-thawing. Similar unimodal frequency profiles were observed between sterol-enriched groups, while the control exhibited a sub-population of sperm compatible with low sterol content. Tyrosine phosphorylation was significantly lower when ram sperm incorporated cholesterol compared to the control. No difference in this capacitation parameter was found between the latter and desmosterol-enriched sperm. The percentage of sperm with damaged acrosomes post-thawing, assessed by a fluorescent lectin, was reduced in sperm that incorporated sterols before freezing, irrespective of the sterol class. These results suggest that sterols exert a stabilizing effect on the acrosome. No differences were found in levels of apoptotic DNA fragmentation among experimental groups. As to fertility trials, desmosterol-enriched sperm gave rise to higher rates of in vitro activated oocytes by heterologous fertilization and to significantly lower pregnancy loss in vivo. Our research provides new insights on sterol incorporation into ram sperm prior to cryopreservation, in particular on the additional benefit of incorporating desmosterol as a strategy to improve fertility outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- María de Las Mercedes Carro
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Rafael R A Ramírez-Vasquez
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Daniel A Peñalva
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Argentina.,Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Jorgelina Buschiazzo
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Federico A Hozbor
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Balcarce, Argentina
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Bustani GS, Baiee FH. Semen extenders: An evaluative overview of preservative mechanisms of semen and semen extenders. Vet World 2021; 14:1220-1233. [PMID: 34220124 PMCID: PMC8243668 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.1220-1233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproduction is fundamental for all living things as it ensures the continued existence of a species and an improved economy in animal husbandry. Reproduction has developed since history, and diverse processes, such as artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization, have been developed. Semen extenders were discovered and developed to protect sperm from harmful factors, such as freeze and osmotic shock, oxidative stress, and cell injury by ice crystals. Semen extenders preserve sperm by stabilizing its properties, including sperm morphology, motility, and viability and membrane, acrosomal, and DNA integrity. Therefore, semen extenders must provide a favorable pH, adenosine triphosphate, anti-cooling and anti-freeze shock, and antioxidant activity to improve semen quality for fertilization. Hence, this review provides precise data on different semen extenders, preservative mechanisms, and essential additives for semen extenders in different animals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Falah Hasan Baiee
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Kufa, Kufa 54003, Najaf, Iraq
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24
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Multiparametric Study of Antioxidant Effect on Ram Sperm Cryopreservation-From Field Trials to Research Bench. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020283. [PMID: 33498656 PMCID: PMC7911426 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The use of antioxidant compounds could be a successful tool to improve sperm cryopreservation protocols in ovine species. These molecules have been widely employed in different mammalian species with this purpose. It is important to consider the existence of a species-specific antioxidant effect discarding the extrapolations from other animal species. To corroborate the real effectiveness of these compounds is important to combine two approaches: in vitro sperm quality analyses and in vivo field trials based on fertility. In the first scenario, a multiparametric analyses and novel tests based on spermatozoa redox balance, as the main target of antioxidants, could improve the accuracy on antioxidant effectiveness on sperm quality. Moreover, an extensive field insemination study provides the definitive tool to select the best antioxidant treatment. All these aspects have been applied and extensively discussed throughout this manuscript. Novel approaches have been incorporated, such as RedoxSYS, to provide more accuracy in the integrative studies of Redox status in spermatozoa. The effectiveness of an antioxidant treatment, as trolox in our study, should be demonstrated in an integrative way, from in vivo (fertility trials) to in vitro analyses (sperm quality assays), especially when the final aim is to reach AI implementation. Abstract The optimization of sperm cryopreservation protocols in ram is a feasible tool to reinforce artificial insemination technologies considering the desirable application of sperm by vaginal/cervical or transcervical deposition. Cryopreservation provokes different types of damage on spermatozoa and many of these detrimental effects are triggered by redox deregulation. For this reason, the antioxidant supplementation in sperm cryopreservation protocols to decrease reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and to equilibrate redox status has been widely employed in different species. Despite this, more fertility trials are necessary to provide the definitive tool to ensure the antioxidant effectiveness on sperm quality. For this reason, in this work, we performed a multiparametric analysis of some previously tested antioxidants (crocin, GSH and Trolox) on ram sperm cryopreservation from field trials to sperm quality analyses focused on new strategies to measure redox balance. Attending to fertility trial, Trolox supplementation registered an improvement concerning to fertility (when we considered high fertility males) and multiple lambing frequency and other complementary and descriptive data related to lambing performance such as prolificacy and fecundity. This positive effect was more evident in multiple lambing frequency when we considered low fertility males than in global male analysis. In vitro analyses of sperm quality confirmed in vivo trials registering a positive effect on sperm viability and redox balance. In this study, we provided the definitive evidence that the role of trolox on redox balance maintenance has a direct effect on fertility parameters, such as prolificacy. The effectiveness of antioxidant treatments was tested, for the first time in ovine species, using an integrative and multiparametric approach combining in vivo and in vitro analyses and novel approaches, such as RedoxSYS. These types of strategies should be applied to improve sperm conservation methods and optimize AI technologies upgrading the correlation between in vitro and in vivo analyses.
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Purdy PH, Spiller SF, McGuire E, McGuire K, Koepke K, Lake S, Blackburn HD. Critical factors for non-surgical artificial insemination in sheep. Small Rumin Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2020.106179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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26
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Padilha-Nakaghi LC, Uscategui RAR, Oliveira MEF, Nociti RP, Macente BI, Coutinho LN, Nakaghi EYO, Motta GA, Santos VJC, Maciel GS, Mariano RSG, Barros FFPC, Primo FL, Tedesco AC, Vicente WRR. Local α1-adrenergic blockers: An alternative for sheep cervix dilation? Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 222:106609. [PMID: 33002660 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
To facilitate transcervical artificial insemination in sheep, the effects of local treatment with α1-adrenergic receptor antagonists on cervix dilation and hemodynamics were evaluated. Ewes (n = 7) were subjected to oestrous synchronisation every 40 days and assigned to treatments in a Latin square experimental design (seven animals × seven periods) with a factorial treatment arrangement (A × B), Factors A (prazosin or tamsulosin) and B (1, 2, or 4 mg/animal). Ewes of the six treatment groups (P1, P2, P4, T1, T2, and T4) were administered α1-adrenergic receptor antagonists while those of the control group (CG) were administered only α1-adrenergic antagonist carrier agent. Distance that the transcervical catheter penetrated without cervical resistance, mean arterial pressure, and uterine artery dopplerfluxometry were evaluated before and after 30 min, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 10 h of treatment. Catheter penetration distance was greater in ewes of the T4 and P4 groups (P < 0.01), with there being a positive correlation between dose and distance (r = 0.243). The penetration distance was similar (P = 0.84) for treated groups, with the greatest penetration occurring 2, 4, and 6 h after treatment (P < 0.01). The passage into the uterine lumen was greater (P = 0.013) in ewes of the P4 (17.9 %) and T4 (19.6 %) groups. There were no effects on blood pressure or uterine blood flow (P> 0.05). These preliminary results indicate there are benefits of treatment with 4 mg/animal of tamsulosin or prazosin in catheter passage through the sheep cervix 2-6 h after administration without hemodynamic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana C Padilha-Nakaghi
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Cep 14884-900, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil.
| | - Ricardo A R Uscategui
- Instituto de Ciências Agrarias, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Unaí, MG, Brazil
| | - Maria Emilia F Oliveira
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Cep 14884-900, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo P Nociti
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária-ZMV, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos (FZEA), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), SP, Brazil
| | - Beatrice I Macente
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Cep 14884-900, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Leandro N Coutinho
- Instituto da Saúde e Produção Animal (ISPA), Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia (UFRA), Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Y O Nakaghi
- Coordenadoria de Defesa Agropecuária do Estado de São Paulo (CDA/SSA-SP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Guilherme A Motta
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Cep 14884-900, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Victor J C Santos
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Cep 14884-900, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Giovanna S Maciel
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Cep 14884-900, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Renata S G Mariano
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Cep 14884-900, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe F P C Barros
- Departamento de Medicina e Cirurgia Veterinária, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Fernando L Primo
- Departamento de Engenharia de Bioprocessos e Biotecnologia, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Araraquara, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Antonio C Tedesco
- Departamento de Química, Laboratório de Fotobiologia e Fotomedicina, Centro de Nanotecnologia e Engenharia Tecidual, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de SãoPaulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Wilter R R Vicente
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Cep 14884-900, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
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Macías A, Martín E, Laviña A, Ferrer LM, Lidón I, Rebollar R, Tejedor MT. Cervical artificial insemination in sheep: sperm volume and concentration using an antiretrograde flow device. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 221:106551. [PMID: 32861113 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
There has been development of an antiretrograde flow device (DARIO), for sheep cervical artificial insemination (CAI). There, however, needs to be optimization of sperm volume and concentration of insemination doses when the DARIO is used for CAI. Objectives were to compare fertility rates (proportion of ewes lambing as a result of CAI) when there was use of the DARIO for CAI: two sperm volumes containing equal numbers of spermatozoa: 0.25 mL of 1,600 × 106 spermatozoa/mL and 0.50 mL of 800 × 106 spermatozoa/mL (Test 1 group), and two sperm volumes with a different number of spermatozoa/AI dose: 0.25 mL and 0.50 mL of 1,600 × 106 spermatozoa/mL (Test 2 group). There were 335 ewes from seven farms assigned to 60 batches (equally divided into a Control and Test 1 group). For the Test 2 group, 462 ewes from nine farms were assigned to 88 batches (equally proportioned into Control group and Test 2 groups). For the Test 1 group, proportion of ewes lambing as a result of CAI were 0.701 ± 0.2679 and 0.595 ± 0.2393 for the Control and Test 1 groups, respectively (P = 0.163). For the Test 2 group, proportions of ewes lambing were 0.550 ± 0.2598 and 0.658 ± 0.2412 for the Control and Test 2 group, respectively (P = 0.041). An inclusion of a larger number of spermatozoa per insemination in a 0.50 mL dose volume resulted improved proportion of ewes lambing as a result of CAI when there was used of the DARIO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Macías
- National Association of Rasa Aragonesa Breeders (ANGRA), Zuera, 50800, Spain
| | - Elena Martín
- National Association of Rasa Aragonesa Breeders (ANGRA), Zuera, 50800, Spain
| | - Adolfo Laviña
- National Association of Rasa Aragonesa Breeders (ANGRA), Zuera, 50800, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Ferrer
- Department of Animal Pathology, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50013, Spain
| | - Iván Lidón
- Department of Engineering Design and Manufacturing, EINA, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
| | - Rubén Rebollar
- Department of Engineering Design and Manufacturing, EINA, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
| | - María Teresa Tejedor
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Genetics, CIBERCV, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50013, Spain.
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Ribas-Maynou J, Yeste M, Salas-Huetos A. The Relationship between Sperm Oxidative Stress Alterations and IVF/ICSI Outcomes: A Systematic Review from Nonhuman Mammals. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9070178. [PMID: 32708086 PMCID: PMC7408105 DOI: 10.3390/biology9070178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Achieving high embryo quality following IVF and ICSI procedures is a key factor in increasing fertility outcomes in human infertile couples. While the male factor is known to underlie infertility in about 50% of cases, studies performed in human infertile couples have not been able to define the precise effect of sperm affectations upon embryo development. This lack of consistency is, in most cases, due to the heterogeneity of the results caused by the multiple male and female factors that mask the concrete effect of a given sperm parameter. These biases can be reduced with the use of animal gametes, being a good approach for basic researchers to design more homogeneous studies analyzing the specific consequences of a certain affectation. Herein, we conducted a systematic review (March 2020) that assessed the relationship between sperm oxidative stress alterations and IVF/ICSI outcomes in nonhumans mammals. The review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and using the MEDLINE-PubMed and EMBASE databases. Thirty articles were included: 11 performed IVF, 17 conducted ICSI, and two carried out both fertilization methods. Most articles were conducted in mouse (43%), cattle (30%) and pig models (10%). After IVF treatments, 80% of studies observed a negative effect of sperm oxidative stress on fertilization rates, and 100% of studies observed a negative effect on blastocyst rates. After ICSI treatments, a positive relationship of sperm oxidative stress with fertilization rates (75% of studies) and with blastocyst rates (83% of studies) was found. In conclusion, the present systematic review shows that sperm oxidative stress is associated with a significant reduction in fertilization rates and in vitro embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain;
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.R.-M.); (A.S.-H.); Tel.: +34-972-419-514 (J.R.-M.); +1-(385)-210-5534 (A.S.-H.)
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain;
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Albert Salas-Huetos
- Andrology and IVF Laboratory, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
- Correspondence: (J.R.-M.); (A.S.-H.); Tel.: +34-972-419-514 (J.R.-M.); +1-(385)-210-5534 (A.S.-H.)
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29
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F. Riesco M, Anel-Lopez L, Neila-Montero M, Palacin-Martinez C, Montes-Garrido R, Alvarez M, de Paz P, Anel L. ProAKAP4 as Novel Molecular Marker of Sperm Quality in Ram: An Integrative Study in Fresh, Cooled and Cryopreserved Sperm. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1046. [PMID: 32674525 PMCID: PMC7408074 DOI: 10.3390/biom10071046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To improve artificial insemination protocols in ovine species it is crucial to optimize sperm quality evaluation after preservation technologies. Emerging technologies based on novel biomolecules and related to redox balance and proteins involved in sperm motility such as ProAKAP4 could be successfully applied in ram sperm evaluation. In this work, a multiparametric analysis of fresh, cooled, and cryopreserved ram sperm was performed at different complexity levels. Samples were evaluated in terms of motility (total motility, progressive motility, and curvilinear velocity), viability, apoptosis, content of reactive oxygen species, oxidation‒reduction potential, and ProAKAP4 expression and concentration. As expected, cryopreserved samples showed a significant decrease of sperm quality (p < 0.05), evidencing different freezability classes among samples that were detected by ProAKAP4 analyses. However, in cooled sperm no differences were found concerning motility, viability, apoptosis, ROS content, and redox balance compared to fresh sperm that could explain the reported decrease in fertility rates. However, although the proportion of sperm ProAKAP4 positive-cells remained unaltered in cooled sperm compared to fresh control, the concentration of this protein significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in cooled samples. This altered protein level could contribute to the decrease in fertility rates of cooled samples detected by some authors. More importantly, ProAKAP4 can be established as a promising diagnostic parameter of sperm quality allowing us to optimize sperm conservation protocols and finally improve artificial insemination in ovine species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta F. Riesco
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (M.F.R.); (M.N.-M.); (C.P.-M.); (R.M.-G.); (M.A.); (P.d.P.); (L.A.)
- Cellular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Luis Anel-Lopez
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (M.F.R.); (M.N.-M.); (C.P.-M.); (R.M.-G.); (M.A.); (P.d.P.); (L.A.)
- Anatomy, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Marta Neila-Montero
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (M.F.R.); (M.N.-M.); (C.P.-M.); (R.M.-G.); (M.A.); (P.d.P.); (L.A.)
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Cristina Palacin-Martinez
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (M.F.R.); (M.N.-M.); (C.P.-M.); (R.M.-G.); (M.A.); (P.d.P.); (L.A.)
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Rafael Montes-Garrido
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (M.F.R.); (M.N.-M.); (C.P.-M.); (R.M.-G.); (M.A.); (P.d.P.); (L.A.)
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Mercedes Alvarez
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (M.F.R.); (M.N.-M.); (C.P.-M.); (R.M.-G.); (M.A.); (P.d.P.); (L.A.)
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Paulino de Paz
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (M.F.R.); (M.N.-M.); (C.P.-M.); (R.M.-G.); (M.A.); (P.d.P.); (L.A.)
- Cellular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Luis Anel
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (M.F.R.); (M.N.-M.); (C.P.-M.); (R.M.-G.); (M.A.); (P.d.P.); (L.A.)
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
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