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Sa P, Gòdia M, Lewis N, Lian Y, Clop A. Genomic, transcriptomic and epigenomic analysis towards the understanding of porcine semen quality traits. Past, current and future trends. Anim Reprod Sci 2024:107543. [PMID: 38981797 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
The importance of boar reproductive traits, including semen quality, in the sustainability of pig production system is increasingly being acknowledged by academic and industrial sectors. Research is needed to understand the biology and genetic components underlying these traits so that they can be incorporated into selection schemes and managerial decisions. This article reviews our current understanding of genome biology and technologies for genome, transcriptome and epigenome analysis which now facilitate the identification of causal variants affecting phenotypes more than ever before. Genetic and transcriptomic analysis of candidate genes, Genome-Wide Association Studies, expression microarrays, RNA-Seq of coding and noncoding genes and epigenomic evaluations have been conducted to profile the molecular makeups of pig sperm. These studies have provided insightful information for a several semen-related parameters. Nonetheless, this research is still incipient. The spermatozoon harbors a reduced transcriptome and highly modified epigenome, and it is assumed to be transcriptionally silent for nuclear gene expression. For this reason, the extent to which the sperm's RNA and epigenome recapitulate sperm biology and function is unclear. Hence, we anticipate that single-cell level analyses of the testicle and other male reproductive organs, which can reveal active transcription and epigenomic profiles in cells influencing sperm quality, will gain popularity and markedly advance our understanding of sperm-related traits. Future research will delve deeper into sperm fertility, boar resilience to environmental changes or harsh conditions, especially in the context of global warming, and also in transgenerational inheritance and how the environment influences the sperm transcriptome and epigenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Sa
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marta Gòdia
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Nicole Lewis
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Yu Lian
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics CRAG (CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB), Cerdanyola del Vallés, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Alex Clop
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics CRAG (CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB), Cerdanyola del Vallés, Catalonia, Spain; Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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2
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Fouladvandi R, Masoudi AA, Totonchi M, Hezavehei M, Sharafi M. Effects of different extenders on epigenetic patterns and functional parameters of bull sperm during cryopreservation process. Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14570. [PMID: 38700367 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14570] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
The cryopreservation process induces alterations in cellular parameters and epigenetic patterns in bull sperm, which can be prevented by adding cryoprotectants in the freezing extenders. The purpose of this study was to compare the protective effects of two extenders based on soybean lecithin (SLE) and egg yolk (EYE) on epigenetic patterns and quality parameters of sperm such as motility parameters, mitochondrial membrane integrity, DNA fragmentation, viability, and apoptotic-like changes of bull sperm after cryopreservation. Results demonstrated that cryopreservation significantly (p < .05) reduced the level of DNA global methylation, H3K9 histone acetylation, and H3K4 histone methylation in both frozen groups compared to the fresh sperm. Also, the level of H3K9 acetylation was lower in the frozen SLE group (21.2 ± 1.86) compared to EYE group (15.2 ± 1.86). In addition, the SLE frozen group had a higher percentage of viability, progressive motility, and linearity (LIN) in SLE frozen group compared to EYE frozen group. However, no difference was observed in mitochondrial membrane integrity and DNA fragmentation between SLE and EYE frozen groups. While soybean-lecithin-based extender showed some initial positive impacts of epigenetics and semen parameters, further investigations can provide useful information for better freezing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razieh Fouladvandi
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Masoudi
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Totonchi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Hezavehei
- Department of Embryology at Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Research Center for Reproduction and Fertility, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Montreal University, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mohsen Sharafi
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
- Semex Alliance, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Raval K, Kumaresan A, Sinha MK, Elango K, Ebenezer Samuel King JP, Nag P, Paul N, Talluri TR, Patil S. Sperm proteomic landscape is altered in breeding bulls with greater sperm DNA fragmentation index. Theriogenology 2024; 216:82-92. [PMID: 38159388 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.12.025] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Although, it is well understood that sperm DNA damage is associated with infertility, the molecular details of how damaged sperm DNA affects fertility are not fully elucidated. Since sperm proteins play an important role in fertilization and post-fertilization events, the present study aimed to identify the sperm proteomic alterations in bulls with high sperm DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI%). Semen from Holstein-Friesian crossbred breeding bulls (n = 50) was subjected to Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay. Based on DFI%, bulls were classified into either high- (HDFI; n = 6), or low-DFI (LDFI; n = 6) and their spermatozoa were subjected to high throughput proteomic analysis. Liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis identified 4567 proteins in bull spermatozoa. A total of 2660 proteins were found common to both the groups, while 1193 and 714 proteins were unique to HDFI and LDFI group, respectively. A total of 265 proteins were up regulated and 262 proteins were down regulated in HDFI group. It was found that proteins involved in capacitation [heparin binding (molecular function), ERK1 and ERK2 cascade (biological process), PI3K-Akt signalling (pathway), Jak-STAT signalling (pathway)], spermatogenesis [TLR signalling (pathway), gamete generation (biological process)] and DNA repair mechanism (biological process) were significantly altered in the bulls with high DFI%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathan Raval
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, 560030, Karnataka, India
| | - Arumugam Kumaresan
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, 560030, Karnataka, India.
| | - Manish Kumar Sinha
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, 560030, Karnataka, India
| | - Kamaraj Elango
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, 560030, Karnataka, India
| | - John Peter Ebenezer Samuel King
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, 560030, Karnataka, India
| | - Pradeep Nag
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, 560030, Karnataka, India
| | - Nilendu Paul
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, 560030, Karnataka, India
| | - Thirumala Rao Talluri
- Equine Production Campus, ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines, Bikaner, 334001, Rajasthan, India
| | - Shivanagouda Patil
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, 560030, Karnataka, India
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Cui P, Zhou X, Xu S, He W, Huang G, Xiong Y, Zhang C, Chang T, Feng M, Lai H, Pan Y. Prediction of methylation status using WGS data of plasma cfDNA for multi-cancer early detection (MCED). Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:34. [PMID: 38414068 PMCID: PMC10898085 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-024-01646-6] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) contains a large amount of molecular information that can be used for multi-cancer early detection (MCED), including changes in epigenetic status of cfDNA, such as cfDNA fragmentation profile. The fragmentation of cfDNA is non-random and may be related to cfDNA methylation. This study provides clinical evidence for the feasibility of inferring cfDNA methylation levels based on cfDNA fragmentation patterns. We performed whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) on both healthy individuals and cancer patients. Using the information of whole-genome methylation levels, we investigated cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) cleavage profile and validated the method of predicting the methylation level of individual CpG sites using WGS data. RESULTS We conducted CpG cleavage profile biomarker analysis on data from both healthy individuals and cancer patients. We obtained unique or shared potential biomarkers for each group and built models accordingly. The modeling results proved the feasibility to predict the methylation status of single CpG sites in cfDNA using cleavage profile model from WGS data. CONCLUSION By combining cfDNA cleavage profile of CpG sites with machine learning algorithms, we have identified specific CpG cleavage profile as biomarkers to predict the methylation status of individual CpG sites. Therefore, methylation profile, a widely used epigenetic biomarker, can be obtained from a single WGS assay for MCED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin Cui
- Shenzhen Rapha Biotechnology Incorporate, Shenzhen, 518118, China.
| | - Xiaozhou Zhou
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Shu Xu
- Department of Oncology, Shenzhen Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518106, China
| | - Weihuang He
- Shenzhen Rapha Biotechnology Incorporate, Shenzhen, 518118, China
| | - Guozeng Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shenzhen Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518106, China
| | - Yong Xiong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shenzhen Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518106, China
| | - Chuxin Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518106, China
| | - Tingmin Chang
- Department of Endoscopy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, 453100, China
| | - Mingji Feng
- Shenzhen Rapha Biotechnology Incorporate, Shenzhen, 518118, China
| | - Hanming Lai
- Shenzhen Rapha Biotechnology Incorporate, Shenzhen, 518118, China
| | - Yi Pan
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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Shacfe G, Turko R, Syed HH, Masoud I, Tahmaz Y, Samhan LM, Alkattan K, Shafqat A, Yaqinuddin A. A DNA Methylation Perspective on Infertility. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2132. [PMID: 38136954 PMCID: PMC10743303 DOI: 10.3390/genes14122132] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects a significant number of couples worldwide and its incidence is increasing. While assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have revolutionized the treatment landscape of infertility, a significant number of couples present with an idiopathic cause for their infertility, hindering effective management. Profiling the genome and transcriptome of infertile men and women has revealed abnormal gene expression. Epigenetic modifications, which comprise dynamic processes that can transduce environmental signals into gene expression changes, may explain these findings. Indeed, aberrant DNA methylation has been widely characterized as a cause of abnormal sperm and oocyte gene expression with potentially deleterious consequences on fertilization and pregnancy outcomes. This review aims to provide a concise overview of male and female infertility through the lens of DNA methylation alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Areez Shafqat
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; (G.S.); (R.T.); (H.H.S.); (I.M.); (Y.T.); (L.M.S.); (K.A.); (A.Y.)
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Agudo-Rios C, Sanchez-Rodriguez A, Idrovo IID, Laborda-Gomariz JÁ, Soler AJ, Teves ME, Roldan ERS. Sperm Chromatin Status and DNA Fragmentation in Mouse Species with Divergent Mating Systems. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15954. [PMID: 37958937 PMCID: PMC10648696 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115954] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm DNA integrity and chromatin status serve as pivotal indicators of sperm quality, given their intricate link to sperm function, embryo development, and overall fertility. Defects in chromatin compaction, which are often associated with compromised protamine content, can lead to damaged DNA strands. In this study, the chromatin status and possible correlation with DNA damage was assessed in males of three mouse species: Mus musculus, M. spretus, and M. spicilegus. We employed various staining methods, including aniline blue, methylene blue (Diff-Quik), toluidine blue, and chromomycin A3, to assess chromatin compaction in cauda epididymal sperm. Samples were also analyzed by the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) to estimate DNA fragmentation (%tDFI, %HDS). Analyses were carried out on freshly collected sperm and cells incubated for 3 h in a HEPES-buffered modified Tyrode's medium simulating conditions of the female reproductive tract. Notably, the analysis of chromatin status yielded minimal abnormal values across all three species employing diverse methodologies. SCSA analyses revealed distinct variations in %tDFI between species. Following sperm incubation, the percentages of sperm stained with methylene blue exhibited differences among the species and were significantly correlated to the DNA fragmentation index. HDS demonstrated correlations with the percentages of sperm stained by aniline blue, methylene blue, and chromomycin A3. Overall, chromatin compaction was high across all species, with limited differences among them. The relationship between chromatin status and DNA integrity appeared to be related to levels of sperm competition among species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Agudo-Rios
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Sanchez-Rodriguez
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ingrid I. D. Idrovo
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ana J. Soler
- SaBio IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), ETSIAM, Campus Universitario, 02071 Albacete, Spain
| | - Maria E. Teves
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Eduardo R. S. Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
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Narud B, Khezri A, Zeremichael TT, Eriksen AL, Grevle IS, Nordborg A, Klinkenberg G, Wilson RC, Kommisrud E. Sperm quality parameters, fertilizing potential, metabolites, and DNA methylation in cold-stored and cryopreserved milt from Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar L.). Front Genet 2023; 14:1199681. [PMID: 37693310 PMCID: PMC10483119 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1199681] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cold storage and freezing/thawing of milt may affect sperm functionality and the subsequent fertilization ability of milt. This study aimed to investigate sperm quality parameters and fertilization potential of Atlantic salmon milt, stored cold and subsequently cryopreserved, using different storage conditions. The objective was also to assess if analysis of milt metabolites and sperm DNA methylation signatures could be applicable to further elucidate sperm quality and fertilization following preservation. Milt samples were collected from eight mature Atlantic salmon males and stored for 4 days at 2°C and 8°C. Samples were taken on day one of storage at 2°C and on day four of storage at 2°C and 8°C. Storage for 4 days at 8°C is expected to be detrimental to sperm quality, and was included to create contrasts. Correspondingly, aliquots of cold-stored milt were prepared for cryopreservation, resulting in a total of six experimental conditions. Samples from all six experimental conditions were used in fertilization trials and analyzed for sperm viability, motility, ATP content, DNA fragmentation index, and High DNA stainability. In addition, milt samples from four of the males were analyzed for targeted metabolites and DNA methylation signatures by reduced representation bisulfite sequencing. The fertilization trials were performed using sperm:egg ratios of 75 × 103 and 500 × 103, respectively. Storage duration, temperature, and cryopreservation of cold-stored milt influenced several sperm quality parameters, metabolites, and DNA methylation signatures. The total motility, progressive motility, ATP, and velocity parameters were the sperm parameters with the strongest correlation to fertilization rates (p < 0.01). Several metabolites were correlated with fertility rates in both cold-stored and cryopreserved samples (p < 0.05). The fertilizing capacity of cold-stored milt was significantly reduced after 4 days of storage at 8°C, while corresponding cryopreserved milt showed reduced fertilization at both storage temperatures (2°C and 8°C) (p < 0.05). The results indicate that cryopreservation of milt stored for 1 day does not compromise either fertilization ability or DNA methylation signatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgitte Narud
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | - Abdolrahman Khezri
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | - Teklu T. Zeremichael
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | | | | | | | | | - Robert C. Wilson
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | - Elisabeth Kommisrud
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
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Gòdia M, Lian Y, Naval-Sanchez M, Ponte I, Rodríguez-Gil JE, Sanchez A, Clop A. Micrococcal nuclease sequencing of porcine sperm suggests enriched co-location between retained histones and genomic regions related to semen quality and early embryo development. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15520. [PMID: 37361042 PMCID: PMC10290446 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15520] [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: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian spermatozoon has a unique chromatin structure in which the majority of histones are replaced by protamines during spermatogenesis and a small fraction of nucleosomes are retained at specific locations of the genome. The sperm's chromatin structure remains unresolved in most animal species, including the pig. However, mapping the genomic locations of retained nucleosomes in sperm could help understanding the molecular basis of both sperm development and function as well as embryo development. This information could then be useful to identify molecular markers for sperm quality and fertility traits. Here, micrococcal nuclease digestion coupled with high throughput sequencing was performed on pig sperm to map the genomic location of mono- and sub-nucleosomal chromatin fractions in relation to a set of diverse functional elements of the genome, some of which were related to semen quality and early embryogenesis. In particular, the investigated elements were promoters, the different sections of the gene body, coding and non-coding RNAs present in the pig sperm, potential transcription factor binding sites, genomic regions associated to semen quality traits and repeat elements. The analysis yielded 25,293 and 4,239 peaks in the mono- and sub-nucleosomal fractions, covering 0.3% and 0.02% of the porcine genome, respectively. A cross-species comparison revealed positional conservation of the nucleosome retention in sperm between the pig data and a human dataset that found nucleosome enrichment in genomic regions of importance in development. Both gene ontology analysis of the genes mapping nearby the mono-nucleosomal peaks and the identification of putative transcription factor binding motifs within the mono- and the sub- nucleosomal peaks showed enrichment for processes related to sperm function and embryo development. There was significant motif enrichment for Znf263, which in humans was suggested to be a key regulator of genes with paternal preferential expression during early embryogenesis. Moreover, enriched positional intersection was found in the genome between the mono-nucleosomal peaks and both the RNAs present in pig sperm and the RNAs related to sperm quality. There was no co-location between GWAS hits for semen quality in swine and the nucleosomal sites. Finally, the data evidenced depletion of mono-nucleosomes in long interspersed nuclear elements and enrichment of sub-nucleosomes in short interspersed repeat elements.These results suggest that retained nucleosomes in sperm could both mark regulatory elements or genes expressed during spermatogenesis linked to semen quality and fertility and act as transcriptional guides during early embryogenesis. The results of this study support the undertaking of ambitious research using a larger number of samples to robustly assess the positional relationship between histone retention in sperm and the reproductive ability of boars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Gòdia
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics CRAG (CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB), Cerdanyola del Vallés, Catalonia, Spain
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University and Research, Wageninger, Netherlands
| | - Yu Lian
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics CRAG (CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB), Cerdanyola del Vallés, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | - Inma Ponte
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallés, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Joan Enric Rodríguez-Gil
- Animal Medicine and Surgery, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallés, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Armand Sanchez
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics CRAG (CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB), Cerdanyola del Vallés, Catalonia, Spain
- Animal and food sciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallés, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Alex Clop
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics CRAG (CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB), Cerdanyola del Vallés, Catalonia, Spain
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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9
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Al-Kass Z, Ntallaris T, Morrell JM, Johannisson A. Deciphering sperm chromatin properties to predict stallion sperm fertility. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 250:107200. [PMID: 36801727 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107200] [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: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Although previous studies have examined the relationship between the sperm DNA fragmentation index and fertility in stallions, other aspects of chromatin structure or packaging and fertility have not been explored. In the present study, relationships between fertility and DNA fragmentation index, protamine deficiency, total thiols, free thiols and disulfide bonds in stallion spermatozoa were investigated. Ejaculates (n = 36) were collected from 12 stallions and extended to prepare semen doses for insemination. One dose from each ejaculate was sent to the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. Aliquots of semen were stained for flow cytometry with acridine orange for the Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (DNA fragmentation Index, %DFI), with chromomycin A3 (CMA) for protamine deficiency, and with monobromobimane (mBBr) for detection of total and free thiols and disulfide bonds. Per season pregnancy rates after insemination were obtained. Mixed linear models were used to analyze data. Negative correlations were found between pregnancy rate and %DFI (r = -0.35, P < 0.03) and pregnancy rate and free thiols (r = -0.60, P < 0.0001). Furthermore, there were positive correlations between total thiols and disulfide bonds (r = 0.95, P < 0.0001), and protamine and disulfide bonds (r = 0.4100, P < 0.01986). Since chromatin integrity, protamine deficiency and packaging were all associated with fertility, a combination of these factors could be used as a biomarker of fertility when assessing ejaculates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyad Al-Kass
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Surgery and Theriogenology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq
| | - Theodoros Ntallaris
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jane M Morrell
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Anders Johannisson
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
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10
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Maside C, Recuero S, Salas-Huetos A, Ribas-Maynou J, Yeste M. Animal board invited review: An update on the methods for semen quality evaluation in swine - from farm to the lab. Animal 2023; 17:100720. [PMID: 36801527 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Pig breeding is mainly conducted through artificial insemination with liquid-stored semen. It is, therefore, crucial to ensure that sperm quality is over the standard thresholds, as reduced sperm motility, morphology or plasma membrane integrity are associated with reduced farrowing rates and litter sizes. This work aims to summarise the methods utilised in farms and research laboratories to evaluate sperm quality in pigs. The conventional spermiogram consists in the assessment of sperm concentration, motility and morphology, which are the most estimated variables in farms. Yet, while the determination of these sperm parameters is enough for farms to prepare seminal doses, other tests, usually carried out in specialised laboratories, may be required when boar studs exhibit a decreased reproductive performance. These methods include the evaluation of functional sperm parameters, such as plasma membrane integrity and fluidity, intracellular levels of calcium and reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial activity, and acrosome integrity, using fluorescent probes and flow cytometry. Furthermore, sperm chromatin condensation and DNA integrity, despite not being routinely assessed, may also help determine the causes of reduced fertilising capacity. Sperm DNA integrity can be evaluated through direct (Comet, transferase deoxynucleotide nick end labelling (TUNEL) and its in situ nick variant) or indirect tests (Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay, Sperm Chromatin Dispersion Test), whereas chromatin condensation can be determined with Chromomycin A3. Considering the high degree of chromatin packaging in pig sperm, which only have protamine 1, growing evidence suggests that complete decondensation of that chromatin is needed before DNA fragmentation through TUNEL or Comet can be examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Maside
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Sandra Recuero
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Albert Salas-Huetos
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Consorcio CIBER, M.P., Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), ES-28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Institute for Biogenesis Research, Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, United States
| | - Marc Yeste
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), ES-08010 Barcelona, Spain.
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11
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Khosravizadeh Z, Khodamoradi K, Rashidi Z, Jahromi M, Shiri E, Salehi E, Talebi A. Sperm cryopreservation and DNA methylation: possible implications for ART success and the health of offspring. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:1815-1824. [PMID: 35713751 PMCID: PMC9428082 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02545-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the beneficial effects of sperm cryopreservation, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production during this process can affect spermatozoon structure and function. Moreover, ROS production is associated with elevated DNA damage and alterations in DNA methylation. There is little information about the effects of cryopreservation on epigenetic modulation in sperm and the health of children born with frozen spermatozoa. Considering the potential consequences of cryopreservation in ART-conceived children, it is necessary to assure that cryopreservation does not modify sperm DNA methylation status. This review summarizes reports on epigenetic modifications of spermatozoa during cryopreservation and the probable effects of this process on offspring health. Contradictory results have reported the influence of sperm cryopreservation on DNA methylation in imprinted genes. Multiclinical studies with larger sample sizes under the same conditions of cryopreservation and DNA methylation analysis are needed to make any definitive conclusion about the effect of the cryopreservation process on sperm DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Khosravizadeh
- grid.468130.80000 0001 1218 604XClinical Research Development Unit, Amiralmomenin Hospital, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Kajal Khodamoradi
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Department of Urology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL USA
| | - Zahra Rashidi
- grid.412112.50000 0001 2012 5829Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran ,grid.412112.50000 0001 2012 5829Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Malihe Jahromi
- grid.411757.10000 0004 1755 5416Clinical Research Development Center, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
| | - Elham Shiri
- grid.411950.80000 0004 0611 9280Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Ensieh Salehi
- grid.412237.10000 0004 0385 452XFertility and Infertility Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Ali Talebi
- grid.444858.10000 0004 0384 8816School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran ,grid.444858.10000 0004 0384 8816Sexual Health and Fertility Research Center, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
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12
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Štiavnická M, Chaulot-Talmon A, Perrier JP, Hošek P, Kenny DA, Lonergan P, Kiefer H, Fair S. Sperm DNA methylation patterns at discrete CpGs and genes involved in embryonic development are related to bull fertility. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:379. [PMID: 35585482 PMCID: PMC9118845 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08614-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite a multifactorial approach being taken for the evaluation of bull semen quality in many animal breeding centres worldwide, reliable prediction of bull fertility is still a challenge. Recently, attention has turned to molecular mechanisms, which could uncover potential biomarkers of fertility. One of these mechanisms is DNA methylation, which together with other epigenetic mechanisms is essential for the fertilising sperm to drive normal embryo development and establish a viable pregnancy. In this study, we hypothesised that bull sperm DNA methylation patterns are related to bull fertility. We therefore investigated DNA methylation patterns from bulls used in artificial insemination with contrasting fertility scores. Results The DNA methylation patterns were obtained by reduced representative bisulphite sequencing from 10 high-fertility bulls and 10 low-fertility bulls, having average fertility scores of − 6.6 and + 6.5%, respectively (mean of the population was zero). Hierarchical clustering analysis did not distinguish bulls based on fertility but did highlight individual differences. Despite this, using stringent criteria (DNA methylation difference ≥ 35% and a q-value < 0.001), we identified 661 differently methylated cytosines (DMCs). DMCs were preferentially located in intergenic regions, introns, gene downstream regions, repetitive elements, open sea, shores and shelves of CpG islands. We also identified 10 differently methylated regions, covered by 7 unique genes (SFRP1, STXBP4, BCR, PSMG4, ARSG, ATP11A, RXRA), which are involved in spermatogenesis and early embryonic development. Conclusion This study demonstrated that at specific CpG sites, sperm DNA methylation status is related to bull fertility, and identified seven differently methylated genes in sperm of subfertile bulls that may lead to altered gene expression and potentially influence embryo development. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08614-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriama Štiavnická
- Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
| | - Aurélie Chaulot-Talmon
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Perrier
- Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Petr Hošek
- Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - David A Kenny
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Meath, Ireland
| | - Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Hélène Kiefer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Sean Fair
- Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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13
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How Epigenetics Can Enhance Pig Welfare? Animals (Basel) 2021; 12:ani12010032. [PMID: 35011138 PMCID: PMC8749669 DOI: 10.3390/ani12010032] [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: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics works as an interface between the individual and its environment to provide phenotypic plasticity to increase individual adaptation capabilities. Recently, a wide variety of epi-genetic findings have indicated evidence for its application in the development of putative epi-biomarkers of stress in farm animals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate previously reported stress epi-biomarkers in swine and encourage researchers to investigate potential paths for the development of a robust molecular tool for animal welfare certification. In this literature review, we report on the scientific concerns in the swine production chain, the management carried out on the farms, and the potential implications of these practices for the animals' welfare and their epigenome. To assess reported epi-biomarkers, we identified, from previous studies, potentially stress-related genes surrounding epi-biomarkers. With those genes, we carried out a functional enrichment analysis of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) of the DNA of swine subjected to different stress-related conditions (e.g., heat stress, intrauterine insult, and sanitary challenges). We identified potential epi-biomarkers for target analysis, which could be added to the current guidelines and certification schemes to guarantee and certify animal welfare on farms. We believe that this technology may have the power to increase consumers' trust in animal welfare.
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14
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Pardede BP, Maulana T, Kaiin EM, Agil M, Karja NWK, Sumantri C, Supriatna I. The potential of sperm bovine protamine as a protein marker of semen production and quality at the National Artificial Insemination Center of Indonesia. Vet World 2021; 14:2473-2481. [PMID: 34840468 PMCID: PMC8613797 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.2473-2481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Protamine (PRM) is the major protein in the sperm nucleus and plays an essential role in its normal function. Moreover, PRM has great potential as a protein marker of semen production and quality. This study aimed to assess the potential of sperm bovine PRM as a protein marker of semen production and quality in bulls at the National Artificial Insemination (AI) Center of Indonesia. Materials and Methods: The semen production capacity of each bull was collected from frozen semen production data at the Singosari AI Center for 6 months, and was then divided into two groups (high and low). A total of 440 frozen semen straws from six Limousin (LIM), six Friesian Holstein (FH), six Peranakan Ongole (PO), and four Aceh bulls aged 4-5 years were used in the study. The frozen semen was used to measure the concentration of PRM1, PRM2, and PRM3 using the enzyme immunoassay method. The frozen semen was also used to assess the quality of the semen, including progressive motility (PM) through computer-assisted semen analysis, sperm viability through eosin–nigrosin analysis, and the DNA fragmentation index through Acridine Orange staining. Results: PRM1 was significantly higher in all bull breeds included in the study (p<0.00), followed by PRM2 (p<0.00) and PRM3 (p<0.00). PRM1 significantly affected semen production in LIM, FH, PO, and Aceh bulls (p<0.05). Moreover, PRM2 significantly affected semen production only in FH and Aceh bulls (p<0.05), whereas PRM3 affected this parameter in PO and Aceh bulls exclusively (p<0.05). Consistently and significantly, PRM1 was positively correlated with the PM and viability of sperm and negatively associated with its DNA fragmentation in LIM, FH, PO, and Aceh bulls (p<0.05; p<0.01). The correlation analysis between PRM2 and PRM3 and semen quality parameters varied across all bull breeds; some were positively and negatively correlated (p<0.05; p<0.01), and some were not correlated at all. Conclusion: PRM1 has excellent potential as a protein marker of semen production and quality in bulls at the National AI Center of Indonesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berlin Pandapotan Pardede
- Reproductive Biology Study Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB University, Dramaga, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Tulus Maulana
- Animal Reproduction Biotechnology Research Group, Research Center for Biotechnology, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Ekayanti Mulyawati Kaiin
- Animal Reproduction Biotechnology Research Group, Research Center for Biotechnology, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Agil
- Department of Veterinary Clinic, Reproduction, and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB University, Dramaga, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Ni Wayan Kurniani Karja
- Department of Veterinary Clinic, Reproduction, and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB University, Dramaga, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Cece Sumantri
- Department of Animal Production and Technology, Faculty of Animal Science, IPB University, Dramaga, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Iman Supriatna
- Department of Veterinary Clinic, Reproduction, and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB University, Dramaga, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
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15
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Alvarez-Rodriguez M, Martinez CA, Roca J, Rodriguez-Martinez H. mRNA expression of oxidative-reductive proteins in boars with documented different fertility can identify relevant prognostic biomarkers. Res Vet Sci 2021; 141:195-202. [PMID: 34763256 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress unbalance is a major factor causing impairment of sperm function and, ultimately, sperm death. In this study, we identified transcriptomic and proteomic markers for oxidative-related protectors from the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in spermatozoa from breeding boars with documented high- or low-fertility. Particular attention was paid to glutathione peroxidases, and to transcripts related to DNA stabilization and compaction, as protamine and transition proteins. mRNA cargo analysis was performed using porcine-specific micro-arrays (GeneChip® miRNA 4.0 and GeneChip® Porcine Gene 1.0 ST) and qPCR validation. Differences between fertility-classed boars were ample among biomarkers; some upregulated only at protein level (catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and glutathione proteins), or only at the mRNA level (ATOX1, Antioxidant Protein 1). In addition, protamines 2 and 3, essential for sperm DNA condensation and also transition proteins 1 and 2 (TNP1 and TNP2), required during histone-to-protamine replacement, were overexpressed in spermatozoa from high-fertile boars. This up-regulation seems concerted to reduce DNA accessibility to ROS attack, protecting the DNA. The upregulated intracellular phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (GPx4), in high-fertile boars at mRNA level, can be considered a most relevant biomarker for fertility disclosure during sperm evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Alvarez-Rodriguez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185 Linköping, Sweden; Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Cristina A Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185 Linköping, Sweden
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16
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Li Z, Wang S, Gong C, Hu Y, Liu J, Wang W, Chen Y, Liao Q, He B, Huang Y, Luo Q, Zhao Y, Xiao Y. Effects of Environmental and Pathological Hypoxia on Male Fertility. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:725933. [PMID: 34589489 PMCID: PMC8473802 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.725933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a widespread health problem affecting approximately 6%-8% of the male population, and hypoxia may be a causative factor. In mammals, two types of hypoxia are known, including environmental and pathological hypoxia. Studies looking at the effects of hypoxia on male infertility have linked both types of hypoxia to poor sperm quality and pregnancy outcomes. Hypoxia damages testicular seminiferous tubule directly, leading to the disorder of seminiferous epithelium and shedding of spermatogenic cells. Hypoxia can also disrupt the balance between oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis of spermatogenic cells, resulting in impaired self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonia, and failure of meiosis. In addition, hypoxia disrupts the secretion of reproductive hormones, causing spermatogenic arrest and erectile dysfunction. The possible mechanisms involved in hypoxia on male reproductive toxicity mainly include excessive ROS mediated oxidative stress, HIF-1α mediated germ cell apoptosis and proliferation inhibition, systematic inflammation and epigenetic changes. In this review, we discuss the correlations between hypoxia and male infertility based on epidemiological, clinical and animal studies and enumerate the hypoxic factors causing male infertility in detail. Demonstration of the causal association between hypoxia and male infertility will provide more options for the treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhibin Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Medicine, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Sumin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chunli Gong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yiyang Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiao Liu
- Department of Endoscope, The General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region, Liaoning, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiushi Liao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bing He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiang Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yongbing Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yufeng Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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17
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Song B, Wang C, Chen Y, Li G, Gao Y, Zhu F, Wu H, Lv M, Zhou P, Wei Z, He X, Cao Y. Sperm DNA integrity status is associated with DNA methylation signatures of imprinted genes and non-imprinted genes. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:2041-2048. [PMID: 33786731 PMCID: PMC8417181 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02157-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the association between the DNA methylation of specific genes and sperm DNA integrity status in human sperm samples. METHODS A total of 166 semen samples were evaluated (86 controls and 80 cases with impaired sperm DNA integrity). We detected the methylation status of 257 CpG sites among two imprinted genes (H19 and SNRPN) and four non-imprinted genes related to male infertility (MTHFR, GSTM1, DAZL, and CREM) by using a targeted next-generation sequencing method. RESULTS Differential methylation was found in 43 CpG sites of the promoters of the six candidate genes. H19, SNRPN, MTHFR, DAZL, GSTM1, and CREM contained 22, 12, 1, 4, 0, and 4 differentially methylated CpG sites (P<0.05), respectively. The imprinting genes were associated with relatively higher rates of differentially methylated CpG sites (28.21% in H19 and 41.38% in SNRPN) than the non-imprinting genes. One CpG site in H19 remained significant after performing strict Bonferroni correction. CONCLUSION In this study, we found that different site-specific DNA methylation signatures were correlated with sperm DNA integrity status. Further studies are needed to investigate the specific mechanisms leading to the epigenetic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Song
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yujie Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Guanjian Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Fuxi Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Mingrong Lv
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Zhaolian Wei
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
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18
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Zhu W, Jiang L, Pan C, Sun J, Huang X, Ni W. Deoxyribonucleic acid methylation signatures in sperm deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation. Fertil Steril 2021; 116:1297-1307. [PMID: 34253331 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation patterns in sperm from men with differential levels of sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI). DESIGN Prospective study. SETTING University-affiliated reproductive medicine center. PATIENT(S) A total of 278 male patients consulting for couple infertility were recruited from the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis was performed using Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip on spermatozoal DNA from 20 male patients. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified and validated using targeted bisulfite amplicon sequencing in spermatozoal DNA from 266 males. RESULT(S) Unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis revealed three main clusters corresponding to sperm DFI levels (low, medium, or high). Between-cluster comparisons identified 959 (medium-low), 738 (high-medium), and 937 (high-low) DMRs. Sixty-six DMRs were validated in the 266-sample cohort, of which nine CpG fragments corresponding to nine genes (BLCAP, DIRAS3, FAM50B, GNAS, MEST, TSPAN32, PSMA8, SYCP1, and TEX12) exhibited significantly altered methylation in those with high DFI (≥25%) compared with those with low DFI (<25%). CONCLUSION(S) We identified and validated a distinct DNA methylation signature associated with sperm DNA damage in a large, unselected cohort. These results indicate that sperm DNA damage may affect DNA methylation patterns in human sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijian Zhu
- Central Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Central Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Chengshuang Pan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Junhui Sun
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Xuefeng Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Wuhua Ni
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China.
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19
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Sperm phenotypic characteristics and oviduct binding ability are altered in breeding bulls with high sperm DNA fragmentation index. Theriogenology 2021; 172:80-87. [PMID: 34146972 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we standardized an in vitro oviduct explants model for cattle and assessed the oviduct explants binding ability and phenotypic characteristics of spermatozoa obtained from breeding bulls with high- and low-sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI%). Cryopreserved spermatozoa from Holstein Friesian crossbred breeding bulls (n = 45) with known field fertility were assessed for DFI% and were classified into either high DFI% or low DFI% category. Flow cytometry was used to assess sperm membrane integrity, acrosome reaction status, mitochondrial membrane potential and intracellular calcium concentrations. It was found that spermatozoa from bulls with low DFI% had significantly higher (P < 0.05) membrane integrity, acrosome intactness, and mitochondrial membrane potential. To assess the sperm oviduct binding ability, oviduct explants were prepared by incubating the oviduct cells overnight in TCM-199 medium at 38.5 °C under 5% CO2. Different sperm concentrations and times of incubation were evaluated and found that 2 million spermatozoa and 1-h incubation yielded high binding index (BI). The BI was also significantly (P < 0.01) higher (>2 times) in the bulls with low-DFI% as compared to high DFI% bulls. The correlation between binding index and DFI% was negative and significant (r = -0.528; P < 0.05). Further, the binding index was positively correlated with conception rate (r = 0.703), intact sperm membrane (r = 0.631) and mitochondrial membrane potential (r = 0.609). It is inferred that sperm phenotypic characteristics and oviduct binding ability are impaired in breeding bulls with high sperm DFI%, which might be associated with low conception rates in these bulls.
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20
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Sperm Methylome Profiling Can Discern Fertility Levels in the Porcine Biomedical Model. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052679. [PMID: 33800945 PMCID: PMC7961483 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A combined Genotyping By Sequencing (GBS) and methylated DNA immunoprecipitation (MeDIP) protocol was used to identify—in parallel—genetic variation (Genomic-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) and epigenetic differences of Differentially Methylated Regions (DMR) in the genome of spermatozoa from the porcine animal model. Breeding boars with good semen quality (n = 11) and specific and well-documented differences in fertility (farrowing rate, FR) and prolificacy (litter size, LS) (n = 7) in artificial insemination programs, using combined FR and LS, were categorized as High Fertile (HF, n = 4) or Low Fertile (LF, n = 3), and boars with Unknown Fertility (UF, n = 4) were tested for eventual epigenetical similarity with those fertility-proven. We identified 165,944 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) that explained 14–15% of variance among selection lines. Between HF and LF individuals (n = 7, 4 HF and 3 LF), we identified 169 SNPs with p ≤ 0.00015, which explained 58% of the variance. For the epigenetic analyses, we considered fertility and period of ejaculate collection (late-summer and mid-autumn). Approximately three times more DMRs were observed in HF than in LF boars across these periods. Interestingly, UF boars were clearly clustered with one of the other HF or LF groups. The highest differences in DMRs between HF and LF experimental groups across the pig genome were located in the chr 3, 9, 13, and 16, with most DMRs being hypermethylated in LF boars. In both HF and LF boars, DMRs were mostly hypermethylated in late-summer compared to mid-autumn. Three overlaps were detected between SNPs (p ≤ 0.0005, n = 1318) and CpG sites within DMRs. In conclusion, fertility levels in breeding males including FR and LS can be discerned using methylome analyses. The findings in this biomedical animal model ought to be applied besides sire selection for andrological diagnosis of idiopathic sub/infertility.
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21
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Narud B, Khezri A, Zeremichael TT, Stenseth EB, Heringstad B, Johannisson A, Morrell JM, Collas P, Myromslien FD, Kommisrud E. Sperm chromatin integrity and DNA methylation in Norwegian Red bulls of contrasting fertility. Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:187-200. [PMID: 33634579 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the complexity of chromatin integrity was investigated in frozen-thawed semen samples from 37 sires with contrasting fertility, expressed as 56-day non-return rates (NR56). Protamine deficiency, thiols, and disulfide bonds were assessed and compared with previously published data for DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and high DNA stainability (HDS). In addition, in vitro embryo development and sperm DNA methylation were assessed using semen samples from 16 of these bulls. The percentages of DFI and HDS were negatively associated with NR56 and cleavage rate and positively associated with sperm protamine deficiency (p < 0.05). Significant differences in cleavage and blastocyst rates were observed between bulls of high and low NR56. However, once fertilization occurred, further development into blastocysts was not associated with NR56. The differential methylation analysis showed that spermatozoa from bulls of low NR56 were hypermethylated compared to bulls of high NR56. Pathway analysis showed that genes annotated to differentially methylated cytosines could participate in different biological pathways and have important biological roles related to bull fertility. In conclusion, sperm cells from Norwegian Red bulls of inferior fertility have less compact chromatin structure, higher levels of DNA damage, and are hypermethylated compared with bulls of superior fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgitte Narud
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | - Abdolrahman Khezri
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | | | - Else-Berit Stenseth
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | - Bjørg Heringstad
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Anders Johannisson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jane M Morrell
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Philippe Collas
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Elisabeth Kommisrud
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
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22
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Global Methylation and Protamine Deficiency in Ram Spermatozoa Correlate with Sperm Production and Quality but Are Not Influenced by Melatonin or Season. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10122302. [PMID: 33291841 PMCID: PMC7762013 DOI: 10.3390/ani10122302] [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: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Though environmental factors can alter the epigenome of mammalian spermatozoa, it is currently unclear whether these epigenetic changes are linked to sperm production, quality and fertility. This study aimed to identify whether the hormone melatonin, responsible for upregulating ram reproductive function, is able to alter broad epigenetic markers in spermatozoa, namely sperm global methylation and protamine deficiency. It was also investigated whether these parameters corresponded to ram endocrinology, semen production and quality. Though no effects of season or melatonin were found, both sperm global methylation and protamine deficiency correlated with several semen production and quality parameters. These moderate associations with sperm production and quality support that sperm protamine deficiency and global methylation are broadly indicative of testicular function. Abstract This study assessed whether the seasonal effects of melatonin that upregulate ram reproductive function alter sperm global methylation or protamine deficiency and whether these parameters corresponded to ram endocrinology, semen production and quality. Ejaculates were assessed from rams that received melatonin implants (n = 9) or no implants (n = 9) during the non-breeding season. Ejaculates (n = 2/ram/week) were collected prior to implantation (week 0), 1, 6 and 12 weeks post implantation and during the following breeding season (week 30). Flow cytometry was used to assess the sperm global methylation and protamine deficiency in each ejaculate, which had known values for sperm concentration, motility, morphology, DNA fragmentation, seminal plasma levels of melatonin, anti-Mullerian hormone and inhibin A. Serum levels of testosterone and melatonin were also evaluated. Though there was no effect of melatonin or season, sperm protamine deficiency was negatively correlated with sperm production and seminal plasma levels of anti-Mullerian hormone and positively correlated with sperm DNA fragmentation and morphology. Global methylation of spermatozoa was positively correlated with sperm DNA fragmentation, morphology and serum testosterone and negatively correlated with sperm motility. These moderate associations with sperm production and quality suggest that sperm protamine deficiency and global methylation are indicative of ram testicular function.
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23
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Khezri A, Narud B, Stenseth EB, Zeremichael TT, Myromslien FD, Wilson RC, Ahmad R, Kommisrud E. Sperm DNA Hypomethylation Proximal to Reproduction Pathway Genes in Maturing Elite Norwegian Red Bulls. Front Genet 2020; 11:922. [PMID: 32849856 PMCID: PMC7431628 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic selection in modern farming demands sufficient semen production in young bulls. Factors affecting semen quality and production capacity in young bulls are not well understood; DNA methylation, a complicated phenomenon in sperm cells, is one such factors. In this study, fresh and frozen-thawed semen samples from the same Norwegian Red (NR) bulls at both 14 and 17 months of age were examined for sperm chromatin integrity parameters, ATP content, viability, and motility. Furthermore, reduced representation bisulfite libraries constructed according to two protocols, the Ovation® RRBS Methyl-Seq System (Ovation method) and a previously optimized gel-free method and were sequenced to study the sperm DNA methylome in frozen-thawed semen samples. Sperm quality analyses indicated that sperm concentration, total motility and progressivity in fresh semen from 17 months old NR bulls were significantly higher compared to individuals at 14 months of age. The percentage of DNA fragmented sperm cells significantly decreased in both fresh and frozen-thawed semen samples in bulls with increasing age. Libraries from the Ovation method exhibited a greater percentage of read loss and shorter read size following trimming. Downstream analyses for reads obtained from the gel-free method revealed similar global sperm DNA methylation but differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between 14- and 17 months old NR bulls. The majority of identified DMRs were hypomethylated in 14 months old bulls. Most of the identified DMRs (69%) exhibited a less than 10% methylation difference while only 1.5% of DMRs exceeded a 25% methylation difference. Pathway analysis showed that genes annotated with DMRs having low methylation differences (less than 10%) and DMRs having between 10 and 25% methylation differences, could be associated with important hormonal signaling and sperm function relevant pathways, respectively. The current research shows that RRBS in parallel with routine sperm quality analyses could be informative in reproductive capacity of young NR bulls. Although global sperm DNA methylation levels in 14 and 17 months old NR bulls were similar, regions with low and varying levels of DNA methylation differences can be identified and linked with important sperm function and hormonal pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdolrahman Khezri
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | - Birgitte Narud
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | - Else-Berit Stenseth
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | | | | | - Robert C Wilson
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | - Rafi Ahmad
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | - Elisabeth Kommisrud
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
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24
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Deori S, Johannisson A, Morrell J. Single Layer Centrifugation with 20% or 30% Porcicoll separates the majority of spermatozoa from a sample without adversely affecting sperm quality. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:1337-1342. [PMID: 32687617 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Centrifugation of boar semen through one layer of 40% colloid (Porcicoll) was previously shown to separate spermatozoa from bacteria without having a detrimental effect on sperm quality. However, some spermatozoa were lost. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether 20% or 30% Porcicoll could be used to recover most of the spermatozoa without impacting on sperm quality. Insemination doses (n = 10) from a commercial boar station were sent to the laboratory at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and processed by Single Layer Centrifugation with 20% and 30% Porcicoll approximately 7 hr after semen collection. The resulting sperm samples and controls were evaluated for sperm quality immediately and again after storage at 16-18°C for 4 and 7 days. Sperm recovery was 94 ± 18% and 87 ± 15% for 20% and 30% Porcicoll, respectively (p > .05). Sperm mitochondrial membrane potential and chromatin integrity were unaffected (p > .05). The proportion of live spermatozoa producing superoxide (9 ± 8%, 7 ± 6% and 3 ± 1%; p < .05), and the proportion of spermatozoa with high stainability DNA (0.68 ± 19%, 0.61 ± 0.22% and 0.96 ± 0.23%; p < .05- <0.01), were marginally increased whereas membrane integrity, although high, was lower in the centrifuged samples than in the controls (82 ± 8%, 83 ± 5% versus 92 ± 4%; p < .05). In conclusion, centrifugation through 20% or 30% Porcicoll enables most spermatozoa to be recovered, without having a major effect on sperm quality. These results are encouraging for further studies involving microbiological investigation of the processed samples, and scaling-up to process larger volumes of boar ejaculates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourabh Deori
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.,ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Umiam, India
| | - Anders Johannisson
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jane Morrell
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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25
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Kumaresan A, Das Gupta M, Datta TK, Morrell JM. Sperm DNA Integrity and Male Fertility in Farm Animals: A Review. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:321. [PMID: 32637425 PMCID: PMC7317013 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The accurate prediction of male fertility is of major economic importance in the animal breeding industry. However, the results of conventional semen analysis do not always correlate with field fertility outcomes. There is evidence to indicate that mammalian fertilization and subsequent embryo development depend, in part, on the inherent integrity of the sperm DNA. Understanding the complex packaging of mammalian sperm chromatin and assessment of DNA integrity could potentially provide a benchmark in clinical infertility. In the era of assisted reproduction, especially when in-vitro fertilization or gamete intrafallopian transfer or intracytoplasmic sperm injection is used, assessment of sperm DNA integrity is important because spermatozoa are not subjected to the selection process occurring naturally in the female reproductive tract. Although sperm DNA integrity testing measures a significant biological parameter, its precise role in the infertility evaluation in farm animals remains unclear. In this review, the earlier findings on sperm DNA integrity in relation to male fertility are compiled and analyzed. Furthermore, the causes and consequences of sperm DNA damage are described, together with a review of advances in methods for detection of sperm DNA damage, and the prognostic value of sperm DNA quality on male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arumugam Kumaresan
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of National Dairy Research Institute (ICAR), Bengaluru, India
| | - Mohua Das Gupta
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of National Dairy Research Institute (ICAR), Bengaluru, India
| | - Tirtha Kumar Datta
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, National Dairy Research Institute (ICAR), Karnal, India
| | - Jane M. Morrell
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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26
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Wu X, Luo C, Hu L, Chen X, Chen Y, Fan J, Cheng CY, Sun F. Unraveling epigenomic abnormality in azoospermic human males by WGBS, RNA-Seq, and transcriptome profiling analyses. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:789-802. [PMID: 32056059 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01716-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine associations between genomic DNA methylation in testicular cells and azoospermia in human males. METHODS This was a case-control study investigating the differences and conservations in DNA methylation, genome-wide DNA methylation, and bulk RNA-Seq for transcriptome profiling using testicular biopsy tissues from NOA and OA patients. Differential methylation and different conserved methylation regions associated with azoospermia were identified by comparing genomic DNA methylation of testicular seminiferous cells derived from NOA and OA patients. RESULTS The genome methylation modification of testicular cells from NOA patients was disordered, and the reproductive-related gene expression was significantly different. CONCLUSION Our findings not only provide valuable knowledge of human spermatogenesis but also paved the way for the identification of genes/proteins involved in male germ cell development. The approach presented in this report provides a powerful tool to identify responsible biomolecules, and/or cellular changes (e.g., epigenetic abnormality) that induce male reproductive dysfunction such as OA and NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Wu
- Medical School, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chunhai Luo
- Medical School, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Longfei Hu
- Singleron Biotechnologies Ltd., 211 Pubin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Chen
- Medical School, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yunmei Chen
- Singleron Biotechnologies Ltd., 211 Pubin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jue Fan
- Singleron Biotechnologies Ltd., 211 Pubin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, 10065, USA.
| | - Fei Sun
- Medical School, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
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