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Llavanera M. Evaluation of sperm quality and male fertility: The use of molecular markers in boar sperm and seminal plasma. Anim Reprod Sci 2024:107545. [PMID: 38960838 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107545] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
In pig production, the optimization of artificial insemination (AI) efficiency significantly relies on the accurate assessment of semen quality and fertility of boars. Traditional methods such as conventional seminogram techniques, although long-standing, exhibit limited sensitivity in predicting boar fertility, warranting the exploration of novel molecular markers. This review synthesizes the current knowledge on the utilization of molecular markers for semen quality evaluation and male fertility prediction in boars, providing an in-depth examination of molecular markers in this context. Specifically, the present work delves into the potential of OMICs technologies, encompassing genetic and genomic approaches, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. A diverse array of molecular markers, including genomic regions associated with sperm quality and male fertility, chromatin integrity, mitochondrial DNA content, mRNA and non-coding RNA signatures, as well as proteins and metabolites in sperm and seminal plasma, are identified as promising molecular markers for fertility prediction in boars. Furthermore, the need of validating biomarkers and their practical implementation in AI centres is here emphasized. Addressing these considerations and integrating molecular markers within the swine breeding field holds the potential to enhance reproductive management practices and optimize productivity in boar breeding programs. This integration can significantly improve overall efficiency within the pig breeding industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Llavanera
- Laboratory of Chromosome Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany; Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.
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2
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Mateo-Otero Y. Integrating metabolomics into reproduction: Sperm metabolism and fertility enhancement in pigs. Anim Reprod Sci 2024:107539. [PMID: 38926002 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107539] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The last decades of research have revealed that many other factors besides gamete genomes are able to determine the reproductive outcomes. Indeed, paternal factors have been observed to be capable of modulating multiple crucial features of the reproductive process, such as sperm physiology, the maternal environment and, even, the offspring health. These recent advances have been encompassed with the emergence of OMICS technologies, as they comprehensively characterise the molecular composition of biological systems. The present narrative review aimed to take a closer look at the potential of these technologies in the field of reproductive biology. This literature revision shows that most studies up to date have followed a non-targeted approach to screen mammalian seminal plasma (SP) and sperm metabolite composition through different metabolome platforms. These studies have proposed metabolites of multiple natures as potential in vivo fertility biomarkers. Yet, targeted approaches can be used to answer specific biological question, and their power is exemplified herein. For instance, metabolomic studies have uncovered not only that glycolysis is the main ATP energy source of pig sperm, but also that sperm metabolism can trigger DNA damage, hence compromise embryo development. In conclusion, this review shows the potential of both non-targeted and targeted metabolomics for the discovery of cell pathways that govern the reproductive process. Understanding these systems could help make progress in different areas, including livestock efficient breeding, the improvement of artificial reproductive technologies, and the development of biomarkers for infertility detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK.
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3
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Laus F, Bazzano M, Spaterna A, Laghi L, Marchegiani A. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Metabolomics: Current Applications in Equine Health Assessment. Metabolites 2024; 14:269. [PMID: 38786746 PMCID: PMC11123227 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14050269] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolomics can allow for the comprehensive identification of metabolites within biological systems, at given time points, in physiological and pathological conditions. In the last few years, metabolomic analysis has gained popularity both in human and in veterinary medicine, showing great potential for novel applications in clinical activity. The aim of applying metabolomics in clinical practice is understanding the mechanisms underlying pathological conditions and the influence of certain stimuli (i.e., drugs, nutrition, exercise) on body systems, in the attempt of identifying biomarkers that can help in the diagnosis of diseases. Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR) is well tailored to be used as an analytical platform for metabolites' detection at the base of metabolomics studies, due to minimal sample preparation and high reproducibility. In this mini-review article, the scientific production of NMR metabolomic applications to equine medicine is examined. The research works are very different in methodology and difficult to compare. Studies are mainly focused on exercise, reproduction, and nutrition, other than respiratory and musculoskeletal diseases. The available information on this topic is still scant, but a greater collection of data could allow researchers to define new reliable markers to be used in clinical practice for diagnostic and therapeutical purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulvio Laus
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Circonvallazione, 93/95, 62024 Matelica, Italy; (F.L.); (A.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Marilena Bazzano
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Circonvallazione, 93/95, 62024 Matelica, Italy; (F.L.); (A.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Andrea Spaterna
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Circonvallazione, 93/95, 62024 Matelica, Italy; (F.L.); (A.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Luca Laghi
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, 47521 Cesena, Italy;
| | - Andrea Marchegiani
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Circonvallazione, 93/95, 62024 Matelica, Italy; (F.L.); (A.S.); (A.M.)
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4
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Catalán J, Yánez-Ortiz I, Martínez-Rodero I, Mateo-Otero Y, Nolis P, Yeste M, Miró J. Comparison of the metabolite profile of donkey and horse seminal plasma and its relationship with sperm viability and motility. Res Vet Sci 2023; 165:105046. [PMID: 37883856 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.105046] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Previous research revealed that several seminal plasma (SP) metabolites are related to sperm functionality, fertility, and preservation. While it is understood that variations between species exist, whether the SP metabolome differs between donkeys and horses has not been previously investigated. The aim of this work, therefore, was to characterize and compare donkey and horse SP metabolites using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and relate them to sperm viability and motility. For this purpose, ejaculates from 18 different donkeys and 18 different horses were collected and separated into two aliquots: one for harvesting the SP by centrifugation and obtaining the metabolic profile through NMR, and the other for evaluating sperm viability and motility. Based on total motility and sperm viability, samples were classified as with good (GQ) or poor (PQ) quality. The metabolomic profile of donkey and horse SP revealed the presence of 28 metabolites, which coincided in the two species. Yet, differences between horses and donkeys were observed in the concentration of 18 of these 28 metabolites, as well as between ejaculates classified as GQ or PQ and in the relationship of metabolites with sperm motility and viability. These findings suggest that sperm from donkeys and horses differ in their metabolism and energetic requirements, and that the concentration of specific SP metabolites may be related to sperm functionality. Further research should shed light on the metabolic needs of donkey and horse sperm, and evaluate how the knowledge collected from the contribution of these metabolites can help improve semen preservation in the two species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Catalán
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, ES-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iván Yánez-Ortiz
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, ES-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iris Martínez-Rodero
- Unit of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, ES-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Pau Nolis
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Facility, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, ES-08193, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), ES-08010 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Jordi Miró
- Unit of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, ES-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain.
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Luongo C, Llamas-López PJ, Garrappa G, Rodríguez-Tobón E, Grudzinska P, García-Vázquez FA. Impact of inclusion of post-spermatic ejaculate fraction in boar seminal doses on sperm metabolism, quality, and interaction with uterine fluid. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15258. [PMID: 37709904 PMCID: PMC10502139 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42254-3] [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: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Boar ejaculate is composed of sperm cells and seminal plasma (SP) and is emitted in different fractions (pre-sperm fraction; spermatic-rich fraction; intermediate fraction; post-spermatic fraction), with different composition of SP and volume, which could influence the sperm quality during seminal doses preparation, conservation, and interaction with the female reproductive tract. In artificial insemination (AI) centers, seminal doses are usually prepared with the spermatic-rich and intermediate fractions, but the inclusion of other ejaculate fractions, although controversial, is beginning to be applied. The objective was to evaluate the synergic effect of accumulative ejaculated fractions on sperm functionality during seminal doses preparation, throughout storage and after incubation with uterine fluid (UF). For this purpose, a total of 57 ejaculates were collected, and the following experimental groups were prepared (n = 19 per group): (F1) spermatic-rich fraction; (F2) F1 plus intermediate fraction; (F3) F2 plus post-spermatic fraction. Each group was stored for 5 days at ∼16 °C, and the following parameters were evaluated: sperm metabolism of pure and diluted semen (day 1), sperm quality parameters (days 1, 3, 5), thermal-resistance test (TRT) and incubation with uterine fluid (UF) (day 5). Sperm metabolic rates between accumulative ejaculate fractions from pure and diluted semen did not show differences. Also, sperm quality parameters were not affected by the ejaculate fraction during storage. However, sperm subjected to TRT showed similar results except for progressive motility, which was better in F2 and F3 than F1. When sperm were incubated with UF, the quality decreased in each group, but sperm from F2 and F3 were less affected than those from F1. In conclusion, the post-spermatic fraction can be included in seminal doses for their use in AI-centers, with functionality of sperm of different SP origins not being impaired throughout the storage, and responding better to thermal and UF stress. However, further research in AI-centers is necessary to test the sperm behaviour under presented conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Luongo
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Gabriela Garrappa
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Animal del Chaco Semi-Arido (IIACS), Centro de Investigación Agropecuaria (CIAP), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Tucuman, Argentina
| | - Ernesto Rodríguez-Tobón
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Departamento de Biología de La Reproducción, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Paulina Grudzinska
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco Alberto García-Vázquez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain.
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Xie Z, Gan M, Du J, Du G, Luo Y, Liu B, Zhu K, Cheng W, Chen L, Zhao Y, Niu L, Wang Y, Wang J, Zhu L, Shen L. Comparison of Growth Performance and Plasma Metabolomics between Two Sire-Breeds of Pigs in China. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1706. [PMID: 37761845 PMCID: PMC10531030 DOI: 10.3390/genes14091706] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The Yorkshire pigs, renowned for their remarkable growth rate, low feed conversion ratio (FCR), and high meat production, emerge as a novel preference for paternal breeding. In this study, we found that purebred paternal Yorkshire pigs (PY) surpass the purebred Duroc breed in terms of growth rate. Specifically, purebred PY attain a weight of 100 kg at an earlier age compared to purebred Duroc (Male, 145.07 vs. 162.91; Female, 145.91 vs. 167.57; p-value < 0.01). Furthermore, different hybrid combinations suggest that offspring involving purebred PY exhibit superior growth performance. Compared with purebred Duroc, the offspring of purebred PY have an earlier age in days (173.23 vs. 183.54; p-value < 0.05) at the same slaughter weight. The changes of plasma metabolites of 60-day-old purebred boars in the two sire-breeds showed that 1335 metabolites in plasma were detected. Compared with Duroc, 28 metabolites were down-regulated and 49 metabolites were up-regulated in PY. Principal component analysis (PCA) discerned notable dissimilarities in plasma metabolites between the two sire-breeds of pigs. The levels of glycerol 3-phosphate choline, cytidine, guanine, and arachidonic acid increased significantly (p-value < 0.05), exerting an impact on their growth and development. According to our results, PY could be a new paternal option as a terminal sire in three-way cross system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongwei Xie
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (Z.X.); (M.G.)
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Mailin Gan
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (Z.X.); (M.G.)
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Junhua Du
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (Z.X.); (M.G.)
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Gao Du
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (Z.X.); (M.G.)
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yi Luo
- Sichuan Dekon Livestock Foodstuff Group, Chengdu 610200, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Sichuan Dekon Livestock Foodstuff Group, Chengdu 610200, China
| | - Kangping Zhu
- Sichuan Dekon Livestock Foodstuff Group, Chengdu 610200, China
| | - Wenqiang Cheng
- National Animal Husbandry Service, Beijing 100125, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (Z.X.); (M.G.)
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Ye Zhao
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (Z.X.); (M.G.)
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Lili Niu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (Z.X.); (M.G.)
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (Z.X.); (M.G.)
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Jingyong Wang
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Science, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Li Zhu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (Z.X.); (M.G.)
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Linyuan Shen
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (Z.X.); (M.G.)
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
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Mateo-Otero Y, Madrid-Gambin F, Llavanera M, Gomez-Gomez A, Haro N, Pozo OJ, Yeste M. Sperm physiology and in vitro fertilising ability rely on basal metabolic activity: insights from the pig model. Commun Biol 2023; 6:344. [PMID: 36997604 PMCID: PMC10063579 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04715-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Whether basal metabolic activity in sperm has any influence on their fertilising capacity has not been explored. Using the pig as a model, the present study investigated the relationship of energetic metabolism with sperm quality and function (assessed through computer-assisted sperm analysis and flow cytometry), and fertility (in vitro fertilisation (IVF) outcomes). In semen samples from 16 boars, levels of metabolites related to glycolysis, ketogenesis and Krebs cycle were determined through a targeted metabolomics approach using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. High-quality sperm are associated to greater levels of glycolysis-derived metabolites, and oocyte fertilisation and embryo development are conditioned by the sperm metabolic status. Interestingly, glycolysis appears to be the preferred catabolic pathway of the sperm giving rise to greater percentages of embryos at day 6. In conclusion, this study shows that the basal metabolic activity of sperm influences their function, even beyond fertilisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Francisco Madrid-Gambin
- Applied Metabolomics Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), ES-08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Llavanera
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Alex Gomez-Gomez
- Applied Metabolomics Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), ES-08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Noemí Haro
- Applied Metabolomics Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), ES-08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oscar J Pozo
- Applied Metabolomics Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), ES-08003, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain.
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain.
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), ES-08010, Barcelona, Spain.
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Bi S, Shao J, Qu Y, Xu W, Li J, Zhang L, Shi W, Cao L. Serum metabolomics reveal pathways associated with protective effect of ginsenoside Rg3 on immune stress. Poult Sci 2022; 101:102187. [PMID: 36215740 PMCID: PMC9554815 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.102187] [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: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous study has demonstrated that administration of ginsenoside Rg3 ameliorates immune stress by inhibiting inflammatory responses, reducing oxidative damage and upregulating mRNA expression of mTOR, SOD-1, and HO-1. However, the specific mechanism in relation to the protective effect of ginsenoside Rg3 on stressed broilers especially the metabolites alteration remains obscure. The present study aimed to investigate the underlined mechanism in relation to the pathogenesis and protective effect of ginsenoside Rg3 on stressed broilers using liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometry profiling. Eighteen broiler chicks were randomly allocated to 3 treatments: Control, Model and Rg3. Chickens in Rg3 group received intraperitoneally administered 1 mg/kg Rg3 2 h before LPS challenge. Then the broilers were intraperitoneally injection of 250 µg/kg LPS at the age of 12, 14, 33, and 35 d to induce immune stress. Control group was injected with an equivalent amount of sterile saline. At the end of the experiment, the serum was obtained for metabolomics analysis. The changes in serum metabolic profiles were investigated with the application of metabolomics approach. Distinct changes in metabolite patterns in serum were observed by orthogonal partial least square-discriminate analysis. In total, 35 metabolites were identified, among which 17 differential metabolites were found between Control and Model group, and 18 differential metabolites were identified between Model and Rg3 group. Metabolic pathway analysis revealed potential serum metabolites involved in oxidative stress and inflammation, degradation of lipid and protein in broiler chicks with immune stress. In addition, the protective effect of Rg3 on the stressed chicks may be largely mediated by BCAA metabolism, apoptosis and mTOR signaling pathway. These results suggested the potential biomarkers involved in pathogenesis and prevention of stress induced by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide.
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Rodriguez-Martinez H, Roca J. Extracellular vesicles in seminal plasma: A safe and relevant tool to improve fertility in livestock? Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 244:107051. [PMID: 35933831 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Seminal plasma (SP) is not a pre-requisite for pregnancy. Yet, this heterogeneous, composite SP has proven relevant for fertility, as mediator for cell-to-cell communication between producing cells, spermatozoa and the female internal genital tract, regulating complex reproductive processes. Bearing hormones, proteins, cytokines as well as nuclei acids in nano-sized lipid bilayer seminal extracellular vesicles (sEVs), the SP concerts signaling to the female. Signals influence timing of ovulation, sperm transport and, particularly, enable the female immune system to balance her cryptic choice to engage into pregnancy or reject an eventual fertilization. This essay, focusing on livestock in general and pigs in particular, discusses the intrinsic roles of sEVs with regards to reproductive homeostasis, while binding and internalizing their cargo in spermatozoa and female tract epithelia to regulate their functional activity. Since prior studies had inconclusive results using bulk SP or single SP-contained free molecules, argumentation is hereby provided to increase the current incipient research on livestock sEVs, where fragile molecules relevant for fertility are shielded from degradation during handling. Seminal EVs isolated from SP can be used for andrological diagnosis and perhaps to select breeders with optimal fertility. Moreover, sEVs can be laboratory-uploaded with specific molecules or even engineered as lipid nanodroplets used as additives for extenders to improve fertility after artificial insemination (AI) or reproductive biotechnologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heriberto Rodriguez-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 Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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