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Pezo F, Contreras MJ, Zambrano F, Uribe P, Risopatron J, Andrade AFCD, Yeste M, Sánchez R. Thawing of cryopreserved sperm from domestic animals: Impact of temperature, time, and addition of molecules to thawing/insemination medium. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 268:107572. [PMID: 39128319 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
In recent decades, there has been a growing interest in optimizing the protocols intended to sperm cryopreservation in domestic animals. These protocols include initial cooling, freezing, and thawing. While different attempts have been devised to improve sperm cryopreservation, the efficiency of this reproductive biotechnology is still far from being optimal. Furthermore, while much attention in improving cooling/freezing, less emphasis has been made in how thawing can be ameliorated. Despite this, the conditions through which, upon thawing, sperm return to physiological temperatures are much relevant, given that these cells must travel throughout the female genital tract until they reach the utero-tubal junction. Moreover, the composition of the media used for artificial insemination (AI) may also affect sperm survival, which is again something that one should bear because of the long journey that sperm must make. Furthermore, sperm quality and functionality decrease dramatically during post-thawing incubation time. Added to that, the deposition of the thawed sperm suspension devoid of seminal plasma in some species during an AI is accompanied by a leukocyte migration to the uterine lumen and with it the activation of immune mechanisms. Because few reviews have focused on the evidence gathered after sperm thawing, the present one aims to compile and discuss the available information concerning ruminants, pigs and horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Pezo
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Medioambiente, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - María José Contreras
- Instituto de Ciencias Aplicadas, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Temuco, Chile
| | - Fabiola Zambrano
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine-Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT-BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Pamela Uribe
- Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine-Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT-BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Jennie Risopatron
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Center of Excellence in Reproductive Biotechnology (BIOREN-CEBIOR), Faculty of Medicine, University of La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Andre Furugen Cesar de Andrade
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marc Yeste
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Raúl Sánchez
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Center of Excellence in Reproductive Biotechnology (BIOREN-CEBIOR), Faculty of Medicine, University of La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.
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Nakai M, Suzuki SI, Fuchimoto DI, Sembon S, Kikuchi K. Oocyte activation with phospholipase Cζ mRNA induces repetitive intracellular Ca 2+ rises and improves the quality of pig embryos after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. J Reprod Dev 2024; 70:229-237. [PMID: 38853022 PMCID: PMC11310388 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2023-105] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
For the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedure in pigs, an electrical pulse (EP) has been used as an effective method for oocyte stimulation, but unlike sperm, EP is unable to induce Ca2+ oscillations. In this study, we investigated the effects of generating artificial Ca2+ oscillations with phospholipase Cζ (PLCζ) mRNA, a candidate sperm factor, on fertilization, embryonic development, and gene expression after ICSI. Firstly, the concentration of PLCζ mRNA of a fixed volume (1.0 pl) that would induce a pattern of Ca2+ rise similar to that of in vitro fertilized (IVF) sperm was examined and determined to be 300 ng/μl. Secondly, the effects of oocyte stimulation methods on fertilization and embryonic development were investigated. ICSI-oocytes were activated by EP (EP group) or by PLCζ mRNA (PLCζ group). Furthermore, IVF-oocytes (IVF group) and ICSI-oocytes with and without an injection of buffer (buffer and untreated groups, respectively) were used as controls. It was found that the rates of normal fertilization in the PLCζ and EP groups were significantly higher than those in the buffer and untreated groups. The blastocyst formation rates did not differ among the groups. The embryo quality in the EP group was inferior to those in the PLCζ and IVF groups. Additionally, the expression level of a proapoptosis-related gene (Caspase-3) in the EP group was significantly higher than those in the PLCζ and IVF groups. Our data suggest that oocyte activation by PLCζ mRNA has the effect of improving embryo quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiko Nakai
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0901, Japan
| | - Shun-Ichi Suzuki
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0901, Japan
| | - Dai-Ichiro Fuchimoto
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0901, Japan
| | - Shoichiro Sembon
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0901, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kikuchi
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0901, Japan
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Viñolas-Vergés E, Ribas-Maynou J, Barranco I, Peres Rubio C, Bonet S, Roca J, Yeste M. Chromatin condensation but not DNA integrity of pig sperm is greater in the sperm-rich fraction. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2023; 14:139. [PMID: 37926841 PMCID: PMC10626759 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-023-00938-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protamination and condensation of sperm chromatin as well as DNA integrity play an essential role during fertilization and embryo development. In some mammals, like pigs, ejaculates are emitted in three separate fractions: pre-sperm, sperm-rich (SRF) and post sperm-rich (PSRF). These fractions are known to vary in volume, sperm concentration and quality, as well as in the origin and composition of seminal plasma (SP), with differences being also observed within the SRF one. Yet, whether disparities in the DNA integrity and chromatin condensation and protamination of their sperm exist has not been interrogated. RESULTS This study determined chromatin protamination (Chromomycin A3 test, CMA3), condensation (Dibromobimane test, DBB), and DNA integrity (Comet assay) in the pig sperm contained in the first 10 mL of the SRF (SRF-P1), the remaining portion of the sperm-rich fraction (SRF-P2), and the post sperm-rich fraction (PSRF). While chromatin protamination was found to be similar between the different ejaculate fractions (P > 0.05), chromatin condensation was seen to be greater in SRF-P1 and SRF-P2 than in the PSRF (P = 0.018 and P = 0.004, respectively). Regarding DNA integrity, no differences between fractions were observed (P > 0.05). As the SRF-P1 has the highest sperm concentration and ejaculate fractions are known to differ in antioxidant composition, the oxidative stress index (OSi) in SP, calculated as total oxidant activity divided by total antioxidant capacity, was tested and confirmed to be higher in the SRF-P1 than in SRF-P2 and PSRF (0.42 ± 0.06 vs. 0.23 ± 0.09 and 0.08 ± 0.00, respectively; P < 0.01); this index, in addition, was observed to be correlated to the sperm concentration of each fraction (Rs = 0.973; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION While sperm DNA integrity was not found to differ between ejaculate fractions, SRF-P1 and SRF-P2 were observed to exhibit greater chromatin condensation than the PSRF. This could be related to the OSi of each fraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estel Viñolas-Vergés
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.
| | - Isabel Barranco
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Camila Peres Rubio
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), S08010, Barcelona, Spain
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de Andrade AFC, Balogun K, Machaty Z, Knox RV. Effects of supplemental antioxidants on in vitro fertility measures for cryopreserved boar spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2023; 200:33-42. [PMID: 36739670 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
This work aims to evaluate how supplementing a commercial freezing media with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), or reduced glutathione (GSH), or their combination affected in-vitro measures of boar sperm after cryopreservation. One ejaculate was collected from 30 high-fertility boars in a weekly collection rotation. Samples were diluted 1:1 in an extender and cooled before overnight shipping at 17 °C to the freezing lab. On arrival, samples were split into the treatments with the following additions before cryopreservation; 1) semen without additional antioxidants (Control), 2) semen with 1 mM BHT, 3) semen with 2 mM GSH, and 4) semen with 1 mM BHT+2 mM GSH. Semen was evaluated for motility kinetics at 30, 120, and 240 min after thawing. Flow cytometry assessments were performed at 60 min after thawing. At all-time points evaluated, total and progressive motility were greater (P ≤ 0.05) in semen cryopreserved with GSH than in Control. No (P > 0.05) differences between Control and other treatment groups were observed in viability, or acrosomal and mitochondrial membrane integrity; however, the proportion of capacitated spermatozoa were reduced (by -21.17%) in semen treated with BHT + GSH compared to Control (P ≤ 0.05). In contrast, there was a higher (P ≤ 0.05, +21.18%) superoxide anion production in the Control than in the BHT + GSH. For IVF, semen cryopreserved with both antioxidants (BHT + GSH) had a negative (P < 0.05) impact on fertilization rate (-54.11%) compared to Control. However, for the blastocysts rate, there were more (+22.75%) blastocysts (P ≤ 0.05) for BHT compared to Control. These results indicate that commercial media supplemented with GSH increased motility but impaired in vitro fertilization rate. On the other hand, media supplemented with BHT improved the in vitro fertilizing ability of the frozen-thawed sperm cells. Therefore, we suggest the supplementation with 1 mM of BHT in the formula of commercial freezing media used in the present experiment.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Furugen Cesar de Andrade
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA.
| | - Kayode Balogun
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Zoltan Machaty
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Robert Victor Knox
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
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Xu B, Bai X, Zhang J, Li B, Zhang Y, Su R, Wang R, Wang Z, Lv Q, Zhang J, Li J. Metabolomic analysis of seminal plasma to identify goat semen freezability markers. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1132373. [PMID: 36968471 PMCID: PMC10036599 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1132373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Factors affecting sperm freezability in goat seminal plasma were investigated. Based on the total motility of thawed sperm, goats were divided into a high-freezability (HF) group with >60% total motility (n = 8) and a low-freezability (LF) group with <45% total motility (n = 8). Sperm and seminal plasma from the HF and LF groups were separated, HF seminal plasma was mixed with LF spermatozoa, LF seminal plasma was mixed with HF sperm, and the products were subjected to a freeze-thaw procedure. Semen from individual goats exhibited differences in freezability. HF semen had higher sperm motility parameters and plasma membrane and acrosome integrity after thawing; this difference could be related to the composition of seminal plasma. Seminal plasma from the HF and LF groups was evaluated using metabolomic analysis, and multivariate statistical analysis revealed a clear separation of metabolic patterns in the seminal plasma of goats with different freezability classifications. Forty-one differential metabolites were identified using the following screening conditions: variable importance in the projection > 1 and 0.05 < P-value < 0.1. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis revealed significant enrichment of central carbon metabolism in cancer, protein digestion and absorption, aminoacyl-tRNA, and other pathways and significant differences in the abundance of seven differential metabolites, including L-glutamine, L-aspartate, L-arginine, phenylpyruvate, benzoic acid, ketoisocaproic acid, and choline between seminal plasma from the HF and LF groups (P-value < 0.05). These significantly differentially-expressed metabolites may be potential biomarkers for sperm freezability. L-glutamine, L-aspartate, and L-arginine may directly affect sperm freezability. Benzoic acid, ketoisocaproic acid, and choline may regulate sperm freezability by participating in anabolic processes involving phenylalanine, leucine, and phosphatidylcholine in sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingbing Xu
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Xue Bai
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Boyuan Li
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yanjun Zhang
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Rui Su
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Ruijun Wang
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Zhiying Wang
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Qi Lv
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhang
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Hohhot, China
- Key Laboratory of Mutton Sheep Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hohhot, China
- *Correspondence: Jiaxin Zhang
| | - Jinquan Li
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Hohhot, China
- Key Laboratory of Mutton Sheep Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hohhot, China
- Inner Mongolia Jinlai Animal Husbandry Technology Co., Ltd., Hohhot, China
- Jinquan Li
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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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7
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Multiple flow cytometry analysis for assessing human sperm functional characteristics. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 117:108353. [PMID: 36804582 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108353] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Multiparametric analysis by flow cytometry solves one of the major problems in sperm evaluation, the inability to test multiple attributes simultaneously in a single cell, which would increase the precision to predict fertility potential since several sperm parameters are tested. The association of fluorochromes and compounds conjugated to fluorochromes in multiparametric sperm analysis is well-established in microscopy techniques. However, these techniques are subjective and limit the assessment in small cell numbers, thereby harming analytic accuracy. Therefore, the current study aimed to present new possibilities for assessing the integrity and stability of the sperm plasma membrane, acrosome status, mitochondrial potential, and superoxide anion production in the mitochondrial matrix in only 2 cytometric assays using cytometers equipped with 2 and 3 lasers. For this, human semen samples collected by masturbation and selected by the swim-up technique were divided into 3 treatments: T0 (flash-frozen semen), T50 (flash-frozen semen + fresh semen, V: V), and T100 (fresh semen) for the validation of the multiparametric protocols by flow cytometry. For both protocols, sperm percentage with positive stain for all fluorophores differed significantly between treatments. The determination coefficients presented values close to 1, which validated objective, sensitive, rapid, and reproducible methodologies. Therefore, we concluded that the results reflect the status of analyzed structure, enabling a more accurate diagnosis of male infertility that has become an increasingly prevalent worldwide setback due to exposure to a variety of environmental toxicants.
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Monteiro MS, Torres MA, Passarelli MDS, Martins MP, Ravagnani GM, Papa FO, Alvarenga MA, Dell'Aqua Júnior JA, Yasui GS, Martins SMMK, de Andrade AFC. Impact of cryopreservation protocols (one- and two-step) on boar semen quality at 5 °C and post-thawing. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 247:107093. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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Andrade AFC, Knox RV, Torres MA, Pavaneli APP. What is the relevance of seminal plasma from a functional and preservation perspective? Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 246:106946. [PMID: 35216848 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.106946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
When preserving sperm in the liquid or cryopreserved state, seminal plasma (SP) components within ejaculates can alter fertilizing capacity of these gametes. Depending on the species or how semen is collected, volume and concentration of SP components varies considerably. The SP contains substances essential for maintenance of sperm viability and fertility; however, these components can be deleterious depending on quantity, or duration of time before there is removal of SP from sperm in semen processing. Substances that impair (e.g., BSP - bull; HSP-1 - stallion; Major seminal plasma protein PSPI - boar) or improve (e.g., spermadhesin PSP-I - boar) spermatozoa fertilizing capacity have been identified. Depending on individual males, species, and semen collection procedures, SP removal may be beneficial before preservation in the liquid or cryopreserved state. In some cases, SP that is removed can be added back to thawing extender with there being positive effects in thawed sperm and for sperm viability in the female reproductive tract. In this review article, there is a focus on different effects of SP in samples of cooled and cryopreserved semen from four domestic species (pigs, horses, cattle, and sheep) with there being emphasis on how SP modulates the function and morphology of sperm cells before, during, and after preservation in the refrigerated or cryopreserved state. The present review is part of the Festschrift in honor of Dr. Duane Garner who made major contributions to the area of focus in this manuscript as evidenced by the many times his research is cited in this manuscript.
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Affiliation(s)
- A F C Andrade
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States.
| | - R V Knox
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States.
| | - M A Torres
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - A P P Pavaneli
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Quirino M, Jakop U, Mellagi APG, Bortolozzo FP, Jung M, Schulze M. A 5-color flow cytometry panel to assess plasma membrane integrity, acrosomal status, membrane lipid organization and mitochondrial activity of boar and stallion spermatozoa following liquid semen storage. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 247:107076. [PMID: 36166974 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107076] [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: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
For a more practically applicable analysis of different sperm characteristics, this study aimed to develop a 5-color flow cytometry (FC) panel to concurrently analyze four sperm parameters in liquid boar and stallion semen, using also a DNA-marker for selecting sperm cell events. From each of thirty extended boar semen doses and twelve stallion semen doses, six aliquots were taken. For evaluating mitochondrial activity (A), degree of lipid disorder of plasma membrane (B), integrity of plasma membrane (C), acrosomal status (D) and marking DNA (E), five aliquots were individually stained with Rhodamine 123, Merocyanine 540, Propidium Iodide, PNA-Alexa Fluor 647, and Hoechst 33342, respectively. The sixth aliquot was stained with all the five fluorochromes simultaneously, whereas spectral overlap was corrected by a compensation matrix. Strong correlations were found between the single and 5-color staining assays for boar sperm (A: 0.99, B: 0.96, C: 0.93, D: 0.98, E: 0.99; P < 0.01). Furthermore, moderate and substantial Concordance Correlation Coefficients (CCC) were presented by all these parameters (0.99, 0.96, 0.92, 0.98, and 0.99, respectively). For stallion sperm, the correlation coefficients between the assays were also strong (A: 0.99, B: 0.98, C: 0.99, D: 0.99, E: 0.95; P < 0.01) and substantial CCC were observed for all of them (0.99, 0.97, 0.99, 0.99, and 0.90, respectively). For both species, the mean difference between the methods (d̅) did not overtake 0.84. The results confirmed that this 5-color panel could be successfully implemented for analyzing boar and stallion sperm quality in a single, practical and quick FC assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monike Quirino
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernau, Germany; Setor de Suínos, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Ulrike Jakop
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernau, Germany
| | | | | | - Markus Jung
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernau, Germany
| | - Martin Schulze
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernau, Germany.
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Gonzalez-Castro RA, Peña FJ, Herickhoff LA. Validation of a new multiparametric protocol to assess viability, acrosome integrity and mitochondrial activity in cooled and frozen thawed boar spermatozoa. CYTOMETRY. PART B, CLINICAL CYTOMETRY 2022; 102:400-408. [PMID: 35099118 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.b.22058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Motility, morphology, membrane integrity and DNA fragmentation are sperm characteristics routinely used to assess quality of boar spermatozoa. However, the evaluation of individual parameters has intrinsic restrictions in the estimation of potential fertility. Therefore, we aimed to validate a new multiparametric protocol to assess fertility potential through the evaluation of viability, acrosome integrity and mitochondrial activity within the same sperm population for cooled and frozen-thawed boar spermatozoa. METHOD Three multicolor protocols to assess viability, acrosome integrity and/or mitochondrial activity were compared for agreement containing two dyes (HM-panel; Hoechst 33342, MitoTracker™ Deep Red), three dyes (3-panel; SYBR®14, propidium iodide and lectin PNA-Alexa™ 647) or four dyes (4-panel; Hoechst 33342, lectin PNA-Alexa™ 488, propidium iodide and MitoTracker™ Deep Red). Cooled (n = 132) and frozen-thawed (n = 254) samples of boar spermatozoa were assessed by flow cytometry. RESULTS 4-Panel enabled the detection of several sperm subpopulations based on plasma membrane integrity, acrosome status and mitochondrial activity in cooled and frozen-thawed spermatozoa. No significant differences were observed between 3-panel and 4-panel for the percentage of live, live-acrosome intact, and dead-acrosome reacted spermatozoa. However, the percentage of acrosome-intact spermatozoa was significantly higher in cooled samples when stained by 3-panel than 4-panel. Percentages of sperm parameters between protocols were strongly correlated, and agreement analysis demonstrated that both assays resulted in similar values for both sperm sample type. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that a four-color protocol is a practical, simple and reliable procedure to simultaneously evaluate boar sperm viability, acrosome integrity and mitochondrial activity under clinical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul A Gonzalez-Castro
- Membrane Protective Technologies Inc., Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
- Deparment of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Fernando J Peña
- Department of Animal Medicine, Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
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12
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Gonzalez-Castro R, Porflidt C, Patton T, Goins D, Herickhoff L. Retrospective analysis of commercial heterospermic and homospermic cooled boar semen: effect of the season, sample type and shipping temperature on sperm quality. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 57:357-367. [PMID: 34958700 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
We retrospectively analyzed data from heterospermic and homospermic boar semen for motility and morphology during a 2-year period. Homospermic doses were also evaluated for viability, acrosome integrity, DNA fragmentation, osmolality and pH. Additionally, we investigated the effect of temperature upon arrival and the agreement between viability and motility as evaluating tool. We observed lower (p < 0.05) total motility (TM) and normal sperm morphology within summer and fall. Conversely, lower (p < 0.05) progressive motility (PM) was found at the beginning and end of each year. Viability and acrosome integrity were reduced (p < 0.05) in summer months but not exclusively, suggesting that samples could be compromised by transport temperature. Sperm DNA fragmentation was <6% with a small variation. Medium osmolality and pH slightly changed (p < 0.05). Sperm count was not source of variation on sperm parameters. Sample temperature upon arrival correlated to PM and VSL (p < 0.05). While motility was reduced <12°C (p < 0.05). Homospermic doses were less affected by season and arrival temperature, having better parameters (p < 0.05) than contemporaneous heterospermic samples but influenced by genetic line (p < 0.05). We found a high agreement between viable acrosome-intact sperm and TM, especially when TM was ≥80%. Our data verify the improvement of sperm quality during time as sperm count/dose does not affected quality, but season effect persists regardless of ejaculate selection at the stud. Homospermic exhibited better parameters than heterospermic doses, seemingly being more resilient to temperature variations, suggesting that selection for sperm quality within boars selected by growth traits can improve product quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul Gonzalez-Castro
- Membrane Protective Technologies Inc, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.,Colorado State University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Toni Patton
- Membrane Protective Technologies Inc, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Donna Goins
- Membrane Protective Technologies Inc, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Lisa Herickhoff
- Membrane Protective Technologies Inc, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
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13
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Torres MA, Pedrosa AC, Novais FJ, Alkmin DV, Cooper BR, Yasui GS, Fukumasu H, Machaty Z, de Andrade AFC. Metabolomic signature of spermatozoa established during holding time is responsible for differences in boar sperm freezability. Biol Reprod 2021; 106:213-226. [PMID: 34725678 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Holding at room temperature is the first step in most boar semen cryopreservation protocols. It is well accepted that a holding time (HT) of 24 h increases sperm cryotolerance. However, the effect of HT on ejaculates with different freezability is not entirely clear. The aim of this study was to understand how HT influences spermatic and seminal plasma metabolite profiles of boar ejaculates and how these possible changes affect freezability. Twenty-seven ejaculates were collected and extended to 1:1 (v: v) with BTS and split into two aliquots. The first aliquot was cryopreserved without holding time (0 h), and the second was held at 17°C for 24 h before cryopreservation. Spermatozoa and seminal plasma were collected by centrifugation at two times, before HT (0 h) and after HT (24 h), and subsequently frozen until metabolite extraction and UPLC-MS analysis. After thawing, the semen samples were evaluated for kinetics, membrane integrity, mitochondrial potential, membrane lipid peroxidation, and fluidity. The ejaculates were then allocated into two phenotypes (good ejaculate freezers [GEF] and poor ejaculate freezers [PEF]) based on the percent reduction in sperm quality (%RSQ) as determined by the difference in total motility and membrane integrity between raw and post-thaw samples cryopreserved after 24 h of HT. The metabolic profile of the seminal plasma did not seem to influence ejaculate freezability, but that of the spermatozoa were markedly different between GEF and PEF. We identified a number of metabolic markers in the sperm cells (including inosine, hypoxanthine, creatine, ADP, niacinamide, spermine, and 2-methylbutyrylcarnitine) that were directly related to the improvement of ejaculate freezability during HT; these were components of metabolic pathways associated with energy production. Furthermore, PEF showed an up-regulation in the arginine and proline as well as the glutathione metabolism pathways. These findings help to better understand the effect of holding time on boar sperm freezability and propose prospective metabolic markers that may predict freezability; this has implications in both basic and applied sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana A Torres
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Ana Carolina Pedrosa
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Francisco José Novais
- Multi-User Lab Centralized Functional Genomics Applied to Agriculture and Agri-energy, Department of Animal Science, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture- ESALQ-USP, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP Brazil
| | | | - Bruce R Cooper
- Bindley Bioscience Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - George S Yasui
- Laboratory of Biotechnology of Fishes (CEPTA/ICMBio), Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Heidge Fukumasu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Zoltan Machaty
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - André F C de Andrade
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
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14
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Pedrosa AC, Andrade Torres M, Vilela Alkmin D, Pinzon JEP, Kitamura Martins SMM, Coelho da Silveira J, Furugen Cesar de Andrade A. Spermatozoa and seminal plasma small extracellular vesicles miRNAs as biomarkers of boar semen cryotolerance. Theriogenology 2021; 174:60-72. [PMID: 34419697 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Freeze boar semen is still the biggest challenge for the swine industry due to the high cold shock sensitivity of boar sperm cells and the variance of post-thaw results among individuals and ejaculates from the same boar. To solve this problem, we investigate if miRNAs present in sperm cells and small extracellular vesicles (EVs) from seminal plasma of raw boar ejaculates can predict high-quality ejaculates after underwent the freeze-thaw process. For this, we obtained miRNAs samples of sperm cells and EVs from raw seminal plasma from 27 ejaculates before the cryopreservation process. Two groups with different freezability considering the analysis post-thaw of structure and sperm functionality were formed: High freezability (HF; n = 04) and low freezability (LF; n = 04). That done, we investigated the miRNAs profile of sperm cells and EVs from seminal plasma in both groups. Three miRNAs were differently abundant in LF ejaculates, being the ssc-miR-503 found in higher levels in sperm cells (P < 0.10). The ssc-miR-130a and ssc-miR-9 most abundant in EVs from seminal plasma (P < 0.10), in LF ejaculates. Through enrichment analysis, it was possible to verify that these miRNAs could be performing modifications in the development of male germ cells and in the production of energy to spermatozoa to maintain their viability and functionality. Therefore, we can demonstrate that ssc-miR-503, ssc-miR-130a, and ssc-miR-9 are related to low sperm cryotolerance in boars semen. So those miRNAs can be used as a biomarker to predict their low ability to tolerate the cryopreservation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Pedrosa
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariana Andrade Torres
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Jorge E P Pinzon
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Juliano Coelho da Silveira
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - André Furugen Cesar de Andrade
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.
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15
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Torres MA, Rigo VHB, Leal DF, Pavaneli APP, Muro BBD, de Agostini Losano JD, Kawai GKV, Collado MD, Perecin F, Nichi M, Martins SMMK, de Andrade AFC. The use of resveratrol decreases liquid-extend boar semen fertility, even in concentrations that do not alter semen quality. Res Vet Sci 2021; 136:360-368. [PMID: 33773392 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.03.011] [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: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In vitro and in vivo assays were conducted to investigate the effects of trans-resveratrol (RVT) on liquid-extended boar semen during 72 h of storage at 17 °C. Thirty-six ejaculates were collected from six boars, evaluated, and extended. RVT was then added at the indicated treatment concentration (0, 0.01, 0.1 or 1 mM), and the ejaculates were cooled to 17 °C and evaluated at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h. Samples were evaluated for sperm motility, kinetics, plasma and acrosome integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, anion superoxide levels, lipoperoxidation, and antioxidant enzyme activity. In the follow-up experiment, twenty-eight gilts were fixed-time inseminated with 0 or 0.01 mM RVT liquid-extended boar semen. After five days, they were slaughtered, and their reproductive tracts were recovered. The embryos were collected, and the pregnancy, fertility, and viable embryo rates were calculated. In the in vitro assays, total motility, plasma and acrosome membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, anion superoxide levels, and lipoperoxidation did not change at any of the evaluation times with the use of RVT up to 0.01 mM. RVT decreased SOD activity without changes in GPx. RVT used at 1 mM showed harmful effects for almost all evaluated parameters. For the in vivo assay, the same pregnancy and fertility rates were observed for both groups, while the viable embryo rate was three-fold lower in the 0.01 mM group than in the 0 mM group. The results showed a dichotomous effect of RVT; a low concentration was not harmful in vitro but was catastrophic for embryo viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Andrade Torres
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Victor Henrique Bittar Rigo
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Diego Feitosa Leal
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil.
| | - Ana Paula Pinoti Pavaneli
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil.
| | - Bruno Bracco Donatelli Muro
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil.
| | - João Diego de Agostini Losano
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil.
| | - Giulia Kiyomi Vechiato Kawai
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil.
| | - Maite Del Collado
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Felipe Perecin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil.
| | - Marcílio Nichi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil.
| | | | - André Furugen Cesar de Andrade
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil.
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16
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Raspa M, Putti S, Paoletti R, Barboni B, Ramal-Sanchez M, Lanuti P, Marchisio M, D'Atri M, Ortolani C, Papa S, Valbonetti L, Bernabo N, Scavizzi F. The impact of five years storage/biobanking at -80°C on mouse spermatozoa fertility, physiology, and function. Andrology 2021; 9:989-999. [PMID: 33427410 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously demonstrated how mouse spermatozoa can be efficiently stored for two years in a -80°C freezer, maintaining their ability to fertilize mouse eggs. OBJECTIVES The main objective here was to evaluate the effects of five years at -80°C compared to liquid nitrogen storage (LN2 , control condition) on mouse sperm viability, physiological parameters, and fertilization capacity. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three different strains were used: C57BL/6N, C57BL/6J and CD1. Flow cytometry experiments were performed to analyze sperm viability (SYBR-14 + Propidium Iodide +Hoechst33342), the intracellular calcium concentration (Fluo 3-AM), the membrane lipid disorder (Merocyanine 540), and the mitochondrial activity (MitoTracker Red) in live spermatozoa. The in vitro fertilization (IVF) was used to evaluate the sperm fertilizing ability. RESULTS Flow cytometry analysis showed that the percentage of live cells are reduced in B6N and B6J, but not in CD1 mice. However, in the live population no differences in terms of intracellular calcium concentration, membrane lipid disorder, and mitochondrial activity were reported when comparing both biobanking methods. Spermatozoa stored at -80°C for 5 years successfully fertilized the eggs and developed mouse embryo normally both in culture and in vivo, generating live pups with no differences compared to control samples stored in LN2 . DISCUSSION Long-term mouse sperm storage at -80°C (five years) could be considered an ideal alternative to the most common LN2 approach, giving economical and logistic advantages. Moreover, the precise information originated from the flow cytometry analysis stands up this technique as an optimal strategy to evaluate the sperm quality and ranking. CONCLUSION It is demonstrated here the possibility to store mouse spermatozoa for up to five years in a -80°C freezer with no significant differences compared to the storage in LN2 in terms of fertilizing ability, sperm viability, intracellular calcium concentration, membrane lipid disorder, and mitochondrial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Raspa
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (CNR-IBBC/EMMA/Infrafrontier/IMPC), National Research Council, Monterotondo Scalo (Rome, Italy
| | - Sabrina Putti
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (CNR-IBBC/EMMA/Infrafrontier/IMPC), National Research Council, Monterotondo Scalo (Rome, Italy
| | | | - Barbara Barboni
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Marina Ramal-Sanchez
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Paola Lanuti
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Center on Aging Sciences and Translational Medicine (CeSI-MeT, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Marco Marchisio
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Center on Aging Sciences and Translational Medicine (CeSI-MeT, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Mario D'Atri
- Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino PU, Italy.,Sharp Solutions Software, Udine, Italy
| | - Claudio Ortolani
- Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino PU, Italy.,Sharp Solutions Software, Udine, Italy
| | - Stefano Papa
- Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino PU, Italy
| | - Luca Valbonetti
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (CNR-IBBC/EMMA/Infrafrontier/IMPC), National Research Council, Monterotondo Scalo (Rome, Italy.,Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Nicola Bernabo
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (CNR-IBBC/EMMA/Infrafrontier/IMPC), National Research Council, Monterotondo Scalo (Rome, Italy.,Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Scavizzi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (CNR-IBBC/EMMA/Infrafrontier/IMPC), National Research Council, Monterotondo Scalo (Rome, Italy
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17
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Effects of different equilibration times at 5 °C on boar sperm cryotolerance. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 219:106547. [PMID: 32828392 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Equilibration time (ET) is the period during which sperm cells are in contact with cooling/freezing media components at a temperature of 5 °C, providing a proper osmotic balance between the intra- and extra-cellular milieu. The present study aimed to determine the ET (0, 2, and 4 h) that results in greater post-thaw sperm quality and functions. Based on the post-thaw sperm membrane integrity and motility ratios, 20 ejaculates collected from five boars were classified as having good (GFE, n = 5) or poor (PFE, n = 15) freezing capacity. Ratios of post-thaw sperm with intact plasma membrane and acrosome were similar between ET (0 h: 37.02 % ± 2.85 %; 2 h: 34.59 % ± 7.12 %; 4 h: 37.87 % ± 4.44 %) in GFE samples. In PFE, ratios of sperm with intact plasma membrane and acrosome at post-thaw were greater (P < 0.05) after an ET of 2 h than after an ET of 0 h (2 h: 26.16 % ± 1.54 % and 0 h: 16.74 % ± 1.59 %). Also, ratios of post-thaw sperm with relatively lesser membrane lipids disorder were greater (P < 0.05) after an ET of 2 h than for other ET in both GFE (2 h: 21.97 % ± 4.24 % and 0 h: 16.63 % ± 2.38 %) and PFE (2 h: 16.65 % ± 1.40 % and 0 h: 13.23 % ± 1.25 %) samples. In conclusion, an ET of 2 h results in greater sperm cryotolerance in both GFE and PFE samples, which suggests that modifying the freezing protocol lead to an increase post-thaw sperm function and survival.
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18
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F. Riesco M, Anel-Lopez L, Neila-Montero M, Palacin-Martinez C, Montes-Garrido R, Alvarez M, de Paz P, Anel L. ProAKAP4 as Novel Molecular Marker of Sperm Quality in Ram: An Integrative Study in Fresh, Cooled and Cryopreserved Sperm. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1046. [PMID: 32674525 PMCID: PMC7408074 DOI: 10.3390/biom10071046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To improve artificial insemination protocols in ovine species it is crucial to optimize sperm quality evaluation after preservation technologies. Emerging technologies based on novel biomolecules and related to redox balance and proteins involved in sperm motility such as ProAKAP4 could be successfully applied in ram sperm evaluation. In this work, a multiparametric analysis of fresh, cooled, and cryopreserved ram sperm was performed at different complexity levels. Samples were evaluated in terms of motility (total motility, progressive motility, and curvilinear velocity), viability, apoptosis, content of reactive oxygen species, oxidation‒reduction potential, and ProAKAP4 expression and concentration. As expected, cryopreserved samples showed a significant decrease of sperm quality (p < 0.05), evidencing different freezability classes among samples that were detected by ProAKAP4 analyses. However, in cooled sperm no differences were found concerning motility, viability, apoptosis, ROS content, and redox balance compared to fresh sperm that could explain the reported decrease in fertility rates. However, although the proportion of sperm ProAKAP4 positive-cells remained unaltered in cooled sperm compared to fresh control, the concentration of this protein significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in cooled samples. This altered protein level could contribute to the decrease in fertility rates of cooled samples detected by some authors. More importantly, ProAKAP4 can be established as a promising diagnostic parameter of sperm quality allowing us to optimize sperm conservation protocols and finally improve artificial insemination in ovine species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta F. Riesco
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (M.F.R.); (M.N.-M.); (C.P.-M.); (R.M.-G.); (M.A.); (P.d.P.); (L.A.)
- Cellular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Luis Anel-Lopez
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (M.F.R.); (M.N.-M.); (C.P.-M.); (R.M.-G.); (M.A.); (P.d.P.); (L.A.)
- Anatomy, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Marta Neila-Montero
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (M.F.R.); (M.N.-M.); (C.P.-M.); (R.M.-G.); (M.A.); (P.d.P.); (L.A.)
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Cristina Palacin-Martinez
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (M.F.R.); (M.N.-M.); (C.P.-M.); (R.M.-G.); (M.A.); (P.d.P.); (L.A.)
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Rafael Montes-Garrido
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (M.F.R.); (M.N.-M.); (C.P.-M.); (R.M.-G.); (M.A.); (P.d.P.); (L.A.)
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Mercedes Alvarez
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (M.F.R.); (M.N.-M.); (C.P.-M.); (R.M.-G.); (M.A.); (P.d.P.); (L.A.)
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Paulino de Paz
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (M.F.R.); (M.N.-M.); (C.P.-M.); (R.M.-G.); (M.A.); (P.d.P.); (L.A.)
- Cellular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Luis Anel
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (M.F.R.); (M.N.-M.); (C.P.-M.); (R.M.-G.); (M.A.); (P.d.P.); (L.A.)
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
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Abstract
In the quest for predicting fertility of an individual, enhancing semen handling, dilution and storage protocols, and understanding the impact of environment and, andrologists have changed their approaches to semen analysis. The technologies used today are fast developing and readily implemented in research. Semen is one of a few naturally occurring monocellular suspensions, so sperm function analysis by flow cytometry (FC) and utilization of fluorochromes is an ideal technique for high throughput, objective and accurate analysis. The complementary use of microscopical assessments by Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA), where sperm cell parameters can be objectively assessed is equally important. The objectivity and repeatability of these techniques have driven research on the function, identification of heterogeneity and fertility of the ejaculate. The wealth of knowledge obtained from the application of these powerful methods has changed our view of the spermatozoon. Although there is some application of these methods in the industry producing boar semen for artificial insemination (AI) and to eliminate sires of sub-standard semen quality, uptake of advanced methods is still slow. Instruments are becoming cheaper and technically more user friendly. Standardization of methodology and optimization of instrument settings is important for full implementation of these systems, including comparison between labs. This review provides an update on two technologies: flow cytometry and CASA for objective analysis of boar semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nana Satake
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia
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20
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Abstract
Artificial insemination (AI) is widely used for livestock breeding. Although sperm cryopreservation is the most efficient method for long-term storage, its use for porcine AI is marginal, because of its dramatic impact on sperm quality. While the removal of seminal plasma is a routine practice prior to porcine sperm cryopreservation, its beneficial role on sperm function has not been investigated in as much detail. In this context and despite seminal plasma being regarded as a mere vehicle of sperm, mounting evidence indicates that it could be positive for porcine sperm fertility. In effect, not only is seminal plasma able to interact with the female reproductive tract after mounting/insemination, but it has been demonstrated it modulates sperm function. For this reason, the composition of this fluid and its proteome have begun to be investigated in order to elucidate whether its components play any role in sperm function, fertility and cryotolerance. Previous research has demonstrated that seminal plasma may maintain the quality and fertilizing ability of frozen-thawed boar spermatozoa when added before or after cryopreservation. However, a large variety of results have been reported with both beneficial and detrimental effects, including studies in which no influence has been observed. This review examines the composition of porcine seminal plasma and summarizes the available published studies regarding seminal plasma supplementation to spermatozoa before or after freeze-thawing. The take-home message of this article is that clearing up the role of seminal plasma in sperm cryotolerance may increase the reproductive performance of frozen-thawed boar spermatozoa.
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The ideal holding time for boar semen is 24 h at 17 °C prior to short-cryopreservation protocols. Cryobiology 2019; 86:58-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2018.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Pezo F, Romero F, Zambrano F, Sánchez RS. Preservation of boar semen: An update. Reprod Domest Anim 2019; 54:423-434. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.13389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Pezo
- Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Molecular Endocrinology Center of Translational Medicine—Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT‐BIOREN) Temuco Chile
| | - Fernando Romero
- Laboratory of Neurosciences and Peptides Center for Biotechnology in Reproduction—Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEBIOR‐BIOREN) Temuco Chile
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Universidad de La Frontera Temuco Chile
| | - Fabiola Zambrano
- Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Molecular Endocrinology Center of Translational Medicine—Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT‐BIOREN) Temuco Chile
- Laboratory of Neurosciences and Peptides Center for Biotechnology in Reproduction—Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEBIOR‐BIOREN) Temuco Chile
| | - Raúl Segundo Sánchez
- Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Molecular Endocrinology Center of Translational Medicine—Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT‐BIOREN) Temuco Chile
- Laboratory of Neurosciences and Peptides Center for Biotechnology in Reproduction—Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEBIOR‐BIOREN) Temuco Chile
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Cavalleri R, Becker JS, Pavan AM, Bianchetti P, Goettert MI, Ethur EM, Bustamante-Filho IC. Essential oils rich in monoterpenes are unsuitable as additives to boar semen extender. Andrologia 2018; 50:e13074. [PMID: 29938819 DOI: 10.1111/and.13074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the development of efficient boar semen extenders, there is still room for improvement of new formulas using new molecules that could increase fertilisation outcomes and substitute cryoprotectants and antibiotics. The goal of this work was to evaluate if the essential oils from the leaves of Myrrhinium atropurpureum and Cymbopogon citratus are suitable as additives in boar semen extender. The major compounds found in the essential oils from M. atropurpureum were 1,8-cineole (37.37%) and terpinolene (19.18%); and geranial (49.8%) and neral (33.24%) in essential oil of C. citratus. The addition of 1% and 0.1% of both essential oils to extended semen had immediate spermicidal effects (p < 0.05). Lower concentrations were tested and no cytotoxic effect was observed when M. atropurpureum essential oil was added at 0.001%. Differently, essential oil from C. citratus reduced sperm motility, membrane functionality and integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential even in concentrations as low as 0.001%. Also, addition of essential oils in low concentrations had no inhibitory effect against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa growth. We conclude that the essential oils from C. citratus and M. atropurpureum, rich in monoterpenes, are cytotoxic to swine spermatozoa, therefore unsuitable as semen extender additives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosana Cavalleri
- Núcleo de Estudo e Pesquisa de Plantas e Produtos Naturais, Universidade do Vale do Taquari - Univates, Lajeado, Brazil
| | - Júlia Sartori Becker
- Núcleo de Estudo e Pesquisa de Plantas e Produtos Naturais, Universidade do Vale do Taquari - Univates, Lajeado, Brazil
| | - Aline Marjana Pavan
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Universidade do Vale do Taquari - Univates, Lajeado, Brazil
| | - Paula Bianchetti
- Núcleo de Estudo e Pesquisa de Plantas e Produtos Naturais, Universidade do Vale do Taquari - Univates, Lajeado, Brazil
| | - Márcia Inês Goettert
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Universidade do Vale do Taquari - Univates, Lajeado, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Miranda Ethur
- Núcleo de Estudo e Pesquisa de Plantas e Produtos Naturais, Universidade do Vale do Taquari - Univates, Lajeado, Brazil
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Luplertlop N, Suwanmanee S, Ampawong S, Vongpunsawad S, Poovorawan Y. In vitro study of Zika virus infection in boar semen. Arch Virol 2017; 162:3209-3213. [PMID: 28669037 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-017-3453-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is an important arbovirus that is capable of directly infecting neuronal cells. Infection can cause microcephaly in fetuses and Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults. Recent epidemiological studies have shown that ZIKV is sexually transmitted, especially from infected males to uninfected females. This study aimed to investigate the transmission pattern of ZIKV in semen using boar semen. Experiments were performed ex vivo using semen from healthy boar. The samples were infected with ZIKV, and viral RNA was detected and cell morphology was examined at different time points postinfection. ZIKV infection was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Viral RNA levels were found to markedly decrease as the time postinfection increased, without any evidence of virus replication. The sperm showed no significant changes in morphology. Transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of virus-free sperm, suggesting that ZIKV cannot replicate in boar semen. We suggest three possible reasons underlying this phenomenon. First, the spermatozoa of boar might not be the target of ZIKV associated with sexual transmission. Second, the effect of the external environment on spermatozoa may affect ZIKV replication. Third, ZIKV may not be tropic for spermatozoa. This ex vivo study might be used as a platform to study the association of sexual transmission with ZIKV in other longer-lasting cells, such as Leydig or Sertoli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natthanej Luplertlop
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - San Suwanmanee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sumate Ampawong
- Department of Tropical Pathology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sompong Vongpunsawad
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yong Poovorawan
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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