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Yotov S, Abadjieva D, Atanasov A, Ivanova B, Taushanova P, Fasulkov I, Kistanova E. In vitro characteristics of X- and Y-bearing ram spermatozoa sorted by bovine serum albumin (BSA) column and TLR7/8 ligand R848. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 263:107450. [PMID: 38461673 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107450] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
The quality of the separated fractions in sex-sorted semen is very important for the success of the artificial insemination. This study aimed to evaluate some in vitro characteristics (DNA quantity, kinematic parameters and enzymes activity) of X- and Y-bearing ram spermatozoa sorted by bovine serum albumin (BSA) column and toll-like receptors (TLR)7/8 ligand R848. The ejaculates from six rams were collected by artificial vagina and subjected to a computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA). Total motility and percentage of the sperms with rapid and medium progressivity or non-progressivity in whole ejaculates and in X and Y fractions were analyzed. Activity of the enzymes ALP, GGT, CK, LDH and accumulation of lactate in the seminal plasma of ejaculates and in the environmental fluid of sexed spermatozoa were measured by biochemical analyzer. DNA was isolated from precipitated spermatozoa, and its quantity was measured. For both protocols the DNA mass from X-bearing fractions was higher, than from Y-bearing fractions. The high total motility of X- and Y-bearing spermatozoa as well as greater percent sperms with progressive motility were observed after use of BSA protocol. The application of TLR7/8 ligand R848 protocol led to reducing of Y-sperm motility and enhancement of non-progressivity in both fractions, which corresponded to the determined high amount of the extracellular lactate. For both methods, the significantly reduced activity of enzymes in the X and Y spermatozoa environmental fluids was established. Both protocols produce X- and Y-sperm fractions with satisfactory quality (over 80% total motility and over 50% rapid and medium progressive spermatozoa in each fraction).
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanimir Yotov
- Department of Obstetrics, Reproduction and Reproductive Disorders, Trakia University, Stara Zagora 6000, Bulgaria
| | - Desislava Abadjieva
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria
| | - Anatoli Atanasov
- Department of Obstetrics, Reproduction and Reproductive Disorders, Trakia University, Stara Zagora 6000, Bulgaria
| | - Boyana Ivanova
- Department of Obstetrics, Reproduction and Reproductive Disorders, Trakia University, Stara Zagora 6000, Bulgaria
| | - Paulina Taushanova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria
| | - Ivan Fasulkov
- Department of Obstetrics, Reproduction and Reproductive Disorders, Trakia University, Stara Zagora 6000, Bulgaria
| | - Elena Kistanova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria.
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2
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Ješeta M, Pospíšilová A, Mekiňová L, Franzová K, Ventruba P, Lousová E, Kempisty B, Oždian T, Žáková J, Crha I. Non-Invasive Diagnostics of Male Spermatogenesis from Seminal Plasma: Seminal Proteins. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2468. [PMID: 37568830 PMCID: PMC10417070 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13152468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The compounds of seminal plasma have great potential as biomarkers of male fertility and can be used as a diagnostic tool for types of azoospermia. Azoospermia occurs in approximately 1% of the male population, and for an effective therapy of this form of male infertility, it is important to distinguish between obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia. Proteins in seminal plasma can serve as biomarkers for diagnosing azoospermia. Considering the various types of obstructions, a combination of multiple proteins is advisable for diagnostic purposes. In this context, testicular and epididymal proteins are particularly significant, as they are specific to these tissues and typically absent in ejaculate during most obstructions. A combination of multiple biomarkers is more effective than the analysis of a single protein. This group of markers contains TEX101 and ECM1 proteins, combined detections of these two bring a diagnostic output with a high sensitivity and specificity. Similar results were observed for combined detection of TEX101 and SPAG1. The effective using of specific biomarkers from seminal plasma can significantly improve the existing approaches to diagnosis of the causes of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Ješeta
- Center of Assisted Reproduction, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Masaryk University Brno and University Hospital Brno, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; (L.M.); (K.F.); (P.V.); (E.L.); (J.Ž.); (I.C.)
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, 16500 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Pospíšilová
- Department of Animal Physiology & Immunology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 60200 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Lenka Mekiňová
- Center of Assisted Reproduction, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Masaryk University Brno and University Hospital Brno, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; (L.M.); (K.F.); (P.V.); (E.L.); (J.Ž.); (I.C.)
| | - Kateřina Franzová
- Center of Assisted Reproduction, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Masaryk University Brno and University Hospital Brno, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; (L.M.); (K.F.); (P.V.); (E.L.); (J.Ž.); (I.C.)
| | - Pavel Ventruba
- Center of Assisted Reproduction, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Masaryk University Brno and University Hospital Brno, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; (L.M.); (K.F.); (P.V.); (E.L.); (J.Ž.); (I.C.)
| | - Eva Lousová
- Center of Assisted Reproduction, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Masaryk University Brno and University Hospital Brno, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; (L.M.); (K.F.); (P.V.); (E.L.); (J.Ž.); (I.C.)
| | - Bartosz Kempisty
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland;
- Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Division of Anatomy, Wrocław Medical University, 50-368 Wrocław, Poland
- Physiology Graduate Faculty, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Tomáš Oždian
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Hněvotínská 5, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic;
| | - Jana Žáková
- Center of Assisted Reproduction, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Masaryk University Brno and University Hospital Brno, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; (L.M.); (K.F.); (P.V.); (E.L.); (J.Ž.); (I.C.)
| | - Igor Crha
- Center of Assisted Reproduction, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Masaryk University Brno and University Hospital Brno, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; (L.M.); (K.F.); (P.V.); (E.L.); (J.Ž.); (I.C.)
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
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3
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Khnissi S, Bomboi G, Khémiri I, Salem IB, Dattena M, Sai S, Mustapha SB, Cabiddu A, Lassoued N. Incorporation of fresh leaves of wormwood (
Artemisia herba alba
) and/or rosemary (
Rosmarinus officinalis
) in the diet of rams: Effect on testicular function, sexual behavior, and blood parameters. Food Sci Nutr 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.3293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
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4
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dos Reis RA, Santos Torres RDN, Ribeiro IM, Torres CAA, de Freitas BW. Coconut water-based extender for seminal preservation in small ruminants: a meta-analysis study. Small Rumin Res 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2023.106915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Turunen T, Magris M, Malinen M, Kekäläinen J. Seminal-Plasma-Mediated Effects on Sperm Performance in Humans. Cells 2022; 11:cells11142147. [PMID: 35883590 PMCID: PMC9322865 DOI: 10.3390/cells11142147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Seminal plasma (SP) plays a crucial role in reproduction and contains a large number of proteins, many of which may potentially modify sperm functionality. To evaluate the effects of SP identity and its protein composition on human sperm function, we treated the sperm of several males with either their own or multiple foreign SPs in all possible sperm–SP combinations (full-factorial design). Then we recorded sperm motility and viability in these combinations and investigated whether the sperm performance is dependent on sperm and SP identity (or their interaction). Finally, we studied whether the above-mentioned sperm traits are affected by the abundance of three SP proteins, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4), neutral endopeptidase (NEP), and aminopeptidase N (APN). The identity of the SP donor affected sperm swimming velocity, viability, and the proportion of hyperactivated sperm, but males’ own SP was not consistently more beneficial for sperm than foreign SPs. Furthermore, we show that sperm performance is also partly affected by the interaction between sperm and SP donor. Finally, we found that DPP4 and NEP levels in SP were positively associated with sperm swimming velocity and hyperactivation. Taken together, our results highlight the importance of seminal plasma as a potential source of biomarkers for diagnostics and therapeutic interventions for male-derived infertility.
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Abril-Parreño L, Meade KG, Krogenæs AK, Druart X, Cormican P, Fair S. Ewe breed differences in the cervical transcriptome at the follicular phase of a synchronised oestrous cycle. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:363. [PMID: 35546662 PMCID: PMC9097332 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08603-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cervical artificial insemination (AI) with frozen-thawed semen results in unacceptably low pregnancy rates internationally. The exception is in Norway, where vaginal deposition of frozen-thawed semen to a natural oestrous routinely yields pregnancy rates in excess of 70%. Previous studies by our group has demonstrated that this is due to differences in cervical sperm transport. However, a potentially important contributory factor is that ewes are inseminated to a natural oestrous in Norway but to a synchronised oestrous across most of the rest of the world. In this study, we interrogated the gene expression of the sheep cervix of four ewe breeds with known differences in pregnancy rates following cervical AI using frozen-thawed semen under the effect of exogenous hormones to synchronise the oestrous cycle. These four ewe breeds (n = 8 to 11 ewes per breed) are from two countries: Ireland (Belclare and Suffolk; medium and low fertility, respectively) and Norway (Norwegian White Sheep (NWS) and Fur; both with high fertility compared to the Irish ewe breeds). Results RNA extracted from cervical biopsies collected from these breeds was analysed by RNA-sequencing and differential gene expression analysis. Using the low-fertility Suffolk breed as a reference level; 27, 1827 and 2641 genes were differentially expressed in Belclare, Fur and NWS ewes, respectively (P < 0.05 and FC > 1.5). Gene ontology (GO) analysis revealed that Fur and NWS had an up-regulation of enriched pathways involved in muscle contraction and development compared to Suffolk. However, there was a down-regulation of the immune response pathway in NWS compared to Suffolk. In addition, GO analysis showed similar expression patterns involved in muscle contraction, extracellular matrix (ECM) development and cell-cell junction in both Norwegian ewe breeds, which differed to the Irish ewe breeds. Conclusions This novel study has identified a number of conserved and breed-specific biological processes under the effect of oestrous synchronisation that may impact cervical sperm transport during the follicular phase of the reproductive cycle. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08603-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Abril-Parreño
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Kieran G Meade
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | | | - Xavier Druart
- UMR 6175 INRA, CNRS-Université de Tours-Haras Nationaux, Station de Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Nouzilly, France
| | - Paul Cormican
- Animal & Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Co, Meath, Ireland
| | - Sean Fair
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
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7
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Pool KR, Chazal F, Smith JT, Blache D. Estrogenic Pastures: A Source of Endocrine Disruption in Sheep Reproduction. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:880861. [PMID: 35574027 PMCID: PMC9097266 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.880861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Phytoestrogens can impact on reproductive health due to their structural similarity to estradiol. Initially identified in sheep consuming estrogenic pasture, phytoestrogens are known to influence reproductive capacity in numerous species. Estrogenic pastures continue to persist in sheep production systems, yet there has been little headway in our understanding of the underlying mechanisms that link phytoestrogens with compromised reproduction in sheep. Here we review the known and postulated actions of phytoestrogens on reproduction, with particular focus on competitive binding with nuclear and non-nuclear estrogen receptors, modifications to the epigenome, and the downstream impacts on normal physiological function. The review examines the evidence that phytoestrogens cause reproductive dysfunction in both the sexes, and that outcomes depend on the developmental period when an individual is exposed to phytoestrogen.
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8
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Jia B, Liang J, Lv C, Memon S, Fang Y, Wu G, Quan G. The characteristics of proteome and metabolome associated with contrasting sperm motility in goat seminal plasma. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15562. [PMID: 34330982 PMCID: PMC8324791 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95138-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm motility is an index tightly associated with male fertility. A close relationship between seminal plasma and sperm motility has been confirmed. This study was to assess the protein and metabolite profiles of seminal plasma obtained from adult goats with high or low sperm motility using the proteomic and metabolomic strategies. In total, 2098 proteins were found. 449 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) were identified, and 175 DAPs were enriched in the high motility group. The obtained DAPs primarily exist in cytoplasma and extra-cellular portion. The Gene Ontology enrichment analysis demonstrated the main functional roles of these DAPs in regulating biological process, metabolic process of organic substances, cellular-metabolic process, primary-metabolic process, metabolic process of nitrogen compounds, etc. Additionally, the Kyoto-Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed that these DAPs were primarily involved in phosphatidylinositol signaling system, salivary secretion, proteasome, apoptosis, mitophagy-animal, etc. Aided by the parallel reaction monitoring technology, the abundance changing pattern of 19 selected DAPs was consistent with that of the corresponding proteins obtained by TMT. A total of 4603 metabolites were identified in seminal plasma. 1857 differential metabolites were found between the high motility group and the low motility group, and 999 metabolites were up-regulated in the high motility group. The KEGG analysis demonstrated the primary involvement of the differential metabolites in metabolic and synthetic activities. In conclusion, we first established the proteome and metabolome databank of goat seminal plasma, detecting some proteins and metabolites which may affect sperm motility. This study will be valuable for understanding mechanisms leading to poor sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoyu Jia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Jiachong Liang
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Jindian, Panlong County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China
- Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Jindian, Panlong County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Chunrong Lv
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Jindian, Panlong County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China
- Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Jindian, Panlong County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Sameeullah Memon
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Jindian, Panlong County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Yi Fang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Grassland Farming, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agoecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun City, Jilin Province, China
| | - Guoquan Wu
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Jindian, Panlong County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China.
- Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Jindian, Panlong County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China.
| | - Guobo Quan
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Jindian, Panlong County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China.
- Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Jindian, Panlong County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China.
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9
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Mateo-Otero Y, Viñolas-Vergés E, Llavanera M, Ribas-Maynou J, Roca J, Yeste M, Barranco I. Aldose Reductase B1 in Pig Seminal Plasma: Identification, Localization in Reproductive Tissues, and Relationship With Quality and Sperm Preservation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:683199. [PMID: 34169077 PMCID: PMC8217816 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.683199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Aldose reductase B1 (AKR1B1), a NADPH-dependent enzyme that belongs to the aldo-keto reductase protein superfamily, has been reported to be involved in both male and female reproductive physiology. The objectives of this study were: (1) to evaluate the concentration of SP-AKR1B1 in pig ejaculate fractions; (2) to describe the immunohistochemical localization of AKR1B1 alongside the boar genital tract; (3) to evaluate the relationship between SP-AKR1B1 and sperm quality/functionality parameters. Ejaculates from seven boars (one ejaculate per boar) were collected in separate portions [the first 10 mL of the sperm rich fraction (SRF-P1), the rest of the SRF (SRF-P2), and the post-SRF (PSRF)], and the concentration of SP-AKR1B1 was assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting targeting was conducted in the reproductive tissues of these boars. Additionally, the entire ejaculates of 14 boars (one ejaculate per boar) were collected and split into three separate aliquots for: (i) SP-AKR1B1 quantification; (ii) assessment of sperm concentration and morphology; and (iii) evaluation of sperm quality and functionality parameters upon ejaculate collection (0 h) and after 72 h of liquid storage at 17°C. Concentration of AKR1B1 in the SP of SRF-P1 (458.2 ± 116.33 ng/mL) was lower (P < 0.05) than that of SRF-P2 (1105.0 ± 229.80 ng/mL) and PSRF (1342.4 ± 260.18 ng/mL). Monomeric and dimeric AKR1B1 forms were expressed alongside the reproductive tissues, except in the bulbourethral glands. No relationship between SP-AKR1B1 and sperm quality/functionality parameters was observed either at 0 h or after 72 h of storage at 17°C. In conclusion, AKR1B1 is expressed in the reproductive organs of boars (except bulbourethral glands) and a higher concentration is found in the PSRF suggesting that seminal vesicles would be the main secretory source. However, this enzyme does not appear to be related to sperm quality/functionality or to the sperm ability to withstand liquid storage at 17°C.
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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, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Estel Viñolas-Vergés
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Llavanera
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Isabel Barranco
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Rodriguez-Martinez H, Martinez EA, Calvete JJ, Peña Vega FJ, Roca J. Seminal Plasma: Relevant for Fertility? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094368. [PMID: 33922047 PMCID: PMC8122421 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Seminal plasma (SP), the non-cellular component of semen, is a heterogeneous composite fluid built by secretions of the testis, the epididymis and the accessory sexual glands. Its composition, despite species-specific anatomical peculiarities, consistently contains inorganic ions, specific hormones, proteins and peptides, including cytokines and enzymes, cholesterol, DNA and RNA-the latter often protected within epididymis- or prostate-derived extracellular vesicles. It is beyond question that the SP participates in diverse aspects of sperm function pre-fertilization events. The SP also interacts with the various compartments of the tubular genital tract, triggering changes in gene function that prepares for an eventual successful pregnancy; thus, it ultimately modulates fertility. Despite these concepts, it is imperative to remember that SP-free spermatozoa (epididymal or washed ejaculated) are still fertile, so this review shall focus on the differences between the in vivo roles of the SP following semen deposition in the female and those regarding additions of SP on spermatozoa handled for artificial reproduction, including cryopreservation, from artificial insemination to in vitro fertilization. This review attempts, including our own results on model animal species, to critically summarize the current knowledge of the reproductive roles played by SP components, particularly in our own species, which is increasingly affected by infertility. The ultimate goal is to reconcile the delicate balance between the SP molecular concentration and their concerted effects after temporal exposure in vivo. We aim to appraise the functions of the SP components, their relevance as diagnostic biomarkers and their value as eventual additives to refine reproductive strategies, including biotechnologies, in livestock models and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185 Linköping, Sweden
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-132-869-25
| | - Emilio A. Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (E.A.M.); (J.R.)
| | - Juan J. Calvete
- Laboratorio de Venómica Estructural y Funcional, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, C.S.I.C., 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Fernando J. Peña Vega
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, 10003 Caceres, Spain;
| | - 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, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (E.A.M.); (J.R.)
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11
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Martínez-Fresneda L, Sylvester M, Shakeri F, Bunes A, Del Pozo JC, García-Vázquez FA, Neuhoff C, Tesfaye D, Schellander K, Santiago-Moreno J. Differential proteome between ejaculate and epididymal sperm represents a key factor for sperm freezability in wild small ruminants. Cryobiology 2021; 99:64-77. [PMID: 33485896 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2021.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Epididymal sperm shows higher cryoresistance than ejaculated sperm. Although the sperm proteome seems to affect cell cryoresistance, studies aiming at identifying proteins involved in sperm freezing-tolerance are scarce. The aims of this study were to investigate differences of sperm freezability and proteome between epididymal and ejaculated sperm in three mountain ungulates: Iberian ibex, Mouflon and Chamois. Sperm samples were cryopreserved in straws by slow freezing. Tandem mass tag-labeled peptides from sperm samples were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer in three technical replicates. The statistical analysis was done using the moderated t-test of the R package limma. Differences of freezability between both types of sperm were associated with differences of the proteome. Overall, epididymal sperm showed higher freezability than ejaculated sperm. Between 1490 and 1883 proteins were quantified in each species and type of sperm sample. Cross species comparisons revealed a total of 76 proteins that were more abundant in epididymal than in ejaculated sperm in the three species of study whereas 3 proteins were more abundant in ejaculated than epididymal sperm in the three species of study (adjusted P < 0.05; |log2| fold-change > 0.5). Many of the proteins that were associated with higher cryoresistance are involved in stress response and redox homeostasis. In conclusion, marked changes of sperm proteome were detected between epididymal and ejaculated sperm. This work contributes to update the sperm proteome of small ruminants and to identify candidate markers of sperm freezability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Martínez-Fresneda
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Spanish National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Avda Puerta de Hierro km 5.9, 28040, Madrid, Spain; Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Institute of Animal Science, Endenicher Allee 15, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Marc Sylvester
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Nussallee 11, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Farhad Shakeri
- Institute for Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany; Institute for Genomic Statistics and Bioinformatics, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Andreas Bunes
- Institute for Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany; Institute for Genomic Statistics and Bioinformatics, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Juan C Del Pozo
- Centre for Biotechnology and Plant Genomic, Polytechnic University of Madrid-National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (UPM-INIA), Autopista M-40 Km 38, 28223, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco A García-Vázquez
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Christiane Neuhoff
- Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Institute of Animal Science, Endenicher Allee 15, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dawit Tesfaye
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Colorado State University, 3105 Rampart Rd, 80521, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Karl Schellander
- Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Institute of Animal Science, Endenicher Allee 15, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Julian Santiago-Moreno
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Spanish National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Avda Puerta de Hierro km 5.9, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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12
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Influence of Season and Liquid Storage at 16 °C on Beni Arouss Bucks' Semen Quality. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10111986. [PMID: 33137921 PMCID: PMC7692028 DOI: 10.3390/ani10111986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Goat production plays an important economic and social role in Northern Moroccan farming. Beni Arouss is an autochthonous North Moroccan goat breed. The use of artificial insemination can largely contribute to optimised preservation and dissemination of valuable traits of this breed and lead to improved productivity. During liquid storage, the stability of semen good quality remains crucial in order to provide greater flexibility between the artificial insemination center and farms where the insemination of does needs to be performed. The study aims to assess the effect of storage and season of the year on fresh semen of Beni Arouss goats. Every month, ejaculates were collected from bucks and were extended and stored at 16 °C for 24 h. Semen motility, viability and normal morphology were assessed at 0, 4, 8 and 24 h after collection. As expected, these parameters showed a significant reduction within 24 h of storage and during all seasons. However, semen collected in summer maintained a better quality after 24 h of storage at 16 °C than semen collected during the other periods. Therefore, the storage ability of Beni Arouss bucks’ semen stored at 16 °C was higher during the summer. Abstract The study aimed at determining the effect of storage and season on fresh semen of Beni Arouss goats. Ejaculates were collected at monthly intervals from seven mature bucks and were extended at a final concentration of 800 × 106 spermatozoa. ml-1 and stored at 16 °C for 24 h. Semen motility, viability and normal morphology were assessed at 0, 4, 8 and 24 h after collection. Motility and normal morphology parameters were recorded using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and viability was analyzed using eosin–nigrosin staining. As expected, motility, viability and normal morphology parameters showed a significant reduction within 24 h of storage and during all seasons (p < 0.05). However, semen collected in summer maintained a better quality after 24 h of storage at 16 °C than semen collected during the other periods (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the storage ability of Beni Arouss bucks’ semen stored at 16 °C was significantly higher during the summer.
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van Tilburg M, Sousa S, Lobo MDP, Monteiro-Azevedo ACOM, Azevedo RA, Araújo AA, Moura AA. Mapping the major proteome of reproductive fluids and sperm membranes of rams: From the cauda epididymis to ejaculation. Theriogenology 2020; 159:98-107. [PMID: 33126182 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The present study evaluated the major proteome of ram seminal plasma and the main secretions that contribute to its formation, such as the cauda epididymal and accessory sex gland fluids. The study also investigated sperm membrane protein profiles before and after ejaculation. First, semen was collected from six rams (using artificial vagina) to obtain seminal plasma and ejaculated sperm. Then, rams were vasectomized for collection of accessory sex gland fluid (using artificial vagina). Next, rams were slaughtered and cauda epididymal fluid (CEF), seminal vesicle fluid, bulbourethral gland fluid and cauda epididymal sperm were properly collected. Proteins from reproductive fluids and sperm membranes were analyzed by 2-D SDS-PAGE, tandem mass spectrometry and bioinformatics. There we 386 proteins and 256 isoforms identified in all samples. The most abundant seminal plasma proteins were BSP1, BSP5 and spermadhesins (bodhesin-2 and spermadhesin Z13-like). These proteins were present in similar patterns in maps of accessory sexgland fluid, with very low quantities in the CEF and absent in the bulbourethral gland secretion. Thus, practically all BSPs and spermadhesins come from seminal vesicles. Bulbourethral gland fluid brought bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein-containing Family A member 1 isoforms, superoxide dismutase [Cu-Zn] and betamicroseminoprotein to seminal plasma. CEF was the major provider of clusterin, epididymal-specific lipocalin-5-like isoform, epididymal secretory gluthathione peroxidase, epididymal secretory protein E1 and prostaglandin-H2 D-isomerase to seminal plasma. Albumin came from all reproductive fluids. BSPs and spermadhesins were present in 2-D maps of ejaculated sperm but absent in cauda epididymal sperm. These proteins come from the seminal vesicles and bind to sperm at the moment of ejaculation. Other proteins of ejaculated and epididymal sperm membranes were mostly associated to energy production, cell adhesion and proteolytic activity (ATP synthases, disintegrin, metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 32, carboxypeptidase Q and cytosol aminopeptidase). In conclusion, there is a well-orchestrated sequence of events to form the major seminal plasma proteome, with specific contributions from cauda epididymis, seminal vesicles and bulbourethral glands. The present data contribute to a better understanding of male reproductive biology and how sperm functions are affected by the noncellularmicro environment of semen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio van Tilburg
- Department of Animal Sciences, Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid, Mossoró, Brazil
| | - Solange Sousa
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Marina D P Lobo
- Experimental Biology Centre (NUBEX), University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | | | - Renato A Azevedo
- Experimental Biology Centre (NUBEX), University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Airton A Araújo
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil; The School of Veterinary Medicine, Ceará State University, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Arlindo A Moura
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil.
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14
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Bubenickova F, Postlerova P, Simonik O, Sirohi J, Sichtar J. Effect of Seminal Plasma Protein Fractions on Stallion Sperm Cryopreservation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6415. [PMID: 32899253 PMCID: PMC7504567 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminal plasma (SP) is the natural environment for spermatozoa and contains a number of components, especially proteins important for successful sperm maturation and fertilization. Nevertheless, in standard frozen stallion insemination doses production, SP is completely removed and is replaced by a semen extender. In the present study, we analyzed the effects of the selected seminal plasma protein groups that might play an important role in reducing the detrimental effects on spermatozoa during the cryopreservation process. SP proteins were separated according to their ability to bind to heparin into heparin-binding (Hep+) and heparin-non-binding (Hep-) fractions. The addition of three concentrations-125, 250, and 500 µg/mL-of each protein fraction was tested. After thawing, the following parameters were assessed: sperm motility (by CASA), plasma membrane integrity (PI staining), and acrosomal membrane integrity (PNA staining) using flow cytometry, and capacitation status (anti-phosphotyrosine antibody) using imaging-based flow cytometry. Our results showed that SP protein fractions had a significant effect on the kinematic parameters of spermatozoa and on a proportion of their subpopulations. The 125 µg/mL of Hep+ protein fraction resulted in increased linearity (LIN) and straightness (STR), moreover, with the highest values of sperm velocities (VAP, VSL), also this group contained the highest proportion of the fast sperm subpopulation. In contrast, the highest percentage of slow subpopulation was in the groups with 500 µg/mL of Hep+ fraction and 250 µg/mL of Hep- fraction. Interestingly, acrosomal membrane integrity was also highest in the groups with Hep+ fraction in concentrations of 125 µg/mL. Our results showed that the addition of protein fractions did not significantly affect the plasma membrane integrity and capacitation status of stallion spermatozoa. Moreover, our results confirmed that the effect of SP proteins on the sperm functionality is concentration-dependent, as has been reported for other species. Our study significantly contributes to the lack of studies dealing with possible use of specific stallion SP fractions in the complex puzzle of the improvement of cryopreservation protocols. It is clear that improvement in this field still needs more outputs from future studies, which should be focused on the effect of individual SP proteins on other sperm functional parameters with further implication on the success of artificial insemination in in vivo conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Bubenickova
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (F.B.); (P.P.); (J.S.)
| | - Pavla Postlerova
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (F.B.); (P.P.); (J.S.)
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Simonik
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (F.B.); (P.P.); (J.S.)
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Sirohi
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Economics and Management, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Jiri Sichtar
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (F.B.); (P.P.); (J.S.)
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15
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Long JA. The ‘omics’ revolution: Use of genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic tools to predict male reproductive traits that impact fertility in livestock and poultry. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 220:106354. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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16
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Martínez-Fresneda L, O'Brien E, López Sebastián A, Velázquez R, Toledano-Díaz A, Tesfaye D, Schellander K, García-Vázquez FA, Santiago-Moreno J. In vitro supplementation of testosterone or prolactin affects spermatozoa freezability in small ruminants. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2020; 72:106372. [PMID: 31431310 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2019.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In small ruminants, testosterone and prolactin plasma concentrations show circannual fluctuations as an adaptation mechanism to their seasonal breeding behavior. Sperm resistance to the freezing-thawing process shows seasonal fluctuation throughout the year, with lower sperm freezability at the beginning of the breeding season when prolactin and testosterone levels reach their maximum concentration. Nevertheless, whether these hormones directly affect post-thaw sperm quality parameters is still unclear. The objective was to study the effect of testosterone or prolactin added in vitro on sperm freezability in domestic ram (Ovis aries) and buck (Capra hircus). Sperm samples were incubated for 1 h with a range of testosterone (0, 2, 4, or 6 ng/mL; Exp. 1) or prolactin (0, 20, 100, 200, or 400 ng/mL; Exp. 2) concentrations. Samples were cryopreserved by slow freezing in straws at 0 h and after 1 h incubation. Sperm viability, acrosome integrity, motility, and kinetic parameters were assessed at 0 and 1 h in fresh and frozen-thawed samples. Results showed no hormone effect in fresh sperm, whereas these hormones affected post-thaw sperm parameters. In Exp. 1, in vitro incubation with testosterone decreased the post-thaw acrosome integrity of ram sperm (from 68.1 ± 6.3% to 49.6 ± 3.9%; P < 0.05). In Exp. 2, in vitro incubation with prolactin decreased the post-thaw acrosome integrity of ram (from 78.2 ± 3.4% to 66.3 ± 3.5%; P < 0.05) and buck sperm (from 81.7 ± 2.5% to 67.6 ± 3.5%; P < 0.05). Moreover, prolactin increased the post-thaw amplitude of lateral head displacement in ram sperm (from 3.3 ± 0.1 μm to 3.8 ± 0.2 μm; P < 0.05). In conclusion, either testosterone or prolactin added in vitro decreased the post-thaw acrosome integrity of ram and buck sperm. This suggests a destabilization process that could be decreasing sperm freezability when physiological levels of these hormones are high in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Martínez-Fresneda
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Spanish National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), 28040 Madrid, Spain; Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research 'Campus Mare Nostrum', 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - E O'Brien
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Spanish National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - A López Sebastián
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Spanish National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - R Velázquez
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Spanish National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - A Toledano-Díaz
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Spanish National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - D Tesfaye
- Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - K Schellander
- Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - F A García-Vázquez
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research 'Campus Mare Nostrum', 30100 Murcia, Spain; Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - J Santiago-Moreno
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Spanish National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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17
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Peris-Frau P, Soler AJ, Iniesta-Cuerda M, Martín-Maestro A, Sánchez-Ajofrín I, Medina-Chávez DA, Fernández-Santos MR, García-Álvarez O, Maroto-Morales A, Montoro V, Garde JJ. Sperm Cryodamage in Ruminants: Understanding the Molecular Changes Induced by the Cryopreservation Process to Optimize Sperm Quality. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082781. [PMID: 32316334 PMCID: PMC7215299 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm cryopreservation represents a powerful tool for livestock breeding. Several efforts have been made to improve the efficiency of sperm cryopreservation in different ruminant species. However, a significant amount of sperm still suffers considerable cryodamage, which may affect sperm quality and fertility. Recently, the use of different “omics” technologies in sperm cryobiology, especially proteomics studies, has led to a better understanding of the molecular modifications induced by sperm cryopreservation, facilitating the identification of different freezability biomarkers and certain proteins that can be added before cryopreservation to enhance sperm cryosurvival. This review provides an updated overview of the molecular mechanisms involved in sperm cryodamage, which are in part responsible for the structural, functional and fertility changes observed in frozen–thawed ruminant sperm. Moreover, the molecular basis of those factors that can affect the sperm freezing resilience of different ruminant species is also discussed as well as the molecular aspects of those novel strategies that have been developed to reduce sperm cryodamage, including new cryoprotectants, antioxidants, proteins, nanoparticles and vitrification.
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18
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Green C, Rickard JP, de Graaf SP, Crean AJ. From One Ejaculate to Another: Transference of Sperm Traits via Seminal Plasma Supplementation in the Ram. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:E33. [PMID: 32085377 PMCID: PMC7168205 DOI: 10.3390/biology9020033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Males can adjust sperm motility instantaneously in response to the perceived risk of sperm competition. The speed of this response suggests that sperm motility is regulated by changes in seminal plasma rather than changes in the sperm cells themselves. Hence, here we test whether inter-ejaculate variation in seminal plasma can be used to alter sperm quality prior to use in assisted reproductive technologies. We supplemented fresh ejaculates of Merino rams with seminal plasma collected from previous 'donor' ejaculates to test whether changes in sperm kinetics were related to the relative quality of donor to focal ejaculates. We found a positive relationship between the change in sperm traits before and after supplementation, and the difference in sperm traits between the donor and focal ejaculate. Hence, sperm motility can be either increased or decreased through the addition of seminal plasma from a superior or inferior ejaculate, respectively. This positive relationship held true even when seminal plasma was added from a previous ejaculate of the same ram, although the slope of the relationship depended on the identity of both the donor and receiver ram. These findings indicate that seminal plasma plays a key role in the control and regulation of sperm kinetics, and that sperm kinetic traits can be transferred from one ejaculate to another through seminal plasma supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Green
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jessica P. Rickard
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Simon P. de Graaf
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Angela J. Crean
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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19
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Höfner L, Luther AM, Waberski D. The role of seminal plasma in the liquid storage of spermatozoa. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 220:106290. [PMID: 32001046 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Ongoing progress in proteomic characterization of seminal plasma has stimulated research on the identification of biomarkers for male fertility and sperm preservability. So far, many studies have evaluated the benefits of reconstituting cryopreserved or sex-sorted semen with seminal plasma. Less information is available about the effect of remaining or added seminal plasma in liquid preserved semen. The interaction between seminal plasma and spermatozoa is species -specific, and within species often complex and ambiguous. This article aims to review the action of seminal plasma on sperm function in preserved semen with a focus on liquid storage. Effects of seminal plasma on sperm traits during in vitro storage are summarized for males from four domestic farm animals, namely the bull, ram, boar and stallion. Special emphasis is placed on the effect of seminal plasma on long-term stored boar semen, including novel data demonstrating the attenuating effect of protective extender on the adverse effect of seminal plasma in some boars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Höfner
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine of Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 15, D-30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anne-Marie Luther
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine of Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 15, D-30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Dagmar Waberski
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine of Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 15, D-30559, Hannover, Germany.
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20
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Codognoto VM, Yamada PH, Schmith RA, Rydygier de Ruediger F, de Paula Freitas-Dell'Aqua C, de Souza FF, Brochine S, do Carmo LM, Vieira AF, Oba E. Cross comparison of seminal plasma proteins from cattle and buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Reprod Domest Anim 2019; 55:81-92. [PMID: 31733131 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate seminal plasma proteins from cattle and buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), to identify differences between related species. Sixteen buffaloes and 16 cattle between 30 and 60 months of age were used. Semen collection was performed by electroejaculation, followed by macroscopic and microscopic subjective analyses. After analysis, the samples were centrifuged at 800 g for 10 min, and the supernatant (seminal plasma) was recentrifuged at 10,000 g for 30 min at 4°C. The total protein concentration was determined by the Bradford method, and the proteins were digested in solution for mass spectrometry (nLC-MS/MS). Multivariate statistical analysis was used to evaluate the proteomics results by non-hierarchical clustering the considering exponentially modified protein abundance index (emPAI). Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were used for clustering. Proteomics identified 78 proteins, and multivariate analysis showed 4 that were over-expressed in buffaloes (cystatin C, prosaposin, peptide YY and keratin type II cytoskeletal 5) and 9 in cattle (spermadhesin-1, seminal plasma protein PDC-109, ribonuclease 4, metalloproteinase inhibitor 2, acrosin inhibitor 1, seminal ribonuclease, C-type natriuretic peptide, angiogenin-1 and osteopontin). Among the proteins identified in seminal plasma, the C-type natriuretic peptide and metalloproteinase inhibitors were described for the first time in buffaloes. Some protease inhibitors were found over-expressed in buffaloes, and important proteins in seminal plasma of cattle were not identified or were found at lower expression levels in buffaloes, which can contribute to reproductive performance in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Maria Codognoto
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Paulo Henrique Yamada
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Rúbia Alves Schmith
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Felipe Rydygier de Ruediger
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Camila de Paula Freitas-Dell'Aqua
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Ferreira de Souza
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Suzane Brochine
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Lucas Monteiro do Carmo
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Andressa Filaz Vieira
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Eunice Oba
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
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21
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Epididymal and ejaculated sperm differ on their response to the cryopreservation and capacitation processes in mouflon (Ovis musimon). Sci Rep 2019; 9:15659. [PMID: 31666633 PMCID: PMC6821854 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52057-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa must undergo the process of capacitation to fertilize the egg which involves a cell destabilizing process. Capacitation-like changes such as protein tyrosine phosphorylation (PTP) are associated with cryopreservation. The aim of this study was to compare the cryoresistance and capacitation response of epididymal and ejaculated sperm of European mouflon (Ovis musimon). Post-thaw sperm parameters were analysed from epididymal and ejaculated samples cryopreserved by slow-freezing or ultrarapid-freezing for comparison. Sperm capacitation status was assessed by the semiquantification of PTP levels, cell localization of PTP and kinematic clustering. Epididymal sperm had higher cryoresistance than ejaculated sperm in both freezing techniques, and slow-freezing rendered better results than ultrarapid-freezing in both sperm samples. Ejaculated sperm had higher PTP levels than epididymal sperm and, additionally, ejaculated sperm showed higher phosphorylation in capacitating (CA) than in non-capacitating (NCA) conditions while there was no effect of medium in epididymal sperm. There was a higher tail PTP in CA than in NCA conditions in both types of sperm. Kinematic analysis revealed that the cluster associated with hyperactivated movement increased in ejaculated sperm incubated in CA whereas no effect of medium was observed in epididymal sperm clusters. In conclusion, epididymal sperm showed better freezability and lower capacitation status compared to ejaculated sperm.
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22
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Fernandez-Fuertes B, Sánchez JM, Bagés-Arnal S, McDonald M, Yeste M, Lonergan P. Species-specific and collection method-dependent differences in endometrial susceptibility to seminal plasma-induced RNA degradation. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15072. [PMID: 31636362 PMCID: PMC6803643 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51413-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the effect of bull seminal plasma (SP) and sperm on endometrial function. Bovine endometrial explants were incubated with: ejaculated sperm with or without SP, epididymal sperm, or SP alone. Neither ejaculated nor epididymal sperm induced differential expression of IL1A, IL1B, IL6, IL8, PTGES2, TNFA, and LIF. Interestingly, SP had a detrimental effect on endometrial RNA integrity. Addition of an RNase inactivation reagent to SP blocked this effect, evidencing a role for a SP-RNase. Because bulls deposit the ejaculate in the vagina, we hypothesized that the bovine endometrium is more sensitive to SP-RNase than vaginal and cervical tissues (which come into contact with SP during mating), or to endometrium from intrauterine ejaculators (such as the horse). In addition, due to differences in SP-RNase abundance depending on SP collection method (i.e., with an artificial vagina, AV, or by electroejaculation, EE), this effect was also tested. Bull SP, collected by AV, degrades RNA of mare endometrium, and bovine vagina, cervix and endometrium. However, stallion SP or bull SP collected by EE did not elicit this effect. Thus, results do not support a role for SP in modulating endometrial function to establish pregnancy in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Fernandez-Fuertes
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.
| | - José María Sánchez
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sandra Bagés-Arnal
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael McDonald
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Marc Yeste
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Pat Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
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