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Mateo-Otero Y. Integrating metabolomics into reproduction: Sperm metabolism and fertility enhancement in pigs. Anim Reprod Sci 2024:107539. [PMID: 38926002 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The last decades of research have revealed that many other factors besides gamete genomes are able to determine the reproductive outcomes. Indeed, paternal factors have been observed to be capable of modulating multiple crucial features of the reproductive process, such as sperm physiology, the maternal environment and, even, the offspring health. These recent advances have been encompassed with the emergence of OMICS technologies, as they comprehensively characterise the molecular composition of biological systems. The present narrative review aimed to take a closer look at the potential of these technologies in the field of reproductive biology. This literature revision shows that most studies up to date have followed a non-targeted approach to screen mammalian seminal plasma (SP) and sperm metabolite composition through different metabolome platforms. These studies have proposed metabolites of multiple natures as potential in vivo fertility biomarkers. Yet, targeted approaches can be used to answer specific biological question, and their power is exemplified herein. For instance, metabolomic studies have uncovered not only that glycolysis is the main ATP energy source of pig sperm, but also that sperm metabolism can trigger DNA damage, hence compromise embryo development. In conclusion, this review shows the potential of both non-targeted and targeted metabolomics for the discovery of cell pathways that govern the reproductive process. Understanding these systems could help make progress in different areas, including livestock efficient breeding, the improvement of artificial reproductive technologies, and the development of biomarkers for infertility detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK.
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2
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Catalán J, Yánez-Ortiz I, Martínez-Rodero I, Mateo-Otero Y, Nolis P, Yeste M, Miró J. Comparison of the metabolite profile of donkey and horse seminal plasma and its relationship with sperm viability and motility. Res Vet Sci 2023; 165:105046. [PMID: 37883856 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.105046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Previous research revealed that several seminal plasma (SP) metabolites are related to sperm functionality, fertility, and preservation. While it is understood that variations between species exist, whether the SP metabolome differs between donkeys and horses has not been previously investigated. The aim of this work, therefore, was to characterize and compare donkey and horse SP metabolites using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and relate them to sperm viability and motility. For this purpose, ejaculates from 18 different donkeys and 18 different horses were collected and separated into two aliquots: one for harvesting the SP by centrifugation and obtaining the metabolic profile through NMR, and the other for evaluating sperm viability and motility. Based on total motility and sperm viability, samples were classified as with good (GQ) or poor (PQ) quality. The metabolomic profile of donkey and horse SP revealed the presence of 28 metabolites, which coincided in the two species. Yet, differences between horses and donkeys were observed in the concentration of 18 of these 28 metabolites, as well as between ejaculates classified as GQ or PQ and in the relationship of metabolites with sperm motility and viability. These findings suggest that sperm from donkeys and horses differ in their metabolism and energetic requirements, and that the concentration of specific SP metabolites may be related to sperm functionality. Further research should shed light on the metabolic needs of donkey and horse sperm, and evaluate how the knowledge collected from the contribution of these metabolites can help improve semen preservation in the two species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Catalán
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, ES-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iván Yánez-Ortiz
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, ES-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iris Martínez-Rodero
- Unit of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, ES-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Pau Nolis
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Facility, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, ES-08193, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), ES-08010 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Jordi Miró
- Unit of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, ES-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain.
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Alipour H, Duus RK, Wimmer R, Dardmeh F, Du Plessis SS, Jørgensen N, Christiansen OB, Hnida C, Nielsen HI, Van Der Horst G. Seminal plasma metabolomics profiles following long (4-7 days) and short (2 h) sexual abstinence periods. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2021; 264:178-183. [PMID: 34325212 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2021.07.024] [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: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Metabolomic profiling of seminal plasma has been suggested as a possible approach for a fast and non-invasive male infertility evaluation diagnosis. However, metabolomics profiles in normozoospermic men have not been thoroughly investigated, and the influence of ejaculation-abstinence has not been described. To provide interim reference values and find associations between the metabolomics profiles of human seminal plasma and length of ejaculation-abstinence period in normozoospermic men. STUDY DESIGN Semen samples collected after long (4-7 days) and short abstinence (2 h) from 31 normozoospermic males were assessed for routine quality parameters before the seminal plasma was separated by centrifugation. Metabolomics profiles of the seminal plasma were then determined using untargeted Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. RESULTS In total, 30 metabolites were identified. Pyruvate showed a higher concentration, while fructose, acetate, choline, methanol, N-acetylglucosamine, O-acetylcarnitine, uridine, and sn-glycero-3-phosphocoline showed lower concentrations in samples collected after short abstinence (vs. long). All metabolites showed lower absolute amounts (volume × concentration) following shorter abstinence. However, the lower sperm concentration in samples collected after short abstinence resulted in higher absolute amounts of pyruvate and taurine per spermatozoa: pyruvate 1.92 (1.12-3.87) vs. 1.29 (0.83-2.62) (P < 0.001) and taurine 0.58 (0.36-0.92) vs. 0.43 (0.28-0.95) (P < 0.05) ng/106 spermatozoa. Simultaneously, there was a higher percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa in samples collected after the short abstinence. CONCLUSION The generally lower concentrations of seminal metabolites after short abstinence periods may be related to the shorter time available for secretion and collection of these metabolites by the accessory glands and the epididymides. The concomitant lower number of spermatozoa in the second ejaculate resulted in increased absolute amounts of pyruvate and taurine per spermatozoa, accompanied by increased spermatozoa motility in these samples. The simultaneous increase in percentages of motile spermatozoa and absolute amounts of pyruvate and taurine per spermatozoa after shorter abstinence might indicate that these two metabolites play a more critical role in sperm motility, which should be further investigated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Alipour
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Regenerative Medicine Group, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.
| | - R K Duus
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Regenerative Medicine Group, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - R Wimmer
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - F Dardmeh
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Regenerative Medicine Group, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - S S Du Plessis
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - N Jørgensen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction and International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - O B Christiansen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fertility Unit, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Denmark
| | - C Hnida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fertility Unit, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - H I Nielsen
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Regenerative Medicine Group, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - G Van Der Horst
- Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
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Mateo-Otero Y, Fernández-López P, Ribas-Maynou J, Roca J, Miró J, Yeste M, Barranco I. Metabolite Profiling of Pig Seminal Plasma Identifies Potential Biomarkers for Sperm Resilience to Liquid Preservation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:669974. [PMID: 34124051 PMCID: PMC8194698 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.669974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolomic approaches allow the study of downstream gene expression events since metabolites are considered as the products of cell signaling pathways. For this reason, many studies in humans have already been conducted to determine the influence of the metabolites present in seminal plasma (SP) on sperm physiology, and to identify putative biomarkers. However, in livestock species, these relationships are yet to be uncovered. Thus, the present study aimed to explore: (i) if concentrations of metabolites in pig SP are related to sperm quality and functionality, and (ii) if they could predict the sperm resilience to liquid storage at 17°C. To this end, 28 ejaculates were individually collected and split into three aliquots: one was used for SP analysis through nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy; another served for the evaluation of sperm concentration and morphology; and the last one was utilized to determine sperm functionality parameters using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and flow cytometry after 0 h and 72 h of liquid-storage at 17°C. NMR analysis allowed the identification and quantification of 23 metabolites present in pig SP which, except for fumarate, were not observed to follow a breed-dependent behavior. Moreover, specific relationships between metabolites and sperm variables were identified: (i) glutamate, methanol, trimethylamine N-oxide, carnitine, and isoleucine were seen to be related to some sperm quality and functionality parameters evaluated immediately after semen collection; (ii) leucine, hypotaurine, carnitine and isoleucine were found to be associated to the sperm ability to withstand liquid storage; and (iii) Bayesian multiple regression models allowed the identification of metabolite patterns for specific sperm parameters at both 0 h and 72 h. The identification of these relationships opens up the possibility of further investigating these metabolites as potential sperm functional biomarkers.
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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
| | - Pol Fernández-López
- Centre d’Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB), Spanish Research Council (CSIC), 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 Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jordi Miró
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, 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
- 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
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Via Tolara di Sopra, Bologna, Italy
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Relationships between Seminal Plasma Metabolites, Semen Characteristics and Sperm Kinetics in Donkey ( Equus asinus). Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11010201. [PMID: 33467749 PMCID: PMC7830036 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary A deeper knowledge of reproductive biology may be helpful in the donkey to avoid the risk of extinction that some breeds are facing. The evaluation of metabolites in seminal plasma provides crucial information for the knowledge of donkey sperm metabolism, for obtaining comparative information with other species, as well as for providing useful elements for the formulation of extenders for sperm dilution and conservation. Moreover, correlations of seminal metabolites with sperm kinetics highlight new possible markers of sperm quality. Using multivariate analysis, all metabolic, seminal, and spermatic data were merged in a single dot that grouped individual stallions within clusters in the Cartesian axes according to the different spermatic characteristics. This amount of information also allows to shed light on the effects of total or partial removal of seminal plasma for improving sperm preservation. The inclusion in the study of an azoospermic individual represents a further discriminating element in the analysis of sperm quality under physiological and pathological conditions. Abstract This study aimed to evaluate donkey seminal plasma metabolites and relate this information to the main characteristics of sperm quality. Sperm kinetics from 10 donkey stallions were analyzed with a computerized system at the time of collection (T0) and after 24 h storage at 4 °C (T24). Seminal plasma was frozen at −80 °C for subsequent proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy. On three stallions, semen collection was repeated monthly for three times and sperm analysis also included mitochondrial activity and oxidative status. One stallion was azoospermic and a second semen collection was performed after one month. In the seminal plasma, 17 metabolites were identified; their levels showed numerous significant variations between the azoospermic and the normospermic individuals and grouped in well-defined clusters in a multivariate analysis. Comparing individuals with high and low sperm motility, the only discriminating metabolite was phenylalanine, whose levels were lower in the latter, as in the azoospermic individual. Phenylalanine was also the only metabolite highly correlated with all sperm kinematic parameters at T24. In conclusion, the present study has provided relevant information on the chemical characteristics of donkey semen, identified relationships between seminal metabolites, semen parameters, and sperm kinetics, and offered insights for future technological applications.
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Asampille G, Cheredath A, Joseph D, Adiga SK, Atreya HS. The utility of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in assisted reproduction. Open Biol 2020; 10:200092. [PMID: 33142083 PMCID: PMC7729034 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects approximately 15-20% of individuals of reproductive age worldwide. Over the last 40 years, assisted reproductive technology (ART) has helped millions of childless couples. However, ART is limited by a low success rate and risk of multiple gestations. Devising methods for selecting the best gamete or embryo that increases the ART success rate and prevention of multiple gestation has become one of the key goals in ART today. Special emphasis has been placed on the development of non-invasive approaches, which do not require perturbing the embryonic cells, as the current morphology-based embryo selection approach has shortcomings in predicting the implantation potential of embryos. An observed association between embryo metabolism and viability has prompted researchers to develop metabolomics-based biomarkers. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy provides a non-invasive approach for the metabolic profiling of tissues, gametes and embryos, with the key advantage of having a minimal sample preparation procedure. Using NMR spectroscopy, biologically important molecules can be identified and quantified in intact cells, extracts or secretomes. This, in turn, helps to map out the active metabolic pathways in a system. The present review covers the contribution of NMR spectroscopy in assisted reproduction at various stages of the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gitanjali Asampille
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Aswathi Cheredath
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - David Joseph
- NMR Research Centre, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
- Solid State and Structural Chemistry Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Satish K. Adiga
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
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Neto FTL, Marques RA, de Freitas Cavalcanti Filho A, Araujo LCN, Lima SVC, Pinto L, Silva RO. 1H NMR-based metabonomics for infertility diagnosis in men with varicocele. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:2233-2247. [PMID: 32715373 PMCID: PMC7492286 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01896-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE "Omics" techniques have been used to understand and to identify biomarkers of male infertility. We report on the first metabonomics models created to diagnose varicocele and infertility among men with varicocele. METHODS We recruited 35 infertile men with varicocele (VI group), 21 fertile men with varicocele (VF group) and 24 fertile men without varicocele (C group). All men underwent standard semen analysis, scrotal duplex ultrasonography, and sexual hormone level measurement. Hydrogen-1 nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectra of seminal plasma were used to create metabonomics models to discriminate between men with and without varicocele, and between fertile and infertile men with varicocele. RESULTS Using the statistical formalisms partial least square discriminants analysis and genetic algorithm-based linear discriminant analysis (GA-LDA), we created two models that discriminated the three groups from each other with accuracy of 92.17%. We also created metabonomics models using orthogonal partial least square discriminants analysis and GA-LDA that discriminated VF group from VI group, with an accuracy of 94.64% and 100% respectively. We identified 19 metabolites that were important in group segregation: caprate, 2-hydroxy-3-methylvalerate, leucine, valine, 3-hydroxybutyrate, lactate, alanine, 4-aminobutyrate, isoleucine, citrate, methanol, glucose, glycosides, glycerol-3-phosphocoline, n-acetyltyrosine, glutamine, tyrosine, arginine, and uridine. CONCLUSIONS 1HNMR-based metabonomics of seminal plasma can be used to create metabonomics models to discriminate between men with varicocele from those without varicocele, and between fertile men with varicocele from those infertile with varicocele. Furthermore, the most important metabolites for group segregation are involved in the oxidative stress caused by varicocele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Tenorio Lira Neto
- Department of Surgery, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Rua Guilherme Salazar, n 150, apt 601E, Recife, PE ZIP 52061-275 Brazil
- Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira, Rua dos Coelho, 300, Coelhos, Recife, PE ZIP 50070-902 Brazil
| | - Ronmilson Alves Marques
- Fundamental Chemistry Department, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Jornalista Anibal Fernandes, s/n° Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE ZIP 50740-560 Brazil
| | | | | | - Salvador Vilar Correia Lima
- Department of Surgery, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Hospital das Clínicas - Campus UFPE, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego,”s/n° - Bloco “A” - Térreo Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE ZIP 50670-420 Brazil
| | - Licarion Pinto
- Fundamental Chemistry Department, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Jornalista Anibal Fernandes, s/n° Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE ZIP 50740-560 Brazil
| | - Ricardo Oliveira Silva
- Fundamental Chemistry Department, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Jornalista Anibal Fernandes, s/n° Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE ZIP 50740-560 Brazil
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Mateo-Otero Y, Fernández-López P, Gil-Caballero S, Fernandez-Fuertes B, Bonet S, Barranco I, Yeste M. 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of Pig Seminal Plasma Reveals Intra-Ejaculate Variation in Metabolites. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E906. [PMID: 32549232 PMCID: PMC7355445 DOI: 10.3390/biom10060906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In pigs, ejaculate is expelled in fractions, mainly the sperm-rich fraction (SRF) and the post-SRF (PSRF), which differ in both sperm content and origin. In addition, intra-ejaculate variability between fractions in terms of sperm reproductive characteristics has been previously reported, the highest sperm quality being observed in the first 10 mL of the SRF (SRF-P1). As seminal plasma (SP) composition has been purported to influence sperm physiology, the aim of this study was to profile pig SP metabolite composition and to find putative differences between the ejaculate portions (SRF-P1, the rest of SRF [SRF-P2], PSRF) and entire ejaculate (EE). To this end, ejaculates (n = 8, one per boar) were collected in fractions and SP was analyzed using 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy. We identified 19 metabolites present in all ejaculate portions and the EE, and reported correlations between the metabolites. Additionally, and for the first time in mammals, we found intra-ejaculate variability in the SP metabolites, observing different relative abundances in choline, glycerophosphocholine and glycine. Regarding their influence in sperm physiology, we hypothesize that these metabolites may explain the specific reproductive characteristics of each ejaculate portion. Finally, the reported SP metabolites could serve as a first steppingstone in the study of quality, functionality, and fertility biomarkers.
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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, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (Y.M.-O.); (B.F.-F.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Pol Fernández-López
- Theoretical and Computational Ecology Group, Centre for Advanced Studies of Blanes (CEAB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), E-17300 Girona, Spain;
| | - Sergi Gil-Caballero
- NMR Facility, Research Technical Services (STR), University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain;
| | - Beatriz Fernandez-Fuertes
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (Y.M.-O.); (B.F.-F.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (Y.M.-O.); (B.F.-F.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Isabel Barranco
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (Y.M.-O.); (B.F.-F.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, E-30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (Y.M.-O.); (B.F.-F.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
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9
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Mumcu A, Karaer A, Dogan B, Tuncay G. Metabolomics analysis of seminal plasma in patients with idiopathic Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia using high-resolution NMR spectroscopy. Andrology 2019; 8:450-456. [PMID: 31520509 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male infertility is a global health issue caused by a combination of different factors. Specialists generally rely on semen analysis to diagnose male infertility. However, it is known that diagnostic semen analysis fails to identify about 50% of male infertility disorders. Recently, metabolomics has been proven to be a powerful technique for the diagnosis of different diseases. OBJECTIVE To determine whether metabolites could be used as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of male factor infertility through comparing seminal plasma samples from infertile men with oligoasthenoteratozospermia (OAT) and samples from normozoospermic controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study utilized high-resolution 1 H NMR spectroscopy to reveal whether the metabolomic changes of seminal plasma obtained from 31 patients with oligoasthenoteratozospermia (OAT) are different from the ones obtained from 28 normozoospermic controls. RESULTS Multivariate statistical analysis of NMR data concluded that the metabolomic profile of samples from patients with OAT exhibits statistically significant differences when compared to the controls. The differences were based on the metabolites lactate, citrate, lysine, arginine, valine, glutamine, creatinine, α-ketoglutaric acid, spermine, putrescine, and tyrosine. Except the tyrosine, levels of the above metabolites were significantly decreased in patients with OAT compared to the controls. The levels of citrate, choline, spermine, putrescine, α-ketoglutaric acid, valine, and tyrosine were significantly different (p < 5 × 10-4 ) between two groups. On the other hand, levels of lactate, creatinine, lysine, arginine, and glutamine were also statistically significant (0.001 < p < 0.05). However, considering the p-values, the physiological relevance of these metabolites may be lower when compared to the others. A PLS-DA model built on the NMR data achieved 89.29% sensitivity and 93.55% specificity results in a leave-one-out cross-validation process. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION 1 H NMR spectroscopy-based metabolomic analysis could be used as a diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of oligoasthenoteratozospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mumcu
- Laboratory of NMR, Scientific and Technological Research Center, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - A Karaer
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - B Dogan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - G Tuncay
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
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Bonechi C, Consumi M, Matteucci M, Tamasi G, Donati A, Leone G, Menichetti L, Kusmic C, Rossi C, Magnani A. Distribution of Gadolinium in Rat Heart Studied by Fast Field Cycling Relaxometry and Imaging SIMS. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E1339. [PMID: 30884846 PMCID: PMC6471734 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20061339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on microcirculatory alterations in human heart disease is essential to understand the genesis of myocardial contractile dysfunction and its evolution towards heart failure. The use of contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging is an important tool in medical diagnostics related to this dysfunction. Contrast agents significantly improve the imaging by enhancing the nuclear magnetic relaxation rates of water protons in the tissues where they are distributed. Gadolinium complexes are widely employed in clinical practice due to their high magnetic moment and relatively long electronic relaxation time. In this study, the behavior of gadolinium ion as a contrast agent was investigated by two complementary methods, relaxometry and secondary ion mass spectrometry. The study examined the distribution of blood flow within the microvascular network in ex vivo Langendorff isolated rat heart models, perfused with Omniscan® contrast agent. The combined use of secondary ion mass spectrometry and relaxometry allowed for both a qualitative mapping of agent distribution as well as the quantification of gadolinium ion concentration and persistence. This combination of a chemical mapping and temporal analysis of the molar concentration of gadolinium ion in heart tissue allows for new insights on the biomolecular mechanisms underlying the microcirculatory alterations in heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Bonechi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy.
- Center for Colloids and Surface Science (CSGI), Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Firenze, Italy.
| | - Marco Consumi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy.
- National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Via Giuseppe Giusti 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy.
| | - Marco Matteucci
- CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Area di Ricerca "S. Cataldo", Via Giuseppe Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Gabriella Tamasi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy.
- Center for Colloids and Surface Science (CSGI), Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Firenze, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Donati
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy.
- Center for Colloids and Surface Science (CSGI), Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Firenze, Italy.
| | - Gemma Leone
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy.
- National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Via Giuseppe Giusti 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy.
| | - Luca Menichetti
- CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Area di Ricerca "S. Cataldo", Via Giuseppe Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Claudia Kusmic
- CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Area di Ricerca "S. Cataldo", Via Giuseppe Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Claudio Rossi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy.
- Center for Colloids and Surface Science (CSGI), Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Firenze, Italy.
| | - Agnese Magnani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy.
- National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Via Giuseppe Giusti 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy.
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Iaffaldano N, Di Iorio M, Mannina L, Paventi G, Rosato MP, Cerolini S, Sobolev AP. Age-dependent changes in metabolic profile of turkey spermatozoa as assessed by NMR analysis. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194219. [PMID: 29534088 PMCID: PMC5849324 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic profile of fresh turkey spermatozoa at three different reproductive period ages, namely 32, 44 and 56 weeks, was monitored by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and correlated to sperm quality parameters. The age-related decrease in sperm quality as indicated by reduction of sperm concentration, sperm mobility and osmotic tolerance was associated to variation in the level of specific water-soluble and liposoluble metabolites. In particular, the highest levels of isoleucine, phenylalanine, leucine, tyrosine and valine were found at 32 weeks of age, whereas aspartate, lactate, creatine, carnitine, acetylcarnitine levels increased during the ageing. Lipid composition also changed during the ageing: diunsaturated fatty acids level increased from 32 to 56 weeks of age, whereas a reduction of polyunsaturated fatty acids content was observed at 56 weeks. The untargeted approach attempts to give a wider picture of metabolic changes occurring in ageing suggesting that the reduction of sperm quality could be due to a progressive deficiency in mitochondrial energy producing systems, as also prompted by the negative correlation found between sperm mobility and the increase in certain mitochondrial metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolaia Iaffaldano
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Michele Di Iorio
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Luisa Mannina
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
- Istituto di Metodologie Chimiche, Laboratorio di Risonanza Magnetica “Annalaura Segre”, CNR, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Paventi
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “V. Tiberio”, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Maria Pina Rosato
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Silvia Cerolini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Anatoly P. Sobolev
- Istituto di Metodologie Chimiche, Laboratorio di Risonanza Magnetica “Annalaura Segre”, CNR, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
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