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Dordas-Perpinyà M, Yánez-Ortiz I, Sergeant N, Mevel V, Catalán J, Bruyas JF, Miró J, Briand-Amirat L. ProAKAP4 as Indicator of Long-Lasting Motility Marker in Post-Thaw Conditions in Stallions. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1264. [PMID: 38731267 PMCID: PMC11083937 DOI: 10.3390/ani14091264] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
ProAKAP4, a precursor of AKAP4 (A-kinase anchor protein) found in the flagellum of mammalian and non-mammalian spermatozoa, serves as a structural protein with established correlations to motility parameters across diverse species. This study aimed to determine the proAKAP4 level evolution in thawed stallion semen over a 3 h period, examining its correlation with motility descriptors and mitochondrial membrane potential. Utilizing sixteen ejaculates from four French warmblood stallions, this study involved maintaining thawed samples at 37 °C for 3 h, conducting proAKAP4 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA), and mitochondrial membrane potential by JC-1 probe and flow cytometry at 0, 1, and 3 h post-thawing. The findings indicate significant positive correlations (p ≤ 0.05) between proAKAP4 levels and sperm total or progressive motility at all time points analyzed. Spermatozoa velocity descriptors (VAP, VCL, VSL) and spermatozoa lateral head displacement (ALH) display positive correlations (p ≤ 0.05) with ProAKAP4 at the 0 h post-thawing. ProAKAP4 concentration exhibits no discernible difference between batches with or without a cryoprotectant. Notably, proAKAP4 consumption remains insignificant within the initial hour after thawing but becomes significant (p ≤ 0.05) between 1 and 3 h post-thawing. In summary, proAKAP4 demonstrates positive correlations with total and progressive motility in stallion semen for up to 3 h after thawing, albeit showing a noticeable decrease starting from the first hour post-thawing, indicating a progressive consumption as a result of spermatozoa motile activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Dordas-Perpinyà
- Oniris, Nantes Veterinary College, Cedex 03, 44307 Nantes, France; (M.D.-P.); (V.M.); (J.-F.B.)
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (I.Y.-O.); (J.C.)
- UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, 78352 Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Iván Yánez-Ortiz
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (I.Y.-O.); (J.C.)
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, International University of Ecuador, Quito 170901, Ecuador
| | - Nicolas Sergeant
- INSERM, UMRS, University of Lille, 59000 Lille, France;
- SPQI, 4bioDx—Breeding Section, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Vincent Mevel
- Oniris, Nantes Veterinary College, Cedex 03, 44307 Nantes, France; (M.D.-P.); (V.M.); (J.-F.B.)
| | - Jaime Catalán
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (I.Y.-O.); (J.C.)
| | - Jean-François Bruyas
- Oniris, Nantes Veterinary College, Cedex 03, 44307 Nantes, France; (M.D.-P.); (V.M.); (J.-F.B.)
| | - Jordi Miró
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (I.Y.-O.); (J.C.)
| | - Lamia Briand-Amirat
- Oniris, Nantes Veterinary College, Cedex 03, 44307 Nantes, France; (M.D.-P.); (V.M.); (J.-F.B.)
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Dordas-Perpinyà M, Sergeant N, Yánez-Ortiz I, Mevel V, Catalán J, Bruyas JF, Briand-Amirat L, Miró J. ProAKAP4 as a motility long-lasting marker in Catalan donkey spermatozoa. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 262:107427. [PMID: 38367572 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107427] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
ProAKAP4 is identified within the flagellum of spermatozoa in various mammalian species, serving as a structural protein associated with motility parameters. This investigation focuses on the presence of proAKAP4 in donkey sperm, elucidating its localization, molecular characteristics, and its correlation with motility descriptors and mitochondrial membrane potential. Twelve ejaculates from Catalan donkeys were analyzed in this study. The initial steps involved proAKAP4 sequencing and detection through Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Post-thaw assessments were conducted at 0, 1, and 3 h, encompassing proAKAP4 levels, sperm motility analyzed via Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA), and mitochondrial membrane potential determined by flow cytometry using the JC-1 stain. The findings reveal that proAKAP4 in donkeys exhibits a characteristic localization at the principal piece of the flagellum, consistent with observations in other mammals. The molecular weight of proAKAP4 is determined to be 100 kDa. Significantly, a positive correlation (p ≤ 0.05) is established between proAKAP4 concentration and both total and progressive motility. The presence of cryoprotectant is associated with a lower proAKAP4 concentration. Notably, proAKAP4 experiences a substantial decrease (p ≤ 0.05) during the initial hour post-thawing. In conclusion, proAKAP4 is identified in donkey sperm, akin to its presence in other mammals. It exhibits a positive correlation with total and progressive motility, its concentration is notably affected by the presence of cryoprotectant with significant consumption observed during the initial hour following thawing. These findings contribute to our understanding of proAKAP4 dynamics in donkey sperm, providing insights that may have implications for semen preservation and reproductive technologies in equids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Dordas-Perpinyà
- Oniris, Nantes Veterinary College, 44307 Nantes Cedex 03, France; Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193 Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Nicolas Sergeant
- University of Lille, INSERM, UMRS 1172, Lille, France; SPQI, 4bioDx - Breeding Section, Lille, France
| | - Iván Yánez-Ortiz
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193 Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, International University of Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Vincent Mevel
- Oniris, Nantes Veterinary College, 44307 Nantes Cedex 03, France
| | - Jaime Catalán
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193 Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | | | | | - Jordi Miró
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193 Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.
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Prochowska S, Eberhardt M, Niżański W. Evaluation of a commercial proAKAP4 kit for the assessment of fresh and frozen-thawed feline spermatozoa. Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14547. [PMID: 38433495 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
ProAKAP4 is gaining increasing attention as a potential marker of semen quality in many species, but while there is a commercial kit for assessing proAKAP4 in the domestic cat, there are no publications about its use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the commercial proAKAP4 kit - Cat 4MID® Kit (SPQI - 4BioDx, Lille, France) for the assessment of feline semen. Semen was collected from 54 male cats by urethral catheterization. After a basic semen evaluation (subjective motility, CASA, viability, morphology), proAKAP4 levels in each sample were assessed using the Cat 4MID® Kit according to the manufacturer's protocol or with some modifications related to incubation time, sample storage conditions and number of spermatozoa used. Finally, the Spearman correlation of proAKAP4 concentration and sperm motility parameters was calculated. The most reliable results (acceptable intraassay coefficient of variation) were obtained with an optimized protocol of overnight incubation and isolation of proAKAP4 protein from 1 × 106 spermatozoa stored at -80°C. For fresh semen, there were no significant correlations between proAKAP4 concentration and sperm motility parameters, despite a strong correlation between motility parameters and sperm viability and morphology. A predominant effect of other sperm parameters and highly variable performance of lysis buffer question the usefulness of Cat 4MID® Kit for the assessment of feline semen. For frozen-thawed semen, there was a moderate, negative correlation between proAKAP4 concentration and two CASA parameters, VAP and VSL. As there were no correlations between proAKAP4 concentration in fresh semen and motility parameters in cryopreserved samples, proAKAP4 cannot be used as freezability marker in cats. More studies are needed to establish potential correlation with long-lasting motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Prochowska
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Maria Eberhardt
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Wojciech Niżański
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
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Levano G, Quispe J, Vargas D, García M, López A, Aguila L, Valdivia M. Effect of Atomized Black Maca ( Lepidium meyenii) Supplementation in the Cryopreservation of Alpaca ( Vicugna pacos) Epididymal Spermatozoa. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2054. [PMID: 37443852 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132054] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial insemination is an important assisted reproductive technology that has been applied in several mammalian species. However, successful cryopreservation of semen of South American camelids has been limited, hindering the commercial application of artificial insemination in alpaca species. In this scenario, the addition of antioxidants to semen extenders provides a strategy to improve the freezability of mammalian sperm. Bioactive metabolites from natural extracts of black maca have shown valuable antioxidant properties. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of atomized black maca in the freezing medium of epididymal spermatozoa of alpacas. Fifteen pairs of epididymis were collected from a local slaughterhouse. Each sample was divided into six groups: (1) fresh, (2) yolk medium (YM), (3) 10 mg/mL maca, (4) 20 mg/mL maca, (5) 30 mg/mL maca, and (6) resveratrol (as an antioxidant control). Sperm cryopreservation was performed through the slow freezing method. Markers associated with functionality, such as motility, viability, and plasma membrane integrity, as well as markers associated with oxidative damage, such as DNA integrity, total ROS production, and mitochondrial function, were analyzed. The results show that the supplementation with black maca (20 mg/mL) improved the sperm motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity, and mitochondrial function evaluated according to an index of formazan deposits. Similarly, the ROS production decreased with maca at 20 mg/mL, although the DNA integrity did not show any differences among the groups. These results suggest that maca at 20 mg/mL has cytoprotective effects during freezing/thawing of epididymal sperm of alpaca species. Further research will be focused on assessing the effects of maca supplementation on semen extenders by using biomolecular markers (proAKAP4) associated with fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Levano
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Biological Sciences Faculty, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15081, Peru
| | - Juana Quispe
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Biological Sciences Faculty, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15081, Peru
| | - Diego Vargas
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Biological Sciences Faculty, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15081, Peru
| | - Marlon García
- Laboratory of Genetics, Biological Sciences Faculty, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15081, Peru
| | - Alberto López
- Laboratory of Genetics, Biological Sciences Faculty, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15081, Peru
| | - Luis Aguila
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811322, Chile
| | - Martha Valdivia
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Biological Sciences Faculty, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15081, Peru
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Carracedo S, Briand-Amirat L, Dordas-Perpinyà M, Ramos Escuredo Y, Delcombel R, Sergeant N, Delehedde M. ProAKAP4 protein marker: Towards a functional approach to male fertility. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 247:107074. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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Dordas-Perpinyà M, Sergeant N, Ruelle I, Bruyas JF, Charreaux F, Michaud S, Carracedo S, Catalán J, Miró J, Delehedde M, Briand-Amirat L. ProAKAP4 Semen Concentrations as a Valuable Marker Protein of Post-Thawed Semen Quality and Bull Fertility: A Retrospective Study. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9050224. [PMID: 35622752 PMCID: PMC9144616 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9050224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional sperm quality markers to predict bull fertility have been actively investigated. Among them, proAKAP4, which is the precursor of AKAP4, the main structural protein in the fibrous sheath of spermatozoa; appears to be promising, especially since spermatozoa lacking AKAP4 expression were shown to be immotile, abnormal, and infertile. In this study, the objective was to evaluate proAKAP4 concentration values with the classic sperm motility descriptors and fertility outcomes (NRR at 90 days) in post-thawed conditions of 10 bulls’ semen. ProAKAP4 expression was confirmed by Western blotting and proAKAP4 concentrations were determined by ELISA. Variations in proAKAP4 concentrations were observed independently of the motility sperm descriptors measured using computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA). A ProAKAP4 concentration of 38.67 ± 8.55 ng/10 million spermatozoa was obtained as a statistical mean of all samples. Threshold values of proAKAP4 were then determined between 19.96 to 96.95 ng/10 million spermatozoa. ProAKAP4 concentrations were positively correlated with progressive motility and the linearity coefficient. The sperm showing the lowest progressive motility were the samples exhibiting proAKAP4 concentrations below 20 ng/10 million spermatozoa. Furthermore, proAKAP4 concentrations were significantly higher in bulls with a higher NRR in the field. Our results demonstrate a correlation between the semen concentration of proAKAP4 and NRR-90d (p = 0.05) in post-thawed bull semen, highlighting the potential of proAKAP4 as a predictive marker of bull fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Dordas-Perpinyà
- Oniris, Nantes-Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine, 44300 Nantes, France; (M.D.-P.); (I.R.); (J.-F.B.); (S.M.)
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (J.C.); (J.M.)
| | - Nicolas Sergeant
- U1172 LilNCog—Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, CHU Lille, Inserm, University Lille, 59000 Lille, France;
- SPQI S.A.S, 82 rue Jeanne d’Arc, 59000 Lille, France; (S.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Isabelle Ruelle
- Oniris, Nantes-Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine, 44300 Nantes, France; (M.D.-P.); (I.R.); (J.-F.B.); (S.M.)
| | - Jean-François Bruyas
- Oniris, Nantes-Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine, 44300 Nantes, France; (M.D.-P.); (I.R.); (J.-F.B.); (S.M.)
| | | | - Sandrine Michaud
- Oniris, Nantes-Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine, 44300 Nantes, France; (M.D.-P.); (I.R.); (J.-F.B.); (S.M.)
| | - Sara Carracedo
- SPQI S.A.S, 82 rue Jeanne d’Arc, 59000 Lille, France; (S.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Jaime Catalán
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (J.C.); (J.M.)
| | - Jordi Miró
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (J.C.); (J.M.)
| | - Maryse Delehedde
- SPQI S.A.S, 82 rue Jeanne d’Arc, 59000 Lille, France; (S.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Lamia Briand-Amirat
- Oniris, Nantes-Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine, 44300 Nantes, France; (M.D.-P.); (I.R.); (J.-F.B.); (S.M.)
- Correspondence:
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Kowalczyk A, Gałęska E, Szul A, Łącka K, Bubel A, Araujo JP, Ullah R, Wrzecińska M. Fertility Rate and Assessment of the Cytoprotective Capacity of Various Types of Holothuroidea Extracts on Spermatozoa. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9040189. [PMID: 35448687 PMCID: PMC9030652 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9040189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
For years, compounds of natural origin have been the subject of extensive biomedical research due to very interesting, new ingredients potentially useful for various pharmaceutical, medical and industrial applications. The therapeutic properties and healing benefits of sea cucumbers may result from the presence of numerous, biologically active ingredients. Sperm subjected to processing and subsequent storage at low temperatures experience a number of damage, including the loss of the integrity of the cytoplasmic membrane, DNA and acrosome defragmentation. Therefore, the aim of this experiment was to investigate the cytoprotective potential of sea cucumber extract against cryopreserved sperm and semen fertility rate. Commercially available sea cucumber extract was taken from the cellulose shell, then 790 mg of powder was weighed out and placed in 3 glass tubes containing, respectively: 10 mL of water-glycerin solution (WG), water-ethanol (EC), glycerin-ethanol (GE), glycerin-DMSO (DG). Tubes were mixed with vortex for 3 min, then placed in a water bath and incubated for 16 h at 40 °C. Six simmental bulls, 3 years old, of known health status were used for the experiment. Semen was collected from each male once a week (for 18 weeks) using an artificial vagina. After an initial assessment of semen quality, the ejaculates were pooled to eliminate individual differences between males, then diluted to a final concentration of 80 × 106 sperm/mL with a commercial extender (Optixcell, IMV, L’Aigle, France) and divided into 16 equal samples. Control (C) without additive, the test samples contained 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 µL WG, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 µL WE, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 µL GE, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 µL DG. Semen was frozen/thawed and assessed for motility, viability, DNA defragmentation, mitochondrial membrane potential and acrosome integrity. It was shown a positive effect of water-glycerin (WG) and glycerine-ethanol (GE) extracts on the efficiency of sperm preservation at low temperatures. Established that, depending on the type of prepared extract, the sea cucumber can have both cytoprotective (WG, GE, WE) and cytotoxic (DG) effects. Moreover, too high concentrations of the extract can adversely affect the sperm in terms of parameters such as viability, motility, mitochondrial potential, and the integrity of the acrosome or DNA of cells. The present study, thanks to the use of model animals to study the cytoprotective potential of the sea cucumber extract, proves that it can be a potential candidate for use in semen cryopreservation technology to improve the efficiency of storage at low temperatures. Further research is needed to optimize the composition of individual types of extracts and their effect on sperm. The highest effectiveness of female fertilization was observed when doses from GE groups (2 and 4) were used for insemination. The results of this analysis prove that the addition of the tested extract may improve the fertilization efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Kowalczyk
- Department of Environmental Hygiene and Animal Welfare, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chełmońskiego 38C, 51-630 Wrocław, Poland; (E.G.); (A.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Elżbieta Gałęska
- Department of Environmental Hygiene and Animal Welfare, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chełmońskiego 38C, 51-630 Wrocław, Poland; (E.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Anna Szul
- Malopolska Biotechnic Centre Ltd., 36-007 Krasne, Poland; (A.S.); (K.Ł.)
| | - Katarzyna Łącka
- Malopolska Biotechnic Centre Ltd., 36-007 Krasne, Poland; (A.S.); (K.Ł.)
| | - Anna Bubel
- Department of Environmental Hygiene and Animal Welfare, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chełmońskiego 38C, 51-630 Wrocław, Poland; (E.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Jose P. Araujo
- Mountain Research Centre (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua D. Mendo Afonso, 147, Refóios do Lima, 4990-706 Ponte de Lima, Portugal;
| | - Riaz Ullah
- Department of Chemistry, Government College Ara Khel, Kohat 26000, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan;
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 12234, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marcjanna Wrzecińska
- Department of Ruminant Science, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Szczecin Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland;
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Boersma A, Primus J, Wagner B, Broukal V, Andersen L, Pachner B, Dahlhoff M, Rülicke T, Auer KE. Influence of sperm cryopreservation on sperm motility and proAKAP4 concentration in mice. Reprod Med Biol 2022; 21:e12480. [PMID: 35919386 PMCID: PMC9336535 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12480] [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: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The protein proAKAP4 is crucial for sperm motility and has been suggested as an indicator of male fertility. We determined the relationship between proAKAP4 concentration and sperm motility parameters in mice, and investigated the effects of cryopreservation on these variables. Methods Computer-assisted sperm analysis and ELISA were applied to determine sperm motility and proAKAP4 concentration in fresh and frozen-thawed epididymal sperm of SWISS, B6D2F1, C57BL/6N, and BALB/c mice. Results ProAKAP4 levels ranged between 12 and 89 ng/ml and did not differ between fresh and frozen-thawed samples, or between strains. We found a negative relationship between proAKAP4 levels and some sperm motility parameters. Sperm traits differed between strains, and cryopreservation negatively affected sperm velocity but not sperm direction parameters. Conclusion ProAKAP4 levels in epididymal mouse spermatozoa were unaffected by cryopreservation, highlighting the robustness of this parameter as a potentially time-independent marker for sperm motility and fertility. The high individual variation in proAKAP4 levels supports the potential role of proAKAP4 as a marker for sperm quality, though we found no positive, and even negative relationships between proAKAP4 levels and some sperm motility parameters. Future studies have to investigate the significance of proAKAP4 as an indicator for fertility in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Auke Boersma
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro ModelsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Jasmin Primus
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro ModelsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Bettina Wagner
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro ModelsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Veronika Broukal
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro ModelsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
- Department of RadiologyCharité – Universitätsmedizin BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Lill Andersen
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro ModelsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Barbara Pachner
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro ModelsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Maik Dahlhoff
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro ModelsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Thomas Rülicke
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro ModelsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Kerstin E. Auer
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro ModelsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
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