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Sorkytė Š, Šiugždinienė R, Virgailis M, Vaičiulienė G, Wysokińska A, Wójcik E, Matusevičius P, Rekešiūtė A, Sutkevičienė N. The Interaction between Canine Semen Bacteria and Semen Quality Parameters. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2151. [PMID: 39123677 DOI: 10.3390/ani14152151] [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: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Assessing canine semen quality helps to detect infertility in males, but identifying factors that influence canine semen quality is a complicated task. The objective of this study was the assessment of the potential influence of bacteria found in canine semen samples on the characteristics of dogs' semen. In this study, semen samples were collected manually from 30 dogs and subjected to a comprehensive examination. The results of sperm motility, concentration, viability, and morphology were statistically analysed in relation to the number of bacteria in the semen (CFUs/mL) and the seminal microbiota. Samples with an increased bacterial count per millilitre were associated with lower-quality sperm motility (p < 0.05). The most frequently isolated bacterial genera from the analysed semen samples were Staphylococcus spp. (26.0%), Corynebacterium spp. (17.8%), and Streptococcus spp. (16.4%). The presence of β-haemolytic Escherichia coli bacteria was linked to suboptimal semen samples, characterised by significantly reduced semen viability and a lower proportion of morphologically normal spermatozoa (p < 0.05). Corynebacterium spp. was associated with reduced bacterial load and superior semen quality (p < 0.01). These findings highlight the importance of bacterial cell counts and microbiota diversity in relation to various factors influencing canine semen quality, providing a more comprehensive understanding of canine reproductive well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Šarūnė Sorkytė
- Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės Str. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Rita Šiugždinienė
- Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės Str. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Marius Virgailis
- Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės Str. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Gintarė Vaičiulienė
- Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės Str. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Anna Wysokińska
- Institute of Animal Science and Fisheries, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Siedlce, Konarskiego 2, 08110 Siedlce, Poland
| | - Ewa Wójcik
- Institute of Animal Science and Fisheries, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Siedlce, Konarskiego 2, 08110 Siedlce, Poland
| | - Paulius Matusevičius
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Animal Sciences, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės Str. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Audronė Rekešiūtė
- Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės Str. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Neringa Sutkevičienė
- Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės Str. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
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Prochowska S, Eberhardt M, Smalec B, Niżański W. In search of freezability predictors for feline spermatozoa - osmotic challenge tests and markers of sperm membrane structure. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 268:107563. [PMID: 39032361 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107563] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Semen cryopreservation is a crucial part of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) in animals, and recently it is gaining more and more attention among cat breeders. Even if fresh semen quality is good, sometimes spermatozoa do not survive freezing. The freezability prediction was widely studied in many species, but not in the domestic cat. The aim of this study was to verify the usefulness of osmotic challenge tests and membrane structure markers (Yo-Pro 1 and Merocyanine 540) for the prediction of the quality of post-thawed feline semen. Semen was collected by urethral catheterization from 22 male cats. After a basic evaluation of semen, 20×106 spermatozoa were cryopreserved; the rest were evaluated by flow cytometry for membrane integrity (SYBR-14/PI), acrosome status (lectin PNA/PI), mitochondrial potential (JC-1) and membrane stability (Yo-Pro 1/M540 staining). Hypo- and hyperosmotic challenge tests were also performed. The thawed samples were evaluated as fresh ones. The Pearson correlation between all parameters in fresh semen and all parameters in cryopreserved spermatozoa was assessed. Although some moderate correlations were found between the results of the osmotic tests and markers of sperm membrane stability (Yo-Pro 1 and Merocyanine 540) and post-thaw semen quality parameters, the predictive value of studied markers was rather weak - no cut-off values could be established and, based on regression models, they explained less than 40 % of variability in post-thaw quality. Our results confirm that cryodamage is a complex matter, in which many different factors play a role, affecting sperm motility and membrane integrity differently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Prochowska
- Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, pl. Grunwaldzki 49, Wrocław 50-366, Poland.
| | - Maria Eberhardt
- Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, pl. Grunwaldzki 49, Wrocław 50-366, Poland
| | - Barbara Smalec
- Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, pl. Grunwaldzki 49, Wrocław 50-366, Poland
| | - Wojciech Niżański
- Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, pl. Grunwaldzki 49, Wrocław 50-366, Poland
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Mogielnicka-Brzozowska M, Cichowska AW. Molecular Biomarkers of Canine Reproductive Functions. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:6139-6168. [PMID: 38921038 PMCID: PMC11202846 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46060367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of the current study is to review potential molecular biomarker substances selected so far as useful for assessing the quality of dog semen. Proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and ions can serve as molecular biomarkers of reproductive functions (BRFs) for evaluating male reproductive health and identifying potential risk factors for infertility or reproductive disorders. Evaluation of BRF levels in semen samples or reproductive tissues may provide insights into the underlying causes of infertility, such as impaired sperm function, abnormal sperm-egg interaction, or dysfunction of the male reproductive tract. Molecular biomarker proteins may be divided into two groups: proteins that are well-studied, such as A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs), albumins (ALBs), alkaline phosphatase (ALPL), clusterin (CLU), canine prostate-specific esterase (CPSE), cysteine-rich secretory protein 2 (CRISP2), lactotransferrin (LTF), metalloproteinases (MMPs), and osteopontin (OPN) and proteins that are not well-studied. Non-protein markers include lipid-based substances (fatty acids, phosphatidylcholine), carbohydrates (glycosaminoglycans), and ions (zinc, calcium). Assessing the levels of BRFs in semen samples may provide valuable information for breeding management and reproductive assessments in dogs. This review systematizes current knowledge that could serve as a starting point for developing practical tests with the use of biomarkers of canine reproductive functions and their predictive value for assisted reproductive technique outcomes and semen preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzena Mogielnicka-Brzozowska
- Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 5, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
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Christensen BW, Meyers S. Canine Semen Evaluation and Processing. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2023:S0195-5616(23)00079-7. [PMID: 37400342 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2023.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Advances in canine semen evaluation have progressed over time in fits and spurts, interspersed with long periods of relative inactivity. Despite exciting advances in the semen analysis, clinical canine theriogenology has been in a period of relative inactivity for a number of decades since initial advances in canine semen freezing in the mid 20th century. This review describes ways that the clinical practice of canine semen evaluation should improve, given the state of current knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stuart Meyers
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Arlt SP, Reichler IM, Herbel J, Schäfer-Somi S, Riege L, Leber J, Frehner B. Diagnostic tests in canine andrology - What do they really tell us about fertility? Theriogenology 2023; 196:150-156. [PMID: 36423509 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Dog breeders often require breeding soundness evaluations which include andrological examinations of the genital organs, hormone measurements, and semen analyses. During the past decades, a considerable number of research results have been published, allowing diagnoses of specific andrological conditions and fertility assessment. For specific examinations, however, no standard procedures have been defined and for some parameters different reference ranges have been published. Therefore, examination results from different facilities are difficult to compare and profound conclusions regarding health and fertility of a male dog are not always possible. Conventional semen examination, however, is still useful in identifying deviations or no deviations from normality, especially if confounding factors are taken into account and if the exam is repeated in case of inconclusive findings. A standardization of examination procedures and reference ranges would help to harmonize the exchange of examination results and interpretation of the findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian P Arlt
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Iris M Reichler
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Herbel
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Schäfer-Somi
- Platform for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lisa Riege
- Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johanna Leber
- Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bianca Frehner
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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