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Jorge M, Ferreira FC, Marques CC, Batista MC, Oliveira PJ, Lidon F, Duarte SC, Teixeira J, Pereira RMLN. Effect of Urolithin A on Bovine Sperm Capacitation and In Vitro Fertilization. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2726. [PMID: 39335315 PMCID: PMC11428424 DOI: 10.3390/ani14182726] [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: 07/29/2024] [Revised: 09/05/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a critical role in the functional competence of sperm cells. Conversely, excessive generation of ROS can impair sperm function, including their fertilization ability. Urolithin A (UA), a gut bacteria-derived metabolite produced from the transformation of ellagitannins, with anti-aging and antioxidant properties, was investigated for the first time in bovine sperm cells in the present study. Firstly, different doses of UA (0, 1, and 10 μM; 8-16 sessions) were used during the capacitation process of frozen-thawed bovine sperm. Sperm motility was assessed using optical microscopy and CASA. Sperm vitality (eosin-nigrosin), ROS, and ATP levels, as well as mitochondrial membrane potential (JC1) and oxygen consumption were evaluated. A second experiment to test the effect of different doses of UA (0, 1, and 10 μM; 9 sessions) in both the capacitation medium, as above, and the fertilization medium, was also implemented. The embryonic development and quality were evaluated. UA, at a concentration of 1 μM, significantly improved sperm movement quality (p < 0.03). There was a trend towards an increase in the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) of capacitated sperm with 1 μM and 10 μM UA supplementation. Moreover, an increase in ATP levels (p < 0.01) was observed, accompanied by a reduction in ROS levels at the higher UA concentration. These results suggest that UA may enhance spermatozoa mitochondrial function, modifying their metabolic activity while reducing the oxidative stress. Also, the number of produced embryos appears to be positively affected by UA supplementation, although differences between the bulls may have mitigated this effect. In conclusion, presented results further support previous findings indicating the potential therapeutic value of UA for addressing reproductive sub/infertility problems and improving ART outcomes. In addition, our results also reinforce the important bull effect on ART and that male sperm bioenergetic parameters should be used to predict spermatozoa functionality and developmental potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Jorge
- Unit of Biotechnology and Genetic Resources, National Institute of Agrarian and Veterinary Research, Quinta da Fonte Boa, 2005-048 Vale de Santarém, Portugal; (M.J.); (F.C.F.); (C.C.M.); (M.C.B.)
- Department of Veterinary Sciences Research Centre, Vasco da Gama University School, Lordemão University Campus, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Filipa C. Ferreira
- Unit of Biotechnology and Genetic Resources, National Institute of Agrarian and Veterinary Research, Quinta da Fonte Boa, 2005-048 Vale de Santarém, Portugal; (M.J.); (F.C.F.); (C.C.M.); (M.C.B.)
- GeoBioTec—Faculty of Sciences and Technology, New University of Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal;
| | - Carla C. Marques
- Unit of Biotechnology and Genetic Resources, National Institute of Agrarian and Veterinary Research, Quinta da Fonte Boa, 2005-048 Vale de Santarém, Portugal; (M.J.); (F.C.F.); (C.C.M.); (M.C.B.)
| | - Maria C. Batista
- Unit of Biotechnology and Genetic Resources, National Institute of Agrarian and Veterinary Research, Quinta da Fonte Boa, 2005-048 Vale de Santarém, Portugal; (M.J.); (F.C.F.); (C.C.M.); (M.C.B.)
| | - Paulo J. Oliveira
- CNC—Centre for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (P.J.O.); (J.T.)
- CIBB—Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - F. Lidon
- GeoBioTec—Faculty of Sciences and Technology, New University of Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal;
| | - Sofia C. Duarte
- Department of Veterinary Sciences Research Centre, Vasco da Gama University School, Lordemão University Campus, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal;
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Bromatology and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Polo III, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José Teixeira
- CNC—Centre for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (P.J.O.); (J.T.)
- CIBB—Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rosa M. L. N. Pereira
- Unit of Biotechnology and Genetic Resources, National Institute of Agrarian and Veterinary Research, Quinta da Fonte Boa, 2005-048 Vale de Santarém, Portugal; (M.J.); (F.C.F.); (C.C.M.); (M.C.B.)
- Department of Veterinary Sciences Research Centre, Vasco da Gama University School, Lordemão University Campus, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal;
- CIISA, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associated Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), Av. da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
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Li Y, Wang Y, An T, Tang Y, Shi M, Zhang W, Xue M, Wang X, Zhang J. Non-thermal plasma promotes boar sperm quality through increasing AMPK methylation. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 257:128768. [PMID: 38096931 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128768] [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: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Boar sperm quality, as an important indicator of reproductive efficiency, directly affects the efficiency of livestock production. Here, this study was conducted to improve the boar sperm quality by using a non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma. Our results showed that DBD plasma exposure at 2.1 W for 15 s could improve boar sperm quality by increasing exon methylation level of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and thus improving the glycolytic flux, mitochondrial function, and antioxidant capacity without damaging the integrity of sperm DNA and acrosome. In addition, DBD plasma could rescue DNA methyltransferase inhibitor decitabine-caused low sperm quality through reducing the oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage. Therefore, the application of non-thermal plasma provides a new strategy for reducing sperm oxidative damage and improving sperm quality, which shows a great potential in assisted reproduction to solve the problem of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqi Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Forage & Herbivore, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China; Jianyang Municipal People's Government Shiqiao Street Office Comprehensive Convenience Service Center, Jianyang, Sichuan 641400, China
| | - Yusha Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Forage & Herbivore, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Tianyi An
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Forage & Herbivore, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yao Tang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Forage & Herbivore, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Mei Shi
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Forage & Herbivore, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Wenyu Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Forage & Herbivore, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Mengqing Xue
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Forage & Herbivore, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xianzhong Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Forage & Herbivore, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Jiaojiao Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Forage & Herbivore, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China.
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Impact of Heat Stress on Bovine Sperm Quality and Competence. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12080975. [PMID: 35454222 PMCID: PMC9027525 DOI: 10.3390/ani12080975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Global warming has negatively influenced animal production performance, in addition to animal well-being and welfare, consequently impairing the economic sustainability of the livestock industry. Heat stress impact on male fertility is complex and multifactorial, with the fertilizing ability of spermatozoa affected by several pathways. Among the most significative changes are the increase in and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) causing lipid peroxidation and motility impairment. The exposure of DNA during the cell division of spermatogenesis makes it vulnerable to both ROS and apoptotic enzymes, while the subsequent post-meiotic DNA condensation makes restoration impossible, harming later embryonic development. Mitochondria are also susceptible to the loss of membrane potential and electron leakage during oxidative phosphorylation, lowering their energy production capacity under heat stress. Although cells are equipped with defense mechanisms against heat stress, heat insults that are too intense lead to cell death. Heat shock proteins (HSP) belong to a thermostable and stress-induced protein family, which eliminate protein clusters and are essential to proteostasis under heat stress. This review focuses on effects of heat stress on sperm quality and on the mechanisms leading to defective sperm under heat stress.
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