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Hensel B, Henneberg S, Kleve-Feld M, Jung M, Schulze M. Selection and direct biomarkers of reproductive capacity of breeding boars. Anim Reprod Sci 2024:107490. [PMID: 38735766 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107490] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Efficient management of pig reproduction is paramount for the sustainability and productivity of the global pork industry. Modern artificial insemination (AI) breeding programs have greatly benefited from the integration of advanced selection methods and biomarkers to enhance the reproductive performance of boars. While traditional selection methods have relied soley on boar phenotype, such as growth rate and conformation, modern pig breeding has shifted more and more toward molecular and genetic tools, which are still complemented by phenotypic traits. These methods encompass genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics. Biomarkers serve as critical indicators of boar reproductive capacity. They can help to identify individuals with superior fertility and aid in the early identification of potential fertility issues, allowing for proactive management strategies. This review summarizes current knowledge of various biomarkers associated with semen quality, sperm function, and overall reproductive fitness in boars. Furthermore, we explore advanced technologies and their potential applications in uncovering novel selection methods and biomarkers for predicting boar fertility. A comprehensive understanding of selection criteria and biomarkers governing boar reproductive capacity is essential for developing effective breeding programs to enhance swine reproductive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Hensel
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernauer Allee 10, Bernau D-16321, Germany
| | - Sophie Henneberg
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernauer Allee 10, Bernau D-16321, Germany
| | - Michael Kleve-Feld
- Pig Improvement Company, 100 Bluegrass Commons Blvd. Ste 2200, Hendersonville, TN 37075, United States
| | - Markus Jung
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernauer Allee 10, Bernau D-16321, Germany
| | - Martin Schulze
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernauer Allee 10, Bernau D-16321, Germany.
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Hasbi H, Iskandar H, Sonjaya H, Purwantara B, Arifiantini RI, Agil M, Pardede BP, Suyadi S, Septian WA, Samsudewa D, Damayanti E, Maulana T, Said S. Comparative developmental competence of in vitro embryos recovered from Bali cattle with normal and poor sperm motility. Vet World 2024; 17:593-601. [PMID: 38680141 PMCID: PMC11045541 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.593-601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Fertility is crucial for enhancing the efficiency of livestock production, as it directly impacts the reproductive rates. A comprehensive understanding of the relationship between sperm quality and embryo development is key to optimizing reproductive outcomes and improving the quality of livestock. This study analyzed the developmental competence of in vitro embryos recovered from Bali cattle with normal or poor sperm motility. Materials and Methods Nine bulls with normal fresh semen (NFS) or poor fresh semen (PFS) motility were ejaculated for semen. Semen ejaculates, including volume, motility, and sperm concentration, were evaluated immediately after collection to measure the quality of the fresh semen. Frozen semen was evaluated using computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) for motility, progressive sperm motility, distance curve path, distance curve linear, distance straight line, average path velocity, curvilinear velocity, linear velocity, straightness (STR), linearity of forward progression (LIN), wobble, and average lateral head displacement (ALH). Bull groups were used to determine in vitro embryo cleavage ability after fertilization of Bali cattle. Ovaries of Bali cattle were collected by slicing, and only cytoplasmic oocytes with compact cumulus cells were used in this study. The oocytes were matured, and in vitro fertilization was performed using fertilization media with a final sperm concentration of 1.5 × 106 spermatozoa/mL. After 48 h, the embryo cleavage ability of the cultured oocytes was evaluated. Results There were significant differences in motility values between the NFS and PFS groups; however, there were no significant differences in the volume or sperm concentration. There was a significant difference in the LIN value between the groups but no significant differences in other CASA parameters. There were no significant differences in the cleavage rate and morula between the groups, but a positive correlation was observed between the cleavage rate and the morula and between the morula and ALH. A significant negative correlation was observed between the cleavage rate and STR and between the morula and STR; no significant differences were observed for other variables. Conclusion Despite variations in sperm characteristics, both normal and poor sperm motility demonstrated comparable in vitro embryonic development competence. These findings provide important insights into the fertility potential of Bali bulls, providing valuable information that can enhance selection strategies to improve the quality of livestock production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasbi Hasbi
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Animal Science, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, 90245, Indonesia
| | - Hikmayani Iskandar
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, 16914, Indonesia
| | - Herry Sonjaya
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Animal Science, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, 90245, Indonesia
| | - Bambang Purwantara
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, 16680, Indonesia
| | - Raden Iis Arifiantini
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, 16680, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Agil
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, 16680, Indonesia
| | - Berlin Pandapotan Pardede
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, 16914, Indonesia
| | - Suyadi Suyadi
- Faculty of Animal Science, Brawijaya University, Malang, 65145, Indonesia
| | - Wike Andre Septian
- Faculty of Animal Science, Brawijaya University, Malang, 65145, Indonesia
| | - Daud Samsudewa
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal and Agricultural Sciences, Diponegoro University, Semarang, 50275, Indonesia
| | - Erni Damayanti
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, 16914, Indonesia
| | - Tulus Maulana
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, 16914, Indonesia
| | - Syahruddin Said
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, 16914, Indonesia
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Fernández-López P, Garriga J, Casas I, Yeste M, Bartumeus F. Predicting fertility from sperm motility landscapes. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1027. [PMID: 36171267 PMCID: PMC9519750 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03954-0] [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: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the organisational principles of sperm motility has both evolutionary and applied impact. The emergence of computer aided systems in this field came with the promise of automated quantification and classification, potentially improving our understanding of the determinants of reproductive success. Yet, nowadays the relationship between sperm variability and fertility remains unclear. Here, we characterize pig sperm motility using t-SNE, an embedding method adequate to study behavioural variability. T-SNE reveals a hierarchical organization of sperm motility across ejaculates and individuals, enabling accurate fertility predictions by means of Bayesian logistic regression. Our results show that sperm motility features, like high-speed and straight-lined motion, correlate positively with fertility and are more relevant than other sources of variability. We propose the combined use of embedding methods with Bayesian inference frameworks in order to achieve a better understanding of the relationship between fertility and sperm motility in animals, including humans. Dimension reduction methods on porcine sperm motility landscapes reveal heterogeneity and hierarchy in sperm movement behavior and show high-speed and straight-lined motion as predictive features of fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pol Fernández-López
- Theoretical and Computational Ecology Group, Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB-CSIC), Cala Sant Francesc, 14, 17300, Blanes, Spain
| | - Joan Garriga
- Theoretical and Computational Ecology Group, Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB-CSIC), Cala Sant Francesc, 14, 17300, Blanes, Spain
| | - Isabel Casas
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, 17003, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, 17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, 17003, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, 17003, Girona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, ICREA, Passeig Lluís Companys, 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Frederic Bartumeus
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, ICREA, Passeig Lluís Companys, 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain. .,Centre de Recerca Ecològica i Aplicacions Forestals (CREAF), Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.
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Zhao X, Ma R, Zhang X, Wang B, Rong B, Jiang N, Feng W, Chen M, Huo Z, Li S, Xia T. Transcriptomic study of the mechanism by which the Kai Yu Zhong Yu recipe improves oocyte quality in a stressed mouse model. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 278:114298. [PMID: 34090913 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The Kai Yu Zhong Yu recipe (KYZY) is a classic herbal formula in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that has been used to treat infertility associated with psychological stress for more than three hundred years. AIM OF THE STUDY Psychological stress has major impacts on fertility, with variable outcomes depending on the nature, strength, and duration of the stress. Stress can directly disturb ovulation, oocyte quality, maturation, and embryo development. The aim of this study is to investigate the molecular mechanism by which KYZY improves oocyte developmental potential under psychological stress. MATERIALS AND METHODS ICR female mice aged 4-5 weeks were randomly divided into five groups: control, stressed in the chronic unpredictable stress model (CUSM), and stressed plus KYZY treatment at 38.2 g/kg (KYZYH), 19.1 g/kg (KYZYM), or 9.6 g/kg (KYZYL). Ovary function was assessed by measuring serum levels of estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). Oocyte quality was evaluated in terms of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, apoptotic DNA fragmentation, and mitochondria distribution. We used RNA sequencing (RNAseq) to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between groups and then further analyzed the DEGs for gene ontology (GO) term enrichment and protein-protein interactions. RESULTS Mice in the stressed group had reduced serum E2, LH, and FSH as well as increased ROS levels, increased apoptosis, and disturbed mitochondria distribution in oocytes. Treatment with KYZY at all three doses reversed or ameliorated these negative effects of stress. DEG analysis identified 187 common genes between the two comparisons (stressed vs. control and KYZYM vs. stressed), 33 of which were annotated with six gene ontology (GO)'s biological process (BP) terms: cell differentiation, apoptosis, ATP synthesis, protein homo-oligomerization, neuron migration, and negative regulation of peptidase activity. Protein-protein interaction network analysis of DEGs identified key hub genes. Notably, the genes Atp5o and Cyc1 were both involved in the ATP synthesis and among the top three hub genes, suggesting that regulation of oocyte mitochondrial electron transport and ATP synthesis is important in the response to stress and also is a possible mechanism of action for KYZY. CONCLUSIONS KYZY was effective in ameliorating the adverse effects of stress on oocyte competence, possibly by targeting the mitochondrial respiratory chain and ATP synthase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Zhao
- Reproductive Center, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, And National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381, China
| | - Ruihong Ma
- Reproductive Center, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, And National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Reproductive Center, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, And National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381, China
| | - Baojuan Wang
- Reproductive Center, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, And National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381, China
| | - Beilei Rong
- Reproductive Center, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, And National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Reproductive Center, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, And National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381, China
| | - Weihua Feng
- Reproductive Center, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, And National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381, China
| | - Mingli Chen
- Reproductive Center, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, And National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381, China
| | - Zhipeng Huo
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Shuming Li
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300130, China
| | - Tian Xia
- Reproductive Center, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, And National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381, China.
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Padilla L, López-Arjona M, Martinez-Subiela S, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Roca J, Barranco I. Oxytocin in pig seminal plasma is positively related with in vivo fertility of inseminated sows. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2021; 12:101. [PMID: 34511116 PMCID: PMC8436503 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-021-00620-z] [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: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identification of relevant in vivo biomarkers for fertility remains a challenge for the livestock industry. Concentrations of the small peptide hormone oxytocin (OXT), involved in male reproductive function and present in the seminal plasma (SP) of several species could be a robust one. This study characterized concentrations of SP-OXT in ejaculates from boars used in artificial insemination (AI) programs aiming to evaluate its relationship with sperm quality variables and in vivo fertility of their liquid-stored AI-semen. Seminal OXT concentrations (ng/mL) were measured in 169 ejaculates from 61 boars of the Duroc, Pietrain, Landrace and Large White breeds using a direct competitive immunoassay test based on AlphaLISA® technology. Ejaculate (ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count) and sperm parameters (motility, viability, intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species, plasma membrane fluidity) were assessed at 0 h and 72 h in AI-semen samples stored at 17 °C. In vivo fertility included only 18 Large White and Landrace boars whose AI-semen was used to inseminated > 100 sows and evaluated both farrowing rate and litter size of 3,167 sows. RESULTS The results showed that SP-OXT differed between boars and between ejaculates within boar (P < 0.05) but not between breeds (Duroc, Pietrain, Landrace and Large White). Ejaculates with higher SP-OXT concentration/mL (hierarchically grouped; P < 0.001) had larger volume and came from younger boars (P < 0.05). Ejaculates of boars showing positive farrowing rate deviation exhibited higher (P < 0.05) SP-OXT concentration/mL than those with negative farrowing rate deviation. CONCLUSION The SP concentrations of OXT are boar, ejaculate and age dependent, and positively related with ejaculate volume and farrowing rates of liquid-stored semen AI-doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Padilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, E-30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Marina López-Arjona
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, E-30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Silvia Martinez-Subiela
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, E-30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, E-30100, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Isabel Barranco
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, IT-40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
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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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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sertoli cells play central roles in the development of testis formation in fetuses and the initiation and maintenance of spermatogenesis in puberty and adulthood, and disorders of Sertoli cell proliferation and/or functional maturation can cause male reproductive disorders at various life stages. It's well documented that various genes are either overexpressed or absent in Sertoli cells during the conversion of an immature, proliferating Sertoli cell to a mature, non-proliferating Sertoli cell, which are considered as Sertoli cell stage-specific markers. Thus, it is paramount to choose an appropriate Sertoli cell marker that will be used not only to identify the developmental, proliferative, and maturation of Sertoli cell status in the testis during the fetal period, prepuberty, puberty, or in the adult, but also to diagnose the mechanisms underlying spermatogenic dysfunction. AREAS COVERED In this review, we principally enumerated 5 categories of testicular Sertoli cell markers - including immature Sertoli cell markers, mature Sertoli cell markers, immature/mature Sertoli cell markers, Sertoli cell functional markers, and others. EXPERT OPINION By delineating the characteristics and applications of more than 20 Sertoli cell markers, this review provided novel Sertoli cell markers for the more accurate diagnosis and mechanistic evaluation of male reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu You
- College of Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.,Third-Grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine Approved by State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang China
| | - Qian Chen
- College of Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.,Third-Grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine Approved by State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang China.,The Second People's Hospital of Yichang, China Three Gorges University, Yichang China
| | - Ding Yuan
- College of Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Changcheng Zhang
- College of Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.,Third-Grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine Approved by State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang China
| | - Haixia Zhao
- College of Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.,Third-Grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine Approved by State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang China
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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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Global Methylation and Protamine Deficiency in Ram Spermatozoa Correlate with Sperm Production and Quality but Are Not Influenced by Melatonin or Season. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10122302. [PMID: 33291841 PMCID: PMC7762013 DOI: 10.3390/ani10122302] [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: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Though environmental factors can alter the epigenome of mammalian spermatozoa, it is currently unclear whether these epigenetic changes are linked to sperm production, quality and fertility. This study aimed to identify whether the hormone melatonin, responsible for upregulating ram reproductive function, is able to alter broad epigenetic markers in spermatozoa, namely sperm global methylation and protamine deficiency. It was also investigated whether these parameters corresponded to ram endocrinology, semen production and quality. Though no effects of season or melatonin were found, both sperm global methylation and protamine deficiency correlated with several semen production and quality parameters. These moderate associations with sperm production and quality support that sperm protamine deficiency and global methylation are broadly indicative of testicular function. Abstract This study assessed whether the seasonal effects of melatonin that upregulate ram reproductive function alter sperm global methylation or protamine deficiency and whether these parameters corresponded to ram endocrinology, semen production and quality. Ejaculates were assessed from rams that received melatonin implants (n = 9) or no implants (n = 9) during the non-breeding season. Ejaculates (n = 2/ram/week) were collected prior to implantation (week 0), 1, 6 and 12 weeks post implantation and during the following breeding season (week 30). Flow cytometry was used to assess the sperm global methylation and protamine deficiency in each ejaculate, which had known values for sperm concentration, motility, morphology, DNA fragmentation, seminal plasma levels of melatonin, anti-Mullerian hormone and inhibin A. Serum levels of testosterone and melatonin were also evaluated. Though there was no effect of melatonin or season, sperm protamine deficiency was negatively correlated with sperm production and seminal plasma levels of anti-Mullerian hormone and positively correlated with sperm DNA fragmentation and morphology. Global methylation of spermatozoa was positively correlated with sperm DNA fragmentation, morphology and serum testosterone and negatively correlated with sperm motility. These moderate associations with sperm production and quality suggest that sperm protamine deficiency and global methylation are indicative of ram testicular function.
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