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Kujoana TC, Sehlabela LD, Mabelebele M, Sebola NA. The potential significance of antioxidants in livestock reproduction: Sperm viability and cryopreservation. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 267:107512. [PMID: 38901083 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107512] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Male reproductive efficiency is primarily defined by the generation of high-quality and viable sperm cells in farm animals. However, the literature shows that male fertility has declined in recent years due various factors including heat stress, which causes the development of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) which damages sperm cells. This review aimed to examine the potential significance of antioxidants in increasing and preserving sperm quality and viability. Data used to produce this review paper came from recently published articles in peer reviewed journals. Google Scholar, Science Direct, Research Gate, Web of Science, and the Directory of Open Access Journals were used to access the data. Various studies have shown that antioxidants play acritical role in preserving the sperm quality and viability by protecting sperm cells from the potential damage from oxidative stress induced by the development of oxygen species imbalances. However, there is less information on the use of natural or synthetic antioxidants to preserve semen quality through in vivo procedures, despite its growing popularity and promising results. Hence, there is a need for researchers to explore more on this topic, especially in other livestock species than poultry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tlou Christopher Kujoana
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Florida 1709, South Africa.
| | - Lerato Deirdre Sehlabela
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Florida 1709, South Africa.
| | - Monnye Mabelebele
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Florida 1709, South Africa.
| | - Nthabiseng Amenda Sebola
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Florida 1709, South Africa.
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Jannatifar R, Piroozmanesh H, Sahraei SS, Verdi A, Asa E. The evaluation effect of nanoliposome-loaded Mito-Tempo on sperm parameters during human sperm cryopreservation. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:2053-2063. [PMID: 38753089 PMCID: PMC11339217 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03132-7] [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: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study is the evaluation effect of nanoliposome-loaded Mito-Tempo on sperm parameters during human sperm cryopreservation. METHODS Semen samples of 50 Asthenoteratozoospermia men (random) were collected. Sperm parameters were analyzed based on World Health Organization (WHO, 2010) criteria (2021) and each sample was divided into 5 groups (E1-E5). E1 (control group): the sperm was cryopreserved without nanoliposome, and Mito-Tempo. E2: sperm cryopreservation with Mito-Tempo-loaded nanoliposome (Mito-Tempo 0.1 mM) + freezing medium. E3: sperm cryopreservation with Mito-Tempo-loaded nanoliposome (Mito-Tempo 0.2 mM) + freezing medium. E4: in this group, the cryopreservation sperm with Mito-Tempo 0.3 mM + freezing medium. E5: the cryopreservation sperm with Mito-Tempo 0.2 mM + freezing medium. RESULTS The result of this study indicated that sperm parameters and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) significantly increase in E3 and E4 groups, compared to E1, E2, and E5 groups respectively (P < 0.05). The percentage of abnormal morphology, DNA fragmentation index (DFI), malondialdehyde (MDA), and the levels of ROS significantly decrease in E3 and E4 groups, compared to E1, E2, and E5 groups (P < 0.05). In addition, the sperm parameters and stress oxidative factors significantly improve in E3 group compared to other groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, the combination of Mito-Tempo with nanoliposome due to its ability to cooperate with lipid layers may lead to significant performance in reducing oxidative stress damage and increasing the quality of sperm parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahil Jannatifar
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Qom, Iran.
- Infertility Treatment Center of ACECR, Bonyad Street, P.O. box: 3713746611, Qom, Iran.
| | | | - Seyedeh Saeideh Sahraei
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Qom, Iran
| | - Atefeh Verdi
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Qom, Iran
| | - Elham Asa
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Qom, Iran
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Wang Y, Liu Q, Sun Q, Zheng L, Jin T, Cao H, Zhu C, Li L, Gong Y, Yang F, Dong W. Exosomes from porcine serum as endogenous additive maintain function of boar sperm during liquid preservation at 17 °C in vitro. Theriogenology 2024; 219:147-156. [PMID: 38430799 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.02.015] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
The supplementation of sperm culture media with serum is quite common, and improves both sperm survival and motility. However, the link between serum and sperm remains poorly understood. The present study is the first investigation of the effects on sperm quality and function of endogenous porcine serum exosomes in medium used for culturing boar sperm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed that serum-derived exosomes from both castrated boars (cbsExos) and sows (ssExos) exhibited typical nanostructural morphology and expressed CD63, CD9, and Alix, as shown by Western blotting. At 17 °C, the progressive motility and membrane integrity of sperm were significantly increased after incubation of fresh boar semen for 7 days with cbsExos-4 (8 × 1010 particles/mL) or ssExos-16 (32 × 1010 particles/mL). Moreover, cbsExos-4 and ssExos-16 were found to be effective sperm additives, improving mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, total antioxidant activity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity while reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content following preservation at 17 °C after a 5-day incubation. Both fluorescence and SEM showed that the serum exosomes bound directly to the sperm membrane, suggesting an interaction that could influence sperm-zona pellucida binding. Overall, this study provides new insights into the potential benefits of adding cbsExos and ssExos to enhance the quality of boar sperm during ambient temperature preservation, which may lead to advancements in sperm preservation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Qimin Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Qingfang Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Lijuan Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Tianqi Jin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Heran Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Chao Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Long Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Ye Gong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Shaanxi Dayi Xunlong Biotechnology Co., LTD, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Fangxia Yang
- College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Biology Research Centre of Qin Mountains Wildlife, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
| | - Wuzi Dong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Biology Research Centre of Qin Mountains Wildlife, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
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Fu Y, Shen W, Bai H, Zhang Z, Cao Z, Liu Z, Yang C, Sun S, Wang L, Ling Y, Zhang Z, Cao H. Roles of Y-27632 on sheep sperm metabolism. J Anim Sci 2024; 102:skae020. [PMID: 38263469 PMCID: PMC10889731 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skae020] [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: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
To investigate the effect of Y-27632 on low-temperature metabolism of sheep sperm, different concentrations of Y-27632 were added to sheep semen at 4 °C in this experiment to detect indicators such as sperm motility, plasma membrane, acrosome, antioxidant performance, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and metabolomics. The results showed that the addition of 20 µM Y-27632 significantly increased sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity rate, acrosome integrity rate, antioxidant capacity, MMP level, significantly increased sperm adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and total cholesterol content, and significantly reduced sperm Ca2+ content. In metabolomics analysis, compared with the control group, the 20 µM Y-27632 group screened 20 differential metabolites, mainly involved in five metabolic pathways, with the most significant difference in Histidine metabolism (P = 0.001). The results confirmed that Y-27632 significantly improved the quality of sheep sperm preservation under low-temperature conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Fu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, PR China
| | - Wenzheng Shen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, PR China
| | - Haiyu Bai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, PR China
| | - Zhiyu Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, PR China
| | - Zhikun Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, PR China
| | - Zibo Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, PR China
| | - Chao Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, PR China
| | - Shixin Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, PR China
| | - Lei Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, PR China
| | - Yinghui Ling
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, PR China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, PR China
| | - Zijun Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, PR China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, PR China
| | - Hongguo Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, PR China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, PR China
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Guo Z, Zhang Y, Huang A, Ni Q, Zeng C. Phenylbutyrate and Dichloroacetate Enhance the Liquid-Stored Boar Sperm Quality via PDK1 and PDK3. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17091. [PMID: 38069413 PMCID: PMC10707026 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242317091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial insemination (AI) with liquid-stored semen is the most prevalent and efficient assisted reproduction technique in the modern pork industry. Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex component X (PDHX) was demonstrated to be associated with sperm metabolism and affected the boar sperm viability, motility, and fertility. Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinases (PDKs) are the key metabolic enzymes that regulate pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHC) activity and also the conversion from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation. In the present study, two PDK inhibitors, Dichloroacetate (DCA) and Phenylbutyrate (4-PBA), were added to an extender and investigated to determine their regulatory roles in liquid-stored boar sperm at 17 °C. The results indicated that PDK1 and PDK3 were predominantly located at the head and flagella of the boar sperm. The addition of 2 mM DCA and 0.5 mM 4-PBA significantly enhanced the sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity (PMI), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and ATP content. In addition, DCA and 4-PBA exerted their effects by inhibiting PDK1 and PDK3, respectively. In conclusion, DCA and 4-PBA were found to regulate the boar sperm metabolic activities via PDK1 and PDK3. These both can improve the quality parameters of liquid-stored boar sperm, which will help to improve and optimize liquid-stored boar semen after their addition in the extender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihua Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611134, China; (Z.G.); (Y.Z.); (Q.N.)
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611134, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611134, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611134, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611134, China; (Z.G.); (Y.Z.); (Q.N.)
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611134, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611134, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611134, China
| | - Anqi Huang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625014, China;
| | - Qingyong Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611134, China; (Z.G.); (Y.Z.); (Q.N.)
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611134, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611134, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611134, China
| | - Changjun Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611134, China; (Z.G.); (Y.Z.); (Q.N.)
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611134, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611134, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611134, China
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Vloeberghs V, De Munck N, Racca A, Mateizel I, Wouters K, Tournaye H. Enzymatic tissue processing after testicular biopsy in non-obstructive azoospermia enhances sperm retrieval. Hum Reprod Open 2023; 2023:hoad039. [PMID: 37936829 PMCID: PMC10627277 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoad039] [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: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the added value of enzymatic processing of testicular biopsies on testicular sperm retrieval (SR) rates for patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA)? SUMMARY ANSWER In addition to mechanical mincing, enzymatic digestion increased SR rates in testicular biopsies of NOA patients. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Many studies focus on the surgical approach to optimize recovery of testicular sperm in NOA, and in spite of that, controversy still exists about whether the type of surgery makes any difference as long as multiple biopsies are taken. Few studies, however, focus on the role of the IVF laboratory and the benefit of additional lab procedures, e.g. enzymatic digestion, in order to optimize SR rates. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION This retrospective single-center cohort study included all patients who underwent their first testicular sperm extraction (TESE) by open multiple-biopsy method between January 2004 and July 2022. Only patients with a normal karyotype, absence of Y-q deletions and a diagnosis of NOA based on histology were included. The primary outcome was SR rate after mincing and/or enzymes. The secondary outcome was cumulative live birth (CLB) after ICSI with fresh TESE and subsequent ICSI cycles with frozen TESE. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS Multiple biopsies were obtained from the testis, unilaterally or bilaterally, on the day of oocyte retrieval. Upon mechanical mincing, biopsies were investigated for 30 min; when no or insufficient numbers of spermatozoa were observed, enzymatic treatment was performed using Collagenase type IV. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to predict CLB per TESE by adjusting for the following confounding factors: male FSH level, female age, and requirement of enzymatic digestion to find sperm. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We included 118 patients, of whom 72 (61.0%) had successful SR eventually. Spermatozoa were retrieved after mechanical mincing for 28 patients (23.7%; 28/118) or after additional enzymatic digestion for another 44 patients (37.2%; 44/118). Thus, of the 90 patients requiring enzymatic digestion, sperm were retrieved for 44 (48.9%). Male characteristics were not different between patients with SR after mincing or enzymatic digestion, in regard to mean age (34.5 vs 34.5 years), testis volume (10.2 vs 10.6 ml), FSH (17.8 vs 16.9 IU/l), cryptorchidism (21.4 vs 34.1%), varicocele (3.6 vs 4.6%), or histological diagnosis (Sertoli-cell only 53.6 vs 47.7%, maturation arrest 21.4 vs 38.6%, sclerosis/atrophy 25.0 vs 13.6%).Of the 72 patients with sperm available for ICSI, 23/72 (31.9%) achieved a live birth (LB) after the injection with fresh testicular sperm (and fresh or frozen embryo transfers). Of the remaining 49 patients without LB, 34 (69.4%) had supernumerary testicular sperm frozen. Of these 34 patients, 19 (55.9%) continued ICSI with frozen testicular sperm, and 9/19 (47.4%) had achieved an LB after ICSI with frozen testicular sperm. Thus, the total CLB was 32/118 (27.1%) per TESE or 32/72 (44.4%) per TESE with sperm retrieved.Of the female characteristics (couples with sperm available), only female age (30.3 vs 32.7 years; P = 0.042) was significantly lower in the group with a LB, compared to those without.The CLB with testicular sperm obtained after enzymatic digestion was 31.8% (14/44), while the CLB with sperm obtained after mincing alone was 64.3% (18/28). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that when enzymatic digestion was required, it was associated with a significant decrease in CLB per TESE (OR: 0.23 (0.08-0.7); P = 0.01). LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION Limitations of the study are related to the retrospective design. However, the selection of only patients with NOA, and specific characteristics (normal karyotype and absence Y-q deletion) and having their first TESE, strengthens our findings. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Enzymatic processing increases the SR rate from testicular biopsies of NOA patients compared to mechanical mincing only, demonstrating the importance of an appropriate laboratory protocol. However, NOA patients should be counseled that when sperm have been found after enzymatic digestion, their chances to father a genetically own child may be lower compared to those not requiring enzymatic digestion. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS None reported. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Vloeberghs
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - N De Munck
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - A Racca
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - I Mateizel
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - K Wouters
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - H Tournaye
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Benko F, Fialková V, Žiarovská J, Ďuračka M, Lukáč N, Tvrdá E. In Vitro versus Cryo-Induced Capacitation of Bovine Spermatozoa, Part 2: Changes in the Expression Patterns of Selected Transmembrane Channels and Protein Kinase A. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314646. [PMID: 36498971 PMCID: PMC9739406 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the molecular similarities and differences among physiological capacitation and cryocapacitation have not been studied in detail, this study was designed to assess the gene and protein expression levels of the Cation channel of sperm (CatSper) 1 and 2, sodium bicarbonate (Na+/HCO3−) cotransporter (NBC) and protein kinase A (PKA) in un-capacitated (control), in vitro capacitated (CAP) and cryopreserved (CRYO) bovine spermatozoa. All samples were subjected to motility evaluation using the computer assisted sperm analysis and chlortetracycline (CTC) assay for the assessment of the capacitation patterns. Furthermore, quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blots were used to monitor the expression patterns of the selected capacitation markers. The results showed a significant reduction in the gene and protein expression levels of CatSper1 and 2 in the CRYO group when compared to the CAP group (p < 0.0001). In the case of NBC, the results were not significantly different or were inconclusive. While a non-significant down-regulation of PKA was found in the CRYO group, a significant reduction in the expression of the PKA protein was found in frozen-thawed spermatozoa in comparison to the CAP group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, we may hypothesize that while in vitro capacitated and cryopreserved spermatozoa exhibit CTC-patterns consistent with capacitation events, the molecular machinery underlying CTC-positivity may be different.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Benko
- Institute of Applied Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Fialková
- AgroBioTech Research Centre, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Jana Žiarovská
- Institute of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Michal Ďuračka
- AgroBioTech Research Centre, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Norbert Lukáč
- Institute of Applied Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Eva Tvrdá
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +421-37-641-4918
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