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Yan B, Wang J, Zhou Y, Pei L, Zhang F, Gao B, Wang H. The application of mean number of DNA breakpoints in sperm cryopreservation. Cryobiology 2024; 116:104937. [PMID: 38942068 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2024.104937] [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: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Growing concerns over declining male semen quality and rising infertility have shifted attention to male fertility. Sperm cryopreservation emerges as a crucial tool in preserving male fertility, especially for patients who need proactive preservation, such as cancer patients before undergoing radiation or chemotherapy. Although cryopreservation does not directly address infertility, effective preservation can support future fertility. However, the process may compromise sperm DNA integrity. Despite their impairment, damaged sperm often retain vitality and may still have the potential to fertilize an egg. Nonetheless, if damaged sperm fertilize an egg, excessive DNA damage could impede embryo implantation and development, despite the egg's repair capabilities. Consequently, precise detection of sperm DNA damage is crucial and urgent. To better address the issue of sperm DNA damage detection, we have introduced a novel fluorescence biosensor technology known as the TDT/SD Probe. This technology utilizes terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) and strand displacement probes to accurately detect the number of sperm DNA breakage points during the cryopreservation process. Experimental results reveal that the number of sperm DNA breakpoints significantly increases after both sperm vitrification (8.17 × 105) and conventional slow freezing (10.80 × 105), compared to the DNA breakpoints of fresh semen samples (5.19 × 105). However, sperm vitrification has the least impact on sperm breakage points. This research provides innovative means for further optimizing sperm preservation techniques by offering a novel DNA damage detection method, enabling more precise assessment of sperm DNA damage during the freezing process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Yan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430000, China; Institute of Medical Sciences, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750001, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Institute of Medical Sciences, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750001, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Institute of Medical Sciences, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750001, China
| | - Liguo Pei
- Institute of Medical Sciences, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750001, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Reproductive Center, Yinchuan Women and Children Healthcare Hospital, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Bianbian Gao
- Institute of Medical Sciences, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750001, China.
| | - Hongyan Wang
- Division of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangdong, 510006, China.
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2
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Esmeryan KD, Chaushev TA. Cryopreservation of human semen by inherently-controlled icing probability: Or how the surface profile of superhydrophobic carbon soot coatings and the sperm volume affect the outcome of slow freezing? Cryobiology 2024; 115:104863. [PMID: 38395186 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2024.104863] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
The restoration of initial functionality of human spermatozoa subjected to cryopreservation is challenging, because the deleterious intracellular icing and the occurrence of osmotic shocks due to prolonged exposure to increased concentrations of intracellular solutes are oppositely dependent on the cooling rate. This longstanding problem could be overcome if using superhydrophobic soot coatings delaying the heat transfer rate, reducing the ice formation probability and triggering balanced and timely dehydration of the cells, but the effect of their surface profile and sperm volume on the success rate of slow freezing is unclear. Here, we show for the first time that the two-factor freezing injury is entirely avoidable by tailoring the solid-to-gas voids (pores) fraction in the soot, leading to increased nucleation free energy barrier, presumable incipiency of ice crystals with controllable shape and size and hence, fully (100 %) recovered post-thaw sperm motility. It is demonstrated that the reason for such a unique scientific result is the selection of soot coatings with appropriate morphochemical features, hypothetically (not directly proven yet) inducing equilibrium among the solution composition and ice crystals formation, retarding the undesirable compression of liquid-filled "slush ice" channels surrounding the cytoplasm and impeding the ice recrystallization. The novel insights introduced in this article open endless horizon for customizing and revolutionizing the technical protocols in cryobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karekin D Esmeryan
- Acoustoelectronics Laboratory, Georgi Nadjakov Institute of Solid State Physics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 72, Tzarigradsko Chaussee Blvd., 1784, Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Todor A Chaushev
- Specialized Surgical Hospital "Doctor Malinov", 46, Gotse Delchev Blvd., 1860, Sofia, Bulgaria
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3
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Bucak MN, Karaşör ÖF, Sarı A, Bodu M, Ili P, Narlıçay S, Ataman MB, Sari F. Lipid mixtures (from a liposome kit) and melatonin improve post-thawed Angora goat sperm parameters. Cryobiology 2024; 115:104897. [PMID: 38636593 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2024.104897] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Semen freezing and storing has been widely used in reproductive biotechnology, being applied to certain males of livestock breeds or animal species with economic value such as the Angora goat. The development of a semen extender with the cryoprotective agents can prevent the deterioration of sperm parameters after thawing. This study aimed to investigate lipid mixtures (from a liposome kit, Lps) and melatonin (Mel) at different doses to prevent the deterioration of sperm parameters and to provide the cryoprotective effects on sperm DNA. The Angora goat ejaculates were collected and pooled. They were divided into seven equal volumes, and each of them was diluted with the extenders of the experimental groups with additives (Lps 321.99 μg/mL, Lps 841.33 μg/mL, Mel 0.25 mM, Mel 1 mM, Lps 321.99 μg/mL + Mel 1 mM, Lps 841.33 μg/mL + Mel 0.25 mM) and no additives (control group). After the freeze-thawing process, motility, viability, acrosome integrity, DNA double-strand breaks, and abnormal DNA integrity were assessed for different extender groups. It was determined that the use of Lps alone at low dose or the combination of Lps and Mel had significant cryoprotective effects on motility, viability, acrosome integrity, and DNA damage in Angora goat sperm. This study will help us to understand the effects of Lps and Mel used alone or in combination at different doses and which doses give the optimum spermatological parameter rates following the freeze-thawing process, and hence it will shed light on further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Numan Bucak
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey.
| | - Ömer Faruk Karaşör
- General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Ayşe Sarı
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey.
| | - Mustafa Bodu
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey.
| | - Pinar Ili
- Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Denizli Vocational School of Health Services, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey.
| | - Salih Narlıçay
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey.
| | - Mehmet Bozkurt Ataman
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey.
| | - Fikret Sari
- Department of Plant and Animal Production, Tavas Vocational School, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey.
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4
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Byeun DG, Kim D, Park JH, Lee M, Choi JK. Embryonic development through in vitro fertilization using high-quality bovine sperm separated in a biomimetic cervix environment. Analyst 2024; 149:3078-3084. [PMID: 38717228 DOI: 10.1039/d4an00166d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
This study is the first to identify bovine blastocysts through in vitro fertilization (IVF) of matured oocytes with a large quantity of high-quality sperm separated from a biomimetic cervix environment. We obtained high-quality sperm in large quantities using an IVF sperm sorting chip (SSC), which could mimic the viscous environment of the bovine cervix during ovulation and facilitates isolation of progressively motile sperm from semen. The viscous environment-on-a-chip was realized by formulating and implementing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-based solutions for the SSC medium. Sperm separated from the IVF-SSC containing PVP 1.5% showed high motility, normal morphology and high DNA integrity. As a result of IVF, a higher rate of hatching blastocysts, which is the pre-implantation stage, were observed, compared to the conventional swim-up method. Our results may significantly contribute to improving livestock with superior male and female genetic traits, thus overcoming the limitation of artificial insemination based on the superior genetic traits of existing males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Do Gyeung Byeun
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life and Applied Sciences, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Korea.
| | - Dongwon Kim
- Department of Physics, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Chungbuk, Korea.
| | - Jin Hee Park
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life and Applied Sciences, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Korea.
| | - Manhee Lee
- Department of Physics, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Chungbuk, Korea.
| | - Jung Kyu Choi
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life and Applied Sciences, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Korea.
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Fu L, Ma J, Chen L, Guo Y, Li W, Zhang X, Lu W, Wang S, Liu Y. Enhancement of Frozen-Thawed Human Sperm Quality with Zinc as a Cryoprotective Additive. Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e942946. [PMID: 38698627 PMCID: PMC11075574 DOI: 10.12659/msm.942946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryopreservation preserves male fertility, crucial in oncology, advanced age, and infertility. However, it damages sperm motility, membrane, and DNA. Zinc (Zn), an antioxidant, shows promise in improving sperm quality after thawing, highlighting its potential as a cryoprotectant in reproductive medicine. MATERIAL AND METHODS Gradient concentration of ZnSO₄ (0, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 µM) was added in the Glycerol-egg yolk-citrate (GEYC) cryopreservative medium as an extender. Alterations in sperm viability and motility parameters after cryopreservation were detected in each group. Sperm plasma membrane integrity (PMI), acrosome integrity (ACR), DNA fragment index (DFI), and changes in sperm mitochondrial function were examined, including: mitochondrial potential (MMP), sperm reactive oxygen species (ROS), and sperm ATP. RESULTS We found that 50 µM ZnSO₄ was the most effective for the curvilinear velocity (VCL) and the average path velocity (VAP) of sperm after cryo-resuscitation. Compared to the Zn-free group, sperm plasma membrane integrity (PMI) was increased, DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was decreased, reactive oxygen species (ROS) was reduced, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was increased after cryorevival in the presence of 50 µM ZnSO₄. CONCLUSIONS Zn ion is one of the antioxidants in the cell. The results of our current clinical study are sufficient to demonstrate that Zn can improve preserves sperm quality during cryopreservation when added to GEYC. The addition of 50 µM ZnSO₄ increased curve velocity, mean path velocity, sperm survival (or plasma membrane integrity), and mitochondrial membrane potential while reducing ROS production and DNA breaks compared to GEYC thawed without ZnSO₄.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longlong Fu
- Reproductive Health Research Centre, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Jing Ma
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Hebei Reproductive Health Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China (mainland)
| | - Lixia Chen
- Department of Family Planning, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Zhangjiakou, Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China (mainland)
| | - Ying Guo
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Health, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Wenjie Li
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Xingguo Zhang
- Department of Family Planning, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Zhangjiakou, Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China (mainland)
| | - Wenhong Lu
- Reproductive Health Research Centre, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Shusong Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Hebei Reproductive Health Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China (mainland)
| | - Ying Liu
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
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Podgrajsek R, Bolha L, Pungert T, Pizem J, Jazbec K, Malicev E, Stimpfel M. Effects of Slow Freezing and Vitrification of Human Semen on Post-Thaw Semen Quality and miRNA Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4157. [PMID: 38673743 PMCID: PMC11050687 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084157] [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: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Semen cryopreservation has played an important role in medically assisted reproduction for decades. In addition to preserving male fertility, it is sometimes used for overcoming logistical issues. Despite its proven clinical usability and safety, there is a lack of knowledge of how it affects spermatozoa at the molecular level, especially in terms of non-coding RNAs. Therefore, we conducted this study, where we compared slow freezing and vitrification of good- and poor-quality human semen samples by analyzing conventional sperm quality parameters, performing functional tests and analyzing the expression of miRNAs. The results revealed that cryopreservation of normozoospermic samples does not alter the maturity of spermatozoa (protamine staining, hyaluronan binding), although cryopreservation can increase sperm DNA fragmentation and lower motility. On a molecular level, we revealed that in both types of cryopreservation, miRNAs from spermatozoa are significantly overexpressed compared to those in the native semen of normozoospermic patients, but in oligozoospermic samples, this effect is observed only after vitrification. Moreover, we show that expression of selected miRNAs is mostly overexpressed in native oligozoospermic samples compared to normozoospermic samples. Conversely, when vitrified normozoospermic and oligozoospermic samples were compared, we determined that only miR-99b-5p was significantly overexpressed in oligozoospermic sperm samples, and when comparing slow freezing, only miR-15b-5p and miR-34b-3p were significantly under-expressed in oligozoospermic sperm samples. Therefore, our results imply that cryopreservation of normozoospermic sperm samples can modulate miRNA expression profiles in spermatozoa to become comparable to those in oligozoospermic samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeka Podgrajsek
- Department of Human Reproduction, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (R.P.)
| | - Luka Bolha
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (L.B.); (J.P.)
| | - Tjasa Pungert
- Department of Human Reproduction, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (R.P.)
| | - Joze Pizem
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (L.B.); (J.P.)
| | - Katerina Jazbec
- Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia, Slajmerjeva 6, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.J.); (E.M.)
| | - Elvira Malicev
- Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia, Slajmerjeva 6, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.J.); (E.M.)
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva ulica 101, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Martin Stimpfel
- Department of Human Reproduction, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (R.P.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Baňas Š, Tvrdá E, Benko F, Ďuračka M, Čmiková N, Lukáč N, Kačániová M. Kaempferol as an Alternative Cryosupplement for Bovine Spermatozoa: Cytoprotective and Membrane-Stabilizing Effects. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4129. [PMID: 38612937 PMCID: PMC11012659 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074129] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Kaempferol (KAE) is a natural flavonoid with powerful reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging properties and beneficial effects on ex vivo sperm functionality. In this paper, we studied the ability of KAE to prevent or ameliorate structural, functional or oxidative damage to frozen-thawed bovine spermatozoa. The analysis focused on conventional sperm quality characteristics prior to or following thermoresistance tests, namely the oxidative profile of semen alongside sperm capacitation patterns, and the levels of key proteins involved in capacitation signaling. Semen samples obtained from 30 stud bulls were frozen in the presence of 12.5, 25 or 50 μM KAE and compared to native ejaculates (negative control-CtrlN) as well as semen samples cryopreserved in the absence of KAE (positive control-CtrlC). A significant post-thermoresistance test maintenance of the sperm motility (p < 0.001), membrane (p < 0.001) and acrosome integrity (p < 0.001), mitochondrial activity (p < 0.001) and DNA integrity (p < 0.001) was observed following supplementation with all KAE doses in comparison to CtrlC. Experimental groups supplemented with all KAE doses presented a significantly lower proportion of prematurely capacitated spermatozoa (p < 0.001) when compared with CtrlC. A significant decrease in the levels of the superoxide radical was recorded following administration of 12.5 (p < 0.05) and 25 μM KAE (p < 0.01). At the same time, supplementation with 25 μM KAE in the cryopreservation medium led to a significant stabilization of the activity of Mg2+-ATPase (p < 0.05) and Na+/K+-ATPase (p < 0.0001) in comparison to CtrlC. Western blot analysis revealed that supplementation with 25 μM KAE in the cryopreservation medium prevented the loss of the protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC), which are intricately involved in the process of sperm activation. In conclusion, we may speculate that KAE is particularly efficient in the protection of sperm metabolism during the cryopreservation process through its ability to promote energy synthesis while quenching excessive ROS and to protect enzymes involved in the process of sperm capacitation and hyperactivation. These properties may provide supplementary protection to spermatozoa undergoing the freeze-thaw process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Štefan Baňas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia; (Š.B.)
| | - Eva Tvrdá
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia; (Š.B.)
| | - Filip Benko
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia; (Š.B.)
| | - Michal Ďuračka
- AgroBioTech Research Centre, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Natália Čmiková
- Institute of Horticulture, Faculty of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering, Slovak University of Agriculture, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Norbert Lukáč
- Institute of Applied Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Miroslava Kačániová
- Institute of Horticulture, Faculty of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering, Slovak University of Agriculture, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw, Okopowa 59, 010 43 Warsaw, Poland
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8
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Arroyo-Salvo C, Cogollo Villarreal MY, Clérico G, Flores Bragulat AP, Niño Vargas A, Castañeira C, Briski O, Alonso C, Plaza J, Zeledon JM, Losinno L, Miragaya M, Sansinena M, Martinez SP, Gambini A. The ability of donkey sperm to induce oocyte activation and mule embryo development after ICSI. Theriogenology 2024; 218:200-207. [PMID: 38335707 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.02.002] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Members of the Equus genus exhibit a fascinating capacity for hybridization, giving rise to healthy offspring. Mules, resulting from the mating of a mare with a jack, represent the most prevalent equid hybrid, serving diverse roles in our society. While in vitro embryo production, particularly through Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), has rapidly gained significance in domestic horses, the in vitro production in other equids remains largely unexplored. Utilizing donkey sperm for fertilizing horse oocytes not only addresses this gap but also provides an opportunity to investigate donkey sperm's fertilization capability in vitro to further improve donkey ICSI. In this work, we initially studied the localization of donkey sperm Phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) and assessed the sperm's capacity to induce pronuclear formation and maternal SMARCA4 recruitment upon injection into pig oocytes through ICSI. Subsequently, we investigated the injection of donkey sperm into horse oocytes, evaluating in vitro production up to the blastocyst stage using sperm from different jacks, including frozen and refrigerated samples. Distinct patterns of PLCζ localization were observed for donkey sperm cells compared to their horse counterparts. Additionally, donkey sperm exhibits a reduced ability to induce porcine oocyte activation. However, when injected into horse oocytes, donkey sperm demonstrated sufficient capability to induce oocyte activation as no discernible differences in cleavage or blastocyst rates are observed between in vitro produced mules and horse ICSI embryos. Our study not only delineates PLCζ localization in donkey sperm but also suggests potential differences in the ability to induce oocyte activation in pigs compared to horses while observing no distinctions in pronuclear recruitment of SMARCA4. Interestingly, donkey sperm remains sufficiently capable of inducing horse oocyte activation for in vitro mule blastocyst production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Arroyo-Salvo
- Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), CONICET-UBA, Paraguay 2155, 1121ABG, Ciudad Autónoma de, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Gabriel Clérico
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Católica Argentina, 1107, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana P Flores Bragulat
- Laboratorio de Producción Equina, Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1425FQB, Argentina
| | | | - Catalina Castañeira
- Laboratorio de Producción Equina, Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Olinda Briski
- Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de, Buenos Aires, C1417DSE, Argentina; CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires - Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción Animal (INPA), Ciudad Autónoma de, Buenos Aires, C1425FQB, Argentina
| | - Carolina Alonso
- Laboratorio de Producción Equina, Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Jessica Plaza
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1425FQB, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal (INITRA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jose M Zeledon
- Laboratorio de Producción Equina, Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Luis Losinno
- Laboratorio de Producción Equina, Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Miragaya
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal (INITRA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marina Sansinena
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Católica Argentina, 1107, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1425FQB, Argentina
| | - Silvina Perez Martinez
- Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), CONICET-UBA, Paraguay 2155, 1121ABG, Ciudad Autónoma de, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1425FQB, Argentina
| | - Andrés Gambini
- School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability, The University of Queensland, 4343, Gatton, Queensland, Australia; School of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Queensland, 4343, Gatton, Queensland, Australia.
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9
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Moretti E, Bonechi C, Signorini C, Corsaro R, Micheli L, Liguori L, Centini G, Collodel G. In Vitro Effects of Charged and Zwitterionic Liposomes on Human Spermatozoa and Supplementation with Liposomes and Chlorogenic Acid during Sperm Freezing. Cells 2024; 13:542. [PMID: 38534386 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060542] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Semen handling and cryopreservation induce oxidative stress that should be minimized. In this study, human semen was supplemented during cryopreservation with formulations of handmade liposomes and chlorogenic acid (CGA), an antioxidant compound. Zwitterionic (ZL), anionic (AL), and cationic (CL) liposomes were synthesized and characterized. Three aliquots of swim-up-selected sperm were incubated with ZL, AL, and CL (1:10,000), respectively. The percentages of sperm with progressive motility, high mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP; JC-1), double-stranded DNA (dsDNA acridine orange), and acrosome integrity (Pisum sativum agglutinin) were assessed. Then, human semen was frozen using both 1:10,000 ZL and CGA as follows: freezing medium/empty ZL (EL), freezing medium/empty ZL/CGA in the medium (CGA + EL), freezing medium/CGA loaded ZL (CGA), freezing medium (CTR). The same sperm endpoints were evaluated. ZL were the most tolerated and used for semen cryopreservation protocols. All the supplemented samples showed better endpoints versus CTR (p < 0.001). In particular, spermatozoa from the CGA and CGA + EL A samples showed increased motility, dsDNA, and acrosome integrity versus CTR and EL (p < 0.001; motility EL vs. CGA + EL p < 0.05). ZL and CGA can improve post-thaw sperm quality, acting on both cold shock effect management and oxidative stress. These findings open new perspectives on human and animal reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Moretti
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Claudia Bonechi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Cinzia Signorini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Roberta Corsaro
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Lucia Micheli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Laura Liguori
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Gabriele Centini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Giulia Collodel
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
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10
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Tornacı S, Erginer M, Gökalsın B, Aysan A, Çetin M, Sadauki M, Fındıklı N, Genç S, Sesal C, Toksoy Öner E. Investigating the cryoprotective efficacy of fructans in mammalian cell systems via a structure-functional perspective. Carbohydr Polym 2024; 328:121704. [PMID: 38220340 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.121704] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Fructans have long been known with their role in protecting organisms against various stress factors due to their ability to induce controlled dehydration and support membrane stability. Considering the vital importance of such features in cryo-technologies, this study aimed to explore the cryoprotective efficacy of fructans in mammalian cell systems where structurally different fructan polymers were examined on in vitro cell models derived from organs such as the liver, frequently used in transplantation, osteoblast, and cord cells, commonly employed in cell banking, as well as human seminal fluids that are of vital importance in assisted reproductive technology. To gain insights into the fructan/membrane interplay, structural differences were linked to rheological properties as well as to lipid membrane interactions where both fluorescein leakage from unilamellar liposomes and membrane integrity of osteoblast cells were monitored. High survival rates obtained with human endothelial, osteoblast and liver cells for up to two months clearly showed that fructans could be considered as effective non-permeating cryoprotectants, especially for extended periods of cryopreservation. In trials with human seminal fluid, short chained levan in combination with human serum albumin and glycerol proved very effective in preserving semen samples across multiple patients without any morphological abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selay Tornacı
- IBSB-Industrial Biotechnology and Systems Biology Research Group, Department of Bioengineering, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Merve Erginer
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Institute of Nanotechnology and Biotechnology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Barış Gökalsın
- Marmara University, Department of Biology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Arzu Aysan
- Gebze Technical University, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Metin Çetin
- Gebze Technical University, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Mubarak Sadauki
- IBSB-Industrial Biotechnology and Systems Biology Research Group, Department of Bioengineering, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Necati Fındıklı
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Beykent University, Istanbul, Turkey; Bahceci Health Group, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Seval Genç
- Marmara University, Department of Metallurgical & Materials Engineering, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cenk Sesal
- Marmara University, Department of Biology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ebru Toksoy Öner
- IBSB-Industrial Biotechnology and Systems Biology Research Group, Department of Bioengineering, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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11
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Wang R, Liu L, Min L, Adetunji AO, Kou X, Zhou K, Zhu Z. Mitochonic Acid 5 Increases Ram Sperm Quality by Improving Mitochondrial Function during Storage at 4 °C. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:368. [PMID: 38338011 PMCID: PMC10854625 DOI: 10.3390/ani14030368] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Semen preservation involves lengthening sperm's fertile lifespan without any detrimental effects on its biochemical, functional, and ultrastructural properties. Liquid storage at 4 °C is a ram sperm preservation method. However, this method of storage causes irreversible damage due to cold shocks, osmotic stresses, oxidative stresses, and reductions in sperm metabolism. The present study aims to investigate whether the supplementation of mitochonic acid 5 (MA-5) in a sperm extender could improve chilled ram sperm quality and elucidate its mechanism of action. Ram sperm were diluted with a tris-citrate-glucose extender containing different concentrations of MA-5 (0, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 nM) and stored at 4 °C for up to 48 h. Sperm motility, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, ATP content, and the expression of NADPH dehydrogenase subunits 1 (MT-ND1) and NADPH dehydrogenase subunits 6 (MT-ND6) were evaluated. It was observed that compared to the control, the 10 nM MA-5 treatment significantly (p < 0.05) increased total motility (82 ± 3.5% vs. 76 ± 5.9%), progressive motility (67.6 ± 8.2% vs. 51 ± 8.3%), and other parameters (straight-line velocity (VSL), average path velocity (VAP), and curvilinear velocity (VCL)). In addition, 10 nM MA-5 supplementation also improved ram sperm membrane integrity and acrosomal integrity as well increased mitochondrial membrane potential (51.1 ± 0.7% vs. 37.7 ± 1.3%), reduced ROS levels, and elevated adenosine triphosphate (ATP) contents. Furthermore, a Western blot analysis demonstrated that the addition of MA-5 significantly (p < 0.05) increased the expression of MT-ND1 and MT-ND6 proteins in ram sperm, with the 10 nM MA-5 treatment resulting in the highest expression level. These results suggest that MA-5 improves ram sperm quality by maintaining high sperm mitochondrial function during liquid storage at 4 °C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruyuan Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, No. 700 Changcheng Road, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Luwei Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, No. 700 Changcheng Road, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Lingjiang Min
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, No. 700 Changcheng Road, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Adedeji O. Adetunji
- Department of Agriculture, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Pine Bluff, AR 71601, USA
| | - Xin Kou
- Hongde Livestock Farm, Yingli Town, Shuoguang 262717, China
| | - Kaifeng Zhou
- Shandong Provincial Animal Husbandry General Station, Jinan 250022, China
| | - Zhendong Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, No. 700 Changcheng Road, Qingdao 266109, China
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12
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Aponte PM, Gutierrez-Reinoso MA, Garcia-Herreros M. Bridging the Gap: Animal Models in Next-Generation Reproductive Technologies for Male Fertility Preservation. Life (Basel) 2023; 14:17. [PMID: 38276265 PMCID: PMC10820126 DOI: 10.3390/life14010017] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
This review aims to explore advanced reproductive technologies for male fertility preservation, underscoring the essential role that animal models have played in shaping these techniques through historical contexts and into modern applications. Rising infertility concerns have become more prevalent in human populations recently. The surge in male fertility issues has prompted advanced reproductive technologies, with animal models playing a pivotal role in their evolution. Historically, animal models have aided our understanding in the field, from early reproductive basic research to developing techniques like artificial insemination, multiple ovulation, and in vitro fertilization. The contemporary landscape of male fertility preservation encompasses techniques such as sperm cryopreservation, testicular sperm extraction, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection, among others. The relevance of animal models will undoubtedly bridge the gap between traditional methods and revolutionary next-generation reproductive techniques, fortifying our collective efforts in enhancing male fertility preservation strategies. While we possess extensive knowledge about spermatogenesis and its regulation, largely thanks to insights from animal models that paved the way for human infertility treatments, a pressing need remains to further understand specific infertility issues unique to humans. The primary aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of how animal models have influenced the development and refinement of advanced reproductive technologies for male fertility preservation, and to assess their future potential in bridging the gap between current practices and cutting-edge fertility techniques, particularly in addressing unique human male factor infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro M. Aponte
- Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales (COCIBA), Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Quito 170901, Ecuador
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Biomedicina “One-Health”, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Campus Cumbayá, Quito 170901, Ecuador
| | - Miguel A. Gutierrez-Reinoso
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Recursos Naturales, Carrera de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi (UTC), Latacunga 050150, Ecuador;
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Animal, Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción (UdeC), Chillán 3780000, Chile
| | - Manuel Garcia-Herreros
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária (INIAV), 2005-048 Santarém, Portugal
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