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Mateo-Otero Y. Integrating metabolomics into reproduction: Sperm metabolism and fertility enhancement in pigs. Anim Reprod Sci 2024:107539. [PMID: 38926002 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107539] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The last decades of research have revealed that many other factors besides gamete genomes are able to determine the reproductive outcomes. Indeed, paternal factors have been observed to be capable of modulating multiple crucial features of the reproductive process, such as sperm physiology, the maternal environment and, even, the offspring health. These recent advances have been encompassed with the emergence of OMICS technologies, as they comprehensively characterise the molecular composition of biological systems. The present narrative review aimed to take a closer look at the potential of these technologies in the field of reproductive biology. This literature revision shows that most studies up to date have followed a non-targeted approach to screen mammalian seminal plasma (SP) and sperm metabolite composition through different metabolome platforms. These studies have proposed metabolites of multiple natures as potential in vivo fertility biomarkers. Yet, targeted approaches can be used to answer specific biological question, and their power is exemplified herein. For instance, metabolomic studies have uncovered not only that glycolysis is the main ATP energy source of pig sperm, but also that sperm metabolism can trigger DNA damage, hence compromise embryo development. In conclusion, this review shows the potential of both non-targeted and targeted metabolomics for the discovery of cell pathways that govern the reproductive process. Understanding these systems could help make progress in different areas, including livestock efficient breeding, the improvement of artificial reproductive technologies, and the development of biomarkers for infertility detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK.
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2
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Hong T, Park S, An G, Bazer FW, Song G, Lim W. Norflurazon causes cell death and inhibits implantation-related genes in porcine trophectoderm and uterine luminal epithelial cells. Food Chem Toxicol 2024; 186:114559. [PMID: 38432436 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Norflurazon, an inhibitor of carotenoid synthesis, is a pre-emergent herbicide that prevents growth of weeds. The norflurazon is known to hamper embryo development in non-mammals. However, specific toxic effects of norflurazon on mammalian maternal and fetal cells have not been elucidated. Thus, the hypothesis of this study is that norflurazon may influence the toxic effects between maternal and fetal cells during early pregnancy in pigs. We aimed to examine the toxic effects of norflurazon in porcine trophectoderm (Tr) and uterine luminal epithelium (LE) cells. Norflurazon, administered at 0, 20, 50 or 100 μM for 48 h was used to determine its effects on cell proliferation and cell-cycle arrest. For both uterine LE and Tr cell lines, norflurazone caused mitochondrial dysfunction by inhibiting mitochondrial respiration and ATP production, and down-regulated expression of mRNAs of mitochondrial complex genes. Norflurazon increased cell death by increasing intracellular calcium and regulating PI3K and MAPK cell signaling pathways, as well as endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, ER-mitochondrial contact, and autophagy-related target proteins. Norflurazone also inhibited expression of genes required for implantation of blastocysts, including SMAD2, SMAD4, and SPP1. These findings indicate that norflurazon may induce implantation failure in pigs and other mammals through adverse effects on both Tr and uterine LE cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taeyeon Hong
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunwoo Park
- Department of Plant & Biomaterials Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju-si, Gyeongnam, 52725, Republic of Korea
| | - Garam An
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Fuller W Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-2471, USA
| | - Gwonhwa Song
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Whasun Lim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.
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Toledo-Guardiola SM, Luongo C, Abril-Parreño L, Soriano-Úbeda C, Matás C. Different seminal ejaculated fractions in artificial insemination condition the protein cargo of oviductal and uterine extracellular vesicles in pig. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1231755. [PMID: 37868907 PMCID: PMC10587466 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1231755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The seminal plasma (SP) is the liquid component of semen that facilitates sperm transport through the female genital tract. SP modulates the activity of the ovary, oviductal environment and uterine function during the periovulatory and early pregnancy period. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted in the oviduct (oEVs) and uterus (uEVs) have been shown to influence the expression of endometrial genes that regulate fertilization and early embryo development. In some species, semen is composed of well-separated fractions that vary in concentration of spermatozoa and SP composition and volume. This study aimed to investigate the impact of different accumulative fractions of the porcine ejaculate (F1, composed of the sperm-rich fraction, SRF; F2, composed of F1 plus the intermediate fraction; F3, composed of F2 plus the post-SRF) on oEVs and uEVs protein cargo. Six days after the onset of estrus, we determined the oEVs and uEVs size and protein concentration in pregnant sows by artificial insemination (AI-sows) and in non-inseminated sows as control (C-sows). We also identified the main proteins in oEVs and uEVs, in AI-F1, AI-F2, AI-F3, and C-sows. Our results indicated that although the size of EVs is similar between AI- and C-sows, the protein concentration of both oEVs and uEVs was significantly lower in AI-sows (p < 0.05). Proteomic analysis identified 38 unique proteins in oEVs from AI-sows, mainly involved in protein stabilization, glycolytic and carbohydrate processes. The uEVs from AI-sows showed the presence of 43 unique proteins, including already-known fertility-related proteins (EZR, HSPAA901, PDS). We also demonstrated that the protein composition of oEVs and uEVs differed depending on the seminal fraction(s) inseminated (F1, F2, or F3). In conclusion, we found specific protein cargo in oEVs and uEVs according to the type of semen fraction the sow was inseminated with and whose functions these specific EVs proteins are closely associated with reproductive processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. M. Toledo-Guardiola
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Mare Nostrum Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - C. Luongo
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Mare Nostrum Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - L. Abril-Parreño
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Mare Nostrum Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - C. Soriano-Úbeda
- Departamento de Medicina, Cirugía y Anatomía Veterinaria, Universidad de Léon, León, Spain
| | - C. Matás
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Mare Nostrum Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Pascual Parrilla (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
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Characterisation of the Paternal Influence on Intergenerational Offspring Cardiac and Brain Lipid Homeostasis in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031814. [PMID: 36768137 PMCID: PMC9916277 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031814] [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: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence that poor paternal diet at the time of conception increase the risk of offspring developing a range of non-communicable metabolic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, in adulthood. We hypothesise that a paternal low protein-high carbohydrate diet perturbs offspring tissue lipid abundance through both sperm and seminal plasma-mediated mechanisms. To test our hypothesis, we fed male C57BL/6 mice either a control normal protein diet (NPD; 18% protein) or an isocaloric low protein diet (LPD; 9% protein) for a minimum of 8 weeks. We generated offspring through artificial insemination, in combination with vasectomised male mating. Using this approach, we derived offspring from either NPD or LPD sperm but in the presence of NPD or LPD seminal plasma. Using high resolution mass-spectrometry, we found that offspring derived from either LPD sperm or seminal fluid displayed perturbed cardiac and brain lipid abundance from just three weeks of age, typically associated with the altered abundance of tissue triglycerides. We also observed the differential sex-specific patterns of lipids between the control and experimental offspring's hearts and brains. These observations indicate that poor paternal diet at the time of conception affects offspring cardiac and brain lipid profiles in an age-, sex- and generation-specific manner.
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Expression and Polymorphisms of SMAD1, SMAD2 and SMAD3 Genes and Their Association with Litter Size in Tibetan Sheep ( Ovis aries). Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13122307. [PMID: 36553573 PMCID: PMC9777977 DOI: 10.3390/genes13122307] [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: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
SMAD1, SMAD2, and SMAD3 are important transcription factors downstream of the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway that mediates several physiological processes. In the current study, we used cloning sequencing, RT-qPCR, bioinformatics methods and iMLDR technology to clone the coding region of Tibetan sheep genes, analyze the protein structure and detect the tissue expression characteristics of Tibetan sheep genes, and detect the polymorphisms of 433 Tibetan sheep and analyze their correlation with litter size. The results showed that the ORFs of the SMAD1, SMAD2 and SMAD3 genes were 1398 bp, 1404 bp and 1278 bp, respectively, and encoded 465, 467 and 425 amino acids, respectively. The SMAD1, SMAD2, and SMAD3 proteins were all unstable hydrophilic mixed proteins. SMAD1, SMAD2 and SMAD3 were widely expressed in Tibetan sheep tissues, and all were highly expressed in the uterus, spleen, ovary and lung tissues. Litter sizes of the genotype CC in the SMAD1 gene g.10729C>T locus were significantly higher than that of CT (p < 0.05). In the SMAD3 gene g.21447C>T locus, the genotype TT individuals showed a higher litter size than the CC and CT genotype individuals (p < 0.05). These results preliminarily demonstrated that SMAD1, SMAD2 and SMAD3 were the major candidate genes that affected litter size traits in Tibetan sheep and could be used as a molecular genetic marker for early auxiliary selection for improving reproductive traits during sheep breeding.
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Presence and localization of apelin and its cognate receptor in canine testes using immunohistochemical and RT-PCR techniques. Vet Res Commun 2022; 47:929-935. [PMID: 36331787 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-022-10001-0] [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: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Apelin, a member of the adipokine family, is a novel endogenous peptide which regulates the male reproductive system of mammals by interacting with a specific receptor. Recent studies have highlighted that apelin may play a role in the regulation of reproduction by reducing testosterone production and inhibiting LH secretion. To the best of our knowledge, there is no available data on the presence of the apelin and its receptor in canine testes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to reveal the presence of apelin and evaluate its distribution in the canine testes using immunohistochemical and RT-PCR techniques. For this purpose, five fertile and healthy male dogs were subjected to elective orchiectomy. The immunohistochemical reaction revealed the presence of apelin and its receptor in the canine testes. Apelin was localized in spermatids and spermatozoa with a positive signal in the "acrosomal bodies". As regards the apelin receptor, a positive immunoreaction was detected in the cytoplasm of the cells localized near to the basal membrane of the seminiferous tubules and in the cytoplasm of Leydig cells. The RT-PCR analysis showed the presence of transcripts for apelin and apelin receptor in all of the samples under study. A 35kDa band confirmed apelin receptor protein expression in all of the samples analysed. In conclusion, the paracrine and endocrine role of apelin and its cognate receptor on male reproduction reported in humans and laboratory animals could also be hypothesized in dogs.
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Parrilla I, Gil MA, Cuello C, Cambra JM, Gonzalez‐Plaza A, Lucas X, Vazquez JL, Vazquez JM, Rodriguez‐Martinez H, Martinez EA. Immunological uterine response to pig embryos before and during implantation. Reprod Domest Anim 2022; 57 Suppl 5:4-13. [PMID: 35500162 PMCID: PMC9790529 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The establishment of a successful pregnancy can only occur through a concerted functioning of the entire female reproductive system, allowing for fertilization, subsequent embryo development and implantation of the conceptus. In this context, the uterine immunological responses responsible for rejection or tolerance of the conceptus are of critical importance. The aim of the present review is to summarize our current knowledge about those cellular and molecular immunological events occurring at the uterine level during pre-implantation and implantation stages of pregnancy in the pig. Advancing our understanding of the immune mechanisms involved in the success or failure of pregnancy will provide cues to develop novel strategies augmenting endometrial receptivity, finally increasing the efficiency of assisted reproductive technologies in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inmaculada Parrilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal SurgeryFaculty of Veterinary MedicineInternational Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”University of MurciaMurciaSpain,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB‐Arrixaca)El Palmar, MurciaSpain
| | - Maria Antonia Gil
- Department of Medicine and Animal SurgeryFaculty of Veterinary MedicineInternational Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”University of MurciaMurciaSpain,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB‐Arrixaca)El Palmar, MurciaSpain
| | - Cristina Cuello
- Department of Medicine and Animal SurgeryFaculty of Veterinary MedicineInternational Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”University of MurciaMurciaSpain,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB‐Arrixaca)El Palmar, MurciaSpain
| | - Josep M. Cambra
- Department of Medicine and Animal SurgeryFaculty of Veterinary MedicineInternational Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”University of MurciaMurciaSpain,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB‐Arrixaca)El Palmar, MurciaSpain
| | - Alejandro Gonzalez‐Plaza
- Department of Medicine and Animal SurgeryFaculty of Veterinary MedicineInternational Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”University of MurciaMurciaSpain,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB‐Arrixaca)El Palmar, MurciaSpain
| | - Xiomara Lucas
- Department of Medicine and Animal SurgeryFaculty of Veterinary MedicineInternational Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”University of MurciaMurciaSpain,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB‐Arrixaca)El Palmar, MurciaSpain
| | - Jose L. Vazquez
- Department of Medicine and Animal SurgeryFaculty of Veterinary MedicineInternational Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”University of MurciaMurciaSpain,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB‐Arrixaca)El Palmar, MurciaSpain
| | - Juan M. Vazquez
- Department of Medicine and Animal SurgeryFaculty of Veterinary MedicineInternational Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”University of MurciaMurciaSpain,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB‐Arrixaca)El Palmar, MurciaSpain
| | | | - Emilio A. Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Animal SurgeryFaculty of Veterinary MedicineInternational Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”University of MurciaMurciaSpain,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB‐Arrixaca)El Palmar, MurciaSpain
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Parrilla I, Rodriguez‐Martinez H, Cuello C, Gil MA, Martinez EA. Neither frozen-thawed seminal plasma nor commercial transforming growth factor-β1 infused intra-utero before insemination improved fertility and prolificacy in sows. Reprod Domest Anim 2022; 57 Suppl 5:86-89. [PMID: 35467050 PMCID: PMC9790250 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Seminal plasma (SP) affects reproduction, inducing cell and molecular changes in the female genital tract. A main active component in SP is the modulatory transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), particularly its TGF-β1 isoform, which affects the synthesis of other cytokines as granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, relevant for embryo development and pregnancy. This study evaluated the effect of pooled frozen-thawed SP and commercial TGF-β1 infused during oestrus in sows post-cervically inseminated with liquid extended semen, containing ~4 ml of residual SP, on their fertility and prolificacy. For this, 250 sows in their post-weaning oestrus were used. Sows were randomly assigned to one of the following groups to be post-cervically treated 30 min before insemination: (i) SP group: infused with 40 ml of SP (N = 57); ii) Group TFGß1 : infused with 40 ml of BTS extender containing 3 ng/ml of porcine TGF-β1 (N = 64); iii) BTS group: infused with 40 ml of BTS extender (N = 60); and iv) Control Group: sows catheterized but not infused prior to AI (N = 69). Farrowing rates (range: 86.7% to 91.3%) and numbers of live-born piglets (range: range: 12.8 ± 2.9 to 13.4 ± 3.1) were not affected by any treatment compared with Controls, indicating that neither pre-infusions of SP nor TGF-ß1 30 min before AI influenced subsequent fertility and prolificacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heriberto Rodriguez‐Martinez
- Deparment of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV)BKH/Obstetrics & GynaecologyLinköping UniversityLinköpingSweden
| | - Cristina Cuello
- Deparment of Medicine and Animal SurgeryUniversity of MurciaMurciaSpain
| | - María Antonia Gil
- Deparment of Medicine and Animal SurgeryUniversity of MurciaMurciaSpain
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Profiling Analysis of N6-Methyladenosine mRNA Methylation Reveals Differential m6A Patterns during the Embryonic Skeletal Muscle Development of Ducks. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12192593. [PMID: 36230334 PMCID: PMC9559603 DOI: 10.3390/ani12192593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Recent studies show that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, the most common RNA chemical modification, influences the modification, processing, transport, and translation of RNA. N6-methyladenosine is an epigenetic modification that influences skeletal myogenesis and skeletal muscle development. However, the N6-methyladenosine modification profile and its function during poultry muscle development is unclear, and there is only one report about m6A modification in ducks, which focuses on duck hepatitis A virus infection. Here, we compared the m6A modification profiles between E13 (embryonic day 13) and E19 (embryonic day 19) in duck breast muscle differentiation using MeRIP-seq, and evaluated the expression profile of the methyl transferase METTL14 and its cofactors during breast muscle development. This is the first study of N6-methyladenosine modification patterns in duck muscle tissue. The current study not only elucidates the regulation mechanisms of duck skeletal muscle development, but also lays the groundwork for studying the role of RNA modification in poultry muscle development. Abstract N6-Methyladenosine is a reversible epigenetic modification that influences muscle development. However, the m6A modification profile during poultry skeletal muscle development is poorly understood. Here, we utilized m6A-specific methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing to identify m6A sites during two stages of breast muscle development in ducks: embryonic days 13 (E13) and E19. MeRIP-seq detected 19,024 and 18,081 m6A peaks in the E13 and E19 groups, respectively. Similarly to m6A distribution in mammalian transcripts, our results revealed GGACU as the main m6A motif in duck breast muscle; they also revealed that m6A peaks are mainly enriched near the stop codons. In addition, motif sequence analysis and gene expression analysis demonstrated that m6A modification in duck embryo skeletal muscles may be mediated by the methyltransferase-like 14. GO and KEGG analysis showed that m6A peaks containing genes at E19 were mainly enriched in muscle-differentiation- and muscle-growth-related pathways, whereas m6A peaks containing genes in E13 were mainly enriched in embryonic development and cell proliferation pathways. Combined analysis of MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq showed that the mRNA expression may be affected by m6A modification. Moreover, qRT-PCR analysis of the expression of METTL14 and its cofactors (WTAP, ZC3H13, RBM15 and VIRMA) during duck embryonic skeletal muscle development in breast and leg muscle samples revealed a significant downward trend as the developmental age progressed. Our results demonstrated that m6A mRNA methylation modifications control muscle development in ducks. This is the first study of m6A modification patterns in duck muscle tissue development, and it lays the foundation for the study of the effects of RNA modification on poultry skeletal muscle development.
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Rodriguez-Martinez H, Roca J. Extracellular vesicles in seminal plasma: A safe and relevant tool to improve fertility in livestock? Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 244:107051. [PMID: 35933831 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Seminal plasma (SP) is not a pre-requisite for pregnancy. Yet, this heterogeneous, composite SP has proven relevant for fertility, as mediator for cell-to-cell communication between producing cells, spermatozoa and the female internal genital tract, regulating complex reproductive processes. Bearing hormones, proteins, cytokines as well as nuclei acids in nano-sized lipid bilayer seminal extracellular vesicles (sEVs), the SP concerts signaling to the female. Signals influence timing of ovulation, sperm transport and, particularly, enable the female immune system to balance her cryptic choice to engage into pregnancy or reject an eventual fertilization. This essay, focusing on livestock in general and pigs in particular, discusses the intrinsic roles of sEVs with regards to reproductive homeostasis, while binding and internalizing their cargo in spermatozoa and female tract epithelia to regulate their functional activity. Since prior studies had inconclusive results using bulk SP or single SP-contained free molecules, argumentation is hereby provided to increase the current incipient research on livestock sEVs, where fragile molecules relevant for fertility are shielded from degradation during handling. Seminal EVs isolated from SP can be used for andrological diagnosis and perhaps to select breeders with optimal fertility. Moreover, sEVs can be laboratory-uploaded with specific molecules or even engineered as lipid nanodroplets used as additives for extenders to improve fertility after artificial insemination (AI) or reproductive biotechnologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185 Linköping, Sweden.
| | - 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, Murcia, Spain
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Should All Fractions of the Boar Ejaculate Be Prepared for Insemination Rather Than Using the Sperm Rich Only? BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11020210. [PMID: 35205077 PMCID: PMC8869087 DOI: 10.3390/biology11020210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The swine industry is constantly looking for efficiency improvement, especially focusing on the artificial insemination (AI) process. One of the trends in AI centers is to maximize the number of doses obtained from one ejaculate. Seminal doses are usually prepared with the sperm-rich fraction or the whole ejaculate, but further studies are needed to understand how to prepare them properly. Thus, this study aims to analyze how accumulative ejaculate fractions may influence sperm storage, AI performance, and offspring. The results indicate that the presence of all ejaculate fractions within seminal doses does not affect either sperm quality or AI performance and offspring health. Therefore, this study highlights the possibility to use the bulk ejaculate for seminal dose preparation, leading to successful AI. Additionally, it results in a more time-efficient preparation of a greater number of seminal doses providing an economic advantage. Abstract Boar ejaculate is released in several well-characterized fractions, differing in terms of sperm concentration, seminal plasma volume, and composition. However, the inclusion of the last part of the ejaculate for artificial insemination (AI) purposes is still under debate due to its controversial effects. Thus, there is a need to study the potential synergistic impact of the different ejaculate fractions. We aimed to evaluate the effect of accumulative ejaculate fractions on sperm conservation, AI performance, and offspring health. Ejaculates (n = 51) were collected and distributed as follows: F1: sperm-rich fraction; F2: sperm-rich + intermediate fractions; F3: sperm-rich + intermediate + poor fractions. Each group was diluted in a commercial extender, packaged in seminal doses (2000 × 106 sperm/60 mL), and stored at ~16 °C. On day 3 of conservation, sperm were analyzed and used for AI (n = 174). High sperm quality was observed after storage without a significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). Moreover, no differences were obtained for AI performance (pregnancy and farrowing rates, and litter size; p > 0.05) and offspring health (growth and blood analysis; p > 0.05). Conclusively, the presence of all ejaculate fractions within the seminal doses does not impair the reproductive performance, reporting important economic savings according to the economic model included here.
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12
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Fractionated Seminal Plasma of Boar Ejaculates Analyzed by LC-MS/MS: Its Effects on Post-Thaw Semen Quality. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12101574. [PMID: 34680969 PMCID: PMC8536186 DOI: 10.3390/genes12101574] [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: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to characterize the protein composition of fractionated seminal plasma (SP) by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis and investigate its effects on survival of frozen-thaw (FT) boar spermatozoa following storage. Seminal plasma (SP) was fractionated by gel filtration chromatography to give two fractions, SP1 with more than 40 kDa (>40 kDa) and SP2 with less than 40 kDa (<40 kDa). SP1 and SP2 were subjected to LC–MS/MS and bioinformatics analysis. Following cryopreservation, FT boar semen (n = 7) was thawed in Beltsville Thawing Solution (BTS), BTS + SP1 or BTS + SP2, stored at different periods and subjected to post-thaw (PT) quality assessment. A total of 52 and 22 abundant proteins were detected in SP1 and SP2, respectively. FN1, ANGPTL1, and KIF15 proteins were more abundance in SP1, whereas a high abundance of spermadhesins (PSP-I and PSP-II) was detected in SP2. Proteins of the fractionated SP were involved in various biological processes, such as cell motility and signal transduction. The dominant pathway of SP1 proteins was the apelin signaling pathway (GNA13, MEF2D, SPHK2, and MEF2C), whereas a pathway related to lysosome (CTSH, CTSB, and NPC2) was mainly represented by SP2 proteins. In most of the boars, significantly higher motility characteristics, membrane integrity, and viability were observed in FT spermatozoa exposed to SP1 or SP2 compared with BTS. The results of our study confirm that a combination of several proteins from the fractionated SP exerted beneficial effects on the sperm membrane, resulting in improved quality characteristics following PT storage.
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Mateo-Otero Y, Viñolas-Vergés E, Llavanera M, Ribas-Maynou J, Roca J, Yeste M, Barranco I. Aldose Reductase B1 in Pig Seminal Plasma: Identification, Localization in Reproductive Tissues, and Relationship With Quality and Sperm Preservation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:683199. [PMID: 34169077 PMCID: PMC8217816 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.683199] [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: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Aldose reductase B1 (AKR1B1), a NADPH-dependent enzyme that belongs to the aldo-keto reductase protein superfamily, has been reported to be involved in both male and female reproductive physiology. The objectives of this study were: (1) to evaluate the concentration of SP-AKR1B1 in pig ejaculate fractions; (2) to describe the immunohistochemical localization of AKR1B1 alongside the boar genital tract; (3) to evaluate the relationship between SP-AKR1B1 and sperm quality/functionality parameters. Ejaculates from seven boars (one ejaculate per boar) were collected in separate portions [the first 10 mL of the sperm rich fraction (SRF-P1), the rest of the SRF (SRF-P2), and the post-SRF (PSRF)], and the concentration of SP-AKR1B1 was assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting targeting was conducted in the reproductive tissues of these boars. Additionally, the entire ejaculates of 14 boars (one ejaculate per boar) were collected and split into three separate aliquots for: (i) SP-AKR1B1 quantification; (ii) assessment of sperm concentration and morphology; and (iii) evaluation of sperm quality and functionality parameters upon ejaculate collection (0 h) and after 72 h of liquid storage at 17°C. Concentration of AKR1B1 in the SP of SRF-P1 (458.2 ± 116.33 ng/mL) was lower (P < 0.05) than that of SRF-P2 (1105.0 ± 229.80 ng/mL) and PSRF (1342.4 ± 260.18 ng/mL). Monomeric and dimeric AKR1B1 forms were expressed alongside the reproductive tissues, except in the bulbourethral glands. No relationship between SP-AKR1B1 and sperm quality/functionality parameters was observed either at 0 h or after 72 h of storage at 17°C. In conclusion, AKR1B1 is expressed in the reproductive organs of boars (except bulbourethral glands) and a higher concentration is found in the PSRF suggesting that seminal vesicles would be the main secretory source. However, this enzyme does not appear to be related to sperm quality/functionality or to the sperm ability to withstand liquid storage at 17°C.
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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
| | - Estel Viñolas-Vergés
- 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
| | - Marc Llavanera
- 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 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 Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, 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
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Cambra JM, Martinez EA, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Gil MA, Cuello C. Transcriptional Profiling of Porcine Blastocysts Produced In Vitro in a Chemically Defined Culture Medium. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11051414. [PMID: 34069238 PMCID: PMC8156047 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051414] [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: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of chemically defined media is a growing trend in in vitro embryo production (IVP). Recently, traditional undefined culture medium with bovine serum albumin (BSA) has been successfully replaced by a chemically defined medium using substances with embryotrophic properties such as platelet factor 4 (PF4). Although the use of this medium sustains IVP, the impact of defined media on the embryonic transcriptome has not been fully elucidated. This study analyzed the transcriptome of porcine IVP blastocysts, cultured in defined (PF4 group) and undefined media (BSA group) by microarrays. In vivo-derived blastocysts (IVV group) were used as a standard of maximum embryo quality. The results showed no differentially expressed genes (DEG) between the PF4 and BSA groups. However, a total of 2780 and 2577 DEGs were detected when comparing the PF4 or the BSA group with the IVV group, respectively. Most of these genes were common in both in vitro groups (2132) and present in some enriched pathways, such as cell cycle, lysosome and/or metabolic pathways. These results show that IVP conditions strongly affect embryo transcriptome and that the defined culture medium with PF4 is a guaranteed replacement for traditional culture with BSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep M. Cambra
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (J.M.C.); (E.A.M.); (C.C.)
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, El Palmar, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Emilio A. Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (J.M.C.); (E.A.M.); (C.C.)
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, El Palmar, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185 Linköping, Sweden;
| | - Maria A. Gil
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (J.M.C.); (E.A.M.); (C.C.)
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, El Palmar, 30120 Murcia, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Cristina Cuello
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (J.M.C.); (E.A.M.); (C.C.)
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, El Palmar, 30120 Murcia, Spain
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15
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Ajdary M, Ashrafi M, Aflatoonian R, Mehdizadeh M. The role of sperm in inducing genomic changes in the implantation: An experimental study. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14077. [PMID: 33909315 DOI: 10.1111/and.14077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial receptivity and implantation are important topics in reproductive sciences. No evidence was found to support sperm involvement in endometrial receptivity and its associated factors. This study aimed to explore the effect of the normal human spermatozoa-endometrium cell interaction in regulating genes in the endometrial receptivity pathway. Semen samples were collected from a healthy and fertile man; then, they were incubated with endometrial cells for 24 hr and considered as the sperm group. A group was cultured without spermatozoa and considered as a control group. About 24 hr later, cells were collected from the bottom of the culture dish. The expressions of the VEGF, FGF2, HBEGF, LIFR, EGF, LIF, MUC1, HOXA10, CSF and PGR genes were evaluated in the two groups. Statistical analysis was performed using an independent sample test. Compared with the control group, in the sperm group, the mRNA levels of PGR (p = .0451), VEGF (p = .0101), HBEGF (p = .0163), EFG (p = .0339), FGF2 (p = .012), LIF (p = .0324), LIFR (p = .0321) and HOXA10 (p = .0098) were significantly upregulated. The results showed that there is a need for the interaction between spermatozoa and endometrium for implantation and can be used for preparing uterine in in vitro fertilisation cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marziyeh Ajdary
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Ashrafi
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Aflatoonian
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mehdizadeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Anatomical Science, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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16
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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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17
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Molecular Determinants of Seminal Plasma on Sperm Biology and Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073555. [PMID: 33808064 PMCID: PMC8037708 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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Intrauterine Infusion of TGF-β1 Prior to Insemination, Alike Seminal Plasma, Influences Endometrial Cytokine Responses but Does Not Impact the Timing of the Progression of Pre-Implantation Pig Embryo Development. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10020159. [PMID: 33671276 PMCID: PMC7923199 DOI: 10.3390/biology10020159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Seminal plasma (SP) in the female genital tract induces changes that affect multiple reproductive processes. One of the active components in SP is the transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), which has major roles in embryo development and pregnancy. Embryo transfer (ET) technology is welcomed by the pig industry provided that embryo quality at embryo collection as well as the fertility and prolificacy of the recipients after the ET is increased. This study evaluated different intrauterine infusion treatments at estrus (40 mL of SP, TGF-β1 cytokine in the extender, or the extender alone (control)) by mimicking an ET scenario in so-called "donor" (inseminated) and "recipient" (uninseminated) sows. On day 6 (day 0-onset of estrus), all "donors" were laparotomized to determine their pregnancy status (presence and developmental stage of the embryos). In addition, endometrial explants were collected from pregnant "donors" and cyclic "recipients," incubated for 24 h, and analyzed for cytokine production. SP infusions (unlike TGF-β1 infusions) positively influenced the developmental stage of day 6 embryos. Infusion treatments differentially influenced the endometrial cytokine production, mainly in donors. We concluded that SP infusions prior to AI not only impacted the porcine preimplantation embryo development but also influenced the endometrial cytokine production six days after treatment, both in donors and recipients.
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Ruiz-Conca M, Gardela J, Jauregi-Miguel A, Martinez CA, Rodríguez-Martinez H, López-Béjar M, Alvarez-Rodriguez M. Seminal Plasma Triggers the Differential Expression of the Glucocorticoid Receptor ( NR3C1/GR) in the Rabbit Reproductive Tract. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E2158. [PMID: 33228207 PMCID: PMC7699521 DOI: 10.3390/ani10112158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rabbits are interesting as research animal models for reproduction, due to their condition of species of induced ovulation, with the release of endogenous gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) due to coitus. Glucocorticoid (GC) signaling, crucial for physiological homeostasis, is mediated through a yet unclear mechanism, by the GC receptor (NR3C1/GR). After mating, the female reproductive tract undergoes dynamic modifications, triggered by gene transcription, a pre-amble for fertilization and pregnancy. This study tested the hypothesis that when ovulation is induced, the expression of NR3C1 is influenced by sperm-free seminal plasma (SP), similarly to after mating (whole semen), along the different segments of the internal reproductive tract of female rabbits. Semen (mating) was compared to vaginal infusion of sperm-free SP (Experiment 1), and changes over time were also evaluated, i.e., 10, 24, 36, 68, and 72 h post-mating, corresponding to specific stages, i.e., ovulation, fertilization, and the interval of early embryo development up to the morula stage (Experiment 2). All does were treated with GnRH to induce ovulation. Samples were retrieved from seven segments of the reproductive tract (from the cervix to infundibulum), at 20 h post-mating or sperm-free SP infusion (Experiment 1) or at 10, 24, 36, 68, and 72 h post-mating (Experiment 2). Gene expression of NR3C1 was analyzed by qPCR. Results showed an increase in NR3C1 expression in the infundibulum compared to the other anatomical regions in the absence of spermatozoa when sperm-free SP infusion was performed (Experiment 1). Moreover, during the embryo transport through the oviduct, the distal isthmus was time-course upregulated, especially at 72 h, when morulae are retained in this anatomical region, while it was downregulated in the distal uterus at 68 h (Experiment 2). The overall results suggest that NR3C1, the GC receptor gene, assessed in the reproductive tract of does for the first time, shows differential expression changes during the interval of oviductal and uterine embryo transport that may imply a relevant role of the GC action, not only close to the site of ovulation and fertilization, but also in the endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateo Ruiz-Conca
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Division of Children’s and Women Health (BKH), Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden; (M.R.-C.); (J.G.); (C.A.M.); (H.R.-M.)
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain or
| | - Jaume Gardela
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Division of Children’s and Women Health (BKH), Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden; (M.R.-C.); (J.G.); (C.A.M.); (H.R.-M.)
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain or
| | - Amaia Jauregi-Miguel
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology (MMV), Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden;
| | - Cristina A. Martinez
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Division of Children’s and Women Health (BKH), Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden; (M.R.-C.); (J.G.); (C.A.M.); (H.R.-M.)
| | - Heriberto Rodríguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Division of Children’s and Women Health (BKH), Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden; (M.R.-C.); (J.G.); (C.A.M.); (H.R.-M.)
| | - Manel López-Béjar
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain or
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Manuel Alvarez-Rodriguez
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Division of Children’s and Women Health (BKH), Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden; (M.R.-C.); (J.G.); (C.A.M.); (H.R.-M.)
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain or
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Parrilla I, Martinez CA, Cambra JM, Lucas X, Ferreira-Dias G, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Cuello C, Gil MA, Martinez EA. Blastocyst-Bearing Sows Display a Dominant Anti-Inflammatory Cytokine Profile Compared to Cyclic Sows at Day 6 of the Cycle. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10112028. [PMID: 33158034 PMCID: PMC7692685 DOI: 10.3390/ani10112028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary A proper uterine environment is basic for obtaining optimal embryo transfer outputs in domestic species, including the pig. However, scarce information is available about the uterine immune response of recipient (uninseminated) sows when receiving embryos during embryo transfer. Endometrial cytokine profile is among the main factors regulating uterine receptivity to embryos. In this study, using Luminex MAP® technology, we found important differences in the endometrial production in most of the 16 cytokines analyzed between recipient sows and embryo-bearing (inseminated) sows six days after estrus, with a predominant cytokine anti-inflammatory environment in the embryo-bearing endometria. These observations suggest that insemination components and/or early embryos induce an endometrium immune-tolerant cytokine profile at Day 6 of the cycle. The findings could contribute importantly to design strategies to maximize the reproductive performance of recipients after embryo transfer in swine. Abstract In the context of porcine embryo transfer (ET) technology, understanding the tightly regulated local uterine immune environment is crucial to achieve an adequate interaction between the transferred embryos and the receiving endometrium. However, information is limited on the uterine immune status of cyclic-recipient sows when receiving embryos during ET. The present study postulated that the anti- and proinflammatory cytokine profile 6 days after the onset of estrus differs between endometria from uninseminated cyclic sows and blastocyst-bearing sows. On Day 6 of the cycle, endometrial explants were collected from sows inseminated or not inseminated during the postweaning estrus and cultured for 22 h. The culture medium was then analyzed for the contents of a total of 16 cytokines using Luminex MAP® technology. The results showed important differences in the endometrial production of most cytokines between the sow categories, with a predominant anti-inflammatory environment displayed by the blastocyst-bearing endometria. These findings suggest that sperm, seminal plasma (SP) and/or early embryos modify the uterine environment by inducing an immune-tolerant cytokine profile already visible at Day 6. Whether the SP or some of its active components may help to develop strategies to maximize the reproductive performance of recipients after ET needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inmaculada Parrilla
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30071 Murcia, Spain; (J.M.C.); (X.L.); (C.C.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), 30071 Murcia, Spain
- Correspondence: (I.P.); (C.A.M.)
| | - Cristina A. Martinez
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30071 Murcia, Spain; (J.M.C.); (X.L.); (C.C.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), 30071 Murcia, Spain
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, 58183 Linköping, Sweden;
- Correspondence: (I.P.); (C.A.M.)
| | - Josep M. Cambra
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30071 Murcia, Spain; (J.M.C.); (X.L.); (C.C.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), 30071 Murcia, Spain
| | - Xiomara Lucas
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30071 Murcia, Spain; (J.M.C.); (X.L.); (C.C.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), 30071 Murcia, Spain
| | - Graça Ferreira-Dias
- CIISA—Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1649-004 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, 58183 Linköping, Sweden;
| | - Cristina Cuello
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30071 Murcia, Spain; (J.M.C.); (X.L.); (C.C.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), 30071 Murcia, Spain
| | - Maria A. Gil
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30071 Murcia, Spain; (J.M.C.); (X.L.); (C.C.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), 30071 Murcia, Spain
| | - Emilio A. Martinez
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30071 Murcia, Spain; (J.M.C.); (X.L.); (C.C.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), 30071 Murcia, Spain
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