1
|
Zhang G, Ye F, Yang Y, Xiong D, Zhi W, Wu Y, Sun Y, Zeng J, Liu W. Identification of a novel mutation in chibby family member 2 in a non-obstructive azoospermic patient. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100891. [PMID: 38733656 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2024.100891] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Azoospermia constitutes a significant factor in male infertility, defined by the absence of spermatozoa in the ejaculate, afflicting 15% of infertile men. However, a subset of azoospermic cases remains unattributed to known genetic variants. Prior investigations have identified the chibby family member 2 (CBY2) as prominently and specifically expressed in the testes of both humans and mice, implicating its potential involvement in spermatogenesis. In this study, we conducted whole exome sequencing (WES) on an infertile family to uncover novel genetic factors contributing to azoospermia. Our analysis revealed a homozygous c .355 C>A variant of CBY2 in a non-obstructive azoospermic patient. This deleterious variant significantly diminished the protein expression of CBY2 both in vivo and in vitro, leading to a pronounced disruption of spermatogenesis at the early round spermatid stage post-meiosis. This disruption was characterized by a nearly complete loss of elongating and elongated spermatids. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and co-immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated the interaction between CBY2 and Piwi-like protein 1 (PIWIL1). Immunofluorescence staining further confirmed the co-localization of CBY2 and PIWIL1 in the testes during the spermatogenic process in both humans and mice. Additionally, diminished PIWIL1 expression was observed in the testicular tissue from the affected patient. Our findings suggest that the homozygous c .355 C>A variant of CBY2 compromises CBY2 function, contributing to defective spermatogenesis at the round spermiogenic stage and implicating its role in the pathogenesis of azoospermia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guohui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China; Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Fei Ye
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Yihong Yang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Dongsheng Xiong
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Weiwei Zhi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Yang Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Yongkang Sun
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jiuzhi Zeng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China.
| | - Weixin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gattuso DT, Polisca A, Interlandi CD, Rizzo M, Tabbì M, Giudice E, Cristarella S, Rifici C, Quartuccio M, Zappone V. Influence of dietary supplementation with Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on sperm quality in dogs. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1375146. [PMID: 38487706 PMCID: PMC10937364 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1375146] [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: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Maca is a traditional Andean crop used as a nutraceutical for the fertility-enhancing properties that are linked with antioxidant activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate, for the first time, the potential beneficial effects of oral Maca (Lepidium meyenii or Lepidium peruvianum) supplementation in improving reproductive performance in male dogs. Forty-eight male dogs of different breeds were enrolled in the study, fed the same maintenance diet, and exposed to the same environmental conditions. The subjects were divided into four groups of 12 dogs each: Subfertile treatment group, Subfertile control group, Normofertile treatment group, and Normofertile control group. The dogs in the treatment groups received Lepidium meyenii in their diet in a capsule formulation [75 mg/kg Maca extract 10:1, thickening agent (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), ground rice], while the control groups received placebo capsule (starch). For each subject included in the study, the spermiogram was analyzed at three time points of the sperm cycle: at day 0 (T0), day 31 (T31), and day 62 (T62). Dietary supplementation with Maca in subfertile subjects resulted in a significant increase in ejaculate volume and total sperm count compared to the control group. This increase was also observed in normofertile subjects in the treatment group. In addition, total and progressive motility as well as sperm morphology were significantly improved in the groups treated with Maca compared to the control groups. The results thus highlight, for the first time, the potential efficacy of supplementation with 75 mg/kg of Maca extract daily in improving semen quality in dogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Angela Polisca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Maria Rizzo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Marco Tabbì
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Giudice
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Santo Cristarella
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Claudia Rifici
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Marco Quartuccio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Viola Zappone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cocchia N, Merlo B, Calabria A, Spada S, Iacono E, Ciarcia R, Damiano S, Giordano E, Laperuta F, Gasparrini B, Del Prete C. Effect of Maca aqueous extract addition to a freezing extender for canine semen. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:301-307. [PMID: 37676460 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10163-5] [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: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of the addition of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) to the freezing extender on the post-thaw quality of dog semen. Ten canine ejaculates were frozen following a two-step protocol using a tris-glucose-citrate egg yolk extender with or without the addition of 10 µl/mL of aqueous extract of Maca (Maca and ctrl groups, respectively). Prior to (fresh semen) and after freezing (T0) sperm motility, kinetic parameters, viability and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), as well as the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) were evaluated. In addition, sperm motility, kinetic parameters, viability and MMP were examined up to 2 h of incubation of 37 °C after thawing (T1 and T2) to evaluate thermo-resistance. The addition of Maca reduced MDA concentration at T0 (p < 0.05) and increased total motility, the percentage of sperm with medium velocity and WOB at T1. Progressive motility decreased (p < 0.05) at T1 in the ctrl group, whereas it was not affected in Maca group at any time point. In addition, the percentage of hyperactivated spermatozoa remained constant at T1 in the ctrl, while in the Maca group an increase (p < 0.05) of this parameter was recorded. Although no differences were found for MMP between groups at any time points, a decrease of viable sperm with low MMP was observed in ctrl group between T0 and T1 and in Maca group between T1 and T2. The addition of Maca prior freezing reduced the extent of lipid peroxidation and activated canine sperm motility and hyperactivation after thawing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natascia Cocchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Barbara Merlo
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alfonso Calabria
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - Stefano Spada
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Eleonora Iacono
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Ciarcia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Sara Damiano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Bianca Gasparrini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Del Prete
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Levano G, Quispe J, Vargas D, García M, López A, Aguila L, Valdivia M. Effect of Atomized Black Maca ( Lepidium meyenii) Supplementation in the Cryopreservation of Alpaca ( Vicugna pacos) Epididymal Spermatozoa. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2054. [PMID: 37443852 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132054] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial insemination is an important assisted reproductive technology that has been applied in several mammalian species. However, successful cryopreservation of semen of South American camelids has been limited, hindering the commercial application of artificial insemination in alpaca species. In this scenario, the addition of antioxidants to semen extenders provides a strategy to improve the freezability of mammalian sperm. Bioactive metabolites from natural extracts of black maca have shown valuable antioxidant properties. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of atomized black maca in the freezing medium of epididymal spermatozoa of alpacas. Fifteen pairs of epididymis were collected from a local slaughterhouse. Each sample was divided into six groups: (1) fresh, (2) yolk medium (YM), (3) 10 mg/mL maca, (4) 20 mg/mL maca, (5) 30 mg/mL maca, and (6) resveratrol (as an antioxidant control). Sperm cryopreservation was performed through the slow freezing method. Markers associated with functionality, such as motility, viability, and plasma membrane integrity, as well as markers associated with oxidative damage, such as DNA integrity, total ROS production, and mitochondrial function, were analyzed. The results show that the supplementation with black maca (20 mg/mL) improved the sperm motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity, and mitochondrial function evaluated according to an index of formazan deposits. Similarly, the ROS production decreased with maca at 20 mg/mL, although the DNA integrity did not show any differences among the groups. These results suggest that maca at 20 mg/mL has cytoprotective effects during freezing/thawing of epididymal sperm of alpaca species. Further research will be focused on assessing the effects of maca supplementation on semen extenders by using biomolecular markers (proAKAP4) associated with fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Levano
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Biological Sciences Faculty, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15081, Peru
| | - Juana Quispe
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Biological Sciences Faculty, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15081, Peru
| | - Diego Vargas
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Biological Sciences Faculty, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15081, Peru
| | - Marlon García
- Laboratory of Genetics, Biological Sciences Faculty, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15081, Peru
| | - Alberto López
- Laboratory of Genetics, Biological Sciences Faculty, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15081, Peru
| | - Luis Aguila
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811322, Chile
| | - Martha Valdivia
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Biological Sciences Faculty, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15081, Peru
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cao F, Zhang H, Yan Y, Chang Y, Ma J. Extraction of polysaccharides from Maca enhances the treatment effect of 5-FU by regulating CD4 +T cells. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16495. [PMID: 37274637 PMCID: PMC10238885 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16495] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In our previous studies, we used a graded alcohol precipitation method to extract four maca polysaccharide components (MCP1, MCP2, MCP3, and MCP4) from maca with various molecular weights. Compared to other three components, MCP2 had stronger immunoregulatory abilities on CD4+T cells. To avoid the immunosuppressive effect of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), maca polysaccharides in combination with 5-FU treatment were investigated in this study. The results show that 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg MCP2 could significantly delay the growth of tumor and enhance the anti-tumor effect of 5-FU in vivo. Furthermore, MCP2 can partly recover the proliferation of CD4+T cells after being suppressed by 5-FU in vitro. Additionally, in order to explore the mechanism in which MCP2 acts on CD4+T cells, the MCP2 is marked with FITC fluorescence and synthesis MCP2-Tyr-FITC for the first time. Confocal microscope results show that MCP2-Tyr-FITC can directly bind to the surface of CD4+T cells. Together, our work demonstrates that maca polysaccharides could enhance the anti-tumor effect when combined with 5-FU by regulating CD4+T cells, suggesting a novel potential immunomodulator in tumor therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fenghua Cao
- Zhenjiang Hospital of Chinese Traditional and Western Medicine, Zhenjiang 212000, China
| | - Hanyuan Zhang
- Zhenjiang Hospital of Chinese Traditional and Western Medicine, Zhenjiang 212000, China
| | - Ying Yan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Yi Chang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Jie Ma
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lee HW, Lee MS, Qu F, Lee JW, Kim E. Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) on semen quality parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:934740. [PMID: 36110519 PMCID: PMC9468664 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.934740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to examine the evidence for the effect of Lepidium meyenii Walp. [Brassicaceae] (L. meyenii W.), known as maca, on improving semen quality. Methods: Nine databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the parameters for improvements in semen quality, regardless of the type of L. meyenii W. The risk of bias (ROB) among the studies was evaluated according to the Cochrane ROB tool. Results: Five RCTs met all of the inclusion criteria. Three RCTs showed mixed efficacy of maca in improving semen quality parameters, including sperm concentration and sperm motility, in men experiencing infertility. The meta-analysis also failed to show the efficacy of maca in increasing the sperm concentration compared to the placebo (weighted mean difference, 2.22, 95% confidence interval −2.94 to 7.37, p = 0.4). Two other RCTs also showed mixed effects of maca on several semen quality parameters in healthy men. Conclusion: The evidence from the included studies suggests unclear effects of maca on semen quality parameters in both men experiencing infertility and healthy men. However, the total number of RCTs and the total sample size were too small to draw firm conclusions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hye Won Lee
- KM Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Myeong Soo Lee
- KM Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Myeong Soo Lee,
| | - Fan Qu
- Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Je-Won Lee
- BM Internal Korean Medicine Clinic, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Eunseop Kim
- You and Green Korean Medicine Clinic, Daejeon, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jambor T, Zajickova T, Arvay J, Ivanisova E, Tirdilova I, Knizatova N, Greifova H, Kovacik A, Galova E, Lukac N. Exceptional Properties of Lepidium sativum L. Extract and Its Impact on Cell Viability, Ros Production, Steroidogenesis, and Intracellular Communication in Mice Leydig Cells In Vitro. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27165127. [PMID: 36014360 PMCID: PMC9412889 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27165127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of reproductive dysfunction in males has risen in the last few years, and alternative therapies are gradually gaining in popularity. Our in vitro study aimed to evaluate the potential impact of Lepidium sativum L. on mice TM3 Leydig cells, concerning basal parameters such as cell viability, cell membrane integrity, and lysosomal activity, after 24 h and 48 h exposure. Moreover, reactive oxygens species generation, sex-steroid hormone secretion, and intercellular communication were quantified. In the present study, the microgreen extract from Lepidium was rich in ferulic acid, 4-OH benzoic acid, and resveratrol, with a significant antioxidant activity. The results showed that lower experimental doses (62.5–250 µg/mL) could positively affect the observed parameters, with significant differences at 250 µg/mL after 24 h and 48 h, respectively. Potential risks could be associated with higher concentrations, starting at 500 µg/mL, 1000 µg/mL, and 2000 µg/mL of Lepidium. Nevertheless, biochemical quantification indicated a significant antioxidant potential and a rich content of biologically active molecules at the applied doses, and time determined the intracellular response of the cultured model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Jambor
- Institute of Applied Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +421-037-641-4925
| | - Terezia Zajickova
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Ilkovicova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Julius Arvay
- Institute of Food Science, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Eva Ivanisova
- Institute of Food Science, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Ivana Tirdilova
- AgroBioTech Research Centre, Department of Food Technology, Slovak University of Agriculture, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Nikola Knizatova
- Institute of Applied Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Hana Greifova
- Institute of Applied Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Anton Kovacik
- Institute of Applied Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Eliska Galova
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Ilkovicova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Norbert Lukac
- Institute of Applied Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Del Prete C, Calabria A, Longobardi V, Palumbo V, Merlo B, Iacono E, Tafuri S, Carotenuto D, Ciani F, Damiano S, Ciarcia R, Cocchia N. Effect of Aqueous Extract of Maca Addition to an Extender for Chilled Canine Semen. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12131638. [PMID: 35804537 PMCID: PMC9264857 DOI: 10.3390/ani12131638] [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: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The wide use of artificial insemination in dogs justifies the development of new strategies to prevent the reduction of fertilizing ability of stored semen. In recent years, the use of plant antioxidant supplementation has become increasingly popular. Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is an Andean edible root with antioxidant properties. The effectiveness of the oral supplementation of Maca in improving fresh semen quality and quantity and cooling or freezing ability has already been reported. This is the first in vitro study on the effects of aqueous extract of Maca on canine spermatozoa. The addition of low concentrations of aqueous extract of Maca to the canine chilled extender had positive effects only until 24 h of storage, increasing hyperactivation of sperm cells and preserving DNA integrity of spermatozoa in short-term storage. Meanwhile, a high concentration of Maca had an immediately deleterious effect on semen quality. Abstract Antioxidant supplementation has been proposed as a new strategy to improve the long-term preservation of semen. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Maca supplementation of semen extender on quality-related canine semen parameters during cooling. Ejaculates from nine dogs were cooled for 7 days in the absence (control group) or in the presence of 10, 20 and 50 μL/mL of an aqueous extract of Maca. Sperm were evaluated for sperm viability, motility, DNA fragmentation and lipid peroxidation after 3 h, 24 h, 4 days and 7 days of storage. The addition of 10 μL/mL of Maca preserved sperm DNA and plasma membrane integrity at 3 h and increased sperm curvilinear velocity after 24 h. Treatment with 20 and 50 μL/mL of Maca increased the percentage of hyperactivated sperm after 3 h. Moreover, semen treated with 20 μL/mL of Maca decreased lipid peroxidation at 24 h. A significant reduction of sperm DNA and plasma membrane integrity as well as of kinetics parameters between 3 and 24 h of refrigerated storage with the higher concentration tested was observed. Although Maca was not able to protect canine semen with extended refrigeration storage time, it increased hyperactivation and preserved DNA integrity in short-term storage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Del Prete
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (A.C.); (V.L.); (V.P.); (S.T.); (F.C.); (S.D.); (R.C.); (N.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081-2536017
| | - Alfonso Calabria
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (A.C.); (V.L.); (V.P.); (S.T.); (F.C.); (S.D.); (R.C.); (N.C.)
| | - Valentina Longobardi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (A.C.); (V.L.); (V.P.); (S.T.); (F.C.); (S.D.); (R.C.); (N.C.)
| | - Veronica Palumbo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (A.C.); (V.L.); (V.P.); (S.T.); (F.C.); (S.D.); (R.C.); (N.C.)
| | - Barbara Merlo
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy; (B.M.); (E.I.)
| | - Eleonora Iacono
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy; (B.M.); (E.I.)
| | - Simona Tafuri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (A.C.); (V.L.); (V.P.); (S.T.); (F.C.); (S.D.); (R.C.); (N.C.)
| | - Domenico Carotenuto
- Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidad Nacional Mayor San Marcos (UNMSM), Avenida Universitaria 34, Lima 15081, Peru;
| | - Francesca Ciani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (A.C.); (V.L.); (V.P.); (S.T.); (F.C.); (S.D.); (R.C.); (N.C.)
| | - Sara Damiano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (A.C.); (V.L.); (V.P.); (S.T.); (F.C.); (S.D.); (R.C.); (N.C.)
| | - Roberto Ciarcia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (A.C.); (V.L.); (V.P.); (S.T.); (F.C.); (S.D.); (R.C.); (N.C.)
| | - Natascia Cocchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (A.C.); (V.L.); (V.P.); (S.T.); (F.C.); (S.D.); (R.C.); (N.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Leiva-Revilla J, Rolón M, Siyadatpanah A, Pereira MDL, Nissapatorn V. First study of in vitro protective effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on frozen–thawed bovine spermatozoa. Vet World 2022; 15:1481-1488. [PMID: 35993065 PMCID: PMC9375202 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.1481-1488] [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: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Lepidium meyenii Walp (Maca) is an herbaceous plant that grows in the Peruvian Andes and it has been widely used as a nutritional supplement and fertility enhancer and has been used in the treatment of a variety of diseases, such as rheumatism, respiratory disorders, and anemia. The most notable feature of Maca is its potent antioxidant capacity, which helps in the scavenging of free radicals and protection of cells from oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effect of Maca extract on thawed sperm cells from bulls. Materials and Methods: Three dilutions of 1, 10, and 100 mg/mL of Maca extract were incubated with frozen–thawed bovine semen and analyzed at 1, 3, and 24 h of exposure time, evaluating the activity of the extract on the DNA, motility, morphology, viability, integrity of the membrane and acrosome of spermatozoa. Results: The Maca extract improved the studied sperm parameters of motility, acrosome integrity, vitality, and DNA integrity of sperm cells at a concentration of 10 mg/mL, and at 1 mg/mL, an improvement was observed in the morphology and integrity of the membrane. However, the best activity of the Maca extract was observed on the DNA integrity of the sperm, which was effective at the three concentrations evaluated after 24 h of incubation. Conclusion: The results indicate that L. meyenii can help in maintaining spermatozoa cellular integrity after the frozen–thaw process, especially in the protection against DNA fragmentation. Therefore, Maca would be a feasible supplementation to protect sperm to maintain their fertile ability after thawing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Leiva-Revilla
- Center for the Development of Scientific Research (CEDIC), Manduvira 635, CP 1255, Asunción, Paraguay
| | - Miriam Rolón
- Center for the Development of Scientific Research (CEDIC), Manduvira 635, CP 1255, Asunción, Paraguay
| | - Abolghasem Siyadatpanah
- Ferdows School of Paramedical and Health, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Maria de Lourdes Pereira
- CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials and Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Veeranoot Nissapatorn
- School of Allied Health Sciences, World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery, and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ohta T, Uto T, Shoyama Y, Sakyiamah MM, Appiah AA, Tanaka H. In vitro fertilization using sperm activated by ML‐2–3 isolated from
Morinda lucida
Bentham leaves. Reprod Med Biol 2022; 21:e12455. [PMID: 35414765 PMCID: PMC8986972 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12455] [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: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose ML‐2–3 is a novel tetracyclic iridoid derived from Morinda lucida Bentham leaves. This compound has anti‐trypanosomal and anti‐leishmanial effects. In this study, the authors investigated effects of ML‐2–3 on in vitro fertilization (IVF) rates, motility, and acrosome reaction of the mouse sperm. Methods IVF was performed using sperm from BALB/cByJJcl mice treated with ML‐2–3. Computer‐assisted sperm analysis (CASA) was performed on the sperm of C57BL/6J mice to investigate sperm motility. The effect of ML‐2–3 on the acrosome reaction was examined by observing the fluorescence of sperm labeled with the acrosin‐EGFP transgene. Results ML‐2–3 improved IVF in BALB/cByJJcl mice with low fertilization rates. The optimum concentration of ML‐2–3 in sperm pre‐culture medium was 20 µM, and no significant toxicity of ML‐2–3 was observed in developing embryos at this concentration. ML‐2–3 affected sperm motility but not the acrosome reaction. ML‐2–3 increased the IVF rate of mouse sperm that had been refrigerated for 3 days. Conclusions ML‐2–3 can improve the outcome of IVF and motility without inducing the acrosome reaction in mice. These effects of ML‐2–3 on sperm behaviors are different from those of the similar drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomoe Ohta
- Department of Pharmacognosy Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Nagasaki International University Nagasaki Japan
| | - Takuhiro Uto
- Department of Pharmacognosy Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Nagasaki International University Nagasaki Japan
| | - Yukihiro Shoyama
- Department of Pharmacognosy Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Nagasaki International University Nagasaki Japan
| | | | | | - Hiromitsu Tanaka
- Lab of Molecular Biology Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Nagasaki International University Nagasaki Japan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Asl FR, Khosravi M, Hajikhani R, Solati J, Fahimi H. Complementary effects of coenzyme Q10 and Lepidium sativum supplementation on the reproductive function of mice: An experimental study. Int J Reprod Biomed 2021; 19:607-618. [PMID: 34458669 PMCID: PMC8387710 DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v19i7.9471] [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: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and Lepidium sativum (LS) have therapeutic effects on infertility. Objective To evaluate the combined effects of LS and CoQ10 on reproductive function in adult male NMRI mice. Materials and Methods Eighty three-months-old male mice (35–40 gr) were divided into four groups (n = 10/each): control (treated with water), CoQ10-treated (200, 300, and 400 mg/kg/body weight), LS-treated (200, 400, 600 mg/kg/body weight), and co-treated (LS [600 mg/kg/body weight] + CoQ10 [200 mg/kg/body weight]) groups. Serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and gonadotropin realizing hormone (GnRH) levels were measured using ELISA method. The sperm quality was assessed using Sperm Class AnalyzerⓇ (SCA) CASA system and GnRH mRNA expression levels were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results The number of sniffing and following behavior was significantly higher in LS-treated (400 and 600 mg/ml/body weight) groups than the control group (p = 0.0007 and p = 0.0010, respectively). The number of mounting and coupling behaviors was significantly higher in the CoQ10 (300 and 400 mg/ml/body weight)-treated animals than the control group (p = 0.0170 and p = 0.0006, respectively). Co-treatment of CoQ10 (200 mg/ml/body weight) and LS (600 mg/ml/body weight) significantly increased all aspects of sexual behaviors as well as the levels of serum testosterone (p = 0.0011), luteinizing hormone (p = 0.0062), and follicle-stimulating hormone (p = 0.0001); sperm viability (p = 0.0300) and motility (p = 0.0010); and GnRH mRNA levels (p = 0.0016) compared to the control group. Conclusion The coadministration of CoQ10 and LS significantly improves the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and enhances the reproductive parameters in adult male mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Rahimi Asl
- Department of Biology, Islamic Azad University North Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Khosravi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Islamic Azad University North Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramin Hajikhani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Islamic Azad University North Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jalal Solati
- Department of Biology, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
| | - Hossein Fahimi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Alcalde AM, Rabasa J. Does Lepidium meyenii (Maca) improve seminal quality? Andrologia 2020; 52:e13755. [PMID: 32654242 DOI: 10.1111/and.13755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a herbaceous plant grown at over 4,000 m in Peru. It has been studied worldwide for its properties on fertility. Previous studies have assessed maca effects on semen quality, but there is need of randomised, double-blind trials in order to make clinical decisions. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of maca on seminal parameters in infertile adult men. This is a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled pilot trial in which sixty-nine patients diagnosed with mild asthenozoospermia and/or mild oligozoospermia were supplied by maca (n = 35) or placebo (n = 34) (2 g/day) for a period of 12 weeks. When compared patients treated with maca and patients treated with placebo, there were no significant differences in semen volume (2.95 ± 0.52 vs. 2.90 ± 0.52; p = .392), sperm motility (22.34 ± 2.22 vs. 23.05 ± 2.22; p = .462) and normal sperm morphology (7.89 ± 1.89 vs. 7.04 ± 2.28; p = .801), but there was a significant difference in sperm concentration (15.04 ± 5.61 vs. 10.16 ± 3.59, respectively; p = .011). In conclusion, patients treated with 2 g of maca for a period of 12 weeks showed a significant improvement in seminal concentration compared with patients treated with placebo. There were no significant differences in semen volume, sperm mobility and morphology when compared both groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana María Alcalde
- Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department, Faculty of Medicine, Hospital Vall d`Hebron, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Rabasa
- Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department, Faculty of Medicine, Hospital Vall d`Hebron, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hatakeyama S, Araki Y, Ohgi S, Yanaihara A, Araki Y. Fertilization with human sperm bound to zona pellucida by pressing onto the oocyte membrane. Hum Cell 2020; 33:521-527. [PMID: 32172344 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-020-00348-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine whether fertilization can be obtained by assisted fusion of oocyte and sperm without breaking the oocyte membrane. A total of 79 infertile couples, each with at least one unfertilized oocyte after in vitro fertilization (IVF), were recruited. Sperm collected from the zona pellucida (ZP) were pressed onto the membrane of unfertilized oocytes at either 6 h or 24 h after IVF, a procedure that we designated as assisted sperm fusion insemination (ASFI). The results of ASFI were compared with those obtained in a previous trial on oocytes in which rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was performed at 6 h after IVF. Acrosome reaction (AR) rate of sperm bound to ZP, fertilization rate, degeneration rate, and blastocyst formation rate were evaluated. The AR rate of sperm collected from the ZP was significantly higher than that of the motile sperm recovered from around the oocytes but not bound to the ZP after IVF (98.0% vs. 28.6%). ASFI which was performed at 6 h after IVF yielded a mean fertilization rate of 73.4% (58/79), a degeneration rate of 0% (0/79) and a blastocyst formation rate of 60.8% (31/51). Rescue ICSI which was performed at 6 h after IVF yielded a mean fertilization rate of 70.0% (70/100), a degeneration rate of 4% (4/100) and a blastocyst formation rate of 42.4% (25/59). Binding of sperm to the ZP typically results in AR. ASFI with acrosome-reacted sperm collected from the ZP yielded the fertilization rates similar to those obtained with rescue ICSI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shota Hatakeyama
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Gunma Paz University, 1-7-1 Tonyamachi, Takasaki, Gunma, 370-0006, Japan. .,Yanaihara Women's Clinic, 1-26-29 Ofuna, Kamakura, Kanagawa, 247-0056, Japan.
| | - Yasuyuki Araki
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Gunma Paz University, 1-7-1 Tonyamachi, Takasaki, Gunma, 370-0006, Japan
| | - Shirei Ohgi
- Yanaihara Women's Clinic, 1-26-29 Ofuna, Kamakura, Kanagawa, 247-0056, Japan
| | - Atsushi Yanaihara
- Yanaihara Women's Clinic, 1-26-29 Ofuna, Kamakura, Kanagawa, 247-0056, Japan
| | - Yasuhisa Araki
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Gunma Paz University, 1-7-1 Tonyamachi, Takasaki, Gunma, 370-0006, Japan
| |
Collapse
|