Seminal plasma transferrin effects on cryopreserved common carp Cyprinus carpio sperm and comparison with bovine serum albumin and antifreeze proteins

Influence of antifreeze protein III on canine sperm cryopreservation

Sperm cryopreservation is crucial in reproductive biotechnology; however, the longevity of frozen and thawed semen is limited by the deterioration of sperm cell integrity. This study aimed to examine the effects of adding antifreeze protein III (AFP III) to the diluent, using samples from eight healthy mature dogs. The ejaculates were divided into aliquots and diluted with a standard Tris-fructose-egg yolk extender containing AFP III at concentrations of 0, 0.75, 1.0, and 2.0 μg/ml. After thawing, the samples were analyzed for kinematic parameters, membrane Integrity, lipid peroxidation, viability, acrosome integrity, intracellular hydrogen peroxide, mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptotic metrics. The results show that while motility and velocity were not significantly different between the treated and control groups (p > 0.05), the treated groups generally performed better. Specifically, the 0.75 and 1.0 μg/ml groups exhibited better movement compared to the 2.0 μg/ml group. Additionally, there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in membrane integrity between the control and treated groups, though no differences were observed among the treated groups. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were also observed in viability and acrosome integrity, with the 0.75 and 1.0 μg/ml groups outperforming the control and 2.0 μg/ml groups. There were no significant variations (p > 0.05) in phosphatidylserine translocation, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial membrane potential, or hydrogen peroxide levels. However, the 0.75 and 1.0 μg/ml groups demonstrated superior effects compared to both the control and the 2.0 μg/ml groups. These results suggest that the addition of antifreeze proteins, specifically AFP III, markedly improves the protection of canine sperm during cryopreservation. This enhancement is evident in various parameters, underscoring the beneficial effects of AFP III in maintaining sperm quality.

Enhancing Cryopreserved Sperm Quality in Chinese Rare Minnow Gobiocypris rarus: The Impact of Antifreeze Proteins

The Chinese rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus), an important model fish in China, faces endangerment in the wild. Sperm cryopreservation facilitates the development of new strains and germplasm conservation, but the quality of its cryopreserved sperm remains low. This study evaluates the protective effects of different concentrations of antifreeze proteins (AFP I and AFP III) on the cryopreservation of Chinese rare minnow sperm. Cryopreserved sperm showed significant declines in progressive motility, curvilinear velocity (VCL), average path velocity (VAP), and lifespan compared to fresh sperm, except for straight-line velocity (VSL). The cryomedium containing 10 μg/mL AFP I improved these parameters to their highest levels. However, no significant difference was found in progressive motility and kinetic parameters between cryopreserved sperm with and without AFPs. Cryopreserved sperm with 10 μg/mL AFP I showed the highest plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, and DNA integrity, significantly better than without AFPs; importantly, the fertilization rate of cryopreserved sperm with 10 μg/mL AFP I was not significantly different from that of fresh sperm. These results indicate that the addition of 10 μg/mL AFP I to the cryomedium for Chinese rare minnow sperm does not improve kinetic parameters but significantly enhances sperm quality, aiding in its new strain development and germplasm conservation.

ProAKAP4 as Indicator of Long-Lasting Motility Marker in Post-Thaw Conditions in Stallions

ProAKAP4, a precursor of AKAP4 (A-kinase anchor protein) found in the flagellum of mammalian and non-mammalian spermatozoa, serves as a structural protein with established correlations to motility parameters across diverse species. This study aimed to determine the proAKAP4 level evolution in thawed stallion semen over a 3 h period, examining its correlation with motility descriptors and mitochondrial membrane potential. Utilizing sixteen ejaculates from four French warmblood stallions, this study involved maintaining thawed samples at 37 °C for 3 h, conducting proAKAP4 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA), and mitochondrial membrane potential by JC-1 probe and flow cytometry at 0, 1, and 3 h post-thawing. The findings indicate significant positive correlations (p ≤ 0.05) between proAKAP4 levels and sperm total or progressive motility at all time points analyzed. Spermatozoa velocity descriptors (VAP, VCL, VSL) and spermatozoa lateral head displacement (ALH) display positive correlations (p ≤ 0.05) with ProAKAP4 at the 0 h post-thawing. ProAKAP4 concentration exhibits no discernible difference between batches with or without a cryoprotectant. Notably, proAKAP4 consumption remains insignificant within the initial hour after thawing but becomes significant (p ≤ 0.05) between 1 and 3 h post-thawing. In summary, proAKAP4 demonstrates positive correlations with total and progressive motility in stallion semen for up to 3 h after thawing, albeit showing a noticeable decrease starting from the first hour post-thawing, indicating a progressive consumption as a result of spermatozoa motile activity.

Transferrin maintains the motility rate, ATP content, and DNA integrity of common carp spermatozoa during short-term storage

Short-term sperm storage is a straightforward and cost-effective method of managing logistics in large scale fish hatchery operations but may result in decline in sperm quality. For effective artificial reproduction of fish, use of an appropriate additive to optimize sperm storage conditions is essential. In this study, it was investigated the effect of purified seminal plasma transferrin (Tf) at 10 μg/ml on relevant parameters in common carp Cyprinus carpio sperm during short-term storage. We compared sperm motility and curvilinear velocity, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content and DNA fragmentation of fresh spermatozoa to that stored for 24, 48, 72, and 144 h with or without Tf. The percentage of motile cells and the curvilinear velocity of spermatozoa in stored samples for 72 h with transferrin supplementation were greater compared to samples with no added protein. The ATP content in samples without added transferrin was reduced (P < 0.05) after 72 h of storage, in contrast to the levels observed in transferrin-supplemented sperm. A time-dependent increase in DNA fragmentation was observed. Significantly lower DNA damage, expressed as percent tail DNA (10.99 ± 1.28) and olive tail moment (0.54 ± 0.12), was recorded in Tf-supplemented samples stored for 48 h compared to that with no Tf. Hence, it is concluded that the beneficial effects of transferrin on common carp sperm could serve as an additional tool for developing and enhancing short-term sperm preservation procedures commonly used in aquaculture.

Oxidative Stress and DNA Fragmentation in Frozen/Thawed Common Carp Cyprinus carpio Sperm With and Without Supplemental Proteins

Using cryopreservation techniques can increase the effectiveness of reproducing cultured fish species by ensuring a dependable supply of sperm, although the quality of the sperm could be impacted by the procedures involved. The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of purified seminal plasma transferrin (Tf), bovine serum albumin (BSA), and antifreeze protein (AFP) types I and III at 1 µg mL^-1 on relevant characteristics of cryopreserved sperm from common carp Cyprinus carpio. We compared oxidative stress indices, antioxidant activity, and DNA fragmentation of fresh sperm to that frozen with extender only or with Tf, BSA, or AFP types I and III. Fresh sperm had significantly lower levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) compared to samples that underwent cryopreservation without protein treatment, which resulted in 0.54 ± 0.06 nmol/10⁸ cells of TBARS. Carbonyl derivatives of proteins (CP) decreased significantly (ANOVA; P > 0.05) in carp sperm with addition of Tf, AFPI, and AFPIII. Significant differences in superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were seen in sperm supplemented with Tf, BSA, AFPI, and AFPIII from those without. Significantly less DNA damage, expressed as percent tail DNA (11.56 ± 1.34) and olive tail moment (0.59 ± 0.13), was recorded in samples cryopreserved with Tf. The findings indicated that addition of Tf, BSA, AFPI, or AFPIII to cryopreservation medium is beneficial to sperm preservation. The mechanisms through which these proteins act positively on sperm need to be further investigated.

Effects of Antifreeze Protein Type I and Glycerol in Diluents on Cryopreserved Goat Epididymal Sperm

The effect of antifreeze protein (AFP) as a cryoprotectant used in different concentrations of glycerol on post-thaw quality of epididymal sperm was investigated. Sperm were isolated from 50 testicles, obtained from 25 healthy mature goat bucks, with progressive motility >80%, and total morphological abnormalities <10% were pooled in each replication. The semen samples were diluted with Tris-citrate-fructose-soybean lecithin extender containing different concentration of AFP [0 μg/mL (A0), 5 μg/mL (A5), 10 μg/mL (A10)]. Each concentration of AFP was added in an extender containing either 7% (G7) or 5% (G5) glycerol. Post-thaw total and progressive motility were found to be higher (p < 0.05) in groups A5G5 and A5G7. Plasma membrane integrity, sperm acrosome integrity, DNA integrity, acrosome intact sperm, and mitochondrial membrane potential were found to be higher (p < 0.05) in groups A5G5 and A10G5. Sperm viability was found to be higher (p < 0.05) in group A5G5, while lipid peroxidation was recorded lower (p < 0.05) in groups A5G5 and A5G7. Regarding the apoptosis occurrence, the results demonstrate higher (p < 0.05) live post-thawed spermatozoa for groups containing 5 μg/mL AFP with 5% and 7% glycerol in addition to the lowest (p < 0.05) value for groups containing 0 μg/mL AFP with 5% and 7% glycerol. Based on these results, the present study concludes that the addition of 5 μg/mL AFP in combination with 5% glycerol in freezing extender improves the post-thaw quality, structure, and function parameters for buck spermatozoa.

Principles and Protocols For Post-Cryopreservation Quality Evaluation of Stem Cells in Novel Biomedicine

Stem cell therapy is a thriving topic of interest among researchers and clinicians due to evidence of its effectiveness and promising therapeutic advantage in numerous disease conditions as presented by novel biomedical research. However, extensive clinical application of stem cells is limited by its storage and transportation. The emergence of cryopreservation technology has made it possible for living organs, tissues, cells and even living organisms to survive for a long time at deep low temperatures. During the cryopreservation process, stem cell preparations are subject to three major damages: osmotic damage, mechanical damage, and peroxidative damage. Therefore, Assessing the effectiveness and safety of stem cells following cryopreservation is fundamental to the quality control of stem cell preparations. This article presents the important biosafety and quality control parameters to be assessed during the manufacturing of clinical grade stem cell products, highlights the significance of preventing cryodamage. and provides a reference for protocols in the quality control of stem cell preparations.

Antifreeze Proteins: Novel Applications and Navigation towards Their Clinical Application in Cryobanking

Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) or thermal hysteresis (TH) proteins are biomolecular gifts of nature to sustain life in extremely cold environments. This family of peptides, glycopeptides and proteins produced by diverse organisms including bacteria, yeast, insects and fish act by non-colligatively depressing the freezing temperature of the water below its melting point in a process termed thermal hysteresis which is then responsible for ice crystal equilibrium and inhibition of ice recrystallisation; the major cause of cell dehydration, membrane rupture and subsequent cryodamage. Scientists on the other hand have been exploring various substances as cryoprotectants. Some of the cryoprotectants in use include trehalose, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethylene glycol (EG), sucrose, propylene glycol (PG) and glycerol but their extensive application is limited mostly by toxicity, thus fueling the quest for better cryoprotectants. Hence, extracting or synthesizing antifreeze protein and testing their cryoprotective activity has become a popular topic among researchers. Research concerning AFPs encompasses lots of effort ranging from understanding their sources and mechanism of action, extraction and purification/synthesis to structural elucidation with the aim of achieving better outcomes in cryopreservation. This review explores the potential clinical application of AFPs in the cryopreservation of different cells, tissues and organs. Here, we discuss novel approaches, identify research gaps and propose future research directions in the application of AFPs based on recent studies with the aim of achieving successful clinical and commercial use of AFPs in the future.

Antifreeze proteins for low-temperature preservation in reproductive medicine: A systematic review over the last three decades

Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) are synthesized by diverse non-mammalian species, allowing them to survive in severely cold environments. Since the 1990s, the scientific literature reports their use for low-temperature preservation of germplasm. The aim of this systematic review was to compile available scientific evidence regarding the use of AFP for low-temperature preservation of several reproductive specimens. Internet databases were consulted using the terms: "antifreeze protein" OR "AFP" OR "antifreeze glycoprotein" OR "AFGP" OR "ice-binding protein" OR "IBP" OR "thermal hysteresis protein" AND "cryopreservation". From 56 articles, 87 experiments testing AFPs in low-temperature preservation of gametes, embryos or reproductive tissues/cells were fully analyzed and outcomes were annotated. A positive outcome was considered as a statistically significant improvement on any parameter evaluated after low-temperature preservation with AFP, whereas a negative outcome included worsening of any evaluated parameter, in comparison to untreated groups or groups treated with a lower concentration of AFP. The findings indicated that research on the use of AFP as a cryoprotectant for reproductive specimens has increased markedly over the past decade. Some experiments reported both positive and negative results, which depended, on AFP concentration in the preservation media. Variation in the outcomes associated with species was also observed. Among the 66 experiments conducted in mammals, 77.3% resulted in positive, and 28.8% in negative outcomes after the use of AFP. In fishes, positive and negative outcomes were observed in 71.4% and 33.3% of 21 experiments, respectively. Most positive outcomes included preserving cell post-warming survival. The beneficial effect of AFP supports its use in cryobiological approaches used in human and veterinary medicines and animal protein industry. Moreover, combination of different AFP types, or AFP with antioxidants, or even the use of AFP-biosimilar, comprise some promising approaches to be further explored in cryopreservation.

Type III antifreeze protein (AFP) improves the post-thaw quality and in vivo fertility of rooster spermatozoa

Antifreeze proteins (AFP) have the potential for improving sperm cryopreservation. We have applied Type III antifreeze protein (AFP3) on the cryopreservation of spermatozoa from broiler breeder roosters, aiming to enhance post-thawing quality and fertility. Semen was extended at 37°C in Lake's extender containing AFP3 at 0.01, 0.1, 1, 5, and 10 µg/mL (no AFP3 as control). Post-thawing sperm assessment included sperm motility (CASA), morphology, membrane functionality by hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST), lipoperoxidation as malondialdehyde (MDA) production, and sperm viability, early apoptosis (phosphatidylserine exposure as annexin V-positive staining in viable spermatozoa), and mitochondrial activity by flow cytometry. Fertility was assessed after artificial insemination (30 hens/treatment). Total and progressive motility, membrane functionality, and mitochondrial activity increased in 0.1 and 1 µg/mL AFP, compared to control and other concentrations, whereas apoptosis was significantly lower. VAP, VSL, and viability were significantly higher for 1 µg/mL AFP3 than with the other treatments except for 0.1 µg/mL (which was not always significantly different from the control or other concentrations), and with abnormal forms being significantly lower. The proportion of fertilized and hatched eggs was also higher for 1 µg/mL AFP3, with 0.1 µg/mL also showing significantly higher results than the control, and no differences with other concentrations). In conclusion, 1 µg/mL AFP3 could improve the post-thawing results of rooster spermatozoa frozen in Lake's extender. According to our results, concentrations between 1 and 0.1 µg/mL could be similarly efficient.

Effects of Antifreeze Protein III on Sperm Cryopreservation of Pacific Abalone, Haliotis discus hannai

Pacific abalone (Haliotis discus hannai) is a highly commercial seafood in Southeast Asia. The aim of the present study was to improve the sperm cryopreservation technique for this valuable species using an antifreeze protein III (AFPIII). Post-thaw sperm quality parameters including motility, acrosome integrity (AI), plasma membrane integrity (PMI), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), DNA integrity, fertility, hatchability, and mRNA abundance level of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) were determined to ensure improvement of the cryopreservation technique. Post-thaw motility of sperm cryopreserved with AFPIII at 10 µg/mL combined with 8% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) (61.3 ± 2.7%), 8% ethylene glycol (EG) (54.3 ± 3.3%), 6% propylene glycol (PG) (36.6 ± 2.6%), or 2% glycerol (GLY) (51.7 ± 3.0%) was significantly improved than that of sperm cryopreserved without AFPIII. Post-thaw motility of sperm cryopreserved with 2% MeOH and 1 µg/mL of AFPIII was also improved than that of sperm cryopreserved without AFPIII. A combination of 10 µg/mL AFPIII with 8% DMSO resulted in the highest post-thaw motility, showing AI of 60.1 ± 3.9%, PMI of 67.2 ± 4.0%, and MMP of 59.1 ± 4.3%. DNA integrity of sperm cryopreserved using 10 µg/mL AFPIII combined with 8% DMSO was not significantly (p > 0.05) different from that of fresh sperm. Cryopreservation using a combination of AFPIII with 8% DMSO improved fertilization and hatching rates of sperm compared to that of cryopreservation without supplementation of 10 µg/mL AFPIII. Sperm cryopreserved using AFPIII showed higher mRNA abundance levels of HSP90 than those cryopreserved without AFPIII. Results of the present study suggest that 10 µg/mL AFPIII combined with 8% DMSO can be used for large scale cryopreservation of Pacific abalone sperm and for hatchery production.

The Effects of Antifreeze Protein III Supplementation on the Cryosurvival of Goat Spermatozoa During Cryopreservation

Antifreeze protein (AFP) has been shown to have beneficial effects on frozen mammalian spermatozoa. However, rare reports have been published regarding the use of AFPs in storage of goat spermatozoa. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of AFPIII on the quality of goat semen during cryopreservation. Ejaculates were collected from six Yunshang black goats through an artificial vagina. The collected semen was pooled, divided into five aliquots, and diluted with the commercial bull semen extender containing: no AFPIII (AFP-0, control), 1 μg/mL AFPIII (AFP-1), 10 μg/mL AFPIII (AFP-10), 50 μg/mL AFPIII (AFP-50), and 100 μg/mL AFPIII (AFP-100), respectively. Spermatozoa motility, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial function, distribution of phosphatidylserine, and formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured after the freezing and thawing process. The results showed that the spermatozoa motility, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, and mitochondrial function were significantly higher in frozen spermatozoa using the extender containing 1 μg/mL AFPIII as compared with the other groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the extender supplemented with 1 μg/mL of AFPIII resulted in higher viable and lower nonviable spermatozoa compared with the other treated groups (p < 0.05), after staining using Annexin V-fluoresceine isothiocyanate (Annexin V-FITC) and Propidium Iodide. No significant differences were found between these groups in relation to viable cells with lower ROS production. In conclusion, the addition of AFPIII to the freezing extender improved the post-thaw quality of goat semen. The optimal concentration used in this study was 1 μg/mL. However, excessively high concentrations of AFPIII were unable to exhibit their cryoprotective effects on goat spermatozoa. However, the presence of AFPIII cannot mitigate oxidative stress caused by the freezing and thawing process. In addition, in vitro fertilization or artificial insemination can further evaluate the effects of AFPIII on frozen-thawed goat spermatozoa.

Antifreeze Proteins and Their Practical Utilization in Industry, Medicine, and Agriculture

Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) are specific proteins, glycopeptides, and peptides made by different organisms to allow cells to survive in sub-zero conditions. AFPs function by reducing the water’s freezing point and avoiding ice crystals’ growth in the frozen stage. Their capability in modifying ice growth leads to the stabilization of ice crystals within a given temperature range and the inhibition of ice recrystallization that decreases the drip loss during thawing. This review presents the potential applications of AFPs from different sources and types. AFPs can be found in diverse sources such as fish, yeast, plants, bacteria, and insects. Various sources reveal different α-helices and β-sheets structures. Recently, analysis of AFPs has been conducted through bioinformatics tools to analyze their functions within proper time. AFPs can be used widely in various aspects of application and have significant industrial functions, encompassing the enhancement of foods’ freezing and liquefying properties, protection of frost plants, enhancement of ice cream’s texture, cryosurgery, and cryopreservation of cells and tissues. In conclusion, these applications and physical properties of AFPs can be further explored to meet other industrial players. Designing the peptide-based AFP can also be done to subsequently improve its function.

Seminal plasma fractions can protect common carp (Cyprinus carpio) sperm during cryopreservation

This study aimed to investigate the effect of fractionated seminal plasma on characteristics of common carp Cyprinus carpio cryopreserved sperm. Nanosep® centrifugal devices yielded four seminal plasma fractions with different total protein content ranging in molecular weight from less than 17 to almost 74 kDa. Each protein fraction was added to semen extender medium prior to freezing. Spermatozoon motility characteristics and DNA integrity were analyzed in supplemented and non-supplemented cryopreserved samples. The cryopreservation process strongly affected the swim-up sperm quality. Treatment with fractions 1, 2, 3, and 4 was associated with significantly higher spermatozoon motility rate and curvilinear velocity than seen in extender only, with highest values obtained with fraction 4 (78.21 ± 2.41% and 168.05 ± 4.46 μm/s, respectively). Significantly less DNA damage, expressed as percent tail DNA (12.23 ± 1.27) and olive tail moment (0.68 ± 0.12), was recorded in fraction 4. The findings indicated that addition of fractionated seminal plasma to cryopreservation medium can preserve the quality of common carp sperm. The protective effect of each fraction varied, suggesting the presence of distinct components exerting different effects on cryopreserved sperm function.

The properties, biotechnologies, and applications of antifreeze proteins

By natural selection, organisms evolve different solutions to cope with extremely cold weather. The emergence of an antifreeze protein gene is one of the most momentous solutions. Antifreeze proteins possess an importantly functional ability for organisms to survive in cold environments and are widely found in various cold-tolerant species. In this review, we summarize the origin of antifreeze proteins, describe the diversity of their species-specific properties and functions, and highlight the related biotechnology on the basis of both laboratory tests and bioinformatics analysis. The most recent advances in the applications of antifreeze proteins are also discussed. We expect that this systematic review will contribute to the comprehensive knowledge of antifreeze proteins to readers.

Seminal characteristics and sensitivity of Astyanax lacustris (Characiformes: Characidae) sperm to cryoprotective solutions based on dimethylsufoxide and methylglicol

Abstract This study aimed to determine the semen characteristics of Astyanax lacustris after hormonal induction and to evaluate the sensitivity of the species sperm to cryoprotective solutions based on the cryoprotectants dimethyl sulfoxide and methyl glycol. Volume, color, sperm concentration, total motility and aspects of sperm movement were analyzed using “Integrated Semen Analysis System”. Three different extenders were tested: A) glucose 5%+egg yolk 10%, B) BTS®5% and C) glucose 5% and two permeable cryoprotectants: dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO) and methyl glycol (MTG). Fresh A. lacustris semen presented total motility of 76.6±11.2%, motility duration of 33.0±2.2s, sperm concentration of 7.22±3.2×109sptz/mL and seminal osmolality of 219±0.03mOsm/kg-1. The toxicity test showed the highest total motility values at the MTG15%+A, Me2SO15%+B and Me2SO10%+C dilutions, and the Me2SO10%+C and Me2SO15%+C dilutions presented the highest values for curvilinear velocity, linear velocity and average velocity. The tested protocol was not effective at maintaining the viability of A. lacustris semen after freezing because no motility was observed in any of the dilutions. However, the Comet Assay demonstrated that cryoprotectant solutions were effective in protecting the genetic material of cells, as DNA damage levels were low, with no difference between control and Me2SO10% + A, dilutions MTG10%+C, Me2SO10%+B and Me2SO15%+B.