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Ahlam Z, Souraya S, Bouchra EK, Moudou MM, Uxia YR, Luis Angel QA, Juan JBG, Pedro GH, Abdelaziz S. The impact of Origanum Vulgare essential oil supplementation on sperm motility and subpopulation alterations in bulls, dogs, and rabbits. Res Vet Sci 2024; 170:105200. [PMID: 38428368 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Artificial insemination is a widely adopted method in livestock production for various reasons such as health security and genetic improvement. Although sperm motility is of paramount importance in this technique as it directly influences the sperm's ability to fertilize the oocyte. In previous research on human sperm, we observed that in vitro supplementation with Origanum Vulgare essential oil significantly improved sperm motility and antioxidant activities, all without negatively affecting the integrity of their DNA. Based on these promising results, we considered it crucial to explore the potential effects of supplementation with this essential oil on sperm of other species. In this study, we studied the effects of oregano essential oil supplementation on sperm motility of (bulls = 15) (dogs = 15) and (rabbits = 9) and the changes that in vitro incubation with this oil could induce on sub-motile sperm populations of different species. The results of the study showed that in vitro oregano essential oil supplementation had a significant impact on sperm motility in the three species studied. This improvement in sperm motility was accompanied by an increase in the proportion of subpopulations with high velocity and progressivity: an increase of (2.16%, 10% and 4.84%) for subpopulation 1, (6.50%, 5.5% and 3.17%) for subpopulation 4 in bulls, dogs and rabbits respectively. While the subpopulations representing low motile and non-progressive sperm have decreased. These results suggest that the use of oregano essential oil can be a beneficial approach to improve sperm motility in different species, which can have important implications for the success of artificial insemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zarhouti Ahlam
- Laboratory of Physiopathology, Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Health and Biotechnology Research Center, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Maarif B.P 5366, Casablanca 20000, Morocco
| | - Sakoui Souraya
- Laboratory of Physiopathology, Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Health and Biotechnology Research Center, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Maarif B.P 5366, Casablanca 20000, Morocco
| | - El Khalfi Bouchra
- Laboratory of Physiopathology, Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Health and Biotechnology Research Center, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Maarif B.P 5366, Casablanca 20000, Morocco
| | - Mbaye M Moudou
- Laboratory of Physiopathology, Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Health and Biotechnology Research Center, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Maarif B.P 5366, Casablanca 20000, Morocco; Laboratory of Medical Analysis, Andrology, LABOMAC, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Yañez Ramil Uxia
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, Universitario Campus, 27002 Lugo, Spain
| | - Quintela Arias Luis Angel
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, Universitario Campus, 27002 Lugo, Spain
| | - José Becerra González Juan
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, Universitario Campus, 27002 Lugo, Spain
| | - García Herradón Pedro
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, Universitario Campus, 27002 Lugo, Spain
| | - Soukri Abdelaziz
- Laboratory of Physiopathology, Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Health and Biotechnology Research Center, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Maarif B.P 5366, Casablanca 20000, Morocco.
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2
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Gacem S, Castello-Ruiz M, Hidalgo CO, Tamargo C, Santolaria P, Soler C, Yániz JL, Silvestre MA. Bull Sperm SWATH-MS-Based Proteomics Reveals Link between High Fertility and Energy Production, Motility Structures, and Sperm-Oocyte Interaction. J Proteome Res 2023; 22:3607-3624. [PMID: 37782577 PMCID: PMC10629479 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
The prediction of male or semen fertility potential remains a persistent challenge that has yet to be fully resolved. This work analyzed several in vitro parameters and proteome of spermatozoa in bulls cataloged as high- (HF; n = 5) and low-field (LF; n = 5) fertility after more than a thousand artificial inseminations. Sperm motility was evaluated by computer-assisted sperm analysis. Sperm viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and reactive oxygen species (mROS) of spermatozoa were assessed by flow cytometry. Proteome was evaluated by the SWATH-MS procedure. Spermatozoa of HF bulls showed significantly higher total motility than the LF group (41.4% vs 29.7%). Rates of healthy sperm (live, high MMP, and low mROS) for HF and LF bull groups were 49% and 43%, respectively (p > 0.05). Spermatozoa of HF bulls showed a higher presence of differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) related to both energy production (COX7C), mainly the OXPHOS pathway, and the development of structures linked with the motility process (TPPP2, SSMEM1, and SPAG16). Furthermore, we observed that equatorin (EQTN), together with other DAPs related to the interaction with the oocyte, was overrepresented in HF bull spermatozoa. The biological processes related to protein processing, catabolism, and protein folding were found to be overrepresented in LF bull sperm in which the HSP90AA1 chaperone was identified as the most DAP. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD042286.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Gacem
- Departamento
de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología
Física, Universitat de València, 46100 Valencia, Spain
- Departamento
de Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Universitat
Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Castello-Ruiz
- Departamento
de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología
Física, Universitat de València, 46100 Valencia, Spain
- Unidad
Mixta de Investigación Cerebrovascular, Instituto de Investigación
Sanitaria La Fe, Hospital Universitario
y Politécnico La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlos O. Hidalgo
- Animal
Selection and Reproduction Area, Regional
Agrifood Research and Development Service (SERIDA), 33394 Deva, Gijón, Spain
| | - Carolina Tamargo
- Animal
Selection and Reproduction Area, Regional
Agrifood Research and Development Service (SERIDA), 33394 Deva, Gijón, Spain
| | - Pilar Santolaria
- BIOFITER
Research Group, Institute of Environmental Sciences (IUCA), University of Zaragoza, 22071 Huesca, Spain
| | - Carles Soler
- Departamento
de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología
Física, Universitat de València, 46100 Valencia, Spain
| | - Jesús L. Yániz
- BIOFITER
Research Group, Institute of Environmental Sciences (IUCA), University of Zaragoza, 22071 Huesca, Spain
| | - Miguel A. Silvestre
- Departamento
de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología
Física, Universitat de València, 46100 Valencia, Spain
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3
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Alm-Kristiansen AH. Motility Subpopulations with Distinct Motility Characteristics Using Swim-Up-Selected Sperm Cells from Norwegian Red Bulls: Effects of Freezing-Thawing and Between-Bull Variation. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1086. [PMID: 37626972 PMCID: PMC10452253 DOI: 10.3390/biology12081086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Discrete subpopulations of motile sperm cells have been found for several species and are implicated to be important for sperm functionality. The aim of this present study was to examine the motile subpopulations in swim-up-selected bull spermatozoa and the relationship between subpopulations in fresh and frozen-thawed sperm cells. In experiment 1, swim-up (SWUP)-selected and non-selected (control) sperm cells were analyzed using a Computer-Assisted Sperm Analyzer (CASA). In experiment 2, the semen from nine bulls was cryopreserved and analyzed using CASA both before and after freezing and after incubation at physiological temperatures. The SWUP population had a higher proportion of total motility, progressivity, and velocity compared to the control (p < 0.05). Likewise, both incubation over time and cryopreservation affected motility and motility parameters (p < 0.05). The population of rapid progressive (RapidP) sperm cells dominated the SWUP fraction and was higher than in the control samples (p < 0.05). Furthermore, RapidP was also the main part of fresh semen, but decreased significantly over time during incubation and due to cryopreservation. In conclusion, RapidP was the main population in SWUP-selected spermatozoa and seems to be an important subpopulation contributing to the differences between treatments and in response to the freezing of sperm cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Hege Alm-Kristiansen
- Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, 2418 Hamar, Norway
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4
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Pernas S, Fernandez-Novo A, Barrajon-Masa C, Mozas P, Pérez-Villalobos N, Martín-Maldonado B, Oliet A, Astiz S, Pérez-Garnelo SS. Bull Semen Obtained on Beef Farms by Electroejaculation: Sperm Quality in the First Two Hours of Storing with Different Extenders and Holding Temperatures. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13091561. [PMID: 37174597 PMCID: PMC10177502 DOI: 10.3390/ani13091561] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm quality decreases over time, so bull semen may need to be preserved after field collection. However, the effect of handling such semen samples from commercial farms and placing them in very short-term storage has not been elucidated. Therefore, ejaculate from 25 bulls from 1 dairy and 14 beef cattle farms were collected under farm conditions and evaluated for semen quality during the first two hours after collection. Two commercial extenders (AndroMed® and BIOXcell®) and two different storage temperatures (5 °C and room temperature) were used to evaluate the influence on semen quality and sperm kinetics in ejaculates grouped into three evaluation times, based on time since collection (Time 1: <75 min, n = 7; Time 2: 75-105 min, n = 11; and Time 3: 105-120 min, n = 7). Classical semen parameters, sperm motion kinetics by CASA and colony-forming units were assessed. The differences between both extenders in curvilinear and straight-line velocities (VCL and VSL) for the different time groups (Time 2 and Time 3) were statistically significant for p < 0.05. AndroMed® showed lower VSL, straightness and linearity in sperm compared to BIOXcell® (p < 0.05). In conclusion, AndroMed® induced more curvilinear movement, while BIOXcell® stimulated straighter motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Pernas
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Villaviciosa de Odon, Spain
| | - Aitor Fernandez-Novo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Villaviciosa de Odon, Spain
| | - Clara Barrajon-Masa
- Centro de Selección y Reproducción Animal Colmenar Viejo (IMIDRA-CENSYRA), 28770 Colmenar Viejo, Spain
| | - Patricia Mozas
- Centro de Selección y Reproducción Animal Colmenar Viejo (IMIDRA-CENSYRA), 28770 Colmenar Viejo, Spain
| | - Natividad Pérez-Villalobos
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Villaviciosa de Odon, Spain
| | - Bárbara Martín-Maldonado
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Villaviciosa de Odon, Spain
| | - Agustín Oliet
- Centro de Selección y Reproducción Animal Colmenar Viejo (IMIDRA-CENSYRA), 28770 Colmenar Viejo, Spain
| | - Susana Astiz
- Reproducción Animal (INIA-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
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5
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Foutouhi A, Hesser A, de la Fuente A, Bulkeley E, Dini P, Meyers S. Sperm parameters in the Great Dane: Influence of age on semen quality. Theriogenology 2023; 197:267-274. [PMID: 36527863 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Not all sires have sperm suitable for chilled or frozen storage, and success in artificial insemination (AI) varies highly among individual dogs and breeds. Fertilizing potential is further complicated as sperm quality declines with the aging process. Due to the rapidity of aging and senescence in large breed dogs, associated health and fertility changes may be observed over a shorter period, though this period remains undefined for any breed. Working with a population of purebred Great Danes (GD), our aims were (1) to characterize the distribution of a series of sperm parameters, (2) to distinguish sources of variation in sperm quality within this rapidly aging breed, and (3) to identify changes in sperm quality that may accompany aging. Ejaculates collected from young, middle-aged, and senior Great Dane dogs (n = 50) were evaluated for semen volume, total sperm number and viability, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), in addition to sperm morphology and kinematic parameters. Total testicular volume was also determined using ultrasonography. Testicular volume was not a predictor of sperm production in the GD, however, significant differences between coat colors were identified. Age was negatively associated with total motility, progressive motility, and amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) (p < .05). We identified significant relationships between GD male age and TM, PM, and immotility with -9.9%, -9.0%, and +8.3% change per year of age, respectively, which support the anecdotal reports of decline of the fertility with the advance of age in this breed. Sperm of younger GD dogs aged 12 ≤ x < 24 months had significantly higher TM, PM, ALH, and nonlinear motility (p < .05) than older dogs (x ≥ 48 months). High ROS levels were positively associated with TM and PM, average pathway distance (DAP) and straight line distance (DSL), average pathway velocity (VAP), straight line velocity (VSL), and the presence of hairpin tails (p < .05). While age and ROS have significant influences on sperm parameters in the GD, the influence of selection for breed specific phenotypes could help explain the functional significance of the diversity among GD males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azarene Foutouhi
- Departments of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, Davis, 95616, USA
| | | | | | - Evelyn Bulkeley
- Departments of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, Davis, 95616, USA
| | - Pouya Dini
- Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, 95616, USA
| | - Stuart Meyers
- Departments of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, Davis, 95616, USA.
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6
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Donnellan E, Lonergan P, Meade K, Fair S. An ex-vivo assessment of differential sperm transport in the female reproductive tract between high and low fertility bulls. Theriogenology 2022; 181:42-49. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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7
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Sperm function and oxidative status: Effect on fertility in Bos taurus and Bos indicus bulls when semen is used for fixed-time artificial insemination. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 237:106922. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.106922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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8
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SINGH AK, KUMAR A, BISLA A. Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) in veterinary science: A review. THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.56093/ijans.v91i6.115435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) allows an assessment of sperm motion and morphology more accurately and objectively than by subjective evaluation. Although, CASA instruments have improved significantly during last 40 years especially in terms of software, image capture and computer settings, little has changed regarding processes for analyzing sperm motion attributes. The main problem is related to validation, consistency and optimization of equipment and procedures. Differences among CASA systems denote problems of objective analysis of results between different semen processing units. If validated, CASA systems can provide a great tool to objectively compare sperm motility and morphology. Sperm motility is one of the indicators most evaluated before and after cryopreservation vis-à-vis quality and fertilizing ability. Researchers have determined a possible relationship of CASA outputs with bull fertility in vivo; however, a clear association has not yet been confirmed. Most CASA measures depend upon concentration, sample volume, type of extender, duration of analysis and thawing temperature. For each attribute, CASA software should provide outputs based on a range rather than means or medians for transformed data. The current review describes development, validation requirements, limitations and future expansions associated with CASA technology.
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Hidalgo MMT, Almeida ABMD, Moraes FLZD, Marubayashi RYP, Souza FFD, Barreiros TRR, Martins MIM. Sperm subpopulations influence the pregnancy rates in cattle. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 56:1117-1127. [PMID: 34013640 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to study the characteristics and subpopulations of spermatozoa from bulls with low and high reproductive performance based on pregnancy rates. Based on historical records of pregnancy rate from four farms, 24 bulls were selected. Two groups were established, with low pregnancy rates (n = 12; LOW), including bulls that presented pregnancy rates <52.27% (33.33% to 51.81%); and a group with high pregnancy rates (n = 12; HIGH), with pregnancy rates >52.27% (52.27% to 69.64%), after fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI). The thawed sperm straws were analysed to sperm kinetics, morphology, plasma membrane integrity and sperm subpopulations. The LOW group exhibited a higher proportion of static cells (p < .05). In contrast, the HIGH group showed greater percentages for membrane integrity and total and progressive motility, and cells with fast and medium velocity (p < .05). In the cluster procedures, four sperm subpopulations were established. The low-fertility bulls presented the highest percentage of subpopulation 2 (41.46%), characterized by slow and progressive spermatozoa. The high-fertility bulls exhibited the highest percentage of subpopulation 3 (37.17%), characterized by fast and nonlinear spermatozoa. Results from this study indicated that bulls with greater percentages of fast and nonlinear spermatozoa seem to have greater fertilization capacity and the subpopulations analysis can be considered a tool to identify ejaculates with high fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Beatriz Marques de Almeida
- Laboratório de Andrologia e Reprodução Animal Assistida (LARAA), Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Londrina, Brazil
| | | | | | - Fabiana Ferreira de Souza
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Thales Ricardo Rigo Barreiros
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia da Reprodução Animal, Universidade Estadual do Norte do Paraná (UENP), Bandeirantes, Brazil
| | - Maria Isabel Mello Martins
- Laboratório de Andrologia e Reprodução Animal Assistida (LARAA), Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Londrina, Brazil
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Paul N, Kumaresan A, Das Gupta M, Nag P, Guvvala PR, Kuntareddi C, Sharma A, Selvaraju S, Datta TK. Transcriptomic Profiling of Buffalo Spermatozoa Reveals Dysregulation of Functionally Relevant mRNAs in Low-Fertile Bulls. Front Vet Sci 2021; 7:609518. [PMID: 33506000 PMCID: PMC7829312 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.609518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although, it is known that spermatozoa harbor a variety of RNAs that may influence embryonic development, little is understood about sperm transcriptomic differences in relation to fertility, especially in buffaloes. In the present study, we compared the differences in sperm functional attributes and transcriptomic profile between high- and low-fertile buffalo bulls. Sperm membrane and acrosomal integrity were lower (P < 0.05), while protamine deficiency and lipid peroxidation were higher (P < 0.05) in low- compared to high-fertile bulls. Transcriptomic analysis using mRNA microarray technology detected a total of 51,282 transcripts in buffalo spermatozoa, of which 4,050 transcripts were differentially expressed, and 709 transcripts were found to be significantly dysregulated (P < 0.05 and fold change >1) between high- and low-fertile bulls. Majority of the dysregulated transcripts were related to binding activity, transcription, translation, and metabolic processes with primary localization in the cell nucleus, nucleoplasm, and in cytosol. Pathways related to MAPK signaling, ribosome pathway, and oxidative phosphorylation were dysregulated in low-fertile bull spermatozoa. Using bioinformatics analysis, we observed that several genes related to sperm functional attributes were significantly downregulated in low-fertile bull spermatozoa. Validation of the results of microarray analysis was carried out using real-time qPCR expression analysis of selected genes (YBX1, ORAI3, and TFAP2C). The relative expression of these genes followed the same trend in both the techniques. Collectively, this is the first study to report the transcriptomic profile of buffalo spermatozoa and to demonstrate the dysregulation of functionally relevant transcripts in low-fertile bull spermatozoa. The results of the present study open up new avenues for understanding the etiology for poor fertility in buffalo bulls and to identify fertility biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilendu Paul
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of ICAR - National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Arumugam Kumaresan
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of ICAR - National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Mohua Das Gupta
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of ICAR - National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Pradeep Nag
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of ICAR - National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Pushpa Rani Guvvala
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, ICAR - National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru, India
| | - Channareddi Kuntareddi
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of ICAR - National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Ankur Sharma
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of ICAR - National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Sellappan Selvaraju
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, ICAR - National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru, India
| | - Tirtha Kumar Datta
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, ICAR - National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
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11
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Fávaro PDC, Pereira GR, Barca FA, Adona PR, Franco EMV, Dias IDS, Seneda MM, Koetz Junior C. Hemodynamic evaluation of the supratesticular artery in bulls. Livest Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2020.104210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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12
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Narud B, Klinkenberg G, Khezri A, Zeremichael TT, Stenseth EB, Nordborg A, Haukaas TH, Morrell JM, Heringstad B, Myromslien FD, Kommisrud E. Differences in sperm functionality and intracellular metabolites in Norwegian Red bulls of contrasting fertility. Theriogenology 2020; 157:24-32. [PMID: 32777668 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In the dairy breeding industry, prediction of bull fertility in artificial insemination (AI) is important for efficient and economically sustainable production. However, it is challenging to identify bulls with superior fertility applying conventional in vitro sperm assays. In the present study, sperm functionality was investigated to identify a multivariate model that could predict fertility. Two groups of young Norwegian Red bulls were selected, one with inferior fertility (18 bulls) and one with superior fertility (19 bulls) based on non-return rate after 56 days (NR56). Frozen-thawed semen doses were analysed for sperm chromatin integrity, viability, acrosome integrity, motility, and ATP content. A targeted approach was used to study intracellular concentrations of amino acids and trace elements in viable sperm cells. Significant differences between the two groups of bulls were observed, both for sperm functional attributes and intracellular concentrations of metabolites. Pearson correlation analyses indicated a negative relationship between NR56 and chromatin integrity parameters, DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and high DNA stainability (HDS). Several motility parameters correlated positively with NR56. The concentrations of cysteine and glutamic acid in sperm cells correlated negatively with NR56, while the concentrations of aspartic acid, leucine and serine showed a positive NR56-correlation. The sperm intracellular concentrations of the trace elements Fe, Al and Zn, correlated negatively with NR56. Correlations were observed between several sperm parameters and metabolites. Stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that the best predictor of NR56 was a model containing %DFI, together with the intracellular sperm concentration of aspartic acid, Fe and Zn. This model explained 59% of the variability in NR56.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgitte Narud
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | | | - Abdolrahman Khezri
- Department of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | - Teklu Tewoldebrhan Zeremichael
- Department of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | - Else-Berit Stenseth
- Department of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | | | | | - Jane M Morrell
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Bjørg Heringstad
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Norway
| | - Frøydis Deinboll Myromslien
- Department of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | - Elisabeth Kommisrud
- Department of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway.
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13
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Ibanescu I, Siuda M, Bollwein H. Motile sperm subpopulations in bull semen using different clustering approaches - Associations with flow cytometric sperm characteristics and fertility. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 215:106329. [PMID: 32216932 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
There are sperm subpopulations (SPs) with different kinematic characteristics in various species, however, biological relevance of these SPs is still uncertain. The objective of the present study was to investigate associations of motile sperm SPs with sperm characteristics determined by evaluations with flow cytometry and assessment of bull fertility, using multiple approaches for sperm clustering. Semen from 24 bulls was evaluated concomitantly using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and flow cytometry before freezing and after thawing. Motile SPs were determined utilizing two acknowledged clustering methods (TwoStep and K-Means) and one customized method. With the customized method, there was utilization of mean values of sperm velocity and linearity as thresholds for direct assignment of motile spermatozoa into four SPs. Regardless of approach for identifying SPs, sperm quality, as determined using flow cytometry, was correlated particularly with the subpopulation (SP) of fast and linear spermatozoa immediately after thawing and with the SP of fast and nonlinear spermatozoa before freezing and 3 h after thawing. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between proportion of spermatozoa with fast and nonlinear movements before freezing and bull non-return to estrous rates. These results indicate that with different sperm SPs, there are different biological implications which can be evaluated to gain useful information concerning semen quality as determined using flow cytometry and fertility. Furthermore, determining SPs by assigning motile spermatozoa into clusters based on a combination of "below and "above" threshold values for sperm velocity and linearity might be considered a practical alternative to otherwise intricate clustering procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iulian Ibanescu
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland; Besamungsverein Neustadt a. d. Aisch e.V., Karl-Eibl-Strasse 23, 91413, Neustadt an der Aisch, Germany.
| | - Mathias Siuda
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Heinrich Bollwein
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
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Ojaghi M, Kastelic J, Thundathil JC. Testis-specific isoform of angiotensin-converting enzyme (tACE) as a candidate marker for bull fertility. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 30:1584-1593. [PMID: 29898814 DOI: 10.1071/rd17300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Although a traditional bull breeding soundness evaluation is designed to identify bulls that are grossly abnormal, bulls classified as satisfactory potential breeders still vary in fertility, implying submicroscopic differences in sperm characteristics. Testis-specific isozyme of angiotensin-converting enzyme (tACE) is involved in the regulation of sperm function. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine tACE content, activity and localisation in bull spermatozoa and their associations with fertility. Semen from low-fertility (LF) and high-fertility (HF) Holstein bulls (n=20) with known FERTSOL rates, which represents the 56-day non-return rate, were used. There was greater tACE content (P<0.05) and tACE activity (P<0.01) in HF versus LF spermatozoa. Based on immunolocalisation, tACE was either in the acrosomal or postacrosomal region of the sperm head, with HF bulls having a higher proportion of spermatozoa with tACE in the acrosomal region than LF bulls (P<0.05). tACE content, activity, localisation to the acrosomal region and progressive motility were significantly correlated with fertility and, based on regression analysis, tACE content was predictive of fertility. tACE content and activity in semen were similar between yearling (10-13 months old) and mature (3-4 years old) bulls. Therefore, tACE has potential as a marker of field fertility in bulls at their earliest possible age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Ojaghi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary, TRW 2D13, 3280 Hospital Dr, NW T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - John Kastelic
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary, TRW 2D13, 3280 Hospital Dr, NW T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Jacob C Thundathil
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary, TRW 2D13, 3280 Hospital Dr, NW T2N 4Z6, Canada
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15
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Yániz JL, Silvestre MA, Santolaria P, Soler C. CASA-Mot in mammals: an update. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019. [PMID: 29514734 DOI: 10.1071/rd17432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm motility is one of the most widely used parameters of sperm quality. Computer-aided sperm motility analysis (CASA-Mot) systems were developed to reduce the subjectivity of sperm motility assessment, and have had broad scientific and practical acceptance. In this review, the sources of variation and current applications of this technology and its relationships with other sperm quality tests are described in detail. Despite remarkable advances in the technique, there is still great need for standardisation in many species, and the numerous factors that affect the results make it difficult to provide universally accepted criteria for classifying semen samples based on sperm motility characteristics. The main fields for CASA-Mot include the study of male fertility and pathologies, evaluation of the effects of physical and chemical agents, improvement of epidemiological survey studies, more precise calculation of seminal doses for farm animals, realisation of basic studies about sperm function, improvement of sperm technologies such as cryopreservation and quality control analysis. Numerous relationships have been established between CASA-Mot and other sperm quality tests, although most of these parameters are complementary. Future CASA-Mot systems will probably be able to integrate several sperm quality parameters with motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Yániz
- TECNOGAM Research Group, Environmental Sciences Institute (IUCA), Department of Animal Production and Food Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 22071, Huesca, Spain
| | - M A Silvestre
- Department of Cellular Biology, Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, University of Valencia, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - P Santolaria
- TECNOGAM Research Group, Environmental Sciences Institute (IUCA), Department of Animal Production and Food Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 22071, Huesca, Spain
| | - C Soler
- Department of Cellular Biology, Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, University of Valencia, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
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16
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Pfeifer LFM, Júnior JSO, Potiens JR. Effect of sperm kinematics and size of follicle at ovulation on pregnancy rate after timed AI of beef cows. Anim Reprod Sci 2019; 201:55-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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17
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Johnson C, Fitzsimmons C, Colazo M, Li C, Kastelic J, Thundathil J. Impacts of residual feed intake and pre-natal diet on reproductive potential of bulls. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1071/an18301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Our objective was to determine effects of genetic potential for residual feed intake (RFI) and pre-natal diet on post-natal growth and reproductive development of bulls. Twenty-five bull calves with a divergent potential for RFI were produced by mating purebred Angus heifers (60) categorised as high or low RFI and inseminated with semen from high or low RFI bulls. From 30 to 150 days of gestation, half the heifers (balanced for RFI across treatments) in each RFI category were fed to gain 0.7 or 0.5 kg/day (~100% and 75% of recommended feed intake; designated normal- and low-diet, respectively). Birthweights of bull calves (n = 25) did not differ significantly among treatment groups (P ≥ 0.1). However, there was a tendency (P < 0.1) for a maternal diet*time interaction for bull weights, with bulls from low pre-natal diet fed heifers growing faster between 10 and 16 months of age than bulls from normal pre-natal diet fed heifers. Furthermore, high-RFI bulls had a larger scrotal circumference (P < 0.01) and attained puberty (P < 0.05) earlier than low-RFI bulls. Other testes measures, including paired testes volume, epididymal sperm reserves, daily sperm production and total sperm production, were not significantly different among treatment groups (P ≥ 0.1). High RFI bulls tended (P < 0.1) to have better average sperm motility than low RFI bulls. However, sperm morphology, viability and chromatin damage were not different (P ≥ 0.1). In summary, young beef bulls with low RFI had smaller testis, delayed onset of puberty (~1.7 months) and tended to exhibit lower progressive motility compared with high RFI bulls. Pre-natal diet had no direct influence on male reproductive development, nor did it interact with RFI of bulls.
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18
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Malo C, Elwing B, Soederstroem L, Lundeheim N, Morrell JM, Skidmore JA. Effect of different freezing rates and thawing temperatures on cryosurvival of dromedary camel spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2018; 125:43-48. [PMID: 30388470 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.07.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/29/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different freezing rates and thawing temperatures on the post-thaw quality of camel spermatozoa. Ten ejaculates from five male camels were frozen at five different freezing rates, achieved by placing the straws at specific heights above the surface of liquid nitrogen for different lengths of time (4 cm for 15 min; 1 cm for 15 min; 7 cm for 15 min; 7 cm for 5 min + 4 cm for 3 min; 4 cm for 5 min + 1 cm for 3 min) followed by storage in liquid nitrogen. Two thawing temperatures (37° for 30 s and 60 °C for 10 s) were subsequently tested. Post-thawing, the samples were evaluated for total and progressive motility, kinematics, membrane and acrosome integrity, and membrane functionality (hypoosmotic swelling test) at zero and 1 h post thawing. Total and progressive motility were significantly higher for the fastest freezing rate (at 1 cm) at 0 h (p < 0.01 for both), as were VCL (p < 0.01), VSL (p < 0.05) and STR (p < 0.05). Freezing at 4 cm produced the lowest values of STR compared to other treatments (p < 0.05). At 1 h, no differences in total motility were observed between freezing at 4 cm and 1 cm, both being significantly better than freezing rate 7 cm + 4 cm (p < 0.01). For progressive motility and VSL, only freezing at 1 cm was superior to the 7 cm + 4 cm combination (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05 respectively). Membrane integrity at 1 h was higher for freezing at 7 cm than at 1 cm (p < 0.01). For thawing temperatures, total motility and progressive motility at 0 h and 1 h (p < 0.001), and acrosome integrity at 1 h (p < 0.01) were higher for 60 °C thawing temperature than 37 °C. The kinematics VCL (p < 0.001), VSL and STR (p < 0.01), and VAP (p < 0.05) showed higher values for 60 °C thawing temperature than 37 °C at 0 h. After 1 h, higher values for VSL, VCL and VAP (p < 0.05) were observed for 60 °C than for 37 °C. In conclusion, a fast freezing rate would probably be beneficial for camel semen, and thawing should be conducted at 60 °C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Malo
- Camel Reproduction Center, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Bodil Elwing
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7054, SE, 75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Linn Soederstroem
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7054, SE, 75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Nils Lundeheim
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7054, SE, 75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jane M Morrell
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7054, SE, 75007, Uppsala, Sweden
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19
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Kumaresan A, Johannisson A, Bergqvist AS. Sperm function during incubation with oestrus oviductal fluid differs in bulls with different fertility. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 29:1096-1106. [PMID: 27112984 DOI: 10.1071/rd15474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa undergo several modifications in the oviduct before acquiring fertilising capacity. Although spermatozoa are exposed to similar conditions in the oviduct, the speed of the response varies with the male and the state of the spermatozoa. We hypothesised that spermatozoa from bulls with different fertility may differ in their ability to respond to oviductal fluid (ODF). Frozen-thawed spermatozoa from four bulls were incubated with oestrus oviductal fluid (OODF) for 6h. Sperm kinematics, tyrosine phosphorylation, phosphorylation patterns, capacitation and acrosome reaction were analysed at hourly intervals. The amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) and straightness coefficient (STR) were higher (P<0.05) in bulls with higher fertility compared with those with lower fertility, at 1-4h of incubation. At 4h of incubation and onwards, spermatozoa from bulls with higher fertility showed a lower degree (P<0.05) of tyrosine phosphorylation and higher degree of capacitation and acrosome reaction. At least five tyrosine-phosphorylated sperm proteins were detected in all bulls. However, the expression of two phosphorylated sperm proteins (183 and 109 kDa) was upregulated in bulls with lower fertility. It may be concluded that cryopreserved spermatozoa from high- and low- fertile bulls differ in their ability to respond to OODF. This may help in developing tools for assessing fertility of bulls, once validated in more animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kumaresan
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7054, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - A Johannisson
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7054, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - A-S Bergqvist
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7054, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
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20
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Lalinde-Acevedo PC, Mayorga-Torres BJM, Agarwal A, du Plessis SS, Ahmad G, Cadavid ÁP, Cardona Maya WD. Physically Active Men Show Better Semen Parameters than Their Sedentary Counterparts. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2017; 11:156-165. [PMID: 28868837 PMCID: PMC5582143 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2017.4881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Background The quality of semen depends upon several factors such as environment,
life style, physical activity, age, and occupation. The aim of this study was to analyze and
compare the conventional and functional semen parameters in men practicing vigorous
physical activity to those of sedentary men. Materials and Methods In this descriptive cross-sectional study, semen samples of 17
physically active men and 15 sedentary men were collected for analysis. Semen analysis
was performed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, while
functional parameters were evaluated by flow cytometry. Results Results showed that several semen parameters (semen volume, viability, progressive motility, total motility, normal morphology, and moribund cells) were superior
in the physically active group in comparison with the sedentary group. Semen parameters
such as viability, progressive motility and total motility, as well as the percentage of moribund spermatozoa were significantly different between both groups. However, sperm
DNA damage, lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial potential were not significantly different among the groups. Conclusion Nevertheless, the physical activity shows better semen parameters than sedentary group. Taken together, our results demonstrate that regular physical activity has
beneficial impact in sperm fertility parameters and such a life style can enhance the fertility status of men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula C Lalinde-Acevedo
- Reproduction Group, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Medical School, University of Antioquia, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - B Jose Manuel Mayorga-Torres
- Reproduction Group, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Medical School, University of Antioquia, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Stefan S du Plessis
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Gulfam Ahmad
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ángela P Cadavid
- Reproduction Group, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Medical School, University of Antioquia, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Walter D Cardona Maya
- Reproduction Group, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Medical School, University of Antioquia, Antioquia, Colombia.
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21
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Rajamanickam GD, Kroetsch T, Kastelic JP, Thundathil JC. Testis-specific isoform of Na/K-ATPase (ATP1A4) regulates sperm function and fertility in dairy bulls through potential mechanisms involving reactive oxygen species, calcium and actin polymerization. Andrology 2017; 5:814-823. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G. D. Rajamanickam
- Department of Production Animal Health; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Calgary; Calgary AB Canada
| | | | - J. P. Kastelic
- Department of Production Animal Health; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Calgary; Calgary AB Canada
| | - J. C. Thundathil
- Department of Production Animal Health; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Calgary; Calgary AB Canada
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22
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Ojaghi M, Kastelic J, Thundathil J. Testis-specific isoform of angiotensin-converting enzyme (tACE) is involved in the regulation of bovine sperm capacitation. Mol Reprod Dev 2017; 84:376-388. [PMID: 28244620 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Revised: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We hypothesized that the testis-specific isoform of angiotensin-converting enzyme (tACE) is released during bovine sperm capacitation, and its peptidase activity is required for capacitation. Specific objectives of this study were to (i) develop an anti-tACE antibody; (ii) characterize expression of tACE in bovine testes and sperm; and (iii) determine the role of tACE in capacitation. A 110-kDa protein, consistent with the mass of tACE, was detected in sperm extract by our anti-tACE immunoserum. This immunotarget localized at the acrosomal region and principal piece, but was only expressed in testis of mature bulls. When bull sperm were incubated in Sp-TALP (0 and 4 hr) plus 10 µg/ml heparin (capacitation group) or 10 µg/ml heparin + 10 µM captopril (an ACE inhibitor) for 4 hr, the number of acrosome-reacted (40.1 vs. 24.0%, respectively) and hyperactivated (15.0 vs. 9.7%) sperm increased, and tyrosine phosphoprotein content were higher (p < 0.05) for sperm in heparin alone. tACE activity was also higher (0.04 U/ml; p < 0.01) in incubation medium of sperm exposed to heparin compared to 0- and 4-hr incubation controls or heparin + captopril conditions (0, 0.005, and 0.009 U/ml, respectively). Furthermore, capacitation-associated shedding of a portion of tACE into the medium decreased sperm content of the 110-kDa tACE, but concurrently increased the abundance of a 60-kDa tACE variant. Thus, a portion of the extracellular region of tACE (containing its catalytic site) is released from bovine sperm during capacitation, and tACE activity may be required for sperm capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Ojaghi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - John Kastelic
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jacob Thundathil
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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23
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Harayama H, Minami K, Kishida K, Noda T. Protein biomarkers for male artificial insemination subfertility in bovine spermatozoa. Reprod Med Biol 2017; 16:89-98. [PMID: 29259456 PMCID: PMC5661804 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although artificial insemination (AI) technique is an established biotechnology for bovine reproduction, the results of AI (conception rates) have a tendency to decline gradually. To our annoyance, moreover, AI‐subfertile bulls have been occasionally found in the AI centers. To resolve these serious problems, it is necessary to control the sperm quality more strictly by the examinations of sperm molecules. Methods We reviewed a number of recent articles regarding potentials of bovine sperm proteins as the biomarkers for bull AI‐subfertility and also showed our unpublished supplemental data on the bull AI‐subfertility associated proteins. Main findings Bull AI‐subfertility is caused by the deficiency or dysfunctions of various molecules including regulatory proteins of ATP synthesis, acrosomal proteins, nuclear proteins, capacitation‐related proteins and seminal plasma proteins. Conclusion In order to control the bovine sperm quality more strictly by the molecular examinations, it is necessary to select suitable sperm protein biomarkers for the male reproductive problems which happen in the AI centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Harayama
- Division of Animal Science Department of Bioresource Science Graduate School of Agricultural Science Kobe University Kobe Japan
| | - Kenta Minami
- Division of Animal Science Department of Bioresource Science Graduate School of Agricultural Science Kobe University Kobe Japan
| | - Kazumi Kishida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Shiga University of Medical Science Otsu Japan
| | - Taichi Noda
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases Osaka University Suita Osaka Japan
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24
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Singh RK, Kumaresan A, Chhillar S, Rajak SK, Tripathi UK, Nayak S, Datta TK, Mohanty TK, Malhotra R. Identification of suitable combinations of in vitro sperm-function test for the prediction of fertility in buffalo bull. Theriogenology 2016; 86:2263-2271.e1. [PMID: 27555524 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The present study assessed sperm functional characteristics in the frozen-thawed semen of buffalo bulls and estimated their relationship with field fertility. Frozen semen samples from three different freezing operations each from nine Murrah buffalo bulls were used for the assessment of different sperm functions related to fertilizing potential. Bulls were classified into high (n = 2), medium (n = 5), and low (n = 2) fertile based on adjusted field fertility. The sperm functions estimated included membrane integrity using carboxyfluorescein diacetate-propidium iodide, acrosome reaction status using fluorescein isothiocyanate peanut agglutinine, status of apoptosis using Annexin-V, protamine deficiency using Chromomycin A3, membrane stability using Merocyanine 540 and lipid peroxidation status using 4, 4-difluoro-4-bora-3a, 4a-diaza-s-indacene. The relationship between the proportion of live acrosome-intact spermatozoa and fertility was positive and significant (r = 0.59; P = 0.001). The proportion of moribund spermatozoa showed a significantly negative correlation with fertility (r = -0.50; P = 0.008). Similarly, the relationship of spermatozoa with unstable membrane (r = -0.51; P = 0.007), necrotic (r = - 0.42; P = 0.028), early necrotic (r = -0.42; P = 0.031), and apoptotic spermatozoa (r = -0.39; P = 0.046) with bull fertility was negative and significant. The correlation between the protamine-deficient spermatozoa and fertility was negative, but not significant. Among different combinations of tests, live acrosome-intact spermatozoa and lipid peroxidation status of spermatozoa revealed high positive correlation with buffalo bull fertility (adjusted R2 = 0.73, C[p] = 0.80). These preliminary findings may help in developing tools for assessing fertility of buffalo bulls, once validated in more animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raushan K Singh
- Theriogenology Lab, Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - A Kumaresan
- Theriogenology Lab, Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India.
| | - Shivani Chhillar
- Theriogenology Lab, Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Shailendra K Rajak
- Theriogenology Lab, Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Utkarsh K Tripathi
- Theriogenology Lab, Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Samiksha Nayak
- Theriogenology Lab, Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - T K Datta
- Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - T K Mohanty
- Artificial Breeding Research Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - R Malhotra
- Dairy Economics, Statistics & Management Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
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25
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Fertility management of bulls to improve beef cattle productivity. Theriogenology 2016; 86:397-405. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.04.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Revised: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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26
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Dance A, Thundathil J, Blondin P, Kastelic J. Enhanced early-life nutrition of Holstein bulls increases sperm production potential without decreasing postpubertal semen quality. Theriogenology 2016; 86:687-694.e2. [PMID: 27114168 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Revised: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Enhanced early-life nutrition (∼130% of required energy and protein) increased testes size and weight (∼20-25%) and reduced age at puberty (∼1 month) in beef and dairy bulls, compared with those fed 70% of dietary requirements. The objective was to determine effects of early-life (2-31 weeks) nutritional modulation on feed costs, predicted number of harvestable sperm and doses of semen, and semen quality. Calves (∼1 week old) were randomly allocated into three groups that were fed 4, 6, or 8 L/day of milk (low [n = 8], medium [n = 9], and high groups [n = 9], respectively) from ages 2 to 8 weeks. Thereafter, they were weaned, transitioned onto barley silage-based diets, to receive ∼70, 100, or 130% of recommended amounts of energy and protein (feed costs were ∼CDN$280 more per bull to feed high versus low diets from 2 to 31 weeks). After 31 weeks, all bulls were fed a medium diet. Semen was collected, by electroejaculation, from 51 to 73 weeks, extended, chilled, and cryopreserved. Bulls fed high nutrition were numerically younger (P = 0.45) at sexual maturity (sperm with ≥30% progressive motility, ≥70% morphologically normal, and ≤20% abnormal heads), first acceptable post-chill sperm motility (>50%; P = 0.66) and first acceptable post-thaw motility (>25% progressive; P = 0.25) than bulls in the low-nutrition group. Semen from three bulls per group was used for in vitro fertilization (total of 1249 bovine oocytes); there were no significant differences among groups in fertilization percentage (mean ± SEM of 68.0 ± 8.7, 77.1 ± 3.5, and 68.7 ± 4.5% for low, medium, and high, respectively) or blastocyst yield (31.5 ± 5.6, 41.4 ± 4.9, and 33.7 ± 4.6%). On the basis of analysis of 2D gels of sperm proteins, 380 spots were identified on the fused master gel, but no spots were differentially expressed across groups. Overall, there were no significant differences in semen quality or sperm function among bulls fed three levels of nutrition from ages 2 to 31 weeks. However, bulls fed high-nutrition early in life had potential to produce more sperm that could be harvested and sold, which would increase profitability, thereby supporting enhanced early-life nutrition as a management tool to improve reproductive potential of dairy bulls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alysha Dance
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jacob Thundathil
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - John Kastelic
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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Martínez-Rodríguez C, Alvarez M, López-Urueña E, Gomes-Alves S, Anel-López L, Chamorro CA, Anel L, de Paz P. Ram spermatozoa migrating through artificial mucus in vitro have reduced mitochondrial membrane potential but retain their viability. Reprod Fertil Dev 2015; 27:852-64. [DOI: 10.1071/rd13377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm motility in vitro is one of the most common predictors of fertility in male screening. We propose that a mucus-penetration assay can isolate a cellular subpopulation critical to reproductive success. To this end, a device was designed with three modules (sample, test and collection) and its conditions of use evaluated (length of mucus, incubation time, mucus medium, sperm concentration and position in relation to the horizontal). The number of spermatozoa migrating and the viability and acrosomal status of the spermatozoa not migrating were calculated. The second objective was to evaluate the qualitative parameters of the spermatozoa migrating in 1.6% polyacrylamide for 30 min. The number of spermatozoa migrating and the sperm motility, viability and the acrosomal and mitochondrial status of three sperm populations (fresh, not migrating and migrating) were determined. A higher number of migrating spermatozoa were observed after 60 min of incubation, but this situation adversely affected sperm quality. The methylcellulose-based test showed a significantly lower number of migrating spermatozoa than the polyacrylamide test. The position at an angle of 45° resulted in a higher number of migrating spermatozoa in the polyacrylamide-based test. The sperm counts for three consecutive assays indicated an acceptable repeatability of the method. The viability and acrosomal status of the migrating spermatozoa showed no significant changes with regard to the control when the device was placed at 45°, whereas these parameters showed lower values at 0°. The percentage of high mitochondrial membrane potential spermatozoa was significantly reduced in the population of migrating spermatozoa.
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