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Zuha S, Rakha BA, Akhter S. Enzymatic Antioxidants and Their Differential Response to Cryopreservation in Japanese Quail Semen. Reprod Domest Anim 2025; 60:e70005. [PMID: 39853838 DOI: 10.1111/rda.70005] [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: 11/21/2024] [Revised: 12/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2025] [Indexed: 01/26/2025]
Abstract
A triad of enzymatic antioxidants viz., catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) constitutes a first line of defence against any redox imbalances in the semen. Cryopreservation enabling long term storage of semen also prompts generation of surplus reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cells with waned antioxidants, hampering the full exploitation of this process. With Japanese quail having all the potential to satisfy the steeply growing poultry demand, there is a need for its propagation via sperm preservation and assisted reproduction. Therefore, current study aimed at investigating enzymatic antioxidants in the Japanese quail semen, level of decline in their activity during cryopreservation and any intra-species variation in their levels. Moreover, malonaldehyde (MDA) levels in fresh and cryopreserved semen of individual birds were taken into account. Semen was collected separately from seven mature males, diluted with NaCl extender (1:15) and cryopreserved. Analysis of sperm and seminal plasma was done at fresh collection, post-dilution, post-cooling, post-equilibration and post-thaw stages of freezing. The results confirmed the presence of CAT, SOD and GPx in fresh sperm and seminal plasma, their decline (p < 0.05) at all stages of cryopreservation and intra-species variation (p < 0.05) with respect to freeze-tolerance. Furthermore, significant increase was recorded in MDA levels at varying rates among individual quails during semen cryopreservation. In conclusion, Japanese quail sperm and seminal plasma exhibit enzymatic antioxidant activities to monitor ROS generation and performance of these antioxidants is severely affected by freezing process with intra-species variation and rise (p < 0.05) of lipid peroxidation (LPO).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumiyyah Zuha
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University of Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Bushra Allah Rakha
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University of Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Shamim Akhter
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University of Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
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2
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Humann-Guilleminot S, Binkowski ŁJ, Helfenstein F. Sex-specific effects of low-dose of acetamiprid on corticosterone levels but not on oxidative stress in House sparrows. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 262:119894. [PMID: 39218340 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Neonicotinoid insecticides are widely used in agriculture and have been linked to various detrimental physiological effects on wild birds. Despite this, the impact of acetamiprid - a less studied member of the neonicotinoid family - on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis responsible for the hormonal regulation of the response to stress has rarely been examined in birds. In our study, we explored the effects of acetamiprid on feather levels of corticosterone, the major end product of the HPA, and blood oxidative status of House sparrows (Passer domesticus), following the ingestion of a low, field-realistic dose during two consecutive experiments in 2015 and 2016. We involved 112 birds in each experiment - 56 males and 56 females - that were administered a placebo or a dose of acetamiprid equivalent to 0.5% of the LD50 of the Zebra finch over the entire duration of the experiments, which lasted approximately three weeks. We measured corticosterone concentrations in feathers grown during an acclimation phase before ingestion and in newly grown feather after the experiment and assessed three oxidative stress markers in the blood. We found no impact of acetamiprid on oxidative stress markers. However, in 2015, male sparrows that ingested acetamiprid exhibited higher corticosterone levels in their feathers compared to those that received a placebo. No such difference was found in females. Interestingly, this effect was not observed in year 2016, which was characterised by less stressful conditions for the birds. These findings offer the first evidence of a potential effect of acetamiprid on corticosterone levels in a songbird, suggesting that ingesting this compound at very low dose may alter the endocrine physiology of the response to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ségolène Humann-Guilleminot
- Department of Environmental Science, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences (RIBES), Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Laboratory of Evolutionary Ecophysiology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
| | - Łukasz J Binkowski
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Ecophysiology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland; Institute of Biology and Earth Sciences, University of the National Education Commission, Krakow, Poland
| | - Fabrice Helfenstein
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Ecophysiology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland; Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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3
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Onur Özkök A, Esin B, Akal E. Sperm Cryopreservation in Canaries to Protect Endangered Songbird Species: Comparison of Different Cryoprotectants. Vet Med Sci 2024; 10:e70101. [PMID: 39474780 PMCID: PMC11522817 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.70101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2024] [Revised: 10/04/2024] [Accepted: 10/11/2024] [Indexed: 11/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Sperm cryopreservation is a rather complex process that needs to be adapted to wild and domestic bird species to ensure adequate efficiency. This study aimed to determine the usability of different cryoprotectants in the cryopreservation of Gloster canary sperm. For this purpose, sperm samples were collected from 12 2-year-old male Gloster canaries three times a week using cloacal massage for 4 weeks. After individual evaluation, sperm samples from the canaries were combined. Mixed sperm were divided into two groups in the study. Overall, 8% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and ethylene glycol (EG) were used as cryoprotectants. Sperm samples were drawn into straws after adding Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) extender with high glucose ratio and two different cryoprotectants in a 1:1 ratio and frozen to -80°C with liquid nitrogen vapour and then stored in liquid nitrogen at -196°C. Frozen-thawed semen samples were evaluated regarding motility, vitality, plasma membrane integrity (hypoosmotic swelling test [HOST]), density and abnormal spermatozoa rate. The highest motility value after freezing and thawing was determined in the EG group with 31.667% ± 4.773%. In addition, vitality, plasma membrane integrity and normal sperm morphology were statistically significantly higher in the EG-frozen group, whereas head and tail abnormality was low (p < 0.05). This study determined that a DMEM extender containing 8% EG was more advantageous than a DMEM containing DMSO regarding spermatological parameters and could be used for long-term storage of canary sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arda Onur Özkök
- Department of VeterinaryAmasya University Suluova Vocational SchoolAmasyaTurkey
| | - Burcu Esin
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial InseminationFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Ondokuz MayisSamsunTurkey
| | - Eser Akal
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial InseminationFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Ondokuz MayisSamsunTurkey
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4
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Birch G, Meniri M, Cant MA, Blount JD. Defence against the intergenerational cost of reproduction in males: oxidative shielding of the germline. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2024; 99:70-84. [PMID: 37698166 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13012] [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: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Reproduction is expected to carry an oxidative cost, yet in many species breeders appear to sustain lower levels of oxidative damage compared to non-breeders. This paradox may be explained by considering the intergenerational costs of reproduction. Specifically, a reduction in oxidative damage upon transitioning to a reproductive state may represent a pre-emptive shielding strategy to protect the next generation from intergenerational oxidative damage (IOD) - known as the oxidative shielding hypothesis. Males may be particularly likely to transmit IOD, because sperm are highly susceptible to oxidative damage. Yet, the possibility of male-mediated IOD remains largely uninvestigated. Here, we present a conceptual and methodological framework to assess intergenerational costs of reproduction and oxidative shielding of the germline in males. We discuss variance in reproductive costs and expected payoffs of oxidative shielding according to species' life histories, and the expected impact on offspring fitness. Oxidative shielding presents an opportunity to incorporate intergenerational effects into the advancing field of life-history evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham Birch
- Centre for Ecology & Conservation, Faculty of Environment, Science & Economy, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Magali Meniri
- Centre for Ecology & Conservation, Faculty of Environment, Science & Economy, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Michael A Cant
- Centre for Ecology & Conservation, Faculty of Environment, Science & Economy, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Jonathan D Blount
- Centre for Ecology & Conservation, Faculty of Environment, Science & Economy, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, UK
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5
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Saulnier A, Bleu J, Boos A, Millet M, Zahn S, Ronot P, Masoudi IE, Rojas ER, Uhlrich P, Del Nero M, Massemin S. Reproductive differences between urban and forest birds across the years: importance of environmental and weather parameters. Urban Ecosyst 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11252-022-01305-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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6
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Pintus E, Ros-Santaella JL. Impact of Oxidative Stress on Male Reproduction in Domestic and Wild Animals. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10071154. [PMID: 34356386 PMCID: PMC8301082 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10071154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress occurs when the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) overcome the antioxidant defenses of the organism, jeopardizing several biological functions, including reproduction. In the male reproductive system, oxidative stress not only impairs sperm fertility but also compromises offspring health and survival, inducing oxidative damage to lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. Although a clear link between oxidative stress and male fertility disorders has been demonstrated in humans and laboratory rodents, little information is available about the implications of impaired redox homeostasis in the male fertility of domestic and wild animals. Therefore, this review aims to provide an update regarding the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that are associated with oxidative stress in the male reproductive system and their impact on the reproductive performance of domestic and wild animals. The most recent strategies for palliating the detrimental effects of oxidative stress on male fertility are reviewed together with their potential economic and ecological implications in the livestock industry and biodiversity conservation.
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7
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Zwoinska MK, Rodrigues LR, Slate J, Snook RR. Phenotypic Responses to and Genetic Architecture of Sterility Following Exposure to Sub-Lethal Temperature During Development. Front Genet 2020; 11:573. [PMID: 32582294 PMCID: PMC7283914 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Thermal tolerance range, based on temperatures that result in incapacitating effects, influences species’ distributions and has been used to predict species’ response to increasing temperature. Reproductive performance may also be negatively affected at less extreme temperatures, but such sublethal heat-induced sterility has been relatively ignored in studies addressing the potential effects of, and ability of species’ to respond to, predicted climate warming. The few studies examining the link between increased temperature and reproductive performance typically focus on adults, although effects can vary between life history stages. Here we assessed how sublethal heat stress during development impacted subsequent adult fertility and its plasticity, both of which can provide the raw material for evolutionary responses to increased temperature. We quantified phenotypic and genetic variation in fertility of Drosophila melanogaster reared at standardized densities in three temperatures (25, 27, and 29°C) from a set of lines of the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel (DGRP). We found little phenotypic variation at the two lower temperatures with more variation at the highest temperature and for plasticity. Males were more affected than females. Despite reasonably large broad-sense heritabilities, a genome-wide association study found little evidence for additive genetic variance and no genetic variants were robustly linked with reproductive performance at specific temperatures or for phenotypic plasticity. We compared results on heat-induced male sterility with other DGRP results on relevant fitness traits measured after abiotic stress and found an association between male susceptibility to sterility and male lifespan reduction following oxidative stress. Our results suggest that sublethal stress during development has profound negative consequences on male adult reproduction, but despite phenotypic variation in a population for this response, there is limited evolutionary potential, either through adaptation to a specific developmental temperature or plasticity in response to developmental heat-induced sterility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jon Slate
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Rhonda R Snook
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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Meniri M, Gohon F, Gning O, Glauser G, Vallat A, Fasel NJ, Helfenstein F. Experimental manipulation of reproductive tactics in Seba's short-tailed bats: consequences on sperm quality and oxidative status. Curr Zool 2019; 65:609-616. [PMID: 31857807 PMCID: PMC6911846 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoz011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
To reproduce, males have to fertilize the female's eggs, sometimes in competition with ejaculates of other males. In species where males display alternative reproductive tactics, whereby territorial males secure mating and non-territorial males have to sneak copulations, the latter might be expected to invest relatively more resources towards sperm quality compared with the territorial males. Sperm cells are especially vulnerable to oxidative stress, which reduces male fertility. Therefore, antioxidant resources are expected to modulate sperm quality, and might be allocated differently between reproductive tactics. To test the link between reproductive tactics, redox profile and sperm quality, we experimentally induced changes in the reproductive tactics of 39 captive males Seba's short-tailed bats Carollia perspicillata. We monitored the blood and ejaculate oxidative balance, and the sperm quality before, 7 days and 21 days after the manipulation of reproductive tactic. Although ejaculates' oxidative damage was negatively related to sperm velocity, males exhibited similar blood and ejaculates redox profiles and similar sperm quality, regardless of their reproductive tactic. Possibly, these results arise as a consequence of some constraints having been lifted during the experiment. Our results also suggest that, in Seba's short-tailed bats, the expression of alternative reproductive tactics is not subjected to strong oxidative constraints. Furthermore, our results could reflect an absence of trade-off between pre- and post-copulatory traits in harem males, as they could be selected to invest both in female attraction and sperm quality, as a consequence of their inability to fully monopolize females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Meniri
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Ecophysiology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Florence Gohon
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Ecophysiology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Ophélie Gning
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Ecophysiology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Gaétan Glauser
- Neuchatel Platform of Analytical Chemistry, University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Armelle Vallat
- Neuchatel Platform of Analytical Chemistry, University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | | | - Fabrice Helfenstein
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Ecophysiology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland
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9
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Girndt A, Cockburn G, Sánchez-Tójar A, Hertel M, Burke T, Schroeder J. Male age and its association with reproductive traits in captive and wild house sparrows. J Evol Biol 2019; 32:1432-1443. [PMID: 31529748 PMCID: PMC8653889 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Evolutionary theory predicts that females seek extra‐pair fertilizations from high‐quality males. In socially monogamous bird species, it is often old males that are most successful in extra‐pair fertilizations. Adaptive models of female extra‐pair mate choice suggest that old males may produce offspring of higher genetic quality than young males because they have proven their survivability. However, old males are also more likely to show signs of reproductive senescence, such as reduced sperm quality. To better understand why old males account for a disproportionally large number of extra‐pair offspring and what the consequences of mating with old males are, we compared several sperm traits of both captive and wild house sparrows, Passer domesticus. Sperm morphological traits and cloacal protuberance volume (a proxy for sperm load) of old and young males did not differ substantially. However, old males delivered almost three times more sperm to the female's egg than young males. We discuss the possibility of a post‐copulatory advantage for old over young males and the consequences for females mated with old males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje Girndt
- Research Group Evolutionary Biology, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany.,Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, UK.,Department of Evolutionary Biology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Glenn Cockburn
- Research Group Evolution of Sensory Systems, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Alfredo Sánchez-Tójar
- Research Group Evolutionary Biology, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany.,Department of Evolutionary Biology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Moritz Hertel
- Department of Behavioural Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Terry Burke
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Julia Schroeder
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, UK
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10
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Losdat S, Rojas Mora A, Bellut C, Chargé R, Falchi V, Glauser G, Vallat A, Helfenstein F. Social dominance, but not parasite load, affects sperm quality and sperm redox status in house sparrows. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 222:jeb.200675. [PMID: 31439651 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.200675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Sperm performance is an important component of male reproductive success. However, sperm production is costly and males need to optimize their investment in sperm quality versus the somatic traits involved in mating success, e.g. their social status. As oxidative stress affects both sperm performance and somatic functions, it has been hypothesized to mediate such a trade-off. According to the oxidation-based soma/germline trade-off hypothesis, dominant males should favour the antioxidant protection of their somatic tissues, and subordinate males should favour the antioxidant protection of their sperm. We tested this hypothesis by experimentally infecting wild-caught house sparrows Passer domesticus with Coccidia Isopora sp., an internal parasite known to deplete antioxidant resources. We predicted that (i) increased parasite load affects sperm oxidative status and sperm performance and that (ii) males with experimentally high parasite load adjust the antioxidant protection of their soma versus their sperm according to their social status. Despite a 5400% increase in parasite load, sperm performance and somatic and spermatic oxidative status remained unaffected, irrespective of male social status. Nevertheless, males increased their sperm performance over time, a pattern mirrored by an increase in the antioxidant protection of their sperm. Moreover, males at the lower end of the hierarchy always produced sperm of lower velocity, suggesting that they were constrained and privileged their soma over their germline. To conclude, high parasite loads do not necessarily affect sperm performance and oxidative status. In contrast, social hierarchy and the relative investment in soma versus sperm antioxidant protection are determinants of sperm performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Losdat
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Ecophysiology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Alfonso Rojas Mora
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Ecophysiology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Caroline Bellut
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Ecophysiology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Rémi Chargé
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Ecophysiology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Valentina Falchi
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Ecophysiology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Gaétan Glauser
- Neuchâtel Platform of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Neuchâtel, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Armelle Vallat
- Neuchâtel Platform of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Neuchâtel, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Fabrice Helfenstein
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Ecophysiology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
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11
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Costantini D. Understanding diversity in oxidative status and oxidative stress: the opportunities and challenges ahead. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 222:222/13/jeb194688. [PMID: 31266782 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.194688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress may be of profound biological relevance. In this Commentary, I discuss some key issues faced by the emerging field of oxidative stress ecology, and seek to provide interpretations and solutions. First, I show that the way in which we define oxidative stress has far-reaching implications for the interpretation of results, and that we need to distinguish between (1) a biochemical definition in terms of the molecular outcomes of oxidative stress (e.g. generation of oxidative damage) and (2) a biological definition in terms of the fitness consequences for the organism (e.g. effects on fertility). Second, I discuss the dangers of comparing different tissues and markers. Third, I highlight the need to pay more attention to the cross-talk between oxidative stress and other important physiological costs and functions; this will allow us to better understand the mechanistic basis of fitness costs. Fourth, I propose the 'redox signalling hypothesis' of life history to complement the current 'oxidative stress hypothesis' of life history. The latter states that oxidative damage underlies trade-offs because it affects traits like growth, reproduction or cell senescence. By contrast, the redox signalling hypothesis states that a trade-off between signalling and biochemical oxidative stress underlies the regulation of reactive oxygen species production and their subsequent control. Finally, I critically appraise our current knowledge of oxidative stress ecology, highlighting key research themes and providing an optimistic overview of future opportunities for the discipline to yield considerable insight into the ecological and evolutionary meaning of oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Costantini
- UMR 7221 CNRS/MNHN, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne Universités, 7 rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, France
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12
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Simmons LW, Lovegrove M, Lymbery SJ. Dietary antioxidants, but not courtship effort, affect oxidative balance in the testes and muscles of crickets. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 221:jeb.184770. [PMID: 30190320 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.184770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Recent interest has focused on the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as universal constraints in life-history evolution. Empirical studies have examined the oxidative costs of reproduction for females, with little work conducted on males. The male germline is thought to be particularly susceptible to oxidative damage because the testes, and the sperm themselves, can be prolific producers of ROS. We tested the hypothesis that protection of the male germline from oxidative damage represents a cost of reproduction for males. We fed male crickets, Teleogryllus oceanicus, with one of two experimental diets in which we manipulated the availability of dietary antioxidants, and we induced variation in their expenditure on courtship effort by manipulating access to females. We measured the total antioxidant capacity, levels of ROS production and the amount of oxidative damage to proteins in both testis and thoracic muscle tissues. Dietary antioxidants contributed to positive oxidative balance in both tissue types. Although the testes had greater antioxidant defences than muscle tissue, they also produced considerably higher levels of ROS and sustained higher levels of oxidative damage. Courtship effort had no impact on any measure of oxidative balance. Our data confirm that the male germline is especially susceptible to oxidative stress and that dietary antioxidants can alleviate this oxidative cost of reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh W Simmons
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences (M092), The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Maxine Lovegrove
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences (M092), The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Samuel J Lymbery
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences (M092), The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
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13
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Losdat S, Blount JD, Marri V, Maronde L, Richner H, Helfenstein F. Effects of an early-life paraquat exposure on adult resistance to oxidative stress, plumage colour and sperm performance in a wild bird. J Anim Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Losdat
- Institute of Biology; University of Neuchâtel; Neuchâtel Switzerland
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution; University of Bern; Bern Switzerland
| | - Jonathan D. Blount
- Centre for Ecology & Conservation; College of Life & Environmental Sciences; University of Exeter; Penryn UK
| | - Viviana Marri
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution; University of Bern; Bern Switzerland
| | - Lea Maronde
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution; University of Bern; Bern Switzerland
| | - Heinz Richner
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution; University of Bern; Bern Switzerland
| | - Fabrice Helfenstein
- Institute of Biology; University of Neuchâtel; Neuchâtel Switzerland
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution; University of Bern; Bern Switzerland
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