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de Almeida MA, Haupenthal LG, Silva AN, Schneider GM, Rosa PMDS, de Andrade AFC, Silva LA, Meirelles FV, da Silveira JC, Perecin F, Alves MBR. A longer period of epididymal sperm interaction with extender components during cryopreservation improves sperm quality, decreases the size of sperm distal cytoplasmic droplets, and changes the number of nanoparticles in the extender. Cryobiology 2024; 115:104901. [PMID: 38754687 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2024.104901] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
While cryopreservation of cauda epididymal sperm (SpCau) allows the preservation of post-mortem bulls' gametes, the process triggers sperm damage. Although improving post-thaw sperm quality, using egg yolk extenders (EY) raises biosafety concerns which forces the use of EY-free extenders (EYFE). Since EYFE are less efficient in preserving post-thaw sperm quality, a strategy for ejaculated sperm (SpEj) frozen with EYFE is to add an Equilibrium Time (ET) step period to the cryopreservation process. However, the ET effect on the quality of SpCau cryopreserved in EYFE remains unknown. Distinct from SpEJ, SpCau physiologically displays cytoplasmic droplets (CDs) in the flagellum that may benefit cell exchange during ET. We hypothesized that using ET in SpCau cryopreserved with EYFE impacts sperm morphofunctional features, CD area, and in vitro fertility ability. Extender nanoparticles were also assessed. Following collection from the cauda epididymis of six Nellore bulls by retrograde flow, SpCau were cryopreserved in EYFE BoviFree® (Minitube, Germany) using three ET protocols: ET0 (no-ET); ET2.5 (2.5 h-ET); and ET5 (5 h-ET). SpCau from ET2.5 and ET5 showed a higher (P ≤ 0.05) percentage of motility and integrity of plasma and acrosome membranes and a smaller (P ≤ 0.05) distal CD area. There are no differences in sperm abnormalities, oxidative stress, capacitation-like events, and in vitro fertility ability. However, a better sperm recovery was found after Percoll® selection for ET2.5 and ET5. Interestingly, the number of nanoparticles in the extender decreased in post-thawed samples. In conclusion, an ET of 2.5 or 5 h is required for an efficient SpCau cryopreservation using an EYFE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Alice de Almeida
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil; Jaguariuna University Center - UniFAJ-UniEduK, Jaguariúna, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Laura Gabrielli Haupenthal
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil; Jaguariuna University Center - UniFAJ-UniEduK, Jaguariúna, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Amanda Nespolo Silva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Melendes Schneider
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paola Maria da Silva Rosa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - André Furugen César de Andrade
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciano Andrade Silva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Flávio Vieira Meirelles
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliano Coelho da Silveira
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Felipe Perecin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maíra Bianchi Rodrigues Alves
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Pathology, Theriogenology, and One Health, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences of São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Baňas Š, Tvrdá E, Benko F, Ďuračka M, Čmiková N, Lukáč N, Kačániová M. Kaempferol as an Alternative Cryosupplement for Bovine Spermatozoa: Cytoprotective and Membrane-Stabilizing Effects. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4129. [PMID: 38612937 PMCID: PMC11012659 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074129] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Kaempferol (KAE) is a natural flavonoid with powerful reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging properties and beneficial effects on ex vivo sperm functionality. In this paper, we studied the ability of KAE to prevent or ameliorate structural, functional or oxidative damage to frozen-thawed bovine spermatozoa. The analysis focused on conventional sperm quality characteristics prior to or following thermoresistance tests, namely the oxidative profile of semen alongside sperm capacitation patterns, and the levels of key proteins involved in capacitation signaling. Semen samples obtained from 30 stud bulls were frozen in the presence of 12.5, 25 or 50 μM KAE and compared to native ejaculates (negative control-CtrlN) as well as semen samples cryopreserved in the absence of KAE (positive control-CtrlC). A significant post-thermoresistance test maintenance of the sperm motility (p < 0.001), membrane (p < 0.001) and acrosome integrity (p < 0.001), mitochondrial activity (p < 0.001) and DNA integrity (p < 0.001) was observed following supplementation with all KAE doses in comparison to CtrlC. Experimental groups supplemented with all KAE doses presented a significantly lower proportion of prematurely capacitated spermatozoa (p < 0.001) when compared with CtrlC. A significant decrease in the levels of the superoxide radical was recorded following administration of 12.5 (p < 0.05) and 25 μM KAE (p < 0.01). At the same time, supplementation with 25 μM KAE in the cryopreservation medium led to a significant stabilization of the activity of Mg2+-ATPase (p < 0.05) and Na+/K+-ATPase (p < 0.0001) in comparison to CtrlC. Western blot analysis revealed that supplementation with 25 μM KAE in the cryopreservation medium prevented the loss of the protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC), which are intricately involved in the process of sperm activation. In conclusion, we may speculate that KAE is particularly efficient in the protection of sperm metabolism during the cryopreservation process through its ability to promote energy synthesis while quenching excessive ROS and to protect enzymes involved in the process of sperm capacitation and hyperactivation. These properties may provide supplementary protection to spermatozoa undergoing the freeze-thaw process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Štefan Baňas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia; (Š.B.)
| | - Eva Tvrdá
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia; (Š.B.)
| | - Filip Benko
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia; (Š.B.)
| | - Michal Ďuračka
- AgroBioTech Research Centre, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Natália Čmiková
- Institute of Horticulture, Faculty of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering, Slovak University of Agriculture, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Norbert Lukáč
- Institute of Applied Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Miroslava Kačániová
- Institute of Horticulture, Faculty of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering, Slovak University of Agriculture, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw, Okopowa 59, 010 43 Warsaw, Poland
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Pérez Casasús S, Luongo FP, Haxhiu A, Orini M, Scupoli G, Governini L, Piomboni P, Buratini J, Dal Canto M, Luddi A. Paternal Age Amplifies Cryopreservation-Induced Stress in Human Spermatozoa. Cells 2024; 13:625. [PMID: 38607064 PMCID: PMC11011712 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070625] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The global fall in male fertility is a complicated process driven by a variety of factors, including environmental exposure, lifestyle, obesity, stress, and aging. The availability of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has allowed older couples to conceive, increasing the average paternal age at first childbirth. Advanced paternal age (APA), most often considered male age ≥40, has been described to impact several aspects of male reproductive physiology. In this prospective cohort study including 200 normozoospermic patients, 105 of whom were ≤35 years (non-APA), and 95 of whom were ≥42 years (APA), we assessed the impact of paternal age on different endpoints representative of sperm quality and cryopreservation tolerance. Non-APA patients had superior fresh semen quality; DNA fragmentation was notably increased in APA as compared to non-APA individuals (21.7% vs. 15.4%). Cryopreservation further increased the DNA fragmentation index in APA (26.7%) but not in non-APA patients. Additionally, APA was associated with increased mtDNAcn in both fresh and frozen/thawed sperm, which is indicative of poorer mitochondrial quality. Cryopreservation negatively impacted acrosome integrity in both age groups, as indicated by reduced incidences of unreacted acrosome in relation to fresh counterparts in non-APA (from 71.5% to 57.7%) and APA patients (from 75% to 63%). Finally, cryopreservation significantly reduced the phosphorylation status of proteins containing tyrosine residues in sperm from young males. Therefore, the present findings shed light on the effects of paternal age and cryopreservation on sperm quality and serve as valuable new parameters to improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying sperm developmental competence that are under threat in current ART practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pérez Casasús
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (F.P.L.); (A.H.); (M.O.); (G.S.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Francesca Paola Luongo
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (F.P.L.); (A.H.); (M.O.); (G.S.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Alesandro Haxhiu
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (F.P.L.); (A.H.); (M.O.); (G.S.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Martina Orini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (F.P.L.); (A.H.); (M.O.); (G.S.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Giorgia Scupoli
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (F.P.L.); (A.H.); (M.O.); (G.S.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Laura Governini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (F.P.L.); (A.H.); (M.O.); (G.S.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Paola Piomboni
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (F.P.L.); (A.H.); (M.O.); (G.S.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Jose Buratini
- Biogenesi Reproductive Medicine Center, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, 20900 Monza, Italy; (J.B.); (M.D.C.)
| | - Mariabeatrice Dal Canto
- Biogenesi Reproductive Medicine Center, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, 20900 Monza, Italy; (J.B.); (M.D.C.)
| | - Alice Luddi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (F.P.L.); (A.H.); (M.O.); (G.S.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
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Brair VL, Correia LFL, Barbosa NO, Braga RF, Taira AR, da Silva AA, Brandão FZ, Ungerfeld R, Souza-Fabjan JMG. The association of resveratrol and AFPI did not enhance the cryoresistance of ram sperm. Anim Reprod 2024; 21:e20230159. [PMID: 38384723 PMCID: PMC10878549 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2023-0159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryoprotectants are required to reduce damage caused to the cells due to low temperatures during the cryopreservation. Antifreeze proteins (AFP) have a well-known role in cell membrane protection, while resveratrol is a potent antioxidant. This study assessed the effect of the association of resveratrol concentrations and AFP I in a ram semen extender. Pooled semen of four rams was allocated into six treatments in a factorial arrangement: (CONT, only the semen extender); only AFP I (ANT: 0.1 µg/mL of AFP I), only resveratrol, one treatment with two levels (10 µM/mL or 50 µM/mL of resveratrol); and two treatments with the interactions, with one AFP I and one of the two levels of resveratrol (0.1 µg/mL of AFP I with 10 µM/mL resveratrol; 0.1 µg/mL of AFP I with 50 µM/mL resveratrol). No interaction between factors was observed on sperm kinetics, plasma membrane integrity, hypo-osmotic test, and mitochondrial activity parameters. There was a high probability (P = 0.06) of reducing sperm cells with functional membrane percentage in the hypo-osmotic test and increasing the percentage of sperm with high mitochondrial activity (P = 0.07) was observed in AFP presence. An interaction of AFP and resveratrol was observed in non-capacitated sperm (P = 0.009), acrosomal reaction (P = 0.034), and sperm binding (P = 0.04). In conclusion, the association of resveratrol and AFP did not improve the quality of frozen-thawed semen and even promoted deleterious effects compared to their single addition in the semen extender. The supplementation of 50 µM/mL of resveratrol improved the outcomes of frozen-thawed ram sperm, being a potential cryoprotectant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Lopes Brair
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
| | | | | | | | | | - Andreza Amaral da Silva
- Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | | | - Rodolfo Ungerfeld
- Departamento de Biociencias Veterinarias, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
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Shi H, Li QY, Li H, Wang HY, Fan CX, Dong QY, Pan BC, Ji ZL, Li JY. ROS-induced oxidative stress is a major contributor to sperm cryoinjury. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:310-325. [PMID: 38011909 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead250] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the mechanism behind cryoinjury in human sperm, particularly concerning the interplay between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and autophagy, and how does it subsequently affect sperm fate? SUMMARY ANSWER The freeze-thaw operation induces oxidative stress by generating abundant ROS, which impairs sperm motility and activates autophagy, ultimately guiding the sperm toward programmed cell death such as apoptosis and necrosis, as well as triggering premature capacitation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Both ROS-induced oxidative stress and autophagy are thought to exert an influence on the quality of frozen-thawed sperm. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Overall, 84 semen specimens were collected from young healthy fertile males, with careful quality evaluation. The specimens were split into three groups to investigate the ROS-induced cryoinjury: normal control without any treatment, sperm treated with 0.5 mM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for 1 h, and sperm thawed following cryopreservation. Samples from 48 individuals underwent computer-assisted human sperm analysis (CASA) to evaluate sperm quality in response to the treatments. Semen samples from three donors were analyzed for changes in the sperm proteome after H2O2 treatment, and another set of samples from three donors were analyzed for changes following the freeze-thaw process. The other 30 samples were used for fluorescence-staining and western blotting. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Sperm motility parameters, including progressive motility (PR %) and total motility (PR + NP %), were evaluated using the CASA system on a minimum of 200 spermatozoa. The proteomic profiles were determined with label-free mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and protein identification was performed via ion search against the NCBI human database. Subsequently, comprehensive bioinformatics was applied to detect significant proteomic changes and functional enrichment. Fluorescence-staining and western blot analyses were also conducted to confirm the proteomic changes on selected key proteins. The ROS level was measured using 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate labeling and the abundance of bioactive mitochondria was determined by evaluating the inner mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) level. Molecular behaviors of sequestosome-1 (p62 or SQSTM1) and microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3 (LC3) were monitored to evaluate the state of apoptosis in human sperm. Fluorescent probes oxazole yellow (YO-PRO-1) and propidium iodide (PI) were utilized to monitor programmed cell death, namely apoptosis and necrosis. Additionally, gradient concentrations of antioxidant coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) were introduced to suppress ROS impacts on sperm. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The CASA analysis revealed a significant decrease in sperm motility for both the H2O2-treatment and freeze-thaw groups. Fluorescence staining showed that high ROS levels were produced in the treated sperm and the MMPs were largely reduced. The introduction of CoQ10 at concentrations of 20 and 30 μM resulted in a significant rescue of progressive motility (P < 0.05). The result suggested that excessive ROS could be the major cause of sperm motility impairment, likely by damaging mitochondrial energy generation. Autophagy was significantly activated in sperm when they were under oxidative stress, as evidenced by the upregulation of p62 and the increased conversion of LC3 as well as the upregulation of several autophagy-related proteins, such as charged multivesicular body protein 2a, mitochondrial import receptor subunit TOM22 homolog, and WD repeat domain phosphoinositide-interacting protein 2. Additionally, fluorescent staining indicated the occurrence of apoptosis and necrosis in both H2O2-treated sperm and post-thaw sperm. The cell death process can be suppressed when CoQ10 is introduced, which consolidates the view that ROS could be the major contributor to sperm cryoinjury. The freeze-thaw process could also initiate sperm premature capacitation, demonstrated by the prominent increase in tyrosine phosphorylated proteins, verified with anti-phosphotyrosine antibody and immunofluorescence assays. The upregulation of capacitation-related proteins, such as hyaluronidase 3 and Folate receptor alpha, supported this finding. LARGE SCALE DATA The data underlying this article are available in the article and its online supplementary material. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The semen samples were obtained exclusively from young, healthy, and fertile males with progressive motility exceeding 60%, which might overemphasize the positive effects while possibly neglecting the negative impacts of cryoinjury. Additionally, the H2O2 treatment conditions in this study may not precisely mimic the oxidative stress experienced by sperm after thawing from cryopreservation, potentially resulting in the omission of certain molecular alterations. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study provides substantial proteomic data for a comprehensive and deeper understanding of the impact of cryopreservation on sperm quality. It will facilitate the design of optimal protocols for utilizing cryopreserved sperm to improve applications, such as ART, and help resolve various adverse situations caused by chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by grants from the Major Innovation Project of Research Institute of National Health Commission (#2022GJZD01-3) and the National Key R&D Program of China (#2018YFC1003600). All authors declare no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Shi
- College of Life Science, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Qian-Ying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Hui Li
- College of Life Science, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Hai-Yan Wang
- College of Life Science, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Chuan-Xi Fan
- College of Life Science, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Qiao-Yan Dong
- College of Life Science, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Bo-Chen Pan
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhi-Liang Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jian-Yuan Li
- Institute of Science and Technology, National Health Commission, Beijing, China
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Bertuzzi ML, Torres EY, Durand MGP, Huanca T, Giuliano SM, Carretero MI. Cooling of alpaca spermatozoa using an extender with the addition of different percentages of seminal plasma. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 260:107383. [PMID: 38061197 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107383] [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: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of different percentages of seminal plasma (SP) during the cooling at 5 °C of alpaca spermatozoa from vas deferens. Fifteen pools of sperm from vas deferens were evaluated and then divided into four aliquots that were diluted to a final concentration of 30 × 106 sperm/ml with either: (1) Tris with 20% egg yolk (T-EY) (control, 0% SP), (2) T-EY with 10% SP, (3) T-EY with 25% SP, and (4) T-EY with 50% SP. Samples were cooled at 5 °C and the following sperm parameters were evaluated after 24 and 48 h of storage: motility, viability, membrane function, acrosome integrity, morphology, and chromatin condensation. Motility was also evaluated after 72 h of storage. A significant decrease in progressive and total sperm motility was observed in samples cooled with 50% SP with respect to all diluted samples, while these parameters were preserved in samples cooled with 0%, 10%, and 25% SP. The percentages of sperm viability, normal morphology, and highly condensed chromatin did not change after the cooling process and were similar between cooled samples. Although a significant decrease was observed in the percentage of spermatozoa with functional membranes and with an intact acrosome in all refrigerated samples compared to raw sperm, the greatest decrease was observed in samples cooled with 50% SP. No advantage was observed from the addition of SP to alpaca spermatozoa obtained from vas deferens and being cooled. In addition, to preserve the sperm motility of cooled samples for up to 72 h, it should be recommended to include a 10% SP in the extender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Lucía Bertuzzi
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal (INITRA), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Edita Yola Torres
- Laboratorio de Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional del Altiplano Puno, Puno, Peru; Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria (INIA), Centro de Investigación y Producción Quinsachata, Puno, Peru
| | - Manuel Guido Pérez Durand
- Laboratorio de Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional del Altiplano Puno, Puno, Peru; Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria (INIA), Centro de Investigación y Producción Quinsachata, Puno, Peru
| | - Teodosio Huanca
- Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria (INIA), Centro de Investigación y Producción Quinsachata, Puno, Peru
| | - Susana María Giuliano
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal (INITRA), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - María Ignacia Carretero
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal (INITRA), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Baharun A, Rahmi A, Kardaya D, Said S, Fahrudin M, Arifiantini RI, Karja NWK. Profiling of seminal plasma proteins to identify the fertility of Simmental bull with low semen quality. J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10:370-377. [PMID: 37969811 PMCID: PMC10636078 DOI: 10.5455/javar.2023.j689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The present study analyzed the seminal plasma proteome and possible relationships between proteins and semen quality in azoospermic and normal Simmental bulls. Materials and Methods Fresh semen plasma samples from the Lembang Artificial Insemination Center were used for this study, including one bull (76´ ejaculate) with very poor semen quality/azoospermia (poor fresh semen/infertile; PFS) and three bulls with normal semen quality (normal fresh semen; NFS) for proteomic analysis using a pooled system (NFS-Stud) (60´ ejaculate). The only males obtained with very low quality or azoospermia (PFS) had sperm motility of <10% (one head). Bulls with azoospermic conditions produce fresh semen without sperm or with very little sperm concentration. A total of 109 proteins were identified in the seminal plasma of Simmental bulls analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Bioinformatics analysis was used to explore total protein, expression, function, and protein mechanism in the seminal plasma of Simmental bulls. Results The results showed that the seminal plasma proteins expressed in NFS bulls include ELSPBP1, SIL1, HSPA13, angiotensin-1 covering enzyme, and CRISP1. On the other hand, B2M, C3, CFB, venin-2, and cathepsin S contribute significantly to PFS. The NFS bull proteins play important roles in sperm capacitation, protein transport, sperm motility, spermatogenesis, immune tolerance, and fertilization, while the PFS proteins perform apoptotic and antigen pathway functions. Conclusion There is an interaction between proteins in the seminal plasma of males with poor semen quality (PFS) and cases of infertility (azoospermia) that cause a decrease in sperm quality in PFS bulls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Baharun
- Department of Animals Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Djuanda University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Annisa Rahmi
- Department of Animals Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Djuanda University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Dede Kardaya
- Department of Animals Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Djuanda University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Syahruddin Said
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Mokhamad Fahrudin
- Division of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Veterinary Medicine and BiomedicalSciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Raden Iis Arifiantini
- Division of Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Ni Wayan Kurniani Karja
- Division of Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
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Molecular Markers: A New Paradigm in the Prediction of Sperm Freezability. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043379. [PMID: 36834790 PMCID: PMC9960060 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
For decades now, sperm cryopreservation has been a pillar of assisted reproduction in animals as well as humans. Nevertheless, the success of cryopreservation varies across species, seasons, and latitudes and even within the same individual. With the dawn of progressive analytical techniques in the field of genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, new options for a more accurate semen quality assessment have become available. This review summarizes currently available information on specific molecular characteristics of spermatozoa that could predict their cryotolerance before the freezing process. Understanding the changes in sperm biology as a result of their exposure to low temperatures may contribute to the development and implementation of appropriate measures to assure high post-thaw sperm quality. Furthermore, an early prediction of cryotolerance or cryosensitivity may lead to the establishment of customized protocols interconnecting adequate sperm processing procedures, freezing techniques, and cryosupplements that are most feasible for the individual needs of the ejaculate.
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Epicatechin Prevents Cryocapacitation of Bovine Spermatozoa through Antioxidant Activity and Stabilization of Transmembrane Ion Channels. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032510. [PMID: 36768832 PMCID: PMC9916467 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Epicatechin (EPC) is a flavonoid belonging to the family of catechins; it has been described as a powerful scavenger of a wide spectrum of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a modulator of ex vivo sperm vitality. In this study, we assessed the potential protective abilities of EPC on cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa. We focused on conventional quality parameters, as well as the oxidative profile of spermatozoa alongside capacitation patterns, and expression profiles of proteins involved in the process of capacitation. Semen samples were cryopreserved in the presence of 25, 50 or 100 μmol/L EPC and compared to native semen (negative control) as well as ejaculates frozen in the absence of EPC (positive control). A dose-dependent improvement of conventional sperm quality parameters was observed following EPC administration, particularly in case of the sperm motility, membrane, acrosome and DNA integrity in comparison to the positive control. Experimental groups exposed to all EPC doses presented with a significantly lower proportion of capacitated spermatozoa as opposed to the positive control. While no significant effects of EPC were observed in cases of superoxide production, a significant decrease in the levels of hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical were recorded particularly in the experimental groups supplemented with 50 and 100 μmol/L EPC. Western blot analysis revealed that supplementation of particularly 100 μmol/L EPC to the semen extender prevented the loss of the cation channel of sperm (CatSper) isoforms 1 and 2, sodium bicarbonate cotransporter (NBC) and protein kinase A (PKA), which play important roles in the process of sperm capacitation. In summary, we may hypothesize that EPC is particularly effective in the stabilization of the sperm membrane during the freeze-thaw process through its ability to quench ROS involved in damage to the membrane lipids and to prevent the loss of membrane channels crucial to initiate the process of sperm capacitation. These attributes of EPC provide an additional layer of protection to spermatozoa exposed to low temperatures, which may be translated into a higher post-thaw structural integrity and functional activity of male gametes.
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Benko F, Fialková V, Žiarovská J, Ďuračka M, Lukáč N, Tvrdá E. In Vitro versus Cryo-Induced Capacitation of Bovine Spermatozoa, Part 2: Changes in the Expression Patterns of Selected Transmembrane Channels and Protein Kinase A. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314646. [PMID: 36498971 PMCID: PMC9739406 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the molecular similarities and differences among physiological capacitation and cryocapacitation have not been studied in detail, this study was designed to assess the gene and protein expression levels of the Cation channel of sperm (CatSper) 1 and 2, sodium bicarbonate (Na+/HCO3−) cotransporter (NBC) and protein kinase A (PKA) in un-capacitated (control), in vitro capacitated (CAP) and cryopreserved (CRYO) bovine spermatozoa. All samples were subjected to motility evaluation using the computer assisted sperm analysis and chlortetracycline (CTC) assay for the assessment of the capacitation patterns. Furthermore, quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blots were used to monitor the expression patterns of the selected capacitation markers. The results showed a significant reduction in the gene and protein expression levels of CatSper1 and 2 in the CRYO group when compared to the CAP group (p < 0.0001). In the case of NBC, the results were not significantly different or were inconclusive. While a non-significant down-regulation of PKA was found in the CRYO group, a significant reduction in the expression of the PKA protein was found in frozen-thawed spermatozoa in comparison to the CAP group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, we may hypothesize that while in vitro capacitated and cryopreserved spermatozoa exhibit CTC-patterns consistent with capacitation events, the molecular machinery underlying CTC-positivity may be different.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Benko
- Institute of Applied Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Fialková
- AgroBioTech Research Centre, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Jana Žiarovská
- Institute of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Michal Ďuračka
- AgroBioTech Research Centre, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Norbert Lukáč
- Institute of Applied Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Eva Tvrdá
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +421-37-641-4918
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