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Dordas-Perpinyà M, Yánez-Ortiz I, Sergeant N, Mevel V, Catalán J, Bruyas JF, Miró J, Briand-Amirat L. ProAKAP4 as Indicator of Long-Lasting Motility Marker in Post-Thaw Conditions in Stallions. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1264. [PMID: 38731267 PMCID: PMC11083937 DOI: 10.3390/ani14091264] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
ProAKAP4, a precursor of AKAP4 (A-kinase anchor protein) found in the flagellum of mammalian and non-mammalian spermatozoa, serves as a structural protein with established correlations to motility parameters across diverse species. This study aimed to determine the proAKAP4 level evolution in thawed stallion semen over a 3 h period, examining its correlation with motility descriptors and mitochondrial membrane potential. Utilizing sixteen ejaculates from four French warmblood stallions, this study involved maintaining thawed samples at 37 °C for 3 h, conducting proAKAP4 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA), and mitochondrial membrane potential by JC-1 probe and flow cytometry at 0, 1, and 3 h post-thawing. The findings indicate significant positive correlations (p ≤ 0.05) between proAKAP4 levels and sperm total or progressive motility at all time points analyzed. Spermatozoa velocity descriptors (VAP, VCL, VSL) and spermatozoa lateral head displacement (ALH) display positive correlations (p ≤ 0.05) with ProAKAP4 at the 0 h post-thawing. ProAKAP4 concentration exhibits no discernible difference between batches with or without a cryoprotectant. Notably, proAKAP4 consumption remains insignificant within the initial hour after thawing but becomes significant (p ≤ 0.05) between 1 and 3 h post-thawing. In summary, proAKAP4 demonstrates positive correlations with total and progressive motility in stallion semen for up to 3 h after thawing, albeit showing a noticeable decrease starting from the first hour post-thawing, indicating a progressive consumption as a result of spermatozoa motile activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Dordas-Perpinyà
- Oniris, Nantes Veterinary College, Cedex 03, 44307 Nantes, France; (M.D.-P.); (V.M.); (J.-F.B.)
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (I.Y.-O.); (J.C.)
- UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, 78352 Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Iván Yánez-Ortiz
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (I.Y.-O.); (J.C.)
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, International University of Ecuador, Quito 170901, Ecuador
| | - Nicolas Sergeant
- INSERM, UMRS, University of Lille, 59000 Lille, France;
- SPQI, 4bioDx—Breeding Section, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Vincent Mevel
- Oniris, Nantes Veterinary College, Cedex 03, 44307 Nantes, France; (M.D.-P.); (V.M.); (J.-F.B.)
| | - Jaime Catalán
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (I.Y.-O.); (J.C.)
| | - Jean-François Bruyas
- Oniris, Nantes Veterinary College, Cedex 03, 44307 Nantes, France; (M.D.-P.); (V.M.); (J.-F.B.)
| | - Jordi Miró
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (I.Y.-O.); (J.C.)
| | - Lamia Briand-Amirat
- Oniris, Nantes Veterinary College, Cedex 03, 44307 Nantes, France; (M.D.-P.); (V.M.); (J.-F.B.)
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Larbi A, Li C, Quan G. An updated review on the application of proteomics to explore sperm cryoinjury mechanisms in livestock animals. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 263:107441. [PMID: 38412764 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107441] [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: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
This comprehensive review critically examines the application of proteomics in understanding sperm cryoinjury mechanisms in livestock animals, in the context of the widespread use of semen cryopreservation for genetic conservation. Despite its global adoption, cryopreservation often detrimentally affects sperm quality and fertility due to cryoinjuries. These injuries primarily arise from ice crystal formation, osmotic shifts, oxidative stress, and the reorganization of membrane proteins and lipids during freezing and thawing, leading to premature capacitation-like changes. Moreover, the cryopreservation process induces proteome remodeling in mammalian sperm. Although there have been technological advances in semen cryopreservation, the precise mechanisms of mammalian sperm cryoinjury remain elusive. This review offers an in-depth exploration of how recent advancements in proteomic technologies have enabled a detailed investigation into these molecular disruptions. It presents an analysis of protein-level alterations post-thaw and their impact on sperm viability and functionality. Additionally, it discusses the role of proteomics in refining cryopreservation techniques to mitigate cryoinjury and enhance reproductive outcomes in livestock. This work synthesizes current knowledge, highlights gaps, and suggests directions for future research in animal reproductive science and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allai Larbi
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Jindian, Panlong District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China; Laboratory of Sustainable Agriculture Management, Higher School of Technology Sidi Bennour, Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida, Morocco
| | - Chunyan Li
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Jindian, Panlong District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Guobo Quan
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Jindian, Panlong District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China.
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Dordas-Perpinyà M, Sergeant N, Yánez-Ortiz I, Mevel V, Catalán J, Bruyas JF, Briand-Amirat L, Miró J. ProAKAP4 as a motility long-lasting marker in Catalan donkey spermatozoa. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 262:107427. [PMID: 38367572 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107427] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
ProAKAP4 is identified within the flagellum of spermatozoa in various mammalian species, serving as a structural protein associated with motility parameters. This investigation focuses on the presence of proAKAP4 in donkey sperm, elucidating its localization, molecular characteristics, and its correlation with motility descriptors and mitochondrial membrane potential. Twelve ejaculates from Catalan donkeys were analyzed in this study. The initial steps involved proAKAP4 sequencing and detection through Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Post-thaw assessments were conducted at 0, 1, and 3 h, encompassing proAKAP4 levels, sperm motility analyzed via Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA), and mitochondrial membrane potential determined by flow cytometry using the JC-1 stain. The findings reveal that proAKAP4 in donkeys exhibits a characteristic localization at the principal piece of the flagellum, consistent with observations in other mammals. The molecular weight of proAKAP4 is determined to be 100 kDa. Significantly, a positive correlation (p ≤ 0.05) is established between proAKAP4 concentration and both total and progressive motility. The presence of cryoprotectant is associated with a lower proAKAP4 concentration. Notably, proAKAP4 experiences a substantial decrease (p ≤ 0.05) during the initial hour post-thawing. In conclusion, proAKAP4 is identified in donkey sperm, akin to its presence in other mammals. It exhibits a positive correlation with total and progressive motility, its concentration is notably affected by the presence of cryoprotectant with significant consumption observed during the initial hour following thawing. These findings contribute to our understanding of proAKAP4 dynamics in donkey sperm, providing insights that may have implications for semen preservation and reproductive technologies in equids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Dordas-Perpinyà
- Oniris, Nantes Veterinary College, 44307 Nantes Cedex 03, France; Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193 Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Nicolas Sergeant
- University of Lille, INSERM, UMRS 1172, Lille, France; SPQI, 4bioDx - Breeding Section, Lille, France
| | - Iván Yánez-Ortiz
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193 Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, International University of Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Vincent Mevel
- Oniris, Nantes Veterinary College, 44307 Nantes Cedex 03, France
| | - Jaime Catalán
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193 Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | | | | | - Jordi Miró
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193 Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.
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Prochowska S, Eberhardt M, Niżański W. Evaluation of a commercial proAKAP4 kit for the assessment of fresh and frozen-thawed feline spermatozoa. Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14547. [PMID: 38433495 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14547] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
ProAKAP4 is gaining increasing attention as a potential marker of semen quality in many species, but while there is a commercial kit for assessing proAKAP4 in the domestic cat, there are no publications about its use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the commercial proAKAP4 kit - Cat 4MID® Kit (SPQI - 4BioDx, Lille, France) for the assessment of feline semen. Semen was collected from 54 male cats by urethral catheterization. After a basic semen evaluation (subjective motility, CASA, viability, morphology), proAKAP4 levels in each sample were assessed using the Cat 4MID® Kit according to the manufacturer's protocol or with some modifications related to incubation time, sample storage conditions and number of spermatozoa used. Finally, the Spearman correlation of proAKAP4 concentration and sperm motility parameters was calculated. The most reliable results (acceptable intraassay coefficient of variation) were obtained with an optimized protocol of overnight incubation and isolation of proAKAP4 protein from 1 × 106 spermatozoa stored at -80°C. For fresh semen, there were no significant correlations between proAKAP4 concentration and sperm motility parameters, despite a strong correlation between motility parameters and sperm viability and morphology. A predominant effect of other sperm parameters and highly variable performance of lysis buffer question the usefulness of Cat 4MID® Kit for the assessment of feline semen. For frozen-thawed semen, there was a moderate, negative correlation between proAKAP4 concentration and two CASA parameters, VAP and VSL. As there were no correlations between proAKAP4 concentration in fresh semen and motility parameters in cryopreserved samples, proAKAP4 cannot be used as freezability marker in cats. More studies are needed to establish potential correlation with long-lasting motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Prochowska
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Maria Eberhardt
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Wojciech Niżański
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
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Pardede BP, Karja NWK, Said S, Kaiin EM, Agil M, Sumantri C, Purwantara B, Supriatna I. Bovine nucleoprotein transitions genes and protein abundance as valuable markers of sperm motility and the correlation with fertility. Theriogenology 2024; 215:86-94. [PMID: 38016305 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.11.015] [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: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Bovine nucleoprotein transitions (TNPs), specifically TNP1 and TNP2, are essential molecules in sperm nucleus rich in arginine and lysine. These molecules act in the phase between histone expulsion and before incorporation of protamine in the spermatid nucleus. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze genes and protein abundance of TNP1 and TNP2 in sperm to determine the potential as motility markers and correlation with fertility in the field. An objective evaluation method, CASA-Sperm Vision, was used to separate 22 bulls into two groups (mg-A and mg-B) based on their increasing motility. Sperm quality parameters were also examined including velocity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) by the JC-1 method, head defects using William staining, and DNA fragmentation by Halomax. TNPs genes abundance was performed using the RT-qPCR method, and the protein abundance was examined with the EIA approach. The fertility rate was also analyzed based on the conception rate generated from each bull in the field, with the data obtained from iSIKHNAS. The results showed that TNPs genes and protein abundance were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in mg-A compared to mg-B, followed by various sperm quality parameters and fertility rates (P < 0.05). Positive correlations were found in TNPs genes and protein abundance with motility, velocity, MMP, and fertility (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, a negative correlation (P < 0.01) was found between head defects and DNA fragmentation. These results showed the potential of TNPs as sperm motility markers and bull fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berlin Pandapotan Pardede
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia; Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research, and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia.
| | - Ni Wayan Kurniani Karja
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Syahruddin Said
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research, and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Ekayanti Mulyawati Kaiin
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research, and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Agil
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia.
| | - Cece Sumantri
- Department of Animal Production and Technology, Faculty of Animal Science, IPB University, Indonesia
| | - Bambang Purwantara
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Iman Supriatna
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
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Egyptien S, Deleuze S, Ledeck J, Ponthier J. Sperm Quality Assessment in Stallions: How to Choose Relevant Assays to Answer Clinical Questions. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3123. [PMID: 37835729 PMCID: PMC10571789 DOI: 10.3390/ani13193123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Stallion sperm analysis is indicated for infertility diagnosis, pre-sale expertise, production of fresh or frozen doses, and frozen straw quality control. Various collection methods are described, and numerous assays can be performed on semen. Determining an approach for each of these cases is challenging. This review aims to discuss how to obtain relevant clinical results, answering stallion owners' concerns. Semen can be collected with an artificial vagina on a phantom or a mare, by electro-ejaculation under anesthesia, or after pharmacological induction. The collection method influences the semen volume and concentration, while the total sperm number depends on the testicular production and collection frequency. In the seminal plasma, acidity, pro-oxidant activity, and some enzymes have repercussions for the semen quality and its conservation. Moreover, non-sperm cells of seminal plasma may impact semen conservation. Motility analysis remains a core parameter, as it is associated with fresh or frozen dose fertility. Computer-assisted motility analyzers have improved repeatability, but the reproducibility between laboratories depends on the settings that are used. Morphology analysis showing spermatozoa defects is useful to understand production and maturation abnormalities. Staining of the spermatozoa is used to evaluate viability, but recent advances in flow cytometry and in fluorochromes enable an evaluation of multiple intracellular parameters. Spermatozoa protein expression already has clinical applications, for example, as a fertility and freezing ability predictor. At present, stallion semen analysis ranges from macroscopic evaluation to assessing spermatozoa proteins. However, clinically, all these data may not be relevant, and the lack of standardization may complicate their interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jérôme Ponthier
- Equine Theriogenology, Equine Clinical Sciences Department, FARAH Comparative Veterinary Medicine, Liège University, B-4000 Liège, Belgium; (S.E.); (S.D.); (J.L.)
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Gardela J, Ruiz-Conca M, Palomares A, Olvera-Maneu S, García-Calvo L, López-Béjar M, Martínez-Pastor F, Álvarez-Rodríguez M. Effect of Honey, Coenzyme Q10, and β-Carotene/α-Tocopherol as Novel Additives in Rabbit-Sperm Cryopreservation Extender. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2392. [PMID: 37508170 PMCID: PMC10376550 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The effectiveness of rabbit-sperm cryopreservation is still below average compared to other domestic species. After the sperm cryopreservation process, post-thawing parameters like motility and membrane integrity are significantly compromised. The use of new extender constituents is an approach that can be used to improve the effectiveness of cryopreservation. Accordingly, we used honey (1.25, 2.5, 5, and 10%), coenzyme Q10 (100 and 200 μM), and β-carotene/α-tocopherol (500 μM/620 μM and 250 μM/310 μM) as candidate components for rabbit-sperm extenders during cryopreservation. Ejaculates from commercial adult rabbit bucks (n = 5) were cryopreserved using conventional freezing. Several post-thawing sperm parameters were assessed, including total motility, membrane integrity, viability, nuclear membrane integrity, acrosome reaction, and mitochondrial membrane potential and activation. Additionally, we performed hormonal analyses of the seminal plasma. Moreover, we analyzed the post-thawing levels of a molecular marker of sperm quality, proAKAP4, which was used in rabbits for the first time. Our findings showed that the 2.5% honey supplementation increased the post-thawing sperm motility (13.75 ± 3.75%) compared to the greater concentrations employed. However, the post-thawing motility was negatively affected by the coenzyme Q10 (0%, in both groups) but was not affected by the β-carotene/α-tocopherol supplementation (22 ± 18.15%, and 11.67 ± 10.17%). In conclusion, the cryopreservation protocols of this study did not help to maintain the sperm parameters after thawing. Further studies are required to identify novel protocols to mitigate the damage caused to rabbit sperm during cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaume Gardela
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Mateo Ruiz-Conca
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Anna Palomares
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Sergi Olvera-Maneu
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Laura García-Calvo
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Manel López-Béjar
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Felipe Martínez-Pastor
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL) and Department of Molecular Biology (Cell Biology), Universidad de León, 24009 León, Spain
| | - Manuel Álvarez-Rodríguez
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology, Spanish National Research Council (INIA-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Ruiz S, Gardón JC, Miró J. Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) in Domestic Mammals. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10040287. [PMID: 37104442 PMCID: PMC10145177 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10040287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
As guest editors, we are pleased to present this Special Issue entitled "Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) in Domestic Mammals", comprising 10 articles of relevant interest in the field of animal reproduction [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvador Ruiz
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Gardón
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary and Experimental Sciences, Catholic University of Valencia-San Vicente Mártir, Guillem de Castro 106, 46003 Valencia, Spain
| | - Jordi Miró
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
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ProAKAP4 Concentration Is Related to Sperm Motility and Motile Sperm Subpopulations in Frozen-Thawed Horse Semen. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233417. [PMID: 36496938 PMCID: PMC9738597 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233417] [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: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
ProAKAP4 is the precursor of AKAP4 (A-kinase Anchor protein 4), the main structural protein of the fibrous sheath of sperm. The amount of proAKAP4 reflects the ability of spermatozoa to maintain the flagellum activity and functionality up to the site of fertilization and is positively correlated with progressive motility in several mammalian species. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between proAKAP4 concentration with horse sperm motility descriptors and spermatic motile subpopulations. For this purpose, a total of 48 ejaculates from 13 different stallions were analyzed. Spermatic motility descriptors were obtained by the CASA system, and four motile subpopulations (SP) with specific motility patterns were statistically identified. ProAKAP4 concentrations were evaluated by ELISA. The relationship between motility descriptors of sperm subpopulations and proAKAP4 concentrations was evaluated. Following a hierarchical cluster statistical analysis, ejaculates were divided into two groups according to their proAKAP4 concentrations, either having low proAKAP4 concentrations (5.06−35.61 ng/10M spz; n = 23) or high (39.92−82.23 ng/10M spz; n = 25) proAKAP4 concentrations (p < 0.001). ProAKAP4 concentrations were positively correlated (p < 0.05) with total and progressive motility, as well as with parameters of velocity. ProAKAP4 amount also showed a negative correlation (p < 0.05) with sperm motile subpopulation number 3, which was the subpopulation with the lowest velocity parameters. In conclusion, proAKAP4 concentration in stallion semen positively reflects sperm progressive motility with the functional velocity kinematic descriptors. Concentrations of proAKAP4 higher than 37.77 ng/10M spz were correlated with a very good quality frozen/thawed stallion semen.
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10
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Carracedo S, Briand-Amirat L, Dordas-Perpinyà M, Ramos Escuredo Y, Delcombel R, Sergeant N, Delehedde M. ProAKAP4 protein marker: Towards a functional approach to male fertility. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 247:107074. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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11
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Boersma A, Primus J, Wagner B, Broukal V, Andersen L, Pachner B, Dahlhoff M, Rülicke T, Auer KE. Influence of sperm cryopreservation on sperm motility and proAKAP4 concentration in mice. Reprod Med Biol 2022; 21:e12480. [PMID: 35919386 PMCID: PMC9336535 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The protein proAKAP4 is crucial for sperm motility and has been suggested as an indicator of male fertility. We determined the relationship between proAKAP4 concentration and sperm motility parameters in mice, and investigated the effects of cryopreservation on these variables. Methods Computer-assisted sperm analysis and ELISA were applied to determine sperm motility and proAKAP4 concentration in fresh and frozen-thawed epididymal sperm of SWISS, B6D2F1, C57BL/6N, and BALB/c mice. Results ProAKAP4 levels ranged between 12 and 89 ng/ml and did not differ between fresh and frozen-thawed samples, or between strains. We found a negative relationship between proAKAP4 levels and some sperm motility parameters. Sperm traits differed between strains, and cryopreservation negatively affected sperm velocity but not sperm direction parameters. Conclusion ProAKAP4 levels in epididymal mouse spermatozoa were unaffected by cryopreservation, highlighting the robustness of this parameter as a potentially time-independent marker for sperm motility and fertility. The high individual variation in proAKAP4 levels supports the potential role of proAKAP4 as a marker for sperm quality, though we found no positive, and even negative relationships between proAKAP4 levels and some sperm motility parameters. Future studies have to investigate the significance of proAKAP4 as an indicator for fertility in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Auke Boersma
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro ModelsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Jasmin Primus
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro ModelsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Bettina Wagner
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro ModelsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Veronika Broukal
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro ModelsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
- Department of RadiologyCharité – Universitätsmedizin BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Lill Andersen
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro ModelsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Barbara Pachner
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro ModelsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Maik Dahlhoff
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro ModelsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Thomas Rülicke
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro ModelsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Kerstin E. Auer
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro ModelsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
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