Profiling of seminal plasma proteins to identify the fertility of Simmental bull with low semen quality

Protein profile of spermatozoa and seminal plasma based on molecular weight in four phenotypes of Kokok Balenggek roosters

Background

The Kokok Balenggek rooster (KBR), with its distinct phenotypes-Biriang, Balang, Kinantan, and Kuriak-offers a unique opportunity to study variations in semen characteristics and protein profiles. Understanding these variations can aid in the development of better management strategies for poultry breeding programs.

Aim

This study aimed to characterize the spermatozoa and seminal plasma protein profiles based on molecular weight (MW) across four phenotypes of KBRs, focusing on semen parameters, such as motility, viability, and protein concentration.

Methods

Semen samples were collected from the KBR of four phenotypes: Biriang, Balang, Kinantan, and Kuriak. The parameters analyzed included semen volume, color, smell, consistency, sperm concentration, motility, viability, abnormality, plasma membrane integrity, and protein concentration. Protein profiles of spermatozoa and seminal plasma were analyzed using MW markers via gel electrophoresis.

Results

The results revealed significant variations in semen volume (p < 0.05) and protein concentration (p < 0.01), with the Kinantan phenotype exhibiting the highest protein concentration (2.23 mg/ml). Sperm motility (p < 0.05) and viability (p > 0.05) were highest in the Biriang, Balang, and Kinantan phenotypes, whereas the Kuriak phenotype showed lower motility (64%, p < 0.01). Protein profile analysis indicated the presence of proteins in sperm with MWs of 10, 25-35, 35-45, 45-65, and 100 kDa and in seminal plasma with MWs of 10, 20-25, 25-35, 45, 65, 75, 140, and 180-245 kDa, respectively, across all phenotypes.

Conclusion

This study highlighted variations in sperm characteristics and protein profiles among KBR phenotypes, with the Kuriak phenotype showing lower motility, providing insights for improving genetic resource management and semen preservation.

Seminal plasma protein profiles based on molecular weight as biomarkers of sperm fertility in horned and polled Bali bulls

Background and Aim

Seminal plasma proteins (SPPs) significantly influence sperm quality, playing a critical role in fertility. This study aims to investigate the molecular weight (MW) profiles of SPPs in horned and polled Bali bulls and their correlation with sperm quality parameters.

Materials and Methods

Semen samples were collected from six Bali bulls (3 horned, 3 polled). Sperm quality was evaluated based on motility, viability, abnormalities, intact membranes, and acrosomes. SPPs were extracted and analyzed using one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to determine protein MWs. Pearson's correlation was used to analyze relationships between MW profiles and sperm quality metrics.

Results

SPPs were identified across a MW range of 15-165 kDa, with specific proteins showing strong correlations with sperm quality. Proteins at 50 and 46 kDa positively correlated with motility (r = -0.96), viability (r = -0.99), and intact membranes (r = -0.86). Conversely, proteins at 40 kDa negatively correlated with these parameters. A 25 kDa protein displayed a positive correlation with intact acrosomes (r = -0.93) and a negative correlation with abnormalities (r = -0.99). Differences in sperm quality metrics between horned and polled bulls were observed, with polled bulls exhibiting fewer abnormalities.

Conclusion

This study highlights the potential of SPP MW profiles as biomarkers of sperm quality in Bali bulls. Proteins at 50, 46, and 25 kDa are promising markers for sperm motility, viability, and intact acrosomes, respectively. These findings could inform bull selection and reproductive management strategies. Further research is recommended to validate these biomarkers using advanced proteomic approaches.

Effect of Seminal Plasma on the Freezability of Boar Sperm

BACKGROUND

Seminal plasma is an important component of semen and has a significant effect on sperm function. However, the relationship between seminal plasma and sperm freezing capacity has not been fully studied.

PURPOSE

Exploring metabolites and proteins related to the boar sperm freezing capacity in seminal plasma, by metabolomic and proteomic approaches, and directly verifying the protective effect of seminal plasma on the cryopreservation of boar sperm using high and low freezability seminal plasma as base freezing extender.

METHODS

Semen samples were collected from 30 different boars, 11 high and 11 low freezing-resistant boars were selected after freezing 2~4 times, and seminal plasma was selected at the same time. Sperm motility and movement parameters were analyzed using a CASA system. Reproductive hormones (Testosterone, progesterone, estradiol, prolactin, prostaglandin F2α, luteinoid hormone) in seminal plasma were detected by ELISA. Analysis of proteins and metabolites in high and low freezing-resistant seminal plasma by proteomics and metabolomics techniques.

RESULTS

The six reproductive hormones tested were not significantly associated with sperm freezing resistance. A total of 13 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) and 38 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified, while a total of 348 metabolites and 1000 proteins were identified. These DEMs were related to energy metabolism, drugs, or environmental pollutants, while the DEPs were mainly involved in the cytoskeletal dynamics and cell adhesion processes. There were 33 metabolites and 70 proteins significantly associated with mean progress motility (PM) at 10 min and 2 h after thawing. The 70 related proteins were associated with cell division and cycle regulation in gene ontology (GO) terms, as well as KEGG pathways, thermogeneration, and pyruvate metabolism. Using highly freezable boar SP as a base freezing extender made no difference from using lowly freezable boar SP, and both were not as good as the commercial control.

CONCLUSION

There were significant differences in seminal plasma with different freezability, but the similarity was much greater than the difference. The protection effect of seminal plasma is not remarkable, and it does not exhibit superior cryoprotective properties compared to commercial semen cryoelongators.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study provides a deeper understanding of how seminal plasma composition affects sperm freezabilty. It provides potential biomarkers and targets for improving sperm cryopreservation techniques.

Correlation of sperm motility, acrosome integrity, protamine deficiency, and DNA fragmentation in proven and unproven Friesian Holstein bulls

Objective

The evaluation of frozen semen quality is an essential aspect in determining male fertility for artificial insemination programs. This study aims to evaluate the characteristics of Friesian Holstein (FH) bull-frozen semen in different classes (proven and unproven) based on protein profiling and molecular evaluation.

Materials and Methods

This study used frozen semen straws from FH bulls selected according to criteria for proven (6 individuals) and unproven (6 individuals) bulls produced by the Singosari AI Center (AIC). Sperm motility parameters were assessed using Computer Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA Supervision®, Germany), while sperm viability and abnormality were evaluated through eosin-nigrosin staining under a microscope at 400´ magnifications. The integrity of the sperm plasma membrane was determined using the hypoosmotic swelling test, and acrosome integrity was analyzed using the fluorescein isothiocyanate PNA-propidium iodide staining method. Protamine deficiency was quantified using Chromomycin A3 fluorescence staining, while DNA fragmentation was assessed using the acridine orange technique.

Results

The findings demonstrated that there were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) in the assessed parameters of frozen semen quality between FH-proven and unproven bulls. Furthermore, in FH-proven bulls, a negative correlation was observed between protamine deficiency and acrosome integrity (r = -0.528) and between protamine deficiency and sperm DNA fragmentation (r = -0.467). The parameters of protamine deficiency in unproven bulls exhibited a positive correlation with sperm progressive motility.

Conclusion

The frozen semen quality of FH bulls in different classes (proven and unproven) was found to be equally good. Molecular-based analysis allows for a more accurate determination of semen quality. These findings are significant for bull breeding stations when comprehensively evaluating semen quality.

Comparative developmental competence of in vitro embryos recovered from Bali cattle with normal and poor sperm motility

Background and Aim

Fertility is crucial for enhancing the efficiency of livestock production, as it directly impacts the reproductive rates. A comprehensive understanding of the relationship between sperm quality and embryo development is key to optimizing reproductive outcomes and improving the quality of livestock. This study analyzed the developmental competence of in vitro embryos recovered from Bali cattle with normal or poor sperm motility.

Materials and Methods

Nine bulls with normal fresh semen (NFS) or poor fresh semen (PFS) motility were ejaculated for semen. Semen ejaculates, including volume, motility, and sperm concentration, were evaluated immediately after collection to measure the quality of the fresh semen. Frozen semen was evaluated using computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) for motility, progressive sperm motility, distance curve path, distance curve linear, distance straight line, average path velocity, curvilinear velocity, linear velocity, straightness (STR), linearity of forward progression (LIN), wobble, and average lateral head displacement (ALH). Bull groups were used to determine in vitro embryo cleavage ability after fertilization of Bali cattle. Ovaries of Bali cattle were collected by slicing, and only cytoplasmic oocytes with compact cumulus cells were used in this study. The oocytes were matured, and in vitro fertilization was performed using fertilization media with a final sperm concentration of 1.5 × 106 spermatozoa/mL. After 48 h, the embryo cleavage ability of the cultured oocytes was evaluated.

Results

There were significant differences in motility values between the NFS and PFS groups; however, there were no significant differences in the volume or sperm concentration. There was a significant difference in the LIN value between the groups but no significant differences in other CASA parameters. There were no significant differences in the cleavage rate and morula between the groups, but a positive correlation was observed between the cleavage rate and the morula and between the morula and ALH. A significant negative correlation was observed between the cleavage rate and STR and between the morula and STR; no significant differences were observed for other variables.

Conclusion

Despite variations in sperm characteristics, both normal and poor sperm motility demonstrated comparable in vitro embryonic development competence. These findings provide important insights into the fertility potential of Bali bulls, providing valuable information that can enhance selection strategies to improve the quality of livestock production.

Semen quality and frozen semen production in Pasundan bulls: A molecular weight perspective on seminal plasma and spermatozoa protein

Objective

To determine the correlation between the molecular weight (MW) of proteins in seminal plasma and spermatozoa and the quality of fresh and frozen semen production in Pasundan bulls.

Materials and methods

Nine selected Pasundan bulls, aged 5-10 years, from the Regional Artificial Insemination Center at Ciamis, West Java, Indonesia, were used in the study, with fresh semen sperm motility ≥70% and <70%. We analyzed the motility, viability, integrity of the intact plasma membrane (IPM), and the morphological characteristics of spermatozoa. 1D-SDS-PAGE analysis was performed to determine the protein profile by assessing MW, depicted as bands on the gel.

Results

The motility, viability, and IPM of spermatozoa had lower values (p < 0.05) in Pasundan bulls named Bagaskara and Kertarajasa compared to the other bulls. Proteins with MW 35-50 kDa were not detected in the seminal plasma of Pasundan bulls, exhibiting low quality in fresh semen. The correlation analysis showed that the non-detected proteins with MW 35-50 kDa in seminal plasma correlated with spermatozoa motility (r = 0.421), viability (r = 0.424), and IPM (r = 0.428) so that fresh semen quality was low in both Pasundan bulls. Analysis of semen volume, spermatozoa concentration, and spermatozoa motility showed that the average frozen semen production of Pasundan bulls per ejaculate was 128.73 ± 15.35 straws.

Conclusion

Protein analysis based on MW is a predictive indicator for the quality of fresh semen and the production of frozen semen in Pasundan bulls. Evaluation parameters of fresh semen quality by MW analysis can be used to select Pasundan bulls in Indonesia.