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Fujikura M, Fujinoki M. Progesterone and estradiol regulate sperm hyperactivation and in vitro fertilization success in mice. J Reprod Dev 2024; 70:96-103. [PMID: 38346725 PMCID: PMC11017098 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2023-080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Progesterone (P) and 17β-estradiol (Eβ) form the well-known hormone pair that regulates sperm capacitation. Here, we examined the regulatory effects of P and Eβ on sperm hyperactivation in mice and evaluated the in vitro fertilization (IVF) success. Although P enhanced hyperactivation, Eβ dose-dependently suppressed the P-enhanced hyperactivation. Moreover, P increased IVF success, whereas Eβ suppressed the P-induced increase in IVF success in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, P and Eβ competitively regulate hyperactivation and IVF success in mice. Since P and Eβ concentrations generally change during the estrous cycle, sperm are speculated to capacitate in response to the oviductal environment and fertilize the oocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miyu Fujikura
- Research Laboratory of Laboratory Animals, Research Center for Laboratory Animals, Comprehensive Research Facilities for Advanced Medical Science, School of Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan
| | - Masakatsu Fujinoki
- Research Laboratory of Laboratory Animals, Research Center for Laboratory Animals, Comprehensive Research Facilities for Advanced Medical Science, School of Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan
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2
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Yamaga K, Nakao S, Mikoda N, Sztein JM, Nakagata N, Takeo T. High-concentration bovine serum albumin enhances fertilization ability of cold-stored rat sperm. J Reprod Dev 2024; 70:131-137. [PMID: 38432992 PMCID: PMC11017099 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2023-085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cold transport of the cauda epididymides is a useful technique for shipping laboratory rat sperm. Cold transport of rat sperm avoids potential risks of microbiological infection, animal escape or death, and animal welfare issues. Previously, we reported that a cold-storage solution containing dimethyl sulfoxide and quercetin maintained the fertility of cold-stored rat sperm. However, cold-stored rat sperm exhibited a decreased fertilization rate after 24-h storage. To recover the fertility of cold-stored sperm, we focused on the effects of bovine serum albumin (BSA), a cholesterol acceptor that induces sperm capacitation. We sought to determine the optimal concentration of BSA in fertilization medium based on the fertility of cold-stored rat sperm. High concentrations of BSA (40 mg/ml) enhanced the fertilization rate of cold-stored rat sperm and maintained sperm fertility for 144 h. Embryos derived from cold-stored and BSA-treated sperm normally developed into pups after embryo transfer. In summary, high BSA concentrations enhanced the fertility of cold-stored rat sperm and prolonged the storage period to 144 h, thereby expanding the transportable region for genetically engineered rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuma Yamaga
- Division of Reproductive Engineering, Center for Animal Resources and Development (CARD), Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Satohiro Nakao
- Division of Reproductive Engineering, Center for Animal Resources and Development (CARD), Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Mikoda
- Division of Reproductive Biotechnology and Innovation, Center for Animal Resources and Development (CARD), Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
- Kyudo Co., Ltd., Saga 841-0075, Japan
| | - Jorge Mario Sztein
- Division of Reproductive Engineering, Center for Animal Resources and Development (CARD), Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Naomi Nakagata
- Division of Reproductive Biotechnology and Innovation, Center for Animal Resources and Development (CARD), Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Toru Takeo
- Division of Reproductive Engineering, Center for Animal Resources and Development (CARD), Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
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3
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Lee WJ, Hwang JM, Jo JH, Jang SI, Jung EJ, Bae JW, Ha JJ, Kim DH, Kwon WS. Adverse Effects of Avobenzone on Boar Sperm Function: Disruption of Protein Kinase A Activity and Tyrosine Phosphorylation. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 125:108559. [PMID: 38378073 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Avobenzone (AVO), an ultraviolet (UV) filter, is frequently used as an ingredient in personal cosmetics. This UV filter has been found to be easily exposed in swimming pools and beaches, and it has been detected in human urine and blood. Moreover, numerous studies have demonstrated that AVO exhibits endocrine-disrupting properties. Nevertheless, the effects of AVO on male fertility have not yet fully understood. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effects of AVO on various sperm functions during capacitation. First, boar spermatozoa were treated with various AVO concentrations. After treatment, sperm motility and kinetic characteristics, capacitation status, intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, and sperm viability were evaluated. Moreover, Western blot analysis w.as conducted to evaluate protein kinase A (PKA) activity and tyrosine phosphorylation. As a result, AVO treatment significantly decreased total motility, progressive motility, and several kinetic characteristics at high concentrations (50 and 100 μM). Furthermore, the capacitation status dose-dependently decreased. Conversely, no significant differences in acrosome reaction, cell viability, and intracellular ATP levels were observed. However, the intracellular ATP level tended to decrease. In addition, AVO dose-dependently induced abnormal changes in PKA activity and tyrosine phosphorylation. Although AVO did not directly exert a toxic effect on cell viability, it ultimately negatively affected sperm functions through abnormal alterations in PKA activity and tyrosine phosphorylation. Thus, the potential implications on male fertility must be considered when contemplating the safe utilization of AVO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Jin Lee
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Mi Hwang
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hwan Jo
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Ik Jang
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ju Jung
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Won Bae
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Jung Ha
- Gyeongbuk Livestock Research Institute, Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 36052, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Hyun Kim
- Department of Animal Science, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea.
| | - Woo-Sung Kwon
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea; Department of Animal Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Innovative Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea.
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4
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Hamze JG, Peris-Frau P, Galiano-Cogolludo B, Tomás-Almenar C, Santiago-Moreno J, Bermejo-Álvarez P. Efficient and repeatable in vitro fertilization in rabbits. Theriogenology 2024; 217:64-71. [PMID: 38252980 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Rabbits constitute an interesting model to understand gamete interaction and test novel Artificial Reproductive Techniques, but in vitro fertilization (IVF) is particularly problematic in this species. We have conducted a series of experiments to develop a consistent IVF technique. Initially, we checked viability, acrosome integrity, capacitation and motility in ejaculated sperm purified by a density gradient and incubated at different times in three different media: Tyrode's Albumin Lactate Pyruvate (TALP), human tubal fluid (HTF), and Brackett and Oliphant (BO). Total and progressive motility at 10-24 h and linearity from 3 h onwards was significantly higher in BO medium compared to TALP and HTF. Subsequently, cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) collected 10 h after induction of ovulation were incubated with sperm in TALP, HTF or BO for 18 h with or without performing sperm pre-incubation for 6 h. Pronuclear formation rate at 18 h was significantly higher in BO compared to other media (∼84 % vs. 17-22 %) and was not improved by pre-incubation. As COCs recovery rate was low at 10 h after induction of ovulation, COCs were collected at 12 h and co-incubated with sperm in BO. Pronuclear formation rate was similar than those obtained in COCs collected at 10 h (∼85 %), and when embryos were allowed to develop in vitro, the protocol yielded high cleavage and blastocyst rates (91 and 59 %, respectively). In conclusion, ejaculated rabbit sperm purified in a density gradient fertilize efficiently COCs collected at 12 h in BO medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- J G Hamze
- Animal Reproduction Department, INIA, CSIC, Spain; Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Universidad de Murcia, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), Murcia, Spain
| | - P Peris-Frau
- Animal Reproduction Department, INIA, CSIC, Spain
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Hwang JM, Bae JW, Lee WJ, Kwon WS. Effect of 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) on sperm function: Insights into the PI3K/PDK1/AKT signaling pathway during capacitation. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 124:108545. [PMID: 38246476 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
4-Nonylphenol (4-NP) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that impairs animal and human reproduction. However, the mechanisms underlying male reproductive dysfunction by 4-NP have not been fully understood. Herein, we demonstrated the effects of 4-NP on boar sperm functions and molecular mechanisms. Spermatozoa were treated with various concentrations of 4-NP (0, 10, 25, 50, 75, and 100 μM) during capacitation. Then, we evaluated sperm motility, capacitation status, intracellular ATP level, and cell viability. Finally, we measured the expression of phosphorylated protein kinase A (PKA), tyrosine phosphorylation, and proteins related to the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK1)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathways following exposure to 4-NP. Sperm motility and motion kinematics were reduced by 4-NP, whereas intracellular ATP levels were increased significantly in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the expression levels of p-PI3K, PTEN, p-PDK1, AKT, and p-AKT exhibited a significant dose-dependent increase. Moreover, abnormal activation of PKA and tyrosine phosphorylation were observed. Specifically, the ∼24 kDa p-PKA substrate demonstrated a significant reduction following exposure to 4-Np. In addition, the ∼18 kDa p-PKA substrate and tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins displayed a significant dose-dependent increase after exposure to 4-NP. Our results suggest that 4-NP may induce detrimental effects on sperm functions through abnormal changes in PKA activity and tyrosine phosphorylation during capacitation, possibly through unusual alteration of the PI3K/PDK1/AKT signaling pathway. Therefore, 4-NP must be cautiously used considering its reproductive toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Mi Hwang
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Won Bae
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Jin Lee
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Sung Kwon
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea; Department of Animal Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Innovative Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea.
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6
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Hu B, Zhang H, Li Y, Xue Q, Yang M, Cao C, Gao L, Chu G, Cai R, Zheng Y, Pang W. Kojic acid inhibits pig sperm apoptosis and improves capacitated sperm state during liquid preservation at 17°C. Mol Reprod Dev 2024; 91:e23738. [PMID: 38462735 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
The parameters of sperm apoptosis and capacitation during liquid storage at 17°C can indicate the quality of pig sperm and the potential development of early embryos. However, the effect of kojic acid (KA) on semen preservation and its mechanism has not been fully understood. In this study, we discovered that adding KA to the diluent improved the antioxidant capacity of sperm mitochondria, maintained the normal structure of sperm mitochondria, and reduced sperm apoptosis. Western blot analysis revealed that KA prevented the release of Cytochrome c from mitochondria to the cytoplasm, reduced the expression of pro-apoptosis proteins cleaved Caspase-3 and cleaved Caspase-9, and increased the expression of the antiapoptosis protein Bcl-XL. Furthermore, KA also enhanced the motility parameters, oxidative phosphorylation level, adenosine triphosphate level, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation of capacitated sperm, while preserving the acrosome integrity and plasma membrane integrity of capacitated sperm. In conclusion, this study offers new insights into the molecular mechanism of how KA inhibits porcine sperm apoptosis and improves capacitated sperm parameters. Additionally, it suggests that KA can serve as an alternative to antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingyan Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Haize Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuqing Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qin Xue
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Menghao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chaoyue Cao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lei Gao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Guiyan Chu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Rui Cai
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Weijun Pang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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7
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Mohanty G, Sanchez-Cardenas C, Paudel B, Tourzani DA, Salicioni AM, Santi CM, Gervasi MG, Pilsner JR, Darszon A, Visconti PE. Differential role of bovine serum albumin and HCO3- in the regulation of GSK3 alpha during mouse sperm capacitation. Mol Hum Reprod 2024; 30:gaae007. [PMID: 38341666 PMCID: PMC10914453 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaae007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
To become fertile, mammalian sperm are required to undergo capacitation in the female tract or in vitro in defined media containing ions (e.g. HCO3 -, Ca2+, Na+, and Cl-), energy sources (e.g. glucose, pyruvate) and serum albumin (e.g. bovine serum albumin (BSA)). These different molecules initiate sequential and concomitant signaling pathways, leading to capacitation. Physiologically, capacitation induces changes in the sperm motility pattern (e.g. hyperactivation) and prepares sperm for the acrosomal reaction (AR), two events required for fertilization. Molecularly, HCO3 - activates the atypical adenylyl cyclase Adcy10 (aka sAC), increasing cAMP and downstream cAMP-dependent pathways. BSA, on the other hand, induces sperm cholesterol release as well as other signaling pathways. How these signaling events, occurring in different sperm compartments and with different kinetics, coordinate among themselves is not well established. Regarding the AR, recent work has proposed a role for glycogen synthase kinases (GSK3α and GSK3β). GSK3α and GSK3β are inactivated by phosphorylation of residues Ser21 and Ser9, respectively, in their N-terminal domain. Here, we present evidence that GSK3α (but not GSK3β) is present in the anterior head and that it is regulated during capacitation. Interestingly, BSA and HCO3 - regulate GSK3α in opposite directions. While BSA induces a fast GSK3α Ser21 phosphorylation, HCO3 - and cAMP-dependent pathways dephosphorylate this residue. We also show that the HCO3--induced Ser21 dephosphorylation is mediated by hyperpolarization of the sperm plasma membrane potential (Em) and by intracellular pH alkalinization. Previous reports indicate that GSK3 kinases mediate the progesterone-induced AR. Here, we show that GSK3 inhibition also blocks the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin-induced AR, suggesting a role for GSK3 kinases downstream of the increase in intracellular Ca2+ needed for this exocytotic event. Altogether, our data indicate a temporal and biphasic GSK3α regulation with opposite actions of BSA and HCO3 -. Our results also suggest that this regulation is needed to orchestrate the AR during sperm capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayatri Mohanty
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Claudia Sanchez-Cardenas
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, UNAM, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Bidur Paudel
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Darya A Tourzani
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Ana M Salicioni
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Celia M Santi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - María G Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - J Richard Pilsner
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, UNAM, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
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Ramírez-Agámez L, Hernández-Avilés C, Ortíz I, Love CC, Varner DD, Hinrichs K. Lactate as the sole energy substrate induces spontaneous acrosome reaction in viable stallion spermatozoa. Andrology 2024; 12:459-471. [PMID: 37300872 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Equine spermatozoa appear to differ from spermatozoa of other species in using oxidative phosphorylation preferentially over glycolysis. However, there is little information regarding effects of different energy sources on measured parameters in equine spermatozoa. OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of three individual energy substrates, glucose, pyruvate, and lactate, on motion characteristics, membrane integrity, and acrosomal status of stallion spermatozoa. MATERIALS AND METHODS Freshly ejaculated stallion spermatozoa were incubated with combinations of glucose (5 mm), pyruvate (10 mm), and lactate (10 mm) for 0.5 to 4 h. Response to calcium ionophore A23187 (5 μm) was used to evaluate capacitation status. Motility was evaluated using computer-assisted sperm analysis, and plasma membrane and acrosomal integrity were evaluated by flow cytometry. RESULTS Incubation with lactate alone for 2 h increased acrosomal sensitivity to A23187. Notably, incubation with lactate alone for 4 h induced a significant spontaneous increase in acrosome-reacted, membrane-intact (viable) spermatozoa, to approximately 50% of the live population, whereas no increase was seen with incubation in glucose or pyruvate alone. This acrosomal effect was observed in spermatozoa incubated at physiological pH as well as under alkaline conditions (medium pH approximately 8.5). Sperm motility declined concomitantly with the increase in acrosome-reacted spermatozoa. Sperm motility was significantly higher in pyruvate-only medium than in glucose or lactate. The addition of pyruvate to lactate-containing medium increased sperm motility but reduced the proportion of live acrosome-reacted spermatozoa in a dose-dependent fashion. DISCUSSION This is the first study to demonstrate that incubation with a specific energy substrate, lactate, is associated with spontaneous acrosome reaction in spermatozoa. The proportion of live, acrosome-reacted spermatozoa obtained is among the highest reported for equine spermatozoa. CONCLUSION These findings highlight the delicate control of key sperm functions, and may serve as a basis to increase our understanding of stallion sperm physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Ramírez-Agámez
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Camilo Hernández-Avilés
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Isabel Ortíz
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Charles C Love
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Dickson D Varner
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Katrin Hinrichs
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
- Department of Clinical Studies - New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA
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9
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Arrais AM, Burla Dias AJ, de Souza CLM, Curcio AG, Mello MRBD. Inhibition of phospholipase C reduces the capacitation of cryopreserved ovine sperm. Theriogenology 2024; 213:19-23. [PMID: 37793221 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of phospholipase C (PLC) on the capacitation of cryopreserved ovine semen. Sixteen semen samples were cryopreserved with diluent added by 0, 10, or 20 μM of U73122, a PLC inhibitor. The sperm kinetics of the thawed samples were evaluated using the "Computer-assisted Sperm Analysis" system, and the integrity of the plasma and mitochondrial membranes was evaluated using fluorescent probes. Additionally, sperm capacitation and the acrosome reaction with chlortetracycline hydrochloride were evaluated before and after capacitation induction. The results were analysed using analysis of variance and Tukey's test with a 95% probability. Concentrations of 10 or 20 μM of U73122 did not affect the kinetics or number of sperm with intact plasma and mitochondrial membranes. However, after thawing, 10 and 20 μM of the inhibitor reduced the percentage of capacitated and acrosome-reacted sperm. After induction of capacitation, there was a reduction in the number of non-capacitated sperm in all treatment groups, suggesting a reversible effect of U73122. In conclusion, U73122 at concentrations of 10 or 20 μM prevents premature capacitation and acrosome reaction induced by the freezing procedure, without affecting the kinetics and integrity of the sperm membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Matos Arrais
- Departamento de Reprodução e Avaliação Animal, Universidade Federal Rural Do Rio de Janeiro, Rodovia BR 465, Km 7, S/n, Seropédica, RJ, CEP 23890-000, Brazil
| | - Angelo José Burla Dias
- Laboratório de Reprodução e Melhoramento Genético Animal, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense, 2000 Alberto Lamego Avenue, Campos Dos Goytacazes, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Cláudio Luiz Melo de Souza
- Laboratório de Ciências Agrícolas, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense, 2000 Alberto Lamego Avenue, Campos Dos Goytacazes, RJ, CEP 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Alinne Glória Curcio
- Laboratório de Reprodução e Melhoramento Genético Animal, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense, 2000 Alberto Lamego Avenue, Campos Dos Goytacazes, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Marco Roberto Bourg de Mello
- Departamento de Reprodução e Avaliação Animal, Universidade Federal Rural Do Rio de Janeiro, Rodovia BR 465, Km 7, S/n, Seropédica, RJ, CEP 23890-000, Brazil.
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10
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Dudkiewicz S, Peris-Frau P, Nieto-Cristóbal H, Santiago-Moreno J, de Mercado E, Álvarez-Rodríguez M. Bicarbonate and BSA increase the capacitation pattern and acrosomal exocytosis in boar sperm after 120 min of incubation. Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14505. [PMID: 37964175 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Sperm capacitation is a crucial step towards the acquisition of fertilizing capacity. Despite the attempts to mimic the in vivo situation, there is still a lack of standardization in vitro techniques. Bicarbonate and serum albumin (BSA) are routinely used, although controversial results are reported regarding the optimal concentration of each compound. In addition, whether caffeine is needed on in vitro capacitation media in boar sperm remains to be elucidated. Here, 18 boar commercial artificial insemination doses were used to test different concentrations of bicarbonate (19, 37 or 56 mM) in experiment 1, BSA (1.5, 3, 4.5 mg/mL) in experiment 2 and the presence or absence of caffeine (5.15 mM) experiment 3. We analysed at 0, 30 and 120 min of incubation at 38.5°C, 5% CO2 : Total motility (TMOT), membrane integrity (VIAB), acrosomal exocytosis (rAcro; H33342/PI/PNA), capacitation status (chlortetracycline staining CTC) and mitochondrial membrane potential (JC-1). The higher concentrations of bicarbonate (37 and 56 mM) decreased TM and VIAB (p < .01) but increased rAcro (p < .01) after 120 min of incubation compared to the fresh control. In contrast, only the BSA concentration of 3 mg/mL reduced the VIAB at 120 min, but all the concentrations tested increased the average of JC-1 and decreased TM (p < .01) throughout incubation compared to the fresh control. Finally, in experiment 3, when boar sperm were incubated in the capacitating media with bicarbonate, BSA and with or without caffeine, the capacitated pattern measured by the CTC technique and rAcro increased after 120 min of incubation (p < .01) compared to fresh control, either in the presence or in the absence of caffeine. In summary, our results suggested that the combination of capacitating components, like bicarbonate and BSA, contributed to increasing the proportion of capacitated boar spermatozoa, mitochondrial membrane potential as well as acrosomal exocytosis. However, caffeine did not significantly influence in vitro sperm capacitation in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Dudkiewicz
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Spanish National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Peris-Frau
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Spanish National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Helena Nieto-Cristóbal
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Spanish National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Julián Santiago-Moreno
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Spanish National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo de Mercado
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Spanish National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Álvarez-Rodríguez
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Spanish National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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11
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Jang SI, Jo JH, Jung EJ, Lee WJ, Hwang JM, Bae JW, Shin S, Lee SI, Kim MO, Kwon WS. Perfluorooctanoic acid suppresses sperm functions via abnormal Protein Kinase B activation during capacitation. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 123:108528. [PMID: 38145882 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a perfluorinated compound, a synthesized chemical, and has been used in several industrial products for more than 70 years. Although PFOA is known to exert toxic effects in normal cells, there is no detailed information on its reproductive toxicity and its effects on sperm functions related to protein kinase B (AKT). Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the effects of PFOA on sperm functions via AKT. Boar spermatozoa were incubated with different concentrations of PFOA (0, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 μM) to induce capacitation. Sperm functions (sperm motility, motion kinematic parameters, capacitation status, cell viability, and intracellular ATP levels) were evaluated. In addition, the expression levels of AKT, phospho-AKT, phospho-PKA, and tyrosine phosphorylated proteins were evaluated by western blotting. Results showed significant decreases in sperm motility and motion kinematic parameters. PFOA treatment significant suppressed spermatozoa capacitation and intracellular ATP levels. Furthermore, it significantly decreased the levels of phospho-PKA and tyrosine phosphorylated proteins. The levels of AKT phosphorylation at Thr308 and Ser473 also significantly decreased. These findings suggest that PFOA diminishes sperm functions during capacitation and induces unnatural phosphorylation in AKT, leading to reproductive toxicity. Therefore, people should be aware of reproductive toxicity when using PFOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Ik Jang
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hwan Jo
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ju Jung
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Jin Lee
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Mi Hwang
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Won Bae
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangsu Shin
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea; Department of Animal Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Innovative Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang In Lee
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea; Department of Animal Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Innovative Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Myoung Ok Kim
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea; Department of Animal Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Innovative Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Sung Kwon
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea; Department of Animal Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Innovative Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, Republic of Korea.
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12
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Nagai T. How I overcame problems in in vitro fertilisation of livestock animals. Reprod Fertil Dev 2023; 36:27-33. [PMID: 38064191 DOI: 10.1071/rd23162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In my research life of 35years, growing with IETS as a researcher of in vitro maturation and fertilisation (IVM/IVF) of porcine and cattle oocytes, I suffered from hard times related to solving problems that prevented the progress of my research and conferment of my degrees. Many researchers may have similar problems. Thus, I would like to address a few examples of how I overcame these problems related to IVF and help young researchers with similar troubles. There were four main problems to be solved in my experiments. Problem 1: Establishment of IVF using only defined medium in pigs. Problem 2: Establishment of successful in vitro culture (IVC) of IVM/IVF bovine oocytes in defined medium. Problem 3: Low rate of male pronucleus formation in IVM porcine oocytes after IVF. Problem 4: Sedimentation of Ca2+ in the sperm capacitation solution for IVF in pigs. Problem 1 was solved by a lucky accident, in which a sperm suspension that would have otherwise been discarded happened to be successfully used for IVF in pigs. Problems 2, 3 and 4 were solved by communication with scientists whose fields were different from mine, where similar problems had been solved already. Young researchers are encouraged to transcend the boundaries of their research fields and solve problems by interacting with researchers in different fields. There are many good connections or answers around us that may be effective in resolving the problems that are hindering the progress of pending research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Nagai
- 104 Universe Tsukuba, 2-32-7 Umezono, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0045, Japan
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13
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Suqueli García MF, Gabbanelli N, Ríos GL, Buschiazzo J. Exogenous progesterone during in vitro fertilization improves developmental competence of partially cumulus-denuded bovine oocytes. Theriogenology 2023; 211:11-18. [PMID: 37556930 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
The progesterone (P4) secreted by cumulus cells has gained attention for its role as a possible physiological inducer of sperm acrosome exocytosis. In mammals, it is generally accepted that fertilization rates of oocytes without cumulus are markedly low. This study assessed the integrity of capacitated bovine sperm acrosome when exposed to increasing concentrations of P4, and evaluated whether exogenous P4 during in vitro fertilization (IVF) increases the developmental competence of partially cumulus-denuded oocytes in serum-free conditions. After a 4-h capacitation induction, sperm were incubated with increasing concentrations of P4 (0, 0.1, 10 and 100 μM) and evaluated for viability, caspase activation and acrosome status at three different times (4, 5, and 22 h), including the capacitation induction period. Progesterone induced sperm acrosomal exocytosis without compromising sperm viability or activating sperm caspases. Sperm undergoing acrosome reaction exhibited three differential Concanavalin A patterns, corresponding to early, intermediate and late acrosomal exocytosis. The percentage of these patterns significantly increased over time, regardless of P4 concentration, except for those spermatozoa with late acrosomal exocytosis, which only showed an increase at 22 h of incubation. After incubation for 1 h with 100 μM P4, spermatozoa showing intermediate acrosomal exocytosis significantly increased. At 22 h of incubation, the pattern corresponding to early acrosomal exocytosis evidenced a dose-dependent increase. However, prematurely high levels of acrosome reaction induced by 100 μM P4 led to inefficient IVF outcomes (P < 0.05). Therefore, IVF trials with partially cumulus-denuded oocytes were carried out with lower P4 concentrations (0, 0.1, 1, 5, 10 μM). Cleavage rate significantly increased at 1 μM P4, which translated to increased total embryo production after 7 days of in vitro culture (P < 0.05). Significantly higher percentages of expanded blastocysts were observed at both 1 μM and 10 μM P4 as compared to the other experimental conditions. In conclusion, the different patterns of acrosomal exocytosis identified over time by incubation of live sperm with a fluorescent lectin revealed the existence of sperm subpopulations heterogeneous in their physiological states. Moreover, exogenous P4 at 1 μM during IVF improved the developmental competence of partially cumulus-denuded oocytes in serum-free conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Florencia Suqueli García
- Laboratorio Biotecnología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ruta 226 km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Argentina.
| | - Nadia Gabbanelli
- Laboratorio Biotecnología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ruta 226 km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Argentina.
| | - Glenda Laura Ríos
- Laboratorio Biotecnología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ruta 226 km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Argentina.
| | - Jorgelina Buschiazzo
- Laboratorio Biotecnología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ruta 226 km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Argentina.
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14
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Qalawena M, Seaman E, Johnson J, Nakib N, El-Sakka AI, Motawaa MA, Shaaban SM, Bodie JA. Effect of Microsurgical Varicocele Repair on Sperm Capacitation and Probability of Generating a Pregnancy as Measured by Pre and Postoperative Novel Testing With Cap-Score. Urology 2023; 181:63-68. [PMID: 37704009 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2023.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study whether varicocele repair would improve sperm capacitation and probability of generating a pregnancy. METHODS Data were collected prospectively from 40 consecutive adult men who presented with infertility confirmed by semen analysis (SA) and found to have a varicocele on exam or ultrasound who underwent unilateral or bilateral subinguinal microscopic varicocelectomy. We recorded pre and postoperative SA, Cap-Score, and probability of generating a pregnancy (PGP) with a 3-month follow-up. Values were compared using paired t test and Wilcox rank-sum test. RESULTS Results showed a 17.4% relative increase in Cap-Score (23%-27% capacitation), 25% relative increase in PGP (24%-30%), as well as statistically significant improvements in sperm concentration, motility, and total sperm count postoperatively. CONCLUSION This study confirms that microsurgical varicocelectomy significantly improves sperm capacitation ability and improves the expected probability of generating a pregnancy within 3 rounds of intrauterine insemination. The improvement in sperm capacitation ability may help explain how varicocele repair may improve the chance of pregnancy, regardless of standard semen parameter improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhamed Qalawena
- Department of Urology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis MN; Department of Urology, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.
| | - Eric Seaman
- New Jersey Urology, a Division of Summit Health, Millburn NJ
| | - Jared Johnson
- Department of Urology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis MN
| | - Nissrine Nakib
- Department of Urology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis MN
| | | | | | - Sami M Shaaban
- Department of Urology, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Joshua A Bodie
- Department of Urology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis MN
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15
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Miyazawa Y, Fujinoki M. Enhancement of rat spermatozoal hyperactivation by progesterone. J Reprod Dev 2023; 69:279-290. [PMID: 37690839 PMCID: PMC10602764 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2023-040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Progesterone (P) is a well-known enhancer of hyperactivation which is associated with the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF). In this study, we examined whether P-enhanced hyperactivation affected IVF success in rats. When rat spermatozoa were exposed to 10, 20, and 40 ng/ml P, 20 ng/ml P enhanced hyperactivation via the membrane progesterone receptor. In addition, the enhancement of hyperactivation by 20 ng/ml P was regulated by phospholipase C, transmembrane adenylate cyclase, and protein kinase A. However, 20 ng/ml P did not affect IVF success. These results suggest that 20 ng/ml P enhances rat spermatozoal hyperactivation through non-genomic pathways. Because the concentration of P changes during the estrous cycle, it seems that rat spermatozoa are hyperactivated in response to the oviductal environment. However, the effect of 20 ng/ml P does not seem to fully capacitate spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Miyazawa
- Research Laboratory of Laboratory Animals, Research Center for Laboratory Animals, Comprehensive Research Facilities for Advanced Medical Science, School of Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan
| | - Masakatsu Fujinoki
- Research Laboratory of Laboratory Animals, Research Center for Laboratory Animals, Comprehensive Research Facilities for Advanced Medical Science, School of Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan
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16
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Lei Y, Nie L, Long Y, Zhao D, Liu M, Wang YC, Zhang XQ, Xu MM, Liu H, Zhang JH, Yuan DZ, Yue LM. Expression of aldose reductase in mouse endometrial epithelial cells and its role in sperm capacitation. Theriogenology 2023; 209:243-250. [PMID: 37480702 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
The survival, motility and capacitation of sperm in the female reproductive tract are important prerequisites for fertilization. The uterus is the main location for sperm capacitation. One of the most important physiological functions of the endometrial epithelium is to create a suitable uterine environment under the regulation of ovarian hormones, to ensure sperm capacitation. The composition of uterine fluid directly affects sperm capacitation. Fructose is an important component of semen that supports sperm viability and motility. Aldose reductase, a rate-limiting enzyme in the polyol pathway, metabolizes sorbitol and fructose, thereby supplying cells with necessary energy for functional activities. Existing studies have reported the presence aldose reductase in the endometrium, leading us to hypothesize that its expression in endometrial epithelium might promote sperm capacitation by maintaining the uterine environment. Yet, the mechanism of regulation has not been clarified. In this study, we investigated the expression of aldose reductase in mouse endometrial epithelium and its potential role in sperm capacitation. We initially investigated the periodic characteristics of glucose, fructose and sorbitol in uterine fluid. We then studied the temporal and spatial characteristics of aldose reductase in the endometrial epithelium. Next, we examined the effect of aldose reductase on glucose, fructose and sorbitol in uterine fluid. Finally, we explored the effect of aldose reductase on sperm capacitation and fertilization. The results showed that glucose and fructose content in uterine fluid and the expression of aldose reductase fluctuated periodically during physiological periods. Inhibition of aldose reductase in the endometrial epithelium interfered with sperm capacitation and fertilization by reducing the fructose levels in the uterine fluid. To conclude, the aldose reductase-mediated polyol pathway in endometrial epithelial cells is essential to maintain an appropriate fructose environment in the uterine fluid for sperm capacitation and fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Lei
- Department of Physiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Li Nie
- Department of Physiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yun Long
- Department of Physiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Dan Zhao
- Department of Physiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Physiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yi-Cheng Wang
- Department of Physiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xue-Qin Zhang
- Department of Physiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Miao-Miao Xu
- Department of Physiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Huan Liu
- Department of Physiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jin-Hu Zhang
- Department of Physiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Dong-Zhi Yuan
- Department of Physiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Li-Min Yue
- Department of Physiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Reproductive Endocrinology and Regulation Joint Laboratory, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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17
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Mohanty G, Tourzani DA, Gervasi MG, Houle E, Oluwayiose O, Suvorov A, Richard Pilsner J, Visconti PE. Effects of preconception exposure to phthalates on mouse sperm capacitation parameters. Andrology 2023; 11:1484-1494. [PMID: 36891737 PMCID: PMC11004914 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phthalates have been linked to adverse male reproductive health, including poor sperm quality and embryo quality as well as a longer time to pregnancy (months of unprotected intercourse before conception occurs). The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of preconception exposure to two ubiquitous phthalate chemicals, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), and their mixture on sperm function, fertilization, and embryo development in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Adult male C57BL/6J mice aged 8-9 weeks were exposed to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, di-n-butyl phthalate, or their mixture (di-n-butyl phthalate + di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) at 2.5 mg/kg/day or vehicle for 40 days (equivalent to one spermatogenic cycle) via surgically implanted osmotic pumps. Caudal epididymal spermatozoa were extracted and analyzed for motility using computer-assisted sperm analyses. Sperm phosphorylation of protein kinase A substrates and tyrosine phosphorylation, markers of early and late capacitation events, respectively, were analyzed by Western blots. In vitro fertilization was used to evaluate the sperm fertilizing capacity. RESULTS While the study did not reveal any significant differences in sperm motility and fertilization potential, abnormal sperm morphology was observed in all phthalate exposures, particularly in the phthalate mixture group. In addition, the study revealed significant differences in sperm concentration between control and exposed groups. Moreover, protein phosphorylation of protein kinase A substrates was decreased in the di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and mixture exposure groups, while no significant changes in protein tyrosine phosphorylation were observed in any of the groups. Assessment of the reproductive functionality did not reveal significant effects on in vitro fertilization and early embryo development rates but showed wide variability in the phthalate mixture group. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that preconception phthalate exposure affects sperm numbers and phosphorylation of protein kinase A substrates involved in capacitation. Future research is warranted to examine the associations between phthalate exposure and capacitation in human spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayatri Mohanty
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA
| | - Darya A. Tourzani
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA
| | - María G. Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA
| | - Emily Houle
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Oladele Oluwayiose
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Alexander Suvorov
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA
| | - J. Richard Pilsner
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Pablo E. Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA
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18
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Zhang M, Chiozzi RZ, Bromfield EG, Heck AJR, Helms JB, Gadella BM. Characterization of acrosin and acrosin binding protein as novel CRISP2 interacting proteins in boar spermatozoa. Andrology 2023; 11:1460-1471. [PMID: 36815564 PMCID: PMC10947329 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previously, we reported that cysteine-rich secretory protein 2 is involved in high molecular weight complexes in boar spermatozoa. These cysteine-rich secretory protein 2protein complexes are formed at the last phase of sperm formation in the testis and play a role in sperm shaping and functioning. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to identify cysteine-rich secretory protein 2 interacting partners. These binding partner interactions were investigated under different conditions, namely, non-capacitating conditions, after the induction of in vitro sperm capacitation and subsequently during an ionophore A23187-induced acrosome reaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS The incubated pig sperm samples were subjected to protein extraction. Extracted proteins were subjected to blue native gel electrophoresis and native immunoblots. Immunoreactive gel bands were excised and subjected to liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis for protein identification. Protein extracts were also subjected to CRISP2 immunoprecipitation and analyzed by LC-MS for protein identification. The most prominent cystein-rich secretory protein 2 interacting proteins that appeared in both independent LC-MS analyses were studied with a functional in situ proximity interaction assay to validate their property to interact with cystein-rich secretory protein 2 in pig sperm. RESULTS Blue native gel electrophoresis and native immunoblots revealed that cystein-rich secretory protein 2 was present within a ∼150 kDa protein complex under all three conditions. Interrogation of cystein-rich secretory-protein 2-immunoreactive bands from blue native gels as well as cystein-rich secretory protein 2 immunoprecipitated products using mass spectrometry consistently revealed that, beyond cystein-rich secretory protein 2, acrosin and acrosin binding protein were among the most abundant interacting proteins and did interact under all three conditions. Co-immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting indicated that cystein-rich secretory protein 2 interacted with pro-acrosin (∼53 kDa) and Aacrosin binding protein under all three conditions and additionally to acrosin (∼35 kDa) after capacitation and the acrosome reaction. The colocalization of these interacting proteins with cystein-rich secretory protein 2 was assessed via in situ proximity ligation assays. The colocalization signal of cystein-rich secretory protein 2 and acrosin in the acrosome seemed dispersed after capacitation but was consistently present in the sperm tail under all conditions. The fluorescent foci of cystein-rich secretory protein 2 and acrsin binding protein colocalization appeared to be redistributed within the sperm head from the anterior acrosome to the post-acrosomal sheath region upon capacitation. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION These results suggest that CRISP2 may act as a scaffold for protein complex formation and dissociation to ensure the correct positioning of proteins required for the acrosome reaction and zona pellucida penetration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- Department of Biomolecular Health SciencesFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Riccardo Zenezini Chiozzi
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and ProteomicsBijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical SciencesUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
- Netherlands Proteomics CentreUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Department of Biomolecular Health SciencesFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive ScienceSchool of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Albert JR Heck
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and ProteomicsBijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical SciencesUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
- Netherlands Proteomics CentreUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - J Bernd Helms
- Department of Biomolecular Health SciencesFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Bart M Gadella
- Department of Biomolecular Health SciencesFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
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19
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Lee WJ, Jo JH, Jang SI, Jung EJ, Hwang JM, Bae JW, Ha JJ, Kim DH, Kwon WS. The natural flavonoid compound deguelin suppresses sperm (Sus Scrofa) functions through abnormal activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 120:108426. [PMID: 37353039 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Deguelin is a natural flavonoid extracted from plants belonging to the Lonchocarpus, Derris, or Tephrosia genera. It inhibits AKT activity in tumors and has the potential to be used as a treatment for malignant tumors. However, the risks associated with the use of deguelin on male fertility have not yet been explained in detail. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of deguelin on sperm functions during capacitation. First, boar spermatozoa were exposed to different concentrations of deguelin (0.1, 1, 10, 50, and 100 μM). Next, sperm functional assessments, such as sperm motility, capacitation status, intracellular ATP level, and cell viability, were performed. The expression levels of PI3K/AKT-related proteins and the phosphorylation of their tyrosine residues were also evaluated by western blotting. No significant difference was observed in cell viability; however, deguelin considerably decreased sperm motility and motion kinematics in a dose-dependent manner. Although no significant difference was observed in the capacitation status, acrosome reaction decreased at high concentrations of deguelin (50 and 100 μM). Furthermore, intracellular ATP levels were significantly decreased in all deguelin treatment groups compared with those in the control group. Results of western blotting revealed that deguelin substantially diminished tyrosine phosphorylation. Interestingly, in contrast to previous studies showing that deguelin inhibits AKT activity, our results showed that it increased the expression of PI3K/AKT pathway-related proteins. Collectively, these findings indicate that deguelin exerts negative effects on sperm functions due to abnormal PI3K/AKT signaling activation. We believe that this is the first study to provide evidence that deguelin can regulate sperm functions independent of PI3K/AKT pathway inhibition. Furthermore, its detrimental effects on male fertility should be considered while developing or using deguelin as a therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Jin Lee
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, the Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hwan Jo
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, the Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Ik Jang
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, the Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ju Jung
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, the Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Mi Hwang
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, the Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Won Bae
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, the Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Jung Ha
- Gyeongbuk Livestock Research Institute, Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 36052, the Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Hyun Kim
- Gyeongbuk Livestock Research Institute, Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 36052, the Republic of Korea.
| | - Woo-Sung Kwon
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, the Republic of Korea; Department of Animal Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, the Republic of Korea; Research Center for Horse Industry, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 37224, the Republic of Korea.
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20
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Yi S, Feng Y, Wang Y, Ma F. Sialylation: fate decision of mammalian sperm development, fertilization, and male fertility†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:137-155. [PMID: 37379321 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm development, maturation, and successful fertilization within the female reproductive tract are intricate and orderly processes that involve protein translation and post-translational modifications. Among these modifications, sialylation plays a crucial role. Any disruptions occurring throughout the sperm's life cycle can result in male infertility, yet our current understanding of this process remains limited. Conventional semen analysis often fails to diagnose some infertility cases associated with sperm sialylation, emphasizing the need to comprehend and investigate the characteristics of sperm sialylation. This review reanalyzes the significance of sialylation in sperm development and fertilization and evaluates the impact of sialylation damage on male fertility under pathological conditions. Sialylation serves a vital role in the life journey of sperm, providing a negatively charged glycocalyx and enriching the molecular structure of the sperm surface, which is beneficial to sperm reversible recognition and immune interaction. These characteristics are particularly crucial during sperm maturation and fertilization within the female reproductive tract. Moreover, enhancing the understanding of the mechanism underlying sperm sialylation can promote the development of relevant clinical indicators for infertility detection and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi Yi
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Feng
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fang Ma
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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21
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Ribeiro JC, Bernardino RL, Gonçalves A, Barros A, Calamita G, Alves MG, Oliveira PF. Aquaporin-7-Mediated Glycerol Permeability Is Linked to Human Sperm Motility in Asthenozoospermia and during Sperm Capacitation. Cells 2023; 12:2003. [PMID: 37566082 PMCID: PMC10416866 DOI: 10.3390/cells12152003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Osmoregulation plays a vital role in sperm function, encompassing spermatogenesis, maturation, and fertilization. Aquaglyceroporins, a subclass of aquaporins (AQPs), facilitate the transport of water and glycerol across the sperm membrane, with glycerol serving as an important substrate for sperm bioenergetics. This study aimed to elucidate the significance of AQP-mediated glycerol permeability in sperm motility. The presence and localization of AQP3 and AQP7 in human sperm were assessed using immunofluorescence. Subsequently, the glycerol permeability of spermatozoa obtained from normozoospermic individuals (n = 30) was measured, using stopped-flow light scattering, after incubation with specific aquaporin inhibitors targeting AQP3 (DFP00173), AQP7 (Z433927330), or general aquaglyceroporin (phloretin). Sperm from asthenozoospermic men (n = 30) were utilized to evaluate the AQP7-mediated glycerol permeability, and to compare it with that of normozoospermic men. Furthermore, hypermotile capacitated sperm cells were examined, to determine the AQP7 expression and membrane glycerol permeability. AQP3 was predominantly observed in the tail region, while AQP7 was present in the head, midpiece, and tail of human sperm. Our findings indicate that AQP7 plays a key role in glycerol permeability, as the inhibition of AQP7 resulted in a 55% decrease in glycerol diffusion across the sperm membrane. Importantly, this glycerol permeability impairment was evident in spermatozoa from asthenozoospermic individuals, suggesting the dysregulation of AQP7-mediated glycerol transport, despite similar AQP7 levels. Conversely, the AQP7 expression increased in capacitated sperm, compared to non-capacitated sperm. Hence, AQP7-mediated permeability may serve as a valuable indicator of sperm motility, and be crucial in sperm function.
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Affiliation(s)
- João C. Ribeiro
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (J.C.R.); (R.L.B.)
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- LAQV-REQUIMTE and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3010-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Raquel L. Bernardino
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (J.C.R.); (R.L.B.)
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Gonçalves
- Centre for Reproductive Genetics Professor Alberto Barros, 4100-012 Porto, Portugal (A.B.)
| | - Alberto Barros
- Centre for Reproductive Genetics Professor Alberto Barros, 4100-012 Porto, Portugal (A.B.)
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Giuseppe Calamita
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy;
| | - Marco G. Alves
- iBiMED-Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
| | - Pedro F. Oliveira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3010-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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22
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Kern C, Wu W, Lu C, Zhang J, Zhao Y, Ocon-Grove OM, Sutovsky P, Diaz F, Liu WS. Role of the bovine PRAMEY protein in sperm function during in vitro fertilization (IVF). Cell Tissue Res 2023; 391:577-594. [PMID: 36527485 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03717-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) is a cancer/testis antigen (CTA) that is predominantly expressed in normal male gonad tissues and a variety of tumors. PRAME proteins are present in the acrosome and sperm tail, but their role in sperm function is unknown. The objective of this study was to examine the function of the bovine Y-linked PRAME (PRAMEY) during spermatozoal capacitation, the acrosome reaction (AR), and fertilization. Freshly ejaculated spermatozoa were induced to capacitate and undergo AR in vitro. Western blotting results revealed a decrease in the PRAMEY protein in capacitated spermatozoa, and the release of the PRAMEY protein from the acrosome during the AR, suggesting its involvement in sperm capacitation and AR. IVF was performed using in vitro matured bovine oocytes and cauda epididymal spermatozoa either treated with PRAMEY antibody, rabbit IgG, or DPBS. Sperm-egg binding and early embryos were examined at 6 and 45 h post IVF, respectively. The number of spermatozoa that bound per oocyte was nearly two-fold greater in the PRAMEY antibody treatment group (34.4) when compared to both the rabbit IgG (17.6) and DPBS (18.1) controls (P < 0.01). Polyspermy rate in the antibody-treated group (18.9%) was three-fold greater than the rabbit IgG control (6.0%) (P < 0.01). The results indicate that PRAMEY may play a role in anti-polyspermy defense. This study thus provides the initial evidence for the involvement of the PRAME protein family in sperm function and fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandlar Kern
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health (CRBH), College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, 311 AVBS Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Weiwei Wu
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health (CRBH), College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, 311 AVBS Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Animal Science Institute, Xinjiang Academy of Agriculture Science, Xinjiang, China
| | - Chen Lu
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health (CRBH), College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, 311 AVBS Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianbin Zhang
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health (CRBH), College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, 311 AVBS Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Department of Animal Science, Tianjin Agriculture University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yaqi Zhao
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health (CRBH), College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, 311 AVBS Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Olga Maria Ocon-Grove
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health (CRBH), College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, 311 AVBS Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Actuated Medical, Inc., PA, Bellefonte, USA
| | - Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences, and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Francisco Diaz
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health (CRBH), College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, 311 AVBS Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Wan-Sheng Liu
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health (CRBH), College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, 311 AVBS Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
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23
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Wang HY, Shen YR, Tsai YC, Wu SR, Wang CY, Kuo PL. Proper phosphorylation of septin 12 regulates septin 4 and soluble adenylyl cyclase expression to induce sperm capacitation. J Cell Physiol 2023; 238:597-609. [PMID: 36715674 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Septin-based ring complexes maintain the sperm annulus. Defective annular structures are observed in the sperm of Sept12- and Sept4-null mice. In addition, sperm capacitation, a process required for proper fertilization, is inhibited in Sept4-null mice, implying that the sperm annulus might play a role in controlling sperm capacitation. Hence, we analyzed sperm capacitation of sperm obtained from SEPT12 Ser196 phosphomimetic (S196E), phosphorylation-deficient (S196A), and SEPT4-depleted mutant mice. Capacitation was reduced in the sperm of both the Sept12 S196E- and Sept12 S196A-knock-in mice. The protein levels of septins, namely, SEPT4 and SEPT12, were upregulated, and these proteins were concentrated in the sperm annulus during capacitation. Importantly, the expression of soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC), a key enzyme that initiates capacitation, was upregulated, and sAC was recruited to the sperm annulus following capacitation stimulation. We further found that SEPT12, SEPT4, and sAC formed a complex and colocalized to the sperm annulus. Additionally, sAC expression was reduced and disappeared in the annulus of the SEPT12 S196E- and S196A-mutant mouse sperm. In the sperm of the SEPT4-knockout mice, sAC did not localize to the annulus. Thus, our data demonstrate that SEPT12 phosphorylation status and SEPT4 activity jointly regulate sAC protein levels and annular localization to induce sperm capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Yu Wang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ru Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Chieh Tsai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sport Management, and Biotechnology, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shang-Rung Wu
- Institute of Oral Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yih Wang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Pao-Lin Kuo
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Sanchez-Rodriguez A, Sansegundo E, Tourmente M, Roldan ERS. Effect of High Viscosity on Energy Metabolism and Kinematics of Spermatozoa from Three Mouse Species Incubated under Capacitating Conditions. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315247. [PMID: 36499575 PMCID: PMC9737050 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to sustain motility and prepare for fertilization, sperm require energy. The characterization of sperm ATP production and usage in mouse species revealed substantial differences in metabolic pathways that can be differentially affected by capacitation. Moreover, spermatozoa encounter different environments with varying viscoelastic properties in the female reproductive tract. Here, we examine whether viscosity affects sperm ATP levels and kinematics during capacitation in vitro. Sperm from three mouse species (Mus musculus, M. spretus, M. spicilegus) were incubated under capacitating conditions in a modified Tyrode's medium containing bicarbonate, glucose, pyruvate, lactate, and bovine serum albumin (mT-BH) or in a bicarbonate-free medium as a non-capacitating control. Viscosity was increased with the inclusion of polyvinylpyrrolidone. ATP was measured with a bioluminescence kit, and kinematics were examined with a computer-aided sperm analysis system. In M. musculus sperm, ATP declined during capacitation, but no differences were found between non-capacitating and capacitating sperm. In contrast, in M. spretus and M. spicilegus, ATP levels decreased in capacitating sperm. Increasing viscosity in the medium did not modify the timing or proportion of cells undergoing capacitation but did result in additional time- and concentration-dependent decreases in ATP in M. spretus and M. spicilegus under capacitating conditions. Additionally, increased viscosity altered both velocity and trajectory descriptors. The limited impact of capacitation and higher viscosity on M. musculus sperm ATP and kinematics could be related to the low intensity of postcopulatory sexual selection in this species. Responses seen in the other two species could be linked to the ability of their sperm to perform better under enhanced selective pressures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sanchez-Rodriguez
- Departmento de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ester Sansegundo
- Departmento de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maximiliano Tourmente
- Departmento de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (FCEFyN—UNC), Córdoba X5016GCA, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IIByT—CONICET, UNC), Córdoba X5016GCA, Argentina
| | - Eduardo R. S. Roldan
- Departmento de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence:
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25
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Iniesta-Cuerda M, Havránková J, Řimnáčová H, García-Álvarez O, Nevoral J. Male SIRT1 insufficiency leads to sperm with decreased ability to hyperactivate and fertilize. Reprod Domest Anim 2022; 57 Suppl 5:72-77. [PMID: 35668641 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Deficient sperm motility is a frequent cause of the age-related male sub-/infertility. Since the protein sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) develops anti-aging action and participates in sperm motility and ATP synthesis in mitochondria, we investigated its role in the acquisition of hyperactivated motility during capacitation. For this, the dynamics of sperm subpopulations were studied, using males of Sirt1+/- heterozygous mutant mice. After 2 hr of capacitation, we observed reduced percentage of hyperactivated spermatozoa in Sirt1+/- males. Interestingly, prior to capacitation, Sirt1+/- spermatozoa showed higher mitochondrial superoxide levels, which could render mitochondrial injury and thereby motility defects. Accordingly, the fertilization rate of Sirt1+/- males after mating was decreased. We elucidated that SIRT1 male insufficiency underlies posterior sperm defects to hyperactivate during capacitation and propose Sirt1+/- males as a model for the study of the age-related infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Iniesta-Cuerda
- Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Jiřina Havránková
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Hedvika Řimnáčová
- Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Olga García-Álvarez
- ETSIA Ciudad Real (UCLM), Ciudad Real, Spain
- SaBio IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), ETSIAM, Albacete, Spain
| | - Jan Nevoral
- Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
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26
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Zeng F, Wang M, Li J, Li C, Pan X, Meng L, Li L, Wei H, Zhang S. Involvement of Porcine β-Defensin 129 in Sperm Capacitation and Rescue of Poor Sperm in Genital Tract Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169441. [PMID: 36012708 PMCID: PMC9409293 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, β-defensins have been reported to play pivotal roles in sperm protection and fertilization. However, the function and mechanism of porcine β-defensin 129 (pBD129) in the sperm remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that pBD129 is a glycosylated protein and broadly exists in accessory sex glands and coats the sperm surface. We inhibited the pBD129 protein on the sperm surface with an anti-pBD129 antibody and found that sperm motility was not significantly affected; however, sperm acrosome integrity and tyrosine phosphorylation levels increased significantly with time (p < 0.05) during capacitation. These changes were accompanied by an increase in sperm Ca2+ influx, resulting in a significantly reduced in vitro fertilization cleavage rate (p < 0.05). Further investigation revealed that treatment with recombinant pBD129 markedly restored the sperm motility in semen contaminated with Escherichia coli. The results suggest that pBD129 is not only associated with poor sperm motility after genital tract infection but can also protect the spermatozoa from premature capacitation, which may be beneficial for semen preservation.
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27
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Vanderkooi SC, Zhao Y, Lima PDA, Kan FWK. Recombinant human OVGP1 increases intracellular calcium and further potentiates the effects of progesterone on human sperm. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:2287-2301. [PMID: 35972586 PMCID: PMC9596666 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02591-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the effects of recombinant human oviduct–specific glycoprotein (rHuOVGP1) alone and in combination with progesterone (P4) on intracellular Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+]i and to investigate if rHuOVGP1 in combination with P4 can further enhance tyrosine phosphorylation (pY) of sperm proteins during human sperm capacitation. Methods Fluorometric flow cytometry was performed to examine the effects of rHuOVGP1 on [Ca2+]i in human sperm during capacitation. Confocal microscopy was used in conjunction with live cell imaging to analyze the influence of rHuOVGP1 and P4 on [Ca2+]i in the sperm tail and to examine the involvement of CatSper channels in their effect on [Ca2+]i. Western blot analysis was performed to assess the protein levels of p105, a major tyrosine-phosphorylated sperm protein. Results rHuOVGP1 increases [Ca2+]i in human sperm at the beginning of capacitation and further increases and sustains the level of [Ca2+]i in the sperm tail following the addition of P4. Inhibition of CatSper channels impedes the effects of rHuOVGP1 on [Ca2+]i in the sperm tail. P4 alone can increase pY of a major human sperm protein, p105, yet yields a further increase when used in combination with rHuOVGP1. Conclusion The present study revealed that rHuOVGP1 may work with P4 to upregulate [Ca2+]i at the beginning of capacitation in part through CatSper channels which, in turn, leads to the downstream event of pY of sperm proteins and enhancement of sperm capacitation. Supplementary information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10815-022-02591-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney C Vanderkooi
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Yuewen Zhao
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada
- Yale Fertility Center, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, Orange, Connecticut, 06477, USA
| | - Patricia D A Lima
- Queen's CardioPulmonary Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Frederick W K Kan
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada.
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28
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Reyes-San-Martin C, Hamoh T, Zhang Y, Berendse L, Klijn C, Li R, Llumbet AE, Sigaeva A, Kawałko J, Mzyk A, Schirhagl R. Nanoscale MRI for Selective Labeling and Localized Free Radical Measurements in the Acrosomes of Single Sperm Cells. ACS Nano 2022; 16:10701-10710. [PMID: 35771989 PMCID: PMC9331174 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c02511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Free radicals play a major role in sperm development, including maturation and fertilization, but they are also linked to infertility. Since they are short-lived and reactive, they are challenging to detect with state of the art methodologies. Thus, many details surrounding their role remain unknown. One unknown factor is the source of radicals that plays a role in the sperm maturation process. Two alternative sources have been postulated: First, the NADPH-oxidase system embedded in the plasma membrane (NOX5) and second, the NADH-dependent oxidoreductase of mitochondria. Due to a lack of localized measurements, the relative contribution of each source for capacitation remains unknown. To answer this question, we use a technique called diamond magnetometry, which allows nanoscale MRI to perform localized free radical detection. With this tool, we were able to quantify radical formation in the acrosome of sperm heads. This allowed us to quantify radical formation locally in real time during capacitation. We further investigated how different inhibitors or triggers alter the radical generation. We were able to identify NOX5 as the prominent source of radical generation in capacitation while the NADH-dependent oxidoreductase of mitochondria seems to play a smaller role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Reyes-San-Martin
- Groningen
University, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AW Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Thamir Hamoh
- Groningen
University, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AW Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Yue Zhang
- Groningen
University, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AW Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lotte Berendse
- Groningen
University, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AW Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Carline Klijn
- Groningen
University, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AW Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Runrun Li
- Groningen
University, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AW Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Arturo E. Llumbet
- Groningen
University, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AW Groningen, The Netherlands
- Laboratory
of Genomics of Germ Cells, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Faculty
of Medicine, University of Chile, Independencia, 1027, Independencia, Santiago 8380000, Chile
| | - Alina Sigaeva
- Groningen
University, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AW Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jakub Kawałko
- AGH
University of Science and Technology, Academic Centre for Materials and Nanotechnology, Al. A. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
| | - Aldona Mzyk
- Groningen
University, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AW Groningen, The Netherlands
- Institute
of Metallurgy and Materials Science, Polish
Academy of Sciences, Reymonta 25, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
| | - Romana Schirhagl
- Groningen
University, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AW Groningen, The Netherlands
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29
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Zigo M, Kerns K, Sen S, Essien C, Oko R, Xu D, Sutovsky P. Zinc is a master-regulator of sperm function associated with binding, motility, and metabolic modulation during porcine sperm capacitation. Commun Biol 2022; 5:538. [PMID: 35660793 PMCID: PMC9166710 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03485-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm capacitation is a post-testicular maturation step endowing spermatozoa with fertilizing capacity within the female reproductive tract, significant for fertility, reproductive health, and contraception. Recently discovered mammalian sperm zinc signatures and their changes during sperm in vitro capacitation (IVC) warranted a more in-depth study of zinc interacting proteins (further zincoproteins). Here, we identified 1752 zincoproteins, with 102 changing significantly in abundance (P < 0.05) after IVC. These are distributed across 8 molecular functions, 16 biological processes, and 22 protein classes representing 130 pathways. Two key, paradigm-shifting observations were made: i) during sperm capacitation, molecular functions of zincoproteins are both upregulated and downregulated within several molecular function categories; and ii) Huntington's and Parkinson's disease pathways were the two most represented, making spermatozoon a candidate model for studying neurodegenerative diseases. These findings highlight the importance of Zn2+ homeostasis in reproduction, offering new avenues in semen processing for human-assisted reproductive therapy, identification of somatic-reproductive comorbidities, and livestock breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Zigo
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
| | - Karl Kerns
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Sidharth Sen
- Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA
| | - Clement Essien
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Richard Oko
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3 N6, Canada
| | - Dong Xu
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
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30
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Schiavi-Ehrenhaus LJ, Romarowski A, Jabloñski M, Krapf D, Luque GM, Buffone MG. The early molecular events leading to COFILIN phosphorylation during mouse sperm capacitation are essential for acrosomal exocytosis. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101988. [PMID: 35487245 PMCID: PMC9142561 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The actin cytoskeleton reorganization during sperm capacitation is essential for the occurrence of acrosomal exocytosis (AR) in several mammalian species. Here, we demonstrate that in mouse sperm, within the first minutes of exposure upon capacitating conditions, the activity of RHOA/C and RAC1 is essential for LIMK1 and COFILIN phosphorylation. However, we observed that the signaling pathway involving RAC1 and PAK4 is the main player in controlling actin polymerization in the sperm head necessary for the occurrence of AR. Moreover, we show that the transient phosphorylation of COFILIN is also influenced by the Slingshot family of protein phosphatases (SSH1). The activity of SSH1 is regulated by the dual action of two pathways. On one hand, RHOA/C and RAC1 activity promotes SSH1 phosphorylation (inactivation). On the other hand, the activating dephosphorylation is driven by okadaic acid-sensitive phosphatases. This regulatory mechanism is independent of the commonly observed activating mechanisms involving PP2B and emerges as a new finely tuned modulation that is, so far, exclusively observed in mouse sperm. However, persistent phosphorylation of COFILIN by SSH1 inhibition or okadaic acid did not altered actin polymerization and the AR. Altogether, our results highlight the role of small GTPases in modulating actin dynamics required for AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza J Schiavi-Ehrenhaus
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana Romarowski
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Martina Jabloñski
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Darío Krapf
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Guillermina M Luque
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Mariano G Buffone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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31
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Hu QM, Li SS, Yang YX, Li MY, He JY, He Q. [Effects of bisphenol A exposure on proteins tyrosine phosphorylation in mammalian sperm]. Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao 2022; 33:1131-1136. [PMID: 35543069 DOI: 10.13287/j.1001-9332.202206.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic estrogen compound, which widely exists in the environment, interferes with mammalian endocrine and affects the function of reproductive system of males. Taking fresh sperm of boar, 17 ℃ preservation boar sperm, and mouse sperm as test materials, we examined the effects of BPA (0, 0.1,1,10,100 μmol∙L-1) on proteins tyrosine phosphorylation in sperm and the molecular mechanism by using wes-tern blot (WB) and immunofluorescence techniques coupled to in vitro culture method. The results showed that low BPA concentration (0.1, 1 μmol∙L-1) markedly accelerated the protein tyrosine phosphorylation of fresh boar capacitated sperm. However, the tyrosine phosphorylation of boar sperm decreased in high BPA concentration (10, 100 μmol∙L-1). The tyrosine phosphorylation of the mouse sperm raised with the increases of BPA concentration. Moreover, BPA affected different kinds of proteins related to tyrosine phosphorylation modification of porcine and mouse sperm capacitation, suggesting that the effect of BPA exposure on mammalian sperm was species-specific. Furthermore, the results of immunofluorescence showed that the effects of BPA on protein tyrosine phosphorylation in sperm mainly occurred in the middle and principal piece of flagellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Meng Hu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Diversity, College of Life Sciences, Langfang Normal University, Langfang 065000, Hebei, China
| | - Shan-Shan Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Diversity, College of Life Sciences, Langfang Normal University, Langfang 065000, Hebei, China
| | - Yu-Xin Yang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Diversity, College of Life Sciences, Langfang Normal University, Langfang 065000, Hebei, China
| | - Meng-Yu Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Diversity, College of Life Sciences, Langfang Normal University, Langfang 065000, Hebei, China
| | - Jian-Yun He
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Diversity, College of Life Sciences, Langfang Normal University, Langfang 065000, Hebei, China
| | - Qun He
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Diversity, College of Life Sciences, Langfang Normal University, Langfang 065000, Hebei, China
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32
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Lin T, Zhang S, Zhou Y, Wu L, Liu X, Huang H. Small RNA perspective of physical exercise-related improvement of male reproductive dysfunction due to obesity. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1038449. [PMID: 36531465 PMCID: PMC9756842 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1038449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To study whether physical exercise can effectively ameliorate obesity-induced abnormalities in male fertility and provide a new perspective on the role of small noncoding RNAs in spermatogenesis in obese male mice. METHODS In this study, four-week-old C57/Bl6 male mice were randomly allocated to receive a control diet, a high-fat diet or physical exercise intervention for 40 weeks. Purified round spermatids and spermatozoa were obtained after intervention. Sperm motility, concentration, the ability of the sperm to undergo capacitation and acrosome reaction were assessed. Small RNA sequencing was conducted on round spermatids and spermatozoa. The small noncoding RNAs expression pattern was systematically analyzed. RESULTS The spermatozoa concentration and percentage of motile spermatozoa, the capacitation and acrosome reaction, and the reproductive success rate, including mating success and pregnancy success, were decreased or delayed in the obesity group compared with controls. Physical exercise was able to restore the parameters to normal levels. Three microRNAs were consistently upregulated and 5 were downregulated in round spermatids and epididymal spermatozoa between the obesity and control groups. CONCLUSIONS This report provides evidence that the adverse effects of obesity could be offset after physical exercise. small noncoding RNAs, especially microRNAs in germ cells, may play an important role in the effects of obesity and physical exercise on spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Lin
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuyu Zhang
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuchuan Zhou
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Ligang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences–University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinmei Liu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Hefeng Huang, ; Xinmei Liu,
| | - Hefeng Huang
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education), Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Hefeng Huang, ; Xinmei Liu,
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33
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Morcillo i Soler P, Hidalgo C, Fekete Z, Zalanyi L, Khalil ISM, Yeste M, Magdanz V. Bundle formation of sperm: Influence of environmental factors. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:957684. [PMID: 36299459 PMCID: PMC9591104 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.957684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cooperative behaviour of sperm is one of the mechanisms that plays a role in sperm competition. It has been observed in several species that spermatozoa interact with each other to form agglomerates or bundles. In this study, we investigate the effect of physical and biochemical factors that will most likely promote bundle formation in bull sperm. These factors include fluid viscosity, swim-up process, post-thaw incubation time and media additives which promote capacitation. While viscosity does not seem to influence the degree of sperm bundling, swim-up, post-thaw migration time and suppressed capacitation increase the occurrence of sperm bundles. This leads to the conclusion that sperm bundling is a result of hydrodynamic and adhesive interactions between the cells which occurs frequently during prolonged incubation times.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlos Hidalgo
- Centro de Biotecnológia Animal SERIDA-DEVA-GIJON, Gijón, Spain
| | - Zoltán Fekete
- ONGO Vettech Ltd., Martonvásár, Hungary
- Faculty of Information Technology & Bionics, Pazmany Peter Catholic University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Laszlo Zalanyi
- ONGO Vettech Ltd., Martonvásár, Hungary
- Department of Computational Sciences, Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Islam S. M. Khalil
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Marc Yeste
- University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Veronika Magdanz
- Smart Nanobiodevices Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
- Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Veronika Magdanz,
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34
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Hwang JM, Bae JW, Jung EJ, Lee WJ, Kwon WS. Novaluron Has Detrimental Effects on Sperm Functions. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 19:ijerph19010061. [PMID: 35010320 PMCID: PMC8751217 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Although novaluron is an insect growth regulator with a low mammalian acute toxicity and a low risk to the environment and nontarget organisms, toxic effects of novaluron have been reported. However, no studies have yet evaluated the effect of novaluron on reproduction. Therefore, we examined the effects of novaluron on sperm functions. The spermatozoa of ICR mice were incubated with various concentrations of novaluron to induce capacitation. Then, sperm motion parameters and capacitation status were evaluated using CASA program and H33258/chlortetracycline staining. In addition, PKA activity and tyrosine phosphorylation were evaluated by Western blotting. After exposure, various sperm motion parameters were significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner. The acrosome reaction was also significantly decreased in the high concentration groups. Sperm viability was significantly reduced at the highest concentration. In addition, PKA activity and tyrosine phosphorylation were also significantly altered. Thus, novaluron affects sperm viability, sperm motility, and motion kinematics during capacitation. Furthermore, it may promote the reduction in acrosome reactions. The physiological suppression of sperm function may depend on abnormal tyrosine phosphorylation via the alteration of PKA activity. Therefore, we suggest that it is necessary to consider reproductive toxicity when using novaluron as a pesticide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Mi Hwang
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Korea; (J.-M.H.); (J.-W.B.); (W.-J.L.)
| | - Jeong-Won Bae
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Korea; (J.-M.H.); (J.-W.B.); (W.-J.L.)
| | - Eun-Ju Jung
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Korea;
| | - Woo-Jin Lee
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Korea; (J.-M.H.); (J.-W.B.); (W.-J.L.)
| | - Woo-Sung Kwon
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Korea; (J.-M.H.); (J.-W.B.); (W.-J.L.)
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Korea;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-54-530-1942
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35
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Robles-Gómez L, Sáez-Espinosa P, López-Viloria EM, López-Botella A, Aizpurua J, Gómez-Torres MJ. Quantification and Topographical Distribution of Terminal and Linked Fucose Residues in Human Spermatozoa by Using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM). Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111947. [PMID: 34769375 PMCID: PMC8584901 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The modification of sperm glycocalyx is an essential process during sperm capacitation. The presence and redistribution of terminal and linked fucose have been described during in vitro capacitation in humans. However, the influence of the capacitation time on the quantification and localization of terminal and linked fucose is still unknown. In this study, the quantitative and qualitative changes in fucosyl residues during different in vitro capacitation times (1 and 4 h), are simultaneously characterized by using Aleuria aurantia (AAA) lectin-gold labelling and high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) in human sperm. A significant decrease was found in the number of terminal fucose registered in the whole sperm head during the in vitro capacitation. Nevertheless, the quantification of fucose residues after 1 h of in vitro capacitation was very similar to those found after 4 h. Therefore, the changes observed in terminal and linked fucose during capacitation were not time-dependent. Furthermore, the comprehensive analysis of the topographic distribution showed the preferential fucosyl location in the acrosomal region and the presence of distinct clusters distributed over the head in all the studied conditions. Overall, these findings corroborate the validity of FE-SEM combined with gold labelling to register changes in surface molecules during in vitro sperm capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Robles-Gómez
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Universidad de Alicante, 03080 Alicante, Spain; (L.R.-G.); (P.S.-E.); (E.M.L.-V.); (A.L.-B.)
| | - Paula Sáez-Espinosa
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Universidad de Alicante, 03080 Alicante, Spain; (L.R.-G.); (P.S.-E.); (E.M.L.-V.); (A.L.-B.)
| | - Eliana Marina López-Viloria
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Universidad de Alicante, 03080 Alicante, Spain; (L.R.-G.); (P.S.-E.); (E.M.L.-V.); (A.L.-B.)
| | - Andrea López-Botella
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Universidad de Alicante, 03080 Alicante, Spain; (L.R.-G.); (P.S.-E.); (E.M.L.-V.); (A.L.-B.)
| | - Jon Aizpurua
- IVF Spain, Reproductive Medicine, 03540 Alicante, Spain;
| | - María José Gómez-Torres
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Universidad de Alicante, 03080 Alicante, Spain; (L.R.-G.); (P.S.-E.); (E.M.L.-V.); (A.L.-B.)
- Cátedra Human Fertility, Universidad de Alicante, 03080 Alicante, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-965-903-878
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Abstract
In mammals, integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane glycoproteins that represent a large group of cell adhesion receptors involved in cell-cell, cell-extracellular matrix, and cell-pathogen interactions. Integrin receptors are an important part of signalization pathways and have an ability to transmit signals into and out of cells and participate in cell activation. In addition to somatic cells, integrins have also been detected on germ cells and are known to play a crucial role in complex gamete-specific physiological events, resulting in sperm-oocyte fusion. The main aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on integrins in reproduction and deliver novel perspectives and graphical interpretations presenting integrin subunits localization and their dynamic relocation during sperm maturation in comparison to the oocyte. A significant part of this review is devoted to discussing the existing view of the role of integrins during sperm migration through the female reproductive tract; oviductal reservoir formation; sperm maturation processes ensuing capacitation and the acrosome reaction, and their direct and indirect involvement in gamete membrane adhesion and fusion leading to fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Merc
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; (V.M.); (M.F.)
| | - Michaela Frolikova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; (V.M.); (M.F.)
| | - Katerina Komrskova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; (V.M.); (M.F.)
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vinicna 7, 128 44 Prague, Czech Republic
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37
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Wang RP, Wang XB, DU Q, Pan BC. [Extracellular vesicles: Their physiological functions related to sperm maturation, sperm motility and fertilization]. Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue 2021; 27:542-546. [PMID: 34914296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles are cell-to-cell communication tools that play important roles in sperm maturation, motility, and fertilization. Epididymosomes provide proteins, lipids, and genetic materials to sperm as the latter go through the epididymis, not only promoting sperm maturation, but also influencing sperm and offspring phenotypes at the epigenetic level. After ejaculation, prostasomes fuse with sperm, leading to changes in the composition of the sperm plasma membrane and the contents of sperm, which maintains the stability of the sperm plasma membrane and increases sperm motility as well. Uterosomes can enhance sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction. Oviductosomes participate in sperm capacitation and motility, provide non-coding RNA to sperm, and influence the development of embryos. However, studies on extracellular vesicles and spermatozoa are mostly based on animal experiments, and their applicability to humans remains to be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Peng Wang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, China
| | - Xiao-Bin Wang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, China
| | - Qiang DU
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, China
| | - Bo-Chen Pan
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, China
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38
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Ali MA, Wang Y, Qin Z, Yuan X, Zhang Y, Zeng C. Odorant and Taste Receptors in Sperm Chemotaxis and Cryopreservation: Roles and Implications in Sperm Capacitation, Motility and Fertility. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12040488. [PMID: 33801624 PMCID: PMC8065900 DOI: 10.3390/genes12040488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm chemotaxis, which guide sperm toward oocyte, is tightly associated with sperm capacitation, motility, and fertility. However, the molecular mechanism of sperm chemotaxis is not known. Reproductive odorant and taste receptors, belong to G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) super-family, cause an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration which is pre-requisite for sperm capacitation and acrosomal reaction, and result in sperm hyperpolarization and increase motility through activation of Ca2+-dependent Cl¯ channels. Recently, odorant receptors (ORs) in olfactory transduction pathway were thought to be associated with post-thaw sperm motility, freeze tolerance or freezability and cryo-capacitation-like change during cryopreservation. Investigation of the roles of odorant and taste receptors (TRs) is important for our understanding of the freeze tolerance or freezability mechanism and improve the motility and fertility of post-thaw sperm. Here, we reviewed the roles, mode of action, impact of odorant and taste receptors on sperm chemotaxis and post-thaw sperm quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malik Ahsan Ali
- College of Animal Science and Technology and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China; (Y.W.); (Z.Q.); (X.Y.); (Y.Z.)
- Department of Theriogenology, Riphah College of Veterinary Sciences, Lahore 54000, Punjab, Pakistan;
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Yihan Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China; (Y.W.); (Z.Q.); (X.Y.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Ziyue Qin
- College of Animal Science and Technology and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China; (Y.W.); (Z.Q.); (X.Y.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Xiang Yuan
- College of Animal Science and Technology and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China; (Y.W.); (Z.Q.); (X.Y.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yan Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China; (Y.W.); (Z.Q.); (X.Y.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Changjun Zeng
- College of Animal Science and Technology and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China; (Y.W.); (Z.Q.); (X.Y.); (Y.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +86-28-86291010
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Ge C, Feng N, Hu C, Tang Y, Li X, Wang X. Transwell isolation and difference analysis of capacitated boar sperm proteins based on the iTRAQ technique. Theriogenology 2021; 168:13-24. [PMID: 33839467 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
During capacitation, proteins in boar sperm are released to maintain the stability of their own state and membrane structure. No studies have analyzed the differences between retained proteins and released proteins during sperm capacitation. In the present study, a Transwell chamber and polycarbonate membrane were used to separate the proteins of boar sperm and their released proteins. Isotopically labeled relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) was used to analyze each compartment protein. A total of 108 differential proteins were identified in the upper and lower chambers of the Transwell, among which 27 were significantly upregulated (p-value≤0.05 and |log2 (fold change)|≥1) and 81 were significantly downregulated (p-value≤0.05 and |log2 (fold change)|≤1). These differential proteins were mainly involved in biological processes (e.g., the regulation of cysteine peptidase activity, transmembrane transportation, ion transportation and ATP synthesis) and major signaling pathways (e.g., glutathione/galactose metabolism, cellular adhesion and PI3K-Akt), and most of them interacted with each other to some extent. In conclusion, retained proteins and released proteins of capacitated sperm were effectively separated using a Transwell chamber, and differential proteins were successfully identified from among the proteins. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that these differential proteins affect sperm capacitation mainly by adjusting sperm energy metabolism, motion characteristics and acrosome membrane status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenling Ge
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China.
| | - Ni Feng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China.
| | - Chuanhuo Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China.
| | - Yinsheng Tang
- Guangxi Work Station of Livestock & Poultry Breed Improvement, Nanning, 530001, China.
| | - Xun Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China.
| | - Xiaoye Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China.
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Matamoros-Volante A, Castillo-Viveros V, Torres-Rodríguez P, Treviño MB, Treviño CL. Time-Lapse Flow Cytometry: A Robust Tool to Assess Physiological Parameters Related to the Fertilizing Capability of Human Sperm. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010093. [PMID: 33374265 PMCID: PMC7796328 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasma membrane (PM) hyperpolarization, increased intracellular pH (pHi), and changes in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) are physiological events that occur during human sperm capacitation. These parameters are potential predictors of successful outcomes for men undergoing artificial reproduction techniques (ARTs), but methods currently available for their determination pose various technical challenges and limitations. Here, we developed a novel strategy employing time-lapse flow cytometry (TLFC) to determine capacitation-related membrane potential (Em) and pHi changes, and progesterone-induced [Ca2+]i increases. Our results show that TLFC is a robust method to measure absolute Em and pHi values and to qualitatively evaluate [Ca2+]i changes. To support the usefulness of our methodology, we used sperm from two types of normozoospermic donors: known paternity (subjects with self-reported paternity) and no-known paternity (subjects without self-reported paternity and no known fertility problems). We found relevant differences between them. The incidences of membrane hyperpolarization, pHi alkalinization, and increased [Ca2+]i were consistently high among known paternity samples (100%, 100%, and 86%, respectively), while they varied widely among no-known paternity samples (44%, 17%, and 45%, respectively). Our results indicate that TLFC is a powerful tool to analyze key physiological parameters of human sperm, which pending clinical validation, could potentially be employed as fertility predictors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Matamoros-Volante
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos 62210, Mexico; (A.M.-V.); (V.C.-V.); (P.T.-R.)
| | - Valeria Castillo-Viveros
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos 62210, Mexico; (A.M.-V.); (V.C.-V.); (P.T.-R.)
| | - Paulina Torres-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos 62210, Mexico; (A.M.-V.); (V.C.-V.); (P.T.-R.)
| | - Marcela B. Treviño
- Science Department, School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Florida SouthWestern State College, Fort Myers, FL 33919, USA;
| | - Claudia L. Treviño
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos 62210, Mexico; (A.M.-V.); (V.C.-V.); (P.T.-R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-777-329-1611
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Kushawaha B, Yadav RS, Swain DK, Rai PK, Garg SK. Mercury-Induced Inhibition of Tyrosine Phosphorylation of Sperm Proteins and Altered Functional Dynamics of Buck Spermatozoa: an In Vitro Study. Biol Trace Elem Res 2020; 198:478-492. [PMID: 32064576 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-020-02077-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Present study was undertaken on buck spermatozoa to investigate the effect of mercuric chloride on functional dynamics of buck spermatozoa. Four different concentrations (0.031, 0.125, 0.25 and 1.25 μg/mL) of mercuric chloride, which were 1/40th, 1/10th, 1/5th and equivalent to the LC50 value of HgCl2, were selected for studying their effect following in vitro exposure for 15 min and 3 h. Exposure of spermatozoa to 0.031 μg/mL mercuric chloride for 3 h resulted in significant (p < 0.05) decrease in sperm motility, sperm having intact membrane, intact acrosome and high mitochondrial trans-membrane potential. However, following exposure to higher concentrations (0.25, 1.25 μg/mL), similar results were observed even after 15 min of exposure. HgCl2 significantly (p < 0.05) increased the levels of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species and significantly (p < 0.05) decreased total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase activity in spermatozoa within 15 min of exposure. Mercuric chloride-treated spermatozoa did not show capacitation, rather exhibited spontaneous acrosome reaction along with significant increase in intracellular Ca2+ and cAMP levels. Immuno-blotting of semen samples of control and 0.031 μg/mL mercury-treated groups showed low intensity bands of p55, p70, p80, p105 and p190 kDa tyrosine phosphorylation proteins while higher concentration-treated groups showed no such bands. Our findings evidently suggest that mercuric chloride even at 0.031 μg/mL adversely affected sperm functions, inhibited tyrosine phosphorylation proteins and capacitation due to oxidative stress. Spontaneous acrosome reaction (AR) in mercury-treated spermatozoa may possibly be due to increase in intracellular Ca2+ and cAMP levels, and capacitation failure may be due to inhibition of tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhawna Kushawaha
- College of Biotechnology, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, 281001, India.
- College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, 281001, India.
| | - Rajkumar Singh Yadav
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, 281001, India
- College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, 281001, India
| | - Dilip Kumar Swain
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, 281001, India
- College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, 281001, India
| | | | - Satish Kumar Garg
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, 281001, India
- College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, 281001, India
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Pachetti M, Zupin L, Venturin I, Mitri E, Boscolo R, D’Amico F, Vaccari L, Crovella S, Ricci G, Pascolo L. FTIR Spectroscopy to Reveal Lipid and Protein Changes Induced on Sperm by Capacitation: Bases for an Improvement of Sample Selection in ART. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228659. [PMID: 33212829 PMCID: PMC7698301 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although being a crucial step for Assisted Reproduction Technologies (ART) success, to date sperm selection is based only on morphology, motility and concentration characteristics. Considering the many possible alterations, there is a great need for analytical approaches allowing more effective sperm selections. The use of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) may represent an interesting possibility, being able to reveal many macromolecular changes in a single measurement in a nondestructive way. As a proof of concept, in this observational study, we used a FTIR approach to reveal features related to sperm quality and chemical changes promoted by in vitro capacitation. We found indication that α-helix content is increased in capacitated sperm, while high percentages of the β-structures seem to correlate to poor-quality spermatozoa. The most interesting observation was related to the lipid composition, when measured as CH2/CH3 vibrations (ratio 2853/2870), which resulted in being strongly influenced by capacitation and well correlated with sperm motility. Interestingly, this ratio is higher than 1 in infertile samples, suggesting that motility is related to sperm membranes stiffness and lipid composition. Although further analyses are requested, our results support the concept that FTIR can be proposed as a new smart diagnostic tool for semen quality assessment in ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pachetti
- Elettra—Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., SS14—km 163.5, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (M.P.); (I.V.); (E.M.); (F.D.); (L.V.)
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 2, 34143 Trieste, Italy
| | - Luisa Zupin
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (L.Z.); (R.B.); (G.R.)
| | - Irene Venturin
- Elettra—Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., SS14—km 163.5, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (M.P.); (I.V.); (E.M.); (F.D.); (L.V.)
| | - Elisa Mitri
- Elettra—Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., SS14—km 163.5, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (M.P.); (I.V.); (E.M.); (F.D.); (L.V.)
| | - Rita Boscolo
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (L.Z.); (R.B.); (G.R.)
| | - Francesco D’Amico
- Elettra—Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., SS14—km 163.5, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (M.P.); (I.V.); (E.M.); (F.D.); (L.V.)
| | - Lisa Vaccari
- Elettra—Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., SS14—km 163.5, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (M.P.); (I.V.); (E.M.); (F.D.); (L.V.)
| | - Sergio Crovella
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Qatar, P.O. Box 2713 Doha, Qatar;
| | - Giuseppe Ricci
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (L.Z.); (R.B.); (G.R.)
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Lorella Pascolo
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (L.Z.); (R.B.); (G.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-040-378-5526
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Machado SA, Sharif M, Kadirvel G, Bovin N, Miller DJ. Adhesion to oviduct glycans regulates porcine sperm Ca2+ influx and viability. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237666. [PMID: 32822385 PMCID: PMC7442259 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Before fertilization, sperm bind to epithelial cells of the oviduct isthmus to form a reservoir that regulates sperm viability and capacitation. The sperm reservoir maintains optimum fertility in species, like swine, in which semen deposition and ovulation may not be well synchronized. We demonstrated previously that porcine sperm bind to two oviductal glycan motifs, a biantennary 6-sialylated N-acetyllactosamine (bi-SiaLN) oligosaccharide and 3-O-sulfated Lewis X trisaccharide (suLeX). Here, we assessed the ability of these glycans to regulate sperm Ca2+ influx, capacitation and affect sperm lifespan. After 24 h, the viability of sperm bound to immobilized bi-SiaLN and suLeX was higher (46% and 41% respectively) compared to viability of free-swimming sperm (10–12%). Ca2+ is a central regulator of sperm function so we assessed whether oviduct glycans could affect the Ca2+ influx that occurs during capacitation. Using a fluorescent intracellular Ca2+ probe, we observed that both oviduct glycans suppressed the Ca2+ increase that occurs during capacitation. Thus, specific oviduct glycans can regulate intracellular Ca2+. Because the increase in intracellular Ca2+ was suppressed by oviduct glycans, we examined whether glycans affected capacitation, as determined by protein tyrosine phosphorylation and the ability to undergo a Ca2+ ionophore-induced acrosome reaction. We found no discernable suppression of capacitation in sperm bound to oviduct glycans. We also detected no effect of oviduct glycans on sperm motility during capacitation. In summary, LeX and bi-SiaLN glycan motifs found on oviduct oligosaccharides suppress the Ca2+ influx that occurs during capacitation and extend sperm lifespan but do not affect sperm capacitation or motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio A. Machado
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - Momal Sharif
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - Govindasamy Kadirvel
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - Nicolai Bovin
- Shemyakin Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - David J. Miller
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Saha SR, Sakase M, Fukushima M, Harayama H. Effects of digoxin on full-type hyperactivation in bovine ejaculated spermatozoa with relatively lower survivability for incubation with stimulators of cAMP signaling cascades. Theriogenology 2020; 154:100-109. [PMID: 32540510 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Previous researches of our laboratory reported that addition of cAMP analog cBiMPS and protein phosphatase inhibitor calyculin A (stimulators of cAMP signaling cascades) improved the capacity of incubation medium to induce full-type hyperactivation in bovine ejaculated spermatozoa. However, this modified medium was valid only for samples with relatively good survivability for incubation with stimulators of cAMP signaling cascades. Thus, it is necessary to make further modified medium for evaluation of potentials to exhibit full-type hyperactivation in bovine sperm samples with relatively lower survivability. Na+/K+-ATPase is an integral membrane protein and involved with the regulation of rodent sperm motility. To make further modification of the medium, we examined effects of Na+/K+-ATPase inhibition with digoxin on motility, full-type hyperactivation and protein tyrosine phosphorylation in bovine ejaculated spermatozoa with relatively lower survivability for incubation with stimulators of cAMP signaling cascades and also performed the immunodetection of bovine sperm Na+/K+-ATPase. The addition of Na+/K+-ATPase inhibitor digoxin to the incubation medium containing cBiMPS and calyculin A had the tendency to lessen the decreases in the percentages of motile spermatozoa in all of 12 samples after the incubation for 1-3 h and significantly increased the percentages of full-type hyperactivation in one group of 4 samples (Sample-A1) and another group of 4 samples (Sample-A2) after 1 and 2 h respectively, though it had no significant effects on full-type hyperactivation in the other group of 4 samples (Sample-B). In addition, incubation time-related changes in the sperm protein tyrosine phosphorylation (a good marker for sperm capacitation) were correlated with those in the percentages of full-type hyperactivation in Sample-A1 containing digoxin. Immunodetection showed that Na+/K+-ATPase is present in the middle and principal pieces of the flagella, indicating that Na+/K+-ATPase has possible relations with sperm motility. These results obtained with bull ejaculated spermatozoa with relatively lower survivability indicate that incubation method using digoxin is useful to evaluate potentials of sperm samples to exhibit full-type hyperactivation, that digoxin has effects on suppressing reduction of sperm motility, and that prolonged incubation with digoxin induces reduction of capacitation state which may suppress the maintenance of full-type hyperactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soma Rani Saha
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Division of Animal Science, Department of Bioresource Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Sakase
- Hokubu Agricultural Technology Institute, Hyogo Prefectural Technology Center for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Asago, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Moriyuki Fukushima
- Hokubu Agricultural Technology Institute, Hyogo Prefectural Technology Center for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Asago, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Harayama
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Division of Animal Science, Department of Bioresource Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan.
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Castellini C, Mattioli S, Bosco AD, Cotozzolo E, Cartoni Mancinelli A, Rende M, Stabile AM, Pistilli A. Nerve growth factor receptor role on rabbit sperm storage. Theriogenology 2020; 153:54-61. [PMID: 32442740 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.04.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The influence of NGF in male reproduction in some animal species and humans has already been assessed. Many of these effects are mediated by the distribution and abundance of tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrKA) and p75 neurotrophin (p75NTR) receptors on sperm cells. The aim of this research was to investigate the role of NGF and its receptors, TrKA and p75NTR, in rabbit sperm outcomes during in vitro storage. Major semen traits (kinetic parameters, apoptotic, necrotic and live sperm) were recorded in rabbit semen samples from 0 to 12 h of storage (every 4 h). Three experimental hypotheses were formulated: i) sperm storage changes NGF receptor abundance in rabbit sperm; ii) TrKA and p75NTR differently modulate NGF signalling (assessed by the neutralisation of receptors); iii) NGF-receptor interactions show different responses during storage (evaluated by the addition of exogenous NGF). The results demonstrate that: (i) the receptor number changed in a time-dependent manner with a significant increase in p75NTR after 8-12 h of storage; ii) the neutralisation of NGF receptors largely affected VCL, apoptotic, necrotic and live cells during sperm storage, i.e. blockade of TrKA significantly increased speed, capacitation, necrosis and apoptosis, whereas blockade of p75NTR improved motility and live cells; iii) the addition of exogenous human NGF (100 ng/mL) at different time points of storage (0, 4, 8 h) differently influenced sperm traits i.e. NGF addition at time 0 positively affected all the pro-vital traits (kinetic, live cells) whereas, after 4-8 h, the effect of NGF was null or negative. In conclusion, NGF affects kinetic and other physiological traits (capacitation, apoptosis and necrosis) of rabbit sperm in a time-dependent manner. Most of these modifications are modulated by the receptors involved (TrKA or p75NTR), which changed considerably during sperm storage (increase of p75NTR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesare Castellini
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Science, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, 06100, Perugia, Italy
| | - Simona Mattioli
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Science, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, 06100, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Dal Bosco
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Science, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, 06100, Perugia, Italy
| | - Elisa Cotozzolo
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Science, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, 06100, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alice Cartoni Mancinelli
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Science, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, 06100, Perugia, Italy
| | - Mario Rende
- Section of Human, Clinical and Forensic Anatomy, Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Perugia, P.le Lucio Severi, 1, Sant'Andrea delle Fratte, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Stabile
- Section of Human, Clinical and Forensic Anatomy, Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Perugia, P.le Lucio Severi, 1, Sant'Andrea delle Fratte, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pistilli
- Section of Human, Clinical and Forensic Anatomy, Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Perugia, P.le Lucio Severi, 1, Sant'Andrea delle Fratte, 06132, Perugia, Italy
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Salgado-Lucio ML, Ramírez-Ramírez D, Jorge-Cruz CY, Roa-Espitia AL, Hernández-González EO. FAK regulates actin polymerization during sperm capacitation via the ERK2/GEF-H1/RhoA signaling pathway. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:jcs239186. [PMID: 32107290 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.239186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Actin polymerization is a crucial process during sperm capacitation. We have recently described the participation of FAK during actin polymerization in guinea pig spermatozoa. However, the mechanism by which FAK mediates these processes is unknown. Our previous data have shown that MAPK1 (hereafter referred to as ERK2) is activated during the first minutes of capacitation, and inhibition of ERK2 blocked actin polymerization and the acrosome reaction. In this current study, we found that FAK is involved in ERK2 activation - as FAK was phosphorylated at tyrosine residue 925 and bound to Grb2 - and that inhibition of FAK results in a significant decrease of ERK2 activation. We also confirmed the presence of Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 2 (ARHGEF2, hereafter referred to as GEF-H1), which is able to associate with RhoA during capacitation. RhoA activation and its participation in actin polymerization were also analyzed. Inhibition of FAK or ERK1/2 impeded GEF-H1 phosphorylation, RhoA activation, and the association between GEF-H1 and RhoA. Finally, we observed the presence of fibronectin on the sperm surface, its role in sperm-sperm interaction as well as participation of β-integrin in the activation of ERK2. Our results show that the signaling pathway downstream of fibronectin, via integrin, FAK, Grb2, MEK1/2, ERK2, GEF-H1 and RhoA regulates the actin polymerization associated with spermatozoa capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica L Salgado-Lucio
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, CDMX 07360, México
| | - Danelia Ramírez-Ramírez
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, CDMX 07360, México
| | - Coral Y Jorge-Cruz
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, CDMX 07360, México
| | - Ana L Roa-Espitia
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, CDMX 07360, México
| | - Enrique O Hernández-González
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, CDMX 07360, México
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Zhu W, Cheng X, Ren C, Chen J, Zhang Y, Chen Y, Jia X, Wang S, Sun Z, Zhang R, Zhang Z. Proteomic characterization and comparison of ram (Ovis aries) and buck (Capra hircus) spermatozoa proteome using a data independent acquisition mass spectometry (DIA-MS) approach. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228656. [PMID: 32053710 PMCID: PMC7018057 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fresh semen is most commonly used in an artificial insemination of small ruminants, because of low fertility rates of frozen sperm. Generally, when developing and applying assisted reproductive technologies, sheep and goats are classified as one species. In order to optimize sperm cryopreservation protocols in sheep and goat, differences in sperm proteomes between ram and buck are necessary to investigate, which may contribute to differences in function and fertility of spermatozoa. In the current work, a data-independent acquisition-mass spectrometry proteomic approach was used to characterize and make a comparison of ram (Ovis aries) and buck (Capra hircus) sperm proteomes. A total of 2,109 proteins were identified in ram and buck spermatozoa, with 238 differentially abundant proteins. Proteins identified in ram and buck spermatozoa are mainly involved in metabolic pathways for generation of energy and diminishing oxidative stress. Specifically, there are greater abundance of spermatozoa proteins related to the immune protective and capacity activities in ram, while protein that inhibit sperm capacitation shows greater abundance in buck. Our results not only provide novel insights into the characteristics and potential activities of spermatozoa proteins, but also expand the potential direction for sperm cryopreservation in ram and buck.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Xiao Cheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Chunhuan Ren
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Jiahong Chen
- New Rural Develop Research Institute, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Yan Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Yale Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Xiaojiao Jia
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Shijia Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Zhipeng Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Renzheng Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Zijun Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P. R. China
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Mishra AK, Kumar A, Yadav S, Anand M, Yadav B, Nigam R, Garg SK, Swain DK. Functional insights into voltage gated proton channel (Hv1) in bull spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2019; 136:118-130. [PMID: 31254725 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Acid extrusion and intracellular alkalisation are the key events during sperm capacitation and these are mediated through proton gated channels (Hv1). Role of Hv1 in regulating sperm motility, capacitation and acrosome reaction has been documented in human spermatozoa; but no such data is available in bull spermatozoa; therefore, the present study was undertaken in Hariana bull spermatozoa. Sixty four ejaculates were collected from four Hariana bulls to investigate the functional involvement of Hv1 in regulation of sperm motility, capacitation and acrosome reaction in bull spermatozoa. Immunoblotting revealed the presence of a single band of 31.8 kDa corresponding to Hv1 in Hariana bull spermatozoa and immunoflourescence confirmed the positive immune-reactivity at principal piece of spermatozoa for Hv1. Functional study was carried out using 200 μM 2-Guanidinobenzimidazole (2-Guanidinobenzimidazole,selective Hv1 blocker) and 1 mM zinc chloride (potent Hv1 blocker), and 0.3 μM Anandamide (AEA), an activator of Hv1. Blocking of Hv1 resulted in significant (P < 0.05) reduction in progressive sperm motility (PSM). Activation of Hv1 with AEA also resulted in significant (P < 0.05) reduction in PSM till 1 h and thereafter, the PSM was restored and reduction was almost similar to that in control. However, during activation and inactivation of Hv1, per cent spermatozoa showing hyperactive motility were found to be markedly increased (20-30%) compared to 10-20% in control. 2-Guanidinobenzimidazole, zinc and AEA treated spermatozoa revealed significant (P < 0.05) increase in B-pattern of spermatozoa indicating induction of capacitation. Downstream signalling of Hv1 activation or inactivation seemed to be mediated through cAMP and PKA pathways. Catsper channels were found to be intimately associated with Hv1 function in regulating sperm motility. Blocking as well as activation of Hv1 resulted in significant (P < 0.05) reduction in sperm livability, spermatozoa having intact membrane, intact acrosome, and high mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MTP). Our findings evidently suggest that Hv1 channels are present in bull spermatozoa and these regulate sperm functions like hypermotility, capacitation and acrosome reaction through complex interplay between different pathways involving cAMP, PKC, and Catsper. Further studies are required to find out the possible relationship between Hv1 channels and other channels in regulating spermatozoa functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Kumar Mishra
- College of Biotechnology, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Akshay Kumar
- Department of Veterinary Gynaecology & Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sarvajeet Yadav
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mukul Anand
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Brijesh Yadav
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rajesh Nigam
- College of Biotechnology, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Satish Kumar Garg
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Dilip Kumar Swain
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Kumar A, Mishra AK, Singh V, Yadav S, Saxena A, Garg SK, Swain DK. Molecular and functional insights into Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) in bull spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2019; 128:207-217. [PMID: 30784807 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In view of the limited information available on functional significance of TRPV1 in regulating sperm functions, present study was undertaken on bull spermatozoa. Sixty four ejaculates were collected from four Hariana bulls and were used for molecular and functional characterisation of TRPV1. Immunoblotting using TRPV1 specific antibody revealed the presence of a single band of 104 kDa corresponding to TRPV1 in Hariana bull spermatozoa. Indirect immuno fluorescence revealed positive immune-reactivity to TRPV1 at acrosomal, pre-acrosomal, post acrosomal and flagellar regions of spermatozoa. Based on the results of pilot study dose-response analysis, doses of anandamide (AEA; 0.3 μM) and capsazepine (Cp; 10 μM) were selected for further studies. Three groups of semen samples (control 100 μL diluted semen having 1 × 106 spermatozoa; anandamide (3 μL AEA+97 μL of diluted semen containing 1 × 106 spermatozoa and Cp (1 μL Cp+99 μL of diluted semen containing 1 × 106 spermatozoa) were used to study the functional involvement of TRPV1 in bull spermatozoa. Blocking of TRPV1 with Cp resulted in significant (P < 0.05) reduction in progressive sperm motility (PSM) as compared to control. With activation of TRPV1 using AEA also, PSM was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased till 1h and thereafter the PSM was sustained to the level as observed in control. However, both during blocking and activation of TRPV1, per cent spermatozoa showing hyperactive motility were significantly (P < 0.05) increased (20-30%) compared to the control. Treatment with both Cp and AEA revealed significant (P < 0.05) increase in B-pattern of spermatozoa in chlortetracycline hydrochloride (CTC) staining indicating induction of capacitation. Inhibition of soluble adenyl cyclase (sAC) with 99 nM KH7and protein kinase A (PKA) with 3 μM P9115 significantly (P < 0.05) decreased PSM both in the presence of Cp and AEA. Blocking as well as activation of TRPV1 showed significant (P < 0.05) reduction in sperm livability, intact membrane, intact acrosome, high mitochondrial transmembrane potential; hence indicating the involvement of TRPV1 in regulation of sperm functions in bulls. From the study-it was concluded that TRPV1 channels are found in bull spermatozoa and mediate number of sperm functions like motility, hypermotility, capacitation and acrosome reaction. Further studies are required to find out the possible relationship between TRPV1 channels and other channels in regulating spermatozoa function and possible mechanisms associated with TRPV1 activation as well as its role in sperm function regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshay Kumar
- Department of Veterinary Gynaecology & Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Abhishek Kumar Mishra
- College of Biotechnology, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vijay Singh
- Department of Veterinary Gynaecology & Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sarvajeet Yadav
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Atul Saxena
- Department of Veterinary Gynaecology & Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Satish Kumar Garg
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Dilip Kumar Swain
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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50
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Matamoros-Volante A, Moreno-Irusta A, Torres-Rodriguez P, Giojalas L, Gervasi MG, Visconti PE, Treviño CL. Semi-automatized segmentation method using image-based flow cytometry to study sperm physiology: the case of capacitation-induced tyrosine phosphorylation. Mol Hum Reprod 2019; 24:64-73. [PMID: 29186618 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is image-based flow cytometry a useful tool to study intracellular events in human sperm such as protein tyrosine phosphorylation or signaling processes? SUMMARY ANSWER Image-based flow cytometry is a powerful tool to study intracellular events in a relevant number of sperm cells, which enables a robust statistical analysis providing spatial resolution in terms of the specific subcellular localization of the labeling. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Sperm capacitation is required for fertilization. During this process, spermatozoa undergo numerous physiological changes, via activation of different signaling pathways, which are not completely understood. Classical approaches for studying sperm physiology include conventional microscopy, flow cytometry and Western blotting. These techniques present disadvantages for obtaining detailed subcellular information of signaling pathways in a relevant number of cells. This work describes a new semi-automatized analysis using image-based flow cytometry which enables the study, at the subcellular and population levels, of different sperm parameters associated with signaling. The increase in protein tyrosine phosphorylation during capacitation is presented as an example. STUDY DESIGN SIZE, DURATION Sperm cells were isolated from seminal plasma by the swim-up technique. We evaluated the intensity and distribution of protein tyrosine phosphorylation in sperm incubated in non-capacitation and capacitation-supporting media for 1 and 18 h under different experimental conditions. We used an antibody against FER kinase and pharmacological inhibitors in an attempt to identify the kinases involved in protein tyrosine phosphorylation during human sperm capacitation. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Semen samples from normospermic donors were obtained by masturbation after 2-3 days of sexual abstinence. We used the innovative technique image-based flow cytometry and image analysis tools to segment individual images of spermatozoa. We evaluated and quantified the regions of sperm where protein tyrosine phosphorylation takes place at the subcellular level in a large number of cells. We also used immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis. Independent experiments were performed with semen samples from seven different donors. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Using image analysis tools, we developed a completely novel semi-automatic strategy useful for segmenting thousands of individual cell images obtained using image-based flow cytometry. Contrary to immunofluorescence which relies on the analysis of a limited sperm population and also on the observer, image-based flow cytometry allows for unbiased quantification and simultaneous localization of post-translational changes in an extended sperm population. Interestingly, important data can be independently analyzed by looking to the frame of interest. As an example, we evaluated the capacitation-associated increase in tyrosine phosphorylation in sperm incubated in non-capacitation and capacitation-supporting media for 1 and 18 h. As previously reported, protein tyrosine phosphorylation increases in a time-depending manner, but our method revealed that this increase occurs differentially among distinct sperm segments. FER kinase is reported to be the enzyme responsible for the increase in protein tyrosine phosphorylation in mouse sperm. Our Western blot analysis revealed for the first time the presence of this enzyme in human sperm. Using our segmentation strategy, we aimed to quantify the effect of pharmacological inhibition of FER kinase and found a marked reduction of protein tyrosine phosphorylation only in the flagellum, which corresponded to the physical localization of FER in human sperm. Our method provides an alternative strategy to study signaling markers associated with capacitation, such as protein tyrosine phosphorylation, in a fast and quantitative manner. LARGE SCALE DATA None. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION This is an in vitro study performed under controlled conditions. Chemical inhibitors are not completely specific for the intended target; the possibility of side effects cannot be discarded. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our results demonstrate that the use of image-based flow cytometry is a very powerful tool to study sperm physiology. A large number of cells can be easily analyzed and information at the subcellular level can be obtained. As the segmentation process works with bright-field images, it can be extended to study expression of other proteins of interest using different antibodies or it can be used in living sperm to study intracellular parameters that can be followed using fluorescent dyes sensitive to the parameter of interest (e.g. pH, Ca2+). Therefore, this a versatile method that can be exploited to study several aspects of sperm physiology. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported DGAPA (IN203116 to C. Treviño), Fronteras-CONACyT No. 71 and Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development NIH (RO1 HD38082) to P.E. Visconti and by a Lalor Foundation fellowship to M.G. Gervasi. A. Matamoros is a student of the Maestría en Ciencias Bioquímicas-UNAM program supported by CONACyT (416400) and DGAPA-UNAM. A. Moreno obtained a scholarship from Red MacroUniversidades and L. Giojalas obtained a schloarhip from CONICET and Universidad Nacional de Cordoba. The authors declare there are not conflicts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Matamoros-Volante
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62250, Mexico
| | - Ayelen Moreno-Irusta
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular, Córdoba, Argentina
- Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Paulina Torres-Rodriguez
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62250, Mexico
| | - Laura Giojalas
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular, Córdoba, Argentina
- Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - María G Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Claudia L Treviño
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62250, Mexico
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