scholarly journals The effect of elevated non-esterified fatty acid concentrations on bovine spermatozoa and on oocyte in vitro fertilisation

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (11) ◽  
pp. 1553
Author(s):  
K. L. J. Desmet ◽  
W. F. A. Marei ◽  
I. Pintelon ◽  
P. E. J. Bols ◽  
J. L. M. R. Leroy

Elevated non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations, present in follicular and oviductal fluid, have been postulated as a causative link between metabolic disorders and subfertility. High NEFA conditions can directly disrupt oocyte maturation and developmental capacity after fertilisation. However, their influence on sperm function and the fertilisation process is not known. This study investigated the fertilisation process under high NEFA conditions. To differentiate between effects on both spermatozoa and oocytes or on spermatozoa only, different experiments were conducted. In the first experiment both gametes were simultaneously incubated during IVF under different conditions: (1) NEFA-free, solvent-free control conditions, (2) solvent control, (3) physiological concentrations of oleic (OA), palmitic (PA) and stearic (SA) acids or (4) pathophysiological concentrations of OA, PA and SA. In the second experiment spermatozoa were incubated (4 h) under the same treatment conditions prior to routine IVF. Gamete co-incubation resulted in reduced fertilisation and cleavage rates and increased prevalence of polyspermy. In the second experiment embryo developmental capacity and quality were not affected, although sperm motility and plasma membrane integrity were decreased. In conclusion, lipolytic conditions affected the fertilisation process mainly through an effect on the oocyte. Spermatozoa were still able to fertilise even though these conditions reduced sperm function.

2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 302 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Kato ◽  
M. Fukushima ◽  
A. Kenmotsu ◽  
K. Chikazawa ◽  
Y. Nagao

In assisted reproduction by ICSI, PVP has been successfully used to replicate the viscosity of sperm solution, thus facilitating the handling and immobilization of spermatozoa. Sperm is suspended in medium containing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), then injected into the oocytes together with a small amount of the medium in ICSI. However the effects of PVP on sperm function and embryo development have not been investigated in detail. In the present study, we investigated the effects of PVP solution on sperm function and embryonic development. Frozen–thawed spermatozoa from a Japanese Black bull and immature COCs from slaughterhouse bovine ovaries were used for all experiments. In experiment 1, bovine sperm was cultured in SOF or SOF containing 10% PVP. For detection of sperm acrosomal and chromatin integrity, sperm cultured in each medium were stained by the triple staining method and acridine orange after 0, 15, 30, and 60 min of culture. In experiment 2, zygotes were injected with PVP solution and cultured in vitro; subsequent cleavage and development to blastocysts were examined. In experiment 3, zygote injected with PVP solution was fixed by 4% paraformaldehyde after 1–3 h of PVP injection. The location of PVP solution in zygote was observed. In experiment 4, two-cell embryos were microinjected with a solution of dextran conjugated with fluorescein (FITC-dextran) and cultured in vitro. The location of FITC-dextran in the embryo was examined. In experiment 1, acrosome reactions of the sperm were enhanced after 15 min of incubation in PVP solution (P < 0.05), but chromatin integrity of the sperm was not influenced (P > 0.05). In experiment 2, PVP suppressed the development of the zygote to 2-cell, morula and blastocyst (75.0%, 35.1%, and 26.3% vs. 61.3%, 20.2%, and 12.9% for control and PVP group, respectively, P < 0.05). In experiment 3, the locations of PVP solution in the zygote were observed 1–3 h after injection. In experiment 4, FITC-dextran was observed in ICM at the blastocyst stage. These findings suggest that PVP affects the acrosome but not the chromatin of sperm in ICSI. PVP solution exists locally in embryos injected and affects the developmental capacity of the embryos.


Nanomedicine ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (20) ◽  
pp. 1965-1980
Author(s):  
Teresa Vilanova-Perez ◽  
Celine Jones ◽  
Stefan Balint ◽  
Rebecca Dragovic ◽  
Michael L Dustin ◽  
...  

Aim: To investigate exosomes as a noninvasive delivery tool for mammalian sperm. Materials & Methods: Exosomes were isolated from HEK293T cells and co-incubated with boar sperm in vitro. Results: Internalized exosomes were detected within 10 min of co-incubation. Computer-assisted sperm analysis and flow cytometry demonstrated that even after 5-h of exposure to exosomes, there were no significant deleterious effects with regard to sperm motility, viability, membrane integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential (p > 0.05), thus indicating that exosomes did not interfere with basic sperm function. Conclusion: HEK293T-derived exosomes interacted with boar sperm without affecting sperm function. Exosomes represent a versatile and promising research tool for studying sperm biology and provide new options for the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.


2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 669 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sellappan Selvaraju ◽  
Priyadarshini Raju ◽  
Somu Bala Nageswara Rao ◽  
Subbarao Raghavendra ◽  
Sumantha Nandi ◽  
...  

The objective of the present study was to elucidate the effect of different sources of dietary energy (maize vs polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) on semen functional parameters and fertility of adult rams. Eighteen adult rams were divided into two groups (maize and PUFA, n = 9). The main energy source for the rams in the maize group was coarsely ground maize grain, whereas in the PUFA group it was sunflower oil (rich in 18 : 2 linoleic acid, an omega-6 acid). The ration was fed for a minimum period of 60 days and thereafter semen was collected for evaluation. The proportion of progressive forward motility was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the PUFA group compared with the maize group. Sperm lipid peroxidation as measured by malondialdehyde formation (µM per 1 × 109 spermatozoa) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the PUFA group compared with the maize group. When the semen was diluted with Tris–egg yolk–citrate buffer and incubated for 24 h at 4°C, the proportions of plasmalemma integrity, the sperm subpopulation positive for functional membrane and acrosomal integrities, and mitochondrial membrane potential were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in PUFA-fed than in maize-fed animals. The different sources of energy did not influence the serum and seminal plasma IGF-I levels. The cleavage rate (percentage) did not differ significantly between PUFA- (45.4 ± 4.91) and maize- (44.63 ± 6.8) fed animals. In conclusion, PUFA feeding influenced sperm quality by altering or stabilising membrane integrity. The present study indicates that PUFA may improve semen quality but did not improve in vitro fertilisation.


1972 ◽  
Vol 127 (2) ◽  
pp. 375-385 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. R. Neill ◽  
C. J. Masters

The incorporation of 14C-labelled myristic, palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic acids in vitro into the lipids of bovine spermatozoa was measured at intervals from 2min to 2h. All acids were rapidly incorporated into diglycerides, myristic acid being metabolized to the greatest extent. Whereas the low incorporation of acids into total phospholipids reflected the relative stability of the major phospholipid fractions in sperm, the minor phospholipids, particularly phosphatidylinositol, showed comparatively high metabolic activity. Although, in general, saturated acids were incorporated more actively than unsaturated substrates, stearic acid was poorly incorporated into all lipids except phosphatidylinositol. In regard to fatty acid composition of sperm lipids it was notable that diglycerides contained myristic acid as the major component, and this acid was also a prominent moiety of phosphatidylinositol. Docosahexaenoic acid was the principal fatty acid of the major phospholipid classes. These findings have been discussed in relation to the role of lipids in the metabolism of spermatozoa.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dagmar Waberski ◽  
Anne-Marie Luther ◽  
Benita Grünther ◽  
Helen Jäkel ◽  
Heiko Henning ◽  
...  

Abstract The role of antibiotics (AB) in semen extenders as a potential contribution to the global antimicrobial resistance threat is emerging. Here, we establish an AB-free hypothermic preservation strategy for boar semen and investigate its impact on sperm function, microbial load and fertility after artificial insemination (AI). Spermatozoa (12 boars) preserved in AB-free AndroStar Premium extender at 5 °C maintained high motility, membrane integrity, and a low DNA-fragmentation index throughout 72 h storage and results did not significantly differ from controls stored at 17 °C in extender containing AB (p = 0.072). Likewise, kinetic response of spermatoza to the capacitation stimulus bicarbonate during 180 min incubation in Tyrode’s medium did not differ from 17 °C-controls. In a competitive sperm oviduct binding assay, binding indices did not differ between semen stored for 72 h AB-free at 5 °C and 17 °C-controls (n = 6 boars). Bacterial load < 103 CFU/ml after 72 h was measured in 88.9% of samples stored at 5 °C AB-free compared to 97.2% in 17 °C-controls (n = 36 semen pools, 23 boars). Fertility traits of 817 females did not differ significantly between the two semen groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, a hypothermic semen preservation strategy is presented which offers antibiotic-free storage of boar semen doses.


2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 172
Author(s):  
D. Boonkusol ◽  
T. Faisaikarm ◽  
A. Dinnyes ◽  
Y. Kitiyanant

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 2 vitrification procedures on the developmental capacity and ultrastructural changes of matured swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) oocytes. In vitro-matured (IVM) oocytes were vitrified by using 35% and 40% ethylene glycol (EG) as vitrification solution (VS) for solid surface vitrification (SSV) and in-straw vitrification (ISV), respectively. Survival rate of vitrified–warmed oocytes was evaluated on the basis of homogeneous cytoplasm, membrane integrity, and complete zona pellucida. All developmental data were analyzed using chi-square analysis. P &lt; 0.05 was considered significant. The blastocyst rates of parthenogenetic vitrified–warmed oocytes were significantly higher with SSV (89.3% and 13.6%, respectively) than with ISV (81.8% and 5.5%, respectively). However, they were still significantly lower than those of control (100% and 34.2%, respectively). For examining the ultrastructural changes, fresh VS-exposed (ISV and SSV), and vitrified–warmed oocytes were processed for transmission electron microscopy. In VS-exposed oocytes, reduction of microvilli abundance and damage of mitochondrial membrane were found only in the ISV group. In vitrified–warmed oocytes, however, it was clear that both methods of vitrification induced profound ultrastructural modifications to microvilli, mitochondria, oolemma, and cortical granules as well as to the size and position of vesicles. Damaged mitochondria were, however, more abundant in ISV vitrified oocytes than in SSV vitrified oocytes, which correlated with the developmental data, showing the superiority of the SSV method. This study demonstrated for the first time the feasibility of vitrification of IVM swamp buffalo oocytes.


2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 847 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. E. Arias ◽  
R. Sánchez ◽  
J. Risopatrón ◽  
L. Pérez ◽  
R. Felmer

The efficiency of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in bovines is lower than in other species due, in part, to a lack of optimal conditions for its implementation; this has hindered the achievement of high rates of embryonic development and the birth of live offspring. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of pretreatment of bovine spermatozoa with NaOH and dithiothreitol (DTT) on the viability, plasma membrane integrity, DNA fragmentation and in vitro developmental potential of embryos generated by ICSI. Following pretreatment of spermatozoa with 5 mM DTT for 20 min and a low concentration of NaOH (1 mM for 60 min), there were fewer live and acrosome reacted spermatozoa (44% and 34%, respectively) than in the control group without treatment (82%). Spermatozoa subjected to higher alkali concentrations (10–50 mM) were mostly dead and reacted. However, pronuclear formation, cleavage, blastocyst rate and embryo quality did not differ between these pretreatment groups and the untreated control group. In conclusion, we have described, for the first time, the effects of NaOH treatment on bovine spermatozoa and subsequent in vitro embryonic development after ICSI, and have demonstrated that pretreatment of bovine spermatozoa with NaOH or DTT is not necessary for an appropriate in vitro embryo development in this species.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 629
Author(s):  
Xinyi Sun ◽  
Wenqiong Chen ◽  
Shiqi Weng ◽  
Tingting Pan ◽  
Xiaonian Hu ◽  
...  

Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), a plastic-derived, endocrine-disrupting chemical, has been shown to exhibit male reproductive toxicity. However, its effects on human mature spermatozoa are largely unknown. In this study we investigated the invitro effects of DEHP and mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP; the main metabolite of DEHP) on sperm function and the mechanisms involved. Human spermatozoa were exposed to phthalates invitro at the doses that cover the concentrations detected in human semen: 20nM–8 μM DEHP, 1nM–20 μM MEHP or a mixture of 20nM–8 μM DEHP and 1nM–20 μM MEHP. DEHP and MEHP, alone or in combination, had no effect on the viability, membrane integrity, motility, homeostasis of reactive oxygen species or mitochondrial activity of human spermatozoa. Interestingly, 1nM–20 μM MEHP and combinations of 20nM–8 μM DEHP and 1nM–20 μM MEHP enhanced penetration ability, hyperactivation and the spontaneous acrosome reaction of human spermatozoa, and increased intracellular free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) and tyrosine phosphorylation, two key signalling pathways that regulate sperm function. The findings of this study suggest that invitro exposure to MEHP metabolised from DEHP affects human sperm function by inducing increases in sperm [Ca2+]i and tyrosine phosphorylation, which adds to our understanding of the effects of DEHP on male reproduction.


Reproduction ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 138 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Gualtieri ◽  
Valentina Mollo ◽  
Gennaro Duma ◽  
Riccardo Talevi

Oviductal fluid molecules, such as sulphated glycosaminoglycans and disulphide-reductants, may represent periovulatory signals for the release of spermatozoa from the oviductal reservoir in the bovine species. Disulphide-reductants release spermatozoa through the reduction of sperm-surface disulphides to sulphhydryls (SH). Herein, we studied sperm-surface protein SH through labelling with maleimidylpropionyl biocytin in the initial sperm suspension, in the subpopulations able and unable to adhere to the in vitro cultured oviductal epithelium, and in spermatozoa released either through the disulphide-reductant penicillamine (PEN) or the sulphated glycosaminoglycan heparin (HEP). Adhesion assays were performed to study the ability of released spermatozoa to readhere to the oviductal epithelium. Results showed that the level of SH in sperm-surface proteins was: 1) low in adhering spermatozoa; 2) high in spermatozoa unable to adhere; and 3) markedly increased in released spermatozoa. Adhesion assays showed that: 1) PEN-released spermatozoa promptly recovered adhesion after removal of the disulphide-reductant and could be released again in response to PEN; 2) conversely, a limited number of HEP-released spermatozoa was able to readhere to the oviductal epithelium and this ability was not affected by HEP removal. Recovery of adhesion was associated to reoxidation of sperm-surface protein SH and to the reversal of capacitation. In conclusion, redox modulation of sperm-surface protein SH is involved in the release of spermatozoa adhering to the oviduct in vitro; the reversible action of disulphide-reductants might be responsible for intermittent phases of adhesions and releases; and the irreversible action of HEP indicates that it may represent a terminal releasing signal.


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 36-40
Author(s):  
Michal Ďuračka

The use of antibiotics is a common part of animal biotechnologies. Especially, the use of antibiotics in semen extenders is necessary. However, the effect of antibiotics on the spermatozoa structure and function is still not completely examined. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the effect of kanamycin on bovine spermatozoa at concentrations of 80 and 160 µg/mL during the 24 h in vitro cultivation. Semen samples were collected from clinically healthy Holstein-Friesian bulls. At times of 0, 2 and 24 h the motility assessment, mitochondrial activity, acrosomal and membrane integrity evaluation were performed. The sperm motility was measured using the Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). Mitochondrial activity was evaluated through the Mitochondrial Toxicity Test (MTT). The acrosomal status was determined using the fast green/rose bengal staining on slides. Similarly, the membrane integrity was analysed using the eosin-nigrosin staining. Our results revealed the dose- and time-dependent effect of kanamycin under the in vitro conditions. In conclusion, the selected concentrations of kanamycin may have adverse effects on the motility, mitochondrial activity, acrosomal and membrane integrity during semen processing. Considering the relatively low concentrations used, we do not recommend to use kanamycin as a supplement in bovine semen extenders.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document