scholarly journals Factors Influencing the Reproductive Ability of Male Bees: Current Knowledge and Further Directions

Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 529
Author(s):  
Huiyue Zhao ◽  
Shibonage K. Mashilingi ◽  
Yanjie Liu ◽  
Jiandong An
Keyword(s):  
Seminal Fluid ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Seminal Fluid Proteins ◽  
Reproductive Behaviors ◽  
Reproductive Ability

Bumblebees and honeybees are very important pollinators and play a vital role in agricultural and natural ecosystems. The quality of their colonies is determined by the queens and the reproductive drones of mother colonies, and mated drones transmit semen, including half of the genetic materials, to queens and enhance their fertility. Therefore, factors affecting drone fecundity will also directly affect progeny at the colony level. Here, we review environmental and bee-related factors that are closely related to drone reproductive ability. The environmental factors that mainly affect the sperm count and the viability of males include temperature, nutrients and pesticides. In addition, the inherent characteristics of male bees, such as body size, weight, age, seminal fluid proteins and proteins of the spermathecal fluid, contribute to mating success, sperm quality during long-term storage in the spermathecae and the reproductive behaviors of queens. Based on the results of previous studies, we also suggest that the effects of somatotype dimorphism in bumblebee males on sperm quality and queen fecundity and the indispensable and exploitable function of gland proteins in the fecundity of males and queens should be given more attention in further studies.

scholarly journals Research gaps and new insights in the intriguing evolution of Drosophila seminal proteins

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Hurtado ◽  
Francisca Cunha Almeida ◽  
Silvina Anahí Belliard ◽  
Santiago Revale ◽  
Esteban Hasson
Keyword(s):  
Seminal Fluid ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Comparative Genomic ◽  
Genomic Information ◽  
Research Gaps ◽  
Seminal Fluid Proteins ◽  
Open Questions ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Genomic Analyses ◽  
Multiple Species

While the striking effects that seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) exert on females are fairly conserved among Diptera, they exhibit remarkable evolutionary lability. Consequently, most SFPs lack detectable homologs among the repertoire of SFPs of phylogenetically distant species. How such a rapidly changing proteome "manages" to conserve functions across taxa is a fascinating question. However, this and other pivotal aspects of SFPs' evolution remain elusive because discoveries on these proteins have been mainly restricted to the model D. melanogaster. Here, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on the inter-specific divergence of Drosophila SFPs and compile the increasing amount of relevant genomic information from multiple species. Capitalizing the accumulated knowledge in D. melanogaster, we present novel sets of high-confidence SFP candidates and transcription factors presumptively involved in regulating the expression of SFPs. We also address open questions by performing comparative genomic analyses that failed to support the existence of conserved SFPs shared by most dipterans and indicated that gene co-option is the most frequent mechanism accounting for the origin of Drosophila SFP-coding genes. We hope our update establishes a starting point to integrate, as more species are assayed for SFPs, further data and thus, to widen the understanding of the intricate evolution of these proteins.

scholarly journals Interactions between the microbiome and mating influence the female’s transcriptional profile in Drosophila melanogaster

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofie Y. N. Delbare ◽  
Yasir H. Ahmed-Braimah ◽  
Mariana F. Wolfner ◽  
Andrew G. Clark
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Seminal Fluid ◽  
Transcript Abundance ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Transcriptional Profile ◽  
Seminal Fluid Proteins ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Immunity Genes ◽  
Neuronal Functions

Abstract Drosophila melanogaster females undergo a variety of post-mating changes that influence their activity, feeding behavior, metabolism, egg production and gene expression. These changes are induced either by mating itself or by sperm or seminal fluid proteins. In addition, studies have shown that axenic females—those lacking a microbiome—have altered fecundity compared to females with a microbiome, and that the microbiome of the female’s mate can influence reproductive success. However, the extent to which post-mating changes in transcript abundance are affected by microbiome state is not well-characterized. Here we investigated fecundity and the post-mating transcript abundance profile of axenic or control females after mating with either axenic or control males. We observed interactions between the female’s microbiome and her mating status: transcripts of genes involved in reproduction and genes with neuronal functions were differentially abundant depending on the females’ microbiome status, but only in mated females. In addition, immunity genes showed varied responses to either the microbiome, mating, or a combination of those two factors. We further observed that the male’s microbiome status influences the fecundity of both control and axenic females, while only influencing the transcriptional profile of axenic females. Our results indicate that the microbiome plays a vital role in the post-mating switch of the female’s transcriptome.

Abnormal Reproductive Measures and Seminal Plasma Findings in Men With Thalassemia Major (TM) and Iron Overload

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 4707-4707
Author(s):  
Sylvia Titi Singer ◽  
Jerry Wang ◽  
Jung H Suh ◽  
David Killelea ◽  
Kristen Ivani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Dna Damage ◽  
Trace Elements ◽  
Iron Overload ◽  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Seminal Fluid ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Iron Concentration ◽  
Fertility Potential

Continuous improvement in the life span of TM patients allows patients to address critical issues of specific organ function. Among these hypogonadotrophic-hypogonadism (HH) and infertility are common complications, having a significant adverse impact on quality of life (QOL). While pregnancies are reported in TM women, paternity is less common in TM men, with significant gaps in our understanding of the underlying pathogenesis of male reduced fertility. Growing evidence indicates that oxidative stress negatively affects sperm quality and function, playing a central role in certain types of male infertility. In addition, abnormal low trace elements, in particular zinc, are important causes for infertility. We hypothesized that deleterious effects of iron overload impair sperm quality beyond that of iron deposition in the pituitary and the resultant HH state, and thus aimed to evaluate potential mechanisms for infertility in TM men: Systemic and pituitary iron burden (liver iron concentration; LIC, pituitary iron by MRI, ferritin), reproductive hormones (LH, FSH) and semen fluid were measured in 7 TM men (median age 26, range 21-30 years). Semen fluid parameters included volume, sperm count, motility, DNA damage determined by DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI), concentration of glutathione (GSH), a major cellular antioxidant which plays a central role in the defense against oxidative stress, and that of pertinent metal/trace elements (iron, zinc, copper). Results were compared to normal reference and Pearson correlation analysis was performed to identify markers that best predict fertility potential and highlight pathogenesis.Sperm and semen plasma analysisLab resultsImagingPtVol. mlCount Mill/mlMotility %DFI %Zn mg/LFe mg/LGSH µmol/LLH/FSH mIU/mLFerritin ng/mLLICMRI R213.51787513141.41.189.54.9/7.96685.413.5± 0.222.500-54.42.732.20.3/0.9369625.216.4± 0.731.400-6.72.530.880.0/0.0428822.816.8± 1.442.314659.7163.02.218.661.6/2.710926.614.5± 0.951.51137---7.52.8/3.419248.4-64.594758.6120.407.54-37752016.7± 0.671.800-80.22.341.060.07/0.330002019.5± 1.2nl>2>20>50<151400.3±0.12030-60/ 0.9-15<300<39.5-13 Semen analysis showed that 5/7 (70%) had either low sperm count or complete azoospermia, and 4/7 exhibited reduced sperm motility (57%). The three patients with a measurable sperm count did not exhibit increased DNA fragmentation (normal DFI). Overall, patients had low seminal plasma GSH concentration, indicating increased oxidative stress. Seminal plasma had elevated iron concentration in 5/6 patients; zinc levels were low in 4/6, while copper was undetectable in all patients (nl 0.064 mg/L). Patients with highest pituitary iron (2,3,7) had the lowest LH/FSH levels and azoospermia, but pituitary iron (R2) did not correlate with LH/FSH, with sperm or systemic iron measures. Seminal fluid GSH (p=0.001), iron (p=0.06), and zinc (p=0.02) inversely correlated with sperm motility. Systemic iron status, as measured by LIC and ferritin, was inversely correlated with GSH (p=0.02; 0.04, respectively) and with zinc (p=0.04; 0.04, respectively). Our data suggest that increased free iron, iron-induced oxidative damage and low trace elements are associated with impaired semen integrity and may explain low fertility potential in TM men, beyond the expected effect of pituitary iron toxicity and HH. These abnormalities, however, did not result in sperm DNA damage, in a small analyzed sample size. Oxidative and metal profiles in seminal fluid may be a valuable tool to improve the reproductive evaluation of TM men. Anti-oxidant treatment will likely have an important role in increasing their reproductive potential. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Interactions between the microbiome and mating influence the female’s transcriptional profile in Drosophila melanogaster

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofie Y. N. Delbare ◽  
Yasir H. Ahmed-Braimah ◽  
Mariana F. Wolfner ◽  
Andrew G. Clark
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Seminal Fluid ◽  
Transcript Abundance ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Transcriptional Profile ◽  
Seminal Fluid Proteins ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Immunity Genes ◽  
Neuronal Functions

AbstractDrosophila melanogaster females undergo a variety of post-mating changes that influence their activity, feeding behavior, metabolism, egg production and gene expression. These changes are induced either by mating itself or by sperm or seminal fluid proteins. In addition, studies have shown that axenic females—those lacking a microbiome—have altered fecundity compared to females with a microbiome, and that the microbiome of the female’s mate can influence reproductive success. However, the extent to which post-mating changes in transcript abundance are affected by microbiome state is not well-characterized. Here we investigated fecundity and the post-mating transcript abundance profile of axenic or control females after mating with either axenic or control males. We observed interactions between the female’s microbiome and her mating status: transcripts of genes involved in reproduction and genes with neuronal functions were differentially abundant depending on the females’ microbiome status, but only in mated females. In addition, immunity genes showed varied responses to either the microbiome, mating, or a combination of those two factors. We further observed that the male’s microbiome status influences the fecundity of both control and axenic females, while only influencing the transcriptional profile of axenic females. Our results indicate that the microbiome plays a vital role in the post-mating switch of the female’s transcriptome.

scholarly journals The Drosophila seminal proteome and its role in postcopulatory sexual selection

2020 ◽  
Vol 375 (1813) ◽  
pp. 20200072 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stuart Wigby ◽  
Nora C. Brown ◽  
Sarah E. Allen ◽  
Snigdha Misra ◽  
Jessica L. Sitnik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Selection ◽  
Sperm Competition ◽  
Seminal Fluid ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Seminal Fluid Proteins ◽  
Scale Functions ◽  
Postcopulatory Sexual Selection ◽  
Evolutionary Force ◽  
Protein Classes

Postcopulatory sexual selection (PCSS), comprised of sperm competition and cryptic female choice, has emerged as a widespread evolutionary force among polyandrous animals. There is abundant evidence that PCSS can shape the evolution of sperm. However, sperm are not the whole story: they are accompanied by seminal fluid substances that play many roles, including influencing PCSS. Foremost among seminal fluid models is Drosophila melanogaster , which displays ubiquitous polyandry, and exhibits intraspecific variation in a number of seminal fluid proteins (Sfps) that appear to modulate paternity share. Here, we first consolidate current information on the identities of D. melanogaster Sfps. Comparing between D. melanogaster and human seminal proteomes, we find evidence of similarities between many protein classes and individual proteins, including some D. melanogaster Sfp genes linked to PCSS, suggesting evolutionary conservation of broad-scale functions. We then review experimental evidence for the functions of D. melanogaster Sfps in PCSS and sexual conflict. We identify gaps in our current knowledge and areas for future research, including an enhanced identification of PCSS-related Sfps, their interactions with rival sperm and with females, the role of qualitative changes in Sfps and mechanisms of ejaculate tailoring. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Fifty years of sperm competition’.

Effect of new dietary supplement on sperm quality

2012 ◽  
Vol 153 (45) ◽  
pp. 1787-1792 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mária Horváth ◽  
Endre Czeizel
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effect ◽  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Dietary Supplement ◽  
Male Fertility ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Usa ◽  
New Treatments

Introduction: There is a decline in male fertility thus new treatments are needed. Aims: To test the efficacy of a new dietary supplement developed in the USA and registered as a curing drug in Hungary (OGYI). Methods: In a clinical trial 100 men with low sperm quality (spermium count 5–20 M/ml, good motility 10–40%, and adverse shape 30–50%) were examined. Results: Sperm parameters were measured before and after a 3-month treatment and after another 3-month without treatment. This dietary supplement statistically and clinically significantly improved sperm count and motility. In 74 cases this dietary supplement demonstrated a beneficial effect on sperm quality (more than 10% increase in sperm count, or quality of motility, or shape); in 16 cases the improvement exceeded 30%. No adverse effect could be accounted for this treatment. Conclusions: This new dietary supplement may contribute to the treatment of male infertility. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1787–1792.

scholarly journals Ameliorative effect of Allium atroviolaceum on sperm quality in cyclophosphamide-treated mice

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alireza Hosseini ◽  
Mehrdad Shahrani ◽  
Shirin Asgharian ◽  
Maryam Anjomshoa ◽  
Ayoob Rostamzadeh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Alkylating Agent ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Reproductive Toxicity ◽  
Herbal Drugs ◽  
Sperm Viability ◽  
Complementary Treatment ◽  
Ameliorative Effect ◽  
Alternative Drugs

Abstract Background Cyclophosphamide (CP) is an anti-neoplastic alkylating agent that is extensively used in different chemotherapy regimens. Adverse effects on the reproductive system, especially spermatogenesis, are one of the most important side effects of this drug. It is medically essential to use complementary and alternative drugs. Herbal drugs have long been used as a complementary treatment. Our purpose was to study the effect of hydroalcoholic Allium atroviolaceum L. extract on spermatogenesis in CP-treated mice. Results CP affected a significant decrease in sperm count, motility, viability, and morphology. Sperm count was significantly higher in the all extract groups than in the group of control (p<0.001) and CP group (p<0.001, p<0.01). Sperm motility was significantly greater in the extract (100 and 200mg/kg) groups than in the group of control (p<0.05 and <0.001). Sperm immotility and rotational movement were significantly higher in the CP group than in the CP+extract groups (p<0.001). The sperm viability was significantly greater in the CP+extract (200mg/kg) group than in the CP group (p<0.001). The number of headless sperm, sperm with initial tail, with coiled tail, and sperm with curved body, was significantly lower in the CP+extract (200mg/kg) group than in the CP group (p<0.001). Conclusion A. atroviolaceum extract treatment significantly improved CP-induced reproductive toxicity.

scholarly journals Pleiotropic Roles of the Orthologue of the Drosophila melanogaster Intersex Gene in the Brown Planthopper

Genes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 379
Author(s):  
Hou-Hong Zhang ◽  
Yu-Cheng Xie ◽  
Han-Jing Li ◽  
Ji-Chong Zhuo ◽  
Chuan-Xi Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Reproductive System ◽  
Splice Variants ◽  
Brown Planthopper ◽  
Nilaparvata Lugens ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Sexually Dimorphic ◽  
Specific Product ◽  
Reproductive Ability ◽  
Female Specific

Intersex(ix), a gene involved in the sex-determining cascade of Drosophila melanogaster, works in concert with the female-specific product of doublesex (dsx) at the end of the hierarchy to implement the sex-specific differentiation of sexually dimorphic characters in female individuals. In this study, the ix homolog was identified in the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens, which contained two splice variants expressed in both female and male insects. We found that Nlix played a vital role in the early nymphal development of BPH, showing an accumulated effect. RNAi-mediated knockdown of Nlix at 4th instar led to the external genital defects in both sexes, consequently resulting in the loss of reproductive ability in female and male individuals. After dsRNA injection, the males were normal on testes, while the females had defective ovarian development. Nlix was also required for early embryogenesis. Notably, when the dsNlix microinjection was performed in newly emerged females, the copulatory bursas were abnormally enlarged while the other tissues of the reproductive system developed normally. Our results demonstrated the pleiotropic roles of Nlix in embryogenesis and development of the reproductive system in a hemimetabolous insect species.

scholarly journals Liquid–liquid phase separation in human health and diseases

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bin Wang ◽  
Lei Zhang ◽  
Tong Dai ◽  
Ziran Qin ◽  
Huasong Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phase Separation ◽  
Liquid Phase ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Essential Role ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Liquid Phase Separation ◽  
Eukaryotic Cells ◽  
Liquid Liquid Phase Separation

AbstractEmerging evidence suggests that liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) represents a vital and ubiquitous phenomenon underlying the formation of membraneless organelles in eukaryotic cells (also known as biomolecular condensates or droplets). Recent studies have revealed evidences that indicate that LLPS plays a vital role in human health and diseases. In this review, we describe our current understanding of LLPS and summarize its physiological functions. We further describe the role of LLPS in the development of human diseases. Additionally, we review the recently developed methods for studying LLPS. Although LLPS research is in its infancy—but is fast-growing—it is clear that LLPS plays an essential role in the development of pathophysiological conditions. This highlights the need for an overview of the recent advances in the field to translate our current knowledge regarding LLPS into therapeutic discoveries.

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