Influence of the concentrations of essential and toxic elements in the blood serum on the indicators of sperm quality in Arabian purebred stallions

Analysis of trace elements in blood serum can be an important tool for monitoring micronutrient supply in stallions in order to maintain reproductive health. In this regard, the purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the concentrations of macro- and microelements in the blood serum of stud stallions with the qualitative characteristics of fresh sperm and sperm after cryopreservation and thawing. The studies were carried out on purebred Arabian stallions (n=50). As a biomaterial for studies, we used blood serum, fresh and thawed sperm after cryopreservation. The elemental composition of seminal plasma was determined by 25 chemical elements Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, I, Mn, Se, Zn Ca, K, Mg, P, B, Li, Si, V Na, Ni, Sn, Hg, Sr, Al, As, Cd, Pb) by ICP-DRC-MS methods. It was found that the concentrations of Mg and Co in the blood serum positively correlate with the qualitative characteristics of the sperm of Arabian purebred stallions. Wherein, the optimal range of concentrations of Mg in the blood serum, typical for stallions with relatively high indicators of sperm quality, is 22.64 to 27.05 μg/g; Co – 0.001 to 0.0015 μg/g.

PSXI-1 Influence of concentrations of essential and toxic elements in semen on qualitative characteristics of sperm of Holstein bulls

Many studies show that an excess or deficiency of chemical elements in an animal’s body can lead to a number of reproductive disorders. In this regard, the aim of this study was to assess the influence of concentrations of essential and toxic elements in semen on qualitative characteristics of semen of sire bulls. The studies were carried out on Holstein bulls at the age of 3–4 years (n = 65). Sperm concentration (billions) was estimated using a digital photometer (IMV Technologies). Sperm activity (score) was studied using a phase contrast microscope (Nikon ECLIPSE E400, Tokyo, Japan). The elemental composition of the semen was determined by 25 chemical elements (Al, As, B, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, I, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Se, Si, Sn, Hg, Sr, V, Zn) by ICP-AES and ICP-MS. Coefficients were calculated according to Spearman’s correlation. As a result of the research, it was found that sperm activity negatively correlated (r = -0.47; P ≤ 0.05) with the Pb content in semen and had a positive correlation with Zn concentrations (r = 0.55; P ≤ 0.05); Se (r = 0.64; P ≤ 0.05); P (r = 0.67; P ≤ 0.05). Sperm concentration was positively correlated with Cu levels (r = 0.55; P ≤ 0.05); P (r = 0.76; P ≤ 0.05); Se (r = 0.66; P ≤ 0.05). Thus, the results of the carried out studies indicate a high degree of relationship between the content of essential and toxic elements in semen and main qualitative characteristics of sperm. A deeper study of the role of chemical elements in reproductive function can be useful in overcoming the problem of low reproductive capacity of sires. The studies were carried out in accordance with the research plan for 2019–2021. FSBSI Federal Research Centre BST RAS (No. 0761-2019-0006)

Low manganese and high iron levels in amniotic fluid correlate with fetal chromosomal abnormalities in pregnant women

This study aimed to check the association of essential and toxic elements in amniotic fluid (AF) with chromosomal abnormalities. A total of 156 pregnant Polish white Caucasian women between the age of 20 and 43 years participated in the study. AF samples were collected during routine diagnostic and treatment procedures in pregnant women. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine the levels of various elements in AF. Genomic hybridization and cytogenic karyotype analysis were used. The results of the karyotype analysis indicated chromosomal abnormalities in 19 fetuses (over 12% of the total population) and it was mainly trisomy 21 (N=11), trisomy 18 (N=2), triploidy (N=2) and other chromosomal aberrations. It was found that a low concentration of manganese in AF was associated with chromosomal abnormalities in the foetus. High levels of iron and advanced age of the mother increased the risk of aneuploidy in the fetus. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Spearman correlation showed a strong correlation between essential and toxic elements in AF, especially in groups with chromosomal abnormalities. The results of this exploratory study indicate that the levels of essential and toxic elements in AF are associated with chromosomal abnormalities in the human fetus.

Selenium Status, Its Interaction with Selected Essential and Toxic Elements, and a Possible Sex-Dependent Response in Utero, in a South African Birth Cohort

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element and its deficiency in utero may affect fetus development and birth outcomes. The current study aimed to assess serum Se status at delivery and examine the possible association between Se levels and birth outcomes. The interaction of Se with selected essential and toxic elements as well as possible sex-dependent responses in utero were also evaluated. The negative association between Se levels and head circumference of neonates was evident in the total cohort (β = −0.164; p < 0.001) as well as in the pre-term and full-term cohorts. Significant positive correlations were found between maternal serum Se concentrations and zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in the total and regional cohorts. In the total cohort, the toxic elements lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) showed a negative correlation with Se levels, while mercury (Hg), aluminum (Al) and cadmium (Cd) showed a positive correlation. The study found a sex-dependent response in utero for Zn, Cu, Pb, Hg, and Al. The findings of the current study may inform reproductive health policy on Se status in South Africa and highlight the need for sensitive methods to measure Se intake during pregnancy and its complex interactions with other micronutrients and environmental pollutants.