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15 pages, 879 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hormone-Driven Temperature Optimization for Elevated Reproduction in Goldfish (Carassius auratus) under Laboratory Conditions

by Zeynab Taheri-Khas, Ahmad Gharzi, Somaye Vaissi, Pouria Heshmatzad and Zahra Kalhori

Animals 2024, 14(18), 2701; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14182701 - 18 Sep 2024

Viewed by 586

Abstract

This study investigates the efficacy of hormone-induced artificial reproduction in goldfish (Carassius auratus) under controlled temperatures. Ovaprim injections significantly enhanced ovulation and sperm production compared to controls. Medium temperature (22 °C) produced the highest ovulation rates, fastest ovulation timing, and optimal [...] Read more.

This study investigates the efficacy of hormone-induced artificial reproduction in goldfish (Carassius auratus) under controlled temperatures. Ovaprim injections significantly enhanced ovulation and sperm production compared to controls. Medium temperature (22 °C) produced the highest ovulation rates, fastest ovulation timing, and optimal sperm quality (motility and morphology) compared to high (28 °C) and low (16 °C) temperature groups. The low-temperature group exhibited reduced sperm motility duration and higher rates of sperm and larvae damage. The sperm volume of the high-temperature group was higher, but their post-injection survival rates were lower. Furthermore, the lowest spawning rate and low egg quality were noted in the high temperature. Cryopreservation using extender E4 (15% DMSO) exhibited superior post-thaw sperm motility and achieved higher fertilization rates. Fertilization rates, embryo development, and larval survival were all highest at the medium temperature. Larvae hatched from fresh sperm at medium temperature exhibited faster growth and fewer deformities. These findings suggest that hormone stimulation coupled with a medium temperature regimen is critical for successful artificial reproduction in goldfish. Cryopreservation with extender E4 holds promise for sperm banking; however, further optimization is necessary to improve fertilization success with thawed sperm. Future research could explore the influence of temperature on sperm physiology and refine cryopreservation protocols to enhance fertilization rates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Reproduction: Semen Quality Assessment, Volume II)

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10 pages, 798 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Interaction between Canine Semen Bacteria and Semen Quality Parameters

by Šarūnė Sorkytė, Rita Šiugždinienė, Marius Virgailis, Gintarė Vaičiulienė, Anna Wysokińska, Ewa Wójcik, Paulius Matusevičius, Audronė Rekešiūtė and Neringa Sutkevičienė

Animals 2024, 14(15), 2151; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14152151 - 24 Jul 2024

Viewed by 932

Abstract

Assessing canine semen quality helps to detect infertility in males, but identifying factors that influence canine semen quality is a complicated task. The objective of this study was the assessment of the potential influence of bacteria found in canine semen samples on the [...] Read more.

Assessing canine semen quality helps to detect infertility in males, but identifying factors that influence canine semen quality is a complicated task. The objective of this study was the assessment of the potential influence of bacteria found in canine semen samples on the characteristics of dogs’ semen. In this study, semen samples were collected manually from 30 dogs and subjected to a comprehensive examination. The results of sperm motility, concentration, viability, and morphology were statistically analysed in relation to the number of bacteria in the semen (CFUs/mL) and the seminal microbiota. Samples with an increased bacterial count per millilitre were associated with lower-quality sperm motility (p < 0.05). The most frequently isolated bacterial genera from the analysed semen samples were Staphylococcus spp. (26.0%), Corynebacterium spp. (17.8%), and Streptococcus spp. (16.4%). The presence of β-haemolytic Escherichia coli bacteria was linked to suboptimal semen samples, characterised by significantly reduced semen viability and a lower proportion of morphologically normal spermatozoa (p < 0.05). Corynebacterium spp. was associated with reduced bacterial load and superior semen quality (p < 0.01). These findings highlight the importance of bacterial cell counts and microbiota diversity in relation to various factors influencing canine semen quality, providing a more comprehensive understanding of canine reproductive well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Reproduction: Semen Quality Assessment, Volume II)

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14 pages, 2079 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Changes in the Morphology and Antioxidant Status of European Red Deer Sperm Stored in the Epididymides and in a Liquid State

by Nicoletta M. Neuman, Aleksandra Orzołek, Żaneta Steiner-Bogdaszewska and Anna Dziekońska

Animals 2024, 14(11), 1653; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14111653 - 31 May 2024

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the motility, morphology, and antioxidant status of European red deer sperm stored in a liquid state (variant I) and in the epididymides (variant II). Spermatozoa were harvested post-mortem from the cauda epididymis. Sperm samples in [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the motility, morphology, and antioxidant status of European red deer sperm stored in a liquid state (variant I) and in the epididymides (variant II). Spermatozoa were harvested post-mortem from the cauda epididymis. Sperm samples in both variants were stored for up to six days (D6) at 5 °C. Spermatozoa were assessed for motility, viability, morphology, activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, SOD; glutathione peroxidase, GPx; catalase, CAT), and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA, content). Sperm samples were analyzed on storage days 0, 2, 4, and 6 (D0-D6). Storage time and storage method significantly (p ≤ 0.05) influenced the examined variables. On D2, a decrease in motility and acrosomal integrity was observed in both storage variants, whereas a decrease in viability and an increase in MDA content were noted in spermatozoa stored in the epididymides. On D4, higher values of SOD and GPx activity and MDA content were noted in variant I than in variant II. Catalase activity was very low. GPx is the key enzyme that participates in the reduction of hydrogen peroxide in sperm cells. Spermatozoa stored in a liquid state were characterized by higher motility and viability, improved morphology and antioxidant status than those stored in the epididymides; therefore, liquid storage is more recommended for short-term preservation of epididymal spermatozoa. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Reproduction: Semen Quality Assessment, Volume II)

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18 pages, 913 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Three Semen Extenders on Sperm Quality and In Vitro Fertilization Rates of Fresh and Cryopreserved Sperm Collected from Llama (Lama glama) Vas Deferens

by Manuel G. Pérez-Durand, Carlos W. Bustamante, Pedro P. Machaca, Wilber García, Eloy A. Condori, Rassiel Macedo, Eliseo Fernández, Yan P. Manrique, Miguel A. Gutiérrez-Reinoso, Uri H. Perez-Guerra and Manuel García-Herreros

Animals 2024, 14(11), 1573; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14111573 - 25 May 2024

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Abstract

The advances in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) applied in South American camelid species are still scarce. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of three semen extenders, before and after the cryopreservation of spermatozoa obtained from the vas deferens, on [...] Read more.

The advances in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) applied in South American camelid species are still scarce. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of three semen extenders, before and after the cryopreservation of spermatozoa obtained from the vas deferens, on sperm quality parameters and in vitro fertilization rates of llama (Lama glama) oocytes. Mature fertile llama males (Lama glama; n = 6; age: 48–60 mo.; BCS: ~2.7) were included in the study. Sperm samples were collected from each male using the surgical technique of the vas deferens deviation. Then, the sperm samples were pooled and diluted with the Tris-EY, Andromed^®, or BioxCell^® extender in order to subsequently carry out the sperm cryopreservation process. The sperm quality assessment related to each extender was performed before and after cryopreservation with regard to sperm morphological abnormalities, acrosome integrity, sperm viability, membrane permeability, and sperm motility traits. Moreover, in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures were carried out to evaluate the in vitro fertility of the cryopreserved sperm samples using each extender. Overall, significant differences were observed before and after cryopreservation regarding acrosome integrity, sperm viability, membrane permeability, and sperm motility traits among the extenders used, where Tris-EY and Andromed^® were better than BioxCell^® (p < 0.05); however, no differences were observed regarding the sperm morphological abnormalities among extenders (p > 0.05). Moreover, multiple differences were observed with regard to the velocity and linearity kinematic parameters obtained by computerized analysis before and after the cryopreservation process, irrespective of the extender used (p < 0.05). Finally, differences were observed regarding the in vitro fertilization rates among the different extender-derived samples (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the sperm quality using Tris-EY and Andromed^® was better before and after cryopreservation compared to that using BioxCell^®. Although the number of fertilized oocytes obtained after the IVF process between Tris-EY and Andromed^® was similar, Andromed^®-derived samples showed the best sperm quality results before and after cryopreservation. This indicates that the cryopreservation extender is a determining factor in significantly improving in vitro fertilization rates when using sperm samples obtained from vas deferens in llama (Lama glama) males. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Reproduction: Semen Quality Assessment, Volume II)

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9 pages, 1405 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sperm Incubation in Biggers–Whitten–Whittingham Medium Induces Capacitation-Related Changes in the Lizard Sceloporus torquatus

by Uriel Ángel Sánchez-Rivera, Norma Berenice Cruz-Cano, Alfredo Medrano, Carmen Álvarez-Rodríguez and Martín Martínez-Torres

Animals 2024, 14(9), 1388; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14091388 - 6 May 2024

Viewed by 1433

Abstract

Sperm capacitation involves biochemical and physiological changes that enable sperm to fertilize the oocyte. It can be induced in vitro under controlled conditions that simulate the environment of the oviduct. While extensively studied in mammals, its approach in lizards remains absent. Understanding the [...] Read more.

Sperm capacitation involves biochemical and physiological changes that enable sperm to fertilize the oocyte. It can be induced in vitro under controlled conditions that simulate the environment of the oviduct. While extensively studied in mammals, its approach in lizards remains absent. Understanding the mechanisms that ensure reproduction is essential for advancing the implementation of assisted reproductive technologies in this group. We aimed to perform a sperm analysis to determine if capacitation-related changes were induced after incubation with capacitating media. Fifteen males of Sceloporus torquatus were collected during the early stage of the reproductive season. The sperm were isolated from the seminal plasma and then diluted up to a volume of 150 μL using BWW medium to incubate with 5% CO₂ at 30 °C for a maximum duration of 3 h. A fraction was retrieved hourly for ongoing sperm assessment. The sperm analysis included assessments of its motility, viability, the capacitation status using the chlortetracycline (CTC) assay, and the acrosome integrity with the lectin binding assay to detect changes during incubation. We found that total motility was maintained up to 2 h post incubation, after which it decreased. However, sperm viability remained constant. From that moment on, we observed a transition to a deeper and less symmetrical flagellar bending in many spermatozoa. The CTC assay indicated a reduction in the percentage of sperm showing the full (F) pattern and an increase in those exhibiting the capacitated (B) and reactive (RA) patterns, accompanied by an elevation in the percentage of damaged acrosomes as revealed by the lectin binding assay. In mammals, these changes are often associated with sperm capacitation. Our observations support the notion that this process may also occur in saurian. While sperm analysis is a valuable method for assessing certain functional changes, additional approaches are required to validate this process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Reproduction: Semen Quality Assessment, Volume II)

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12 pages, 247 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Microorganisms on Canine Semen Quality

by Kinga Domrazek, Paweł Konieczny, Marcin Majka, Michał Czopowicz and Piotr Jurka

Animals 2024, 14(9), 1267; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14091267 - 23 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1429

Abstract

Various microorganisms, including Mycoplasma spp., have been reported in canine ejaculate. The impact of these microorganisms on semen quality remains unclear. This study included 63 male intact healthy dogs aged 1–8 years. One dog exhibited azoospermia, indicating a relatively low incidence of this [...] Read more.

Various microorganisms, including Mycoplasma spp., have been reported in canine ejaculate. The impact of these microorganisms on semen quality remains unclear. This study included 63 male intact healthy dogs aged 1–8 years. One dog exhibited azoospermia, indicating a relatively low incidence of this condition. Interestingly, 36.5% of the examined dogs tested negative for both aerobic bacteria and mycoplasmas, while 12.7% tested positive for bacterial presence. Additionally, 60.3% of the dogs tested positive for Mycoplasma spp. using PCR, with most carrying 1–2 Mycoplasma species. We found no significant difference in semen characteristics between Mycoplasma-positive and -negative dogs. The detection of Mycoplasma was not significantly linked to the presence of bacteria in semen. All the microorganisms identified were classified as saprophytic flora. Our findings indicate that Mycoplasma spp. is common in canine ejaculate. Semen quality parameters were not correlated with the presence of Mycoplasma spp. in semen. Mycoplasma HRC689 was the most common species. Some dogs exhibited no presence of aerobic bacteria or mycoplasmas in their semen. Our study highlights the common presence of Mycoplasma spp. in canine ejaculate. Semen quality shows no correlation with Mycoplasma presence. Some canine ejaculate is sterile. Our findings suggest the existence of undescribed species of canine mycoplasmas, necessitating advanced diagnostic techniques like NGS for their identification. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Reproduction: Semen Quality Assessment, Volume II)

11 pages, 1003 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Different Dilution Methods and Ratios of Ram Semen on Sperm Parameters after Cryopreservation

by Liuming Zhang, Xuyang Wang, Caiyu Jiang, Tariq Sohail, Yuxuan Sun, Xiaomei Sun, Jian Wang and Yongjun Li

Animals 2024, 14(6), 907; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14060907 - 15 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1792

Abstract

The dilution method and ratio were tested to assess their effects on the Hu ram semen after cryopreservation. Experiment I aimed to explore the effect of various dilution ratios (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4) of diluent I (Tris-based and egg yolk) under the condition [...] Read more.

The dilution method and ratio were tested to assess their effects on the Hu ram semen after cryopreservation. Experiment I aimed to explore the effect of various dilution ratios (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4) of diluent I (Tris-based and egg yolk) under the condition of 1:1 dilution of diluent II (diluent I and glycerol) on the Hu ram semen preserved in liquid nitrogen regarding spermatozoa motility and kinetic parameters. Experiment II aimed to investigate the effect of various dilution ratios (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4) of diluent I under the condition of 1:2 dilution of diluent II to the Hu ram semen for cryopreservation on spermatozoa motility and kinetic parameters. The purpose of experiment III is to assess the effect of various dilution methods and ratios on the cryopreservation of Hu ram semen by detecting spermatozoa motility, kinetic parameters, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Experiment III includes four groups: one-step dilution method and two-step dilution method. The two-step dilution method includes two groups: 1:2, 1:1 and 1:3, 1:2, and the one-step dilution method includes two groups: 1:5 and 1:11. The results indicated that the post-thawed spermatozoa total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM) and average motion degree (MAD) were highest in the 1:2 group and significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those in the 1:1 and 1:4 groups under the condition of 1:1 dilution of diluent II. The post-thawed spermatozoa TM and PM of the 1:3 group were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of the other groups under the condition of 1:2 dilution of diluent II. The post-thawed spermatozoa TM, PM, plasma membrane integrity and acrosome integrity of the two-step group (1:3, 1:2) were the highest and significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those in the other groups. Additionally, the post-thawed spermatozoa ROS level of the two-step group (1:3, 1:2) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that in the one-step groups (1:5 and 1:11). Therefore, a two-step dilution (1:3, 1:2) was found to be the most suitable method and ratio for diluting the Hu ram semen after cryopreservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Reproduction: Semen Quality Assessment, Volume II)

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13 pages, 1035 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Distribution of Boars Spermatozoa in Morphometrically Distinct Subpopulations after In Vitro Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Radiation at 2500 MHz and Their Motility

by Ivona Žura Žaja, Silvijo Vince, Ivan Butković, Kim Senaši, Nina Poljičak Milas, Krešimir Malarić, Martina Lojkić, Ivan Folnožić, Suzana Milinković Tur, Mario Kreszinger, Marko Samardžija, Snježana Čipčić, Nikolino Žura, Mario Ostović and Marinko Vilić

Animals 2024, 14(6), 828; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14060828 - 7 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1061

Abstract

Anthropogenic radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) from wireless technologies has increased dramatically. The boar semen used for artificial insemination is essential in sustaining the pig industry, and additionally it is also exposed to the effects of the RF-EMR of wireless technologies. Furthermore, there are [...] Read more.

Anthropogenic radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) from wireless technologies has increased dramatically. The boar semen used for artificial insemination is essential in sustaining the pig industry, and additionally it is also exposed to the effects of the RF-EMR of wireless technologies. Furthermore, there are no data on the effects of RF-EMR on semen quality, and this is the first analysis of sperm’s morphometric parameters for assessing the effect of RF-EMR on the spermatozoa subpopulations of boars. This study investigated the effect of RF-EMR on in vitro exposed breeding boar semen spermatozoa motility and the proportions of spermatozoa subpopulations according to their morphometric head and tail parameters. The semen samples of 12 boars were divided into control and experimental groups. The samples in the experimental group were exposed in a gigahertz transverse electromagnetic chamber at a frequency of 2500 MHz (the frequency band used in 5G technology) and an electric field strength of 10 Vm⁻¹ for two hours. After exposure, the spermatozoa motility was evaluated for both groups. A morphometric analysis of the semen smears was performed using SFORM software (Version 1.0; VAMS, Zagreb, Croatia). The progressive spermatozoa motility was significantly reduced in the experimental group (74.7% vs. 85.7%). PC analysis and cluster analysis revealed two spermatozoa subpopulations: S1, spermatozoa with a more regular head shape and a smaller midpiece outline, and S2, spermatozoa with a more elongated head shape and a larger midpiece outline. The experimental semen samples had a greater proportion of the S1 spermatozoa subpopulation (68.2% vs. 64.4%). The effect of RF-EMR at 2500 MHz on the in vitro exposed boar semen resulted in decreased progressive spermatozoa motility and a lower proportion of the spermatozoa subpopulation with a higher fertilizing potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Reproduction: Semen Quality Assessment, Volume II)

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16 pages, 2622 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Resveratrol Improves the Frozen-Thawed Ram Sperm Quality

by Zhendong Zhu, Haolong Zhao, Haixiang Cui, Adedeji O. Adetunji and Lingjiang Min

Animals 2023, 13(24), 3887; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13243887 - 18 Dec 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1696

Abstract

Cryopreservation generates a substantial quantity of ROS in semen, leading to a decline in sperm quality and fertilization capacity. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of resveratrol and its optimal concentration on ram sperm quality after cryopreservation. Ram semen [...] Read more.

Cryopreservation generates a substantial quantity of ROS in semen, leading to a decline in sperm quality and fertilization capacity. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of resveratrol and its optimal concentration on ram sperm quality after cryopreservation. Ram semen was diluted with a freezing medium containing different concentrations of resveratrol (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 μM). After thawing, various sperm parameters such as total motility, progressive motility, acrosome integrity, plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, glutathione (GSH) content, glutathione synthase (GPx) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, catalase (CAT) activity, lipid peroxidation (LPO) content, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, ROS level, SIRT1 level, DNA oxidative damage, and AMPK phosphorylation level were assessed. In addition, post-thaw sperm apoptosis was evaluated. Comparatively, the addition of resveratrol up to 75 μM significantly improved the sperm motility and sperm parameters of cryopreserved ram sperm. Specifically, 50 μM resveratrol demonstrated a notable enhancement in acrosome and plasma membrane integrity, antioxidant capacity, mitochondrial membrane potential, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, SIRT1 level, and AMPK phosphorylation levels compared to the control group (p < 0.05). It also significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the oxidative damage to sperm DNA. However, detrimental effects of resveratrol were observed at a concentration of 100 μM resveratrol. In conclusion, the addition of 50 μM resveratrol to the cryopreservation solution is optimal for enhancing the quality of cryopreserved ram sperm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Reproduction: Semen Quality Assessment, Volume II)

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11 pages, 1084 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Diluents on Semen Quality of Hu Ram Stored at 4 °C

by Liuming Zhang, Yanhu Wang, Xiaomei Sun, Yan Kang, Tariq Sohail, Jian Wang and Yongjun Li

Animals 2023, 13(18), 2823; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13182823 - 6 Sep 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1961

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of various diluents on the quality of Hu ram sperm stored at 4 °C. Semen samples were collected from three Hu rams and diluted with diluents A (Sodium citrate–Glucose–Egg yolk), B (Sodium citrate–Glucose), C (Fructose–Skimmed milk [...] Read more.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of various diluents on the quality of Hu ram sperm stored at 4 °C. Semen samples were collected from three Hu rams and diluted with diluents A (Sodium citrate–Glucose–Egg yolk), B (Sodium citrate–Glucose), C (Fructose–Skimmed milk powder–Soy lecithin), and D (Tris–Fructose–Citric acid–Egg yolk). Total motility (TM), straight-line velocity (VSL), average path velocity (VAP), curvilinear velocity (VCL), average motion degree (MAD), acrosome integrity, membrane integrity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated. The results showed that diluent D had better preservation in terms of the sperm TM, VSL, VCL, VAP, MAD, and membrane and acrosome integrity. On the third day of the storage, the sperm PM of diluent D was higher than that of other diluents (p < 0.05). The ROS level of diluent D was lower than that of other diluents on the fifth day (p < 0.05). On the seventh day of the storage, the sperm TM in diluent D reached 50%, which was the highest in all diluent groups. On the seventh day of the storage, the integrity of the sperm membrane and the integrity of the acrosome of the sperm in diluent D were the highest in all diluent groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, these results indicated that diluent D improved the semen quality during storage at 4 °C. In this study, diluent D was the best diluent formula for Hu ram semen stored at 4 °C. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Reproduction: Semen Quality Assessment, Volume II)

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10 pages, 257 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Ferulic Acid on Semen Quality of Goat Bucks during Liquid Storage at 17 °C

by Feng Zhang, Shichang Han, Nian Zhang, Jin Chai and Qi Xiong

Animals 2023, 13(15), 2469; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13152469 - 31 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1583

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of different concentrations of ferulic acid (FA) on the quality of goat semen preserved at 17 °C. First, semen was collected from three black-headed goat bucks using an artificial vagina. Then, the mixed semen was diluted with basal [...] Read more.

This study investigated the effect of different concentrations of ferulic acid (FA) on the quality of goat semen preserved at 17 °C. First, semen was collected from three black-headed goat bucks using an artificial vagina. Then, the mixed semen was diluted with basal dilutions containing different concentrations of FA (0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 μmol/L) and stored at 17 °C. Sperm total motility, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) were measured during semen storage. The results showed that sperm total motility, plasma membrane integrity, and acrosome integrity were significantly improved in the 50 μmol/L FA group compared with the control group (0 μmol/L) on days 1–5, and the level of T-AOC significantly increased, while the contents of ROS and MDA significantly reduced. Meanwhile, the goats’ conception rate showed that supplementing semen with 50 μmol/L FA preserved at 17 °C for 3 days had no significant effect on fertility. Taken together, our findings suggest that adding 50 μmol/L FA in dilution at 17 °C can improve goat bucks’ semen quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Reproduction: Semen Quality Assessment, Volume II)

15 pages, 4931 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Glucose Starvation Inhibits Ferroptosis by Activating the LKB1/AMPK Signaling Pathway and Promotes the High Speed Linear Motility of Dairy Goat Sperm

by Yu Li, Guangzhi Zhang, Fei Wen, Ming Xian, Songmao Guo, Xing Zhang, Xianzhou Feng, Zhangtao Hu and Jianhong Hu

Animals 2023, 13(9), 1442; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091442 - 23 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2554

Abstract

In mammals, sperm acquire fertilization ability after capacitation in vitro or when in the female reproductive tract. The motility patterns of sperm undergo continuous changes from the moment of ejaculation until fertilization in the female reproductive tract. In vitro, hyperactivated motility can be [...] Read more.

In mammals, sperm acquire fertilization ability after capacitation in vitro or when in the female reproductive tract. The motility patterns of sperm undergo continuous changes from the moment of ejaculation until fertilization in the female reproductive tract. In vitro, hyperactivated motility can be induced through high glucose mediums, while in vivo, it is induced by oviduct fluids. Conversely, sperm maintain linear motility in seminal plasma or uterine fluids that contain low glucose levels. In dairy goat sperm, energy metabolism associated with capacitation depends on the energy sources in vitro, seminal plasma, or the female reproductive tract, especially the glucose levels. However, there is little experimental knowledge that glucose levels affect sperm energy metabolism in dairy goats. To clarify these hypotheses, we incubated dairy goat spermatozoa with different concentrations of rotenone-glucose (ROT), carbonyl cyanide 4-(trifluoromethoxy) phenylhydrazone (FCCP), and tigecycline (TIG) in vitro. Sperm motility attributes, ATP content, pyruvate and lactate levels, mitochondrial permeability transition pore fluorescence intensity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and protein synthesis were analyzed. Sperm motility patterns changed from circular to linear under low glucose conditions compared with those in high glucose conditions and showed a significant improvement in progressive motility and straight line speed, whereas lactate and pyruvate levels and MMP decreased remarkably. Incubation of spermatozoa with ROT, FCCP, and TIG inhibited sperm mitochondrial activity, protein synthesis, oxidative phosphorylation, and ATP levels, thereby reducing sperm motility, including the progressive motility, straight line speed, and total motility. Simultaneously, incubation of spermatozoa with Compound C under low glucose conditions significantly decreased the ATP levels and MMP, as well as liver kinase B1 and AMPK protein expression. Under low glucose conditions, sperm mainly produce ATP through mitochondrial OXPHOS to achieve high speed linear movement, inhibit ferroptosis through the LKB1/AMPK signaling pathway, and further maintain energy metabolism homeostasis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Reproduction: Semen Quality Assessment, Volume II)

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