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Theriogenology2010; 74(6); 956-967; doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.04.025

Biomarkers of in vivo fertility in sperm and seminal plasma of fertile stallions.

Abstract: The global proteome of sperm and seminal plasma of fertile stallions was investigated to determine whether associations with relative in vivo fertility exist. Seven stallions at stud in a commercial breeding station were collected throughout the breeding season and bred to a total of 164 mares to determine conception rates. On three occasions during the breeding season, raw semen was obtained from a regular collection for proteomic analysis using two-dimensional electrophoresis and also assessed for routine semen quality end points. First cycle conception rate was negatively related to ejaculate volume (r = -0.43, P = 0.05) and total IGF1 content (ng) per ejaculate (r = -0.58, P = 0.006), whereas overall pregnancy rate was positively related to sperm concentration (r = 0.56, P = 0.01). The abundance of three proteins known to be involved in carbohydrate metabolism in sperm was positively related to fertility. Furthermore, the abundance of four seminal plasma proteins were identified as being negatively related to fertility; these were identified as kallikrein-1E2 (KLK2), clusterin, and seminal plasma proteins 1 (SP1) and 2 (SP2). Abundance of cysteine-rich secretory protein 3 (CRISP3) was positively related to first cycle conception rate (r = 0.495, P = 0.027) and may provide a good marker of fertility. Based on stepwise regression analysis, clusterin and SP1 in seminal plasma together with sperm citrate synthase were predictive of fertility (r = 0.77, P < 0.0001). This study identified proteins within sperm and seminal plasma that could serve as biomarkers of semen quality and fertility in stallions.
Publication Date: 2010-06-30 PubMed ID: 20580075DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.04.025Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

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This study investigates the proteins found in the sperm and seminal plasma of fertile stallions, aiming to determine if there are connections with in vivo fertility. They found certain proteins that could potentially be used as indicators for semen quality and fertility in stallions.

Research Methodology

  • The team closely studied the global proteome (entire set of proteins) of the sperm and seminal plasma from fertile stallions.
  • The study was carried out on seven stallions in a commercial breeding station over the course of a breeding season, resulting in 164 mares for determining conception rates.
  • Raw semen was collected three times during the breeding season from a regular collection and analysed using two-dimensional electrophoresis (a method to separate proteins) and was also evaluated for common semen quality metrics.

Key Findings

  • Three proteins linked to carbohydrate metabolism in sperm were found to be positively related to fertility.
  • They also discovered four seminal plasma proteins negatively linked to fertility. These were identified as kallikrein-1E2 (KLK2), clusterin, and seminal plasma proteins 1 (SP1) and 2 (SP2).
  • The research established that the abundance of one protein, specifically, cysteine-rich secretory protein 3 (CRISP3), was positively related to the first cycle conception rate.
  • The first cycle conception rate was found to be negatively linked to ejaculate volume and total IGF1 content per ejaculate. On the flip side, overall pregnancy rate was positively linked to sperm concentration.

Conclusion

  • Based on a stepwise regression analysis – an iterative process of adding or removing variables based on statistical tests – the study determined that the proteins clusterin and SP1 in seminal plasma, along with sperm citrate synthase, were predictive of fertility.
  • Through this investigation, the study has identified proteins in sperm and seminal plasma which could serve as biomarkers or indicators of semen quality and fertility in stallions.

Cite This Article

APA
Novak S, Smith TA, Paradis F, Burwash L, Dyck MK, Foxcroft GR, Dixon WT. (2010). Biomarkers of in vivo fertility in sperm and seminal plasma of fertile stallions. Theriogenology, 74(6), 956-967. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.04.025

Publication

ISSN: 1879-3231
NlmUniqueID: 0421510
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 74
Issue: 6
Pages: 956-967

Researcher Affiliations

Novak, S
  • Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, 4-10 Ag/For Centre, University of Alberta, T6G 2P5, Canada. susan.novak@ualberta.ca
Smith, T A
    Paradis, F
      Burwash, L
        Dyck, M K
          Foxcroft, G R
            Dixon, W T

              MeSH Terms

              • Animals
              • Biomarkers / analysis
              • Biomarkers / metabolism
              • Female
              • Fertility / physiology
              • Horses / metabolism
              • Horses / physiology
              • Male
              • Pregnancy
              • Pregnancy Rate
              • Proteomics
              • Regression Analysis
              • Semen / metabolism
              • Semen Analysis
              • Seminal Plasma Proteins / analysis
              • Seminal Plasma Proteins / metabolism
              • Spermatozoa / metabolism

              Citations

              This article has been cited 16 times.
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