Dissecting the molecular damage to stallion spermatozoa: the way to improve current cryopreservation protocols?
Abstract: We review recent developments in the technology of freezing stallion sperm, paying special attention to the molecular lesions that spermatozoa suffer during freezing and thawing, such as osmotic stress, oxidative damage, and apoptotic changes. We also discuss the applicability of colloidal centrifugation in stallion sperm cryobiology. Increased knowledge about the molecular injuries that occur during cryopreservation may lead to improved protective techniques and thus to further improvements in fertility in the current decade.
Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2011-08-10 PubMed ID: 21835453DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.06.023Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
- Review
Summary
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The research article reviews recent advances in the freezing of stallion sperm and the molecular damages it undergoes during the freezing and thawing process. The knowledge obtained may contribute to enhancing protective techniques and fertility improvements.
Understanding Molecular Damages in Sperm Cryopreservation
- The research article puts a spotlight on the recent developments in technology regarding the freezing of stallion spermatozoa. The paper emphasizes the intricate molecular injuries that occur during the freezing and thawing process, such as osmotic stress, oxidative damage, and apoptotic changes, which ultimately compromise the viability of the sperm cells.
- Osmotic stress in the context of sperm cryopreservation refers to the sudden change in cellular water balance during freezing and thawing. This imbalance disrupts homeostasis, leading to cellular shrinkage or swelling, and possibly cell death.
- Oxidative damage arises from the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Though necessary for sperm function, excessive ROS can damage cell structures, affecting a cell’s lipids, proteins, and DNA.
- Apoptotic changes, or programmed cell death, also occur during cryopreservation. In this process, a series of biochemical events lead to characteristic cell changes and death, ultimately affecting sperm health.
Role of Colloidal Centrifugation in Sperm Cryobiology
- The study also explores the applicability of colloidal centrifugation in the cryopreservation of stallion sperm. Colloidal centrifugation is a technique used to separate and purify spermatozoa based on their motility and morphology. This method can effectively isolate high-quality sperm cells, thereby contributing to more successful freezing and thawing cycles.
Significance and Future Implications of the Study
- The authors argue that an in-depth understanding of molecular damage occurring during sperm cryopreservation may pave the way for improved protective techniques. These corrective measures would play a crucial role in improving sperm cell viability, contributing to better fertility outcomes.
- The article contributes to a burgeoning pool of research aimed at improving current sperm cryopreservation protocols, thereby potentially advancing reproductive technologies in the current decade.
Cite This Article
APA
Peña FJ, García BM, Samper JC, Aparicio IM, Tapia JA, Ferrusola CO.
(2011).
Dissecting the molecular damage to stallion spermatozoa: the way to improve current cryopreservation protocols?
Theriogenology, 76(7), 1177-1186.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.06.023 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura Cáceres, Spain. fjuanpvega@unex.es
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Apoptosis
- Cryopreservation / methods
- Cryopreservation / veterinary
- Horses
- Male
- Osmotic Pressure
- Oxidative Stress
- Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
- Spermatozoa
Citations
This article has been cited 16 times.- Delgado-Bermúdez A, Ribas-Maynou J, Yeste M. Relevance of Aquaporins for Gamete Function and Cryopreservation. Animals (Basel) 2022 Feb 24;12(5).
- Ngcobo JN, Ramukhithi FV, Nephawe KA, Mpofu TJ, Chokoe TC, Nedambale TL. Flaxseed Oil as a Source of Omega n-3 Fatty Acids to Improve Semen Quality from Livestock Animals: A Review. Animals (Basel) 2021 Nov 28;11(12).
- Gaitskell-Phillips G, Martín-Cano FE, Ortiz-Rodríguez JM, Silva-Rodríguez A, Gil MC, Ortega-Ferrusola C, Peña FJ. In Stallion Spermatozoa, Superoxide Dismutase (Cu-Zn) (SOD1) and the Aldo-Keto-Reductase Family 1 Member b (AKR1B1) Are the Proteins Most Significantly Reduced by Cryopreservation. J Proteome Res 2021 May 7;20(5):2435-2446.
- Ortiz I, Dorado J, Morrell JM, Diaz-Jimenez MA, Pereira B, Consuegra C, Hidalgo M. Comparison of sperm selection techniques in donkeys: motile subpopulations from a practical point of view. Anim Reprod 2019 Oct 23;16(2):282-289.
- Hidalgo M, Diaz-Jimenez M, Consuegra C, Pereira B, Dorado J. Vitrification of Donkey Sperm: Is It Better Using Permeable Cryoprotectants?. Animals (Basel) 2020 Aug 20;10(9).
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- Delgado-Bermúdez A, Llavanera M, Recuero S, Mateo-Otero Y, Bonet S, Barranco I, Fernandez-Fuertes B, Yeste M. Effect of AQP Inhibition on Boar Sperm Cryotolerance Depends on the Intrinsic Freezability of the Ejaculate. Int J Mol Sci 2019 Dec 11;20(24).
- Delgado-Bermúdez A, Noto F, Bonilla-Correal S, Garcia-Bonavila E, Catalán J, Papas M, Bonet S, Miró J, Yeste M. Cryotolerance of Stallion Spermatozoa Relies on Aquaglyceroporins rather than Orthodox Aquaporins. Biology (Basel) 2019 Nov 12;8(4).
- Ortiz-Rodriguez JM, Ortega-Ferrusola C, Gil MC, Martín-Cano FE, Gaitskell-Phillips G, Rodríguez-Martínez H, Hinrichs K, Álvarez-Barrientos A, Román Á, Peña FJ. Transcriptome analysis reveals that fertilization with cryopreserved sperm downregulates genes relevant for early embryo development in the horse. PLoS One 2019;14(6):e0213420.
- Ortiz-Rodriguez JM, Anel-Lopez L, Martín-Muñoz P, Álvarez M, Gaitskell-Phillips G, Anel L, Rodríguez-Medina P, Peña FJ, Ortega Ferrusola C. Pulse Doppler ultrasound as a tool for the diagnosis of chronic testicular dysfunction in stallions. PLoS One 2017;12(5):e0175878.
- Plaza Davila M, Martin Muñoz P, Tapia JA, Ortega Ferrusola C, Balao da Silva C C, Peña FJ. Inhibition of Mitochondrial Complex I Leads to Decreased Motility and Membrane Integrity Related to Increased Hydrogen Peroxide and Reduced ATP Production, while the Inhibition of Glycolysis Has Less Impact on Sperm Motility. PLoS One 2015;10(9):e0138777.
- Bitton A, Frishling A, Kalo D, Roth Z, Arav A. The Impact of Precisely Controlled Pre-Freeze Cooling Rates on Post-Thaw Stallion Sperm. Animals (Basel) 2025 Dec 21;16(1).
- Ullah A, Chen W, Shi L, Wang M, Geng M, Na J, Akhtar MF, Khan MZ, Wang C. Challenges and Enhancing Strategies of Equine Semen Preservation: Nutritional and Genetic Perspectives. Vet Sci 2025 Aug 25;12(9).
- Zhu Z, Yao J, Zeng L, Feng K, Zhou C, Liu H, Wang W, Zhou J, Xu H. Developing Efficient Methods of Sperm Cryopreservation for Three Fish Species (Cyprinus carpio L., Schizothorax prenanti, Glyptosternum maculatum). Int J Mol Sci 2025 May 13;26(10).
- Hidalgo M, Ortiz I. Sperm Vitrification in Horse and Donkey. Methods Mol Biol 2025;2897:137-145.
- Ngcobo JN, Nedambale TL, Nephawe KA, Sithole SM, Chokoe TC, Ramukhithi FV. Dietary supplementing South African indigenous rams with flaxseed oil and ascorbic acid improves cryopreserved semen quality and in vitro fertility. Trop Anim Health Prod 2024 Jul 10;56(6):200.
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