Drying and temperature induced conformational changes of nucleic acids and stallion sperm chromatin in trehalose preservation formulations.
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
This study investigates the impacts of drying and temperature on nucleic acids and sperm chromatin, emphasizing the use of trehalose preservation formulations. It finds that both factors can damage DNA but sugar-based formulas can mitigate these impacts.
Research Methodology
- The researchers collected stallion sperm, then diluted the samples in preservation solutions both with and without sugar and albumin.
- This diluted sperm was then subjected to convective drying using elevated temperatures on the given glass substrates.
- Different storage temperatures were used to monitor the collection of reactive oxygen species which are often produced under stressful conditions and can be harmful to cellular functions.
- The research used a sperm chromatin structure assay to study any potential DNA damage that occurred.
- Further, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to identify changes in conformation – the three-dimensional shape of a protein that is crucial for its function – induced by drying and storage.
Key Findings
- They recorded an increase in reactive oxygen species and DNA damage in the dried sperm samples as storage temperature and duration increased.
- The team discovered that non-reducing disaccharides like trehalose and sucrose, as well as albumin, were successful in counteracting oxidative stress and preserving sperm chromatin during the dried storage process. In contrast, they found that glucose increased DNA damage over the storage period.
- When the sperm was dried with trehalose and albumin present, no detectable spectral changes were observed during storage at refrigeration temperatures.
- However, under accelerated aging conditions, such as storage at 37° C, they noted spectral changes that indicated shifts in sperm chromatin structure.
Study Significance
This research provides an important look at how sperm can be preserved, which has implications for reproductive science and fertility treatments. The findings indicate that it’s possible to design preservation solutions that protect sperm chromatin from oxidative stress and DNA damage, with potential for improved success in assisted fertility treatments. However, it also flags that glucose, often used in these solutions, can in fact increase DNA damage during storage.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Biostabilization Laboratory, Lower Saxony Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Implant Research and Development, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine, Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 15, 30559, Hannover, Germany.
- Biostabilization Laboratory, Lower Saxony Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Implant Research and Development, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine, Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 15, 30559, Hannover, Germany.
- Biostabilization Laboratory, Lower Saxony Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Implant Research and Development, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine, Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 15, 30559, Hannover, Germany.
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine, Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 15, 30559, Hannover, Germany. harriette.oldenhof@tiho-hannover.de.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Chromatin
- DNA Damage
- Freeze Drying
- Male
- Nucleic Acid Conformation
- Nucleic Acids / chemistry
- Reactive Oxygen Species
- Semen Preservation
- Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
- Spermatozoa / metabolism
- Temperature
Conflict of Interest Statement
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Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Comizzoli P, He X, Lee PC. Long-term preservation of germ cells and gonadal tissues at ambient temperatures. Reprod Fertil 2022 Apr 1;3(2):R42-R50.
- Lee PC, Zahmel J, Jewgenow K, Comizzoli P. Desiccated cat spermatozoa retain DNA integrity and developmental potential after prolonged storage and shipping at non-cryogenic temperatures. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022 Jan;39(1):141-151.