Identification of proteoforms of albumin and kallikrein in stallion seminal plasma and their correlations with sperm motility.

This research explored the connections between certain proteins found in stallion seminal fluid and sperm mobility. The findings suggest that these proteins may be linked with fertility.

Study Overview

• The purpose of this study was to identify specific versions, or proteoforms, of two proteins, albumin and kallikrein, in the seminal plasma (SP) of stallions.
• The research sought to determine if there were any correlations between these proteins and sperm motility, which is a key factor in male fertility.

Methodology

• The researchers collected samples from 8 stallions during both the breeding (BS) and non-breeding seasons (NBS) for comparison.
• These samples were analyzed using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-D PAGE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI TOT/TOF MS) to identify the proteins present in the seminal fluid.
• The computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system was used to measure sperm motility.
• Two proteoforms each of albumin (ALB 1 and ALB 2) and kallikrein (KAL 1 and KAL 2) were examined for their relationship with total and progressive sperm motility.

Results

• During the breeding season, the expression of ALB 1, ALB 2, KAL 1, and KAL 2 was found to be significantly correlated with sperm motility.
• No correlation was detected between the expression of these proteins and sperm motility during the non-breeding season.

Conclusions

• The identified correlation between the presence of ALB 1, ALB 2, KAL 1, and KAL 2 and higher sperm motility could suggest that these are fertility-associated proteins (FAPs).
• This indicates a potential relationship between these specific proteins and stallion fertility, although further research into the role of these proteins during the non-breathing season could further clarify these findings.