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Andrology2020; 9(2); 728-743; doi: 10.1111/andr.12944

Seminal plasma components from fertile stallions involved in the epididymal sperm freezability.

Abstract: Seminal plasma (SP) plays a crucial role in sperm protection and functionality. However, the effect of SP on the sperm cryopreservation is dependent on the stallion and SP composition. The use of epididymal spermatozoa incubated in the presence of SP could help the identification of the components of SP that are able to confer protection upon the spermatozoa during freezing. The aims of this study were (i) to identify SP components involved in the potential protection of epididymal spermatozoa during the freeze-thawing process and (ii) to identify and evaluate the proteins likely related to sperm freezability, using two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE). Epididymal spermatozoa from 4 stallions were incubated with SP (80%, v/v) or without SP (control) before freezing. Sperm parameters were evaluated after thawing (viability, chromatin condensation, acrosomal integrity, reactive oxygen species [ROS]) and SP composition: total antioxidant capacity (TAC), fatty acid composition, total protein concentration, and protein components by 2D-DIGE. After thawing, the proportions of viable and acrosome-intact spermatozoa were higher than control when SP from two stallions was used (F and O). The SP of all stallions reduced ROS production in comparison with the control. After analyzing the SP components, it was found that total protein concentration, TAC, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and eight specific proteins identified by 2D-DIGE were different between stallions. These studies allow the identification of SP components that could be involved in sperm protection or cryotolerance. Use of this information could help in the selection of stallions according to their semen freezing capacity. The composition of the SP probably contributes to semen cryotolerance capacity. Total protein, TAC, PUFA, and some proteins such as cysteine-rich secreted protein 3 could be used as biomarkers for the selection for sperm cryotolerance.
Publication Date: 2020-11-26 PubMed ID: 33185013DOI: 10.1111/andr.12944Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research explores the role of seminal plasma (SP) in protecting sperm during the cryopreservation process, with a focus on identifying the SP components that confer this protection. Using specific proteins identified through two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis, the researchers propose these elements as potential biomarkers for selecting stallions based on semen freezing capabilities.

Objective and Methodology

The research tries to explain the protective role of seminal plasma (SP) on sperm during freezing and thawing. The focus is on determining the specific components in SP that grant this cryoprotection. For the experiment, epididymal spermatozoa from four stallions were tested, with or without SP, before being frozen. By applying an analytical procedure known as two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE), researchers meant to:

  • Identify SP components that may shield epididymal spermatozoa during the freeze-thaw process
  • Determine proteins related to sperm freezability

Results of the Study

After thawing, the research determined that the proportions of viable and acrosome-intact spermatozoa were higher when SP was used in two stallions named F and O. By evaluating the SP composition and sperm parameters, the researchers found:

  • The SP from all stallions used reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) – harmful elements that can damage cells
  • Differences between stallions in terms of total protein concentration, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and eight specific proteins identified by 2D-DIGE

Implications of the Research

This study becomes a platform for discovering SP components that could advance sperm protection during cryopreservation. Knowing this information has practical implications in selecting stallions based on their semen freezing capabilities – a relevant sorting mechanism in reproductive and genetic studies.

  • Composition of the SP might affect the freezing capacity of semen. Total protein, TAC, PUFA and specific proteins like cysteine-rich secreted protein 3 could serve as indicators of sperm cryotolerance.
  • The insights gained from this study could optimize animal genetics and breed selection methods.

Cite This Article

APA
Vieira LA, Matás C, Torrecillas A, Saez F, Gadea J. (2020). Seminal plasma components from fertile stallions involved in the epididymal sperm freezability. Andrology, 9(2), 728-743. https://doi.org/10.1111/andr.12944

Publication

ISSN: 2047-2927
NlmUniqueID: 101585129
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 9
Issue: 2
Pages: 728-743

Researcher Affiliations

Vieira, Luis Alberto
  • Department of Physiology, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
  • Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain.
Matás, Carmen
  • Department of Physiology, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
  • Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain.
Torrecillas, Alejandro
  • Research Support Service, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
Saez, Fara
  • Research Support Service, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
Gadea, Joaquín
  • Department of Physiology, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
  • Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / physiology
  • Biological Variation, Individual
  • Cryopreservation / veterinary
  • Epididymis / cytology
  • Fatty Acids / physiology
  • Fertility
  • Horses
  • Male
  • Semen / chemistry
  • Semen / physiology
  • Semen Preservation / veterinary
  • Seminal Plasma Proteins / physiology

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