Reproduction, Fertility, And Development[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Maternal high-fat diet during pregnancy and lactation affects factors that regulate cell proliferation and apoptosis in the testis of adult progeny.
Viotti H, Cavestany D, Martin GB … +3 more , Vickers MH, Sloboda DM, Pedrana G
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 May · PMID 38739740 · Publisher ↗
Context A maternal high-fat diet is thought to pose a risk to spermatogenesis in the progeny. Aims We tested whether a maternal high-fat diet would affect Sertoli cell expression of transcription factors (insulin-like gr...
Context A maternal high-fat diet is thought to pose a risk to spermatogenesis in the progeny. Aims We tested whether a maternal high-fat diet would affect Sertoli cell expression of transcription factors (insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I); glial-cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF); Ets variant 5 (ETV5)) and cell proliferation and apoptotic proteins, in the testis of adult offspring. Methods Pregnant rats were fed ad libitum with a standard diet (Control) or a high-fat diet (HFat) throughout pregnancy and lactation. After weaning, male pups were fed the standard diet until postnatal day 160. Males were monitored daily from postnatal day 34 to determine onset of puberty. On postnatal day 160, their testes were processed for morphometry and immunohistochemistry. Key results The HFat diet increased seminiferous-tubule diameter (P P P P P P P P Conclusions A maternal high-fat diet alters the balance between spermatogonia proliferation and spermatid apoptosis. Implications A maternal high-fat diet seems to 'program' adult male fertility.
Sperm functionality is differentially regulated by porcine oviductal extracellular vesicles from the distinct phases of the estrous cycle.
Toledo-Guardiola SM, Martínez-Díaz P, Martínez-Núñez R … +4 more , Navarro-Serna S, Soriano-Úbeda C, Romero-Aguirregomezcorta J, Matás C
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 May · PMID 38713808 · Publisher ↗
Context Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from the oviductal fluid (oEVs) play a critical role in various reproductive processes, including sperm capacitation, fertilisation, and early embryo development. Aims To char...
Context Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from the oviductal fluid (oEVs) play a critical role in various reproductive processes, including sperm capacitation, fertilisation, and early embryo development. Aims To characterise porcine oEVs (poEVs) from different stages of the estrous cycle (late follicular, LF; early luteal, EL; mid luteal, ML; late luteal, LL) and investigate their impact on sperm functionality. Methods poEVs were isolated, characterised, and labelled to assess their binding to boar spermatozoa. The effects of poEVs on sperm motility, viability, acrosomal status, protein kinase A phosphorylation (pPKAs), tyrosine phosphorylation (Tyr-P), and in in vitro fertility were analysed. Key results poEVs were observed as round or cup-shaped membrane-surrounded vesicles. Statistical analysis showed that poEVs did not significantly differ in size, quantity, or protein concentration among phases of the estrous cycle. However, LF poEVs demonstrated a higher affinity for binding to sperm. Treatment with EL, ML, and LL poEVs resulted in a decrease in sperm progressive motility and total motility. Moreover, pPKA levels were reduced in presence of LF, EL, and ML poEVs, while Tyr-P levels did not differ between groups. LF poEVs also reduced sperm penetration rate and the number of spermatozoa per penetrated oocyte (P Conclusions poEVs from different stages of the estrous cycle play a modulatory role in sperm functionality by interacting with spermatozoa, affecting motility and capacitation, and participating in sperm-oocyte interaction. Implications The differential effects of LF and LL poEVs suggest the potential use of poEVs as additives in IVF systems to regulate sperm-oocyte interaction.
Impact of bull age, sperm processing, and microclimatic conditions on the viability and DNA integrity of cryopreserved bovine sperm.
Cinar B, Bollwein H, Siuda M … +3 more , Lautner M, Leiding C, Malama E
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 May · PMID 38713807 · Publisher ↗
Context Seasonal microclimatic fluctuations can cause changes in sperm quality even in dairy bulls bred under temperate climate. These changes can vary between sires of different age and affect sperm freezability. Aims W...
Context Seasonal microclimatic fluctuations can cause changes in sperm quality even in dairy bulls bred under temperate climate. These changes can vary between sires of different age and affect sperm freezability. Aims We aimed to evaluate the modulating effect of bull age and equilibration time before freezing on the seasonal pattern of sperm viability and DNA integrity post-thaw. Methods In the frame of systematic sperm quality control, we assessed the integrity of sperm plasma membrane and acrosome (PMAI) in 15,496 cryopreserved bovine batches, and the percentage of sperm with high DNA fragmentation index (%DFI) after 0h and 3h incubation at 38°C post-thaw (3h) in 3422 batches. Semen was equilibrated for 24h before freezing if collected on Monday or Wednesday and 72h if produced on Friday. We investigated the effect of season, bull age, equilibration, and temperature-humidity index (THI) on the day of semen collection on sperm traits using mixed-effects linear models. Key results PMAI and %DFI (0h and 3h) deteriorated with increasing THI. The effect of THI on %DFI was detected with a 30-day time lag. Seasonal fluctuations of sperm quality were similar between young, mature, and older sires. Prolonged equilibration did not affect PMAI but was linked to elevated %DFI (3h) in summer. Conclusions Extending equilibration from 24 to 72h is compatible with commercial standards of bovine sperm quality post-thaw; however, it could interfere with the seasonal pattern of the latter. Implications Systematic monitoring of bovine sperm quality enables the prompt detection of stress factors related to microclimate and semen processing.
A ripple effect? The impact of obesity on sperm quality and function.
Alfaiate MI, Tavares RS, Ramalho-Santos J
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 Apr · PMID 38589340 · Publisher ↗
Infertility affects approximately 15% of couples trying to conceive. Male-related causes account for roughly 50% of cases, with obesity emerging as a possible significant factor. Obesity, defined as a body mass index of...
Infertility affects approximately 15% of couples trying to conceive. Male-related causes account for roughly 50% of cases, with obesity emerging as a possible significant factor. Obesity, defined as a body mass index of 30.0 or higher, has become a widespread epidemic associated with numerous health issues, including a decrease of fertility. This review discusses the relationship between obesity and male infertility, particularly focusing on sperm quality and function. An overview of the literature suggests that obesity may influence the male reproductive system via disruptions in hormonal profiles, oxidative stress, and inflammation, leading to changes in sperm parameters. Several studies have discussed if obesity causes a decrease in sperm concentration, motility, and normal morphology, so far without a consensus being reached. However, available evidence suggests an impairment of sperm function in obese men, due to an increase in DNA damage and oxidative stress, impaired mitochondrial function and acrosome reaction in response to progesterone. Finally, the relationship between obesity and assisted reproductive technologies outcomes remains debatable, with conflicting evidence regarding the influence on fertilisation, pregnancy, and live birth rates. Therefore, the actual impact of obesity on human spermatozoa still needs to be clarified, due to the multiple factors potentially in play.
The spatio-temporal distribution of aromatase cytochrome in ovary throughout the canine oestrous cycle.
Lindh L, Kowalewski MP, Goericke-Pesch SK … +3 more , Lindeberg H, Schuler G, Peltoniemi OAT
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 Mar · PMID 38484784 · Publisher ↗
CONTEXT: New animal welfare legislation and ethical guidelines encourage alternative approaches for canine contraception, instead of surgical gonadectomy which is considered invasive and unjustified in healthy dogs. AIMS...
CONTEXT: New animal welfare legislation and ethical guidelines encourage alternative approaches for canine contraception, instead of surgical gonadectomy which is considered invasive and unjustified in healthy dogs. AIMS: Reversible contraception might be achieved by inhibition of aromatase (CYP19), an enzyme catalysing the conversion of androgens to oestrogens. This study provides insights into the spatio-temporal expression and distribution of aromatase in canine ovarian tissue. METHODS: Ovarian tissue was collected from 39 healthy and sexually mature bitches during different stages of the oestrous cycle: pro-oestrus (n =8), oestrus (n =12), dioestrus (n =9) (luteal phase) and anoestrus (n =10). Localisation of cytochrome P450 aromatase was determined by immunohistochemistry. KEY RESULTS: Aromatase activity in the dog is high during pro-oestrus, ovulation and early dioestrus. Comparing types of follicles and corpora lutea, the highest aromatase abundance was found in antral follicles and luteinising follicles, whereas corpora lutea and early antral follicles showed an intermediate presence of the enzyme. Interesting was the high abundance of aromatase in luteinising theca interna cells, prevailing over granulosa cells. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Understanding of cells involved in oestradiol production is important for targeted inhibition of oestradiol synthesis, possibly offering an approach for contraception and suppression of oestrus.
The future of equine semen analysis.
Peña FJ, Martín-Cano FE, Becerro-Rey L … +4 more , Ortega-Ferrusola C, Gaitskell-Phillips G, da Silva-Álvarez E, Gil MC
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 Mar · PMID 38467450 · Publisher ↗
We are currently experiencing a period of rapid advancement in various areas of science and technology. The integration of high throughput 'omics' techniques with advanced biostatistics, and the help of artificial intell...
We are currently experiencing a period of rapid advancement in various areas of science and technology. The integration of high throughput 'omics' techniques with advanced biostatistics, and the help of artificial intelligence, is significantly impacting our understanding of sperm biology. These advances will have an appreciable impact on the practice of reproductive medicine in horses. This article provides a brief overview of recent advances in the field of spermatology and how they are changing assessment of sperm quality. This article is written from the authors' perspective, using the stallion as a model. We aim to portray a brief overview of the changes occurring in the assessment of sperm motility and kinematics, advances in flow cytometry, implementation of 'omics' technologies, and the use of artificial intelligence/self-learning in data analysis. We also briefly discuss how some of the advances can be readily available to the practitioner, through the implementation of 'on-farm' devices and telemedicine.
Antibiotics in semen extenders - a multiplicity of paradoxes.
Morrell JM, Cojkic A, Malaluang P … +3 more , Ntallaris T, Lindahl J, Hansson I
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 Mar · PMID 38447204 · Publisher ↗
Addition of antibiotics to semen extenders was taken for granted for many years, from the time that commercial artificial insemination in livestock first began many decades ago. However, there is now a growing realisatio...
Addition of antibiotics to semen extenders was taken for granted for many years, from the time that commercial artificial insemination in livestock first began many decades ago. However, there is now a growing realisation that this non-therapeutic utilisation of antibacterial agents is contrary to current recommendations for prudent use that medical and veterinary professionals are advised to follow. Furthermore, antibiotics are not benign, having negative effects on sperm samples, the inseminated female, personnel and potentially the environment. The purpose of this review is three-fold: to highlight the fact that antibiotics are used in semen extenders, with the result that considerable amounts are used globally in animal breeding, to review recent studies on the negative aspects of using antibiotics for this purpose, and to look at possible alternatives. Recent changes in the legislation regarding semen extenders occurred in some, but not all, countries, leaving question marks for semen producers as to whether antibiotics should be added to semen extenders or not.
The case for considering the term 'mitochondrial vesicle' as a misnomer in publications about assisted reproductive technologies (ART) for amphibians.
Browne RK, Venu G, Kaurova SA
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 Feb · PMID 38412552 · Publisher ↗
The term 'mitochondrial vesicle' was first used in 2003 in a description of anuran sperm and persists to this day throughout the literature on assisted reproductive technologies (ART) for amphibians. In the present paper...
The term 'mitochondrial vesicle' was first used in 2003 in a description of anuran sperm and persists to this day throughout the literature on assisted reproductive technologies (ART) for amphibians. In the present paper, we argue that the term is inappropriate because the widely accepted definition of a 'vesicle' refers to an integral structure with an enclosing lipid bilayer/membrane. Moreover, there are no electron micrographs that show a vesicular structure encapsulating mitochondria on amphibian sperm heads in the literature. In fact, in 1993, the mitochondria in the anuran sperm head had been described as positioned in 'mitochondrial collars' or 'mitochondrial sheaths' surrounded by the plasma membrane of the sperm head. On the other hand, mitochondrial-derived vesicles are defined as vesicles shed from mitochondria surfaces, potentially creating confusion. Therefore, our view is that the term 'mitochondrial vesicle' should be avoided in describing the positioning of mitochondria on sperm.
The role of the oviduct environment in embryo survival.
Juengel JL, Reader KL, Maclean PH … +4 more , Quirke LD, Zellhuber-McMillan S, Haack NA, Heiser A
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 Feb · PMID 38402905 · Publisher ↗
CONTEXT: Declining fertility is an issue in multiple mammalian species. As the site of fertilisation and early embryo development, the oviduct plays a critical role in embryo survival, yet there is a paucity of informati...
CONTEXT: Declining fertility is an issue in multiple mammalian species. As the site of fertilisation and early embryo development, the oviduct plays a critical role in embryo survival, yet there is a paucity of information on how the oviduct regulates this process. AIMS: We hypothesised that differences in steroid hormone signalling and/or immune function would be observed in a model of poor embryo survival, the peripubertal ewe. METHODS: We examined expression of steroid hormones in systemic circulation, oviductal expression of oestrogen receptorαand genes important in steroid hormone signalling, and immune function in pregnant and cyclic peripubertal and adult ewes on day 3 after oestrus. KEY RESULTS: Concentrations of progesterone, but not oestradiol, were decreased in the peripubertal ewe compared to the adult ewe. Oestrogen receptorαprotein expression was increased in the peripubertal ewe, but pathway analysis of gene expression revealed downregulation of the oestrogen signalling pathway compared to the adult ewe. Differential expression of several genes involved in immune function between the peripubertal and adult ewe was consistent with an unfavourable oviductal environment in the peripubertal ewe lamb. Oestradiol concentration was positively correlated with the expression of multiple genes involved in the regulation of immune function. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in the immune environment of the oviduct, potentially linked to differential modulation by steroid hormones, may partially underly the poor fertilisation and early embryo survival observed in the peripubertal ewe. IMPLICATIONS: A unfavourable oviductal environment may play an important role in limiting reproductive success.
Recent advances in reproductive research in Australia and New Zealand: highlights from the Annual Meeting of the Society for Reproductive Biology, 2022.
Green ES, Chan HY, Frost E … +6 more , Griffiths M, Hutchison J, Martin JH, Mihalas BP, Newman T, Dunleavy JEM
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 Feb · PMID 38346692 · Publisher ↗
In 2022, the Society for Reproductive Biology came together in Christchurch New Zealand (NZ), for its first face-to-face meeting since the global COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting showcased recent advancements in reproducti...
In 2022, the Society for Reproductive Biology came together in Christchurch New Zealand (NZ), for its first face-to-face meeting since the global COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting showcased recent advancements in reproductive research across a diverse range of themes relevant to human health and fertility, exotic species conservation, and agricultural breeding practices. Here, we highlight the key advances presented across the main themes of the meeting, including advances in addressing opportunities and challenges in reproductive health related to First Nations people in Australia and NZ; increasing conservation success of exotic species, including ethical management of invasive species; improvements in our understanding of developmental biology, specifically seminal fluid signalling, ovarian development and effects of environmental impacts such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals; and leveraging scientific breakthroughs in reproductive engineering to drive solutions for fertility, including in assisted reproductive technologies in humans and agricultural industries, and for regenerative medicine.
The semen microbiome of miniature pony stallions.
Cooke CG, Gibb Z, Grupen CG … +3 more , Schemann K, Deshpande N, Harnett JE
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 Feb · PMID 38331564 · Publisher ↗
CONTEXT: Little is known about the microbial composition of stallion semen. AIMS: To describe the microbiota detected in equine semen of healthy miniature pony stallions. METHODS: Semen specimens were collected using a M...
CONTEXT: Little is known about the microbial composition of stallion semen. AIMS: To describe the microbiota detected in equine semen of healthy miniature pony stallions. METHODS: Semen specimens were collected using a Missouri artificial vagina at a single time point. PacBio (Pacific Biosciences) genomic DNA sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was performed on these specimens, following which next-generation microbiome bioinformatics platform QIIME2 was used to process fastq files and analyse the amplicon data. The data were categorised into genus, family, class, order and phylum. KEY RESULTS: Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla predominated (76%), followed by Proteobacteria (15%). Bacteroidales, Clostridiales and Cardiobacteriales predominated the microbial rank of order (86%). Class was mainly composed of Bacteroidia, Clostridia and Gammaproteobacteria (87%), while family was mainly composed of Porphyromonadaceae , Family_XI and Cardiobacteriaceae (62%). At the level of genus, 80% of the abundance was composed of seven genera, namely Porphyromonas, Suttonella, Peptoniphilus, Fastidiosipila, Ezakiella, Petrimonas and an unknown taxon. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that specific microbiota may be characteristic of healthy miniature pony stallions' semen with some inter-individual variations observed. IMPLICATIONS: Larger equine studies involving fertile and infertile subjects could be informed by this study and could explore the relationship of the semen microbiome to male fertility.
Lycopene inhibits apoptosis of mouse spermatocytes in varicocele via miR-23a/b-induced downregulation of PROK2.
Wang H, Zhu B, Jing T … +4 more , Yu L, Zhang K, Liu Y, Wang H
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 Feb · PMID 38301353 · Publisher ↗
Context The varicocele is the leading cause of male infertility and can impair sperm quality and testicular function through various mechanisms. In our previous study, we found that lycopene could attenuate hypoxia-induc...
Context The varicocele is the leading cause of male infertility and can impair sperm quality and testicular function through various mechanisms. In our previous study, we found that lycopene could attenuate hypoxia-induced testicular injury. Aims To illustrate the detailed mechanism of lycopene on spermatocytes. Methods The effect of lycopene on GC-2 cells under hypoxia were detected by flow cytometry and western blot assay. miR-seq was used to determine miRNA expression in varicocele rat model testes. The function of miR-23a/b were determined by flow cytometry and western blot assay. Key results We demonstrate that lycopene could alleviate hypoxia-induced GC-2 cell apoptosis and could elevate miR-23a/b expression of the hypoxia model in vivo and in vitro . The miR-23a and -23b mimics could reduce the hypoxia-induced GC-2 cell apoptosis. Both miR-23a and -23b could directly bind with prokineticin 2 (PROK2) mRNA and downregulate its expression. Conclusions Lycopene could attenuate hypoxia-induced spermatocyte injury through the miR-23a/b-PROK2 pathway. Implications Lycopene may be an effective treatment for varicocele to improve testicular impairment.
: 65 Functional ablation of pregnancy-associated glycoprotein 7 affects attachment and growth of trophectoderm cell lines.
Moreno E, Ortega MS, Pohler KG
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 Jan · PMID 38270607 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Alterations of the gut microbiota and fecal short-chain fatty acids in women undergoing assisted reproduction.
Wu N, Liu J, Sun Y … +6 more , Fan X, Zang T, Richardson BN, Bai J, Xianyu Y, Liu Y
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 Jan · PMID 38252939 · Publisher ↗
CONTEXT: The community structure of gut microbiota changes during pregnancy, which also affects the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). However, the distribution of gut microbiota composition and metabolite SCF...
CONTEXT: The community structure of gut microbiota changes during pregnancy, which also affects the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). However, the distribution of gut microbiota composition and metabolite SCFA levels are poorly understood in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART). AIMS: To evaluate the changes in gut microbiota composition and metabolic SCFAs in women who received assisted reproduction treatment. METHODS: Sixty-three pregnant women with spontaneous pregnancy (SP) and nine with ART pregnancy were recruited to provide fecal samples. Gut microbiota abundance and SCFA levels were determined by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene amplicon sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). KEY RESULTS: The ART group showed decreased alpha diversity (the species richness or evenness in a sample). The principal coordinates analysis (a method of analysing beta diversity) showed significant difference in gut microbiota between the ART group versus the SP group (unweighted UniFrac distance, R 2 =0.04, P =0.003). Proteobacteria , Blautia and Escherichia-Shigella were enriched in the ART group, whereas the relative abundance of beneficial intestinal bacteria Faecalibacterium was lower than in the SP group. Different modes of conception were associated with several SCFAs (valeric acid (r =-0.280; P =0.017); isocaproic acid (r =-0.330; P =0.005); caproic acid (r =-0.336; P =0.004)). Significantly different SCFAs between the two groups were synchronously associated with the differential gut microbiota. CONCLUSIONS: The diversity and abundance of gut microbiota and the levels of SCFAs in women undergoing ART decreased. IMPLICATIONS: The application of ART shaped the microbial composition and metabolism, which may provide critical information for understanding the biological changes that occur in women with assisted reproduction.
Endocrine changes induced by GnRH immunisation and subsequent early re-stimulation of testicular function with a GnRH agonist in stallions.
Gautier C, Aurich J, Melchert M … +6 more , Wagner LH, Kaps M, Okada CTC, Ertl R, Walter I, Aurich C
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 Jan · PMID 38237640 · Publisher ↗
CONTEXT: Resumption of testicular function after gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) immunisation varies among individual animals and some stallions regain fertility only after a prolonged time. AIMS: This study evalu...
CONTEXT: Resumption of testicular function after gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) immunisation varies among individual animals and some stallions regain fertility only after a prolonged time. AIMS: This study evaluated endocrine effects of GnRH immunisation and early subsequent re-stimulation with a GnRH agonist. We hypothesised that GnRH agonist treatment advances resumption of normal endocrine function in GnRH-vaccinated stallions. METHODS: Shetland stallions were assigned to an experimental and a control group (n =6 each). Experimental stallions were GnRH-immunised twice, 4weeks apart. Each experimental stallion was hemicastrated together with an age-matched control animal when testosterone concentration decreased below 0.3ng/mL. Three weeks later, daily treatment with the GnRH agonist buserelin was initiated (4μg/day for 4weeks followed by 8μg/day). The remaining testicle was removed when testosterone concentration exceeded 0.5ng/mL in vaccinated stallions. Blood was collected for LH, FSH, oestradiol and anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) analyses, and testicular and epididymal tissue were conserved for real-time qPCR and histology. KEY RESULTS: GnRH vaccination reduced blood concentrations of LH and FSH, with a structural deterioration of testicular tissue and disruption of spermatogenesis. Daily buserelin treatment for approximately 60days partially restored gonadotropin secretion and induced a recovery of the functional organisation of the testicular tissue with effective spermatogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: Endocrine testicular function can be restored in GnRH-vaccinated stallions by daily low-dose buserelin treatment. The buserelin treatment protocol may potentially be improved regarding the dose, interval and duration. IMPLICATIONS: Daily buserelin treatment can be recommended for treatment of GnRH-vaccinated stallions with prolonged inhibition of testicular function.
Impact of COVID-19 disease on the male factor in reproductive medicine - how-to advise couples undergoing IVF/ICSI.
Stark J, Kuster SP, Hungerbühler V
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 Jan · PMID 38185121 · Publisher ↗
CONTEXT: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread concern about its potential impact on various aspects of human health. AIMS: This narrative review aims to summarise the current knowledge about the impact of COVID-19...
CONTEXT: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread concern about its potential impact on various aspects of human health. AIMS: This narrative review aims to summarise the current knowledge about the impact of COVID-19 on sperm quality and its effect on assisted reproductive technology. METHODS: In this narrative review, a literature search using the PubMed and MEDLINE databases was conducted to identify relevant original research articles published up to 29 January 2023. RESULTS: Thirty original studies were included in our review. There is evidence that SARS-CoV-2 is detectable in seminal fluid during the acute phase of infection and for up to 1month. However, the fact that SARS-CoV-2 is barely detectable in semen makes sexual transmission very unlikely. COVID-19 infection has been associated with the following changes in sperm quality: morphology, altered motility, changed DNA fragmentation-index (DFI), decreased sperm concentration, lower total number of sperm, and a significant increase in leukocytes and cytokines. The effects mostly seem to be reversible and have not been shown to negatively affect the outcome of assisted reproductive technology but should lead to further research concerning the health of the offspring, because a correlation of increased DFI after COVID-19 even 5months after disease could be assumed. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this narrative review suggest that SARS-CoV-2 may harm sperm quality in the acute phase. IMPLICATIONS: A recovery time of at least 3months regarding assisted reproductive therapy could be reasonable.
Mouse promotes spermatogonia proliferation through enhancing -mediated DNA replication.
Leng X, Xie S, Tao D … +7 more , Wang Z, Shi J, Yi M, Tan X, Zhang X, Liu Y, Yang Y
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 Jan · PMID 38185096 · Publisher ↗
CONTEXT: The human TSPY1 (testis-specific protein, Y-linked 1) gene is critical for spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, there have been difficulties with studying the mechanism underlying its function, partly du...
CONTEXT: The human TSPY1 (testis-specific protein, Y-linked 1) gene is critical for spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, there have been difficulties with studying the mechanism underlying its function, partly due to the presence of the Tspy1 pseudogene in mice. AIMS: TSPYL5 (TSPY-like 5), an autosomal homologous gene of TSPY1 showing a similar expression pattern in both human and mouse testes, is also speculated to play a role in male spermatogenesis. It is beneficial to understand the role of TSPY1 in spermatogenesis by investigating Tspyl5 functions. METHODS: Tspyl5 -knockout mice were generated to investigate the effect of TSPYL5 knockout on spermatogenesis. KEY RESULTS: Tspyl5 deficiency caused a decline in fertility and decreased the numbers of spermatogonia and spermatozoa in aged male mice. Trancriptomic detection of spermatogonia derived from aged Tspyl5 -knockout mice revealed that the Pcna -mediated DNA replication pathway was downregulated. Furthermore, Tspyl5 was proven to facilitate spermatogonia proliferation and upregulate Pcna expression by promoting the ubiquitination-degradation of the TRP53 protein. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that Tspyl5 is a positive regulator for the maintenance of the spermatogonia pool by enhancing Pcna -mediated DNA replication. IMPLICATIONS: This observation provides an important clue for further investigation of the spermatogenesis-related function of TSPY1 .
Coculture with porcine luteal cells during porcine oocyte maturation affects lipid content, cortical reaction and zona pellucida ultrastructure.
Teplitz GM, Lorenzo MS, Cruzans PR … +6 more , Olea GB, Salamone DF, Bastien A, Robert C, Sirard MA, Lombardo DM
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 Jan · PMID 38096792 · Publisher ↗
CONTEXT: In pigs, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) is associated with high polyspermy rates, and for this reason, in vitro embryo production (IVP) is still an inefficient biotechnology. Coculture with somatic cells is an alt...
CONTEXT: In pigs, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) is associated with high polyspermy rates, and for this reason, in vitro embryo production (IVP) is still an inefficient biotechnology. Coculture with somatic cells is an alternative to improve suboptimal in vitro maturation (IVM) conditions. AIM: This study was conducted to test a coculture system of porcine luteal cells (PLC) and cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) to improve oocyte metabolism. METHODS: COC were matured in vitro with PLC. Oocyte lipid content, mitochondrial activity, zona pellucida (ZP) digestibility and pore size, cortical reaction and in vitro embryo development were assessed. KEY RESULTS: Coculture reduced cytoplasmic lipid content in the oocyte cytoplasm without increasing mitochondrial activity. Although ZP digestibility and ZP pore number were not different between culture systems, ZP pores were smaller in the coculture. Coculture impacted the distribution of cortical granules as they were found immediately under the oolemma, and more of them had released their content in the ZP. Coculture with porcine luteal cells during IVM increased monospermic penetration and embryo development after IVF. CONCLUSIONS: The coculture of COC with PLC affects the metabolism of the oocyte and benefits monospermic penetration and embryo development. IMPLICATIONS: The coculture system with PLC could be an alternative for the conventional maturation medium in pigs.
Molecular and cellular programs underlying the development of bovine pre-implantation embryos.
Jiang Z
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2023 Dec · PMID 38064195 · Full text
Early embryonic mortality is a major cause of infertility in cattle, yet the underlying molecular causes remain a mystery. Over the past half century, assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilisation and...
Early embryonic mortality is a major cause of infertility in cattle, yet the underlying molecular causes remain a mystery. Over the past half century, assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilisation and somatic cell nuclear transfer have been used to improve cattle reproductive efficiency; however, reduced embryo developmental potential is seen compared to their in vivo counterparts. Recent years have seen exciting progress across bovine embryo research, including genomic profiling of embryogenesis, new methods for improving embryo competence, and experimenting on building bovine embryos from stem cell cultures. These advances are beginning to define bovine embryo molecular and cellular programs and could potentially lead to improved embryo health. Here, I highlight the current status of molecular determinants and cellular programs of bovine embryo development and new opportunities to improve the bovine embryo health.
IETS management of the challenges associated with embryo pathogen interaction.
Thibier M, Perry G
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2023 Dec · PMID 38064194 · Publisher ↗
One of the very first challenges the International Embryo Transfer Society (IETS) addressed was concern about disease transmission via the transfer of in vivo -derived (IVD) bovine embryos. IETS commissioned its Import/E...
One of the very first challenges the International Embryo Transfer Society (IETS) addressed was concern about disease transmission via the transfer of in vivo -derived (IVD) bovine embryos. IETS commissioned its Import/Export Committee, later named Health and Safety Advisory Committee (HASAC), to resolve this matter, with the assistance of the Data Retrieval Committee following its formation in 1991. Since its first meeting in 1984, considerable achievements have been made, including meeting the numerous challenges created by the many innovations in this industry. Based on research studies and their designs, the IETS HASAC developed a system for categorising pathogens and diseases potentially susceptible to interaction with IVD embryos. This has been instrumental in defining safe operating protocols and ultimately leading to the development of the now universally accepted techniques for certification of embryo health. The close cooperation of IETS/HASAC with the World Organization of Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE) has facilitated the establishment of guidelines for regulators worldwide, thus ensuring the safety of international trade with embryos, while avoiding unjustified regulatory measures. In addition, IETS/HASAC produced and published the IETS Manual: A Procedural Guide and General Information for the Use of Embryo Transfer Technology Emphasising Sanitary Procedures for the embryo transfer industry (1st edition, 1987; 5th edition, 2023). This manual and its updates were designed to provide the industry world-wide with a source of information on safe and sanitary handling procedures for embryos, to describe the procedures necessary to ensure that the transfer of embryos does not result in transmission of pathogenic agents or disease, and to ensure consistent and accurate identification of embryos. The result of these 40years of IETS/HASAC involvement is that embryo transfer technology is recognised as having a comparative advantage in international movement of germplasm.
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