Studies have demonstrated the importance of mitochondria to sperm functionality, as the main source of ATP for cellular homoeostasis and motility. However, the role of mitochondria on sperm metabolism is still controversial. Studies indicate that, for some species, glycolysis may be the main mechanism for sperm energy production. For ram sperm, such pathway is not clear. Thus, we evaluated ram sperm in response to mitochondrial uncoupling and glycolysis inhibition aiming to assess the importance of each pathway for sperm functionality. Statistical analysis was performed by the SAS System for Windows, using the General Linear Model Procedure. Data were tested for residue normality and variance homogeneity. A p < .05 was considered significant. Groups treated with the mitochondrial uncoupler Carbonyl cyanide 3 chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) showed a decrease in the percentage of cells with low mitochondrial activity and high mitochondrial membrane potential. We also observed that the highest CCCP concentration promotes a decrease in sperm susceptibility to lipid peroxidation. Regardless the lack of effect of CCCP on total motility, this substance induced significant alterations on sperm kinetics. Besides the interference of CCCP on spermatic movement patterns, it was also possible to observe such an effect in samples treated with the inhibitor of glycolysis (2-deoxy-d-glucose, DOG). Furthermore, treatment with DOG also led to a dose-dependent increase in sperm susceptibility to lipid peroxidation. Based on our results, we suggest that the glycolysis appears to be as important as oxidative phosphorylation for ovine sperm kinetics as this mechanism is capable of maintaining full motility when most of the cells have a low mitochondrial membrane potential. Furthermore, we found that changes in the glycolytic pathway trough glycolysis inhibition are likely involved in mitochondrial dysfunction and sperm oxidative unbalance.

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IIPontos críticos no manejo pré-abate de frango de corte: jejum, captura, carregamento, transporte e tempo de espera no abatedouro

ContentsBenign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has a high incidence in older intact dogs. Due to the increased prostatic oxidative stress and hormonal imbalance of BPH, sperm damage can arise, such as sperm morphological alterations and DNA fragmentation. This study aimed to compare the reproductive potential of healthy dogs and those affected by benign prostatic hyperplasia. Ten dogs were assigned to two experimental groups: dogs without BPH (control; n = 5) and dogs diagnosed with BPH (n = 5), based on clinical signs and ultrasonographic findings. Three semen collections were performed from each dog within one month and analysed using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and functional tests. Control group showed higher percentage of sperm DNA integrity (95 ± 1.8%) compared to the BPH group (79.2 ± 6.4%). On the other hand, the percentage of minor sperm defects, amplitude of lateral sperm head displacement of the spermatozoa and medium sperm mitochondrial activity were higher in the BPH group. In conclusion, BPH decreases sperm DNA integrity, increases mitochondrial activity, as well as modifies sperm movement pattern. Therefore, a careful sperm analysis of aged dogs with BPH is required before a reproductive programme can be established for such patients.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most important reproductive disorders in aging dogs. Therapeutic measures include orchiectomy and pharmacological treatment, leading to reduction of prostate volume and clinical signs. One of the most common drugs used in BPH treatment is finasteride, but data regarding its possible side effects are scarce. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of BPH and short-term (2 months) finasteride therapy on clinical, endocrinological, and reproductive parameters in dogs. Dogs were allocated into four experimental groups: Non-affected (n = 5), BPH (n = 5), Non-Affected-Finasteride (n = 5) and BPH-Finasteride (n = 5) groups. Dogs were evaluated monthly during 2 months by a complete breeding soundness examination, B-mode ultrasound and Doppler ultrasonography of the testicular artery, hormonal profile (testosterone, estrogen and dihydrotestosterone) and oxidative profile of the prostatic fluid. After 2 months, dogs were gonadectomized and testicles were subjected to histologic analysis. Finasteride treatment reduced dihydrotestosterone concentrations, without negative influence on semen quality and also reverted testicular hemodynamics changes of BPH. On the other hand, BPH was accompanied by significant changes in testosterone and estrogen concentrations and semen quality, mainly related to sperm kinetics alterations. In conclusion, BPH dogs have important hormonal and sperm alterations, however, short-term finasteride treatment (2 months) was able to reduce overall effects of BPH, thus representing a method of therapy for BPH treatment.