Current perspectives on ruminant sperm freezability: Harnessing molecular changes related to semen quality through omics technologies

Abstract

The recent advances in sperm cryopreservation transcend cryobanking and other assisted reproductive technologies. Since its discovery, cryopreservation has contributed positive impacts on animal breeding as well as in genetic exchange, improvement, and conservation efforts. However, cryoinjury and variabilities in cryopreservation outcomes remain as key challenges to sperm cryobiology. The present work explored the molecular bases for such freezability differences and freezing-thawing injuries in the ruminant sperm. Relevant biomarkers identified in the seminal plasma and the spermatozoa were highlighted, including lipids, proteins, metabolites, transcripts, and genes. Specific molecular mechanisms concerning sperm structures and functions were also examined relative to their association to cryotolerance, and spermiogram or seminogram modifications following cryopreservation procedures. Current conflicts and gaps in the knowledge base on ruminant spermatozoa were also emphasized. Further investigation of these areas using the available breakthrough molecular tools such as omics technologies is therefore proposed to improve, optimize, or even predict the overall quality of frozen-thawed ruminant semen towards reproductive efficiency.

Cryopreservation of goat spermatozoa in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam: evaluating cryoprotectant effectiveness

“…The quality of sperm during cryopreservation depends on various factors, such as freezing techniques, cryoprotective diluent composition, dilution methods, cooling rates, and thawing methods (Aboagla and Terada, 2004). Cryopreservation can harm cells by reducing viability, causing membrane and DNA integrity loss (Bagchi et al, 2008;Salinas et al, 2021). Goat sperm is especially susceptible to peroxidative damage during cryopreservation due to the high unsaturated fatty acid content in plasma membrane phospholipids and the relatively low antioxidant capacity of goat semen plasma (Watson, 2000).…”

Influence of Sperm Number and Antioxidant Melatonin in Extender on the Quality of Post-Thawing Sheep Spermatozoa

“…The use of cement cryopreservation technology is quite often used for fish cement (Martínez-Páramo et al 2017;Magnotti et al 2018), livestock (Lv et al 2019;Salinas et al 2021;Yánez-Ortiz et al 2021), and human (Tao et al 2020). It is well known that the cryopreservation process of semen can lead to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS).…”

Extend the Survival of Human Sperm In Vitro in Non-Freezing Conditions: Damage Mechanisms, Preservation Technologies, and Clinical Applications

“…The inter-male variation of sperm cryo-survivability and cryo-tolerance was associated with the difference in spermatozoa and the seminal plasma, while their detailed molecular mechanism has not been methodically explained [ 288 , 289 ]. It has been proved that some genes, proteins, and metabolites are correlated with freezability, allowing the development of novel additives to improve the effect of freezing medium [ 216 ].…”