Semen molecular and cellular features: these parameters can reliably predict subsequent ART outcome in a goat model

Abstract

Currently, the assessment of sperm function in a raw or processed semen sample is not able to reliably predict sperm ability to withstand freezing and thawing procedures and in vivo fertility and/ or assisted reproductive biotechnologies (ART) outcome. The aim of the present study was to investigate which parameters among a battery of analyses could predict subsequent spermatozoa in vitro fertilization ability and hence blastocyst output in a goat model. Ejaculates were obtained by artificial vagina from 3 adult goats (Capra hircus) aged 2 years (A, B and C). In order to assess the predictive value of viability, computer assisted sperm analyzer (CASA) motility parameters and ATP intracellular concentration before and after thawing and of DNA integrity after thawing on subsequent embryo output after an in vitro fertility test, a logistic regression analysis was used. Individual differences in semen parameters were evident for semen viability after thawing and DNA integrity. Results of IVF test showed that spermatozoa collected from A and B lead to higher cleavage rates (0 < 0.01) and blastocysts output (p < 0.05) compared with C. Logistic regression analysis model explained a deviance of 72% (p < 0.0001), directly related with the mean percentage of rapid spermatozoa in fresh semen (p < 0.01), semen viability after thawing (p < 0.01), and with two of the three comet parameters considered, i.e tail DNA percentage and comet length (p < 0.0001). DNA integrity alone had a high predictive value on IVF outcome with frozen/thawed semen (deviance explained: 57%). The model proposed here represents one of the many possible ways to explain differences found in embryo output following IVF with different semen donors and may represent a useful tool to select the most suitable donors for semen cryopreservation.

Sperm DNA damage has a negative association with live-birth rates after IVF

“…While conventional semen analysis can be useful as initial evaluation of a patient's fertility status, there is growing evidence that it has limited value in diagnosing male infertility or predicting success of assisted reproduction (Berlinguer et al, 2009;Björndahl and Haugen, 2008;Ford, 2010;Garrido et al, 2008;Nagler, 2011;Saleh et al, 2003;Shamsi et al, 2010). Although currently not in the battery of routine clinical tests offered to patients, sperm DNA damage has been demonstrated to be a promising tool in determining the male patient's fertility status and to predict successful treatment in terms of the short-term goals of fertilization and pregnancy and the long-term goal of healthy offspring.…”

Effects of boron (sodium pentaborate), added instead of Tris components, on freezing and post-thaw quality of Angora buck semen

“…In the studies conducted different extenders' (Trisbased, milk powder) positive effects on motility have been notified (1,7,23). In the research conducted it was found that the highest value belonged to 1-c extender and the lowest value belonged to 2-d extender, along with 1-b, 1-d and 2-b extenders values were higher than the control extender.…”

“…In the studies conducted on goats, the post-thaw in vitro values of semen frozen with different extenders were evaluated with CASA system (1,7,23). The differences between the data obtained from the study presented and other researches using the same analysis system (SCA) may be caused by the usage of different breeds of goats.…”

<b>Impacto da qualidade espermática sobre a fertilidade <i>in vivo</i> em bovinos:</b> contribuição de marcadores mitocondriais e subpopulações espermáticas

“…A fertilidade varia substancialmente entre os touros. Em geral, os métodos para estimar a fertilidade são melhores para a identificação de touros com baixa fertilidade do que para classificar touros com boa ou excelente fertilidade (KASTELIC, 2013 (BERLINGUER et al, 2009;VINCENT et al, 2012;LI et al, 2014;OLIVEIRA et al, 2014 …”

“…Durante as últimas décadas vários trabalhos foram realizados para buscar marcadores moleculares e celulares como ferramenta de avaliação in vitro de amostras de sêmen, mas os resultados são contraditórios (KILLIAN; CHAPMAN; ROGOWSKI, 1993;ZHANG et al, 1999;RITTA, 2004;BERLINGUER et al, 2009;OLIVEIRA et al, 2013a;SELLEM et al, 2015;BATTUT, 2016). Os trabalhos mais recentes incluem a citometria de fluxo, pois esta permite analisar simultaneamente diferentes compartimentos e funções espermáticas em uma amostra mais representativa (HOSSAIN et al, 2011;PEÑA, 2015).…”