Sperm interactions with the female reproductive tract: A key for successful fertilization in mammals

Saint‐Dizier, Marie; Mahé, Coline; Reynaud, Karine; Tsikis, Guillaume; Mermillod, Pascal; Druart, Xavier

doi:10.1016/j.mce.2020.110956

Cited by 31 publications

(31 citation statements)

References 210 publications

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“…The composition of SP and the differences among the ejaculate fractions has help define the possible influence on the fertility of the male [ 88 , 96 ] via interactions with the female genital tract [ 27 , 29 , 208 , 209 ]. Fractions seem to vary in their capacity to elicit inflammation, i.e., the porcine post-SRF fraction, by containing higher amounts of SP-proteins, particularly of the PSP-I/PSP-II, is capable to induce entry of polymorphonuclear leukocytes to the uterine lumen within minutes of exposure [ 25 ] ( Figure 5 ).…”

Section: What Proof Do We Really Have That Seminal Plasma Really Affects Fertility?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Seminal Plasma: Relevant for Fertility?

Rodriguez‐Martinez

Martı́nez

Calvete

et al. 2021

IJMS

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Seminal plasma (SP), the non-cellular component of semen, is a heterogeneous composite fluid built by secretions of the testis, the epididymis and the accessory sexual glands. Its composition, despite species-specific anatomical peculiarities, consistently contains inorganic ions, specific hormones, proteins and peptides, including cytokines and enzymes, cholesterol, DNA and RNA—the latter often protected within epididymis- or prostate-derived extracellular vesicles. It is beyond question that the SP participates in diverse aspects of sperm function pre-fertilization events. The SP also interacts with the various compartments of the tubular genital tract, triggering changes in gene function that prepares for an eventual successful pregnancy; thus, it ultimately modulates fertility. Despite these concepts, it is imperative to remember that SP-free spermatozoa (epididymal or washed ejaculated) are still fertile, so this review shall focus on the differences between the in vivo roles of the SP following semen deposition in the female and those regarding additions of SP on spermatozoa handled for artificial reproduction, including cryopreservation, from artificial insemination to in vitro fertilization. This review attempts, including our own results on model animal species, to critically summarize the current knowledge of the reproductive roles played by SP components, particularly in our own species, which is increasingly affected by infertility. The ultimate goal is to reconcile the delicate balance between the SP molecular concentration and their concerted effects after temporal exposure in vivo. We aim to appraise the functions of the SP components, their relevance as diagnostic biomarkers and their value as eventual additives to refine reproductive strategies, including biotechnologies, in livestock models and humans.

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Section: What Proof Do We Really Have That Seminal Plasma Really Affects Fertility?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Seminal Plasma: Relevant for Fertility?

Rodriguez‐Martinez

Martı́nez

Calvete

et al. 2021

IJMS

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“…In farm animals, the mechanisms underlying the selective role of the UTJ are still largely unknown. However, the use of knock out (KO) mouse models allowed the identification of more than 15 genes necessary for sperm passage through the UTJ, including one coding for A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase ( Adam ) 3, a glycosylated membrane protein normally present on the surface of spermatozoa, as well as several genes coding for proteins interacting with ADAM3 or required for the maturation of ADAM3 on sperm membrane [ 25–27 ] ( Figure 1 ). However, whether ADAM3 interacts with specific proteins on luminal cells in the UTJ and how these interactions may allow sperm passage into the oviduct are still unknown.…”

Section: The Utj Selects a Sperm Sub-population To Enter The Oviductmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sperm migration, selection, survival, and fertilizing ability in the mammalian oviduct

Mahé

Zlotkowska

Reynaud

et al. 2021

Biology of Reproduction

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In vitro fertilization (IVF) gives rise to embryos in a number of mammalian species and is currently widely used for assisted reproduction in humans and for genetic purposes in cattle. However, the rate of polyspermy is generally higher in vitro than in vivo and IVF remains ineffective in some domestic species like pigs and horses, highlighting the importance of the female reproductive tract for gamete quality and fertilization. In this review, the way the female environment modulates sperm selective migration, survival and acquisition of fertilizing ability in the oviduct is being considered under six aspects: (1) the utero-tubal junction which selects a sperm sub-population entering the oviduct; (2) the presence of sperm binding sites on luminal epithelial cells in the oviduct, which prolong sperm viability and plays a role in limiting polyspermic fertilization; (3) the contractions of the oviduct, which promote sperm migration toward the site of fertilization in the ampulla; (4) the regions of the oviduct, which play different roles in regulating sperm physiology and interactions with oviduct epithelial cells; (5) the time of ovulation and (6) the steroid hormonal environment which regulates sperm release from the luminal epithelial cells and facilitates capacitation in a finely orchestrated manner.

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“…Seminal fluid is not only the carrier for sperm delivery, but also a signaling agent that interact with female reproductive tissues to facilitate conception (54,55). EVs are indispensable bioactive (46,47) signaling factors in the crosstalk between seminal fluid and female reproductive system (34)(35)(36).…”

Section: Seminal Exosomes (Se)mentioning

confidence: 99%

The Complicated Effects of Extracellular Vesicles and Their Cargos on Embryo Implantation

Jiang

2021

Front. Endocrinol.

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As a rate-limiting step in pregnancy, embryo implantation is highly dependent on intercellular communication. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are newly identified to be important in the course of intercellular communication. EVs have been isolated from a wide variety of biofluids and tissues, including plasma, liver, uterine, semen, embryo, etc. The present and future use of EVs not only as biomarkers, but also as targeting drug delivery system, is promisingly pave the way for advanced comprehension of implantation failure in reproductive diseases. However, as the precise mechanisms of EVs in embryo implantation has not been elucidated yet. Herein, we summarize the current knowledge on the diverse effects of EVs from various sources and their cargos such as microRNA, long non-coding RNA, protein, etc. on embryo implantation, and the potential mechanisms of EVs in reproductive diseases such as recurrent implantation failure, polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis. It is essential to note that many of the biologically plausible functions of EVs in embryo implantation discussed in present literatures still need further research in vivo.

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Sperm interactions with the female reproductive tract: A key for successful fertilization in mammals

Cited by 31 publications

References 210 publications

Seminal Plasma: Relevant for Fertility?

Seminal Plasma: Relevant for Fertility?

Sperm migration, selection, survival, and fertilizing ability in the mammalian oviduct

The Complicated Effects of Extracellular Vesicles and Their Cargos on Embryo Implantation

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