Sperm Lipid Markers of Male Fertility in Mammals

Ferri

et al. 2021

Cells

In assisted reproductive technology (ART), the aim of sperm cells’ preparation is to select competent spermatozoa with the highest fertilization potential and in this context, the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) represents the most applied technique for fertilization. This makes the process of identifying the perfect spermatozoa extremely important. A number of methods have now been developed to mimic some of the natural selection processes that exist in the female reproductive tract. Although many studies have been conducted to identify the election technique, many doubts and disagreements still remain. In this review, we will discuss all the sperm cell selection techniques currently available for ICSI, starting from the most basic methodologies and continuing with those techniques suitable for sperm cells with reduced motility. Furthermore, different techniques that exploit some sperm membrane characteristics and the most advanced strategy for sperm selection based on microfluidics, will be examined. Finally, a new sperm selection method based on a micro swim-up directly on the ICSI dish will be analyzed. Eventually, advantages and disadvantages of each technique will be debated, trying to draw reasonable conclusions on their efficacy in order to establish the gold standard method.

Section: Advanced Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sperm Selection for ICSI: Do We Have a Winner?

Ferri

et al. 2021

Cells

“…Lipids in the spermatozoon plasma membrane are essential for sperm function and integrity. The metabolism of lipids is highly regulated in sperm to ensure its physiological processes, which include sperm motility, capacitation, and acrosome reaction [ 50 , 51 ]. The lipid composition of mammalian spermatozoa is different from that of other cells because sperms have a high amount of neutral lipids (diacylglycerols) [ 50 ].…”

Section: Lipids and Spermatozoamentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The metabolism of lipids is highly regulated in sperm to ensure its physiological processes, which include sperm motility, capacitation, and acrosome reaction [ 50 , 51 ]. The lipid composition of mammalian spermatozoa is different from that of other cells because sperms have a high amount of neutral lipids (diacylglycerols) [ 50 ]. The composition of the head and tail are different: the plasma membrane of the head shows lateral heterogeneity regarding the surface molecular topology [ 52 ], while lipids show a unique asymmetrical distribution in the bilayer [ 53 ].…”

Section: Lipids and Spermatozoamentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The composition of the head and tail are different: the plasma membrane of the head shows lateral heterogeneity regarding the surface molecular topology [ 52 ], while lipids show a unique asymmetrical distribution in the bilayer [ 53 ]. Shan et al reviewed different types of lipids of the mammalian spermatozoan plasma membrane and their deficiency-associated pathologies in fertility, including sperm motility [ 50 ]. Nevertheless, predictions of the effects of lipids in human sperm motility should be carefully made, as there is limited data available in this regard.…”

Section: Lipids and Spermatozoamentioning

confidence: 99%

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Perspectives on Potential Fatty Acid Modulations of Motility Associated Human Sperm Ion Channels

Cooray

Kim

Chae

et al. 2022

IJMS

Human spermatozoan ion channels are specifically distributed in the spermatozoan membrane, contribute to sperm motility, and are associated with male reproductive abnormalities. Calcium, potassium, protons, sodium, and chloride are the main ions that are regulated across this membrane, and their intracellular concentrations are crucial for sperm motility. Fatty acids (FAs) affect sperm quality parameters, reproductive pathologies, male fertility, and regulate ion channel functions in other cells. However, to date the literature is insufficient to draw any conclusions regarding the effects of FAs on human spermatozoan ion channels. Here, we aimed to discern the possible effects of FAs on spermatozoan ion channels and direct guidance for future research. After investigating the effects of FAs on characteristics related to human spermatozoan motility, reproductive pathologies, and the modulation of similar ion channels in other cells by FAs, we extrapolated polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) to have the highest potency in modulating sperm ion channels to increase sperm motility. Of the PUFAs, the ω-3 unsaturated fatty acids have the greatest effect. We speculate that saturated and monounsaturated FAs will have little to no effect on sperm ion channel activity, though the possible effects could be opposite to those of the PUFAs, considering the differences between FA structure and behavior.

“…Therefore, the production and differentiation of good-quality gametes is extremely necessary. Of note, the acrosome reaction represents one of the key events that occurs during fertilization that is needed not only for the species-specific recognition between male and female gametes, but also to permit the penetration of the male pronucleus into the oocyte, prior to the digestion of the zona pellucida, to form the zygote [ 1 , 2 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Differential Expression and Localization of EHBP1L1 during the First Wave of Rat Spermatogenesis Suggest Its Involvement in Acrosome Biogenesis

Venditti

Minucci

2022

Biomedicines

The identification and characterization of new proteins involved in spermatogenesis is fundamental, considering that good-quality gametes are basic in ensuring proper reproduction. Here, we further analyzed the temporal and spatial localization during the first spermatogenic wave of rat testis of EHBP1L1, which is involved in vesicular trafficking due to the CH and bMERB domains, which bind to actin and Rab8/10, respectively. Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses showed that EHBP1L1 protein expression started at 21 days post-partum (dpp) concomitantly with the appearance of primary spermatocytes (I SPC). In subsequent stages, EHBP1L1 specifically localized together with actin in the perinuclear cytoplasm close to the acrosomal and Golgian regions of spermatids (SPT) during the different phases of acrosome biogenesis (AB). Moreover, it was completely absent in elongated SPT and in mature spermatozoa, suggesting that its role was completed in previous stages. The combined data, also supported by our previous report demonstrating that EHBP1L1 mRNA was expressed by primary (I) and secondary (II) SPC, lead us to hypothesize its specific role during AB. Although these results are suggestive, further studies are needed to better clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms of AB, with the aim to use EHBP1L1 as a potential new marker for spermatogenesis.