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Sperm Quality: Past, Present and the Future Knowledge We Need
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Sperm Quality: Past, Present and the Future Knowledge We Need

A special issue of Biology (ISSN 2079-7737). This special issue belongs to the section "Physiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2022) | Viewed by 47480

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Pilar Santolaria Blasco

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Guest Editor
Department of Animal Production and Food Sciences, Escuela Politécnica Superior, Universidad de Zaragoza, Ctra. Cuarte s/n 22071 Huesca, Spain
Interests: reproduction efficiency; artificial insemination; spermatology; preservation of animal resources
Dr. Rosaura Pérez-Pe

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Guest Editor
BIOFITER Group, Dp. Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Environmental Sciences Institute of Aragón (IUCA), Faculty of Veterinary, University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet, 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
Interests: reproductive biology; assisted reproductive technologies; sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction; melatonin; melatonin receptors; steroid hormones; seminal plasma; sperm quality parameters; fertility prediction; sperm chemotaxis; cryopreservation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Jessica Rickard

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
Interests: sperm biology; animal Reproduction; artificial reproductive technologies; sperm transport; sperm preservation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Semen quality assessment is used to identify factors that influence sperm fertility and diagnose premature ejaculation and male infertility. From the earliest works to the present day, a considerable number of analytical techniques have been developed. These tests study many aspects of the morphology and biology of the spermatozoan; however, their predictive ability of male fertility remains low. Some of these techniques have been automated, which can make the test results more objective, but others still require subjective evaluation. The introduction of computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) systems and flow cytometry has revolutionized sperm quality analysis in recent decades. However, the use of these advanced techniques remains experimental, with only a few having achieved practical application in routine semen evaluation. Future sperm biology research should focus on developing analytical techniques that have a greater predictive capacity of male fertility and can be used in both the laboratory and the field. Field adaptation will require progress in automation and simplification, to produce precise, economical and efficient techniques. This Special Issue will focus on new aspects of sperm biology, physiology and technology to aid the development of new methods of sperm evaluation that advance our understanding of male fertility.

Prof. Dr. Pilar Santolaria Blasco
Dr. Rosaura Pérez-Pé
Dr. Jessica Rickard
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • sperm test
  • semen analysis
  • infertility
  • sub-fertility

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

5 pages, 222 KiB  
Editorial
Understanding Sperm Quality for Improved Reproductive Performance
by Pilar Santolaria, Jessica P. Rickard and Rosaura Pérez-Pe
Biology 2023, 12(7), 980; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology12070980 - 10 Jul 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2531
Abstract
The assessment of semen quality is used to identify factors that influence sperm performance and diagnose male infertility [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sperm Quality: Past, Present and the Future Knowledge We Need)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

15 pages, 3015 KiB  
Article
High-Efficiency Bovine Sperm Sexing Used Magnetic-Activated Cell Sorting by Coupling scFv Antibodies Specific to Y-Chromosome-Bearing Sperm on Magnetic Microbeads
by Korawan Sringarm, Marninphan Thongkham, Supamit Mekchay, Chompunut Lumsangkul, Wannaluk Thaworn, Wiwat Pattanawong, Ekaphot Rangabpit, Pornchai Rachtanapun, Kittisak Jantanasakulwong, Anucha Sathanawongs and Surat Hongsibsong
Biology 2022, 11(5), 715; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11050715 - 6 May 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 6394
Abstract
Sperm sexing technique is favored in the dairy industry. This research focuses on the efficiency of bovine sperm sexing using magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) by scFv antibody against Y-chromosome-bearing sperm (Y-scFv) coupled to magnetic microbeads and its effects on kinematic variables, sperm quality, [...] Read more.
Sperm sexing technique is favored in the dairy industry. This research focuses on the efficiency of bovine sperm sexing using magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) by scFv antibody against Y-chromosome-bearing sperm (Y-scFv) coupled to magnetic microbeads and its effects on kinematic variables, sperm quality, and X/Y-sperm ratio. In this study, the optimal concentration of Y-scFv antibody coupling to the surface of magnetic microbeads was 2–4 mg/mL. PY-microbeads revealed significantly enriched Y-chromosome-bearing sperm (Y-sperm) in the eluted fraction (78.01–81.43%) and X-chromosome-bearing sperm (X-sperm) in the supernatant fraction (79.04–82.65%). The quality of frozen–thawed sexed sperm was analyzed by CASA and imaging flow cytometer, which showed that PY-microbeads did not have a negative effect on X-sperm motility, viability, or acrosome integrity. However, sexed Y-sperm had significantly decreased motility and viability. The X/Y-sperm ratio was determined using an imaging flow cytometer and real-time PCR. PY-microbeads produced sperm with up to 82.65% X-sperm in the X-enriched fraction and up to 81.43% Y-sperm in the Y-enriched fraction. Bovine sperm sexing by PY-microbeads showed high efficiency in separating Y-sperm from X-sperm and acceptable sperm quality. This initial technique is feasible for bovine sperm sexing, which increases the number of heifers in dairy herds while lowering production expenses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sperm Quality: Past, Present and the Future Knowledge We Need)
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17 pages, 615 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Semen Cryopreservation Process on Metabolomic Profiles of Turkey Sperm as Assessed by NMR Analysis
by Gianluca Paventi, Michele Di Iorio, Giusy Rusco, Anatoly P. Sobolev, Silvia Cerolini, Emanuele Antenucci, Mattia Spano, Luisa Mannina and Nicolaia Iaffaldano
Biology 2022, 11(5), 642; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11050642 - 22 Apr 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3065
Abstract
Semen cryopreservation represents the main tool for preservation of biodiversity; however, in avian species, the freezing–thawing process results in a sharp reduction in sperm quality and consequently fertility. Thus, to gain a first insight into the molecular basis of the cryopreservation of turkey [...] Read more.
Semen cryopreservation represents the main tool for preservation of biodiversity; however, in avian species, the freezing–thawing process results in a sharp reduction in sperm quality and consequently fertility. Thus, to gain a first insight into the molecular basis of the cryopreservation of turkey sperm, the NMR-assessed metabolite profiles of fresh and frozen–thawed samples were herein investigated and compared with sperm qualitative parameters. Cryopreservation decreased the sperm viability, mobility, and osmotic tolerance of frozen–thawed samples. This decrease in sperm quality was associated with the variation in the levels of some metabolites in both aqueous and lipid sperm extracts, as investigated by NMR analysis. Higher amounts of the amino acids Ala, Ile, Leu, Phe, Tyr, and Val were found in fresh than in frozen–thawed sperm; on the contrary, Gly content increased after cryopreservation. A positive correlation (p < 0.01) between the amino acid levels and all qualitative parameters was found, except in the case of Gly, the levels of which were negatively correlated (p < 0.01) with sperm quality. Other water-soluble compounds, namely formate, lactate, AMP, creatine, and carnitine, turned out to be present at higher concentrations in fresh sperm, whereas cryopreserved samples showed increased levels of citrate and acetyl-carnitine. Frozen–thawed sperm also showed decreases in cholesterol and polyunsaturated fatty acids, whereas saturated fatty acids were found to be higher in cryopreserved than in fresh sperm. Interestingly, lactate, carnitine (p < 0.01), AMP, creatine, cholesterol, and phosphatidylcholine (p < 0.05) levels were positively correlated with all sperm quality parameters, whereas citrate (p < 0.01), fumarate, acetyl-carnitine, and saturated fatty acids (p < 0.05) showed negative correlations. A detailed discussion aimed at explaining these correlations in the sperm cell context is provided, returning a clearer scenario of metabolic changes occurring in turkey sperm cryopreservation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sperm Quality: Past, Present and the Future Knowledge We Need)
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18 pages, 1523 KiB  
Article
Effect of Motility Factors D-Penicillamine, Hypotaurine and Epinephrine on the Performance of Spermatozoa from Five Hamster Species
by Maximiliano Tourmente, Ana Sanchez-Rodriguez and Eduardo R. S. Roldan
Biology 2022, 11(4), 526; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11040526 - 30 Mar 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3146
Abstract
Assessments of sperm performance are valuable tools for the analysis of sperm fertilizing potential and to understand determinants of male fertility. Hamster species constitute important animal models because they produce sperm cells in high quantities and of high quality. Sexual selection over evolutionary [...] Read more.
Assessments of sperm performance are valuable tools for the analysis of sperm fertilizing potential and to understand determinants of male fertility. Hamster species constitute important animal models because they produce sperm cells in high quantities and of high quality. Sexual selection over evolutionary time in these species seems to have resulted in the largest mammalian spermatozoa, and high swimming and bioenergetic performances. Earlier studies showed that golden hamster sperm requires motility factors such as D-penicillamine, hypotaurine and epinephrine (PHE) to sustain survival over time, but it is unknown how they affect swimming kinetics or ATP levels and if other hamster species also require them. The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of PHE on spermatozoa of five hamster species (Mesocricetus auratus, Cricetulus griseus, Phodopus campbelli, P. sungorus, P. roborovskii). In sperm incubated for up to 4 h without or with PHE, we assessed motility, viability, acrosome integrity, sperm velocity and trajectory, and ATP content. The results showed differences in the effect of PHE among species. They had a significant positive effect on the maintenance of sperm quality in M. auratus and C. griseus, whereas there was no consistent effect on spermatozoa of the Phodopus species. Differences between species may be the result of varying underlying regulatory mechanisms of sperm performance and may be important to understand how they relate to successful fertilization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sperm Quality: Past, Present and the Future Knowledge We Need)
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18 pages, 949 KiB  
Article
Testicular Ultrasound Analysis as a Predictive Tool of Ram Sperm Quality
by Melissa Carvajal-Serna, Sara Miguel-Jiménez, Rosaura Pérez-Pe and Adriana Casao
Biology 2022, 11(2), 261; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11020261 - 8 Feb 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3193
Abstract
Testicular ultrasound is a non-invasive technique that could be very useful for predicting ram seminal quality. Recent software developments allow macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of testicular parenchyma. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the testicular echotexture using ultrasound-video analysis and [...] Read more.
Testicular ultrasound is a non-invasive technique that could be very useful for predicting ram seminal quality. Recent software developments allow macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of testicular parenchyma. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the testicular echotexture using ultrasound-video analysis and investigate its possible correlation with semen quality. Nine rams were evaluated for one year using a portable ultrasound scanner and the echotexture was analyzed with ECOTEXT® software. The number of black (Ec1), white (Ec2), and grey pixels (Ec3), tubular density (TD), lumen area (LA), and lumen diameter (LD) were analyzed. Semen was collected by an artificial vagina the same day and the sperm concentration, morphology, motility, viability, phosphatidylserine (PS) translocation, reactive-oxygen-species (ROS) levels, DNA damage and capacitation state were evaluated. Ec2 and Ec3 correlated positively with “bad quality” sperm parameters (the percentage of spermatozoa with high ROS levels, with PS translocation and proximal cytoplasmic droplets), and negatively with motility. In contrast, TD and LA showed a positive correlation with “good quality” parameters (motility or normal morphology) and a negative correlation with spermatozoa with high ROS levels, with DNA fragmentation, and proximal or distal cytoplasmic droplets. Thus, echotexture analysis by ultrasound-video analysis could be a valuable tool for assessing ram fertility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sperm Quality: Past, Present and the Future Knowledge We Need)
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15 pages, 727 KiB  
Article
Should All Fractions of the Boar Ejaculate Be Prepared for Insemination Rather Than Using the Sperm Rich Only?
by Chiara Luongo, Pedro José Llamas-López, Iván Hernández-Caravaca, Carmen Matás and Francisco Alberto García-Vázquez
Biology 2022, 11(2), 210; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11020210 - 28 Jan 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4726
Abstract
Boar ejaculate is released in several well-characterized fractions, differing in terms of sperm concentration, seminal plasma volume, and composition. However, the inclusion of the last part of the ejaculate for artificial insemination (AI) purposes is still under debate due to its controversial effects. [...] Read more.
Boar ejaculate is released in several well-characterized fractions, differing in terms of sperm concentration, seminal plasma volume, and composition. However, the inclusion of the last part of the ejaculate for artificial insemination (AI) purposes is still under debate due to its controversial effects. Thus, there is a need to study the potential synergistic impact of the different ejaculate fractions. We aimed to evaluate the effect of accumulative ejaculate fractions on sperm conservation, AI performance, and offspring health. Ejaculates (n = 51) were collected and distributed as follows: F1: sperm-rich fraction; F2: sperm-rich + intermediate fractions; F3: sperm-rich + intermediate + poor fractions. Each group was diluted in a commercial extender, packaged in seminal doses (2000 × 106 sperm/60 mL), and stored at ~16 °C. On day 3 of conservation, sperm were analyzed and used for AI (n = 174). High sperm quality was observed after storage without a significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). Moreover, no differences were obtained for AI performance (pregnancy and farrowing rates, and litter size; p > 0.05) and offspring health (growth and blood analysis; p > 0.05). Conclusively, the presence of all ejaculate fractions within the seminal doses does not impair the reproductive performance, reporting important economic savings according to the economic model included here. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sperm Quality: Past, Present and the Future Knowledge We Need)
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16 pages, 548 KiB  
Article
Increasing the Yield and Cryosurvival of Spermatozoa from Rhinoceros Ejaculates Using the Enzyme Papain
by Jessica P. Rickard, Kelsey Pool, Simon P. de Graaf, Timothy Portas, Natalie Rourke, Miriam Wiesner, Thomas B. Hildebrandt, Frank Göritz and Robert Hermes
Biology 2022, 11(2), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11020154 - 18 Jan 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3571
Abstract
The preservation of rhinoceros semen is vital for captive breeding programs. While successful collection and cryopreservation of rhinoceros semen has been reported, the volume and quality of semen produced is often low due to the high viscosity associated with ejaculates collected via electroejaculation. [...] Read more.
The preservation of rhinoceros semen is vital for captive breeding programs. While successful collection and cryopreservation of rhinoceros semen has been reported, the volume and quality of semen produced is often low due to the high viscosity associated with ejaculates collected via electroejaculation. Reducing semen viscosity would enable access to previously unusable spermatozoa from viscous fractions and could improve quality post-thaw. The enzyme papain successfully reduced the viscosity of camelid semen but has yet to be tested in wildlife species. This study assessed the influence of papain on the in vitro quality of rhinoceros spermatozoa during cryopreservation using advanced semen assessment. In experiment 1, the motility of spermatozoa from the viscous fraction of an ejaculate, either untreated or treated with papain and its inhibitor E-64 prior to cryopreservation, was assessed post-thaw. In experiment 2, spermatozoa from papain-treated viscous fractions were compared to spermatozoa frozen from untreated sperm-rich fractions pre-freeze, as well as after 0, 1.5 and 3 h of incubation post-thaw (37 °C). Papain significantly increased the quantity of spermatozoa collected from ejaculates, as well as the motility prior to freezing. Papain also improved the post-thaw motility, velocity, linearity and straightness of samples compared to sperm-rich samples, with no detriment to sperm viability, lipid membrane disorder, production of ROS or DNA integrity (p < 0.05). Results show the benefit of supplementing rhinoceros spermatozoa with papain prior to cryopreservation on sperm cryosurvival and demonstrates the potential of using papain to improve the success of cryopreservation protocols, not only for the rhinoceros, but also for other wildlife species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sperm Quality: Past, Present and the Future Knowledge We Need)
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10 pages, 869 KiB  
Article
Ability of the ISAS3Fun Method to Detect Sperm Acrosome Integrity and Its Potential to Discriminate between High and Low Field Fertility Bulls
by Jesús L. Yániz, Inmaculada Palacín, Miguel A. Silvestre, Carlos Olegario Hidalgo, Carolina Tamargo and Pilar Santolaria
Biology 2021, 10(11), 1135; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology10111135 - 4 Nov 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2560
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to investigate whether fertility differences in bulls are reflected in variations of sperm quality when analysing only one ejaculate per male. Two experiments were performed. In the first experiment, frozen semen samples from 20 adult bulls [...] Read more.
The objective of the present study was to investigate whether fertility differences in bulls are reflected in variations of sperm quality when analysing only one ejaculate per male. Two experiments were performed. In the first experiment, frozen semen samples from 20 adult bulls were tested; 10 bulls had high field fertility and 10 bulls had low field fertility. Analyses of sperm motility, membrane integrity, and membrane–acrosome integrity with the ISAS3Fun method were performed. Sperm morphometry of the fluorescence sperm subpopulations obtained with the ISAS3Fun method was also analysed. Significant differences between high- and low-fertility groups were only found with the ISAS3Fun technique, specifically in sperm acrosome integrity, the proportion of spermatozoa with an intact acrosome and damaged membrane, and in sperm head width of spermatozoa with intact structures. Discriminant analyses allowed us to correctly classify 90% of sperm samples in their fertility group using sperm quality parameters. Given that only the results obtained with the ISAS3Fun technique were related to bull fertility, we performed a second experiment aimed to validate the efficacy of this technique to detect the acrosomal integrity of bull spermatozoa, comparing them with the conventional FITC-PNA/propidium iodide (PNA/PI) combination under capacitating conditions. The results indicated that the ISAS3Fun combination provided an accurate assessment of both viability and acrosomal integrity for ejaculated spermatozoa, while the PNA/PI combination underestimated the extension of acrosomal damage due to false negatives. It was concluded that the simultaneous assessment of sperm plasma membranes and acrosome integrity with the ISAS3Fun method is precise and seems to have a greater potential to discriminate between high- and low-fertility bulls than more conventional in vitro sperm quality tests. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sperm Quality: Past, Present and the Future Knowledge We Need)
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24 pages, 3267 KiB  
Article
Exogenous Albumin Is Crucial for Pig Sperm to Elicit In Vitro Capacitation Whereas Bicarbonate Only Modulates Its Efficiency
by Bruna Resende Chaves, Ana Paula Pinoti Pavaneli, Olga Blanco-Prieto, Elisabeth Pinart, Sergi Bonet, Márcio Gilberto Zangeronimo, Joan E. Rodríguez-Gil and Marc Yeste
Biology 2021, 10(11), 1105; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology10111105 - 26 Oct 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3123
Abstract
This work sought to address whether the presence of exogenous bicarbonate is required for pig sperm to elicit in vitro capacitation and further progesterone-induced acrosome exocytosis. For this purpose, sperm were either incubated in a standard in vitro capacitation medium or a similar [...] Read more.
This work sought to address whether the presence of exogenous bicarbonate is required for pig sperm to elicit in vitro capacitation and further progesterone-induced acrosome exocytosis. For this purpose, sperm were either incubated in a standard in vitro capacitation medium or a similar medium with different concentrations of bicarbonate (either 0 mM, 5 mM, 15 mM or 38 mM) and BSA (either 0 mg/mL or 5 mg/mL). The achievement of in vitro capacitation and progesterone-induced acrosomal exocytosis was tested through the analysis of sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity and lipid disorder, acrosome exocytosis, intracellular calcium levels, mitochondria membrane potential, O2 consumption rate and the activities of both glycogen synthase kinase 3 alpha (GSK3α) and protein kinase A (PKA). While sperm incubated in media without BSA or BSA/bicarbonate, they did not achieve in vitro capacitation; those incubated in media with BSA achieved the capacitated status under any bicarbonate concentration, even when bicarbonate was absent. Moreover, there were differences related to the concentration of bicarbonate, since sperm incubated in media with BSA and with no bicarbonate or 5 mM bicarbonate showed lower overall efficiency in achieving in vitro capacitation than those incubated in the presence of BSA and 15 mM or 38 mM bicarbonate. Additionally, at the end of the experiment, sperm incubated in the presence of BSA and 38 mM bicarbonate showed significantly (p < 0.05) lower values of motility and plasma membrane integrity than those incubated in media with BSA and lower concentrations of bicarbonate. In conclusion, BSA is instrumental for pig sperm to elicit in vitro capacitation and trigger the subsequent progesterone-induced acrosome exocytosis. Furthermore, while exogenous bicarbonate does not seem to be essential to launch sperm capacitation, it does modulate its efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sperm Quality: Past, Present and the Future Knowledge We Need)
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15 pages, 1388 KiB  
Article
Relationship between Fertility Traits and Kinematics in Clusters of Boar Ejaculates
by Vinicio Barquero, Eduardo R. S. Roldan, Carles Soler, Bernardo Vargas-Leitón, Francisco Sevilla, Marlen Camacho and Anthony Valverde
Biology 2021, 10(7), 595; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology10070595 - 28 Jun 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3511
Abstract
The aim was to determine the relationship between kinematic parameters of boar spermatozoa and fertility rates of sow, as well as to assess the effect of sperm clusters on the fertility capacity of the ejaculate. Semen samples were collected from 11 sexually mature [...] Read more.
The aim was to determine the relationship between kinematic parameters of boar spermatozoa and fertility rates of sow, as well as to assess the effect of sperm clusters on the fertility capacity of the ejaculate. Semen samples were collected from 11 sexually mature boars. Samples were analyzed by an ISAS®v1 CASA-Mot system for eight kinematic parameters. Ejaculate clusters were characterized using multivariate procedures, such as principal factors (PFs) analysis and clustering methods (the k-means model). Four different ejaculate clusters were identified from two kinematic PFs which involved linear trajectory and velocity. There were differences (p < 0.05) between the sperm kinematic variables by sire line. There was no statistical difference (p > 0.05) between dam lines and ejaculate clusters in fertility variables. The discriminant ability of the different kinematics of sperm variables to predict litter size fertility was analyzed using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis. Curvilinear velocity (VCL), average path velocity (VAP), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), and beat-cross frequency (BCF) showed significant, albeit limited, predictive capacity for litter size fertility variables (range: 0.55–0.58 area under curve, AUC). The kinematic analysis of the ejaculates in clusters did not have a predictive capacity for litter size variables. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sperm Quality: Past, Present and the Future Knowledge We Need)
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11 pages, 497 KiB  
Article
Sperm Selection by Magnetic-Activated Cell Sorting before Microinjection of Autologous Oocytes Increases Cumulative Live Birth Rates with Limited Clinical Impact: A Retrospective Study in Unselected Males
by María Gil Juliá, Irene Hervás, Ana Navarro-Gómez Lechón, Fernando Quintana, David Amorós, Alberto Pacheco, Cristina González-Ravina, Rocío Rivera-Egea and Nicolás Garrido
Biology 2021, 10(5), 430; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology10050430 - 12 May 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5045
Abstract
The application of MACS non-apoptotic sperm selection in infertility clinics is controversial since the published literature does not agree on its effect on reproductive outcomes. Therefore, it is not part of the routine clinical practice. Classical measures of reproductive success (pregnancy or live [...] Read more.
The application of MACS non-apoptotic sperm selection in infertility clinics is controversial since the published literature does not agree on its effect on reproductive outcomes. Therefore, it is not part of the routine clinical practice. Classical measures of reproductive success (pregnancy or live birth rates per ovarian stimulation) introduce a bias in the evaluation of a technique’s effect, since only the best embryo is transferred. This retrospective, multicenter, observational study evaluated the impact of MACS on reproductive outcomes, measuring results in classical parameters and cumulative live birth rates (CLBR). Data from ICSI cycles using autologous oocyte in Spanish IVIRMA fertility clinics from January 2008 to February 2020 were divided into two groups according to their semen processing: standard practice (reference: 46,807 patients) versus an added MACS sperm selection (1779 patients). Only when measured as CLBR per embryo transferred and per MII oocyte used was the difference between groups statistically significant. There were no significant differences between MACS and reference groups on pregnancy and live birth rates. In conclusion, results suggest that non-apoptotic sperm selection by MACS on unselected males prior to ICSI with autologous oocytes has limited clinical impact, showing a subtle increase in CLBR per embryo transferred. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sperm Quality: Past, Present and the Future Knowledge We Need)
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

17 pages, 1128 KiB  
Review
Sperm Phosphoproteome: Unraveling Male Infertility
by Rebeca Serrano, Luis J. Garcia-Marin and Maria J. Bragado
Biology 2022, 11(5), 659; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11050659 - 25 Apr 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3928
Abstract
Infertility affects approximately 15% of couples worldwide of childbearing age, and in many cases the etiology of male infertility is unknown. The current standard evaluation of semen is insufficient to establish an accurate diagnosis. Proteomics techniques, such as phosphoproteomics, applied in this field [...] Read more.
Infertility affects approximately 15% of couples worldwide of childbearing age, and in many cases the etiology of male infertility is unknown. The current standard evaluation of semen is insufficient to establish an accurate diagnosis. Proteomics techniques, such as phosphoproteomics, applied in this field are a powerful tool to understand the mechanisms that regulate sperm functions such as motility, which is essential for successful fertilization. Among the post-translational modifications of sperm proteins, this review summarizes, from a proteomic perspective, the updated knowledge of protein phosphorylation, in human spermatozoa, as a relevant molecular mechanism involved in the regulation of sperm physiology. Specifically, the role of sperm protein phosphorylation in motility and, consequently, in sperm quality is highlighted. Additionally, through the analysis of published comparative phosphoproteomic studies, some candidate human sperm phosphoproteins associated with low sperm motility are proposed. Despite the remarkable advances in phosphoproteomics technologies, the relatively low number of studies performed in human spermatozoa suggests that phosphoproteomics has not been applied to its full potential in studying male infertility yet. Therefore, further studies will improve the application of this procedure and overcome the limitations, increasing the understanding of regulatory mechanisms underlying protein phosphorylation in sperm motility and, consequently, in male fertility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sperm Quality: Past, Present and the Future Knowledge We Need)
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