Animal Reproduction Science最新文献

{"title":"Bovine β-defensin 129 (BBD129) polymorphisms associated with differential posttranslational O-glycosylation and phosphorylation modifications perturb the sperm functions and their fertilizing potential","authors":"Subhash Solanki ,&nbsp;Abhishek Kumar,&nbsp;Poonam Kashyap,&nbsp;Rakesh Kumar,&nbsp;Tirtha Kumar Datta","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107996","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107996","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In our earlier finding <em>BBD129</em> polymorphisms were differentially distributed in the distinct fertility cattle bulls and associated with altered post-translational modifications (PTMs), and sperm function. This study investigated the relationship between in-silico analysis of <em>BBD129</em> polymorphism and previously used high-fertility (HF) and low-fertility (LF) cattle bulls’ sperm. Using CFDA-PI staining, it depicted similar frozen viable, moribund, and non-viable sperm population profiles between the HF and LF cattle bulls. Phosphorylation quantification via microscopy and flow cytometry revealed significantly higher serine and threonine phosphorylation in LF sperm, particularly in the tail and head regions, aligning with in-silico predictions and suggesting a link to LF bulls. Glycan localization was assessed using a panel of seven lectins, revealing distinct surface glycan patterns between HF and LF sperm. Lectins targeting O-linked glycans (MAL-II, Jacalin, SNA) showed significantly higher binding on HF sperm surface, whereas LCA and PNA were more abundant on LF sperm. These findings were consistently confirmed by both microscopy and flow cytometry. Notably, HF sperm exhibited a greater abundance of surface glycans, correlating with enhanced cervical mucus penetration ability in the cervical mucus penetration test (CMPT); HF sperm traveled an average of 52.77 mm versus 42.30 mm for LF sperm. This study demonstrates that <em>BBD129</em> polymorphism influences critical PTMs, particularly glycosylation and phosphorylation, which in turn affect sperm membrane integrity, surface glycan composition, and functional competence in traversing the female reproductive tract. These molecular markers may serve as valuable indicators of bull fertility, providing insights for improving reproductive performance in cattle breeding programs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"282 ","pages":"Article 107996"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145108598","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dimethyl tyrosine conjugated cell-penetrating peptides improved bovine blastocyst formation in vitro","authors":"Muhammad Anzar ,&nbsp;Kosala Rajapaksha ,&nbsp;Jaswant Singh ,&nbsp;François Eudes","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108015","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108015","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>In vitro</em> embryo production and cryopreservation are assisted reproductive technologies to propagate genetically superior cattle. The objective of this study was to improve blastocyst formation in fresh and vitrified D5 (IVF day = D0) bovine morulae exposed to dimethyl tyrosine (DMT) conjugated cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs; DMT-SS31 and DMT-mTP4, antioxidants). In Experiment 1, D3 and D5 embryos were exposed to either 0.5 µM Alexa 635 labeled-SS31 or -mTP4 in CR1aa medium, at 37 °C for 30 min. Half of the morulae were examined immediately, whereas the remainder were cultured to D8 (blastocyst stage). Localization of SS31 and mTP4 were observed in D3, D5 and D8 embryos. In Experiment 2, ROS generation in the presence of SS31 or mTP4 was determined in D5 morulae using H₂FFDA marker; both CPPs reduced ROS generation in morulae (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.03). In Experiment 3, fresh and vitrified morulae were treated with SS31 or mTP4 (0.5 µM each) or nothing (control) in CR1aa medium, at 37 °C for 30 min. Formation of D8 blastocysts was reduced (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.001) in vitrified versus fresh embryos and both SS31 and mTP4 produced more blastocysts than control (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). In Experiment 4, concentration-dependent effects of SS31 (0, 0.5, 1 or 2 µM) on the blastocyst formation were assessed. In fresh and vitrified morulae, there were linear relationships between SS31 concentration and blastocyst formation, with 2 µM SS31 maximizing blastocyst formation (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, cell-penetrating peptides in culture medium improved blastocyst formation of fresh or vitrified bovine morulae.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"282 ","pages":"Article 108015"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145306704","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The cryoprotective effect of virgin coconut oil on boar sperm: Enhancing sperm quality and reproductive performance","authors":"Shu Ma ,&nbsp;QianXi Liang ,&nbsp;Zhili Li ,&nbsp;Feng He ,&nbsp;Ye Wang ,&nbsp;Zhanwei Zhuang ,&nbsp;Jian Zhou ,&nbsp;Yunxiang Zhao ,&nbsp;Fumei Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107998","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107998","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study evaluated virgin coconut oil (VCO) as a natural cryoprotectant for boar sperm preservation. Duroc boar semen was cryopreserved with varying VCO concentrations (0.00 %, 0.01 %, 0.05 %, 0.10 %, 0.50 %, and 1.00 %). Comprehensive analysis revealed 0.1 % VCO optimally maintained post-thaw sperm quality, significantly improving motility, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, and mitochondrial potential compared to controls. It also enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The optimal concentration was then used in artificial insemination (AI) trials to assess in vivo fertility. Metabolomic analysis identified significant alterations in lipid and energy metabolism pathways, with particular changes in N-acetylneuraminic acid and lysophosphatidylcholines that correlated with sperm quality improvements. These findings demonstrate VCO's effectiveness in protecting boar sperm during cryopreservation through multiple mechanisms including membrane stabilization, oxidative protection, and metabolic regulation. The 0.1 % VCO supplementation presents a practical solution for swine artificial insemination programs, offering both cryoprotective benefits and potential cost advantages over conventional additives.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"282 ","pages":"Article 107998"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145156795","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Eosinophils from jennies form extracellular traps (EETs) in vitro in response to seminal plasma: A new perspective on uterine immune defense in donkeys","authors":"Sebastià Company ,&nbsp;Yame Fabres Robaina Sancler-Silva ,&nbsp;Iván Yánez-Ortiz ,&nbsp;Jesús Martínez-Hernández ,&nbsp;Manuela Costa ,&nbsp;Jaime Catalán ,&nbsp;Jordi Miró","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108017","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108017","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Jennies exhibit a post-insemination uterine inflammatory response characterized by the infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs), primarly neutrophils, followed by eosinophils and basophils. Neutrophils are known to release neutrophil extracelular traps (NETs) to capture spermatozoa. Recently, eosinophil extracellular traps (EETs) have been identified in humans, and eosinophil infiltration into the uterus has been reported in jennies during estrus and diestrus, increasing after semen exposure. This study aimed to develop an in vitro model to evaluate EET formation in response to semen components. PMNs were isolated from jenny peripheral blood, using a standardized protocol. Eosinophils were separated using spectral flow cytometry cell sorter. Semen from three fertile jackasses was used to prepare treatments, including two negative controls (RPMI and Kenney solution), a positive control (A23187), and four experimental groups: seminal plasma (SP), spermatozoa (SPZ)-Kenney (K), SPZ-SP, SPZ-K-SP. Samples were analyzed at 0 and 3 h of incubation. EET formation was assessed by measuring changes in eosinophil nuclear fluorescence, stained with SYTOX Green, using a spectral flow cytometer. Confocal microscopy confirmed EET structures. At time 3, most of the analyzed parameters differed significantly (p &lt; 0.05) between the treatment with seminal plasma and the negative control (RPMI). Notably, cell size already showed significant differences at time 0 (p &lt; 0.05). A similar but less pronounced response was observed in the SPZ-SP and SPZ-K-SP groups, likely due to dilution of seminal plasma. No significant effect was seen with spermatozoa alone. These findings suggest that eosinophils rapidly release extracellular traps in response to seminal plasma, potentially modulating the post-insemination uterine immune response.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"282 ","pages":"Article 108017"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145263569","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dynamics of peripheral B and γδ T cells during postpartum and pregnancy in dairy cows","authors":"S. Cainelli ,&nbsp;C. Engler ,&nbsp;MB Peralta ,&nbsp;AF Stassi ,&nbsp;MS Renna ,&nbsp;E. Angeli ,&nbsp;HH Ortega ,&nbsp;MML Velázquez","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108012","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108012","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>During postpartum, dairy cows experience immune modulation not only locally in the uterus, but also in the peripheral immune response in order to achieve implantation and pregnancy. This immune response is directly influenced by the hormonal milieu. The aim of this study was to analyze the number of circulating mononuclear immune cells, such as total T cells, CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells, γδ T cells, B cells, and monocytes, during mid- and late postpartum of dairy cows, taking into account the hormonal milieu. Dairy cows were grouped according to their parturition-conception interval (PCI), as follows: PCI shorter than 100 days (SPCI) and PCI longer than 170 days (LPCI). Percentages of peripheral mononuclear immune cells were evaluated by flow cytometry. Results showed that changes in the counts of total T cells, CD4 T cells and monocytes were not associated with the PCI or hormone concentrations. Differently, CD8 T cells at 45 days in milk were significantly higher in cows from the SPCI group than in those from the LPCI group. In addition, the main findings showed significant associations between the percentages of circulating B cells and γδ T cells and estradiol and progesterone concentrations during lactation. These associations between B cells, γδ T cells and the hormonal milieu may contribute to shorter PCIs through appropriate immunoregulation around conception and during pregnancy. This study provides, for the first time, a comprehensive characterization of mononuclear cell populations beyond 50 days postpartum, revealing their peripheral dynamics during the establishment of receptive reproductive conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"282 ","pages":"Article 108012"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145257165","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Broodstock age and diet as determinants of gamete quality and early development in hatchery-reared grayling (Thymallus thymallus)","authors":"Tjaša Kodela ,&nbsp;Alenka Levart ,&nbsp;Ákos Horváth ,&nbsp;Ida Djurdjevič ,&nbsp;Simona Sušnik Bajec","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Grayling (<em>Thymallus thymallus</em>) populations have declined significantly in European waters over past few decades. One of key conservation strategies involves stocking rivers with hatchery-reared fish. To improve the grayling rearing processes in hatcheries, this two-year study investigates the effects of broodstock age (3+ and 4+) and different commercial feeds on gamete quality, measured through egg biochemical composition, fertile egg proportion, sperm concentration and mobility, and early embryonic development in grayling. Broodstock age emerged as the dominant factor influencing reproductive success, with older females demonstrating higher fecundity and larger eggs. In addition, eggs of first-time spawners exhibited higher DHA/EPA ratios, which may be linked to early mortality syndromes; however, no differences in embryo survival were observed between age groups. Age also affected sperm quality, with higher progressive motility and velocity, but lower concentration in older males. Feed had a moderate effect on gamete quality, influencing the biochemical composition of eggs, including fatty acid profiles, and sperm concentration. Combined with reproductive performance, it was concluded that none of the tested feeds fully met the species' nutritional requirements for optimal reproduction. The average fertile egg proportion was 70 %, survival to the eyed egg stage was 25 %, and the hatching rate of larvae was below 10 %. Growth differences were observed, with males responding positively to carbohydrate-rich diets. Eggs from females fed high-carbohydrate diets exhibited altered n-3/n-6 PUFA ratios and reduced essential fatty acid levels. The findings underscore the necessity for tailored broodstock feed for grayling, which supports both growth and reproduction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"282 ","pages":"Article 108008"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145218329","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of early resynchronization in combination with color Doppler ultrasonography on cumulative pregnancy rates and calving distribution in postpartum beef cows","authors":"Samir Burato ,&nbsp;Nicholas Wege Dias ,&nbsp;Stefania Pancini ,&nbsp;Lucas Melo-Gonçalves ,&nbsp;Madison Blake Walker ,&nbsp;Darren Dwayne Henry ,&nbsp;Francine Messias Ciriaco ,&nbsp;Kelsey Margaret Harvey ,&nbsp;Vitor Rodrigues Gomes Mercadante ,&nbsp;Pedro Levy Piza Fontes","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108020","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108020","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study evaluated the impact of a GnRH and progesterone-based early resynchronization strategy using color Doppler ultrasonography (CD) on the reproductive performance of <em>Bos taurus</em> beef cows. Postpartum cows (<em>n</em> = 419) were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: 1) Natural Service (NS): Cows were exposed to fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI1; day 0) followed by natural service breeding for the remainder of the breeding season, or 2) Early Resynchronization (ER): cows received an intravaginal progesterone device (CIDR) on day 15, which was removed on day 20. On the same day, CD was used to diagnose pregnancy based on luteal blood perfusion. Non-pregnant ER cows received prostaglandin F_2α and were artificially inseminated concurrently with a GnRH injection 60–66 h after CIDR removal as their second service (day 23). Natural service breeding occurred for the remainder of the breeding season. Pregnancy rates to FTAI1 were similar (<em>P</em> = 0.13) between treatments; however, pregnancy rates to the second service were greater in NS cows (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01). Consequently, ER decreased (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01) cumulative pregnancies within the first 23 days of the breeding season and delayed calving in the subsequent calving season (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01). Finally, cows that received a false positive based on CD calved later compared with cows that became pregnant to FTAI1 (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01) and cows that failed to become pregnant to FTAI1 (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01), regardless of treatment. In summary, the ER strategy utilized herein as a second service strategy decreased reproductive performance compared with natural service.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"282 ","pages":"Article 108020"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145311987","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Seminal extracellular vesicles influence porcine spermatozoa physiology by modulating key functional parameters","authors":"Ana Parra ,&nbsp;Francisco E. Martín-Cano ,&nbsp;Pablo Martínez-Díaz ,&nbsp;Patricia Panales ,&nbsp;Xiomara Lucas ,&nbsp;Jordi Roca ,&nbsp;Fernando J. Peña ,&nbsp;Isabel Barranco","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Seminal plasma (SP) contains a heterogeneous population of extracellular vesicles (EVs) recognized as key modulators of sperm function. However, the specific functional roles of each seminal EV (sEV) subset remain poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the interaction of two sized sEV subsets (small [S-sEVs] and large [L-sEVs]) with pig liquid-stored spermatozoa under different pH conditions and their effect on specific sperm functional parameters. Seminal EV subsets were isolated from SP samples using size exclusion chromatography and characterized following the MISEV2023 guidelines. Semen samples were incubated with each sEV subset or without sEVs (control) for 6 h at 37 ºC, 100 % humidity and 5 % CO₂ under different pH conditions (6.5, 7.0, or 7.5). Sperm functional parameters were assessed by flow cytometry (Cytoflex®S and LX, Beckman Coulter), under capacitating and non-capacitating conditions. Confocal microscopy revealed that both sEV subsets bound to and were internalized by spermatozoa as early as 30 min after incubation, regardless of pH. Flow cytometry revealed that both sEVs decreased reactive oxygen species production (<em>P</em> ≤ 0.0001), mitochondrial membrane potential (<em>P</em> ≤ 0.0001) and mitochondrial O₂^•⁻ levels (<em>P</em> ≤ 0.01) and increased apoptosis (active caspase-3) in viable spermatozoa (<em>P</em> ≤ 0.0001). However, the influence of sEV on acrosome integrity in viable sperm was time- and condition-dependent (<em>P</em> ≤ 0.05). This study showed that both S- and L-sEVs interact with porcine spermatozoa across a range of physiological pH conditions. This interaction is reflected by decreased oxidative stress and mitochondrial activity, as well as increased apoptosis in spermatozoa.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"282 ","pages":"Article 108009"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145211401","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of GnRH administration on pregnancy rate and litter size in ewes subjected to a fixed time insemination program during the breeding season","authors":"Baoyue Cui ,&nbsp;Aibibaimu Hapaer ,&nbsp;Xinglong Wu ,&nbsp;Yiyong Liu ,&nbsp;Xiangyun Li","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108010","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The objective of this study was to compare the effects of GnRH administration at sponge insertion, insemination, and day 7 post-insemination on pregnancy rate and litter size in ewes subjected to a fixed time insemination program during the breeding season. Estrus was synchronized in 2740 adult ewes at four experimental sites. An intravaginal sponge impregnated with flurogestone acetate was left in the vagina for 12 days followed by an injection of 330 IU of eCG at sponge removal. Each ewe was in seminated twice at 52 h and 64 h after sponge removal. In the Insertion group, the Insemination group, and the Post-insemination group, ewes were given an intramuscular administration of 25 μg of the GnRH agonist triptorelin at sponge insertion, insemination, and day 7 post-insemination, respectively. No GnRH administration was given in the Control group. Pregnancy rates and litter size were calculated after all deliveries were completed. The results showed that the pregnancy rates in the Insertion group were significantly higher compared to those in the Control group, the Insemination group, and the Post-insemination group. The litter size in the Insertion group and the Insemination group were not significantly different and were significantly higher compared to those in the Control group and the Post-insemination group. In conclusion, the fixed time artificial insemination program, in combination with GnRH administration at sponge insertion, is a simple and potentially effective strategy for increasing fertility in estrus-synchronized ewes during the breeding season.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"282 ","pages":"Article 108010"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145211432","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The follicular fluid regulates sperm capacitation and the acrosome reaction in the donkey while alleviating oxidative stress","authors":"Jaime Catalán ,&nbsp;Lorena Padilla ,&nbsp;Carolina Maside ,&nbsp;Jesús Martínez-Hernández ,&nbsp;Jordi Miró ,&nbsp;Marc Yeste","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108016","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108016","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The follicular fluid (FF) is a complex and dynamic biological medium that surrounds the oocytes during their development and growth. This fluid provides the necessary nutrients to both the oocyte and the surrounding cells, enabling the proper maturation of the oocyte. Additionally, the FF is involved in key sperm function processes, such as capacitation, which occurs when sperm reach the oviduct and are exposed to this fluid. Nevertheless, how this happens in donkeys has not been investigated. For this reason, the present study aimed to evaluate the influence of the FF on sperm capacitation in the donkey. Preovulatory FF was obtained from five different Catalan jennies (two follicles per animal), and nine ejaculates from fertile Catalan donkeys were collected. Sperm were resuspended in four different treatments: non-capacitating medium (TBM), non-capacitating medium supplemented with 20 % FF (TBM+FF), capacitating medium (TCM), and capacitating medium supplemented with 20 % FF (TCM+FF). Samples were incubated at 38 °C for 120 min, and at 60 min, progesterone was added to induce the acrosome reaction. After 0, 60, 70, and 120 min of incubation, sperm motility, membrane lipid disorder, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and intracellular concentrations of calcium, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and superoxides were evaluated. These results suggest that the preovulatory FF promotes sperm capacitation in donkeys, as it increases intracellular calcium, membrane lipid disorder, and acrosome exocytosis, while maintaining sperm motility and reducing ROS concentration. Although the results are not entirely conclusive and further tests are needed, this study supports that the FF modulates sperm capacitation and alleviates the oxidative stress associated with this process.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"282 ","pages":"Article 108016"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145278863","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}