Biology subjects

Ros-Santaella, J. L.

Publications and source records attributed to Ros-Santaella, J. L..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Redox potential in animal andrology: An experimental study on boar semen

Impaired seminal redox balance is a main factor that contributes to male fertility disorders and reduced sperm survival during storage. Although several methods are available to measure antioxidant and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, their cost and complexity limit their use in routine sperm analysis. Recently, assessment of oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) has emerged as a convenient and comprehensive method for evaluating seminal redox status. While the implications of seminal ORP in humans have been extensively explored, its use in other species is limited. In this study, we explored the relationship between boar seminal ORP and sperm quality and its dynamics during liquid preservation. We found that the ORP of the porcine ejaculate was lower than that of the seminal plasma, while both parameters were correlated with the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of seminal plasma. Sperm concentration and seminal pH influenced the seminal ORP, with lower values observed in ejaculates with higher sperm concentration and pH. Notably, a more oxidative seminal environment (characterized by high ORP or low TAC) was correlated with high mitochondrial activity and sperm velocity in fresh samples, which might be explained by increased ROS production by sperm mitochondria. Our results also show that seminal ORP increased during three days of liquid storage, while the ORP of the extender did not change significantly during the same period. Our findings advance our understanding of the implications of redox status in porcine sperm biology and pave the way for the broader application of ORP measurement in animal andrology. HighlightsO_LIThe ejaculates oxidation-reduction potential is lower than that of seminal plasma C_LIO_LISeminal oxidation-reduction potential is correlated with total antioxidant capacity C_LIO_LISeminal redox status is influenced by sperm concentration and semen pH C_LIO_LIAn oxidative seminal environment is correlated with high sperm metabolism C_LIO_LISeminal oxidation-reduction potential increases during 3 days of liquid storage C_LI Graphical abstract O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=113 SRC="FIGDIR/small/726780v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (20K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@18fd914org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@f4f179org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1195e32org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@7760ad_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2024

Horn size is linked to Sertoli cell efficiency and sperm size homogeneity during sexual development in common eland (Taurotragus oryx)

BackgroundIn polygynous species, the development of secondary sexual characters is usually decisive for male reproductive success. However, our understanding about the links between the growth of these traits and reproductive efficiency is still elusive. Most research efforts in this topic have been also focused on adult males, although the development of some secondary sexual characters, like bovid horns, typically starts after birth, continues during the puberty and in some species, such as the common eland, slows or even stops during adulthood. In this study, we investigated the relationships between horn size and testicular function during sexual development in common elands using a comprehensive approach that considers both spermatogenic and sperm parameters. MethodsTwenty-two non-sexually mature common elands were analyzed for the present study. Horn size was estimated by performing a principal component analysis of horn length, spiral length, and basal circumference. In addition, body mass, testes mass, and gonadosomatic index were assessed. Spermatogenic activity was assessed by cytological and histological analyses. Sperm concentration, morphology, morphometry, and intramale variation in sperm size were evaluated on epididymal sperm samples. ResultsWe found that bigger horns are associated with increased Sertoli cell efficiency and reduced intramale variation in sperm size. Both parameters were not related to one another while they have shown to be associated with enhanced sperm quality in ungulates. Moreover, horn size was positively linked to the testis mass, sperm concentration, and testicular investment in the seminiferous epithelium. Surprisingly, horn size did not correlate to the percentage of the spermatozoa over the germ cell population nor the percentage of those with normal morphology, which typically increase throughout the male sexual development. It is also remarkable to note that the spiral length and basal circumference were the horn traits most strongly correlated with spermatogenic and sperm parameters as well as those responsible for the sexual dimorphism in this species. ConclusionsTaken together, our results indicate that horn size can be regarded as a good index of male reproductive potential during sexual development and provide insights into the role of secondary sexual characters in sexual selection dynamics.

developmental biology↗

bioRxiv2023

Antimicrobial peptides and proteins as alternative antibiotics for porcine semen preservation

BackgroundAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is nowadays a major emerging challenge for public health worldwide. The over- and misuse of antibiotics, including those for cell culture, are promoting AMR while also encouraging the research and employment of alternative drugs. The addition of antibiotics to the cell media is a must in sperm preservation, being gentamicin the most used for boar semen. Because of its continued use, several bacterial strains present in boar semen have developed resistance to this antibiotic. Antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AMPPs) are promising candidates as alternative antibiotics because their mechanism of action is less likely to promote AMR. In the present study, we tested two AMPPs (lysozyme and nisin; 50 and 500 {micro}g/mL) as possible substitutes of gentamicin for boar semen preservation up to 48 h of storage. ResultsWe found that both AMPPs improved sperm plasma membrane and acrosome integrity during semen storage. The highest concentration tested for lysozyme also kept the remaining sperm parameters unaltered, at 48 h of semen storage, and reduced the bacterial load at comparable levels of the samples supplemented with gentamicin (p>0.05). On the other hand, while nisin (500 {micro}g/mL) reduced the total Enterobacteriaceae counts, it also decreased the rapid and progressive sperm population and the seminal oxidation-reduction potential (p<0.05). ConclusionsThe protective effect of lysozyme on sperm function together with its antimicrobial activity and inborn presence in body fluids, including semen and cervical mucus, makes this enzyme a promising antimicrobial agent for boar semen preservation.

cell biology↗