Current perspectives of CASA applications in diverse mammalian spermatozoa

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 875 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerhard van der Horst ◽  
Liana Maree ◽  
Stefan S. du Plessis
Keyword(s):  
Computer Technology ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Analysis ◽  
Wildlife Species ◽  
Mammalian Sperm ◽  
Software Algorithms ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Morphology And Morphometry ◽  
Commercial Applications ◽  
Mammalian Spermatozoa

Since the advent of computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) some four decades ago, advances in computer technology and software algorithms have helped establish it as a research and diagnostic instrument for the analysis of spermatozoa. Despite mammalian spermatozoa being the most diverse cell type known, CASA is a great tool that has the capacity to provide rapid, reliable and objective quantitative assessment of sperm quality. This paper provides contemporary research findings illustrating the scientific and commercial applications of CASA and its ability to evaluate diverse mammalian spermatozoa (human, primates, rodents, domestic mammals, wildlife species) at both structural and functional levels. The potential of CASA to quantitatively measure essential aspects related to sperm subpopulations, hyperactivation, morphology and morphometry is also demonstrated. Furthermore, applications of CASA are provided for improved mammalian sperm quality assessment, evaluation of sperm functionality and the effect of different chemical substances or pathologies on sperm fertilising ability. It is clear that CASA has evolved significantly and is currently superior to many manual techniques in the research and clinical setting.

Absence of beneficial effects on rabbit sperm cell cryopreservation by several antioxidant agents

Zygote ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.J. Maya-Soriano ◽  
E. Taberner ◽  
M. Sabés-Alsina ◽  
M. Piles ◽  
M. Lopez-Bejar
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Zealand White Rabbit ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Oxygen Species ◽  
Sperm Analysis ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Mammalian Sperm ◽  
Antioxidant Agents ◽  
Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis

SummaryThe generation of reactive oxygen species associated with cryopreservation could be responsible for mammalian sperm damage and the limitable value of stored semen in artificial insemination. The aim of this study was to assess several antioxidant agents supplemented in a commercial freezing extender (Gent B®) in order to improve post-thaw rabbit sperm quality. Ejaculates of 26 New Zealand White rabbit bucks were collected, evaluated and frozen using a conventional protocol. Antioxidant agents were tested at different concentrations: bovine serum albumin (BSA; 5, 30 or 60 mg/ml), retinol (RO; 50, 100 or 200 μM) and retinyl (RI; 0.282 or 2.82 μg/ml). Per cent viability, morphological abnormalities and intact acrosomes were determined using eosin–nigrosin staining. Motility and progressivity were analyzed by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). In general, all sperm quality parameters were negatively affected by the cryopreservation process, the largest effect seen was for total motility. The addition of antioxidant agents did not improve thaw sperm quality. Furthermore, for RI groups a significant decrease in sperm quality parameters was recorded. In conclusion, rabbit sperm quality is negatively affected by the cryopreservation process. To our knowledge this report is the first using these antioxidants to supplement rabbit freezing extender. BSA and RO at concentrations used in the study did not improve sperm quality parameters after thawing, whereas RI supplementation appeared to be toxic. More studies are required to find the appropriate antioxidants necessary and their most effective concentrations to improve rabbit post-thaw sperm quality.

scholarly journals Status of Sperm Functionality Assessment in Wildlife Species: From Fish to Primates

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1491
Author(s):  
Gerhard van der Horst
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
3D Tracking ◽  
Amphibian Species ◽  
Fast Analysis ◽  
Sperm Analysis ◽  
Wildlife Species ◽  
Monogamous Species ◽  
Wide Range

(1) Background: in order to propagate wildlife species (covering the whole spectrum from species suitable for aquaculture to endangered species), it is important to have a good understanding of the quality of their sperm, oocytes and embryos. While sperm quality analyses have mainly used manual assessment in the past, such manual estimations are subjective and largely unreliable. Accordingly, quantitative and cutting-edge approaches are required to assess the various aspects of sperm quality. The purpose of this investigation was to illustrate the latest technology used in quantitative evaluation of sperm quality and the required cut-off points to distinguish the differential grades of fertility potential in a wide range of vertebrate species. (2) Methods: computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) with an emphasis on sperm motility, 3D tracking and flagellar and sperm tracking analysis (FAST), as well as quantitative assessment of sperm morphology, vitality, acrosome status, fragmentation and many other complimentary technologies. (3) Results: Assessing sperm quality revealed a great deal of species specificity. For example, in freshwater fish like trout, sperm swam in a typical tight helical pattern, but in seawater species sperm motility was more progressive. In amphibian species, sperm velocity was slow, in contrast with some bird species (e.g., ostrich). Meanwhile, in African elephant and some antelope species, fast progressive sperm was evident. In most species, there was a high percentage of morphologically normal sperm, but generally, low percentages were observed for motility, vitality and normal morphology evident in monogamous species. (4) Conclusions: Sperm quality assessment using quantitative methodologies such as CASA motility, FAST analysis, morphology and vitality, as well as more progressive methodologies, assisted in better defining sperm quality—specifically, sperm functionality of high-quality sperm. This approach will assist in the propagation of wildlife species.

scholarly journals The use of the computer technology for the evaluation of the strict morphological sperm analysis 

2001 ◽  
Vol 46 (No. 2) ◽  
pp. 35-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. Věžník ◽  
O. Matoušková ◽  
D. Švecová ◽  
A. Zajícová
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Reproduction ◽  
Computer Technology ◽  
Morphological Analysis ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Human Medicine ◽  
Automatic Method ◽  
Significant Information ◽  
Sperm Analysis ◽  
Morphological Evaluation ◽  
Sperm Survival

A programme for evaluating the strict morphological analysis of sperm was developed. The programme was verified by conducting 552 morphological analyses of bull, stallion, boar and human ejaculates. The method was evaluated by comparing the results obtained by routinely used morphological examinations with the results received by the automatic method SASMO. The following advantages of the programme were demonstrated: it is possible to obtain information on the proportion of normal and pathological spermatozoa, to determine the frequency of the respective characteristics analysed, to express detected alterations per pathological spermatozoon (teratosperm index), to express frequency of respective alterations per total number of spermatozoa examined, to display alterations according to their frequency and differentiate between developmental and acquired alterations. It was proved that using the detailed morphological evaluation of sperm by the survival test, it is possible to get statistically significant information on the prediction of sperm survival. The programme represents an important aid for making the morphological evaluation of sperm quality more objective both in veterinary and human medicine and in all insemination stations and assisted reproduction centres.

scholarly journals Post-Thaw Sperm Quality and Functionality in the Autochthonous Pig Breed Gochu Asturcelta

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1885
Author(s):  
José Néstor Caamaño ◽  
Carolina Tamargo ◽  
Inmaculada Parrilla ◽  
Felipe Martínez-Pastor ◽  
Lorena Padilla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Resource ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Mitochondrial Activity ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Kinematic Parameters ◽  
Linear Mixed Effects ◽  
Sperm Analysis ◽  
Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis ◽  
Analysis System

Genetic resource banks (GRB) preserve the genetic material of endangered, valuable individuals or genetically relevant breeds. Semen cryopreservation is a crucial technique to reach these goals. Thus, we aimed to assess the sperm parameters of semen doses from the native pig breed Gochu Asturcelta stored at the GRB of Principado de Asturias (GRB-PA, Gijón, Spain), focusing on intrinsic and extrinsic (boar, season) factors. Two straws per boar (n = 18, 8–71 months of age) were thawed, pooled, and assessed after 30 and 150 min at 37 °C by CASA (computer-assisted sperm analysis system; motility and kinematic parameters) and flow cytometry (viability, acrosomal status, mitochondrial activity, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species, and chromatin status). The effects of age, incubation, and season on post-thawing quality were determined using linear mixed-effects models. Parameters were on the range for commercial boar breeds, with chromatin status (SCSA: fragmentation and immaturity) being excellent. Incubation decreased sperm quality and functionality. The boar age did not have a significant effect (p > 0.05), but the between-boar variability was significant (p < 0.001). The season significantly affected many parameters (motility, kinematics, viability, acrosomal status, mitochondrial activity), especially after 150 min of incubation. In general, samples collected in spring and summer showed higher quality post-thawing, the lowest in winter. In conclusion, the sperm doses from the Gochu Asturcelta breed stored at the GRB-PA showed excellent chromatin status and acceptable characteristics after thawing. Therefore, boar and seasonal variability in this autochthonous breed could be relevant for cryobank management.

scholarly journals Varikocelės gydymas naudojant mikrochirurginį metodą

2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 0-0
Author(s):  
Tigran Zotov ◽  
Deimantas Šukys
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Testicular Volume ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Sperm Analysis ◽  
Postoperative Control ◽  
Vilnius University ◽  
The Republic ◽  
E Mail

Tigran Zotov, Deimantas Šukys Respublikinės Vilniaus universitetinės ligoninės Urologijos skyrius, Šiltnamių g. 29, LT-04130 Vilnius El. paštas: [email protected] Įvadas Varikocelė yra gan dažna liga, nustatoma 10 proc. suaugusių vyrų, ir net 25 proc. tų vyrų, kurie tiriami dėl nevaisingumo. Varikocelė mažina sėklidžių apimtį, blogina spermos kokybę ir Leidigo ląstelių funkciją. Po varikocelės gydymo sėklidė padidėja, pagerėja spermos kokybė. Respublikinėje Vilniaus universitetinėje ligoninėje buvo pradėta naudoti mikrochirurginė varikocelės gydymo metodika. Metodai Nuo 2009 m. balandžio iki 2011 m. gegužės buvo atliktos septynios varikocelektomijos operacijos naudojant mikrochirurginę techniką. Rezultatai Intraoperacinių ar ankstyvųjų pooperacinių komplikacijų nebuvo. Iškvietus pakartotinio patikrinimo operuotus pacientus nerasta nė vieno varikocelės recidyvo. Išvados Varikocelė yra gan dažna liga, galinti lemti nevaisingumą. Dėl nevaisingumo besikreipiantiems vyrams, kuriems yra klinikinė varikocelės raiška ir nenormalius spermos tyrimas, indikuojamas operacinis gydymas. Jei yra galimybė pasinaudoti operaciniu mikroskopu, tikslinga atlikti mikrochirurginę varikocelektomiją, o jei tokios galimybės nėra, pirmučiausia alternatyva yra laparoskopinė varikocelektomija. Reikšminiai žodžiai: varikocelė, chirurginis gydymas. Varicocele treatment by the microsurgical method Tigran Zotov, Deimantas Šukys Republican Vilnius University Hospital, Department of Urology, Šiltnamių Str. 29, LT-04130 Vilnius, Lithuania E-mail: [email protected] Background Varicocele is a rather frequent disease found in 10% of adult males and in 25% of infertile men. Varicocele reduces the testicular volume, declines sperm quality and the function of the Leydig cells. After varicocele treatment, the testicular volume increases and sperm quality improves. Varicocele treatment by the microsurgical method was started at the Republic Vilnius University Hospital. Methods Seven varicocelectomies by the microsurgical way were performed from April 2009 till May 2011. Results No intraoperative or early postoperative complications were observed. There was no varicocele recurrences found on postoperative control visits. Conclusions Varicocele is a rather frequent disease which can cause infertility. Its surgical treatment is indicated in cases of a clinically apparent varicocele and abnormal sperm analysis. If possible (where a surgical microscope is accessible), microsurgical varicocelectomy is the preferred way of treatment. Laparoscopic varicocelectomy is the method of choice if there is no possibility to perform a microsurgical procedure. Key words: varicocele, surgical treatment

scholarly journals Analysis of the Results of the Pedagogical Research and Eeg in the Aspect of Effective Modern Teaching Aids in the Technical Education

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 480
Author(s):  
Tomasz Prauzner
Keyword(s):  
Computer Technology ◽  
Medical Equipment ◽  
Modern Technology ◽  
Social Changes ◽  
Teaching Aids ◽  
Modern Media ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
General Pedagogy ◽  
Pedagogical Research ◽  
The Brain

<p class="IATED-Affiliation">The development of computer technology is reflected in among other things, the development of modern didactics. Current pedagogy and media education, as a fast developing discipline of general pedagogy, is a topic of a number of studies. Applying the modern multimedia aids at various stages and in various types of education is considered as an indispensable element of modern didactics, due to new opportunities the modern media offers. The paper deals with didactic innovations based on research conducted within pedagogy on the observable social changes induced by development in information technology. The main objective of the paper is to address the issue how to apply modern technology and research findings on the functioning of the brain in order to improve the effectiveness of the learning process. The paper presents only the results of a pilot study, which can be used as a basis for further research using medical equipment for analyzing EEG brain waves for didactic purposes.</p><p> </p>

Effect of transfection and co-incubation of bovine sperm with exogenous DNA on sperm quality and functional parameters for its use in sperm-mediated gene transfer

Zygote ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Elena Arias ◽  
Esther Sánchez-Villalba ◽  
Andrea Delgado ◽  
Ricardo Felmer
Keyword(s):  
Gene Transfer ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Exogenous Dna ◽  
Sperm Analysis ◽  
Functional Parameters ◽  
Transgenic Embryos ◽  
Fertilization Capacity ◽  
Motility Parameters

SummarySperm-mediated gene transfer (SMGT) is based on the capacity of sperm to bind exogenous DNA and transfer it into the oocyte during fertilization. In bovines, the progress of this technology has been slow due to the poor reproducibility and efficiency of the production of transgenic embryos. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different sperm transfection systems on the quality and functional parameters of sperm. Additionally, the ability of sperm to bind and incorporate exogenous DNA was assessed. These analyses were carried out by flow cytometry and confocal fluorescence microscopy, and motility parameters were also evaluated by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). Transfection was carried out using complexes of plasmid DNA with Lipofectamine, SuperFect and TurboFect for 0.5, 1, 2 or 4 h. The results showed that all of the transfection treatments promoted sperm binding and incorporation of exogenous DNA, similar to sperm incorporation of DNA alone, without affecting the viability. Nevertheless, the treatments and incubation times significantly affected the motility parameters, although no effect on the integrity of DNA or the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was observed. Additionally, we observed that transfection using SuperFect and TurboFect negatively affected the acrosome integrity, and TurboFect affected the mitochondrial membrane potential of sperm. In conclusion, we demonstrated binding and incorporation of exogenous DNA by sperm after transfection and confirmed the capacity of sperm to spontaneously incorporate exogenous DNA. These findings will allow the establishment of the most appropriate method [intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) orin vitrofertilization (IVF)] of generating transgenic embryos via SMGT based on the fertilization capacity of transfected sperm.

scholarly journals Improvement of Post-Thaw Sperm Kinematics and DNA Integrity of Cross-Bred Bovine Sperm by Incorporating DGC as Selection Method Prior to Cryopreservation

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (13) ◽  
pp. 24
Author(s):  
Nur Hilwani Ismail ◽  
Khairul Osman ◽  
Farida Zuraina Mohd Yusof ◽  
Syarifah Faezah Syed Mohamad ◽  
Farah Hanan Fatihah Jaafar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Group ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Gradient Centrifugation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Dna Integrity ◽  
Sperm Selection ◽  
Sperm Analysis ◽  
Fragmentation Index ◽  
Bovine Spermatozoa ◽  
Kinematics Parameters

The aim of this study was to assess post-thaw sperm quality following initial sperm selection using density gradient centrifugation (DGC) prior to cryopreservation. Ejaculates from four mature Charolais cross Kedah-Kelantan bulls were collected using artificial vagina at IBVK Pahang, Malaysia. The ejaculates were aliquoted into 3 groups: non-cryopreserved group (NC); control group of cryopreserved sperm without DGC (ND) and treatment group of sperm undergoing DGC sperm selection before cryopreservation (CDGC). Prior to analysis, samples from both cryopreserved groups were thawed at 37 °C for 30 sec. All samples were analysed for kinematics parameters, viability and compromise in DNA integrity (evaluated as DNA Fragmentation Index, DFI). All kinematics parameters were analysed using computer aided sperm analysis (CASA). Results indicated significant (p < 0.05) kinematics parameter changes for all parameters of velocity (VCL, VSL, VAP) and progression (WOB, LIN, ALH and BCF). Unfortunately, changes in spermatozoa straightness were insignificant (STR) F(2, 68) = 1.004, p = 0.371. Spermatozoa viability had increased by 26.2% (p < 0.01) following the treatment. DFI revealed the treatment group recorded a significant reduction in DFI value (0.17% fragmented DNA). In conclusion, DGC sperm selection prior to cryopreservation reduced the effects of cryodamage and showed an improvement in post-thaw sperm quality, thus reducing the occurrence of asthenozoospermia in populations of frozen-thawed cross-bred bovine spermatozoa.

17 Increased inbreeding levels negatively affect sperm kinetics and motility in Purebred Spanish horses

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 116
Author(s):  
Y. Pirosanto ◽  
A. Molina ◽  
M. Valera ◽  
J. Dorado ◽  
E. Terán ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
Inbreeding Coefficient ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Effective Population ◽  
Mean Velocity ◽  
Sperm Analysis ◽  
Head Displacement

Reproductive performance is one of the key factors in livestock production. It is well known that reproductive traits are influenced by several genetic factors, such as the increase of individual inbreeding levels, which are associated with changes in sperm motility and shape in several species. In horses, the increase in inbreeding is a common problem because of the reduction in effective population size and the increase in selection intensity observed in several breeds. However, studies assessing the effect of high levels of inbreeding on the sperm quality of stallions are scarce. In the present study, we aimed to determine the effect of increased inbreeding levels and age on the sperm motility patterns of Purebred Spanish horses (PRE). We performed kinetic characterisation of 557 sperm samples of 82 PRE stallions aged between 3 and16 years, using computer-assisted sperm analysis (Androvision™, Minitube). We evaluated 5 parameters in 6 different fields per sample: curved line velocity (VCL, µm/s), velocity average path (VAP, µm/s), velocity straight line (VSL, µm/s), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH, µm), and beat-cross frequency (BCF, Hz). We determined the pedigree-based inbreeding coefficient (Fped) based on ∼300,000 PRE pedigree records to evaluate the inbreeding effect. Individuals were separated into 2 groups: highly inbred (n=339) and lowly inbred (n=218) according to an F value of 12.5%. Differences between groups were analysed using a generalized linear model. The analysis did not show significant differences (P&gt;0.05) in the variables analysed with respect to the age of stallions. However, VAP, VCL, and AHL were lower in highly inbred than in lowly inbred animals (P&lt;0.05), suggesting less velocity and amplitude of head displacement. In the case of BCF, no significant differences (P&gt;0.05) were observed between the two study groups. In conclusion, age did not affect sperm quality parameters in the age group of stallions analysed. In addition, we demonstrated that high inbreeding coefficient reduced the mean velocity and trajectory pattern of spermatozoa in PRE.

scholarly journals Validation of the Turkey Semen Cryopreservation by Evaluating the Effect of Two Diluents and the Inseminating Doses

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1329
Author(s):  
Michele Di Iorio ◽  
Giusy Rusco ◽  
Roberta Iampietro ◽  
Lucia Maiuro ◽  
Achille Schiavone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
In Vivo Test ◽  
Sperm Analysis ◽  
Fertilizing Ability ◽  
Vitro Analysis ◽  
Hatching Rates

This study was designed to test the fertilizing ability of cryopreserved turkey semen, and here, two experiments were performed: an in vitro analysis to assess the effects of Tselutin and Lake diluents and an in vivo test to determine the fertility and hatching rates by also studying the feat of three insemination doses (250, 400 and 600 × 106 sperm/hen). Pooled semen samples were diluted with Tselutin or Lake extender which contained 20% of dimethylsulfoxide and 1 mM of Ficoll at final sperm concentration of 3 × 109 sperm/mL. Thereafter, semen was packaged into straws and frozen on liquid nitrogen. The post-thaw sperm quality was evaluated considering motility (computer-aided sperm analysis—CASA system) and membrane integrity (flow cytometry). Significantly higher values of progressive motility and some kinetic parameters in semen frozen with Lake were found. When we compared the extenders in vivo, no significant effects were detected, whilst sperm concentration significantly affected both fertility and hatching rates, with the best results obtained with the sperm concentration of 400 × 106 sperm/hen. From the results obtained, it emerged that the extender type only affected sperm motility characteristics, not the fertilizing ability of frozen-thawed semen, while inseminating dose markedly affected fertility and hatching rates.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document