Abstract
Cryopreserved sperm samples from Holstein bulls (n = 20) were examined for bacterial presence and Sperm DNA Fragmentation (SDF) dynamics. SDF was assessed after thawing (T0) and at 4, 24 and 48 h of incubation (37°C) and the rate of SDF (r-SDF), as an estimator of the DNA degradation over time, was calculated. Two groups of bulls were identified based on the presence or absence of bacteria: One group (n = 10) had a readily detectable bacterial presence, while the other group (n = 10) had an undetectable bacterial presence. Differences in the SDF at T0 were not observed between these two groups. However, statistically different results were found after 24 h of incubation at 37°C (Kaplan-Meier estimator; Log-Rank Matel-Cox, p0.05) were not detected between the control and the quinolone treated sample for those samples without bacteria. However, differences (p
Highlights
The bacterial presence in semen samples could be especially problematic in situations where the ejaculates are used for artificial insemination 24 h or more after collection (Suarez and Pacey, 2006; Hawk, 1983)
These results call attention to three points: (1) sperm samples were in contact with bacteria before cryopreservation; (2) the r-Sperm DNA Fragmentation (SDF) can be directly correlated with bacterial presence but this effect remains cryptic after thawing and (3) the rate of SDF (r-SDF) can be reduced by treating the semen samples with an adequate antibiotic such as quinolones, a finding not previously reported in the scientific literature, but important in terms of reproduction
To analyze the influence of bacterial presence on the r-SDF, the SDF was assessed at different incubation times and the data plotted and compared according to the cluster criteria “ejaculates with bacteria versus ejaculates free of bacteria” (Fig. 1a, b)
Summary
The bacterial presence in semen samples could be especially problematic in situations where the ejaculates are used for artificial insemination 24 h or more after collection (Suarez and Pacey, 2006; Hawk, 1983). Clara Gonzalez-Marin et al / American Journal of Animal and Veterinary Sciences 7 (4) (2012) 180-185 increased values of sperm DNA damage compared to control individuals. The aim of the present experiment was to test the possibility of modifying the rate of sperm DNA fragmentation in vitro using quinolones for those bulls’ semen samples in which a bacterial presence was observed. To demonstrate the direct relationship between the presence of bacteria and sperm DNA damage, we hypothesized that the rate of SDF observed in standard straws with an undetectable amount of bacteria, could be modified by inoculating these samples with a small amount of semen from a sample having a detectable amount of bacteria, i.e., outright contaminating them
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