Comet Length Research Articles

DNA Fragmentation as an Early Indicator of Extender Efficacy: A Preliminary Study

Evaluation of new potential semen extenders is a field of economic and scientific importance, but assessing motility alone may not be sufficient. The objectives of this study were to examine the effect of oxidative damage by short-term exposure to H2O2 on stallion sperm motility and DNA fragmentation and to correlate motility to the percentage of DNA damage as assessed by both terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and single-cell gel electrophoresis assays. Motility and DNA fragmentation were determined immediately before cooling (0 hour) and at 24 hours postcooling. The addition of H2O2 (300 μM) to the extender had no effect on either total or progressive motility (P > .05). DNA fragmentation as determined by both Comet and TUNEL assays did not differ between 0 hour and those cells stored for 24 hours in the absence of H2O2 (P > .05). However, the addition of H2O2 to the extender plus incubation for 24 hours resulted in greater total Comet length, tail length, and tail moment as well as an increase in percentage of sperm cells with DNA damage detected by TUNEL compared to 0 hour (P < .05). Motility was not correlated with DNA damaged cells detected by TUNEL or Comet assays (P > .05). In conclusion, although both the Comet assay and TUNEL detected significant DNA fragmentation in cells exposed to H2O2, there was not a significant or appreciable effect of H2O2 on motility. Therefore, motility alone is likely not the best laboratory assay with which to assess cooled extender efficacy.

Anti-Migratory Effect of Vinflunine in Endothelial and Glioblastoma Cells Is Associated with Changes in EB1 C-Terminal Detyrosinated/Tyrosinated Status

We previously showed that vinflunine, a microtubule-targeting drug of the Vinca-alkaloid family exerted its anti-angiogenic/anti-migratory activities through an increase in microtubule dynamics and an inhibition of microtubule targeting to adhesion sites. Such effect was associated with a reduction of EB1 comet length at microtubule (+) ends. In this work we first showed that the pro-angiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF suppressed microtubule dynamics in living Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs), increased EB1 comet length by 40%, and induced EB1 to bind all along the microtubules, without modifying its expression level. Such microtubule (+) end stabilization occurred close to the plasma membrane in the vicinity of focal adhesion as shown by TIRF microscopy experiments. Vinflunine completely abolished the effect of VEGF on EB1 comets. Interestingly, we found a correlation between the reduction of EB1 comet length by vinflunine and the inhibition of cell migration. By using 2D gel electrophoresis we demonstrated for the first time that EB1 underwent several post-translational modifications in endothelial and tumor cells. Particularly, the C-terminal EEY sequence was poorly detectable in control and VEGF-treated HUVECs suggesting the existence of a non-tyrosinated form of EB1. By using specific antibodies that specifically recognized and discriminated the native tyrosinated form of EB1 and a putative C-terminal detyrosinated form, we showed that a detyrosinated form of EB1 exists in HUVECs and tumor cells. Interestingly, vinflunine decreased the level of the detyrosinated form and increased the native tyrosinated form of EB1. Using 3-L-Nitrotyrosine incorporation experiments, we concluded that the EB1 C-terminal modifications result from a detyrosination/retyrosination cycle as described for tubulin.Altogether, our results show that vinflunine inhibits endothelial cell migration through an alteration of EB1 comet length and EB1 detyrosination/retyrosination cycle.

Evaluation of DNA Damage in Eurasian Marsh Frogs (Pelophylax ridibundus) by Comet Assay for Determination of Possible Pollution in the Different Lakes in Central Anatolia, Turkey

In the present study, adult Eurasian marsh frogs, Pelophylax ridibundus, and water samples were collected from a reference lake and three water bodies in central Anatolia, Turkey, to evaluate the water for chemical pollutants and possible effects of pollutants on the DNA of frog erythrocytes by using a comet assay. The results for DNA damage parameters of the comet assay (total comet length, tail intensity, and olive tail moment) and their statistical analysis by ANOVA demonstrated that P. ridibundus and the comet assay together represent an useful approach for the early detection of polluted water bodies.

Genotoxicity evaluation of chlorpyrifos: a gender related approach in regular toxicity testing

The oral intubation of chlorpyrifos, an extensively used organophosphate insecticide, was tested for its capability to induce in vivo genotoxic upshot in blood lymphocytes of 24 male and female Wistar rats using biomarker of genotoxicity. Rats were orally administered with daily doses 3 and 12 mg/kg body weight (BW) of chlorpyrifos (CPF). The blood lymphocytes were harvested after 7 and 14 days of treatment and subjected to bi-nucleus (BN), multi-nucleus (MN) and single cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay) to evaluate the extent of DNA damage. Other than BN and MN assay, damage to DNA was assessed through comet length, height, area, head diameter, head DNA percentage and tail DNA percentage along with tail movement. A significant boost was noticed in the frequency of BN cells formation after 12 mg/kg BW CPF treatment. However, the propensity to produce MN cells was significantly more (P ≤ 0.05) in males than that of females. Likewise, the frequency of comet formation, mean comet length, height and area were more (P ≤ 0.05) in males than females even with 12 mg/kgBW. Comet head DNA % and tail length remained non-significant. Olive movement also revealed a significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) in males than females. The study inferred that the CPF can induce DNA damage in both male and female subjects but more pronounced in the male individuals.

Validation of DNA Damage Progression with Days after Single Exposure of Sublethal Dosage of Electron Beam Radiation

Article history: The aim of this study was to asses the DNA damage progression with days after single exposure of 6Gy electron beam radiation (EBR). Molecular DNA damage in lymphocytes of mice was assessed using alkaline comet assay and in bone marrow cells by micronucleus assay. In comet assay %DNA in tail, Comet length, Olive Tail Moment (OTM) served as a measure of DNA damage and in micronucleus test, frequency of micronucleus formation in bone marrow cells was measured to evaluate the DNA damage. The experiment was performed by taking 24 healthy Swiss albino mice with body weight 30+5g. The animals were grouped into four. Group1 served as control, Group 2, 3 and 4 were irradiated by 6Gy EBR. Animals of Group 2, 3 and 4 were sacrificed on 5 th , 10 th and 15 th day post irradiation respectively. The comet assay procedure was carried out for all these groups by using lymphocytes separated from EDTA treated blood. The micronucleus test was performed in bone marrow cells (PCE-Poly chromatic erythrocytes, NCE-normochromatic erythrocytes). The slides prepared for this were scored for the measure of DNA damage. The results showed all comet parameter were significantly (P<0.05) affected by prolonging the post irradiation days from zero (control) to 5, 10 and 15. There was an alteration found in the PCE/PCE+NCE ratio in irradiated mice. A linear increase in the micronucleus formation was observed in post irradiated days. These results conclude a progression in DNA damage with days, post irradiation.

English

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is diagnosed by the presence of hyperglycemia, which leads to increased oxidative stress. In this study, we aimed to determine whether cinnamon and sugar tea extract have protective effects on streptozotocin (STZ)+nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats. The therapeutic potential of cinnamon and tea extract on DM was assessed through analysis of their effects on both oxidative stress and DNA damage. Seventy-eight Sprague Dawley rats were divided into nine groups, including control groups, untreated diabetic group, and treated diabetic groups. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal administration of STZ and nicotinamide. Cinnamon and sugar tea extracts were administered to diabetic treatment groups for 30 days after diabetes was induced. At the end of the experiment, tissue and blood samples were taken from all rats. The levels of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and malondialdehyde were determined in the liver homogenate. Comet assay was used to assess DNA damage in blood cells. DNA damage as assessed by comet length was increased in diabetic groups and decreased in cinnamon and sugar tea treated groups relative to controls. Our study revealed that treatment with either cinnamon or sugar tea extract has protective effects against oxidative stress in type II diabetic rats. &nbsp; Key words:&nbsp;Comet assay, antioxidant enzymes, cinnamon, streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NA), induced diabetes.

Foxo3-Mediated Redox Regulation Is Required for DNA Damage Response in Hematopoietic Stem Cells.

Abstract 2295Stringent regulation of redox status is critical to the control of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) quiescence and to the maintenance of HSC pool. However mechanisms by which oxidative stress controls HSC quiescence versus cycling remain unknown. Foxo3 transcription factor is required for the regulation of HSC quiescence and for the maintenance of hematopoietic and leukemic stem cell pool. Redox regulation is key to the Foxo3 control of HSC pool. ROS accumulation in Foxo3 null HSC mediates in vivo activation of p53, and increased p21 expression leading to an arrest in the G2/M phase of cell cycle associated with loss of quiescence. We hypothesized that ROS may regulate HSC quiescence versus cycling via control of DNA damage repair program. To address this question, we examined whether Foxo3 is involved in DNA damage response of HSC. We first evaluated by immunostaining phosphorylation of histone H2AX variant (γH2AX), a hallmark sensor of DNA strand break, in LSK (Lin−Sca-1+c-Kit+) cells freshly isolated from Foxo3−/− bone marrow. We found the number of cells with nuclear γH2AX foci significantly increased in Foxo3−/− LSK cells (n=100; >5 foci/nuclei) in comparison with wild type (WT)-LSK. We subsequently confirmed and quantified these data by flow cytometry analysis of γH2AX. Together these analyses showed that loss of Foxo3 leads to increased γH2AX levels in LSK cells at the steady state. We next evaluated the presence of DNA breaks, by submitting Foxo3−/− versus WT LSK FACS-sorted cells to single-cell gel electrophoresis (Comet Assay). These investigations confirmed that LSK cells from Foxo3−/− mice accumulate DNA breaks at the steady state, as the percentage of comet shape cells (4 fold) and comet length (3 fold) were all increased in Foxo3 mutant LSK. We then asked whether the increased ROS accumulation had any direct role in damaging DNA in Foxo3−/− LSK. Using a fluorescent probe specific for the most common oxidative DNA damage lesion, the 8-hydroxyguanine base (8-OxoG), we further showed that Foxo3−/− LSK cells exhibit oxidative DNA damage. To further investigate the potential function of ROS in the control of HSC DNA damage response, we treated Foxo3−/− and WT mice for 14 days with the ROS scavenger N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC; 100 mg/Kg/day) in vivo. NAC treatment reduced by four fold γH2AX in Foxo3−/− LSK cells to levels similar to that in WT-LSK cells. Similarly, comet assay analysis of FACS-sorted LSK cells from NAC-treated WT and Foxo3−/− mice showed a two fold reduction of DNA breaks. These results suggest that increase in ROS damage DNA and triggers DNA damage response in Foxo3−/− LSK cells at the steady state. Additionally, expression of a number of genes involved in DNA damage repair including Xrcc5 (Ku80) and Xrcc6 (Ku70) was highly downregulated in both long-term-HSC (LT-HSC, LSK-CD150+CD48−) and LSK populations as evidenced by Q-RT-PCR on the Fluidigm™ microfluidics array technology. Together these results strongly suggest that Foxo3-mediated redox regulation is required for protection of DNA from accumulating damage at the steady state in HSC. We further investigated whether ROS-mediated activation of p53 in Foxo3 null HSCs limits the extent of accumulation of DNA damage in HSC. To address this question we crossed p53+/−Foxo3+/− double heterozygous animals to generate p53-Foxo3 double knockout mice. Loss of p53 in Foxo3−/− mice led to significant rise in lymphocyte counts and decrease in neutrophil counts in comparison with Foxo3−/−, indicating a potential shift in lineage determination from HSC. To our surprise, loss of one allele of p53 in Foxo3-null mice significantly reduced gH2AX staining and DNA breaks, as analyzed respectively by flow cytometry and comet assay of sorted LSK cells. While the rescue of DNA damage in Foxo3−/− HSCs as result of loss of p53 was unexpected it is not clear whether it is related to the impact on the fate of HSC. The clarification of these questions in future studies will be important for understanding mechanisms that control the emergence of leukemic stem cells. Together these studies suggest that Foxo3 guards DNA from damage in HSC at the steady state. In addition they indicate an important function for ROS modulation in the in vivo regulation of DNA damage response in HSC. Altogether understanding mechanisms that control ROS modulation of DNA damage response are likely to advance our understanding of the regulation of normal hematopoietic and leukemic stem cell quiescence. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Adaptation of the neutral bacterial comet assay to assess antimicrobial-mediated DNA double-strand breaks in Escherichia coli

This study aimed to determine the mechanism of action of a natural antibacterial clay mineral mixture, designated as CB, by investigating the induction of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in Escherichia coli. To quantify DNA damage upon exposure to soluble antimicrobial compounds, we modified a bacterial neutral comet assay, which associates the general length of an electrophoresed chromosome, or comet, with the degree of DSB-associated DNA damage. To appropriately account for antimicrobial-mediated strand fragmentation, suitable control reactions consisting of exposures to water, ethanol, kanamycin, and bleomycin were developed and optimized for the assay. Bacterial exposure to the CB clay resulted in significantly longer comet lengths, compared to water and kanamycin exposures, suggesting that the induction of DNA DSBs contributes to the killing activity of this antibacterial clay mineral mixture. The comet assay protocol described herein provides a general technique for evaluating soluble antimicrobial-derived DNA damage and for comparing DNA fragmentation between experimental and control assays.

Estimating the Microtubule GTP Cap Size In Vivo

Microtubules (MTs) polymerize via net addition of GTP-tubulin subunits to the MT plus end, which subsequently hydrolyze to GDP-tubulin in the MT lattice. Relatively stable GTP-tubulin subunits create a "GTP cap" at the growing MT plus end that suppresses catastrophe. To understand MT assembly regulation, we need to understand GTP hydrolysis reaction kinetics and the GTP cap size. In vitro, the GTP cap has been estimated to be as small as one layer (13 subunits) or as large as 100-200 subunits. GTP cap size estimates in vivo have not yet been reported. Using EB1-EGFP as a marker for GTP-tubulin in epithelial cells, we find on average (1) 270 EB1 dimers bound to growing MT plus ends, and (2) a GTP cap size of ∼750 tubulin subunits. Thus, in vivo, the GTP cap is far larger than previous estimates in vitro, and ∼60-fold larger than a single layer cap. We also find that the tail of a large GTP cap promotes MT rescue and suppresses shortening. We speculate that a large GTP cap provides a locally concentrated scaffold for tip-tracking proteins and confers persistence to assembly in the face of physical barriers such as the cell cortex.

Evaluación de las técnicas de capacitación espermática y su efecto en la fragmentación del ADN

Objetivo: evaluar el efecto de las técnicas de capacitación espermática en la fragmentación del ADN.Materiales y métodos: estudio experimental en el cual se describió el efecto de las técnicas de capacitación espermática swim up y gradientes de densidad de Isolate en la fragmentación del ADN. Se utilizaron las muestras de 41 pacientes remitidos a espermograma a la Unidad de Fertilidad del Tolima (Unifertil). Requisitos: 1) abstinencia sexual de 3 a 5 días, 2) no haber consumido medicamentos como antibióticos o antiparasitarios, 3) obtención de la muestra por masturbación, y 4) no presentar procesos virales o febriles. Después de realizar la primera evaluación de las muestras dentro de una hora posterior a su obtención se incluyeron aquellas que habían sido recolectadas completamente, que tenían una concentración mínima de 2 millones de espermatozoides/ml, y que no tenían contaminación con sangre. Se evaluaron la concentración, la movilidad, la morfología y la fragmentación del ADN de los espermatozoides, midiendo la longitud de los cometas resultantes del ensayo. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizaron análisis de varianza (ANOVA) y el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson, teniendo un valor de p &lt; 0,05 como significativo estadísticamente.Resultados: la media de edad de los pacientes fue 35,1 ± 7,9 años. Se encontró que las técnicas de capacitación espermática, tanto swim up como gradientes de densidad de Isolate, disminuyen la fragmentación del ADN de los espermatozoides (p &lt; 0,0001). No se encontraron diferencias significativas en cuanto a la fragmentación del ADN entre las dos técnicas de capacitación estudiadas. No se observaron correlaciones significativas entre los niveles de fragmentación del ADN espermático y los diferentes parámetros del espermograma (concentración, movilidad y morfología) (p = 0,9061). El ensayo cometa detectó diferencias en el grado de la fragmentación del ADN de los espermatozoides entre las muestras frescas y capacitadas.Conclusión: la capacitación espermática tanto por swim up como por gradientes de densidad de isolate tiene un efecto positivo al disminuir la fragmentación del ADN de los espermatozoides.

Damaging effects of water-borne cadmium chloride on DNA of lung cells of immature mice

We investigated the effects of cadmium on lung cell DNA in immature mice. The mice were randomly divided into four groups: control group, low-dose group (1/100 LD(50)), middle-dose group (1/50 LD(50)), and high-dose group (1/25 LD(50)); they were supplied with cadmium chloride or control water for 40 days. Lung cells collected from sacrificed mice were used to evaluate the extent of DNA damage by comet assay. The ratio of tailing cells, DNA tail length, DNA comet length, DNA tail moment, DNA olive tail moment, and percentage of DNA in the comet tail were measured. The rate of tailing lung cells exposed to cadmium increased significantly; the low-concentration group had significantly (P < 0.05) higher rates, and the middle- and high-concentration groups had higher (P < 0.01) rates compared to the control. DNA tail length, DNA comet length, DNA tail moment, and DNA olive tail moment all increased with the increase in cadmium doses, but compared with those of the control group, no significant differences in low-dose group were found (P > 0.05), and the differences in middle- and high-dose groups were all highly significant (P < 0.01). The degree of DNA damage also increased with the increase of the cadmium concentrations. We conclude that cadmium significantly increases DNA damage in lung cells of immature mice in a dose-dependent manner.

Age- and time interval-specific gamma radiation-induced DNA damage in adult maize weevils, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky, assessed using comet assays

The gamma radiation-induced DNA damage in adult maize weevils, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), was assessed using single-cell electrophoresis (comet assay). Analysis of DNA damage following 0.5 and 1.0 kGy of gamma radiation was performed using cells from 1- and 15-day-old adults. Gamma-irradiated adults from both age groups showed typical DNA fragmentation, whereas cells from non-irradiated adults showed more intact DNA than young S. zeamais. Investigations using the comet assay showed that tail length, % tail DNA and % DNA damage all increased in adults of both age groups when compared to the control insects. A maximum comet length of 227.33 μm was recorded for 15-day-old adults at 24 h after irradiation with 1.0 kGy and a minimum of 50.12 μm for 1-day-old adults at 0 h after irradiation with 0.5 kGy. The percentage of DNA damage increased up to 57.31% and 68.15% for 1- and 15-day-old adults, respectively, at 24 h after irradiation with 1.0 kGy, whereas only 8.58% and 12.22% DNA damage were observed in the control batches. The results also showed that percentage of DNA damage increased at 24 h after irradiation compared to that at 0 h. However, further studies are needed to confirm these results.

Bisphenol A (BPA) confers direct genotoxicity to sperm with increased sperm DNA fragmentation

BPA is associated with disruptive effects on spermatogenesis and reproductive organ development in animals, but studies on direct effects of BPA on human sperm function are lacking. We previously reported increased sperm total motility and rapid progression in response to estrogenic compounds and aimed to investigate the in vitro effects on sperm DNA fragmentation induced by BPA and 17β-estradiol (E). Prospective Controlled Study. Samples were collected from men undergoing semen evaluation (n = 27; 21 with normal and 6 with abnormal semen parameters). Washed sperm resuspended in HTF+10% SSS was incubated with either 1nM E, 1μM or 10 nM of BPA (B1, B2). Sperm DNA fragmentation was measured by the alkaline comet assay. Comet length (CL), %DNA in tail (T%), and tail moment (TM) were assessed using CometScore software and compared to vehicle control (C) at 24 hours after initial exposure. Data was analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and paired t-tests. The samples had a mean ± SD sperm count of 73.0 ± 44.3 mil/mL, motility of 64.5 ± 9.0%, and normal morphology of 8.6 ± 5.5%. E and both concentrations of BPA significantly increased sperm DNA fragmentation with increased CL (P<0.001) and increased TM (P=0.001). Mean CL was 95.1 ± 12.2px for C, compared with 106.6 ± 12.5px for E (P<0.001), 105.9 ± 15.0px for B1 (P<0.001), and 105.4 ± 14.1px for B2 (P=0.001). Mean TM was 64.7 ± 19.5px for C, compared with 74.8 ± 20.8px for E (P<0.001), 74.3 ± 19.5px for B1 (P<0.001), and 75.5 ± 17.0px for B2 (P=0.003). T% did not differ between the 4 arms (P=0.88). The effects on CL and TM persisted after differentiating samples by normal vs abnormal semen parameters (P=0.6; P=0.8). This is the first study to show evidence of direct genotoxity to sperm from BPA exposure in vitro. The significant increase in sperm DNA fragmentation favoring double-strand breaks caused by BPA mimic effects of E, and may allow for future studies examining the direct mechanisms of these toxic effects.

Genotoxic effects of the fungicide thiophanate-methyl on Podarcis sicula assessed by micronucleus test, comet assay and chromosome analysis

The increasing use of pesticides in modern agriculture has raised the need to evaluate their potential threat to animal and human health. In the present study, the genotoxic effects of environmentally relevant exposure to the fungicide thiophanate-methyl (TM) were assessed in the lizard Podarcis sicula (Reptilia, Lacertidae) using micronucleus test, chromosome aberration analysis and single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay. The number of micronuclei increased significantly with exposure time in lizard specimens exposed to 1.5% TM for 30-40days. In situ hybridization with the specific HindIII centromeric satellite was positive in 18.7% of the micronuclei observed, suggesting an aneugenic effect of TM during mitosis. DNA damage, evaluated by the comet assay, documented a significant gain in comet length in relation to exposure time that was paralleled by a reduction in head size. Finally, cytogenetic analysis showed a significant increase in chromosome aberrations in exposed animals compared with controls. Our data suggest that long-term TM exposure induces a genomic damage that is positively correlated to exposure time. If such genotoxic effects arise so clearly in an ectothermal vertebrate, such as P. sicula, prolonged exposure TM must be considered as a cytogenetic hazard.

In vitro genotoxicity of danthron and its potential mechanism

To ascertain the in vitro genotoxicity of danthron and its potential mechanism of action, we performed an Ames test, a cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay and a comet assay in Balb/c 3T3 cells. The Ames test revealed that danthron was mutagenic only toward Salmonella typhimurium strain TA102 in the presence of an exogenous metabolic activation system (S9 mix). Danthron (25, 50 and 100μg/ml) increased the frequencies of micronuclear cells with or without S9 mix, and the comet length, tail length and Olive tail moment in comet assays without S9 mix in a dose-dependent manner. These results demonstrated the in vitro genotoxicity of danthron and that 3T3 cells are capable of activating danthron. When NADP was replaced by NAD in the S9 mix, danthron remained mutagenic toward strain TA102. The addition of dicoumarol, a DT-diaphorase inhibitor, decreased the number of danthron-induced histidine revertants by 35–39%, indicating that DT-diaphorase is involved in the metabolic activation of danthron in the presence of NADH as an electron donor. In 3T3 cells, increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine levels as well as a reduction in GSH levels were induced by danthron in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that oxidative stress may be a major contributing pathway in the genotoxicity of danthron.

Semen molecular and cellular features: these parameters can reliably predict subsequent ART outcome in a goat model

Currently, the assessment of sperm function in a raw or processed semen sample is not able to reliably predict sperm ability to withstand freezing and thawing procedures and in vivo fertility and/or assisted reproductive biotechnologies (ART) outcome. The aim of the present study was to investigate which parameters among a battery of analyses could predict subsequent spermatozoa in vitro fertilization ability and hence blastocyst output in a goat model. Ejaculates were obtained by artificial vagina from 3 adult goats (Capra hircus) aged 2 years (A, B and C). In order to assess the predictive value of viability, computer assisted sperm analyzer (CASA) motility parameters and ATP intracellular concentration before and after thawing and of DNA integrity after thawing on subsequent embryo output after an in vitro fertility test, a logistic regression analysis was used. Individual differences in semen parameters were evident for semen viability after thawing and DNA integrity. Results of IVF test showed that spermatozoa collected from A and B lead to higher cleavage rates (0 < 0.01) and blastocysts output (p < 0.05) compared with C. Logistic regression analysis model explained a deviance of 72% (p < 0.0001), directly related with the mean percentage of rapid spermatozoa in fresh semen (p < 0.01), semen viability after thawing (p < 0.01), and with two of the three comet parameters considered, i.e tail DNA percentage and comet length (p < 0.0001). DNA integrity alone had a high predictive value on IVF outcome with frozen/thawed semen (deviance explained: 57%). The model proposed here represents one of the many possible ways to explain differences found in embryo output following IVF with different semen donors and may represent a useful tool to select the most suitable donors for semen cryopreservation.

Improvement in buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis) spermatozoa functional parameters and fertility in vitro: Effect of insulin-like growth factor-I

The aim of the current study was to assess the effect of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I; 100 ng/mL) on buffalo ( Bubalus Bubalis) sperm functional parameters related to in vitro fertilization. The acrosin activity (the mean diameter of halo formation in micrometers) was significantly higher in the IGF-I group (14.17 ± 1.51) compared with that in the control group (9.50 ± 0.36) at 2 h incubation. The mitochondrial membrane potential (per cent) was significantly higher in the IGF-I group compared with that in the control group at 30 min (33.27 ± 2.62 vs. 26.71 ± 1.02), 60 min (24.24 ± 3.45 vs. 18.77 ± 2.09), and 90 min (22.86 ± 3.02 vs. 16.92 ± 1.24) incubation. The percentage of spermatozoa positive for sperm nuclear chromatin decondensation (NCD) differed significantly between the groups at 90 and 120 min incubation. The comet length was significantly lower in the IGF-I group compared with that in the control group at 2 h incubation. The percentage of fragmented DNA in the tail did not differ significantly between the groups at 2 h incubation. The percentage of acrosomal-reacted spermatozoa did not differ significantly between the IGF-I and the control groups at 4 h (41.12 ± 6.44 vs. 43.53 ± 5.05) incubation. The cleavage rate (per cent) was significantly higher in the IGF-I–treated group (56.73 ± 3.70) compared with that in the control group (44.85 ± 2.15). The current study suggests that the addition of IGF-I prevents deterioration of sperm functional parameters and fertility.

Genotoxicity of sodium arsenite and DNA fragmentation in ovarian cells of rat

Present study examined the genotoxic effects of arsenite in ovarian tissue of rat at 56 days of age. Immature (28 days old) female rats were exposed to different doses (50, 100, and 200 ppm) of sodium arsenite in drinking water for 28 days. DNA damage in ovarian tissue was measured by comet assay. All doses induced significant decrease in ovarian weight in a dose-dependent manner compared to control, more prominently at ( P < 0.001) 100 and 200 ppm. All the comet assay parameters showed significant difference with arsenite treatment compared to control group. In treatment groups, mean number of cells with intact DNA decreased while, mean comet number increased ( P < 0.001) in a dose-dependent manner compared to control. Significant decrease ( P < 0.05) was observed in mean comet length, height, comet head diameter and %DNA in comet head of high dose groups compared to control group. Dose dependent increase was found in mean comet tail length, %DNA in tail, tail moment and olive tail moment in high dose groups compared to control group. The study indicates that arsenic caused DNA damage to ovarian cells particularly at high doses and ensure comet assay as an effective method to detect DNA damage in tissue caused by metals.

Evaluation of DNA damage by the alkaline comet assay of the olfactory and respiratory epithelia of dogs from the city of São Paulo, Brazil

Animals kept as pets may be considered sentinels for environmental factors to which humans could be exposed. Olfactory and respiratory epithelia are directly subjected to airborne factors, which could cause DNA lesions, and the alkaline comet assay is considered a reliable tool for the assessment of DNA damage. The objective of this work is to evaluate the extent of DNA damage by the comet assay of the olfactory and respiratory epithelia of dogs from different regions of the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Thirty-three clinically healthy dogs, aged 5 years or more, were used in the study, with 7 from the North region of São Paulo, 7 from the South region, 3 dogs from the East region, and 16 dogs from the West city region. Three dogs younger than 6 months were used as controls. DNA damage was analyzed by the alkaline comet assay. We observed no difference in histopathological analysis of olfactory and respiratory epithelia between dogs from different regions of São Paulo. Dogs older than 5 years presented significantly higher comet length in both olfactory and respiratory epithelia, when compared with controls, indicating DNA damage. When separated by regions, olfactory and respiratory epithelia presented similar DNA damage in dogs from different regions of São Paulo, corroborating with similar levels of particulate matter index (PM10) in all regions of the city. In this study, we report for the first time that the comet assay can be used to quantify the extent of DNA damage in dog olfactory and respiratory epithelia, and that comet length (DNA damage) increases with age, probably due to environmental factors. Air pollution, as measured by PM10, can be responsible for this DNA damage.

61 PLANT EXTRACTS REDUCE DNA FRAGMENTATION IN FROZEN-THAWED STALLION SPERM

Mares inseminated with frozen–thawed sperm have reduced pregnancy rates compared with mares inseminated with fresh sperm. Processing mammalian sperm for cryopreservation increases the concentration of free radicals and induces oxidative stress, which can result in DNA damage and may lead to lower fertility. The objective of this experiment was to examine the effects of several plant antioxidant extracts on stallion sperm post-thaw motility and DNA quality. Single ejaculates were collected from 4 stallions and the concentration of sperm cells in each ejaculate was determined spectrophotometrically. Semen was centrifuged at 300g for 10 min at room temperature and seminal plasma was removed. Sperm pellets were resuspended to a final concentration of 200 × 106 cells mL–1 in E-Z Freezin LE (ARS, Chino, CA) extender (control) or extender containing 1 of 3 plant extracts (3% v/v) from 2 different commercial sources. Extended sperm cells were loaded into 0.5-mL straws and frozen over liquid nitrogen vapor for 10 min. Straws were then plunged into liquid nitrogen and stored until further evaluation. Motility and velocity parameters were determined at 0, 30, and 60 min post-thaw using a computer-assisted sperm analyzer. DNA fragmentation was determined immediately after thawing using a single-cell gel electrophoresis (Comet) assay. Motility (total and progressive) and velocity parameters of sperm cells did not differ between controls and plant extract treatments (P &gt; 0.05). However, total Comet length and tail length were reduced in sperm cells stored in extender containing each plant extract (P &lt; 0.05). Tail and olive moment tended to be reduced (P &lt; 0.10) in sperm cells stored in plant extracts. In conclusion, sperm cells stored in plant extracts had reduced post-thaw DNA damage. The addition of plant extracts to commercial freezing extenders may be a practical method for improving sperm quality.