Application of sperm motion kinematics and motility-related proteins for prediction of male fertility

• Published in: Theriogenology Vol. 218; pp. 223 - 230
• Main Authors: Bae, Jeong-Won, Hwang, Ju-Mi, Lee, Woo-Jin, Kim, Dae-Hyun, Yi, Jun Koo, Ha, Jae Jung, Oh, Dong Yep, Kwon, Woo-Sung
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.04.2024
• Subjects: Animals; Biomarkers; Biomechanical Phenomena; Fertility; Humans; Male; Prediction of male fertility; Semen - physiology; Semen Analysis - veterinary; Sperm Motility - physiology; Sperm motility-related proteins; Sperm motion kinematics; Spermatozoa - physiology; Swine; Sperm motility-related proteins; Sperm motion kinematics; Prediction of male fertility
• ISSN: 0093-691X; 1879-3231
• DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.02.007

The selection of superior sires is paramount for enhancing the efficiency of animal production in the livestock industry. However, semen quality assessment still relies on conventional semen analysis techniques in both animals and humans. Despite extensive efforts to develop various biomarkers for more accurate and precise predictions of male fertility potential, more effective physiological indicators and advance potential biomarkers are needed. Herein, we aimed to develop new potential biomarkers related to sperm motion kinematics for male fertility prediction. We first evaluated sperm motion kinematic parameters and expression levels of sperm motility-related proteins of 30 Duroc boars. We then explored the correlation between litter size, sperm motion kinematics parameters, and sperm motility-related proteins. Progressive sperm motility (%), rapid sperm motility (%), slow sperm motility (%), straight-line velocity (μm/s), linearity (%), beat cross frequency (Hz), mean angular displacement (degree), wobble (%) were correlated with litter size. Furthermore, the expression of axonemal dynein light intermediate polypeptide 1 (DNALI1) and radial spoke head protein 9 homolog (RSPH9) correlated with litter size. The overall accuracy exceeded 60% for predicting litter size using these sperm motion parameters and proteins. Notably, our study observed an increase in litter size after predicting litter size using these parameters and proteins. Thus, sperm motion kinematic parameters and protein expression, particularly of DNALI1 and RSPH9, could serve as new biomarkers for male fertility. These results may contribute to improved understanding of the mechanisms underlying sperm motility. •Several sperm motion kinematics parameters were correlated with litter size.•Expression levels of DNALI1 and RSPH9 were also correlated with litter size.•Increases in litter size were observed after predicting litter size using these.•These sperm motion kinematic parameters and proteins may be used for the prediction of male fertility.