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Ability of Ureaplasma parvum to invade mouse sperm, fertilize eggs through infected sperm, and impair mouse sperm
Kazutoshi Ito1, Kazuki Akai2, Fumiko Nishiumi1
1Department of Developmental Medicine, Research Institute, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Osaka, Japan.
Objective:
To examine the effect of Ureaplasma parvum (U. parvum) infection on mouse sperm motility, structure, and fertilizing ability and on embryo development.
Design:
In vitro model of the effects of U. parvum serovar 3 infection on mouse sperm.
Setting:
Basic research laboratory.
Intervention(S):
None.
Animals:
Mice.
Main Outcome Measure(S):
Mouse sperm motility was examined using the swim-up method, and their motility parameters were analyzed using the sperm motility analysis system. Localization and invasion of U. parvum were observed with fluorescence, confocal, and scanning electron microscopy. After in vitro fertilization with U. parvum-infected sperm, the quality of the fertilized egg and embryo development were assessed.
Result(S):
U. parvum was attached and internalized into mouse sperms and localized mainly at the sperm head and midpiece. U. parvum-infected mouse sperms exhibited decreased motility in a dose- and duration-dependent manner. Electron micrographs revealed that U. parvum infection induced the aggregation and morphological destruction of mouse sperm. Infected mouse sperm transported U. parvum into the fertilized egg with reduced fertilization rates, and infected embryo development was impaired.
Conclusion(S):
U. parvum infection caused deterioration of the mouse sperm quality and its functions, which affected the fertilization rate and embryo development.
Insights
Ureaplasma parvum infection harms mouse sperm, reducing motility and structural integrity. This bacterial infection impairs fertilization and embryo development, highlighting its negative impact on reproductive outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Microbiology
- Infectious diseases
Background:
- Ureaplasma parvum (U. parvum) is a common bacterium that can affect reproductive health.
- The impact of U. parvum infection on sperm parameters and subsequent embryo development requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of U. parvum infection on mouse sperm motility, structure, and fertilizing capacity.
- To assess the impact of U. parvum-infected sperm on in vitro fertilization and embryo development.
Main Methods:
- An in vitro model was used to study U. parvum serovar 3 infection in mouse sperm.
- Sperm motility was analyzed using the swim-up method and motility analysis system.
- Sperm structure, U. parvum localization, and invasion were examined using advanced microscopy techniques (fluorescence, confocal, scanning electron microscopy).
- Fertilization rates and embryo development were assessed after in vitro fertilization with infected sperm.
Main Results:
- U. parvum attached to and was internalized by mouse sperm, primarily in the sperm head and midpiece.
- Infected sperm showed significantly reduced motility in a dose- and duration-dependent manner.
- Electron microscopy revealed sperm aggregation and morphological damage due to U. parvum infection.
- Fertilization rates were reduced, and embryo development was impaired when using U. parvum-infected sperm.
Conclusions:
- Ureaplasma parvum infection significantly deteriorates mouse sperm quality and function.
- The observed decline in sperm parameters negatively impacts fertilization success and subsequent embryo development.
- These findings underscore the detrimental effects of U. parvum on male reproductive health.
