GPX5-Enriched Exosomes Improve Sperm Quality and Fertilization Ability.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Exosome Biology
• Proteomics

Background:

• Semen preservation quality is crucial for artificial insemination success.
• Seminal exosomes contain proteins that preserve sperm function during storage.
• The specific roles of these exosomal proteins are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of seminal exosomal proteins on boar semen quality and fertilization capacity.
• To identify key proteins influencing semen preservation through proteomic analysis.
• To evaluate the therapeutic potential of GPX5-enriched exosomes.

Main Methods:

• Proteomic analysis of seminal exosomes from high and low conception rate boars.
• Construction and application of GPX5-enriched exosomes (Exo-GPX5).
• Assessment of sperm parameters (motility, acrosome integrity, antioxidant capacity) and fertilization capacity.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in 161 proteins were found between high and low conception rate groups, with higher GPX5 in the high conception rate group.
• Exo-GPX5 treatment significantly improved sperm motility and acrosome integrity during storage.
• Exo-GPX5 enhanced sperm's total antioxidant capacity, reduced oxidative stress markers, and improved fertilization parameters.

Conclusions:

• GPX5 plays a vital role in maintaining boar sperm quality and fertilization capacity during storage.
• Engineered exosomes (Exo-GPX5) are effective in preserving and enhancing boar semen quality under cold storage.
• This study provides a novel strategy for improving artificial insemination outcomes through exosome-based interventions.