earticle

영어

Artificial insemination is a commonly used technology in the porcine industry that directly linked to the genetic upgradation of future progeny and profitable farm management. Therefore, accurate prediction of boar fertility is a matter of paramount importance. Although prediction of semen/sperm fertility using conventional analysis provides a preliminary assumption of male fertility, its practical value is limited. Protein content in the cell provides an important and fascinating insight to the dynamics of cell function. Therefore, the study of protein function in spermatozoa and their corresponding relationship with male fertility might be an excellent alternative tool for more accurate prediction of male fertility. Recently we demonstrated that aminopeptidase N (APN) activity is negatively correlated with motility and fertility of mice spermatozoa. Here, we investigated whether APN is also correlated with the fertility of boar. Spermatozoa were collected from high and low fertility boar based on their field fertility data (average litter size 13.2±0.06 and 11.1±0.14, respectively). Simultaneously, APN levels were examined by Western blotting using the corresponding antibody. In addition, spermatozoa from both fertility groups were examined by conventional semen analysis such as computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and chlorotetracycline (CTC) staining. Our data showed a significant higher APN expression in low fertility boar spermatozoa compare to the fertile counterpart (p<0.05). Interestingly, no significant difference was noticed in motility, motion kinematics, and capacitation status between both groups. Based on this findings, it is tempting to speculate that APN activity might directly correlate with boar fertility. Therefore, APN activity in spermatozoa is more accurate and sensitive biomarker for the detection of boar fertility then conventional semen analysis. However, further studies and needed to confirm our initial findings