Exploring seminal plasma GSTM3 as a quality and in vivo fertility biomarker in pigs—relationship with sperm morphology

Abstract

Glutathione S-transferases Mu 3 (GSTM3) is an essential antioxidant enzyme whose presence in sperm has recently been related to sperm cryotolerance, quality and fertility. However, its role in seminal plasma (SP) as a predictor of the same sperm parameters has never been investigated. Herein, cell biology and proteomic approaches were performed to explore the presence, origin and role of SP-GSTM3 as a sperm quality and in vivo fertility biomarker. GSTM3 in SP was quantified using a commercial Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kit specific for Sus scrofa, whereas the presence of GSTM3 in testis, epididymis and accessory sex glands was assessed through immunoblotting analysis. Sperm quality and functionality parameters were evaluated in semen samples at 0 and 72 h of liquid-storage, whereas fertility parameters were recorded over a 12-months as farrowing rate and litter size. The presence and concentration of GSTM3 in SP was established for the first time in mammalian species, predominantly synthesized in the epididymis. The present study also evidenced a relationship between SP-GSTM3 and sperm morphology and suggested it is involved in epididymal maturation rather than in ejaculated sperm physiology. Finally, the data reported herein ruled out the role of this antioxidant enzyme as a quality and in vivo fertility biomarker of pig sperm.