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Recent Advances on the Role of Melatonin in Animal Reproduction
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Recent Advances on the Role of Melatonin in Animal Reproduction

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Reproduction".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2023) | Viewed by 10286

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Serafeim Papadopoulos

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Guest Editor
Hydrobiology-Ichthyology Laboratory, Department of Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment (DIAE), University of Thessaly, Fytokou Str., 38446 Volos, Greece
Interests: reproductive biology; assisted reproductive technologies; IVF; cryopreservation; oxidative stress; antioxidants in reproductive biology; melatonin; gametes quality; embryo development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Rosaura Pérez-Pe

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Guest Editor
BIOFITER Group, Dp. Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Environmental Sciences Institute of Aragón (IUCA), Faculty of Veterinary, University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet, 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
Interests: reproductive biology; assisted reproductive technologies; sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction; melatonin; melatonin receptors; steroid hormones; seminal plasma; sperm quality parameters; fertility prediction; sperm chemotaxis; cryopreservation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We invite you to submit original research papers and review articles concerning different aspects of the effects of melatonin on animal reproduction in different animal species.

Melatonin is a pleiotropic molecule that regulates various processes. With respect to reproduction, melatonin is involved in follicular development, luteal function, early embryonic development in vivo and in vitro, spermatogenesis, semen quality, and pregnancy, among others. Furthermore, melatonin is a potent antioxidant with useful applications in several fields, due to its capacity to scavenge free radicals and enhance cellular endogenous antioxidant defenses.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to collect the latest scientific achievements that address new advances in melatonin actions on animal reproduction and to stimulate a discussion on applied reproduction in domestic and aquatic animals, focusing on the following topics:

  • Regulation of the reproductive seasonality;
  • Effects of melatonin on sperm functionality;
  • Strategies and tools to improve semen and oocyte quality;
  • Use of -omics technologies (i.e., genomics, lipidomics, epigenomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) in assessing the effect of melatonin on reproductive function;
  • In vivo and in vitro data on melatonin effects on embryo development and quality;
  • Cryopreservation of gametes and embryos;
  • The impact of melatonin on assisted reproductive technologies.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Serafeim Papadopoulos
Dr. Rosaura Pérez-Pe
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

 

Keywords

  • male reproductive biology
  • female reproductive biology
  • melatonin
  • receptors
  • metabolites
  • endogenous melatonin
  • exogenous melatonin
  • assisted reproductive techniques
  • domestic animals
  • teleost fish

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 762 KiB  
Article
Effects of Melatonin and Silymarin on Reactive Oxygen Species, Nitric Oxide Production, and Sperm Viability and Motility during Sperm Freezing in Pigs
by Sang-Hee Lee and Seunghyung Lee
Animals 2023, 13(10), 1705; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13101705 - 21 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1306
Abstract
Sperm during the freezing and thawing process is damaged by oxidative stress. Thus, its antioxidant scavenger is essential for sperm survival and death in frozen–thawed semen. We used melatonin and silymarin in experiments after the dose-dependent experiment. Our study aimed to identify the [...] Read more.
Sperm during the freezing and thawing process is damaged by oxidative stress. Thus, its antioxidant scavenger is essential for sperm survival and death in frozen–thawed semen. We used melatonin and silymarin in experiments after the dose-dependent experiment. Our study aimed to identify the effect of melatonin and silymarin on the motility and viability of sperm, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and nitric oxide (NO) production in frozen–thawed boar semen. Melatonin and silymarin were treated alone and cotreated in the fresh boar semen. Boar semen was collected using the gloved-hand method from ten crossbred pigs, and samples were used in the experiments. We evaluated sperm viability using SYBR-14 and PI kit, and ROS and NO production were detected by DCF-DA and DAF-2, respectively. The sperm motility was not significantly different between non-treatment and treatment. ROS and NO production in frozen–thawed sperm were decreased by melatonin and silymarin. Moreover, silymarin significantly reduced NO production more than melatonin. Melatonin and silymarin enhanced the viability of sperm. We suggest that melatonin and silymarin are essential antioxidants in semen cryopreservation for protecting sperm damage and maintaining sperm viability. Melatonin and silymarin may be useful antioxidants in freezing boar sperm. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances on the Role of Melatonin in Animal Reproduction)
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13 pages, 1607 KiB  
Article
Modulation of Apoptosis and Autophagy by Melatonin in Juglone-Exposed Bovine Oocytes
by Marwa El-Sheikh, Ahmed Atef Mesalam, Seon-Min Kang, Myeong-Don Joo, Seham Samir Soliman, Atif Ali Khan Khalil, Mi-Jeong Ahn and Il-Keun Kong
Animals 2023, 13(9), 1475; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091475 - 26 Apr 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1636
Abstract
Melatonin, an antioxidant hormone secreted by the pineal gland, has been recognized as a regulator for numerous biological events. The deleterious effects of juglone, a polyphenolic extract of walnut trees, on embryo development has been previously reported. In the current study, we aimed [...] Read more.
Melatonin, an antioxidant hormone secreted by the pineal gland, has been recognized as a regulator for numerous biological events. The deleterious effects of juglone, a polyphenolic extract of walnut trees, on embryo development has been previously reported. In the current study, we aimed to display the impact of melatonin administrated during in vitro oocyte maturation (IVM) on juglone-treated oocytes. Thus, in vitro matured oocytes were collected after 24 h post incubation with juglone in the presence or absence of melatonin. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH) content, mitochondrial distribution, and the relative abundance of mRNA transcription levels were assessed in oocytes, in addition, oocytes were in vitro fertilized to check the competency levels of oocytes to generate embryos. We found that administration of melatonin during the maturation of oocytes under juglone stress significantly improved the cleavage rate, 8-16 cell-stage embryos and day-8 blastocysts when compared to the sole juglone treatment. In addition, the fluorescence intensity of ROS increased, whereas the GSH decreased in juglone-treated oocytes compared to melatonin–juglone co-treated and untreated ones. Additionally, a significant increase in the mitochondrial aberrant pattern, the pattern that was normalized following melatonin supplementation, was observed following juglone administration. The mRNA analysis using RT-qPCR revealed a significant upregulation of autophagy and oxidative-stress-specific markers in the juglone-treated group compared to the co-treatment and control. In conclusion, the study reveals, for the first time, a protective effect of melatonin against the oxidative stress initiated following juglone treatment during the in vitro maturation of oocytes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances on the Role of Melatonin in Animal Reproduction)
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10 pages, 808 KiB  
Article
A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Potential of Melatonin Implants to Control Cyclicity in the Bitch
by Eva Axnér
Animals 2023, 13(8), 1316; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13081316 - 11 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1925
Abstract
In short-day breeders such as the sheep, melatonin stimulates oestrus activity; in contrast, a high serum concentration of melatonin inhibits oestrus in long-day breeders such as the cat. Therefore, implants with melatonin have been used to suppress or induce oestrus depending on the [...] Read more.
In short-day breeders such as the sheep, melatonin stimulates oestrus activity; in contrast, a high serum concentration of melatonin inhibits oestrus in long-day breeders such as the cat. Therefore, implants with melatonin have been used to suppress or induce oestrus depending on the species. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate if melatonin could be an alternative to control the reproductive cycle in the bitch. Nine beagle bitches were observed for three oestrus cycles. Five beagle bitches were treated with 18 mg melatonin implants on average 27 days before the next expected oestrus based on the previous interoestrus interval. Four bitches served as untreated controls. Blood samples for evaluation of serum melatonin were collected at the time of assignment to treatment or control group and 1–4 weeks thereafter. Clinical signs and vaginal smears were used to follow the cycle. Melatonin varied significantly with bitch (p < 0.05) but not with treatment. Treatment did not affect the interoestrus interval (p > 0.05). In conclusion, treatment with 18 mg melatonin implants approximately one month before expected oestrus is not likely to be a useful method to control cyclicity in the bitch. It is still not known if melatonin is involved in regulation of the oestrus cycle in the domestic dog. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances on the Role of Melatonin in Animal Reproduction)
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12 pages, 1161 KiB  
Article
Seasonal Variation of Melatonin Concentration and mRNA Expression of Melatonin-Related Genes in Developing Ovarian Follicles of Mares Kept under Natural Photoperiods in the Southern Hemisphere
by Lia Alencar Coelho, Luciano Andrade Silva, Ana Paula Reway, Daniella Do Carmo Buonfiglio, Jéssica Andrade-Silva, Patrícia Rodrigues Lourenço Gomes and José Cipolla-Neto
Animals 2023, 13(6), 1063; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13061063 - 15 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1290
Abstract
This study investigated the seasonal variations in mRNA expression of FSH (Fshr), LH (Lhr) receptors, melatonin (Mt1 and Mt2) receptors, melatonin-synthetizing enzymes (Asmt and Aanat) and melatonin concentration in developing follicles from mares raised in [...] Read more.
This study investigated the seasonal variations in mRNA expression of FSH (Fshr), LH (Lhr) receptors, melatonin (Mt1 and Mt2) receptors, melatonin-synthetizing enzymes (Asmt and Aanat) and melatonin concentration in developing follicles from mares raised in natural photoperiods. For one year, ultrasonographic follicular aspiration procedures were performed monthly, and small (<20 mm), medium (20 to 35 mm) and large (>35 mm) follicles were recovered from five mares. One day before monthly sample collections, an exploratory ultrasonography conducted to record the number and the size of all follicles larger than 15 mm. The total number of large follicles were higher during the spring/summer (8.2 ± 1.9) than during autumn/winter (3.0 ± 0.5). Compared to autumn/winter seasons, there was an increase of Fshr and Aanat mRNA expressions in small, medium and large follicles, an increase of Lhr and Asmt mRNA expressions in medium and large follicles and an increase of Mt1 and Mt2 mRNA expressions in small and large follicles during spring/summer. The melatonin levels in follicular fluid were also higher during the spring/summer seasons. The present data show that melatonin locally upregulates the mRNA expression of Mt1 and Mt2 receptors and melatonin-forming enzymes in mare developing follicles during reproductive seasons. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances on the Role of Melatonin in Animal Reproduction)
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15 pages, 1883 KiB  
Article
Improvement of the Seminal Characteristics in Rams Using Agri-Food By-Products Rich in Phytomelatonin
by Victoria Peña-Delgado, Melissa Carvajal-Serna, Manuel Fondevila, María A. Martín-Cabrejas, Yolanda Aguilera, Gerardo Álvarez-Rivera, José A. Abecia, Adriana Casao and Rosaura Pérez-Pe
Animals 2023, 13(5), 905; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13050905 - 02 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1542
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a phytomelatonin-rich diet, including by-products from the food industry, on ram sperm quality and seminal plasma composition. Melatonin content in several by-products before and after in vitro ruminal and abomasal digestion was [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a phytomelatonin-rich diet, including by-products from the food industry, on ram sperm quality and seminal plasma composition. Melatonin content in several by-products before and after in vitro ruminal and abomasal digestion was determined by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Finally, 20% of a mix of grape pulp with pomegranate and tomato pomaces was included in the rams’ diet, constituting the phytomelatonin-rich diet. Feeding the rams with this diet resulted in an increase in seminal plasma melatonin levels compared with the control group (commercial diet) in the third month of the study. In addition, percentages higher than those in the control group of morphologically normal viable spermatozoa with a low content of reactive oxygen species were observed from the second month onwards. However, the antioxidant effect does not seem to be exerted through the modulation of the antioxidant enzymes since the analysis of the activities of catalase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase in seminal plasma revealed no significant differences between the two experimental groups. In conclusion, this study reveals, for the first time, that a phytomelatonin-rich diet can improve seminal characteristics in rams. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances on the Role of Melatonin in Animal Reproduction)
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13 pages, 421 KiB  
Article
Analysis of MTNR1A Genetic Polymorphisms and Their Association with the Reproductive Performance Parameters in Two Mediterranean Sheep Breeds
by Asma Arjoune, Abrar B. Alsaleh, Safia A. Messaoudi, Hanen Chelbi, Refka Jelassi, Mourad Assidi, Taha Najar, Brahim Haddad and Marc-André Sirard
Animals 2023, 13(3), 448; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13030448 - 28 Jan 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1560
Abstract
Sheep farming plays an important economic role, and it contributes to the livelihoods of many rural poor in several regions worldwide and particularly in Tunisia. Therefore, the steady improvement of ewes’ reproductive performance is a pressing need. The MTNR1A gene has been identified [...] Read more.
Sheep farming plays an important economic role, and it contributes to the livelihoods of many rural poor in several regions worldwide and particularly in Tunisia. Therefore, the steady improvement of ewes’ reproductive performance is a pressing need. The MTNR1A gene has been identified as an important candidate gene that plays a key role in sheep reproduction and its sexual inactivity. It is involved in the control of photoperiod-induced seasonality mediated by melatonin secretion. The aim of this study was to identify SNPs in the MTNR1A gene in two Tunisian breeds, Barbarine (B) and Queue Fine de l’Ouest (QFO). DNA extracted from the blood of 77 adult ewes was sequenced. Selected ewes were exposed to adult fertile rams. A total of 26 SNPs were detected; 15 SNPs in the promoter region and 11 SNPs in the exon II were observed in both (B) and (QFO) breeds. The SNP rs602330706 in exon II is a novel SNP detected for the first time only in the (B) breed. The SNPs rs430181568 and rs40738822721 (SNP18 and SNP20 in our study, respectively) were totally linked in this study and can be considered a single marker. DTL was associated with SNP18 and SNP20 in (B) ewes (p < 0.05); however, no significant difference was detected between the three genotypes (G/G, G/A, and A/A) at these two SNPs. Fertility rate and litter size parameters were not affected by SNP18 and SNP20. There was an association between these two polymorphisms and (B) lambs’ birth weights (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the ewes with the A/A genotype gave birth to lambs with a higher weight compared to the other two genotypes for this breed (p < 0.05). There was not an association between SNP 18 and SNP20 and (QFO) ewes’ reproductive parameters. These results might be considered in future sheep selection programs for reproductive genetic improvement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances on the Role of Melatonin in Animal Reproduction)
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