Article
Reproductive Biology
Aya M. Fadl, Khaled H. El-Shahat, Mohamed F. Hashem
Summary: During the non-breeding season, Ossimi rams experience testicular regression, but pentoxifylline (PTX) has been found to enhance testicular function and semen quality in these rams. This study investigated the effects of PTX on Ossimi rams during the non-breeding season, and found that PTX increased testicular blood flow, semen quality, and testosterone and nitric oxide concentrations. These findings suggest that PTX has the potential to improve fertility and mitigate the negative effects of heat stress in Ossimi rams.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Joao Pedro Barbas, Jorge Pimenta, Maria Conceicao Baptista, Carla Cruz Marques, Rosa Maria Lino Neto Pereira, Nuno Carolino, Joao Simoes
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of season and breed on spermatozoa traits in ten Portuguese sheep breeds. The results showed that breed had an impact on the volume and concentration of ejaculate, while season did not. Fresh semen had a high viability and motility, but these decreased and abnormal morphology increased in thawed semen. Breed and breed x season interactions influenced the traits of spermatozoa. Overall, season had no significant effect on ejaculate and spermatozoa traits, and local rams can be used as sperm donors for cryopreservation throughout the year.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Marta Neila-Montero, Mercedes Alvarez, Marta F. Riesco, Rafael Montes-Garrido, Cristina Palacin-Martinez, Antonio Silva-Rodriguez, Francisco E. Martin-Cano, Fernando J. Pena, Paulino de Paz, Luis Anel, Luis Anel-Lopez
Summary: This study evaluated fertility rates after cervical artificial insemination of 11,805 ewes at different points in the reproductive season and identified male factors influencing reproductive success. Proteomic analysis revealed different sperm protein expression between the extreme points in the mating season, potentially explaining the lower fertility rate during early breeding season. Sperm proteins can be used as effective molecular markers in predicting fertilization ability related to seasonal variations.
Article
Reproductive Biology
A. S. El-Shalofy, A. M. Shahat, M. G. Hedia
Summary: This study investigated the influence of melatonin injection on testicular hemodynamics, echotexture, plasma testosterone concentration, and sperm quality characteristics in Ossimi rams during the non-breeding season. The results showed that melatonin significantly improved testicular vascular irrigation, testosterone production, and sperm quality parameters, including motility, viability, and normal morphology. These findings suggest that melatonin administration can enhance testicular function in Ossimi rams.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Elshymaa A. Abdelnaby, Ibrahim A. Emam, Aya M. Fadl
Summary: The study aimed to determine the usefulness of colour and pulsed Doppler modes for accurate diagnosis of subfertility in donkeys and to assess testicular vascularity as an indicator for sperm functionality. Results showed significant differences in semen parameters, blood flow, and Doppler indices between subfertile and normospermic donkeys, with subfertile animals demonstrating lower arterial vascularity parameters. Doppler indices and testicular blood flow rate were found to be optimal for differentiation.
REPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS
(2021)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Hossam R. El-Sherbiny, Mohamed Fathi, Haney Samir, Elshymaa A. Abdelnaby
Summary: This study assessed the supplemental effects of curcumin on the reproductive performance of Baladi bucks during the non-breeding season. The results showed that dietary supplementation of curcumin at 200 mg/kg improved testicular hemodynamics, testosterone and nitric oxide levels, and semen quality of Baladi bucks.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hanan H. Abd-Elhafeez, A. H. S. Hassan, Manal T. Hussein
Summary: Melatonin administration stimulates dendritic cells and macrophages by increasing their size, number, and endosomal compartments, potentially enhancing immunity.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Aya M. Fadl, Elshymaa A. Abdelnaby, Hossam R. El-Sherbiny
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the combined effect of zinc sulphate and folic acid dietary supplementation on various reproductive parameters in rams under heat stress conditions. The results showed that supplementation with ZnF improved testicular haemodynamics, testicular volume, plasma testosterone levels, and semen quality in rams.
REPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Amr El-Shalofy, Mohamed Hedia, John Kastelic
Summary: The study shows that administration of melatonin significantly alters testicular blood flow and echogenicity, and increases plasma testosterone concentrations in Ossimi rams during the breeding season. The effects of melatonin on the testes include a decrease in blood flow indices and testicular echogenicity in the first week after injection, which persists until the end of the experiment.
REPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Cristina Palacin-Martinez, Mercedes Alvarez, Rafael Montes-Garrido, Marta Neila-Montero, Luis Anel-Lopez, Paulino de Paz, Luis Anel, Marta F. Riesco
Summary: Sperm cryopreservation plays a crucial role in optimizing artificial insemination protocols for rams. Previous efforts to improve ram sperm cryopreservation protocols have focused on different methods, such as using different cryoprotectants, antioxidants, or freezing-thawing rates. However, the influence of male sexual regimes on freezeability has not been studied until now. In this study, a multiparametric analysis was conducted to evaluate the quality of cooled and frozen-thawed semen after different sperm collection frequencies. The results showed that semen quality significantly decreased in the groups with zero and ten collections per week compared to the group with four collections per week. Additionally, the apoptosis rate significantly increased in the group with ten collections per week. Enzyme activity related to redox balance, such as glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, also showed significant decreases in the group with ten collections per week. This study highlights the importance of considering male sexual regimes in alternative strategies for sperm cryopreservation in order to improve frozen-thawed sperm quality.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
James D. Gillis, Linda M. Penfold, Natalie D. Mylniczenko
Summary: This study explored the reproductive biology and sperm cryopreservation of southern stingrays, finding correlations between plasma testosterone levels and semen quality, as well as the potential benefits of a slow freezing method in improving post-thaw sperm survival.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Jagger Segura Ochoa, Romina Nunez Favre, Maria Florencia Garcia, Maria Cecilia Stornelli, Washington Carrasco Sangache, Ramiro Rearte, Luzbel de la Sota, Maria Alejandra Stornelli
Summary: This study aimed to assess the effect of a commercially-available GnRH vaccine for swine on suppressing sperm production in male cats. The results showed that the vaccine effectively reduced sperm quality, testicular volume, and serum testosterone concentration in treated cats. These findings are consistent with previous studies and suggest that the vaccine has potential for reproductive control in cats.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Jakub Vozaf, Alexander Makarevich, Andrej Balazi, Jaromir Vasicek, Andrea Svoradova, Lucia Olexikova, Peter Chrenek
Summary: The study showed that a 6-hour equilibration period resulted in higher post-thaw sperm motility and progressive movement for ram sperm, regardless of the freezing technique used. While sperm viability did not differ between programmable freezing (PF) and manual freezing (MF), it was lower compared to the control group. Fertilizing ability was similar between PF and MF, but slightly lower than in fresh sperm samples.
ANIMAL SCIENCE JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Margarida Fernandes, Pablo Rodriguez Hernandez, Joao Simoes, Joao Pedro Barbas
Summary: The study revealed that the egg yolk-based semen extender performed better in cryopreserving semen from Merino rams. However, there were significant interactions between different semen extenders, semen processing, and collection months on sperm parameters. Further research is needed to address the causes of these interaction effects and improve semen extenders.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Zainal Zahari Zainuddin, Symphorosa Sipangkui, Mohd Farqhan Kelana, Yap Keng Chee, Mohamed Reza Mohamed Tarmizi, Pierre Comizzoli
Summary: The Arctic Lab aims to study ancient climate change and ancient earthquakes using InSAR technology. They are particularly concerned about the rapid melting of the ice caps in Greenland. By researching these changes, they hope to better predict future climate change trends.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maha Mohamed Sabry, Mona Mohamed Ahmed, Omnia Mohamed Abdel Maksoud, Laila Rashed, Mary Attia Morcos, Amal Abo El-Maaty, Amr Maher Galal, Nivin Sharawy
Summary: The study found that the treatments of resveratrol, L-carnitine, and apelin can alter mitochondrial related protein levels, decrease intra-renal RAS parameters, increase ATP level, and upregulate Na+-K(+)ATPase gene expression in renal tissue, providing new insights into the role of mitochondrial quality control and the beneficial effects of antioxidants on acute kidney injury.
ARCHIVES OF PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Andrology
Mohamed Hedia, Amr El-Shalofy
Summary: In summary, aged rams are more suitable for breeding due to higher plasma testosterone concentrations compared to younger rams. Pulsed-wave Doppler indices were lower in mature and aged rams, while testicular pixel intensity was highest in young rams.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Sally Ibrahim, Mohamed Hedia, Mohamed O. Taqi, Mohamed K. Derbala, Karima Gh M. Mahmoud, Youssef Ahmed, A. S. Sosa, Yasser H. A. Saber, M. H. Hasanain, M. F. Nawito, George E. Seidel
Summary: This study investigated the role of EVs in mares with endometritis. The results showed that mares with endometritis released higher amounts of larger size EVs, which differentially expressed CD9 and CD63. In addition, mares suffering from endometritis evoked higher levels of inflammatory mediators.
BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Reproductive Biology
A. S. El-Shalofy, A. M. Shahat, M. G. Hedia
Summary: This study investigated the influence of melatonin injection on testicular hemodynamics, echotexture, plasma testosterone concentration, and sperm quality characteristics in Ossimi rams during the non-breeding season. The results showed that melatonin significantly improved testicular vascular irrigation, testosterone production, and sperm quality parameters, including motility, viability, and normal morphology. These findings suggest that melatonin administration can enhance testicular function in Ossimi rams.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Islam E. El-Seadawy, Mohamed S. Kotp, Amal M. Abo El-Maaty, Aya M. Fadl, Hossam R. El-Sherbiny, Elshymaa A. Abdelnaby
Summary: This study investigated the effects of moringa leaf methanolic extract (MLME) on post-thaw semen quality in rams. The results showed that the addition of 0.64 mg/ml MLME to the semen extender improved sperm motility, viability, and integrity, while reducing abnormal morphology. MLME also decreased the concentrations of nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoproteins, while increasing the concentrations of ascorbic acid and superoxide dismutase. The study also revealed that high copper and low zinc concentrations in MLME had a negative impact on semen quality.
TROPICAL ANIMAL HEALTH AND PRODUCTION
(2022)
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Haney Samir, Mohamed ElSayed, Faten Radwan, Mohamed Hedia, Hanan Hendawy, Amin Omar Hendawy, Mohamed Elbadawy, Gen Watanabe
Summary: Control of blood flow is crucial for testicular functions. Thermal environment stress negatively affects spermatogenesis. Assessment of testicular blood flow using Doppler ultrasonography is important to evaluate the impact of high environment temperature on testicular functions.
VETERINARY RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniel Angel-Velez, Tim Meese, Mohamed Hedia, Andrea Fernandez-Montoro, Tine De Coster, Osvaldo Bogado Pascottini, Filip Van Nieuwerburgh, Jan Govaere, Ann Van Soom, Krishna Pavani, Katrien Smits
Summary: In the last decade, in vitro embryo production has become an established clinical practice in horses. However, the blastocyst rates from vitrified equine oocytes remain low due to cryopreservation's negative effect on oocyte developmental potential. This study compared the transcriptome profiles of vitrified equine oocytes before and after in vitro maturation. The results showed that vitrification of in vitro matured oocytes had subtle advantages in terms of the mRNA profile, highlighting the potential for further improvements in equine oocyte vitrification efficiency.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Mohamed Hedia, Jo L. M. R. Leroy, Jan Govaere, Ann Van Soom, Katrien Smits
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the associations between systemic and follicular fluid concentrations of certain biochemical compounds in mares during the non-breeding season. The results showed positive correlations between IL-6 and NEFA concentrations in serum and follicular fluid. Overall, changes in the blood composition of mares may affect the oocyte microenvironment and subsequently impact oocyte quality and the success rate of OPU/ICSI programs.
VETERINARY RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Mona N. N. Wafy, Elham A. A. Hassan, Kawkab A. A. Ahmed, Amal M. M. Aboelmaaty, Ashraf M. M. Abu-Seida
Summary: The study aimed to describe the ultrasonographic and histopathologic features of ocular diseases in donkeys. A total of 45 donkeys (64 eyes) with ocular diseases were included in the study. Common ocular diseases diagnosed included anterior uveitis, cataract, retinal detachment, and lens and phthisis bulbi. Ultrasonography provided detailed insight into the intraocular structures of the eye, especially in cases with opacification of the dioptric structures.
VETERINARY RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Elshymaa A. Abdelnaby, Abdulrhman K. Alhaider, Amal M. Abo El-Maaty, Refaat S. A. Ragab, Adel A. Seida, Diya A. El-Badry
Summary: This study investigated the ovarian responses, ovarian and uterine hemodynamics, circulating ovarian hormones, and nitric oxide (NO) in superstimulated cows. The results showed that the number and quality of ovulated follicles were influenced by the hemodynamics of the ovaries and uterus. Additionally, there were differences in blood flow characteristics between the ovarian and uterine arteries.
BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Amal M. Aboelmaaty, Mohamed S. Kotp, Aya M. Fadl, Elshymaa A. Abdelnaby, Islam E. El-Seadawy, Hossam R. El-Sherbiny
Summary: This study investigated the effects of different concentrations of methanolic pomegranate peel extract on ram semen quality. The results showed that supplementation with 0.48 mg/mL of the extract resulted in improved post-thaw characteristics of sperm, including motility, morphology, and antioxidant capacity.
ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Amal M. Aboelmaaty, Mohamed A. Sayed, Mahmoud A. Elgabry, Mohamed S. Kotp, Ghadha Fouad, Marwa E. El-Shamarka, Ehab A. Fouad, Ashraf H. Soror, Shimaa T. Omara
Summary: The study evaluated the antimicrobial effects of environmentally friendly green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgO-NPs) against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli-induced endometritis in rats. The results showed that AgO-NPs were effective in treating E. coli-induced endometritis and were safe for long-term use at low doses.
EGYPTIAN PHARMACEUTICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ashraf M. A. Barakat, Nawal A. Hassanain, Marwa B. Salman, Sabry A. S. Sadek, Amal M. Aboelmaaty, Nagwa S. Rabie, Hassan A. El Fadaly, Reda M. Abdelhameed
Summary: This study aims to evaluate metal organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles with antimicrobial activity and incorporating antibiotics onto MOFs for controlled release, in order to address the issue of antibiotic resistance in global public health. Through data collection and bacteriological examination, the presence of Escherichia coli in food samples and its antibiotic resistance were identified, along with the impact of nanoparticles on antibiotic resistance.
EGYPTIAN PHARMACEUTICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Mohamed G. Hedia, Amr S. El-Shalofy
Summary: This study found that a single oxytocin injection can increase testicular blood flow and decrease plasma testosterone concentrations in Baladi goats.
ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Amal M. Aboelmaaty, Shimaa T. Omara, Mohamed S. Aly, Mohamed S. Kotp, Amal H. Ali
Summary: This study investigates the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) synthesized using Thymus vulgaris plant extract against the pathogenic bacteria and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) causing endometritis in horses.
EGYPTIAN PHARMACEUTICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Haolin Li, Xiaomeng Pei, Hao Yu, Wei Wang, Dagan Mao
Summary: This study investigated the effects of APN/AdipoRon on autophagy and apoptosis in goat luteal cells, and found that autophagy and apoptosis play important roles in the structural regression of goat corpus luteum.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Yan-Qiu Wang, He-Xuan Qu, Yan-Wei Dong, Jia-Jia Qi, Hua-Kai Wei, Hao Sun, Hao Jiang, Jia-Bao Zhang, Bo-Xing Sun, Shuang Liang
Summary: This research reveals the crucial role of Ferroptosis Suppressor Protein 1 (FSP1) in regulating the development and quality of porcine early embryos. Inhibition of FSP1 impairs blastocyst formation, induces glutathione-independent ferroptosis, and leads to oxidative stress due to mitochondrial dysfunction.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Xiong Lai, Ruizhuo Liu, Mengyu Li, Yaochun Fan, Hongxia Li, Guotao Han, Ruijie Guo, Hairui Ma, Huimin Su, Wanjin Xing
Summary: This study identifies WDR54 as a protein involved in sperm-oocyte fertilization and shows that it interacts with IZUMO1 and JUNO. The formation of the JWIJ complex on the oocyte surface suggests its importance in sperm-oocyte adhesion and fusion. This discovery provides new insights into the mechanisms of mammalian sperm-oocyte adhesion and fusion.
Article
Reproductive Biology
S. Nandi, B. Sampath Kumar, P. S. P. Gupta, S. Mondal, V. Girish Kumar
Summary: This study examined the effects of plant bioactive compounds on the survival and growth parameters of ovine preantral follicles granulosa cells (GCs) and the expression of key developmental genes. The results showed that KAE, MYR and QUE had dose-dependent responses on the morphological and functional parameters of the cells, with KAE being the most potent in augmenting ovarian functions.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Francisco E. Martin-Cano, Gemma Gaitskell-Phillips, Laura Becerro-Rey, Eva da Silva, Javier Masot, Eloy Redondo, Antonio Silva-Rodriguez, Cristina Ortega-Ferrusola, Maria Cruz Gil, Fernando J. Pena
Summary: The presence of a more efficient glycolysis mechanism depending on pyruvate in stallion spermatozoa can counteract the detrimental effects of higher glucose concentrations. Incubating spermatozoa with 10 mM pyruvate in a modified Tyrode's media with 67 mM glucose showed increased motility and maintained viability. This improvement is attributed to the conversion of lactate to pyruvate and increased NAD(+) enhancing glycolysis efficiency.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Thanida Sananmuang, Denis Puthier, Catherine Nguyen, Kaj Chokeshaiusaha
Summary: Ongoing progress in mRNA-Sequencing technologies has contributed to the refinement of assisted reproductive technologies. This study utilized mRNA-Seq datasets of various mammalian species to analyze differential transcript usage (DTU) and identified ten cross-species DTU genes. Gene Ontology (GO) term enrichment analysis revealed the involvement of these genes in RNA and cell-cycle control mechanisms, suggesting their importance during oocyte maturation. Further exploration of these genes' transcript isoforms may lead to the discovery of novel markers for reproductive technologies.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Chenglei Song, Zhe Zhang, Yilin Wei, Yaqing Dou, Kunlong Qi, Xiuling Li, Feng Yang, Xinjian Li, Kejun Wang, Ruimin Qiao, Xuelei Han
Summary: In this study, the changes in protein levels in boar sperm with different liquid preservation abilities were analyzed. Key proteins related to sperm liquid preservation ability were identified. The findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of boar sperm liquid preservation ability.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Genevieve M. VanWye, Emily G. Smith, Christine Spinka, Michael F. Smith, Matthew C. Lucy, Jordan M. Thomas
Summary: A series of experiments evaluated treatment schedules for controlling the estrous cycle in beef heifers. The results showed that the duration of progestin treatment and the timing of prostaglandin administration had an impact on estrus expression and pregnancy rates.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Hongwei Duan, Shuai Yang, Longfei Xiao, Shanshan Yang, Zhenxing Yan, Fang Wang, Xiaofei Ma, Lihong Zhang, Yong Zhang, Junjie Hu, Xingxu Zhao
Summary: This study first elucidated the mechanism by which melatonin regulates progesterone secretion in the corpus luteum of sheep, namely by promoting progesterone secretion through the regulation of autophagy. This has important implications for further exploring the role of melatonin in regulating sheep ovarian function.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Zhijie Zheng, Yingfang Guo, Yonghui Zheng, Haichong Wu
Summary: This study demonstrates that miR-92b plays a protective role in LTA-induced endometritis by targeting FZD10 and reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thus alleviating uterine injury.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Areeg Almubarak, Sanghoon Lee, Il-Jeoung Yu, Yubyeol Jeon
Summary: This study found that Nobiletin (NOB) can promote the cryosurvival and embryo development of porcine sperm after in vitro fertilization (IVF). The addition of NOB improves sperm motility, acrosome integrity, viability, and mitochondrial membrane potential, reduces lipid peroxidation, and increases cleavage and blastocyst formation rates. Furthermore, NOB treatment upregulates the expression of genes related to pluripotency and cell differentiation in the resulting embryos.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Yuan Li, Lishu Li, Wenjie Xiong, Xing Duan, Huaming Xi
Summary: This study investigated the cytotoxicity and toxicological mechanisms of fluorochloridone (FLC) on cultured goat Sertoli cells. The results showed that FLC exposure induced oxidative stress, promoted apoptosis and autophagy, inhibited lysosomal biogenesis, and blocked autophagic flux in goat Sertoli cells. FLC also caused mitochondrial dysfunction and disturbed mitophagy, leading to cell apoptosis. The antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) reduced FLC-induced ROS accumulation and reversed the disorder of autophagy levels.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Gabriela Ramos Leal, Thais de Almeida Oliveira, Mariana Pedrosa de Paula Guimaraes, Lucas Francisco Leodido Correia, Erlandia Marcia Vasconcelos, Joanna Maria Goncalves Souza-Fabjan
Summary: This study investigated the time course of lipid accumulation during IVM and the effects of lipid modulators on cat oocytes. The results showed that adding lipid modulators can reduce lipid content and improve viability after cryopreservation.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Isabella Rio Feltrin, Amanda Guimaraes da Silva, Cecilia Constantino Rocha, Priscila Assis Ferraz, Paola Maria da Silva Rosa, Thiago Martins, Juliano Coelho da Silveira, Milena Lopes Oliveira, Mario Binelli, Guilherme Pugliesi, Claudia Maria Bertan Membrive
Summary: The study evaluated the effects of E2 treatment on Nelore heifers on day 15 of the estrous cycle, finding that E2 promoted an increase in PGFM concentrations and accelerated functional and structural luteolysis by upregulating the expression of PGR and OXTR. This suggests that within 3 hours after E2 stimulus, the expression of these receptors is associated with triggering luteolysis in cattle.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Aline Matos Arrais, Angelo Jose Burla Dias, Claudio Luiz Melo de Souza, Alinne Gloria Curcio, Marco Roberto Bourg de Mello
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of phospholipase C (PLC) on the capacitation of cryopreserved ovine semen. The results showed that the inhibitor U73122 can prevent premature capacitation and acrosome reaction induced by the freezing procedure, without affecting the kinetics and integrity of the sperm membranes.