Expression of sperm microRNAs related to bull fertility: A systematic review

Abstract

In this study we proposed to address the following question: "Are there differentially expressed sperm microRNAs related to fertility in bulls?". A systematic review of scientific literature until November 2022 was performed, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The main outcome was differentially expressed sperm microRNA from bulls with low versus high fertility profiles identified by using different methods such as field fertility evaluation and sperm laboratory analysis. Were identified 786 documents, of which 13 were selected for qualitative analysis. A total of 182 unique differentially expressed miRNAs were identified, among these, 49 miRNAs were found in common between at least two studies. It is believed that from these 49 miRNAs, it is possible that miRNAs such as miR-10a, -10b, -103, -15b, -122, -125b, -126-5p, -151-5p, -193a-5p, -196a, -27a-5p and -99b could be potential universal biomarkers to assess the reproductive potential of males.

Keywords: Biomarker; Bovine; Fertility; Sperm microRNAs.