The existing knowledge on the bull seminal vesicle proteome, a major seminal plasma constituent, and its relationship with seminal plasma is limited. This knowledge is prerequisite for a better understanding of seminal plasma variability, which is linked to semen quality. The objective of this study was to characterize the proteomes of seminal vesicle fluid and seminal plasma and to compare them to better understand the origin of seminal plasma proteins. We collected ejaculates and seminal vesicle fluid postmortem from 6 mature Holstein Friesian bulls. We performed the analysis and identification of proteins using 2-dimensional electrophoresis coupled with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. We identified 105 proteins in bull seminal vesicle fluid and 88 proteins in seminal plasma. For both seminal vesicles and seminal plasma proteins described in our study, top biological functions were cellular movement, cell death and survival, and cellular growth and proliferation. Additionally, seminal vesicle fluid proteins were involved in protein degradation and synthesis. Seminal plasma proteins were also involved in cellular assembly and organization and cell-to-cell signaling and interactions. Proteins of both fluids were involved in the following canonical pathways: glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, liver X receptor/farnesoid X receptor, and farnesoid X receptor/retinoid X receptor activation. Additionally, seminal vesicle fluid proteins appeared to be involved in oxidative stress response mediated by nuclear factor E2-related factor 2. Our results described the bull seminal vesicle fluid proteome for the first time and allowed for significant expansion of the current knowledge on the bull seminal plasma proteome. Moreover, analysis indicated that both bull seminal vesicle fluid and seminal plasma proteomes contained interconnected protein groups related to protective functions, glycolysis, and the morphology and physiology of the spermatozoa. These proteins and their interactions could be targeted in future research.

Abiotic stress factors are among the major causes of lower crop yields. It is known, that in response to cold and/or osmotic stress, crops activate various defense mechanisms, including morphological, physiological and metabolic adaptations. Secondary metabolism, especially phenolic compounds, seem to be an important factor of stress-induced metabolic re-engineering as their levels are alternated by abiotic stress in plants. Despite the fact, that the nature and function of phenolic compounds was already studied in various plant species, it is important to define tissue-specific changes induced by two most potent abiotic stressors – low temperature and decreased water potential. Moreover, in fields, the appearance of single stress is rather rare. Usually two or more factors are acting in parallel, which may potentially result in different effects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze selected elements of secondary metabolism in roots of germinating soybean seeds under cold stress, osmotic stress and both stresses combined. In addition the effects of constant and persistent stress were compared to those induced by sudden and brief stress appearance, as well as after the post-stress recovery process. In the presented study standard methods for identification and quantification of phenolic acids and isoflavones were used and the antioxidant capacity of the radicle extracts was measured. The phenolic metabolism in plants was greatly intensified in response to cold and osmotic stress and remained at high level during the post-stress recovery. The amount and composition of both phenolic acids and identified isoflavones also changed in stress- and duration-dependent manner. This proves an important role of phenolic compounds in abiotic stress response of germinating soybean seeds and opens up new perspectives for further investigations.