Carboxyfullerene C60 preserves porcine sperm by enhancing antioxidant capacity and inhibiting apoptosis and harmful bacteria

Abstract

This study used a porcine model to systematically investigate whether carboxyfullerene C60 (CF-C60) can be used for the sperm preservation. The results indicated that CF-C60 supplementation can preserve porcine sperm quality during storage at 17 °C. This effect was attributable to improvement in the antioxidant capacity of sperm through a decrease in the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Additionally, CF-C60 can maintain mitochondrial function, inhibit sperm apoptosis through the ROS/Cytochrome C (Cyt C)/Caspase 3 signaling pathway, and mediate suppression of bacterial growth through the effects of ROS. Finally, the results of artificial insemination (AI) experiments indicated that insemination with CF-C60-treated sperm can increase the total number of offspring born and reduce the number of deformed piglets. Thus, CF-C60 is safe for use as a component of semen diluent for sperm storage.