Composition of Stallion Seminal Plasma and Its Impact on Oxidative Stress Markers and Spermatozoa Quality

Abstract

The composition of seminal plasma of individual sires varies and so does the fertilizing ability. Micro and macro elements along with seminal enzymes, hormones, proteins, and lipids contained in seminal plasma are essential for the proper physiological function of spermatozoa. However, elevated levels against the normal physiological values, especially in the case of trace metals, result in the production of reactive oxygen species. The deficiency of antioxidants in the seminal plasma that could scavenge free radicals causes an impairment of spermatozoa quality. Ejaculates were obtained from 19 stallions. The fresh semen was analyzed to evaluate qualitative parameters of spermatozoa in terms of the motility, viability, and integrity of DNA. Separated seminal plasma underwent the assessment of the chemical and biochemical composition and RedOx markers. Based on the obtained concentrations of individual chemical elements, the correlation analysis suggested a negative impact of Cu in seminal plasma on the SOD, GPx, and LPO. Contrary, positive correlation was detected between FRAP and motility features. While Cu negatively correlated with sperm motion parameters, the adverse effect on viability was suggested for Cd. Our data suggest that seminal plasma has a potential due to its availability to become the potential biomarker of the reproductive health of farm animals.

Sperm Quality Affected by Naturally Occurring Chemical Elements in Bull Seminal Plasma

“…Bull seminal plasma is considered an important fluid offering a source of antioxidant agents as well as a source of energy for spermatozoa. Notwithstanding the aforementioned, the composition of seminal plasma may be affected by the toxic action of environmental contaminants and thus impair the spermatozoa functionality [ 6 , 7 ].…”

“…Seminal micro and macro elements directly alternate the sperm quality [ 7 ]. Minerals such as calcium and magnesium are appropriate examples of essential seminal chemical elements.…”

“…As the seminal plasma serves the spermatozoa as a transport and nourishing medium in the female reproductive tract, contamination or disbalance in constituents of SP may compromise the fertilization. Elevated levels of heavy metals in seminal plasma could be a result of chronic or acute exposure of the individual to heavy metal pollution [ 7 ]. The animal exposed to such an environment may undergo deleterious alternations of reproductive organs, resulting in the production of malformed gametes [ 17 ].…”

Seasonal Changes in Trace-Element Content in the Coat of Hucul Horses

“…Copper deficiencies in foals can cause anaemia and pathological changes in the skeleton. According to Tirpák et al [ 41 ], increased levels relative to normal physiological values of trace metals cause the production of reactive oxygen species in semen plasma. Deficiency of antioxidants that can inactivate free radicals results in the deterioration of sperm quality, and Cu deficiency, among others, results in impaired sperm motility parameters.…”

Supramolecular solvents: a review of a modern innovation in liquid-phase microextraction technique

“…Although the detection of metals from the flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) is straightforward and straightforward to operate, its level in the environmental samples is generally shallow than the FAAS detection limit. Also, it has a selectivity problem [162,163].…”