Does Antioxidant Mitoquinone (MitoQ) Ameliorate Oxidative Stress in Frozen–Thawed Rooster Sperm?

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to determine the benefit of mitoquinone (MitoQ) in rooster semen extenders on sperm quality, motility parameters, antioxidant capacities, and apoptotic changes in post-thawed rooster semen. A total of 85 ejaculates from 18 roosters were collected and then divided into five equal aliquots and cryopreserved in extenders with 1.0% soy lecithin nanoparticles that contained various concentrations of MitoQ (0 nM (M0), 50 nM (M50), 100 nM (M100), 150 nM (M150), and 200 nM (M200)). By using a computer-assisted semen analyzer, sperm motility parameters were assessed after freeze thawing. The M150 group had significantly higher percentages of total motility, progressive motility, viability, acrosome membrane integrity, and mitochondrial activity than the other groups (p < 0.05). Compared to other groups, M100 and M150 groups produced a higher percentage of plasma membrane integrity and ATP contents (p < 0.05). Additionally, the lowest levels of ROS and MDA in spermatozoa were observed in M150 group (p < 0.05), whereas the highest levels of ROS and MDA were observed in sperm in the controls or the M200 group (p < 0.05). Significantly higher values of SOD, GPx, and Cas-3 were found in the M150 group compared to other groups (p < 0.05). Overall, these results demonstrate that MitoQ at 150 nM not only ameliorates post-thawed sperm quality and motility parameters by restoring ATP levels and preventing membrane damage, but also improves redox balance and antiapoptotic activities.

Optimizing Equilibration Protocols through Ubiquinone Supplementation in Goat Frozen Semen Diluent

“…The strength of the spermatozoa plasma membrane determines motility, which correlates with viability (Prastika et al, 2018). The eosin-nigrosin staining method was employed to evaluate the viability of Kacang goat spermatozoa after equilibration (Sun et al, 2022). The viability of Kacang goat spermatozoa after equilibration was assessed using the eosin-nigrosin staining method (Hiltpold et al, 2022).…”

Apigenin supplementation substantially improves rooster sperm freezability and post-thaw function

“…Optimal cooling rates, straw sizes and thawing rates have been elucidated 4 , 8 , 9 . Non-permeating agents like liposomes, egg yolk or polymers provide additional sperm protection when added to standard glycerol or DMA freezing media 10 – 12 . Recently, supplementation with natural antioxidants has shown significant promise for improving post-thaw quality and fertility.…”