Paraoxonase 1 activity in the sperm-rich portion of boar ejaculates is positively associated with sperm quality

Abstract

Associations of the activity of the paraoxonase 1 (PON1) enzyme with boar sperm quality still needs to be characterized, since boar ejaculates present distinct portions with differences in sperm concentration and quality. This study evaluated PON1 activity in the serum, in the distinct portions of boar ejaculates and estimated correlations with sperm quality parameters. Ejaculates and blood samples were collected from six boars for three weeks (two per week per boar; n = 36). Serum and post-spermatic portion PON1 activities were positively correlated (P = 0.01) but were both uncorrelated with the PON1 activity in the sperm-rich portion and in the whole ejaculate (P > 0.05). Differences in PON1 activity among boars were only observed in the sperm-rich portion of the ejaculate (P < 0.05). The PON1 activity in the serum and in the post-spermatic portion was generally negatively correlated with parameters of spermatozoa kinetics (P < 0.05). In the sperm-rich portion, PON1 activity was positively correlated with sperm concentration (P < 0.0001), curvilinear distance and velocity (both P < 0.05) and DNA integrity (P < 0.05), but negatively correlated with straightness and linearity (P < 0.05). Thus, boar ejaculates with increased PON1 activity in the sperm-rich portion may present increased concentration and spermatozoa with acceptable curvilinear velocity and distance and DNA integrity, which suggests that PON1 activity may be a biomarker for potential fertility.

Impact of Seminal Plasma Antioxidants on DNA Fragmentation and Lipid Peroxidation of Frozen–Thawed Horse Sperm

“…Whereas this relationship is comparable to that published in boar by Li et al [ 47 ], it is reported here for the first time in equids and could confirm the importance of the activity levels of this enzyme in the SP in sperm cryotolerance. In the case of DNA fragmentation, although no relationship has previously been reported in frozen sperm, our data are similar to those of porcine semen stored at 17 °C for 24 h [ 131 ], where a positive correlation between SP PON1 activity levels and a higher integrity of sperm DNA in the sperm-rich fraction was observed. PON1 is an enzyme located in the extracellular space and associated with high-density lipoproteins (HDLs).…”

Impact of Seminal Plasma Antioxidants on DNA Fragmentation and Lipid Peroxidation of Frozen‐Thawed Horse Sperm

“…They observed a greater level of PON1 activity in the SP, and lower LPO and ROS levels in the post-thaw sperm of the sperm-rich fraction. In the case of DNA fragmentation, although no relationship has previously been reported in frozen sperm, our data are similar to those of pig semen stored at 17 °C for 24 h [129], where a positive correlation between SP-PON1 activity levels and increased sperm DNA integrity in the sperm-rich fraction was observed. PON1 is known to be an extracellular enzyme associated with high-density lipoproteins (HDL) that has antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties.…”