COMPARISON OF THE CYTOTOXIC EFFECTS OF ZEARALENON AND T-2 TOXIN ON THE HORSES AND OXEN GERM CELL IN VITRO BEFORE AND AFTER CRYOPRESERVATION.

The research article discusses a comparison of cytotoxic effects of Zearalenone and T-2 toxin on horse and bull sperm, before and after cryopreservation, highlighting the impact of these toxins on membrane stability and the quality of semen.

Objective of the Research

• The goal of the research was to study the cytotoxic effects of toxins Zearalenone and T-2 on the sperm of horses and bulls, in both their native (fresh) state and after undergoing a freeze-thaw cycle (cryopreservation and thawing). The researchers investigated the influence of various concentrations of these toxins on membrane stability of the sperm cells, as well as the impact on qualitative and quantitative parameters of the semen.

Methodology of the Research

• The researchers applied different concentrations of Zearalenone and T-2 toxin (ranging from 0.5 to 0.01 mM) to the sperm in-vitro, studying the effects at one hour post-application, and after a freeze-thaw cycle.
• A series of tests were conducted to assess the effects of these toxins on the biological activity of the sperm, including studying membrane stability and the overall integrity of the sperm cells.

Findings of the Research

• The native sperm remained unaffected one hour after the addition of 0.5mM Zearalenone but after thawing, its activity reduced by 19.4%.
• In contrast, 0.5mM T-2 toxin decreased the activity of native sperm by 0.59 units after one hour, with a significant further decrease of 60.28% after thawing.
• The activity of sperm cells was not affected by 0.25mM Zearalenone after one hour but deteriorated by 12.2% post-thawing. Additionally, T-2 toxin reduced the native sperm activity by 0.46 units after one hour and further reduced it by 1.77 units after thawing.
• The lowest dosage that caused a significant decrease in sperm parameters was 0.01mM. While Zearalenone at this concentration didn’t have an effect on native sperm, its activity reduced slightly post-thawing. Adding Zearalenone and T-2 toxin together at 0.01mM did result in a decrease in biological activity of native sperm.

Implications of the Findings

• This study provides important insight into how cytotoxic toxins Zearalenone and T-2 affect the quality of sperm in horses and bulls, both in its fresh state and after cryopreservation.
• The findings highlight the importance of considering toxin exposure when evaluating semen quality and the potential for successful impregnation – this can have direct implications on animal breeding strategies and fertility treatments.