Effect of sod (superoxide dismutase) protein supplementation in semen extenders on motility, viability, acrosome status and ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) protein phosphorylation of chilled stallion spermatozoa.
Abstract: New studies are underway to find new methods for supporting longer storage of cooled stallion semen. It is known that high concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) cause sperm pathology. The metalloprotein superoxide dismutase (SOD) is responsible for H(2)O(2) and O(2) production, by dismutation of superoxide radicals. The aim of this study is to assess the quality of chilled stallion semen processed with extenders containing SOD at different concentrations as antioxidant additives. A total of 80 ejaculates collected from 5 standardbred stallions was divided into 5 aliquots treated as: native semen (control 1); native semen diluted 1:3 with Kenney semen extender (control 2); spermatozoa diluted after centrifugation in extender without (control 3) or with SOD at 25 IU/ml (experimental 1) or 50 IU/ml (experimental 2). Each sample was analyzed for motility, viability and acrosome status, immediately after semen preparation and again after storage at 5 °C for 24 h, 48 h and 7 2h. Acrosome integrity was evaluated by Chlortetracycline (CTC) and Fluorescent-labeled peanut lectin agglutinin (PNA-FITC conjugated staining). A proteomic approach of quantifying extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) was also evaluated as an indirect indicator of oxidative stress. In all samples sperm progressive motility and sperm acrosomal integrity showed a significant reduction between fresh and cooled spermatozoa at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h. Quality parameters of sperm were significantly higher (Progressive Motility P < 0.01; Viability P < 0.001) in aliquots supplemented with SOD. ERK phosphorylation was statistically higher (P < 0.01) in aliquots without SOD. The Authors concluded that addition of SOD to semen extenders improves the quality of chilled equine semen and reduces ERK activation.
Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2011-02-04 PubMed ID: 21295831DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.11.031Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research investigates the effect of adding superoxide dismutase (SOD), an antioxidant, into semen extenders used in storing cooled stallion semen. The study demonstrates that SOD supplementation can improve sperm quality and longevity in stored samples by mitigating damaging effects of oxidative stress.
Overview and Aim of the Study
- The research aims to assess the impact of adding an antioxidant – superoxide dismutase (SOD), to semen extenders in improving the survival rate and resilience of stallion sperm in a cooled storage environment. It strives to identify effective methods of extending the viability and functionality of stored semen for assisted reproductive technologies.
Methodology
- A total of 80 ejaculates were collected from five standardbred stallions. The samples were divided into five groups and treated differently to compare the effect of SOD in semen extenders.
- The first group was maintained as native semen while the second was diluted with Kenney semen extender. The rest of the groups were diluted after centrifugation either with or without SOD at varying concentrations (25 IU/ml or 50 IU/ml).
- The samples were analysed for motility, viability, and acrosome status immediately after preparation and after storage at 5 °C for 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours.
Evaluation and Results
- Two methods, Chlortetracycline (CTC) and Fluorescent-labeled peanut lectin agglutinin (PNA-FITC conjugated staining), were employed to evaluate the integrity of the acrosome, a vital compartment of the sperm cell.
- There was a significant reduction in sperm progressive motility and acrosomal integrity after cooling storage in all samples.
- Semen samples supplemented with SOD showed significantly higher quality parameters, such as progressive motility and viability than the other groups.
Conclusions
- The research confirms that adding SOD to semen extenders significantly improves chilled equine semen quality and reduces extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation, a sign of cellular stress or oxidative damage.
- In conclusion, the use of antioxidant-enriched semen extenders, particularly with SOD, can be beneficial in extending the shelf-life and improving the quality of stored semen, potentially bolstering the success rate of assisted reproductive technologies in stallions.
Cite This Article
APA
Cocchia N, Pasolini MP, Mancini R, Petrazzuolo O, Cristofaro I, Rosapane I, Sica A, Tortora G, Lorizio R, Paraggio G, Mancini A.
(2011).
Effect of sod (superoxide dismutase) protein supplementation in semen extenders on motility, viability, acrosome status and ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) protein phosphorylation of chilled stallion spermatozoa.
Theriogenology, 75(7), 1201-1210.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.11.031 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy. ncocchia@unina.it
MeSH Terms
- Acrosome / drug effects
- Acrosome / physiology
- Animals
- Antioxidants / pharmacology
- Cell Survival / drug effects
- Cold Temperature
- Cryoprotective Agents / pharmacology
- Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases / metabolism
- Horses / metabolism
- Horses / physiology
- Male
- Phosphorylation / drug effects
- Semen Preservation / methods
- Sperm Motility / drug effects
- Sperm Retrieval
- Spermatozoa / drug effects
- Spermatozoa / metabolism
- Spermatozoa / physiology
- Superoxide Dismutase / pharmacology
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