Effects of ascorbic acid 2-glucoside and alpha-tocopherol on the characteristics of equine spermatozoa stored at 5°C.
Abstract: The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of adding ascorbic acid 2-glucoside (AA2G), a water-soluble antioxidant and stable derivative of ascorbate, to the semen extender and compare it to the addition of vitamin C (Vit. C) and the fat-soluble antioxidant α-tocopherol (α-Toh), both individually and in combination, on the seminal variables of equine sperm submitted to cooling for 72 h. We used two ejaculates from 10 stallions and evaluated them for motility, membrane integrity, chromatin fragmentation, mitochondrial activity and lipid peroxidation. In the analysis of lipid peroxidation, the control group showed 2506.2 ± 796.4 ng malondialdehyde/108 sperm, which was higher (P < 0.05) than the groups treated with antioxidants. The average value of motility in the AA2G group was 68.4 ± 18.1%, which was higher (P < 0.05) than that observed in the control group (62.1 ± 16.2%). The variables membrane integrity, chromatin fragmentation and mitochondrial activity did not show significant difference (P > 0.05) between treatments. It was concluded that the antioxidants protected sperm cells from lipid peroxidation and that AA2G was effective during the cooling process of equine semen at 5°C for72 h, providing increased levels of total motility.
© 2018 Japanese Society of Animal Science.
Publication Date: 2018-07-24 PubMed ID: 30043478DOI: 10.1111/asj.12944Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Comparative Study
- Journal Article
Summary
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This study assesses the use of ascorbic acid 2-glucoside (AA2G), an antioxidant, in preserving the vitality of horse semen during the cooling process, and its comparison with the usage of vitamin C and alpha-tocopherol in the same respect. The application of AA2G showed a positive impact, protecting the sperm cells from decay and enhancing their motility during the cooling process of equine semen at 5°C for 72 hours.
Research Methodology & Experiment
- The study was designed to test the effectiveness of ascorbic acid 2-glucoside (AA2G), a substance derived from ascorbate, in preserving horse sperm during cooling. AA2G, which is an antioxidant, was compared with vitamin C and α-tocopherol.
- The sample for the experiment was gathered from two ejaculates of ten stallions. These samples were examined based on various parameters such as motility, membrane integrity, chromatin fragmentation, mitochondrial activity, and lipid peroxidation.
Findings and Results
- The study found that the application of antioxidants offered protection to sperm cells against lipid peroxidation, a process that could lead to cell damage.
- Among the tested substances, the use of AA2G showcased a significant improvement in the overall motility of the sperm. When compared with the control group, the AA2G treated group exhibited an average motility rate of 68.4%, greater than the observed 62.1% of the control group.
- However, other variables such as membrane integrity, chromatin fragmentation, and mitochondrial activity did not show any significant difference between the various treatment setups.
Conclusions
- The study concluded that the application of antioxidants, especially AA2G, helps protect sperm cells from lipid peroxidation, thus preserving their vitality during the cooling process.
- Interestingly, it was noted that AA2G was particularly effective during the cooling of equine semen at 5°C for 72 hours, resulting in increased levels of sperm motility.
The findings of this study could potentially improve the methods of semen preservation and artificial insemination practices in the equine industry.
Cite This Article
APA
Sampaio BFB, Nogueira BG, Souza MIL, Silva EVDCE, Zúccari CESN.
(2018).
Effects of ascorbic acid 2-glucoside and alpha-tocopherol on the characteristics of equine spermatozoa stored at 5°C.
Anim Sci J, 89(10), 1415-1423.
https://doi.org/10.1111/asj.12944 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Animal Science Post Graduate Program, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil.
- Animal Science Post Graduate Program, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil.
- Biological Science and Health Center, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil.
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil.
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Antioxidants / pharmacology
- Ascorbic Acid / analogs & derivatives
- Ascorbic Acid / pharmacology
- Cell Membrane / drug effects
- Chromatin / drug effects
- Cold Temperature
- Horses
- Lipid Peroxidation / drug effects
- Male
- Mitochondria / drug effects
- Semen Preservation / methods
- Semen Preservation / veterinary
- Solubility
- Sperm Motility / drug effects
- Spermatozoa / cytology
- Spermatozoa / drug effects
- Spermatozoa / metabolism
- Spermatozoa / physiology
- Water
- alpha-Tocopherol / pharmacology
Grant Funding
- Hayashibara Co.
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