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Home / Equine Research Bank / Theriogenology / Quercetin improves the postthaw characteristics of cryoprese...
Theriogenology2013; 79(6); 1001-1009; doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.06.032

Quercetin improves the postthaw characteristics of cryopreserved sex-sorted and nonsorted stallion sperm.

Abstract: Excessive reactive oxygen species generation during sex sorting and cryopreservation of stallion sperm leads to DNA fragmentation, lipid peroxidation, and motility loss. In this study we investigated whether antioxidant supplementation during sex sorting and cryopreservation could ameliorate the effects of reactive oxygen species on stallion sperm. In experiment 1, the postthaw characteristics of stallion sperm (N = 9) cryopreserved in the presence or absence of catalase (200 U/mL), cysteine (0.2 mg/mL), or quercetin (0.15 mM) was examined. Motility and acrosome integrity were assessed at 0, 1, and 3 hours after thawing. The sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA; detectable DNA fragmentation index [DFI], mean DFI, and DFI) was used to assess DNA integrity immediately after thawing. Quercetin increased the total postthaw motility (25.3% vs. 20.9%; P < 0.05), but there was no beneficial effect of catalase or cysteine. Based on these results, the effect of quercetin during cryopreservation on the postthaw zona binding ability of sperm was assessed using a heterologous (bovine) zona binding assay. Quercetin increased the number of sperm bound per oocyte (13.6 vs. 9.2; P < 0.05) compared with the control. In experiment 2, the effect of quercetin (0.15 mM) in the media used during semen storage and transport, Hoechst 33342 staining and cryopreservation of stallion sperm (N = 9) was investigated. Motility, acrosome integrity, and viability were assessed at 0, 1, and 3 hours after thawing and SCSA was performed at 0 hours after thawing. Quercetin supplementation during sex sorting and cryopreservation improved DNA integrity (SCSA; detectable DFI of 54.9% vs. 74.6%, P < 0.05; mean DFI of 270.2 vs. 288.1, P < 0.05; and DFI of 26.3% vs. 28.5%, P < 0.05) compared with control sex-sorted sperm. There was no beneficial effect of quercetin on the motility, acrosome integrity, or viability of sex-sorted sperm. In conclusion, quercetin significantly improved the motility and zona binding ability of cryopreserved stallion sperm, and reduced DNA fragmentation in sex-sorted, cryopreserved stallion sperm.
Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2013-02-26 PubMed ID: 23453253DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.06.032Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article explores how using an antioxidant called Quercetin can improve the quality of frozen stallion sperm used for assisted reproduction. Specifically, it showed that Quercetin increased motility and fertility potential of the sperm, and reduced DNA damage during freezing and thawing.

Key Research Findings

  • The research conducted two experiments, and studied the impact of several antioxidants – catalase, cysteine, and Quercetin – on frozen stallion sperm (both sex sorted and unsorted).
  • Quercetin was found to improve post-thaw motility (movement) of cryopreserved stallion sperm compared to the control.
  • It was also found that Quercetin enhanced the sperm’s ability to bind to the zona (outer layer of the egg), which is important for fertilisation.
  • Unlike Quercetin, Catalase and Cysteine did not show any positive effect on the sperm.

Methods and Processes

  • Sperm was collected from nine stallions and cryopreserved—a process where cells or whole tissues are preserved by cooling to sub-zero temperatures.
  • Various tests were done to measure sperm characteristics like motility and acrosome integrity (the covering of the head of the sperm) at different time intervals after thawing.
  • The Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA) was used to determine DNA integrity. DNA damage in sperm can negatively impact male fertility.

Results of Experiment 2

  • Supplementing Quercetin during cryopreservation improved DNA integrity in sex-sorted (sperm separated based on the X and Y-chromosomes they carry), cryopreserved stallion sperm.
  • However, Quercetin did not improve motility, acrosome integrity, or viability of sex-sorted sperm, contrary to its effect on non-sorted sperm.

Conclusion and Implications

  • This research suggests that Quercetin supplementation during sperm cryopreservation could be a beneficial strategy for protecting stallion sperm against damage and ensuring greater success in assisted reproduction techniques.
  • The results are particularly relevant for the horse breeding industry, as frozen sperm is widely used in artificial insemination. It may lead to more effective storage and usage of stallion sperm, thus improving horse breeding outcomes.

Cite This Article

APA
Gibb Z, Butler TJ, Morris LH, Maxwell WM, Grupen CG. (2013). Quercetin improves the postthaw characteristics of cryopreserved sex-sorted and nonsorted stallion sperm. Theriogenology, 79(6), 1001-1009. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.06.032

Publication

Theriogenology
ISSN: 1879-3231
NlmUniqueID: 0421510
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 79
Issue: 6
Pages: 1001-1009

Researcher Affiliations

Gibb, Z
  • Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia. zamiragibb@gmail.com
Butler, T J
    Morris, L H A
      Maxwell, W M C
        Grupen, C G

          MeSH Terms

          • Acrosome / drug effects
          • Acrosome / physiology
          • Acrosome / ultrastructure
          • Animals
          • Catalase / pharmacology
          • Cryopreservation / methods
          • Cryopreservation / veterinary
          • Cryoprotective Agents / pharmacology
          • Cysteine / pharmacology
          • DNA Fragmentation / drug effects
          • Horses / physiology
          • Male
          • Quercetin / pharmacology
          • Semen Preservation / methods
          • Semen Preservation / veterinary
          • Sex Preselection / methods
          • Sex Preselection / veterinary
          • Sperm Motility / drug effects
          • Zona Pellucida / drug effects
          • Zona Pellucida / metabolism

          Citations

          This article has been cited 18 times.
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