Seminal plasma has limited counteracting effects following induction of oxidative stress in donkey spermatozoa.

The research investigates how hydrogen peroxide-induced stress affects donkey sperm cells and examines whether seminal plasma can help protect these cells under stress conditions. It reveals that oxidative stress from hydrogen peroxide mainly impacts sperm motility with limited effects on other sperm parameters. The seminal plasma only partially offsets these negative effects.

Objective and Methodology

• The study’s main objective was to assess how donkey sperm cells respond to oxidative stress triggered by hydrogen peroxide and to examine whether seminal plasma can moderate the stress response.
• Nine ejaculates were collected and split into two parts. While seminal plasma was removed from the first part, it was allowed to remain in the second part.
• These samples were then divided into four groups, each exposed to different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide: 0, 100 and 250µM and 50mM.
• These parts were then incubated at 37°C and certain sperm parameters, such as motility, viability, intracellular levels of peroxides and superoxides, and mitochondrial membrane potential, were evaluated at various time intervals: 0, 1, and 3 hours.

Findings on The Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide

• Exposure to hydrogen peroxide significantly reduced sperm motility, thereby affecting the sperm’s ability to swim efficiently and reach the egg for fertilization.
• However, hydrogen peroxide had a less significant effect on other sperm parameters, such as viability, intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential, suggesting that its main impact is on sperm movement.

Role of Seminal Plasma

• When subjected to the high concentration of hydrogen peroxide, the seminal plasma failed to demonstrate a protective effect against the reduction in sperm motility.
• However, some kinetic parameters and relative levels of superoxides were better preserved when seminal plasma was present, indicating that seminal plasma plays a partial role in safeguarding sperm cells against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress.
• In conclusion, while the seminal plasma provides partial protection, it’s insufficient to completely neutralize the negative effects triggered by hydrogen peroxide-induced stress.