Boar sperm functionality is related to α-tocopherol content after freezing-thawing

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Oxidative Stress Research
• Cryopreservation Science

Background:

• Boar spermatozoa are vulnerable to oxidative damage during cryopreservation, impairing their functionality.
• Oxidative stress negatively impacts sperm motility, viability, and fertilizing capacity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of antioxidants, specifically alpha-tocopherol and 17β-oestradiol, in mitigating cryopreservation-induced damage in boar spermatozoa.
• To evaluate the impact of these antioxidants on sperm parameters and capacitation-like changes.

Main Methods:

• Boar spermatozoa were cryopreserved with alpha-tocopherol, 17β-oestradiol, or seminal plasma.
• Sperm parameters, including motility, lipid peroxidation, and capacitation-like changes, were assessed.
• Hormone and antioxidant concentrations (17β-oestradiol and alpha-tocopherol) were quantified using RIA and HPLC, respectively.

Main Results:

• Antioxidant treatment significantly improved sperm motility while reducing lipid peroxidation and capacitation-like changes (P < 0.05).
• Increased concentrations of 17β-oestradiol were observed in samples treated with 17β-oestradiol or seminal plasma.
• Alpha-tocopherol levels increased in supplemented samples, suggesting potential synergistic effects or regeneration mechanisms.

Conclusions:

• Alpha-tocopherol and 17β-oestradiol enhance the functionality of cryopreserved boar spermatozoa by reducing oxidative stress.
• Seminal plasma components may contribute to the regeneration of alpha-tocopherol's antioxidant capacity.
• Supplementation with antioxidants offers a promising strategy to improve boar sperm cryopreservation outcomes.