Does low-level laser therapy on degenerated ovine testes improve post-thawed sperm characteristics?

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can modulate redox state of the cell which could be useful to treat testicular degeneration and also prevent injuries by sperm cryopreservation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of LLLT treatment on semen cryopreservation from rams submitted or not to testicular degeneration by testicular insulation. Eleven White Dorper rams were divided into four groups: animals that were not insulated (Control) and not treated (No Laser) (n = 2); animals that were not insulated and treated with LLLT (n = 3); animals that were insulated and not treated with LLLT (n = 3), and animals that were insulated and treated with LLLT (n = 3). Testicular insulation was performed using scrotal insulation bags for 72 h. LLLT treatment was 28 J/cm² energy, 808 nm of wavelength, and 30 mW of power output, irradiated on testis for 15 days with an interval of 48 h. Three ejaculates from each ram were collected: before insulation, 23, and 59 days after insulation bag removal. Cryopreservation was performed of the third ejaculate. Sperm evaluation was performed before and after cryopreservation considering sperm motility, morphology, acrosomal and plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial potential, and oxidative stress. As expected, cryopreservation had a negative effect on several sperm motility characteristics and sperm membranes. LLLT treatment did not improve sperm quality from rams submitted to testicular insulation. Thus, testicular insulation and cryopreservation effects on spermatozoa were not attenuated by LLLT in this study.