Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
11:05
Analysis of Oxidative Stress in Zebrafish Embryos
Published on: July 7, 2014
37.3K
ROS-induced oxidative stress is a major contributor to sperm cryoinjury.
Hui Shi1, Qian-Ying Li2, Hui Li1
1College of Life Science, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, China.
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|November 27, 2023
Summary
Cryopreservation generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), impairing sperm motility and triggering cell death pathways like apoptosis. Antioxidant treatment with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) can rescue sperm function, highlighting ROS as a key factor in cryoinjury.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Sperm Cryobiology
- Oxidative Stress Research
Background:
- Cryopreservation induces oxidative stress via reactive oxygen species (ROS), impacting sperm quality.
- Autophagy is implicated in sperm's response to cryoinjury, influencing cell fate.
- Understanding the interplay between ROS and autophagy is crucial for improving cryopreservation protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanism of cryoinjury in human sperm, focusing on ROS and autophagy.
- To investigate the effects of ROS-induced oxidative stress and autophagy on sperm quality after freeze-thaw.
- To assess the potential of antioxidants to mitigate cryoinjury.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 84 semen specimens from healthy males, including controls, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-treated, and cryopreserved samples.
- Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) for motility assessment.
- Proteomic analysis using mass spectrometry (MS/MS), fluorescence staining, and western blotting to evaluate ROS levels, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), autophagy markers (p62, LC3), and cell death (apoptosis, necrosis).
Main Results:
- Cryopreservation and H2O2 treatment significantly reduced sperm motility and MMP, while increasing ROS levels.
- Autophagy was activated under oxidative stress, evidenced by p62 and LC3 changes.
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) treatment significantly improved motility, indicating ROS as a primary cause of cryoinjury.
- Apoptosis and necrosis were observed post-thaw, and their incidence was reduced by CoQ10.
- Freeze-thaw also induced premature sperm capacitation, indicated by increased tyrosine phosphorylation.
Conclusions:
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a major contributor to human sperm cryoinjury, primarily by damaging mitochondrial function.
- Autophagy is activated in response to oxidative stress during cryopreservation, influencing sperm cell death.
- Antioxidant intervention with CoQ10 can effectively mitigate ROS-induced damage and improve sperm quality post-thaw.
- Cryopreservation can lead to premature capacitation, further affecting sperm viability.
Related Concept Videos
01:41Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis is the process by which haploid sperm cells are produced in the male testes. It starts with stem cells located close to the outer rim of seminiferous tubules. These spermatogonial stem cells divide asymmetrically to give rise to additional stem cells (meaning that these structures “self-renew”), as well as sperm progenitors, called spermatocytes. Importantly, this method of asymmetric mitotic division maintains a population of spermatogonial stem cells in the male reproductive...
01:00Cellular Injury I: Introduction
Cellular injury occurs when a cell cannot maintain homeostasis or adapt to stressors such as hypoxia, toxins, or trauma. Depending on severity and duration, injury may be reversible, allowing recovery, or irreversible, leading to cell death.General Mechanisms of Cell InjuryAlthough causes vary, most cellular injuries arise from a few key mechanisms that disrupt essential functions and often amplify one another. Cell survival depends on the extent and balance of these disturbances.ATP depletion...