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The effect of the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant Mito-tempo during sperm ultra-rapid freezing
Chun-Yuan Li1, Juan Liu2, Qi-Yuan Zheng2
1The Reproductive Medical Center, Nanning Second People's Hospital, Nanning, China.
Abstract:
During the freeze-thaw process, human spermatozoa are susceptible to oxidative stress, which may cause cryodamage and reduce sperm quality. As a novel mitochondria-targeted antioxidant, Mito-tempo has been used for sperm cryopreservation. However, it is currently unknown what role it will play in the process of sperm ultra-rapid freezing. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether Mito-tempo can improve sperm quality during ultra-rapid freezing. In this study, samples with the addition of Mito-tempo (0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 μM) to sperm freezing medium were selected to evaluate the changes in sperm quality, antioxidant capacity and ultrastructure after ultra-rapid freezing. After ultra-rapid freezing, the quality and antioxidant function of the spermatozoa were significantly reduced and the spermatozoa ultrastructure was destroyed. The addition of 10 μM Mito-tempo significantly increased post thaw sperm motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential (P < 0.05). Moreover, the DNA fragmentation index (DFI), ROS levels and MDA content were reduced, and the antioxidant enzyme (CAT and SOD) activities were enhanced in the 10 μM Mito-tempo group (P < 0.05). Moreover, Mito-tempo protected sperm ultrastructure from damage. In conclusion, Mito-tempo improved the quality and antioxidant function of sperm after ultra-rapid freezing while reducing freezing-induced ultrastructural damage.
Insights
Mito-tempo, a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant, significantly improves human sperm quality after ultra-rapid freezing. It enhances motility, viability, and protects against oxidative stress and ultrastructural damage.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Cryobiology
- Oxidative Stress Research
Background:
- Human spermatozoa face oxidative stress during freeze-thaw, impacting cryopreservation success.
- Mito-tempo is a novel mitochondria-targeted antioxidant with potential in sperm cryopreservation.
- Its efficacy in ultra-rapid freezing of sperm remains unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of Mito-tempo on sperm quality during ultra-rapid freezing.
- To evaluate Mito-tempo's impact on sperm motility, viability, and ultrastructure post-cryopreservation.
Main Methods:
- Human sperm samples were cryopreserved using ultra-rapid freezing with varying Mito-tempo concentrations (0-40 μM).
- Sperm quality parameters (motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial potential) were assessed post-thaw.
- Antioxidant capacity (ROS, MDA, CAT, SOD activity) and DNA fragmentation were evaluated.
- Sperm ultrastructure was examined to assess cryodamage.
Main Results:
- Ultra-rapid freezing significantly reduced sperm quality, antioxidant function, and damaged ultrastructure.
- 10 μM Mito-tempo notably improved post-thaw sperm motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity, and mitochondrial membrane potential.
- Mito-tempo treatment reduced DNA fragmentation index, ROS, and MDA levels, while enhancing CAT and SOD activities.
- Mito-tempo effectively protected sperm ultrastructure from freezing-induced damage.
Conclusions:
- Mito-tempo significantly enhances human sperm quality and antioxidant function following ultra-rapid freezing.
- This antioxidant mitigates cryodamage, preserving sperm viability and ultrastructure.
- Mito-tempo shows promise as a protective agent in sperm ultra-rapid cryopreservation protocols.
