Apigenin supplementation substantially improves rooster sperm freezability and post-thaw function

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Animal Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Cryopreservation of avian semen is crucial for genetic resource preservation.
• Oxidative stress and apoptosis negatively impact post-thaw sperm quality.
• Apigenin, a natural antioxidant flavonoid, has shown potential in improving sperm function but its role in avian cryopreservation is unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of apigenin to enhance rooster sperm cryosurvival.
• To determine the optimal concentration of apigenin for improving post-thaw sperm quality in roosters.

Main Methods:

• Rooster sperm were cryopreserved in Lake extender supplemented with varying concentrations of apigenin (0, 50, 100, 200, 400 μmol/L).
• Post-thaw sperm quality parameters including motility, membrane integrity, mitochondrial function, viability, morphology, reactive oxygen species, and apoptosis were assessed.

Main Results:

• Supplementation with 100 μmol/L apigenin significantly improved total motility, progressive motility, membrane integrity, mitochondrial function, and viability compared to the control group.
• Apigenin at 100 μmol/L significantly reduced abnormal morphology, reactive oxygen species, and apoptosis.
• While 200 μmol/L showed some benefits, 100 μmol/L demonstrated the most significant cryoprotective effects.

Conclusions:

• Apigenin, particularly at 100 μmol/L, effectively protects rooster sperm against cryodamage.
• The optimal concentration of apigenin enhances post-thaw sperm quality by mitigating oxidative stress and apoptosis.
• Apigenin shows considerable promise for improving rooster sperm cryosurvival in artificial insemination programs.