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Sulforaphane acts through the NFE2L2/AMPK signaling pathway to protect boar spermatozoa from cryoinjury by activating antioxidant defenses

  • 0Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
Theriogenology +

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October 6, 2024

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October 6, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Sulforaphane (SFN) protects boar sperm from cryopreservation damage by reducing apoptosis and oxidative stress. Supplementing with 5 μM SFN enhances sperm quality and fertilizing capacity post-thaw, offering a novel cryoprotective strategy.

Area Of Science

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Cryobiology

Background

  • Cryopreservation of spermatozoa often leads to apoptosis and reduced fertility due to cryoinjury.
  • Boar spermatozoa are particularly susceptible to cold-induced oxidative stress, increasing apoptosis rates.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the protective effects of sulforaphane (SFN) on boar spermatozoa during cryopreservation.
  • To determine the optimal SFN concentration for mitigating cryoinjury and enhancing post-thaw sperm quality and fertility.

Main Methods

  • Boar sperm were cryopreserved with varying concentrations of SFN (0-20 μM).
  • Sperm quality parameters including motility, plasma membrane integrity, and acrosome integrity were assessed post-thaw.
  • Apoptosis levels, fertilizing capacity, and the underlying molecular mechanisms (AMPK/NRF2 pathway) were analyzed.

Main Results

  • Supplementation with 5 μM SFN significantly improved sperm motility, motion parameters, plasma membrane integrity, and acrosome integrity.
  • SFN treatment reduced cryopreservation-induced apoptosis and enhanced the fertilizing capacity of post-thawed boar spermatozoa.
  • SFN activated the AMPK/NRF2 signaling pathway, boosting antioxidant defenses and mitigating oxidative stress.

Conclusions

  • Sulforaphane effectively protects boar spermatozoa against cryopreservation-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress.
  • The optimal concentration of 5 μM SFN enhances sperm quality and fertility by activating the AMPK/NRF2 antioxidant pathway.
  • SFN represents a promising novel additive for improving cryopreservation protocols and sperm fertility.

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