Effect of β-caryophyllene on Sperm Cryopreservation

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Animal Science
• Cryopreservation Technology

Background:

• Cryopreservation of ram semen is crucial for genetic preservation and artificial insemination.
• Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are key factors affecting post-thaw sperm quality.
• Beta-caryophyllene (BC) is a natural sesquiterpene with known antioxidant properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of beta-caryophyllene (BC) supplementation in semen extenders on the post-cryopreservation quality of Dorper ram spermatozoa.
• To determine optimal BC concentrations for improving semen cryosurvival.

Main Methods:

• Semen from six Dorper rams was collected and cryopreserved in Tris-egg yolk diluent with varying BC concentrations (0, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0mM).
• Post-thaw semen quality was assessed using computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA), acrosomal and plasma membrane integrity tests, mitochondrial membrane potential assays, and thermo-resistance tests.
• Oxidative stress was evaluated using the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay.

Main Results:

• Beta-caryophyllene supplementation did not significantly alter sperm motility parameters.
• BC supplementation significantly improved mitochondrial membrane potential in cryopreserved ram spermatozoa.
• The TBARS assay indicated that BC effectively mitigated oxidative stress in thawed semen.

Conclusions:

• Beta-caryophyllene supplementation in the extender positively impacts the quality of cryopreserved Dorper ram semen.
• BC enhances mitochondrial functionality and reduces oxidative damage, contributing to improved semen quality post-thaw.
• Further research into BC as a supplement for semen extenders is warranted for optimizing cryopreservation protocols.