Succinic acid improves boar semen quality by reducing ROS stress during liquid preservation

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Reproductive Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Boar sperm are vulnerable to oxidative stress during storage, impacting fertility.
• Antioxidants in semen extenders are crucial for mitigating oxidative damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of succinic acid (SA) supplementation on boar semen quality and reproductive performance.
• To assess the protective role of SA against oxidative stress in boar sperm.

Main Methods:

• Boar semen was stored in extenders with varying concentrations of SA (1.5, 3.0, 4.5 mM).
• Sperm quality parameters (motility, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP, GSH, GPx) were assessed.
• Oxidative stress was induced with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to test SA's cytoprotective effects.
• Artificial insemination was performed using SA-supplemented semen to evaluate fertility outcomes.

Main Results:

• 3.0 mM SA significantly improved sperm motility, viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP, GSH, and GPx activity.
• SA supplementation reduced lipid peroxidation, malondialdehyde, and reactive oxygen species production.
• SA effectively counteracted hydrogen peroxide-induced damage to sperm.
• Artificial insemination with SA-supplemented semen resulted in increased total and live piglets born per litter.

Conclusions:

• Succinic acid (3.0 mM) effectively protects boar sperm against oxidative stress during storage.
• SA supplementation preserves mitochondrial function and enhances overall sperm quality.
• SA improves reproductive performance in boars through artificial insemination.