Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Enhances Boar Sperm Quality via Maintaining Mitochondrial Function During Liquid Storage

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Biochemistry
• Animal Science

Background:

• Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is crucial for NAD+ synthesis and cellular energy.
• Boar sperm quality declines during liquid storage, impacting fertility.
• Understanding NMN's role in sperm metabolism is vital for preservation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of NMN supplementation on boar sperm quality during liquid storage.
• To determine the optimal NMN concentration for preserving boar sperm viability and function.
• To explore NMN's impact on intracellular NAD+ and ATP levels in boar sperm.

Main Methods:

• Boar semen was diluted in Modena extender with varying NMN concentrations (0-80 μM).
• Sperm quality parameters (motility, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial activity) were assessed after 7 days of storage at 17 °C.
• Intracellular NAD+ and ATP levels were measured.
• Western blot analysis identified NMNAT3 expression.
• Protein tyrosine phosphorylation, capacitation rates, and sperm-oviduct interaction assays were performed.

Main Results:

• Supplementation with 20 μM NMN significantly improved sperm motility, acrosome integrity, and mitochondrial activity.
• Intracellular NAD+ and ATP levels were markedly elevated in NMN-treated sperm (p < 0.05).
• NMN treatment enhanced protein tyrosine phosphorylation, capacitation rates, and sperm-oviduct interactions.

Conclusions:

• 20 μM NMN supplementation effectively preserves boar sperm metabolic activity and functional competence during liquid storage.
• NMN enhances sperm quality by increasing intracellular NAD+ and ATP levels.
• NMN offers a promising strategy for improving boar semen preservation and fertility outcomes.