Animal ReproductionPub Date : 2025-05-26eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-AR2024-0139
Panfeng Chang, Hua Wang
{"title":"Effects of the modified \"Yijing Fang\" on semen quality and reproductive hormones in male yaks with kidney yang deficiency: a focus on mitochondrial apoptosis pathways.","authors":"Panfeng Chang, Hua Wang","doi":"10.1590/1984-3143-AR2024-0139","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1590/1984-3143-AR2024-0139","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Intensive semen collection often leads to \"kidney yang deficiency\" in male yaks, with symptoms like lethargy and poor semen quality. Our modified \"Yijing Fang\" was tested. Eight 3 - 6-year-old male yaks with this condition were split into treatment and negative control groups; four healthy yaks were a blank control. The treated yaks got the formula in feed for 5 days, then a 20-day break, repeating 3 times over 65 days. Semen was collected, and cAMP, cGMP, T/E2 levels, and mitochondrial apoptosis factors were analyzed. Results showed the formula boosted semen quality. cAMP and testosterone rose (p < 0.01), cGMP and estradiol fell (p < 0.01), cAMP/cGMP and T/E2 ratios climbed (p < 0.01). Bcl-2 upregulated, Bax, Cyt-C, and Caspase-3 downregulated (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the modified \"Yijing Fang\" is effective for yak reproduction, enhancing hormone secretion and reducing sperm apoptosis. Long-term studies are needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":7889,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction","volume":"22 2","pages":"e20240139"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12121852/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144180382","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Animal ReproductionPub Date : 2025-05-19eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-AR2024-0055
Gabriel Maggi, Fabiane Pereira de Moraes, Fernando Caetano de Oliveira, Sergio Farias Vargas, Arnaldo Diniz Vieira, Rafael Gianella Mondadori, Bernardo Garziera Gasperin
{"title":"Double artificial insemination in sheep: a comprehensive review.","authors":"Gabriel Maggi, Fabiane Pereira de Moraes, Fernando Caetano de Oliveira, Sergio Farias Vargas, Arnaldo Diniz Vieira, Rafael Gianella Mondadori, Bernardo Garziera Gasperin","doi":"10.1590/1984-3143-AR2024-0055","DOIUrl":"10.1590/1984-3143-AR2024-0055","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Artificial insemination (AI) in sheep presents variable results, especially when combined with estrus induction treatments during the anestrous period. Alternatives for obtaining better results without significantly altering the costs of hormonal protocols are essential because of the importance of this biotechnology in production systems. One alternative that potentially meets these requirements is double-AI. Therefore, this article aims to review the literature on double-cervical AI in sheep and identify gaps in existing knowledge. Double cervical superficial (CS) AI with frozen-thawed (F.T.) semen after estrus detection significantly increased pregnancy rates (PR) in most (6/8) evaluated studies, with an increase of 7 to 34.2 percentual points (p.p.), compared to single AI. Regarding fixed-time AI (FTAI), all studies used fresh (F) or chilled (C) semen, and no positive effects were observed for double FTAI in most cases (8/9). Most studies have not applied current estrous synchronization protocols and insemination doses. Therefore, further studies are needed to evaluate the potential benefits of double FTAI, especially using F.T. semen in combination with hormonal protocols and insemination doses aligned with current practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":7889,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction","volume":"22 2","pages":"e20240055"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12091998/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144109336","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Animal ReproductionPub Date : 2025-05-09eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-AR2024-0052
Rogério Araújo de Almeida, Luan Sitó da Silva, Luiz Gustavo Ferreira de Lima, Flávio Augusto Lourencetti, Camila Freitas-Dell Aqua, João Carlos Pinheiro Ferreira, Eunice Oba
{"title":"Egg-yolk- and a liposome-based extenders: refrigeration time and effects on ram semen quality.","authors":"Rogério Araújo de Almeida, Luan Sitó da Silva, Luiz Gustavo Ferreira de Lima, Flávio Augusto Lourencetti, Camila Freitas-Dell Aqua, João Carlos Pinheiro Ferreira, Eunice Oba","doi":"10.1590/1984-3143-AR2024-0052","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1590/1984-3143-AR2024-0052","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sperm cells require time to adjust to lower temperatures. While some studies have established stabilization periods ranging from two to four hours for ovine semen, the exploration of longer periods of stabilization remains limited. The objective of the study is to evaluate the 12-hour refrigeration curve during ovine semen cryopreservation and the impact of a diluent medium containing egg yolk and liposomes. Eight mixed-breed rams (½ Dorper and ½ Santa Inês) provided two ejaculates each, divided into two groups. Group A used a commercial egg yolk-based diluent (Botu-Bov® - Botupharma Ltda, Brazil), while Group B used a commercial liposome-based diluent (OptiXcell®, IMV Technologies, France). Semen was packaged in French straws, cooled, cryopreserved, and thawed for analysis. Group A exhibited superior values (P < 0.05) in progressive motility (MP), progressive linear velocity (VSL), straightness (STR), and linearity (LIN) post-thawing and after 3 hours at 37°C (TTR). Conversely, Group B showed higher (P < 0.05) values for path velocity (VAP), curvilinear velocity (VCL), lateral head displacement amplitude (ALH) post-thawing, and VAP, VSL, VCL, and ALH after TTR. Flow cytometry revealed Group A's higher (P > 0.05) plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity and membrane stability. However, Group B exhibited greater (P > 0.05) superoxide anion generation and lipid peroxidation, indicative of higher oxidative stress. In conclusion, the egg yolk-based diluent outperformed the diluent containing liposomes in sperm kinetic parameters evaluated by CASA, although liposomes showed increased oxidative stress, 12 hours of refrigeration at 5.0°C is an alternative viable for semen cryopreservation in sheep.</p>","PeriodicalId":7889,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction","volume":"22 2","pages":"e20240052"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12068371/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143956422","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Animal ReproductionPub Date : 2025-05-09eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-AR2024-0024
Ronivania Jenuario Silva Nespolo, Allice Santos Cruz Veras, Lauren Chrys Soato Marin, Margarete Jardinetti de Oliveira, Aline de Oliveira Santos, Evellin Heloisa Paulineli Pereira, Francilene Lima Agostinho de Souza, Francis Lopes Pacagnelli, Caliê Castilho, Giovana Rampazzo Teixeira, Robson Chacon Castoldi, Ines Cristina Giometti
{"title":"High-intensity interval training reduces inflammatory mediator levels in the testes of spontaneously hypertensive rats.","authors":"Ronivania Jenuario Silva Nespolo, Allice Santos Cruz Veras, Lauren Chrys Soato Marin, Margarete Jardinetti de Oliveira, Aline de Oliveira Santos, Evellin Heloisa Paulineli Pereira, Francilene Lima Agostinho de Souza, Francis Lopes Pacagnelli, Caliê Castilho, Giovana Rampazzo Teixeira, Robson Chacon Castoldi, Ines Cristina Giometti","doi":"10.1590/1984-3143-AR2024-0024","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1590/1984-3143-AR2024-0024","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hypertension is an age-related pathology that causes a decline in the function of all organ systems, including the reproductive system, due to its association with increased oxidative stress and inflammation. The inflammatory cytokine levels increase as a result of hypertension and cause inflammation and tissue injury. Although high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has shown promise as a nondrug treatment for hypertensive individuals, its effects on the reproductive system of hypertensive individuals remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of HIIT on plasma hormone concentrations and the expression of inflammatory mediators in the testes of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Male SHRs were divided into 2 groups: SHR (control, n=8) and HIIT (SHRs subjected to HIIT on a treadmill for 8 weeks, n=9) groups. The expression of inflammatory mediators (TNFα and IL-6) in the testes and testosterone, prolactin, and corticosterone concentrations in plasma were measured. No difference in TNFα expression was found between the groups. The groups also showed no significant differences in hormone levels. However, SHRs that underwent HIIT showed lower immunostaining for IL-6 in their testes than did SHRs that did not undergo HIIT training (P < 0.05) and the HIIT group presented lower lower systolic blood pressure than did the SHR group. We concluded that HIIT for two months reduces the BSP and IL-6 levels in the testes of hypertensive rats.</p>","PeriodicalId":7889,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction","volume":"22 2","pages":"e20240024"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12068372/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143956432","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Animal ReproductionPub Date : 2025-05-09eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-AR2024-0136
Bruno Barcelona, Zully Ramos, Carolina Viñoles, Nélida Rodríguez-Osorio, Francisco Báez
{"title":"Season-specific effects of α-tocopherol supplementation during bovine oocyte <i>in vitro</i> maturation on embryo yield and quality.","authors":"Bruno Barcelona, Zully Ramos, Carolina Viñoles, Nélida Rodríguez-Osorio, Francisco Báez","doi":"10.1590/1984-3143-AR2024-0136","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1590/1984-3143-AR2024-0136","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Elevated temperature-humidity index (THI) levels, common in subtropical summers, can impair bovine oocyte development by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, leading to oxidative stress and reduced developmental competence. Alpha-tocopherol, a potent antioxidant, has the potential to mitigate these effects by scavenging ROS. However, its seasonal efficacy during bovine oocyte <i>in vitro</i> maturation (IVM) remains underexplored. This study evaluated the impact of 100 µM α-tocopherol supplementation during IVM on oocytes collected in spring (THI: 68.7±3) and summer (THI: 73±3) in Northern Uruguay. Oocytes underwent IVM, fertilization, and embryos were cultured <i>in vitro</i> until day 9 post-fertilization. Blastocysts were assessed for ROS levels, apoptosis, and the abundance of transcripts linked to development and oxidative stress. Results showed a season-specific response to α-tocopherol supplementation. While no significant effects were observed in spring, summer oocytes exhibited increased maturation, cleavage, and blastocyst rates, along with improved blastocyst quality characterized by reduced apoptosis and lower <i>BAX</i> transcript levels. These findings indicate that α-tocopherol supplementation during IVM enhances oocyte developmental competence under heat stress conditions, supporting its potential as a strategy to mitigate oxidative damage and improve bovine embryo production during summer.</p>","PeriodicalId":7889,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction","volume":"22 2","pages":"e20240136"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12068370/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143958440","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"ZnO NPs protect boar sperm in liquid storage through increasing the phosphorylation of PKAs.","authors":"Yuanyou Li, Meiling He, Haohan Ran, Jie Wu, Jing Lv, Guangyu Liu, Yifan Wang, Zhongliang Jiang","doi":"10.1590/1984-3143-AR2024-0025","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1590/1984-3143-AR2024-0025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>It remains a problem to efficiently improve the boar sperm quality of liquid storage due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. To reduce the effects of ROS on boar sperm, in this study, 1 μg/mL zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) was added into the extender of boar semen during liquid storage at 4°C and 17°C for 7 days. The finding revealed that sperm motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity (PMI) and acrosome integrity significantly increased when compared with the control group (<i>P</i> ˂ 0.05) Additionally, ZnO NPs significantly increased the levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and antioxidation abilities (<i>P</i> ˂ 0.05) in boar sperm. Moreover, ZnO NPs could protect boar sperm from oxidative stress (OS) by inhibiting ROS-induced decrease of phosphorylation of PKA substrates (P-PKAs). Together, the current results suggest that ZnO NPs could be used as a novel antioxidant agent for semen preservation, which is helpful in improving the application of assisted reproductive technology in domestic animals.</p>","PeriodicalId":7889,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction","volume":"22 2","pages":"e20240025"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12020797/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143963552","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Animal ReproductionPub Date : 2025-04-14eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-AR2024-0105
Sofía Lara Villar, Uxía Yáñez, Jacobo Álvarez, Mar Alvariño, Carlos Carmelo Pérez-Marín, Juan José Becerra, Pedro García Herradón, Ana Isabel Peña, Luis Ángel Quintela
{"title":"An approach to Repeat Breeder Syndrome. Cervical mucus immunoglobulin content does not alter sperm motility.","authors":"Sofía Lara Villar, Uxía Yáñez, Jacobo Álvarez, Mar Alvariño, Carlos Carmelo Pérez-Marín, Juan José Becerra, Pedro García Herradón, Ana Isabel Peña, Luis Ángel Quintela","doi":"10.1590/1984-3143-AR2024-0105","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1590/1984-3143-AR2024-0105","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Repeat breeder (RB) syndrome plays a detrimental role on fertility and economic performance of dairy farms. Regarding its multifactorial origin, it has been stated that an immunological response in the female genital tract may impair sperm viability. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration of immunoglobulins in cervical mucus of RB cows and its influence on sperm motility. Fifteen fertile cows and 32 RB cows were included in the study. Cervical mucus samples were collected at the time of artificial insemination (AI). The concentration of IgG and IgA was determined by radial immunodiffusion. Sperm motility in cervical mucus was evaluated by CASA system. Our results showed no significant differences between cows with or without RB syndrome regarding the concentration of immunoglobulins in cervical mucus and sperm motility. The only factor affecting sperm motility was time. Consequently, it may be probable that a local immune response against spermatozoa is not one common cause of RB syndrome.</p>","PeriodicalId":7889,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction","volume":"22 2","pages":"e20240105"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11999666/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143952483","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Animal ReproductionPub Date : 2025-03-24eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-AR2024-0074
Cláudia Maria Herédias-Ribas, Yuki Tanaka, José Maurício Barbanti Duarte
{"title":"Effect of oxytocin and cloprostenol on the seminal parameters of red brocket deer (<i>Mazama rufa</i>) during the electroejaculation procedure.","authors":"Cláudia Maria Herédias-Ribas, Yuki Tanaka, José Maurício Barbanti Duarte","doi":"10.1590/1984-3143-AR2024-0074","DOIUrl":"10.1590/1984-3143-AR2024-0074","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Successful implementation of conservation programs for endangered species requires biological material for use in reproductive biotechnologies. This enhances reproductive efficiency and helps increase the populations of critically endangered species. One way to facilitate the exchange of genetics between captive and free-ranging animals is through the creation of cryogenic banks that store cryopreserved gametes. In particular, semen cryopreservation allows for this exchange to occur. We evaluated whether the use of exogenous hormones (such as oxytocin and prostaglandin) prior to electroejaculation increases seminal volume, sperm concentration, and the number of doses produced in the red brocket deer (<i>Mazama rufa</i>). We also evaluate whether seminal parameters vary over the three stimulation cycles of the same electroejaculation procedure. The treatments did not affect ejaculate volume (p = 0.402), the number of sperm cells in the ejaculates (p = 0.926), total doses produced (p = 0.684), sperm mass movement (p = 0.229), sperm cell concentration (p = 0.106), and acrosome integrity (p = 0.210). The use of hormones has potential in reducing the need for stressful stimuli in electroejaculation, but the choice of hormones must take into account their effects on semen quality.</p>","PeriodicalId":7889,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction","volume":"22 1","pages":"e20240074"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11938812/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143717923","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Animal ReproductionPub Date : 2025-03-17eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-AR2024-0067
Galma Boneya Arero, Ozge Ozmen
{"title":"Effects of heat stress on reproduction and gene expression in sheep.","authors":"Galma Boneya Arero, Ozge Ozmen","doi":"10.1590/1984-3143-AR2024-0067","DOIUrl":"10.1590/1984-3143-AR2024-0067","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Small ruminant farming plays a pivotal role in agriculture, especially in developing countries due to sheep's diverse functions and capacity to acclimate to varying temperatures. This review comprehensively explored the impact of rising temperatures on reproductive processes, reproductive function encoding gene expression, and sheep's ability to adapt to heat stress. Several mechanisms contribute to sheep's resilience to heat stress, encompassing morphological, behavioral, physiological, and genetic adaptations. It has been shown that heat stress compromises fertility by affecting follicular development, ovulation rate, estrous behavior, rates of conception, embryonic survival, and fetal development, while also disrupting sperm production and motility, and increasing the incidence of structurally abnormal sperm in males. Estimates suggested that heat stress may reduce conception rates from 20% to 27%. Essential genes encoding the Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone, Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor, Luteinizing hormone receptor, Estradiol receptor, progesterone receptor, and Inhibin play a critical role in elucidating how heat stress impacts the reproductive performance of sheep. Furthermore, the resilience of sheep in facing heat stress adversities is associated with a specific heat shock factor. When an animal is under heat stress, Heat shock factors get activated and stimulate the production of Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs). Emphasis should be given to identifying specific genes and candidate genes that confer protection against heat stress and conducting comprehensive research to unravel how sheep adapt to demanding local climatic conditions to enhance production and profitability, improve animal welfare, and for genetic conservation and breeding programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":7889,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction","volume":"22 1","pages":"e20240067"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11927936/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143690885","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Animal ReproductionPub Date : 2025-02-24eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-AR2023-0143
Monique de Albuquerque Lagares, Nathalia Abreu Amaral, Joyce Junia Braga, Natalia de Castro Alves, Marina Morra Freitas, Rafael Romero Nicolino, Raphael Rocha Wenceslau, Fernanda da Rocha Anselmo, Marina Maria do Carmo Silva Oliveira, Eduardo Damasceno Costa, Fernanda Radicchi Campos Lobato de Almeida, Rubens Stahlberg
{"title":"L-Carnitine enhances porcine sperm quality, longevity, and zona pellucida binding in cooled semen.","authors":"Monique de Albuquerque Lagares, Nathalia Abreu Amaral, Joyce Junia Braga, Natalia de Castro Alves, Marina Morra Freitas, Rafael Romero Nicolino, Raphael Rocha Wenceslau, Fernanda da Rocha Anselmo, Marina Maria do Carmo Silva Oliveira, Eduardo Damasceno Costa, Fernanda Radicchi Campos Lobato de Almeida, Rubens Stahlberg","doi":"10.1590/1984-3143-AR2023-0143","DOIUrl":"10.1590/1984-3143-AR2023-0143","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Porcine breeding industries typically ensure the viability of boar artificial insemination doses during a 5-day liquid storage period at 17 °C. This study aimed to investigate whether the addition of L-carnitine (LC) to boar semen doses on different days of cooled storage could extend their usability. In experiment 1, LC was added to porcine semen doses on the fifth day (d5) of cooled storage performing five treatments control (no LC), 0.5, 1-, 5- and 10-mM LC. On d6 and d8 of storage, semen samples were evaluated for sperm motility and kinematic parameters, membrane functionality, and hydrogen peroxide and nitrite concentrations. In experiment 2, the number of sperm bound to the zona pellucida (ZP) was determined, as a way to investigate sperm penetration capability from boar insemination doses, with co-incubation with porcine oocytes. LC concentration that produced the most favorable outcomes in Experiment 1 was chosen to experiments 2 and 3, performing two treatments in the absence and with the LC. In Experiment 3, LC was added to cooled porcine semen doses after one day of storage (d1), and the same evaluations of experiment 1 were conducted on days 5, 7, 9, and 12, including sperm membrane integrity. The addition of 10 mM LC on d5 and d1 of storage improved sperm motility, which was extended up to 8 and 12 days of cooled storage, respectively. LC addition on d5 of storage increased sperm membrane functionality, while when added to semen on d1 of storage, it decreased NO<sub>2</sub> <sup>-</sup> concentration on d9. On d6 of cooled storage 10 mM LC increased the number of sperm bound to ZP compared to the control. In conclusion, adding 10 mM LC to porcine semen doses at 17 °C improved sperm characteristics and ZP binding, ultimately enhancing sperm viability for up to 12d.</p>","PeriodicalId":7889,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction","volume":"22 1","pages":"e20230143"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11864729/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143514376","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}