No abstract

There are various challenges during semen cryopreservation used for artificial insemination, oxidative stress is considered as the major factor. Usage of nano-particle materials is an efficient tool to overcome these challenges. In the present article, effects of adding green synthesized gold nanoparticles (GSGNPs, 5; 10ppm/mL) to Tris-extender on sperm characteristics in post-equilibrated and post-thawed semen. Apoptosis and sperm ultrastructure post-thawed were also examined as well as enzyme activity and antioxidant status in post-thawed extender of goat semen were evaluated. Supplementation of GSGNPs (10 ppm) increased (P<0.05) motility, livability, and membrane integrity post-equilibration, and also in addition to acrosome integrity post-thawing. Also, viable sperm increased (P<0.05), early apoptotic, apoptotic, and necrotic sperm decreased (P<0.05) by 10 ppm GSGPNs. In the extender of thawed semen, AST and ALT activities were not affected, total antioxidant capacity and catalase activity were higher (P<0.05), while malondialdehyde decreased (P<0.05) by 10 ppm GSGNPs. Frequency distribution of sperm cells with intact plasma or acrosomal membranes increased (P<0.05), while of those with swollen plasma membranes or typical acrosome reaction decreased (P<0.05). However, frequency distribution of sperm cells with slightly swollen or lost plasma membranes as well as atypical acrosome reaction and lost acrosomal membrane was not affected by GSGNPs. Transmission electron microscopy examination revealed no entry of GSGNPs with sperm cells.The present article may suggest considerable addition of GSGNPs at a level of 10 ppm/mL to Tris-extender of cryopreserved goat semen during cryopreservation.

Abstract. Although flavonoids have been identified as a versatile source of anticancer agents, to the best of our knowledge, no study has yet investigated their anticolon cancer activity in depth. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between the structural characteristics of flavonoids and their anticolon cancer activity in the Caco-2 human colon cancer cell line. Our findings demonstrated that the hydroxylation of C5 and C7 in ring A significantly enhanced the anticolon cancer activity of flavonoids over that of 5-fluorouracil, the classic reference cytotoxic agent. By contrast, the glycosylation or the presence of hydroxyl groups in ring B significantly decreased flavonoid anticancer activity. Collectively, these findings suggest a novel, rational design of flavonoid-related compounds that may improve the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Portulaca oleracea contains a wide range of chemical constituents, including flavonoids, alkaloids, polysaccharides, fatty acids, terpenoids, sterols, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. These chemical constituents are linked to the plant’s diverse pharmacological properties, such as antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Therefore, this study is aimed at evaluating the effect of adding two concentrations (50 or 100 μg/mL) of Portulaca oleracea leaf ethanolic extracts in a native form (POLE) or nanoformulation (POLENF) on the antioxidant status of sperm medium to improve goat sperm freezability. Semen was evaluated postequilibration (5°C for 2 h), postthawing, and 2 h postincubation (37°C and 5% CO2). Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of 30 compounds in POLE, including phenolic acids and flavonoids and their glucosides. Total flavonoids were higher in POLE than in POLENF. Both extracts showed strong free radical scavenging capacity by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate assay, which was higher for POLENF than POLE, whereas the antioxidant activity by the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay had no differences. In comparison to free extender, the addition of POLE (100 μg) or POLENF (50 and 100 μg) significantly improved sperm motility and viability postequilibration and postincubation and antioxidant status of sperm medium postthawing. All POLE and POLENF concentrations significantly improved motility, viability, membrane integrity, and apoptosis of spermatozoa postthawing. Enzyme activities of AST, ALT, and LDH in sperm medium postthawing were not affected by treatments. In comparing different types and concentrations of POLE with free extender, the addition of POLENF (100 μg/mL) to goat semen extender gave the most valuable results as an effective free radical scavenger and antiapoptotic during cryopreservation.