Overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during sperm cryopreservation has a detrimental effect on sperm parameters. Therefore, the use of antioxidants in the sperm freezing extender can reduce ROS destructive effects. In this study, we investigated whether co-supplementation of melatonin and myo-inositol into the semen extender can improve the post-cryopreservation quality of goat spermatozoa. After the freeze-thawing process, sperm motility, viability, plasma membrane and acrosome intact morphology were improved in the combined myo-inositol and melatonin group compared to both individual and the control groups (p < .05). In addition, the mean of sperm ROS, DNA damage and lipid peroxidation were reduced in co-supplementation of myo-inositol and melatonin compared to their individual counterparts (p < .05).Therefore, the synergistic effects of myo-inositol and melatonin on the cryopreserved spermatozoa are highly likely mediated through the reduction in important factors involved in the sperm lipid peroxidation. Finally, we used the cryopreserved spermatozoa for in vitro production of embryos. Results showed that combined group of myo-inositol and melatonin improved the cleavage rate compared to both individual and control groups, although blastocyst rate was improved using both individual and combined groups. In conclusion, co-supplementation of melatonin and myo-inositol is a promising approach for the improvement of goat sperm cryopreservation.

BackgroundReproductive toxicity of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on spermatozoa is well established.ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to show the potential benefits of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) as a strong antioxidant in alleviating the reproductive toxicity of LPS.Materials and methodsSperm cells and cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected from healthy NMRI mice (body weights ranged from 25 to 35 g, 100 females and 200 males). Sperm cells were treated with varying doses of ALA (0.01, 0.02, and 0.04 mm) and 0.01 μg/mL of LPS for 4 h. The quality of spermatozoa (ROS production, DNA fragmentation, and spontaneous acrosome reaction), sperm fertilizability, and the consequent developmental competence of oocytes inseminated with ALA/LPS‐treated spermatozoa were recorded.ResultsThe results showed that 0.04 mm of ALA abrogated LPS‐reduced sperm motility, viability, ROS production, spontaneous acrosome reaction, fertilizability, and developmental competence. In addition, 0.04 mm ALA significantly reverted the negative effects of LPS on inner cell mass (ICM) cell counts, total cell number (TCM), and ratio between ICM and TCM.DiscussionOur data showed that ALA significantly could abrogate the negative effects of LPS on sperm quality and oocyte developmental competence. Therefore, ALA had the capacity for protecting sperm cells from LPS‐induced damage and ensured fertilization and developmental competency.ConclusionThese in vitro findings suggested a therapeutic role for ALA in reducing the negative effects of LPS on spermatozoa and early embryonic development.

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