Astaxanthin Improved the Quality of Hu Ram Semen by Increasing the Antioxidant Capacity and Mitochondrial Potential and Mitigating Free Radicals-Induced Oxidative Damage

Abstract

The objective of this research was to investigate the effect of astaxanthin supplementations of semen extender on the quality of Hu ram semen after up to five days of preservation at 4 °C. Semen samples were collected from five healthy Hu rams using an artificial vagina during breeding season (April to August 2023) and diluted with a basic extender supplemented with control (0), 1 µM, 2 µM, 3.5 µM, or 4.5 µM of AXT. Overall, 170 semen ejaculate samples (34 repetitions) from five healthy Hu rams were used in our research study. The results revealed that the addition of AXT (3.5 µM) significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased the sperm kinematic indexes (T.M%, P.M%, MAD%, STR%, and LIN %), sperm viability, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, total antioxidant content (T-AOC), and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of the Hu rams spermatozoa after up to five days of preservation at 4 °C. Contrary to that, the addition of the best concentration of AXT (3.5 µM) to the semen extender significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration of Hu ram semen. In conclusion, the results of the current study indicate that the addition of a semen extender with AXT improves the quality of Hu ram spermatozoa by increasing the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). On the other hand, reducing free radicals induced oxidative (ROS) and per oxidative (MDA) damage to Hu ram semen.

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“…Studies indicate that coenzyme Q10 supplementation improves mitochondrial function in sperm cells, leading to increased energy production and enhanced sperm movement, which are essential for successful fertilization [68]. Sohail T. et al (2024) demonstrated that supplementation of an optimal concentration of astaxanthin (AXT) at 3.5 µM in Hu ram semen preservation markedly enhances its kinematic properties, longevity, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, total antioxidant content, and mitochondrial membrane potential. Conversely, the inclusion of AXT at 3.5 µM significantly diminishes ROS and MDA concentrations in spermatozoa, thereby extending their longevity and ultimately enhancing their fertilization potential [69,70].…”

“…Sohail T. et al (2024) demonstrated that supplementation of an optimal concentration of astaxanthin (AXT) at 3.5 µM in Hu ram semen preservation markedly enhances its kinematic properties, longevity, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, total antioxidant content, and mitochondrial membrane potential. Conversely, the inclusion of AXT at 3.5 µM significantly diminishes ROS and MDA concentrations in spermatozoa, thereby extending their longevity and ultimately enhancing their fertilization potential [69,70]. AXT (C40H52O4) is a red carotenoid pigment sourced from the alga hematococcus pulvalis, renowned for its antioxidant, anticancer, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties.…”