Specific LED-based red light photo-stimulation procedures improve overall sperm function and reproductive performance of boar ejaculates

Abstract

The present study evaluated the effects of exposing liquid-stored boar semen to different red light LED regimens on sperm quality and reproductive performance. Of all of the tested photo-stimulation procedures, the best pattern consisted of 10 min light, 10 min rest and 10 min of further light (10-10-10 pattern). This pattern induced an intense and transient increase in the majority of motility parameters, without modifying sperm viability and acrosome integrity. While incubating non-photo-stimulated sperm at 37 °C for 90 min decreased all sperm quality parameters, this reduction was prevented when the previously-described light procedure was applied. This effect was concomitant with an increase in the percentage of sperm with high mitochondrial membrane potential. When sperm were subjected to ‘in vitro’ capacitation, photo-stimulation also increased the percentage of sperm with capacitation-like changes in membrane structure. On the other hand, treating commercial semen doses intended for artificial insemination with the 10-10-10 photo-stimulation pattern significantly increased farrowing rates and the number of both total and live-born piglets for parturition. Therefore, our results indicate that a precise photo-stimulation procedure is able to increase the fertilising ability of boar sperm via a mechanism that could be related to mitochondrial function.

Genesis on diamonds II: contact with diamond enhances human sperm performance by 300%

“…The process of pulse optimization involves the experimental evaluation of two parameters: the period of time needed for light of a certain wavelength and intensity to elevate the mitochondrial ATP levels in a well defined environment, and the period of time in which the cells exhaust the ATP stores. This approach, proposed by us in recent paper (22), was experimentally confirmed in a boar sperm model (23). Once the individual parameters are known it is possible to adjust the duration of the light pulse and the dark period between pulses to a balanced ratio accounting for the specific energy demand of the cell.…”

Red light improves spermatozoa motility and does not induce oxidative DNA damage

“…A recent study has shown that red light from LEDs can increase sperm quality by increasing swimming speed and mitochondrial membrane potential3. However, DNA damage was not tested in this the study.…”

Irradiation of semen doses with LED‐based red light in a photo chamber does not improve in vitro quality of thermically stressed boar spermatozoa

“…Light‐emitting diodes (LED) can be effective alternative light sources, providing advantages such as broad beam width and cost‐efficiency (Rohringer et al., ). Recent reports indicate that exposure of liquid‐stored boar semen to red LED‐based light improves sperm quality and reproductive performance in sow herds (Balasch & Rodríguez, ; Yeste et al., ). This might be especially beneficial for hypothermically stored boar semen suffering from loss of sperm function.…”