The importance of trace minerals copper, manganese, selenium and zinc in bovine sperm–zona pellucida binding

Abstract

SummarySperm–zona pellucida (ZP) binding is a necessary event for successful fertilization. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of trace minerals such as copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) on bovine spermatozoa binding to ZP. Sperm viability, functional membrane integrity, acrosomal status (AS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and sperm lipid peroxidation (LPO) were also evaluated. For the present study, in vitro fertilization (IVF) medium was supplemented with Cu (0.4 µg/ml Cu), Mn (5 ng/ml Mn), Se (100 ng/ml Se), Zn (0.8 µg/ml Zn), all minerals (Cu+Mn+Se+Zn), or tested without supplement (Control). Considerably more sperm bound to ZP when Cu, Se or Zn were added to the IVF medium, but there were no difference compared with the Control, Mn and Cu+Mn+Se+Zn groups. After 1 h of incubation, viability was increased by the addition of Cu, Mn and Se with respect to the Control but, after 2 h, viability was higher only with the addition of Mn to IVF medium. Functional membrane integrity improved in sperm treated with Cu. Acrosome integrity was higher in sperm treated with Zn after 1 h of incubation. LPO was significantly higher in sperm treated with Cu or Cu+Mn+Se+Zn. The mean TACs of sperm treated with Cu, Mn, Zn or Cu+Mn+Se+Zn were lower than in the Control. In conclusion, the results obtained in the present study determined that the presence of Cu, Se and Zn in the IVF medium increased the number of spermatozoa bound to the ZP, highlighting the importance of these minerals in the fertilization process.

Effect of Addition of Zn, Cysteine, PGF2α and their Combination on Holstein Bulls Cooled Semen in vitro

“…These results agreed with (32) who reported that zinc additives protect sperm cells from bacterial infection and prevent chromosomal damage. Similar observations have been made by (18). Conclsion It was concluded from this study that addition, of zinc sulphate, cysteine, PGF2α to the Holstein bulls semen improve the characteristics of semen parameters.…”

“…The results agreed with (17) who explained that zinc have the ability to protect sulfhydryl group (Sh) from oxidation enhance the synthesis of molecules rich with (Sh) which reduce glutathione and melatonin which acts as antioxidant. (18) reported that addition of zinc in a concentration of 0.8 mg/ ml to the bulls semen improve the concentration of spermatozoa and the acrosomal integrity of the sperms. The results of our study disagreed with (19) who observed that addition of high levels of zinc (50, 100 and 150) mmol/ ml to the diluted semen of Holstein bulls have no effect on morphology and motility of spermatozoa as compared with control one.…”

An Overview of Reactive Oxygen Species Damage Occurring during In Vitro Bovine Oocyte and Embryo Development and the Efficacy of Antioxidant Use to Limit These Adverse Effects

“…The cocktail mixture did not improve sperm viability, membrane integrity, acrosomal status, or zona pellucida binding [153]. Interestingly, individual supplementation of Cu, Se, or Zn improved sperm binding [153]. While this study did not evaluate pairings of antioxidants, it would be interesting to investigate Cu and Zn supplementation together as they are cofactors for SOD1.…”

“…The studies focusing on Se and Zn actions were primarily focused on examining how they influence sperm viability and binding to the zona pellucida. Indeed, one study evaluated Cu, Mn, Se, Zn, and a cocktail containing all of these trace minerals [153]. The cocktail mixture did not improve sperm viability, membrane integrity, acrosomal status, or zona pellucida binding [153].…”

“…Indeed, one study evaluated Cu, Mn, Se, Zn, and a cocktail containing all of these trace minerals [153]. The cocktail mixture did not improve sperm viability, membrane integrity, acrosomal status, or zona pellucida binding [153]. Interestingly, individual supplementation of Cu, Se, or Zn improved sperm binding [153].…”