Effects of alpha-lipoic acid on ram semen cryopreservation and post-thaw life span

Onder N. T., Alcay S., NUR Z.

ANDROLOGIA, vol.54, no.1, 2022 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 54 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2022
  • Doi Number: 10.1111/and.14249
  • Journal Name: ANDROLOGIA
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, EMBASE, Gender Studies Database, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
  • Keywords: alpha-lipoic acid, cryopreservation, incubation, ram semen, LECITHIN-BASED EXTENDERS, INCUBATION RESILIENCE, LIPID-PEROXIDATION, QUALITY, ANTIOXIDANTS, SPERMATOZOA, METABOLISM, SPERM, PHOSPHOLIPIDS, PARAMETERS
  • Bursa Uludag University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of an alpha-lipoic acid-supplemented extender on ram semen at a post-thaw stage and after incubation (6 hr). Semen samples were collected from five Kivircik Rams. Pooled semen was diluted with an egg yolk-based extender with different concentrations of alpha-lipoic acid (0.25 mmol L-1, 0.5 mmol L-1 and 1 mmol L-1) and without alpha-lipoic acid. Motility, plasma membrane functional integrity (HOST), acrosome integrity (FITC-Pisum sativum agglutinin) and DNA integrity (TUNEL) were assessed at post-thaw and 6 hr after incubation of the frozen-thawed semen. At the post-thaw stage, 0.25 mmol L-1 alpha-lipoic acid had a positive effect on sperm motility and plasma membrane functional integrity compared to the control group (p < .05). At the post-incubation stage (6 hr), it was determined that the motility and plasma membrane functional integrity of the antioxidant groups were adversely affected compared to the control group (p < .05) and 1 mmol L-1 dose of alpha-lipoic acid had a harmful effect on DNA integrity compared to the control group (p < .05). The results of the study demonstrated that alpha-lipoic acid has positive effects at post-thaw but have harmful effects on long term to ram semen.