Abstract
The oxidative damage induced by cryopreservation significantly contributes to the overall decline in the quality of cryopreserved sperm. This underscores the necessity for exploring mitigation measures, such as supplementing the freezing media with antioxidants, aimed at enhancing sperm quality post-thaw. In this study, we determined the effects of adding five antioxidants [Vitamin C, taurine, trolox, Butylhydroxytoluene (BHT), and uric acid] to a glucose–methanol extender at three concentrations—low, intermediate, and high—on the motility, viability, concentration, and fertilization rates of the sperm of masu salmon (Oncorhynchus masou), which is an economically important fish resource in Northeast Asia. Our research reveals various sperm quality parameters of the same species react differently to different antioxidants or even different concentrations of the same antioxidants, which adds another layer of complexity to the selection criteria for an appropriate antioxidant for supplementation beyond the specific specificity of antioxidants. Moreover, the effects of the antioxidants were often nonlinear and paradoxical, highlighting the importance of applying accurate dosage. Compared with the control group (no antioxidant supplementation), only uric acid and taurine supplementation at intermediate concentrations (5 mM) significantly improved the post-thaw sperm viability and percentage of motile sperm. Meanwhile, BHT supplementation generally improved the following kinematic traits of sperm: straight-line velocity (VSL), linearity, average path velocity, and curvilinear velocity (VCL). Similarly, 5-mM taurine supplementation also significantly improved sperm VSL, VCL, and beat cross frequency. In contrast, 10-mM Vitamin C supplementation (high concentration) adversely affected multiple parameters, leading to a decline in fertilization capacity. Based on these findings, the selection criteria for antioxidants should go beyond species specificity and include sperm quality parameters the breeder considers crucial for predicting post-thaw sperm fertility, as well as the ways in which particular antioxidants influence these parameters. We recommend 5-mM taurine supplementation for masu salmon sperm cryopreservation because of its positive effects on sperm viability, concentration, and some kinematic parameters.
Published Version
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