Seminal Plasma Superoxide Dismutase Research Articles

Sperm traits and seminal plasma proteome of locally adapted hairy rams subjected to intermittent scrotal insulation

The present study evaluated the effects of heat stress on reproductive parameters of hairy rams. Six animals were subjected to scrotal insulation during four consecutive nights (6 PM – 6 AM). Day (D) 0 was the first day of insulation. Scrotal circumference increased from 30.5 ± 0.3 cm (at pre-insulation) to 31.8 ± 0.4 cm on D4, decreased 3.9 cm on D28, returning to 30.6 ± 0.6 cm on D57. Sperm concentration decreased from 3.7 ± 0.12 ×109 sperm/mL before insulation to 2.6 ± 0.1 ×109 on D23, returning to normal on D57. Sperm motility averaged 75 ± 2.9% before insulation, was undetectable on D23, and became normal on D77. Sperm with normal morphology reached 5.9 ± 2.6% on D35 but recovered (86.8 ± 2.1%) on D91. Sperm DNA integrity decreased from 86.5 ± 4.7% before insulation to 11.1 ± 3.7% on D63, returning to pre-insulation values on D120. Sperm BSP immunostaining was reduced after scrotal insulation. Variations in seminal protein abundances coincided with changes in sperm parameters. Seminal plasma superoxide dismutase, carboxypeptidase Q-precursor and NPC intracellular cholesterol transporter 2 decreased on D18, returning to normal after D28. Albumin, inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase precursor, EGF-like repeat and discoid I-like domain-containing protein 3 and polymeric immunoglobulin receptor increased after insulation. In summary, intermittent scrotal insulation drastically altered ram sperm attributes and seminal proteins, especially those associated with oxidative stress. Knowledge of animal´s response to thermal stress is vital in the scenario of climate changes.

Coenzyme Q10 improves the quality and invitro fertility of post-thawed buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) semen via its antioxidative effect.

This study aimed to determine the effects of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in the freezing medium on functional and oxidative stress parameters and invitro fertilization (IVF) rate of buffalo sperm. Collected samples were relocated to the laboratory for initial evaluation, gentle dilution in extenders, cooling (4°C, 2 h), equilibration (4°C, 4 h), packaging (straws, 0.5 mL), programmable freezing, and thawing (37°C, 30 s). Statistical analysis depicted that adding CoQ10 (100 μM) in a freezing medium caused a significant augmentation in total motility (%), average path, and straight-line velocities (μm/sec) of buffalo sperm than control. Adding CoQ10 (100 μM) improved sperm progressive motility, rapid velocity, and functional parameters (%) compared to the control and 10 μM of CoQ10. Moreover, CoQ10 in a freezing medium caused a significant augmentation in seminal plasma catalase (U/mL) and glutathione reductase (GSH; nmol/109 ) at 100 μM than control and other treatments. CoQ10 inclusion (100 μM) ameliorates seminal plasma superoxide dismutase (U/mL), glutathione-S-transferase (GST; nmol/mL/min) fructose (μg/mL), and ATP (nmol/million) than control. Furthermore, CoQ10 at 100 μM improved seminal plasma glutathione peroxidase (μM) levels than control, 10 μM, and 20 μM. Lastly, hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2; nM) production was significantly lower at 100 μM than at control and 10 μM. CoQ10 (100 μM) caused a significant augmentation in the un-capacitated pattern followed by a reduction in the capacitated pattern, and apoptosis-like changes (%) than control, and other treatments, whereas viability was increased than control and other treatments. CoQ10 (100 μM) significantly improved the IVF rate in comparison with control, CoQ10 at 10 μM, and 20 μM groups. In conclusion, the addition of CoQ10 (100 μM) in the freezing medium can improve the quality and invitro fertility of post-thawed buffalo semen via its antioxidative effect. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of CoQ10 on the invivo fertility of buffalo bull semen.

Evaluation of dietary betaine on post-thawed semen quality in mature bulls during summer heat stress.

Heat stress (HS) has caused relative hypoxia, oxidative stress and high level of homocysteine, which contributes significantly to fertility failures in bulls. The aim of present study was to evaluate the role of dietary betaine (BET) in improving dual purpose Simmental (Fleckvieh) post-thawed semen quality especially during the hottest summer days. A total number of 16 mature bulls were randomly assigned to three equal groups including: 1) Control condition (without betaine), 2) BET1: 57.00 mg of betaine kg-1 per day and 3) BET2: 114 mg of betaine kg-1 per day, through daily intakes for 90 days in summer. Plasma levels of homocysteine, seminal plasma antioxidants levels and sperm parameters such as DNA fragmentation, chromatin integrity, motility, viability, morphology and membrane integrity were evaluated. Under maximal HS, serum homocysteine concentrations were reached 16.67 ± 0.09 µmol L-1. Dietary betaine supplementation influenced DNA fragmentation of sperm and was higher in the control group compared to BET2 group. There were significant decreases in seminal plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and sperm viability and motility in bulls treated with betaine. The activity of GPx and SOD in the control group was increased up to 0.08 ± 0.00 U mg-1 protein and 0.52 ± 0.01 U mg-1 protein in seminal plasma. There were no significant differences between groups in the percentage of swollen spermatozoa, membrane integrity, sperm morphology, abnormal head morphology and percentage of spermatozoa stained with aniline blue. In conclusion, BET supplements improved semen parameters in sperm motility, sperm viability and influenced DNA fragmentation during HS with reduction in serum homocysteine concentrations.

Effect of supplementation with the reduced form of coenzyme Q10 on semen quality and antioxidant status in dogs with poor semen quality: Three case studies.

Oxidative stress owing to an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidants, such as coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), is a major contributor to male infertility. We investigated the effects of the reduced form of CoQ10 (ubiquinol) supplementation on semen quality in dogs with poor semen quality. Three dogs received 100 mg of ubiquinol orally once daily for 12 weeks. Semen quality, serum testosterone, and seminal plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were examined at 2-week intervals from 2 weeks before ubiquinol supplementation to 4 weeks after the treatment. Ubiquinol improved sperm motility, reduced morphologically abnormal sperm, and increased seminal plasma SOD activity; however, it had no effect on testosterone level, semen volume, and sperm number. Ubiquinol supplementation could be used as a non-endocrine therapy for infertile dogs.

Total and specific activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in seminal plasma are related with the cryotolerance of jackass spermatozoa

This study investigated whether the activities of four antioxidant enzymes present in jackass seminal plasma (SP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione reductase (GSR), are related to the sperm ability to withstand cryopreservation. Eighteen ejaculates from 16 healthy jackasses were collected and split into two aliquots. The first one was centrifuged (3,000×g, 4 °C for 10 min) and used to determine the activities of these four enzymes in SP, whereas the other was diluted in a skim-milk extender and then cryopreserved. Assessment of sperm motility and membrane integrity was performed before and after cryopreservation. Based on the percentages of total motile and viable spermatozoa at post-thaw, samples were classified as good (GFE) or poor (PFE) freezability ejaculates through cluster analyses. Total and specific activities of SOD in seminal plasma were higher (P < 0.05) in GFE than in PFE, whereas no significant differences between GFE and PFE were observed regarding total and specific activities of CAT, GPX and GSR. However, post-thaw sperm parameters were positively correlated with total and specific activities of CAT and negatively correlated with those of GSR. In conclusion, determination of total and specific activities of SOD in the seminal plasma of a given jackass ejaculate may predict the sperm ability to withstand cryopreservation. In addition, our results warrant further research on addressing whether SOD activity in seminal plasma does not only allow predicting the sperm cryotolerance of a given ejaculate but also that of all ejaculates from a given jackass.

Levels of activity of superoxide dismutase in seminal plasma do not predict fertility of pig AI-semen doses

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a major antioxidant enzyme in boar seminal plasma (SP). This study evaluated how SP-SOD affected sperm attributes when semen of boars of various breeds, included in commercial artificial insemination (AI)-programs, was extended and liquid-stored at 17 °C for AI; as well as their in vivo fertility (farrowing rate and litter size of 10,952 AI-sows). SP-SOD-activity was assessed in 311 ejaculates (100 boars) while sperm motility (by CASA), viability and intracellular H2O2 generation in viable spermatozoa (by flow cytometry) were measured at 0 and 72 h of liquid storage. SP-SOD activity was not affected by breed but differed (P < 0.001) between boars (n = 50), ranging from 1.16 ± 0.11 to 7.02 ± 0.75 IU/mL. Semen AI-doses (n = 44) hierarchically grouped (P < 0.001) with low SP-SOD activity showed lower (P < 0.05) sperm motility and intracellular H2O2 at 72 h of liquid storage. Fertility did not differ between AI-boars (n = 39) hierarchically grouped (P < 0.001) with high or low SP-SOD activity. In conclusion, SP-SOD activity is boar dependent and positively related with sperm functionality of liquid-stored semen AI-doses. However, this positive effect is not reflected on in vivo fertility post-AI.

Seminal plasma superoxide dismutase is related with quality and sperm functionality of liquid stored pig semen doses

Seminal plasma superoxide dismutase is related with quality and sperm functionality of liquid stored pig semen doses

A study of variation in the levels of seminal plasma superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in normospermic and oligozoospermic men

Background: Infertility is one of the major concerns of humankind and the male cause of infertility contributes nearly a third for its condition. Amongst many a factor that influences sperm health, the seminal antioxidants are one among the vital determinants of male fertility. Aim and objective: To estimate and compare the levels of seminal plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) between normospermic and oligospermic men and to correlate them with the seminal parameters of sperm count, motility and vitality of the seminal samples of the respective population. Methodology: This pilot effort is a hospital –based study with the study population comprising of 10 normospermic men for the control group and 10 oligospermic volunteers for the case group. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were estimated in the seminal plasma to reflect the antioxidant status in the seminal sample. Results: SOD levels in normospermic was 11.19± 1.22 (U/ml of seminal fluid) while in oligospermic was 9.17 ± 1.94 (U/ml of seminal fluid) and GPx level in normospermic was 24.46 ±7.39 (µg of GSH consumed /min/ml of seminal fluid)while in oligospermic was 17.23 ±8.27(µg of GSH consumed/min/ml of seminal fluid). SOD is significantly reduced (P value 0.012 (<0.05)) and GPx reduced with P value 0.054 in oligospermic men, which correlates inversely with the seminal parameters of sperm count, motility and vitality in the oligospermic samples . Conclusion: The decreased levels of SOD and GPx in the seminal plasma of oligospermic men when compared to normospermic population signifies a reduced scavenging machinery in their seminal plasma which would have lead to the decrease in the sperm count due to oxidative stress thus leading to infertility.

Therapeutic effects of vitamin E supplementation in 4 dogs with poor semen quality and low superoxide dismutase activity in seminal plasma

Four dogs with poor semen quality, low seminal plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and low blood plasma testosterone (T) levels were orally administered one vitamin E tablet containing 50 mg α-tocopheryl acetate per dog daily for 4 weeks. The mean values of semen quality were temporarily improved after the start of vitamin E treatment and the values of 4, and 5 weeks after that were significantly different from those before the treatment (P<0.05–0.001). The mean blood plasma T and seminal plasma SOD activity values slightly increased in the 4 dogs after the treatment. The results of the present study indicate that poor semen quality in dogs with low seminal plasma SOD can be improved by vitamin E treatment.

Impact of seminal plasma superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase on cryopreserved buffalo spermatozoa

Fifty semen samples were collected from sixteen buffalo-bulls (4–10 years old) and evaluated before cryopreservation. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) as well as the levels of glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assayed in the seminal plasma before freezing. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity and cholesterol content were assayed in seminal plasma before freezing and after thawing. Results revealed the presence of SOD and GPx activities (0.07±0.01U/ml and 14.59±0.50nmol/min/ml, respectively) in buffaloes’ seminal plasma. SOD activity was positively correlated with both of GSH level and GST activity in seminal plasma, and showed an inverse relationship with both cholesterol efflux and post-thaw abnormal tails of buffalo spermatozoa. A positive correlation was found between GPx activity in seminal plasma and abnormal tails and an inverse relationship with both post-thaw viability indices and increased motility in response to PTx. GST activity showed a positive correlation with the increased motility after addition of PTx and negative correlations with both of cholesterol level and AST activity. MDA levels were negatively correlated with motility after addition of PTx and positive correlations with both post-thaw abnormal acrosomes and tails. Buffalo seminal plasma contains high activities of SOD, GPx and GST enzymes and GSH levels that have an influence on the functional competence of cryopreserved spermatozoa.

Superoxide Dismutase and Catalase Activities in the Seminal Plasma of Normozoospermic and Asthenozoospermic Beagles

We measured the blood plasma testosterone (T) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities in the seminal plasma of the ejaculates of 5 normal (2-5 years old) and 5 asthenozoospermic (AZ-) (3-5 years old) Beagles. Sperm ejaculated by AZ-dogs was incubated for 3 hr in Eagle's MEM only (controls) or Eagle's MEM containing 100 units/ml of SOD or catalase. Sperm motility was examined during incubation. The mean (+/- SE) plasma T level of the AZ-dogs (1.2 +/- 0.2 ng/ml) was significantly lower than in the normal dogs (2.5 +/- 0.2 ng/ml) (P<0.005). The mean (+/- SE) seminal plasma SOD and catalase activities (18.8 +/- 1.9 and 0.5 +/- 0.1 unit/g protein, respectively) were significantly lower in the AZ-dogs than in the normal dog (43.3 +/- 2.5 and 2.2 +/- 0.4 unit/g protein, respectively) (P<0.001 and 0.01, respectively). The motility of sperm incubated in Eagle's MEM containing SOD or catalase was significantly higher than that of control sperm incubated in only Eagle's MEM after 2 or 3 hr of incubation (P<0.05). The results of this study indicate that poor T secretion by the testes and low antioxidant enzyme activities are related to AZ in the dog.

Reactive Oxygen Species Production by the Spermatozoa of Patients With Idiopathic Infertility: Relationship to Seminal Plasma Antioxidants

We attempted to determine reactive oxygen species production by the spermatozoa of patients with idiopathic infertility and healthy donors, and observe whether increased production was due to decreased seminal plasma reactive oxygen species scavengers. Reactive oxygen species production by spermatozoa and seminal plasma antioxidants was assayed in 18 patients with idiopathic infertility and 10 controls. Reactive oxygen species formation and seminal plasma antioxidants were measured by luminol and lucigenin dependent chemoluminescence, and enzymatic methods, respectively. Higher reactive oxygen species production was observed in 16 of the 18 patients (88.8%, p < 0.0001 versus controls). Seminal plasma superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and total sulfhydryl group levels in infertile patients were significantly lower than in controls. Decreased seminal plasma antioxidant activity and increased reactive oxygen species production can be responsible for idiopathic male infertility.

Seminal plasma superoxide dismutase activity following radiotherapy: Protection by the exogenous enzyme and effects of intracellular inhibition

For referred subfertile, radiation-exposed and known fertile males seminal plasma superoxide dismutase activity did not correlate with sperm density, % sperm motility, sperm velocity or penetration in the sperm penetration assay (SPA), but was found to correlate positively with seminal plasma zinc. A study of seminal plasma superoxide dismutase in relation to post-irradiation clinical treatment time provided tentative evidence that following a radiation challenge, superoxide dismutase might be subject to induction. When sperm intracellular superoxide dismutase was inhibited by incubation with diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) in defined culture medium, motility ceased within 30 min but there was no associated rise in lipid peroxidation. Sperm pretreatment with DDC at concentrations as low as 10 μ m could abolish penetration in the SPA provided sperm were prepared by passive incubation. Cells electropermeabilized in the presence of calcium could overcome the DDC block. Exogenous addition of superoxide dismutase and catalase could provide effective protection to sperm against the effects of ultraviolet treatment.