Search Results (1,624)

During the storage of boar sperm at 17 °C, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are continuously generated. Excessive ROS can disrupt the mitochondrial redox balance and cause sperm damage. In this study, boar semen was diluted with solutions containing different concentrations of the natural antioxidant lycopene (1, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80 μM) or the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SKQ1 (1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 70 nM), and sperm vitality was assessed throughout storage at 17 °C. Based on the screening results, the optimal concentrations were selected for combined application to investigate their effects on sperm quality and potential synergistic interactions. The results demonstrated that sperm motility was significantly higher in the 20 μM lycopene and 50 nM SKQ1 treatment groups compared to the control (p < 0.05). The combined treatment of 20 μM lycopene and 25 nM SKQ1 exhibited a synergistic effect, significantly improving sperm vitality, acrosome and membrane integrity, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSP), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Metabolomics analysis identified 52 differential metabolites (p < 0.05), including ABC transporters, corticosterone, and palmitic acid. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that these metabolites were mainly associated with steroid hormone biosynthesis, ABC transporters, and AMPK signaling pathways (p < 0.05), most of which were related to sperm cell energy metabolism and signal transduction. Furthermore, treatment with antioxidants significantly increased p-AMPK and Nrf2 expression in sperm cells (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the combination of lycopene and SKQ1 improves boar sperm quality during 17 °C storage by enhancing energy metabolism and mitigating oxidative stress, potentially through the activation of the AMPK/Nrf2 pathway. Full article

This work sought to test the positive effect of red LED light on frozen bovine sperm resistance to thawing in suboptimal conditions. Moreover, a preliminary study explores whether this improvement could have any repercussions on in vivo fertilizing ability. Thus, frozen bull semen straws (n = 16) were thawed (a) with irradiation for 5 min at 20 °C (2 min light, 1 min darkness, 2 min light; PHOTO); (b) without irradiation for 5 min at 20 °C (ET); or (c) through immersion into a water bath at 38 °C for 40 s as standard control (CONTROL). Sperm quality and preliminary, purely descriptive AI trials were performed. The PHOTO samples demonstrated significantly (p < 0.05) improved percentages of intact acrosomes, progressive motility, DNA condensation and fragmentation, and viable sperm with high ROS/superoxides. The viability of PHOTO samples decreased significantly (p < 0.05) when compared with the ET ones. Overall results of both the PHOTO and ET samples were poorer than those of the CONTROL. Otherwise, the PHOTO straws yielded greater pregnancy rates (64.0% vs. 49.4% in CONTROL) when evaluated at two different farms. The results suggest that irradiating cryopreserved bovine sperm during thawing in suboptimal conditions could improve AI pregnancy rates, although more in vivo studies are needed to support this conclusion. Full article

Cryopreservation of equine semen remains challenging due to pronounced individual variability in cryotolerance. Because freezing induces oxidative stress and spermatozoa are particularly susceptible to such damage, this study aimed to comparatively evaluate the effects of natural extracts from nutraceutical compounds with high antioxidant activity, specifically matcha, spirulina, and horseradish, as well as quercetin, a well-known antioxidant molecule. These compounds were added to the freezing extender, and semen from 12 Salernitano stallions (48 ejaculates in total) was analyzed. Several parameters were assessed, including sperm kinetics, bioenergetics, oxidative and nitrosative stress markers, and the sperm DNA fragmentation index, both before and after cryopreservation. Neither the natural extracts nor quercetin significantly improved sperm freezability, likely due to the high degree of inter-individual variability. Stallion age also had a significant effect on nearly all the parameters evaluated, although no significant interactions were observed between age and treatment for any of the sperm quality traits. In conclusion, supplementation of the freezing extender with matcha, spirulina, horseradish extracts, or quercetin did not significantly enhance stallion semen cryopreservation outcomes. Conversely, stallion age and individual variability had a marked effect on sperm cryotolerance, highlighting the need for customized and holistic strategies to optimize cryotolerance in individual stallions. Full article

This study, for the first time, evaluated the therapeutic potential of resveratrol-loaded phytosome nanoparticles (RES-PNPs) against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) and associated testicular dysfunction, compared with free resveratrol (RES). Ninety male Swiss albino mice were divided into six groups, (1) control; (2) RES (10 mg/kg/day, orally); (3) RES-PNPs (10 mg/kg/day, orally); (4) EAC, induced by intraperitoneal injection of 2.5 × 10⁶ cells; (5) EAC + RES; and (6) EAC + RES-PNPs, treated for 20 days post-tumor inoculation. Tumor growth parameters, reproductive function, antioxidant enzyme activities, inflammatory mediators, apoptotic markers, and histopathological features were assessed. Additionally, in silico docking was performed to identify molecular targets mediating RES effects. RES-PNPs markedly reduced tumor volume, ascitic cell viability, and body weight gain while significantly prolonging survival compared with free RES. Molecular assays revealed enhanced pro-apoptotic signaling (increased Bax and Caspase-3, decreased Bcl-2), suppression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and inhibition of COX-2 with reduced TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-1β levels. RES-PNPs also restored semen quality, normalized reproductive hormones, elevated antioxidant enzyme activities, and reduced lipid and protein oxidation, corroborated by notable testicular histological protection. In conclusion, Resveratrol-loaded phytosome nanoparticles provide superior anti-tumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-apoptotic benefits compared with free RES. These findings highlight RES-PNPs as a potent and stable nanoformulation for effective EAC suppression and preservation of male reproductive integrity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Efficient sperm separation is critical for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). This study evaluates how assisted liquefaction (AL), a faster sperm preparation technique, affects motile sperm recovery and ART outcomes. Methods: A prospective pair analysis to address the efficiency of AL and retrospective cohort analysis of IUI and IVF/ICSI cycles were performed. Results: The average time to perform AL was 3 min, in comparison to the 15 to 30 min for traditional liquefaction (TL) until initiating sperm preparation. The total motility (p = 0.252) and progressive motility (p = 0.227) of the sperm samples were about 4% higher in the AL group although there was no significant difference. No significant differences were observed between AL and TL in fertilization (80.0% vs. 81.9%, p = 0.297), blastocyst rates (48.2% vs. 48.1%, p = 0.595), positive pregnancy (70.5% vs. 75.0%, p = 0.667), clinical pregnancy (65.9% vs. 68.4%, p = 0.841), or live birth (52.3% vs. 51.3%, p = 0.831) outcomes in IVF. The Positive pregnancy (p = 0.669) and clinical pregnancy (p = 0.841) of IUI were not significantly different between both groups. Conclusions: AL offers similar results to TL while reducing preparation time without interrupting ART outcomes. AL may have benefit to asthenozoospermia cases for ART due to reduced exposure time of sperm to semen that may prevent sperm quality impact. Full article

Equines play a crucial role in global food security, economic development, and recreation, particularly in regions such as Central Asia, parts of Africa, and South America. However, parasitic infections significantly impact their health, productivity, and reproductive performance, leading to economic losses and reduced animal welfare. This review synthesizes the effects of parasitic infections, including protozoan, helminthic, and ectoparasitic species, on equines. These infections cause hematological alterations like anemia, leukocytosis, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia, compromising overall health and resilience. Protozoan parasites, such as Trypanosoma spp., Theileria equi, and Babesia caballi, directly affect semen quality and fertility by causing testicular lesions, orchitis, and hormonal disruptions. Helminths like Cyathostomins and Strongyles reduce nutrient absorption, impairing productivity, while some protozoan species can cause abortion through transplacental transmission. Zoonotic parasites, including Sarcocystis spp. and Toxoplasma gondii, pose a human health risk through contaminated meat and milk consumption. Despite the effectiveness of conventional anthelmintics, emerging biological control methods like Duddingtonia flagrans (BioWorma^® and Bioverm^®) show promise. However, the development of standardized herbal anthelmintics and vaccines is hindered by limited efficacy validation, complex parasite biology, and inadequate funding. The need for better diagnostic tools and sustainable treatments remains critical for the long-term sustainability of the equine industry. Full article

Several factors, including semen quality, can influence fertilisation success. Poor semen parameters may necessitate more frequent inseminations or the removal of males with consistently low fertility. This study evaluated turkey ejaculates (n = 37) with good fertility (GF) and impaired fertility (IF). The analyses included sperm motility parameters (total motility—TMOT, progressive motility—PMOT, curvilinear velocity—VCL, straight-line velocity—VSL, average path velocity—VAP, linearity—LIN, straightness—STR, amplitude of lateral head displacement—ALH, and beat cross frequency—BCF), plasma membrane integrity (PMI), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and nitric oxide (NO) production, as well as enzymatic and biochemical assays of semen, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) activities, glutathione (GSH) content, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and zinc (Zn²⁺) concentration. In parallel, the proteomes of seminal plasma and spermatozoa were separated using SDS- and Tricine-PAGE, and selected proteins were identified by nano LC-MS/MS. Spermatozoa derived from IF ejaculates exhibited significantly reduced TMOT (p = 0.002), VCL (p = 0.028), and PMI (p = 0.000), accompanied by elevated STR (p = 0.000) and NO production (p = 0.044). In the seminal plasma of IF males, a significant decrease was noted in SOD (p = 0.000) and GPx (p = 0.001) activities, whereas CAT activity was markedly higher (p = 0.014). Seminal fluid from IF ejaculates was also characterised by increased GSH (p = 0.014) and MDA (p = 0.014) concentrations, accompanied by reduced Zn²⁺ content (p = 0.014). In contrast, IF spermatozoa exhibited elevated SOD activity (p = 0.001), but reduced GPx (p = 0.000) and CAT (p = 0.012) activities. Sperm cells from IF ejaculates also had lower GSH levels (p = 0.000), higher MDA concentrations (p = 0.000), and increased Zn²⁺ content (p = 0.018) compared with those from GF ejaculates. A proteomic analysis revealed differences in fertility-associated proteins: peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6) was detected exclusively in GF semen, whereas alpha-enolase (ENO1), fatty acid-binding protein (FABP7), cytoplasmic aspartate aminotransferase (GOT1), and L-lactate dehydrogenase B (LDHB) were detected only in IF semen. Overall, the results demonstrate that both semen parameters and proteome composition may potentially affect the fertilisation outcomes in turkeys. Full article

The Zi goose is an excellent local goose breed in China, characterized by strong tolerance to roughage, high cold resistance, and high egg production. Anthocyanins are natural water-soluble pigments with numerous biological functions such as growth promotion, antioxidant activity, and immune regulation. However, there are few reports on whether anthocyanins have an improving effect on Zi goose semen. This study aimed to explore the effects of anthocyanins on semen quality, semen antioxidant capacity, and sperm apoptosis of Zi geese, so as to provide references for the large-scale breeding and industrial utilization of Zi geese. Sixty 12-month-old Zi geese were selected for the experiment, and their semen was collected by the massage method. Semen diluent containing different concentrations of anthocyanins was added to the mixed semen, which was then stored at 37 °C for detections. The results showed that the sperm survival rate of Zi geese was the highest when 30 mg/L of anthocyanins was added to the diluent. Compared with the control group, the anthocyanin group showed significantly higher sperm survival rate, sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity rate, acrosome integrity rate, mitochondrial activity, and DNA integrity (p < 0.05), while the sperm mortality rate was significantly decreased (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in semen pH value, sperm density, and sperm abnormality rate (p > 0.05). The contents of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly increased (p < 0.05), while the levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the anthocyanin group. Anthocyanins significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2 (p < 0.05), and significantly decreased the mRNA and protein expression of Bax, Caspase-3, and P53 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, adding 30 mg/L anthocyanins to semen diluent can improve semen quality in Zi geese. Full article

The article examines the synthesis and electrophysical properties of spinel ferrite ZnFe₂O₄, produced using the sol–gel method with a solid-state finishing process; as well as through classical ceramic technology with mechanochemical activation. The study includes a detailed analysis of the phase composition and crystalline structure using X-ray diffraction; infrared spectroscopy; mass spectrometry; and thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses. These methods help identify thermal effects and the stages of synthesis. Impedance spectroscopy is used to investigate the electrophysical properties, revealing a significant influence of firing temperature on electrical ionic conductivity. The results show that the electrophysical properties differ based on the synthesis conditions and methods. This suggests potential applications for ZnFe₂O₄ as a cathode material in metal-ion batteries. The work highlights the importance of optimizing synthesis conditions to achieve high-performance characteristics in electrode materials. Full article

Complex compounds are under close scrutiny by scientists as precursors, which are needed to produce functional materials. When the thermolysis method of double complex salts is used on an industrial scale, the most detailed information on the thermal decomposition, including the kinetics of decomposition, is required. The kinetics of pyrolysis, solid, and gaseous products of [Co(NH₃)₆][Fe(C₂O₄)₃]∙2H₂O (I) and [Co(en)₃][Fe(C₂O₄)₃] (II) (en—ethylenediamine) thermolysis were studied in this work. The solid products of thermal decomposition were studied using scanning electron microscopy and elemental analysis, and the specific surface area (8 and 71 m²/g, respectively) was measured. It was determined that a double complex salt (DCS) with a coordinated en has a higher thermal stability than with NH₃ due to the chelation effect. Full article

Background/Objectives: Semen Ziziphi Spinosae (SZS), a medicinal and edible traditional Chinese herb, has been widely used to treat insomnia. As critical regulators of the central nervous system, astrocytes play a pivotal role in maintaining sleep homeostasis. However, the mechanisms by which SZS modulates astrocytic function to improve sleep remain unclear. Methods: In this study, we employed an integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics approach to investigate the protective effects of SZS extract against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory injury and metabolic dysfunction in astrocytes. Results: Transcriptomic analysis revealed that SZS ameliorates cellular damage (including apoptosis, autophagy, and cell cycle dysregulation) through a FOXO3-centric signaling network. Concurrently, SZS restored cellular energy metabolism by increasing ATP production and reducing Ca²⁺ overload, thereby activating the AMPK signaling pathway to support normal astrocytic function. Metabolomic profiling further demonstrated that SZS-mediated restoration of energy homeostasis sustains ABC transporter activity, which in turn modulates neurotransmitter (serotonin, L-glutamic acid, adenosine), metabolic mediators (leukotrienes, palmitoylethanolamide, succinic acid), and nucleotide (uridine 5′-diphosphate). These coordinated changes normalized GABAergic synapse activity and neuroactive ligand receptor interactions, ultimately resolving neural metabolic network disturbances. Conclusions: Our findings elucidate a novel FOXO3-energy metabolism-ABC transporter axis through which SZS extract attenuates neuroinflammation and metabolic dysfunction in astrocytes and exerts sleep-promoting and neuroprotective effects. This study provides a scientific foundation for understanding the modern pharmacological mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in insomnia treatment, highlighting astrocytic regulation as a potential therapeutic target. Full article

Siglec-10 is a cell-surface lectin that belongs to the sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins (Siglecs) receptor involved in immune tolerance, but its role in reproduction remains unknown. Because immune regulation is essential for sperm survival and fertilization, Siglec-10 may represent an unexplored factor in camel fertility. Here, we investigated its expression and localization in the male reproductive tract and spermatozoa of dromedary camels during the rutting season. Testis, epididymis, and vas deferens were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and quantitative PCR, while spermatozoa from fresh ejaculates, frozen–thawed semen, and epididymal samples were examined using chromogenic and fluorescent immunostaining. Siglec-10 was strongly expressed in the testis and epididymis but absent in the vas deferens. In spermatozoa, the signal was localized mainly to the head and midpiece, with consistent patterns in fresh and frozen–thawed semen but absent in epididymal sperm. These findings provide the first descriptive evidence of Siglec-10 in camel reproductive tissues and ejaculated spermatozoa, suggesting a possible involvement in mechanisms that support sperm integrity under stress conditions; however, further studies are needed to clarify its functional role in semen preservation, and highlighting its relevance as a fertility biomarker in seasonal breeders. Full article

Commercial turkey breeding relies almost entirely on artificial insemination, yet avian sperm are unusually vulnerable to cooling and freezing injury. As a result, extender chemistry and processing steps, especially low-temperature equilibration, are pivotal for post-thaw performance. We evaluated how extender choice, paired with equilibration time, shapes the post-thaw quality of turkey semen. Ejaculates were diluted in Beltsville, Sperm Motility Medium (SMM), Botucrio, or Kobidil⁺, then equilibrated for 20 or 40 min before freezing; samples were cryostored for one month and assessed immediately after thawing. The outcomes included motility/kinematics, membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity and membrane potential, apoptosis/necrosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA fragmentation, and bacteriological load. Overall, 20 min equilibration improved post-thaw motility and membrane integrity, and reduced DNA fragmentation and ROS. Among extenders, Beltsville delivered the best overall sperm quality. Considering the extender × time interaction, Beltsville, Botucrio, and Kobidil⁺ performed best at 20 min, whereas SMM performed best at 40 min. Thus, Beltsville and SMM provide strong, time-specific options for turkey semen cryopreservation—Beltsville at 20 min and SMM at 40 min. Full article

Infertility is a major health problem affecting about 15% of couples worldwide. Male etiology is found in almost one-third of cases. This study identified the nature of the relationship between sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), sperm chromatin condensation (SCC) and sperm parameters. In this study, 80 samples were analyzed using two methods: the TUNEL technique to assess sperm DNA quality and aniline blue coloration to determine the level of chromatic condensation of spermatozoa. In addition, to specify the standard sperm parameters, the spermogram and the spermocytogram were analyzed. The main results revealed a significant difference between SDF and motility and, similarly, between SCC, motility, and teratozoospermia macrocephaly types (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, respectively), but no differences between SCC, SDF, and the other sperm parameters (p > 0.99). Full article