Work

Protective Effect of B1 and B12 Vitamins on Post‐Thaw Sperm Quality Parameters and Seminal Plasma Antioxidant Status in Rams

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Sperm membranes, rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, are highly susceptible to lipid peroxidation. Oxidative stress significantly impacts sperm function, and B-group vitamins play a crucial role in mitigating this damage. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of vitamins B1 (VitB1) and B12 (VitB12) on sperm quality and seminal antioxidant status following cryopreservation in Arabi rams. METHODS: Semen was collected from 10 Arabi rams and pooled. The pooled semen was diluted and cryopreserved with varying concentrations of VitB1 and VitB12 (0, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 mg/mL). Post-thaw sperm quality parameters, including motility, viability, membrane integrity and morphology, were assessed. In addition, seminal antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation were evaluated. RESULTS: Supplementation with 1 mg/mL VitB12 and 0.5-1 mg/mL VitB1 significantly enhanced post-thaw sperm motility, viability, membrane integrity and morphology. This was accompanied by a reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The highest total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was observed with 1 mg/mL VitB12 and 0.5 mg/mL VitB1 (p < 0.05), positively correlating with sperm motility and viability (p < 0.01). Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity was highest in the 1 mg/mL VitB12 and VitB1 groups and negatively correlated with sperm abnormalities (p < 0.01). Catalase (CAT) activity significantly increased in the 1-2 mg/mL VitB12 and 0.5-2 mg/mL VitB1 groups, positively correlating with sperm progressive motility and viability (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that incorporating 1 mg/mL VitB12 and 0.5 mg/mL VitB1 into the cryopreservation extender effectively mitigates oxidative stress, enhances antioxidant defences and improves post-thaw semen quality in Arabi rams.

Source: Veterinary Medicine and Science

DOI: 10.1002/vms3.70241

Authors: Saleh Tabatabaei Vakili, Roghayeh Zeidi, Robab Nabhani

Institution: Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan

Language: English

Topic: Sperm and Testicular Function

Subfield: Reproductive Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,880