Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study aimed to analyze the effect of curcumin on the antioxidant properties and fertility of freeze–thawed bovine spermatozoa and bovine oocytes. In this study, curcumin concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 25, and 50 µM were added bovine sperm cryopreservation solution and oocyte IVM medium to assess sperm quality, antioxidant properties, oocyte maturation, IVF rate, and embryonic development. The results demonstrated that adding curcumin to the cryopreservation solution significantly improved the viability, motility, and acrosome integrity of bull sperm after freezing and thawing (p < 0.05). The addition of 25 µM curcumin resulted in the best sperm quality. Analysis of antioxidant capacity showed that 25 µM curcumin significantly increased the activities of MMP and antioxidant enzymes, such as CAT, SOD, and GSH-PX, and lowered the levels of MDA and ROS (p < 0.05). Adding curcumin to the in vitro maturation medium notably enhanced the maturation rate and decreased DNA fragmented nuclei of bovine oocytes (p < 0.05), with optimal outcomes observed at 25 and 50 µM curcumin. Totals of 25 and 50 µM curcumin markedly elevated GSH and MMP (p < 0.05), reduced ROS and malondialdehyde concentrations (p < 0.05), and significantly enhanced fertilization rates and blastocyst formation (p < 0.05). In conclusion, incorporating curcumin into both the bovine semen cryopreservation solution and the oocyte IVM medium significantly improved the quality of frozen–thawed sperm, antioxidant activity, oocyte maturation, IVF rate, and embryonic development.
Source: Veterinary Sciences
Authors: Hao Lin, Zhiye Hu, Yang Li, Yingchun Li, Wenao Ma, Shoujie Zheng, Jianye Zhou, Zhihui Zhao, Shangquan Gan, Zhibao Chen, Namula Zhao
Institution: Guangdong Ocean University
Language: English
Subfield: Reproductive Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,534
Funder: Guangdong Ocean University
OpenAlex ID: W4410081649