Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction: Sperm damage from oxidative stress is common in semen cryopreservation. Natural antioxidants for frozen semen are largely unexplored. Artesunate (ART), derived from Artemisia annua and used for malaria treatment, shows potential as a frozen semen antioxidant. Methods: We investigated the effects of various ART concentrations (0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 mM) on yak semen cryopreservation and examined the molecular mechanisms involved. Results: Post-freezing, sperm quality markedly declined. However, 0.2 mM ART significantly improved sperm motility (both total and progressive) and reduced membrane damage. ART treatment effectively alleviated oxidative stress by reducing ROS levels and MDA content in the sperm while selectively upregulating SOD1 activity and protein levels, which are involved in maintaining DNA integrity and mitochondrial function. Conclusion: These findings support the hypothesis that ART exerts antioxidant effects via a SOD1-mediated mechanism, highlighting its potential to improve frozen semen quality and offering a novel strategy for cryopreserving sperm in other species.
Source: Frontiers in Veterinary Science
Authors: Yilin Fan, Weibing Lv, Xiaowei Li, Geri Wanma, Jian Li, Xianrong Xiong, Xiaoqiang He, Yanwen Wang, Shi Yin, Wei Fu, Honghong He, Yaqiu Lin, Daoliang Lan, Yan Xiong
Institution: Southwest Minzu University
Language: English
Subfield: Reproductive Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
Award: G3807108015
OpenAlex ID: W4411731302