Work

Effect of glutathione, ascorbic acid, and their combination on the quality and fertility of cryopreserved spermatozoa of Black Bengal buck

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: • Supplementing extenders with 1 mM GSH and 8 mM AA improved post-thaw sperm quality. • MDA and H₂O₂ levels were significantly reduced in antioxidant-treated groups. • Fertility (non-return rate) improved with antioxidant supplementation. • GSH and AA have a synergistic effect on sperm cryotolerance and fertility. This study investigated the effect of the addition of reduced glutathione (GSH), l-ascorbic acid (AA), and their combination (GSH+AA) to the semen extender on the semen quality and fertility of post-thaw spermatozoa of Black Bengal bucks. Ejaculates (30) collected from five Black Bengal bucks were evaluated, pooled (37°C), and divided into four treatment groups: a control group (no antioxidants), a GSH group (control + 1 mM GSH), an AA group (control + 8 mM AA), and a combined group (control + 1 mM GSH and 8 mM AA). The semen samples were then filled into 0.25 mL French straws and cryopreserved following a standard cryopreservation method. Supplementation of GSH (1 mM) and AA (8 mM) significantly ( P < 0.05) improved total motility, progressive motility, normal morphology (normal fraction, distal droplet, and bent tail), and kinematic parameters (average path velocity, straight-line velocity, curvilinear velocity, and beat cross frequency) of the spermatozoa. However, the maximum improvement was observed with the combined group. In terms of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) status, the values of MDA and H 2 O 2 were reduced significantly ( P < 0.05) in the GSH, AA, and GSH+AA groups compared to the control group. The fertilization capacity of the cryopreserved spermatozoa was significantly higher ( P < 0.05) in the antioxidant-treated group compared to the control group. In conclusion, supplementation of GSH and AA in freezing medium has a synergistic and beneficial effect on the quality and fertility of cryopreserved Black Bengal buck spermatozoa.

Source: Veterinary and Animal Science

DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2025.100549

Authors: Md. Abul Bashar, Mst. Mahomudha Akhtar, Shahanaj Ferdousi Shejuty, Gautam Kumar Deb, Sadek Ahmed, M. A. M. Yahia Khandoker

Institutions: Bangladesh Agricultural University, Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute

Language: English

Topic: Sperm and Testicular Function

Subfield: Reproductive Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,780