Dietary fish oil supplemented with vitamin E improves quality indicators of rooster cold-stored semen through reducing lipid peroxidation

Dietary ratio of linoleic to alpha-linolenic acid affects the reproductive performance of Japanese quail

1. This study was conducted to assess the effects of different dietary omega 6:3 ratios fed to male and female Japanese quail breeders on incubation performance, chick quality and progeny performance.2. A completely randomised design was used, with five diets containing different ratios of vegetable oils rich in linoleic acid (LA from soybean oil) or α-linolenic acid (ALA from linseed oil) with LA/ALA ratios of 13.75:1, 10.69:1, 7.63:1, 4.57:1 and 1.48:1 with 12 cage replicates containing six birds each.3. There was a quadratic effect of the LA/ALA ratio on total hatchability (p < 0.011), fertile hatchability (p = 0.046) and total mortality (p = 0.046). There was no effect on fertility (p > 0.05). The LA/ALA ratios of 1.48 and 13.75 fed to both hens and cockerels or hens resulted in greater fertility, as measured by the number of days after copulation during which fertile eggs were laid and the number of points of hydrolysis on the perivitelline membrane. A decreasing linear effect (p < 0.0001) was observed on chick length and an increasing linear effect on body weight at 1 day of age. There were no effects on progeny performance.4. The LA/ALA ratio affected yolk mineral matter (p = 0.009), crude protein (p = 0.091), chick mineral matter (p < 0.038) and ether extract (p < 0.0001) contents. Maternal diet affected the fatty acid profile of egg yolk and chick liver, indicating that dietary contents were transferred to eggs and chicks.5. Fertile egg production increased with lower LA/ALA ratios. Therefore, linseed oil can be used together with soybean oil to formulate diets for female Japanese quail obtain LA/ALA ratios between 4:1 and 10:1.

Mitochondria-targeted antioxidant "MitoQ" improves rooster's cooled sperm quality indicators and reproductive performance

The cell membrane of rooster sperm is sensitive to cold due to the high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are very susceptible to lipid peroxidation. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of different concentrations of the mitochondrial-targeting antioxidant "MitoQ" on sperm quality and fertility potential of chilled semen in roosters. Semen samples were collected from 10 roosters, diluted in Lake extender, assigned into 5 groups according to MitoQ concentrations (0, 1, 10, 100 and 1000 nM MitoQ) and stored at 5 ^°C up to 48 h. Motility, mitochondrial activity, viability, membrane integrity, and lipid peroxidation were assessed at 0, 24, and 48 h of cold storage periods. In addition, the fertility potential was assessed using 24 h-cooled semen samples. Our results showed that extender supplementation with MitoQ had no effect (P > 0.05) on chilled semen samples quality parameters at time 0, while at times 24 and 48 h storage, samples contained 100 nM MitoQ presented higher (P ≤ 0.05) total motility, progressive motility, viability and membrane integrity compared to the other groups. In addition, semen samples containing 10 and 100 nM MitoQ showed higher (P ≤ 0.05) mitochondrial activity and lower (P ≤ 0.05) lipid peroxidation than other groups at 24 and 48 h storage. Fertility rate was higher (P ≤ 0.05) when the hens were artificially inseminated with 24 h-chilled semen samples containing 100 nM MitoQ. In conclusion, supplementing Lake Extender with 100 nM MitoQ could be a helpful strategy to preserve chilled semen quality and fertility potential in the rooster.

Nutraceuticals and phytotherapeutics for holistic management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis" (ALS) is a progressive neuronal disorder that affects sensory neurons in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control. Moreover, additional neuronal subgroups as well as glial cells such as microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes are also thought to play a role in the aetiology. The disease affects upper motor neurons and lowers motor neurons and leads to that either lead to muscle weakness and wasting in the arms, legs, trunk and periventricular area. Oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, programmed cell death, altered neurofilament activity, anomalies in neurotransmission, abnormal protein processing and deterioration, increased inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction may all play a role in the progression of ALS. There are presently hardly FDA-approved drugs used to treat ALS, and they are only beneficial in slowing the progression of the disease and enhancing functions in certain individuals with ALS, not really in curing or preventing the illness. These days, researchers focus on understanding the pathogenesis of the disease by targeting several mechanisms aiming to develop successful treatments for ALS. This review discusses the epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, clinical features, pathophysiology, and disease management. The compilation focuses on alternative methods for the management of symptoms of ALS with nutraceuticals and phytotherapeutics.

Effect of dietary n-3 fatty acid and rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) supplementation on semen quality, sperm fatty acids and reproductive performance of aged male broiler breeders

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of dietary fish oil (FO) and rooibos supplementation on semen quality, fatty acids composition and reproductive performance of aged male broiler breeders. Seventy-two 47-week-old Ross broiler breeder roosters were randomly assigned to a 2 × 3 factorial arrangements to include two FO concentrations (0% and 2%) and 3 rooibos concentrations (0%, 1.5% and 3%) for 13 weeks consecutive. The different diets affected semen parameters significantly (p < 0.05), except for the semen concentration and abnormality of the sperm. The sperm of the FO and 3% rooibos-treated group showed better motility and viability when compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). The susceptibility of semen to lipid peroxidation was increased in roosters fed the rooibos-free diets (p < 0.05), but it was reduced (p < 0.05) when the diet was supplemented with 1.5% and 3% rooibos. In addition, at 64 weeks, the highest concentration of testosterone was observed in the roosters fed a diet that included 2% FO and 3% rooibos (p < 0.05); however, the difference in testosterone levels between Week 52 and Week 64 was not significant (p > 0.05). The fertility rate of collected eggs from the FO and 3% rooibos group was higher (p < 0.05) than that of the other groups at the end of the experiment. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of FO along with rooibos improved seminal quality and reproduction performance in aged roosters.

Semen quality and sperm characteristics in broiler breeder cockerels fed vitamin E during hot season

Thirty-two Arbor Acres (AA) cockerels aged 27 weeks were used to determine the effect of vitamin E (VE) on the semen characteristics and sperm quality during hot season. The birds were fed diets containing 0, 50, 100 and 150mg VE kg-1 feed. There were 4 replicates and two birds per replicate. Semen collection was done thrice a week for three weeks in all birds. Dietary vitamin E significantly (p < 0.05) increased the semen volume (SV) and number of sperm cells (NS) in AA cockerels. CONTROL birds (0.71 mL) had lower SV than birds fed 150 mg VE (0.94 mL). Birds on 100 and 150 mg VE recorded similar NS, which was higher than 0 and 50 mg VE groups. The least NS was in the CONTROL group. Sperm abnormality gradually (p < 0.05) decreased as dietary VE increased from 0 to 150 mg. Significant (p < 0.01) effect of dietary VE was recorded in percentage live sperm (PLS). Semen from cockerels on VE treatment had higher PLS than the CONTROL. In conclusion, it may be beneficial to supplement the broiler breeder cockerel diet with VE up to 150 mg kg-1 feed during hot season as it increased SV, NS and PLS and decreased sperm abnormality.

Effect of vitamin E supplementation on chicken sperm quality: A meta-analysis

Background and Aim:

Among several factors, the sperm quality of poultry is affected by the rooster’s body size and the availability of antioxidants like vitamin E. This study aimed to determine the effect of dietary vitamin E supplementation on rooster sperm quality through a meta-analysis.

Materials and Methods:

After verification and evaluation, a total of 19 articles were included in this study. Data, including dietary vitamin E, semen volume, concentration, total sperm cells, pH, motility, viability, percentage of dead and abnormal sperm, vitamin E sperm content, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and testosterone levels, were tabulated in a database; these were subsequently analyzed using mixed modeling with vitamin E dose as a fixed effect and study identity as a random effect.

Results:

Dietary supplementation level of vitamin E significantly (p<0.001) affected sperm concentration, significantly affected motility (p<0.001), significantly affected sperm vitamin E (p<0.001), significantly affected viability (p<0.001), and significantly affected chicken sperm fertility (p=0.001). Vitamin E administration also significantly reduced the number of sperm cell deaths (p<0.001); however, increased dietary levels of vitamin E did not affect semen volume (p=0.853), pH (p=0.951), MDA (p=0.542), the percentage of abnormal sperm cells (p=0.343), nor testosterone levels (p=0.063).

Conclusion:

Dietary vitamin E supplementation is recommended for male chickens since it generally enhances the quality of their sperm.

Flaxseed Oil as a Source of Omega n-3 Fatty Acids to Improve Semen Quality from Livestock Animals: A Review

Simple Summary

In response to the conservation of threatened livestock species, different strategies to improve semen quality have been developed. However, spermatozoa remain sensitive to cryopreservation damages especially that of avian species, thus limiting the use of reproductive biotechnologies such as artificial insemination in the conservation programs. Improving semen quality through dietary inclusion of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids sources mainly omega n-3 has received research interest. This review explains the role of flaxseed oil as a source of omega n-3 fatty acids to improve semen quality. Comprehensive information elaborated in this review is believed to promote the use of flaxseed oil as an alternative source of omega n-3 fatty acids to fish oil. This is because fisheries are over-exploited and could collapse.

Abstract

The demand to conserve indigenous species through the cryo-gene bank is increasing. Spermatozoa remain sensitive to cryopreservation damages especially that of avian species thus limiting the use of reproductive biotechnologies such as artificial insemination in the conservation programs. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFAs), specifically omega n-3, expanded a research interest to improve animal reproductive efficiency through improving spermatozoa quality. This is driven by the fact that mammals cannot synthesize omega-3 de-novo because they lack delta-12 and delta-15 desaturase enzymes thus supplemented in the diet is mandatory. Delta-12 and delta-15 add a double bond at the 12th and 15th carbon-carbon bond from the methyl end of fatty acids, lengthening the chain to 22 carbon molecules. Fish oil is a pioneer source of omega n-3 and n-6 fatty acids. However, there is a report that numerous fisheries are over-exploited and could collapse. Furthermore, processing techniques used for processing by-products could complement alterations of the amino acid profile and reduce protein retrieval. Alternatively, flaxseed oil contains ±52–58% of total fatty acids and lignans in the form of α-linolenic and linoleic acid. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA,18:3n-3) is enzymatically broken-down de-novo by delta-6 desaturase and lengthened into a long-chain carbon molecule such as eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n-3). Nevertheless, controversial findings following the enrichment of diet with flaxseed oil have been reported. Therefore, this paper is aimed to postulate the role of flaxseed oil as an alternative source of omega n-3 and n-6 fatty acids to improve semen quality and quantity from livestock animals. These include the interaction between docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and spermatogenesis, the interaction between docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and testicular cells, and the effect of flaxseed oil on semen quality. It additionally assesses the antioxidants to balance the level of PUFAs in the semen.

The cryoprotective effect of vitamins on human spermatozoa quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The Cryopreservation of spermatozoa ensures preserving fertility potential after some medical treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy in cancer patients. However, many spermatozoa encounter serious damages, and their motility and viability decrease considerably after thawing. The excessive production of reactive oxygen species is one of the major causes of these damages. The supplementation of cryopreservation media with vitamins, which are well-known antioxidants, can reduce cryopreservation-induced damages. In this systematic review, we aimed to evaluate the cryoprotective effect of various vitamins on the quality of cryopreserved-thawed human spermatozoa. Two researchers searched PubMed, ISI, and Scopus databases up to March 2020. All original articles using vitamins in human spermatozoa cryopreservation media were included. We used a standardized form to extract sample size and to determine sample quality, the type and dose of vitamins, and the cryopreservation methods and their effects. We performed a meta-analysis on studies with available data (Mean + SD in cryoprotectant and cryoprotectant + cryoprotectant groups). We also performed a test of between-study heterogeneity, subgroup analysis, and meta-regression. Out of 258 studies, 16 articles were included for the analysis. Our meta-analysis revealed that using vitamins in cryopreservation media could increase motility by 4.60% (95% CI 6.16, 3.05; P = 0.0001), viability by 5.71% (95% CI 9.71, 1.72; P = 0.0001), and DNA integrity by 10.20% (95% CI 12.98, 7.42; P = 0.0001) in cryopreserved-thawed spermatozoa. We found a significant correlation between using vitamins and improved spermatozoa quality; the sperm motility and viability were improved and DNA fragmentation was reduced after thawing by vitamins. However, we could not emphasize on any type or dose of vitamins but we conclude that the anti-oxidative function of vitamins is the main reason for these benefits.

Effects of vitamin E on neurodegenerative diseases: an update

Vitamin E deficiency is associated with many neurological problems. Although the mechanisms of vitamin E action in neurodegenerative diseases are not clear, there are many possible mechanisms. Examples of such mechanisms are the protective effects of vitamin E against oxidative stress damage and its suppressive role in the expression of many genes involved in the development of neurodegeneration. Many studies have evaluated the relationship between vitamin E intake or vitamin E levels in body fluids and neurodegenerative diseases. Some studies concluded that vitamin E can play a protective role in neurodegeneration with respect to diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), stroke and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Vitamin E supplementation was also associated with risk factors for some neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we discuss the possible effects of vitamin E on the development and course of AD, PD, stroke and ALS, and the potential mechanisms involved.

Vitamin E deficiency is associated with many neurological problems. Although the mechanisms of vitamin E action in neurodegenerative diseases are not clear, there are many possible mechanisms. Examples of such mechanisms are the protective effects of vitamin E against oxidative stress damage and its suppressive role in the expression of many genes involved in the development of neurodegeneration. Many studies have evaluated the relationship between vitamin E intake or vitamin E levels in body fluids and neurodegenerative diseases. Some studies concluded that vitamin E can play a protective role in neurodegeneration with respect to diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), stroke and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Vitamin E supplementation was also associated with risk factors for some neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we discuss the possible effects of vitamin E on the development and course of AD, PD, stroke and ALS, and the potential mechanisms involved.

Supplementation of ram's semen extender with Mito-TEMPO I: Improvement in quality parameters and reproductive performance of cooled-stored semen

Supplementation of cooling medium with some antioxidants could be a helpful way to improve sperm quality during chilling process. The current study was aimed to assess the influence of using Mito-TEMPO in cooling medium on quality parameters and reproductive performance of sheep semen during chilling process. In this study, diluted semen samples were assigned into 5 parts, and received 0, 0.5, 5, 50 and 500 μM Mito-TEMPO. The prepared samples were stored at 5 °C up to 48 h. Chilled sperm motility, viability, abnormal morphology, mitochondrial membrane potential, membrane functionality and malondialdehyde concentration were assessed during 0, 24 and 48 h. For evaluation of reproductive performance, artificial insemination was performed via 24 h-chilled semen. In results, at time 0, no difference was observed among groups. Using 5 and 50 μM Mito-TEMPO resulted in higher (P ≤ 0.05) cooled sperm total motility, progressive motility, membrane functionality, viability and lower malondialdehyde concentration than the other groups during 24 and 48 h storage. The rate of mitochondrial membrane potential was greater (P ≤ 0.05) in treated groups with 5, 50 and 500 μM Mito-TEMPO. Pregnancy, parturition and lambing rates were higher (P ≤ 0.05) when ewes were inseminated with 24 h-chilled semen samples containing 5 and 50 μM Mito-TEMPO compared to the control group. Therefore, supplementation of cooling medium with Mito-TEMPO (5 and 50 μM) could be an efficient method to improve the quality and reproductive efficiency of ram's cooled semen during storage period.

Nutritional modulation of fertility in male poultry

The increased consumption of protein derived from poultry demands greater poultry production, but increased poultry production (meat and eggs) is dependent on the fertility of the parent flocks. Clearly, the fertility of poultry flocks is associated with the fertility of both males and females, but the low numbers of males used for natural or artificial insemination mean that their role is more important. Thus, enhancing the semen volume, sperm concentration, viability, forward motility, and polyunsaturated fatty acids in sperm, as well as protecting against oxidative damage, could help to optimize the sperm membrane functionality, mitochondrial activity, and sperm-egg penetration, and thus fertility. Therefore, this review summarizes the nutritional factors that could improve the fertility of poultry males as well as their associated mechanisms to allow poultry producers to overcome low-fertility problems, especially in aging poultry males, thereby obtaining beneficial impacts on the poultry production industry.

The mitochondria-targeted antioxidant Mito-TEMPO conserves rooster's cooled semen quality and fertility potential

The PUFAs content of rooster sperm cells makes them vulnerable to the thermal shocks during chilling storage, which reduces the fertility performance of cooled sperm. Extender supplementation with antioxidants is a reasonable method to conserve sperm fertility potential during cooling storage process. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Mito-TEMPO addition to the Lake medium on rooster sperm quality and fertility potential during cooling process. Semen samples were diluted in the Lake medium and assigned into five equal aliquots and supplemented with 0, 0.5, 5, 50 and 500 μM Mito-TEMPO. Then, the samples were cooled at 5 °C and conserved up to 50 h. Total motility, progressive motility, morphology, viability, membrane integrity, lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial activity of samples were analyzed during 0, 25 and 50 h of cooling period. Artificial insemination was also conducted using 25 h-cooled semen. No significant difference was observed among different treatments during quality evaluations at 0 h storage. Extender supplementation with 5 and 50 μM Mito-TEMPO presented greater (P ≤ 0.05) total motility, progressive motility, viability, membrane integrity and lower lipid peroxidation compared to other groups during 25 and 50 h cooling storage. Mitochondrial activity was higher (P ≤ 0.05) in groups received 5, 50 and 500 μM Mito-TEMPO than others. Fertility rate of 25 h-cooled-stored samples was higher (P ≤ 0.05) in groups containing 5 and 50 μM Mito-TEMPO compared to control group. In conclusion, addition of 5 and 50 μM Mito-TEMPO as a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant to the storage medium could be a suitable method to conserve rooster semen quality against stressful conditions of cooling storage process.

Residual effect after salmon oil supplementation on semen quality and serum levels of testosterone in dogs

The objective of present study was to evaluate the effects of oral supplementation of salmon oil on seminal parameters and testosterone serum levels in dogs, following also the residual effects for 60 days after treatment. Nine healthy male dogs with proven fertility, weighing between 10 and 36 kg, ageing from 2 to 11 years, of different breeds, fed diets supplemented with salmon oil at the manufacturer's recommended dosage. The parameters measured were sperm volume, motility, vigour, normal morphology and concentration, live/dead ratio, membrane viability by means of HOST test and serum testosterone levels. Evaluations occurred at baseline (D0), after 90 days of supplementation (D90) and at the end of the experiment, 60 days after supplementation cessation (D150). Results (mean ± SD) obtained at time D0, D90 and D150 were as follows: motility of 76.66% ± 13.7, 92.77 ± 4.41 and 93.0 ± 7.90 (p = .001); normal spermatozoa of 69.11% ± 24.90, 90.00% ± 5.15 and 80.66 ± 16.04 (p = .05); live/dead (%) from 64.44 ± 22.86 to 85.33 ± 8.41 (p = .001); and spermatozoa (%) with integral membrane in the membrane integrity (HOST) test ranging from 76.44 ± 20.74 to 91.22 ± 4.68 (p = .05). Serum levels of testosterone (ng/ml) increased from 5.50 ± 1.13 to 8.84 ± 1.13 at D90 (p = .003) and decreased after 2 months (D150) to 5.13 ± 1.13. In conclusion, a 90-day supplementation with salmon oil had a positive influence on semen quality and serum testosterone levels. The supplementation of omegas 3 and 6 at the ratio of 10:1 for 90 days determined an increase in concentration and motility of the sperm, and these effects were maintained for 60 days, with the only exception of testosterone levels.

Dietary supplementation with linseed oil improves semen quality, reproductive hormone, gene and protein expression related to testosterone synthesis in aging layer breeder roosters

Omega-3/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3/n-3 PUFAs) play an important role in male reproductive function. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of linseed oil (LO) as a source of α-linolenic acid (ALA, n-3 PUFA) on semen quality, plasma reproductive hormone and expression of key enzyme and protein related to steroidogenesis in aging layer breeder roosters. Ninety-six 57-wk-old Nongda No.3 layer breeder roosters were randomly assigned into one of four dietary treatments. All birds were fed a basal diet for 1wk and then assigned to a corn-soybean meal-based diet containing 0, 1, 2, 4% LO for 4 wk. After feeding trial, the roosters were slaughtered and investigated. The results showed that semen volume was dramatically increased relative to the other treatments in 2% LO group (P < 0.05). With an increase in dietary LO, semen concentration, sperm viability, sperm motility and total sperm count increased linearly (P < 0.05). Plasma follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level increased gradually and reached a maximum when 4% LO was fed (P < 0.01). Plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in 1% and 2% LO group were improved significantly (P < 0.05) relative to the control group. Plasma testosterone (T) levels were remarkably improved compared with the control when birds were fed 2% and 4% LO (P < 0.05). A significant increase of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) mRNA expression in 2% and 4% LO group was observed relative to the control group (P < 0.05). An increase in dietary LO supplementation from 1% to 4% markedly enhanced (P < 0.05) the mRNA expression of cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) compared to the control. A significant increase (P < 0.05) in the Steroidogenic Factor 1 (SF-1) mRNA levels was observed in the 2% and 4% LO-added groups. SF-1 protein expression was markedly increased by adding LO in diets (P < 0.05), and reached a maximum in 2% LO group. In conclusion, the results above suggest that dietary LO may improve semen quality by increasing the T hormone secretion, which may be related to higher StAR and P450scc mRNA expression and SF-1 expression. These findings provide a potential for using LO to attenuate the age-related sub-fertility in commercial layer breeder roosters.

Improvement of rooster semen quality using coenzyme Q10 during cooling storage in the Lake extender

Sensitivity of rooster semen to stressful condition of cooling restricts the semen storage in commercial flocks for artificial insemination. This study was accomplished to investigate the effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) addition to the Lake extender during chilled-storage on the parameters of sperm quality and fertility performance. Roosters' pooled semen samples were assigned into equal parts and diluted with Lake extender supplemented with different concentrations of CoQ10 (0, 1, 2, 5 and 10 μM CoQ10). Then, semen samples were cooled to 5 °C and stored over 48 h. Total and progressive motilities, abnormal morphology, viability, membrane functionality, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and mitochondria active potential of diluted sperm were evaluated at 0, 24 and 48 h of cooling storage. Fertility performance of cooled stored semen was examined at 24 h of cooling storage. Although CoQ10 did not affect sperm quality at the starting time of cooling storage (0 h), extender supplementation with 5 μM of CoQ10 showed higher (P ≤ 0.05) sperm total and progressive motilities, membrane functionality, viability and mitochondria active potential at 24 h as well as total motility, viability and membrane functionality at 48 h in contrast with other groups. Moreover, lipid peroxidation was lower (P ≤ 0.05) in semen samples diluted with 5 μM CoQ10 at 24 and 48 h compared to others. After artificial insemination with 24 h chilled-stored sperm, fertility efficiency was higher (P ≤ 0.05) in treatments contained 5 μM CoQ10 compared to the control group. According to the results, using optimum dose of CoQ10 could be helpful to save rooster semen against chilled storage structural and functional damages.