A review of the use of antioxidants in bovine sperm preparation protocols

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress (OS), the imbalance between the production of free radicals and the cellular antioxidant defenses, are discussed in relation to their role in bovine sperm physiology. Oxidative stress has been associated to male infertility and low fertility rates in Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART). Antioxidant supplementation is an interesting approach to overcome OS-related infertility and assisted reproduction drawbacks. Several studies have been conducted to identify the potential sources of ROS in a typical ART setting and the impact of antioxidant supplementation on semen quality and pregnancy outcome. Procedures such as freezing and thawing, centrifugation and incubation are thought to produce significant amounts of ROS with a negative impact on sperm quality parameters and reproductive compe-tence. Given the important role of ROS in sperm function, the addition of antioxidants in sperm media to prevent OS and to improve the reproductive outcome requires attention. Currently, there is limited evidence to support the ameliorative effect of antioxidant supplementation on fertilization and embryo development in farm animals. This review summarizes the different types and concentrations of antioxidants used in sperm preparation media of bovine species and their effectiveness in neutralizing excessive ROS production while preserving physiological sperm function.

Automated summary

This review discusses the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress (OS) in bovine sperm physiology, highlighting their association with male infertility and low fertility rates in Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART). Antioxidant supplementation is considered as a potential solution to overcome OS-related infertility and improve assisted reproduction outcomes. The article summarizes different studies that have investigated the potential sources of ROS in ART settings and the impact of antioxidant supplementation on semen quality and pregnancy outcome, particularly in farm animals. However, there is limited evidence to support the effectiveness of antioxidant supplementation on fertilization and embryo development in these animals.