Reproductive system in most eutherian species, especially the male gonads, is impacted with free radical-induced oxidative stress (OS). The reasons may be very high rate of cellular division and oxygen consumption by mitochondria, presence of increasing number of leucocytes
(Kujur et al., 2022) and rich polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in spermatozoa cellular compartments especially membranes which is the primary site of action for lipid peroxidation (LPO) (
Aitken and others, 2006). The cytoplasm is limited to the mid-piece and contains insufficient antioxidant systems to provide a suitable protection against free- radical mediated cellular injury (boar,
Gadea et al., 2004, bull,
Biolodeau et al., 2000; Stradaioli et al., 2007). Moreover, reduction in superoxide dismutase (SOD) by 50% in bull semen stored for protracted period increased the probability of OS
(Biolodeau et al., 2000). The problem is further compounded by low oxygen pressure due to weakness of testicular artery increasing the competition for available oxygen. All such factors cause OS. Over 80 years before,
MacLeod (1943) indicated oxidative stress as an important factor in disruption of sperm function in humans. His observations were later found to be true in the semen of livestock and laboratory animals (
Tosic and Walton, 1950). Oxidative stress is caused by the increased presence of several reactive oxygen (ROS) or nitrogen (RNS) species consisting of peroxides, superoxide anions, nitric oxide, hydroxyl radicle and singlet oxygen, resulting from inability of the biological system to counterbalance it. Such highly reactive free radicals haveone or more unpaired electrons derived from oxygen metabolism (
Halliwell, 2006). Though at physiological and controlled concentrations of free radicals play an important role in spermatozoa physiological processes such as capacitation, acrosome reactionand signalling processes to ensure fertilization (
Bansal and Bilaspuri, 2011), the problem arises at the overproduction which can trigger pathological processes
(Agarwal et al., 2003). In more serious cases unchecked attack of free radicals of testicular cells tissues cause serious damage with consequentimpaired spermatogenesis. It is, thus, obvious that cellular damage can only occur when balance between production of free radicals and its subsequent metabolism for appropriate gonadal function on one hand and inability of the biological system to detoxify excess of it on the other happens
(Romeo et al., 2004). Certain endogenous and exogenous conditions such as DNA damage, exposure to heat stress, senility, or radiation or other causes may alter the fine balance between free radical production, its physiological use and its counteraction
(Srivastava et al., 2017). In such a scenario, antioxidants such as enzymes added in the semen can come handy by either decreasing the production of free radicals or counterbalancing it. Physiologically a mammalian body’s defences against free radicals can be either the preventive antioxidant system or the scavenging antioxidant system or both. In the former, antioxidant enzymes such as Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), catalaseand Glutathione Peroxidase (GPX)play a major role
(Bahmani et al., 2015), whereas in the later prevention of lipid per oxidation of sperm membranes and other testicular cells which are rich in poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) takes place. The prevention of oxidation by the enzyme-system includes decreasing the chain formation by finding primer free radicals or by stabilizing metal radicals (copper and iron). In scavenging antioxidant system vitamins such as C and E neutralize free radicals and obliterate them from damaging the spermatozoa or other gonadal cells. In the situations when body’s cellular mechanisms is not able to cope with the disturbances in the anti-oxidant mechanism the use of antioxidant supplements such as enzymes, vitamins, hormones (melatonin,
Kumar et al., 2016) or amino acids (Cysteine,
Arunpandian et al., 2022) may be a practical solution. It is to be noted that seminal OS status is emerging as a significant diagnostic and prognostic tool in assisted reproductive technology. Therefore, precise determination of OS may help to develop strategies to reduce OS during extension and cryopreservation of bovine semen. In this brief review, an attempt has been made to delineate the causes of OS on testicular and spermatozoa function, its ameliorative measures and significance of various procedure of measuring OS in semen samples and their comparative analyses is provided.
Free radicals inducedmorphological alterations in
Spermatozoa
Recent studies have shown an imbalance in either the production or degradation of ROS may have serious adverse effects on sperm. Free-radical induced damage to spermatozoa includes mitochondrial impairment
(Baumber et al., 2000), nucleic acid fragmentation (
Morte and others, 2008) and oxidative breakdown of fatty acids and amino acids
(Aitken et al., 1989; Mammato et al., 1996), all of which individually or collectively are associated with loss of spermatozoa motility. Furthermore there may be decreased capacity for sperm-oocyte fusion (
Guthrie and Welch, 2006;
Ahmad et al., 2015), resulting in poor fertilization rates and alterations during embryogenesis (
Lewis and Aitken, 2005;
Simoes et al., 2013). Various authors have opined that free radicals attack the integrity of DNA in the spermatozoa nucleus by causing base modifications, DNA strand breaksand chromatin cross-linking
(Said et al., 2005). In vivo, such damage may not be of much importance as damaged spermatozoa may be incapable to participate in the fertilization process
(Cocuzza et al., 2007). However, during sperm storage by either cooling or cryopreservation such safeguards are hacked off, particularly in situations where much of seminal plasma isseparated from ejaculates
e.g. spermatozoa washing or at semen extension, for, much of the antioxidant capacity in semen resides with seminal plasma. One must also keep in mind the particular morphology of spermatozoa where in tail or acrosome does not contain much of cytoplasm, thus resulting in failure of endogenous antioxidants in cells.
Lipid per oxidation in the spermatozoa membrane by free radicals can disrupt fluidity and permeability of cell membranes, exposing exposure of the entire cell to risk.Malondialdehyde (MDA) molecules produced due to the degradation of the peroxides of unsaturated fatty acids penetrate cell membrane structures causing asymmetric distribution of lipid membrane components. This results in reducing sperm-oocyte interaction, particularly zona binding of spermatozoa. Thus, in recent times, the per oxidation induced damage to testicular function is most commonly investigated area (
Pel tola et al., 1994), with MDA used as a marker (biomarker) to determine the rate of oxidative damage to spermatozoa lipids
Aetiology of testicular oxidative stress
Though endogenous antioxidants play a vital role in protecting gonadal function during spermatogenesis and thereafter, a plethora of internal and external factors can alter the fine balance between free radicals and antioxidants defence mechanism resulting in oxidative stress (Fig 1).
High testicular temperature
Any factor that cause abnormal increase in testicular temperature can lead to testicular OSas they decrease SOD and catalase function (
Ahotupa et al., 1992). This may arise due to increases in the H
2O
2 level and increased rate of apoptosis. The temperature- humidity index is a common measure of summer stress in animals to measure the output of animals raised in subtropical and tropical climates. Environmental factors such as extreme heat waves have a negative impact on animal reproductive efficiency
(Arunpandian et al., 2022).
Infection/ injury
Any inflammatory condition of the testicles causes a significant increase in leucocytes, increased expression of inflammatory genes
(Allen et al., 2004), decrease in testosterone production, lipid per-oxidation in Leydig cell membrane and considerable increase in steroid making and beta-hydroxyl dehydrogenase activity leading to disturbed spermatogenesis
(Reddy et al., 2006). Moreover, Cholesterol transport activity required for maintaining membrane fluidity is also inhibited (
Husain and Somani, 1998).
Reproductive hormones disharmony
Exposure of the male gonads to harmful chemicals may negatively affect antioxidant activity
e.g. administration of dimethane sulfanate can cause inhibition of expression of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase, SOD and catalase and decrease in testosterone concentration, disturbance in spermatogenesis and increase in cell apoptosis in testicles (
Zini and Sclegel, 2003). Similarly, chronic administration of human chorionic gonadotropin may cause excessive production of free-radicals in male gonads and subsequent increase in lipid per-oxidation, induction of apoptosis of germinal cells and disturbances in spermatogenesis
(Gautam et al., 2007). In concurrence,
Gupta and others (2022) concluded that OS and hormonal imbalance might resultin high number of dead and defective spermatozoa, with resultant poor quality semen ejaculates.
Xenobytes effect
It refers to the effect induced by the chronic accumulation of residues of antibiotics, other drugs and chemicals in the body.
Ozyurt et al., (2006) demonstrated a wide spectrum of xenobytes causing testicular OS alongside suppressing antioxidant mechanism.
Exposure to toxins
Exposure of foraging animals to a variety of accumulated toxins is foregone conclusion, more so because of their dependence on fodder, such as pesticides, industrial waste, or wastage from heavy machinery (brake oils). Accumulation of such toxins in the body can cause testicular OS and consequently disturbance in spermatogenesis. For example mice treated with certain pesticides such as hexachlorocyclohexane (
Samanta and Chainy, 1997) and industrial pollutants such as 3,1-dinitrobenzene or nonylphenol
(Han et al., 2004) exhibited a significant increase in testicular OS, injury to germ cells and apoptosis. Methoxyethanol, a glycol etherand its main metabolite, methoxyacid, used in brake oilsand colours can increase in testicular OS and atrophy
(McClusky et al., 2007).Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to high concentration of particular metals such as iron and cadmium can cause OS (
Koizumi and Li, 1992). Also, prolonged exposure to lead causes decline in testicular sperm output, increase in production of sperm free radicals, decrease in epididymal sperm motility and increase in lipid per-oxidation
(Hsu et al., 1997; Marchlewicz et al., 2007).
Varicocele
Varicocele found less commonly in bulls, is the dilation of spermatic vein in the testicle thereby increasing testicular blood flow and subsequently testicular temperature. It affects spermatogenesis process by creating OS, greater DNA damage and loss of seminal plasma antioxidants
(Asmis et al., 2006).
Radiation
Exposure of testicular tissueand spermatozoa to the ionizing radiation can be associated with OS
(Manda et al., 2007), which may induce permanent damage. On the other hand, Sertoli and Leydig cells seem to be relatively resistant to X-ray, which following exposure can be restored to health by use of antioxidants
(Lee et al., 2002; Ahotupa and Huhtaniemi 1992).
Senility
As far as breeding bulls are concerned senilityand its associated problems are not much to bother about, for, a strict breeding and culling policy is in place. However, in certain exceptional cases when elite bulls with a very high genetic merit are used well beyond its production age certain age related problem may arise. In agreement, a well documented study in rats by
Syntin et al., (2001) showed with increasing age the expression of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants decreasesand also the level of glutathione, an antioxidant decreases. Different authors have opined that degenerative changes such as appearance of vacuoles in germinal cells in testicular tissue and decline in sperm quality in rats are associated with advancing age. This effect is further exaggerated by decline in number of germinal cells with advancing age
(Luo et al., 2006).
Testicular torsion
Testicular torsion is a condition not so often encountered in bulls. However, its occurrence coincides with disturbed testicular blood flowwith increase in levels of OS in the testicles of the same side, increase in production of NO and H
2O
2, formation of lipids peroxidation, accumulation of isoprostane, decrease in antioxidant enzymesand increase in apoptosis rate (
Anderson and Williamson, 1990). Corrections of testicular torsion requires corrective measures within 3-4 hours to avoid permanent testicle shrinkage. The ill effects of ischaemic condition can be minimized by providing supplements such as resveratrol, L-carnitine, selenium, caffeic acid phenethyl ester and Allium sativum extract
(Sarica et al., 1997).
Hyperthyroidism
This is another condition not frequently encountered in the bulls. However, when it occurs it is associated with OS, an increase in lipid per-oxidation and GSH level, arising due to increased mitochondrial activity and concurrent release of electrons from mitochondrial electron transport chain due to increased production of thyroxine
(Sahoo et al., 2007). Administration of melatoninand antioxidant may be used as a therapeutic measure.
Minimization of the ill effects of free radicals on spermatozoa and testicular function
Seminal plasma of bulls contains antioxidant compounds that protect spermatozoa against OS and in the process offset deficiency of sperm cytoplasmic enzymes. A group of enzymatic antioxidants present in seminal plasma of bulls include superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) (
Bansal and Bilaspuri, 2011,
Srivastava et al., 2016). It also contains certain non-enzymatic antioxidants such as taurine, pyruvate, ureate, ascorbate and a-tocopherol.
To counteract and minimize the oxidative damage to live spermatozoa several investigators have used different techniques with varying success rate (Fig 2). The addition of antioxidants in the semen extender is a well-known method of the minimization of OSon the spermatozoa during storage. Antioxidants, in general, are the compounds which dispose, scavengeand suppress the formation of ROS, or oppose their actions.
Addition of anti-oxidants in the semen
The imbalance of the free-radicals is corrected by supplementation of the semen extenders with either enzymatic or non-enzymatic anti-oxidants in liquid stored semen
(Agarwal et al., 2014) or frozen thawed semen (
Bathgate, 2011) which have proven to be effective in relieving the OS.
Enzymatic anti-oxidants
Enzymatic anti-oxidants are the natural anti-oxidants which neutralize the excess ROS and prevent further damage to the cellular structures. The enzymatic anti-oxidants consists of SOD, catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) (
Bansal and Bilaspuri, 2011) that prevent damage to cell structure and causes the reduction of hydrogen peroxide into water and alcohol. High concentration of glutathione is found in genital tract and epididymal fluids of bull (
Agrawal and Vanha Perttula, 1988). Furthermore, this enzyme protects spermatozoa against O
2 toxicity and lipid membrane against per-oxidation. Catalase decomposes H
2O
2 into O
2 and H
2O and separates the superoxide anion produced by NADPH oxidase from neutrophils and protects spermatozoids against OS.Supplementation of bull semen with GSH improved the seminal characteristics and in vitrofertilization rate
(Gadea et al., 2008) but there was not much beneficial effect in field AI trials
(Tuncer et al., 2010). Meanwhile, SOD supplemented with a comparably higher amount than other antioxidant enzymes leads to conversion of superoxide (NO
2) anion into O
2 and H
2O
2.
Ngou et al., (2020) explored the applicability of Oxyrase as an oxygen scavenging agent and showed it can preserve the post-thaw quality of Sahiwal bull spermatozoa. Oxyrase is an enzyme derived from
E. coli cell membrane electron transport system, which in the presence of hydrogen donor substrate like Lactate, decreases oxygen of solutions to lower levels (
Kressin et al., 1997).
Non-enzymatic antioxidants
In addition to containing enzymatic antioxidants, semen has a number of non-enzymatic antioxidants such as vitamins-A, -C and -E ascorbate, pyruvate, ubiquinole, glutathione, albumin, ureate, taurineand hypotaurine, each of which plays a vital part in fighting OS
(Sheweitta et al., 2005). Moreover, a small quantity of glutathione found in a number of cellsreacts directly with ROS. Glutathione is a cofactor for GPX and protects mammalian cells against OS while reducing H
2O
2 and other peroxides. Certain study results show that glutathione exerts protective effects on sperm against freezing and is associated with enhanced sperm motility after freezing. Furthermore, this compound increases enzymatic activity in sheep semen (
Saleh and Agarwal, 2002).Various non-enzymatic or chemical antioxidant supplementations have been attempted by many workers with varying results. Resveratol, a flavonoid inhibited the lipid peroxidation of the ram spermatozoa when incubated at low concentrations (
Sarlos et al., 2002). Quercetin, an another flavonoid having more antioxidant capacity than vitamin C and E improved stallion semen motility, acrosome integrity, zona binding ability and reduced DNA fragmentation in cryopreserved spermatozoa
(Gibb et al., 2013).
Minerals (Zinc and Selenium)
Zinc and the selenium arepotent antioxidant agent. Zinc is a catalyst and a main component of free radical-inhibiting free enzymes such as SOD
(Asadi et al., 2017). It can prevent lipid peroxidation through relocating or transferring metals including iron and copper (
Bray and Bettger, 1990). In concurrence,
Gupta et al., (2020) reported positive relationship between semen quality of bulls with that of seminal zinc concentration. Selenium protects important antioxidants in the body including vitamins C and E and decreases free radical-induced damage. Moreover, selenium plays a part in producing thyroid hormones and contributes to the function of this important gland. Use of vitamin E supplement with selenium considerably reduced Malondialdehyde (MDA), improved sperm motility and viability and protects spermatozoa DNA
(Takasaki et al., 1987).
Vitamins C and E
Vitamin E (a-tocopherol) and Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), potent antioxidant, are the major chain-breaking antioxidant found in the spermatozoa membrane (
Hull et al., 2000). Addition of vitamin E to the semen extender increased the spermatozoa resistance to the lipid per-oxidation (LPO) (
Cerolini et al., 2000). It has been observed that supplementation of vitamin E had the positive effect on the spermatozoa quality, membrane integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential during cryopreservation (
Cerolini et al., 2000;
Pena et al., 2004). Vitamin E, besides being present in the spermatozoa membrane, contributes greatly to the activity of Sertoli cell lines and spermatocytes (
Johnson, 1979). Moreover, use of vitamins E and C is highly effective to fight testicular OS following exposure to oxidants such as arsenic, endosulfan, cadmiumand alcohol. In agreement, investigation showed vitamin E was effective on testicular function through suppressing LPO in testicular and mitochondrial microsomes and fighting adverse effects of OSdue to exposure to certain agents such as ozone gas, iron overload, intense exercise, aflatoxin, cyclophosplamide and formaldehyde (
Verma and Nair, 2001). Moreover, vitamin E activity is complementary to GPX activity, which facilitates the peroxides reduction in seminal cytoplasm. Vitamin C, a water soluble chain breaking antioxidant has ability of scavenging and neutralizing the hydroxyl, superoxide and hydrogen peroxide free radicals and prevents the spermatozoa agglutination
(Agarwal et al., 2004). The incorporation of both vitamin E and C into the semen extenders improved the motility and livability of boar and bull spermatozoa
(Pena et al., 2004; Jeong et al., 2009).
Melatonin
Since melatonin is fat- and water-soluble it can easily pass through testicular blood barrier to protect germinal epithelium thus playing an important physiological role as an antioxidants. Moreover, it shares one electron, rather than two electrons, in oxidation reaction. Therefore, free radicals are more likely to target melatonin, increasing its efficacy as antioxidants. In agreement,
Perumal et al., (2018) demonstrated that administration of slow release exogenous melatonin modulates semen quality and OS profile and
in vitro fertilizing ability of cryopreserved mithun (Bos frontalis) spermatozoa. In humans, intraperitoneally administered melatonin caused reduction in testicular OS after experimental induction of varicocele of the left side
(Awad et al., 2006).
Amino acids and lipids
Arunpandian et al., (2023) evaluated impact of cysteine as a semen additive on mitigating the decline in sperm quality due to summer stress in riverine buffaloes (bubalus bubalis) and observed that the cysteine molecules at 4 mmol concentration produced more pronounced improvement in the freezability potential by countering free-radicals.Albumin is also known to improve the spermatozoa motility, plasma membrane integrity and acrosome intactness during freeze-thaw of the ram semen (
Uysal and Bucak 2007). Albumin also improves the fertility as well as catalase antioxidant activity in the bull semen following freeze-thaw (
Schäfer and Holzmann, 2000).
Katiyar et al., (2022) showed supplementation of Humanin, a mitochondrial derived peptide originally isolated from brain of a patient affected with Alzheimer’s disease, improved the freezability of buffalo spermatozoa and increased the per cent recovery of freezable ejaculates by neutralizing free radicals.
Perumal et al., (2016, 2017) investigated effect of low density lipoproteins as additive in fresh ejaculates and found improvement in quality parameters and biomarkers of OS following cryopreservation of mithun (Bos frontalis) spermatozoa. Cytochrome C, a small protein, is another antioxidant that can effectively reduce testicular H
2O
2. The cytochrome C isoform is considered a potent apoptosis activator and plays a part in increasing the protective capacity of testicular tissue through eliminating damaged germ cells
(Liu et al., 2006).
Mechanical methods of reducing oxygen tension
Pande et al., (2015) investigated the effects of degasification using nitrogen gas on semen quality and OSparameters in frozen-thawed cross bred bull semen and found significant improvement in semen quality. The rationale behind this may be thatliquid N
2 flushingmay have reduced the oxygen tension as well as substantially reduced the metabolic activity of spermatozoa. In agreement, to reduce oxygen tension in the ejaculates of crossbred bull
Bhutia et al., (2021) and
Kumar et al., (2018) attempted partial deoxygenation of semen extender to minimize post-thaw damage of spermatozoaand concluded that reducing the dissolved oxygen level to 4 ppm before cryopreservation improved the freezability by reducing OS and apoptotic changes.
Omerdin et al., (2018) and
Amarjeet et al., (2020c) following their investigation on spermatozoa swim-up technique concluded that enriched spermatozoa had reduced effect of free-radicals in buffalo bull. Since dead and damaged spermatozoa are considered primary source of detrimental free radicals
Amarjeet et al., (2020ab) and
Rautela et al., (2022) attempted to purify fresh semen by depleting the source of ROS itself from fresh ejaculates using nano-technological approach. Their seminal work reported 15-18% improvement in post-thaw semen quality and concluded that nano-technology could be an easy to use approach to improve post-thaw semen quality by minimizing the damaging effect of free radicals in bulls.
Miscellaneous antioxidants
Supplementation of Mito TEMPO, a mitochondria-targeted superoxide dismutase mimetic with effective superoxide scavenging properties and Acetovanillone, a potent NADPH oxidase inhibitor, individually and in combination improved the freezability of buffalo spermatozoa (
Kumar et al., 2021a,
Kumar et al., 2021b). Mito-Tempo has effective superoxide scavenging properties by converting toxic superoxide molecules into hydrogen peroxide or oxygen and subsequently detoxified to oxygen and water by catalase or glutathione peroxidase (
Liang et al., 2010,
Srivastava and Pande, 2016;
Kumar et al., 2022). Acetovanillone (Apocynin) is effective in preventing the production of the cellular superoxide without affecting their functional properties
(Madureira et al., 2020). Curcumin, a lipophilic polyphenol
(Ruby et al., 1995) when supplemented with the bull semen, increased the GSH content of the spermatozoa post-thawing
(Bucak et al., 2012).
Comparative analysis of assays to determine oxidative stress in spermatozoa
Determination of OS in semen is important diagnostic and prognostic tool in infertility/assisted reproductive technology. Thus, precise OS measurement may help to develop strategies to reduce OS during extension and cryopreservation of bovine semen. The measurement of OS/ROS is dependent on the analytic target along with the ROS in question. Also there are numerous methods for measurement of ROS. It can be measured both in neat as well as washed semen samples
Therefore, all assays employed to assess OS of spermatozoa have their own fundamental advantages and disadvantages. The investigator is advised to choose the assay after considering all the information in entirety. Table 1 summarises the pros and cons of various assays employed in measuring OS.