Berean Daniel Ionut, Bogdan Liviu Marian, Cimpean Raluca
Department of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Manastur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Department of Animal Breeding and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Manastur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Antioxidants (Basel). 2024 May 21;13(6):624. doi: 10.3390/antiox13060624.
Cryopreservation poses significant challenges to the preservation of sperm integrity and function, particularly in small ruminants where cryodamage is pronounced. This review explores the molecular mechanisms underlying sperm cryodamage and strategies for improving cryopreservation outcomes, with a focus on the role of antioxidants. Cryopreservation-induced alterations in proteins and RNA transcripts critical for sperm function, including motility, capacitation, fertilization, and embryo development, are discussed. Proteomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic advancements have provided valuable insights into these mechanisms, offering potential biomarkers for predicting sperm freezability and enhancing cryopreservation strategies. Combining technologies such as mass spectrometry and flow cytometry allows for a comprehensive understanding of molecular and cellular changes induced by the freezing-thawing process. However, challenges remain in optimizing cryoprotectant formulations and antioxidant supplementation to improve post-thaw sperm fertility. Further research is needed to explore a wider range of novel cryoprotectants, antioxidants, and proteins for cryopreservation media, as well as to validate their efficacy in enhancing sperm viability and function. Additionally, investigations into the effects of cryopreservation on RNA transcripts and epigenetic factors in small ruminant species are warranted to advance our understanding of sperm preservation. Overall, this review highlights the importance of antioxidants in mitigating cryodamage and underscores the need for continued research to refine cryopreservation protocols and improve reproductive outcomes in small ruminants.
冷冻保存对精子完整性和功能的保存提出了重大挑战，尤其是在冷冻损伤明显的小型反刍动物中。本综述探讨了精子冷冻损伤的分子机制以及改善冷冻保存效果的策略，重点关注抗氧化剂的作用。讨论了冷冻保存引起的对精子功能至关重要的蛋白质和RNA转录本的改变，包括运动能力、获能、受精和胚胎发育。蛋白质组学、转录组学和表观基因组学的进展为这些机制提供了有价值的见解，为预测精子冷冻能力和加强冷冻保存策略提供了潜在的生物标志物。结合质谱和流式细胞术等技术可以全面了解冻融过程引起的分子和细胞变化。然而，在优化冷冻保护剂配方和抗氧化剂补充以提高解冻后精子生育力方面仍存在挑战。需要进一步研究以探索更广泛的新型冷冻保护剂、抗氧化剂和用于冷冻保存培养基的蛋白质，并验证它们在提高精子活力和功能方面的功效。此外，有必要对小型反刍动物物种中冷冻保存对RNA转录本和表观遗传因素的影响进行研究，以增进我们对精子保存的理解。总体而言，本综述强调了抗氧化剂在减轻冷冻损伤方面的重要性，并强调需要继续开展研究以完善冷冻保存方案并改善小型反刍动物的繁殖结果。
