Hsu Wenchi, Lin Tzuche, Chang Shenchang, Lin Minjung, Huang Chaowei, Shen Perngchih, Chou Chihjen, Peng Shaoyu
Department of Animal Science, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912301, Taiwan.
Department of Plant Industry, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912301, Taiwan.
Animals (Basel). 2025 Jun 18;15(12):1798. doi: 10.3390/ani15121798.
The cryopreservation of boar sperm effectively extends its storage period but often leads to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, compromising sperm quality. Plant extracts, rich in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and flavonoids, have been shown to reduce ROS. Djulis (), also known as the "ruby of cereals", is nutritionally rich and holds potential as a cryoprotective additive. This study aimed to determine the optimal concentration of extracts from different parts of djulis, including unhulled seeds and stems, for effective boar semen cryopreservation. Fresh semen from Taiwan indigenous boars was diluted with a modified GLT-cryoprotectant extender containing glycerol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and trehalose. The experimental groups included DSS25, DSS50, DS25, and DS50-representing djulis unshelled seed at 25 mg/mL and 50 mg/mL, and djulis stem at 25 mg/mL and 50 mg/mL in distilled water, respectively-alongside a control group without additives. Post-thaw assessments included sperm motility, kinetic parameters, viability, acrosome integrity, and the antioxidant properties of djulis extracts, such as DPPH radical scavenging activity and total phenolic acid content. Results showed that total motility (TM) was significantly higher in the DSS25 (48.8 ± 3.9), DSS50 (49.0 ± 6.7), and DS50 (49.0 ± 2.4) groups compared to the control group (31.3 ± 4.8). Similarly, progressive motility (PM) was significantly improved in DSS25 (27.5 ± 2.7) and DSS50 (26.8 ± 4.1) versus the control (12.8 ± 3.2). However, for straightness (STR), the control group (87.8 ± 1.3) exhibited significantly higher values than the DS50 group (83.5 ± 1.3) ( < 0.05). Viability and acrosome integrity showed no significant differences across groups. In conclusion, djulis extracts positively influence sperm motility and forward movement, with 1% djulis extract confirmed to enhance the quality of cryopreserved semen. Future research will focus on determining the optimal dosage of djulis extract for improved cryopreservation outcomes.
公猪精子的冷冻保存有效地延长了其储存期，但常常导致活性氧（ROS）生成增加，从而损害精子质量。富含多酚和黄酮类等生物活性化合物的植物提取物已被证明可以减少ROS。龙爪稷（又称“谷物红宝石”）营养丰富，具有作为冷冻保护添加剂的潜力。本研究旨在确定龙爪稷不同部位（包括带壳种子和茎）提取物用于公猪精液有效冷冻保存的最佳浓度。用含有甘油、低密度脂蛋白（LDL）和海藻糖的改良GLT冷冻保护剂稀释台湾本土公猪的新鲜精液。实验组包括DSS25、DSS50、DS25和DS50，分别代表蒸馏水中25 mg/mL和50 mg/mL的龙爪稷带壳种子提取物以及25 mg/mL和50 mg/mL的龙爪稷茎提取物，还有一个无添加剂的对照组。解冻后评估包括精子活力、动力学参数、存活率、顶体完整性以及龙爪稷提取物的抗氧化特性，如DPPH自由基清除活性和总酚酸含量。结果显示，与对照组（31.3±4.8）相比，DSS25组（48.8±3.9）、DSS50组（49.0±6.7）和DS50组（49.0±2.4）的总活力（TM）显著更高。同样，与对照组（12.8±3.2）相比，DSS25组（27.5±2.7）和DSS50组（26.8±4.1）的前向运动活力（PM）显著提高。然而，关于直线性（STR），对照组（87.8±1.3）的值显著高于DS50组（83.5±1.3）（P<0.05）。存活率和顶体完整性在各组间无显著差异。总之，龙爪稷提取物对精子活力和向前运动有积极影响，已证实1%的龙爪稷提取物可提高冷冻精液的质量。未来的研究将集中于确定龙爪稷提取物的最佳剂量以改善冷冻保存效果。
