Clin Exp Reprod Med.  2022 Jun;49(2):87-92. 10.5653/cerm.2022.05267.

Melatonin and selenium supplementation in extenders improves the post-thaw quality parameters of rat sperm

• Shahandeh E
• Ghorbani M
• Mokhlesabadifarahani T
• Bardestani F

• KMID: 2531709
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5653/cerm.2022.05267

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of melatonin and selenium in freezing extenders on frozen-thawed rat sperm.
Methods
Semen samples were collected from 20 adult male Wistar albino rats. Following dilution, the samples were divided into six groups: four cryopreserved groups with 1 mM and 0.5 mM melatonin and selenium supplements, and two fresh and cryopreserved control groups. The rapid freezing technique was used to freeze the samples. Flow cytometry was used to assess plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, and DNA damage, while computer-assisted sperm analysis was used to assess motility.
Results
Total motility was higher in the 1 mM melatonin supplementation group than in the cryopreserved control group (mean±standard error of the mean, 69.89±3.05 vs. 59.21±1.31; p≤0.05). The group with 1 mM selenium had the highest plasma membrane integrity (42.35%±1.01%). The cryopreserved group with 0.5 mM selenium had the highest mitochondrial membrane potential, whereas the cryopreserved control group had the lowest (45.92%±4.53% and 39.45%±3.52%, respectively).
Conclusion
Cryopreservation of rat semen supplemented with 1 mM melatonin increased sperm motility after freeze-thawing, while supplementation with 0.5 mM selenium increased mitochondrial activity.

Keyword

Computer‐assisted sperm analysis; Flow cytometry; Melatonin; Selenium