Cinnamtannin B-1, a novel antioxidant for sperm in red deer

摘要

Cinnamtannin B-i (CNB-1) is a naturally occurring trimeric A-type proanthocyanidin contained in several plants such as cinnamon (Cinnamomwn zeylanicwn). It is considered to be a potent antioxidant. The protective effect of CNB-1 against oxidative stress was assessed in red deer epididymal sperm incubated at 37 degrees C. Cryopreserved sperm from six stags were thawed, pooled and extended to 400 x 10(6) sperm/ml in BGM (bovine gamete medium). After being aliquoted, the samples were supplemented with different concentrations of CNB-1 (0, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 mu g/ mL), with or without induced oxidative stress (100 mu M Fe2+ /ascorbate). The samples were evaluated after 0, 2 and 4 h of incubation at 37 degrees C. This experiment was replicated six times. Spermmotility (CASA), viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, acrosomal status, lipoperoxidation (C11 BODIPY 581/591), intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and DNA status (TUNEL) were assessed. After 4h of incubation, CNB-1 prevented the deleterious effects of oxidative stress, thus improved sperm progressivity and velocity (P & 0.05). Furthermore, 1 and 10 mu M CNB-1 improved sperm linearity, even when compared to those samples that had not been subjected to oxidative stress (P & 0.05). The greatest concentration, 100 mu M, prevented sperm lipoperoxidation and reduced ROS production in samples subjected to oxidative stress.