Evaluation of Lasting Effects of Heat Stress on Sperm Profile and Oxidative Status of Ram Semen and Epididymal Sperm

Author(s):Show less -

dos Santos Hamilton, Thais Rose ; Mendes, Camilla Mota ; de Castro, Leticia Signori ; de Assis, Patricia Monken ; Perez Siqueira, Adriano Felipe ; Delgado, Juliana de Carvalho ; Goissis, Marcelo Demarchi ; Muino-Blanco, Teresa ; Alvaro Cebrian-Perez, Jose ; Nichi, Marcilio ; Visintin, Jose Antonio ; Ortiz D'Avila Assumpcao, Mayra Elena

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY; v. 2016, p. 12-pg., 2016-01-01.

Abstract

Higher temperatures lead to an increase of testicular metabolism that results in spermatic damage. Oxidative stress is the main factor responsible for testicular damage caused by heat stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate lasting effects of heat stress on ejaculated sperm and immediate or long-term effects of heat stress on epididymal sperm. We observed decrease in motility and mass motility of ejaculated sperm, as well as an increase in the percentages of sperm showing major and minor defects, damaged plasma and acrosome membranes, and a decrease in the percentage of sperm with high mitochondrial membrane potential in the treated group until one spermatic cycle. An increased enzymatic activity of glutathione peroxidase and an increase of stressed cells were observed in ejaculated sperm of the treated group. A decrease in the percentage of epididymal sperm with high mitochondrial membrane potential was observed in the treated group. However, when comparing immediate and long-term effects, we observed an increase in the percentage of sperm with low mitochondrial membrane potential. In conclusion, testicular heat stress induced oxidative stress that led to rescuable alterations after one spermatic cycle in ejaculated sperm and also after 30 days in epididymal sperm. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/05025-1 - Measurement of antioxidant enzymes in the ram's semen: cellular and plasma concentrations
• Grantee: Thais Rose dos Santos Hamilton
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 11/11231-8 - Study of factors involved in DNA fragmentation of spermatozoa in ram.
• Grantee: Thais Rose dos Santos Hamilton
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate