Cinnamtannin B-1 (CNB-1) is a naturally occurring trimeric A-type proanthocyanidin contained in several plants such as cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum). 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 °C. Cryopreserved sperm from six stags were thawed, pooled and extended to 400 × 106 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 μg/mL), with or without induced oxidative stress (100 μM Fe2+/ascorbate). The samples were evaluated after 0, 2 and 4 h of incubation at 37 °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 4 h of incubation, CNB-1 prevented the deleterious effects of oxidative stress, thus improved sperm progressivity and velocity (P<0.05). Furthermore, 1 and 10 μM 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 μM, prevented sperm lipoperoxidation and reduced ROS production in samples subjected to oxidative stress.

Biomedical Center Medical Faculty in Pilsen Pilsen Czech Republic

Department of Molecular Biology University of León León Spain

Faculty of Pharmacy Albacete Spain

Marantona SA Finca Marantona La Solana Ciudad Real Spain

SaBio IREC Albacete Spain

SaBio IREC Albacete Spain; Servicio de Farmacia Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete GAI Albacete Spain

References provided by Crossref.org