Relationship between oxidative stress biomarkers in seminal plasma and sperm motility in the stallion

This study aimed at assessing the relationship that exists between OS biomarkers in seminal plasma and sperm motility in the stallion. 9 stallions were collected in 3 repetitions and each sample was analysed for motility before separation and freezing of seminal plasma. Samples were then thawed and seminal plasma concentration of AOPP, carbonyl groups, thiols and MDA were examined. Given a not so clear appearance of the seminal fluid, it was decided to proceed with a further centrifugation of all samples, to better separate the cell fraction from the seminal plasma. All samples were then re-tested after this procedure. After, based on their motility, the ejaculates were divided into 3 groups: high, medium, and low motility. Higher AOPP, thiols and total protein concentration were related (p<0.05) to higher sperm motility, while higher MDA concentrations were found in lower motility samples. Moreover, a strong correlation was found between Total Protein, AOPP, thiols, and carbonyl groups concentration difference when measured at 800 x g, compared to the concentrations found after C2 at 5000 x g. The current study offers an insight into on the relationship between sperm motility and oxidative stress parameters in seminal plasma, which needs further inquiry.