CHANGES IN THE METABOLISM OF NATIVE AND DECONSERVED BULL SPERMATOZOA UNDER THE ACTION OF MOLECULAR HYDROGEN

Background. The process of storing sperm in a deeply frozen state causes structural and functional disorders of spermatozoa, which reduces their fertilizing ability. The main mechanism of the negative effect of cryopreservation on spermatozoa is the development of oxidative stress. Molecular hydrogen has some advantages as a potential antioxidant molecule - it is a selective effect on certain reactive oxygen species, the ability to overcome cell membranes, the absence of toxic effects. Purpose. To study the effect of molecular hydrogen on the functional status of native and deconserved sperm cells of breeding bulls. Materials and methods. The object of the study was the ejaculates of bulls before cryopreservation and after defrosting. The native sperm diluted with the "BioXcell" diluent, the native sperm diluted with the "BioXcell" diluent enriched with molecular hydrogen, the sperm after deep freezing and the sperm after deep freezing pretreated with molecular hydrogen were studied. The intensity of free radical processes and the activity of antioxidant enzymes were determined in spermatozoa. Results. After cryopreservation of sperm, the processes of lipid peroxidation in spermatozoa are significantly activated. The content of malondialdehyde, diene and triene conjugates increases. The use of molecular hydrogen to correct the quality of sperm production after cryopreservation gave positive results. A decrease in the concentration of primary and intermediate products of lipid peroxidation was noted. The activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase in spermatozoa significantly increases. Conclusion. Molecular hydrogen has the potential as a new and effective antioxidant, the widespread use of which is possible for veterinary purposes. Sponsorship information. The study was funded by the Russian Science Foundation grant No. 23-26-00205.