There are several obstacles in camel semen cryopreservation; such as increasing semen viscosity and the reduction in motile spermatozoa after ejaculation. Epididymal spermatozoa offer an efficient alternative to overcome these problems and are well-suited for artificial insemination in camels. In the current study, we compared the effects of supplementation with vitamin C, E, inorganic trace elements of selenium (Na2SeO3) and zinc (ZnSO4), and zinc and selenium nanoparticles (ZnONPs and SeNPs, respectively) on the cryopreservation of dromedary camel epididymal spermatozoa. When the SHOTOR extender was supplemented with ZnONPs and SeNPs; the sperm showed increased progressive motility; vitality; and membrane integrity after cooling at 5 °C for 2 h; when compared to the control and vitamin-supplemented groups. Moreover, the ZnONPs and SeNPs supplementation improved the progressive motility, vitality, sperm membrane integrity, ultrastructural morphology, and decreased apoptosis when frozen and thawed. SeNPs significantly increased reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and decreased lipid peroxide malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The advantageous effects of the trace elements were potentiated by reduction into a nano-sized particle, which could increase bioavailability and reduce the undesired liberation of toxic concentrations. We recommend the inclusion of SeNPs or ZnONPs to SHOTOR extenders to improve the cryotolerance of camel epididymal spermatozoa.
Keywords: camel; freezing; nanoparticles; semen; vitamins.