P-78: Supplementation of Sperm Cryopreservation Media with Cell Permeable Superoxide Dismutase Mimetic Agent (MnTE) Improves Goat Blastocyst Formation

Background: ROS production is a well-established phenomenon during sperm cryopreservation. Therefore, supplementation of freezing media with antioxidant is an inevitable event. The aim of this study was to assess whether a cell permeable superoxide dismutase agent such as MnTE, can further improve the quality of frozen/ thawed semen sample using a commercially optimized sperm cryopreservation media (Bioxcell). Materials and Methods: Bioxcell was supplemented with different concentration of MnTE. Sperm membrane integrity, motility, viability and acrosomal status were assessed after freezing. Optimized concentration of MnTE was defined and used to assess fertilization and developmental potential. Results: 0.1μM MnTE significantly improved membrane integrity while 0.01μM MnTE significantly improved acrosmal integrity post thawing. Addition of 0.01μM MnTE also improved blastocyst formation rate. Conclusion: Supplementation of commercially optimized cryopreservation media with MnTE further improves the quality of goat frozen semen sample and may have important consequence of future embryo development. This effect may be attributed to cell permeable behavior of this antioxidant which may protect sperm genome from ROS, DNA-induced damage.