Effects of Taurine and Vitamin E on Sperm Characteristics and Oxidative Stress in the Freezing Semen of Pigs

Background: We evaluated the effects of taurine and vitamin E on sperm characteristics (motility and viability) and oxidative stress (reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide) in the freezing semen of pigs. We determined sperm motility in fresh and freezing boar semen. Methods: Viability, reactive oxygen species, and nitric oxide determination in freezing sperm were determined by SYBR-14/PI kit, DCF-DA and DAF-2. Result: The motility of freezing sperm was not significantly different between taurine- and vitamin E-treated samples. We found that taurine and vitamin E increased the viability of sperm, and decreased reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide in the freezing semen of pigs. In conclusion, the use of taurine and vitamin E in boar semen cryopreservation can enhance sperm quality via protection from reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide damage.