Evaluating the potential relationship between the semen quality parameters and serum catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase in Bulls

It is evident that catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) are the first line defense antioxidant enzymes. This study was conducted to elucidate the relationships between the serum levels of these enzymes and the semen quality parameters in Bulls.

Semen samples were collected from eight healthy dual-purpose Simmental (Fleckvieh) Bulls by artificial vagina. The semen quality parameters such as volume, concentration, sperm motility, viability, and abnormal morphology were analyzed. One step dilution method was performed for semen freezing procedure. The progressive motility of frozen-thawed semen was considered as the main criterion for data classification, which is as follows: <40%, 40 – 50% and >50%. The Bulls’ blood samples were collected via coccygeal venipuncture. Serum CAT, SOD, and GPx were determined through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.

The serum Gpx activity was higher in the <40% group. Surprisingly, significant negative correlations were found between the gross and progressive motility of frozen-thawed semen with serum Gpx status. Moreover, positive correlations were found between Gpx and CAT in blood serum.

Our results illustrated some valuable information about the serum levels of antioxidant enzymes and their relationships with semen quality in Fleckvieh Bulls. It can also be concluded that measuring these enzymes only cannot be deemed as a sufficient reflection of reproductive performance, especially the semen quality of Bulls.