Effects of Inositol Supplementation in Sperm Extender on the Quality of Cryopreserved Mesopotamian Catfish (Silurus triostegus, H. 1843) Sperm

SIMPLE SUMMARY: This study was based on the determination of post-thaw semen quality, oxidant–antioxidant status and DNA-damage status of frozen Mesopotamian catfish semen. To this end, the sperm was frozen in diluent containing different inositol concentrations (5, 10, 20 and 40 mg). Increasing levels of inositol linearly increased the spermatozoa motility rate and duration significantly (p < 0.05). High doses of inositol increased antioxidants and decreased oxidants. In addition, lower intracellular DNA damage and percentage of apoptotic spermatozoa occurred in high doses of inositol (p < 0.05). ABSTRACT: In this study, the effects of supplemented inositol on sperm extenders were examined on the spermatozoa motility rate and duration, total antioxidant and oxidant status, apoptotic spermatozoa and DNA damage, during the sperm post-thaw process of Mesopotamian Catfish (Silurus triostegus, H. 1843). The semen was frozen in diluents containing different inositol concentrations (5, 10, 20 and 40 mg). Increasing levels of inositol linearly improved the spermatozoa motility rate and duration significantly (p < 0.05). MDA and TOS were linearly decreased, however, TAS and GSH linearly increased (p < 0.05). The increasing inositol levels resulted in a linear and quadratic decrease in DNA damage in the comet assay, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine and the determined percentage of apoptotic spermatozoa (p < 0.05). These results suggest that there are many positive effects of the use of supplemental inositol on enhancing sperm cryopreservation efficiency in Silurus triostegus.