Metabolic and functional study of a phenolic extract of Ugni molinae Turcz. on boar sperm preserved in MR-A semen extender

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The boar sperm has morphological and physiological characteristic that limit the handling processes for preservation and cryopreservation, among these, the high concentration of membrane unsaturated lipids generating oxidative reactivity with easily, resulting in an increase in the number of sperm reacted, an low metabolic rate, so it is necessary to generate supplements to oxidative stress control without affect the sperm quality. The phenols are molecules with high potential of reducing oxidative stress. Chile contain many endogenous fruit, such as, Murtilla or Myrtle (Ugni molinae Turcz.) a native species belonging to the Myrtaceae family rich in phenolic components, mainly flavonoids. Studies on the chemical composition of Murtilla leaves and fruits indicate the presence of flavan-3-oles and a variety of flavonoids (epicatechin, myricetin, kaempherol and quercetin). However, the effects of these compounds on antioxidant activity or sperm quality are still unknown. In previous studies we analyzed the extracellular antioxidant activity of 5 genotypes of Murtilla extract. When boar sperm were stressed with hydrogen peroxide as oxidizing agent. However to verify their high antioxidant activity shown a decrease of ATP content (50%) and sperm motility, showing a significant reduction of ATP (50%) and increased the static population (greater than 20%). With the aim of evaluate the extra and intracellular antioxidant effect and determine the mechanisms that affect the ATP production. It will be measured the antioxidant properties with fluorescent and luminescence probes to determine de capacity of reduce of oxidative stress, the effects of the extract on the content of ATP-cAMP ,and levels of intracellular calcium and acrosome reaction. Two product with potential applied in biotechnology industry are; generating an antioxidant supplement used in preservation media to extend the lifetime of boar sperm for artificial insemination and also, obtain molecules capable to generate a decrease of ATP production.