Effects of different extenders on epigenetic patterns and functional parameters of bull sperm during cryopreservation process.

The cryopreservation process induces alterations in cellular parameters and epigenetic patterns in bull sperm, which can be prevented by adding cryoprotectants in the freezing extenders. The purpose of this study was to compare the protective effects of two extenders based on soybean lecithin (SLE) and egg yolk (EYE) on epigenetic patterns and quality parameters of sperm such as motility parameters, mitochondrial membrane integrity, DNA fragmentation, viability, and apoptotic-like changes of bull sperm after cryopreservation. Results demonstrated that cryopreservation significantly (p < .05) reduced the level of DNA global methylation, H3K9 histone acetylation, and H3K4 histone methylation in both frozen groups compared to the fresh sperm. Also, the level of H3K9 acetylation was lower in the frozen SLE group (21.2 ± 1.86) compared to EYE group (15.2 ± 1.86). In addition, the SLE frozen group had a higher percentage of viability, progressive motility, and linearity (LIN) in SLE frozen group compared to EYE frozen group. However, no difference was observed in mitochondrial membrane integrity and DNA fragmentation between SLE and EYE frozen groups. While soybean-lecithin-based extender showed some initial positive impacts of epigenetics and semen parameters, further investigations can provide useful information for better freezing.

Low concentrations of soybean lecithin nanoparticles had a positive impact on Holstein bulls' cryopreserved semen.

Spermatozoa can experience negative changes when subjected to freezing and thawing, including lowered motility, viability and acrosome response. Herein, the effects of different concentrations of soybean lecithin nanoparticles on cryopreserved Holstein bull semen were examined. Semen was collected, cryopreserved and utilized for sperm kinetic parameter analysis following dilution, equilibration and thawing with 0.5% soybean lecithin (E1), the control extender, and 0.75% (E2), 0.5% (E3), 0.25% (E4) and 0.125% (E5) of lecithin nanoparticles. Results revealed that following dilution, the progressive motility (PM) at E3, E4 and E5 of lecithin nanoparticles was higher (p < .05) than it was for E2. After equilibration, compared to the E1, E2, and E3 values, the PM, vitality, normal morphology, membrane integrity and intact acrosome values at the E5 were consistently greater (p < .05). Comparing the percentages of intact acrosome and membrane integrity at E2 and E3 to E4 and E5, a substantial decrease (p < .05) was seen. Following thawing, the percentage of PM improved at E2 and E5, even though their mean PM values were similar (p > .05) compared to E1, E3 and E4. Vigour and progression parameters of sperm (DAP, DCL, DSL, VAP, VCL, VSL and STR) at E5 were higher (p < .05) than those at E1, E2, E3 and E4. In conclusion, the cryopreserved sperm from Holstein bulls revealed outstanding properties both after equilibration and after thawing with 0.125% lecithin nanoparticles, and they were sensitive to high dosages.

Inulin protects against the harmful effects of dietary emulsifiers on mice gut microbiome.

Background: The prevalence of inflammatory bowel diseases is increasing, especially in developing countries, with adoption of Western-style diet. This study aimed to investigate the effects of two emulsifiers including lecithin and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) on the gut microbiota, intestinal inflammation and the potential of inulin as a means to protect against the harmful effects of emulsifiers. Methods: In this study, male C57Bl/6 mice were divided into five groups (n:6/group) (control, CMC, lecithin, CMC+inulin, and lecithin+inulin). Lecithin and CMC were diluted in drinking water (1% w/v) and inulin was administered daily at 5 g/kg for 12 weeks. Histological examination of the ileum and colon, serum IL-10, IL-6, and fecal lipocalin-2 levels were analyzed. 16S rRNA gene V3-V4 region amplicon sequencing was performed on stool samples. Results: In the CMC and lecithin groups, shortening of the villus and a decrease in goblet cells were observed in the ileum and colon, whereas inulin reversed this effect. The lipocalin level, which was 9.7 ± 3.29 ng in the CMC group, decreased to 4.1 ± 2.98 ng with the administration of inulin. Bifidobacteria and Akkermansia were lower in the CMC group than the control, while they were higher in the CMC+inulin group. In conclusion, emulsifiers affect intestinal health negatively by disrupting the epithelial integrity and altering the composition of the microbiota. Inulin is protective on their harmful effects. In addition, it was found that CMC was more detrimental to microbiota composition than lecithin.

[Application of Hydrogenated Soya Lecithin in Solid Dispersion and Oily Gel, and the Study of Skin-Applied Formulations].

I have been studying the improvement of drug solubility using solid dispersion and skin-applied formulations. When preparing solid dispersions using phosphatidylcoline (PC) as a carrier, drug with hydrogen-donating groups interacts with PC to produce amorphous solid dispersions with high drug content; this overcomes improves drug absorption. The drug was solubilized and supersaturated in the oil-based gel formed with hyadrogenated lecithin; this facilitates drug permeation through the skin. The promoting effect differs with the nature of the oil used because of the skin penetration of the oil itself and the accompanying increase in drug solubility and diffusion coefficient in the skin. At actual application volumes of 10 µL/cm2 or less, the skin penetration of poorly-absorbable drugs depends on the molecular weight and surface tension of the oil. The penetration of the oil vehicle into the upper stratum corneum influences the reach of the drug into the stratum corneum; a high drug concentration near the 7th layer of the stratum corneum promotes migration through the skin by increasing the linear concentration gradient in deeper layers. In addition, we performed a risk assessment, in collaboration with toxicologists, for dermal safety that included the toxicity potential of substances and the parts related to skin transfer.

The Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory Activity of Selenium and Lecithin Combination Against ethanol-induced Gastric Ulcer in mice via Modulating IGF-1/PTEN/Akt/FoxO3a Signaling.

Gastric ulcers are one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorders. The current study investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of selenium (Se) and lecithin (Lec) alone and in combination against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in mice, and their ability to modulate insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)/ Phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN)/ Protein kinase B (Akt)/ Forkhead box O3a (FoxO3a) signaling. The mice were divided into normal, ethanol, Se + ethanol, Lec + ethanol, Se + Lec + ethanol, and omeprazole + ethanol groups. Treatment with the selected doses was continued for 14 days before a single dose of absolute ethanol (5 ml/kg body weight) was administered to induce gastric ulcers in mice. The results showed that pretreatment with Se and Lec combination effectively decreased both the macro- and microscopic gastric lesions and increased the protection index compared to the ethanol group. Remarkably, the Se and Lec combination decreased the levels of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and cytochrome c and increased glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and thioredoxin reductase activities in gastric tissues. The Se and Lec combination increased prostaglandin E2 and interleukin-10 levels but decreased tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 and interleukin-1ß levels compared to either treatment alone. Interestingly, this combination decreased the expression of IGF-1, p-Akt, and FoxO3a proteins and increased PTEN expression in gastric tissues. The gastric tissues examination by hematoxylin and eosin staining confirmed these results. Therefore, the Se and Lec combination showed superior protective effects against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in mice, compared to either treatment alone, through antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, in addition to modulating IGF-1/PTEN/Akt/FoxO3a pathway signaling.

A new eco-friendly and water-resistant sunscreen agent: Lecithin-based multilamellar liposomes.

BACKGROUND: UV skin exposure is an important matter of public health, as the worldwide rising prevalence of skin cancers indicates. However, a wide majority of commercially available sunscreens are responsible for ocean ecosystem damages such as coral reef degradation and phytoplankton mortality. AIMS: To answer the urge for new eco-friendly UV filters, we studied the use of lecithin-based multilamellar liposomes (MLLs) of controlled size and elasticity as a bio-sourced and biodegradable alternative to classic sunscreens. These parameters control allows different skin layers targeting. METHODS: The performance of two different MLLs compositions and a commercially available SPF50+ water-resistant liposomal sunscreen was compared on skin explants. SC-MLLs target the stratum corneum and Epi-MLLs the whole epidermis. Preparations were applied prior to skin irradiation. Their efficiencies were evaluated histologically (hematoxylin and eosin staining plus cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer [CPD] immunostaining) and by skin barrier quality assessment (trans-epithelial electrical resistance). Adhesiveness to the skin was also investigated. RESULTS: Altogether, ex vivo results indicate MLLs offer a solar protection as effective as a SPF50+ water-resistant liposomal sunscreen but with a better skin adhesiveness and an improved skin barrier function. CONCLUSION: Lecithin-based MLLs of controlled physicochemical parameters can be used as a new eco-friendly and water-resistant agent for solar protection. The stratum corneum targeted action of SC-MLLs appears to be more interesting, as SC-MLLs exhibit an overall better performance than Epi-MLLs at a lower cost. The skin barrier improvement showcased could be of interest to people suffering from dry skin or skin barrier impairment related disease.

Browning of Mammary Fat Suppresses Pubertal Mammary Gland Development of Mice via Elevation of Serum Phosphatidylcholine and Inhibition of PI3K/Akt Pathway.

Mammary fat plays a profound role in the postnatal development of mammary glands. However, the specific types (white, brown, or beige) of adipocytes in mammary fat and their potential regulatory effects on modulating mammary gland development remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the role of the browning of mammary fat on pubertal mammary gland development and explore the underlying mechanisms. Thus, the mammary gland development and the serum lipid profile were evaluated in mice treated with CL316243, a ß3-adrenoceptor agonist, to induce mammary fat browning. In addition, the proliferation of HC11 cells co-cultured with brown adipocytes or treated with the altered serum lipid metabolite was determined. Our results showed that the browning of mammary fat by injection of CL316243 suppressed the pubertal development of mice mammary glands, accompanied by the significant elevation of serum dioleoylphosphocholine (DOPC). In addition, the proliferation of HC11 was repressed when co-cultured with brown adipocytes or treated with DOPC. Furthermore, DOPC suppressed the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, while the DOPC-inhibited HC11 proliferation was reversed by SC79, an Akt activator, suggesting the involvement of the PI3K/Akt pathway in the DOPC-inhibited proliferation of HC11. Together, the browning of mammary fat suppressed the development of the pubertal mammary gland, which was associated with the elevated serum DOPC and the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Dietary effect of soybean lecithin on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, blood biomarkers, and antioxidative status of striped catfish, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus.

Soybean lecithin (SBL) is usually added to aquafeed as a lipid source because aquatic animals cannot synthesize phospholipids. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the role of SBL on the growth, nutrient consumption, digestive enzyme activity, blood parameters, and antioxidant capability of striped catfish. The fish were fed on five experimental diets with five grading levels of SBL (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8%) for 60 days. The final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, feed intake, and protein efficiency ratio were markedly higher in striped catfish treated with 2-4% SBL than the control level (0% SBL). However, the lowest feed conversion ratio was in the fish-fed groups of 4-6% SBL. The carcass lipid content was significantly higher in fish fed 2-4% SBL compared to the control level (0% SBL). The lipase, amylase, and protease activities were significantly increased in the fish fed 2-6% SBL compared to 0% SBL-fed group. The gradually increased levels of SBL improved the structural appearance and increased the intestinal villi length and branching appearance. The triglycerides and total cholesterol were increased in the fish fed with 4, 6, and 8% compared to the control level, with the highest being in the fish fed with 8%. The lysozyme activity was higher in the fish fed with 2, 4, and 6% of SBL compared to the control level, with higher activity in the fish fed with 2 and 4% than 6%. Superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase activities were increased in the fish fed with 2, 4, and 6% SBL. The malondialdehyde level was lower in the fish fed with 4-6% SBL compared to the control level. The regression analysis revealed that the optimum dose of SBL is required at 3.65-4.42% for better productivity and health performances in striped catfish.

Dietary soybean lecithin promoted growth performance and feeding in juvenile Chinese perch (Siniperca chuatsi) could be by optimizing glucolipid metabolism.

To explore the potential benefits of dietary phospholipids (PLs) in fish glucose metabolism and to promote feed culture of Chinese perch (Siniperca chuatsi), we set up six diets to feed Chinese perch (initial mean body weight 37.01 ± 0.20 g) for 86 days, including: Control diet (CT), 1% (SL1), 2% (SL2), 3% (SL3), 4% (SL4) soybean lecithin (SL) and 2% (KO2) krill oil (KO) supplemental diets (in triplicate, 20 fish each). Our study found that the SL2 significantly improved the weight gain rate and special growth rate, but the KO2 did not. In addition, the SL2 diet significantly improved feed intake, which is consistent with the mRNA levels of appetite-related genes (npy, agrp, leptin A). Additionally, in the CT and SL-added groups, leptin A expression levels were nearly synchronized with serum glucose levels. Besides, the SL2 significantly upregulated expression levels of glut2, gk, cs, fas and downregulated g6pase in the liver, suggesting that it may enhance glucose uptake, aerobic oxidation, and conversion to fatty acids. The SL2 also maintained the hepatic crude lipid content unchanged compared to the CT, possibly by significantly down-regulating the mRNA level of hepatic lipase gene (hl), and by elevating serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level and intraperitoneal fat ratio in significance. Moreover, the serum high-density lipoprotein levels were significantly increased by PL supplementation, and the SL2 further significantly increased serum total cholesterol and LDL levels, suggesting that dietary PLs promote lipid absorption and transport. Furthermore, dietary SL at 1% level could enhance non-specific immune capacity, with serum total protein level being markedly higher than that in the CT group. In conclusion, it is speculated that the promotion of glucose utilization and appetite by 2% dietary SL could be linked. We suggest a 1.91% supplementation of SL in the diet for the best growth performance in juvenile Chinese perch.

A soy lecithin nanoparticles-based extender effectively cryopreserves Holstein bull sperm.

Plant-based semen extenders, typically derived from soybean lecithin, are easier to modulate more and consistent in their composition than animal-based extenders. As large lecithin particles can, however, reduce effectiveness and solubility in bull semen extenders, sonication was used to create nano-lecithin (NL) particles of soybean lecithin. The objective was to determine the effects of lecithin type and concentration on the quality of frozen-thawed bovine sperm. We hypothesized that reducing the size of lecithin improves its interactions with the sperm and enhances the parameters that favor its motility, viability and fertility. Semen was collected from six mature Holstein bulls and ejaculates meeting minimum standards were pooled. Eight Tris-based extenders that contained 1, 2, 3, or 4 % of either conventional lecithin (L1-L4) or NL (NL1-NL4), plus two control extenders (one animal-based extender containing 20 % egg yolk [EY] and a commercial lecithin-based extender [BioXcell®]) were compared. Among soybean lecithin-based extenders, NL3 had the highest total and progressive sperm motility, and average path, straight-line and curvilinear sperm velocity, and was comparable to EY. Additionally, sperm mitochondrial activity was the highest in NL3, whereas sperm viability was highest in EY, NL3, and L4. Following in vitro fertilization of in vitro-matured bovine oocyes, NL3 had cleavage and hatching rates comparable to BioXcell®, but a lower blastocyst rate than EY. Overall, NL3 performed better than the other extenders for most end points, with efficiency comparable to EY. We, therefore, concluded that reducing lecithin particle size to a nano level improves sperm cryopreservation with optimal performance with 3 % NL.

Lecithin-amended montmorillonite clays enhance the antibacterial effect of barrier creams.

The objective of this study was to assess in vitro antibacterial activity of barrier cream (EVB) formulations containing either calcium montmorillonite (CM) or lecithin-amended montmorillonite (CML). All ingredients were generally recognized as safe (GRAS), and clay minerals were specifically studied due to their known ability to adsorb numerous toxins of human clinical relevance. Characterization of the EVB formulations showed good spreadability, pH, appearance, unity, viscosity, and no evidence of phase separation. Colony forming, disk diffusion susceptibility, and agar dilution assays were used to determine the minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of total EVB formulations, as well as respective individual ingredients, against E. coli. Active ingredients within the base EVB formulation were found to be essential oils and zinc oxide. EVB-CML at 0.5-25 mg/mL dose-dependently and significantly (p ≤ 0.01) enhanced the antibacterial activity of the base EVB formulation. MBC values for EVB-CML were 2.5 mg/mL in the colony forming assay and 0.75 mg/mL in the agar dilution test, with a zone of inhibition. Both EVB and EVB-CML displayed stronger antibacterial activity than four antimicrobial creams currently marketed in the United States. Moreover, this effect was rapid, favored by high temperature, and product stability testing suggested a shelf life of at least 10 months. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the ability of CML to enhance the antibacterial effect of the base EVB formulation against E. coli. This novel EVB-CML formulation represents a promising advancement toward improved antibacterial efficacy beyond current industry standards for commercial skin creams and sunscreens.

Soybean lecithin and cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin in combination to enhances the cryosurvival of dairy goat semen.

The objective of the study was to examine the effect of soy lecithin (SL) and cholesterol loaded cryclodestrin (CLC) on cryo-survival of sperm cryopreserved in the presence or absence of seminal plasma in Saanen dairy goats. Tris-based dilutions containing various concentrations of SL (0, 0.5%, 1.0% or 2.0%) and CLC (0, 2.0 g/L, 4.0 g/L or 6.0 g/L CLC) were used to cryopreserve Saanen dairy goat sperm. The quality of frozen-thawed sperm, including progressive motility, viability, acrosome and plasma membrane integrity, as well as fertility were detected. Results found that the optimal combination of the two cryoprotectants was 1.0% SL+4.0 g/L CLC, which significantly increased progressive motility, viability, acrosome and plasma membrane integrity of frozen thawed sperm. The impact of the two cryoprotectants in combination was not affected by the presence of seminal plasma. The conception rates obtained after artificial insemination using sperm cryopreserved with and without seminal plasma were 88.89% and 91.67% (P > 0.05), respectively. The respective values for average number of litter sizes were 1.55 ± 0.17 and 1.56 ± 0.21 (P > 0.05). Therefore, this study improved the cryopreservation efficiency of goat semen, enhanced the sperm cryosurvival, and layed a foundation for the wide application of frozen goat semen.

Determination and Comparison of Soybean Lecithin and Bovine Brain Plasmalogens Effects in Healthy Male Wistar Rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of soybean lecithin and plasmalogens concentrating on a variety of physiological tests and biochemical analyses in healthy Wistar rats. For six weeks, male Wistar rats were given a standard diet that included plasmalogens or soybean lecithin. We measured anxiety levels, overall exploratory activity, short- and long-term memory, cognitive abilities, and grip strength. Lecithin increased significantly anxiety and enhanced memory and cognitive functions. Plasmalogens significantly improved appetite and increased grip strength. When compared to plasmalogens, lecithin significantly raised HDL levels while lowering LDL levels. The plasmalogens group showed a significant increase in the C16:0DMA/C16:0 ratio, which led us to assume that plasmalogen consumption could increase their synthesis in neural tissue. The study's findings imply that, despite their various modes of action, soy lecithin and plasmalogens may both be significant nutritional components for enhancing cognitive functions.

Association between different soy lecithin-based extenders and freezing rates in ram semen cryopreservation.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the association between glycine-milk (GM) based extenders made with different concentrations of soy lecithin (SL) and freezing rates (FR) on semen quality after thawing. Pooled semen from rams (n = 12) were diluted in GM extenders with 20% egg yolk (EY-20%) or with different concentrations of SL: 0.5% (SL-0.5%), 1.0% (SL-1.0%), and 2.0% (SL-2.0%). The diluted semen (150 ×106 spermatozoa/0.25 mL) was frozen at three FR of - 10, - 20, and - 60 °C/min, and subsequently thawed and analyzed. Results revealed that EY-20% and SL-2.0% had better kinetic parameters, and showed higher proportions of viable, non-apoptotic, plasma-membrane-intact spermatozoa (A-/PI-) and non-capacitated spermatozoa (F), and had lower acrosome-reacted spermatozoa (AR) in the EY-20% and satisfactory values for SL-2.0% compared to SL-0.5% and SL-1.0% (P < 0.05). The FR at - 20 and - 60 °C/min maintained higher A-/PI- and viable spermatozoa compared to - 10 °C/min. The combination EY-20% and - 60 °C/min showed the highest A-/PI- and F (P < 0.05) and the lowest AR, and it did not differ from the combinations EY-20% at - 20 °C/min and SL-2.0% at - 20 °C/min (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the combination EY-20% and - 60 °C/min, showed the best cryoprotective effects on ram spermatozoa. Changes in spermatozoa after thawing were related to the use of the type of extender, the amounts of the same compound in the extender, and the freezing rates to which they were subjected.

Industrial and Ruminant Trans-Fatty Acids-Enriched Diets Differentially Modulate the Microbiome and Fecal Metabolites in C57BL/6 Mice.

Industrially originated trans-fatty acids (I-tFAs), such as elaidic acid (EA), and ruminant trans-fatty acids (R-tFAs), such as trans-palmitoleic acid (TPA), may have opposite effects on metabolic health. The objective was to compare the effects of consuming 2-3% I-tFA or R-tFA on the gut microbiome and fecal metabolite profile in mice after 7 and 28 days. Forty C57BL/6 mice were assigned to one of the four prepared formulations: lecithin nanovesicles, lecithin nanovesicles with EA or TPA, or water. Fecal samples and animals' weights were collected on days 0, 7, and 28. Fecal samples were used to determine gut microbiome profiles by 16S rRNA sequencing and metabolite concentrations by GC/MS. At 28 days, TPA intake decreased the abundance of Staphylococcus sp55 but increased Staphylococcus sp119. EA intake also increased the abundance of Staphylococcus sp119 but decreased Ruminococcaceae UCG-014, Lachnospiraceae, and Clostridium sensu stricto 1 at 28 days. Fecal short-chain fatty acids were increased after TPA while decreased after EA after 7 and 28 days. This study shows that TPA and EA modify the abundance of specific microbial taxa and fecal metabolite profiles in distinct ways.

Effect of hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin and lecithin co-stabilized nanoemulsions on the konjac glucomannan/pullulan film.

In this study, the various ratio of hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin (HPCD) to lecithin (LEC) was 0:1, 0.5:1, 1:1, 1.5:1 and 2:1 (w/w) co-stabilized cinnamon essential oil (CEO) nanoemulsions were prepared. These nanoemulsions were successfully incorporated in the konjac glucomannan/pullulan polysaccharides-based film matrix. The composition of nanoemulsions and the effect of various nanoemulsions on rheological, mechanical, Water vapor permeability, optical, color, morphology properties, and CEO retention rate of the composite films were characterized. The results demonstrated that HPCD and LEC nanoemulsions had small particle size under 120 nm and high stability during 21 days storage, the incorporation of nanoemulsions reduced the viscosity of film-solution, transmittance, Water vapor permeability and mechanical properties of films, but an appropriate HPCD content 1:1 w/w of nanoemulsions could restored the mechanical properties of the films. Otherwise, 1:1 w/w of nanoemulsion film also exhibited a more compact and uniform structure, Furthermore, 2:1 w/w of nanoemulsion films with high retention rate of CEO, and the antioxidant and better antibacterial activities against E. coli and S. aureus. The nanoemulsion films utilized in this study also prolonged the shelf life of Agaricus bisporus mushrooms and cherries while maintaining their commercial value.

Determining the Optimal Dosage of Lecithin Nanoliposome in Rooster Semen Freezing Medium and Fertility Potential.

Introduction: Lecithin nanoliposome (nano-LPO), with its cryoprotective properties, is considered to enhance the performance of a traditional semen cryoprotectant. Objective: To determine the optimal dose of lecithin nano-LPO added to the rooster semen extender. Materials and Methods: Semen samples collected weekly from eight broiler breeder roosters were mixed and aliquoted into five equal subsamples, during the five successive weeks. The subsamples were then diluted with a semen extender containing 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, or 2% of lecithin nano-LPO. Post-thawed semen quality attributes, including sperm motility and velocity parameters, plasma membrane functionality, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), apoptosis-like changes, and fertility potential, were evaluated. Results: Total motility and velocity parameters, including curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight-line velocity (VSL), average path velocity µm/s (VAP), straightness (STR), linearity (LIN), lateral head displacement (ALH), and wobble (WOB) were quadratically (p < 0.01) influenced by graded levels of lecithin nano-LPO, such that the highest values were obtained when 1% of lecithin nano-LPO was used. Treatments had no significant effect on plasma membrane functionality; however, MMP (p < 0.08) and percentages of live and dead spermatozoa (p < 0.05) quadratically responded to increasing levels of lecithin nano-LPO, where the best outcome was found when about 1% of lecithin nano-LPO was used in the semen extender. The percentage of apoptotic spermatozoa cubically responded to increasing levels of lecithin nano-LPO (p ≤ 0.07). No significant trend of fertility rate was found in response to addition of lecithin nano-LPO levels. Conclusions: Supplementing an extender with 1.10% of lecithin nano-LPO is shown to be the optimal dose associated with the most improvement in post-thawed rooster sperm velocity measurements.

Fertility results after exocervical insemination using goat semen cryopreserved with extenders based on egg yolk, skim milk, or soybean lecithin.

To evaluate the effects of four extenders on the post-thaw quality and fertility of goat semen, six Yunshang Black bucks' semen was collected, pooled, diluted with Andromed® (Andr®), Optidyl® (Opt®), P3644 Sigma l-phosphatidylcholine (l-α SL), and skim milk-based (Milk) extenders, and then cryopreserved. The sperm motilities, abnormalities, membrane and acrosome integrity, mitochondrial activity, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were evaluated after thawing. After exocervical insemination with the thawed semen, the pregnancy, lambing, and twinning rates were recorded and compared. The results showed that sperm motilities, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial activity, and viable spermatozoa were significantly higher in the Andr® and Opt® groups than those in the l-α SL and Milk groups (p < .05). Furthermore, there was no difference between Andr® and Opt® (p > .05). The sperm abnormality was lower in semen frozen with the Andr® or Opt® extenders, as compared to the l-α SL or Milk extender (p < .05). Regarding, the viable cells with low ROS production, the optimal results were obtained in the semen frozen with Andr® and Opt® extenders. Following exocervical insemination, the pregnancy and lambing rates in the Milk group were significantly lower than those in the other groups (p < .05). No difference was found in the pregnancy and lambing rates between Andr®, Opt®, and l-α SL (p > .05). Furthermore, the twinning rates were similar between these four groups (p > .05). In conclusion, egg yolk or skim milk can be substituted by soybean lecithin during cryopreservation of goat semen.

Amelioration effects of the soybean lecithin-gallic acid complex on iron-overload-induced oxidative stress and liver damage in C57BL/6J mice.

CONTEXT: Gallic acid (GA) and lecithin showed important roles in antioxidant and drug delivery, respectively. A complex synthesized from GA and soybean lecithin (SL-GAC), significantly improved bioavailability of GA and pharmacological activities. However, the antioxidant activity of SL-GAC and its effect on iron-overload-induced liver injury remains unexplored. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the antioxidant properties of SL-GAC in vitro and in mice, and its remediating effects against liver injury by iron-overloaded. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro, free radical scavenging activity, lipid peroxidation inhibition, and ferric reducing power of SL-GAC were measured by absorbance photometry. In vivo, C57BL/6J mice were randomized into 4 groups: control, iron-overloaded, iron-overloaded + deferoxamine, and iron-overloaded + SL-GAC. Treatments with deferoxamine (150 mg/kg/intraperitioneally) and SL-GAC (200 mg/kg/orally) were given to the desired groups for 12 weeks, daily. Iron levels, oxidative stress, and biochemical parameters were determined by histopathological examination and molecular biological techniques. RESULTS: In vitro, SL-GAC showed DPPH and ABTS free radicals scavenging activity with IC50 values equal to 24.92 and 128.36 µg/mL, respectively. In C57BL/6J mice, SL-GAC significantly reduced the levels of serum iron (22.82%), liver iron (50.29%), aspartate transaminase (25.97%), alanine transaminase (38.07%), gamma glutamyl transferase (42.11%), malondialdehyde (19.82%), total cholesterol (45.96%), triglyceride (34.90%), ferritin light chain (18.51%) and transferrin receptor (27.39%), while up-regulated the levels of superoxide dismutase (24.69%), and glutathione (11.91%). CONCLUSIONS: These findings encourage the use of SL-GAC to treat liver injury induced by iron-overloaded. Further in vivo and in vitro studies are needed to validate its potential in clinical medicine.

The Supplementation of Bee Bread Methanolic Extract to Egg Yolk or Soybean Lecithin Extenders Can Improve the Quality of Cryopreserved Ram Semen.

Bee bread has numerous nutritional benefits and bioactive compounds. Other bee byproducts have been used as extender additives to improve semen cryopreservation. Here, we examined the effects of supplementing egg yolk extender (EYE) or soybean lecithin extender (SBLE) with bee bread extract (BBE) on the quality of cryopreserved ram semen. Semen was collected from five adult Rahmani rams once a week for 7 weeks. EYE and SBLE were supplemented with BBE. Antioxidant capacity and total phenolic compound, total flavonoid compound, and total soluble carbohydrate levels of BBE were measured. Sperm characteristics, including progressive motility, viability, abnormalities, membrane integrity, and acrosome integrity, were analyzed after equilibration, thawing, and thawing followed by a 2-h incubation. The total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and total acid phosphatase levels in extenders were determined after thawing. Sperm apoptosis was analyzed using annexin V assays. SBLE was more effective than EYE for cryopreserving ram semen. Extender supplementation with BBE improved ram semen quality during freezing in a concentration-dependent pattern. Motility, vitality, and membrane integrity were particularly enhanced in BBE-treated semen. Additionally, BBE promoted antioxidant and enzymatic activities and reduced apoptosis in semen. Thus, extender supplementation with BBE improved sperm cryopreservation.