Carboxyfullerene C60 preserves sperm by enhancing antioxidant capacity and inhibiting apoptosis and harmful bacteria

Abstract

Abstract Background The current approaches for the preservation of human sperm have several limitations, and there are a lack of effective non-freezing preservation methods. Recently, carboxyfullerene C60 (CF-C60) has gained attention as an important nanocarbon derivative with strong antioxidant and antibacterial activity. This study uses a porcine model to systematically investigate whether CF-C60 can be used for the preservation of sperm. Results The results indicate that CF-C60 supplementation can preserve sperm quality during storage at 17°C. This effect is attributable to improvement in the antioxidant capacity of sperm through a decrease in the ROS level. Additionally, CF-C60 can maintain mitochondrial function, inhibit sperm apoptosis through the ROS/Cytochrome C/Caspase 3 signaling pathway, and mediate suppression of bacterial growth through the effects of ROS. Finally, the results of artificial insemination experiments indicate that insemination with CF-C60-treated sperm can increase the total number of offspring born and reduce the number of deformed piglets. Conclusions Thus, CF-C60 can preserve sperm quality by inhibition of apoptosis and bacterial growth via a reduction in ROS levels and is safe for use as a component of semen diluent for storage. These findings pave the way for the prospective clinical application of carbon nano-materials as antioxidants for non-freezing sperm preservation methods.