Application of a synthetic phenol-type antioxidant for cryopreservation of Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) sperm

Antioxidative and cryoprotective effects of a novel synthetic antioxidant–1,1'-(piperazine-1,4-diyl)bis(2-(2-hydroxyphenylthio)ethanone (AO) is presented in comparison with commonly known antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Superoxide anion radical scavenging activity of new AO and the increase in superoxide dismutation activity of the Russian sturgeon’s (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) sperm were established in the presence of this compound. It was shown that the new phenol agent reduces level of carbonyl oxidation by-products, which can react with thiobarbituric acid (TBARS), in Russian sturgeon’s native and frozen/thawed sperm, which indicates the manifestation of antioxidant properties by this compound including under the action of damaging factors during cryopreservation. A beneficial effect of this phenol derivative on the activity indicators (the percentage of motile sperm cells and total period of sperm movement) of the Russian sturgeon’s frozen/thawed sperm was shown, which indicates the cryoprotective effect of a novel synthetic antioxidant. The efficiency of the AO exceeds the effect of BHT under cryopreservation conditions of Russian sturgeon sperm in the presence of the modified Stein’s medium, but further studies are needed on the effect of a new phenol agent on the fertilizing capacity of Russian sturgeon’s sperm.