Effect of sericin supplementation on heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) expression, redox status and post thaw semen quality in goat

Cryopreservation results in substantial deterioration of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and ultra-structural changes in sperm organelles, resulting in a marked reduction in post-thaw semen quality. The present study was aimed to explicate the effect of sericin supplementation on expression profile of HSP70, redox status and post-thaw semen quality in Barbari goat. Five Barbari bucks were used to collect thirty semen ejaculates by using artificial vagina and each ejaculate was divided into three aliquots to which sericin was supplemented at 0% (Control), 0.25% (T1) and 0.50% (T2). Further, extended semen samples were equilibrated followed by their cryopreservation. Post-thaw semen characteristics, redox status of seminal plasma, enzyme leakage and HSP70 gene/protein expression in spermatozoa were assessed in all the groups. Per cent progressive motile spermatozoa, spermatozoa having intact plasma membrane (HOST + ve) and intact acrosomes in post-thaw spermatozoa were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in T1 and T2 as compared to control. A significant (p < 0.01) reduction in abnormal spermatozoa was found in T1 as compared to T2. Sericin supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) improved the antioxidative status (SOD, GST, CAT), reduced lipid peroxidation (MDA) and also prevented enzyme (ALT, LDH) leakage as compared to control samples. qRT-PCR results revealed that HSP70 mRNA expression was significantly (p < 0.01) upregulated in T1 and T2 group as compared to control. The positive effect of sericin on expression of HSP70 was further confirmed by immunoblotting followed by densitometry revealing higher expression in T1 and T2 compared to control. Inclusion of 0.25% w/v sericin in semen extender ameliorated the post-thaw semen quality by improving antioxidative status and minimizing the leakage of intracellular enzymes. Sericin supplementation had a beneficial effect on HSP70/HSP70 mRNA expression either by induction or by protection of HSP70/HSP70 mRNA as evident from the gene expression and immunoblotting studies.