Article
Food Science & Technology
Sendeku Takele Alemneh, Shimelis Admassu Emire, Bernd Hitzmann
Summary: This study evaluated the suitability of a teff-based substrate for developing probiotic functional beverages, finding that both Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Lactobacillus plantarum A6 (LA6) could grow and produce desired products in the substrate. The combination of the two evaluated lactobacilli strains reduced fermentation time, indicating the potential for producing functional probiotic beverages using teff flour as a substrate without any supplements.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aldo Stivala, Giuseppe Carota, Virginia Fuochi, Pio Maria Furneri
Summary: This study evaluated the probiotic properties of lactobacilli strains of vaginal origin, finding that the strain L. rhamnosus AD3 showed the best probiotic properties. This suggests that L. rhamnosus AD3 has potential to be a safe and effective prevention and complementary treatment option for urogenital diseases.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chenyan Hu, Mengyuan Liu, Lizhu Tang, Baili Sun, Zileng Huang, Lianguo Chen
Summary: The study investigated the interactive effects between probiotic bacteria and the aquatic pollutant PFBS on zebrafish reproduction. It found that probiotic supplementation mitigated the negative impacts of PFBS on egg production by promoting oocyte growth and modulating hormonal signals. Overall, the study provided mechanistic evidence of how probiotics can influence the reproductive outcomes in the presence of environmental pollutants.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ru-pin Alicia Chi, Xiaojiang Xu, Jian-Liang Li, Xin Xu, Guang Hu, Paula Brown, Cynthia Willson, Oleksandr Kirsanov, Christopher Geyer, Chou-Long Huang, Marcos Morgan, Francesco Demayo
Summary: WNK1 is an important regulator in many physiological functions, and our study uncovered an MTOR-regulating factor in the male germline with potential implications in translation.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Hamza Goktas, Hilal Dikmen, Hatice Bekiroglu, Nur Cebi, Enes Dertli, Osman Sagdic
Summary: Ice creams can be used as a carrier for probiotics, with the addition of Saccharomyces boulardii and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG shown to successfully survive and improve rheological parameters. The aroma profile of ice creams was altered by probiotic inoculation, with ethanol being a major volatile compound. The highest overall acceptability score in sensory evaluation was from ice creams produced with probiotics added after aging step.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Huifang Li, Jing Wang, Yifan Fu, Ke Zhu, Zhiling Dong, Jinjun Shan, Liuqing Di, Shu Jiang, Tianjie Yuan
Summary: Glycyrrhizinic acid (GL) is used clinically to treat liver injury, and its bioavailability is closely linked to gut microbiota. Probiotic supplementation with L. rhamnosus R0011 can significantly enhance the bioavailability of GL in rats with liver injury by improving gut microbial composition and metabolic function.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Minh Tan Pham, Albert Jackson Yang, Ming-Shan Kao, Uuganbayar Gankhuyag, Enkhbat Zayabaatar, Shiow-Lian Catherine Jin, Chun-Ming Huang
Summary: The membrane glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 can induce IL-6 production in mice, but this effect can be reduced by down-regulating PDE4B expression with butyric acid from the fermentation of L. rhamnosus EH8. Supplementing mice with L. rhamnosus and mycelia can significantly decrease membrane glycoprotein-induced PDE4B expression and IL-6 secretion, showing potential for probiotics in treating the cytokine storm in COVID-19.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yiqian Gui, Shuiqiao Yuan
Summary: The m(6)A modification plays a critical role in spermatogenesis, affecting different stages of male germ cell development. It is involved in RNA metabolism, impacted by environmental exposure, and capable of being inherited across generations.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Yutao Chen, Jun Lu, Kristin Wickens, Thorsten Stanley, Robyn Maude, Peter Stone, Christine Barthow, Julian Crane, Edwin A. Mitchell, Fabrice Merien, Rinki Murphy
Summary: The study demonstrated that probiotic supplementation of HN001 can decrease the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus and fasting glucose levels. It also found associations between probiotic supplementation and alterations in insulin resistance, lipid levels, and bile acids in pregnant women.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Patricia Coimbra, Susana Alarico, Nuno Empadinhas, Mara E. M. Braga, Marisa C. Gaspar
Summary: Edible films composed of starch-based materials enriched with agrifood residues were studied for the incorporation of the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus and the addition of inulin as a prebiotic. The films showed varying mechanical properties depending on the composition, but all had water vapor permeabilities within the typical range. Viability of the probiotic during film production was influenced by the pH of the film-forming solutions. Films with agrifood residues had slower loss of probiotic viability during storage, possibly due to the presence of antioxidant compounds. The films were also shown to be free from foodborne pathogens, making them a promising material for probiotic delivery and food packaging.
INNOVATIVE FOOD SCIENCE & EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chenyan Hu, Zileng Huang, Mengyuan Liu, Baili Sun, Lizhu Tang, Lianguo Chen
Summary: This study highlights the impact of PFBS pollutant and probiotic L. rhamnosus on fish skin microbiota and immunity. PFBS exposure disrupts the skin microbiome and promotes mucus production, while probiotic supplement mitigates these effects and boosts immune functions.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Ping Li, Kehong Wei, Xia He, Lu Zhang, Zhaoxia Liu, Jing Wei, Xiaomei Chen, Hong Wei, Tingtao Chen
Summary: The study showed that L. crispatus and other bacteria tested significantly affected sperm activity and vaginal microbiota composition, resulting in reduced pregnancy rates and impacts on offspring health.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Kasey Schalich, Seesandra Rajagopala, Suman Das, Ryan O'Connell, Fang Yan
Summary: This study reveals the regulatory effects of intestinal epithelial cell-derived components on the expression and metabolism of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG at the molecular level, providing mechanistic insights into the interactions between the gut microbiota and the host.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Guangqi Gao, Teng Ma, Tao Zhang, Hao Jin, Yalin Li, Lai-Yu Kwok, Heping Zhang, Zhihong Sun
Summary: The study suggested that probiotic administration, specifically Lactobacillus rhamnosus Probio-M9, could enhance the efficacy and responsiveness of anti-PD-1-based immunotherapy in tumor-bearing mice by restoring antibiotic-disrupted gut microbiota. The probiotic treatment increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria, improved microbiome diversity, and enriched functional metagenomes related to sugar degradation, vitamin, and amino acid synthesis pathways. This preclinical data supports the potential for probiotics as a microbe-based synergistic tumor therapeutic in future human clinical trials.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Iqra Noshair, Zakia Kanwal, Ghazala Jabeen, Mateen Arshad, Fakhar-Un-Nisa Yunus, Ramsha Hafeez, Rida Mairaj, Imran Haider, Naushad Ahmad, Suliman Yousef Alomar
Summary: Probiotics, specifically Lactobacillus rhamnosus, were found to improve growth and disease resistance in Nile tilapia fish. The supplemented fish showed increased growth, improved macromolecular values, higher thyroid hormone levels, and better survival rates. This study highlights the importance of probiotics as feed supplements in aquaculture.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christian Giommi, Marta Lombo, Nina Montik, Michela Paolucci, Valentina Notarstefano, Giovanni Delli Carpini, Andrea Ciavattini, Antonio Ragusa, Francesca Maradonna, Elisabetta Giorgini, Oliana Carnevali
Summary: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) are metabolic-related diseases that can occur during pregnancy. This study investigated the changes in the placental chorionic villi (CVs) of GDM and SGA patients. The results showed higher levels of SOD-1 and CAT in GDM placentae, which may be related to the hyperglycemic environment. Lipid composition and structure of the placenta were altered in both pathologies, with SGA inducing lipid peroxidation and reducing collagen deposition in the CVs. The cannabinoid system does not seem to be involved in these two pathologies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Jerry Maria Sojan, Caterina Licini, Fabio Marcheggiani, Oliana Carnevali, Luca Tiano, Monica Mattioli-Belmonte, Francesca Maradonna
Summary: In this study, the potential of two probiotics, Bacillus subtilis and Lactococcus lactis, alone or in combination with vitamin D, to regulate the transcription of genes involved in the ossification process in human osteoblast cell line was explored. The results showed that the extract of B. subtilis significantly increased the transcription and translation of alkaline phosphatase (ALPL), indicating its substantial osteogenic impact on osteoblasts. Furthermore, B. subtilis extract could enhance extracellular matrix mineralization, outperforming the effects of L. lactis and vitamin D. These findings also supported the use of probiotic extracts rather than live cells in investigating the effects of probiotics in vitro.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Giorgia Gioacchini, Sara Filippi, Rossella Debernardis, Luca Marisaldi, Riccardo Aiese Cigliano, Oliana Carnevali
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the cross-talk among metabolism, stress response, immune system and reproduction in immature and mature female swordfish. Transcriptomic and histological analysis revealed that mature females have compromised detoxification capacity and immune system, indicating higher susceptibility to environmental stress and pollutants during the reproductive season.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Glenda Velez-Calabria, Ana Tomas-Vidal, David S. Penaranda, Miguel Jover-Cerda, Silvia Martinez Llorens
Summary: Aquaculture is focusing on sustainable practices, including reducing the use of fishmeal and finding alternative sources. This study shows that using hydrolyzed porcine mucosa and nucleotide concentrate as feed additives in a plant-based diet for gilthead seabream improves growth and feed efficiency. Replacing fishmeal with vegetable meals or other alternatives without affecting fish performance is a major challenge in aquaculture.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Giulia Chemello, Viola Faraoni, Valentina Notarstefano, Francesca Maradonna, Oliana Carnevali, Giorgia Gioacchini
Summary: Microplastic accumulation in aquatic environments poses a potential risk to wildlife and ecosystem stability. This study examined the presence of microplastics in cuttlefish eggs for the first time, specifically in embryos and yolk. The findings suggest that the common cuttlefish is exposed to microplastics from early-life stages, which may have implications for embryo health and development.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Hernandez-Rodriguez, Carla Sousa-Santos, Fatima Gil, Elsa Cabrita, Pedro M. Guerreiro, Victor Gallego
Summary: During the spring of 2022, sperm samples were extracted from endangered leuciscid species found in Vasco da Gama aquarium facilities and rivers in Algarve region, Portugal. The study analyzed the sperm motion parameters of the four species and found similar kinetic patterns but varying longevity. Morphometric analysis showed that the spermatozoa had similar sizes and shapes. Short-term gamete storage and cryopreservation were also conducted, with acceptable results obtained in some species. This study provides valuable information for the management and conservation of these endangered species.
FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Consolacion Milian-Sorribes, Helena Peres, Ana Tomas-Vidal, Sara Moutinho, David S. S. Penaranda, Miguel Jover-Cerda, Aires Oliva-Teles, Silvia Martinez-Llorens
Summary: This study investigated the effects of replacing dietary fish oil with a mixture of vegetable oils and probiotic supplementation on the plasma biochemical parameters, oxidative stress, and antioxidant ability of Seriola dumerili. The results showed that fish oil can be substituted by up to 25% with vegetable oils, but complete substitution is not feasible due to poor survival. The inclusion of probiotics had no effects on the measured parameters.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elisabetta Damiani, Fiorenza Sella, Paola Astolfi, Roberta Galeazzi, Oliana Carnevali, Francesca Maradonna
Summary: The demand for organic UV filters as active components in sunscreen products has increased rapidly due to growing awareness of the hazards of UV radiation. However, their extensive use has raised concerns about their effects on aquatic organisms. This study used zebrafish to investigate the effects of exposure to a derivative of the popular UV filter octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC), called tempol-methoxycinnamate (TMC). The results showed that while OMC exposure increased stress and oxidative response genes, TMC had reduced toxicity and exhibited antioxidant activity. Furthermore, TMC and OMC showed different interactions with hormone receptors, suggesting TMC as a more environmentally friendly alternative UV filter.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Seyed Hossein Hoseinifar, Francesca Maradonna, Mehwish Faheem, Ramasamy Harikrishnan, Gunapathy Devi, Einar Ringo, Hien Van Doan, Ghasem Ashouri, Giorgia Gioacchini, Oliana Carnevali
Summary: Ornamental fish husbandry faces challenges and losses, such as transport stress and disease outbreaks. This review discusses measures to prevent or control fish diseases and the role of natural and sustainable microbial feed additives (such as probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics) in enhancing the health, reducing transport stress, and promoting growth and reproduction of farmed ornamental fish. The review aims to fill the knowledge gap in advanced and sustainable practices in ornamental fish production.
Article
Fisheries
Eslam Tefal, Ignacio Jauralde, Ana Tomas-Vidal, Silvia Martinez-Llorens, David S. Penaranda, Miguel Jover-Cerda
Summary: This 120-day experiment investigated the effects of new organic raw materials on the growth, nutritional parameters, digestibility, and histology of Gilthead seabream. Results showed that substituting fishmeal with organic raw materials, including rainbow trout remains, Iberian pig viscera, and insects, improved the digestibility, histology, and growth performance of the seabream. The seabream fed on the rainbow trout and insect diets had the highest protein content, while the seabream fed on the control diet had the highest fat content. Except for methionine, there were no significant differences in amino acid retention efficiency among the different diets.
Article
Fisheries
Francisca Felix, Victor Gallego, Ana Mendes, Florbela Soares, Luisa M. Vera, Elsa Cabrita, Catarina C. V. Oliveira
Summary: The study aimed to determine melatonin levels in the seminal plasma of three aquaculture fish species and explore its potential role in fish reproduction and spermatozoa antioxidant status. Blood and seminal plasma were collected from fish during their reproductive season, and melatonin concentration was determined by radioimmunoassay. The results showed species-specific and daily changes of melatonin in fish seminal plasma.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fatima Fernandez-Garcia, Ana Carvalhais, Ana Marques, Isabel B. Oliveira, Sofia Guilherme, Helena Oliveira, Catarina C. V. Oliveira, Elsa Cabrita, Juan F. Asturiano, Mario Pacheco, Claudia Mieiro
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the reproductive toxicity of different concentrations of silver nanoparticles (Ag NP) on Pacific oysters by assessing sperm quality. The results showed that both environmental and supra-environmental levels of Ag NP impaired sperm motility without affecting mitochondrial function or causing membrane damage. It is hypothesized that the toxicity of Ag NP is mainly attributed to adhesion to the sperm membrane and blockade of membrane ion channels. The presence of Ag in the marine ecosystem is of environmental concern as it may impact oyster reproduction.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Catarina C. V. Oliveira, Leonor Ferrao, Victor Gallego, Claudia Mieiro, Isabel B. B. Oliveira, Ana Carvalhais, Mario Pachedo, Elsa Cabrita
Summary: Silver nanoparticles have a mild effect on sperm motility in gilthead seabream and can alter the subpopulation structure of spermatozoa. This study exposed seabream sperm samples to titanium dioxide and silver nanoparticles and found that both nanoparticles significantly affected sperm motility and subpopulations. The reproductive toxicity effect was observed only at supra-environmental concentrations.
FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Haolin Li, Xiaomeng Pei, Hao Yu, Wei Wang, Dagan Mao
Summary: This study investigated the effects of APN/AdipoRon on autophagy and apoptosis in goat luteal cells, and found that autophagy and apoptosis play important roles in the structural regression of goat corpus luteum.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Yan-Qiu Wang, He-Xuan Qu, Yan-Wei Dong, Jia-Jia Qi, Hua-Kai Wei, Hao Sun, Hao Jiang, Jia-Bao Zhang, Bo-Xing Sun, Shuang Liang
Summary: This research reveals the crucial role of Ferroptosis Suppressor Protein 1 (FSP1) in regulating the development and quality of porcine early embryos. Inhibition of FSP1 impairs blastocyst formation, induces glutathione-independent ferroptosis, and leads to oxidative stress due to mitochondrial dysfunction.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Xiong Lai, Ruizhuo Liu, Mengyu Li, Yaochun Fan, Hongxia Li, Guotao Han, Ruijie Guo, Hairui Ma, Huimin Su, Wanjin Xing
Summary: This study identifies WDR54 as a protein involved in sperm-oocyte fertilization and shows that it interacts with IZUMO1 and JUNO. The formation of the JWIJ complex on the oocyte surface suggests its importance in sperm-oocyte adhesion and fusion. This discovery provides new insights into the mechanisms of mammalian sperm-oocyte adhesion and fusion.
Article
Reproductive Biology
S. Nandi, B. Sampath Kumar, P. S. P. Gupta, S. Mondal, V. Girish Kumar
Summary: This study examined the effects of plant bioactive compounds on the survival and growth parameters of ovine preantral follicles granulosa cells (GCs) and the expression of key developmental genes. The results showed that KAE, MYR and QUE had dose-dependent responses on the morphological and functional parameters of the cells, with KAE being the most potent in augmenting ovarian functions.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Francisco E. Martin-Cano, Gemma Gaitskell-Phillips, Laura Becerro-Rey, Eva da Silva, Javier Masot, Eloy Redondo, Antonio Silva-Rodriguez, Cristina Ortega-Ferrusola, Maria Cruz Gil, Fernando J. Pena
Summary: The presence of a more efficient glycolysis mechanism depending on pyruvate in stallion spermatozoa can counteract the detrimental effects of higher glucose concentrations. Incubating spermatozoa with 10 mM pyruvate in a modified Tyrode's media with 67 mM glucose showed increased motility and maintained viability. This improvement is attributed to the conversion of lactate to pyruvate and increased NAD(+) enhancing glycolysis efficiency.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Thanida Sananmuang, Denis Puthier, Catherine Nguyen, Kaj Chokeshaiusaha
Summary: Ongoing progress in mRNA-Sequencing technologies has contributed to the refinement of assisted reproductive technologies. This study utilized mRNA-Seq datasets of various mammalian species to analyze differential transcript usage (DTU) and identified ten cross-species DTU genes. Gene Ontology (GO) term enrichment analysis revealed the involvement of these genes in RNA and cell-cycle control mechanisms, suggesting their importance during oocyte maturation. Further exploration of these genes' transcript isoforms may lead to the discovery of novel markers for reproductive technologies.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Chenglei Song, Zhe Zhang, Yilin Wei, Yaqing Dou, Kunlong Qi, Xiuling Li, Feng Yang, Xinjian Li, Kejun Wang, Ruimin Qiao, Xuelei Han
Summary: In this study, the changes in protein levels in boar sperm with different liquid preservation abilities were analyzed. Key proteins related to sperm liquid preservation ability were identified. The findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of boar sperm liquid preservation ability.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Genevieve M. VanWye, Emily G. Smith, Christine Spinka, Michael F. Smith, Matthew C. Lucy, Jordan M. Thomas
Summary: A series of experiments evaluated treatment schedules for controlling the estrous cycle in beef heifers. The results showed that the duration of progestin treatment and the timing of prostaglandin administration had an impact on estrus expression and pregnancy rates.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Hongwei Duan, Shuai Yang, Longfei Xiao, Shanshan Yang, Zhenxing Yan, Fang Wang, Xiaofei Ma, Lihong Zhang, Yong Zhang, Junjie Hu, Xingxu Zhao
Summary: This study first elucidated the mechanism by which melatonin regulates progesterone secretion in the corpus luteum of sheep, namely by promoting progesterone secretion through the regulation of autophagy. This has important implications for further exploring the role of melatonin in regulating sheep ovarian function.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Zhijie Zheng, Yingfang Guo, Yonghui Zheng, Haichong Wu
Summary: This study demonstrates that miR-92b plays a protective role in LTA-induced endometritis by targeting FZD10 and reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thus alleviating uterine injury.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Areeg Almubarak, Sanghoon Lee, Il-Jeoung Yu, Yubyeol Jeon
Summary: This study found that Nobiletin (NOB) can promote the cryosurvival and embryo development of porcine sperm after in vitro fertilization (IVF). The addition of NOB improves sperm motility, acrosome integrity, viability, and mitochondrial membrane potential, reduces lipid peroxidation, and increases cleavage and blastocyst formation rates. Furthermore, NOB treatment upregulates the expression of genes related to pluripotency and cell differentiation in the resulting embryos.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Yuan Li, Lishu Li, Wenjie Xiong, Xing Duan, Huaming Xi
Summary: This study investigated the cytotoxicity and toxicological mechanisms of fluorochloridone (FLC) on cultured goat Sertoli cells. The results showed that FLC exposure induced oxidative stress, promoted apoptosis and autophagy, inhibited lysosomal biogenesis, and blocked autophagic flux in goat Sertoli cells. FLC also caused mitochondrial dysfunction and disturbed mitophagy, leading to cell apoptosis. The antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) reduced FLC-induced ROS accumulation and reversed the disorder of autophagy levels.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Gabriela Ramos Leal, Thais de Almeida Oliveira, Mariana Pedrosa de Paula Guimaraes, Lucas Francisco Leodido Correia, Erlandia Marcia Vasconcelos, Joanna Maria Goncalves Souza-Fabjan
Summary: This study investigated the time course of lipid accumulation during IVM and the effects of lipid modulators on cat oocytes. The results showed that adding lipid modulators can reduce lipid content and improve viability after cryopreservation.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Isabella Rio Feltrin, Amanda Guimaraes da Silva, Cecilia Constantino Rocha, Priscila Assis Ferraz, Paola Maria da Silva Rosa, Thiago Martins, Juliano Coelho da Silveira, Milena Lopes Oliveira, Mario Binelli, Guilherme Pugliesi, Claudia Maria Bertan Membrive
Summary: The study evaluated the effects of E2 treatment on Nelore heifers on day 15 of the estrous cycle, finding that E2 promoted an increase in PGFM concentrations and accelerated functional and structural luteolysis by upregulating the expression of PGR and OXTR. This suggests that within 3 hours after E2 stimulus, the expression of these receptors is associated with triggering luteolysis in cattle.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Aline Matos Arrais, Angelo Jose Burla Dias, Claudio Luiz Melo de Souza, Alinne Gloria Curcio, Marco Roberto Bourg de Mello
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of phospholipase C (PLC) on the capacitation of cryopreserved ovine semen. The results showed that the inhibitor U73122 can prevent premature capacitation and acrosome reaction induced by the freezing procedure, without affecting the kinetics and integrity of the sperm membranes.