Investigation of antioxidative capacity in bovine seminal plasma. Effects of Omega-3 fatty acids

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• 1 INTRODUCTION
• 2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE
  • 2.1 Reactive Oxygen Species
    • 2.1.1 Definition and existence of reactive oxygen species
    • 2.1.2 Oxidative stress
    • 2.1.3 Significance of oxidative stress in male reproduction
      • 2.1.3.1 Sources of ROS in semen
      • 2.1.3.2 Targets and pathological role of ROS in semen
        • Lipids of sperm plasma membrane and lipid peroxidation
        • Damage of DNA
        • Damage of proteins
        • Apoptosis
      • 2.1.3.3 Physiological role of ROS in semen
  • 2.2 Antioxidants
    • 2.2.1 Enzymatic antioxidants
      • 2.2.1.1 Superoxide dismutase
      • 2.2.1.2 Glutathione Peroxidase
      • 2.2.1.3 Catalase
    • 2.2.2 Non-enzymatic antioxidants
  • 2.3 Seminal plasma and its antioxidative significance for male reproduction
    • 2.3.1 Accessory glands and seminal plasma
    • 2.3.2 Antioxidative properties of seminal plasma
  • 2.4 Measurement of oxidative stress and antioxidants using chemiluminescence
• 3 OWN EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES
  • 3.1 Establishment of a new assay for the determination of total antioxidative capacity of bovine seminal plasma
    • 3.1.1 Abstract
    • 3.1.2 Introduction
    • 3.1.3 Materials and Methods
      • 3.1.3.1 Chemicals
      • 3.1.3.2 Semen collection, dilution and freezing
      • 3.1.3.3 Handling of seminal plasma

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This dissertation investigates the antioxidative capacity of bovine seminal plasma and the effects of Omega-3 fatty acids on this capacity. The study aims to establish a new assay for the determination of total antioxidative capacity in bovine seminal plasma and analyze the impact of Omega-3 fatty acids on this parameter. Key themes explored in this work include:

• Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their role in male reproduction
• Antioxidant systems in bovine seminal plasma
• The impact of Omega-3 fatty acids on antioxidative capacity
• Development of a new assay for measuring total antioxidative capacity
• The importance of oxidative stress in male reproductive health

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

* **Chapter 1: Introduction:** This chapter provides a general overview of the topic and outlines the research questions and objectives of the dissertation. * **Chapter 2: Review of Literature:** This chapter provides a comprehensive review of the current scientific literature on reactive oxygen species, antioxidants, and their significance in male reproduction, focusing particularly on bovine seminal plasma. It covers the definition and existence of reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress, its sources and targets in semen, as well as the physiological role of ROS in semen. The chapter also discusses enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and other non-enzymatic antioxidants. Additionally, it explores the composition and antioxidative properties of seminal plasma. * **Chapter 3: Own Experimental Studies:** This chapter details the author's own research, specifically focusing on the development of a new assay to measure the total antioxidative capacity of bovine seminal plasma. It outlines the materials and methods used, including the collection, dilution, and handling of semen and seminal plasma, as well as the chemical reagents employed.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This dissertation focuses on the key areas of bovine reproduction, oxidative stress, antioxidants, seminal plasma, Omega-3 fatty acids, and the development of a new assay to measure total antioxidative capacity. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of oxidative stress in male reproductive health and the potential benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids in mitigating oxidative damage.