# Dietary Omega-3 Supplementation with Linseed and Padina pavonica Protects Rabbit Spermatozoa Against In Vitro LPS-Induced Damage

## TL;DR

Adding omega-3 fatty acids from linseed and algae to the diet helps protect rabbit sperm from damage caused by a harmful substance in lab tests.

## Contribution

The study shows that combining linseed and Padina pavonica provides enhanced protection against LPS-induced sperm damage.

## Key findings

- Sperm from supplemented groups showed better motility and less immobility when exposed to LPS.
- Dietary n-3 PUFAs reduced TLR4 activation and lipid peroxidation in rabbit sperm.
- No harmful effects on the male reproductive tract were observed with the supplemented diets.

## Abstract

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) are recognized for their beneficial effects on male fertility. This study evaluated the protective effects of dietary n-3 PUFAs from extruded linseed, alone or combined with the alga Padina pavonica, against in vitro lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sperm dysfunction in rabbits. Twelve bucks were fed for 60 days a control diet (CNT), a diet containing 5% extruded linseed (L), or 5% extruded linseed plus 0.2% P. pavonica extract (LPP). Ejaculates were exposed in vitro to increasing LPS concentrations (0, 400, and 600 µg/mL), and sperm motility was evaluated at 0, 1, 2, and 4 h using computer-assisted sperm analysis. LPS markedly impaired sperm motility in the CNT group, increasing the percentage of static spermatozoa (p < 0.001) and reducing sperm progressive motility (p < 0.001), with complete immobility observed at 600 µg/mL after 4 h. Conversely, sperm from L and LPP groups maintained significantly higher progressive motility, lower static sperm, and improved kinematic parameters throughout the LPS challenge (p < 0.05). Dietary n-3 PUFA supplementation also attenuated LPS-induced TLR4 activation and reduced lipid peroxidation, as indicated by lower seminal TBARS levels. No histological alterations were detected in the male reproductive tract. These findings indicate that n-3 PUFA supplementation, particularly linseed combined with algae, mitigates LPS-induced sperm dysfunction in vitro.