Effect of the concentration of vitamin D3 on the Alanine-aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate-aminotransferase (AST) enzymes

Hayder Mohammed H. Habeeb, Mohammed Hakim A. Bresam, Eleas M. Wu

Abstract: Ram semen is rich in polyunsaturated free fatty acids which reduces the ability for prolonged semen storage to be used in the assisted reproductive technologies such as artificial insemination. The current research was conducted to evaluate the effect of adding cholecalciferol, or vitamin D3, to chilled Awassi ram semen on Alanine-aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate-aminotransferase (AST) enzyme activity, known factors in evaluating sperm membrane damage. Semen samples were collected from three Awassi rams. Vitamin D3 was added to the samples after dividing them into four groups: T1=0.02 g/mL; T2=0.004 g/mL; T3=0.002 g/mL and T0=control (no additives). Following treatments, samples were cooled to 5ºC and centrifuged at 3000 RPM for 15 min to collect seminal plasma. Seminal plasma was kept under -20ºC for later evaluation. ALT and AST concentrations were evaluated at 0 and 72 h following storage. The results showed ALT concentration increased significantly (P<0.001) in T1 samples at 0 hours compared to other treatments. However, the treatment had no significant effect on AST concentrations. A significant decrease in AST was observed at T1 and T2 at 72 h following storage. We conclude a high level of vitamin D3 (T1) might have a detrimental effect on sperm membrane viability but a low level of vitamin D3 (T3) might have a protective effect on sperm membrane viability.

Keywords: ALT; antioxidant; AST; semen storage; Vitamin D3

Citation: Habeeb, H. M. H., Bresam, M. H. A. & Wu, E. M. (2024). Effect of the concentration of vitamin D3 on the Alanine-aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate-aminotransferase (AST) enzymes. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 30(6), 1067–1070

Date published: 2024-12-16