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

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) are recognized for their beneficial ef-
fects 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 pro-
gressive 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.