Effect of Adding Autologous Platelet-rich Plasma to the Freezing Extender on the Post-thaw Quality and In vitro Fertility of Buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis) Spermatozoa

Abstract

This study investigates the consequence of adding platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the post-thawed quality and in vitro fertility of buffalo bull semen. Fifty-four ejaculates from nine buffalo bulls were collected, and every ejaculate was then dispensed into 5 equal parts, diluted with Optixcell extender supplemented with five [0, 5, 10, 15, and 20] proportions of PRP followed by freezing using the usual protocol. Post-thaw sperm motility, sperm viability, the integrity (%) of the plasma membrane, acrosome, DNA, and mitochondrial membrane potential (%) were evaluated. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) content as well as in vitro fertilization (IVF) were also assessed. The obtained results revealed that the 15 % PRP-supplemented extender improved sperm viability, progressive motility, and integrity of the plasma membrane. All 5 %, 10 %, and 15 % PRP treatments greatly reduced (P < 0.05) MDA and increased GPx and SOD activities. The cleavage rate was greatly increased (P < 0.05) following IVF with 15 % PRP-supplemented spermatozoa. In conclusion, the incorporation of 15 % PRP into the freezing extender is recommended to ameliorate freezing-thawing damage on sperm cell membranes and increase the in vitro fertility of buffalo bull spermatozoa.