Supplementation of Alpha-lipoic acid-loaded nanoliposomes in semen extender improves freezability of buffalo spermatozoa

This research was designed to explore the protective effect of alpha-lipoic acid-loaded nanoliposomes (ALAN) during cryopreservation of buffalo sperm. Buffalo semen was cryopreserved in a tris-citrate egg yolk extender without any supplement (ALAN0, control group) or with ALAN at levels of 25, 50, 75 or 150 mu g (ALAN25, ALAN50, ALAN75 and ALAN150, respectively). The ALAN had a size of 171.80 nm and a negative zeta potential (- 43.40 mV). The progressive motility, vitality and membrane integrity significantly improved in all ALAN groups (except ALAN25 for membrane integrity). ALAN150 group exhibited the best values of progressive sperm motility, vitality and membrane integrity after thawing at 37 & DEG;C for 30 s or incubated for 2 h at 37 & DEG;C and 5% CO2 compared with those in other groups. Both ALAN75 and ALAN150 groups significantly improved the TAC, GR and catalase, while lipid peroxidation and early apoptotic spermatozoa significantly decreased in ALAN150 group followed by ALAN75 group. Collectively, the adding ALAN to buffalo semen freezing extender plays a substantial shielding function against cryodamage by preserving the sperm functional parameters.

Automated summary

This study found that adding ALAN during cryopreservation of buffalo sperm can significantly improve sperm motility, vitality, and membrane integrity. The ALAN150 group showed the best results and increased antioxidant capacity, glutathione reductase, and catalase activity, while decreasing lipid peroxidation and early apoptotic spermatozoa.