Effect of Royal Jelly on the Fertilizing Ability of Buffalo Spermatozoa In Vitro

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of addition of Royal jelly in presence of heparin on buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis) sperm motility, acrosome reaction and in vitro fertilization (IVF) of buffalo oocytes. Frozen buffalo spermatozoa from five bulls were thawed and motile fraction was obtained by swim up technique. The spermatozoa were washed, treated with100 µg/ml heparin, and then exposed to 0.4% Royal Jelly (RJ) for 3 h. Sperm motility, acrosomal integrity and fertilization rate of matured oocytes were assessed at 1, 2 and 3 h. The percentages of sperm motility, intact acrosome and fertilization rate of matured oocytes were higher (P<0.05) in 0.4% RJ compared to that in the control. After 2 h of incubation the percentage of motility, intact acrosome of spermatozoa and fertilization rate of matured oocytes, respectively, were 93.6 %, 77.6% and 72.6% in 0.4% RJ. These results suggest that treating buffalo sperm with 0.4% RJ in combination with heparin is effective not only to induce sperm acrosome reaction but also is effective for in vitro fertilizing capacity of the cryopreserved buffalo spermatozoa.

Antioxidants in Fish Sperm and the Potential Role of Melatonin

“…There are many studies assessing the antioxidant effect of propolis and royal jelly on sperm protection. Experiments in buffalo [ 148 , 149 ], goat [ 150 ], ram [ 151 ] and rat [ 152 , 153 ], are examples of enhanced sperm motility, spermatozoa viability and antioxidant status. Although the effect of these extracts on fish spermatozoa was not so explored so far, results were surprisingly positive when propolis was added to common carp sperm extender and spermatozoa integrity, motility, and hatchability were enhanced [ 144 ].…”

Useful impacts of royal jelly on reproductive sides, fertility rate and sperm traits of animals

“…Thus, this imbalance in antioxidants contrasts with ROS at the ideal and physiological concentrations is necessary for optimal cellular function (Bouayed & Bohn, 2010). The negative influence on frozen and cooled sperm quality with a high RJ level was observed in earlier reports (Abd-Allah, 2012;Moradi et al, 2013). Accordingly, 5% RJ level did not enhance the ram sperm quality and had detrimental effects on motility and viability of frozen-thawed sperm.…”

“…Also, acrosome integrity was significantly improved in 0.1% RJ‐supplemented group compared to the control groups (Shahzad et al, 2016). Buffalo sperm incubated with RJ (0.4%) for 3 hr at 37°C under 5% CO 2 in the air exhibited higher ( p < .05) acrosome reaction percentage (71.3 ± 3.14) compared with unsupplemented group (55.6 ± 5.06; Abd‐Allah, 2012). The protective effect of RJ might be attributed to its antioxidative capacities.…”

“…Accordingly, the buffalo sperm motility was significantly enhanced by supplementation of medium doses of the RJ in freezing extender (Shahzad et al, 2016). After incubation of buffalo sperm at 37°C under 5% CO 2 in the air for 3 hr, it has been reported that the inclusion of RJ (0.4%) in the diluent increased sperm motility by 21.8% compared with the control (Abd‐Allah, 2012).…”

“…Additionally, it has been recommended that the paternal heat stress leads to the failure of activation of zygotic genes, resulting in subsequent reduction of embryonic development (Zhu et al, 2004). Abd‐Allah (2012) reported that extender supplementation with RJ (0.4%) had increased significantly in vitro fertilization rate (65.3 ± 3 vs. 26.6 ± 5) during the incubation period for 3 hr at 37°C under 5% CO 2 in air.…”