Effects of berberine supplementation on the post-thaw quality of boar semen

BACKGROUND: Berberine (BBR) is known for its strong free radical-scavenging and antioxidant activities and may alleviate oxidative stress-induced damage during semen cryopreservation. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the impact of BBR supplementation in the freezing extender on the cryopreservation quality of boar semen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: BBR was incorporated into the freezing extender at concentrations of 0 (control), 5, 10, and 20 μmol/L. Frozen semen straws were prepared following a standard protocol. Post-thaw, assessments were conducted on sperm viability, motility, motility parameters, acrosome integrity, plasma membrane integrity, antioxidant capacity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). RESULTS: The 10 μmol/L BBR-treated group exhibited significantly higher sperm viability, motility, and velocity parameters, including straight-line velocity (VSL), curvilinear velocity (VCL), and average path velocity (VAP), compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, acrosome integrity and plasma membrane integrity were significantly enhanced in the 10 μmol/L BBR-treated group relative to the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the group treated with 10 μmol/L BBR exhibited a significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) content and ROS levels, while demonstrating the highest superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and MMP (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The addition of BBR to the freezing extender enhanced the post-thaw quality of boar sperm, with the 10 μmol/L concentration providing the most effective protective benefits among the concentrations evaluated.