The effect of astaxanthin on human sperm parameters after cryopreservation

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the study is to examine the protective efficacy of astaxanthin (ASTA) against the damage that occurs during sperm cryopreservation. Methods: This experimental study was carried out on waste semen samples of 30 normozoospermic individuals who applied for semen analysis. Semen samples were divided into four equal volumes and 0 μM (control group), 50 μM, 100 μM, and 500 μM ASTA were added to each group, respectively. All groups were stored frozen in a liquid nitrogen tank. Semen samples were removed from liquid nitrogen after 72 hours and were thawed. Motility evaluation of sperm was performed. In addition, sperms were stained with acidic aniline blue to detect DNA chromatin condensation. Results: The highest motility loss was found in the control group and the least motility loss was in the 100 μM ASTA group. When examined in terms of sperm chromatin condensation, condensed sperm count was higher in the 100 μM ASTA group than in the other groups. Conclusions: It has been observed that ASTA added to the cryoprotectant substance during sperm cryopreservation positively affects sperm motility and reduces the number of decondensed sperm.