Abstract
Objective: Sperm cryopreservation serves as a vital technique in assisted reproductive technologies and the preservation of male fertility; however, this process often leads to a marked decline in sperm quality. Using external antioxidants to counteract the buildup of free radicals during cryopreservation has proven to be an effective approach for improving sperm quality after thawing. This study aimed to evaluate the combined effect of Curcumin and L-carnitine on human sperm motility, viability, morphology, DNA integrity, and lipid peroxidation following cryopreservation.
Methods: Forty semen samples from normozoospermic men were divided into four groups: control, Curcumin (20μm), L-carnitine (100μm), and a combination group (Curcumin + L-carnitine). Samples were cryopreserved for one week and subsequently thawed at 37∘C for 5 minutes. Post-thaw analysis included assessment of sperm motility (using CASA), viability (eosin-nigrosin staining), morphology, DNA fragmentation (TUNEL assay), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (TBARS assay).
Results: Both Curcumin and L-carnitine treatments significantly improved sperm motility and viability compared to the control group (p<0.01). The combination group exhibited the highest levels of motility and the lowest levels of MDA and DNA fragmentation, indicating superior protection against oxidative stress and DNA damage. No significant differences were observed in sperm morphology across the groups.
Conclusion: Supplementation with Curcumin and L-carnitine during sperm cryopreservation enhances post-thaw sperm quality, particularly improving motility and preserving DNA integrity. Further studies evaluating functional outcomes are necessary before clinical application.