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- Title
Cryoprotective effect of l-carnitine on motility, vitality and DNA oxidation of human spermatozoa.
- Authors
Banihani, S.; Agarwal, A.; Sharma, R.; Bayachou, M.
- Abstract
Successful cryopreservation for human spermatozoa markedly influences the reproductive outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies. But in spite of its usefulness, cryopreservation significantly decreases sperm quality. l-carnitine has been found to improve the quality of spermatozoa in selected cases with male infertility. Here, we examined the efficacy of l-carnitine in improving sperm motility and vitality and reducing sperm DNA oxidation during cryopreservation. Semen samples from infertile patients ( n = 22) were collected and analysed. Cryopreservation medium supplemented with l-carnitine was mixed with the semen at a ratio of 1 : 1 (v/v). The final l-carnitine concentration in each cryovial was 0.5 mg ml−1 per 5 × 106 cell ml−1. Controls were cryopreserved without addition of l-carnitine. After 24 h of cryopreservation, thawed sperm samples were analysed for motility, vitality and DNA oxidation. Sperm vitality was assessed by the eosin-nigrosin test, while sperm DNA oxidation was measured by flow cytometry. Addition of l-carnitine significantly improved sperm motility and vitality ( P < 0.05) compared with the control. The flow cytometry experiment showed no statistical difference ( P > 0.05) in the levels of DNA oxidation between samples and controls. In conclusion, l-carnitine improves human sperm motility and vitality, but has no effect on sperm DNA oxidation after cryopreservation.
- Subjects
SPERMATOZOA; MALE infertility; SPERM motility; OXIDATION of DNA; INFERTILITY
- Publication
Andrologia, 2014, Vol 46, Issue 6, p637
- ISSN
0303-4569
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/and.12130