The Effect of Folic Acid and Nicotinic Acid on Malondialdehyde Levels of Semen in Oligospermia Men after Cryopreservation

Background: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are of the most important detrimental factors on sperm quality during freezing process, which increases the lipid peroxidation (LPO) of cell membranes. In this study, the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in semen of men with oligospermia before and after cryopreservation process was measured to evaluate the effect of folic acid and nicotinic acid on the MDA concentration after freezing. Methods: In this experimental study, semen fluid sample was collected from 25 men with oligospermia in age range of 25-45 years. Each sample was divided into 5 groups: Fresh group, Freeze group without antioxidants (control), Freeze group with nicotinic acid (10 mM), Freeze group with folic acid (50 nM), and Freeze group with a combination of nicotinic acid (10 mm) + folic acid (50 nM). The concentration of MDA in nmol/ml was measured in each group with spectrophotometer at 535 nm. Findings: The mean concentration of MDA in semen increased after freezing (1.73 ± 0.12) compared to before freezing (0.45 ± 0.02) (P < 0.001). Mean concentration of MDA in the group of folic acid + nicotinic acid (0.68 ± 0.06) was lower compared to other groups after freezing (P ± 0.001). Conclusion: The combination of folic acid and nicotinic acid antioxidants with sperm freezing medium reduces the level of MDA and LPO of sperm membrane during freezing process, and thereby maintains the fertility potential in men with oligospermia.