The Effect of Ceratonia Siliqua L extract on Semen Parameters, DNA Fragmentation after Cryopreservation in Asthenozoospermic Patients

Background: Sperm cryopreservation is useful for infertility treatment and fertility preservation. Freezing and thawing result in oxidative damage and physical and chemical changes in the sperm. Antioxidant supplements such as vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, zinc and CoQ10, and ellagic acid can improve semen parameters (sperm motility, viability, and function) in infertile men and they have shown positive effects on sperm cryopreservation. Some studies have shown the effect of Ceratonia siliqua L extract on the improvement of sperm parameters and chromatin quality after sperm cryopreservation. Ceratonia siliqua L is a tree with fruits that have antioxidant properties. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different concentrations of Ceratonia siliqua L extract in a freezing medium on semen parameters and DNA fragmentation in asthenozoospermic patients. Methods: Forty asthenozoospermic specimens were obtained in this study. Each sample was divided into six groups: fresh ( group I), in groups II to VI, 0 (as the control group), 5, 10, 20, and 30 [micro]g/mL C. siliqua extract were added to a freezing medium respectively. Then sperm parameters, Sperm DNA Fragmentation Assay (SDFA), were evaluated using related protocols after thawing in asthenozoospermic patients. SPSS software was used to analyze the data. Results: Data analysis shows that Ceratonia siliqua L extract improves sperm parameters after freezing and thawing in asthenozoospermic patients. Also, the present study showed that the percentage of SDFA significantly reduced after freezing and thawing in asthenozoospermic patients. Conclusion: This study showed the use of Ceratonia siliqua L extract in freezing media can improve the sperm parameters and chromatin quality in asthenozoospermic specimens. Keywords * Fertility preservation * Infertility * Male * Ceratonia siliqua L