Effect of in vitro selenium supplementation on sperm quality in asthenoteratozoospermic men

Background: Sperm DNA damage, excessive oxidative stress and decrease in motility may lead to low fertilization or poor assisted reproductive techniques outcomes in asthenoteratozoospermic men. Selenium considered as essential element for male reproductive functions. Selenium has important role in enzymatic process for elimination of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and help in maintenance of membrane integrity. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of selenium supplementation on sperm quality, DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial membrane potential and membrane lipid peroxidation during sperm sampling in vitro at different times.Methods: In this experimental study, semen samples collected from 30 asthenoteratozoospermic men. This study was approved by the local ethics committee. Samples divided into two groups as control and test group (incubated with 2μgmL-1 selenium at 37 ˚C for 2, 4 and 6 h). Motility and viability assessed as WHO 2010 criteria. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), sperm DNA fragmentation (TUNEL) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were evaluated in each group. Data were analyzed using repeated measurement of ANOVA and T-test. The means were considered significantly different at PResult: Results revealed that motility, viability and MMP were significantly higher in test group (pConclusion: In vitro selenium supplementation may protect spermatozoa from maltreatment effect of ROS during sperm sampling via keeping enzymatic and antioxidant process in optimum condition.

Keywords:

Asthenoteratozoospermia , ROS , Sperm quality , Selenium