Z Dadgar - Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Arak University, Arak, Iran
M Soleimani Mehranjani - Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Arak University, Arak, Iran
M Shariatzadeh - Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Arak University, Arak, Iran
M Rahsepar - ART Laboratory, Center of Infertility and Recurrent Abortion, Shafa Hospital, Khorramabad, Iran

Background: Pentoxifylline is one of methyl xanthine derivative which influences the sperm motility and commonly used in treatment of male infertility with asthenozoospermia. Zinc as a known antioxidant is also a DNA condenser which influences spermatogenesis. it is believed that consumption of Pentoxifylline can affect integrity of sperm DNA.Objective: We aimed to evaluate the possible effect of a combination of zinc and Pentoxifylline on sperm parameters and DNA integrity in a group of patients with asthenozoospermia.Materials and Methods: Ninety men with asthenozoospermia in a doubleblind, randomized clinical trial were allocated for this study. They were randomly divided into three groups including: Pentoxifylline, Pentoxifylline +zinc and zinc. Orally (twice daily) treatment carried out for a period of 3 months. Finally, we compared the sperm parameters and DNA fragmentation using sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test before and after treatment. Data was analyzed statistically using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test and means difference was consider significantly different at p<0.05.Results: Pentoxifylline and Zinc increased significantly the mean sperm motility, count and normal morphology in the Pentoxifylline and zinc treated groups when compared to pre-administration. The mentioned parameters increased significantly in the Pentoxifylline + Zinc group in comparison with Pentoxifylline and Zinc groups. A significant increase and decrease in sperm DNA fragmentation was found in the Pentoxifylline and zinc treated groups compared to pre-administration respectively. There was no significant difference in the mean sperm DNA fragmentation in Pentoxifylline + Zinc group before and after administration.Conclusion: Our results showed that Pentoxifylline although has improved the sperm motility but it may have some adverse effect on sperm DNA quality. However, the co-administration of pentoxifylline and zinc could protect sperm DNA from undesirable effects of pentoxifylline on sperm DNA quality. Therefore, consumption of Pentoxifylline with antioxidants such as zinc is suggested in the case of male infertility treatment.

Pentoxifylline, Zinc, Asthenozoospermia, DNA Fragmentation