The effect of astaxanthin in different concentrations on human sperm parameters after cryopreservation

The aim of the study was to examine the protective effectiveness of astaxanthin (ASTA), which is known to have an antioxidant effect, against damage caused during sperm cryopreservation. This experimental study was conducted in fallout semen samples of male individuals aged 25-40 who were admitted to Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University Faculty of Medicine for semen analysis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2010 criteria, 30 normospermic individuals were included in the study. Semen samples using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a cryoprotectant were divided into 4 equal volumes and added to each group 0 µM, 50 µM, 100 µM and 500 µM ASTA, respectively. All groups are stored by freezing in liquid nitrogen (LN2/-196°C) tank. After 72 hours, semen samples extracted from liquid nitrogen were thawed and DMSO and ASTA were removed. Motility assessment of sperm was performed before and after cryopreservation. Moreover, sperms were dyed acidic aniline blue for detection of DNA chromatin condensation. After cryopreservation, a general decrease in motility was observed in all groups compared to before cryopreservation. When the groups after cryopreservation were compared among themselves; The highest motility loss was observed in the control group (0 ASTA μM), while the least motility loss was in the 100 μM ASTA group. However, although a general decrease was observed, ASTA had a positive effect on sperm motility. After cryopreservation, the groups were examined in terms of sperm chromatin condensation; the number of condensed sperm was higher in the ASTA group of 100 µM compared to other groups. According to the results obtained and statistical data, ASTA added to the cryoprotectant substance during sperm cryopreservation positively affects sperm motility and reduces the number of decondanse sperm. Thus, it is thought that ASTA can be used as an additional supplement to cryoprotectants during cryopreservation. Conducting new research on ASTA will shed light on the development of cell cryopreservation protocols. Conducting new research on ASTA will shed light on the development of cell cryopreservation protocols.