Investigation of the therapeutic effect of in vitro ceratonia siliqua application on DNA damage caused by human sperm cryopreservation.

Aim: Sperm and testicular tissue cryopreservation has been used since 1953 as a method to preserve fertility in male infertility cases. However, studies have shown that functional parameters of semen samples frozen with cryoprotectants, such as vitality, motility, and DNA fragmentation, are adversely affected after thawing. This condition is associated with reduced fertilization rates, delayed embryonic development, decreased implantation potential, and increased abortion rates. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of in vitro Ceratonia siliqua (carob) application on sperm parameters following cryopreservation. Materials and Methods: The study included 50 patients aged 25–40 years. The patients were divided into two groups as normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic, and semen samples were evaluated in six groups. Samples were frozen at -196°C in liquid nitrogen, and post-thaw motility, vitality, and DNA fragmentation were assessed. Ceratonia siliqua was used at a concentration of 0.01%. Results: It was observed that the freeze-thaw process significantly (p<0.05) negatively affected sperm parameters. However, groups treated with Ceratonia siliqua showed improvements in motility, vitality, and DNA fragmentation parameters. Conclusion: It has been demonstrated that Ceratonia siliqua reduces cryodamage through its free radical scavenging and mitochondrial protective effects. This study suggests that Ceratonia siliqua can be used as a supportive agent in human sperm cryopreservation. Keywords: Carob, Sperm, Cryopreservation, DNA damage, Motility, Vitality.