Determination of the Detrimental Effects of Cryopreservation Process on Sperm Functional and Molecular Parametersin Infertile Men with Asthenoteratozoospermia

Cryopreservation of sperm is a widely used technique to maintain and protect fertility men in certain conditions, such as infertility and malignancy treatments. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of cryopreservation on sperm functional and molecular parameters in infertile men with asthenoteratozoospermia.

According to previous studies in this field, semen samples were collected from 20 people with asthenoteratozoospermia. A part of sample was first examined as a fresh sample before rapid freezing.In the following, the samples were freezed using rapid freezing protocol for 14 days in liquid nitrogenand then were thawed, and finally, the functional parameters were analyzed by sperm analysis method and DNA fragmentation was assessed using TUNEL test. Viabilitypercentage was evaluated by eosin-nigrosin staining. Data were analyzed using paired t-test.

Cryopreservation led to significant decrease in sperm motility, viability, concentration, and normal morphology (p<0.001). DNA damage significantly increased during cryopreservation (p<0.01).

Common cryopreservation process has detrimental effects on human sperm functional and molecular parameters and can reduce fertility potential.