Impact of Sperm Cryopreservation on Semen Parameters in Asthenozoospermic Men

Background: Human sperm cryopreservation has proven to be very valuable. Cryopreservation has effects on function, morphology and percentage of fertilization capacity of human sperm. Also, it has been revealed that cryopreservation has a role in sperm DNA fragmentation and infertility. In this study, viability, motility, DNA fragmentation and for the first time, intracellular nitric oxide assessed before and after cryopreservation process of human semen samples in asthenozoospermic men. Methods: Semen samples were collected from 50 asthenozoosprmic men and divided into2 groups: 25 fresh semen samples as a control group, 25 frozen–thawed semen samples. Viability was assessed by eosin-negrosin staining. Motility was evaluated with a phase contrast microscope and intracellular nitric oxide was measured by flowcytometry. For evaluation of DNA fragmentation in sperm, apoptosis was assessed by flowcytometry. Results: Cryopreservation of asthenozoospermic semen samples decreased sperm viability and motility and increased the intracellular nitric oxide concentration and DNA damage significantly (P<0.001). Conclusions: Cryopreservation process has detrimental effects on viability and motility, intracellular nitric oxide concentration and DNA integrity in human semen samples.