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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics

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01-12-2012 | Technological Innovations

Addition of zinc to human ejaculate prior to cryopreservation prevents freeze-thaw-induced DNA damage and preserves sperm function

Authors: Aditi P. Kotdawala, Sangeetha Kumar, Sujith R. Salian, Prashanth Thankachan, Kaushik Govindraj, Pratap Kumar, Guruprasad Kalthur, Satish K. Adiga

Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics | Issue 12/2012

Abstract

Purpose

To study the effect of addition of zinc to human semen sample prior to cryopreservation on post-thaw sperm quality and function.

Methods

Semen samples were collected from men attending university infertility clinic for semen analysis (n=109). Liquefied semen samples were cryopreserved in glycerol-egg yolk- citrate medium with or without the prior addition of zinc (100 μM) and stored in liquid nitrogen. After 10 days, the semen samples were thawed to assess the outcome. Sperm motility, DNA integrity, mitochondrial potential and the ability of spermatozoa to undergo capacitation and acrosome reaction was assessed in post-thaw samples.

Results

Semen samples cryopreserved after addition of zinc had a significantly higher percentage of sperm with intact DNA (p<0.001), mitochondrial function (p<0.001) and progressive motility (p<0.01) compared to the semen samples cryopreserved without zinc supplementation. Apart from this, ability to undergo capacitation and acrosome reaction in vitro was significantly higher in semen samples cryopreserved with zinc (p<0.0001 and p<0.001 respectively).

Conclusions

Addition of zinc to semen samples prior to cryopreservation helps in preventing the freeze-thaw-induced sperm DNA damage and loss of sperm function.

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Title: Addition of zinc to human ejaculate prior to cryopreservation prevents freeze-thaw-induced DNA damage and preserves sperm function
Authors: Aditi P. Kotdawala
Sangeetha Kumar
Sujith R. Salian
Prashanth Thankachan
Kaushik Govindraj
Pratap Kumar
Guruprasad Kalthur
Satish K. Adiga
Publication date: 01-12-2012
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics / Issue 12/2012
Print ISSN: 1058-0468
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7330
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-012-9894-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Addition of zinc to human ejaculate prior to cryopreservation prevents freeze-thaw-induced DNA damage and preserves sperm function

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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