Effects of Procyanidine on Semen Parameters and DNA Fragmentation Index During Cryopreservation of Abnormal Human Semen Samples

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Cryopreservation is the storage of biological material at subzero temperatures at which biochemical processes of cell metabolism and the biochemical reactions that lead to cell death are slowed, interrupted or stopped.Many investigators have focused on the use of antioxidants in the freezing media to reduce the negative effects of reactive oxygen species(ROS) on spermatozoa and in this context addition of vitamin E to cryoprotective medium enhanced the post-thaw sperm motility and preserved sperm DNA integrity , superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were added to boar spermatozoa freezing media and they not only increased sperm motility and viability but also decreased post-thaw ROS generation which led to improvement in results of in vitro fertilizing with thawed spermatozoa.However, the impact of in vitro addition of proanthocyanidins to human semen before cryopreservation on post-thawing semen parameters, DFI has not been studied yet. The research question evaluated in the current study was whether semen samples of infertile men supplemented or not with procyanidine before cryopreservation, differ in post-thawing semen parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI).

Official Title
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Effects of Procyanidine on Semen Parameters and DNA Fragmentation Index During Cryopreservation of Abnormal Human Semen Samples: a Prospective, Double-blind Trial

Conditions
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Spermatogenesis and Semen Disorders, DNA Double Strand Break

Intervention / Treatment
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* Dietary Supplement: procyanidine


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Infertility defined as: At least twelve (12) months of non-achieving pregnancy despite unprotected sexual intercourse or six (6) months, if the female is > 35 years of age AND At least two (2) semen analyses with at least one abnormal parameter (sperm concentration, motility and morphology), according to WHO 2010 criteria. Not on any type of infertility treatment for the last three (3) months Sperm concentration > 8 x 106/ml and semen volume at least 2.5 ml for technical reasons. Normal hormonal profile (TSH, FSH, LH, total testosterone, prolactin) Seminal white blood cells < 1 x 106/ml No abnormalities in scrotal ultrasound. Exclusion Criteria: Underlying genetic cause of infertility History of undescended testis (cryptorchidism) History of orchidectomy History of testicular cancer History of severe cardiac, hepatic or renal disease. History of endocrine disease (primary or secondary hypogonadism, hyperprolactinemia, thyroid disease, pituitary or adrenal disease) History of epididymo-orchitis, prostatitis, genital trauma, testicular torsion, inguinal or genital surgery History of systemic disease or treatment during the last three (3) months Positive sperm culture for Chlamydia or Ureaplasma urealyticum Female infertility factors Body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2 Participation in another interventional study and a likelihood of being unavailable for follow-up.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 50 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Male

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Quadruple


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: procyanidine group<br> | Dietary Supplement: procyanidine<br>* Natural antioxidant<br>|
| No Intervention: Control group<br> | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Progressive sperm motility | percentage (%) of decrease | 3 Hours after ejaculation and immediately after thawing with or without Procyanidine | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sperm DNA fragmentation index | percentage (%) of increase | 3 Hours after ejaculation and immediately after thawing with or without Procyanidine | 
| Sperm morphology | percentage (%) of decrease | 3 Hours after ejaculation and immediately after thawing with or without Procyanidine | 
| Sperm vitality | percentage (%) of decrease | 3 Hours after ejaculation and immediately after thawing with or without Procyanidine |