THE EFFECT OF ANTIOXIDANTS ON THE HUMAN SPERM VITRIFICATION

CABRILLANA ME; FONTECILLA ESCOBAR JAVIERA; MIGUEL FORNES; SÁNCHEZ RAÚL

Santiago

Jornada; XI Reunión Anual de la Sociedad de Andrología y Gametología de Chile; 2014

Introduction: The vitrification technique is simple, quick, cost-effective and has showed a significantly cryoprotective effect in contrast to conventional freezing. However, a significant increase of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) was observed during the sperm warming. These have negative effects on sperm morphology and motility among others. An increment in the thawing temperature improves sperm cell parameters, but is necessary to counteract the ROS effects since sperm remain deprived of the antioxidants effect of the seminal plasma. The aim of this work is to evaluate the effects of antioxidants in warming process. Material and method: BHT (butilhidroxitolueno) and melatonin were added to the vitrification sperm media to protect the sperm from the ROS action during the thawing. Also different temperatures of warming were applied. The plasma membrane integrity, motility, acrosomal reaction, lipid peroxidation and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were evaluated in all the experimental conditions. Results: By TEM we observed that the plasma membrane was better preserved when the BHT plus melatonin were in the vitrification media. But there were no significant improvements in the sperm functionality comparing with the sperms without antioxidants. Conclusions: During the vitrification/devitrification process the generation of ice crystals are diminished in contrast with conventional freezing due to bypassing 0 degrees consequently less damage to the sperm function was reported. The membrane damage is promoted by the effect of ROS, which would justify the addition of antioxidant. Acknowledgements: Direction of investigation, project N° DI 12-2014