Supplementation of cryomedium with ascorbic acid-2-glucoside (AA2G) improves human sperm post-thaw motility.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of ascorbic acid-2-glucoside (AA2G) supplementation in cryomedium to improve human sperm motility preservation through the freeze-thaw process.

DESIGN

Prospective research study.

SETTING

University-based andrology laboratory.

PATIENT(S): One hundred thirty-four patients attending the andrology laboratory for a regular semen analysis between April 2009 and May 2010.

INTERVENTION(S): Supplementation of cryomedium with ascorbate or AA2G.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Endogenous semen ascorbic acid concentrations, semen lipid peroxidation levels, progressive sperm motility.

RESULT(S): AA2G-supplemented samples showed improved sperm motility preservation after freezing compared with control samples. No significant difference was found in motility preservation between control samples and those supplemented with ascorbate.

CONCLUSION(S): Our data indicate that AA2G confers a protective effect on human sperm motility preservation through the freeze-thaw cycle. This same effect was not seen with ascorbate. Further investigation is required to elucidate a concrete mechanism of action.