Effect of in vitro selenium supplementation on sperm quality in asthenoteratozoospermic men

Sperm DNA damage, excessive oxidative stress and decrease in motility may lead to low fertilisation or poor assisted reproductive techniques outcomes in asthenoteratozoospermic men. Selenium was considered as essential element for male reproductive functions. Selenium has important role in enzymatic process for elimination of excessive reactive oxygen species and helps to maintain membrane integrity. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of selenium supplementation on sperm quality, DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial membrane potential and membrane lipid peroxidation during sperm sampling in vitro at different times. In this experimental study, semen samples were collected from 50 asthenoteratozoospermic men. Samples were divided into two groups as control group and test group (incubated with 2g/ml selenium at 37 degrees C for 2, 4 and 6hr). Motility and viability were assessed based on WHO 2010 criteria. Mitochondrial membrane potential, sperm DNA fragmentation and malondialdehyde levels were evaluated in each group. Results revealed that motility, viability and mitochondrial membrane potential were significantly higher in the test group (p<.05). Also malondialdehyde levels were significantly lower in the test group (p<.03). DNA fragmentation significantly decreased in the test group after 6hr of incubation (p<.02). In conclusion, in vitro selenium supplementation may protect spermatozoa from maltreatment effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during sperm sampling via keeping enzymatic and antioxidant process in optimum condition.