Impact of adding L-carnitine and semen preparation on human semen parameters after cryopreservation

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Embryology

2 Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt

3 International Islamic Center for Population Studies and Research, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.

Abstract

Abstract
Background: The use of antioxidants in semen extenders may reduce cryo-damage to sperm cells. This study assessed the impact of adding L-carnitine to the freezing medium for raw and prepared human semen after complete thawing. Methods: The normal semen samples were collected and divided into two main groups in raw and prepared labeled semen tubes (100 cases per group). Each group was under analysis before being divided into two subgroups: traditional cryoprotectant and L-carnitine addition sub-groups. The results showed no significant difference in sperm progressive motility rate between the L-Crantinin subgroup (C1: 11.01 ± 2.0%) and the control group (A1: 11.30 ± 1.2%). Moreover, in the cryoprotectant subgroup, the prepared semen showed a highly significant decrease (P ≤ 0.001) in mean DNA fragmentation compared to raw semen, with values of 18.01 ± 1.2% for prepared semen and 22.01 ± 1.2% for raw semen; similarly, in the subgroup that received cryoprotectant and L-carnitine. The prepared semen significantly decreased the average DNA fragmentation compared to raw semen (13.41 ± 2.5% versus 15.11 ± 2.2%, respectively). In conclusion, adding L-carnitine as an extender enhanced sperm motility, mitochondrial activity, and the integrity of the acrosomal and plasma membranes in frozen-thawed sperm to approach the non-cryopreserved state.

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International Journal of Theoretical and Applied Research
Volume 4, Issue 1
June 2025
Pages 553-562

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