Oral Astaxanthin and Semen Quality, Fertilization and Embryo Development in Assisted Reproduction Techniques Procedures

Effect of Oral Administration of Astaxanthin on Semen Quality, Fertilization and Embryo Development in Assisted Reproduction Techniques Procedures

The purpose of the study is to determine whether administration of dietary supplement of astaxanthin with vitamin E improves the quality of sperm, fertilization and embryo development in Assisted Reproduction Techniques (ART) procedures.

In the study male patients diagnosed with oligoasthenozoospermia - with an abnormal sperm concentration and motility, irrespective of the morphology of spermatozoa - treated with their female partner with assisted reproduction techniques (ISCI) will be included. In the double blind study male patients will be given astaxanthin with vitamin E (study group, 40 patients) or placebo (control group, 40 patients) for three months prior to ART. In the study and the control group the quality of sperm (spermiogram), DNA fragmentation and mitochondrial membrane potential of semen before and after the dietary supplementation will be evaluated. In the ART procedure (ICSI) the fertilization rate, the quality of embryos, pregnancy rates and miscarriages rates in 1st trimester will be compared between the study and control group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• oligoasthenozoospermia with of without teratozoospermia by WHO criteria from the year 2010
• fresh semen
• female partner younger than 38 years
• idiopathic or tubal infertility in female partners
• at least 4 oocytes retrieved in previous ovarian punction in ART cycle, if previously performed
• 1st, 2nd or 3rd cycle of ART

Exclusion Criteria:

• genetic indication for ART procedure
• donated semen
• polycystic ovary syndrome in female partner
• dietary supplementation intake of antioxidants (selenium, zink, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin A) in male participant in the last three months
• smoking in male participant >20 cigarettes per day