Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Antioxidants have shown positive effects on semen quality by improving sperm parameters such as motility and viability. This study investigate the effects of curcumin on sperm parameters, apoptosis, and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) following freezing in oligoteratoasthenospermia (OAT) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, a total of 40 semen samples obtained from 10 men aged 25-42 years with OAT according to WHO guidelines were treated with different concentrations of curcumin (0, 10, 20, and 30 μM) in a freezing medium. Following the freeze-thaw process, sperm parameters were evaluated. At the optimal dose, DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was assessed using the TUNEL (Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling) assay, and the expression levels of BAX (BCL2-associated X) and BCL2 (B-cell lymphoma-2) genes were measured by real-time PCR in both the optimal dose group and the control group. RESULTS: The cryopreservation had a significant detrimental effect on sperm parameters. Curcumin treatment, particularly at the 20 μM dose, showed improvements in sperm motility, although these improvements did not reach statistical significance. Also in optimal dose (20 μM dose), there was a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in the level of DFI, in BAX gene expression and BAX/BCL2 ratio, as well as a significant increase in BCL2 gene expression, which It indicates a decrease in apoptosis. CONCLUSION: It seems that the addition of curcumin to the sperm- freezing medium has a positive impact on sperm motility. This improvement can be attributed to the reduction in apoptosis and the protective effects on sperm DNA. By mitigating apoptosis, curcumin helps preserve the viability and functionality of sperm cells.