Comparison of the effects of platelet-rich plasma and nanocurcumin on the sperm quality parameters in frozen-thawed semen of men with asthenoteratozoospermia: A lab trial study.

Background: Cryopreservation of sperm can adversely affect sperm quality, particularly in individuals with asthenoteratozoospermia. Various substances are added to the cryopreservation medium to prevent cellular damage.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and nanocurcumin (nCur) on sperm parameters, DNA fragmentation, and oxidative stress levels in cryopreserved semen.

Materials and methods: In this lab trial study, semen samples of 20 men with asthenoteratozoospermia who referred to Rastak and Ghavamzadeh Infertility Centers, Arak, Iran from June-August 2024 were collected. Each sample was divided into 5 groups: control (no treatment), PRP₅₀, PRP₁₀₀, nCur₁₀, and nCur₂₀. The control samples underwent freezing without additives. Post-thawing assessments included sperm motility, viability, DNA fragmentation index, and malondialdehyde levels to evaluate oxidative stress.

Results: Treatment with PRP₅₀ (p $<$ 0.001) and nCur₂₀ (p = 0.001) significantly increased sperm motility compared to the control group. All treatment groups showed a significant increase in viable sperm following freezing (p $<$ 0.001), with PRP₅₀ demonstrating the most pronounced effects (p $<$ 0.001). While no improvements in sperm morphology were observed after freezing, PRP and nCur significantly reduced DNA fragmentation index after freezing (p $<$ 0.001), with PRP₅₀ being the most effective (p $<$ 0.001). Additionally, both PRP and nCur significantly decreased malondialdehyde levels compared to the control group (p $<$ 0.001).

Conclusion: PRP and nCur effectively improve sperm parameters in cryopreserved semen from individuals with asthenoteratozoospermia, particularly emphasizing the superior efficacy of PRP at a concentration of 50 in improving sperm quality. These results support the potential use of these agents as additives in sperm cryopreservation protocols to improve reproductive outcomes.