Investigating the effects of vitamin B12 and Myo-inositol on human sperm parameters during the freeze-thaw process

Abstract

Background and aims: While sperm freezing has proven to be beneficial for addressing clinical needs, it can also have negative impacts on sperm function. However, it has been observed that additives with antioxidant properties can help alleviate the damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cold shock. The objective of this research was to examine the effects of incorporating vitamin B12 and Myo-inositol into the freezing medium on human sperm and how they influence sperm parameters. Methods: The semen samples of 20 people with normal fertility were divided into four equal parts after preparation, including the control group, vitamin B12, Myo-inositol, and both vitamin B12 and Myo-inositol. Sperm parameters were examined after melting and washing the samples. The obtained data were analyzed with SPSS software (version 23) and analysis of variance (P<0.05). Results: The results revealed that the groups receiving antioxidants experienced a significant improvement in sperm motility, viability, morphology, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels compared to the control group. Based on the obtained data, the average sperm motility in the control group was 40.65±4, which was less than that of the B12 group’s average (49.5±5.92), the Myo-inositol group (68.70±15.42), and the vitamin B12+Myo-inositol group (71.5±8.63), and this difference was significant (P<.001). Conclusion: According to the findings, the quality of sperm and the rate of recovery of sperm parameters increase with an increase in the TAC concentration and a decrease in the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration.