Ham's F-10 medium and Ham's F-10 medium plus vitamin E have protective effect against oxidative stress in human semen

To investigate possible protective effects of vitamin E and Ham's F-10 medium (HF-10) on lipid peroxidation, apoptosis, motility, and vitality of spermatozoa.

Normozoospermic semen samples were obtained from 35 volunteers. Normal saline solution, HF-10 only, or HF-10 with vitamin E were added to split semen samples (control, group 1, and group 2, respectively). Sperm motility and vitality were evaluated at the end of 1, 2, and 24 hours. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, and malondialdehyde levels were assessed at the end of the first hour. Flow cytometric DNA analysis was performed at the end of 24 hours.

Superoxide dismutase, sperm motility, and vitality were not different among the groups. The catalase values decreased in group 1, but not in group 2. Malondialdehyde values in supernatants decreased in group 2 and apoptosis of spermatozoa decreased in groups 1 and 2.

Our data suggest that vitamin E and HF-10 protect against the reactive oxygen species-mediated damage on spermatozoa.