[In vitro culture medium for sparse spermatozoa improves human sperm motility]

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Sperm Physiology
• Assisted Reproduction Technologies

Background:

• Sperm motility is crucial for natural conception and assisted reproduction.
• Asthenozoospermia, characterized by poor sperm motility, is a significant factor in male infertility.
• Optimizing sperm function in vitro is essential for improving assisted reproductive outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of in vitro culture medium (IVCM) in improving human sperm motility.
• To determine if IVCM affects sperm viability in conjunction with motility enhancement.
• To provide data for clinicians and patients to select better assisted reproduction strategies.

Main Methods:

• Semen samples from 178 males (151 asthenozoospermia, 27 normal motility) were analyzed.
• Samples were incubated with IVCM (experimental) or F10 medium (control) for 30 minutes at 37°C.
• Sperm concentration, motility, viability, and progressive/non-progressive/immotile percentages were assessed pre- and post-incubation.

Main Results:

• IVCM significantly increased progressive and non-progressive sperm motility in both asthenozoospermia and normal motility groups (P<0.01).
• Sperm viability remained unaffected by IVCM treatment in either group (P>0.05).
• A positive correlation was observed between baseline immotile sperm percentage and the increase in motile sperm post-IVCM, stronger in normal motility samples (r=0.679) than asthenozoospermia (r=0.260).

Conclusions:

• In vitro culture medium (IVCM) effectively improves sperm motility in men with asthenozoospermia and normal sperm motility.
• IVCM does not compromise sperm viability during the incubation period.
• The degree of motility improvement is linked to the initial proportion of immotile sperm, suggesting IVCM's potential in sperm preparation for assisted reproduction.