Scriptaid is a prospective agent for improving human asthenozoospermic sample quality and fertilization rate in vitro

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Male infertility, often due to poor sperm motility, affects a significant global population.
• Improving sperm quality is crucial for enhancing fertilization rates in assisted reproductive technology (ART).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate Scriptaid's efficacy in improving sperm quality and fertilization rates in asthenozoospermic (AZS) semen.
• To assess Scriptaid's effects on sperm motility, cryopreservation, and viability duration.

Main Methods:

• Computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) was used to assess sperm parameters.
• Key biochemical markers including hyaluronan-binding activity, tyrosine phosphorylation, ATP concentration, and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured.
• Clinical intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) experiments were conducted to evaluate fertilization rates.

Main Results:

• Scriptaid significantly improved sperm motility and viability duration in AZS semen.
• Treatment with Scriptaid led to increased hyaluronan-binding activity, tyrosine phosphorylation, ATP concentration, and mitochondrial membrane potential.
• An ameliorated fertilization rate was observed in clinical ICSI using Scriptaid-treated spermatozoa.
• Active Scriptaid analogs and metabolites within spermatozoa were identified.

Conclusions:

• Scriptaid demonstrates potential as an in vitro treatment for male infertility.
• It enhances sperm quality, prolongs viability, and increases fertilization rates, offering a promising avenue for ART.