Viability and function of human sperm in electrolyte-free cold preservation

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Cryobiology
• Andrology

Background:

• Sperm preservation is crucial for assisted reproductive technologies.
• Current methods often involve cryopreservation or short-term storage.
• Developing effective long-term cold preservation methods is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of electrolyte-free cold preservation for human sperm.
• To compare the viability and function of sperm stored in different electrolyte-free solutions.

Main Methods:

• A prospective comparative study was conducted.
• Human sperm samples were preserved in glucose, NaCl, KCl solutions, and TEST yolk buffer (TYB) at 4°C for up to 4 weeks.
• Sperm morphology, motility, viability, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Sperm preserved in 0.33 M glucose solution showed significantly higher normal tail morphology and motility.
• Sperm viability in glucose solution remained at 51.3% after 4 weeks.
• Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels in glucose-preserved sperm were 4.3% of the initial value after 4 weeks.

Conclusions:

• Electrolyte-free cold preservation in glucose solution demonstrates superior outcomes for human sperm.
• Glucose solution maintained sperm morphology, motility, and viability better than NaCl, KCl, or TYB for up to 2 weeks.
• This method shows promise for improving sperm banking and fertility treatments.