Vitrification induced apoptosis in spermatozoa from fertile and subfertile men

Phospholipids are distributed asymmetrically between inner and outerleaflets of the plasma membrane of live cells. Early during apoptosis, this asymmetry isdisrupted and phosphatidylserine becomes exposed on the outside surface of the plasmamembrane. There is little information about the effects of vitrification on apoptosis.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of vitrification onapoptosis of subfertile and fertile men.

In this study, semen samples were collected from subfertile(n=20) and fertile men (n=10) after 48h abstinence of intercourse. After semen analysisaccording to WHO criterias, each semen sample was divided into two portions. Firstportion was assessed by Annexin V-flous staining kit for showing apoptosis insubfertile and fertile men and second portion was assessed after vitrification-thawing.Results were analyzed by Paired t-test and Independent t-test.

After vitrification-thawing, mean percentage of apoptotic spermatozoa hasincreased 6 and 3 times in subfertile and fertile men respectively. This difference issignificant.

Vitrification-thawing could disrupted membrane asymmetry andcaused apoptosis. Therefore, it will cause reduction of functional spermatozoa in accessof Assisted Reproduction Technologies (ART).