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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2020 Oct 23;55(1):97-105.
doi: 10.2478/raon-2020-0062.

Effect of the oral intake of astaxanthin on semen parameters in patients with oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Senka Imamovic Kumalic  1   2 , Irma Virant Klun  1   2 , Eda Vrtacnik Bokal  1   2 , Bojana Pinter  1   2
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Effect of the oral intake of astaxanthin on semen parameters in patients with oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Senka Imamovic Kumalic et al. Radiol Oncol. .

Abstract

Background: Higher concentrations of seminal reactive oxygen species may be related to male infertility. Astaxanthin with high antioxidant activity can have an impact on the prevention and treatment of various health conditions, including cancer. However, efficacy studies on astaxanthin in patients with oligospermia with/without astheno- or teratozoospermia (O±A±T) have not yet been reported. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of the oral intake of astaxanthin on semen parameters.

Patients and methods: In a randomized double-blind trial, 80 men with O±A±T were allocated to intervention with 16 mg astaxanthin orally daily or placebo. At baseline and after three months basic semen parameters, sperm deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of spermatozoa and serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) value were measured.

Results: Analysis of the results of 72 patients completing the study (37 in the study group, 35 in the placebo group) did not show any statistically significant change, in the astaxanthin group no improvements in the total number of spermatozoa, concentration of spermatozoa, total motility of spermatozoa, morphology of spermatozoa, DNA fragmentation and mitochondrial membrane potential of spermatozoa or serum FSH were determined. In the placebo group, statistically significant changes in the total number and concentration of spermatozoa were determined.

Conclusions: The oral intake of astaxanthin did not affect any semen parameters in patients with O±A±T.

Keywords: DNA fragmentation; antioxidant; cancer; male infertility; oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia; semen quality.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
CONSORT flow chart of study presenting the inclusion criteria, randomization and follow-up of participants.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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