The Impact of Antioxidants on Antioxidant Capacity, DNA Fragmentation, and Chromatin Quality in Subfertile Men: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This randomized clinical trial study aimsto investigate the effects of antioxidantfood supplementation on the total antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma, sperm DNAfragmentation, sperm chromatin quality, and semen parameters. METHODS: In this study, a total of48 subfertile men with moderate physical activitywere included. Group 1 was recommended to use the antioxidant supplements,while antioxidantfood supplements were not given to Group 2. Total antioxidant capacity, sperm DNAfragmentation, sperm chromatin structure, hormone levels, physical activities, and semen parameterswere evaluated before and aftertreatment. Total antioxidant capacity, sperm DNA fragmentation, and sperm chromatin structure were assessed using ELISA,transferase dUTP nick end labeling, and aniline blue staining, respectively. RESULTS: Sperm DNAfragmentation (p=0.003) and histone/protamine ratio (p<0.001) were significantlydecreased in the patients receiving antioxidant treatment. There was no statistical difference in the total antioxidant capacity values of the post-treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Antioxidant therapy seems to improve sperm DNAfragmentation and histone/protamine ratios in subfertile patients. Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT06042738.