Probiotic supplementation in men with asthenozoospermia: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the potential of oral probiotics to improve sperm motility and decrease DNA fragmentation in men diagnosed with asthenozoospermia.

Methods: Men diagnosed with asthenozoospermia, aged between 18 and 40 years, were randomly assigned to receive probiotic or placebo for 10 weeks. Sperm parameters (count, motility, and morphology) and seminal fluid biochemical markers were assessed using light microscopy and Diff-Quik staining. Intracellular reactive oxygen species levels were measured using the malondialdehyde (MDA) technique, while DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was evaluated through acidic aniline blue staining. Data from both groups were compared to determine the effects of probiotic supplementation.

Results: Sixteen men were included. The probiotic group (n=8) showed a significant increase in total sperm motility (P<0.001) and progressive motility (P=0.003) compared to the placebo group (n=8). Additionally, sperm count in the probiotic group was significantly higher than in the placebo group, although other sperm parameters did not show significant changes. Notably, levels of MDA (P=0.027) and DFI (P=0.004) were significantly reduced in the probiotic group, indicating a decrease in oxidative stress and DNA damage.

Conclusions: Probiotic supplementation effectively enhances sperm quality by mitigating oxidative stress and reducing DNA damage, thereby improving sperm motility in men with asthenozoospermia.Study registration:The trial was registered with the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20220119053769N1).

Keywords

Sperm quality / Probiotics / Reactive oxygen species / Asthenozoospermia / Antioxidant / DNA damage / Infertility

Conflict of interest statement

The authors of the present study have no conflict of interest.

Funding

This work was supported by Kashan University of Medical Science, Kashan, Iran (Grant No. 40001). We also thank the Deputy of Research and Technology, Ministry of Health and Medical Education of Iran for research grant support.

Availability of data and material

The primary data for this study is available from the authors on direct request.

Authors’ contributions

Ghazaleh Moshkdanian and Hamed Haddad Kashani were responsible for the study conception and design. Hassan Hassani Bafrani and Ghazaleh Moshkdanian performed data collection. Mina Toghraiee and Hamed Haddad Kashani prepared the first draft of the manuscript. Hamed Haddad Kashani and Zahra Ahaz made critical revisions to the paper for important intellectual content. All authors approved the final version of the manuscript draft.

Publisher’ s Note

The Publisher of the Journal remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

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