Comparison between sperm parameters and chromatin in recurrent pregnancy loss couples after antioxidant therapy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Recurrent Pregnancy loss (RPL) is a heterogeneous disease. The role of maternal factor is clear but the relationship between the paternal factors remains uncertain. It has been shown that increase the level of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and decrease the antioxidant levels in men can lead to RPL. New researches show treatment with antioxidant can improved sperm parameter. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of vitamin E plus Zinc therapy on sperm parameters and chromatin quality in couples with RPL. METHODS: In this clinical trial study, 60 RPL patients were selected from RPL clinic. Standard sperm parameters were analyzed and then male partners were intake vitamin E and Zinc in antioxidant therapy plan for 90 days. After that, sperm parameters were analyzed again. Sperm chromatin assay was reviewed before and after vitamin E and Zinc therapy by cytochemical assay including aniline blue (AB), chromomycin A3 (CMA3), toluidine blue (TB). To assess DNA fragmentation index, TUNEL test was used. Data were analyzed and compared before and after treatment. RESULTS: data analysis showed all sperm parameters significantly improved after treatment (P < 0.001). The number of AB(+) and TB(+) sperms were decreased significantly after vitamin E and Zinc therapy (P = 0.0001). Decrease in DNA fragmentation in post treatment group in comparison to pre-treatment was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Supplemental of vitamin E plus Zinc may improve sperm parameters chromatin quality and decrease sperm DNA fragmentation in RPL patients.