Study of pentoxifylline effects on motility and viability of spermatozoa from infertile asthenozoospermic males

摘要

Background: The quality of semen is one of the major parameters in male infertility. Pentoxifylline, a methylxanthine derivative, is an agentprimarily used in the treatment of intermittent claudication and other vascular disorders. Studies have shown that pentoxifylline enhances the qualityand quantity of sperms. In this study, we have investigated the in vitro effects of pentoxifylline on viability and motility of spermatozoa in samplesof infertile oligoasthenozoospermic males. Materials and Methods: In this observer-blinded clinical trial, semen samples of 25 infertileoligoasthenozoospermic males were collected in Alzahra Educational Medical Center of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences from August 2010to August 2012. After the isolation of spermatozoa by the swim-up method, they were randomized into four groups in ISM1 environment: Thecontrols treated normally: Group 1 treated by pentoxifylline at a dose of 50 ?g/ml, Group 2 treated by pentoxifylline at a dose of 100 ?g/ml, andGroup 3 treated by pentoxifylline at a dose of 200 ?g/ml. Sperm viability and motility were compared among the groups on 45 min, 24 h, 36 h, and48 h intervals. Results: Mean percentages of live sperms were 98.40%, 51.40%, 20.60%, and 6.00% in control group and 98.40%, 69.20%,38.60%, and 14.60% in Group 3 on the mentioned intervals, respectively. This mean percentage decrease of live sperms was significantly lower inGroup 3 comparing with that of other groups (P = 0.01). Mean percentages of motile sperms were 54%, 8.40%, 2.80%, and 0% in controlgroup; and 54%, 16%, 4.80%, and 1.40% in Group 3 on the mentioned intervals, respectively. There was not a significant difference between thefour groups in this regard (P = 0.19). Conclusion: Pentoxifylline can enhance the viability of sperm of infertile oligoasthenozoospermic males withno significant effect on its motility.