Supplementation of cryomedium with ascorbic acid-2-glucoside (AA2G) improves human sperm post-thaw motility.

To evaluate the efficacy of ascorbic acid-2-glucoside (AA2G) supplementation in cryomedium to improve human sperm motility preservation through the freeze-thaw process. Prospective research study. University-based andrology laboratory. One hundred thirty-four patients attending the andrology laboratory for a regular semen analysis between April 2009 and May 2010. Supplementation of cryomedium with ascorbate or AA2G. Endogenous semen ascorbic acid concentrations, semen lipid peroxidation levels, progressive sperm motility. AA2G-supplemented samples showed improved sperm motility preservation after freezing compared with control samples. No significant difference was found in motility preservation between control samples and those supplemented with ascorbate. Our data indicate that AA2G confers a protective effect on human sperm motility preservation through the freeze-thaw cycle. This same effect was not seen with ascorbate. Further investigation is required to elucidate a concrete mechanism of action.