Comparison of the Effect of Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) and Beta-Defensin 1 Protein on Human Sperm Motility and Viability in Different Times of Incubation

Background and Objectives: Antioxidant alpha lipoic acid and β-defensin 1 protein may have a positive effect on the quality of sperm parameters. In this study, the effect of sperm incubation with alpha lipoic acid antioxidant and β-defensin 1 protein were assessed on sperm motility and viability at different times.   Methods: In this experimental study, routine semen analysis was carried out on 59 infertile men according to the World Health Organization criteria (2010). Semen samples were processed by density gradient centrifugation. Then, samples were divided into three groups: control, processed semen sample treated with alpha-lipoic acid, and processed semen sample treated with beta-defensin 1. Then, all portions were evaluated for sperm motility and viability. The results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA.   Results: The mean percentage of motility in alpha-lipoic acid and β-defensin 1 groups after 1 and 2 hours, showed a statistically significant increase (p=0.05), while at the 3rd hour, only alpha-lipoic acid group had a significant increase in sperm motility. The mean percentage of sperm viability in alpha-lipoic acid and β-defensin 1 groups showed a significant increase compared to the control group after 1, 2, and 3 hours (p≤0.05).   Conclusion: Although both alpha-lipoic acid and beta-defensin protein are effective for maintenance of sperm motility and viability after separation of time, it is recommended to use alpha-lipoic acid in sperm processing medium to maintain sperm motility and viability.