P-33: The Effect of the Pentoxifylline on Human Sperm DNA Fragmentation

Background: It is stated that pentoxifyline can improve sperm motility and suggested to use in ART for asthenozoospermia. But, probable effect of this drug on sperm DNA in unknown. Our main goal was to evaluate the impact of pentoxifyline on sperm DNA fragmentation. Materials and Methods: Thirty eight asthenozoospermic patients were selected for this prospective study. After direct swim-up, specimens were aliquot into two groups of treatment and control. In treatment group, 3.6 mM pentoxifyline was added to sperm medium. Both groups were incubated in 37°C for 45 minutes. Then, sperm parameters as well as sperm DNA fragmentation were evaluated and compared between two groups. DNA fragmentation assay was done by sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test. Results: Pentoxifyline improved progressive motility in treatment group compared to control (85.76 ± 5.96 vs. 79.44 ± 9.37, respectively, p=0.02). Also, there was significant difference for viability test between treatment group and control (87.71 ± 8.29 vs. 83.5 ± 9, respectively, p=0.03). Besides, sperm DNA fragmentation was higher in treatment group compared to control (23.36 ± 10.25 and 18.5 ± 8.74, respectively, p<0.0001). Conclusion: Although pentoxifyline can improve sperm motility but may has some negative effect(s) on sperm quality. Further studies are necessary in order to provement of pentoxifyline safety prior to use in clinic.