Evaluating the Impact of Hyaluronic Acid on Sperm Quality Before and After Cryopreservation in A Moroccan Cohort: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of hyaluronic acid (HA) supplementation on motility, vitality, and DNA integrity in Moroccan fresh and cryopreserved sperm samples. Materials and methods: A cohort of 60 male participants was divided into three groups, including normozoospermic, asthenozoospermic, and cryopreserved normozoospermic samples. Advanced microscopy and computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) were used to analyze the sperm parameters before and after HA supplementation. DNA fragmentation was analyzed using TUNEL assay, while chromatin condensation was evaluated by aniline blue staining. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Duncan's test. Results: HA supplementation improved sperm motility and vitality (p < 0.05) in the normozoospermic group without altering DNA fragmentation or chromatin condensation. In the asthenozoospermic group, motility and vitality were significantly improved (p < 0.05). In the cryopreserved normozoospermic group, HA improved motility and vitality after thawing (p < 0.05). Conclusion: HA is a promising adjuvant for enhancing the quality of both fresh and cryopreserved sperm for ART without compromising DNA integrity. Studies need to be extended for further exploration of the mechanism of action and optimization of clinical protocols toward its use in routine practice, particularly for diverse populations and in the more difficult cases of infertility.