Oral Astaxanthin and Semen Quality, Fertilization and Embryo Development in Assisted Reproduction Techniques Procedures (Astax-ART)
Infertility, Male
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Infertility, Male focused on measuring male infertility, spermatogenesis, antioxidants, DNA damage, mitochondrial membrane potential, apoptosis
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- oligoasthenozoospermia with of without teratozoospermia by WHO criteria from the year 2010
- fresh semen
- female partner younger than 38 years
- idiopathic or tubal infertility in female partners
- at least 4 oocytes retrieved in previous ovarian punction in ART cycle, if previously performed
- 1st, 2nd or 3rd cycle of ART
Exclusion Criteria:
- genetic indication for ART procedure
- donated semen
- polycystic ovary syndrome in female partner
- dietary supplementation intake of antioxidants (selenium, zink, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin A) in male participant in the last three months
- smoking in male participant >20 cigarettes per day
Sites / Locations
- Division of Ob/Gyn, University Medical Centre Ljubljana
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Active Comparator
Placebo Comparator
astaxanthin with vitamin E
placebo
The participants in the study group will be given perorally four tablets of 4 mg astaxanthin with 10 mg vitamin E (Astasan, Sensilab, Slovenia) daily, taken in single daily dose. The total daily dose will be 16 mg astaxanthin with 40 mg vitamin E. The product will be taken for three months continuously.
The participants in the control group will be given perorally four tablets of placebo daily taken in single daily dose. The placebo tablets are of the same size and colour as the study tablets and were produced by manufacturer of Astasan, Sensilab, Slovenia. The placebo will be taken for three months continuously.