Contacts: Evdokimov Valery Vasilievich, vvevdok@mail.ru

Introduction. Contemporary demographic situation in Russian Federation is characterized by low birth rates. According to data provided by V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology the percentage of infertile couples in our country is over 17%. Reproductive dysfunction therefore becomes medically and socially important. However, treatment of this dysfunction has inadequate efficacy. Search for medications which may help conserve fertility is a relevant problem of andrology and reproduction. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of methylene blue (MB) preparation on sperm motility and viability.

Materials and methods. The study was performed on ejaculated human sperm obtained by usual means. Motility and viability parameters were evaluated according to 5th edition of WHO guidelines. One milliliter was taken from every semen sample for experiment and control. MB was introduced to experimental sample tube until 1 nM concentration was obtained. The results are presented as arithmetic means and mean square errors. Differences between parameters were assessed by Student test and considered to be significant with р<0,05.

Results. Experiments were performed in two groups which were initially formed according to motility: asthenozoospermic and normozoospermic. Thirteen semen samples were tested in each group. Motility was evaluated by percentages of active, sluggish and total motility during 2 hours. Active motility in asthenozoospermic group significantly increased by 72% during the first 30 minutes of experiment, and then dropped to baseline level. Sluggish and total motility tended to drop by 20-30% during the experiment. In normozoospermic group active motility increased by 89% and 35% during the first 30-60 minutes of experiment. Sluggish and total motility didn’t change significantly during this period. Number of viable sperm didn’t change during the experiment in both groups.

Discussion. Assessment of MB influence on sperm demonstrated its significant effect regarding sperm motility. Mechanism behind this stimulating action is not completely understood, but it is stated in the literature that methylene blue affects calcium homeostasis and functional activity of mitochondria. Also, it is known that it may influence sperm motility and enzymatic activity of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. Conclusion. MB preparations are promising agents to be used in assisted reproductive technologies.

For citation: Evdokimov V.V., Isaev N.K., Turovetsky V.B., Pirutin S.K. Influence of methylene blue on human spermatosoid mobility in vitro. Experimental and clinical urology 2019;(3):50-53