Sperm Quality – Role of L-Carnitine, Acetyl-L-carnitine, and Other Metabolic Compounds

A number of techniques are being developed to examine the sperm quality such as genetic testing, DNA fragmentation, chromosome number (aneuploidies) as well as looking at mitochondrial numbers and function. However the most frequently used test is still the spermogram with sperm quality parameters defined by WHO in 2010.However what about treatments that can modify the sperm quality There is research showing that certain treatments can have a positive effect on both quantity and quality of sperm.Studies suggests that the use of L-carnitine (L-C), acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC), specific antioxidants, mineral and metabolic compounds can decrease oxidative stress levels, improve semen parameters and reproductive outcome.We have carried out recent multicenter studies in Italy, Serbia and UK. These and other studies are showing that therapy with specific L-C, ALC and other antioxidant compounds can:- Improve sperm quality and fertility potential. - Reduce sperm aneuploidy levels - Improve sperm morphology and DNA integrity - Give hope also to severe patients – Azoospermia, Teratozoospermia These data as well as the potential biological mechanism underlying these effects will be discussed during the meeting