Application of Resveratrol in Sperm Cryopreservation and Research Progress

doi:10.12280/gjszjk.20250634

Abstract

Abstract:

Sperm cryopreservation is a critical step of assisted reproductive technology. However, the oxidative stress induced during freeze-thawing can lead to sperm membrane damage, reduced motility, and DNA damage. Currently used antioxidants are often limited by their single-target mechanism. As a natural polyphenol, resveratrol not only directly scavenges reactive oxygen species, but also upregulates the intracellular endogenous antioxidant defense system by activating signaling pathways such as nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE), sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)/forkhead box O (FoxO), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt). Furthermore, resveratrol may mitigate cryodamage in sperm through multidimensional strategies, including epigenetic regulation of histone modifications and DNA methylation. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that resveratrol can effectively enhance the post-thaw sperm motility, membrane integrity, and DNA integrity across multiple animal species. Nevertheless, its clinical translation still faces challenges such as undetermined optimal dosage, limited human trial data, and low bioavailability. This review systematically elaborates on the antioxidant effects and molecular mechanisms of resveratrol, aiming to provide a theoretical reference for the development of novel cryoprotectants for sperm.

Key words: Resveratrol, Semen preservation, Cryopreservation, Oxidative stress, Reactive oxygen species, Signal transduction

ZHOU Jun, TIAN Yan-ya, PANG Hai-yan, HAN Xue, WANG Gui-ling. Application of Resveratrol in Sperm Cryopreservation and Research Progress[J]. Journal of International Reproductive Health/Family Planning, 2026, 45(2): 133-138.

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