Astaxanthin Induces the Expression of CatSper1 Gene and Protects Sperms in Toxicity Induced by Cadmium in Mice

Drug Research ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ensieh Saberi ◽  
Fereshteh Mir Mohammadrezaei ◽  
Omid Jazayeri ◽  
Nazanin Fathi ◽  
Akbar Hajizadeh Moghadam
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Olive Oil ◽  
Sham Group ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Sperm Parameters ◽  
Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Abnormal Sperm ◽  
Genes Expression ◽  
Sperm Dna

AbstractCadmium (Cd) as a heavy metal damages testis and decreases fertility, however, antioxidants can improve sperm parameters and decrease male infertility. In this study we investigated the effect of astaxanthin (AST) on sperm parameters, expression levels of CatSper1 and CatSper2 genes in presence of Cd in mice. Thirty adults’ mice were divided into 4 groups, sham group received olive oil and saline (olive oil is the solvent of AST and saline is the solvent of Cd), Cd group received 1 mg/kg Cdcl2, a group received 10 mg/kg AST and 1 mg/kg Cdcl2 and a group received 10 mg/kg AST. The treatments were done intraperitoneally for 14 days. After 14 days sperm parameters were analyzed. Malondialdehyde level, catalase enzyme activity, the alteration of CatSper1 and CatSper2 genes expression were measured in testis. Results showed that Sperm count, viability, CatSper1 gene expression and catalase activity significantly decreased by Cd compared to sham group. Cd significantly increased sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), abnormal sperm morphology and malondialdehyd level compared to sham group. AST significantly increased sperm count, viability and CatSper1 gene expression and decreased SDF and abnormal sperm in comparison with Cd group. AST protected testis and decreased oxidative stress induced by Cd. Our findings indicated that AST could protect sperm DNA, enhanced CatSper1 gene expression and sperm quality in presence of Cd. No significant differences were found in CatSper2 expression among treatments. Therefore, AST as a strong antioxidant can help to protect the potential of fertility against Cd toxicity.

scholarly journals Resveratrol improves reproductive parameters of adult rats varicocelized in peripuberty

Reproduction ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 152 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Talita Biude Mendes ◽  
Camila Cicconi Paccola ◽  
Flávia Macedo de Oliveira Neves ◽  
Joana Noguères Simas ◽  
André da Costa Vaz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Protective Action ◽  
Major Axis ◽  
Mitochondrial Activity ◽  
Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Sham Control ◽  
Adult Rats ◽  
Left Testis ◽  
Abnormal Sperm ◽  
Sperm Dna

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective action of resveratrol against the reproductive damage caused by left-sided experimental varicocele. There was a reduction of testicular major axis in the varicocele group when compared with the other groups; the testicular volume was reduced in varicocele group in comparison to the sham–control and resveratrol groups. The frequency of morphologically abnormal sperm was higher in varicocele and varicocele treated with resveratrol groups than in sham–control and resveratrol groups. The frequency of sperm with 100% of mitochondrial activity and normal acrosome integrity were lower in varicocele group than in varicocele treated with resveratrol, sham–control and resveratrol groups. Sperm motility was also reduced in varicocele group than in other groups. The sperm DNA fragmentation was higher in varicocele group than in other groups. Testicular levels of malondialdehyde were higher in varicocele and varicocele treated with resveratrol groups. The varicocele and varicocele treated with resveratrol groups had a significantly higher frequency of TUNEL-positive cells than sham–control and resveratrol groups; however, immunolabeling of the testes from varicocele treated with resveratrol group showed a lower number of apoptotic germ cells in comparison with the left testis of rats of the varicocele group. Reproductive alterations produced by varicocele from peripuberty were reduced by resveratrol in adulthood. Resveratrol should be better investigated as an adjuvant in the treatment of varicocele. Daily administration of resveratrol to rats with varicocele from peripuberty improves sperm quality in the adulthood.

scholarly journals Relationships between sperm DNA integrity and bulk semen parameters in Bulgarian patients with varicocele

2019 ◽  
Vol 91 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Viktor Alargkof ◽  
Larissa Kersten ◽  
Romil Stanislavov ◽  
Zdravko Kamenov ◽  
Panagiotis Nikolinakos
Keyword(s):  
Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Human Reproduction ◽  
Sperm Parameters ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Dna Integrity ◽  
Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Abnormal Sperm ◽  
Sperm Dna

Objective: This exploratory retrospective study aimed to compare the level of Sperm DNA Fragmentation (SDF) and investigate its association with bulk semen parameters, for the first time in Bulgarian patients with varicocele, using a distinct methodology. Material and methods: Standard semen analysis was performed according to the 2010 criteria of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology - Nordic Association for Andrology (ESHRE-NAFA-2010) and DNA fragmentation was assessed using the Halosperm® kit. The total sample included 28 males: the control group consisted of men with normal genital examination and unknown fertility (n = 10), group one consisted of men with varicocele, normozoospermia and DNA fragmentation > 15% (n = 9) and group two consisted of men with varicocele, abnormal sperm parameters and DNA fragmentation > 15% (n = 9). Results: DNA fragmentation was found to be higher in patients with abnormal sperm parameters (43.78 ± 30.78) compared to the normozoospermic group (21.22 ± 3.93) (p = 0.008). In normozoospermic patients, no statistically significant correlations were observed between SDF and bulk semen parameters. In patients with abnormal sperm parameters, DNA fragmentation exhibited significant very strong negative association with motility (a+b), vitality and typical morphology (p < 0.001). Conclusions: DNA integrity assays could be used for a better evaluation and management of male infertility, particularly in normozoospermic varicocele patients.

scholarly journals Coenzyme Q10, oxidative stress markers, and sperm DNA damage in men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratospermia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed T Alahmar ◽  
Pallav Sengupta ◽  
Sulagna Dutta ◽  
Aldo E. Calogero
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Dna Damage ◽  
Coenzyme Q10 ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Parameters ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Sperm Dna Damage ◽  
Sperm Dna ◽  
Infertile Patients

Objective: Oxidative stress (OS) plays a key role in the etiology of unexplained male infertility. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a potent antioxidant that may improve semen quality and OS in infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratospermia (OAT), but the underlying mechanism is unknown. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of CoQ10 on OS markers and sperm DNA damage in infertile patients with idiopathic OAT. Methods: This prospective controlled study included 50 patients with idiopathic OAT and 50 fertile men who served as controls. All patients underwent a comprehensive medical assessment. Patients and controls received 200 mg of oral CoQ10 once daily for 3 months. Semen and blood were collected and analyzed for sperm parameters, seminal CoQ10 levels, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, total antioxidant capacity, catalase, sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), and serum hormonal profile. Results: The administration of CoQ10 to patients with idiopathic OAT significantly improved sperm quality and seminal antioxidant status and significantly reduced total ROS and SDF levels compared to pre-treatment values. Conclusion: CoQ10, at a dose of 200 mg/day for 3 months, may be a potential therapy for infertile patients with idiopathic OAT, as it improved sperm parameters and reduced OS and SDF in these patients.

scholarly journals Diet and Nutritional Factors in Male (In)fertility—Underestimated Factors

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 1400
Author(s):  
Kinga Skoracka ◽  
Piotr Eder ◽  
Liliana Łykowska-Szuber ◽  
Agnieszka Dobrowolska ◽  
Iwona Krela-Kaźmierczak
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Unhealthy Lifestyle ◽  
Balanced Diet ◽  
Sperm Dna ◽  
Mineral Components

In up to 50% of cases, infertility issues stem solely from the male. According to some data, the quality of human semen has deteriorated by 50%–60% over the last 40 years. A high-fat diet and obesity, resulting from an unhealthy lifestyle, affects the structure of spermatozoa, but also the development of offspring and their health in later stages of life. In obese individuals, disorders on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis are observed, as well as elevated oestrogen levels with a simultaneous decrease in testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. Healthy dietary models clearly correlate with better sperm quality and a smaller risk of abnormalities in parameters such as sperm count, sperm concentration and motility, and lower sperm DNA fragmentation. Apart from mineral components such as zinc and selenium, the role of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant vitamins should be emphasized, since their action will be primarily based on the minimization of oxidative stress and the inflammation process. Additionally, the incorporation of carnitine supplements and coenzyme Q10 in therapeutic interventions also seems promising. Therefore, it is advisable to have a varied and balanced diet based on vegetables and fruit, fish and seafood, nuts, seeds, whole-grain products, poultry, and low-fat dairy products.

scholarly journals Diet and Nutritional Factors in Male (In)Fertility – Underestimated Factors

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kinga Skoracka ◽  
Piotr Eder ◽  
Liliana Łykowska-Szuber ◽  
Agnieszka Dobrowolska ◽  
Iwona Krela-Kaźmierczak
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Balanced Diet ◽  
Sperm Dna ◽  
Mineral Components ◽  
Simultaneous Decrease

Abnormalities in male fertility constitute about 50% of all infertility causes. According to some data, the quality of human semen has deteriorated by 50-60 % over the last 40 years. A high-fat diet and obesity, the development of which is encouraged by the western lifestyle, affects the structure of spermatozoa, but also the development of the offspring and their health in later stages of life. In obese individuals, disorders on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis are observed, as well as elevated oestrogen levels with simultaneous decrease of testosterone, LH and FSH hormone levels. Healthy dietary models clearly correlate with better sperm quality and a smaller risk of abnormalities in parameters, such as sperm count, sperm concentration and motility, as well as lower sperm DNA fragmentation. Apart from mineral components such as zinc and selenium, the role of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant vitamins should be emphasized, since their action will be based primarily on the minimization of oxidative stress and inflammation process. Additionally, the incorporation of carnitine supplements and coenzyme Q10 in therapeutic intervention seems also promising. Therefore, it is advisable to have a varied and balanced diet based on vegetables and fruit, fish and seafood, nuts, seeds, whole-grain products, poultry and low-fat dairy products.

P–101 Comparative assessment of laparoscopic, microsurgical varicocelectomy, and antioxidant therapy alone in Infertile men with pathozoospermia

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
V Bozhedomov ◽  
A Shomarufov ◽  
G Bozhedomova ◽  
D Kamalov ◽  
N Sorokin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Antioxidant Therapy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Sperm Dna ◽  
Surgical Methods

Abstract Study question Which treatment option is better in men with clinical varicocele and pathozoospermia: laparoscopic, microsurgical varicocelectomy, or antioxidant (nutrient) therapy alone? Summary answer Microsurgical varicocelectomy and laparoscopy are more effective in pathozoospermia treatment than observation and nutrient therapy alone. Simultaneously, there are no differences between these surgical methods. What is known already It is known that varicocele may cause testicular dysfunction and infertility due to increased oxidative stress and sperm DNA damage. In recent meta-analyses comparing surgery versus follow-up in men with clinical varicocele and pathozoospermia, semen quality was better in the surgery group. However, it is unclear why varicocelectomy leads to sperm quality improvement only in 60–70% of cases, and real fertility in 30–40% of couples. The microsurgical technique leads to fewer complications compared with others, but there are no powerful RCTs to compare various techniques’ efficacy. Simultaneously, the use of antioxidants may give a similar increase in pregnancy rates. Study design, size, duration This retrospective case-control study recruited 218 men from infertile couples with clinical varicocele and pathozoospermia who underwent microsurgical, laparoscopic varicocelectomy and antioxidant therapy alone at clinics of Moscow from January 2010 to December 2019. Participants/materials, setting, methods Clinical, laboratory data of patients in the groups: A) the observation group (n = 33), B) the group treated with nutrients alone (n = 63), C) the group of patients after microsurgical varicocelectomy (n = 86), and D) the group of patients who underwent laparoscopy (n = 36), were obtained. The sperm was evaluated according to WHO–2010, DNA fragmentation by chromatin dispersion in an agarose gel. We calculated standardized effect (Es) to determine study power. Main results and the role of chance After 3 months, varicocelectomy led to an increase in sperm concentration and motility: the median of the total progressively motile sperm count (TPMSC) increase in the group A was +0.4 million; B - +1.9 million; C - +17.1 million (p &lt; 0.05); D - +21.2 million (p &lt; 0.05). A clinically significant increase in this indicator after varicocelectomy was found in 2/3 of cases: 65% (С; p &lt; 0.05) and 67% (D; p &lt; 0.05) with 38% (A) and 42% (B). Varicocelectomy led to a decrease in sperm DNA fragmentation by an average of 5.5% (p &lt; 0.05) with an improvement in 59% of patients. Simultaneously, a 3-month therapy with nutrients similarly decreased DNA fragmentation: 5.5% (p &lt; 0.05), 66% of improvement cases. The differences in surgery efficacy between C and D were insignificant (p &gt; 0.05). The laparoscopic surgery demonstrated higher standardized effect (Es) than microsurgical operation (Es = 0.70 and 0.44, with 0.29 in the patients receiving nutrients and 0.22 in the patients of the control group). Limitations, reasons for caution The main limitations were: 1) different sample (group) sizes and 2) insufficient power of the performed study (Es &lt; 0.8), which does not allow us to exclude a type II error – unreasonable rejection of differences. Wider implications of the findings: In selected patients with varicocele and pathozoospermia, antioxidant therapy can be used as a monotherapy or as adjuvant therapy. Trial registration number Not applicable

The effects of Pb on sperm parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation of men investigated for infertility

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
G.U.S. Wijesekara ◽  
D.M.S. Fernando ◽  
S. Wijeratne
Keyword(s):  
Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Sperm Parameters ◽  
World Health ◽  
Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Progressive Motility ◽  
Sperm Dna ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Pb Concentration

AbstractBackgroundLead (Pb) is one of the metals most prevalent in the environment and is known to cause infertility and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation. This study aimed to determine the association between seminal plasma Pb and sperm DNA fragmentation in men investigated for infertility.MethodsMale partners (n = 300) of couples investigated for infertility were recruited after informed consent was obtained. Sperm parameters were assessed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Seminal plasma Pb was estimated by atomic absorption spectrophotometry after digestion with nitric acid.ResultsIn Pb-positive and -negative groups the sperm parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation were compared using independent sample t-test and the Mann-Whitney U-test, respectively. The mean [standard deviation (SD)] age and duration of infertility were 34.8 (5.34) years and 45.7 (35.09) months, respectively, and the mean Pb concentration was 15.7 μg/dL. In Pb positives compared to Pb negatives the means (SD) of sperm count, progressive motility viability and normal morphology were lower (p > 0.05) but the DNA fragmentation was significantly higher 39.80% (25.08) than Pb negatives 22.65% (11.30). Seminal plasma Pb concentration and sperm DNA fragmentation had a positive correlation (r = 0.38, p = 0.03). A negative correlation was observed between sperm DNA fragmentation and sperm concentration, progressive motility, total motility and viability. When the DNA fragmentation was ≥30% sperm concentration and viability decreased (p < 0.05).ConclusionsPb in seminal plasma had a significant effect on sperm DNA fragmentation but not with other sperm parameters.

scholarly journals Improvement in Sperm Parameters With Traditional Iranian Remedy

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 223-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farnaz Sohrabvand ◽  
Somaye Mahroozade ◽  
Sodabe Bioos ◽  
Seyed Mohammad Nazari ◽  
Fataneh Hashem Dabaghian
Keyword(s):  
Male Infertility ◽  
Traditional Medicine ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technology ◽  
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Intrauterine Insemination ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Reproductive Technology ◽  
Sperm Parameters ◽  
Medicinal Treatment

Introduction. Idiopathic male infertility is a global problem with almost no definite medicinal treatment. Most patients have to go through intrauterine insemination or assisted reproductive technology for achieving fertility. Unfortunately, success rates are low in cases with very low sperm count. Therefore it seems that improvement in sperm quality can have beneficial effects on assisted reproductive technology outcome. Case Report. A 39-year-old man with history of infertility for 6 years was referred to the traditional medicine clinic with a recurrent unsuccessful intracytoplasmic sperm injection trial. His sperm analysis showed severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. After taking a traditional remedy he had a remarkable improvement in his sperm parameters, which led to the formation of 8 embryos in the following intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycle. Conclusion. Traditional medicine presents various food and remedy options for treating male infertility. It seems that combination therapy can be beneficial in obtaining better results in treatment of male idiopathic infertility.

P–025 Sperm selection using a modified “swim up” technique in absence of sperm centrifugation improve sperm DNA fragmentation and decreases miscarriage rate

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Y Cabell. Vives ◽  
P Belchin ◽  
C Lopez-Fernandez ◽  
M Fernandez-Rubio ◽  
J Guerrero-Sanchez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
P Value ◽  
Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Sperm Selection ◽  
Male Factor ◽  
Miscarriage Rate ◽  
Sperm Dna ◽  
Group 2

Abstract Study question Is it useful to avoid sperm centrifugation in laboratory routine work to improve sperm quality and reproductive outcome in Assisted Reproduction Techniques (ART)? Summary answer Exclusion of sperm centrifugation for sperm selection using neat sperm samples (IO-lix), increases sperm quality in the collected subpopulation decreasing miscarriage rate after using ICSI. What is known already Inclusion of sperm centrifugation in ART is an aggressive intervention for sperm selection with ineludible production iatrogenic damage affecting sperm integrity. The application of IMSI, PICSI or microfluidic devices avoid sperm centrifugation and may improve the quality of the subsample obtained. However, these methodologies may result time consuming, expensive or producing poor results when the quality of the sperm is limited. We have already shown that a modified swim-up avoiding centrifugation (called IO-lix) is a low-cost and efficient alternative to microfluidic devices, recovers 100 times more concentration and reduces sperm DNA fragmentation with no significant differences to other methodologies. Study design, size, duration This is a retrospective study from 2018 to 2020 which includes patients with an average of age of 38.2 years using their own oocytes with ICSI as fertilization technique. Two aleatory groups of patients were made: Group 1: 88 cycles with 503 fertilized oocytes and 206 blastocysts were obtained with sperm samples processed by IO-lix and Group 2: 303 cycles, 1451 fertilized oocytes and 591 blastocysts using a standard “swim up” technique to process sperm. Participants/materials, setting, methods A total of 391 ICSI cycles were included in this retrospective study. The male factor was similar in both groups and they showed altered SDF previously to the cycle. We compared data of the motility and SDF of sperm samples before and after applying IO-lix and we analyzed by X2 contingence test differences on miscarriage rates between groups 1 and 2. Main results and the role of chance General sperm parameter changes after IO-lix showed that averaged sperm concentration observed in neat ejaculated samples was 62M/SD=46.4. Values obtained after IO-lix in the same samples were 12.3M/SD8.0. Averaged sperm motility in neat samples was 54%/SD=9.3 and 70.9%/SD=13.2 after IO-lix. Finally, sperm DNA fragmentation in neat samples was 35.8%/SD17.3, while these values decreased to 9.2%/SD=3.9 after IO-lix. About reproductive outcome results, significant differences were not obtained on the development to blastocyst stage rate comparing both groups (X2=0.003; p value = 0.954; Alpha 0.05). In the case of IO-lix processed samples, the pregnancy rate was 59.42% in Group 1 and 44.72% in Group 2 (X2=0.651; p value =0.419; Alpha 0.05). A total of 9 miscarriages of 41 clinical pregnancies (21.95%) were observed after IO-lix, while this number increases to 59 out of 123 clinical pregnancies, which means the 47.96% of the embryo transfers, when “swim-up” was used. In this case significant differences were obtained (X2=3.935; p value = 0.0.047; Alpha 0.05). Limitations, reasons for caution Being a pilot study aimed to understand the results of IO-lix in ART, correlations have not been stablished between the levels of sperm improvement after IO-lix and paired results of ART. This study would be necessary, specially to identify the possible origin of miscarriage associated to the male factor. Wider implications of the findings: Elimination of sperm centrifugation using a combined strategy of gradients and “swim-up” for sperm isolation, reduce miscarriage rate and produce equivalent results of blastocyst development to those obtained with “swim-up”. Being a cost-effective and improving laboratory workload, its use for sperm selection is recommended. Trial registration number Not applicable

scholarly journals Male sperm storage impairs sperm quality in the zebrafish

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Cattelan ◽  
Clelia Gasparini
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Fertilization Success ◽  
Sperm Storage ◽  
Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Storage Duration ◽  
Male Sperm ◽  
Sperm Dna ◽  
Mating Opportunities ◽  
Experimental Protocols ◽  
Sperm Traits

AbstractVariation in sperm traits is widely documented both at inter- and intraspecific level. However, sperm traits vary also between ejaculates of the same male, due for example, to fluctuations in female availability. Variability in the opportunities to mate can indeed have important consequences for sperm traits, as it determines how often sperm are used, and thus the rate at which they are produced and how long they are stored before the mating. While being stored within males’ bodies, sperm are subjected to ageing due to oxidative stress. Sperm storage may significantly impair sperm quality, but evidence linking male sperm storage and variation in sperm traits is still scarce. Here, we tested the effect of the duration of sperm storage on within-male variation in sperm traits in the zebrafish, Danio rerio. We found that without mating opportunities, sperm number increased as storage duration increased, indicating that sperm continue to be produced and accumulate over time within males without being discharged in another way. Long sperm storage (12 days) was associated with an overall impairment in sperm quality, namely sperm motility, sperm longevity, and sperm DNA fragmentation, indicating that sperm aged, and their quality declined during storage. Our results confirm that male sperm storage may generate substantial variation in sperm phenotype, a source of variation which is usually neglected but that should be accounted for in experimental protocols aiming to assay sperm traits or maximise fertilization success.

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