Effects of reduced seminal enzymatic antioxidants on sperm DNA fragmentation and semen quality of Tunisian infertile men

Protective effect of selenium and vitamin C on the fertility of male rats given penconazole

OBJECTIVE

Penconazole is used in agriculture and human and veterinary medicine applications. It has been included in the acute toxicity hazard category by the WHO. This study examines the protective effect of selenium and vitamin C on the fertility of male rats given penconazole.

METHODS

Nine groups of rats were given penconazole at concentrations of 50 and 75 mg/ml and selenium and vitamin C at concentrations of 0.5 and 100 mg/ml, respectively. Serum levels of LH and FSH were measured with ELISA kits; β-actin, GPX4, AQP7, PRM2, and BAX gene expression was evaluated with real-time PCR performed on the left testis of each rat.

RESULTS

LH, FSH, and testosterone levels were lower in the groups given penconazole (50 and 75 mg/kg). Histopathology showed that the groups given penconazole had the lowest number of spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes; these numbers were greater in the groups receiving penconazole together with selenium or vitamin C; and the highest counts were observed in separate groups given Se and vitamin C. GPX4, AQP7, PRM2 and BAX gene expression in the groups receiving penconazole was different from controls and was modulated by treatment with selenium or vitamin C.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that antioxidant compounds have a strengthening effect on the reproductive system and can mitigate the destructive effects of chemical fungicides.

Association between The SIRT1 and SIRT3 Levels and Gene Polymorphisms with Infertility in War Zones of Kermanshah Province, Iran: A Case-Control Study

OBJECTIVE

War toxin, mustard gas, alkylating agent results in male infertility via inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and DNA mutagenesis. SIRT1 and SIRT3 are multifunctional enzymes that involve in the DNA repair, oxidative stress responses. This study aim is to assess the correlation between serum levels of SIRT1, SIRT3 and both rs3758391T>C and rs185277566C>G gene polymorphisms with infertility in the war zones of Kermanshah province, Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this case-control study based on the semen analysis, samples were divided into two groups infertile (n=100) and fertile (n=100). High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was used to determine the malondialdehyde level, and also a sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test was used to evaluate the DNA fragmentation rate. Using the colorimetric assays, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was measured. SIRT1 and SIRT3 protein levels were determined by using ELISA. The genetic variants of SIRT1 rs3758391T>C, and SIRT3 rs185277566C>G, were detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length (PCR-RFLP) technique.

RESULTS

Malondialdehyde (MDA) level and the percentage of DNA fragmentation were higher in infertile samples, but serum levels of SIRT1 and SIRT3, and SOD activity was lower in infertile compared to fertile samples (P<0.001). The TC+CC genotypes and the C allele from SIRT1 rs3758391T>C polymorphism, and CG+GG genotypes and the G allele from SIRT3 rs185277566C>G polymorphism could increase risk of infertility (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that war toxins through the impact on genotypes, decreasing levels of SIRT1 and SIRT3 and increasing levels of oxidative stress, lead to defects in the concentration, motility and morphology of sperms and thus, infertility in men.

Effect of chronic sleep deprivation on acrosomal integrity and functional parameters of murine sperm

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of chronic sleep deprivation on sperm function quality in mice.

DESIGN

Experimental study.

SETTING

Not applicable.

ANIMALS

Spermatozoa from twenty-four 10-week-old C57BL/6J male mice.

INTERVENTION(S)

The sleep deprivation group underwent gentle handling for 6 hours for 5 consecutive days. The mice in the sleep recovery group were allowed to sleep during the 24-hour period after the sleep deprivation protocol.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

After euthanasia, the spermatozoa were collected for analysis. Sperm motility was evaluated using computer-assisted sperm analyzer. Intracellular superoxide anion (O₂^-) activity, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial activity, and DNA fragmentation assays were conducted afterward.

RESULT(S)

Sleep deprivation and sleep recovery groups presented a lower percentage of spermatozoa with an intact acrosome, compared with the respective control groups. Regarding DNA fragmentation, a decreased proportion of spermatozoa with Comet I class intact DNA was observed in the sleep recovery group, compared with the recovery control group. Beat cross frequency was increased in the sleep recovery group.

CONCLUSION(S)

Sleep deprivation can reduce sperm quality, impairing acrosome integrity. Sleep recovery decreased DNA integrity and increased beat cross frequency.

Oxidative stress and DNA damage status in couples undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment

This study examined the status of oxidative stress in 599 couples undertaking in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment and its association with reproductive hormones, smoking, and outcomes. Oxidative stress biomarkers such as malondialdehyde, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined in follicular fluid and seminal plasma. Tail moment (TM) was used to evaluate DNA damage in the sperm and granulosa cells. Reproductive hormones in serum and cotinine (COT) in urine, follicular fluid, and seminal plasma samples were determined. Separate multivariate linear regression was used to assess associations between levels of each oxidative stress biomarker and each hormone and smoking parameter (modeled as natural log-transformed). The findings indicate that some oxidative stress and DNA damage biomarkers played a role in disrupting certain reproductive hormones in women and their male partners either by overproducing reactive oxygen species or reducing antioxidant defense capacity. Although women were nonsmokers, COT levels > 50 and 10 µg/L in urine and follicular were observed in 5.7 and 1.7%, respectively. Levels of follicular fluid COT were positively associated with H₂O₂ and TM. We used log-binomial multivariate regression to estimate relative risks for the association between oxidative stress/DNA damage and IVF binary outcomes (fertilization rate > 50%, biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and live birth). An increase in the CAT levels of follicular fluid was associated with a 48 and 41% decrease in the risk of poor fertilization rate (≤50%) and unsuccessful live birth, respectively. After the models were adjusted for hormonal factors, the associations remained the same, except that the elevated TAC in follicular fluid became significantly associated with a decrease of 42% in the risk of poor fertilization rate (≤50%). The higher antioxidant activity (CAT and TAC) in follicular fluid might positively impact specific IVF outcomes.

Sperm DNA fragmentation in reproductive medicine: A review

Approximately 15% of the world's couples suffer from infertility during their reproductive period of which the male factor is responsible for 50% of cases. Male factor infertility is multifactorial in origin, and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) has also been linked to male infertility including idiopathic male infertility. Some degree of controlled DNA nicking is essential for adequate DNA compaction, but excessive SDF is usually associated with reduced male fertility potential, reduced fertilisation, poor embryo quality, recurrent pregnancy loss and poor assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) outcomes. Although semen analysis remains the gold standard for diagnosis of male factor infertility worldwide, its limitations motivated the search and the development of complementary tests of sperm function and integrity. SDF assay is an emerging diagnostic tool in infertile men, and several indications for SDF testing in infertile couples have also been proposed. The use of SDF in routine male infertility assessment is, however, still controversial. Furthermore, both direct and indirect SDF tests are now available. Hence, the present review was conducted to summarise the recent evidence of SDF, underlying mechanisms, clinical indications, diagnostic tests, as well as the role of SDF in male factor infertility, pregnancy and ART outcomes.

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

Cadmium (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.

Dietary Antioxidants in the Treatment of Male Infertility: Counteracting Oxidative Stress

Infertility affects about 15% of the population and male factors only are responsible for ~25-30% of cases of infertility. Currently, the etiology of suboptimal semen quality is poorly understood, and many environmental and genetic factors, including oxidative stress, have been implicated. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of free radicals, or reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the capacity of the body to counteract their harmful effects through neutralization by antioxidants. The purpose of this review, by employing the joint expertise of international researchers specialized in nutrition and male fertility areas, is to update the knowledge about the reproductive consequences of excessive ROS concentrations and oxidative stress on the semen quality and Assisted Reproduction Techniques (ART) clinical outcomes, to discuss the role of antioxidants in fertility outcomes, and finally to discuss why foods and dietary patterns are more innocuous long term solution for ameliorating oxidative stress and therefore semen quality results and ART fertility outcomes. Since this is a narrative review and not a systematic/meta-analysis, the summarized information in the present study should be considered cautiously.

Repeated Doses of Ketamine Affect the Infant Rat Urogenital System

Aim

Long-term ketamine use is known to create an interstitial cystitis-like problem in the bladder. It is known that long-term intermittent ketamine is applied to the children receiving radiotherapy for sedation. This study was planned to investigate whether this effect seen in the bladder causes similar changes in the kidneys, testicles, epididymis and ductus deferens.

Materials and Methods

A total of 12 male Wistar Albino rats for 3 weeks were used in the study. Rats were divided equally into 2 groups as, ketamine and saline. 50 mg/kg ketamine was administered intraperitoneally during 21 days to ketamine (K) groups. 1mL/kg saline was administered intraperitoneally during 21 days to saline (S) groups. At the end of 21 days kidney and testicular tissues were taken for biochemical and histopathological evaluations.

Results

Histological assessment of kidney tissue showed that tubule epithelial congestion increased significantly in the ketamine group. Epididymis congestion and distortion in the epididymal gland were found to be different in the ketamine group when testicular tissue was examined. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) level in testicular and kidney tissue was found to be significantly higher in the ketamine group according to the saline group. Catalase (CAT) enzyme activity was significantly lower in the ketamine group compared to the saline group in both tissues. Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) enzyme activity was significantly higher in the ketamine group compared to the saline group.

Conclusion

We think that the results we have achieved in this study will provide guidance on ketamine, which is repeated in daily anesthesia applications, especially in radiation oncology. But these findings should be supported by clinical and experimental studies that will be conducted in a more detailed and broad series.

Evaluation of The Relationship among The Levels of SIRT1 and SIRT3 with Oxidative Stress and DNA Fragmentation in Asthenoteratozoospermic Men

Background

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a crucial role in etiology of DNA fragmentation and lipid peroxi- dation in sperm, leading to infertility in men. The silent information regulators SIRT1 and SIRT3 are members of the sirtuins protein family known to be involved in cancer genetics, aging and oxidative stress responses. The aim ofthis study is to determine the correlation between SIRT1 and SIRT3 with antioxidants, oxidative stress biomarkers, and DNA fragmentation in the semen of asthenoteratozoospermic and normozoospermic men.

Materials and Methods

In this case-control study, after spermogram analysis the specimens were divided into two groups, normozospermic (n=40) and asthenoteratozoospermic (n=40), according to World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Sperm DNA fragmentation was evaluatedusing the sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test.Catalase activity was measured using the Aebi spectrophotometeric method. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) level and super- oxide dismutase (SOD) activitywere measured by using commercially available colorimetric assays. Enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure SIRT1 and SIRT3 protein levels of seminal plasma. Malondial- dehyde (MDA) level in seminal plasma was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Results

The asthenoteratozoospermic group had significantly lower catalase and SOD activities and TAC levels in comparison with the normozoospermic group (P<0.001).The percentage of DNA fragmentation and MDA level in the asthenoteratozoospermic group were remarkably higher than in the normozoospermic group. The SIRT1 and SIRT3 protein levels in seminal plasmawere remarkably lower in asthenoteratozoospermic group than the normozoospermic group (P<0.001).

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that SIRT1 and SIRT3 protein levels are negatively correlated with oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation in semen. The low levels of SIRT1 and SIRT3 in asthenoteratozoospermic men may lead to an increase in oxidative stress, DNA fragmentation, and lipid peroxidation that eventually result in immotile and immature spermatozoa (asthenoteratozoospermia).

Effect of seminal redox status on lipid peroxidation, apoptosis and DNA fragmentation in spermatozoa of infertile Saudi males

Objectives:

To assess the effect of seminal redox status on lipid peroxidation (LPO), apoptosis and integrity of sperm DNA in infertile males.

Methods:

In this case-control study, the total antioxidant status (TAS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were analyzed within the seminal plasma of fertile normozoospermic, n=40 and infertile (asthenozoospermic, n=30; oligoasthenoteratozoospermic, n=30) males. Additionally, the level of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), DNA fragmentation, and caspase-3 activity were estimated in the spermatozoa.

Results:

Significantly (p<0.001) increased seminal ROS level with decreased TAS scores was observed in the infertile groups compared to normozoospermics. The infertile males showed marked elevated (p<0.001) levels of 4-HNE, DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 activity compared to normozoospermics, which was positively correlated to increased seminal ROS levels and negatively to the TAS score in the studied groups. Seminal ROS level was significantly inverse correlated to the semen parameters. Additionally, a strong negative correlation between DNA fragmentation, LPO, caspase-3activity and seminal parameters were observed.

Conclusion:

Seminal oxidative stress is a potential risk factor for LPO, DNA damage, and apoptosis in spermatozoa, which can affect semen quality and male fertility. Thus, in addition to conventional seminological parameters, measurement of seminal oxidative stress and sperm DNA integrity may also be employed to investigate the functional integrity of spermatozoa at the molecular level.

Increased Sperm DNA Fragmentation in Infertile Men with Varicocele: Relationship with Apoptosis, Seminal Oxidative Stress, and Spermatic Parameters

This study intends to determine the extent of nuclear sperm injury in patients with varicocele and to investigate its relationship with apoptosis and oxidative stress (OS). Ejaculated sperm samples from 51 patients diagnosed with varicocele and 29 fertile men were examined. According to the guidelines, the patient's sperm samples were classified into varicocele with normal semen parameters (n = 11) and varicocele with abnormal semen parameters (n = 40). Sperm DNA fragmentation was assessed using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. The proportion of both viable and dead spermatozoa with externalized phosphatidylserine (PS) was detected by the bivariate annexin V/6-CFDA staining method. Seminal malondialdehyde (MDA) amounts and antioxidant enzymes activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured spectrophotometrically. Sperm DNA fragmentation, viable spermatozoa with externalized PS, and MDA levels were significantly higher in studied subgroups of patients with varicocele, either with normal or with abnormal semen parameters than controls. The seminal antioxidant enzymes activities were significantly reduced in both subgroups of patients with varicocele compared to the controls. The percentage of spermatozoa with fragmented DNA was positively correlated to the MDA level as well as the proportion of viable spermatozoa with externalized PS. However, the decreased seminal antioxidant status was negatively correlated with the increased proportion of sperm DNA fragmentation and apoptotic spermatozoa. Impaired seminal antioxidant profile and increased seminal level of lipid peroxidation may be involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms of cell death-mediated DNA breaks in patients with varicocele.

Male age: negative impact on sperm DNA fragmentation

The main goal of semen processing in Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) is to select sperm with good viability and, at the same time, remove Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) sources (such as leukocytes) and reduce the percentage of morphologically abnormal sperm for fertility treatment. We performed a comparative analysis on sperm DNA fragmentation after Density Gradient Centrifugation (DGC) using products sold by two competing companies. Our results showed comparable DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) after treatment with both DGC products. However, in both cases, a comparable number of samples do not benefit from the treatment. Interestingly, increasing evidences indicated that male age has a negative impact on sperm DNA fragmentation, but the mechanisms underlying age-dependent patterns of sperm decline have not yet been fully understood. Thus, we performed a comparative analysis of DFI before and after treatment with DGC products in age-stratified sample populations. Our results showed a worsening of the baseline DFI in the eldest group and the benefits of DGC on sperm DNA were compromised. In conclusion, our work consolidates the current evidences suggesting that both paternal and maternal aging, critically affects reproductive success.

Oxidative stress markers in seminal plasma of idiopathic infertile men may be associated with glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 null genotypes

This study aimed to investigate the association between glutathione S-transferase (GST) M1 and T1 null genotypes and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in male infertility. For this purpose, semen samples were collected from fertile and infertile subjects, and then they were genotyped for GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes using multiplex-PCR. The TBARS, TAC and NO levels in seminal plasma were then measured via the ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP). A significant association was observed between GSTT1 null genotype and oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia. But, the GSTM1 null genotype was merely associated with teratozoospermia. Moreover, the GSTT1-/GSTM1+ combined genotype was associated with all subgroups of male infertility. Besides, an association was observed between GSTT1-/GSTM1- genotype and asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia. Further analysis showed that the GSTT1 null genotype was associated with increased NO in asthenozoospermia. Also, the GSTT1 null genotype was associated with increased TBARS in oligozoospermia and asthenozoospermia. As well, GSTM1 null genotype was associated with decreased TAC and increased NO in asthenozoospermia respectively. As a preliminary conclusion, the GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes could be considered as genetic risk factors for male infertility, interfering with some oxidative stress markers in infertile men.

Sperm Antioxidant Biomarkers and Their Correlation with Clinical Condition and Lifestyle with Regard to Male Reproductive Potential

Measurement of sperm oxidative-antioxidant indicators is widely used in the assessment and detection of biochemical causes of male infertility The main purpose of this study was to identify biomarkers that assist in diagnostics and monitoring of male reproductive potential. We performed the assessment of oxidative-antioxidant malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and total redox antioxidant potential (TRAP) indicators in seminal plasma, seminogram, clinical condition, and lifestyle of people with reproductive problems. The combined assessment of GSH and TRAP as potential biomarkers of male infertility in semen plasma was characterized by the highest total sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, we provide evidence that male reproductive potential is significantly correlated with basic sperm parameters, sperm cell membrane integrity, their morphology, lifestyle, eating habits, occupation, and mental health. Our results provide evidence on the importance of oxidative stress and defense against free radicals in diagnosing and monitoring men with infertility that are consistent with previously conducted research. We provide an alternative approach on the possibility of interpreting the combination of the biomarkers that can bring benefits to a multi-threaded approach to the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.

Toxicity and postwithdrawal effects of ketamine on the reproductive function of male albino rats: Hormonal, histological, and immunohistochemical study

Ketamine is increasingly used in clinical practice, and ketamine addiction is common in young individuals. There are limited reviews on the chronic effects of ketamine on the testes. Three groups of rats received saline or ketamine 50 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally for 6 weeks with or without a subsequent 4-week drug-free period. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, and testosterone levels, as well as testicular malondialdehyde concentrations, were measured. Epididymal sperm parameters were assessed. Testicular tissues were examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining using caspase-3 and vimentin antibodies. Chronic ketamine injection significantly decreased the levels of the examined hormones and adversely affected sperm parameters. Testicular tissue showed a significant increase in caspase-3 expression. In addition, Sertoli cell shape and position were disrupted. These effects disappeared 4 weeks after drug withdrawal. Chronic ketamine treatment has revisable hazardous effects on the rat reproductive function. There is a need to increase the knowledge of physicians and the public regarding these harmful effects of ketamine.

Study of the association between SOD3G362A polymorphism, seminal SOD activity and risk for idiopathic male infertility in Algeria

PURPOSE

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an enzyme that ensures detoxification against oxidative stress in extracellular components. We aimed to evaluate the impact of SOD3G362A polymorphism (rs 2536512) on the impairment of seminal SOD activity and its risk for idiopathic male infertility in Algeria, as well as to investigate the association between sperm DNA integrity, standard semen parameters, and seminal SOD activity.

METHODS

In this case-control study, we included 111 infertile men with idiopathic infertility and 104 fertile controls from Algeria. Semen analyzing was done according to the World Health Organization manual. Seminal SOD activity was measured using a commercially colorimetric method (Randox Laboratories Ltd., UK). DNA fragmentation was evaluated using the Halosperm kit (Halotech DNA S.L, Spain) and SOD3G362A genotyping was assessed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction length fragment polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).

RESULTS

Seminal SOD activity was significantly lower in the infertile group than in the control group (85.87±40.11 vs 154.24±48.456U/mL, p<0.0001), it also decreased in all infertile subgroups. We detected positive correlations between SOD activity and semen parameters (concentration, mobility, vitality, and morphology) (p≤0.05). There was no association between the risk for male infertility and DNA integrity (p>0.05) and SOD3G362A (OR=0.826, 95%CI: 0.439-1.55, p=0.554). For GA vs GG and (OR=0.639, 95% CI: 0.305-1.340, p=0.235) for AA vs GG.

CONCLUSIONS

Seminal SOD evaluation can be a beneficial indicator for sperm quality and risk for idiopathic male infertility in Algeria, while sperm DNA integrity, as well as SOD3G362A genotypes, are not.

Comparison of Serum Inhibin B and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Level between Normal and Infertile Men in Yaoundé

Objective

Hormones play a vital role in initiating and maintaining male reproductive function. The present study explores the influence and predictive ability of two reproductive hormones on semen quality among men who were partners in an infertile couple.

Design

During our cross sectional study, men were recruited from private and public hospital and laboratories for clinical evaluation of fertility status.

Methods

Fresh semen samples were assessed for quality (concentration, motility and morphology) according to the 2010 World Health Organization manual and the serum levels of hormones, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Inhibin B was measured (ELISA).

Results

We found a significant difference in the two groups regarding sperm concentration (p < 0.0001), total sperm count (p < 0.0001), total sperm count (p < 0.0001), total sperm count (p < 0.0001), total sperm count (p < 0.0001), total sperm count (

Conclusion

Consistent with other studies, our results show strong association between semen quality and FSH and Inhibin B.

Carnosine treatment during human semen processing by discontinuous density gradient

The aim of this article was to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of carnosine added during human semen processing. Semen samples from 34 patients were submitted to processing by discontinuous density gradient centrifugation without (control) or with different concentrations of carnosine supplementation as follows: (a) 20 mM of carnosine supplementation on the layers of Percoll; and (b) 50 mM carnosine supplementation. Sperm samples were then washed with human tubal fluid medium and evaluated according to sperm kinetics and functional assessment. For statistical analysis, data were evaluated by a general linear model or a Friedman test, whenever appropriate. The 50 mM carnosine supplementation led to improved sperm mitochondrial activity when compared to untreated samples. Motility variables, such as percentage of motile and progressively motile spermatozoa, average path velocity, straight line velocity, curvilinear velocity and linearity, showed an improvement after semen processing irrespective of carnosine supplementation. Both concentrations of carnosine increased the beat-cross frequency (BCF) when compared to samples before processing. We conclude that carnosine supplementation in semen samples benefits sperm mitochondrial activity and BCF.

The association between iron, calcium, and oxidative stress in seminal plasma and sperm quality

The present study aimed to determine the level of iron and calcium in the seminal plasma of men with different fertility potentials and to examine its relationship with oxidative stress. Seventy-nine sub-fertile patients with asthenoteratozoospermia (AT), n 27; teratoleucozoospermia (TL), n 20; teratozoospermia (Terato), n 32; and 29 healthy donors were included. The ability of spermatozoa to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) was evaluated by using nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) staining. The lipid peroxidation end product, malondialdehyde (MDA), and the trace element levels (iron and calcium) were measured spectrophotometrically. Iron and calcium concentrations in seminal plasma of the patient groups were significantly more elevated than the normal group. Nevertheless, both calcium and iron showed strong negative correlations with the total sperm motility and normal sperm morphology, but only iron was positively and significantly associated with multiple anomalies index and seminal leucocyte concentration. On the other hand, the rates of MDA and ROS production in semen were significantly higher in the three abnormal groups than in controls. These two oxidative stress biomarkers were significantly associated with the percentage of atypical forms in semen. However, only semen ROS level was significantly associated with the decreased sperm motility and the sperm leucocytes concentration. Meanwhile, there are positive correlations between seminal iron and calcium content and the studied oxidative stress biomarkers. Oxidative stress and trace element excess are implicated in low sperm quality. Iron and calcium might be the mediators of the effects of oxidative damage and induces lipid peroxidation.

Co-administration of glutathione alleviates the toxic effects of 2,3,7,8 TCDF on the DNA integrity of sperm and in the testes of mice

This study aimed to investigate the toxic impact prompted in the testes of adult mice exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF). Four groups of 12 mice each were used in the present study. Group 1 mice were kept as control and administered corn oil only. Group 2 animals were given glutathione (GSH) in a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight by oral gavage twice a week. Group 3 was given TCDF orally twice per week, in a dose of 0.5 μg/kg body weight for 8 weeks. Group 4 was administered GSH orally in a dosage of 100 mg/kg body weight plus TCDF twice a week for 8 weeks. Animals were sacrificed after 2, 4, and 8 weeks of exposure, serum samples were collected for estimation of testosterone hormone, the testes were dissected and one part was used for estimation of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Another portion of the testis was kept in formalin for histopathological examination. The results showed that the activities of SOD were decreased while the levels of lipid peroxidation MDA were increased in the testicular tissues of the exposed mice. The serum testosterone level and the steroidogenic enzyme 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity of testicular homogenate were essentially decreased in TCDF-treated mice. A significant increment in the testicular LDH activity in testicular tissues was recorded in mice exposed to TCDF. The percentage of DNA chromatin disintegration was significantly increased in TCDF-treated mice. Histopathological changes were recorded in TCDF-exposed group as degenerative changes of the seminiferous tubules with formation of spermatid giant cells at 2 weeks in addition to exhaustion of germinal epithelium and detachment of the germ cells from the basal lamina at 4 and 8 weeks. Co-administration of GSH could reestablish MDA and LDH levels besides reduction in percentage of sperm DNA damage and improvement of the testicular tissue architecture.

Is male infertility associated with increased oxidative stress in seminal plasma? A-meta analysis

Objectives

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational case-control studies to evaluate markers of oxidative stress in seminal plasma of patients with male infertility.

Background

Current evidence links oxidative stress to male infertility, in which multiple markers of oxidative stress have been widely detected, publishing inconsistent results with regard to the role of oxidative stress markers in the evaluation of male infertility. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis on this issue is necessary.

Results

From the 1024 articles initially retrieved, 65 studies were included in our meta-analysis with 11 oxidative stress markers, containing 3819 male infertility patients and 2012 controls. The concentrations of malondialdehyde (SMD = 1.86, p < 0.00001), NO (SMD = 0.89, p = 0.001), carbonyl protein (SMD = 2.09, p < 0.00001) in seminal plasma were significantly higher in infertility patients. The concentrations of GSH (SMD = -1.68, p < 0.00001), vitamin C (SMD = -1.12, p < 0.00001), and vitamin E (SMD = -1.48, p = 0.003), as well as the activities of catalase (SMD = -1.91, p < 0.0001), glutathione peroxidase (SMD = -1.96, p = 0.0002) and glutathione-S-transferase (SMD = -1.62, p = 0.009) declined remarkably, resulting in decreased total antioxidant capacity (SMD = -1.77, p < 0.00001). Besides, the activity of superoxide dismutase showed no statistical difference between infertility patients and controls (SMD = -0.51, p = 0.07).

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis suggests that oxidative stress in seminal plasma resulting from decreased antioxidant defense are associated with male infertility.

Methods

Using PubMed, EMBASE, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang database, we searched for literature reporting the detection of oxidative stress markers in the seminal plasma of male infertility published up to June 2017. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated for the finally analysis.

Decreased activity of superoxide dismutase in the seminal plasma of infertile men correlates with increased sperm deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation during the first hours after sperm donation

Sperm DNA fragmentation varies between individuals and is more pronounced with increased patient age and time after sperm donation. The intensification of DNA fragmentation depends on the balance of the oxidoreductive system, which is regulated mainly by two enzymes - superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between sperm DNA fragmentation dynamics, fertility and seminal SOD and catalase activity. The study was conducted in 2013 and 2014 at the Non-Public Health Care Unit 'Ovum Reproduction and Andrology' in Lublin, Lublin, Poland, and covered 218 men aged 25-35 (85 fertile and 133 patients treated for infertility). Percentage of fragmented DNA was measured in a modified chromatin dispersion test at four time points after sperm donation (t = 0, 3, 6, 12 h). SOD and catalase activities were determined spectrophotometrically. We confirmed that the activity of SOD in the seminal plasma of men with reproductive disorders was lower compared with fertile men. Conversely, no significant correlations were found between fertility and catalase activity. Sperm DNA of infertile males was initially more fragmented than fertile male sperm DNA. SOD and catalase activity did not correlate with the degree of DNA fragmentation in fertile men. In men with reproductive disorders, the rate of DNA fragmentation was slow within first 3 h after sperm donation and then increased between 6 and 12 h. In this group of infertile men, those with higher SOD activity had a lower DNA fragmentation index (DFI) after 12 h, and a reduced rate of intensity of fragmentation from 6 to 12 h. Alternatively, higher catalase activity among men treated for infertility was accompanied by higher initial DFI and higher rate of DNA fragmentation from 6 to 12 h. These results highlight the importance of determining a proper time window between sperm donation and procedures of assisted reproductive technology.