α-lipoic acid protects testis and epididymis against linuron-induced oxidative toxicity in adult rats

Maternal supplementation of alpha-lipoic acid ameliorates prenatal cytarabine-induced mutilation in reproductive development and function in F1 male adult rats

AIMS

Cytarabine (CYT), a prevalent anticancer drug for blood cancers, detrimentally affects male reproductive development and function. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), a universal antioxidant, offers defense against chemical-induced reproductive dysfunction. Our study sought to explore ALA's protective role against prenatal CYT-induced reproductive impairment in F1 male adult rats.

MAIN METHODS

Pregnant rats were divided into 5 groups and administered normal saline, ALA 200 mg/kg, CYT 12.5 mg/kg, CYT 25 mg/kg, and CYT 25 mg/kg + ALA 200 mg/ kg from gestational day 8 to 21. On postnatal day 73, F1 male rats were sacrificed, and general, oxidative, steroidogenic, spermatogenic, histological, and morphometrical parameters were evaluated.

KEY FINDINGS

Prenatal CYT caused dose-dependent reductions in body weight, testis, and accessory gland weights; elevated oxidative stress; delayed puberty onset; sperm anomalies (decreased count, motility, viability, seminal fructose; increased morphological anomalies); impeded steroidogenesis (lower testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, 3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase(HSD), 17β-HSD, and elevated cholesterol); and testicular histopathological and morphometric disturbances. Maternal supplementation of ALA was found to alleviate all the CYT-induced reproductive disruptions.

SIGNIFICANCE

The present work accentuates the beneficial actions of ALA against CYT-induced impairment in reproductive development and functions by combating disruptions in oxidative balance, steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis, and testicular histological aberrations. However, future experimental and clinical studies are warranted to explore the molecular mechanisms involved in the ALA's protection against prenatal CYT-induced testicular injury.

Role of Lipoic Acid in Testosterone Production in Males

Testosterone extends its impact beyond sexual function, playing a crucial role in shaping overall male health, including aspects such as muscle mass, bone density, mood regulation, and energy levels. Lipoic acid, a cofactor for specific enzymes, particularly dehydrogenases involved in cellular energy production, has been studied for its impact on testosterone. This comprehensive review systematically scoured PubMed and Scopus databases using the keywords "lipoic acid" and "testosterone." It encompassed all relevant English papers published from November 1971 to the present, including full texts and abstracts, along with research elucidating the biochemical mechanisms linking lipoic acid to testosterone. In summary, lipoic acid consistently restores testosterone levels, offering promise as an intervention in testicular health, especially in cases of testicular toxicity caused by various harmful agents. Its mechanisms encompass nitric oxide enhancement, fortification of testicular antioxidants, elevation of luteinizing hormone, enhancement of steroidogenesis, and the maintenance of energy production. These mechanisms underscore the therapeutic potential of lipoic acid for testicular health.

The effect of alpha-lipoic acid on sperm functions in rodent models for male infertility: A systematic review

In this systematic review, we assessed different studies to evaluate the protective effect of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), as a multifaceted antioxidant, on sperm functions in rodent models. Four databases were searched to find papers reporting the effect of ALA treatment on animal models of male infertility. Up to December 2022, 11,787 articles were identified to explain the ALA protective effects. The included studies were evaluated for eligibility and risk of bias (CRD42022341370). Finally, we identified 23 studies that explain the effect of ALA on sperm functions in rodents. Among them, 15 studies indicated that ALA could restore sperm parameters. Six studies showed a significant reduction in sperm DNA damage by ALA treatment. Seventeen papers displayed the ALA antioxidant ability, and four studies indicated the ALA anti-inflammatory effect. Besides, thirteen studies displayed that ALA could modulate androgenesis. Also, eighteen studies revealed that ALA restored the testicular architecture to normal, and was also effective in restoring reproductive performance in two included studies. This systematic review provided cogent evidence for the protective effect of ALA in rodent models for male infertility by re-establishing spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis and maintaining redox and immune systems homeostasis.

Comparative study of the ameliorative effects of omega-3 versus selenium on etoposide-induced changes in Sertoli cells and ectoplasmic specialization of adult rat testes: immunohistochemical and electron microscopic study

Etoposide (Eto) is an anti-cancer drug that is associated with serious adverse effects on male reproductive function. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) and selenium (Se) are known as anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidant agents. This work was designed to investigate changes in the biochemical parameters as well as alterations in Sertoli cell vimentin expression, ultrastructure and ectoplasmic specializations (ESs) following Eto treatment and to assess the ameliorative effect of ω-3 versus Se on these alterations. Eighty four adult male albino rats were used and classified into four groups: group I (control group), group II (Eto group) received Eto in a single intra-peritoneal (IP) dose (60 mg/kg B.W.), group III (Eto & ω-3 group) received the single IP dose of Eto as well as ω-3 (300 mg/kg B.W./day by intra-gastric intubation) starting 5 days before Eto injection till the time of sacrifice & group IV (Eto & Se group) received the single IP dose of Eto as well as Se (0.5 mg/kg B.W./day IP) starting 5 days before Eto injection till the time of sacrifice. The rats were subdivided into 2 subgroups (a) and (b) that were sacrificed 3 and 7 days after Eto injection respectively. Eto administration in group II induced increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), collapse of Sertoli cell vimentin filaments and ultrastructural degenerative changes in both Sertoli cells and ESs. Se (group IV) reversed Eto toxic effects potently, while ω-3 (group III) had some limited protective effects.