Of diamond surfaces, red light photobiomodulation and fertility: lessons from the laboratory

The effects of photobiomodulation on the improvement of sperm parameters: A review study

The prevalence of male infertility has become a significant clinical concern worldwide, with a noticeable upward trend in recent times. The rates of fertilization and subsequent development of embryos are dependent on many parameters associated with the quality and viability of sperm. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a promising approach with a great potential for translational applications in the treatment of spermatozoa exhibiting low quality and motility. In this study, a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature, specifically examining the mechanisms of action of PBM has been presented. Our objective was to enhance knowledge in the field of laser light therapy in order to promote the usage of irradiation in clinical settings in a more effective way. Within the realm of reproductive science, the utilization of PBM has been employed to enhance the metabolic processes, motility, and viability of spermatozoa. This is attributed to its advantageous effects on mitochondria, resulting in the activation of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and subsequent synthesis of ATP. This therapeutic approach can be highly advantageous in circumventing the reliance on chemical substances within the culture medium for spermatozoa while also facilitating the viability and motility of spermatozoa, particularly in circumstances involving thawing or samples with significant immotility.

Therapeutic Effects of Exosome Therapy and Photobiomodulation Therapy on the Spermatogenesis Arrest in Male Mice After Scrotum Hyperthermia

Introduction: In men, several factors cause infertility, among which we can mention damage to sperm due to high temperature. So far, various treatments have been proposed for it, but they have not been highly effective. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of exosome therapy (EXO) and photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on spermatogenesis arrest in male mice after scrotum hyperthermia. Methods: In this experimental study, the animals were divided into four groups: control, scrotal hyperthermia, scrotal hyperthermia+EXO (100 μL/d) (mice were treated for 30 days), scrotal hyperthermia+PBMT (laser of 0.03 J/cm2 for 30 seconds/for 30 days). Hyperthermia was induced by exposure to the temperature of 43 °C for 20 minute every day for 5 times. After 6 weeks, the animals were sacrificed. Results: The treated groups showed a significant increase in sperm parameters, as compared to the hyperthermic groups. Moreover, these favorable effects were observed in relation to the volume of testicular tissue, the number of germ cells, Leydig cells and Sertoli cells, and the level of testosterone. Research on antioxidants showed a significant reduction in oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the treatment groups in comparison to the hyperthermia group (P<0.001). Also, there has been a significant increase in the amount of hydrogen peroxide enzyme observed in the hyperthermia group as opposed to the treatment group (P<0.001). Conclusion: These findings show that EXO and PBMT can improve spermatogenesis caused by hyperthermia, reduce ROS and GSSG, and increase glutathione (GSH) and sperm quality.

Effects of photobiomodulation therapy on human sperm function

INTRODUCTION

Sperm motility is a crucial factor in male infertility and it depends on mitochondrial tail movements. Photobiomodulation light therapy allows the cells to produce their energy through activation of the mitochondria. The aim of the present study was to examine the impact of photobiomodulation on sperm motility in astenozoospermic individuals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Following semen analyses of 20 astenozoospermic individuals, collected semen samples were centrifuged. Pellet was obtained and homogenized through mixing with culture media in 1:1 ratio. Each semen samples were divided into 3 groups. In the first group, control samples were not exposed to laser irradiation. The Group 2 and Group 3 were exposed to 650nm wavelength of photobiomodulation from 10cm distance in dark environment via a 36cm² aperture sizer with 200mW output power for 30 and 60min duration, respectively. Sperm motilities were evaluated and chromatin condensation of sperms was determined.

RESULTS

Sperm motilities were significantly increased in photobiomodulation groups compared with the controls. Sperm motilities tended to be different between the 30 and 60min red light exposure groups; however, it was not statistically significant. When the motility grades were compared, no significant difference was observed in non-progressive motility sperms. While immotile sperms decreased significantly in the photobiomodulation groups compared to the control group, progressive sperms increased.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study demonstrated that the photobiomodulation is an efficient method to increase the sperm motility of astenozoospermic individuals independent of the duration of exposure.