1
|
Velichkov M, Bezur Z, van Reekum CM, Williams CM. A biphasic response to blueberry supplementation on depressive symptoms in emerging adults: a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Eur J Nutr 2024; 63:1071-1088. [PMID: 38300292 PMCID: PMC11139700 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-023-03311-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the present study was to examine the acute and chronic effects of wild blueberry supplementation on mood, executive function, and serum biomarkers of neuroplasticity, inflammation, and oxidative stress in emerging adults with moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms. METHODS In this double-blind trial, 60 emerging adults (Mage = 20.0 years, 32% male) with self-reported depressive symptoms were randomly assigned to receive a single blueberry drink (acute phase), followed by 6 weeks of daily blueberry supplementation (chronic phase), or a matched placebo drink. The primary outcome was Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) scores at 6-week follow-up. Further measures included momentary affect (PANAS-X) and accuracy on an executive function task. The data were analyzed using ANCOVAs adjusted for baseline values, sex, and habitual fruit and vegetable intake. Estimated marginal means were calculated to compare the treatment arms. RESULTS The blueberry drink significantly improved positive affect (p = 0.026) and executive function (p = 0.025) at 2 h post-ingestion, with change scores being positively correlated in the blueberry group (r = 0.424, p = 0.017). However, after six weeks of supplementation the reduction in BDI-II scores was greater in the placebo group by 5.8 points (95% CI: 0.8-10.7, p = 0.023). Generalized anxiety and anhedonia also decreased significantly more in the placebo group. No significant differences were found for any of the biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS Six weeks of wild blueberry supplementation were inferior to placebo in reducing depressive symptoms. Nevertheless, the correlated improvements in positive affect and executive function after a single dose of blueberries point to a beneficial, albeit transient, psychological effect. These contrasting results suggest a biphasic, hormetic-like response that warrants further investigation. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT04647019, dated 30 November, 2020.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Velichkov
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Zsofia Bezur
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Carien M van Reekum
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Claire M Williams
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Alyami NM, Alnakhli ZA, Alshiban NM, Maodaa S, Almuhaini GA, Almeer R, Alshora D, Ibrahim M. Oral administration of proniosomal glibenclamide formulation protects testicular tissue from hyperglycemia fluctuations and ROS via Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31283. [PMID: 38813164 PMCID: PMC11133806 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes causes high blood sugar due to insulin malfunction and is linked to male infertility. Using proniosomes can enhance the effectiveness of Glibenclamide, a medication that stimulates insulin secretion. In our study, male rats with diabetes were treated with GLB with or without proniosomal for 14 days. Proniosomal formulations maintained glucose levels prevented weight loss and showed normal testicular tissue. GLB-proniosomal reduces ROS caused by T2DM through Nrf2, HO-1 pathway and increases CAT, SOD, and GSH production in response to insulin and glucose uptake. The reference and proniosomal treatments showed CAT and SOD significant enzymatic elevation compared to the positive and negative control. CAT significantly correlated with Gpx4 expression with P = 0.0169 and r = 0.98; similarly, the enzymatic activity of SOD also showed a positive correlation between the average glucose levels (r = 0.99 and P = 0.0037). Intestinally, GSH analysis revealed that only proniosomal-GLB samples are significantly elevated from the positive control, with a P value of 0.0210. The data showed proniosomal-GLB was more effective than pure GLB, confirmed by higher Nrf2 (2.050 folds), HO-1 (2.148 folds), and GPx4 (1.9 folds) transcript levels relative to the control with less sample diversity compared to the reference samples, indicating proniosomal stabilized GLB in the blood. Administering GLB and proniosomes formulation has effectively restored testicular function and sperm production in diabetic rats by regulating ROS levels and upregulating anti-ROS in response to glucose uptake. These findings may lead to better treatments for diabetic patients who have infertility issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nouf M. Alyami
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zainab A. Alnakhli
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Noura M. Alshiban
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh, 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh Maodaa
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghufran A. Almuhaini
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rafa Almeer
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Doaa Alshora
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
LaPointe S, Mehta A, Gaskins AJ. Diet and recreational drug use in relation to male reproductive health. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:1089-1097. [PMID: 37838140 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Diet and lifestyle interventions present promising avenues for the improvement of male fertility. Our objective was to review and synthesize the existing observational and experimental studies among humans on the associations of diet and recreational drug use with semen quality and fertility outcomes. The available data on this topic are limited and, at times, conflicting. Nevertheless, on the basis of this review, dietary patterns that are composed of higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, low-fat dairy, and seafood, as well as lower intakes of red and processed meats, sweets, and sugar-sweetened beverages were identified as having the strongest evidence for associations with better sperm quality. However, whether these dietary patterns translate into positive associations with clinical fertility endpoints such as assisted reproductive technology success rates or time-to-pregnancy among couples trying to conceive without medical assistance remains unclear. Male caffeine and alcohol intake, within low-to-moderate ranges of intake, do not appear to be detrimental to semen quality. Yet high-quality research on this topic, focused on clinical fertility endpoints, should continue given the conflicting evidence, particularly in populations undergoing infertility treatment with assisted reproductive technology. Recreational drug use, including marijuana, electronic cigarettes, and other illicit drugs, does not appear to be beneficial for male reproductive health and should be avoided or ceased. In conclusion, men should be encouraged to consume a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, low-fat dairy, and seafood, as well as lacking in red and processed meats, sweets, and sugar-sweetened beverages, and to avoid recreational drug use for improved male reproductive health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah LaPointe
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Akanksha Mehta
- Department of Urology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Audrey J Gaskins
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pecora G, Sciarra F, Gangitano E, Venneri MA. How Food Choices Impact on Male Fertility. Curr Nutr Rep 2023; 12:864-876. [PMID: 37861951 PMCID: PMC10766669 DOI: 10.1007/s13668-023-00503-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Increasing evidence on the significance of nutrition in reproduction is emerging from both animal and human studies, suggesting an association between nutrition and male fertility. Here, we have highlighted the impact of the various food groups on reproductive hormones and on spermatogenesis, and the effects of classical and latest dietary patterns such as Mediterranean diet, Western diet, intermittent fasting, ketogenic diet, and vegan/vegetarian diet on male fertility. RECENT FINDINGS Nutrients are the precursors of molecules involved in various body's reactions; therefore, their balance is essential to ensure the correct regulation of different systems including the endocrine system. Hormones are strongly influenced by the nutritional status of the individual, and their alteration can lead to dysfunctions or diseases like infertility. In addition, nutrients affect sperm production and spermatogenesis, controlling sexual development, and maintaining secondary sexual characteristics and behaviors. The consumption of fruit, vegetables, fish, processed meats, dairy products, sugars, alcohol, and caffeine importantly impact on male fertility. Among dietary patterns, the Mediterranean diet and the Western diet are most strongly associated with the quality of semen. Nutrients, dietary patterns, and hormonal levels have an impact on male infertility. Therefore, understanding how these factors interact with each other is important for strategies to improve male fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Pecora
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 329, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Sciarra
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 329, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Gangitano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 329, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Mary Anna Venneri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 329, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Szmidt MK, Granda D, Madej D, Sicinska E, Kaluza J. Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Women and Reproductive Health across the Lifespan: A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:2131. [PMID: 37432245 DOI: 10.3390/nu15092131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been previously proven to have various health-related benefits; however, its effect on women's reproductive health over a lifespan is yet to be summarized. This study aimed to summarize the evidence-based knowledge regarding the association between the MD and selected reproductive health outcomes. By searching PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases, as well as reference lists, 21 studies were included in this narrative review. The available evidence was very limited; however, there is some suggestion that higher adherence to the MD may be positively associated with a lower risk of early age menarche (1 study) and shorter menstrual cycles (1 study), but is unrelated to dysmenorrhea (1 study). Moreover, no study to date has examined the relationship between the MD and the onset age of natural menopause. Considering reproductive health diseases, there was limited evidence that a higher adherence to the MD was associated with a lower risk of premenstrual syndrome (1 study), an improvement in sexual health and a lower prevalence of sexual dysfunction (3 studies), and an improvement in the general condition of with endometriosis and the pain they can experience (1 study). The largest number of studies were found for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS; 7 studies) and infertility (6 studies). Results showed that a higher adherence to the MD was associated with a lower risk of infertility, while results for PCOS were unclear, but mostly indicated a beneficial trend. Further investigations are necessary to establish the role of adherence to the MD in reproductive health maintenance and its possible role in the prevention and treatment of reproductive health diseases in women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Karolina Szmidt
- Department of Human Nutrition, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS-SGGW), Nowoursynowska 166, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dominika Granda
- Department of Nutrition Physiology and Dietetics, Institute of Sport-National Research Institute, Trylogii 2/16, 01-982 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dawid Madej
- Department of Human Nutrition, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS-SGGW), Nowoursynowska 166, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Sicinska
- Department of Human Nutrition, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS-SGGW), Nowoursynowska 166, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Kaluza
- Department of Human Nutrition, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS-SGGW), Nowoursynowska 166, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Huang D, Zhang Y, Wang X, Guo R, Leng X, Du Q, Wu Q, Pan B, Zhao Y. Dietary total antioxidant capacity and the risk of developing asthenozoospermia: a hospital-based case-control study in China. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:537-548. [PMID: 36728412 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) associated with the odds of developing asthenozoospermia in Chinese men? SUMMARY ANSWER There is no statistically significant association between DTAC indices and the odds of developing asthenozoospermia. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Both diet and oxidative stress may be related to sperm quality; however, few studies have investigated the association between DTAC and sperm quality. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This case-control study was conducted from June 2020 to December 2020. Those diagnosed with asthenozoospermia were assigned to the case group, whereas those with normal sperm parameters were assigned to the control group. Data from a total of 553 cases and 586 controls were included in the final analysis. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Men who had been referred to the infertility clinic of Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University were enrolled. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. DTAC was based on ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), total oxygen radical absorbance capacity (T-ORAC), hydrophilic oxygen radical absorbance capacity (H-ORAC), lipophilic oxygen radical absorbance capacity (L-ORAC), total phenolics (TP), total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP), and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). Asthenozoospermia was defined according to the criteria published in the fifth edition of the World Health Organization laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE No significant association was observed between the DTAC indices and the odds of asthenozoospermia after multivariable adjustment (T3 vs T1, odds ratio (OR) = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.73-1.33 for FRAP; OR = 1.05, 95% CI: 0.77-1.42 for T-ORAC; OR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.65-1.18 for H-ORAC; OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.71-1.34 for L-ORAC; OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.76-1.39 for TP; OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.87-1.59 for TRAP; and OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 0.85-1.55 for TEAC). Both additive and multiplicative interaction analyses suggested that smoking might modify the association of T-ORAC with the odds of developing asthenozoospermia (relative excess risk due to interaction = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.07-0.83, attributable proportion due to interaction = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.07-0.84 for additive interaction; P = 0.033 for multiplicative interaction). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Recall bias and protopathic bias were inevitable in this retrospective case-control study. The estimation accuracy of the DTAC indices may have also affected the findings. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to specifically investigate whether an association exists between DTAC and the odds of developing asthenozoospermia. Although no significant association was found, this study provides novel information pertaining to the fields of nutrition and human reproduction. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the JieBangGuaShuai Project of Liaoning Province (2021JH1/10400050), the Shengjing Hospital Clinical Research Project (M0071), and the Outstanding Scientific Fund of Shengjing Hospital (M1150). All authors have no competing interests to disclose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donghui Huang
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Liaoning, China
| | - Yixiao Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaobin Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Renhao Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xu Leng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qiang Du
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qijun Wu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Liaoning, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive and Genetic Medicine (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang, China
| | - Bochen Pan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuhong Zhao
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Liaoning, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lakshmanan AP, Mingione A, Pivari F, Dogliotti E, Brasacchio C, Murugesan S, Cusi D, Lazzaroni M, Soldati L, Terranegra A. Modulation of gut microbiota: The effects of a fruits and vegetables supplement. Front Nutr 2022; 9:930883. [PMID: 36211488 PMCID: PMC9537686 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.930883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The consumption of an optimal amount of fruits and vegetables is known to improve physical fitness and physiological body functions. Healthy eating habits, including intake of fruits and vegetables, can modify gut microbiota. This study aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of a formulated fruit and vegetable supplement (FVS) in modulating the antioxidant capacity and the gut microbiota composition. We enrolled 30 healthy volunteer subjects, matched for age, gender, BMI, and smoking habits, and randomized them into the FVS and the placebo (PLA) groups. Among the serum vitamins, the folic acid level was significantly higher (p = 0.001) in the FVS group than in the PLA group, whereas the vitamin B2 level was significantly higher in the PLA group than in the FVS group (p = 0.028). The antioxidant capacity, measured by using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) method, was also slightly higher in the FVS group than in the PLA group but did not reach statistical significance. The dietary intake, assessed by 24-h recalls, did not show any significant changes after the supplementation in both the groups. The gut microbiome composition, measured by 16S rDNA sequencing, showed no difference in both alpha and beta diversities, whereas the LEfse analysis revealed a microbial shift after the treatment, with a decreased abundance of the genus Ruminococcus from the Lachnospiraceae family (p = 0.009), and the unclassified genus from the family Erysipelotrichaceae (UC36, p = 0.003) in the FVS group compared with the PLA group (confirmed by SIAMCAT analysis, AUC = 74.1%). With a minor effect, the genus Faecalibacterium and unclassified genus and family from the order Lactobacillales (UC31) were also increased in the FVS group compared with the PLA group (p = 0.0474, p = 0.0352, respectively). SCFA measurement by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry showed an increased level of 2-methylbutyrate in the FVS group compared with the PLA group (p = 0.0385). Finally, the Spearman correlation analysis showed that in the FVS group, the genus Faecalibacterium positively correlated with 2-methyl butyrate (p = 0.040). In the PLA group, none of the significant bacteria correlated with either SCFA or serum biomarkers. The network analysis confirmed the positive correlation between genus Faecalibacterium and 2-methyl butyrate. We can conclude that the FVS in healthy individuals modified the gut microbiota composition and metabolites, and it can potentially contribute to reduce the pro-inflammatory response along with the antioxidant capacity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandra Mingione
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Pivari
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Selvasankar Murugesan
- Microbiome and Host-Microbes Interactions Lab, Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Daniele Cusi
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, Italian National Research Council, Milan, Italy
- Bio4Dreams Scientific Unit, Bio4Dreams-Business Nursery for Life Sciences, Bio4Dreams S.p.A., Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Lazzaroni
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, Foundation IRCCS Neurological Institute C. Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Soldati
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Annalisa Terranegra
- Precision Nutrition, Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- *Correspondence: Annalisa Terranegra,
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Irigoyen P, Pintos-Polasky P, Rosa-Villagran L, Skowronek MF, Cassina A, Sapiro R. Mitochondrial metabolism determines the functional status of human sperm and correlates with semen parameters. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:926684. [PMID: 36111336 PMCID: PMC9468643 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.926684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis of male infertility is based essentially on the patient’s medical history and a standard semen analysis. However, the latter rarely provides information on the causes of a possible infertility, emphasizing the need to extend the analysis of the sperm function. Mitochondrial function has been associated with sperm function and dysfunction, the latter primarily through the production of excessive amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We hypothesized that analysis of sperm mitochondrial metabolism together with sperm ROS production could be an additional tool to improve routine semen analysis, after appropriate validations. To test our hypothesis, we performed several experiments using a non-routine method (high-resolution respirometry, HRR) to access mitochondrial function. First, we investigated whether mitochondrial function is related to human sperm motility and morphology. When mitochondrial metabolism was challenged, sperm motility decreased significantly. Additionally, morphological abnormalities in the sperm mid-piece and mitochondria were associated with global sperm defects evaluated by routine methods. Subsequently, sperm mitochondrial function was assessed by HRR. Respiratory control ratio (RCR) was determined and evaluated in the context of classical sperm analysis. In parallel, sperm hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production and seminal plasma (SP) antioxidant capacity were measured. The percentage of sperm with progressive motility correlated positively with RCR, SP antioxidant capacity, and negatively with the concentration of extracellular H2O2 production ([H2O2]). The percentage of normal sperm morphology correlated positively with RCR and negatively with [H2O2]. Sperm morphology did not correlate with seminal plasma antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, Receiver Operating Characteristic curves were used for the first time to test the diagnostic ability of RCR, [H2O2], and SP antioxidant capacity as binary classifiers. An RCR cut off value of 3.2 was established with a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 61%, using reference values considered normal or abnormal in routine semen analysis. The cut off value for [H2O2] was 0.2 μM/106 sperm (sensitivity = 65%, specificity = 60%). There were no reference values for SP antioxidant capacity that distinguished between abnormal and normal sperm samples. We conclude that sperm mitochondrial function indices in combination with [H2O2] may be useful tools to complement the routine semen analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Irigoyen
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Paula Pintos-Polasky
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Lucia Rosa-Villagran
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Maria Fernanda Skowronek
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Adriana Cassina
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CEINBIO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Rossana Sapiro
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CEINBIO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- *Correspondence: Rossana Sapiro,
| |
Collapse
|