Abstract
PurposeThe effects of cigarette smoking on male semen quality are controversial, and the molecular mechanisms underlying how cigarette smoking affects semen quality are not clear yet.MethodsIn this study, semen samples from 70 heavy smokers and 75 non-smokers receiving infertility treatment were included. Basic semen parameters in non-smokers and heavy smokers were evaluated. Levels of glutathione (GSH), lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS), iron and GSH-dependent peroxidase 4 (GPX4) protein level were observed in human seminal plasma and in GC-2Spd cells exposed to cigarette smoke condensate (CSC).ResultsHeavy smokers had significantly higher abnormalities (sperm viability and sperm progressive motility) than non-smoking counterparts. Comparing non-smokers group, GSH level was reduced in the group of heavy smokers (P < 0.05). However, the level of lipid ROS and iron were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Besides, GSH level was reduced following treatment with CSC for 24 h, while lipid ROS and iron levels were increased (P < 0.05). However, the levels were reduced after being co-cultured with Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) (P < 0.05). The level of GPX4 protein was reduced after being treated with CSC in 24 h, and increased after being co-cultured with Fer-1(P < 0.05).ConclusionCigarette smoking is associated with high level of ferroptosis in seminal plasma and affect semen quality.
Highlights
Infertility affects 10–15% of couples worldwide and has become a public health problem in recent years [1]
Male infertility accounts for approximately half of these problems, and decreased semen quality has been widely reported in recent years [2, 3]
Seminal plasma GSH, lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) and iron level To investigate the ferroptosis level between non-smokers and heavy smokers, GSH, lipid ROS and iron level were detected in the seminal plasma
Summary
Infertility affects 10–15% of couples worldwide and has become a public health problem in recent years [1]. Male infertility accounts for approximately half of these problems, and decreased semen quality has been widely reported in recent years [2, 3]. Cigarette smoke contains high concentrations of nitric oxide, peroxynitrite, and free radicals which can potentially induce the production of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the human body [14, 15]. This might be the main reason for the decreased semen. We believe that cigarette smoking could impair the sperm quality, but what is its potential mechanism?
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