Abstract
ObjectiveVitamin D receptor (VDR) is expressed in human spermatozoa. However, the role of vitamin D (VD) in human male reproduction has not yet been clarified. In this study, effects of VD on sperm parameters and its apoptosis in asthenozoospermic and healthy men were evaluated.MethodsThe study was carried out on discharged semen samples of 80 asthenozoospermic and healthy men. The samples were divided into control and experimental groups (received 20 µMol of VD). This study assessed sperm motility using the Makler chamber, their morphology by Diff quick, apoptosis and necrosis by Annexin-V and TUNEL assays, and their chromatin integrity was assessed by Aniline blue and Toluidine blue staining, according to WHO guidelines.ResultsThe results revealed that: 1) the total number of motile sperms was increased by VD in both groups, but it was only significant in the asthenozoospermia group. 2) The progressive motility was increased with significant difference in both groups.3) Morphology of sperm did not show any changes due to VD in any of the groups. 4) Early apoptosis and necrosis of sperms were reduced in both groups, but the results of late apoptosis showed no statistical difference in these groups. 5) The percentage of positive toluidine blue was significantly decreased after using VD in the asthenozoospermia group.ConclusionVD could improve motility, early apoptosis, and sperm necrosis, especially in asthenozoospermic men and it could be used for therapeutic opportunities.
Highlights
Infertility is a common disorder with significant medical, psychosocial, and economic aspects (Benyamini et al, 2005), which has had a worldwide increase, and approximately 1/6 of the couples are struggling with it (Thonneau et al, 1991)
4) Early apoptosis and necrosis of sperms were reduced in both groups, but the results of late apoptosis showed no statistical difference in these groups
5) The percentage of positive toluidine blue was significantly decreased after using vitamin D (VD) in the asthenozoospermia group
Summary
Infertility is a common disorder with significant medical, psychosocial, and economic aspects (Benyamini et al, 2005), which has had a worldwide increase, and approximately 1/6 of the couples are struggling with it (Thonneau et al, 1991). Asthenozoospermia is a common cause of male infertility, in which motile sperm is less than 40% and progressive motile sperm is less than 32% (WHO, 2010), which could even be 0% (absolute immotile) (Ortega et al, 2011). Some studies showed that apoptosis could affect sperm motility and lead to poor sperm motility and asthenozoospermia (Moradian Fard et al, 2019). Some reports have demonstrated that ejaculated spermatozoa from infertile men show ultrastructural damage, an unusually high incidence of DNA fragmentation, and plasma membrane translocation of phosphatidylserine (PS), all of which are typically considered to be signs of apoptosis in somatic cells (Barroso et al, 2000)
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