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Abstract
Emerging evidence from in vivo as well as in vitro studies indicates that natural biomolecules may play important roles in the prevention or management of a wide array of chronic diseases. Furthermore, the use of natural compounds in the treatment of male sub- or infertility has been proposed as a potential alternative to conventional therapeutic options. As such, we aimed to evaluate the effects of selected natural biomolecules on the sperm production, structural integrity, and functional activity. At the same time, we reviewed their possible beneficial or adverse effects on male reproductive health. Using relevant keywords, a literature search was performed to collect currently available information regarding molecular mechanisms by which selected natural biomolecules exhibit their biological effects in the context of male reproductive dysfunction. Evidence gathered from clinical trials, in vitro experiments and in vivo studies suggest that the selected natural compounds affect key targets related to sperm mitochondrial metabolism and motion behavior, oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA integrity and cell death. The majority of reports emphasize on ameliorative, stimulating and protective effects of natural biomolecules on the sperm function. Nevertheless, possible adverse and toxic behavior of natural compounds has been indicated as well, pointing out to a possible dose-dependent impact of natural biomolecules on the sperm survival and functionality. As such, further research leading to a deeper understanding of the beneficial or adverse roles of natural compounds is necessary before these can be employed for the management of male reproductive dysfunction.
Highlights
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infertility is defined as a disease of the male or female reproductive system characterized by the inability to accomplish a pregnancy following at least 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse [1]
Since harmful effects of natural biomolecules have been observed in the context of male fertility, and the exact mechanisms underlying this behavior have only recently started to be investigated more thoroughly, a critical approach is advised before drawing definite conclusions on potential benefits or adverse effects of phytochemicals on the male reproductive system
It must be remembered that in vivo, most molecules may act in synergy or antagony depending on the conditions, which needs to be considered in the interpretation of their in vitro behavior
Summary
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infertility is defined as a disease of the male or female reproductive system characterized by the inability to accomplish a pregnancy following at least 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse [1]. While the exact role of RES in male reproduction is still not completely understood, a substantial number of animal studies indicates that the biomolecule is able to pass through the blood-testis barrier, imparting its protective effects on the testes, and subsequently on the sperm quality [37]. Branco et al [60] reported that while 10 mmol/L RES significantly decreased DNA damage in fertile as well as infertile men, the compound was not able to prevent a postfreezing motility decline This inability to prevent the loss of motility was observed in later studies [46,61] despite RES being effective in protecting the sperm lipids against cryodamage. The existence of unclear and often contradictory data suggests that further studies are necessary to consolidate the understanding of the properties of RES and its roles in male reproduction
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