Lipid Peroxidation In Seminal Plasma Research Articles

Adverse effects of exposure to petrol-generator exhaust fumes on the reproductive hormones, testis and spermatozoa in male dogs

There is evidence that sperm count has progressively declined in men over the recent decades. Exposure to air pollutants including petrol and diesel exhaust have been reported to impair male reproduction although there is little experimental evidence. This study investigated the effects of petrol-generator exhaust fumes (PGEF) on semen, sperm, gonadal structure and hormonal status in the dog. Sixteen adult male Basenji dogs were randomly assigned four to each of 4 groups as follows: an unexposed (Control) group and three groups exposed to graded levels of PGEF for 1, 2 or 3 h per day (hpd), respectively, for 90 days. Serum concentrations of testosterone (T), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured on days 0 (baseline), 30, 60 and 90 of the study. At day 90, semen samples were collected for semen and sperm analysis. Testicular and epididymal tissues were subjected to gross, histopathological and histomorphometric evaluation. Graded exposure to PGEF resulted in increased serum concentration of T and decreased concentrations of FSH and LH, increased seminal plasma lipid peroxidation, seminiferous and epididymal tubular degeneration, germ cell depletion, lowered sperm concentration, decreased sperm motility and vitality, and increased sperm abnormal morphology. The close proximity between dogs and humans in exposed environments underscores the importance of these findings to human reproductive health and fertility. The findings suggest that with prolonged exposure, the impairment of reproductive functions will likely play significant roles in the decline in male fertility.

Low levels of peroxiredoxins are associated with high iron content and lipid peroxidation in seminal plasma from asthenozoospermic infertile men

Asthenospermia is a common cause of male infertility refers to semen samples with spermatozoa that move slowly or immotile. Recent research has implicated oxidative stress-induced ferroptosis in asthenospermia's pathophysiology. Peroxiredoxins are important players in the antioxidant defense to protect cells against oxidative stress. However, some aspects of the antioxidant response necessary for male fertility are not well understood. This case-control study aimed to elucidate the role of peroxiredoxins in regulating oxidative stress in male fertility via their correlation with ferroptosis. It included 90 fertile and 90 asthenospermic subfertile males from Hilla City, Iraq. Total peroxiredoxin activity, peroxiredoxin-6 level, and peroxiredoxin-4 level were measured alongside the ferroptosis biomarkers glutathione peroxidase-4, malondialdehyde, and the reduced/oxidized protein thiol ratio. Infertile males had significantly higher oxidized thiol and malondialdehyde levels than fertile males (p < 0.05). Total peroxiredoxin activities, peroxiredoxin-6 levels, peroxiredoxin-4 levels, glutathione peroxidase-4 levels, and reduced/oxidized protein thiol ratios were significantly lower in infertile males than in fertile males (p < 0.05). Therefore, peroxiredoxin activity and level correlate with reduced/oxidized protein thiol ratio. They are inversely associated with ferroptosis and directly associated with semen quality. These findings suggest that peroxiredoxins are crucial in preventing ferroptosis and have potential implications for treating asthenospermia.

Seminal Plasma Lipid Peroxidation, Total Antioxidant Capacity, Vitamin C, and Zinc Concentration in Normal and Infertile Men

Seminal Plasma Lipid Peroxidation, Total Antioxidant Capacity, Vitamin C, and Zinc Concentration in Normal and Infertile Men

Evaluation of oxidative stress in seminal plasma of adolescents with varicocele.

SummaryVaricocele, defined by a dilation of efferent testicular veins, is the most commonly identifiable, surgically correctable lesion associated with male-factor infertility, starts at puberty and causes a progressive decline in fertility potential. The pathophysiology of infertility caused by this disease is still poorly understood, but it is suggested that the main mechanism is oxidative stress. Therefore, the aim of this study was to verify if the varicocele is associated with changes in enzymatic antioxidant mechanisms and seminal plasma lipid peroxidation levels in adolescents. We recruited 90 adolescents that were divided into control (C; n = 27); varicocele and normal semen (VNS; n =46); varicocele and altered semen (VAS; n =17). Seminal and serum levels of lipid peroxidation were quantified by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Seminal plasma antioxidant profile was evaluated by the activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The VAS group had increased lipid peroxidation levels when compared to the other groups. The levels of serum lipid peroxidation and activities of the enzymes SOD and GPx did not differ between groups. CAT was undetectable by the method used. In conclusion, in adolescents with varicocele and altered semen analysis, there is an increase in seminal lipid peroxidation levels compared to adolescents with varicocele and without seminal change and adolescents without evident varicocele. However, the observed oxidative stress is not caused by a decrease in superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities, which did not differ between adolescents with and without evident varicocele.Lay summaryVaricocele, defined by a dilation of efferent testicular veins, is the most commonly identifiable, surgically correctable lesion associated with male-factor infertility, starts at puberty and causes a progressive decline in fertile potential. There is still much that is not understood regarding how exactly it affects semen quality, but most studies agree that oxidative stress, which is defined as excessive amounts of free radicals in relation to antioxidant defense, is an important mechanism. In this study, we aimed to verify if the varicocele is associated with changes in antioxidant defense and semen oxidation in 90 adolescents with and without varicocele. In adolescents with varicocele and abnormal semen, there is an increase in semen oxidation compared to controls or to the group with varicocele and normal semen quality. Our results can help to understand how varicocele leads to infertility in adolescents, identifying changes in oxidative activity in semen, since the onset of varicocele and before damage to sperm production can be detected.

Analysis of the Functional Aspects of Sperm and Testicular Oxidative Stress in Individuals Undergoing Metabolic Surgery.

Metabolic surgery is a recommended treatment for obese patients that results in BMI reduction; however, the observed impact of this therapy on male fertility is inconsistent. This research aimed to study the effects of BMI changes after metabolic surgery on seminal analysis, sex hormonal profile, sperm functional integrity, and the seminal plasma lipid peroxidation levels. A prospective study was performed in 15 patients for whom metabolic surgery was recommended. The patients were evaluated by the techniques proposed in this study before and after the surgical procedure for 12 months. In each analysis, the male sex hormonal profile, semen analysis, sperm functional integrity, and seminal lipid peroxidation levels were assessed. The surgery resulted in BMI reduction and improvement in seminal characteristics and male sex hormone profile. The semen analysis showed increases in volume, sperm progressive motility, and in sperm morphology and a decrease in immotile sperms. Sperm mitochondrial activity and sperm DNA integrity were improved, and the levels of seminal lipid peroxidation were decreased. The hormonal profile showed lower levels of estradiol and highest levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and testosterone. BMI changes resulting from this treatment and its metabolic consequences can be associated with changes in the male fertile potential, leading to an improvement in the seminal quality, male sex hormone profile, sperm functional aspects, and levels of seminal lipid peroxidation, thus decreasing the testicular oxidative stress.

Heat stress effects on bovine sperm cells: a chronological approach to early findings.

Testicular heat stress affects sperm quality and fertility. However, the chronology of these effects is not yet fully understood. This study aimed to establish the early sequential effects of heat stress in bull sperm quality. Semen and blood samples of Nellore breed bulls were collected and distributed into control and testicular heat stress (scrotal bags/96h) groups. Semen samples were evaluated for sperm motility, abnormalities, plasma membrane integrity, acrosomal membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, sperm lipid peroxidation, seminal plasma lipid peroxidation, and DNA fragmentation. Blood plasma was also evaluated for lipid peroxidation. An increase in sperm abnormalities was observed 7days following heat stress. After 14days, sperm lipid peroxidation increased and mitochondrial membrane function, sperm motility, and plasma membrane integrity decreased. Heat stress effects were still observed after 21days following heat stress. An increase in sperm DNA fragmentation was observed as a late effect after 28days. Thus, the initial effects of heat stress (i.e., increasing sperm abnormalities and lipid peroxidation) suggest the presence of oxidative stress in the semen that alters mitochondrial function, sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, and belatedly, DNA fragmentation. Although sperm abnormalities persisted and increased over time, sperm lipid peroxidation, in turn, increased only until 21days after heat stress. In this regard, these findings provide a greater understanding of the chronological effects of experimentally induced heat stress on bovine sperm, providing valuable insights about spermatogenesis during the first 28days following heat stress.

Oxidative stress in seminal plasma and its relation to fertility potential of human male subjects

Background: There is growing evidence that damage to spermatozoa by reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a key role in male infertility. Human spermatozoa are susceptible to ROS as their plasma membrane contains abundant polyunsaturated fatty acid which can undergo lipid peroxidation which may cause damage to the sperms. Lipid peroxidation of sperm membrane is an important mechanism of this ROS-induced sperm damage leading to infertility. The present study was undertaken using malondialdehyde (MDA) for assessing oxidative stress which is an end product of lipid peroxidation. Aim and Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the oxidative stress by estimating MDA (marker of lipid peroxidation) in seminal plasma of different groups of individuals and to correlate the levels with different seminogram parameters. Materials and Methods: Semen samples were obtained and analyzed for routine seminogram parameters from 150 male partners between ages 20 and 58 years of infertile couples attending reproductive biology unit. The patients were grouped into abnormal ejaculate (asthenoteratozoospermic ORIGINAL ARTICLE, oligoasthenoteratozoospermic, and azoospermic) and normal ejaculate groups. Oxidative stress was measured spectrophotometrically by estimating MDA. Results: Higher MDA levels of seminal plasma were observed in the AT and azoospermic groups as compared to normozoospermics though the difference was not statistically different. A significant rise in MDA levels was observed in the oligoasthenoteratozoospermic group. Seminogram parameters were found to be negatively correlated with seminal MDA level. Conclusion: Increased seminal plasma lipid peroxidation is likely to have an association with poor semen quality. Hence, MDA may be used as one of the biomarkers for assessing oxidative stress on sperm.

Plasma Lipid Peroxidation as a Marker for Seminal Oxidative Stress in Stallion

This experiment aims to evaluate the correlation between lipid peroxidation levels in serum and seminal plasma in equines. Also, it investigates the lipid peroxidation in extended semen samples and its effects and sperm motility during a 72 hr refrigeration period. Blood and semen were collected from fertile Crioulo stallions. Serum and seminal plasma lipid peroxidation levels were analyzed by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) immediately after semen collection. After addition of extender (hour = 0), diluted semen was refrigerated and stored at 5 &amp;deg;C. Semen analyses, TBARS and catalase activity were performed in extended semen at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours. We noted that levels of plasma lipid peroxidation can be used as an indicative of seminal oxidative stress. Also, lipid peroxidation does not increase substantially during semen storage. Lipid peroxidation and the antioxidant enzyme catalase do not seem to be the major cause of loss and motility and consequently reduction in fertility in stallion semen during storage for 72 h at 5 &amp;deg;C.

The effect of dietary doum supplementation on- productive and reproductive performance of male rabbits in Upper Egypt

The objective of this work was conducted to study the effect of Doum (Hyphaenethebaica) supplementation on productive and reproductive performance of rabbit bucks in Upper Egypt during spring season. Thirty- two males16 California (CAL) and 16 Newzland (NEZ) rabbits 8 months old with average initial body weight 3.409±0.05 kg were randomly divided into four groups of 4 bucks each/breed (CAL and NEZ). Group 1 served as control fed a basal diet. Groups 2, 3 and 4 fed basal diets supplemented with 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 g doum/kg diets, respectively for 12 weeks. The results revealed that doum supplementation significantly (p≤0.01) increased bucks live body weight compared with control group. Ejaculate volume, mass motility, sperm concentration, total sperm output, total motile sperms, live normal sperm, total functional sperm fraction and initial fructose were significantly increased, while reaction time significantly decreased in rabbit bucks received doum compared to control group. Administration of doum increased (P < 0.05) seminal plasma total proteins, globulins, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase. Conversely, seminal plasma aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were significantly decreased compared to the control group. Seminal plasma lipid peroxidation as indicated by thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances was significantly decreased while, seminal plasma antioxidant enzymes were significantly increased due to doum supplementation Also, doum supplementation significant increased serum testosterone level .In conclusion, doum supplementation improved semen quality, and seminal plasma antioxidant status of rabbit bucks. Thus, the doum could help to improve productive and reproductive efficiency of rabbit bucks under Upper Egypt condition.

Maldi-tof fingerprinting of seminal plasma lipids in the study of human male infertility.

This study proposed lipid fingerprinting of human seminal plasma by mass spectrometry as an analytical method to differentiate biological conditions. For this purpose, we chose infertile men as a model to study specific conditions, namely: high and low seminal plasma lipid peroxidation levels (sub-study 1.1), high and low sperm nuclear DNA fragmentation (sub-study 1.2), and intervention status: before and after subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy (study 2). Study 1 included 133 patients, of which 113 were utilized for sub-study 1.1 and 89 for sub-study 1.2. Study 2 included 17 adult men submitted to subinguinal varicocelectomy, before and 90 days after varicocelectomy. Lipids were extracted from seminal plasma and submitted to Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Quadrupole-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry in the positive ionization mode. Spectra were processed using Waters(®) MassLynx, and MetaboAnalyst online software was used for statistical analyses. For sub-studies 1.1 and 1.2, and study 2, univariate analysis revealed 8, 87 and 34 significant ions, respectively. Multivariate analysis was performed through PCA and PLS-DA. PCA generated 56, 32 and 34 components respectively for each study and these were submitted to logistic regression. A ROC curve was plotted and the area under the curve was equal to 97.4, 92.5 and 96.5%. PLS-DA generated a list of 19, 24 and 23 VIP ions for sub-studies 1.1 and 1.2, and study 2, respectively. Therefore, this study established the lipid profile and comparison of patterns altered in response to specific biological conditions.

Effect of dietary ellagic acid supplementation on semen quality parameters in chickens

Ellagic acid (EA), a polyphenoloic constituent in fruits and nuts, has been shown to have antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary EA supplementation on semen quality parameters in chickens. Forty roosters (Dahlem Red breed), 28 weeks of age, were randomly assigned to four groups and fed diets containing EA at 0, 25, 50, or 75 mg/kg for 8 weeks. Semen was evaluated for volume, appearance, individual motility, sperm concentration, 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) dye reduction test, and live, dead and abnormal sperm counts. The seminal plasma was separated and evaluated for protein, alkaline phosphatase, and lipid peroxidation. At the end of the experiment, blood from individual birds was collected, and serum was separated and evaluated for superoxide dismutase activity, lipid peroxidation, and ferric-reducing ability of plasma. Supplementation with EA had no effect (P &gt; 0.05) on gross semen parameters. Seminal plasma protein and lipid peroxidation were different (P &lt; 0.01) between the treatment groups. The group fed EA at 75 mg/kg had high (P &lt; 0.01) seminal plasma lipid peroxidation and lower (P &lt; 0.05) serum superoxide dismutase activity. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of EA in chickens had no effect on the gross semen qualities and increased lipid peroxidation in seminal plasma.

Low Amounts and High Thiol Oxidation of Peroxiredoxins in Spermatozoa From Infertile Men

Seminal oxidative stress occurs when there is an increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and/or a decrease of antioxidant activity, promoting impaired sperm function. Peroxiredoxins (PRDX) are abundant in human semen and are important antioxidant enzymes, which act as ROS scavengers and modulators in ROS-dependent signaling. Our aim was to determine whether the levels of PRDX1 and PRDX6 and their oxidation on thiol groups are associated with a decrease in sperm motility and DNA integrity. We evaluated the sperm and seminal PRDX level in men (13 healthy controls, 15 men with clinical varicocele, and 17 men with idiopathic infertility). We assessed conventional semen parameters, sperm DNA integrity (by the sperm chromatin structure assay), lipid peroxidation in seminal plasma and spermatozoa (by the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assay), and the amount and thiol oxidation of PRDX1 and PRDX6 (by immunoblotting). PRDXs were affected in seminal plasma (lower amounts) and in sperm samples (lower amounts and higher levels of thiol oxidation) characterized by lower sperm motility, higher lipid peroxidation, and sperm DNA damage. The thioloxidation ratio of PRDXs (thiol-oxidized PRDX/total PRDX) correlated negatively with sperm motility (total and progressive) and positively with sperm DNA damage and sperm lipid peroxidation. In conclusion, because of the lower amount of total PRDX1 and PRDX6 and the high thiol oxidation of these PRDXs, very little (less than 20%) protection due to PRDXs remains, and this is associated with impaired sperm function and poor DNA integrity and suggests an important role of PRDXs in the protection of human spermatozoa against oxidative stress.

Altered Antioxidant Status and Increased Lipid Per-Oxidation in Seminal Plasma of Tunisian Infertile Men

Human seminal plasma is a natural reservoir of antioxidants that protect spermatozoa from oxidative damages. There is evidence in literature supports the fact that impairments in seminal antioxidant and lipid per-oxidation status play important roles in the physiopathology of male infertility. Our present study forms the first one which was carried out in Tunisia. We evaluated the antioxidant status in the seminal plasma of 120 infertile men programmed to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) for the first tentative. Patients were characterized by an idiopathic infertility. They were divided into three groups: normozoospermics who were considered as controls (n=40), asthenozoospermics (Astheno; n=45) and oligoasthenoteratozoospermics (OAT; n=35). Seminal activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and the levels of glutathione (GSH), zinc (Zn) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. With the significant increase of the seminal activities of SOD and GPX in normozoospermics group, there were positive correlations observed between this enzymes and sperm quality. Also, significant elevated rates of seminal zinc and GSH were observed in control group, but there was contradictory associations reflecting the effects of these antioxidants on semen parameters. However, we noted significant increase of MDA levels in groups with abnormal seminogram. We showed negative associations between this per-oxidative marker and sperm parameters. These results obviously suggested that impairment on seminal antioxidants is an important risk factor for low sperm quality associated to idiopathic infertility and as a result can lead to poor IVF outcome.

Seminal plasma lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant capacity, and cigarette smoking in asthenoteratospermic men

Background Lipid peroxidation (LPO) is one of the most important effects of ROS-induced cell damage that, along with the formation of reactive and mutagenic aldehyde products such as malondialdehyde (MDA), leads to defective functions in spermatozoa. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the seminal plasma neutralizes ROS so they could be a defense system against LPO. We evaluated the effect of seminal LPO and TAC on the motility and morphology of spermatozoa. We also determined the relationship between cigarette smoking as an exogenous source of ROS in increased levels of MDA and decreased TAC to estimate the intensity of oxidative stress. Methods MDA concentration and the TAC levels of seminal plasma were measured in asthenoteratospermic cigarette smokers ( n = 15), asthenoteratospermic non-smokers ( n = 17) and healthy non-smokers ( n = 13) using the TBARs and FRAP methods, respectively. Results The mean TAC in the seminal plasma of healthy men was significantly higher than that in asthenoteratospermic smokers ( P = 0.007) and non-smokers ( P = 0.012). In contrast, MDA levels in the control group were significantly lower than in smoking ( P = 0.005) and non-smoking ( P = 0.031) patients. Conclusions It is suggested that antioxidant deficiency and LPO may contribute to low motility and morphology in the spermatozoa of asthenoteratospermic patients, and that cigarette smoking is a risk factor for increased oxidative damage of seminal plasma in infertile men.

Adolescent varicocele: improved sperm function after varicocelectomy

To assess the effect of varicocelectomy on sperm function (DNA integrity and mitochondrial activity) and levels of lipid peroxidation in seminal plasma of adolescents. Prospective study. Patients recruited from a local public school. Adolescents (14-19 years old), Tanner stages IV or V with varicocele grades II or III, attending a local public school. Two semen collections with a one week interval between collections before bilateral varicocele repair using subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy, and two semen collections with a one week interval between collections three months after the surgery. Rate of sperm DNA fragmentation as assessed by the Comet assay and categorized as classes I (no DNA fragmentation) to IV (high DNA fragmentation). Rate of mitochondrial activity as assessed by the diaminobenzidine assay and categorized as grades I (all mitochondria active) to IV (all mitochondria inactive). Levels of lipid peroxidation in seminal plasma by a colorimetric method that quantifies a lipid peroxidation subproduct (malondialdehyde). Concerning DNA integrity, the samples after varicocelectomy showed more spermatozoa with intact nuclear DNA (grade I) and less spermatozoa with Comet grades II, III, and IV. Regarding mitochondrial activity, the samples after varicocelectomy showed less cells with inactive mitochondria (class III). No differences were observed in classes I, II, and IV. Concerning lipid peroxidation, no significant differences were observed. This study was able to demonstrate that varicocelectomy in adolescents is associated with increased sperm DNA integrity and mitochondrial activity. However, levels of seminal products of lipid degradation (malondialdehyde) are not different.

Relationship between advanced glycation end products and increased lipid peroxidation in semen of diabetic men

Aims Majority of diabetic male patients have disturbances in their reproductive systems. However, the mechanisms underlying these disturbances are largely unknown. Since advanced glycation end products (AGE) have a key role in oxidative stress and cell damage in diabetic complications, we hypothesize that AGEs may be involved sperm lipid peroxidation. Methods Total AGEs in seminal plasma of 32 diabetic and 35 non-diabetic men was determined by spectrofluorimetric method and carboxy methyl lysine (CML) level was assayed using ELISA. Contents of lipid peroxidation in sperm and seminal plasma were determined by thiobarbituric acid reaction. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was measured by a colorimetric assay. Results Total AGEs were found significantly higher in seminal plasma of diabetic men than non-diabetic group ( p < 0.001) whereas no significant differences in seminal plasma CML values between two groups was observed. Moreover, sperm and seminal plasma lipid peroxidation were significantly higher in diabetic subjects than non-diabetic men and a significantly lower TAC was detected in diabetic group compare to non-diabetics. Conclusions These results showed an increment in AGEs in seminal plasma of diabetic subjects and may suggest a key role for glycation process and increased oxidative stress in reproductive system dysfunction.

Suplementation of ascorbic acid 2-glucoside (AA2G) to cryomedia and its effects on post-thaw human sperm motility

OBJECTIVE: Improved sperm cryopreservation techniques, particularly in low quality samples, would greatly benefit male infertility treatment. We evaluated the capacity of AA2G to improve sperm cryo-survival in an unselected population of men. DESIGN: Prospective Research Study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Semen samples from 101 patients were analyzed for progressive sperm motility, and frozen in control test yolk buffer (TYB) or TYB supplemented with 100μM AA2G (TYB + AA2G). Motilities were read again upon thawing by a single blinded technician. Endogenous ascorbate was measured with the Ferric Reducing Ascorbate Assay Kit (BioVision). Lipid peroxidation in seminal plasma was assessed in 19 samples using the Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances Assay Kit (Caymen Chemical). Pairwise correlation was used to test significance (p < 0.05). RESULTS: For samples with reduced progressive motility (<50%; 42 patients) that were frozen in TYB + AA2G we found a significant positive correlation (p = 0.019) between endogenous ascorbate and cryo-survival that was not seen in the control group. AA2G supplementation was not significantly beneficial in samples exhibiting normal motility or in reduced motility samples with low endogenous ascorbate. AA2G was most beneficial in the reduced motility group that exhibited the highest levels of lipid peroxidation, but these differences failed to reach significance due to small sample size. CONCLUSION: The data indicate that AA2G is not beneficial in normal motility samples. However, in patients with poor initial motility and high levels of endogenous ascorbate, AA2G improved cryo-survival, though the mechanism is unclear. Endogenous ascorbate may require other antioxidants to generate its effects, and AA2G could help to facilitate this. In addition, increased endogenous ascorbate may simply be a marker of a more healthy sperm population. Further investigation is required to elucidate the mechanism of action.

Dietary grape pomace affects lipid peroxidation and antioxidative status in rabbit semen.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of dietary grape pomace (GP) on certain characteristics, mainly lipid peroxidation and the antioxidative status of rabbit buck semen. Twenty seven adult New Zealand White rabbit bucks (6 months of age) were divided into three homogeneous groups (n=9) and randomly submitted to one of the three investigated dietary treatments. Animals in the fi rst treatment (control) group were given the basal diet. The diets of the second (GP-10) and third (GP-20) treatment groups contained 10 and 20% of GP, respectively. Bucks received the experimental diets for 10 continuous weeks. GP did not appear to have any signifi cant effect on body weight gain. Bucks receiving 10 or 20% dietary GP had a higher semen volume, 32% above that of rabbits in the control group (P&lt;0.05). The same trend was observed for sperm count. Dietary GP reduced the percentage of dead sperm and enhanced sperm motility. Interestingly, GP reduced lipid peroxidation in seminal plasma as indicated by TBARS, and significantly increased both the total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase activity (P&lt;0.05). In conclusion, the use of antioxidant dietary fi bers rich in functional nutraceuticals (such as GP) may decrease lipid peroxidation and increase the antioxidative defense of rabbit semen.

Assessment of semen function and lipid peroxidation among lead exposed men

The study population included healthy, fertile men, employees of Zinc and Lead Metalworks ( n = 63). Workers exposed to lead were divided into two groups: a group with moderate exposure to lead (ME) — blood lead level (PbB) 25–40 μg/dl and a group with high exposure to lead (HE) PbB = 40–81 μg/dl. The control group consisted of office workers with no history of occupational exposure to lead. Evaluation of lead, cadmium and zinc level in blood and seminal plasma, zinc protoporphyrin in blood (ZPP), 5-aminolevulinic acid in urine (ALA), malondialdehyde (MDA) in seminal plasma and sperm analysis were performed. No differences were noted in the concentration of cadmium and zinc in blood and seminal plasma in the study population. Lipid peroxidation in seminal plasma, represented as MDA concentration, significantly increased by about 56% in the HE group and the percentage of motile sperm cells after 1 h decreased by about 34% in comparison to the control group. No statistically significant correlation between other parameters of sperm analysis and lead exposure parameters nor between lead, cadmium and zinc concentration in blood and seminal plasma were found. A positive association between lead intoxication parameters (PbB, ZPP, lead seminal plasma) and MDA concentration in sperm plasma and inverse correlation with sperm cells motility (PbB, ZPP) was found. An increased concentration of MDA was accompanied by a drop in sperm cells motility. In conclusion, we report that high exposure to lead causes a decrease of sperm motility in men most likely as a result of increased lipid peroxidation, especially if the level in the blood surpasses the concentration of 40 μg/dl.

Effects of dexamethasone treatment (to mimic stress) and Vitamin E oral supplementation on the spermiogram and on seminal plasma spontaneous lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities in dogs

The objective was to determine if treatment with dexamethasone (to mimic stress) has a deleterious effect on the spermiogram and on the composition of seminal plasma in the dog and whether adverse effects were reduced by oral supplementation with Vitamin E. Eighteen adult male Rottweiler dogs were randomly allocated in a 2 × 2 factorial treatment design (with or without dexamethasone treatment versus with or without Vitamin E supplementation). Dogs in the supplemented group received 500 mg of α-tocopherol (Vitamin E)/dog/day per os for 10 weeks. Dexamethasone (0.01 mg/kg/day i.m.) was given once daily for 7 days, starting 7 days after the onset of Vitamin E supplementation. Food intake, body condition score and body weight were assessed daily. Semen collections (digital manipulation) were performed twice weekly for 14 weeks and blood samples (for plasma concentrations of cortisol and testosterone) were collected once a week. Dexamethasone treatment significantly reduced ejaculate volume and increased thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) in the seminal plasma. In contrast, supplementation with Vitamin E increased sperm motility, vigor and concentration and decreased the percentage of major sperm defects. In conclusion, dexamethasone treatment (to mimic stress) had a deleterious effect on the spermiogram and on the seminal plasma lipid peroxidation in dogs; however, some of these effects were prevented by oral supplementation with Vitamin E.