Resveratrol offers protection to oxidative stress induced by ferrous ascorbate in bovine spermatozoa

Effect of resveratrol supplementation in conventional slow and ultra-rapid freezing media on the quality and fertility of bull sperm

The study investigated the impact of resveratrol (RES) on bull sperm cryopreservation employing conventional slow (CS) and ultra-rapid (UR) freezing methods on sperm quality and in vitro fertility. Twenty-four ejaculates from four bulls were divided into four groups based on the cryopreservation method and RES addition: CS-RES (n = 80), CS-Co (n = 80), UR-RES (n = 24), and UR-Co (n = 24). The CS freezing involved exposing sperm straws with 5% glycerol to liquid nitrogen (LN2) vapors, while UR freezing submerged sperm drops with 100 mM sucrose directly into LN2. Overall, sperm kinematic parameters and integrity of plasma and acrosome membranes significantly decreased (P < 0.001) after cryopreservation. Post-thaw values of motilities (total [TM] and progressive [PSM]), velocities (curvilinear and straight-line), beat cross frequency (BCF), and sperm with intact plasma membrane/intact acrosome (PI-/PNA-) were higher (P < 0.05) with CS-RES and CS-Co treatments compared to UR-RES and UR-Co treatments. CS-RES treatment resulted in greater percentages (P < 0.05) of TM, PSM, PI-/PNA-, and fertility (blastocyst rate) than their control, CS-Co; while UR-RES showed higher BCF values (P < 0.05) than its control, UR-Co. Additionally, UR-RES treatment exhibited lower oxidative stress percentages than UR-Co (P < 0.05). This study presents the following conclusions: (1) the CS freezing resulted in better cryosurvival of bull sperm than UR freezing; (2) the RES supplementation to CS freezing medium improved sperm motility, membrane integrity, and fertility; and (3) despite low cryosurvival sperm and fertility, the RES addition to ultra-rapid freezing medium reduced oxidative stress.

The emergence of natural products as potential therapeutics for male infertility

Infertility is a major reproductive health problem. Approximately 50% of all documented cases of infertility are attributable to male factors, such as poor testicular function and semen quality. The recent significant global decline in sperm counts has serious implications for male fertility, but the armamentarium for improving testicular function and semen quality is limited. Natural products have a wide range of activities and are a major source of drugs for disease prevention and treatment. To provide ideas and a theoretical basis for the research and development of therapeutic drugs for male infertility, this review summarizes natural products (mostly monomers) that have been shown to improve testicular function and semen quality and their possible mechanisms of action. These natural products primarily improve testicular function and semen quality via antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects, in addition to increasing serum testosterone and reducing DNA damage in spermatozoa and testicular cells. Prospects for the application of natural products in the treatment of male infertility are discussed.

Quality and redox state of bovine sperm cryopreserved with resveratrol use of resveratrol in bovine semen

The use of antioxidants for semen preservation prevents oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). One of the most promising natural antioxidants is resveratrol, a phytoalexin derived from plants, grapes, berries, peanuts and red wine. To evaluate the effect of resveratrol on the quality and redox status of cryopreserved bovine semen. Five bulls were subjected to electroejaculation to obtain 15 ejaculates. Each ejaculate was extended with a tris-egg yolk-glycerol-based medium and divided into six aliquots supplemented with 0 (control), 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 μM of resveratrol. Semen was frozen with liquid nitrogen vapours. Post-thawing, motility and kinetics were evaluated using a computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system, membrane integrity using the hypoosmotic test (HOST), morphology by staining with eosin-nigrosin, sperm vitality by fluorescence microscopy with the SYBR14/IP probes. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was evaluated using the ABTS•+ assay and ROS was evaluated using spectrofluorimetry with the H2 DCFDA probe. For the statistical analysis linear models were adjusted and means were compared using the Tukey test. All concentrations of resveratrol reduced post-thawed motility and kinetics of sperm. Supplementation with 40 and 50 μM of resveratrol reduced sperm kinetics, and between 30 and 50 μM of resveratrol alterations in the sperm membrane and morphology were observed. However, using resveratrol at 50 μM increased TAC and at 20 μM, it reduced ROS production of cryopreserved bovine semen. Resveratrol appears to have a dose-dependent effect in which higher doses produce greater sperm alterations, however, it can increase semen TAC during freezing. It is concluded that resveratrol can increase antioxidant capacity and reduce ROS production in cryopreserved bovine semen. However, its use between 10 and 50 μM reduces post-thawing semen quality.

Oxidative Stress in Pregnancy

Recent years have seen an increased interest in the role of oxidative stress (OS) in pregnancy. Pregnancy inherently heightens susceptibility to OS, a condition fueled by a systemic inflammatory response that culminates in an elevated presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in the circulatory system. The amplified OS in pregnancy can trigger a series of detrimental outcomes such as underdevelopment, abnormal placental function, and a host of pregnancy complications, including pre-eclampsia, embryonic resorption, recurrent pregnancy loss, fetal developmental anomalies, intrauterine growth restriction, and, in extreme instances, fetal death. The body's response to mitigate the uncontrolled increase in RNS/ROS levels requires trace elements that take part in non-enzymatic and enzymatic defense processes, namely, copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and selenium (Se). Determination of ROS concentrations poses a challenge due to their short half-lives, prompting the use of marker proteins, including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH). These markers, indicative of oxidative stress intensity, can offer indirect assessments of pregnancy complications. Given the limitations of conducting experimental studies on pregnant women, animal models serve as valuable substitutes for in-depth research. This review of such models delves into the mechanism of OS in pregnancy and underscores the pivotal role of OS markers in their evaluation.

The Beneficial Effects of Pterostilbene on Post-Thawed Bovine Spermatozoa

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), primarily produced by cellular metabolism, are highly reactive molecules that modify cellular compounds. During sperm preparation in Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ARTs), intrinsic and extrinsic sources of ROS can impact spermatozoa's oxidative status. The modification of the media with compounds that enhance sperm quality characteristics is of great significance. The current study investigated the effect of pterostilbene, a phenolic compound, on bovine sperm quality. Cryopreserved spermatozoa from six bulls were thawed, supplemented with pterostilbene (0, 10 μΜ, 25 μΜ) and incubated for 60 min and 240 min. Spermatozoa were analyzed in terms of motility, viability, acrosomal status and intracellular concentration of superoxide anion in each time point. The incubation of spermatozoa with 25 μΜ pterostilbene resulted in the preservation of quality parameters through superoxide anion mitigation, while its presence in capacitating conditions resulted in higher percentage of acrosome-reacted spermatozoa. The results of the present study indicate that the addition of pterostilbene prevents oxidative insult to spermatozoa and preserves the sperm quality parameters.

In vitro versus cryo-induced capacitation of bovine spermatozoa, part 1: Structural, functional, and oxidative similarities and differences

Low temperatures during cryopreservation activate a cascade of changes, which may lead into irreversible damage and reduction of the fertilization potential, including the process of premature capacitation. The aim of our study was to evaluate the range of cell damage following the cryopreservation process and possible activation of cryocapacitation in bovine spermatozoa. For the experiments semen samples were obtained from 30 sexually mature Holstein bulls. Within the analysed parameters, we focused on the functional activity, structural integrity, capacitation status and oxidative profile. The samples were divided into three experimental groups, control (CTRL), in vitro capacitated (CAP) and cryopreserved (CRYO). Based on the collected data, there was a significant decrease in the sperm motility, mitochondrial membrane potential and concentration of cyclic adenosine monophosphate in the CRYO group when compared to CAP and CTRL (P<0.0001). A significant decrease (P<0.01; P<0.0001) in the membrane and acrosome integrity as well as DNA fragmentation index and a significant increase (P<0.0001) of necrotic cells were observed in the CRYO group. Following capacitation, a significant increase (P<0.01; P<0.0001) was recorded in the number of cells which underwent the acrosome reaction in the CRYO group against CAP and CTRL. Changes in the oxidative profile of the CRYO group indicates an increase (P<0.0001) in the reactive oxygen species generation, except for the superoxide radical, which was significantly higher (P<0.0001; P<0.001) in the CAP group in comparison with CRYO and CTRL. In summary, premature capacitation may be considered a consequence of cryopreservation and the assessed parameters could serve as physical markers of cryogenic damage to bovine spermatozoa in the future.

The Role of Selected Natural Biomolecules in Sperm Production and Functionality

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.

Comparative analysis of the detrimental in vitro effects of three fusariotoxins on the selected structural and functional characteristics of rabbit spermatozoa

In this study, we evaluated the in vitro effects of 1-50 μM zearalenone (ZEA), deoxynivalenol (DON) and T-2 toxin (T-2) on rabbit spermatozoa for as much as 8 h of in vitro exposure. Our results indicate that all sperm quality parameters were negatively affected by these fusariotoxins in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The most prominent structure affected by ZEA was the plasma membrane, exhibiting alterations consistent with the onset of apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction. This correlated with the most prominent decline of the sperm motility among all selected fusariotoxins. Significant necrotic changes and mitochondrial dysfunction were primarily responsible for the sperm damage in the presence of T-2. Finally, exposure of spermatozoa to DON led to a significant decrease in the DNA integrity. This study may provide new information on the specific mechanisms of action involved in the in vitro toxic behavior of fusariotoxins on male gametes.

The use of resveratrol decreases liquid-extend boar semen fertility, even in concentrations that do not alter semen quality

In vitro and in vivo assays were conducted to investigate the effects of trans-resveratrol (RVT) on liquid-extended boar semen during 72 h of storage at 17 °C. Thirty-six ejaculates were collected from six boars, evaluated, and extended. RVT was then added at the indicated treatment concentration (0, 0.01, 0.1 or 1 mM), and the ejaculates were cooled to 17 °C and evaluated at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h. Samples were evaluated for sperm motility, kinetics, plasma and acrosome integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, anion superoxide levels, lipoperoxidation, and antioxidant enzyme activity. In the follow-up experiment, twenty-eight gilts were fixed-time inseminated with 0 or 0.01 mM RVT liquid-extended boar semen. After five days, they were slaughtered, and their reproductive tracts were recovered. The embryos were collected, and the pregnancy, fertility, and viable embryo rates were calculated. In the in vitro assays, total motility, plasma and acrosome membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, anion superoxide levels, and lipoperoxidation did not change at any of the evaluation times with the use of RVT up to 0.01 mM. RVT decreased SOD activity without changes in GPx. RVT used at 1 mM showed harmful effects for almost all evaluated parameters. For the in vivo assay, the same pregnancy and fertility rates were observed for both groups, while the viable embryo rate was three-fold lower in the 0.01 mM group than in the 0 mM group. The results showed a dichotomous effect of RVT; a low concentration was not harmful in vitro but was catastrophic for embryo viability.

The Role of Resveratrol in Mammalian Reproduction

Resveratrol is one of the most investigated natural polyphenolic compounds and is contained in more than 70 types of plants and in red wine. The widespread interest in this polyphenol derives from its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. Several studies have established that resveratrol regulates animal reproduction. However, the mechanisms of action and the potential therapeutic effects are still unclear. This review aims to clarify the role of resveratrol in male and female reproductive functions, with a focus on animals of veterinary interest. In females, resveratrol has been considered as a phytoestrogen due to its capacity to modulate ovarian function and steroidogenesis via sirtuins, SIRT1 in particular. Resveratrol has also been used to enhance aged oocyte quality and as a gametes cryo-protectant with mainly antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects. In males, resveratrol enhances testes function and spermatogenesis through activation of the AMPK pathway. Furthermore, resveratrol has been supplemented to semen extenders, improving the preservation of sperm quality. In conclusion, resveratrol has potentially beneficial effects for ameliorating ovarian and testes function.

Does resveratrol affect prepared sperm parameters and chromatin quality in normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic patients before and after freezing? A lab trial study

Background

Previous studies have examined the effect of resveratrol as a potent antioxidant for free radicals in semen. While, the prepared spermatozoa are more affected by ROS factors due to centrifugation and incubation.

Objective

To evaluate the RSV's effects on the prepared sperm parameters and chromatin quality in both normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic cases before and after freezing.

Materials and Methods

The sample of 10 normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic men was prepared through the swim-up method. The groups were then divided into two samples of control and experimental (exposure to 30 µmol/l of RSV) to evaluate and compare the sperm parameters and chromatin quality before and after freezing.

Results

The motility and viability of spermatozoa were seen to be significantly different before and after freezing separately in the control and treatment samples of the groups (p ≤ 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). However, the stated difference between the control and treatment samples of normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic patients were not significant (p > 0.05). In addition, the sperm morphology and chromatin quality were not significantly different between the two samples of each group; nonetheless, chromatin quality of the treated sample was better than that of the control before and after freezing.

Conclusion

Despite the protective effects of RSV on the semen samples, RSV cannot affect significantly the prepared sperms parameters and chromatin quality in normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic patients.

The Effect of Resorcinol on Bovine Spermatozoa Parameters in Vitro

The goal of this study was to observe the effect of resorcinol on motility, viability and morphology of bovine spermatozoa. The semen was used from six randomly chosen breeding bulls. Ejaculate was diluted by different solutions of resorcinol in 1:40 ratio. Samples were divided into 7 groups with different concentrations of resorcinol (Control, RES1 - 4 mg/ml, RES2 - 2 mg/ml, RES3 - 1 mg/ml, RES4 - 0.5 mg/ml, RES5 - 0.25 mg/ml and RES6 - 0.125 mg/ml). Motility of spermatozoa was detected using CASA method at temperature of 37 °C in time periods 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 hours from the start of the experiment. Significant motility differences between all groups except control and RES6 with difference of 5.58 %, as well as between RES1 and RES2 groups with difference of 2.17 % were found. Progressive motility had the same significant differences. Spermatozoa viability (MTT test) decreased compared to control in all experimental groups during the entire duration of experiment. Observing morphologically changed spermatozoa, no significant changes were observed and a higher percentage of spermatozoa with separated flagellum in all experimental resorcinol groups compared to control were detected. Also, increased number of spermatozoa with broken flagellum, acrosomal changes and other morphological forms in the group with the highest concentration of resorcinol (RES1) were found. Results of our study clearly show negative effects on motility parameters of spermatozoa which depend on concentration, cultivation temperature and time period.

Resveratrol protects boar sperm in vitro via its antioxidant capacity

The objective of the present study was to elucidate whether resveratrol could facilitate the survival of boar sperm during liquid preservation and fast cooling processes. Boar semen were diluted with Modena extender containing different concentrations of resveratrol. Sperm motility was evaluated by visual estimation. Membrane integrity, acrosome integrity and mitochondrial membrane potentials were measured by SYBR-14/PI, FITC-PNA and JC-1 staining, respectively. Moreover, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malonaldehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) were measured using commercial assay kits. B-cell lymphoma protein-2 (BCL2) content was determined by western blotting. During liquid preservation at 17oC, the addition of 50 μM resveratrol to the Modena extender significantly improved sperm motility, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, and sperm mitochondrial membrane potentials. Similar results were also observed in the 150 μM resveratrol group during the fast cooling process. Furthermore, addition of resveratrol led to a decrease of ROS and MDA, and an increase in the content of T-AOC and BCL2. These observations suggest that addition of resveratrol to Modena extender protects boar sperm against oxidative stress. The optimal concentrations of resveratrol are 50 μM and 150 μM during liquid preservation and fast cooling process, respectively.

Effect of different concentrations of resveratrol on the quality and in vitro fertilizing ability of ram semen stored at 5 °C for up to 168 h

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of different concentrations of resveratrol on head morphology, motility characteristics, oxidative state and in vitro fertility of cooled ram spermatozoa. Pooled semen from three Najdi rams was diluted with Triladyl® having different concentrations of resveratrol, zero (control), 200 μM (45.65 μg/mL) and 400 μM (91.30 μg/mL) resveratrol, then stored at 5 °C for 168 h. The head morphometric, sperm kinematic parameters, Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and in vitro fertilizing capability of ram spermatozoa were evaluated after 24, 72, 120 and 168 h of cooling storage. The total motility (TM) of the sperm with resveratrol at 200 μM and 400 μM was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher than that in the control group at 72 and 120 h of cooling storage. On the other hand, the progressive motility (PM) of the sperm with resveratrol at 200 μM and 400 μM was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher than that in the control group at 168 h of cooling storage period. After 168 h of cooling storage, significantly higher straightness (STR) was observed in 400 μM group than two other groups and in 200 μM group than the control group. Both resveratrol groups had higher linearity (LIN) than control one at 120 and 168 h of cooling storage. The length, width and area of sperm head were lower (P ≤ 0.05) in the control compared to the other treatment groups after 120 and 168 h of storage. There was a significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentration in the two resveratrol groups compared with the control one over the seven days of cooling storage and the same result was found in the reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration at 24, 72, and 168 h of storage. There was a significant (p ≤ 0.05) decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in the 400 μM resveratrol group than that in two other groups over the seven days of storage period. Cleavage and blastocyst rates following in vitro fertilization were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) in 400 μM resveratrol than other groups at 72 h for cooling storage period. In conclusion, addition of resveratrol in the extender can protect sperm head morphology, improve kinematic parameters and in vitro fertility, and reduce oxidative stress of ram spermatozoa during liquid storage at 5 °C.

Antibiotics Versus Natural Biomolecules: The Case of In Vitro Induced Bacteriospermia by Enterococcus Faecalis in Rabbit Semen

Male subfertility is a global issue in human reproduction as well as in animal reproduction. Bacterial infection and semen contamination are still widely overlooked. As the collection of ejaculates is not a sterile process, it is necessary to add antimicrobial agents to avoid a possible depreciation of semen samples. As traditionally used antibiotics have been questioned because of an ever-increasing bacterial resistance, natural bioactive molecules could offer an alternative because of their antibacterial and antioxidant properties. As such, we decided to compare the effects of selected natural biomolecules (resveratrol-RES, quercetin-QUE and curcumin-CUR) with routinely used antibiotics in animal biotechnologies (penicillin-PEN, gentamicin-GEN and kanamycin-KAN) on the rabbit sperm vitality in the presence of Enterococcus faecalis. Changes in the sperm structural integrity and functional activity were monitored at 0, 2, 4 and 6 h. Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) was used for the assessment of spermatozoa motility. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was evaluated using chemiluminiscence, while the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was examined using the JC-1 dye. Finally, the sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test was used to assess DNA fragmentation, and changes to the membrane integrity were evaluated with the help of annexin V/propidium iodide. The motility assessment revealed a significant sperm motility preservation following treatment with GEN (p < 0.001), followed by PEN and CUR (p < 0.01). QUE was the most capable substance to scavenge excessive ROS (p < 0.001) and to maintain ΔΨm (p < 0.01). The SCD assay revealed that the presence of bacteria and antibiotics significantly (p < 0.05) increased the DNA fragmentation. On the other hand, all bioactive compounds readily preserved the DNA integrity (p < 0.05). In contrast to the antibiotics, the natural biomolecules significantly maintained the sperm membrane integrity (p < 0.05). The microbiological analysis showed that GEN (p < 0.001), KAN (p < 0.001), PEN (p < 0.01) and CUR (p < 0.01) exhibited the strongest antibacterial activity against E. faecalis. In conclusion, all selected biomolecules provided protection to rabbit spermatozoa against deleterious changes to their structure and function as a result of Enterococcus faecalis contamination. Therefore, administration of RES, QUE and/or CUR to rabbit semen extenders in combination with a carefully selected antibacterial substance may be desirable.

Effect of resveratrol supplementation to Triladyl® on the quality of ram chilled semen

The present investigation aimed to estimate the in vitro effects of resveratrol (RES) on the quality of chilled ram semen. Resveratrol was added to Triladyl® in three different concentration as 0 (control), 200 or 400 μM. Semen was collected from three Najdi rams, pooled and extended with one of three previous extenders for a final concentration of 600×106 sperm/ml. Then, the diluted semen was cooled gradually, and stored at 4°C. The total motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity and acrosome integrity were assessed at 0, 24, 72 and 120 h of storage. The thermal incubation test was evaluated at day 7. The survival time, total motility and the progressive motility were registered at day 15 of storage. After 4 h of incubation, the percentage of live sperm was significantly lower in the control group than in other groups. Results of survival time, total motility and progressive motility at day 15 of liquid storage were significantly higher in RES groups than that of the control. Based on the results of incubation resistance, survival time, total and progressive motility, it could be concluded that adding 200 and 400 μM of RES to Triladyl extender can improve the quality of ram semen during chilled storage at 4°C.

The Effect of Nutrients and Dietary Supplements on Sperm Quality Parameters: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

Infertility, which affects ∼15% of the world's population, is a global public health issue recognized by the WHO. Therefore, it is of major clinical and public health importance to investigate whether modifiable lifestyle factors-such as stress, drug use, smoking, alcohol intake, and diet-may influence human fertility. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) from the MEDLINE-PubMed database was conducted to assess the effect of nutrients, dietary supplements, or food on sperm quality parameters. In total, 28 articles were included for qualitative analysis and 15 for quantitative meta-analysis. Total sperm concentrations [expressed as mean differences (MDs); 95% CIs, in spermatozoa (spz)/mL] were increased by selenium (3.91 × 106 spz/mL; 3.08, 4.73 spz/mL), zinc (1.48 × 106 spz/mL; 0.69, 2.27 spz/mL), omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids (10.98 × 106 spz/mL; 10.25, 11.72 spz/mL), and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) (5.93 × 106 spz/mL; 5.36, 6.51 spz/mL). Sperm counts were increased by ω-3 fatty acids (18.70 × 106 spz/mL; 16.89, 20.51 spz/mL) and CoQ10 supplementation (10.15 × 106 spz/mL; 8.34, 11.97 spz/mL). Sperm total motility was increased by selenium (3.30%; 2.95%, 3.65%), zinc (7.03%; 6.03%, 8.03%), ω-3 fatty acids (7.55%; 7.09%, 8.01%), CoQ10 (5.30%; 4.98%, 5.62%), and carnitines (7.84%; 6.54%, 9.13%), whereas sperm progressive motility was increased only after supplementation with carnitines (7.45%; 6.24%, 8.67%). Finally, sperm morphology was enhanced by selenium (1.87%; 1.50%, 2.24%), ω-3 fatty acid (0.91%; 0.69%, 1.13%), CoQ10 (1.06%; 0.72%, 1.41%), and carnitine (4.91%; 3.68%, 6.15%) supplementation. This meta-analysis of RCTs suggests that some dietary supplements could beneficially modulate sperm quality parameters and affect male fertility. However, results must be cautiously interpreted due to the limited sample size of the meta-analyzed studies and the considerable observed interstudy heterogeneity.The present study and the corresponding search protocol were registered at the PROSPERO registry at http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO as CRD42017058380.

3,5,4'-Tri-O-acetylresveratrol attenuates seawater inhalation-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome via thioredoxin 1 pathway

The protecting effects of 3,5,4'-tri-O-acetylresveratrol (AC-Res) on seawater inhalation-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) by interfering with the activation of thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1) pathway were evaluated. Seawater inhalation-induced ARDS was assessed by magnitude of pulmonary edema and lung inflammation. Oxidative stress was tested by T-SOD activity and MDA content in lungs and cells. Besides, Trx-1, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Txnip expression were measured to explore how seawater induced oxidative stress and the mechanism by which AC-Res attenuated seawater inhalation-induced ARDS. The results showed that seawater inhalation increased wet-to-dry (W/D) ratios of lung tissues, enhanced secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and disturbed the oxidative distress balance probably through interfering the activity of Trx-1 pathway. While treatment of AC-Res in vivo and Res in vitro reduced W/D ratios of lung tissues, decreased cytokines in lungs and maintained the oxidative stress balance through Trx-1 pathway. In conclusion, AC-Res treatment attenuated seawater inhalation induced ARDS via Trx-1 pathway.