Relationship between ascorbic acid and male fertility

Ameliorative Effects of Vitamins A, C, and E on Sperm Parameters, Testis Histopathology, and Oxidative Stress Status in Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle-Treated Rats

One of the most often utilized nanoparticles (NPs) in several technologies is zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs. However, these NPs are said to have harmful effects on the reproductive system. Thus, we designed this study to specify the potential preventive activity of vitamins (Vits) A, C, and E, as antioxidants, against toxicity of ZnO NPs in the testes of rats. A total of 54 Wistar rats were arranged in 9 groups of 6 and then orally received water (control 1), olive oil (control 2), Vit A (1000 IU/kg), Vit C (200 mg/kg), Vit E (100 IU/kg), ZnO (200 mg/kg), ZnO+Vit A, ZnO+Vit C, and ZnO+Vit E. To determine the amount of testicular injury, sperm analysis and histological evaluation were performed. In addition, oxidative stress status was examined using colorimetric and qRT-PCR methods. Our findings suggest that ZnO NPs cause adverse effects on sperm parameters and testicular histology. Furthermore, oxidative biomarkers (malondialdehyde and total oxidant capacity) were enhanced in the ZnO group. By contrast, the gene expression and activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and CAT) noted a remarkable decrease in the ZnO group regarding control (p < 0.05). However, oxidative markers were remarkably mitigated after combined treatment of ZnO NPs and Vits A, C, or E compared to the rats given ZnO NPs (p < 0.05). Additionally, compared to the ZnO NP group, the rats receiving Vits+ZnO NPs exhibit increased antioxidant enzyme activity and mRNA expression (p < 0.05). The findings demonstrate the abovementioned Vits' ameliorative effects on toxicity incurred by ZnO NPs.

Impact of Antioxidant Therapy on Natural Pregnancy Outcomes and Semen Parameters in Infertile Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

PURPOSE

Seminal oxidative stress (OS) is a recognized factor potentially associated with male infertility, but the efficacy of antioxidant (AOX) therapy is controversial and there is no consensus on its utility. Primary outcomes of this study were to investigate the effect of AOX on spontaneous clinical pregnancy, live birth and miscarriage rates in male infertile patients. Secondary outcomes were conventional semen parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and seminal OS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Literature search was performed using Scopus, PubMed, Ovid, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included and the meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines.

RESULTS

We assessed for eligibility 1,307 abstracts, and 45 RCTs were finally included, for a total of 4,332 infertile patients. We found a significantly higher pregnancy rate in patients treated with AOX compared to placebo-treated or untreated controls, without significant inter-study heterogeneity. No effects on live-birth or miscarriage rates were observed in four studies. A significantly higher sperm concentration, sperm progressive motility, sperm total motility, and normal sperm morphology was found in patients compared to controls. We found no effect on SDF in analysis of three eligible studies. Seminal levels of total antioxidant capacity were significantly higher, while seminal malondialdehyde acid was significantly lower in patients than controls. These results did not change after exclusion of studies performed following varicocele repair.

CONCLUSIONS

The present analysis upgrades the level of evidence favoring a recommendation for using AOX in male infertility to improve the spontaneous pregnancy rate and the conventional sperm parameters. The failure to demonstrate an increase in live-birth rate, despite an increase in pregnancy rates, is due to the very few RCTs specifically assessing the impact of AOX on live-birth rate. Therefore, further RCTs assessing the impact of AOX on live-birth rate and miscarriage rate, and SDF will be helpful.

Antioxidants for male subfertility

BACKGROUND

The inability to have children affects 10% to 15% of couples worldwide. A male factor is estimated to account for up to half of the infertility cases with between 25% to 87% of male subfertility considered to be due to the effect of oxidative stress. Oral supplementation with antioxidants is thought to improve sperm quality by reducing oxidative damage. Antioxidants are widely available and inexpensive when compared to other fertility treatments, however most antioxidants are uncontrolled by regulation and the evidence for their effectiveness is uncertain. We compared the benefits and risks of different antioxidants used for male subfertility.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of supplementary oral antioxidants in subfertile men.

SEARCH METHODS

The Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility (CGF) Group trials register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, AMED, and two trial registers were searched on 15 February 2021, together with reference checking and contact with experts in the field to identify additional trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared any type, dose or combination of oral antioxidant supplement with placebo, no treatment, or treatment with another antioxidant, among subfertile men of a couple attending a reproductive clinic. We excluded studies comparing antioxidants with fertility drugs alone and studies that included men with idiopathic infertility and normal semen parameters or fertile men attending a fertility clinic because of female partner infertility.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures recommended by Cochrane. The primary review outcome was live birth. Clinical pregnancy, adverse events and sperm parameters were secondary outcomes.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 90 studies with a total population of 10,303 subfertile men, aged between 18 and 65 years, part of a couple who had been referred to a fertility clinic and some of whom were undergoing medically assisted reproduction (MAR). Investigators compared and combined 20 different oral antioxidants. The evidence was of 'low' to 'very low' certainty: the main limitation was that out of the 67 included studies in the meta-analysis only 20 studies reported clinical pregnancy, and of those 12 reported on live birth. The evidence is current up to February 2021. Live birth: antioxidants may lead to increased live birth rates (odds ratio (OR) 1.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07 to 1.91, P = 0.02, 12 RCTs, 1283 men, I2 = 44%, very low-certainty evidence). Results in the studies contributing to the analysis of live birth rate suggest that if the baseline chance of live birth following placebo or no treatment is assumed to be 16%, the chance following the use of antioxidants is estimated to be between 17% and 27%. However, this result was based on only 246 live births from 1283 couples in 12 small or medium-sized studies. When studies at high risk of bias were removed from the analysis, there was no evidence of increased live birth (Peto OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.75, 827 men, 8 RCTs, P = 0.27, I2 = 32%). Clinical pregnancy rate: antioxidants may lead to increased clinical pregnancy rates (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.45 to 2.47, P < 0.00001, 20 RCTs, 1706 men, I2 = 3%, low-certainty evidence) compared with placebo or no treatment. This suggests that, in the studies contributing to the analysis of clinical pregnancy, if the baseline chance of clinical pregnancy following placebo or no treatment is assumed to be 15%, the chance following the use of antioxidants is estimated to be between 20% and 30%. This result was based on 327 clinical pregnancies from 1706 couples in 20 small studies. Adverse events Miscarriage: only six studies reported on this outcome and the event rate was very low. No evidence of a difference in miscarriage rate was found between the antioxidant and placebo or no treatment group (OR 1.46, 95% CI 0.75 to 2.83, P = 0.27, 6 RCTs, 664 men, I2 = 35%, very low-certainty evidence). The findings suggest that in a population of subfertile couples, with male factor infertility, with an expected miscarriage rate of 5%, the risk of miscarriage following the use of an antioxidant would be between 4% and 13%. Gastrointestinal: antioxidants may lead to an increase in mild gastrointestinal discomfort when compared with placebo or no treatment (OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.46 to 4.99, P = 0.002, 16 RCTs, 1355 men, I2 = 40%, low-certainty evidence). This suggests that if the chance of gastrointestinal discomfort following placebo or no treatment is assumed to be 2%, the chance following the use of antioxidants is estimated to be between 2% and 7%. However, this result was based on a low event rate of 46 out of 1355 men in 16 small or medium-sized studies, and the certainty of the evidence was rated low and heterogeneity was high. We were unable to draw conclusions from the antioxidant versus antioxidant comparison as insufficient studies compared the same interventions.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In this review, there is very low-certainty evidence from 12 small or medium-sized randomised controlled trials suggesting that antioxidant supplementation in subfertile males may improve live birth rates for couples attending fertility clinics. Low-certainty evidence suggests that clinical pregnancy rates may increase. There is no evidence of increased risk of miscarriage, however antioxidants may give more mild gastrointestinal discomfort, based on very low-certainty evidence. Subfertile couples should be advised that overall, the current evidence is inconclusive based on serious risk of bias due to poor reporting of methods of randomisation, failure to report on the clinical outcomes live birth rate and clinical pregnancy, often unclear or even high attrition, and also imprecision due to often low event rates and small overall sample sizes. Further large well-designed randomised placebo-controlled trials studying infertile men and reporting on pregnancy and live births are still required to clarify the exact role of antioxidants.

Dietary Antioxidants in the Treatment of Male Infertility: Counteracting Oxidative Stress

Infertility affects about 15% of the population and male factors only are responsible for ~25-30% of cases of infertility. Currently, the etiology of suboptimal semen quality is poorly understood, and many environmental and genetic factors, including oxidative stress, have been implicated. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of free radicals, or reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the capacity of the body to counteract their harmful effects through neutralization by antioxidants. The purpose of this review, by employing the joint expertise of international researchers specialized in nutrition and male fertility areas, is to update the knowledge about the reproductive consequences of excessive ROS concentrations and oxidative stress on the semen quality and Assisted Reproduction Techniques (ART) clinical outcomes, to discuss the role of antioxidants in fertility outcomes, and finally to discuss why foods and dietary patterns are more innocuous long term solution for ameliorating oxidative stress and therefore semen quality results and ART fertility outcomes. Since this is a narrative review and not a systematic/meta-analysis, the summarized information in the present study should be considered cautiously.

Systematic Review and Critical Analysis on Dietary Supplements for Male Infertility: From a Blend of Ingredients to a Rationale Strategy

CONTENT

Dietary supplements (DS) for male infertility marketed in Italy were evaluated for composition, concentration of ingredients, and recommended daily dose. A systematic review of literature identified ingredients potentially effective on sperm parameters and their minimal effective daily dose (mED).

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted in order to critically evaluate the composition and efficacy of DS marketed in Italy.

DESIGN SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

This was a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A formula allowed us to classify the expected efficacy of each DS, based on composition. Each DS was scored and included into three classes of expected efficacy: high, low, and none.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Among 24 supplements, 3 (12.5%) fall in high, 9 (37.5%) in lower, and 12 (50.0%) in no expected efficacy class. DS composition showed 36 substances, 18 with no literature on male fertility and 18 showing positive effect on sperm parameters, thus considered potentially active ingredients (PAI). All DS were mixtures of ingredients, containing from 2 to 17 different substances. Fifteen supplements (65.2%) contained at least 1 ingredient without evidence of efficacy and 21 formulations had PAI dosed below mED. Some PAI were associated to the improvement of specific sperm parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

DS were usually blends of many substances that are frequently employed at negligible dose or without any evidence of efficacy on male reproduction. Some ingredients have been demonstrated to be effective on specific sperm parameters by RCTs. We report a list of ingredients with potential efficacy on specific sperm parameters, aimed to allow a tailored use of DS.

PATIENT SUMMARY

The market of DS for male infertility offers products with potential efficacy in the improvement of sperm parameters but also many with uncertain effects. Based on current scientific literature, our study can help in the choice of DS that are more likely to be effective on specific sperm alterations, so providing the best supplementation for each patient.

Vitamin C inhibits glycidamide-induced genotoxicity and apoptosis in Sertoli cells

Exposure to the food contaminant acrylamide and its reactive epoxide metabolite glycidamide (GA) induces reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative stress and subsequent cellular death. Recent studies have revealed that the toxic effects of acrylamide may be due to GA, especially on male reproductive system cells. In this regard, it is important to determine the effects of GA on Sertoli cells, which are essential cells for the male reproductive system. Antioxidants should be consumed in sufficient quantities to minimise the effects of environmental pollutants. This study aimed to determine the direct toxic effects of GA and protective effects of vitamin C (VitC) against GA-induced damage in Sertoli cells by measuring cell viability, cytotoxicity, lipid peroxidation, ROS, antioxidant enzyme levels, apoptosis and DNA damage. Sertoli cells were exposed to GA for 24 hours at four different concentrations (ranging between 1 and 1000 μM) and in addition to these GA concentrations to VitC (50 μM). The results of cytotoxicity markers, such as cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) showed that GA significantly reduced cell viability and increased LDH levels. We also found that GA induced overproduction of intracellular ROS, increased lipid peroxidation in cellular membrane and triggered cell apoptosis and genotoxicity. In addition, VitC supplementation ameliorated the adverse effects of GA on Sertoli cells. Consequently, these findings suggest that GA may damage the cell function in Sertoli cells, depending on the concentration. Additionally, it was evidenced that VitC has an ameliorative effect on toxicity caused by GA.

Ascorbic Acid and Alpha-Tocopherol Contribute to the Therapy of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Mouse Models

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects up to 10% of women within reproductive ages and has been a cause of infertility and poor quality of life. Alteration in the oxidant-antioxidant profile occurs in PCOS. This study, therefore, investigates the contribution of ascorbic acid (AA) and alpha-tocopherol(ATE) on different PCOS parameters. The mifepristone and letrozole models were used, and young mature female mice were randomly assigned to groups of six per group. On PCOS induction with either mifepristone or letrozole, mice were administered AA and ATE at doses ranging from 10-1000mg/kg to 0.1-1000 mg/kg in the respective models. Vaginal cytology, body weights, and temperature, as well as blood glucose, testosterone, and insulin levels, were measured. Total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde levels were analyzed. Determination of gene expression of some reactive oxygen species and histomorphological analysis on the ovaries and uteri were performed. At the end of the experiments, AA and ATE restored reproductive cycling, with AA being more effective. AA and ATE increased fasting blood glucose but had no significant effect on serum insulin levels. AA decreased testosterone levels, but ATE caused slight increases. AA and ATE both increased total antioxidant capacity and decreased malondialdehyde levels. AA and ATE also slightly upregulated the mRNA expressions of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and heme oxygenase 1 mainly. AA and ATE also decreased ovarian weight and mostly resolved cysts in the ovaries and congestion in the uterus. This study has shown that AA and ATE are beneficial in the therapy of PCOS.

Dietary Supplements for Male Infertility: A Critical Evaluation of Their Composition

Dietary supplements (DS) represent a possible approach to improve sperm parameters and male fertility. A wide range of DS containing different nutrients is now available. Although many authors demonstrated benefits from some nutrients in the improvement of sperm parameters, their real effectiveness is still under debate. The aim of this study was to critically review the composition of DS using the Italian market as a sample. Active ingredients and their minimal effective daily dose (mED) on sperm parameters were identified through a literature search. Thereafter, we created a formula to classify the expected efficacy of each DS. Considering active ingredients, their concentration and the recommended daily dose, DS were scored into three classes of expected efficacy: higher, lower and none. Twenty-one DS were identified. Most of them had a large number of ingredients, frequently at doses below mED or with undemonstrated efficacy. Zinc was the most common ingredient of DS (70% of products), followed by selenium, arginine, coenzyme Q and folic acid. By applying our scoring system, 9.5% of DS fell in a higher class, 71.4% in a lower class and 19.1% in the class with no expected efficacy. DS marketed in Italy for male infertility frequently includes effective ingredients but also a large number of substances at insufficient doses or with no reported efficacy. Manufacturers and physicians should better consider the scientific evidence on effective ingredients and their doses before formulating and prescribing these products.

Sodium arsenite toxicity on hematology indices and reproductive parameters in Teddy goat bucks and their amelioration with vitamin C

Arsenic is a major environmental toxicant of concern, affecting both female and male reproductive systems. The present study was conducted to investigate the toxic effects of arsenic on semen quality and reproductive hormones of Teddy bucks, an important domestic species in regions of Pakistan. In addition to arsenic, vitamin C was fed to a subset of animals to determine if there were ameliorative effects on reproductive parameters. Sixteen adult Teddy bucks were randomly divided into four experimental groups: A (control), B (arsenic 5 mg/kg BW/day orally), and C (arsenic 5 mg/kg BW/day plus vitamin C of an oral dose of 200 mg/kg BW/day). The animals in experimental group D were given only vitamin C (oral dose of 200 mg/kg BW/day). Animals were fed treated food once a day for 12 weeks. Semen quality parameters (volume, motility, count, sperm morphology, live dead ratio, sperm membrane integrity, and sperm DNA integrity) of bucks from each experimental group were evaluated on a weekly basis. Hematology and the level of arsenic in the blood were assessed every 2 weeks. Serum was collected fortnightly to measure reproductive and stress hormones (testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormones, and cortisol). At the end of the study, all the animals were slaughtered, and the testes of all the animals were collected and evaluated for histopathology. Semen parameters in arsenic-treated bucks were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) compared with controls. Moreover, the levels of male hormones (testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone) were significantly decreased in arsenic-treated animals, while cortisol was significantly increased with arsenic exposure. The histopathological lesions in the testes were present in the form of the loss of germinal epithelium and atrophy of Leydig cells. Supplementation of vitamin C however ameliorated the adverse effects of arsenic on semen quality and hormones. The histopathological lesions were also ameliorated due to vitamin C treatment. This study demonstrates that arsenic can adversely affect reproductive endpoints in Teddy goat bucks and supports the hypothesis that vitamin C is an effective treatment in arsenic-induced toxicosis. This study has high significance for Pakistan, as water contaminated with arsenic is a top health concern and is a recurring issue for both domestic animals and humans.

The effect of antioxidants on male factor infertility: the Males, Antioxidants, and Infertility (MOXI) randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether antioxidants improve male fertility, as measured by semen parameters and DNA fragmentation at 3 months and pregnancy resulting in live birth after up to 6 months of treatment, among couples with male factor infertility.

DESIGN

Multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with an internal pilot study.

SETTING

Nine fertility centers in the United States from December 2015 to December 2018.

PATIENT(S)

Men (N = 174) with sperm concentration ≤15 million/mL, motility ≤40%, normal morphology ≤4%, or DNA fragmentation >25%, and female partners who were ovulatory, ≤40 years old, and had documented tubal patency.

INTERVENTION(S)

Males randomly assigned to receive an antioxidant formulation (n = 85) containing 500 mg of vitamin C, 400 mg of vitamin E, 0.20 mg of selenium, 1,000 mg of l-carnitine, 20 mg of zinc, 1,000 μg of folic acid, 10 mg of lycopene daily, or placebo (n = 86). Treatment lasted for a minimum of 3 months and maximum of 6 months, and couples attempted to conceive naturally during the first 3 months and with clomiphene citrate with intrauterine insemination of the female partner in months 4 through 6.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Primary outcome was live birth; secondary outcomes included pregnancy within 6 months of treatment. For the internal pilot, the primary outcomes were semen parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation index after 3 months of treatment.

RESULT(S)

In the Males, Antioxidants, and Infertility (MOXI) study, after 3 months of treatment, the change in sperm concentration differed between the antioxidant group (median -4.0 [interquartile range-12.0, 5.7] million/mL) and placebo group (+2.4 [-9.0, 15.5] million/mL). However, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups for changes in sperm morphology, motility, or DNA fragmentation. Among the 66 oligospermic men at randomization, sperm concentration did not differ at 3 months between the antioxidant and control groups: 8.5 (4.8, 15.0) million/mL versus 15.0 (6.0, 24.0) million/mL. Of the 75 asthenospermic men, motility did not differ at 3 months: 34% ± 16.3% versus 36.4% ± 15.8%. Among the 44 men with high DNA fragmentation, DNA fragmentation did not differ at 3 months: 29.5% (21.6%, 36.5%) versus 28.0% (20.6%, 36.4%). In the entire cohort, cumulative live birth did not differ at 6 months between the antioxidant and placebo groups: 15% versus 24%.

CONCLUSION(S)

Antioxidants do not improve semen parameters or DNA integrity among men with male factor infertility. Although limited by sample size, this study suggests that antioxidant treatment of the male partner does not improve in vivo pregnancy or live-birth rates.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02421887.

Long non-coding RNA NORAD promotes the occurrence and development of non-small cell lung cancer by adsorbing MiR-656-3p

Background

To explore the role of non‐coding RNA activated by DNA damage (NORAD), a long non‐coding ribonucleic acid (lncRNA), in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its possible mechanism.

Methods

Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was adopted for the detection of the expression levels of NORAD, micro RNA (miR)‐656‐3p, and AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1). The effects of NORAD, miR‐656‐3p, and AKT1 on cell proliferation and migration were examined through the Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) and Transwell assay. Subsequently, the binding relationships between miR‐656‐3p and AKT1 and between miR‐656‐3p and NORAD were verified by dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay. Finally, the potential mechanisms of action of NORAD and miR‐656‐3p were explored through the torsion experiment.

Results

The lncRNA NORAD expression level in NSCLC patients was notably higher than that in people in control group, that in patients with metastasis was higher than that in patients without metastasis, and that in patients with NSCLC in stage III‐IV was significantly higher than that in patients with NSCLC in stage I‐II. Elevation of NORAD stimulated the proliferation and migration of NSCLC A549/H460 cells. According to the reporter gene assay, NORAD could bind to miR‐656‐3p. Besides, miR‐656‐3p was significantly under‐expressed in cancer tissues of patients with NSCLC, and overexpression of miR‐656‐3p could block the proliferation and migration of A549/H460 cells and reversed promotion on cell proliferation and migration by NORAD. Furthermore, the reporter gene assay revealed that the overexpression of AKT1, a miR‐656‐3p target gene, could reverse miR‐656‐3p's inhibitory effect on the proliferation and migration of A549/H460 cells.

Conclusion

LncRNA NORAD is capable of promoting the proliferation and migration of NSCLC cells, and its mechanism may be that it increases the AKT1 expression by adsorbing miR‐656‐3p.

Antioxidants for male subfertility

BACKGROUND

The inability to have children affects 10% to 15% of couples worldwide. A male factor is estimated to account for up to half of the infertility cases with between 25% to 87% of male subfertility considered to be due to the effect of oxidative stress. Oral supplementation with antioxidants is thought to improve sperm quality by reducing oxidative damage. Antioxidants are widely available and inexpensive when compared to other fertility treatments, however most antioxidants are uncontrolled by regulation and the evidence for their effectiveness is uncertain. We compared the benefits and risks of different antioxidants used for male subfertility. This review did not examine the use of antioxidants in normospermic men.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of supplementary oral antioxidants in subfertile men.

SEARCH METHODS

The Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility (CGF) Group trials register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and two trials registers were searched on 1 February 2018, together with reference checking and contact with study authors and experts in the field to identify additional trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared any type, dose or combination of oral antioxidant supplement with placebo, no treatment or treatment with another antioxidant, among subfertile men of a couple attending a reproductive clinic. We excluded studies comparing antioxidants with fertility drugs alone and studies that included fertile men attending a fertility clinic because of female partner infertility.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures recommended by Cochrane. The primary review outcome was live birth. Clinical pregnancy, adverse events and sperm parameters were secondary outcomes.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 61 studies with a total population of 6264 subfertile men, aged between 18 and 65 years, part of a couple who had been referred to a fertility clinic and some of whom were undergoing assisted reproductive techniques (ART). Investigators compared and combined 18 different oral antioxidants. The evidence was of 'low' to 'very low' quality: the main limitation was that out of the 44 included studies in the meta-analysis only 12 studies reported on live birth or clinical pregnancy. The evidence is current up to February 2018.Live birth: antioxidants may lead to increased live birth rates (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.67, P = 0.005, 7 RCTs, 750 men, I² = 40%, low-quality evidence). Results suggest that if in the studies contributing to the analysis of live birth rate, the baseline chance of live birth following placebo or no treatment is assumed to be 12%, the chance following the use of antioxidants is estimated to be between 14% and 26%. However, this result was based on only 124 live births from 750 couples in seven relatively small studies. When studies at high risk of bias were removed from the analysis, there was no evidence of increased live birth (Peto OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.89 to 2.16; participants = 540 men, 5 RCTs, P = 0.15, I² = 0%).Clinical pregnancy rate: antioxidants may lead to increased clinical pregnancy rates (OR 2.97, 95% CI 1.91 to 4.63, P < 0.0001, 11 RCTs, 786 men, I² = 0%, low-quality evidence) compared to placebo or no treatment. This suggests that if in the studies contributing to the analysis of clinical pregnancy, the baseline chance of clinical pregnancy following placebo or no treatment is assumed to be 7%, the chance following the use of antioxidants is estimated to be between 12% and 26%. This result was based on 105 clinical pregnancies from 786 couples in 11 small studies.Adverse eventsMiscarriage: only three studies reported on this outcome and the event rate was very low. There was no difference in miscarriage rate between the antioxidant and placebo or no treatment group (OR 1.74, 95% CI 0.40 to 7.60, P = 0.46, 3 RCTs, 247 men, I² = 0%, very low-quality evidence). The findings suggest that in a population of subfertile men with an expected miscarriage rate of 2%, the chance following the use of an antioxidant would result in the risk of a miscarriage between 1% and 13%.Gastrointestinal: antioxidants may lead to an increase in mild gastrointestinal upsets when compared to placebo or no treatment (OR 2.51, 95% CI 1.25 to 5.03, P = 0.010, 11 RCTs, 948 men, I² = 50%, very low-quality evidence). This suggests that if the chance of gastrointestinal upsets following placebo or no treatment is assumed to be 2%, the chance following the use of antioxidants is estimated to be between 2% and 9%. However, this result was based on a low event rate of 35 out of 948 men in 10 small or medium-sized studies, and the quality of the evidence was rated very low and was high in heterogeneity.We were unable to draw any conclusions from the antioxidant versus antioxidant comparison as insufficient studies compared the same interventions.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In this review, there is low-quality evidence from seven small randomised controlled trials suggesting that antioxidant supplementation in subfertile males may improve live birth rates for couples attending fertility clinics. Low-quality evidence suggests that clinical pregnancy rates may also increase. Overall, there is no evidence of increased risk of miscarriage, however antioxidants may give more mild gastrointestinal upsets but the evidence is of very low quality. Subfertilte couples should be advised that overall, the current evidence is inconclusive based on serious risk of bias due to poor reporting of methods of randomisation, failure to report on the clinical outcomes live birth rate and clinical pregnancy, often unclear or even high attrition, and also imprecision due to often low event rates and small overall sample sizes. Further large well-designed randomised placebo-controlled trials reporting on pregnancy and live births are still required to clarify the exact role of antioxidants.

Oral administration of tea saponins to relive oxidative stress and immune suppression in chickens

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of tea saponins on oxidative stress induced by cyclophosphamide in chickens. One hundred twenty chickens were randomly divided into 5 groups. Groups 3 to 4 received intramuscular injection of cyclophosphamide to induce oxidative stress and immunosuppression. After that, groups 2 and 4 were orally administered tea saponins in drinking water for 7 d. Then, groups 1 to 4 were immunized with a live, bivalent vaccine of Newcastle disease virus and infectious bronchitis virus. Blood samples were collected for analysis of oxidative parameters and specific antibody titers, and splenocytes were prepared for lymphocyte proliferative assay. The results showed that administration of tea saponins significantly increased total antioxidant capacity, total superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione, ascorbic acid, and α-tocopherol, and decreased malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl. Enhanced immune responses, such as lymphocyte proliferation induced by concanavalin A and lipopolysaccharides, and serum Newcastle disease virus- and infectious bronchitis virus-specific antibodies were also observed in chickens injected with or without cyclophosphamide. In addition, no side effects were found in chickens throughout the study. Therefore, tea saponins may be a potential agent to improve imunosuppression induced by oxidative stress in chickens.

Observation on the traditional phytotherapy among the Malayali tribes in Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu, South India

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditional medicine remained as the most affordable and easily accessible source of treatment for many ailments. The Malayali tribes living in the Kolli hills region of Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu has long history of ethnomedicinal knowledge has been remained unexplored hither to. Hence, this study was initiated with an aim to record the ethnomedicinal plants of Malayali tribes and to document and analyse the local knowledge on phytotherapy before environmental and cultural changes deplete the resources.

METHODS

In order to document the phytotherapical knowledge, a field study was carried out between August 2012 and February 2014. The ethnomedicinal knowledge was recorded through interviews among the Malayali tribes, and traditional healers. In addition a semi structure questionnaire was used to collect information on the local name of the plant, plant part used for curing, method of preparation in phytoremedies and any other plants/agents used as ingredients. Factor of informant consensus (Fic), use value (UV), fidelity level (FL), relative importance (RI) and novelty index were employed in data analysis.

RESULTS

Current research work reports total of 86 medicinal plant species belonging to 76 genera of 46 different families. Herbs constituted the largest growth habit (48 species, 56%) followed by trees (13 species, 15%) and shrubs (9 species, 11%) etc. Leaf 43 (46%) is the plant part widely used followed by whole plant 9 (10%), seeds and fruits 9 (10%) and root 7 (8%). Paste was the most common preparation method use in herbal recipes. These plants were used to treat various human diseases and ailments grouped under 19 disease categories with the highest number of species (31) being used for dermatological infections/diseases followed by gastro-intestinal ailments (28) and general health (15). Asystasia chelonoides (UV of 2.76) and Piper nigrum (UV of 2.12) are the most frequently and popularly used medicinal plant species in the study area.

CONCLUSION

The result of the study revealed that there was high diversity of medicinal plants and traditional knowledge about the use, preparation, and application of which is still maintained in the study area. However, the knowledge of herbal medicine was held by elders. The decline in the use of plants by the younger generation may gradually lead to the fading away of indigenous knowledge associated with the plants.

Antioxidants for male subfertility

BACKGROUND

Between 30% to 80% of male subfertility cases are considered to be due to the damaging effects of oxidative stress on sperm and 1 man in 20 will be affected by subfertility. Antioxidants are widely available and inexpensive when compared to other fertility treatments and many men are already using these to improve their fertility. It is thought that oral supplementation with antioxidants may improve sperm quality by reducing oxidative stress. Pentoxifylline, a drug that acts like an antioxidant, was also included in this review.  

OBJECTIVES

This Cochrane review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of oral supplementation with antioxidants for subfertile male partners in couples seeking fertility assistance.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and AMED databases (from inception until January 2014); trial registers; sources of unpublished literature and reference lists. An updated search was run in August 2014 when potentially eligible studies were placed in 'Studies awaiting assessment'.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing any type or dose of antioxidant supplement (single or combined) taken by the subfertile male partner of a couple seeking fertility assistance with a placebo, no treatment or another antioxidant.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently selected eligible studies, extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies. The primary review outcome was live birth; secondary outcomes included clinical pregnancy rates, adverse events, sperm DNA fragmentation, sperm motility and concentration. Data were combined, where appropriate, to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) or mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I(2) statistic. We assessed the overall quality of the evidence for the main outcomes using GRADE methods.  

MAIN RESULTS

This updated review included 48 RCTs that compared single and combined antioxidants with placebo, no treatment or another antioxidant in a population of 4179 subfertile men. The duration of the trials ranged from 3 to 26 weeks with follow up ranging from 3 weeks to 2 years. The men were aged from 20 to 52 years. Most of the men enrolled in these trials had low total sperm motility and sperm concentration. One study enrolled men after varicocelectomy, one enrolled men with a varicocoele, and one recruited men with chronic prostatitis. Three trials enrolled men who, as a couple, were undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and one trial enrolled men who were part of a couple undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI). Funding sources were stated by 15 trials. Four of these trials stated that funding was from a commercial source and the remaining 11 obtained funding through non-commercial avenues or university grants. Thirty-three trials did not report any funding sources.A limitation of this review was that in a sense we had included two different groups of trials, those that reported on the use of antioxidants and the effect on live birth and clinical pregnancy, and a second group that reported on sperm parameters as their primary outcome and had no intention of reporting the primary outcomes of this review. We included 25 trials reporting on sperm parameters and only three of these reported on live birth or clinical pregnancy. Other limitations included poor reporting of study methods, imprecision, the small number of trials providing usable data, the small sample size of many of the included studies and the lack of adverse events reporting. The evidence was graded as 'very low' to 'low'. The data were current to 31 January 2014.Live birth: antioxidants may have increased live birth rates (OR 4.21, 95% CI 2.08 to 8.51, P< 0.0001, 4 RCTs, 277 men, I(2) = 0%, low quality evidence). This suggests that if the chance of a live birth following placebo or no treatment is assumed to be 5%, the chance following the use of antioxidants is estimated to be between 10% and 31%. However, this result was based on only 44 live births from a total of 277 couples in four small studies.Clinical pregnancy rate: antioxidants may have increased clinical pregnancy rates (OR 3.43, 95% CI 1.92 to 6.11, P < 0.0001, 7 RCTs, 522 men, I(2) = 0%, low quality evidence). This suggests that if the chance of clinical pregnancy following placebo or no treatment is assumed to be 6%, the chance following the use of antioxidants is estimated at between 11% and 28%. However, there were only seven small studies in this analysis and the quality of the evidence was rated as low.Miscarriage: only three trials reported on this outcome and the event rate was very low. There was insufficient evidence to show whether there was a difference in miscarriage rates between the antioxidant and placebo or no treatment groups (OR 1.74, 95% CI 0.40 to 7.60, P = 0.46, 3 RCTs, 247 men, I(2) = 0%, very low quality evidence). The findings suggest that in a population of subfertile men with an expected miscarriage rate of 2%, use of an antioxidant would result in the risk of a miscarriage lying between 1% and 13%.Gastrointestinal upsets: there was insufficient evidence to show whether there was a difference in gastrointestinal upsets when antioxidants were compared to placebo or no treatment as the event rate was very low (OR 1.60, 95% CI 0.47 to 5.50, P = 0.46, 6 RCTs, 429 men, I(2) = 0%).We were unable to draw any conclusions from the antioxidant versus antioxidant comparison as not enough trials compared the same interventions.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is low quality evidence from only four small randomised controlled trials suggesting that antioxidant supplementation in subfertile males may improve live birth rates for couples attending fertility clinics. Low quality evidence suggests that clinical pregnancy rates may increase. There is no evidence of increased risk of miscarriage but this is uncertain as the evidence is of very low quality. Data were lacking on other adverse effects. Further large well-designed randomised placebo-controlled trials are needed to clarify these results.

The protective role of ascorbic acid in burn-induced testicular damage in rats

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the ability of ascorbic acid to protect the testes from damage in severe burns.

DESIGN

Experimental study.

SETTING

University of Lagos Medical School, Department of Anatomy.

ANIMALS

28 adult male Wistar rats (250-300 g).

INTERVENTION

Third degree burn was induced on 40% body surface area of rats and they were given ascorbic acid at 4 mg/kg over 8 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURED

Weight of reproductive organs and epididymal sperm parameters were measured. Oxidative status was assayed and a semi-quantitative assessment of histologic changes was also carried out.

RESULTS

Burn caused severe seminiferous tubular damage, especially germ cell loss (p<0.05). This was matched by significant reduction in sperm density and morphology (p<0.05). Burn also increased oxidative stress, with elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (p<0.01) and changes in catalase and superoxide dismutase enzyme levels. Ascorbic acid prevented the changes in all sperm parameters. It normalized MDA levels (p<0.01) and attenuated changes in the levels of catalase and superoxide dismutase. Ascorbic acid treatment also significantly reduced histologic damage to seminiferous tubules.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that severe thermal injury causes significant testicular damage and impairs spermatogenesis. It also shows that ascorbic acid protects the testis from such damage and therefore has the potential to be a useful adjunct therapy during treatment of young males with severe burns.

Antioxidants for male subfertility

BACKGROUND

Between 30% to 80% of male subfertility cases are considered to be due to the damaging effects of oxidative stress on sperm. Oral supplementation with antioxidants may improve sperm quality by reducing oxidative stress.  

OBJECTIVES

This Cochrane review aimed to evaluate the effect of oral supplementation with antioxidants for male partners of couples undergoing assisted reproduction techniques (ART).

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group Register, CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and AMED databases (from their inception until Febuary 2010), trial registers, sources of unpublished literature, reference lists and we asked experts in the field.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials comparing any type or dose of antioxidant supplement (single or combined) taken by the male partner of a couple seeking fertility assistance with placebo, no treatment or another antioxidant. The outcomes were live birth, pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth, sperm DNA damage, sperm motility, sperm concentration and adverse effects.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed studies for inclusion and trial quality, and extracted data.  

MAIN RESULTS

We included 34 trials with 2876 couples in total. Live birth: three trials reported live birth. Men taking oral antioxidants had an associated statistically significant increase in live birth rate (pooled odds ratio (OR) 4.85, 95% CI 1.92 to 12.24; P = 0.0008, I(2) = 0%) when compared with the men taking the control. This result was based on 20 live births from a total of 214 couples in only three studies.Pregnancy rate: there were 96 pregnancies in 15 trials including 964 couples. Antioxidant use was associated with a statistically significant increased pregnancy rate compared to control (pooled OR 4.18, 95% CI 2.65 to 6.59; P < 0.00001, I(2) = 0%).Side effects: no studies reported evidence of harmful side effects of the antioxidant therapy used.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The evidence suggests that antioxidant supplementation in subfertile males may improve the outcomes of live birth and pregnancy rate for subfertile couples undergoing ART cycles. Further head to head comparisons are necessary to identify the superiority of one antioxidant over another.

Key roles of vitamins A, C, and E in aflatoxin B1-induced oxidative stress

Aflatoxins (Aspergillus flavus toxins) are one of the natural toxic molecules which are produced by a group of fungi called Aspergillus. Foods and drinks contaminated with aflatoxins cause global health and environmental problems. Today in many developing countries, these toxins are leading cause of some liver cancers and serious gastrointestinal problems. Aflatoxins, which are well known to be mutagenic, carcinogenic, hepatotoxic, and immunosuppressive, exert inhibitory effects on biological processes including DNA synthesis, DNA-dependent RNA synthesis, DNA repair, and protein synthesis. Aflatoxins B(1) (AFB(1)) is the most widespread oxidative agent of the aflatoxins. Numerous diverse compounds and extracts have been reported to reduce the aflatoxins induced oxidative stress in the body. Most of these inhibitors including phenylpropanoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and vitamins are originally derived from plants. Among these, being essential biomolecules, vitamins are used as coenzymes in very significant biological reactions. They also function as nonenzymatic antioxidative agents protecting the cells from oxidative stress-induced toxicity and transformation. This chapter reviews the mechanism of AFB(1)-induced oxidative stress and focuses on the protective effects of vitamins A, C, and E on reducing this stress.

Pro-oxidant effect of vitamin C coadministration with bisphenol A, nonylphenol, and octylphenol on the reproductive tract of male rats

This study was performed to investigate whether bisphenol A (BPA), nonylphenol (NP), and octylphenol (OP) induce oxidative stress on the reproductive tract of male rats and if coadministration of vitamin C can prevent any possible oxidative stress. Wistar male rats were divided into seven groups as control (vehicle; olive oil), BPA, NP, OP, BPA+C, NP+C, and OP+C. BPA, OP, and NP groups (25 mg/kg/day) were administered orally to rats three times a week for 45 days. In BPA+C, NP+C, and OP+C groups, vitamin C (60 mg/kg/day) was administered orally along with BPA, OP, and NP (25 mg/kg/day) treatments. Malondialdehyde (MDA) appeared at significantly higher concentrations in BPA-, NP-, and OP-treated groups, when compared to control group. No significant decrease was observed in testes MDA levels of vitamin C coadministrated groups, compared with BPA, NP, and OP treatment groups. Decreased levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) were found in testes of BPA-, NP-, OP-treated rats. No significant increase was observed in testes GSH levels of BPA+C, NP+C, and OP+C groups, compared with BPA, NP, and OP treatment groups. Histological examination showed that vitamin C coadministrated groups had much more congestion areas, atrophy, and germinal cell debris in testes than those observed in other groups. Abnormal sperm percentages of BPA, BPA+C, NP+C, and OP+C groups were increased. In conclusion, the present results demonstrated that BPA, NP, and OP generate reactive oxygen species that cause oxidative damage in testes of rats. Coadministration of vitamin C aggravates this damage.

Ascorbic Acid in human seminal plasma: determination and its relationship to sperm quality

The objective of the present study was to assess the ascorbic acid (AA) levels in seminal plasma of the fertile and infertile men and to investigate its relationship with sperm count, motility and normal morphology. Semen samples were provided by fertile [smoker (n = 25), nonsmoker (n = 21)] and infertile men [smoker (n = 23), nonsmoker (n = 32)]. A simplified method of reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) procedure using UV detection was applied for the determination of seminal AA. Fertile subjects, smoker or not, demonstrated significantly higher seminal AA levels than any infertile group (p<0.01). Nonsmokers had high, but no significant, mean AA levels in their seminal plasma compared with smokers. Seminal AA in fertile and infertile (smokers or nonsmokers) males correlated significantly with the percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology (p<0.01). Seminal AA decreased significantly in infertile men. Decrease of seminal plasma AA is a risk factor for low normal morphology of spermatozoa and idiopathic male infertility. Measurement of seminal AA in the seminal plasma of males with a history of subfertility or idiopathic infertility is necessary and can be helpful in fertility assessment.

The association of folate, zinc and antioxidant intake with sperm aneuploidy in healthy non-smoking men

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the effect of paternal nutrition on aneuploidy in sperm. We investigated the association of normal dietary and supplement intake of folate, zinc and antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene) with the frequency of aneuploidy in human sperm.

METHODS

Sperm samples from 89 healthy, non-smoking men from a non-clinical setting were analysed for aneuploidy using fluorescent in situ hybridization with probes for chromosomes X, Y and 21. Daily total intake (diet and supplements) for zinc, folate, vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene was derived from a food frequency questionnaire. Potential confounders were obtained from a self-administered questionnaire.

RESULTS

After adjusting for covariates, men with high folate intake (>75th percentile) had lower frequencies of sperm with disomies X, 21, sex nullisomy, and a lower aggregate measure of sperm aneuploidy (P <or= 0.04) compared with men with lower intake. In adjusted continuous analyses, total folate intake was inversely associated with aggregate sperm aneuploidy (-3.6% change/100 microg folate; 95% CI: -6.3, -0. 8) and results were similar for disomies X, 21 and sex nullisomy. No consistent associations were found between antioxidant or zinc intakes and sperm aneuploidy.

CONCLUSIONS

Men with high folate intake had lower overall frequencies of several types of aneuploid sperm.

Protective role of ascorbic acid on subacute sperm toxicity in male New Zealand white rabbits treated with endosulfan

The ameliorating effect of oral ascorbic acid (AA) was evaluated against changes in sperm parameters in New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits treated with endosulfan. Rabbits (6 to 8 months old) were divided into four groups of six animals each. Rabbits in TRT-I served as control and received corn oil by oral gavage for 6 weeks. Rabbits in TRT-II received endosulfan (1 mg/kg bw per day) in corn oil. TRT-III group received oral corn oil daily and ascorbic acid (AA; 20 mg/kg bw) every other day for 6 weeks. TRT-IV group received the same amounts of endosulfan and AA. Endosulfan alone significantly reduced the sperm count and motility and increased the presence of sperm with morphologic problems. AA treatment showed significant amelioration when coupled with endosulfan. Ameliorations were up to control levels in all cases except for sperm motility. The data suggested that AA has beneficial influences in neutralizing the toxic effects of endosulfan in the spermatologic parameters of NZW males.

Improvement in human semen quality after oral supplementation of vitamin C

This study was carried out to monitor the effect of oral supplementation of vitamin C on various semen parameters in oligospermic, infertile, otherwise healthy individuals. Various semen parameters, including sperm motility, sperm count, and sperm morphology, were studied before and after the vitamin C treatment. A total of 13 infertile patients were included. Their ages ranged between 25 and 35 years. They had no genital infection or varicocele. Physical examination and other routine laboratory investigations were normal. General semen analysis revealed oligozoospermia (mean sperm count was 14.3 +/- 7.38 x 10(6) sperms/mL, mean sperm with normal morphology was 43 +/- 7.87%, and mean sperm motility was 31.2 +/- 9.61%). Testicular biopsy was not done. These patients received in an open trial of 1,000 mg of vitamin C twice daily for a maximum of 2 months. Results showed that the mean sperm count was increased to 32.8 +/- 10.3 x 10(6) sperms/mL (P < .001) after 2 months of vitamin C intake. The mean sperm motility was increased significantly to 60.1 +/- 8.47% (P < .001), and mean sperms with normal morphology increased significantly to 66.7 +/- 4.77% (P < .001). This study showed that vitamin C supplementation in infertile men might improve sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology and might have a place as an additional supplement to improve the semen quality towards conception.

Testicular dysfunction and antioxidative defense system of Swiss mice after chromic acid exposure

Chromic acid (CrO(3)), a hexavalent compound of chromium (Cr) that is widely used in different industries, has been associated with reproductive abnormalities in male Swiss mice. The mechanism of male reproductive toxicity is not clear. Metal-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) may impair spermatogenesis or alter sperm morphology. Therefore, in the present study we investigated the induction of oxidative stress in the testes of mice over time (5th-8th weeks) after a single intraperitoneal dose (1mg/kg body weight) of CrO(3). Exposed animals showed significantly decreased sperm counts and markedly increased rates of sperm abnormality. Oxidative stress was measured in terms of malondialdehyde content, the activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase, and non-enzymatic antioxidants such as ascorbic acid. The significant changes in exposed groups relative to controls suggest that CrO(3) exposure suppressed antioxidant enzymes and ascorbic acid with a concomitant increase in the level of lipid peroxidation and H(2)O(2) to adversely affect testicular function.

Effects of methyl parathion (o,o-dimethyl o-4-nitrophenyl phosphorothioate) on rat sperm morphology and sperm count, but not fertility, are associated with decreased ascorbic acid level in the testis

Methyl parathion (MP; o,o-dimethyl o-4-nitrophenyl phosphorothioate) is an organophosphorous pesticide used world wide to spray agricultural crops. The present study was aimed to investigate the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects on male germ cells and their possible relation with testicular ascorbic acid levels. Adult male Wistar rats (n=5/group) received MP at 0, 0.5, or 1 mg/kg (experiments 1 and 2) for 12 days and 0, 0.75 or 1.5 mg/kg (experiment 3) for 25 days (i.p.) everyday at intervals of 24 h. The epididymal sperm count, sperm abnormalities and testicular ascorbic acid levels (by 2,4-dinitrophenyl hydrazine method) were estimated on days 130, 77 and 17 following the last exposure in experiments 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Virgin untreated female rats were mated with treated males from experiments 2 and 3 for a week effective from day 35 to 41 after the first treatment, and fertility indices were measured after the birth of pups. Sperm count was decreased in experiments 2 and 3 (P<0.01), and in all three experiments, the abnormal sperms increased (P<0.001). Concomitantly, the ascorbic acid levels decreased in the testis (P<0.05-0.001; one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni's post hoc test). The body weights of offspring of treated males did not show significant changes from those of the controls, although there were some decreases observed. MP reduced the lactation index in experiment 2 (P<0.001; Chi-square test). The number of pups/parent along with fertility indices showed some numerical decrease but without any statistical significance. The present findings suggest that MP is a weak genotoxic and cytotoxic agent in the rat exposed to human exposure dose-levels, and that these effects, except the fertility are well correlated with decreased ascorbic acid level in the testis. Furthermore, MP-induced changes in the germ cells do not have any significant effects on F1 generation.

Aluminium-induced deterioration in reproductive performance and seminal plasma biochemistry of male rabbits: Protective role of ascorbic acid

Aluminium (Al) has been proposed as an environmental factor that may contribute to some diseases, affect several enzymes and other biomolecules and induced free radical-mediated cytotoxicity. Also, Al induced reproductive toxicity and exerted a significant adverse effect on the steroidogenesis. The antioxidant ascorbic acid (AA) plays an important role in various physiological processes in the body including detoxification of different toxic materials. Therefore, the present investigation aimed to elucidate possible protective effects of AA in alleviating the toxicity of aluminium chloride (AlCl3) on reproductive performance, lipid peroxidation and enzyme activities in seminal plasma of male New Zealand white rabbits. Six rabbits per group were assigned to one of four treatment groups: 0 mg AA and 0 mg AlCl3 /kg body weight (BW) (control); 40 mg AA/kg BW; 34 mg AlCl3 /kg BW; 34 mg AlCl3 plus 40 mg AA/kg BW. Rabbits were orally administered their respective doses every other day for 16 weeks. Results obtained showed that AlCl3 significantly (P<0.05) decreased libido (by increasing the reaction time), ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total sperm output, sperm motility (%), total motile sperm per ejaculate (TMS), packed sperm volume (PSV), total functional sperm fraction (TFSF), normal and live sperm and semen initial fructose. While initial hydrogen ion concentration (pH) and dead and abnormal sperm were increased (P<0.05). Live body weight (LBW), feed intake (FI) and relative weights of testes (RTW) and epididymis (REW) were significantly (P<0.05) decreased. Concentrations of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were significantly (P<0.05) increased in seminal plasma of rabbits treated with AlCl3 compared with control. While, activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and acid phosphatase (AcP) were significantly (P<0.05) decreased. Ascorbic acid alone significantly increased LBW, FI, RTW, REW, semen characteristics and seminal plasma enzymes, and decreased the levels of free radicals. Also, the present study showed that ascorbic acid might be effective in the protection of aluminium-induced reproductive toxicity. It was suggested that AlCl3 exerted a significant adverse effect on reproductive performance of male rabbits. Furthermore, AA could be able to antagonize the toxic effects of AlCl3 and improved semen quality of male rabbit.

Protective role of ascorbic acid to enhance reproductive performance of male rabbits treated with stannous chloride

The objective of this study was to determine the protective role of ascorbic acid (AA, 40 mg/kg BW) on reproductive performance of male New Zealand White rabbits given sublethal dose (20 mg/kg BW every other day for 12 weeks) of stannous chloride (SnCl2). Results showed that treatment with SnCl2 caused a decrease (P<0.05) in libido (by increasing the reaction time), ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total sperm output, sperm motility (%), total motile sperm per ejaculate (TMS), packed sperm volume (PSV), total functional sperm fraction (TFSF), normal and live sperm and semen initial fructose. Dead sperm and initial hydrogen ion concentration (pH) were increased. While, relative weights of testes (RTW) and epididymis (REW) were decreased. On the other hand, live body weight (LBW) and dry matter intake (DMI) did not change. Treatment with AA alone caused significant increase in LBW, DMI, RTW, REW and semen characteristics compared to control group. Also, the presence of AA with SnCl2 minimized its harmful effects. Results obtained revealed suggest that assessment of reproductive toxicity of stannous chloride needs to be addressed, and may presently be underestimated. Also, the beneficial influences of AA in counteracting the toxic effects of SnCl2 and improved the reproductive performance of male rabbit was demonstrated.

Potential role of vitamins in chromium induced spermatogenesis in Swiss mice

Chromium (Cr) (VI) compounds are known carcinogens and mutagens. The mechanism of carcinogenicity and mutagenicity caused by chromium(VI) compounds remained unclear for several years. However, in the recent past chromium-induced carcinogenicity and/or mutagenicity was known to happen due to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the present context, chromic acid (CrO(3)), a potential Cr(VI) compound could be able to generate reactive oxygen radicals in the testes of Swiss mice as evidenced from significantly higher lipid peroxidation compared to untreated controls. The cytotoxic effects of the compound on the testes are depicted in terms of significantly reduced sperm count level accompanied with increased abnormal sperm population in treated mice. Supplementation of vitamins like Vitamin C and Vitamin E (Vit C and Vit E) to CrO(3) injected mice groups could partially prevent the incidence of abnormal sperm population and increased the sperm count. Of the two vitamins, taken for the study, Vit C happens to be more effective in ameliorating germ cells from degeneration and from mutation to abnormal sperm. Possible antioxidative role of both the vitamins have been studied for significant decrease in lipid peroxidation associated with marked elevation in sperm count level and significant decrease in the percentage of abnormal sperm formation in CrO(3)-treated mice.

Protective action of vitamins on the spermatogenesis in lead-treated Swiss mice

The protective action of vitamins C and E against lead acetate-induced reduced sperm count and sperm abnormalities in Swiss mice has been studied. Intraperitoneal injection of lead acetate (10mg/kg body weight) in the present study stimulates lipid peroxidation in the testicular tissue, indicated by a significant increase in malondialdehyde content in the experimental mice group. This is associated with an increased generation of noxious reactive oxygen species (ROS). Significantly reduced sperm count associated with increased sperm abnormality percentage in the lead-injected mice group compared to controls substantially proves the ongoing damaging effects of lead-induced ROS on developing germ cells. However, intraperitoneal administration of vitamin C (Vit C) at a concentration equivalent to the human therapeutic dose (10 mg/kg body weight) was able to minimize significantly the testicular malondialdehyde content with a concomitant increase in sperm count and significant decrease in the percentage of abnormal sperm population. Vitamin E (Vit E) (100 mg/kg body weight) treatment of a batch of lead-injected mice had a similar effect as Vit C but with a comparatively lower efficacy. On the other hand, coadministration of both vitamins (Vit C + Vit E) at the above mentioned doses to lead-treated mice led to the most significant decline in malondialdehyde content along with elevated sperm count and reduction in the percentage of abnormal sperm population. The protective action and the synergistic action of both vitamins (C and E) against lead-induced genotoxicity are discussed.

The effect of dietary ascorbic acid on semen traits and testis histology of male turkey breeders

A 9-mo field trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary L-ascorbic acid (AA) on semen traits of 144 male turkey breeders. Dietary AA treatments were initiated when birds were 30 wk of age. Semen and blood collection began at 32 wk of age. Three treatments with four pens per treatment and 12 birds per pen were fed 0, 75, and 150 mg/kg AA during the first 4 mo of their reproductive cycle. Levels of AA were doubled in the supplemented diets to 150 and 300 mg/kg during Months 5 to 9. Semen traits and blood AA were unaffected by dietary AA. When birds were 65 wk of age, testes were removed from 12 birds per treatment for histological analysis. Multinucleated giant cells (MCG), indicative of degeneration, were observed in the testes of 7 of the 12 control birds but were absent from AA-supplemented birds (P < 0.02). The antioxidant properties of AA may delay formation of these degenerative cells. In conclusion, dietary AA levels employed in the current study did not affect semen traits or testis weight but were associated with reduced formation of MGC in the testes of 65 wk-old breeder toms.

Protective role of ascorbic acid to enhance semen quality of rabbits treated with sublethal doses of aflatoxin B1

Aflatoxins are toxic to a wide variety of animals, including man. The antioxidant ascorbic acid (AA) plays an important role in various physiological processes in the body including detoxification of different toxic compounds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of AA on productive and reproductive characteristics of mature male rabbits given two sublethal doses (15 or 30 microg/kg of body weight; every other day) of aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)). The experiment lasted 18 weeks and included two periods: a treatment period (first 9 weeks) where the animals were given the tested materials, and a recovery period (second 9 weeks) where all the drugs were withdrawn. Results showed that live body weight (LBW), dry matter intake (DMI), relative testes weight (RTW), and serum testosterone were significantly reduced (P<0.05) by treatment with AFB(1) in a dose-dependent manner, and these effects continued during the recovery period. Aflatoxin treatment also decreased (P<0.05) ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total sperm output, sperm motility index, and semen initial fructose concentration. The negative effects of aflatoxin on semen characteristics were dose-dependent and continued during the recovery period. Treatment with AA increased (P<0.05) LBW, DMI, RTW, serum testosterone concentration, improved semen characteristics, and alleviated the negative effects of AFB(1). Aflatoxin treatment increased (P<0.05) the numbers of abnormal and dead sperms in a dose-dependent manner, and this effect continued during the recovery period. Treatment with AA alleviated the negative effects of AFB1 during treatment and recovery periods. Results demonstrated the beneficial influences of AA in reducing the negative effects of AFB(1) on production and reproduction of male rabbits.

Human sperm motility and lipid peroxidation in different ascorbic acid concentrations: an in vitro analysis

Human spermatozoal motility, viability and lipid peroxidation (LPO) have been assessed in Ringer-Tyrode supplemented with different concentrations of ascorbic acid (AA) ranging from 50 to 4000 microM. Ascorbic acid in concentrations below 1000 microM protects spermatozoa from free radical damage as evidenced from improvement in their motility and viability. Concomitantly, there is also witnessed depletion of malondialdehyde generation (an end product of LPO) following AA treatment. Ascorbic acid at 1000 microM concentration and above, however, is not protective, as evidenced by abrupt fall in sperm motility and viability and concomitant increase in LPO.

Evaluation of ascorbate and urate antioxidant capacity in human semen

The ascorbate/urate ratio in the seminal plasma was studied in 76 randomly chosen infertile men. The levels of ascorbate and urate were found to vary widely (range: 93-954 mumol l-1 and 127-670 mumol l-1, respectively), while the ascorbate/urate ratio was 1.03 +/- 0.63 (mean +/- SD), indicating almost equimolar concentrations of both compounds in more than 60% of the subjects investigated. No relationship of ascorbate with any biochemical marker of accessory sex gland secretions was observed, whereas an inverse correlation of urate with some prostatic markers, acid phosphatase (-0.37; P < 0.001), zinc (-0.35; P < 0.002) and citric acid (-0.33; P < 0.003), was found. In vitro experiments were conducted on an artificial suspension containing ascorbate and urate at physiological levels and activated polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the normal range (as proposed by WHO) to determine the extent to which the presence of superoxide anion-generating leukocytes contribute to the depletion of ascorbate and urate. The ascorbate level did not change in the presence of 0.2 x 10(6) leukocytes ml-1, while higher amounts of activated polymorphonuclear leukocytes initiated ascorbate oxidation, the intensity of which was in correlation with the extent of leukocyte contamination. After incubation (37 degrees C, 30 min) in the presence of 0.4, 1.0 and 1.5 x 10(6) cells ml-1, the average decline from the initial ascorbic acid level was 24, 43 and 49%, respectively. However, exposure of whole semen, instead of buffer, to oxidants released from the same amount of activated polymorphonuclears led to only 2.6, 11 and 22% decrease of the ascorbic acid, most probably due to the action of other superoxide anion scavenger compounds present in semen. Excessive superoxide anion production due to the presence of activated leukocytes had no influence on urate level either in the artificial suspension or in semen. The ability of ascorbate to afford protection against leukocyte-associated superoxide anions is not hampered in the semen of infertile men, provided that leukocyte contamination does not exceed 1 x 10(6) cells ml-1. The possible role of urate in stabilizing the ascorbate antioxidant activity in seminal plasma should be further investigated.

Lipaemia and lipoproteinaemia in a Spanish male nonsmoker population consuming sunflower oil

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of altered levels of serum lipids, lipoproteins and apolipoprotein (Apo) B in very active, 20 to 65 year-old, Spanish male nonsmokers who consumed sunflower oil. Among the 169 participants, total serum cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), LDL-C, and TC/HDL-C were found to be age-dependent variables. A detailed study over a 12-day period showed that this population displayed a Mediterranean dietary pattern, with the exception of the substitution of sunflower for olive oil Saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids represented 9.9%, 12.7% and 8.8% of the total amount of energy, respectively. The cholesterol-saturated fat index of the average diet was 19.2 per 1000 kcal, whereas the Keys index of the diet was 27.1. Daily intakes of fibre, ascorbic acid and vitamin E were 25.1 g, 89.6 mg and 28.3 mg, respectively. The calcium/magnesium ratio of the average diet was 1.54. The low percentage of individuals with high TC levels (5.4% with TC > or = 6.49 mmol/L), high TG levels (3.7% with TG > or = 2.25 mmol/L), high Apo B levels (3.0% with > or = 1.5 g/L), low levels of HDL-C (0.7% with < or = 0.91 mmol/L), high LDL-C levels (1.4% with > or = 4.94 mmol/L or a high TC/HDL-C ratio (2.8% with > or = 5.0) suggest a reasonable protection against coronary heart disease in this Spanish population.

Ascorbic acid protects against male infertility in a teleost fish

An animal unable to synthesize ascorbic acid uniquely mimicks human and non-human primates. Therefore, in this study we used the rainbow trout, a teleost fish, as the model animal to study the importance of dietary ascorbic acid on the fertilizing ability of sperm. A high concentration of ascorbic acid in semen plays a key role in maintaining the genetic integrity of sperm cells, by preventing oxidative damage to sperm DNA. This study will show that the concentration of ascorbic acid in seminal plasma reflects the dietary intake of vitamin C. The concentration of ascorbic acid in seminal plasma of fish declined significantly in groups fed either an ascorbate-free diet (from 4.74 +/- 0.9 to 0.16 +/- 0.08 microgram ml-1) or an ascorbate-rich diet (from 37.9 +/- 4.7 to 17.7 +/- 3.2 microgram ml-1) during the spermiation season. The relationship between ascorbate status and fertility was studied in six groups of fish fed graded levels of ascorbic acid, which spermiated over a 150-day-period. Sperm from individual males was used to fertilize several batches of eggs. When the seminal plasma ascorbate concentration decreased to 7.3 microgram ml-1 a significant decrease of fertilization rate and the hatching rate of embryos resulted. This is the first evidence that dietary ascorbate level directly affected sperm quality and influenced male fertility in a scurvy-prone vertebrate.