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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Evaluation of Intracellular Location of Reactive Oxygen Species in Solea Senegalensis Spermatozoa
Published on: March 11, 2018
Effect of endotoxin-induced reactive oxygen species on sperm motility
K Urata1, H Narahara, Y Tanaka
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oita Medical University, Hasama, Japan.
Objective:
To define the mechanism of infection-induced damage of sperm.
Design:
The effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) on sperm motility and its modification by scavengers were investigated.
Setting:
Research laboratory of a university hospital.
Patient(S):
Normozoospermic semen samples were obtained from 37 healthy volunteers.
Intervention(S):
The sperms were incubated in the presence of LPS with or without scavengers.
Main Outcome Measure(S):
Sperm motility was evaluated by a sperm quality analyzer (SQAIIB). ROS formation in semen samples was measured by a Berthold luminometer (LB953).
Result(S):
Motility of spermatozoa was decreased in the LPS-treated samples compared with that in the control groups. ROS was significantly higher in the LPS-treated groups than in the control groups. The addition of ROS scavengers restored the motility index and suppressed ROS production in the LPS-treated semen samples.
Conclusion(S):
These data suggest that endotoxin-induced excessive production of ROS is responsible for the decrease in sperm motility and that antioxidant therapy may be a therapeutic option for infertile men with bacterial genital tract infection.
Insights
Bacterial infections cause infertility by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damage sperm motility. Antioxidant therapy may help restore fertility in affected men.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Immunology
- Oxidative stress research
Background:
- Bacterial genital tract infections are linked to male infertility.
- Infections can trigger inflammatory responses and oxidative stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanism of sperm damage induced by infection.
- To investigate the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in infection-related sperm dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Semen samples from healthy volunteers were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to mimic infection.
- Sperm motility and ROS production were measured in the presence and absence of LPS and ROS scavengers.
- Sperm quality analyzer and luminometer were used for measurements.
Main Results:
- LPS exposure significantly decreased sperm motility and increased ROS levels.
- ROS scavengers successfully restored sperm motility and reduced ROS production in LPS-treated samples.
- Data indicate a direct link between LPS-induced ROS and reduced sperm function.
Conclusions:
- Endotoxin-induced excessive ROS production is a key factor in decreased sperm motility.
- Antioxidant therapy presents a potential therapeutic strategy for male infertility associated with bacterial genital tract infections.
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