[Effects of L-carnitine on ejaculate parameters in males from infertile couples]

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Reproductive Medicine
• Pharmacology

Context:

• Idiopathic pathospermia significantly impacts male fertility.
• Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of idiopathic pathospermia.
• L-carnitine is a vital molecule involved in fatty acid metabolism and cellular energy production.

Purpose:

• To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the antioxidant effects of L-carnitine in idiopathic pathospermia.
• To evaluate the efficacy of L-carnitine (Karniton) in improving seminal antioxidant status and sperm parameters in affected males.
• To assess the impact of L-carnitine treatment on pregnancy rates in couples experiencing infertility due to male factor.

Summary:

• L-carnitine demonstrated significant dose-dependent antioxidant activity in vitro.
• In vivo studies showed L-carnitine administration increased the count of motile spermatozoa (Category A) and improved ejaculate's antioxidant capacity.
• Key parameters of ejaculate chemiluminescence (luminal-dependent and Fe2+ induced) showed positive changes, indicating enhanced antioxidant defense.
• Spermatozoa motility and ejaculate antioxidant status were significantly improved following L-carnitine treatment.

Impact:

• L-carnitine treatment resulted in a 23% pregnancy rate among couples where the male partner had idiopathic pathospermia.
• The findings suggest that L-carnitine's therapeutic effect is linked to the normalization of the ejaculate's antioxidant status.
• This study highlights L-carnitine as a potential therapeutic agent for male infertility associated with oxidative stress.