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Effects of molybdenum on sperm quality and testis oxidative stress

Xiao-Wei Zhai1, Yu-Ling Zhang, Qiao Qi

  • 1College of Animal Science and Technology , Henan University of Science and Technology , Luoyang , PR China.

Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine
|May 9, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Molybdenum (Mo) exposure impacts mouse sperm quality and testicular oxidative stress. Moderate Mo doses improved sperm parameters, while high doses proved detrimental, affecting key oxidative stress markers.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Toxicology
  • Environmental Health
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Molybdenum (Mo) is an essential trace element, but its toxicological effects require further investigation.
  • Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in male reproductive health and sperm quality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of sub-acute molybdenum exposure on sperm parameters in adult mice.
  • To assess the relationship between molybdenum dosage and testicular oxidative stress markers.

Main Methods:

  • Adult ICR mice were exposed to varying doses of molybdenum (Mo) in a sub-acute toxicity test.
  • Sperm parameters including epididymis index, motility, count, and morphology were evaluated.
  • Testicular oxidative stress markers, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, were measured.

Main Results:

  • Moderate molybdenum exposure (25 mg/L) significantly improved sperm parameters compared to controls.
  • High doses of molybdenum (≥ 100 mg/L) negatively affected sperm parameters.
  • Changes in sperm quality correlated with alterations in testicular SOD, GPx, and MDA levels.

Conclusions:

  • Molybdenum affects sperm quality through a complex regulation of testicular oxidative stress.
  • The dose-dependent effects of molybdenum highlight the importance of exposure levels in reproductive toxicity.

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