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Insight into curcumin nanomicelle-induced derangements in male reproduction potential: An experimental study
S Moshari1, V Nejati1, G Najafi2
1Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Science, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
Abstract:
This study was conducted to investigate the possible effects of nanomicelle curcumin (NMC) on spermatogenesis, sperm parameters and in vitro fertilisation potential. For this purpose, 24 mature male Wistar rats were divided into control and test groups. The animals in test groups received 7.5, 15 and 30 mg kg b.w-1 of NMC (NO = 6 rats in each group). Following 48 days, the DNA integrity of testicular tissues, tubular differentiation (TDI) and spermiogenesis (SPI) indices, sperm parameters and DNA integrity were analysed. Finally, the in vitro fertilisation potential was investigated via evaluating pre-implantation embryo generation. The NMC diminished the TDI and SPI ratios. The animals in NMC-received groups exhibited a remarkable (p < .05) reduction in percentage of alive and motile spermatozoa. Moreover, the NMC enhanced the percentage of spermatozoa with decondensed chromatin and elevated the sperm DNA damage ratio. The testicles of NMC-received groups exhibited severe DNA fragmentation. The percentages of zygote, 2-cell, blastocysts and hatched embryos generation were decreased in NMC-received groups compared to control animals. In conclusion, the NMC adversely affects the spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis processes, which in turn results in reducing the sperm quality. Ultimately, decreased sperm quality results in lower pre-implantation embryo development.
Insights
Nanomicelle curcumin (NMC) negatively impacts male rat fertility by impairing sperm production and quality. This leads to reduced sperm motility, increased DNA damage, and lower potential for successful in vitro fertilization.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Toxicology
- Nanomedicine
Background:
- Curcumin, a natural compound, is often explored for its therapeutic potential.
- Nanomicelle formulations enhance curcumin's bioavailability.
- Investigating the reproductive safety of nanomicelle curcumin (NMC) is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of nanomicelle curcumin (NMC) on male rat reproductive parameters.
- To assess NMC's impact on spermatogenesis, sperm quality, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) potential.
Main Methods:
- Mature male Wistar rats were administered varying doses of NMC (7.5, 15, 30 mg/kg) for 48 days.
- Evaluated testicular tissue DNA integrity, tubular differentiation index (TDI), and spermiogenesis index (SPI).
- Assessed sperm parameters (viability, motility, chromatin decondensation, DNA damage) and IVF outcomes (embryo development).
Main Results:
- NMC administration significantly reduced TDI and SPI ratios.
- NMC decreased sperm viability and motility while increasing chromatin decondensation and DNA damage.
- Reduced embryo development (zygote, 2-cell, blastocyst, hatched) was observed in NMC-treated groups.
Conclusions:
- Nanomicelle curcumin adversely affects spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis in male rats.
- NMC significantly impairs sperm quality, leading to reduced fertility.
- Decreased sperm quality due to NMC negatively impacts pre-implantation embryo development.
