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Flow Cytometric Analysis of Biomarkers for Detecting Human Sperm Functional Defects
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Alpha- and gamma-tocopherol levels in human semen and their potential functional implications.
Chiara Zerbinati1, Luisa Caponecchia2, Cristina Fiori2
1Vascular Biology & Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy.
Andrologia
|February 18, 2020
Summary
Gamma-tocopherol, a form of vitamin E, shows potential in preserving human sperm viability and motility after cryopreservation. This antioxidant may play a role in cellular oxidative conditions relevant to male fertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Vitamin E, particularly alpha-tocopherol, is recognized for its antioxidant properties and potential role in fertility.
- Previous research has predominantly focused on alpha-tocopherol, with limited investigation into other isomers like gamma-tocopherol in male reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify alpha- and gamma-tocopherol concentrations in human semen using a precise analytical method.
- To investigate the potential roles of these tocopherol isomers in male fertility, including their impact on sperm parameters and oxidative stress.
- To evaluate the effects of gamma-tocopherol on sperm viability and motility during cryopreservation and thawing.
Main Methods:
- Isotope dilution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was employed to measure alpha- and gamma-tocopherol levels in seminal plasma from 134 men.
- Cryopreservation experiments were conducted on 15 semen samples to assess the impact of tocopherol isomers in cryoprotective media on sperm.
- In vivo supplementation studies involved 10 subjects receiving alpha-tocopherol for 90 days to observe its effect on blood and seminal tocopherol levels.
Main Results:
- Seminal plasma gamma-tocopherol concentration was significantly lower in men with varicocele compared to normozoospermic individuals.
- Supplementation with gamma-tocopherol in cryopreservation medium enhanced post-thaw human sperm viability and motility compared to alpha-tocopherol.
- In vivo alpha-tocopherol supplementation led to a decrease in gamma-tocopherol levels, suggesting an interrelationship between the isomers.
Conclusions:
- Gamma-tocopherol exhibits a distinct distribution in human semen and may be more beneficial than alpha-tocopherol for preserving sperm quality post-thaw.
- Lower seminal gamma-tocopherol levels in varicocele patients might indicate its role in managing cellular oxidative conditions.
- Further research is warranted to explore the unique contributions of gamma-tocopherol to male reproductive health and overall human well-being.
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