D-Chiro-Inositol Improves Sperm Mitochondrial Membrane Potential: In Vitro Evidence

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Reproductive Biology
• Mitochondrial Physiology

Background:

• Inositols are increasingly used in clinical endocrinology, with myoinositol (MYO) extensively studied in polycystic ovarian syndrome.
• MYO has previously demonstrated efficacy in improving sperm motility in asthenozoospermia by enhancing sperm mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP).
• Limited data exists on the effects of other inositol isoforms, such as D-chiro-inositol (DCI), on sperm biofunctional parameters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of D-chiro-inositol (DCI) on sperm mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in men with asthenozoospermia.
• To compare the efficacy of DCI with previously observed effects of myoinositol (MYO) on sperm function.
• To establish baseline data on DCI's impact on sperm mitochondrial function in vitro.

Main Methods:

• Semen samples from 15 patients with asthenozoospermia and 15 healthy normozoospermic men were analyzed.
• Sperm samples were incubated with varying concentrations of DCI (0, 75, 750 µg/mL) or a control buffer for 30 minutes.
• Sperm mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was measured to assess the impact of DCI incubation.

Main Results:

• D-chiro-inositol (DCI) significantly improved sperm MMP at lower concentrations (75 µg/mL).
• The observed improvements in MMP with DCI occurred with shorter incubation times compared to previous MYO studies.
• These findings demonstrate a positive in vitro effect of DCI on sperm mitochondrial function.

Conclusions:

• D-chiro-inositol (DCI) positively influences sperm mitochondrial function in vitro.
• DCI shows promise for improving sperm quality in men with asthenozoospermia.
• Further in vivo studies are warranted to evaluate DCI's therapeutic potential for asthenozoospermia.