FeTPPS, a Peroxynitrite Decomposition Catalyst, Ameliorates Nitrosative Stress in Human Spermatozoa

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Biochemistry
• Toxicology

Background:

• Nitrosative stress from reactive nitrogen species (RNS), like peroxynitrite, impairs sperm function.
• The metalloporphyrin FeTPPS effectively catalyzes peroxynitrite decomposition.
• FeTPPS shows therapeutic potential for peroxynitrite-related conditions, but its effect on human sperm is unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the in vitro efficacy of FeTPPS against peroxynitrite-mediated nitrosative stress in human spermatozoa.
• To analyze FeTPPS's catalytic activity in decomposing peroxynitrite.
• To assess FeTPPS's impact on sperm quality parameters under nitrosative stress.

Main Methods:

• Human spermatozoa from normozoospermic donors were exposed to 3-morpholinosydnonimine to induce peroxynitrite generation.
• FeTPPS-mediated peroxynitrite decomposition was analyzed.
• Effects on sperm ATP levels, motility, mitochondrial membrane potential, thiol oxidation, viability, and DNA fragmentation were evaluated.

Main Results:

• FeTPPS effectively catalyzed peroxynitrite decomposition.
• FeTPPS did not affect sperm viability at concentrations up to 50 μmol/L.
• FeTPPS mitigated the negative effects of nitrosative stress on all analyzed sperm parameters.

Conclusions:

• FeTPPS demonstrates significant potential for treating conditions associated with nitrosative stress in human spermatozoa.
• FeTPPS can reduce the detrimental impact of high reactive nitrogen species levels on semen quality.
• FeTPPS offers a promising therapeutic strategy for improving sperm function in cases of nitrosative stress.