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Using Selenium-enriched Mutated Probiotics as Enhancer for Fertility Parameters in Mice
Ahmed Mohamed Darwish1, Abdulrahman A Almehiza2, Abd El-Nasser Khattab3
1Cell Biology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.
Biological Trace Element Research
|February 6, 2024
Summary
Selenium-enriched probiotics, Lactobacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium longum, improved male fertility in mice. Bifidobacterium longum showed the most significant enhancement in sperm count, motility, and hormone levels.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Microbiology
- Nutritional science
Background:
- Declining fertility rates are a global concern.
- Probiotics and selenium are investigated for their potential health benefits.
- Selenium enrichment of probiotics may enhance their bioactivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of two selenium-enriched probiotic strains, Lactobacillus plantarum PSe40/60/1 and Bifidobacterium longum BSe50/20/1, in improving male fertility.
- To assess the impact of these probiotics on reproductive hormone levels, testicular histology, sperm parameters, and specific gene expression in male mice.
Main Methods:
- Thirty male mice were divided into control, Lactobacillus plantarum + selenium, and Bifidobacterium longum + selenium groups.
- Serum analysis measured free testosterone, LH, and FSH.
- Histopathological examination of testicular tissues was performed.
- Sperm count, motility, and abnormalities were assessed microscopically.
- Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analyzed Tspyl1, Hsd3b6, and Star gene expression.
Main Results:
- Both probiotic groups showed significantly increased free testosterone levels.
- Bifidobacterium longum group exhibited the highest LH and FSH levels.
- Spermatogenesis and testicular histology remained intact in treated groups.
- Sperm count and motility increased, while abnormalities decreased in the Bifidobacterium longum group.
- Tspyl1 gene expression decreased, while Star and Hsd3b6 expression varied between groups.
Conclusions:
- Selenium-enriched Bifidobacterium longum BSe50/20/1 demonstrates significant potential in enhancing male fertility.
- This probiotic strain may improve reproductive parameters through hormonal regulation and effects on sperm quality.
- Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms and human applicability.
