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Whole tomato lipidic extract improved sperm quality in obese rats induced by a high-carbohydrate diet
Vázquez Mendoza Luis Heriberto1, Mailloux Salinas Patrick1, Campos Pérez Elihu2
1Departamento de Farmacobiología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Sede Sur, México.
Background:
Obesity represents a risk in the development of metabolic and oxidative stress (OS), as well as in male infertility. There is still no pharmacological treatment for obesity-induced male infertility, but the use of natural antioxidants has been proposed as a treatment.
Objective:
The aim of this work is to evaluate the effect of a whole tomato lipid extract on rats that decreased their fertility and spermatogenesis after being induced obese with a high carbohydrate diet.
Materials And Methods:
One hundred fourteen male Wistar rats of 12 weeks of age were used. Two groups were randomly formed non-obese control group (C, n = 54) and obese group (Ob, n = 54) that received 30% w/v sucrose solution for 3 months. Subsequently, the C and Ob group were divided into two groups: vehicle (C-Vh and Ob-Vh) that received corn oil as vehicle and tomato lipid extract (C-Ex and Ob-Ex) that received whole tomato lipid extract. The groups that received a hypercaloric diet had a gain in visceral and retroperitoneal adipose tissue, an increase in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, increased OS in the testis, and lesions in testicular histology, as well as a reduction in testicular size and sperm quality parameters (motility, viability, and concentration).
Results:
Treatment with whole tomato lipid extract significantly decreased the weight of gonadal adipose tissue and OS, maintained testicular size, showed a significant increase in sperm quality parameters and improved histology of seminiferous tubules.
Conclusions:
These results demonstrate a greater therapeutic and beneficial effect of the tomato lipid extract on sperm quality parameters in obese rats and therefore on fertility.
Insights
Whole tomato lipid extract improved sperm quality and fertility in obese rats. This natural antioxidant combats obesity-induced male infertility by reducing oxidative stress and improving testicular health.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Nutritional science
- Toxicology
Background:
- Obesity is linked to metabolic dysfunction, oxidative stress (OS), and male infertility.
- Currently, no pharmacological treatments exist for obesity-induced male infertility.
- Natural antioxidants are being explored as potential therapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of a whole tomato lipid extract in mitigating obesity-induced male infertility in a rat model.
- To assess the impact of the extract on sperm quality, testicular function, and oxidative stress.
Main Methods:
- 114 male Wistar rats were divided into control and obese groups, fed a high-carbohydrate diet for 3 months.
- Obese rats received either a vehicle (corn oil) or whole tomato lipid extract.
- Evaluated parameters included adipose tissue weight, lipid profiles, testicular OS, histology, size, and sperm quality.
Main Results:
- Tomato lipid extract treatment reduced gonadal adipose tissue and testicular OS.
- Significant improvements were observed in sperm motility, viability, and concentration.
- Testicular size was maintained, and seminiferous tubule histology improved in treated obese rats.
Conclusions:
- Whole tomato lipid extract demonstrated significant therapeutic benefits for sperm quality in obese rats.
- The findings suggest potential for tomato lipid extract as a treatment for obesity-related male infertility.
