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Lycopene in male infertility
Sina Vakili1, Mohammad Samare-Najaf2,3, Aliasghar Karimi4
1Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Naunyn-Schmiedeberg'S Archives of Pharmacology
|December 10, 2024
Summary
Lycopene shows potential in improving male fertility by enhancing sperm quality and regulating hormones. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm these beneficial effects in humans.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Nutritional Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Male infertility affects a significant global population, with diverse etiological factors including genetics, hormones, lifestyle, and environmental pollutants.
- Current treatments for male infertility are suboptimal, necessitating research into novel therapeutic strategies.
- Lycopene, a carotenoid antioxidant, is hypothesized to improve male fertility, but comprehensive review is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the therapeutic potential of lycopene in improving male fertility.
- To analyze lycopene's effects on semen parameters, sex hormone regulation, and key signaling pathways.
- To evaluate lycopene's role as an antioxidant against oxidative stress in male infertility.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and analysis of existing studies on lycopene and male fertility.
- Examination of lycopene's impact on sperm morphology, motility, and count.
- Assessment of lycopene's influence on testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels.
- Investigation of lycopene's effects on prokineticin-2 (PROK2) and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways.
- Evaluation of lycopene's antioxidant properties in mitigating oxidative stress.
Main Results:
- Lycopene supplementation may improve key semen parameters, including sperm morphology and motility.
- Lycopene can modulate crucial sex hormones like testosterone, LH, and FSH, impacting sperm production.
- Lycopene influences signaling pathways such as PROK2 and PI3K/Akt, vital for sperm function.
- Lycopene demonstrates potent antioxidant activity, protecting against oxidative stress implicated in male infertility.
Conclusions:
- Lycopene exhibits promising beneficial effects for male fertility through improved sperm parameters, hormonal regulation, and antioxidant protection.
- While preliminary results are encouraging, further extensive clinical data is required to validate lycopene's efficacy in human male infertility.
- Lycopene represents a potential nutritional intervention for male reproductive health, warranting continued investigation.
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