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Algal and Fungal Antioxidants Alleviate Oxidative Stress-Induced Reproductive Defects
Nazli Pinar Arslan1, Seyda Albayrak2, Aysenur Budak-Savas3
1Vocational School of Health Services Bingol University Bingol Turkey.
Abstract:
The intrinsic and extrinsic factors (natural aging, diseases, infections, chemicals, radiation, heavy metals etc.) create oxidative stress, thereby causing reproductive defects in males and females. Similarly, oxidative stress causes the abnormalities in sperm and oocytes, and thus reduces the success of in vitro fertilization. Fungi and/or algae-derived metabolites (polysaccharides, carotenoids, ergothioneine, phycobiliproteins, phlorotannins, and cordycepin) alleviate the damages in ovaries and testis and correct the impaired reproductive functions (spermatogenesis, ovulation, fertilization and implantation) in the in vivo models by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase etc.), making mitochondrial parameters better (membrane potential, distribution, dynamics and activity of mitochondria), decreasing oxidative stress (the reductions in intracellular ROS and malondialdehyde levels), inflammation (the reductions in COX-2, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels) and apoptosis (the reductions in Caspase-3 and Bax levels) and balancing blood hormone levels (follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone). Similarly, in the in vitro models, they increase antioxidant enzymes activities, decrease oxidative stress and apoptosis, and make mitochondrial functions better, thereby restoring the defects in sperm and oocyte parameters and increasing blastocyst formation. Overall, this review study reveals that the antioxidants from fungi and algae contribute to the improvement of the reproductive outcome of humans and animals and assisted reproductive technology by preventing or alleviating oxidative stress. However, more in vitro, in vivo, or clinical studies are needed to prove the safety profile and efficacy of fungi- and algae-based antioxidants. This is the first review study focusing on the protective effects of fungi and algae-based antioxidants against oxidative stress-induced reproductive defects.
Insights
Oxidative stress harms reproduction. Fungi and algae antioxidants combat this, improving fertility in vivo and in vitro by reducing damage and enhancing reproductive functions. Further studies are needed for clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Oxidative Stress Research
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Oxidative stress, caused by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, leads to male and female reproductive defects, impacting sperm and oocyte quality and in vitro fertilization (IVF) success.
- Abnormalities in sperm and oocytes due to oxidative stress significantly reduce IVF outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the protective effects of fungi- and algae-derived metabolites against oxidative stress-induced reproductive defects.
- To explore the mechanisms by which these natural compounds improve reproductive functions and outcomes in both in vivo and in vitro models.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating fungi and algae metabolites' impact on reproductive health.
- Analysis of mechanisms including antioxidant enzyme activity, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress markers, inflammation, apoptosis, and hormone levels.
- Evaluation of effects on reproductive parameters in both animal models and human gametes/embryos.
Main Results:
- Fungi and algae metabolites alleviate ovarian and testicular damage, correcting impaired reproductive functions like spermatogenesis and ovulation in vivo.
- These compounds enhance antioxidant enzyme activities, improve mitochondrial function, and reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in reproductive systems.
- In vitro, they restore sperm and oocyte parameters and increase blastocyst formation by boosting antioxidant defenses and improving mitochondrial health.
Conclusions:
- Antioxidants from fungi and algae show significant potential in improving reproductive outcomes in humans and animals, including assisted reproductive technologies, by mitigating oxidative stress.
- This review highlights the first comprehensive focus on fungi and algae-based antioxidants for oxidative stress-induced reproductive defects.
- Further in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies are essential to confirm the safety and efficacy of these natural compounds for reproductive applications.
