Effects of N-acetylcysteine on rat sperm treated with hydrogen peroxide in in vitro conditions

Infertility affects around 15% of couples worldwide, with male factors being responsible for nearly half of these cases. Oxidative stress is a significant contributor to male infertility, leading to damaged sperm. This research examines the protective effects of Nacetylcysteine (NAC) on sperm exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) induced oxidative stress in rats. Sperm samples from adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, H₂O₂, NAC, and H₂O₂+NAC. Various parameters, including sperm viability, abnormal morphology, chromatin condensation, and plasma membrane integrity were evaluated after incubation using established assays. Exposure to H₂O₂ significantly decreased sperm viability, increased the rate of abnormal morphology, heightened chromatin condensation abnormalities, and compromised plasma membrane integrity. Treatment with NAC significantly ameliorated these effects, demonstrating its protective role against oxidative damage. NAC effectively counteracts oxidative damage in sperm, improving viability, morphology, chromatin integrity, and membrane integrity. These findings demonstrate the protective effects of NAC against oxidative stress-induced sperm damage under in vitro conditions, underscoring its potential as a subject for further investigation in the context of oxidative stress-related male infertility.