Dietary Omega-3 Supplementation with Linseed and Padina pavonica Protects Rabbit Spermatozoa Against In Vitro...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Nutritional Science
• Toxicology

Background:

• Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) are known for positive impacts on male reproductive health.
• Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can induce sperm dysfunction, potentially affecting fertility.
• Dietary interventions are explored to counteract environmental or biological stressors on sperm.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the protective effects of dietary n-3 PUFAs from extruded linseed, alone or combined with Padina pavonica extract, against in vitro LPS-induced sperm dysfunction in rabbits.
• To assess the impact of these diets on sperm motility, kinematic parameters, and oxidative stress markers.
• To evaluate the potential of n-3 PUFA supplementation as a strategy to mitigate sperm damage.

Main Methods:

• Twelve rabbits were fed control, linseed-only, or linseed-plus-algae diets for 60 days.
• Ejaculates were exposed in vitro to varying concentrations of LPS (0, 400, 600 µg/mL).
• Sperm motility and kinematic parameters were analyzed using computer-assisted sperm analysis over 4 hours; lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and TLR4 activation were also measured.

Main Results:

• LPS significantly impaired sperm motility in control rabbits, causing immobility.
• Rabbits fed diets supplemented with n-3 PUFAs (linseed or linseed-plus-algae) showed significantly preserved sperm progressive motility and kinematic parameters during LPS challenge.
• Supplementation reduced LPS-induced lipid peroxidation (lower TBARS) and TLR4 activation, with no observed histological damage to the reproductive tract.

Conclusions:

• Dietary n-3 PUFA supplementation, especially from linseed combined with Padina pavonica, effectively mitigates in vitro LPS-induced sperm dysfunction in rabbits.
• This protective effect is associated with reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling.
• The findings suggest a potential role for n-3 PUFA-rich diets in supporting male fertility against certain insults.