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Effect of pentoxifylline on experimentally induced lipid peroxidation in human spermatozoa
1Vuk Vrhovac Institute, University Clinic for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Medical Faculty University of Zagreb, Croatia.
Abstract:
We demonstrated previously that pentoxifylline in millimolar concentrations can inhibit superoxide anion production by human spermatozoa. In the present study we have examined the effects of the same concentrations of pentoxifylline on experimentally induced lipid peroxidation, as measured by malondialdehyde formation in the thiobarbituric (TBA) assay. Under the experimental conditions used, preincubation of spermatozoa with pentoxifylline led to a significant dose-dependent stimulation (p < 0.005) of malondialdehyde production amounting to 10.77 +/- 2.35%, 13.45 +/- 2.99% and 17.4 +/- 1.99% (mean +/- SEM) for 1.9, 3.7 and 11.2 mmol/l pentoxifylline, respectively. In the presence of 11.2 mmol/l pentoxifylline, an increase in iron-catalysed lipid peroxidation potential was detected in samples of spermatozoa from 29 infertile men, regardless of their initial levels of malondialdehyde. The results of this study indicate that pentoxifylline might further augment the ferrous ion-stimulated decomposition of pre-accumulation lipid hydroperoxides in the sperm plasma membrane and thus promote malondialdehyde generation in the TBA assay. It is concluded that the stimulatory effect of pentoxifylline on iron-induced lipid peroxidation may have an adverse effect on the quality of sperm suspensions prepared for in vitro fertilization, a possibility which should be investigated further.
Insights
Pentoxifylline, previously shown to inhibit superoxide production in human spermatozoa, unexpectedly stimulates lipid peroxidation. This drug may negatively impact sperm quality for in vitro fertilization, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Pentoxifylline (PTX) is known to inhibit superoxide anion production in human spermatozoa.
- The impact of PTX on sperm lipid peroxidation remains largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of millimolar concentrations of pentoxifylline on experimentally induced lipid peroxidation in human spermatozoa.
- To assess the potential adverse effects of PTX on sperm quality, particularly in the context of in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Main Methods:
- Spermatozoa were preincubated with varying concentrations of pentoxifylline (1.9, 3.7, and 11.2 mmol/l).
- Lipid peroxidation was measured using the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) assay to quantify malondialdehyde (MDA) formation.
- Iron-catalyzed lipid peroxidation potential was assessed in spermatozoa from infertile men.
Main Results:
- Pentoxifylline significantly stimulated malondialdehyde production in a dose-dependent manner.
- A notable increase in iron-catalyzed lipid peroxidation was observed in the presence of 11.2 mmol/l pentoxifylline.
- The stimulatory effect on MDA generation was independent of baseline MDA levels in spermatozoa from infertile men.
Conclusions:
- Pentoxifylline may exacerbate iron-induced lipid peroxidation in the sperm plasma membrane, leading to increased MDA generation.
- The pro-oxidant effect of pentoxifylline on sperm could adversely affect sperm suspension quality for IVF.
- Further research is needed to confirm these findings and their clinical implications for assisted reproductive technologies.
