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Protective effect of antioxidants on the impairment of sperm motility by activated polymorphonuclear leukocytes
H W Baker1, J Brindle, D S Irvine
1Medical Research Council Reproductive Biology Unit, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
Objective:
To test the ability of antioxidants to reduce the loss of sperm motility caused by reactive oxygen species generated by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PML).
Design:
Standardized preparations of leukocyte-contaminated semen were created by suspending known concentrations of purified spermatozoa and PML in seminal plasma. After the stimulation of reactive oxygen species generation with phorbol ester, the spermatozoa were washed and incubated in culture medium before an analysis of their movement. The ability of antioxidants to counteract the free radical-induced loss of sperm motility observed under these circumstances was assessed.
Setting:
An institutional research laboratory.
Participants:
The semen was obtained from normal volunteers.
Interventions:
The following were tested: vitamins C and E, dimethylsulfoxide, catalase, hypotaurine, N-acetylcysteine, and reduced glutathione.
Main Outcome Measures:
Reactive oxygen species generation was monitored by luminol-dependent chemiluminescence. Sperm motility was assessed manually and by computer-aided semen analysis.
Results:
Consistent impairment of sperm motility and average path velocity was observed in the presence of activated PML. This effect was reduced by the concomitant presence of glutathione, N-acetylcysteine, hypotaurine, and catalase.
Conclusion:
Antioxidants can protect against the damaging effect of leukocyte-derived reactive oxygen species on sperm movement and may be of clinical value in assisted conception procedures.
Insights
Antioxidants like glutathione and N-acetylcysteine protect sperm motility from damage caused by reactive oxygen species from leukocytes. These findings suggest potential clinical value in assisted reproduction.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PML) can impair sperm function.
- Oxidative stress is implicated in male infertility and reduced sperm motility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the protective effects of various antioxidants against ROS-induced damage to sperm motility.
- To determine if antioxidants can counteract the negative impact of leukocytes on sperm movement.
Main Methods:
- Semen samples from healthy volunteers were prepared with known concentrations of spermatozoa and PML.
- ROS generation was induced, and sperm motility was assessed manually and via computer-aided analysis.
- The efficacy of antioxidants (vitamins C and E, dimethylsulfoxide, catalase, hypotaurine, N-acetylcysteine, glutathione) was tested.
Main Results:
- Activated PML significantly reduced sperm motility and average path velocity.
- Glutathione, N-acetylcysteine, hypotaurine, and catalase demonstrated a protective effect, reducing motility loss.
- Chemiluminescence confirmed ROS generation during the experiments.
Conclusions:
- Antioxidants can effectively shield sperm from oxidative damage caused by leukocyte-derived ROS.
- These findings highlight the potential therapeutic role of antioxidants in improving outcomes for assisted conception procedures.