Lycopene alleviates inflammatory explosion and oxidative stress in lipopolysaccharide-induced reprodu ctive system injury of male rats

Abstract

Male reproductive system infection and inflammation negatively impacts male infertility through various mechanisms, while the factors precipitating these mechanisms remain obscure. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) causes damage to male reproductive system by causing fatty acid metabolism disorder and induces inflammation. It is reported that Lycopene (LYC) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, perhaps being a treatment option for male infertility. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of LYC on LPS-induced testicular injury in male rats. The rats were treated with LPS (5 mg/kg i.p.).LYC was given at 5 mg/kg, i.g. for 4weeks, starting the 24 hours after treatment of LPS. The levels of interleukin1alpha(IL-1α), interleukin1beta(IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α), monocyte chemotactic pretein1(MCP-1) and interleukin6(IL-6) in serum, testis and epididymis. Testicular and epididymal glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase(SOD), catalase (CAT) were measured. Testicular histopathological examination and epididymal sperm quality were further evaluated. LPS impaired testicular function by increasing the level of inflammatory cytokines and decreasing antioxidant capacity. LYC supplement reduces cytokines levels in serum, testis and epididymis and increases antioxidant activity. In conclusion, LYC can protect male infertility by extenuating male reproductive system inflammatory burst, and enhancing antioxidant defense, which is a new treatment strategy for male reproductive system infection and male infertility.