Mitigating the Effects of Oxidative Sperm DNA Damage

Abstract

<jats:p>Sperm DNA damage is correlated with reduced embryo development and increased miscarriage risk, reducing successful conception. Given its links with oxidative stress, antioxidants have been investigated as a potential treatment, yet results are conflicting. Importantly, individual antioxidants are not identical in composition, and some compounds may be more effective than others. We investigated the use of the polyphenol-rich, high-antioxidant-capacity fruit acai as a treatment for elevated sperm DNA fragmentation (&gt;16%), measured by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL). Following ≥ 74 days of treatment, we observed a significant decrease in sperm DNA fragmentation (−17.0% ± 2.5%) to 11.9 ± 1.7% (0–37%), with a 68.6% success rate (defined as post-treatment TUNEL &lt; 16%). Post-treatment decreases in DNA fragmentation and success rates were not significantly impacted by low motility and/or concentration, or exceptionally high (&gt; 25%) TUNEL. Treatment significantly reduced concentration in men with normal semen parameters, but 88% remained normal. Overall, successful treatment was not associated with age, semen parameters or TUNEL result at baseline. However, body mass index was significantly higher in nonresponders at baseline. This study provides evidence of a low-cost, effective treatment for elevated sperm DNA damage using acai.</jats:p>

The combined effect of lifestyle intervention and antioxidant therapy on sperm DNA fragmentation and seminal oxidative stress in IVF patients: a pilot study

“…This effect was even more pronounced when evaluating the group of men with high baseline DFI -in that study defined as DFI >30% and using the sperm chromatin dispersion test. Another recent study included men from a single fertility center based on DFI >16% (N=35), investigating the effect of intervention with 1800mg freeze-dried açai pulp per day (27). After at least 74 days of follow-up, a statistically significant and relatively high reduction in DFI (-17.03±2.51%) was observed.…”

What should urologist know about sperm DNA fragmentation

“…Так как основным механизмом повреждения генетического материала сперматозоидов является оксидативный стресс, назначение антиоксидантной терапии может способствовать восстановлению целостности генетического материала сперматозоидов [106][107][108], в том числе после оперативного лечения варикоцеле [109,110].…”

Plant Extracts as Alternative Additives for Sperm Preservation

“…Recently, in humans, a positive relationship has been reported between the antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma with sperm concentration and total motility [ 23 ]. Furthermore, plants and their derived compounds have been used as diet supplements for the treatment of fertility disorders as well as for the improvement of reproductive performance in livestock, wildlife, and humans [ 24 , 25 , 26 ].…”