Ascorbic acid and reproduction in fish: endocrine regulation and gamete quality

Abstract

High ascorbic acid concentrations have been associated with gonad and brain tissues in teleost fishes. Although a direct dietary effect on gamete quality has been given some attention recently, the mechanism of action of ascorbate along the cascade of reproductive events in the hypothalamus, pituitary and gonads has not been defined. Data relating to gamete production and quality, as well as a possible protective role for ascorbate against cumulative genetic defects during gametogenesis and congenital malformation during gestation (embryonic development) is reviewed. It is suggested that the gonad growth in response to gonadotropin stimulation involves direct interaction between catecholamines and steroid hormones and their receptor sites. This interaction acts as a regulatory mechanism of ascorbate absorption, transfer and metabolism (degradation and/or renewal) in the reproductive system. We conclude that ascorbic acid is a leading nutrient in reproductive tissue functions and further research is needed on: (1) its antioxidant effect on gametes' (sperm and ova) capacity to prevent DNA damage occurring prior to (endogenous) and after spawning (environmental insults); (2) its dietary requirement to optimize survival and physiological recovery in multiple spawners; (3) the integration mechanism of ascorbic acid action as part of the overall endocrine regulation of neurohormonal–hormonal pathway in fish reproduction; and (4) the possible role for ascorbate in regulating fish maturation and/or infertility in the presence of enhanced UV‐radiation or conditions of intensive aquaculture (hypoxia, oxygen supersaturation, dietary pro–, and antioxidants).

Chemical Composition of Greek Avgotaracho Prepared from Mullet (Mugil cephalus): Nutritional and Health Benefits

“…High ascorbic acid concentrations have been associated with gonad tissues in teleost fishes (44,45). Since ascorbic acid together with R-tocopherol is considered to be critical for the normal development of fish embryos (45)sas data obtained from cultured fish studies revealed (34, 45)ssuch a distribution is not surprising.…”

Sperm quality in male Barbus barbus L. fed different diets during the spawning season

“…It has already been demonstrated that nutrition (composition of diet) can affect the male reproductive performance in fish (see review by Izquierdo et al 2001). Dabrowski and Ciereszko (2001) and Lee and Dabrowski (2004) showed that vitamins E and C have an important protective role for the sperm cells during spermatogenesis (an antioxidant function) and improve sperm quality, resulting in higher fertilization and hatching rates, and these effects are influenced by season. It was also shown that the spermatozoa contain a high level of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which is evident in the phospholipids (Labbe et al 1995).…”

“…Improvement of broodstock nutrition and feeding greatly enhances the quality of both sperm and eggs (Dabrowski and Ciereszko 2001;Izquierdo et al 2001). Moreover, most studies of fish farms have focused on the management of female broodfish, while the effects of nutrition on male spawning performance remain poorly understood (Alavi et al 2008a).…”

Development of Brood-stock Diets for Nile tilapia Under Hapa-in-Pond Hatchery System; Optimal Dietary Vitamin C Level for the Optimum Reproductive Performance and Fry Survival

“…Meanwhile, 357 mg/kg ascorbic acid is required to obtain a 90% level of saturation and led to highest fecundity and embryo survival for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) [12]. The antioxidant effect of ascorbic acid seems to be critical for the genes integrity of fish gametes and decrease sperms DNA Fragmentation., meanwhile insufficient ascorbic acid lead to damage during mitotic division of germ cell [9,22]. Ascorbic acid is a leading nutrient in different tissue of reproductive system where interaction between catecholamine and steroid hormones that involved in gonad growth, acts as a regulatory mechanism of ascorbate absorption and metabolism in reproductive system [9].…”

“…A dietary supplement of ascorbic acid has positive effects on reproductive performance in various fish species as it is involved in reproductive functions of fish tissues [9]. Vitamin C affects hormone synthesis, vitellogenesis, and results in variable oocyte AA retention and gamete quality [10].…”