Changes in Spermatogenesis, Lipoperoxidation Processes, and Antioxidant Protection in Men with Pathozoospermia after COVID-19. The Effectiveness of Correction with a Promising Antioxidant Complex

Abstract

The indicators of spermatogenesis and the state of LPO and antioxidant protection in men with pathozoospermia after COVID-19 were assessed before and after treatment an antioxidant complex. Blood plasma served as the material for biochemical studies. In the examined patients, the parameters of spermatogenesis, as well as blood concentration of LPO components (diene conjugates and TBA-reactive substances) were analyzed. The total antioxidant activity of the blood was determined as an indicator characterizing the total activity of LPO inhibitors and determining its buffer capacity. In patients recovered from COVID-19, an increase in spermatogenesis disorders and shifts towards the predominance of prooxidant factors were observed. After a course (1 month) of antioxidant complex, patients showed increased sperm motility, decreased leukocyte count in the ejaculate, and restored balance in the prooxidant—antioxidant system towards antioxidant components. The effectiveness of correction of post-COVID disorders largely depends on the degree of damage to the structure and function of cell membranes caused by oxidative stress. The use of the antioxidant complex is a promising option, because it reduces the level of LPO, enhances antioxidant protection of the body, and also normalizes some parameters of spermatogenesis.

COVID-19 and Male Infertility: Is There a Role for Antioxidants?

“…It was indicated that NAC administration may positively affect semen quality [ 117 ]. Another study by Kurashova et al examined the efficacy of an antioxidant regimen on men with pathozoospermia after COVID-19 infected them [ 118 ]. The antioxidant complex consisted of astaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids and was administered to patients thrice daily over one month.…”

“…After the complex antioxidant administration, TBARs and AOA levels were significantly improved. It was suggested that the antioxidant treatment contributed to restoring the balance in the lipid peroxidation, antioxidant defense system, and normalization of semen parameters [ 118 ]. A case report study by Mannur et al reported that a normozoospermic man undergoing infertility treatments due to female fertility factor developed oligo-astheno-teratozospermia with severe sperm DNA damage one month after his recovery from COVID-19 infection with mild symptoms.…”

“…As already demonstrated by many researchers, astaxanthin positively impacts the male reproductive system and semen quality by increasing linear velocity sperm concentration and sperm capacitation, thus ameliorating male fertility [ 139 ]. It is also reported that astaxanthin supplementation improves sperm membrane fluidity by the induction of changes in the phospholipid composition of the spermatozoon membrane [ 118 ]. Spermatogenesis alteration via inflammation and OS induction are common in many COVID-19 patients.…”

Carotenoids from Starfish Patiria pectinifera: Therapeutic Activity in Models of Inflammatory Diseases

“…Currently, natural biologically active substances (BASs), which have beneficial properties for human health, are of great interest to the consumer. A special place among these BASs is occupied by carotenoids (CRs), which are characterized by a high potential for protecting the body from a wide range of diseases, such as chronic inflammatory [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ], neurodegenerative [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ], cardiovascular [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ], cancer [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ], metabolic syndrome and diabetes [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ], liver [ 22 , 23 ], skin [ 24 , 25 , 26 ] and eye [ 27 ] diseases, exercise-induced fatigue [ 21 ], infertility [ 28 , 29 ] and many other pathologies. Carotenoids are of particular interest as an adjuvant drug to reduce the cytokine storm, including those associated with COVID-19 [ 30 , 31 ].…”

“…A special place among these BASs is occupied by carotenoids (CRs), which are characterized by a high potential for protecting the body from a wide range of diseases, such as chronic inflammatory [1][2][3][4], neurodegenerative [5][6][7][8][9], cardiovascular [10][11][12][13], cancer [14][15][16][17], metabolic syndrome and Mar. Drugs 2023, 21, 470 2 of 14 diabetes [18][19][20][21], liver [22,23], skin [24][25][26] and eye [27] diseases, exercise-induced fatigue [21], infertility [28,29] and many other pathologies. Carotenoids are of particular interest as an adjuvant drug to reduce the cytokine storm, including those associated with COVID-19 [30,31].…”