Coenzyme Q10 and Melatonin for the Treatment of Male Infertility: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Background: Lifestyle and environmental factors can negatively impact fertility by means of oxidative stress. In this context, antioxidant supplementation therapy has gained much interest in recent years, and different molecules, alone or in combination, have been studied. Objective: The purpose of the present review is to investigate the evidence regarding the efficacy of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and melatonin on male infertility. Methods: A literature search using PUBMED database from 2000 to October 2022 was performed to explore the role of CoQ10 and melatonin on male reproductive function. Conclusions: The analysis involved a narrative synthesis. CoQ10, alone or in combination, appears to reduce testicular oxidative stress and sperm DNA fragmentation and to improve sperm parameters; particularly sperm motility. Moreover, CoQ10 treatment is associated with higher pregnancy rates, both naturally and through assisted reproductive technology (ART). Larger studies are needed to precisely determine its clinical efficacy. Melatonin is a known antioxidant and preclinical studies have shown its ability to modulate reproductive function through hormonal and immune system regulation and sperm cell proliferation. Regardless, clinical studies are necessary to assess its potential in male infertility.

Oxidative Stress and Male Fertility: Promising Role of Nutraceuticals

“…• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant involved in energy production in the body, testicular function, and testosterone production. CoQ10 supplementation affects spermatogenesis by lowering FSH levels and increasing inhibin B levels [71][72][73][74].…”

“…• CoQ10 is a strong antioxidant, and its reduced form, ubiquinol, and prevents oxidative stress in sperm DNA [73,74,99].…”

The Role of Dietary Nutrients in Male Infertility: A Review

“…Reports from the European Commission Directive 2008/100/EC have endorsed the daily consumption of 12 mg vitamin E [ 22 ]. The association between the decline of vitamin E consumption per day and fertility outcomes has been drawn in animals [ 32 ]. However, there are few studies regarding this topic in humans.…”

WITHDRAWN: Melatonin ameliorates RF-EMR-induced oxidative damage in mouse testis by inhibiting ferroptosis through Nrf2 pathway activation

“…Melatonin, acting as a scavenger for free radicals, additionally provides protection to the testicles from heat stress, pollutants in the environment, and damage caused by drugs. In addition to neutralizing oxygen radicals directly, melatonin regulates oxidative stress through its receptor pathway-mediated antioxidant enzymes [17]. The release of melatonin is regulated by membrane-bound, G-protein-coupled receptors known as melatonin receptor MT1 and MT2 [18].…”