Dietary supplementation with astaxanthin may ameliorate sperm parameters and DNA integrity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Abstract

ObjectiveDiabetes mellitus (DM) is known to cause many systemic complications as well as male infertility. Astaxanthin (ASTX) is a powerful antioxidant that is involved in a variety of biologically active processes, including those with anti-diabetes effects. The present study investigates the effect of ASTX on the spermatozoa function in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.MethodsWe divided 30 adult rats into three groups (10 rats per group), with a control group that received corn oil mixed with chow. DM was induced by intra-peritoneal injection of STZ. Eight weeks after the STZ injection, half of the diabetic animals were used as diabetic controls, and the rest were treated with ASTX for 56 days. Then the parameters and chromatin integrity of the epididymal sperm were analyzed using chromomycin A3, toluidine blue (TB), and acridine orange (AO) staining.ResultsThe count, viability, and motility of the epididymal sperm were decreased significantly in the STZ group in comparison with the control group (count and viability, p<0.001; motility, p<0.001;0.01). ASTX increased normal morphology and viable spermatozoa compared to the STZ group (morphology, p=0.001; viability, p<0.001;0.05). The percentage of abnormal chromatins in TB and AO staining was higher in the STZ group compared to the control group (p<0.001;0.001). The mean percentage of TB and AO positive spermatozoa in STZ rats was significantly lower in the STZ+ASTX group (TB, p=0.001; AO, p<0.001;0.05).ConclusionThis study observed that in vivo ASTX treatment partially attenuates some detrimental effect of diabetes. Conversely, ASTX improved sperm viability, normal morphology, and DNA integrity.

Diabetes and Sperm DNA Damage: Efficacy of Antioxidants

“…A study conducted by Biemond et al and Ochsendorf has demonstrated the involvement of transition metal ions, especially iron in formation of highly reactive -OH by Fentons reaction [139][140][141]. In vivo Astaxanthin (ASTX) treatment could partially improve sperm viability, normal morphology, and DNA integrity [142]. In cryopreserved sperm DNA, the addition of leptin to capacitated sperm did not inhibit ROS formation directly but can improve sperm DNA.…”

Effects of <i>Vernonia cinerea</i> on reproductive performance in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

“…The prevalence of DM has increased rapidly. The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that the number of patients with DM is anticipated to progress to 366 million by 2030 [5, 26, 41]. DM can result in many systemic complications, such as complication in the heart, kidneys, peripheral nerves and reproductive system [5, 9].…”

“…The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that the number of patients with DM is anticipated to progress to 366 million by 2030 [5, 26, 41]. DM can result in many systemic complications, such as complication in the heart, kidneys, peripheral nerves and reproductive system [5, 9]. DM has been associated with negative effects on the male sexual function in humans and animal models including reduced spermatogenesis, erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorder, sexual behavior and endocrine system abnormalities [1, 6, 8, 13].…”

The effects of Commiphora mukul extract on spermatogenesis and testosterone levels in male diabetic rats

“…Since oxidative damage leads to many problems, it has become increasingly common to use antioxidant agents and medicinal herbs to prevent and treat various types of diabetes-related disorders [12,30,31]. For example, Bahmanzadeh et al [12] showed that dietary supplementation with astaxanthin may ameliorate sperm parameters and DNA integrity in STZ-induced diabetic rats.…”

“…Previous studies have shown that men with DM have a higher proportion of spermatozoa with nuclear DNA damage, result-ing in alterations of male fertility, patterns of early embryonic growth, reproductive outcomes, and miscarriage rates [7][8][9][10]. Since oxidative stress damages spermatozoa, antioxidants and medicinal herbs play an important role in the maintenance of sperm motility and sperm DNA integrity in the face of oxidative damage [11][12][13]. Plants have always been an exemplary source of drugs, and many currently available drugs have been derived from plants.…”