Effects of Vitamin D on Apoptosis and Quality of Sperm in Asthenozoospermia

Abstract

Objective: Vitamin D receptor (VDR) is expressed in human spermatozoa. However, the role of vitamin D (VD) in human male reproduction has not yet been clarified. In this study, effects of VD on sperm parameters and its apoptosis in asthenozoospermic and healthy men were evaluated. Methods: The study was carried out on discharged semen samples of 80 asthenozoospermic and healthy men. The samples were divided into control and experimental groups (received 20 µMol of VD). This study assessed sperm motility using the Makler chamber, their morphology by Diff quick, apoptosis and necrosis by Annexin-V and TUNEL assays, and their chromatin integrity was assessed by Aniline blue and Toluidine blue staining, according to WHO guidelines. Results: The results revealed that: 1) the total number of motile sperms was increased by VD in both groups, but it was only significant in the asthenozoospermia group. 2) The progressive motility was increased with significant difference in both groups.3) Morphology of sperm did not show any changes due to VD in any of the groups. 4) Early apoptosis and necrosis of sperms were reduced in both groups, but the results of late apoptosis showed no statistical difference in these groups. 5) The percentage of positive toluidine blue was significantly decreased after using VD in the asthenozoospermia group. Conclusion: VD could improve motility, early apoptosis, and sperm necrosis, especially in asthenozoospermic men and it could be used for therapeutic opportunities.

The effects of Vitamin D3 supplementation on Spermatogram and endocrine factors in asthenozoospermia infertile men: a randomized, triple blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

“…As a result, they reported that VD3 has no effect on sperm normal morphology improvement; however, it could improve motility by decreasing apoptosis and sperm necrosis, especially in asthenozoospermic men. Therefore, it could be used for therapeutic opportunities [ 75 ]. Furthermore, the activation of Ca-dependent kinases and protein serine/threonine/tyrosine phosphorylation, the control of cell volume and osmolarity [ 60 ], and the improvement of integrity of sperm membrane by decreasing ROS [ 76 ], are known as some of the others proposed mechanisms for the increased sperm motility.…”

Effects of vitamin D supplementation in extender on sperm kinematics and apoptosis following the freeze-thaw process in normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic Holstein bulls

“…Besides, the supplementation of a boar diet with 2000 IU/kg of vitamin D increased sperm motility [15]. In addition, vitamin D improved sperm viability [16], motility, early apoptosis, and necrotic of sperm were reduced in asthenozoospermic patients [17]. A study on human sperm revealed that adding vitamins to the sperm dilution medium could reduce the rate of apoptosis [17].…”

Association Between Male fertility and Vitamin D

“…The addition of VD has resulted in rise of motile sperm number, rise of progresive motility and reduced apoptosis and necrosis. However there were no morphology changes noticed [20].…”