Modulation of Human Sperm Mitochondrial Respiration Efficiency by Plant Polyphenols

Abstract

Plant bioactives, such as polyphenols, can differentially affect (positively or negatively) sperm quality, depending on their concentration. These molecules have been proposed as natural scavengers of reactive oxygen species (ROS) for male infertility treatment. However, few data are available about their effects on the molecular mechanisms related to sperm quality and, in particular, to sperm mitochondrial function. We investigated the effects of quercetin, naringenin, genistein, apigenin, luteolin, and resveratrol at the concentration of 0.1–1000 nM on mitochondrial respiration efficiency. Upon chemical exposure, spermatozoa were swollen in a hypotonic solution and used for polarographic assays of mitochondrial respiration. All tested compounds, except for apigenin, caused a significant increase in the mitochondrial respiration efficiency at the concentration of 0.1 nM, and a significant decrease starting from concentrations of 10 nM. The analysis of oxygen consumption rate in the active and in the resting state of mitochondrial respiration suggested different mechanisms by which the tested compounds modulate mitochondrial function. Therefore, by virtue of their ability to stimulate the respiration active state, quercetin, genistein, and luteolin were found to improve mitochondrial function in asthenozoospermic samples. Our results are relevant to the debate on the promises and perils of natural antioxidants in nutraceutical supplementation.

Plant Extracts as Alternative Additives for Sperm Preservation

“…Considering that some plant EVs have shown inhibitory effects against pathogenic microorganisms [ 99 ], they may be studied as possible substitutes for antibiotics in the semen preservation process. Recently, several studies reported that some polyphenols can modulate cellular metabolic pathways and transform some compounds into others, exerting not only potent antioxidant effects but also a cascade of secondary protective effects [ 100 , 101 ]. Some polyphenols have been shown to modulate the sperm metabolism by increasing the efficiency of mitochondrial respiration [ 100 ].…”

“…Recently, several studies reported that some polyphenols can modulate cellular metabolic pathways and transform some compounds into others, exerting not only potent antioxidant effects but also a cascade of secondary protective effects [ 100 , 101 ]. Some polyphenols have been shown to modulate the sperm metabolism by increasing the efficiency of mitochondrial respiration [ 100 ]. However, the source of the raw plant material, the extraction method, and the concentration of the plant extract play an important role in its effects on the sperm cell.…”

Riesgos a la salud por el uso de herbicidas

“…En conjunto con otros plaguicidas, incrementa la prevalencia depresión debido a que el uso frecuente de estos altera el campo neurológico con los neurotransmisores (Lugo, 2017); puede causar toxicidad en células placentarias y del hígado, actuar como disruptor endocrino, generar afecciones respiratorias, gastrointestinales, dermatológicas y neurológicas, así como fragmentación del material genético (Salazar y Aldana, 2011). Afecta negativamente la respiración mitocondrial de los espermatozoides con su consecuencia en la infertilidad (Ferramosca et al, 2021). Asimismo, la presencia de glifosato y AMPA en orina de mujeres embarazadas se asocia con partos prematuros (Lesseur et al, 2022).…”

Nanotechnology-Based Drug Delivery Strategies to Repair the Mitochondrial Function in Neuroinflammatory and Neurodegenerative Diseases

“…Genistein (GEN) is an isoflavone with antioxidant and protective effects on impaired mitochondria in PD models [226,227] and is also able to boost mitochondrial energetic function by inducing the expression of genes associated with ATP synthesis [228,229]. However, it has poor aqueous solubility, oral bioavailability and brain accumulation [230], which hinders its therapeutic effects.…”