Serum levels of lycopene, beta-carotene, and retinol and their correlation with sperm DNA damage in normospermic and infertile men

Abstract

Background:Oxidative stress in reproductive system leads to sperm DNA damage and sperm membrane lipid peroxidation and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of male infertility, especially in idiopathic cases. Antioxidants such as carotenoids function against free radical damages.Objective:The aim of this study was to determine the levels of lycopene, beta-carotene and retinol in serum and their relationship with sperm DNA damage and lipid peroxidation in infertile and normospermic males. Materials and Methods: Sixty two infertile men and 71 normospermic men participated in this study. Blood and semen samples were collected from all subjects. Sperm DNA damage was measured using TUNEL method. Carotenoids, retinol, and malonedildehyde in serum were also determined.Results: DNA fragmentation was higher in infertile group comparing to control group. Serum levels of lycopene, beta-carotene and, vitamin A in infertile men were significantly lower than normospermic men (p< 0.001, =0.005, and =0.003 respectively). While serum MDA was not significantly different between two groups, MDA in seminal plasma of infertile men was significantly higher than control group (p< 0.001).Conclusion:We concluded that lycopene, beta-carotene, and retinol can reduce sperm DNA fragmentation and lipid peroxidation through their antioxidant effect. Therefore the DNA fragmentation assay and determination of antioxidants factors such as lycopene, beta-carotene and retinol, along with sperm analysis can be useful in diagnosis and treatment of men with idiopathic infertility.

Association between seminal plasma neopterin and oxidative stress in male infertility: A case-control study

“…Furthermore, the relationship of the mentioned factors with malondialdehyde and DNA fragmentation of sperm was examined. The obtained results suggested a significant decrease of the presented antioxidants in infertile group; furthermore, these antioxidants revealed significant and inverse correlation with MDA and sperm DNA fragmentation ( 40 ).…”

“…In the previous study conducted by the researchers of this article, serum levels of antioxidants lycopene, beta-carotene, and vitamin A in infertile and normospermic men were measured ( 40 ). Furthermore, the relationship of the mentioned factors with malondialdehyde and DNA fragmentation of sperm was examined.…”

Lycopene as a Natural Antioxidant Used to Prevent Human Health Disorders

“…Reduced lipid peroxidation and sperm DNA fragmentation [78] Improved the sperm motility and sperm count Improved mitochondrial enzymatic activity, i.e., CAT, SOD, glucocorticoid receptor (GR), GPx and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH)) and non-enzymatic antioxidant level (GSH and ascorbate) [79] 4.1. Anticancer…”

“…Lycopene can decrease sperm DNA fragmentation, as well as lipid peroxidation by its antioxidant activity in normospermic infertile men [78,105]. It (4 mg/kg/day, orally) improved the sperm count and motility by decreasing H 2 O 2 and lipid peroxidation, and improving mitochondrial enzymatic activity (i.e., CAT, SOD, GR, GPx, and ADH) and non-enzymatic antioxidant level (GSH and ascorbate).…”

Crocin Improves the Quality of Cryopreserved Goat Semen in Different Breeds

“…In goats, the supplementation of semen extender with several antioxidants, such as quercetin, vitamin C and resveratrol, improved frozen-thawed sperm quality [ 18 , 19 , 20 ]. Recent in vitro studies carried out on carotenoids, organic pigments produced by plants and algae, reported a protective effect of these substances on DNA fragmentation and lipid peroxidation in human [ 21 ] and bovine spermatozoa [ 22 ]. Crocin, a water-soluble carotenoid present in saffron, acts as an antioxidant by quenching free radicals and protecting cells and tissues against oxidation [ 23 ].…”