| چکیده انگلیسی مقاله |
Introduction: Oxidative stress exerts destructive effects on sperm cells, leading to sperm dysfunction and male infertility. It occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the cell's antioxidant defense system. ROS are free radicals and peroxides that can damage cells. They can harm the sperm cell membrane, which is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, through lipid peroxidation, impairing sperm membrane fluidity. This affects motility and the sperm's ability to fuse with the egg. Additionally, ROS can directly damage sperm DNA, leading to DNA fragmentation and other abnormalities. Oxidative stress can also impair sperm motility by disrupting energy production in the mitochondria. Severe oxidative stress may result in sperm cell death (apoptosis or necrosis), reducing sperm viability. These negative effects ultimately decrease the chances of successful fertilization and a healthy pregnancy.
Cadmium, a pervasive environmental and industrial pollutant, induces significant toxic effects on human health, particularly on the male reproductive system. It is both a naturally occurring element and a widespread environmental pollutant generated from various industrial and agricultural activities. Its presence in soil, water, air, and food exert risks on human health. Exposure to cadmium is strongly linked to increased oxidative stress, which damages cellular components such as lipids, proteins, and DNA within sperm cells. This oxidative damage can lead to impairments in critical sperm parameters, including motility, viability, morphology, and DNA integrity, thereby compromising fertilization potential and contributing to male infertility. The severity of these effects underscores the need for effective strategies to mitigate cadmium-induced sperm damage.
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), a naturally occurring organosulfur compound, is produced in the body, obtained through dietary sources, and taken as a supplement or medication. ALA is a potent antioxidant with the unique ability to function in both aqueous and lipid environments. This versatility allows ALA to scavenge a wide range of free radicals and ROS, thereby protecting cells from oxidative damage. Furthermore, ALA can regenerate other endogenous antioxidants, such as glutathione, further amplifying its protective effects. Given ALA’s well-documented antioxidant properties and its potential to mitigate oxidative stress, this study aims to investigate its protective effects on human sperm exposed to cadmium.
Aim: This research will explore the extent to which ALA can counteract the detrimental effects of cadmium-induced oxidative stress on vital sperm parameters. By evaluating the impact of ALA supplementation on sperm motility, viability, morphology, and DNA integrity in the presence of cadmium, this study seeks to determine the potential therapeutic role of ALA in preserving sperm function and improving male fertility outcomes. The results of this investigation will provide valuable insights into the efficacy of ALA as a protective agent against cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity and contribute to the development of strategies for mitigating the harmful effects of environmental pollutants on male reproductive health.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, human sperm samples were divided into five groups: 1) spermatozoa at 0 hours, 2) spermatozoa at 180 minutes (control group), 3) spermatozoa treated with cadmium chloride (10 μM) for 180 minutes, 4) spermatozoa treated with ALA (50 μM) + cadmium chloride (10 μM) for 180 minutes and 5) spermatozoa treated with ALA (50 μM) for 180 minutes.
Vital sperm parameters, including motility, viability, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, and DNA fragmentation, as well as oxidative stress indices (total antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation), were examined in different groups. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation and analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Means with p<0.05 were considered significant.
Results: Cadmium, by increasing malondialdehyde levels and decreasing total antioxidant capacity, reduced motility, viability, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, and DNA integrity in human spermatozoa. Interestingly, ALA was able to compensate for the destructive effects of cadmium on vital sperm parameters and oxidative stress indices.
Conclusion: Cadmium-induced oxidative stress has detrimental effects on human sperm parameters. However, ALA, with its antioxidant properties, mitigates these adverse effects. Therefore, ALA could be considered as a complementary treatment for male infertility caused by oxidative stress. |