Protective effects of Spirulina platensis and phycocyanin on sperm quality, DNA integrity, and testicular tissue following oxidative stress in rats: An experimental study.
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Oxidative stress significantly contributes to male infertility. Spirulina contains phycocyanin (PC), a protein with significant biological effects, including strong antioxidant activity.
Objective: This study investigates the protective effects of Spirulina platensis (Sp) and its active compound, PC, against oxidative damage in sperm and testicular tissue in rats.
Materials and methods: This research was an experimental study. 36 male Wistar rats (7-8 wk, 180-220 gr) were randomized into 6 groups (n = 6/each): control, PC (500 mg/kg/day), Sp (300 mg/kg/day), hydrogen peroxide (HP; 0.5%), HP+PC, and HP+Sp. Treatments were given orally for 60 days. Sperm parameters (count, motility, viability) were assessed via Neubauer chamber, motility analysis, and eosin Y staining. Oxidative markers and histopathology were evaluated using colorimetric kits and hematoxylin and eosin staining. DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was measured via acridine orange.
Results: HP reduced sperm count (40.2 vs. 55.2 million/mL; p = 0.001), motility (43.4% vs. 87.0%; p = 0.001), and increased DFI (18.5% vs. 4.0%; p = 0.001) versus control. Co-treatment with PC/Sp improved motility (HP-PC: 69.0%, HP-Sp: 61.9%; p = 0.001 vs. HP) and DFI (15.7%; p = 0.001 vs. HP). HP decreased superoxide dismutase and catalase and elevated malondialdehyde (p = 0.001). PC/Sp partially restored superoxide dismutase, reduced malondialdehyde (3.8-3.9 nmol/mL; p = 0.001 vs. HP). PC enhanced total antioxidant capacity (5.6 vs. 3.1 mmol; p = 0.001), while Sp lowered oxidative stress index (0.41 vs. 1.36; p = 0.001) versus HP.
Conclusion: Sp and PC protect against oxidative sperm and testicular damage by enhancing antioxidant defenses and reducing oxidative stress. PC demonstrated superior effects on sperm quality, DNA integrity, and testicular histology, indicating its therapeutic potential in male infertility.
背景：氧化应激对男性不育有显著影响。螺旋藻含有藻蓝蛋白（PC），这是一种具有显著生物效应的蛋白质，具有很强的抗氧化活性。目的：探讨螺旋藻（Spirulina platensis, Sp）及其活性化合物PC对大鼠精子和睾丸组织氧化损伤的保护作用。材料与方法：本研究为实验研究。选取7 ~ 8周龄雄性Wistar大鼠36只，随机分为6组，每组6只：对照组、PC （500 mg/kg/d）、Sp （300 mg/kg/d）、过氧化氢（HP; 0.5%）、HP+PC和HP+Sp。口服治疗60天。通过Neubauer室、活力分析和伊红Y染色评估精子参数（计数、活力、活力）。使用比色试剂盒和苏木精和伊红染色评估氧化标志物和组织病理学。吖啶橙法测定DNA断裂指数（DFI）。结果：与对照组相比，HP降低了精子数（40.2比5520万/mL， p = 0.001）、活动力（43.4%比87.0%,p = 0.001）和DFI（18.5%比4.0%,p = 0.001）。PC/Sp联合治疗可改善运动能力（HP-PC: 69.0%, HP-Sp: 61.9%, p = 0.001 vs HP）和DFI （15.7%, p = 0.001 vs HP）。HP降低了超氧化物歧化酶和过氧化氢酶，升高了丙二醛（p = 0.001）。PC/Sp部分恢复超氧化物歧化酶，降低丙二醛（3.8-3.9 nmol/mL; p = 0.001 vs HP）。与HP相比，PC提高了总抗氧化能力（5.6 vs 3.1 mmol, p = 0.001），而Sp降低了氧化应激指数（0.41 vs 1.36, p = 0.001）。结论：Sp和PC通过增强抗氧化防御能力，降低氧化应激，保护精子和睾丸免受氧化损伤。PC在精子质量、DNA完整性和睾丸组织学方面表现出优越的效果，表明其在男性不育症中的治疗潜力。
期刊介绍：
The International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine (IJRM), formerly published as "Iranian Journal of Reproductive Medicine (ISSN: 1680-6433)", is an international monthly scientific journal for who treat and investigate problems of infertility and human reproductive disorders. This journal accepts Original Papers, Review Articles, Short Communications, Case Reports, Photo Clinics, and Letters to the Editor in the fields of fertility and infertility, ethical and social issues of assisted reproductive technologies, cellular and molecular biology of reproduction including the development of gametes and early embryos, assisted reproductive technologies in model system and in a clinical environment, reproductive endocrinology, andrology, epidemiology, pathology, genetics, oncology, surgery, psychology, and physiology. Emerging topics including cloning and stem cells are encouraged.
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