Effects of Profortil® on Leptin-Induced Adverse Effects on Sperm Parameters in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Raised leptin levels induce oxidative stress, which negatively impacts male reproduction. Profortil® is an antioxidant formulation clinically used to improve sperm quality. Whether Profortil® supplementation can prevent the detrimental effects of leptin on spermatozoa is not known. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of Profortil® on leptin-induced adverse effects on rat spermatozoa. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were given either normal saline (control), leptin (60 µg/kg/day), Profortil® (50 mg/kg/day), or Profortil® + leptin once daily for 2 weeks. Sperm count and abnormal morphology were recorded. Testicular levels of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities were measured. TUNEL and Comet assays were performed. The sperm count in the Profortil® + leptin group was comparable to that in controls but was significantly higher than that in the leptin group, which was significantly lower than that in controls. Sperm morphology was not different between leptin and Profortil® + leptin groups. 8-OHdG level was significantly lower in the Profortil® + leptin group than that in the leptin group but was comparable to that in controls. CAT activity was not different between leptin and Profortil® + leptin groups, although activity in the former was significantly lower than that in controls. SOD activity was not different between groups. The apoptotic index was significantly higher in the leptin and Profortil® + leptin groups than in the control and Profortil® groups. Sperm DNA fragmentation was not significantly different between leptin and Profortil® + leptin groups. In conclusion, Profortil®, when given at 50 mg/kg/day for 3 weeks, was only able to reduce some, but not all the adverse effects of leptin on sperm parameters.