Sperm cryopreservation is one of the important reproductive biotechnology. However, during the sperm cryopreservation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced which disrupt the functional and structural competence of sperm. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of broccoli extract with vitamins C and E on oxidative damage, sperm quality parameters, and reproductive hormones in rats. Forty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Control, vitamin C, vitamin E, a combination of vitamin C + E at a dose of 200 mg/kg, and broccoli extract at a dose of 300 mg/kg (used as oral gavage) groups. At the end of the study, blood samples were taken to measure follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone. Epididymal sperm was used to measure oxidative stress biomarkers and sperm parameters before and after cryopreservation. In addition, the testicles were also used for histological studies. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) in the broccoli extract group was higher than in other groups (P = 0.016). Also, there was a significant increase in the mean level of spermatogenesis in the broccoli and vitamin C + E groups (P < 0.001). The sperm concentration, sperm vitality, and sperm motility increased, while DNA fragmentation significantly decreased before and after sperm cryopreservation in the broccoli group (P < 0.05). Concentrations of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes in the control group were significantly lower than other groups, and malondialdehyde (MDA) showed a significant reduction in the treatment groups compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Besides, the FSH and testosterone levels increased significantly in the broccoli group (P = 0.001). In conclusion, broccoli extracts protected rat sperm against oxidative damage during cryopreservation and improved reproductive performance.
Keywords: Broccoli; Cryopreservation; Male reproductive performance; Vitamin C; Vitamin E.
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