Effect of astaxanthin on human sperm capacitation

Mar Drugs. 2013 Jun 3;11(6):1909-19. doi: 10.3390/md11061909.

Abstract

In order to be able to fertilize oocytes, human sperm must undergo a series of morphological and structural alterations, known as capacitation. It has been shown that the production of endogenous sperm reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a key role in causing cells to undergo a massive acrosome reaction (AR). Astaxanthin (Asta), a photo-protective red pigment belonging to the carotenoid family, is recognized as having anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties and is present in many dietary supplements. This study evaluates the effect of Asta in a capacitating buffer which induces low ROS production and low percentages of acrosome-reacted cells (ARC). Sperm cells were incubated in the presence or absence of increasing concentrations of Asta or diamide (Diam) and analyzed for their ROS production, Tyr-phosphorylation (Tyr-P) pattern and percentages of ARC and non-viable cells (NVC). Results show that Asta ameliorated both sperm head Tyr-P and ARC values without affecting the ROS generation curve, whereas Diam succeeded in enhancing the Tyr-P level but only of the flagellum without increasing ARC values. It is suggested that Asta can be inserted in the membrane and therefore create capacitation-like membrane alteration which allow Tyr-P of the head. Once this has occurred, AR can take place and involves a higher numbers of cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acrosome Reaction
  • Adult
  • Diamide / administration & dosage
  • Diamide / pharmacology
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Phosphorylation
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism*
  • Sperm Capacitation / drug effects*
  • Spermatozoa / drug effects*
  • Spermatozoa / metabolism
  • Tyrosine / metabolism
  • Xanthophylls / administration & dosage
  • Xanthophylls / pharmacology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Xanthophylls
  • Diamide
  • Tyrosine
  • astaxanthine