Authors: CM Hughes¹; SEM Lewis¹; VJ McKelvey-Martin²; W Thompson¹

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 13, Number 5, May 1998 , pp. 1240-1247(8)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

The integrity of sperm DNA is crucial for the maintenance of genetic health. A major source of damage is reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation; therefore, antioxidants may afford protection to sperm DNA. The objectives of the study were, first, to measure the effects of antioxidant supplementation in vitro on endogenous DNA damage in spermatozoa using the single cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay and, second, to assess the effect of antioxidant supplementation given prior to X-ray irradiation on induced DNA damage. Spermatozoa from 150 patients were prepared by Percoll centrifugation in the presence of ascorbic acid (300, 600 M), alpha tocopherol (30, 60 M), urate (200, 400 M), or acetyl cysteine (5, 10 M). DNA damage was induced by 30 Gy X-irradiation. DNA strand breakage was measured using the comet assay. Sperm DNA was protected from DNA damage by ascorbic acid (600 M), alpha tocopherol (30 and 60 M) and urate (400 M). These antioxidants provided protection from subsequent DNA damage by X-ray irradiation. In contrast, acetyl cysteine or ascorbate and alpha tocopherol together induced further DNA damage. Supplementation in vitro with the antioxidants ascorbate, urate and alpha tocopherol separately has beneficial effects for sperm DNA integrity.

Keywords: alpha tocopherol/ascorbic acid/comet assay/DNA damage/urate

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Queens University of Belfast, Institute of Clinical Science, Grosvenor Road, Belfast BT12 6BJ, UK 2: Cancer and Ageing Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine, UK

Publication date: 1998-05-01

More about this publication?

• Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

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