Background
One of the important factor associated with male infertility is high production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The main function of Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is to activate the cellular antioxidant response by inducing the transcription of a wide array of genes that can combat the harmful effects of factors such as oxidative stress. The
Conclusion
The results demonstrated that NAC oral supplementation protected against oxidative stress by enhancing NRF2 expression. This could improve semen parameters quality parameters in asthenoteratozoospermia men (Registration number: IRCT20170830035998N4).
Methods
In this randomized, blinded clinical trial study, included 50 infertile men with asthenoteratozoospermia, who received NAC (600 mg, three times daily). Sperm parameters analyzed according to the world health organization (WHO; 2010). Sperm DNA fragmentation, relative NRF2 expression, and seminal plasma level of antioxidant enzymes were measured by TUNEL assay, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and ELISA test, respectively.
Results
After NAC treatment, findings showed a significant increase in sperm concentration and motility compared to pre-treatment status, whereas the percentage of abnormal morphology and DNA fragmentation was significantly decreased (P<0.05). A significant improvement in expression of NRF2 gene and antioxidant enzyme levels were observed compared to pre-treatment by NAC (P<0.05). Significant correlations were observed between NRF2 mRNA expression level, specific sperm parameters and level of antioxidant enzymes (P<0.05).